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Qatari artists Jameela Greece is running out Former world number Al Shraim and of options to fund one Victoria Azarenka Abdulrahman Al Dorani itself despite a bailout will meet Lucie Safarova are participating in an extension, raising in the final of Qatar Total exhibition in Venice. pressure for reforms. Open.

SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 • 9 Jumada I 1436 • Volume 19 Number 6355 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780

Emir meets Bush Turkey, US to Cops to get train Syria rebels from tomorrow ANKARA: The United States real-time view and Turkey will begin train- ing and equipping thousands of moderate Syrian rebel forces tomorrow as part of a deal the two Nato allies signed last of accidents week, an official said. “I can say that the train-and- equip (programme) will begin as of March 1,” Tanju Bilgic, spokes- 4G system to be used to save lives man for the Turkish foreign min- istry, was quoted as saying by the DOHA: Policemen on field duty magazine that the main objective state-run Anatolia news agency. will soon have access to ultra- behind installing the new system After several months of nego- modern telecoms technology was to save the time and energy of tiations, Ankara and Washington that will help them see in real policemen on field duty and make signed an agreement on February time road accidents taking place their work more efficient as they 19 to train and arm Syria’s anti- anywhere in the country and get would not need to come to office regime fighters. in touch with emergency medi- anymore. Turkey, an outspoken critic cal staff to dispatch help. He said the groundwork for of Syrian President Bashar al- Similarly, if a policeman gets installing the new system had been Assad, hopes rebel factions to be information on his wireless system done and tests had been conducted trained will battle the regime in about a traffic snarl anywhere, to make sure it works. Damascus as well as insurgents near or far, he would be able to He explained that if a traffic Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani called on former US president George H W Bush during his visit from the Islamic State group who view it live on his 4G system and policemen is, for example, near a to Houston, Texas, yesterday. The two had a cordial talk and discussed issues of mutual interest. have seized large swathes of ter- order quick action. traffic intersection or a rounda- ritory in Iraq and Syria right up The viewing of traffic jams and bout and is told of a road accident to the Turkish border. road mishaps and video conferenc- or a traffic snarl anywhere, he will The US government hopes the ing with emergency medical staff be able to see it in real time and first trained rebel forces will be will be made possible by surveil- decide what action is to be taken. operational by the end of the year. lance cameras installed on the The system will be connected Qatar buys prime Milan property The goal is to train more than roads for public security. to the ambulance and emergency 5,000 Syrians in the first year of All public security personnel on sections of major hospitals so doc- MILAN: Qatar’s sovereign fund the programme, and a total of field duty — including those man- tors can be contacted for instant has taken control of one of Italy’s 15,000 over a three-year period. aging road traffic — and fire fight- videoconferencing and after look- prime business areas after buy- ers will be provided access to this ing at the victim they can give ing out other shareholders. UAE, Kuwait to fourth-generation (4G) telecoms instructions on what needs to be Property group Hines Italia system soon. done until he or she is brought to announced yesterday that Qatar open embassies The system will comprise both, the emergency unit for treatment. Investment Authority (QIA) had telecoms equipment fitted in police The doctor will immediately know taken 100 percent control of the and traffic patrol vehicles as well the extent of injuries suffered by Porta Nuova district in Milan, in Yemen’s Aden as mobile gadgets they can carry the victim and what line of treat- in which it has held a 40 percent in their hands. ment is to be adopted once he or stake since 2013. DUBAI: The United Arab This was disclosed by Ministry she is brought to the hospital. Hines, insurer Unipol and Emirates and Kuwait will reo- of Interior officials in interviews The system will also help police- several investment funds were pen their embassies in the published in the latest edition of men and doctors know if the acci- among the selling shareholders in southern Yemeni city of Aden the in-house police periodical, The dent victim has a medical record a 25-building development con- instead of the capital Sana’a, Police With You. in which the relevant data are servatively valued at more than the two countries’ state news Once the system becomes oper- stored. €2bn ($2.2bn). agencies said yesterday. The Porta Nuova district in downtown Milan. ational, policemen on duty will not The proposed system will pro- Hines boss Manfredi Catella Sana’a was captured in need to go to their offices to access vide policemen instant access to would not disclose how much QIA September by the Shia Muslim their computers, landline phones all CCTVs fitted on roads and in had paid but hailed its willingness centre of a major European city. With its pedestrian walkways Houthi militia, which placed and fax machines, or view maps. public places through which it will to splash out as “an extremely pos- Situated barely a kilometre and cycle paths and a large park President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi “They will be able to access all be possible to view traffic jams and itive signal for Italy in terms of from Milan’s iconic Gothic cathe- under development, it has been a under house arrest and forced him of these things in the 4G telecoms accidents. the attractiveness of the country.” dral, the district is home to a huge hit with the discerning resi- to announce his resignation. On system that is being installed,” said Personnel from Al Fazaa, the Media reports said initial inves- number of landmark buildings, dents of Italy’s business capital. Sunday Hadi fled to Aden, where Captain Abdullah Qayed Saleh, Civil Defence (firefighters) and tors in the project had cashed out including the cutting-edge head- Its centre is the Piazza Gae he has set up a new seat of power. director of Telecoms Division of the Traffic Department will ben- with a 30 percent profit in their quarters of Italian bank Unicredit Aulenti, where the Cesar Pelli- UAE Minister of State for the Ministry of Interior. efit from the 4G system the most. pockets. and the “Bosco Verticale” (Vertical designed Unicredit buildings are Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash The wireless and radio system The official said Qatar was the The district of Porta Nuova, Forest), a complex of two award- located. said the UAE had made its deci- will be made a part of the 4G second country after the US to be which takes its name from an winning residential skyscrapers. Other prominent businesses to sion “in order to entrench con- technology being made available readying itself to use the 4G tel- early 19th century Napoleonic Porta Nuova has been over a have bases there include Google stitutional legitimacy in Yemen, to policemen on patrol or firefight- ecoms system for the policemen on gate, was subject to one of the decade in the making with a huge and, this being Italy’s fashion capi- embodied by President Abdrabuh ing duty. field duty. It will be obviously the most ambitious programmes space extending over 29 hectares, tal, there is no shortage of upmar- Mansur Hadi and his govern- Another official, Lieutenant first Arab country to be doing so. of urban regeneration ever having been reclaimed from its ket boutiques and trendy cafes. ment”, according to WAM news Faisal Ali Al Hanzab, told the undertaken within the historic former use as rail yards. AFP agency. AGENCIES

Dafna blaze Italy lawmakers Police bust liquor-brewing gang urge recognition DOHA: The police have busted a Details of the gang and their The police took some people gang of 19 Asians whose criminal crimes were given by local Arabic into custody and they led them of Palestine activities can put a Hollywood daily Al Raya in a report published to where the gang brewed illicit ROME: Italian lawmakers crime thriller to shame. on Thursday after a criminal court hooch on a large scale. yesterday backed a non-bind- The gang was involved in large- sentenced them to jail for varying One of the gang members had ing resolution that encourages scale brewing of illicit liquor for terms. rented a place in Al Rayyan for the the government to recognise sale, obviously to those who can’t Most of the 19, all Asians, were illegal brewing, while another had Palestine as a state. access or afford commercial sentenced to three years in jail and taken a place on Al Nasr Street. Italy’s Chamber of Deputies brands. some to four for forging signatures The gang had “recruited” a voted by 300 to 45 to pass the They used stolen ID cards of for car purchases. Vietnamese national on a monthly motion presented by Prime expatriates and forged their sig- The convicts were also asked “salary” to “promote and sell” the Minister Matteo Renzi’s natures to buy second-hand cars by the court to collectively pay illicit liquor. Democratic Party (PD) “to pro- in their name to supply the hooch. QR62,000 ($17,000) in damages to He had been working with mote the recognition of Palestine Their crimes didn’t end here — the trio that was assaulted. the gang for nine months. Some as a democratic state”. crude violence was involved, too, The court ruled that all the con- others, including a driver, had Yesterday’s symbolic vote does and choppers and knives were victs be deported after they had been “working” with the gang on not change the position of the used rather freely in what seemed served their jail terms. monthly payment. Italian government which, like to be rivalries. On the day the gang was busted, The driver had been “hired” on other European countries, still Core gang members “recruited” the police got a tip-off that one a salary of QR5,000 ($1,373) to supports a negotiated two-state accomplices on monthly salaries group of people had attacked supply the hooch “in the market”. solution. for “brewing” as well as for “selling another in the Industrial Area. Police investigations revealed Italy’s Chamber of Deputies also and promoting the hooch”. A police team reached the spot that the gang was also stealing ID approved a second motion calling The gang’s criminal enterprises and recovered four choppers and a cards of expatriates and somehow for the “timely return to direct came to an end after an incident fire extinguisher which was being managing to get hold of ID cards negotiations between Israelis and of violence put the police on their used as a weapon by one of the of some of those who had been Palestinians”. trail. gang members, who would dis- deported. Both motions were criticised by A fire broke out on the upper floors of a building under construction in One of a group of three persons charge it in his victim’s face. The ID cards were used to buy the PLO Executive Committee for Al Dafna area last evening. Civil Defence staff and ambulances arrived attacked by members of the gang Also found at the site was a second-hand cars for use in sup- falling short of unconditional rec- on the scene but no causalities were reported. The cause of the fire with choppers blew the whistle on pack of 10 bottles of illegally home- plying the hooch. The signatures ognition of Palestine. REUTERS was not immediately known. them and the law-enforcement distilled liquor that were meant of the card holders were forged. See also page 5 agencies came cracking down. for sale. THE PENINSULA SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Emir meets corporate leaders Official visit to US concludes

HOUSTON: Emir H H for Public Policy, at the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad hotel and discussed topics of Al Thani yesterday met Rex mutual interest and regional Tillerson, Chairman and issues. CEO, ExxonMobil, Alistair The Emir also met Mark Routledge, President Hussey, President, Texas A & and General Manager, M University, academics and ExxonMobil Qatar Inc, and officials at the hotel. Saleh Saad Al Mana, Vice- Talks dealt with coopera- President and Director, tion and exchange of experi- Government and Public ence in the field of education. Affairs, ExxonMobil Qatar, The Emir met Ryan at Four Seasons Hotel in Lance, Chairman and CEO, Houston, Texas. ConocoPhillips, at the hotel They reviewed means of and reviewed cooperation, enhancing cooperation and especially in the field of investment between both energy. countries. Later, the Emir left at the The Emir attended end of his visit to the US. a reception hosted by He sent a cable to President ExxonMobil in his honour at Barack Obama, expressing the hotel. His delegation and thanks and appreciation for the company’s senior officials generous hospitality accorded were present. to him and his delegation. The Emir arrived in He also expressed pleasure Houston on a day’s visit, from to meet Obama and senior Andrew Military Airport in officials to exchange views on Washington, as part of his issues of mutual interest and official visit to the US. to review excellent relations The Emir also met James of friendship and cooperation Baker, President Emeritus, between both countries. James A Baker III Institute QNA Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his delegation attend a reception hosted by ExxonMobil officials in his honour at Four Seasons Hotel in Houston.

The Emir meets Ryan Lance, Chairman and CEO, ConocoPhillips, James Baker (centre), President Emeritus, James A Baker III Institute for Public Policy, and Mark Hussey, President, Texas A & M University.

DOHA: The General Directorate of Civil Defence Mock fire drill at Qatargas Tower conducted a mock drill at Qatargas Tower in Dafna with participation of security staff in the building. The exercise started after Civil Defence received information about a mock fire in one of the offices in the 52-storey building. A firefighting and rescue team from Civil Defence in Wadi Sail Centre rushed to the site for rapid intervention. The team and security staff evacuated the building and Officials during a visit to one of the villages guided employees to the safe assembly point, through emer- gency exits. An ambulance and Al Fazaa QC visits beneficiary Police also participated. The drill was supervised by Brig. Hamad Othman Al Dohaimi, Director, Operations farmers in Niger Department, Civil Defence. He said the exercise was part DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) the ministry, Amadou Ouattara, of a plan to create awareness visited farmers in Niger who a representative of UNFAO in about safety measures and train benefitted from its support last Niger, the director of QC Office, staff of various institutions on year. local officials and heads of villages. how to address risks during a Civil Defence personnel guide employees to the safe assembly point. A delegation from the Nigerian “I can only express pleasure fire. THE PENINSULA government and a representa- at what I have seen of the good tive of the United Nations Food effect of the aid provided by the and Agriculture Organisation government and its development (UNFAO) took part in the vis- partners on the lives of people in its that covered farms in seven the villages,” said Gallo. villages. Ouattara, said, “The organisa- Niger places great importance tion’s mission is to support the Ooredoo to showcase ‘smart’ solutions on irrigated agriculture support government to achieve food secu- for small farmers, helping lift rity and I confirm that what we DOHA: Ooredoo will show- Dr Nasser Marafih, Group centre solutions that manage their devices. Ooredoo’s Wataniya them out of poverty and achieve offer is beneficial but we need to case ‘smart’ technologies at CEO, Ooredoo, said: “The com- smart metering, gated community Mobile in Palestine has launched food security for the country do more.” GSMA Mobile World Congress pany’s smart solutions offer the access control and CCTV surveil- Learn English services for mobiles which suffers from constant food The QC Office director said he in Barcelona from March 2 to potential for us to transform lance services. Ooredoo is work- to enable young people to develop crises. was happy to witness integration 5 as the company continues our customers’ lives by reducing ing to introduce some of these language skills. In light of this priority, the gov- between partners and govern- to develop new life-enhancing energy usage, enabling greater services, most recently becoming Ooredoo is taking on a leader- ernment established an initiative ment departments to coordinate services to serve customers automation and providing more a lead partner in Smart Cities ship role is M2M technologies to ‘Nigerian feed Nigerians’ over- interventions to alleviating the across its footprint. people with faster access to a Council in Qatar and organising enable ‘Internet of Things’ solu- seen by a ministerial department, suffering of the people. The theme of the congress is world of information and educa- a major conference in Jakarta, tions and will host an M2M dem- which seeks to utilise govern- QC has established health units ‘The Edge of Innovation’, and tional materials. Indonesia, to discuss the potential onstration to showcase some of ment resources and coordinate at a cost of QR1.073m, benefitting Ooredoo will demonstrate how it “By deploying our bigger and for smart cities in Southeast Asia. its solutions, including new inno- with stakeholders and partners over 15,000 people from the most supports customers’ digital life- faster networks, we believe that The Smart Learning sec- vations for the energy, transport to support agriculture, uniting impoverished and marginalised style through innovation and new Ooredoo can play a leadership tion will demonstrate end-to- and financial sectors. efforts towards small farmers’ areas, including Lazzari, Moradi, thinking. role in introducing these services end solutions that offer Smart It will showcase intelligent net- interests. Faska, Lona, Kanya, Namari, New services will be on dis- across our footprint and we are Learning experiences for children work solutions to provide fans at The minister in charge of the Achigin and Kiada which suffered play at the Ooredoo Pavilion in committed to being the first to and adults. It will also showcase the pavilion and viewers around initiative, Amadou Gallo, said over due to the lack of health services Hall 2, including four sections for deliver on this opportunity.” next generation Mobile Device the world with up-to-the-moment the past month he had organised It also established 18 clinics Smart City; Machine-to-Machine Visitors to the congress will be Management services that ena- information and results at sport- visits to some villages of Tillabery, benefitting over 13,800 people. (M2M); Smart Education; and able to see Smart City technol- ble schools to communicate with ing events. which included a delegation from THE PENINSULA Smart Stadium technology. ogy in action, including control students and teachers through THE PENINSULA SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 3.2 million-year-old human fossil on display at Katara Envoy opens Ethiopian cultural exhibition at Building No. 13 BY RAYNALD C RIVERA

DOHA: The 3.2 million-year-old human fossil nicknamed Lucy is at Katara as the highlight of an exhibition, Ethiopian Cultural Day, a first-of-its-kind event organised by the Ethiopian embassy in Doha. “We have brought here the oldest human fossil on Earth, so this is a significant exhibi- tion for us. This is only the second time we are exhibiting Lucy internationally; the first time was at Natural Science Museum in the US,” Ethiopian Ambassador Mesganu Arga www.swiss-belhotel.com Moach told this daily. Tel Moach and Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager, Katara, opened Fax the exhibition visited by representatives of diplomatic missions and the Ethiopian com- munity. Exhibited at Katara Building No. 13, the skeleton which is said to be the most Tel complete skeleton of a human ancestor yet Fax discovered in the world was found in Afar Depression in Ethiopia 40 years ago. With the scientific name Australopithecus afarensis, Lucy was named after the popular Beatles song Lucy in the sky with diamonds Tel but Ethiopians prefer to call it “Dinknesh” Fax (wonderful). “As you know, Ethiopia is the cradle of humankind. One of the most significant treasures of Ethiopia’s archaeological find- Tel + 974 44298888 ings is here; we want to show Doha as the most important place where cultures are Fax coming together,” said Moach. Photos of other fossils of early human ancestors found in archaeological sites in Tel Ethiopia are also on display, along with Fax Ethiopian world heritage sites inscribed by Unesco. The Sof Umer natural cave, the 13th century Rock Hewn Churches in Lalibela, the Axum Obelisk at the ruins of the ancient Tel city of Axum and the Lower Valley of Omo Fax are some of the Unesco World Heritage sites Ethiopian Ambassador Mesganu Arga Moach (right) and Katara General Manager Dr Khalid included in the expo. bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (second right) look at the 3.2 million year old human fossil, Lucy, after Traditional and modern works by inaugurating the exhibition. BAHER AMIN Ethiopian artists are showcased at the expo Tel which runs until March 5. They include a of which depicts the harmony and tolerance moment for this is the first-of-a-kind event Fax painting by the first renowned Ethiopian of the culture of religions in Ethiopia since we have staged in Doha. “Doha is a melting female artist Desta Hagos, a self-portrait ancient times. A show by a dance troupe in pot of cultures so we are introducing our cul- www.doha.hilton.com of Ethiopian artist Agegnehu Engida and a traditional Ethiopian costume was staged at ture and historical and archeological finds.” couple of paintings by Birhane Mehari, one Katara Building No. 16. “This is a significant . THE PENINSULA Tel 44233333 974+ Fax 44233000 974+ Halal Qatar festival begins today DOHA: The fourth annual Halal Qatar festival which opens today at the southern part of Katara, will see 450 contestants from the GCC Tel taking part in four categories. Fax The festival aims to revive and introduce ancestors’ nomadic culture and tradition to the new generation and con- tinues until March 9. Tel “The festival aims to link the Fax past with the present, remem- ber the life of the Bedouins and leave an imprint of this signifi- cant aspect of our culture in the A participant leads his goats to the venue in preparation for the festival. Tel minds of the new generation,” Fax said Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim editions of the festival were a 100 in Al Mazad public auction, throughout the festival. Al Sulaiti, General Manager, big success, gained good repu- over 100 in the livestock owners The first five winners will Katara. tation and reflected the love of and breeders’ forum and 230 in receive QR100,000; QR50,000; He said the festival will also the people for their tradition Al Mazayen competition. QR30,000; QR15,000 and shed light on the importance and heritage, while this edition The participants in barn QR10,000 respectively. Tel of raising animals and the role will be more distinct and better. activities will receive QR10,000 Another five will be cho- Fax of breeders and shepherds in Khalid Al Shahwani, each and priority is given to sen for a consolation prize of achieving self-reliance on ani- Chairman of the organising elders and those who have not QR5,000 each. All winners will mal products. committee, said 20 participants participated before. receive appreciation certificates He said the previous three are in barn activities, more than The auction will be held and shields. THE PENINSULA Tel Fax

Jewellery, watches expo ends today Tel Fax DOHA: The 12th Doha Jewellery and L.U.C collection, Mellerio dits Meller high Watches Exhibition has attracted some jewellery collection inspired by Marie de of the world’s iconic brands in the high- Médicis. end jewellery and watch manufacturing Another attraction at the stand is ‘The industry. Robert Wan Pearl Bar’ that offers a person- Hosted by Qatar Tourism Authority alised jewellery experience allowing custom- (QTA), q.media Events and Fira Barcelona, ers to create unique, customised pieces. the expo has witnessed luxury watch and The legacy of Al Majed Jewellery contin- jewellery brands showcasing their unique ues with high-end brands under its umbrella. Tel and limited edition pieces until today at Apart from the most famous Maisson Fax Qatar National Convention Centre. Patek Philippe, A. Lange & Sohne, Jaeger- Hamad Al Abdan, Director of Exhibitions, LeCoultre, Greubel Forsey and Parmigiani QTA, said the expo has made a mark in the Fleurier, Hublot and Savelli lured clienteles global arena by attracting a huge number of with latest horological gems. Tel high-end exhibitors and elite fashion enthu- Savelli, the first luxury smartphone cre- Fax siasts. “Qatar is a global hotspot for luxury. ated and handcrafted in Switzerland as a And the exhibition has achieved reputation precious piece of jewellery showcased its in the international market. Top brands look Jardin Secret collection that comprises 11 www.marriottmarquisdoha.com forward to the event to reveal novelties and models. Ali Bin Ali stand featured brands unique items in the region and worldwide. This exceptional table clock from L’EPEE is like Cartier, Audemars Piguet, David Tel + 974 44195000 As organisers, we strive hard to deliver the among the exhibits. Morris, Graff, Officine Panerai, Van Cleef Fax + 974 44195100 best to foreign investors and visitors,” he & Arpels, Mont Blanc, Aaron Basha and said. With over 500 brands participating, 60 global brands showcasing latest inno- Reuge, among others. Another attraction the expo has enthralled watch and jewellery vations and handcrafted jewellery at its is the ‘Social Media Contest’ where visitors collectors with their pieces and collections stand. Highlights include Faberge’s first have a chance to win an iPad Mini daily that cater to the diverse tastes of Qatari iconic Eggs and objects d’art, an exceptional by posting their picture on Instagram or consumers. table clock collection by L’EPEE, House of Facebook. The picture with the most likes Al Fardan has brought together over Lalique’s ‘Sun of Gaia’ collection, Chopard’s will take the prize. THE PENINSULA SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Roundtables Two Qatari artists join Venice expo on laws for expats today 18 participants from nine countries celebrating Arab art at ‘North’ exhibition DOHA: Doha International Centre for Interfaith Dialogue, DOHA: Qatari artists Jameela in collaboration with College Al Shraim and Abdulrahman of Law at Qatar University, Al Dorani are participating in will today organise round-table a group exhibition ‘North’ in meetings with workers and Venice, Italy. expatriates communities at La The exhibition celebrating Arab Cigale Hotel in Doha. art features 18 artists from nine The programme aims to countries, including Iraq, Jordan, enhance participants’ basic Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, knowledge about Qatari laws and Egypt, Bahrain, Palestine and social and economic issues. Qatar. Experts will explain source of Al Shraim and Al Dorani are Qatari laws which are based on displaying two of their recent principles of Shariah and custom- paintings at the expo which ary law and the process of imple- marks the launch of the Center mentation of laws. for Mediterranean Studies in Participants will be briefed Culture and Contemporary Art. Abdulrahman Al Dorani with his two paintings and Jameela Al Shraim with her horse artwork at the event. on laws in simple language with Both say they are happy and examples and will be questioned proud to represent Qatar at the her paintings ‘Advancing towards from Qatar University, Al Shraim engineer by trade and fine art Speakers and participants to ascertain what they have international expo as they depict victory’ and ‘Here is my secret’. is one of the pioneering female is his hobby. He started creating stressed the importance of art and understood. Qatari art and culture landscape She said many of her paintings artists in the country. She is artworks at an early age. cultural events in bringing people According to organisers, par- through their work, reflecting focus on purebred Arabian horses included in the book, Ten Qatari Palestinian artist Reema Al together from Mediterranean and ticipants are expected to under- progress of fine art movement in because for her horses represent Female Pioneer Artists, published Mezian has been selected to be Arab countries. stand the relation of laws with the country from local to global love, beauty, art, freedom, peace in 2008 and has been a member the coordinator of Arab artists It is a significant step for Arab religion and social values and laws level. and journey and relate to Arab of Qatar Fine Arts Society since participating in the expo which art which has created a platform in social, economic and political Known for her equine art- culture. 1985. features other activities, including for artists to share experiences. context of Qatar. works, Al Shraim is showcasing With a degree in art education Al Dorani is an electrical symposiums. THE PENINSULA They will also be briefed on dif- ferent types of crimes. Five outlets shut over expired food UN reviews crime DOHA: The Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning has closed five food outlets in Doha, Al Khor and Al p r e v e n t i o n f o r u m Daayen for selling expired food unfit for human consumption and preparing food in unhealthy conditions. to be held in Doha Mohammed Ahmed Al Sayed, Director, Doha Municipality, NEW YORK: Based on Qatar’s Dr Al Attiyah stressed Qatar’s issued a decision to shut down a initiative, in partnership with commitment to work with all branch of a fast food restaurant in Italy, Thailand, Mexico and UN member states to ensure Al Jisra for 30 days for preparing Morocco, the UN General the realisation of aspirations to food in unhealthy conditions. Assembly held a meeting on be included in Doha Declaration He also issued a decision to ‘Integrating crime prevention and make the document a start- close down a restaurant-cum-cafe and criminal justice’ into the ing point for a new era. in Rawdat Al Khail for seven days UN post-2015 Development He said Qatar pledged to exert for the same reason. Agenda. every possible effort as part of the Zumah Al Miraikhi, Director, It also discussed the 13th UN international community’s efforts Al Khor Municipality, issued a Congress on Crime Prevention to face challenges in the field of decision to shut down a restau- and Criminal Justice to be held crime prevention and criminal rant for 30 days and a super- in Doha from April 12 to 19. justice, based on the country’s market for selling expired food In a televised statement, responsibility for the congress. and the director of Al Daayen Officials at one of the stands. Foreign Minister H E Dr The forum will bring together Municipality ordered the closure Khalid bin Mohamad Al Attiyah top officials from UN members to of a restaurant for 14 days for sell- expressed satisfaction over justice discuss work in the field of crime ing substandard food. and economic and social develop- prevention and criminal justice ment — two essential elements and promotion of the rule of law Community Policing Department Online system for — to ensure success of the agenda at national and international lev- beyond 2015. els to achieve justice for all. health practitioners Today our meeting provides a Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif unique opportunity for exchange Al Thani, Qatar’s Permanent holds spring camp in Al Khor DOHA: Qatari Council for of views on interdependence Representative to the UN, Health Practitioners has between the rule of law and chaired the first session of DOHA: The Community Department, officers from the The sponsors were honoured in launched Electronic System development, Dr Al Attiyah said, the meeting which discussed Policing Department organised ministry and representatives the inaugural ceremony. (EP) to check the authenticity adding the meeting discussed ‘Towards sustainable develop- the fifth Safe Spring Camp in Al of participating companies and The Ras Laffan Industrial City of documents of health practi- proposals and recommendations ment: Successes and challenges in Khor. establishments. Community Outreach Programme tioners through an accredited for practical action and initiatives implementation of comprehensive The camp events were held Brig. Al Noaimi said the set up a stall with safety and secu- company, Al Sharq reports. we have taken to address social policies on crime prevention and in association with Ras Laffan Interior Minister is always keen rity programmes. The company will verify docu- and economic challenges and pro- criminal justice’. Industrial City Community to hold community events to raise Many other industrial compa- ments of practitioners from their mote sustainable development by Qatar was represented by Outreach Programme, Sea Shore security awareness and promote a nies and the ministry’s depart- countries. strengthening systems, norms Major General Dr Abdullah Yusuf Company and service and secu- culture of secure society. ments also held activities. The council said the system and standards of crime preven- Al Maal, Adviser to the Prime rity departments at the Ministry The camp aimed to reach out Lekhwiya Police held a dog aims to accelerate the process tion and criminal justice. Minister and Interior Minister, of Interior and other companies to communities and highlight the show to highlight police dogs’ of checking documents of health He said the current year opens and Chairman of the Preparatory operating in Al Shamal. ministry’s services and efforts skills in identifying drugs and practitioners who apply for prospects of changing our world Committee for the UN Congress; Brig. Nasser Jaber Al Noaimi, towards a safe and stable society. criminals. license in Qatar. and we should continue work Dr Ahmed Hassan Al Hammadi, Director, Capital Security Brig. Al Shahwani said partici- Sports events and competi- The system allows health insti- to ensure success of the agenda Director, Legal Affairs, Foreign Department, inaugurated pation of a large number of new tions were organised by Qatar tutions to create accounts to keep beyond 2015. Ministry and Deputy Chairman the camp in the presence of companies underscored the suc- Basketball Federation and Doha in touch with contact persons at He said the 13th UN Congress of the committee; and Ali Khalfan Brig. Muhammad Abdullah cess of the previous camps. Golf Club and family entertain- the council. will be held at an important stage Al Mansouri, Qatari Ambassador Al Shahwani, Director, North Lt. Col. Al Mohannadi ment programmes and aware- It also aims to increase the sat- where the rule of law and devel- to Austria and Permanent Security Department, Lt. Col. expressed pleasure and gratitude ness and educational competitions isfaction level of clients by saving opment agenda beyond 2015 will Representative to international Ahmad Zayed Al Mohannadi, for wider participation of compa- for children were held by Qatar their time. top its agenda. organisations in Vienna. QNA Director, Community Policing nies and the public. Charity. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Rising prices weigh on salary increments Burning of holy sites slammed DOHA: Qatar has strongly condemned two incidents in which a DOHA: Salaries have been The average salary was Ministry of Development Planning (estimated by International Labour West Bank mosque in Bethlehem and a Greek Orthodox church in increasing at a satisfactory pace QR10,342 ($2,840) in the fourth and Statistics as part of a Labour Organisation at $1,480 at purchas- Occupied Jerusalem were burnt down. In a statement yesterday, the in Qatar, although much of the quarter (October-December) of Force Sample Survey in Q4 of ing power parity - PPP), though Foreign Ministry said such criminal acts contradict human princi- raise is being eaten into by rising 2014, official figures show. 2014. The population in the period the cost of living has been rising ples and divine laws and constitute a serious violation of international prices. Much of the pressure of The average was slightly more was 2.26 million, of which a little rapidly. PPP refers to a situation norms and laws. It said the burning of Muslim and Christian holy sites escalating cost of living is being for male workers (QR10,921 or over 1.7 million were economically where an item costs the same in by Israeli settlers indicates their hatred and unacceptance of others. felt by limited-income expatri- $3,000) than their female coun- active. one country and another once the QNA ate families due to skyrocketing terparts (QR8,779 or $2,410). The average wage here is much currency exchange rate is taken house rents. The figures were released by the more than the global average into account. THE PENINSULA Indian embassy receives 551 complaints

