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Wednesday 6 March 2013 24 Rabial II 1434 - Volume 17 Number 5630 Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Chavez dies Act now to save Syria, says PM from cancer CARACAS: Venezuelan Pres- Secretary of State John Kerry says focus is on strengthening moderates ident Hugo Chavez has died after a two-year battle with DOHA: There is a change in cancer, ending the social- the position of the international ist leader’s 14-year rule of the community and the US on the South American country, Vice Syrian conflict but if Syrian President Nicolas Maduro said rebels had been armed earlier in a televised speech. it would have saved many lives Earlier report on Page 10 and destruction, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem Qatari citizen bin Jabor Al Thani said here yesterday. in UAE custody Addressing a joint press con- ference with the visiting US DOHA: A Qatari citizen, Dr Secretary of State, John Kerry, Mahmoud Al Jaida, was taken the Prime Minister said that the into custody by the UAE proposed transitional government authorities as he was transiting in Syria should be for a limited through the Dubai International period to avoid procrastination Airport on February 26, Al by the Syrian regime which has Sharq reported yesterday. already turned down many Arab Al Jaida still remains under cus- initiatives. tody in the UAE and no explana- “The regime adopts tactics tion has been given until now for to protract the crisis to effect a his arrest, said the daily. He was change in the international com- also not allowed to contact his fam- munity’s position or to achieve ily and relatives. High-level con- gains in the battlefield,” said the tacts are being made with UAE Prime Minister. On fears that officials to ensure his early release, weapons supplied to the opposition said the daily. THE PENINSULA in the Arab Spring countries would RIGHT: The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani with US Secretary of State John Kerry at Al Wajba Palace yesterday. LEFT: The Prime Minister fall into the hands of extremists, and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani and Kerry holding a joint press conference. he said the same was said when Prince Alwaleed Qatar supported Libyan rebels in it was he who started killing his weapons are going to the right Middle East peace process. regime of Bashar Al Assad and the early days of the revolt against own people,” he added. people, referring to moderates. After his meeting with the his allies, Russia and Iran, said slams Forbes Muammar Gaddafi. He noted that the recent Geneva “You can’t guarantee that one Prime Minister, Kerry met with the US diplomat. RIYADH: Saudi billionaire “The West listens to talk about declaration by the Friends of Syria weapon or another will fall in the Emir and the Heir Apparent. Kerry stated that Qatar and Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has terrorism and some parties are called for transfer of power to a the wrong hands but the Prime Kerry disapproved of the inter- the US have worked very hard to attacked the Forbes Billionaires exploiting the issue. Only people transitional government with full Minister shares the belief that we ference of Iran and the Lebanese strengthen international sanctions. List as flawed and biased have the right to choose their authority. The Prime Minister said need to do what we need to do Shia movement Hezbollah, and the At the same time, “we need to against Middle Eastern busi- leaders,” said the Prime Minister. that “with each day more people rapidly,” he stated. terrorist network Al Qaeda and ensure that our support strength- nesses and asked for his name “The longer the Syrian cri- are killed, and this problem could Kerry was on his first visit to related groups in the Syrian con- ens the moderate opposition, the to be removed. The prince was sis persists the more extremist have been solved much quicker but Qatar as Secretary of State and on flict. The Geneva initiative, which Syrian people have suffered a lot, ranked 26th in the 2013 list, groups are attracted... The danger President Al Assad decided to do the last leg of a trip that included pushes for the transfer of power with a level of brutality that is with a personal fortune esti- lies in the actions of the regimes it his way.” stops in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and in Syria and the formation of a shocking.” THE PENINSULA mated at $20bn. Other rich that kill civilians….Bashar Al The US Secretary of State said the UAE. Other issues discussed transitional government, could Continued on page 2 lists put his wealth at $28bn. Assad now is the terrorist because that the question is whether the included the Arab Spring and the be supported both by the Syrian See also page 6 REUTERS Full report on page 20 Malls may get powers to fine smokers UK MP to take up visa BY AZMAT HAROON Department at the Supreme SCH is waiting for its approval. and November in 2012. Council of Health (SCH), said at a “The law is with the Cabinet. Qatar’s Law No. 20 of 2002 pro- issue in parliament DOHA: Shopping complexes press conference on the launch of They sent it for some modifi- hibits smoking outside designated BY ISABEL OVALLE will have more powers to con- the Global Adult Tobacco Survey cations to be reviewed by us, areas, and violators can face fines. percent of the applicants using trol smoking in their premises in Qatar. and now we are waiting for the Penalties can be handed out to the fast track system, it becomes once a new anti-tobacco law The managements of shopping approval,” Dr Al Anood Al Thani, those who sell tobacco less than DOHA: The Home Affairs slow. comes into force. complexes have long expressed Director of Health Protection and 500 metres from an educational Committee of the British parlia- “One of the first things I’ll do The law will be stringent and their inability to implement anti- Non-communicable Diseases at institution. Selling tobacco to ment will make a case to grant when I get to the visa hub in Abu may give shopping mall manage- smoking laws due to lack of legal the SCH, said. anyone under 18 years of age is Qatari citizens exemption from Dhabi is make a strong case for ments the right to impose fines, authority. The anti-tobacco unit of SCH also prohibited. visas to enter Britain. The chair additional support to be given to a senior public health official said “The new law will support collected more than QR300,000 in “We are hoping that the new of the Committee, Keith Vaz the embassy here,” stated the MP, yesterday. health inspectors to collect fines fines from smokers for lighting up law will come soon from the (pictured), who was in Doha acknowledging that “I didn’t have It will also help public health in a better way and it will also in public places last year. Cabinet and that it will be stricter,” yesterday, plans to take this to queue up for a visa to come inspectors collect fines system- support the people who control A total of 829 people were Dr Mohammed Al Thani said. proposal to parliament after a to Qatar; I arrived and it was atically, Dr Mohammed Al Thani, public places,” Al Thani said. The handed out fines in over 1,000 THE PENINSULA tour of the region. obtained at the airport.” Director of the Public Health law is with the Cabinet and the raids conducted between January See also page 3 Three British members of par- In view of this, he said, “there liament are in the Gulf to compile is a case to look at the issue of information about exempting Qataris counterterrorism from visas, but this Qatar Executive at Air Expo measures taken has to be done very US to allow small by Qatar, and to carefully, for good address immigra- and valid reasons.” knives into planes tion issues at visa Vaz underlined hubs in Dubai and that every coun- WASHINGTON: The US Abu Dhabi, which try had to protect Transportation Security Admi- they will visit in itself in terms of nistration said yesterday that the following days. whom it let in. travellers can soon bring small Speaking to Nevertheless, “it pocket knives on board aero- The Peninsula, Vaz seems clear to me planes for the first time since said, “visas are that, having seen the September 11 attacks, also an issue for the situation here sparking outrage from flight our committee, in Qatar, people attendants who said the deci- and during our actually want to sion would endanger passengers stay, a number of Qataris have come to visit the UK and then and crew. raised the issue.” He said the come back. It is clear Qataris go The TSA said effective April UK visa process was very good, for tourism, health and studies. 25, it would allow small knives “However, there is no doubt that We’ll make a strong case because with blades that are 2.36 inches it’s too slow.” there are very few examples of (6cm) or less in length and less The committee will take this abuse,” he added. than ½ inch (1-1/4 cm) wide. issue to the British home sec- During their stay in Doha, Other items that will be retary and parliament because the parliamentarians visited the allowed on board again as part “the last thing in the world we Qatar International Academy of a passenger’s carry-on luggage want is people not wanting to for Security Studies. “We found include billiard cues, ski poles, come to the UK because it takes it extremely useful. It’s the only hockey sticks and lacrosse sticks. too long to get a visa,” stated the one of its kind in the world in the Items that had been prohibited Visitors walk past a Qatar Executive aircraft during the Abu Dhabi Air Expo at Al Bateen Executive Airport, parliamentarian. fight against terrorism. It’s ter- like razors, box cutters or knives yesterday. The general aviation exhibition ends tomorrow. The British Embassy in Doha ribly important and, therefore, it with a fixed blade are still not recently implemented a fast has been good to see it,” Vaz said. allowed on board. REUTERS track visa system, but with 70 THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani with the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: The Emir seeing off Prince Salman at Doha International Airport yesterday. Qatar, Saudi discuss easing trade barriers Plan for military workshops, exchange of information; Qatar seeks Saudi radio frequency for Voice of the Gulf

DOHA: The fourth ses- working out a mechanism for in both countries. Qatar National Bank (QNB), markets in both countries with obtain a radio frequency in Saudi sion of the Qatari-Saudi Joint coordination between the two The two sides reviewed aspects Masraf of Al Rayan and Barwa a view to introducing commodi- Arabia to rebroadcast the Voice of Coordination Council here countries on any future decisions of financial, economic and invest- Bank expressed their willingness ties and manufactured products the Gulf to the kingdom and the yesterday discussed a series in this regard,” said a joint state- ment cooperation between the two to open their branches in Saudi in each of them and acting to Saudi side promised to refer the of bilateral issues, including ment issued after the meeting. countries, and the steps taken to Arabia as per the regulations reactivate the participation and matter to the competent author- the possibility of exempting The two sides also agreed to further enhance and strengthen applicable in this regard. involvement of all sectors of the ity in the Kingdom to make ther- Qatar from a ban imposed by form a technical team to study this cooperation. The meeting also discussed two countries. eon as it deems appropriate. Saudi Arabia on export of some the issue and propose the appro- Both sides stressed the impor- ways to enhancing trade and The two sides expressed sat- The two sides welcomed cooper- products. priate solutions. tance of cooperation in the field investment relations between isfaction at the level of coopera- ation in that field via the following The proposal assumes signifi- Both parties expressed their of the general budget and the the two countries and increase tion existing between the two topics; Holding research projects cance in the context of a supply satisfaction at the level of mili- exchange of expertise and quali- exports between them through countries in the field of culture that serve the two countries’ shortfall in the local market fol- tary cooperation between the two fying capacities in the preparation encouraging the chambers of and media, and emphasized the developmental plans; exchanging lowing the Saudi ban on export of countries. They confirmed that of public budgets in accordance commerce and the private sec- importance of continuing the of visits of academics in order to several agricultural and poultry they will continue to cooperate in with the latest regulations and tor in the two countries and the follow-up and activation of all develop and upgrade their sci- products. holding workshops and exchang- standards effective in this regard. exchange of visits to achieve their aspects of cooperation contained entific and practical skills at the The Heir Apparent H H ing information and expertise. The meeting called on the common interests. in the MoU for cultural and media scientific faculties;Encouraging Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Cooperation is also supported by concerned authorities in the two The two sides underlined the cooperation. studies and researches between Thani led the Qatari side in the the agreements the GCC mem- countries to quickly complete importance of holding a coor- The Qatari side showcased the universities based in the two Council while Prince Salman bin ber states signed in Bahrain in the examination of the draft dinating meeting to the profes- its desire to get a plot of land countries and the exchange of aca- Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown December 20, 2000. memorandum of understanding sionals concerned with the World allocated to be the permanent demic textbooks and manuscripts. Prince, Deputy Prime Minister In the field of security, the extended by the Qatari side, and Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters for the pavilion of Other decisions included devel- and Minister of Defence led the statement said, the two countries which is related to the establish- affairs in both countries to bring Qatar in the heritage village in oping new systems to discover the Saudi team. “The two sides dis- were looking forward to strength- ment of a mechanism for the closer together views on the the National Festival for Heritage talented and creative students at cussed the desire of Qatar to ening ties in that field particularly execution of the joint investments WTO’s topics with special empha- and Arts (Janadriya), and the the universities in the two coun- exempt it from Saudi Arabia’s counter-terrorism and drug-traf- between the two countries, and sis on trade facilitation. Saudi side promised to give this tries and preparing plans for decision to halt exports of certain ficking. They welcomed signing forwarding whatever results to They will encourage the par- request the necessary attention exchange programs and develop- commodities produced by Saudi agreements to regulate border the Joint Preparatory Committee ticipation in the establishment and following it up. ing new educational syllabi. Arabia as well as a proposal for authorities in combating crimes of the Coordination Council. of exhibitions and commercial The Qatari side wished to THE PENINSULA

Arms going directly to opposition: Kerry

Continued from page 1 constructive. “The foreign minis- might occur and other times we “Obama and America are not ter said they are making progress, see that there was procrastina- hesitant at all and were deeply we are working to continue that tion and thus it had become just committed from the beginning dialogue. He assured me they are a process, and not a final solution to the freedom of the people of going to continue in good faith, to achieve peace. Syria,” he added. I look forward to some positive “If there is no agreement on The US diplomat added that results,” he added. setting a specific timetable for America has worked hard to Earlier, the Prime Minister the end of this process, I think identify the moderate Syrian welcomed the visit by John there would be a problem and a opposition. Kerry to Qatar, saying: “This is loss of hope. He expressed opti- “We have greater guarantees not his first visit, but his first mism about John Kerry’s views that weapons are going directly to after assuming his new post as on the Palestinian issue, saying the Syrian opposition”, he added. Secretary of State , and we know that this issue has become a pri- “The (Syrian) President has him very well and we are aware of ority for the US and that. John responded with missiles and are his ability to do the requirements Kerry is interested personally in trying to subjugate people. The of the job and that he would rep- this file.” Syrian opposition will choose who resent his country in the best He expressed belief that Kerry will represent them. It’s a reason- way.” is able to reach a solution. “For able way to end the violence and On the Middle East peace proc- our part, we will work to help allow people of the country to ess, the Premier said that the the US through the Arab Peace decide,” he stated. peace process had passed through Initiative Committee in order Regarding the situation in serious problems since the to reach a just solution to the Bahrain, Kerry said that the Madrid Conference 20 years ago, Palestinian-Israeli issue,” said the conversation with the Prime noting that there was at times a Prime Minister. Minister about this issue was very feeling that something positive THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Sheikha Moza meets Somali president PM receives Fouad Siniora

H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser received the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mahamoud, at Qatar Foundation headquarters. They discussed Somalia’s efforts to extend education and employment opportuni- The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani yesterday met ties to its people and Sheikha Moza’s initiatives to support these efforts. (AISHA AL MUSALLAM) former Lebanese prime minister and head of the Future Parliamentary Bloc Fouad Siniora and his delegation. Dukhan Operations raises SCH launches survey on sale, use of tobacco funds for Al Amal Hospital DOHA: Qatar’s public health authori- shortage of data to give an estimate about Department. The survey will reflect the level ties yesterday launched the field work the number of people using tobacco, par- of passive smokers and the rate of exchange DOHA: Qatar Petroleum’s Dukhan Operations — in association with the of a comprehensive survey that will give ticularly in the expatriates community. for buying different kinds of tobacco. Al Hiba Group, which is a charitable organisation endorsed by Qatar officials more accurate data about the The survey, which begins today, will col- Qatar is the second country to imple- Center for Voluntary Activities — recently hosted a fund-raising cam- use and sale of tobacco products in the lect data from 4,000 Qatari and 4,000 non- ment the survey in the Arab world. paign for the benefit of cancer patients at Al Amal Hospital. country. Qatari men and women aged 15 years and Preliminary results will be published The event held at Dukhan’s Jinnan Recreation Club and was attended by The current statistics do not reflect the above. in August this year while the final Ahmad Saif Al Sulaiti, Operations Manager-Dukhan Fields, other senior actual prevalence of the problem, making The labourers and servants will not be a report of the survey will be published officials of Dukhan Operations Management as well as many members of it difficult to control smoking in a growing part of the survey. in November. the Dukhan community. The fund-raising campaign featured a flea market population, senior public health officials “The importance of this survey comes “We were planning this survey for the displaying a wide range of goods, including food products, books, clothes, said yesterday. from the importance of the epidemic of last two years, and once completed, Qatar fashion accessories and gift items. THE PENINSULA As per the Global Adult Tobacco Survey tobacco consumption in terms of the spread will be a model for other GCC countries,” launched by the Supreme Council of Health among different age groups, especially Dr Al Anood Al Thani, Director of Health (SCH), more than 8,000 households will be young men and women,” Dr Mohammed Protection and Non-communicable Diseases surveyed. Al Thani, Director of Public Health Department, said, adding that data will be The self-funded survey is being con- Department, SCH said, adding that there collected digitally. ducted by SCH’s Health Promotion and is a lack of data about this age group that Dr Dr Mohammed Al Thani also Non-Communicable Diseases Department could support anti-tobacco campaigns. said that there is a need to increase the in cooperation with Qatar Statistics Smoking is a highly stigmatised issue in number of quit-smoking units in the Authority, the regional office for the World the country, especially among women and country. Health Organisation and the Centre for young men, which is why officials are urg- “We have been planning to have more Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. ing everyone to actively participate in the units in primary health centres,” he said. Around 30 percent of Qatari males and survey. Survey methods used are global standard 1.2 percent of females use tobacco in dif- “We know a lot of women are smoking methodology for collecting data. It is using ferent forms, according to the available these days and that tobacco, especially a global protocol that has been reviewed data. the sweka is widely used in high schools,” and revised to be culturally appropriate Officials, however, said that these do not said Dr Khulood Al Mutawa from Health for Qatar. Senior officials of Dukhan Operations management at the fund-raising event. reflect the actual figures and that there is Protection and Non-communicable Diseases THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

PM gets calls from Libya and Yemen Rota to host DOHA: Prime Minister and Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani and Libya’s Prime Minister Ali Zaidan discussed iEARN global bilateral ties and issues of com- mon interest over the phone yesterday. The Prime Minister received a telephone call from Yemeni Prime Minister Mohammed Salem Basindwa. meet in July Amour to open Delegates from 70 countries to attend Francophone Cinema Week DOHA: Qatar will be the in online school linkages to enable first GCC country to stage students in Qatar to engage in DOHA: Amour, this year’s the iEARN (International meaningful educational projects Academy Award winner for Education and Resource with peers in their countries and Best Foreign Language Film, Network) international con- around the world. is set to open the Francophone ference when Reach Out To “We are looking forward to Cinema Week tomorrow night Asia (Rota) hosts the 20th hosting iEARN conference this at the Katara Drama Theatre. Annual iEARN International year and welcoming participation The screening marks the Conference and 17th Annual of Qatar University faculty, staff Qatar premiere of the critically Youth Summit in July this year. and students,” added Al Mannai. acclaimed film by renowned iEARN is a non-profit organi- Dean of QU College of Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker (top left) with the President of Catalonia, Artur Mas, in Barcelona. The meeting director Michael Haneke, who sation made up of over 30,000 Education Dr Hissa Sadiq said: was attended by airline management, FC Barcelona VP Economy & Strategy, Javier Faus, and Director of Marketing won Cannes Palme D’or last year, schools and youth organisations “Collaboration and the sharing and Communications for Qatar 2022, Nasser Al Khater. his second in three years. in more than 130 countries. of ideas and lessons learned are Francophone Cinema Week Empowering teachers and young keystones to professional devel- (La Semaine du Cinéma people to work together using opment, which feeds back into Francophone) is a collaboration the Internet and other new com- improving educational standards. Qatar Airways to expand between Katara DFI Cinema and munications technologies, over iEARN’s programme has bene- the French Embassy/Institut 2,000,000 students each day are fitted many teachers and pupils Français du Qatar, with the sup- engaged in collaborative iEARN here and we hope others will get port of the embassies of Belgium, projects worldwide. involved in this worthwhile initia- operations to Barcelona: CEO Canada and Switzerland. iEARN-Qatar will be hosting tive to build on its successes in Bringing the best of contem- the conference which will bring Qatar.” BARCELONA: Qatar Airways offering twice as much capacity. Barca in Catalonia and millions of porary cinema from the French- together teachers and students With entry open to all educa- Chief Executive Officer Akbar And we then improved capacity the club’s fans around the world,” speaking world to film lovers in from over 70 countries. tors, the iEARN meet will be a Al Baker said that the airline further to the current 10-flights- Al Baker said Doha, the event will run until “iEARN enables young peo- chance to share and learn from planned to expand its operations a-week, which clearly shows our The President of Catalonia March 13 at Katara Drama ple to go beyond learning about teachers how technology is used in Barcelona, the Catalonian commitment to Barcelona and and Mayor of Barcelona Theatre, building 16. It will close the world, to learning with peers in the classroom. capital, from the current 10 Catalonia as a whole.” expressed their excitement with the worldwide box-office hit around the planet by using con- Encouraged by the success of flights a week to twice daily Al Baker met the President of about the partnership between film The Intouchables directed by nective technologies. Instead of iEARN-Qatar, Rota took the to help boost trade and busi- Catalonia, Artur Mas, and Mayor Qatar Airways and FC Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano. just a few students who are able bold step in organising a two- ness links between Qatar and of Barcelona, Xavier Trias, to Barcelona, bringing in great All films in the programme to physically visit another coun- day meeting in July last year to Catalonia. discuss new trade, business and benefits to the renowned foot- will be subtitled in Arabic and try, the entire class can have per- establish iEARN-Arabia, the first “Extra frequencies would be a investment opportunities. The ball club and Catalan region. English. sonal and educationally valuable iEARN network for the Arab tremendous boost to the economy meetings follows announcement Qatar Airways offers travel- Tickets, Box Office timings experiences with other cultures,” world. of Barcelona and the surround- that the airline is to be a strate- lers from Barcelona an exciting and full films listing are available said Rota Executive Director Essa It involved iEARN representa- ing areas, helping create new jobs gic partner of football giants FC network of destinations to cities on www.dohafilminstitute.com. Al Mannai during a recent semi- tives from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, and bringing more tourists to this Barcelona. across the Middle East, Africa Tickets can be purchased from nar at Qatar University to brief Morocco, Tunisia, Palestine, fabulous city,” said Al Baker. “Qatar Airways looks forward and Asia Pacific via its Doha DFI Ticket Outlet in Katara, faculty members on the iEARN Qatar, the UAE, and Yemen. “When Qatar Airways launched to working with FC Barcelona hub. Building 26, from 1pm to 7pm and programme and the upcoming The meeting defined iEARN- flights to Barcelona in June 2010, through our new strategic part- The airline operates daily non- from the Katara Drama Theatre conference. Arabia’s vision, mission, goals, we started off with daily services nership that starts this summer, stop flights between Madrid and before each screening. “Since 2008, Rota has sup- status and format. using narrow-body aircraft, grad- giving us even more opportunities Doha. ported iEARN’s pioneering work THE PENINSULA ually increasing to larger planes to connect the loyal fan base of THE PENINSULA Qatar Natural History Group meeting today Doha Briefing in New York to discuss Arab Spring impact on women DOHA: Qatar Natural History Group will meet today at 7pm at the Doha English Speaking DOHA: The Doha International has a Special Consultative University of Michigan, will “The purpose of the briefing by region after the Arab Spring,” School. Hala Kijani, PhD can- Institute for Family Studies Status with the United Nations address new challenges facing DIIFSD is to explore and highlight said Al Malki. didate in Anthropology and and Development (DIIFSD), a Economic and Social Council. women in the region after the how effectively women’s rights The Arab Spring has shown Outreach and Public Engagement member of Qatar Foundation A statement released by Arab Spring. Dr Sophie Richter- are incorporated into broader the strength and determination Director to the United Nations for Education, Science and DIIFSD said the theme of this Devroe, a lecturer at the Institute demands for social, economic and of many Arab women who played Framework Convention on Community Development, is year’s briefing is ‘Arab Spring: of Arab and Islamic Studies at political change in these transi- a major role in uprisings. Hopes Climate Change, will give an to host its Doha Briefing in A chance or a risk for women’s Exeter University, will speak on tioning countries. It will address were high that political reform illustrated presentation on ‘The New York City next week. rights’. violence against women. Dr Rabab why gender empowerment is cru- would also bring gender equality. Hima: A Way of Being’. Details The event will take place on The briefing will begin with El Mahdi, Associate Professor at cial for the sound socio-economic Yet, for many women, the opti- and a map of the venue can Monday during the 57th ses- remarks by Noor Al Malki Al the American University in Cairo, development of society, and what mism which followed the Arab be found on www.qnhg.org, a sion of the Commission on the Jehani, Executive Director of will be sharing key insights on the are the main impediments in Spring has been replaced by a press release by the group said Status of Women, at the United DIIFSD. Dr Nadine Naber, Arab Spring and women’s rights achieving gender equality and disappointing autumn. yesterday. Nations headquarters. DIIFSD Associate Professor at the in Egypt. women’s empowerment in the QNA THE PENINSULA/QNA

Ambassador Jean-Christophe Peaucelle (third left) with new citizens during a ceremony at his residence yesterday. French embassy grants citizenship to seven

DOHA: The Ambassador of France, nationality to the seven, who were accom- of the Republic of France, “liberté, égalité, Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, held a recep- panied by their spouses and kids as well as fraternité”, and welcomed his compatriots tion at his residence yesterday to grant some friends and relatives. who then became part of the French com- French citizenship to seven people who He underlined that there was no dif- munity, to which they bring the diversity of live in Doha. The new citizens are of five ference between citizens who were born their talents. origins: Algerian, Lebanese, Moroccan, French and those who acquired citizenship The French community in Qatar is con- Tunisian and Uzbek. and that all could enjoy the same rights and tinuously increasing and amounts now During the ceremony, the ambassador share the same duties. to some 3,500 people registered with the handed over official documents of French The ambassador also stressed the values embassy. THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Commercial plaza to come up at Katara Residential villas and hotels planned: General Manager BY RAYNALD C RIVERA

