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MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 • 6 Jumada I 1437 • Volume 20 • Number 6707 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Strict checks help keep Emir meets ExxonMobil Chairman quality of food imports

per cent, said the report. tomato paste, that were rejected due During the year, the minis- to concentration (viscosity) beyond Food consignments try inspectors monitored import of the permitted levels. sent back included over 2.59 billion kilogrammes of Some 1,872 cartons of juice were food through different entry points rejected for transporting in vehicles 1,392 cartons of including the Doha Port, Hamad that were not refrigerated and 149 frozen bread and International Airport, Abu Samra cartons of vinegar for containing pre- border post and the recently-opened servatives not in the ingredients list. 1,224 cartons of Al Ruwais port. Some food cartons and pack- tomato paste Of the total imports, more than ages were rejected for not including 2.53 billion kilogrammes of food the required health warnings on the were cleared and the remaining labels and not meeting the GCC spec- rejected (0.01 percent). Of the rejected ifications. Some others were refused consignments, over 2.15 million kilo- entry for containing words like pork The Peninsula grammes were returned while more and wine as ingredients which is not than 2.9 million kilogrammes were permitted. destroyed after being found unfit for The highest quantity of food was human consumption. imported through Doha Port (over DOHA: Strict monitoring at differ- As part of the monitoring, the 901.5m kg) followed by Abu Samra ent port of entries in the country has ministry collected 7,162 food sam- with over 898.3kg. Hamad Interna- drastically reduced the volume of ples from different shipments and tional Airport came next with 738.3 food imports that do not meet Qatari sent to the central food laboratory million kg. Over the two months standards and specifications, shows for the necessary tests. Following the (November and December) since 2015 data released by the Ministry of tests, 6527 samples were cleared and it started operation, Ruwais port Public Health yesterday. 635 samples rejected due to micro- inspected 216,850kg of food. Of the total food imports during bial and chemical infection. Rejected meat, fruit, vegetables, the year, the quantity of food that was Food consignments that were which spoil soon are returned by air rejected for violating health regula- sent back included 1,392 cartons of while packed food like juice, beans, tions amounted to a negligible 0.01 frozen bread and 1,224 cartons of and frozen meat are sent back by sea.

Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with Chairman of ExxonMobil Corporation, Rex Tillerson, at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. Tillerson and his delegation met the Emir to greet him during their visit to Qatar.

Emir to attend Hotel occupancy in Jan QU graduation last year shot up to 84% on June 1

The Peninsula By Sachin Kumar take place, attracting visitors from The Peninsula across the globe. On the contrary, July and June DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim span the lean season when hotels bin Hamad Al Thani will honour receive lesser number of guests. The the men’s graduation ceremony of DOHA: Hotels in Qatar had an aver- hotel occupancy rate was between the Class of 2016 of Qatar Univer- age occupancy of around 67 percent 55 percent and 65 percent in June sity (QU) on June 1. H H Sheikha in December last year helped by and July last year. Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim tourist inflow from GCC (Gulf Coop- In January 2015, four-star hotels Al Thani will attend the women’s eration Council) countries. saw the highest occupancy of around ceremony on June 2, a university January of last year was the best 88 percent while five-star hotels had press statement said yesterday. month for hotels as occupancy was the lowest of 81 percent. The occu- Four hundred men and 1,400 Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and Chairman around 84 percent, highest in the pancy rate of three-star hotels was women will graduate with Bach- of Dar Al Sharq’s board of directors, Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani, launching Lusail in Doha year. 85 percent while one and two-star elors, Masters, and diplomas from yesterday. Vice-Chairman of the board, Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani, is also seen. Four-star hotels saw the high- hotels had 82 percent occupancy in all colleges at the events in Doha est occupancy and three-star hotels January last year. A chunk of visitors Exhibition and Convention Centre the lowest. to Qatar was from GCC countries. (DECC). QU VP for Student Affairs, Dar Al Sharq launches Lusail daily According to the Ministry of According to the latest figures, Dr Khalid Al Khanji, expressed his Development Planning and Statistics, there were around 1.3 million visitors appreciation for the Emir’s vision- four-star hotels had an occupancy of from these countries in December ary leadership and support for QU The Peninsula The launch at St Regis hotel Abdullah Al Thani, Vice-Chairman 72 percent in December 2015 while it last year, while 274,530 visitors came students. was attended by the Minister of of the board and other dignitaries. was 62 percent for three-star hotels. from other Arab countries. Culture and Sports H E Salah H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud The occupancy rate of five-star In 2015, some 2.93 million tour- DOHA: Prime Minister and Interior bin Ghanem Al Ali, Minister of Al Thani, Governor of Qatar Cen- hotels was 64 percent while one and ists visited Qatar, a 3.7 percent rise Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Municipality and Environment tral Bank, Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah two-star hotels saw an occupancy of from last year. Experts say that Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani yes- H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim, 69 percent in December last year. the number of visitors is bound to Travel & Tourism PAGE | 6-7 MAIN SPONSORS PAGE | 11 terday launched Lusail, the latest Al Rumaihi, Sheikh Thani bin Chairman of Qatar Businessmen December, January, Febru- increase significantly in the coming Qatar Airways among The Pearl-Qatar: world’s 500 most Perfect destination powerful brands for tourists Arabic daily from Dar Al Sharq Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of Association were also present. ary and March are usually busy years as government agencies are SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 group, with a focus on business Dar Al Sharq’s board of directors months in Qatar in terms of tour- taking major steps to boost tourism. news and analysis. and Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin → Continued on page 4 ists because of cooler weather and More and more → Continued on page 7 tourists visit many cultural and business events Qatar Medicine recalled for Major military manoeuvre in Saudi Included with not meeting standards today’s edition is a 12-page special AFP and preserving peace and stability in the region”, SPA said. The Peninsula Department at the ministry said yes- Saudi Arabia is currently leading a military campaign supplement on terday that the product has already against Iran-backed rebels in its southern neighbour Travel and Tourism been withdrawn from all public hos- Yemen. pitals and health centres. ABU DHABI: Armed forces from around 20 countries Last December, it also formed a new 35-member coa- in Qatar. The DOHA: The Ministry of Pub- The department has asked all were gathering in northern Saudi Arabia yesterday for lition to fight “terrorism” in Islamic countries. lic Health has announced a recall private pharmacies to stop selling “the most important” military manoeuvre ever staged in Yesterday’s announcement also comes as the kingdom, monthly supplement of Advil suspension (100mg/ 5ml, the product and instructed import- the region, the official news agency SPA reported. a member of the US-led coalition targeting the jihadist includes features and 100ml) as a precautionary meas- ers and distributors to stop supply. The “Thunder of the North” exercise involving ground, Islamic State group, said it has deployed warplanes to ure for failing to meet specifications. air, and naval forces sends a “clear message” that Riyadh a Turkish air base in order to “intensify” its operations articles. The Pharmacy and Drug Control → Continued on page 7 and its allies “stand united in confronting all challenges against IS in Syria. 02 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 HOME

QRCS carried out projects worth QR2.786m in Qatar last year

The Peninsula participation in many programmes, promote healthy and preventive lectures and social events. standards among society members, As a key field of work for the by distributing multilingual health branch, medical services provided education and road safety publica- DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent Socie- last year amounted to QR1,827,000. tions, as well as participating in health ty’s (QRCS) Al Khor branch carried These included emergency med- events and exhibitions at schools, out charitable projects worth over ical care for athletes and spectators social clubs, youth and girls centres, QR2.786m last year, benefiting 31,021 during sport, recreational, and tour- and other civil society organisations. people of various ages and walks of istic events in Al Shamal as well as In relation to health education, 51 life in the northern parts of the coun- National Day and National Sport awareness lectures were delivered for Qatar Charity officials announce the launch of Awen initiative. try. In terms of social development, Day celebrations. Several ambu- 4,131 people. The branch participated the branch extended its services to lance vehicles and medics are in 15 health events attended by 6,030 820 people from poor families, with stationed at residential complexes of people. Under Ramadan Medical Pro- a budget of QR626,000, according to petroleum companies. The branch gram 1436 A.H., around 1,500 fasting the 2015 annual report released by proceeded with the ‘I Am a Para- people received health information QC opens ‘Awen’ to back the branch. medic’ programme, which involves at QRCS Ramadan tent, mosques, Services included economic first aid lectures and training for and malls. The branch also organ- empowerment of low-income people, schoolchildren. ised Ramadan Iftar programme in Al academic empowerment of students, Last year, the programme covered Khor, setting up a tent to offer daily and medical assistance for patients. 1,140 students, teachers, administra- Iftar meals and religious, health and Syrian refugees in Turkey Seasonal in-kind assistance tive staff and supervisors from 10 informative lectures for visitors. included Ramadan provision, Zakat- schools and social centres. During the holy month, the tent ul-Fitr, Eid gratuity and World Year-round, the branch conducts received 17,400 people and involved Orphans Day gift in addition to community health programmes to QR333,000. beneficial for them. elderly and women. Awen seeks to The initiative is a Yousef Al Kuwari, CEO, QC, said, cooperate with all charity institu- “What makes Awen special is that it tions and organisations and active relief response to the focuses on the developmental side parties to facilitate financing and plea of 3,000,000 of solving the Syrian refugees’ prob- implementation of projects through lems. It aims to offer a dignified life QC’s partners. refugees in care of for the Syrian refugees and their fam- It includes voluntary visits and Qatar Charity ilies. What we aspire to do through it activities for the Syrian refugees is offer life-long, life-changing solu- at their camps and places of resi- tions for the Syrian refugees. We dence in Turkey in coordination with thank Sheikh Al Ouda for accepting regional partners; awareness, pro- The Peninsula to supervise the initiative”. motion and media campaigns and Sheikh Al Ouda said, “As Muslims, activities; and training courses, les- 3,000,000 Syrian refugees are in our sons and lectures. care. Awen is a relief response to their According to a survey, the DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) has inau- plea for help. In the Quran, Allah says, number of Syrian refugees in Tur- gurated ‘Awen’ (Help, an initiative to ‘Help ye one another in righteousness key reached more than 2,200,000 support and empower Syrian refu- and piety’ and what could be more in the second half of last year and is gees in Turkey. righteous than standing by the side expected to go up to 3,000,000 in the Awen, supervised by Sheikh Dr of our deprived brothers and sisters?” near future. The study also revealed Salman Al Ouda, is a developmental Awen is not only about offering that 10 percent of them live in camps humanitarian initiative to shed light a limited number or types of serv- — considered the poorest and most on the suffering of the refugees in ices; it will also address their needs suffering group. Syria, in particular Syrian refugees. in various fields of development such The Syrian refugees’ work con- It also aims to develop and as training, economic empowerment, ditions may further deteriorate if no improve the refugees’ abilities and education, health and shelter. action is taken for the benefit of over find them jobs in various fields, and It targets all groups of the Syr- 300,000 Syrian workers who work support or implement innovative ian refugees and others in Turkey, without registration, which means and creative sustainable projects including young children, youth, they do not have social insurance. Participants at one of the programmes organised by Qatar Red Crescent Society in Al Khor. HOME MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 03

QU achieves 36.45% growth in ROTA unveils ‘Training of Trainers’ research projects and publications

The Peninsula The initiative compliments the Adult Arabic Literacy DOHA: Qatar University (QU) has become one of the fastest growing (RAAL) programme institutions for research in the region and Adult English with a compound annual growth rate of 36.45 percent in terms of research Literacy (RAEL) projects and publications. programme for QU is recording remarkable workers returns on its investment in research with its recent ranking as No 1 in international collaboration in the Times Higher Education (THE) MENA Universities Ranking, said QU Act- The Peninsula ing Vice-President for Research, Dr Darwish Al Emadi (pictured). Dr Al Emadi said QU research- QU achieved successes and ers were provided with funding from DOHA: Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) undertook over 450 research other government agencies. “In the has launched the second phase of its projects with 319 collaborators, past eight years, QU received about 2015-2016 Training of Trainers (ToT) which have resulted in 3,200 co- $22.7m from agencies other than programme to compliment the Adult Reach out to Asia volunteers attending a programme. authored publications from 1,093 QNRF in support of its research Arabic Literacy (RAAL) programme collaborating institutes, he said told activities”, he said, adding, “QU and Adult English Literacy (RAEL) a press conference held yesterday continues efforts to create an ena- programme. focus on RAAL to develop their Ara- ToT’s volunteers will be respon- to learn new skills and improve their to release the annual report of QU bling environment that engenders The programme, from January bic communication skills, learning sible for providing training to 450 lives,” Al Mannai said. Office of Academic Research. research excellence by providing full 23 until April-end, is a collaboration about Qatari society from a histori- low-income workers. ROTA works towards build- Assistant Director Nayla Ahmad support to its research community, between several Qatar Foundation cal, social, and cultural perspective Essa Al Mannai, Executive Direc- ing stronger communities through M Al Thani underlined the office’s especially with funding opportuni- members, including the Academic and promoting an informed cultural tor, ROTA, said it reflects ROTA’s belief initiatives which impact youth research outcomes last year. “Our ties. This highlights QU’s role as the Bridge Programme and Awsaj respect between Qatar and other in the importance of investing in and people in need. The RAEL and researchers’ published work has first national institution of higher Academy. countries. Qatar’s human potential. RAAL programmes were created to increased by about 246.7 percent education committed to advanc- Other entities involved in the RAEL’s 170 volunteers will “The ToT programme helps ROTA develop English and Arabic literacy based on the field-weighted cita- ing quality higher education and training include the Doha Express- become literacy trainers, using in its mission to foster a progressive of low-income workers in Qatar. The tion impact, which is a quality metric research excellence in Qatar and way, a Public Works Authority of ROTA’s custom-designed English society. Our success would not have programme also provides opportu- maintaining a value of 1.17 in 2014 the region.” Qatar (Ashghal) project, and Qatari literacy curriculum to help workers been possible without support of nity for young people in Qatar to take and 1.25 in 2015,” Dr Al Emadi said. Nayla Ahmad said “QU’s main Diar Vinci Construction’s (QDVC) improve their language abilities and our partner organisations and their part in experiential service-learning, He said the achievements high- source of funding is QNRF, receiv- Light Transit System (LRT). life opportunities and achieve per- proactive approach to social respon- developing their skills and knowledge light QU’s commitment to Qatar ing through the National Priorities This year, 20 volunteers will sonal goals. sibility, which has enabled workers as literacy trainers. National Vision 2030 and to the Research Programme $331m in country’s ambitions towards a support of 414 research projects knowledge-based economy. conducted by 1,514 key investiga- He said QU’s budget for current tors, with an average of 62 percent of grants and contracts is $141.5m of the lead principal investigators from Qatar attends Arab Human Rights Committee meeting in Cairo which $48m was awarded in 2015, QU. “The process involved a research with Qatar National Research Fund support team of 1,734 and collabo- (QNRF) providing 94 percent of the rations with 319 institutes, research QNA pation of representatives of member member states and working to pro- five-day meeting will address Israeli funding. centres and companies worldwide. states. tect human rights in the context of the violations of human rights in the occu- “In the past eight years, around “In the past eight years, 1,668 Sheikh Mohamed bin Youssuf bin fight against terrorism, cooperation pied Arab territories, the condition of 1,200 students benefited from undergraduate students from QU Jabor Al Thani, Assistant Director at and coordination with mechanisms Arabs in Israeli jails and bodies of grants, and about 800 were sup- benefited from the QNRF Under- CAIRO: The 39th session of the Arab the Foreign Ministry’s Human Rights of the Arab League. Palestinian martyrs held by Israeli ported through university, start-up graduate Research Experience Permanent Committee on Human Department, is representing Qatar. He spoke about the condition occupation authorities at Al Arqam and summer grants with QU spend- Program. QU receives 55 UREP Rights started yesterday at the Arab Addressing the opening ses- of the people in the region such as graveyard. ing about $14m.” grants a year of about $1.9m.” League headquarters under the sion, Al Rashidi stressed the need suffering due to displacement, fear, chairmanship of Dr Mohamed bin for supporting the Arab strategy for killings and destruction caused by Suleiman Al Rashidi, with partici- combating terrorism adopted by extremist terrorist ideologies. The Filmmakers James Schamus and Joshua Oppenheimer Masters for Qumra

The Peninsula as Qumra Masters this year,” said production company Good Machine Fatma Al Remaihi, CEO, DFI. “Both in the early 1990s, and from 2002 to filmmakers, while very different in 2014 was CEO, Focus Features. style, are ground-breaking in their In 2014, he turned his hand to DOHA: Doha Film Institute (DFI) has fields and bring a wealth of experi- directing with the short documen- announced acclaimed filmmakers ence to Qumra that will be invaluable tary That Film About Money (2014), James Schamus and Joshua Oppen- for young filmmakers participating. and this year made his feature direc- heimer as the final two Masters for “We look forward to welcoming torial debut with an adaptation of the second edition of Qumra to be James and Joshua to the Gulf for the Philip Roth’s Indignation. held from March 4 to 9. first time and enabling our Qumra Two-time Academy award The announcement was made at 2016 participants to establish a nominee Oppenheimer’s debut fea- the Berlin International Film Festi- connection with the two leaders of ture-length film The Act of Killing val where eight DFI grant recipients independent filmmaking in the US. (2012) was nominated for the award are screening their films in the offi- “We are also pleased to have the for Best Documentary Feature Film, cial selection. opportunity to showcase their works named Film of the Year by The Schamus and Oppenheimer, through our Qumra screenings at Guardian and the Sight and Sound along with other Qumra Masters Museum of Islamic Art, a cultural Film Poll, and won 72 international Naomi Kawase (Japan), Nuri Bilge landmark in the region and the per- awards. His second film The Look of Ceylan (Turkey) and Aleksandr fect setting for Qumra this year.” Silence (2014) had its world premiere Sokurov (Russia), will mentor first Schamus, a multi award-win- at the Venice Film Festival, where it and second-time filmmakers at the ning screenwriter, director and won five awards, including the Grand new initiative to support the devel- leading US indie producer, is best Jury Prize, the FIPRESCI Prize and opment of emerging filmmakers from known for his long creative collab- the FEDEORA Prize. Qatar, the Arab region and around oration with Taiwanese director Ang It was nominated for the 2016 the world. Lee. He has worked with Lee on nine Oscar for Best Documentary Film, Schamus is a film historian and films, including Crouching Tiger, Hid- and has received 66 international academic and Oppenheimer Artis- den Dragon (2000), which won four awards. Schamus and Oppenhe- tic Director, Centre for Documentary Academy awards and remains the imer will participate in master classes and Experimental Film, University of highest-grossing non-English-lan- and one-on-one sessions with par- Westminster in London. guage film in the US. ticipating Qumra projects, along with “We are privileged to have Scha- As a producer, Schamus co- screenings and question-and-answer mus and Oppenheimer participate founded the US powerhouse sessions for Doha audiences.

Biggest Shahry Smart packs allowance at no extra cost

The Peninsula for data, Shahry 150, 250 and 450 said: “By upgrading our Shahry Smart customers will have data allow- packs we want to connect Qatar’s ance boosted by up to 10GB per communities, allowing households month, while 750 customers will be to share more by phone, online and DOHA: Ooredoo will upgrade its upgraded from 10GB to 50GB data when away from each other. Our new popular Shahry Smart packs by at no extra cost. Shahry Smart 250 superloaded Shahry Smart plans offer enhancing the monthly local data users will also get an allowance of great value for everyone in Qatar.” allowance and international and 100 international calling minutes to Shahry Smart packs are the most local minute allowance at no extra call 120 countries around the world. popular post-paid offers in Qatar, charge for new and existing cus- Upgrades will be available for all and offer local and international tomers. new and existing customers as part of minutes/SMS, data and access to the Shahry Smart customers who Ooredoo’s ‘Just Switched’ campaign 4G+ network for superfast mobile subscribe to the 55 pack will now which aims to highlight the enhanced data speeds. receive double the data allowance, communications experience avail- Packs come in denominations of while Shahry 100 and 150 subscrib- able with Ooredoo and customers 15, 35, 55, 100, 150, 250, 450 and 750. ers will get extra local calling minutes taking ‘the switch’. To get started with a Shahry for the same monthly fee. Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, Direc- Smart pack, visit an Ooredoo shop To cater for the growing demand tor, Community and Public Relations, for details or go to www.ooredoo.qa. 04 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 HOME

Minister praises Ministry unveils performance of Sak web portal GCC students for digital documentation

QNA QNA

DOHA: Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr DOHA: Minister of Justice H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al Mohan- Al Hammadi said the honour- nadi yesterday inaugurated a legal ing of winners of the outstanding web portal ‘Sak’ as part of the first Academic Performance for the phase of developing infrastructure General Education Students in the for legal documentation. He also GCC underlines the importance witnessed the first e-transaction. attached by leaders to GCC citizens. The portal provides 14 docu- He said people are the target mentation services and soon the Abdullatif Al Mahmoud (below), CEO, Dar Al Sharq, speaking at the of and a vehicle for development. ministry will add 16 real estate He congratulated the winners event. registration services. who were honoured at Crown He said the launch follows Plaza Hotel in the presence of directives of Emir H H Sheikh Chairman of Almarai Company Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Prince Sultan bin Mohammed bin Qatar dailies’ role hailed facilitate government services Soud Al Kabeer; Director General for citizens. The portal is part of the Arab Bureau of Education of Qatar’s e-government strat- Continued from page 1 for the Gulf States Dr Ali bin Abdul and provide the information needed egy 2020, implemented under Khaliq Al Karni, officials from the by investors, citizens and the society the directives of Prime Minister ministry and Arab ambassadors The Prime Minister launched the as a whole, he added. and Interior Minister H E Sheikh and cultural attaches. newspaper by giving an electronic He raised a question about the Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa The bureau and Almarai signal to start printing the first edi- relevance of launching a business Al Thani. announced the winners of the out- tion of the newspaper. newspaper at a time the world econ- The ministry aims to digitise standing Academic Performance Addressing the gathering, Abdul- omy is facing challenges, which may all real estate documents. The for the General Education Students latif Al Mahmoud, CEO of Dar Al reflect in the local situation as well. new electronic system will adopt in the member states. The company Sharq stressed the importance of He answered the question saying a one-stop shop system, where sponsors the awards. Qatari newspapers in the devel- the motive for Dar Al Sharq board of citizens can complete all steps of Prince Sultan addressed the opment that the country has been directors to launch the new daily is its registering a property at one place. ceremony. Dr Al Karni said the real witnessing in different areas. deep confidence in the Qatari econ- Government employees can check investment is in the human being Business newspapers present omy , seeking to achieve the Qatar the status of any request through and that care of talented is the top analysis of economic changes, market National Vision 2030 under the wise SMS and find out any papers are point of investment. fluctuations, company performances leadership of the country. missing or their request is rejected. QNB launches Interactive Video Teller Machine at Al Sadd branch

The Peninsula at QNB’s Al Sadd branch, which is adequate privacy and security to powered with an interactive touch execute transactions using private screen, allows a live teller to take touch screens via secured video and remote control of an ATM to assist voice communication sessions to be DOHA: Qatar National Bank customers with up to 95 percent of recorded for quality service. (QNB) yesterday announced to traditional transactions completed Customers can have private have become the first in Qatar to by tellers in a branch. conversations by using the private introduce a more self-service con- Customers can take advantage handset on the Interactive Teller venience technology ‘NCR Aptra of the enhanced technology which Machine or by plugging in their per- Interactive Teller Machine’ from started yesterday at Al Sadd Branch, sonal headset. NCR Corporation, the global leader in which is open from Sunday to Thurs- “The Interactive Teller is a stra- consumer transaction technologies. day from 7.30am to 1pm. tegic investment for QNB, as it With the new technology The launch of the software is cost-effectively delivers a new face- customers can perform secure trans- part of QNB’s efforts to find creative to-face branch teller experience to actions without using a traditional solutions to exceed its customers’ our customers via the Interactive ATM card, and, like branch tellers, expectations. The Interactive Teller Teller anywhere anytime,” said Heba remote tellers can provide them offers additional services that can be Al Tamimi, General Manager, Group access to cash withdrawal/deposit conducted on an ATM or other self- Retail, QNB. from/to their accounts in amounts service devices. “Designed to provide remote over the standard ATM daily with- In addition to cheque deposit assisted service, the Interactive Teller drawal limits. and encashment, the Interactive is planned to enable our customers to The Interactive Teller technology Teller will provide customers with carry out the entire branch banking

Officials at the launch.

transactions at the ATM, and that others beyond the traditional branch and smaller footprint branches,” said allows us to get closer to them and banking hours. George Flouros, NCR Region Vice- offer them an unrivalled experience.” “The Interactive Tellers enable President, Financial Solutions. The Interactive Teller will allow the migration of routine, expensive “QNB will now be able to give its customers to execute all branch transactions from the teller counter customers live face-to-face interac- banking services, such as cash with- at the branch to the Interactive Teller tion with experienced tellers at the drawals above the daily limit of a Machine channel, giving financial Interactive Teller Machine, delivering standard ATM, cash deposits, cheque institutions the combined bene- a highly personalised, differentiated deposits and encashments, credit fits of personalised services, lower experience any time of day or night,” card payments, money transfers and processing costs, faster transacting he added. HOME MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 05

Josoor and QU RAF sends aid to organise to Syrians in two workshops Lebanon camps The Peninsula DOHA: Josoor Institute, a cen- tre of excellence for the sport and events industries, inspired and ian aid to 3,000 Syrian refugees in developed by the Supreme Com- Aid, including Lebanon. mittee for Delivery & Legacy, has The aid, including baskets of basic ongoing registration for two pro- baskets of basic food food items and fuel for heaters, was fessional development workshops items and fuel for distributed to refugee families shel- being delivered in partnership tering at Sahl Al Baqa, Balbak, Arsal with Qatar University (QU). heaters, is enough and Nahr Al Barid camps. The first ‘Marketing and PR for 3,000 refugees The aid will be enough for a month for Sport and Major Events’ will at four camps for a and is part of RAF’s charity drive be held from February 29 until launched recently to provide basic March 1 March to examine the role month needs to Syrian refugees in Lebanon of marketing and Public Relations during winter. in building the success of the sport The United Nations High Com- and events industries in Qatar and missioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has the Middle East and North Africa The Peninsula issued warning about the deterio- region. Some of the beneficiaries collect aid at one of the distribution centres. rating situation of millions of Syrian It will focus on emerging refugees, with growing demands for trends, challenges and opportuni- humanitarian aid and decreasing ties faced by professionals working DOHA: Sheikh Thani Bin Abdullah financial support of the international condition of Syrian refugees in Leb- are sheltering in the country. those living in at-random camps due in sport PR and marketing and is Foundation for Humanitarian Services community. anon is not good. Refugees in all areas of Lebanon to the influx of a large number of ref- presented from marketing and PR (RAF) has provided fresh humanitar- RAF said in a statement that the It said about 1.5 million refugees need financial support, especially ugees, the statement added. industry perspectives. The second ‘Creating High Per- formance Sports Organisations’ will be held on March 2 and 3. It is developed around the themes Children’s exhibition and contest open of organisational effectiveness, change and innovation and will train professionals working for sport organisations to face the The Peninsula until March 17. Each school is participating with rapidly changing and competitive 30 students, and the exhibition will devote one sport environment and increase hour for each school between 9am and 1pm. the performance of their organi- Students are expected to take part in activ- sations by embracing innovation. DOHA: The 17th children’s exhibition and con- ities, including drawing and manual work. Both workshops are a learn- test opened yesterday at Doha Municipality Organisers preferred to involve students ing opportunity and a major headquarters under the theme ‘Make Recy- in such activities to make them gain technical career development step, tailored cling your Sign’. capabilities, skills and information. to address challenges in the local It was opened by Mohammed Ahmed Prizes will be awarded to 10 best works and regional context. Al Sayeed, Director of the municipality, addressing the theme of the exhibition. Prizes Application deadline is Febru- and is organised by the Health Monitoring also will be given to participants. ary 28. Early registration offers Department. The Ministry of Municipality and Envi- 25 percent discount applicable The exhibition and the contest aim to raise ronment said on its website that it is keen from February 16 to 23. To reg- awareness of schoolchildren about reuse and to enhance environmental awareness and ister and learn more about the recycling of solid waste. Students from primary make schoolchildren pay attention to the eco- Josoor Institute and its upcoming and middle levels at Independent and private nomic value of solid waste by reusing and programmes, visit www.josoor- Children at the event. schools are taking part in the event which runs recycling it. institute.qa 06 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 HOME HBKU appoints new QDF marks Chinese New Year Student Affairs VP

The Peninsula The Chinese pavilion and promotions extended DOHA: Hamad Bin Khalifa University throughout March (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education Science and Community Devel- opment, has appointed Maryam Hamad Al Mannai (pictured) as its new Vice-Presi- The Peninsula dent for Students Affairs. She earlier held senior positions at the Ministry of Education and Texas A&M Uni- versity at Qatar (TAMUQ). DOHA: In celebration of Qatar- Al Mannai, honoured with Distin- China Cultural Year 2016, Chinese guished Achievement Award in Student Ambassador Li Chen and Qatar Relations by TAMUQ in 2010 for efforts in Airways Group Chief Executive helping students fulfil their potential, said: Akbar Al Baker commemorated “By providing students with an enriching one of China’s most important academic and cultural environment, in festivals, Chinese New Year, with addition to a multitude of opportunities is aware of the university’s key initiatives a visit to Qatar Duty Free’s (QDF) Chinese Ambassador Li Chen (second left) and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker to build their leadership skills, the Student and academic programmes. traditional Chinese pavilion. Affairs team aims to inspire students to be “I hope to help nurture HBKU students Hany Al Deeb, UnionPay (second right) with other officials during a visit to Qatar Duty Free. our effective and ambitious ambassadors. in their growth and development, assist- Regional Country Manager, joined “I believe our students share an objec- ing them in making their dreams a reality them on a tour of the ornate tive to work towards Qatar National Vision and becoming strong pillars that can sup- Chinese pagoda at Hamad Inter- families to gather and enjoy each shopping tours designed for Chi- and other gift items in the pavil- 2030, and it is a privilege to be able to help port Qatar’s growth,” she said. national Airport (HIA). The pavilion other’s company. For many fam- nese passengers. ion. Additional Chinese New Year prepare them for their professional lives Al Mannai previously developed the is offering passengers discounts of ilies, this means travelling to see QDF staff, fluent in Manda- discounts of up to 10 percent are as they navigate how best to use knowl- Community Relations Programme at up to 20 percent, spending rewards their loved ones, enjoy traditional rin, Cantonese and other Chinese available on brands in selected edge and skills to contribute to society.” TAMUQ and at HBKU she plans to build and promotions to mark China’s New Year’s feasts and special hol- dialects, are available on request boutiques. Throughout her distinguished career, similar new programmes to accommo- Year of the Monkey. UnionPay and iday markets. For those travelling, to lead passengers around HIA, Passengers can choose from Al Mannai has shown a deep commitment date the needs of the rapidly expanding QDF also offer traditional red enve- we wanted to bring a taste of this showcasing their favourite brands duty-free products at amazing to provide students with holistic educa- student community. lope retail vouchers worth QR100 tradition to their travel experience and products. Passengers will dis- prices, including promotions from tion focused on academic achievements As part of her new role, she recently to customers who purchase items by again building our version of the cover especially curated products Tiffany, TAG Heuer, Chopard and and personal growth and development. oversaw the successful Education City worth QR1,000 ($274) and above holiday market with special prod- inside the pagoda which remain in Bulgari. Products within the pavil- It is this approach to learning that Career Fair at the HBKU Student Centre with a UnionPay payment card. ucts and promotions.” HIA until mid-March. ion include Godiva chocolates, makes her an ideal fit for HBKU, where she and brought together around 100 employ- Al Baker said: “I am honoured The pavilion is a striking Savings of up to 20 percent are Prada perfume, La Prairie skin will be responsible for student life, career ers from across Qatar and students from to visit the Chinese Pavilion with centrepiece directly behind the offered on QDF fragrances, cos- care, Swarovski jewellery, Har- development and community outreach, HBKU and its university partners in Edu- the ambassador. The Chinese Lamp Bear, serving as a festive metics, skin care, confectionery, rods bags and Marmalade Market playing a role in ensuring the community cation City. New Year is an important time for attraction and a starting point for luxury watches, fine jewellery, gift items.

TDP vaccination drive for schools Al Jazeera holds Annual Day for staff from February 21 to March 17

The Peninsula the workshop that discussed the goal of the campaign and how to make it a success. Dr Hamad Eid Al Rumaihi, Director, Health Protection & Communicable Dis- DOHA: The Ministry of Public Health, in ease Control Department at the Ministry collaboration with the Ministry of Educa- of Public Health, said: “Qatar is free of tet- tion and Higher Education and the Primary anus, diphtheria and pertussis due to the Health Care Corporation (PHCC), organ- vaccination we have been offering.” He ised a training workshop to launch the said the campaign aims to enhance stu- annual vaccination drive against tetanus, dents’ immunity and that World Health diphtheria and pertussis (TDP). Organisation has recommended the vac- The campaign for secondary schools cine every 10 years. He also highlighted the of Independent, private and communities achievements of the campaign since 2011. schools will be held from February 21 to Dr Ahmed Khalaf, Medical Direc- March 17. tor, GSK company, spoke on the vaccine. Around 220 nurses from PHCC and Experts also focused on means of prevent- The Annual Day for staff of Al Jazeera Printing Press Co. was held at the Diplomatic Club, Doha. All employees participated in private and communities schools attended ing such diseases. sport competitions, followed by cultural programmes in the evening. Jacob Kannath, Director of the company, presented prizes to the winners and annual performance awards.

American Chamber to host panel on US elections

The Peninsula A panel of international media School of Foreign Service in Qatar; history. We are here to sup- experts will tackle the upcoming US Jocelyn Mitchell, Assistant Profes- port American businesses in presidential election in a debate ‘Pres- sor of Liberal Arts, NU-Q; and Yasir Qatar and those interested idential Predictions Forum: Media, Khan, Producer and Documentary in doing business in the US DOHA: The American Chamber of Politics and Campaign 2016’. Filmmaker, Al Jazeera English. and having the latest, most Commerce in Qatar (AmCham Qatar) It will be moderated by Everette AmCham Qatar Chairman Robert accurate intelligence from will host a special edition of its popular E Dennis (pictured), Dean and CEO, A Hager said, “AmCham Qatar is fol- the campaign trail and its Distinguished Speaker Series as part North Western University Qatar, and lowing developments in the American potential impact on busi- of the second annual Discover Amer- will include Clyde Wilcox, Professor election cycle, one of the most pas- nesses in the US and Qatar ica Week from today until February 22. of Political Science at Georgetown sionate and hardest to call in recent is just the sort of insight our members look to us to supply.” Discussions will offer perspective on what to expect from the race for the US presidency. The panel- lists will review media coverage of the campaign and the meanings behind the rhetoric, and share insights on how to gauge outcomes of the election cycle and its impact on rela- tions between the US and the rest of the world. “We want to bring some of the spirit of politi- cal debate to the AmCham event and help attend- ees break through some of the noise surrounding the debate and find out what’s behind the headlines. It’s important to be able to determine what can make a difference for American cit- izens, those living abroad, and our relations with our international partners. I commend AmCham Qatar for hosting this event,” said Dennis. To register for the event, visit https://events. r20.constantcontact.com/ register/eventReg?oeidk=a 07ec73g0fjb5f45c9f&oseq =&c=&ch HOME / GULF / MIDDLE EAST MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 07 FM: 57.6 million people in Middle East need aid

or refugees fleeing conflict and per- absence of a just solution and the loss Foreign Minister secution. In a speech at a session of of hope for any corrective step by the the 52nd Munich Security Confer- international community to end one tells Munich Security ence under the theme ‘Growing Rifts, of the last remaining occupations in Conference to focus Power Shifts? The New Geopolitics the world which is in itself a factor of of the Middle East’, he said under- instability in the Middle East. on the fate of millions standing the new geopolitics of the The Minister said tyranny is the of families and Middle East requires raising a ques- driving force behind the political and communities living tion as to how the Middle East and social marginalisation as well as vio- North Africa region changed from an lent persecution and most importantly under oppression in era of possible political reform to an is the increasing rate of cross-border the region era of conflicts and disputes. terrorism. The Minister reiterated the impor- He said the region is undergoing tance of discussing the balance of massive violations of human rights, Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (second right) taking part in a session of power at a time of mounting tensions chaos, and instability, which, in turn, the 52nd Munich Security Conference under the theme ‘Growing Rifts, Power Shifts? The New Geopolitics The Peninsula & QNA between regional actors, stressing that created a favourable environment for of the Middle East’. the most urgent matter to discuss is all kinds of destructive interests, rang- the fate of millions of families and ing from terrorist organizations that communities living under oppres- have found fertile ground among the the militarisation of the civil revo- to address the repercussions of the against violent extremism and ter- DOHA/MUNICH: Foreign Minister sion in the Middle East. frustrated and disadvantaged groups. lution, and the second is mounting geopolitical changes in the Middle rorism,” said the Minister. H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- He said the region is already reel- In Syria, the regime’s unprece- influence of foreign groups that took East, we must pursue a dual approach He stressed the need to find a rahman Al Thani said 57.6 million ing from the overwhelming impact of dented brutality and the failure of the advantage of the power vacuum and towards collective international common vision towards inclusive people in the Middle East are in need key factors for instability, including international community to protect controlled lands in both Syria and efforts, and address the root causes future for all in the Middle East based of humanitarian aid, including 17.7 the continuing escalation, the siege civilians from massive bombardment Iraq, he said. of conflicts, particularly repressive on respect for human rights and the million people internally displaced against the Palestinian people, the led to two issues the first of which is “Our firm belief is that in order regimes in the context of the fight rejection of terrorism and tyranny. Fourth Arab Robotics and Artificial Troops to Syria decision up to coalition: Saudi Intelligence conference opens Reuters confirmed it had sent aircraft to on Friday to a pause in combat in Any presence there without coordina- Nato-member Turkey’s Incirlik air Syria, but Russia pressed on with tion with that country’s government QNA knowledge-based economy. base for the fight against Islamic State bombing in support of Syrian Presi- will only lead to a defeat and a fiasco,” Reading out the Minister’s militants. dent Bashar Al Assad, its ally. Assad Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili told speech, Al Mohammadi highlighted RIYADH: Saudi Arabia said yesterday “The Kingdom’s readiness to has promised to fight until he regains Iran’s Tasnim news agency. the attention Qatar pays to education that any move to deploy Saudi special provide special forces to any ground full control of the country. Iran “will spare no effort to pro- DOHA: Minister of Education and and encouragement and support to forces into Syria would depend on a operations in Syria is linked to a deci- US President Barack Obama has vide Syria with advisory assistance in Higher Education H E Dr Moham- scientific research. decision by the US-led coalition fight- sion to have a ground component to ruled out sending US ground troops the air defence field” if asked, Esmaili mad Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi He said the state has attracted ing Islamic State insurgents. this coalition against Daesh (Islamic to Syria. But Turkey said that both added. yesterday inaugurated the fourth some of the most important inter- US Defence Secretary Ashton State) in Syria — this US-led coalition Ankara and Riyadh would support a Despite the territorial advances Arab Robotics and Artificial Intelli- national universities and colleges Carter said on Friday he expected — so the timing is not up to us,” Saudi coalition ground operation. made in recent weeks by Assad’s gence Conference at Marriott Hotel in the fields of engineering, tech- both Saudi Arabia and the United Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir told a However, the head of air defence forces, backed by Russian air strikes yesterday. The three-day conference nology and medicine to create the Arab Emirates to send special oper- news conference with his Swiss coun- forces in Iran, which along with Rus- and military assistance by Iran, Jubeir is being held under the patronage of necessary environment to develop ations forces to Syria to help local terpart in Riyadh. sia is the main supporter of Assad, said he did not believe the Syrian Prime Minister and Interior Minis- technologies for commercial usage opposition fighters in their campaign “With regards to timing of the said any interference without Syrian president would survive. ter H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser and support research, innovation to retake the city of Raqqa, Islamic mission or size of troops, this has yet consent would fail. “Now, he asked for Russia’s help bin Khalifa Al Thani . and entrepreneurship. He said the State’s de facto capital in Syria. to be worked out,” he added. “Syria is a big country... which has and it will fail in saving Bashar Al Delegations from 17 Arab coun- state also established Qatar National Saudi Arabia on Saturday Major powers agreed in Munich been fighting terrorists for five years. Assad,” he said. tries, countries from around world Research Fund, which supports and a group of researchers and research projects and Qatar Science specialists in the field of artificial and Technology Park which consti- intelligence are participating. tutes a core platform for fostering Hassan Abdulla Al Moham- technology projects. Remembering Hariri Interfaith dialogue madi, Director, Communications and Al Mohammadi also highlighted Media Office at the ministry, said Qatar’s efforts to spread the culture forum on Wednesday Qatar is exerting efforts to establish of the robot, which was introduced a knowledge-based society and has by the Ministry in the information realised that scientific research, cre- technology curriculum. He said QNA ativity and innovation are the way Qatar’s students have participated to achieve progress and well-being. in the National Robot Olympiad and He said Qatar National Vision achieved honourable results. Qatar 2030 aims to achieve diversifi- has also hosted the World Olympiad DOHA: Minister of Justice Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al cation and growth in the non-oil Robot in partnership between the Mohannadi will inaugurate on Wednesday the 12th Doha sectors where work is under way to ministry and other organisations in conference of Interfaith Dialogue 2016. transform Qatar’s economy into a the state. It will see around 500 personalities from in and out- side Qatar in attendance. The event will be under the theme ‘Spiritual and Intellectual Safety in the Light of Religious Doctrines’ There will be four main panel discussions. The More hotels to open in Qatar first ‘Religion and its Role in Spiritual and Intellectual Security’. The second ‘Destabilisation of Moral and Intellectual Security’ will discuss whether there is any Continued from page 1 2016, registering a growth of 27 per- religious or ideological context that can act as a back- Lebanon’s Druze leader Walid Jumblatt (right) and his son Taymur Jumblatt lay a cent. At the moment there are close to ground to violence. The third ‘Protecting Youth from Going forward, more hotels are 19,000 hotel and service apartment wreath at the grave of former prime minister Rafik Al Hariri on the 11th anniversary Intellectual and Moral Violation and Cultural Alienation expected to open their operations in keys in Qatar. The hotel sector in Qatar of his death yesterday in the capital Beirut. and the fourth is ‘Strategies for Protecting Spiritual and Qatar to meet the demand of increas- sees more of its business travellers, as Intellectual Freedom and Security: Future Expectations’. ing number of tourists. Doha is predominantly a business des- Qatar’s hospitality sector is tination, with the corporate segment expected to see total count of room accounting for more than 60 percent keys rising to 23,000 by the end of of the hotel demand. Israel’s ex-PM Olmert begins prison term today