DOHA: The Indian embassy has received 551 labour-related com- plaints from workers since January, an official statement said, without providing details and nature of grievances. The labour and community welfare section received 3,943 complaints in 2014 and Doha Metro project management deal awarded 3,558 the previous year. The statement followed the monthly Open House the embassy held DOHA: Qatar Railways and their station fit out, as part deal awarded in 2012, after an urban transport and regional rail to address urgent consular and labour-related problems of its nation- Company has awarded the Louis of design development contracts international tender process, networks. als. Ambassador Sanjiv Arora, Indian Community Benevolent Forum Berger Egis Rail Joint Venture with contractors, with completion involving project management Implemented in two phases, the (ICBF) President, Arvind Patil and other officials met complainants (LBER JV) project management scheduled for 2018. of civil engineering works on the network will represent 231km by and discussed their problems. Although the embassy did not receive any of the elevated and at grade sec- LBER JV is responsible for Gold Metro Line (boring of the 2026 via the construction of four fresh complaints but the progress in previous complaints was reviewed. tions of Doha Metro. The con- design review, supervision and tunnel through the city centre of lines (Red, Blue, Green and Gold). The embassy registered 57 deaths since January and 279 last year. tract concerns extensions of the commissioning of works and Doha, serving multiple stations), The first development phase A total of 100 Indians were at the deportation centre and 96 in the Red Line towards the north and project management responsi- and civil engineering and fit out of will be operational by 2019, with central prison and an embassy team visited the facilities to enquire south and an extension of the bilities involved in an operation two network stations: Musheireb the construction of 76km of lines about their welfare. Green Line towards the west. of this scale. To fulfil its mission, (in the city centre), intermodal (60km underground and 16km Following requests from Qatari authorities for travel documents for It involves construction of 16km LBER will put into action a team node for the urban transport elevated) and 26 stations. The inmates at the deportation centre, the embassy issued four emergency of metro, a large part on viaducts of up to 150 professionals over 48 system and urban development Metro network will link the air- certificates in February. The ICBF provided air tickets to those who and including six stations, civil months. hub, and Education City (west), port to the city centre and future could not afford travel expenses to facilitate their deportation. engineering works for extensions The contract follows the first which will enable connection of stadiums. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Probe ordered Houthis protest into Netanyahu Italian MPs approve spending JERUSALEM: Israeli Attorney General Yehuda Palestinian resolution Weinstein said yesterday he had ordered a preliminary investigation into alleged fis- Israel welcomes Rome’s call for return to talks cal misconduct at the private and state residences of Prime ROME: Italian lawmakers of the Italian government which, Liberty party, that would have Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. yesterday backed a non-bind- like other European countries, “fully and formally recognised the The announcement follows ing resolution that encourages still supports a negotiated two- Palestinian State”. a scathing report by the State the government to recognise state solution. Ireland, Britain and France Comptroller, but the probe will Palestine as a state, a move that Italy’s Chamber of Deputies have held similar parliamentary not begin until after the March 17 underlines European frustra- also approved yesterday a second votes on the status of Palestine elections, and Weinstein stressed tion over stalled Middle East motion calling for the “timely in recent months. Sweden went that Netanyahu himself is not peace negotiations. return to direct negotiations further, officially recognising suspected of involvement in the European countries have between Israelis and Palestinians”. Palestine. The Palestinians want misdemeanours. become increasingly critical of Both motions were criticised by an independent state in the West The national watchdog’s Israel, which since the collapse the PLO Executive Committee for Bank and Gaza, with its capital in findings, dealing with the offi- of the latest US-sponsored talks falling short of an unconditional East Jerusalem. cial Jerusalem residence and last April has pressed on with recognition of Palestine. While Gaza’s boundaries are Netanyahu’s private Ceasarea building settlements on terri- “We call on the Italian govern- clearly defined, the precise ter- home, as well as the testimonies tory the Palestinians want for ment to recognise the Palestinian ritory of what would constitute of a former employee at the resi- their state. state without conditions, to take Palestine in the West Bank and dence, raised only mild suspicions, Italy’s Chamber of Deputies serious and concrete measures to East Jerusalem will only be deter- a statement from Weinstein’s voted by 300 to 45 to pass the end the (Israeli) military occupa- mined via negotiations with Israel office read. motion presented by Prime tion and to work towards a just on a two-state solution. “But the state attorney’s office Minister Matteo Renzi’s peace,” PLO committee member Meanwhile, the US State believes that the variety of affairs Democratic Party (PD) “to pro- Hanan Ashrawi said in a state- Department said Israel’s decision justifies a probe, at the end of mote the recognition of Palestine ment. In a statement issued by its to provide the Palestinian city of which it will be decided whether as a democratic state”. Rome embassy, Israel said it “pos- Rawabi with water is a welcome to launch a criminal investiga- While most developing coun- itively acknowledges the choice of development. “We are looking tion,” it said. tries recognise Palestine as a the Italian parliament not to rec- forward to the Rawabi complex The alleged misconduct at the state, most Western European ognise the Palestinian state and to receiving the water it needs to residences of Netanyahu, who is governments do not, supporting have preferred to sustain direct function, and that deliberate elec- campaigning for re-election next the Israeli and US position that negotiations between Israelis and tricity cuts to Palestinian cities in month, included mishandling of an independent Palestinian state Palestinians”. the West Bank will cease,” State funds from recycled bottles by should emerge from negotiations Italian lawmakers did not back Department spokesman Edgar Netanyahu’s wife Sarah, as well with Israel. Yesterday’s symbolic a stronger motion, supported by Vasquez said. Houthi supporters perform with traditional Yemeni knives during a as the purchase of garden furni- vote does not change the position the left-wing Left Ecology and REUTERS demonstration against alleged US and Saudi intervention in domestic ture for the weekend residence Yemeni affairs, in Sana’a yesterday. in Caesarea. The report also insinuated public fund misconduct in the employment of an electrician for the Caesarea home on weekends and holidays. Turkey unveils mega tunnel project for Istanbul Weinstein noted the impor- tance of cautious conduct in the ISTANBUL: Turkey elections, calling it a “harbinger Transport Minister Lutfi Elvan through Istanbul which would airport, as wildly excessive and weeks leading up to elections. announced yesterday an for the new Turkey.” said the state would not spend a allow ships passing from the damaging to the environment. “One must note that in the ambitious project to build a He said the 6.5 kilometre “single penny.” Marmara Sea to the Black Sea The Bosphorus, which bisects material accumulated to this three-storey tunnel under tunnel would be integrated He said the builder would cover to bypass the Bosphorus, reliev- Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city point, there is no evidence that the Bosphorus to connect the into Istanbul’s existing high- the construction costs and later ing pressure on the vessel-clogged with some 16 million people, is the raises the suspicion of involve- Asian and European sides of way and railway lines and be paid back through tolls. waterway. world’s fourth busiest waterway ment of the prime minister Istanbul. is aimed at easing the city’s The tunnel is expected to be Critics have blasted President and together with the Dardanelles himself in the said deeds,” the Prime Minister Ahmet intense traffic. ready by 2020. The announce- Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s grandi- Strait connects the Black Sea to statement read. Davutoglu made the announce- The total cost of the project ment comes on the heels of oth- ose projects, which also include a the Mediterranean. AFP ment in the run up to June was estimated at $3.5bn, but ers including one to build a canal new Bosphorus bridge and a third AFP

Israeli border policeman detains a Palestinian protester during clashes at a demonstration against Jewish settlements in the West Bank village of Bilin, near Ramallah, yesterday. Palestinians teargassed on 10th anniversary of barrier protests

RAMALLAH: Palestinian, which began in February 2005, the Patriarchs — before he was Israeli and foreign activists faced are billed as non-violent but fre- beaten to death by survivors. off against Israeli forces yesterday quently turn into clashes between Hebron’s main street was partly in the occupied West Bank village rock-throwing youths and Israeli closed to Palestinians afterwards of Bilin where they marked 10 forces firing tear gas, rubber bul- and later declared a “closed mili- years of protests against Israel’s lets or live rounds. There have tary zone,” restricting Palestinian separation barrier. been fatalities. access to residents of the imme- In what has become a weekly In January 2011, a woman pro- diate area — and then on foot ritual, the activists marched tester, Jawaher Abu Rahmah, only. Hundreds of Palestinians towards the barrier which cuts died after inhaling tear gas. Her marched after Muslim prayers on villagers off from their fields. brother Bassem Abu Rahmah Friday to demand the reopening Palestinian youths with sling- died in April 2009 after being hit of the street, whose closure has shots aimed stones at border on the head by a tear gas canister. had a domino effect throughout police posted along the wire- In the southern West Bank the central commercial district. topped concrete wall and the city of Hebron, meanwhile, there Organisers say that 520 busi- police fired tear gas to disperse was a violent protest on a different nesses have had to shut down. them, journalists at the scene anniversary, that of the massacre Hebron, the West Bank’s larg- said. At least one demonstrator of Muslim worshippers by a Jewish est city, is a powder keg where was arrested, another was seen settler. Demonstrators threw stones about 700 Jewish settlers live sur- being taken away by ambulance and powerful firecrackers at rounded by more than 200,000 after a blow to the head and sev- Israeli soldiers and border police, Palestinians, under the protection eral suffered tear gas inhalation. who responded with rubber bul- of Israeli security forces. The extent of their injuries was lets, tear gas and stun grenades. Demonstrators were also not known. Israel says the barrier There was no report of concerned at Israeli media talk is designed to prevent militant Palestinian casualties but the of a possible visit to Hebron by attacks, but the Palestinians say it Israeli military said two border Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin is an “apartheid wall” that carves policemen were slightly injured. Netanyahu before the March off key parts of their promised On February 25, 1994, Israeli 17 general election. Although state. When the 709km barrier is settler Baruch Goldstein gunned Netanyahu’s rightwing govern- complete, 85 percent of it will have down 29 Palestinians pray- ment leans heavily on settler sup- been built inside the West Bank. ing in the Ibrahimi Mosque — port, plans for such a visit remain The weekly Bilin demonstrations, revered by Jews as the Cave of unconfirmed. AFP SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Editorial Taming Netanyahu For Yemen’s Arab Spring activists,

HAT Benjamin Netanyahu is the biggest impediment to peace in the Middle East is a widely recognized hope plummets as chaos deepens truth. All of the Arab world thinks so, as does many in the West, including the US. Interestingly, many T BY HUGH NAYLOR upend an ossified political system that added. in Israel too share this notion. And the latest high-profile had failed to meet the aspirations of Aghbari acknowledged, however, that Israeli official to join the anti-Netanyahu camp is Meir Dagan, OR FAIZAH Al Sulimani, the Yemen’s burgeoning youth population. nonviolence would be difficult to sus- a former head of Israel’s foreign intelligence service Mossad. hope stirred by Yemen’s Arab These youths, from diverse back- tain against the Houthis. Activists and Dagan has been known as a fierce critic of Netanyahu’s Spring uprising has long since grounds, rallied for more jobs and an end human rights groups have accused the approach to Iran, but yesterday he took the bold step of urging Ffaded. Four years ago, she joined to corruption. Some were fatally shot or rebels of systematically targeting pro- voters to oust Netanyahu in the next general election, accusing the wave of nonviolent demonstrations beaten by suspected Saleh henchmen. testers in the capital with death threats, the prime minister of endangering the country’s security with that rippled across the Middle East and But despite the violence, the protests abductions and severe beatings. led to the ouster of entrenched autocrats, spread nationwide because of a shared Ahmed Abdo Ali, 28, said his fellow his stance on the Iranian nuclear programme. including Yemen’s Ali Abdullah Saleh. desire for democracy. 2011 protesters are increasingly conclud- In a stinging critique of Netanyahu’s leadership, expressed Sulimani’s optimism, however, quickly “We went to the streets full of hope,” ing that Houthi violence has to be met in a long interview in Israel’s biggest-selling newspaper turned to bitterness over what followed Sulimani said. “We had a dream of with force. “You’re seeing the situation Yedioth Ahronoth, Dagan said the prime minister’s policies — a post-revolutionary order that she revolution.” becoming a military conflict,” he said. were “destructive to the future and security of Israel”. The and many of her fellow Yemeni protest- Now, her revolutionary zeal appears “It’s terrifying.” ers consider as corrupt and inept as the grounded by reality. She works for a local That prospect, Ali said, could undo all timing of his criticism is important. Netanyahu was due to fly one they had struggled to overturn. development agency and wants to put off that he and others like him fought for to Washington yesterday, a visit that has strained US-Israeli Yet, even they never imagined that marriage to pursue a master’s degree at four years ago. He recalled how Sulimani relations even before it started. Netanyahu is expected to things would get this bad. A civil war a university in Britain. remained committed to peaceful tactics make a speech to the US Congress about Iran’s nuclear looms after Shia She dismisses the idea of returning even after six police officers dragged her programme. The US House of Representatives Speaker John Houthi rebels to the streets to protest Yemen’s cur- out of a car in July 2011 and beat her Boehner broke precedent by inviting the Israeli leader to deposed the gov- rent predicament. As in the aftermath with rifle butts. Soon after the incident, ernment last of 2011, she said, the old-guard political Ali said, she called to reassure him. address Congress without consulting the White House or month and dis- and business elites would again exploit “I remember her insisting: ‘I’m fine. Democratic lawmakers. President Barack Obama and other Civil war looms solved parliament. the rallies for their own ends. I’m fine. Just keep going and I’ll be Democrats have accused Netanyahu and Republicans of using after Shia Houthi Many Yemenis “We were used as tools by our poli- okay,’ “ said Ali, who described her as a the speech to inject partisan politics rebels deposed fear that the ticians,” said Sulimani, her face fully “super-activist.” into the US-Israel relationship, and the resulting politi- veiled. “We can’t let that happen again.” More upsetting for Sulimani, however, Netanyahu Obama administration bluntly said that the government cal vacuum offers Scores of activists have chosen to emi- is the lingering pain from March 18, 2011. last month extremist groups, grate rather than struggle for dwindling That was when men in civilian clothes can be Netanyahu’s speech would be destructive including the pow- opportunities in a country of about 25 opened fire on protesters in Sanaa’s to US-Israeli relations. and dissolved erful local affili- million that is wrestling with nearly 50 Change Square, killing 45 people and stopped in his Despite the Democrats’ protests, the parliament. ate of al-Qaida, percent unemployment and grinding pov- wounding 200. Six of her close friends tracks only by Israeli prime minister enjoys ‘destructive an opportunity to erty. More than 10 of Mutte Dammaj’s were killed that day, including 28-year- clout’ in the US. That he is going ahead Many Yemenis exploit. friends who rallied with him four years old Abubakir Ali. Two days earlier, he This has left ago in Sanaa left the country after the had virtually predicted his own death, Israelis. They with his speech despite the controversy fear that the Sulimani and her uprising, mostly to Europe, he said. Sulimani recalled. “He told me: ‘Please, must listen it has created in US and back home resulting political fellow 2011 activ- “There is deep despair,” Dammaj said. if something happens to any of us, the to Dagan’s shows both his insouciance and vacuum offers ists despondent He also expressed concern that the rest of you should continue. This is our arrogance. President Obama and John and feeling more prevailing sense of hopelessness could future and our country, and we have to advice and Kerry look weak in this battle, and the extremist groups marginalised than push more young Yemenis into the arms protect our country,’ “ she said. harm to Israeli-US relations which the an opportunity to ever. of Al Qaida, as well as secessionist groups Sulimani and many others accuse oust him. “After all that in the south. Still, small protests con- Saleh, who ruled the country for more visit will cause will be superficial, which exploit. we did, we have tinue as activists stage demonstrations than three decades, of orchestrating the can easily be repaired if Republicans reached this point against the Houthi rebels. attacks that killed hundreds of protest- come to power in the next presidential — Yemen col- Samia Al Aghbari, a 33-year-old activ- ers during the uprising. Instead of legal election. Also, Netanyahu would not embark on such a visit if lapsed,” Sulimani, 32, said in an inter- ist, attributed the rekindled protests to proceedings, however, a power-transition he thought it would harm his reelection prospects. Netanyahu view this month in Sanaa, the capital. the defiant spirit that the 2011 upris- deal that was backed by neighboring wants to sabotage any nuclear deal with Iran, while Obama has “There’s violence in the streets. There’s ing helped instill in Yemenis, especially Arab countries and the West offered him chaos. Nobody knows what’s going on women. They were inspired by Sulimani immunity in return for stepping down. been assiduously trying to reach one. anymore.” and other female protesters, such as In January 2012, parliament approved Dagan says “the person who has caused the greatest In the heady days of 2011, she played a Tawakkol Karman, to overcome many of the deal, which also allowed Saleh to stay strategic damage to Israel on the Iranian issue is the prime central role in coordinating media com- the barriers of their conservative culture. in Yemen. minister.” A reelection of Netanyahu will only increase the munications for the protesters. She dis- Karman won the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize “I just cried when I heard about the isolation of Israel on the global stage. A status quo on the tributed fliers and kept tallies of abuses for her nonviolent struggle. decision,” Sulimani said. “All the sacri- by security forces. Often, she recalled, “People used to question why women fices and all the people we lost. Was this Palestinian front is no longer sustainable and that’s exactly there was only enough time to squeeze would step out of the home and demon- all for nothing?” what Netanyahu wants. Gaza is already a powder keg waiting in two or three hours of sleep at night. strate,” Aghbari said. “You’d hear them Since then, Saleh has been widely to explode, and Netanyahu is such toxic material his presence Inspired by uprisings that deposed say: ‘Aren’t men strong enough to do this accused of helping the Houthis foment the can ignite the fuse. Tunisian President Zine Al Abidine Ben on their own? Why should a woman have ongoing unrest in Yemen. In November, Netanyahu can be stopped in his tracks only by Israelis. Ali and longtime Egyptian strongman to get involved?’ Even my family would the UN Security Council imposed sanc- They must listen to Dagan’s advice and oust him Hosni Mubarak, Sulimani was taken tell me that.” tions on him, saying he had destabilized . with the idea of using nonviolence to “That’s not the case anymore,” she the country. WP-BLOOMBERG The other side Quote of Top court takes a stand with ruling on verbal sexual harassment the day OMPANIES are justified subordinates such as, “What are you contact occurred, sexual comments too harsh. in dealing severely with doing in a place like this when you and behavior that make another person We must say that this decision employees who go too aren’t married yet? That must make feel uncomfortable are unacceptable. lacked understanding about sexual Cfar with comments that your parents cry,” and, “Do you have This is the warning that also can be harassment. constitute sexual harassment - this was any nighttime jobs?” gleaned from this ruling. The Supreme Court focused on the Turkey is a state the unequivocal message sent by the At times, the male workers also In the first trial in this case, the Osaka point that victims of sexual harassment Supreme Court. spoke about lewd sexual topics. District Court supported the punish- will “in many cases hesitate to notify the that is not dealing The top court has handed down a The company suspended one man ments administered by the company. In company or show objection or resist- ruling that said disciplinary action taken from work for 30 days, and the other the second trial, the Osaka High Court, ance due to their concern that this honestly with against two male company employees for 10 days. Both were demoted to unit on the contrary, decided that the disci- could lead to a deterioration in personal who had repeatedly made sexually har- chief level. The top court acknowledged plinary action was invalid. relationships in the office.” This court us. It’s exporting assing remarks to female workers was the maliciousness of the stream of The high court accepted that has identified exactly the actual situ- weapons to us so reasonable. remarks, saying they “created strong because the women had not clearly ation. Some surveys have found that The two male workers, who were discomfort, revulsion and humiliation, objected to the remarks, the two male about 30 percent of female victims of the Libyan people Abdullah Al Thinni deputy managers at a company and significantly harmed the workplace employees assumed that they were harassment put up with it, and about operating an aquarium in Osaka, fre- environment.” being accepted. Based on this, the 30 percent give up and quit their jobs. kill each other. Libya’s internationally quently made comments to female Irrespective of whether physical court concluded the punishments were The Yomiuri Shimbun recognised Prime Minister SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 IS, the US and the GCC While Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, adjoining Iraq, are the most threatened, few doubt that IS is having an intimidating effect upon all six GCC members.

