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Minister calls for Murray takes long bolstering trade road again; Wawrinkainka with Belgium keeps it simple

THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 • 19 SHA’BAAN 1437 • Volume 21 • Number 6808 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Emir receives Libyan leader Emir greets More mobile petrol King of Jordan tanks to avoid queues QNA DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable The decision is aimed at reduc- can be used in future as per of congratulations to H M King Woqod will start ing the serpentine queues at the requirement. Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of Jor- existing petrol stations. Al Kuwari also said that the dan on the anniversary of his 20 mobile fuel “We are expanding the ongoing work on increasing the country’s Independence Day. stations very soon mobile petrol stations more length of fuel hoses at all Woqod aggressively. We have just petrol stations in the country will and has placed finalised the contract with the be completed by June 6. Greetings sent to orders for 30 more authorities concerned to put in With completion of the work, Austrian President place the mobile fuel tanks with all Woqod fuel stations will be that will be on dispenser,” Woqod CEO, Ibra- fully equipped with hoses long standby, says CEO, him Jaham Al Kuwari said on enough to refuel cars at any side DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim the sidelines of the company’s of the dispensers. bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of Ibrahim Jaham Al Extraordinary General Assem- “In most cases, the open- congratulations to Alexander Van Kuwari. bly Meeting. ing of the fuel tank is on the left der Bellen on the occasion of his “Currently there are about hand side of the car. So you find victory in the presidential elections six mobile fuel stations operating long queues at one side, while in the Republic of Austria. in different strategic locations the other side remains empty. By Mohammad Shoeb across the country. Very soon we Now we will have hoses that will The Peninsula are going to put 20 more such reach both sides regardless of Emir congratulates facilities,” he added. where the opening of fuel tanks Argentina President He said that given the sit- is placed,” he said. uation at petrol stations, the With the new system the DOHA: Qatar Fuel (Woqod) company has placed orders for time taken in refueling cars Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani receiving President of the Libyan DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin yesterday announced plans to 30 more similar mobile petrol at Woqod petrol stations is Presidency Council of the Government of National Accord Fayez Mustafa Al Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of con- deploy more mobile fuel sta- tanks. They are expected to be expected to reduce significantly. Sarraj, in Al Bahr Palace yesterday. Al Sarraj briefed the Emir on the latest gratulations to President of Argentina tions across the country, 20 of delivered in three months and developments in Libya. Emir stressed Qatar’s support for Libya and its people. Mauricio Macri on the occasion of which will be in place very soon. will be on standby, so that they → Continued on page 8 his country’s National Day.

Qatar’s biggest multiplex Doha Metro completes 100km of tunnelling opens at Gulf Mall today The Peninsula the three networks – Doha Metro, With the completion of the first expected to be complete, with an Lusail Tram and the long-distance phase of the Doha Metro and Lusail average journey time of three min- By Raynald C Rivera country. With the launch, we have rail, which will link Qatar with the Tram, Qatar Rail expects to offer utes between adjacent stations. The Peninsula solidified our position as the big- GCC Rail network – are expected to 630,000 passenger trips per day by gest cinema operator in Qatar and DOHA: Doha Metro Project has be complete. 2021. By then, 37 metro stations are → Continued on page 8 we will continue with our strat- achieved yet another milestone by egy opening at more locations completing 100km of tunnelling DOHA: The biggest among the soon,” Khalil Amin, QBIC Chief across the city and 41 percent of the existing cinemas in Qatar opens Operating Officer told The Penin- whole project. today at the recently launched sula yesterday. With this achievement, 90 Gulf Mall. Today’s launch brings the total percent of tunnelling has been com- Qatar Bahrain International number of screens operated by QBIC pleted, with 11km more required to Cinema (QBIC), the largest cin- to 43, which are located in four malls complete all underground sections, ema operator in Qatar, will today including City Centre Doha, Villag- Qatar Rail said yesterday. mark the soft opening of Gulf gio, Al Khor Mall and now Gulf Mall. The 100th kilometre was crossed Mall’s Cineco 13 multiplex which Residents now has more choices of by a tunnel boring machine (TBM) on has 13 screens with a total seat- cinemas with more than 60 screens the southern section of the Red Line. ing capacity of more than 2,200. spread in eight malls. Tunnelling on Doha Metro’s long- The multiplex’s Cinema 5 is “The newly opened Cineco 13 est line, the Red Line, is expected to the biggest movie theatre in Qatar boasts of the latest cinema fea- be completed in the near future. with a total of 525 seats, com- tures including 4K projectors and Towards the end of this year, posed of 78 in the balcony and state-of-the-art sound system. It Qatar Rail expects to move from con- 447 in the orchestra. Among the will screen all types of films from struction into systems installation as 13 screens, two are VIP theatres. Hollywood to Arabic to Bolly- track, power supply and signalling “We are excited about the wood,” added Amin. starts to be installed. At this point it opening of Cineco 13. This is the As with other cinemas under will also start to work on the architec- biggest cinema in Qatar which the QBIC management, prices tural finishes of the stations of Doha marks a very important milestone are set at QR35 and QR45 for 3D Metro, said a statement yesterday. in our expansion strategy in the films. The first phase of the Doha Metro project is expected to be complete in 2020. By 2030, all

Al Meera offers 1,437 products at cost price from today

DOHA: Al Meera Consumer Goods Company (QSC) is offering 1,437 goods at “cost price” from today until the end of Ramadan. The offer will be available at Al Meera’s 35 branches across the country, in addition to Géant Hypermarket, the company said yesterday. The offer is part of a promotion under the slogan “Your trust inspires us to spread the giving in the month of giving - The blessings of Ramadan 1437 Hijri extend to offer you 1437 products at cost price”. In addition to the 36 selected stores, Al Meera’s Residential complexes 1 and 2 in Thakhira, Beverly Hills 3, Kaaban, and Sealine branches will provide shoppers with ‘cost price’ offers on the maximum number of consumer goods possible, as permissible by the stores’ space constraints, said the company. Yemen’s warring parties closer to deal KUWAIT CITY: UN Envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said that Yemen’s warring parties are closer to reaching an agreement. “We are now working on abolishing the current obstacles and are discussing practical details to an executive mechanism that makes sessions more sensitive and brings us closer to reaching an agreement,” Ould Cheikh Ahmed said. → See also page 10

HOME THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 03

Premier meets Tunisian Minister

Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday met Tunisian Minister of State Property and Land Affairs Hatem El Euchi and his delegation. Talks dealt with relations between the two countries, means of enhancing them and issues of common concern. Cabinet approves changes on tax exemption panel

agenda and took decisions. Qatar and Albania; and a draft MoU The Cabinet approved a draft on facilitating flights for Chinese The weekly session decision, amending some provisions tourists groups to Qatar between also approved MoUs of Decision No. 18 of 2011 on nominat- Qatar Tourism Authority and Chi- ing the president and members of the na’s National Tourism Administration. on cooperation with tax exemption committee, organising The Cabinet took decisions after Moldova, Malaysia, its work and determining its remuner- reviewing a letter by the Minister of Albania and China. ations, Qatar News Agency reports. Education and Higher Education on The committee is specialised in the results of the study of problems receiving and studying tax exemp- relating to the Certificates Equa- tion applications and cancellation tion Committee’s terms of reference, The Peninsula of previous exemptions for breach- assessing diplomas equation system, ing legal obligations and preparing and the formation of the technical recommendations. committee of the diplomas equa- DOHA: Prime Minister and Interior The Cabinet took measures to rat- tion; a memorandum by the Minister Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin ify a memorandum of understanding of Finance on Qatar’s accession to the Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani chaired (MoU) between Qatar and Greece in Organisation for Economic Cooper- the Cabinet’s weekly meeting at the the fields of health and medical ation and Development; a letter by Emiri Diwan yesterday. science. It also approved a draft coop- Doha International Centre for Inter- Following the session, Deputy eration agreement in the legal field faith Dialogue concerning a briefing Prime Minister and Minister of State between Qatar and Moldova; a draft on the results of the 12th Doha Inter- for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmed bin MoU on cooperation in legal activities faith Dialogue Conference, held in Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud said between Qatar and Malaysia; a draft February and the visions of the Min- the Cabinet considered topics on the MoU on sport cooperation between istry of Justice in this regard.

HOME THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 05

King of Jordan congratulated QRCS provides aid to displaced Iraqis 6,000 food packets to 36,000 internally dis- QNA placed people (IDPs) in Fallujah and Al Anbar. The initiative is part of Three mobile clinics were also provided the second phase of to offer primary medical care for more than 80,000 IDPs. DOHA: Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah QRCS’s relief programme Two tankers were mobilised to provide bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of congrat- in Fallujah at a cost of 20,000 people with drinking water for six ulations to King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of $1m provided by Qatar months on daily basis. Jordan on his country’s Independence Day. QRCS’s mission in Iraq is coordinating Prime Minister and Interior Minister Development Fund. with international humanitarian organisa- H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa tions, providing them with information about Al Thani also sent a cable of congratulations the situation on the ground, thanks to its pre- to King Abdullah. emptive strategy that enabled it to consider and prepare for this scenario in advance, said The Peninsula a statement. Greeting cables sent to Some 50,000 Iraqi families have fled their homes due to the unrest in past few days. They Austria’s President are in dire need for help amid severe condi- DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) tions and lack of humanitarian aid. Early in has provided urgent humanitarian aid to April, QRCS launched a fundraiser for Fal- DOHA: Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah internally displaced people amid the ongo- lujah. Donations could be made by sending An internally displaced family receiving food packets in Fallujah. bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of congrat- ing military operations in Fallujah City of Iraq. SMS to 92966 (QR100), 92770 (QR500), and ulations to Alexander Van der Bellen on his Aid distribution comprised basic foodstuff 92740 (QR1,000); election as the President of Austria. and began a couple days ago. emergency stock. Two mobile medical clin- initiative is part of the second phase of QRCS’s Donors can approach QRCS’s headquar- Prime Minister and Interior Minister So far, 250 families have received food ics were also dispatched to offer healthcare relief programme in Fallujah at a cost of $1m ters or donation collection booths at malls H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa packets out of 1,500 targeted families. Extra services to the newly displaced families. QRCS provided by Qatar Development Fund (QDF). and shopping centres. Donation could also Al Thani also sent a congratulatory cable to 1,500 food packages are kept as a strategic is running five mobile clinics in Fallujah. The During the first phase, QRCS distributed be made online at www.qrcs.org.q. President Van der Bellen. National Day greetings to Argentina President Nawasi exhibition opens

DOHA: Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin By Raynald C Rivera the US, the UK, Morocco, Hungary, is sure to attract visitors with the Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of congratula- The Peninsula Germany and Italy, among others, penchant for these heritage sports tions to Argentina’s President Mauricio Macri are also taking part. and activities Arab countries share. on his country’s National Day. Prime Minis- “We are enthusiastic to see local The exhibition includes a cul- ter and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah and international brands coming tural element with the presence bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent a sim- DOHA: The first Camel, Eques- to promote their products. A lot of of Nomas Centre and traditional ilar cable to President Macri. trian and Falcon Exhibition (Nawasi) Qatari companies liked the idea games for children. “We have a opened its doors at Doha Exhibition and wanted to support the expo cultural objective as well. Nomas and Convention Centre (DECC) yes- by showcasing their products, Centre, a Qatari centre, educates Premier meets terday, beckoning enthusiasts with including art and handicrafts,” said children on how to keep important a line-up of local and international Kamal. Many companies from Souq aspects of their heritage alive such Algerian Minister exhibitors. Waqif are exhibiting handmade as serving Arabic coffee in the Maj- “The exhibition is on three her- tools used for equestrian, falconry lis in the traditional way. We also Abdullah Al Kuwari (third left), Director, Nomas Centre, and other itage hobbies — falconry, equestrian and camel rearing, dressing and have Dr Mariam Al Hamaidi who officials touring the first Camel, Equestrian and Falcon Exhibition DOHA: Prime Minister and Interior Minister and camel rearing and racing,” racing while a Qatari exhibitor is will show traditional games for (Nawasi) at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre yesterday. H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Moutaz Kamal, General Manager, showcasing his products being sold children to revive these games,” he Pic: Salim M / The Peninsula Al Thani yesterday met Algerian Minister of Siigns Projects, organisers of the in London. explained. Industry and Mines Abdesalam Bouchouareb exhibition, told The Peninsula. From camping and hunting Qatar spares no effort so the and his delegation. They reviewed cooper- While 65 percent of some 100 tools, veterinary supplies and serv- new generation will keep in touch falconry competition organised hunters. The exhibition is open to ation between the two countries, means of exhibitors are Qatari firms, com- ices and leather goods to art and with this aspect of their culture such by Al Gannas Association in which the public today from 10am to 10pm developing it and issues of mutual interest. panies from the other GCC states, crafts and antiques, the product line as Marmi, an annual hunting and there is a section for young falcon and tomorrow from 2pm to 10pm. 06 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 HOME

Ministry to open SUQ signs deal to train QBS students 17 mosques during Ramadan

The Peninsula QBS students QBS revises admission rules will benefit from DOHA: Qatar Banking Stud- studies without any problem, Emad workshops and ies and Business Administration Elakkad, Academic Counsellor at DOHA: The Ministry of Awqaf lectures to be held Independent Secondary School for the school, said on the sideline of and Islamic Affairs will open 12 by the university and Boys (QBS) has revised its enrol- the MoU signing ceremony. The new mosques and five renovated ment policy for the academic school offers 50 seats for new ones in Ramadan to accommodate will explore university year 2016-17. As per new rules, students, he added. Admissions growing number of worshippers, life under a ‘Student applicants should obtain at least opened two weeks ago and close as part of preparations for the 75 percent marks in English and by this month-end. The school in blessed month. for a day’ programme. maths subjects in class IX. “The Al Gharrafa accommodates 180 The mosques are in Bin Imran, new decision aims to enrol excel- students. Forty-six students have New Al Ghanam, Freej Nasr, lent students who could complete graduated this year. Mushairb and Umghulina. Working times for employees By Sanaullah Ataullah have been rescheduled and clean- The Peninsula the university faculty. Business and Management Studies; ing companies were alerted three They will explore university life International Tourism Management; months ago to get ready to provide Ahmed Al Mahmoud (left), Principal, Qatar Banking Studies and under a ‘Student for a day’ programme, and International Hospitality Manage- best services at the mosques all Business Administration Independent Secondary School for Boys; and which provides potential students with ment. All programmes are accredited over the country, said a statement. DOHA: Stenden University Qatar Dr Ivan Ninov, Executive Dean, Stenden University Qatar, signing the opportunity to experience Stenden by the Ministry of Education and The contracting cleaning com- (SUQ) and Qatar Banking Studies and MoU. Pic; Baher A / The Peninsula University Qatar for a day and spend Higher Education. The main campus panies have also been asked to Business Administration Independent a typical SUQ student day. of the university is in Leeuwarden in clean entire facilities annexed to Secondary School for Boys (QBS) have The students will be able to inter- the Netherlands;. the mosques. Severe actions will signed a memorandum of understand- collaboration in implementation of the objectives of educating the future gen- act directly with staff and students; The school offers outstanding be taken against those found vio- ing (MoU) for cooperation. MoU. “Our students are Qatar’s future eration of Qatar and contributing to they can also attend classes and Prob- vocational education built on practical lating the instruction, Qatar News The agreement was signed by leaders and it is our responsibility to the development of society and the lem-Based Learning sessions. The training whether at school simulation Agency (QNA) reports. Ahmed Al Mahmoud, Principal of the guide them to continue education”, Al economy of the country. students will have priority to join the rooms or at banks. It also offers inter- Enough cleaning materials school; and Dr Ivan Ninov, Executive Mahmoud said. “I am glad to sign the “The MoU is an evidence of university if they meet the university’s national vocational courses which have been supplied to mosques, Dean of the university, during a press MoU and hope that it yields greater Stenden’s commitment to work and admissions requirements. prepare students to receive an Aus- along with three vehicles with conference yesterday. benefits to all students.” collaborate with schools and educa- SUQ was established in 2000 by tralian qualification in addition to the equipment to clean the carpets of The signing of the MoU was pre- Dr Ninov said, “We feel privileged tional institutions in Qatar.” Al Faisal Holding. SUQ offers three Qatari certificate of secondary schools. the mosques on requests. A sep- ceded by a meeting between Al and excited about entering into this QBS students will benefit from four-year Bachelor in Business Admin- The courses and qualifications help arate team has been formed to Mahmoud and Dr Ninov to discuss partnership, inspired by our common workshops and lectures to be held by istration with majors in International students pursue higher education. provide copies of the Holy Quran in the mosques, if needed. Indian mission HMC poster competition Ashghal achieves 2 million revises timings

DOHA: The timings of the Consu- man-hours safety milestone lar Section of the Indian Embassy winners announced from June 1 until September 15 have been rescheduled. Submission of applications will The Peninsula Specialised Care Centre in the Transform- The Peninsula be from 8am to 11.15am and collec- ing Clinical Interventions category. tion of documents after rendering The competition also invited con- of consular service will be from ference delegates to submit votes for the 3pm to 4.15pm. DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation’s poster they rated most highly, with the DOHA: The Public Works Author- Meanwhile, as embassy offi- (HMC) flagship quality improvement public choice award eliciting over 5,000 ity (Ashghal) and Bin Omran cials will perform duties related to conference for healthcare professionals votes in one day. Hamad General Hospital Trading & Contracting, the con- the official visit of Prime Minister — the Middle East Forum on Quality and won the Science of Improvement criteria struction contractor of the Interim Narendra Modi to Qatar, consu- Safety in Healthcare — has received high of the competition and the People’s Choice Upgrade of E-Ring Road and lar services on June 5 will be only number of entries for its poster compe- winners were HMC’s Rumailah Hospital, Najma Street project, achieved for emergency cases. Therefore, tition. HGH, Women’s Hospital, Al Wakra Hos- two million man-hours without the embassy has decided to render The increasingly popular competition pital and Enaya Specialised Care Centre. loss time injury (LTI). additional consular services on had nearly 400 submissions of posters “It is wonderful to see over 3,700 peo- Ashghal honoured the con- May 28. Submission of applica- outlining quality improvement projects ple, mainly doctors, nurses and allied tractor for his achievements in tions will be from 9am to 12.15pm from Qatar and the region. A total of 261 health professionals, coming together at the field of safety at workplace. and collection of documents after posters were assessed by an international the forum to celebrate best practice, share Engineer Jalal Salhi, Director rendering of consular service from panel of judges who warranted their inclu- ideas and learn from each other,” said Dr of Infrastructure Affairs, awarded 4pm to 5.15pm. sion in the competition and exhibition. Abdullatif Al Khal, Deputy Chief Medi- a Certificate of Appreciation to In the Transforming Clinical Systems cal Officer and Co-Chair of the forum. Sassine El Nachef, Chief Operat- of Care category, Ambulatory Healthcare Winners and runners-up were awarded ing Officer of the company. Two hotels partially Services of the UAE; and King Abdulaziz certificates in a ceremony on the final The ceremony was attended Engineer Jalal Salhi, Director of Infrastructure Affairs, awarding Hospital; the Ministry of National Guard day of the conference. Improvement ini- by Engineer Mohammed Jamal Al the Certificate of Appreciation to Sassine El Nachef, COO of the closed down Health Affairs, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, were tiatives were peer-reviewed by over 30 Khazendar, Head of Secondary company. announced joint winners. judges who were looking for innovative Projects Section, representa- DOHA: Two hotels have been Women’s Hospital of HMC won in and practical initiatives that demonstrated tives from Ashghal’s Secondary The upgrade of E-Ring Road and expand 3.3km of E-Ring Road, partially closed down by Doha the Leadership for Improvement and effective implementation of best-practice Projects Section and the com- and Najma Street project includes convert Al Thumama junction to Municipality for using food unfit Patient Engagement categories and Enaya quality improvement principles. pany. The achievement reflects works on about 3km of Najma a signal-controlled intersection for human consumption. They Ashghal’s and its contractors’ Street, expansion of the road and upgrade the junction between have been closed for 20 and seven commitment to implement the from two to three lanes in each Airport Street and E-Ring Road days. The municipality also issued highest safety standards. Ashghal direction and converting two to enable road users to take a decision for partial closure for requires all contractors to protect roundabouts to signal-control- U-turns, in addition to providing seven days of the food section in a workers and commuters against led intersections. car parking, pedestrian and cycle supermarket in Al Wakra for keep- workplace hazards. The project will also develop pathways and landscaping. ing expired food. INJAZ in deal to provide job training for Arab youth

The Peninsula

DOHA: INJAZ Al Arab, member of JA World- wide, and SOS Children’s Villages, Gulf Area — an NGO caring for children without parent and those at risk of losing them — have signed an MoU to provide under-privileged Arab youth with employment training. INJAZ Al Arab will begin implementing workforce readiness programming at SOS Chil- dren’s Villages in the Middle East and North Africa region. “Quality education and vocational training are key to a successful future for youth,” said Nicole Nassar, Managing Director, SOS Chil- dren’s Villages, Gulf Area Office. “With the region facing grave unemploy- Officials from INJAZ Al Arab and SOS Children’s Villages, Gulf Area during the signing ment rates, we need to ensure that children of the MoU. from all walks of life are given the chance to succeed, including those without parental care. “By partnering with INJAZ Al Arab, an Al Arab and SOS Children’s Villages will con- hope to support some young people in need of organisation with a strong heritage of running tinue working to identify the best programmes economic empowerment in the region,” said impactful youth programmes, coupled with our and practices to advance their common mis- Nickolas Neibauer, Chief Development Officer, experience of protecting and educating vulner- sion of supporting young people in need, and INJAZ Al Arab. able children, we believe that we can make a partner with other organisations working to “By augmenting job training SOS Children’s difference in the lives and future of young peo- empower youth. Villages provide with INJAZ programmes focus- ple in the Arab world.” “One of the most important lessons we ing on our core pillars of entrepreneurship, The pilot in Beirut, Lebanon, implemented impart to students through our programming financial literacy and workforce readiness, two INJAZ programmes at the SOS Children’s is the value of collaboration. we will jointly be able to extend our reach and Villages Youth Programme — JA It’s My Busi- “Youth unemployment isn’t an issue any further connect with children from all sectors ness and JA Be A Leader. one organisation can tackle, but through our of society,” added Akef Aqrabawi, CEO, INJAZ Based on lessons learnt from the pilot, INJAZ partnership with SOS Children’s Villages, we Al Arab. HOME THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 07

Global geo-information entity urged Over 50% Young Arabs more likely to start business: Survey for geo-information and setting up a unified work plan to accomplish The Peninsula choice for a start-up in the Gulf The committee aims rule components for geographical states, where 24 percent of youth to develop technical data and unified conditions. said they would opt to launch The members of the committee, a property-related company, work; Qatar to host who represent nine countries, dis- DOHA: Young Arabs are more whereas technology was the top the panel next year cussed suggestions on renewal and entrepreneurial than before with choice for would-be entrepre- development of geo-information. It more than half believing mem- neurs in the Levant (15 percent) discussed suggestions related to land bers of this generation are more and North Africa (18 percent). cover, infrastructure, border, alti- likely to start a business, says a Retail is the second most pop- The Peninsula tudes, geographical names, transport Officials at the concluding session of the meeting yesterday. survey. ular choice in Levant and North networks, flat graphics, statistical The eighth annual ASDA’A Africa for 15 percent and 16 per- units and water layers. for all and continuously updating it. Hamlan, Director, Surveying Infor- Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth cent of respondents, respectively; The participating countries are The committee aims to develop mation System (SIS) at Tourism Survey revealed that when asked however in the Gulf nine per- DOHA: The Arab Committee of UN seeking to come out, through the UN technical work of geo-information Authority of Saudi Arabia. ‘Do you feel people in this gen- cent would opt to start a retail experts on Geographical Information initiative, to establish a unified global focusing on four areas — studying The committee, one of the five eration are more likely to start a operation. System (GIS) management yesterday entity for the management of geo- the rules and regulations related UN regional entities started work in business than in previous gener- Across the Middle East, 34 concluded its second meeting held information and unifying such data to geo-information; identifying 2014 in Riyadh, Al Hamlan added. ations’ 54 percent agreed, with percent said they did not intend for two days at Hilton Doha. from different areas. common reference for developing The other four are the European, GCC youth most enthusiastic at 62 to launch their business, while 30 It was organised by the Geo- This, according to the initiative, geo-information; considering the African, Asian, and two Americas percent compared to 54 percent percent didn’t know. graphical Information System will help the UN and other countries basic infrastructure of geo-infor- committees. in North Africa and 44 percent in Lack of financial resources to Department at the Ministry of identify areas in case of crises or mation; and means of integrating The Arab committee which has the Levant. start a business was cited as the Municipality and Environment to natural disasters which require fast geo-information and statistical four sub-committees will be hosted For the survey, international main reason overall, by 20 per- seek approval for unified standards relief by making the data accessible data, said Saad bin Mohammad Al by Qatar next year said Al Emadi. polling firm Penn Schoen Berland cent of young people, however in (PSB) conducted 3,500 face-to- the GCC eight percent believed face interviews with Arab men they lacked the means to do it and women aged 18-24 in the alone, while in North Africa, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, 37 percent saw this as the big- Qatari wins 2016 Fellowship by Squire Patton Boggs Foundation Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, Egypt, Jor- gest hurdle. Young Arabs believe dan, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, governments can do more to sup- Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and port young entrepreneurs, with The Peninsula to working to promote the foundation’s commit- Yemen. 39 percent saying encourag- ment to social responsibility by promoting children Some 36 percent of young ing affordable lending should be and women’s right to a quality education through Arabs said they intend to start made a priority; 25 percent call- my work with EAA,” Al Khulaifi said. their business in the next five ing for education and training DOHA: Qatari Asma Al Khulaifi has been awarded John Oberdorfer, President of the foundation, years, 37 percent in the GCC, 39 to be improved and made more a 2016 Fellowship by Squire Patton Boggs Founda- said, “Our foundation is a unique nonprofit organ- percent in North Africa and 31 available; and 19 percent asking tion at a luncheon in Washington, DC. isation that has supported some 190 law students. percent in the Levant. for government regulations and Al Khulaifi will be the foundation’s third Fel- It is rooted in the belief that future lawyers benefit Real estate is the preferred red tape to be cut. low from Qatar. She completed her undergraduate from public service experience. Asma’s Fellowship degree in Georgetown University’s School of For- at EAA All will do that. In addition to enhancing eign Service in Qatar before commencing a Juris these students’ university experience, international Doctor degree at Hamad Bin Khalifa University. She organisations working on pressing public interest has been involved in youth advocacy initiatives, Asma Al Khulaifi (centre) with officials from matters value the knowledge and experience they Centre lines up Ramadan activities including the United Nations Doha Youth Forum the foundation. bring. We are delighted to continue to sponsor stu- on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. dents to pursue these important causes.” The foundation was set up in 2000 and has bint Nasser to build a global movement that contrib- Charbel Maakaron, Office Managing Partner of QNA ities and seminars during the Holy awarded fellowships to exceptional law students utes to human, social and economic development Doha, added, “Qatari students were our first inter- Month of Ramadan. who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to pub- through education. With a focus on those affected national fellows and we’re delighted to welcome The centre will hold seminars on lic service and a developed interest in public policy. by poverty, conflict and disaster, EAA champions Asma to that exceptional group of law students. themes of life management, progress Al Khulaifi will fulfil her fellowship this sum- the needs of children, youth and women. The foundation has a long-standing history in Qatar DOHA: The Culture Creativity Cen- and life planing, in addition to reli- mer by working with Education Above All (EAA), “I am honoured to be awarded a Squire Pat- and we are delighted to support these future legal tre of the Ministry of Culture and gious lectures and other activities at an initiative founded in 2012 by H H Sheikha Moza ton Boggs Foundation Fellowship. I look forward leaders through our programme.” Sports is preparing to organise activ- Cultural Salon. Sixth issue of Career Guide released

The Peninsula decisions that reflect positively on on how to write an appealing CV and their academic and professional a cover letter that highlights skills future. The magazine features five and achievements of applicants. interviews with Qatar-based pro- Jobseekers will also learn how to DOHA: Qatar Career Fair (QCF) of fessionals who discuss their work write social media profiles. Qatar Foundation has released the in the fields of engineering, med- Career Guide has been distrib- sixth issue of its annual bilingual icine, design, science and social uted to schools, universities and career magazine, Career Guide. networking. educational institutions across The release coincides with the By sharing their experiences, Qatar. launch of the publication’s new they provide an overview of skills QCF also dispatched a special- interactive smartphone application, required in each profession, and ised team to introduce the magazine which can be downloaded via Apple offer advice to young people look- to students at more than 10 Inde- Store and Google Play. ing to pursue a career in one of these pendent schools, and explain the “The Career Guide aims to pro- fields. objectives of the publication and its vide a wealth of information for The latest issue also includes tips sections. Qatari youth, school and university gradu- ates, parents, researchers and experts in the fields of career guidance and human development,” said Abdullah Al Man- soori, Director, QCF. “The latest issue offers important professional advice to readers and insight into youth success stories in various sectors and industries. “The guide is part of a wider plan that aims to promote and nurture a career culture among members of Qatar’s soci- ety, helping young people choose an occupation that aligns with their skills and aspirations, while making appropriate educational and professional choices,” he added. Every year, 20,000 copies of the guide are distributed to provide advice and guidance to Qatar’s youth and pro- mote a culture of career development within the local community. This year’s 64-page issue offers informa- tion and tips from career development experts to those looking for assist- ance in negotiating the employment market. The latest issue of the guide also provides an overview of programmes, initiatives and activi- ties organised by QCF to support Qatari youth and help them make informed 08 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 HOME Traffic diversions on several streets

The Peninsula Oqba Bin Nafie Street will remain open starting this evening Part of Mesaimeer Road between Ashghal will also implement a for six months. Rawdat Al Khail Street and Al Erbay- temporary closure on Oqba Bin Nafie Access roads to local and residen- yat Road will also be closed. Street that intersects with Najma tial areas will remain open. The closure will be implemented DOHA: The Public Works Author- Street from today for three weeks. The diversion is part of con- in two phases, in coordination with ity (Ashghal) will close part of Al Motorists travelling on Najma struction works to upgrade Doha’s the Traffic Police Department. The Hazm Street connecting to the south- Street can access the local area by Industrial Area to increase the capac- first phase will be tomorrow from bound traffic lanes on Al Gharrafa taking the next exit onto Ahmad Bin ity of roads, support higher traffic, and 1am to 4pm on Sunday. Street for three weeks from today, in Hanbal Street before D-Ring Road and provide the Industrial Area with a full The second phase will be from cooperation with the Traffic Police Najma Street Junction. integrated infrastructure. June 2 from 11pm to 4am on June 5. Department. The closure is required to enable Motorists travelling to Bu Hamour, Motorists travelling south on Al construction works on part of the new Wholesale Market Street Ain Khalid, the Wholesale Market and Gharrafa Street can access the local signalised junction. The Public Works Authority will Al Thumama areas will be able to use area by taking an earlier exit onto Al put in place a temporary closure on Rawdat Al Khail Street or the alterna- Anhar Street, as shown in the map. West Industrial Street part of Wholesale Market Street in tives routes. The closure is required to con- Ashghal has announced a traffic both directions, from the Mesaimeer The partial closure of Wholesale vert the junction between Al Gharrafa diversion on West Industrial Street Passport and Immigration Office Market Street and Mesaimeer Road Khail Street Extension project. to abide by speed limits at 80kmph Street and Al Hazm Street to a traffic from RA No. 15 to RA No. 2. to near the entrance of Al Jazeera is required to complete utilities ducts Ashghal will install signs for along Al Gharrafa Street and follow signalised intersection. Two new lanes in each direction Academy. and other works on the Rawdat Al motorists and has urged road users signs for their and others’ safety. Ooredoo upgrades 4G+ Supernet Network to provide 325Mbps speed

The Peninsula the launch of the Ooredoo Super- net, we have continued to deploy world-class technologies so that Qatar can be positioned among the DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday leading countries in the world for announced the completion of a network performance. We are laying major Supernet upgrade, adding the foundations for a future-proof the new Category 9 LTE-Advanced network, ready to deliver the fastest standard to its mobile network, speeds. In addition, this new stand- which brings multiple 4G frequen- ard will reduce pressure on our 4G cies together to support download network, improving performance for speeds of up to 325Mbps for cus- a wide range of customers.” tomers. This major mobile network The mobile network upgrade, upgrade is set to free significant Qatar Rail officials, staff and workers at the ceremony. which is part of the ongoing Ooredoo bandwidth for the company, as Supernet enhancement programme, more high capacity users enjoy this will be available for all customers boosted Supernet standard. Ooredoo who have compatible devices at no is confident that overall 4G perform- Qatar Rail celebrates Doha Metro milestone extra cost from today. ance will improve even further as A range of leading mobile more compatible mobile devices devices can utilise this advanced come onto the market. Continued from page 1 speed, including the Samsung Gal- Ooredoo continues to enhance this milestone also gathered to mark employees, partners and the wider Qatar National Museum Station and axy S7 and Ooredoo’s Netgear My-Fi and upgrade the Ooredoo Supernet the achievement. “I would also like public.” Dr. Eng. Saad Al Muhannadi. Souq Waqif Station before complet- device. With the upgrade, custom- as part of its vision to make Qatar Qatar Rail Chief Executive Officer, to take the opportunity to thank all Tunnelling for Doha Metro’s Gold ing its journey at Msheireb Station. ers will be able to enjoy browsing the best-connected country. Its evo- Dr. Eng. Saad Al Muhannadi, Project those involved in the completion of Line was completed with the final Total operational length of the under- speeds of up to 45% more than the lutionary approach to the Ooredoo Director for the Gold Line, Samuel tunnelling on the Gold Line which breakthrough on May 19 at Msheireb ground sections of the Gold Line is current 4G LTE. Supernet, which sees the company Adair McChesney, along with sen- was achieved through nearly 27 mil- station. The milestone was achieved 15km. Samuel Adair McChesney said: Waleed Al Sayed, Chief Exec- continue to introduce cutting-edge ior management and members of lion safe man-hours. by TBM Lusail which began work on “I am extremely proud of the out- utive Officer, Ooredoo Qatar said: technology and expand capacity, the Qatar Rail team were present at “While we strive to deliver our its section of the line on March 31 last standing performance achieved by “We are making huge strides to delivers a superior experience, and Al Waab Station on the Gold Line to project on time and to schedule, we year and covered a total of 4.3km in the six tunnel boring machines (TBMs) provide the best possible customer a bigger network every month. mark the completion of the 100km always aim to do so with the high- this time. during the successful completion of experience on our Supernet, with For more details, visit http:// of tunnelling. est levels of occupational health TBM Lusail started its mission at all the tunnelling works on the Gold superfast browsing speeds. Since www.ooredoo.qa Workers involved in achieving and safety, to help safeguard our Ras Bu Abboud Station and crossed Line project.” Atlasglobal to start Istanbul-Doha flight

The Peninsula Marketing Director of Atlasglobal and the airline’s quality service and net- Kefaya Abu Dayah, General Manager work both at Turkey Domestic and of First Travel & Tourism. Europe will bring a good option for Atlasglobal passengers will now the passengers. DOHA: Turkey-based international be able to fly from Doha to Istanbul “We hope that this agreement airline company Atlasglobal Airlines and to connect to a number of other with Atlas Global Airways marks the and Qatar-based partner Atlaswings exciting Turkish destinations such beginning of tourism diversity in part- Travels have announced a new route as Adana, Antalya, Trabzon, Bod- nership with Atlaswings ravels and with scheduled flights from Istanbul rum, Dalaman, Gaziantep, İzmir, First Travel. to Doha starting on July 1. Kayseri, Konya as well as more than “We are thrilled that with Atlas- Hamad Saleh Al Qamra, Chair- 15 international destinations across global Airlines now expanding its man of Al Qamra Holding and Partner Europe, including Paris, Amster- offerings, commuters from Qatar, Tur- FROM LEFT: Engineer Ibrahim Jaham Al Kuwari, CEO, Woqod; Mohammed Nasser Mubarak Al Hajri; Ahmad of Atlaswings Travels, Dr. Sultan Al dam, Stockholm, Dusseldorf, Zurich, key and the region will now be able Saif Al Sulaiti, Vice-Chairman; Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Chairman, Board of Directors; Dosari, Partner of Atlaswings Trav- Copenhagen, London, Mykonos and to benefit from a greater number of Nasser Sultan Nasser Al Hemaidi; and Mohammed Abdulaziz Saad Rashed Al Saad during the meeting at els and Ali Murat Ersoy, Atlasglobal Nicosia, with convenient transfer flights, convenient transfer times, Woqod headquarters yesterday. Pic: Kammutty VP / The Peninsula President, have signed an agreement times and connecting flights. connecting flights and all at compet- appointing Atlaswings as a General “We are rapidly expanding our itive prices,” said Al Qamra. Sales Agent (GSA) of Altasglobal Air- network and Doha is the important Atlasglobal Airlines will be lines in Qatar. chain of this expansion especially operating daily between Hamad Longer hoses to reduce crowding at petrol stations The signing ceremony was held on at GCC. Doha is important because International Airport and Istanbul Tuesday in the presence of Ahmad Al the relationship with both countries Atatürk Airport, departing from Doha Rumaidhi, Partner of Atlaswings Trav- is also rapidly improving and as an at 3.20am and arriving in Istanbul at Continued from page 4 cars with fuel tanks on their right generate additional revenues. els, Dr Hossam El Din Mustafa, CEO, Al airline we must be the part of this 8.05am. It will depart from Istanbul at side will have to wait in queue like “Some more products, which Qamra Holding, Ercan Uzman, Sales & improvement,” said Ersoy, adding 11.20pm and arrive in Doha at 2.20am. Woqod CEO, Ibrahim Jaham other motorists. are currently restricted, being a fuel Al Kuwari, said that once opera- The company, at its Second station, will be introduced at Sidra tional, the longer fuel hoses will be Extraordinary General Assembly outlets, which are available at any instrumental in reducing the wait- meeting yesterday also got approval other supermarkets in the country. ing time and overcrowding at the to add more activities at the Woqod “Under the new amendment, fuel stations. premises, such as introducing more Woqod will also have the right to But at the same time, motorists items at its Sidra stores and plac- put up advertisement within its who have the privilege of having ing commercial advertisements to premises,” Al Kuwari added.

Workshop seeks law to guarantee right to access information

The Peninsula Lawyer’s Association and National media which was the theme — ‘The Human Rights Committee. right to access of information’ — of The workshop also recommended the workshop. Having clear right to that Arab League and Arab countries access information helps media per- DOHA: A workshop held by Doha adopt legislation that guarantees the sons avoid problems related to the Centre for Media Freedom yesterday right to information and its publica- use of information, said Saleh Hamad recommended adoption of a new law tion, respect for the charter of ethics Al Shawi, Director, Administrative Ahmet Demirok (fourth right), Turkish Ambassador to Qatar; Ali Murat Ersoy (seventh left), President, that guarantees the right to access for media profession and dissemina- Affairs and Finance, at the centre. information and publication. tion of human rights culture. The workshop discussed legal Atlasglobal Airlines; Dr Sultan Al Dosari (sixth left), Partner, Atlaswings Travels; and Dr Hossam El Din A draft law is to be developed and Lack of access to available infor- and media aspects related to the right Mustafa (fifth left), CEO, Atlaswings Travels, with other officials and guests at the launch of the Istanbul- adopted in collaboration with Qatar mation is one of the challenges facing to access information. Doha route by Atlasglobal Airline at the Four Seasons Hotel in Doha. Pic: Salim M / The Peninsula MIDDLE EAST THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 09 Pressure builds on IS with twin assaults in Syria and Iraq

AFP Since the start of the Fallujah offensive considered the most effective independent by the coalition overnight,” Observatory chief exit for the estimated 50,000 civilians still was announced on Monday, Iraqi troops anti-IS force on the ground in Syria -- but Rami Abdel Rahman said. inside Fallujah, which was seized by anti- backed by pro-government militias have been it also includes Arab Muslim and Christian Baghdad-based US military spokes- government fighters in early 2014 and later advancing toward the city from surround- fighters. man Colonel Steve Warren confirmed the became an IS bastion. BEIRUT: US-backed Syrian fighters and ing areas. The SDF already has two footholds north US would provide air support and said that With IS also facing increasing pressure Iraqi forces pressed twin assaults against the Yesterday, forces from Iraq’s 8th Divi- of Raqa city: the border town of Tal Abyad if Raqa falls, “it’s the beginning of the end of in Syria from regime offensives backed by Islamic State group yesterday, in two of the sion bolstered by tribal fighters pushed and the smaller town of Ain Issa further south. their caliphate.” Russian air strikes, analysts say the group most important ground offensives yet against forward from areas to its south, said Staff Kurdish officials said the offensive in Raqa The anti-IS coalition has set its sights on will struggle to hold on to the swathes of the militants. Major General Ismail Al Mahalawi, the head province would be a three-pronged assault, Raqa, Fallujah and eventually IS’s main Iraqi territory it seized in Iraq and Syria two The operations to the north of IS’s de of the Operations Command for Iraq’s Anbar including from Ain Issa. bastion of Mosul. Tens of thousands of civil- years ago. facto Syrian capital Raqa and near the jihad- province. SDF fighters captured two fields and ians remain in all three cities. The territory “is in the long run too big for ist-held Iraqi city of Fallujah are adding to US-led coalition warplanes and Iraqi air- a small village southeast of the town on SDF spokesman Sello said IS’s “use of civil- (IS) to possibly hold,” analyst Romain Cail- pressure on the extremist group, which has craft were providing support, Mahalawi said. Wednesday morning, clearing out mines left ians as human shields” was slowing the drive let said. seen territory under its control shrink in In northern Syria, a Kurdish-Arab alliance by IS jihadists. for rural territory and villages north of Raqa But the group, which has claimed a wave recent months. also backed by coalition strikes meanwhile A spokesman for the Kurdish-Arab alli- city. Yesterday, the Raqa is Being Slaughtered of deadly bombings and attacks in the West The US-led coalition that launched air fought the jihadist group in its bastion prov- ance, Talal Sello, told reporters that the Silently (RBSS) activist group said on Twitter and across the Middle East, has shown it can strikes against IS in Syria and Iraq in mid- ince of Raqa. fighting was taking place in “rural areas”. that IS had shut all bus stations in the city to continue to operate to horrific effect. 2014 is providing air support on both fronts, The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), “There are no plans yet to liberate Raqa prevent civilians from leaving. On Monday, a spate of IS-claimed bomb- as efforts intensify to dismantle the group’s formed in October 2015, announced on Tues- city, except in a future campaign after this RBSS co-founder Abdel Aziz al-Hamza ings in two regime-held cities in coastal Syria self-styled Islamic “caliphate” straddling the day its push for IS territory north of Raqa city, one, depending on the circumstances,” he said. said IS was taking cover among civilians in left 184 people dead, in what the Britain-based Syrian-Iraqi border. which is around 90km south of the Syrian- The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Raqa city. “In a civilian building, you’ll find Observatory said were the deadliest bomb But there is deep concern for thousands of Turkish border and home to an estimated monitoring group said 10,000 to 15,000 SDF two or three apartments for ISIS fighters,” al- attacks in Syria’s five-year civil war. families in both cities, with fears civilians will 300,000 people. fighters were estimated to be taking part in Hamza said in an interview with AFP, using Pope Francis on Wednesday asked God to be caught in the crossfire or used as human The SDF is dominated by the Kurdish the offensive. another acronym for IS. “convert the hearts of those who sow death shields by the jihadists. People’s Protection Units (YPG) -- largely “There were constant air strikes on Raqa Rights groups have also appealed for safe and destruction” following the attacks.

