ARAB WORLD | Page 18 BRITAIN | Page 21 Murdoch unfi t to run company, INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX 4 – 16 COMMENT 30, 31 REGION 17 BUSINESS 33 – 38 say 13,328.63 8,672.01 106.33 ARAB WORLD 18, 19 CLASSIFIED 39 – 44 Palestinians warn of wrath +114.51 -31.63 +1.46 INTERNATIONAL 20 – 29 SPORTS 44 – 48 lawmakers +0.87% -0.36% +1.39% if jailed hunger strikers die Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXIII No. 8615 May 2, 2012 Jumada-II 11, 1433 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals In brief Key win for Gharafa Contracts

QATAR | Aviation Airline to convert A330 jets to freighters Qatar Airways, which last year took may replace a big stake in a European freight carrier, will convert up to 20 of its Airbus A330 passenger jets into freighters, its chief executive, Akbar al-Baker, said at a travel show yesterday. Page 10 ‘sponsor’

ARAB WORLD | Unrest 30 die as violence continues in Syria system The UN peacekeeping chief accused both the Syrian regime It is expected that the number of Al-Mulla expected that the number and its foes of violating a ceasefire workers recruited to Qatar for of workers recruited to Qatar for infra- accord, as nine members of the infrastructure projects might go up structure projects might go up to 1mn, same family and 12 troops were to 1mn, but in phases but in phases. among more than 30 people killed Al Gharafa’s Othman el-Assas fighting for the ball with UAE’s Al Shabab Al Arabi player Jociel Da Silva during their AFC The offi cial said that Qatar had sub- yesterday. Page 19 Champions League soccer match at the Al Gharafa Stadium in yesterday. Al Gharafa revived their Asian Champions atar intends to drop the spon- mitted a suggestion to the GCC that League hopes with a 2-1 victory over Al Shabab Al Arabi. Al Gharafa’s first win in five matches took their tally to six points in sorship system for expatriates a maid who absconded from her em- Group D where Saudi giants Al Hilal are sitting pretty with nine after beating top Iranian side Piroozi 1-0 at the Azadi Stadium Qworking in the country, replac- ployer in Qatar should be banned from in Tehran. Piroozi are second in the group with eight points, while Al Shabab Al Arabi are fourth with just two from five ing it with a contract which will be working in any member country. “This matches. Page 48 binding on the employer and the em- aims at curbing this phenomenon.” ployee, a senior offi cial has said. He said that new markets were being “As and when the new system comes opened to recruit domestic workers, into eff ect, a contract signed by the two mostly African countries such as Tan- parties (the employee and the employ- zania and Kenya. “Eastern European er) will be determining the rights and countries have also agreed to send do- duties of both,” said Hussein al-Mulla, mestic workers to the state but Qatari Lucky fan to walk away with undersecretary of the Ministry of La- families would not approve them be- bour, in an interview to the local Arabic cause of the high cost.” daily Al-Arab. “In most of our meetings with the He did not give any time-frame for the International Labour Organisation, QR1mn at Emir’s Cup fi nal introduction of the “contract” system they inquire about the non-existence “We have banned companies from of labour unions that defend the rights holding the passports of any employee of workers. Year after year the pressure ne lucky fan will laugh all the and this is a positive step towards de- is increasing on us,” al-Mulla said. way to the bank at the Emir’s veloping the contract process. It af- He explained that there had been ef- OCup football fi nal on May fi rms the intention to abolish the issue forts to establish a Labour Committee 12. All he has to do is win a shootout of sponsorship,” he pointed out. to protect the interests of the workers, competition, the Qatar Football As- He explained that the mere word whether Qataris or expatriates. “How- sociation (QFA) and sponsors Qtel an- “sponsor” caused a myriad of troubles ever, the committee should be formed nounced yesterday. with international organisations. of Qataris only. Expatriates will have the Top QFA offi cials, Mohamed Mu- “Consequently, we should eradicate right to vote but will not be nominated barak al-Mohannadi and Khalid this term and substitute it with a con- as members of the board,” he added. al-Kuwari, were joined by Hamad tract between the two parties guaran- “We had a labour committee during Mohamed Marzouqi from Qtel and teed by the Ministry of Labour. They the days of the oil companies. However, Fatima al-Kuwari, for a press confer- (international organisations) say the the situation in the Gulf is somewhat ence where the details of the prize word sponsor conveys a picture of en- diff erent now because Qataris rarely were unveiled to the media. slaving the worker more than anything work as labourers,” he said. Titled “Win a Million”, the new else,” he said. “The Labour Committee project is prize will be won by a fan who pur- “However, should the new system be being carried out with the assistance chases an Emir’s Cup fi nal ticket from QFA off icials Mohamed Mubarak al-Mohannadi and Khalid al-Kuwari with Hamad implemented, the cancellation of the of the Arab Labour Organisation, the one of the top four points - Villag- Mohamed Marzouqi from Qtel and Fatima al-Kuwari during the press conference. contract does not allow the foreigner to International Labour Organisation and gio, City Centre, Landmark or Katara switch jobs automatically,” al-Mulla said. some Gulf trade unions. They came and - and then takes part in a long-range worth QR3mn during the Emir Cup fi - joyable gathering for young kids and “A foreigner can resign to take up an- studied the circumstances in Qatar.” shootout during the halftime of the nal. The prizes include 15 Lexus cars, their families,” QFA secretary general other, maybe more lucrative job. How- The private sector is to be incorpo- match. 20 bikes, 20 iPhones and 20 Black- Saud al-Mohannadi said. ever, the resignation annuls the con- rated into this committee and it would However, prior to the fi nal, some Berry phones can be won by the fans. “The football season ends with the tract and the expatriate will have to go function independently from the Min- 50 participants must qualify for the Cash prizes of QR2,000 (100 prizes) fi nal of the Emir Cup. We would like home and the new employer will draw istry of Labour. The committee would Emir’s Cup fi nal event by taking part and QR 1,000 (500 prizes) will also be to thank our offi cial sponsors,” he up a new contract with him that will al- have the right to receive the complaints in a shootout by May 11. Out of those given to the lucky winners. Tickets to added. Last week, Al Rayyan beat Al low him to return to Qatar,” he said. of workers and address them accord- 50, the top 10 lucky participants will the fi nal can be bought from all major Sadd to win the Heir Apparent Cup fi - He also affi rmed that there was no ingly. The project had been discussed be eligible to take part in the “shoot- shopping malls in Doha. Tickets can nal. More than 23,000 fans turned up justifi cation whatsoever for any com- by the cabinet and subsequently re- out” in the fi nal for a possible top also be purchased at kiosks in Souq to watch the fi nal at Thani bin Jassem pany to delay the salary of its employ- ferred to the Advisory Council. prize of QR1mn. Waqif, Souq Haraj and Katara. Stadium. ees. “This issue is of utmost impor- “We are now awaiting the Emiri ap- The prizes will be handed over to “This is the big event in Qatar and The prizes will be handed over to tance and HE the Minister of Labour proval for this project: HH the Emir is the lucky winners at Qtel Towers on keenly followed by the fans. Like every the lucky winners at Qtel Towers on himself emphasises that workers must personally interested in this issue,” al- May 17. Fans can also win up to prizes season, we want to make this an en- May 17. get their rights in the due time.” Mulla said.

1,000-room Lusail Marina Towers ‘to be ready by 2016’ US, Afghanistan sign strategic By Pratap John world’s most recognised hospitality Chief Business Reporter brand identities.” partnership deal Katara Hospitality CEO Hamad Abdulla al-Mulla said: “The modern usail will be home to a luxuri- aesthetic of the Lusail Marina Tow- Reuters ous world-scale property in ers complements the more traditional Kabul Lfour years with the Doha-based properties we have in our eclectic Katara Hospitality unveiling plans to portfolio of hotels, which are great ex- complete the QR1.7bn Lusail Marina amples of classic architecture – such S President Barack Obama ar- Towers by 2016. as the Peninsula Paris for instance.” rived in Afghanistan last night The “extravagant” property, de- Aiming to be operational well Uto conclude an agreement signed for a fi ve-star status, will have ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in charting future relations with the more than 1,000 luxurious rooms Qatar, the Lusail Marina Towers will country, making the unannounced trip comprising hotels, residence apart- be constructed in the Marina district in darkness on the fi rst anniversary of ments, offi ces, recreational facilities, of Lusail. the killing of Al Qaeda leader Osama specialist boutiques and top-class Lusail is set to be located on the bin Laden. restaurants. coast, 15km north of Doha, and will Shortly after he arrived, Obama and The breathtaking “crossed-sword” eventually provide accommodation Afghan President Hamid Karzai signed facade of the towers, which are actu- for up to 250,000 people. the strategic partnership pact, which ally intertwined arched towers, rep- “Naturally, the Lusail Marina sets out a future US role in Afghani- licates the Qatar seal and, integrated Towers will be ideally located for stan, including aid and advisers, while with landscaped gardens, rises from travelling football fans, offi cials and trying to reassure Afghans that they a podium giving the impression that professionals, as the Qatar Football will not be abandoned when most Nato the hotel is fl oating on the sea. World Cup arrives in a decade’s time. combat troops leave in 2014. Giving details of the property at “And long after the dust of the World Obama’s plane landed with shades the ongoing Arabian Travel Market Cup has settled, the property will be a drawn at Bagram Airbase, north of Ka- (ATM) in Dubai, Katara Hospitality perfect getaway for Middle East leisure bul, where only months ago thousands chairman Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim travellers looking for luxury accom- of Afghans rioted after US troops ac- bin Jabor al-Thani said: “This stun- modation as Qatar’s landscape off ers cidentally burned copies of the Qur’an. ning structure matches our ambi- more for tourists every year,” al-Mulla “The wages of war have been great for Lusail Marina: artist’s impression tion for Katara to become one of the told Gulf Times in Dubai. both our nations,” Obama told Karzai. Celebrating the culinary heritage of the East

Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 QATAR VCUQatar launches design In brief Congratulatory cables sent entrepreneurship programme HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, HH the Deputy Emir and Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and HE By Bonnie James the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Deputy News Editor bin Jabor al-Thani have sent cables of congratulations to King Juan Carlos I of Spain on the successful surgery he underwent recently.

undreds of alumni and Indian boat tragedy victims condoled students from Virginia HCommonwealth Univer- HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, HH the Deputy Emir sity in Qatar are expected to ben- and Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the efi t from the Design Entrepre- Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin neurship Network (Den) which Jabor al-Thani have sent cables to Indian President Pratibha Patil off ers facilities including free condoling the victims of a passenger ferry accident in Assam. studio space, business mentor- More than 100 people, including women and children, drowned ing, exhibition and retail space when an overcrowded passenger ferry capsized on Monday in and funding. Assam. Den, launched yesterday in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, Darfur peace process reviewed aims to support design-led in- novation and start-up business HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet ambitions delivering high value Aff airs Ahmed bin Abdullah al-Mahmoud met the chairman of to partner organisations, com- Zuniga, Griff iths, Kaundal, Vanstone, Zeitler, and Gold at the Den launch yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed Darfur Regional Authority (DRA) and head of the Liberation and munities and the region. Justice Movement (LJM) Tijani Sissi. They discussed the peace VCUQatar has partnered with uates,” Vanstone pointed out. tar - an eco-system where stu- indigenous creative services in- Margarita Zuniga and Caroline process in Darfur and issues related to the follow-up of the Qatar Development Bank, The Be- Roger Griffi ths, director of dents from all programmes and all dustry must be built – ‘an indus- Zeitler were also present. implementation of the Doha agreement. The meeting was attended daya Centre, Social Development Design Entrepreneurship and years can engage in new business try built around micro-enterpris- by Sudanese Minister of Health and LJM secretary general Bahar Centre, Qatar Professional Wom- Industry Affi liations at VCUQa- creation or pursue a freelance ca- es, many of which must be Qatari Student store Idriss Abu Garda and a number of Qatari off icials. en’s Network, Silatech, Rhouda tar, explained that Den will help reer in design,” Griffi ths said. owned sole proprietorships, oth- Centre, Injaz Qatar, as well as aspiring design entrepreneurs at The objective is to build a cul- ers will be expatriates in partner- The Design Entrepreneurship Meeting with ambassadors established VCUQatar alumni en- a crucial time as they move from ture around entrepreneurship - ship with Qataris, to establish Network (Den), launched by Vir- trepreneurs to launch Den. the identifi cation and planning the notion that aspiring young de- limited liability companies.’ ginia Commonwealth University HE the Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency “VCUQatar has 320 graduates stage through to launch and im- signers can and will be supported VCUQatar’s own Centre for in Qatar yesterday, will have a Authority Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah yesterday met Eritrean as of now and this number will plementation of their business. to pursue their passion and estab- Research and Design already student store at Ambassador to Qatar Ali Ibrahim Ahmed and South Korean reach 360 after this year’s gradu- Through Den’s partner organisa- lish their own business in design. employs alumni to apply their Student Centre. Ambassador Chang See -Jeong. Key issues of mutual concern were ation ceremony next week,” dean tions, the benefi ciaries can access “Opportunities here seem design skill sets on design prob- “To begin with, there will be discussed during the meetings. Allyson Vanstone said. training and development pro- to be endless. Not a day goes lems. a 35sqm exhibition and retail As of the fall 2011 registration, grammes, business planning ad- by without our department re- “We are working with major space run by VCUQatar alumni Al-Attiyah meets vicar of N Arabia VCUQatar has a total of 244 vice, early stage funding, soft loans, ceiving requests from national companies and placing users at and students,” Roger Griff iths, students from 42 nationalities, personal development workshops and international brands, with the centre of the design process director of Design Entrepre- HE the Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency including 228 Bachelor of Fine and exhibition and retail space. strong corporate social respon- in order to develop better prod- neurship and Industry Aff ilia- Authority Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah conferred with the Arts students and 16 Master of “As the network grows, we aim sibility programmes who wish to ucts, services and systems. tions, said. Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia Bishop Camillo Ballin, who Fine Arts students. to attract students and alumni work with our students. “Our latest project for the Den is also establishing partner- is currently visiting Doha. Key issues of mutual concern were The BFA students comprise from other Education City cam- “In just the last semester, we Sidra’s world class medical hos- ships with Doha’s leading retail- discussed during the meeting. 119 Qatari (11 male, 108 female) puses to build multi-disciplinary have worked with The United pital has seen our alumni work ers who will provide space for and 109 expatriate (13 male, 96 creative businesses in design, Nations, Interpol, Mannai Cor- with medical staff , patients, the Network’s beneficiaries to female) students whereas the technology, media and the arts.” poration, Shell, Qatar Museums consultants and planners to pro- display and sell their creations. MFA students comprise fi ve Den will off er hot-desking fa- Authority and Maserati. duce a comprehensive range of “We will be working with Qatari (all female) and 11 ex- cilities at VCUQatar, furnished “Our students already have apparel for all its staff and pa- Carnegie Mellon University in patriate (fi ve male, six female) offi ce and production facilities that competitive advantage. tients,” Griffi ths added. Qatar, as part of commencing students. at various locations across Doha, Now is the time to build a crea- Bedaya Centre’s programme our collaborations with other VCUQatar, the branch cam- one-to-one mentoring sessions, tive industry for Qatar where manager Elaine Gold, QDB’s institutions in Education City,” pus of VCU School of the Arts seminar series, networking products and services are de- head of advisory Iqbal Kaun- Griff iths explained. Den will also in Richmond, Virginia, US, was events and guest speakers. signed in Qatar by Qataris and dal, VCUQatar alumna Joanna be providing work space for its established in Education City in “Our Design Incubator and their non-national peers”. who has established Common beneficiaries free-of-charge as 1998. “This is our 14th year in Partner Network aims to capture Griffi ths was of the view that as Thread, a boutique for upcom- part of its programmes. Qatar and the 11th group of grad- what is already happening in Qa- Qatar diversifi es its economy, an ing designers, spoke. QPWN’s Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 5 QATAR Qatar Coral launches twin towers at The Pearl-Qatar

atar Coral for Real Estate Develop- Qment (Qatar Coral), a subsidiary of MAK Hold- ings, yesterday announced the launch of its twin tow- ers, VB22 and VB23, at The Pearl-Qatar. Set on a 2km beachfront, the two luxury develop- ments with two distinct styles represent the quin- tessential marina lifestyle. Speaking on the occasion, Ziad el-Khalil, executive director and deputy CEO at Qatar Coral, said: “We at Qatar Coral are in the busi- ness of building dreams of impeccable design and un- compromising quality and with the launch of VB22 and VB23, we hope to set new standards for contempo- rary living in Qatar. In other words, through VB22 and VB23, which promises to redefi ne luxury living for its residents, we are optimistic about achieving our vision of being one of the most ad- mired companies in Qatar”. At VB22 and VB23, the apartments are created in a way that meets each owner’s exacting standards. Contem- porary fi nishes are brought to life with thoughtful de- sign and attention to detail, integrating state-of-the-art technology and hi-tech se- curity systems to ensure that the new homes off er fresh ac- The new VB22 and VB23 twin towers at The Pearl-Qatar. cents on safety and style. “In other words, VB22 HE the Prime Minister and leadership. I would also The towers feature resi- and VB23 off er contempo- Foreign Minister Sheikh like to take this opportu- dences with one to three rary residence at the heart Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor nity to thank our esteemed bedrooms, luxury pent- of the most exciting desti- al-Thani for their continued partners – the Commer- houses, high-quality chalets, nation in the State of Qatar. and unwavering support in cialbank of Qatar, United common recreational and Finally, I would like to thank promoting foreign invest- Development Company, sports facilities, beachfront HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad ment in Qatar. Our group MAN Enterprise Qatar, KEO condominium living, pristine bin Khalifa al-Thani, HH has come to Qatar to sub- International Consultants, two-kilometre white sand the Deputy Emir and Heir scribe to the vision of the and DG Jones for partner- beach, panoramic views, Apparent HH Sheikh Tamim State of Qatar as defi ned by ing with us for this dream year-round water sports and bin Hamad al-Thani, and the country’s preeminent project”, el-Khalil added. access to marina club. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, May 2 , 2012 QATAR

Averda recycles Envoy sees key role for 85% of waste from TEDxSummit

Qatar in Afghanistan s much as 85% of waste mit participants were encour- from the recent fi ve- aged to get involved – includ- By Peter Townson stan, and the opportunities for income reaching $900 per cap- Aday TEDxSummit 2012, ing Fauchon and Movenpick, Staff Reporter Qatari companies to invest in ita, there are a number of areas hosted by Doha Film Institute, which assisted in the collec- sharing their expertise and tech- which should be celebrated, ac- was recycled by averda, the tion of waste. nology in joint partnerships. cording to Zekriya. largest environmental solu- All paper, cans, plastic bot- atar has an important “The relationship between He also pointed to the exist- tions provider in the region. tles collected were recycled. role to play in the future Qatar and Afghanistan has gone ence of a free media, often open- During the summit which Food waste was either com- Qdevelopment of Afghan- through diff erent phases, but af- ly critical of the government, as hosted over 700 TEDx organ- posted or transformed into istan and the establishment of a ter the visit of our Foreign Min- one of the clearest indications isers from across the world, energy at the Doha waste fa- peaceful and prosperous nation ister, Zalmai Rassoul to Qatar of the growing democracy in the averda provided bins for gen- cility. post-2014, following the with- we are seeing dramatic changes country. eral waste, paper, plastics and “Our participation in drawal of Nato troops from the in bilateral relations,” he said, Post-2014, Afghanistan will other recyclables. TEDxSummit allowed us to country. adding “the announcement that be a very diff erent country, but The highlight was 10 Re- encourage and inspire dele- Afghan Ambassador Kha- Qatar will open an embassy in Zekriya spoke about the plans for verse Vending Machines gates to be more environmen- led Zekriya has told Gulf Times Kabul is also a major boost to our the future and the preparations (RVM) to collect plastic bot- tally responsible, by providing that while Qatar and Afghani- ties.” which are being made. tles and cans. them with easy, interactive stan currently have close bilat- Memorandums of under- The role of averda was to ways to consciously make a eral ties, there are many areas in “The relationship between standing have already been make the event zero waste to diff erence by recycling,” said which the relationship between Qatar and Afghanistan signed with US authorities re- the greatest possible extent, Tarek Khouri, averda Qatar’s the countries could be strength- has gone through diff erent lated to the activities of the mil- from every cycle of the waste managing director. ened in the future. phases, but aft er the visit itary in Afghanistan, and agree- streams collected. “Our RVMs proved to be es- Although Zekriya only recent- of our Foreign Minister, ments for the transfer of Afghan This included paper, card- pecially popular, proving that ly returned to Qatar after being Zalmai Rassoul to Qatar prisoners and for night raids to board, plastic, cans, glass and our solutions resolve problems called for a fi ve-month consul- we are seeing dramatic be led by Afghan security forces food waste, with the aim to aff ecting our eco system by tation process in Afghanistan, changes in bilateral indicate the changing relation- educate people to recycle and making them benefi cial to the he insisted that ties between the relations” ship, according to the ambas- segregate their waste at the local community,” he added. countries are strong and show sador. source. TEDxSummit attracted signs of further improvement in He argued that it is important He said that it is important for All waste collected was tak- 700-800 international del- the future. for Qatar to have direct contact the US to retain a presence in the en to averda’s operations fa- egates on daily basis, with “It is important that we build with the authorities in Afghani- country after 2014, to help build cility to be further segregated 2,000 in attendance for the on the relationship - not only stan and to have a clearer idea of capacity, to serve as something and for follow-up treatment opening night. what Qatar can do for Afghani- the situation in the country. of a deterrent to insurgent forces as necessary. The event was held from stan, but what we can do for Qa- “They will be able to see the and to maintain international Staff from the environmen- April 16 - 20 in Doha, includ- tar as well,” he said. reality of life on the ground in attention on Afghanistan. tal solutions provider ensured ing three days at Katara, one He highlighted a number of Kabul, and the advances that Zekriya highlighted the im- all waste was picked up for day at the Museum of Islamic areas for possible investment have taken place over the past Qatar and Afghanistan’s bilateral ties are entering a new phase, portance of upcoming events recycling, and all TEDxSum- Art, and a day in the desert. from Qatar, predominantly re- ten years,” he said, explaining according to Afghan Ambassador, Khaled Zekriya. related to fi nancial support for lated to the fi eld of agriculture, that the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan from the interna- which is Afghanistan’s main as well as Turkey and Egypt al- ghanistan for potential cultiva- the ambassador admitted that tional community, arguing that sector. ready have embassies in the city. tion. there is a tendency to ignore the only with economic strength The county would welcome Zekriya said that the impend- He also expressed his hope to positive changes which have oc- and prosperity will the country investment in laboratories for ing visit of HE the Minister of see a greater cultural exchange curred in Afghanistan, and said develop peace and security. Pools & Spas expo packaging and processing fruit State for International Co-op- between the countries, high- that these should be highlighted “The US and some of our near and vegetables produced there, eration and Foreign Aff airs, Dr lighting the fact that Afghani- more often. and natural neighbours are begin- which could then be exported to Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah stan is an Islamic state, but also With large numbers of Af- ning to realise that instability in date changed the GCC and wider region, ex- to Kabul will off er a further op- a democratic one, and arguing ghan children attending school, Afghanistan means instability in plained Zekriya. portunity for ties to be developed that continued ties with the re- including a large percentage of the region,” he said, pointing out He also mentioned the natural and a number of issues to be dis- gion are important in this regard. women, around 85% health cov- that it is in the interests of all in- eights Exhibition & HECC revealed that the gas, petroleum and underground cussed, including the prospect Although there are numerous erage, a female parliamentary volved throughout the region to Conference Com- spaces booked within the exhi- reserves available in Afghani- of Qatar purchasing land in Af- challenges facing the country, representation of some 30% and promote peace and reconciliation. Hpany (HECC) has an- bition exceed 65% of the over- nounced a change of date for all area, which proves the suc- the Pools & Spas Exhibition cess of the exhibition concept Top film personalities for (QPS) to September 26-28. and the level of participation. The company explained in There is signifi cant par- QTS Tamil New Year event a press release that the change ticipation by Qatari and Gulf Qatar Tamizhar Sangam (QTS) is holding “Tamil of date came as a result of the companies in the exhibition, New Year celebrations - “Nandana Varusham” - at addition of some international particularly companies en- MES School auditorium on Friday. The mega event events to the schedule of Doha gaged in the fi eld of pool ex- features prominent Tamil film industry personalities International Exhibition Cen- ternal decoration, such as including well-known actor Sathyaraj, comedian Kanja tre. companies operating in the Karuppu, musician/director Gangai Amaran and dance Walid Wehbe, CEO of HECC, fi eld of fountains, design and performance by upcoming actress Monica. An added revealed that the selection of execution of waterfalls and attraction of the event will be a music concert featur- the new QPS date was made landscaping. ing folk singers Velmurugan, Chinna Ponnu and other so as to have the last day of the Wehbe emphasised that local singers. Chennai’s Gentleman Orchestra is being exhibition come on a Friday in high level of participation by flown in for the programme. Kalaignar TV’s Maanaada order to attract the largest pos- spas and spa equipment com- Mayilaada fame Kiran, Jennifer, Fiyaz and Anusha will sible number of visitors. He panies in the exhibition in stage dances. Enquiries could be had from the forum’s added that a special time will its fi rst instance refl ects the website. The event starts at 5.30pm. be designated for ladies. strength of the Qatari market.

Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 9 QATAR

First winning coupon drawn in FFC event

Shajahan Sulaiman (coupon number 0013488) is the lucky winner in the first draw of the Family Food Centre (FFC) chain’s Nissan Patrol promotion, held at its Airport road branch yesterday. The picture shows a child holding one of the lucky coupons in the presence of Family Food Centre and Ministry of Business and Trade off icials. There will be two more draws under the promotion, to be held at other FFC branches in the country.

Municipal Aff airs Ministry installs kiosk at Landmark

he Ministry of Municipal Af- number and address. The details of the be taken and transmitted through the fairs and Urban Planning has complaint or the service requested for iPhone app. Tinstalled a computer terminal at will be transmitted to the concerned The ministry has in the past year the Landmark Mall for the convenience municipal zone for necessary action. introduced many electronic services, of the public to register their requests The director of information tech- including the global positioning sys- pertaining to pruning of trees, drainage nology in the ministry, Khalaf al-Anzi, tem (GPS) iPhone app which has been problems, rainwater clogging and pes- said in a statement that this service is downloaded 13,000 times. ticides, and complaints in general. already available on the iPhone and the “Landmark Mall is ideally suited for Two other similar kiosks will be set ministry’s website. such a service to the public because it is up soon, one each in Villaggio Mall and However, this facility in the malls free of noise and crowd,” said its man- City Center, according to reports in the will reach out to a larger and wider ager Waleed Khoori in a statement. local Arabic press. range of people. Brochures in English and Arabic ex- The terminal can be accessed either He also indicated that if anyone no- plaining how to avail the service are in English or Arabic by entering one’s tices a car abandoned on a street or available at Landmark Mall, the reports name, Qatar ID number, mobile phone public place, a photo of the vehicle can say. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 QATAR Qatar Airways to resume Myanmar fl ights in October Qatar Airways Chief Executive Off icer Akbar al-Baker, left, addresses a press conference at Arabian Travel Mart By Pratap John with daily fl ights to the Croatian services – eight daily round-trip and strengthening our presence in Dubai on the airline’s expansion plans. With him is Qatar Airways’ Country Manager UAE Marwan Haber. Chief Business Reporter capital, Zagreb, operating via fl ights every week. in established markets to provide Budapest. Also in June, the Doha-Abu a greater footprint. In particular, Further route launches are Dhabi route will go up to 42 we are focusing on markets that fter a four-year absence planned to Belgrade (Serbia), fl ights each week with the in- are in need of extra capacity. from the route, Qatar Helsinki and Zanzibar (Tanza- troduction of a new daily service Qatar Airways has grown AAirways will resume op- nia). off ering in total six daily flights. by some 22% in the fi rst three Having introduced two extra months of this year with the na- Major accolades erations to Myanmar in October. In line with the airline’s strat- The national carrier will also egy to increase frequency on ex- weekly fl ights on the Doha-Cai- tional carrier hopeful of main- fl y to two destinations in Iraq – isting routes to off er passengers ro route last month to take fre- taining the positive trend in the Erbil (from May 23) and Bagh- more choice, Qatar Airways is quency up to 11 each week, ca- months ahead, al-Baker said. dad (from June 7), Qatar Airways also stepping up capacity to se- pacity will be stepped up further He said Qatar Airways main- next month with the addition of tained “consistent growth” in for St Regis Doha Group CEO Akbar al-Baker said lected destinations in phases. in Dubai yesterday. one extra fl ight a week. both passenger and cargo traffi c, Qatar Airways fl ights to Yangon “We are entering new And in Africa, more capacity connecting some 113 destina- he St. Regis Doha received will again take off on October 3. markets and strengthening will be introduced on the double tions worldwide. two major accolades at “With political reform tak- our presence in established daily Doha-Dar es Salaam route Three new destinations have Tthis year’s Middle East ing place in Myanmar at a rapid markets to provide a from next month. With seven already been added this year World Travel Awards, as Qa- pace, the interest in the South greater footprint” services operating via Nairobi, with many more to come before tar’s newest luxury destination East Asian country has gathered these will become non-stop to the year-end. continues to win international momentum, both from a busi- In Asia, the Dar es Salaam eff ectively pro- Qatar Airways has seen rapid praise for its luxury and quality ness and perspective,” route will be served three-times viding more seats direct to the growth in just 15 years of opera- of service. al-Baker said at a press confer- daily from September, up from Tanzanian capital. tion, currently operating a mod- The St. Regis Doha was named ence on the sidelines of the Ara- the recently-expanded capacity In March, Qatar Airways intro- ern fl eet of 109 aircraft to des- as the “Middle East’s Leading bian Travel Mart in Dubai. of 17 fl ights each week. duced frequency hikes to other tinations across the Americas, New Hotel,” in a closely-fought The airline will launch fl ights to In Europe, the Doha-Milan destinations – namely London Europe, Middle East and Asia category that saw the hotel Kilimanjaro, its second gateway in route will be upgraded to double Heathrow, up from four to fi ve Pacifi c. emerge as the favourite new ven- Tanzania via Nairobi from July 25. daily this month from the cur- fl ights a day; the Algerian capital On the potential impact of low- ue of the regional travel indus- Beginning August 15, the air- rent 11 a week. Algiers from seven to 11 services cost carriers on Qatar Airways, try. It was also named “Qatar’s line will introduce its third des- In December, the Doha-Paris each week; Muscat in Oman from al-Baker said, “Low-cost carri- Leading New Hotel for 2012” – tination in Africa - Mombasa in route will have an additional two 24 to 31 fl ights each week; and the ers are only low-cost where it has a major achievement given the Kenya. fl ights taking frequency up to 18 Indonesian capital of Jakarta from competition. It is not a successful signifi cant number of new ven- The airline’s another key route services a week. seven to 10 services a week. model in the Middle East.” ues opening this year. that will come online in the next In the Middle East, three “Today’s announcement re- He said the New Doha Inter- With more than 2,000 organi- few months will be Perth in Aus- routes will benefi t from ad- fl ects the importance Qatar national Airport was set for in- sations in the fi rst round of voting tralia, from July 3. To begin with, ditional capacity. last Airways places on expanding auguration on “12-12-12” (De- for the awards, St. Regis Doha’s Perth will be connected to Doha month saw the introduction of a its portfolio of destinations and cember 12 of this year). success is a remarkable feat for a three times a week, but will go new daily fl ight taking frequency frequency on existing routes to “We look forward to the open- hotel that has only been welcom- daily at the peak of the holiday up to 49 services each week. provide passengers with more ing of the new airport, which ing guests since March 31. season in December. From June, an extra seven choice, more fl exibility and more will provide more facilities for The awards were presented at Tareq Derbas, general manager at The St. Regis Doha, accepting Starting May 9, the airline’s fl ights will be operated on the travel options,” al-Baker said. our growing number of passen- a gala ceremony hosted by the awards at a ceremony in Dubai. European expansion continues route taking capacity up to 56 “We are entering new markets gers,” al-Baker added. World Travel Awards at Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, Dubai. ing season a success, and for the fi rst guest at the end of March, More than 500 of the most im- guests who have graced our hotel the St. Regis Doha has played Qatar named Middle East’s Leading Business Destination portant decision-makers in the in the fi rst month. We aim to of- host to leading diplomats and region’s travel and tourism sec- fer our guests the ‘fi nest address government offi cials, sporting Qatar was named the Middle East’s Leading region’s travel and tourism sector, as well as At the level of Qatar, Oryx Rotana Hotel won tor attended the event, as well as in Doha,’ and we are delighted that luminaries, business executives Business Destination at a gala ceremony a host of international media. the leading hotel in business tourism, Katara international media. the international travel trade has and fans of luxury living from hosted by the World Travel Awards (WTA) Meanwhile, Qatar’s cultural village Katara Hall won the best centre for conferences, “Today is a proud moment for recognised its unique character around the world. Guests who at Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa in Dubai on has won the leading cultural destination in La Cigale Hotel won the best hotel in Qatar, the whole St. Regis Doha fam- and level of service.” wish to experience the hotel and Monday night. the Middle East, Qatar National Convention Wyndham Regency Hotel won the best hotel ily, as we receive our fi rst ma- Winners in the regional heats sample some of the enticing fl a- The award was received by head of the Centre won the best in organising in the country for holding conferences and jor awards in the fi rst month of of the World Travel Awards vours can benefi t from the ongo- Tourism Department at Qatar Tourism exhibitions and conferences in the Middle meetings, St. Regis Hotel won the best new operation,” said Tareq Derbas, progress to the Grand Final, ing opening off er, which is valid Authority (QTA) Abdullah Malallah al-Bader East, and the W Doha Hotel won the leading hotel in Qatar, while the InterContinental general manager at The St. Regis which will take place at The until June 30. Rates at The St. in the gala attended by more than 500 of hotel in the business tourism and stay in the Hotel and Sharq won the best resort in the Doha. “I would like to dedicate Oberoi, Gurgaon, New Delhi, In- Regis Doha start at QR1,900 per the most important decision-makers in the same area. country. these awards to everyone who has dia on December 12. night for a superior room, along worked so hard to make our open- Since opening its doors to its with a host of special benefi ts. Katara Hospitality lighting show

atara Hospitality, formerly “Katara Hospitality has em- known as Qatar National barked on a new journey”, said its KHotels (QNH), will cel- CEO Hamad al-Mulla. ebrate its recent rebranding, “With a world-class brand and through an “outstanding lighting ambitious yet credible expansion show” at its premium properties plans, Katara Hospitality aims to in Doha such as The Ritz-Carl- become one of the leading hospi- ton, Sheraton and Marriott be- tality organisations in the world. sides the company headquarters “Recreating the new brand ele- on the C-Ring Road. ments through lights, the show The lighting show will be held embraces each venue, telling the in these properties until May 3, story of our hospitality journey Katara Hospitality announced in and projecting our aspirations Lighting show at Ritz-Carlton and Marriott. Dubai yesterday. for the future” al-Mulla added.

Paintings exhibition Shuttle service for shoppers City Center Doha is off ering its customers about 500 free by two Indian artists parking slots at Al Faisal and Al Areen towers in the vicinity of the shopping complex. A fleet of zero- n exhibition of paintings at the event which would be in- emission battery-powered Karwa by two Doha-based Indian augurated by Secretary General buses will shuttle customers up and A artists will be held at Mer- of Ministry of Culture, Arts and down. Shuttles will leave every six web Hotel in Al Sadd on May 4 Heritage Mubarak bin Nasser al- to seven minutes. A one-way trip and 5. Khalifa. does not exceed seven minutes. The “Splash of colours”, as it is known, Indian Ambassador Deepa Gopa- shuttles will run from 10am until the event features paintings by lan Wadhwa and senior community midnight all days except Fridays Seetha Menon and Chaitra So- members will be present, said the when the service will be from 3pm manath. two artists. to midnight. City Center Doha and At a briefing recently, the art- The part of the proceeds from the Mowasalat off icials are seen at the ists said they are focusing on such show will go to the local charities, launch of the service yesterday. themes as Qatari environment, they said. About 40 works will be on PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam landscapes and similar features display. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 11 QATAR

Mozaic TV adds new Indian channels

Qtel has added two of ’s India for its popular programmes. Donation leading channels, Zoom and These include ‘Times NOW’, Times NOW, to its Mozaic TV India’s most-watched English Asian basic package. language news channel, and Fans of Hindi and English Zoom, the world’s number one entertainment will now be able to Bollywood destination. enjoy the latest breaking news, The network is available in 28 drive for analysis, business updates and other countries across the globe. Bollywood movies with these ‘Times NOW’ has been the leading channels. English news channel in India With a mix of news and since 2006. Zoom off ers the latest Bollywood movies, Zoom and news from Bollywood, exclusive workers Times NOW is likely to appeal to a interviews, music, movies, and broad audience. reviews. Qtel’s latest content partner, ‘Times NOW and Zoom’ are Times Television Network, has an available at channel numbers 256 kicks off Msheireb Properties and Qatar Charity off icials launching the ‘Box Appeal’ campaign. audience of over 100mn across and 139 respectively.

sheireb Proper- socks. All donated items ties, in partnership must be brand new. Mwith Qatar Charity, Mohamed Masooud Jar- is staging a national cam- allah al-Marri, projects paign to collect donations director, Msheireb Prop- of everyday essential items erties, said: “This initia- for construction workers in tive is closely aligned with recognition of their contri- Msheireb Properties’ values bution to the construction of of corporate social respon- Qatar’s infrastructure. sibility and commitment The ‘Box Appeal’ is the towards the welfare of work- fi rst campaign of its kind in ers. Through this appeal, we Qatar, involving the public hope to recognise the labour with collecting and donating force in Qatar and highlight items such as clothing and their essential and often un- toiletries. sung role in Qatar’s ongoing Taking place alongside development.” International Workers’ Day, “It is easy to forget that the Box Appeal campaign many construction workers debuted yesterday and runs can experience challenging for a whole month. lifestyle conditions, such as living away from their fami- “Through this appeal, lies for long periods before we hope to recognise being able to travel home the labour force in again. By sharing these eve- Qatar and highlight ryday lifestyle items that their essential and the majority of us take for oft en unsung role granted, we hope to bring in Qatar’s ongoing improvements to this vital development” community on whom we all depend, and who are helping Dedicated donation boxes to build the future of Qatar,” will be available at a variety added al-Marri. of locations in Doha, includ- Youssef bin Ahmad al-Ku- ing Qatar Charity offi ces, wari, CEO of Qatar Charity, Msheireb Properties’ head- commented: “The Box Ap- quarters, as well as dedicated peal strengthens good will in kiosks at City Centre, Villag- our community and further gio Mall and Hayat Plaza. secures the welfare of local Residents who wish to workers and helps improve take part in the campaign their living standards. The will be asked to collect the campaign complements our boxes and return them with recent social initiatives and daily essential items and toi- community projects and will letries. Campaign organisers focus on diff erent themes will then ensure the boxes each year”. are distributed to construc- He encouraged local busi- tion workers across Qatar. nesses and civil society to Items that can be donated participate in the campaign include: caps, deodorants, and support the eff orts of toothbrushes, toothpaste, Qatar Charity and Msheireb towels, combs, shampoo, Properties in community soap, hand sanitizers and development.

Katara hosts fi shing, diving competition

he Senyar Festival, a regulations of the competi- four-day traditional tion, and identifi ed awards Tfi shing and diving according to the size and competition, starts today weight of the fi sh and oysters and ends on May 5. The caught. Awards for the fi rst competition is envisioned to fi ve winners are QR100,000, establish a platform to revive QR90,000, QR80,000, one of the key elements of QR70,000 and QR60,000 the Gulf’s traditions, and is respectively. In addition, par- being hosted by Katara Cu- ticipants who nets the biggest lural Village. fi sh and the biggest oyster get Participants will start a QR80,000 award each. the competition from three Katara also has plans to ports: Doha, Wakrah and hold a ‘Al Gaff al’ festival Umseid heading to “fasht at Katara beach, which is lhdeid al bahri” which is expected to attract a large opposite Khor Odeid. The number of spectators. The competition will last until Al Gaff al festival will include Saturday morning, which performances of traditional is when the teams will start music and dances and will moving towards Al Safl iyyah wrap up with an awards cer- Island east of Doha to start emony to honour all partici- their “Gaff al” trip going back pants and winners. to Katara’s beach. Senyar kicks off with 20 The Senyar organising teams, each composed of 10 committee has previously members, adding up to a to- developed the rules and tal of 200 participants..

Forum to mark Tagore anniversary The Bangiya Parishad highlighting expatriate chil- Qatar, an expatriate cultural dren’s talents (November 10, forum aff iliated to the Indian 2011), felicitation of Tagorean Cultural Center is organising personalities (November ‘Tagore Forever’ - a multi-lin- 25, 2011) and recreating the gual cultural event on Friday ambience and fervour of as part of its year-long cel- Tagore`s own creation in ebrations to mark the 150th the academic and cultural birth anniversary of Indian world – Shantiniketan (March national poet Rabindranath 9, 2012) - through a festival of Tagore. The event, to be held colours. The latest event has at the Doha Modern Indian its focus on showcasing the School (DMIS), is scheduled multifaceted works of Tagore to start at 6pm. It is the last in through various perform- the series of the year- long ances by students from a celebrations of the expatriate number of Indian schools in forum to commemorate the Qatar. A wide spectrum of great Indian poet, who was cultural events will also be incidentally the first Asian presented by the large pool Nobel laureate. The previous of talents of the Bengali- three events in the series had speaking community in three diff erent themes like Qatar, the organisers said. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 QATAR

QFCHT launches campaign for workers’ rights for Combating Human Traff icking (QFCHT) DPS-MIS team launched a campaign on the theme “workers are partners in development” to mark International Workers’ Day yesterday. The campaign is in recognition of the active role of workers as wins debate the main driver of the sustainable development process in line with the National Action Plan 2010-2015 and the Qatar National Vision 2030. Senior off icials from OCS Group and Tadmur Holding at a press conference yesterday. The QFCHT campaign aims mainly at protecting championship the rights of workers and providing them with relevant tudents representing 25 years and how much the quality (People for Ethical Treatment consultations. schools participated in the of the debates improved because of Animals) should only accept UK group, Tadmur form JV The campaign will continue until Srecently concluded fi fth of this. Their advance research, vegetarians as members.’ the end of this month in Industrial Qatar Schools Debating League preparation, and hard work came The fi nal debate, on the mo- Area and Workers’ Village. National Championship at Qa- through in their speeches.” tion ‘This house would abandon CS Group, the UK’s Cracknell said that the number of countries that OCS The hub of the campaign will tar Academy, where a team from She praised the students in- the use of nuclear power,’ fea- largest family-owned collaboration will pave the operates in worldwide to over be QFCHT’s off ice at the Labour the DPS Modern Indian School volved in the fi nal debate. “I am tured DPS Modern Indian School Ointernational facil- way for over 80 sustainable 30, marking the global com- Centre in Industrial Area. It will (DPS-MIS) emerged victorious. so proud of these students who Team 1, and ity management company, facility management serv- pany’s presence in Europe, feature lectures in co-operation The competition featured 132 have the courage to stand in Team 2, while the top fi ve were has launched its fi rst Middle ice off erings that uphold Australasia, the Americas, with the Department of Search students in 44 teams, as well as 67 front of a large crowd and argue made up of Al Arqam Academy East operation by entering the international standards to Africa, Asia and now in the and Follow-up of the Ministry judges, who had all received train- for and against diff erent mo- in third place, Qatar Academy Qatar market. be made available in Qa- Middle East region. of the Interior. Workers would ing at the QatarDebate Centre. tions,” she added. Team 1 in fi fth and Park House The announcement was tar. “These services are set As Britain’s largest family- be educated on their rights and Offi cials said that the stand- Motions for the competi- English School Team 1 in fi fth. made by Chris Cracknell, to serve multiple industry owned international facili- duties, and how to avoid violation ard of debating throughout the tion included, ‘This house be- Awards were presented by chief executive offi cer, OCS sectors,” he added. ties service provider, estab- of law. competition was of high quality, lieves that the state should pay public aff airs offi cer at the US Group, and Dafer Hallawa, The offi cial launch of OCS lished in 1900, OCS today is There will be also competitions, and that the event showed how parents to stay at home,’ ‘This embassy, Carolyn Clark, and Qa- chief executive offi cer, Tad- Qatar will take place at the a $1.1bn company, headquar- recreational activities and much the culture of debate has house believes that national tar Academy principal Michael mur Holding, UK group’s joint British Embassy. tered in the UK and employ- distribution of QFCHT’s developed in Qatar. treasures should be returned to Hitchman. venture partner in Qatar at a OCS’s partnership with ing over 60,000 staff across publications and brochures along Head of English programmes countries of origin,’ ‘This house The best speaker award for press conference yesterday. Tadmur Holdings brings the the globe. with gifts to workers. at QatarDebate said: “It is very would refuse to negotiate with the competition was presented obvious how many students have kidnappers and hijackers,’ and to Safa Kashaf from Park House been debating for the past few ‘This house believes that PETA English School. Vodafone’s ready-reckoner for Internet users

odafone has launched customers can also choose to wider range of Internet packs to code directly from a Vodafone an online data calculator estimate their data usage on a choose from. mobile. Vto help customers esti- monthly or weekly basis. The new options for custom- Once subscribed to the mate the amount of monthly Users can simply fi ll in the ers are: Daily pack 2 - 10MB of Internet daily pack 2 cus- or weekly data they use and details of their Internet us- data every day for only QR2 tomers will only get their choose the right Internet pack age and the diff erent activi- with the Internet; weekly pack 10MB and pay QR2 on days for their needs. ties they perform online and 6 – 30MB of data every week when they use Internet on Customers can select the data calculator will auto- for only QR6 with the Internet; their phone. The 10MB is whether they want to estimate matically calculate the aver- monthly pack 15 - 60MB of data valid until midnight on the data usage for a smartphone, age amount of data needed every month for only QR15 with day it is issued. tablet, or USB stick and the and will recommend one of the Internet. The new weekly and calculator changes its algo- six weekly or monthly plans The new options are aff ord- monthly packs will auto- rithm to take mobile optimised depending on the users’ able ways for customers to get matically renew each week and high-defi nition content estimates. just the right amount of data or month provided custom- into account. With the addition of three they need on their phones. ers have enough balance for To ensure that they have the new packs this month, Voda- All the new packs are easy to the purchase and any unused QatarDebate National Schools Championship featured 137 stduents in 44 teams. most choice and fl exibility, fone prepaid customers have a get by dialling a simple USSD MBs will expire. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 13 QATAR