DR JOHN DUKE ANTHONY among IS’ actual and would-be victims to date, each of these threats also carries t is no ordinary event for 26 countries’ a “Made in America” label. representatives to be meeting to dis- The Bush administration’s decision cuss how best to confront the chal- to wage war against Iraq opened these Ilenge of Islamic State (IS). To people floodgates, fueled further by the invasion immediately adjacent to lands in Iraq and and occupation occurring despite Iraq Syria that IS has not yet conquered, the not having attacked the United States militant movement is a mortal threat. or posed any grave danger to American Whether Shia, Sunni, Christian, Arab, interests. Again, perspective is paramount. Kurdish, or other in nature and orienta- In the eyes of America’s would-be friends, tion, polities that neighbour IS-controlled allies, and strategic partners in the fight US Secretary of State John Kerry and foreign ministers from GCC countries during a meeting in Munich, Germany, recently. areas have seen their national sovereignty, against IS, Washington officialdom would political independence, and territorial do well to acknowledge the difficulty of integrity threatened. Indeed, IS today may achieving its objective given America’s regarding the moral necessity of defeat- Additionally, the alliance’s zeroing- accomplished automatically or by acci- arguably be the greatest challenge facing position among many Arabs and Muslims ing IS, its alternative system of govern- in on IS helps the non-radical Syrian dent or coincidence. They are usually the modern day nation state system in the as the pariah of the Western world in light ance, and practically everything else that opposition fight the armed forces loyal achievable only if respect for the part- Middle East. of what it did to Iraq, once the zenith of it represents. to Syrian President Bashar Assad. Two ners’ valid requirements are acknowl- The attributes of national sovereignty, Arab and Islamic civilization. Ill-informed commentary by grand- GCC countries, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, edged, implemented, and safeguarded. political independence, and territorial standing Members of the US Congress together with Turkey, are also training integrity are no ordinary phenomena. NO COST-FREE SOLUTION and television talk show pundits has Syrian opposition fighters that could GCC-US COOPERATION MOVING Together they have been and remain the America’s perceived inability to counter largely missed these crucial contexts arguably form the nucleus of a future FORWARD most important criteria for admission and halt the spread of such US-induced and prisms for perspective. In so doing, Syrian national force. In so doing, GCC With the 2016 American elections into and membership in good standing horrors – indeed, to stop them in their they have not only ignored causative fac- military efforts enhance the joint objec- heating up, it is tempting for Western within the United Nations. tracks – has consequences for friend tors that shed light on IS’ rise and the tive of the GCC countries and the US-led Congressional and media commentators, Unfortunately, the United States in and foe alike. These include the regimes, roots of its anti-Western/anti-American anti-IS coalition alike. together with would-be policy formula- the course of its invasion and occupa- bureaucratic personnel, and popular sup- ferocity. They have also downplayed the A continuing GCC goal receiving lit- tors, to search for catchy sound bites tion of Iraq beginning in 2003 had already port bases in Baghdad and Damascus, extent to which the GCC countries and tle play in the American media is for pertaining to what they contend ought smashed to smithereens each of these the two nearest polities that have yet to Jordan have emerged as the strongest, the Obama Administration to be clear to be done regarding IS. However, what is criteria. Simultaneously, the United succumb to IS’ militant onslaught. Also in most important, and most reliable local in its intentions regarding Assad. In unhelpful is the cacophony of shrill state- States also blasted into nonexistence IS’ sights are the governments and peo- partners in the American-led coalition the GCC country heads of state and ments — ranging from calls for “boots on what exists in the American Constitution ples of its near neighbours once removed against IS. Jordan and fully half of the ministerial-level meetings with their the ground” to condemning the Obama and was previously enshrined in the Iraqi — Jordan and Turkey, and, to a lesser anti-IS coalition’s GCC allies — Bahrain, US counterparts, there has been a con- Administration for refusing to “declare Constitution as well, namely: provisions extent, Lebanon and Israel. Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab stant reminder of the GCC position on war on radical Islam” to unfairly and for domestic safety, external defence, Importantly, and notwithstanding Emirates — are military partners, com- Syria. It underlines where GCC leaders inaccurately criticising Arab allies for enhancement of people’s material well- what in varying degrees are their rela- mitting their state-of-the-art American are coming from with regard to what their lack of participation in the anti- being, and the effective administration tively safer physical distances, the GCC weapons to the mission of degrading the for the member-states is one of their IS coalition — and other sensationalist of a civil system of justice. countries — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, militant movement’s assets. Others are most frequently stated interests and rhetoric. They do little to illuminate In so doing, the United States con- Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab making logistical and operational contri- key foreign policy objectives. Further, the issues, interests, and involvement tributed mightily to the formation and Emirates — have much to fear, too. While butions that are no less important. at the GCC Foreign Ministers’ meeting for the parties involved. Such insights, focus of IS. The poignancy of this real- Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, adjoining Iraq, What insufficient numbers of with Secretary Kerry on February 6 to awareness, and appreciation are not ity must not be lost. It is but one among are the most threatened, few doubt that American analysts have recognised to discuss IS, the ministers added to their only essential to an interested public’s other inconvenient truths that plague IS is having an intimidating effect upon date is how the GCC role in fighting IS reminders regarding Syria a list of paral- knowledge of what is in play. They are America’s predicament in seeking to all six GCC members. gives regional and local legitimacy to the lel concerns about Iraq, Yemen, and the vital to an understanding of what is and navigate the shoals of the storm its short- The reason is clear: IS stands at one battle. In their positions and roles among Iranian nuclear issue. is not possible regarding the anti-IS coali- sighted actions created. end of the political, security, governance, the world’s most prominent defenders What therefore needs greater empha- tion’s quest for regional security and sta- IS’ ideology and praxis also menaces and ideological extreme. At the other and leaders of Sunni Islam, the GCC sis by US officials anxious to strengthen bility, without which the goal of ultimate others. To the peoples it has conquered end stand the GCC countries with their states perceive their forms of rule, repre- and expand the GCC countries’ essential success in the campaign against violent and others that lie in wait within its overwhelmingly Western-oriented for- sentation, and responsiveness to citizens’ assistance in fighting IS is clear. It is that extremism will remain in doubt. At the crosshairs it portends ill towards eve- eign policies, international relations, eco- justifiable needs, concerns, and interests the White House’s anxiety regarding its end of the day, reality brooks no illusion. rything they hold dear. Beyond worldly nomic orientations, and defence as well as the time-honoured Muslim antitheses Arab allies must not obviate the need The prospects for eventual effectiveness possessions, IS threatens the existential as higher education systems, together to IS. As such, they have an obligation for vigilance by the GCC and the United in this campaign are twofold. They lie, on credibility of internal security and exter- with the nature, scope, and focus of their and interest in ridding Islam of the radi- States alike regarding these additional one hand, in addressing the Western- and nal defence. overall modernisation and development. cal extremist movement. issues. To be sure, the fight against IS is especially American-centric regional roots Further, IS endangers people’s mate- It is in these contexts that the murder Among other features of the GCC central to the US strategic posture in the of IS’s emergence, inspiration, and staying rial wellbeing – in the form of ransoms, by burning of the American-trained countries having risen to their respon- Arab countries, the Middle East, and the power. On the other, they lie in greater hostage taking, and the physical confis- Jordanian pilot, Moaz Al Kasasbeh, sibility in this instance is a matter of no Islamic worlds. But so, too, is the simul- coordination of US-GCC efforts to do more cation of property. It also threatens the skilled in flying a US-manufactured air- small moment. They have shorn Tehran taneous imperative of the American-led than just unleash their military might in continued administration of what little craft — two Western symbols additionally of any potential legitimacy from claiming coalition’s need to address these concerns a bid to counter the threat posed by IS. remains of an effective system of civil jus- facilitative of IS followers’ recruitment, that the Islamic Republic of Iran, and of immense strategic significance to the (Writer is CEO of the National Council tice. And in many instances, IS targets retention, and inspiration — has fur- not the GCC, representing half a dozen GCC countries. After all, between friends on US-Arab Relations) people’s very lives. In the eyes of many ther galvanized Arab and GCC opinion countries, is the “hero” of Islam. and allies foreign policy objectives are not THE PENINSULA Lebanon-born Syrian refugees risk stateless issue

the process easier. But officials UN refugee agency UNHCR estimates that 70 acknowledge that many of the 1.1 million Syrians in Lebanon, often living in dire conditions and percent of the 42,000 refugee children born struggling to make ends meet, do not see registering their children in Lebanon since the Syrian conflict began as a priority. Some prefer to pay brokers on in March 2011 do not have birth certificates. the Lebanese border to register their children in Syria, the refu- gee aid worker in Tripoli said. yrian refugee Yasmine with Lebanese authorities, but “This is a huge problem, it is Khalaf lies next to her the process is complex and made forgery because the child was not day-old daughter Israa in more difficult by the realities of born in Syria,” she said. Sa Lebanese hospital, wor- fleeing during wartime. “And when the parents come rying that her tiny newborn risks “There are these obstacles all to cross the border, the Lebanese life without a legal identity. the way through the process,” said officials want to know how a child Israa, sleeping swaddled in a Ana Pollard, a UNHCR official registered as being born in Syria fluffy pink blanket, is one of tens focused on statelessness. arrived in Lebanon.” of thousands of Syrian refugees Parents must obtain a birth Even for those with the right born in Lebanon who are threat- notification from the medic paperwork, the process can be an ened with statelessness because who delivered their child, and uphill struggle. of the hurdles to registering then navigate several stages of Youssef Salah, a 30-year-old their births. UN refugee agency bureaucracy. They must have from Hasakeh province, began the UNHCR estimates that 70 per- documents proving their iden- process of registering his daugh- cent of the 42,000 refugee chil- tity, their marriage and their ter Milaa immediately after her dren born in Lebanon since the residency status, all of which can birth. “I kept thinking that when Syrian conflict began in March prove complicated. we go home to Syria, she wouldn’t 2011 do not have birth certificates. Some failed to bring marriage be able to cross the border with- “Effectively, these babies don’t documents with them when they out any papers.” exist,” an official working with fled, while others entered the But the doctor he asked to sign refugees in the northern city of country illegally or have expired Syrian women holding young children at a refugee camp on the outskirts of the eastern Lebanese city of Baalbek. the birth notification demanded Tripoli said, speaking on condi- residency permits. 10,000 Lebanese pounds ($6.60). tion of anonymity. And four years into the con- costly and time-consuming. the question because of Halabi’s to show that he came from me, “I didn’t have any money. I’d “Without documentation, they flict, many Syrian refugees have So when Jamal Halabi’s son military service status. and to make sure he’d be able to walked all the way to the hospi- don’t have the right do go to hos- met and married in Lebanon. Ayham was born last year, the But Halabi couldn’t register go to nursery and to school.” tal because I didn’t have enough pitals or get education. They don’t “Registering a marriage in 32-year-old knew he faced a race Ayham until he’d renewed his Once Halabi’s residency was money for a bus,” Salah said. The have any rights,” she said. Syrian Lebanon is even harder than reg- against time to obtain a birth expired residency papers, which renewed, the registration process doctor eventually relented, and refugees in Lebanon can register istering a birth, so many refugees certificate. Halabi fled Syria’s took eight desperate months. went smoothly, with aid groups Milaa’s paperwork is now being newborns at their embassy in don’t — and then they can’t regis- Latakia province in 2013 to avoid “I wanted to do it by any stepping in to help and bureau- processed. But even so the out- Beirut, but many fear doing so ter their child,” Pollard said. conscription, bringing his wife means,” he said in Tripoli, where crats waiving fees. come is uncertain: Salah’s resi- because they are from opposition If the process is not completed and three-month-old son Ahmed his little family lives between the The UNHCR and its partners dency has expired since he began areas or have fled military service by the child’s first birthday, a to Lebanon. When their second homes of relatives, moving every are working to encourage refu- the process, and he is not yet sure or arrest. birth certificate can be issued only son was born in 2014, going to few months. “He needed to have gees to register their children and whether authorities will still issue The children can be registered by a court, which is prohibitively the Syrian embassy was out of an identity. He’s my son: I wanted urging host countries to make the birth certificate. AFP SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Turkey supplying arms to rivals: Libyan PM Tripoli threatens more air strikes in coordination with Cairo against Islamic State

CAIRO/BENGHAZI: Libya’s presence in the rival parliament “Any time there is a danger and internationally recognised in Tripoli and western Libya. a threat, there will be air strikes, Prime Minister Abdullah Al Thinni’s government accuses it in complete coordination between Thinni said his government of having ties to militant groups Egypt and Libya,” he said. would stop dealing with Turkey such as Ansar Al Sharia, blamed Asked if that meant Egyptian because it was sending weap- by Washington for an attack on warplanes would take part, he ons to a rival group in Tripoli the US consulate in Benghazi said: “Of course I am speaking of so “the Libyan people kill each where the US ambassador died. Egyptian raids.” other”. The Brotherhood in Libya says Using an Arabic acronym for IS, Two administrations, one in the it is a peaceful organisation. No he said “Daesh is well-established capital and Thinni’s in the east, more details were immediately in the region of Sirte and does not have been battling for power since available. Libya’s premier threat- hide its presence in Tripoli. If the armed group Libya Dawn ened new air strikes with Egypt troops are not provided with the seized Tripoli in July and rein- against the Islamic State group weapons they need, the group will stated lawmakers from a previ- in his country, warning that the deploy throughout Libya.” ous assembly, four years after militants were poised to widen Last week, Foreign Minister Muammar Gaddafi was ousted. their presence there. Mohammed Al Dairi appealed to “Turkey is a state that is not Abdullah Al Thinni was refer- the UN Security Council to lift an dealing honestly with us. It’s ring to February 16 air strikes on arms embargo on Libya to allow exporting weapons to us so the the IS stronghold of Derna after its military to fight jihadists. Libyan people kill each other,” the group released a video show- He emphasised that he was Thinni told Egyptian TV chan- ing the beheading of 21 Coptic not seeking international mili- nel CBC late on Thursday. Christians, mostly Egyptians. tary intervention, but that there A spokesman for Turkey’s Libya’s internationally recognised prime minister Abdullah Al Thinni (left), defence minister Massoud Rhouma He was speaking to journalists was no time to lose to equip the Foreign Ministry strongly denied (centre) and interior minister Ahmed Baraka at a press conference in Cairo yesterday. after meeting Egyptian officials army to confront the emboldened Thinni’s allegations. to discuss the security situation extremists. “Instead of repeating the same week it would exclude compa- seen relations sour with other the assembly’s president would in Libya, where IS has recently Libya has descended into baseless and untrue allegations we nies from future deals, accusing former allies, notably Egypt. appoint Haftar as top army gained a foothold among the many chaos since the 2011 NATO- advise them to support UN efforts Ankara of backing the Tripoli Thinni also accused Qatar of commander. forces vying for control of the oil- backed revolt that ousted dicta- for political dialogue,” spokesman government. giving “material” support to the In the eastern city of Benghazi rich North African nation. tor Muammar Gaddafi. Tanju Bilgic said. He repeated that Turkish firms rival side in the Libyan conflict. on Friday, unknown gunmen shot Following this month’s air Thinni’s government was forced “Our policy vis-a-vis Libya is would be excluded from contracts He did not elaborate. with what appeared to be anti- strikes, in which Libyan forces to flee to the country’s east in very clear. We are against any in territory controlled by his gov- Army general Khalifa Haftar, aircraft guns at a protest sup- also took part, Cairo called for June after militias, among them external intervention in Libya ernment in the CBC interview, who merged his forces with the porting the army and Haftar. international intervention against Islamists, seized Tripoli and other and we fully support the ongoing noting that any outstanding bills army in the east to fight Islamist Nobody was hurt but three IS but that appeal was met with main cities. Some militias have political dialogue process under would be paid. militants, is seen as a potential nearby buildings were hit, a reticence by world powers. pledged allegiance to IS, but the U.N. mediation.” “We don’t say we are hostile to rival to Thinni. While the alliance reporter at the scene said. But Thinni yesterday made it main ones, including the Islamist- Turkey is one of a handful of Turkey but we say we don’t deal has enabled them to win back ter- The protesters had demanded clear that his government and backed Fajr Libya coalition that countries which has publicly with it,” he said. ritory, Haftar has been criticised classifying the Muslim Egypt would act on their own if backs a rival government in received officials from the Tripoli Critics of Ankara say its Libya for air strikes on civilian airports. Brotherhood as a “terrorist” need be, and reiterated a call for Tripoli and has been involved in government and parliament. policy is an extension of a pro- On Wednesday, a spokesman organisation, like in Egypt. his government to be supplied the peace talks, have not done so. Thinni’s government said this Islamist agenda which has already for Thinni’s parliament said The Brotherhood has a with arms. REUTERS/AFP

Bomb kills one in Mogadishu Syria expels 3 UN aid workers Assad has no role in future

BEIRUT: The Syrian govern- ment has expelled three United Nations aid workers, in a move of Syria: Britain, France that will harm attempts to deliver relief around the war- LONDON: Syrian leader Syria. We need a partner in Syria as part of the solution to the torn country, UN agencies said Bashar Al Assad cannot “cred- to work with against the extrem- conflict. “Proposing Assad as a yesterday. ibly” be part of any future gov- ists and this means a political solution to the extremists is to Damascus denies it blocks aid. ernment combating the threat settlement agreed between the misunderstand the causes of the Syrian officials could not imme- from the Islamic State (IS) Syrian parties leading to a unity extremism,” it said. diately be reached to comment on group in the country, Britain government in Syria,” the edito- IS jihadists have taken swathes the cases. The expulsions come at and France said yesterday. rial said. of territory in Syria and Iraq, a sensitive time, with UN media- Assad is “stoking injustice, dis- “It is clear to us that Assad prompting an international coa- tor Staffan de Mistura arriving on order and extremism” in Syria, could not credibly be part of any lition led by the US to launch air Saturday to discuss his proposal for British Foreign Secretary Philip such administration.” strikes on selected targets from the Syrian government to suspend Hammond and his French coun- One of a group of French last year onwards. its bombardment of the northern terpart Laurent Fabius wrote in a lawmakers who met Assad in UN peace envoy Staffan de city of Aleppo for six weeks. joint editorial published by news- Damascus on a much-criticised Mistura is travelling to Syria on “We are extremely concerned papers Le Monde and Al Hayat. private trip said Friday that the Saturday to hold talks on a plan that two OCHA staff, doing essen- They claimed that Assad is Syrian leader “expected to no to halt fighting in the key north- tial work with opposition parties seeking to rehabilitate his public longer remain isolated in the face ern city of Aleppo. on the ground to secure access for image despite a conflict in Syria of the terrorist threat”. He told the UN Security the delivery of urgently-needed which has lasted nearly four That visit has been strongly Council last week that the Syrian humanitarian supplies, have been years, killed at least 210,000 peo- condemned by French President regime was willing to suspend asked to leave the country with- ple and displaced nearly 12 million Francois Hollande and Prime air raids for six weeks in Aleppo, out any reason given,” said Jens others. Minister Manuel Valls. which is divided into regime and Residents looking at the wreckage of a car that exploded from a bomb Laerke, spokesman for the U.N. “For our own national security, The editorial added that most rebel-held areas. planted in it, killing one person and injuring two others, in Somalia’s Office for the Coordination of we have to defeat ISIL (IS) in Syrians would not accept Assad AFP capital Mogadishu yesterday. Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). He described the two as “essen- tial field officers”. Laerke did not say when they had been asked to leave or whether they had already Iran blocks website for reporting on reformist ex-president left. Simon Ingram, a spokesman for the UN Children’s Fund, said a senior Unicef staff member TEHRAN: Iran blocked a ir, was also blocked Friday but was were banned from publishing infor- leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and the rise of Hassan Rouhani, they had also been told to leave Syria, website yesterday for publish- later authorised to resume publi- mation, including pictures, about Mehdi Karroubi that the vote have made a comeback in politics. within a week. The staff member ing reports about and pictures cation after its director agreed to “heads of sedition”, a reference to was rigged. The two men, who In January, they held their first had been working in Aleppo on of former reformist president respect orders from the judiciary, protests claiming that the 2009 re- ran against Ahmadinejad in 2009, public meeting since 2009, amid delivery of humanitarian assist- Mohammad Khatami despite Irna reported. Jamaran.ir is close election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have been under house arrest since efforts to wrest back control of ance to children, he said. “This a judicial ban, state-run Irna to Hassan Khomeini, grandson of was fraudulent. February 2011, and Khatami has the conservative-dominated par- news is of great concern, given news agency said yesterday. the Islamic republic’s late founder, Khatami served from 1997 to repeatedly called for their release. liament in next year’s general the extremely difficult situa- The agency, quoting a judicial Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. 2005 and his double tenure was Reformists were almost wiped out election. Khatami did not attend tion for children in Aleppo amid source, said the Tehran prosecu- Both sites have published reports marked by bids to open up Iran to in the ranks of parliament in March but reportedly sent a message of the continuing violence there.” tor’s office “demanded the filter- and pictures about Khatami in the West. He refused to recognise 2012 after boycotting polls because support, calling on reformists to REUTERS ing” of Baharnews.ir because of recent days. Newspapers have said Ahmadinejad’s re-election, echo- of the repression of protests over close ranks ahead of the 2016 elec- the posts. A second site, Jamaran. judicial authorities told media they ing claims by reformist opposition Ahmadinejad’s re-election. But since tion. AFP Car bomb kills 11 near Damascus Water crisis feared BEIRUT: Eleven people were Iran, six powers to hold N-talks killed yesterday in a car bomb blast in a rebel-held area out- side the Syrian capital, while in Switzerland on March 5 seven people died in regime air raids, a monitor said. BRUSSELS: Senior officials from Iran and six powers negotiat- The Syrian Observatory for ing with Tehran over its nuclear programme will hold more talks Human Rights said the toll from in Montreux, Switzerland, on March 5, the European Union said the bomb blast, which occurred yesterday. near a mosque in the town of The talks between political directors will be preceded by a series Dmeir, was expected to rise of bilateral meetings between Iran and some of the six powers — the because of the number of people United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany — starting seriously wounded. on Monday, March 2. The Britain-based monitor said “The EU is making every effort to facilitate the negotiations: we a woman and a child were among cannot miss the opportunity of a good agreement,” EU foreign policy those killed in the government air chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement. strikes on the Marj region else- The US State Department announced on Thursday that US where in Eastern Ghouta, a key Secretary of State John Kerry would meet with Iranian nuclear nego- rebel bastion outside Damascus. tiators in Montreux next week. Regime forces have besieged The six powers are seeking to negotiate an agreement with Tehran Eastern Ghouta for more than to address concerns that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons technology, 18 months, carrying out daily An Iranian man drinks water from a mountain spring at the Albroz mountain in the village of Afjeh, northern Iran, something it denies. Negotiators hope to meet a self-imposed March bombardment in a bid to dislodge yesterday. Reports say lack of rain and snow has increased the chances of a looming water crisis in the country. 31 deadline for an initial political deal. rebels. AFP REUTERS SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 EUROPE / AMERICAS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 US-Cuba talks Ukraine troop deaths shake truce to normalise Three soldiers killed, seven injured ties resume KIEV: International monitors responsibility, and humanity shall WASHINGTON: The United said yesterday the conflict in prevail and we may be able to walk States rebuffed a Cuban demand Ukraine was at a “crossroads” on the road to peace,” envoy Heidi to be taken off the US list of as further losses among govern- Tagliavani told the 15-member state sponsors of terror yes- ment forces rattled a two-week- council. terday as they opened a second old truce just as it seemed to be The Security Council’s meeting round of historic talks to restore gaining traction. on the conflict came a year to the long severed diplomatic ties. The deaths of three Ukrainian day after Russian and pro-Moscow US Secretary of State John soldiers after a two-day lull in forces began occupying strategic Kerry said the terror designa- clashes with pro-Russian separa- sites on the Black Sea peninsula tion, in place since 1982, would be tists highlighted the fragility of the of Crimea. reviewed separately but was not a ceasefire. Russia formally annexed the matter for negotiation. The envoy to Ukraine for the territory in March 2014, trigger- “The state sponsored terrorism Organisation for Security and ing an international furore. The designation is a separate process, Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), uprising in Ukraine’s east, which it is not a negotiation,” he said. which is monitoring the peace has claimed at least 5,800 lives, “And that evaluation will be deal, told the UN Security Council began the following month. made appropriately and noth- that while there were encourag- Ukrainian military spokesman ing will be done with respect to ing signs, the country still risked Andriy Lysenko said yesterday the list until the evaluation is all-out war. that three soldiers were killed and completed.” “We seem to be at the cross- seven injured in the past 24 hours. A top Cuban foreign minis- roads, where we are facing the No fatalities had been reported try official, Gustavo Machin, had risk of a further escalation of the over the previous two days, rais- argued before the start of the lat- conflict or where common sense, ing hopes that the February 12 est round of talks that the terror designation was in “contradiction” Ukrainian troops move in a column with artillery as the withdrawal of heavy weapons continues near Vasiukovka with full diplomatic relations. Spaniards held for fighting in Ukraine village, not far from Artyomovsk, in the Donetsk region. The issue has practical as well as symbolic importance to the MADRID: Police arrested eight Spanish men who returned ceasefire brokered by Germany ground, however, said that while threat from the east will unfortu- Cubans because the designation from fighting alongside pro-Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, and France might hold. they had seen weapon movements nately remain.” complicates its access to the global in what they said was the first operation of its kind in Europe. Kiev said that, while fight- on both sides it was too early to Ukraine and Russia con- banking system. Officers detained the suspects in six regions across Spain after ing had halted along most of the confirm that a full withdrawal was firmed that they would attend Yesterday’s talks at the State they returned from predominantly Russian-speaking eastern frontline, there were still clashes taking place. EU-brokered talks in Brussels on Department are only the second Ukraine, the interior ministry said in a statement. in villages around the ruins of Ukrainian President Petro Monday to try to resolve a dispute since President Barack Obama They had gone to Ukraine last year where they joined pro-Russian Donetsk airport, one of the most Poroshenko cautioned yesterday related to Moscow’s move to start and Cuba’s President Fidel Castro groups fighting for independence in the Luhansk and Donetsk fought-over prizes in the conflict, that the withdrawal was “just a direct gas supplies to rebel-held surprised the world in December regions, the statement added. which fell to the rebels last month. first, test step”. areas. with their decision to restore ties The Spaniards belonged to the far-left and were inspired by the Both sides, however, said they “At any moment our soldiers Moscow last year cut off gas after more than a half century of International Brigades, the multinational volunteer forces that were continuing to withdraw are ready to return our weapons deliveries to Ukraine before turn- Cold War enmity. fought against Francisco Franco’s uprising during the Spanish heavy weapons from along the to their previous positions and ing the taps back on in December The hope is that within the Civil War in the 1930s. frontline, a key part of the plan rebuff the enemy,” he told a group after making cash-strapped Kiev coming months, both nations will They are suspected of being accomplices in killings allegedly car- to end ten months of bloodshed. of soldiers. pay in advance for its supplies. agree to reopen embassies in each ried out by pro-Russian groups, and of possessing arms. Kiev said on Thursday that it Even if the peace held, Russia Now, Russian state-owned gas other’s capitals and appoint full- “Their activities can be considered offences that compromise had started withdrawing 100-mm would continue to threaten giant Gazprom is saying that fledged ambassadors. Currently Spain’s peace or independence, as Spaniards who, while taking cannons, while the rebels claim Ukraine, he said. Ukraine has only paid enough to they operate through so-called part in an armed conflict, violate the neutrality Spain must keep in they had nearly completed their “Even if there is a lengthy truce cover gas supplies to the end of interests sections in Havana and relation to the international community,” the statement said. AFP pull-back. that leads to a political solution the week. Washington. Monitors from the OSCE on the and long-term peace, the military AFP AFP

Copenhagen gunman’s brother held

STOCKHOLM: Danish police said they yesterday arrested a Argentina govt to purge disloyal spies third alleged accomplice in the Copenhagen shootings who was identified by the media as the gunman’s brother. BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s of a six week-long political storm “Many people are going to be to the new Federal Intelligence The suspect is “charged with complicity in the perpetrator’s government will purge spies it following the death of state pros- fired. There is going to be a seri- Agency, or AFI. actions” and will appear before a judge today for a custody hearing, no longer trusts from the state ecutor Alberto Nisman, who had ous review,” said one senior offi- But legal experts have described police said in a statement. intelligence agency as part of accused Fernandez of trying to cial who spoke on condition of the law’s wording as loose and offi- The man was identified by public broadcaster DR as the 18-year- a major overhaul of the secu- cover up Iran’s alleged role in the anonymity because of the sensi- cials close to the presidency said old brother of gunman Omar El Hussein, who killed two people in rity body, sources familiar with 1994 bombing of a Jewish com- tivity of the issue. agents could be “retired” during twin attacks in the Danish capital this month. embattled President Cristina munity center in Buenos Aires. “The idea is to get rid of all a 90-day window the legislation Two other men were arrested in the immediate aftermath of the Fernandez’s thinking said. Fernandez and her ministers those who the state can’t trust allows for the creation of the AFI. February 14-15 shootings, accused of aiding the attacker and have The move comes after lawmak- say rogue agents duped Nisman or who work for other agencies The Nisman scandal laid bare been remanded in custody until March 26. ers passed a law on Thursday dis- into fabricating unfounded alle- as well,” the source said, referring both a power struggle within banding the former Intelligence gations against her in order to to the US Central Intelligence the SI and a festering conflict Germany unblocks Greek bailout Secretariat, or SI, parts of which destabilize the government, and Agency and Israel’s Mossad. between the government and fac- BERLIN: German lawmakers approved a hard-won bailout Fernandez has portrayed as sinis- then needed him dead. Fernandez The legislation approved on tions within the security body. extension for Greece yesterday in a move Germany’s finance ter and out of control, and estab- branded Nisman’s accusations as Thursday includes a clause which Fernandez has portrayed parts chief called “not easy” but necessary, lifting the last hurdle to lished a new agency. “absurd” and on Thursday a judge says “all personnel and property” of the agency as accountable to no keeping a crucial lifeline open to Athens. The SI has been at the center threw out the case. will be transferred from the SI one. REUTERS Greece’s left-wing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras welcomed the German vote as “a political act of common sense and democracy”, pledged to get to work on reforms, and suggested it was a victory for his anti-austerity cause. Suspended reality He promised that now his month-old government would “start working hard, in order to change Greece within a Europe that US, Liberia start changes direction”. The extension won overwhelming support in the lower house, Ebola drug trial where Chancellor Angela Merkel’s left-right coalition has a com- manding majority. CHICAGO: US and Liberian researchers have started a Mexico captures drug kingpin clinical trial to test the safety and effectiveness of Mapp MEXICO CITY: Mexico has captured the most wanted drug lord Biopharmaceutical Inc’s Ebola in the country, Servando “La Tuta” Gomez, police said yesterday, drug ZMapp, an experimental delivering a boost to a government battered by gang violence. treatment that has been tried in The 49-year-old former teacher was the prime target of President a handful of Ebola patients. Enrique Pena Nieto’s effort to regain control of Michoacan, a western The trial, a joint effort by the state wracked by clashes between Gomez’s Knights Templar cartel Liberian government and the and armed vigilantes trying to oust them. National Institute of Allergy and After months of intelligence work, federal police captured Gomez Infectious Diseases (NIAID), will and some people with him at a house in the Michoacan state capital be conducted in Liberia and the of Morelia, police said. No shots were fired. United States among adults and Last week, police seized many properties in the area and arrested children infected with Ebola, a handful of people connected to Gomez. Local media reported that NIAID said yesterday. those busts had led to his arrest. Although ZMapp has been used on a humanitarian basis in Nine dead in Missouri mass murder nine infected patients, there was no way to tell whether the treat- WASHINGTON: Nine people are dead following a mass murder ment offered a statistically signifi- in rural Missouri in which the suspected gunman took his own cant benefit, Dr Anthony Fauci, life, police in the Midwestern state said yesterday. director of the NIAID, said in a With an investigation still underway, it appeared that seven people statement. were shot and killed in four different residences in the small Bible Fauci said the randomized trial Belt town of Tyrone. should provide the necessary sci- An eighth person, described as an elderly woman, was found dead entific evidence. in a fifth house, apparently “from natural causes,” the Missouri State Chilean illusionist Nicolas Luisetti performs next to a huge glue stick dummy in Santiago, Chile, yesterday. REUTERS Highway Patrol said. Luisetti intended to remain suspended for 60 minutes. “The apparent suspect, a 36-year-old male from Tyrone, was found dead in a vehicle... in (neighbouring) Shannon County from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound,” a police spokesman said. Star Trek’s ‘Mr Spock,’ dies at 83