5 migrants dead Talks with Iran in shipwreck off Libya on Haj positive: AFP

ROME: At least five migrants have Saudi official drowned off the Libyan coast after the heavily overcrowded boat they were sailing on overturned, the Italian navy said Wednesday, organisation and services” for pil- revising downwards an earlier grims, he told reporters after a death toll. An agreement has session of talks with the delegation The navy said at least 550 peo- been reached to from Tehran. ple had been pulled to safety but He said an agreement had been added that the rescue operation use electronic visas reached following the arrival of the was still underway and that the for Iranian pilgrims delegation Tuesday to “use elec- death toll could rise. tronic visas which could be printed The navy’s Bettica patrol boat and the final out” by Iranian pilgrims, as Saudi spotted “a boat in precarious con- agreement would diplomatic missions remain shut in ditions off the coast of Libya with Iran. numerous migrants aboard,” it said be signed at the A final agreement would be in a statement. signed at the end of the ongoing “Shortly afterwards the boat end of the ongoing talks, he said. overturned due to overcrowding. talks. Riyadh cut ties with Tehran The Bettica, which had arrived in January after demonstrators nearby, threw life-rafts and jack- The shipwreck of an overcrowded boat of migrants off the Libyan coast, yesterday. At least seven migrants burned its embassy and a consu- ets” to the migrants in the water, have drowned after the heavily overcrowded boat they were sailing on overturned, the Italian navy said. late in the Iranian capital following while another navy ship in the AFP the Saudi execution of a prominent area sent a helicopter and res- Shia cleric. cue boats. following the rescue of more than The overwhelming majority of there is no sign yet of Middle East- Tehran had said that Riyadh The latest arrivals bring the 6,000 since Monday, according to those arriving in Italy so far this year ern refugees switching to the Libyan insists that visas for Iranians be number of people rescued and figures collated by the UN’s ref- have been from sub-Saharan Africa. route to Europe following moves to JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia said talks issued in a third country and does transferred to Italy since the ugee agency (UNHCR) and the The UNHCR, aid organisations restrict access from Turkey via the yesterday with visiting Iranian del- not allow pilgrims to be flown in start of the year to nearly 40,000 Coastguard. and the Italian government say Greek islands. egates on arrangements for Haj aboard Iranian aircraft, which Iran pilgrims from the Islamic republic has rejected. have been “positive”. Sharif did not give a clear Earlier this month, Tehran said answer on the airlines that would “arrangements have not been put be allowed to carry passengers from Netanyahu joins forces with ultra-nationalist together” for Iranians to make this Iran to Saudi Arabia as air links year’s pilgrimage to Makkah at the remain severed. end of the summer, accusing its “Directives concerning the air regional rival of “sabotage”. carrier will come from the Saudi AFP and defence minister Ehud Barak government, which has held only 61 But Saudi Haj ministry under- civil aviation authority,” said went further, saying Israel’s govern- of the 120 seats in parliament since secretary Hussein Sharif said the Sharif. ment “has been infected by the shoots elections in March 2015. kingdom and its leadership “wel- Iran and Saudi Arabia are at of fascism.” Netanyahu had earlier engaged in come pilgrims from all around the odds over a raft of regional issues, JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister The Palestinian leadership con- negotiations with Labour party leader world”. notably the conflicts in Syria and Benjamin Netanyahu joined forces demned Lieberman’s move into the Isaac Herzog to join the government The two sides discussed Yemen in which they support oppos- yesterday with a hardline nationalist government. before turning to Lieberman instead. “arrangements, as well as ing sides. who is set to become defence minis- “The existence of this gov- Besides Lieberman becoming ter, forming a government considered ernment brings a real threat of defence minister and another mem- the most right-wing in the nation’s instability and extremism in the ber of his party becoming immigrant history. region,” Palestinian chief negoti- absorption minister, the government Avigdor Lieberman and his Yis- ator Saeb Erekat said, adding that agreed to allocate approximately 1.4 Operation Fallujah rael Beitenu party will add five the appointment would “result in billion shekels ($363m) to pensions lawmakers to Netanyahu’s previously apartheid, racism and religious and of elderly Israelis. wafer-thin majority if the coalition political extremism.” Lieberman, born in the ex-Soviet deal is given parliamentary approval Others say that Lieberman is republic of Moldova, sought the as expected. Lieberman, who has above all a pragmatic politician who arrangement to benefit immigrants spoken of harsh measures against aspires to be prime minister one from the former Soviet Union, his Palestinian “terrorists”, will take over day, noting that he will face opposi- main electoral support base. the key role of defence minister after tion from the security establishment He had also pushed for the being sworn in. if he seeks to carry out some of his Avigdor Lieberman government to institute the death The two men, who have in the most controversial ideas. penalty for Palestinian “terrorists,” past been bitter rivals, announced An example of his provocative but Lieberman backed away from the the deal at a ceremony at parliament, style was recently on display in com- “or you’re dead”. In 2001, the former demand in the talks. with Lieberman pledging to be “bal- ments directed at Ismail Haniyah, nightclub bouncer advocated bomb- A watered-down version was anced” and saying he was committed Islamist movement Hamas’s leader ing the Aswan Dam in Egypt, accusing agreed upon that could make it some- to “responsible, reasonable policy.” in the Gaza Strip. Israel’s Arab neighbour of supporting what easier to sentence Palestinians Netanyahu said that “we are Lieberman said he would give a Palestinian uprising. to death in military courts, though joining hands now to march Israel Haniya 48 hours to hand over two The deal brings to a stunning con- significant hurdles would remain. forward.” detained Israeli civilians and the clusion weeks of speculation over There have been no executions in The move to hand the defence bodies of soldiers killed in a 2014 war Netanyahu’s efforts to expand his Israel since 1962. ministry to the 57-year-old hard- liner has sparked deep concern among Israeli centrist and left-wing politicians, as well as among some of New coalition ‘raises questions’: US Netanyahu’s Likud party colleagues. Religious nationalists from the AFP with the Palestinians. two-state solution. This raises legit- Jewish Home party already hold key In a rare comment on the imate questions about the direction cabinet positions in Netanyahu’s internal politics of a US ally, State it may be headed in and what kind government. Department spokesman Mark Toner of policies it may adopt.” Moshe Yaalon, a Likud member WASHINGTON: The United States said Washington had “seen reports The spokesman also restated the who resigned as defence minister on said yesterday that the make-up of from Israel describing it as the United States’ support for a nego- Friday and who has also served as Israel’s new right-wing coalition most right-wing coalition in Isra- tiated end to the conflict between Members of Iraqi security forces gesture during their operation armed forces chief, warned of a ris- raises “legitimate questions” about el’s history.” Israel and the Palestinians based on near Fallujah, Iraq, yesterday. ing tide of extremism in the party and the government’s commitment to “And we also know that many of two states living side by side within the country as a whole. a two-state solution in its conflict its ministers have said they oppose a agreed borders. Former Labour prime minister 10 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 MIDDLE EAST

Egypt quashes Yemen peace jail terms for 47 protesters talks ‘closer’ to CAIRO: An Egyptian appeals court has overturned five-year prison sentences for 47 people for partic- ipating in unauthorised protests, but upheld fines of more than deal: UN envoy $11,000 each, judicial officials said yesterday. The defendants were among more than 150 people jailed in “various military and security issues mid-May in connection with dem- including withdrawals and troop onstrations on April 25 against Houthi spokesman movements”. “We are now working Egypt’s decision to hand over two Mohammed on overcoming various obstacles Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia. and addressing specific details of Lawyer Mokhtar Mounir, who Abdulsalam warned an implementation mechanism,” he represented several of the defend- that if no fair solution said. The apparent progress comes ants, criticised the fines of 100,000 after Foreign Minister Abdul- Egyptian pounds ($11,260) upheld was reached, the malek Al Mikhlafi said on Monday by the Cairo appeals court on rebels would form that the government stood ready Tuesday evening as “exorbitant”. the government in to make concessions for the sake He said the defendants must of peace. pay at least a quarter of the fine Sana’a. A Western diplomat familiar before they are released. If they with the talks said they had made cannot pay they will serve three important progress. “We are in a months in jail. A Yemeni woman and a girl walk past cars as they beg for money in a street in the Yemeni capital Sana’a, stage where the parties have to make “It means that the accused AFP hard choices and compromises,” the yesterday. The United Nations says more than 80 percent of the population in Yemen is in dire need of must buy their freedom with diplomat said, adding that he was food, medicine and other basic necessities. money,” Mounir said, adding that “very optimistic” that a deal could the defence would lodge another be reached. appeal. Rights campaigners accuse KUWAIT CITY: The UN envoy said “We have not seen this momen- President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of yesterday that Yemen’s warring tum towards peace in the past one 11 from same family dead in airstrike crushing dissent since he deposed parties were closer to agreement and a half years... a roadmap plan his democratically elected Islam- at peace talks in Kuwait as he pre- has been laid down... and it has to ist predecessor Mohamed Morsi pared to brief the Security Council work,” he said. in 2013. on progress in negotiations. The main sticking point in the AP the human remains were every- coalition airstrike hit a mineral The deal to hand over the “We are moving towards a talks has been the form of govern- where,” he said. water factory in Lahij, security islands in the Straits of Tiran had general understanding that encom- ment to oversee a transition. The governor of Lahij, Naser officials said. No causalities were galvanised dissidents who oppose passes the expectations and visions Houthi Shia rebels and their Al Khoubeigi, has called on the reported. the former army chief. of the parties,” Ismail Ould Cheikh allies have demanded a unity gov- SANA’A: The death toll of a coalition Yemeni government and the coa- All officials spoke on condition The government says the Ahmed said in a statement. ernment. The government delegation airstrike that hit a family’s house in lition to conduct an investigation. of anonymity because they were not islands had always belonged to “The discussions have become insists that the legitimacy of Presi- southern Yemen has been raised to He denied any communications authorized to brief the media. Saudi Arabia and that Egypt had more sensitive and delicate bringing dent Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi must 11, including four children from one between the authorities in Lahij Yemen has been mired in a con- merely administered them while us closer to a comprehensive agree- be respected. family, security officials and wit- and the coalition. flict pitting Shia rebels against the on lease since the 1950s. ment,” he said. The government has also nesses said yesterday. “We know nothing about the internationally-recognised govern- Critics accuse Sisi of “selling” Ould Cheikh Ahmed is to brief demanded that rebels implement The officials said that warplanes, attack. The coalition conducts attacks ment, which is backed by a Saudi-led the islands in return for Saudi the UN Security Council in a closed an April 2015 Security Council res- thought to be Emirati, fired two mis- without informing us. The respon- coalition. investments. session on the progress made in the olution demanding their withdrawal siles at the family’s house in the town sibility of this operation is on those Extremist factions like Al Qaeda Since Mursi’s ouster author- peace talks which began on April 21 from the capital and other territory of Al Mahala, in the southern prov- who provide the coalition with the and the Islamic State group have ities have banned all but but have been clouded by repeated they have seized since 2014. ince of Lahj. The house was flattened wrong coordinates,” he said. gained ground amid the chaos. police-approved rallies in line with walkouts by the government dele- To overcome this problem, the and only one child from the family Security officials claim that the Since the war against Shiite a presidential decree and overseen gation. He clarified on Twitter that UN envoy has proposed a “National survived the strike, they said. Saudi-led coalition regularly con- rebels, known as Houthis, began, a crackdown that has seen hun- he will make the briefing by video Salvation Government,” the West- The officials said the home is ducts unreported strikes and has more than 8,100 people in Yemen dreds of Islamist protesters killed conference from Kuwait. ern diplomat said. adjacent to a building that is sus- detained many people, claiming that have been killed. and thousands imprisoned. Face-to-face meetings resumed Houthi spokesman Moham- pected of housing Islamic militants. they are members of Al Qaeda or the The United Nations says more on Monday for the first time in nearly med Abdulsalam warned that if A witness, Ahmed Hadash, said local Islamic State group affiliate. than 80 percent of Yemenis are in a week after the latest government no fair solution was reached, the he heard explosions for 40 minutes “They have their own prisons,” dire need of food, water and other Turkey’s MHP boycott. Ould Cheikh Ahmed said rebels would form the government while the warplanes were flying. one official said. aid as a result of the conflict in the discussions on Tuesday centred on in Sana’a. “The bodies were distorted and Also yesterday, a suspected Arab world’s poorest country. to hold congress on July 10

ANKARA: Turkey’s opposition Egypt deports French scribe amid media crackdown Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) will hold its extraordinary con- gress on July 10 in capital Ankara, weeks after dissident party mem- AP on Pigaglio’s mobile phone, confis- nothing was confiscated from him countries in the 2015 Press Freedom during protests on April 25 against bers were barred from organizing cated his passport, and barred him and that he wasn’t treated badly. “I Index, according to Reporters Without the government’s decision to hand such an event, the party chairman from speaking with embassy officials was not interrogated, and I never Borders, a freedom of expression advo- over control of two Red Sea islands announced yesterday. and family until Tuesday evening, his knew, and still do not know, why this cacy group. In December, the Committee to Saudi Arabia. The 152 were sen- In a written statement, Dev- CAIRO: Egypt deported a French newspaper said. He was held over- decision was made to ban me from to Protect Journalists said Egypt was sec- tenced to prison terms ranging from let Bahceli said: “Our party will journalist without explanation on night in a cell at the airport. entering the territory,” he said. ond only to China as the world’s worst two to five years; many were tried in hold an extraordinary congress Wednesday, the reporter and his The French ambassador to Cairo French journalists in Egypt jailer of journalists in 2015. absentia. Earlier this month, a new along with an election on July 10, newspaper said, the latest move in tried to intervene on his behalf demanded an explanation, saying In an unrelated development, draft bill was submitted to Egypt’s 2016, Sunday, at the Ankara Arena an ongoing crackdown by President but did not manage to prevent the in a note that the deportation was a defence lawyers said a Cairo appeals parliament on regulating the mdia. Sports Hall.” Abdel Fattah Al Sisi’s government on deportation, and is urging Egyptian sign of “authorities’ growing repres- court quashed five-year prison terms Journalists say it would likely Bahceli also made it clear freedom of expression and the media. authorities to reconsider their deci- sion of Egyptian and foreign media: handed down on May 14 against 47 bring the demise of dozens of low- that he will remain in the race for The reporter, Remy Pigaglio, sion, France’s Foreign Ministry said surveillance, arrest, expulsion and anti-government protesters convicted budget, online media outlets serving the top slot. “Whoever declares to who worked for several publications in a statement. detention.” Journalists have been of breaking a law that effectively bans as refuge for young writers and lib- run for the MHP chair, he or she including Catholic daily La Croix since In Paris, Foreign Minister Jean- regularly detained, jailed, and pros- street demonstrations. However, they eral activists escaping government will have to compete with me,” 2014, was returning from vacation in Marc Ayrault told reporters after a ecuted under the rule of Al Sisi, who said the court upheld the lower tribu- restrictions on freedom of expression. he said. France and prevented from entering Cabinet meeting that he protested led the 2013 military overthrow of the nal’s decision to slap a fine of 100,000 Awaiting approval by a parliament “As I declared before, the real Egypt on Tuesday. Pigaglio said he has the move, calling his Egyptian coun- Islamist Mohammed Mursi, Egypt’s pounds (about 10,000 dollars) on each dominated by Al Sisi loyalists, law- struggle for the MHP starts from a residency work permit and a press terpart and telling him he “couldn’t first freely elected president. Foreign- of the 47 protesters. The appeals court makers are also set to approve clauses now on. When our party will pass card, and was detained for 30 hours at remain indifferent to a situation that ers working in a variety of fields have verdict was passed late Tuesday. that would ban all live video trans- this upcoming democratic test, we the Cairo International Airport before infringes the freedom of the press.” been denied entry to Egypt without The 47 were among a total of missions without permits. Insiders will be out of this mess and con- being sent back to Paris. Pigaglio told his newspaper just explanation. 152 protesters convicted on May 14 expect such permits will be denied tinue to stand strong on its path,” Authorities twice inspected photos before departing on a plane that Egypt was ranked 158 out of 180 of breaking the demonstrations law to non-state media. he added. Erdogan chairs symbolic first meeting of Turkey cabinet

AFP before he was elected president in Yildirim, 60, has also made no August 2014. A presidential statement secret of his enthusiasm for a system announced the start of the first meet- change in Turkey that would restrict ing of Turkey’s 65th government, with the powers of the prime minister and ANKARA: President Recep Tayyip images showing the ministers sitting bolster the presidency. Erdogan yesterday personally at a vast table chaired by Erdogan Erdogan chaired several cabinet chaired the first meeting of the new and overlooked by a portrait of the meetings during Davutoglu’s pre- Turkish cabinet, in a symbolic move modern Republic’s founder Mustafa miership. But Turkish media reported showing his desire to exercise full Kemal Ataturk. that they will now be at the presi- control over the government and A technocrat and former trans- dential palace at least once a month. consolidate his own powers. port minister, Yildirim is seen as Opposition parties have vehe- The meeting at the president’s a more pliant figure for Erdogan mently criticised Erdogan’s huge palace in Ankara came a day compared to outgoing premier aspirations for greater powers, with after incoming Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu who stepped the secular Republican People’s Party Binali Yildirim, an Erdogan loyalist, down after power struggle with (CHP) leader repeatedly warning that disclosed his new cabinet line-up the president. the move risked bloodshed. with most key ministers keeping Erdogan wants one of the pri- “Erdogan says he will do eve- their jobs. orities of the government to be rything. I said if you want to create The Turkish constitution allows implementing constitutional changes such a system, you cannot do it with- heads of state to chair the cabinet but to create a presidential system that out bloodshed,” CHP leader Kemal President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan (centre) chairs the meeting of 65th Cabinet of Turkey at this right was exercised extremely would enshrine his status as the Kilicdaroglu told the private NTV Presidential Complex, in Ankara, yesterday. rarely by Erdogan’s predecessors Turkish number one. television. ASIA THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 11 Hiroshima trip to honour ‘all’ war dead: Obama

to forge over these many decades,” Germany’s Angela Merkel were he said. expected to arrive on Thursday morn- It will be Obama’s trip The leaders of Britain, France, ing. The meeting will also be joined to Hiroshima as the Germany, Italy and Canada were by Italy’s Matteo Renzi and Canada’s also making their way to Ise-Shima, Justin Trudeau. only sitting president a mountainous and sparsely popu- A small crowd of well-wishers to visit the site of the lated area 300 kilometres (200 miles) gathered within sight of the helicop- southwest of Tokyo, whose mainly ter landing pad to which leaders were world’s first nuclear elderly residents rely chiefly on tour- being ferried, hoping for a glimpse attack that is likely ism and cultured pearls. of one of the stars of the geopoliti- to dominate the Security was tight across the cal stage. region, with thousands of extra police The leaders will spend Thurs- headlines this week. drafted in to patrol train stations and day morning at Ise Jingu, a huge ferry terminals, and to direct traffic shrine complex that sits at the spirit- on the usually quiet roads during the ual heart of Japan’s native Shintoism. two-day meeting. In line with the animistic religion’s AFP Tokyo said it was taking no traditions, the buildings are regularly chances in the wake of terror attacks replaced, but the shrine is believed to that struck Paris and Brussels in have occupied the same spot for more recent months. than 2,000 years. ISE-SHIMA, JAPAN: Barack Obama’s Dustbins have been removed or The sputtering global economy historic visit to Hiroshima this week sealed and coin-operated lockers was expected to take centre stage in “will honour all those who were lost blocked at train and subway stations the formal talks when they begin on in World War II” the US president in the capital and areas around the Thursday afternoon, although divi- said yesterday, hours after arriving venue site. sions were likely to remain over in Japan for a Group of Seven summit. Authorities said they will be whether the world should spend Obama and his fellow world lead- keeping a close eye on so-called or save its way out of the current ers from the club of rich democracies “soft targets” such as theatres and malaise. are gathering for a meeting where stadiums. “The global economy is going much energy will be spent discuss- However, unlike in many other to be the biggest theme for the G7 ing the lacklustre state of the global rich democracies, protests were Ise-Shima summit,” host Abe told economy. unlikely to cause much of a security reporters. But it will be Obama’s trip to Hiro- headache. “President Obama and I share the shima as the only sitting president to One left-wing demonstration recognition that the G7 should seek visit the site of the world’s first nuclear organised for yesterday morning—and sustainable and powerful growth attack that is likely to dominate the focused mostly on Japan’s domestic globally.” US President Barack Obama (left) shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the Group headlines this week. politics—attracted just a handful of Although China, the world’s sec- of Seven summit meetings in Ise-Shima, Japan, yesterday. “Our visit to Hiroshima will hon- largely elderly protesters. ond largest economy, will not be our all those who were lost in World Britain’s David Cameron, whose present, it looks set to loom large War II and reaffirm our shared vision country’s referendum next month over discussions. Japan and the US are after a brutal year that saw France Japanese television networks Journalists were treated to lavish of a world without nuclear weapons,” on continued membership of the keen to corral support for a growing hit twice by jihadists. swarmed on foreign reporters in the displays of local specialities, from Obama said at a joint press confer- European Union was likely to figure pushback against Beijing’s territorial The leaders’ arrivals brought a cavernous press centre, demanding exquisite calligraphy performed ence with Japanese Prime Minister prominently on the summit agenda, assertiveness in the South China Sea. measure of relief to members of the to know their impressions of this pic- with a special ink, to photobooths Shinzo Abe. arrived late afternoon at the main The G7 will also discuss the spec- global press, who had spent much turesque corner of the country, and that transformed users into ninjas— It will also “highlight the extraor- international airport near Nagoya. tre of Islamist terrorism, with France’s of yesterday cooling their heels and desperate to hear what they thought the deadly black-clad assassins of dinary alliance that we have been able France’s Francois Hollande and Hollande keen to address the issue interviewing each other. of the lunch spread. Japan’s feudal era.

Nepal press Daughter of missing HK bookseller calls for US help group condemns journalist’s arrest AFP disappearances fuelled growing and illegal” detention “is especially said she wanted “the US to take every to Hong Kong in March. unease in Hong Kong over the erosion shocking in light of the fact that my opportunity to ask China for informa- The disappearance of Lee Bo, who of freedoms in the semi-autonomous father held Swedish and only Swedish tion on my father’s status as well as went missing from Hong Kong, raised HONG KONG: The daughter of one of city, which was handed back to China citizenship”, she told the Congres- urge that he be freed immediately”. fears that Chinese security authori- AFP five Hong Kong booksellers who went from Britain in 1997. sional-Executive Commission on Swedish authorities have said ties were operating in Hong Kong in missing late last year has called on “It has now been eight months China. Three other booksellers dis- they were “quite concerned” about violation of the city’s laws. US authorities to help end her father’s since my father and his colleagues appeared on the mainland and one the incident and have called for more Britain and other nations have KATHMANDU: Nepal’s journalist “unofficial and illegal” detention in were taken into custody. I still haven’t went missing from Hong Kong itself. openness from Chinese authorities. spoken out about Lee’s case. Britain organisation yesterday condemned China. been told where he is, how he’s been Gui mysteriously re-emerged on Three other booksellers—Cheung said it believed he was “involun- the arrest of a reporter whom it Four booksellers working for a treated, or what his legal status is,” state broadcaster CCTV in January, Chi-ping, Lui Por and Lam Wing- tarily removed to the mainland” in said was taking photographs of a Hong Kong publishing house which Angela Gui said at a US congressional and said he had returned to China to kee—have blamed the company’s what it called a “serious breach” of protest outside government offices specialised in gossipy works about hearing Tuesday in Washington DC. “take legal responsibilities” for kill- illegal book trade on Gui. All four the handover agreement. in Kathmandu. Chinese leaders went missing from Her father Gui Minhai, a Swed- ing a college student in a car accident are under criminal investigation on The handover deal allows Hong Police arrested Shesh Narayan various locations in October, with ish national and co-owner of the 11 years earlier. the mainland. Kong to keep its special rights and Jha on Monday together with a another disappearing at the end of Mighty Current publishing company, In another televised confession in The fifth bookseller, Lee Bo, has freedoms for 50 years, but there are protester who splashed red paint December. They all reappeared failed to return from a holiday in February, he said he tried to smuggle said he travelled to China to assist fears that such freedoms are being on the walls of the Singha Durbar eventually in mainland China. The Thailand in October. His “unofficial illegal books into China. Angela Gui with the investigation and returned eroded. government complex. “It is a serious violation of press freedom and freedom of expression to arrest a journalist as he takes pictures and charge him Uproar over remarks on with public offence,” Ujir Magar, general secretary of the Federa- tion of Nepali Journalists, said in a statement. Taiwan’s new president “The federation condemns this incident and demands Jha’s imme- diate release.” AFP the island as a renegade province The protester, 21-year-old awaiting reunification, by force if Ishan who goes by one name, necessary. Beijing is highly suspi- was demanding an investigation cious of Tsai, whose Democratic into the use of excessive force by BEIJING: Taiwan’s new president Progressive Party is tradition- security officials during demon- Tsai Ing-wen practises “emotional” ally pro-independence, and has strations in recent months against and “extreme” politics because she warned her against any attempt at Nepal’s new constitution that saw is a single woman without children, a breakaway. more than 50 people killed. a member of China’s organisation It has warned that it would cut He is also calling for an inde- overseeing relations with the island off contacts with the island unless pendent committee to initiate has said. she states her support for the con- talks between the government The scathing attack on the newly cept that there is only “one China”. and anti-charter protesters, who inaugurated leader came from Wang In her inauguration speech Tsai say the constitution adopted last Electronic items, that were caught in the floods, dry on chairs near a house in Wellampitiya, yesterday. Weixing, a military analyst and a called for “positive dialogue” with September leaves them politically board member of the Association for the Chinese mainland, but stopped marginalised. Prazit KC of the Relations Across the Taiwan Straits. short of any compromise on Beijing’s city police told AFP that Jha was “As a single female politician, she “one China” demands. arrested for his alleged involve- is unburdened by love, and lacks the Wang’s long and blistering Sri Lanka appeals for $2bn aid ment in the protest and not for constraint of family or concern for op-ed also accused Tsai of intending taking photographs. children,” Wang wrote in the Inter- to pursue “hidden independence” “When Jha was caught he was national Herald Leader newspaper, for Taiwan. It disappeared from AFP He blamed rampant construction last week at the height of the disas- not taking pictures and did not which is under China’s state news some portals yesterday and the link in low-lying parts of Colombo that ter, including giant neighbour India carry a camera. He did not say agency Xinhua. to the newspaper’s website failed had been designated as stormwater which dispatched two naval ships he was a journalist, otherwise we “In political style and strategy, to load. COLOMBO: Sri Lanka appealed yes- collection points, as reasons for the and an aircraft loaded with supplies. would have released him,” he said. often she tends to be emotional, But the article continued to be terday for foreign aid to recover from flooding which hit about one third of Sri Lanka’s parliament has been “We are investigating how he personal, and extreme. In terms of shared on Chinese social media, massive floods that caused an esti- the city’s residents. recalled to meet later yesterday, a is involved.” political tricks, she considers strat- with thousands of comments on the mated $2 billion worth of damage “The main cause is the filling of week ahead of schedule, to discuss The Supreme Court is sched- egy less, tactical details more, and Twitter-like Weibo service, many and claimed more than 100 lives. marshland and putting up of build- recovery from the floods that hit uled to hear a petition against the short-term goals are paramount, criticising the personal nature of Finance Minister Ravi Karuna- ings,” the minister said. almost all the country’s districts. arrests on Thursday. while long-term goals are less taken the piece’s attacks. nayake said 35,000 homes were Karunanayake said strict new The Disaster Management Centre It comes amid fears that free- into account.” “Why don’t official media dare damaged in last week’s floods trig- building codes would be introduced (DMC) said 101 people were known dom of expression may be under The attack came days after Tsai, talk about Putin as a ‘single guy’?” gered by the heaviest rain for early from June 1 to prevent such land to have died in various locations last threat in the Himalayan nation. Taiwan’s first female president, took fumed one user. 25 years, with the capital Colombo being reclaimed for construction in week, while another 100 were still Last week a British tourist the oath of office at the presidential “It has nothing to do with poli- the hardest hit. future. listed as missing in the central dis- was arrested for allegedly joining palace in Taipei. tics, attacking a woman like this is “We are looking at the maximum He said he was hoping for for- trict of Kegalle. a protest against the constitution. China and Taiwan split in 1949 just incredibly low,” wrote another. possible support,” the minister told eign assistance mostly in the form Landslides ripped through two He was later released. after the Kuomintang national- Wang’s piece concluded by call- reporters, adding, though, that he of grants and loans, but also called villages in Kegalle, 100 kilometres Earlier this month Canadian ist forces lost a civil war to the ing Tsai’s personality “clearly two expected foreign countries would for overseas expertise in urban plan- (60 miles) northeast of Colombo, with software developer Robert Penner Communists. sided”, with a private character that foot about 75 percent of total recon- ning to prevent such disasters. soldiers still searching for victims was ordered to leave Nepal over But Beijing has always seen is “rather deceptive”. struction costs. Nations sent emergency aid buried under tonnes of mud. tweets deemed to “incite conflict”. 12 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL New Cold War swap? Donald Trump, the saviour kraine has a new darling. After the leader of the revolution that brought freedom to Ukraine was christened Darling of the Orange Revolution, of television news? yesterday it was Nadiya Savchenko who became a darling of a country fighting Russian hegemony. And U the Orange Revolution leader, Yulia Tymoshenko, was there to receive Savchenko who landed in Kiev from Russia. be rating rocket fuel for TV news”. his exaggeration of facts without About two years of incarceration in a hostile country didn’t Donald Trump has preferred by Television references and justifications con- and large conservative usage of tinue to make headlines. He has break the spirit of the military pilot. And it was visible in the way the media, particularly the tradi- specifically has become renowned for ending most she blasted Moscow’s nefarious designs. Savchenko, behind bars tional, long formatted interviews been the greatest of his sentences by “the worst in or free, embodies the intransigent spirit of a country that has on television. This strategy has the world”, especially when attack- been battered and bruised in a fight with a disproportionately allowed him to use context in his benefactor to ing the administration of Barack powerful neighbour. In saying that she is ready to once again go defence whenever he is charged Trump’s messaging Obama”. The media has unfor- to the battlefield for her country, the 35-year-old servicewoman with controversy, something new tunately failed to challenge these media platforms lack. throughout his wide claims. has defied not only fear, but the designs of a marauding enemy Television specifically has campaign. The out to distort history. been the greatest benefactor to Conclusion Yesterday’s prisoner swap between By Thembisa Fakude Trump’s messaging throughout majority of Donald Trump’s contro- Russia and Ukraine is reminiscent of Aljajzeera Network his campaign. The majority of the interviews versial statements have indeed spy exchanges during the Cold War. the interviews contained gaffes contained gaffes increased the television viewer- The prisoner that have made great television and ship and newspaper circulation So, have fears of a new Cold War come that have made exchange true? kept Donald Trump in the limelight. and this will possibly continue if Television as a business has in turn great television and he is elected to the highest office. between The Cold War was a product of two ike or loathe him Donald been having filled days since Don- The media has correctly contin- Ukraine superpowers fighting for supremacy. Trump has given a new ald Trump decided to run for the kept Donald Trump ued to meet its responsibilities of They had competing strengths which understanding to the old US highest office. Donald Trump’s in the limelight. informing the public. However, and Russia led to the proliferation of powerful adage, there is nothing careless and abrupt ways of deal- whilst doing that it has wittingly Lcalled bad publicity. Over the ing with issues has made him one Television as a or unwittingly been complicit in is unlikely weapons including nuclear armaments. It was in this milieu that the Cold War years Donald Trump has used his of the most intriguing and followed business has in turn a well-planned media strategy to improve much talked about wealth, often by presidential candidates in this race. by Donald Trump. He has used took birth. Ukraine is a relatively weak long-term himself; over publicised marriages If he gets elected to the presidency been having filled his understanding of the media to state grappling with a new political relations. and divorces; and his extrava- that would bring even more excite- days since Donald his benefit. The precursor was in order and low economic indicators. gant lifestyle as the cornerstone ment not only to the presidency but Trump decided fact his popular television show the Poverty compounded by war, misery of his publicity strategy. Donald also to the media. Apprentice which depicted him as and corruption have made life hard Trump has continued with his strat- There is one particular basic to run for the US a tough uncompromising boss on for the average Ukrainian. It is Western powers standing behind egy during his entire Republican principle in journalism that has highest office. television. Understandably in the Kiev that has invited suggestions of a West-Russia conflict. presidential candidate campaign. been compromised in the coverage midst of a big story like the USA He has made a number of contro- of Donald Trump’s Republican nom- presidential elections, the media The eastward expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty versial statements from barring ination. The public’s right to know falls victim of its own creation. Fur- Organisation (Nato) has been a point of contention between the Muslims from entering United States is the cornerstone of journalism, it thermore the ‘juniorisation’ of the trans-Atlantic military alliance and Russia. Tensions between of America (USA) to the size of his is a principle that is embedded in the way coverage of controversies newsroom makes it difficult for the Kiev and Moscow ratcheted up when the Kremlin annexed the hands suggesting that they match democracy and allows it to thrive. has turned the news coverage of media to prevent certain pitfalls. Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea. Russian President Vladimir his manhood. The media has cov- People have the right to know Trump into a reality television show. The emphasis, therefore, should be Putin justified the move saying that not only Crimea, but the ered and headlined most of Donald about those who hold the public The media have overstretched the on the media to ensure that systems Trump’s utterances irrespectively. office, as this promotes political application of this very important that will safeguard media profes- Ukrainian nation belongs to Russia. This has raised all kinds of scep- accountability. principle in this instance. sionalism at all times are in place. The two prisoners exchanged for Savchenko yesterday were tical questions about the complicity The principle of the public’s The question is- When does Failure to do that compromises the purportedly Russian soldiers participating in the Moscow- of some media in his Republican right to know has been pushed the media stop and reflect?- profession. backed insurgency in eastern Ukraine. The Kremlin denies the presidential nomination strategy? to different unjustifiable limits When those who understand its claims. Russia’s allegation that Savchenko was complicit in the What President Barack Obama said in the coverage of Donald Trump inner workings take advantage? The writer is a Researcher, Direc- torate Studies Centre, Aljajzeera war-time killing of two Russian journalists has been rejected by tongue in cheek at this years’ White Republican presidential nomina- Donald Trumps’ rhetoric has been Network the pilot who claims she was arrested even before the scribes House Correspondent’s Dinner 2016 tion. The continual, every step of inflammatory, inappropriate and in Washington is pertinent. He said, were killed. “From the start, he (Trump) has Savchenko was freed due to a pardon granted by Putin in a gotten an appropriate amount of swap mediated by some western powers. The prisoner swap has coverage befitting his candidacy”. come as a temporary salve in ties between Kiev and Moscow. But Barack Obama blamed the media it is unlikely it will lead to better relations in the long run. for giving overdue attention to Don- ald Trump and stopped short of accusing the media of irresponsi- ble journalism. Obama’s remarks sum up what many people have been saying about the coverage Quote of the day of Trump- the media simply gave him too much coverage. Our visit to Hiroshima will honour all those who The public Right to Know The sales of newspapers and were lost in World War II television viewership have been and reaffirm our shared experiencing a downward trend vision of a world without since the emergence and the rise of the new media platforms. The nuclear weapons. advent of Donald Trump onto the political scene in the USA has brought some kind of relief to the Barack Obama media particularly television and US President print. According Steven Battaglio of the Los Angeles Times “2016 pres- The media respond to Trump’s name-calling and censorship by covering every word he says, idential nomination continues to usually on live TV.

EDITORIAL TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR E-MAIL: [email protected] ADVERTISING TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] OPINION THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 13 Poland’s Europe problem has deep roots

country didn’t even exist between the late 18th century and the end of the World War I. It was divided again when Hitler and Sta- lin both invaded in September 1939. The country’s post-Cold War independence seems like a miracle of Europe’s peace- ful economic order. As for its economy, Poland has grown steadily since 1989. Starting at Commu- nist levels, its GDP per capita has marched inexorably in the direction of the Euro- pean average, and now stands at more than two-thirds that level. Unemployment is low by European standards. And Poland isn’t plagued by refu- By Noah Feldman gees. Why would you flee into the arms Bloomberg of Poland’s relatively ungenerous social safety network if you could get to Ger- many, much less Sweden? On top of that, Poland has balked at accepting Syrian ref- n a sunny day in Warsaw, it’s ugees. For economic migrants and refugees difficult to understand why the alike, prospects seem better elsewhere city’s well-kept streets simmer in Europe. with anger and discontent over So why the anti-European sentiment? Othe European vision. The economy has been The superficial answer is that PiS’s defi- growing at 3.6 percent, roughly twice the ance of Europe is a situational response to overall European rate. And there’s little EU criticism of the party’s counter-dem- or no influx of Syrian or Afghan refugees: ocratic attempt to undermine the Polish Warsaw must be whiter than any other constitutional court. On this theory, if major city in Europe, including Budapest. the EU would shut up, PiS wouldn’t be Yet the far-right Law and Justice Party, led anti-European. A man takes part in a demonstration organised by Polish Razem Party calling the Polish Prime minister Beata Szydlo by Jaroslaw Kaczynski and known as PiS, There’s something to this: EU officials bitterly denounces the European Union for can sound paternalistic when lecturing to publish Constitutional Tribunal verdict, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Warsaw. invading Polish “sovereignty” - language newish democracies about safeguarding reminiscent of the advocates of British institutions. But PiS’s anti-European rhet- who love Europe. verities that don’t have to be historically PiS’s anti-European (read: anti-Ger- exit from the EU. oric and instincts run deeper. They belong Germany isn’t in the invasion business accurate. So by its nature, nationalism man) feeling is analogous. It doesn’t derive Poland is, or should be, Europe’s great- to a strand of nationalism whose adher- anymore. But economic dominance is still activates feelings that resist rational argu- from logic so much as from a powerfully felt est success story. Repeatedly invaded and ents tell themselves they would be better a form of dominance, one that nationalist ments like: “Don’t worry, things are getting victimhood. Unfortunately, that may ham- divided by other European powers, the off going it alone than allowing Brussels Poles can be brought to resent. better gradually.” per or even doom European efforts to press to dictate to them. PiS’s supports are logical targets for You can see that nationalist-irration- for a return to democratic practices. The That nationalist story is tremendously such anti-European nationalism. Nearly alist strand in PiS’s detestation of Vladimir outsider criticism may actually strengthen significant - and offers a powerful explana- 6 million Poles, close to one-fifth of all Putin. Kaczynski, the party leader, believes PiS by feeding nationalist sentiment. tion of how you can have anti-Europeanism eligible voters, cast ballots for the right- Putin engineered his twin brother’s death Rationalists -- both of the left and the Poland has grown steadily since even with a good economy and no refu- ist party in last October’s elections. They in a 2010 plane crash in Smolensk, Russia. right -- like to believe that economic inter- gees. It has roots deep in Polish history, the didn’t skew young, but middle-aged and In fact, PiS’s values have a lot in common ests outweigh or at least shape ideology. 1989. Starting at Communist levels, same history from which the EU appears old. And most came from outside the big with Putin’s. Both favour social conserva- I count myself among them. its GDP per capita has marched to have saved the country. cities. tism and state religion. Both hearken back But Poland today is a great reminder Poles are reared on tales of their It’s plausible to conclude, therefore, that to some aspects of an imagined Commu- that we can’t attribute all nationalist polit- inexorably in the direction of the repeated betrayals by European great PiS voters feel left out of the Europeaniz- nist era where the state provided. ical sentiment to purely economic causes. European average, and now stands powers, most prominently Russia and Ger- ing process that has made Poland richer. But because PiS is a Polish nationalist There’s more to human belief and action at more than two-thirds that level. many. Today, an increasingly expansionist It’s not that these voters weren’t lifted by party, its script requires it to fear and hate than bread alone. That’s worth remem- Russia again seems like a medium-term the rising economic tide - just that they Russia and Russia’s leader. Anything else bering when trying to calculate the odds Unemployment is low by European threat. As for Germany, it’s the main power haven’t benefited as much as urban elites. would betray the understandable senti- of success for PiS - and for right-wing standards. in the EU, and perceived as such by Poles Nationalism works by appealing to ment that flows from the history of Russian populism elsewhere in the world, not across the political spectrum, even those intuitions stemming from received cultural imperialism. excluding the US With jobs lacking, Kenyan youth turn to digital farming

By Magdalene Mukami youths in Kenya who have gone into page. The application called “Mkulima college graduates in Kenya on the job thousands of fruits. Anatolia digital farming, which uses technol- young”, which connects farmers to market, 26-year-old Beatrice Nyam- Like Maina, Nyambura always has ogy such as drones or phones, tablets buyers, has over 50,000 active users - bura was in a similar bind but a single her smartphone which has all her vital with apps to monitor the farm, be it an indication of the potential number post on social media changed her life. mobile applications. identifying weeds, the type of sickness of digital farmers in the East African “I just saw a friend share pictures “My phone is my life, this is what nemployment rates in Kenya that is plaguing plants and animals country. of cows on Facebook commenting differentiates us from traditional are at an all-time high, cur- (using the camera on the phone), feed- “There is employment out there, that he had made more than 120,000 farmers, we are the farmers of the Urently at around 40 percent - it ing patterns, etc. we should not sit back and wait for the Kenya shillings ($1,190) from selling future and I can assure you that you was 12 percent in 2006. Maina is involved in hydroponic government to create jobs for us,” he them. I sent him a private message will always make profits from agri- Economic experts from the Fed- farming (growing plants in water, not says. “Those jobs will never come. My and he agreed to add me to a group culture,” she says. eration of Kenya Employers, in the soil). He says his crops – tomatoes, advice to the youth is they should join [of digital farmers],” says Nyambura. Nyambura says that with the capital Nairobi, have described unem- vegetables, spinach, peas and others me to feed the nation by becoming “Nowadays, I am always busy, I growing population in Africa, dig- ployment -which affects mainly the - use 90 percent less water, compared digital farmers, it is a job with little earn more money that I would have ital farming is the only way that the youth, 18-35, who make up about 35 to those of a traditional farmer. to no competition.” earned if I had landed a teaching job African continent will be able to feed percent of the population - as a tick- He is also able to grow four times Maina tells Anadolu Agency that, after graduating from a teacher’s itself in the near future. She adds that ing time bomb. the amount of crops in the same space so far, there are 15 young digital farm- college, it is all about perception my digital farming addresses major prob- Kenyan leader Uhuru Kenyatta as traditional soil farming, he says. ers from the surrounding areas who dear, it is not that there are no jobs, lems affecting African countries such has in the past vowed that he will pro- Armed with his Ipad, Maina opens are as successful as he is. Some of most of us just don’t want to get our as water scarcity, pollution and land vide job opportunities to the young an application made for farmers, them, he says, were like him, unable hands dirty,” she says, gesturing with degradation. Economic people of his country who make up which scans the plants to identify to secure employment after complet- her mouth to her hands, red with a Kenya’s economy relies heavily on experts from the about 67 percent of Kenya’s unem- potential weeds; he is delighted to ing their university education. thick layer of soil from weeding in the agricultural sector, which directly ployed workforce. find out that, for now, his farm is With the growing number of her strawberry farm which bears contributes 25 percent to the GDP. Federation of Kenya But some are tired of waiting and weed-free. Employers, in the have opted to pursue an unexpected “The older generations refer to us path. as dotcom farmers because we use capital Nairobi, In the agricultural town of technology,” Maina added. have described Nakuru, about 160 kilometers (nearly He closes the application and 100 miles) from the Kenyan capital opens another one which has an unemployment Nairobi, Anadolu Agency caught up electronic map of his farm,” As you -which affects with 25-year-old Samuel Maina who can see here I have a complete data- mainly the youth, had just graduated from Egerton Uni- base of all the plants in my farm, versity, in western Kenya, and had from my device I can easily monitor 18-35, who make up been looking for a teaching position. all the activities on my farm,” Maina about 35 percent of But unable to find a job, he decided to explained. head back to his parents’ to become A peek at the application and the population - as a farmer. In Kenya, it is common for one can see a diary of farm opera- a ticking time bomb. people to be given land by their par- tions that Maina has registered, noting ents for farming. down areas of interest; a notification And unemployed Samuel became pops up from a poultry applications Samuel Maina, one of Kenya’s top dig- saying, “Weekly cleaning recom- ital farmers, earning around 270,000 mended, chicks in shed 1 to hatch in Kenyan shillings ($2,675) a month. 2 days, recommend purchasing chick “What could I do in Nairobi town, starter [feed] if not available.” just sit around without a job?” Maina Maina quickly reads the message tells Anadolu Agency while feeding and says, “I had even forgotten that I his cows at his farm. needed to buy chicken feed. You see, “Nowadays we as the youth are this is why you can never compare moving back to the rural areas to farm digital farming to traditional farming.” because there are no jobs in Kenya. Through digital farming, he has Instead of sitting there and hoping become his own boss. He is among that a miracle will happen, we employ the 79,000 young farmers who sell ourselves,” Maina explains. their products on the “Mkulima [Swa- Samuel Maina is among the many hili word for farmer] young” Facebook A Kenyan man working in his vegetable farm.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Views and Opinion pages should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief. 14 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 ASIA / PHILIPPINES Philippine Congress starts counting votes

votes in an unofficial tally. All four proceeded to count them races rivals have conceded defeat to simultaneously. The new president Duterte, who has said there was no “I’m confident that the true result and vice president major irregularity in the polls. will come out, it’s just a matter of The unofficial tally of votes cast in time,” said Robredo after she and are to take their posts the vice presidential contest showed her lawyers heard Mass at a church on June 30, when Rep. Leni Robredo leading by more Wednesday. “If there are any uncer- than 200,000 votes. Rival Sen. Fer- tainties, these are the lies that are the six-year term of dinand Marcos Jr. has disputed that being floated.” A few hundred sup- President Benigno nearly complete tally based on alleged porters each of Robredo and Marcos Aquino III ends. elections irregularities. held separate rallies outside Congress As the counting began at the as counting began. House of Representatives, the candi- Marcos is the 58-year-old son dates’ initial vote totals were reflected and namesake of the Philippine dic- House of Representatives and Senate tribunal staff open a ballot box during the presidential and vice- on a big screen. In the plenary hall tator ousted in a 1986 “people power” presidential canvassing of votes at the session hall of House of Representatives in Manila yesterday. AP of Congress, lawmakers and candi- revolt due to widespread human rights dates’ lawyers were seen checking abuses and economic plunder. He last longer if Marcos’s camp raises for the poor and whose husband was allow them to retake the presidency in election certificates contained in bal- had topped most pre-election sur- continuous objections as thousands of a popular local politician who died in six years and rewrite history to their lot boxes. If there are no objections or veys, though Robredo overtook him election returns from across the coun- a plane crash in 2012. favor, according to left-wing activists MANILA: The Philippine Congress questions, the votes are counted from in surveys a few days before the vote. try of more than 100 million people Aquino’s father was an anti-Mar- who campaigned against the young yesterday started the official count each province. While the dictator’s wife, Imelda, are checked and counted. cos politician who was assassinated Marcos. of votes cast in the May 9 presidential As the canvassing opened, Mar- and two children, including Marcos Jr., The new president and vice pres- while in military custody at the The Marcoses have denied any election, though confirmation of Rod- cos’s lawyer Didagen Dilangalen have long managed to make a politi- ident are to take their posts on June Manila international airport as he wrongdoing by the dictator although rigo Duterte’s apparent victory may be asked lawmakers to count the votes cal comeback, a victory by Marcos Jr. 30, when the six-year term of Presi- returned from U.S. exile in 1983. His a US federal jury awarded a $2bn slowed by disputes in the more closely cast for president separately from would bring a Marcos tantalizingly dent Benigno Aquino III ends. mother, Corazon Aquino, helped judgment against his estate in 1995 fought vice presidential race. the vice presidential votes so Duterte close to the seat of power the strong- Aquino campaigned for a former lead the 1986 revolt, which cata- after finding him liable for torture, Duterte, the 71-year-old mayor could immediately and officially be man lost three decades ago. member of his Cabinet, Mar Roxas, pulted her to the presidency. The summary executions and disappear- of southern Davao city, exceeded his proclaimed the winner. The congressional count would as president and the 52-year-old Marcoses have a lot at stake in the ances of political opponents during closest rival by more than 6 million The lawmakers refused and take a few days normally, but it could Robredo, a lawyer who advocates vice presidential race, which could his 20-year rule. Death squads very much in business as Duterte set for presidency

Reuters to the highest office of a crime-weary president. The nation’s Justice Secre- sons were murdered, and she gives And more recently he has vowed second for rape, according to national land. Human rights groups have docu- tary last week told reporters the probe a mirthless chuckle. “Blood will flow to wipe out crime in six months across police. Reuters interviews with the mented at least 1,400 killings in Davao may not be able to proceed. like a river,” she says. the country by killing criminals and families of four Davao victims, one of that they allege had been carried out Such impunity, and Duterte’s Duterte, who has been Davao’s drug pushers after he takes office on whom was a 15-year-old, showed that DAVAO: On May 14, five days after by death squads since 1998. Most of demands in recent weeks for more mayor or vice-mayor for most of the June 30. “Do not destroy my country, murders continued even as Duterte voters in the Philippines chose Davao those murdered were drug users, summary justice, could embolden past 30 years, has denied any involve- because I will kill you,” the 71-year- campaigned for the presidency. City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as their petty criminals and street children. death squads across the country, say ment in the murders. “I never did old former prosecutor told a news All four killings occurred in the next president, two masked gunmen In a 2009 report, Human Rights human rights and church groups. that,” he said on the campaign trail conference in Davao on May 15. past nine months and bore the hall- cruised this southern city’s suburbs Watch identified a consistent failure by Already there has been a spate of in April, responding to allegations he He has also promised to restore marks of a loose-knit group that the on a motorbike, looking for their kill. police to seriously investigate targeted unsolved killings in nearby cities, with had directed the killings. An Office the death penalty in the Philippines. locals call the Davao Death Squad. Gil Gabrillo, 47, a drug user, was killings. It said acting and retired police other mayors echoing Duterte’s sup- of the Ombudsman investigation also People here remember pre-Duterte The victims were shot in day- returning from a cockfight when the officers worked as “handlers” for death- port for vigilante justice. found there was no evidence connect- Davao as a lawless battleground for light or at dusk, three of them on gunmen approached. One of them squad gunmen, giving them names and “We’ve seen it happen in Davao ing Duterte to the murders. security forces and Communist rebels. the same street in a riverside slum pumped four bullets into Gabrillo’s photos of targets - an allegation denied and we’ve seen copycat practices,” He has, though, repeatedly The city’s Agdao district was so vio- seething with people. The killers head and body, killing the small- by Davao police. Chito Gascon, chairman of the Com- condoned them. For example, in lent it was nicknamed “Nicaragdao” rode motorbikes with no license time trader of goods instantly. Then But a four-year probe into such mission on Human Rights (CHR), an comments to reporters in 2009, he after the then war-torn Central Amer- plates, their faces hidden by hel- the motorbike roared off. killings by the National Bureau of independent Philippine watchdog, warned: “If you are doing an illegal ican nation. mets and masks. The murder made no headlines in Investigation, the Philippines’ equiv- said. “Now can you imagine he is activity in my city, if you are a crim- Today, thanks to Duterte’s cam- Human rights activists say official Davao, where Duterte’s loud approval alent of the FBI, hasn’t led to a single president and the national model for inal or part of a syndicate that preys paigns against drugs and crime, investigations of death-squad kill- for hundreds of execution-style kill- prosecution, and one senior NBI crime-fighting is Davao?” on the innocent people of the city, for Davao today feels much safer, say the ings have been hampered by a lack ings of drug users and criminals over agent said it will probably be shelved Ask Clarita Alia, 62, who still lives as long as I am the mayor, you are a locals. But it still ranks first among of witnesses, bureaucratic apathy and nearly two decades helped propel him now that Duterte is set to become in the Davao slum where her four legitimate target of assassination.” 15 Philippine cities for murder and political influence.