DOHA: Katara Cultural Village’s unique appeal to visi- tors would be further enhanced with the construction of more buildings, including a mall, which is likely to begin in June this year, according to Dr Khalid Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (pic- tured), General Manager of Katara. Speakers at a panel discussion during the forum on cultural gap between generations yesterday. “Many new buildings are set to rise on the south side of Katara, including a commercial plaza on top of the basement parking. Forum on generation gap calls These projects would likely start in June this year. We are going within the schedule of phases of for reforms in legislation development,” Dr Al Sulaiti told The Peninsula yesterday. development, he said, “neverthe- visitors. During weekends the He said what people see on less, the main stage that we want number of visitors reach 90,000,” DOHA: A two-day forum on urged authorities to set up a parents should set a good exam- ground right now is only the first for the Cultural Village is the he said. cultural gap between genera- parental advisory clinic under ple for children in their dealings phase of the project and that development and adoption of the Al Sulaiti said people can tions organised by Juvenile the ministry to discuss and between them or with others and the nature and magnitude of the Qatari intellect and innovations.” expect more world-class events Police Department of the solves issues between parents and should not show their differences project demands it be carried out With the meteoric rise in the and performances as Katara Ministry of Interior in col- children. in front of children. in stages. number of visitors to Katara, the works closely with top companies laboration with the Children’s It also called for producing The forum said that problems of “The foundation is a huge Cultural Village has become a and collaborate with various dip- Cultural Centre recommended more television programmes to children should be solved through entity and requires several years major tourist destination in the lomatic missions. the renewal of national legisla- address various issues faced by discussion and called for educat- to accomplish this dream, which country for visitors who wish to “Katara is an international hub tion system in line with absorb- teens, in coordination with con- ing children and parents through is scheduled to be finalised in witness art expos and perform- for multi-cultural events in vari- ing and comprehending the cerned bodies. It stressed the awareness programmes on how 2018. By completing stages of the ances from world-class artistes. ous fields of art and we are bring- differences between generations significance of holding training to re-formulate beliefs, attitudes Cultural Village project, Qatar “The events held in Katara ing more of these in our coming according to changes taking sessions for those working with and values in the light of changes will be succeeding in investing in contributed to support and stimu- activities. In order to look into place in the community. children to develop their skills occurring in society. culture, as the government funds late the cultural sector in Qatar. other cultures, it is important to It also recommended coop- in dealing with parental issues The participants recommended cultural activities, and preserving The daily average of visitors to work with various embassies.” eration among civil institutions resulting from the gap between the need to promote Islamic its legacy, because culture is the Katara exceeded 20,000, with a The Cultural Village, he said, is of different understanding on generations. values that encourage honour- memory of people, and the main maximum percentage of the num- the first project of its kind in the awareness about changes in life- The forum asked parents to ing one’s parents and parental motive of its heading to future bers on holidays and weekends, region because “it is not just tradi- styles, analysing data of trends keep pace with changes occur- responsibility. prospects,” he added. and during events and festivals tional buildings or entertainment and their impact on individu- ring in society and benefit from It also called for activating the Residential villas, hotels and such as the Doha Tribeca Film or commercial facilities, it involves als and society. The forum also those as means of communica- role of the family in doing its part other facilities serving culture Festival which recorded 180,000 several projects that put culture in stressed the importance of the tion and closeness with their in the sound upbringing of chil- and tourism are among other visitors and during the two-day the centre all activities.” role of civil institutions and civil children. dren and developing awareness projects included in Katara Eid event which had 160,000 THE PENINSULA society organisations in reducing The forum said that educa- among them, especially religious the contrast and the gap between tional curriculum should include consciousness while providing a generations. concepts of care and love for school environment suitable for The forum, under the patron- parents, while maintaining personality development to meet age of H E Sheikh Abdullah bin bonds of the family system. the needs for developing thought Two Arabs arrested for duping Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, The forum also said that and creativity. THE PENINSULA shops with fake credit cards DOHA: The Criminal Investigation Department has arrested two Arab nationals with 15 fake credit cards used for purchasing watches, com- puters, mobile phones and gifts worth QR75,000 from a number of shops in the country. Acting on a tip-off from the one of the banks, a special investigation team was formed with experts from financial crimes section and cyber crimes inves- tigation centre. The team visited shops duped with fake cards and based on statements of salesmen and CCTV recordings, concluded that the fraudsters were Arab nationals. Through search, investigation and information gathering and inferences about the suspects collected from details of suspicious transactions, the first sus- One of the suspects with the booty. pect was arrested while try- ing to leave the country. During interrogation of the suspects, it became clear that one more per- son was involved and authorities arrested him at a hotel after obtaining permission from the Pubic Prosecution. The investigation team also seized expensive watches, computers, mobile phones and gifts along with the credit cards. The accused were referred to the Public Prosecution, along with the booty. THE PENINSULA Doha Arab League summit crucial: Oman CAIRO: Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, the Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, has stressed the significance of the next Arab Summit due in Doha, saying that the meeting comes in a delicate and very compli- cated stage. “The mere convening of such an Arab summit in Doha will provide it an appropriate ground in view of the active role Qatar has been playing in this regard,” said Yousef bin Alawi after his meeting with Arab League Secretary General Dr Nabil Al Arabi. QNA WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 06 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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John Kerry’s visit Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

ecretary of State John Kerry’s current tour of the Gulf region not only comes as a familiarisation trip for the US official, it has provided a badly needed A stronger Cambodia leaves Sopportunity for leaders of the region to voice their views on a range of issues of immediate concern. Kerry was in Doha yesterday. He met the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and earlier addressed a press the darkness behind conference with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, where BY JONATHAN POWER both leaders answered questions from the media on issues Cambodia’s seat in the UN. ranging from North Korea to Syria. From 1979 to 1990, the Khmer Rouge This is Kerry’s first overseas tour since his appointment AMBODIA has lain for too long ruled the diplomatic roost. Western and shows the importance he attaches to the region. under the black umbrella of its countries gave their political support A country that lost a Cpast. But it is waking up, has to a regime that had perpetrated the US relations with the Arab world are going through looked the evil one in its eye and, re- second worst genocide of the 20th cen- quarter of its population minor convulsions since the advent of the Arab Spring. born, found its strength. tury. In this they were opposed by the now has a new generation Leaders and people in the Arab world expect the US to Cambodia has been to hell and back Soviet Union. The Chinese were more which in the last handful tailor its policies to suit the current situation and it’s this — two million of its people killed, out in a quandary having been the Khmer adjustment which Kerry should focus on. of its population of eight million, with Rouge’s main supplier of military of years has matured into 500,000 of them executed, the conse- hardware. workers and professionals. Syria is an example, and is one of the major issues which quence of a fanatical communist move- A handful of US diplomats would the Gulf leaders discussed with the visiting US official. ment, the Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot like to see the US making an apology, Gulf leaders have a clear stance on Syria which is at odds and a group of henchmen now being as then-President Bill Clinton did over Economic growth, says the local IMF with that of Washington. They believe that Syria is on the tried in the UN War Crimes Court. Pol CIA activity in supporting a murderous representative, was above 6 percent last verge of disintegration and arming the rebels is the only Pot is dead. government in Guatemala. But in the year and will be 7 percent to 8 percent way to overthrow the repressive The Khmer Rouge violently took words of one Cambodian-based diplomat this year, one of the world’s highest. power in 1975 and fell in 1979. They “Washington won’t let us talk about it.” There is little inflation and no big debt. regime of Bashar Al Assad. But wanted a classless society. They abol- In Cambodia, the Vietnamese estab- In 2012 foreign investment went up by Secretary of Washington has been hesitant, ished money, lished a government that ruled for a 44 percent, mainly from China, Vietnam saying it is concerned about the property and reli- decade. In 1991 the UN negotiated a and Taiwan. The US welcomes Chinese State’s tour weapons falling into the hands of gious practices. peace agreement between the de facto investment in the absence of its own. of the region hardliners. Economic growth Family relation- Cambodian government and the Khmer Last year exports to the European Kerry said the US was ships were criti- Rouge. A UN-organised election was Union went up sharply. should help was above 6 cised and people agreed to, but in the end the Khmer Tourism climbed by 20 percent last increasingly confident that were forbidden Rouge baulked. year, garment exports by 14 percent, Washington weapons being sent by others percent last from even show- Hun Sen, now Cambodia’s autocratic rice production by 8 percent and, rare change its to the opposition were going to year and will be ing the slight- Prime Minister, lost the 1993 election for a developing country, agriculture moderate forces rather than 7 percent to 8 est affection. but muscled his way into a power-shar- increased by nearly 5 percent. stance on extremists. That could be seen as The work day in ing deal. In 1997 he staged a coup. He is In the 1980s, 90 percent of the peo- percent this year, the fields was 12 now Asia’s longest serving leader. ple lived in poverty. Today it is only 20 a climbdown from the previous Syria. hours without Diplomatic and local media observers percent, a remarkable achievement. It rigid position, but it’s not enough. one of the world’s pause. Torture say that Hun Sen is popular and could is one of the largest poverty reductions The Prime Minister said the highest. There is and the bullet win an election without the limits on in the world, says the World Bank rep- international community and the US had changed their little inflation and were the instant press freedom and the arbitrary arrests resentative — far better than its neigh- position on the issue of supplying weapons, adding that had punishment and occasional murder of dissidents that bour, Thailand. no big debt. for deviance. he allows or encourages. Nutrition rates are up. So are hygiene the rebels been armed earlier, the huge loss of lives could Anybody edu- Capitalism is the tool of economic and the availability of clean water. Most have been avoided. cated was singled out for death. progress. (But one long street is named children are now inoculated and infant There is a need for deeper military involvement in In the late 1970s, the neighbouring the Kim Il Sung Boulevard.) On the eco- mortality has fallen fast. Syria and Assad must be made to leave immediately. The Vietnamese, despite having in the early nomic front, Hun Sen has delivered. A Unemployment is very low. Cambodia situation is so serious that unwillingness to address the 1970s supported the Khmer Rouge, country that lost a quarter of its popula- is fifth in the world in terms of attaining issue on an emergency basis will be equivalent to abetment. fought their way into Cambodia and tion now has a new generation which in the Millennium Development Goals that Syria cannot be allowed to disintegrate. The death toll is in January 1979 overthrew the Khmer the last handful of years has matured measure social progress. Rouge, capturing Phnom Penh. into workers and professionals. Good But educational improvement goes spiralling and thousands of people are fleeing war every The Khmer Rouge fled westward, economic policies have given them their too slowly. Corruption is pervasive. day. The crisis has begun to spill into the neighbouring establishing themselves on the Thai bor- head. The press, albeit gradually becom- Manufacturing is only just getting under countries and threatens to suck them into the vortex. der. Many of them were hungry and ill ing freer, is controlled. Although three way. In July there will be a general Britain has changed its position on supplying weapons and Unicef and NGOs fed and nurtured independent human rights-orientated election. Hun Sen will win. He has the to rebels, which could herald a change in the European them. They lived to fight another day. radio stations are allowed, the head of organisation and the money. Perhaps In an appalling move, the US, still one is in jail. The media has had to be then he will loosen up a bit more. A position too. Washington too needs to react more positively scarred by losing its war with Vietnam, restrained on issues such as covering prosperous democracy could be, if he to Gulf leaders’ demands • persuaded its Western allies to vote the government’s land grabs on behalf of willed it, not too far away. to allow the Khmer Rouge to take industry and large-scale farming. THE PENINSULA Letters Quote of When education becomes a business the day ECENTLY I received a circular why would a parent want to withdraw package for me waiting for collection, was just a 0 printed in the letter. from the Doha Modern Indian the child from the school? Why is there and that I would have to call one of It is pathetic that in a tiny — and School asking parents to so much focus only on ‘revenue’. Why two phone numbers given in the letter wealthy — country like Qatar, postal Rre-register their children for has education become a business? within seven days of the date of the services should be so poor. next year’s classes by paying a non- Alex Pandian, Doha letter to specify a time and place for In contrast, postal services in large refundable QR2,000 which will be delivery of the package. countries have been ranked as among The EU and adjusted against the first term fees Mail at snail’s The letter further stated that if I the most efficient. In a study by a British Myanmar are which is due within a week. Also the received the letter more than seven firm, the United States Postal Service parent has to submit two additional pace days after the date of the letter, I would was ranked as the most efficient in the turning a page in post dated cheques for the fees for I recently opened an account with a have to call a customer service number G-20 countries. The postal services in terms 2 and 3 as well at the same time. bank in Doha. They told me that they to make arrangements for delivery, as Canada and Australia, both countries their relationship, One wonders if such practice is would send me my debit card by post. the package would have been returned where mail has to be delivered to far- more dialogue, approved by the SEC and why a school After about a week, I got a text mes- to the sender by that time. flung and remote places, also figured should be so scared of losing students sage from the bank saying that they I had received the letter ten days among the top five in the study. more and better during the year by asking parents to had dispatched the debit card to after the date mentioned on it. When In comparison to these countries, Jose Manuel Barroso submit cheques for the whole year’s Q-Post. I looked for the customer service one would assume delivering mail aid, more trade and fees in advance? A week after this, I received a let- number, I found there was none. In within Qatar should be far more easier. investment. European Commission If the quality of education is good, ter from Q-Post saying that they had a front of ‘Customer Service Tel’, there Ramaswamy, Doha Chief WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

If Beijing passes Washington in the How US botched China’s rise next decade or two, visited China on her first overseas visit as US secretary of state. it will be the first There’s little evidence Clinton has engaged in any serious strategic think- ing about US-China relations. If she had, time in 200 years she would have asked some big ques- tions. Traditionally, relations between that a non-Western dominant powers and emerging powers have been tense. This should have been the norm with China and the US. Yet power has emerged China has emerged without alarming Americans. That’s close to a geopoliti- as No 1. cal miracle. Who deserves credit for it? Beijing or Washington? China seems to BY KISHORE MAHBUBANI have a clear, comprehensive strategy. The US has none. ince the dawn of geopolitics, Officials in Washington reacted angrily there has always been tension to this column. A senior official at the between the world’s greatest National Security Council called up the power and the world’s greatest Singaporean Embassy in Washington to emerging power. No great power complain about a Singaporean criticiz- Slikes to cede its No 1 spot. One of the few ing US foreign policy — even though, in times the top power ceded its position to theory, America welcomes debate and a the No 2 power peacefully was when Great free marketplace of ideas. Britain allowed the US to surge ahead in I also tell this story to illustrate the late 19th century. Many books have how sensitive the establishment in been written on why this transition hap- Washington has become to any discus- pened peacefully. But the basic reason sion on the nature of Sino-American seems cultural: One Anglo-Saxon power relations. The real truth about this rela- was giving way to another. tionship is that, while there is a lot of Today, the situation is different. The calm on the surface, tension is brewing No 1 power is the US, the standard- below. I am convinced that there is great bearer of the West. The No 2 power simmering anger in Beijing about being rapidly catching up is China, an Asian pushed around callously by Washington. power. If Beijing passes Washington in The Chinese resent, for instance, allega- the next decade or two, it will be the first A file photo shows members of an honour guard marching during a ceremony in Beijing. tions of Chinese cyberspying that make time in 200 years that a non-Western no mention of America’s own activities in power has emerged as No 1. According this area. The Chinese do not believe that to economic historian Angus Maddison’s The view in Beijing is that the calm April 1999 when he went to Washington to enjoy massive trade surpluses; allow- they are the only ones playing this game. calculations, China was the world’s No 1 in Sino-American relations is a result to negotiate China’s entry into the World ing China to join multilateral bodies like Given the many simmering tensions, economy until 1890. of the extraordinary patience and for- Trade Organisation (WTO); Chinese the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation it would be unwise to assume smooth The logic of history tells us that such bearance shown by China. Chinese lead- elites haven’t forgotten. In their minds, forum; and perhaps most importantly of sailing ahead for the US and China. The power transitions do not happen peace- ers believe they have followed the wise China has been responsible for the low all, allowing hundreds of thousands of need to cooperate is rising each day, as is fully. Indeed, we should expect to see a advice of Deng Xiaoping, the late reform- levels of tension in US-China relations Chinese students to study in American the potential for a major US-China mis- rising level of tension as America worries ist leader, and decided not to challenge because China has swallowed such bitter universities. These are generous acts. understanding. In November 2011, then- more and more about losing its primacy. American leadership in any way or in pills time and again. But it is also true that the US allowed Secretary Clinton announced loudly and Yet it has done little to act on these any area. And when China has felt that it The view in Washington is almost China to rise because it was so supremely boldly a “pivot” to Asia, signifying a turn- fears thus far. It would have been quite was directly provoked, it has also followed exactly the opposite. Few Americans self-confident that it would always remain ing point in US foreign policy that would natural for America to carry out vari- Deng’s advice and swallowed its humili- believe that China has been able to rise on top. China’s benign rise was a result of reduce the focus on the Middle East. ous moves to thwart China’s rise. That’s ation. Few Americans remember any peacefully because of China’s geopolitical American neglect, not a result of any long- Barack Obama’s administration took what great powers have done throughout such instances of provocation. Chinese acumen or America’s geopolitical mis- term strategy. China acted strategically; pains to avoid saying that this was history. That’s how America faced the leaders remember many. In May 1999, takes. Instead, the prevailing view is that America did not. After the 9/11 attacks, America’s response to a rising China, Soviet Union. So why isn’t this happen- during the Nato bombing of Yugoslavia, America has been remarkably generous for instance, the US focused on the Middle but nobody, including China, was fooled. ing? Why are we seeing an unnatural a US plane bombed the Chinese Embassy to China and allowed it to emerge peace- East instead of the rise of China, lead- Other countries saw it as a clear signal degree of geopolitical calm between the in Belgrade. America apologised, but no fully because the US is an inherently vir- ing Hong Kong journalist Frank Ching that Sino-American geopolitical competi- world’s greatest power and the world’s Chinese leader believed it was a mis- tuous and generous country. to write, “The fact is, it’s not going too tion was heating up. The logical conse- greatest emerging power? take. Similarly, a Chinese fighter jet was There can be no denying that the US far to say that China owes a huge debt of quence is therefore not difficult to figure It would be virtually impossible to get downed when it crashed into a US spy has been generous to China in many real gratitude to Osama bin Laden.” out: We should be prepared for global Beijing and Washington to agree on the plane near Hainan Island, China, in April ways: allowing China’s accession to the America has been sensitive to criticisms turbulence if the US-China relationship answers to these natural questions, as 2001. Here, too, China felt humiliated. WTO (under stiff conditions, it must be about its lack of a long-term strategy. I follows the millennial old patterns and no there are two distinct and sometimes Few Americans will recall the humilia- emphasised, but stiff conditions that iron- can speak about this from personal expe- longer remains on an even keel. competing narratives in the two capitals. tion then-Premier Zhu Rongji suffered in ically benefited China); allowing China rience. In February 2009, Hillary Clinton WP-BLOOMBERG The last thing Syrians need is Italy’s post-poll chaos isn’t what you think BY CARLO BASTASIN chosen nihilism, or who say, in more arms going to either side effect, that Italians voted against o parliament, no gov- everything — including Europe ernment, no president and austerity, which they had BY CHARLES GLASS and modified the borders it drew of the republic. And come to believe in before the debt across Ottoman Syria under Nnow not even a pope. crisis. I understand why people ussia and Iran are pro- the Sykes-Picot agreement car- The situation in Italy resembles a are saying Italy could bring down viding weapons and ries historic baggage. A country house of cards in a perfect storm. the whole euro project. But I disa- ammunition to Syria’s that has done nothing since June It’s not just a matter of poli- gree with them. RPresident Assad, while 1967 to oppose Israel’s occupation ticians, scenarios and furniture Italians remain pro-European, Saudi Arabia and Qatar deliver and annexation of Syria’s Golan flying all over the place until the and fewer people than you would arms through Turkey to his oppo- Heights has a way to go to prove storm subsides. The problem is suppose are seriously thinking nents. John Kerry, the US secre- its bona fides to a sceptical Syrian deeper than that. The new Italian of relinquishing either the euro tary of state, has just announced audience. And a country that, parliament has three minori- or the economic-policy commit- that the US is increasing its non- from the rebellion’s outset, pre- ties that are unable to form a ments that come with it. lethal assistance to the rebels by dicted and sought the imminent majority. Discontent is focused, above a further $60m. Britain is asking downfall of the Damascus regime It is a power game in which all, on taxes. They are among the the EU to lift its embargo on arms may find it hard to play the role Pier Luigi Bersani, the electoral highest in the euro area. Taxes sales to the opposition. of honest broker. winner, is the political loser, and on business are the highest of None of this seems designed to The person who is attempting the electoral losers, former prime any euro member, and they are end a conflict that, for a moment, to be an honest broker, the United minister Silvio Berlusconi and ex- severely hurting a weakened seemed to be heading hesitantly Nations mediator, Lakhdar comic Beppe Grillo, are the politi- economy. Italians see excessive towards negotiation. Ahmed Moaz Brahimi, has no power. All sides cal winners. taxes mainly as the consequence Al Khatib, leader of the Syrian in the Syrian war are aware of Consider this. Almost half of of bad political management. It’s National Coalition, offered last his impotence, and they ignore his those Italians who cast their bal- not that they object to Europe month to discuss a settlement mission knowing that their back- lots for one of the traditional and austerity. Rather, they are without demanding Assad’s res- ers don’t back him. Those with parties switched their vote this angry about the tax increases ignation. Assad did not grasp the power over Syria’s fate — the A Syrian Army officer briefs his men to prepare for an offensive in the time. You think Americans are introduced under the banner of olive branch, but he did make a US, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Saudi northern city of Aleppo, yesterday. fed up with Congress? In Italy, Europe and austerity. proposal of his own in an interview Arabia, Iraq and Qatar, to name trust in the government stands If austerity means fiscal dis- with Hala Jaber in the Sunday only the most prominent cooks at 5 percent, and trust in parlia- cipline, Italians actually want Times: “We are ready to negotiate brewing the bloody Syrian stew pays. Must Syria be destroyed blemish. The victims of lethal and ment at 8 percent. The rate of more of it. This is why New York with anyone, including militants Lester are so partisan that they — to recall an American major’s non-lethal aid to government and abstentions is high. The party Times columnist Paul Krugman is who surrender their arms.” disdain compromise in favour of observation of the Vietnamese rebels alike are the Syrian people. holding the majority of seats in wrong to say Italians shunned an The militants are no more an immediate if elusive victory for provincial capital of Ben Tre in Rather than lift the US-European the Chamber of Deputies — 54 intelligent and credible man such likely to surrender their weap- their respective Syrian factions. 1968 — to save it? Is that what the arms embargo on lethal aid, as percent, as required by law — won as Prime Minister Mario Monti ons, their only means of self- Rather than the combatants’ Syrian people want? Britain proposes, why not ask the the support of just 20 percent of because he was “the proconsul defence, than Assad is to leave benefactors, 24 million Syrians In the interview, Assad said: Russians and Iranians to join it? the electorate. installed by Germany to enforce office. However, the gap between are victims of the escalating arms “You know the crime is not only There is a precedent: The inter- On top of all this, the time- fiscal austerity on an already ail- them was narrowing sufficiently deliveries to all sides. They face a about the victim and the criminal, national embargo on arms sales line to form a new government ing economy.” for deft diplomacy to bridge it. prolonged war whose casualties but also the accomplice provid- to Israel and its Arab enemies is tight. Parliament convenes for In Italy’s case, however, the Did the powers who have inter- will dwarf the estimated 70,000 ing support, whether it is moral during the war of 1948, when the first time March 15. Amid all argument about fiscal stimulus fered in Syria from the beginning lives lost to date; more houses or ideological support.” Britain’s east-west relations were no worse the confusion, the parties must just misses the point. A bigger of the uprising in March 2011 get destroyed, more refugees; the foreign secretary, William Hague, than they are now. As bloody as agree within 10 days on the lead- budget deficit wouldn’t do much together and demand that their ruination of their once prosperous declared: “This will go down as one the 1948 war was, it would have ers of the Chamber of Deputies to stimulate demand, because the respective clients sit at a nego- economic life; and the shredding of the most delusional interviews been far worse if the Russians, and the Senate. Then they have real problem is the breakdown in tiating table and hash things out of a social fabric that held Syria that any national leader has given Americans, French and British to nominate a prime minister, Italy’s supply of credit. From the with words rather than bullets? together for centuries. The US, in modern times.” Is it delusional, had poured in their vast arsenals who must form a government beginning of the euro crisis three Well, no. Russia and the rest seem to say, or should Assad’s observation be to Israelis and Arabs alike. and take an oath in front of the years ago, Italy has seen a faster When Assad said that “Britain as secretary of state Madeleine universalised to apply to his own This month marks the second president of the republic. All this shrinkage in total credit supply has played a famously uncon- Albright once did about the deaths backers, who implicitly approve anniversary of Syria’s civil war. before April 15, when parliament than most euro-area countries, structive role in our region on of half a million Iraqi children due his army’s actions in the war, as If the politicians of east and west meets to elect a new president of as foreign banks have repatriated different issues for decades”, he to international sanctions, that much as to those of the armed go on as they are, it will not be the republic. their loans. This widespread lack was not far off the mark. A coun- “we think the price is worth it.” opposition? The rebels’ own hands the last. So I can sympathise with those of credit has crushed the private try that, with France, imposed It always is, when someone else — as in any war — are not without THE GUARDIAN who despair and say Italy has economy. THE GUARDIAN WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Syrian warplanes bomb fallen city of Raqa Conspiracy against the nation nearing its end: Assad

DAMASCUS: Syrian war- Battle for control in Syria planes bombarded the city of Raqa yesterday, a day after it WHO’S IN CONTROL Mostly government Mostly rebel Contested Area of conflict / displacement Refugee camp was captured by rebel fighters, opposition campaigners and a resident said. “The centre of the TURKEY Qamishli city is being bombarded by war- Jarablus Ras al-Ain planes. I counted 60 rockets,” Bab al-Salam Tel Abyad the resident said, adding hospi- Aleppo Yarubiya Sat. tals had issued calls to donate Bab al- Syrian troops Hawa Khan al-Asal wrest back blood as casualties mounted. Idlib police base Raqqa Mon. control of Rebels report capture border crossing Sharif Shihada, a member of Maarat of provincial capital al-Numan from insurgents the government-controlled par- Latakia liament told Al Jazeera television SYRIA Deir-al-Zor ground forces had been sent to Hama Homs Sun. 20 miles Rastan Heavy fighting between 20 km Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Muqdad (right) with the freed German journalist Billy Six (centre), and Russian retake Raqa and said: “The situ- Tartus Talbisa loyalist forces and ation will suddenly change for opposition brigades IRAQ Ambassador Azamatullah Kol Mohamadov in Damascus, yesterday. these terrorists,” referring to Albu Kamal opposition brigades. hand on the battlefield. as proof of their failure”. Assad’s Minister Guido Westerwelle is Opposition sources and resi- Akashat Mon. “The conspiracy against Syria regime refers to the revolt that “relieved” that Billy Six, who LEBANON dents said rebel fighters captured Gunmen killed at least 40 Syrian is nearing its end,” the paper broke out in March 2011 as a for- works for the Junge Freiheit Zabadani soldiers and officials as they the northeastern city on Monday Qaboun headed home after fleeing a rebel quoted him as saying, citing eign-backed plot against the coun- weekly and went missing in Syria and toppled a statue of President Damascus advance at Yarubiya last week unnamed politicians who met try. His remarks were published late December, is now in the “safe

Bashar al-Assad’s father, in what Sources: U.S. Dept. of State, USAID, Reuters with Assad in the Syrian capital. a day after Syrian rebels overran care” of the embassy in Beirut, a would be the first major city to be K.Pong, RNGS, 05/03/2013 “Significant successes have been the provincial capital of Raqa ministry spokesman said. captured since the revolt erupted made, whose strategic importance province in the north, according “The government has inten- against four decades of Assad at least one intelligence chief and provincial capital and captured is clear even to those in the region to the Syrian Observatory for sively endeavoured to clarify family rule in March 2011. the provincial police commander, its governor in the biggest coup and the rest of the world who Human Rights. his whereabouts and enable his All of Raqa except a military a major blow to loyalist cadres of their revolt. are making useless plans against Meanwhile, a German jour- return,” the spokesman said in intelligence compound fell and entrusted with pacifying the east, Assad, in comments published Syria’s security,” Assad said. The nalist handed over by Syria to a statement. Westerwelle also hundreds of Assad’s forces fled the sources said. in the Lebanese newspaper Al politicians said Assad appeared the Russian envoy in Damascus thanked the Russian govern- east in the direction of Iraq and President Bashar Al Assad Akhbar, also said his opponents, “very comfortable” with military yesterday has left the strife-torn ment and his Russian counterpart west to Aleppo, according to local said yesterday his regime has backed by foreign powers, were developments in Syria and had country and is now at the German Sergei Lavrov “for their support” sources. The rebels arrested the defeated the “conspiracy” against “playing a game of survival” and pointed to “contradictions in the embassy in Lebanon, the foreign in enabling Six to leave Syria, the governor and Baath Party head, Syria, even as rebels overran a that his forces had the upper exiled opposition groups’ stance... ministry said. German Foreign statement added. AGENCIES