British TV shows ‘Jihadi John’ as student LOS ANGELES: Leonard Nimoy, who won fame and fans with his portrayal of logic-bound, half-alien Mr Spock in the “Star LONDON: British television a black cap with a logo that resem- Two US government sources The document obtained by Trek” TV series and movies, died yesterday. He was 83. broadcast the first picture of bled the P from the Pittsburgh have said that Emwazi is Jihadi Sky News also showed that Nimoy, who had battled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Mohammed Emwazi as a stu- Pirates US Major League Baseball John, the black-clad militant seen Emwazi had completed a degree died in the morning at his home in Los Angeles’ Bel Air section, his dent yesterday, showing the man team, which it said was stored by brandishing a knife and speaking in Information Systems with agent, Bob Gersh, said in a statement. identified as the Islamic State the University of Westminster, with an English accent in videos Business Management. “We return you now to the stars, Leonard,” fellow “Star Trek” “Jihadi John” killer with a mous- where he studied. released by Islamic State (IS). A spokeswoman for the cast member George Takei wrote on Facebook. tache and goatee beard wearing British media had previ- He appeared on the short vid- University of Westminster said it Nimoy had struggled with a love-hate relationship with the role of a large baseball cap. ously only published a picture of eos in which hostages including was investigating how the infor- Mr Spock — the half-human, half-Vulcan first officer on the starship Sky News broadcast a photo- Kuwaiti-born Emwazi as a smiling Americans, Britons and Syrians mation had been obtained. Enterprise — but came to accept its part in his life. AGENCIES graph of the 26-year-old wearing schoolboy. were decapitated. REUTERS SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / AFRICA Thousands protest in Maldives against Nasheed’s arrest MALE: Thousands of support- his sacking of one of the islands’ country’s first democratically prosecute Nasheed was politically rally in the one square-mile Male, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. ers of former Maldives president top judges to the time he was elected leader. motivated. where police use pepper spray and After his toppling, Nasheed was Mohamed Nasheed marched president. He was arrested on Sunday and “The rally is to pressure the batons. initially prosecuted on charges in the honeymoon islands’ tiny “Stop brutality,” said a placard charged with terrorism over the government to release president Nasheed resigned as the of abuse of power and arbitrary capital Male yesterday to pro- carried by a Nasheed supporter detention of criminal court judge Nasheed,” MDP spokeswoman Maldives’ leader in February arrest. test his detention on terror wearing yellow, the colour of Abdullah Mohamed in 2012, when Shauna Aminath said. “The 2012 after a mutiny by police The case against Nasheed had charges, which sparked inter- his Maldivian Democratic Party he was still president. authorities have tried to scare and troops that followed weeks been making little progress and national condemnation. (MDP). The United States and regional away people, but they failed.” of protests over the arrest of the the charges were in fact dropped Although the rally was not Others carried red and green power India have voiced concern There was no immediate com- criminal court judge Mohamed on earlier this month. The decision scheduled to start until the Maldivian flags as they marched over the charges, which carry ment from the Maldivian police. corruption allegations. to up the ante by slapping him evening, crowds began streaming to a meeting venue while police in a jail sentence of more than 10 The opposition has held regular A former political prisoner, with terror charges on Sunday onto Male from early yesterday, full riot gear deployed in the area. years, and the manner in which night-time rallies for the last year Nasheed denies any wrongdoing caught observers off guard. fuelled by news that Nasheed had Supporters of the Jumhooree Nasheed was dragged roughly to protest what they call growing in the dramatic events of 2012 He has been refused bail and been given just three days to pre- Party, former ally of President into court on Monday and denied authoritarianism, which has dam- which he has characterised as a ordered to remain in police cus- pare his defence during his latest Abdulla Yameen, also joined the both legal access and medical aged the atoll nation’s image as a coup. tody until the conclusion of a trial court appearance. opposition rally to express soli- treatment. tourist paradise. Nasheed tried to stage a come- that his party says will not be fair. His lawyers also said Nasheed darity with their one-time rival The dramatic arrest came Former colonial power Britain back in the 2013 presidential The MDP said independent had been denied access to his Nasheed. amid growing opposition to Friday said it was closely follow- election, winning the first round observers including a Western defence team as he was brought “We are with you sir,” said a the government of President ing the developments after urging before losing in a controversial diplomat had been denied access before the court on Thursday placard which had a photo of Yameen, whose spokesman on its citizens to remain vigilant and run-off to Yameen who is the to Thursday’s hearing. on charges which date back to the 47-year-old Nasheed, the Tuesday denied that the move to avoid large crowds ahead of the half-brother of former strongman AFP

Hong Kong Hollande sounds woman given six years in jail climate alarm for maid abuse HONG KONG: A Hong Kong woman was jailed for six years yesterday for beating and starv- in Philippines ing her Indonesian maid and keeping her prisoner, as the judge called for action over laws which leave domestic workers French president meets typhoon victims exposed to abuse. But while victim Erwiana GUIUAN, Philippines: French 15 months ago with the strongest Sulistyaningsih said she was President Francois Hollande winds ever recorded on land. happy and “appreciated” the met survivors of one of the Haiyan then swept across judgement, she felt that six years world’s strongest typhoons in a already deeply impoverished was not long enough. remote Philippine coastal town farming and fishing communities “I’m still not satisfied with six yesterday, seeking to sound a of the central Philippines, leaving years’ imprisonment, because of global alarm on climate change more than 7,350 dead or missing what she has done to me, and ahead of a crucial UN summit. in the world’s deadliest natural to my fellow domestic workers,” Hollande is on a two-day trip to disaster of 2013. Sulistyaningsih told reporters. the Southeast Asian archipelago, The Philippines endures about Law Wan-tung — who had regarded as a frontline state in the 20 major storms or typhoons faced a maximum sentence of struggle against global warming, every year but scientists say they seven years — “showed no com- as part of his campaign to build are getting stronger and more French President Francois Hollande (top right) speaks during a meeting with fishermen and civil society passion” to Sulistyaningsih and diplomatic momentum ahead of unpredictable because of climate representatives during a visit in Guiuan yesterday. other domestic staff, said judge the Paris summit in December. change, and that this will likely Amanda Woodcock in handing The French president is deter- mean more Haiyan-like disasters. before. We are happy and hon- Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch as a model in the lead-up to Paris down the sentence. mined to broker an historic pact In Guiuan, Hollande met fisher- oured that he visited our town,” Bartholomew I, travelled with for rich and poor nations, whose Law saw them as “people that in Paris to save the world from men who lost their homes during Bisaya said from his cramped him to Guiuan. divisions led to a similar effort at are beneath her”, said Woodcock. catastrophic impacts of climate Haiyan, walked past the remains home made entirely out of tar- In a joint appeal for cli- a UN summit in Copenhagen in “It is regrettable that this con- change, and he went to the storm- of a destroyed church and spoke paulin that he shares with eight mate change action in Manila 2009 ending in disarray. duct is not rare and sadly is often battered Philippines to highlight at an elementary school with a other family members. on Thursday, Hollande and The goal of the planned dealt with in the criminal courts,” those feared consequences. roof still missing after being torn “Life has been tough since Philippine President Aquino Paris pact, which must enter she added. “My visit is not only as presi- off during the typhoon. Yolanda (Haiyan). We have not emphasised that Filipinos had into force by 2020, is to limit The judge called for an inves- dent of the Republic of France, “I’m here with you, in Guiuan, fully recovered. It can get really “endured an unprecedented series warming to two degrees Celsius tigation by Hong Kong and but also as a member of the inter- to show the entire world the dev- hot inside this house and we sleep of extreme weather events in the over pre-Industrial Revolution Indonesian authorities into national community which is astation from the typhoon you packed like sardines.” last few years”. levels. employment agencies that charge mobilising to succeed at the Paris have suffered,” he said. Hollande, the first French head The main message in their Scientists warn that on cur- domestic workers huge fees which summit,” Hollande said in Guiuan Forty-year-old fisherman Jessie of state to visit the Philippines, appeal was for world leaders to rent trends, Earth is on track are then deducted from their in the far east of the Philippines. Bisaya said he was awestruck brought a high-profile delega- secure a “universal, equitable and for double that or more—a recipe salaries. The small fishing community of when Hollande shook his hand tion with him, including French ambitious climate deal” in Paris to for catastrophic droughts, fiercer Of Sulistyaningsih’s treatment, Guiuan was one of the first towns next to a seaside row of shanties actresses Marion Cotillard and contain climate change. storms like Haiyan and other she said: “She was given little rest, hit when Super Typhoon Haiyan where he lives. Melanie Laurent. Hollande presented the appeal extreme weather events. sleep and nutrition which left her roared in from the Pacific Ocean “I’ve never seen a foreign leader The Hollywood stars, as well as as a show of unity that could serve AFP a shadow of her former self.” More Hong Kong students back US flies advanced spy plane over disputed sea: Officials independence HONG KONG: A growing MANILA: The United States South China Sea that are close to the flight was meant to “increase plane, the statement said. Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, number of Hong Kong students has flown its most advanced the Philippine coastline. understanding and showcase the The Poseidon logged 180 flight and Taiwan also have competing support independence for the surveillance plane from a mili- “The objective is to patrol the capabilities” of what it said was hours while in the Philippines, claims to parts of the sea. former British colony, amid tary base in the Philippines over South China Sea, to ensure free- its most advanced, long-range, from February 1 to 21, according The rivalries have for decades sliding confidence in the “one flashpoint areas of the South dom of navigation,” Philippine anti-submarine, anti-surface war- to the statement. made the sea a potential military country, two systems” formula China Sea, Filipino authorities military spokesman Colonel fare and surveillance aircraft. It gave no further details flashpoint, and tensions have under which the city is gov- said yesterday. Restituto Padilla told reporters “Sharing this aircraft’s capa- about the flights, except for the risen significantly in recent years erned, an online poll by a uni- With Filipino soldiers on board, as he discussed the flight. bilities with our allies only single flight referred to by the as China has sought to expand its versity magazine showed. the US Navy flew the P-8A Philippine Navy spokesman strengthens our bonds,” US Philippine military of the coast presence in the region. The findings come a month Poseidon from a former American Commander Lued Lincuna said Navy Lieutenant Matthew Pool, of Luzon island, which faces the China has ramped up construc- after Hong Kong’s embattled airbase about 80km north of the flight was a “familiarisation Combat Air Crew 4 patrol plane South China Sea from its western tion on reefs and islets, deployed leader Leung Chun-ying warned Manila and over the disputed sea trip”. “They showed to us the sur- commander, said in the statement. coast. more patrol vessels and taken against the rise of separatism, on February 17, they said. veillance capability of their air- The Poseidon is “significantly China claims almost the entire control of a shoal within the after parts of the city were par- The Philippines is in the midst craft, something that we do not quieter” and requires less main- South China Sea, which holds Philippines’ exclusive economic alysed last year by more than of a bitter row with China over have,” Lincuna said. tenance compared with the major sea lanes and is believed to zone. two months of pro-democracy competing claims to parts of the A US Navy statement also said older P-3 Orion surveillance contain vast oil and gas reserves. AFP protests. About 28 percent of 569 stu- dents polled by Undergrad, a student union magazine of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), supported independence, up from Bangla activists protest 15 percent in a similar poll early last year. Some 53 percent of respond- against blogger’s murder ents favoured the “one country, two systems” formula as the best political structure for Hong Kong, DHAKA: Hundreds of protest- militants”, the head of the down from 68 percent in early ers rallied in Dhaka yesterday Bangladesh bloggers’ association 2014, according to the poll, done to denounce the murder of a said the protests would continue between Jan. 24 and Feb. 5. prominent American blogger of until those responsible were Bangladeshi origin hacked to apprehended. 6.9 quake strikes death with machetes after he “Avijit’s killing once again allegedly received threats from proved that there is a culture of off Indonesia Islamists. impunity in the country,” Imran The demonstrators — includ- Sarker said at the rally. “The DENPASAR, Indonesia: ing teachers, publishers and government must arrest the kill- A magnitude 6.9 earthquake fellow writers — met near the ers in 24 hours or face non-stop struck 182km northeast of Ende, spot where Avijit Roy, founder protests.” Indonesia, at a depth of 562 km, of Mukto-Mona (Free-mind) No one has yet claimed respon- yesterday, the US Geological blog, was attacked by unknown sibility for the vicious attack, Survey said, but there were no assailants as he returned home which also seriously wounded the reports of significant damage. from a book fair with his wife on 44-year-old’s wife and has shocked There was no threat of a tsu- Thursday evening. many in a country already reel- nami, according to the National As they chanted slogans ing from weeks of violent political Oceanic and Atmospheric Bangladeshi activists take part in a torch-lit protest against the killing of US blogger of Bangladeshi origin and including “we want justice” protest. Administration. founder of the Mukto-Mona blog site Avijit Roy in Dhaka yesterday. and “raise your voice against AFP AGENCIES SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Kerry refuses Aid for avalanche victims to withhold aid to Pakistan US budget proposes $900m in aid

ISLAMABAD: United States “Are we going to hold back Secretary of State John Kerry any of that 500 million until they has refused to use aid as a let Dr Afridi go?” Rohrabacher weapon to persuade Pakistan to asked. release Dr Shakil Afridi, a per- “Are we what?” asked Secretary son that helped the US agencies Kerry. to trace Al Qaeda Chief Osama “Are we going to withhold any Bin Laden. of the aid, that $500m, that we’re Secretary Kerry appeared proposing until they let Dr Afridi before the House Foreign Affairs go?” the congressman asked again. Committee on Wednesday after- “Well, we’re not doing noon to formally present the that,” said Secretary Kerry as administration’s budget request Rohrabacher argued that this for fiscal 2016. would send a wrong message to The US State Department’s US allies around the word if “we budget proposal includes about let (Dr Afridi) die a lingering $900m for Pakistan, out of which death”. $500m is for countering terror- Secretary Kerry said that he ism. Congress must approve the had raised this issue formally budget before it is spent. with former president Zadari and Dana Rohrabacher, a lawmaker Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, from California who was a strong informing them that Dr Afridi’s supporter of Pakistan during the incarceration was “unjust, unwar- An Afghan army helicopter delivers aid for the victims of the avalanche in the Dashtak district of the Panjshir valley, Afghanistan, yesterday. According Afghan war raised the issue of Dr ranted, unfair, (and) counter- to local officials rescue teams restarted operations to find the victims of avalanches following the discovery of four more bodies yesterday. Afridi’s continued incarceration productive to our efforts” to fight in Pakistan during the budget extremists. debate. “We’ve made the case. Are we He noted that the man who going to withhold the support, helped America find Osama bin Secretary?” Rohrabacher asked. Laden was still in jail in Pakistan. “We believe the best way to Study on Afghan transit facility misuse “We have left (this) most try to solve this problem is to heroic person Dr Afridi, who do this through the diplomatic KARACHI: Tax authorities in countries and weak enforcement transit goods is causing Rs50bn losses imports through Afghanistan helped us bring to justice the man channels, through regular com- Pakistan have begun a study to of law at borders.” “The size of to the national exchequer annually. It after the implementation vehicles’ who (planned) the slaughter of munication, direct and high-level ascertain the economic impact informal trade between the two is also estimated that at least 200 to tracking system,” the official said. 3,000 Americans on 9/11 sitting in engagement, which has a chance on the country caused by the countries is $2.5bn; in other words 250 trucks cross over every day from “Secondly, after the Salalah a dungeon in Pakistan,” said the of being successful,” Secretary misuse of Transit Trade facility equal to the size of formal trade, Afghanistan into Pakistan, loaded Check post incidence, smugglers congressman. Kerry replied. to neighbouring Afghanistan, the joint chamber said. “It is not with smuggled goods. have also started using the port Rohrabacher said that he “That’s where we disagree, officials said yesterday. possible to provide any breakdown “Pakistan’s share in APTTA of Bandar Abbas for importing raised this issue last year as well Secretary,” said the congressman. “Yes, we are going to unveil a of the informal trade of $2.5bn has been reducing as the number goods into Afghanistan, which when Secretary Kerry appeared “This matter can be solved study to ascertain exact losses into smuggling of transit goods of containers in transit trade via are then brought into Pakistan.” before the panel to present a simi- through repeated talks and diplo- being faced by the country’s and informal bilateral trade.” Chaman saw a decline of 20-30 The OICCI proposed some steps lar budget and yet the adminis- macy,” explained Kerry. economy because of smuggling The Afghanistan Pakistan per cent over the past four years,” to reduce the misuse of the APTTA, tration failed to secure Dr Afridi’s Congressman Brad Sherman, (through Afgan Transit trade) in Transit Trade Agreement was said a Customs clearing agent. include: agreeing quantitative limits release. the ranking Democrat on the the next few days,” Nisar Khan, renewed in October 2010 for five However, an official of the based on genuine Afghan needs and “He’s been sitting there the House Subcommittee on Asia, Member Customs said. years. The APTTA will automati- Overseas Investors Chamber of the size of its population, harmoniz- whole year. And yet, the admin- reminded Secretary Kerry Pakistan Afghanistan Joint cally renew for a further period Commerce and Industry (OICCI) ing duty and tax rates to remove istration is still planning to give that the House Foreign Affairs Chamber of Commerce and of five years thereafter subject said in the last few months illegal the incentive to evade the legal more than $500m in aid to the Committee had voted several Industry earlier said informal to such modification as may be imports through Pakistan have levies, and establishing a basis of government that’s basically com- years ago to spend $1.5 million a trade between the two countries agreed upon unless terminated by been reduced, consequentially collecting this at the point of entry mitted the ultimate hostile act year to start a Sindhi service at has been “thriving due to flawed either contracting party. reducing misuse of APTTA. into Pakistan for the account of the and slap in our face by putting VOA but it had not yet happened. economic policy specifically the A business advocating organi- “The reason for above is the Afghanistan government. Dr Afridi in jail,” he observed. INTERNEWS duty differentials between the sation estimates smuggling of the increase of cost of doing illegal INTERNEWS

Suspects in massacre of 40 percent of Islamabad police deployed for VIP security ISLAMABAD: Around 40 per- being charged for this facility allocated for the watch and ward. all provinces in addition to the VVIPs and VIPs.” 10 climbers cent of police force in Pakistan’s please,” reads the reply of AIG Again, this is largely spent on Islamabad Police and interior Those assigned police escort federal capital of Islamabad is (Establishment) Islamabad Police. VIPs security and the police sta- ministry demanding answers include president, prime minister, deputed for the VIP security He refused to name the VIPs tion generally operates on pay- to seven questions relating the diplomats, distinguished individu- escape jail and none of the dignitaries is availing police escort. as-you-go style meeting fuel and security details assigned to VIPs, als as well as judges of superior charged for the police guards Islamabad police have a total vehicle requirements from the number of police strength. courts, according to AIG Police. ISLAMABAD: Two Pakistani assigned on their security, said strength of 10,332 officers and citizens, according to the officials. Only the Islamabad Police The special security division is militant suspects facing trial the police responding to a Right personnel but 39 percent of them There is no concept of budget have responded so far, however, headed by an SSP-rank officer for the massacre of 10 foreign to Information request. (3677) have been deployed on allocation police station-wise after the intervention of Federal and comprises of five SPs, 12 climbers two years ago escaped While VIPs are not charged for VIP security leaving behind 6,655 and it is controlled at top level Ombudsman Secretariat as Syed DSPs, 41 inspectors, 144 sub- from jail yesterday, an official the police guards, citizens private policemen to take care of two mil- and trickles down at the discre- Anwar Mehmood, honorary sen- inspectors, 264 ASIs, 517 head said. security guards for their protec- lion populations meaning thereby tion of the high ups. If 2014-15 ior advisor to the Ombudsman constables and 2,693 constables, The 2013 killing of the climb- tion as police major concern is one police official for 300 citizens. budget for Islamabad police is directed them to answer. making a total of 3,677 (38.77per- ers and their local guide in a pre- protecting the high and mighty As there is no consensus on any guide, 91.42 per cent is for As many as 3,677 policemen cent) of Islamabad police force. dawn attack on their base camp deviating from their basic duty. holding census as yet thus no paying the pay and pension etc have been allocated for special Nevertheless, there is a short- on Nanga Parbat, the ninth high- “As per Police Act 1861, addi- official figure available, Islamabad whereas only seven per cent has security division that is also age of 1370 officers and personnel est mountain in the world, dealt a tional police force can be provided population is estimated to have been earmarked for the operating responsible for guarding key as the sanctioned strength of the severe blow to Pakistan’s moun- to the individual on payment by crossed beyond two million. A expenses. installations in addition to “the special security division is 5047. taineering tourism industry. individuals. However, no one is meagre amount of budget is RTI requests were sent to provision of security guards to INTERNEWS Two other prisoners were shot and killed in the jailbreak in northern Gilgit agency early yesterday morning, said Sultan Water tourism Faisal, the prison’s deputy inspec- tor general. The four had dug a Nationality for foreigners tunnel from their barracks to the wall of the prison, another jail official said on condition of ano- nymity because he is not author- policy under review ised to talk to the media. The two who escaped were ISLAMABAD: A committee 372 suspected employees of among about a dozen suspected of Pakistan Senate (the upper the National Database and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi militants house) was informed yester- Registration Authority (Nadra) jailed while on trial for the day that the policy to grant for issuing computerised national Nanga Parbat massacre, Faisal Pakistani nationality to for- identity cards (CNICs) to Afghan said, adding that two jail officials eigners was under review and nationals. had been suspended pending an that applications based on mar- The committee was told that investigation. riage were not being processed the Inter-Services Intelligence Victims of the mountain for the time being. (ISI) had forwarded a list of 1,772 assault included climbers from Interior Ministry’s Additional CNICs issued to Afghan nation- China, Lithuania, Nepal, Slovakia, Secretary Fazal Abbas Maken told als, along with names of 29 Nadra Ukraine and one person with the Senate Standing Committee employees who were allegedly joint US-Chinese citizenship. One on Interior that the policy had involved in the scam. Chinese climber escaped. been misused by some Indians and A preliminary scrutiny, how- The Pakistani Taliban origi- Afghans and cases would not be ever, revealed that CNICs of even nally claimed responsibility for processed until a new policy was some genuine citizens had been the slaughter by gunmen dressed formulated. included in the list and a decision as police officers, but most of Under the Pakistan Citizenship had been taken to carry out the those arrested allegedly belong Act, 1951, foreign women married necessary verification exercise by to Lashkar-e-Jhangi. to Pakistani men are entitled to the regional offices concerned. The once-peaceful areas of the country’s nationality, but for- The verification exercise is northern Pakistan where the eign men married to Pakistani still under way and disciplinary Himalayan, Karakoram and women do not enjoy the same action against the Nadra employ- Hindu Kush mountain ranges privileges. ees found guilty will be taken as meet have been increasingly infil- The Senate committee was and when the scrutiny work is trated by militants. Pakistani tourists ride water-tricycles at the Rawal Lake park in Islamabad yesterday. informed that disciplinary completed. REUTERS action had been taken against INTERNEWS SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Modi ready to Protest against hike in freight rates bend on land bill If the bill is anti-farmer, we will change it: PM