Agents told to recall stocks AFP rape and sexual harassment. odyssey since leaving office in 2009. third sentence of eight months for The Israeli Prisons Service says He was initially given six years’ fraud and corruption. that Olmert will be admitted to the prison in May 2014 for taking bribes Born near the port city of Haifa, Continued from page 1 imports of the product. prison’s special block 10, “which is in the early 2000s in connection with Olmert was elected to parliament in Pfizer, manufacturers of the JERUSALEM: Israel’s Ehud Olmert intended to house prisoners who for the construction of Jerusalem’s mas- 1973 as a member of the right-wing The move follows a voluntary product had initiated a recall of sev- today becomes the country’s first ex- various reasons cannot be placed sive Holyland residential complex, but Likud party and was mayor of Jeru- recall by the manufacturers of all eral Advil liquid products for infants prime minister to sit behind bars as with the general prison population.” the sentence was later reduced to 18 salem from 1993 to 2003. quantities of the product entering the and children because of a potential he begins a 19-month prison term He will join four other unidenti- months. Last week, an Israeli court He later served as a cabinet min- country, said a statement yesterday. risk of inconsistencies in dosing of for separate counts of bribery and fied inmates in block 10, which has a handed him an additional month for ister, holding the trade and industry The department said that it has the product. “Clumps” of Ibupro- obstruction of justice. maximum capacity of 18. obstructing justice. He admitted to portfolio as well as several others. immediately instructed the inspec- fen may form in the bottle and lead The 70-year-old will report to “Due to his position, he is subject the crime as part of a plea bargain He broke off from Likud with tors to implement the decision in the to higher or lower doses that are Maasiyahu prison in the central to various threats and is in danger,” in that case. then-prime minister Ariel Sharon to private pharmacies and stop selling given to infants and children if it Israeli town of Ramle, where former the prisons service says. His prison sentence could still be form the centre-right Kadima party the product. All agents have been is not shaken well before each use, Israeli president Moshe Katsav is also The start of Olmert’s prison term extended further. The Supreme Court in 2005 and became premier in 2006 told to recall the stocks and stop according to reports. serving a seven-year prison term for will close a chapter in his long legal is still debating his appeal against a after Sharon slipped into a coma. Four Emiratis handed death sentences for joining Islamic State group

AFP jihadist group in Syria, local media agency said, using an Arabic acro- Emiratis, a Bahraini, a Mauritanian, media access to such trials. even introducing the death penalty reported. nym for IS. Local newspapers said and a Syrian were handed jail sen- The UAE is a member of the US- for crimes linked to religious hatred The four, who are being tried in that the group had travelled to Syria. tences of between three and 10 years, led coalition that has been bombing IS and extremist groups. In July, the UAE ABU DHABI: A top court in the United absentia, are part of a group of 11 They were also charged with the local Gulf News daily reported. jihadists in Iraq and Syria since Sep- executed an Emirati woman for the Arab Emirates yesterday sentenced defendants accused of “joining the “promoting” IS online, helping to Another Emirati was acquitted in the tember 2014. UAE authorities have jihadist-inspired 2014 murder of an four Emiratis to death after convict- terrorist Daesh group in an Arab finance the group and insulting case. Abu Dhabi’s Federal Supreme enacted tougher anti-terror legisla- American school teacher in an Abu ing them of joining the Islamic State country,” the official WAM news UAE leaders, WAM said. Three other Court does not allow international tion, including harsher jail terms and Dhabi shopping mall. 08 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 MIDDLE EAST

Riad Hijab and No child’s play McCain slam Syria truce deal

in order to give a chance for real political movement,” said Hijab. Crit- Agreement allows ics have said Friday’s deal is hobbled Russia to continue by the fact it does not include groups such as the Islamic State and the Al bombing: US Senator Qaeda affiliate Al Nusra, leaving room for Russia to continue attacks by claiming it is targeting jihadists. It followed a major offensive by AFP Syrian government forces, backed by heavy Russian bombing and Ira- nian troops, on the rebel stronghold of Aleppo. MUNICH: A senior figure in the Syr- US Senator John McCain also ian opposition movement yesterday slammed the deal. criticised the truce deal forged by “Let’s be clear about what this US and Russia, saying Moscow was agreement does: It permits the continuing its onslaught on civilian assault on Aleppo to continue for areas. another week. It requires opposi- Palestinians await permission to enter Egypt as they gather at the Rafah border crossing in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday. “We have gotten used to con- tion groups to stop fighting but it ferences and hope put into words allows Russia to continue bombing but what we need is action, and the terrorists which it insists is everyone, action I see is that Russia is killing including civilians,” said McCain, a Syrian civilians,” said Riad Hijab, leading member of the opposition head of the High Negotiation Com- Republicans and head of the Senate mittee that represents several Syrian Armed Forces Committee. Obama and Putin discuss Syria crisis on phone opposition groups. “If Russia or the Assad regime “The Syrian people continue to violates this agreement, what are the live in terror and utter despair after consequences? I don’t see any,” he the international community has told the conference. AFP statement, which called the exchange Moscow this week warned against according to remarks dubbed into failed to prevent the gravest crimes,” McCain said it was “no accident” “frank and business-like”. any ground intervention in Syria, as English. he told the audience at the Munich that Russian President Vladimir The Russian leader reiterated that Ankara mulls a ground assault with “If we pull him out from this Security Conference. Putin had chosen this moment for MOSCOW: Russia’s President a united anti-terrorist coalition was Saudi troops while shelling posi- structure, there will be chaos — like Hijab dodged questions about a deal. Vladimir Putin and US counterpart needed in Syria, where Moscow has tions of the Syrian regime and Kurds, we’ve seen more than once in many whether the “moderate” rebels “We’ve seen this movie before in Barack Obama held frank talks on led an aerial campaign to support whom Moscow supports. Middle Eastern countries.” would accept the “cessation of Ukraine,” he said. Syria amid US concern over Turkish the regime’s ground operation since In an interview to Euronews yes- The Kurdish YPG militia, helped hostilities” agreement reached on “Russia presses its advantage shelling of Kurdish militia targets in September. terday, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry by Russian air raids, seized an ex-mil- Friday that calls for a truce within a militarily, creates new facts on the northern Syria days before a cease- The leaders “agreed to activate Medvedev said that Syrian President itary air base at Menagh last week, |week. ground, uses the denial and delivery fire deal is due to take hold. cooperation via diplomatic agen- Bashar Al Assad is the only legitimate angering Turkey. A senior ally of Ger- “Why is the onus on the opposi- of humanitarian aid as a bargaining Putin took the call from Obama cies and other structures with the force in the country and his ousting man Chancellor Angela Merkel said tion and whether it has preconditions chip, negotiates an agreement to lock and both sides “gave a positive evalu- goal of implementing the declara- would result in “chaos.” Russia had gained the upper hand for negotiations? I would like to see a in the spoils of war and then chooses ation” of the results of talks in Munich tion reached in Munich” on Friday, “You can like that or not, but in Syria and the surrounding region single day of a cessation of hostilities when to resume fighting.” last week, according to a Kremlin the statement said. he’s the president in power,” he said, through armed force.

Israeli troops shoot dead three Switzerland to represent Syria wants UN action as Turkey Palestinians in Saudi and Iran interests bombards Kurdish fighters West Bank AFP Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Fri- AFP strike PYD targets in Syria as long as Workers’ Party (PKK) which has Reuters day he believes his country could the army came under fire from their waged a decades-long insurgency work with Saudi Arabia on the positions, the military sources added. against the Turkish state that inten- GENEVA: Switzerland said yester- Syrian conflict and common Turkish media reports said the sified in the last few months. JERUSALEM: The Israeli army day it will represent the interests threats such as the Islamic State ISTANBUL: The Turkish army struck fire was clearly audible from the But Washington has been relying said troops shot dead two Palestin- of Iran and Saudi Arabia in both group. positions of Kurdish fighters inside border crossing close to the south- on the YPG as one of its few effec- ian teenagers who were throwing countries after the rupture of diplo- But the war of words continued Syria for a second day yesterday ern Turkish town of Kilis. tive allies on the ground in the fight stones at cars in the occupied West matic relations between the Sunni yesterday, with a senior Iranian in response to incoming fire, state NTV television said Turkish forces against Islamic State (IS) jihadists in Bank yesterday after coming under and Shia powers. commander warning Saudi Ara- media said, as an explosive standoff had also captured three suspected northern Syria. fire from one of them. The announcement followed a bia against sending troops to Syria between Ankara and Syrian Kurds PYD members in Kilis, without giv- The PKK is recognised by the In a separate incident, a Pal- weekend visit to Riyadh by Swiss after Riyadh deployed combat air- intensified. ing further details. United States as a terror group but estinian tried to stab an Israeli Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter, craft to Turkey. The army hit Democratic Union In Damascus, the Syrian gov- not the YPG or PYD. paramilitary policeman at a his ministry said in a statement. Iran, Syria’s regional ally, sup- Party (PYD) targets around the Syr- ernment that is strongly opposed by The issue is causing increasing checkpoint in the West Bank, near The kingdom severed all ties ports President Bashar Al Assad ian town of Azaz using howitzers Turkey condemned the attacks on its friction between the two Nato allies Jerusalem, and was shot dead, with Iran last month after dem- and has sent “military advisors” stationed on the Turkish side of the “territorial integrity” and urged the and complicating efforts to find a police said. onstrators stormed its embassy in and volunteers to fight alongside border, the state-run Anatolia news United Nations to act, Syrian state solution to Syria’s five year civil war. Israeli soldiers have killed at Tehran and consulate in Mashhad, the Syrian army. agency reported. media said. US State Department spokesman least 161 Palestinians, 105 of whom Iran’s second city, following Riya- Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Turkish forces carried out a simi- Turkey has been gravely alarmed John Kirby said in a statement late Israel says were assailants, while dh’s execution of a prominent Saudi Al Jubeir said at a Riyadh press lar bombardment on Saturday. by the push by the PYD and its Peo- Saturday that Washington urged Tur- the others were shot dead dur- Shia cleric and activist. conference that the Swiss rep- Anatolia gave no further details ple’s Protection Units (YPG) militia key to cease its cross-border artillery ing violent anti-Israeli protests, The two countries provide sup- resentation would largely help but military sources quoted by Turk- westwards along the Syrian border fire. He said the US had also urged the as the bloodshed persists into a port to opposing sides in the wars Iranians go to Saudi Arabia for pil- ish media said the new exchange took to the flashpoint town of Azaz. Kurdish fighters “not to take advan- fifth month. of Syria and Yemen. grimages including the Haj. place from 0700GMT. Ankara accuses the PYD of being tage of a confused situation by seizing Stabbings, shootings and car Turkish forces would continue to the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan new territory”. rammings by Palestinians have killed 27 Israelis and a US citizen since early October. As well as frustration over Jew- ish settlement-building, deemed Migrants’ graves Retrial ordered in Egypt illegal by the United Nations, on land Palestinians want for a state, tensions have been rising over Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa mosque protester’s death case compound and calls for Israel’s destruction. In yesterday’s shooting near AFP charged over protestor deaths since the West Bank city of Jenin, “two the army’s ouster of Islamist presi- assailants hurled rocks at cars”, a dent Mohamed Mursi in 2013. military statement said. “Forces Yesterday, the Court of Cassa- arrived and were fired upon by CAIRO: Egypt’s top court yesterday tion annulled the lower court’s order an assailant. Soldiers responded annulled a 15-year jail sentence for after accepting an appeal filed by and shot the attackers, resulting a policeman accused of the fatal Hatem and ordered a retrial, a court in their deaths.” The Palestinian shooting of a female protester and official said. His lawyer Gamil Sayid Health Ministry said two 15-year- ordered his retrial, a court official confirmed yesterday’s decision. old Palestinians were killed. said. “It just proves that my client was Wassef Abu Baker, a 56-year- Shaima Al Sabbagh was struck innocent from the start,” Sayid said, old local resident, said that after by birdshot in January 2015 as adding that Hatem, who is currently hearing gunshots, he drove to police dispersed a small march on in jail, would soon be freed. within 40 metres (yards) of where the eve of the fourth anniversary of The Court of Cassation did not one of the teenagers was lying on the uprising that toppled president immediately give its reason for the ground. “He was still mov- Hosni Mubarak. annulling the previous judgement ing. The soldier shouted at me to A lower court sentenced Lieu- and a new trial date has yet to be move back and they fired at him tenant Yassin Mohamed Hatem, 23, fixed. — maybe it was 12 bullets,” he said. Egyptian Mustafa Dawa poses for a picture at a cemetery near the village of Kato Tritos on the Greek to 15 years in prison after convict- Sabbagh’s death triggered out- Abu Baker said he could not island of Lesbos. Sixty-four earthen graves have been dug on the plot for refugees and migrants who ing him of “battery that led to death”. rage in Egypt and abroad. Part of the see whether the person on the drowned crossing the Aegean Sea trying to reach Europe. Just 27 graves are marked. Hatem’s trial was a rare legal incident that led to her death was ground was armed. proceeding against policemen captured on film. ASIA / PHILIPPINES MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 09 Korean peninsula looks more divided than ever

indefinitely shelved, with a leader in “I don’t see any way back for Pyongyang confirming an unwaver- Kaesong now,” Petrov said. “It’s gone Any hope of ing commitment to nuclear weapons too far and there’s no real will in the development, and a counterpart in North or South to work it out.” compromise or Seoul determined to react firmly Kaesong was born out of the “sun- dialogue seems -- and proactively -- to any North shine” reconciliation policy of the late to have been Korean provocation. 1990s. And the standoff is taking on One of the roles initially envis- indefinitely shelved, wider Cold War-like dimensions, aged by Seoul was of Kaesong as a with a leader in with the divisions between the main beachhead for market reforms in parties to the North Korean nuclear North Korea that would spread from Pyongyang confirming issue -- China and Russia on one the complex and expose tens of thou- an unwavering side, the US, South Korea and Japan sands to the outside world’s way of on the other -- increasingly stark and doing business. commitment to antagonistic. Although that vision never materi- nuclear weapons The new mood on the divided alised, some analysts still mourned its development peninsula played out this week in demise for closing a small but crucial the effective termination of the sole open door on the world’s most heav- remaining North-South cooperation ily-militarised border. project -- the Kaesong joint industrial “With no Kaesong, South and zone lying 10 kilometres (six miles) North Koreans will no longer be in AFP over the border in North Korea. contact anywhere on a regular basis. Despite its obvious vulnerabilities, That is a great leap backwards,” Aidan Kaesong had taken on a talismanic Foster-Carter, a Korea expert based image by riding out pretty much every in Britain, wrote for the NK News SEOUL: North and South Korea’s inter-Korean crisis thrown up since it website. perennially volatile relations seem opened for business in 2004. Chang Yong-Seok, a sen- headed for a new and potentially “In a way, it’s a miracle it lasted ior researcher at the Institute for dangerous low, with all official lines that long,” said Leonid Petrov, an Peace and Unification Studies at Soldiers and media persons gather at the Tongil bridge, a checkpoint leading to the Kaesong joint industrial of communication cut off and a host expert on North Korea at the Aus- Seoul National University, said one zone, in Paju. of tension-raising issues on the near tralian National University. of Kaesong’s most important con- horizon. But on Wednesday, Seoul tributions had been to help keep last two remaining communication Security Council eventually agrees to and Washington also begin talks on The two rivals, who have announced it was suspending all inter-Korean rivalries in check. hotlines with the South. The hotlines impose over its nuclear test and rocket deploying an advanced US missile remained technically at war over operations of the 124 South Korean “The Koreas both had a stake in themselves have never been used for launch. shield in South Korea. the past six decades, have faced and companies in Kaesong, and yesterday Kaesong so they were able to restrain conversational diplomacy, but they Then in March, South Korean “South Korea and the US have said weathered numerous crises in the Pyongyang responded by expelling each other in some ways, but now that were key to setting up meetings where and the United States will kick off a the drills will be on an even larger past, but the current situation feels all the firms’ managers and freezing has all gone out the window,” Chang such discussions could take place. series of annual military drills that the scale than usual which is sure to meet particularly grim in the wake of the their factories’ assets. said. The severing of all contacts comes North views as rehearsals for inva- a big backlash from North Korea,” said North’s recent nuclear test and long- The North placed the complex The space for communica- ahead of a period when crisis-control sion and which always see a spike in Chang. “So, with all this, I think we’re range rocket launch. under military control, while the tion between Seoul and Pyongyang talks could be most needed. tensions. Pyongyang’s claims of prov- going to see tensions running at a level Any hope of compromise South cut off all power and water shrank further on Thursday, when the North Korea will likely react ocation over the exercises should be incomparable to previous years,” he or dialogue seems to have been supplies. North announced it was cutting the strongly to whatever sanctions the UN especially shrill this time, as Seoul added.

Philippine selfie shots Philippines to raise South China Sea dispute at Asean-US summit

QNA trades that, in turn, must be assured by freedom of navigation in the main navigational routes of global trade and commerce including the MANILA: Maritime security and South China Sea,” he added. the South China Sea dispute would Coloma said the informal setup top Philippine President Benigno of the summit would allow leaders Aquino’s agenda at a summit of to freely discuss issues affecting the South-East Asian countries and region, including economic, politi- the United States, a spokesman said cal and social relations between the yesterday. 10-member group. President Aquino would use the The Philippines has been locked two-day Association of South-East in a row with China over disputed Asian Nations (Asean)-US Summit territories in the South China in Sunnyland, California, on Febru- Sea, which Beijing claims almost ary 16-17 to further stress the need entirely. for freedom of navigation in the dis- Manila has filed an arbitration puted seas, the (dpa) reported. case questioning China’s claim “Maritime security has emerged before a United Nations tribunal, as a vital concern to Asean,” pres- but Beijing has refused to partici- idential spokesman Herminio pate in the proceedings. Coloma said on the eve of Aquino’s Aside from China and the Phil- departure for California to attend ippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, the summit. and Vietnam also have overlapping Filipinos taking selfie shots next to a German made Volkswagen model-1965 Beetle, as the sun sets in the town of Calatagan, Batangas “The goal of achieving Asean claims to the South China Sea, a key province, Philippines. economic integration ... may be shipping lane believed to be rich in enhanced through more vigorous mineral and marine resources. Beijing pins Hong Kong riot Transition to democratic govt sours in Myanmar on ‘radical separatists’ Reuters use the military’s weight to protect lower house who was purged from president, but not his ministers,” said themselves,” said a former senior the USDP last year, as the head of the former USDP lawmaker, who is lawmaker from the army-linked the Legal Affairs and Examination also a member of Shwe Mann’s panel. AFP night. Police fired warning shots in Union Solidarity and Development of Special Matters Commission, He said the commission would look the air, while demonstrators hurled NAYPYITAW: The mood of goodwill Party (USDP). a powerful panel that advises on into recent budgets. bricks levered up from pavements, evident in early talks between Aung Suu Kyi’s NLD won a landslide in legislation. The military is demanding charged police lines with homemade San Suu Kyi and Myanmar’s military Myanmar’s first democratic election This choice, some MPs say, could the positions of chief minister in HONG KONG: A senior Beijing shields and set rubbish on fire. over the country’s transition to dem- in a quarter of a century in Novem- be problematic for former members Rakhine, Shan and Kachin states official yesterday blamed “radical About 100 people were injured, ocratic government has soured, as ber, kicking off a lengthy transition of outgoing President Thein Sein’s and, crucially, Yangon, where the separatists” for a riot that erupted including police officers, journalists tensions rise over how to divide up from the semi-civilian government government if the NLD decided to bulk of foreign investment is likely in Hong Kong last week, the worst and protesters, and 65 were arrested power and deal with the legacy of that in 2011 replaced a junta that had use the commission’s expertise to try to concentrate as Myanmar’s econ- clashes the city has seen since mass in the disorder, rare in Hong Kong. junta rule. run the country for 49 years. to amend laws or revisit contracts omy grows at a rapid pace, two pro-democracy protests. Some 30 of them have been The apparent stalemate has That transition began with approved by his administration. people briefed on the details of the In unusually blunt remarks on charged with rioting. Hong Kong forced Suu Kyi’s National League for mutual handshakes and speeches The issue of not raking over the talks said. a local Hong Kong matter, Zhang leader Leung Chun-ying said Sun- Democracy (NLD) to push back the about “national reconciliation”, but past has been crucial in efforts to Both Shan and Kachin states Xiaoming, Beijing’s top represent- day most of the protesters were election by parliament of a new pres- as the talks drag on the tone of pub- establish a working relationship are home to powerful ethnic armed ative in the semi-autonomous city, unemployed and did not reflect ident to March 17, cutting close to the lic debate - and that of legislators between Suu Kyi and her former groups involved in illicit activities told reporters the violence that left mainstream views. “The major- April 1 deadline when the new gov- speaking privately - has changed. foes in the military, which under the ranging from drug production and dozens of police officers hurt also ity of them are jobless. Quite many ernment is supposed to start its term. In recent days, the NLD and the constitution retains a bloc of seats in smuggling to illegal jade mining. showed elements of “terror”. of them belong to radical political While negotiations have been military have bickered via the media parliament and control of key parts Control over these states, which “After the riot in Mong Kok, we groups. Their political demands can- conducted amid tight secrecy, law- over whether Myanmar’s junta- of the state apparatus. also include Special Regions - semi- are feeling very much shocked and not reflect the majority of society,” makers say divisions emerged after drafted constitution, which bars Suu When Suu Kyi met former junta autonomous fiefdoms with their own saddened,” Zhang told reporters. the chief executive said. the military put forward its list of Kyi from becoming president, should leader Than Shwe in December she administrations and armies - is key “We strongly condemn those The battles have been dubbed demands to the incoming govern- be amended to let her take the high- gave him assurances that the NLD for Suu Kyi, who has made a cease- radical separatists who have become the “fish ball revolution” after a ment last month. est office. would not focus on the past. In fire with ethnic armed groups her increasingly violent, even (carrying favourite Hong Kong street snack The appointment of ex-general Ye Htut, the outgoing Minister of return, Than Shwe endorsed her as top priority. out) activities that showed terror and reflect underlying tensions over Shwe Mann, now a key Suu Kyi ally, Information and presidential spokes- the future “leader” of the country. China, which has important tendencies,” the director of China’s the erosion of the city’s traditions. to a powerful advisory panel has also man, said Suu Kyi should respect the Days before disbanding at the economic and strategic interests in Liaison Office in Hong Kong said in Demonstrators included “local- stoked mistrust, some say, because military. end of January, the parliament dom- Myanmar, is also anxious to protect Chinese. ist” activists who want to restrict his insider knowledge could ena- Essentially, the country’s second inated by Thein Sein’s USDP passed its influence, Win Htein, one of the The clashes erupted when pro- Beijing’s influence on the city. Mong ble Myanmar’s new rulers to delve biggest party, and urged her admin- a bill granting life-long immunity top NLD leaders involved in transi- testers gathered following official Kok, on the city’s Kowloon penin- into the actions of the outgoing istration not to dwell on the issue of from prosecution to the president tion talks said. “Chinese government attempts to remove illegal hawkers sula, was the scene of some of the government. the presidency, instead focusing on for actions taken in office, spark- representatives and business associ- from the busy commercial neigh- worst violence during the 79-day “It seems like all of the mem- economic reform. ing protests from human rights ations are coming to us all the damn bourhood of Mong Kok during Lunar “Occupy” pro-democracy street pro- bers of the previous government Last week the NLD appointed organisations. time to talk about the president and New Year celebrations late Monday tests in late 2014. are now panicking, so they try to Shwe Mann, a former speaker of the “That law only protects the business deals,” said Win Htein. 10 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL

Libyan stalemate Why should the world

ime is running out in Libya to form a national unity fear a falling yuan? government, threatening to push the country into deep chaos. The body tasked with naming a unity government under a At the most basic level, a fall- the proportion rises to nearly 90 necessarily generate a wave of glo- UN-backed plan to resolve the country’s political crisis had ing currency raises the prices of percent. Price affects but doesn’t bal deflation. Core price deflation until yesterday to form the government. An initial lineup imported goods and lowers the finally determine demand for most in areas such as energy, commod- Tof 32 ministers was rejected last month by the country’s recognised prices of exported goods. Demand of these goods. Chinese commod- ities, and food has more to do with parliament, which needs to approve any unity government before it begins for and consumption of imports ity imports are likely to continue increased productivity and overin- should decline as they become declining, but more because of the vestment outside of China than it work. Libya has been in chaos since the 2011 ouster of longtime dictator more expensive, while exports overcapacity created by a surge in does with yuan policy. If declines Muammar Gadhafi, with two rival administrations and armed groups receive a boost. That’s the model investment after the 2008 global in the dollar after the 2008 crisis fighting for control of the oil-rich country. A militia alliance including China used for decades to power financial crisis, rather than any- and the yen more recently didn’t Islamists overran Tripoli in August 2014, establishing its own government its economic boom. Most other thing to do with the yuan. spur worldwide deflation, there’s and parliament and causing the recognised administration to flee to the countries, including the US, have The sheer volume of Chi- no reason to think a fall in the country’s remote east. traditionally favored a strong nese exports means the country yuan would now. currency that raises the domes- does have an outsized impact on Before worrying about what Foreign ministers of several countries put pressure on Libya to finalise tic standard of living vis-a-vis the world markets. Yet Chinese exports China does or doesn’t do with its the unity government at a meeting in Munich on Saturday, which was rest of the world. remain dominated by electron- currency, other countries should attended by the speaker of Libya’s internationally recognised parliament By Christopher Balding China, too, says it now favors a ics and garments. Base metal set their own houses in order. Aguila Saleh. “The time of tactical maneuvering is over. Now it’s time for Bloomberg stable yuan and has been spending processing and miscellaneous After 2008, the world economy Libya to show responsibility,” said German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter billions each month to buy up the manufacturing bring the propor- revived on the back of a Chinese Steinmeier. Germany, Europe and the currency to bolster its value. There tion up to almost 70 percent of total construction boom that drove up international community have offered would appear to be two dangers: exports. These are, despite talk of commodity prices and investment. veryone from buttoned- first, that the effort fails in the face moving up the value chain, still Now that China’s slowdown has every help to support the Libyan down Japanese central of concerted downward pressure low-wage and low-skill sectors. been evident for at least a year, government in its efforts. bankers to ex-slugger from the markets; or second, that The countries that will feel the companies would be well advised Time is running The international community, Jose Canseco (or who- China itself decides to devalue in most pain -- low-wage nations to start planning for a “new nor- out to form a unity especially Libya’s neighbours and ever hacked his Twitter order to revive its export-focused such as Bangladesh, Vietnam and mal” of slower growth and Europe, is worried about the growth of Eaccount) seems to be worried manufacturing sector. Indonesia -- represent a relatively investment, as well as a moder- government in Islamic State in Libya. The Islamic State about the sliding value of Chi- Yet how bad would that limited subset of the global econ- ately weaker yuan. na’s currency, the yuan. The fear really be? Chinese companies omy. While China’s recently raised If the rest of the world wants Libya as the Islamic is said to have established an ‘enclave’ is that a cheaper yuan will spur are moving quickly to pay off or its share of global clothing exports China to join the global economy, State strengthens around the coastal city of Sirte. It is other export-dependent coun- restructure their dollar loans. As at their expense, the world’s biggest they have to be willing to treat the presence in the feared this new territory will provide it tries to devalue as well in order for consumers, it’s important to economies have much less to fear. country the same as any other. with the facilities to train, raise funds to remain competitive, sparking remember that large countries The latter no longer make the It’s a bit rich for nations such as country. and plan attacks in the neighbourhood a global currency war. Meanwhile, such as China trade less than small kind of basic manufactured goods Japan, which has allowed the yen and possibly across the Mediterranean. ordinary Chinese will presuma- countries in relative terms. Thus that dominate Chinese exports, to plummet against the dollar, to Tunisia is so worried that it has begun bly race to move their money out they’re better insulated against a at least not in large quantities. To suggest that China should impose of the country and Chinese com- rise in the price of imports. take one example, China received hard capital controls to prevent the to build an anti-terror barrier along panies will struggle to pay back Additionally, not all the prod- $459 per tonne of exported steel yuan from sliding. If the market its border with Libya in a desperate loans taken out in dollars. A truly ucts countries import are equally in December but paid $1,023 thinks the Chinese currency is attempt to protect itself from terrorism. In the ever increasing war against uncontrolled dive threatens to price-sensitive. Machinery, met- per imported tonne. Why the overvalued, it should be allowed terror, Libya now matters to everyone. Egypt’s foreign minister said cause havoc throughout China’s als, minerals and chemicals make difference? China is exporting low- to find its fair level. It won’t be the last week that Libya must create a unity government before any of the opaque financial system. up about 60 percent of Chinese quality steel but importing more end of the world. country’s international partners engage in a military operation against Such fears are overblown. imports. Add in precision equip- valuable, specialty products. Japan, The true impact of a falling yuan ment such as watches and medical the US and South Korea hold dom- The writer is an associate professor the Islamic State. This has to be a Libyan-led process,” Sameh Shoukry is likely to be both more nuanced devices, precious metals, trans- inant positions in the latter fields. of business and economics at the said. “I think we all recognise that this is an issue that primarily will have and more limited in nature. port and rubber products and Nor would a falling yuan HSBC Business School in Shenzhen. to be dealt with by Libyans.” There has also been criticism that the UN has failed to work with various political forces to design administrations best suited to local traditions. Militias, warlords and armed groups thrived through fighting as the UN-backed processes failed to deliver governance or a formula In Syria, history repeats that has popular support. The UN should have worked more closely with various groups to enlist their support and thus come up with ideas which The Washington Post will allow Russian planes to continue an aerial Vladimir Putin’s record does not suggest are acceptable to all. campaign that, as documented by human rights such actions will be extend beyond the token. groups, has included dropping cluster munitions In Syria, the Russian ruler has pursued the same ithin hours of voting for a UN Secu- on civilian areas. It could allow Shia fighters tactics he adopted in Ukraine: gain a decisive rity Council resolution in December from Lebanon and elsewhere, commanded by military advantage, then offer lopsided terms for Wmandating an end to the bombing of Iran, to cut off the last supply route to the half a cease-fire. After winning far-reaching political Quote of the day civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid of Aleppo held by US-supplied rebel forces. That concessions in Ukraine, Putin never respected in Syria, Russia dispatched planes to pound a would put Moscow and its allies closer to their the cease-fire or subsequent security measures town held by US-backed rebels. As Syrians in principal goal - which is to eliminate any forces his envoys agreed to; fighting continues to this besieged towns continued to starve, Moscow in Syria other than the Assad regime and the day. In Syria, he has less reason to keep his word, We will not allow anyone to joined with Iran in supporting a broad offensive Islamic State. If they don’t succeed in a week, as no Western sanctions, nor any other tangi- pull Lebanon to the camp that has allowed the regime of Bashar al-Assad Russia has given itself leave to continue bombing ble measures, penalise his intervention there. to retake control of key areas around the city “terrorist” groups, which it defines as including Kerry continues to suppose that sheer of hostility towards Saudi of Aleppo, while cutting off the supply lines of the rebels in Aleppo. jawboning will eventually persuade Putin to Arabia and its Arab brothers. 400,000 more civilians. For the West, the reward of accepting all abandon the Assad regime and agree to a polit- The Obama administration responded to this is the promised opening of humanitarian ical settlement that ousts the Assad clique and Lebanon will not be, under this ruthless and criminal strategy by solicit- access to civilian areas subjected to a “surren- empowers Syria’s Sunni majority. In the real any circumstances, an Iranian ing Moscow’s terms for a truce. Early on Friday der or starve” siege strategy, such as the town of world, the best-case scenario after five years in Munich, it weakly agreed to a bad deal that Madaya, where some 20,000 civilians are try- of US inaction is a partial peace that leaves province. We are Arabs, and will allow the Russian-Iranian-Assad forces to ing to survive by eating grass and insects, and Syria partitioned into zones controlled by the Arabs we shall remain. consolidate and expand on their gains, and to children are dying of starvation. UN officials say regime and the Islamic State, with a few oppo- occupy a commanding position in any negoti- they hope blockades will be lifted and aid deliv- sition and Kurdish enclaves squeezed in. Even Saad Al Hariri ation about Syria’s future. Hours later, Russian ered by early next week; but this is not the first that would require the Obama administration Former Lebanese Prime Minister planes were bombing again. or second time such promises have been made. to aggressively step up its military support for The salient feature of the agreement struck As Kerry put it, “what we have here are words rebel groups, and confront Russia with more by Secretary of State John F. Kerry is a partial on paper. What we need to see in the next few than rhetoric. There was no hint of such US cessation of hostilities - a week from now. That days are actions on the ground.” resolve in Munich.