Plantation drive Students force UK Tunisia names independents envoy out of West as foreign, defence ministers Bank lecture RAMALLAH: Dozens of TUNIS: Independents will take over the the next government in a concession to the non- Palestinian students at a West foreign and defence ministries in Tunisia’s Islamist opposition. Bank university heckled a new government under a deal by the ruling At least 10 members of Jebali’s former cabinet British diplomat and attacked Islamist party to cede key portfolios following will stay on, including Mohamed Ben Salem as his car yesterday, preventing violent unrest over the assassination of a secu- agriculture minister and Samir Dilou as human him from speaking on campus. lar opposition leader. rights minister — both members of Ennahda, as British Consul-General Sir The new coalition of moderate Islamists, three well as Culture Minister Mehdi Mabrouk, an Vincent Fean was mobbed by secular parties and non-partisan figures aims to independent. students at Bir Zeit University restore stability and prepare the troubled North Former businessman Elyess Fakhfakh, from who chanted and held banners African state, where the Arab Spring uprisings secular party Ettakatol, would retain the post of protesting what they said was began in 2011, for elections later this year. finance minister in the new government, sources Britain’s support for the estab- President Moncef Marzouki asked Interior said. lishment of Israel and its policies. Minister Ali Larayedh of the Islamist Ennahda Zbidi had held the defence portfolio since Campus security guards party on February 22 to form a government shortly after Tunisia’s January 2011 popular shielded Fean from several dozen within 15 days after Ennahda Prime Minister revolution that ousted veteran dictator Zine al- protesters as the diplomat, main- Hamadi Jebali resigned. Abidine Ben Ali. Under Zbidi, the military helped taining a slight smile, made his Coalition sources said Othman Jarandi, a keep public order while staying out of politics. way to his car before being driven former Tunisian ambassador to the United Tunisia plunged into political crisis a month off unharmed. Nations, Oman, South Korea and Pakistan, had ago when the assassination of secular opposition Some of the students banged been named as foreign minister to capitalise on politician Chokri Belaid ignited the biggest street and kicked the vehicle, which had his strong ties with international bodies and the protests since Ben Ali’s overthrow. been covered in demonstrators’ West. Ennahda denied any part in Belaid’s killing placards. Tunisia needs to negotiate a $1.78bn loan from but secularists had long complained that Jebali’s Fean had been scheduled to the International Monetary Fund. The political government was too tolerant of Islamist radi- meet students at the university, turmoil has set back that quest and prompted cals suspected to be behind the attack. Ben Ali’s one of the West Bank’s most Standard and Poor’s to lower its long-term for- regime spent decades suppressing Islamists. prominent schools, and discuss eign and local currency sovereign credit rating The new government will be under intense Britain’s Middle East policies. of Tunisia. pressure to tackle high unemployment, raise “Sir Vincent had hoped to “There is a preliminary agreement that wages and revive economic growth. underline Britain’s deep com- Othman Jarandi will be foreign minister, and The so-called Jasmine Revolution in 2011 was mitment to the creation of a Abdelhak Lassoued will replace the current the first of several Arab uprisings. Tunisia’s Palestinian state, and the urgency defence minister, Abdelkarim Zbidi, who wants political transition has been more peaceful than of progress on the peace process to leave,” a coalition source said. A second source those in neighbouring Egypt and Libya, but ten- in 2013,” said a spokesman for the confirmed the development but declined to give sions are festering between Islamists elected to British Consulate-General in East details. Lassoued, 76, has not held a cabinet power and liberals who fear the loss of hard-won Jerusalem. post before but served in the civil service under liberties. While Islamists played no major role “Sadly, such a dialogue was not Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waters a sapling during a cer- Tunisia’s first post-independence president, in the Tunisian revolt, the struggle over Islam’s possible on this occasion.” emony to plant trees, marking the week of “Natural Resources” in Tehran, Habib Bourguiba. role in government and society has emerged as In a statement, Bir Zeit also yesterday. Ennahda said last week it would allow inde- one of the most divisive political issues. voiced regret that Fean had not pendent figures to take over key ministries in REUTERS been able to speak. REUTERS UN axes Gaza marathon after Saudi Arabia delays execution of seven men Hamas bans women runners RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has government has repeatedly delay to the execution, originally deserve the death penalty.” granted a last-minute stay of denied that the kingdom prac- scheduled for 9 am yesterday. Relatives and friends said 30 GAZA CITY: Gaza’s third inter- female — 266 from Gaza and 119 execution to seven men who tices torture. Dheeb Al Qahtani, a brother people were tried for a series of national marathon has been can- from overseas. Another 1,600 were due to die yesterday for Mohammed Al Rabhan, a of one of the convicted men, crimes, including a string of rob- celled after the ruling Hamas schoolchildren, girls and boys, their part in an armed robbery family friend of some of the thanked the Asir governor for beries of jewellery stores in the movement refused to allow were also to have joined the race. committed when most of them convicts, said the Custodian of delaying the execution. area. Seven were sentenced to women to run alongside men, the UNRWA spokesman Adnan were juveniles, relatives and the Two Holy Mosques King “We hope that Abu Miteb death, while the rest were given UN agency for Palestinian refu- Abu Hasna said the decision to family friends said. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz’s eldest (King Abdullah) would order prison sentences or acquitted. gees said yesterday. cancel was taken after the rul- The seven were sentenced son, who commands the Saudi their release,” he said by tel- The seven are from Asir, one UNRWA officials said more ing Islamist movement refused to death in 2009 for robbing a Arabian National Guard, yester- ephone. Amnesty said the men of the least developed parts of than 800 people, nearly half of to back down over the issue of jewellery store in the southern day ordered a one-month stay of had been “severely beaten, the kingdom that is the world’s them women, had signed up to women and men running together. province of Asir in 2006, but execution while the royal court denied food and water, deprived top oil exporter. participate in this year’s race, “Hamas refused to let women Amnesty International quoted looked into a request for a retrial. of sleep, forced to remain stand- The last time the kingdom which runs the entire length of participate in this very important the men as saying they were “Prince Miteb also promised ing for 24 hours and then forced executed so many people at once the coastal territory and was to marathon. They told us about this tortured into confessing. those who met him to order a to sign ‘confessions’”. was in October 2011, when eight have taken place on April 10. condition several days ago and we It was the latest case to new investigation and a new Rabhan said that the men Bangladeshi men were put to “UNRWA regrets to announce went into long negotiations but we focus the spotlight on the Saudi trial, commute the death essence were coerced into confessions death for an armed robbery in that it has had to cancel the third failed,” he said. “They pushed us to legal system. The kingdom has or even pardon them,” Rabhan and said the men were adoles- which a guard was killed. UNRWA marathon which was to be cancel the marathon and I’m very been criticised in the West for added by telephone after he and cents, aged between 15 and 18 at Saudi Arabia has executed held on 10 April,” a statement said. sorry because it is a very important its high number of executions, about 200 other relatives and the time of the robbery who did 17 people so far this year, said “This disappointing decision follows event for Palestinian refugees.” inconsistencies in the application friends of the young men had not realise the implications of Amnesty, compared to 82 in 2011 discussions with the authorities in Two international women of the law and its use of public gathered near the king’s court their actions. “The investigation and a similar number last year. Gaza who have insisted that no runners participated in the first beheadings. to appeal for clemency. was marred by many violations Capital crimes resulting in the women should participate.” Gaza marathon in 2011, alongside A spokesman for Saudi Friends and family members that distorted the trial,” he said death sentence last year included UNRWA officials say 807 peo- hundreds of women and school- Arabia’s interior ministry was said news of the prince’s order by telephone. “We are not say- murder, armed robbery, drug ple had entered this year’s race girls who joined the relay race or not immediately able to com- came soon after the governor of ing that they are not guilty. We smuggling, sorcery and witch- — 551 locals and 256 international walked part of it, with more join- ment on the case. The Riyadh Asir province ordered a 10-day are saying these crimes do not craft. REUTERS runners. Of that number, 385 are ing last year. AFP WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09

Egypt ex-presidential Clashes continue in Egypt’s Port Said candidate’s party to contest elections Fifty wounded in the port city as policemen battle protesters CAIRO: Former presiden- tial candidate Abdel Moneim PORT SAID, EGYPT: Fresh and demonstrators, who gathered Abul Fotouh said yesterday clashes broke out yesterday for the funeral of an activist killed his party will contest Egypt’s between police and protesters during protests in January and next parliamentary elections, in the restive Suez Canal city whose body took several weeks to boycotted by the main oppo- of Port Said, where fifty people identify. sition coalition. The Strong were wounded in a third day of In Cairo, protesters also Egypt Party is to field candi- unrest. smashed the windows of building dates in the staggered legisla- Tension was running high housing former interior minister tive polls which start on April around the main security build- Mohammed Ibrahim, who headed 22. Abul Fotouh told reporters ing, which was set ablaze yester- police in February 2012 when a in Cairo he believed parties had day for the second day in a row, deadly football riot in Port Said to “stand up to authority” in with anti-riot police firing tear killed 74 people, witnesses said. order to avoid the monopolisa- gas at protesters hurling petrol The protesters aimed fireworks tion of power. A former mem- bombs. Security forces battled at the building as police fired shots ber of President Mohammed stone-throwing youths in the in the air to keep them away, the Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood, Suez Canal city of Port Said yes- witnesses said. Abul Fotouh founded the Strong terday in Cairo police took to the Meanwhile, rumours swirled Egypt Party in July 2012 after streets to protest, reflecting a that soldiers had clashed with his defeat in a presidential elec- country beset by discontent over police in Port Said and that tion a month earlier. He came in a host of grievances. President Mohammed Mursi fourth in a first round of poll- “We hate the police. We don’t would withdraw police and leave ing, with 18 per cent of the vote. want them around anymore!” the restive city in military hands. Egypt’s main opposition bloc, Shaaban, 25, shouted, as the The presidency denied that, the National Salvation Front building was set on fire. saying “the police are doing their which groups mainly liberal and The unrest in Port Said, fuelled job, and the military is support- leftist movements, announced by January death sentences ing them in full coordination,” in Riot policemen fire tear gas and hurl stones at protesters during clashes in front of Security Directorate in Port last week it was boycotting the handed down to football fans over a statement. Said city, 170km northeast of Cairo, yesterday. legislative elections, doubting deadly rioting, boiled over again Hundreds of people were also their transparency. on Sunday night when clashes injured in the fighting overnight deadly football riot. The city has a series of protests and eventu- authority said. The interior min- killed six people, including three on Sunday, which broke out after witnessed unrest since January ally a civil disobedience campaign. istry said it decided to move the policemen. Clashes also broke out the authorities decided to move when a court sentenced Port Traffic in the Suez Canal, a vital prisoners from Port Said because Pakistan, Iran to launch yesterday near Tahrir Square in prisoners awaiting a verdict over Said residents to death over the waterway for global commerce, it wanted to avoid unrest. gas pipeline on Monday downtown Cairo between police alleged involvement in last year’s football stadium riot, triggering has not been disrupted, the canal AGENCIES TEHRAN: The gas pipe- line project between Pakistan and Iran is due to launch offi- cially on Monday. According to Pakistani media, the pipeline will Iran rejects enable the export of 21.5 million Big powers want fast results in Iran talks cubic metres of Iran’s natural gas to Pakistan on a daily basis. Gulf charges of VIENNA: Six world powers political discussions to try and The relatively mild language programme is an entirely peace- Iran has already built more than called yesterday for quick and end years of stalemate in the dis- used in the one-page statement ful project to generate electricity. 900 km of the pipeline on its soil. interference concrete results in nuclear pute, following expert level talks reflected an apparent compromise But its refusal to curb atomic The two sides have set up a joint negotiations with Iran that to be held in Istanbul later this between the four Western states activity that can have both mili- contracting company to build the TEHRAN: Iran rejected yes- have resumed after an eight- month. on the one hand and Russia and tary and civilian purposes, and pipeline in the next 15 months. terday claims by the Gulf month hiatus, aimed at averting “We seek tangible results in China on the other. its lack of full openness with Cooperation Council that it the threat of a new Middle East this diplomatic process at an Moscow and Beijing have in the UN inspectors, have prompted is interfering in the group- war. early stage,” said the statement past criticised unilateral Western increasingly tough US and String of attacks ing’s internal affairs, insist- In a joint statement, the United delivered at a meeting of the sanctions on Tehran, and have European punitive measures ing that Tehran stays away States, Russia, China, France, 35-nation governing board of tended to be less harsh in their against the major oil producer. kill 13 in Iraq from domestic issues of other Germany and Britain described the UN nuclear watchdog, the public statements. Western dip- Israel, Iran’s arch-enemy, BAGHDAD: A string of bomb- countries. last week’s talks with Iran in the International Atomic Energy lomats said the priority now was which is convinced that it is try- ings and shootings in Iraq killed “Iran’s intervention in city of Almaty, Kazakhstan, as Agency (IAEA), in Vienna. to demonstrate big power unity ing to develop a nuclear weapon, 13 people and wounded at least Bahrain’s affairs is a claim con- “useful” and said diplomacy would “We reaffirm our continuing on the Iran nuclear issue. is tiring of the protracted, incon- 35 others yesterday, security trary to reality and it is made be pursued actively in the coming support for a diplomatic solution US Vice President Joe Biden clusive talks and has threatened and medical officials said. in order to escape from the real months. to the Iranian nuclear issue,” it said on Monday that President pre-emptive war against Tehran Two car bombs targeted police problems and will bear no results,” They said they were “deeply said. It was read out by British Barack Obama was not bluff- if it deems that diplomacy has in the restive northern city of Iranian foreign ministry spokes- concerned that Iran continues to Ambassador Susan le Jeune ing about using force to thwart failed. Kirkuk, killing five and wounding man Ramin Mehmanparast said undertake certain nuclear activi- d’Allegeershecque. Iran’s nuclear ambitions if all else Iran was upbeat last week at least 18, while gunmen killed a at his weekly press conference. ties” contrary to UN Security The powers urged Tehran to fails, while Israeli Prime Minister after talks with the powers in town council member and a North “We have not, are not, will not Council resolutions, includ- immediately take “substantive Benjamin Netanyahu called for a Kazakhstan about its nuclear Oil Company employee south of interfere in the domestic issues of ing recent steps to install more steps” to address IAEA concerns “credible military threat” against work ended with an agreement to the city, police and a health offi- any country.” advanced uranium enrichment about “possible military dimen- Tehran. meet again. But Western officials cial said. A car bomb exploded Bahrain, one of the six Arab centrifuges. sions” to the country’s nuclear Iran denies Western and Israeli said it had yet to take concrete near a football field southeast of monarchies making up the GCC, The two sides are due to meet programme. Iran has stonewalled allegations that it is covertly seek- steps to ease their fears about its Baquba, a city north of Baghdad, at the weekend urged the coun- again in early April at the same the UN inquiry for more than ing the capability to make nuclear atomic ambitions. killing three people and wounding cil to stand united against Iran’s venue for another round of four years. weapons, saying its nuclear REUTERS another 17. AGENCIES “interference”. The GCC “looks forward towards better relations with Iran, but unfortunately the lat- Official visit ter continues to interfere in their internal affairs,” said Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled Al Khalifa. “It is important for our coun- tries to stand united against such interference” from the Shia Islamic republic across the Gulf, Sunni-ruled Bahrain’s top dip- lomat said. Bahrain in February accused Iran of having formed a “terrorist cell” to foster violence in the kingdom. The claim was the latest in a series of accusations against Iran that it backs activists demanding a greater say for the Shia major- ity in Bahrain’s politics. Mehmanparast said Bahrain should listen to its own people. He urged Bahrain “to seek correct solutions for its prob- lems — which is listening to the legitimate demands of their own people instead of taking military and security action.” Jordan’s King Abdullah shakes hand with Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul as their wives, Queen Rania 28 killed in South (left) and Hayrunnisa Gul look on, at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, yesterday. Sudan’s offensive against rebels KLM to stop flights to Khartoum JUBA: South Sudan’s army launched a military offensive KHARTOUM: Dutch air- one European carrier, the route were being filled. against insurgents loyal to rebel line KLM said yesterday it is German airline Lufthansa, When South Sudan sepa- leader David Yau Yau in the ending direct flights between with direct flights between rated two years ago with about eastern Jonglei state, killing 28 Amsterdam and the Sudanese Sudan and the continent.Van three-quarters of Sudan’s oil militants, authorities said yes- capital Khartoum, citing ris- Nieuwenhuyzen said he did not production, Sudan lost most terday. Yau Yau raised a rebel- ing costs. The move will also know how long KLM had served of its export earnings. Since lion last year, with support from mean an end to KLM’s con- the route but it had closed once then, the Sudanese pound has his Murle ethnic group, after necting service from Addis before, six or seven years ago, plunged in value on the black losing local elections in 2010. Ababa, Ethiopia. before being re-opened. market and inflation has soared Revenge killings between KLM will stop its thrice- He said that along with to above 40 percent. Murle and Lou Nuer tribesmen weekly Amsterdam-Khartoum- increased fuel, salaries, land- A shortage of foreign and a heavy-handed government Addis route on March 31, Dick ing fees and other costs, there exchange led the government disarmament campaign meant Van Nieuwenhuyzen, the air- has been a shift of companies to try banning the repatria- that peace talks between Juba’s line’s country manager for and non-governmental organi- tion of earnings, according government and Yau Yau never Sudan and Ethiopia, said. sations to South Sudan. to University of Khartoum got off the ground. “The line is not making a “The market as such will economist Mohammed Eljack “The operation has started,” profit and the costs are rising be smaller in Khartoum,” Van Ahmed, but the KLM official army spokesman Philip Aguer faster than the income,” he said. Nieuwenhuyzen said, although said this was not a factor in said. AGENCIES The decision will leave only 80-85 percent of seats on the closing the route. AFP WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Chavez breathing woes worsen Nuclear power capacity Venezuela plunges deeper into an uncertain future grew again in 2012: IAEA VIENNA: The world’s nuclear power generation capacity grew CARACAS: Venezuela plu- again in 2012 after a drop in 2011 in the wake of the Fukushima nged deeper into an uncer- disaster, according to a draft new UN atomic agency report. “The tain future yesterday as Fukushima Daiichi accident (in Japan in March 2011) is expected cancer-stricken President to slow or delay the growth of nuclear power, but not reverse it,” Hugo Chavez took a turn for the International Atomic Energy Agency report said. At the end the worse, hit by a severe infec- of 2012, 437 nuclear power reactors were operating worldwide, tion and breathing problems. two more than in 2011, with three new ones connected to the The once omnipresent face of the grid, two back on line after repairs and three permanently shut Latin American left, now breath- down, it said. In 2011, after what was the world’s worst nuclear ing with the aid of a tracheal tube, accident in 25 years, 13 reactors were permanently switched off, has neither emerged nor spoken including eight in Germany and four in Japan, although there in public in almost three months, were seven new grid connections. Construction work started on leaving the nation and the wider seven new reactors in 2012, four of them in China and one each region on tenterhooks. in South Korea, Russia and the United Arab Emirates, added the At the president’s military hos- report, called the 2013 Nuclear Technology Review. pital here, dozens of people prayed and cried in a new chapel named Kenyatta takes early lead in Kenya ‘hope’ that was inaugurated for Chavez last Friday. “He has a new NAIROBI: Kenya’s deputy prime minister Uhuru Kenyatta, and severe infection,” Information who faces an international crimes against humanity trial, took Minister Ernesto Villegas said in an initial lead in presidential elections yesterday, the first since a statement read from the hos- disputed polls five years ago sparked a wave of violence. Kenyatta pital late on Monday, adding that edged ahead in partial results over rival Prime Minister Raila there was a “worsening of respi- Odinga, who says he was robbed of victory in 2007 when disputed ratory function”. results triggered bloody ethnic violence in which more than He did not specify the type of 1,100 people were killed and 600,000 were forced to flee their infection but the government had homes. Some 40 percent of the almost 32,000 polling stations had said earlier this month that Chavez sent partial results 24 hours after official centres closed to the was still suffering from a respira- national tallying centre in Nairobi, with so far five million valid tory infection that he had con- votes counted from the 14.3 million registered voters. Of those tracted following surgery in Cuba. Supporters of President Hugo Chavez outside of the Military Hospital in Caracas, yesterday. counted at 1415 GMT, Kenyatta had won almost 2.7 million or 53 The somber government state- percent of valid votes cast against Odinga with 2.12 million or 41 ment came two weeks after in power for 14 years. Under the the opposition and rumours that foreign laboratories with spokes- percent, a gap that could still be easily overturned. But a stag- Chavez, 58, checked into the mili- constitution, an election must be Chavez may be dead or dying, people in the corrupt Venezuelan gering 320,000 ballots were rejected. tary hospital on February 18 fol- called within 30 days if the presi- saying it is all part of a campaign right who seek to generate violent lowing two months of treatment in dent is incapacitated. to destabilise the nation. scenarios as a pretext for a for- Pilot sees drone near JFK airport Cuba. Saying Chavez continues to Chavez’s prolonged absence — Officials have released only a eign intervention.” “cling to Christ and life,” Villegas which prevented him from being set of photos showing him in his Officials and relatives, mean- NEW YORK: US aviation authorities said yesterday that they had reiterated that he was undergoing sworn in to a new six-year term Havana hospital bed, smiling with while, sent messages of support on opened an investigation into a pilot’s sighting of a small unmanned “intensive chemotherapy, as well as earlier this year — has angered two daughters, on February 15, Twitter. One of Chavez’s daugh- aircraft in the air near New York’s John F Kennedy International complementary treatments” and the opposition, which accuses three days before his homecom- ters, Maria Gabriela, thanked Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration said an Alitalia pilot that his “condition continues to be the government of lying about ing. The scarcity of images has supporters on Twitter, writing: reported seeing “a small, unmanned or remote-controlled aircraft very delicate”. his condition. Chavez’s cho- fuelled rumors about his health. “All my love to you! We continue while on final approach” to land at the airport on Monday. The But the government did not sen successor, Vice President Villegas called on Venezuelans to cling to God! Thanks for the sighting was approximately four to five miles southeast of the air- give a prognosis for the health Nicolas Maduro, and other sen- to be on guard in the face of a messages of solidarity!” port “at an altitude of approximately 1,500 feet,” the FAA said. It of the president who has been ior officials have lashed out at “psychological war deployed by AFP added that the pilot did not take evasive action and the Alitalia jet landed safely. “We saw a drone, a drone aircraft,” the pilot can be heard in a radio communication to the control tower, picked up and disseminated by the website LiveATC.net. Italian president mulls technocrat govt Briton jailed for Winter storm grounds 1,100 US flights CHICAGO: A massive winter storm pounding the northern ROME: Italian President Gio- huge protest vote, responded to but does not begin formal consul- $1.8m heist after United States grounded over 1,100 flights, closed hundreds of rgio Napolitano is considering speculation about a technocrat tations until after March 15, when schools and made roadways impassible yesterday. More than a appointing a new technocrat government in Italian media on parliament will be convened, for 20 years on run dozen states from Minnesota to Virginia were in the path of the government led by a non-poli- Tuesday by saying he would not constitutional reasons. Politicians huge storm which had already dumped as much as two feet of tician as one way out of Italy’s support such an administration. have used the limbo period LONDON: A British man snow in Montana and 15 inches in North Dakota. Nearly 800 political stalemate, officials said “Technocrat governments don’t between last week’s vote and the dubbed “Fast Eddie” who spent flights were grounded at Chicago’s O’Hare airport while another yesterday. exist in nature but only political talks with Napolitano for both nearly 20 years on the run in 240 were cancelled at Chicago Midway. Over 100 flights were Such a solution would come governments supported by par- speculation and manoeuvring. the United States was jailed cancelled in Minneapolis, Minnesota. into play if centre-left leader liamentary majorities. The Monti Napolitano encouraged political yesterday for driving off with a Pier Luigi Bersani failed to form government was the most politi- forces to use the time more con- security van containing £1.2m Ikea pulls cakes after bacteria found a government after receiving an cal government since the war,” he structively yesterday, noting in a ($1.8m). initial mandate from Napolitano, said on his blog. He said a techno- statement that they had “ample Eddie Maher, 57, had been a STOCKHOLM: Swedish furniture giant Ikea pulled a batch of as is expected, they said. crat premier would just be a “fig time for a fruitful preparatory fugitive ever since the van he was almond cakes from its restaurants in 23 countries yesterday after “Napolitano wants a govern- leaf” to cover the responsibilities phase for the head of state’s con- driving disappeared from outside Chinese authorities said they contained coliform bacteria, normally ment with the broadest possible of the traditional parties. sultations for the formation of a a bank in Felixstowe, eastern present in faecal matter. The Swedish-made cakes had failed tests support that will last as long as The stalemate has caused alarm government”. England, on January 22, 1993. “for containing an excessive level of coliform bacteria, according possible,” one of the officials said. among Italy’s European partners With no party able to control the He pleaded guilty at Southwark to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection Bersani won a majority in the because of concern that instability upper house, the options for putting Crown Court in London and was and Quarantine,” the Shanghai Daily website wrote. Ikea said 1,800 lower house of parliament and could reignite the financial crisis together a government depend on jailed for five years. Taarta Chokladkrokant cakes — described on its website as an says he has the right to be the that brought the euro zone to the an agreement between at least two In a series of property invest- almond cake with chocolate, butter cream and butterscotch — were first to try to form a government, brink of collapse before former of the three main rival forces in ments which detectives said destroyed in December after being intercepted by Chinese customs. although he has no workable EU commissioner Mario Monti parliament - Bersani’s centre-left, were funded by the proceeds of majority in the Senate. formed a government of techno- the centre-right bloc led by Silvio his crime, Maher bought a house Dancer held in Bolshoi acid attack However, 5-Star Movement crats in November 2011. Berlusconi and the anti-establish- in Colorado with $120,000 six leader Beppe Grillo, who holds Napolitano is charged with ment 5-Star Movement. months after the theft, then built MOSCOW: Russia’s interior ministry said yesterday that police the whip hand after winning a finding a way out of the impasse REUTERS an 80-acre ranch before moving had detained three suspects including a dancer over an acid around various US states. attack on the Bolshoi ballet artistic director, in a case that has He was working as a cable exposed vicious infighting at the theatre. “Police have detained engineer in Missouri at the the suspected perpetrator of the attack on the director of the Royal visit time of his arrest on February Bolshoi Ballet, Sergei Filin,” the ministry said, naming the sus- 9 last year. pect as 35-year-old Yury Zarutsky, “an ex-convict”. Two other German flight set Maher’s lawyer David Nathan men have also been detained — Bolshoi Theatre soloist Pavel said the disgruntled ex-wife of his Dmitrichenko and driver Andrei Lipatov, who brought the sus- to take off with client’s son had been his downfall. pected attacker to the scene of the crime, the ministry said. When Maher’s son Lee won a big comet tourists prize on the lottery, she walked Fans’ fury as Justin Bieber late to British gig FRANKFURT: A German out on Lee’s best friend to marry travel agency is selling tickets him instead, he said. LONDON: Teen superstar Justin Bieber faced fury from his British for a flight to give 88 astronomy When the money ran out, she fans yesterday after he showed up late for a sold-out concert here. buffs a close-up view of one of looked up the Maher name on The Canadian singer played the first of four nights at O2 Arena on two rare comets expected to the Internet and saw that her Monday, but hundreds in the audience took to Twitter to vent their pass Earth this year. former father-in-law was wanted frustration after he failed to appear on stage until nearly 10:30pm. Eclipse Travel, based in Bonn, for theft. “She heard that there The 19-year-old insisted that he was only 40 minutes late — but has joined charter agency Air was a reward and she went to the many fans said they had been led to believe he would be onstage Partner and airline Air Berlin to federal authorities,” Nathan said. at 8:30pm, making him almost two hours late. “I was 40 min late organise flight AB1000 on March REUTERS to stage. There is no excuse for that and I apologise for anyone we 16 as comet Pan-STARRS passes upset,” Bieber wrote on his Twitter account. AGENCIES through the solar system, 100 mil- lion miles from Earth. The Boeing 737-700 flight will zig-zag at 36,089 feet altitude for the viewing with an Air Berlin One in five of lawmakers women: IPU spokesman saying only 88 of 144 seats on board filled to ensure all GENEVA: The share of women in of some form, including Senegal, boasted the world’s highest propor- travellers are close to a window. the world’s parliaments has risen Algeria, the Netherlands, France tion of women in their parliaments, An astronomy expert will be on to a new high topping 20 percent, and South Korea. Where quotas had an average of 42 percent in board to explain the comet that with quotas the driving the surge, were set down in law, women took 2012. Europe’s overall rate was Nasa described as a new comet the International Parliamentary an average 24 percent of the seats, 23.2 percent, behind the Americas’ that should be visible by the naked Union said yesterday. while voluntary quotas produced 24.1 percent. Women accounted eye as it passes through the solar “Since parliaments exist, this is a rate of 22 percent. for 20.4 percent of Sub-Saharan system this month. the first time in history that there’s In countries without a quota, Africa’s lawmakers, and for 17.9 The comet Pan-STARRS, dis- been one woman for every four women took just 12 percent of percent in Asia. In the Pacific, the covered by astronomers in Hawaii men,” said Anders Johnsson, head seats. “Although quotas remain figure was 15.3 percent — and just in 2011, is the first of two comets of the Geneva-based IPU, which contentious in some parts of the three percent excluding Australia expected to pass Earth this year. groups 162 national legislatures. world, they remain key to progress and New Zealand. The second is ISON, which is The global average share of on a fundamental component of Arab states trailed with 13.2 forecast to be one of the bright- women in parliaments stood at democracy — gender parity in percent, the IPU noted, saying the est comets ever seen and could 20.3 percent in 2012, up from 19.5 political representation,” Johnsson region had failed to deliver on the even outshine the moon when it percent in 2011, the IPU said, ahead said and added research showed promises of democratic change flies by in late November. Eclipse Britain’s Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, receives flowers of the UN-sponsored International that a “critical mass” of 30 percent heralded by the Arab Spring. The Travel is selling tickets for the from three-year-old Isobelle Laursen during her visit to Peaks Lane fire Women’s Day on March 8. was needed for women to influence notable exception was Algeria, with two-hour flight for between ¤359 station in Grimsby, northern England, yesterday. Of the 48 countries which held the legislative process. 31.6 percent, thanks to its quota. ($470) and ¤509. REUTERS elections last year, 22 used quotas Nordic countries, have long AFP WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Filipinos now can Malaysia attacks Philippine group work in Iraq, Yemen MANILA: Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can be deployed again to PM Razak orders ground and air attacks on gunmen but police say no bodies found yet Iraq and Yemen. Labour Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz FELDA SAHABAT, But Abraham Idjirani, spokes- said the Philippine Overseas MALAYSIA: Malaysia’s mili- man for sultan Jamalul Kiram Employment Administration tary yesterday launched a fierce III, said the attack had occurred (POEA) governing board has assault, including jet fighters, “away from where” their men approved a resolution allow- on up to 300 Filipino intrud- were, saying he spoke with the ing deployment to the two ers after a deadly three-week leader of the group about eight Arab countries. “The POEA standoff, but the militants’ sup- hours after the assault was governing board has issued porters said they had escaped launched. three resolutions allow- and were alive and well. Malaysian federal police chief ing deployment of Filipinos Malaysia’s national police chief Ismail Omar said after the initial to Iraq, Yemen and Eritrea also raised doubts about the suc- attack that Malaysian forces had upon the recommendation of cess of the air and ground attack, suffered no casualties. the Department of Foreign saying “mopping up” operations If the invaders had escaped a Affairs,” she added. had yet to find any bodies and tight police and military cordon, suggesting some of the militants it would likely fuel perceptions of Fact-finding team might have slipped away. incompetence by forces and sow Malaysian Premier Najib fears that gunmen were loose. for Tubbataha reef Razak said he had no choice but The crisis comes as Malaysia’s MANILA: Several groups to unleash the military to end 56-year-old ruling coalition is will hold a “sovereignty and Malaysia’s biggest security cri- bracing for what is expected to environmental” mission next sis in years after the interlopers be the country’s closest election week in Palawan to get peo- refused to surrender and 27 peo- against a formidable opposition, ple’s version on the ground- ple were killed. which has criticised handling of ing of the US Navy ship USS A day after the Philippines the incursion. Guardian in Tubbataha Reef called for restraint, Malaysia Jamalul Kiram III, 74, a self- last January 17. The mission’s launched a dawn assault on the proclaimed sultan and leader organisers, including the fish- gunmen on Borneo island, who of the insurgents said earlier in erfolk group Pamalakaya, invaded to claim Malaysian ter- Manila that the fighters, which Anakpawis partylist and the ritory on behalf of a former had included his younger brother Filipino protesters burn a placard with a picture of Philippine President Benigno Aquino and Malaysian Prime International Fisherfolk and Philippine sultanate. “will fight to the last man”. Minister Najib Razak during a rally outside the Malaysian Embassy in Manila, yesterday. FishWorkers Coalition, said Fighter jets bombed the stand- Muslim-majority Malaysia has the mission will be held from off village of Tanduo in Sabah been shocked by the bold attack continuing threat from southern that left 12 gunmen and two militants were poised to land in March 11 to 14. state on the northern tip of the by the Islamists, who claim to Philippine Islamists. police officers dead. Another gun- Sabah. island, followed by a ground be asserting Jamalul’s ancestral “We’ve done everything we battle on Saturday in the town of The Moro National Liberation Japan denies reactor assault by troops. The area is set control of Sabah as heir to the could to prevent this, but in the Semporna, hours away by road, Front in the Philippines, who had amid vast oil-palm plantations. defunct Sulu sultanate. end, Kiram’s people chose this killed six police and six gunmen. agreed to disarm in the 1990s and restart claims “The longer this invasion lasts, The invaders had been holed path,” a spokesman for Philippine Police said they were hunt- renounce its claim over Sabah TOKYO: Japan’s nuclear it is clear to the authorities that up in Tanduo village since land- President Benigno Aquino said. ing for “foreign” gunmen in yet as part of a peace pact, are also watchdog yesterday denied the invaders do not intend to ing by boat last month, highlight- Violence first erupted in another town. Kiram’s followers involved in deadly battles in claims the country is plan- leave Sabah,” Najib said. ing lax Malaysian security and the Tanduo on Friday with a shootout have repeatedly warned that more Malaysia. AGENCIES ning to restart six reac- tors, just days before the second anniversary of the quake-tsunami disaster and nuclear crisis at Fukushima. “Nothing has been decided Social well-being China’s priority as it’s impossible for us to North Korea threatens predict how many reactors can reopen this year before BEIJING: China’s government alienated many Chinese. pocket-book issues, empowered new safety measures are to scrap armistice pledged yesterday to repair the “Is this a time bomb?” Yao by the Internet and increasingly announced,” an official with country’s ravaged environment Jianfu, a retirement government vocal about the need for change. Japan’s Nuclear Regulation SEOUL/UNITED NATIONS: North Korea yesterday threatened and boost public services under researcher, asked. Yao’s specialty Wen acknowledged the respon- Authority said. to scrap an armistice that ended the 1950-53 civil war and sever a its new leadership, an acknowl- is China’s army of migrant work- sibility he and other retiring lead- military “hotline” with the US if Seoul and Washington pressed on edgment that quality of life ers who are often deprived of ers have for leaving such a tangle Maldives opposition with two-month-long war games. was sidelined during the outgo- access to housing, education and of problems, even as they have It was a notable sharpening in the North’s bellicose rhetoric and ing administration’s decade of other government services. “If guided China to prosperity and leader detained followed word from UN diplomats on a draft sanctions resolution that breakneck economic growth. there’s an economic downturn power on the world stage. MALE: Police in the would punish North Korea for its third nuclear test it conducted last In a policy speech opening and massive unemployment, will “Some of these problems have Maldives detained opposition month. the national legislature’s yearly the 200 million migrant workers built up over time, while oth- leader Mohamed Nasheed “We will nullify the Korean armistice,” the North’s KCNA news session, soon-to-retire Premier become the main force of the next ers have emerged in the course yesterday, defying pressure agency said, quoting the Korean People’s Army Supreme Command. Wen Jiabao went through a list Cultural Revolution?” he said, of economic and social develop- from regional power India “The war exercise being done by the USs and the puppet South of problems that had built up referring to the excesses of the ment, and still others have been which had called for him to Korea is a systematic act of destruction aimed at the Korean armistice.” in recent years and was being chaotic 1966-76 period. caused by inadequacies and weak- be free to campaign for elec- The two Koreas remain technically at war since the 1950-53 conflict left to his successors: a sputter- The unfinished agenda of nesses in our government work,” tions. Twenty masked police- ended in a truce rather than peace. “We will suspend activities of the ing growth model; poisoned air, China’s past decade are now cen- Wen told about 3,000 legislative men in riot gear arrested KPA representative office at Panmunjom (truce village) that had been waterways and soil; a vast and tral concerns of the new lead- deputies in the Great Hall of the him at his family home in tentatively operated by our army as the negotiating body to establish a growing rich-poor gap; and ram- ership as it seeks to assuage a People, his last address before the capital Male and one of peace regime on the Korean peninsula,” the command said. AGENCIES pant official corruption that has public that is looking beyond stepping down. AP his security men was hurt in the melee, a spokeswoman for Nasheed’s Maldivian Confiscated orangutan Democratic Party said. Police Russia to ‘back served no arrest warrant on the pro-democracy activ- UN sanctions’ ist, who was the first freely MOSCOW: Russia is ready elected president until last to back a draft UN Security year, she said. Council sanctions resolution against North Korea over its Myanmar leader third nuclear test if it focuses solely on Pyongyang’s nuclear offered EU help and missile programmes, a sen- BRUSSELS: Thein Sein, on ior diplomat said yesterday. the first visit to Brussels by a UN envoys say the US and Myanmar president, received China have struck a tentative deal new pledges yesterday of EU on a draft resolution to punish economic assistance, coupled North Korea over the test. with calls to protect his coun- “It (the draft) will be accept- try’s ethnic minorities. Sein able to us if the restrictive met European Commission measures do not go beyond the chief Jose Manuel Barroso, boundaries of missile and nuclear EU President Herman Van issues,” Interfax news agency Rompuy, and foreign policy quoted Deputy Foreign Minister chief Catherine Ashton. “You Gennady Gatilov as saying. have in the European Union Russia, which holds the presi- a committed and long-term dency of the 15-nation Security partner for the historic jour- Council this month and is one ney that Myanmar and its of five veto-wielding permanent people have started,” Van members, was due to convene Rompuy told Sein. consultations on North Korea at the UN. A six-month-old confiscated Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) named Gokong Putung is treated by a veterinarian at the quarantine centre run by the Nepal produces Council diplomats have said Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programm in Batu Mbelin Deli Serdang North Sumatra Indonesia, yesterday. they would like to strengthen the first billionaire provisions in previous sanctions KATHMANDU: The impov- resolutions adopted after North erished Himalayan repub- Korea’s 2006 and 2009 nuclear Rebel ceasefire fuels eastern Myanmar land grabs lic of Nepal, where Maoist tests, above all those related to revolutionaries came to the inspection and seizure of ship- power in 2008, has produced ments of banned items and tough- BANGKOK: Land grabs have look for opportunity in previously Disputes over land owner- Karen rebels of ignoring custom- its first billionaire, accord- ening financial restrictions. intensified in eastern Myanmar inaccessible areas,” said Khu Khu ship have emerged as one of the ary land rights, seizing unoccupied ing to a new study by Forbes The US and China have struck after a ceasefire between Karen Jun of the KHRG, which inter- thorniest and most volatile issues land, providing security for devel- magazine. Binod Chaudhary, a tentative deal on a draft sanc- ethnic minority rebels and the viewed hundreds of people for the to face the reformist government opers and extorting illegal taxes. the 57-year-old head of the tions resolution, diplomats said. army paved the way for devel- study published in Bangkok. of President Thein Sein. “Development is not inherently Chaudhary Group, owns pop- North Korea’s neighbour opers to enter the resource- “There has been no code of The KHRG report, based on negative... but it has caused serious ular noodle brand Wai Wai, China has criticised the nuclear rich area, rights groups said conduct (for business), legal interviews in Karen districts problems,” said Saw Albert of the exports herbal medicines to tests and said the council should yesterday. accountability or rule of law in between January 2011 and the end KHRG, urging foreign investors to India and operates schools, respond “appropriately”. Villagers have been forced from these areas,” since the January of 2012, catalogues a litany of land respect local land rights and carry retail outlets, banks, hospi- Diplomats said they hoped to land with little or no compensa- 2012 ceasefire which raised hopes grabs -- for dams, plantations and out extensive “due diligence” on tals and telecoms companies receive the resolution at the ses- tion, harassed and extorted by of a permanent end to one of the logging projects -- with villagers the impact of their projects. in Nepal. The magnate, whose sion. They added that they would both sides as land is parcelled world’s oldest civil conflicts. often given no warning or informa- Debbie Stothard of pro-democ- family has run businesses like to see the vote on the resolu- off to domestic and foreign Karen rebels have battled the tion on the sale of land they have racy group Altsean-Burma said since the 1930s, was included tion by the end of this week. firms including from China and government since 1949 in the been working for decades. the land grab issue undercuts gov- among 1,426 billionaires from China’s Foreign Ministry did Thailand, the Karen Human eastern jungle near the Thai bor- The allegations could not be ernment reforms and highlights around the world in the latest not confirm it had reached a deal Rights Group alleged. der, with villagers suffering wide- independently verified. Myanmar’s glaring lack “of the list of the US-based business with the US. “The absence of conflict has spread land seizures and human The group accuses military rule of law”. magazine. AGENCIES AGENCIES enabled many business actors to rights violations by both sides. forces from the government and AFP WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN 20 jailed for Test fire $935m Kabul Bank fraud Court spares kin of Karzai, Fahim