WCMC-Q student QU college to launch sets sights on providing eye care fi ve new programmes for Ghana’s poor atar University’s College students from the UK, Germany of Arts & Sciences (CAS) and the US are studying Arabic student of the Weill Qis working on introduc- language at CAS, and which has Cornell Medical Col- ing fi ve new programmes - three now expanded to them pursu- Alege in Qatar (WCMC- undergraduate, one Masters and ing science and arts courses for Q) is heading to Africa to pro- one Ph D - from Fall this year. which they will gain credit hours vide eye care to communities, The Ph D follows the College’s that can be transferred to their who have no access to medical Master’s programme in Envi- universities at home. care. ronmental Sciences that was Ahmedna outlined details of Marwa Saleh, a third-year launched last year. CAS’ research achievements, medical student from Leba- CAS Dean Eiman Mustafawi noting that the College gained non, has been selected by outlined details of the new pro- grants close to QR80mn cover- Unite for Sight to be a Global grammes at a press conference ing 30 external and 32 internal Impact Fellow in Ghana. which was also attended by As- projects. Saleh, who leaves for Ghana sistant Dean for Student Aff airs Eighty-nine students are cur- on October 1, will work with Wesam al-Madhoun and Asso- rently working on projects that the Unite for Sight team sup- Saleh: a noble mission ciate Dean for Research Moham- are funded by research grants, porting an eye clinic in a com- ed Ahmedna. he said. munity without previous ac- Unite for Sight’s Global Im- They highlighted the achieve- He said further that the Col- cess to eye care. pact Training, which includes ments the College made over the lege also established an annual “I am taking a leave of ab- training in cultural competen- last academic year in academics, Research Day to be held in June sence between my third year cy, global health, social entre- student aff airs, and research to- in which students will present and fi nal year and I wanted to preneurship, community eye wards fulfi lling its Strategic Plan. and discuss all their research do something more on global health, volunteer ethics and Undergraduate programmes projects to an audience which health. I’ve always been in- professionalism, and other in Psychology, Public Health, will include high-level individu- terested in global health work similar topics. and Policy, Planning and Lead- als from various sectors in Qatar. and this is a good introduction WCMC-Q’s Global and ership were developed due to the CAS faculty is active and pro- to the basics,” Saleh said. Public Health associate dean high demand for specialised per- ductive in terms of published On a daily basis, she will as- Dr Ravinder Mamtani said: sonnel in the three professional articles, giving presentations at sist local ophthalmic nurses “WCMC- Q is very pleased fi elds, Mustafawi said. international conferences and and optometrists in all aspects that Marwa has been selected Psychologists are urgently symposiums, and providing of the eye care programmes, for the Global Fellowship Unite needed to provide services to Off icials of ’s College of Arts & Sciences give details of the new programmes at a press consultancies in their special- including taking patient his- for Sight programme. Marwa the community, and researchers conference. ised areas, Ahmedna said. tory, testing visual acuity, is a compassionate, caring and in this fi eld are increasingly im- “To date, the faculty had over distributing medication and a motivated student who will portant for Qatar as the country knowledge to engage in and fi nd is a much-needed programme vising offi ce which will facili- 400 publications, and 161 par- eyeglasses prescribed by the benefi t greatly by participat- tries to fi nd a balance with grow- solutions to the country’s energy which will help in solving key is- tate our advising of over 4,000 ticipated in international con- local eye nurses and optom- ing with the local health prac- ing globalisation changes while and environmental challenges. sues of energy, the environment, students and so improve the ferences this year”, he said. etrists, providing eye health titioners in this major global preserving its traditions and val- Additionally, a minor in healthcare, and transport. process,” al-Madhoun said. On In recognition of the extensive education in the villages and health initiative in Ghana. We ues, she explained. Public health Translation Studies will begin Al-Madhoun discussed the internships, she noted that the research activities of students schools, and helping with data are very proud of Marwa, and is an area that is seriously under- in Fall. “There is a huge demand recent activities and achieve- College has formalised arrange- and faculty, CAS has established collection and analysis. wish her all the best in all her subscribed in Qatar and based on for translators - people who are ments of the College in terms of ments with institutions in Japan, research awards for humanities “I don’t have a specifi c in- future endeavours.” the national health strategy, the capable of translating and com- strengthening the academic ad- Germany and France for its stu- and the arts, and sciences for terest in ophthalmology but Saleh is also raising funds country needs to build human municating in both languages,” vising programme, establishing dents for summer 2012. the most outstanding research millions of people have been for Unite for Sight. The money capital of health experts and re- Mustafawi said. internships internationally for She discussed students’ ac- projects of the year, Ahmedna helped by Unite for Sight and raised will provide sight-re- searchers who are skilled in the A minor in Philosophy is un- CAS students, student partici- complishments in participating stated. He added that the Col- if we had to choose one of our storing surgeries for patients fi eld, Mustafawi said. der consideration with the pos- pation in local, regional and in- in research conferences around lege’s programmes and research fi ve senses to keep, I think it living in extreme poverty. She added that the Policy, sibility of it becoming a major at ternational conferences, student the world for which they re- activities are built on national would be vision so I recognise Contribution to Saleh’s Planning and Leadership pro- a later date, she added. exchange programmes, and con- ceived impressive feedback. Al- needs and as a response to the its importance,” she said. fundraising eff orts can be gramme will aim to produce Describing the MSc in Mate- tinuing education training. Madhoun also highlighted the objectives outlined in Qatar Na- Prior to participating made at mas2056@qatar- professionals with the skills and rials Science, Mustafawi said it “CAS set up an academic ad- exchange programme in which tional Vision 2030. abroad, Saleh will complete med.cornell.edu Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 QATAR UDC staff graduate from language class nited Development Compa- ny (UDC) recently celebrated The off icials at the meeting venue. Uthe graduation of its second batch of English language students from a course organised in collabo- ration with Language Bridges and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar. The objective of Language Bridges Malaysian minister is to provide free basic English lan- guage classes to expatriate labour- ers working in Qatar. The classes are taught by student volunteers from the Carnegie Mellon University in woos Qatar investors Qatar, who were trained by Profes- sor Silvia Pessoa. Over the course of eight weeks he Qatari Businessmen Association and processed petroleum products along with two-hour sessions a week, the (QBA) held a business lunch in honour with petrochemicals, Qatar imports elec- programme was designed to teach Tof the visiting Malaysian Minister of tronic products, steel, wood materials, and functional English that will en- International Trade and Industry Dato’ Sri food products from . able the workers to communicate on Mustapa Mohamed. Dato’ Sri Mohamed said that a shopping their construction site, in an emer- Students show off their certificates after the presentation ceremony. The reception at the Renaissance Hotel mall displaying Malaysian products is cur- gency, at the exchange counter when was attended by members of his accompa- rently under construction in Doha. sending money back home and other special graduation ceremony spon- learners. Language Bridges is a team great initiative in improving people’s nying delegation and Malaysia Ambassador Sheikh Faisal spoke of developed relations everyday basic communication. sored by UDC alongside Carnegie eff ort and I’d like to thank every- lives in Doha. We are grateful to the to Qatar Ahmad Jazri bin Mohamed Johar. between the two countries, stating that the “I’m very proud of the 28 Carne- Mellon University. one involved for their generosity in volunteer teachers who were able to The Qatari offi cials, lead by QBA chairman presence of the mutual fund between the two gie Mellon students and their learn- Language Bridges programme di- off ering their time and skills, and touch the lives of each of our employ- Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, included countries with a capital of $2bn will enhance ers. Everyone has done an excellent rector Julie Zawadzki said that the unfailing support throughout,” Za- ees forever. I think it is a great feeling QBA board member Sherida Jubran al-Kaabi and further support the investment oppor- job and have demonstrated that results for the second year of the ini- wadzki said. to share the knowledge that we have and QBA members Khalid Mannai, Siraj al- tunities. with commitment, hard work, and tiative confi rmed its value and sus- UDC Human Resources gen- with others and I am sure that they Baker, Nabil Abu Issa and Tariq Naja, who Qatari investments in Malaysia include enthusiasm great things can be ac- tainability. eral manager Rita Khairallah said are all proud of their achievements.” was present on behalf of Abdul Rida Masha- the real estate sector and manufacturing of complished,” Pessoa said. “Our volunteer teachers have the programme was a life changing A new batch of students from di, as well as deputy general manager Sarah furniture and Islamic banks and others. The 104 graduates, all UDC em- been totally committed, fl exible and initiative. “On behalf of UDC man- UDC will take the next Language Abdullah. Dato’ Sri Mohamed invited QBA mem- ployees, were joined by 65 successful often very creative in order to pro- agement, I want to thank Language Bridges programme in the coming Both sides discussed bilateral relations bers to visit Malaysia to explore investment students from last year’s course at a vide the best experience for their Bridges and Carnegie Mellon for their months. between Qatar and Malaysia and spoke of opportunities and business possibilities in ways to strengthen co-operation in various various fi elds. fi elds. There are 15 Malaysian companies cur- The Malaysian minister spoke of Qatar as rently working in Qatar, in infrastructure the third largest trade partner for Malaysia projects, development and construction. in the Gulf region, where the volume of trade More Malaysian companies are expected exchange between the two countries reached to operate in Qatar and participate in the $4.43bn. projects related to hosting of the World Cup While Malaysia imports from Qatar raw 2022.

Food fest at Holiday Villa

The Centerpoint team with their trophy. Centerpoint crush Gulf Lights to lift trophy Holiday Villa off icials and guests celebrate the start of a food festival dusing which Holiday Villa celebrates the delicacies of Perlis state in northern Malaysia. Every Thursday enterpoint defeated Gulf Ernst & Young were the other teams. Singh and Doha Bank’s senior man- Brief scores: Gulf Lights 115 all out and Friday, patrons will be able to enjoy dishes like the famous Nasi Goreng Istimewa Lights by 10 in the The principal sponsors of the ager (Group Finance) Sanjay Jain. (Jaishankar 14 n.o., Krishna Kumar Perlis, a salted egg fried rice dish, jackfruit curry with Talang dried fish or Perlis styled Cfi nal of the four-team crick- tournament were Centerpoint, Exx- ICAI Doha chapter chairman Venkat 16, Sheji Valiyakath 3-12, Lokanath- Sour and Spicy Fish, locally known as Asam Pedas Rebus. “This is our first experience et tournament hosted by the Doha onMobil, Doha Bank, Ernst & Young, Rama Murthy thanked the teams, an 3-8) lost to Centerpoint 120 in pushing forward a northern cuisine and we are very excited to present the selection chapter of the Institute of Chartered Gulf Lights, Deloitte & Touche, Blue sponsors and members of his organi- for no loss (Kamlesh 24, Deepu 19, of authentic delicacies, carefully selected by the Crown Prince of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Accountants of India (ICAI) at New Salon and Doha Liwa. sation and their families for making the Anand Vyas 14). Man of the match: Faizuddin,” said Holiday Villa general manager Joey Chen. Ideal Indian School grounds recently. The trophies to the teams were giv- tournament a “big success” despite Sheji Valiyakath; Man of the tourna- Besides the fi nalists, Doha Bank and en away by Air-India manager Jagmit adverse weather conditions. ment: Pankaj Singhvi.

Kaplan impressed by Qatar progress

alladium Group, a global strategy execu- Ption consulting fi rm, recently hosted Harvard Baker Foundation professor and co-founder of the Bal- ance Scorecard and Activ- ity-Based Costing, Robert Kaplan, on a two-day visit to Doha. On his fi rst visit to Qatar, Kaplan interacted with more than 40 government and business leaders, where Pal- ladium managing director Joan Cabezas announced the establishment of a new of- fi ce for Palladium Group in Doha to provide the country with a professional and ded- icated team focused solely on the needs of the Qatari market. Kaplan said that he was impressed by Qatar’s na- tional vision, while he feels that “still the main challenge is implementing the strategy and aligning all institutions Kaplan ... impressed by towards achieving it”. Qatar’s National Vision. In this context, he con- sidered that the country has a great opportunity to use the fi nancial benefi ts from non-renewable resources to build a sustainable future based on knowledge and information. The professor, who is considered as one of the top twen- ty-fi ve business thinkers in the world, explained that there is an emerging management trend in the region character- ised by the development of strategy maps - a tool that was co-founded by him, and by “the paradigm shift in the risk management system after the fi nancial crises”. He concluded that “every institution will have to create value to the community to succeed nowadays, and not just fi nancial returns to the shareholders”. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 15 QATAR Infrastructure Al Muftah pavilion proves a major attraction at expo

rominent Qatari business creation ‘to fi rm, Al Muftah Group Phas set up an imposing pavilion, featuring an array of the group’s trading activities at the ongoing Project Qatar 2012 exhibition at Doha Exhibitions Centre. drive building The group’s pavilion, set in green background, highlights the group’s commitment to de- veloping eco-friendly environs in the country and is one of the major attractions at this year’s boom in GCC’ exhibition. Al Muftah has showcased its he Gulf Co-operation due to fresh supply in the market latest products and services to Council (GCC) is poised which would impact the rental the visitors. The company plans Tfor a construction boom rates, he said. In UAE major to leverage its long history of on account of massive infra- projects include Al Falah, Al Ba- introducing many innovative structure creation, according to teen Park and Rainbow towers. solutions to the Qatari market a top offi cial of Doha Bank. In Oman, Seetharaman said, in order to engage the leading “A combination of a short- an optimistic outlook prevailed international buyers and gov- age of aff ordable housing, stable in the residential construction ernment agencies participating interest rates, encouraging gov- markets on the back of increas- in the four-day event, which is ernment policies which promote ing population and rising em- believed to be the most talked foreign direct investment in real Seetharaman ployment levels. about construction, infrastruc- estate sector, and an increasing However, the commercial offi ce ture and property event in the expatriate population, is expect- for the commercial offi ce real es- properties market will continue GCC. ed to result in high demand for tate and construction markets to be marked by oversupply in the The participating Al Muftah housing in the short to medium of Saudi Arabia point towards a near term, he said, adding demand divisions and their respective term,” Doha Bank Group CEO R positive future on rising popula- for residential properties would products include Al Muftah Au- Seetharaman said at Project Qa- tion, high liquidity, low interest remain strong in the well-devel- tomatic Doors (automatic doors tar 2012. rates and a booming economy. oped localities of Qurum, Shatti and entrances made by Italian Referring to Qatar, he said the Major projects in Saudi Arabia Al Qurum and Madinat Qaboos. manufacturer Ditec), Al Muftah residential construction mar- include King Abdullah Financial In Kuwait, the demand for Elevators and Escalators (el- ket will rise in the long term on district, Jeddah Housing project private housing would be par- evators and escalators made by the back of healthy growth in and Shams Al Arous. ticularly strong in the long-term Japanese manufacturer Fuji), Al population and increasing eco- On the UAE market, he said due to undersupply and com- Muftah Polymers (water tanks, nomic activity. “Commercial of- the residential properties mar- mercial offi ce properties segment road barriers and fl ower pots). fi ce construction market will be ket of Dubai was currently facing would “suff er” from the current The others are Al Muftah oversupplied in the near-term, an oversupply situation due to state of oversupply in the short to Specialities (drywall systems with several new developments lack of investor interest in ac- medium-term, he said.Khairan and luxurious doors and win- The Al Muftah pavilion at the Project Qatar 2012 exhibition. nearing completion in the near quiring new property.“Though Residential City and Kuwait In- dows made by German manu- future,” he said, highlighting the Dubai market is expected to vestment Authority headquarters facturers Fermacell and Unilux, construction equipment) and Al ors, Anytime Fitness and Al current economic and con- that major projects in Qatar in- remain oversupplied in the near are some of the major projects in respectively), Al Muftah Cable Muftah Fibreglass (FRP fl oat- Muftah Contracting Compa- struction boom being experi- clude Lusail project, Barwa fi - term, the residential real estate Kuwait. Vision (CCTV cameras, serv- ing docks, FRP domes, sectional ny’s civil division. enced by the country. nancial district and Barwa city. and construction market of Du- He said the residential market ers and DVRs, intercom and panel tanks, FRP car park cov- According to Al Muftah “There’s really no better The residential rental yields bai is likely to outperform the of Bahrain would continue to see nurse call systems, SMATV ers, STP covers, manhole liners, Group managing director Ib- place in the Middle East to across Riyadh and Jeddah would commercial offi ce markets,” he “substantial undersupply” while systems and computers), Al FRP pipes and pipe fi ttings, and rahim Almuftah, Project Qatar hold this event than in Doha, increase mainly due to ris- added. the commercial offi ce construc- Muftah Tires and Lubricants custom-designed FRP parts). 2012 offers matchless oppor- and there’s no better time to ing rental rates on the back of Abu Dhabi’s residential mar- tion will be “under pressure” (BKT-made off -highway tyre The Al Muftah pavilion also tunities for both exhibition invest in Qatar’s construc- a shortage of new residential ket is expected to be “oversup- mainly due to oversupply and solutions and specialty tyres houses sections for Al Muftah participants and attendees, tion industry than right now,” units, he said, adding the outlook plied” over the next two years subdued economic environment. for industrial applications and Carpentry, Al Muftah Interi- especially in the light of the he said. CGC displays expertise, innovative solutions

atar’s prominent technology and engineering solution pro- Qviders Consolidated Gulf Co (CGC) is participating in the ongoing Project Qatar international trade exhi- bition. The 25-year-old ISOs and OHSAS certifi ed company is demonstrating its technological expertise and custom- ised solutions with its technical and sales personnel helping out customers at the venue to serve visitors and pro- spective clients. The company’s lat- est portfolios, including audio visual solutions, LED displays, LED lighting, security and integrated solutions, life safety systems, fi re alarm system, hardware and networking, GIS, CAD The CGC stand. and 3D modelling, water and waste wa- ter treatment solutions, Tetra commu- Kuwait, India, Europe and the Ameri- tive services to serve Qatar’s growing nications devices and vehicle tracking cas. It has a 100 % owned subsidiary industrial and construction needs. The systems among others are on display. operating from the south Indian city of company has already implemented CGC which is one of the most diver- Hyderabad. over 60 audio visual solutions for con- sifi ed and progressive companies in the The company has delivered more ference rooms, boardrooms, audito- country has activities spread across than 2,000 technological and en- riums and clubs. We are providing AV various domains, including extra low gineering projects and is currently solutions to several ministerial head voltage, security, building automation, engaged in several large and SMEs offi ces, oil and gas companies, govern- telecom, Cisco solutions, IT and ITeS, projects in Qatar, India and other over- ment entities, private establishments, engineering, CAMS alarm system, seas markets. medical and educational institutions, BPO, consumer electronics, Nokia dis- CGC Chief Operating Offi cer Anil besides implementing monitoring fa- tributions and retail. Mahajan said “we bring a vast portfo- cilities for security and data systems.” Headquartered in Doha, CGC’s busi- lio of cutting edge technological and The company pavilion is in Hall 2, ness interests span from Qatar to UAE, engineering solutions and cost eff ec- G81 at the Doha Exhibition Centre. Malaysia seeks enhanced trade ties

alaysia is hopeful of landing a number of opportunities in Mincreasing its bilateral trade with Qatar in the coming years. Speaking to journalists at a specially convened meeting at the Malaysian pavilion at the Project Qatar exhibi- tion, Malaysia’s Minister for Interna- tional Trade and Industry Mustapha Mohamed said his country’s trade with Qatar had shown a signifi cant im- provement in the last few years and the companies from Malaysia are hopeful of continuous patronage from Qatar Malaysia’s Minister for International Trade and Industry Mustapha Mohamed businesses in future as well. speaks at a meeting at the pavilion. Mohamed was in Qatar as part of his visit to the region. The other country participation at the Project Qatar ex- ing manager of the Malaysia External on his current sojourn is Oman where hibition refl ected its keenness to boost Trade and Development Corporation the minister is inaugurating a Malaysia business with Qatar in the coming (Matrade) Ahmadur Rahman said there promotion exhibition today. years. The exhibition features an im- has been a growth of nearly 15% in Ma- While thanking the Qatar govern- posing Malaysian pavilion, with the laysia’s exports to the region in 2011 ment for the patronage extended to participation of more than 60 compa- compared to the previous year. The Malaysian fi rms and products, the nies from the Southeast Asian country. growth recorded in Qatar is equally re- minister said his country’s massive Speaking to Gulf Times, market- markable, he said. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 QATAR

Reception marks Dutch Queen’s birthday

Minister of Municipal Aff airs and Urban Planning HE Sheikh Abdurrahman bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani and Dutch ambassador to Qatar John Groff en cutting a cake to mark the birthday celebration of the Netherlands Queen at the Sheraton Doha on Monday. Volunteers feted on return from Cambodia trip A picture from the event in Afghanistan atar-based non-govern- teers to see Rota’s educational and workshops for some 150 students at experience was everything I hoped Rota opens schools mental organisation Reach community development work for the new Rota-funded and support- for and more,” one of the student QOut To Asia (Rota) yesterday themselves, as well as experience ed Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Manal al-Mansoori told the gather- hosted a refl ection event for some 15 the reality of life for young people in Techo Hun Sen – Rota – Khsach ing. volunteers, parents and school of- Cambodia,” Rota director Essa al- Kandal General and Technical High Al-Mannai added: “Without fi cials to celebrate the success of its Mannai said. School. doubt, the diff erent activities in in Afghanistan recent volunteer trip to Cambodia. In collaboration with Rota’s In addition, the volunteers raised Cambodia challenged the students During the event, the volunteers Cambodian partner, the Monith- funds to present the Phnom Penh to refl ect on what Rota’s mission to showed pictures taken from their apana Foundation and under the Dubai Islamic School with learning provide quality primary and sec- QNA and 600 lower secondary). In with Care International, we trip and recited testimonials tell- sponsorship of Vodafone-Qatar, materials, books and a photocopier, ondary education really means, Doha particular, education services are committed to providing ing the audience how the trip had the female volunteers from Al Bay- and helped distribute basic food most importantly to witness how are being emphasised for re- a comprehensive community changed their opinions about Cam- an Independent Secondary School supplies to 200 local families. we put our ‘education for all’ mis- turnees, IDPs and communi- based learning environment bodia and its people. for Girls, Al Sailiyah Independent “The school in Cambodia was sion into action.” each Out To Asia ties prone to confl ict in three that sets high standards for its “This was Rota’s third Volunteer Secondary School for Girls and the truly wonderful. The pupils could More information about Rota’s (Rota) has inaugurated provinces of Afghanistan students while strengthening Trip to Cambodia. Though previous Amna Bint Wahab Independent not have been any more polite and projects in Cambodia and 10 other Rtwo new community (Kapisa, Ghazni, and Khost), families’ abilities to be strong trips were hugely successful, this Secondary School for Girls travelled willing to share with us. In the end, Asian countries can be had at www. schools serving 344 primary specifi cally in areas where advocates for their children’s year was especially rewarding be- to Cambodia at the end of March. I made many friends and I have re- reachouttoasia.org or Facebook and secondary students in government education facili- education,” said Rota Direc- cause we were able to send our fi rst During their nine-day visit, the mained in touch with them since page, www.facebook.com/rea- the Khost Province of eastern ties do not reach. tor Essa al-Mannai. all-female group of student volun- all-female volunteer group hosted arriving home. Thank you Rota, the chouttoasia. Afghanistan. Currently, the Mata Chee- The inauguration ceremo- With funding support from na Community School, locat- nies for the Mata Cheena and Rota, in October 2011 Care ed in Matun District, provides Hassan Mohammad com- International in Afghanistan educational opportunities munity schools were held began implementing a three- for 244 female students (44 on March 25 and 26 respec- year project that draws on its secondary and 200 primary), tively, and were attended by extensive experience and les- while the Hassan Mohammad community members, dis- sons learned in community- Community School in neigh- trict education offi cials, lo- based education. bouring Mandozi district en- cal authorities, Care repre- The project is designed to sures educational opportu- sentatives, parents, teachers, establish and support Com- nities for approximately 100 and students enrolled in the munity Based Education female students (33 second- schools. During the ceremo- (CBE) classes to assist the ary graders and 67 primary nies, project stakeholders at Government of Afghanistan graders). all levels voiced the impor- in meeting the right to qual- “Investment in education tance of community support ity basic education for 3,154 is the best defence against in ensuring the long-term children (54% girls) in vari- poverty and suff ering in Af- sustainability of the newly- The Rota volunteers with off icials. ous grades (2,554 primary ghanistan. In partnership built schools.

Lecture by chief of statistics body at Carnegie Mellon

he Dean’s Lecture Series at Carnegie Mellon Uni- versity in Qatar is hosting a public lecture today Tby Sheikh Hamad bin Jabor bin Jassim al-Thani, president of the Qatar Statistics Authority, on ‘Qatar’s National Strategy for the Development of Statistics and the Involvement of Higher Education in the National De- velopment Strategy’. The lecture will take place at Carnegie Mellon’s building in Education City from 12-1 pm, and is open to the public. Sheikh Hamad was instrumental in the formation of the Qatar Statistics Authority in June 2007. He supervised the preparation of the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS); pioneered the 2010 National Popula- tion, Housing and Establishment Census; established the National Population Policy; and Qatar Information Ex- change (Qalm).

Expat group to hold concert

ndian expatriate organisation, Maharashtra Mandal Qatar is organising a music concert on May 4 to mark Ithe 52nd anniversary of the formation of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The event will be held at Doha Cinema. Maharashtra was granted statehood on May 1, 1960. The live musical concert features playback singer Avad- hoot Gupte. Gupte is a winner of Sa Re Ga Ma, a popular television music show and is composer of a number of Hindi and Marathi albums. Gupte’s popular albums are Aika Dajiba and Meri Mad- hubala. He has rendered his voice to many a Marathi song. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 17 REGION

Kuwait Yemeni stateless Iran plot killed in protesters attack by dispersed ‘targeted gunmen

Reuters Reuters Kuwait Sanaa

uwaiti riot police used Saudi uspected Al Qaeda-linked batons and armoured gunmen killed a Yemeni Ktrucks to disperse a group Sman working for Total yes- of about 200 stateless protesters terday and wounded a French- yesterday, the latest rally by de- man and another Yemeni em- scendants of mainly desert no- ployee of the French oil group, a mads seeking improved rights. Total security offi cial said. Known in Arabic as “bidoon” envoy’ The attack took place as they and numbering up to 180,000 were driving from an oil field people, the stateless are denied Three Iranians planning ports, a spokesman for Iran’s in eastern Hadramout prov- citizenship under nationality to assassinate the Saudi foreign ministry, Ramin Me- ince to an airport in the town of laws in Kuwait, whose citizens ambassador to Cairo were hmanparast, told reporters in Seiyun. are entitled to generous welfare arrested, the legal adviser Tehran that the allegation was “They were on their way to benefi ts. of the kingdom’s embassy is “absolutely incorrect”. Seiyun airport. They were 2km Kuwait has avoided any major quoted as saying “Manufacturing such issues northeast of Seiyun when the spillover of the “Arab Spring” can only help divisions among car came under attack by fi ve pro-democracy revolts onto its Agencies Muslim countries and benefi t masked gunmen with rifl es,” the territory. But a deadlock between Riyadh the Zionist regime (Israel),” he Total offi cial said. parliament and the government said. “We don’t know the identity and accusations of graft by the Riyadh on Saturday recalled of the gunmen but we suspect it ex-prime minister have stirred gyptian security services its ambassador from Cairo af- was Al Qaeda.” unrest. foiled an Iranian plot to ter angry protests outside the A year of political upheaval Police over the past year have Eassassinate the Saudi Saudi embassy in Cairo over that eventually unseated former also broken up several marches ambassador to Cairo several the arrest of an Egyptian hu- president Ali Abdullah Saleh has of stateless demonstrators that months ago, the legal adviser of man rights lawyer in the king- emboldened militants in Yemen attracted several hundred peo- the kingdom’s embassy said in dom. where they have seized swathes ple in marginalised neighbour- local dailies yesterday. Saudi state news agency of territory and carried out hoods near the capital. Gath- Egypt “arrested three Irani- SPA said the Cairo embassy scores of attacks. ering in a square on Kuwait ans planning to assassinate the as well as the kingdom’s con- In a video posted yesterday, City’s outskirts after prayers in ambassador, Ahmed Qattan,” sulates in the Mediterranean a Swiss woman kidnapped in a nearby mosque, yesterday’s Al Hayat quoted Sami Jamal as cities of Alexandria and Suez Yemen in March said that she demonstrators called on the saying. were closed. was being held by Al Qaeda and country’s ruler to grant them “Egyptian authorities in- In October, the US accused asked Swiss authorities to help citizenship. formed concerned parties at Iran of plotting to kill the Sau- her. “We want this from your the Saudi foreign ministry of di ambassador to Washington. Yemen is a small crude oil pro- highness the emir, not the gov- the details of the plot, but the Iran has fiercely denied any ducer but instability on its terri- ernment, not the ministers,” the Saudi side opted to keep si- involvement in the alleged tory is a potential risk to global mainly young men chanted as lent on the matter,” Jamal said. plot. trade because of its location on helicopters circled overhead. The arrests were made three Meanwhile, Riyadh’s recall the Bab Al Mandab strait, a cru- Masked police dressed in months ago. for consultations of ambassa- cial trading route linking Asia, black and wielding long batons “Everybody was concerned dor Qattan may prove fl eeting. Europe and the Americas. charged the group and led away a that foreign parties would ex- Egypt seems keen to have The Total offi cial said the handful of protesters. ploit demonstrations by some Qattan back, judging by gov- Yemeni who died was an escort Most of the other demonstra- (Egyptians) outside the embas- ernment statements and re- soldier and had been sitting in tors ran into the surrounding sy (in Cairo) to attack members ports in state-owned newspa- the front passenger seat. residential areas crammed with of the mission,” Al Sharq daily pers of Egyptians waving Saudi The Frenchman, who was squat corrugated metal houses quoted him as saying. fl ags at the embassy calling for seated in the back of the vehicle, lined by dirt roads. Kuwaiti police arrest a man during a protest by stateless people yesterday. Questioned about the re- his return. received a gunshot to the leg. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 ARAB WORLD

CONFLICT POLITICS SECURITY SANCTIONS EXECUTION Troops, Palestinians in Ex-opposition leader Turkey travel warning UK retailer’s settlement Saudi beheads two clashes at Gaza border Livni quits Knesset for Israelis downgraded goods boycott slammed for murder, stealing

The Israeli army and Palestinians exchanged Tzipi Livni, the former head of Israel’s biggest Israel yesterday downgraded a warning for Israel’s foreign ministry yesterday criticised a Saudi Arabia beheaded yesterday two fire along the Gaza border yesterday in a series opposition party Kadima, resigned from its citizens against travel to Turkey, citing an major UK supermarket’s decision to shun any Bangladeshis convicted of killing and robbing of clashes that wounded one person, the Israeli parliament yesterday, a month after she lost a “updated assessment” of threats. The Israeli supplier that sources from Israeli settlements, a fellow citizen in the kingdom, the interior military and Palestinian security sources said. primary battle for leadership of her centre-right National Security Council had warned in March saying such action targets the whole Jewish state. ministry announced. Nujum Abdulshrif and In a statement, the Israeli military said its faction. Speculation about Livni’s political future of an imminent danger of attacks on Israeli “They say they are targeting settlement products Abdulmajed Hamza killed Mohamed Kabir, forces had come under fire while “performing swirled after she suff ered defeat at the hands and Jewish targets in Turkey. In a statement but in fact they are targeting everything that is also Bangladeshi, the state news agency SPA routine operational activities near the security of her challenger Shaul Mofaz in elections held yesterday, the council said it had “decided to Israeli,” foreign ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor reported quoting the ministry. They “suff ocated fence in central Gaza”. Security sources on March 28. In her resignation speech, Livni downgrade the travel warning for Turkey to that told AFP. “The settlements are a pretext,” he him, beat him on his head using a thick stick, and and eyewitnesses said Palestinians opened warned Israel was sitting “on a volcano”. “The of ‘continuing potential threat’,” adding it was added. “The boycott, divestment and sanctions strangled him” to death, the report said, adding fire towards Israeli forces as they staged an international clock is ticking and the existence the lowest of four levels. “A continuing threat movement boycotts everything that is Israeli.” they then stole Kabir’s money and phones. incursion into Gaza and began clearing land of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state is in of terrorist attacks against Israeli and Jewish The Co-Op, Britain’s fifth largest food retailer, The two men were beheaded in Jizan, in the along the border area in the early afternoon. danger,” she said. Livni hinted she might remain targets exists in Turkey,” the council said, adding said on Sunday that it was extending an existing kingdom’s south. Their beheading brings the Palestinian medical sources said Israeli forces in politics in some capacity. “At this stage I am its Counter-terrorism Bureau “recommends boycott of goods made in Israeli settlements to total number of executions in the kingdom to 23 opened fire again later in the afternoon in the leaving the Knesset, but I’m not leaving political avoiding non-essential travel to Turkey or, at cover companies that source products from the so far this year, according to an AFP tally based same area, leaving one Palestinian wounded. life,” she said. least, to be especially alert and cautious.” settlements. on off icial reports. Sudan alleges South widens ‘aggression’ Khartoum says the South troops on Monday occupied a if they do not meet African Un- has “a plan to continue the disputed area on the border of ion (AU) demands to end their war and disturb peace and Sudan’s Darfur and South Su- border clashes which began in security and stability along dan’s Western Bahr El Ghazal late March. the border between Sudan state. The AU’s security organ urged and South Sudan” This came a day after the South both sides to reach a deal within took over another disputed point three months on oil and citizen- AFP on the Darfur border, the minis- ship issues, pull forces from the Khartoum try added. contested Abyei region and agree It said the South has “a plan on a demarcated border. to continue the war and disturb Among other measures, the Palestinian protesters lie on the ground after being hit by pepper spray during clashes with Israeli troops outside Ofer military prison near udan warned its Southern peace and security and stability road map sought an immediate Ramallah yesterday following a demonstration in support of prisoners held in Israeli jails. neighbour yesterday over along the border between Sudan cessation of all hostilities in- Swidening “aggression” as and South Sudan”. cluding aerial bombardments, the South alleged fresh clashes Each side denies backing withdrawal of troops from each despite an African Union peace rebels on the other’s territory in other’s territory and an end to initiative. a proxy war after failing to set- backing for rebel groups. “The government of Sudan tle outstanding issues over con- Sudan on Sunday notifi ed confi rms that South Sudan and tested territory, oil revenues and the AU that it agreed to the road Palestinians warn of wrath its army are working to widen the borders. map, the foreign ministry said in aggression and occupy some dis- The South became independ- its statement yesterday. puted points and areas by force,” ent last July after an overwhelm- On Saturday, the South’s gov- Khartoum’s foreign ministry said ing “yes” vote under a 2005 ernment said it was ready to pull in a statement. peace deal that ended a 22-year its police out of Abyei to meet the if jailed hunger strikers die “Sudan cannot allow the oc- civil war. AU demands. cupying troops to impose their Yesterday, the South’s army The British embassy, mean- AFP Around a third of the 4,700 “I appeal from Nablus to all truce,” Islamic Jihad offi cial power.” said Sudanese troops and allied while, said yesterday that it had Ramallah Palestinian prisoners being held human rights organisations in Khader Habib told reporters in The statement came more than militias clashed with South Su- met with one of its citizens alleg- in Israeli jails are currently on the world to act urgently to save Gaza City. a week after South Sudanese sol- danese troops along the disputed edly detained by Sudan’s army open-ended hunger strike, ac- the lives of Bilal Diab and Thaer “The enemy has to under- diers said they had completed a border. along the tense southern border alestinian Prisoners Min- cording to the Israel Prisons Halahla who are in danger of dy- stand the message: any harm withdrawal from Sudan’s main “Sudanese forces, militias and and he was in good condition. ister Issa Qaraqaa yester- Service, which puts the number ing,” Qaraqaa said. to the lives of the prisoners will oil region of Heglig, which they mercenaries attacked our posi- Chris Fielding, the Briton, has Pday warned there would at 1,450. “I hold Netanyahu’s govern- lead to an escalation.” occupied for 10 days in a move tions in Hofra in the oil region been held for at least three days be a major backlash if any of the Most have been refusing food ment responsible for everything Meanwhile, 300 people gath- that coincided with Sudanese air of Unity state,” Southern army along with Norwegian John Sorbo, detainees on a mass hunger in- for around two weeks, but eight of that is happening to the pris- ered outside Ofer military pris- strikes across the border in South spokesman Philip Aguer said. South African Thabo Siave and an side Israeli jails were to die. them are at an advanced stage of oners,” he said, referring to the on near Ramallah in a show of Sudan. It was not possible to inde- unidentifi ed South Sudanese. “We will not accept our their hunger strike and two—Bi- administration of Israeli Prime support for the prisoners. Sudan’s military said it forced pendently verify the situation. The UN expressed concern af- prisoners returning in coffi ns lal Diab and Thaer Halahla—have Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Clashes erupted between the Southerners out of Heglig. Southern troops “repulsed the ter the governor of Sudan’s White from the occupation’s prisons,” gone 63 days without eating. Late on Monday, Islamic Jihad stone-throwing youths and the It was the most serious fi ght- attackers” and captured three Nile state declared thousands of Qaraqaa told a 3,000-strong A doctor with Physicians for also said Israel was responsible Israeli army, who fi red teargas, ing in a month of border clashes trucks, Aguer said, adding sol- South Sudanese a security risk crowd demonstrating in soli- Human Rights who examined for the lives of Diab and Halahla, rubber bullets and a foul-smell- and raised fears of wider war. diers were preparing for an as- and ordered them to leave by darity with the prisoners in the them on Monday found they and warned it would no longer ing liquid known as “skunk” to Allegations of clashes have sault believed planned by Sudan. Saturday the way-station of Ko- West Bank city of Nablus. were in danger of dying and were abide by a truce agreement in break up the demonstration. continued even after the Heglig Last week the UN Security sti, south of Khartoum. “If anything happens to any not receiving adequate medical Gaza if either of them died in Is- A photographer was badly in- occupation ended. Council started talks on a resolu- They have been encamped prisoner, the explosion will not care where they are being held in raeli custody. jured after being hit in the head In its statement, the foreign tion that could allow sanctions there waiting for transport to the stay inside prison walls but will the Ramle prison infi rmary near “The death of either Bilal Diab by a stone thrown by a protester, ministry said South Sudanese against Sudan and South Sudan South. extend to the outside,” he said. Tel Aviv. or Thaer Halahla will nullify the an AFP correspondent said.

Israel pushes plan for East Jerusalem hotel construction

AFP Saeb Erakat saw the ap- Jerusalem proval as Israeli Prime Min- ister Benjamin Netanyahu’s answer to a letter sent last srael has approved a month from Palestinian further stage in plans to President Mahmoud Abbas, Ibuild 1,100 new hotel listing his grievances over rooms in a settlement neigh- the failure of the peace proc- bourhood of annexed East ess, among them settlement Jerusalem, Israeli offi cials building. confi rmed yesterday. “This government insists The hotel rooms are slated on continuing settlement for construction in Givat activity and destroying any HaMatos, an as-yet un- prospect of reviving a seri- built neighbourhood on the ous and real peace process southern fl ank of East Jeru- between the Israeli and Pal- salem, near the West Bank estinian people,” Erakat said. city of Bethlehem. “The Israeli government “The plans were present- chose to respond to our de- ed to the Jerusalem district mand of halting settlement planning committee fi ve activities (in order) to give years ago and approved for the peace process a chance, deposit then,” interior min- with more settlement ex- istry spokeswoman Efrat pansion,” he said. Orbach told AFP. “We condemn this new “The publication of the decision and demand its halt deposit was done now by the immediately.” project initiator, the Israel Hagit Ofran, director Land Authority. The current of the Settlement Watch stage includes advertising in project at Israel’s Peace Now, newspapers and aff ording linked the hotel construction 60 days for objections,” she plans to Israeli elections, said. which are expected to take After the 60-day period, place later this year. the plans must either be “The government is try- approved or rejected by the ing to create as many facts on committee before they can the ground as possible before be validated ahead of the the elections in order to pre- tendering process. vent an agreement with the Palestinian negotiator Palestinians,” she said. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 19 ARAB WORLD Death of Gaddafi oil boss in Vienna raises suspicions

Friends of Shukri And he would have had un- fact I think he said at times Ghanem, whose body rivalled knowledge of years he felt he was being fol- was found floating of oil deals worth tens of bil- lowed. But that might have in the Danube River, lions of dollars. been his imagination, who doubt the off icial Friends doubted the offi - knows,” said the former account of his death cial account of his death. Opec minister, who asked “I thought that was ri- not to be identifi ed. Reuters diculous. You don’t go down “He used to go around Vienna/London to the Danube, have a heart Vienna on the streetcar, on attack and fall into the river,” the bus. He wasn’t hidden said a former oil minister of and had a chauff eur day and he mysterious another Opec country who night, nothing of the sort. In drowning of Muam- had remained a close friend that sense he tried to main- Tmar Gaddafi ’s former of Ghanem. tain a normal lifestyle.” oil boss in Vienna has shak- His body was found at Friends had advised en friends and colleagues, 8.40am, fl oating near a Ghanem to be cautious, who say they suspect ene- promenade on the Danube, said Issam Chalabi, who mies may have hunted down an area lined with bars and ran Iraq’s oil industry in A handout picture released by the Syrian opposition’s Shaam News Network shows people lifting the coff ins of Ahmed Msalmeh and Mohamed al-Najjar and killed the man who restaurants, where Vien- the 1980s and had recently during their funeral in Daraa yesterday. knew more than anyone else nese gather in the summer set up a consultancy with about the Libyan dictator’s to sunbathe and drink beer. Ghanem in Vienna. billions. Police say he had been in “We used to tell him, ‘be The body of Shukri the water a few hours, since careful, keep a low profi le’,” Ghanem, who served for about dawn. he said. “The problem is a time as Gaddafi ’s prime There is no rail along the that he angered the previ- minister and ran the Libyan water’s edge, and it was not ous regime because he had oil industry for years, was the fi rst time a dead body defected and the new Libyan found fl oating in the Danube had been found fl oating leadership did not approve 30 dead in Syria after River on Sunday morning there. of him because he was in- a few hundred metres from “We didn’t know who it volved with opaque con- his home, fully clothed. was. We thought it could tracts.” According to police he have been someone who Like others, Chalabi was drowned, possibly having had too much to drink and unconvinced by the offi - fallen into the river after fell into the water: that hap- cial account. “For him to a heart attack while on an pened a few years ago,” said be found in the River Dan- new UN ceasefi re call early morning walk. Prelim- Moussa Rembetiko, who has ube, in the morning, fully inary autopsy reports show run a Greek restaurant there clothed - you know that he Despite an appeal by UN chief Ban called on all sides to work number of APCs (armoured person- ince, south of Damascus and cradle no sign of foul play. for 14 years. doesn’t swim, he can’t have Ban Ki-moon, human rights with the UN observer mission as it nel carriers), for instance; they see of the uprising against President Friends say he did not fallen just like that. I think monitors report no let-up in the expands from 30 now to a promised a number of Howitzers and other Bashar al-Assad’s regime that broke know how to swim, and they we have not heard the end of violence full complement of 300 in the com- military equipment in most places out in March last year. had warned him to be care- the story,” Chalabi said. ing days and weeks. where they are,” he said. The other 22 remain based in the ful of enemies in his Aus- “The one who pushed him AFP “While noting improvements in Syria has told the monitors that capital. trian exile. knows that he cannot swim.” Damascus areas where UN monitors are de- the armoured carriers have been In Monday’s violence, bombings Ghanem, 69, was one of There were suggestions ployed, the secretary general re- disarmed but this has not been veri- rocked Idlib city and the Damascus the most powerful men in that Ghanem had health mains gravely concerned by reports fi ed, Ladsous added. suburbs, with the deadliest hitting Gaddafi ’s Libya - eff ectively Ghanem was one of the problems. en civilians killed by regime of continued violence, killing and Ladsous, a UN undersecretary security buildings in Idlib. controlling the purse strings most powerful men in Nihal Goonewardene, a mortar fi re and 12 troops slain abuses in Syria in recent days,” a general, also said government forces The offi cial Sana news agency of the government and the Libya until he defected Washington-based friend Tin clashes with rebels were statement said. and opposition groups have broken said “terrorists” were behind the at- Gaddafi family - until he de- to the opposition in of Ghanem’s since gradu- among 30 dead in Syria yesterday He called “for armed violence in the truce. tacks by “suicide bombers”. fected to the opposition in May last year ate school in Boston, said just hours after a new UN call for all all its forms by all parties to cease “The important fact is that viola- But the opposition Syrian Na- May last year as rebels bore Ghanem had told a house- sides to respect a troubled truce. immediately and full co-operation tions do come from both sides,” he tional Council again accused the down on Tripoli. Atlan Yalvac, manager of guest on Saturday evening UN chief Ban Ki-moon said it of all parties with the work of UN said while refusing to say wheth- authorities of orchestrating the vio- His decision to switch the Fish Tower grill, said he that he was not feeling well was vital that government and op- Supervision Mission in Syria as it er one side had committed more lence. sides was a turning point in had arrived to open the res- and left early on Sunday for position alike co-operate fully with expands its presence on the ground”. breaches. Meanwhile, an Islamist group the uprising that eventually taurant on Sunday morning a walk from which he did not a hard-won UN observer force as it For his part, UN peacekeeping “All the parties need to take fur- that has claimed several bomb at- drove Gaddafi from power. and found police standing return. fans out in its mission to shore up chief Ladsous said Syrian troops ther steps to ensure a cessation of tacks in Syria said it was responsible The former Libyan leader around the body, which lay A few days before, he had the ceasefi re agreement that took have kept heavy weapons in cities, violence in all its forms,” he said. for a blast in Damascus last week was eventually caught by on the pavement where they told a friend that he had re- eff ect on April 12. and that both the government and At the moment, two observers are that targeted security forces and an rebels and lynched. fi shed it out. “It was horri- cently had a series of medi- And UN peacekeeping chief rebels have violated the truce. deployed in Idlib, a province bor- Iranian cultural centre and wounded Ghanem moved to a com- ble. Terrible.” cal tests and was concerned Herve Ladsous went a step farther, He also said UN members have dering Turkey where rebel fi ghters three people. fortable exile in Vienna, Those who knew Ghanem about getting bad results, accusing both sides of violating the so far only off ered 150 monitors for of the Free Syrian Army have been The Al Nusra front said one of its headquarters of Opec, where universally describe him as Goonewardene said. putative truce. the 300-strong force and that Syria active. There are none in Deir Al Zor. members had attached an explosive two daughters live with their a cheerful character, quick For now, the fam- Despite Ban’s appeal, human had refused visas for three proposed Two observers each have been device to an army vehicle and that families. He was still closely with a joke. Friends said ily has said little in public. rights monitors reported no let-up monitors. deployed in three other protest cen- it detonated at the cultural centre in associated with Gaddafi ’s rule that exterior hid a wary Ghanem’s nephew, Loayi in the violence, a day after a series “Regarding the heavy weapons, tres—the fl ashpoint central cities of Marjeh Square, “hitting two targets by Libya’s new leaders and had mind, forever worried about Ghanem, said an autopsy of blasts condemned by Ban as “ter- yes, our military observers do see a Hama and Homs, and Daraa prov- in the process.” ruled out returning home. threats to his safety but de- would be carried out to- rorist bomb attacks” killed more He would have had en- termined to try to lead a day and the family hoped than 20 people in the northwestern emies among Gaddafi ’s op- normal life in his Austrian to bring the body back to city of Idlib. US targets foreign evaders of sanctions ponents because of his years exile. Libya tomorrow. A man who Nine members of a single family at the centre of power, as “Given where he was, yes answered the telephone at were among the 10 killed in regime The Obama administration an- At a later briefing, a senior Treasury to “continue the steady, methodical well as among the late lead- I think I would be worried. Ghanem’s home said the bombardment of a village in Idlib nounced yesterday that it will target off icial who spoke on condition of ano- and unflinching application of our er’s friends and kin because Without any doubt, I would family did not wish to speak province, said the Syrian Observa- foreigners who help Iran and Syria nymity said sanctions intended to halt sanctions programmes against Iran of his decision to defect. have been very worried. In about the incident. tory for Human Rights. evade US sanctions and bar them Iran’s nuclear programme and stop and Syria.” A mortar round slammed into from access to the US banking Syrian government aggression against Pressed to explain how the new their home in Mashmashan village system. its own citizens were working but were powers diff er from existing sanc- near the town of Jisr Al Shughur, The latest tightening of existing leading to new eff orts by Tehran and tions rules, the off icial said Treasury the watchdog said, adding that sanctions, announced in the form of Damascus to circumvent them. will have “a more nimble and agile four women and two children were a White House executive order giving “Both countries are seeking to use ability to go after persons who may among the dead. the Treasury Department expanded non-bank financial institutions - be evading our sanctions”. The Elsewhere in the same province, authority, aims to stop foreign firms money service businesses, currency department would be able to target random gunfi re killed a 13-year-old from completing banned transac- exchanges, trading companies and foreigners who it now has problems boy in the town of Maaret Al Nu- tions with Syria or Iran. other entities to facilitate payments prosecuting because they are not man. “Whoever tries to evade our sanc- and transmit funds,” the off icial said. based in the US. In Deir Al Zor province in the tions does so at the expense of the No specific foreigner or foreign- “It is only focused on foreign persons northeast, 12 soldiers were killed in people of Syria and Iran and they owned entity was named yesterday and entities,” the off icial said, adding clashes with rebel fi ghters, said the will be held accountable,” said David as a violator. US citizens would be prohibited watchdog. Cohen, undersecretary for terrorism The Treasury off icial said the depart- from any dealing with such foreign In other incidents around the and financial intelligence. ment would use the new authority entities. country, another seven people died.