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister farmers” and that he would per- Party (BJP) swept to power in Narendra Modi said yesterday sonally rectify it if they found it May on a pledge to revive the ail- he was ready to make changes otherwise. ing economy. to a decree which makes it “Let us not politicise this mat- But opponents have expressed easier for businesses to acquire ter,” he told lawmakers. “If you concern that the dash for growth land currently used for agri- find any point that is anti-farmer, has led to a watering-down of culture amid uproar over the then I am ready to change that environmental rules and land impact on farmers. clause.” laws to favour business. Modi’s cabinet approved an Under the present law, which Congress lawmakers stormed emergency executive order in was brought in by the previous out of parliament in protest at December to make it simpler to Congress government, those seek- the bill earlier this week, while acquire land if it was to be uti- ing to acquire land must have hundreds of people also joined lised for power, housing or defence the consent of 80 percent of the a demonstration led by veteran projects as part of a bid to kick- affected landowners and must anti-corruption campaigner Anna start billions of dollars’ worth of compensate tenant farmers up Hazare in New Delhi. stalled infrastructure projects. to four times the market price. The BJP and its allies are Opponents of the bill, which Restrictions on buying land expected to encounter major was tabled in the lower house have been cited as the main rea- opposition when they bring the on Tuesday, have accused the son behind delays to projects bill before the upper house of right-wing government of trying worth almost $300bn nation- parliament, where they lack a to force through the bill without wide, and business groups have majority. proper scrutiny, arguing it will complained rules are skewed too The executive order will lapse hurt the agriculture sector. heavily in favour of landowners. if it does not get the approval of But in a combative speech in The country’s biggest corporate both houses within six weeks of parliament, Modi asked his rivals groups have flocked behind busi- the current budget parliamentary to support the bill, which he said ness-friendly Modi, whose Hindu session which began on Monday. was “only for the benefit of Indian nationalist Bharatiya Janata AFP Indian Youth Congress activists hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the hike in train freight rates, in Bangalore yesterday. Mufti meets Modi, to take oath tomorrow Court clears six of killing SRINAGAR: Prime sweeping powers to search, Britons in Gujarat riots Minister Narendra Modi enter property and shoot and Kashmir’s incoming on sight in Kashmir and is chief minister put the fin- seen by critics as a cover for AHMEDABAD: A court yes- train that was allegedly torched ishing touches yesterday on rights abuses. terday cleared six men of mur- by a mob, sparking an anti-Mus- a deal that will see the pre- The BJP has said the law dering four people including lim backlash. mier’s Hindu nationalists was needed to halt insur- three British nationals dur- Meanwhile, Gujarat govern- enter government in India’s gents fighting for Kashmir’s ing 2002 religious riots in the ment yesterday accepted the only Muslim-majority state independence or for its prime minister’s home state of resignation of IPS officer Rahul for the first time. merger with Pakistan. The Gujarat. At least 2,000 people, Sharma, who had taken on the Modi and Peoples’ fighting has left tens of majority of them Muslims, were then state administration over Democratic Party (PDP) thousands of people, mostly killed in a frenzy of communal the 2002 communal riots. Sharma leader Mufti Mohammad civilians, dead. violence in 2002 in the western had applied for early retirement Sayeed held around 90 min- The BJP won 25 out of state where Narendra Modi was during November last year and utes’ of talks to discuss the the 87 seats at the elections chief minister before he was gave three months notice, which programme and make-up of to Kashmir’s state assem- elected prime minister last year. ends today. “We have decided to their parties’ coalition ahead bly in December — a major The three British nationals accept Sharma’s resignation. He of its expected swearing-in increase on its previous were burned alive when a mob will be relieved from his duties tomorrow. showings — but it still came torched their car as they drove into from February 28, which is the “This is a historic oppor- slightly behind the PDP Gujarat from the adjacent state of last date as per his three months tunity to unite hearts and which took 28. Rajasthan during the bloodshed, notice,” state Home Secretary G minds of the people in the Modi’s party largely some of the worst religious vio- R Aloria said. state,” Sayeed, expected to cleaned up in the Jammu lence to hit India since independ- Sharma is a 1992 batch Gujarat be the new chief minister region, which is the only ence from Britain in 1947. cadre IPS officer and currently of Jammu and Kashmir, part of the state to be “Special judge I C Shah today serving as the Deputy Inspector told reporters after meet- mainly Hindu, but the PDP pronounced the verdict in open General (DIG) of Armed Units at ing the prime minister in dominated in the Kashmir court, where he acquitted all Vadodara. He has openly taken on New Delhi. valley where separatist six accused in the case,” public the Gujarat government over the Both men are expected to sentiment has traditionally prosecutor R C Kodekar said 2002 post-Godhra riots. meet again during tomor- been strongest. after the verdict. The reason for Sharma had submitted a CD row’s inauguration in Jammu, Both parties also benefited the acquittal was not immedi- carrying call data records of the the Himalayan region’s winter from widespread discontent ately made clear. The case was important state functionaries and capital, which is taking place at the state’s then-ruling investigated by a team specially leaders of right-wing groups like some two months after the National Conference party, appointed by Supreme Court in Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu inconclusive results from elec- over its handling of dev- 2008 to look into the riots. More Praishdad, which also described tions to the state assembly. astating floods that killed than 130 people have been given the movements of those leaders The elections were marred more than 200 people in life sentences as a result. during the 2002 violence, before by a number of deadly attacks Kashmir in September. The latest trial took five years Justice Nanavati Commission. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugs Kashmir’s incoming chief minister Mufti Mohammad in a region that is divided As coalition talks to complete, partly because of the The call records were compiled Sayeed before their meeting in New Delhi yesterday. between India and Pakistan, dragged and the outgo- need to take evidence by video by Sharma during the investiga- and claimed by both. ing chief minister Omar link from two former British dip- tion of Naroda Patiya, Naroda The coalition agenda will only be unveiled though Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Abdullah declined to remain at the helm, the lomats to India who visited the Gam and Gulbarg Society riots tomorrow but won’t include any reference to has long been committed to its abolition. state was placed under New Delhi’s direct scene of the murders. The riots case. He had compiled the details scrapping a constitutional provision which The PDP has been demanding the removal rule in January. were triggered by the deaths of in a CD and submitted it to the allows Kashmir to make its own laws, even of a draconian law that gives Indian forces AFP nearly 60 Hindu pilgrims in a Commission. AGENCIES

Preparation for Holi Kejriwal to head body to Yacht row: Gadkari deliver 70-point agenda denies wrongdoing NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: Union minister Nitin NEW DELHI: Chief Minister the body. “The vested interests Gadkari yesterday denied any wrongdoing after a Arvind Kejriwal will head of successive governments and media report said he had enjoyed a two-day holiday on a new agency — The Delhi their remoteness from their con- a yatch owned by the Essar group on French Riviera. Dialogue Commission — that stituents ensured that the most An unruffled Gadkari told the media that he had gone will implement the AAP’s fundamental needs of the people “just to see” the yacht and stressed he never took any 70-point agenda for the capi- of Delhi have remained unad- money from any corporate entity. tal’s growth, officials said dressed,” an official statement While the Congress said the Shashi Ruia-led Essar yesterday. said. group was wooing Gadkari, the BJP made light of the A meeting of the Delhi cabi- “Through the commission, we Indian Express expose also involving Congress leaders and net chaired by Kejriwal approved will not only remove the distance journalists. In a related development, NGO Centre for the setting up of a nine-mem- between the government and peo- Public Interest Litigation moved the Supreme Court seek- ber advisory body to ensure the ple but will also tap into people’s ing a court-monitored probe by an Special Investigation execution of the Aam Aadmi everyday experiences and pro- Team or the Central Bureau of Investigation into the Party government’s vision for fessional knowledge to draw up political-bureaucratic-corporate nexus wherein corpo- governance. policy-level interventions in order rates extend all kind of favours to politicians and bureau- The commission will have to deliver on the 70-point mani- crats to push their business interests. Kejriwal as its chairperson and festo,” it said. This came in the wake of expose revealing the Essar Group party colleague Ashish Khetan as The commission will constitute allegedly influencing and cultivating young law-makers, the vice chairperson. task groups on various subjects. bureaucracy, police and the media for advancing its business Its members will include Some of the initial panels interests. Speaking in Mumbai, Gadkari said: “I have never Deputy Chief Minister Manish will be about rejuvenating the taken money from corporate groups for the tours. I was Sisodia along with the chief sec- Yamuna and other water bodies going to Norway with my family and I paid for the entire retary of Delhi, the principal sec- in Delhi, women’s safety, e-gov- tour. “I took a ride on the yacht as the Ruia family invited retary of finance, the secretary to ernance, CCTVs and Wi-Fi, com- me upon learning my visit to Europe,” the former BJP the chief minister and a member prehensive waste management, president said at the party’s Maharashtra unit headquar- secretary to be appointed by the affordable and clean energy, cre- ters. “I was not holding any public office... I was not an MP chairperson. ating employment and improving Powdered colours are displayed for sale at a market ahead of the Holi festival in Bhopal or MLA. It was a private tour. I have never taken money The chairperson will also standards of education. yesterday. Holi, the festival of colours, will be celebrated across the country on March 6. from any corporate (entity). I have done nothing wrong,” nominate two other members to IANS said the road transport and highways minister. IANS SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Economy forecast to top 8pc growth Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presents economic survey ahead of federal budget today

NEW DELHI: India’s Economic called for three incremental steps to cre- Survey has projected growth at over 8 ate a national market for farm produce: percent for next fiscal and said infla- Removing fruits and vegetables from list tion was easing, while setting the of regulated goods, policy support from agenda for “big-bang reforms” to attain states to create alternative or special double-digit expansion, cut rich-bene- markets in private sector, and liberal fiting subsidies and push investments policy for foreign investment. in a clean, green way. The survey noted with concern the Tabled in parliament yesterday by fall in productive investment in India in Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and recent years. It said investment rate over authored by a team led by Chief Economic the past years, as measured by gross capi- Advisor Arvind Subramanian, the annual tal formation (GCF) as a percentage of report card on the state of the economy GDP declined from 38.2 percent in 2011- said the growth should now rise further 12 to 32.3 percent in 2013-14. and double-digit expansion was certainly It also made a case for rationalisa- a possibility. tion of subsidies and said such doles did But it also had a caveat. “The growth not appear to have had a transformative estimates of over 8 percent for the year effect on the living standards of the poor. is on expectations that the monsoon will On the fiscal side, it said the government be favourable, as it was forecast to be was committed to consolidation with rev- normal, compared to last year,” it said, enue generation a priority. adding that such an expansion was neces- The survey said a close look at price sary to address poverty. subsidies, which are estimated at around “Double-digit growth can help in ‘wiping Rs.378,000 crore, or 4.24 percent of GDP, every tear from every eyeÂ’ and realising reveal that they may not be the govern- the aspirations of IndiaÂ’s youth,” the sur- mentÂ’s best weapon for fighting poverty. vey said, indicating this should also be an Federal Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs, and Information and Broadcasting Arun Jaitley gives the final touches to the General The survey also dwelt on Prime easier task for the government now with Budget 2015-16 in New Delhi yesterday. Minister Narendra Modi’s pet project a clear political mandate for reform and a “Make in India” and said this key pol- benign external environment. examples it dwelt upon for this conclu- growth in 2012-13 was 5.1 percent, which On inflation, the survey said, there has icy objective can be achieved by deciding “Decisive shifts in policies controlled by sion, it said that subsidy on electricity can increased to 6.9 percent in 2013-14 and been a fall of over 6 percentage points what to make, giving priority to services the Centre combined with a persistent, only benefit the relatively rich. was now expected to further increase to since 2013, even as the external sector, and making some structural transforma- encompassing, and creative incremen- At the same time, the survey said, 7.4 percent in 2014-15, as per advance which includes exports and inflow of for- tion in the skill sets of the labour force. talism in other areas could cumulate to eliminating or phasing out subsidies was estimates available with the government. eign funds, was returning to a path of Equally important, it noted, was the ‘Big Bang’ reforms”, it said, and set the “neither feasible nor desirable” and said On the intended green actions, the sur- strength and resilience. Industrial growth removal of distortions that were prevent- agenda for the finance minister to pursue the “JAM” trinity — Jan Dhan Yojana, vey said while the shift from a carbon has also picked up now. ing manufacturing to become an engine in his national budget presentation today. Aadhar cards and mobile phones — will subsidisation regime to one of taxation It also had some good news to report of economic growth, such as those in Importantly, it also observed that the allow the government to deliver such and from negative pricing on emissions on the farm sector. “Foodgrain produc- labour markets, capital markets, the land current subsidy regime indicates that doles in a targeted and less-distorted to putting an implicit positive price was tion for 2014-15 is estimated at 257.07 market and lack of sync between need rich households benefited more from manner. welcome, there was still a long way to go million tonnes and will exceed that of for skilling and comparative advantage such doles than the poor. Among various It said Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on reform of coal and petroleum pricing. last year by 8.5 million tonnes.” It also of labour force. IANS

Market scene VHP plans reconverting No incursions, only Christians in Goa transgressions by PANAJI: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) plans to re- convert Christians in Goa and is in the middle of an expansion China: Minister drive in the state, a VHP leader said here yesterday. NEW DELHI: There have minister said. Parrikar said the Ahead of VHP’s golden jubi- been no “incursions” by China government was fully seized of lee function in the state, Dada into Indian territory, the gov- the security needs of the coun- Bedak, secretary in-charge of ernment said yesterday, adding try and it regularly reviews the the Satsang (Spiritual Discourse) that there were some trans- threat perception to secure the division, told IANS that the sen- gression due to different border country’s borders and protect its ior leaders would discuss issues perceptions. national interest. like re-conversion and love jihad “There is no commonly deline- Meanwhile, Prime Minister and how to approach them in ated LAC (Line of Actual Control) Narendra Modi asked the oppo- next 50 years. between India and China. There sition if it did not have any other “Thousands of our brothers are areas along the border where issue to criticise him on in response were converted to Christianity India and China have differing to their jibe that he should be given due to Portuguese oppression. perception of LAC,” Defence a visa to come to parliament. “They We will, of course, make efforts Minister Manohar Parrikar said said you need a visa to come to par- to bring them back to the Hindu in a written reply in Lok Sabha. liament. I don’t have to say any- fold once we strengthen our “Due to both sides undertaking thing but there are things that Workers carry a packed basket of vegetables at a wholesale vegetable market in Kolkata yesterday. organisation here. Our aim is patrolling up to their perception need to be done at international straight and clean,” Vedak said. of LAC, transgressions do occur. level,” Modi said in Lok Sabha He, however, said the VHP Such transgressions have also yesterday while responding to would reach out to Christians, occurred in the general area of the debate on President Pranab converted during the Portuguese Chumar, However, no incursion Mukherjee’s address to parliament. India appeals against WTO ruling regime, with “love and affection”. into the Indian territory by China “Previous prime ministers went Goa, a former Portuguese has taken place.” to these meetings, this prime NEW DELHI: The govern- written reply that the govern- The minister said that import of colony, has a population of 1.5 “The government regularly minister has to go and so will ment said yesterday it had ment had had moved the WTO poultry products are allowed from million of which 26 percent are takes up any transgression along the prime ministers of future. appealed against a World Trade appellate body against the ruling. the country which are free from Christians. Asked if the VHP the LAC with the Chinese sides Trinamool Congress leader Derek Organization (WTO) ruling “India has a system in place highly pathogenic and low patho- would would take the help of through established mechanism O’Brien, during the winter ses- that its ban on the import of for import of poultry products genic avian influenza. the Bharatiya Janata Party-led such as border personnel meet- sion of parliament, had said the poultry products from the US through sanitary import permits “Moreover, at present, the cus- coalition government in Goa ings, flag meetings and Working prime minister should be given due to an outbreak of avian (SIP),” Sitharaman said. toms duty on chicken legs has to strengthen network in Goa, Mechanism on Consultation and a “visa” to come to Rajya Sabha influenza was inconsistent with “SIPs are granted for import been retained at IndiaÂ’s bound Vedak said: “We can’t get help Coordination on India-China as opposition leaders demanded a the WTO Agreement. of poultry products only after rate of duty, which is the maxi- for this. “We don’t want to take Border Affairs wherein they are statement from Modi on commu- Commerce and Industry detailed risk analysis from the mum permissible level of duty any help (from the government) guided by various agreements nal comments by union minister Minister Nirmala Sitharaman angle of human and animal safety,” committed to the WTO,” the either for the organisation, but if between India and China,” the Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti. IANS informed the Lok Sabha in a the minister said in her reply. minister added. IANS we are building a temple then of course we will go to the govern- ment,” he added. Hitachi CEO meets minister Justice Roy sworn Sikkim woman raped in as Supreme Court judge in Delhi, five arrested NEW DELHI: A 25-year old arrested yesterday along with her NEW DELHI: Justice Amitava woman from Sikkim, brought husband, Deepak, 40. Two others Roy was yesterday sworn in as to Delhi on the pretext of get- who were held are Dharamvir, a judge of the Supreme Court. ting her a job, was raped here 32, and Kamal, 31. Police said the With the elevation of Roy, who by a young doctor who has been gang had been operating for about was chief justice of the Orissa arrested along with four others, two months, luring young women High Court, the strength of the police said yesterday. to Delhi on the pretext of getting apex court has gone up to 29 The victim told police that them employment but instead against a sanctioned strength of she was raped by the 27-year- forcing them into sex trade. 31 judges. Justice Roy will have a old doctor, identified as Mehraz, Police said the Sikkim woman tenure of three years. on Thursday at his residence in came to Delhi a week ago. She was Coming from a family of law- Gautam Nagar in south Delhi first kept in a house in Sagarpur yers and judges from Kolkata, from where she escaped. in west Delhi and then shifted to Justice Roy, born March 1, 1953, The crime was reported yester- south Delhi. started practice in the district day morning after an autorick- “She was ‘sold’ to several cli- courts in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia shaw driver helped the woman to ents. On Thursday night, she in Assam from 1976 to 1981, telephone the police. was ‘sold’ to a junior doctor for a before shifting to the Gauhati The victim told police that a night,” said a police official. High Court. woman from Sikkim took her to The victim escaped from the He was elevated as judge in the Delhi on the pretext of providing doctor’s house early yesterday and high Court on February 4, 2002 her work in a beauty parlour but shared her ordeal with an autor- and elevated as chief justice of Japan’s Hitachi CEO Hiroaki Nakanishi (centre right) and his delegation meets with Federal Minister for Urban forced her into sex trade with the ickshaw driver who helped her to the Rajasthan High Court on Jan Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation M Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi. help of her male friends. make a telephone call to police. 2, 2013. IANS The woman, Suman, 37, was IANS SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Mazda to go diesel-only in Japan Turkish central Greece runs bank head to stay put after lira out of options hits record low

ISTANBUL: Turkish Central Bank Governor Erdem Basci sought to calm jittery investors to fund itself yesterday, dismissing rumours that he would resign and giving a brief lift to the lira currency €1.5bn payment to IMF due in March after it tumbled to a record low. Basci’s future, and the inde- BRUSSELS/ATHENS: Greece Greece has completed the bailout pendence of the central bank, is running out of options to fund programme. have been a concern for investors itself despite a four-month bail- Greece had also hoped it could since President Tayyip Erdogan out extension, raising pressure tap the almost ¤11bn of lefto- stepped up criticism of the bank on Athens to quickly implement ver money in the Greek bank this week after it failed to meet reforms it has vocally opposed stabilisation fund, but eurozone his demand for bigger rate cuts. or default on debt repayments finance ministers have decided Speaking at a lunch for provin- in a matter of weeks. the money would be returned to cial governors yesterday, Erdogan Eurozone and IMF creditors the Luxembourg-based eurozone did not mention the bank’s lat- gave Greece extra time until bailout fund. est rate decision but repeated the end of June to complete the While it would still be available his view that high interest rates bailout programme and receive for Greek banks, it could only be amounted to a betrayal of the the remaining ¤7.2bn but it will released on the say-so from the Mazda Motor Corp CX-3 compact crossover SUV during a news conference in Tokyo yesterday. Mazda will nation. not be allowed any funds until it ECB. sell only diesel-powered cars in the domestic launch of its key model for 2015. “Selling out the country would passes a review that could take The only source of quick cash be to waste its resources through weeks to negotiate. left to the Tsipras government mismanagement, high interest Shut out of debt markets and faced now is issuance of Treasury rates and high inflation,” he said with a steep fall in tax revenues, bills, or short-term debt that in a speech ostensibly about Syria Athens is expected to run out of matures in three or six months. Oil futures headed to monthly rise and a Kurdish peace process, but cash by the middle or end of March. But Athens’ creditors have set a in which he listed various forms Its finance minister has warned that ¤15bn cap on such debt and it has of betrayal. Greece will struggle to repay credi- already been reached. NEW YORK: Crude oil rose data. Oil has been supported by has fallen this month as bad “Serving the country means tors starting with a ¤1.5bn IMF loan The eurozone has so far ruled yesterday with Brent and US signs that lower prices are start- weather delayed exports from lowering inflation and interest repayment due in March. out any raising that ceiling, partly futures on pace to post their ing to reduce investment in pro- Iraq’s southern ports, a sur- rates to allocate that resource to Athens has been looking for on concerns that it is tantamount first monthly gains since June, duction in non-Opec countries vey found yesterday, slowing investments for the country and quick fixes to tide it through the to central banks financing gov- supported by an improving and the market awaited the lat- an expansion of supplies in the people,” he said. coming weeks but has not found ernments. That’s because Greek demand outlook and supply est US rig-count number from oil group’s second-largest producer. In a further sign of the pressure one yet. banks have been using the T-bills outages. services company Baker Hughes The survey also found slightly Basci faces, Economy Minister Eurozone officials hope the as collateral to tap central bank Front-month March New York yesterday. higher output in Saudi Arabia, Nihat Zeybekci was quoted as liquidity squeeze will force Prime funding and then using the cash ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) Brent’s more pronounced gains a sign that the largest pro- saying that the bank’s main Minister Alexis Tsipras’s nas- to invest in more T-bills, helping futures surged more than seven this month have been fuelled by ducer in the Organisation of the interest rate should be cut to six cent government to agree reform the state cover short-term needs. percent intraday as March ULSD disruptions to production and Petroleum Exporting Countries percent from 7.5 percent as bor- plans more quickly than the end One person familiar with ECB and RBOB rallied ahead of Friday exports from Libya and Iraq in is sticking to its strategy of rowing costs were “not tolerable”. of April deadline set by creditors, thinking said that any exten- contract expirations. recent weeks, contributing to focusing on market share rather Basci, who was absent from paving the way for bailout fund- sion of the T-bill limit was “very Brent April crude was up $1.51 tightness in the physical market than cutting output. work on Thursday, said that was ing to be released. “The liquidity unlikely”. A senior Greek banker at $61.56 a barrel at 11.54am EST in the Mediterranean. Still, actual Opec supply has due to a health check-up which squeeze is being used to push the said the expectation in Athens (1654 GMT), on pace to post a 16 Also supportive to Brent, fallen in February to 29.92 mil- not reveal any serious problems, Greeks to very quickly start dis- remained that the ECB would percent monthly gain, the first Statoil has shut its Statfjord C lion barrels per day (bpd) from and was not a sign of an immi- cussions on the review and finish relent and allow some leeway on monthly rise since June. platform in the North Sea after a revised 30.27 million bpd in nent departure, as some market that as soon as possible - not even T-bills. “The Greek state is pin- US April crude was up 75 cents discovering cracks in the flare January, according to the sur- participants had feared. waiting for the end of April,” one ning all its hopes on the ECB at $48.92 a barrel, needing a finish tower. vey based on shipping data and “A public duty is performed euro zone official said. allowing an extra T-bill auction,” above $48.24 to post a February “The main event this week has information from sources at oil for the period it is assigned and Other options all appear to the banker said. gain. been the widening of the spread companies, Opec and consultants. it is performed in the best way. have problems. One possibility — The government is also putting The US crude contract’s gains between Brent and WTI (US The main reasons for the As our health allows, we will con- the transfer of ¤1.9bn worth of a brave face on its funding crisis, have been hemmed in by rising crude),” Ole Hansen, senior com- decline are involuntary — poor tinue to fulfil the requirements of profits that the European Central and insists that T-bill issuance crude oil inventories in the United modity strategist at Saxo Bank, weather slowing Iraq’s exports this duty,” he said in comments Bank made on buying Greek remains an option. States, up 8.4 million barrels last said. and unrest in Libya. broadcast by CNN Turk. bonds — will not be allowed until REUTERS week, according to government Meanwhile, Opec’s oil supply AGENCIES REUTERS

Sahara has not paid salaries for Egypt could raise up to $21bn in Eurobond issue LONDON: Egypt could raise $1.5-2bn — we will see (what) our years. Egypt has mostly relied on manufacturing, energy, construc- “We are still in the early months: Staff as much as $2bn through a roadshow will reveal and then we local money markets to finance its tion, telecommunications and phases,” he said. “Currently the Eurobond this year and expects will decide, but I think it will be budget deficit since being effec- housing as drivers. general rate is 10 percent, and we MUMBAI: Some staff at economic growth of close to in that region,” Dimian said in an tively frozen out of international The IMF has projected growth are not going below this.” Indian conglomerate Sahara seven percent in three years’ interview. markets after the uprising that to reach 3.8 percent in 2014/15 In an interview last year, say they haven’t been paid for time, Finance Minister Hany Clarifying comments made toppled autocrat Mubarak in 2011. and to rise to five percent over Dimian had pledged to impose the several months, as the company Kadry Dimian said yesterday. earlier in the day in a speech Talking about growth pros- the medium term. Economists VAT before the end of the fiscal tries to raise $1.6bn to bail its The Arab world’s most popu- to investors, he said the dollar- pects, Dimian confirmed he questioned for a Reuters poll last year. boss Subrata Roy out of jail. lous country is in the process of denominated Eurobond would be expected growth of at least 4 month saw growth at 3.5 percent He also said Cairo expected Reuters interviewed 11 employ- rebuilding its battered finances launched in June at the latest, but percent in the fiscal year ending this fiscal year. to generate 5-5.5bn Egyptian ees independently contacted in after the uprising that toppled could come earlier. in June, and predicted a return Speaking of the value added pounds($655-$721m) annually separate units in Delhi, Mumbai Hosni Mubarak four years ago hit Dimian said he expected the to higher growth in the medium sales tax (VAT) the country plans from its hike in cigarette taxes. and Lucknow this week, and the country’s economy, discour- issue to come in different matu- term. to introduce, Dimian said it would Of this 1.6-2bn will go to health found workers at what was once aging investors and tourists, and rities, with possible combinations “In three years’ time we will be not be lower than 10 percent, services and the remainder to one of India’s highest profile firms slashing growth. of 3, 5 and seven years, but would north of 6.5 percent, approach- though declined to give further infrastructure and services. frustrated over a lack of infor- “I am getting advice on between expect them to be less than 10 ing seven percent,” he said, citing details. REUTERS mation about the group’s future. Business has been disrupted for a year as Sahara fights a regulator’s charge that it illegally sold bonds Bombadier CS300 takes off and did not reimburse investors. The employees’ claims could not Gold steadies on dollar, be independently verified, although an undated letter to staff signed by Roy and seen by Reuters asked for patience from those who hadn’t set for monthly loss received what they were due. “There is not much work to LONDON: Gold steadied yester- rates in the second quarter and do and we have not received any day, due to a softer dollar, but was you can’t really discount that salary since September,” said an heading for its biggest monthly entirely, there is still that shorter- official at Sahara’s “Command loss since September as European term target that you could go Office” headquarters in the north- shares traded near seven-year towards $1,150,” Bank of America- ern Indian city of Lucknow, where highs and upbeat US data sup- Merrill Lynch strategist Michael founder Roy’s family lives in a ported expectations of a rate hike Widmer said. gated complex. by the Federal Reserve this year. The dollar slipped 0.3 percent Sahara did not respond to Gold has fallen more than against a basket of leading cur- requests for comment on the letter seven percent from a five-month rencies, but was still on track for to staff, which three employees said high above $1,300 an ounce hit in its eighth straight month of gains was posted in late December after January as expectations of a US on better US economic data and workers questioned salary delays. rate increase hurt its appeal as an comments from Federal Reserve In response to queries about insurance against risk. officials that bolstered bets for a unpaid wages, Sahara said it faced Spot gold was up 0.1 per- rate rise this year. Dovish signals a “liquidity crunch” due to con- cent at $1,210 an ounce by 1310 from Federal Reserve Chair Janet ditions imposed by the court on GMT, while US gold futures were Yellen this week fizzled out after its use of funds and a freeze on unchanged at $1,209.20 an ounce. a 2.8 percent jump in US durable bank accounts, creating problems Spot prices have gained 0.6 per- goods orders in January, putting in meeting some of its financial A Bombardier CS300 Aircraft takes off on its first test flight in Mirabel yesterday. The CS300, the larger version cent on the week, but have fallen the prospect of a mid-year rate obligations. of its new CSeries jet, took off in its first test flight at the Canadian company’s testing and assembly facility. nearly six percent in February. rise back on the table. REUTERS “If the Fed really hikes interest REUTERS SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Thai mobile US economy slows in fourth quarter operators spare Growth revised down to 2.2pc; consumer spending robust; business sentiment revised up no expense to