KABUL: A court yesterday valued at $531m and $279m, jailed 20 of 22 men accused of respectively,” said Judge Shamsul involvement in a multi-million Rahman Shams, head of a special dollar bank fraud, in a trial seen court set up for probe. as a test of Afghanistan’s com- The sentences were con- mitment to fight corruption. demned as “relatively light” by The collapse of Kabulbank in the Independent Joint Anti- 2010 triggered a financial crisis, Corruption Monitoring and civil disorder and a run on depos- Evaluation Committee, “given its, worrying foreign donors and the extent of the fraud and sen- embarrassing the US and Afghan tences handed down to others governments, which had touted who appear to have had little or its credentials as a modern lender no involvement in the fraud” a integral to developing a tiny statement said. Afghan National Army soldiers fire artillery during a military training in Laghman province, yesterday. economy crippled by war and The remaining 18, four of whom mismanagement. are Indians, received prison terms Two former heads of the bank of four to five years. All convicts — founder Sher Khan Fernod face two more trials of appeal and chief executive Haji Khalil if they wish to go through the Ferozi — accused of taking $810 process, which entails additional No more Nato million of the $935m stolen, charges that could increase or US ‘war’ over Kabul policy revealed were given five years. Both were decrease their sentences. reports on attacks asked to return the money to the If convicted of charges, which WASHINGTON: Former US top diplomat job. That allowed her to get “around the so-called KABUL: The Nato-led mili- government. include money laundering and Hillary Clinton and her staff fought “tooth and Berlin Wall of staffers who shielded Obama from any tary force in Afghanistan will The case was viewed as a embezzlement, they could face nail” to push ideas for diplomacy in Afghanistan option or idea they did not want him to consider,” no longer publish statistics barometer of Kabul’s commit- more than 20 years behind bars. in a bitter turf war with the White House, an ex- Nasr wrote in excerpts in the online Foreign Policy on Taliban insurgent attacks, ment to stabilise the economy, The government was forced official says in a new book. magazine. the coalition said yester- less than two years before the to bail out the-then biggest bank Vali Nasr, dean of the Paul H. Nitze School of “Clinton got along well with Obama, but on day, a week after admitting withdrawal of most foreign troops after it collapsed. It was then Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins Afghanistan and Pakistan, the State Department some of its records were and a winding down of billions of relaunched as the state-run New University, was an adviser to Richard Holbrooke, the had to fight tooth and nail just to have a hearing at incorrect. Officials regret- dollars in foreign aid. It appears Kabul Bank. Last year, Karzai’s special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan the White House,” he said. ted that a reported seven to be the first major bank fraud brother, Mahmoud, said he had until his death in 2010. “Had it not been for Clinton’s tenacity and the percent decrease in “enemy- trial in Afghan history. paid back $22m and the vice- President Barack Obama inherited the legacy of respect she commanded, the department would have initiated attacks” in 2012 Brothers of President Hamid president’s brother, Haji Hasseen, the 2001 US-invasion of Afghanistan and vowed to had no influence on policymaking whatsoever.” was wrong and said attacks Karzai and his first Vice- reportedly returned $18m. Both wind it down when he entered the White House. Clinton pushed Holbrook’s idea that Washington were roughly the same as in President, Mohammad Qasim had denied wrongdoing. Only 10 But in an excerpt from his new book, The should be trying to facilitate reconciliation talks with 2011. International Security Fahim, who were shareholders, percent of the money was smug- Dispensable Nation: American Foreign Policy in the Taliban as a way of ending the conflict. Assistance Force (ISAF) were spared jail, thanks to a pres- gled overseas and channelled Retreat, Nasr says “my time in the Obama admin- White House staffers had been suspicious of spokesman Jamie Graybeal idential decree a year ago that into luxury villas. The rest was istration turned out to be a deeply disillusioning Holbrooke, and blocked the idea, worried that denied that the error, which granted immunity from prosecu- invested in Afghanistan, from an experience.” Taliban talks would only expand his influence, Nasr cast doubts on Nato claims of tion to those who returned funds. oil storage facility, a TV station Clinton, who stepped down after four years as said. And the military thought that talk of political progress in the war, had forced “Ferozi and Fernod have been and a gas firm to property devel- secretary of state in January, whenever possible went reconciliation as a path out of Afghanistan would the change of policy. “Because sentenced to five years each in jail opments, some of which Kabul directly to Obama in regular private weekly meetings only undermine an effective counter-insurgency the [Afghan army and police] for the theft of Kabulbank assets had agreed to buy. RETUERS which she had insisted as a condition for taking the strategy, he added. AFP are conducting an increasing number of successful unilat- eral operations, often beyond the view of ISAF, we have determined that our data- bases will become increas- ingly inaccurate. Additionally, Interior minister among top power bills defaulters we have come to realise that a simple tally... is not the most complete measure of ISLAMABAD: A federal min- in the ‘Ministers Enclave’ contin- Until February 13, arrears Rs24,000 and any excess has to be On June 15, 2012, Malik the campaign’s progress,” ister of Pakistan who once vol- ues to enjoy uninterrupted power against his official residence stood paid by the minister or adviser. offered asked a nine-member he added. The mistake in unteered to ensure recovery of supply. at Rs4.75m. But it appears that several cabinet committee to give him the figures occurred because the entire electricity dues from According to electricity bills His monthly bill for February ministers take the allowance but an opportunity to recover all some Afghan units that had defaulters has turned out to be issued by the Islamabad Electric alone is Rs153,788 which is also do not clear electricity bills. electricity arrears. recently taken the lead from one of the biggest defaulters and Supply Company (Iesco), Interior unpaid. The outstanding amount Malik’s average monthly bill “Leave it to me, I will sort Nato had not entered num- has not paid a single penny on Minister Rehman Malik tops the increased to Rs4.92m which for 56 months works out at about them out and correct their sys- bers correctly into a data- this account over the past 56 list of federal ministers who have included a Rs12,000 late payment Rs89,000. tem. I will ensure 100 percent base, according to officials. months. failed to clear their dues amount- surcharge. Therefore, it is not surpris- recovery and reduction in load- But unlike other domestic con- ing to Rs4.9m. Under perks and privileges ing that the total amount owed shedding,” he had told the com- Minister kidnapped sumers who face disconnection if He has not paid his bills since enjoyed by federal ministers and to government departments by mittee headed by then finance they do not pay their electricity moving to House 34 in the capi- advisers, the federal government distribution companies hovers minister Hafeez Shaikh. in Baluchistan bills on time, this man who lives tal’s Ministers Enclave. provides a monthly allowance of around Rs170bn. INTERNEWS ISLAMABAD: Awami National Party’s Minister of Prisons in Baluchistan German minister in Afghanistan Sultan Mohammed Tareen was kidnapped near the Army rejects NYT Kuchlak area of the prov- Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N ince yesterday, his brother Ghulam said. Tareen was report on drone abducted around midnight strikes in Pakistan leads in election survey when he was going to Harnai from Quetta. His family said ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ISLAMABAD: As the general the PTI and PPP, respectively, the they lost contact with him in military yesterday rejected a election approaches, surveys, Pildat-Gallup survey said. Kuchlak when he left Quetta report published in a US news- polls and predictions are flying The findings are not too differ- in his car for Harnai town, paper on recent drone strikes in in thick and fast. ent from the IRI which put the 170km from the provincial northwestern Pakistan, calling The latest offering has come PML-N as the first choice of 32 capital. it a ‘distortion of facts’ and an from the Pildat-Gallup camp percent of their respondents, while attempt to weaken the country’s which has followed in the foot- 18 percent opted for the PTI and Afghan forces foil stance against drone strikes. steps of the IRI and put its 14 percent for the PPP. A spokesman for the Inter respondents faith in the PML-N. The Pildat-Gallup team was attack on parliament Services Public Relations (ISPR) Like the November IRI find- apprehensive of their efforts being KABUL: Afghan security said: “Such an accusation is a dis- ings but unlike the Herald-SDPI seen as a prediction of the elec- forces foiled a rocket attack tortion of the facts and seems to findings, the Pildat-Gallup survey, tion results and stressed again on parliament in Chahar be aimed at diluting Pakistan’s which was conducted in February the need to take survey results Asiab district of the capital stance on drone strikes.” in 300 villages and 200 urban with a pinch of salt — ‘as hazard- Kabul, the Interior Ministry According to reports, the first localities, says 41 percent of its ous as predicting the weather,’ said yesterday. It said several strike on Febraury 6 targeted a respondents (nearly 10,000) opted said the report which is entitled BM 16 and BM 12 rockets suspected compound in North German Defence Minister Thomas de Maiziere (left) is greeted by for the PML-N. About 14 per cent ‘The Uncertain Political Weather were recovered in the dis- Waziristan, killing three uniden- German Bundeswehr commandant Major General Joerg Vollmer on and 17 percent put their faith in Forecast.’ INTERNEWS trict. The attackers indented tified people. his arrival at the airport of Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, yesterday. to fire them on the inaugura- The second strike on February tion ceremony of parliament’s 8 carried out on the border of the spring session which begins North and South Waziristan tribal today. regions targeted a compound owned by a local Tehrik-i-Taliban US imam convicted of financing Pakistani Taliban 12kg roadside bomb Pakistan (TTP) commander. Officials said the Febrary 8 defused in Peshawar attack killed eight militants, WASHINGTON: The imam terrorist groups for murders, implicated in any wrongdoing. propaganda for the same cause ISLAMABAD: Security including two Al Qaeda men. The of a Miami mosque was found maimings and kidnappings. According to evidence pre- and helped found a madrassa, or authorities in Peshawar foiled rest, sources said, were local TTP guilty on Monday of funnel- Khan could face up to 15 years sented during his trial, Khan Islamic school, in Pakistan to pro- a terror operation yester- fighters. ling thousands of dollars to in prison for each of the charges transferred money from the US vide shelter and other support to day in the capital of Khyber However, the report published the Pakistani Taliban, the US when he is sentenced on May 30. to bank accounts in Pakistan Taliban militants. Pakhtunkhwa northwest by the New York Times quoted Justice Department said. “Despite being an imam, or belonging to Taliban sympathis- Some of the children who Pakistan. Police received a unnamed US intelligence officials After a two-month trial, Hafiz spiritual leader, Hafiz Khan was ers — money that was used to studied in the madrassa, accord- tip-off about a 12kg roadside as denying the US carried out Muhammed Sher Ali Khan, 77, by no means a man of peace,” said help buy weapons for militants ing to a recorded phone conver- bomb in a suburb of Peshawar the attacks and instead accused originally from Pakistan, was US attorney for southern Florida and support the Taliban cause in sation, later went “to train to and a team of experts deacti- Pakistani forces of carrying out convicted of several counts of Wifredo Ferrer in a Justice Pakistan. kill Americans in neighbouring vated it. the strikes. conspiring to support and provid- Department statement. He also worked in the US Afghanistan,” the prosecution sai AGENCIES INTERNEWS ing material support to foreign The mosque has not been to raise money and spread d. AFP WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Fate of teachers Probe into UP officer’s killing gathers steam Demand for arrest of Raja Bhaiyya

LUCKNOW: Police yesterday in the gruesome end of the young stepped up the probe in its senior police officer. officer’s killing in Uttar Pradesh’s Parveen, widow of Haq, yesterday Pratapgarh district with a team said she was satisfied that a Central of experts visiting the area where Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe he was brutally assaulted by a mob had been ordered into her husband’s and shot dead even as opposition death and said she trusted Chief parties demanded arrest of former Minister Akhilesh Yadav’s assurance minister Raja Bhaiyya, who is that justice would be done to her. accused in the crime. “I am sure that the truth would Additional Director General now come out and peace would come (ADG) Law and Order Arun Kumar to my husband’s soul once the killers told IANS that while experts were are exposed and arrested,” she added scanning the area for the bullet while noting that the state police that pierced the chest of Deputy in ordinary circumstances worked Superintendent of Police Zia ul Haq, under tremendous political pressure. they were yet to find it. Haq was killed by an irate mob last Metal detectors and other tech- Saturday leading to widespread anger niques had been pressed into service in the state. The widow had refused at the site but so far no bullet has to bury him unless the chief minister Police wield their batons against teachers during a protest in Patna, yesterday. Dozens of temporary teachers were demanding that they be been found, he said. personally came to meet her. made permanent and their wages be increased. The bullet had pierced Haq from She accused Raghuraj Pratap Singh the back, punctured his rib cage and aka Raja Bhaiyya, the local legislator, exited through his chest on the right of being the key conspirator in the side. Other than this, the autopsy killing of her husband. Following the conducted by three local doctors and controversy, Raja Bhaiyya stepped videographed, revealed several inju- down as a cabinet minister and a BJP alleges scam in farm loan waiver ries on Haq’s body, suggesting that he CBI probe was ordered by the chief had been beaten up by the mob and minister. Compensation of Rs5m and NEW DELHI: The BJP yes- 13 percent eligible farmers He said there were other production as calculated by hit by an iron rod on his head. a job for a family member was also terday alleged that nearly 3.4m were not considered by lending lacunae highlighted by the CAG the CACP (Commission for Refuting contradictions in the announced by the Samajwadi Party farmers had been denied their institutions. like six percent farmers not Agricultural Costs and Prices) autopsy, Arun Kumar said there was government, while three policemen right under the loan waiver “Further 8.5 percent ineli- being extended the benefits for is getting narrowed. The terms no way that there could be divergent who fled the scene of crime, expos- plan of the UPA government gible beneficiaries got undue which they were entitled. of trade, in the UPA regime, has views on the autopsy as the whole ing Haq to a hostile crowd, were also and demanded a CBI inquiry windfall profit. There may “Debt waiver certificates are gone against farmers,” he said. post-mortem was conducted by a suspended and district police chief to unearth the real extent of be many who may not even not issued to many farmers The loan waiver scheme was panel of doctors and was filmed. Anil Rai shifted out. the “massive scam”. be farmers... A CBI (Central causing difficulties in getting brought by the UPA government Police also stepped up its probe Both houses of the state assembly Bharatiya Janata Party Bureau of Investigation) probe fresh loans. The BJP demands in its first term (2004-09). into the killing of village headman were yesterday rocked over the kill- (BJP) spokesperson Prakash should be ordered to get the real that the enquiry must fix the The Comptroller and Auditor Nanhe Yadav and his brother Suresh ing of the police official, with Bahujan Javadekar said this revelation picture,” he said. responsibility and action must be General has said there were Yadav too and was seeking to solve Samaj Party (BSP) and Congress further proved that farmers had Javadekar said the figure taken against the guilty,” he said. serious lapses and malpractices the series of crimes from the kill- members demanding the arrest of got a raw deal from the United of eligible farmers not getting Javadekar said agricultural in implementing the govern- ings of the duo which culminated Raja Bhaiyya. IANS Progressive Alliance (UPA) the waiver benefit and number distress had increased despite ment’s Rs520bn ($9.5bn) farm government, and demanded a of ineligible beneficiaries is the loan waiver and farmers loan waiver scheme in 2008. waiver of all outstanding dues likely to increase once detailed continue to commit suicide. In a report tabled in as on March 31, 2013. inspection of each account is He demanded that gov- parliament yesterday on Assam CM seeks ban on tobacco products “Nearly 3.4m eligible farmers carried out. ernment should accept M S “Implementation of Agricultural stand denied their right for debt “What is shocking is that Swaminathan committee for- Debt Waiver and Debt Relief GUWAHATI: Assam Chief tobacco products, including smoke- waiver and more than 2.4m inel- some of the micro-finance insti- mula of “cost of production Scheme, 2008”, the CAG said Minister Tarun Gogoi yesterday less tobacco products, and said that igible people had also got ben- tutions, through not eligible, got plus 50 percent”, as the viabil- there were irregularities in at asked the state’s health ministry a legislation would be tabled in the efits under the scheme,” he said. benefited. The CAG has come ity of farm economy has disap- least one in five cases. to table a bill in the assembly ban- assembly soon. Gogoi’s instruction He noted that the Comptroller across the cases of tampering, peared because continuous rise Answering queries, Javadekar ning all tobacco products includ- assumes significance as oral cancer and Auditor General (CAG) overwriting, alterations which in inputs cost like fertilisers, said the party would raise the ing the smokeless variety. is on the rise in the state and is has checked only about 90,000 all tantamount to a fraud and pesticides, seeds, water, elec- issue of damage to Hindu tem- Earlier, the state health minister caused mainly due to consumption accounts out of 35m accounts therefore a scam. The public tricity and diesel etc. “The gap ples in Bangladesh during the had told media that the Assam gov- of tobacco products. of farmers and found even money has gone to undeserving between the MSP (minimum violence in the country. ernment felt it necessary to ban all IANS with this small sampling that beneficiaries,” he said. support price) and the cost of IANS