Voter registration Egypt politicians diff er on cabinet reshuffl e prospect

AFP offi cial Essam al-Eriane said “there is Cairo nothing new; we are still waiting. The ball is in their court.” Eriane said Katatni had received a oliticians in Egypt off ered con- call from a member of Egypt’s ruling fl icting views yesterday about military council, saying the reshuffl e Pwhether the ruling military will was expected. reshuffl e the cabinet before presi- And Al Gomhuria, a state-run dai- dential elections due next month. ly, said a reshuffl e would occur, but The Freedom and Justice Party, the only in a few ministries, including the political arm of the Muslim Brother- foreign aff airs portfolio. hood, has been pressing the military But two ministers said there was no junta to sack Prime Minister Kamal plan for a reshuffl e. al-Ganzouri’s government and task it Minister for Parliamentary Af- with forming a new cabinet. fairs Mohamed Attiya was quoted On Sunday, the Brotherhood said by fl agship state-run daily Al Ahram Supreme Council of the Armed Forc- as saying “the government of Kamal es chief Field Marshal Hussein Tanta- Ganzouri will remain in place until wi had promised parliament speaker late June”. Saad al-Katatni that he would carry And Minister for Planning and In- A woman marks a voter registration form with her fingerprint as out an imminent reshuffl e. ternational Co-operation Fayza Abul she registers to vote in Libya’s upcoming elections, at a registration And the Islamist-dominated par- Naga was quoted by independent dai- centre set up in a school in Tripoli yesterday. Registration for voters liament decided to suspend its ses- ly Al Shuruq as saying “to my knowl- began yesterday as Libya prepares to hold its first free polls for a sions until May 6 in protest at the mil- edge, there is no cabinet reshuffl e. national assembly in June. itary’s refusal to sack the government. And if it does happen, the prime min- But yesterday, senior Brotherhood ister will announce it himself.” Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 AMERICAS

JUSTICE EXONERATED HEALTH MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT Judge rejects immunity for Wrongly convicted man Chavez back in Cuba One in seven American Irish love story Once leads Strauss-Kahn in civil suit set free after 16 years for cancer treatment newspapers now digital with 11 Tony nominations

A New York judge rejected former IMF chief A Colorado man wrongly convicted and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was greeted Nearly one in seven newspapers read in the The Broadway musical version of the Irish love Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s claim of diplomatic sentenced to life in prison for the rape and by Cuban President Raoul Castro as he arrived US is now a digital one. The Audit Bureau of story Once about a Dublin busker and Czech immunity yesterday, ruling a lawsuit filed by the murder of a woman found strangled with a yesterday on the island nation for his 11th round Circulations said that in the six months to piano player who share a passion for music and hotel maid who accused him of sexual assault dog leash was exonerated on the basis of of cancer treatments since June. Chavez said March 31, some 14.2% of newspapers were read an impossible attraction to each other gained can move forward. Bronx Supreme Court Jus- new DNA evidence and set free on Monday his radiation therapy is in the end phase. He as digital editions, including smartphone and the highest number of Tony Award nominations tice Douglas McKeon’s decision ensures accuser after spending more than 16 years behind first underwent surgery in Cuba in June for a tablet computer versions. That marked a huge announced yesterday. The intimate stage Nafissatou Diallo can continue to press claims bars. Robert “Rider” Dewey walked out of a condition that was initially termed a “pelvic leap from a year ago when 8.66% were digital musical, adapted from the hit 2006 indie Irish for monetary damages and prevents Strauss- courthouse in Grand Junction, Colorado, a free abscess.” Chavez later conceded he had a editions. The figures off er the first year-over- film and featuring the Oscar-winning song, Kahn from putting the May 14 incident fully man after a judge found him innocent of the tumour removed. He initially declared himself year comparison of newspaper circulation using “Falling Slowly,” gained 11 nominations, including behind him, even as he attempts to relaunch his 1994 killing and said his exoneration marked a cured, but then returned to Cuba in February a new system that aims to more accurately nods for its main stars, Steve Kazee and Cristin career by giving speeches on the world confer- “historic day” for the state. “Mr. Dewey spent to have surgery for another cancerous tumour. measure digital readership. Under this system, Milioti. Once, was followed closely by musicals ence circuit. Diallo, a maid at the Sofitel Hotel in 6,219 days of his life incarcerated for a crime he He has received chemotherapy. He has yet to the New York Times showed a 73% surge in The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, a reinvention of midtown Manhattan, accused Strauss-Kahn of did not do,” Mesa County District Judge Brian publicly declare what kind of cancer he has or circulation to 1.58mn, with digital readership of the 1935 opera and Nice Work If You Can Get It. sexual assault in his luxury suit. Flynn said. what kind of prognosis he has been given. 807,026 overtaking print circulation of 779,731. Both of those shows gained 10 nominations. Five held in plot to blow up bridge in Cleveland

Men arrested as part of “I want to stress ... at no time settled on trying to blow up the undercover sting operation; during this investigation was four-lane Brecksville-Northfi eld no ties seen to foreign the public in danger,” FBI agent High Level Bridge that crosses the militants, bin Laden Stephen Anthony told reporters in Cuyahoga Valley National Park by anniversary Cleveland. The bridge is about 15 placing explosives on some of the miles south of Cleveland in an area columns in hopes of the entire Occupy Wall Street participants gather to stage a May Day demonstration march at Bryant Park in New York yesterday. Reuters popular with hikers and joggers. bridge collapsing. Washington The group initially came under Wright told a confi dential scrutiny by authorities in October source working with the FBI that 2011 when the FBI learned that “as long as stuff ‘gets f-ked up’ S authorities arrested fi ve some self-described anarchists he’ll be happy with the action,” self-described anarchists planned to attend a protest in the FBI said in its affi davit fi led Uin the Cleveland area for Cleveland, according to an FBI af- with the court. Occupy protesters take allegedly plotting to blow up a fi davit unsealed yesterday. At one point, Wright expressed four-lane highway bridge over a An FBI informant saw four of concern that the undercover FBI national park, but had no ties to the men going through the crowd agent who sold them what they foreign terrorism, the US Justice expressing displeasure at demon- believed was powerful C-4 explo- Department said yesterday. strators’ unwillingness to engage sives for $900 was a police offi cer, The group, ranging in ages from in violent acts. The men wore but he continued with the plot. to streets of New York 20 to 37, were arrested overnight masks and carried walkie-talkies, The group had no ties to for- by the FBI after planting the ex- according to the affi davit. eign terror organisations and the AFP lice and mass arrests on minor nounced across dozens of US months later, the movement plosives on the bridge. Three Over the next several months, plot was not connected to the an- New York charges. localities and in countries rang- struggled to stay in the lime- have been charged already with the group considered a variety niversary of the death of al Qaeda However, the disruption and ing from Spain to Australia. light and to back up its claim to conspiracy and attempting to use of targets for attacks including leader Osama bin Laden, who was potential for confl ict was ex- “While American corporate represent the mainstream pub- explosive materials and the other the Group of 8 leaders meeting in killed in a raid by US forces a year ccupy Wall Street pro- pected to heat up later in the media has focused on yet an- lic, or the so-called 99%. two were expected to be charged Chicago and the Republican Na- ago in , said a US Justice testers took to New day when activists staged a other stale election between In San Francisco, Occupy later yesterday. tional Convention in Tampa, ac- Department offi cial who declined OYork’s streets yester- march through lower Manhat- Wall Street-fi nanced candi- members cancelled a protest on The FBI said the fi ve arrested, cording to the FBI affi davit. to be further identifi ed. day in the highlight of a plan to tan to the Wall Street area. dates, Occupy has been or- the famed Golden Gate Bridge, identifi ed as Douglas Wright, They also considered igniting The men were expected to ap- mount a “general strike” across Activists say they are pro- ganising something extraordi- an important transport link, Brandon Baxter, Anthony Hayne, smoke grenades off one bridge pear in federal court in Cleveland the US. testing against corporate greed nary: the fi rst truly nationwide but were targeting ferry serv- Connor Stevens and Joshua Staf- while they tried to knock large yesterday. Small groups of protesters and the plight of ordinary peo- General Strike in US history,” ices. ford, were under continuous bank signs off the top of big offi ce The undercover operation is the held simultaneous demonstra- ple in an anemic economy and the OWS movement said on its In Los Angeles, demonstra- watch as part of an undercover buildings in downtown Cleveland latest of a number of sting opera- tions outside a string of Man- housing market. “Hey, hey, website occupywallst.org. tors were planning a co-ordi- operation and therefore the public and even setting off a car bomb tions undertaken by the FBI and hattan corporate institutions BOA, who did you foreclose The day of action comes nated “slow, city-paralysing, was never in danger. The explo- outside the Federal Reserve Bank Justice Department in an eff ort to including the Time-Life build- today?” protesters chanted at against the background of a carnival-esque descent into the sives, supplied by an undercover there, the court papers said. thwart attacks by domestic and ing and McGraw Hill publish- a Bank of America offi ce build- rancorous presidential election center of the city.” Four separate FBI agent, were inert. Late last month, the group foreign militants. ers in the Rockefeller Center ing. campaign, but also tests the groups of cars and bicycles were neighbourhood. “The movement started in Occupy movement’s ability to planning to converge from dif- Others were targeting Bank part because of frustrations regain its fl agging infl uence. ferent directions to “light soci- of America and HSBC branch- over the bailouts and how the OWS appeared in New York ety’s ills,” the LA website said. es, others Disney and The New government handled the eco- for the fi rst time last Septem- In Seattle, Occupy an- York Times. “Prosecute the nomic collapse of 2009,” pro- ber, with activists taking over a nounced large-scale plans “to fraud” and “Jobs now,” read two tester John Dennehy, 29, said. square near Wall Street to pro- halt the fl ow of capital, reclaim protest placards. “The feeling within Occupy test against government bank a tool of resistance, and unify Protests appeared to be Wall Street is that people that bailouts, corporate salaries, and movements against exploita- peaceful and AFP reporters created the collapse, namely what they said was a hopeless tion, repression, and corrup- witnessed only fi ve arrests dur- bankers, were helped out, and economic landscape for ordi- tion.” ing early events. This was in the people aff ected by it like nary people. The “general strike” would This combination of handout booking photos provided by the FBI shows (left to right): Connor Stevens, contrast to previous Occupy homeowners who got fore- However, after police across target “exploitation, repres- Brandon Baxter, Douglas Wright, Anthony Hayne and Joshua Staff ord. The five self-described anarchists marches that have typically closed upon... weren’t helped.” America ejected OWS protest- sion, and corruption,” accord- were arrested in a plot to blow up an Ohio bridge but the public was never in any danger. ended in scuffl es with the po- Similar protests were an- ers from public squares two ing to the statement. Obama politicising bin Laden killing: Romney

Reuters Rudy Giuliani at a New York fi re of Barack Obama in a plan to Gingrich suspending presidential campaign television ad to run in the battle- Amanda Henneberg. New York station. enter an ally of ours. ... I don’t ground states of Virginia, Ohio The Obama campaign is seek- “I congratulated the president think those kinds of comments White House hopeful Newt have an obligation, I think, to and Iowa. ing to raise doubts about how and the intelligence community, help in this eff ort to draw more Gingrich bade farewell to the do everything we can to defeat It accuses Romney, a former Romney would deal with the US epublican Mitt Romney as well as SEAL Team 6 ... So I friends to our eff ort,” Romney 2012 presidential campaign Barack Obama” in November. private equity executive, of economy, faced with polls show- accused President Barack acknowledged the president’s told reporters on the campaign yesterday, using a video posted Gingrich’s spokesman backing policies that would lead ing Americans believe Romney RObama of politicising the success and think he has every trail in August 2007. on his website to pre-empt an acknowledged last week that to the outsourcing of American would handle economic aff airs killing of Osama bin Laden as right to take credit for com- Romney said at the time that off icial announcement set for the writing was on the wall for jobs overseas. better than the president. the fi rst anniversary of the dar- manding that attack,” Romney US troops “shouldn’t be sent today. the embattled candidate after “As a corporate CEO, he Where Romney lags Obama ing raid dominated US presiden- told CBS’ This Morning. all over the world.” He called In his message to supporters, Romney swept all five of the shipped American jobs to places is on personal likability, a point tial politics. At the same time, said Rom- Obama’s comments “ill-timed” the former speaker of the House state contests that were held on like Mexico and China,” the ad’s that his wife, Ann Romney, at- Obama, a Democrat, has ney, “I think it was very disap- and “ill-considered.” of Representatives said he April 24. voiceover says “ tempted to address in the CBS touted the death of the Al Qaeda pointing for the president to Romney has come under wanted to “give you an insider With Republicans rallying In response, the Romney cam- interview. leader as a crowning achieve- make this a political item by heavy criticism from the Obama advanced notice that today behind Romney, the “super” paign accused Obama of seeking “He’s funny,” she said. “I still ment of his national secu- suggesting that I wouldn’t have campaign since becoming the I’ll be off icially suspending the political action committee to take attention away from his look at him as this, this is the boy rity policy and his campaign ordered such a raid. Of course I presumptive Republican presi- campaign as part of a press aligned with his campaign has handling of the US economy, still that I met, in high school, when has tried to raise doubts about would have. Any American, any dential nominee last month. event” in Virginia. scrubbed the many negative struggling with 8.2% unemploy- he was pulling all the jokes, and whether Romney would have thinking American, would have Both sides are engaging in “We’re still faced with a ads that attacked rivals ment. really just being crazy. Pretty made the same gutsy decision to ordered exactly the same thing.” brutal campaign tactics to try to tremendous crisis of our Gingrich and Rick Santorum, “With the worst job crea- crazy. So there’s a wild and crazy send an elite special forces team Obama backers were quick to get a leg up on the other in a race country’s future,” he added. “A the former Pennsylvania tion record in modern histo- man inside of him ... just waiting into Pakistan to kill bin Laden. point to remarks Romney made that is already extremely close re-election of Barack Obama senator who bowed out ry and the slowest econom- to come out,” Ann Romney said. Romney was in New York to in his 2008 race for president and fi gures to be for the next six would be a genuine disaster.” last month. ic recovery since the Great Romney, seeking to bolster ties mark the bin Laden anniver- when then-candidate Obama months until the Nov. 6 election, Gingrich, 68, did not mention The group Restore Our Depression, President among conservatives who were sary by reminding Americans said he would go after “high- when voters will decide whether by name his Republican Future, which backs Obama is trying to distract suspicious of him throughout a of its connection to the Sept. 11, value terrorist targets” within to give Obama a second term or rival Mitt Romney, a former Romney, yesterday had Americans from the real is- long primary battle, is to meet 2001, attacks that killed 3,000 Pakistan with or without the ap- install Romney as the new leader. Massachusetts governor just two ads on its YouTube sues with a series of with his last major conservative people and triggered the US war proval of Pakistan’s president, The Obama campaign opened and the party’s presumptive feed, both pro-Romney sideshows,” challenger, Rick Santorum, on in Afghanistan. He was to ap- Romney said he did not agree. a new front against the former nominee, but said that “all of us videos. said Romney Friday but an endorsement is not pear with then-New York Mayor “I do not concur in the words Massachusetts governor with a spokeswoman expected. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 21 BRITAIN/IRELAND

ENTERTAINMENT PEOPLE INVESTIGATION ABUSE INFRASTRUCTURE Iron Maiden singer pledges Nine new arrests after Woman admits to Minister approves 1,000 new jobs to Wales rape victim named racist rant on Tube £100mn road route

The lead singer of heavy metal rock band Iron Nine more people have been arrested as part of an A female London Underground passenger has Work on the new £100mn dual carriageway Maiden, Bruce Dickinson, yesterday announced investigation into the naming on Twitter of footballer admitted hurling racist abuse at fellow passen- between Larne and Belfast will begin next month plans to open an aviation centre in south Wales Ched Evans’ rape victim. Welsh police took three gers after a video of her appeared on the Internet. after the roads minister approved a route. The nine- that will bring up to 1,000 new jobs to the men and three women into custody after carry- Jacqueline Woodhouse, 42, directed an expletive- mile stretch of the A8 rubber stamped by Danny area. Dickinson, who has sold more than 85mn ing out early morning raids yesterday in the Rhyl, ridden rant to passengers on the Central Line Kennedy will bypass the village of Ballynure. The records worldwide, is also a commercial airline Prestatyn, and Llanddulas areas of North Wales. between St Paul’s and Mile End stations on Janu- improved link between the M2 motorway and the pilot and aviation entrepreneur. The singer said Later another woman was arrested at Broughton, ary 23. Police launched an investigation after a busy freight port will also skirt around the townland that his new company Cardiff Aviation will aim Flintshire, and a man was seized at Colwyn Bay. A seven minute long video of the verbal assault was of Bruslee. The scheme will see the A8 upgraded Opera singer Mary Plazas poses with butterflies inside to provide specialist aviation support services fifth man was also arrested at Abergele. North Wales uploaded to YouTube, where it has since been from the Coleman’s Corner roundabout near Bal- the Butterfly House at the Butterfly World Project in St which includes training and aircraft maintenance Police detective sergeant Bob Halford said: “We viewed more than 200,000 times. At Westminster lyclare to just outside Larne. It will connect the parts Albans, on the outskirts of London yesterday. Plazas to clients such as Boeing. “We’d expect to create continue to be proactive in this investigation and an- Magistrates’ Court, Woodhouse of Romford, Es- of the A8 that are already dual carriage. Kennedy will play Madam Butterfly in Anthony Minghella’s up to a thousand jobs within 18 months, based on ticipate that further arrests will be made in the near sex, admitted causing harassment. The video clip made his decision after considering a roads inspec- production of Puccini’s tragic love story which opens at the level of interest and commitment from aircraft future.” The three men arrested in South Yorkshire begins with Woodhouse shouting and swearing tor’s report on a proposed route and comes after a the London Coliseum on May 8. manufacturers and operators,” Dickinson said. last week are on police bail. in a thick Essex accent about “foreigners”. public inquiry on the plan.

Scanner May Day protest to detect Murdoch cancer in seconds tested unfi t to run

London Evening Standard London company, say new scanner which gives an instant diagnosis for Alife-threatening skin can- cer is being tested at a London hospital. Guy’s and St Thomas’ is the fi rst hospital in Britain to intro- lawmakers duce the test, which could save hundreds of lives. The £180,000 AFP was now for the House of Com- “cover up rather than seek out scanner works like a giant mag- London mons to decide on a punishment wrongdoing and discipline the nifying glass to detect cancer for those it thinks have treated perpetrators”. cells, making it easier to stop the the committee with contempt. “Corporately, the News of the spread of melanoma. ews Corporation chief Broadcasting regulators said World and News International It also produces incredibly Rupert Murdoch showed meanwhile they would consider misled the committee about the detailed images that reduce the N“wilful blindness” over the report as part of its probe into true nature and extent of the need for biopsies which can leave the News of the World phone- whether pay-TV giant BSkyB, internal investigations they pro- patients with scars. Until now, hacking scandal and is not fi t to which is part-owned by News fessed to have carried out in rela- patients with suspected melano- lead a major company, lawmak- Corporation, is still fi t to hold a tion to phone hacking,” it said. ma had to have a small sample of ers said in a scathing report yes- licence in Britain. While it did not directly accuse skin removed and examined un- terday. News Corporation said it was the Murdochs of misleading the der a microscope. The parliament’s infl uential “carefully reviewing” the report committee, it had harsh words In addition to possible scar- culture committee said Murdoch’s and would “respond shortly”. for the Australian-born tycoon. ring, patients also had to endure British newspaper division News “The company fully ac- “If at all relevant times Rupert a wait of up to three weeks to dis- International had misled lawmak- knowledges significant wrong- Murdoch did not take steps to cover if they had the life-threat- ers, adding that the 81-year-old doing at News of the World and become fully informed about ening disease. tycoon and his son James should apologises to everyone whose phone hacking, he turned a blind The number of British cases of take corporate responsibility. privacy was invaded,” it said in eye and exhibited wilful blind- skin cancer has more than quad- But the committee itself was a statement. ness to what was going on in his rupled in the last 30 years, with divided, with four members from Hinton, who resigned as head companies and publications,” it melanoma the most deadly type, Prime Minister David Cameron’s of News Corporation’s Dow said. killing about 2,000 people here Conservatives refusing to ap- Jones unit last year, said the Murdoch’s empire still com- every year. The disease can start prove the long-awaited report committee’s fi ndings were “un- prises The Sun, The Times and in existing moles and doctors against six members from other founded, unfair and erroneous”, the Sunday Times newspapers in warn that early detection is vital. parties who backed the fi ndings. while Myler, who is now editor of Britain, and the Wall Street Jour- The new scanner, called a “Rupert Murdoch is not a fi t the New York Daily News, said nal and Fox News in the US. Vivascope, is non-invasive and person to exercise the steward- he stood by his testimony. The report’s eff ective- gives instant results. ship of a major international Murdoch shut the News of ness could however be Resembling an ultrasound ma- company,” said the report, the the World in July 2011 as the hobbled by the divisions chine, it works by producing in- result of hearings that started phone-hacking scandal ex- on the committee. Con- stant images of skin layers up to a shortly after the News of the ploded with revelations servative committee depth of two millimetres, using a World shut last July. that the tabloid had member Louise Mensch high-powered but harmless laser. “News International and its accessed the voice- complained the report The dermatologist places a small parent News Corporation ex- mails of a mur- was “partisan”, adding pad on the mole or aff ected area of hibited wilful blindness, for dered schoolgirl. that she and her party skin. The laser is directed at the area which the companies’ directors Rupert and James, colleagues could not and sends back scans which high- - including Rupert Murdoch and 39 - who quit as back it as a whole light any abnormal cells. James Murdoch - should ulti- executive chair- because of the dec- Emma Craythorne, the expert mately be prepared to take re- man of News laration about Mur- evaluating the scanner, said that sponsibility.” International in doch being unfi t to the new test would reduce pre- The report singled out three February - both run a company. But cautionary biopsies and provide ex-Murdoch aides - former gave evidence to Labour member and an on-the-spot diagnosis. News International executive the committee on leading Murdoch critic The dermatologist said: “The chairman Les Hinton, the News July 19. Tom Watson, who was majority of melanomas are thin People stage a demonstration in Trafalgar Square in London yesterday. Students, trade of the World’s fi nal editor Co- The 121-page responsible for adding because they are detected early, unionists, pensioners and activists from the anti-capitalist ‘Occupy’ movement marched lin Myler and legal manager Tom report released that clause, said it was but we have a lot of people who through the centre of London before congregating and staging a demonstration in Trafalgar Crone - for deliberately mislead- yesterday accused disappointing there are worried about any changes Square to mark May Day. ing parliament. News International of was no unanimous which causes them anxiety.” The cross-party panel said it instinctively trying to vote. Police to guard voting Perfume launch Hosepipe ban to booths at Tower Hamlets stay despite deluge London Evening Standard like rain cascading.” London But he added: “The recent London Evening Standard The Met said it would in- have fl own around Tower Ham- rain is a temporary and welcome London vestigate claims the poll in the lets for many years yet previous boost for the environment and Banglatown and Spitalfi elds police inquiries have amounted hames Water launched wildlife, not a long-term fi x for ward had been rigged — giving to little more than perfunctory a campaign yesterday to water supply... it is likely that the olice offi cers are to be sta- victory to Gulam Robbani, an in- checks before saying everything Tconvince sceptical Lon- current temporary hosepipe ban tioned at every polling dependent candidate backed by is okay. At last it feels like we doners that the drought is far will need to remain in place for Pstation in Tower Hamlets the borough’s mayor Lutfur Rah- might be getting somewhere.” from over despite a month of the rest of the year.” after the Met launched an offi cial man. He won by just 43 votes. Joshua Peck, leader of the deluges. Londoners were warned to ex- investigation into allegations of council’s Labour group, said: Tube adverts show torrential pect a month of rain, although electoral fraud. “The mayoral election “The issue goes deeper than that rain falling onto a parched river- sunshine is expected today. Offi cers will man all 70 polling could be close. The issue — having a police offi cer at a poll- bed and urge people to keep us- The second half of May will be locations in the borough tomor- of postal vote fraud and ing station is not going to prevent ing water “wisely”. dominated by “showers or longer row alongside borough enforce- intimidation could be some of the things that have been They aim to address growing spells of rain,” the Met Offi ce ment offi cers to prevent voter make-or-break” going on — about whether people scepticism about the need for predicted. The Environment intimidation. are legitimately on the register.” a hosepipe ban after the capital Agency said boats should not The measures come as the One-in-seven of the postal The police investigation comes endured one of the wettest Aprils venture on the Thames upstream Met launched an investigation votes cast in the by-election was after the borough’s returning of- on record, with almost an inch of of Teddington because “strong into “unprecedented” evidence rejected. fi cer ordered a probe following a rain falling last night. fl ows make it diffi cult and dan- of voter fraud in the key London The Met investigation comes dramatic rise in postal votes at They read: “One wet month gerous”. borough less than 48 hours be- 24 hours after local government some addresses in the borough. versus two dry years. We need The fl oods claimed their fore the mayoral polls open. minister Grant Shapps launched Residents in the Spitalfi elds ward many wet months to make up fi rst fatality on Monday when a Police sources yesterday admit- an attack on the Electoral Com- of Tower Hamlets said cam- the shortfall of the driest two 52-year-old man from Middle- ted the measures were unusual. mission, saying: “We cannot af- paigners had been knocking on years since records began. Come sex was swept away as he tried to Concerned councillors have ford to be complacent.” doors and collecting ballot pa- rain or shine, please use water drive through the swollen River called for election security to be Councillor Peter Golds, the pers, off ering to post the votes on wisely.” Enborne at Headley Ford near tightened to prevent a repeat of borough’s Tory leader, said: “The their behalf. Richard Aylard, Thames Wa- Newbury. His 54-year-old wife alleged irregularities said to have mayoral election could be close. There is also allegations of ap- ter’s director of sustainability, escaped. Flood alerts have been contributed to the shock by- The issue of postal vote fraud and parent “ghost voting”, with as American model/ burleque artiste Dita Von Teese said: “We can understand why issued along much of the Thames election defeat of a Labour can- intimidation could be make-or- many as eight voters — all with attends a photo call for her inaugural fragrance “Dita Von some people are puzzled to see fl owing towards London, as far didate in a previously safe seat break.” postal votes — registered in some Teese” at Liberty’s in London yesterday. a bus with ‘We are in drought’ as Shepperton and Molesey, near earlier this month. He added: “These allegations fl ats. across its fl anks with monsoon- Hampton Court. Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 BRITAIN

LAW AND ORDER EDUCATION CHALLENGE ENTERTAINMENT CRIME Pair arrested over Best teachers deserve Blind adventurer to take Duran Duran to headline Court clerk sentenced for body on royal estate extra pay, say MPs on English Channel swim London Olympics concert watching porn during trial

The police have arrested two men on suspicion The best teachers should be rewarded with higher A 43-year-old blind Scottish adventurer is Duran Duran will headline a concert in A 54-year-old court clerk was caught watching of murdering a Latvian teenager whose remains pay than their colleagues under new proposals determined to complete his 101st extreme London’s Hyde Park to coincide with the porn by a judge during a rape trial. The man said were found at Queen Elizabeth II’s Sandringham from MPs. A report by the Commons education challenge this year by swimming the English opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games, he did so as the case was “boring”. Debasish estate. A dog walker found the body of 17-year-old select committee says evidence shows that very Channel. Dean Dunbar is training to swim the organisers announced yesterday. The 1980s Majumder viewed the explicit material while a sex Alisa Dmitrijeva in woods on the estate in Norfolk, good teachers boost grades and make a significant English Channel to raise money for soldiers, rockers will represent England at the BT London attack victim gave evidence at the Inner London eastern England, on January 1. Her remains diff erence to their pupils’ future earnings. It calls sailors, airmen and Families Association and Live concert on July 27, sharing a stage with Crown Court, the Daily Mail reported. He will were found just one mile from the main gate of for the department for education to develop the Perth & Kinross Society for the Blind. His Welsh band Stereophonics, Northern Ireland’s now be supervised for 18 months and ordered to Sandringham House, the royal residence on the plans for a pay system that rewards teachers death-defying activities include jumping off Snow Patrol and Scottish singer Paolo Nutini. sign the Sex Off enders Register for 10 years. His 19,770-acre estate. Dmitrijeva, who had been living who add the greatest value to pupil performance. cliff s, riding on the wings of a plane, waterfall Concertgoers will be able to watch the opening computer usage will also be monitored. Majumder, in the town of Wisbech was reported missing on Christine Blower, general secretary of the NUT, said: climbing and even mountain biking, The Sun ceremony live on giant screens. Organisers a resident of Haringey, had been working for September 6 last year. Norfolk Constabulary said “Performance-related pay is not only inappropriate reported, adding that he was the first registered said the performances would be timed so the the court service for 27 years. He confessed he the two men, who are aged 28 and 31 and from the but also divisive. Children and young people diff er blind person in the world to bungee jump from audience at the concert will be able to watch routinely watches internet porn when he was Wisbech area, were being questioned at a police and class intakes diff er, making it impossible to a helicopter and be thrown from a human TV coverage of the opening ceremony from the bored. The court sentenced Majumder to seven station in nearby King’s Lynn. measure progress in simplistic terms.” catapult. Olympic Park. months in prison, suspended for two years. Police hold Site inspection seven over ‘terrorism fi nancing’

Reuters seven other residential properties London in London, Coventry and Worthing on England’s southern coast and business premises in Coventry. olice yesterday said they had Meanwhile police chief con- arrested seven people on stables claimed that clandestine Psuspicion of fi nancing ter- cannabis factories are booming in rorism overseas and money laun- Britain, with the police detecting dering through the illegal export of more than 7,800 in the past year the narcotic qat to north America. - more than double the number Six men and one woman were found four years ago. held in early morning raids in Lon- The rise in illicit cannabis pro- don, the Welsh capital Cardiff and duction is being fuelled by the in- in Coventry in the English mid- creasing involvement of organised lands, police said. crime groups, who see it as a “low- The raids were part of an inves- risk and highly profi table criminal tigation run in parallel with the US business”. An army personnel leaves Bow Quarter estate in east London yesterday. Some 700 people living in the area have received leaflets informing them a ‘Higher Velocity Homeland Security Investigations But the police also acknowledge Missile system’ could be placed on their water tower to secure the Olympic Stadium from attacks. directorate into a network sus- that the recession and pressure pected of exporting qat to the US on household budgets has led to and Canada. a rise in a “grow your own” trade, “The arrests were a part of a with intelligence reports show- pre-planned, intelligence-led ing an increase in sales of seeds operation into suspected fund- and equipment from local “head raising for terrorism overseas,” the shops” to customers wanting to Metropolitan Police said. grow a few plants at home for their own use. “The arrests were a The third “problem profi le” part of a pre-planned, of UK commercial cultivation of Govt boosts immigration intelligence-led operation cannabis, published by the As- into suspected fund- sociation of Chief Police Offi cers raising for terrorism (Acpo), says police have seized overseas” more than 1.9m plants with an es- timated street value of £207mn in Qat is grown and widely chewed the past two years. in the Horn of Africa and in Yem- The survey, published every staff after Heathrow row en. It is habit-forming and ex- two years, confi rms a majority cessive use can cause insomnia, of the cannabis used in Britain is AFP we’re employing 80 more peo- Green admitted in parliament Willie Walsh said. “We have quiet period. “But after that we stress, depression and apathy. The now home-grown rather than im- London ple,” the minister added. But the on Monday that some passen- accurate, detailed information have to make sure that the per- plant, whose leaves must be con- ported, with some claiming more Home Offi ce, clarifi ed that the gers from outside the European that shows that people queued sonal experience is as smooth as sumed fresh, is legal in Britain but than 80% is intensively cultivated 80 staff were existing employees Union were forced to wait in for up to two hours and 31 min- possible.” is a controlled substance in the US domestic herbal cannabis. he government is to move of the Border Force government Heathrow’s fl agship Terminal 5 utes on Friday night,” he told Speaking earlier on BBC ra- and Canada. But police chiefs say there is a 80 extra staff into border agency who were being moved on Friday for up to an hour and a BBC radio. dio, the minister said he could Police did not disclose the origin shift away from large-scale can- Tcontrol roles in a bid to to frontline jobs from back offi ce half. But the head of British Air- Green stood by the estimate see “why people are annoyed” of the smuggled qat or where they nabis factories in disused indus- ease lengthy queues at Heath- roles and other locations. of waiting times provided by the but said the government was believed the funding was targeted, trial and commercial buildings row airport just weeks before A majority of the 80 workers “During the course of May Border Force, saying: “The fi g- working to improve the situ- but international authorities have such as empty cinemas, shops and the London Olympics, Immi- will go to Heathrow, the Home we’re employing 80 more ures are as accurate as can be.” ation, including by building a previously said profi ts from the qat banks back to smaller houses and gration Minister Damian Green Offi ce said. people” The minister, who blamed the central control room for the trade are used to fi nance militant fl ats, often on suburban streets. said yesterday. The delays at the airport, the delays on the heavy rain that Border Force at Heathrow. groups like al Shabaab in Somalia. The organised crime gangs be- “As of today, we are institut- world’s busiest in terms of in- ways’ parent company accused lashed Britain over the weekend The minister added that he A UN Monitoring Group report hind the trade in home-grown ing some changes,” Green said ternational passenger traffi c and the government of misleading which caused fl ights to bunch believed Heathrow’s owner last year estimated qat traders cannabis are reacting to police on a visit to the airport to the the main gateway for the Olym- the public over queueing times, together, said the government BAA was in talks with airlines using one Mogadishu airfi eld in crackdowns by moving away from west of London, where some pics which open on July 27, are saying some passengers had would not increase the speed of for carriers to fund an increase an area controlled by al Shabaab large-scale premises to employing passengers have been forced in proving a major embarrassment been forced to wait at Heathrow passport checks at the expense in Border Force staff . London would have paid the militant group a large number of “gardeners” to recent days to wait at least 90 for the government. for up to two-and-a-half hours. of security. mayor Boris Johnson has led around $500,000 in taxes over a operate small-scale “grow sites” minutes to have their passports Frustrated passengers resort- “The government is mis- “Security is the number one complaints about the queues, 10-month period in 2010. or factories across several residen- checked. ed to slow hand-clapping and leading people,” International priority,” he said as he visited saying Monday that they gave “a The police were also searching tial areas. “During the course of May jeering in queues last week. Airlines Group chief executive Heathrow’s Terminal 3 during a terrible impression of the UK”. Secret service ‘withheld’ Queen ‘knights’ Bond in fi lm for Olympics evidence on spy’s death London Evening Standard a mission to open the Games and London that he will be parachuted into the Stratford stadium. London Evening Standard all had also been found in Wil- of Williams’s electronic media A knighthood for the agent is London liams’s offi ce at MI6 headquar- had been examined before it was fter more than 50 years on long overdue. “Bond did sterling ters at Vauxhall Cross. Even passed to the police. Her Majesty’s Secret Serv- work for Queen and country and though the bag was similar to “I was not surprised that Aice, the MI6 agent with deserves a gong,” says Ian Flem- he MI6 examined memo- the one his body was found in- memory sticks were found but I a licence to kill may fi nally get a ing’s biographer Andrew Lycett. ry sticks owned by “body side, it was not seized by police would have expected the relevant knighthood. Buckingham Palace “The fi rst Bond book Casino Roy- Tin the bag” spy Gareth and no inventory taken of its information to be sent to our sources have told the Londoner ale came out in 1953, Coronation Williams without telling the po- contents. team,” she said. that James Bond, played by Dan- Year, so the Queen has something lice, the inquest heard yesterday. She agreed that she should iel Craig, has secretly received the to celebrate. James Bond receives The intelligence service did “I was not surprised that have been informed about the sword’s tap on his shoulder from an obituary in The Times in You not even inform the offi cer memory sticks were found memory sticks back in August the Queen. Only Live Twice in which he is in charge of the case that the but I would have expected 2010 ,when Williams died. The The actor, who has been shoot- described as Commander James memory sticks existed until yes- the relevant information to second holdall has now been re- ing new Bond movie Skyfall, was Bond CMG. Reports of his death terday — 20 months after the be sent to our team” quested by the police and will be seen at the Palace with a fi lm crew later prove to be an exaggeration death. In a dramatic move as the produced in court. last month. and he is brought back to life for inquest was about to conclude, MI6 made its own inventory Detective Colin Hall told the “Daniel Craig was here in black later instalments.” the coroner ordered MI6 to send of all Williams’s belongings in court he had been taken to Wil- tie one morning in early April,” Craig has defl ected enquiries another senior offi cer to court to his offi ce but did not pass it to liams’s office by his superin- says a source. “Judi Dench (who about his mission. “According to be questioned. the police until Monday. Mobile tendent Michael Broster, and plays M, the head of MI6) was the papers, I’ve got an invitation, A witness, known as SIS D, phones and laptops found in the two MI6 officers. He said that also here, and the talk of the pal- I’ve been, had tea, sat out with was summoned to give evidence code breaker’s Pimlico fl at were it was Broster who told him ace was that Bond was going to be the corgis,” he told LBC. “It’s all a anonymously. He will be the taken by the police. not to take the bag found under knighted that morning.” bit of... I’m just a bit nonplussed fourth witness from the intel- But police were unaware of Williams’s desk but to search it It is believed that the Queen about the whole thing.” ligence service granted such the existence of “nine assorted and then leave it. Asked by the bestowed the honour as part of A spokesman for the palace protection on the grounds of na- memory sticks” in his locker at coroner if he did not think such a fi lm for the opening ceremony said it was involved in “a number tional security. his MI6 offi ce. a bag was relevant, he replied: of the Olympics. The event’s ar- of fi lming projects during this Westminster coroner Fiona Detective chief inspector “He was a superintendent and Queen Elizabeth approaches women holding Corgi dogs as tistic director, Danny Boyle, has special Jubilee year and we would Wilcox also revealed she had Jackie Sebire, the senior investi- I’m a detective and I do what she attends the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Sherborne Abbey in been fi lming at the Palace. There not go into details of a specifi c only just been informed that a gating offi cer, told the court that I’m told.” The inquest contin- Sherbourne, Dorset yesterday. The Queen and Prince Philip are has been speculation that, as part project until nearer the time of second North Face sports hold- she had been unaware that any ues. on a tour of south-west England. of the fi lm, the Queen gives Bond transmission”. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 23 EUROPE

TURKEY New constitution to be drafted

The Turkish parliament will start drafting a new constitution aimed at guaranteeing more rights to minorities, especially Kurds, Le Pen ‘spurns’ Sarkozy a parliamentary source said yesterday. The new text would replace a constitution drawn up by the military after the 1980 coup. “The consultations with the political groups and civil society are over and the writing of the bid for far-right support text will begin in the days to come,” the source, speaking on Far-right leader won’t back Economic gloom counts condition of anonymity, said. Hollande either against him, as does a personal The draft text will then be style that seems dynamic to presented and put to vote in Reuters supporters but showy and shal- parliament. It would also have to Paris low to critics. be approved in a referendum. Whoever wins on Sunday, in- The outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ vestors see a lack of economic Party or PKK, listed as a terrorist rench far-right leader growth undermining eff orts to organisation by Turkey and by Marine Le Pen delivered cut government defi cits just as much of the world community, Fa further blow yesterday concerns are resurfacing about took up arms in Kurdish-majority to President Nicolas Sarkozy’s the wider eurozone debt crisis. southeastern Turkey in 1984, re-election hopes by refusing to Both candidates have been sparking a conflict that has endorse him and telling her 6mn criticised abroad for lacking big claimed some 45,000 lives. supporters to make their own ideas to bolster competitiveness choice in Sunday’s ballot. and rein in state spending. Conservative Sarkozy, who Sarkozy, who used his Labour ITALY faces off with Socialist Francois Day speech to renew his calls for Hollande on May 6, needs most more entrepreneurial spirit in a Population 59mn of the 18% of voters who backed Le Pen: will back neither candidate by spoiling her vote. country where one worker in fi ve Sarkozy: needs most of Le Pen’s supporters to vote for him. due to migrants National Front leader Le Pen last is a public employee, has stressed week to support him in the run- outdoor rally, on a holiday that and we’ll be just a country of his experience of running the changes to his campaign tactics. “The French have started Italy’s population has reached off if he is to overtake fi rst-round turned the streets of Paris into a poor people,” said Rousseau. economy during the campaign But Sarkozy is tacking with their emancipation,” said the 59.4mn, an increase of 4,3% since winner Hollande. peaceful political battleground: “Why would they stay with us, while Hollande has said Sarkozy diffi culty between ideas that 43-year-old who has rejuvenat- 2001 due largely to the number But Le Pen, who came third “I will fi ght to the last second to be taxed 75%? They’re all jeal- must bear the blame for strained appeal to National Front voters’ ed the party her father founded of migrants in the country which on April 22 with a score that of the last minute because I love ous, but the Socialists eat caviar public fi nances. dislike of immigrants and those and who wants France to aban- has almost tripled over the last eclipsed her father’s record at France.” everyday.” For his own Labour Day mes- which can bolster his support in don the euro currency. decade, a census published the head of the populist protest “Nicolas, president!” they Analysts calculate that sage, Hollande, 57, paid respects the liberal centre. Scorning the mainstream par- Friday showed. movement, told a rally in Paris chanted back on a square across Sarkozy needs as many as 80% at the tomb of popular Social- Yesterday he appeared to rule ties, the UMP and the Socialist Migrants living in Italy currently yesterday that she personally the Seine from the Eiff el Tower. of Le Pen’s fi rst-round voters ist prime minister Pierre Be- out a deal to make losing centrist PS as an indistinguishable, pro- number 3.7mn compared to the would spoil her ballot paper in “We’re going to win!” behind him to win. But polls in- regovoy – who shot himself on candidate Francois Bayrou his EU bloc, she coined an acronym 1.3mn that resided in the country the second round by choosing Hollande has a six- to dicate only about half of them May 1, 1993 – and derided the prime minister. for them and prophesied further in 2001 when the previous census to vote for neither of the two re- 10-point opinion poll lead over intend to vote for him, while as president’s stress on work when Polls show the 9.1% of vot- gains for a party that hopes to was held, Italy’s national statistics maining contenders. the president for the May 6 sec- many as one in fi ve could back unemployment was at a 12-year ers who chose Bayrou in the return to parliament for this fi rst off ice ISTAT said. “I will not grant my trust, or ond round, profi ting from disil- Hollande. high. fi rst round are now split evenly time since France briefl y experi- In 2001 there were 23.4 migrants a mandate, to these two candi- lusion with Sarkozy’s economic With a parliamentary election The two candidates, who will three ways, with a third backing mented with proportional rep- among every 1,000 residents, dates,” she told supporters at an record. to come in June, National Front hold a single televised debate to- Sarkozy, a third Hollande and a resentation in the 1980s. while the figure has now reached annual commemoration of Joan Hollande also promises to leaders believe they can break day, also exchanged barbs over third undecided or not voting. “The UMPS will not succeed,” 63.4, ISTAT said. of Arc, the national saint her boost growth and raise funds through and win seats in the trade union charges that Sarkozy In a fi ery speech to thousands said Le Pen, whose 83-yaer- Rome remains Italy’s largest group favours to the May Day with a new 75% tax on incomes legislature, especially if a heavy was trying to hijack Labour Day of supporters waving French old father Jean-Marie stood by city with 2.6mn inhabitants. The celebrations held by interna- above 1mn euros. defeat for Sarkozy plunges his for his campaign. fl ags, Le Pen slammed Sarkozy’s her side. “All their eff orts can- country’s tiniest municipality in tional labour and leftist parties. Supporters of Sarkozy’s UMP centre-right UMP into deeper Tens of thousands of union- calls for more border control not stop us growing and cannot terms of population is Pedesina, “On Sunday, I will cast a blank party at the rally on Trocadero disarray. ists marched in Paris and other as pure theatrics and labelled block our path to power. a town in the northern Lombardy ballot,” she said, while stop- Square, like 67-year-old Jacque- Sarkozy, 57, is the most un- cities. him and Hollande lackeys of the “Our last chance to stop the region with a population of 30. ping short of urging followers line Rousseau, fear such policies popular president to seek re- Hollande can count on much European Central Bank, the In- implosion of France is to bring to do likewise. “I have made my will hurt France and accuse Hol- election and fi rst in the 54 years of the 15.5% of the fi rst-round ternational Monetary Fund and lawmakers into parliament en choice. Each of you will make lande of double standards. of the present electoral system to vote that went to leftist candi- European Commission – argu- masse to stand up to a presi- ESTONIA yours.” “If Nicolas Sarkozy doesn’t fail to fi nish fi rst in a fi rst-round dates to add to his own 28.6% ments that have lately bolstered dency dominated by Europe and President shuns Sarkozy fi red back at his own make it, all the rich will leave vote. score without having to make radical parties across Europe. markets.” Ukraine summit Estonian President Toomas- Low points for high joints Hendrik Ilves is among European leaders who will not attend a Macedonia arrests Yalta summit in mid-May, his off ice said yesterday, citing a busy schedule as a reason. religious radicals “Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves has got an invitation to attend the summit suspected in murder of East and Central Europe states in Ukraine but President Ilves cannot attend because AFP suspects as “Skopje followers he will attend the Lennart Meri Skopje of radical Islam” but did not conference held at the same time reveal their names or ethnicity. in Tallinn,” the off ice told Estonian “Among those 20 people a media. acedonian police an- few are directly involved in the Ukraine faces growing isolation nounced yesterday horrifi c killings and for some as several EU presidents and the Mthat they arrested 20 we do not have details,” Janku- EU chief have voiced plans to radical Muslims, suspected to lovska said. miss the Yalta summit and the be members of a terrorist group On April 12 fi ve men, one 45 Euro 2012 football tournament which has been linked to the years old and the others aged over its treatment of jailed ex- murder of fi ve Macedonians in between 18 and 22, were found premier Yulia Tymoshenko. early April. dead from gunshot wounds at a “The ministry of the inte- popular fi shing pond near Sko- rior found the perpetrators of pje. RUSSIA the horrifi c killings at Smilko- The authorities said they vsko lake” near Skopje, Interior seized weapons and radical Is- Arrests at protest Minister Gordana Jankulovska lamic literature. against gay law told a press conference. The murders sparked fears Twenty radical Muslims, that tensions between Mac- At least 17 demonstrators were mostly Macedonian citi- edonians and minority ethnic arrested yesterday in the Russian zens, some of whom had been Albanians could fl are up again. city of Saint Petersburg as they “fi ghting in Afghanistan and The atmosphere has for agitated against laws that ban so- Pakistan against Nato soldiers”, some time been tense in the called homosexual propaganda. were arrested. former Yugoslav republic, Participants in the protest They were nabbed on Mon- where relations between the waved rainbow banners reading day after a massive security two main communities remain “Homophobia is illegal”, said a A demonstrator holds a giant cardboard joint protesting the new policy of the Dutch ‘coff ee shops’, in Maastricht yesterday. A Dutch operation involving some 800 scarred from a 2001 armed police spokesman cited by the district court has thrown out a bid by coff ee shop owners to fight the introduction of a ‘cannabis card’ aimed at stopping foreigners from police offi cers and other inte- confl ict between government Ria Nowosti news agency. Those buying the drug in the country. New cannabis-for-locals-only laws rolled out yesterday in three provinces. rior ministry offi cials. security forces and ethnic Al- arrested face fines. The minister described the banian rebels.