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 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 11 UN: Complicit in the obliteration of Syria?

about 5 million i.e. 45% of the population before 2011. The number of injured may reach 2 million soon. While this human catastrophe is tak- ing place, the CIA Director, John Brennen, claims that Daesh is the problem to focus on because they have used chemical weap- ons in its attacks! (Al Jazeera.net). The same was said about Saddam Hussein! But how about the Assad regime which has been proved guilty of using illegal weapons and continually committing war crimes against Syrian civilians? It is like ignoring the big elephant in the room. Daesh is not the root of what is occur- ring to people in Iraq and Syria but it is a By Dr Noureddine Miladi symptom of dictatorship, corruption and a result of decades of disadvantaged com- munities living under brutal rule. Fighting Daesh is nothing but a lame excuse to extend hanks to drone filming technol- war and instability in Syria and Iraq. It ogy, Al-Jazeera Arabic channel can also become a further excuse for an aired publicly, a few days ago, a intervention in Libya or in other parts of news report showing the scale of the Arab world. Tdestruction in Homs,as a result of the Rus- Western powers agreed in their meet- sian aerial bombardment and the Syrian ing last Friday in Munich to halt attacks regime’s explosive barrels. The view from within one week. This does not necessar- the air looks panoramic but horrific due ily mean a complete ceasefire. In a recent to the scale of devastation. Homs, Dera’a, interview, Bashar Al Assad declared that he and other part of the Damascus outskirts is not committed to any ceasefire, which once thriving towns and cities full of life undermines all the Munich negotiations. and cradles of civilization are now ghost Russia and the USA also agreed to mon- towns, deserted by most of their inhabitants. itor the plan for a ceasefire! The UN and Western powers have been It is obvious that most the Western pow- witnessing for 5 years the bombardment ers are not interested in saving the Syrian of Syrian towns and villages by a brutal people stranded in various towns and vil- regime who is interested only in guard- lages of Syria. Facilitating the passage of A civil defence member works at a site after airstrikes in the Douma neighbourhood of Damascus. ing its stronghold in Damascus even if the humanitarian aid is a basic response which price is to destroy 80% of the population is very long overdue. What the Syrian ref- along with Syria’s infrastructure and every ugees need is immediate protection by implemented against it,had been supply- operations, mostly against the other Sunni form of life. ending the violence and taking to account ing the areas that Assad’s army controlled. Syrian opposition groups and civilians,and What we witness nowadays is much the perpetrators. Ironically we hear that Other oil and gas fields in Daesh hands that not Assad’s regime according to dozens worse than what Berlin saw in 1945. WWII the Turkish Prime Minster confirming on were thought to be operated by personnel of Daesh deserters who were interviewed came to free Germans from a dictator, while Friday that the Russian Air raids are also who remained on the payroll of the regime’s by The International Centre for the Study now the same powers are inept regarding targeting schools and hospitals. oil ministry, enabling the Regime to use of Radicalisation and Political Violence probably a much worse dictator. Homs, Influential players do not seem to care oil and electricity supplies as ways to win (ICSR), who just produced a report (The Hama and other Syrian cities are witness about the aspirations of the Syrian peo- people’s loyalty (Revealed: The Oil Mid- defectors’ handbook to destroying The to the death of the UN as an effective insti- ple for freedom, dignity and democratic dlemen between the Syrian Regime and ‘Islamic State’, The Telegraph, Sunday tution and with it seemingly has gone the rule. The Munich agreement doesn’t talk ISIS, The Telegraph, USA, March 17th 2015). February 14 2016). human conscience of many countries. any longer about removing a brutal regime As a side issue, a European official at The solution to the chaotic situation By not actively stopping the Syrian holding onto every inch of power in the an international oil company has stated in Syria starts by dealing with the real The Munich agreement regime from committing crimes against country for decades. So far the priorities of that Israel has become the main marketer source of the terror and his allies. The humanity, are the UN and the ‘civilised’ the USA foreign policy seem very much dis- for Daesh oil exports to Europe, import- crux of the matter is the need to support doesn’t talk any longer countries partners in this crime? By not tanced from the concerns of Syrian people ing it through the Port of Ashdod. This is the legitimate Syrian opposition which about removing a brutal averting the Russian bombardment of Syr- who yearn for a stable, democratic Syria confirmed by a colonel in the Iraqi Intel- represents the Syrian people’s aspira- ian cities, are the UN and other Western free from the dictatorial regime of Bashar ligence Services who anonymously gave tions, and is actually fighting the regime regime holding onto powers complicit in the crime? Al Assad. information to the Al Araby Al Jadeed (The that has caused 95% of the bloodshed and every inch of power in the Why does the ‘civilised’ world stand To his credit, the Saudi Foreign Minis- New Arab) newspaper website about how destruction in Syria (Syrian Network for idle in face of the human catastrophe that ter- Adel Al Joubir, announced in Germany Daesh smuggles each day 30 000 bar- Human Rights, 2015). country for decades. So far, the Syrians are going through? Are they on Friday that it is not possible to defeat rels of oil using 70 to 100 trucks, from Unfortunately, so far and due to its the priorities of the USA from a lower race? Is their blood cheaper Daesh without removing the Bashar regime. the reserves which, since 2013, it controls flaws, the Munich plan,or lack there-of,is than any other human blood? Or is this He also argued that the Syrian regime is in Syria and Iraq. Seventy five percent of anticipated to further deepen the sectarian foreign policy seem very the mere hypocrisy of modern day world the source of Daesh, and the one who sup- Israeli oil comes from dubious sources, division in Syria and give the regime and much distanced from the politics which values a victim over another ported their activities and has business labelled as coming from Iraqi Kurdistan, the Russian army further time to imple- concerns of Syrian people victim because of their colour, race, or deals with them. but often coming from Daesh controlled ment their plan of gaining ground and religion? This is supported by research done to wells. (Raqqa’s Rockerfellers: How Islamic establishing a new status quo. who yearn for a stable, According to the Syrian Centre for Pol- trace oil and gas sold by Daesh controlled State oil flows to Israel, The New Arab, democratic Syria free from icy Research, so far about 470, 000 people installations. the gas plant in Taqba, central November 26 2015). Without these buy- have been killed, which is about 11.5% of Syria, found to be run by the HESCO com- ers and this cooperation, Daesh would be The writer is a university professor the dictatorial regime of the total population. The number of peo- pany, owned by Mr George Haswani which, unable to earn the 19 million dollars on of media and communication. He can be Bashar Al Assad. ple who have fled because of the war is until recent European Union sanctions were average per month that fund its military reached via email: [email protected] ‘Project Panic’ rather than love may keep Britain in EU

together in 2014, when Scottish voters adventure in the final days of cam- Yet leaving the EU would present favor a “Brexit”, currency instability, tempted by the centuries-old dream paigning, with British leaders rushing a different challenge. stock market losses and an incipient of regaining independence from Eng- to Scotland to tell Scots how much the Big foreign banks use London as investment freeze could make them land ultimately chose safety. rest of the United Kingdom valued them, their European gateway due partly to more vocal. Even strong EU support- It is also a plausible scenario for and how they were “better off together”. the EU’s “passporting” principle that ers such as Charles Grant, director of the EU vote, especially since a deci- With a record high turnout of 84.6 an institution regulated in one mem- the London-based thinktank Center sion to leave would reopen the Scottish percent, Scots voted by 55.3 to 44.7 per- ber state can trade all over Europe. for European Reform, acknowledge question. cent against breaking up the union. Some are now making contingency that the “In” campaign will struggle Ordinary Brits tempted to give the It’s an understatement to say Brit- plans to move certain activities and to convince voters of the positive case unloved “Europe” a kicking may plump ons are less emotionally attached to staff to Dublin or Frankfurt in case of for staying in the bloc. for stability to avoid economic uncer- the EU than they are to national unity. “Brexit”, bankers say. Fewer bankers “There are many reasons to be tainty rather than risk financial and Yet the potential economic damage and less investment would hit prop- pessimistic about the campaign,” he political turmoil. from a “Brexit” could be greater than erty values over time. Uncertainty over told a Brussels audience. “The ‘Out’ In Scotland, the communications if Scotland had left, and the former the status of some 2.1 million EU work- campaign have jolly good arguments director of the “Better Together” cam- might trigger the latter. ers in Britain could also dampen the superficially... Big business is pathetic By Paul Taylor paign, Rob Shorthouse, got into trouble Economic forecasters say the Brit- housing market. and cowardly.” Reuters for joking that his strategy was “Project ish economy would suffer a significant Since markets tend to anticipate Opponents argue that under EU Fear”. The idea that unionist campaign- setback if the country decided to leave and hedge for political risk, it is rea- rules, Britain cannot control its national ers were setting out to frighten voters the EU, with its 500m-strong single sonable to assume that if opinion polls borders to shut out migrant workers; stirred outrage in the nationalist camp, market, common external trade policy are showing the “Leave” campaign in that the UK net contribution to the EU anic rather than love may keep but it proved effective. and free movement of capital, goods, the lead in late May or early June, some budget would be better spent on the Britain in the European Union Eurosceptics accuse Cameron of services and people. of that damage would start to occur National Health Service; and that for- Pwhen voters cast their ballots planning a similar scare campaign An exit vote would not take effect before the vote. eign judges in the European Court of in a referendum, probably in June, on now, but events may produce the immediately but there would be sev- US investment banks Goldman Justice should not be able to overrule Ordinary Brits whether to stay in the 28-nation bloc same impact even without political eral years of uncertainty and acrimony Sachs and Citi have both estimated British courts. tempted to give the under Prime Minister David Cameron’s orchestration. while Britain negotiated a new, more the pound could lose between 15 and By contrast, many of the benefits of “new settlement”. Two weeks before the Scottish vote distant relationship with the bloc. 20 percent of its value against major EU membership in global trade, inter- unloved “Europe” While few may be swayed by the in September 2014, a single opinion The City of London financial center, trading currencies if the “Out” camp national political influence and shared a kicking may lightly amended membership terms, poll showed independence support- which has thrived as an offshore capital wins. A run on sterling could start in norms and values are hard to quantify plump for stability a plunging currency, tumbling share ers had taken a slender lead for the for euro trading, would almost cer- the final phase of the campaign, just and explain simply, Grant said. prices and fears for property values first time. That jolted financial markets tainly lose some ground. How much as the middle classes are packing their Hence the temptation for pro-EU to avoid economic could drive enough Britons to opt at the and prompted banks and insurers to is a matter of fierce dispute. beachwear for continental summer campaigners to focus more on what Brit- uncertainty rather last minute for the status quo rather announce contingency plans to move Eurosceptics say that EU support- holidays in the euro zone. ain stands to lose in case of a “No” vote than a leap into the unknown. their headquarters south of the border ers made the same case in the early While many British compa- - foreign investment, jobs and security. than risk financial That was how the British political amid uncertainty over what currency 2000s that if Britain did not join the nies have kept quiet about support “Project Panic” may not be the official and political turmoil. establishment managed by the skin of an independent Scotland would use. euro, the City would wither. On the for EU membership to avoid upset- strategy, but it looks likely to play a big its teeth to hold the United Kingdom Economic anxiety trumped political contrary, it has flourished. ting shareholders or customers who role in shaping the British vote.

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. 12 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 ASIA / AFRICA

Uganda’s Central Africans cast ballots in run-off vote Museveni slams

Touadera has portrayed himself as ‘partisan’ ICC an anti-corruption stalwart, while The first round Dologuele pledges to revive the econ- AFP turnout of nearly 80 omy and draw in investors hesitant until now to exploit significant gold, percent was largely diamond and uranium deposits. viewed as a popular Authorities were also trying to KAMPALA: Uganda’s veteran ruler rejection of the re-run a first round of legislative Yoweri Museveni, who is standing polls which were cancelled over for re-election on Thursday, has violence, which has irregularities. said he is in favour of his country left the northeast In Bangui’s PK5 neighbour- pulling out of the “partisan” Inter- hood, the capital’s principal Muslim national Criminal Court based in under the control of enclave following a campaign of eth- The Hague. Muslim rebels while nic cleansing, some voters arrived Museveni, who came to power before dawn to queue at the main in 1986, made the remarks during Christian militias polling centre. a televised debate late Saturday -- roam the southwest Alima Zeinabou Shaibou, 32, who his first ever with his presidential like most Muslims in the southwest challengers. has been forced to leave her home, “The ICC is not serious, it is crossed the road from the mosque partisan, it is not balanced, it is Reuters where she now lives with her five not very serious,” he said, refer- children to be among the first vot- ring to The Hague based court set ers. “I want there to be a change. I up in 2002 as the last resort to try want Christians and Muslims to live war criminals and perpetrators of BANGUI: Central Africans cast their together as before,” she said. genocide never tried at home. ballots yesterday in an election meant The voting centre in PK5 wit- The ICC has opened probes to restore democratic rule, deter- nessed violent attacks by local militia involving eight nations, all of them mined to turn the page on years of during a December constitutional ref- African: Kenya, Ivory Coast, Libya, bloodshed that has killed thousands erendum. And though the situation Sudan, Democratic Republic of and split the impoverished nation has remained largely calm during the Congo, Central African Republic, along religious and ethnic lines. election period, Sunday’s vote was UN peacekeepers stand guard as voters wait outside for the opening of polling stations in Bangui, yesterday, Uganda and Mali. One of the world’s most chron- held under heavy security. as people go to the polls to take part in the country’s delayed legislative and presidential elections. Many in Africa have railed ically unstable countries, Central Armed soldiers from MINUSCA, against the court as being biased African Republic was pitched into the the country’s 11,000-strong UN mis- former Senegalese prime minister people will vote massively for my of unpopular interim administrations, and targeting Africans with some worst crisis in its history in early 2013 sion, guarded polling stations while Souleymane Ndene Ndiaye, heading candidacy, because it is a candidacy analysts warn the election of a new leaders on the continent accusing when mainly Muslim Seleka fighters attack helicopters circled in the skies the African Union’s elections observer of unity,” Touadera told reporters after government is only the first step in it of acting as the judicial arm of toppled President Francois Bozize. over Bangui. Armoured vehicles from mission. voting. “We think they have heard the a long process. Whoever wins the foreign powers. Christian militias responded to a 900-soldier French military contin- The first round turnout of nearly message.” presidency will face the daunting “For instance, there are so Seleka abuses by attacking the Muslim gent patrolled the streets. 80 percent was largely viewed as “I wish a happy Valentine’s Day to tasks of extending state authority many leaders who should have minority community. One in five Cen- Polls generally opened on time at a popular rejection of the violence, everyone,” Dologuele told journalists. outside the capital, rebuilding the been tried but because it (the ICC) tral Africans has fled, either internally 6am (0500 GMT) in Bangui, a marked which has left the northeast under “I would like Central Africans to army, jumpstarting a moribund is not serious they have not tried or abroad, to escape the violence. improvement on a December 30 first the control of Muslim rebels while consider (voting today) an act of love economy and re-establishing a them. So we have lost interest in Two ex-prime ministers, Faus- round of voting, when ballot materi- Christian militias roam the southwest. for their country.” Expectations were semblance of security across a nation ICC,” Museveni said. Museveni tin-Archange Touadera and als arrived late or not at all in many Both Dologuele, a banker, and running high in a nation where nearly awash with guns. faces seven challengers in the Anicet-Georges Dologuele, were con- areas. Polls were due to close at 4pm trained mathematics professor every household has been affected by “It’s cheaper to buy a grenade in presidential election. During the testing a presidential run-off that will yesterday. “I have noticed less turn- Touadera have made the restoration a crisis which has in some cases pitted Bangui than it is to buy a can of Coke. last African Union summit in Jan- determine who will be charged with out today than for the first round. of peace and security the centrepiece long-standing neighbours against That’s how bad it is here,” said Lewis uary in the Ethiopian capital Addis the enormous challenge of restor- But I’m very pleased that the sec- of their campaigns. Both candidates one another. While the polls should Mudge, Africa researcher for Human Ababa, African leaders backed a ing peace and reuniting the nation. ond round is better organised,” said are Christians. “We hope that the reinstate democracy after three years Rights Watch. call led by Kenya to quit the ICC. Nigeria Presidential election 30 die in Boko Haram raids on Nigeria hamlets

AFP adding that they also looted and jihadist group had been more or less stole cattle. The village of Yakshari defeated. Since then the militants was attacked at around 9:30am on have killed dozens in raids and sui- Saturday, with the assailants slaugh- cide attacks, including across the KANO: At least 30 people have been tering 22 residents “by slitting their border in Cameroon. killed in fresh Boko Haram raids on throats before emptying food stores On January 30, at least 85 people two villages in northeast Nigeria, and taking away all the cattle”, Kar- died when insurgents stormed and vigilantes said. It again calling into imbe said, speaking from the town of torched one village, while on Thurs- question President Muhammadu Biu approximately 120km (75 miles) day two female suicide bombers Buhari’s claim that Nigeria had from the village. killed at least 58 at a camp for peo- largely defeated the jihadist group. Late Friday evening, meanwhile, ple made homeless by the insurgency. Gun and knife-toting assail- Boko Haram Islamists also raided Rights group Amnesty Interna- ants on bikes and in vans stormed nearby Kachifa village, killing eight tional has also accused the military the remote villages of Yakshari and people. itself of committing war crimes and A camel carries straw near a campaign poster for presidential candidate Hama Amadou which reads Kachifa on Friday and Saturday, said “We believe the same gunmen possible crimes against humanity in in French ‘Vote, we will decide together’ at Niamey in Nigeria. Presdential elections are scheduled Mustapha Karimbe, a local vigilante carried out both attacks on the two the course of its operations against to be held on February 21. assisting the military in the fight villages,” Karimbe said. the group. Boko Haram, which seeks against Boko Haram Islamists. Dozens of people have been a hardline Islamic state in northern “The attackers killed 30 people killed in Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria, has killed some 17,000 peo- in two separate attacks on the two recent weeks near Maiduguri, cap- ple and forced more than 2.6m others villages last night (Friday) and this ital of northeast Borno state, despite to flee their homes since the start of Tragic tales of loss in Taiwan as morning (Saturday),” Karimbe said Buhari’s December boast that the its insurgency in 2009. search for quake survivors ends

AFP just before the earthquake struck at worked for 20 hours to free Lee, 4:00am local time last Saturday, local whose leg was trapped in the rubble media said. -- it was later amputated. The mother Their fate was mentioned in a of the 10-day-old baby who died told TAIPEI: As rescuers in Taiwan said tribute by Taiwan’s president Ma of her last moments with the child. they had retrieved all the missing Ying-jeou. “It’s very saddening that Liu Yi-chen, a 38-year-old nurse, was from the ruins of a building felled two 21-year-old lives disappeared, breast-feeding in bed when the floor by an earthquake, a tragic picture just like that,” Ma said. of the room caved in. emerged of the cross-section of soci- Although the building housed “The baby fell nearby, I heard ety killed in the disaster. only 256 registered residents, there her cry but I couldn’t reach her,” Liu The quake took the lives of 114 were more than 380 there on the said. “The baby cried for an hour and in the Wei-kuan apartment complex night of the quake. Many had joined then there was no voice.” Liu also lost in the southern city of Tainan, from their families for the start of the her husband and two other young a 10-day-old baby to a 75-year-old Lunar New Year holidays. Authori- children. woman. ties said student tenants would also As the search operation ended Among the dead were a secu- not have been on the official register. Saturday, the focus now is to clear the rity guard, a mother-to-be, and Relatives told how their families rubble and disinfect the site, Tainan’s the chair of the building’s manage- had been all but wiped out by the mayor William Lai said. The building ment committee -- the last body to disaster. Survivor Lee Tsong-tian, developer and two other associates be pulled from the rubble Saturday. 40, was the only one of eight family are under investigation for profes- But it was the young who suffered members to be pulled out alive after sional negligence causing death and most -- a third of the victims were more than 50 hours -- among the last prosecutors have said the building under 25-years-old. Among them was residents to be rescued. had a number of flaws, including a a pair of university students reported “Out of my family of eight, Tsong- lack of steel reinforcement bars. to have been found in each other’s tian was saved,” his sister Lee Su-tsu Public anger has grown as resi- arms in the rubble. Tsai Meng-chia told reporters during a memorial dents told how they had complained Cameroonian Ibrahima Yonga (18), speaks to a woman about escaping the Boko Haram group in Cameroon and Huang Ro-hsin had been out service held for victims Friday. “I of defects in the building and images singing karaoke to celebrate a friend’s hope they departed quickly with- of the rubble showed concrete had and spending months at sea in a bid to reach Europe, during an event titled “Human Library” organised birthday, returning to Wei-kuan out much pain,” she said. Rescuers been filled with foam and tin cans. by a Cypriot NGO at a cafe, in the capital Nicosia. PAKISTAN MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 13

Anger against Afghanistan National Army drill clause in Hindu marriage bill

PTI clearly said if any of the spouses converted to Islam, the marriage There are fears the should be terminated. clause would be The patron-in-chief of Paki- stan Hindu Council, PML-N MNA Dr misused for forced Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, said the conversions of matter related to the basic human rights of the Hindus in Pakistan. married women the “There are fears the clause same way young girls would be misused for forced con- are being subjected versions of married women the same way young girls are being subjected to forced conversions to forced conversions.” He referred to the current practice by certain elements who kidnapped teenage girls and even- Internews tually presented them in courts along with a certificate that the girl had married after converting to Islam. PPP parliamentarian Senator Taj ISLAMABAD: A clause in the draft Haider opposed the idea in the law. Hindu Marriage Bill, which states “I do not understand how the that a marriage will be annulled marriage will be annulled if any of if any of the spouses converts to the partners converts to Islam.” another religion, is being vehemently Senator Haider said the Afghanistan National Army soldiers parade during their graduation ceremony at the military academy in Kabul, yesterday. Nearly 1,700 contested by both its opponents and clause would also discourage Afghan soldiers, including 16 female soldiers, have graduated after eight weeks of training. supporters. cross-marriages. However, seeking an end to the Civil society activist Kishan controversy, Senator NasreenJalil, Sharma, who is also the chairman the chairperson of the Senate stand- of REAT Network, said this clause ing committee on law and justice, was added by the CII as it was not a has convened a meeting of the com- part of the original draft. Foreign postings on merit only: Sharif mittee to take up the matter. “The key concern is that only one The draft bill has already been option of dissolution of marriage has passed by the National Assembly been included in the law and that too standing committee on law and where the partners might be will- Internews concerned will ensure that the minister for which the ministry each foreign post will be clearly iden- justice. ing to live together despite different selection process is transparent and concerned should provide detailed tified by the ministry or division, Senator NasreenJalil said: “We faiths.” merit-based. justifications in a summary. keeping in view the job description would like to discuss the matter and He said Pakistani society was The tenure for any foreign post “Failure to initiate and complete and responsibilities. if there is a consensus the committee opening up with growing urbanisa- ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime would not be extendable, the letter the process of selection of new offic- “There shall be a precondition of will forward its recommendations to tion and modernisation and more Minister Nawaz Sharif has ordered said. ers before completion of tenures of passing a written qualifying test, but the speaker National Assembly to get and more people were not living in observance of policy guidelines to “An officer of identified services, incumbents, shall be a personal the test shall be organised by the con- the clause deleted.” communities nowadays. ensure transparency, merit and fair- cadres and occupational groups for responsibility of the concerned cerned ministry through the Lahore The NA standing committee at “As the societies change, atti- ness in foreign appointments. any foreign post will be eligible for secretary.” University of Management Sciences, its meeting held on February 8 wit- tudes of individuals also change and According to a letter sent from the two tenures of foreign posting in his Information about all foreign Lahore, or the Institute of Business nessed serious opposition to the even now we see youth belonging to office of the prime minister’s secre- entire service, provided that there posts that are vacant and available or Administration, Karachi,” the guide- deletion of the clause by Maulana Hindu, Muslim and Christian com- tary on Sunday, the guidelines would shall be an intervening period of at are likely to become so within a year lines said. The qualifying score in the Mohammad Khan Sheerani, the munities deciding their fates to live be followed in postings in Pakistani least three years between two such will be circulated among the offic- test will be 60 per cent. The candi- JUI-F MNA and chairman of the together,” Sharma said. missions and at the country’s posi- tenures.” ers of the identified services, cadres dates qualifying the test will be called Council of Islamic Ideology (CII). “But stopping this change tions at international, multilateral and No relaxation or exception to the and groups, specifying the eligibil- for an interview by a committee to be However, ShuguftaJumani of through laws will only add to dis- regional organisations and bodies. guidelines should be granted with- ity criteria. The services, cadres and constituted with the approval of the the PPP and Ali Mohammad of the content and frustration in society.” The ministry or division out the prior approval of the prime groups eligible for selection against prime minister.

Pakistan envoy Afghan civilian casualties top 11,000 to hit record: UN summoned over

AFP of causing civilian harm”, the report abduction of stated. The UN began compiling the annual report in 2009. Herat governor Including Taliban-claimed KABUL: The number of civilians attacks, the United Nations Assist- killed or wounded in Afghanistan ance Mission in Afghanistan AFP last year was the highest recorded assigned responsibility for 62 per- since 2009, the UN said yesterday, cent of total civilian casualties in with children paying a particularly 2015 to anti-government elements. heavy price. But the report also noted a 28 KABUL: Afghanistan yesterday There were 11,002 civilian casu- percent year-on-year surge in the summoned Pakistan’s ambassa- alties in 2015 including 3,545 deaths, number of casualties caused by dor to the foreign ministry in Kabul the UN said in its annual report on pro-government forces, including to express “serious concerns” over Afghan civilians in armed conflict, the Afghan army and international the kidnapping of a former Afghan a four percent rise over the previous troops. governor in Islamabad. high in 2014. Seventeen percent of all casu- Sayed Fazlullah Wahidi, a “The harm done to civilians is alties in 2015 were caused by such former governor of Herat province, totally unacceptable,” said Nicholas forces, the report said. It was not was snatched by unidentified men Haysom, the UN’s special represent- possible to say which side caused the in an upscale district of the Paki- ative for Afghanistan. remaining 21 percent of casualties. stani capital on Friday, police have “We call on those inflicting this The report criticised Afghan confirmed. pain on the people of Afghanistan to forces in particular for their reliance Afghanistan has fraught rela- take concrete action to protect civil- on explosives in populated areas. tions with Pakistan, which it ians and put a stop to the killing and US and other international blames for sponsoring Taliban mil- maiming.” troops moved from a combat to a itants fighting an ongoing bloody Fighting and attacks in popu- training, advisory and assistance insurgency. lated areas and major cities were role in Afghanistan on January 1, Yesterday, the foreign ministry described as the main causes of 2015, leaving Afghan forces to take expressed concern to ambas- civilian deaths in 2015, underscor- the lead in fighting the resurgent sador Sayed Ibrar Hussain and Nicholas Haysom (centre-right), the UN special representative for Afghanistan, and Danielle Bell (centre- ing a push by Taliban militants into militants as they targeted towns urged Islamabad to throw all its left), UNAMA human rights director, speak at a press conference in Kabul, yesterday. urban centres “with a high likelihood and cities. resources into finding Wahidi, described as one of the “big per- sonalities” of the war-torn country. “The Afghan government calls Music maestro Ghosh dead upon the Pakistani government to use all tools and possibilities Population census may be put off in identifying the group behind the kidnapping and immediately Internews who contributed in no small measure secure the release of Mr Wahidi,” to the enrichment of the Pakistani Internews postponement of the house list- a far-reaching impact on delimitation the statement said. film music from the sixties to the ing and population census exercise of constituencies for National Assem- Pakistan is in the grip of a mid-eighties. by end March/ early April this year bly and resource distribution formula homegrown Taliban insurgency ISLAMABAD: Music Maestro Robin He may not have been prolific in mainly because of non-availability under National Finance Commission but the tightly-guarded capital has Ghosh died yesterday in Dhaka after terms of his output merely 25 films in ISLAMABAD: The long-awaited of required number of army per- (NFC) Award. a very low crime rate in general, a long-drawn illness. In recent three decades but his songs appealed 6th population census is all set to be sonnel for undertaking this exercise In last census held in 1998, there and the F-7/2 sector where Wahidi months he was in and out of hospi- to both the lay listeners as also to postponed again mainly because of because of its hectic engagements in were total 104,000 census blocks was seized is a high security area tal in Dhaka, suffering from many those with discriminatory tastes. non-availability of required number Zarb-e-Azb, operations in Karachi for which the Army had deployed that houses politicians, bureaucrats ailments. No other composer in the coun- of army personnel and inability of the and other parts of the country,” offi- 255,000 personnel in totality from and expats. Robin Ghosh has left behind try bagged as many as seven Nigar Centre to convince Balochistan over cial sources said yesterday. The last commander to jawans. The num- A Pakistani police official told his wife Shabnam and son Ronnie, Awards for Best Music in Urdu films. lingering controversy of counting census was held in 1998 and it was bers of blocks have been increased AFP Sunday that investigators were not to speak of many lovers of film He got some other awards Afghan nationals, it has been learnt. due after 10 years in 2008. Now eight to 166,801 and initial assessment pro- treating the abduction as a “high- music in Pakistan and Bangladesh. too. His achievements seem quite “It is matter of just official extra years have been passed with- jected that total required deployment profile case”, but that no arrests He was a highly talented composer surprising. announcement now regarding out census exercise which possessed stood at 375,000 all over the country. have yet been made. 14 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 INDIA Kerala expatriates need not panic over oil downturn: Expert

IANS employed in the higher echelons of fallen more than 70 percent since migration for the past quarter of a The non-resident Indian (NRI) Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the job market, S Irudayarajan, who June 2014, hitting the earnings of century. deposits in banks in Kerala surged to Irudayarajan said. heads the migration department at the oil companies and forcing them to His latest study shows that 90 per- Rs1,21,619crore in September 2015 There is still a need, however, for Centre for Development Studies, said. decommission their rigs, cut invest- cent of Kerala’s 23.63 lakh expatriate from Rs80,809crore in September the central or state governments to do THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The “I was in Qatar in December and I ment in exploration and production, workers are in the Middle East, with 2013, according to the latest bank- a study as to whether there would be downturn in global oil industry, its found that things are the same. There and fire their workers. the UAE accounting for 38.7 percent of ing statistics. a direct impact on the overall migra- deepest since the 1990s, is no cause was nothing that I could attribute to “Kerala’s remittances mostly them and Saudi Arabia 25.2 percent. Moreover, not all money earned tion trends, he said. for panic among people from Kerala oil prices dropping to rock bottom lev- come from the millions of unskilled Data bear out Irudayarajan’s stand overseas is being sent back home, he “A study would be the best thing living and working in the Middle East, els. I was told that the construction and semi-skilled expatriate work- that there is no reason to expect the points out. A large number of Kera- to be done because then one knows an international migration expert said. sector also did not feel the pinch,” he ers who religiously send their hard downturn would have a big impact la’s expatriates also park their excess where one stands and can work out The downturn might, however, said. earned money back to the state,” said on Kerala’s expatriate workers and funds elsewhere and they are always medium and long term plans,” added have some impact on those who are The price of a barrel of oil has Irudayarajan who has been studying the remittances economy. looking to move to the US, Ireland, Irudayarajan. Economy not Yogathon hit by global crisis: Modi

the power of youth will be used for When most of the nation’s development. “The govern- ment’s focus is on how to convert world powers are in the power of the youth which can doldrums, everyone used for development of the nation. Therefore, we not only launched a is looking up to us skill development programme for the who are developing youth but also created a new min- istry, with its own budget and a set at the fastest pace. of officers to take the programme India is the fastest forward,” the Prime Minister said. growing among the By 2030, when the popula- tion of many countries will grow larger economies: old and when they require a work Prime Minister force, India can power these nations with skilled and technically quali- fied manpower, Modi said. He also said that the central government’s policies and pro- IANS grammes, such as Skill India, Start up India, Stand up India, Digital India and Mudra scheme of loans, A girl sits among Yoga enthusiasts relaxing, after taking part in a ‘Yogathon’ performing surya namaskar (sun salutation), in Bangalore, have contributed immensely to the yesterday. The Yogathon raised awareness about happiness, harmony and good health. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Naren- development of the country. dra Modi yesterday said India is the “For the youngsters, we initi- fastest developing country among ated start up India, Stand up India the “larger economies of the world”. campaign. So that if someone has an “When most of the world powers innovative idea, he can take a loan are in doldrums, everyone is look- under Mudra scheme and set up Mamata’s multi-pronged plan for Bengal poll ing up to us who are developing at his own business. Our people from the fastest pace. India is the fastest backward classes, Scheduled Caste growing among the larger econo- and Scheduled Tribe are among mies,” Modi said. those who benefitted the most from IANS announcing distribution of foodgrain “The Trinamool’s base is the rural alliance issue, Banerjee has been Modi said India is the only econ- these government schemes,” he said. at Rs 2 a kg and doling out scholar- population and it will not look into making the right moves in consol- omy which has not been affected by “Our government does not ships to girls, bicycles and shoes to why there is lack of industry or pon- idating the support of minorities. the global economic crisis that has believe in show off. We believe in KOLKATA: Even as the opposi- students and loans to the jobless der much over agrarian distress so Besides wooing prominent Muslim hit the world. He was addressing the delivering results. We have already tion Left Front and the Congress go youth for self employment. long as they get foodgrain at Rs2 or leaders and clerics, her bid to reach Swami Dayanand Saraswati Janmot- disbursed over Rs1 lakh crore under through a labyrinth of procedures Among the several schemes she their children draw benefits under the out to the likes of RJD supremo Lalu sav, an event to mark the 192nd birth Mudra scheme and over two crore in their bid to cobble up a possible has been tom-toming is her pet Kan- Kanyashree or the Sabooj Sathi,” Jana Prasad and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish anniversary of Hindu reformer and families have been benefitted from alliance for the assembly polls later yashree project — a cash-transfer said. Banerjee has been reaching out Kumar has further strengthened her Arya Samaj founder Swami Day- it,” he added. The Mudra scheme this year, West Bengal Chief Minister programme for the education of girls to influential minority leaders of the secular credentials,” political analyst anand Saraswati in the capital. is a micro-finance initiative under Mamata Banerjee has steamed ahead which has even been recognised by likes of Siddiqullah Chowdhury of the Biswanath Chakraborty said. The ‘Naya Sankalp’ event, organ- which loans are provided to small with a clear-cut three-pronged strat- Unicef — and the Sabooj Sathi scheme All India United Democratic Front and Amid the countrywide raging ised by the DAV group of educational and medium entrepreneurs without egy to charm the voters. under which four million govern- Toha Siddiqui, the peerzada of Fur- debate over growing intolerance, institutions, also marked the 130th bank guarantee. The Trinamool Congress supremo ment school students are entitled to fura Sharif, a prominent shrine for Banerjee also scored some brownie foundation ceremony of the Arya Paying tribute to Swami Day- has been showering goodies aplenty get bicycles. Bengali Muslims. Muslims comprise points on the secular front by host- Samaj Hindu reform movement. anand Saraswati, Modi said the Arya on various sections of the people to In her frequent public meets, Ban- 27 percent of the state’s population. ing Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam “Everyone is saying this... the Samaj founder continues to inspire drive home her development agenda, erjee has also been claiming that her While Chowdhury has announced Ali in the city. World Bank, the IMF... The world is everyone even today. He added that wooing the minorities who comprise government has provided jobs to over his party would align with the Tri- Cultivating new allies in areas of going through an economic crisis, the Arya Samaj fought against super- a sizable part of the population, and 6.8m youths across the state. namool, Banerjee got a further shot the state where her party is compar- but it is India alone that is progress- stition. He noted that the DAV College scouting for potential allies to widen While the opposition has been in the arm by inducting former state atively weak, Banerjee has roped in ing at a rapid pace. This is a unique Management Committee had offered her base. targeting Banerjee over the “dismal” minister and one-time frontline the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha ideo- situation when the whole world to support his Clean Ganga initiative. While populism has always been industrial scenario and agrarian dis- CPI-M leader Abdur Rezzak Mollah logue and legislator Harka Bahadur is slipping and India is growing,” Modi said that this was an initiative an integral part of her polity, Banerjee tress, political analysts Anil Kumar into the party fold. Chhetri, who has broken ranks with Modi said. Calling India the “young- that could only succeed through has been raining sops by inaugurating Jana asserts the sops showered will “Even as the Congress and the his parent party and formed the Jana est nation in the world”, Modi said people’s involvement. a plethora of projects across the state, play a large role in voting pattern. Left Front drag their feet on the Andolan Party political platform. Fire engulfs ‘Make In India’ cultural show Hundreds join women’s

Reuters rights campaign in Delhi

MUMBAI: A huge fire engulfed the IANS “We are celebrating love, har- venue of a cultural event in Mumbai mony. OBR is a synergy; it is a yesterday that was being held at the sangam (confluence) of genders, opening of a “Make in India” week nations, organisations. We are ris- launched by Prime Minister Narendra NEW DELHI: As the global One Bil- ing also to protect Mother Nature, Modi to drum up foreign investment. lion Rising (OBR) campaign for the and all marginalised groups, she fur- Fanned by high winds, it quickly rights of women entered its fourth ther said. spread, licking the sides of a scaf- year, hundreds of people gathered Launched on February 14, 2013, folding rig and lighting up the night yesterday to support the cause by One Billion Rising is a global mass sky. Thousands of spectators, among singing and dancing. action to end violence against them dignitaries including the chief “Delhi has been buzzing with women. minister of the host state of Mahar- OBR activities like screening of films, It began as a call to action based ashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, were street theatre, music, discussions, on the statistics that one in three evacuated safely. “Venue was debates, peace walks, bike rally and women in the world is beaten or evacuated immediately. Traffic ‘gender mela’ for more than a month raped during her lifetime. management allowed early disper- now,” said Kamla Bhasin, OBR South With the world population at sal without any trouble,” Fadnavis Asia coordinator. seven billion, this adds up to more tweeted, adding that no fatalities or A number of students sang, than one billion women and girls. injuries were reported. danced and performed stage plays “One Billion Rising is a space The fire broke out at 8.24pm due in Rajiv Chowk to raise awareness where there is multiple hues of to a short circuit and 14 fire engines about the cause. Notably, children protests and also multiple hues of and 10 water tankers took just over from Kalyanpuri Basti, an economi- solidarity; it includes youth beyond an hour to bring it under control, cally disadvantaged neighbourhood universities, said Bijayalakshmi said Raviraj Kamde, fire officer at in the city, staged a street play on the Nanda, a lecturer at Miranda House the Maharashtra Fire Control Room. A firefighter tries to extinguish a huge blaze that engulfed the venue of a cultural event in Mumbai yesterday. theme of violence against women. college of the Delhi University. INDIA MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 15

‘Ignorance major JNU protesters had Hafiz support: Rajnath cause of cancer deaths in India’

and it was very unfortunate. “What happened in JNU also got IANS Whoever raises anti- support from Lashkar chief Hafiz national slogans and Saeed. The nation must also accept the reality,” he said. NEW DELHI: Indians tend to questions the unity While Rajnath Singh did not give ignore or misread the early symp- of India will not be any reference for his comment, a toms of cancer, which delays spared: Home Minister tweet recently surfaced from the diagnosis and treatment until the Twitter handle @HafeezSaeedJUD problem has become less amena- with the hashtag #PakStandWith- ble to medication, said a group of JNU that asked Pakistanis to trend oncologist surgeons. the hashtag #SupportJNU for “pro- Early indications of prostate IANS Pakistani JNUites brothers”. cancer in men, for instance, such The Twitter handle, however, was as reduction in urinal frequency, not a verified one and it appeared that reduced stream of urination and the tweet was later deleted. urinary retention, are mostly NEW DELHI: Home Minister Rajnath Former Jammu and Kashmir chief ignored, they said in a statement. Singh yesterday said that the demon- minister Omar Abdullah said Rajnath “Each kind of cancer has its stration on the JNU campus to mark Singh should share evidence about his symptoms which, if ignored, can the hanging of parliament attack con- remarks concerning Saeed. lead to worsening of the cancer to vict Afzal Guru received “support” “That #HafizSaeed supported the a stage where medication usually from Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz #JNU protests is a very serious charge does not work,” the doctors said. Saeed. His remark sparked a political to level against the students. The evi- Blood in stools, black coloured uproar with opposition leaders ask- dence must be shared with all. sticky stools and blood in vomit ing him to furnish evidence. “The Home Minister must indicate the development of colon Communist Party of India-Marx- go public with the evidence col- or intestinal cancer, the doctors ist leader Sitaram Yechury posted a lected that enabled him to level this said. “Similarly, scrotal swelling series of tweets to question Rajnath charge against the #JNU students are one of the symptoms of testic- Singh on his remark. #HafizSaeed ular cancer, which is curable only “The Union Home Minister has “Cracking down on students & in the initial stage,” said Meghal made a very serious allegation about using #HafizSaeed to justify the crack Sanghavi, Consultant Oncology terrorists ‘backing’ JNU protests. We down is a new low, even for this NDA Students hold placards during a protest against the arrest of the president of Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital in hope that he has concrete proof,” government. #JNUCrackdown. Student Union (JNUSU) Kanhaiya Kumar in New Delhi, yesterday. Mumbai. Yechury wrote. “This is the same BJP that Meh- “Growth of ulcer in oral cavity, “When we met the Home Minis- booba Mufti is negotiating with. No added that he had given instructions said students should not have been Chandrabhaga hostel. neck nodes or swelling, breathless- ter on Saturday, he never mentioned wonder she’s completely silent & that the “innocent must be protected”. arrested randomly and the matter Chakravarty said certain forces ness indicate oral cancer. In all Hafiz Saeed to us but only harped on hasn’t said a word about the #JNUC- “Whoever raises anti-national should have been dealt with sensibly. were trying to create fear in the stu- advanced stages the symptoms the slogans being raised at the pro- rackdown,” Abdullah wrote. slogans and questions the unity of “JNUTA is of the firm opinion that dents’ minds to discourage dissent. may be associated with weight tests. “This seems to be a case of Rajnath Singh, in his interaction India will not be spared. I have given the matter arising out of the event “Forced away from their normal loss and loss of appetite.” shifting goalposts with the sole design with the media, also appealed to the necessary instructions, I have also can and should have been dealt with academic activities, the students are Early symptoms tend to be of tarnishing JNU. political parties to unite in opposing instructed that those who are inno- through established institutional out on the street. There is an attempt mistaken for minor infections but “Considering the gravity of the incidents where anti-national slogans cent should not be harassed,” he said. mechanism. Instead of relying on this to create panic that criticism of any if the patients get the biopsy done charge made by no less than the are raised. Meanwhile, the Jawaharlal Nehru (mechanism), the university admin- kind would entail sedition charges is then the diagnosis can be easily Union Home Minister, we would like “I want to appeal to all parties, University Teachers Association istration allowed police to enter the much more than merely disturbing,” done, Sanghavi said. him to share the evidence with the whenever there is an incident where (JNUTA) started protested yesterday campus to search different premises he said. The university administra- Sanghavi said that gall bladder country. anti-national slogans are raised, we skipping of the “institutional mech- and even make random arrests,” he tion has asked all the people to help cancer is most common in Uttar “We are concerned as we’ve seen must oppose it with one voice. There anism” by the varsity administration said. A large number of JNU teach- “maintain a conducive environment Pradesh and Bihar. this earlier with the Home Minister should not be attempts to get political in allowing police on the campus and ers, university students, teachers to achieve our academic goals”. Mizoram and Pondicherry has where he deleted his twitter updates gains from such incidents,” he said. letting them “make random arrests”. from Ambedkar university and Fed- On the night of February 9, some the highest incidence of oral and about Pathankot attack terrorists,” The Congress, CPI-M, CPI and Addressing media persons in the eration of All India Central University JNU students organised a meet to neck malignancy. Stomach can- Yechury said. JD-U on Saturday protested against university campus, the association Teacher’s Association gathered in the mourn the hanging of parliament cer is more common in men in Rajnath Singh on Sunday told the arrest of JNUSU president Kan- officials also demanded immediate campus to express solidarity with attack convict Afzal Guru and Jammu Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and And- reporters here that what happened haiya Kumar on sedition charges. release of JNU student union presi- Kanhaiya Kumar. Kashmir Liberation Front co-founder hra Pradesh, while lung cancer at Jawaharlal Nehru University had Rajnath Singh said anti-national dent Kanhaiya Kumar. JNUTA general They formed a long human Maqbool Bhat. Anti-India slogans is high in the men in Delhi and the support of LeT chief Hafiz Saeed activities would not be tolerated, but secretary Vikramaditya Chakravarty chain from the university gate up to were allegedly raised at the gathering. Maharashtra. Tacit AIUDF-BJP deal to split Stage set to rank 75 top cities Congress votes: Assam CM Probe against BJP under ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ IANS tacit understanding with the BJP MLA for interference to defeat the Congress candidates by engineering a split in votes and in Russian company ensuring the victory of the saffron IANS was launched. It is now time to take Narendra Modi on October 2, 2014 GUWAHATI: The AIUDF of Badru- party. “By deciding to field candi- stock. Swachh Survekshan will help — Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday — Ranchi: Police are prob- ddin Ajmal was hand-in-glove with dates in 60 constituencies where us assess the level of cleanliness and calling upon the citizens to realise the ing if a BJP legislator in the BJP in its bid to engineer a split in they have no chances of winning, awareness in 75 cities,” council chair- dream of a clean India by the 150th Jharkhand is causing hin- Congress votes through polarisation AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal has NEW DELHI: The stage is set to rec- man Adil Zainulbhai said. birth anniversary of the Father of the drance in the work of a and thus ensure a victory for the BJP entered into a political game plan ognise cities that have taken “Swachh But isn’t it too early to assess a Nation in 2019. Russian company, an official in the upcoming assembly polls in with the BJP, like they did in the last Bharat” campaign seriously, with a project like this, particularly given The council chairman said said. The Russian company Assam, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi parliamentary elections to defeat the Top 75 ranking based on feedback the state of cleanliness in India? “On Swachh Survekshan involved citi- working with Bharat Cok- said yesterday. Congress candidates,” he said. from 20 million citizens, among oth- the contrary, we want to make the zen feedback, a self-evaluation by ing Coal Limited (BCCL) Gogoi made the remark a day Gogoi said people would see ers parameters, says the chair of the campaign even more successful. We municipalities and an independent at Dhanbad informed the after the All India United Democratic through their game plan to grab institution that has conducted the want to foster a spirit of healthy com- assessment by experts. The exercise Russian consulate that Front (AIUDF) said it will contest 60 power by relegating their ideolog- exercise. petition between cities,” he said. also involved six measurable aspects BJP Member of Legisla- seats of the total 126 in the polls, and ical differences to the backburner. Which is the cleanest Indian city? “In fact, we have already started of sanitation and hygiene tive Assembly (MLA) Dhullu leave the rest for “secular and other “If the AIUDF is for uniting Mus- Who are the leaders? Who are the moving towards our next task — Zainulbhai said 110 assessors, Mahto has been causing like-minded” parties to stop the BJP lims to consolidate minority votes, slow movers? Answers to these ques- even more challenging. It is to make most of them engineers, visited over obstruction in their work for from coming to power in Assam. the BJP is also propagating the Hin- tions — Swachh Survekshan — would Swachh Survekshan a quarterly affair 50 locations in each city to make an the last few months, police Gogoi accused Ajmal of tacitly dutva agenda of the RSS and uniting be unveiled today by Urban Devel- and go on to rank as many as 4,000 assessment across several param- said. the BJP by deciding to field candi- Hindus. “Both the parties have the opment Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, cities an towns in the country,” added eters. The locations included bus The company informed dates in constituencies where the same kind of strategy to polarise based on an exercise conducted by Zainulbhai, former India chief for stands, railway stations, planned the Dhanbad police and party has no chances of winning. the electorate on religious lines. The the Quality Council of India. McKinsey. and unplanned colonies, community sought security. “Necessary “The AIUDF by deciding to con- AIUDF and the BJP are two sides of “It has been 16 months now The Swachh Bharat campaign toilets, religious places and market direction has been given to test in 60 seats has entered into a the same coin,” Gogoi said. since the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched by Prime Minister areas. Dhanbad police chief to look into the issue. The Dhanbad superintendent of police has been asked to submit a report to the headquar- Organic farming Delhi govt waives off ter. Security will be provided and there is no need to panic,” police spokesperson pending water bill S N Pradhan said.