Population growth Cannes award for Filipina actress Beijing lines up diplomatic slows in Philippines battle groups in sea row MANILA: The Philippines’ annual population growth rate has slowed as more people in the predominantly Roman Catholic country use contraception. AFP almost the whole of the South China Results of the 2015 census show the population Sea, on the basis of a segmented line grew 1.72 percent last year, down from 1.9 percent that first appeared on Chinese maps during the previous census in 2010, the Commission in the 1940s, pitting it against several on Population said. BEIJING: The disputed rocks and neighbours. But it is also a party to The population of 100.98 million was half a million reefs of the South China Sea are the UN Convention on the Law of the lower than what was forecast in 2010, the commission’s more than an ocean away from the Sea. Manila accuses Beijing of flout- Executive Director Juan Antonio Perez III said. landlocked African nation of Niger. ing the convention and has called for The Philippines is the 12th most populous country in But that has not stopped the the tribunal, set up in 1899, to rule the world, according to United Nations data. Its popula- strife-ridden, largely desert coun- on the row. tion will reach 103.48 million by the end this year, under try of 17 million people adding its Beijing insists that the court calculations using the same growth formula, Perez said. voice to a growing diplomatic cho- does not have jurisdiction, argu- Perez said the use of modern contraceptives has rus that Beijing says supports its ing that any claims to the contrary increased, with 45 percent of couples using modern con- rejection of an international tribu- are politically motivated, and has traceptives as of last year, up from 38 percent recorded by nal hearing on the waters. Others boycotted the proceedings. “By cob- a national survey in 2013. apparently singing from the same bling together a group of nations that Perez said the census results, which were officially hymn sheet include Togo, Afghan- share its views, Beijing’s aim is to Filipina actress Jaclyn Jose (right) with film director Brillante Mendoza during unveiled last week, also showed family size differed istan and Burundi. show that there is a genuine debate among socio-economic classes. Richer Filipinos have a press conference in Manila yesterday. The Philippines’ entertainment industry They are among the latest foot over the legality of the Philippines’ one or two children while the poorest have five or more celebrated Jose’s surprise win at the Cannes film festival, hailing her as one of the soldiers in “a public relations war” legal challenge,” Townshend said. children, or two children more than what women say nation’s hardest working and most versatile actresses who deserves global acclaim. by China aimed at questioning inter- “It is trying to build a counter- they want, he added. national maritime rules, said Ashley narrative to push back against the Townshend, a research fellow at the mainstream international consensus United States Studies Centre at the on maritime law.” Despite requests University of Sydney. The tribu- the foreign ministry in Beijing did not nal case, brought to the Permanent provide a full list of China’s backers Philippine troops seize Abu Sayyaf camp in Sulu Court of Arbitration in the Hague by on the issue. the Philippines, is highly technical But other than its main diplo- and hinges on such issues as how matic partner Russia, few heavy international law defines “islands”. hitters have come out in support, Anatolia leader Mujiv Susukan, and has been linked by the The Abu Sayyaf has threatened to behead them Niger joined the ranks of “over with Beijing’s neighbours — many military to the beheading of Malaysian hostage June 13 unless a 600m peso ($12.9m) ransom is paid 40 countries that have officially of them unnerved by its increas- Bernard Then after his family failed to pay a ran- by 3pm — as they did with fellow Canadian hos- endorsed China’s position” that the ingly assertive behaviour — notably som in November 2015. “Said encampment, which tage 68-year-old Canadian John Ridsdel April 25 issues should be settled through absent. Many of those disclosed so ZAMBOANGA CITY: Government troops have cap- can accommodate more or less 200 persons and after a 300 million peso ransom failed to be paid. direct negotiations, not international far are poor African countries, and tured a camp of a Daesh-linked militant group after is equipped with water source, was seized amid a Army public affairs office chief Col. Noel Deto- courts, said Chinese foreign ministry Bonnie Glaser, a senior Asia advi- a 45-minute firefight in the southern Philippines’ pursuit and clearing operations launched by the yato told reporters Wednesday that the military spokeswoman Hua Chunying. sor at the Center for Strategic and predominantly Muslim province of Sulu. operating troops,” Tan told reporters. operations will continue against the group despite That, she added, was just the International Studies, described An army spokesperson said yesterday that a Found in the encounter site were gun parts, per- its ultimatum. start: “There will be more and more the names as “mostly composed of group of militants from the Abu Sayyaf group — sonal belongings, and a motorcycle, added Tan. “We will not stop until… normalcy is restored. countries and organisations support- smaller, inconsequential nations”. who are believed to be holding a number of foreign “No casualty was reported on the government side, We will not stop until they [the victims] are rescued ing China.” Similar announcements In some cases the claimed sup- hostages — were located in Barangay Gulangan in while undetermined [people were injured] on the and the kidnappers brought to justice,” the Phil- have become an almost daily ritual port has been short-lived. The South the town of Maimbung at 0100GMT on Tuesday. Abu Sayyaf’s.” It is not known if hostages were with ippine Daily Inquirer quoted Detoyato as saying. at China’s foreign ministry media Pacific island nation of Fiji and EU Major Filemon Tan Jr. said troops of the 14th the group during the firefight. He added that the military would never nego- briefings, as it steels itself for what member Slovenia both quickly Special Ranger Company seized the camp, follow- The battle followed Monday’s release of a video tiate with the suspects, or pay the ransom, as it is widely expected to be an unfa- denied Chinese foreign ministry ing an armed engagement with the group, which is that showed hostages Canadian Robert Hall, Nor- would only embolden the bandits to carry out more vourable ruling by the tribunal that statements that they were backing believed to be led by Idang Susukan. wegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipina Marites kidnappings. “We will endeavor to make this kid- could come within weeks. Beijing, with Ljubljana saying: “We Susukan is a brother of Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Flor pleading for their lives. napping business unprofitable,” he said. Beijing claims sovereignty over do not take sides on the issue.” ASIA / AFRICA THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 15

Kenya arrests I belong to my people: Mugabe two over ‘IS’ bomb plot even death. “Forward with President ZANU-PF supporters, Mugabe,” others chanted, as they car- AFP ried placards carrying messages such many of them young as “Youths march in solidarity with and waving small the visionary and iconic leadership NAIROBI: Kenyan police said yes- of President Robert Mugabe.” terday that they had arrested two national flags, arrived Police in anti-riot gear sur- suspected members of an Islamic in Harare from across rounded the park, searching people State affiliate plotting bomb while heavy security patrols were attacks, weeks after arresting the country by bus, on the streets of Harare in vehicles other members of the alleged gang. train and truck. and on horseback. Last month, a few Police claimed that the two men, thousand supporters of the main Kiguzo Mwangolo Mgutu and Abu- opposition Movement for Democratic bakar Jillo Mohammed, had been Change (MDC) party attended the big- radicalized in a mosque in a slum gest public protest in nearly a decade in the capital Nairobi, where they AFP calling on Mugabe to step down. were recruited into the Islamic State Similar anti-Mugabe demonstra- group (IS), which they said “is seek- tions have been ruthlessly crushed ing to establish itself in Kenya.” in the past. Despite signs of ageing, The two men are alleged to HARARE: Tens of thousands of Zim- Mugabe appears regularly in public have been plotting revenge attacks babweans marched through Harare walking unaided and yesterday he after Mohammed Abdi Ali, the yesterday in support of veteran Pres- delivered a trademark fiery speech. alleged leader of the group and ident Robert Mugabe after the main He called for unity in the ZANU- a medical student, was arrested opposition party staged a rally last PF party that has been divided by earlier this month along with two month calling for him to resign. rival factions jostling to succeed others for allegedly planning an Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace greet supporters of his ZANU-PF party during “It’s glory that you are giving him, and he renewed his attacks on anthrax attack. They have not yet to the president, but the president the “One Million Man March”, a show of support of Mugabe’s rule in Harare, yesterday. the western powers that he blames for been charged. says in a reciprocal way that it’s our Zimbabwe’s troubles. “There should “Following Mohamed Abdi Ali’s glory together,” Mugabe told cheer- Zimbabwe since independence in Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party, said. “Our gave us land and now we are support- never be little groups to promote so arrest, members of his network ing crowds, many of whom were 1980, has vowed to stand again as president has the people at heart, and ing his indigenisation programme,” and so. Those little groups are trea- have been planning retaliatory transported to the capital by bus. president in elections due in 2018. His we support that a lot.” Muzarabani said. ZANU-PF support- sonous groups, they poison the party,” attacks using home-made explo- Organisers had dubbed the event a decades in office have been widely Learnmore Muzarabani, 28, a ers, many of them young and waving he said. sives,” police said. “The arrest of “million-man” march, but AFP report- criticised for economic decline, farmer, said he was marching to small national flags, arrived in Harare “I belong to my people. I don’t like the two has foiled terror attacks ers on the ground estimated the repression of dissent, vote-rigging and show his allegiance to Mugabe over from across the country by bus, train to be American, I am not a Yankee. I with explosives and other weap- turnout at between 30,000 to 60,000. mass unemployment and emigration. controversial land reforms to resettle and truck. am not a Briton... I belong to Zimba- ons that were planned for Nairobi The marchers sang songs praising “We are happy that we are march- landless blacks and government pol- “Comrade Mugabe is not sick, bwe,” he said. “I am at the service of and Mombasa.” Mugabe and wore t-shirts displaying ing for our president to prevent the icies that force foreign firms to cede people lie,” supporters sang in one the people. If the people feel I should Materials seized suggested the his image as they gathered at a central opposition from distracting the coun- majority stakes to locals. song defending the elderly president, go, I go,” he said. “But at the moment pair had been plotting bombings, park to hear his 90-minute speech. try’s leader,” Taremedzwa Chikara, “We are here because we love our who has been the subject of regular where do you want me to go? I am not with kit taken for forensic analysis Mugabe, 92, who has ruled 56, a housewife and loyal supporter of president. He has done a lot for us. He stories about his alleged ill health or going anywhere.” including “nails, ball bearings, bat- teries, electrical wire, fertiliser, cell phones and other suspected explo- sive substances,” police added. While the Somali-led and Al- Qaeda linked Shabaab has been Paying the ultimate active in Kenya since 2011, after the Kenyan army was deployed in southern Somalia, there has been little evidence to date of an IS pres- price on Mt Everest ence in the country. DR Congo oppn Reuters an Indian perished on Sunday due to exhaustion. Two other Indian climb- group vows to ers have been missing since Saturday, and are feared dead. defy protest bans KATHMANDU: On his way down Officials from Seven Summit from the top of Mount Everest, Indian Treks said 13 sherpas bringing Stry- AFP mountaineer Nava Kumar Phukon dom’s body down the mountain had saw the woman sway from side to side encountered heavy snowfall at about — a classic sign of severe mountain 7,700 metres on Tuesday. When the KINSHASA: A Democratic Repub- sickness — as snow and fog reduced weather improves they will resume lic of Congo opposition group, visibility to less than 10 feet (3 metres). the rescue, and her body will be flown angered by a court decision to let Phukon’s sherpa guide later told to Kathmandu later this week, before President Joseph Kabila remain in him the woman was 34-year old Aus- the spring climbing season shuts with office beyond his term, yesterday tralian Maria Strydom, who died last the onset of the monsoon. vowed to hold nationwide pro- Saturday on the high slopes of Ever- Deaths are not uncommon on Ever- tests in defiance of bans imposed est after making a failed push for the est and the number of fatalities this year in some regions. summit. “The sherpa who was try- is close to average. But experts say the “To publicly protest with strict ing to help her told me: ‘She is going lure of reaching the highest point on adherence to the law is an inal- to die’,” Phukon said after returning to Earth is increasingly attracting less ienable right granted under our Kathmandu from his own exhausting experienced climbers served by agen- Constitution,” the Citizens’ Front, but successful summit bid. cies hungry for business. said in a statement. “I did not have any extra oxy- “Climbers are careless and con- Demonstrations have been gen, clothes or food, not even water fused about their strength and prohibited by authorities in the to offer to her,” Phukon said. “I was so preparedness,” said 30-year old central African country’s restive weak myself.” Both the sherpa guides Indian Ratnesh Pandey after sum- North Kivu province in the east worked for the same agency Seven miting Everest on Saturday, without and in the second city of Lubum- Summit Treks and knew each other. naming anyone. He said temperatures bashi in the south. Three deaths in as many days plummeted to minus 30 degrees Cel- Nonetheless the Citizens’ Front on the world’s tallest mountain have sius (minus 22 Fahrenheit) near the group said it would hold nation- renewed safety concerns after eager top, while fierce winds closed many of wide marches on Thursday to climbers flocked to the 8,850-metre the “weather windows” in the upper protest the Constitutional Court’s (29,035-foot) summit for the first reaches, making this year’s journey ruling this month that Kabila can time since last year when an ava- particularly tough. But less skilled climbers keen to no longer dominated by international is big business in Nepal, earning the remain in a caretaker capacity lanche triggered by a magnitude-7.8 Scaling Everest is far from the conquer the highest points on each outfits has meanwhile undermined government $3.1m from 289 Everest beyond the expiry of his term in earthquake struck Base Camp, and all world’s most treacherous climb from of the world’s continents often fail to safety standards, they say. permit fees this year. December. expeditions ground to a halt. a technical perspective. Mountain- appreciate how much more difficult Some companies, charging Critics accuse Kathmandu of fail- The opposition group called A Dutch national, also with Seven eering expert Alan Arnette estimates Everest is than the other six, people in around $30,000 a climb, or half ing to enforce rules requiring past the court’s decision an “attempt Summit Treks, died last Friday in the deaths at about 3 percent of attempts, the climbing community say. that of high-end firms, are known to experience of high climbs, but Tour- at a constitutional coup d’etat by notorious ‘death zone’ where the air against one in four on Annapurna, a Competition among low-cost have sent relatively inexperienced ism Department official Bishnu Regmi which the judiciary, under orders is so thin that only the fittest can sur- Nepalese massif with its main peak local companies chasing a business climbers up the mountain without said the government was committed from political powers, has shame- vive without bottled oxygen, while surpassing 8,000 metres. that has boomed in recent years and is medically trained guides. Climbing to safety. fully violated the law”. Childhood goes up in smoke for Indonesian tobacco farm workers

Reuters listing symptoms that match a condition conditions, the group said. many Indonesians, said. Customers do experts call acute nicotine poisoning, or “As a result, these companies risk not normally ask whether child labour is “green tobacco sickness”. contributing to the use of, and bene- involved, said Suradi, a trader who buys Indonesia is one of the world’s fiting from, hazardous child labour,” tobacco from farmers in Probolinggo for PROBOLINGGO: Thirteen-year-old fastest-growing markets for tobacco it added. The group interviewed 227 resale. “When I send the tobacco to the Siti Maryam says she suffers head- products, with about $16bn of ciga- people, among them 132 children storehouse it only depends on the qual- aches and nausea after harvesting rettes sold last year in the country of aged between 8 and 17, who said they ity,” he said. Human Rights Watch said tobacco leaves with her bare hands 250 million, an increase of 13 percent worked on tobacco farms in four Indo- it contacted some of the biggest com- during four years of working on her from 2014, says market research firm nesian provinces. But the report risks panies operating in Indonesia, such as family’s farm in Indonesia. Euromonitor International. generalising the whole of Indonesia and Philip Morris International Inc, Djarum Maryam, who is among the thou- But a lack of information leaves some children do work in non-hazard- Group and PT Gudang Garam Tbk. sands of children a rights group says families oblivious to the risks their ous conditions on tobacco farms, the In the tobacco field in Probol- work in hazardous conditions on children face while working on chairman of the Indonesian tobacco inggo, a dozen children helped to sow farms in the world’s fifth-biggest tobacco farms, said Margaret Wurth, farmers’ association, Soeseno, said. seeds, earning about 10,000 to 15,000 producer of tobacco, spoke to Reu- a researcher for New York-based “The root of the problem is poverty rupiah ($0.73 to $1.10) for working ters in a field near the east Java city Human Rights Watch. Several big in certain small villages,” he said. Par- seven hours a day. “I work here just of Probolinggo. companies lack procedures to screen ents getting children to help is in line to help my parents and help to fulfill “I feel dizzy, get headaches and out tobacco that involves the effort with cultural norms in some areas, our needs,” said 15-year-old Wara- A girl harvesting tobacco on a farm near Sampang, East Java. feel like vomiting,” said Maryam, of children working in hazardous Soeseno, who goes by one name, like datul Yaumi. 16 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 PAKISTAN Afghan Taliban appoint Akhundzada as new leader

Mansour’s deputies, faces the enor- Before his killing, Mansour had that Washington has at least for now challenge in unifying Taliban ranks. mous challenge of unifying an written a will handpicking Akhun- abandoned hopes of reviving the A breakaway faction led by Mul- The low-profile increasingly fragmented militant dzada to be his successor, Taliban direct peace talks between Kabul lah Rassoul rejected Akhundzada’s religious figure movement while it remains unclear sources said, in an apparent bid to and the Taliban, which broke down appointment, saying he was selected faces the enormous whether he will emulate Mansour in lend legitimacy to his appointment. last summer. inside Pakistan without any broad shunning peace talks with the Afghan “The new leader’s appointment is It marked a significant shift for consultation with field commanders challenge of unifying government. “Haibatullah Akhund- a good opportunity for the Taliban to Washington, highlighting a new will- in Afghanistan. an increasingly zada has been appointed as the new return to peace talks and rebuild their ingness to target the group’s leaders in The Taliban’s supreme council leader of the Islamic Emirate (Tali- country,” Afghan presidential spokes- Pakistan and risk retaliatory attacks held emergency meetings that began fragmented militant ban) after a unanimous agreement in man Dawa Khan Menapal said. against struggling Afghan security on Sunday in southwest Pakistan to movement. the Shura (supreme council), and all “If they reject peace talks they will forces. Saturday’s drone attack, the try to find a unifying figure for the the members of Shura pledged alle- face the same fate as Mansour.” first known American assault on a leadership post. giance to him,” the insurgents said in But “the status quo remains top Afghan Taliban leader on Paki- Taliban sources said council a statement. unchanged” after Akhundza- stani soil, sent shockwaves through members were lying low and con- It added that Sirajuddin Haqqani, da’s appointment, Taliban expert the insurgent movement which had stantly changing the venue of their AFP an implacable foe of US forces, and Rahimullah Yousafzai said. “I don’t seen a resurgence under Mansour. meetings to avoid any fresh air strikes. Mullah Yakoub, the son of Taliban foresee any shift from Mansour’s pol- He was killed just nine months The Taliban said Wednesday’s sui- founder Mullah Omar, were appointed icies. He is unlikely to negotiate peace after being formally appointed leader cide attack in Paghman district near his deputies. Analysts had previously with the Afghan government.” following a bitter power struggle Kabul, which the UN condemned KABUL: The Afghan Taliban yes- seen them as the most likely candi- Other observers say Akhundzada, “Akhundzada enjoys some moral upon confirmation of founder Mul- as “cowardly”, was in revenge for terday announced Haibatullah dates for the leadership. who is from Kandahar, is seen as more supremacy within Taliban ranks but lah Omar’s death. the execution of six Taliban-linked Akhundzada (pictured) as their “The leader of Islamic Emir- of a spiritual figurehead than a mili- he will be more of a symbolic leader Omar died in 2013, but his death inmates. new leader, elevating a low-pro- ate of Afghanistan and commander tary commander. “Even if he favours than a functional leader,” he added. was kept secret for two years, with The executions earlier this month file religious figure in a swift power of faithful, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, peace talks, he is unlikely to pro- Rana stressed that his deputies Mansour issuing statements in his were approved as part of Afghan Pres- transition after officially confirming was martyred in a US drone strike in... ceed without consensus within the will likely play a more active role, with name — a revelation that helped fuel ident Ashraf Ghani’s new hardline the death of Mullah Mansour in a US Pakistan’s Balochistan province,” the supreme council” where many vehe- Haqqani overseeing the military side internal opposition and splintered the policy against the insurgents after a drone strike. statement said, in the insurgents’ first mently oppose negotiations, said and Yakoub the political side. group into rival factions. brazen Taliban attack in April killed Akhundzada, formerly one of confirmation of his death. analyst Amir Rana. The US killing of Mansour showed Akhundzada faces a similar at least 64 people.

US adds two 11 dead in suicide Pakistan-based groups to bombing in Kabul terror blacklist

AP bombing. The claim came from Zabi- hullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, AFP in an email sent to the media. “This attack was carried out as KABUL: A suicide bomber targeted a revenge for the killing of six innocent WASHINGTON: The United States minibus carrying court employees in prisoners in Kabul,” the statement yesterday designated two Paki- Kabul during morning rush hour yes- said. It was a reference to the hang- stan-based groups with links to the terday, killing 11 people, Afghan and ing early this month at a Kabul prison Taliban as global terrorist threats. UN official said. The Taliban claimed of six Taliban members convicted of As “Specially Designated Glo- responsibility for the attack. terrorism. bal Terrorists”, US citizens are The bomber, who was on foot, President Ashraf Ghani’s office at forbidden from associating with detonated his explosives’ vest as he the time said he had “approved execu- the Tariq Gidar Group (TGG) and walked by the vehicle in the western tions of six terrorists who perpetrated the Jamaat ul Dawa al-Quran part of the city, said Najib Danish, the grave crimes against civilians and (JDQ). Any assets owned by the Interior Ministry’s deputy spokesman. security personnel.” groups in places under US juris- The casualties in the bomb- The executions were the first diction will be frozen, and US law ing included both court workers approved by Ghani since he took enforcement will be authorised to and civilians and the explosion also office in 2014, promising to end the investigate their activity. Afghan security officials inspect a vehicle that was hit by a suicide bomber in Kabul, yesterday. wounded four people, Danish said. war. After the hanging, a Taliban According to the US State The minibus belonged to the judiciary statement accusing Kabul and the Department, the TGG is linked to department in neighbouring Maidan United States of torture, inhumane The UN mission in Afghanistan of abduction of judicial staff. The Tal- urges “authorities to do everything in the Tehreek-i-Taliban — the Paki- Wardak province and was taking the treatment and “killings under suspi- condemned the attack. iban claimed responsibility for seven their power to ensure adequate pro- stani Taliban — and is based in workers there when it came under cious circumstances.” Since January 1, UNAMA has ver- of these incidents, said UNAMA. tection of judicial officials.” Darra Adam Khel, Pakistan. attack, he added. The suicide attack in Kabul was ified 14 separate attacks targeting “Attacks against judicial author- The last major attack in Kabul was The faction, US officials Within an hour of the assault, the the second of its kind on the judici- judges, prosecutors and judicial staff ities are cowardly and contrary to on April 19, when a massive bomb believe, was responsible for the Taliban, who often target government ary this month — a judge was gunned in Afghanistan, resulting in nine civil- international humanitarian law,” killed 64 people and wounded hun- December 2014 massacre at an employees in their war against the down by unknown attackers in Kabul ian deaths and 19 civilians wounded. said Nicholas Haysom, the chief of dreds. The Taliban also claimed that army-run school in Peshawar that state, claimed responsibility for the earlier in May. Also, there have been four incidents UNAMA, adding that the mission bombing. left more than 130 children dead. The TGG is led by Umar Man- soor, who is said to also have ordered the January 2016 attack on a university in Charsadda that left more than 20 dead. The desig- US Senate approves reimbursement fund for Pakistan nation also says that the TGG was behind the 2008 kidnapping and beheading of Polish geologist Piotr Internews proposal is included in the Senate action against the Haqqani network. interests. In doing so, it breaks the link security interests. While considering Stanczak in Attock. version of the National DefenceAu- Another bill, passed by the House between Pakistan and Afghanistan. the proposal, the committee noted The second group, the JDQ, is thorisation Act, 2017, passed on May of Representatives last week, linked Lawmakers noted that the US has that “Pakistan has been a long-stand- said to be based in Peshawar but to 18. Under the current arrangement, $450m from a total of $900m pro- withdrawn most of its troops from ing strategic partner of the United have sworn allegiance to the late ISLAMABAD: The US Senate Armed Pakistan is reimbursed from the Coa- posed for Pakistan to take action Afghanistan. The US-led coalition is States” and expressed its desire leader of the Afghan Taliban, Mul- Services Committee has approved a lition Support Fund (CSF) and has against the Haqqani network. But the also winding up its activities. With to continue a “strong and endur- lah Omar. In addition to this link proposal to set up a new fund to reim- received a total of $3.1bn since 2013. Senate bill is different from the House this change in the nature of US mis- ing” relationship between the two to the Afghan movement, the State burse Pakistan for its efforts in the The CSF expires in the 2016 financial version. The proposed fund replaces sion in Afghanistan, policymakers in countries. The committee endorsed Department says JDQ has alli- war against terror. The new fund also year, which ends in October. the CSF, which was for reimbursing Washington felt that it is no longer rel- the proposal to “transition security ances with Al Qaeda and Pakistani delinks the country from Afghanistan. The bill, however, requires Pakistan for its support to US and coa- evant to link Pakistan to Afghanistan. assistance to Pakistan to a bilateral Islamist group Lashkar-e-Taiba. The committee’s chairman, Sen- Pakistan to keep open ground com- lition activities in Afghanistan. The Instead, they decided to link the programme focused on the stability Washington blames the group ator John McCain, introduced the munication lines to Afghanistan for new provision takes the same reim- new fund to Pakistan’s own secu- and security of Pakistan, rather than for the 2010 kidnapping of Brit- bill, which sets aside up to $800m receiving reimbursements from this bursement model but focuses on rity and stability, which Washington the more narrow previous focus of ish aid worker Linda Norgrove in for reimbursing Pakistan and the fund. And $300m is linked to taking Pakistan and on US national security sees as important for its own national Coalition Support Funds”. Afghanistan. Top general urges lawmakers to preserve Afghan visa programme

AP Armed Services Committee, said demonstrate a shared understand- it’s unconscionable to deny entry to ing of their sacrifices and honor our Afghans who are risk of becoming commitment to any Afghan who targeted by the Taliban and other supports the International Secu- WASHINGTON: Afghan civilians extremists for siding with the coali- rity Assistance Force and Resolute who assisted the American-led tion. Nicholson’s remarks, outlined Support missions could have grave coalition as interpreters, firefight- in a May 20 letter to McCain, under- consequences for these individuals ers and construction workers could score that concern. and bolster the propaganda our ene- be in serious danger if Congress can- Opposition to the programme mies,” Nicholson wrote. cels a programme that allows them to centers on the potential $446m price Congress has added 7,000 visas resettle in the United States, accord- tag of expanding the programme and to the programme over the last two ing to the top American commander concerns that issuing visas to the years alone to meet the demand and in Afghanistan. thousands of Afghans who aided the the Obama administration requested The warning from Army Gen. US and its allies will drain Afghani- 4,000 more for the fiscal year that John Nicholson comes with the future stan of much needed talent. begins on October 1. of the so-called special immigrant Nicholson told McCain that aban- Since December 2014, the State visa programme in doubt as the Sen- doning the special visa programme Department has issued 3,200 spe- ate opens up debate on the annual would “significantly undermine” US cial immigrant visas to Afghans defence policy bill. credibility and 15 years of enormous who worked for the coalition. Thou- The programme’s backers, who personal costs made since US forces sands more visas are being processed US General John Nicholson, Commander of Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, talks with girls as include Senator John McCain, the invaded Afghanistan. through a pipeline that can take 270 Humayoun Aziz (left), Governor of Kandahar, looks on, in Kandahar, yesterday. Republican chairman of the Senate “Failure to adequately days from start to finish. INDIA THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 17

Thread of tradition Panic buttons New Delhi seeks mandatory on to allay fears public buses AFP among Africans NEW DELHI: Panic buttons will have to be fitted on all India’s public buses to curb sex attacks on women, the transport minis- village in Vasant Kunj area of south ter said yesterday, more than three Delhi. years after the fatal gang-rape of a Federal minister Two of the accused have been student on a bus in Delhi. chosen to calm down arrested while the third is on the run. The Transport Ministry said it On Tuesday, Woldemariam in a would issue a formal order after enraged heads of statement on behalf of all the Afri- June 2 making the emergency mission. can heads of mission, sought strong measures on public buses a must. action by the Indian government “To ensure the safety of against the perpetrators of the mur- women after the unfortunate inci- derous attack on Olivier. dent, we have decided to make it IANS Woldemariam said the envoys mandatory for public transport requested that the event be post- buses to install emergency panic poned, and that the African nations buttons, CCTV cameras and GPS- also decided not to participate in enabled vehicle tracking devices,” NEW DELHI: With African heads the celebrations, except for a cul- Nitin Gadkari told reporters in New A woman spins cotton thread on a spinning wheel on the outskirts of Agartala yesterday. of mission demanding strong action tural troupe from Lesotho. Delhi. from the government in the wake “This is because the African He was referring to the brutal of a Congolese man’s murder in the community in India, including stu- attack on a woman in December national capital last week, India dents, are in a state of mourning in 2012 as she returned home from yesterday moved to assuage the memory of the slain African stu- the cinema. grievances of the envoys and assured dents in the last few years, including The assault triggered outrage them of the safety and security of Olivier,” the statement said. Challenged girl violated in Delhi and mass protests across India, African nationals in the country. The sources said yesterday that leading to an overhaul of its rape The Africa Day celebrations Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najib laws but high numbers of assaults being organised by the Indian Coun- Jung and Delhi Police chief Alok persist. cil of Cultural Relations (ICCR) today, Kumar Verma have been spoken to IANS “The girl was admitted to AIIMS. has received cuts on her back, neck Rajasthan is the first state in from which the envoys said they and were pursuing the matter. Her condition after a week is now sta- and private parts. India to have such buses, with 20 would stay away, will also now be Stating that Singh assured the ble,” Deputy Commissioner of Police, A case under Sections 376 (rape) vehicles fitted with the new safety held as scheduled. heads of African missions of the Mandeep Singh Randhawa, said. and 363 (kidnapping) of the Indian measures. Panic buttons are placed According to sources, Minister of Indian government’s full support, the NEW DELHI: A 13-year-old mentally On coming to know of the inci- Penal Code (IPC) has been registered above the front doors which, once State for External Affairs V K Singh sources said Singh would also do an challenged girl is under treatment at dent, Delhi Commission for Women at Pul Prahladpur police station, near pressed, send an emergency mes- who met with Eritrean Ambassador outreach event with African students the All India Institute of Medical Sci- (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal said yes- Badarpur. sage to a police control room that Alem Tsehage Woldemariam, also along with embassies concerned to ences (AIIMS) for the past week for terday that she will send a notice to The officer said the accused, who can then view live footage of the the dean of the Group of African reassure them of their safety. critical injuries she received after a Delhi Police as they failed to inform also lives in Badarpur village, was bus interior. Gadkari said all public Heads of Mission, and a few other “It was also decided that the sexual assault by a neighbour, police her and the commission even a week arrested today (yesterday). buses would have to be modelled diplomats, strongly condemned the minister of state would meet the said yesterday. The accused has been after the incident. “It is very shocking “The accused lured the girl on the same way, while manufactur- criminal act and assured them that African heads of mission every three arrested. that Delhi Police did not inform DCW pretext of offering her something ers must ensure new buses come the strongest legal action would be months,” they said. Police was informed of the rape despite their responsibility to share and took her to Pul Prahladpur area equipped with the facilities. taken. “On the issue of the ICCR’s Africa on the morning of May 18 and found such information with us. I will send where he raped her at a secluded The government’s latest Masonda Ketada Olivier, 29, Day event, Singh impressed upon the the girl lying unconscious in south a notice to Delhi Police on why they place and fled,” the officer said. anti-sex attack move follows its was beaten to death by three youths African heads of mission the need to Delhi’s Pul Prahladpur area. She had did not inform the commission about The officer said that relatives announcement last month that all around 11.30pm on Friday after an continue the tradition but also said gone missing from her aunt’s home in the incident,” Maliwal said. of the girl, who is an orphan, com- mobile phones sold in India would altercation over the hiring of an that we would be guided by the Afri- Badarpur village in south Delhi the Another police officer, on condi- plained to police after she was found have to have a panic button from auto-rickshaw near Kishangarh can heads of mission in the matter.” day before. tion of anonymity, said that the girl in a deserted area. the start of 2017.

Congress questions invite to Amitabh BJP president says confident of winning UP elections for govt’s India IANS Uttar Pradesh as it has strong base expected to go to assembly polls early base,” he said. Answering a question ideological achievement.” “We are and its cadre is also comparatively next year and there has been specu- on Bihar, he said the party has “done getting emotional phone calls from Gate programme staunch,” Shah told select group of lation if the BJP will project a chief a lot of analysis” over its perform- party workers,” he said. NEW DELHI: BJP president Amit journalists here at a function to mark ministerial candidate. ance in the state. Asked if there will Asked if the Congress or a third Shah yesterday said the party has not two years of the Narendra Modi gov- Asked about the Ram temple be change of leadership in Gujarat, he front will be the main rival of the BJP IANS decided if it will project a chief minis- ernment at the Centre. issue, Shah said that it figures in the said the issue had not been discussed. in the next general elections, Shah terial candidate for the Uttar Pradesh Asked if the party has decided to party’s manifesto. “Whenever elections are held said that “the situation was not yet assembly polls next year and that the replicate Assam’s model of project- On Punjab, which will also go to in the state, the BJP will win with a clear.” NEW DELHI: The Congress on ruling Samajwadi Party would be the ing a chief ministerial candidate in polls early next year, Shah said the thumping majority,” he stressed. “Congress is getting squeezed,” Tuesday questioned the gov- BJP’s main rival. Uttar Pradesh, Shah said “we have not party will stick to its alliance with the Shah said he was “most happy” he added. Answering a query, he said ernment’s decision to invite Shah said he was confident of the decided what to do.” Shiromani Akali Dal. Without nam- over the party’s performance in that party’s slogan of Congress-free Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coming Asked if the option was open, ing Aam Aadmi Party, which is seen the Kerala assembly polls where it India meant ridding the administra- Bachchan to host a show at India to power in Uttar Pradesh, adding that he said “Yes.” Following its deba- as a contender for power in the state, entered the assembly for the first time. tion of the ills of the past. Gate here on May 28 to highlight “maladministration” of the Sama- cle in Bihar assembly polls last year, he said “there is hype visible.” He said the party will contest Asked about the major challenge the Narendra Modi government’s jwadi Party government will be the the BJP projected a chief ministerial “The spread at the grassroots, this the next polls to form a government he faces, Shah said that keeping up achievements in the last two years. main issue in the assembly elections. candidate in Assam and won the polls also matters. Punjab is not Delhi. It in the state. On the party’s vic- accomplishments was itself a very “We don’t have any objec- “The SP is the main challenge in along with its allies. Uttar Pradesh is matters whether the party has a tory in Assam, he said it was a “big big challenge. tion either to Amitabh Bachchan or Prime Minister Narendra Modi because we respect Bachchan as an actor and Modi as the prime New Kerala govt minister but what signal will it Promo emotion Next launch vehicle test send to the agencies investigat- to review all ing the Panama Papers leaks,” Congress spokesperson Randeep ‘controversial’ time after studying data Surjewala told reporters here. “Prime Minister Narendra decisions Modi needs to think over it,” he added. IANS aircraft like winged structure. The Congress leader said that THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Called RLV-TD HEX 01 mission, although Bachchan had denied his new Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF the winged structure which sat atop involvement in the Panama Papers government in Kerala yesterday CHENNAI: India will test its next set a rocket was released into space. controversy and “I sincerely hope decided to review all “contro- of space technologies relating to the The winged structure came back that he will be exonerated, but it versial” decisions taken by the reusable launch vehicle (RLV) after and landed in the Bay of Bengal, as (invite) sends a wrong signal to the previous Oommen Chandy gov- studying the data collected from originally planned. investigating agencies as well as ernment since the beginning of the May 23 flight of RLV-Technol- “As per data the RLV-TD landed the nation”. this year. ogy Demonstrator, a senior official softly in Bay of Bengal. As per our “In the Panama Papers case, Addressing reporters after in the Indian space agency said. calculations it would have disin- one of the names that has come out the first cabinet meeting, Vijayan “We will have to study the data tegrated at the speed at which it happens to be of the artiste con- said a cabinet sub-committee led generated from the May 23 flight. touched the sea,” Sivan said. cerned and his family. by State Minister A K Balan will Then we have to decide on the next He said the Indian Space “When a person accused of review all the controversial deci- set of technologies to be tested on the Research Organisation (ISRO) plans such a thing is seen hosting a pro- sions taken from January 1 till the next flight. We have not finalised the to put into orbit around 60 satellites gramme to celebrate two years of first week of March, when the time frame for the next RLV flight,” over the next five years and the bulk the Modi government, does it not assembly polls were announced. K Sivan, director, Vikram Sarabhai of them will be earth observation send a signal to the investigat- “Certain controversial deci- Space Centre (VSSC), told reporters satellites. ing agency not to proceed against sions were made and all such here yesterday. He said the first developmen- those who are under suspicion decisions that the subcommittee The VSSC located in Thiruvanan- tal flight of India’s heaviest rocket for having stashed black money deems fit for a review would be thapuram builds the Indian rockets geosynchronous satellite launch abroad in foreign bank accounts?” done,” said Vijayan. that put into orbit earth observation vehicle-Mark III (GSLV-MkIII) will Surjewala asked. Another important decision and communication satellites. take place in December this year The event at India Gate is taken was to appoint a special According to Sivan, the next carrying the GSAT-19 satellite. likely to include talk shows on the team led by top police official B RLV will be made to land on a run- Sivan said the second develop- government’s achievements, inter- Sandhya to probe the murder of way like stretch to be built at India’s mental flight of GSLV-MkIII is slated spersed with cultural programmes. law student Jisha who was found rocket port at Sriharikota around for December 2017. “Would it not defeat and dead in her home last month 80km from here. “The time gap is mainly to weaken both morally, ethically and at Perumbavoor in Ernakulam “We have identified the land study the data generated from the also perhaps legally, the drive of district. “There were lots of ques- and construction activities are yet first flight and also to develop the the prime minister to punish every Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma at a promotional event for tions raised right from the way the to begin,” he added. necessary hardware. Once the two individual found to have stashed her forthcoming Hindi film ‘Sultan’, in Mumbai late on Tuesday. first information report was pre- On May 23, ISRO successfully developmental flights are success- black money abroad. This is some- The film is directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. pared and the way the body was took the first step in developing ful, the rocket will be termed fit for thing that he must ponder over.” interred”, said Vijayan. a RLV by successfully testing an commercial flights,” Sivan said. 18 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 INDIA

President invites Official denies Chinese to ‘Make in India’ evicting tribals IANS

GUANGZHOU: President Pranab Mukherjee yesterday invited Chi- from reserve nese entrepreneurs to participate in the ‘Make in India’ initiative and said India was committed to pro- bison and the Bengal tiger. viding “conducive atmosphere” for Harassament alleged It forms part of a tiger corridor investment from China. to the neighbouring Kanha National The president, who is on a in ‘Jungle Book’ tiger Park, which provided the inspira- four-day visit of China, said India sanctuary. tion for “The Jungle Book”, Kipling’s believes that there is “great poten- novel about an abandoned boy who tial for economic and commercial is raised by wolves in the jungle in cooperation among our nations, India. which face similar opportunities London-based Survival Inter- and challenges”. Reuters national said the Baiga people were “To realise the full potential told they will have to move from of our economic partnership, it their villages to a muddy clearing is important to bridge the infor- BHUBANESWAR: A wildlife official outside the reserve, even though mation gap between our business in central India yesterday rejected there is no evidence their presence communities. India is committed claims that tribes living in a tiger in the reserve is harming tigers. to providing a conducive envi- sanctuary inspired by Rudyard In fact, it said, the number of ronment for more investments Kipling’s “The Jungle Book” were tigers in the reserve has report- from China,” Mukherjee said. “We being forced from their ancestral edly risen to 28 in 2015, from 12 in believe that stepping up our two- land to protect the endangered ani- 2011. way trade and investment flows mals. “It’s illegal and immoral to target will be of mutual benefit to both Indigenous rights group Survival tribes, who have co-existed with the our nations. We welcome Chinese International says the Baiga tribes in tiger for centuries, when industrial- investments and entrepreneurs to President Pranab Mukherjee (centre) and China’s Vice-President Li Yuanchao (rear) attend a reception in the Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctu- isation and mass-scale colonial-era participate in ‘Make in India’ and ary in Chhattisgarh state are being hunting are the real reason the tiger China’s capital Beijing yesterday. other flagship initiatives.” harassed by forest guards to leave became endangered,” said Survival’s the land where they have lived for Director Stephen Corry. generations. “Big conservation organisations B N Dwivedi, principal chief con- should be partnering with tribal servator of forests and chief wildlife peoples, not propping up the forest J&K governor praises Modi’s outreach to neighbours warden in Chhattisgarh, said there departments that are guilty of bru- were plans to relocate some tribal talising them. Targeting tribal people villages that are inside the sanctu- harms conservation,” Corry said in IANS particularly along the borders where marked by unwavering commitment He said the government was ary, but that no force was being used. a statement on Monday. the lives of the people have been to securing inclusive political stabil- receptive to any debate as “dissent “When we evacuate some villag- Despite a slew of “pro-poor” pol- shattered.” ity and advancing the interests of the is an inherent and valued element of ers from the tiger reserve, it cannot icies, activists say India’s economic SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra He said the impact of Modi’s visit people of Jammu and Kashmir”. the democratic discourse between be done without their permission, boom has bypassed many tribal Modi’s peace initiative with neigh- to Lahore and the bilateral dialogues Mufti died in January and his one and all, between those in gov- without their acceptance, without communities, who make up more bouring countries would bear positive at different levels “have generated daughter Mehbooba Mufti is now ernment and those on the other side. their saying ‘yes’,” Dwivedi told the than 8 percent of its population of dividends for the strife-torn Jammu hope for our state, which has for long heading the Peoples Democratic “There should be no occasion to Thomson Reuters Foundation by 1.3 billion people. and Kashmir, Governor N N Vohra borne the brunt of unstable relations Party (PDP)-Bharatiya Janata Pary feel discouraged or offended by voices phone from Raipur, the capital of Many live in forest villages, eking said here yesterday. between the two countries”. (BJP) government in the state. of dissent.” Chhattisgarh. out a living by farming, rearing cat- In his address to the joint session “The state government is com- “Perhaps the best collective trib- The governor said that the state “The allegation that they are tle, collecting and selling fruit and of the state’s bicameral legislature mitted to pursuing and strengthening ute which this house can pay to Mufti government was committed to being relocated forcefully is not cor- leaves. on the first day of its budget session, the path of peace and dialogue for would be to join hands and work, with safeguarding the “special status ... rect and entirely incorrect.” The Forest Rights Act, a law Vohra said: “The prime minister’s bold achieving reconciliation and devel- single minded devotion, for generat- accorded to Jammu and Kashmir Achanakmar covers an area of recognising the right of indigenous initiative of reaching out to Pakistan opment,” Vohra said. ing an inclusive political environment in the constitution of India and has 552 sq km and is home to numerous tribes to inhabit forests where their in a bid to establish lasting peace in Vohra also remembered late chief and securing rapid and equita- been also spelt out in the agenda of flora and fauna, including endan- forefathers had settled centuries ear- the region has been welcomed in the minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed ble growth and development of the the alliance which forms the basis of gered animals such as leopards, wild lier, came into force in 2008. state and revived the hope for peace, “whose entire political career was state.” the PDP-BJP coalition government”.