Arrest warrant against Indian Indians living in fear: Spiritual guru KOLKATA: Attributing “It is heartening to see that were drunk. Ninety percent of Mujahideen intoxication as the reason the youth have been stand- crimes happen because people behind 90 percent of crimes, ing up against corruption and get drunk. Unless the society founder Bhatkal spiritual guru Ravi Shankar crime. They must come for- is free from evils of intoxi- yesterday said everyone in ward and join politics to bring cants, no law will be sufficient,” NEW DELHI: A Delhi court the country is living in fear. the country back on track. he said. yesterday issued non-bailable “Everybody in the country — People have been demanding He was also critical about warrants against banned ter- be it Hindus, Muslims or Dalits stringent laws, but laws alone jails of the country, saying ror outfit Indian Mujahideen — all are living in constant fear. or the government cannot pre- they were breeding grounds for founder Riyaz Bhatkal and People are so apprehensive vent crimes unless the whole criminals. nine other alleged operatives about their security. Ten years country awakens and stands up “After spending time in a jail, in the February 21 Hyderabad ago the situation in the country against crimes,” he said. even a petty criminal graduates twin blasts. was not so,” said Ravi Shankar. He also asked the people to to a bigger criminal. Jails have A National Investigation Addressing a gathering in make the society free from the become breeding grounds for Agency (NIA) special court, the city, he urged youngsters to evil of intoxication. criminals. The need is to take during an in-chamber hearing, join politics and said tough laws “The Delhi gang-rape hap- recourse of spiritualism to issued the warrants against Riyaz alone cannot prevent crimes. pened because the culprits reform them,” he added. IANS Bhatkal, suspected to be based in Pakistan, and nine other terror group operatives: Iqbal Bhatkal, Mohsim Chaudhary, Amir Mounted police Reza Khan, Shahnawaz Alam, Asadullah Akhtar, Ariz Khan, Mohd. Khalid, Mirza Shadaab Beg and Mohd. Sajid. District Judge I S Mehta also sent two alleged IM operatives Syed Maqbool and Imran Khan back to judicial custody till March 13, after expiry of their five-day NIA custody. The NIA questioned the two over the Hyderabad twin blasts. The agency yesterday told the court that Maqbool and Khan were taken to Hyderabad and they revealed some important facts about the blasts, court sources said. Maqbool and Khan had in July 2012 surveyed Hyderabad’s Dilsukhnagar, where the February 21 blasts took place, the NIA said. The NIA told the court that the conspiracy behind the Hyderabad blasts was hatched by IM modules and they also moved an applica- tion for issuing production war- rant against alleged IM operative Policemen ride past a family while patrolling the Marina Beach in Chennai, yesterday. Obaid-ur-Rehman. IANS WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Talks needed Outrage over murder to end Dhaka row: President Mukherjee back from Bangladesh

ON BOARD AIR INDIA Bangladesh Nationalist Party ONE: President Pranab (BNP) and former prime minis- Mukherjee yesterday said a ter, had cited security concerns “democratic, secular and pro- due to a strike called by the gressive” Bangladesh was in Jamaat-e-Islami for cancelling India’s interest and India had the meeting. conveyed the need to maintain Earlier, Bangladesh Foreign communal peace and harmony Minister Dipu Moni had com- at a time the neighbouring pared the violence unleashed by country is rocked by clashes the Jamaat to that by pro-Paki- that have seen over 70 deaths. stani elements in 1971. She had Mukherjee said he was said the Islamists were attacking “impressed by the vibrancy” of temples and burning the homes of the country’s people. minorities in Bangladesh. “A democratic, secular and Mukherjee said he was return- progressive Bangladesh is clearly ing from Bangladesh “with the in India’s interest,” the president hope and confidence that India said in a statement on his way and Bangladesh can together back from his three-day maiden build a better future for our peo- visit to Bangladesh. ple, and that our relations can “In this context, we conveyed serve as an example for the rest to all our interlocutors the need of South Asia”. for an inclusive political process; “My visit has served to rein- and the maintenance of commu- force the special importance that nal peace and harmony.” the government and people of Protesters throw stones at policemen during a spontaneous strike to protest against the death of a Kashmiri student, in Srinagar, yesterday. The He said India was hopeful that India attach to developing the youth was reportedly killed in north Kashmir after troops allegedly opened fire on protesters. internal political differences best possible relations with an in Bangladesh can be resolved important and large neighbour through dialogue “and that the like Bangladesh. rights of all communities would “We believe that a strong, be fully respected”. stable and rapidly developing Mukherjee was referring to the Bangladesh is in the interest of Student who killed self was in love: Police clashes in Bangladesh between not only its people but in the the Jamaat-e-Islami and the interest of the entire region. I, HYDERABAD: The suicide of led to depression which drove him Vasim and used to say that he is the complainant and two others. authorities since last Thursday. therefore, assured the govern- a Kashmiri student here took a to take the extreme step. in love with him and cannot sur- Five students along with The Jamaat, a key ally of the ment and people of Bangladesh new turn yesterday with police Not satisfied with the police vive in the campus,” the police Vedasharan, Dean of Campus opposition Bangladesh National that India will be a willing, long- claiming that he was in ‘love’ claim, the victim’s colleagues statement said. Development, came to the police Party, called a hartal or strike on term development partner,” with his roommate and had and student groups have been “The deceased used to assault station and requested the sub- March 3 and 4, during the Indian he said. made several physical advances. demanding action against the Vasim demanding that he stay inspectors to hand over Kamran president’s state visit. “Like India, they have a large Even as a section of students proctor and Osmania University with him only and not mingle to them and assured that the Mukherjee yesterday declined population of youth. They are of the English and Foreign police even booked him on the with others. Three or four times issue would be resolved in the comment on the apparent snub committed to democracy, toler- Languages University (EFLU) charge of abetment to suicide. he assaulted Vasim about which university. by Bangladesh opposition leader ance, an inclusive social order, here continued to demand the Police have now come out he had submitted representations The students kept Kamran Khaleda Zia, who called off her free media and building a modern arrest of proctor Harish Vizra with all the “facts of the case” as to the university authorities,” with them on the night of March scheduled meeting with him dur- and progressive state,” he said. blaming him for the suicide of the suicide sparked protests in police said. 1 and were monitoring his move- ing his three-day state visit to “They seek to consolidate the 29-year-old Mudassir Kamran, Kashmir. Police said Kamran followed ments the next day. On Saturday Bangladesh. institutes of democracy and keep police issued a detailed statement, According to police, Vasim, Vasim on the evening of March 1 night around 9.20pm, one of “The FS (Foreign Secretary) alive the spirit of their liberation explaining the facts of the case. a native of Pune, revealed that and tried to throttle him. Later, the students H Krishan went Ranjan Mathai has already spo- struggle. We wish them well in Kamran, hailing from Pulwama Kamran had made several physi- Vasim along with two other stu- to Kamran’s room and knocked ken on it. I have nothing more to this great endeavour,” he added. district of Jammu and Kashmir, cal advances by touching his body dents came to the police station on the door. As there was no add,” he told reporters in reply to He also stressed on the need hanged himself in his hostel room and hugging. and lodged a complaint. response, he peeped through the a query on what he though about to enhance people to people on the campus on Saturday night Annoyed by this, Vasim had The police inspector brought window to find Kamran’s body Zia calling off the meeting. exchanges. and police initially said a quarrel shifted to another room. “The Kamran to the police station and hanging from the ceiling fan. Zia, chairperson of the IANS with his roommate Vasim Salim deceased was very possessive of counselled him in the presence of IANS

Fateful end 80pc untreated Policemen assault sewage flowing into woman in Punjab CHANDIGARH: On the to that. There are different ver- rivers: Study defensive after its personnel sions to the incident. We are were caught on camera thrash- examining them,” he said. NEW DELHI: Eighty percent ing a young woman in public The young woman, who was of sewage in India is untreated in Tarn Taran district, Punjab slapped, pushed, abused and hit and flows directly into the Police yesterday said that it was with a baton by policemen in nation’s rivers, polluting the “examining all evidence” of the uniform demanded strict punish- main sources of drinking water, incident. ment for her tormenters. a study by an environment Punjab Police Director General “I have been humiliated and watchdog showed yesterday. of Police (DGP) Sumedh Singh beaten in public by them. Why is Indian cities produce nearly Saini told media here: “Whatever the chief minister not coming to 40,000 million litres of sewage the facts may be, whatever the my rescue now,” the victim asked every day and barely 20 per- provocation, it was wrong to raise yesterday. cent of it is treated, according a hand or lathi (cane baton) on Four to five police personnel to “Excreta Does Matter”, a new a lady.” were caught on camera assault- report released by the Centre for Saini said two police person- ing the victim and her father Science and Environment (CSE). nel, seen in the video hitting the after she reportedly complained “The untreated waste dumped young woman on Sunday, would to police against some taxi and into rivers seeps into groundwa- remain under suspension till the truck drivers harassing her near ter, thereby creating a ticking magisterial inquiry ordered by a marriage venue. The police- health bomb in India,” concludes Punjab Chief Minister Parkash men also beat up her father and the report. Weak or non-existent Singh Badal was completed. pushed him to the ground. His enforcement of environmental Defending the police personnel, turban was also thrown away. laws, rapid urban development Saini said that “they also have The incident was recorded by a and a lack of awareness about the their point of view”. bystander on his mobile phone dangers of sewage are all blamed “The fight was between two on Sunday and was aired by TV for water pollution. “Untreated The body of a tusker after it was hit by a train, some 12km from Alipurduar in north Bengal, yesterday. The groups and police had responded news channels. IANS sewage is killing Indian rivers,” mammal was killed by the Guwahati-bound Somporkkranti Express inside the Buxa Tiger Reserve. the report stated. A 2011 survey by the Central Pollution Control Board revealed only 160 out of nearly 8,000 towns Pakistan premier to visit Medical labs cry foul after TV sting had both sewerage systems and a sewage treatment plant. Scientists found that thousands Ajmer shrine on Saturday KOCHI: The media is being The TV channel questioned the operations like this,” said Kumar. of small factories were dumping used as a tool by multinational efficiency of the laboratories. B Mohanachandran, a senior untreated sewage into rivers and NEW DELHI: Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf will giants who are entering the “We strongly feel that the veterinary surgeon told IANS toxic waste was being mixed with visit India for the first time this week for a day-long pilgrimage to medical laboratories market, it media is being used as a tool by that “only through an antigen/ fresh water. an Islamic shrine, a senior government official said in New Delhi was alleged yesterday following giant multinational companies antibody test can the blood of Laboratory tests by the yestereday. “Pakistan’s prime minister will be in India on Saturday. a sting operation by a television who are entering the medical lab- human and animals be differen- team revealed that almost the This is a private visit and he will be accompanied by his family and channel in Kerala. oratories market,” Sudeep Kumar, tiated and mind you animals also entire country has nitrate levels other officials,” the official said on condition of anonymity. Some employees of a TV chan- joint secretary of the Laboratory have cholesterol”. higher than the prescribed lev- “He is not expected to meet any Indian political leaders. This is nel mixed the blood of a dog and a Owners Association pointed “Under normal circumstances els — a result of sewage leach- clearly a religious and spiritual trip,” he told AFP. hen and gave it to three small and and said that this is unethical it’s only in medico-legal cases that ing into groundwater supplies. Ashraf and his family are expected to pray at the shrine of Sufi medium laboratories under the journalism. detailed tests are done on blood Environmentalists blamed the saint Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz in Ajmer Sharif, some 400 km guise of human blood for routine “The giants...want to finish samples to establish if its human government for failing to regulate west of New Delhi. It will be the most senior visit from a Pakistani blood tests. small and medium sized labora- blood. In this case it’s not fair the use of water, with the coun- official to India since last April when President Asif Ali Zardari The results showed that the tories and it’s most unfortunate to blame the laboratories,” said try’s annual consumption expected embarked on a similar pilgrimage and then had a lunch meeting with samples tested positive for cho- that the media is being used to Mohanachandran. almost to double by 2050. AFP Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. AFP lesterol and diabetes. tarnish us by engaging in sting IANS

Wednesday 6 March 2013 24 Rabial II 1434 Volume 17 Number 5630 Price: QR2 Asians investing more in Qatar, says report Laws allow foreigners to invest in most sectors BY SATISH KANADY exceed the 49 percent thresh- benefitted immensely through old provided the company con- liquidating their holdings. DOHA: Asians outnum- tributes to Qatar’s development The Ministry has also assessed ber Arab nationals in foreign plans, the ministry’s document the average investments in terms investments in Qatar. that analyses the evolution of of share capital in each industry The share of Asian investments Qatari economy over the last since 1980. The finance sector has in the businesses in Qatar is 8.4 three decades noted . the highest percentage share in percent, whereas, Arab nationals, There are 11 types of busi- terms of the size of share capital. excluding those from the GCC, ness entities registered in Qatar, This is largely as a result of are 6.9 percent. including foreign companies that the vibrant financial sector as Total representation of GCC are involved in business contracts evidenced by a large number of nationals in the market is 4.0 per- in Qatar; and businesses owned conventional, Islamic and invest- cent, while the European region by individual Qatari investors. ment banks currently operating and the US citizens represent 2.1 The most dominant company in Qatar. percent and 1.0 percent respec- type identified in Qatar between Foreign companies repre- tively, the Ministry of Business 1980 and 2008 is an establishment sent the second largest sector and Trade revealed on Monday. owned solely by Qatari or GCC as expected due to the nature of Qatar’s Investment Law allows nationals. their operations and although the foreigners to invest in most sec- The next dominant company distribution sector is the largest tors of the economy provided type is the LLC/WLL which in terms of share capital invested, they have one or more Qatari requires 51 percent of Qatari it is the third largest in terms of partners. These sectors include: ownership. While the number of share capital invested. agriculture; education; manufac- establishments increased linearly Despite extensive reports that turing; health; tourism; develop- up to the financial crisis in 2009, Qatar was largely insulated from ment and exploitation of natural LLC/WLL entities witnessed the 2008 financial crisis, the doc- resource energy and mining. a sharp growth post-2004 as ument reveals that by the end of The highest percentage own- a result of an increase in com- 2008, Qatar saw a sharp decline ership of the market is held by mercial activity relating to the in the number of general partner- Qataris (77.4 percent). Further, commencement of various LNG ships and establishments, both a cross individual market sectors projects. unlimited liability companies. Qataris own at least 62 percent From 2000 to 2006, listed Insolvency and voluntary disso- of issued shares. companies in Qatar increased by lution would have been the main Subject to the approval from over 50 percent and it was dur- reasons for the sudden decrease, the Minister of Business and ing this period that Qataris who the report noted. Trade, foreign ownership can had participated in various IPOs THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Dubai Islamic QCB’s real estate index Bank to boost suggests stable market Tier 1 capital via sukuk sale Index a boon to real estate financiers, analysts say DUBAI: Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) plans to boost its capital DOHA: An update on Qatar where the market is heading stability, which is good for seri- through the sale of a shariah- Central Bank’s (QCB) recently- to,” said local real estate devel- ous investors,” he said. compliant debt instrument, launched real estate price index oper and market analyst Ali Al The mid-segment shop rentals, which would become only the indicates that the country’s real Hamaidi. a sector in which the unprofes- second such deal from a regional estate sector has been largely The market has been suffer- sional agents are very active, is lender to shore up core capital stable over the past several ing for the past few years either the most volatile segment. The ratios. months. by the intervention of amateur space which were available for DIB, the largest shariah- The index shows that the mar- market players or the market QR30,000 until recently have gone compliant lender in the UAE by ket was overall stable all along the manipulation by the professional up to QR1m in Doha, because of assets, said yesterday it would first half of 2012, hovering on 150 market players. The QCB index the market manipulation, said hold investor meetings in Asia, plus levels throughout December has helped check the untoward another professional real estate the Middle East and Europe 2011 to December 2012, after dip- market trend to a certain extent, developer. starting on March 7 ahead of ping to a low of 91.3 in April 2009 he noted. The index will also provide issuing the dollar-denominated, from a peak of 192.2 in August Qatar’s property market is the market direction to the real benchmark-sized hybrid sukuk, 2008. largely controlled by self-styled estate financiers, including the subject to market conditions. Sheikh Ahmed bin Nasser bin Faleh Al Thani (left) and Turki Mohammed Developers and market experts property dealers. They should local banking sector. It will pro- Tier 1 capital is a lender’s core Khaled Al Khater. said the QCB initiative will help be primarily hold responsible vide the necessary checks and capital, and a key measure of keep the amateur market play- for Qatar’s volatile market. The balances as regards to credit flow its financial strength. The bank ers at bay and will support the unprecedented hike in land prices to the real estate sector. hopes to raise at least $500m professional investors in Qatar’s is one of the key reasons for high Given the January, February from the sale, but the final size UDC gets new chairman property market. rentals. These dealers have hiked 2013 transaction data, Qatar’s will depend on demand. “The launch of the real estate the “Asking Price” of lands three real estate sector is expected It follows a highly success- index has helped stabilise the times higher than the original to jump by 25 percent. Last ful Tier 1 deal by Abu Dhabi DOHA: United Development from Saint Martin’s University market. Earlier, the market was price, in certain areas, said Saed week, (February 24-28) the Islamic Bank in November, Company (UDC) yesterday in Washington since 1987. He has largely manipulated by the ama- Al Khayarin, another real estate real estate sector transaction which attracted order books of announced Sheikh Ahmed bin held key positions as Minister of teur market players. The QCB developer. crossed QR1.01bn, according to over $15bn from global accounts, Nasser bin Faleh Al Thani as Transport and Communications, decision to generate the index will “QCB’s initiative will certainly data released by the Ministry of despite the rarity of the deal its new Chairman of the Board Chairman of Qatar International help the serious investors figure help maintaining the market Justice. THE PENINSULA structure and unfamiliarity of Directors. Airport, Chairman of Gulf among regional investors. He was elected to the position, Airlines and Chairman of Qtel. The heavy demand allowed the which carries a three-year term, The newly appointed UDC issuer to price the deal at a profit during a meeting of the newly Chairman has also served on the rate of 6.375 percent, tighter than elected board. boards of various influential com- guidance. The paper has tightened The board also announced the panies and organisations. further in secondary trading, and appointment of Turki Mohammed He currently serves as 21 hotels to come up by 2017 was bid at about 105 cents on the Khaled Al Khater as its Vice President of Nasser bin Faleh dollar yesterday to yield about 5.3 Chairman. Al Thani Group and is a mem- DOHA: Qatar has lined up a percent. Born in 1962, Sheikh Ahmed ber of the Board of Directors of total of 21 new hotels for the Traders and market sources bin Nasser bin Faleh Al Thani Commercial Bank of Qatar as well next five years as part of add- believe DIB will need to price holds a Master’s Degree in as a major shareholder in it. ing up 45,000 additional hotel wider than ADIB because it is Engineering Administration THE PENINSULA rooms to its existing capacity. rated lower; Dubai entities often This would be Qatar’s major need to offer a higher premium efforts to meet FIFA’s projected than Abu Dhabi entities. capacity requirement of 60,000 “DIB is two notches below rooms. ADIB and I don’t expect the Of the list of planned hotels same kind of clamour for this Zain’s deputy CEO resigns scheduled to open by 2017, 11 are issue,” said a regional debt trader, five-star properties and nine are requesting anonymity. However, DUBAI: The deputy chief exec- at Zain, which operates in eight four-stars, the Ministry of Business he added that more regional utive of Kuwait's top telecom countries including Saudi Arabia, and Trade said on Monday. investors might participate this operator Zain has resigned, the Iraq, Sudan and Lebanon and has According to the Qatar time. Demand is still expected company said in a statement to seen its share price fall by nearly Tourism Authority (QTA), there to be sizeable in view of a lack of the local bourse. half since the start of 2011. are currently 77 hotels in Qatar, sukuk assets in the market and Hisham Akbar, who was also Akbar was promoted to COO of which 80-85 percent are 4 or 5 the hunt for ever-higher yields. chief operating officer (COO), quit and deputy CEO in September, star, that have been planned for A banker covering the region as of March 3, the statement said, having previously been act- or currently under construction said that in current conditions, without giving further details. ing chief commercial officer. He which would add another 17,000 the deal could price between 5.75 His resignation is the latest joined Zain in September 2011. rooms to the current levels. percent and 6.0 percent, offering change in senior management REUTERS The Ministry noted that during a substantial pick-up over ADIB’s 2011, the demand for hotels rooms trading level at present. remained strong as a result of a 12 “Where else can you get such percent and 50 percent increase in The higher occupancy rate Tribeca Film Festival (200902012) yield?” the banker added. QATARI MARKET the number of non-GCC and GCC recorded in the first quarter of and the Arab Games (2011) and DIB’s hybrid sukuk will be Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P visitors, respectively. Occupancy 2011 was attributed to the Asian conferences such as the United structured similarly to ADIB’s Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 104.63 0.86 % Aa2 AA rates dropped from 77 percent to Football Confederation of AFC Nations Conference on Trade and issue. DIB had a Tier 1 capital 63 percent over the first quarter Asian Cup which was hosted Development (2012) and COP18 ratio of 13.9 percent at the end Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.88 1.56 % Aa2 AA of 2012 in comparison to the same in Doha in January 2011.”More (2012)”, a data released by the of 2012, compared to 12.6 percent Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 124.50 2.23 % Aa2 AA period in 2011, due to an increase recent drivers of the hotel indus- Ministry noted. in 2007, according to an investor Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 117.63 2.45 % Aa2 AA in the hotel supply. try include such as The Doha THE PENINSULA presentation. REUTERS Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 112.75 2.86 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 172.50 3.93 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 131.75 4.38 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 122.00 4.40 % Aa2 AA Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.00 1.36 % Aa2 AA Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 115.38 2.69 % Aa2 AA Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 105.88 1.49 % A1 A- Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.63 2.19 % A1 A- QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.63 2.01 % NR NR QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.38 1.83 % Aa3 A+ QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.75 2.12 % Aa3 A+ Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.38 2.35 % A2 A- Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.63 1.76 % A2 A Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 130.75 2.53 % A2 A Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 111.75 3.07 % A2 A Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 111.25 3.86 % A2 A Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 106.88 1.07 % Aa3 A Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 108.13 3.39 % Aa3 A Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 111.75 3.52 % Aa3 A SOVEREIGNS Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 105.50 0.41 % Aa2 AA Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 126.63 2.07 % Aa2 AA Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 110.75 2.38 % NR NR Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 107.88 2.87 % NR NR Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 125.38 3.86 % NR NR FROM LEFT: Henadi Al Saleh, Jassim J Al Rimaihi, Abdulaziz Zeid Al Taleb, Ahmed Mubarak Naser Al Ali Al Mahdid, Mohammed Ismail Al Emadi Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 118.38 4.03 % NR NR (Chairman), Sheikh Fahed bin Hamad bin Jasim Al Thani (Vice Chairman), Sheikh Abdula bin Fahad bin Jassim Al Thani, and Dr Hamad Saad Al Saad Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 105.63 0.96 % Aa2 AA during the General Assembly Meeting of Gulf Warehousing Company at St Regis Hotel yesterday. KAMMUTTY VP Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 115.44 3.29 % NR BBB Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 110.13 3.85 % NR BBB Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 92.00 7.20 % B3 /*- B- Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 105.63 3.64 % NR BBB- GWC board of directors okays 20pc bonus shares *Periodic Distribution Amount DOHA: IMPORTANT NOTE: Gulf Warehousing for every five shares held) sub- to QR1.557 in 2011. The GWC, Mohammed Ismail Al Emadi, Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which Company (GWC), Qatar’s lead- ject to approval by the General over the last three years, has Chairman of GWC said. is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services ing logistics firm yesterday Assembly. witnessed a remarkable growth “I am pleased to inform you Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary held its Ordinary and Extra- The agenda also covered an trend. Its profit in 2009 was only that the Board of Directors has data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising Ordinary General Assembly increase of the company’s capital QR9.8m which has increased to recommended to issue 20 percent out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds Meeting at St Regis Hotel by 20 percent (raising the total about QR85m in 2012. bonus shares. The total assets can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant to approve 20 percent bonus capital to QR475,609,752 after the “We grew by 14.34 percent of GWC increased by QR331m liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not share and discuss the financial distribution of the shares. in topline revenues to sur- to QR1579.6m and total liabili- a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and statements for the year ended The audited financials of the pass QR479.7m, with a healthy ties of the Company increased consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. December 31, 2012. company revealed 37.6 percent EBITDA margin of 27.54 percent. by QR310m to QR872m com- Based on the company’s per- rise in its net profits to QR84.9m This represents a near doubling pared to 2011,” the Annual formance and this year’s earn- in 2012 versus QR61.73m in in business volume, substan- Report of the Company for 2012 ings, the Board of Directors 2011. The company’s Earnings tial ramp up in occupancy lev- quoted Abdulaziz Zeid Al Taleb, had recommended to issue 20 Per Share (EPS) amounted to els and unitisation rates at Managing Director of GWC as percent bonus share (one share QR2.143 in 2012 as compared Logistics Village Qatar (LVQ),” saying. THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Muntajat ready to market Qafco products Transition will allow Qafco to focus on expansion and strengthen the role it plays in global fertiliser market