WASHINGTON: US economic Growth in consumer spend- a substantial windfall,” said Businesses accumulated — the weakest reading since early fan defection growth braked more sharply ing, which accounts for more Bricklin Dwyer, an economist at $88.4bn worth of inventory in 2009. The PCE index was previ- than initially thought in the than two-thirds of US economic BNP Paribas in New York. the fourth quarter, far less than ously reported to have declined at BANGKOK: Thailand’s mili- fourth quarter as businesses activity, was revised down by one- Business spending on equip- the $113.1bn the government had a 0.5 percent pace. tary junta is proving to be a bot- slowed their pace of stock accu- tenth of a percentage point to a ment in the fourth quarter was estimated last month. Excluding food and energy, tleneck for the release of more mulation and the trade deficit 4.2 percent pace in the fourth revised to show it rising at a That resulted in the GDP prices rose at an unrevised 1.1 4G bandwidth in the data-hun- widened, but the underlying quarter, still the fastest since the 0.9 percent rate instead of the growth contribution from inven- percent pace, the slowest since gry country, forcing more com- fundamentals remained solid. first quarter of 2006. previously reported 1.9 percent tories being revised down to one- the second quarter of 2013. petition among mobile operators Gross domestic product A tightening labour market and contraction. tenth of a percentage point from The low inflation environ- who are sparing no expense to expanded at a 2.2 percent lower gasoline prices are likely to A first-quarter acceleration is 0.8 percentage point previously. ment suggests little urgency for tempt users of rival networks to annual pace, revised down from keep supporting domestic demand now in the cards, with data on The slower pace of inventory the Federal Reserve to start switch sides. the 2.6 percent pace estimated and help the economy navigate a Thursday showing a rebound accumulation, however, will be a raising interest rates from near Advanced Info Service (AIS), last month, the Commerce turbulent global economy. in business spending intentions boost to GDP growth this quarter. zero, where they have been since Thailand’s largest mobile operator, Department said yesterday. The Improved employment pros- in January after four straight Current estimates put the first- December 2008. increased its marketing expenses economy grew at a five percent pects and cheaper gasoline also months of declines. quarter growth pace at between Residential construction to a record in 2014. Indeed, the rate in the third quarter. are keeping consumers in a buoy- The Commerce Department 2.4 percent and three percent. spending in the fourth quarter operating costs of Thailand’s top With consumer spending accel- ant mood. data showed that growth in final Strong domestic demand was revised down, while govern- wireless carriers rose to multi- erating at its quickest pace since A second report showed the sales to domestic purchasers, a sucked in more imports than ment spending was not as weak year highs, according to the sell- the first quarter of 2006 and University of Michigan’s final key measure of domestic demand, previously reported in the fourth as previously reported. ing, general and administration sturdy gains in other measures February reading on the overall was revised to a 3.2 percent pace quarter, resulting in a trade defi- But with the labor market (SG&A) expenses data on the of domestic demand, the slow- index on consumer sentiment was for the fourth quarter from the cit, which subtracted 1.15 per- gaining steam, housing is set for companies’ latest income state- down in growth is likely to be 95.4, higher than the initial read- previous 2.8 percent rate. centage points from GDP growth an acceleration this year. ments. What is worrying is that, temporary. ing of 93.6. The data pointed to The GDP growth revision was instead of the previously reported A third report on Friday for some operators, revenues have “There is every reason to sturdy consumer spending growth generally in line with expec- 1.02 percentage point drag. from the National Association either not appreciated at a similar believe that domestic demand will this year. tations. Prices for most US Despite the strong consump- of Realtors showed contracts to pace or have fallen. grow at a rapid clip over the first “We continue to expect con- Treasury debt rose, while US tion, inflation pressures were purchase previously owned homes The outlook for leading carriers half of this year too,” said Paul sumer spending to kick the year stocks were trading marginally muted, with the personal con- rose 1.7 percent in January to AIS, Total Access Communication Ashworth, chief US economist at off on a robust foot after the drop lower. The US dollar fell against sumption expenditures price their highest level in 1-1/2 years. (TAC) and True has dimmed Capital Economics in Toronto. in energy prices gave consumers a basket of currencies. index falling at a 0.4 percent rate REUTERS since the military govern- ment suspended an auction for 4G frequency last year as the junta consolidates its hold over Vespa ‘gallery’ Thailand’s wireless assets and infrastructure. Last month, the Global investors lift cabinet drafted bills to remove the autonomy of the industry regulator, which will be overseen by a new Digital Economy Policy exposure to stocks Committee chaired by the prime minister and head of the military LONDON: Global investors environment of accommodative government. increased their bets on stocks central banks, structurally lower AIS, partly owned by Singapore during Febr uar y as major equity oil, and a strong US economy is Telecommunications, is the most markets broke through all-time positive for earnings and equity exposed to the regulatory uncer- highs, fuelled by the promise markets,” said Boris Willems, tainty over 4G. It has no 4G of more monetary stimulus, strategist at UBS Global Asset service, unlike TAC, controlled Reuters’ monthly asset alloca- Management. by Telenor, and True, in which tion poll showed. Investors favoured equity mar- China Mobile has a stake. That As around 20 central banks kets in the euro zone and Japan has sharpened competition in the have cut interest rates since in particular. 3G sphere. Telcos are also racing the start of 2015, and with the “We remain constructive on to move their customers to high- European Central Bank set to risk assets, especially equities, speed networks because they are launch quantitative easing next that could continue to be sup- paying huge fees to the govern- month, investors expect loose ported by accommodative mone- ment under older concessions. monetary policy to stir growth tary policies, especially in the euro To stimulate the shift to 3G and and boost corporate earnings. zone, in Japan and, selectively, in 4G, they have poured money into A lower oil price and a strong some emerging markets such as expanding coverage and marketing US economy are further positives India and China,” said Monica campaigns. They are also offer- for earnings, although as equity Defend, global head of asset ing cheaper rates under bundling valuations are already high, allocation research at Pioneer packages and handset subsidies, investors also saw reason to be Investments. sacrificing margins as a result. cautious. However, the headline trend REUTERS The monthly asset allocation disguises regional variations and Vespa scooters are parked outside a store at a street in Lima’s Miraflores district yesterday. poll, covering 47 fund managers warnings from contributors to the and chief investment officers in poll of ongoing risks that the equi- the United States, Europe and ties party may be coming to an end. Japan, found that the average Headaches cited by contribu- recommended exposure to stocks tors included geopolitical risk China to be consulted on project re-think: Lanka in global balanced portfolios rose stemming from the conflict in to 50.7 percent, the highest level eastern Ukraine, the chance of a since last September, from 49.5 sharper-than-expected slowdown BEIJING: Sri Lanka will not ownership of land, aggravated by of China before we take any final Chinese Foreign Minister percent a month earlier. in China’s economy or mis-timed make any decision on Chinese the docking of Chinese subma- decision,” Samaraweera told a Wang Yi said China remained a The increased exposure to interest rate decisions derailing projects it is reviewing until it rines in Colombo last year. news conference, citing what he good partner of Sri Lanka. stocks came largely at the expense economic recovery. consults China, Sri Lanka’s for- Last week, Sri Lanka said it told his Chinese counterpart. “China is willing to continue of alternative investments, a cat- Tom Becket, chief investment eign minister said yesterday, would reconsider the outright Sri Lanka will always welcome being a trustworthy and reliable egory that includes commodities, officer at Psigma Investment pledging that his new govern- transfer of a parcel of land to Chinese investment and it would development partner ... and will private equity and hedge funds. Management in London, said a ment would welcome Chinese China under the port city deal now be an even safer place in also keep doing its best to provide Average allocation to alternatives strong dollar, prompted by the investors. signed by the previous govern- which to invest, he said. assistance for Sri Lanka’s social fell to 5.1 percent, from 6.5 per- prospect of rising US interest Sri Lankan President ment, amid concern it could be “We are trying to ensure that and economic development,” cent in January. rates as the Federal Reserve Maithripala Sirisena has used for by the Chinese navy. there is a level playing field for all Wang said. India had grown There were also slight cut- winds down its own stimulus, was unnerved China with his re- Speaking in Beijing after meet- investors and a conducive envi- increasingly wary of former presi- backs in bonds, down a fraction hurting corporate America. examination of certain projects ing his Chinese counterpart, Sri ronment for investment based dent Mahinda Rajapaksa’s pursuit at 36.5 percent, and property, “US companies are starting to that China has invested in, includ- Lanka Foreign Minister Mangala on the restoration of the rule of of closer ties with China. which eased to 1.8 percent from squeal about the foul murder of ing a $1.5bn “port city” project in Samaraweera said he did not dis- law, democracy, good governance China has built a seaport and 1.9 percent in January. Cash hold- their profits due to the strength Colombo. cuss the port issue directly, and and transparency,” Samaraweera airport in the south of the coun- ings rose slightly to 5.8 percent of the dollar and its translative India, which lost out to China the government was not only said. “All proposals in future will try, raising fears it is seeking from 5.6 percent. effects. This could well ensure in infrastructure development looking into Chinese projects. be considered totally on merit.” influence in a country with which “We continue to prefer equi- that the S&P 500 goes nowhere on the Indian Ocean island, was “Anything relating to Chinese Samaraweera is in China to India has traditionally had deep ties over cash and fixed income for two years,” he said. in particular worried about the investment will be shared and prepared for an expected visit by ties. assets as we believe the current REUTERS security threat posed by Chinese discussed with the government Sirisena next month. REUTERS

Airbus profits take off in 2014

MUNICH: Airbus Group said five percent to ¤60.7bn to what However he said Airbus plans yesterday its net profit soared Airbus said was a record level, to temporarily slow produc- 59 percent in 2014 thanks to even though orders slumped by tion of the wide-body long-haul record deliveries of passenger 23 percent to 166.4bn. A330 in 2016, but quickly scale jets and that it expects revenue Airbus’ order book neverthe- up manufacturing of the newer and operating profits to climb less increased by 26 percent to A350 which it began delivering further this year. stand at ¤857.5bn at the end of last year. The company, best known for last year. He added the A380 super its passenger jets, chalked up a “We achieved a significant jumbo programme would break net profit of ¤2.34bn ($2.6bn), improvement in profitability and even this year. which would have been even bet- cash generation in 2014 thanks to Despite the delay to the A400M ter had it not been for a provision a record order book and strong military transport plane, Airbus’s of ¤551m for delays to its A400M operational performance in defence and space unit still con- military transport plane. most areas,” chief executive Tom tributed 409 million euros in That writedown was mostly Enders said in a statement. operating profit, although this compensated for however with an “We delivered more commer- was down 38 percent from the exceptional gain of ¤383m due its cial aircraft than ever before, previous year. sale of an eight percent stake in including the first A350, and our Operating profit at the heli- Dassault Aviation, as well as its net orders were, once again, more copters unit rose 4 percent to 413 holdings in Finnish defence com- than twice the number of deliver- million euros. pany Patria. ies,” he added. Airbus’s management said it Operating profits climbed 54 The company said it expects will propose to shareholders a percent to ¤4bn, and it said this deliveries to increase slightly this dividend of ¤1.20 per share, up measure of earnings does not year and the order book to grow from ¤0.75 paid for 2013. include exceptional items and further. Airbus’s shares jumped more that it expects a slight increase Enders announced Airbus was than 6 percent in morning trad- in 2015. stepping up production of its top- ing to ¤54.81 while the Paris CAC- Computer screens display icons for business segments of European aerospace giant Airbus during the company’s Sales, which are booked when selling A320 range of single-aisle 40 index was flat overall. annual press conference in Munich yesterday. aircraft are delivered, rose by medium-range passenger jets. AFP SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com CLASSIFIEDS

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 SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Size of 2019 World Cup still Australia, New Zealand set undecided: ICC SYDNEY: The number of teams taking part in the 2019 World Cup hasn’t been finalised, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said for World Cup fireworks yesterday as it responded to growing criticism that its proposed cut risked damaging Match between co-hosts being billed as a dress rehearsal for the final the sport’s development. Cricket chiefs have come under fire for their plan to AUCKLAND: One of the reduce the number of teams World Cup’s biggest games pits involved in England in four high-flying New Zealand against years’ time to 10 from the 14 four-time champions Australia taking part in the ongoing at Auckland’s Eden Park today tournament in Australia and in a match that could well be a New Zealand. dress rehearsal for the final. But ICC chief executive New Zealand are the team to David Richardson yesterday beat in the tournament so far, said: “I’ve learnt never to say with their eight-wicket thrashing never to anything. I’m sure the of England last week their third format of the next World Cup win in as many pool matches after will be debated after this one they defeated Sri Lanka and out- has finished.” lasted Scotland. Ireland beat one of the elite Co-hosts Australia and New Test match nations for the Zealand, staging the World Cup third successive World Cup for only the second-time in the when they defeated the West tournament’s 40-year history, are Indies by four wickets in their both eyeing top position in Pool 2015 opener, while Thursday A so that they face a relatively saw tournament debutants weaker team in the quarter-finals. Afghanistan’s astonishingly Having endured the disappoint- rapid progress continue when ment of losing the semi-final to they defeated Scotland by just eventual winners Pakistan when one wicket to record their first the World Cup was last co-hosted World Cup win. by the trans-Tasman rivals in “I’m pleased with the per- 1992, New Zealand look better- formances of the qualifiers so equipped to win the tournament far, but the bigger tests are still this time around. to come,” said Richardson. In Brendon McCullum, New “The question is what do you Zealand have an explosive bats- want the World Cup to be? Do man at the top of the order who you want it to be a jamboree of can change the game as he proved world cricket or the pinnacle of during his whirlwind 25-ball 77 the one-day game?” against England in Wellington. “Heading into this tourna- But Australia coach Darren FROM LEFT: New Zealand’s captain Brendon McCullum, former captain Martin Crowe and Prime Minister John Key pose with Australia’s Prime ment there was criticism that Lehmann was confident his bat- Minister Tony Abbott, former captain Allan Border and captain Michael Clarke ahead of the Trans-Tasman 2015 Gala Dinner, an ICC Cricket World the format would leave us with tery of fast bowlers could contain Cup function, in Auckland, yesterday. a long group stage, at the end of the New Zealand captain. which the eight teams everyone “He does hit them a long way, pair of opening batsmen backed thought would get through had doesn’t he?” Lehmann said. “He up by the fast-improving Steven made it into the quarter-finals.” took the game on and he certainly Smith and Mitchell Marsh. Asked what his feelings were does that, he plays a high-risk Both teams will also look to Clarke’s return will boost following the initially improved game, but there’s a bit of a dif- exploit the unique dimensions of showing by the four Associate ference between 135km/h and 145 Eden Park, where top-edges or sides — Afghanistan, Ireland, to 150km/h coming at him. mis-hit shots can easily fly for Scotland and the UAE — at “It’ll be a great challenge for fours and sixes given the ground’s Australians, says McCullum the World Cup, Richardson both sides, he’s going to certainly short straight boundaries said: “There’s a sense of relief. come at us and we’ve got some However, both sides also have AUCKLAND: New Zealand Clarke is the leader of the up to sing his praises and say they Our biggest concern before the plans for him. plenty of bowling firepower to call were “in awe” of Michael Australian team,” McCullum told have made targeting the hard- tournament was that these “It’s going to be exciting — New upon. Clarke’s leadership during the reporters in Auckland. hitting Dunedin man a priority teams would be uncompetitive.” Zealand have been very impres- New Zealand hope Tim tragedy of Phillip Hughes’ death “I think we saw during the in their preparations. An online petition calling for sive. It’s going to be interesting Southee, who recorded his coun- and his inclusion for today’s tragic circumstances around Australia’s chirpy opening bats- the ICC to abandon its plan to to see how they play against us, try’s best-ever ODI figures of World Cup blockbuster can only Phil Hughes’ passing how strong man David Warner told reporters reduce the number of teams in I’m sure they’ll be really aggres- seven for against England, recov- strengthen Australia, captain a leader he is and the way that he this week that McCullum could be 2019 has already gathered more sive, so it’s going to be a cracker ers in time from a minor shoulder Brendon McCullum has said. carried himself and the way that coaxed into a “brain explosion” if than 13,000 signatures. of A game.” injury. Clarke makes his long-awaited he spoke on behalf of the team. the visiting bowlers hit the right But Richardson said the Australia are slightly under- Australia are likely to bolster return at Eden Park and will be “I think that earned adula- areas. thinking in reducing the prepared, as, after they too their already impressive pace under the microscope as he comes tion and respect from not just McCullum described Warner number of teams had been thrashed England, by 111 runs, attack by bringing in Pat Cummins back from hamstring surgery Australian people, but also people as an “outstanding” cricketer but motivated by trying to get as their second pool match against in place of Josh Hazlewood, with with little match practice under around the world. one of only a number of dangerous near to the “best format” 1992 Bangladesh was washed out with- Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell his belt. “We were certainly in awe of Australian batsmen for his team World Cup. out a ball bowled last weekend. Starc the spearheads. The 33-year-old was supposed how he was able to handle himself to worry about. The nine sides taking part in And Australia captain Michael New Zealand coach Mike to have been eased in against during that time. I think he’s very “I probably am guilty of a brain Australia and New Zealand 23 Clarke in particular is short of Hesson tried to downplay the Bangladesh in Brisbane last week much the leader of that team. We explosion,” he said. years ago all played each other, match practice following a ham- importance of Saturday’s match but the match was washed out, are very respectful of that and I “You play long enough, you’re with the top four going straight string operation. Clarke, who is by saying: “It’s just another one of leaving him with the more daunt- think they are strengthened for going to come up with some into the semis. “The best for- set to replace George Bailey, has the round robin games and obvi- ing encounter against the World his inclusion back in the side.” pretty — you’re going to make mat was 1992,” said Richardson, appeared in only two one-day ously it’s going to be a good one.” Cup co-hosts in front of a hostile McCullum has won his own some people weary at times. South Africa’s wicketkeeper at internationals in the past year, A sell-out 40,000 crowd is Auckland crowd. admirers after guiding New “I’ve read most of the that World Cup. “You had nine getting injured in both of them. expected to watch the game, New Zealand media have sug- Zealand through three straight reports, as well. I think the teams, then the semi-finals. But Clarke and his Australian which will also see the winner gested the pressure on Clarke wins at the World Cup and blast- Australians have been very com- There was something up for team-mates have the knack of take away the Chappell-Hadlee could play into the hands of the ing an astonishing 77 from 25 plimentary of our group. I think grabs in every match.” doing well when it matters. trophy that is contested when hosts on Saturday, but McCullum balls to help thrash England in there’s been some sensationalism But Richardson denied the In David Warner and Aaron Australia and New Zealand meet was taking no positives from it. their last match. in some of the reporting of it.” 2019 World Cup would be a Finch, Australia have a dynamic in ODI cricket. AFP “No, because I think Michael Australia’s players have lined REUTERS ‘closed shop’ of the elite Test- playing nations. As things stand, the eight top-ranked one-day sides as of September 30, 2017, will Two worlds collide as India face UAE qualify automatically with the final two spots to be decided PERTH: Two worlds collide and once featured for a Bangalore meeting up with star batsman excellent fielders, and apart from by a qualifying tournament in today when mighty India tackle college club alongside Stuart Ajinkya Rahane who smashed 79 that we have got fast bowlers who Bangladesh in 2018. the United Arab Emirates’ team Binny, who is a member of the against South Africa. are above average fielders,” said Although they are both of shipping clerks and airline India squad at the World Cup. Patil and Rahane played in a the skipper, whose team were members of the 10-strong staff, with at least two of the “It’s going to be a big moment variety of youth teams in Mumbai livewires against South Africa. Test ‘elite’, Zimbabwe and Gulf amateurs relishing the for people back home,” 30-year- before the keeper decamped to “Overall I’ve got plenty to play Bangladesh have generally been World Cup showdown at the old Chandran, who moved to the Dubai. with.” ninth and tenth in the rankings WACA. Gulf in 2010, said. But the 29-year-old Patil, one India have a mixed record at and could well find themselves All-rounder Krishna Chandran “For people who saw me play- of seven players in the UAE squad the WACA, winning four times involved in a qualifying event and wicket-keeper Swapnil Patil ing in my shorts, with a tennis who only made their debuts last and losing six, with one of those featuring the likes of Ireland were both born in India but, frus- ball, on the streets of my home year after completing residency defeats coming against England and Afghanistan. trated by the pedestrian pace of village of Kollengode, it’s going to qualifications, has fond memories during the tri-nations series in “We didn’t want to go to their playing careers in the coun- be a big thing to watch me on TV, of his time spent with Rahane. January. 10 nations without providing try’s over-crowded talent market, playing against India, in a World “As juniors we have spent Now they may use today’s a pathway where you could they decamped to the UAE where Cup match, at a ground like the much time together. Because of match to test their bench have the leading Associates they could pursue both jobs and WACA,” Chandran said. distances in Mumbai, we couldn’t strength. and the lower-ranked Test cricket. Patil is another Indian expat hang out together after games but Waiting in the wings are bats- nations scrapping it out,” said Chandran hails from Kerala and he is looking forward to Ajinkya is like a brother,” Patil men Ambati Rayadu, all-rounder Richardson. “All will have an told the Indian Express. Binny, young left-arm spin- India’s Virat Kohli attends opportunity to qualify.” India vs UAE – Five Match Facts “Once I moved from India, we ner Akshar Patel and seamer a training session in Perth The best way to improve lost contact. But one day at the Bhuvneshwar Kumar. yesterday. a ranking is to beat higher- PERTH, Australia: Five match facts for today’s World Cup Dubai airport, he was return- The United Arab Emirates ranked teams, yet the Test Pool B game between India and the United Arab Emirates at the ing from India’s A tour to South have made a mark at the tour- rethink by the International nations are not obliged to WACA, Perth (06:30 GMT): Africa, it was like old times again.” nament, with Pakistan-born Cricket Council (ICC) who plan play associate or junior teams % India have won both previous one-day internationals between these teams — Asia Cup Reigning champions India’s Shaiman Anwar scoring the first to cut the 2019 World Cup to 10 such as Ireland, who beat the matches in 1994 and 2004 — they batted first on both occasions. much-vaunted batting line-up hundred by a UAE batsman at a teams. West Indies in their World % Shaiman Anwar hit the first World Cup century by a United Arab Emirates batsman in his has impressed so far at the World World Cup with 106 off 83 balls “They have to introduce more Cup opener, outside of major team’s narrow defeat against Ireland. It was only the second ODI century in any competition by Cup, but captain Mahendra Singh against Ireland. teams in the World Cup. The tournaments. a UAE batsman. Dhoni said his fielders deserved All-rounder Amjad Javed, who teams are not coming straighta- “It’s a good point about the %India opener Shikhar Dhawan has hit 573 runs at an average of 95.5 in his seven innings in credit for restricting opposition made 42 and took three for 60 in way to the World Cup, they are rankings. We are working with ICC tournaments — he hit 363 at the 2013 Champions Trophy and has 210 in this event. totals. Brisbane, believes that perform- going through a process and then the full (Test) members to “If we score 280, for exam- ance, as well as Ireland’s win they are qualifying for the tour- make sure they play as much %India’s last five ODIs at Perth have been won by the team that batted second. ple, we know with our fielding against the West Indies and com- nament,” Javed said. as possible against the associ- % The UAE has two Indian-born players in their team, all-rounder Krishna Chandran and we can actually add another 15 petitive displays by Afghanistan “So I think they should increase ates,” Richardson said. AFP wicket-keeper Swapnil Patil runs. I think we have got some and Scotland, should force a the number of teams.” AFP SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

South Africa’s AB de Villiers hits a six during the World Cup match against the West Indies at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), yesterday. RIGHT: South Africa’s spin bowler Imran Tahir celebrates his wicket of West Indies batsman Andre Russell (not pictured) during the match.