Modi government No child’s play Contempt plea against has met with failures on most guru to be heard in August fronts: JD-U IANS Section 19(4) of the NGT Act vests the power of Civil Courts in us. We IANS can issue contempt notices,” Justice NEW DELHI: The National Green Swatanter Kumar, the chairperson Tribunal will take up on August 2 of the NGT and former Supreme NEW DELHI: Even as the Naren- the arguments on plea for contempt Court judge, said while respond- dra Modi government completes proceedings against spiritual guru ing to queries of Art of Living (AoL) two years at the Centre, the oppo- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for his alleged counsel. sition parties are mincing no words statement terming the environment The National Green Tribunal in criticising its performance. compensation imposed by the green had asked the AoL to pay Rs50m Yesterday, the Janata Dal-United tribunal as politically motivated. as environment compensation for (JD-U) targeted the Modi dis- The Art of Living (AoL), founded the damage the World Culture Fes- pensation, saying the National by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, has main- tival (WCF) had caused to the fragile Democratic Alliance (NDA) gov- tained that the foundation has not Yamuna floodplains’ eco-system in ernment has failed on most fronts. flouted any environment norms March this year. “The Narendra Modi govern- while organising the World Culture Even two months after the event ment, which came to power by Festival (WCF) or caused any dam- ended, the foundation is yet to pay fuelling high expectations of devel- age to the Yamuna floodplains where the entire amount, although it had opment, has failed on almost all the three-day event was held. paid a part of it (Rs2.5m) before the fronts,” JD-U spokesman K C Tyagi The National Green Tribunal commencement of the event. said. (NGT) yesterday asserted that it has The court has also directed “Seven core industrial sec- powers to move contempt proceed- the principal committee it had tors are showing negative growth ings against anybody disobeying its appointed in March to “assess the and the government has failed orders. damage incurred by the WCF to the A woman carries a child on her shoulder in New Delhi yesterday. to push critical reforms like the “The Tribunal has power to pun- floodplains” and submit a report by GST (goods and services tax). The ish the people disobeying its orders. June 8. flagship programmes of Narendra Modi government have been high on promises but low on delivery,” he said. Tyagi said that the “achche Challenges galore but Assam win gives BJP a fillip din” promised in terms of creat- ing employment opportunities for the youth are yet to materialise. IANS install its chief ministers in Haryana, Congress and has energised the BJP “As a ruling party and a govern- for himself and his party. The Modi “The recent developments Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Assam. cadres for the Uttar Pradesh elec- ment, we may be doing far better job. government had come as a breath of reaffirm the government’s scant It also emerged as the second biggest tions,” BJP MP Jagdambika Pal said. But we need to do a lot in terms of the fresh air,” Kashyap said. regard for the interests of the NEW DELHI: It has been a see- party in Jammu and Kashmir, where Uttar Pradesh sends 80 MPs to perception battle,” BJP leader Kailash On the flip side, the BJP has had working class as well as the sal- saw ride for the BJP since it formed it is part of the ruling coalition. Lok Sabha and will be among five Vijayvargiya said. to tick off some of its own MPs for aried sections of the society,” he an alliance government at the cen- The BJP victories have also dealt states where assembly polls will be Neiphiu Rio, who is a Nagaland remarks that created controversies said. tre two years ago but victory in the a severe blow to the Congress, which held early next year. Peoples Front MP from Nagaland, said and sought to take away focus from The JD-U leader added that the Assam polls has helped it wrest back now has governments only in six Party leader Tapir Gao said the it was time to implement schemes as governance. There have also been fringe elements are vitiating the the political momentum it lost after states — with Karnataka being the BJP would also be looking for victory mere slogans will not help. controversies created by fringe ele- atmosphere, and the minority and defeats in Delhi and Bihar. The vic- only big state in its kitty. The party in Manipur next year. “I know about the intention of ments. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh marginalised communities are liv- tory has also helped the BJP emerge had won only 44 seats in the 2014 Lok The party’s coming to power in the Modi government. I know about chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks about ing under constant threat. as a party with a noticeable pan-India Sabha elections — to the BJP’s 282 in Assam, its entry in Kerala assembly the schemes for the northeast and quotas, which the organisation subse- “Severe repression of students presence while also brightening its a 545-member house. and being part of the ruling coali- poor people in general. But now it quently clarified, are believed to have in central universities is seen all prospects for the 2019 Lok Sabha BJP leaders say that the vic- tion in Jammu and Kashmir has made is time to implement, mere slogans cost BJP dear in the Bihar assembly over the country. Black money polls. tory in Assam will have an impact BJP a truly pan-India party. BJP has won’t help,” Rio said. The NPF sup- polls. The party also suffered as its stashed away abroad has not been The BJP victories in several state on national politics and help build appears to have replaced Congress as ports the BJP-led National Democratic campaign was seen to be aggressive brought back. elections after the 2014 Lok Sabha its campaign for the crucial Uttar the primary pillar of national polity. Alliance (NDA) government. Former and it had no local leader as chief “Farming sector is reel- polls have helped build the perception Pradesh assembly polls early next BJP leaders say the party’s per- Lok Sabha secretary general Sub- ministerial candidate. ing under severe stress, and the that the Narendra Modi government year. formance in the future polls is ash C Kashyap said that Modi has to In Delhi, the party choos- government refused to hike the continues to enjoy the support of the “The Assam victory will have an directly linked to the people’s per- deliver for his party. “Prime Minis- ing a chief ministerial candidate minimum support price to the people in various regions. In the last immense impact on national politics. ception about the Modi government’s ter Modi does not have an excuse for days before the assembly polls was farmers,” Tyagi said. two years, the party has been able to It has sparked debate about surgery in performance. failure. He will have to deliver both counterproductive. EUROPE / UK THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 19 Ukrainian pilot gets hero’s welcome after prisoner swap

presidential motorcade whisked her view Savchenko as a pawn in Mos- from Kiev’s main Boryspil airport to cow’s broader aggression against Nadiya Savchenko Poroshenko’s office where he awarded Ukraine that has seen Russia seize was released as part her the Hero of Ukraine order, the the Crimean peninsula and fuel the country’s highest honour. separatist uprising in 2014. of prisoner swap In Ukraine, she has become a The French presidency said between Moscow symbol of resistance against what Savchenko’s release was agreed by and Kiev where two Kiev sees as Moscow’s aggression in the leaders of France, Germany, Rus- the east and has even been elected to sia and Ukraine during phone talks Russians in Ukraine parliament in absentia. The president earlier this week. were returned to vowed that Ukraine would take back Savchenko’s return will be seen Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in Ukraine as a rare political vic- Moscow. in 2014, and the rebel-held territory tory for Poroshenko, who has been in the east of the ex-Soviet country. struggling with mounting economic “Just as we brought back Nadiya, troubles, squabbles among his allies we will bring back Donbass and and festering violence in the east of AFP Crimea under Ukraine’s control,” the ex-Soviet country. Poroshenko said, adding that she had Savchenko was convicted in spent 709 days as a “Russian hostage.” March over killing of two Russian Speaking at presidential adminis- journalists in eastern Ukraine and KIEV: Ukrainian pilot Nadiya tration building, Savchenko—who was sentenced to 22 years behind bars. Savchenko returned home to a hero’s officially pardoned by Russian Presi- She was in captivity in Russia since welcome yesterday after nearly two dent Vladimir Putin—urged Russians June 2014. She denies any involvement years in a Russian jail following a pris- to fight injustice at home. in the deaths of the two state televi- oner swap with Moscow that drew a “You have to rise up from your sion journalists. Savchenko—who was line under a major diplomatic spat. knees,” she said. “Ukraine has every fighting in a pro-Kiev militia group The 35-year-old army helicopter right to exist despite someone’s rotten against rebels in east Ukraine—insists pilot flew home as part of a carefully soul and sick mind,” she added in an she was kidnapped by separatist choreographed exchange with Mos- apparent reference to Putin. fighters before the journalists were cow, with two alleged Russian soldiers While in prison, the pilot launched killed in June 2014 and then illegally Ukrainian servicewoman Nadiya Savchenko talks to the media at Boryspil International Airport outside Kiev, leaving Ukraine earlier in the day. several hunger strikes to protest her smuggled to Russia. “It’s been a long Ukraine, yesterday. “I’m ready to once again give my detention, refusing food and water and complicated road,” lawyer Nikolai life for Ukraine on the battlefield,” a during her trial in southern Russia. Polozov said on Twitter. added, referring to a savage land in home, said her return had been in the soldiers, Aleksandr Aleksandrov defiant Savchenko declared after she She constantly defied the Russian “But we have been able to prove the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. works for several weeks and that the and Yevgeny Yerofeyev, sentenced touched down on home soil. authorities and even raised her middle that there are no insurmountable Iryna Gerashchenko, a senior law- presidency had not wanted to make by Ukraine to 14 years in prison for Soon after the presidential finger at the court in March. tasks and we’ve managed to free the maker in Ukrainian parliament who any premature announcements. fighting in the rebel-held east, arrived plane brought Savchenko home, a Kiev and its Western allies hostage from the jaws of Mordor,” he flew to Russia to bring Savchenko “Earlier, two alleged Russian in Moscow. Swedish court Muslim pupils face fine for upholds Assange arrest warrant refusing handshake with teacher in Switzerland Reuters

AFP Sommaruga, who was among STOCKHOLM: A Swedish lower many senior officials and public fig- court yesterday upheld the arrest ures who weighed in on the matter, warrant for Wikileaks founder insisted on Swiss public television Julian Assange, saying the stay at GENEVA: Religious belief is no last month that “shaking hands is Ecuador’s London embassy did not excuse for refusing to shake a teach- part of our culture”. equal detention. er’s hand, Swiss regional authorities Explaining yesterday’s ruling, Assange, 44, is wanted by Swed- ruled yesterday, reversing one authorities said “the public interest ish authorities for questioning over school’s controversial decision to concerning gender equality as well allegations, which he denies, that he grant exemptions for Muslim pupils as integration of foreigners far out- committed rape in 2010. wary of touching the opposite sex. weighs that concerning the freedom A computer hacker who Parents or guardians of pupils of belief of students.” enraged US authorities by pub- who refuse to shake a teacher’s The school, which amid the lishing hundreds of thousands of hand in the northern Swiss canton uproar had turned to cantonal secret US diplomatic cables, he has of Basel-Country could now face authorities for guidance, said it was been holed up in the embassy since fines of up to 5,000 Swiss francs “relieved” at ruling. “Now there is June 2012 to avoid the rape inves- ($5,000, €4,500), regional educa- clarity on how to proceed,” it said, Neighbours hang rival EU referendum banners from their balconies in north London, yesterday. tigation in Sweden. tion authorities ruled. adding it would lift temporary He says he fears further extra- “A teacher has the right to exemption in place since school dition to the United States, where demand a handshake,” they said began last autumn. “This decision there has been a criminal inves- British youth unimpressed in a statement. has recently been communicated to tigation into the activities of The decision comes after a the family,” it said. Wikileaks. national uproar over revelations The cantonal authorities pointed “The district court finds that last month that a middle school out that if the two students at heart there is still probable cause for with pro-EU campaign video allowed two brothers, aged 14 and of the controversy once again refuse the suspicion against JA (Julian 15 with Syrian nationality, not to to shake hands, “the sanctions called Assange) for rape, less serious inci- shake their teachers’ hands after for by law will be applied,” it said. dent, and that there is still a risk Reuters parachuting and clubbing. to the video, but its opponents on the they complained that doing so was The public focus on the case has that he will depart or in some other A message then flashes up: “Life’s “Out” side were quick to react with a counter to their religious beliefs if the already landed the family in diffi- way evade prosecution or penalty,” better in the EU, but it’s at risk. 23rd tweet of a poster from the campaign, teacher was a woman. They argued culty, after media revealed they were the court said in a statement. June, make sure you’re #VOTIN” with the slogan “PATRONISIN CRINGIN that Islam does not permit physical seeking to become Swiss. Last year, Sweden’s Supreme LONDON: A campaign video urging The decision to drop the letter “G” EMBARRASSIN #VOTIN”. contact with a person of the oppo- Cantonal authorities last month Court rejected a previous appeal by young Britons to vote to stay in the from the end of all the verbs, in an Beyond the mockery, galvanis- site sex, with the exception of certain announced that naturalisation pro- Assange to revoke a detention order. European Union in a June 23 refer- apparent attempt to mimic the way ing the youth vote is a serious issue immediate family members. ceedings had been put on hold. Following a statement by a UN endum backfired yesterday, with some young people talk, set off a tidal for the “In” camp, as surveys show To avoid effectively permitting The father of two boys, based in panel that his stay in the embassy young people taking to Twitter in wave of scorn on social media. young people are far more likely to discrimination against female teach- Basel and a Syrian national, moved amounts to arbitrary detention, droves to denounce it as patron- “Interested to read about the be in favour of remaining in the EU, ers, the school decided to exempt the to Switzerland in 2001 and was Assange’s lawyers again in Feb- ising. #votin campaign - it’s just like ‘vot- but far less likely to vote. boys from shaking hands with any granted asylum. Basel’s migration ruary asked the Stockholm District To a soundtrack of thumping ing’ apparently, but for young people,” A survey of 2,000 students pub- of their teachers, regardless of sex. office was seeking more informa- Court to overturn the warrant for dance music, the video shows images wrote Twitter user Carys Davis. lished last week found that 63 percent That decision—made inde- tion about the circumstances under his arrest. “Unlike the UN Work- of young people while a series of Many others used the hashtag of them did not know the exact date of pendently by the school in the which the father’s asylum request ing Group on Arbitrary Detention verbs appear one after the other in #cringin to express their views. the referendum, while 54 percent were northwest Therwil municipality was approved. the district court does not consider capital letters: WORKIN, LEARNIN, “#votin - not to be confused with not aware it was being held in June. without involvement of canton’s Authorities yesterday said one JA’s stay at the Embassy of Ecuador EARNIN, SHOPPIN, RAVIN, CHATTIN, #patronisin & cringin innit. Remainin Sam Gyimah, a junior minister and authorities or local officials—trig- member of the family, whose iden- in London a form of detention,” the ROAMIN, MAKIN, MEETIN, SHARIN, in da European massive,” wrote Julian member of parliament from the ruling gered an outcry across Switzerland, tity was not revealed, had received court said. One of Assange’s Swed- GOIN, LIVIN. Shea, in his own take on faux youth Conservative Party who is leading the where tradition of students shak- a warning over “incitement to ish lawyers, Thomas Olsson, said The images show young peo- language. #VOTIN campaign, wrote in the Huffin- ing their teachers’ hands as a sign violence”, which could have con- the decision will in all likelihood ple engaging in purportedly typical The official “In” campaign gton Post that young people had most of respect is deeply entrenched. sequences for the naturalisation be appealed. activities such as spraying graffiti, ploughed on, repeatedly tweeting links to lose from a British exit from the EU. Justice Minister Simonetta process.

Suspect in 1980 Paris synagogue Landmark protest attack ordered back to jail

AFP The PFLP was blamed for bomb- question” of whether he was in ing on October 3, 1980 that left four France on the day of the attack. dead and around 40 injured. His ex-wife had told investigators Targeting the synagogue in rue that he was in Beirut on September PARIS: A French court ordered the Copernic, western Paris, it was the 28, 1980, despite stamps in his pass- chief suspect in a deadly attack on first major attack on a Jewish site in port indicating that he was already in a Paris synagogue in 1980 to be sent France since World War II. Europe. Federal prosecutors appealed back to jail, ten days after he was Diab, 62, was extradited from the May 12 decision, leading an appeals released on bail. Hassan Diab, a Canada in November 2014 and court to order him sent back to jail. Lebanese-Canadian sociology pro- charged with the attack. He main- “It’s a very unfair decision,” Diab’s fessor who had been detained for 18 tains his innocence and denies he lawyer William Bourdon said. months, is accused of being part of was a member of the PFLP. Bernard Cahen, lawyer for one the Special Operations branch of the On May 12, a judge authorised of the civil parties to the case, said People protest during a rally organised by trade unions in the day of the strike of public workers of Popular Front for the Liberation of his release on bail after ruling there that “on the merits of the case, we Rome city and Lazio region, in the centre of Rome, yesterday. Palestine (PFLP). was doubt over the “fundamental are absolutely convinced of his guilt”. 20 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 EUROPE

Swedish PM French cops break fuel depot blockade reshuffles

one of the most powerful in France, cabinet; Lovin would press on with its strikes. French Ministers At stake is a labour reform that is new deputy went on radio the government says is crucial to fight rampant unemployment stuck shows saying the at over 10 percent of the workforce government would and which aim to make hiring and fir- Reuters stand firm, while CGT ing easier. The CGT says the reforms will unravel protective labour regula- union chief Philippe tion, even though other unions back it. STOCKHOLM: Swedish Prime Martinez said the So far the strikes have affected oil Minister Stefan Lofven named depot and refineries, triggering short- Green Party’s co-leader Isabella union would press on ages, and train and metro strikes have Lovin as his deputy in a mid-term with its strikes. been announced too. cabinet reshuffle aimed at giving The nuclear plant strike is a fur- the minority coalition fresh energy ther escalation of a conflict that also after a series of scandals and fall- threatens to affect the Euro 2016 foot- ing poll numbers. Reuters ball championship, which starts on Two years into a four-year June 10 in France. The government term, voters have little faith in the has accused the CGT of taking the coalition as a result of its hesitant country hostage. response to the asylum crisis and a PARIS: Police broke up a fuel depot “A minority is trying to radicalise series of gaffes by Green Party pol- blockade in France yesterday and things,” Junior minister Jean-Marie Le iticians, with polls showing Lofven France’s hardline CGT union prepared Guen told RTL radio. “We will unblock himself deeply unpopular. for a strike at a nuclear plant, esca- the situation,” he said, adding that a “This means that we will be able lating a standoff over proposed new union “cannot govern the country.” to deal with the central questions labour laws. France has also mobi- Police used water cannons in such as schools, jobs, the environ- Riot police prepare to intervene to disperse refinery worker holding a blockade of the oil depot of Douchy- lised its emergency motor fuel stocks the early hours yesterday to dis- ment, house building ... and the EU’s for the first time since 2010, a spokes- lodge some 80 unionists who were Les-Mines to protest against the government’s proposed labour reforms, yesterday. future with renewed power,” Lofven, woman for oil lobby group UFIP said. blocking a fuel depot at Douchy-les- a Social Democrat, said. Ministers went on radio morning Mines, in northern France, union and carry on.” CGT workers have voted for at other nuclear plants will meet today The union which he said represents “We will develop the Swedish shows to say the government would police officials said. Other depots a 24-hour strike starting late in the to decide on possible further strikes, close to half of workers in the sector, model, not dismantle it.” stand firm, while CGT chief Philippe were unblocked by police on Tuesday. night at the Nogent-sur-Seine nuclear Laurent Langlard, a spokesman for the voted for a complete halt of production The reshuffle comes after Martinez told RTL radio that his union, CGT chief Philippe said: “We will plant southeast of Paris and workers CGT’s energy federation said. at the Nogent-sur-Seine plant, he said. former Deputy Prime Minis- ter Asa Romson was replaced as the Greens co-leader and former housing minister, also from Green Party, was forced to quit in April. End of glory Slovakia nominates Lovin will need to show dis- gruntled party supporters that the party can set agenda after a number of high profile policy defeats includ- FM for top UN post ing over tighter asylum rules. A test will be whether the Greens can stop sale of state-owned utility Vatten- Reuters of rotating the top post between fall’s lignite mines in Germany, regions, it is Eastern Europe’s turn. which the company has agreed to When the United Nations kicked sell to Czech firm EPH. off the race for the job in December, The Greens kept the environ- BRATISLAVA: The Slovak govern- the world body’s 193 members were ment ministry and Lofven also ment yesterday nominated Foreign encouraged to put forward a woman appointed former party leader Minister Miroslav Lajcak as a can- candidate. A man has held the posi- Peter Eriksson as housing minister. didate for secretary-general of the tion since its inception 70 years ago. Sweden has build few houses United Nations. Moscow-educated Lajcak, who for decades and with a growing Lajcak, 53, is a third-time for- oversaw the 2006 Montenegrin population, swelled by around eign minister in the government led independence referendum, has on 160,000 asylum seekers who by Prime Minister Robert Fico and occasion tempered Fico’s anti-immi- arrived last year, there is an acute served as both the High Represent- grant stance in Europe’s migration shortage of homes. ative and EU Special Representative crisis, but also objected to a quota Ultra-low interest rate and tax for Bosnia and Herzegovina. system for distributing asylum seek- breaks for ownership have helped The current UN Secretary-Gen- ers among EU member states. fuel a surge in house prices leading eral Ban Ki-moon steps down at the Speaking privately in April, some many to warn of a housing bubble. end of the year after two five-year diplomats said former Portugal Recent polls show Green Party Late president of Yugoslavia Josip Broz Tito’s admiral ship ‘Vis’ (centre) being towed to a position to be terms. Some predict there could Prime Minister Antonio Guterres and just clearing the four percent hur- sunk outside of Pula, Croatia. The ship was in operation as a commanding ship of the Yugoslav Navy, up to 15 candidates by the time the former New Zealand Prime Minis- dle for seats in parliament with Security Council holds its first infor- ter Helen Clark were favourites after Social Democrats—at around 25 until the early 90s. It is the first to be ship sunk in Croatia for purpose of tourism and scuba diving. mal straw poll in July. each nominee was quizzed for two percent. Under an informal tradition hours by the General Assembly. Merkel says ‘not worried’ about migrant deal Refugees keep moving

AFP parliament would block laws related Th EU wants Ankara to narrow western Balkans, mostly towards out of Idomeni camp to the deal if Ankara was not granted its definition of terror to stop prose- Germany and Scandinavia. its key demand of visa-free travel. cuting academics and journalists for The inflow has slowed to a trickle The stark warning came amid publishing “terror propaganda”. however since countries along this AP set up in northern Greece by local BERLIN: German Chancellor spiralling tensions between the Turk- Austria’s Defence Minister Hans “Balkan route” closed their borders authorities and the army. Angela Merkel yesterday brushed ish leader and the EU over a string of Peter Doskozil said yesterday that the and the EU-Turkey accord came into “It was a calm night,” said Vicky off concerns about a landmark EU- issues ranging from existing accords country was ready, should the deal force in March. Markolefa, spokeswoman for the Turkey deal designed to stem flow of to human rights. between the EU and Turkey collapse Austria has nevertheless been IDOMENI: Refugees and migrants medical aid group Doctors Without migrants to Europe after critical com- There have been growing indica- and the flow of migrants resume. preparing border controls in case boarded buses yesterday on the sec- Borders. “What we are seeing is that ments by her Turkish counterpart. tions Turks will not be given visa-free “We are preparing ourselves... the influx starts again, including at ond day of an operation to evacuate people are leaving voluntarily. There “I am not worried,” Merkel told travel by the target of end of June, and We want to signal that we are capa- the Alpine Brenner Pass on the border the sprawling, makeshift Idomeni has been no problem.” reporters. “Maybe some issues will Merkel warned after talks with Erdogan ble of controlling our own borders,” with Italy, to the annoyance of Rome. refugee camp. But many former Idomeni res- require more time, but in princi- that the target was unlikely to be met. Doskozil told reporters in the south- Austria saw 90,000 people claim More than 700 police were idents chose to leave on foot for ple we, for our part, will stick to the EU leaders are insisting that Tur- ern Austrian city of Klagenfurt. asylum last year, helping boost the deployed but no violence was another, smaller informal camp, agreement.” key abide by 72 conditions before the Austria last year became a far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) which reported in the push that began at expressing dismay at conditions in Turkey President Recep Tayyip visa exemption takes place, with a key transit country for hundreds narrowly failed on Sunday to win dawn Tuesday in the camp of more the shelters, and their prospects for Erdogan on Tuesday warned the demand to change counter-terrorism of thousands of migrants travel- elections for the largely ceremonial than 8,000 people. Journalists have eventual relocation elsewhere in European Union that the Turkish laws proving particularly contentious. ling up from Greece through the but coveted presidency. been banned from the site. the European Union. UN refugee Authorities said about 2,000 agency spokeswoman Stella Nanou people moved out on the first day, said there is room for improvement leaving just over 6,000 in Idomeni in some of the new official camps. Greek port early yesterday, and by early after- “We, as the UNHCR, are willing noon at least 430 more had left. The to help improve the facilities and Czech PM furious after coalition camp’s evacuation is expected to last conditions there,” she said. “But at workers to stage several days, with residents being some of the facilities things are not walkout today partners block anti-smoking bill transported to newly built shelters improving.” ATHENS: Greek port workers will walk off the job todoay for 48 Reuters opposition party conservative Civic members who were present, 15 voted hours to protest against sale of the Democrats, see a ban on smoking against the ban, 13 in favour and 16 country’s two biggest ports, which as an attack on personal freedom. abstained. The ruling coalition com- Athens has promised to interna- In the last decade, several attempts prises Sobotka’s Social Democrats, tional lenders in exchange for PRAGUE: Czech Prime Minister to introduce sweeping anti-smoking ANO and the Christian Democrats. much-needed bailout loans. Bohuslav Sobotka berated members legislation have failed. Blocking the ban “assisted the Privatisations, a key term of of ruling coalition partner ANO for Opponents of the bill also argued tobacco lobby and harmed the inter- Greek bailouts since 2010, have blocking a government-proposed anti- that a ban would result in outlets being ests of citizens,” Sobotka said in a generated only a fraction of an ini- smoking bill in parliament, calling their forced out of business, especially in later statement, and called for a coa- tial €50bn ($56bn) target and have vote against a national ban a “disgrace”. villages where they are still a main lition meeting for ANO to explain its met strong union resistance. Port The proposed ban on smoking gathering place for the community. action. workers, who fear job cuts, have in restaurants would have brought Sobotka said ANO lawmakers ANO leader, billionaire Finance staged repeated strikes. Czech anti-smoking legislation up who voted against the ban, even after Minister Andrej Babis, defended Port workers unions will decide to speed with the majority of its fel- the party’s ministers had supported members who voted against the ban, on a new 48-hour walkout after the low European Union members. Of the the initiative, had gone against ruling denying on Twitter that they had vio- end of the strike, George Gogos, gen- 28-member bloc, 17 have comprehen- coalition’s programme. On Twitter, he lated any coalition agreements in A bulldozer removes tents placed next to train tracks during a police eral secretary of the Piraeus Port sive smoke-free laws in place. called the result a “disgrace”. doing so. Babis was absent in Brus- dock workers’ union said. But critics, including the main Of the centrist ANO party’s sels at the time of the vote. operation at a refugee camp at Idomeni, yesterday. AMERICAS THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 21 Maduro’s opponents launch fresh rallies for his ouster

a week after protesters braved tear gas for the signatures to be counted. in a march against Maduro and the Time is on Maduro’s side because The protesters state of emergency he has imposed. if the process is delayed until next denounced Last week’s disturbances raised year, under constitutional rules he fears of wider unrest in the South could hand power to his allies instead shortages of food American country, where anti-gov- of new elections being held. and medicines that ernment rallies in 2014 led to riots that Capriles has said a referendum killed 43 people. “will be possible if citizens keep up citizens are suffering The centre-right opposition Dem- the pressure.” in the country. ocratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) is There is a risk that “along the way pushing for a referendum on remov- there is a social explosion and, as we ing the socialist leader from office, have repeated, a coup d’etat,” he said blaming him for the economic crisis. in a recent interview with the Span- AFP It accuses electoral authorities of ish newspaper El Pais. dragging their feet in processing their Maduro still appears to have the petition for a referendum. support of the armed forces, whose “We want a solution based on the top brass has publicly backed him. CARACAS: Protesters seeking to drive votes of the people, not an outcome The MUD says he also con- Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro that spills the blood of the people,” trols the key organs of state such from office launched fresh street ral- the MUD’s Secretary General Jesus as the Supreme Court and electoral lies yesterday, a test of their strength Torrealba said at the rally in Caracas. authorities. in a tense political crisis. “Trying to silence protests through “The only option the opposition Hundreds of his opponents gath- court rulings is foolishness.” now has to press for a referendum is ered near a court in eastern Caracas Senior MUD leader Henrique peaceful demonstrations, along with Opposition supporters carry a giant Venezuelan flag during a rally to demand a referendum to remove to protest a recent ruling that cracks Capriles also called for similar ral- international pressure,” said Hector President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, yesterday. down on protests near the offices of lies at courts in 20 other towns. Briceno, a political scientist at Cen- the electoral authorities. Despite court’s ban, the coali- tral University in Caracas. a foreign intervention,” Maduro A survey last month by pollster Citizens must queue for hours at They waved a red, yellow and tion said on its website that a further In a gesture of defiance to his told supporters last week. Venebarometro showed 68 percent of shops for rations of basic foods and blue Venezuelan flag and banners protest was planned for today near opponents and the United States, He claimed the referendum drive Venezuelans wanted Maduro’s depar- goods such as flour and toilet paper. denouncing shortages of food and headquarters of National Electoral Maduro flexed his muscles last week- had “very little support.” ture and new elections. The government is also impos- medicines that citizens are suffering Board (CNE). end with a series of military exercises. For the first stage of the process to Venezuela has the biggest oil ing daily electricity blackouts to save in the economic crisis. The opposition has handed the “This referendum aims to gen- request a referendum, the opposition reserves in the world but the fall in energy. Looting and lynchings of sus- It was a small rally but similar CNE the first of two petitions it must erate conditions to stir up the said it had collected 1.8 million signa- crude prices has slashed its foreign pected robbers have been reported ones were called around the country, file to call a referendum and is waiting streets and justify a coup d’etat or tures in favour of such a vote. revenues. over recent weeks. Brazil Congress okays Russian jailed in US ‘Cold War-style conspiracy’ deficit budget AFP The father of two, who used to “a plotline for a Cold War-era movie,” was dropped in his plea deal. He has earn $204,000 a year, waived his chief US prosecutor for Manhattan, expressed no remorse, they said. right to address the court. Arrested in Preet Bharara, has said. The defence told the court yes- January 2015, he has already served The US government says Burya- terday that there were “no factual Reuters some analysts see bolstering Tem- NEW YORK: A Russian banker was around half his sentence and is to be kov worked for Russia’s SVR foreign disputes that need to be resolved.” er’s support in Congress. sentenced to two-and-a-half years in deported following his release. intelligence agency while posing Prosecutors said the FBI eaves- “The administration is taking a prison on Wednesday after pleading His was the first such espionage as an employee for Russian bank dropped on SVR agents for months very pragmatic approach ahead of guilty to conspiracy in what US pros- case since 10 deep-cover agents, Vnesheconombank in Manhattan, with help of tiny recorders planted in BRASILIA: Brazil’s interim gov- the October elections ... there will ecutors called a Cold War-style spy including Anna Chapman, were and previously in South Africa. binders of trade secrets handed over ernment won congressional be a lot of political horse trading to ring in New York. arrested in the New York area in 2010. He pled guilty in March to one by an undercover agent posing as an approval yesterday for the big- approve other measures,” said Sacha Evgeny Buryakov, 41, stood They pleaded guilty and were part of count of conspiring to act as an energy analyst. The bugs allowed the gest fiscal deficit goal on record, Tihanyi, senior emerging market motionless in navy jail in a Manhat- a prisoner swap with Moscow. unregistered foreign agent working FBI to listen as Russian spies received in a victory for the new adminis- strategist with TD Securities. tan federal court as Judge Richard The murky case, which included on behalf of the Russian Federation. tasks from Moscow and fed informa- tration rattled by the resignation The measure passed despite the Berman sentenced him to 30 months the FBI planting covert recording Prosecutors insist he was an SVR tion back to the SVR from January to of a key minister initially charged sudden resignation of Planning Min- in prison and a $10,000 fine. devices hidden in binders, was akin to agent but that more serious charge May 2013, US prosecutors say. with drawing up the goal. ister Romero Juca, a leading member In a raucous session that ran past of Temer’s economic team, over midnight, the legislature accepted leaked recordings of him allegedly interim President Michel Temer’s discussing plans to obstruct a huge Guatemala & Belize 2016 primary deficit goal of 170.5bn graft probe. Wage protest reais ($47.4 bn), or 2.75 percent of The loss of Juca, the main politi- agree on joint gross domestic product. cal negotiator of the administration, It was the biggest-ever defi- was the first major blow to Temer training of troops cit goal of its kind, reflecting the after less than two weeks in power. anticipated difference between He had been due to present the pri- AFP revenues and expenditures before mary deficit target hours before he interest payments. The primary stepped down on Monday. deficit is a measure of creditwor- Investors fear Juca’s exit could GUATEMALA CITY: Guatemala thiness closely watched by ratings hamper efforts to pass key eco- said it will start training troops agencies that recently stripped nomic reforms in Congress and keep with neighbouring Belize and Brazil of its investment-grade up political instability in a coun- improve cooperation to alleviate a rating. try mired in its worst recession in blistering border dispute that saw a The approval of the deficit goal decades. fatal shooting incident last month. averted budgetary deadlock which “The big picture is that it The accord was reached threatened a government shutdown shows that this government between the Central American in June, clearing a hurdle faced by is exposed to this corruption countries’ respective foreign min- Temer who took office in mid-May investigation that could ham- isters meeting on the sidelines of after President Dilma Rousseff was per its governability and ability a humanitarian summit in Turkey, suspended to face trial on charges to pass measures in Congress,” Guatemala’s foreign ministry said of breaking fiscal rules. said Joao Pedro Ribeiro, analyst in a statement. Finance Minister Henrique with Nomura in New York. They agreed to try to “avoid Meirelles said in a statement that Temer, who was Rousseff’s vice incidents” along the disputed bor- the approval of the target signals president, yesterday announced a der, boost economic development the commitment of lawmakers to raft of measures, including a con- in the zone and seek international restoring the equilibrium of public stitutional amendment imposing a funding for an Organisation of finances. ceiling for public expenditures. Ana- American States office located The new deficit target, nearly lysts believe more needs to be done there. double what Rousseff had pro- to close a budget gap that could top They also backed the long- jected, could open the way for more than 10 percent of GDP, includ- Demonstrators release smoke during protest of state workers to demand better wages and a halt in standing position that the more spending ahead of the Octo- ing interest payments, for the second dissmisals in the public sector, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, yesterday. International Court of Justice ber mayoral elections, a move that year in a row. should rule on the border issue. Tribes step up fight against sacred object auctions Solar Impulse 2 leaves

AFP us. And when it’s gone, it’s like a piece highly restricted or illegal, depend- mask alone fetching €37,500. of ourselves goes missing.” ing on the objects and where they French judges have supported the Ohio on fuel-free flight The tribes have the support of the were recovered. And tribes have said auctioneers’ view that selling the arti- Smithsonian Institution’s National that such sales are offensive insofar facts is legal—since no French law WASHINGTON: In an international Museum of the American Indian and as they expose treasured and sacred expressly prohibits them—and have AFP International Airport on time at 0800 battle stretching from Native American the US departments of Interior and objects to public commerce. refused to stop auctions when tribes GMT. “I’m a bit sad to leave Dayton, lands in the American West to the auc- State. The EVE auction house did not “These items are part of our daily have sued. But American tribes see the city of the Wright Brothers, but tion houses of Paris, two tribes renewed respond to a request for an interview. lives and on certain occasions these the sales as an affront to their reli- also excited to continue our adven- a year-long campaign to prevent sale “In the absence of clear doc- are used in ceremony,” Riley said. gion and culture, rooted in wrongs WASHINGTON: The Solar Impulse ture,” Piccard wrote in a brief message of sacred objects. umentation and clear consent of Tracking artifacts has become eas- that date back hundreds of years 2, a solar-powered airplane piloted posted on the organiser’s blog. The Acoma Pueblo Nation located tribes themselves, these objects ier thanks to the Internet, he said, and when settlers pillaged artifacts. by Swiss national Bertrand Piccard, Piccard said he dedicated this in New Mexico and The Hoopa Val- should not be sold,” Mark Taplin of the Acoma have stepped up efforts to Many of the sacred items are successfully flew out of Dayton, Ohio flight to engineers “who worked all ley Tribal Nation of California have the US Department of State’s Bureau recover them. believed to contain spirits, such as in the dark early yesterday en route night to make sure #Si2 could fly to announced their opposition to a of Educational and Cultural affairs “We’ve been successful in the the masks sold in 2014, considered to Pennsylvania. Lehigh Valley today. A fantastic team!” scheduled sale next week of close to told press conference in Washington. United States to recoup some of living beings by the Hopi people and The single-seat plane with the The Solar Impulse 2 flight had 500 artifacts at Paris’ EVE auction Taplin said US authorities have those items,” he said. “It’s in France worn by dancers during religious cer- wingspan of a Boeing 747 is cov- been originally scheduled for early house. They want the sale stopped been talking with their French counter- that they’ve not been receptive to our emonies. “It’s amazing what’s left our ered in solar cells that power its Tuesday, but problems arose with and the artifacts returned. parts since the auctions began in 2013, position.” communities,” D. Bambi Kraus of the propellers and charge its batteries. the fan needed to keep the plane’s “This is not a work of art,” Gover- “But I must say we are still awaiting a There have been numerous Paris National Association of Tribal Historic The panels provide the plane’s sole giant mobile hanger inflated. While nor Kurt Riley of the Acoma Pueblo response from the French side.” auctions of Native American artifacts. Preservation Officers said. source of energy for the flight. rebooting the system the deflating Nation said, explaining how the The battle is both cultural and In June 2014, nine masks from the Kraus said members of her organ- The gangly plane, which trav- hangar fabric touched parts of the Acoma view the objects up for sale. legal. Selling Native American arti- Hopi tribe sold for a total of €137,313 isation have been reviewing auction els at an average speeds of only 48 airplane, which has 17,000 solar “This is a religious item that is dear to facts in the United States is either ($187,000), with one 19th century listings, and have been astonished. km per hour, flew out of the Dayton panels. 22 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 AMERICAS

Hillary knocks Protesters hurl Trump for cheering housing rocks as Trump bubble burst wins primary Reuters WASHINGTON: Democrat Hillary Clinton, seeking to dampen Repub- city convention centre, where the pro- lican presidential candidate Donald vocative Republican was speaking. Trump’s growing appeal with work- The victory in The crowd threw burning ing-class voters, accused him of Washington brings T-shirts, bottles and rocks at police, having cheered on the 2008 housing while police on horseback and offic- market crash. the New York ers wielding clubs used pepper spray Clinton’s campaign released an billionaire, the last and smoke grenades to try to dis- ad with audio that the presumptive Republican standing perse the crowd. Republican nominee recorded in “Several #APB officers are 2006 for his now-defunct Trump Uni- in the 2016 US being treated for injuries as a result versity venture. Trump, in remarks on presidential race. of being hit by rocks. At least one a “bubble burst,” said: “I sort of hope subject arrested from the riot,” Albu- that happens because then people like querque police said early yesterday. me would go in and buy” property and The protesters, several of whom “make a lot of money.” AFP waved Mexican flags, chanted exple- Clinton’s campaign and her sur- tives about Trump. Some also waved rogates used the recording to argue A protester disrupts a rally with Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump and his supporters in signs with expletive-laden anti- that she would take better care of Trump slogans in Spanish. Albuquerque, New Mexico, US yesterday. the US economy. Clinton is seeking LOS ANGELES: Protesters opposed Most of the protesters left before to blunt the inroads that Trump has to Donald Trump hurled rocks and midnight, the police said. Trump’s remarks on immigration and of the vote. “Thank you Washington! Republican primary contest. been making with voters in crucial bottles outside a rally he spoke at Trump has proposed building was absent from yesterday’s event. #Trump2016 #MakeAmericaGreatA- The real estate mogul’s former states such as Florida and Ohio. in New Mexico early yesterday, the a wall on the Mexican border, sug- Trump addressed a rally of about gain,” the candidate wrote on Twitter. rival, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, as well Trump defended his comments same day the bombastic billionaire gested that Mexican immigrants 4,000 people but was frequently inter- Trump is the Republican Party’s as Ohio Governor John Kasich and at a rally in Albuquerque, New Mex- won the Republican presidential pri- were rapists and drug dealers, and rupted by protesters, the Albuquerque presumptive nominee, and while he retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, ico, saying buying when the housing mary in Washington state. urged the deportation of the 11 mil- Journal reported. Police managed to is not officially the flag bearer yet he were still on the Washington ballot market was down showed smart deal- The victory brings Trump, the lion undocumented immigrants in stop a group of about 100 protesters is on the cusp. even though they already dropped making skills that he would bring to last Republican standing in the the United States. who had tried to storm the conven- He headed into the race in the out of the race. the White House. 2016 US presidential race, one New Mexico has the highest tion centre when Trump was speaking, northwestern state with 1,189 dele- Trump, a political neophyte whose “I’m a businessman, that’s what major step closer toward clinching percentage of Hispanic residents— the newspaper said. Riot police were gates, according to a CNN tally, just 48 provocative campaign has turned I’m supposed to do,” Trump said. “I his party’s nomination. But the suc- nearly 50 percent—of any US state, deployed soon after. delegates short of the 1,237 needed for American politics on its head, will be feel badly for everybody. What am I cess was overshadowed by violent and polls show that Hispanics Several Trump rallies have drawn the nomination. officially installed as the Republican going to do? I’m in business.” anti-Trump demonstrations in Albu- overwhelmingly oppose Trump’s protests, including one in Chicago in Washington state had 44 del- presidential nominee at the party’s The New Yorker also imperson- querque, in the southwestern state of immigration proposals. March when his supporters clashed egates up for grabs. Trump will national nominating convention in ated Clinton on the campaign trail, New Mexico. New Mexico Governor Susana with protesters. Trump has been criti- therefore cross the threshold and Cleveland, Ohio in July. who he said “screams,” and said Chaos erupted outside a Trump Martinez, the nation’s only Hispanic cised as inciting violence at his rallies. clinch the nomination on June 7, He pivoted to the general election other big names in business did sim- rally when protesters burst through governor and head of the Republican With more than two-thirds of bal- when California and four other weeks ago, relentlessly criticising his ilar deals as he did before the housing metal barriers and tried to storm the Governors Association, has criticised lots counted, Trump earned 76 percent states vote on the final day of the likely Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. crisis. Romanian hacker who exposed Hillary’s email server pleads guilty

The Washington Post series of high-profile intrusions. embarrassment. Lazar admitted in guilty voluntarily and that he knew evidence to suggest Lazar accessed account. The New York Times later Marcel Lehel Lazar, 44, as a part his plea that he often turned over the rights he was giving up. Clinton’s email address—despite his reported that Clinton exclusively used of his plea, said that he victimised his victims’ private correspondence “They’re all accurate,” he said, claim in a recent Fox News inter- a personal account to conduct govern- nearly 100 Americans from his home to media outlets, affixing the mate- after federal prosecutor Ryan Dickey view that he had done so—though he ment business. ALEXANDRIA: The Romanian hacker overseas, often by correctly guess- rials with moniker Guccifer to mark read a summary of the facts to which admitted as a part of his plea that he Lazar was charged in the United whose cyber-mischief first revealed ing their passwords or the answers his handiwork. In one instance, that he admitted. successfully broke into the account of States in 2014 and extradited to Alex- that Hillary Clinton used a private to their security questions. correspondence included paintings According to his plea agreement, Sidney Blumenthal, one of President andria earlier this year. He had been email address while she was secre- His targets included former sec- by Bush, including apparent self-por- Lazar faces at least two years in prison Bill Clinton’s former aides. It was after serving a sentence in Romania for tary of state pleaded guilty yesterday retary of state Colin Powell, family traits in the shower and bath. for aggravated identity theft charge and Lazar released notes from Blumenthal hacking the personal accounts of to aggravated identity theft and unau- members of former president George In US District Court in Alexandria, up to five years more for unauthorised to Hillary Clinton that Gawker noticed various Romanians, including the thorised access to a protected computer, W Bush and a host of celebrities, Lazar said little, offering only short access to a protected computer. the correspondence was directed to then-director of the Romanian Intel- admitting that he was responsible for a and his aim seemed to be to cause confirmations that he was pleading Federal investigators have no a private, nongovernmental email ligence Service.