DOHA: Qatar Chemical and served to diversify our economy. March 1, marking an important Petrochemical Marketing Transitioning the sales and mar- milestone in the company’s stra- and Distribution Company keting of Qafco’s products to tegic consolidation programme. (Muntajat) has assumed exclu- Muntajat continues the legacy Established by Emiri Decree in sive responsibility for the mar- of this producing entity which December 2012, Muntajat reached keting, sales and distribution has been at the heart of Qatar’s its first consolidation milestone activities of Qatar Fertiliser chemicals industry for more than with Qatar Fuel Additives Company (Qafco), completing 40 years now. Muntajat’s market- Company Limited (QAFAC) in the second phase of a compre- ing of Qafco’s products will have early February. hensive marketing consolidation a material effect on the fertiliser Conceived as the gateway to of Qatar’s chemical and petro- industry by creating efficiencies Qatar’s chemical and petro- chemical industry. in sales and distribution channels, chemical production companies, A leading global fertiliser com- thereby reinforcing Qatar’s strong Muntajat has already begun to pany, Qafco has transitioned to market position in the growing demonstrate its unique propo- Muntajat the marketing of urea, global fertiliser market.” sition to the State’s chemical, ammonia, melamine and urea The Chief Executive Officer of polymer and fertiliser exports, formaldehyde condensate (UFC- Muntajat, Abdulrahman Ali Al effectively reducing lead times 85) produced by Qafco, Qatar Abdulla, said: “This second transi- and developing strong service Melamine Company (QMC) and tion strengthens Muntajat’s econ- relationships with new and exist- Gulf Formaldehyde Company omies of scale and global reach. ing customers worldwide. FROM LEFT: The Minister of Energy and Industry and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Muntajat, H E Dr (GFC). Qafco became the world’s By bringing key individuals from The Chief Executive Officer Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, the Chief Executive Officer of Qafco, Khalifa Abdulla Al Sowaidi, and the Chief fourth largest urea producer in Qafco to the sales and marketing of Qafco, Khalifa Abdulla Al Executive Officer of Muntajat, Abdulrahman Ali Al Abdulla. December last year, when its team at Muntajat, it provides fur- Sowaidi, said: “The transition of QR2.2bn Qafco-6 plant came ther assurance of the expertise of marketing, sales and distribution online and boosted the company’s our team, which is committed to to Muntajat allows us to focus on customers about the new service customers have come to expect operating entities by mid-2013, annual production to 5.6m MT. the continued supply of our supe- expanding our production capaci- relationship, and is strengthen- over four decades of experience resulting in a single focal point The Minister of Energy and rior products and dedicated to the ties and will further strengthen ing its customer service with per- with Qafco will continue with for the marketing and distribu- Industry and Chairman of the long-term creation of value for all the key role that Qafco plays in sonal visits to ensure a seamless Muntajat. Qafco’s facilities and tion of the country’s chemical Board of Directors of Muntajat our stakeholders.” the global fertiliser market.” transition. assets are able to achieve contin- and petrochemical products and H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh The migration of marketing, Muntajat, which is already Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari, uous supply to meet the world’s providing an exceptional platform Al Sada, said: “Qafco was the sales and distribution activities processing new orders for urea Executive Director, Marketing growing demand for fertilisers.” for economic growth, in line with country’s first large-scale ven- for Qafco’s entire product range and ammonia products, has and Sales of Muntajat, said: Muntajat plans to complete the Qatar National Vision 2030. ture in the chemical sector and to Muntajat was completed on informed all of Qafco’s current “The reliability of supply that proposed consolidation of all nine THE PENINSULA

QFIB hosts Saudi reception for key stakeholders Standard Chartered profits DOHA: Qatar First of shareholders. Dammam is invested over QR400m in this investments and future growth Investment Bank (QFIB), the most oil rich region in the vibrant sector. plans. steady despite US fine Qatar’s first independent world, and in close proximity QFIB Vice Chairman Sheikh Commenting on the Saudi Shariah compliant bank reg- to Dhahran that houses Saudi Ibrahim Mohamed Al Abdul trip, QFIB Chairman Abdulla ulated by Qatar Financial Aramco, one of the biggest oil Aziz Al Jomaih, a leading Saudi Ghorab Al Marri, said: “Since HONG KONG: Standard emerging markets that has helped Centre Regulatory Authority, companies in the world. businessman hosted a dinner inception, our strategy was to Chartered yesterday said its net shield it from the eurozone crisis and held its board meeting in Taking this opportunity, QFIB on the sidelines of the board hold an annual board meeting in profit was flat in 2012, even after outshine competitors — clocked up Dammam, the largest city in Board and Senior Management meeting. Government officials, each of the GCC countries that the British lender was hit by huge a 10th consecutive year of income the Eastern Province of the visited the company to get a owners of family businesses and are represented on our Board. fines for violating US sanctions on and profit growth. Investors and Saudi Arabia on March 3. deeper insight into the com- CEOs of leading institutions in As the largest GCC country, Iran and other countries. analysts hailed the results and the The meeting was chaired by pany’s operations specifically in Saudi attended the dinner. and one of the world’s biggest Net profit came in at $4.79bn, bank’s share price rose 2.76 percent QFIB Chairman Abdulla Fahad the production and exploration QFIB CEO Emad Mansour oil producing countries, Saudi compared to $4.75bn in 2011, the to 1,829.1 pence on London’s FTSE Ghorab Al Marri. Since its fields. delivered a presentation about Arabia is an important mar- London-based, Asia-focused lender 100 index of leading companies. launch in 2009, QFIB has sched- QFIB takes a special inter- the bank, providing an over- ket for us. We thank Al Jomaih said in a filing to the Hong Kong Atif Latif, director of trading at uled board meetings every year est in the oil and gas sector as view of the bank’s main lines of for hosting the dinner. Such a stock exchange. Pre-tax profit rose Guardian Stockbrokers in London, in a different GCC country to it is the backbone of the GCC business, sector and geographic gathering provides a good plat- one percent to $6.9bn. said the full-year result was an reach out to its diversified base economies. To date, QFIB has focus, current portfolio of form to network and generate While income rose eight percent “excellent set of numbers”. awareness about QFIB as well to $19.07bn, profit was hit by the “Standard Chartered have strug- explore investment opportuni- $667m in fines it was forced to pay gled in the past with the negative ties with leading businessmen. US authorities last year to settle news we have seen for the sector and It is also a chance to reach out charges it violated sanctions, the these results should appease those to our Saudi shareholders and bank said. investors that have been patient,” provide an update about the The settlements “dented our he said. bank’s achievements.” profit growth and damaged our rep- The bank’s group chairman John Vice Chairman of QFIB, Al utation,” group chief executive Peter Peace said Standard Chartered Jomaih, added: “Our role as Sands said in a statement. “remains a growth story” and that board members is to support the Despite the hefty fine, the bank it has entered 2013 with “strong management in promoting the — which has a strong footprint in momentum”. AFP bank’s expertise. Such events provide a great networking platform for our shareholders to gain a better understanding of the bank’s activities and gain insight into potential invest- ment prospects. The Saudi mar- ket has a very positive outlook, buoyed by optimistic projections for 2013. We hope this gather- ing was successful in bringing the bank closer to potential QFIB board members during their visit to Aramco. investors.” THE PENINSULA

QInvest boosts investment banking with new director

DOHA: QInvest, Qatar’s very excited about the con- Capital as Director and was pri- was a Lead Electrical Engineer leading investment bank, tinuing growth of financial marily responsible for coverage in with Qatar Gas. He has earned as part of efforts to services in the region and Qatar as well as managing debt BSEE in Electrical Engineering strengthen its team, has abroad; and we look forward and project finance deals. from George Washington announced the appoint- to continually work alongside He has previous experience University, USA, and a Masters ment of Nasser Abdullah Al our clients and be their advi- in mergers and acquisitions, oil in Project Management from Mahmoud as Director with sor and financier of choice.” and gas, with Barclays Capital in University of Houston, USA. the Investment Banking Al Mahmoud said: “I am London and, additionally, under- Al Mahmoud’s appointment arm, a press statement said impressed by QInvest’s brand took a role with the team cov- complements QInvest’s strategic yesterday. name as a main player in the ering the MENA Bonds market direction to keep the flow of deal On his appointment, regional investment banking from London. activity across the main lines of Tamim Hamad Al Kawari, industry. I see tremendous Al Mahmoud was the Head business and hence maintain the QInvest’s CEO, said: “We potential for the firm in the of Islamic Corporate Banking at firm’s league tables ranking. would like to take this oppor- growing regional banking QNB Al Islami and before this he THE PENINSULA tunity to welcome Nasser to market. I am excited about our investment banking team. my appointment in QInvest His experience and knowledge and will support the firm’s will strengthen our capabili- effort on its remarkable ties in the investment banking growth path”. capacity.” Prior to joining QInvest, Al Al Kawari added: “We are Mahmoud worked at QNB • Bullion - Mumbai Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 29580 Silver (1 kg) Rs. 55530 • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.90 • Sensex BSE 19143.17 NSE 5784.25 • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return p.a. (in dollar) • Housing loan from HDFC LTD • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. FROM LEFT: QInvest CEO, Tamim Hamad Al Kawari, and QInvest Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] new Director, Nasser Abdullah Al Mahmoud. WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Global oil demand growth moderated: Saudi Aramco chief HOUSTON: Saudi Aramco “We have seen post-financial Aramco now supplies more oil to Chief Executive Khalid Al Falih crisis a reduction of demand to the US than it did in 2011. yesterday said global oil demand where our spare capacity bal- Yet Al Falih said that healthy growth has moderated, largely looned, but we have not aban- projections for global demand because of environmental pres- doned that number we have growth should not foster compla- sures and lifestyle changes, as committed to today — we’re sit- cency in the oil industry. well as energy policies. ting on about 2.5 million barrels “Although we are on the right The head of Saudi Arabia’s of capacity,” Al Falih said. track, if our history teaches us national oil company also told The US Energy Information anything, it is that such rosy fore- energy executives that increased Administration yesterday said casts will not always materialise,” output driven by technological that Saudi Arabia produced an he said. advances — including rapid pro- average of 11.6 million bpd in 2012, “And as the old cowboy philoso- duction growth in prolific US while exporting 8.6 million bpd. pher Will Rogers once said, even shale and tight oil plays — has Also last year, Aramco and if you’re on the right track, you helped quash concerns about oil joint venture partner Royal run the risk of being run over if supply. Dutch Shell Plc completed a you just sit there.” Speaking at the annual IHS $10bn expansion of their 600,000 Looking back at the 2008 finan- CERAWEEK conference in bpd Motiva Port Arthur refinery cial crisis, which sent oil prices Houston, Al Falih said Saudi in Texas, the biggest refinery in from nearly $150 a barrel to $33 Arabia, an Opec member, had the US, after several start-up a barrel in a few months, Al Falih maintained its maximum poten- problems. warned about squandering finan- tial oil production at 12.5 million “We’re committed to the US cial resources. “We need to heed barrels per day (bpd), leaving market,” Al Falih said, adding the lessons of the past and better Khalid Al Falih, President and CEO of Saudi Aramco, speaks at the CERAWEEK conference in Houston, yesterday. its cushion of spare capacity that while US demand for crude manage our risk,” he said. unchanged at 2.5 million bpd. flattened out during the recession, REUTERS BRIEFLY Saudi tycoon Many regional bourses plunge says Forbes undervalued Industries Qatar one of the top losers his fortune

DOHA: Qatar Exchange was YESTERDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS DUBAI: Saudi tycoon Dana Gas starts down yesterday 33.58 points or Prince Alwalid bin Talal has 0.39 percent to 8,480.35 points QATAR: The index retreated 0.39 severed his ties with Forbes output from two from the previous closing of percent to 8,480 points. magazine’s annual billion- 8,513.93 while Egypt’s bourse aires’ list, which he accused Egypt fields continued falling sharply hit- SAUDI ARABIA: The index eased of undervaluing his fortune, ting an 11-week low after the 0.05 percent to 6,953 points. his office said yesterday. DUBAI: Dana Gas has financial market regulator set In its 2013 list published increased its gas production stricter limits on transactions. KUWAIT: The index rose 0.8 per- on Monday, Forbes ranked in Egypt by about 10 percent Most other Gulf markets also cent to 6,538 points. Alwalid 26th in the world with the start up of opera- retreated. with a fortune it estimated at tions at two new fields, the The volume of shares traded at DUBAI: The index fell 1.2 percent $20bn. UAE-based company said the Qatari bourse fell to 4,861,450 to 1,877 points. The prince’s office and his yesterday. from 4,994,497 on Monday, and Kingdom Holding investment The West Sama-1 and the value of shares increased ABU DHABI: The index slipped 0.2 group “have ended their long- Allium-1 fields in Egypt have to QR181,800,746.02 from percent to 3,020 points. standing relationship with the started commercial operations QR286,439,009.30 on Monday. Forbes Billionaires List,” a less than two months after ini- Among the top losers were OMAN: The index eased 0.06 per- statement said. tial well testing, Dana Gas said Industries Qatar whose share cent to 5,997 points. Alwaleed wrote to Steve in a statement. dropped 0.18 percent to QR170, Forbes, the magazines’s “The wells increase our pro- Commercial Bank of Qatar lost BAHRAIN: The index slipped 0.08 chief editor and chairman, duction by 20 million cubic feet 0.59 percent to QR67, al kha- percent at 1,093 points. “requesting that the prince per day, providing much needed lij Commercial Bank fell 6.41 be removed from the list and additional production to the percent to QR16.20 and United EGYPT: The index dropped 2.5 informing Forbes” that offi- Egyptian market and main- Development Company was down percent to 5,241 points. cials from Kingdom Holding taining vital supplies of gas for 0.58 percent to QR17.20. would no longer work with its power generation,” Rashid Al The Qatar Banking and fertiliser, construction and real valuation teams. Jarwan, the company’s acting Financial sector dropped 0.39 estate, making the family one The statement accused chief executive, said. points while the Insurance sec- of Egypt’s biggest employers. Forbes of “intentional biases Sharjah-based Dana Gas tor added 2.88 points. The Qatar Mourad said the government’s and inconsistencies” in its discovered three gas fields industrial sector was up 0.18 actions were contrary to its valuation process over the during drilling in Egypt’s Nile points and the Services sector fell declared aim of attracting inves- past six years as it refused Delta Basin last year. It plans 0.43 points. tors into Egypt. to accept share values as to bring the third, Balsam-1, Elsewhere, the Egyptian stock “If you want to attract invest- listed by the kingdom’s stock into production in the first half market watchdog said it was lim- ment, you don’t punish the richest exchange, Tadawul. of 2013. iting the transfer of local shares family in Egypt and people who “Prince Alwaleed has taken into internationally traded glo- employ thousands,” he said. this step as he felt he could no bal depositary receipts. The rul- Shares in OCI fell 1.6 percent, longer participate in a proc- EU PMI confirms ing was the latest development in sparking selling in other blue ess which resulted in the use a dispute over a share purchase chips as well. of incorrect data and seemed business slump offer that could lead to the coun- Orascom Telecom and designed to disadvantage BRUSSELS: Private busi- try’s largest listed firm, Orascom Commercial International Middle Eastern investors and ness activity in the eurozone Construction Industries (OCI), Bank shed 3.7 and 3.8 percent institutions,” it added. in February was not as bad as delisting from the market against respectively. Forbes team has considered first feared but still showed the government’s wishes. Cairo’s index dropped 2.5 “rumours that stock manipu- the economic slump deep- By constraining the freedom percent to its lowest level since lation ‘is the national sport’ in ening, a key survey showed of company owners to move December 16. Qatar Exchange’s new headquarters at Al Dana Tower, West Bay, is pictured Saudi Arabia because ‘there yesterday. their assets and restricting capi- In Dubai, Arabtec fell 3.2 per- yesterday. SHAIVAL DALAL are no casinos’” in the ultra- The Purchasing Managers’ tal flows, the new regulations are cent, taking its losses to 29 per- conservative kingdom during Composite Index published by seen as another blow to confi- cent since the builder announced expect the current decline to Retail investors dominated their valuation process, it said. London-based Markit stood at dence from a government which plans to raise $1.8bn in capital continue towards 1,800 points,” trade, with the market resilient But Kingdom Holding will a revised 47.9 in February, up has antagonised much of the pre- that will be dilutive to sharehold- said Mohabeldeen Agena, head despite weak earnings from some continue to cooperate with the from the initial reading of 47.3 revolution business community. ers. The pace of the stock’s decline of technical analysis at Cairo’s banks. “We’re seeing a continu- Bloomberg Billionaires valu- but still well down from 48.6 in “There is a lack of transpar- slowed, however, from drops of Beltone Financial, although he ation of performance in smaller ation teams, which Alwalid January and further away from ency in the OCI case and this is near 10 percent in previous days. added that the 1,840 level might stocks - and a migration from “considers to use a more the boom-bust line of 50. The a clear case of mismanagement Investors booked profits in provide some support. Kuwait 15 (blue chip) stocks,” said accurate method of calculat- reading “signalled a steepen- from the authorities,” said Osama other stocks; Emaar Properties Abu Dhabi’s index slipped 0.2 Fouad Darwish, head of broker- ing financial holdings.” ing of the downturn in business Mourad, a Cairo-based independ- slipped 0.4 percent, trimming its percent, down for a fourth session age services at Global Investment Bloomberg Billionaires cal- activity, contrasting with the ent financial analyst and former 2013 gains to 41.9 percent. since Wednesday’s 39-month high. House. There is no sign of the culated the wealth of Alwalid, easing trend which had been chief executive of Arab Finance Dubai’s benchmark fell 1.2 In Kuwait, the index bucked state-owned National Portfolio a nephew of the Custodian of evident in the three months Brokerage. percent to 1,877 points, hitting the regional trend and ral- Fund buying in the market, the Two Holy Mosques King to January,” Markit said in a Egypt’s public prosecutor on a four-week low. On Feb. 24, the lied to a two-year high as retail Darwish said. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, as statement. Sunday barred OCI’s chief execu- market reached its highest close investors bought small-caps. Kuwait’s index rose 0.8 percent $28bn. The prince, in his late tive Nassef Sawiris from leaving since November 2009, but has Investors Holding Group surged to its highest close since February 50s, has holdings in Citibank the country, as part of an inves- fallen in five of the seven sessions 12.2 percent and National Ranges 2011. The index closed above and Rupert Murdoch’s News Brent operator still tigation into tax evasion. since. gained 5.4 percent; together they major technical resistance on the Corp. Forbes magazine listed The three Sawiris brothers “The index declined in aggres- accounted for almost half of all peaks of May 2012 and May 2011. him last year as the 26th rich- studying safety have billion-dollar businesses in sive selling pressure — we shares traded. QNA/REUTERS est person in the world with DUBAI: The operator of the assets of $19.6bn. AFP Brent pipeline said it was still studying whether it would be safe to reopen the oil link in the UK North Sea after a leak at a platform forced a Bahrain set to demand stricter rules from key banks shutdown on Saturday as a precaution. “Before we re-open the Brent MANAMA: Bahrain’s central But two years of social unrest Ahli United Bank is Bahrain’s Al Salam Bank said in January instruments, whether conven- pipeline system, we have a bank will require local lenders have weighed on the bank- biggest retail bank by assets, fol- it was in merger talks with an tional or unconventional, and we series of internal safety checks it sees as key to the stability ing sector, with annual lending lowed by BBK and National Bank unnamed regional bank, while will continue with this trend but to go through,” a spokeswoman of the Gulf country’s banking growth slowing to 7.8 percent in of Bahrain. Gulf Finance House said it was taking also the view that some of for the Abu Dhabi National system to take more steps to November, the lowest level since Maraj said there was at least studying options to merge its unit, these issues will have to be mod- Energy Co’s UK business said ensure their soundness, its August 2011. one bank merger in the making Khaleeji Commercial Bank, with erated as we don’t want to build yesterday. The 80,000 barrel Governor Rasheed Al Maraj Maraj did not say which banks in non-Opec Bahrain, which he other Bahraini banks. a huge sovereign debt,” he said. per day (bpd) Brent system said yesterday. the central banks defines as key welcomed, but he declined to give The central bank is not encour- Bahrain, which is expected was shut for the second time in The kingdom of 1.3 million to the country’s banking stabil- details. aging large borrowing by the to get $1bn in aid a year from seven weeks after oil and asso- people has based its economic ity or give details of the steps “There’s no room for small government to finance its budget its wealthier Gulf neighbours ciated gas was found to have strategy on becoming a regional the central bank will ask them banks. The economic atmos- deficit but it will try to continue over the next 10 years, last sold leaked into a leg of the 10,000 financial hub as it lacks the pet- to take. phere is challenging, and the with bond issues necessary to a $1.5bn, 10-year bond in June. bpd Cormorant Alpha plat- rodollar wealth of its Gulf Arab “This is a process that will have competition in the market is manage liquidity and push for a The small oil exporter is the only form, which has been offline neighbours. The financial indus- to take time and we will have to becoming very fierce,” he told a lower fiscal gap, Maraj said. nation out of the six-member Gulf since January. AGENCIES try makes up around 17 percent engage with those banks that have financial conference in the capital “Over the years, we have man- Cooperation Council facing a fis- of the $29 billion economy. been selected,” he said. Manama. aged to issue different types of cal deficit this year. REUTERS WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

QE Indices Summary WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Index 8,480.35 0.39 % QE Total Return Index 11,816.69 0.22 % RATE QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,561.83 0.11 % QE All Share Index 2,107.82 0.09 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,012.97 0.39 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5088.145 59.612 1.19 5127.8 4664.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 5,040.07 0.43 % QR185.9071 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 3757.82 48.06 1.3 3793.26 3600.81 UK ...... QR 5.4847 QR 5.5615 QE All Share Industrials 2,809.26 0.18 % SILVER QE All Share Insurance 1,994.93 2.88 % Dj Indu Average 14127.82 38.16 0.27 14149.2 12035.1 QR 3.4000 Euro ...... QR 4.7176 QR 4.7831 QE All Share Real Estate 1,613.76 0.36 % CA$ ...... QR 3.5151 QR 3.5850 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Telecoms 1,131 0.51 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.8413 QR 3.8951 QE All Share Transportation 1,416.19 0.68 % Hang Seng Inde/D 22560.5 22.69 0.1 23944.74 22445.34 Yen ...... QR 0.0387 QR 0.0395 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.6916 QR 3.7639 Iseq Overall/D 3859.81 49.46 1.3 3813.76 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0658 QR 0.0671 05-03-2013 04-03-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 18035.97 -97.16 -0.54 18312.65 16036.31 Index 8,480.35 8,513.93 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0368 QR 0.0375 Change 33.58 14.65 Nikkei 225 Index 11683.45 31.16 0.27 11767.68 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0885 QR 0.0904 % 0.39 0.17 $111.09 SL Re ...... QR 0.0283 QR 0.0289 YTD% 1.45 1.85 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1530.94 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0457 QR 0.0466 Volume 4,861,450 4,994,497 Straits Times/D 3248.26 8.31 0.26 3319.19 3160.83 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0413 QR 0.0421 Value (QAR) 181,800,746.02 286,439,009.30 $109.96 Trades 2,614 2,953 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3979 QR 0.4058 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 12 | Down 24 | Unchanged 03