Spanish royal seeking Fund fi ghting killer GULF CINEMA: Tezz (Hindi) 2.30, 8.30 & 11pm; Maya Mohini deal with prosecutors (Malayalam) 5pm; DOHA CINEMA: Maya Mohini (Malayalam) 2.30, 8.30 & 11pm; Tezz (Hindi) 5.30pm. headed by Urdangarin from 2004 DPA diseases downsizes MALL CINEMA (1): 5 Days Of War 2.30pm; Devil’s Double Madrid to 2006, received 5.8mn euros ($7.5mn) in public funds between 4.30pm; Safe 6.45, 9 & 11.15pm.. 2004 and 2007. Reuters Jaramillo took over in Janu- Microsoft chairman’s charity MALL CINEMA (2): Tucker & Dale Vs Evil 3, 5 & 11pm; Burning son-in-law of Spain’s The state’s attorney in Palma Geneva ary after an investigation found has contributed since the fund’s Bright 7 & 9pm. King Juan Carlos is seek- de Majorca confi rmed yesterday a “grave misuse of funds” at launch 10 years ago. MALL CINEMA (3): Outback (3D) 3 & 5pm; Lucky One (2D) 7, Aing to make a deal with that lawyers for the pair had ap- the fund, a unique public-pri- But more is needed from gov- prosecutors who are investigat- proached them to discuss a pos- he Global Fund, an or- vate fi nancial institution that ernments, which have provided 9.15 & 11.30pm. ing him over allegations that he sible agreement. ganisation that has re- spends donor money on tack- the bulk of the $22.6bn that ROYAL PLAZA Cinema Palace (1): Pirates! Band Of Misfits had been involved with a corrup- According to media reports, Tceived millions of dollars ling three of the world’s biggest has been raised by the Geneva- (3D) 3 & 5pm; Lucky One (2D) 7, 9 & 11.15pm. tion network, prosecutors con- Urdangarin and Torres have from Bill Gates but has been ac- killer diseases. based organisation to date for ROYAL PLAZA Cinema Palace (2): Tucker & Dale Vs Evil fi rmed yesterday. agreed to no longer dispute the cused of misusing donor funds, The revelation prompted its work in 150 countries, paying Inaki Urdangarin, 44, who is charges; are prepared to enter is cutting its workforce and governments such as Sweden for 3.5mn anti-retroviral drug 2.30, 9 & 11.30pm; Devil’s Double 4.30 & 6.45pm. married to Princess Cristina and guilty pleas; and, are ready to pay tightening its focus on 20 coun- and Germany to freeze their treatments and 9mn tuberculo- ROYAL PLAZA Cinema Palace (3): Flypaper 2.30, 4.15 & has the title of Duke of Palma de back the diverted funds. tries hardest hit by Aids, tuber- contributions to the fund, forc- sis treatments. 6.15pm; Flowers Of War 8 & 11pm. Majorca, faces charges of using a In exchange, the newspapers culosis and malaria. ing the fund to scrap new grants A source close to the fund CINEMA LANDMARK (1): Out Back 3 & 5pm; Safe 7, 9 & 11pm. non-profi t institute to organise reported, prosecutors would not The Global Fund’s general until 2014. said that the re-organisation events related to sports and tour- seek jail time, but only suspend- manager Gabriel Jaramillo said Jaramillo’s promise to bring would involve about 120-130 CINEMA LANDMARK (2): Outback (3D) 2.30 & 4.15pm; The ism in the Balearic Islands and ed sentences. in a statement that the fund had effi ciency, accountability and redundancies, largely in strat- Cold Light Of Day (2D) 6pm; Titanic (3D) 8pm; Lucky One (2D) eastern Valencia, diverting pub- The case has highlighted ten- completed a re-organisation results got a swift vote of con- egy and research jobs, but more 11.30pm. lic and private funds to a network sions within the royal family, that would rebalance its work- fi dence from the Bill & Melin- posts would also be added, so CINEMA LANDMARK (3): The Raven 2.30pm; Lucky One of companies he created with his with the Zarzuela royal palace force with 39% more people da Gates Foundation, which the fund would shrink from business partner, Diego Torres. distancing itself from Urdan- managing grants and 38% fewer pledged $750mn in January, about 650 to about 600 staff 4.45 & 7pm; Burning Bright 9.15 & 11.15pm. The Noos Institute, which was garin as the case progressed. in support roles. more than the $650mn that the overall. Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 WORLD

DANGEROUS TERRAIN INNOCENT VICTIM GORY TALE DENIAL APPEAL Suicide bomber kills visiting Kenya church grenade Victim tells of rape as in Ex-rebel leader says ‘not UN again urges aid for MPs in central Somalia blast toll rises to 2: medic Bemba’s war crimes trial involved’ in Congo unrest Ivory Coast refugees

A suicide bomber killed at least three people and The death toll after a grenade attack on A Central African war crimes victim yesterday A former rebel leader wanted for war crimes by The UN yesterday renewed an appeal for aid to wounded more at a hotel in the central Somali worshippers during a church service in the described how she was raped by soldiers after the International Criminal Court yesterday denied people in the west of Ivory Coast in the wake town of Dusamareb, where lawmakers visiting Kenyan capital on Sunday has risen to two, her village was overrun by forces believed any involvement in the deadly fighting which has of post-election violence in the west African from the capital had gathered, witnesses and a medical official said yesterday. “We lost connected to Congolese ex-vice president plagued the eastern DR Congo in recent days. “I country. The world body received only $31mn off icials said yesterday. Member of parliament one of the patients, he had suffered serious Jean-Pierre Bemba, on trial at the International am not involved in the clashes pitting the FARDC of the $173mn it sought in an appeal in January, Dahir Amin Gesow told Reuters he was in the injuries,” the medic said, who asked not to be Criminal Court in The Hague. Bemba faces three (regular army) against the soldiers who defected,” humanitarian coordinator Ndolamb Ngokwey hotel cafe when the bomber walked in blew named. One man was killed on the spot in the counts of war crimes and two of crimes against Jean-Bosco Ntaganda told AFP, in reference to said in a statement. “Even though political himself up. He said several people were killed, attack on the God House of Miracle Church humanity for atrocities committed by members army deserters who previously fought in his rebel stability has allowed a large number of refugees including some lawmakers. The commander in Nairobi’s Ngara neighbourhood. Kenyan of his private army in the neighbouring Central group. Ntaganda headed the CNDP rebel militia, and displaced people to go home, it’s more of the pro-government militia which controls police have blamed the attacks on Somalia’s Al African Republic between October 2002 and which was incorporated into the army in 2009 diff icult to make sure they integrate completely,” Dusamareb, the capital of Galgadud, said at Qaeda-linked Shebaab or their sympathisers, March 2003. Bemba has pleaded not guilty to following a peace deal with Kinshasa. “I am at my Ngokwey said. The region remains volatile. Last least three were killed in the blast. “The bomber claiming the attacks are a response to the the charges, with his lawyers saying his forces in farm near Mushaki,” in Kivu Nord. “My superiors Tuesday night armed men attacked the village targeted these off icials from Mogadishu,” said Kenyan army’s intervention in Somalia. The the CAR were under then-CAR president Ange- in the army know I’m here and have authorised of Sakre, near the border with Liberia, leaving Abdiweli Siyad, commander of the Sufi militia Shebaab have not claimed responsibility for Felix Patasse’s command when the atrocities me to stay. Even the head of state (President seven people dead and causing some 6,300 group Ahlu Sunna Waljamaca. the attack. were committed. Joseph Kabila) knows that.” people to flee. Europeans protest against austerity at May Day rallies Marches in Spain, Italy, France, Greece and Portugal; Protesters carry banners opposing budget cuts Protesters hold signs which read ‘No to cuts’, ‘Justice’ and ‘Right to health and education’ during a May Reuters Day demonstration on Labour Day in central Madrid. Athens leader Marine Le Pen, whose The 700,000-strong CGTP a quarter last year alone and one supporters are key for the result, union, which refused to sign a Greek youth in two is out of work. orkers across southern told her party’s annual rally on pact on labour market reforms “These politicians cannot Europe protested yes- Tuesday she would cast a blank required under a 78bn euro EU/ help us,” said Dina Bitsi, 58, a Wterday against spend- vote. IMF bailout this year, rallied pensioner with two unemployed ing cuts in May Day rallies, before The marches come against a across Portugal under the slo- sons. “They approved the auster- weekend elections in Greece and backdrop of growing frustration gan “Against exploitation and ity package and the bailout. We France where voters are expected towards austerity that more fi s- impoverishment, for a policy are turning our backs on them.” to punish leaders for austerity. cally conservative northern euro change”. The two biggest Greek parties, Unions in Spain, Portugal, zone members say is necessary “Austerity is not a solution for the Socialist PASOK and the con- Italy, France and Greece used the to bring defi cits down to meet EU Portugal or Europe,” said Joao servative New Democracy, have traditional marches to express limits and end the debt crisis. Proenca, chief of the UGT union, ruled Greece for decades but anger over a savings drive across Unemployment has soared and the second biggest. “The pivotal are expected to struggle to win the eurozone, aimed at shoring loan defaults are on the rise. In issue is to promote job creation.” enough support to renew their up public fi nances but criticised Italy there are frequent reports of Portugal is implementing pro-bailout coalition. for forcing countries deeper into suicides as people lose their jobs tough austerity measures, which Greece’s lenders have said that recession. or their businesses fail. have deepened its recession and if the country fails to stick to the Italian demonstrators briefl y A right-wing group in the pushed unemployment to all- reforms pledged in return for clashed with police in riot gear in northern Emilia-Romagna re- time highs of around 15%. 130bn euros in aid, the country Turin and thousands marched in Teachers chant anti-austerity slogans while marching in central Athens during a May Day rally. gion plastered posters outside Spain’s jobless rate rose to near might be forced to abandon the the central city of Rieti to listen to several cemeteries reading “Hap- 25% in the fi rst quarter, more euro. the leaders of the country’s three largest union, the CGT advised reading “Revolt now” and “Tax way I’m voting for one of the two py May Day, workers who have than double the EU average, as Most Greeks want to keep the main unions denounce Prime its members to vote him out of the rich”. main parties.” committed suicide”. the economy sank into reces- single currency, despite opposing Minister Mario Monti’s reforms. power on Sunday, the fi rst time Greece will vote on Sunday in a In France, Sarkozy addressed a Protesters in Turin shouted sion. Some economists, includ- the austerity measures they have French trade unions organised a union has openly urged a vote parliamentary election that risks rally near the Eiff el Tower with a down the local mayor as he led a ing those at the International been forced to endure since the about 290 demonstrations from against a candidate. derailing the international bail- message to unite and work harder parade, accusing him of not do- Monetary Fund, have questioned country’s fi rst EU/IMF bailout in Marseille in the south to Stras- In Madrid, tens of thousands out keeping the country afl oat by to pull France out of the fi nancial ing enough to create jobs in the whether deep cuts should be 2010. bourg in the east. In Paris, police headed in the rain to the main punishing the parties that backed crisis. city that is the home of Italian car made at the expense of growth. “We want to stay in the Eu- said 48,000 people turned out, square waving signs opposing the package. French voters seem poised to giant Fiat. In Greece, repeated rounds ropean Union and the euro. We up from 12,000 last year. cuts, while thousands turned “Our message will be stronger chose policies favouring eco- In Portugal, thousands of peo- of cuts have slashed wages and realise there is a crisis but it’s un- President Nicolas Sarkozy at- out in Lisbon. In Athens around on Sunday,” said Maria Drakaki, nomic growth over austerity with ple rallied in Lisbon, some with pensions and deepened a reces- acceptable that even now the rich tracted almost 100,000 to a rival 5,000 workers, pensioners and 45, a public sector worker whose Socialist Francois Hollande lead- placards saying “Stop the rob- sion that is now in its fi fth year. have become richer and the poor rally for “real workers” after the students marched with banners salary has been cut. “There’s no ing Sarkozy in the polls. Far-right bery, no more stolen wages”. Private sector wages shrunk by poorer,” Bitsi said.

Anti-coal seam gas protesters march yesterday to the New South Wales state Parliament as part of a ‘Save our Land’ rally to mark May Day in Sydney. W X Workers from the Nigerian fishing industry raise a fish to salute Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola during workers rally to mark May Day in Lagos. The theme of this year May Day is ‘Right to Work, Food and Education: Panacea to Insecurity’.

Mali junta says counter-coup defeated Nigeria troops attack Boko Haram hideout

Reuters 22 coup that ousted Toure, adding Among the captives there are foreign Reuters forces and more recently the north’s “The most diffi cult task we face with Bamako that there was evidence that foreign troops that we’ll show on TV.” Kano Christian minority. these terrorists is they know us but we fi ghters were backing the eff ort. Djibril Bassole, Burkina Faso’s for- “Our men just raided one of the hide- don’t know them. They’re not rooted Speaking to a local radio station eign minister and a leading mediator outs of the elements ... where we dis- in a particular place,” Kano army com- eavy gunfi re erupted yester- overnight, junta chief Captain Ama- in the Malian crisis for West Africa’s igerian forces yesterday raided covered explosives and weapons,” said mander Brigadier General Ilyasu Abba day near Mali’s state televi- dou Sanogo said the fi ghting broke Ecowas bloc, said the bloc had sent the hideout of Islamist militants Lieutenant Iweha Ikedichi, a spokesman said, facing the house pocked with bul- Hsion in Bamako on the second out after he had sent some units to no troops to Mali yet. Nin Kano, killing the suspected for the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Kano, let and bomb craters. day of fi ghting between forces from the presidential guard barracks to “Ecowas has not sent any troops mastermind of an attack on Christian Nigeria’s second biggest city. “We have rooted them out of here to- the ruling junta and soldiers believed tell them that Malian forces should on the ground. No decision has been worshippers, in a gun battle that lasted “The main suspect has been killed,” day, but tomorrow they could be some- to be loyal to ousted President Ama- remain united. taken in that light,” Bassole told Reu- several hours in the main northern city. he added, referring to the suspected where else,” he said, adding that one dou Toumani Toure, witnesses said. ters by telephone from the Burkina The raid followed a spate of attacks in mastermind of an attack on a univer- suspect was arrested but two had es- Shooting cracked out from the “As Ecowas mediators, we Faso capital Ouagadougou. the past days, believed to be by Islamist sity in Kano on Sunday, when gunmen caped through the back door. direction of the television building, are still available to continue Bassole said talks planned for sect Boko Haram, which killed 30 people sprayed bullets in a lecture theatre being Police Commissioner for Kano State Reuters witnesses said, and people the dialogue, which will help yesterday in Ouagadougou between and dampened hopes that tighter secu- used for Christian worship. Ibrahim Idris told Radio Nigeria that were fl eeing the area along the road Mali normalise its political the junta and Ecowas mediators had rity in the north had drastically reduced That attack and another one on Sun- AK-47 assault rifl es, 467 munitions and to the building. institutions” been cancelled because a plane sent the sect’s capability. day against a church in northeast Mai- 45 cans full of explosives were seized in “We were on our way there, but the previous day to collect members Residents of the Bubugaje slum area duguri, Boko Haram’s spiritual head- the raid in Kano, an ancient Islamic city were told there is fi ghting going on “During the exchange between my of the junta for the meeting had not of Kano awoke to several loud explo- quarters, killed 19 people between them. once at the heart of the merchant cara- around the ORTM (state television) guys and the paratroopers, some of been allowed to land in Bamako. sions and the sound of gunfi re. “It is Nigerian forces took journalists to the van routes stretching across the Sahara and we were told to go back,” one them decided to battle us once and “As Ecowas mediators, we are still really terrifying ... everyone is indoors,” scene of the battle, a hot, dusty slum at from Africa’s interior to the Mediterra- witness said. Another witness said for all,” he said. available to continue the dialogue, said Anthonia Okafor, a student at Kano the edge of a rusting industrial estate. nean. there was also shooting in other parts “They tried to seize Kati (army which will help Mali normalise its university. They brought out three women and two “Based on intelligence reports on the of the city. base), take control of the radio and political institutions and bring the Hundreds have died in violence across children they said had been rescued suspects’ hideout, a joint team compris- The military junta said the fi ght- television and the airport. But we army to submit itself under the au- the north and in the capital Abuja since from the house, which was partly de- ing soldiers, police and the State Secu- ing, which broke out late on Monday, had been prepared. We managed thority of a civilian government,” the Islamists launched their uprising molished by fi ghting. The front wall was rity Service commenced that operation was an attempt to reverse a March to kill some and captured others. Bassole said. in 2009, targeting authorities, security blasted off ; the iron roof, collapsed. this morning,” he said. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 25 PHILIPPINES/EAST ASIA

NUCLEAR DEMO TRAGEDY UNREST PROTEST South Korea envoy to visit Indonesia stages Asia’s Children, baby among 13 Motorcycle bomb kills two Thousands of Cambodian Beijing amid N-test concern biggest Labour Day rally killed in Indonesia bus fire soldiers in Thai south workers take part in march

South Korea’s chief nuclear envoy will travel to Thousands of Indonesian workers held Asia’s big- A bus fire on Indonesia’s Sumatra island killed 13 Two Thai military rangers were killed and six were Thousands of workers marched through the streets China this week, the foreign ministry said yester- gest May Day rally yesterday, demanding better people early yesterday including four children wounded yesterday when a bomb planted in a of Phnom Penh yesterday to press for higher day, amid growing concern North Korea may test pay and protection of job security, watched warily and a baby, police said, with survivors forced to motorcycle exploded in the southern province of wages and better working conditions on Interna- a nuclear bomb following its failed rocket launch by a heavy police and army contingent. Colour- smash locked windows to escape the blaze. Pattani, a police off icer said. At least 5,000 people tional Labour Day. Up to 6,000 workers paraded last month. Lim Sung-nam will meet his counter- ful protests organised by trades unions and “Thirteen of the 45 passengers died, trapped have been killed in southern Thailand since 2004 down the Cambodian capital’s riverfront clutching part Wu Dawei during the two-day visit starting left-wing parties across Asia shared the theme on the bus after a fire broke out. The driver in violence attributed to Muslim separatists. Police balloons and holding banners that demanded pay today, said ministry spokeswoman Han Hye-Jin. of better wages and conditions, and denuncia- wasn’t able to extinguish the fire and it began said that the soldiers from a ranger unit were increases to help reduce poverty. Union members They would assess the situation following the tions of government policy, as living costs spike to spread,” West Sumatra police spokesman travelling in a pickup truck, heading to an outpost then submitted a petition to the National Assembly launch on April 13 and discuss further action, in fast-growing economies. Carrying banners Mainar Sugianto said. “The fire broke out in the when a bomb of up to 10kg (22lb) was remotely calling for better working standards and the creation she said. China is the North’s closest ally but saying “raise our salaries” and “stop outsourcing front of the bus and no one could get out from detonated on a road near a military camp. of a labour court. “We think wages for private sector supported a United Nations Security Council contracts”, more than 9,000 workers gathered at the back door because it was blocked with About 30,000 troops are in the region, trying to employees should be at least $131 a month for it to statement which strongly condemned the launch Jakarta’s main roundabout before marching to boxes and bags of goods,” Fikri, a survivor, told crush the insurgency, but they have had be possible to live,” said Ath Thorn, president and tightened existing sanctions. the state palace. Elshinta radio. little success. of the Cambodian Labour Confederation. May Day protest UN chief hails Suu Kyi’s compromise After his first ever talks with the Nobel laureate, Ban Ki-moon hailed Suu Kyi as a ‘real leader’ who had shown ‘flexibility’ in climbing down over a refusal to take a parliamentary oath

AFP Yangon

N chief Ban Ki-moon Militants and labour union members gather around a burning eff igy of Philippine President Benigno Aquino in Manila yesterday, as praised Myanmar pro- part of the May Day protests demanding higher wages and policies that would make it harder to fire workers. Udemocracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday for back- ing down over a boycott of par- liament which had threatened to stall the fragile reform process. After his fi rst ever talks with the Nobel laureate, Ban hailed Suu Kyi as a “real leader” who Manila seeks American help had shown “fl exibility” in climb- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses reporters ing down over a refusal to take a after meeting Myanmar’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi at parliamentary oath therein end- her house in Yangon yesterday. ing a political impasse. In a rare retreat, Suu Kyi an- which we can achieve our goal one of her priorities is to push in building armed forces nounced on Monday that her without violence,” she said. for an amendment of the 2008 National League for Democracy The UN chief, who on Monday constitution, under which one party would take its seats in par- became the fi rst visiting foreign- quarter of the seats in parlia- AFP “For the Philippines to be with China over islands in the what aid they had sought from liament—dominated by the mil- er to address Myanmar’s legisla- ment are reserved for unelected Washington minimally relied upon as a US South China Sea as he called for Washington to bolster Manila’s itary and its political allies—and ture, also lauded the reformist military offi cials. regional partner... it therefore the need to “intensify our mu- ability to patrol its waters and pledge to “safeguard” the army- eff orts of President Thein Sein Ban, who also invited Suu Kyi behooves us to resort to all pos- tual trust to uphold maritime deter what they call intrusions. created constitution. and pledged to support Myan- to visit the UN, is the latest in he Philippines, lament- sible means to build at the very security and the freedom of “The assistance we have “I know that it must have been mar’s government through its a string of top foreign visitors ing the poor state of its least a most minimal credible navigation.” sought is to help us bring the a very diffi cult decision,” Ban “irreversible” transition to de- to Myanmar amid a thaw in the Tarmed forces, appealed defence posture,” del Rosario “We should be able to work case to international legal bod- said. mocracy. army-dominated nation’s rela- yesterday for US and interna- said. “On our own, we will do together to build the Philippines ies so that the approach is the “But a real leader demon- He added that meetings with tions with the West. tional help in building a “mini- the best we can,” the top Philip- minimum credible defence legal rules-based approach in strates fl exibility for the greater Thein Sein and the NLD leader In a landmark speech to par- mum credible defence” amid pine diplomat said. posture, especially in uphold- resolving the issue in the South cause of the people. This is what had left him “convinced that liament on Monday following an escalating territorial dispute “Developing a minimum ing maritime security,” Gazmin China Sea,” Gazmin said. she has done yesterday and I re- they will continue to make talks with Thein Sein, the UN with China. credible defence posture may said. The Philippines and China Clinton, the US secretary of ally admire and respect her deci- progress.” chief paid tribute to Suu Kyi and Philippine Foreign Secretary however be hastened mainly have been embroiled in a dispute state, told reporters that the sion. Tuesday’s face-to-face talks the NLD for participating in the Alberto del Rosario and defence through an enhancement of the over a shoal in the South China fi rst meeting of the two coun- “I am sure she’ll play a very were the fi rst between Suu Kyi by-elections. Secretary Voltaire Gazmin made activities we do together with Sea, with both nations station- tries’ four key national security constructive and active role as and Ban, who left frustrated af- He also welcomed moves by the pitch in unprecedented joint our singular treaty and through ing vessels there for nearly three offi cials is “a testament to our a parliamentarian for the bet- ter a previous visit in 2009 when the international community to talks in Washington with their a positive consideration of in- weeks to assert their sovereign- shared commitment to write a terment and well-being of this the generals who ruled the na- reward sweeping changes in the US counterparts Hillary Clinton creased assistance that we seek ty. new chapter” in their partner- great country.” tion for decades refused to allow country since the end of direct and Leon Panetta. at this time as well,” he said. The Philippines says Scar- ship. She voiced concern about Suu Kyi, who won a parlia- him to see the veteran activist army rule last year, and called for Del Rosario lamented how the The two nations, which com- borough Shoal is its territory Scarborough Shoal, repeating mentary seat in historic April 1 while in detention. the West to go further in easing international news media has pleted extensive war games ear- because it falls well within its that Washington does not take by-elections, is now expected to The opposition leader had or lifting sanctions. accurately described the poor lier this month, are bound by a 200-nautical-mile exclusive sides on competing sovereignty take the oath today, according to dropped her boycott of parlia- But after their meeting Suu state of the Philippine armed mutual defence treaty in which economic zone, as recognised claims there but has a national NLD sources. ment saying her party did not Kyi sounded a note of caution forces. the US has pledged to come to by international law. interest in maintaining freedom Appearing alongside Ban after want to cause “a political prob- over the deepening of aid to “It sounds terribly painful for the aid of its weaker ally if it The Philippines has called for of navigation as well as peace their near hour-long talks at her lem or tension”, ending the fi rst Myanmar, urging international the Philippines, but more pain- faces military aggression. arbitration through the UN to and stability. lakeside villa in Yangon, Suu Kyi rift with the government since support to be carefully targeted. ful is the fact that this is true, “We are concurrently seeking end the dispute, but China has “The US supports a collabo- said she was willing to compro- the April by-elections. “Whenever aid comes to Bur- and we only have ourselves to a higher level of assistance from refused. rative diplomatic process by all mise for the sake of reform. “Our voters voted for us be- ma... it should come in such a blame for it,” del Rosario said other international partners,” In a press conference after those involved for resolving the “We have always believed in cause they want to see us in par- way to empower the people and candidly as Clinton and Panetta del Rosario added. the talks, the Philippine offi cials various disputes that they en- fl exibility, in the political proc- liament,” she said. decrease dependency on the listened across a table. Gazmin alluded to tension stressed diplomacy when asked counter,” she said. ess... that is the only way in The democracy icon has said government,” she said. Beijing, US in talks ‘to Matters of the heart! Aquino warns of job losses if wages hiked allow Chen to leave’ DPA the prices of goods and services? Manila Wouldn’t they cut costs by laying off employees?” Aquino said in his AFP stands that there is no way he in the eastern province of Shan- Labour Day speech. Beijing could return to Dongshigu now,” dong on April 22, and is now hilippine President Be- “Has anybody explained that Fu said by telephone, referring said to be under US protection nigno Aquino III yesterday there would be 527,000 Filipinos to Chen’s hometown. in Beijing. His wife and young Pwarned that more than who could lose jobs this year and eijing and Washington are “But he won’t leave without daughter are believed still to be half a million Filipinos could lose next year if this is implement- working on a deal to al- his family—if he had thought in Dongshigu. their jobs if daily wages were in- ed?” he added. Blow rights activist Chen about that he would already The aff air threatens to over- creased across-the-board by al- Aquino said the current mini- Guangcheng to leave China for have gone. shadow annual talks on the most $3. mum wage of between $9 and the US with his family after he “The most viable scenario is Sino-US relationship between Aquino said the 125-peso $10 was already higher than in fl ed house arrest, a fellow activ- to negotiate a quick deal to al- US Secretary of State Hillary ($2.94) across-the-board wage other South-East Asian nations. ist said yesterday. low China to make a face-saving Clinton, Treasury Secretary increase being demanded by “Who will want to invest here if Bob Fu, who runs the US- agreement.” Timothy Geithner, and their labour groups would cost the the labour cost is too high?” he based group China Aid and has That could involve China al- Chinese counterparts tomor- economy 1.43tn pesos every year. said. been in contact with Chen and lowing the family to leave for row and Friday. “How can the businessmen re- Aquino’s speech disappointed his supporters, said both sides medical treatment in the US, Neither the US nor Chi- cover this? Wouldn’t they raise thousands of workers. were keen for a swift agreement said Fu, a former Tiananmen na has so far commented on ahead of key US-China talks Square democracy activist who Chen’s whereabouts, under- that start tomorrow in Beijing. fl ed China in 1996 and now lives scoring the sensitivity of the Jakarta keeps US beef ban amid fears Chen had initially been re- in Texas. situation. luctant to leave China, but now Fu did not reveal who his But Clinton has in the past Indonesia will not lift a ban on certain US beef imports until the US de- accepted it would be diffi cult for sources were, but said he had repeatedly criticised China’s clares the products free from mad cow disease, the agriculture ministry him to stay, and was prepared contacts with offi cials in China treatment of Chen, who won said yesterday. Indonesia suspended US imports of boned meat and in- to go into exile in the US as long and Washington who said both worldwide acclaim for expos- nards on April 26, two days after the fourth-ever case in the US of bovine as his family could accompany sides were “working very ac- ing forced sterilisations and A young couple embrace besides a painting of a heart by spongiform encephalopathy, known as mad cow disease, was reported him, Fu said. tively to fi nd a solution”. late-term abortions under an unidentified artist at the Art Beijing 2012 expo in China in California. “The US government has yet to overcome the problem. It “The situation has changed Chen, 40, a self-taught law- China’s policy restricting the yesterday. hasn’t given us assurance that the products are disease-free,” Indonesia’s on the past few days. He under- yer, escaped from house arrest size of most families. agriculture minister Suswono told reporters. Gulf Times 26 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 INDIA

TORTURE COURAGE NEW TREND PROTEST TRAGEDY Cops suspended after 14-year-old girl foils Two brides refuse to Village council members Five more farmers suspect commits suicide marriage attempt marry drunk grooms stage hunger strike commit suicide

Two policemen were suspended after a man She is 14 years old and a school dropout, but Left at the altar - alone and drunk. That was Dozens of village elders and panchayat members At least five “debt trapped” farmers have allegedly committed suicide yesterday by hanging resident Seema still mustered the fate of two grooms in normally patriarchal sat on a day’s hunger strike in Srinagar yesterday committed suicide in the last 48 hours in himself at a police station in Uttar Pradesh’s Kannauj up the courage to stand up to her family and Bihar when their would-have-been brides to protest against the alleged apathy of the Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, taking the district. Sardana, 25, was found hanging with a foiled an attempt to get her married by calling and their families walked out on them Jammu and Kashmir government in empowering toll to 332 in the state in 2012, an activist said blanket in a toilet at the Saurikh police station, a helpline. The girl, who was to tie the nuptial because they were simply too drunk. While panchayats, the village councils. “We have been yesterday. “Ramdas Dhale of village Chincholi where he was brought for questioning on Monday knot today, called up the helpline number one incident took place in Rohtas district’s forced to hit the streets because we are unable to in Yavatmal district committed suicide early night for allegedly eloping with a woman. The urging them to intervene and stop her marriage, Khaira village, the other was in Aurangabad’s serve the people who elected us. Except for lofty today. He was a cotton farmer who was in debt family of the victim alleged he was tortured the police said yesterday. The incident took place in Judahi village. Savita Kumari from Khaira speeches, nothing substantial is happening on trap of around Rs3 lakh,” said Kishor Tiwari, entire night, following which he took the extreme Purulia district. “The girl called up Childline, and called off the wedding when she found her the ground to make the elected sarpanches and president of the Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti step. The incident sent senior police off icials into a informed them that she was being married off . groom drunk minutes before the ceremony panches eff ective,” said Shahnawaz, a sarpanch (VJAS), a farmers’ advocacy group. “In the last tizzy as Kannauj Lok Sabha constituency has been Subsequently we intervened and rescued the on Sunday night. In the second case the from the Chadura tehsil in central Kashmir. “We 48 hours, four other farmers also committed represented thrice by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister girl,” district police superintendent C Sudhakar same night, Lalan Singh took an equally have braved odds, including threats, to participate suicide after they could not repay their debt,” Akhilesh Yadav. Kannauj superintendent of police said. While her father was remanded in 14 days’ courageous stand when he decided not to get in the elections and today we are sandwiched he added. Tiwari said the total number of Vinod Singh suspended two policemen, including judicial custody by a local court, the girl was his daughter married to a drunk and asked the between an insensitive administration and voters suicides by farmers has reached 332 in the four station in-charge Aditya Kumar Yadav. sent to a government home. ‘baraat’ to return. who want us to deliver,” he said. months of 2012.

Pension, Workers demand job security insurance RS seat is an fund for overseas workers honour but

By Ashraf Padanna Kochi

ndia has launched a fund for cricket comes providing pension and life in- Isurance cover for its overseas contract workers (OCW) fulfi ll- ing the promise made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in January. Overseas Indian Aff airs Min- fi rst: Sachin ister Vayalar Ravi offi cially launched the Pension and Life Sachin Tendulkar’s in 2010, was nominated last week previously steered clear of poli- Insurance Fund (PLIF) at a func- nomination has surprised alongside actress Rekha and in- tics, could balance his sporting tion held here to mark the Inter- many in India and some dustrialist Anu Aga. commitments with his duties as national Labour Day yesterday. criticised the “apolitical” Before the news of his nomi- an MP. Kerala Chief Minister Oommen cricketer for accepting the nation became public, Tendulkar Some former players have also Chandy presided over the func- off er from the Congress Party and his wife Anjali, made a cour- wondered if the batsman may lose tion. tesy call to Congress Party presi- his universal popularity in India The PLIF scheme is a combi- Agencies dent Sonia Gandhi at her resi- as the proposal to nominate him nation of old age pension, reset- Pune dence in New Delhi. came from the ruling Congress tlement scheme and life insur- The home ministry fi nalises the Party. ance cover. All migrant workers in nomination list only after getting Opposition parties were quick the age group of 18-50 with Emi- atting superstar Sachin the consent of the people they to criticise the move as an attempt gration Clearance Required (ECR) Tendulkar said yesterday recommend. by the beleaguered government to stamp on their passports will be Bhe was “honoured” to be Tendulkar stressed that his distract attention from its diffi - eligible for subscription. nominated to India’s parliament nomination had nothing to do culties over a series of graft scan- They will get pension in old age but stressed that cricket would with politics. dals and accusations of policy through a framework regulated remain his priority as long as he “I have played cricket for 22 ½ paralysis. by the Pension Fund Regula- keeps playing. years. And I understand that I was “What is Tendulkar going to tion and Development Authority Last week, Tendulkar was of- nominated because of this reason. do in the Rajya Sabha? He has no (PFRDA), savings for return and fered one of the 12 seats in the I am not a politician,” he said. scope there,” Bal Thackeray, head resettlement through a mutual Rajya Sabha, the upper house of “I believe President (Pratibha of the regional Shiv Sena party, fund regulated by the Securi- parliament, that are reserved for Patil) has chosen me after rec- told reporters in Mumbai. ties and Exchange Board of India those who have distinguished ognising what I have done for “It is Congress’s dirtiest play, (SEBI) and the life insurance cov- themselves in various fi elds such over 22 years,” he said referring the real Dirty Picture,” he said. er by a nationalised insurer. as the arts, sciences or social to greats in other fi elds like singer Thackeray, in his party mouth- The Ministry of Overseas In- services. Lata Mangeshkar and actor Prith- piece Saamna, on Saturday said dian Aff airs (MOIA) will con- “When you get nominated be- viraj Kapoor. Tendulkar’s fans would have loved tribute a maximum of Rs3,000 cause of your contribution in your “There are many responsibili- to call him Bharat Ratna Sachin for women and Rs2,000 for men fi eld, it’s an honour. I was excited ties on me. I would defi nitely like Tendulkar rather than only Sachin annually for a period of fi ve years. to be nominated,” Tendulkar, 39, to contribute in the fi eld of sports Tendulkar, the MP. He also alleged The workers need to contribute told a televised press event in because that is my expertise,” the that the Congress was trying to Rs1,000 to Rs12,000 a year while Pune. player added. divert media’s attention by doing return and resettlement contri- “I don’t think I will stop (play- He will become the fi rst crick- so. bution will be Rs4,000 a month. ing) cricket and go straight into eter to take a seat in the upper He, however, said he was proud The benefi ciaries will be al- politics. I will keep playing house. There have been of Tendulkar and his achieve- lowed to withdraw 50% of sav- cricket. Cricket is my life and several fi lm person- ments and contribution in the ings in the PLIF account after fi ve will always be,” he added. alities in the fi eld of cricket. years. Forty percent of the re- Tendulkar has not formally past and cur- Tendulkar has played more maining savings will be paid back accepted his nomination, rently poet Tests (188) and one-day interna- as lump sum at the age of 55 and but such honours are rarely and script- tionals (463) than any other play- the remaining will be paid back as handed out without the writer er since his debut in 1989. a monthly pension. prior agreement of the Javed He is the highest run-getter On their return to India, PLIF nominee. Akhtar is in in both forms of the game and in subscribers would be able to con- It is unclear ex- the house. March became the fi rst batsman tinue savings for their old age us- actly when Tendulkar The “Lit- to complete 100 international ing their bank accounts and the might take up his seat. tle Master’s” centuries - 51 in Tests and 49 in electronic clearance system. The An activist of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) shouts slogans during a May Day protest Tendulkar, who nomination has one-dayers. pension and resettlement savings rally in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir yesterday. CPM’s state committee secretary Mohamed was also given the raised eyebrows The batsman is currently play- as well as co-contributions by Yousuf Tarigami asked the government to fulfil the promises it had made over the years to the honorary rank of in India, with ques- ing for Mumbai Indians in the In- the government will thus refl ect working class and demanded workers be provided job security and proper wages. Group Captain in tions over how the dian Premier League, a franchise- in the individual PLIF accounts. the Indian Air Force cricketer, who has based Twenty20 competition. Is Italian connection behind ASG’s intriguing betrayal?

ndo-Italian relations remain Italy’s national sovereignty. ment, chose to label those killed with both the sides trying to inter- prised by the Centre’s stand in the strained ever since two Ital- The Italian embassy in New as pirates as it aff orded a conven- pret the International Maritime apex court and took up the matter Iian marines on board cargo Delhi, meanwhile, in a “Note ient rationale and cover for the Protocol in ways that suit their re- with Solicitor General Rohinton vessel MT Enrica Lexie shot dead Verbale” addressed to the Minis- Delhi Diary extra-legal killings. spective positions, informed Indi- Nariman, who promised to take two Indian fi shermen, mistaking try of External Aff airs, asked the Italy has also taken a jingoistic ans have been curiously watching his deputy off the case. The exter- them to be pirates, off the Kerala government to ensure unimpeded position later and described the how the UPA government would nal aff airs ministry asserted that coast two months ago. While departure of the marines. Indian action as “coercive opera- persist with the stern stand on the the ASG was wrong. The ship- India arrested the marines and The note pointed out that ac- By A K B Krishnan tions” carried out unilaterally. issue because of the obvious high- ping ministry said that ASG acted initiated the process of putting cording to the principles of in- It’s true the arrogant Italian level Italian connection. against brief. them on trial for murder, Italy ternational law and several deci- denial of the right of India to act Their watch was not without The intriguing question then continues to insist they are in- sions of international courts, state Indian-owned businesses. nised wooden fi shing boat, only a against the crime was met with result when the other day Ha- is whose brief was it that the ASG nocent and mount pressure of all organs enjoy jurisdictional im- The day after the shooting, the fraction of its size, and had to re- equally stern response from India. rin Raval, an additional solicitor presented in the morning? His sorts for their release. munity for acts committed in the Italian embassy labelled the fi sh- sort to shooting. A vital element New Delhi insisted that the two general of India, representing the statement to the court late in the While the concern of Italy for exercise of their offi cial functions. ermen as pirates who attacked lacking in the well-woven version Italian murderers would be tried in government, suddenly sprang a afternoon that what he had told the marines involved in the crime “The Italian Navy military the Italian ship in international is credibility. India, not in Italy, as Rome wanted. surprise by telling the Supreme earlier was not the government’s is understandable, the tone and detachment that operated in in- waters and said that after ascer- It was broad daylight when the How could Italy prosecute them Court that when the marines shot view, but his opinion could not tenor of offi cial reactions and the ternational waters on board the taining through binoculars that incident occurred and there is no after denying the off ence and de- the fi shermen the Italian ship was save the situation. Why should massive diplomatic pressure be- vessel Enrica Lexie must be con- the pirates were armed and after question of the crew of the Italian claring the off enders as innocent outside Indian territorial waters the ASG come to the court to say ing put on New Delhi from the be- sidered as the organ of the Italian giving repeated warnings, the tanker mistaking the slow mov- and the victims as pirates? and the state police, therefore, his opinion whether the ship was ginning have been refl ecting the state,” the note warned. marines fi red some shots and the ing boat, which had its name ‘St Italy, meanwhile, also struck a had no jurisdiction to prosecute in or out of the national waters? kind of colonial mindset that still The Italian prime minister also pirates withdrew. Italy also began Antony’s’ painted in bold letters compromise deal with the families the Italians. There is more than meets the prevails in the European country. spoke to his Indian counterpart claiming that the shooting took on both sides, for a high-speed of the two slain fi shermen, pro- That was precisely the case of eye in his pre-meditated state- Italy needs to be reminded that and hinted about the likely ad- place beyond the territorial waters pirate’s skiff . Even giving the ben- voking the Supreme Court to say Italy, but the court heard it from ment. It is diffi cult to believe that India is not a banana republic and verse repercussions on the rela- of India and therefore, the Indian efi t of doubt to the Italians, why the manner in which the entire le- the ASG’s mouth. It took strong an additional solicitor general can once a crime is committed law tions between the two countries if police had no business to act. didn’t they follow international gal process is sought to be defeated exception to Raval’s remarks and behave in such cavalier fashion, takes its course. the marines were tried in a crimi- A fairy tale however vividly told protocol before opening fi re? The is not permissible. “They are play- asked how the government could unless he has some strong back- Immediately after the marines’ nal court in Kerala. The Roman by the Italian media would not ship ought to have changed course ing with the Indian process of law.” take such an “unacceptable” po- ing. Who could be behind the arrest by the Kerala police, Foreign Catholic Church too intervened, have many takers. Those aboard and watched for the boat tailing it According to the deal, Italy paid sition when the facts on whether ASG’s presumptuous statement Minister Giulio Tersi has sum- contacting the Catholic ministers the 20m-long Enrica Lexie, with before taking drastic measures. Rs10mn each to the victims’ heirs the incident took place within the that countered the known stand moned the Indian ambassador in to ask the Kerala government not 25 crew members including a six- The Italian government and for withdrawing the case against territorial waters of India or out- of both the central and Kerala Rome and told him in no uncer- to take “precipitate action.” strong security detail from the media, instead of accepting that the marines. side are yet to be established. governments? The ASG’s betrayal tain terms that the Indian action Rightwing activists have called Italian Navy, claim that they faced the captain of Enrica Lexie had As the legal row and diplomatic An angry Kerala government could confi rm the worst suspi- represented an infringement of for a boycott of Indian goods and a pirate-like attack from a mecha- committed a grave error of judg- face-off continued for two months responded by saying it was sur- cions of informed Indians. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 27 INDIA

PATERNITY CASE INVESTIGATION UNIVERSITY ANNIVERSARY TELECOM Enough is enough, SC reserves order in AMU elects first woman Low-cost houses for Vodafone hikes tariff court tells N D Tiwari Mayawati’s assets case to teachers’ association mill workers planned for post-paid customers

“Enough is enough,” the Supreme Court The Supreme Court yesterday reserved its After being in the news for alleged gender bias, As Maharashtra turned 52 yesterday, the Vodafone India yesterday hiked its post-paid said yesterday while reprimanding veteran order on a plea by former Uttar Pradesh the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has for government said it would provide low-cost tariff s by 20% to 1.2 paise per second in the Congress leader N D Tiwari for having chief minister Mayawati seeking quashing of the first time elected a woman to its influential housing to mill workers and free houses to Mumbai circle. “Vodafone had hiked its call disobeyed an order to give a blood samples criminal proceedings initiated against her by teacher’s association. S Chandni Bi, assistant the relatives of mill workers who died during tariff s for pre-paid customers last year, for DNA test in a paternity suit. Tiwari, 86, the Central Bureau of Investigation in a case of professor of history, has been elected to the struggle for a state for Marathi-speaking people. however the same was not done for the challenged in the Supreme Court a ruling disproportionate assets. Justices P Sathasivam and powerful executive council of the Aligarh Muslim “The government has decided to provide 6,948 post-paid customers. This is just a step in that of the Delhi High Court asking him to give Dipak Misra reserved the order on the conclusion Unversity Teachers Association, off icials said. “It’s a houses to mill workers at reduced and aff ordable direction,” an industry source familiar with his blood samples in the suit filed by Rohit of arguments by Mayawati’s lawyer Harish Salve, significant development and I hope to further the rates, at Rs750,000 in multi-storeyed buildings. the development said. The firm has increased Shekhar, 31, who claims to be the politician’s who told the court it had never ordered a probe by cause of women’s emancipation, a cherished wish The government will also give free houses to the tariffs to 1.2 paise per second from 1 paisa. biological son. Justices Aftab Alam and C K the CBI into the alleged disproportionate assets of of the founder of the AMU, Sir Syed (Ahmed Khan). the survivors of the mill workers who lost their Last year Bharti Airtel had increased call tariffs Prasad disapproved of the conduct of the the former chief minister. Salve told the court that I would say the university is evolving and gradually lives in the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement,” by 20-50% in some regions of the country. veteran leader and said “enough is enough.” it had ordered investigations into the Taj Corridor responding to changing demands and perceptions. Governor K Sankaranarayanan said at a function The move was followed by almost all leading Tiwari said that the high court’s order was case and there was no direction to probe the The AMU teachers association is an important body held to mark the state’s 52nd anniversary in players. Vodafone too had hiked the call rates based on a misreading of the law. alleged disproportionate assets. and can eff ect significant changes,” Chandni Bi said. Mumbai. by 20% for its pre-paid customers. Assam ferry Temple festival disaster toll 105; many still missing Rescue workers search Police said 105 bodies had ing along the Brahmaputra frantically for survivors from been counted and some 150 -which has a reputation as a the capsized ferry on the people were rescued or swam to treacherous waterway - also Brahmaputra river in Assam safety, adding that the ferry car- combed the shores for survivors. ried no lifeboats or lifebelts and Arun Kalita, a 30-year-old AFP the chances of picking up more road construction worker who Guwahati survivors were remote. swam to safety, said: “I could Two helicopters scoured the hear many people screaming for river from above as soldiers and God’s help but it was a turbulent escue teams searched for police offi cers reinforced divers river and the storm was very se- bodies in the Brahmaputra and rescue teams working in vere. Rriver yesterday after a fer- rubber dinghies, but rain and “No one could come and res- ry sinking left at least 105 dead, dangerous water conditions re- cue them,” he said. with more corpses feared to have stricted the search operation. The death toll could make the Thousands of people watch processions led by caparisoned elephants during the ‘pooram’ festival in Thrissur in the southern state of been fl ushed downstream into “The weather is inclement ferry sinking one of the worst in Kerala yesterday. The Thrissur pooram, known as mother of all temple festivals, was introduced over a century back by rulers of the . and the river is rough so the res- recent memory in South Asia, erstwhile Kochi princely state. Since then, the festival is celebrated every year by people in the locality setting aside religious divides. The vessel was split in two cue eff orts are being hampered,” where such disasters are com- while navigating the fast-fl owing state police chief J N Choudhury mon due to lax safety standards, river in the northeastern Assam said. No further bodies were re- recklessness and overloading. state, and police said about 100 covered yesterday. Survivors said many passen- passengers were still missing. Some offi cials said the ferry gers had continued to board the Despite an operating capac- had broken up when it hit con- ferry even after the last tickets ity of 225, some 350 people were crete pillars constructed in the had been sold. BJP, JD-U diff er on presidential election believed to be on the two-deck water. The bodies of the victims were boat when it broke up mid- Bangladesh confi rmed it was being kept at a local hospital. stream during torrential, pre- checking the river, but had yet to The boat was on its way from IANS agree with the BJP’s views and views expressed by Swaraj were which is extending outside sup- monsoon rains. fi nd any corpses. Dhubri, 300km from the state’s New Delhi there had been no discussion not of the NDA. port to the Congress-led gov- The boat sank near the river- “Troops of our border posts main city Guwahati, to Fakirganj. on the presidential candidate in “Mrs Sushma Swaraj had said ernment, agreed with the BJP side town of Dhubri, about 25km have stopped their normal work. Prime Minister Manmohan the BJP-led opposition alliance. it has not been discussed in the that Kalam was a good choice from the border with Bangla- A lot of civilians are also help- Singh called the sinking a “trag- iff erences in the Na- “The view that Sushma-ji NDA. The line taken by both and pitched for a Muslim can- desh. ing us in the search,” Bangladesh edy” and announced compen- tional Democratic Al- has expressed is their party’s leaders are same,” party spokes- didate. “I appeal to Bangladesh to Colonel Neamul Islam Fatemi sation would be paid to the vic- Dliance (NDA) over the view. There has not been any man Rajiv Pratap Rudy said. SP leader Kamal Farooqui help us in retrieving any dead said by phone from the border. tims’ families. presidential election became discussion with us or in the “There is no rift whatsoever also suggested the names of body or survivors who could Taleb Ali, a 35-year-old vil- He said in a statement he was apparent yesterday with a key NDA on the presidential candi- between the BJP and the JD-U Chief Election Commissioner have reached their territory,” As- lager who survived the sinking, “shocked and grieved to know ally saying it dose not stand by dates,” Yadav told reporters. on this issue. It’s mere specula- S Y Qureshi and former deputy sam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said passengers had begged the about the loss of lives” and add- the Bharatiya Janata Party. BJP leader Sushma Swaraj on tion or an interpretation, which chairman of Rajya Sabha K Rah- told reporters, saying a formal skipper to anchor the ferry at a ed he had instructed all possible The BJP has said it will not Monday said her party would was uncalled,” he said. man Khan. request had been made to Dhaka. sandbar when the storm hit mid- assistance to be given to the gov- support either Finance Minis- not support Mukherjee or any “Sushma-ji had said we will “My party is discussing The Brahmaputra, which is stream, but he refused. ernment of Assam. ter Pranab Mukherjee or Vice other Congress candidate. She not have any deal with the Con- names. We will come out with a 8km wide at the scene of the ac- “Then the storm became more In one of the last major ferry President Hamid Ansari. also said the party would not gress... there has been no dis- name very soon... the non-NDA cident, fl ows through northeast- intense and the boat split into disasters in India, at least 79 The BJP denied there was a back Ansari but was open to cussion in the NDA yet. We will parties are in support of a Muslim ern India into Bangladesh and two parts before sinking,” Ali Muslim pilgrims drowned when rift with the Janata Dal-United. former president A P J Abdul fi rst discuss it in the BJP, then candidate, and as the BJP is for A out into the Bay of Bengal. told the local News Live televi- an overcrowded boat carrying However, JD-U leader and Kalam. the NDA, and then with larger P J Abdul Kalam, they may also Gogoi added that an inquiry sion channel. 150 people sank in the eastern NDA convener Sharad Yadav Attempting to paper over the opposition,” added his col- support if a good Muslim candi- would be launched, but rescue Fishermen living with their state of West Bengal in October minced no words. cracks, BJP spokesmen later league Shahnawaz Hussain. date is pitched,” Farooqui told TV eff orts remained the priority. families in tiny hamlets stretch- 2010. The JD-U, he said, did not said Yadav was right and the The Samajwadi Party (SP), news channel Times Now. Collector may be freed today Maoists may set abducted Sukma District Collector Alex Paul Menon free today, off icial sources in Chhattisgarh said yesterday. “Maoist interlocutors G Hargopal and B D Sharma communicated to the Maoists today that they had signed an agreement on Monday night with mediators appointed by the Chhattisgarh government, and it is believed the rebels have no objection to releasing Menon by tomorrow,” a top off icial said. Chief Minister Raman Singh chaired a cabinet meeting yesterday that approved the agreement signed between the two sides for release of Menon. The mediators from the government Villagers watch as a piece of a sunken ferry is pulled up onto the bank of the river Brahmaputra near Bura- as well as the Maoists had signed a two-page Buri village in Goalpara district of Assam state yesterday. draft agreement on Monday night. Nupur stands in jail queue for lunch