Ex-Canadian PM Mute protest Harper to leave Mexico families wait for politics: Reports news as grave exhumed

Reuters AFP that public morgues were running short of space. Mexican authorities are permitted to use mass graves, but OTTAWA: Former Canadian Prime they must meet legal requirements Minister Stephen Harper will leave TETELCINGO, MEXICO: Anguished including forensic analysis. The inves- politics later this year, possibly to relatives are standing by as experts tigation into the burial pit in Tetelcingo join US private equity firm KKR, dig up a mass grave with more than will determine whether authorities according to media reports. 100 bodies buried by authorities in followed protocol in this case. The Canadian Broadcasting Mexico, where morgues are full due Maria Concepcion Hernandez, Corp reported that Harper, who to surging violence. whose son Oliver Wenceslao Navar- was Canada’s prime minister for Relatives with missing ones have rete was kidnapped and murdered nearly 10 years, has had offers of gathered since Monday in the central in May 2013, has slammed authori- work from several US companies, town of Tetelcingo, waiting behind ties’ handling of the grave. including KKR. Harper stepped a security cordon for the operation She brought existence of the down as leader of the Conserva- to empty the two pits, 33 feet deep. mass grave to public attention after tives last October after the party Guillermina Sotelo, whose son an official told her that her son was was defeated by the Liberals, led has been missing for nearly four buried there after procedural irregu- by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. years, is one of those hoping for clo- larities involving “falsified” signatures Harper was re-elected as a sure from the week-long operation. in the paperwork. Her son’s body was member of parliament for a rid- “It’s an injustice. They should not exhumed in December 2014. Colombian journalists hold balloons and tape their mouth shut during a rally to protest against the ing in Calgary, but will resign his have been thrown (into a pit) as if Video shot by the family showed disappearance of their colleagues Salud Hernandez, Diego de Pablos and Carlos Melo, in Cucuta, seat before parliament comes back they were animals,” she said. that the young man’s corpse was from its summer break in the fall, Colombia, yesterday. The pit dug by authorities in buried under dozens of other bodies. according to media reports. Tetelcingo, a town in Morelos state According to the protocol, “in about 100 km south of Mexico City, mass graves bodies must be sepa- was discovered in March 2014. rated from each other to allow them As many as 28,000 people are to be claimed” by relatives, said Vil- thought to have gone missing in Mex- laneuva, director of a programme for Canada scientists ask govt to reconsider dam project ico in the past decade, according to victims at the Morelos State Auton- estimates by rights groups and the omous University. United Nations. Hernandez said there were 150 AFP permits, “that does not mean that the “The Royal Society of Canada is apparently not considered by the gov- The families of missing vic- corpses in the grave wrapped in Canadian and British Columbian gov- deeply concerned about how that ernment approval panel, while two tims were outraged to learn about plastic, but state officials say there ernments cannot step back from the approval was achieved. Indeed, First Nations court cases related to the mass grave. They demanded an are only 116. They have DNA records project,” Royal Society of Canada project approval goes against the the dam are pending but construction inquiry that led to the exhumation. for 88 bodies, but 28 others remain MONTREAL: More than 200 Canadian president Maryse Lassonde said in an Canadian government emphasis on is already underway, the letter said. The work has been slow to start. unidentified. scientists are asking the government open letter addressed to Prime Min- evidence-based decision-making,” “Work on the Site C project should Relatives objected to the use of an Criminal gangs “can make to reconsider a hydroelectric dam ister Justin Trudeau. The letter was Lassonde said in the letter. be discontinued for this reason alone.” excavator, arguing that it could dam- people disappear in one state and project in the western province of Brit- only made public yesterday. The concerns included the fast- Last year, subsidiaries of Spain’s age corpses and prevent the bodies abandon their bodies or bury them ish Columbia, citing in part the rights Lassonde said she was voicing con- tracked approval process for Site Acciona and South Korea’s Samsung from being identified. in graves in other states,” said Javier of indigenous communities. cerns of a group of scholars, including C, as well as outstanding concerns were part of a partnership that won Morelos state prosecutor Javier Sicilia, father of a young man who Although the Site C project on several members of Royal Society of regarding “First Nations treaty and main civil works contract for Site C Perez said the bodies were buried in a was murdered in Morelos. “So nat- the Peace River has received federal Canada. The society said “over 200 Aboriginal rights,” the letter said. dam, which is projected to have an mass grave for “public health reasons.” urally the families believe that their cabinet approval and some required leading scientists” were involved. Aboriginal concerns were overall cost of Can$8.3bn ($6.3bn). In November, he had warned relative could buried anywhere.”

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 29o C Maximum: 38o C

FAJR 03.18 am ZUHR 11.31 am MAGHRIB 06.19 pm HIGH TIDE 06:30 - 20:30 Strong wind and high seas. Slight dust to dusty SHOROOK 04.45 am ASR 02.56 pm ISHA 07.49 pm LOW TIDE 03:15 - 12:30 at times.

MORNING BREAK THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 23

ONLINE CHART BUST App-surdity? Norway AyyayayayayayayyyyPigeon feeding readathon takes aim www.thepeninsulaqatar.com at wordy app terms MOST READ AFP

Syrian rebels agree in Qatar to OSLO: What exactly do we agree to when 1 stop fighting each other we download a smartphone app? To prove the “absurdity” of lengthy terms and con- Qatar begins marketing triple- ditions, some Norwegians are reading 2 tranche US dollar bond those of 33 apps, from Tinder to iTunes, in a live two-day readathon. Iraqi Shi’ite leader calls for The user terms and conditions of the 33 3 restraint in assault on Falluja applications typically found on a Norwegian smartphone amount to 260,000 words, or 900 pages, according to Norway’s consumer protection agency, making them a lengthier TWEET OF THE DAY read than the New Testament. In order to demonstrate the texts’ com- plexity, the agency has asked consumers to read out the terms and conditions live on its site: http://www.forbrukerradet.no/ vilkar-og-personvern-minutt-for-minutt/. “The aim is to demonstrate that the A little boy plays with a flock of pigeons on the north side of Souq Waqif yesterday. The expansive Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani witnessed last evening the arrival of Fath Al Kheir user terms for internet services, apps or area, which was formerly a parking lot, has become a popular destination for families with its vast 2 at Katara Cultural village beach. The event was also attended by H H Sheikh Jassem bin Hamad Al other, are very bad,” head of the agency’s open space where children can play and benches where they can rest while watching pigeons who Thani, Representative of the Emir. Pic: Qassim/The Peninsula → See also page 26 digital services section, Finn Myrstad, said. come in large kits. Pic: Kummutty /The Peninsula “They’re too long and unintelligi- ble.” Users were reading the conditions for Twitter, Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, Gmail, Skype, Instagram and Angry Birds among others. By midday yesterday, they had been reading for 27 hours, and were expected to continue for a few more hours. “Imagine if ‘Star Trek’ at 50: Boldly all the users in the world who have a smart- phone were to spend more than 30 hours (reading). That’s more than four days of work just to read the user terms and conditions on a smartphone,” Myrstad said. going on... and on Among the conditions posing the Follow us on greatest concern were those granting Snapchat “perpetual” or “irrevocable” licenses to AFP half-human, half-Vulcan science Kelley—said “Beyond” was more the other party, he said. officer named Mr Spock. complex and yet more fun than pre- Open Snapchat and “This means, in practice, that the con- Gene Roddenberry wrote the vious episodes. tent of your app, whether it’s your photos pilot in 1965, the same year as the This is in part thanks to Simon scan the Snapcode or your chats, will forever belong to the LOS ANGELES: It launched with a first US spacewalk, and pitched the Pegg—engineer Scotty in the reboot to add The Peninsula company. That’s totally unacceptable and mission of just five years “to boldly show as “a wagon train to the stars,” series—who was behind numerous account. violates European and Norwegian law,” go where no man has gone before” figuring that westerns were popular British comedy hits including 2004’s Myrstad said. The Norwegian consumer but half a century later “Star Trek” is a in Hollywood at the time. “Shaun of the Dead” and took on protection agency is a world leader in con- multi-billion-dollar cultural phenom- Fans say Roddenberry exam- scriptwriting duties for “Beyond.” fidentiality issues. enon adored by fans the world over. ined earthly social issues with an “We wanted to make sure we got When the show debuted in 1966 unparalleled sensitivity, presenting the balance right between paying the concept was a three-season tel- television’s first truly multiracial cast, respect and homage to what had been evision show following the crew of and the first televised interracial kiss. before—little inside jokes and refer- the starship Enterprise as they ven- Korean-American actor John Cho, ences for longterm fans—and making Indonesian birds face extinction tured into the galaxy to seek out new who plays Starfleet Officer Hikaru it fresh and delivering new material civilizations. Sulu in the rebooted trilogy—includ- that new audiences can appreciate,” Little did NBC know it would ing the upcoming 50th anniversary Urban, 43, said. AFP some species as pets has led to dra- creature that adorns the country’s snowball into a touchstone in enter- film “Star Trek Beyond”—describes Part of the enduring appeal of matic population declines, wildlife coat of arms. tainment spawning six shows with multiculturalism as one of its “defin- “Star Trek,” says Urban, is its com- trade monitoring network TRAFFIC Other species at risk of extinc- a combined 725 episodes and 13 ing features.” mitment to a hopeful depiction of a warned in a new study. tion include the Silvery Woodpigeon, movies, and turning its stars into “I really believe theoretically in humanity united in the future despite JAKARTA: Thirteen species of Indo- “This is a multi-million-dol- Yellow-crested Cockatoo, Scar- household names. “To be talking ‘Star Trek’ movies. It’s a good cultural differences in race and creed. nesian birds, including the country’s lar industry, there’s a huge criminal let-breasted Lorikeet, Javan Green about the 50th anniversary is insane. product, in my opinion. I wanted to “That, and getting it on with symbolic Javan Hawk-eagle, are at element and many people are prof- Magpie, Black-winged Myna, Bali I was born the same year that Star be a part of something I felt was an green girls,” he adds immediately. serious risk of extinction mainly due iting illegally from this business,” Myna, Straw-headed Bulbul, Javan Trek was,” veteran filmmaker J.J. important, positive cultural contribu- The latest film hits US theaters on to the pet trade, a wildlife watchdog Chris Shepherd, TRAFFIC’s director White-eye, Rufous-fronted Laugh- Abrams, the creative force behind tion,” the 43-year-old told AFP. July 22 but, whatever its fortunes, the warned yesterday. for Southeast Asia and a co-author ingthrush, Sumatran Laughingthrush the new “rebooted” trilogy, told a The franchise has attracted a “Star Trek” phenomenon will boldly The vast Indonesian archipel- of the study, told AFP. and Java Sparrow. convention in Hollywood last week. devoted global cult unified by their go on, with a new television series ago is home to a dizzying array of Huge demand for songbirds in The Helmeted Hornbill is also “I know how old I feel, so the idea affection for the Roddenberry vision, due out from January 2017 on CBS. birds and keeping them as pets has Indonesia has also put bird species in at risk but unlike the others, is not that this thing endures is incredible.” and today “Trekkies” are the only fan “It’s been around for 50 years and long been part of the national cul- other countries such as Malaysia and kept as a pet. Thousands are being The original series starred Wil- group listed by name in the Oxford hopefully we can build something ture, with birdcages a common sight Thailand in danger, Shepherd said. illegally killed and traded for their liam Shatner, now 85, as the suave English Dictionary. Karl Urban, that can continue it for another 50 outside homes and shops across the The Javan Hawk-eagle is Indone- unique “casques”—a solid lump of Captain James T Kirk and Leon- who plays ship’s doctor Leonard years,” said “Beyond” director Justin country. sia’s national bird and the inspiration fibrous protein that runs along the ard Nimoy, who died last year at the “Bones” McCoy—the role originally Lin, an action aficionado who made However increasing demand for for the Garuda, the mythical winged top of the bill and onto the skull. age of 83, as his stilted sidekick—a made famous by the late DeForest four of the “Fast and Furious” films. Nigeria facing ‘tomato Armageddon’ over crop infestation

AFP incurred losses of more than 1bn naira, with fears Zainab Abdullahi. Many Nigerians have taken to the moth could wreak havoc across the wider north. Twitter to complain, with some re-posting pho- A wholesale basket containing hundreds of tographs of the Tomatina festival in Spain, which tomatoes now sells for 42,000 naira ($212), up from every year hosts what is dubbed the world’s big- LAGOS: Rose Edet never thought buying tomatoes 300 to 1,500 naira before the outbreak, he added. gest food fight. for her busy Lagos restaurant would be an issue. In Kano, a new tomato processing plant set up One user wrote of the pictures of revellers hurl- But the rising cost is causing her a headache and by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote to reduce ing tomatoes at one another and splashing in the affecting her customers’ favourite Nigerian dishes. Nigeria’s reliance on imports and boost domestic fruit’s juice and pulp: “If only these guys know the “We are facing tomato Armageddon,” she said production has been forced to shut. The factory, price of tomatoes in Nigeria today.” in the Ikoyi district of the city. “I have never seen which only opened in March, requires 1,200 tonnes Another commented that tomatoes were “like this situation before in my 36 years in existence.” of the fruit every day but is not getting enough, said gold now in Nigeria” while a third said three toma- Tomato prices in Nigeria have been steadily managing director Abdulkareem Kaita. toes she bought for 200 naira were more than climbing for months, caused by unrest in northern Tomatoes are an essential ingredient for many expensive than a litre of fuel at 145 naira. “Toma- and central states where the crop is grown and this Nigerian dishes, from fiery pepper soups and stews, toes is the new oil in Nigeria,” wrote a fourth. has affected farmers’ ability to plant and harvest. and even to garnish suya, the popular spicy grilled Kaduna’s government has sent a team to Kenya Fuel price increases and a fall in imports due meat sold at roadside stalls across Nigeria. to find a remedy against the moth, which lays eggs to a foreign exchange shortage have contributed The effect of price rises and shortages are add- on tomato plants and develops into a hungry cater- to the scarcity and now a major crop infestation ing further hardship to Nigerians already struggling pillar that feeds on leaves, stems and fruit. has worsened the already bleak tomato outlook. with a lack of fuel for cars and generators, power Meanwhile rumblings of discontent are getting The Tuta absoluta moth, dubbed “tomato outages, and spiralling inflation. Edet and others say louder, particularly over the effect on the beloved Ebola” by local farmers, has destroyed more than they have been forced to switch to imported tinned national dish, jollof rice. Lagos trader Fatimo 80 percent of tomato farms in the northern state tomato paste but prices of puree have also shot up. Olubunmi said it was her three children’s favour- of Kaduna, its agriculture commissioner Manzo “A pack of tomato puree that sold at 40 naira ite food but the tomato scarcity has forced her to A vendor holds a tray of tomatoes for sale in Obalende district of Lagos. Daniel said. More than 200 tomato farmers have has now risen to 55 naira,” said Kano housewife switch to using tinned tomatoes and dry pepper.

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THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 • 19 SHA’BAAN 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Minister calls for bolstering Qatar-Belgium trade

Speaking at the second round of around $1.3bn while Qatari imports Legacy (SC), Ministry of Energy and H E Sheikh Ahmed Qatar Belgium Economic Forum in from Belgium increased by 7.3 per- Industry, Qatar Foundation, Qafar Brussels yesterday Sheikh Ahmed cent to $264m in 2015 compared to Financial Centre, Katara Hospitality, bin Jassim underlines bin Jassim underlined the important previous year. Manateq, Qatar Airways and Nebras the important role role being played by Belgium compa- The Minister said relations Power. nies in various development projects between Qatar and Belgium have Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani being played by in Qatar. There are 31 companies in strengthened by the official visits said the forum has brought together Belgium companies in Qatar which are either totally control- and bilateral agreements in different large number of businessmen, com- led by Belgium or have joint venture areas, especially in economy, trade panies, institutions to exchange ideas various development with Qatari companies. and investment. These development and opinions regarding mutual invest- projects in Qatar. He called for partnership in has had a positive impact on the bilat- ment and to arrange future visits of investment to insulate the economy eral trade between two countries. the businessmen of the two countries. of two countries from oil price volatil- He stressed on the need to He invited Belgium businesswomen ity. The Minister hoped that the forum exert more efforts to expand and to Qatar to meet their counterparts. The Peninsula will lead to an increase of trade rela- develop economic, trade and invest- Pieter De Crem, Secretary of State tions between Belgium and Qatar and ment cooperation between the two for Foreign Trade, Belgium welcomed new investments between the busi- countries. the Qatari minister and the accom- DOHA: Minister of Economy and ness communities. The accompanying delegation panying delegation. He praised the Commerce, H E Sheikh Ahmed bin The trade volume between Qatar with the Minister included Chairman growing trade relations between Jassim Al Thani has called for fur- and Belgium reached $1.6bn in 2015, of Qatari Businessmen Association, the two countries. He hoped that Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al ther bolstering of trade, investment showing a rise of one percent com- Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, the forum will further develop and and cooperation between Qatar and pared to previous year. Exports from representatives of Ashghal, Qatar Rail, strengthen cooperation and trade Thani speaking at the second round of Qatar-Belgium Economic Forum Belgium. Qatar to Belgium in 2015 stood at Supreme Committee for Delivery & between Qatar and Belgium. in Brussels.

Norway may use $850bn fund QNB signs contract with soccer Oil prices surge on as tool against tax havens star Xavi as brand ambassador easing US supplies

Reuters The Peninsula AFP 13-year lows of around $27 in early 2016, plagued by a stubborn sup- OSLO: Norway will take a first step ply glut. this week towards using its $850bn They have since rebounded, sovereign wealth fund, the world’s DOHA: QNB has announced the sign- LONDON: Oil advanced yesterday, aided by the Canada wildfires and biggest, as a tool to combat the use ing of a contract with international with New York prices reaching 2016 unrest in oil producer Nigeria. of tax havens, two key members star soccer player Xavi Hernandez, highs, as data revealed falls to US Commerzbank analyst Carsten of parliament’s finance commit- by which Xavi will be brand ambas- crude inventories owing to wildfires Fritsch said the recent rebound was tee said yesterday. sador for the Group. slashing production across the Cana- making the cost of North Ameri- The country’s right-wing The contract will give QNB dian border. can shale oil attractive once more, minority government will be asked exclusive rights to use Xavi’s image Around 1600 GMT, US bench- “which could dampen the fall in pro- to take a two-pronged approach in its promotional materials and mark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) duction in the coming months”. to regulation, examining both the campaigns to promote the Group’s for delivery in July was 19 cents He added: “What is more, oil fund’s own use of ownership struc- products and services, as well as higher at $48.81 a barrel. production is gradually resuming tures designed to cut its liability for in its events and sponsorships and Brent North Sea crude for July in those regions of Canada plagued tax on its foreign investments as any other marketing materials and won 49 cents to $49.10 a barrel com- by wildfires, which means the sup- well as that of companies it invests promotional campaigns in the Mid- pared with Tuesday’s close. ply situation is likely to ease again in, the politicians said. dle East and Africa, as well as India, Yousef Darwish, QNB’s GM – Group Communications, with international Prices had earlier yesterday in the coming weeks. The move follows the Pan- China, Southeast Asia, and the bank’s star soccer player Xavi Hernandez. risen close to $50, with WTI reach- “We therefore do not expect to ama Papers leaks in April, which branches and representative offices ing a 7.5-month high point at $49.45 see prices remain above $50 per bar- revealed details of corporate and in these areas. ambassador,” said Yousef Darwish. efforts to support CSR projects and a barrel after the American Petro- rel for any length of time,” he added individual tax evasion and trig- In a special event to celebrate the He added that the agreement initiatives in all the societies in which leum Institute (API) reported that US in a research note. gered a global backlash against occasion, Yousef Darwish, QNB’s GM included Xavi’s appearance as a QNB it operates.” crude inventories last week dropped Meanwhile, Opec is focusing tax havens. “We need to clarify the – Group Communications, signed the brand ambassador in many promo- Xavi deservedly won the Player of by 5.14m barrels. on market share rather than on extent of the fund’s exposure to tax contract with the former Barcelona tional and marketing campaigns, as the Year award during the Euro 2008 That data was backed up by the supporting oil prices, Iraq’s Opec havens,” said finance committee player and current Qatar’s Al-Sadd well as QNB events and sponsorship and 2009 UEFA Cup Finals. Xavi also US Department of Energy, which governor said in comments that chairman Hans Olav Syversen of Sports Club midfielder Xavi Hern events in Qatar and abroad. He stated played on the Spanish national squad Wednesday said that stockpiles of will dampen expectations that Opec the centrist opposition Christian ndez Creus. that the materials will be appearing that won the 2010 World Cup, earning the country’s commercial crude had might agree steps to support prices Democrats, on which the govern- “Spanish soccer star Xavi is con- soon in chosen Middle East and Asian many nicknames from his admirers slid by 4.2m barrels in the week to at a meeting next week. ment frequently relies for support. sidered one of the best playmakers in markets. and soccer fans worldwide, including May 20. “After two years, the market The Government Pension Fund the international soccer, just as our Xavi commented on his signing of “the maestro” and “the king”. “The price of oil gained ground is starting to balance but it nearly Global, commonly known as the oil Group excels in the international the contract with the Group, saying: The Group’s presence through its for a second day, with Brent pushing destroyed many countries,” Falah fund, invests cash from Norway’s banking sector as the leading finan- “I am pleased with this partnership subsidiaries and associate companies on $50 per barrel after the Depart- Alamri, Iraq’s Opec governor and crude and natural gas production cial institution in the Middle East with QNB Group, which has become extends to more than 27 countries ment of Energy confirmed a big draw head of the State Oil Marketing in foreign stocks, bonds and real and Africa as well as the most valu- an icon for excellence in the banking across three continents providing a in weekly inventories suggested Organisation (SOMO), said at an Iraq estate to share the windfall reve- able brand in the region. That is why sector for its unique services, as well comprehensive range of advanced overnight by the API,” said Jasper oil conference in London. nues with future generations. our Group chose Xavi as its brand as its great and much appreciated products and services. Lawler, analyst at trading group The “two years” is a reference to CMC Markets. OPEC’s meeting in November 2014, The Bank of Canada meanwhile when the producers group refused said that the destruction by fire of to cut output to support prices. “Now homes and businesses and the halt Opec focuses on market share, which Woqod’s nod to scrap minimum shares requirement to oil production would shave about means they do not want to interfere 1.25 percentage points off the coun- with the price,” Alamri said. try’s gross domestic product in the Reports say Iran is close to The Peninsula abolish the minimum shares require- the previous two meetings. and operation of Sidra C- Stores; second quarter. regaining normal oil export volumes, ment (previously prescribed at 100 Among the other agenda of the related to the vehicle related services The central bank, which yester- adding extra barrels to the market in shares for each single shareholder). The meeting, which shareholders approved and activities to be exercised by the day kept its key interest rate at 0.5 an unexpectedly smooth way and AGM, presided over by Sheikh Saoud were ‘Amendment of Article 3’ by add- service stations; allowing commercial percent, added that Canada’s econ- helped by supply disruptions from DOHA: The shareholders of Qatar Fuel bin Abdulrahaman Al Thani, Chairman ing activities and procedures to the advertisement inside the service station omy is still adjusting to a slump in Canada to Nigeria. (Woqod) yesterday approved all the of the Board of Directors of Woqod, was existing practices undertaken by the premises; and allowing the Board of crude oil prices between mid-2014 But the development will do lit- agenda on the Extra Ordinary General held at WOQOD Tower (West Bay). company in furtherance of its objects, Directors to pass decisions by “Circula- and February of this year. tle to repair dialogue, let alone help Assembly meeting, including changes The meeting had been post- which include enabling the utilisation tion “procedure in cases of emergency The global oil market nosedived clinch a production deal, when Opec in the Articles of Association related to poned due to the lack of Quorum in of Sidra Brand Name for establishment or necessity. from above $100 two years ago to meets next week. 26 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 BUSINESS

EU states fail to QFCA facilitates reach deal to tackle tax NU-Q study on avoidance Reuters investments BRUSSELS: European Union finance ministers failed yester- day to agree new rules to counter tax avoidance and deferred until nation’s financial sector and to sup- June a possible deal on clamping The research focused port students’ learning. down on schemes by multinational The study was conducted by companies to disproportionately on promotional Northwestern University in Qatar reduce tax bills. marketing activities (NU-Q) students. Mentored by fac- In the wake of Luxleaks and ulty professors, and with the goal of Panama Papers revelations, and strategies used better understanding of the Qatari ministers were under pressure by financial services market, undergraduate students to approve new rules proposed firms for both interviewed management of QFC by the European Commission in licensed banks and financial insti- January to tackle corporations’ conventional and tutions. The research focused on tax practices that are estimated promotional marketing activities to cost EU states up to €70bn Islamic investment Qatar Financial Centre Authority officials with NU-Q students who conducted the study. and strategies used by financial ($76.10bn) a year in lost revenues, products. services firms for both conventional according to an EU Parliament and Islamic investment products and It also revealed that commer- the development and future of the Our students have benefited tre- report. services. cial banks in Qatar focus on three financial sector, which includes our mendously from this partnership But several ministers raised The study examined two dis- strategies when marketing financial support of students in Qatar, so we and NU-Q appreciates the support concerns about some of the The Peninsula tinct types of financial institutions: services and products, segmentation were happy to facilitate the research provided by the QFC Authority and measures proposed, particularly asset management firms and com- of clients; relationship marketing; and and encouraged our firms to share looks forward to working on similar on rules aimed at deterring com- mercial banks. branding, to differentiate offerings their expertise and insights with the projects in the future.” panies from shifting profits to DOHA: The Qatar Financial Cen- It concluded that Qatar, like from competitors. students.” Following their presentations, a low-tax countries and aimed at tre (QFC) Authority has supported its GCC counterparts, adopts a Raed Al Emadi, Chief Commer- Everette E Dennis, CEO and Dean judging panel, including QFC repre- forcing them to pay taxes on div- an independent study on marketing ‘rentier state’ economic model, cial Officer at the QFC Authority, of NU-Q, said: “Northwestern Uni- sentatives, discussed the research idends and other profits made in and sales strategies for financial meaning it derives a majority of said: “The QFC has a high number of versity in Qatar encourages and methods and findings with the stu- tax-free countries. investment products and serv- national revenues from “renting” reputable financial firms operating supports numerous research projects dents, and provided them with Smaller countries, such as Lux- ices in Qatar, demonstrating both indigenous resources to external within Qatar and serving the local for our students, as well as experi- additional guidance and insight for embourg, Ireland and Belgium, its commitment to strengthen the clients. market. We take a keen interest in ence working with local institutions. their studies. were among the most critical. Unanimous support from the 28 EU states is required to pass leg- islation on tax matters. “We will continue work- Tata Steel yet ing on this in the coming weeks. Ezdan Holding launches training courses Hopefully we can come to a final to shortlist agreement on this proposal in June,” said Dutch Finance Minister bids for its Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who chaired The Peninsula to facilitate the learning process and the meeting. UK assets allow the participants to acquire fur- Commission Vice President ther information as much as possible. Valdis Dombrovskis said: “There The training sessions also dedicated are reasons to believe we will AFP DOHA: Human Resources and time for asking various questions reach an ambitious agreement.” Administration Department in Ezdan and perform effective exercises But opposition to proposals to Holding Group has launched a series that help enhance the participants’ tax dividends and profits made by training courses for its personnel in understanding of the objectives of European companies outside the MUMBAI: India’s Tata Steel said various departments, on different the session. bloc was so widespread the Dutch yesterday it had yet to shortlist any areas related to the development of Dr Al Awwad stressed that EU presidency conceded the meas- bidders for the sale of its loss-mak- professional and interpersonal skills. Ezdan Holding Group is keen on ure may be dropped. ing British assets but that it hoped The group is holding such courses developing the skills of its employ- The so-called switch over to close a deal soon. as part of its keenness to boost capa- ees continuously, through intensive clause would allow taxing these The Indian firm, Britain’s big- bilities of its employees and raise training courses which provide cus- incomes when they are moved to gest steel employer, announced productivity efficiency, which will tomised learning and development Europe from tax-free or low-rate earlier this year that it planned to eventually reflect positive results on solutions that would guide them to tax countries in a bid to avoid cases sell its Port Talbot plant in Wales available operational possibilities. excel in their roles, acquiring new of “double non-taxation”. and other assets, putting 15,000 The Group Senior management skills, increasing their contribution Many ministers feared neg- jobs at risk. represented by Dr Moussa Al Awwad, to the business and building their ative consequences for the Tata Steel held a board meeting Chief Operating Officer, honoured self-esteem. competitiveness of European com- in India’s financial capital Mum- all the participants in the training The courses, during the current panies if the clause was applied. bai on Wednesday, two days after courses to motivate them and make year, included 15 training sessions Britain urged beefing up pro- a deadline passed for interested them feel their efforts and contribu- within the group and 11 outside it, in posed rules to counter excessive parties to submit bids to acquire tions are valued and appreciated. which 138 employees and 23 manag- tax deductions that multinational its struggling British steelworks. The total courses organised in 2016 ers benefited. companies can obtain exploit- “We are evaluating offers. We reached 26 trainings, in which 161 The Group also seeks to improve Dr Moussa Al Awwad, (left) Chief Operating Officer honouring one of ing diverging rules in different would like to figure out how many employees were involved. productivity and adherence to quality the participants of training courses. countries. bidders we would take along to the These courses were held at the standards, as employees will be able Ministers agreed to request next stage based on the bids they group’s headquarters tackling mul- to develop skill sets that allow them qualify them to effectively respond to opportunities to our employees and that the EU Commission put for- gave,” group executive director tiple areas, including managerial undertake a greater variety of work, the various challenges required by means to hone their skills as per our ward a more comprehensive Koushik Chatterjee told reporters. skills development, customer serv- which will improve the business effi- the job market,” said Dr Al Awwad business needs. In addition, holding proposal on the so-called “hybrid Chatterjee refused to identify ice, leadership abilities development, ciency to unprecedented levels. regarding Group’s strategies for the training courses at the headquarters mismatches” by October. the bidders, or how many there and other training programs aimed “One of the most important stra- year 2016. “We decided to develop of the group positively contributed to Ministers did agree to draw up are, stressing that Tata Steel was at raising the operational capacity. tegic principles for 2016 is based on this approach by organising train- save time and efforts for participants a common list of tax havens next in the “confidential phase” of the During the courses, interactive the allocation of various resources in ing courses within our headquarters and motivated them actively to attend year, confirming a Reuters report sale process. Earlier this month multi-media tools were used in order order to support our capabilities and for the sake to provide training the courses,” he added. last week on the issue. the company said it had selected seven bidders to proceed to the next stage, without naming them. Metal processing company Liberty House has previously Zanzibar Tourism woos visitors from Gulf region expressed interest and a manage- ment buyout team under the name Excalibur is also believed to be in the running. The Peninsula Zanzibar, The Residence, Kilindi Zan- “We hope to close the deal zibar and The Melia hotel, all of who shortly and have made good presentedtheir properties and special- progress with constructive meet- ties to an audience in Doha. ings with board members,” DOHA: The Zanzibar Tourism Com- The presentation was an engag- Chatterjee added, as he announced mission in conjunction with Regency ing evening of exciting information, a Tata Steel’s Q4 quarterly earnings. Travel & Tours and HTT Global Holi- chance to learn more about the spe- Tata Steel posted a net loss of days & Incentives Ltd are showcasing cial destination, sampling of local Rs32.1bn rupees ($477m) in the the beautiful destinations of exotic ethnic cuisine, themed giveaways three months to March 31, from Zanzibar and wildlife rich Tanzania and prizes to experience Zanzibar a loss of Rs56.7bn a year earlier. to travel agents in Doha, Qatar and first hand! “The UK steel operations con- Dubai, the UAE. Speaking on the occasion, tinued to be exposed to volatile With direct flight connections Regency Travel & Tours CEO, Mr. currency and low priced imports providingfor easy access to both Tareq Abdullatif Taha said, “We are into the country,” Tata Steel said destinations, guests from this part proud to be associated with Zanzibar in a statement. of the world can now enjoy some of Tourism Board and HTT Global Hol- “The Tata Steel Europe Board the world’s best wildlife safari expe- idays & Incentives, to represent the under the advise of the Tata Steel riences in Tanzania, along with the beautiful and varied land of Tanzania. Board is actively reviewing all picturesque beaches on the island Zanzibar, from being an ancient trade options for the Tata Steel UK Busi- of Zanzibar as well as it’scultural route and gateway to mainland East ness including a potential sale of heritage and historicalsites, a press Africa is also home to finest beaches the business,” it added. statement said. in the world. Tata Steel said in March it was Both Regency and HTT are estab- Travellers from Qatar will truly selling its loss-making British assets lished brands in the GCC market, enjoy the diversity Zanzibar has to due to a global oversupply of steel, with extensive experience in pro- offer and Regency, in association cheap imports into Europe from moting the East African safari and with HTT, will offer wide ranging and countries including China, high beach products. Working alongside exciting packages for people to fully costs and currency volatility. The with Zanzibar Tourism Commission, experience this hidden gem.” Zanzibar Tourism Commission and Regency Travel & Tours officials. move heaped pressure on British they have brought together four of the Qatar airways now operates Prime Minister David Cameron’s top hotels from Zanzibar to enlighten direct flights to Zanzibar and Tan- experienced at an attractive fares for Arab nationals, offering great cul- even better by combining a beautiful government, which has been rac- agents about the amazing experiences zania; andwith flying duration of comparable to many other Indian tural experiences and a chance to do exotic island and an amazing wildlife ing to find a buyer to safeguard the available for their guests. 4 hours 30 minutes, these are the ocean islands. the most sought after “once in a life- safari in Tanzania.Visa is upon arrival iconic British steel industry. Partner hotels include Park Hyatt next beach plus bush holiday to be Zanzibar is an ideal destination time” safari, making the experience for most nationalities. BUSINESS THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 27 QNB’s Finansbank acquisition a strategic move: Moody’s

However, the rating agency Following the conclusion of this The deal will increase the geographi- expects that these risks will remain transaction, due by end-June 2016, cal diversification of QNB’s assets and Rating agency manageable given QNB’s high capital around 30 percent of QNB’s opera- revenues. Moody’s expects Finans- expects risks to buffers, which will be restored fol- tions will be in Middle Eastern and bank will contribute to QNB’s earnings lowing a planned capital injection and North African markets that Moody’s growth given the higher net interest remain manageable contributions from its strong earnings, generally views as posing greater rate margins in Turkey. While credit given QNB’s high offsetting the impact of higher credit risks than Qatar, QNB’s domes- costs for the group will increase post- capital buffers. costs post acquisition. tic market. This will continue to test acquisition given the higher risks in Moody’s report, titled “Qatar the bank’s risk management capa- Turkey’s volatile market, Moody’s National Bank: Downside Risks From bilities, and will require prudent risk expects they will remain at low lev- Turkish Expansion are Balanced By control and oversight. Nevertheless, els and continue to underpin QNB’s Strong Capital and Liquidity Buffers” Moody’s expects that QNB’s strong profitability and internal capital The Peninsula noted “Finansbank is a good strategic capital buffers can offset the height- generation. fit for Qatar National Bank. Its bal- ened risks and that the challenges The transaction will further anced portfolio among various sectors posed by the Turkish acquisition and enhance the geographic diversi- DOHA: Qatar National Bank’s (QNB) and a well-established presence in the the bank’s other international oper- fication of QNB’s assets, deposits planned acquisition of Turkish Turkish market offers high long-term ations will remain manageable over and revenues and help to reduce, to lender Finansbank AS offers con- growth potential. the next 12-18 months. some extent, its reliance on concen- siderable advantages for the group, However, the acquisition comes “We believe that any potential trated exposures in Qatar’s oil-driven but the large acquisition in a rela- with downside asset quality risks due asset quality pressures internationally economy. Finansbank will contrib- tively volatile emerging market will to the geopolitical tensions, currency and domestically, owing to protracted ute around 16 percnet to the group’s expose the bank’s asset quality to volatility and a slowdown in economic low oil prices which could impact post-consolidation assets, 16 percent populated market (GDP of $760bn as development. QNB’s increased bal- downside risks and add to the head- growth all which may weigh on Turk- confidence and asset prices in Qatar, to loans and 12 percent to deposits. of end-2015, compared to $183bn for ance sheet will raise the cap on loans winds in its domestic operations ish borrowers’ repayment capacity, can be offset by QNB’s strong capital The entry into Turkey will also Qatar). Trade links between Turkey to single borrowers and allow the owing to low oil prices, Moody’s said Elena Panayiotou, an Assistant buffers which we expect to be restored increase business opportunities for and Qatar are already well estab- bank to continue to participate in Investors Service has said in a report Vice President -- Analyst and author by a capital increase by the end of the group, owing to the growth poten- lished, with many Turkish companies large infrastructure projects in the published yesterday. of the report. June 2016’’ said Elena Panayiotou. tial in Turkey’s large and densely participating in Qatar’s infrastructure Gulf region. Sabic CEO assumes role as GPCA Chairman TRL supports Qatar’s green buildings initiative The Peninsula Dr Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secre- realizing the sector’s potential,” con- tary General, GPCA. “His knowledge, tinued Dr. Al-Sadoun. cross- functional expertise and deep Abdulaziz Al Hajri, ADNOC’s The Peninsula Construction Specification to per- understanding of the industry will newly appointed Director of Refin- mit the use of recycled aggregates DOHA: Yousef Abdullah Al-Ben- help the GPCA steer the industry into ing & Petrochemicals assumes the in a range of applications, including yan (pictured), the Chief Executive the next stage of its evolution.” role of Vice- Chairman of the GPCA, structural concrete, non-structural Officer and Vice-Chairman of Sabic, With nearly 30 years’ experience, with Qatar Vinyl Company’s (QVC) DOHA: Transport Research Labora- concrete, concrete blocks, asphalt has been elected as the Chairman of Al-Benyan has been in his current CEO Hamad Al Nuaimi assuming the tory (TRL), a transport consultancy pavements, road sub-base materi- the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chem- role at SABIC since February of last role of Treasurer. and research firm, has expressed als and fill applications. However, icals Association (GPCA). He was year. He took over this post from The GPCA, now in its 11th year of its support for the initiatives imple- it does not force clients and con- previously the Vice-Chairman of Mohamed Al-Mady, who appointed existence, represents the downstream mented by the Qatari government tractors to use recycled aggregates, (GPCA) and will assume his role effec- as the Chairman of the General industry in the Arabian Gulf region. towards green buildings and their so the uptake will be determined tive immediately, taking over from Organization for Military Industries Since its inception, membership has achievements in sustainable devel- largely by the cost. Rashed Saud Al Shamsi, former Pet- in Saudi Arabia. Al-Mady also served grown to include 250 companies from opment. “The findings mentioned in this rochemicals Director at ADNOC. as the Chairman of the GPCA from the chemical sector and its support- The announcement follows the book show that recycled aggre- “With unique experience span- 2006-2015. ing industries. The association’s full recent release of the book, ‘Recy- gates are significantly cheaper than ning the Middle East, the Americas “With regional governments—like members accounts for over 95% of cled Aggregate in Construction imported ones - and raising aware- and the Far East, Yousef Al-Ben- Saudi Arabia with its 2030 National the petrochemical output in the GCC – Qatar Experience,’ which is being ness about this and promoting the yan possesses inimitable skills that Development Plan-- identifying pet- by volume. The association runs six positioned as a key example of a wider use of recycled aggregates is have served him well in his position rochemicals as a key component of world-class events each year, and research-driven Qatari success story. very critical,” said Dr Khaled Hassan, as CEO of one of the world’s larg- their diversification, steady hands advocates for the common interests TRL is looking to increase awareness Country Director, TRL. “TRL is com- est petrochemical companies,” said like Al- Benyan’s will be crucial in of GCC’s petrochemicals industry. of the book and its key findings in mitted to both increasing awareness order to help construction compa- of this new development and helping nies in Qatar to comply with newly local companies in their move to the released and implemented construc- production of recycled aggregates Gulf Air inflight tion standards and guidelines. that comply with new standards and Malabar Gold launches ‘win up to TRL and Qatar Standards will guidelines. To help those companies magazine launches also continue their support to the looking to make the move, we will mobile app recycling industry through the cer- be offering independent audits to 10 kilos of gold’ promotion tification of recycled materials to check the quality of the materials verify compliance of recycled aggre- before Qatar Standards certifica- The Peninsula gate with the approved standards. tion,” he added. The new guide is a collabora- The main outcome of the project The Peninsula tive project between TRL, Qatar is to make a change in the construc- MANAMA: Gulf Life, the inflight Standards, Public Works Author- tion industry by maximising the use magazine of the Kingdom of Bah- ity (Ashghal), Qatar University, and of local resources, including recycled rain’s national carrier Gulf Air, has DOHA: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, key stakeholders in the construction aggregate, and reducing reliance launched its mobile app “Gulf Life” the prominent jewellery retailer, industry, with funding coming from on imported materials. This was and official website www.gulflife. unfolded the details of its much the Qatar National Research Fund at achieved through working in part- onlinein addition to its social media awaited campaign to celebrate the Qatar Foundation. nership during this project on the presence, with active Facebook onset of summer. The campaign The 225-page book includes use of applied research to provide (Facebook/GulfLife) and Twitter will run at all Malabar Gold & Dia- comprehensive data on the con- local evidence and solve current (@GulfLifeMag) pages. With these monds outlets located in the GCC struction industry in Qatar and the problems. launches, Gulf Life becomes digitally until August 6, 2016. potential of recycling initiatives-- To help drive more success empowered, making its presence felt The campaign launched this supported by a set of statistical tables and awareness, Qatar’s Ministry across all platforms. season gives customers an exclu- and charts, photographs and case of Municipality and Environment In addition to providing sive chance to win up to 10 kilos of studies. published the findings and out- detailed updates to relevant Gulf gold with purchase of gold and dia- It also showcases a range of comes of the project in a book titled, Air information, readers can now mond jewellery. With every purchase studies that have been conducted ‘Recycling in Construction - Qatar browse both the app and website of gold jewellery worth QAR500, cus- in Doha and the UK between 2010 Experience.’ for articles on various destinations, tomers get a chance to enter raffle and 2015, focusing on the devel- The project has already received festivals, events around the world draws to win 1/4 kg of gold each in opment of codes of practice and positive response and awards, and much more. The Gulf Life app a week. Those who buy diamond supporting mechanisms to convert including two national and regional also allows readers to download jewellery worth QAR500will get the vast quantities of construction awards--the most innovative project specific content for future ref- two raffle coupons, doubling their wastes into high-value construction of the year category of the Qatar erence. Gulf Life is a bilingual chances to win. with the brand new enticing collec- be exchanged with Malabar Gold & products. Contractors Award (2013) and the (English and Arabic) monthly mag- Adding to the above, the cus- tion of Malabar Gold & Diamonds Diamonds designs by paying only In line with the findings of Best Green innovation project in azine catering to each and every tomers can update any of their old without any loss. Any 22K old gold making charges ensuring they don’t the research, Qatar Standards MENA category of the Green Mind passenger travelling by Gulf Air. ornaments purchased from GCC ornaments purchased from GCC can lose any value on the rate of gold. has already updated the Qatar Awards (2014). Individual investors focus on long-term growth: Natixis