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 05-03-2013

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED

A C C-A/D 1258.5 38.45 37627 Cipla-A/D 382.2 10.95 149125 Hind Unilever-/D 449.55 8.5 238583 Lloyd Metal-B/D 14.04 -0.16 3687 Ruchi Soya-B/D 62.2 3.85 183690 Land Secs Grou/D 847.5 5 562433 Aarti Drugs-B/D 191.8 -3.9 3882 City Union Bk-/D 56.1 -0.35 23559 Hind.Petrol-A/D 300.5 2.2 106682 Lloyd Steel-B/D 11.87 0.69 122763 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 424.35 -0.5 6594 Legal & Genera/D 161.9 2.3 2423915 Aban Offs-B/D 269.65 5.3 58983 Colgate-A/D 1355.4 -1.3 12976 Hindalco-A/D 98.55 4.05 1045864 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 18.1 -0.35 1926 Saur.Cem-B/D 21.75 -0.35 6201 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 51.881 0.57 58625777 Aegis Logis-B/D 130.25 6.9 25583 Dai-Bichi Kar-/D 41.95 2.9 7165 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 773.05 0.45 42271 Lupin-A/D 596.9 2.8 31498 Thirumalai-B/D 98.8 1.05 4686 Marks & Sp./D 366.322 3.7 2295227 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 116 2.2 2304 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 39.95 0.7 1544 I F C I-A/D 28.55 1.3 4120385 Lyka Labs-B/D 9.85 0.11 11029 Timexgroup-B/D 16.85 0.1 40169 Next/D 4164 23 326867 Alembic-B/D 16.65 1 60472 Dhampur Sugar-/D 44.75 1.25 7201 Idbi-A/D 89.55 2 172426 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 110.5 4.7 4458 Tinplate-B/D 42.5 0 4474 Pearson/D 1176.97 9 398637 Alok Indus-B/D 8.41 0.5 1310960 Dr. Reddy-A/D 1794 29.85 17654 Ifb Agro-B/D 166.95 -0.8 2175 Maha Scooter-B/D 421.65 -3.75 5382 Ub Engineer-B/D 26.05 3.7 232073 Prudential/D 1002 13.5 1070052 Andhra Paper-B/D 192.4 0.05 6165 E I H-B/D 62.5 1.35 49525 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 89.5 3.15 7816 Mangalam Cem-B/D 136.65 0.7 5609 Ub Engineer-B/D 26.05 3.7 232073 Rank Group/D 163.71 0.4 11771 Apollo Tyre-A/D 88.15 3.05 132216 E.I.D Parry-B/D 149.8 0.75 25450 India Cement-B/D 85.05 1.45 49867 Mastek-B/D 124.25 0.05 2500 Ucal Fuel-B/D 56.95 0.9 1605 Rentokil Initi/D 90.75 0.1 975192 Asahi I Glass-/D 51 0.3 7335 Eimco Elecon-B/D 152.95 -0.35 3493 India Glycol-B/D 135.3 4.85 14395 Max India L-A/D 234 0.7 28398 Ucal Fuel-B/D 56.95 0.9 1605 Rolls Royce Pl/D 1036 7 1119595 Ashok Leyland-/D 23.2 0.7 10463271 Electrosteel-B/D 18.6 -0.1 80628 Indian Hotel-A/D 56.75 1.6 182860 Mrpl-A/D 56.95 0.15 38142 Ultramarine-B/D 54.95 0 17003 Rsa Insrance G/D 119.912 0.2 3919227 Bajaj Hold-A/D 940.7 1.7 2280 Emco-B/D 22.35 0.65 8397 Indusind-A/D 410.4 9.6 39801 Nahar Spg.-B/D 71.75 1.15 14557 Unitech P -A/D 26.3 0.25 3856621 Sainsbury(J)/D 344 -0.7 1046487 Ballarpur In-B/D 18.35 0.3 247310 Escorts-B/D 59.45 1.6 166317 J.B.Chemical-B/D 80.2 1 10217 Nation Alum -A/D 43.4 0.4 41621 Uppergsugar-B/D 42.15 1.65 1752 Schroders/D 2018 29 66082 Bata India-A/D 787.45 31.25 25986 Essar Oil-A/D 88 15.25 6159088 Jagatjit Ind-B/D 55.4 2.2 5646 Navneet Pub.-B/D 60.95 0.35 14035 Severn Trent/D 1630 2 134585 Beml Ltd-B/D 209.85 -0.7 11997 Eveready Indu-/D 18 0 86134 Jagson Phar-B/D 10.5 0.29 2797 Nepc India-B/D 2.05 -0.1 30757 LONDON Smith&Nephew/D 721.5 7.5 429003 Bh Electronic-/D 1237.9 -4.3 1698 F D C-B/D 92.65 2.1 19450 Jbf Indu-B/D 106.65 1.55 6411 Neuland Lab-B/D 89 -2 5115 Smiths Group/D 1286 5 125921 Bharat Bijle-B/D 467 -11.8 4306 Federal Bank-A/D 490.25 1.35 86975 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.47 0 47640 Nrb Bearings-B/D 32 0.35 15967 3I Group/D 320.6 0.7 642799 Standrd Chart /D 1824 44 3023889 Bharatgears-B/D 40.1 -0.7 1709 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.57 0.17 17001 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.22 0.06 23587 O N G C-A/D 315.75 4.05 585258 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 1859 9326199 B Sky Tate & Lyle/D 839 7.5 406133 Bhartiya Int-B/D 188.95 5.45 21921 Fgp Ltd-B/D 2.35 0.07 3566 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 3 -0.14 13918 Ocl India-B/D 143.4 -0.35 2284 B/D 860.5 7 566491 Tesco/D 369.65 2.05 3038575 Bhel-A/D 198.75 -1.25 474419 Finolex-B/D 87.1 0.2 26028 Jik Indust-B/D 1.33 -0.06 43576 Oil Country-B/D 39.55 0.4 2393 Barclays/D 303.75 3.35 12954450 Tomkins/D 0 0 0 Bom.Burmah-B/D 107.6 4.7 28277 Gail-A/D 336.55 6.35 26967 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 104.6 -1.55 12865 Onward Tech-T/D 43.1 0.05 2177 Bg Group/D 1158.5 11.5 997326 Unilever/D 2690.7 27 862233 Bombay Dyeing-/D 93.2 4.15 109849 Gammon India-B/D 26.1 0.45 21266 Kajaria Cer-B/D 199.5 3.45 2796 Orchid Chem-B/D 55 1.45 173307 Bp/D 444.324 0.4 6495892 United Util Gr/D 744.5 -0.5 618850 Camph.& All-B/D 153.75 4.6 2225 Gangotri Tex-B/D 2.35 -0.03 5240 Kalpat Power-B/D 75.5 3.9 8125 Orient.Carb.-B/D 99 0.95 44635 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3560.5 -3.5 787950 Vodafone Group/D 167.32 -0.4 24940242 Canfin Homes-B/D 145.7 -0.2 7595 Garden P -B/D 54 -0.05 1636 Kalyani Stel-B/D 43.35 0.3 12093 Orient.Carb.-B/D 99 0.95 44635 British Airway/D 276.4574 0 0 Whitbread/D 2555 8 199651 Castrol Ind-A/D 317.05 0.5 21099 Goodricke-B/D 133.55 1.7 9432 Kanoria Chem-B/D 33.9 0.15 2738 Oudh Sugar-B/D 21.65 0.15 4630 Bt Group/D 267.2 1.8 5091981 Century Enka-B/D 108.55 1.4 2432 Hcl Infosys-B/D 30.45 0.2 51365 Kg Denim-B/D 14.24 0.33 9950 Patspin India-/D 6 -0.1 6038 Centrica/D 358.975 -2.5 3180569 Century Text-A/D 323.05 10.1 117244 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 7.69 -0.14 230006 Kilburnengg-B/D 13 -0.26 4093 Radico Khait-B/D 136.55 0.4 2036 Gkn/D 286.6 10.7 3968070 Chambal Fert-B/D 54.55 1.3 243698 Himat Seide-B/D 31.3 0.6 10624 Kin.Motor-B/D 8.5 0 4454 Rallis India-B/D 119.75 6.4 50491 Hsbc Holdings/D 710.3 0.2 10182958 Chola Invest-B/D 294.05 9.95 5583 Hind Motors-B/D 8.68 0 130214 Kinetic Eng-T/D 95 -4.95 10400 Rallis India-B/D 119.75 6.4 50491 Imperial Tobac/D 2437 11 601559 Chowgule St-B/D 13.34 -0.28 16945 Hind Org Chem-/D 13.15 0.56 35362 Kopran-B/D 15.14 0.26 42304 Reliance Indus/D 356.15 10.6 62479 Kingfisher/D 284.8 7.6 3128542 WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Klitschko to Wade, James lead face cancer survivor Heat to record win Pianeta BERLIN: World heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko will defend his four titles against Miami register 15th consecutive victory cancer survivor Francesco Pianeta on May 4 in Mannheim, Germany, Klitschko’s manage- MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota: consecutive contest. Minnesota ment has announced. Dwyane Wade and LeBron NBA Results dropped to 4-22 in their last 26 The 36-year-old Klitschko James starred as the Miami NY Knicks 102 Cleveland 97 games.Minnesota was without will defend his IBF, IBO, Super Heat won a franchise record Milwaukee 109 Utah 108 star forward Kevin Love, who had WBA and WBO belts against 15th consecutive game yesterday surgery to repair a broken right the undefeated Pianeta, 28, who Orlando 105 New Orleans 102 with a 97-81 win over a depleted hand. Centre Nikola Pekovic also has 15 knock-outs and one draw Minnesota Timberwolves. Miami 97 Minnesota 81 skipped Monday’s contest with a in 28 wins despite having been Wade shot 15-of-20 from the Denver 104 Atlanta 88 abdominal strain. Starting for- diagnosed with testicular cancer field and also added 10 assists for Portland 122 Charlotte 105 ward Andrei Kirilenko is also out in early 2010. a 32-point haul while a hobbling Golden State 125 Toronto 118 with a strained calf muscle. Italian-born Pianeta, who grew James finished with 20 points and JJ Barea had four points and up in Gelsenkirchen, northwest 10 rebounds as the Heat recorded “It is a process,” Allen said of was tossed from the game in the Germany, underwent surgery a comfortable win. trying to repeat. “When you make final quarter after tangling with soon after and made his return “Everybody knows their roles it all the way you forget about the Allen. to the ring in December 2010 on this team,” said Miami guard tough days. Barea bodychecked Allen as he with a first-round knock-out of Ray Allen. “It takes time but we “You can’t get bored with the was driving to the basket, knock- US fighter Mike Middleton. have figured out a formula on how process. No win is greater than ing the former Boston Celtic to This will be his eighth bout to win on the road.” the next. We have got to start the floor. Allen got up quickly and since overcoming cancer. James was playing with a sore every game the same way. charged towards Barea before Last year Pianeta earned left knee after wrenching it in Allen said Miami recognized players from both teams got unanimous points wins over age- Sunday’s tense 99-93 win over the they were now the team every between the two. ing former world champion Oliver New York Knicks. rival wanted to beat. “I thought it was a bush league McCall, 47, of the United States, Allen had 13 points to help “Teams look at beating us as a move,” Allen said of the body- and South Africa’s Francois defending National Basketball way to turn their seasons around,” check. “I don’t care who you are Botha, 44, a former world title Association champion Miami he said. in the league you have got to contender, but Klitschko will be eclipse their previous club mark “We have to put ourselves in defend yourself. He got ejected a step up. of 14 straight wins, set between other teams’ shoes. We can’t ease for a reason.” “I have great respect for December 6, 2004 and January 1, our way into any games or it will After the ejection, Miami went Francesco Pianeta, he is young 2005. be a long night for us.” on a 17-5 run to put the game out and is an uncomfortable southpaw Allen said the Heat can’t affort Derrick Williams finished of reach for the Timberwolves. to face, plus he has a strong fight- to get complacent because other with a season-high 25 points, Minnesota coach Rick Adelman ing spirit,” said Hamburg-based teams have no trouble getting while Ricky Rubio had 14 points, tried to argue the flagrant one call Toronto Raptors’ Rudy Gay (right) shoots over Golden State Warriors’ Carl Klitschko. motivated to face the reigning eight assists and six steals for the on Barea but was slapped with a Landry during the fourth quarter of their NBA game in Oakland, California, The Ukrainian world champion champions. Timberwolves who lost their sixth technical foul of his own. AFP yesterday. will be looking for his 60th win in his 63rd professional fight, having earned his 50th career knockout against Tony Thompson of the US last July in Berne, Switzerland. Carter scores hat-trick as Kings beat Predators AFP LOS ANGELES: The mea- goals over his last 10 games. The King’s first of the season came on ice before Carter tucked his 14th England add gre number of shots Jeff Carter Predators, who tied a season high NHL Results a centering pass from the right goal behind Rinne with Nashville and the rest of the Los Angeles for shots allowed on Saturday Toronto 4 New Jersey 2 corner by Jarret Stoll. captain Shea Weber right on his Croft to Six Kings sent toward Nashville when they yielded 39 in a 2-1 loss Pittsburgh 4 Tampa Bay 3 Nashville’s Craig Smith was off heels. It was only the eighth shot goaltender Pekka Rinne wasn’t at San Jose, outshot the Kings for high-sticking Dustin Brown on net by the Kings to that point. Phoenix 5 Anaheim 4 much of an issue. 13-6 through the first two periods. when Carter opened the scor- Gabriel Bourque spoiled Nations squad Rinne’s inability to stop the Rinne was pulled by coach Los Angeles 5 Nashville 1 ing at 5:28 of the second period. Bernier’s bid for his sixth career puck once the Kings got their Barry Trotz after giving up five season in 16 games. The five-year He chipped the puck away from shutout with 6:55 to play. The LONDON: Leicester flanker offense going in the third period goals on 13 shots. veteran didn’t play at all during Kevin Klein in the left circle and Predators, who came in with a Tom Croft was added to certainly was. Rinne, who led the league with the Kings’ championship run as backhanded it toward the crease league-low 46 goals, haven’t won England’s training squad yes- Carter completed his fifth 43 wins last season, stopped 55 Jonathan Quick captured the from a sharp angle before it slid a game in regulation since beating terday ahead of this weekend’s career hat-trick with two goals of the 56 shots the Kings put on Conn Smythe Trophy as posts- under Rinne’s right leg and off the Phoenix 3-0 at home on Feb. 14. Six Nations fixture against Italy, in a 19-second span of the final him during the first two meetings. eason MVP. goalie’s left skate. Los Angeles went 15 minutes, while Owen Farrell is set to miss period, and the defending Stanley The only goal he let in was by Mike Richards and Dwight Carter made it 2-0 at 4:39 of the 26 seconds before its first shot the Twickenham clash. Cup champions beat the Nashville Brown in a 2-1 victory on January King also scored during a four- third period after Colin Fraser set on net, a 30-foot backhander by Croft has recovered from a Predators 5-1 yesterday despite 31 that was decided in an eight- goal third period and defenseman him up in front of the net. King that Rinne kicked out with serious neck injury which initially taking only 16 shots on net. round shootout. Slava Voynov had a career-high Moments later, he found him- his right leg. The Kings had a looked set to keep him out for the “We probably would have had Kings backup Jonathan Bernier three assists. self on a breakaway after a turn- season-low three shots during the entire Six Nations campaign and, a lot more on net if we got pucks made 18 saves and has won five Richards’ goal, a one-timer over by Nashville defenseman opening period. after playing in last weekend’s win past their D and to the net, but consecutive starts for the first from the right circle, came during Roman Josi at the red line, and a The Kings began a 12-game over Sale, England coach Stuart they do a great job of blocking time in his NHL career, equal- a power play while Martin Erat number of hats from the sellout stretch in which they will play 10 Lancaster has opted to call up the shots,” said Carter, who has 10 ing his entire win total from last was serving a boarding penalty. crowd of 18,118 already had hit the times at home. AGENCIES 27-year-old. Last April Croft damaged his neck while tackling Harlequins back row Nick Easter and his comeback, which began in No excuses for January, has been carefully man- aged since. losing: Clarke Winning most matches is a The turning point in his reha- bilitation came last week when HYDERABAD: Skipper a visit to the specialist revealed Michael Clarke didn’t mince the injury had healed completely. words to criticise his misfiring “Tom has been seen by a spe- batsmen as Australia lost the collective effort, says Dhoni cialist, played back-to-back second cricket against India games and played 80 minutes at by an innings and 135 runs the weekend and did extremely with more than five sessions HYDERABAD: India skip- well,” said Lancaster, whose side to spare at the Rajiv Gandhi per Mahendra Singh Dhoni FactBox are chasing a first Grand Slam International Stadium here feels winning most matches Dhoni became the first Indian skipper to since 2003. AFP yesterday. as an Indian Test captain is a register six victories against Australia in Tests Giving the credit to India, who collective effort and said the yesterday. With 22 Test wins out of 45, Dhoni now lead the series 2-0, Clarke credit should go to all the team Indian captain has established an Indian record for most Test Weir to start accepted that his team has been members. MS Dhoni batting wins as captain, eclipsing Sourav Ganguly’s outplayed in all aspects of the Dhoni surpassed Sourav during the third tally of 21 victories in 49 Tests. for Scotland game. Ganguly as the most success- day of the sec- Mohammad Azharuddin and Sunil Gavaskar “India deserve a lot of credit. ful Indian Test captain with 22 ond Test match are at No. 3 and 4 respectively as India’s against Wales They outplayed us in every facet wins after India won the second against Australia most successful Test captains with 14 and 9 of the game. There is no doubt cricket Test against Australia in Hyderabad on Test match wins in 47 Tests each. we have a lot of work to do. In all by an innings and 135 runs here EDINBURGH: Glasgow fly- Monday. With Gavaskar has scored most hundreds (11) as facets of the game,” said Clarke. yesterday. India now have a 2-0 half Duncan Weir is set to make 22 Test wins out a captain. Azharuddin (9) and Tendulkar are The Australian captain said lead in the four-match Border- his first Scotland start after there will be no stone unturned Gavaskar Trophy series. of 45, Dhoni has (7) are second and third respectively. Dhoni being selected to face Wales in in the third cricket Test at Mohal “Credit goes to the team and established an and Ganguly have scored five Test centuries the Six Nations at Murrayfield from March 14. the support staff. And winning Indian record for each as Test captains. on Saturday by Australian “There will certainly be no most matches as captain is a col- most Test wins as In the winning causes as a captain, Dhoni’s interim coach Scott Johnson. stone left unturned. The bats- lective effort, and credit goes to captain, eclipsing average is 65.86 which is the best among Weir, whose three previous men haven’t put enough runs on, each and everyone. We have gone Sourav Ganguly’s all Indian captains who have won at least caps all came as a replacement, and there is no excuse for that,” through a period we haven’t won tally of 21 victo- five Test matches. Azharuddin is second impressed after coming off the he said. many games,” said Dhoni. ries in 49 Tests. with 63.00 and Dravid is third with 57.90. bench in Scotland’s hard-fought Coming down hard on the bats- Meanwhile, Ganguly hoped 12-8 win over Ireland last month Tendulkar’s average in Test matches won as men, Clarke said there won’t be that the Jharkhand wicket- -- a win that gave the Scots their any break before the Mohali Test. keeper-batsman would be able to a captain is a paltry 30.71. first back-to-back Six Nations “There will be no break between carry his successful showing in Ganguly remains India’s most successful successes in 12 years. the Test matches. There will be the coming foreign engagements captain overseas. He won 11 Tests (out of Now he replaces club-mate a lot of hard work, I can assure in South Africa, New Zealand, 28). Dhoni and Dravid are second with five Ruaridh Jackson, with the return you. You don’t get better sitting England and Australia in the of former captains as also that race, each has carried the baton Test victories each. Though it is noteworthy of prop forward Euan Murray -- on the couch. We have had guys next two years. of Dhoni to a relay race where forward. “But I must say that that out of Ganguly’s 11 overseas Test who missed the Ireland match get in and out without making “Dhoni’s record is praisewor- each skipper carried the baton Dhoni’s achievement is a good wins, six came against Bangladesh and because he refuses to play on big scores. That’s unacceptable,” thy. Twenty-two Test wins is forward. piece of news for Indian cricket. I Zimbabwe. Sundays due to his Christian he said. not a small achievement. And “At various times in cricket hope this will take Indian cricket beliefs -- the only other change With the loss, Australia earned the success against Australia you will see different captains. forward,” said Ganguly. “I don’t think this is right. to Scotland’s starting line-up. the dubious distinction of becom- has come against the backdrop In recent years, India has seen However, he agreed that During the last 25 years, India has “It’s a moment I’ll cherish and ing the first team in the history of of the not-so-good times he went captains like (Mohammed) number of wins or success on seldom been in trouble on home hopefully I can do the coaches jus- Test cricket to lose by an innings through in the last two years,” Azharuddin, Sachin (Tendulkar), home soil could not be the only soil. To judge a captain one should tice for giving me the start,” Weir after declaring their first innings. said Ganguly. Sourav (Ganguly), (Rahul) criteria for judging the greatness take into account his record on said yesterday in a Scottish Rugby IANS However, he linked the stints Dravid, Dhoni. In the cricket relay of a captain. foreign grounds.” IANS Union statement. AFP WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Resurgent Qatar to field ‘strong’ team Nadal to test knee at QBSF to host 2013 Asian Snooker Six-Red Championship in May Indian Wells DOHA: Qatar will have right kind of rhythm and form,” a ‘strong presence’ at the Al Nuami said during the press QBSF, Qafac sign sponsorship deal NEW YORK: Rafael Nadal 2013 Asian Snooker Six-Red conference. will use the upcoming ATP Championship, a top official “We are not sure how many event at Indian Wells to test said yesterday. players we would field at the his left knee on hardcourts with Players from more than 24 Asian Championship, but we hopes he can return to the same countries will take part in the will have a strong presence,” Al competition schedule he enjoyed event will be held at the Qatar Nuami added. before his recent seven-month Billiards and Snooker Federation Yesterday, QBSF signed a layoff. (QBSF) headquarters from May sponsorship deal with Qatar Since returning from his 24 to 30. Fuel Additives Company Limited injury last month, the 11-time “We have done well at the (Qafac) at Holiday Villa. Grand Slam champion Nadal has Asian level in the past and Qafac General Manager Nasser won 12 of 13 matches in a South we have dominated events in Jeham Al Kuwari said: “The American clay-court swing, fin- Middle East. We are confident of sponsorship this event is part of ishing runner-up in Vina del Mar, doing well at the Asian Snooker our policy to back events at all Chile, before taking titles in Sao Championship also,” said QBSF levels in the country. We think Paulo and at the Mexican Open. President Mohamed Mubarak it is imperative to support local “Today I know I can play on Alramzani. sportsmen and women, which is clay. I will try next week on the “Our players are not overawed important for our company that hard,” Nadal said. “Playing tennis by the best in Asia. In fact, I know is making a real contribution to will be a process to adapt my knee that our players are eager to do Qatari society.” to the competition. well at the Asian Championship,” Al Kuwari added: “We believe “I hope I will keep having the Alramzani said. that this is a popular event on the chances to play the normal calen- “”I expect us to do well. Our Qatar sports calendar. We have dar as I did in past years. players will be heading to India been backing sports events in the “I cannot predict the future. I and Pakistan for events in the past and we will continue to do so have to see how the knee will last coming weeks,” he said. in the future also. We wish the Qafac General Manager Nasser Jeham Al Kuwari (second left) shakes hands with Qatar Billards and Snooker at Indian Wells next week. Having Indian city Indore will stage Qatari players well.” Federation (QBSF) President Mohamed Alramzani (centre) after signing a contract document to be the official the chance to play at Indian Wells the 14th Asian under-21 Snooker The Qafac official said: “This sponsor of the Asian Snooker Teams and Six-Red Championship, during a press conference at Holiday Villa hotel, is great. I didn’t know one week Championship from April 1 to 7. is a high profile event that will yesterday. Also seen are Qafac Public Reliations Manager, Ibrahim M AlKhaldi (left), Mohammad Al Nuaimi, QBSF ago if I would be able to play at “Our players showed good attract the best players in Asia. Secretary General and Mubarak Al Khayarin, Asian Confederation of Billard Sports Secretary General (right). Indian Wells.” form during (last month’s) 9-ball Our association with QBSF helps After Indian Wells, Nadal could PICTURE BY: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH Open Tournament. They are get- us take our brand to a different play at a hardcourt event later ting good coaching (from Kazuo the audience that follows this this month at Miami, then switch Fujima) and I am sure they will sport in Asia and the rest of the to clay ahead of the French Open be ready for this event,” he said. world.” Six-Red Snooker Fact-Box and grass for Wimbledon before In December last year, Qatar’s Last month, QBSF conducted facing hardcourts again in the Bashar Hussain won the gold the 9-ball Open Tournament as Six-red snooker (sometimes run-up to the US Open. medal at the GCC Pool-Billiards part of the Qatar National Sport spelled six-reds, 6-red, and Nadal tried out his knee on the Championship for the second year Day in the country. also known as super 6s), is a hardcourts Monday night, play- running. This tournament, which was cue sport based on snooker, ing an exhibition match against In September last year, the held from February 8 to 12, but with only six red balls on Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Qatar snooker squad picked up attracted 64 participants from 9 the table as opposed to the Potro at Madison Square Garden. three bronze medals at the Arab countries. The games were played After two sets of hard-serving, standard fifteen. Snooker Championship which was on eight pool tables and after steady rallies and the occasional All other rules are held in Dubai. exciting battles, a similar number moment of light-hearted fun, Mohamed Salem Al Nuaimi, of players advanced to final round. unchanged, meaning that Nadal said he was ready to go. Secretary General, QBSF, echoed Kuwait’s Bader Alawadi picked foul shots are more signifi- “I am very happy,” Nadal said. Alramzani’s sentiments. up the top prize of QR25,000 while cant to the overall score. The “It was a sad moment when I “Events in India and Pakistan UAE’s Omran Salem took home table is the same size as in had to decide not come to the US will provide a good opportu- QR10,000 for securing the run- the traditional 15-red game. Open. It seems like now every- nity for our players get into the ners-up spot. THE PENINSULA thing is great.” AFP

McIlroy regrets Al Rayyan overcome Al Arabi, pulling out of to meet Al Gharafa in semis Honda event BY DANOTZKI SANTOS LOS ANGELES: World number one Rory McIlroy says DOHA: Al Rayyan got a big he regrets withdrawing from lift from new recruit Jerome the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic Davidson in the third period and if he had to do it over again as they beat Al Arabi 79-60, he would have stuck it out even to grab top honors in Group 2 if it meant shooting an 85. and forge a head-to-head battle “It was a reactive decision,” with Al Gharafa in the semifi- McIlroy told Sports Illustrated. nal round. “What I should have done is take Al Rayyan were riding high on my drop, chip it on, try to make an 83-70 trashing of Qatar SC a five and play my hardest on the before this game and kept their back nine, even if I shot 85. streak to four wins at the expense “What I did was not good for of the defending champions. the tournament, not good for the Davidson, Al Rayyan’s lanky kids and the fans who were out centre, carried the scoring chores there watching me -- it was not early in the third period, burying the right thing to do.” 10 points out of his team’s 12 that Al Rayyan’s The 23-year-old Northern brought them to a 47-45 cushion. Waleed Ghanem Irishman, who was trying to Tangi Ngombo would then (in white) tries defend the Florida title, is now take over and combine with the to hold off his Al sorry he pulled out midway Qatar’s Abdullah Al Tamimi (left) receives his winning trophy from the Qatar No. 24 for a 14-7 scoreline in the Arabi opponent through the second round with Squash Federation President Nabeel Ali bin Ali at the Qatar Open Junior remainder of the period thrust- during their Heir a wisdom tooth problem. He was Squash Tournament that was held at Khalifa International Squash Complex ing Al Rayyan’s break-away with Apparent Cup seven-over par at the time. in Doha. a 61-52 bulge going into the final 2013 basketball McIlroy took plenty of heat for canto. match at the Al pulling out of the event and it only Coach Brian Rowsom’s wards Gharafa Sports made an already rough start to were on top and ran away with the season worse for him. Qatar’s Al Tamimi Club yesterday. the lopsided win. BELOW: Al “I didn’t want to be there,” he Jalloh Abdullai waxed hot early Shamal’s Madou said. and led Al Arabi to a 10-4 advan- He said he expects to have one Diallo (in white) tage five minutes into the game. of his troublesome lower wisdom wins Under-19 title and Al Wakra’s But Al Rayyan’s Harold Boney teeth pulled following the US Watson found his mark thereon to Temi Soyebo in Open in June. DOHA: Top-seed Abdullah Under-19, U-17, U-15, U-13 and propel his team to a 19-16 lead at action during their Meanwhile, British Open cham- Al Tamimi of Qatar coasted U-11 categories. In the other cat- the end of the first quarter. Heir Apparent Cup pion Ernie Els says he regrets not to an easy win over second egories, Shyan Kwan Ka Lapp of Wingman Suleiman Braimoh 2013 match at the advising Rory McIlroy against seed Shaun Kwan Ka Junn of Malaysia won the under-17 cat- drilled one from the rainbow arc same venue. walking out. Malaysia to win the Under-19 egory while Abdel Aziz Omeira of to open the second period and PICTURES BY: ABDUL “I must say, when I shook title at the Qatar Open Junior Qatar won the Under-15 event. padded Al Rayyan’s lead to 22-16. BASIT his hand on 18, I wanted to say Squash Tournament at the THE PENINSULA But Mansour Elhadary strung up something to him, but I didn’t, Khalifa International Squash five consecutive markers to help and I kind of regret that. It was Complex on Monday. Arabi wrest the upperhand hand, obviously a heat of the moment The local lad breezed to 11-3, Squash Results 23-22. thing. He is who he is. You’ve got 11-6, 11-6 victory in straight Under 11: Waleed Zaman [1] bt Yousef The white shirts prevailed in to respect what the individual games taking just 21 minutes to Elsaka [2] 11-3 11-4 11-7 (14’) the ensuing blazing exchange of at that moment is like, and he pocket the title. baskets, and hanged-on to the wanted to get off,” Els told a news The tournament, an Asian Under 13: Abdulaziz Al-Ishaq [1] bt Rashid driver’s seat by the end of the first conference. Squash Federation Junior Super Al-Harib [2] 11-6 11-8 11-7 (18’) half, 35-32. “We obviously heard that he Series Silver event and a World Under 15: Abd El-Aziz Omeira [1] bt Al Rayyan face Al Gharafa, had his wisdom tooth was both- Squash Federation (WSF) World Ahmad Al-Homaidi [3] 8-11 11-6 14-16 second placer in Group 1, while ering him, and if that was the Junior Circuit event, was organ- 13-11 11-7 (35’) Group 1 front-runners El Jaish, reason, that was that. I would ised by Qatar Squash Federation meet Al Arabi in the semi-finals. have been out of my depth at that (QSF). Under 17: Shyan Kwan Ka Lapp [1] bt Syed Meanwhile in another game stage to say something to him if Participants received WSF Azlan Iqbal [2] 12-10 11-6 8-11 6-11 12-10 that was played yesterday at Al something was bothering him. So ranking points in Under-19 and (56’) Gharafa Sports Hall, Al Shamal I didn’t, but I thought I should ASF ranking points in all other Under 19: Abdulla Al-Tamimi [1] bt Shaun edged Wakra, 84-81. have,” he added yesterday. categories. Kwan Ka Junn [2] 11-3 11-6 11-6 (21’) THE PENINSULA AGENCIES Competitions were held in the WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Tevez keeps Man City’s Negredo’s hat-trick lifts Sevilla past Celta

MADRID: Resurgent Sevilla “This is the dynamic that we boosted their chances of have to keep up now, we played slender title hopes alive returning to Europe next very well tonight.” season when captain Alvaro Negredo fired Sevilla ahead in Negredo netted his first La the 12th minute at a rain-soaked The defending champs 12 points behind Man United Liga hat-trick in a 4-1 victory Sanchez Pizjuan stadium when at home to struggling Celta he was perfectly placed to slot Vigo on Monday. home after Celta goalkeeper Javi LONDON: Manchester City The Andalusian side, UEFA Varas had palmed away a Jesus trimmed Manchester United’s Cup winners in 2006 and 2007, Navas cross-shot. Premier League lead to 12 points failed to qualify for continental The pacy Navas was a con- after Carlos Tevez pounced to competition last term for the stant threat down the right and earn the champions a 1-0 vic- first time in almost a decade, another centre from the Spain tory at struggling Aston Villa dealing the cash-strapped club international in the 29th minute on Monday. a significant financial blow. ricocheted out to Negredo just The Argentine produced a They started this season inside the area and he blasted cool finish to punish a defensive poorly but since the sacking of the ball into the net. mistake just before halftime and coach Michel in January replace- Celta, who are 18th on 23 though not playing at full throttle ment Unai Emery has revived points, fought back strongly City were rarely troubled as they their fortunes. towards the end of the first half claimed a victory that left Villa in Monday’s success lifted them and a defensive error gifted them the bottom three. to 10th on 35 points with 12 a goal five minutes before the United, who faced Real Madrid matches left, six below a Europa break, Augusto Fernandez fir- in the Champions League last 16 League berth and eight behind ing home after smart work from second leg yesterday, still look Malaga who occupy the fourth Iago Aspas. unstoppable in pursuit of a 20th Champions League spot. Varas should have coped bet- English title with 71 points. With “It’s my first hat-trick in the ter with a swerving effort from 10 games left to play City have 59 league, the Cup and every other Sevilla midfielder Gary Medel in points and Tottenham Hotspur competition,” a smiling Negredo the 66th minute but could only are third on 54. said in an interview with Spanish palm the ball into the net before “We have to keep on winning television broadcaster Marca TV. Negredo pounced on another and see. This is football nothing “We have to be strong here loose ball to complete his hat- is impossible,” City boss Roberto at home and away too and it trick two minutes later. Mancini, whose side claimed the was important to win and keep Sevilla have now won four and title with virtually the last kick climbing up the table,” added drawn one of their seven league of last season after clawing back the 27-year-old, who was given games since Emery took over, eigh points on United, told Sky a rousing ovation by the home with the two defeats coming at Sports. Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez (right) goes past Aston Villa’s goalkeeper Brad Guzan (centre) to score his fans when he was substituted leaders Barcelona and champi- “We know it will be difficult but goal during their English Premier League match at Villa Park in Birmingham on Monday. with just over five minutes left. ons Real Madrid. AFP we will keep on trying. For us it was important to stay 12 points behind United and for us the booted off the line by Tevez on keeper Brad Guzan. Villa looked lead shortly after the break when championship is not over.” the post. like reaching halftime unscathed he weaved across the area but his Villa, needing a point to climb City gradually settled into their but a moment of madness from shot was beaten out by Guzan who out of the relegation zone above rhythm and Pablo Zabaleta was defender Ciaran Clark under- was by the far the busier of the Wigan Athletic, dominated the unlucky not to give them the mined a hard-working first-half two goalkeepers. Nothing much opening 20 minutes and nearly lead after 36 minutes when his display by the hosts. was coming back from Villa with went ahead when Christian shot was finger-tipped against Attempting a fancy turn rather City keeper Joe Hart being a Benteke’s goalbound header was the inside of the post by Villa than a simple thump forward, he virtual spectator before frantic was dispossessed by Edin Dzeko late pressure from the home side and the Bosnian squared for brought no reward. Tevez who danced past Guzan Mancinirevealed Jack Rodwell before slotting into the net is set to face a month on the side- despite Clark’s attempts to get lines after hobbling off during the back on the line. game. Replays suggested Dzeko may It was yet another blow for the have fouled Clark while robbing talented Rodwell, which came him of the ball, although Villa just 25 minutes into the contest manager Paul Lambert laid the in what was only his second start blame squarely on his young since September. defender. “We are very sorry for Jack, he “I did not think it was a foul,” is a good guy and player. He is said Lambert, whose side have unlucky. It is his hamstring,” said won only one of their last 10 48-year-old Mancini. league games. “I think it is impossible to “When you are a defender and resolve this problem in six or Two Aston Villa fans dressed as astronauts during the English Premier Manchester City’s manager Roberto Mancini (right) shakes hands with you are near enough last man, you seven months when he has had it League match between Aston Villa and Manchester City at Villa Park on Carlos Tevez during their English Premier League match. do not take any chances. for five or six years. It will need Tevez nearly increased City’s more time. REUTERS Monday.