Dentist Nupur Talwar stood in queue of her daughter Aarushi and the family’s to get her lunch of ‘arhar dal,’ ‘aloo domestic help Hemraj. palak’ and ‘chapati’ yesterday in Sharma said Talwar interacted with fellow Ghaziabad’s Dasna jail. She also got a prisoners and claimed innocence. book from the jail library, a jail official “No special treatment was given to her,” said. Sharma said. Talwar, the mother of murdered teenager Talwar was taken into custody on Aarushi, would have to spend another Monday morning, shortly after night in the jail with a special court surrendering before the Central Bureau reserving until today its order on her bail of Investigation’s (CBI) special judge S plea. Lal, who rejected her plea for interim Talwar, who is in barrack number 13 bail. along with 69 other women inmates, Talwar was not in court yesterday as her is “like a normal qaidi (prisoner),” lawyers argued that she be given bail. Her Dasna jail superintendent Viresh Raj husband, Rajesh Talwar, who is already Sharma said. out on bail, was also not in the court. “She stood in line like the other inmates Her lawyers argued there was no to get her lunch and is mixing with other scientific evidence against her in inmates,” Sharma added. the twin murders on May 16, 2008. Talwar woke up at 5.30am and had a While Aarushi’s body, with her throat simple breakfast of ‘gur-chana’ with tea slit, was discovered first, the body after spending a night in the jail. of Hemraj was found later from the She is a suspect in the 2008 twin murders terrace of the house. Gulf Times 28 Wednesday, May 2 , 2012 PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN Afghanistan seeks Indian equipment Car bomb targets for security forces Pakistani troops IANS India also announced that struction activities in Afghani- New Delhi it would hold a meeting of re- stan, has stakes in the security The bomb was planted in a gional investors ahead of the of the neighbouring country pared car on the outskirts of Tokyo conference in July. which Pakistan tends to regard Quetta, Baluchistan’s capital; fortnight after multiple “With India, we are not only it as its strategic backyard. No claim of responsibility, say terror strikes, Afghani- willing to discuss the train- Alluding to the April 15 mul- police Astan yesterday sought ing of our offi cers, but also tiple terror attacks in Kabul India’s assistance in equipping equipping of security forces,” and other parts of Afghanistan, AFP its security forces, indicating Rassoul said at a joint press Krishna commended the Af- Quetta increased security co-opera- conference with Krishna after ghan National Security Force tion between the two countries the talks. for handling the attacks with in the run-up to the withdrawal He was responding to a ques- “confi dence” and hoped that car bomb killed two peo- of international forces from the tion on whether Afghanistan they would be able to take care ple and wounded 16 oth- violence-torn country. was seeking military equip- of the country’s security after Aers, including fi ve para- Underlining its “unwavering ment from India for its armed international troops leave in military troops, in Pakistan’s commitment” to the recon- forces. 2014. troubled southwest yesterday, struction of Afghanistan, In- “Afghanistan’s defence of police said. dia, on its part, conveyed that “Afghanistan’s defence its own territory is of extreme The explosives were planted it was open to such ideas and of its own territory is of importance to us. Our security under a car parked on Saryab would ensure that the country extreme importance to is entwined with the stability Road on the outskirts of Quetta, does not become “a target for us” and security of Afghanistan,” the capital of the oil- and gas- extremist forces”. Krishna replied when asked rich province of Baluchistan, Against the backdrop of the Rassoul, however, did not about the fear of the Taliban which borders Afghanistan and continuing volatility in Af- reveal the precise nature of takeover after the exit of the Iran. ghanistan and Pakistan’s ef- assistance Afghanistan was western troops in 2014. “At least two civilians were forts to control the reconcili- seeking from India. “Security He also pitched for “an Af- killed and 16 others, including ation process, External Aff airs organisations of the two coun- ghan-led inclusive and trans- fi ve troops were injured in the Minister SM Krishna held tries are in discussion,” was all parent reconciliation process” explosion, which took place as wide-ranging talks with his he would say. that sticks to “red lines” laid an FC (Frontier Corps) convoy Afghan counterpart Zalmai Admitting that India has down at the earlier confer- passed by the car,” local police Rassoul. been involved in training of ences in Bonn and Kabul that offi cial, Abdul Qayyum, said. The two foreign ministers some sections of the Afghan envisages negotiations with Another local police offi cial, held the maiden meeting of the National Army, Krishna said only elements who accept the Noor Ahmad, confi rmed the Pakistani firefighters extinguish burning auto-rickshaws after a bomb explosion in Quetta yesterday. India-Afghanistan Partner- India will continue to do so. Afghan constitution and abjure casualties and said the explo- ship Council, which was set up “We have always reacted posi- violence. sion “apparently targeted the FC Shia Muslims and a separatist snatched by masked gunmen in rose up in 2004 against the fed- under the landmark strategic tively to any suggestions from Krishna underlined India’s convoy”. insurgency. the city. He was the third West- eral Pakistani government, de- partnership agreement sealed Afghanistan,” he said when unwavering commitment to There was no claim of respon- On Sunday, the decapitated erner kidnapped and beheaded manding political autonomy and in October last year during the asked whether India would be “assisting the people of Af- sibility, but Baluchistan suff ers body of a British aid worker, in Pakistan since 2002. a greater share of profi ts from visit of Afghan President Ha- supplying equipment to Af- ghanistan in their endeavour to from Islamist militancy, sectar- Khalil Dale, was found in Quetta, Hundreds of civilians have the oil, gas and mineral resources mid Karzai here. This was the ghan armed forces. build a peaceful, stable, demo- ian violence between Sunni and almost four months after he was been killed since Baluch rebels in the region. fi rst bilateral strategic pact Af- As the clock ticks away for cratic and prosperous nation.” ghanistan has signed with any the withdrawal of the inter- “Let me assure you that while other country. national coalition force in Af- it is a time of change and trans- With the Taliban upping the ghanistan, the international formation in the region, India’s ante, expanding security and community is focusing on bol- commitment to Afghanistan counter-terror co-operation stering the capacity of the Af- is neither ‘transitory’ nor in fi gured prominently in the ghan forces. “transition,” he said. Rassoul asserted that the “We will continue to part- Courts approached for talks. Issues relating to the safety of nearly 4,000 Indians Afghan forces will take full re- ner the Afghan government to living in that country and the sponsibility for the security of ensure that Afghanistan is a security of Indian missions and Afghanistan. source of regional stability and facilities fi gured in the discus- India, which has pledged does not become a target for $2bn for an array of recon- extremist forces,” he stressed. removal of PM Gilani sions.

Internews tion would deem such actions to and not enough time. Islamabad be unconstitutional. The petition too, seeks to It added that all federal minis- move the Speaker of National ters, advisers and special assist- Assembly to ask the chief elec- etitions seeking Pakistani ants should be asked to quit their tion commissioner to declare the Prime Minister Yousuf offi ces. seat of the prime minister vacant PRaza Gilani’s disqualifi ca- The petitioner, advocate upon Gilani’s conviction of con- tion poured in courts across the Chaudhry, cited all advisers and tempt of court. country yesterday. special assistants to the prime The petition numbered CP-D A petition fi led in the Islama- minister, the federal law secre- 1600/2012 cited the NA speaker, bad High Court (IHC) yesterday tary, attorney general and the the chief election commissioner sought the court to order Gilani chief election commissioner as and the federal law secretary as to stop serving as prime minister respondents in the petition. the main respondents. after his conviction in the con- Meanwhile, the Sindh High The petition reiterated that tempt of court case. Court yesterday adjourned the the Supreme Court has left the It states that the premier de- hearing of a petition fi led by ad- decision of unseating the pre- fi ed the court’s orders by not Gilani: call for disqualification vocate Syed Moulvi Iqbal Haider mier up to those who hold con- writing a letter to the Swiss au- on the same issue till May 3. stitutional offi ces. thorities asking them to reopen stood dissolved. Justice Faisal Arab and Na- It, thus, requested NA Speaker graft cases against President Asif The petition fi led by Advocate deem Akhtar took up the peti- Fehmida Mirza to ask the chief Ali Zardari and thus he should be G M Chaudhry will be heard by tion which was fi led on Saturday election commissioner to de- disqualifi ed. Justice Shaukat Siddiqui on May on the request of Haider. The clare the seat vacant. The petition maintains that 2. hearing will now take place in an The petition also requests according to Article 63(1)g of the According to the petition, the open court on Thursday. the commissioner to convene a constitution, the prime minister cabinet, its advisers and minis- Justice Maqbool Baqar earlier meeting to exclusively discuss stands disqualifi ed from being ters of the state cannot exercise declined to hear the same peti- the issue of Gilani’s disqualifi ca- Afghanistan’s Minister for Foreign Aff airs, Zalmai Rassoul shakes hands with his Indian counterpart, S a member of the National As- power or continue to perform tion, saying that there were too tion after he was convicted and M Krishna during a meeting in New Delhi yesterday. sembly and thus, his cabinet also since Article 91 of the constitu- many cases to be heard in the day sentenced. Afghan protesters accuse Pakistani university discards Nato of killing civilians Rushdie books after protests Internews standing. Neither these books council ‘overloaded with’ the Islamabad are on our list of suggested items on agenda, it approved AFP children were killed and some reading nor have we a single the list without thorough ex- Kabul others kids were injured. Today book of Salman Rushdie in our amination. the people are protesting the fter protests on the cam- library,” he said. They, however, insisted that killing of the children,” Rasoul- pus and outside by the Sources in the university said there were no ulterior mo- undreds of Afghan pro- yar said. Astudents and common the Academic Council had ap- tive behind the approval as testers blocked highways The offi cial said his initial people, Pakistani University proved the two books for MPhil some books were suggested for Hin two separate demon- fi ndings suggested the casualties of Peshawar syndicate yes- and PhD courses of English reading for the World English strations on Tuesday, accusing were caused by Taliban fi re. terday set aside the Academic Literature but the syndicate Literature for MPhil and PhD US-led Nato troops of killing Police offi cial Mohamed Zahir Council’s decision to include a decided to drop them from the classes. children and civilians, offi cials said that “a few hundred” people controversial writer’s books in list of suggested books without A source in the department and witnesses said. took part in the protest. The men MPhil and PhD courses off ered much discussion. said the World English Litera- In the fi rst demonstration, carried the bodies of four chil- by the English Literature de- ture was a new course intro- protesters carrying the bodies dren they alleged were killed in partment. “There was a duced to let students know of of four children aged eight to 12 ISAF fi re, he said. During a meeting, the syn- misunderstanding. the contributions of non-Eng- blocked the Kabul-Kandahar In a separate demonstration dicate decided to drop Shame Neither these books are lish writers since all good books highway in the south and chant- in eastern Laghman province, and Midnight Children written on our list of suggested were authored by writers of the ed anti-US slogans, they said. protesters carrying the bodies by Salman Rushdie from the list reading nor have we a previously colonised countries. A spokesman for Nato’s In- of two men blocked the highway of suggested books for PhD and single book of Salman He said some writers from ternational Security Assistance from Kabul to Jalalabad, chant- MPhil courses of English Lit- Rushdie in our library” India and Pakistan had recently Force (ISAF), Lieutenant Com- Afghans shout slogans during a protest against the Nato operation ing “Death to America and Death erature, according to a spokes- produced better writings and mander Brian Badura, said ini- which allegedly killed two civilians. to (Afghan President Hamid) man for the university. The inclusion of the two the course intended to en- tial reports suggested that the Karzai”. “No book of Salman Rushdie books in MPhil and PhD cours- lighten MPhil and PhD students children were killed by insurgent there were a number of chil- ghan security forces in Shahjoy Mohamed Aziz Kuchi, the un- is or will be included in MPhil es aroused anger on the campus about them. fi re. dren killed and wounded by the in the troubled southern prov- cle of one of the dead men, said and PhD courses of English Lit- and outside. Rushdie is a con- He said the books suggested “We are aware of an incident insurgents. The children were ince on Monday. that “around 2am last night, Af- erature at the University of Pe- troversial writer for authoring for MPhil and PhD reading in- in southern Afghanistan yester- evacuated by coalition forces to The gunfi ght began when the ghan and foreign forces entered shawar,” said Akhtar Amin. a blasphemous fi ction, Satanic cluded Arundhati Roy’s The god day. ALP (Afghan Local Police), a medical facility for treatment.” security forces were meeting lo- our house. They opened fi re on When contacted, chairman Verses. of small things, Kamila Sham- along with coalition advisors, The deputy governor of Zabul cal community leaders and came us, killing two young men. of the department Professor Sources said the two books si’s Broken verse, a political were meeting with local villag- province, Mohamed Jan Rasoul- under attack by insurgents. “They took eight others away, Mojeebur Rehman insisted that were part of a list presented to fi ction, and Daniyal Moheen- ers when they were attacked by yar, said the children died during “ISAF and Afghan troops re- including a 75 year-old man. the matter was based on a mis- the Academic Council as sug- uddin’s In other Rooms, Other insurgents,” he said. an exchange of fi re between Tali- turned fi re. There was an ex- They were all civilians, with no understanding. gested reading for MPhil and Wounds, which is about women “Initial reporting indicates ban insurgents and ISAF and Af- change of fi re during which four links to the Taliban.” “There was a misunder- PhD courses and since the in Pakistan. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 29 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/ Lanka slams Bangladesh widens listing on opposition crackdown UK human Police in Bangladesh arrest a top politician and raid the rights report houses of several others as the government launches a crackdown on opposition Xinhua dations of the LLRC are also amid a deepening political Colombo being implemented,” Neomal crisis Perera told Xinhua. The British report also said AFP he Sri Lankan govern- the UK will contribute to Sri Dhaka ment yesterday slammed Lanka’s Universal Periodic Ta British human rights Review under the UN human report which listed the island rights system in Geneva but angladesh police said among countries of concern Perera said Sri Lanka would yesterday they had ar- over human rights issues. have done a lot by then to Brested a top politician and Deputy External Aff airs address most of the human raided the houses of several oth- Minister Neomal Perera said rights concerns. ers as the government launched that Britain had no right to “We are still in May and a crackdown on the opposi- accuse Sri Lanka of not doing October is a long way ahead. tion amid a deepening political enough to address account- They cannot prejudge us crisis. ability of the war just three when we still have time in our Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, deputy years after the confl ict ended. hands and are already work- secretary general of the oppo- The Human Rights Report ing on most of the issues,” said sition Bangladesh Nationalist for 2011 released by the UK Perera. Party (BNP), was arrested on Foreign and Commonwealth He also said that a visiting Monday night over charges of Offi ce on Monday said that European Union Parliamen- blasts at a key government com- signifi cant progress was still tary delegation which met pound, Dhaka police spokesman needed in Sri Lanka to address him on Monday expressed Masud Ahmed said. the institutional weaknesses satisfaction on the progress “He was wanted in a case of that allow for frequent human achieved by Sri Lanka in ad- blasts in the Secretariat. We rights violations. dressing most issues. have also raided the houses The report also called on “They did say there were of several other BNP leaders the Sri Lankan government to still some issues but over- who are wanted over charges implement recommendations all they were happy with the of blasts and violence during of a local war commission and progress,” he said. Sunday’s opposition strike,” he address outstanding questions Sri Lanka will on May 19 told AFP. regarding accountability for celebrate three years since Ahmed said at least 100 op- alleged war crimes. the Tamil Tiger rebels were position offi cials have been Bangladesh Nationalist Party joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi appears before the chief metropolitan court in yesterday. “How can they say we have defeated by the military after charged and 27 others were ar- not done enough? On what 30 years of war. However, the rested since Sunday includ- and the cabinet offi ce where the eral Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir, since sul Haq said police had fi led cases Dhaka. His driver is also missing. basis are they saying that? The island country has been facing ing Sirajul Haq, a former junior prime minister holds weekly Monday. “based on concrete allegations”. Protests over the disappear- Lessons Learned and Recon- war crimes allegation follow- health minister, and Kamruzza- meetings. Most BNP leaders have gone The BNP has been organising ance paralysed the country for ciliation Commission (LLRC) ing the end of the war. man Ratan, a former BNP stu- No one was injured and dam- into hiding to escape arrest, he protests across Bangladesh since fi ve days in the past 10 days and handed over its fi nal report The Sri Lankan government dent wing leader. age was minimal. added. one of its regional leaders, Ilias have left four people dead. only in December last year so refuted the allegations and ap- Nine small bombs rocked BNP spokesman Nazrul Islam Khan rejected the charges as Ali, went missing on April 17 in a Ali is the highest profi le op- how can the UK report say we pointed the Lessons Learned the capital Dhaka on Sunday, Khan told AFP police had raided “false and fabricated” and said case it believes was an abduction position politician to have “dis- did not do enough to address and Reconciliation Commis- including two explosions in- the houses of at least 20 top BNP they aimed at “muzzling the op- by the security forces. appeared” since Prime Minister the issues mentioned. We have sion (LLRC) to look at some of side the Secretariat, home to offi cials including the second- position’s rightful protests”. Police found Ali’s car aban- Sheikh Hasina took power in started addressing them now the allegations amid interna- most government ministries highest leader, secretary gen- Deputy home minister Sham- doned in an upmarket district of January 2009. and some of the recommen- tional pressure.

Lanka has more Nepal’s Damai dance seeks for revival Xinhua of a waist-coat, a red-shawl dance is very signifi cant to the former, Praiyar said he has per- He has also taught the dance Sanu Pariyar’s decision to go Kathmandu on their shoulders and a long region as it is performed in sev- formed on many important oc- to his grandsons. But unfor- out of the village will help uplift mobile piece of cloth around their waist eral auspicious occasions such casions including ceremonies tunately, the dance makes his their community. when they dance. as marriage, birth of a baby, fes- for the former kings and mon- grandsons feel embarrassed Meanwhile, only a handful of ancing is not just a form Another interesting fea- tivals, worship and to welcome archs of the country. rather than proud. people can perform the dance phones of art and cultural ex- ture of the dance is that it is a distinguished visitor to the Sanu Pariyar, 18, the youngest and carry forward the tradition. Dpression. To a small only performed by males of the region. “Karnali is a very remote of the Pariyar family, has also Subha Shrestha, a cultural handful of males in Jumla of “Damai” community of the re- During such performances, region of Nepal. It does not learnt the dance and often per- activist, told Xinhua that such per person Karnali district in mid-western gion. People in the Damai com- they collect money from the au- have easy access to other forms with the rest of the male. traditions should be passed on region of Nepal, dancing is a munity have customarily cho- dience as their extra income. parts of the world. And However, he says that the danc- and preserved. way of living as well. sen tailoring as their profession. Jaya Bahadur Pariyar, the therefore, the culture and ing makes him shy. “Karnali is a very remote re- IANS Dressed in a unique way, Theirs is among the indigenous 79-year-old leading performer, tradition of those places are “I do enjoy the dance and I gion of Nepal. It does not have Colombo which can be astounding not and backward communities of told Xinhua that he learnt the hidden” like and respect it too, but I am easy access to other parts of only to outsiders but to native Nepal. dance from his forefathers at a not very comfortable to do it in the world. And therefore, the people as well, these men play The fi ve traditional instru- very young age. “I have also received award front of everyone,” the junior culture and tradition of those he mobile telephone us- their own instruments, make ments used in the performances Although he doesn’t have a and recognition for my per- Pariyar told Xinhua. places are hidden,” Shrestha ers in Sri Lanka have their own music, sing their own are also unique to the region and clear idea about when the tra- formances,” he said proudly. The senior Pariyars are dis- said. Tincreased rapidly over songs and dance to their own only local dancers know how to dition began in his community As a tradition, the dance is heartened as the younger “The Damai dance is one of the year 2011 with more than beats. play them. and why only males are allowed handed down to other male generation keeps a respectful the unique dances of Nepal and 105 telephone connections for They wear white turbans, While they take tailoring as to dance. members of the family. All his distance from their honoured if it is rightly portrayed, it can 100 people, authorities said and their uniform comprises their preferred profession, their During his lifetime as a per- sons can perform the dance. tradition, but they believe that be a heritage,” said Shrestha. yesterday. According to a central bank annual report, telephone con- nections have increased 5.4% and the connections increased to 21.9mn by the end of 2011, a spokesperson from the central Ex-PM calls for bank said.

“The use of mobile phones has grown rapidly among the poor in Sri better treatment Lanka and the mobile phone has become an almost indispensable business tool among small entrepreneurs and of ethnic Tamils farmers”

“There is also a considerable DPA The Tamils had the main opposition to increase in the Internet connec- Colombo pushed for a separate win the demands of the tions as new connections have homeland amid allega- minority Tamils. increased by 4% over the year tions of being discrimi- “We have been speak- 2011,” he stated. ri Lanka’s main nated against by the gov- ing to the government The country’s population is opposition and a ernment. Since the Tamil to gain the demands of estimated at 21.4mn. Skey minority party rebels were defeated, the the minorities, but the He said the increase in the used May Day to de- government has prom- talks have not been suc- mobile phone use in the coun- mand that the country ised to reach out to eth- cessful,” Sampanthan, try is partly due to the end of fi nd a way to ease eth- nic Tamils, but many who is also a member of three decades of civil war in the nic tensions, three years still feel they are not parliament, said. northern and eastern parts of after the end of a war in treated equally. Sampanthan’s party the country, reported Xinhua. which the government The UNP was joined has demanded the set- Many of the new connections defeated a Tamil rebel by the Tamil National tlement of all displaced are obtained by those who were uprising. Alliance (TNA) - a party persons. in the former war aff ected parts Ranil Wickremesing- accused of working as Talks between the of the country and the compe- he, a former prime min- a proxy of the former TNA and the gov- tition in the mobile telephone ister, selected a former Tamil rebels of the Lib- ernment for working connection providers has also Tamil rebel-held area eration Tigers of Tamil out a political settle- increased the number of new in the northern part of Eelam (LTTE), who were ment on minority is- connections in the country. the country to hold the defeated in May 2009 by sues have stalled since A recent study also revealed United National Party’s the military. December. that the use of mobile phones (UNP) May Day rally. “It is time that the peo- The ruling United Peo- has grown rapidly among the “The war is over now ple are given equal polit- ple’s Freedom Alliance poor in Sri Lanka and the mobile and it is enough that ical rights to live equally,” (UPFA), led by President phone has become an almost the people have suf- Wickremesinghe said. Mahinda Rajapakse, Supporters of Sri Lanka’s Marxist JVP party carry posters seeking a rise in salaries to keep up with galloping consumer indispensable business tool fered. They need a solu- The leader of the TNA, marked May Day cel- prices during the annual May Day parade in Colombo yesterday. The JVP which once supported the ruling party is now out among small entrepreneurs and tion to their problems,” R Sampanthan, said he ebrations in the capital of power and is vowing to step up trade union demands for higher pay in a country emerging after nearly four decades of farmers. Wickremesinghe said. expects the support of Colombo. ethnic war and have been recording growth rates of over 8% since the end of fighting in May 2009. Gulf Times 30 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 Creating a monster hit: COMMENT Time Out Page 11

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Editor-in-Chief : Darwish S Ahmed Philippines initiative aims Production Editor: C. P. Ravindran

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar to narrow the wealth gap [email protected] Inequality is rising in 11 broaden the benefi ts of the region’s lived on less than half of the median the potential for this as a larger social Telephone 44350478 (news), countries making up 82% of tremendous economic growth. income. These days, it is about 15%. safety net, there’s nothing like that in 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home ) Conditional Cash Transfer schemes For Rajat Nag, the ADB’s managing the region.” Fax 44350474 Asia’s population like Pantawid Pamilya - so named for director general, growing inequality Capco and her neighbours live just the conditions imposed to qualify for “threatens to undermine the region’s a short drive from the Makati business By John O’Callaghan benefi ts - were pioneered in Brazil and stability”. district where manicured squares, of- Manila Mexico and have proven very eff ective Governments in Asia have the re- fi ce towers, fancy hotels and expensive in giving immediate help to the poor sources to promote inclusive growth, boutiques might mislead the casual and breaking vicious cycles of poverty he said in mid-April, and they should visitor into thinking the Philippines is e Capco and her fi ve children by improving health, education and adopt more targeted social spending. a wealthy country. GULF TIMES live in a shack with no run- opportunities. That means rolling back poorly fo- Reality is more squalid for many of ning water along a dirt track Narrowing the wealth gap has cused schemes like the fuel subsidies the 13mn people in congested Manila, Fin eastern Manila. She earns become as pressing as poverty allevia- in Indonesia that the government including nearly 600,000 families about $100 a month washing clothes tion, making it a key theme of this fi nds hugely costly but politically dif- classifi ed as “informal settlers” - a and her husband used to bring in week’s annual meeting of the Asian fi cult to kill. polite term for squatters like Capco. about $70 a month driving a motorcy- Development Bank (ADB) in Manila “Countries have often felt that they Clashes in the capital last month The balance of with government offi cials, bankers and fi rst need to grow and they need to between 1,500 squatters and police- cle taxi until he went blind. But things are better than they used civil society groups from 67 countries. grow fast,” Nag said. “But a principle men trying to enforce a court-ordered to be. Inequality is rising in 11 countries of rising tides will lift all boats makes demolition of makeshift stalls left one Through a programme in the Philip- making up 82% of Asia’s popula- an assumption that no boat has a hole man dead and dozens hurt. Residents power in English pines called Pantawid Pamilya (Family tion, the ADB says. That list includes in the hull.” pelted police with rocks, petrol bombs Subsistence), 3mn poor households China, India and Indonesia - three Conditional Cash Transfer schemes and bags of human waste. like Capco’s get small grants from the huge economies driving much of the in the Philippines and Indonesia - and In the countryside, life can be even government if they keep their children growth. more limited ones in Bangladesh, Pa- harder. Lack of opportunities in rural football changing in school and take them regularly to “Relative to other regions, the re- kistan and Cambodia - are seen as one areas drive many people to Manila and health centres. cent period of growth in Asia has been of the best ways to target spending. other cities, often into slums. “It’s really a big help because both less inclusive and less pro-poor,” Pantawid Pamilya, piloted in 2007, Pantawid Pamilya has not been The balance of power in English football shifted now we don’t have a problem about the International Monetary Fund said is now the largest social protec- without its challenges in a country across the city of Manchester on Monday evening as whether we can have food to eat or if in a report. tion scheme in the Philippines. The with pervasive corruption, powerful the kids have money to go to school,” Even wealthy countries are feeling monthly grants of up to 1,400 pesos vested interests and overburdened the blue half of the city took a step ahead in the race for Capco, 43, said with her two-year-old the pain. ($33) go to the mother, as experi- health and education systems. the title by beating defending champions, United. daughter Rihanna in her lap. In Japan, the world’s third-largest ence shows women tend to spend the Despite all that, it is having a “very A high school graduate with gleam- economy, a rapidly ageing society is money on food, medicine and school strong impact already on education”, The perennial “noisy neighbours” have reached ing eyes and a ready smile, Capco has putting pressure on a pension system supplies. said Chaudhury of the World Bank. new levels of annoyance, and although the race to the been in the ramshackle community for designed when it was assumed contri- “From the beginning, the pro- The benefi ts are also clear to Capco, 18 years. None of her neighbours has a butions would rise in perpetuity. gramme was very well designed,” who plans to set up a small stall selling Premier League trophy is not yet over, it seems that steady job. In South Korea, the 15th largest Nazmul Chaudhury, the World Bank’s rice cakes and other snacks. this result could mark a signifi cant change and signal a With a quarter of its people below economy, relative poverty has wors- point person for Pantawid Pamilya, “My hope is for all my kids to fi nish the poverty line as the population ened, the Organisation for Economic told Reuters. college,” she said as half-clothed tod- defi nite end to the era of “the Big Four”. crests 100mn, the Philippines points Co-operation and Development said “In terms of the sophistication of dlers played in the grass and two goats As Alex Ferguson prepares to celebrate 25 years to the need for developing Asia to in a recent survey of the country. an integrated programme, the rigour grazed nearby. “I will try my best to in charge of Manchester United during the most reverse worsening inequality and In 1990, about 8% of South Koreans of the poverty targeting database and support their education.” - Reuters successful tenure at a club in modern football, he has witnessed his team surrender the initiative in the competition after a disappointing return of four points from a possible twelve in recent weeks. His frustration at the shift in power was plain to see during the match billed the most important in the history of the Premier It takes more League. He confronted than money his opposite number on the touchline during in the bank to the match, going nose create success to nose with Mancini on the pitch and accusing him of constantly badgering the match offi cials. In reality though, his exasperation was a product of his own team’s lacklustre display. Instead it was Manchester City who rose to the occasion, and despite failing to create many scoring opportunities, they always looked the most likely to put the ball in the back of the net. It was fi tting that their inspirational captain, Vincent Kompany scored the winning goal which puts his team in the driving seat for the rest of the season. Mancini insists that Ferguson is still the more likely manager to be celebrating on May 13, claiming that his side’s diffi cult match against Newcastle could result in another shift in initiative. But the way that his team is performing at the moment belies this claim and would suggest that City can maintain their good form and top the highest tier of English football for the third time in their history. Fe Capco, a beneficiary of government’s Conditional Cash Transfer programme holds her daughter Rihanna on her lap at the entrance of their shanty in Pateros, Metro Many will argue that this history does not compete Manila. Through the Pantawid Pamilya (Family Subsistence) programme in the Philippines, about 3mn poor households get small grants from the government if they with the illustrious records of the likes of United, take their children to health centres regularly and keep them in school. Liverpool or perhaps even Arsenal, and that the current success has been bought by the millions of dollars injected by owner, Sheikh Mansour. To believe that any of the top clubs do not rely on Arab Spring frees media, mostly massive funding is naive, indeed perhaps the most notable aspect of modern football is that money is of By David Rosenberg have already experienced some revers- verse eff ect of sparking crackdowns on “Although transnational satel- the utmost signifi cance. The Media Line als, Freedom House president David media all around the world, Freedom lite television and Internet-based Kramer said. House said. Fearing their own people information platforms have had a However, it has also been proven on many occasions might be inspired to revolt, many positive impact, the media in much of that it takes more than money in the bank to create or the fi rst time in eight years, “The newly opened countries took steps ranging from the region remained constrained by success on the pitch. freedom of the global press information blackouts in the state emergency rule, state ownership and was not in the decline in 2011 media environments media to sophisticated Internet and editorial directives, harsh blasphemy On Monday night, one team wanted it more than Fand for that the world can text-message fi ltering. legislation, and laws against insult- thank protesters who brought down in countries like The percentage of the world’s popu- ing monarchs and public fi gures,” the the other and one group of players was more intent on dictatorships in Egypt, Libya and lation enjoying free media declined report said. reaching the peak of English football. Money cannot Tunisia, the human rights monitor Tunisia and Libya by half a percentage point last year to Syria’s rating fell fi ve points to 89 buy passion or commitment, and it is because of these, Freedom House says in its annual its lowest since 1996, when Freedom in 2011 as it barred foreign journal- survey of the media. are critical for the House began incorporating population ists from covering the 14-month-old that Manchester City have taken a massive step closer Led by dramatic improvements in future of democratic data into its survey. rebellion against the role of President to getting their hands on the most coveted domestic press freedom in Libya and Tuni- Moreover, the big improvement in Bashar al-Assad. Independent media sia, and with some help from Egypt, press freedom last year did not have outlets have been forced to close, trophy in European football. Freedom House says its index of global development in the a big enough impact to change the giving the state media a monopoly, press freedom edged up 0.14 point last region” status of the Middle East and North Freedom House said. year, off setting declines in most other Africa (Mena) as the world’s chilli- Although the Arab Spring is little parts of the world. Libya, which under “The newly opened media environ- est place for journalists and bloggers. more than a year old, many of the To Advertise Muammar Gaddafi ’s rule had one of ments in countries like Tunisia and Even though the average score for democratising governments that the world’s most suppressed media, Libya, while still tenuous and far from Mena countries jumped 2.9% last year have arisen from it have sought to [email protected] was designated “partly free” in 2011. perfect, are critical for the future of after three years of declines, it had the restrict press freedom, the report Display Tunisia, which also enjoyed a huge rise democratic development in the region poorest ratings of any of the world’s found. The transitional Libyan Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 in its score, won the same designation. and must be nurtured and protected,” regions. regime has liberalised the media At the same time, the Arab Spring he said. “Also of great concern are Five Mena countries were desig- environment but hasn’t established Classified protests that unleashed a new era of those countries, both in the Middle nated “partly free” and 13 as “not free”. institutions that would guarantee Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 media freedom also elicited a push- East and around the world, where Those 13 accounted for more than it. In Egypt, “many features of the back from the region’s authoritarian authoritarian regimes are now on the 70% of the region’s population, ac- old regime” have survived and the Subscription regimes still fi ghting to stay in power. defensive, creating an even more per- cording to the report, Freedom of the interim military government has [email protected] Moreover, the infant democracies the ilous situation for journalists.” Press 2012: A Global Survey of Media reportedly interfered in television turmoil has created are fragile and In fact, the Arab Spring had the per- Independence. news, Freedom House said. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 31 New vaccines spell hope for Ghana’s kids: Time Out Page 13 COMMENT Keyboard cops on the prowl

If CISPA enters into US law, Cybersecurity and Communications fi rsthand the standard tactics – non- civil liberties will be Integration Center of the Department violent but still mafi a-infl ected – of of Homeland Security”. high-level politics. threatened in a way that no No actual threat need be made. And There was no shortage of privately democracy can tolerate what counts as “threat information” contracted surveillance and wiretap- is defi ned so broadly that it can mean ping. Campaigns routinely planted anything. “Notwithstanding any other spies – interns, household staff , or By Naomi Wolf provision of law,” the government even lovers – in the opposing camp, New York may rely on “cybersecurity systems and devoted vast numbers of man- to identify and obtain cyber threat hours to combing through private information.” records in opposition research. The lmost no one had read the The vague concept of “cyber results were then regularly used Cyber Intelligence Sharing threat information” does not just let behind the scenes to bully, intimidate, and Protection Act (CISPA) DHS investigate anyone. By includ- and coerce targets. Abefore it was rushed through ing information pertaining to “a vul- Most of these “scandals” never saw the United States House of Repre- nerability of a system or network of the light of day – the goal was pres- sentatives in late April and sent to a government or private entity,” and sure, not disclosure. CISPA would give the Senate. CISPA is the successor to the “theft or misappropriation of the same power to the DHS. SOPA, the “anti-piracy” bill that was private or government information, America’s business leaders may recently defeated after an outcry from intellectual property, or personally think that they are immune, but the citizens and Internet companies. identifiable information,” the bill bill’s defi nition of “a threat” is so SOPA, framed by its proponents in appears to target whistleblowers and vague – with no distinction between a terms of protecting America’s enter- leakers, and threatens investigative “threat” to the Internet and any ran- tainment industry from theft, would journalism. dom, even metaphorical “threat” on have shackled content providers and The respected Internet technology the Internet – that the DHS may keep users, and spawned copycat legislation site Techdirt has called the bill “insan- tabs on anyone who says something around the world. ity”: “CISPA can no longer be called a that irks someone in a cubicle. Now, with CISPA, the clampdown cybersecurity bill at all. The govern- If CISPA enters into US law, along- on Internet freedom comes in the ment would be able to search informa- side the recently enacted National guise of a bill aimed at cyber terrorism tion…for the purposes of investigating Defence Authorisation Act – which that should give Internet entrepre- American citizens with complete gives the government the power to de- neurs – and all business leaders – immunity from all privacy protections tain any American for anything forever nightmares. And yet, this time, major as long as (it) can claim someone com- – fundamental civil liberties will be Internet and technology companies, mitted a ‘cybersecurity crime.’” threatened in a way that no democracy including Facebook and Microsoft, Indeed, the DHS may look through can tolerate. supported the bill, on the grounds data transmitted online without re- And because so much of the free- that it would create a clear procedure straint, regardless of what it ultimately dom of the Internet around the world for handling government requests for fi nds. And, in this respect, business derives from the freedom of expres- information. leaders who believe that this bill is sion that until recently characterised Microsoft, at least, belatedly aimed at terrorists – or “at most” at the US, enactment of CISPA poses a dropped its support after recognising the domestic activists and documen- similar threat around the world. that the law would allow the US gov- tarians who can make it harder for The good news is that President ernment to force any Internet business them to operate – should be careful Barack Obama has vowed to veto to hand over information about its about what they wish for. CISPA. The bad news is that he made users’ online activities. Indeed, because the defi nition their electronic communications. And a subpoena for Icelandic legislator civil society, these personal matters – and then broke – a similar vow on But the bill is far more alarming of cyberterrorism is so broad and the law would give the DHS similar Birgitta Jonsdottir’s personal bank properly remain private. In a surveil- the NDAA. - Project Syndicate than that. For example, “the head of a subjective, US business leaders who control over the personal and fi nancial records. lance society, they become leverage. department or agency of the Federal are pushing for CISPA risk expos- lives of anyone who does business in Everyone has secrets: love aff airs, I am fearful of the eff ects of zNaomi Wolf is a political activist and Government receiving cyber threat ing themselves to the DHS’s power to the US or with American companies substance-abuse problems, mental- unrestrained domestic surveillance social critic whose most recent book information…shall provide such cyber scrutinise their personal lives, sub- – a power that the US government health diagnoses, or questionable dis- for specifi c reasons: I worked in two is Give Me Liberty: A Handbook for threat information to the National poena their bank records, and disrupt has already tried to assert by issuing cussions with accountants. In a strong US presidential campaigns, and saw American Revolutionaries. Space rock ‘caught dinosaurs already in decline’ Weather report Three-day forecast

TODAY AFP came along and killed them all off ’,” easy story as we might like to think.” niches or adapt to changing condi- Ar Ruways High: 41 C Paris Steve Brusatte, a palaeontologist at The study compared the skeletal tions, he explained. The Gulf the American Museum of Natural His- structure of 150 diff erent species of But if big herbivores were on the Al Khuwayr Low: 27 C Relatively humid at first becoming tory, told AFP. land-bound dinosaurs to see how they skids towards the end of the Creta- Fuwayrit hot by the day and partly cloudy with sligh dust. arge, plant-eating dinosaurs changed over time, the idea being to ceous, carnivorous dinosaurs and Gulf of were already in decline by the “This was a world that see if a species was up, down or stable medium-sized herbivores were thriv- Bahrain time a space rock smashed in survival terms. ing, say the researchers. THURSDAY into Earth 65mn years ago and was undergoing a lot By this benchmark, the large “What we can say for certain now High: 39 C L Al Khawr Low : 31 C ended the reptiles’ long reign, a new herbivores - specifically, horned is when the asteroid hit and when M Sunny study says. of changes before the and duckbilled dinosaurs - were these volcanoes began erupting, they Al Jamayliyah The fi ndings by scientists in the US becoming less and less diverse didn’t hit a world that was totally OK, and Germany do not dispute the mass asteroid hit” during the last 12mn years of the they didn’t hit a static world,” said extinction that so dramatically ended Cretaceous. Brusatte. Dukhan QATAR FRIDAY the Cretaceous era. “I think now we can say it was prob- The four-footed giants “were “At the time, dinosaurs, at least Doha High: 44 C But they suggest the dinosaur king- ably more complicated than that. You becoming more similar to each other, some of them, were undoing major Ar Rayyan Low : 29 C P Sunny dom, or at least some of its species, had some dinosaurs that were doing they were losing variability,” said Bru- evolutionary changes and at least Umm Bab was not struck down in its prime as is just fi ne, but you had others like these satte. “Usually when you see these big these plant eaters were declining.” Al Wakrah often hypothesised. big plant eaters that were maybe in decreases in the anatomy like this, that The reason for their downward “A lot of the time people think of trouble. means that a group is in trouble.” spiral is unclear but “was probably Fishermen’s forecast Al Kiranah Umm Said the dinosaurs going extinct: ‘oh, you “This was a world that was under- Groups that show an increase in something ecological,” he said. The OFFSHORE DOHA know, an asteroid did it ... the dino- going a lot of changes before the as- variety boost their chances of sur- fi ndings are published in the journal Wind: SE-SW 5-15 KT saurs were doing just fi ne, an asteroid teroid hit. It wasn’t quite such a nice, vival because they can fi ll new habitat Nature Communications. Waves: 1-3 feet INSHORE DOHA Wind: SE-SW 5-15 KT Waves: 1-2 feet

Around the region Live issues Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Abu Dhabi Clear 42/26 M Sunny 42/27 Baghdad C Rain 40/25 P Sunny 37/21 Dubai M Sunny 37/28 M Sunny 38/28 Kuwait City Clear 43/25 M Sunny 44/27 Manama M Sunny 39/29 M Sunny 39/30 Food allergies: worrying reactions Muscat M Sunny 40/27 M Sunny 39/28 Riyadh P Sunny 39/29 M Sunny 40/26 Tehran Clear 25/15 C Rain 28/14 By Anne Wollenberg not deliberately being awkward. I London just don’t want to vomit or pass out in your restaurant.” Tehran This is something restaurants need hefs don’t want to poison to recognise, says Alex Gazzola, author

their patrons, you’d pre- of the Food Allergy and Intolerance SYRIA Baghdad sume. But if you have a food Ink blog. “There’s a psychological allergy or intolerance, you side to food sensitivity – people may C Damascus IRAQ IRAN may be familiar with the game of Spot feel frightened, ashamed, anxious or

The Killer Ingredient I play when eat- embarrassed.” It’s hardly pleasant be- Amman ing out with my fi ance, who is allergic ing the person who kicks up a fuss or KUWAIT JORDAN ARABIAN to bell peppers (which show up in the sends their meal back. GULF most ridiculous places, such as on top It would be far too cynical to as- Manama BAHRAIN Doha of a steak sandwich) or my mother, sume restaurants simply don’t care Abu Dhabi who has a severe potato allergy – the and don’t want the hassle of catering QATAR Muscat Riyadh UAE tiniest amount will send her into ana- for customers with allergies. After all, phylactic shock. I’ve seen waiters nod those that do it well can count on en- EGYPT SAUDI ARABIA sagely when she explains this, then during customer loyalty and positive RED SEA bring her a salad topped with crisps. recommendations - and nobody wants OMAN When it comes to allergies, restau- to do it badly, do they? When I phone rant staff can be well-meaning but some restaurants to ask if they can ill-informed. In separate studies by cater for people with allergies, they all Around the world Brighton and Sussex Medical School insist they can but, from experience, I Weather Weather and the Jaff e Food Allergy Institute already know otherwise. today Max/min tomorrow Max/min at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in It’s not as if staff would have to learn Athens Clear 27/17 M Sunny 27/17 38/29 New York, restaurant workers were in- a million allergies and ingredients, Bangkok P Sunny 39/29 C Rain Beirut T Storms 23/17 C Rain 22/17 terviewed about their awareness of al- they just need to listen when someone Berlin Clear 28/17 C Storms 23/15 lergies. Over a fi fth of the respondents expresses concern about the menu. Cairo M Sunny 27/18 Clear 32/18 in both surveys thought someone with Gazzola also recommends that dishes Cape Town M Sunny 19/13 Rain 17/12 an allergy could eat a small amount of are given clear, descriptive names (as Colombo M Sunny 31/24 M Sunny 31/24 Dhaka T Storms 33/25 C Storms 34/25 that foodstuff (they can’t), and over a opposed to “Chef’s Special”) and that Hong Kong T Storms 31/26 C Storms 30/26 fi fth thought it was fi ne to just pick it some people really are just being fussy, in the recipe – including in restau- menus be posted online so they can Istanbul M Sunny 23/13 P Sunny 22/12 off a fi nished meal (it’s not). but the problem comes when restau- rants that know she’s there to review be studied in advance. He also advises Jakarta T Storms 34/24 C Storms 32/24 Despite these and a frankly ter- rant staff take it upon themselves to them. “One chef decided there was diners with allergies to phone ahead if Karachi Clear 37/26 M Sunny 41/27 C Rain 12/09 rifying list of other misconceptions decide who has a genuine allergy and some sauce I had to try. I spent an possible to ensure their needs can be London Rain 15/09 Manila T Storms 32/27 C Storms 34/26 (38% of the Brits interviewed wrongly who is just crying wolf. hour and a half being violently sick accommodated. Moscow M Sunny 13/03 M Sunny 14/05 believed a glass of water could help “So many people claim to have in their bathroom.” Restaurants are not the sole culprits New Delhi Clear 37/22 M Sunny 36/23 to alleviate an allergic reaction, for an allergy or intolerance when they “Sometimes they seem to think here: the worried well aren’t helping New York M Sunny 20/12 C Showers 14/14 example), the majority of respondents don’t, so restaurant and service it’s not a big deal and I’m just being either. “I’m not saying restaurants are Paris C Rain 17/10 Fog 20/07 Sao Paulo P Sunny 19/13 Fog 24/10 in both surveys thought they could staff don’t take it seriously,” says fussy,” agrees writer Camilla Chafer, terrible and they need to sort their act Seoul M Sunny 25/12 M Sunny 24/13 confi dently provide a safe meal for a food and travel writer Nikki Bayley, who has a milk allergy. “Yes, the out,” says Bayley. “People need to stop Singapore C Storms 31/26 C Storms 32/26 person with a food allergy. who is allergic to mushrooms and sauce has milk in it, now you men- complaining about things that aren’t Sydney M Sunny 23/14 Rain 20/11 Then there are the people who hear jalapeno peppers. “I’ve swollen up tion it. Can’t you just scrape it off? the matter with them.”- Guardian Tokyo Rain 19/17 Rain 21/18 “allergic” and think “fussy”. Of course, in restaurants after asking if they’re No, I can’t. It’s not a choice and I’m News and Media

SAUDI BOURSE | Page 36 MSCI coverage may pave way for rise in status

‘UNIQUE CHALLENGES’ | Page 34 US, Japan still considering GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 2, 2012 regional Jumada-II 11, 1433 AH trade accord; Mexico and Canada want BUSINESS to join talks In brief Barwa posts QR292mn gain in fi rst quarter Indian exports rise 21%, Barwa Real Estate Company has re- ported 47% decline in its net profit to QR292.46mn in the first three but trade defi cit hits high ‘Snail-pace’ months of this year. Rental income rose 5% to QR177.28mn and income from con- AFP in 2011-12 with the country sourcing LNG PROJECT sultancy and other related services New Delhi 80% of its crude abroad. by 55% to QR111.03mn. It also made “The growing trade defi cit, which Japan fi rms to buy a profit of QR78.45mn on sale of is the highest in the history of India’s stake for $2bn properties and earned QR12.24mn ndia’s exports grew 21% in the trade, is a cause for concern,” said Ra- Japan’s Mitsui and Mitsubishi will reforms hit as share of results from ‘equity- last fi nancial year to beat the feeque Ahmed, president of the Fed- jointly buy a 14.7% stake in an Aus- accounted-investees’. Igovernment’s target, offi cial data eration of Indian Export Organisation. tralian LNG project from Woodside However, total revenues and gains showed yesterday, but the country’s The trade defi cit has raised worries Petroleum for $2bn, underscoring more than halved to QR650.59mn as trade defi cit surged to a record high. about India’s current account defi cit Japan’s demand for gas in the face its profit on disposal of subsidiaries India’s merchandise exports — the gap in trade as well as capital of a drastically reduced nuclear plunged 53% to QR194.66mn and crossed the government’s $300mn fl ows — which stands at nearly 4% of power generating capacity. reported a loss of QR25.38mn on re- goal to reach $303.7bn in the fi nancial GDP, the highest on record. Japan, the world’s largest liquefied fund fl ows measurement of investment proper- year ended March 2012. But imports The country is no longer able to de- natural gas (LNG) importer, is racing ties against a gain of QR420.08mn in soared by 32% to $489bn, pushing pend on the combination of revenues to secure gas supplies as LNG substi- the year-ago period. India’s trade defi cit to an all-time from its fl agship outsourcing sector, tutes lost nuclear capacity. Its last Although operating expenses rose high of $185bn. remittances from Indians working working nuclear power station goes 20% to QR73.20mn, the company The trade defi cit was more bad news abroad and foreign capital infl ows to off line on Saturday. cut down its general and adminis- for Asia’s third-largest economy after cover its ballooning imports. trative costs by 55% to QR135.03mn global ratings giant Standard & Poor’s The weak Indian currency, which into GCC and net finance costs by 57% to downgraded India’s credit outlook has fallen by about 20% against the US AGGRESSIVE MOVE QR130.48mn. last week to negative, saying a slow- dollar in the last 12 months, is making Australia stuns with By Santhosh V Perumal and corporate governance issues. Total assets were valued at ing economy and swelling fi scal defi - it even harder to attract foreign capital. Business Reporter “This will facilitate reversing the un- QR62.75bn. Total equity (attrib- cit was putting the country’s prized Also, while India’s exports grew half point rate cut derweight allocation by international utable to owners of the parent investment-grade rating at risk. on an annual basis, overseas sales fell Australia’s central bank cut its main investors,” it said, adding Asian inves- company) stood at QR11.98bn on Energy-hungry India’s huge en- 5.7% to $29bn in March from a year cash rate by a surprisingly aggres- he ‘snail-pace’ reforms of corpo- tors, specifi cally from China, were keen a capital base of QR3.89bn and ergy purchases accounted for a large earlier. It was the fi rst monthly ex- sive half a point yesterday and said rate and commercial laws in the to consider investment propositions earnings-per-share was QR0.75 at chunk of the import bill, with rising port fall since late 2009 when India inflation would likely be lower than TGulf region has led to an “opaque” from the region. the end of March 31, 2012. fuel prices pushing up the bill. Oil was feeling the eff ects of the last glo- expected for the next two years, framework for foreign ownerships, hence Established fund managers should imports went up by 47% to $156bn bal fi nancial crunch. leaving the door ajar for further eas- appropriate revision in legislations to promptly capitalise on these opportu- ing if needed. attract more foreign investments is re- nities, it said. The local dollar fell half a cent and quired, according to a study sponsored The global economic re-balancing government bond yields hit 60- by the Qatar Financial Centre Authority and the GCC’s growing trade relation- year lows as the Reserve Bank of (QFCA). ships with Asia have led to a key shift Australia cut rates to 3.75%, a level Corporate laws, specifi cally related in capital fl ows and will possibly be a not seen since late 2009. Markets to ownership, were”opaque”, the QFCA crucial factor in shaping the GCC’s as- had only looked for a quarter point study said, adding that although there set management industry, according to easing. have been signifi cant improvements in the study. the fi nancial and capital market regula- tions, “commercial and corporate laws “Given lack of fl exibility AUDACIOUS ACT have not moved in step.” in the corporate laws and the The study, titled ‘The Asset Man- opaqueness of ownership, Delta buys refi nery, agement Industry in the GCC: Growth asset managers have had to make own fuel Dynamics and Contours of the Next to devise ways around Delta Air Lines will buy a Pennsylva- Phase of Evolution’, says the biggest these issues” nia oil refinery from ConocoPhillips constraint in the growth of the asset for $180mn, the most audacious management industry perhaps was the Highlighting that the recent Arab move yet by an airline trying to save issue of “opaque” regulations relat- Spring would redefi ne capital fl ows money on fuel costs. ing to foreign ownership, adding that from and into the economies impacted Delta Air said the first ever pur- at present, the GCC countries were at by the changes, it said the investment chase of a refinery by an airline varying levels of transition to a 100% management industry in the GCC would allow it to cut $300mn foreign ownership model. would be looking closely at these de- annually from jet fuel costs, which “Given lack of fl exibility in the corpo- velopments and “possibly seek ways to reached $12bn last year. rate laws and the opaqueness of owner- attract some of this capital from coun- ship, asset managers have had to devise tries in the wider Mena (Middle East ways around these issues,” it said. and North Africa) region.” LISTING EYED However, in an increasingly global fi - Stressing on the need for the GCC nancial world, in order to keep up with countries to create ecosystems, com- Polyus raises $635mn the other emerging fi nancial centres prising key stakeholders and partici- selling off key stakes and to facilitate long term growth of pants; it said the regulators need to work Polyus Gold, Russia’s largest gold the asset management industry, GCC’s on instituting corporate governance producer, has sold a 7.5% stake onshore corporate laws need to have frameworks. to two strategic investors, raising appropriate revisions, the study said. “A broader buy-in from the state $635mn and helping to boost its free “A unifi ed regulation (in each coun- will be a prerequisite to strengthen the float ahead of plans to apply for a try) and legally enforceable ownership arms of the regulator,” it stressed. premium listing in London. model will remove a big hurdle in for- Although the GCC region already has Polyus, worth about $10bn and eign investments,” it said. multiple fi nancial centres, it said each sitting on potentially lucrative gold Stressing that there was signifi cant fi nancial centre was capable of building reserves in Russia’s far east, said opportunity for the GCC to attract for- its own unique value proposition. yesterday it had sold a stake of eign investors and fund managers from “The market is still large enough to 5% less one share to Chengdong across the globe, the study said that as accommodate multiple fi nancial cen- Investment Corp, a subsidiary of for fund-raising, the region would have tres. The major fi nancial centres would China’s CIC, and a 2.5% holding to to work on making structural improve- need to fi nd ways to complement each Russian bank VTB. ments with respect to transparency other,” it said.