2 dead, 10 hurt in IANS sections will get full waiver up to November 30, others will enjoy con- Kashmir clashes cessions of 25-75 percent depending Srinagar: Two villagers, on their economic category, he said. including a woman, were NEW DELHI: Announcing a “gift” Kejriwal said people residing in killed and 10 other peo- on completing one year in office, the A and B category colonies will enjoy ple injured in clashes with Aam Aadmi Party government in concession of 25 percent on their security forces yesterday in Delhi yesterday said it would waive pending water bills, while residents Jammu and Kashmir’s Pul- off water bills of households pending of C and D category colonies will wama district. till November 2015 — partly or fully. avail rebate of 50 and 75 percent, Police said the clashes Addressing a gathering to mark respectively. Pending water bills of erupted in Pulwama in the the first anniversary of the AAP people living in E, F, G and H cate- afternoon as a mob hurled government, Chief Minister Arvind gory colonies — which also include stones at the security forces Kejriwal said numerous families that unauthorised colonies and slum even as a gunfight was rag- received inflated water bills at some clusters — will be fully waived off, ing on between guerrillas point had stopped paying the bills. he said. The concession was condi- and security personnel in The scheme is a slab-wise waiver tional upon the affected households the area. At least 10 other on accumulated arrears and 100 going for functional water meters. protesting civilians sus- percent write-off of late payment “There have been cases where peo- tained gunshot wounds, and surcharge till November 30, 2015. ple got inflated bills. To avoid paying other injuries after police Organic farmer Dinesh Patel, 62, inspects fennel plants at his Sardar Patel Organic Farm near Kathwada The waiver will depend on category such bills, they stopped paying every lobbed tear smoke shells. village 30km from Ahmedabad. The farm produces 100 percent-certified organic products. of the colony, based on property tax. bill, posing a huge problem for our While the economically weaker accounts department,” he said. 16 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 EUROPE Sarkozy urges party unity for 2017 elections

presidential elections have all said they would not be bound by it. The former French They snubbed his keynote speech president wants his at the end of a two-day policy meeting of top party officials. Sarkozy said he platform, which also would put the policy plan to a vote of includes overhauling all party members in April. “It would labour rules and be unacceptable for us to be divided at a time when the (far-right) National restoring checks at Front is so strong,” he said. “There will French borders, to be no going back.”. While he received a standing ova- set the party line for tion from hundreds of party officials, the 2017 presidential Sarkozy, who is also the party leader, has fallen behind his main rival Alain elections Juppe in opinion polls. Some 48 percent of right-wing voters think Juppe would be LR’s best candidate in 2017, versus only Reuters 20 percent for Sarkozy, a BVA poll published on Saturday showed, con- firming a string of similar polls in the past weeks. PARIS: Former French president And while for long Sarkozy Nicholas Sarkozy, struggling to put his remained more popular with LR sym- re-election bid back on track, urged pathisers, he has fallen behind there his conservative party yesterday to too, with 43 percent favouring Juppe rally behind a programme of curbing while 30 percent prefer Sarkozy, the French right-wing Les Republicains party President Nicolas Sarkozy and other members attend the LR National Council in Paris, yesterday. immigration, building more jails and poll showed. cutting taxes. Sarkozy, who had retired from Sarkozy wants his platform, which politics after he lost in his first re- prime minister in the mid-1990s, month setting out their platforms — sometimes open —among senior Sarkozy. Asked why he would not be also includes overhauling labour rules election bid to the Socialist party’s rise in opinion polls and overtake with Sarkozy yesterday reiterating officials was rife at the two-day there to listen to Sarkozy’s policy and restoring checks at French bor- Francois Hollande in 2012, made a him, with the gap between them that France must set tougher meeting and French media said speech, one Sarkozy challenger, ders, to set the party line for the 2017 comeback in September 2104 and was widening. rules on granting citizenship and another official, Jean-Francois Bruno Le Maire, told BFM TV on presidential elections. elected as head of the party. Their rivalry is set to dominate reinstate border checks as long as Cope, was set to announce he too Saturday: “I want to spend a day But his main rivals for Novem- While he still commands loyalty much of the party’s agenda until Europe’s border-free Schengen area will run in the party primaries in an with my wife and children.” ber primaries that will choose The amid party officials, he has in its members vote in the November is not completely overhauled. evening news interview, at the same Juppe also invoked “family Republicans’ (LR) candidate for the past months seen Juppe, a former primaries. Both published books last Criticism —sometimes veiled, time as another channel interviews reasons.” Majority of Spaniards see new polls as inevitable Slovak premier vows more Reuters country showed yesterday. in early March. Failure in the vote elections would be held, almost 5 per- Podemos alone for a coalition would The head of the Socialist party, would give other party candidates cent more than a month ago. not be enough. The Socialists would welfare as Pedro Sanchez, is leading talks to two more months to form an alter- Sanchez has ruled out back- need the backing of at least three form a government and end the native majority before a new election ing acting Prime Minister Mariano parties and the abstention of several MADRID: A majority of Spaniards almost two-month political stalemate, would be called. Rajoy’s centre-right People’s Party others to achieve a majority. support drops believe that new national elections but so far he has made little progress. According to the survey, by poll- (PP), and disagreements with anti- Sanchez, who came second in the will have to be called given that party Sanchez said on Friday he hoped ing firm GAD3 for the newspaper ABC, austerity party Podemos are making December election, is eager to avoid a leaders have been unable to agree on to reach an agreement over a coalition about 58 percent of the 800 peo- his preferred coalition of leftist par- return to the ballot box. Recent surveys Bloomberg a viable coalition after an inconclu- by the end of the month and would ple polled said parties would not be ties difficult to attain. show Podemos overtaking the Socialists sive poll in December, a survey in the seek a confidence vote in parliament able to reach an agreement and new Furthermore, the support of if another election were held. BRATISLAVA: Slovak Prime Min- ister Robert Fico pledged more social measures and a tougher stance toward immigration if vot- Austria presses ahead to protect its borders French PM rejects ers re-elect him to power in March 5 general elections in an attempt to counter falling support ahead Reuters Oesterreich: “It’s already February. applications while making sure no of the vote. I’m not willing to let more time pass. asylum seekers can enter the country permanent quota Fico’s Smer party will seek to It’s too late for that. without undergoing thorough checks raise the minimum wage to at least “In March, one can expect a and registration. €500 ($563) per month from the ZURICH: Austria will start building new wave of migrants. So we have Austria, which has a population current €405 by 2020, cut value- new facilities to better protect its to build the technical facilities now of 8.4 million and last year received system for refugees added tax on additional basic borders, notably the one with Italy, so they are ready for use when we 90,000 applications for asylum, has goods and reduce the gap between Chancellor Werner Faymann said need them.” said it will limit the number of ref- the richest and poorest regions of in an interview published yesterday, Faymann said the defence and ugees it accepts this year to 37,500. Reuters 80,000 asylum applications last year the euro-area member state, the underlining efforts to limit admis- the interior ministries would spec- “We’ve set this threshhold and it and was struggling with youth radi- premier told a party congress in sions of migrants. ify what the border control system remains valid,” Faymann said, adding calisation and high unemployment. the central Slovak city of Banska Austria recently built a 3.7km will look like. he had to take responsibility for Aus- In another sign of Europe’s deep Bystrica yesterday. His party will fence at its busiest border crossing The newspaper had reported ear- tria even if Italy and Germany were MUNICH: French Prime Minister divisions over the influx of migrants protect the country against immi- with Slovenia, Spielfeld, saying this lier that a fence was planned for the not pleased. Manuel Valls rejected the idea of a and refugees, Slovakia’s Prime Min- grants, he pledged. would help manage the flow of new Brenner crossing, but that the gov- Austria had told Macedonia to be permanent quota system for distrib- ister Robert Fico said Germany had While economic growth has arrivals onto its territory. ernment first wanted to see how ready to “completely stop” the flow uting refugees across Europe, putting protested against plans by eastern accelerated to the fastest in five Asked whether Austria would efficient the fence at the Spielfeld of migrants across its southern bor- Paris at odds with Germany ahead European leaders to help Macedonia years, Smer’s lead in opinion polls take new measures on the Ital- crossing would turn out to be. der from Greece, warning that Vienna of a summit to discuss the EU crisis and Bulgaria seal their border with has been been narrowing in recent ian border, including the “Brenner” The new border management would do the same on its own fron- over migration. Greece, the entry point into the EU months, suggesting the party may no border crossing, he told the daily system at Spielfeld aims to speed up tiers within months. Speaking to reporters at a for many migrants. longer be able to rule on its own. The security conference in Munich, Leaders of Hungary, Poland, economy is enabling Fico to balance Valls said France would stick to Slovakia and the Czech Republic, out his pledges of social measures its pledge to take on 30,000 of the known as the Visegrad Group, meet with the commitment to cut the 160,000 refugees European coun- today in Prague with their Macedo- budget deficit and public debt, push- tries have agreed to divide among nian and Bulgarian counterparts ing Slovak government bond yields themselves, but would not accept and could offer them manpower and to the third-lowest in the euro-area. any additional numbers. other aid, diplomats said. “We will do the maximum to “We won’t take any more,” Valls Closure of Greece’s northern utilise the room given by the Euro- said. He expressed admiration for borders could strand migrants in pean rules to support growth and Germany’s readiness to take on more Greece, which has been struggling employment,” he said. “Economic refugees, but added: “France never to protect its sea borders as huge growth will top 4 percent, so we said ‘come to France’.” influx of migrants arrive via Turkey. are talking about measures that Merkel is expected to push Euro- “We want an agreement among are feasible.” pean partners to accept so-called the Visegrad Four countries that if In December, Fico pledged a “contingents” of refugees at a meet- Greece is not working, and it’s not €1bn spending package to be car- ing on Thursday in Brussels, shortly working, it makes more sense to ried out if he wins the third term. before European Union leaders come invest money into the protection of The additional measures won’t together for their summit. borders between Greece and Mace- jeopardise the country’s goal to Cobbling together a coalition donia, Bulgaria and other countries,” reach a balanced budget by 2018, of countries that is ready to accept Fico said. Berlin, however, has said he told the congress. more asylum seekers over time is the countries should seek a differ- The party would win 62 of par- crucial to Merkel’s efforts to con- ent solution. liament’s 150 seats if elections were vince Turkey to stem the tide of “We received a demarche (say- held this month, down from 66 seats refugees fleeing countries in the ing) how do we dare as V4, Bulgaria in January, a January 31-February Middle East, notably Syria. Turkish and Macedonia to discuss protec- 7 poll conducted by Focus agency Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu will tion of external borders. Germany showed. Smer could form a gov- attend the pre-summit meeting. has filed a protest with our deputy ernment with the Slovak National “France rejects this,” Valls said foreign affairs minister because of Party, its partner in 2006-2010 of the permanent quota mechanism. this summit, saying we need to seek government that isn’t currently in Members of an NGO walk in the registration centre for migrants in Moria, Lesvos island, Greece, yesterday. He said France had already received another way,” he said. parliament, the survey showed. EUROPE MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 17 Ukraine’s graft problem tests Western patience

AFP influence-peddling by one of the most business clans. early legislative polls could return to consider a possible vote of no confi- senior members of the president’s “The current crisis in Ukrain- power Russian-backed deputies who dence in the government. Polls show public inner circle. ian politics is, first of all, a crisis of just might be enticed into warming They had already shown their frustration with Abromavicius said he could no no confidence,” experts from the Kiev’s frozen relations with Moscow. resolve by blocking a constitutional KIEV: Ukraine’s failure to fight Poroshenko and longer withstand pressure from George Soros-founded International Ukraine’s central bank chief fur- change pushed by Poroshenko that state graft is testing the patience of shadowy business interests that Renaissance Foundation and 18 other ther also warned that the mounting the West hoped would end Ukraine’s its Western allies and threatening Prime Minister were trying to seize the cash flows Ukrainian research centres wrote in uncertainty was putting renewed 21-month separatist conflict by giving renewed economic and political chaos Arseniy Yatsenyuk of the vast but opaque defence and a letter to the president. pressure on the hryvnia just as it limited special status to pro-Russian in a country still healing the wounds energy industries. “For the consistent pursuit of was starting to find its footing from rebel-run parts of the east. of war. mounting and hopes Meanwhile, the United States reforms, there are only two ways out a 68-percent slide against the dollar Analysts believe that deputies’ The latest and perhaps sternest ebbing away that urged Ukraine to accelerate anti- of this political crisis: a government since the start of 2014. instinctive desire to keep their jobs warning to the pro-EU team of Presi- graft reforms, after the International cleanup and creation of a technocratic “Without IMF support, we should and avoid snap elections will keep dent Petro Poroshenko came from IMF Ukraine was ridding Monetary Fund threatened to cut aid and professional government, or early expect devaluation and social insta- Yatsenyuk in place and lead only to chief Christine Lagarde—the architect itself of mind- to the cash-strapped country due to elections—probably not only parlia- bility,” said Anatoliy Oktysyuk of a minor government shakeup aimed and one of the most ardent supporters corruption concerns. mentary but also presidential ones.” Kiev’s International Centre for Pol- primarily at preserving the current of Ukraine’s huge financial rescue plan. numbing bureaucracy Vice President Joe Biden made the That prospect may have been one icy Studies. “The alternatives (to IMF coalition intact. “I am concerned about Ukraine’s and bribe-taking comments during a call with Ukrain- of the factors prompting Poroshenko support) are not even currently being “If the government fails in Kiev, slow progress in improving govern- ian President Petro Poroshenko, the to vow in a subsequent phone con- considered because they are all apoc- it will have a direct effect on polit- ance and fighting corruption,” the White House said in a statement. It versation with Lagarde to draw up alyptic,” Oktysyuk said. ical and economic support from International Monetary Fund’s man- was his second call with Poroshenko “a roadmap of top-priority reforms Yatsenyuk will have all these the West. Ukraine’s many sceptics aging director said in an unusually February 2014. in as many days. that will give a boost to Ukraine-IMF unsavoury prospects in mind when he will gain the upper hand, and its strongly-worded statement. Polls show public frustration US State Department spokesman relations.” accounts for his performance before few friends will face a steep uphill “Ukraine risks a return to the pat- with Poroshenko and Prime Minis- John Kirby called Abromavicius “one The IMF chief had said bluntly that Ukraine’s increasingly agitated par- struggle,” said Joerg Forbrig of the tern of failed economic policies that ter Arseniy Yatsenyuk mounting and of those leaders who put Ukraine’s it was “hard to see how the $40bn, liament today. US-based German Marshall Fund has plagued its recent history.” hopes ebbing away that Ukraine was interests above any personal inter- (€35bn-) IMF-supported programme He foreshadowed his performance policy research institute. Lagarde’s message struck at the finally ridding itself of mind-numbing ests of his own.” can continue” without Ukraine mak- by promising foreign audits and new “Reduced assistance—whether heart of concerns of Ukrainians who bureaucracy and bribe-taking. Kirby’s statement appeared to ing good on its promise to take radical independent directors for Ukraine’s political, financial, administrative or joined three months of enthusiastic That angst was encapsulated by signal Washington’s worry that the streamlining steps ignored in the past. top 50 state-held firms. military—will eventually forfeit the but ultimately bloody protests that this month’s resignation of reform- new breed of Kiev leaders it had put But both Yatsenyuk and Poro- But many lawmakers have been modest gains Ukraine has made and brought down the ex-Soviet repub- minded Aivaras Abromavicius as its trust in were reverting to old hab- shenko know they cannot survive sharpening their knives in advance expose the country’s many vulnera- lic’s Russian-backed leadership in economy minister in protest at alleged its of standing up for their respective without foreign assistance and that of Yatsenyuk’s appearance as they bilities,” Forbrig said.

Greek police arrest Five indie band members die in car crash three Iraqi Kurds

AFP with weapons

ATHENS: Greek police arrested three Iraqi Kurds in two separate STOCKHOLM: Five Britons, believed operations, on suspicion they were to be the members of indie band Viola trying to move a large number of Beach and their manager, died in a guns and ammunition into Turkey, road crash in Sweden where they a police official said on yesterday. staged their first international gig, The men, aged 22, 28 and 39 police said yesterday. and all British passport holders, “Five people, all British, died in were found to have tens of thou- a car accident,” police spokesman sands of small-caliber cartridges Towe Hagg said, as the British For- and more than 20 pistols and rifles eign Office confirmed the deaths of in a car and a trailer close to the five men aged between 20 and 35. border with Turkey. They died when their car hit a The 39-year-old was found to barrier and plunged off a canal bridge have 200,000 cartridges and four at Sodertalje, a southern district of the pistols on him when he was appre- capital Stockholm. hended close to the Turkish border Their vehicle reportedly crossing. The other two had 18 approached at speed the bridge which rifles and 27,000 cartridges when was not fully shut after allowing a they were detained at a town close vessel to pass underneath in the early to the Turkish border. hours of Saturday morning. Men repair the gate, where the car of indie band Viola Beach members drove through before crashing into the canal in Sodertalje, Sweden. “We don’t have any evidence to “First indications are that the connect them with ISIS ... we have barriers and signal lights were func- informed Europol and Interpol”, tioning correctly,” said Hagg. a lorry driver who witnessed the inci- Thought with the friends and fami- you guys were gonna be big.” “It was the first time they had the police said. The weapons were Other vehicles were waiting for dent, told Aftonbladet daily. lies of all involved x.” The band, who last year had released played outside of Britain. They were not combat rifles but could have the bridge to close fully but “one car News of the tragedy spread A contributor to Viola Beach’s a debut single, had been in Sweden for full of hope,” festival organiser Folk- been used for training, the official arrived at a crazy speed ... at least quickly on social media and fel- Facebook page wrote: “So awful. Where’s the music festival in the central ert Koopmans told Aftonbladet . said. They will be taken before a 70-80 kilometre per hour. That’s low band The Enemy tweeted: “RIP Taken before anybody had the chance city of Norrkoping and were headed back “Sadly it seems the four and their local magistrate today on suspicion very quick when everybody else Viola Beach and their manager. to see what they might have become.” to Britain for a gig the following day at manager died in the accident. It’s ter- of illegal possession of weapons was stopped,” Jonny Alexandersson, Such incredibly tragic and sad news. Another wrote: “Such sad news, Guildford in southern England. rible, “Koopmans said. and smuggling. Hammond: EU will lurch in French left puzzled over baffling govt posts wrong direction if UK leaves AFP Hollande announced the government the remit of Prime Minister Manuel step further than the official “egalite” shake-up in a bid to gain fresh polit- Valls’s office, will “help the prime written into the French motto. AFP ical momentum 15 months ahead of minister put in place measures of real Another novelty is the creation of presidential elections. equality, de-compartmentalisation a junior ministry for “assistance to PARIS: France’s freshly reshuffled Within the list of new postings, and the opening of society,” a source victims” in the wake of two major ter- government left some puzzled over was a junior minister in charge of from Valls’s office said. ror attacks in France in 2015. LONDON: The European Union will the role of new ministries such as “real equality”—prompting one “She will lean on each ministry The post shows “government’s will, “lurch very much in the wrong direc- that of “real equality”, while another French television presenter to jokingly to allow opening up of a society that faced with serious incidents which tion” if Britain votes to leave in an linking “family, children and women’s question whether this was opposed to is sometimes too closed off, to give a cause a great number of victims, to in/out referendum, Foreign Secre- rights” has irked feminists. “fake equality”. chance to everyone,” said the source. assure better coordination between the tary Philip Hammond (pictured) French President Francois The minister, who will fall under In short, “real equality” goes one different ministries,” said the source. warned yesterday. The British min- ister predicted that negotiations with Cameron promised an in/out ref- other European leaders to secure a erendum by the end of 2017, but is reform deal for the bloc “would go to likely to bring it forward if a deal is We don’t want to the wire” at a European Council sum- reached this week, with a date in June Marvellous architecture mit on Thursday and Friday. earmarked. Hammond said that Brit- be Portugal, Kenny British Prime Minister David ain would not necessarily push for a Cameron is trying to force changes treaty change to lock in the reforms, tells Irish voters in four main areas, the most conten- saying it wasn’t essential to give them tious being limiting access to welfare binding force, and that it would push benefits for EU migrants for their first back the proposed referendum date. LISBON: Portugal is paying a four years in the country. “There isn’t But if Britain did eventually “horrendous” price for political a deal yet,” Hammond said. “We have vote to leave, it could spell crisis for instability, Irish Prime Minister to make progress, there are blanks in remaining members of the EU, and Enda Kenny said, as he tried to the text. “The text on the table rec- lead to bitter break-up negotiations, arrest a slide in his coalition’s pop- ognises there can be a period of four he said. “I fear that without Britain ularity before an election. years in which people are treated dif- Europe would lurch very much in the Portugal benchmark 10-year ferent. That is a major breakthrough wrong direction,” he said. bond yield surged after October’s in challenging one of the sacred cows “Britain has been an enormously election produced an inconclusive of EU ideology. important influence in Europe, for result, leading to weeks of wrangling “I don’t think that’s going to get open markets, free trade and a less before a Socialist led-government resolved before Thursday,” he added. dirigiste approach to running the took power. The Irish economy “We’ve got a negotiation that will economy. “There’s a real fear in recovery “should not be taken for run through this week and I have no Europe that if Britain leaves, the con- granted,” Kenny said in Dublin. doubt that will go right to the wire.” tagion would spread,” he added. “The current coalition grouping Hammond accepted that Brit- “Countries remaining in the EU is “clear and stable.” ain might get “slightly less than we will be looking over their shoulder at Kenny and his coalition part- expect” in some areas, but stressed the people in their own country going ners are pitching the campaign that European leaders “understand ‘if the Brits can do it why can’t we?’ as a battle between stability and we have to have a robust deal if the and they will not have an interest in chaos, represented by the previ- British people are to vote to remain demonstrating that we can succeed ous administration led by Fianna The Dolni Morava Unique Skywalk is pictured in Dolni Morava, Central Moravia, Czech Republic. within the European Union.” outside the EU.” Fail and Sinn Fein. 18 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 AMERICAS

Men get 30 years Obama joins SC fight in election year jail for beauty queen’s murder presidential election campaign. The US presidential election is set could find favor with voters, many of Obama has already appointed for November 8, and the next pres- whom already have a low opinion of CARACAS: A Venezuelan court Until Scalia’s death two liberal Supreme Court justices, ident takes office in early January. lawmakers. has sentenced three men to 30 the nine-member and a third would make him the most Under this scenario the Supreme Insisting there was plenty of time years in prison for the killing of a consequential president for the court Court would be one justice short for for the Senate to consider his pick, former beauty queen and her part- court had five since Reagan. History would suggest about a year. Obama urged lawmakers to take their ner, prosecutors said. conservative justices that he will announce his choice Republicans’ most likely first responsibilities seriously. The court in the northern state and four liberals. within weeks. The nominee would line of defence is the Senate Judici- “They’re bigger than any one of Carabobo convicted the men of then go to the Republican-controlled ary Committee, which considers the party. They are about our democ- “intentional homicide committed With Scalia gone, Senate, where the candidate would nominee before the full Senate. racy. They’re about the institution during a robbery” in the January conservatives and need support from a majority of sen- Committee chairman Chuck to which Justice Scalia dedicated his 2014 attack on the couple. ators for confirmation. Grassley faces re-election in Novem- professional life, and making sure it Monica Spear, 29, and her liberals are equally Obama could choose a political ber, along with two other Republicans, continues to function as the beacon of partner Thomas Henry Berry, 39, balanced centrist in the hope of winning over meaning their actions will be under justice that our Founders envisioned,” were returning from a trip with four Republican senators, enough to fierce scrutiny by Republican voters. he told reporters. their daughter when their car secure confirmation assuming all 44 A misstep could result in a right- If hearings are held, all eyes will broke down on a remote stretch Democrats and two independents also wing challenger entering the race. be on Republican presidential hope- of highway in north-central AFP appointed to the lifetime post in 1986 back his choice. If Republicans are determined ful Ted Cruz, a Senate Judiciary Venezuela. by President Ronald Reagan, died in The US vice president would cast torpedo Obama’s nominee, the com- Committee member who clerked at As a tow truck operator tried Texas on Saturday, 11 months before a deciding vote if needed. mittee may simply offer no opinion. the Supreme Court and whose pro- to help, a group of gunmen opened the end of Obama’s term. He was 79. Alternatively, Obama could nom- Previous Supreme Court nomina- file could be significantly boosted by fire on the vehicle, killing the cou- RANCHO MIRAGE: President Barack Scalia was a dependable conserv- inate a more ideological figure that tions have withered as the committee raking the nominee over the coals. ple. Their daughter was wounded. Obama said he would name a new ative vote on the bench, opposing gay rallies the Democratic base but has has refused to act, leaving the proc- That could also result in the nom- Spear was Miss Venezuela in Supreme Court justice to replace marriage, abortion and expanded no chance of being confirmed. ess stuck. inee withdrawing. George W Bush 2004 and competed in the Miss Antonin Scalia (pictured), slapping healthcare. Republican leaders have made If that happens, Obama indicated nominee Harriet Miers withdrew Universe pageant the following down Republican demands for a delay Until Scalia’s death the nine- it clear they have no intention of his willingness to put Republicans her name following intense scrutiny year, finishing fifth. She was also and setting up a monumental elec- member court had five conservative approving Obama’s choice. before the court of public opinion. and criticism. The Supreme Court a TV actress. tion-year fight. justices and four liberals. With Scalia “The American people should Obama’s White House has long has played a major role in US poli- A court sentenced two boys “I plan to fulfil my constitutional gone conservatives and liberals are have a voice in the selection of their sought to paint the Republican-con- tics in recent years. The court halted aged 15 and 17 to four years in responsibilities,” Obama said reject- equally balanced. next Supreme Court Justice,” the Sen- trolled legislature as a “do nothing” a fiercely contested ballot recount in prison last year after it said they ing a chorus of right wing demands The prospect that Obama would ate Republican majority leader Mitch Congress. Florida in the 2000 presidential elec- admitted taking part in the attack. that he leave Scalia’s replacement to name a liberal replacement —deci- McConnell said in a statement. Months of White House hector- tion, resulting in Republican George Three other young men got terms his successor. sively tipping the court balance —has “This vacancy should not be filled ing about inaction over something W Bush taking office over Democrat of between 24 and 26 years. The conservative justice, turbocharged an already divisive until we have a new president.” as important as the Supreme Court Al Gore. New York shivers its way to record cold temperatures

Bloomberg “Winter is not over, but this really bad patch is going to be passing.” The weather service posted wind chill warnings and advisories from NEW YORK: The record cold grip- West Virginia to Maine as the frigid ping New York City has probably Arctic air moved from the Midwest peaked along the East Coast and into the East Coast over the weekend. will start to retreat amid snow, Extreme cold warnings stretched from sleet and rain today and tomorrow, Ontario to Newfoundland as well, when temperatures rise by more according to Environment Canada. than 50 degrees, according to the In the US, the lowest temper- US Weather Prediction Centre. ature for yesterday was the minus New York’s Central Park got 37 posted in Watertown, New as low as minus 18 degree Cel- York, near Lake Ontario and about sius yesterday morning, breaking a 200km south of Ottawa, the National Republican presidential candidates (left to right) Ohio Governor John Kasich, Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, Donald Trump, Marco Rubio andBen Carson record set in 1916, said Jay Engle, a Weather Service said. stand on stage during a CBS News GOP Debate at the Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina. National Weather Service meteor- On Saturday, at New Hamp- ologist in Upton, New York. The last shire’s Mount Washington time Central Park posted a below- Observatory, 6,288 feet above zero reading was in January 1985. By sea level, temperatures dropped Trump and Bush get personal in heated debate tomorrow temperatures there could to minus 38. Brisk winds there reach 53 degrees, the weather serv- made the readings feel closer to ice said. minus 77. A record was tied at New York’s Oravec said temperatures will AFP Trump was relentless in badger- his foreign policy from “the shows,” into the dirt,” one of the CBS debate LaGuardia Airport and broken at start to moderate today, with a high ing Bush, even saying Jeb’s mother while Bush’s brother was formulating moderators said at one point. John F. Kennedy International Air- of 36 forecast for Central Park. As should have been the Bush candi- policy to protect Americans. Trump is leading in polls in South port, which both reached 1 degree, readings rise, snow will start to GREENVILLE: Donald Trump and Jeb date instead. “While Donald Trump was build- Carolina, but Bush is counting on the said Bob Oravec, a senior branch fall, which will change to sleet and Bush took the gloves off in the Repub- “Jeb is so wrong,” Trump said, to ing a reality TV show, my brother was state to boost his fortunes as the race forecaster with the Weather Predic- then rain. By tomorrow, with tem- lican presidential debate, with the loud boos from the audience, people building a security apparatus to keep turns to the south. Trump sought to tion Centre based in College Park, peratures in the 50s, Central Park billionaire frontrunner unleashing a whom Trump dismissed as lobbyists us safe. And I’m proud of what he did.” take him down early in the debate, Maryland. The old marks were set could be soaked by heavy rain, the tirade of intense and often personal and establishment Republicans. “The World Trade Center came in part by denigrating Bush’s brother in 1979. With the bottom reached, weather service said. Boston could attacks one week before the South Bush parried back, hitting down during your brother’s reign,” George W (president 2001-2009). temperatures will begin to rise, and hit a a springlike 55 and Washing- Carolina primary. Trump’s suggestion he could work Trump shot back. “Remember that.” “I’m sick and tired of him going with it some stormy weather through ton 49 the same day. Trump, seeking to blunt Bush in a with Russia to combat the Islamic It was an extraordinary back and after my family,” Bush said. tommorow along the East Coast. Farther inland, the same state where his dynastic family remains State jihadist group in Syria and Iraq. forth on the national stage, with can- Trump also attacked Senator Ted In Boston, readings reached storm is likely to bring snow. Win- popular, went after the former Florida “You can’t fight two wars at one didates often ignoring the moderators Cruz as a “liar” and a “nasty guy.” minus 4 just before midnight on Sat- ter weather advisories and storm governor on foreign policy and immi- time,” Trump said, adding that Bush and going after each other in perhaps Senator Marco Rubio also urday breaking a record set in 1967. warnings were posted from North gration, and lambasted Jeb’s brother experts have been deeply misguided the most aggressive exchanges of the unleashed a zinger against Cruz, “There is a lot of improvement Dakota to North Carolina. As much president George W Bush’s war in Iraq about Middle East policy. nine Republican debates to date. when Cruz attacked him over immi- coming down the pipe; the coldest as 5 inches (12.7 cm) could fall in as “a big fat mistake.” Bush countered that Trump gets “We’re in danger of driving this gration policy comments. day is probably today,” Oravec said. Virginia and West Virginia. Fresh Clinton e-mails include Haiti lawmakers elect Privert as interim premier

84 with security rating AFP interim President chosen by parlia- ment would serve for up to 120 days, a new election would be held on April Bloomberg policy toward Syria, Libya and 24, and the new President would be the South China Sea, had not been PORT-AU-PRINCE: Haitian law- installed on May 14. tagged as classified at the time they makers yesterday elected Jocelerme After taking the oath, Privert were sent, according to the offi- Privert as the troubled country’s announced that he would form a WASHINGTON: The US State cial, who asked not to be identified. interim President to fill a power “consensus government capable of Department released another 551 of None of the latest messages had been vacuum following the departure of inspiring confidence, and able to cre- Hillary Clinton’s e-mails from her labeled “top secret,” a designation Michel Martelly, after a vote to choose ate peace for the continuation of the time as President Barack Obama’s that had been given to 22 e-mails his successor was postponed over electoral process.” secretary of state, including about 15 withheld from release in January. fears of violence. This is the first time since 1946 percent that had been given updated The fresh release pushes the tally Privert, 62, a senator and Presi- that a Haitian chief of state is chosen security classifications after the fact. of Clinton’s e-mail disclosures to more dent of the National Assembly, was by indirect vote. The immediate roots More than 1,000 pages of doc- than 45,000. Clinton, a Democratic chosen on the second round of bal- of the crisis can be traced to October, uments sent from Clinton’s private presidential candidate, relied on a pri- loting after a lengthy session. when Martelly’s favored candidate, e-mail account and released on vate e-mail account and home-based The lawmakers chose Privert over Jovenel Moise, won the first round of Senators and members of the Parliament vote for a proposal during Saturday included 81 messages server to conduct government busi- two other candidates, Dejan Belizaire presidential voting 33 percent to 25 the Special Bicameral Commission for the election of the Provisional upgraded to “confidential,” which is ness as the top US diplomat from 2009 and Edgar Leblanc Fils, both former percent over runner-up Jude Celestin. President in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. the lowest level of classification, and to 2013. Republican critics have said presidents of Haiti’s senate. The opposition politician, how- three to “secret,” said a State Depart- the practice constituted a mishandling Martelly ended his five-year term ever, denounced the results as a ment official. of classified information, and could without a successor on February 7. “ridiculous farce.” canceled when Celestin refused to par- violence and protests alleging that The e-mails, which included return to that subject in a candidates’ Under an agreement signed A scheduled January 24 run- ticipate unless widespread electoral Moise won the first round through dirty deliberations on topics including debate in South Carolina. hours before his departure, the off between Moise and Celestin was reforms were enacted, and following tricks and with government support.

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 15o C Maximum: 25o C

FAJR 04.52 am ZUHR 11.48 am MAGHRIB 05.29 pm HIGH TIDE 09:30 - 23:45 Misty to foggy at places at first becomes moder- SHOROOK 06.09 am ASR 03.02 pm ISHA 06.59 pm LOW TIDE 03:45 - 16:30 ate temperature daytime and relatively cold by night.