Games legacy blueprint crucial Japan Inc. ready to back to convincing IOC, says Coe Tokyo Games

MADRID: The ability of Patrick TOKYO: Japan’s cor- Tokyo, Istanbul and Madrid Baumann (left) porate giants are ready to provide a convincing rea- of Switzerland, to chip in for another son why they want to stage the member of the Summer Olympics in Olympic Games and not just International Tokyo in hopes the prove that they can will be the Games will provide the Olympic key to winning the right to host same economic boost Committee (IOC) the 2020 edition, Sebastian Coe as the 1964 edition, said yesterday. evaluation com- Toyota’s chairman said Mapping out an attractive mission led by yesterday. “Games legacy” would be cru- Craig Reedie, Despite years of defla- cial to gaining the backing of shakes hands tion that has forced big International Olympic Committee with Japan’s Japanese companies (IOC) members at a vote in Olympian Ai to reduce sports spon- Buenos Aires in September, the Fukuhara after sorships including the former athlete and London 2012 they play table ending of Panasonic’s organising committee chairman tennis during deal with golf star Ryo told a Europa Press forum in the inspectors’ Ishikawa, Fujio Cho said Madrid. visit to Tokyo Japan Inc. would bring “People get focused on the how Metropolitan plenty to the table. but being able to explain to people Gymnasium in “If Tokyo gets the why you are doing this is really Tokyo, yesterday. 2020 Olympics, I believe important,” Coe said. businesses will become “Why does a city really want to sponsors and support deliver a Games and what do they assessment at the beginning of of the financial crisis would not them,” the Toyota chair- want to do with it? July. have changed his mind about man said after meet- “That’s what I think IOC “The most critical stakeholder wanting the Games for London. ing a team from the members want to hear, it goes that any city has to deal with is of “Would we have bid for the International Olympic way beyond simply being able to course the people that live in that Games with hindsight? My hon- Committee who are deliver. city,” Coe said. est answer is that not only would evaluating Tokyo’s bid. “The real issue for any organ- “The fundamental question is we have bid but had we known “The Japanese econ- ising committee is to figure out why? How are you going to use where the economy was going we omy soared very quickly what the exit strategy is and the Games for the future? You would have redoubled our efforts,” after 1964,” Cho, 76, told that’s a 10-year programme.” have to be clear what those legacy he said. reporters. Coe, was careful to avoid mak- targets are.” He pointed to “almost seven “I don’t think it will ing any comparison between the The London Olympics were billion pounds ($10.6bn) of con- do quite the same again three bids. seen as a resounding success struction work”, most of which but I have no doubt it Each city delivered their candi- despite some prophecies of dis- he said had gone to British busi- will provide a boost,” dature files to the IOC in January aster after the city won the right nesses and had helped to safe- said Cho, citing the and on-site inspections by an to host them in 2005. guard jobs. spin-off demand for new evaluation commission began in With the economy struggling “In legacy we have targeted products and the fillip to Tokyo this week. and unemployment at record 13bn pounds of business, 11bn in tourism. He added that Madrid is next, from March levels, many Spaniards are wor- straight business transactions many companies have a 18-21, followed by Istanbul from ried about the cost of hosting an and two billion in tourism,” he record of involvement in March 24-27 before the com- Olympics but Coe sought to reas- added yesterday. sport. REUTERS mission publishes a technical sure them, saying prior knowledge REUTERS WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT PSG look to back up Leonardo’s words in Champions League I don’t think the defeat to Reims will be a problem, says defender Maxwell Andrade

PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain The often tepid nature of are under pressure to clinch their domestic performances their place in the quarter-finals this season and the contrast of the Champions League at with their outstanding results in Valencia’s expense after their Europe would appear to back up latest below-par domestic Leonardo’s claims, but for a man performance. in his position to say such a thing The French club are top of was still a major surprise. Ligue 1 and lead Valencia 2-1 from The massive investment in the first leg of their last-16 tie, PSG’s squad by their Qatari own- but a 1-0 defeat away to Reims on ers has, after all, been made with Saturday came as a blow to Carlo domestic as well as European suc- Ancelotti’s squad before today’s cess in mind. game at the Parc des Princes. Nevertheless, attentions are Furthermore, bizarre com- now fully fixed on the continen- ments by sporting director tal scene, and vital away goals Leonardo -- who spent two years from Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier as a player at Valencia in the early Pastore mean that PSG have 1990s -- will come back to bite the edge coming into the return PSG if they are unable to see off leg of this tie, even if a late Adil their Spanish opponents. Rami goal in the first leg allowed “Maybe we are not made to Valencia to maintain hope. play in games like these,” claimed “I don’t think the defeat to the Brazilian after the defeat to a Reims will be a problem because Reims side that had won just once everyone is focused on Europe,” in their previous 19 matches in all said the former Barcelona full- competitions. back Maxwell Andrade. “Perhaps we have a team “This competition is very designed more for Europe than important and we will be giving the league.” everything to try and win it.” All will be well in the French capital if Ancelotti’s side can Champions League progress to the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite club competition, Last 16, Second but they will need to cope without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who begins a Leg Schedule two-match European ban handed PARIS: Champions League down for his sending-off towards last-16, 2nd leg fixtures (1st leg the end of the first leg. Leonardo (right) Sports Director at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Nasser Al Khelaifi (centre) President of PSG, and coach Carlo Ancelotti attend a train- scores in brackets): Italian midfielder Marco ing session at Parc des Princes Paris, yesterday. Paris Saint-Germain will play Valencia in a Champions League second-leg match today. Verratti is also banned, meaning a Today Champions League start could be Paris Saint-Germain vs Valencia (2-1) in the offing for David Beckham, “They will miss them, but they who, like PSG, are adept at tear- at home against cross-town rivals partner Victor Ruiz in the heart Juventus vs Celtic (3-0) who failed to make an impression have players who can replace ing opponents apart on the break. Levante at the weekend. of the back four, just as he did at March 12 as a substitute at the weekend. them such as Beckham or Ernesto Valverde’s men are The two-time Champions the weekend. Schalke 04 vs Galatasaray (1-1) “They are two important play- (Jeremy) Menez.” fifth in La Liga, one point adrift of League runners-up have defen- “We lost at home, but despite Barcelona vs AC Milan (0-2) ers. Ibrahimovic holds the ball up Valencia come into the game on the Champions League qualifying sive problems with Ricardo everything we have a chance of March 13 well and Verratti is young, good a run of just one defeat in their spots for next season, although Costa and French international winning in Paris,” added Cissokho. technically and controls the way last ten outings in La Liga, even they could have been in an even Rami both missing due to injury, “We need to score, so we cannot Malaga vs FC Porto (0-1) his team plays,” said Valencia’s if that was a 5-0 home defeat at better position had they not con- meaning another Frenchman, afford to just sit back, but noth- Bayern Munich vs Arsenal (3-1) French left-back Aly Cissokho. the hands of a Real Madrid side ceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 Jeremy Mathieu, will again ing is impossible in football.” AFP Bankruptcy rife Celtic must restore lost pride: Lennon among former MILAN: Celtic manager Neil He said Celtic’s priority should several first team regulars includ- Charlie Mulgrew “could start on When asked what he will be players, says Lennon says pride must be be trying to win the game in a bid ing Stephan Lichsteiner, Claudio the bench” having only returned telling his players before the restored first and foremost as to restore the pride that was lost Marchisio and Arturo Vidal -- all to training this week. game, he said: “This is a fantastic the Scottish champions pre- at Celtic Park nearly a month ago. of whom played in Glasgow but Although Celtic remain hope- game to play, we may not be here charity pare to take on Italian giants “It would be a tall order to are one yellow card away from ful, Lennon appeared resigned to again together as a group. Enjoy Juventus in their Champions come to Turin to win 3-0 or 4-1, suspension -- their absence is the fact that aiming for the win it, don’t be intimidated. LONDON: Three out of five League last 16 second leg today. but we are capable of winning the hardly likely to be felt. is more realistic. “We want to close the gap on English Premier League play- Juve defiantly put one foot game and that’s what we’d like to Juve coach Antonio Conte could “If we can create as many the scoreline so we have to play ers declare bankruptcy within into the quarter-finals of do,” Lennon said in Turin here welcome back Ghanaian mid- chances as we did at Celtic Park at our optimum tomorrow night.” five years of retirement, accord- Europe’s premier club com- yesterday. fielder Kwadwo Asamoah, who then we’ve got a chance,” added But, he added, Juventus won’t ing to a charity for former petition with a 3-0 defeat of “We want to restore some should be fresh after missing the northern Irishman, who com- be easy to overcome. professionals. the Scottish champions 3-0 in respectabilty in the tie.” Friday’s 1-1 Serie A draw away to plained to European football’s rul- “They’re difficult to break XPro said that despite earn- Glasgow last month. Juventus Stadium will be full to Napoli, as well as French teenager ing body after the first leg due down, good on the counter-attack ing an average wage of £30,000 And while every Celtic fan its 40,000 capacity as the Italian Paul Pogba. to several pushing and shoving and have some real class perform- ($45,000, 35,000 euros) a week, will be dreaming of a result at champions prepare to celebrate Celtic, meanwile, will be with- incidents. ers,” added Lennon. many players blew their cash or a packed-out Juventus Stadium joining the quarter-finals for the out striker Tony Watt, who came “If we can win in Italy it would “These players are top class followed poor investment advice, that would pave the way towards a first time since their exit at the off the bench to score the second be a huge achievement and allow international players. We can’t while as many as one in three place in the last eight, Lennon all hands of Arsenal in 2006. goal in the win over Barcelona in us to match our club record in go out there all guns blazing.” were hit by costly divorce pro- but played down that possibility. While the Italians could rest the group stages while defender Europe.” AFP ceedings and settlements. “It might sound incredible to normal fans but it can and does Red Star players cannot happen,” the organisation’s chief executive Geoff Scott, a former Stoke City, Leicester City and Birmingham City defender, was pay basic bills: Coach quoted as saying on xpro.org. XPro, which provides advice to BELGRADE: Players at debt- “The situation has never been and supports 30,000 former play- ridden former European Cup as grave as it is at the moment ers, added that “too many (play- winners Red Star Belgrade are and the players’ very existence ers) forgot to put money aside so deprived of their incomes is at stake here,” Jankovic was for the taxman”, while exces- they are unable to pay for food quoted as saying by Belgrade daily sive spending linked to spiralling and rent, the club’s under-fire Informer on Tuesday. wages was also a factor. coach Aleksandar Jankovic has “The problems are mounting, The chief executive of said. there is no solution in sight and I England’s Professional Footballers Red Star, who won Europe’s don’t have a magic wand. Association, Gordon Taylor, dis- flagship club competition in 1991, “I know this team has the puted the research, however, sug- fell five points behind champi- potential to be much better but gesting that the real figure for ons and Serbian league leaders hungry players can’t perform and bankruptcy was between 10 and Partizan Belgrade after a tepid 1-1 although I criticised them after 20 percent. draw at 10-man city rivals Rad on a below-par display against Rad, “The fact is, as regards them Sunday, prompting a board meet- the audience should know their going bankrupt, it’s nothing like ing yesterday with Jankovic only situation.” those figures (three out of every just keeping his job. Once a force in Europe, Red five),” he told BBC radio. The 40-year old, who is in his Star have been reduced to playing Taylor said his organisation did second spell with Red Star, did second fiddle to Partizan even in urge players to plan for the day not buckle under fan pressure Serbia’s top flight devoid of any real when they were no longer earn- to resign after the setback and quality, having last won the league ing five, or in some case six, figure revealed that first team players title in 2007. With the champion- weekly wages. have only received three mini- ship invariably boiling down to “Footballers, with very few mum wage payments amounting a perennial two-horse title race exceptions, aren’t going to earn to a total of around 600 euros between Serbia’s big two, Red Star as much money when they fin- ($780) each since November. have only a slim chance of stop- ish playing. We encourage young Red Star’s debts are estimated ping Partizan from clinching a players to save for the future, for at in excess of 50m euros, a vast record sixth successive league title. Paris Saint-Germain’s English midfielder David Beckham (right) attends a training session yesterday at the when they retire.” sum in Serbia’s dilapidated soc- Partizan, who have a game in hand, Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg foot- Taylor said PFA courses were cer structure almost entirely are likely to go eight points clear ball match against Valencia. RIGHT: Valencia’s head coach Ernesto Valverde gives a press conference at the available to help former pros work dependent on exporting talent to when they visit neighbours BSK Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, yesterday. in the media or in other careers. wealthier European rivals. Borca today. AFP AFP WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Qatar football players undergo fitness drills during a training session at Aspire Zone in Doha yesterday. Qatar, coached by Fahad Al Thani, are getting ready for their friendly against Egypt tomorrow at Al Gharafa Stadium. This will be Qatar’s second friendly against Egypt within three months. The friendly tomorrow has been planned to help the Qatar side prepare for their 2015 Asian Cup qualifier against Bahrain on March 22. Four days later Qatar will take on Korea in an away 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying game. PICTURE: FADI EL ASSAD Hosts Qatar get set for Egypt friendly DOHA: Under the watchful gaze Mahmood later met with the team coach. Meanwhile, Qatar Football Association “We are aware that we have large event,” he said. Qatar will play Turkey, of coach Fahad Al Thani, the Qatar Coached by American Bob Bradley, the (QFA) has set up additional sale points Egyptian community who would be Iran and Morocco at the home event. football squad yesterday underwent The Pharaohs are expected to arrive in to meet the high demand for tickets for present at the match,” he added. Squad: Hamad Al-Obeidi, Karim intense training in two separate ses- Doha today. Qatar’s friendly against Egypt tomorrow. Fans will have to cough up QR 30 for Salim Ali, Abdullah Alawi, Ahmed sions at Aspire Zone. This will be the second match between Tickets for the international friendly each ticket. Alaa, Mohamed Alaa Abdel, Nasser Qatar are preparing for two key foot- the two sides since late December when can be purchased at Souq Waqif and at In another football-related develop- Al Kaabi, Ahmed Saleh Al Khalfan, ball games this month. Egypt won 2-0. the match venue Al Gharafa Stadium, ment, coach Marcel Van Buuren yes- Ahmed Al Nahwee, Abdullah Hassan Also known as ‘Al Anabi’, Qatar first However, Qatar was coached by Paulo officials confirmed. terday announced a batch of 29 players Marafih, Mohammed Khalifa Al Kuwari, host Egypt tomorrow at Al Gharafa Autuori when Egypt won on December The tickets could be bought at Souq that will assemble for the Qatar Olympic Nasser Al Khalfan, Ahmed Fateh, Yusuf Stadium. 28. The current Qatar coach guided the Waqif until 10:00 am tomorrow, the day team training camp in Doha this week. Yaqoob, Abdul Rahman, Gasser Yahya, Yesterday, Fahad was present at the team to a win in their last international of the match, a QFA official said. The Qatar Olympic squad is set to Badr Saleh Al Yazidi, Hilal Mohamed football training headquarters as the three weeks ago. Tickets at Al Gharafa Stadium can begin preparations for a International Saeed, Musab Al-Khader Kamal, Saud squad underwent fitness drills that The Egypt friendly has been planned be bought by fans just two hours before Football Tournament that will com- Al-Mubarak Al-Khater, Ahmed Fadel, involved cycling and running. to help the Qatar side prepare for their the kick-off. mence in Doha on March 21. Ali Ahmed Qadri, Fahad Ahmed, Murad The Qatari players later carried out 2015 Asian Cup qualifier against Bahrain “We are going to sell tickets on the The training camp will begin today, a Naji, Sergen Abdou, Saeed Al-Haj, further running drills before working on on March 22. Four days later Qatar will day of the match so that fans can make QFA official confirmed. Abdulaziz Rashed Al Ansari, Mohamed match-play tactics. take on Korea in an away 2014 FIFA last-minute purchase,” the official told “The team will continue with their Shaaban and Saud Mohammed. Team manager Abdul Rehman Al World Cup qualifying game. the QFA’s website. training camp until the start of the THE PENINSULA

England cricket team player Kevin Pietersen (right) sits with England begin team-mates Graham Onions (left) and Steven Finn during a training session at the University huge year in NZ Oval in Dunedin yesterday. England will play New Cook’s side set to play 15 Tests in 2013 Zealand in a three-Test DUNEDIN: The long shadow of “It’s quite exciting for us to look tour of India late last year with a series starting back-to-back Ashes series later at what we can do with 15 Test recurrence of a heel injury and today. this year crept on to University matches. doubts over his long-term future. Oval yesterday as England cap- “I don’t think any England side “To see Stuart Broad back, with tain Alastair Cook went through has had the opportunity to play his heel, he bowled quite a lot and his final media conference ahead two back-to-back Ashes series got a bigger workload than we of their first test of 2013 against and play New Zealand as well. thought and pulled through with New Zealand. “So we have the chance to do no effect on his heel at all, which Cook’s side will play 15 Tests in something very special if we can is good news for us moving on to Bracewell out of Test the next 12 months, three in New perform to the way we can per- the summer,” a smiling Cook said Zealand, two against the same form, but if we don’t, we will get yesterday. opposition in England in May, found out.” “Yes, we were disappointed to before the back-to-back Ashes Cook’s team were given a bit of lose but actually it really doesn’t series against Australia. a wake-up call immediately before matter. after standing on glass The unflappable Cook, like his the first Test when they lost to the “The important stuff starts imperious batting style, let a few New Zealand XI, essentially an tomorrow.” DUNEDIN: Pace bowler Doug Bracewell has been ruled out of New of the questions whistle past him, ‘A’ side, by three wickets in their England had some “minor nig- Zealand’s first Test against England after cutting his right foot on preferring instead to focus on the only warm-up before the series- gles” to check but Cook expected glass while cleaning up after a party at his house. more immediate future. opener at the tiny University Oval all 15 of the squad available for The 22-year-old had been expected to have a fitness test yesterday, It was obvious, however, that in Dunedin’s northern suburbs. selection. with the first Test of three starting today, but coach Mike Hesson retaining the Ashes against The 28-year-old, however, was New Zealand, however, were told reporters at University Oval that he was still unable to put any Michael Clarke’s team was more pleased with what he saw forced to make at least one change weight on the foot. already in their thinking. in the game than the result, with with Doug Bracewell ruled out “The physio before we came to training said he was no chance of “Yes, we have got a huge year both Matt Prior and Ian Bell pro- with a cut to his foot, sustained playing so we’ve removed him from the 12,” Hesson said. “He’ll stay with and yes, it’s great to be involved ducing strong batting efforts and when he stood on a glass while us during the week and hopefully be ready in time for the second Test.” in such a big year of Test cricket fast bowler Stuart Broad getting cleaning up following a party at Neil Wagner is likely to slot into the side in the third pace bowler ... but as players we have to focus through an impressive workload his house in Napier. role. Ian Butler, who was brought in as cover in case Bracewell failed on tomorrow’s game and worry in Queenstown. Left arm pace bowler Neil to recover, and left arm spinner Bruce Martin would contest the final about all the other stuff after- Twenty20 captain Broad was Wagner will come into the side as place in the starting side. ward,” Cook said. forced home from their victorious the first change option, with Ian Bracewell sustained the injury while cleaning up his house in Napier Butler and left arm spinner Bruce after a party on Friday when some friends came over to watch Super Martin battling for the final place. Rugby matches. Captain Brendon McCullum New Zealand Cricket were forced to address the issue after local New Zealand said he would bat at six to give media reports said neighbours had complained about excessive noise cricket team the lower middle order some at Bracewell’s house last Thursday when the player was out of town. captain experience and depth, and put “We’ve told Doug that he needs to take responsibility for what hap- Brendon the onus back on the top order pens around him and that he needs to do all he can to ensure his prepa- McCullum to produce runs, something New ration for international cricket is not compromised,” team manager dives to Zealand teams have struggled to Mike Sandle said in a statement. take a catch do in tests in recent years. “Doug is very sorry for any inconvenience he has caused his team- during a “We have to make sure that we mates and members of the public, and he has apologised to his neigh- training get the run production from our bour in Napier.” session at batters,” McCullum said. Captain Brendon McCullum said he felt the incident had been blown the University “Adding a batter and shifting out of proportion. Oval in some of our experience to the “It was an accident, and that’s unfortunate, because it’s rubbed Dunedin middle order should give us an him out of a (Test) which he was determined to be at his best for,” ability to score some runs later yesterday. McCullum said. and add some better runs with New Zealand “It’s disappointing from his point of view, but I stress that I think the tail as well. he’ll be back for the second Test and I also stress it gives Neil Wagner will play “If we can do that, then I think an opportunity.” England in we’ve got a young bowling lineup England bowler James Anderson Hesson emphasised that Bracewell was unavailable due to the injury a three-Test which has the ability on the day smiles during a training session in and had not been dropped for disciplinary issues. series. with enough runs in the bank to Dunedin yesterday. “Doug was away from the team and ... there’s not a lot we can do really test the opposition.” when he’s away from the side,” Hesson added. REUTERS REUTERS Wednesday 6 March 2013 24 Rabial II Safar 1434 Volume 17 Number 5630 Sport Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 India crush Australia in Hyderabad Hosts register an innings win; double centurion Pujara named Man-of-the-Match

Scoreboard HYDERABAD: India took a successful Indian Test captain. pads. Jadeja also put on a fine 2-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Going into day four, India were show on the field with a direct Trophy, thrashing Australia by in firm control of the match as throw from the cover to get rid Australia (I innings): ...... 237/9 decl an innings and 135 runs with they were just eight wickets shy of Moises Henriques, who didn’t India (I innings): ...... 503 more than five sessions to spare of an innings win. For Australia, trouble the scorers, with the score Australia (II innings): in the second cricket Test at it was always going to be a her- stranded at 111/6. Ed Cowan c Sehwag b Jadeja ...... 44 the Rajiv Gandhi International culean task to make India bat The last four wickets fell for David Warner b Ashwin ...... 26 Stadium here yesterday. again. just 20 runs as Ashwin and Jadeja Phillip Hughes b Ashwin ...... 0 Resuming the day at 74 for two, The Australian batting crum- attacked in tandem to wrap up Shane Watson c Dhoni b Sharma ...... 9 Australia suffered yet another bled like a pack of cards against the tail. Both the teams now Michael Clarke b Jadeja ...... 16 batting collapse and were skittled the spin duo Ravichandran travel to Mohali for the third Matthew Wade c Sehwag b Ashwin ...... 10 out for 131 in the second innings Ashwin (5/63) and Ravindra Test from March 14. The fourth Moises Henriques (run out-Jadeja) ...... 0 by lunch on the fourth day. Jadeja (3/33). and the final Test will be played Glenn Maxwell lbw Ashwin ...... 8 Australia, who had declared Pacer Ishant Sharma was the in Delhi from March 22. Peter Siddle c Kohli b Jadeja ...... 4 their first innings at 237/9, earned first to strike to remove Shane Meanwhile, Indian players James Pattinson lbw Ashwin ...... 0 the dubious distinction of becom- Watson (9) for his first wicket of batsman Pujara and off-spinner Xavier Doherty (not out) ...... 1 ing the first team in the history of the series. Watson tried to play a Ashwin have moved a few notches Extras (B-7, LB-6) ...... 13 Test cricket to lose by an innings length ball down the leg-side but in the latest ICC Test Player after declaring their first innings. played too fine and Dhoni took a Rankings released yesterday. Total (all out) ...... 131 India, despite suffering a mas- nice diving catch. Pujara, has jumped 12 places to Fall of wickets: 1-56, 2-56, 3-75, 4-108, sive batting collapse on the third Left-arm spinner Jadeja struck a career-best 11th position while 5-111, 6-111, 7-123, 8-130, 9-130, 10- day, got to 503 in the first innings, in his consecutive overs to get rid Ashwin, who had match figures 131. courtesy a 370-run stand between of skipper Michael Clarke (16) of 6/104, is now at a best-ever Bowling: Bhuvneshwar Kumar 6-4-7-0; Cheteshwar Pujara (204) and and Ed Cowan (44) as Australia eighth spot, having jumped three Ravichandran Ashwin 28-12-63-5; Har- Murali Vijay (167). Pujara, for slumped to 111/5. positions. bhajan Singh 10-7-10-0; Ravindra Jadeja whom it was his second double For the second time in the In the rankings for Test bats- 18-8-33-3; Ishant Sharma 5-2-5-1. ton, was adjudged as Man-of-the match, Jadeja rattled Clarke’s men, second-ranked Australia Result: India won by an innings and 135 Match. stumps and then removed over- captain Clarke has dropped three India’s R Ashwin (centre) celebrates after taking a wicket on the fourth runs, lead series 2-0. With the win, skipper night batsman Cowan as Sehwag ratings points and now trails No.1 day of the second Test against Australia in Hyderbad yesterday. Ashwin Player-of-the-Match: C Pujara (India). Mahendra Singh Dhoni surpassed took a good catch at first slip after ranked Hashim Amla by 13 rat- took 5 for 63 as Australia spun to an innings defeat. Sourav Ganguly as the most the ball ricocheted off Dhoni’s ings points. IANS