US factory growth best in 10 months

Reuters new orders component racked up its best this year, though GM reported its new New York reading in a year at 58.2, up from 54.5. vehicle sales dipped slightly in April. The strong labour fi gure comes ahead Ford also reported a decline in sales for of the government’s more comprehen- April yesterday, but both GM and Ford S manufacturing grew in April sive monthly jobs report due on Friday, said their sales declines refl ected a quirk at the strongest rate in 10 which is forecast to show the economy in the calendar that resulted in three Umonths, easing concerns the added 170,000 jobs in April, including fewer selling days than in the year-ago economy had lost momentum at the 22,000 manufacturing positions. month. start of the second quarter. The national ISM report was in con- The US economy grew at a 2.2% rate The Institute for Supply Manage- trast to some regional manufacturing in the fi rst quarter, slower than the 3% ment said yesterday its index of nation- reports from the industry group, includ- pace logged in the fi nal months of 2011. al factory activity rose to 54.8 from 53.4 ing Chicago on Monday, that showed Separate data yesterday showed con- in March. The fi gure topped expecta- the rate of growth slowed last month. struction barely rose in March as in- tions for the reading to decline to 53 and It also bucked the trend of other re- vestment in public projects dropped to was also above the top end of forecasts cent data that suggested the economy a fi ve-year low. in a Reuters poll. lost some steam as the second quarter Construction spending edged up only A reading below 50 indicates contrac- got under way, highlighting the bumpy 0.1% to an annual rate of $808.07bn, tion in the manufacturing sector, while nature of the recovery. the Commerce Department said, after a number above 50 indicates expansion. The ISM report on US factory activity a revised 1.4% drop in February. Econo- Manufacturing accounts for about followed data out of China that showed mists polled by Reuters had expected 12% of US economic activity and has manufacturing there rose to a 13-month construction spending to rise 0.5%. been a cornerstone of the recovery from high in April, though that reading was Also in March, lending to small busi- the 2007-2009 recession. slightly below expectations. nesses, a key driver of employment, fell ISM’s gauge of employment also rose to Encouraging signs in the economy for the third straight month, accord- its highest level since last June, to a read- prompted General Motors to lift its out- ing to Thomson Reuters/PayNet Small ing of 57.3 from 56.1. The forward-looking look for industry-wide US vehicle sales Business Lending Index. Gulf Times 34 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 BUSINESS

CORPORATE RESULTS BP profit falls as oil US, Japan still mulling spill costs still weigh

Oil producer BP reported a the previous quarter, but signifi- bigger-than-expected 13% drop cantly better than a £3.5bn loss in underlying quarterly profit, as in the first quarter of 2011. production fell after the group Britain’s biggest retail bank in regional trade agreement was forced to sell fields to pay terms of customers said it was for the Gulf of Mexico disaster, taking an extra £375mn provi- Reuters “Each of our economies — TPP talks, said it was important off setting an increase in crude sion to cover compensation Washington Japan, Mexico, Canada — have the US and Japan work together prices. for the mis-selling of insurance unique circumstances, unique on creating rules for the region BP said yesterday output would products following a spike in challenges, unique trade barriers in areas ranging from anti-ter- continue to decline in the sec- complaints received in February resident Barack Obama that the current partners want to rorism and intellectual prop- ond quarter as it unveiled plans and March. has voiced support for have addressed,” Fast told Reu- erty rights protection to the to sell a number of mature fields Lloyds had already set aside PJapan joining talks with ters in an interview at the Cana- oceans and outer space. in the Gulf. £3.2bn last year, which analysts the US and eight other coun- dian consulate in Sydney. “In the economic area, we The London-based group also thought was conservative. Brit- tries on a free trade agreement “We believe it is to our bene- shall deepen bilateral economic said it would have to spend ish rival Barclays also increased in the fast-growing Asia-Pacif- fi t that our application be con- ties and fortify the growth and more than earlier expected its provision last week. ic region, but said no fi nal deci- sidered on its own merits rather prosperity of the two countries to clean up America’s worst- sion had been made. than as a group.” through the promotion of eco- ever off shore oil spill, although “We instructed our teams Canada has faced opposition nomic integration in the Asia- this was off set by a drop in Pfizer to continue our consultation to its supply management sys- Pacifi c region,” Noda said. the expected cost of paying Pfizer reported higher-than- regarding Japan’s interest in tem for agricultural producers, “Our countries will work out claims after the com- expected quarterly earnings as joining the Trans-Pacifi c Part- which has been criticised as on regional trade and invest- pany agreed a settlement improved profit margins and nership (TPP), which would a form of protectionism. Fast ment rules-making with a view with impacted individuals and strong sales of its Lyrica nerve- benefi t both our economies said Canada had told the part- to building FTAAP, or the Free businesses. pain drug partly off set plunging and the region,” Obama said at ners all issues “without excep- Trade Area of the Asian-Pacifi c,” Europe’s second-largest oil demand for its Lipitor choles- a joint news conference with tion” would be on the negotiat- he said, referring to a longer- group by market value said its terol fighter, now facing cheaper Japanese Prime Minister Yoshi- ing table but there was no plan term goal of crafting a free trade replacement cost (RC) net profit generic rivals. hiko Noda. to dismantle the supply man- pact among all 21 Apec members. reached $4.93bn in the quarter, The global drug maker said The US hopes to fi nish talks agement approach. That “will advance consulta- compared with $5.61bn in the sales of Lipitor, which lost pat- with Australia, New Zealand, “We’ve made a commitment tions with a view to participating same period last year. ent protection in November, fell Peru, Chile, Singapore, Malay- to our Canadian farmers ... and in the Trans-Pacifi c Partnership Stripping out one-off items such 42% to $1.4bn. sia, Vietnam and Brunei on the we have no intention of break- negotiations,” Noda said. as the profit on asset sales, the Pfizer earned $1.79bn, or 24¢ per TPP pact by the end of the year. ing our word to that industry.” Obama and Noda also result was down 13% to $4.80bn, share, in the first quarter. That The countries say they are Many members of the US Con- pledged to strengthen the US- below an average forecast of compared with $2.2bn, or 28¢ aiming for a “21st Century” gress are wary about allowing Japan security alliance, the $5.10bn from a Reuters poll of per share, a year earlier, when agreement that goes further Japan, the world’s third largest latest eff ort to project unity nine analysts. results suff ered because of a than previous trade pacts in economy, into the negotiations. between Washington and its litigation charge and costs of tearing down barriers to trade They have demanded strong- Asian partners as a counter- revamping research operations. and raising international er evidence that Tokyo is ready weight to China’s growing as- Lloyds Excluding special charges to standards in areas like labour to open its market to more US sertiveness in the region. British bank Lloyds warned of a boost productivity and address and the environment. exports in sectors ranging from The two leaders put their “long and diff icult” path to eco- legal matters, Pfizer earned In November, Japan, Mexico agriculture to autos. stamp of approval on a long- nomic recovery as it set aside 58¢ per share, from 60¢ a year and Canada expressed interest The next time the top trade stalled agreement to sharply an extra £375mn ($609mn) to ago. Analysts on average had in joining the talks. Over the offi cials from the TPP countries reduce the US military pres- compensate people mis-sold in- expected 56¢, according to past fi ve months, the current will be together is in early June in ence on the island of Okinawa, surance, but cheered investors Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. members have been discuss- Kazan, Russia, at the Apec (Asia which could help ease the way with lower bad debts. Total company revenue fell 7% ing the feasibility of bringing Pacifi c Economic Co-operation) for Obama’s strategy of dis- Lloyds, 40% owned by the to $15.41bn, a bit below Wall the three countries into the trade ministers meeting. persing US forces around the government after a bailout Street expectations of $15.47bn. negotiations without lowering Apec leaders are due to meet western Pacifi c. during the 2008 financial crisis, The New York drug maker ambitions for the agreement or in early September in Vladi- The Obama administration said yesterday it was making agreed last week to sell its baby allowing the talks to drag on. vostok, Russia. That comes used Noda’s visit and meetings progress in reducing its loan formula business to Nestle SA Canadian Trade Minister Ed right after the US Democratic between Secretary of State Hil- book, cutting costs and reining for $11.85bn to focus on its core Fast, in Australia to drum up Party’s convention to renomi- lary Clinton and Defence Sec- in bad debts — all key parts of pharmaceuticals business. On support for his country’s appli- nate Obama for president, rais- retary Leon Panetta and their its recovery plan. Tuesday, Pfizer said it planned cation, said it was unclear when ing questions about whether he counterparts from the Philip- Lloyds said it made a first- to allocate proceeds from the a decision would be made or will attend the Apec meeting. pines to showcase eff orts to quarter statutory pretax profit of deal to share repurchases and whether all three applications Noda, who faces opposition forge closer security ties with £288mn, down from £316mn in possibly other uses. Obama and Noda during their press conference at the White House. would be dealt with together. at home to his push to join the Asian allies. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 35 BUSINESS

PARTNERSHIP PLANS NEW TERMINALS RECOVERY BID PRIVATE TRANSACTION EXCESS LIQUIDITY Etihad seeks more routes Iraq oil exports rise to Shuaa Capital aims Tasnee eyes debut IPIC prepays $514mn with Aer Lingus stake 2.508mn bpd in April to cut costs by 14% riyal Islamic bond of debt due in 2013

Etihad Airways has bought a 3% stake in Irish Iraq’s crude oil exports rose to 2.508mn bpd Dubai-based Shuaa Capital yesterday said it Saudi Arabia’s National Industrialisation Abu Dhabi government-owned International airline Aer Lingus as a precursor to a commercial in April from 2.317mn bpd in March as new aims to trim costs by an additional 14% by the Company (Tasnee) will begin meeting investors Petroleum Investment Co, or IPIC, said yesterday tie-up that could help Abu Dhabi’s flagship off shore export terminals helped increase end of the first half as the investment bank eyes next week ahead of a potential debut Islamic it has made an early repayment of 1.89bn UAE carrier gain more European routes to catch sales, the head of the State Oil Marketing a recovery from an economic downturn and bond, or sukuk, the petrochemicals firm said in a dirhams ($514mn) of debt that was due to up with Middle Eastern rivals. The deal also Organisation (Somo) said yesterday. Iraq aims a return to profitability. Shuaa, in a statement regulatory filing. HSBC’s Saudi Arabian unit has mature in 2013. “IPIC continues to generate positions state-owned Etihad as a potential to double oil output over the next three years as ahead of the publication of its first-quarter been selected to organise the roadshows, which significant income from its investments and, buyer of the indebted Irish government’s 25% it recovers from decades of war and sanctions results due next week, said it has slashed 60% of could lead to a privately-placed transaction, following the prudent guidelines of its board of stake in Aer Lingus, which it is considering and is expected to provide the world’s largest its employees since the beginning of 2011, layoff s according to a statement published late on directors, has used part of its excess liquidity selling as part its international bailout. After expansion in oil capacity in 2012 as new outlets that took place primarily in its retail brokerage Monday. A number of Saudi entities have priced to retire a portion of its outstanding liabilities,” months of speculation about a possible open. The opening of two new floating single business. “We have worked hard to cut costs in their first local currency sukuk this year as IPIC’s managing director Khadem al-Qubaisi said deal, the airlines said yesterday that Etihad’s point mooring (SPM) terminals has eased export 2011 and this continued into 2012,” said Sheikh interest in the country’s debt market grows on in a brief emailed statement. “IPIC will continue stake purchase reflected “its desire to forge a constraints and boosted crude oil exports Maktoum bin Hasher al-Maktoum, executive the back of high investor liquidity and a desire to to focus on the success of its business and will commercial partnership,” with Aer Lingus. significantly. chairman of Shuaa Capital. diversify funding sources. manage its balance sheet accordingly,” he said. Dubai looking to fund airport QE-listed expansion with $1.25bn sukuk fi rms’ profi t The emirate is confident of repaying slows down creditors at Dubai World on time

Reuters Dubai in 1st quarter ubai will use $1.25bn raised through an Islamic bond last By Santhosh V Perumal counting for 3.29% of the total Dweek to fund the expansion of its Business Reporter cumulative net profi t. Three airport and is confi dent of repaying cred- among them reported gains and itors at its fl agship conglomerate Dubai two registered declines. World on time, a top Dubai offi cial told he Qatar Exchange-listed The industrial segment, Reuters yesterday. companies’ profi tability which has eight listed fi rms, “We will use proceeds from the $1.25bn Thas considerably slowed registered a 3.27% dip in net sukuk to fund Dubai International Air- down, dragged mainly by realty, profi t to QR2.62bn, which con- port expansion,” Sheikh Ahmed bin even as banks and the fi nancial stituted 28.70% of the cumula- Saeed al-Maktoum, a close advisor and services as well as transport tive net profi t. Six among them uncle to Dubai’s ruler and a key fi gure in sectors outperformed others the record gains in net profi ts and the emirate’s recovery from its 2009 debt fi rst quarter of this year, accord- two reported slippages. debacle, said in an interview on the side- ing to Qatar Exchange data. The consumer goods and lines of a Dubai travel show. The 41 listed companies services sector, consisting of Sheikh Ahmed holds a host of top po- have reported a marginal 1.29% eight listed entities, recorded sitions including the chairman post at its growth in their cumulative net a 2.68% dip in net profi t to largest bank Emirates NBD, Dubai World profi ts against a 13% growth in QR379.03mn, which was 4.16% and at crown jewel Emirates airline. the comparable period of 2011. of the total net profi t. The seg- The emirate is steadily recovering from Their cumulative net profi ts ment saw fi ve of them register a 2009 debt crisis when Dubai World stood at QR9.13bn compared to gains, while two reported de- stunned global markets with plans to de- QR9.01bn in the previous year clines and one widened its net lay repayment on $25bn of debt. period. Vodafone Qatar follows losses. The conglomerate reached a deal in April-March format, while oth- 2010 to repay lenders over fi ve and eight ers follow January-December The 41 listed companies years. Other state-linked fi rms are in the system. have reported a marginal midst of restructuring debt. Sheikh Ahmed: Emirates cash reserve is good. Except for the banks and 1.29% growth in their “We (Dubai World) are committed to fi nancial services as well as cumulative net profi ts the plan set in 2010. Dubai World and far below the 650 basis points level hit in The airline has a $500mn bond matur- Sheikh Ahmed said the carrier was transport, all the other fi ve sec- against a 13% growth in its companies are making excellent rev- late 2009 at the height of the crisis. ing in June. open to acquisitions but had no current tors reported shrinkage in their 2011. Their cumulative net enues and we expect the debt to be paid Emirates airline, among the top 10 in “The Emirates cash reserve is good. targets. Emirates group also includes air cumulative net profi ts. Only profi ts stood at QR9.13bn on time. There’s no need to extend debt the world by passenger numbers and top It is excellent, I must say. We have 4bn services fi rm Dnata which bought an the total cumulative net profi ts compared to QR9.01bn in when it falls due,” said Sheikh Ahmed, customer of Airbus’ A380 superjumbo, dirhams in cash so we are capable of pay- Italian fl ight catering group in 2010 and could be compared vis-à-vis the previous-year period who also heads the Supreme Fiscal Com- expects 2011 profi ts will not be higher ing off the debt in June ... but we are still is hungry for more purchases. the previous-year period as the mittee. than those in 2010 when it posted a weighing options,” the airline’s chairman Emirates, which carries more than bourse introduced the new sec- However, the banks and fi - The emirate’s rehabilitation has been 52-percent rise to $1.5bn. said. 30mn passengers a year, was linked to tors in April this year, shuffl ing nancial services segment with helped by a revival in trade and tourism a possible buy of loss-making airlines many entities from other sec- 12 entities reported a 12.86% and its safe-haven status amid the Arab Emirates takes $2bn hit from fuel costs in India this year but its president dis- tors. surge in cumulative net profi t to Spring popular revolts. missed the talk last week. The real estate segment, QR4.05bn, which was 44.36% of Investors are closely watching two The chairman of Dubai-based Emirates Jones in an interview on the sidelines of “I always say we remain open about any which has four listed fi rms, re- the overall net profi ts. The sec- signifi cant maturities in 2012 from state- Airline said the carrier’s performance a tourism event in Dubai yesterday. business opportunity to grow whether in ported a 19.55% slump in net tor saw 10 of them report gains; linked fi rms, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) in the fiscal year just finished was “Fuel costs are now touching on 40%- airline business or also other services,” profi t to QR585.05mn, which while two reported shrinkages. and DIFC Investments, which must re- “positive”, but soaring fuel prices took 43% of total costs, it is very close to Sheikh Ahmed said yesterday. “Dnata has constituted 6.46% of the over- The transport sector, com- pay a combined $3.25bn. Both are in talks an almost $2bn chunk from its profits. $2bn, it is not easy to mitigate this risk,” done a lot in terms of acquiring compa- all cumulative net profi t. Of the prising three fi rms, recorded a with banks on refi nancing the debt. “For the full year 2011-2012, its going he added. Emirates, the Middle East’s nies that are interesting. So it is not spe- four, two each reported gains 3.27% gain in cumulative net Dubai’s fi ve-year credit default swaps, to be positive...we carried 35-37mn largest carrier with a fleet of over 170 cifi cally about buying an aircraft.” and falls. profi t to QR478.61mn (5.26% of used to insure against a sovereign de- passengers, so its up on last year which aircraft, last tapped the debt market Asked whether Emirates would be in- The low-volume insurance the overall cumulative net prof- fault, have narrowed more than 85 bps was around 30-plus mn,” Sheikh Ahmed in June 2011 when it issued a $500mn terested in India’s Spicejet or Kingfi sher, sector, which has fi ve constitu- it). Two among them witnessed since the start of this year to around 358 bin Saeed al-Maktoum told Zawya Dow bond that was oversubscribed. he said: “No, but I will always remain ents, reported a 6.10% drop in gains and one reported slippage bps, according to Thomson Reuters data, open.” net profi t to QR303.49mn, ac- in net profi ts.

Libya economy to grow 12% this year Arcapita unit fi les for bankruptcy protection

unit of Bahrain invest- ment house Arcapita has Afi led for bankruptcy pro- tection in the US, the company said in a statement. Falcon Gas Storage Company, a non-operating subsidiary of Arcapita, also intends to fi le a motion for joint administration with its parent company for the ongoing Chapter 11 restructur- ing, it said in the statement late on Monday. In March, Arcapita became the fi rst Gulf entity to fi le for Chap- ter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US after it was threatened with legal action if it did not re- pay a hedge fund in full. Falcon’s fi ling is to address lia- bilities of its 2010 sale of NorTex Gas Storage Company. “As we have said from the very beginning, our goal in this proc- ess is to restructure our balance sheet and reorganise our busi- An oil export installation is seen in the Libyan town of Brega (file picture). Libya’s economy has turned a ness to maximise recoveries for corner following the civil war and is slated to grow 12% this year, the country’s economy minister yesterday. all creditors and other constitu- “We are done with any contraction,” Ahmed al-Koshli said on the sidelines of a conference in Dubai. “Our encies,” Atif A Abdulmalik, Ar- economy is growing and it is expected to record a 12% growth this year.” The International Monetary Fund is capita’s chief executive said in expecting much larger gains this year for Libya’s economy, reversing a shrinkage last year. Real GDP in Libya the statement. is expected to rebound 76.3% in 2012, according to the IMF, after contracting 61% last year. The return to “We believe the actions we are growth follows the installation of an interim government, after the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi in October. taking with respect to Falcon are Growth was currently backed by oil, al-Koshli said, but the country also had small industries, a services a logical step in this process but sector and commodities. Libya was also setting up a plan to attract further foreign investment and boost the we do not anticipate any similar economy, he added. actions with our operating sub- sidiaries or portfolio companies.” Gulf Times 36 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 BUSINESS Dubai slips for 5th session; most Gulf bourses end lower Qatar shares Reuters we’re seeing that in both Dubai Abu Dhabi’s index ended little The index slipped 0.2% to 7,545 Small-caps extended gains, Dubai and Abu Dhabi,” said Sleiman changed at 2,505 points. points, trading sideways in a tight with Abyaar Real Estate and Aboulhosn, assistant fund man- In Saudi Arabia, the index range since the end of earnings Manazel Holding rising 5.3% and ager at Al Masah Capital. “It looks finished lower for a second ses- season. 4.8% respectively. Investor Hold- Most Gulf bourses closed lower like things might quiet down a bit sion in three as investors booked “The Saudi market is trading ing climbed 5%. snap 3-day yesterday with Dubai’s index fall- with summer approaching. We’re profits. between 7,200 and 7,600, which In Oman, the index fell 0.6%, ing for a fifth session as investors watching out for new catalyst, but Banks and petrochemical are the resistance and support down in the last seven of nine ses- booked profits while activity was short-term, things are quiet this stocks were the main drag. Samba levels, and is waiting for a catalyst sions as investors booked recent muted with some regional and week.” Financial Group and Banque to move it out of this range,” said gains after a mixed set of earn- international markets closed for a Shuaa Capital gained 4.6% after Saudi Fransi fell 1.5 and 0.8% Marwan Shurrab, vice-president ings. The market hit a 10-month bull run on May Day holiday. saying it expects to reduce costs respectively. and chief trader at Gulfmena high in early April. Dubai bellwether Emaar Prop- by 14% in the second half of 2012 National Industrialisation Investments. Oman International Bank erties slipped 0.6%, Dubai Invest- and has completed job cuts. Company (Tasnee) shed 1.9%. Kuwait’s index climbed 0.5% to slumped 7.6%, after earnings ments shed 1.3% and contractor “We now have a clear direction, The petrochemicals firm said it its highest finish since May 2011. dropped 45.4% to 2.4mn rials Drake and Scull fell 1.6%. a significantly reduced cost base will begin meeting investors next Local retail investors make ($6.23mn). sell pressure The emirate’s index dropped and a much higher degree of week ahead of a potential debut up the bulk of trading activity, The stock accounted for 0.5%, trimming 2012 gains to 20%. financial visibility,” Shuaa’s execu- Islamic bond, or sukuk. betting on cheap stocks for short- 60% of all shares traded on the “Low volumes and the absence tive chairman said in a market Yanbu National Petrochemical term gains, despite institutional index. By Santhosh V Perumal them purchased equities against of catalysts usually lead to some update for shareholders ahead of lost 1.4% and Saudi Kayan Petro- investors expecting weak quar- Egypt and Bahrain’s bourses Business Reporter 24.78% on Monday and a much downward consolidation, and its quarterly earnings. chemical slipped 0.6%. terly earnings. were closed. higher 51.13% sold compared to 24.75%. elling pressure, especially Non-Qatari retail investors in the realty and indus- turned bullish as they were net Strials stocks, yesterday buyers to the extent of 2.41% snapped the three-day bullish against net sellers of 3.57% the run at the Qatar Exchange. previous day. Domestic institutions were A much higher 20.50% of seen considerably paring their them were into buying com- exposure as the QE Index (based pared to 10.08% on Monday and on price data) fell 0.36% to a higher 18.09% were into of- MSCI coverage of Saudi 8,672.01 points. fl oading against 13.65%. The market is down 1.22% Total trading volume shrank year-to-date. 42% to 13.43mn equities and The All Share Index (compris- value by 32% to QR442.82mn ing wider constituents) and the while deals gained 25% to 6,647. Total Return Index also shrank The banks and fi nancial serv- may pave the way for 0.25% and 0.36% to 2,056.14 ices sector’s trading volume and 11,626.52 points respective- plummeted 77% to 3.40mn ly. Both the indices factored in shares and value by 64% to dividend income as well. QR156.79mn, whereas deals rose Major shakers were Doha 34% to 1,866. Bank, Salam International In- The telecom sector’s trading vestment, Mawashi, Gulf In- volume plunged 61% to 0.70mn, emerging-market status ternational Services, Barwa, value by 57% to QR14.05mn and Mazaya Qatar, Vodafone Qatar transactions by 47% to 313. and Nakilat; even as Dlala and However, the real estate sec- Investors are seeking ond time in 2011 a decision on Qatari Investors Group bucked tor’s trading volume more than access to Saudi Arabia as the whether to upgrade the two na- the trend. doubled to 3.10mn shares, so did government of the largest tions to emerging-market sta- Under the All Share Index value to QR61.57mn as deals al- Arab economy pursues more tus. category, the telecom index most doubled to 1,065. than $500bn of spending Israel’s benchmark TA-25 In- plunged 2.17%, followed by in- drive dex has surged 37% since MSCI dustrials (0.30%), transport announced the country’s pro- (0.17%) and banks and fi nancial Bloomberg motion to developed-market services (0.12%); while the in- Dubai status in June 2009. dices of consumer goods, insur- Six of the GCC’s seven bours- ance and telecom gained 0.36%, es are classifi ed as frontier mar- 0.35% and 0.02% respectively. SCI Inc’s move to kets by MSCI, a designation Market capitalisation resume coverage of for countries with an average fell 0.16% or QR76mn to Major shakers at the QE MSaudi shares in stan- stock-market value of about QR463.13bn with mid and large yesterday were Doha dalone indexes could pave the $30bn, 94% less than in emerg- cap equities losing 0.91% and Bank, Salam International way for emerging-market sta- ing nations, according to data 0.06%; while micro and small Investment, Mawashi, Gulf tus should the exchange open to compiled by Bloomberg. caps gained 0.42% and 0.25% International Services, foreign investors, Schroder In- “Almost any way you look at respectively. Barwa, Mazaya Qatar, vestment Management Ltd and it, Saudi belongs in emerging Of the 42 stocks, 13 advanced, Vodafone Qatar and Nakilat Citigroup Inc said. markets” should foreign own- while 21 declined, fi ve were un- “This is a very positive devel- ership restrictions be removed, changed and three were not The industrials sector’s opment and a step in the right said Andrew Howell, a London- traded. trading volume soared 59% to direction for a potential inclu- based strategist for frontier and Domestic institutions turned 2.12mn shares, value by 44% to sion into the MSCI Emerging emerging European markets at profi t-takers as they were net QR66.40mn and transactions Markets Index, once the market Investors watch share price movements displayed on screens in a hall at ANB Invest, the investment Citigroup. “There is no doubt sellers to the tune of 3.52% by 48% to 1,010. opens up for foreign invest- arm of the Arab National Bank, in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index has returned 18% that the market has been an- against net buyers of 3.64% the The transport sector’s trad- ments,” Rami Sidani, the Du- this year, the second-best performer in the Gulf after Dubai and compared with a 12% gain in the MSCI ticipating to some degree that previous day. ing volume gained 28% to bai-based head of Middle East Emerging Markets Index. Saudi will be opening more.” A much lower 17.04% of them 0.82mn shares, value by 57% to and North Africa investments at Saudi Arabia will only open bought equities compared to QR17.58mn and deals by 47% to Schroder Investment Manage- Investors are seeking access Saudi Arabia Domestic Indices this year, the second-best per- its stock exchange to foreign 58.87% on Monday and a much 446. ment, whose parent company to Saudi Arabia as the govern- and related regional indexes in former in the Gulf after Dubai investors in a “gradual” proc- lower 20.56% offl oaded against The insurance sector’s trad- oversees about $291bn, said in a ment of the largest Arab econ- June. The index provider said in and compared with a 12% gain ess and after concluding there 55.23%. ing volume shot up 20% to telephone interview. omy pursues more than $500bn 2009 it would remove the coun- in the MSCI Emerging Markets will be no negative impact on Foreign institutions were in- 0.12mn shares and value by 10% The Capital Market Author- of spending to build real estate, try’s shares from its Gulf and Index. trading, the offi cial Saudi Press creasingly bearish as their net to QR5.14mn, whereas transac- ity in Saudi Arabia, the world’s infrastructure and industry. Arabian equity indexes because The country is the latest in Agency reported last month, selling rose to 2.20% from 0.11% tions fell 43% to 72. top oil exporter and home to Among companies trading on of a dispute with the exchange the six-nation Gulf Coopera- citing the market regulator’s the previous day. The consumer goods and the biggest stock market in the the Saudi bourse are Saudi Ba- over the licensing of informa- tion Council to move closer to chairman Abdulrahman al- A higher 8.03% of them were services sector’s trading volume Arabian Gulf, said in January it sic Industries Corp, the world’s tion from the bourse. gaining the emerging-markets Tuwaijri. into buying against 6.26% on was up 5% to 3.17mn shares, will allow overseas companies biggest petrochemicals com- Manuel Rensink, MSCI’s designation at MSCI, which “Saudi Arabia from an eco- Monday and a higher 10.23% of value by 21% to QR121.29mn and to list securities on the bourse. pany, and Kingdom Holding head of Middle East and North helps exchanges lure investors nomic and company perspec- them into selling compared to deals by 12% to 1,875. The decision helped fuel spec- Co, the investment company Africa, didn’t answer two calls because fund managers buy tive off ers a lot of attractive 6.37%. Actively traded stocks (in ulation the kingdom is taking controlled by billionaire Prince to his mobile phone and calls their shares to mirror MSCI’s features, so it’s something we Qatari individual investors’ terms of volume) were Barwa steps to open up its exchange to Alwaleed bin Talal. to the company’s offi ce in New indexes. would be recommending to cli- bullish grip strengthened as (1.68mn shares); Qatari Inves- foreign, non-regional investors, MSCI, a New York-based York weren’t answered. Qatar and the UAE are up ents to follow closely and look their net buying rose to 3.30% tors Group (1.64mn); Dlala who currently can’t directly in- index-provider, said on Monday Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All for review in June after MSCI to add exposure when and if it from 0.03% the previous day. (1.31mn); Mazaya Qatar (1.25mn) vest. it would reintroduce the MSCI Share Index has returned 18% in December delayed for a sec- becomes possible,” Howell said. A much higher 54.43% of and Mawashi (868,062).

CORPORATE RESULTS DIFC unit swings to profit; upbeat on sukuk

Rental income increased last year by 1.8% over year reflected its financial strength despite a diff icult 2010 and total rental income generated from invest- business climate that saw many global and regional ment properties was $128mn. banks’ earnings fall. During 2011, DIFC Investments sold Despec Bankers said Arab Bank set aside nearly $1bn in International, an IT distribution firm, for $27mn, provisions in the last two years to cover non-per- with payment to be received in three instalments forming loans by businesses reeling from the global by December 31, 2013. The company received an downturn, but was cushioned by a healthy capital amount of $15mn in 2011, in line with the instalment base. plan, it said. Tabreed Gulf Bank National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed) Kuwait’s Gulf Bank posted a 25% fall in first-quarter reported a 15% rise in first quarter profit yesterday as net profit, it said in a statement yesterday. operating costs declined by a quarter for its chilled Net profit for the first three months ending March water business. DIFC Investments, the investment arm of the com- 31 was 7.37mn dinars ($26.58mn), compared to Tabreed made a net profit of 36.8mn dirhams ($10mn) pany running Dubai’s financial free zone, is confident 9.78mn in the same period a year ago, the bank said in the three months to March 31, up from 31.9mn dirhams a of successfully refinancing an upcoming Islamic in the statement on the Kuwait bourse website. year earlier, a company statement said. bond maturity, and said it swung to profit in 2011. Arab Bank Group Net profit was lifted by a 5% increase in chilled wa- DIFC Investments’ (DIFCI) sukuk obligation has ter revenue, and a decline in operating costs of 25%. been highlighted by analysts as one of the most chal- Jordan-based Arab Bank Group posted a 10% rise Total revenues in the first quarter declined 11% lenging refinancings in the Gulf Arab region this year, in quarterly profit yesterday to $204mn, as revenues however to 219mn dirhams which the company said given the size of the maturity and the firm’s limited rose and its wide geographical spread left it less was expected as it continues to phase out non-core cash position. exposed to the region’s political turmoil than some businesses. The firm is “committed” to the repayment of its of its peers. Kipco $1.25bn Islamic bond, or sukuk, chairman Abdulla The bank, one of the Middle East’s major financial Mohamed Saleh said in a statement to Nasdaq Dubai. institutions with a presence in 30 countries across Kuwait Projects Co (Holding), or Kipco, the Gulf The 0.849% sukuk maturing on June 13 was last five continents, saw assets grow 1.5% to $46.3bn at state’s largest diversified investment holding firm, bid at just over 98 levels, to yield about 18.2%. The end-March 2012, according to a bourse statement. said yesterday it made a first quarter net profit of price is slightly shy of 98.290 levels hit on Monday. Gross income for January-March rose 8.5% to 8.5mn Kuwaiti dinars ($30.6mn), 5% higher than the The company swung to a profit in 2011, and sold $459.6mn with a healthy rebound in the bank’s core 8.1mn dinars net profit it reported in the year earlier Despec International, an IT distribution firm during commission and trade finance business. period, as its financial services and media businesses the year. Arab Bank Group chairman Abdel Hamid Shoman grew. DIFC Investments made a net profit of $130.5mn said in March he hoped the bank would continue The company said earnings per share for the first last year compared to a net loss of $272mn in the the steady performance it achieved last year with three months of 2012 came in at 6.51 fils per share previous year, after the impact of discontinued 13% growth in net profit to $306mn, even though compared with 6.49 fils per share in the same period operations. unrest in the Arab world made it diff icult to predict last year. Kipco’s consolidated assets rose in the first Profit from continuing operations totalled the outlook. quarter of 2012 to 6.1bn dinars, from 5.8bn dinars for $185.4mn compared to a loss of $286mn in 2010. He said growth in the bank’s balance sheet last the year end 2011, according to the statement. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 37 BUSINESS

SAUDI ARABIA KUWAIT OMAN

Company Name Lt Price % Chg Volume Company Name Lt Price % Chg Volume Company Name Lt Price % Chg Volume