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TWEET OF THE DAY

Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani witnessed last evening the arrival of Fath Al Kheir 2 at Katara Cultural village beach. The event was also attended by H H Sheikh Jassem bin Hamad Al Thani, Representative of the Emir.Pic: Qassim/The Peninsula → See also page 26 Elephants play in Amboseli National Park in Kenya yesterday. Spotlight and The Big Short win prizes

AFP Michael Keaton and Rachel McAdams, Sicario, Straight Outta Compton and “Millions of people lost their has already landed the top prize at Trainwreck, written by its star Amy homes, millions of people lost their the Screen Actors Guild Awards and Schumer. savings, and that’s really what this is nominated for six statuettes at the Charles Randolph and Adam was about,” said McKay. LOS ANGELES: Spotlight and The Big Oscars, to be held on February 28. McKay scooped the prize for best “And in the end we just want peo- Follow us on Short won top prizes at the Writers Singer paid tribute to abuse adapted screenplay for their work ple to really look at why these banks Snapchat Guild of America awards late on Sat- survivor Phil Saviano as he picked transforming the book The Big Short had taken control of our government.” urday, two weeks ahead of the Oscars, up the trophy at the Los Angeles into the film of the same name. Best documentary screenplay the glittering climax of Hollywood’s ceremony hosted by American The movie, set on the eve of the went to Alex Gibney for Going Clear: Open Snapchat and annual awards season. stand-up comedian, writer and 2008 global financial meltdown, Scientology and the Prison of Belief, a scan the Snapcode Josh Singer picked up the trophy actor Patton Oswald. bested highly-touted rivals, includ- condensed history of the church and to add The Peninsula for best original screenplay for Spot- “He’d been trying to tell his story ing Carol, The Martian, Steve Jobs its founder, L Ron Hubbard. light, a drama about sexual abuse in for a very long time and I think that and Trumbo. It is nominated for five In the television category, Mad account. the Catholic church that he co-wrote story is finally now being told a needs Oscars, including nods for best direc- Men won best TV drama, Veep took with director Tom McCarthy. to continue to be told,” Singer said. tor for McKay and best supporting best TV comedy series and Mr Robot The film, starring Mark Ruffalo, Spotlight, beat out Bridge of Spies, actor for Christian Bale. scooped best new TV series. Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift favourites at Grammy Awards

AFP with “Alright”—nominated for Song of Singles on “1989” include “Blank the Year—an unofficial anthem of the Space,” a dark pop song that plays Black Lives Matter movement against on gossip about Swift’s dating life police brutality. and whose video, in which the star LOS ANGELES: Socially conscious Lamar’s hometown of Compton, brawls in a castle, is the second most rapper Kendrick Lamar leads nom- the notoriously rough Los Angeles watched clip ever on YouTube. inations going into the Grammy County city that gave birth to gang- “Blank Space” is nominated both Awards but he faces tough competi- sta rap, on Saturday presented the for Record of the Year, which recog- tion led by pop superstar Taylor Swift. 28-year-old rapper with an honor- nizes singles, and Song of the Year, A diverse array of artists is in ary key. “Through all the pain and which awards songwriters. Also in contention at the music industry’s hardship — losing family members, the running in both categories is premier awards ceremony, an action- losing homeboys — for some reason English singer Ed Sheeran’s “Think- Centenary twins Paulette Olivier (left) and Simone Thiot pose in the corridors at the Ephad “Les Bois packed evening that will feature we always still love Compton because ing Out Loud,” a love ballad backed Blancs” recently. performances by leading stars and we have faith,” he told students who by acoustic guitar that has quickly tributes to deceased legends. danced to his songs. become a favorite at weddings. Nominees for Album of the Year, The gala, which will be broadcast But a leading contender for 104-year-old twins say closeness is the secret the most prestigious award, include live from Los Angeles, will notably Record of the Year is “Uptown Funk,” Lamar’s experimental rap opus “To include a performance by British the breakthrough single by veteran Pimp a Butterfly” and Swift’s pop ballad singer Adele, whose record- British producer Mark Ronson with AFP they appear to be the likely holders three pounds,” she says to her sister. blockbuster “1989.” shattering album “25” came out too vocals by Bruno Mars. of the title. “They had to keep us wrapped up Other albums in contention are late for this year’s Grammys. The instantly danceable song, “We’re being very spoiled,” one of for four months.” “Sound and Color” by acclaimed Lady Gaga will honor late rock icon which is reminiscent of the funky them says as they show off the flow- Paulette, widowed at 36, worked bluesy indie rockers Alabama Shakes, David Bowie in a “multisensory” show Minneapolis Sound popularized by ONZAIN, France: When they were ers given by the local council and as a hairdresser for 15 years in Alge- rising Canadian R&B star The Week- designed with chip-maker Intel that Prince in the 1980s, spent 14 weeks at born premature in 1912, doctors gave fellow retirement home residents to ria, then in Paris. nd’s “Beauty Behind the Madness” Grammy producers have billed as one the top of the US singles chart, tying Paulette and Simone the slimmest mark their 104th birthday. Simone, a dressmaker like her and Chris Stapleton’s “Traveller,” the of the awards’ most ambitious ever. for second place on the all-time list. chance of survival. But 104 years Paulette and Simone were born mother, lost her husband when she first solo album by a long behind-the- While Lamar leads in nomina- Swift and The Weeknd each have later, the French twins say there’s a in the central village of Limeray at was 64. Neither had any children. scenes country songwriter which he tions, many pundits are betting on seven nominations, tying for second simple secret to their longevity: stick- 11:00am on January 30, 1912 to Marie The twins, whose only brother released at age 37. a successful night for Swift, whose place after Lamar. The Weeknd, whose ing together. Lamolie, a dressmaker, and her hus- died in accident at the age of 99, insist Lamar is nominated in 11 Gram- “1989” was by far the top-selling real name is Abel Tesfaye and was born With their long white hair tied band Joseph, a carpenter. it’s their lasting friendship that has mys, the most for any artist in a album in the qualifying period. in Toronto to Ethiopian immigrants, back in ponytails and gold specta- Their entry to the world did not kept them going all this time. single night except Michael Jackson “1989” marked the full meta- has enjoyed a rapid career rise since cles perched on their noses, Paulette bode well. “We were premature,” “We are still alive because we in the era of “Thriller,” the top-selling morphosis of the teenage country his start uploading songs on the Inter- Olivier and Simone Thiot are happy says Simone, who can still get around have always stayed close,” says one. album of all time. “To Pimp a But- prodigy into pop, with production by net in near anonymity in 2010. to pose for the camera at their retire- these days without the help of a Zim- “We keep our independence—each terfly” breaks free from commercial the Swedish hit machine Max Martin. The 25-year-old, whose fal- ment home in Onzain, central France. mer frame. of us has her own room—but we only formulas by running for nearly 80 Swift, 26, also made waves in the setto voice and pop R&B sound have “This will be fun!” they say in “We were due in March but we need to cross the corridor to see and minutes with a jazz backdrop and rapidly evolving music industry by invited comparisons to Michael Jack- chorus. There is no official confir- were born in January. They gave us talk to each other. lengthy interludes of spoken word. becoming the pre-eminent critic of son, is nominated for Record of the mation that Paulette and Simone a very small chance of surviving. I “We pity old people who are Much of the album is a rumina- leading streaming site Spotify, object- Year for chart-topping single “Can’t are the oldest twins in France, but didn’t even weigh a kilo. And you, just alone with no one to visit them.” tion on the state of US race relations, ing to its free tier. Feel My Face.”

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

PAGE | 23 QE 9,600.90 +115.07 PTS PAGE | 24 Call for smart DOW 15,973.84 +313.66 PTS GWC hikes foreign waste management FTSE100 5,707.60 +170.63 PTS ownership and okays system BRENT $33.68 +$2.29 15% dividend

MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 • 6 Jumada I 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

1,227 new businesses UDC profit increases by 8% registered in January

The Peninsula net profit of QR732.8m as earnings per share. Earnings per share compared to QR 676.3m for the year 2015 stood at QR 1.95, an United Development recorded in the 2014, an increase of 10% from the year 2014. Al Company’s (UDC) increase of 8 percent. The net Othman stated also that the year 2016 DOHA: The Commercial Registration and Licensing Department net profit jumps to profit attributable to own- will witness the execution of the Compa- at Ministry of Economy and Commerce registered 1,227 new busi- ers of the company stood ny’s strategy focusing on the Company’s nesses and cancelled 225 in January 2016. The latest data by the QR732.8m compared at QR689.6m, compared to core activities, while devoted to meet the ministry includes the registration of 878 main businesses or 72% to QR676.3m in 2014 QR625.6m in the same period shareholders’ expectations. of the total new commercial registrations, and 349 sub businesses of 2014 with an increase of The Board of Directors decided to or 28% of the total new commercial registrations in January. 10 percent. hold the ordinary annual general assem- The data also show the department cancelled that 225 busi- Chairman of the Board bly meeting of the Company on Tuesday, nesses, including 55 main businesses and 170 sub businesses of UDC, Turki bin Moham- Turki bin Mohammed Khaled Al Khater (left) March 8, 2016 at Marsa Malaz Kempinski in January. Limited Liability Companies (LLC) topped the list The Peninsula med Khaled Al Khater said: and Ibrahim Jassim Al Othman Hotel, Palazzo Ballroom, The Pearl-Qatar. with 448 main businesses and 111 sub businesses according “The financial results for year In the absence of a quorum, the alter- to the nature of the business, representing 55 percent of the 2015 reflect positive perform- native meeting will be held on Monday total main businesses and 32% of the sub businesses respec- ance and progress, leading the Company forward for the same in year 2016”. March 14, 2016 in the same place and tively for the month of January 2016. In the same month, the DOHA: United Development Company to propose dividend distribution of Ibrahim Jassim Al Othman, Presi- time. UDC targets investment opportu- department registered 303 individual or one-person owned (UDC), a leading Qatari shareholding QR1.50 per share, which is 20 percent dent & Chief Executive Officer, stated nities in real estate, urban development companies along with 217 in the sub-category, representing firm, announced its financial results for up from the previous year. 2015 was a that the increase in the Company’s net and infrastructure with positive returns 35% of the total main businesses registrations and 62% of the the year 2015. The company reported year of achievement for UDC and looking profit is coupled with the increase in the to shareholders. total sub businesses respectively. 22 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS Two TBMs complete Doha Metro mission

Al Ansari commented on the achieve- by the remaining TBMs. 30km of Doha Metro’s ment: “We are delighted that the Al Since operations started the TBMs Rayyan and Al Gharrafa TBMs have have gone through a long and exciting Green Line have been completed their section of tunnel- journey which started from the Her- tunnelled in less than ling on the Green Line on time and rencknet warehouse in Berlin to Al to plan and can now be successfully Messila site in Doha where they were 18 months decommissioned. This double mile- finally dismantled. The QR logistics stone for the project’s overall progress team monitored the entire process shows how we are continuing to make upon the TBMs arrival at Doha Port, good progress against our challeng- and co-ordinated with the Doha Port ing objectives. To date 30km out of Authority, Qatar customs, Milaha, The Peninsula 33km has been tunnelled on the Green Traffic Police, Lekwiya and numer- Line, a remarkable feat considering ous contractors to ensure a seamless we began tunnelling less than eight- process from the ship to the site. The een months ago. ” QR team as always works around the DOHA: Qatar Rail’s two Tunnel Bor- The Doha Metro’s Green Line, various current traffic constrains as ing Machines (TBMs) successfully which will take passengers from Al part of its constant efforts to keep completed their section of the tun- Riffa to Al Mansoura had six TBMs disruptions for Qatar’s residence at nelling currently taking place on Doha working on tunnels over 33km in a minimum. Metro’s Green Line. This double mile- length. Starting tunnelling work in In order to minimize the traf- stone on the Doha Metro project’s September last year, the Al Rayyan fic disruption, transportation of the Green Line is a further landmark in and Al Gharrafa TBMs have success- TBMs were done between 1 to 3am. the company’s delivery against its fully completed their sections and A mock trial run was done to elim- objectives. have been decommissioned. They inate obstruction in the ways and at The Al Rayyan and Al Ghar- will now be dismantled and taken offloading sites. Discharging plan rafa TBMs each went through four back to TBM supplier, Germany’s at Port and Offloading plan at site breakthroughs before reaching the Herrenknecht local office in Doha was in place before the arrival of final destination at Msheireb. The where their parts will either be recy- the TBM. high-tech TBMs were two of 21 used cled or sold off. The remaining four The first phase of the Doha Metro in the first phase of the Doha Metro TBMs are expected to complete the project is expected to be complete in project which saw Qatar recognised work on the Green Line in early April the fourth quarter of 2019, while com- Work in progress at the Doha Metro’s Green Line, which will take passengers from Al Riffa to Al Mansoura. by Guinness World Records for having this year. Leatooriya will be the next pletion of the Lusail Tram is set for the largest number of tunnel boring TBM to complete its mission in the 2020. By 2030, all the three networks machines operating simultaneously last week of February 2016 when it – Doha Metro, Lusail Tram and the – are expected to be complete. With Rail expects to offer 600,000 pas- complete, with an average journey in a single project. achieves its breakthrough at the Edu- long-distance rail, which will link the completion of the first phase of the senger trips per day by 2021. By then, time of two minutes between adja- Qatar Rail project director Jassim cation City Station, followed shortly Qatar with the GCC Rail network Doha Metro and Lusail Tram, Qatar 37 metro stations are expected to be cent stations.

AmCham appoints Blue Rubicon Barwa Bank as communications partner picks winners of Thara’a The Peninsula its exclusive events calendar and account holders further cemented its position as an ideal forum for American, Qatari and international businesses looking to DOHA: The American Chamber of do business in Qatar and/or with the The Peninsula Commerce in Qatar (AmCham Qatar) United States. has appointed international strate- Robert Hager, Chairman of gic communications consultancy AmCham Qatar, said: “Our organi- Blue Rubicon as its official commu- sation is a key supporter and driver DOHA: Barwa Bank yesterday nications partner, responsible for of the strong business links between announced names of the fifth promoting the Chamber’s activities Qatar and the US. Those ties encom- round of draw winners for Thara’a, Officials pose for a group picture. in the country. pass not only the American businesses its Shari’ah compliant savings AmCham Qatar, the first foreign operating in Qatar but anyone with a account, at the Bank’s headquar- Chamber of Commerce established in genuine interest in doing business in economic environment, American Neil Daugherty, Blue Rubicon’s deep understanding of Qatar’s his- ters. Ahmad Hussin Mohammad Qatar, and Blue Rubicon, a global con- the US. We are expanding our portfo- companies remain bullish on the Managing Director in Qatar, said: tory and culture.” Blue Rubicon has Aboshaar, Abdulrahman Abdul- sultancy with a successful track record lio of events for businesses, decision long-term prospects within Qatar. “We are honoured to be working been working in Qatar since 2007 samad A A Al Mulla, Alawi in Qatar and the region, will work to makers and individuals looking to join A recent study by the US Chamber with AmCham Qatar to grow their on high profile strategic communi- Abdulkadir Aljuneid, and Ameera promote the growing variety of events our active community and look for- of Commerce, AmCham Qatar and presence in the country through cations projects. Its current clients Abdelaziz Omer Elhusain, each and services offered to the AmCham ward to welcoming new members this Ernst & Young revealed that Amer- our strategic approach to commu- include the Supreme Committee for won a cash prize of QR10,000. Qatar members as the Chamber seeks year in line with increasing interest ican companies expect the level of nications. At Blue Rubicon, we are Delivery & Legacy, Qatar Museums, Also, a cash prize worth to expand commercial ties between tra- from American companies to expand investment and trade with Qatar to focused on merging the best think- Aspire Zone Foundation, Maersk Oil QR5,000 was awarded to the ditional allies the US and Qatar. in Qatar.” ‘increase’ or ‘remain about the same’ ing on reputation management and Qatar and the College of North Atlan- following bank clients: Ali Ghlam- This year, AmCham Qatar grew Despite the challenging global at least over the next five years. global communications, with a tic in Qatar. shah Ismaiel Ghanbarpoor, Rashid Mohammed O R Al Naimi, Suhir Yousef, Anuncia Rosario Fern- andes, Aldana Ahmad A M Al Malki, Mahmod M S Albanna, and Hamad Toyota Prius ushers in new era for hybrids in the region Mohammed A M Al Sabah. The draw’s fifth round was conducted under the supervision of a repre- The Peninsula revolutionary car with a unique DNA. fuel efficiency, successive gener- sentative of the qualitative license So, I asked myself: What is essential ations of Prius have showcased and market control department for the next generation? The answer Toyota’s commitment to environmen- at the Ministry of Economy and was our development concept of tally conscientious forward thinking, Commerce. DOHA: Spearheading a new era in ‘Beautiful Hybrid’. We wanted the and led the company’s drive towards Capping the 2015 series of hybrid technology across the Middle Prius to turn into a charming, beauti- the creation of the ultimate eco-car. draws with a dual reward for East, Toyota yesterday announced the ful hybrid vehicle, while maintaining According to Takayuki Yoshit- Thara’a account holders, the draw launch of the much anticipated Prius its essential qualities such as out- sugu, Chief Representative, Middle doubled up the chance for two par- in the region. By far the world’s most standing fuel economy.” East and North Africa Representa- ticipants to walk away with the successful hybrid car, the fourth-gen- The first-generation Prius was tive Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, QR1m grand prize. Salem Said Al eration Prius brings ground-breaking the world’s first mass-produced “The Prius underlines Toyota’s con- Merri and Alla Hail Marouf each environmental performance along hybrid vehicle. Launched in Japan in tinued commitment to progressive took home QR1m. with a striking new design,in addition 1997, the unique Toyota hybrid estab- thinking and being environmen- Thara’a offers account hold- to a fun-to-drive spirit that promises lished a major industry milestone in tally conscious. The new model is a ers the chance to benefit from to appeal to eco-conscious customers vehicle power train development and triumph of technology and boasts sig- cash rewards up to QR1m, a first as well as driving enthusiasts. sustainable mobility. The name Prius, nificant advances in every area, with for Islamic banks in Qatar. Based “For eighteen years, Prius has ‘to go before’ in Latin, became sym- a clever, class-leading aerodynamic dramatic makeover. Based on Toyota’s creating an instant and lasting impres- on several criteria, Thara’a account continued to build a legacy of bolic of a car that was launched even design that allows it to offer excellent Iconic Human-tech design philosophy sion.The fourth generation Prius retains holders are eligible for a number outstanding efficiency and inno- before environmental awareness had fuel and emissions efficiency with- of fusing emotional and rational vehi- the 2,700 mm wheelbase of the third of periodic draws for cash prizes. vation for hybrid technology,” said become a mainstream social issue. out sacrificing either cabin space or cle factors, the exterior of the Prius hints generation Prius, but is 60 mm longer Totalling QR3m, Thara’a cash Kouji Toyoshima, Chief Engineer Anticipating the 21st century’s driving ease and comfort.” at the car’s advanced functions while overall at 4,540 mm. It is also 15 mm rewards are distributed on both of the Prius. “It has always been a need for vehicles with exceptional The new Prius has received a also expressing its fun-to-drive spirit, wider at 1,760 mm. a monthly and biannual basis to customers holding a minimum bal- ance of QR10,000. On a monthly basis, there are seven winners per draw for the cash Lexus LC 500 grabs EyesOn Design Awards prize of QR5,000 Qatari riyals, as well as four winners per-draw for the cash prize of QR10,000. Addi- The Peninsula The NAIAS 2016 EyesOn Design Lexus.” The LC 500 is the first ever tionally, twice-a-year there are Awards honor the best production and luxury automobile to feature a four winners per-draw for the cash concept vehicles making their world- 10-speed automatic transmission. prize of QR25,000 prize, two win- wide auto show debut at the prestigious Powered by high-revving 5.0-liter ners per draw for the cash prize of DOHA: The all-new Lexus LC 500 Detroit show. The awards are selected V8 engine, the luxury coupe is also QR50,000 and one winner per- luxury coupe grabbed two awards for by active and retired design heads of the first Lexus to use the brand’s draw for the grand prize of QR1m. design excellence on its debut at the automotive manufacturers and trans- all-new, premium rear-wheel-drive Rewarding 102 winners in total with 2016 North American International portation design chairs from top art luxury platform, which promises cash prizes up to QR3m. Auto Show (NAIAS), which was held schools. enhanced dynamic capability and Coupled with cash prizes and recently in Detroit, USA. The provoc- “I am so honored to receive the performance. a reward scheme, Thara’a is a ative, athletic flagship car bagged EyesOn Design awards for best inte- “The accolades for its design product full of value-added ben- the 2016 EyesOn Design Award for rior design and for best production and the excitement that the LC 500 efits and services. Thara’a offers Design Excellence in the Production car from our design peersfor the LC is generating is a very positive sign account holders access to Barwa Car category and for Interior Design. 500,” said Tadao Mori, Chief Designer and reflects Lexus’ attempt at raising Bank’s innovative banking chan- The LC 500 which is inspired of the Lexus LC 500. the bar in the luxury car segment,” nels, with benefits including from the Lexus LF-LC 2+2 Hybrid “The LC 500 is a clear result of said Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Rep- unlimited withdrawals and depos- Sports Coupe wins this award four the passion, hard work and collab- resentative of Middle East & North its, as well as free fund transfers years after the latter won the Eye- oration between our designers and Africa Representative Office, Toyota across their accounts and through sOn Design best concept car award. engineers for the future chapter of Motor Corporation. all Barwa Bank channels. BUSINESS MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 23

Global IT experts Wadi.com raises to attend Qatar Smart Ticketing $67m with Forum Al Tayyar Group The Peninsula DOHA: Over 25 global IT experts will get together in Qatar to discuss opportunities and challenges related an impressive way. The funding will to smart ticketing at the upcoming enable us to grow further within the ‘Qatar Smart Ticketing and Digital The investment region and deliver exceptional serv- Services Forum’ to be held from Feb- marks the largest ice to our customers. We are proud ruary 17-18. of having raised the largest funding The two-day event dedicated to series A funding in in tech history of the Middle East.” the digital services will also reunite the tech history of Abdullah bin Nasser Al Dawood, major ITS industries and actors of Managing Director & CEO Al Tayyar Public Transport. Ticketing system, the Middle East Dr Mark Evans of Qatar Project Management (QPM) speaking at the 6th Waste Management and Recycling Travel Group, said: “We have observ- role of transport operators, contact- ing Wadi.com since its launch and Summit in Doha. less, interoperability, open payment Wadi.com has now become one of system are some of the important The Peninsula the main important e-commerce topic to be discussed at the event. players in the Middle East within a The Forum aims to provide its very short period of time. The com- Call for smart waste management system contributor with the most-advanced pany has proven a strong capability information about the services, the DOHA: Wadi.com, the fastest grow- to adapt to the market and build a technologies, and the actors that ing e-commerce platform of the huge portfolio of products. We are The Peninsula with education to make a difference to change the way we look at waste allow public transport to actually Middle East, has raised $67m with confident to see Wadi.com growing and reduce the impact of our actions management. be at the heart of the Smart City. Al Tayyar Travel Group as the lead further, especially with the cargo on the environment.” “Waste issues are just one seg- The conference will take place investor ten months after its launch. and logistics support our group will Dr Mark, who is seconded to Qatar ment of an overall project lifecycle at Marriott Marquis City Center The investment marks the largest be offering. The Wadi.com invest- DOHA: With the massive amount Rail’s PMC Major Stations Department assessment and plan. They should be Doha Hotel. The conference is series A funding in the tech history ment will make us as a group one of waste produced from the con- as Environmental and Sustainability core components of the wider project being held at a time when numer- of the Middle East and will further of the leading logistics player for the struction industry, a senior Manager, was speaking at the recently sustainability and development ous transport projects are currently accelerate the growth of the com- fast growing ecommerce segment environmentalist and waste man- concluded 6th Waste Management and agenda. From a builder’s perspective deployed in the GGC including Qatar. pany. Wadi.com was started in 2015 in the MENA region. Furthermore, agement expert has suggested that Recycling Summit in Doha. this should account for managing the Parallel to the conference, an exhibi- by the Middle East Internet Group with this investment, the Al Tay- construction life cycle must account To put this in context, he cited construction process so resource uti- tion space is going to be dedicated to (MEIG), a Joint Venture between yar Travel Group covers the three for Waste Management that goes the example of ‘The Great Pacific lisation is minimal, and that waste manufacturers and service provid- German internet platform Rocket largest and most promising areas beyond “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”. Garbage Patch’, comprising plas- is segregated properly. It should be ers, to present their offer and their Internet and South African telecom- in the online space: Travel, General The expert also noted that the tic particulates suspended at or just reused where possible, or disposed expertise, and to demonstrate their munications provider MTN. Wadi. Merchandise Marketplace and the construction byproducts require below the surface, covering an area of responsibly,” he said. solutions to the participants. com is currently active in UAE and shared economy.” smart and immediate management the size of the US state of Texas. “There is of course an omnipresent Expert will exchange ideas on Saudi Arabia and is expanding soon Dr Eyad Alkassar CEO of MEIG, to ensure they do not all end up in Ocean currents cause these parti- gap between theory and practice eve- digital services key points; and seven to more countries. said: “The funding round for Wadi. landfills. cles to stay within this region and rywhere in the world,” added Evans. interactive sessions will be held Since its start, Wadi.com – a com only ten months after launch is Waste as a byproduct of building bring even more debris to the gar- “The key to ensuring compliance is in which include: How to define world- general merchandise marketplace a great proof of trust into our busi- modern cities is a growing challenge bage patch every year. being consistent during toolbox talks class digital services to customers; – has seen massive growth and has ness. The management team of the for builders. It requires very specific He said that this is an exagger- with the workers, because work forces Experience of ticketing projects in become one of the leading e-com- company has done a fantastic job in plans to reduce any impact on the ated but very real consequence of and people change. This calls for being the MENA region;Ticketing at the merce players in the region. The building this platform. With Al Tay- environment. However, waste man- irresponsible waste disposal and repetitive and delivering the message heart of a wider offer of digital serv- company offers a wide assortment yar Travel Group we have the perfect agement and proper disposal can there are many correlations in the consistently.” ices to customers; Interoperability of more than 150,000 products partner to continue this very unique sometimes be overwhelming. construction business. Each year, Evans believes legislation forc- for a seamless experience of trans- from more than 2,000 international success story of the Middle East, Dr Mark Evans of Qatar Project millions of tonnes of debris and ing builders to adhere to ideal waste port; Traditional Ticketing and Open brands, including Apple, Samsung, especially through their support in Management (QPM), said: “Humans waste are generated as a by product management processes, even if it Payment: exclusive or complemen- Lacoste and Hugo Boss. the business critical fields cargo and as a species, and this is true eve- of global construction and develop- uses taxation or penalties to curb tary; The most advanced Ticketing Pratik Gupta, co-founder and logistics and general local support rywhere around the world, are ment projects. They require smart reckless behavior, are not as power- use cases; and Travel Information, Managing Director of Wadi.com, on the ground in Saudi Arabia and traditionally not good at managing and sustainable solution. ful as the proactive responsibility that Ticketing and Multiservice for the said: “Wadi.com has developed in beyond.” waste. It requires effort combined Evans said the key to progress is can be demonstrated by developers. Smart City. 24 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS GWC hikes foreign ownership and okays 15% dividend

tribution of a dividend to shareholders Extraordinary at a rate of QR1.5 for each share, or 15 percent of the nominal value of the assembly general company’s shares. meeting passed The shares will be distributed either through direct deposit on Feb- a resolution to ruary 16, or by visiting the branches increase the foreign of Masraf Al Rayan from February 17. ownership limit to In light international participa- tion in the Qatar Exchange reaching Gulf Warehousing Company officials during the extraordinary assembly general meeting in Doha yesterday. 49 percent of the a rate of 20 – 25 percent of all daily company’s capital trade activity, international inter- est in the company’s shares remains high. The increase of the limit allows assignment of KPMG as the appointed followed a year of achievement for the remains right on schedule for deliv- the renowned GIL Global Best Prac- for a more brisk trade of the compa- external auditor. The general assem- company, many of which were enu- ery in the first quarter of 2017. tices Awards, held by Frost and Sullivan ny’s shares in emerging markets, as bly also cleared the company’s board merated at the meeting. The company’s The company had achieved net at Al-Khobr, Kingdom of Saudi Ara- The Peninsula well as an increase in its liquidity, members of any possible liability, set- Contract Logistics, Freight Forward- profits of QR 185.2m in 2015, which in bia just the week before the meeting. the meeting observed. ting the proper remuneration for the ing, RMS and IMRS departments had comparison with the net profits listed GWC is the leading provider of The company also ensured, with board. captured the majority of the mar- for 2014 of QR 140.3m, was an increase logistics and supply chain solutions the approval of the Extraordinary “GWC has held strong to the posi- ket share in the State of Qatar, while of 32 percent. Additionally, the com- in the State of Qatar. Established DOHA: The GWC extraordinary General Assembly, the amendment tion of leading logistics provider in the the addition of GWC Equestrian and pany’s earnings per share had reached as a Qatari shareholding company assembly general meeting held yester- of the company’s by-laws and Arti- State of Qatar,” stated GWC Chairman UPS to the company’s service portfolio QR 3.89 in 2015, whereas the earnings in 2004; the company offers high- day passed the resolution to increase cles of Association in line with the Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jassem had already provided highly reliable per shares for 2014 were QR2.95, indi- quality warehousing and distribution the foreign ownership limit to 49 per- provisions of the New Companies bin Jabor Al Thani.“The company will returns. cating a growth in earnings per share services, hazmat logistics, freight for- cent of the company’s capital. The Act issued by the Ministry of Econ- continue to rely on the strength and Meanwhile, the GWC Sports logis- of 32 percent. warding, project logistics, sports and eleventh GWC ordinary and extraor- omy and Commerce No (11) for 2015. stability made possible by our well- tics department had delivered the This commitment to excellence has event logistics, equestrian logistics, dinary assembly general meeting, This came after a thorough review established infrastructure and by the logistical requirements for nearly all earned GWC widespread accolades, fine art logistics, supply chain con- chaired by GWC Chairman Sheikh of the company’s compliance with the loyalty of our client and highly skilled the major sporting events in Doha dur- not least of which was winning the sulting, transportation management, Abdullah bin Fahad bin Jassem bin Corporate Governance Code observed employee base.” ing the year 2015.On the infrastructure award for Leading Domestic Logistics records management, and door-to- Jabor Al Thani, also approved the dis- in the State of Qatar, as well as the The announcement of the dividend front, the GWC Bu Sulba Logistics Park Service Provider of the Year 2016 at door moving and relocation services. Qatar banks among lead loan arrangers of Royal Jordanian Airlines

The Peninsula Arranger. Mashreq acted as the sole book-run- conventional and an Islamic (Wakala) tranche. with the same success it has accomplished uncertain times demonstrates the trust and ner for the transaction. Having received an overwhelming response with Jordan based financial institutions.” confidence we and our partner banks have in The facility carries a tenor of 5 years from the market, the facility exceeded the ini- Captain Suleiman Obeidat, President/ CEO supporting reputable and strong Levant based and the proceeds of the facility will be tial target amount, exemplifying the synergies of Royal Jordanian, said: Corporates in the regional and international DOHA: The Royal Jordanian Airlines, the primarily utilized to consolidate and refi- developing between the Middle East and Levant “We would like to show our gratitude to debt market. national flag carrier of the Hashemite Kingdom nance RJ’s existing debt and further support region. Mashreq and other participating banks for Jordan has always been a strategic mar- of Jordan announced the successful closure the company’s on-going strategic growth Chairman of Royal Jordanian Board of the successful closure of this deal, which will ket for Mashreq and we remain committed of its $275m dual conventional and Islamic and turnaround plans on the short- and Directors Suleiman Hafez said: “Royal Jor- support the airline’s well-studied plans to to working alongside our core relationship secured syndicated facility. medium-run. danian Airlines has successfully secured a carry out network expansion and fleet mod- clients like Royal Jordanian to execute inno- The syndicate comprised of seven banks Through its wide distribution network of hybrid structured debt instrument as part of ernization, particularly that RJ will introduce vative financial solutions aimed at supporting based in Qatar, UAE and Jordan: They are regional partners, Mashreq endeavoured the airline’s on-going strategic capital raising more 787s to its fleet by the end of this year. their business plans and creating efficiency Mashreq Bank (Mashreq), Arab Bank, Al Kha- to meet Royal Jordanian Airlines specific program, to support its intensive turnaround Today five 787s are operating in the fleet in their operations. We would like to thank lij Commercial Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, and financing requirements and diversify its fund- and growth plans to evolve into one of the since 2014.” RJ again for entrusting us with this criti- The Commercial Bank/Qatar acting as Man- ing sources to GCC based conventional and leading airlines in the Levant and Middle Salman Gulzar, Head of Corporate Bank- cal mandate and are glad that together we dated Lead Arrangers, Arab Jordan Investment Islamic banks. The transaction successfully Eastern region. This syndication reiterates the ing at Mashreq Qatar stated: “The successful have successfully executed this significant Bank as Lead Arranger and Bank Al Etihad as encompassed a hybrid structure with a dual airline’s access to avail international liquidity, closure of this transaction by Mashreq in these transaction.”

Etisalat Q4 net Fish trade fair Manateq is Economic profit rises 2.7% Zones partner of Reuters entrepreneurship forum

DUBAI: Abu Dhabi-listed Etisalat reported a 2.7% rise in fourth-quar- The Peninsula proactively support the push to ter net profit yesterday, according strengthen and encourage the to Reuters calculations. entrepreneurial aspirations of the Etisalat, which directly and indi- citizens and residents of Qatar, as rectly operates in about 18 countries DOHA: The Economic Zones well as those from nearby countries across the Middle East, Africa and Company (Manateq) yesterday in this region,” said Fahad Rashid Asia, made a net profit of Dh2.32bn announced that it has reached Al Kaabi, CEO of Manateq. ($632m) in the three months to Dec. an agreement with the organisers “Through free-wheeling 31, Reuters calculated based on the of the third edition of ‘Entrepre- exchanges of ideas, knowledge and firm’s full-year earnings statement neurship in Economic Development experiences between an interna- in lieu of a quarterly breakdown.This Forum’ to be the event’s Economic tional line-up of leading business compares with a profit of Dh2.26bn Zones Partner. leaders of well-established busi- a year earlier, according to Reu- The initiative is part of Man- ness enterprises and well-respected ters data. ateq’s efforts to build a strong academicians, it is our hope that rel- An analyst at SICO Bahrain foundation of entrepreneurial evant courses and programmes that had forecast the former monop- skills and capabilities in Qatar will reinforce an entrepreneurial oly would post a quarterly profit and across the region. mindset among young Qatari stu- of 2.01 billion dirhams. The com- Organised by Interactive Busi- dents, professionals and business pany’s annual profit in 2015 was Fishmonger Uwe Koch-Bodes holding a large, freshly caught cod at the “Fish International” trade fair ness Network (IBN), with Qatar executives will be created. 8.265 billion dirhams compared in Bremen, Germany, yesterday. More than 270 exhibitors from over 20 countries will be at the fair, University and Qatar Development “And for us at Manateq, being with 2014’s profit of Dh8.601bn, it which runs until February 16. Bank (QDB) as Event Hosts, this year’s a catalyst for growth of a robust said in a statement. Forum, which is to be held under private sector in Qatar, we look the patronage and presence of the forward to welcoming in the future Prime Minister and Interior Minis- some of the participants in this ter, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Forum who will wish to avail of our bin Khalifa Al Thani, is scheduled world-class products and services Gulf Drilling International receives new liftboat to take place from March 7 to 8 at as new and budding entrepre- the Sheraton Doha Resort and Con- neurs,” he added. vention Hotel in Qatar. Raed Chehaib, CEO of IBN, The Peninsula any lost-time incident. has been achieved in order to sup- lower demand for drilling rig services, As a first-of-its-kind platform for said: “The support to this Forum Al Safliya, which has been char- port the expansion of GDI business, especially the offshore.” in-depth and academic discussions from key stakeholders who share tered by Gulf Liftboat to work for we have been seeking to develop the Nakilat Managing Director Abdul- on the opportunities and chal- a common aspiration of seeing a Dolphin Energy Limited, is the first lift- liftboat segment of the business for lah Al Sulaiti said: lenges of entrepreneurship in strong private sector role in nation DOHA: Gulf International Services boat to be wholly constructed in Qatar several years and it is exciting to “We are proud of the strate- Qatar and the region, the Forum building is indeed encouraging. As (GIS), the largest service group in Qatar at the Erhama bin Jaber Al Jalahma finally achieve this breakthrough. gic relationship that we share with is expected to gather some of the it is our desire to promote invest- with interests in a broad cross-section shipyard, GIS said in a regulatory fil- We welcome the opportunity to “Gulf Drilling International Limited”, most brilliant minds from the pub- ment opportunities and business of industries, has announced that its ing to Qatari bourse yesterday. work with a prestigious customer which resulted in recognizing these lic and private sectors who will activities in Qatar and the region, subsidiary Gulf Drilling International Mubarak Al Hajri, the Managing like Dolphin Energy and look for- outstanding specifications of interna- exchange valuable insights with Manateq’s presence in this Forum (GDI) have taken delivery of the new Director & Chief Executive Officer of ward to having a long and mutually tional maritime standards. We look leading personalities from the aca- is truly valuable. liftboat unit, Al Safliya. GDI stated, “GDI is pleased with the successful partnership.” forward in the future to implement demic community. Established in 2011, Manateq is The new liftboat was constructed quality delivered by Nakilat’s joint Furthermore, Ebrahim Ahmad these projects, which contribute to “As the foremost developer and a catalyst for change; a national ini- by Nakilat-Keppel Offshore & Marine venture “N-KOM” for the liftboat “Al Al-Mannai, Managing Director, Gulf strengthening the position of Qatar operator of Qatar’s new economic tiative working to diversify Qatar’s (N-KOM), the joint venture shipyard Safliya”. GDI is also proud of signing International Services commented:: in the maritime industry around zones and projects that offer world- economy through the provision between Qatar’s Nakilat and Keppel its first Liftboat Services contract “We are looking forward for a posi- the world and is a step closer to the class business environments to of world-class infrastructures Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M), in with Dolphin Energy, we are deter- tive impact on GDI financial position achievement of the Qatar National the Qatari private sector, we at within strategically placed eco- a safe and timely manner without mined to continue this success that when contracting Al-Safliya with the Vision 2030.” Manateq believe that we should nomic zones. BUSINESS MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 25 London housing crisis coming to a crunch

He cannot afford, on his salary, to buy a house in London. So this cri- London’s population sis is beginning to eat into the middle is at a record high class,” he said. Latest figures show the average of 8.6 million and London house price was £514,097 growing at around ($740,400) in December, up 12.4 percent in 12 months, compared to 100,000 a year. Some a 6.4-percent increase to £188,270 25,994 new homes across England and Wales. were built in London The London-wide median rent is £122 a week for a room in a shared in 2015, down nine home; £276 for a one-bedroom prop- percent on the erty and £402 for a three-bedroom home. Many “generation rent” young previous year professionals, whose parents bought comfortable homes in their early 20s, have given up on their dream of ever affording a property in London. AFP Students are also feeling the cri- sis bite. At University College London, more than 150 students have gone on a rent strike. One UCL block has LONDON: Londoners are getting rooms costing as much as £262 a A file picture shows demonstrators as they take part in a protest opposing the British government’s Housing and Planning Bill, in central London. desperate over rising rents, with week. residents and students taking to At this month’s protest outside the streets and social media over Downing Street, two UCL students London,” Green Party leader Natalie “Let’s provide genuinely afforda- of that to take a lodger that’s the size of At a debate this month, the two the cramped conditions tenants are carried a symbolic home-made Bennett said. “We’re now hearing of ble, secure homes for people.” a small city in extra housing.” leading contenders, Conservative Zac forced to accept. housing ladder, with all but the very junior doctors, nurses and teachers Some are proposing innovative The outrage over rising rent Goldsmith and Labour’s Sadiq Khan, With house-building lagging top rungs knocked out. “I don’t see having to commute from outside.” solutions to the situation. Rupert is fed with regular stories in local outlined their plans. well behind the population increase any prospect of owning a home — Commuting from outer London is Hunt, founder of flatshare website papers about tenants being offered Goldsmith said transport links in western Europe’s biggest city, certainly not in London,” said its not without cost in time and stress, let SpareRoom.com, is opening up his bedrooms in closets under stairs must be improved to “reflect the real- prices are soaring beyond anything co-creator, doctorate student Liam alone money. An annual travel pass own plush home in trendy Shoreditch or in corners of living rooms, or ity of more and more people living on affordable. Shaw, 24. from the city limits costs £2,364. to lodgers paying whatever they can matchbox-size houses selling for the outskirts”. “The situation is becoming unten- London’s population is at a record Part of the problem is wealthy afford, in a bid to encourage others. astronomical amounts. Khan vowed to build more “gen- able,” said retired teacher John Ford, high of 8.6 million and growing at foreign buyers snapping up high-end “Demand has increased massively. A flat dubbed the “least expensive” uinely affordable homes” and clamp 60, who joined a 2,000-strong around 100,000 a year. Some 25,994 new developments as a safe invest- It’s not unusual to see 10 or 12 peo- in London, measuring just 75 square down on developers selling property protest this month against the gov- new homes were built in London in ment and leaving them empty while ple for every room especially in some feet (7 square metres), sold last month to foreign investors. ernment’s new housing bill, which 2015, down nine percent on the pre- they accrue value. parts of London,” he said. for £79,000 in Clapton in east London. With the price of even the average would radically alter public housing vious year. “Buy-to-leave is dreadful. But the “In England there’s something like Housing is a major issue in May’s London property going up by £10,682 and the rights of its tenants. “People in the lowest-paid jobs real issue is what’s being built: homes 19 million spare rooms, empty rooms London mayoral election to decide in December alone, there will be little “My nephew is a young surgeon. have to live on the outskirts of designed for just that,” said Bennett. and if we just convinced three percent who replaces Boris Johnson. time to waste.