By Satish Kanady including 300 in the GCC, from the Management in the Middle East and annual return for 2015 compared to feeling resigned and 16 per cent feel- Overall, 70 percent of investors The Peninsula affluent to the high net worth. It found North Africa. 29 per cent globally. ing unprepared. agree that investors who have a pro- that an average of real annual return “This trend is encouraging – even “Working with estimates may On average, investors think fessional financial advisor are more (above inflation) of 10.8 percent is if investors stillneed toimprove the leave individual investors short on they will around 56 percent of their likely to reach their financial goals the reported need of investors in the analysis of their long term require- their long-term goals and priorities. pre-retirement income to live in than those who don’t, and a further DOHA: In an indication of evolving region, based on their understanding ments–being goal-focused and While market volatility and lack of retirement. This is short of the 70-80 74 per cent say professional advice investment behaviour in the Mid- of their investment goals. ensuring robust financial planning appropriate tools to closely moni- per cent usually recommended. is necessary to manage their invest- dle East, more than three-quarters Seventy percent of investors in are key if you want to build a more tor risk in their portfolios has caused “Retirement is still an ill-defined ments and meet their retirement of investors in the GCC (78 per- the region believe this is realistic over intelligent and reliable portfolio”. individualinvestors in several regions and elusive goal in many markets, goals. However, the majority of inves- cent) believe that long-term growth the long-term and nearly two-third of On average, investors in the GCC to be uncertain with regards to their including here in the Middle East. tors (56 per cent) say making their is more important than short-term surveyed investors agree that index reported a return of 5.3 percent in global return, the growing importance But with more investors recognising own investment decisions is more gains, according to new research funds offer better diversification than 2015, compared to 5.8 percent glo- of retirement planning as a financial the retirement responsibility shift- important to them than outsourcing published yesterday by Natixis Glo- other investments. bally. Over half of the surveyed goal for regional investors makes it ing from governments to individuals, all investment decisions. bal Asset Management. The study “One of the key aspects to have investors also revealed that they did an important challenge going for- there is a greater degree of focus on “The relationship between advi- also suggests that market volatil- come out of this year’s survey of indi- not make any changes to their port- ward,” said Bourgoin. Seventy-nine adaptability of investment strategies sors and investors must center on ity undermines investors’ ability to vidual investors in the GCC is that folio in the midst of global market per cent of surveyed investors felt that to personal liabilities over the long- more communication and capacity reach long-term savings and retire- investors are slowly moving towards volatility in January this year, a trend the responsibility of funding retire- term,”Bourgoin said. “A diversified building. Investors in the region want ment goals. a more goal-orientated focus com- that is in line with individual inves- ment is falling on their shoulders. portfolio that balances active and pas- a relationship that will make them Natixis commissioned an inde- pared to previous years,”said Jean tors globally. However, investors are conflicted sively managed strategies will help smarter and better informed instead pendent survey of over 7,000 Michel Bourgoin, Executive Man- However, 44 percent of GCC about this trend with nearly 20 per investors’ weather volatility, manage of simply leaving it up to the experts,” individual investors globally, aging Director Natixis Global Asset investors say they did not know their cent feeling optimistic, 18 per cent risks and reach their goals.” Bourgoin said. 28 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 BUSINESS EU to pursue checks on web deals with businesses

rules which will oblige providers of production flourish. However the online video streaming services such proposed measures won’t actually European Commission as Netflix and Amazon to devote at achieve that,” said Joris Evers, a Net- publishes proposals least a fifth of their catalogue to Euro- flix spokesman. pean works. Online platforms - largely US to make online European films already account tech companies - have come under shopping across for 21 percent of Netflix’s catalogue. increased scrutiny in the 28-nation borders easier. EU member states will also have bloc for their business practices as the option of requiring streaming well as handling of swathes of data. services not based in that country The Commission said its inquiry but targeting their audience to con- highlighted problems in online shop- tribute financially to the production ping in relations between businesses Reuters of European works. and platforms, including the imposi- “I want online platforms and the tion of unfair conditions, refusal of audiovisual and creative sectors to access to markets and important busi- BRUSSELS: The European Commis- be power houses in the digital econ- ness data and the promotion of the sion will check on whether it should omy, not weigh them down with platform’s own service to the disad- do more to curb possible unfair prac- unnecessary rules,” said Andrus vantage of competitors. tices in the terms of use set by web Ansip, EU Commission Vice-Pres- The EU executive will examine platforms such as Google, Amazon ident who is in charge of Brussels’ the allegations and decide if action and Apple Inc’s App Store. strategy to create a single market in is needed next year. Separately, the The Commission also published the digital world. Commission has charged Google with proposals yesterday to make online The Society of Audiovisual abusing its dominance to promote its shopping across borders easier. Authors welcomed the review of Euro- shopping service over rival services. Presenting the conclusions of a pean broadcasting rules, although The Commission said it will look year-long inquiry into online plat- it said the 20 percent quota is not at deregulating telecoms companies FROM LEFT: The European Commissioner for Digital Single Market Andrus Ansip; EU Commissioner for Internal forms such as Facebook, Google and enough. where they face competition from eBay, the European Union executive Netflix said it had committed hun- similar services, such as Microsoft’s Market and Industry, Elzbieta Bienkowska; EU Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society Guenther ruled out a single law for them but dreds of millions of euros to European Skype or Facebook’s WhatsApp. Oettinger; and EU Commissioner in Charge of Justice, Consumers and Gender equality, Vera Jourova during said it would target specific prob- productions so far. Its first original Telecoms firms have long com- sit on a podium before a press conference in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. lems in areas such as copyright and European series, Marseille, premiered plained about tech firms who can telecoms. in May. provide messaging or calling serv- rules expected after the summer will do not pay artists enough when their become law when approved by the The Commission proposed “We appreciate the Commis- ices without being subject to the same address concerns in the music indus- content is uploaded. European Parliament and national changes to the bloc’s broadcasting sion’s objective to have European rules. A reform of the bloc’s copyright try that platforms such as YouTube The new broadcasting rules will governments. Microsoft retreats from smartphone German business confidence rises business; plans to shed 1,850 jobs AFP assessments of the current business also strong, with its household con- environment and the outlook for the fidence index set to rise to 9.8 points next six months. in June from 9.7 points in May and The sub-index measuring cur- consumers’ willingness to spend ris- AFP an end to Microsoft’s development smartphones fell below 1 percent in FRANKFURT: German businesses rent business increased by one point ing from already high levels. of new phones. the first quarter of 2016, according are feeling increasingly optimistic to 114.2 points and the outlook sub- “Private consumption will remain “My understanding is that Win- to research firm Gartner. as the outlook brightens for Europe’s index climbed by 1.1 point to 101.6 an important pillar of the economy dows 10 will go on as an operating Earlier this month, Microsoft sold biggest economy, a closely-watched points, the institute said. in the coming months,” GfK wrote HELSINKI: Microsoft Corp system, but there will be no more its entry-level feature phones busi- barometer showed yesterday. The better-than-expected data and said it was maintaining its fore- announced more big cuts to its smart- phones made by Microsoft,” said ness for $350m. The Ifo institute’s business cli- reinforce the resilient picture of cast for private consumer spending phone business yesterday, just two Kalle Kiili, a shop steward. The company said on Wednes- mate index rose by a full point to 107.7 the German economy, which more to increae by around two percent in years after it bought handset maker Microsoft said in a statement day it expected to cut all 1,350 jobs points in May, comfortably outpac- than doubled its growth pace to 0.7 2016, after 1.9 percent last year. Nokia in an ill-fated attempt to take it would continue to develop the at its Finnish mobile phone unit and ing analysts’ expectations, Ifo said in percent in the first three months, Nevertheless, economists said on market leaders Apple and Sam- Windows 10 platform and support close down a research and develop- a statement. according to final data released ear- the strong first-quarter growth look sung. its Lumia smartphones, but gave ment site in the country. A further “The German economy is lier this week. unlikely to be repeated in subsequent The US company said it would no comment on whether it would 500 jobs will go in other countries, growing at a robust pace,” said Ifo The federal statistics office Des- quarters this year. “After a strong first shed up to 1,850 jobs, most of them develop new Windows phones. it said, without giving details. president Clemens Fuest. tatis said that growth is being driven quarter, the German economy should in Finland, and write down $950m Microsoft bought Nokia’s once- “We are focusing our phone “Companies are significantly primarily by domestic demand, with slow down somewhat in the current from the business. It did not say dominant handset business for about efforts where we have differenti- more satisfied with their current record low employment, low inflation quarter,” said ING DiBa economist how many employees currently $7.2bn in 2014, but failed to turn ation,” said chief executive Satya business situation. In addition, they and rising wages boosting purchas- Carsten Brzeski. work on smartphones in the group the business around and last year Nadella in a statement. are noticeably more optimistic with ing power and consumer spending. However, “today’s Ifo index sug- as a whole. announced $7.5bn of writedowns “We will continue to innovate regard to the coming months.” - Consumer morale also strong - gests that any technical slowdown A Finnish union representative and 7,800 job cuts. across devices and on our cloud serv- Ifo calculates its headline According to the GfK market could be very limited,” said ING DiBa said the cuts would essentially put Global market share of Windows ices across all mobile platforms.” index on the basis of companies’ research group, consumer morale is economist Carsten Brzeski.

Asia ‘hotbed of IT piracy’ US agency to probe Alibaba despite economic growth on accounting

AFP AFP over the two-year period, said the report, which did not cover mobile devices. The report resulted from a survey of 22,000 computer users WASHINGTON: The US stock SINGAPORE: More than 60 percent and 2,000 information technology market regulator has opened an of all computer software installed in decision-makers and includes busi- investigation into the accounting the Asia-Pacific in 2015 was unli- ness, operating system, gaming and practices of Chinese online giant censed, the worst of any region, security software. Alibaba, a company document despite growing economies and anti- The group’s Asia-Pacific senior showed. piracy efforts, an industry watchdog director Tarun Sawney called for Alibaba said in a regula- said yeserday. more action to address the problem tory filing that the Securities and The Software Alliance -- which of unlicensed software, particularly Exchange Commission had opened includes giants like Microsoft, Apple, for key sectors like banking. the probe “into whether there have Intel, Oracle and Adobe -- said in a “Whilst there’s still been been any violations of the federal report that the unlicensed software in improvement from two years ago on securities laws.” Asia had a value of $19.1bn last year. the use of unlicensed software, the Among other things, the SEC Piracy rates were most rampant in rate is still too high and certainly in sought information into Alibaba’s Bangladesh, Pakistan and Indonesia emerging economies, a lot of which accounting for its Cainiao logistics at more than 80 percent. The global are in Asia-Pacific, the problem still network and its reporting practices piracy average was 39 percent. persists,” he told a press conference. for Singles Day, a huge sales event While the worldwide piracy rate The report cited a “disconnect” in China. decreased by four percentage points between businesses’ concern about “We are voluntarily disclosing Microsoft’s Finnish headquarters in Espoo. from 2013, Asia saw only a one per- cyber-security and their attitude to this SEC request for information centage point decline to 61 percent unlicensed software. and cooperating with the SEC and, through our legal counsel, have been providing the SEC with requested documents and infor- mation,” the Alibaba statement Sanofi threatens to sack board of US rival Medivation said. It noted that the request for information “should not be con- strued as an indication by the AFP blockbuster prostate cancer medica- market regulator, the New York-based executive Olivier Brandicourt urged a potential transaction”. SEC or its staff that any violation tion called Xtandi. As a shareholder Securities and Exchange Commission. the US firm to engage in talks. Medivation said last month its of the federal securities laws has in Medivation, the French company Sanofi accused Medivation directors Brandicourt said he believed board had unanimously rejected occurred.” has the right to seek written support of failing to act in the best interests of Medivation shareholders “over- Sanofi’s unsolicited, non-binding Alibaba last year disclosed PARIS: French drugs giant Sanofi from fellow shareholders to overturn its shareholders. whelmingly support” the sale of the cash offer of $52.50 a share, declar- that it had received a request threatened yesterday to sack the the board of its US rival. “The company board has refused company, and his firm would drop its ing that it “substantially” undervalued from both US and Chinese regu- entire board of US rival Medivation, The proposal by Sanofi, which even to engage with us regarding our effort to replace the board if Mediva- the company and was not in the inter- lators on whether it allowed sales dramatically turning up the heat in offered a new slate of eight directors, proposed offer,” it said. tion engages “in good faith” as part of ests of shareholders. of counterfeit merchandise on its an acrimonious, multibillion-dollar needs the support of more than 50 Sanofi said it was open to sign- a sales process. The offer valued San Francisco- platforms. takeover battle. percent of Medivation shareholders in ing a confidentiality agreement so The Sanofi boss said in a state- based Medivation at $9.3bn. Alibaba went public in 2014 Sanofi launched the attempt a process that can last up to 60 days. as obtain more information about ment he had been left with no That would make it Gentilly, with a record stock flotation of to replace all board members of “We are seeking your support for Medivation, stressing that in such choice but to propose a new board France-based Sanofi’s biggest acqui- $25bn in New York and is now con- Medivation after being repeatedly the removal of the company board,” conditions it was in a position to of directors “who are more open sition since it bought the US biotech sidered the world’s biggest online spurned in its attempts to purchase said a copy of the request to share- increase its offer. In a separate letter to supporting the best interests of group Genzyme in 2011 for more than retailer and is planning more the group, which makes a high-priced, holders, which was filed with the US to the Medivation board, Sanofi chief Medivation shareholders regarding $20bn. expansions. BUSINESS THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 29

Kuwait to sign Steel industry $1bn contract for city project seeks protection Reuters

DUBAI: Kuwait is expected to sign within two weeks a $1bn contract from China with Italy’s Salini Impregilo and Turkey’s Limak Construction for its planned South Al Mutlaa City project, an official said yesterday. steel industry bodies and other man- It is the first phase of the ufacturers said that discussion must planned 100,000 square kilome- Steelmakers have include action against countries that tre urban development, which is been hit by a plunge do not respect market economy situated in central Kuwait and is conditions, especially China, and expected to house around 400,000 in prices, which oversupply had to be tackled. residents when completed. Europe and US have “If global overcapacity borne of Despite being one of the blamed on a surge in state-supported enterprises’ uneco- world’s richest countries per capita nomic operations continues it will and providing citizens with a lav- cheap exports from threaten the survival of efficient ish cradle-to-grave welfare state, companies operating in environ- Kuwait suffers a significant short- China. A Shell logo above the forecourt of a Royal Dutch Shell petrol station in Hook, near Basingstoke, in England. ments with little or no government age of government-funded housing support,” Axel Eggert, director gen- which particularly impacts young eral of the European steel body people, who can find themselves EUROFER, said in an emailed on a waiting list for years. Reuters statement. Royal Dutch Shell to axe further The South Al Mutlaa City con- Earlier this month, EU lawmak- tract will cover construction of a ers overwhelmingly rejected any road and other infrastructure and BRUSSELS: Twelve global steel loosening of trade defences against be funded by the Kuwaiti govern- associations urged the Group of China, whose eligibility for market 2,200 jobs on low oil prices ment from its own reserves, Naser Seven advanced economies, which economy status is being debated by Khraibut, director of planning at meet in Japan this week, to prevent the European Union. the country’s Public Authority for cheap Chinese steel distorting world Beijing says the status is its right, Housing Welfare, told reporters markets and inflicting further pain 15 years after it joined the World AFP operations in the North Sea off the It also said that investment would be on the sidelines of a conference on producers. Trade Organization, and says it is coast of Scotland, as well as in Ire- lower than expected. in Dubai. Steelmakers have been hit by a blamed unfairly for a steel crisis by land and elsewhere. The global oil market had nose- Costs for building infrastructure plunge in steel prices, which Europe nations it accuses of protectionism. “These are tough times for our dived from above $100 in mid-2014 and public buildings in the city has and the United States have blamed Granting market economy sta- LONDON: Energy giant Royal Dutch industry and we have to take fur- to 13-year lows of around $27 in Feb- been estimated at around $20bn. on a surge in cheap exports from tus would make it hard for the EU Shell yesterday said it was cutting at ther difficult decisions to ensure Shell ruary, plagued by a stubborn supply “Other packages we’re now in the China that has exacerbated the to impose trade restrictions to pro- least another 2,200 jobs owing to low remains competitive through the cur- glut. process of prequalification for con- impact of a collapse in demand fol- tect its own industry. oil prices and following its takeover rent, prolonged downturn,” said Paul But prices have since rebounded tractors to tender,” said Khraibut. lowing economic crisis. EUROFER says it is clear China of smaller rival BG Group. Goodfellow, Shell’s vice president for to trade at nearly $50 a barrel. The Gulf state will also sign Among the casualties are Tata is the root cause and that the “Shell staff have today been UK & Ireland. The slump in prices has caused a contract this month worth Steel, which in March announced it nation had built up a 50 percent informed about the progress being “In 2016, the number of job energy groups worldwide to cut between $80m and $90m with Hill was selling its British operations as it share of total global steel capacity made on integrating BG into the com- reductions in response to low prices spending, slash jobs and sell assets International to manage the build- could no longer sustain deep losses, by 2015, compared with 15 percent pany, and on further measures that and as a result of the BG integration during the past year. ing of the entire city, Khraibut said. prompting a political scramble to in 2000. are necessary to ensure Shell is com- is expected to total at least 5,000 However Shell still pressed ahead Meanwhile, Kuwait is also save the thousands of jobs at stake. In addition to the steel industry petitive in a ‘lower for longer’ oil price globally.” with its £47bn ($69bn) takeover of designing and completing an The White House has already letter, AEGIS Europe, the alliance of environment,” the Anglo-Dutch group Goodfellow added that Shell British company BG Group, in a deal economic study for the planned said discussion of actions to reduce manufacturing industries in Europe, said in a statement. was seeking to “create a competi- aimed at strengthening Shell’s posi- South Saad Abdullah City, which global industrial overcapacity, with wrote to the political leaders of Brit- Shell said the latest losses bring tive and sustainable business in the tion in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) will cover 60 square kilometres. an emphasis on the steel glut, would ain, France, Germany and Italy, as to at least 12,500 the number of staff North Sea”. market. The $10bn to $15bn cost of the be on the agenda for Japan talks well as EU leaders Donald Tusk and and direct contractor roles being cut Shell had earlier this month At the end of 2015, Shell project will be financed through starting on Thursday. Jean-Claude Juncker, urging them to from the company between the start announced an 89-percent drop in employed around 90,000 people a special purpose vehicle jointly Open letters made public on resist “unjustified demands for treat- of last year and end of 2016. net profit for the first quarter of 2016, globally, while BG had some 4,600 established by the Kuwaiti and Wednesday to world leaders from 12 ing China as a market economy”. Jobs are being axed at its blamed the slump on low oil prices. staff. South Korean governments, South African central bank urges caution after heist Russia talks up foreign interest in Eurobond Reuters

Reuters JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s central bank told lenders to be vig- ilant yesterday after criminals in Japan stole millions of dollars from MOSCOW/LONDON: Russia yes- automatic teller machines using terday hailed its Eurobond issue as fake credit cards from South Afri- a triumph over Western obstruction, ca’s Standard Bank. but there was no sign that big for- The criminal gang made 14,000 eign investors had bought the bond withdrawals in just three hours from and, unusually for a large issue, there bank machines at 7-Eleven conven- was scant trading in the paper once ience stores across Japan on May 15, it was placed. withdrawing $13m, according to a Russia had sold $1.75bn in source familiar with the matter. 10-year Eurobonds on Tuesday, Central bank deputy governor smaller than its previous placements, Kuben Naidoo confirmed that Stand- after Western officials warned inter- ard Bank would shoulder the losses. national banks and investors against “We will work with the law taking part. The yield of 4.75 percent sell it on for a quick profit. enforcement agencies to try and pre- was some 50-70 basis points above “Secondary trading has been vent and tackle those crimes,” Naidoo equivalent secondary market yields. minimal ... I have yet to trade,” said told reporters. Rene van Wyk, the Russia nevertheless put a posi- a trader at a Western bank. central bank’s registrar of banks, said tive spin on the issue, the first since Some analysts and investors lenders who rely on outside vendors Western sanctions were imposed were sceptical that genuine foreign Customers draw money from an ATM outside a branch of South Africa’s Standard Bank in Cape Town. should be careful as the cyber attacks on Russia in 2014 in retaliation for participation was as large as the were taking place abroad rather than its actions in Ukraine. The bond Russian figures indicate, as some in South Africa. auhorities. It estimated its total loss of May 15, a Sunday, in Tokyo and Experts said both banks should accounts for just over half of Rus- of the foreign investors may in fact “So that vulnerability will always at 300m rand ($19m). across 16 Japanese prefectures. shoulder some blame for failing to sia’s $3bn foreign borrowing target have been Russians investing from remain because you’re dependant The bank has declined to com- Most ATMs in 7-Eleven stores monitor the flood of transactions, for the year. abroad. “I doubt there were signifi- on other parties, so that relationship ment further. belong to Seven Bank, a Japanese saying they should have had systems Finance Minister Anton Silu- cant - beyond a few hundred million between vendors and banks, that is The criminals are still at large. lender part-owned by Seven & I Hold- in place to detect unusual activity. anov (pictured) said yesterday that dollars - pure Western investors,” one thing that we focus on,” he said. Japan’s Mainichi newspaper, citing ings which operates the convenience Deputy governor Naidoo said the foreign investors had been given pri- said Timothy Ash, head of emerg- Standard Bank said on Monday it sources, said police suspect more store chain in Japan. It is one of only central bank was pleased that Stand- ority and had bought $1.2bn of the ing market strategy at Nomura. had suffered the losses, not its cus- than 100 people were involved in the two Japanese banks that allow with- ard Bank had gone public over the bonds, with the remainder acquired “Even Asian participation seems tomers, and that it had alerted the theft which took place on the morning drawals on foreign cards. theft. by Russian non-state banks. State- to have been muted, again perhaps owned banks were excluded. reflecting the complicated technical- Andrey Solovyov, global head of ities and compliance issues related debt capital markets at placement to this deal.” organiser VTB Capital, told Reuters Solovyov acknowledged that Singapore Exchange in talks to buy Baltic Exchange the foreign buyers were “high-qual- investors had needed time to get used ity investors, who very often buy to the technicalities of the issue, which Russian sovereigns”. unusually was not being handled by He said they consisted mainly of either of the two largest international Reuters and provides a trading platform for deal at about $100m. for the Baltic’s future growth,” he said. investment funds and private banks. settlement banks, adding: “There were the multi-billion dollar freight deriv- The Baltic and SGX said in a state- The Baltic is owned by about 380 British investors had bought a third of some geopolitical issues as well, so atives market. ment later they had entered a period of shareholders, many from the shipping the issue, he said, with the next largest probably it would not have been a The takeover talks come as the exclusivity which would expire on June industry. It produces daily bench- geographical shares from continental good idea to offer all $3bn at this SINGAPORE/LONDON: The Singa- global shipping industry grapples 30. “The board considers this proposal mark rates and indexes used around Europe and Asia. However, mar- yield.” Solovyov said the issue might pore Exchange (SGX) is in exclusive with the worst market conditions for is an exciting development for the Baltic the world to trade and settle freight ket participants said there had been be topped up later, on better terms for talks to buy London’s Baltic Exchange, decades after a slump in commodity and all the stakeholders in the markets contracts. hardly any trading on the secondary the issuer, but Siluanov said there were which has been at the heart of the markets coincided with an increase in it serves,” Baltic Chairman Guy Camp- The Baltic said it would hold joint market, where it is more usual for up no plans for a top-up. global shipping industry for centuries, the number of vessels, sending freight bell said in a statement. meetings with the SGX, sharehold- to 25 percent of a large issue to change Many potential investors con- the two companies said yesterday. costs to record lows. “SGX has indicated that in the ers and wider members in the coming hands on the first day. tacted by Reuters said they had been Founded in 1744, the Baltic Earlier yesterday, sources told event its bid is successful, it would weeks to explain the terms of the pro- If demand has been strong, buy- deterred by liquidity concerns, given Exchange is no longer a forum for Reuters the Baltic and SGX had maintain the current model for the posal before presenting an agreement ers who missed out try to get hold doubts about whether brokers, clear- chartering vessels but owns bench- entered into advanced talks, with Baltic business and our presence and which could form the basis of a rec- of the paper immediately after the ing houses and custodians would mark indexes for global shipping rates one putting the value of a potential building in London, as the platform ommendation to shareholders. placement, and some who did buy handle the bonds. 30 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 9,705.74 0.42 % QE Total Return Index 15,703.25 0.42 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,812.32 0.34 % QE All Share Index 2,714.8 0.35 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,611.24 0.51 % QE All Share Industrials 3,048.38 0.45 % QE All Share Transportation 2,481.54 0.40 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,383.87 0.27 % QE All Share Insurance 4,110.75 0.37 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,090.58 1.23 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 6,456.01 0.11 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 25-05-2016 Today 24-05-2016 Previous day Index 9,705.74 9,664.85 Change 40.89 16.69 % 0.42 0.17 YTD% 6.94 7.33 Volume 4,159,167 4,023,910 Value (QAR) 142,579,541.90 151,757,504.43 Trades 3,118 3,140 Up 24 | Down 12 | Unchanged 05

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 5436.782 74.879 1.4 5483.7 4762.1 Cac 40 Index/D 4478.22 46.7 1.05 4607.69 3892.46 Dj Indu Average 17706.05 213.12 1.22 18229.8 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 20368.05 537.62 2.71 21794.84 18278.8 Iseq Overall/D 6474.17 86.09 1.35 6791.68 5611.89 Karachi 100 In/D 36499.43 -82.92 -0.23 36848.02 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 16757.35 258.59 1.57 18951.12 14865.77 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2132.82 1810.1

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.3174 QR 5.3923 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD Euro QR 4.0352 QR 4.0924 COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME CA$ QR 2.7538 QR 2.8083 NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED Swiss Fr QR 3.6510 QR 3.7048 Yen QR 0.0328 QR 0.0334 A C C-A/D 1475.35 29.15 33211 Electrosteel-B/D 17.8 0.15 24872 Kajaria Cer-A/D 1077 18.4 1532 Ruchi Soya-B/D 22.6 0.55 799374 Aus$ QR 2.6010 QR 2.6518 Aban Offs-A/D 193.65 3.95 246910 Emco-B/D 24.85 0.5 5972 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 523.2 20.55 164193 Saur.Cem-B/D 65.85 1.75 29718 Ind Re QR 0.0536 QR 0.0546 Aegis Logis-B/D 109 1.05 33975 Escorts Fin-B/D 4.44 0.01 29095 Kalpat Power-B/D 230.8 7.2 26439 Tanfac Indust-/D 32 0 2771 Pak Re QR 0.0344 QR 0.0351 Alembic-B/D 35.3 0.35 33459 Escorts-A/D 173.8 2.7 491713 Kalyani Stel-T/D 160.6 -3.25 45757 Tinplate-B/D 72.65 3.05 156304 Peso QR 0.0771 QR 0.0787 Alkyl Amines-B/D 315 -2.55 1150 F D C-B/D 182.35 0.7 2726 Kg Denim-B/D 98.4 3.45 40696 Unitech P -A/D 3.85 0.08 5396626 SL Re QR 0.0244 QR 0.0251 Alok Indus-A/D 3.82 0.03 814736 Federal Bank-A/D 50.55 1.1 309227 Kopran-B/D 51 -1.05 61219 Univcable-B/D 81.5 -0.35 11020 Taka QR 0.0459 QR 0.0468 Apollo Tyre-A/D 151.7 4 157530 Ferro Alloys-B/D 4.57 -0.06 26529 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 377 6.9 1467 Uppergsugar-T/D 175.2 4.2 17692 Nep Re QR 0.0335 QR 0.0342 Asahi I Glass-/D 157 7.95 18942 Finolex-A/D 385.2 -6.6 15679 Lloyd Metal-B/D 25.95 1.5 37849 LONDON Ashok Leyland-/D 97.25 -4.45 5349979 Gail-A/D 381.3 10.25 92072 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 4.9 -0.03 10781 SA Rand QR 0.2300 QR 0.2345 Bajaj Hold-A/D 1483.1 -8.1 1375 Gammon India-T/D 10.84 0.05 72250 Lumax Ind-B/D 501.35 9.3 2695 3I Group/D 532.5 6.5 726217 Ballarpur In-B/D 17.85 0.45 455336 Godfrey Phil-B/D 883.25 26.15 43897 Lupin-A/D 1473.25 7.5 93554 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 2970 25 326404 GOLD AND SILVER Bata India-A/D 558.2 1.7 26027 Goodricke-B/D 164.5 -0.2 9313 Lyka Labs-T/D 71.6 2.7 24496 Barclays/D 183.95 2.55 20663375 Beml Ltd-A/D 818.2 0.9 40130 Goodyear I -B/D 505 -12.95 7851 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 330.5 4.4 2108 Bp/D 362.35 4.55 11020498 GOLD QR143.6703 per gramme Bh Electronic-/D 1108 1.95 19316 Hcl Infosys-B/D 40.5 0.75 395274 Mah.Seamless-B/D222.65 3.55 8464 Brit Am Tobacc/D 4194 23.5 530845 SILVER QR1.9089 per gramme Bhansali Eng-T/D 19.95 0.15 26177 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 16.05 0.15 310443 Mangalam Cem-B/D 245 10.55 3390 Bt Group/D 448.15 -0.35 6869891 Bharat Bijle-B/D 846.45 26.3 4732 Himat Seide-B/D 215.6 -1.85 20428 Maral Overs-B/D 27.75 -0.2 17455 Centrica/D 205 1.9 5548796 Bharatgears-B/D 77.45 -1.65 1246 Hind Motors-T/D 4.82 -0.08 32226 Mastek-B/D 138.5 1.65 12400 Gkn/D 275.3 1.1 1823261 Bhartiya Int-B/D 509 3.4 5954 Hind Org Chem-/D 15.05 0.15 11788 Max Financial-/D 383.95 3.55 2601 Hsbc Holdings/D 448.15 13.9 14761654 Bhel-A/D 122.65 5.1 733248 Hind Unilever-/D 836.5 13.45 52273 Mrpl-A/D 65 0.45 110313 Kingfisher/D 372.3 -0.7 2071334 Gulf rises on Bom.Burmah-B/D 367.7 11.4 6376 Hind.Petrol-A/D 840.7 33.7 75503 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 26.4 -0.1 1530 Land Secs Grou/D 1185 -17 1144613 Bombay Dyeing-/D 44.5 0.55 98972 Hindalco-A/D 88.65 2.4 918950 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 26.4 -0.1 1530 Legal & Genera/D 240.6 4.1 5090942 back of oil; Camph.& All-B/D 590 8.5 2684 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1206.95 33.65 178644 Nahar Spg.-B/D 118.1 -1.65 17630 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 73.07 0.65 87754797 Canfin Homes-B/D 1145 8.3 1710 I F C I-A/D 23.4 0.55 283510 Nation Alum -A/D 43.05 0.7 175195 Marks & Sp./D 407.1 -37.6 18978728 Caprihans-Xc/D 81 -2.05 12679 Idbi-A/D 65.45 1.35 344536 Navneet Edu-B/D 90 0.9 7083 Next/D 5459.4 -55 478152 global cue Castrol India-/D 372.4 6.65 203128 Ifb Agro-B/D 392.6 14.75 2597 Nepc India-T/D 1.34 -0.07 9602 Pearson/D 820.6341 6 968758 Century Enka-B/D 202.65 1.3 10461 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 345.45 3.35 4641 Neuland Lab-B/D791.45 38.9 7152 Prudential/D 1403.5 17.5 1461483 Century Text-A/D 598.15 11.75 76027 India Cement-A/D 88.95 4.75 678261 Nrb Bearings-B/D 114.6 1.6 4645 Rank Group/D 249 0.5 176178 Reuters Chambal Fert-B/D 65.6 1.2 43854 India Glycol-B/D 83.75 1.4 7298 O N G C-A/D 210.2 3.55 206733 Rentokil Initi/D 178.8507 1.6 489438 Chola Invest-A/D 893 1.15 1405 Indian Card-B/D 237.2 0.2 1197 Oil Country-B/D 29.25 -0.1 5979 Rolls Royce Pl/D 631.5 -7 1776888 Chowgule St-T/D 17.8 0.35 1200 Indian Hotel-A/D 115.65 1.35 99609 Onward Tech-B/D 71.85 1.6 3353 Rsa Insrance G/D 488.6 1.6 711276 DUBAI: Gains for global equity and oil markets boosted Cimmco-B/D 69.15 0.5 1918 Indo-Tcount-T/D 910.7 13.45 14380 Orchid Pharm-B/D 37.85 0.5 54391 Sainsbury(J)/D262.2636 -1.9 1511010 Gulf bourses yesterday with Saudi petrochemical shares Cipla-A/D 470.3 -24.6 1228532 Indusind-A/D 1094.8 51.2 206793 Orient Hotel-T/D 23.6 0.25 5119 Schroders/D 2708 29 103563 and Dubai real estate stocks leading the gains. City Union Bk-/D 103.7 -0.6 39019 J.B.Chemical-B/D244.05 -1.7 7509 Orient.Carb.-T/D 455 6.35 1615 Severn Trent/D 2265 0 248380 Riyadh’s index rose 0.6 percent in modest volume as Colgate-A/D 834.9 -0.4 39729 Jagatjit Ind-X/D 71.25 0.15 1000 Orient.Carb.-T/D 455 6.35 1615 Smith&Nephew/D 1181 8 410284 Saudi Basic Industries, the largest petrochemical pro- ducer, climbed 1.2 percent. Container Cor-/D 1390.2 7.5 187257 Jagson Phar-B/D 34.7 1.35 3915 Oudh Sugar-B/D 80.35 1.75 66493 Smiths Group/D1106.6818 7 198458 Saudi Cement added 2.0 percent after the com- Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 367 -6.05 1104 Jamnaauto-B/D 147 -0.45 42697 Pacific Indu-B/D 116.6 1.6 4410 Standrd Chart /D 549.7 13.7 2997018 pany said it had sold its 40 percent stake in Kuwaiti Dcm Shram Ind-/D130.25 2.2 5121 Jbf Indu-B/D 205.2 2.3 8350 Patspin India-/D 9.3 0.48 6815 Tate & Lyle/D 611.07 1.5 231440 cement company Group International Cement for $6.59 Dhampur Sugar-/D85.25 1.4 92481 Jct Ltd-B/D 4.41 -0.15 455808 Punjab Chem.-B/D 165 1.35 2012 Tesco/D 165.25 -5.75 13929538 million; the deal will be reflected in its books in the Dr. Reddy-A/D 3052.95 27.7 26754 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 7.9 0.18 13019 Radico Khait-B/D 84.5 0.1 9029 Unilever/D 3134.5 21 685894 second quarter. E I H-B/D 108.65 -1.1 5510 Jindal Drill-B/D 171.95 10.3 46356 Rallis India-A/D 208.65 4.7 35364 United Util Gr/D 971.5 2 442001 Dubai’s stock index rose 1.9 percent in the heav- E.I.D Parry-A/D 235.45 3.9 31236 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 81.5 1.35 71103 Rallis India-A/D 208.65 4.7 35364 Vodafone Group/D228.5 1.8 14511097 iest trade for a month as Emaar Properties jumped 4.0 percent. Eicher Motor-A/D 18525.4 349.75 4178 Kabra Extr-B/D 93.5 2 1952 Reliance Indus/D396.05 7.55 51683 Whitbread/D 4388 60 237243 Another real estate developer, Deyaar, gained 3.0 percent after saying it had formed a partnership with Turkey’s Ascioglu to build a residential tower in Dubai. Real estate firms were also the most active in Abu Dhabi’s bourse with Aldar Properties adding 3.5 per- cent. The Abu Dhabi index was up 1.6 percent. European shares hit 4-week high, boosted by banks and oil Blue chips helped support Qatar’s index, which was 0.4 percent higher. Oil drilling rig provider Gulf International Services rose 2.2 percent while telecommunications operator AFP to progress. In a way it puts a lid end flat. Energy shares were in company told investors to expect a Ooredoo gained 1.3 percent. back on the can of worms, but the demand after oil prices pushed short-term hit to profit as it pushes In Egypt, the stock index climbed 0.6 percent. Banks rose after euro worms are still in there,” Jasper closer to $50 a barrel, with US through a plan to turn around its Investment bank EFG Hermes climbed 0.8 percent zone finance ministers Lawler, market analyst at CMC crude hitting its highest in more underperforming clothing and to 10.95 Egyptian pounds, approaching techncial resist- LONDON: European equities Markets, said. than seven months after industry homeware business. ance on its March peak of 11.45 pounds. jumped to a four-week high yes- agreed with Greece The euro zone banking index data suggested a larger-than- “Clothing and general mer- Dubai Group plans to sell its stake in EFG Hermes this terday with banks buoyed by and the International was up 3.6 percent, led by lend- expected drawdown in U.S. crude chandise performance remains year under the terms of the Dubai firm’s debt restructur- progress on talks towards secur- ers in the periphery. Shares in inventories last week. unsatisfactory as difficult trad- ing, the chief executive of Dubai Group’s parent Dubai ing a debt relief deal for Greece, Monetary Fund on a Caixabank, Banco Popular and The STOXX Europe 600 Oil ing conditions persist, which Holding said yesterday. and energy shares rose on the deal that will address Santander surged between 5.8 and Gas index rose 2.5 percent, leaves everything on the shoul- Dubai Group holds 11.8 percent of EFG Hermes, back of a rally in oil. percent and 7.3 percent. helped by gains of 2.3 percent ders of a stronger performing but according to data. The FTSEurofirst 300 and the Athens’ requests for Deutsche Bank gained 3.4 for BP and Royal Dutch Shell much lower-margin food seg- Saudi Arabia: The index gained 0.6 percent to 6,516 STOXX Europe 600 index both debt relief. percent, with some traders citing respectively. ment,” Accendo Markets head of points. touched their highest levels since positive broker comments from Among fallers, British retailer research, Mike van Dulken, said. Dubai: The index rose 1.9 percent to 3,309 points. late April, climbing 1.3 percent to JP Morgan. Marks & Spencer slumped after “A troubled retail division has Abu Dhabi: The index climbed 1.6 percent to 4,289 add to the previous session’s jump Monetary Fund on a deal that The top Greek index rallied in it said its turnaround plan would become a major issue as the core points. of more than 2 percent. will address Athens’ requests for early deals as sovereign yields fell cut into profits in the short term. customer base ages and it likely Qatar: The index rose 0.4 percent to 9,706 points. Banks rose after euro zone debt relief. on the deal. It had been set to post M&S was down 10.2 percent, struggles to entice a younger Egypt: The index climbed 0.6 percent to 7,543 points. finance ministers agreed with “This deal is welcome, and it its highest close since December the top decliner in the FTSEu- demographic more likely to buy Kuwait: The index gained 0.9 percent to 5,368 points. Greece and the International allows the current arrangement 2015, until a late pullback saw it rofirst 300 index, after the online.” BUSINESS VIEWS THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 31

Indonesia push to boost Saudi should keep options lending risks backfiring as banks suffer open on currency peg By Harry Suhartono, Fathiya up a special unit to anticipate Dahrul and Yudith Ho worsening bad credit, the Antara Bloomberg news agency reported last week. BCA’s NPL rose to 1.1 percent last quarter from 0.7 percent. There’s also not a lot of spare ndonesia’s efforts to revive capacity in Indonesian banking economic growth by bring- system. The loan-to-deposit ratio ing down lending rates are was 89.6 percent in March, com- at risk of backfiring as they pared with 75.2 percent at the end Imake banks the worst perform- of 2010, OJK data show. Lending ers in the Jakarta Composite Index. growth was 8.4 percent in March The Jakarta Stock Exchange from a year earlier, from an aver- Finance Index fell 5.1 percent, the age of 20 percent in the five years most among nine industry groups, through 2015. since Feb. 29 when the Financial “The challenge is that banks Services Authority said it would aren’t willing to lend is because cap deposit rates and force banks there aren’t enough deposits,” said to make similar reductions to their Bharat Joshi, who helps manage loan rates. The regulator, known $3.5 billion as head of Indonesia as the OJK, said the move would investments for Aberdeen Asset save banks money and encourage Management in Jakarta. “Margins them to disburse more credit to will come down and banks will spur lending growth that’s slowed have to be more competitive going to less than half the average over forward” he said, adding that he’s the last five years. underweight Indonesian lenders. The risk is that a lack of The banking sector’s net- deposits in the banking system, interest margin of 5.4 percent increasing bad loans and the is the highest in Southeast Asia, prospect of narrower net-inter- according to a Fitch Ratings report est margins will make banks released in March. Any measures more conservative in giving out that undermine these margins credit. This could in turn damp could be negative from a bank A Saudi jeweller counts Saudi Riyals after selling gold to a customer at a jewellery shop in Makkah. economic growth, which trailed ratings perspective and, while estimates to slump to 4.92 percent lower lending rates will improve last quarter from a year earlier. the competitiveness of Indonesian By Andrew Torchia it published late last month on the same “Such a move would be far from pain- OJK Chairman Muliaman Hadad businesses, below-equilibrium Reuters day that Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed less, as it would raise import costs to both said Friday that while interest rates could lead to inefficient bin Salman announced reforms to cut the the general public and the government,” rates have come down, demand investment, Fitch said. country’s reliance on oil, did not necessar- the paper said, adding that it would be for loans remains sluggish. The central bank has seen an ily reflect its views. much better to handle the budget deficit “With non-performing loans average 57 basis-point drop in audi Arabia may need to change The authors stressed that for now, keep- with spending restraint and borrowing. rising and weak economic condi- deposit rates and 22 basis-point its currency’s peg to the US dol- ing the peg was probably the best course for “The bottom line is that the dollar peg tions, there is no way the banks can decline in lending rates in April, lar if economic conditions shift, Saudi Arabia. “Going forward, there are good has served Saudi Arabia well, and is likely aggressively lend,” said John Teja, a Deputy Governor Perry Warjiyo researchers at the Saudi central arguments in favour of retaining the current to do so until Saudi Arabia becomes a director at PT Ciptadana Securities told reporters in Jakarta last week. bank suggested in a paper that fixed exchange rate regime especially in the meaningfully diversified economy, with in Jakarta. “So the selling pressure Bank Indonesia is considering Scould shape debate among policymakers near future...,” they wrote. exports denominated in a mix of curren- on banking stocks will remain loosening mortgage rules to help as the kingdom grapples with low oil prices. But the paper’s examination of a range cies,” the paper concluded. and the conditions of the banking stoke credit growth, Senior Dep- The riyal’s peg at 3.75 to the dollar has of options suggests that in the long term, Nevertheless, it listed conditions under industry will remain weak.” uty Governor Mirza Adityaswara been a cornerstone of Saudi policy since Saudi authorities may not remain wedded which the argument for keeping the peg The drop in the finance gauge said in an interview on Tuesday. 1986. But the collapse of oil prices since 2014, to current policy, even though it has been would weaken: expected depreciation of since Feb. 29 compares with a The OJK is forecasting 13 which created a $100 billion state budget orthodoxy for three decades. the dollar, an unacceptably high US infla- decline of just 0.04 percent in the percent loan growth this year, deficit, has fuelled speculation in financial Foreign bankers briefed by Saudi offi- tion rate, or a divergence of the US and JCI. PT Bank Central Asia, Indo- although that may be revised in markets over whether it can be sustained cials earlier this year said authorities had Saudi economic cycles. nesia’s largest lender by market June, Chairman Hadad said in an for many more years. explored the idea of changing the peg in They are already diverging to some value, is down 3.5 percent over the interview in Jakarta. “Things were In the paper, Ryadh Alkhareif and a broad review of economic policy. They extent; the Saudi economy is expected to period. PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia a bit slow in the first quarter, but John Qualls analysed the advantages and concluded that a change would be coun- slow sharply this year because of state and PT Bank Mandiri, the next- that’s the normal cycle,” he said. disadvantages of 10 possible currency ter-productive now but conceivable in the spending cuts, according to the Interna- two biggest, have fallen 10 percent “If we can push economic growth, arrangements. far future, the bankers said. tional Monetary Fund, while U.S. interest and 5 percent, respectively. The loan expansion will follow.” “What is sure is that in a changing After a surge of bets against the Saudi rates have begun to rise in line with an finance index closed up 1 percent Bank Indonesia lowered its environment, a forward looking monitor- riyal early this year, the currency has economic recovery there. on Wednesday, compared with a full-year growth forecast last ing framework will be rebounded in the forwards market , show- The IMF has also shown signs of rec- 1.3 percent gain in the JCI. week to 5 to 5.4 percent from 5.2 essential for pursuing the ing speculation about a change to the peg ognising that the riyal may need to fall The OJK capped deposit to 5.6 percent. Expansion has only appropriate exchange has decreased. at some point. After annual consulta- rates at 75 to 100 basis points exceeded 5 percent in one of the regime,” they wrote. But that is partly because the central tions with Riyadh last week, it said: “The above Bank Indonesia’s bench- last five quarters and was 4.79 per- “The decision for one or bank warned banks not to conduct deriv- exchange rate peg to the US dollar con- mark rate, depending on the size cent for 2015, the least since 2009. the other exchange rate atives trades that would pressure the riyal. tinues to serve Saudi Arabia well given the of the lender. It asked banks to Rising bad loans and the regime depends ulti- Saudi interest rate swaps, also used to hedge structure of the economy.” lower lending rates in line with sluggish economy will limit loan mately on the structure against the risk of devaluation, remain near But in a paper presented to a meeting deposit rates and said it would growth this year, although banks of the economy as well this year’s peaks. of Arab finance ministers last month, the summon those that didn’t narrow will get a boost if the government as the policy objectives.” The paper was published when Ahmed IMF said efforts by oil-exporting countries their net-interest margins. The manages to pass its tax amnesty After a surge of bets Arrangements stud- al-Kholifey was the central bank’s deputy to diversify their economies could fail if monetary authority’s policy rate bill, said Jeffrosenberg Tan, an against the Saudi ied in the paper, entitled governor for research and international their currencies became overvalued, hurt- is 6.75 percent, and it will adopt associate director at PT Sinar- “Saudi Arabia’s Exchange affairs. Since then, Kholifey has been ing non-oil export industries. the seven-day reverse repo rate, mas Securities in Jakarta. riyal early this year, Rate Policy: Its Impact on appointed head of the central bank in a Such considerations may keep spec- currently at 5.5 percent, as its new “Banks are more concerned the currency has Historical Economic Per- reshuffle of top policymakers. ulation about an eventual devaluation of benchmark in August. It isn’t yet about preserving their capital rebounded in the formance”, range from The study found the riyal peg had the riyal alive. clear if the deposit rates will be and keeping their loan books tidy the use of US dollars in helped to ensure healthy and stable eco- “I just think unpegging the currency is tied to the new benchmark. rather than aggressively lending,” forwards market , place of a local currency nomic growth with moderate inflation. It a necessity for the reform plan to succeed. Mandiri’s gross non-perform- he said. Without the tax amnesty, showing speculation to a float which allow- rejected the idea, often discussed by cur- We actually plan to invest heavily in Saudi ing loans rose to 2.89 percent in “credit growth will remain weak ing the exchange rate to rency speculators, that a devaluation would Arabia after the event occurs,” said a New the first quarter from 1.81 percent as companies are still reluctant to about a change to the fluctuate freely. ease pressure on state finances by inflat- York-based hedge fund manager, declin- a year earlier. The lender has set invest and expand,” he said. peg has decreased. The central bank ing the riyal value of dollar-denominated ing to be named because of commercial said the paper, which oil revenues. sensitivities. Property loans — the glass chin of China banks