Saudi Dairy & Foodstuff Co 60.00 -1.23 48,190 Kuwait Investment Co 104.00 0.00 160,000 Financial Corp/The 0.13 0.00 - Saudi Arabian Fertilizer Co 184.50 0.00 141,270 Kuwait & Middle East Fin Inv 102.00 0.00 20,000 Dhofar Tourism 1.00 0.00 - Al Sagr Co-Operative Insuran 31.40 -0.32 310,989 Kout Food Group 580.00 0.00 25,000 Dhofar Poultry 0.80 0.00 - Saudi Advanced Industries 22.90 9.83 3,682,674 Kuwait Packing Materials Mfg 0.00 0.00 - Aloula Co 0.00 0.00 - Saudi Arabian Coop Ins Co 48.60 -0.41 593,963 Privatization Holding Compan 75.00 0.00 2,080,000 Dhofar Intl Development 0.45 -0.22 26,000 Saudi Cooperative Iaic Insur 49.90 -0.20 666,248 Kuwait Projects Co Holdings 325.00 0.00 540,000 Dhofar Insurance 0.18 -3.85 6,500 Samba Financial Group 50.75 -1.46 228,342 Kuwait Real Estate Co 57.00 0.00 1,960,000 Dhofar University 1.13 0.00 - Sanad Cooperative Insurance 26.10 1.56 496,706 Kuwait Slaughter House Co 0.00 0.00 - Dhofar Power Co 0.00 0.00 - Saudi Public Transport Co 17.45 1.45 6,792,615 Kuwaiti Syrian Holding Co 32.00 0.00 80,000 Dhofar Power Co-Pfd 0.00 0.00 - Saudi Arabian Refinery Co 69.50 -0.71 313,050 Kuwait Invest Co Holding 0.00 0.00 - Dhofar Fish Industries Co 1.28 0.00 - QATAR Hsbc Amanah Saudi 20 Etf 24.90 0.00 13,874 Kuwait Reinsurance Co Ksc 0.00 0.00 - Dhofar Cattlefeed 0.14 0.00 - Saudi Re For Cooperative Rei 16.30 4.49 30,400,165 Kgl Logistics Company Kscc 275.00 1.85 710,000 Al Batinah Dev & Inv-50% 0.04 -2.70 91,100 Company Name Lt Price % Chg Volume Savola 35.50 0.85 470,309 Mabanee Co Sakc 1,020.00 2.00 150,000 Dhofar Beverages Co 0.26 0.00 - Saudi Cable Co 19.70 0.51 4,988,563 Al-Madar Finance & Invt Co 0.00 0.00 - Computer Stationery Inds 0.33 0.00 - Qatar National Bank 133.50 0.07 72,600 Saudi Chemical Company 42.50 0.00 559,395 Manafae Investment Co 61.00 0.00 120,000 Construction Materials Ind 0.06 -1.67 365,000 Industries Qatar 145.80 -0.14 144,187 Saudi Ceramic 96.00 -0.78 20,822 Manazel Holding 33.00 4.76 95,360,000 Cement & Gypsum Pro 1.00 0.00 - Ezdan Real Estate Co 19.20 0.00 14,333 Saudi Electricity Co 13.65 -0.36 3,495,773 Real Estate Trade Centers Co 58.00 1.75 1,440,000 Marine Bander Al-Rowdha 0.00 0.00 - Qatar Telecom (Qtel) Q.S.C 140.40 0.21 61,111 Saudi Fisheries 35.10 0.29 1,261,971 Markaz Real Estate Fund 0.00 0.00 - Bank Sohar 0.16 0.65 115,868 Masraf Al Rayan 26.75 0.00 678,940 Al-Hassan G.I. Shaker Co 71.50 -0.69 53,746 Marine Services Co 144.00 -5.26 60,000 Bankmuscat Saog 0.62 -0.64 392,712 Commercial Bank Of Qatar Qsc 71.90 -0.14 124,298 Saudi Hotels & Resort 27.30 0.37 19,405 Kuwait Financial Centre 118.00 0.00 40,000 Bank Dhofar Saog 0.44 0.00 150,614 Qatar Islamic Bank 77.30 -0.13 52,918 Arabian Shield Cooperative 35.70 -0.56 248,846 Al Masaken Intl Real Estate 0.00 0.00 - Al Batinah Hotels 1.30 0.00 - Qatar Electricity & Water Co 141.10 -0.77 36,310 Saudi Investment Bank 18.70 0.00 141,392 Al-Masar Leasing And Investm 0.00 0.00 - Majan College 0.28 0.00 - Qatar Fuel Co 238.90 0.34 77,946 Saudi Industrial Development 21.50 -0.46 6,775,512 Mashaer Holdings 285.00 0.00 550,000 Areej Vegetable Oils 2.50 0.00 - Doha Bank Qsc 57.00 -2.06 408,216 Saudi Industrial Export Co 48.50 2.11 3,661,264 Al-Massaleh Real Estate Co 104.00 0.00 180,000 Al Jazeera Steel Products Co 0.28 0.00 5,000 Barwa Real Estate Co 27.10 -2.87 1,678,561 Saudi Ind Investment Group 24.25 -0.61 1,255,394 National Ranges Company 23.50 0.00 68,320,000 Al Sallan Food Industry 0.00 0.00 - Qatar Gas Transport(Nakilat) 16.45 -0.60 728,919 Saudi Indian Co 51.50 0.98 399,599 Al-Mazaya Holding Co 85.00 -2.30 5,440,000 Acwa Power Barka Saog 0.39 0.00 1,007,000 Qatar Navigation 70.00 0.43 64,940 Saudi International Petroche 21.70 0.00 784,170 Mena Real Estate Co 37.00 0.00 160,000 Al-Omaniya Financial Service 0.29 0.00 - Aamal Co 16.70 -1.18 57,638 Saudi Industrial Services Co 19.50 1.83 9,567,033 Mena Holding Group 0.00 0.00 - Taghleef Industries Saog 0.00 0.00 - Qatar International Islamic 51.00 0.20 41,267 Saudi Transport And Investme 55.00 -0.45 983,963 Al Mowasat Health Care Co 168.00 0.00 20,000 Gulf Plastic Industries Co 0.39 0.00 - Al Ahli Bank 72.50 0.00 - Al Maidan Dental Clinic Co K 2,260.00 0.00 2,500 Al Jazeira Services 0.31 0.66 56,025 Qatar Insurance Co 75.50 0.67 16,053 Metal & Recycling Co 130.00 -1.52 120,000 Al Jazerah Services -Pfd 0.55 0.00 - Vodafone Qatar 8.55 -0.93 641,731 Mushrif Trading & Contractin 100.00 -1.96 1,140,000 Al-Fajar Al-Alamia Co 0.71 0.00 - Al Khaliji Bank 16.40 0.00 40,142 KUWAIT Mubarrad Transport Co 69.00 1.47 2,960,000 Ahli Bank 0.21 0.47 831,187 United Development Co 18.38 -0.86 155,209 Munshaat Real Estate Project 36.50 7.35 2,720,000 Abrasives Manufacturing Co S 0.05 0.00 - Qatar National Cement Co 106.50 0.00 7,972 Company Name Lt Price % Chg Volume Kuwait Resorts Co Kscc 48.00 0.00 80,000 Al-Batinah Intl Saog 0.00 0.00 - Gulf International Services 25.65 -1.16 233,991 Nafais Holding 94.00 0.00 180,000 Mannai Corporation Qsc 93.60 0.00 - Aayan Leasing & Investment 0.00 0.00 - National Petroleum Services 330.00 0.00 10,000 Qatar General Insurance & Re 43.50 -0.80 19,453 A’ayan Real Estate Co 68.00 -2.86 880,000 National Bank Of Kuwait 1,040.00 -1.89 792,500 Qatar Industrial Manufactur 54.00 0.00 500 Burgan Co For Well Drilling 255.00 2.82 20,000 National Co For Consumer In 0.00 0.00 - UAE Qatari Investors Group 19.97 3.74 1,643,074 Al Ahli Bank Of Kuwait 580.00 0.00 15,000 National Industries Co 315.00 0.00 20,000 Al Meera Consumer Goods Co 172.00 -0.58 11,450 Abyaar Real Eastate Developm 49.50 5.32 112,320,000 National International Co 51.00 0.00 40,000 Company Name Lt Price % Chg Volume National Leasing 42.00 -1.41 21,590 Acico Industries Co Kscc 234.00 0.86 60,000 National Industries Grp Hold 224.00 0.00 2,220,000 Salam International Investme 14.65 -2.33 799,609 Al-Dar National Real Estate 31.00 8.77 30,960,000 National Investments Co 146.00 0.00 440,000 National Takaful Company 1.19 -0.83 50,000 Gulf Warehousing Company 38.00 -0.39 26,920 Afaq Educational Services 0.00 0.00 - National Mobile Telecommuni 2,380.00 -1.65 17,500 Waha Capital Pjsc 0.61 0.00 262,294 Mazaya Qatar Real Estate Dev 10.40 -2.35 1,251,938 Al Arabi Group Holding Co 142.00 7.58 3,420,000 Noor Financial Investment K. 0.00 0.00 - Union Insurance Co 0.00 0.00 - Qatar Islamic Insurance 58.00 0.35 27,591 Agility 420.00 0.00 1,150,000 National Real Estate Co 134.00 1.52 180,000 Union National Bank/Abu Dhab 2.94 0.00 16,983,378 Qatar Meat & Livestock Co 47.10 -0.42 868,062 Aref Investment Group Co 0.00 0.00 - National Slaughter House 0.00 0.00 - United Insurance Company 0.00 0.00 - Medicare Group 41.00 1.49 838,579 Al-Ahleia Insurance Co 460.00 0.00 20,000 Osoul Investment Kscc 69.00 4.55 120,000 Union Cement Co 1.00 0.00 20,000 Zad Holding Co 57.70 9.90 142,132 Al-Ahlia Holding Co 0.00 0.00 - Oula Fuel Marketing Co 255.00 0.00 10,000 United Arab Bank 3.95 0.00 255 Al Khaleej Takaful Group 42.00 -0.71 3,000 Ajwan Gulf Real Estate Co 32.00 0.00 160,000 Palms Agro Production Co 108.00 0.00 40,000 Abu Dhabi National Takaful 0.00 0.00 - Doha Insurance Co 26.00 2.16 52,156 Aviation Lease And Finance C 300.00 0.00 660,000 Shuaiba Industrial Co 216.00 0.00 20,000 Abu Dhabi National Energy Co 1.21 0.00 5,424,402 Dlala Holding 54.90 4.57 1,306,632 Al Aman Investment Company 40.00 3.90 21,520,000 Kuwait Portland Cement Co 870.00 1.16 5,000 Sudan Telecommunications Co$ 1.28 1.59 30,500 Qatar Cinema & Film Distrib 69.90 0.00 - Kuwait Real Estate Holding C 36.00 0.00 80,000 Pearl Of Kuwait Real Estate 28.50 0.00 320,000 Sorouh Real Estate Company 1.13 0.00 5,061,195 Qatar & Oman Investment Co 9.90 -0.10 160,424 Al-Deera Holding Co 38.50 0.00 2,400,000 Kuwait Pipes Indus & Oil Ser 120.00 0.00 420,000 Sharjah Insurance Company 0.00 0.00 - Qatar German Co For Medical 9.65 -4.46 434,700 Al-Eid Food Co 90.00 0.00 40,000 Kuwait United Poultry Co 136.00 0.00 20,000 Sharjah Cement & Indus Devel 0.70 0.00 326,858 Islamic Holding Group 34.25 9.95 488,950 Alimtiaz Investment Co Kscc 106.00 0.00 1,840,000 Umm Al Qaiwain Cement Indust 65.00 1.56 1,840,000 Ras Al Khaima Poultry 1.30 0.00 11,500 Alkout Industrial Projects C 415.00 0.00 10,000 Qurain Holding Co 0.00 0.00 - Ras Al Khaimah Co 1.61 0.00 152,067 Al Madina For Finance And In 68.00 3.03 9,840,000 Real Estate Asset Management 0.00 0.00 - Rak Properties 0.39 0.00 1,971,415 Al Mal Investment Company 51.00 -1.92 4,240,000 Refrigeration Industries Co 144.00 7.46 760,000 Ras Al-Khaimah National Insu 0.00 0.00 - Al Mudon Intl Real Estate Co 0.00 0.00 - Ras Al Khaimah Ceramics 1.59 0.00 43,500 SAUDI ARABIA Ahli United Bank (Almutahed) 880.00 -1.12 300,000 Ras Al Khaimah Cement Co 0.73 -1.35 502,300 Al-Nawadi Holding Co K.S.C 80.00 0.00 280,000 National Bank Of Ras Al-Khai 5.00 -0.00 1,321,862 Qatar Telecom (Qtel) Q.S.C 0.00 Company Name Lt Price % Chg Volume First Investment Co Kscc 154.00 -1.28 4,240,000 OMAN 135.00 1,000 Al-Qurain Petrochemicals Co 214.00 -0.93 380,000 Umm Al Qaiwain Cement Indust 0.85 0.00 1,440,000 Oman & Emirates Inv(Emir)50% 0.74 0.00 73,014 Saudi Hollandi Bank 28.30 -1.39 3,999,230 Alrai Media Group Co 122.00 0.00 60,000 Company Name Lt Price % Chg Volume Al-Ahsa Development Co. 18.65 2.19 8,975,814 Al Safat Investment Co 0.00 0.00 - National Marine Dredging Co 9.62 0.21 1,556,676 Al-Baha Development & Invest 22.55 0.89 1,646,348 Al Safwa Group Co 20.00 11.11 72,960,000 Voltamp Energy Saog 0.35 0.00 22,901 National Corp Tourism & Hote 7.38 -10.00 28,000 Ace Arabia Cooperative Insur 98.00 1.03 122,678 Al Salam Group Holding Co 250.00 4.17 6,500,000 United Finance Co 0.13 0.00 - Sharjah Islamic Bank 0.90 0.00 488,461 Allied Cooperative Insurance 40.50 0.00 1,307,296 Alshamel International Hold 0.00 0.00 - United Power Co 1.15 0.00 - National Bank Of Umm Al Qaiw 1.85 0.00 5,000 Arriyadh Development Company 24.90 0.00 765,943 Commercial Real Estate Co 90.00 1.12 240,000 United Power/Energy Co- Pref 1.00 0.00 - National Bank Of Fujairah 4.95 9.76 2,000 Fitaihi Holding Group 18.60 0.54 3,822,926 Amar Finance & Leasing Co 55.00 0.00 120,000 Transgulf Investment Hldg Co 0.09 -2.30 92,100 National Bank Of Abu Dhabi 8.72 0.11 12,740,223 Arabia Insurance Cooperative 33.80 3.36 1,185,191 Amwal International Investme 0.00 0.00 - Taageer Finance 0.13 -1.55 12,000 Methaq Takaful Insurance 1.12 0.00 480,223 Al Abdullatif Industrial Inv 28.00 -0.71 56,855 Aqar Real Estate Investments 77.00 0.00 80,000 Salalah Port Services 0.47 0.00 - #N/A Invalid Security 0.00 0.00 - Al-Ahlia Cooperative Insuran 44.60 -1.55 343,275 Arab Real Estate Co 38.50 1.32 3,840,000 A’saff a Foods Saog 0.51 0.00 - Gulf Pharmaceutical Ind-Julp 3.00 0.00 302,000 Al Alamiya Cooperative Insur 53.00 0.47 328,284 Ajial Real Estate Entmt 124.00 0.00 40,000 Sohar Poultry 0.21 0.00 - Investbank 1.59 6.00 6,000,000 Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Dev 11.40 -0.87 16,357,602 Aref Energy Holding Co Kscc 126.00 0.00 480,000 Shell Oman Marketing 2.31 0.00 1,060 Insurance House 1.04 0.00 20,678 Al Babtain Power & Telecommu 27.20 0.00 108,312 Alargan International Real 160.00 0.00 40,000 Shell Oman Marketing - Pref 1.05 0.00 - Gulf Medical Projects 0.00 0.00 - Bank Albilad 30.10 0.00 871,807 Arab Insurance Group(Bsc)-$ 112.00 0.00 440,000 Smn Power Holding Saog 3.65 0.00 2,172,587 Gulf Livestock Co 0.00 0.00 - Alujain Corporation (Alco) 20.25 0.50 1,314,956 Arkan Al Kuwait Real Estate 83.00 3.75 40,000 Al Shurooq Inv Ser 1.15 0.00 - Green Crescent Insurance Co 0.30 -3.23 322,900 Aldrees Petroleum Operates G 35.90 -0.28 339,300 Automated Systems Co 300.00 0.00 20,000 Al Sharqiya Invest Holding 0.10 1.98 47,634 Gulf Cement Co 1.06 6.00 300,892 Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair & C 85.00 0.00 80,750 Advanced Technology Co 810.00 0.00 5,000 Sohar Power Co 1.46 0.00 499 Foodco Holding 1.60 -9.09 1,746,114 Alinma Bank 15.00 0.33 37,774,841 Ahli United Bank B.S.C 170.00 0.00 540,000 Salalah Beach Resort Saog 1.43 0.00 - Finance House 3.12 0.00 28,939 Al Khaleej Training And Educ 37.10 -0.27 92,909 Al Bareeq Holding Co Kscc 0.00 0.00 - Salalah Mills Co 0.88 0.00 3,000 First Gulf Bank 8.91 -1.00 1,261,087 Abdullah A.M. Al-Khodari Son 53.25 0.00 102,557 Bayan Investment Co Kscc 38.00 -2.56 160,000 Sahara Hospitality 2.45 0.00 - Fujairah Cement Industries 0.92 0.00 3,162 Allianz Saudi Fransi Coopera 82.75 -0.30 77,544 Boubyan Intl Industries Hold 76.00 0.00 80,000 Renaissance Services Saog 0.62 -1.43 45,425 Fujairah Building Industries 2.01 0.00 500 Almarai Co Ltd 66.25 -1.12 600,808 Bahrain Kuwait Insurance 0.00 0.00 - Raysut Cement Co 1.19 0.42 41,426 Emirates Telecom Corporation 8.68 0.00 1,172,917 Saudi Integrated Telecom Co 27.20 0.00 19,671,697 Boubyan Bank K.S.C 590.00 0.00 1,120,000 Port Service Corporation 0.40 0.00 1,120 Eshraq Properties Co Pjsc 0.37 0.00 667,099 Alsorayai Group 26.00 0.00 339,581 Boubyan Petrochemicals Co 620.00 0.00 375,000 Packaging Co Ltd 0.37 0.00 - Emirates Insurance Co. (Psc) 6.00 -1.80 224,998 Amana Cooperative Insurance 36.40 0.00 414,460 Burgan Bank 435.00 0.00 160,000 Oman United Insurance Co 0.18 0.56 178,900 Emirates Driving Company 0.00 0.00 - Anaam International Holding 75.25 1.01 1,966,129 Gulf Cable & Electrical Ind 1,280.00 -1.54 12,500 Oman Textile Holding Co Saog 0.39 0.00 - Al Dhafra Insurance Co. P.S. 6.43 0.00 1,269,684 Abdullah Al Othaim Markets 86.00 1.47 151,623 Kuwait Cable Vision Sak 58.00 0.00 40,000 Oman Telecommunications Co 1.30 -0.31 70,000 Dana Gas 0.44 -2.22 8,073,235 Arabian Pipes Co 32.80 0.00 196,760 Livestock Transport & Tradng 184.00 0.00 20,000 Sweets Of Oman 0.70 0.00 - Commercial Bank Internationa 0.90 0.00 50,000 Advanced Petrochemicals Co 27.70 -1.07 694,254 Commercial Bank Of Kuwait 770.00 -1.28 100,000 Oman Orix Leasing Co. 0.12 0.00 - Bank Of Sharjah 1.57 -1.88 33,254 Al Rajhi Co For Co-Operative 62.00 0.81 169,924 Combined Group Contracting 1,700.00 1.19 65,000 Oman Refreshment Co 1.68 9.18 7,200 Abu Dhabi Natl Co For Buildi 0.82 1.23 12,505,239 Arabian Cement 59.50 -0.42 102,429 City Group 0.00 0.00 - Oman Packaging 0.19 0.00 - Al Wathba National Insurance 2.06 0.00 3,000 Arab National Bank 30.80 -0.65 279,605 National Cleaning Company 156.00 -1.27 200,000 Oman Oil Marketing Company 1.69 0.00 - Intl Fish Farming Co-Asmak 15.55 0.00 3,527 Ash-Sharqiyah Development Co 57.50 0.44 1,548,379 Coast Investment Development 59.00 -3.28 2,360,000 0Man Oil Marketing Co-Pref 0.25 0.00 - Arkan Building Materials Co 0.89 -5.32 423,703 United Wire Factories Compan 44.60 -0.89 553,178 Dulaqan Real Estate Co 0.00 0.00 - Oman National Investment Co 0.30 -0.33 91,562 Aldar Properties Pjsc 1.15 0.00 7,426,068 Astra Industrial Group 43.00 1.18 117,611 Damac Kuwaiti Holding Co 0.00 0.00 - Oman National Engineering An 0.40 0.00 - Al Ain Ahlia Ins. Co. 41.40 -2.36 93,690 Alahli Takaful Co 66.50 -0.75 176,163 Danah Alsafat Foodstuff Co 93.00 1.09 3,840,000 Oman National Dairy Products 0.00 0.00 - Al Khazna Insurance Co 0.69 -0.00 7,659 Aseer 20.75 7.51 9,934,706 Educational Holding Group 0.00 0.00 - Ominvest 0.40 1.28 96,525 Agthia Group Pjsc 2.12 0.00 164,797 9Xa Cooperative Insurance 37.90 -0.52 324,098 Egyptian Kuwaiti Holding Co 285.00 0.00 50,000 Oman Medical Projects 0.10 0.00 - Al Fujairah National Insuran 0.00 0.00 - Basic Chemical Industries 33.60 -1.18 449,851 Ekttitab Holding Co S.A.K.C 104.00 6.12 10,200,000 Oman Ceramic Com 0.75 0.00 - Abu Dhabi Ship Building Co 1.20 2.56 110,324 Bishah Agriculture 0.00 0.00 - Equipment Holding Co K.S.C.C 188.00 5.62 1,080,000 Oman Intl Marketing 0.55 0.00 - Abu Dhabi National Insurance 5.21 -0.38 911,947 Bank Al-Jazira 28.20 -1.40 417,318 Al-Enma’a Real Estate Co 93.00 0.00 4,560,000 Oman Investment & Finance 0.22 -0.45 178,763 Abu Dhabi National Hotels 2.00 0.00 17,340,188 Banque Saudi Fransi 38.10 -0.78 65,567 Kuwait Bahrain International 265.00 0.00 20,000 Oman International Bank Saog 0.23 -7.57 6,192,778 Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank 3.19 0.31 627,570 United International Transpo 44.60 -0.22 83,167 Eyas For High & Technical Ed 0.00 0.00 - Oman Hotels & Tourism Co 3.10 0.00 - Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank 3.31 0.30 2,940,835 Bupa Arabia For Cooperative 26.30 0.77 564,026 Commercial Facilities Co 265.00 0.00 160,000 Oman Holding International 0.24 0.00 - Abu Dhabi Aviation 2.91 0.00 1,377,558 Buruj Cooperative Insurance 62.00 -3.88 1,246,461 Fujairah Cement Industries 94.00 3.30 40,000 Oman Fiber Optics 2.76 0.00 - Methanol Chemicals Co 17.60 0.57 5,178,985 First Dubai Real Estate Deve 44.50 5.95 11,280,000 Oman Flour Mills 0.50 0.00 1,139 Eastern Cement 56.75 -0.44 39,330 Flex Resorts & Real Estate 39.50 0.00 80,000 Oman Filters Industry 0.02 0.00 100 BAHRAIN Etihad Atheeb Telecommunicat 18.90 -3.08 64,276,976 Kuwait Foods (Americana) 1,360.00 0.00 25,000 Oman Fisheries Co 0.11 0.00 46,400 Etihad Etisalat Co 69.25 0.00 615,659 First Takaful Insurance Co 0.00 0.00 - Oman Education & Training In 0.35 0.00 - Emaar Economic City 13.20 -1.49 16,081,998 Future Communications Co 265.00 0.00 10,000 Oman & Emirates Inv(Om)50% 0.13 -5.80 10,463 Company Name Lt Price % Chg Volume Saudi Enaya Cooperative Insu 0.00 Future Kid Entertainment And 0.00 40.90 1,377,891 108.00 20,000 Oman & Emirates Inv(Emir)50% 0.59 0.00 - United Paper Industries Bsc 0.00 0.00 - United Electronics Co 2.61 Gulf Bank -2.27 88.50 59,302 430.00 660,000 Oman Europe Foods Industries 0.20 0.00 - United Gulf Investment Corp 0.15 0.00 10,000 Falcom Saudi Equity Etf 0.00 Gulf Cement Co 3.37 24.85 19,479 92.00 10,880,000 Oman Cement Co 0.65 1.88 95,300 United Gulf Bank 0.26 0.00 16,773 Filing & Packing Materials M -0.45 Gulf Franchising Kscc 4.35 43.80 1,245,434 24.00 2,080,000 Oman Chlorine 0.50 0.00 - United Finance Co 0.00 0.00 - Food Products Company 2.09 Gulf Finance House Ec 1.72 29.30 2,289,063 59.00 30,520,000 Oman Chromite 3.65 0.00 - General Trading & Food 0.00 0.00 - Falcom Petrochemical Etf 0.00 Gulf Glass Manuf Co -Kscc -9.09 27.50 1,282 1,000.00 5,000 Oman Cables Industry 0.83 -0.12 22,550 Takaful International Co 0.00 0.00 - Gulf General Cooperative Ins 0.24 Gulf Investment House 7.35 42.00 214,825 36.50 45,360,000 Oman Agricultural Dev 1.45 0.00 - Taib Bank -$Us 0.00 0.00 - Jazan Development Co 6.24 Gulf Insurance Co 0.00 23.00 12,882,161 520.00 5,000 Omani Qatari Telecommunicati 0.55 0.00 600 Securities & Investment Co 0.00 0.00 - Gulf Union Cooperative Insur 1.33 Global Investment House Kscc 0.00 22.90 1,265,892 0.00 - National Securities 0.08 0.00 - Seef Properties 0.09 0.00 100,000 Halwani Bros Co 2.66 Gulf North Africa Holding Co 3.92 46.30 237,237 53.00 2,320,000 Oman Foods International Soa 0.14 0.00 401 Sudan Telecommunications Co$ 0.00 0.00 - Hail Cement -0.22 Gulf Petroleum Investment 0.00 22.75 1,531,925 68.00 960,000 National Pharmaceutical-Rts 0.00 0.00 - Al-Salam Bank 0.05 2.04 366,034 Herfy Food Services Co -0.28 Grand Real Estate Project 0.00 88.25 10,817 0.00 - National Pharmaceutical 0.10 0.00 - Delmon Poultry Co 0.22 0.00 10,000 Al Jouf Agriculture Developm -0.51 Kuwait Gypsum Manufacturing 0.00 38.80 154,297 0.00 - National Packaging Fac 0.00 0.00 - National Hotels Co 0.00 0.00 - Jarir Marketing Co 1.88 Hayat Communications -1.56 162.50 36,135 126.00 1,320,000 National Mineral Water 0.06 0.00 100 National Bank Of Bahrain 0.55 0.00 14,111 Jabal Omar Development Co -0.45 Hilal Cement Co 0.00 21.90 11,691,699 216.00 20,000 National Hospitality Institu 2.05 0.00 - Nass Corp Bsc 0.15 0.68 88,584 Al Jouf Cement -0.77 Hits Telecom Holding 0.00 19.40 1,090,110 94.00 18,280,000 National Gas Co 0.55 0.00 - Khaleeji Commercial Bank 0.04 0.00 10,000 Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Co -0.56 Human Soft Holding Co 0.00 17.80 7,184,964 0.00 - National Finance Co 0.12 0.00 - Ithmaar Bank Bsc 0.18 5.88 661,339 Knowledge Economic City -1.15 Intl Financial Advisors 0.00 21.50 27,693,310 0.00 - National Detergents/The 0.90 0.00 - Investcorp Bank -$Us 0.00 0.00 - Kingdom Holding Co 0.41 Ifa Hotels & Resorts Co. K.S 0.00 12.15 455,353 395.00 80,000 National Carpet Factory 0.00 0.00 - Inovest Co Bsc 0.26 0.00 1,883 Saudi Arabian Mining Co -0.60 International Finance Co -1.85 33.20 790,673 106.00 6,800,000 National Bank Of Oman Saog 0.29 0.00 1,025 Intl Investment Group-Kuwait 0.00 0.00 - Malath Insurance 1.15 Industrial & Financial Inves 0.00 26.50 2,892,144 0.00 - National Biscuit Industries 3.78 0.00 - Gulf Monetary Group 0.00 0.00 - Makkah Construction & Devepl 0.26 Ikarus Petroleum Industries 0.00 39.00 90,020 188.00 20,000 National Beverages Co Ltd 5.00 0.00 - Global Investment House Kscc 0.00 0.00 - Mediterranean & Gulf Insuran -0.92 Injazzat Real State Company 1.39 32.40 196,165 73.00 320,000 Natl Aluminium Products 0.29 0.00 - Gulf Finance House Ec 0.21 0.00 18,000 Middle East Specialized Cabl 1.20 Ino 4.11 21.10 7,283,878 vest Co Bsc 76.00 10,360,000 Muscat Thread Mills Co 0.18 0.56 14,300 Bahrain Family Leisure Co 0.00 0.00 - Mohammad Al-Mojil Group -0.65 5.00 15.30 5,283,373 Investors Holding Group Co.K 21.00 86,160,000 Muscat Insurance Company 0.00 0.00 - Esterad Investment Co B.S.C. 0.14 0.00 48,227 Al Mouwasat Medical Services -0.99 0.00 50.00 48,830 Independent Petroleum Group 340.00 10,000 Modern Poultry Farms 0.00 0.00 - Bahrain Duty Free Complex 0.67 0.00 119,808 National Agriculture Develop 0.65 0.00 31.20 488,178 International Resorts Co 64.00 19,760,000 Muscat National Holding 1.77 0.00 - Bahrain Car Park Co ` 0.00 - Nama Chemicals Co 1.49 0.00 23.90 6,626,243 Housing Finance Co S.A.K.C 0.00 - Musandam Marketing & Invest 0.00 0.00 - Bahrain Cinema Co 0.84 0.00 15,000 National Gypsum -1.24 5.38 31.90 158,104 Ithmaar Bank Bsc 49.00 11,200,000 Al Maha Petroleum Products M 14.92 0.00 8,061 Bahrain Tourism Co 0.00 0.00 - National Gas & Industrializa -0.22 0.00 22.55 219,278 Jazeera Airways 435.00 20,000 Muscat Gases Company Saog 0.78 0.00 32,500 Bahraini Saudi Bank/The 0.00 0.00 - National Industrialization C -1.94 0.00 35.30 1,993,359 Jeeran Holdings 85.00 40,000 Majan Glass Company 0.50 0.00 - Bahrain National Holding 0.00 0.00 - Maadaniyah -0.31 0.00 32.20 502,200 Jeezan Holdings Co Kscc 0.00 - Muscat Finance 0.17 0.00 125,821 Bankmuscat Saog 0.00 0.00 - National Shipping Co Of/The 0.00 1.72 17.85 1,898,093 Kipco Asset Management Co 295.00 10,000 Al Kamil Power Co 1.80 0.00 - Bmmi Bsc 0.58 0.00 29,000 National Petrochemical Co 0.00 0.00 25.90 158,590 Kuwait Building Materials 0.00 - Interior Hotels 0.17 0.00 - Bmb Investment Bank 0.00 0.00 - Rabigh Refining And Petroche 0.22 0.00 22.70 1,119,248 Kuwait Business Town Real Es 0.00 - Hotels Management Co Interna 1.25 0.00 - Bahrain Kuwait Insurance 0.56 0.00 1,136 Al Qassim Agricultural Co 0.73 0.00 27.50 3,990,188 Kuwait Cement Co 450.00 70,000 Al-Hassan Engineering Co 0.28 0.00 75,000 Bahrain Islamic Bank 0.09 0.00 30,000 Qassim Cement/The 0.30 2.94 83.00 43,761 Kuwait China Investment Co 70.00 1,440,000 Gulf Stone 0.08 0.00 - Gulf Hotel Group B.S.C 0.00 0.00 - Red Sea Housing Services Co -0.58 0.00 34.20 278,460 Kuwait National Cinema Co 960.00 5,000 Gulf Mushroom Company 0.45 -4.25 5,060 Bahrain Flour Mills Co 0.00 0.00 - Saudi Research And Marketing 0.21 0.00 24.40 117,831 Kuwait Medical Services Co 80.00 40,000 Gulf Invest. Serv. Pref-Shar 0.41 0.00 - Bahrain Commercial Facilitie 0.39 0.00 60,000 Riyad Bank -0.40 4.84 24.90 437,136 Kuwait Co For Process Plant 325.00 690,000 Gulf Investments Services 0.09 -2.17 368,796 Bbk Bsc 0.40 0.00 25,000 Al Rajhi Bank 0.00 0.00 78.00 1,136,904 Kuwait Finance & Investment 0.00 - Gulf International Chemicals 0.16 -0.62 156,300 Bahrain Telecom Co 0.46 -0.87 89,498 Saudi Arabian Amiantit Co 0.53 0.00 18.95 1,416,629 Kuwait Finance House 730.00 230,000 Gulf Hotels (Oman) Co Ltd 11.00 0.00 - Bahrain Ship Repair & Engin 1.98 0.00 300 Saudi British Bank -0.82 0.00 36.20 159,564 Kuwait Foundry Co 330.00 10,000 Global Fin Investment 0.10 -1.00 516,408 Albaraka Banking Group 0.93 0.00 5,000 Sabb Takaful 0.24 0.00 41.40 931,469 Kuwait & Gulf Link Transport 122.00 1,300,000 Galfar Engineering&Contract 0.42 -0.48 41,175 Banader Hotels Co 0.06 0.00 1,000 Saudi Basic Industries Corp 0.49 0.00 103.00 2,916,924 Kuwait Hotels Co 0.00 - Galfar Engineering -Prefer 0.45 0.00 - Ahli United Bank B.S.C 0.62 0.81 128,303 Saudi Cement 97.00 0.00 116,751 Kuwait International Bank 275.00 1.85 720,000 Financial Services Co. 0.08 0.00 20,000 Sasco 22.50 2.97 3,670,189 Kuwait Insurance Co 0.00 0.00 - Flexible Ind Packages 0.13 0.00 - LATEST MARKET CLOSING FIGURES Gulf Times 38 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 BUSINESS

London stocks higher Asian markets drop on in quiet trade; Dow lower Japanese earnings hits 2007-end highs AFP beat outlook and shrugged off news of Bloomberg anese exporters. Japan’s mar- after forecasting a wider- London an 11-percent decline in net profi t to Tokyo kets will be closed today and than-expected full-year net £826mn in the six months to March. tomorrow for public holidays. loss. On the downside, BP fell 0.83% Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 Of 375 companies listed on hares listed on Britain’s stock to 441.30 pence after it reported sia’s benchmark stock rose 0.8% after the Reserve the MSCI Asia Pacifi c Index exchange climbed higher yes- that net profi ts sank 18% in the fi rst index fell, paring Bank of Australia yesterday that have reported earnings Sterday as investors were cheered quarter, as output was hit by the sale AMonday’s advance, as cut its benchmark interest rate since April 10, about 42% by upbeat US economic data in the of assets to meet BP’s huge Gulf of Japanese companies forecast by a half percentage point to a missed analysts estimates and absence of input from European mar- Mexico disaster bill. lower-than-estimated earn- two-year-low 3.75%. 45% beat them. kets that were closed for May Day. Profi t after tax fell to $5.92bn ings and as the outlook for ex- Financial shares contrib- Companies that do business London’s FTSE 100 index of blue- (4.46bn euros) from $7.25bn in the porters dimmed after a report uted the most to the gauge’s in the US fell. Sony dropped chip companies gained a solid 1.30% 2011 fi rst quarter. signalled US manufacturing is advance. Commonwealth 3.9% to ¥1,265. Honda Motor, to close at 5,812.23 points. Man Group tumbled 5.51% to 97.80 slowing. Bank of Australia added 1.7% Japan’s second- largest car- On foreign exchange markets, the pence after the hedge fund man- The MSCI Asia Pacifi c Index to A$52.85. Westpac Banking maker by market value that European single currency declined to ger said funds under management lost 0.7% to 124.49 in Tokyo Corp, Australia’s No. 2 lender generates 44% of its sales in $1.3227 from $1.3240 in New York late slumped almost 15% to $59mn by the with more than two stocks by market value, advanced North America, declined 3.4% on Monday. end of the fi rst quarter. falling for each that rose. Japan 0.4% to A$22.83. The MSCI to 2,799 yen. The pound also fell slightly to US stocks rallied yesterday and and Australia were the only Asia Pacifi c Excluding Japan “As expectations ratchet up $1.6224 but was stable against the the Dow hit its highest level since major markets traded yes- Index was little changed. and data can’t support those European single currency at 81.52 December 2007, after data showed terday in Asia, with markets “Aussie equities have been high expectations, we start pence per euro. the US manufacturing sector ex- closed in Hong Kong, China, lagging for a while on the tight to get pessimistic again,” said “After rather disappointing eco- panded at a faster pace than expected India and South Korea. monetary policy, so it needed Andrew Pease, Sydney-based nomic data in the past few days, US in April, easing jitters about a slow- “Investors can’t get optimis- to be loosened,”said Nader chief investment strategist for investors are breathing a sigh of relief down in the economic recovery. tic about the Japanese econo- Naeimi, a Sydney-based strat- the Asia-Pacifi c region at Rus- in light of today’s better than expect- Data from the Institute for Supply my,” said Koji Toda, chief fund egist at AMP Capital Investors sell Investment Group, which ed ISM fi gure,” said Markus Huber at Management showed growth in US manager at Resona Bank Ltd in Ltd, which manages almost manages about $150bn. “Hav- the ETX Capital brokerage. manufacturing came in its strongest Tokyo, a unit of Japan’s fi fth- $100bn. ing seen a big rally in stocks in He referred to the Institute for Sup- rate in 10 months in April, suggesting biggest lender by market value. “Given the weakness that the March quarter, we are back ply Management’s US manufacturing the economy remains resilient after “The number of companies we’ve seen across the board to more neutral positioning. index, which registered a solid jump indications it had lost momentum at where earnings are improving in manufacturing and retail, a Valuation support isn’t there for April, rising to 54.8% from 53.4% the start of the second quarter. as much as investors’ expecta- quarter-point cut wasn’t go- as strongly as before.” in March. Analysts had expected a fall. “Sell in May is a valuable seasonal tions is relatively small.” ing to be enough. They have Stocks also fell after a gov- With much of Europe closed for strategy when confi rmed by our indica- The Asia-Pacifi c index done the right thing.” ernment report on Monday business, London investors absorbed tors. However, weakness in the meas- fell 2.8% in March and April Tokyo Electron, the world’s showed Spain’s economy results from British energy giant BP, ures we monitor, although growing, has amid concern Europe will be second-biggest maker of sem- shrank 0.3% in the fi rst quar- the state-rescued bank Lloyds, ciga- not progressed to the point that they trapped in a recession with iconductor production equip- ter, matching the contraction rette maker Imperial Tobacco and support a bearish outlook as they did in debt- stricken nations such ment, fell 8.3% to ¥4,085, the in the previous three months. People walk past an electric quotation board flashing the Nikkei hedge fund manager Man Group. May 2011,” said Ari Wald, technical ana- as Spain cut spending, and lowest level since February Asian stocks held on to loss- key index of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in front of a securities Shares in Lloyds Banking Group lyst at Brown Brothers Harriman. as Chinese economic growth 8, after predicting profi t will es even after Chinese govern- company in Tokyo, yesterday. Tokyo stocks lost 1.78% to close rallied 8.34% to 33.60 pence, topping “For now we believe a balanced slows. drop 18% this fi scal year. ment report today showed the at their lowest level in nearly 11 weeks yesterday with exporters’ the FTSE leaderboard, after the lend- approach is most appropriate due to Japan’s Nikkei 225 Stock Yamada Denki, an opera- Purchasing Managers’ Index shares dragged down by the yen’s renewed rise against the er announced a return to net profi t in the lack of full confi rmation in either Average fell 1.8% after the yen tor of consumer electronics rose to 53.3 in April from 53.1 dollar. the fi rst quarter. direction.” touched 79.68 per dollar yes- stores, slumped 10% to 4,665 in March. Profi t after tax stood at £10mn The Dow Jones industrial average was terday, matching the strongest yen after reporting an op- The MSCI Asia Pacifi c Index ued at 12.8 times estimated cating traders expect a swing ($16mn) in the fi rst three months up 113.18 points, or 0.86%, at 13,326.81. level since February 22, show- erating profi t of 88.9bn yen rose 10.1% this year through earnings on average, compared of about 6% on the benchmark of 2012 as LBG set aside another The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index was ing that the Bank of Japan’s ($1.1bn), missing analyst esti- Monday, compared with an with a multiple of 13.3 for the gauge over the next 30 days. £375mn to compensate clients who up 15.93 points, or 1.14%, at 1,413.84. additional stimulus on April 27 mates of 112bn yen. 11.2% gain by the S&P 500 and S&P 500 and 10.8 times for the Trading volume on the Nikkei were mis-sold insurance. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up isn’t weakening the currency. Sharp Corp, Japan’s largest a 5.2% advance by the Stoxx Stoxx 600. 225 was 6.5% below its 30- Imperial Tobacco shares mean- 34.12 points, or 1.12%, at 3,080.48. A stronger yen cuts the val- maker of liquid-crystal dis- Europe 600 Index. Stocks in The Nikkei 225 Volatility day average, according to data while jumped 3.73% to 2,556 pence as The Dow earlier rose to as high as ue of overseas earnings at Jap- plays, dropped 9.3% to ¥468 the Asian benchmark are val- Index rose 1.4% to 20.81, indi- compiled by Bloomberg. investors welcomed the group’s up- 13,338.66 points.

FTSE 100 FTSE 100 HONG KONG WORLD INDICES Company Name Lt Price % Chg Volume Company Name Lt Price % Chg Volume Company Name Lt Price % Chg Volume Indices Lt Price Change Dow Jones Indus. Avg 13,326.51 +112.88 Xstrata Plc 1,205.00 2.34 8,395,474 Bg Group Plc 1,450.50 0.00 1,730,408 Aluminum Corp Of China Ltd-H 3.77 0.00 25,157,706 S&P 500 Index 1,413.73 +15.82 Whitbread Plc 1,946.00 0.99 353,167 British American Tobacco Plc 3,200.00 1.30 866,762 Bank Of East Asia 28.95 2.30 1,212,645 Nasdaq Composite Index 3,081.22 +34.86 Wpp Plc 848.00 1.74 1,032,645 Barclays Plc 226.20 3.64 22,821,516 Bank Of China Ltd-H 3.25 1.88 221,476,296 S&P/Tsx Composite Index 12,356.71 +64.02 Wolseley Plc 2,423.00 3.41 834,517 Bae Systems Plc 296.40 0.41 7,885,687 Bank Of Communications Co-H 6.00 3.63 38,180,548 Mexico Bolsa Index 39,461.00 +136.86 Weir Group Plc/The 1,704.00 -0.06 868,443 Astrazeneca Plc 2,728.00 1.06 1,085,321 Belle International Holdings 15.22 1.47 11,130,280 Brazil Bovespa Stock Idx 61,820.26 +129.05 Vodafone Group Plc 172.90 1.41 34,255,623 Aviva Plc 317.50 3.05 4,332,744 Boc Hong Kong Holdings Ltd 24.05 0.42 13,243,632 Ftse 100 Index 5,812.23 +74.45 Vedanta Resources Plc 1,238.00 1.73 265,687 Ashmore Group Plc 382.40 -0.05 397,201 Cathay Pacific Airways 13.16 0.15 2,479,063 Cac 40 Index 3,212.80 -53.47 United Utilities Group Plc 627.50 1.46 2,041,243 Arm Holdings Plc 522.00 -0.38 3,869,547 Cheung Kong Holdings Ltd 103.20 0.98 2,763,814 Dax Index 6,761.19 -40.13 Unilever Plc 2,128.00 1.19 1,264,465 Antofagasta Plc 1,189.00 0.68 699,693 China Coal Energy Co-H 8.91 3.97 35,428,234 Ibex 35 Tr 7,011.00 -134.80 Tesco Plc 319.20 0.58 9,811,914 Amec Plc 1,147.00 1.06 478,103 China Construction Bank-H 6.04 2.20 252,224,812 Nikkei 225 9,350.95 -169.94 Tullow Oil Plc 1,547.00 0.85 745,628 Aggreko Plc 2,266.00 0.67 234,544 China Life Insurance Co-H 21.00 1.20 24,848,643 Japan Topix 789.49 -14.78 Tate & Lyle Plc 696.00 0.80 631,615 Aberdeen Asset Mgmt Plc 282.40 -0.39 2,395,332 China Merchants Hldgs Intl 25.10 3.72 2,232,501 Hang Seng Index 21,094.21 +352.76 Severn Trent Plc 1,683.00 -0.41 783,928 Admiral Group Plc 1,200.00 -0.91 412,205 China Mobile Ltd 85.95 2.50 15,478,794 All Ordinaries Indx 4,497.31 +30.10 Standard Chartered Plc 1,512.00 0.40 2,477,130 Associated British Foods Plc 1,235.00 1.31 301,399 China Overseas Land & Invest 16.82 1.20 15,118,943 Nzx All Index 797.58 +4.90 Sse Plc 1,325.00 0.30 995,748 Anglo American Plc 2,412.00 1.86 986,082 China Petroleum & Chemical-H 8.36 1.95 64,954,176 Bse Sensex 30 Index 17,318.81 +131.47 Serco Group Plc 552.50 1.84 513,353 China Resources Enterprise 28.20 2.55 2,148,678 Nse S&P Cnx Nifty Index 5,248.15 +39.15 Smith & Nephew Plc 614.00 1.24 598,425 China Resources Land Ltd 14.94 0.40 11,725,000 Straits Times Index 2,978.57 -3.01 Smiths Group Plc 1,085.00 1.40 409,432 DJIA China Resources Power Holdin 14.16 2.16 4,531,130 Karachi All Share Index 9,812.71 -36.40 Standard Life Plc 225.50 0.85 1,461,557 China Shenhua Energy Co-H 34.45 2.23 11,829,523 Jakarta Composite Index 4,195.98 +15.25 Shire Plc 2,016.00 0.30 835,907 Company Name Lt Price % Chg Volume China Unicom Hong Kong Ltd 13.80 0.15 25,816,416 Sage Group Plc/The 293.70 2.66 1,833,302 Citic Pacific Ltd 12.78 1.27 2,660,751 Schroders Plc-Non Voting 1,137.00 0.98 84,930 Exxon Mobil Corp 87.38 1.20 4,325,728 Clp Holdings Ltd 66.45 0.61 1,754,360 Schroders Plc 1,437.00 1.34 199,081 Microsoft Corp 32.31 0.92 15,944,186 Cnooc Ltd 16.54 1.60 31,829,688 GCC INDICES Sainsbury (J) Plc 309.20 0.42 2,752,522 Intl Business Machines Corp 208.68 0.77 1,173,897 Cosco Pacific Ltd 11.30 2.54 1,994,800 Sabmiller Plc 2,592.00 0.14 759,435 Chevron Corp 108.46 1.78 1,823,781 Esprit Holdings Ltd 16.00 0.13 2,757,824 Indices Lt Price Change Resolution Ltd 224.70 0.40 2,772,944 General Electric Co 19.92 1.74 14,768,219 Foxconn International Hldgs 3.68 -2.65 23,957,561 Doha Securities Market 8,672.01 -31.63 Rsa Insurance Group Plc 105.60 0.57 6,537,441 Wal-Mart Stores Inc 59.15 0.41 2,630,376 Hang Lung Properties Ltd 28.70 1.59 3,601,926 Saudi Tadawul 7,545.28 -13.19 Randgold Resources Ltd 5,460.00 0.65 408,812 At&T Inc 33.32 1.25 11,096,300 Hang Seng Bank Ltd 106.60 0.95 1,472,919 Kuwait Stocks Exchange 6,399.70 +31.10 Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc 853.00 3.58 3,435,421 Johnson & Johnson 65.26 0.25 4,150,798 Henderson Land Development 44.20 1.03 5,367,578 Bahrain Stock Exchage 1,152.79 +4.29 Rio Tinto Plc 3,505.50 2.13 2,506,969 Procter & Gamble Co/The 63.65 0.01 4,910,392 Hong Kong & China Gas 19.84 0.40 7,721,839 Oman Stock Market 5,833.26 -35.64 Rexam Plc 433.30 0.77 835,917 Pfizer Inc 22.94 0.17 21,503,654 Hong Kong Exchanges & Clear 124.10 1.06 2,565,421 Abudhabi Stock Market 2,504.78 +0.96 Reed Plc 518.00 1.57 1,594,643 Coca-Cola Co/The 76.91 0.77 2,562,398 Hsbc Holdings Plc 70.70 1.80 20,075,076 Dubai Financial Market 1,623.52 -7.43 Royal Dutch Shell Plc-B Shs 2,283.00 1.62 2,106,272 Jpmorgan Chase & Co 44.13 2.68 12,855,624 Hutchison Whampoa Ltd 74.65 0.88 4,429,778 Royal Dutch Shell Plc-A Shs 2,213.50 0.93 1,411,072 Intel Corp 28.98 2.06 16,633,262 Ind & Comm Bk Of China-H 5.18 1.37 283,740,706 Royal Bank Of Scotland Group 25.30 4.24 93,117,074 Merck & Co. Inc. 39.31 0.17 6,021,081 Li & Fung Ltd 16.60 0.24 11,764,216 Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc 3,620.00 0.92 1,543,855 Verizon Communications Inc 40.82 1.09 7,910,568 Mtr Corp 27.60 1.28 1,768,571 Pearson Plc 1,153.00 -0.60 1,433,103 Cisco Systems Inc 20.13 -0.11 10,815,274 New World Development 9.67 2.65 18,347,201 Prudential Plc 758.50 0.53 1,334,622 Mcdonald’s Corp 97.94 0.50 1,921,725 Petrochina Co Ltd-H 11.76 1.03 81,914,131 Polymetal International Plc 918.00 0.33 117,666 Bank Of America Corp 8.34 2.84 94,462,738 Ping An Insurance Group Co-H 64.90 1.72 11,323,514 LATEST MARKET Petrofac Ltd 1,759.00 1.38 417,044 Home Depot Inc 52.57 1.51 3,414,106 Power Assets Holdings Ltd 58.00 0.96 1,898,536 Old Mutual Plc 149.40 1.08 1,383,656 Walt Disney Co/The 43.86 1.74 2,980,284 Sino Land Co 13.40 2.45 7,424,610 CLOSING FIGURES Next Plc 2,896.00 -1.13 775,367 United Technologies Corp 82.16 0.63 970,444 Sun Hung Kai Properties 93.60 -0.32 6,266,710 National Grid Plc 668.00 0.38 2,463,611 Kraft Foods Inc-Class A 39.91 0.10 4,629,997 Wm Morrison Supermarkets 279.40 -0.43 6,218,329 American Express Co 61.00 1.31 3,519,900 Marks & Spencer Group Plc 357.70 0.20 2,307,504 Caterpillar Inc 103.36 0.57 3,017,667 Meggitt Plc 413.50 1.22 794,281 3M Co 89.92 0.63 946,698 Lloyds Banking Group Plc 33.60 8.34 240,171,410 Boeing Co/The 77.47 0.87 1,807,872 “Information contained herein is believed to be reliable and had been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. The Legal & General Group Plc 119.10 1.28 3,583,341 Du Pont (E.I.) De Nemours 53.95 0.92 1,465,079 accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. This publication is for providing information only and is not intended Land Securities Group Plc 739.50 1.65 622,662 Hewlett-Packard Co 25.32 2.26 6,673,941 as an off er or solicitation for a purchase or sale of any of the financial instruments mentioned. 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BASEBALL NBA Yankees defeat Orioles, Thunder roll to 2-0 Kuroda gets win lead over Mavericks

Reuters ‘We did a good job of getting stops and we hit some big free throws in the end’ New York

Reuters rant despite a sub-par shooting iroki Kuroda combined Oklahoma City night. with two relievers on a Oklahoma City made six suc- fi ve-hitter and helped cessive free throws in the fi nal Hpreserve the New York klahoma City Thun- minute to seal the triumph. Yankees’ win with a heads-up der dealt Dallas an- “Our crowd is behind us and play at the plate in a 2-1 victory other heartbreaking we come out and play with our over the Baltimore Orioles on Oloss in the NBA play- hearts,” Westbrook told report- Monday. off s on Monday to take a 2-0 ers. “We did a good job of get- Protecting a one-run lead in lead over last season’s champi- ting stops and we hit some big the seventh, the Japanese starter ons in a series that is threaten- free throws in the end.” dashed to the plate in time to ing to boil over. The Mavs held a one-point apply the tag on a sliding Nick Jason Terry’s desperation lead with a minute left, af- Markakis to end the late-inning three-pointer attempt bounced ter they controlled Game One threat. off the rim as Dallas fell 102-99 much the same way, but man- Eric Chavez supplied the fi re- to the hosts, who opened the aged just one more fi eld goal. power for New York with a two- fi rst round series with a 99-98 In the Eastern Conference, run home run in the second in- win after Kevin Durant got a the Indiana Pacers found ning off Baltimore starter Jason friendly bounce in his last-sec- their range in the second half Hammel, and relievers David ond game winner on Saturday. to top the Orlando Magic 93- Robertson and Mariano Rivera The Mavericks have enjoyed 78 and tie their first-round fi nished up for Kuroda to seal the no such fortune and must re- series 1-1. victory. group before the best-of-seven The Pacers outscored the The win improved the Western Conference series con- Magic 30-13 in the third quar- Yankees’ record to 13-9 and tinues in Dallas tomorrow. ter to level the series heading slowed the charge of the sur- The Mavericks’ Dirk Nowit- into Game Three today in Or- prising Orioles, who finished zki scored 31 points and was lando. last in the American League embroiled in a fi rst-half scuffl e East in 2011 but came into the with the Thunder’s Serge Ibaka Results opener of their three-game and Kendrick Perkins. series tied for the division lead “We don’t like the cheap Eastern Conference at 14-8. shots when they give them, and at Miami Kuroda (2-3) was not at his they don’t like them if we give Miami 104 New York 94 best but managed to keep the them,” said Dallas coach Rick (Miami lead series 2-0) Orioles in check and helped his Carlisle. “The dirty (stuff ) has at Indianapolis own cause with some slick fi eld- got to stop. We don’t want any- Indiana 93 Orlando 78 ing in the seventh. one to get hurt out there.” (Series level 1-1) After a lead-off single by The Thunder are relishing Western Conference Markakis and a long fl y to center their new role as favorites in the at Oklahoma City fi eld by Adam Jones, Kuroda hit series and were led by 29 points Oklahoma City 102 Dallas 99 Matt Wieters with a pitch. from Russell Westbrook and Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks drives on Serge Ibaka of the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Two of the Western Conference quarter-finals in (Oklahoma City lead series 2-0) The runners moved up to 26 and 10 rebounds from Du- the 2012 NBA Playoff s on Monday at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City defeated Dallas 102-99. (AFP) second and third on a wild pitch in the dirt that got past catcher Russell Martin. After a NHL strikeout against Chris Davis on another pitch in the dirt, Kuro- da bounced a wild splitter past Martin. Results Capitals edge Rangers while Kings rout Blues Arizona 9 MIAMI 5 Texas 4 TORONTO 1 AFP Hockey League playoff series. today and Saturday with game three and four of the series to- seconds remaining in the fi rst Results NY YANKEES 2 Baltimore 1 New York The Russian playmaker re- fi ve back in New York on Mon- morrow and Sunday. period. PHILADELPHIA 6 Chicago Cubs 4 ceived the puck from a face off , day. At New York, Washington’s And New York equalised 6:58 Eastern Conference BOSTON 11 Oakland 6 skated to his right and fi red the Also Monday, the Los Angeles Mike Knuble opened the scoring into the third period on a pow- At New York TAMPA BAY 3 Seattle 2 (12 inn) lex Ovechkin scored puck past Swedish goaltender Kings ripped hosts St. Louis 5-2 with 12:20 elapsed in the fi rst er-play goal by Ryan Callahan, Washington 3 NY Rangers 2 Pittsburgh 9 ATLANTA 3 a power-play goal Henrik Lundqvist of the Rangers to seize a 2-0 edge in their best- period and Jason Chimera gave setting the stage for Ovechkin’s (Series level 1-1) HOUSTON 4 NY Mets 3 with 7:27 remaining to produce the winning margin. of-seven Western Conference the Capitals a 2-0 lead just 4:54 game winner. Western Conference COLORADO 6 LA Dodgers 2 Ain the third period to The second-round East- second-round series. later. Washington netmind- at St. Louis LA ANGELS 4 Minnesota 3 give Washington a 3-2 victory ern Conference best-of-seven The Kings, who have not lost But Brad Richards answered er Braden Holtby of Canada Los Angeles 5 St. Louis 2 Milwaukee 8 SAN DIEGO 3 on Monday over the New York series continues with games a road game in fi ve tries in this for the Rangers with his fourth made 26 saves while Lundqvist (Los Angeles lead series 2-0) Rangers to level their National three and four in Washington year’s playoff s, will host games goal of the playoff s with only 43 stopped 22 shots. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 45 SPORT