Opec members increasingly EasyJet eyes ‘massive keen to end oil opportunities’ in Europe glut: Nigeria AFP stock index. McCall sees opportu- Reuters nity for further growth especially in France, where EasyJet has a 15-percent market share and is ABUJA: The mood inside the Organ- LUTON: Europe’s airline sector is second only to dominant player isation of the Petroleum Exporting on course for further consolidation, Air France. Countries (Opec) is shifting from while the region offers “massive But the 54-year-old boss doesn’t mistrust to a growing consensus opportunities” for growth, according see her airline joining peer Nor- that a decision must be reached on to Carolyn McCall, chief executive of wegian Air Shuttle in become a how to end the global oil price rout, British budget airline EasyJet. long-haul operator and entering for Nigeria’s oil minister said. “I definitely think there will be example the US market, despite the Oil prices have slumped by consolidation in Europe,” McCall low oil-price environment. more than 70 percent to near $30 told AFP in a recent interview held “Long-haul for us is not on our a barrel over the past 18 months in EasyJet’s headquarters at Luton agenda. We think it’s a different model, as Opec, led by top producer Saudi airport, north of London. And she we think it’s a high risk model. We Arabia, sought to drive higher-cost believes the company can build on await with interest how Norwegian producers out of the market by its exceptionally strong growth dur- does and of course if they make it a refusing to cut production despite ing her almost six years in charge. great success I’m sure others will fol- a supply glut. “If you actually look at the low but it’s not for now,” said McCall. The price crash has crippled whole of Europe, we still see mas- EasyJet’s boss does however some economies that depend heav- sive opportunities for growth. foresee a coming together of airlines, ily on oil sales for income, such as “That is competing with some with Europe mirroring consolida- Nigeria and Venezuela, and even low cost carriers, but it is still mainly tion experienced in the United States. Saudi Arabia is shoring up its competing with the legacy carriers,” “In the US... it happened much Helicopters and aeroplanes forming the static display at the Singapore Air Show yesterday. resources to withstand the pain- she said from a hangar painted in the more quickly and now there are four ful revenue drop. carrier’s famous orange and trans- big airline groups,” she noted. “There’s increased conversa- formed to house EasyJet’s control “There are many other consid- tion going on. I think when we met centre and top management team. erations when you look at airlines in Slowdown fears overshadow in December ... they (Opec mem- Since McCall’s appointment in Europe, including political consider- bers) were hardly talking to one 2010, EasyJet has grown pre-tax ations. So it is a different landscape another. Everyone was protecting profits from around £50m to almost but consolidation will happen and I their own positional logic,” Nige- £700m ($1bn) in its last financial year. think we will be part of driving some Singapore aviation show rian oil minister Emmanuel Ibe “It’s an enormous profit growth of that consolidation.” Kachiwku said. “Now I think you and we need to reinvest some of McCall said that the low oil price have cross-logic ... they are looking our money.... Our aim is to continue environment was “making it easier Reuters durability of an aerospace expan- But rather than counting up new at what are the deficiencies, what to grow profit and particularly to for legacy carriers to stay alive with sion cycle now in an unprecedented orders, analysts say investors’ main is the optimum.” grow returns for shareholders,” their capacity in Europe”. eighth year. concern this week will be to check Struggling oil producers have said McCall, who is one of only six She added: “They’re allowing After a lacklustre show in Dubai for signs of waning travel or jetliner made repeated calls for an emer- women heading a company trading some capacity that would not exist SINGAPORE: Aerospace leaders in November, the industry’s expo demand and whether an overloaded gency Opec meeting, but Kachikwu on London’s benchmark FTSE 100 at a higher price of fuel.” gathering for this week’s Singapore bandwagon rolls into the crucial supply chain is in danger of break- said that the timing had not been Airshow face conflicting pressures Southeast Asian region without the ing as manufacturers work to turn right. The cartel’s next regular as they juggle growing concerns over carnival atmosphere of previous a record backlog of orders into a meeting is in June. jetliner demand while keeping record years. “All the thoughts that this is smooth flow of deliveries. The International Energy production plans on track. no longer a cyclical industry have “We will be keeping a close eye Agency said on January 19 that oil Worries about the effects of a fal- disappeared. We are due for a down- on traffic this year to see if we can markets could be oversupplied by tering global economy and tensions in cycle,” said aerospace consultant detect emerging signs of weakness,” as much as 1.5 million barrels per the South China Sea overshadow the Jerrold Lundquist, managing direc- said Rob Morris, head of consultancy day in the first half of 2016 and two-yearly event in Singapore, which tor of The Lundquist Group. at UK-based Flightglobal Ascend. warned that prices could decline is both a major commercial travel hub “(But) I don’t think there will be Doubts over economic conditions further as Iran’s emergence from and home to Southeast Asia’s most any impact in the next 18-24 months. have not stopped Airbus and Boeing economic sanctions brings more potent and best-trained air force. It is when you get beyond 24 months pursuing a battle of wits over new crude to the market. For now, airline traffic con- that you might see some softening.” designs. Opec has declined to trim tinues to grow rapidly, spurred by Southeast Asia is one of the Airbus, anxious to close the gap output without help from non- continued growth in Asian house- industry’s major drivers and has between its new 369-seat A350-1000 members, which so far have hold incomes, while airline profits placed record orders in recent years, and the 406-seat Boeing 777X, is refused to participate. Russia, the also benefit from low oil prices. But leading to speculation of overca- seeking an influential champion such world’s biggest oil producer, has as aerospace industry shares fall in pacity. Some carriers, including as Singapore Airlines for a poten- played coy by floating the idea of EasyJet CEO Carolyn McCall gestures during an interview at the step with tumbling global markets, Philippine Airlines, are expected to tial bigger version of its A350 series, a cut without saying whether it airline’s headquarters at Luton airport, north of London. analysts increasingly question the acquire new aircraft this week. industry sources said. would participate. 26 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 9,600.97 1.21 % QE Total Return Index 14,973.68 1.21 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,446.18 0.89 % QE All Share Index 2,561.44 1.14 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,619.46 0.77 % QE All Share Industrials 2,788.48 2.13 % QE All Share Transportation 2,332.26 1.27 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,076.62 0.80 % QE All Share Insurance 3,997.77 0.53 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,065.96 1.32 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 5,393.06 1.30 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 14-02-2016 Today 11-01-2016 Previous day Index 9,600.97 9,485.90 Change 115.07 133.58 % 1.21 1.39 YTD% 7.94 9.05 Volume 8,088,842 8,496,724 Value (QAR) 238,290,351.82 318,549,424.38 Trades 3,493 4,286 Up 34 | Down 06 | Unchanged 01

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 5022.092 -3.533 -0.07 5379.6 4857.9 Cac 40 Index/D 4092.91 -107.76 -2.57 4586.11 4084.68 Dj Indu Average 16204.97 -211.61 -1.29 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 19288.17 105.08 0.55 21794.84 18534.3 Iseq Overall/D 5881.31 -194.4 -3.2 6791.68 6067.03 Karachi 100 In/D 32706.22 227.24 0.7 33304.4 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 17004.3 184.71 1.1 18951.12 16017.26 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2134.72 1812.29

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.2522 QR 5.2329 Euro QR 4.0612 QR 4.1433 CA$ QR 2.6047 QR 2.6641 Qatar and UAE bourses climb; Saudi sinks Swiss Fr QR 3.6887 QR 3.7821 Yen QR 0.0324 QR 0.0330 Aus$ QR 2.5579 QR 2.6229 Reuters world glut, while US and European shares “Loan growth in the fourth quarter Properties and Dana Gas , two of the most Ind Re QR 0.0525 QR 0.0537 rebounded. came in weaker than management’s expec- heavily traded stocks, advancing 5.6 and Pak Re QR 0.0345 QR 0.0352 But while the improved global environ- tations due to the shortage of FX currency, 2.0 percent respectively. But blue chip Peso QR 0.0753 QR 0.0777 ment supported other Gulf markets, local which resulted in a drop in working cap- National Bank of Abu Dhabi fell 2.7 percent. SL Re QR 0.0250 QR 0.0256 DUBAI: Stock markets in the Middle East traders in Saudi Arabia dumped small ital lending to companies,” said a note by Doha’s index rose 1.2 percent, cut- diverged to an unusual degree yesterday, and mid-cap stocks with the insurance Kuwait’s NBK Capital. The note added that ting its losses to 7.6 percent in 2016. Gulf Taka QR 0.0458 QR 0.0469 with Saudi Arabia and Egypt falling close sub-sector index, a focus of short-term if this cycle continued, capital expendi- International Services, the oil drilling rig Nep Re QR 0.0330 QR 0.0337 to multi-year lows while other major Gulf investors, dropping 5.3 percent. ture in Egypt would probably be affected. provider, was the most heavily traded SA Rand QR 0.2267 QR 0.2311 bourses edged up. Al Tayyar Travel tumbled 9.4 percent. Markets in the UAE and Qatar, which stock; it jumped 6 percent in heavy trade. Riyadh’s benchmark rose in early trade The firm said in a statement it had bought a are believed to have stronger state finances but closed 1.8 percent lower at 5,558 points 33.3 percent stake in online shopping web- than Saudi Arabia and much more room HIGHLIGHTS GOLD AND SILVER in extremely volatile trade. It has impor- site Wadi.com for SR125.6m ($33.5m), and than Egypt to keep their economies grow- SAUDI ARABIA: The index fell 1.8 per- tant technical support at January’s low of that it would finance the purchase from ing with fiscal spending, fared better. cent to 5,558 points. GOLD QR144.9167 per gramme 5,349 points. retained earnings. Wadi.com said that in Dubai’s index rose 1.0 percent to 3,011 EGYPT: The index dropped 1 percent SILVER QR1.8298 per gramme “The oscillation in trading activity total, it raised $67m in the Middle East tech points, recovering some of its 2.6 percent loss to 5,754 points. points to bearish technicals and to inves- sector’s largest Series A funding. on Thursday, though it closed 31 points below DUBAI: The index rose 1 percent to tors’ nerves - they are now worried about Egypt’s index, which had plunged 4.1 its intra-day high. Emaar Properties added 3,011 points. rising geopolitical tensions,” said a Riy- percent on Thursday, gave up early gains 1.7 percent but Damac Properties fell 1.2 per- ABU DHABI: The index edged up 0.1 adh-based portfolio manager. and retreated 1 percent to 5,754 points, 41 cent after trading up as much as 2.5 percent. percent to 4,075 points. Saudi Arabia confirmed late on Sat- points away from a 27-month closing low Drake & Scull closed 1.2 percent higher QATAR: The index added 1.2 percent China’s central bank urday that it would send aircraft to hit on January 21. Commercial Interna- after the construction company posted a to 9,601 points. Nato-member Turkey’s Incirlik air base tional Bank fell 2.5 percent after it slumped quarterly net profit of Dh14.7m ($4m); an KUWAIT: The index edged down 0.01 as part of the campaign against Islamic 7.1 percent on Thursday, when it posted analyst at SICO Bahrain had forecast a net percent to 5,131 points. chief says no reason State militants. Global oil prices surged as fourth-quarter net profit of 1.15bn Egyp- loss of Dh38.6m. The stock rose as much OMAN: The index edged up 0.1 percent much as 12 percent on Friday after a media tian pounds ($147m), up 11 percent, but cut as 7.1 percent intra-day. to 5,365 points. for yuan to fall further report once again suggested Opec might its planned dividend, saying it wanted to In Abu Dhabi, the benchmark edged BAHRAIN: The index was flat at 1,166 agree to restrain production to reduce the boost its capital adequacy ratio. up 0.1 percent in modest volume with RAK points.

AFP

SHANGHAI: China’s central bank chief has blamed for- eign speculators in part for volatility in the yuan and Chinese cues to guide said there is no basis for further depreciation, accord- ing to an interview in Caixin magazine. The Chinese economy grew 6.9 percent in 2015 — the slowest rate since 1990 — and capital has been flowing Indian equity markets out of the country due to worries over flagging growth, causing the currency to weaken. “International speculative forces have recently focused IANS corporate earnings especially the domes- on shorting China,” People’s Bank of China Governor tic bank earnings.” Zhou Xiaochuan said, according to a transcript of the “The RBIs (Reserve Bank of India’s) interview posted on the bank’s website on Saturday. response to tight liquidity and INR weak- “They are eager to manufacture public opinion to MUMBAI: Trends in the Chinese indices, ness would be watched. How government try to force an outcome as soon as possible,” he said, coupled with domestic macro-economic responds to capitalisation of the banks’ but did not identify them. data and a rebound in crude oil prices, are NPAs (non-performing assets) issue now Chinese state media has taken aim at investor George expected to guide the Indian equity mar- or in the budget is important.” Soros for saying at the recent World Economic Forum in kets during the upcoming week. However, Indian markets are expected Davos that a hard landing for the world’s second larg- Even the last of the domestic quarterly to open on a firm footing following a est economy is “practically unavoidable”. earning results, the rupee’s trajectory and healthy rebound in US markets and rising In early January China guided the yuan — also known the interest of foreign investors will give crude oil prices on Friday. as the renminbi — down by setting its daily fix lower vital cues to the next moves of the markets. “With US markets ending in the green for eight consecutive sessions, representing a 1.4 per- The biggest trigger cited by market on Friday, we may see some short term cent fall, before it returned to stability. observers will be the direction taken by recovery in the markets today,” Vaibhav A man watches stock prices on a digital broadcast on the facade of the Bombay The falls raised fears of a creeping devaluation, as it the mainland Chinese stock markets, which Agarwal, vice president and research head Stock Exchange building in Mumbai. echoed moves in mid-August when China adjusted the will form a major theme for not only equity at Angel Broking, said. yuan down nearly five percent over a week. markets, but also the rupee. “However, the trend continues to Zhou vowed China would use its massive foreign The Chinese stock markets will open remain negative and we may see the mar- Dhruv Desai, director and chief oper- global cues had dragged the domestic exchange holdings to defend the yuan. after a week’s holiday on account of the kets drift lower in the coming days.” ating officer at Tradebulls, noted: “The equity markets to their lowest levels in “China has the world’s largest foreign exchange Chinese New Year celebrations. The Chi- According to Agarwal, a key trigger month- end major event of the union over 21 months. Markets declined for four reserves,” he said. “We will not let speculative forces nese mainland stock markets were closed could be a strong growth-oriented union budget would be the major trigger for consecutive sessions to post their biggest guide market sentiment.” from February 8-12. budget, which allows the central govern- Indian markets and the ongoing turmoil weekly loss since July, 2009. The country’s foreign exchange reserves dropped “The most important thing global mar- ment to maintain its fiscal deficit targets. in global markets may continue.” Despite some recovery on Friday due $99.5bn to $3.2 trillion in January, according to offi- kets would wait for very eagerly next week Gaurav Jain, director with Hem Secu- Market participants will keenly watch to short-covering, both the bellwether cial figures, as the central bank sold dollars to slow the is how financial markets in China open,” rities, elaborated that movement of crude out for any announcements by the cen- indices ended the week below the psy- slide in the yuan. Pankaj Sharma, head of equities for Equi- oil prices, domestic macro-economic num- tral government on the upcoming union chologically important levels of 23,000 But Zhou said: “There is no foundation for contin- rus Securities, said. “That would reflect the bers and the rupee-dollar movement will budget. Market participants are hopeful and 7,000-point marks. ued depreciation (of the currency).” confidence investors show in the future of dictate trends on the two major indices. that the central government may increase On a weekly basis, the barometer He pledged that currency reforms would continue Chinese economy after so much global tur- Global crude oil prices have slightly expenditure, announce tax concessions 30-scrip sensitive index (S&P Sensex) of despite the turmoil although the government would bulence this week.” edged-up to above $27 per barrel from and pave the way to reduce the NPAs lev- the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) plunged maintain its management role. China keeps a tight grip Sharma also highlighted the impor- their recent sub-$26 lows. els of the banking sector. by 1,630.85 points or 6.62 percent to on the yuan on worries free capital flows will bring tance that the last of Q3 numbers will have Macro-economic data such as the Analysts added that hopes of an 22,986.12 points. financial risk and reduce its control. as a driving force behind the equity mar- monthly industrial production, retail and upward movement will give investors some Similarly, the wider 50-scrip Nifty of “Sometimes the market will show flaws, by being kets. Devendra Nevgi, chief executive of wholesale inflation figures are expected reprieve after last week’s bloodbath at the the National Stock Exchange (NSE) receded controlled by speculative forces or short-term senti- ZyFin Advisors, predicted: “The markets to impact investor sentiments during the equity markets. by 508.15 points or 6.78 percent to 6,980.95 ment and a herd effect,” Zhou said. will be driven by global risk sentiment and upcoming week. Poor earning results and negative points. BUSINESS VIEWS MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 27

New standard aims Global economy desperately to raise bar for seeking signs of inflation ethical palm oil

By Megan Rowling goals as set out in the New York Reuters Declaration on Forests - to halve deforestation by 2020 and end it by 2030”, Unilever added in an new, stricter standard for emailed comment. sustainable palm oil aims The RSPO’s Morley noted A to unify business efforts to that the new standard would stop deforestation and respect not establish a separate physical local people’s rights when devel- supply chain, but palm oil buyers oping plantations, while boosting would participate by buying RSPO consumer demand for the product. NEXT credits from verified grow- The Roundtable on Sustain- ers, likely to be available from the able Palm Oil (RSPO) this week third quarter of 2016. launched “RSPO NEXT”, a volun- Only companies that are tary add-on to its existing criteria already buying 100 percent cer- for sustainably grown palm oil, tified sustainable palm oil will be catering for growers, traders and able to purchase the NEXT credits. buyers that want to go the extra Carl Bek-Nielsen, chief exec- mile. utive director of oil palm grower The RSPO said the new stand- United Plantations Berhad, said ard was created in response to this stipulation was key because demand from member compa- it should help expand demand for nies that have already promised to certified palm oil - which lags make their supply chains greener behind supply. and more ethical, but have had to Today only around half the monitor their own progress so far. world’s sustainable palm oil sup- “If you bring that into the RSPO, ply is sold as such, with the rest you get that credibility of a third- sold as ordinary, uncertified oil. party system of assurance, and “The growers in the past were you manage to link up the whole actually taking a leap of faith and of the supply chain,” said Danielle jumped into the RSPO voluntarily, Traders work in front of the German share price index, DAX board, at the stock exchange in Frankfurt. Morley, RSPO’s European direc- trying to provide the consumers - tor of outreach and engagement. the end users - with palm oil that Certified sustainable palm oil could be certified as sustainable. accounts for around a fifth of the The problem is that the uptake of By Sumanta Dey against expectations that the European Cen- by Beijing’s currency devaluation. global market in the cheap edi- sustainable palm oil is so poor,” Reuters tral Bank would ease policy in March. Policymakers have tried to instil ble oil, which is produced mainly Bek-Nielsen said from Malaysia, Inflation data from Britain, Canada, confidence among investors regarding from fruits grown on plantations home to most of the company’s China and the United States next week may their policy intentions by setting higher in Asia, West Africa and Latin production. ow that markets have delivered set the tone for the global economy. trading guidance on the Chinese yuan in America. “It sends a dreadful message their verdict on inflation - it’s Reuters polls suggest at best tepid price the last couple of weeks. Palm oil is used in a host of to the growers,” he added. “Why not picking up any time soon - rises, but market watchers will still look at Still, strategists in Reuters polls predict everyday goods, from soap to should we bend over backwards economic data due next week the underlying trends in inflation to gauge the yuan will fall to a multi-year low in the breakfast cereals, as well as for and make a triple somersault will show whether price pres- whether another round of policy easing and coming 12 months. frying and fuel. when no one wants to pay for this Nsures are rising meaningfully or falling back stimulus is warranted. Financial market turmoil, the The policies demanded by performance?” in some of the world’s major economies. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen weakness in China’s economy and risks the new standard include bans Bek-Nielsen described the A global rout in stock markets, curren- hinted this week the path to higher interest to growth and inflation were among the on cutting down forests and price premium for sustainable cies, commodities and bond yields has so rates in the United States may be less steep concerns highlighted by Fed Chair Janet planting on peatland, allowing palm oil as “peanuts”, and urged far defined 2016. Investors seem to have than previously thought, given the broad Yellen earlier this week in her semi-annual plantations to be developed only consumers to pay a little more for lost faith in central banks’ abilities to boost market sell-off. testimony to Congress. in areas where vegetation and soil ethically produced oil, provid- inflation, with signs the world economy is It’s not that the outlook for inflation in While the path of US monetary policy contain low stocks of carbon. ing a carrot for growers to raise stalling. Five-year inflation-linked swaps in developed economies has changed dra- this year is unclear at best, scheduled To qualify, palm oil growers their standards. Besides boost- the euro zone , for example, suggest annual matically in the past three months in polls speeches of various presidents of regional must also monitor and reduce ing demand, there are hopes that price growth will be just 1.4 percent even as conducted by Reuters. Federal Reserve banks, among them planet-warming emissions across RSPO NEXT will increase trans- far out as 2021. But a 75 percent crash in oil prices since Philadelphia, Minneapolis, San Francisco their entire operations. And they parency in the supply chain. “Most people don’t understand what has mid-2014, and weak global demand, led by and Cleveland, over the week could need to have plans and proce- In November, RSPO mem- spooked markets. It’s China’s slowing economy, have dragged throw some light on the thinking among dures in place to prevent and bers - who include investors and up to economic data down market inflation gauges like swaps policymakers. fight fires both on plantations campaign groups - supported a now to demonstrate and sovereign bond yields, with vast swathes Cleveland Fed President Loretta and around their estates. resolution to improve the qual- that markets have gone now showing negative yields. The yield of Mester, currently a voting member on US On human rights, growers will ity, oversight and credibility of overboard in project- Germany’s benchmark bunds has fallen over monetary policy, and considered relatively have to agree terms for a living assessments by outside auditors. ing very low inflation,” 40 basis points since January to its lowest in hawkish, may also give some indication wage with their workers, and help The move came after a report said Jeavon Lolay, head nearly a year. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index and of how far off she sees the next interest small-scale producers develop from the London-based Envi- of economics at Lloyds the S&P 500 in the US have fallen over 20 rate increase. green business skills. ronmental Investigation Agency Banking Group. percent and 10 percent respectively. Inflation data due next Friday are Consumer goods giant Uni- and Malaysian NGO Grassroots A global rout in stock “One reason is prob- The start of the week will probably unlikely to make the picture any clearer, lever said the new standard exposed flaws in the certifica- markets, currencies, ably that markets don’t set the tone for markets. Trade data out of although economists predict higher would integrate the RSPO’s best tion process. believe the response China, due on Monday, are predicted to show annual price growth in January compared practices with the high ambition To obtain RSPO NEXT veri- commodities and from policymakers is exports slumped at a faster rate in January. with December. shown by leading companies fication, palm oil will have to be bond yields has so adequate.” The Bank of “The trade figures out of China will “It was striking how frequently Yellen working towards stronger com- traceable to the plantation where Japan surprised markets probably be diced by markets for (their) used the prepared line ‘monetary policy is mitments on “no deforestation” it was produced. far defined 2016. late last month by cut- impact on commodity prices and global not on a preset course’ whenever she was and responsible plantation Paul Wolvekamp, deputy Investors seem to ting its deposit rate to growth,” Lolay said. Inflation data for asked whether recent developments had development. The advanced cer- director of environmental jus- negative. But the impact January due later in the week are likely to changed the outlook,” said Jim O’Sullivan tification could play “a significant tice NGO Both ENDS and an RSPO have lost faith in seems limited to some show a slight uptick, although producer of High Frequency Economics, the most role in the critical next stage of board member, said it would also central banks’ abilities knee-jerk weakening in prices are still expected to have fallen more accurate forecaster in Reuters polls last the journey to eliminating defor- encourage more active communi- to boost inflation, the Japanese yen. Swe- than 5 percent from a year ago. year. estation in the extended supply cation with local people affected den’s Riksbank also China’s markets will reopen on Monday “The comments further lessen the chains by 2020 and the broader by plantation development. with signs the world slashed its repo rate to after a week’s holiday to mark the Lunar already very low likelihood that the Fed economy is stalling. -0.50 percent on Thurs- New Year. That gave its stock markets will be tightening again as soon as the next day, partly as insurance a break from the turbulence triggered meeting in March.” Fed’s ‘dot plot’ looks increasingly out of touch on rates

By Ann Saphir that envisages four rate hikes this year, ver- listed speaking engagements until the March different views on policy, and have a pleth- Reuters sus market pricing of a one in three chance of Federal Open Markets Committee meeting - ora of staff forecasts and models volleying even a single rate rise this year. Fed officials a gathering the Fed had wanted to keep on around the Washington-based board of gov- say that while the dots, issued every quarter, the cards for a potential rate rise. ernors and 12 regional banks. HE Federal Reserve’s rate path “dot plot” do not represent a rate path per se, they can The Fed appears to have no plans to ditch Yellen herself has run both hot and cold has become increasingly detached from be used to manage expectations. the dots. San Francisco Fed President John on the dot plot. In March 2014 she warned Tfinancial markets’ interest-rate projec- “Part of the problem is that it is consist- Williams suggested last month that they against giving the rate forecasts too much tions and risks sending an overly hawkish ently wrong,” said Tim Duy, an economics remain a central part of the Fed’s policy tool- weight. A year later she elevated their impor- message that may undermine the central professor at the University of Oregon. “The box, telling reporters they are a means for tance by listing the median dot reading bank’s credibility. second part of the problem is that the Fed policymakers to “adjust the path of policy along with the rest of the Fed’s projections Despite falling inflation expectations and doesn’t seem to recognise how terrible their down” if the economy takes a turn for the on growth, unemployment and inflation, turmoil in financial markets this week as con- forecasts have been.” worse. The problem with the anonymous dot and providing new color about the thinking cerns about growth mounted, the Fed hewed Fed officials have had to regularly ratchet plot is that it does not provide a clear picture behind some of the dots. to its message that it could build on Decem- down their dot-plot forecasts since they began of the Fed’s majority view. Because the fore- Many economists expect the Fed to lower ber’s rate rise with further hikes in 2016. publishing them four years ago. At the time the casts are anonymous, critics say, economists its dot-plot forecasts yet again when it pub- Both Fed Chair Janet Quite how many rises is unclear, and Fed said the publication of individual rate fore- end up guessing which dot belongs to Yellen. lishes new ones after its next policy-setting Yellen and New York Fed there is just one tool economists can use casts would give markets a better idea of where The International Monetary Fund is meeting in mid-March. to get an idea: A chart in the Fed’s quar- the Fed was heading. Economists say it was a among critics of the current arrangement. “The median of the dot plot will likely Chief William Dudley terly “Summary of Economic Projections” useful signaling tool to reinforce the bank’s Much better, it and others believe, would be migrate to three rate hikes or maybe even two suggested this week that known colloquially as the dot plot. The chart commitment to zero rates. to issue a staff forecast, similar to what the quarter-point rate hikes for 2016,” predicted shows individual Federal Reserve rate setters’ “I think they have outlived their useful- European Central Bank produces, so that Bank of the West economist Scott Anderson. rate rises were still on expectations, although they are not identi- ness and they risk sending a signal that (Fed analysts and the public have a clearer view Even that puts the Fed far from what the cards, pointing to the fied by name. officials) have a ‘plan’ rather than that they of where the Fed thinks the economy and many investors expect. Both Fed Chair Janet Yellen and New York are data dependent,” said JP Morgan econo- rates are heading. Members of Congress have As much as the Fed would like to think underlying health of the Fed Chief William Dudley suggested this week mist Michael Feroli. made similar suggestions. its dot plot manages market expectations, US economy that rate rises were still on the cards, pointing Prior to Yellen’s appearance this week But the idea has always foundered at an it is likely to have to bring it in line with the to the underlying health of the US economy. in Congress, she had not spoken since sign- institution whose various members give dif- market’s interest rate outlook, said econo- Neither referred directly to the “dot plot” ing off on the December rate rise. She has no ferent weight to different bits of data, have mist Diane Swonk. 28 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS BACK TO BUSINESS

Stress and the City: Britain’s bank sight workers buckle under pressure Oil industry bosses By Sinead Cruise and Anjuli Davies Reuters upbeat on market rebound WINDLING job secu- rity, heavier workloads, regulatory upheaval and AFP of oil has slashed the profits of the poor public image of energy companies, prompting the banking sector are them to cut or defer investment Dtaking a toll on the mental health of and axe thousands of jobs. Total Britain’s bank workers. Eight years LONDON: Movers and shak- also revealed it would invest up after the global financial crisis, stress ers from the oil industry to $2bn less in 2016 than origi- in the industry has pushed up demand descended on London last nally planned, as it grapples with for insurance to protect revenues week and expressed opti- ultra-low prices. against the cost of paying staff too mism over a sharp rebound in “It’s quite a crisis that this sick to work, insurance data show. the beleaguered crude market industry is facing,” added Pouy- “The problem has gone into a new later this year. anne. Dudley estimated that about stratosphere since the financial cri- Bob Dudley, Chief Execu- “$400bn of projects have been sis ... Those who still have a job are tive of British energy major BP, deferred or cancelled” by the glo- vilified,” said Jagdev Kenth, direc- forecast at the International bal energy sector in response to tor of risk and regulatory strategy Petroleum Week industry con- the market’s recent collapse. He in the financial institutions group at ference on Wednesday that “the warned: “That’s going to lead to Willis Towers Watson. “Most haven’t daily (oil) supply and demand” another reaction” in the oil market. had anything to do with the scandals. will be balanced in the second BP recently posted the group’s A man walks past a branch of The Royal Bank of Scotland in central London. They’re working longer hours, doing half. “Every storage tank and biggest annual loss in at least 20 two to three jobs, under greater pres- swimming pool will be full of oil,” years, ravaged by tumbling oil sure. Something has to give.” mainly working in retail and back a comprehensive mental health ben- market showed investment banks are Dudley told delegates, acknowl- prices. Energy companies tended Once havens for prestigious, office roles at Lloyds Banking Group, efit for employees and their family,” it up to 30 percent more likely to make edging the vast global supply glut to over-invest in times of high highly-paid and lifelong careers, Royal Bank of Scotland, HSBC and said. Several UK lenders have teamed claims for staff suffering mental and that sent prices plunging close to price levels in the commodity banks have undergone rapid cultural TSB, said they worked additional up with the Bank Workers Charity psychological conditions than other 13-year lows under $27 per barrel cycle, according to Pouyanne. and structural change at the behest unpaid hours last year. Lloyds, RBS to provide training for line manag- policyholders on its books. last week. “And then... the mar- “When the prices are high we of regulators tasked with reining and TSB referred requests for com- ers on supporting stressed staff more Suicide mortality rates per ket starts to pull the plug. over-invest, when the prices are them in. Tougher capital rules, hefty ments to trade body the British sensitively. 100,000 of population in the City of “And I think we will begin to high we have an impact on the misconduct fines, and the closure Bankers’ Association, which repre- “Banks are conscious that there London, home to the historic Square see the fundamentals (of sup- demand (but) when the prices are of riskier business lines have forced sents all the banks covered by the are trends that make life stressful for Mile financial district, have consist- ply and demand) take over,” he low we under-invest and we have banks to slash staff. Unite survey. their employees ... they are focus- ently outnumbered any other London said, indicating prices would pull a positive (impact) on demand,” he Ten of Europe’s largest lenders Around two-thirds of respondents ing on wellbeing in a way that they borough since 2009, government data higher in the third or fourth quar- told delegates. Pouyanne added: have axed 130,000 jobs since June, cited heavier workloads and around weren’t 10 years ago,” Paul Barrett, accurate to end-2013 shows. ter. Dudley cautioned however “Clearly we are today in a crisis Reuters data shows. The impact of a fifth blamed pressure to perform. head of wellbeing at the Bank Work- “Part of the problem is that we that $100 oil would not return of an excess of supply, an excess stress has reached all the way up to Seventy-two percent said they were ers Charity, said. are an industry that downsizes all the any time soon. of capacity, and also because the the higher echelons of the banking considering quitting their jobs as a Health and Safety Executive sta- time,” said one banker who has been World oil prices rose on Friday, demand was lower than expected.” industry. In 2011, Lloyds Chief Exec- result. “Work-related stress is a very tistics show jobs in financial services made redundant several times in a with US crude rebounding from a The Total boss said excess utive Antonio Horta-Osorio took two serious and increasing problem,” said are 44 percent more likely to lead career spanning more than three dec- 2003 low to reach almost $30 per capacity stood at 2m barrels months off after suffering sleep dep- Dominic Hook, the union’s National to stress-related illnesses than the ades. “London is also the first place barrel, on reports Opec was willing per day (b/d), which he added rivation and exhaustion. Officer for Finance, responsible for average UK job, meaning employ- people cut. There’s a constant threat to organise output cuts that could was “not so big” compared to a Two years later senior British 130,000 members in financial services. ers are also taking steps to control of being axed in London,” he said. curb global oversupply. However, total market of 90m b/d. How- banker Hector Sants, at the time head The British Bankers’ Association the hit to their finances caused by Those suffering from stress in the prices have nevertheless slumped ever, he estimated that about 25m of compliance at Barclays, was signed said protecting staff’s physical and staff absences. Demand for special workplace were reluctant to talk on by about 70 percent since mid-2014 b/d of new capacity was required off on medical after suffering stress. mental wellbeing was “a top prior- insurance products known as Group the record to Reuters given the sensi- with the market awash with crude. between now and 2020, and cited Sants subsequently resigned. ity” for its members, who are devising Income Protection (GIP) policies is tive nature of the topic. This may also Patrick Pouyanne, Chief the impact of declining produc- As risks of a global recession more innovative ways to prevent rising steadily among financial sec- mean many cases go unreported as Executive of Total, agreed that tion from existing oil fields and mount, investors want banks to slim problems occurring. tor employers, according to global employees fear telling their line man- prices would charge higher increasing energy demand. Pouy- down further. Almost three out of four These include in-house counsel- insurer MetLife. agers or colleagues. towards the end of the year. “I anne warned there would be an bank employees admitted to work- lors, mental health ‘first aid’ courses, Tom Gaynor, Employee Benefits New patient assessments at a spe- think that the price will be higher estimated shortfall of between place stress manifested by anxiety yoga sessions for traders, and more Director at MetLife UK , said the aver- cialist wellbeing clinic operated in the at the end of the year 2016 than it five and 10m b/d by 2020, which attacks, insomnia, headaches and comprehensive mental healthcare age employer paid the equivalent of City by private mental healthcare firm is today,” Pouyanne said. he added would also push prices depression, a survey conducted by plans. HSBC said it had a number of 1 to 1.5 percent of annual payroll to The Priory are up 106 percent in the The recent slump in the cost higher in the longer term. trade union Unite between Septem- initiatives to reduce stress-related insure themselves against the cost of year to January 31, with more than ber and December showed. illnesses. “These include providing a staff sick leave. 70 new patients registering on aver- Some 85 percent of respondents, healthcare plan to all employees with Data from MetLife’s core US age each month.

The budget carriers have captured a lot of market Capital share but one has to ask how profitable are they Tony Tyler, Director General, and are the growth plans that some of them have IATA Comment realistic.

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Turmoil could hold back Market Talk eurozone inflation Project Syndicate @ MoneyBeat ProSyn NAME IN THE MARKET: COGNITIVE TECHNOLOGIES Reuters monetary policy tool. The ECB is Europe may lose its buying assets, mostly govern- agenda-setting power Just because Jamie Dimon ment bonds, to boost lending and raise inflation back to its bought J.P. Morgan Chase FRANKFURT: Europe’s finan- target of nearly 2 percent from & Co. stock, doesn’t mean cial market turmoil could delay around zero after three straight Bloomberg Business @ a rise in inflation even further years of misses. you should, Deutsche Bank and banks will need to be fixed Coeure said banks are fac- business analysts told clients Friday with forceful action over time, ing low profitability and some European Central Bank Execu- are struggling with a high level tive Board member Benoit Coeure of non-performing loans. “None The shipping industry told a German newspaper. of these challenges are new: they is suffering from Chi- The euro area inflation out- have been clearly identified, they na’s trade slowdown look is already weighed down by require forceful action and they sharply lower oil prices and slow- will be solved over time,” Coeure World Bank Energy @ ing global growth, and the market said and added that it was also up Private Equity Beat volatility is compounding the to eurozone governments to enact WBG_Energy problem, Coeure told Rheinische growth friendly policies. Post. “If that (volatility) continues “If this does not happen, we At #COP21 the private US private equity fund for too long, it can also increase will have to keep rates low for a sector was more active managers responding to a the risk of a rise in inflation being very long time,” he added. “Our & visible than ever delayed,” Coeure said. advice to euro area governments before. survey have a less positive Eurozone bank shares are is to use the savings gained from outlook on this year’s down nearly 30 percent since the lower cost of debt refinanc- World Bank @WorldBank the start of the year on concerns ing in a growth-friendly way investment environment than about profitability, potentially to help their citizens,” Coeure Women make up their European peers, although increasing the cost of capital for added. He said government almost 1/2 the world’s respondents from both sides of banks and holding back lending. should reduce taxes on labour, labor force but don’t That could reduce the effec- create more incentives for pri- get paid for the hard- the pond were cautious about tiveness of the ECB’s 1.5 trillion vate investment, or reduce their est jobs high valuations. asset buying programme, its key deficits where required. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 32 PAGE | 34 Bryant soaks up Record-breaking warm farewell Voges puts from frigid outpost Australia in control

MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 • 6 Jumada I 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

On-target Estudiantes finish in seventh spot

The Peninsula FOOTBALL: AL KASS INTERNATIONAL CUP

DOHA: Estudiantes de la Plata remaining, Mansour notched one of claimed the seventh spot of the Al the goals of the tournament. Pick- Kass International Cup 2016 when ing up the ball 10 yards inside the they held off Aspire Academy 4-2 in opposition half, he sprinted forward, a penalty shootout, following a head evading two tough challenges before to head battle which prevailed both executing a superb chip from the sides from tasting victory at full time. right of the penalty area that nes- The contest was lit up by a stunning tled in the far corner. individual goal from Aspire’s Kha- Few missed chances saw the lid Mansour with scores leveling at game drifting towards the inevitable 1-1 in normal time. penalty shootout. The first two spot The Argentines were operat- kicks were scored before Aspire’s ing with three centre backs and Ahmad Sebaie’s powerful effort two wing-backs, and the deploy- cannoned back off the crossbar, ment of an extra defender meant handing Estudiantes an advantage that close attention was continu- that increased when Abdulaziz Al- ally paid to Aspire’s frontline, who Hasia saw his poor effort saved. found progress difficult. Equally, With the shootout score at 3-2 to the formation allowed Estudiantes Estudiantes, Pablo Corroto had the to commit extra numbers forward chance to win it for the Argentines. Al Sadd’s Abdel Nasser Al Abidli falls while a as required, and this strategy paid He did so with aplomb, executing Qatar SC player looks on during their Qatar Stars dividends on the half hour, when an impish ‘Panenka’ kick to con- the Argentines broke the deadlock sign Aspire Academy to eight place. League match played at Seham Bin Hamad Stadium in unusual circumstances. In the second match played last yesterday. Qatar SC won 1-0. Franco Avila chased down a evening, Kashiwa Reysol trounced high pass through the inside right the Saudi Arabian Al Ahli 4-1. For channel. As El Din rushed from his the Japanese, Nakamura (9’), Tan- goal to intercept, the ball struck the aka (36’) and Asakura (38’) scored advancing midfielder on the back, to give their side a 3-0 lead before and Ivan Erquiga quickly gathered Alsibyani netted the only goal for and squared inside for Franco Rod- the Saudis. QSL: Qatar SC add to Al Sadd riguez to fire home, with the keeper Onodera netted one in the 76’ th stranded. minute as the Japanese boys finished woes as Al Gharafa triumph With five minutes of the half off with a comfortable lead.

in the 80th minute. Al Sadd have now After a few tense exchanges, Al Stadium, Qatar SC on Sunday picked Gabriel on target as gone four matches without a win in Gharafa found the back of the El up three points with a feisty show. QSL. Jaish net when Nemeth wrapped a Al Sadd’s Salem recklessly Wolves suffer 1-0 Earlier in the day, former cham- neat move orchestrated by Abulrah- brought down Qatar SC’s Gamal on loss while Al Gharafa pions Al Gharafa yesterday grabbed mman Fayez Alrashidi. the edge of the box in the 79th minute. a point off second-placed El Jaish in The goal immediately sparked The referee correctly pointed to snatch point against a controversy-marred round 18 clash. shoving and pushing among Al the spot kick. El Jaish Krisztian Nemeth slipped one Gharafa and El Jaish players. The A calm collected Emiliano scored home from close range to help Al referee and match officials had to off the penalty kick, going to the right Gharafa equalise in the 87th minute intervene to keep tempers at bay. of the diving Al Sadd goalkeeper. of the tense match at Jassim Bin In a game that El Jaish should It was Qatar SC’s first win in seven The Peninsula Hamad Stadium. have won now sees the Sabri Lam- matches. Earlier, Abderrazzaq Hamed ouchi’s men at second spot in the Qatar SC coach Sebastiao Allah opened the scoring for El Jaish QSL points race. El Jaish are a notch Lazaroni celebrated the final whis- in the 7th minute. Nemeth equalised behind runaway points leaders Al tle with his hands raised towards the DOHA: Qatar SC added to Al Sadd’s for Al Gharafa in the 61st minute. Rayyan. El Jaish have 36 points from night sky. woes by beating the former champi- In the 72nd minute, substitute 18 rounds while Al Gharafa - coached Al Sadd with 29 points are in fifth ons 1-0 in their Qatar Stars League Romario Ricardo Silva fired home a by Pedro Miguel Caixinha - are in place behind Al Rayyan (51), El Jaish Players vying for the ball during the seventh place play-off between (QSL) clash yesterday. free-kick that went through the hands 10th place with just 22 points. (36), Lekhwiya (34) and Al Arabi (30). Emiliano Gabriel scored the only of Al Gharafa goalkeeper Qasem In the second match of the Thirteenth-placed Qatar SC have Estudiantes de la Plata and Aspire Academy in which the Argentinians goal of the match off a penalty kick Abdulihamed Burhan. day played at Suhaim Bin Hamad 14 points from 18 matches. secured a 4-2 win in a penalty shoot-out yesterday.