By Sumeet Chatterjee and Patturaja some fear is a bubble waiting to burst. The company did not respond to a request “It’s a parabolic surge before the burst. It Murugaboopathy “There are two concerns - the reliance for comment. doesn’t reflect the real economy,” said Roshan Reuters on property collateral to secure loans has Standard and Poor’s in March flagged the Padamadan, an equities fund manager with increased, and property prices have also risks to Chinese developers’ credit ratings, as Singapore-based Luminance Global Fund. increased to a level that some may argue is many were ploughing more capital into land “The property market may cause a serious over-heated,” said Jack Yuan, associate direc- and construction, increasing leverage despite destabilisation of the Chinese banking sector,” hina’s top banks are lending more tor for financial institutions at Fitch Ratings. falling profitability. he said, adding his fund had recently build to homebuyers and developers than “If there is a very sharp fall in prices, then Those buying expensive land in tier-1 and up some short positions in Chinese banks. Cat any time since at least the global the consequences could be quite serious,” he tier-2 cities could be particularly at risk if The situation still appears much less financial crisis, making them vulnerable to said, adding that the authorities do have tools prices dropped, it said. threatening than it was in the United States a property market downturn as prices over- to try and avoid such a tumble. There are also growing risks to banks leading up to the global financial crisis, when As banks including heat and real-estate firms struggle with a Many developers are already saddled with from homebuyers. banks’ real estate-related loans increased growing debt burden. debt from China’s most recent real-estate A study by Natixis showed buyers took from 42.6 percent to 56.5 percent in the five Industrial and Commercial China’s top five banks had mortgages and bubble - an eight-year frenzy that left many out 1 trillion yuan in new mortgages in the years to March 2007. But there are question Bank of China and Bank loans to the sector of 12.4 trillion yuan ($1.9 with unsold and uncompleted projects when first quarter this year on home sales of 1.6 marks over the quality of Chinese commer- trillion) at end-2015, up 11 percent over the prices turned lower in late 2013. trillion yuan, implying a loan-to-value (LTV) cial banks’ balance sheets. of China increase their year, and representing 28 percent of total As China’s economy stutters to its weak- ratio of 62 percent. Defaults in the property sector were exposure, property prices loans, a Reuters analysis of their balance est growth in a quarter of a century, and That remains a comfortable cushion for once unthinkable, but that changed when sheets shows. the property market remains subdued out- lenders, but the direction of travel is remark- developer Zhejiang Xingrun failed to pay its in China’s big cities have That is the biggest exposure on their side the larger cities, the build-up in debt is able, jumping from 28 percent the previous bank loans in March 2014, and Kaisa Group soared, forming what books, more than to manufacturing or trans- continuing. quarter. defaulted on its dollar bonds 10 months later. portation, and it exceeds 40 percent, up from Developer Yang Guang Co Ltd is among In April average home prices in tier-1 Chi- Banks’ non-performing loans are already some fear is a bubble about 26 percent seven years ago, if all loans those taking on more. It said last week it nese cities rose at their fastest in four years, at an 11-year-high, or nearly 2 percent of the waiting to burst. secured on property are included. would borrow an extra 300 million yuan on fuelled by six interest rate cuts since 2014 and total, according to China’s banking regula- And as banks including Industrial and top of its existing 6.1 billion yuan liabilities, easier downpayments. Shenzhen and Shang- tor, and many analysts believe the situation Commercial Bank of China and Bank of China though its revenues halved in 2015. On cur- hai were the hottest spots, with prices up 62.4 is much worse, as some banks are slow to increase their exposure, property prices in rent cashflow it would take 17 years to clear percent and 28 percent over the year, accord- recognise problem loans or park them off China’s big cities have soared, forming what its debts. ing to government data. balance sheet. 32 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 BUSINESS

BACK TO BUSINESS sight Panama Canal fever sweeps globe After six years’ austerity, Greeks feel no joy from again as new era in trade nears new debt deal

By Alex Nussbaum and Naureen S. Malik Those locks — a set of By Renee Maltezou and the way for debt relief from Bloomberg chambers sealed by 3,200- Lefteris Papadimas 2018, but does not include any tonne doors that raise and Reuters firm promise to reduce the pay- lower water levels — pro- ments Greece has to make. vide access to a wider lane Greece have been hit with century after transforming global mar- for vessels: 180 feet across, waves of pension cuts and tax kets, the Panama Canal is about to redraw compared with 109 feet in hile Greece’s govern- increases since it was forced to world trade once again. Nine years of con- the original locks. In the ment trumpeted a seek its first bailout in 2010. struction work, at a cost of more than $5 middle of the isthmus, the Wdebt relief deal with Leaving the meeting in Abillion, have equipped the canal with a third set canal authority has also other euro zone countries on Brussels where he secured 10.3 of locks and deeper navigation channels, cru- dredged deeper, wider Wednesday as the beginning of billion euros ($11.5 billion) in cial improvements that will double the isthmus’s lanes through Gatun Lake, the end of its bruising six-year new funds from his euro zone capacity for carrying cargo between the Atlantic where ships spend much of financial crisis, many Greeks colleagues, Finance Minister and Pacific oceans. the inter-oceanic voyage. remained unconvinced. Euclid Tsakalotos said he hoped When the new locks slide open to receive traffic For gas and crude oil After years of austerity the deal marked “the beginning for the first time in late June, the reverberations will companies reeling from the measures demanded by Greece’s of turning Greece’s vicious circle be felt from Asian gas terminals to Great Plains farms recent collapse in prices, international creditors — the of recession-measures-reces- and ports from Miami to Long Beach to Santiago. the drop in time and ship- latest passed in parliament sion into one where investors The debut coincides, fortuitously, with a surge ping costs will provide a last Sunday — Greeks wonder have a clear runway to invest in US natural-gas production that has shale out- much-needed lift. Corn, whether the sacrifices they have in Greece.” fits suddenly seeking out new export markets. The soybean and wheat grow- made to stay in the euro were The deal won a provisional deeper channels will be able to accommodate the ers in the US also stand to worth the pain. commitment from the IMF to kind of massive tankers that transport liquefied benefit, along with import- “We are done, we can’t even return to the bailout process, natural gas, shaving eleven days and a third of the ers like Dole Food Co Inc leave our homes anymore to but with Germany opposed cost off the typical round trip to the Far East. Mar- Construction continues on the expanded section of the Panama Canal and Chiquita Brands Inter- have a coffee,” said Panagiotis to cutting the debt pile, euro kets from Chile to China will also become more as seen from the control tower at the new lock in Cocoli, Panama. national Inc. Zabetakis, 50, a carpenter who, zone ministers made any relief accessible for oil drillers across the Americas while While the current locks like one in every four Greeks, is measures such as extending millions of tons of container shipments originat- are too small for most nat- unemployed. maturities on loans contingent ing from Asia could start bypassing western US increasingly large vessels favored nowadays. The ural-gas carriers, almost Playing with worry beads on Athens respecting strict cri- ports and opt to dock instead along the Gulf Coast canal, which carried some 340 million tonnes of 90 percent of the world fleet will be able to use at a cheap cafe in an Athens teria, something Greeks fear or Eastern seaboard. cargo in the fiscal year that ended last September, the canal after expansion, the authority says. That’ll suburb, Zabetakis paid 1 euro means more austerity. The anticipated growth has triggered a multi- accounts for about 6 percent of total world trade. cut the round trip from the US Gulf to Asia to about ($1.10) for his morning coffee. “This cannot continue ... they billion-dollar dredging and building binge at ports When it opened for business, the canal was 20 days, compared with 31 days through the Suez That will rise on June 1 when (the Europeans) are telling us we in the US, Caribbean and South America, all seek- an engineering marvel. In the 34-year span that Canal or 34 around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. the measures passed to secure will be in debt for 100 years. How ing to win a share of the traffic boom. Panama is began with France’s failed attempt and ended with Sailing from Louisiana to Tokyo via Panama would Wednesday’s deal start coming can we be pleased?” asked pen- also bidding to become a distribution hub for global the US completion in 1914, some 75,000 work- be about 35 percent cheaper than taking the Suez, into force. sioner Eleni Palaiologou, 85. manufacturers, with plans to add space for more ers toiled to carve out the 80km channel. In the according to Jason Feer, head of business intel- By next year Greeks will pay Prime Minister Alexis than 5 million additional cargo containers. process, they created an artificial body of water, ligence at Houston-based ship broker Poten & an extra 20-30 cents for their Tsipras, elected in early 2015 on “There are going to be a lot of feeder services Gatun Lake, and an earthen dam that at the time Partners. coffee and the price of just about a promise to end austerity only that develop around it,” Moses Kopmar, a Moody’s were the world’s largest. They also opened up the The impact on oil markets is likely to be more everything else will rise too as to row back and accept a new Investors Service analyst in New York, said. mammoth Culebra Cut, a ditch through the Conti- muted. While the canal will open to bigger “Post- added tax will (VAT) goes up bailout to avoid being forced The expansion won’t solve all the canal’s chal- nental Divide that required the removal of about Panamax” tankers, it still won’t fit Very Large Crude to 24 percent from 23 percent. out of the euro, struggled to get lenges. While tripling the size of cargo vessels it 100 million cubic yards of rock and shale. By the Carriers, the 2-million barrel behemoths that trans- Greeks’ spending power, mean- his coalition to accept the lat- can receive, Panama still won’t be able to take the time work was complete, some 25,000 people were port most of the world’s petroleum. while, is in sharp decline. est reforms. biggest container ships or crude tankers. What’s dead, many succumbing to yellow fever, malaria The bigger canal may also trigger a shift “We are running after the Scraping through with a more, its traffic will depend on the health of the and other tropical diseases, according to the Pan- for container ships that carry everything from Europeans, hoping they throw narrow majority of 153 members global economy more than its dimensions, accord- ama Canal Authority. clothes to chemicals into the US, the world’s larg- us a bone which would suf- in the 300 seat parliament, there ing to Kopmar. The latest construction has come with less est importer. With the latest generation of ships fice for a few months. I’m very is some stirring dissent. One of But expansion was critical, industry experts tragedy but its own share of cost overruns and too large for the original locks, most of that traf- disappointed,” Zabetakis said, Tsipras’ lawmakers quit after say, for a country that risked seeing its shipping engineering snafus. Leaky locks were one major fic now unloads in Los Angeles, Seattle and other criticising the deal which opens Sunday’s vote. route lose relevance if it didn’t grow to handle the problem, helping delay the project by two years. West Coast destinations.

International banks have reduced liquidity to local banks Capital on concerns over Saudi Arabia’s fiscal position. The Monica Malik, Chief onshore market also reflects a greater confidence on the Economist at Abu Dhabi Comment sustainability of the riyal’s peg to the dollar. Commercial Bank

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Name in the Market Marmore MENA @ CFO Journal marmoremena #MENA #markets had GLOBAL OIL PRODUCTION a mixed first quarter, Pressure from sellers is convincing after enduring one eager Chinese buyers to pony up of the worst starts big reverse breakup fees in their to the year in recent memory... acquisitions. This is a recent trend, and some buyers are pushing back, Dealogic @Dealogic say bankers and lawyers who have $501.5bn: 3rd highest advised on several recent Chinese YTD volume on record deals. for #global cross-bor- der M&A #markets

Argaam Plus @ ArgaamPlus Heard on the Street #Solar energy should be top priority, says #Saudi minister Sony took a hit when its image Deutsche Bank @ sensor production was knocked DeutscheBank #USA: high-yield bonds out by a recent earthquake. The up 5% since Janu- profit damage may not be as ary, thanks to rising #oil price. Risk premi- bad as it seems. ums for other sectors remain high. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 36 PAGE | 39 France blow as Thunder a win VaraneV ruled out of away from finals Euro 2016 after Game 4

THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 • 19 SHA’BAAN 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Lekhwiya pip El Jaish to reach ACL quarters

penalty shoot-out yesterday as Hao Asia’s last eight. But with the scores at Former Qatar Stars Junmin’s last-minute thunderbolt also 2-1 on the night, and 3-2 on aggregate put Shandong Luneng into the AFC after last week’s 1-1 draw, Hao’s long- League champions Champions League quarter-finals. range shot swerved past Janjetovic bounce back to win In a breathless night of action, and into the top corner, stunning the Go Yo-Han struck in the dying sec- Sydney crowd. the return match onds of extra time against Urawa Red “There’s a lot of disappointments 4-2 and qualify on Diamonds -- the fourth goal of the in football and there’s a lot of happy extra periods -- to force the shoot- times -- this is an extremely disap- aggregate score out, which Seoul won 7-6. pointing time for the players,” an Urawa’s Yoshiaki Komai was emotional Sydney FC coach Graham the fall guy when his stuttering run- Arnold said afterwards. Agencies up and shot was easily saved by Yu “It took a great goal to beat us... Sang-Hun, before Seoul’s Kim Dong- all I can say is, these things happen Woo stroked the decisive spot-kick. in football,” he added. The 2013 runners-up were sec- Sydney got off to a dream start DOHA: Former Qatar Stars League onds from elimination after Tadanari when Brandon O’Neill’s low free kick winners Lekhwiya bounce from their Lee scored twice in three minutes crept in the second minute, before first leg defeat to registering a stun- deep into extra time, before Go’s Walter Montillo equalised 10 min- ning 4-2 win in the second leg over fierce shot in the 122nd minute for utes later. El Jaish in the AFC Champions league 3-2 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate. Sydney made a sensational start (ACL) and thus qualify for the quar- It wasn’t the only action-packed to the second period when, with less ter-finals on an aggregate score of last-16 second leg as Hao’s rocket than a minute gone, Rhyan Grant 6-4. with seconds left against Sydney blasted them 2-1 ahead from the right Yesterday, Lekhwiya, who won FC locked up the scores at 3-3 on side of the box after being teed up by the Emir Cup last week, did every- aggregate but put China’s Shandong Milos Ninkovic. thing right to emerge clear winners through on away goals. Janjetovic’s penalty stop from and shatter El Jaish dream. Goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic’s Diego Tardelli, after Zac Anderson Lekhwiya had lost the first leg late penalty save -- after he also saw red for a foul, appeared to have 4-0. stopped a spot-kick in the first leg put Sydney through, but their joy Lekhwiya Ali Afif (left) attempts a volley while being challenged by El Jaish’s Murad Naji (second left) during Elsewhere, FC Seoul came back -- seemed to have earned 10-man faded when Hao’s last-minute siz- from the brink to win a dramatic Sydney their first appearance in zler swerved into the top corner. their AFC Champions League (ACL) match at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, yesterday. 34 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 SPORT

Germany’s Roger Kluge Thousands greet (IAM) celebrates as he crosses the finish line victorious Fiji, to win the 17th stage of the 99th Giro d’Italia, Olympics up next Tour of Italy, from Molveno to Cassano d’Adda, yesterday. AFP

SUVA, FIJI: Fiji’s victorious Sevens World Series team arrived home to a rapturous reception yesterday but captain Osea Kolinisau said there was little time to savour the win as they prepare to chase Olympic gold. Thousands of supporters lined Suva’s waterfront to congratu- late the Flying Fijians after they defended their world series title earlier this month in London. Kluge steals in for The Pacific islanders are now favourites to claim a gold medal in Rio, where rugby will return to the Olympics schedule after a gap of 92 years. The pressure on Kolinisau’s surprise stage win squad is immense -- Fiji has com- peted at 13 Olympics since 1956 but never won a medal of any type, let alone gold. glorious sunshine and was an oppor- The skipper said his charges tunity for the overall contenders to Giro d’Italia Results had learned a lot from their title German Kluge relax in the pack as a breakaway Cassano d’Adda, Italy: Results from defence, and were relishing the formed and was eventually reeled the 17th stage of the 2016 Giro prospect of playing in Rio. finishes ahead of Verizon Indycar driver Takuma Sato gets ready for his qualifying in with few kilometres left to seem- d’Italia yesterday, a 196km run from “We are fully aware of the attempt during qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Italy’s Nizzolo on the ingly set up a bunch sprint. Molveno to Cassano d’Adda: challenges that lie ahead and will 196km stage from Just as the escape ended, how- Stage do our best,” he told the cheering Motor Speedway in this May 22 file picture. Molveno to ever, Filippo Pozzato made a 1. Roger Kluge (GER/IAM) 196km crowds at Suva’s Sukuna Park. powerful counter-attack and was in 4hrs 31mins 29sec, 2. Giacomo Sevens rugby is a national Cassano d’Adda only followed by Kluge as the sprint Nizzolo (ITA/TRE) same time, 3. obsession in Fiji and Acting Prime teams, stripped of many of the top Nikias Arndt (GER/GIA) s.t., 4. Sacha Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum Sato craves Indy 500 contenders such as Marcel Kittel and Modolo (ITA/LAM) s.t., 5. Matteo said the 900,000-strong popula- Andre Greipel who have pulled out, Trentin (ITA/ETI) s.t., 6. Alexander tion was willing them to victory in AFP failed to galvanise a concerted effort Porsev (RUS/KAT) s.t., 7. Pim Brazil. to close them down. Ligthart (NED/LOT) s.t., 8. Ramunas “The prayers of the nation are win to help heal Japan Kluge, an omnium silver medal- Navardauskas (LTU/CAN) s.t., 9. with the team and this strong sup- list in the last world championships, Manuel Belletti (ITA/SOU) s.t., 10. port will be their key to success in CASSANO D’ADDA, ITALY: Ger- won with relative ease ahead of Ita- Paolo Simion (ITA/BAR) s.t. the Olympics,” he said. Reuters under his new boss to become the man IAM rider Roger Kluge got ly’s Giacomo Nizzolo, who has come Overall Fiji will name a 24-man Games first Japanese driver to claim an Indy- ahead of the pack in the final kilo- second in nine Giro stages without squad before going into their train- Car win, but he has not been unable metre to bamboozle the sprint teams ever having won, while another Ger- 1. Steven Kruijswijk (NED/LNL) ing camp on June 14. to replicate the feat as opportunities and steal a stage win on a flat run man Nikias Arndt was third. 63hr 40min 10sec, 2. Esteban Meanwhile, Wallaby fullback TORONTO: Takuma Sato has been passed him by. Chaves (COL/ORI) at 3min 03sec, in the 17th stage of the Giro d’Italia Thursday’s stage is a giant Israel Folau’s move to Japanese club passionate about helping those However, his most notable near- 3. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/MOV) yesterday. 240km slog back into the Alps NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes may impacted by the earthquake and tsu- miss came during the final lap of the 3:23, 4. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) There was no change in the over- between Muggio and Pinerolo and not happen after they were rele- nami that ravaged Japan in 2011 and 2012 Indianapolis 500 when he spun 4:43, 5. Ilnur Zakarin (RUS/KAT) all standings with Dutchman Steven ends with a 5km climb at an aver- gated from the Top League, a report now, days away from the Indianapo- out while attempting an inside pass 4:50, 6. Rafal Majka (POL/TIN) 5:34, Kruijswijk still leading Esteban age 10.5 percent gradient before a said Wednesday. lis 500, he has another idea on how on race leader Dario Franchitti going 7. Bob Jungels (LUX/ETI) 7:57, 8. Chaves by 3min 03sec and veteran spectacular daredevil descent to the Folau signed a one-year con- to help those affected. into Turn 1. Andrey Amador (CRC/MOV) 6:53, Spaniard Alejandro Valverde by finish line. The race for the pink jer- tract with a one-year option in 2015 Sato, who famously came close to Sato, who recounts with great 9. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/A2R) 3min 23sec in third. sey resumes in earnest with two big with the Osaka-based side but did winning the Indy 500 in 2012, feels detail the closing laps of that race as 10:05, 10. Kanstantsin Siutsou The 196km run between Molveno days in the mountains on Friday and not play last season due to an ankle that winning what he considers the if it happened yesterday, challenged (BLR/DDA) 11:03 and Cassano d’Adda was raced in Saturday. injury. pinnacle of racing on Sunday would Franchitti low in the turn but lost give some measure of cheer to the control as the cars touched and was tens of thousands left homeless from swiftly sent into the wall. the disaster. He has great respect for Fran- “I was very passionate to help but chitti and said that at the time his how can I help? Not just financially first priority was to avoid a crash, but also to bring some energy to this an approach he has since changed. cause,” the A.J. Foyt Racing driver “I have to secure myself to be in said on Tuesday. my best position,” said Sato. “If peo- “So if I can win the 500 it would ple come down for the defence, well, be massive and of course it’s a great end of the day by all means.” personal goal so I’d love to take it.” The Japanese will start 12th on The 39-year-old driver, who Sunday after recording a four-lap founded the “With you Japan” pro- average of 228.029 miles per hour gramme in 2011 to help children (366 kph) at the 2.5 mile (4 km) Indi- affected by the disaster move for- anapolis Motor Speedway oval. ward with their lives, qualified 12th “I’m very happy to in 12th place for Sunday’s race in Indiana and will and fourth row. From there we can start in the fourth row. work on it bit by bit, and what’s The Japanese sensation got off to most important is lap 200 on Sun- a fast start after joining A.J. Foyt Rac- day evening,” said Sato. “I’m ready The teams taking part in the QCA Cup Cricket Tournament 2016, a Twenty20 tournament, pose for a group picture. ing in 2013, needing only three races for the challenge.” Cricket: Al Feroz Youngsters post three Knox aiming to crown victories in QCA Super Cup 2016 rise with Ryder Cup spot AFP since that. I played good enough to be right up there at The Players’ The Peninsula Imraz followed it with an HBK Batting: Nimantha 33, Batting first Ooredoo made 126/4 Championship for 71 holes. unbeaten 38 and a wicket in the sec- Amjad 14, Joseph 10, Dilshari 9 (20 in 20 Over’s “So really, I’ve had four really ond match, which inspired Galfar Al Over’s) Ooredoo Batting: Shahid 20, WENTWORTH, United Kingdom: good tournaments since then, and Misnad to a six-wicket romp against Al Feroz Bowling: Mujeeb 1 wkt, Tamoor 62, Tabraiz 10, Khurram 8 Scotland’s Russell Knox is aiming to to be honest, I expect to make the DOHA: Al Feroz Youngsters posted HBK. The QCA Super Cup features Nouman 2 wkts, Inam 1 wkt, Harris (20 Over’s) crown his rise up golf’s world rank- team now. If I keep playing the way three victories to lay a strong claim the top finishers of the Qatar Airways 1 wkt, Nadeem 3 wkts Al Feroz Bowling: Imran 2 wkts, ings by cementing a place in Europe’s I’m going, I think I can do it and I for a place in the final of the QCA Cup QCA League and the participat- Al Feroz Batting: Faisal 25, Inam Nouman 2 wkts Ryder Cup team at Hazeltine in Sep- sure hope I do.” Cricket Tournament 2016. ing outfits are: Al Feroz Youngsters, 15, Tanveer 10, Nouman 14, Imran 13 Al Feroz Batting: Inam 45, Tan- tember. Knox was still a member of the The Twenty20 event is being Galfar Al Misnad, Ooredoo and HBK. (15.2 Over’s) veer 24, Imran 29 (19.3 Over’s) The 30-year-old, who is based PGA Tour when he won the WGC so organised by Qatar Cricket Two top teams after the round-robin HBK Bowling: Suneeth 1 wkt, Ooredoo Bowling: Awais 2 wkts, in the United States, won the WGC it does not count towards his Ryder Association. league will clash for the title. Sumon 2wkts, Umar 2 wkts, Imraz Naeem 1 wkt Champions tournament in China last Cup. Nouman (14 runs, two wickets Brief scores - 2 wkts Result: Al Feroz won by 6 wkts November and has followed that up He is currently 33rd on the and two catches) played a crucial part Batting first Galfar Al Misnad Result: Al Feroz won by 7 wkts Man-of-the-match:: Imran with a string of impressive finishes European list and 17th on the World in his team’s seven-wicket triumph made 136/7 wkts in 20 Overs Man-of-the-match:: Nouman of Ashraf of Al Feroz (29 runs + 2 wkts) including second places at the Her- points list with a combination of the over HBK, Imran Ashraf hit 29 runs Galfar Batting: Imran 77, Umar Al Feroz Youngsters (14 runs + 2 wkts Batting first Al Feroz made 120/8 itage and the recent Irish Open. two used to pick nine of the team and scalped two players to fashion 29, Nuwan 3, Rizlan 6, Dawood 7 (20 + 2 catches). in 20 Over’s He was ranked 85th in the world with Clarke selecting three wild a six-wicket triumph over Ooredoo Over’s) Batting first HBK made 95/7 in Al Feroz Batting: Faisal 44, Nou- six months ago but is now up to a cards. and Nadeem returned a haul of three Ooredoo Bowling: Awais 2 wkts, 20 Over’s man 19, Bilal 21 (20 Over’s) career high of 23rd making him the Knox needs more good results to wickets and grabbed a catch to set Tabraiz 1 wkt, Naeem 2 wkts, Kam- HBK Batting: Namantha 13, Galfar Bowling: Suneeth 2 wkts, second-highest ranked player at the force his way into an automatic spot up a 24-run victory against Galfar ran 2 wkts Mughees 21, Amjad 11, Joseph 24 (20 Umar 2 wkts, Gayan 2 wkts, Imraz 2 European PGA Championship which but thinks his big WGC win could tilt Al Misnad. Ooredoo Batting: Kamran 37, Over’s) wkts starts at Wentworth on Thursday. Clarke to offering him a wild card One player who impressed dur- Shahid 18, Tamoor 36, Tabreez 18 Galfar Bowling: Suneeth 1 wkt, Galfar Batting: Imraz 14, Zaheer After winning his WGC Knox even though it does officially add to ing the four-team QCA Super Cup (19 Over’s) 141/7 Saman 3 wkts, Umar 1 wkt, Gayan 1 20, Rizlan 17, Viyshal 10, Suneeth 10 switched to the European Tour from his chances. was Galfar Al Misnad’s Imraz, who Galfar Bowling: Suneeth 1 wkt, wkt, Imraz 1 wkt (20 Over’s) the PGA Tour to try and force his way Knox was a one of a group of excelled and won two Man-of-the- Sumon 2wkts, Umar 2 wkts, Imraz Galfar Batting: Zaheer 20, Imraz Al Feroz Bowling: Mujeeb 1 wkt, into the Darren Clarke’s European players who had dinner with Clarke Match awards. 2 wkts 38, Ishtiaq 16, Rizlan 9 (16.3 Over’s) Inam 1 wkt, Nadeem 3 wkts, Harris 1 team and insists his bid is on track. at The Players’ Championship to dis- Against Ooredoo DCC, he Result: Ooredoo won by 2 wkts HBK Bowling: Gayan 2 wkts, wkt, Tanveer 1 wkt “It’s a huge goal now. After I won cuss the match against the United smashed 77 runs and collected a Man-of-the-match:: Imraz of Lehiro 1 wkt, Ajantha 1 wkt Result: Al Feroz won by 24 runs in China, it was realistic to make the States. brace of wickets and still his team Galfar Al Misnad (77 runs + 2 wkts). Result: Galfar won by 6 wkts Man-of-the-match: Nadeem of team, but at the same time, there’s He added: “Arguably, I’m higher failed to beat the rivals, losing by Batting first HBK made 84/8 in Man-of-the-match: Imraz of Gal- Al Feroz (3 wkts + 1 catch) still a lot to be done. up because my win didn’t count. But two wickets. 20 over’s far Al Misnad (38 runs not out + 1 wkt) “I’ve finished second three times obviously Darren knows that. SPORT THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 35 Kohli declares AB as best in world

in 15 games this season, said after the match. “That should end a lot of After watching debates as to who is the best going De Villiers plunder around. No question about it,” added 79 runs off 47 balls, Kohli, who has been dubbed the new king of cricket by Indian media. Indian batting star RCB faced a hostile spell of bowl- applauds the South ing from Gujarat medium-pacer Dhawal Kulkarni (4-14) to lose their African for his brave openers early in Kohli and Chris Gayle performance (9) in front of a raucous home crowd. De Villiers, who has been involved in an all-time record breaking 229- run stand with Kohli in this edition, then rose to the occasion to smash five Agencies fours and as many sixes in 47 balls to snatch victory. “Come the big game, the big man BANGALORE: Virat Kohli has stands up. I just bow down to him, that declared AB de Villiers the best bats- was probably one of the best knocks man in the world after the South under pressure I’ve seen,” said Kohli African single-handedly steered his after the game. Indian Premier League side into this Chasing 159 for victory at Banga- season’s cricket final. lore’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Captain Kohli, whose rare batting Royal Challengers were reduced to 68 Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) AB de Villers celebrates with team- failure on Tuesday put Royal Chal- for six before De Villiers’ blitz fired the mates after their victory over Gujarat Lions at the M Chinnaswamy lengers Bangalore (RCB) in a tight spot team home in 18.2 overs. Stadium in Bangalore on Tuesday. Royal Challengers are chasing a in their 159-run chase, saw De Villiers Coming in at number three De Vil- target of 159 runs set by Gujarat Lions. RIGHT: RCB captain Virat Kohli turn things around with his unbeaten liers stayed calm to stitch an unbeaten during the same clash on Tuesday. 79-run blitz in Qualifier 1. 91-run partnership with Iqbal Abdul- RCB were in a precarious position lah (33) to stun the opposition in front Dwayne Smith’s 41-ball 73 to post a The Windies allrounder took Shane Watson (4-29) wiped out the though will have another shot at at 68 for six before De Villiers stitched of a raucous home crowd. respectable 158 all out in 20 overs. charge to teach the Bangalore spin- Gujarat tail. securing a final berth when they an unbeaten 91-run seventh wicket Man of the match De Villiers Smith lifted Gujarat from a pre- ners a bitter lesson as he smashed After left-arm spinner Abdullah’s meet the winner of the Eliminator stand with Iqbal Abdulla to stun table- smashed five fours and five sixes dur- carious nine for three to stitch a five boundaries and 6 sixes during double strike to get openers Brendon in the second Qualifier in New Delhi toppers Gujarat Lions. ing his 47-ball stay as the top-order 85-run fourth wicket partnership his entertaining knock. McCullum and Aaron Finch out early tomorrow. “Unbelievable, can’t believe I’m batsman snatched victory out of the with former Indian wicket-keeper Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Cha- it was Watson who hurt Gujarat’s bid Bangalore will now face the win- the winning captain,” Kohli, who jaws of defeat. Earlier put into bat batsman Dinesh Karthik as the duo hal got the dangerous Smith back in to score big. ner of Qualifier 2 in the title clash on leads the run chart with a record 919 Gujarat rode on West Indies batsman counter attacked with great effect. the dug out as Australian allrounder The Suresh Raina-led Gujarat Sunday at the same venue.

England’s batsman Compton and captain Stokes has surgery as Alastair Cook is promises no seen during a nets session in Durham let-up from Topley is also ruled out yesterday. England

AFP AFP Ball will have the chance to impress. “Ben Stokes has undergone surgery this afternoon to address a cartilage CHESTER-LE-STREET, UK: Nick LONDON: England all-rounder Ben tear in his left knee. Full details on Compton (pictured) said yester- Stokes (pictured) had knee surgery the length of his rehabilitation will day that England are determined on Tuesday, while fellow international be confirmed in due course,” an ECB to carry on from where they left Reece Topley learnt he will be side- statement read. off when they face Sri Lanka in lined for three months with a partial Topley’s situation is clearer, with the second Test in Durham start- stress fracture. “a partial stress fracture of the lum- ing tomorrow. Stokes suffered a cartilage tear in bar spine” likely to keep him sidelined England won the first of a his left knee during England’s crush- for most of the season. Hampshire three-match series by the huge ing Test victory against Sri Lanka last seamer Topley, who was in England’s margin of an innings and 88 runs week at Headingley. World Twenty20 squad, has been out inside three days at Headingley He had already said that he since April 16 with a fractured thumb last week. expects to miss the remainder of Sri but now has much bigger problems to “We’ve got to build on the first Lanka’s tour, but the England and contend with. Test. It was great to be part of that Wales Cricket Board have not offered “Reece Topley has been diag- win -- to win a Test in three days is any prognosis following his operation. nosed with a partial stress fracture fantastic,” Compton told Sky Sports Stokes is unlikely to be seen again of the lumbar spine and will require yesterday. until the start of the Pakistan series in a significant period of rehabilitation,” Top-order batsman Compton July, though England are not yet com- issue for 2/3 years which I’ve managed the statement added. He will miss the was dismissed for a duck in Eng- mitting to a timescale. to play through until now,” Stokes next three months and will aim for a land’s lone innings at Headingley. The 24-year-old admitted it was tweeted. “All the best to the lads in return for Hampshire before the end “It would have been nice to a huge blow to be sidelined while the rest of the series, see you down of the season.” score some runs in the first Test but England are in action, although he at Durham in the crowd.” There was better news for David there’s been some quality prepa- planned to watch his team-mates in In Stokes’ absence, Warwick- Willey, who has a small abdominal ration and that’s where my focus the second Test against Sri Lanka in shire’s Chris Woakes, who took nine tear and is aiming to make his return is, so when I get my chance I’m Durham this week. wickets on Monday to celebrate his to action in Yorkshire’s Twenty20 really on it.” “Devastated to be missing the rest call-up for the second Test against Blast match at Worcestershire on Meanwhile, Compton insisted of the series, this has been a ongoing Sri Lanka, and the uncapped Jake June 2. complacency would not set in despite the crushing nature of their first Test win. “I think we’re a team that feels Selectors still Australia are close to Gillespie confident but realise we’ve got another Test on our hands -- and waiting on swoop, says a news report every Test is tough,” he said. Compton also had some words fitness report of consolation for a Sri Lanka side routed by James Anderson and of Hafeez AFP Stuart Broad in typically overcast English conditions in Leeds. AP “I think the English batsmen, SYDNEY: Australia is close to poaching Jason Gillespie from English cricket facing Stuart Broad and Jimmy to be the national team’s new full-time fast bowling coach, a report said Anderson in these conditions, ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is still yesterday. would find them pretty tough,” said waiting on the fitness of injured Head coach Darren Lehmann has been on the look-out for a replace- Compton, the grandson of England opening batsman Mohammad ment since Craig McDermott stepped down at the end of the World Twenty20 great Denis Compton. Hafeez for the Test series against in India this year. “We’ve got home advantage, England as selectors named 21 He said last month that the highly-regarded Gillespie, who has been they are going to want to adjust probables for a special skill camp. head coach at Yorkshire for four years and was last year touted as a candi- and look at some of the replays of Hafeez missed the two-week date for the England coaching job, was high on his list. the conditions at Headingley and fitness training camp at an army At the time, the former Australian fast bowler said he was committed to build on it. They’re a young team.” academy in Abbottabad and chief the reigning English county champions. selector Inzamam-ul-Haq says But the Sydney Morning Herald reported yesterday that discussions about Hafeez’s place will be decided once bringing him home were now at an advanced level and his services could he gets results of a fresh scan of be secured next month. Hafeez’s injured knee. “We’re speaking with a number of candidates but by no means is any- Sami Aslam, Shan Masood and thing confirmed,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson said in response. Khurram Manzoor are the three The Herald said the pending appointment would propel Gillespie into opening batsmen named for the the frame to eventually replace Lehmann, alongside frontrunner from Test training camp. Leg-spinner Yasir England’s batsman Justin Langer. Shah and left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Jonny Bairstow Ex-Tasmania quick Adam Griffith is temporarily filling the bowling coach- Babar are the two spinners vying ing role for Australia’s upcoming one-day tri-series in the West Indies, which during a for a place on the team. also includes South Africa. net session Pakistan is scheduled to play Former South African pace spearhead Allan Donald then takes over for four Test matches, five one-day in Durham their Test tour of Sri Lanka. internationals and a Twenty20 yesterday. Donald has said he is interested in the job full-time with reports also against England with the first Test mentioning former Australian pacemen Ryan Harris and Andy Bichel, along at Lord’s from July 14. with New Zealand’s Shane Bond, as possible contenders. 36 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 SPORT

Euro Super League still on Swedes hope Ibrahimovic agenda, says sports exec keeps on scoring in France AFP

LONDON: A breakaway Euro- pean Super League is still being discussed in football’s corridors The PSG star netted Sweden’s national football team of power, according to the sports executive involved when talks took 11 out of Sweden’s players attend a training session at Stockholm Stadion yesterday. place earlier this year. 19 goals during his Charlie Stillitano of the Inter- national Champions Cup (ICC) team’s qualifying held discussions with Arsenal, campaign for 2016 Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool amid Euro Championship reports Europe’s leading clubs wanted a potential competition in which they would be guaranteed to feature regardless of on-pitch Reuters results. The ICC oversees lucrative friendly fixtures involving many STOCKHOLM: Having secured their of those teams and, while Stillitano spot at Euro 2016 by beating Scandi- recognises his company are in no navian rivals Denmark in a thrilling position to create a Super League, two-legged play-off, Swedish fans he says it is “fact” others are debat- hope Zlatan Ibrahimovic and com- ing one. pany will hit the ground running in “We cannot in any way, shape France. or form make a Super League,” In a sorry performance, the Stillitano said. Swedes crashed out at the opening “We are not the architects of stage of Euro 2012 and, with Italy this discussion. We know for a and Belgium in their group this time fact that everyone’s talking about round, a victory in their opening it - there’s the ECA (European Group E game against Ireland on June Club Association), there’s UEFA - 13 would go a long way towards help- and looking for a way to improve ing them to make the knockout stages. things. “The team that wins that game “If they look at our (ICC) tour- has a good chance of advancing. A nament and see it as a model of a victory there might be enough to go way for them to go forward, it’s not through,” Sweden coach Erik Ham- us suggesting that. To me it’s in the ren told reporters. hands of the clubs and UEFA. They The Swedes struggle against have to figure it out. higher-ranked teams and managed “We meet the teams all the just two points from a possible 12 in seasons in France’s Ligue 1, the counter-attacks. Known for his loy- of players with Champions League is choosing the best pairings at the time. There was nothing nefari- qualification against group winners 34-year-old Paris Saint Germain alty, Hamren still includes ageing experience with Malmo FF. centre of defence and in central mid- ous about it, nothing secretive. The Austria and runners-up Russia to fin- striker netted 11 of Sweden’s 19 strikes stalwarts such as Sebastian Lars- Celta Vigo forward John Guidetti field that will give Hamren his biggest meeting was on the notice board ish in third spot. in qualifying, including three of the son and Kim Kallstrom in his squad has won plenty of praise in Spain headaches. at The Dorchester (Hotel). To make an impact at Euro 2016 four goals that downed Denmark 4-3 but he is gradually introducing new and Emir Kujovic topped the scor- With the manager due to step “The majority of the discussion they will need captain and record on aggregate. players. ing charts in Sweden’s Allsvenskan down after the tournament and was how we are going to build the international goalscorer Ibrahi- However, Ibrahimovic’s heroics These include six of the side in 2015, netting 21 goals as his unfan- rumours that Ibra’s international ICC after this year. Everyone’s talk- movic to continue to find the net on in front of goal have been frequently who were victorious at last year’s cied IFK Norrkiping side won the title. retirement is looming, the Swedes ing about tournaments: Asia Cup, French soil. wiped out by a soft-centred defence U21 European Championships in They also have plenty of cover will want to mark what seems like whatever. But we talked about Virtually unstoppable in four that struggles against pace and the Czech Republic, and a number on the wings and at full back but it the end of an era with qualification. everything.”