BASKETBALL SPOTLIGHT US coach sees Chambers’ lawyer attacks ‘arrogant’ BOA

AFP yer, reacted to Monday’s ruling Former European 100m ympics even if their suspen- money reducing those coun- WADA, welcomed the CAS rul- tough London by the Lausanne-based CAS champion Chambers, who sion was completed—was chal- tries which have taken a de- ing but slammed the BOA for by turning on the BOA, saying: won 60m bronze in this year’s lenged. termined stance against drug “the many hysterical and inac- “What we have received has world indoor event in Istan- That case was brought by cheats in sport, such as Cana- curate public statements” it had draw for wain Chambers’ been a crude and defi ant dis- bul last month, was banned for the US Olympic Committee on da, New Zealand and ourselves, made during the case. lawyer accused the play fuelled by misguided state- two years after testing positive behalf of their 400m runner to a two-year ban which as Sir “The decision totally rejects British Olympic As- ments such as ‘We have stand- for the anabolic steroid THG in LaShawn Merritt. Steve Redgrave has said is tan- the BOA appeal and upholds the Olympics Dsociation (BOA) of ards and the rest of the world 2004. BOA chairman Colin Moyni- tamount to almost saying it is WADA foundation board’s dec- “colonial arrogance” after the doesn’t’. Chambers was prevented han reacted to CAS’s latest ver- acceptable.” laration of non-compliance,” Court of Arbitration for Sport “It has in my view been an from competing at the Beijing dict by saying WADA had won a However, Moynihan insisted Fahey said. Reuters (CAS) on Monday ruled their exposure of colonial arrogance Olympics but will now be eli- “hollow victory”. the likes of Chambers and Mil- “WADA has spent the last New York lifetime ban on drugs cheats that even the most extreme and gible for selection for the Brit- Moynihan, a longstanding lar could expect equal treat- decade harmonising the fi ght contravened the World Anti- blinkered should have realised ish team at the London 2012 critic of WADA, also called for ment were they to compete at against doping in sport across Doping Agency (WADA) code. could only serve to marginalise Games. reform of the global anti-dop- the Games. the world by creating one set of S Olympic basketball CAS’s decision gave the green British opinion on the interna- Millar also served a doping ing authority. “I will give absolutely maxi- rules in consultation and in ac- coach Mike Krzyzewski light to the likes of sprinter tional stage. ban in 2004. “This will be seen as a hollow mum support to every athlete cordance with the wishes of all said his reigning Ol- Chambers and cyclist David Agha added: “Having not The CAS ruling had been victory for WADA,” said Moyni- that is selected for Team GB.” its stakeholders, both sport and Uympic champion squad Millar, previously guilty of dop- been party to the CAS case, widely expected since the Inter- han, who as a cox won a silver WADA had fought the BOA’s government. of NBA stars received a tough ing off ences, to take part in the Dwain and I will now need to national Olympic Committee medal in rowing for Britain at policy of imposing life bans for “They are not based on emo- grouping on Monday in FIBA’s upcoming London Olympics take time to digest and consider lost a similar case in November the 1980 Moscow Olympics. the Olympics, arguing it con- tive arguments or the wishes draw for the London Olympics. should they be selected. the reasoning behind the deci- after their Osaka rule—banning “We live in diffi cult days travened their own code. of any one signatory or indi- The Americans were sent into Siza Agha, Chambers’s law- sion.” drugs cheats from the next Ol- when WADA spends time and John Fahey, the president of vidual.” Group A alongside 2000 Olym- pic runner-up France and 2004 Olympic champion Argentina GOLF TITLE DEFENCE plus reigning African champion Tunisia and the two top fi nishers in an Olympic qualifying tourna- ment in June in Venezuela. McIlroy “Group A is going to be ex- tremely competitive,” said Krzyzewski, the veteran Duke ready to University coach who guided the Americans to an unbeaten gold Tiger ready for medal run at the 2008 Summer defend Games in Beijing. “It’s a tough draw with a former Olympic champion in Ar- US Open gentina. France is another pow- erful team, a veteran team that is extremely talented. Tunisia con- crown tinues to improve. And then our Quail Hollow with Group will add the top two teams from the FIBA World Qualifying AFP Tournament. Charlotte, North Carolina “Only 12 teams qualify for the Olympics so you’re going to have tough draws, and that’s why ory McIlroy will defend winning a gold medal is such a his US Open title in great accomplishment.” ‘fi xed’ swing June on a course he has Drawn into Group B from the Rnever played in a major ceremony in Rio de Janeiro were championship that has not sur- China, Britain, Australia, Spain, ‘My setup wasn’t quite right, as well as my takeaway so we worked on that’ rendered a repeat crown to the Brazil and the third-place nation same player since Curtis Strange from the qualifying event. in 1989. Russia, Greece, Puerto Rico Reuters McIlroy, dethroned as World and Lithuania are among the Charlotte, North Carolina No. 1 on Monday by England’s qualifying favorites in a fi eld that Luke Donald after his second will also include Venezuela, the two-week stay atop the rank- Dominican Republic, Macedo- iger Woods returns ings in as many months, said on nia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Jor- to PGA Tour action Monday he is excited to see San dan, Angola and South Korea. at this week’s Wells Francisco’s Olympic Club, where Four teams from each group TFargo Championship the 112th US Open tees off on will advance to the August 8 in Charlotte, North Carolina, June 14. Olympic quarter-fi nals after an confi dent he has solved the “I’ll go up there the week be- initial round-robin schedule. ball-striking problems which fore and familiarise myself with Semi-fi nals are set for August 10 plagued him at this month’s the place,” McIlroy said. “From and the medals will be decided Masters. what I’ve heard, it’s a really good on August 12. The former world number setup. I’m excited to get up there one failed to break 72 in any and see what it’s like. of his four rounds at the year’s “It’s the toughest test that opening major, completing his we face all year and I’m not sure worst performance at Augusta why there hasn’t been a repeat Norwegian National since he turned pro- champion (in so long) but obvi- fessional. ously I’m going to try my hardest swimming He battled his way to a clos- to make that happen this year.” champion ing two-over-par 74 for a McIlroy won last year at Con- fi ve-over total of 293, ruing his gressional Country Club near found dead tendency to allow old habits to Washington in wet conditions creep back into a swing he has with a 16-under par 268 to- Norwegian world swim- grooved with coach Sean Foley tal. The usual narrow fairways, ming champion Alexander over the last two years. dense rough and fast greens were Dale Oen has died age 26 at “At the Masters, I was kind muted somewhat by conditions. a training camp in the US, of struggling with my ball- “It was pretty wet and the Norway’s swim federation striking a little bit,” Woods course played pretty soft,” McIl- announced yesterday. said during a question and roy said. “The only thing that Dale Oen, who won the gold answer video session with his made the scores so low at Con- medal in the 100m breaststroke fans posted on his website on gressional last year was the fact in the 2011 World Champion- Monday. that they just got so much rain ships in Shanghai, was found “Sean and I fi xed it. It had to beforehand and they were never dead on Monday in a shower at do with my posture. My setup able to dry the course out the a swimming pool in Flagstaff , wasn’t quite right, as well as way they would like. Arizona, where Norway’s na- my takeaway so we worked on “I’m expecting this year ... it tional swim team was training that. I just needed to do hun- will be fast and running. It won’t for the London Olympics. dreds of (repetitions). I’m get- necessarily be a long ball hitter The cause of death was not ting dialed in.” that will play well. You just really immediately known. Woods, a 14-times major Woods... confident he has solved the ball-striking problems which plagued him at this month’s Masters. need to control your ball. The swim federation said his champion, took a week off af- “If the weather permits this teammates thought he was ter the April 5-8 Masters and I like in Charlotte. I’ve based on questions sent in by round at Quail Hollow. “To set the record, all the year in San Francisco, we’ll get taking an unusually long time has since spent the past fort- won there before. The very fans via Facebook and Twit- Woods fi elded 19 questions history it meant at the time, to the golf course fi rm and fast and in the shower, and there was night working on his game. next week is a tournament ter, was an interesting choice from fans in the video session, have my dad there at the back it will be tricky. You’ll really have no reply when they knocked Asked if he liked his chances that I’ve also won at,” the by Woods who will not be giv- among them a query as to the of the green,” Woods added. to think about where you need on the door. When they of winning a 73rd PGA Tour ti- 36-year-old American add- ing his customary pre-tourna- best putt he has ever sunk on “By far it was the biggest.” to land your ball on the fairways entered, Dale Oen was found tle in this week’s event at Quail ed, referring to the May 10- ment news conference ahead the PGA Tour. As for his favorite major tro- and on the greens and I’m ex- lying on the floor. Hollow, he replied: “I feel like I 13 Players Championship at of the Wells Fargo Champion- In reply, he cited the par phy, Woods did not hesitate in pecting it to be a really tough and The team doctor tried to do, yes. Sawgrass. ship. putt he knocked in from just selecting the cherished Claret tricky test this year.” resuscitate him, as did “I feel like if I can do the Woods triumphed at Quail The world number seven inside four feet on the 72nd Jug awarded to winners of the The 7,170-yard, par-70 Olym- ambulance paramedics who things that we’ve been working Hollow in 2007 and won his typically addresses the media hole of the 1997 Masters, British Open. pic layout features a 16th hole arrived within minutes to take on, and get my posture and my only Players title in 2001 at the before every event in which he his fi rst major title which he “The history and what it that is a 670-yard par-5, the him to hospital. takeaway dialed in, then yes, I event regarded by many as the plays but is not scheduled to clinched by a staggering 12 represents,” he said. “Every longest par-5 in US Open his- “After more than an hour’s at- have a good chance. unoffi cial ‘fi fth’ major. speak to reporters until after he strokes with a record low total single great champion has tory. A long and diffi cult test is in tempts to get his heart going, “I’m going to a golf course Monday’s video session, completes Thursday’s opening of 270. played in the British Open.” order for whichever of the more Alexander Dale Oen was de- than 9,000 entrants get to play. clared dead at 9:00 pm local “You just really have to men- time,” the federation said. EUROPEAN TOUR tally prepare yourself for the “We’re all in shock, this is like type of golf that you’re going to an out-of-body experience have to play,” McIlroy said. for the whole team here,” “Something around even par Norway team coach Petter ‘Spanish centenary and Seve anniversary so special’ will win most US Opens. Some- Loevberg said. thing around even par isn’t going According to Norwegian daily to be too far away. If you shoot Aftenposten online, Dale Oen AFP ral Spanish Open was staged in year at the age of 54 after a long 3mn pounds in career earn- 27-year-old. “They were my four 70s, you will have a great had spoken to his family on Madrid Madrid in 1912 and Ryder Cup battle with brain cancer, began ings. idols when I was young and chance.” Skype earlier in the evening stalwart Miguel Angel Jimenez his career at the 1974 Spanish Ballesteros, at 17 years and they still are. The Northern Irish prodigy “and there was no indication spoke for all of his country- Open before going on to claim eight days, became the young- “Spanish golf is on a high at won his fi rst major title only then that he was sick.” panish golfers will have men when he talked about the fi ve major championship wins est professional to play in a the moment with Sergio Garcia two months after squandering Dale Oen became Norway’s extra motivation to importance of the tournament. and 87 tournament victories European Tour event when he winning twice at the end of last a golden opportunity to win the first swimmer to win an win in Seville on Sun- “The Spanish Open is very in total. competed in his national open in year, Alvaro Quiros winning Masters, leading after each of the Olympic medal when he won Sday with this week’s special to us Spanish players,” He also collected 20 points 1974 - a record that still stands. twice in Dubai last season and fi rst three rounds and with nine the silver in the 100m breast- European Tour event mark- the 48-year-old told the tour’s from 37 Ryder Cup matches, Rafael Cabrera-Bello, the me winning this year.” holes to play only to falter on the stroke in the 2008 Games in ing the 100th birthday of their offi cial website (www.europe- many in his brilliant com- only Spaniard to triumph on South African Thomas back nine. Beijing. He had been tipped national open and the fi rst an- antour.com). bination with compatriot this season’s circuit at the Du- Aiken won last year’s Spanish “I really wanted to put things as one of Norway’s best niversary of the death of the “It is a big week and of course Jose Maria Olazabal, and be- bai Desert Classic in February, Open and dedicated his fi rst right and make amends for what chances at a medal at the great Seve Ballesteros. we will all have thoughts about came the fi rst European Tour echoed Jimenez’s thoughts. European Tour victory to Bal- happened at Augusta and ob- London Olympics in July. Frenchman Arnaud Massy Seve and how we miss him.” player to reach 1mn pounds “Seve and Jose Maria are lesteros who died on the Satur- viously I was able to do that,” triumphed when the inaugu- Ballesteros, who died last ($1.62mn), 2mn pounds and the reason I play golf,” said the day of the event. McIlroy said. Gulf Times 46 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 SPORT

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE Sangakkara, White

WELL DONE: Delhi Daredevils batsman and team captain Virendar Se- hwag celebrates his half century during the IPL Twenty20 match against at the Sawai Mansingh stadium in Jaipur. (AFP) FINE SHOW star in Chargers’ win Sangakkara top scored with 82 off 52 balls

IANS himself for the last match against Mum- Sehwag shines bai Indians Sunday, looked completely Cuttack out of sorts early. White on the other hand was at his fl u- he highest third- part- ent best, scoring freely. The turning point nership of 157 runs in the Indian of the match came in Samuel’s 14th over in Daredevils’ with the score on 91 for two. The former Premier League (IPL) between Kumar Sangakkara and Cameron Sri Lankan skipper plundered the West TWhite steered Deccan Chargers to their Indian for 19 runs, smashing four fours. second win in the fi fth edition. Yet, Pune From then on, Deccan scored at a blis- Warriors came tantalisingly close to the tering rate, hitting 76 runs of the last fi ve victory 187-run target before losing by 13 runs at overs. IANS joy was shortlived for the Royals. the Barabati Stadium here yesterday. Ganguly, who in a surprising decision Jaipur Sehwag and Pietersen shared 96 Skipper Sangakkara top scored with brought himself to bowl in the 18th over, runs for the second wicket and 82 off 52 balls and was well supported by was hit for three consecutive sixes and when the latter departed, Dare- Australian White, who smashed 74 off 45 a four by by White and the over yielded irender Sehwag devils needed just 46 off 60 balls. balls, taking Chargers to 186 for four and 25 runs. The next over from Ashish Ne- smashed a recording- Earlier, Royals made a mess of that looked good enough to defend even hra was just as expensive as Sangakarra breaking fi fth consecu- a great start provided by Rahul on the easy-paced wicket. picked on the left-arm pacer and this tive fi fty to help Delhi Dravid (57) and Ajinkya Rahane Pune, who slumped to their third over, too, leaked 25 runs. DaredevilsV breeze past Rajasthan (42). Dravid ran out of partners straight loss, fought well with skipper Royals by six wickets in the In- as the home team was reduced Sourav Ganguly and Australian skipper dian Premier League here yes- to 95 for fi ve in 13 overs after the Michael Clarke keeping them on course terday. opening pair collected 71 runs in with their 90-run second-wicket stand. SCOREBOARD Daredevils captain Sehwag 8.4 overs. After both were dismissed in quick suc- played a breathtaking knock of cession, Steven Smith (47 not out, 3x4, Deccan Chargers 73 off 38 balls, ensuring his team 2x6) and Robin Uthappa (26) tried their Parthiv Patel b Samuels ...... 0 overcomes the 142-run target in SCOREBOARD best, but that was not enough. Shikhar Dhawan b Kumar ...... 13 Cameron White c Smith b Parnell ...... 74 15.2 overs. With the scintillating Rajasthan Royals Interestingly, Chargers won both their Kumar Sangakkara b Nehra ...... 82 knock, he also became the fi rst Rahul Dravid b Morkel ...... 57 matches against Pune as they could only Jean-Paul Duminy not out ...... 4 batsman to score fi ve consecu- A Rahane c Sehwag b Negi ...... 42 muster 173 for fi ve. Biplab Samantray not out ...... 2 Shane Watson b Negi ...... 8 tive half centuries in T20 cricket. Owais Shah c Ojha b Yadav ...... 1 Like Chargers, who lost their opener Extras: (b 2, lb 8, nb 1) ...... 11 Kevin Pietersen made 36 in his Brad Hodge c Sehwag b Negi ...... 1 Parthiv Patel to the fi rst ball of the in- Total: (for four wickets in 20 overs) .....186 last game for the Delhi franchise A Menaria c Pietersen b Negi ...... 2 nings, Pune, too, had a disastrous start Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Patel, 0.1 overs), 2-23 while left-arm spinner Pawan Shreevats Goswami not out ...... 18 with the in-form being (Dhawan, 4.4), 3-180 (Sangakkara, 18.6), Ankeet Chavan not out ...... 7 4-180 (White, 19.1) Negi (4/18) did the job with the Extras: (lb 2, w 3) ...... 5 dismissed off the first ball. : Marlon Samuels 3-0-33-1, Wayne balls in the Royals’ innings which Total: (6 wickets; 20 overs)...... 141 Clarke (41), playing his fi rst IPL match, Parnell 4-1-25-1, Ashish Nehra 4-0-41-1, Fall of wickets: 1-71 (Rahane, 8.4 overs), ended at 141 for six in 20 overs. 2-87 (Watson, 10.5), 3-90 (Shah, 11.4), and Ganguly (45) steadied the ship, 4-0-22-1, Murli Kartik Sehwag’s blinder brought 4-93 (Hodge, 12.2), 5-95 (Menaria, 12.6), stringing together in a potential match- 2-0-16-0, Sourav Ganguly 3-0-39-0 Daredevils’ fourth win a row and 6-128 (Dravid, 18.1) winning stand. Bowling: I Pathan 2-0-22-0, Pune Warriors: they have now extended their U Yadav 4-0-28-1, M Morkel 4-0-23-1, S Drama unfolded soon after, Shikhar Dhawan dropped a swirling skier off M Pandey c Sangakkara b A Sharma .. 0 lead at the top of the table to 16 Nadeem 4-0-33-0, Pawan Negi 4-0-18-4, M Clarke run out (Mishra/Patel) ...... 41 points from 10 matches. It was Virender Sehwag 2-0-15-0 Ganguly, but leg-spinner Amit Mishra Sourav Ganguly c White b Dhawan ..... 45 a fourth straight loss for Royals’, Delhi Daredevils innings quickly hurled back the ball and beat M Jayawardene lbw b Chavan ...... 0 not out ...... 47 who are sixth in the standings V Sehwag c Dravid b Hogg ...... 73 Clarke to the striker’s end with Patel R Uthappa c sub (DJ Harris) b AReddy26 with eight points from 10 games. Kevin Pietersen c Shah b Watson . 36 whipping off the bails. Marlon Samuels not out ...... 1 The explosive opener once Ross Taylor c Goswami b Hogg ...... 6 The bizarre opportunistic run-out Extras: (lb 1, w 3, nb 2) ...... 6 Yogesh Nagar not out ...... 9 again toyed with the opposition apart, the Chargers’ fi elding was atro- Total: (for five wickets in 20 overs) .....173 Naman Ojha not out ...... 11 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Pandey, 0.1 overs), bowling attack, bludgeoning 12 Extras: (b 5, lb 3, w 1) 9 cious. Both and Uthappa cashed in, to 2-90 (Clarke, 11.4), 3-96 (Ganguly, 12.4), boundaries and a six. The lone Total: (4 wickets; 15.2 overs) 144 take Warriors too close for Chargers’ Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Jayawardene, 0.3 4-158 (Uthappa, 18.5), 5-172 (Manhas, 19.5) maximum Sehwag hit was his overs), 2-96 (Pietersen, 10.2), 3-106 (Tay- comfort. trademark uppercut which also lor, 11.4), 4-131 (Sehwag, 14.4) Earlier, electing to bat, Chargers lost Bowling: Ankit Sharma 2-0-9-1, JP Duminy brought his fi fty. Bowling: Ankeet Chavan 4 0 29 1, Pan- Dhawan soon after Patel and just when 3-0-25-0, 4-0-31-1, Dale kaj Singh 2-0-24-0, Shane Watson 4-0- Steyn 4-0-46-0, Amit Mishra 3-0-20-0, Sehwag’s opening partner 29-1, Amit Singh 1- 0-12-0, Brad Hogg things looked like getting tough for them Mahela Jayawardene (0) was dis- White and Sangakkara batted splendidly. Akshath Reddy 3-0-32-1, Shikhar Dhawan 4-0-32-2, Ashok Menaria 0.2-0-10-0 FINE KNOCK: Deccan Chargers captain Kumar Sangakkara plays a shot during the IPL 1-0-9-1 missed in the fi rst over but that Sangakkara, who surprisingly omitted Twenty20 match against Pune Warriors at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. (AFP)

ROUND-UP Birla Public School win QCA under-14 title Spot-fi xing convict Asif due for release May 5

AFP Mazhar Majeed, the agent for three pointing”, he said Wright will leave the London players who was accused of striking the Black Caps after the upcoming tour of the deal, was jailed for 32 months. West Indies. “John has been an outstand- The International Cricket Council ing servant for cricket in New Zealand over akistan’s former paceman Mo- (ICC) also banned the three players for a long time and it is disappointing to lose hammad Asif is expected to be a minimum of five years. Haroon said someone of his calibre,” White said in a released from a British prison on Asif was appealing against both punish- statement. May 5 after completing half his ments. “We were keen to see him continue his Pone-year sentence for spot-fi xing dur- “Asif has already appealed against the head coach role, however understand and ing the 2010 Lord’s Test against England, 12-month sentence and he will also appeal respect his decision to look for another a friend and cricket coach said yesterday. against the ICC ban,” said Haroon. challenge.” A gritty former opening bats- Doha: Birla Public School won the QCA Under-14 Girls Cricket Tournament beating Pakistan Education “Asif is due to be released on May 5 and All three players have the right to appeal man and one-time India coach, Wright Center in the final, recently. he was in high spirits when I visited him against the ICC ban in the Swiss-based took over a Black Caps outfi t in disarray Hiral Agarwal of BPS was the star performer in the final and she walked away with the player of the final last month,” Mohammad Haroon told AFP Court of Arbitration for Sports. and guided them to the semi-fi nals of last award. She smashed a superb 68 runs and took a wicket. from London. The 29-year-old Asif, along year’s World Cup, as well as a rare Test The thirs place in the tournament was bagged by Pak Shama School. with teammates Salman Butt and Moham- John Wright to resign win over Australia in Hobart. Manzoor Ahmad, General Secretary of the Qatar Cricket Association gave away the prizes in presence mad Aamer, was sentenced in London last Napier: New Zealand coach John Wright The statement gave no reason for of members of the women’s committee and sports teachers. November for contriving deliberate no- will step down from the national side in Wright’s departure, although he has re- Santhiya Kandaraja of Birla Public School was adjudged the best batswoman for scoring 106 runs in the balls for cash during the August 2010 Test. August after rejecting an off er to extend portedly had a tense relationship with tournament. Khadija Ahmed of Pakistan Education Center was outstanding throughout the tourna- Aamer was released in February after his contract, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Australian John Buchanan, who was ap- ment. She picked six wickets to win the best bowler’s award and was chosen as the best player of the three months in jail. Butt, Test captain at chief executive David White said. pointed NZC’s director of cricket in April tournament. that time, was jailed for 30 months. In a move White described as “disap- last year. Top team’s positions: 1.Birla Public School, 2.Pakistan Education Center, 3.Pak Shama School Special Awards: Best Batwoman: Santhiya Kandaraja (Birla Public School) 106 runs, Best Bowler: Khadi- ja Ahmed (Pakistan Education Center) 6 wickets, Player of the Final: Hiral Agrawal (Birla Public School) SPOTLIGHT 68 runs and 1 wicket, Player of the Tournament: Khadija Ahmed (Pakistan Education Center). Eaton takes up post as ICSS chief LOCAL SPORT Doha: The International Centre for Sport ICSS provides tailored advice in important Security (ICSS), the not-for-profi t insti- issues of sport security and integrity and Aspire Zone to host Street Basketball tution that specialises in sport security I hope to use the valuable experience and and integrity, has today announced the knowledge that I gained at FIFA to help Sports Reporter teams of four (three on court and of our commitment to promoting arrival of Chris Eaton as the organisation’s develop an international and multi-sport Doha one substitute). a healthy lifestyle for the people new Director of Sport Integrity. approach to these critical issues.” Director General of Aspire LO- of Qatar.” Adding to the atmos- Chris Eaton joins the ICSS following his Speaking on Chris Eaton’s arrival, Mo- GISTICS Abdulaziz al-Mahmoud phere of the event, live music will role as Head of Security at FIFA, where he hammed Hanzab, President of the ICSS, atar’s best street bas- said: “Basketball is very popular in be played as the players compete oversaw the development of an interna- said: “On behalf of the ICSS, I am delighted ketball players will get Qatar. We recognize that there are for some great prizes including tional investigation programme tasked that Chris, who has been at the forefront the chance to showcase many players taking part in street iPads. The tournament will be with combating match-fi xing and crimi- of the fi ght against international match- their incredible skills matches and we are delighted to made available to watch anywhere nal behaviour within football. fi xing and related corruption in football, followingQ an announcement today be able to organise an event which in the world thanks to Aspire In his new position, Chris will work has decided to join the ICSS. Alongside by Aspire LOGISTICS that they will allow these players to come Zone Foundation’s IT department closely with international sporting bod- our recent agreement with the Université will organise the inaugural Doha together and demonstrate their which will stream the matches live ies, governments, agencies and academic Chris Eaton, Director of Sport Integ- Paris I – Panthéon-Sorbonne to develop Jam street basketball tournament. outstanding skills.” on the Internet. institutions to assist them in the develop- rity at the ICSS, said: “I am delighted to be research programmes and tackle illegal The three-on-three tourna- “Doha Jam is another one of Team registration for the tour- ment of cross-sport platforms and solu- joining the ICSS and look forward to work- sporting activity, we hope that Chris’s ar- ment will take place on the Aspire our ongoing programme of par- nament is now open and is ex- tions to tackle the incursion of criminals ing closely with the team to help combat rival demonstrates our ongoing commit- Park Outdoor Courts on the 18th ticipation events that we are or- pected to fi ll fast at www.aspir- into both international sports and gam- the scourge of sports-results manipula- ment in addressing important issues in and 19th May and will feature 16 ganising at Aspire Zone. It is part ezone.qa/events/dohajam. bling. tion and criminal activities in sport. The sport integrity.” Gulf Times Wednesday, May 2, 2012 47 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW Real Madrid out to clinch La Liga crown in Bilbao

AFP would be the fourth country in which Mourinho continued his boycott of the case last Sunday before Barcelona Valencia and Malaga are in the driv- Mate Bilic, a key player in their revival London he has achieved such a feat, he is cur- the Spanish media after Sunday’s 3-0 showed no signs of nerves and re- ing seat for the bigger prize, on 55 of recent weeks, is under no illusions rently level on three with Louis van victory over Sevilla but his assistant corded a 7-0 away victory at Rayo Val- points they are both three ahead of as to the importance of the game. Gaal who includes two titles in Spain Aitor Karanka talked of the potential of lecano. Levante. Any slip-up for Malaga at “It’s been a diffi cult year but all that eal Madrid visit Athletic Bil- with Barca in his personal haul. winning the league at his former club. Lionel Messi grabbed two goals to Barca or Valencia at home to Osasuna, matters now is survival. bao today knowing a win It would also be an incredible sev- “It would be nice to become cham- go level with Cristiano Ronaldo on 43 themselves only a point from a Europa “It’s complicated but if we beat Vil- would give them their fi rst ‘La enth championship in 10 seasons for pions in San Mames (Bilbao’s stadium), league goals meaning the world’s best League place, could be capitalised on larreal we’ll have a chance. They have Liga’ title in four years, break- the Portuguese coach who started with to win the Spanish league is important two players will take their own partic- by Levante who go to relegation threat- World Cup winners in their team so it ingR the domination of Barcelona forged two titles in his native country with because it has taken a huge eff ort to ular contest to fi nish as La Liga’s top- ened Zaragoza on Wednesday. will be diffi cult, but our fans will play by the departing Pep Guardiola. Porto before going on to win two at achieve it and it was a big objective of scorer to the very end. The side from Aragon are facing the a big part and we owe it to them to get With three games remaining Ma- both Chelsea and Inter Milan. ours, but it does not make up for miss- Messi also has another prize in sight drop along with Sporting Gijon, both the win,” he said. drid’s seven point lead over the Cata- To add to the growing list of achieve- ing out in the Champions League,” he as he currently has 65 in all competi- teams are on 34 points, four from Vil- Fixtures (all times GMT) Wednesday: lans mean one more win is all they re- ments Madrid need to win their three said. For their part, Barcelona kick- tions, just two short of Gerd Muller’s larreal and fi ve from Granada with Atletico Madrid v Real Sociedad (1600), quire, and the trophy would go some remaining games to reach 100 points off against fourth-placed Malaga two 67 goal record set in the 1972/73 season bottom club Racing Santander already Mallorca v Rayo Vallecano (1800), way to make up for the disappoint- and break the record set by Guardiola’s hours before and a defeat for Guardio- for Bayern Munich. relegated. Villarreal are the visitors to Zaragoza v Levante (1800), Sevilla v ment of losing last week’s Champions Barca in 2009/10 when they got 99 la’s side would hand the title to Madrid Other issues to be resolved include Sporting Gijon on Tuesday for a deci- Real Betis (1800), Barcelona v Malaga League semi-fi nal to Bayern Munich. points to beat Madrid by three, then before a ball is kicked. the two remaining Champions League sive clash no team can aff ord to lose. (1800), Valencia v Osasuna (2000), For Madrid coach Jose Mourinho it led by Manuel Pelligrini. The same scenario, however, was and Europa League places. Sporting’s Croatian centre-forward Athletic Bilbao v Real Madrid (2000).

FACEOFF BIG BLOW Fergie accuses Aft er England snub, Redknapp Mancini aft er focuses on day job

AFP London

arry Redknapp will try to put the disappoint- City’s crucial win ment of being over- looked for the post of HEngland manager behind him ‘I can’t complain about the result’ when his Tottenham Hotspur side resume their challenge for a place in next season’s Champi- that,” said Ferguson, whose side ons League at Bolton Wanderers have now taken only four points today. from a possible 12 in their last Redknapp always maintained four games. the speculation linking himself Ferguson was also unhappy with the England vacancy had with United’s defending for played no part in Spurs’ alarm- UPSET? Redknapp City’s winning goal, which ing dip in form. came when Vincent Kompany But the Football Association’s at the moment either, they are en the further lift of a dressing headed in a David Silva corner decision to make Roy Hodgson looking really strong whatever room visit from Wanderers’ Fab- on the stroke of half-time. their number one choice for the team their manager picks. rice Muamba who is recovering “If you lose a goal at a set- post means it will not even be a “They have got Newcastle in after suff ering a serious cardiac piece at this level of football factor as Redknapp’s team enter the week and that is a big game. arrest when these two teams met then you only have yourself to the fi nal three games of the sea- Newcastle have got tough fi x- in the FA Cup at White Hart Lane blame for that,” Ferguson said. son. The weekend victory over tures—they have got to go to in March. “It was a bad time to concede Blackburn Rovers settled nerves Everton on the last game of the “When it comes to it we will a goal because there was noth- at White Hart Lane after a run season, you wouldn’t want that take a look at it but we will have ing really happening at the end that had brought just one win in one and they’ve got Manchester to decide what is best for every- of the fi rst half.” nine league games. City at home so we have just got body,” said Coyle. Mancini meanwhile brushed That win left Tottenham to keep going and see what hap- “The primary concern is what off the confrontation with Fer- ahead of fourth place Newcastle pens, you never know do you?” is best for Fabrice because that is guson. on goal diff erence, with Chelsea Kyle Walker emerged as the all important but it is something “I was talking with the fourth a further point behind in fi fth. unlikely hero of the victory over we will look at—if he and his offi cial, he told me some kind Those two teams will meet Blackburn with a stunning free partner decide he is well enough words, I answered him and it at Stamford Bridge at the same kick to seal the 2-0 victory. and fi t enough.” fi nished,” said Mancini, who time Spurs face Bolton, pre- And the right back admitted: Coyle added: “My take on shook hands with Ferguson af- senting Redknapp’s side with a “I don’t practise free-kicks, but it has been if Fabrice is able to ter the fi nal whistle. chance to steal ground on at least I just felt it was right. come along it would be fantastic, He also laughed off Fergu- one of their rivals. “Rafa (Rafael van der Vaart) for a number of reasons. son’s suggestions that he had Victory will also move Tot- placed the ball down and I said “I think it will give everyone been attempting to infl uence tenham to within two points of ‘Can I have it?’ and he said ‘No a chance to see how well he has the match offi cials. third-placed Arsenal and with chance’. But then he said I could been doing and how far he has “And him? No? He never the fourth place side set to miss have it and that was that.” come from what happened that talks with the referee, no, nev- out on a Champions League spot Tottenham’s defeat of Black- night. er,” Mancini said sarcastically. if Chelsea beat Bayern Munich burn boosted Bolton’s hopes of “The fact it is also Tottenham Although City now top the in this season’s fi nal, a top three survival. who were the opponents will table on goal diff erence, mean- spot remains the number one Owen Coyle’s side remain in give Fabrice the chance to thank ing wins over Newcastle and objective. the bottom three on goal diff er- all the fans and players involved. QPR will virtually assure them “It is all to play for, we have ence but this match marks the “I’ve got to say it’s not guaran- of the title, Mancini meanwhile got a diffi cult couple of away game in hand they have on their teed. If he is fi t and well to come GIVING A MOUTHFUL: Manchester City’s Italian manager Roberto Mancini (R) exchanges words with insisted that United were still in games,” said Redknapp. “I can’t relegation rivals. then it is certainly an opportu- Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson (2nd R) during their English Premier League match. (AFP) a strong position to retain their see Chelsea losing many games And Coyle’s squad may be giv- nity.” crown. AFP control of the title race with a destiny of the title in City’s “They have easy games—they London 1-0 victory. hands. play against Swansea and Sun- GERMAN HOPE Ferguson had leapt from his “We didn’t test their keep- derland. We have Newcastle dugout to protest after an ugly er enough really, we started and QPR. These two teams are anchester United challenge from Nigel De Jong on brightly and for the fi rst 15 strong teams,” Mancini said. manager Sir Alex United substitute Danny Wel- minutes we dominated, but the “For United it will be easy. Ferguson accused beck. The 70-year-old United longer the half went on we were But we have two strong teams, Roberto Mancini of boss later accused Mancini of looking for half-time and the Newcastle and QPR—one plays harassing offi cials throughout goal came at a bad time for us,” for the Champions League, one Schweinsteiger’s brain Mattempting to infl uence offi cials after a furious touchline bust- the title duel. “Mancini was Ferguson said. plays for relegation.” up with the Manchester City badgering the ref and the fourth “I can’t complain about the “But now it’s not fi nished. If boss here yesterday. offi cial all game,” Ferguson told result, they were more of a we think its fi nished we make a Ferguson and Mancini had to the BBC. “He was complaining threat from counter-attacks. big mistake,” Mancini added. be separated during an explo- about refs all week, but he can’t “Real out to clinch La Liga Asked what he thought the key to German success sive fi nger-jabbing confron- complain about this one.” crown in Bilbao and we are up key to the game had been, Man- tation in the 76th minute of a However Ferguson had few against it. They only need to cini replied: “They wanted to Reuters tions. “This is the best national having missed two months since highly charged encounter at complaints about a defeat win to two more games and draw. We wanted to win. I think Berlin team I have ever played for,” Sch- November with a broken collar Eastlands which saw City take which he admitted had left the they win the league, simple as that was the diff erence.” weinsteiger, capped 90 times for bone. He then picked up a liga- Germany and going into his fi fth ment problem as well as a knee ermany will seek to end major tournament, told report- injury and was out twice more KEY PLAYER a 16-year title drought ers. “Everyone expects us to win after the Bundesliga restart. at the Euro 2012 fi nals the title and naturally it is some- “He is the head of the team,” where much will de- thing that we also desire.” said Bayern coach Jupp Heynck- Gpend on the performance of the The midfi elder has also com- es, who recently compared him Robben retains lethal edge for Dutch team’s brain: Bastian Schwein- bined well with skilled Real Ma- with Barcelona and Spain mid- steiger. drid playmaker Mesut Ozil and fi elders Xavi and Andres Iniesta. AFP ever, his dynamic contribution to a team has the fi nal against Spain, but was unable to The experienced 27-year- attack-minded teenager Mario “He gives the tempo, he steers Rotterdam been revalued even if it is accepted that he is produce a goal or help prevent a rugged Dutch old Bayern Munich midfi elder, Goetze in the German mid- our game and is very hard to re- unlikely to complete a full season. team from losing a third World Cup fi nal. nicknamed the ‘brain’ by Ger- fi eld, leading them to a fl awless place. When he is not there then In 2010, a week before the start of the Since then, the unpredictable Robben has many coach Joachim Loew, is the qualifi cation with 10 wins in 10 both our off ensive and defensive season without injuries may never World Cup, Robben sustained a hamstring played only twice internationally -- against team’s natural leader and its ba- games. Strong, skilled, clever game is aff ected.” happen in the whimsical career of injury which would normally have ruled him Brazil in June 2011 and at Wembley against an rometer. If he plays well the team and in possession of a lethal Bayern already felt his ab- Arjen Robben, yet despite all the out of the tournament. injury-hit England in February this year. In usually wins. A slump in form, right-foot shot, Schweinsteiger sence when a three-point lead at setbacks he remains the most lethal But Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk the England match Robben opened the scor- or injury, takes the shine off the can be equally dangerous or- the top of the Bundesliga going Athreat in the Dutch team. retained faith in Robben and his medical ing after an impressive 60-metre run from young German team. chestrating breaks for the light- into the new year became a fi ve- When he is fi t, and in form, Robben is staff and he was kept behind for a week’s his own half and snatched victory with a pre- The three-time European ning-quick Germans or slicing point defi cit as the Bavarians feared by almost every team in Europe, but special treatment, joining the squad later cise curled shot in added time. champions are chasing a fi rst open defences with pin-point stuttered at the restart without the winger’s complete package also contains in South Africa. He made his fi rst appear- In fi ve seasons in London and Madrid, title since 1996 and Schwein- passing. The only thing missing Schweinsteiger. his inconsistency, caused by injuries, with a ance in the third group match, a dead rubber Robben played 117 league matches and steiger, whose formidable hold- now is a major title, for either Germany also paid a price special vulnerability to muscle strains. against Cameroon, and then scored in the scored 26 goals. In Munich, in the fi rst two ing midfi eld partnership with club or country. when he missed their friendly That is why Robben played only three last 16 meeting with Slovakia and the semi- seasons under compatriot coach Louis van Sami Khedira helped Germany The current season, however, against France in February. They seasons at Chelsea and two at Real Madrid. fi nal against Uruguay. He was the only Dutch Gaal, Robben has scored 39 goals in 60 to third place at the 2010 World may not have been the one the lost 2-1 after a lacklustre per- Since joining Bayern Munich in 2009, how- player to fi nd two scoring opportunities in league matches. Cup, is aware of the expecta- gifted midfi elder wished for, formance in Bremen. NBA | Page 44 GOLF | Page 45 CRICKET | Page 46 Thunder Tiger ready Sangakkara, White hand Mavs for Quail star in Chargers’ second loss Hollow win over Pune

FOOTBALL Fergie accuses GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 2, 2012 Jumada-II 11, 1433 AH Mancini aft er City’s victory SPORT Page 47

APPOINTMENT England put faith in Hodgson

Reuters website that Hodgson, who replaced London now Chelsea caretaker coach Roberto Di Matteo last year, would remain in charge for the fi nal two games of the oy Hodgson was appointed season, away to Bolton Wanderers and England manager on a four- home to Arsenal. year contract yesterday, end- “Roy’s appointment as England ing months of speculation Manager is obviously disappointing overR who would lead the national team news for the club as we would have to next month’s European Champion- liked him to sign a new contract, which ship. was in the process of negotiation, and The experienced 64-year-old, who remain as our head coach,” West Brom has been in charge of Premier League chairman Jeremy Peace said in a state- West Bromwich Albion since February ment. last year, became the 13th permanent “But we understand Roy’s desire to post-War England manager after suc- take the England job and he will leave ceeding Italian Fabio Capello. us after the Arsenal game on May 13 “This is a very proud day for me, with our best wishes. We are delighted I’m a very happy man to be off ered the he will see the season out with us.” chance to manage my country and I’m After a non-descript playing career looking forward to the task ahead,” spent partly in English non-league Englishman Hodgson, who the FA football, Hodgson embarked on a near said was the unanimous choice of the 40-year coaching career in Sweden board, said at a news conference at with Halmstad in 1976 and has since Wembley. become one of the world’s most re- Al Gharafa players Othman el-Essas (C) and Fahed al-Shammari (R) celebrate after scoring against UAE’s Al Shabab Al Arabi during their AFC Champions League “Everyone knows it’s not an easy one spected coaches. match in Doha yesterday. but I’m hoping everyone, the fans and Plying his trade in Sweden, Swit- supporters get behind the team. zerland, Italy, England and Denmark “It’s the team that counts and I will he has won eight league titles and FOOTBALL Gharafa revive hopes; Lekhwiya

West Bromwich Albion manager Roy Hodgson (R) shakes hands with English Football Association (FA) Chairman David Bernstein (L) after he was named suff er 3-0 loss England’s next football manager at a press conference in Wembley Stadium in London yesterday. Sports Reporter sweet revenge for last year’s runners- Doha up, who were humiliated 5-1 at home do my very best to make sure they are coached the national sides of Finland, by the Chinese team and lost by the prepared as well as possible for the Switzerland and . same score to Kashiwa, but who are tasks that lay ahead.” Hodgson’s best moments in in- l Gharafa revived their Asian now top of Group H after three wins in Capello left his role as England ternational football came in guiding Champions League hopes a row. manager in February, four years after Switzerland to the 1994 World Cup with a 2-1 victory over the Guangzhou’s record signing Dario taking over from Steve McClaren, de- fi nals and the 1996 European Cham- UAE’s Shabab Al Arabi in Conca, reportedly one of the world’s spite a successful Euro 2012 qualifying pionship. ADoha yesterday, while Qatar Stars best paid players, put the hosts ahead campaign. His varied club career included two League champions Lekhwiya suff ered with an early penalty before Lee Se- Since then Stuart Pearce, the un- stints at Inter Milan, Blackburn Rov- a big blow to their continental dreams ung-Hyun levelled just before half- der-21s coach, had been in temporary ers, FC Copenhagen and Fulham, who when they were thrashed 3-0 by Al time. And 2006 champions Jeonbuk, charge with Tottenham Hotspur man- he took to the Europa League fi nal in Ahli in Jeddah. fresh from clinching the K-League ager Harry Redknapp the hot favourite 2010 — the fi rst European fi nal in their Al Gharafa’s fi rst win in fi ve matches title, then shrugged off the dismissal to be off ered the job. history. However, his biggest club job took their tally to six points in Group D of defender Cho Sung-Hwan, as Lee FA chairman David Bernstein re- in England ended in disappointment where Saudi giants Al Hilal are sitting Dong-Gook netted in injury-time and fused to talk about why Redknapp was when he left Liverpool by mutual con- pretty with nine after beating top Ira- swiftly followed it up with a penalty. overlooked, preferring to trumpet the sent in January, 2011 after just 31 games nian side Piroozi 1-0 at the Azadi Sta- There were more fi reworks in the credentials of Hodgson. in charge. dium in Tehran. group as J-League champions Kash- “After putting together a shortlist Despite a disappointing stay at An- Piroozi are second in the group with iwa Reysol downed Thailand’s Bur- Roy emerged as the standout candi- fi eld, where he never won over the fans, eight points, while Al Shabab Al Ara- iram United 1-0, leaving all four clubs date,” Bernstein said. Hodgson restored his reputation at bi are fourth with just two from fi ve separated by just three points with one “We met at Wembley yesterday and West Brom, guiding the Midlands club matches. Al Ahli’s Saudi midfielder Motaz al-Mussa (C) is challenged by Lekhwiya players round to play. we quickly agreed that Roy was the to safety last season and to mid-table Al Gharafa now need to beat Hilal during their AFC Champions League group C football match in the Saudi Kashiwa’s goal came after 23 min- right man to guide us to the European respectability this season. when they clash in a potentially ex- coastal city of Jeddah yesterday. Al Ahli won 3-0. utes when Hideaki Kitajima dribbled Championship and future tourna- With the European championships, plosive match on May 15 at King Fahd through to the left of the goalmouth ments. where England will face France, Swe- International Stadium in Saudi Arabia to give Al Gharafa their maiden win in in a dramatic night of action yesterday. before sending in a cross that Brazilian “I want to make it quite clear we den and co-hosts Ukraine, starting in and hope Piroozi also suff er an unlikely the tournament after three draws and Lee’s late heroics stunned Chinese midfi elder Leandro Domingues netted were unanimous in choosing Roy,” little more than a month, Hodgson fac- defeat at the hands of Shabab Al Arabi one loss. champions Guangzhou Evergrande in the right corner. Bernstein added. “He is a manager of es a hectic schedule, including select- in order to make the knockout stage. “We always knew we had a chance,” 3-1, while Kashiwa Reysol’s 1-0 win The hopes of Buriram, who had sur- a vast experience of international and ing his squad and preparing for a June In a match that sparked to life after especially when we are playing at over Buriram United gave all four prisingly topped the group for much European football, in fact this is the 2 friendly against Belgium at Wembley. a dull fi rst half, it was Shabab Al Arabi home,” Silas said. Group H teams a chance of reaching of the campaign, took a dive when de- fi rst time the FA has appointed a man- “It’s going to be diffi cult of course who took the lead through Essa Mo- Abdulrahim Jezawi, Victor Simoes the last 16 in their fi nal pool games fender Yves Ekwalla Herman of Cam- ager with any previous international but I have some time on my hands to hamed in the 64th minute. and Tayseer al-Jassim scored for Al later this month. eroon was sent off shortly before half- experience and this will be a great ben- think about it and make the decisions But Al Gharafa, under new coach Ahli as Lekhwiya suff ered their third Elsewhere Central Coast Mariners time for a second yellow card. efi t to him in making the adjustment that are necessary,” Hodgson said. Paulo Silas after the sacking of Bruno defeat in the tournament. clobbered China’s Tianjin Teda 5-1 Jeonbuk, now two points clear on from club management. “I’ve worked in the Premier league Metsu in March, struck back to equal- Meanwhile, Ex-Middlesbrough to resurrect their campaign, while nine points, host Kashiwa and Bur- “Roy has outstanding contacts and for the last fi ve years so the players are ise in the 81st minute through the pro- striker Lee Dong-Gook scored twice Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma and Nagoya iram, who have dropped to the bottom could walk into any training ground pretty well known to me, I’ve worked lifi c Amara Diane. in injury time to put 10-man Jeonbuk Grampus played out a 1-1 draw to leave of the table, entertain Guangzhou in across the world and command re- with many of them, and I will do as Othman el-Essas then found the Hyundai Metors on the brink of the Group G also undecided. the crunch fi nal group games on May spect.” much research as I can between now net from the spot three minutes later AFC Champions League knock-outs Jeonbuk’s win in Guangzhou was 15. West Brom confi rmed on their and the end of the season.”