Qatargas Chess Championship concludes

The podium winners and participants at the Qatargas Chess Championship pose for a picture with the officials of Qatar Chess Association (QCA) at Al Muntaza Model Primary School for Boys in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: Players making moves during the four-day event which was organised by the QCA. Pictures: Baher/The Peninsula 30 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT Late goals give Arsenal, Spurs full points

Raheem Sterling for handball from English Premier Gunners edge league FOOTBALL: ENGLISH Danny Rose’s cross, despite the ball PREMIER LEAGUE seeming to strike his flank. League Results leaders Leicester After Yaya Toure had wobbled Arsenal 2 (Walcott 70, Welbeck 90+5) City through a the crossbar for City with a free-kick, Leicester 1 (Vardy 45-pen) moment today because the mathe- substitute Kelechi Iheanacho equal- 95th-minute goal, matics meant it could be eight points ised in the 74th minute by slamming Aston Villa 0 Liverpool 6 (Sturridge 16, Milner 25, Can 58, Origi 63, or it could be two points. That is a Gael Clichy’s cut-back into the roof Spurs down City 2-1 Clyne 65, Toure 71) great change.” of the net. But Eriksen had the final Leicester took the lead on the say for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, Manchester City 1 Tottenham 2 stroke of half-time when Jamie Vardy gathering Erik Lamela’s fine through- Played on Saturday: AFP drilled home his 19th goal of the cam- ball and steering a shot past Joe Hart paign from the penalty spot after he to fire Spurs’ hopes of a first league Bournemouth 1 (Ritchie 57) Stoke 3 had been felled by Nacho Monreal. crown since 1961. (Imbula 9, Afellay 52, Joselu 55) LONDON: Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck But Danny Simpson’s 54th- Elsewhere, Daniel Sturridge Chelsea 5 (Costa 5, Pedro 9, 59, Willian and Tottenham Hotspur’s Christian minute dismissal after quick-fire marked his first league start since 17, Traore 83) Newcastle 1 Eriksen were the toast of north Lon- yellow cards gave Arsenal the early October with the opening goal (Townsend 90) don after scoring potentially pivotal momentum and substitute Theo as Liverpool romped to a 6-0 rout Crystal Palace 1 (Adebayor 45) late winning goals in the Premier Walcott equalised 20 minutes from of hapless bottom club Aston Villa at Watford 2 (Deeney 16-pen, 82) League title race yesterday. time before Welbeck sent the Emir- Villa Park. Welbeck headed in a heart-stop- ates Stadium into raptures. Dogged by a succession of nig- Everton 0 West Brom 1 (Rondon 14) ping 95th-minute winner to give Leicester manager Claudio Rani- gling injuries, the 26-year-old Norwich 2 (Brady 54, Hoolahan 65) Arsenal a last-gasp 2-1 win over eri felt that referee Martin Atkinson England striker had not started a West Ham 2 (Payet 74, Noble 76) leaders Leicester City, while Eriksen had been overzealous in dismissing league game since the 1-1 draw at struck in the 83rd minute to earn Tot- Simpson after the right-back tripped Everton on October 4 -- the last game Sunderland 2 (Khazri 3, De Gea 82-og) tenham a 2-1 victory at Manchester Alexis Sanchez and then dragged before Brendan Rodgers was sacked Manchester United 1 (Martial 39) City on his 24th birthday. back Olivier Giroud. as manager and replaced by Jurgen Swansea 0 Southampton 1 (Long 69) The results of a momentous day “They were normal fouls, but not Klopp. He headed in Philippe Coutin- Spanish La Liga Results left surprise pace-setters Leicester yellow cards,” said the Italian. ho’s inviting cross in the 16th minute just two points clear of Tottenham “I think the referee was too and further goals from James Milner, Real Sociedad 3 (Oyarzabal 20, 60, and Arsenal, while City’s titles hopes severe to us for the sending-off. Emre Can, Divock Origi, Nathaniel Jonathas 45) Granada 0 took a heavy blow as they were left Eleven v 11, I’m sure we win the Clyne and Kolo Toure swept Liverpool Played on Saturday six points off the pace. match.” to the biggest win of Klopp’s tenure. Real Madrid 4 (Ronaldo 3, 87, Welbeck was making his come- The referee also found himself in “It makes a difference having Rodriguez 37, Kroos 45) Athletic Bilbao back after a lengthy lay-off with a the spotlight at the Etihad Stadium, both Philippe Coutinho and Daniel 2 (Eraso 10, Elustondo 90) knee injury and manager Arsene where Eriksen’s late goal took Spurs Sturridge on the pitch,” Klopp told Sky Wenger said: “Everyone is extremely above Arsenal on goal difference and Sports. While Liverpool climbed to Villarreal 1 (Soldado 18) Malaga 0 happy for him because he’s been out left City four points below them. eighth, three points off fifth-place Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck (centre) scores the winning goal during the Valencia 2 (Negredo 70, Cheryshev 76) for 10 months. That’s an eternity for Harry Kane put Spurs ahead with Manchester United in the Europa Espanyol 1 (Duarte 52) a player.” a penalty in the 53rd minute after League berth, sorry Villa were left English Premier League match against Leicester City in London, Britain, Wenger added: “It was a pivotal referee Mark Clattenburg penalised eight points adrift of safety. yesterday. Arsenal won 2-1. Deportivo la Coruna 2 (Bergantinos 15, Fajr 51) Real Betis 2 (Musonda 20, Vargas 38) On Friday Sporting Gijon 2 (Guerrero Martin 5, Halilovic 45+1) Rayo Vallecano 2 (Miku Hamburg shock Glad to break winless streak 39, Jozabed 58) French Ligue 1 Results Lyon 4 (Umtiti 8, Lacazette 16, Cornet AFP the Hamburg goal and beating Oscar Dieter Hecking’s Wolfsburg won Coast defensive midfielder Serey a frustrating season. Samuel Umtiti, 45, Tolisso 83) Caen 1 (Delort 58) Wendt to make it 2-1 at the break. for the first time in six games but stay Die and a second-half goal from left Alexandre Lacazette, Maxwell Cornet Played on Saturday Midfielder Ivo Ilicevic extended eighth after first-half goals by Ger- winger Filip Kostic sealed the hosts’ and Corentin Tolisso all scored for OL BERLIN: Hamburg pulled clear of the Hamburg’s lead when he headed many midfielder Julian Draxler and win. with Andy Delort replying for Caen Paris Saint-Germain 0 Lille 0 Bundesliga’s relegation battle yester- home from a corner with ten min- defender Robin Knoche. Hertha suffered their first defeat as Lyon bounced back from their 3-0 Gazelec Ajaccio 2 (Zoua 1, Filippi 57) day with a shock 3-2 comeback win at utes to go. Bayer Leverkusen moved up from in nine games since losing 2-0 at Bay- defeat at Paris Saint-Germain in the Troyes 3 (Ben Saada 9, home to Borussia Moenchengladbach But Gladbach’s Brazilian striker seventh to third as they bounced back ern in November to drop to fourth. French Cup during the week. Azamoum 36, 44) to end their six-game winless streak. Raffael gave his side brief hope by from their shock German Cup exit at The youngest manager in Bun- Bruno Genesio’s side had won 3-0 Bruno Labbadia’s Hamburg won netting a late goal to make it 3-2 on the hands of Werder Bremen in mid- desliga history made his debut when against both Bordeaux and Angers in Montpellier 2 (Yatabare 24, for the first time since the end of 88 minutes. week with a 2-1 comeback win at Julian Nagelsmann, 28, was on Hof- their previous two league outings and Camara 87) Toulouse 0 November to climb from 13th to 11th, With Bayern Munich at Augsburg Darmstadt. fenheim’s bench for their 1-1 draw at this latest success moves them up to Guingamp 2 (Giresse 42, Coco 58) but more importantly, are now six today, Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s second- On a heavy pitch, Sandro Wag- Werder Bremen in a basement battle. third in the table, although both Nice Bordeaux 4 (Ounas 20, Rolan 37, points above the relegation zone. half goal sealed Borussia Dortmund’s ner stabbed the ball home to give Nagelsmann took over after pred- and Saint-Etienne can leapfrog them Chantome 68, Diabate 88) Gladbach took the lead through 1-0 win over Hanover 96 on Satur- Darmstadt an early lead, despite ecessor Huub Stevens resigned on when they play later against Marseille Nantes 2 (Adryan 10, Sala 39) Lorient 1 US international Fabian Johnson on day to trim the champions’ lead to Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno Wednesday due to heart problems. and Monaco respectively. (Moukandjo 79-pen) 14 minutes, but hosts Hamburg bludg- five points. catching him around the throat with The result leaves both teams Umtiti opened the scoring eoned their way back. Dortmund were without injured his forearm. in the bottom three. Eintracht with 10 minutes played following Reims 0 SC Bastia 1 (Ayite 49) Lewis Holtby squandered a golden star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubam- Leverkusen drew level when Frankfurt remain just above the rel- a Mathieu Valbuena set-piece and On Friday chance on 18 minutes when the Ham- eyang, who missed his first league Darmstadt defender Aytac Sulu egation places after their 3-1 defeat Lacazette netted his 10th league burg midfielder opted to pass with the match of the season after netting 20 headed into his own net on 62 min- at Cologne. Midfielder Yannick Ger- goal of the season to double the lead Rennes 1 (Bouka Moutou 90+1-og) Angers 0 goal at his mercy. goals in as many Bundesliga games. utes before Julian Brandt started the hardt, defender Dominique Heintz six minutes later. Then Gladbach defender Martin Wolfsburg warmed up for move he finished by tapping in the and striker Anthony Modeste scored Young forward Cornet slotted German League Result Hinteregger stabbed the ball into his Wednesday’s Champions League, last winner on 77 minutes. the hosts’ goals. home the third on the stroke of half- Sun 14 Feb 2016 19:21 own net from a corner on 38 minutes 16, first leg at Gent with a 2-0 win at VfB Stuttgart’s impressive form Meanwhile, Lyon recorded their time and Tolisso’s deflected strike to put Hamburg 1-0 up. home to Ingolstadt. continued as they picked up their fifth third successive big win in Ligue 1 on sealed the points late on after Delort Hamburg 3 (Hinteregger 38-og, And just three minutes later, Art- It was their first victory since straight league win to go 10th with Sunday, thumping Caen 4-1 to fur- had pulled a goal back with his ninth Rudnevs 41, Ilicevic 80) Borussia joms Rudnevs landed another blow by knocking Manchester United out of a 2-0 win at home to Hertha Berlin. ther boost their hopes of snatching of the campaign just before the hour Moenchengladbach 2 (Johnson 14, gathering Rene Adler’s long-ball from the Champions League in December. A long-range strike from Ivory Champions League qualification from mark. Raffael 88) De Villiers leads South Africa to ODI series victory

AFP SCOREBOARD CRICKET: HOSTS BOUNCE BACK TO CLINCH DECIDER ENGLAND SOUTH AFRICA CAPE TOWN: South African cap- J Roy lbw b Imran Tahir 8 Q de Kock c Buttler b Topley 4 tain AB de Villiers hit a century and A Hales c Rossouw b Rabada 112 H Amla st Buttler b Ali 59 took his side to a series victory in the regained control for South Africa with J Root lbw Imran Tahir 27 F du Plessis b Topley 0 fifth and final One-Day International a fourth wicket stand of 125. E Morgan c De Kock b Wiese 2 R Rossouw c Hales b Topley 4 against England at Newlands yester- Amla made a relatively restrained B Stokes b Rabada 29 A de Villiers (not out) 101 day. De Villiers made an unbeaten 101 59 off 93 balls and was content to let J Buttler b Rabada 0 F Behardien c Stokes b Rashid 13 as South Africa chased down a tar- De Villiers do the bulk of the scoring get of 237 with five wickets and six before he charged a wide ball from M Ali c Behardien b Abbott 12 D Wiese (not out) 41

overs to spare. Moeen Ali and was stumped. C Woakes c Abbott b Wiese 0 Extras (NB-1, W-14) 15 For the third successive match, an De Villiers went on to make his A Rashid c Rabada b Wiese 9 Total (for 5 wkts in 44 overs) 237 English batsman made a century but 22nd one-day international century S Broad c De Villiers b Imran Tahir 13 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-14, 3-22, 4-147, finished on the losing side. and batted for 97 balls, hitting 11 fours R Topley (not out) 1 5-165. Opening batsman Alex Hales and a six. hit 112 but lacked significant sup- Hales’ second one-day interna- Extras (B-4, LB-8, W-11) 23 Bowling: Broad 9-1-34-0 (1w); Topley 7-1- port from his teammates as England tional century capped a fine series Total (all out in 45 overs) 236 41-3 (4w); Woakes 5-0-32-0 (1w); Stokes were bowled out for 236 after being for the tall right-hander, who had Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-76, 3-85, 4-155, 5-0-34-0 (1nb; 2w); Rashid 10-0-59-1 (2w); sent in to bat. made fifties in each of the previous 5-156, 6-181, 7-183, 8-192. Ali 8-1-37-1. The win completed a remarka- four matches, including an innings of Bowling: Abbott 9-0-28-1 (1w); Rabada Result: South Africa won by five wickets ble turnaround for South Africa after 99 in the second game in Port Eliza- 9-1-34-3 (3w); Imran Tahir 10-0-53-3 (1w); Series: South Africa won the five-match se- they had been well beaten in the first beth. He finished the series with 383 Morris 8-0-59-0 (4w); Wiese 9-0-50-3 (2w). ries 3-2 two matches. runs at an average of 76.60 and was It also marked a return to his named man of the series. best form for De Villiers, who had Joe Root (27) and Ben Stokes (29) 70.20. Tahir took the first two wick- Topley gained significant swing not scored a century in seven Test were the only other England batsmen ets, dismissing Jason Roy leg before at the start of the South African reply and four one-day innings against to reach 20. wicket after being brought on in the and dismissed Quinton de Kock, Faf the tourists. Hales and Root put on 61 for the fifth over. Tahir ended the innings by du Plessis and Rilee Rossouw in an De Villiers walked out to bat with second wicket, their fifth successive having Stuart Broad caught at mid- opening spell of three for 21 in five his side in trouble at 22 for three, with partnership of 50 or more, before off to finish with three for 53. overs. South Africa’s AB de Villiers celebrates scoring a century during the One all the wickets falling to left-arm Root was trapped leg before wicket by Kagiso Rabada and David Wiese He was less effective when he opening bowler Reece Topley. leg-spinner Imran Tahir. Root made also took three wickets each, for 34 came back later, finishing with three Day International Cricket match against England in Cape Town, South But De Villiers and Hashim Amla 351 runs in the series at an average of and 50 runs respectively. for 41 in seven overs. Africa, yesterday. SPORT MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 31 Top riders set for The Emir Sword International Showjumping

The Peninsula was just a national competition. Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) officials will be in Qatar for the DOHA: This year’s H H The Emir event,” said Al Athba. Sword International Showjump- The QEF official said that the ing championship will have a strong change in status of the champion- presence of international riders, an ship will help the riders to get more official of Qatar Equestrian Federa- mileage and also for the event. tion (QEF) informed. “Points will be awarded to indi- The three-day festival, to be held vidual riders from the event which at the Al Rayyan Main Arena from will help riders to add to their tally February 25 to 27, will have riders and earn them a ticket for this year’s participating from all parts of the August Games in Brazil,” added Al world. Athba. “We will have riders from differ- Al Athba said besides interna- ent European countries taking part tional riders a host of journalists besides participants from other coun- associated with websites especially tries along with riders from Middle dedicated to showjumping will be in East,” said Hamad Al Athba (pic- Qatar to cover the event. tured), Head of media section for the “The media information cen- H H The Emir Sword International tre should be ready in the next few Showjumping championship. days and we hope to have a dedicated “The final list of the riders is championship. In February 2015, website for the event. The media cen- not yet ready as Qatar Equestrian Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani, Ali tre will be handy for both the local Federation is still in the process of Al Rumaihi, Khalid Al Emadi and and international media,” he said. accepting entries. The complete list Bassem Hassan Mohamed topped “Qatar Equestrian Federation is will be available in the coming days,” in the Furusiyya 2015 Series in using the social media channels to he added. Abu Dhabi and secured their well- promote the championship to the Qatar will have a strong pres- deserved qualifying spot for Rio. social media savvy fans. We have ence in the championship with over Al Athba said the event has been updating our facebook, twitter 60 riders likely to take part. received an upgrade and is now an and instagram accounts with regu- Khalid Al Eid rides Don Evita to victory in competition 4 at the Qatar National Showjumping Championship The hosts will make their pres- international championship. lar updates about the event,” said Al in this file picture. Al Eid is the member of the Qatar team which has qualified for the Rio Games. He along ence felt at the championship with “This year the championship has Athba. with other Rio-bound Qatari riders will be taking part in the H H The Emir Sword International Showjumping the Rio Games-bound team mem- been accorded international status Action will kick off every day at bers vying for top honours at the and is now a CSI5* event, earlier it 1.00 clock in two classes. championship. The three-day festival will be held at the Al Rayyan Main Arena from February 25 to 27. Safarova hopes for a Camels dominate in Round repeat of 2015 in Doha

The Peninsula train here in preparation for the Two of Qatar Rugby 7s tournament and get back in shape,” the excited left-handed player told DOHA: For World No. 10 Lucie qatartennis.org recently. Safarova, a return to Doha for the “I am looking forward to a 2016 Qatar Total Open is something repeat of last year’s success. The Camels 1 win opening she has been eagerly awaiting for a whole thing kicked off here and I long time. After all, this is where the am excited to come back to where match against College journey to the top 10 in the WTA it all began and hopefully I believe of North Atlantic and rankings and a very successful 2015 it will be a start of greater things to season, where she had her highest come,” she added. followed it up with ranking as well as being a Grand Speaking about the organization victory against Al Slam finalist, began. and the tournament in general, Safa- Khor at Aspire Zone The defending champion in Doha rova said, “The Qatar Total Open is a is the first to arrive in the country very nice and well organised event. ahead of the February 21-27 tour- I’ve been coming here for a few years nament having arrived last Sunday. now and my first victory on the WTA The Peninsula Since her arrival, the 29-year- tour was actually here in Doha. It old, 5ft 10 in-tall Czech has been was my first time to beat Azarenka enjoying the serene atmosphere in and it was such a big experience. To DOHA: The Camels 1 continued their the Qatari capital as well as press- hold the trophy above my head that winning streak and high scoring per- ing ahead with her training at the night is a memory I will keep for a formances posting two huge wins in impressive Khalifa International long time. I am looking forward to the Round Two of the 2016 Qatar Tennis & Squash Complex. start great again this year.” Rugby Sevens on Saturday night at Having missed the season open- “Every year there have been the Aspire Warm Up and purpose ing Grand Slam, the Australian Open improvements and it is obvious that A player poses with his Man-of-the-Match award during the 2016 Qatar Rugby 7s at Aspire Zone on Saturday. built Rugby pitch. and other earlier tournaments due to tennis is growing in Qatar and the The exceptionally cool evening injury, the 2015 French Open final- facilities are really great. I say a big affected the fundamentals of the young bay boys were high spirited and quick tries before half time to lead 12 heart breaking for them. The final ist is hoping to kick start her season thank you to the Qatar Tennis Feder- game but not the scoring ability of a full of vitality knowing they were up -5. DRFC looked like a different out- score 17 -17. with a repeat performance of last ation for allowing me to train here.” few teams. against some of the top national play- fit to the one playing last week with a The Blue Falcons second match year where she defeated Victoria Asked about the strong field The Camels 1 won their opening ers including the Fijian trio. much more improved defensive line. was against Camels 2 who proved to Azarenka in straight sets for the which includes No. 1 Serena Williams match against the College of North Earlier in the evening, Al Khor Their attack up the middle and one be too good for the French boys beat- Qatar Total Open title - her very first of the USA, the Monaco-resident Atlantic (CNAQ) by a thundering 54 managed to block out the Blue Fal- handed offloads was pretty to watch. ing them 26 nil. Premier-level title. said, “It’s always a strong field here points to 5. To their credit the col- cons 26 – nil. They had more ball possession and DRFC Hurricanes also had a sur- Despite being unseeded at in Doha. Tennis is a very strong com- lege boys became the first team to The best match of the night ended willing to swing the ball from left to prising victory 26 - nil over the Lions. last year’s tournament, Safarova petition now and each of the matches cross over the Camels line so far in up in a draw when the Camels 2 right and back again in the same set The Lions who generally have a flare trounced three seeds, No.5 seed Eka- will be tough. The presence of Ser- this competition. played host to the DRFC Hurricanes. of play. Their risk taking strategy to about their playing style just could terina Makarova, No.6 seed Andrea ena Williams will definitely add Al Khor was the next victim for The Camels second side started of flirt with the cool breeze almost won not do anything right. It was a far cry Petkovic and No.9 seed Carla Suárez extra spice to the competition. I’ll the Camels as they went on another brilliantly and looked like they may them their match however a missed from the glory days when they used Navarro, en route to the final. And take the matches one at a time and scoring spree 42 - nil. As expected the run away with the match scoring 2 conversion in the dying minutes was to be the team to be feared. although she out-ranked Azarenka, see how far as I can go.” the comparison was misleading - Safarova, however, wants fans Azarenka is a former World No.1 to troop out as usual in their large and had won all six of their previ- numbers to cheer and show their ous meetings. supports to the players during the Honda fires Al Adaid Desert Challenge “I have great memories here seven-day competition organised from last year and it’s great to be by the Qatar Tennis Federation and up Milan in back in Doha. I’ve been injured and Total Qatar. sick for a long time. I missed the Aus- Fans can get their tickets online Genoa win tralian Open and a couple of other at www.qatartennis.org or in per- tournaments. My first tournament son at the malls including Villaggio, this year is actually the Qatar Total Landmark, Lagoona, City Center and Open so I’ve decided to come and Khalifa Complex. AFP

MILAN: Japan midfielder Keis- Defending uke Honda hit a late winner in an champion Lucie inspirational performance for AC Safarova of Czech Milan yesterday as the fallen Serie Republic A giants continued their resur- gence with a 2-1 win over Genoa. Milan are bidding to qualify secure a Champions League spot for the first time in three seasons and welcomed Genoa to the San Siro. Honda has enjoyed something of an individual resurgence of late and the attacking midfielder stung Mattia Perin’s gloves with a rasping shot that the ‘keeper palmed out Officials giving details of Al Adaid Desert Challenge, a mountain bike event to be held on February of the top corner on four minutes. 19. Around 180 mountain bike riders are expected to feature at the one-day event. The event will M’Baye Niang, that found Carlos start at Sealine Beach Resort and end at Al Adaid, Chairman of Qatar Cyclist Centre Dr Abdulaziz Al Bacca unmarked at the back post Kuwari said. Ooredoo is the platinum sponsor of the event, Mrs Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, Director to slam the ball past Mattia Perin Community and Public Relations, Ooredoo-Qatar, said. Picture by Salim M/The Peninsula after just five minutes. 32 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT

Kerber loses Venus vanquishes Doi to track of claim maiden Taiwan title Australian

Open trophy Reuters “It’s wonderful to have women’s tennis here. It’s been too long, it’s the AFP first time in 22 years,” the top seed and world number 12 said in a court- KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN: Ameri- side interview. BERLIN: A fortnight after winning can multiple Grand Slam champion “It’s my first time in Taiwan, so the Australian Open final to claim Venus Williams collected the 49th thank you for making me feel so her first Grand Slam title, Angel- title of her illustrious career by welcome and thank you for making ique Kerber is still waiting for her defeating Japan’s Misaki Doi 6-4 6-2 me feel at home,” Williams added trophy to arrive back in Germany. in the final of the inaugural Taiwan after defeating the tournament sec- After her shock win over Ser- Open yesterday. ond seed. ena Williams in Melbourne, the The 35-year-old Californian, Williams’s 49 career titles, 28-year-old did not want to carry who was beaten in the first rounds of including seven grand slam singles the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, the Auckland Classic and Australian championships, leave her seventh on Austria’s Dominic Thiem hits a return to which weighs 10 kilograms (22lbs), Open last month, won the $500,000 the all time list as she closes in on in her hand luggage on her long Spain’s Rafael Nadal during their semi- hard court tournament in Kaohsiung Monica Seles (53) and Lindsay Dav- flight back to Germany. final tennis match at the ATP Argentina without dropping a set. enport (55). She opted to have it sent back Open in Buenos Aires, Argentina on to Europe - except it still has not Saturday. Thiem won 6-4,4-6, 7-6 (4). arrived. “It’s somewhere in the air in a plane or on a ship. I don’t know where it is,” the 28-year-old told broadcaster ZDF. Nadal and Ferrer Halep heads pullout-plagued Dubai WTA field suffer shock exits AFP T aylor Fritz of the US watches his return shot to Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania during the Memphis Open semi-finals at the Racquet Club Former World of Memphis on Saturday. DUBAI: Holder Simona Halep is back to head a field at the Dubai number one suffers Tennis Championships which a surprise semi-final has been seriously weakened by American teenager set the late withdrawals of Serena loss to Thiem as Williams and Australian Open Almagro proves to be Memphis milestone champion Angelique Kerber What had looked to be a strong too good for former start to the post-Melbourne sea- champion Ferrer Reuters champion, who edged American son began deteriorating last week Sam Querrey 3-6 6-3 6-3 in the sec- as the pullouts due to various ali- ond semi-final. ments and injuries mounted prior Nishikori had taken six events to Monday’s first day at the Avia- Reuters MEMPHIS: Talented teenager Tay- to make his first ATP Tour final tion Club. lor Fritz surpassed Jimmy Connors, back in 2006 where he won in Del- In addition to world number Andre Agassi and John McEnroe to ray Beach, while world number one one Williams and Germany’s become the fastest American final- Novak Djokovic needed 24, sec- Kerber, other absentees include BUENOS AIRES: Former world ist on the ATP Tour after reaching the ond ranked Andy Murray eight and 2012 champion Agnieszka Rad- number one Rafael Nadal wasted a title decider in Memphis on Saturday. 17-times grand slam champion Roger wanska, Russian star Maria match point as he slipped to a sur- Fritz, just 18-years and three Federer 21. Sharapova and 2011 winner prise semi-final loss to Austrian months, fought back to beat Lithua- Fritz, though, surpassed all of Caroline Wozniacki. Dominic Thiem on his beloved clay nia’s Ricardas Berankis 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 them at just the third attempt, also Halep, second seeded Gar- at the Argentina Open on Saturday. on his fifth match point and reach beating the record of American bine Muguruza, her fellow The defending champion was one the final of the ATP 250 event in just major winners like Connors (10), Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro point away from victory at 5-4 in the his third on the men’s tour. Agassi (11), Chang (17) and McEnroe and number four Petra Kvitova all third on Thiem’s serve but the Aus- He is the youngest American (17). He used a powerful serve to fight have byes into the second round. trian rallied, forcing a tiebreak which to reach a tour final since Michael back and claim victory in his con- Due to late decisions and he controlled from the off to take the Chang won the 1989 Wembley title test on the Tennessee hard courts, changes of heart, Halep, Kvitova contest 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (4). at 17. He was to face Japanese top slamming down 17 aces to unsettle Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts after losing a point and Karolina Pliskova all needed “It was an amazing match for seed and world number seven Kei his Lithuanian opponent, who had against Austria’s Dominic Thiem during their wild cards into the draw. me,” world number 19 Thiem said. Nishikori, who is coached by Chang, looked in control early on. semi-final of the ATP Argentina Open in Buenos The presence of Halep was a “It was very tight from the begin- in yesterday’s final. “I honestly felt he was unbeat- particularly close call, with the ning. It’s special to play against the Aires, Argentina on Saturday. “It’s the best feeling in the world,” able in the first set,” Fritz said. “He Romanian originally planning to big guys, and to beat one is a dream Fritz said. was making me look awful. I didn’t miss the outdoor hard court tour- come true. In the third set, Nadal “To be here and think that it’s think there was much I could do. nament to have surgery on her really stepped up but I was able to quarter-final earlier on Saturday. the final is crazy. I’m really excited “I tried to change things up in my nose. counter-attack and play incredible TENNIS: ARGENTINA OPEN “This is the reward for many that I got to this level and I’ve proven game. In the second set, I told myself At the time she made the deci- shots.” SEMI-FINALS months of hard work, but there’s no myself that I belong here. that the way I was serving wasn’t sion in the wake of a first-round Spaniard Nadal’s loss was time to celebrate,” Almagro said. “I “It’s amazing to have this sup- going to cut it. I needed to crank it loss at the Australian Open to Chi- another early season setback for another Spaniard in the final after have to focus on tomorrow’s match port. I feel so loved here. It’s the best up a lot. I started hitting my serves nese qualifier Zhang Shuai, the the 14-times grand slam cham- Nicolas Almagro beat second seed and hopefully I can play at the same feeling in the world. I owe a lot to the five-10 miles per hour faster. That choice seemed logical. pion who was dumped out of the and former champion David Ferrer level.” crowd pumping me up.” was the biggest difference. But a Fed Cup win this month first round of the Australian Open 6-4 7-5. It was Almagro’s first win Nadal will head to Brazil for The American who was ranked “Once I was holding my serve, over Kvitova suddenly gave Halep by unseeded compatriot Fernando over the world number six at the next week’s Rio Open where he will 694th in the world in October is it put pressure on him. That’s what hope and she has now postponed Verdasco, one of the biggest shocks 16th time of asking and came after attempt again to reach his 100th elite expected to move inside the top 100 allowed me to play my game more her procedure indefinitely. of the tournament. Thiem will face Ferrer had to finish his rain-delayed final. if he can beat the triple defending and allowed me to win.” Bryant soaks up warm farewell from frigid outpost

Agencies Japan and other countries that had whole thing, being around these NBA: A LEGEND NEARING RETIREMENT little or no interest in the NBA when players and talking to them one more Legendary NBA star Bryant broke into the league as a high time, going out and practicing and Kobe Bryant school phenomenon in 1996. enjoying that moment in the game TORONTO: A frigid Sunday night in media outlets from 40 countries made This was a full blown Kobe love- and enjoying that moment.” winter-locked Canada may be the the trip to Toronto while 17 interna- in complete with giggling, gifts and Like any roller coaster, Bryant’s perfect place for a hockey player to tional television and radio networks questions cloaked in gushing praise. career has been a ride with plenty of take a bow, but for Kobe Bryant the including China, Japan and France A relaxed Bryant appeared ups and downs. NBA’s most northern outpost seemed carried yesterday’s showcase live. eager to soak up every moment of There were sexual assault charges like an odd setting to wave farewell. And most of the attention his All-Star swan song, smiling and that were settled out of court, his Yesterday’s NBA All-Star Game, was focused on Bryant’s All-Star answering as many questions in friendship and feud with Shaquille the first ever held outside the United farewell. Spanish and Italian as English. O’Neal and injuries that interrupted States, did not represent Bryant’s last “It should be more of a celebra- Fiercely competitive, Bryant, who the final years of his career. goodbye - that will come on April 13 tion about what he’s given to the game once scorched the Toronto Raptors But his body of work on the court, back home in sunny Los Angeles in and all his accomplishments,” said for 81 points, admitted it is not in his which includes five NBA champion- the Lakers’ regular season finale Chicago Bulls Spanish centre Pau nature to pull punches when on the ships, scoring titles and a league most against the Utah Jazz. Gasol, a team-mate of Bryant’s for court but added he was not looking to valuable player award, has cemented But the Toronto All-Star stage seven seasons in Los Angeles prior put an exclamation mark on his All- his place among the pantheon of NBA certainly provided the 37-year-old to the weekend. Star career, at peace with his decision greats. basketball icon, who announced in “That’s why I wanted to be a part to retire. “It’s easier said than done, December that this his 20th NBA sea- of it. It’s going to be emotional for “I’m looking around the room and because I think we all have dreams,” son would be his last, the chance to me to see him. I hope he enjoys it. It’s seeing guys that I’m playing with that offered Bryant in a reflective moment. give his legion of fans one last glo- always fun to see him and to share are tearing the league up that were “But once you go through the proc- bal hug. this moment with him, this last dance like four during my first All-Star ess of trying to make those dreams a The game was be available in with him.” Game,” said Bryant. reality, you hit obstacles. 215 countries and territories with For a telling picture of the impact “How many players can say “I think unfortunately because access in 49 languages on their tel- 18-time All-Star Bryant has had on they’ve played 20 years and actually of pressure or anxiety or responsi- evisions, computers, mobile phones the sport’s global growth you only have seen the game go through three, bilities, things, whatever, you kind of and tablets. need a snapshot of Friday’s media day four generations, you know what I give up on those dreams and some- Reporters from across North where half of 150-plus media engulf- mean? It’s not sad at all. where along the line you lose that America along with 336 international ing his podium were from China, “I’m really just enjoying this imagination. SPORT MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 33

Schwartzel takes one-shot lead at Magical Mickelson inches closer Tshwane Open

AFP

to record-tying Pebble title PRETORIA: Charl Schwartzel carded an excellent four under par 66 on Saturday to take a one shot SCORES lead ahead of the final day of the Veteran golfer fires -16 Phil Mickelson (US) 68 65 66 Tshwane Open in Pretoria. Home hope Schwartzel started -14 Hiroshi Iwata (Japan) 66 66 69 Phil Mickelson 66 to grab two-shot plays a shot the third round two strokes adrift -13 Fredrik Jacobson (Sweden) 65 69 lead as World No.1 from the of overnight leader Anthony 68 Michael, but picked up a shot at Spieth struggles to Kang Sung-Hoon (Korea) 72 60 70 bunker during round three the second before holing his eight -12 Roberto Castro (US) 66 70 67 foot eagle putt at the ninth to join make cut of the AT&T Jonas Blixt (Sweden) 67 69 67 Zander Lombard and Michael in a Pebble Beach -11 Chez Reavie (US) 63 70 71 share of the lead at the turn. National The 2011 Masters champion is -10 Jason Day (Australia) 71 66 68 Pro-Am at the Matt Jones (Australia) 68 70 67 now nine under overall, one bet- AFP Pebble Beach Vaughn Taylor (US) 70 68 67 ter than compatriot Lombard, who Golf Links -9 Jimmy Walker (US) 72 71 63 hit a best-of-the-day 63 to catapult on Saturday Padraig Harrington (Ire) 68 71 67 himself into contention. Bill Haas (US) 69 68 69 in Pebble A bogey at the last took the LOS ANGELES: Phil Mickelson was Mark Hubbard (US) 70 66 70 Beach, shine slightly off the round for poised to strike for a record-tying fifth Justin Rose (Britain) 66 68 72 California. 31-year-old Schwartzel, who is Pebble Beach Pro Am crown after -8 Brooks Koepka (US) 68 70 69 aiming to win an eighth Euro- seizing a two-shot lead on Saturday pean Tour title on home soil after with a third-round 66. -7 Cameron Smith (Aus) 64 75 69 also taking a fourth Alfred Dun- Ricky Barnes (US) 65 70 73 Mickelson’s six-under effort on hill Championship crown earlier Jim Herman (US) 69 67 72 the par-72 Pebble Beach Golf Links this season. J.B. Holmes (US) 66 72 70 – one of three courses in use over the David Hearn (Canada) 67 70 71 “I love playing at home on golf first three rounds of the US PGA Tour Luke Donald (Britain) 70 69 69 courses I’m familiar with, in front event - gave him a 54-hole total of of familiar faces. 16-under 199. “We don’t get to do that very “It’s fun to just have a chance As Mickelson was eyeing his often, so it’s nice,” Schwartzel told going into the final round,” said Mick- chance to match Mark O’Meara’s the official European Tour website elson, the five-time major winner who record of five Pebble Beach titles, following the round. hasn’t won a US tour title since lifting reigning Masters and US Open cham- “I hit the ball really well. I the 2013 British Open trophy. pion Jordan Spieth was just happy think I only missed two greens and I gave myself a lot of chances for birdie. “It’s very close up there and it’s still going to come down to to be hanging around for the final up. I was very pleased to shoot that tomorrow and who actually just round of the competition. The world GOLF: PEBBLE BEACH PRO round.” Mickelson’s closest pursuer shoots the best score. That’s what number one looked out of sorts all day AM HEADS FOR FINAL DAY was Japanese veteran Hiroshi Iwata, it’s going to be so I’m looking for- en route to a two-over par 74 at Peb- who carded a three-under 69 on the ward to it.” ble Beach for a one-under total of 214, par-72 Spyglass Hill course for 201. Lombard, who finished sec- just making the cut. But he was never able to mount Iwata, who shared the overnight ond behind Haydn Porteous in the “What a really nice up and down a charge and finished the day with lead with South Korea’s Kang Sung, Joburg Open last month, managed to be able to play on Sunday,” said Spi- three bogeys and one birdie – no shook off a bogey at his opening hole, five birdies and an eagle in a stun- eth, who arrived at the 18th right on birdies on the back nine. the 10th, firing six birdies with three ning bogey-free round to snatch a the projected cut line and drove into “I just couldn’t catch a break,” Spi- bogeys. place in the final group. the rough. eth said, “Whether the putts were just Kang shared third place with “I just had a great round. I put With a tree in play he had to play mis-read – I drove the ball in two div- Sweden’s Freddie Jacobson on 202. together some solid putts and kept out to the fairway, but finished with ots in a row ...” Kang had three birdies and a bogey it in the right places again. I man- a three-footer for par. Mickelson said he didn’t drive it as in his two-under 70 at Pebble Beach aged to keep the bogeys off the “I had a bad attitude that first well as he had earlier in the week, but while Jacobson fired a three-under card and really put a solid score nine,” admitted Spieth, adding he he stayed patient and scrambled his 68 on the par-71 Monterey Peninsula together,” Lombard said after the didn’t adapt well to difficult, windy way to the top. “I fought hard today,” course. round. conditions. he said after a round that included six Australia’s PGA Championship On a leaderboard dominated A solid iron shot at the eighth, birdies without a bogey. winner Jason Day made a move up by home players, Porteous is three Jordan Spieth plays his tee shot on the 16th hole during round three where he made par after his second “I thought the golf course was the leaderboard with a 68 at Pebble shots off the lead in a tie for third of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am at the Pebble Beach Golf bogey of the day at seven, helped get playing much more difficult with the Beach that left him six adrift, calling with Michael after signing for a Links on Saturday in Pebble Beach, California. him on the right track. firmer greens and the wind picking it “more of an ugly four-under.” round of 68. Wales rally to overcome Scotland Rupp and Cragg win US Olympic marathon trials Reuters