France blow as Varane Ticketless fans Germany’s Bastian expected to ruled out of Euro 2016 Schweinsteiger arrives for a news conference in Ascona, swarm France: Switzerland. AFP British police

PARIS: France’s Euro 2016 preparations took a knock on Tuesday with key AFP defender Raphael Varane (pictured) ruled out injured of next month’s tour- nament on home soil with his place taken by Adil Rami. Coach Didier Deschamps had feared the worst after Real Madrid LONDON: Around 250,000 British announced Sunday that the 23-year-old Varane, capped 29 time for France, fans will travel to France for Euro had suffered a serious left thigh injury. 2016 without tickets for matches, And scans confirmed his fears and the diagnosis of Real Madrid team British police warned yesterday. doctors that the player would be out of action for up to three weeks. Security at the European “The clinical examination and MRI Tuesday morning at Rambouillet Championships was already being hospital confirmed the initial diagnosis of the medical staff of Real Madrid, ramped up after the recent ter- namely a torn left biceps femoris grade 2,” the French Football Federation rorist attacks in France and the (FFF) said in a statement. prospect of supporters of Eng- “Given the unavailability time considered too long against national team land, Wales and Northern Ireland deadlines, Didier Deschamps decided not to retain Raphael Varane for Euro swarming into the country without 2016,” the FFF said. access to the games creates more “As a result, the coach made the decision to integrate Adil Rami in the potential for trouble. list of 23.” In total around 250,000 UK The absence of 23-year-old Varane is a fresh blow for Deschamps who supporters have tickets, but it is is already without a key defender as Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho was left expected that double that number out of his 23-man squad due to a provisional doping ban, with Real Madrid of fans will be in France through- striker Karim Benzema, not selected over his alleged involvement in a sex out the tournament, which runs tape blackmail case. from June 10 to July 10. Varane will also miss Real’s Champions League final against Atletico Possible flashpoints include Madrid on Saturday in Milan. the England against Wales clash in “I expect he will be out for two or three weeks. I hope for him it isn’t as Lens and England’s fixture against severe as anticipated,” Real coach Zinedine Zidane had said earlier Tuesday. Old hand Cech holds key Russia in Marseille, the city which “For sure it is a big blow, but above all for him. I am very disappointed saw ugly clashes between England for him.” hooligans, locals and riot police Varane’s absence means the Blues will begin their campaign without a during the 1998 World Cup. key defender who has played every game since the 2014 World Cup. French authorities have Deschamps must now find an alternative in defence and a player to work to Czech progress already told English and Welsh in tandem with Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny, with the Blues’ first friendly fans without tickets not to travel to against Cameroon on May 30 likely Lens, and there will be an alcohol to serve as a test. ban in the city centre for 24 hours Sevilla defender Rami had been Reuters the latter as they make their fourth between the goalposts “calming” from 0500 GMT on match day. called up by Deschamps on Mon- and fifth European Championship and last December the keeper broke England and Wales were each day as cover in case Varane was finals appearances respectively. a Premier League record by reaching allocated 9,000 tickets for the ruled out. PRAGUE: The hopes of the Czech The expected return of Rosicky his 170th clean sheet. game, but there were more than The 30-year-old Rami has 26 Republic lie in the usually safe hands from a calf injury should provide a The Czechs fell to Portugal in the 20,000 applications. caps for France and was a regular of goalkeeper Petr Cech as they seek welcome boost in attack but injuries quarter-finals at the last European Currently 1,841 England fans team member under the tenure of to emerge from a Euro 2016 group have limited the gifted playmaker’s Championship -- missing an injured and 86 Wales supporters are former national boss Laurent Blanc that includes champions Spain and appearances in recent seasons and Rosicky -- and in 2008 Turkey ended under banning orders that apply from 2010 to 2012 but had not been has no obvious weak link. his fitness will be closely monitored. their hopes at the group stage after from May 31 to July 11 and mean called up by Deschamps since June Cech, set to become the coun- Cech, though, has remained a Cech conceded two late goals. they must hand in their passports 2013. try’s most-capped player, will anchor steady presence on the Czech back- Cech is tied with Karel Pobor- to police. He had a good season with a largely untested lineup that will line, helping to guide them to seven sky, a hero of the 1996 Czech team Assistant Chief Constable Sevilla, winners of the Europa look to build on their qualifying suc- wins in qualifying. who finished Euro runners-up, on 118 Mark Roberts, the national lead League and Spanish Cup finalists, cesses and avoid an early exit by at The 33-year-old goalkeeper national team appearances. Rosicky for football policing, warned that and had been severe in his criticism least eclipsing Turkey and Croatia in moved to Arsenal this season after is third on the list with 100 caps. the banning orders are no guar- of Deschamps after failing to make Group D. spending 11 years across London at If Hazard is on song, and working antee against trouble. the initial squad. Coach Pavel Vrba believes his Chelsea, where he won four titles well in tandem with De Bruyne, then “Some of the people who have France, winners in 1984 and squad have the right mix of youth and and the Champions League trophy Belgium will have two much-feared drunk to excess and behaved in an 2000, open their Euro campaign experience, with Cech and Arsenal in 2012. Arsenal manager Arsene players, capable of dictating the out- anti-social manner are not known against Romania on June 10. team mate Tomas Rosicky providing Wenger calls Cech’s presence come of most matches. to the police,” Roberts said. SPORT THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 37 Schweinsteiger expects to be fit

the pitch. Die Mannschaft is plagued The reigning World with injury worries, with defender Germany’s coach Mats Hummels also sitting out train- Joachim Loew arrives Cup champions are ing after he picked up a hamstring tear for a news conference struggling with many at the end of the league season. in Ascona, Switzerland, But Loew voiced confidence that yesterday. injuries to key players Hummels, also a member of Germa- ahead of their 2016 ny’s World Cup winning squad, will recover in time. Euro campaign in Defensive midfielder Sami France next month Khedira, who had been suffering from a calf injury, is expected to return to training today. Germany will play a friendly against Slovakia on May 29 in Augs- Agencies burg and another against Hungary in Gelsenkirchen on June 4. They will head to their Euro 2016 ASCONA, SWITZERLAND: Bas- base in Evian on June 7, before open- tian Schweinsteiger said yesterday he ing their Group C campaign against would recover from a knee injury in Ukraine in Lille on June 12. time to captain Germany at the Euro- However, the German side set- pean Championship, even though it ting their sights on Euro 2016, 20 remained unclear when he would years after their last continental tro- return to the pitch. phy, may be completely different from “I’m doing well, I am very con- the one that won the 2014 World Cup fident,” he told journalists at a press in Brazil. conference in the Swiss town of Although coach Loew has kept a Ascona, where the German national core of the players who won the coun- squad has set up its training camp try’s fourth World Cup, he will need to ahead of the tournament in France. mould them back into a tournament “I am trying to do a bit more day team if they are to knock holders by day,” said Schweinsteiger, who has Spain off the champions’ pedestal 114 caps, adding that his recovery was after eight years. well within schedule. The manager will also need to The World Cup winning mid- quickly integrate a group of younger fielder has not played since tearing players, including the talented but his knee ligament while training with uncapped Joshua Kimmich and Julian Germany in March. Weigl among others, to deliver a com- But coach Joachim Loew has petitive unit. named him in a preliminary Euro “We are confident but not arro- 2016 squad of 27, which has to be gant. We are strong but not invincible,” trimmed to 23 by next Tuesday. Loew said. out injured. Fellow defender Benedikt “These injuries are a bit of a con- Reus, Karim Bellarabi, Lukas Podol- for games after spending most of the Loew said he was giving Schwein- The manager’s biggest headache Hoewedes also missed much of 2016 cern for me,” Loew said. “You have ski and Andre Schuerrle jostling for season on the Bayern bench. steiger until Friday or Saturday before is his back line where the qualifiers through injury, returning to action such problems before every tourna- position alongside definite starters Few expect the star Germans to deciding. exposed an alarming lack of consist- only weeks ago for Schalke. ment but I really hope that we now Khedira and Toni Kroos. have any problems against Ukraine, “He has achieved a lot physically ency. Germany conceded five goals in Loew has another headache in can all remain healthy and those Thomas Mueller, who has enjoyed Northern Ireland and Poland, who in the last few weeks, and that’s a their last four games and left it unex- front of the defence, with captain injured at the moment can come his most prolific scoring season at beat them once in qualifying, in good basis. I am optimistic about pectedly late to top their group. Schweinsteiger racing to overcome an back.” Bayern having produced 20 league Group C where they are overwhelm- the coming weeks,” said Loew, add- Central defender Jerome Boateng injury and fellow holding midfielder Germany’s midfield, overflowing goals, will lead their attack along with ing favourites. Beyond that, much will ing that the midfield general would has only just come back for Bayern Ilkay Guendogan already ruled out with talent, remains awe-inspiring, in-form Mario Gomez and World Cup depend on what sort of team Loew need “a few days” before returning to Munich after more than three months with a knee cap injury. with players such as Mesut Ozil, Marco final scorer Mario Goetze, desperate can field.

Versatile Arda is Belgium are an outside bet at Euro 2016 Turkey’s driving force

Reuters the new captain after a groin injury Reuters sidelined Kompany. Belgium will need Hazard to BRUSSELS: Brimming with talent and emerge from the funk that has char- ISTANBUL: Turkey’s ambitions of buoyed up by a quarter-final place at acterised his club season with Chelsea reaching the Euro 2016 knockout the 2014 World Cup, Belgium will be a and show more than just the occa- stages will largely depend on the popular choice as an outside bet at the sional moment of magic if they are form of their inspirational captain European Championship but need key to emerge from the opening-round Arda Turan (pictured), who has players to be on form after they lost group they share with Italy, Ireland had a patchy season with his new captain Vincent Kompany to injury. and Sweden. club Barcelona. The Red Devils return to the If Hazard is on song, and working The 29-year-old midfielder tournament for the first time since well in tandem with De Bruyne, then joined Barca from Atletico Madrid co-hosting the event with the Neth- Belgium will have two much-feared in July 2015 but was sidelined for erlands in 2000 but an exciting players, capable of dictating the out- Belgium’s six months by the club’s trans- generation of talent will be no demure come of most matches. national fer ban which meant he made his debutants, having already had a taste There is a large contingent of football team debut only in January. of the big time in Brazil two years ago. English-based players in the Belgian midfielder He has, though, failed to estab- Their performance in reaching the squad who will need to be fresh after lish himself as a regular starter in Marouane quarter-finals -- they exited after a a long and taxing club season which the wake of stiff competition and Fellaini (left) 1-0 loss to Argentina -- plus a con- has seen many of their players bat- been used mainly as a substitute. vies for the ball vincing qualifying campaign for Euro tle injury. For Turkey he remains the 2016 led to a five-month stint at the Wilmots has sought to keep his with midfielder main man and his array of skills, head of the FIFA world rankings. side under the radar and away from Kevin De which made him one of Atletico’s Belgium would be the first to scoff the spotlight the traditional favour- Bruyne during a key players during his four-year at the idea that they are the world’s ites will attract. training session spell with the club, will be their best team but they are strong in all Only days ago he proclaimed his in Lausanne best hope of avoiding an early exit departments. Coach Marc Wilmots side were nowhere near favourites. yesterday. in France. has an abundance of talent, led “We hope to do as well as we did Pace and dazzling footwork by Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel, at the World Cup and maybe a little yesterday. “France, Germany and There will be many who disa- once reached the tournament final, combined with an eye for goal Thibault Courtois and the mercurial better. A place in the last four would Spain are the favourites for me,” he gree and see Belgium as a top team losing to a late West Germany goal ensure he is a driving force, boss- Eden Hazard, who is set to become be fantastic,” he told Belgian media added. at the tournament. The country has in 1980 in Italy. ing a midfield that includes the talented Hakan Caljanoglu, Selcuk Inan and Nuri Sahin. For inspiration, Arda will have his memories of Euro 2008 when he scored in comeback wins Past, present players field questions on Mourinho over Switzerland and the Czech Republic as Turkey reached the semi-finals. More recently, Arda was also Agencies The two had their share of run-ins relationship with him over the years. qualification, and where dull per- on target in a stunning 3-0 win in 2011-12 when Guardiola coached The midfielder played for two sea- formances had the fans booing their over Netherlands which kept Barcelona and Mourinho was in sons under both Van Gaal and later own team even after victories. Turkey’s Euro 2016 qualifying ASCONA, ITALY: Manchester should charge at Real Madrid. Guardiola at the Bayern Munich club. Meanwhile, former United mid- campaign alive before they com- brace itself for some fascinating local “It looks like there will be an “Louis van Gaal and me have had fielder Paul Scholes said Mourinho pleted their recovery from a poor derbies if Jose Mourinho (pictured) interesting city duel if Mourinho joins a special relationship,” the Germany will bring attacking flair back to Man- start with wins over the Czech joins United, midfielder Bastian Sch- United,” Schweinsteiger told reporters captain said. “My transfer to United chester United, having learnt from the Republic and Iceland weinsteiger said yesterday. at Germany’s training camp in Italy. (in 2015) also had to do with him. I mistakes of Louis van Gaal. The Germany international “There is already a lot of enthusi- cannot speak badly about someone “The fans at Man United demand declined to comment on reports that asm in Manchester. Each player would I have to thank for so much. entertaining football, and I’m sure the former Chelsea and Real Madrid like to train under Mourinho. It will “I admire him as coach and per- Mourinho will come and try and give manager had agreed terms with be something special (for the city).” sonality. Despite a difficult period it,” Scholes told British media. United to succeed the sacked Louis Van Gaal was fired on Monday a with injury (and) bad luck we still The former midfielder, who won van Gaal. year before his contract was due to managed to lift a trophy not won by 11 league titles with United, was an However, he said every player end and just two days after United United in 12 years. It is a fitting end outspoken critic of Van Gaal’s time would want to work under the beat Crystal Palace to win the FA Cup, for him.” at the helm. United finished fifth in Portuguese coach who will go head- their first trophy in three years. That success, however, could not the Premier League this season under to-head with Pep Guardiola who has Schweinsteiger heaped praise on gloss over a season in which United the Dutchman, scoring 49 goals, already agreed to join rivals Manches- the Dutchman, saying he admired finished fifth in the Premier League, their lowest tally since the 1989-90 ter City. Van Gaal, having developed a special missing out on Champions League campaign. 38 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 SPORT Players to watch at Euro 2016 in France ...

at Wembley Stadium.

The continent’s top Slovakia - Robert Mak 24 sides will appear at Euro 2016 and here Mak is the leading scorer for PAOK in Greece, with 19 goals in 42 matches. are some of the best The 25-year-old midfielder, a former players leading their Manchester City academy player, will be counted on to reinforce Slovakia’s team’s cause in France attack next month and could shine as a strong complement to Adam Nemec and Marek Hamsik in front of the net. Attacking midfielder Ondrej Duda could also garner more attention if he Reuters wins a spot on the squad. The speedy 21-year-old Legia Warsaw player has reportedly been courted by a number PARIS: Players to watch at the Euro- of English clubs, including Arsenal. pean Championship in France, which kicks off on June 10: Wales - Sam Vokes

Group A The experienced striker, 26, was a Albania - Elseid Hysaj key figure in Burnley’s promotion back to the Premier League this sea- Elseid Hysaj has played in Italy son, scoring 15 goals as they won the Belgian national Championship title. While Gareth since the age of 14 after his father, a soccer coach Bale is Wales’s talisman, Vokes is the migrant bricklayer, introduced him to Marc Wilmots perfect foil for the Real Madrid man a soccer scout. Hard work and talent (left) signs and will be hungry to shine on the ensured he rose to become a solid full autographs, during international stage after his first sea- back, comfortable on both sides, for a training session son in the Premier League in 2014-15 Serie A side Napoli and for Albania. in Lausanne was ruined by injury. yesterday. France - Kingsley Coman Group C The 19-year-old Kingsley Coman, Poland - Grzegorz Krychowiak experience this season with his first Tall and commanding, McNair never be far from the action in France. play left back, but the 24-year-old’s who joined Bayern Munich on loan Bundesliga title and a run to the reads the game well and will push real strengths are his ability to get from Juventus this season, is devel- Grzegorz Krychowiak is known Champions League semi-finals. for a place in the starting line-up Turkey - Hakan Calhanoglu forward coupled with his pinpoint oping into an impressive all-round as “Mr Perfect” for his impeccable for Northern Ireland in their first- deliveries, especially from dead balls. forward, with excellent dribbling attire and white-toothed smile. As a Ukraine - Yevhen Konoplyanka ever appearance at the European The 22-year old attacking midfielder skills and jaw-dropping speed. He 16-year-old he left Poland for Giron- Championship. has gone from strength to strength Belgium - Michy Batshauyi impressed when he scored as a sec- dins Bordeaux, where he acquired a Sevilla winger Yevhen Konoplyanka since bursting on to the big stage in ond-half substitute in a 4-2 win French accent. He also has a French has already proved his talent at the Group D 2013. A single season at Hamburg, Eligible to play for the Democratic against Russia in March. girlfriend, the model Celia Jaunat. The 26-year-old defensive mid- top level after eight years with Dnipro Spain - Aritz Aduriz in which he bagged 11 goals and five Republic of Congo through his par- Dnipropetrovsk and, on his day, his assists in 28 league games, secured a ents, Batshauyi opted for his native Romania - Nicolae Stanciu fielder makes sure the donkey work gets done but still managed to score pace and dribbling can get the bet- Aritz Aduriz has defied age by pro- quick move to Bayer Leverkusen where Belgium and scored on his inter- ter of any defence. The 26-year-old’s ducing the best form of his career he instantly became a key player. national debut in March 2015. The A stunning long-range goal by in Sevilla’s Europa League triumph polished technique and long-range at 35. The powerful Athletic Bilbao 22-year-old Olympique de Mar- Nicolae Stanciu on his senior inter- over Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk last year. shooting make him one to watch in striker has scored 36 goals in all Czech Republic - Borek Dockal seille striker has scored 17 goals in national debut against Lithuania in France. competitions this season and jus- Ligue 1 this season and could have March suggested a promising future Germany - Joshua Kimmich tified his recall to the squad after a The Czech league’s player of the an important impact role at the Euro- and Steaua Bucharest’s 23-year-old Northern Ireland - Paddy McNair six-year absence in March by netting year will be under pressure to main- pean Championship. attacking midfielder, who boasts Joshua Kimmich has enjoyed a mete- in a 1-1 draw with Italy. tain his scoring touch after netting exceptional passing and dribbling oric rise in his first season at Bayern Paddy McNair broke into the Man- a team-leading four goals in the Group F skills, already looks the standout Munich, earning repeated praise chester United line-up in Louis van Croatia - Marcelo Brozovic country’s surprise rise to the top Iceland - Arnor Ingvi Traustason player in Anghel Iordanescu’s squad. from coach Pep Guardiola, who predicted a bright future for the Gaal’s first season at Old Trafford as of their qualifying group. With the a defender but, while the 21-year-old Marcelo Brozovic has impressed fitness of midfield veteran Tomas IFK Norrkoping’s energetic midfielder Switzerland - Breel Embolo 21-year-old midfielder. A surprise addition along with has slipped down the pecking order for Inter Milan this season, add- Rosicky always a question, Dockal could prove to be Iceland’s surprise over the last 12 months for his club ing a potency in front of goal to his could again emerge as the key to the package at Euro 2016. The skilful Breel Embolo, 19, is a powerful and two other uncapped youngsters -- he has established himself as a reli- traditional midfield energy. The Czech attack. The 27-year-old Sparta 23-year-old has already won the technically-gifted centre-forward Julian Brandt and Julian Weigl -- to able option for Michael O’Neill as a 23-year-old is now a regular starter Prague midfielder will be making his Swedish title and scored three goals who plays for FC Basel. Born in Cam- Joachim Loew’s squad, the versatile defensive midfielder. for both club and country and will first Euro appearance after debuting in his six international appearances. eroon, he had to take time off from Kimmich has gathered considerable with the national team just after the school to play against Liverpool in the last championship. Hungary - Daniel Bode Champions League when they met two seasons ago. Belgium’s national football player Group E Ferencvaros’s strapping central Sweden - Emil Forsberg striker Daniel Bode is probably the Group B Dries Mertens most popular player in Hungary Russia - Alexander Golovin (left) kicks the ball At 24, Emil Forsberg is an old-fash- at the moment. The 29-year-old is next to forward ioned winger full of pace and trickery strong, industrious and has an eye Alexander Golovin won his first Divock Origi during whose two Swedish titles with Malmo for the goal; his unsophisticated cap at 19 after a handful of games a training session and subsequent performances in the approach may surprise unwary for CSKA Moscow and responded to in Lausanne UEFA Champions League got him a opponents. former manager Fabio Capello’s faith yesterday. move to Red Bull Leipzig in Germa- by becoming the first Russian ever ny’s second tier. Austria - Valentino Lazaro to score in his first two internation- als. One year on, the midfielder is a Italy - Lorenzo Insigne Valentino Lazaro, the son of an Ango- regular at CSKA and could shine in lan father and Greek mother, is an France. Nicknamed the “Italian Messi” by attacking midfielder who became team mates, the diminutive, skil- the youngest player to appear in the England - Dele Alli ful and pacy winger has had a fine Austrian Bundesliga when he made season for Napoli, scoring 13 goals. his debut at the age of 16 years and The Tottenham Hotspur youngster, The 24-year-old netted his second 224 days. who was 20 in April, took the Pre- strike in eight games for Italy in the mier League by storm in his first 1-1 draw with Spain in a friendly in Portugal - Renato Sanches season, scoring 10 goals and reg- March, suggesting a promising tour- istering nine assists. Aggressive in nament in France. A strong, skilful midfielder, Renato the tackle, skilful and hard-work- Sanches, 18, made his professional ing, Alli has all the attributes of the Ireland - Robbie Brady debut for Benfica only in October and complete modern-day central mid- has quickly become recognised as fielder. Scored some eye-catching Schooled as a winger at Manchester one of the top players in the country, goals this season, including a pile- United, Norwich City’s Brady can also earning a move to Bayern Munich. driver for England against France Manchester United hold day two of Mourinho talks

AFP star Sweden striker played his final game for have Manches- Scholes said a lack of improvement from the spent nearly three decades at the club as a French champions Paris Saint-Germain last ter United at the previous season eventually cost Van Gaal his player and then on the coaching staff. week. very top of his list job, as he backed Mourinho to bring a brighter Mourinho is expected to bring long-time LONDON: Manchester United were locked United finally sacked Louis van Gaal on -- his dream job. style of football to Old Trafford. assistant Rui Faria and goalkeeping coach in a second day of talks with Jose Mourinho’s Monday, two days after the club won the FA I think he can be “You always feel sorry for someone who Silvino Louro with him, meaning Van Gaal’s (pictured) agents yesterday, hammering out Cup with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. an absolute suc- loses his job but it didn’t quite work. He got assistant coaches Albert Stuivenberg and a deal to sweep the controversial Portuguese Despite the victory, the Old Trafford club’s cess but has a them back into the Champions League in Frans Hoek are likely to be dismissed. boss into Old Trafford. failure to qualify for the lucrative Champions lot to prove,” the his first year but I don’t think there was any Scholes said it would be a loss to the Red The former Chelsea and Real Madrid League proved fatal to the Dutchman’s hopes Dane told Sky improvement from that,” he said. Devils if Giggs was edged out or felt he had manager has agreed personal terms on a of staying on as manager. Sports television. “United fans expect a certain style of play, to go. three-year deal with a likely annual sal- After a first day of talks between Mour- “I’m looking attacking. It didn’t come, which hopefully the “If Ryan wants to go away and manage I’m ary of at least £10m ($15m, €13m) but issues inho’s agent Jorge Mendes and the club’s forward to this new manager will bring them.” sure he’d be very good at it but I’d be sad if he remain over image rights, Sky News televi- executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, next period and Meanwhile uncertainty lingered about the left the club after more than 20 years. sion reported. United goalkeeping great Peter Schmeichel hopefully he will future of Van Gaal’s deputy Ryan Giggs, who “He knows how the club works,” he said The 53-year-old is mulling a bid for Zla- said they likely involved both sides setting give all fans belief that all is well and they are had been seen as a potential successor to the yesterday. tan Ibrahimovic as one of his first moves in out the direction they want the club to go in. going in the right direction.” Dutchman but has been passed over. “It depends what Mourinho wants him the job, according to media reports, after the “I always expected Jose Mourinho to Meanwhile former United midfielder Paul Giggs, 42, knows the club inside out, has to do -- it’s all down to personal preference.” SPORT THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 39 Thunder a win away from finals after game 4

Oklahoma City rout Warriors need to find quick Golden State 118-94 to put the Warriors fix for play-off problems on the brink of elimination Reuters has been outplayed by Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook in the con- ference finals, prompting inquiries AFP about the right knee he sprained last NEW YORK: The Golden State month. Warriors are fast becoming a pale “I’m fine,” said Curry, who has shadow of the 73-win team that made just 13-of-37 shots in his last LOS ANGELES: Russell Westbrook stormed through the regular season two games. tallied a triple double and Kevin and there is no shortage of theories “In our locker room it’s frustra- Durant finished with 26 points and as to why the league’s most domi- tion and trying to figure out how we 11 rebounds as Oklahoma City routed nant team are now on the verge of can get back to being ourselves.” Golden State 118-94 to put the War- play-off elimination. The Game Four spotlight was riors on the brink of elimination on After Oklahoma City pum- also shining on Green after he Tuesday. meled the Warriors 118-94 to take avoided a suspension despite kick- Westbrook had 36 points, 11 a commanding 3-1 lead in their ing Thunder center Steven Adams in rebounds and 11 assists for the Thun- best-of-seven Western Conference the groin during Sunday’s 133-105 der who can advance to the NBA Finals series on Tuesday, questions blowout loss. finals with a victory in Thursday’s poured in like Thunder fast-break The team’s emotional leader, game five on the road. points. Green was subdued during a six- “I am proud of the way the guys Is the team’s talismanic MVP point, six-turnover night. hung in there,” said Oklahoma City Stephen Curry healthy? Did Dray- “That’s the first time in my life coach Billy Donovan. “We kept bat- mond Green buckle under the I haven’t responded to critics,” tling and fighting. We defended as pressure of his near suspension? Is Green said of his disappointing hard as we could for 48 minutes.” Golden State finally being crushed display. “That’s been my story. I Westbrook, who led the league by the burden of fulfilling a record haven’t (responded) so I need to Stephen Curry (left) of the Golden State Warriors goes up against Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City with 18 triple doubles during the campaign? do that.” Thunder in the second half in game four of the Western Conference finals during the 2016 NBA Play-offs regular season, posted his first triple Following their latest setback, When the Warriors pushed past double of the playoffs for the Thun- at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Tuesday the first consecutive losses of the the historic 72 wins of the 1995-96 der who have a 3-1 series lead. season for the Warriors, the defend- Chicago Bulls it felt inevitable that “I try to use my size and ability CONFERENCE FINALS in the loss for the Warriors, who points in the third quarter and helped ing NBA champions did their best they would cap that feat with a sec- to create some havoc,” Westbrook attempted just 17 free throws in the cut Oklahoma City’s lead down to to deflect questions demanding an ond straight title. said. “We did a great job of defend- PLAY-OFF RESULT first half. Golden State has lost by seven. explanation for their demise. Now the odds are stacked ing home court.” Montreal: Result on Tuesday from a combined 52 points over the two But the Thunder weren’t done. “We had a tremendous season against them and the reason for The Warriors lost back-to-back the NBA Western Conference finals games in Chesapeake Energy Arena. Oklahoma City ended the quar- and did something no one has done the turnaround in fortunes appears games for the first time this season (series best-of-seven) “We had 21 turnovers many of ter strong to take 12-point lead and before. We’re proud of that. But in much simpler than the combined after winning a league record 73 At Oklahoma City them unforced,” said Warrior coach that would be as close as the Warri- the playoffs, everyone starts 0-0, so battle against pressure and health. games in the regular season. Steve Kerr. “They are getting just way ors would come. For the second game there’s no extra pressure,” Golden The Thunder are bigger, faster Thunder forward Durant scored Oklahoma City 118 Golden State 94 too many possessions compared to us. in a row, the Thunder didn’t let up in State coach Steve Kerr told reporters. and at this moment, better than his points on eight-of-24 shooting (Oklahoma City leads series 3-1) “They are taking care of busi- the fourth. The Warriors surrendered On the court, however, the fun- Golden State and it does not require from the field while Serge Ibaka and ness on the boards. We are forcing early and pulled their starters with loving Warriors of the regular season a deep investigation to uncover Andre Roberson each scored 17 points Thompson led the defending cham- stops but we are not going and get- just over three minutes left. appear to have been transformed that. and Steven Adams tallied 11 points pion Warriors with 26 points. ting the ball. We have to chase down Kerr said the Thunder’s strong into a struggling unit, devoid of form “(OKC) is outplaying us right and seven rebounds. Curry shot a disappointing six- loose balls.” defense is a problem for them. or fluidity against a highly motivated now and we have to come up with “I try to play with passion each of-20 from the field, and he and Durant and Westbrook were a “This is the longest team in the opponent. answers,” Kerr admitted. chance I get,” Durant said. Thompson combined to make just combined 12-for-12 from the free league. We continue to try to put Curry buried half-court shots Those answers need to be found League MVP Stephen Curry six-of-21 shots from beyond the arc. throw line in the first half. passes over their outstretched arms on command as he claimed a sec- quickly with Game Five coming up was held to 19 points while Klay Harrison Barnes posted 11 points Thompson broke loose for 19 and that is not a good idea,” Kerr said. ond consecutive MVP award but he in Oakland on Thursday.

NFL to play 2021 Penguins force game seven against Lightning Super Bowl in new Los Angeles AFP Andrei Vasilevskiy for his sixth goal NHL PLAYOFF of the postseason. stadium RESULT Murray started the first four Washington: Result on Tuesday games of the series before being TAMPA: The Pittsburgh Penguins in NHL Eastern Conference final replaced by veteran Marc-Andre Reuters rebounded by shaking off a game playoff game (series best of seven): Fleury in the third period of game five home loss to beat the Tampa Bay Pittsburgh 5 Tampa Bay 2 four. Fleury started game five which Lightning 5-2 on Tuesday and force the Lightning won 4-3 in overtime. LOS ANGELES: The NFL will a game seven in their Eastern Con- (Series tied 3-3) “I just tried to play my heart out stage the 2021 Super Bowl in Los ference playoff series. and stay in the moment,” Murray said. Angeles, raising its profile in the The Penguins, who were facing Bryan Rust and Nick Bonino, into an “They had a lot of traffic in front of country’s second-largest media elimination for the first time in the empty net, also scored for the Pen- the net. A couple of them I was just market after making a celebrated 2016 postseason after back-to-back guins, who went back to goaltender able to pick out at the very last sec- return to the city with the reloca- losses, got goals from five different Murray on Tuesday. ond.” Brian Boyle scored both goals tion of the Rams franchise to the players in game six and 30 saves from The Penguins will be back on for the Lightning, who are seeking to West Coast starting next season. rookie goalie Matt Murray. their home ice Thursday -- where reach their second straight Stanley The National Football League “It wasn’t pretty, but it is good that Tampa Bay has won two of three Cup final. Tampa is trying to become also announced the 2019 and 2020 we got win,” said Murray. “We domi- games in this series -- with the win- the first team to make consecutive Super Bowls would be played in nated through the first two periods. ner advancing to the Stanley Cup trips to the National Hockey League Atlanta and South Florida, respec- They came back in the third. finals. Rust got a breakaway goal championship round since the Pen- tively, returning to those areas for “But we battled through it. We with 2:08 left and Bonino added an guins and Detroit Red Wings did it in its championship game, one of the weathered the storm and got it done.” empty-netter with 53 seconds left to 2008 and 2009. most-watched television events of Superstar forward Sidney Crosby pull away. Tampa Bay looked to have taken the year. Nick Bonino (13) of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates with his team- led the offense with two points, Crosby made it 3-0, scoring the lead at one point early in the con- Atlanta hosted the game in including the eventual winning goal with just 25 seconds left in the test on a goal from Jonathan Drouin, mates after scoring an open net goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning 1994 and 2000, while Miami has late in the second period. second as he weaved past two but an official review showed that during the third period in Game Six of the Eastern Conference final had it 10 times. Phil Kessel, with his ninth of the Lightning players and then shot Drouin was offside so the goal was during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Play-offs at Amalie Arena in Tampa, The Super Bowl’s move back playoffs, defenseman Kris Letang, the puck through the legs of goalie waived off. Florida on Tuesday. to Los Angeles will also give the ‘City of Angels’ a welcome boost as it bids to host the 2024 Sum- mer Olympics. “We are honored that the NFL is bringing the Super Bowl to Los Strasburg stays unbeaten as Nats pound Harvey again Angeles in 2021,” Casey Wasser- man, who is chair of both the Los Angeles Super Bowl bid and LA24, Baseball Results Agencies But wins are not always the prod- seventh, when Yoenis Cespedes led lasted five innings, his effectiveness said in a statement. uct of good pitching alone. off with a double and scored on a for- dwindling as the game went on. After “The league’s selection of Tampa Bay 4 Miami 3 Luck, quality of opponent and run ceout at second. Strasburg struck out the Nationals hit three homers, Har- Los Angeles is a testament to its Pittsburgh 12 Arizona 1 support can all factor in. So what does at least 10 batters for the fifth time in vey’s ERA reached 6.08. The Nationals commitment to innovation and Washington 7 NY Mets 4 WASHINGTON: The Washington 8-0 say about Strasburg’s season, and 10 starts. got to him in the fourth. diversity, and I couldn’t be prouder Nationals beat the New York Mets, 7-4 what does 14 straight wins in games Only Arrieta and Los Angeles Ryan Zimmerman, scuffling early of our winning bid. NY Yankees 6 Toronto 0 on Tuesday, as Stephen Strasburg beat started by him say about his efforts? Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw have on, showed signs of improvement over “Stan Kroenke’s vision for the Detroit 3 Philadelphia 1 still-struggling Matt Harvey, striking Strasburg looked as good early better ERAs since Strasburg returned the weekend in Miami and had two Rams stadium and the surround- out 11 in 6 2/3 innings, a typical Stras- on Tuesday as he has all season, his from the disabled list last season. hits in Monday night’s loss, both to ing campus makes Inglewood an Chicago Cubs 12 St. Louis 3 burg outing these days. fastball reaching 97 mph, his curve- One thing Strasburg cannot con- the opposite field - the kind of hits ideal venue for staging the Super Boston 8 Colorado 3 The Nationals have now won 14 ball dipping to the low 80s. trol is run support, though he had that don’t come easily to hitters out Bowl of the future and we look for- Milwaukee 2 Atlanta 1 straight Strasburg starts, dating back He had six strikeouts through been the beneficiary of the fourth- of rhythm at the plate. ward to inviting the nation and to last season. three innings - at least one finished most runs per nine innings (7.82) of After he singled in the second the world to LA for an historic fan Texas 4 LA Angels 1 Strasburg improved to 8-0 in by all of his pitches, the fastball, the any pitcher in baseball entering Tues- inning on Tuesday, Zimmerman hit experience.” Houston 3 Baltimore 2 2016, which is the best start in fran- cutter, change-up and curveball. day’s start. a 2-2 change-up over the left field The Los Angeles area has Cleveland 6 Chicago W Sox 2 chise history since Pedro Martinez did The first 10 Mets headed back to That number went down, because fence to give the Nationals their hosted the Super Bowl seven the same as a Montreal Expo in 1997. the dugout, unable to reach. when Strasburg left the Nationals had first run. times, including the first game at Kansas City 7 Minnesota 4 Strasburg and the Chicago Cubs’ Then Strasburg left a 2-1 fastball only scored five runs against Harvey, Then came Anthony Rendon, who the Memorial Coliseum in 1967. La Dodgers 8 Cincinnati 2 Jake Arrieta are the only two qualified over the plate to former team-mate though that was plenty. also homered. Rendon is hitting .407 The 2021 edition, which will be Seattle 6 Oakland 5 starters who have not yet been beaten. Asdrubal Cabrera, who hit it out to Harvey has been struggling so since being moved down in the order the 55th Super Bowl, will be held All of that speaks well of Strasburg, right to give the Mets a lead. Stras- much the Mets considered skipping before the series with the Mets in New in the $2.6bn stadium being built San Francisco 8 San Diego 2 of course. burg allowed one more run in the his turn through the rotation. He York last week. by Rams owner Kroenke. 40 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2016 Murray takes long road again, Wawrinka keeps it simple

French Open order Karlovic, 37, becomes of play oldest man in 25 Court Philippe Chatrier years to reach third (0900GMT/1100 local) Sunrisers Hyderabad Yuvraj Singh plays a shot during the IPL Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) vs Timea Twenty20 eliminator match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the round of French Open Bacsinszky (SUI x8) Feroz Shah Kotla Cricket Stadium in New Delhi, yesterday. Rafael Nadal (ESP x4) vs Facundo Bagnis (ARG) Reuters Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x6) IPL: Clinical Sunrisers Timea Babos (HUN) vs Kristina Mladenovic (FRA x26) Court Suzanne Lenglen prove too good for KKR PARIS: Andy Murray survived a sec- (0900GMT/1100 local) ond close shave at the French Open Malek Jaziri (TUN) vs yesterday, but his path towards Tomas Berdych (CZE x7) what he hopes will be a maiden title Agencies Eliminator. After putting on 162 for in Paris is becoming so circuitous Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) vs Steve eight, , Sunrisers came up with a fine Great Britain’s Andy Murray reacts after beating France’s Mathias Darcis (BEL) he may soon find himself hacking bowling performance and accurate through trees in the nearby Bois de Bourgue during their men’s second round match of the French Tennis Serena Williams (USA x1) vs Teliana catching to restrict KKR to 140 for Boulogne. Open in Paris yesterday. Pereira (BRA) NEW DELHI: Sunrisers Hyderabad eight to progress to the Qualifier 2 While defending champion Sta- Venus Williams (USA x9) vs Louisa produced a clinical performance to stage for the first time since mak- nislas Wawrinka, fifth seed Kei When he pummelled a backhand Quite what he and Murray will Chirico (USA) seal their place in the Qualifier 2 ing their debut in 2013. Sunrisers will Nishikori, Simona Halep and Gar- winner down the line to take the third cook up on Friday is anyone’s guess, Court 1 (0900GMT/1100 local) as they crushed the hopes of two- now take on the losers of the Qual- bine Muguruza, eased into the third set Murray was stunned and the par- but expect the unexpected. Kurumi Nara (JPN) vs time champions Kolkata Knight ifier 1, Gujarat Lions on Friday for round yesterday, second seed Murray tisan Court Philippe Chatrier crowd Like Murray, third seed Wawrinka Ana Ivanovic (SRB x14) Riders with a comfortable 22 runs their maiden entry into the summit took the long road again. were in full cry.Murray was rock- suffered a first-round fright in a five- Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) vs win in the Indian Premier League clash of the tournament. The Scot spent Monday and Tues- ing, but saved three break points at setter against Lukas Rosol. Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x14) day figuring a way past unorthodox the start of the fourth set and grad- He was still not at his best on Virginie Razzano (FRA) vs Daria 37-year-old Czech Radek Stepanek, ually seized back control to prevail Wednesday against Japan’s Taro Dan- Kasatkina (RUS x29) SCOREBOARD extricating himself from two sets 6-2, 2-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in three hours iel, but having saved two set points in David Ferrer (ESP x11) vs Juan down to scrape through in five. 34 minutes. the opening tiebreak he won 7-6(7) Monaco (ARG) SUNRISERS HYDERABAD KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS This time it was little known “I led 6-2, 2-0 then he started ,6-3, 6-4. D A Warner b K Yadav 28 R V Uthappa c Henriques b Sran 11 22-year-old French wildcard Math- playing unbelievably and I was “If you look at the first two ias Borgue, playing only his second finding it hard to win points, let matches, for sure I’m not playing my S Dhawan b Morkel 10 G Gambhir c (sub) b Cutting 28 grand slam match, who led the former alone games,” Murray, a three-times best tennis, but I know I have my best M C Henriques c&b K Yadav 31 C Munro (run out) 16 US Open and Wimbledon champion semi-finalist here, said on court after tennis in me,” the 31-year-old, who Yuvraj Singh b Holder 44 M K Pandey c Hooda b Kumar 36 astray. Initially overwhelmed, Borgue sportingly joining in the applause for faces Frenchman Jeremy Chardy recovered from a 6-2, 2-0 deficit to Borgue, France’s 16th best player. next, said. Nishikori’s progress has D J Hooda (run out) 21 Y K Pathan c Kumar b Henriques 2 take control in astonishing fashion, “You can’t play too many matches been impressive so far and he was B C J Cutting st Uthappa b K Yadav 0 S A Yadav c Dhawan b Henriques 23 reeling off eight games in a row and like this if you want to go far in this too good for Russian Andrey Kuznet- N V Ojha c Uthappa b Holder 7 R Sathish b Kumar 8 forging into a two-sets-to-one lead. tournament. I hope to win the next sov, winning 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. B Kumar c Pandey b Morkel 1 J O Holder c Cutting b Kumar 6

one a little bit faster.” After a flurry of falling seeds Murray’s opponent in the third in the women’s first round, the top Bipul Sharma (not out) 14 S P Narine (not out) 1 round, Ivo Karlovic, was involved in names flourished as the sun finally B B Sran (not out) 0 M Morkel (not out) 0 the day’s other compelling drama. appeared in Paris. Romania’s Halep, Extras (B-1, LB-1, W-4) 6 Extras (LB-9) 9 The big-serving Croatian, also runner-up to Maria Sharapova in 37, beat Australian wildcard Jordan 2014, took a while to tame Kaza- Total (for 8 wkts in 20 overs) 162 Total (for 8 wkts in 20 overs) 140 Thompson 6-7(2), 6-3, 7-6(3), 6-7(4), khstan’s Zarina Diyas to win 7-6(5), Did not bat: Mustafizur Rahman. Did not bat: Kuldeep Yadav. 12-10 in the longest match of the tour- 6-2. Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-71, 3-71, 4-120, Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-53, 3-63, 4-69, 5-115, nament so far to become the oldest Fourth seed Muguruza, bidding to Ivo Karlovic of Croatia in action 5-124, 6-145, 7-147, 8-161. 6-125, 7-139, 8-140. man to reach the third round of a become the first Spanish woman to against Jordan Thompson of Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine slam since Jimmy Connors in 1991. win the title since Arantxa Sanchez- Australia. Bowling: Y K Pathan 3-0-17-0; M Morkel Bowling: B Kumar 4-0-19-3; B B Sran 3-0- in action against Annika Beck “It’s the only time when being old Vicario in 1998, thrashed France’s 4-0-31-2; S P Narine 4-0-35-0 (2w); J O 29-1; D J Hooda 1-0-8-0; Mustafizur Rahman of Germany during their second is okay,” 27th seed Karlovic, who has Myrtille Georges 6-2, 6-0. Czech 2009 champion Svetlana Kuznetsova Holder 4-0-33-2 (2w); Kuldeep Yadav 4-0-35- 4-0-28-0; M C Henriques 3-0-17-2; B C J Cut- round match at the French Open boomed down 72 aces in two rounds, Lucie Safarova, finalist last year, beat showed she is still a force by beating 3; R Sathish 1-0-9-0. ting 3-0-14-1; Bipul Sharma 2-0-16-0. yesterday. said of his milestone victory. Swiss Viktorija Golubic 6-2, 6-2, and Britain’s Heather Watson. Russian Olympic high jumper calls positive test ‘complete shock’

AFP

MOSCOW: Russian high jump Olym- pic champion Anna Chicherova yesterday vowed to clear her name Former boxer Mike Tyson reacts as he speaks to the media, before after testing positive for doping at the the weigh-in of International Boxing Federation (IBF) World 2008 Beijing Olympics, casting doubt Championship bout at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of on her participation in Rio. China, on the outskirts of Beijing, China, yesterday. Russia’s Olympic Committee (ROC) said Tuesday that 14 of its ath- letes at the 2008 Beijing Olympics -- including Chicherova and nine Pro boxers at Rio Games other medallists -- tested positive in new tests on samples given during the Games, as Moscow faces allegations Russia’s Anna Chicherova competing in is ridiculous, says Tyson of state-organised doping. the qualifying round of the women’s high “For me it’s the most complete jump athletics event at the 2015 IAAF shock. I can’t explain how it could World Championships at the Bird’s Nest have happened,” said Chicherova, National Stadium in Beijing in this August Reuters that professional boxers would be who hopes to compete in August’s Rio 27, 2015 file picture. stunned by the fast-paced fighting Games if Russia’s team is allowed to style of the amateur fighters. enter. “It’s ridiculous, it’s foolish, and Chicherova is the reigning Olym- BEIJING: Mike Tyson has branded some of the pro fighters are going pic high jump champion after winning on Match TV channel and Chicherova body IAAF next month is set to rule at the Sochi Winter Games, Grigory the Amateur International Boxing to get beat by the amateurs. It’s just gold in London in 2012. She won confirmed she had indeed received whether to lift Russia’s provisional Rodchenkov. Association’s (AIBA) decision to let going to happen, I really believe bronze in Beijing. notification that her sample showed suspension from Rio over evidence He told the New York Times professional fighters take part in the that,” the 49-year-old told Reuters “I was always sure what supple- evidence of banned substances. of state-sponsoring doping. of a systematic state-organised 2016 Rio Olympics as “ridiculous” TV in China, where he is attending ments and medicines I was using,” She described her present situ- A delegation from the IAAF scheme to get round anti-doping and “foolish”. the 33rd IBF convention. she said. ation of waiting for the final results was set to visit Russia for the final rules, including at least 15 medal- Professional boxers would fea- “If they are like the amateur “I hope I can defend my name as after a second sample is tested on May time on Wednesday before decid- lists at the 2014 Sochi Olympics as ture at the Olympic games as long fighters that I was fighting in the clean.” 31 or June 1 in Switzerland as “very ing whether it can take part in the well as the sports ministry and the as a constitutional change went 80s... they are going to beat some of The announcement came after painful and unpleasant.” Olympics, the Russian athletics fed- FSB security service. through in June, AIBA said earlier the champions. It’s just going to hap- the International Olympic Commit- The Russian athletics federation eration president Dmitry Shlyakhtin The Russian athletics doping this year. pen. These guys will be fast for three tee (IOC) said that 31 athletes from 12 said Tuesday that if allowed to com- said. scandal was earlier brought to light Former world heavyweight or four rounds, and these guys are countries had failed doping tests of pete at Rio, it would bar any athlete The latest doping revelations by whistleblowers, including runner champion Tyson, who as an amateur not going to be accustomed to that.” their samples from the Beijing Games. found to have used doping in previ- came as Russia is reeling from damn- Yulia Stepanova and her husband Vit- won gold at the 1981 and 1982 Junior Tyson, also revealed he was a fan While Russia has not officially ous years. ing accusations by the former head aly Stepanov, a former employee of Olympic Games, said on Wednesday of his namesake, Tyson Fury. named its athletes, a list was aired The world athletics governing of Russia’s anti-doping laboratory Russian anti-doping agency RUSADA.