Reuters

CARDIFF: Wales extended Scotland’s losing Six Nations championship run to nine matches when second-half NEW YORK: Olympian Galen Rupp tries from Jamie Roberts and George (pictured) made his marathon debut North secured a 27-23 victory on Sat- in memorable style, racing away urday. from 40-year-old Meb Keflezighi to Lacklustre Wales, second best win the US Olympic trials on a hot for an hour under a closed roof at Saturday in Los Angeles. the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Rupp, the Olympic 10,000 sparked into life when Roberts barged metres silver medallist on the over and North touched down after a track, pulled past 2012 trials win- strong diagonal run. ner Keflezighi in the 23rd mile to Wales, who recovered from 13-0 triumph in two hours, 11 minutes down to draw 16-16 with Ireland in and 12 seconds. their tournament opener, scored the “I had a blast out there,” said the game’s opening try through scrum- 29-year-old Rupp, who now aims half Gareth Davies but Scotland soon to make the US team in the 10,000 women’s race in 2:28:27. “Looking replied with a try by winger Tommy metres in July and double at the Rio back on it (the fourth place finish) Seymour. Games a month later. It’s definitely was so good for me, it made me Three Greig Laidlaw penalties put possible. There is plenty of time in more determined than ever,” said the Scotland 16-13 up midway through between to recover,” said the US 32-year-old, who made the 2012 US the second half before Wales pulled 10,000 metres record holder, who Olympic team in the 10,000 metres clear. Duncan Taylor’s late converted became only the second American and placed 11th in London. try proved only a consolation. Wales’ wing George North (second right) picks the ball up in the middle of the field to run and eventually to win the trials in his first marathon She and training partner Shalane “It was a tough game, we had to score a try during the Six Nations International Rugby Union match against Scotland at the Principality after steeplechaser George Young in Flanagan dominated much of the dig deep and we had to grind out a Stadium in Cardiff, on Saturday. 1968. race before the favoured Flanagan victory,” Wales coach Warren Gat- The 10,000 metres comes first began to struggle in what officials land told reporters. minutes. Flyhalf Dan Biggar chipped Winger Tom James’s electric in Rio with the marathon following said was the hottest marathon tri- “We had to use everything that into Scotland’s half and when the ball RUGBY: SIX NATIONS 60-metre burst down the flank eight days later. als ever with temperatures in the 70s we had in the tank to get the victory.” was knocked back Davies picked up CHAMPIONSHIP sparked the hosts into life on 58 Keflezighi became the oldest Fahrenheit. Scotland, beaten 15-9 at home and ran 40 metres to the tryline. minutes with Scotland centre Taylor US runner ever to make an Olym- Fellow Olympian Desiree Linden by England a week ago, have not Scotland, however, quickly hit making a try-saving tackle on the left pic team as he took second in 2:12:20 passed Flanagan in the closing mile defeated Wales since 2007 and have back. an hour. Scotland continued to make winger. to qualify for his fourth Games. for second in 2:29.00 to qualify. not won in Cardiff for 14 years.“We They worked downfield through metres and were rewarded with two The crowd ignited and Wales “To come back as a 40-year-old Flanagan collapsed in Cragg’s were in front until the 65th minute numerous well-controlled phases Laidlaw penalties, either side of one exerted intense pressure before Rob- to make it, I have been blessed more arms after finishing third and left and we let them score so it’s there for before flyhalf Finn Russell’s chip to from Biggar, to put the visitors 13-10 erts crashed over from close range to than you can ever imagine,” said the the race in a wheelchair, but made everyone to see,” lamented Scotland the corner was touched down by the up at the break. put his side ahead for the first time 2014 Boston Marathon winner. her fourth Olympic team. coach Vern Cotter. impressive Seymour. Further shots at goal from both since their early try. Jared Ward claimed the final “There were times when I “There are no excuses from us, Scotland were hammered 51-3 on sides kept Scotland ahead and a sign North made the game safe when men’s spot for Rio, finishing in thought ‘I’m done, I can’t do this,’” we’re just going to keep working.” their last visit to Cardiff in 2014 when that the Scots were winning the bat- he ran in unopposed from the Scot- 2:13:00. Flanagan said, Wales began with a bang when they had Stuart Hogg sent off, and the tle up front came when Wales coach land 22, leaving Vern Cotter’s men Amy Cragg, who finished a “But she (Cragg) talked me scrumhalf Davies, who appeared sus- fullback enjoyed a brighter afternoon Warren Gatland hauled off three of to wonder just where their next Six heartbreaking and non-qualifying through it, and sweet baby Jesus I piciously offside, crossed after six until injury forced him off after half his pack in one fell swoop. Nations win will come. fourth in the 2012 trials, won the am so grateful for her.” 34 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT Windies stun India to lift maiden U-19 World Cup title

AFP SCOREBOARD INDIA R Pant st Imlach b Joseph 1 DHAKA: Keacy Carty struck an I Kishan lbw Joseph 4 unbeaten 52 as the West Indies A Singh c Imlach b Joseph 3 defeated three-time champions India W Sundar c Joseph b John 7 by five wickets yesterday to clinch their first ICC Under-19 World Cup. S Khan lbw John 51 Carty smashed his first fifty of the A Jaffer c Paul b Springer 5 tournament to guide the West Indies M Lomror c Imlach b Holder 19 to victory in Dhaka with three balls M Dagar c Carty b John 8 to spare, after India were bowled out R Batham c Imlach b Paul 21 for just 145 in 45.1 overs. West Indian pacemen Alzarri A Khan c John b Paul 1 Joseph and Ryan John grabbed three K Ahmed (not out) 2 wickets each to restrict the highly- Extras (B-2 LB-5 W-16) 23 fancied Indian batsman, after the Total (all out in 45.1 overs) 145 West Indies won the toss and elected Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-8, 3-27, 4-41, 5-50, to bowl. Keemo Paul provided crucial sup- 6-87, 7-116, 8-120, 9-123, 10-145. port for Carty with an unbeaten 40 as Bowling: Joseph 10-0-39-3 (w5); Holder the pair shared an unbroken sixth- 10-2-20-1 (w6); John 10-0-38-3; Springer wicket stand of 69. The pair steered the West Indies 9-1-24-1(w1); Paul 6.1-0-17-2 (w4). home after they were struggling on WEST INDIES 77-5 at the Sher-e-Bangla National G Pope c Ahmed b Khan 3 Stadium. Left-arm spinner Mayank Dagar Imlach c Lomror b Ahmed 15 had given favourites India hope after Hetmyer c Jaffer b Dagar 23 taking 3-25 from his 10 overs to leave West Indies cricketers take a selfie as they pose with the trophy after winning the U-19 World Cup final against India at the theSher-e-Bangla K Carty (not out) 52 National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka yesterday. INSET: West Indies captain Shimron Hetmyer (left) receives the championship trophyfrom legendary the West Indians reeling, but Carty S Springer c Jaffer b Dagar 3 Pakistan batsman and ICC President Zaheer Abbas. and Paul kept their cool to deny him J Goolie c&b Dagar 3 any more breakthroughs. K Paul (not out) 40 All-rounder Paul, who had The pacers used the pitch to their Rishabh Pant was stumped in the first before trapping skipper Ishan Kishan in the beginning but we dropped cru- claimed 2-17 during his bowling advantage, they stood out for us. over by wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach, in front, to leave India struggling on cial catches,” he said after the match. Extras (LB-1 W-6) 7 spell, hit just one four and one six in Carty and Paul are aggressive play- leaving the Indians, who were playing 27-3. Medium pacer John was the “It was difficult to bat, but we Total (for 5 wkts in 49.3 overs)146 his 68-ball knock. ers, they made the adjustment. They in their fifth final, unsettled early on. other standout for the West Indies, were used to these conditions.” Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-28, 3-67, 4-71, 5-77. West Indies captain Shimron Het- kept a calm head.” Joseph, arguably the fastest taking 3-38. Sarfaraz Khan made a lone stand Bowling: Khan 10-1-29-1; Ahmed 9.3-2-32-1 myer praised his bowlers in particular Fired-up paceman Joseph grabbed bowler in the competition with deliv- Kishan blamed his side’s poor for India with 51 off 89 balls but wick- for toppling the favourites. three wickets in his opening spell and eries of more than 145 kph (90 mph), catching for their defeat. ets continued to tumble at the other (w3); Sundar 9-1-18-0; Batham 3-0-12-0(w1); “We weren’t supposed to be finished with 3-39. then forced an edge from Anmol- “The bowlers bowled in the right end and India succumbed with almost Lomror 8-0-29-0(w2); Dagar 10-1-25-3. champions but we came out on top. India’s hard-hitting batsman preet Singh with a vicious short ball, areas. In the fielding, we were good five overs to spare.

Adam Voges India trounce thankful for Record-breaking Voges Sri Lanka in second chance final T20 to in Wellington puts Australia in control clinch series Reuters AFP

CRICKET: AUSTRALIA IN McCullum’s dismissal NEW ZEALAND Australian batsman Adam Voges VISAKHAPATNAM: Off-spinner WELLINGTON: Australia batsman Ravichandran Ashwin starred as in final over of the celebrates after scoring a double Adam Voges has ample reason to century on day 3 of the first Test India trounced Sri Lanka by nine thank for the second chance. day dents hopes of against New Zealand at the Basin wickets to win the third T20 inter- Bowled for seven by New Zea- But there were still wickets to be Reserve in Wellington, yesterday. national and clinch the series 2-1 in land paceman Doug Bracewell late revival as Kiwis still had, as Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazle- Visakhapatnam yesterday. on Friday, Voges was reprieved by face 201-run deficit wood found. Electing to bowl, Ashwin (4-8) a wrong no-ball call and finally For New Zealand there were managed his best bowling figures gave up his wicket for 239 yes- with six wickets memories of being on the ropes in T20 cricket to skittle out the vis- terday, having put his team in remaining against India at the same ground itors for a paltry 82 in 18 overs – Sri complete control of the first Test two years ago and being rescued by Lanka’s lowest score in the short- in Wellington. McCullum’s triple century. est format. New Zealand, who were skit- The usually big-hitting captain The hosts then achieved the tled for 183 in their first innings, was showing every sign of looking to target comfortably in only 13.5 were reduced to 178-4 in their sec- AFP dig in for a long stay with his 10 com- overs. Opening batsman Shikar ond at the close of day three at the ing off 31 deliveries before he was out Dhawan played an unbeaten Basin Reserve, still 201 runs adrift with three balls remaining in the day. knock of 46 while Ajinkya Raha- after Voges drove the tourists to a New Zealand were annoyed to nae made 22. mammoth 562. WELLINGTON: Mitchell Marsh lose McCullum, but batting coach Sri Lanka won the first match The hosts face an improbable ruined New Zealand’s hopes for a Craig McMillan said it would make in Pune while hosts India levelled task to save the match. Brendon McCullum salvage mission them more determined. the series with win in the follow- Voges’ double-century was the after Adam Voges’ record-breaking Martin Guptill (45) and Tom ing match. second of his short international double century put Australia firmly Latham put on 81 for the first wicket, career. He has now scored 1,267 in command of the first Test in Wel- New Zealand’s best opening stand SCOREBOARD runs to average 97.46 since mak- lington yesterday. against Australia since 1993. ing his debut at the age of 35 in the At stumps on the third day, New Kane Williamson fell for 22 while SRI LANKA Caribbean last year. Zealand were 178 for 4 in their sec- Latham grafted away for 63 before N Dickwella st Dhoni b Ashwin 1 “I thought I was out,” he told ond innings, requiring a further 201 he tried to sweep Lyon to the leg side T Dilshan lbw Ashwin 1 reporters of his non-dismissal on to make Australia bat again. and skied the ball to Usman Khawaja D Chandimal c Pandya b Ashwin 8 Friday. Test debutant Henry Nicholls at mid-off. A Gunaratne c Raina b Ashwin 4 “But to have that bit of luck was not out 31 with McCullum lbw It was Voges, though, who and then capitalise on the second to Marsh in the final over of the day ensured Australia had a firm grip on M Siriwardana b Nehra 4 opportunity I’m very happy.” for 10. the match. D Shanaka b Jadeja 19 Until he was dismissed yes- Voges’ 239 was in part testament He resumed the third day on 176 S Prasanna (run out-Jadeja) 9 terday, his Test average was 105, to how docile the pitch had become and added a further 63 before his T Perera c Jadeja b Raina 12 higher than the 99.94 of the great since New Zealand were rolled for 183 marathon 504 minutes in the mid- S Senanayake c Dhoni b Raina 8 Don Bradman, revered as the best inside two sessions on the first day. dle ended caught and bowled by batsman of all time. D Fernando b Bumrah 1 “That doesn’t sit too comfort- Mark Craig. He had scored 614 runs Williamson to prod at a ball outside D Chameera (not out) 9 ably with me to be honest,” Voges SCOREBOARD since his previous dismissal, in the off and it was nicked through to wick- Extras (B-2, W-3, NB-1) 6 said of comparisons with the pink-ball Test against New Zealand etkeeper Peter Nevill. Total (all out in overs 18) 82 former Australia captain. New Zealand (I innings): 183 Bowling: Southee 31-5-87-2 (w1); Boult 33- at Adelaide in November, easily bet- It was a chance for Nevill to make

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-3, 3-12, 4-20, “I’m probably happy that I’m Australia (I innings): 6-101-2; Bracewell 33-4-127-2 (nb2); Ander- tering the record of 497 runs between amends after he had dropped Latham 5-21, 6-48, 7-54, 8-72, 9-73, 10-82. out now and it’s gone back under J Burns c Watling b Southee 0 son 18-0-79-2 (w1; nb1); Craig 35.2-2-153-2; dismissals set by India’s Sachin Ten- when the opener was on 31. Bowling: Ashwin 4-1-8-4; Nehra 2-0-17- (100). D Warner c Watling b Southee 5 Williamson 4-0-8-0. dulkar in 2004. A huge deficit is a situation New “It was never going to stay It also left Voges’ Test average Zealand know well at the Basin 1; Bumrah 3-0-10-1; Jadeja 4-1-11-1; Yu- U Khawaja lbw Boult 140 New Zealand (II innings): there. It won’t stay there. I know T Latham c Khawaja b Lyon 63 at 97.46 from 19 innings, after being Reserve, where they request a green vraj 1-0-15-0; Pandya 2-0-13-0; Raina S Smith c&b Craig 71 2-0-6-2. that.” M Guptill c Marsh b Lyon 45 ahead of Don Bradman’s all-time wicket to suit their strike bowlers. But Voges became the oldest player A Voges c@b Craig 239 record of 99.94 before his wicket fell. if they lose the toss, the advantage INDIA K Williamson c Nevill b Hazlewood 22 to score a Test century on debut M Marsh c&b Boult 0 His double century – coupled goes to the opposition. R Sharma b Chameera 13 with his unbeaten 130 against West H Nicholls (batting) 31 with Usman Khawaja’s 140 – also Two years ago it required McCul- P Nevill c Watling b Anderson 32 S Dhawan (not out) 46 Indies last June, another second B McCullum lbw Marsh 10 ensured a record first-innings lead lum’s 302 to secure a draw against P Siddle c Anderson b Bracewell 49 A Rahane (not out) 22 chance grabbed with both hands. Extras (B-1, LB-4, NB-2) 7 for Australia against New Zealand India after New Zealand trailed by J Hazlewood c Southee b Bracewell 8 Extras (LB-3) 3 Age and experience helped Total (for 4 wkts) 178 in an innings where six Australians 246 on the first innings. him take his impressive form in N Lyon c&b Anderson 3 failed to reach double figures. Last year New Zealand were To bat: Total (for 1 wkt in 13.5 overs) 84 first class cricket into the Test J Bird (not out) 3 C Anderson, B Watling, D Latham and Guptill saw off the 135 behind Sri Lanka after the first racewell, M Craig, T Southee, T Boult. Fall of wicket: 1-29. arena, he said. He knew his game, new ball but just as they looked innings and ended up winning by 193 Extras (B-4, LB-3, W-2, NB-3) 12 Bowling: Senanayake 4-0-22-0; Fern- studied the opposition bowlers and Fall of wickets: 1-81, 2-121, 3-157, 4-178. comfortable, Guptill tried to smack after Williamson (242 not out) and Total (all out) 562 ando 2-0-7-0; Chameera 2-0-14-1; Pras- knew how he could combat their Bowling: Hazlewood 17-3-42-1; Bird 11-2- off-spinner Lyon out of the ground Watling (142 not out put on 365 for plans for him. Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-5, 3-131, 4-299, 26-0 (nb1); Siddle 8-0-30-0; Marsh 9.3-1-40- and was caught by Marsh. the sixth wicket in the second innings anna 1-0-3-0; Siriwardana 1-0-9-0; Gu- “I’ve got an idea of how I want 5-299, 6-395, 7-494, 8-508, 9-532, 10-562. 1; Lyon 17-6-35-2. Hazlewood, Australia’s chief and Mark Craig spun Sri Lanka out naratne 2.5-0-22-0; Dilshan 1-0-4-0. to go about my innings,” he added. destroyer in the first innings, tempted on day five. SPORT MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 35

Seguin double LaVine bags second straight lifts Dallas Stars for home win

Agencies SATURDAY’S NHL All-Star Slam Dunk title RESULTS

DALLAS: Centre Tyler Seguin scored two goals and to throw down a one-handed goaltender Kari Lehtonen stopped 20-of-23 shots as dunk. LaVine responded by the Dallas Stars ended Washington’s five-game winning The Minnesota throwing himself an alley- streak with a 4-3 victory over the Capitals at American Timberwolves oop pass and soaring for a Airlines Centre on Saturday. one-handed finish. Besides Seguin, fellow centre Mattias Janmark and forward becomes Gordon then again used left winger Jamie Benn scored for Dallas (36-15-5), who the fourth the mascot, vaulting over the won its third straight game and beat the Capitals for a costumed creature, pluck- ninth consecutive time. player to win ing the ball from its head and Left winger and captain Alex Ovechkin, right back-to-back passing it from one hand to winger Justin Williams and left winger Andre Bura- dunk titles another beneath his body on kovsky scored for Washington (40-10-4), who trailed his way to the rim. 4-0 after two periods before scoring three unanswered LaVine answered with a goals in the third to make things interesting. classic windmill dunk that Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby stopped 21-of-25 AFP also received maximum shots before being replaced by backup Philipp Grubauer points. to begin the third period. In the first dunk-off, Gor- Devils 2, Flyers 1 (overtime) don had teammate Elfrid New Jersey’s power play came through again as the MONTREAL: Minnesota Payton bounce an alley-oop Devils spoiled Shayne Gostisbehere’s record-setting Timberwolves forward softly off the backboard. He afternoon with a 2-1 overtime win over the Philadel- Zach LaVine earned a sec- caught it and completed a phia Flyers at Wells Fargo Centre on Saturday. ond straight NBA All-Star reverse dunk. On a four-on-three in the extra session courtesy Slam Dunk title in Toronto LaVine responded by of Jakub Voracek’s hooking penalty, Adam Henrique on Saturday in a scintillating throwing an alley-oop to scored the winner with a shot from the circle to help showdown with Orlando’s himself from the baseline, the Devils pick up two points. Aaron Gordon. catching the ball and pass- Joseph Blandisi scored the other man-advantage LaVine, fresh from earning ing it through his legs for a goal in the first period for New Jersey, which has gained Most Valuable Player honors in reverse. points in nine of its last 11 games. Friday’s Rising Stars Challenge On the second dunk-off, Gostisbehere made history to tie the score on a exhibition game, earned his Gordon ran along the baseline power-play goal at 3:49 of the third period but the Flyers fifth maximum score of 50 on and did a two-handed reverse still lost their fourth in five before beginning a five- the night with a through the that garnered 47 points, open- game road trip. legs dunk from just within ing the door for LaVine to seal His blast from straight away extended his the free-throw line to seal it. The dunk contest was the point streak to 11 games, an NHL record for rookie the win. highlight of the All-Star Satur- defencemen. He became the fourth day night festivities - curtain Bruins 4, Wild 2 player to win back-to-back raiser to Sunday’s All-Star David Krejci had a goal and an assist as Boston won dunk titles, after Michael Game. for the fourth time in five games. Jordan (1987-88), Jason Rich- Klay Thompson won the Brad Marchand added his 12th goal in the past 12 ardson (2002-03) and Nate three-point shooting contest, games, Loui Eriksson scored a third-period insurance Robinson (2009-10). making his final eight shots goal and Zdeno Chara notched an empty-net goal for But Gordon didn’t make it to edge Golden State Warri- the Bruins, who got 31 saves from Jonas Gustavsson. easy, as the two traded spec- ors teammate and defending It was the seventh consecutive loss for Minnesota, tacular soaring dunks in the three-point champ Stephen which is still searching for its first home win of 2016. final round. Curry. The Wild got goals from Thomas Vanek and Mike Reilly “We should share the tro- The Skills Challenge was along with 15 saves from Darcy Kuemper. phy, because (Gordon) did won by Timberwolves rookie Minnesota tied a franchise record for eight consec- some stuff I’ve never seen center Karl-Anthony Towns, utive home games without a victory set in 2001 when before,” LaVine said. who beat Boston Celtics guard the Wild were a first-year expansion team. Gordon launched the final Isaiah Thomas in the final Blue Jackets 4, Senators 2 Minnesota Timberwolves’ player Zach round with an incredible dis- round. Boone Jenner scored two goals and Brandon Saad play of timing, grabbing the Towns, a 7-footer (2.13m) LaVine dunks during the NBA Slam added his club-leading 21st goal of the season to lead ball from the Orlando Magic was an unlikely winner over Dunk Contest on Saturday Night at Air Columbus over Ottawa. mascot who was spinning the 5-foot, 9-inch (1.75 m) Canada Centre in Toronto. Predators 5, Panthers 0 on a hoverboard. He twist- Thomas in the competition Carter Hutton made 22 saves and the Nashville ing through the air himself testing agility. power play went two for three against Florida. Calle Jarnkrok scored twice, including short-handed, and has 11 goals this season. Nashville also got goals from Miikka Salomaki, James Neal and Shea Weber. Maple Leafs 5, Canucks 2 Ex-NBA player banned in Philippines for cursing Commissioner Mark Arcobello scored his first two goals of the sea- son 17 seconds apart in the second period as Toronto ended a three-game losing streak. AFP Philippine Basketball Associa- and fined 250,000 pesos ($5,600) metre)-tall power forward was contrite, apologising to Narvasa Brendan Leipsic also scored in his first NHL game tion (PBA) commissioner Chito even before the game was over, previously banned for life by the and his fans for the incident. as the Leafs won in Vancouver for the first time in 13 Narvasa, said PBA media officer said Marcial. Foreign imports Korean Basketball League in 2010 “Maybe he should reflect on years. Brad Boyes and centre Leo Komarov scored into MANILA: The Philippines’ pro- Willie Marcial. are highly-valued in the bas- for making an obscene gesture at what happened. Maybe he should an empty net and Jake Gardiner had two assists. fessional basketball league has Talk ‘N Text were playing the ketball-crazy Philippines where a referee and also had a contro- undergo anger management. It Daniel Sedin scored for Vancouver, which saw a banned former NBA player Ivan Meralco Bolts on Saturday when they can play a dominant role in versial career in the NBA. is a shame. He is a good player,” two-game win streak end. Johnson for life after he cursed at Johnson was ejected for two tech- the highly-competitive PBA. But Johnson, who played with the said Marcial. Many fans expressed Hurricanes 6, Islanders 3 its commissioner during a game, a nical fouls. However, an angry Johnson, 31, had already been in Atlanta Hawks from 2011-2013, shock and anger over the speedy Andrej Nestrasil continued his recent scoring surge spokesman said yesterday. Johnson contested this, Marcial trouble, having previously been was initially defiant over his latest decision. with two second-period goals as Carolina defeated New Johnson, who plays with local said. suspended for one game earlier ban, posting “the devil is work- “Banned for life in the PBA... York. team Talk ‘N Text Tropang Tex- Narvasa then convened a this month for fighting with play- ing overtime,” and “what’s the Without due process from the PBA Five of Nestrasil’s 10 goals this season have come in a ters, was banned mid-game after technical committee at the game’s ers of an opposing team. hate against me?” on his Twitter commissioner’s office? My good- four-game stretch. Victor Rask also scored two goals for he used filth in an argument with halftime and had Johnson banned The six-foot, eight-inch (two account. But he later appeared ness,” one angry fan tweeted. Carolina, which lost its previous two games in shootouts. Riley Nash, who was scratched the night before, scored in the first period and Kris Versteeg also had a goal. John Tavares and Nick Leddy scored in a 1:34 span of the second period for the Islanders. Matt Martin added Silver eyes All-Star Game in Europe but not soon a third-period goal. Ducks 3, Blackhawks 2 (overtime) Center Ryan Getzlaf scored a power-play goal with AFP to readjust their sleep patterns and get said, citing Bryant’s blogs to fans in 2:44 remaining in overtime, lifting the Anaheim Ducks reacclimated when they come back to China and social media outreach. to a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. the States,” Stern said. “If we leave the “Kobe has been at the centre of that.” Jets 2, Oilers 1 (shootout) country for All-Star, it puts pressure on Yao was at the All-Star Game for In a game between one goalie covered in rust and MONTREAL: NBA commissioner the rest of the schedule.” youth clinics and coached handi- another drowning in nerves, rust posted a 2-1 shoot- Adam Silver likes the idea of playing Silver dashed hopes China or Japan capped children in a game where out victory. a future NBA All-Star Game in Europe, would play host before areas such as victories were measured in smiles. Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec, in his first but emphasised Saturday such a move Britain or Germany. “He is truly a global basketball game back after three months on injured reserve, made was at least five years away. “I think getting to Asia during an icon,” Silver said. “His career was cut 21 saves to beat Edmonton Oilers goalie Laurent Bro- On the eve of the 65th NBA All- All-Star break would be that much short. He didn’t achieve everything ssoit, who was making his first NHL start of the year Star Game in Toronto, the first to be more difficult than getting to Europe,” he wanted on the court, but over a and just the second of his career. staged beyond US borders, Silver said Silver said. “Absolutely due to the addi- long life he’s going to have as great an Blake Wheeler and Andrew Ladd struck the decid- the extra distance to Asia compared to tional number of miles we would have impact on the game as anyone who ing blows for the Jets, scoring shootout goals to seal the Europe would have him looking across to travel to get to Asia. That would be ever played.” win at Rexall Place. the Atlantic Ocean for an overseas host the only reason.” Rich new television deals will send Sharks 4, Coyotes 1 rather than the Pacific. The NBA played some regular- team salary caps soaring next season, Matt Tennyson, Chris Tierney, Tomas Hertl and Joo- “It’s something we would love to season games in Japan as recently as a move that could lead to superstar nas Donskoi each scored a goal and the San Jose Sharks do one day,” Silver said. “It’s not going 2003 and staged six games since 2011 players clustering on certain clubs defeated the Arizona Coyotes 4-1 at SAP Centre. to happen in the next two, three, four in London, most recently last month. once free agency starts in July to bet- years but it’s something that down the Two months ago, Mexico City hosted ter compete for a title. road could be really exciting for the its third NBA regular-season game. Silver said he expects a memo next NBA. “Mexico City is a market we’re week will be sent to discourage players NHL RESULTS “We’re always talking about it. particularly focused on,” Silver said. from jumping on rivals for fouls to save It’s logistically more difficult than it Retired Chinese NBA star Yao Ming time on the clock at the end of games. New Jersey 2 Philadelphia 1 Toronto 5 Vancouver 2 seems.” and retiring Los Angeles Lakers star He also said the league is strongly Boston 4 Minnesota 2 Dallas 4 Washington 3 A week-long break for the All-Star guard Kobe Bryant were both cited by considering a rule change regarding NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during a Nashville 5 Florida 0 Game would have to be stretched for Silver for their off-court contributions players deliberately fouling poor free Anaheim 3 Chicago 2 an overseas event so players could to the NBA’s global growth. throw shooters after such instances press briefing at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Carolina 6 NY Islanders 3 Winnipeg 2 Edmonton 1 recover from the extra travel and time “He has punched way above his jumped 5.5 percent so far this season Ontario on Saturday prior to the NBA All-Star Columbus 4 Ottawa 2 San Jose 4 Arizona 1 zone issues. weight in the impact he has had on the compared to last season. No change game. This is the first time the NBA All-Star game “Players will need additional time global expansion of the NBA,” Silver would come before next season. has been held outside the United States. 36 MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2016 Stage set for basketball play-offs

El Jaish coach Dragoslav Basketball giants Milovanovic said he was concerned about the list of injured players in his Al Rayyan take on team. El Jaish while Al “This is the top most level of bas- ketball and for you to do well, one has Gharafa face Al Sadd to have fit players. We have injuries. in opening play-off But we will try to be competitive all games tomorrow the way,” Milovanovic said. “What I have said is true. We have a number of injuries,” Milovanovic said. “From the beginning we thought we’d have our best players fit but some of them did not even play one game,” By Rizwan Rehmat Milovanovic said. The Peninsula “In this moment, my team is not in a good position. But mentally we are ready to play. It is a big challenge to play the play-offs. We have played DOHA: Basketball powerhouse Al many games in the past. Rayyan take on El Jaish in their first “The games between our two play-off game tomorrow but coach sides have been exciting. We hope Koufos Stergios declined to accept to do something. We are optimistic,” that their opponents would be easy Milovanovic said. to beat. Al Rayyan manager Aljlan Amezi Al Rayyan, the defending champi- said: “Al Rayyan is used to be in top ons, face El Jaish in the second game spot. I can’t expect my team to be sec- of the play-offs tomorrow. ond. El jaish is not in a bad position. On the same day Al Gharafa will They have the power players but I am face Al Sadd at Al Ghafara Indoor Hall sure we will do well against them.” Al Rayyan coach Koufos Stergios (second left) and El Jaish coach Dragoslav Milovanovic (right) are seen at a press conference at Qatar Basketball in the opening clash of the basketball Al Gharafa coach Koussay Hatem Federation (QBF headquarters in Al Gharafa yesterday. QBF Secretary General Mohammed Ali Hobash Al Marri is also seen. Al Gharafa coach play-offs series. said hsi team was geared up for some Koussay Hatem (bottom left) and Al Sadd coach Zoran Kreckovic (bottom right) at their press conference. PICS: ABDUL BASIT Stergios said all four sides cannot explosive basketball against arch- be taken lightly. rivals Al Sadd. “What you do in the regular sea- “We are proud to be in the final RESULTS AND SCHEDULE son is one thing but playing in the four. Our form in the regular season play-offs is another deal altogether,” helped us reach this said. We can go Clashes in the regular season Feb 24 Stergios said. further,” Hatem said. Al Rayyan beat El Jaish 79-75 5:00pm Al Gharafa vs Al Sadd “The final four sides are the best “We believe in team work. We El Jaish lost to Al Rayyan 71-78 teams and there won’t be any easy don’t look at the other sides or teams. 7:00pm Al Rayyan vs El Jaish games,” Stergios. “Obviously we are We look at our own performances and Al Sadd beat Al Gharafa 71-56 Feb 27 more than ready for this game. I can we seek to improve our game,” Hatem Al Sadd lost to Al Gharafa 41-57 3-4th place play-offs promise you that my players will give said. Play-offs schedule their best,” Stergios said. “We only care about our own per- Mar 01 Semi-finals Feb 16 “I urge our fans to come out in formances,” Hatem said. “We will do Mar 04 Final large numbers and support their it our way. We are the best in defense. 5:00pm Al Gharafa vs Al Sadd teams. It will be very exciting bas- We hope to up the ante in attack also,” 7:00pm Al Rayyan vs El Jaish El Jaish coach Dragoslav Milovanovic ketball,” Stergios said. Hatem said. Feb 20 Al Rayyan coach Koufos Stergios “I am the newest among the four Al Sadd coach Zoran Kreckovic 5:00pm El Jaish vs Al Rayyan Al Sadd coach Zoran Kreckovic coaches you see here,” Stergios said. said his team was better prepared “But I would say I am more than for the 2015-16 play-offs compared 7:00pm Al Sadd vs Al Gharafa Al Gharafa coach Koussay Hatem happy to be in this position,” the Al to last year. Rayyan coach said. “When you look at the two sea- problems at the start of the season,” we’d play so well for so long,” he said. know why we played like that,” he simple,” Kreckovic said. Al Gharafa “I believe we will get quality bas- sons, we feel we are in a better spot he added. “The level of play of Al Gharafa is said during a press conference. coach Hatem said: “We will do every- ketball during the play-offs. Qatar now,” Kreckovic said. “We started season without much better than before. It is better than last “But I am confident we will play thing in our power to win the league. basketball gets better when we have “We are thrilled to have reached preparations and to have reached the year. In the last game, our approach better in the player-offs. If you are We are a young side and Al Sadd have better competition,” he said. the play-offs because we had play-offs is pleasing. I didn’t expect was selfish and as a coach, I should better prepared, you will win. It is that aging players.” Doha Open Championships Al Rayyan star Tabata ‘out to be inaugurated today of action for two weeks’

The Peninsula The Peninsula

DOHA: A ‘special’ opening ceremony DOHA: Al Rayyan captain Rod- will kick off the proceedings on day rigo Tabata (pictured) will be out one of the 2016 Doha Open Cham- for up to two weeks after suffering a pionships at Katara today, it was hamstring tear during his side’s 1-0 announced yesterday. victory over Al Khor, details showed The three-day event is being yesterday. organised by Qatar Boxing Federa- Tabata was forced off midway tion (QBF). through the first half after being pres- The event has been planned to sured by Khor’s Abdullah Al Yazidi attract youngsters to the sport, QBF and will definitely miss Rayyan’s President Yousuf Ali Al Kazim said round 19 match against Al Arabi on yesterday. Saturday. “Every day the competitions will Tabata is the latest Rayyan star start at 6:00pm. We hope fans will get to be hit by injury. to see good contests from new box- Spanish striker Sergio Garcia and ers,” Kazim said. South Korean Koh Myong-jin are both Last week, Kazim said QBF had spending time in the treatment room, been getting inquiries from young- along with Mohammed Salah Al Neel, sters interested in playing the sport who recently underwent surgery Qatar’s Hakan Murst Nuraydin (left) in action against Bosnian Bosnjak seriously. after suffering a leg fracture during “When we got so many inquiries, Dzemal in Men’s Light Heavy category of the Doha 2015 AIBA World a Qatargas League game against Al we felt that we must host an event Boxing Championships at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in Doha Kharaitiyat. for those wanting to take up boxing,” in this file photo taken last October. Rayyan, who are currently 16 missing in recent weeks after suf- Al Hanzab said: “We value the Kazim added. points clear at the top of the QSL, fering a hamstring injury. role Sami Trabelsi has played in The event has been planned at Kazim said. “We will have a good mix International Boxing Champion- will resume training today as they Arabi’s players were given two improving our club and are in the a special ring that has been set up of amateurs and pro boxers. ships in May. look forward to facing Gianfranco days off after the Lekhwiya victory final stages of negotiating a new con- between the beach front and the “The good ones may get a chance It may be recalled that Doha last Zola’s men. and will return to full training today. tract with him. Trabelsi has added a amphitheater at Katara. to compete against top Qatar box- year played host to more than 260 Meanwhile, it was confirmed that The match against Al Rayyan will lot in the last few years and we hope “See, we have two simple yet ers,” he said. boxers from over 50 countries at Al Arabi duo Ali Jasimi and Sayed take place on February 20 at Al Sadd to make an announcement very very important requirements that the “Obviously we don’t want to pitch the October 8-18 AIBA World Box- Ashkan will return from suspension Stadium with kick-off set for 7:15pm. soon.” Al Hanzab said Al Sailiya must amateur boxers must fulfil - one, they amateurs against top pros but we will ing Championships 2015 at Hamad for Saturday’s match against runa- In another QSL-related develop- learn from their disappointing defeat should be medically fit for the sport keep on eye on an athlete who could Al Attiya Arena. way QSL leaders Al Rayyan. ment, it emerged that Al Sailiya head to Wakrah. and second, the new boxers should go all the way,” Al Kazim said. “Our boxers are better than their Both served one-match sus- coach Sami Trabelsi is set to sign a “The players lacked concentra- have some scale of boxing skill to The three-day event is open to all counterparts in the region but not pensions as Zola’s men defeated new contract with the club. tion and fighting spirit. They didn’t compete against another boxer. We residents of Qatar and anyone above superior to the ones on the interna- Lekhwiya 1-0 in round 18. The Tunisian, who took over at take the coach’s instructions on board have registered boxers who have met the age of 17 can feature at the event, tional stage,” Al Kazim said last week. The win over the Red Knights Al Sailiya in 2013, is currently nego- and suffered a harsh lesson. We must both requirements,” Al Kazim said. according to Al Kazim. “But competing at different pushed Al Arabi up to fourth in the tiating a new deal with the club, learn from our mistakes ahead of the “It is going to be an open-air ring. Al Kazim said Qatari referees will events and by attracting youngsters league and followed a morale-boost- according to Head of Football Adbul- final eight games of the season.” We know so many tourists and visi- officiate during the event in a plan to the sport, our boxers will become ing 3-2 victory over Al Gharafa. lah Al Hanzab. Al Hanzab said Al Sailiya weren’t tors are present at Katara any day of devised to boost the quality of match better,” Al Kazim said. Al Arabi could also have Ahmed Al Sailiya currently sit seventh in complacent against Al Wakrah fol- the week. This venue would be eas- officiating. “We are developing boxing as we Fatehi back for the Al Rayyan match. the QSL after losing 3-2 in their round lowing the round 17 victory over ily accessible to all sports fans,” Al QBF will stage the Qatar go along.” The Qatari midfielder has been 18 encounter with Al Wakrah. reigning champions Lekhwiya.