West Indies De Villiers blasts 162 runs as lose Bravo for rest of Proteas demolish West indies World Cup SYDNEY: West Indies bats- man Darren Bravo will be sent SA captain smashes fastest 150, Gayle fails as WI suffer record loss home from the World Cup after failing to recover from a ham- SYDNEY: South Africa captain biggest winning margin, in terms string injury sustained in the AB de Villiers hammered the of runs, at a World Cup match set second match of the campaign, a second-fastest century in World when India beat Bermuda by 257 team spokesman said yesterday. Cup history as he led his side to runs in 2007. The 26-year-old left-handed a crushing 257-run victory over De Villiers demolished the batsman missed the victory over the West Indies at the Sydney West Indians with eight sixes and Zimbabwe on Tuesday and the Cricket Ground yesterday. 17 fours and was particularly sav- humbling loss to South Africa De Villiers finished on an age on West Indies captain Jason yesterday because of the injury unbeaten 162 off just 66 balls as Holder, clouting four sixes off the he suffered running for a single South Africa raced to the second- pace bowler’s final over. during their huge victory over highest World Cup total of 408 The fastest-ever World Cup Pakistan in Christchurch. for five, behind only the 413 for century was made by Ireland’s A replacement will be for five made by India against Kevin O’Brien, off 50 balls, against announced by tournament offi- Bermuda, a non-Test nation, in England in Bangalore during the cials over the next couple of days, Trinidad in 2007. 2011 tournament. the spokesman added. The Proteas’ skipper’s innings It was a miserable effort in St Lucian batsman Johnson was also the fastest 150 in ODIs reply by the West Indies as they Charles, who has scored 869 runs and de Villiers now has the fast- tumbled to 151 all out off 33.1 in 30 One Day Internationals, est fifty, hundred and 150 in ODI overs, with their big guns Chris looks likely to get a place in their cricket -- all coming against the Gayle and Marlon Samuels suc- squad. West Indies. cumbing early on to Kyle Abbott. Bravo’s brother Dwayne, a South Africa’s second win of Gayle, who blasted a World Cup former West Indies captain, also the tournament put them firmly record 215 with 16 sixes in his missed out after being left out of back on track for the quarter- last innings against Zimbabwe, the squad. finals after their abject 130-run exposed his stumps, swung his Dwayne was the players’ loss to India and revived their bid bat and was bowled middle stump spokesman during a mutiny over for a maiden World Cup title. by Abbott for three in the second South Africa’s players celebrate the victory over the West Indies after their 2015 World Cup Pool B match at payment and contracts which On a night for the statisti- over. the Sydney Cricket Ground, yesterday. curtailed West Indies’ tour of cians, this result also equalled the Samuels, who made an India last year. REUTERS Scoreboard unbeaten 133 in the same match, Apart from the spectacular de got an outside edge and was Villiers show, there was a solid Record ODI Winning Margins SOUTH AFRICA C Gayle b Abbott ...... 3 caught behind for a duck. supporting cast from the South SYDNEY: Biggest One-Day International winning margins in Q de Kock c Russell b Holder ...... 12 M Samuels c de Kock b Abbott ...... 0 The West Indies lost any African top order with Hashim terms of runs after South Africa beat the West Indies by 257 runs H Amla lbw Gayle ...... 65 J Carter c de Villiers b Morkel ...... 10 remote chance they had with the Amla contributing 65 off 88 balls, in a World Cup Pool B match at the Sydney Cricket Ground yes- F du Plessis c Ramdin b Gayle ...... 62 D Ramdin b Tahir ...... 22 pair’s exit. Faf du Plessis 62 off 70 and Rilee terday (margin, team, opponents, venue, date): R Rossouw c Ramdin b Russell ...... 61 L Simmons lbw Tahir ...... 0 Jonathan Carter (10), Dwayne Rossouw slamming 61 off 39 balls. A B de Villiers (not out)...... 162 D Sammy st Ramdin b Tahir ...... 5 Smith (31) and Lendl Simmons Off-spinner Gayle struck in Margin Team Opponents Venue Date D Miller c Taylor b Russell ...... 20 A Russell c Abbott b Tahir ...... 0 (nought) all fell in the space of the 30th over with two wickets 290 New Zealand vs Ireland Aberdeen July 01 2008 F Behardien (not out) ...... 10 J Holder c Amla b Steyn ...... 56 seven balls to leave their side at in three balls, removing du Plessis 272 South Africa vs Zimbabwe Benoni October 22 2010 53 for five. caught behind for 62 attempting Extras (LB-2, W-11, NB-3) ...... 16 J Taylor (not out) ...... 15 258 South Africa vs Sri Lanka Paarl January 11 2012 Leg-spinner Imran Tahir trig- a shot through extra cover and Total (for 5 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 408 S Benn c Amla b Morkel ...... 1 257 India vs Bermuda (WC) Port-of-Spain March 19 2007 Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-145, 3-146, 4-280, Extras (LB-5, W-3) ...... 8 gered the collapse and finished then trapping Amla leg before for 257 South Africa vs West Indies (WC) Sydney February 27 2015 5-328. Total (all out in 33.1 overs) ...... 151 with five for 45 from 10 overs. 65 runs. Bowling: Taylor 8-1-64-0 (1nb, 4w); Holder Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-16, 3-52, 4-52, 5-53, De Villiers, who made his cen- But de Villiers and Rossouw 256 Australia vs Namibia (WC), Potchefstroom February 27 2003 10-2-104-1 (2nb, 2w), Russell 9-0-74-2 (1w); 6-63, 7-63, 8-108, 9-150, 10-151. tury off 52 balls, teed off late on, began to dramatically up the 256 India vs Hong Kong Karachi June 25 2008 Samuels 2-0-14-0; Benn 10-0-79-0 (1w); Bowling: Steyn 7-0-24-1 (2w); Abbott 8-0- plundering 34 off Holder’s penul- tempo, raising their hundred 245 Sri Lanka vs India Sharjah October 29 2000 timate over -- two sixes, three stand off 60 balls. Sammy 7-0-50-0; Gayle 4-0-21-2 (3w). 37-2 (1w); Morkel 5.1-0-23-2; Tahir 10-2-45- 243 Sri Lanka vs Bermuda (WC) Port-of-Spain March 15 2007 fours and a two-- and then 30 off The skipper brought up his 50 WEST INDIES 5; Du Plessis 3-0-17-0. 234 Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Lahore January 24 2009 D Smith c Miller b Tahir ...... 31 Result: South Africa won by 257 runs. his last over. Holder finished with off 30 balls and Rossouw’s half- one for 104 off 10 overs. century came off 31 balls. AFP Note: WC = World Cup Shehzad It all comes down to hard work for De Villiers cleared for SYDNEY: AB de Villiers of the game. “Sometimes it goes Zimbabwe tie smashed West Indies bowl- you way, sometimes it doesn’t. ers from pillar to post for I got dropped a couple of times South Africa’s BRISBANE: Pakistan opener the quickest 150 in One Day which helped me really free up Ahmed Shehzad has been captain AB de Internationals yesterday but and dominate a bit at the end.” cleared to play in the team’s Villiers takes a the South African skipper said “A bit” is something off an third World Cup Pool B game only hard work earns a batsman understatement and the West catch of West against Zimbabwe tomorrow the right to dominate in such a Indies bowlers must be heart- Indies batsman after suffering an ankle injury, fashion. ily sick of the sight of de Villiers Jonathan an official said yesterday. The 31-year-old’s innings of 162 after he hit the fastest one-day Carter (not The 23-year-old right-hander not out from 66 balls climaxed fifty (16 balls) and fastest cen- pictured) during was sent for an MRI scan after with a stunning final passage tury (31 balls) against them in their 2015 team practice in Brisbane, com- where he blasted his final 50 runs Johannesburg last month. World Cup plaining of pain in his left ankle. off just 12 balls to bring the crowd The sheer range of shots he Pool B match “Shehzad complained of acute at the Sydney Cricket Ground to played yesterday was breathtak- at the Sydney pain in his Achilles tendon. This its feet. ing but he admitted to feeling out Cricket Ground, occurred during a fielding train- “You get into that kind of mode, of sorts when he came out to join yesterday. ing session,” said team physio and it doesn’t happen very often, Rilee Rossouw in the middle with Brad Robinson, son of former it’s quite a good feeling to feel one his side becalmed at 146-3. Zimbabwean umpire Ian. step ahead of the bowlers, that’s “Rilee played a big part in me “On examination he had a the main thing,” he told reporters. getting off my feet today,” he said. mild limp and was tender in his “You get a really good gut feel “I didn’t feel too well going out momentum behind us at a really record-equalling 257 runs was motivated today to play some good Achilles tendon. Shehzad had an for what they’re trying to do. It’s to the wicket, a bit flat. He had quick pace. We’re both really the statement South Africa had cricket,” he said. “It’s great to MRI in Brisbane this morning. part of cricket, you work really a lot energy about him, a lot of aggressive players, we ran a lot been looking for after they fell to see the team like that, hustling The results showed a slight sore- hard trying to get in, you work intensity, getting into a lot of good of twos, and all of that together an embarrassing 130-run defeat around. You could see their eyes ness. The Achilles tendon was really hard to get some momen- positions, making it look flat out helped in me having a go,” added to India in their last Pool B match were open, ready to fight. It’s a intact and undamaged. “I am con- tum behind you, then you’ve there. the captain. in Melbourne. great turnaround after loss at the fident he will be available to play earned the right to take control “We were getting a lot of The victory by a World Cup “I really thought the guys were MCG.” REUTERS against Zimbabwe.” AFP SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Blatter says Al Gharafa down Qatar SC no Christmas World Cup final in 2022 as Al Ahli edge Al Shamal BELFAST, United Kingdom: FIFA leader Sepp Blatter said yesterday that the 2022 World QSL: Umm Salal, Al Khor claim wins; Al Sadd to face Lekhwiya today Cup final would not be held two days before Christmas but also ruled out paying compensation DOHA: Al Gharafa produced to European clubs for the winter a dominating performance in tournament. both the sessions to overcome The governing body’s hints that their higher ranked opponents the final of the Qatar tournament Qatar SC 2-1 at the Qatar Stars could be played on December 23, League, yesterday at their own 2022 caused a backlash, particu- backyard. larly from British football leaders. Qatar SC, placed fourth on But the FIFA president, speak- the QSL standings before the ing in Belfast ahead of a meet- tie, never looked comfortable as ing of the International Football seventh-placed Al Gharafa which Association Board, said the 2022 displayed an aggressive perform- World Cup would finish no later ance throughout the match than December 18. Moayad Hassan Fedaily scored “Not until the 23rd, definitely the first goal in the 35th minute not. We have to stop at the 18th,” for Al Gharafa with Ibrahim Blatter said. Abdulla Alghanim scoring the A FIFA task force on World winner in the 70th minute, nine Cup dates said the Qatar tourna- minutes after Hamdi Harbaoui ment had to be held in November- netted the equaliser for the home December because of the baking side. summer temperatures in the Gulf Meanwhile, Mashael Abdulla state. Abdulla scored a brace to spur Al FIFA’s executive committee will Ahli to a 3-2 win over Al Shamal take a final decision on the dates at the Al Arabi Stadium. at a meeting in Zurich on March Elsewhere, Umm Salal pre- 19-20. vailed over Al Wakra 2-1 while The FIFA leader acknowledged Al Khor defeated Al Shahaniya the anger of European leagues 3-2 to claim winning points. over the decision to hold a winter As many as three matches will World Cup. But he said clubs and be played today including the leagues would have to prepare. eagerly-awaited clash between “They are not so very happy Al Sadd and defending champions and it’s so good now to make a Lekhwiya. THE PENINSULA little bit of noise about FIFA and about the World Cup in Qatar. QSL Results Al Shamal captain Dejano Moumuli Peili (right) and Pedro Miguel “There are more than six years - particularly seven years - to Al Gharafa bt Qatar SC 2-1 Correia fight for ball possession during their QSL match at Al prepare. And there is a goodwill. Al Ahli bt Al Shamal 3-2 Arabi Stadium yesterday. RIGHT: Al Gharafa’s Moayad Hassan Fedaily (right) celebrates his goal against Qatar SC, with team- “There will be a solution and Umm Salal bt Al Wakra 2-1 mate at the Qatar SC Stadium. PICTURES BY: ABDUL BASIT I’m sure everybody will be fine.” Al Khor by Al Shahaniya 3-2 Blatter said no compensation would be paid to clubs, despite demands by the European Clubs’ Association. Everton face Ukraine trip in “I don’t think why they should. This is a problem that we have not now discussed in depth. But, definitely, we are in contact. Europa League pre-quarters Blatter said he had spoken with European clubs chief Karl-Heinz PARIS: Everton, the lone three-time winners Inter Milan Finally, Belgian outfit Club Rummenigge “to see how a solu- British representative remain- at Wolfsburg in the first matchup Brugge host Turkish club tion can be found.” AFP ing in the Europa League, were between the Serie A giants and Besiktas. given a testing last-16 tie against second-placed Bundesliga side. The first legs will be played on Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kiev Napoli, who were inspired March 12 with the return fixtures Injury, illness after the draw was made yes- to UEFA Cup victory by Diego on March 19 and the final set to terday in Switzerland. Maradona in 1989, host Dinamo be staged at Warsaw on May 27. Roberto Martinez’s side have Moscow while the fifth Italian AFP hit Schalke, not reached the later stages of a team in the draw, Torino, travel European competition since they to Russia and a first-leg matchup Draw won the 1985 Cup Winners’ Cup, against 2008 winners Zenit St. Dortmund’s but will have to earn a result in Petersburg. Everton (ENG) vs Dynamo Kiev (UKR) war-torn Ukraine to reach the Ajax, the only domestic cham- Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk (UKR) vs Ajax (NED) derby plans quarter-finals. pions in the last-16 and 1992 win- Zenit St. Petersburg (RUS) vs Torino (ITA) Fiorentina host Roma, in the ners, also travel to the Ukraine first leg of their all-Italian tie, and a difficult test against Dnipro VfL Wolfsburg (GER) vs Inter Milan (ITA) BERLIN: Both Borussia while holders Sevilla will be on Dnipropetrovsk. Villarreal (ESP) vs Sevilla (ESP) Dortmund and Schalke 04 have The ambassador for the UEFA Europa League final in Warsaw Jerzy Dudek the road at Villareal on March 12 Ukrainian and Russian teams Napoli (ITA) vs Dinamo Moscow (RUS) considerable injury concerns for the first match in a battle of were kept apart following a UEFA ahead of today’s Ruhr Valley presents the name of FC Everton during the draw for the UEFA Europa Club Brugge (BEL) vs Besiktas (TUR) League Round of 16, yesterday at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon. La Liga hopefuls. decision over the unrest between derby with both illness and Another attractive tie features the two neighbours. Fiorentina (ITA) vs Roma (ITA) injury taking their toll. A bout of flu has hit the Dortmund squad leaving a question mark as to whether Van Gaal desperate for Champions League spot Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa, defender Neven Subotic and winger Kevin Kampl will be fit for MANCHESTER: Manchester Van Gaal has been satisfied the 146th derby, while defender United manager Louis van Gaal with results United have pro- Sokratis Papastathopoulos is believes it would be a major duced recently, with last week- doubtful with a leg injury. disappointment if his side are end’s 2-1 loss to Swansea City only Kagawa trained with the team unable to escape “the rat race” their second defeat in 20 league on Thursday, but both Subotic and secure a return to the and cup matches. and Kampl have been isolated Champions League. But he believes there are still from the squad to lessen the risk The Red Devils cur- big improvements to be made of infecting others. rently occupy fourth place, a in the performance levels of his Dortmund have a particular point of ahead of fifth-placed players. problem on the wings with left- Southampton, ahead of their “I am pleased with the results, back Erik Durm definitely out Premier League fixture against but not with a lot of the perform- with illness, while right-back Sunderland. ances of my team,” he said. Lukasz Piszczek will miss the However, just four points sep- “Our process is continuing and next six weeks with torn ankle arate Arsenal in third with 48 always we are going better. In ligaments. points and Tottenham in seventh spite of the many injuries we have To make matters worse, Kevin place with 44 points after 26 had in the first half of the season, Grosskreutz, who can cover either matches of the campaign. we are there. position, is also out with a leg And Van Gaal claims it is “Also in spite of the criticism injury. essential his side beat Sunderland of our defence, we are there, we Schalke have similar prob- at Old Trafford today to keep up don’t have many goals against us. lems with both goalkeepers the pressure on their top-four “So, we are not unhappy. injured, meaning teenager Timon rivals of the league. When you see our matches we Wellenreuther will make only his “It is because of the rat race are mostly the better team, but fifth appearance in Germany’s top between five clubs that we have the better team is not always win- flight. to win, we have to be there,” Van ning,” said Van Gaal. Midfielders Jefferson Farfan, Gaal said. Ahead of the game against Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal (centre) looks dejected with his assistant Ryan Giggs (left) during Julian Draxler and Leon Goretzka “It would be a big disappoint- Sunderland, United midfielder the match against Swansea City in this February 21, 2015 file photo. are also out, as is forward Chinedu ment (not to make top four), of Michael Carrick has resumed Obasi, but Schalke have problems course, a big disappointment. training following his recovery in defence with Sead Kolasinac, “When you start the season from a calf strain but is unlikely injured player that I have. So, we match rhythm. “He trained only told me that they wanted to have Joel Matip and Jan Kirchhoff all with objective of finishing in the to be risked, while striker James change Carrick for Van Persie. one time with us, with the group, more youth academy players in injured. first four of the league it is your Wilson has recovered from a dead “Robin has an ankle problem so so he needs to also play in the sec- the first-team,” he explained. Fourth-placed Schalke secured objective and you are occupied leg. I don’t think it is heavy, but an ond team.” “I am happy that we can sign a 2-1 win in Gelsenkirchen with doing that. When I came The Red Devils are definitely ankle problem takes a long time. Van Gaal also revealed his hap- players from our youth academy when they hosted the derby in here, that was my goal and we without Netherlands striker It’s not one or two weeks, but we piness that young defenders Tyler and our players are very popular September, but Dortmund are are still there. Robin van Persie, who misses out will have to wait and see. Blackett and Reece James have as we also have a lot of youngsters chasing a fourth straight win “Therefore you have to win with an ongoing ankle problem. “Michael is very experienced both signed new long-term con- out on loan. I believe in players which has seen them climb from your matches because the other Van Gaal added: “He (Van and he can play in a very impor- tracts to remain at Old Trafford. that you have educated in your bottom of the table up to 12th. clubs are winning their matches.” Persie) is injured. The only tant position. But he also needs “When I came here there they own youth academy.” AFP AFP SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21 Safarova to meet Azarenka in final Qatar Open: Azarenka fights back to beat Venus, Safarova crushes Spain’s Navarro

DOHA: Former world number one Victoria Azarenka of Qatar Open Belarus yesterday rallied from a set down to beat multiple Grand Women’s Singles Slam winner Venus Williams of the US to set up a mouth-water- Semi-final Results ing final clash against Lucie Safarova at the Qatar Total Results from the Qatar Open Open. Women’s Singles Semifinal Lucie Safarova Azarenka, who picked up a matches yesterday wildcard to enter the Doha event, of the Czech yesterday beat seventh seed Venus Republic returns Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) bt 7-Venus 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 to reach the final of the ball to Carla Williams (US) 2-6, 6-2, 6-4; Lucie the $731,00 tournament. Suarez Navarro of Safarova (Czech Republic) bt 9-Carla “ It was a great match and I am Spain during their Suarez Navarro (Spain) 6-3, 6-2. very happy to win against Venus,” women’s singles Azarenka said after winning her semi-final match Women’s Doubles Semi-finals semi-final win. at the at the WTA [1] S Hsieh (TPE) / S Mirza (IND) vs H Chan “ It was a tough match as Venus Qatar Open in (TPE) / C Dellacqua (AUS) 62 64; [4] R was not willing to give any point. Doha, yesterday. Kops-Jones (USA) / A. Spears (USA) d [2] I had to fight very hard” RIGHT: Victoria E. Makarova (RUS) / E. Vesnina (RUS) 64 A jubilant Azarenka also Azarenka of Belarus 61 acknowledged the crowd support. celebrates winning “ It’s been very good to play in against Venus Doha and I love the crowd who gave me a huge support.” Willams of the USA Today’s Order Of Venus said she was up against during their semi in-form players this week. final match at the Play “I felt like every player I played International Khalifa just played literally at the top of Tennis Complex in CENTRE COURT start 3:30 pm their game. It was just one of Doha. these weeks where everybody just Doubles Final played amazing,” Venus said. [1] S Hsieh (TPE) / S Mirza (IND) vs [4] R “So I’m hoping that in the next Kops-Jones (USA) / A Spears (USA) coming weeks it won’t be like that. It’ll be a long year if every Not Before 6:00 pm opponent I play is just this much on top. It shows a level of compe- Singles Final tition and how much people want to win this event,” the seven-time L Safarova (CZE) vs [WC] V Azarenka (BLR) Grand Slam champion said. Earlier, in the first semi-final “It is so exciting and I am so The Czech broke the Spaniard’s Two-time champion Azarenka Safarova of the Czech Republic relieved to have reached the final. serve in the second game of the struggled with her rhythm in the Azarenka eyes Diamond Ball Trophy crushed Carla Suarez Navarro of I have been playing so well this first set and was rarely troubled first set but the tall left-handed Spain 6-3, 6-2 in 77 minutes on season,” left-handed Safarova by her opponent. picked up her game in the second DOHA: Victoria Azarenka is in contention to win the DiamondBall the Centre Court. said. She dropped her serve just set to set the tone for the rest of trophy, given to a player who wins the Qatar Total Open singles Today unseeded Safarova will “I am really very happy,” the once, in the seventh game of the match that lasted more than title three times. Azarenka won the Qatar Total Open title twice- attempt to win the 2015 Qatar 28-year-old added. “It hasn’t been the first set, but immediately two hours. 2012 beating Sam Stosur in the final and 2013 defeating Serena Total Open title and the top prize a struggle. I lost a couple of close broke back to restore her advan- In the second set, Azarenka Williams (she was entered in 2014 but was forced to withdraw of $124,000 to complete her dream matches,” Safarova said. tage and served out for the set broke Venus in games 5 and 7 to following an injury). Azarenka accounted for Venus Williams in run in Doha. “It (the losses) happen some- straight after. Safarova is cur- launch her comeback while in the the 2015 semis in three sets to make the final where she will play The title clash today will be times but I have worked really rently ranked number three in third set, Azarenka broke Venus Czech, Lucie Safarova. THE PENINSULA the first one in 2015 for the Czech hard in the off-season. So I am the Czech Republic behind Petra in games 1 and 3 before taking the who advanced to the quarters at enjoying my tennis. Kvitova and Karolina Pliskova. decider at 6-4. Antwerp and Dubai. “Yes, I would watch the second The world number 15 bagged Azarenka fired seven aces in she lost to Serena Williams in Ranked 48, Azarenka is now Safarova, the Wimbledon semi- semifinal. I am not too concerned her first Grand Slam title last the 2 hour 17-minute match. Brisbane last year. playing under new coach Wim finalist, achieved her best result who I play in the final. I will try month when she won the dou- Today’s title clash will be the By virtue of her win yesterday, Fissette. It was Azarenka’s first in Doha on Thursday when she to enjoy the final and get the win,” bles title at the Australian Open third for Azarenka who hasn’t Azarenka has now extended her win over Venus in five meetings. reached yesterday’s semi-final. Safarova said. with Bethanie Mattek-Sands. played a final on Tour since win streak in Doha to 14 matches. THE PENINSULA What’s On Offer in Djokovic earns Dubai showdown with Federer Doha Singles race - 32 players DUBAI: Novak Djokovic loser, but then became the young- $ defeated Tomas Berdych in est player ever to reach the semi- The winner will get US $ 124,000 and three sets in the Dubai Open finals here when trampling win 470 rankings points yesterday to earn a shot at his over Andy Murray, the world $ The losing finalist will take home US 50th title and an opportunity number three. $66,400 and 305 ranking points to atone for last year’s loss to But Federer taught the surpris- $The two losing semi-finalists got richer Roger Federer. ing upstart a sharp lesson. by US $35,465 and 185 ranking points The world number one from His ability to mix up the pat- $ The losing quarter-finalists picked up Serbia won 6-0, 5-7, 6-4 against terns with slices, paces changes US $19,065 and 100 ranking points the former Wimbledon finalist and net rushes, and to break the Doubles race - 16 teams from the Czech Republic in a rhythms of containment at which lengthy and unpredictable semi- Coric had previously excelled, $ The winning duo will win US $39,000 final which began as high speed made it more difficult for the and 470 ranking points one-way traffic. rookie to overcome his tension. $The losing finalists will get US $20,650 Djokovic started so brilliantly Coric showed hints of humour and 305 ranking points that he won the first set in only to leaven his disappointment. “I $ The two losing semi-finalists got US 23 minutes, then the first seven was watching him when I was six $11.360 and 185 ranking points games and even went a break up or seven and hoped I would one $ The losing quarter-finalists picked up early in the second set, at which day play him,” he said. US $5,785 and 100 ranking points stage he seemed unstoppable. “I knew it would be difficult and Remarkably however he forced Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after winning against Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic during their semi- there is more pressure than when Berdych to play so well that when final match of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis ATP Championships in Dubai, yesterday. RIGHT: Roger Federer of you are watching on the sofa,” he ATP Dubai Open his own level dropped, he found Switzerland returns the ball to Borna Coric of Croatia during their semi-final match in Dubai. added. himself slipping into difficulty. But Federer knew all about Berdych began to serve well, to that, and even more about the Results focus even harder and to hit some made while running at full speed, thinking of. You’re in the present his ninth final here and the 123rd pressures which Coric is now DUBAI, United Arab rousing ground strokes, and in the and grittily negotiate every sub- moment and you’re swinging final of his career. likely to have heaped upon him. Emirates: Collated results third set when he got Djokovic at sequent crisis. through the ball, and everything Federer did that by winning “I remember when I played from ATP Dubai Open deuce on one of his service games By then he had morphed into works as well as you want,” said 6-2, 6-1 in less than an hour Andre Agassi when I was 17,” yesterday:- and at 15-30 on another it seemed a hungry fighter who was quite Djokovic. against Borna Coric, the teenager Federer said. Semi-finals he might even tilt the see-saw to different from the Midas-touched The Grand Slam record-holder who practised with Djokovic, and “I was scared I would lose love its full opposite. genius who started the match. has indeed looked in very good is now being touted as a future and love and I won five games, and Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Borna Coric (CRO) The third phase saw Djokovic “When you feel as good on the order - despite having come champion. that’s how it goes. I wish Borna 6-2, 6-1 hang on tight, break for 3-2 with court as I felt for the first 30 straight from two weeks’ vaca- The 18-year-old Croatian only well for the rest of his career,” he Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Tomas Berdych the help of one deftly angled dink minutes, there’s not much you’re tion - and advanced confidently to reached the main draw as a lucky said. AFP (CZE x4) 6-0, 5-7, 6-4 Acapulco ATP/WTA ‘Djokovic close to scaling tennis’ Everest’ Results ACAPULCO, Mexico: LONDON: Novak Djokovic dominant start to the year and like he has. I will be as excited as “You could give them all wood Results on Thursday from may never have a better chance Nadal’s sluggish return from anybody to see if Rafa really is rackets and these guys are still the fourth day of the Mexican to complete his career grand more injury woes means that the going to be vulnerable. It seems bigger and stronger and faster,” Open ATP and WTA tourna- slam than at this year’s French odds are shortening on him end- that way now but it’s seemed like Agassi said. ment (x denotes seeded player): Open but those predicting the ing the Spaniard’s dominance on that before.” “You add the spins, you add Men Quarter-finals: Kei Nishikori (JPN x1) decline of claycourt king Rafa the red dirt which has earned him Agassi, 44, hung on long enough the speed. You add the rules of bt Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR x5) 6-4, 6-4; Nadal should be wary, accord- a record nine titles in 10 years. to watch the emergence of Nadal, engagement. The points are more Kevin Anderson (RSA x4) bt Viktor Troicki ing to Andre Agassi. “Rafa has been the Mount who he describes at the most ballistic then they’ve ever been (SRB) 3-6, 6-3, 6-3; Ryan Harrison (USA) Had it not been for the Everest of Roland Garros and physically intimidating player and they go longer than they’ve bt Ivo Karlovic (CRO x6) 4-6, 7-6 (7/0), 7-6 Spaniard, Djokovic would already climbing him is like climbing he faced in a career that reaped ever gone. (7/4); David Ferrer (ESP x2) bt Bernard Tomic be part of the elite club of players Mount Everest without the sher- eight grand slam titles. “These guys are playing to (AUS) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1. to have won all four majors – one pas and the oxygen,” said Agassi Andre Agassi Nadal won both their meetings, depletion. I mean, my word! It’s that Agassi joined when he finally at the launch of his BILT by the last at Wimbledon in 2006, violent. Sprinting five miles in Women Quarter-finals: Maria Sharapova prevailed in the French capital Agassi & Reyes range of fitness playing at a level above everybody shortly before the American great a match, there’s no jogging,” he (RUS x1) bt Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 6-1, in 1999 against Andriy Medvedev. machines at a sports club just else right now. retired. said adding: “I mean I played 4-6, 6-2; Caroline Garcia (FRA x3) bt Mirjana Twice Djokovic has been felled north of London this week. “He believes he should win. I He suggested that Nadal’s bru- with urgency because I needed to Lucic-Baroni (CRO) 6-2, 2-1 retired; Timea by Nadal in the final while in 2013 “Djokovic has nearly reached think he can and deserves to but tality had broken new ground in raise the stakes and get to some- Bacsinszky (SUI x5) bt Johanna Larsson he lost an epic five-set semi-final. the summit of that mountain a he doesn’t deserve it if Rafa gets the sport, ushering in an era of one physically, these guys do it for (SWE) 6-3, 6-3; Sesil Karatantcheva (BUL) World number one Djokovic’s couple of times and is no doubt himself right and shows up again super-athletes. five hours.” REUTERS bt Monica Puig (PUR) 2-6, 7-6 (9/7), 6-4. Most Popular Bangladeshi Newspaper

SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 PROTHOM ALO WEEKLY Published every Thursday 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Available in all leading stores in Qatar       Tel: 4465 0600 Email: [email protected] Rosberg fastest as Mercedes World champion Cairoli show speed BARCELONA: Mercedes showed off their speedy new W06 yesterday as Nico Rosberg blew away the rest of the field on the second day of the final tops Qatar qualifying pre-season test in Barcelona. Using the faster soft tyres for the first time this season, Rosberg Jeffrey Herlings to start from pole position in tonight’s MX2 race produced the fastest time through six days of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya in 1min 22.792sec. BY RIZWAN REHMAT The German’s time was more than seven-tenths of a second DOHA: Defending champion quicker than the previous best Antonio Cairoli brought delight time set by Williams’ Felipe to his KTM camp last night by Massa on Thursday. topping the time charts in the “We are confident that we season’s first official qualify- have a good car because we have ing session of the 2015 FIM a great team at the moment, but Motocross World Championship. at the same time we are well Eight-time world champion aware that some of the others Cairoli clocked a time of 23:57.02 have been posting quick times,” to secure the top position for said Rosberg. tonight’s opening race of the new However, last season’s runner- season to be held under the lights up in the world championship of Losail International Circuit. wasn’t completely happy with his The 29-year-old MXGP vet- day’s work despite the fast time eran produced his best lap time of in the afternoon session. 1:50.71 on lap 2. Belgian Clement “We need to keep our heads Desalle, riding for Suzuki, finished Riders in action at Losail MX track yesterday. down and keep working. Today second with a time of 24:01.97 was a difficult day because even and last year’s winner in Qatar, “There were times when I for eight-place finish with a time though all the numbers looked Gautier Paulin of France, finished couldn’t shift properly but overall of 25:01.92. like they were in the right place the qualifying session in third I felt good.” “I am just glad to be back in on the setup, actually the car spot with a time of 24:04.17. Earlier, two-time MX2 world action,” Herlings said. “It has been was very far away from where it Gautier, who rides for Honda, champion Jeffrey Herlings topped a tough time (in the off-season). needed to be and we didn’t really was 7.15 seconds slower than the MX2 qualifying with error- We are just happy to make it to understand that, so the whole day Cairoli. free riding on his KTM bike. Qatar. It is more than beautiful we were chasing the setup and German Maximilian Nagl was The 21-year-old Dutch star that I am racing. I didn’t want trying to find the right direction. placed fourth on is Husqvarna clocked a time of 24:28.44 to finish to take too many risks,” he said. “Eventually in the end it was bike with a time of 24:09.50 while ahead of American star Thomas THE PENINSULA feeling more and more decent, Belgian Kevin Strijbos, riding for Covington. and putting the soft tyres on gives Suzuki, clocked 24:13.28 to post The 19-year-old American the grip anyway so with the soft Qualifying Results (MXGP) the fifth best time. riding for Kawasaki finished the tyres it doesn’t really matter what Frenchman Romain Febvre 20-lap qualifying with a time of Antonio Cairoli, 23:57.02 the balance is.” (Yamaha, 24:23.43), Briton 24:29.82. Covington produced the Clement Desalle, 24:01.97 Williams remained the closest Shaun Simpson (KTM, 24:29.45), night’s best lap time of 1:53.307 Gautlier Paulin 24:04.17 challengers for the world champi- American Ryan Villopoto achieved on lap 3. Maximilian Nagl, 24:09.50 ons as Valtteri Bottas was second (Kawasaki, 24:30.72), Belgian Frenchman Ferrandis, riding Kevin Strijbos, 24:13.28 fastest, albeit over a second back Jeremy Van Horebeek (Yamaha, for Kawasaki, clocked 24:31.19 to Romain Febvre, 24:23.43 on Rosberg. 24:40.80) and Australian Todd emerge as the third best rider in Brazilian rookie Felipe Nasr Shaun Simpson, 24:29.45 Waters (Husqvarna, 24:45.85) the 25-entry field. completed another good day for finished in sixth, seventh eighth, Aleksandr Tonkov of Russia Ryan Villopoto, 24:30.72 Sauber as he went third quickest ninth and 10th spots respectively. also impressed on the opening Jeremey Van Horebeek, 24:40.80 in a marathon 140-lap day. Cairoli was delighted with his night finishing in fourth place for Todd Waters, 24:45.85 There was even some encour- first official outing of the new Husqvarna. Tonkov, 21, clocked a Qualifying Results (MX2) agement for the under fire season. time of 24:37.39, some 6.205 sec- Jeffrey Herlings, 24:28.44 McLaren-Honda partnership as “I was only trying to find the onds slower than Herlings. Thomas Covington, 24:29.82 Jenson Button managed 101 laps right kind of settings. I don’t want Britain’s Max Anstie before bringing his session to an Dylan Ferrandis, 24:31.19 to do anything crazy right now,” (Kawasaki) was fifth best with early end when he broke down Cairoli said. “It is a long season 24:44.09 while Pauls Jonass of Aleksandr Tonkov 24:37.39 with just 15 minutes of the day and right now I just want to get a Latvia ended with a time of Max Anstie, 24:44.09 left to run. podium finish,” the Italian added. 24:47.33 for KTM sixth place. Pauls Jonass, 24:47.33 Meanwhile, Force India “I was just trying to find one Julien Lieber of Belgium rode Julien Lieber, 24:54.45 finally unveiled their VJM08 car Eight-time world champion Antonio Cairoli rides during the first MXGP line on the track,” Cairoli said. his Yamaha to claim the seventh Jordi Tixier, 25:01.92 for the upcoming season and “There was a lot water and I spot with a time of 24:54.45 while also had a positive day as Nico qualifying session of the 2015 FIM Motocross World Championship at Damon Graulus, 25:06.48 Losail MX track, outside Doha, yesterday. just wanted to stay in front, at defending champion Jordi Tixier Hulkenberg managed 76 laps. least in the top five,” he said. of France powered his Kawasaki Jeremy Seewer, 25:12.457 REUTERS Preston wins MX1 race of Losail MX Championship

DOHA: The fifth and last round with FIM Women’s Commission of the Losail MX Championship representatives Velia Hargreaves (LMX) kicked off at the Losail and Marielou Cruz. MX Track here yesterday. In Hargreaves is also the the MX1 race, British rider Jake FIM Latin America Women’s Preston came out as the winner Commission Director. “It is very ahead of Dennis Stapleton and important that women partici- Teddy Gautier respectively. pate in motor sport, not only as Both QMMF Team Moto2 riders but also as officials, techni- riders, Anthony West and Julian cians and media-persons. Latin Simon, also took part in this America has put a lot of effort round of the LMX and they got behind women in motocross and great results. we can see now the results with Spanish rider Julian Simon fin- a higher level of competition and ished in fourth place in the MX1 more talented riders such as race and Anthony West ended uo Stefany Serrao,” Hargreaves said. in sixth position. It was Simon’s Latin-American Motocross first appearance at the Losail Women’s Champion Stefany track and he was very happy with Serrao, of Brazil, is partici- the result. pating in the Women’s MX “I am very happy to race here Championship as a wild card. in the Losail MX with a new “I cannot begin to describe how KTM bike and thanks to QMMF amazing this moment is for me, for this opportunity. I love moto- incredible experience! I am so cross as I started my career with excited for this and I will give it motocross and to be here during all I can on the track. I have to the MXGP is very exciting. For thank FIM Latin America for the new season of Moto2, I hope their support to be here today, to make a good result and I will together with the QMMF. It is give the maximum in the track to Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo, FIM Europe President Wolfgang SRB, FIM/CMS Director Tony Skillington, QMMF President and FIM Deputy great to have more female par- get good results. This is my first President Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah pose with all the MXGP and MX2 riders on the podium of the Losail MX track, outside Doha, yesterday. ticipation in motorsport as this is season with the QMMF Racing one more step forward and hope team and I am very happy with result, considering this is my first and FIM Deputy President Championship today and they be being tomorrow at 6.10pm with more female riders will join us in the team and I hope to have a time. It is fun to watch the world Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah put up a great performance in the Women MX, then the MX2 future events,” she said. good performance in the open- championship riders and race in expressed his happiness regard- the race. This is practice for the races will be held at 7.10pm and THE PENINSULA ing round of the season here in the same track as them. We have ing the opening round of the 2015 beginning of the season of Moto2 the MXGP will be at 8.10pm. Today’s Schedule Qatar,” Simon said. another race tomorrow and I FIM Motocross Championship here in Qatar. As FIM Deputy Youthstream President WMX Warm-up: 4.30pm Australian Moto2 rider West looking forward to it,” West said. season. President, I am happy to see the Giuseppe Luongo, FIM Europe had a problem in the start but he In the MX2 category, Kuwati “I am very happy to open the improvement in track safety with President Wolfgang SRB, FIM/ MX2 Warm-up: 4.50pm was happy with the result. “I love rider and championship leader season of the 2015 FIM Motocross the launch of the race control and CMS Director Tony Skillington MXGP Warm-up: 5.10pm motocross and I did it before only Barak Al Jasmi came out on Championship here in Qatar and CCTV system. It adds big value to and Al Attiyah posed with all WMX Race 1: 6.15pm in practice, no racing; so I was a top. Moath Al Ansari, also from for sure it will be another excit- the motocross family,” Al Attiyah the MXGP, MX2 and WMX rid- MX2 Race 1: 7.15pm little nervous at the beginning Kuwait, and Saeed Al Shenqiti, ing weekend under the floodlights said. ers on the podium of the Losail MXGP Race 1: 8.15pm and missed the start. Everybody from UAE, finished in second and of the Losail MX Track,” he said. Tomorrow the second race for MX track before action began WMX Race 2: 9.10pm was gone by the time I left and I third place respectively. “I am glad to have the the Losail MX Championship will yesterday. made some small mistakes during Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Moto2 riders, West and Simon, begin at 3.40pm. The Motocross There was also a group photo MX2 Race 2: 10.10pm the race but I am happy with the Federation (QMMF) President also riding in the Losail MX World Championship, races will with all the women riders together MXGP Race 2: 11.10pm SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 BREAK TIME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2D/Action) 1 – 10:35am, 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:30 & 11:00pm Focus (2D/Comedy) 2 TV – 10:30am, 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45 & 11:55pm SHOWING AT VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER LISTINGS The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water TEL: 444933989 444517001 3 (2D/Animation) – 10:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00 & 4:00pm The Wedding Ringer (2D/Comedy) – 6:00, 8:00, 10:00 & 11:55pm Zarafa (2D/Animation) – 10:45am, 12:30 & 2:15pm 4 Serena (2D/Action) – 3:45, 6:05, 8:15 & 11:00pm The Protector 2 (2D/Action)–10:15am, 2:45 & 11:50pm 5 03:40 Auction Hunters: 7:30 Talk To Al Jazeera 07:12 One World 09:30 Khana khazana The Atticus Institute (2D/Horror) – 7:15pm Pawn Shop Edition 8:30 Fault Lines African Safari 10:00 Aunn Zara Clash of Empires: Bloodlines (2D/Action) 07:36 The Wild 11:30 Soul Music – 12:35, 5:00 & 9:30pm 04:05 The Liquidator 9:00 Witness The Boy Next Door (2D/Thriller) – 10:20pm 04:30 Auction Hunters 10:00 News Life Of Tim 12:00 Bollywood Cut 6 Boys of Abu Ghraib (2D/Drama) – 3:40pm 05:00 How It’s Made 10:30 Inside Story Faulkner 15:30 10 on 10 Youm Maloush Lazmah (2D/Arabic) 05:30 How It’s Made 11:00 News 08:00 The Wild 18:00 Gulf Rangoli – 10:50am, 1:15, 5:40, 8:00pm &12:15am Life Of Tim Season 4 Captain Sabertooth & The Lama Rama Treasure 06:00 The Big Brain Theory 11:30 Listening Post 7 (2D/Action) – 10:00am, 2:15, 6:30 & 11:00pm 06:50 You Have Been 12:30 Counting the Cost Faulkner 18:30 Trendsetters of & 12:15am; Fort Bliss (2D/Action) Warned 13:00 NEWSHOUR 18:25 Killer Iq: Lion Bollywood – 12:00noon, 4:15 & 8:30pm 08:05 The Carbonaro 14:00 News vs Hyena 19:00 Sa Re Ga Ma The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water 8 19:20 The Real Lion Pa Li’l Champs (2D/Animation) – 3:15 & 5:10pm; Dragon Blade Effect 14:30 Inside Story (2D/Action) – 10:20am, 12:50, 7:10, 9:30 & 11:50pm 15:35 The Carbonaro 15:00 Once Upon a Time Queen 20:00 Look Whos Focus (IMAX 2D/Comedy) – 11:30am, 1:40, 3:50, 20:15 Voodoo Shark Talking With 9 Effect in Punchbowl 6:00, 8:10, 10:20pm &12:30am 16:00 Gold Rush 16:00 NEWSHOUR 21:10 Lion Battlefield Niranjan Focus (2D/Comedy) 10 16:50 Gold Divers: Under 17:00 News 22:05 The Last Lion 20:30 Aunn Zara – 10:00am, 12:10, 2:20, 4:40, 6:50, 9:20 & 11:40pm The Ice 17:30 Letter From My Of Liuwa 21:30 Zee Connect 1 Zarafa (2D/Animation) – 2:15pm 17:40 Alaska: The Last Child 23:00 Blood Lake: Season 4 Serena (2D/Drama) – 4:00pm Frontier 18:00 NEWSHOUR Attack Of The 22:00 Doli Armaano Captain Sabertooth & The Treasure of Lama Killer Lamprey Ki Rama (2D/Action) – 6:00 & 7:45pm 18:30 The Island With Bear 19:00 News The Protector 2 (2D/Action) – 9:30pm Grylls 19:30 People & Power Still Alice (2D/Drama) – 11:30pm 19:20 When Fish Attack 20:00 News 20:10 Survive That! 20:30 Inside Story MALL 2 Fort Bliss (2D/Drama) – 2:45pm 21:00 Auction Hunters 21:00 NEWSHOUR Combustion (2D/Action) – 5:00pm 22:40 Auction Hunters 22:00 News 06:00 Free Birds 02:00 Syrup-PG15 Focus (2D/Comedy) – 7:00 & 11:15pm 23:05 Street Outlaws 22:30 Listening Post 08:00 Eleanor’s 04:00 Three Men And Ab Tak Chhappan (2D/Hindi) – 9:00pm 23:55 American Muscle 23:00 Al Jazeera World Secret A Baby-PG15 3 Fireman (2D/Malayalam) – 2:00, 6:30 & 11:00pm 10:00 The Nut Job 08:00 The Simpsons Youm Maloush Lazma (2d/Arabic) – 4:15 & 8:45pm 11:30 Kong Return To Movie-PG15 Three Men And 1 Serena (2D/Drama) – 2:30pm The Jungle 10:00 Back To The A Baby-PG15 Combustion (2D/Action) – 4:30pm 14:30 Sea 12:00 Mr. 3000-PG Youm Maloush Lazma (2D/Arabic) – 6:30pm 16:15 The Happets 14:00 Held Up (1999)- The Protector 2 (2D/Action) – 9:00pm The Nut Job The Simpsons Captain Sabertooth & The Treasure of Lama 18:00 16:00 Rama (2D/Action) – 11:15pm 08:55 I Didn’t Do It 04:30 The Tonight Show 20:00 Barbie Movie-PG15 2 Zarafa (2D/Animation) – 3:00pm 09:20 Dog With A Blog Starring Jimmy Fairytopia 18:00 Fatal Instinct- 09:45 Girl Meets World Fallon 21:45 Back To The 20:00 Friends With Focus (2D/Comedy) – 5:00, 7:00 & 11:15pm LANDMARK 12:15 Dog With A Blog 07:00 Late Night With Seth Sea Kids-PG15 Youm Maloush Lazma (2D/Arabic) – 9:00pm 12:40 Wizards Of Waverly Meyers 23:30 The Happets 22:00 The Details-18 3 The Protector 2 (2D/Action) – 2:30pm Place 09:30 Black-Ish Fort Bliss (2D/Drama) – 4:30pm 17:00 Liv And Maddie 11:00 The Tonight Show Captain Sabertooth & The Treasure of Lama 17:25 I Didn’t Do It Starring Jimmy Rama (2D/Action) – 7:00pm 17:50 Dog With A Blog Fallon Fireman (2D/Malayalam) – 9:00pm 18:15 Good Luck Charlie 14:30 Black-Ish

Still Alice (2D/Drama) – 11:30pm 18:40 Binny And The 15:30 The Daily Show With Ghost Jon Stewart 03:30 Lincoln-PG15 10:00 World’s Toughest Ab Tak Chhappan (2D/Hindi) – 2:30pm 19:05 Binny And The 17:00 Late Night With Seth 06:30 Jobs-PG15 Fixes 1 The Protector 2 (2D/Action) – 5:00 & 9:15pm Ghost Meyers 09:00 Muppets Most 12:00 Mad Scientists Captain Sabertooth & The Treasure of Lama 19:30 Binny And The 18:00 Enlisted Wanted-PG 12:30 Mad Scientists Rama (2D/Action) – 7:15 & 11:30pm Ghost 19:00 2 Broke Girls 11:00 The Amazing 13:00 Big, Bigger, Zarafa (2D/Animation) – 3:00pm 19:55 Gravity Falls 19:30 Cougar Town Spider-Man Biggest Combustion (2D/Action) – 5:00pm 20:20 Kim Possible 20:00 The Tonight Show 15:00 Muppets Most 14:00 Perilous ROYAL 2 Focus (2D/Comedy) – 7:00 & 11:15pm 20:45 Spooksville Starring Jimmy Wanted-PG Journeys PLAZA Ab Tak Chhappan (2D/Hindi) – 9:00pm 21:10 I Didn’t Do It Fallon 17:00 Gravity-PG15 15:00 Apocalypse 21:35 Gravity Falls 21:00 The Daily Show 19:00 Drinking World War I Serena (2D/Drama) – 2:30pm 3 22:00 Suite Life On Deck Global Edition Buddies-PG15 16:00 Expedition Wild Fort Bliss (2D/Drama) – 4:30pm 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 22:00 Saturday Night Live 21:00 Walk Of Shame- 17:00 Animal Autopsy Youm Maloush Lazma (2D/Arabic)–6:45 & 9:00pm 22:50 Shake It Up 23:30 Late Night With Seth 23:00 American Hustle- 18:00 Car SOS 23:10 Wolfblood Meyers Still Alice (2D/Drama) – 11:15pm

HYPER C RSO S W O RD 1234 5678 9101112 2 Olds of old 32 River through 3 Obama’s veep Flanders 13 14 15 16 4 Fill to the gills 33 Italian hothead? 5 “No prob” 34 Founder of 17 18 19 6 World’s 58-Across most widely 35 Fly trap 20 21 22 distributed 37 Pops, as the syndicated news question 23 24 25 26 service 40 Combat supplies 7 Suffix with 43 Just gets (by) 27 28 29 30 31 lemon 44 Eyelash, e.g. 8 Down in the 46 Slowly changes mouth 32 33 34 35 36 37 47 “World’s 9 Cause of most admired yawning 38 39 40 41 company,” per 10 On ___ (how Fortune Yesterday’s answer some pranks are 42 43 44 45 46 47 50 Look after a done) neighbor’s dog, How to play Hyper Sudoku: 11 Founder of say A Hyper Sudoku Puzzle is solved by filling the numbers from 1 to 9 into the blank cells. A Hyper 48 49 50 51 36-Across Sudoku has unlike Sudoku 13 regions (four regions overlap with the nine standard regions). In all 53 Ham it up 12 Old one, in regions the numbers from 1 to 9 can appear only once. Otherwise, a Hyper Sudoku is solved like 55 Love, to 52 53 54 55 56 57 German a normal Sudoku. Valentino 16 One may trip on 56 Valentino, e.g. 58 59 60 61 it 57 Op-ed piece How to play Kakuro: 18 Turkic tongue 58 “___ unto him The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any 62 63 64 65 22 “Livin’ La ___ …” size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells Loca” like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, 59 A.D. part 66 67 68 25 Lover of Psyche some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some 61 Slightly open 27 Critical cells will contain two numbers. 64 Overly However, in a crossword the numbers reference 69 70 71 30 Pretty tasteless 65 M.D. specialty clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! food They denote the total of the digits in the row or 31 Lose it column referenced by the number. ACROSS 41 Seat with cushions Within each 1 Test runners 42 Get tangled collection of cells SNAP ELMS STE I N - called a run - any 5 Many a carnival game 45 Splits, as a couple of the numbers 1 9 Lower California, 48 Uncooked PED I MEAL COCOA to 9 may be used informally 49 Where to find a soft but, like sudoku, 13 “Splendor in the Grass” drink’s promotional code RA I L PAGELAYOUT each number may director Kazan 51 End-of-season honorees, ATEASE OPALS only be used once. 14 “Changed my mind” for short computer command 52 Hawk’s home YOUFORGOTME MPH Yesterday’s 15 “Entertainment Tonight” 54 Soak up, as gravy answer FOR ENT I RE host Nancy 55 Pub draught 17 Founder of 6-Down 58 World’s biggest private SUBARUFORESTER 19 Loads and loads employer 20 Relief on a hot day 60 Andean ruminants ALSO BIC ARGO Baby Blues By Jerry Scott and Rick Kirkman 21 Stuffed 62 Winning DOUBLESTUFOREO 23 Near eternity 63 Founder of 47-Down 24 Pre-A.D. 66 Cybermemo DORSAL LOA 26 Hit back? 67 Skye of “Say Anything SPY UFOS I GHT ING 27 Precious …” 28 Old name for Tokyo 68 Domain AD IME HURRAH 29 Aliens, for short 69 Many bills in tip jars 32 “That’s not news to me” 70 Pre-K enrollees CONF I NEDTO A I DE 36 World’s largest online 71 Fall back (on) INCAN GEAR ISIN retailer 38 Macy’s symbol DOWN GEORG ARON THAT 39 Word after Dead or Red 1 Ignored ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Chingay Parade

Fajr (Dawn) 4:42 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:58 Zuhr (Noon) 11:47 Asr (Afternoon) 3:06 Maghrib (Sunset) 5:36 Isha (Night) 7:06

WEATHER Weather Today Sunday Monday Conditions: Clear Cloudy Sunny Hazy to misty at places at first High: 23° High: 25° High: 26° becomes moderate Low: 16° Low: 18° Low: 17° temperature later, relatively cold by night.

DOHA - SUN & SEA SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 05:58 17:36 01:45 & 12:15 09:15 & 18:45 05-13 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER

MUSCAT 21/16 Mostly sunny 23/14 Sunny Performers wave to spectators during the opening segment of the Chingay Parade in Singapore, yesterday. Chingay, which means ‘the art of cos- MAKKAH 38/23 Sunny 37/23 Sunny tume and masquerade’ in the Hokkien dialect is an annual affair and this year’s edition features local and international contingents from Thailand, KUWAIT 26/11 Cloudy 28/13 Sunny China, India, Rwanda and Russia. BAHRAIN 23/14 Cloudy 26/17 Sunny SANAA 26/07 Clear 27/08 Mostly sunny RIYADH 24/12 Sunny 32/16 Sunny DUBAI 22/13 Cloudy 24/14 Sunny BAGHDAD 24/09 Sunny 23/10 Sunny Bright lights of dwarf planet perplex Nasa

THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW WASHINGTON: The dis- release. The light appears in the spacecraft closes in and spirals “water-bearing minerals.” HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER covery of another bright light same basin as the other spot, nearer the dwarf planet. Launched in 2007, the Dawn probe on the dwarf planet Ceres has images released by Nasa show. “The brightest spot continues was sent to investigate the two larg- ATHENS 07/-2 Mostly sunny 07/04 Partly cloudy Nasa scientists perplexed as “This may be pointing to a vol- to be too small to resolve with est bodies in the asteroid belt, which WASHINGTON -1/-11 Partly cloudy 02/-8 Scattered rain the US Dawn probe prepares cano-like origin of the spots, but our camera, but despite its size it lies between Mars and Jupiter. to enter the orbit of the largest we will have to wait for better res- is brighter than anything else on Dawn explored giant asteroid SYDNEY 29/20 Partly cloudy 35/19 Partly cloudy object in the asteroid belt and olution before we can make such Ceres. This is truly unexpected Vesta starting in 2011, providing LONDON 11/07 Showers 10/02 Rain possibly resolve the mystery. geologic interpretations,” Chris and still a mystery to us,” said sci- measurements and images. After PARIS 09/08 Showers 12/08 Showers The images taken nearly Russell from the Dawn mission entist Andreas Nathues who is in 2012, the probe left Vesta’s orbit ISTANBUL 11/06 Partly cloudy 11/06 Partly cloudy 46,000km from Ceres show that said. charge of the camera. and began its journey to Ceres. MANILA 32/22 Mostly sunny 31/21 Partly cloudy a bright spot on the planet sci- The Dawn probe will enter Scientists detected water Ceres has a diameter of about DHAKA 33/22 Sunny 33/23 Partly cloudy entists previously discovered the orbit of Ceres on March 6. vapour emitting from Ceres 950km and Vesta has a diameter DELHI 27/17 Sunny 17/17 Thunderstorms appears next to another slightly Scientists expect to receive better in 2012 and Nasa reports the of about 525km. ISLAMABAD 22/10 Mostly sunny 17/09 Rain darker spot, Nasa said in a news views of the mystery lights as the surface of the body contains AFP New volcano Prince William swaps island getting big in Japan royal notes with Akihito TOKYO: Famously crowded TOKYO: Britain’s Prince William above his Japanese counterpart, Japan is getting a bit more space compared royal notes with Japan’s standing a good head and shoul- as a newly-formed volcanic imperial family yesterday in the ders taller than a man who lives island just keeps on growing. tradition-laden Imperial Palace a different, more cloistered exist- New footage of the remote that dominates central Tokyo. ence than the jet-set lifestyles of Nishinoshima, some 1,000km The young scion of the House of William and his brother, Harry. south of Tokyo, shows a volcano Windsor was welcomed by Emperor William had spent the morn- erupting up to six times a minute, Akihito and Empress Michiko at ing paying tribute to British and spewing huge volumes of magma the entrance of the imposing palace, other soldiers who gave their lives — and scientists say there is which is cut off from the hustle and during those hostilities over seven plenty more still to come. bustle of Tokyo by a large moat. decades ago, laying a wreath at a A tiny islet emerged in Akihito, whose family claims to Commonwealth War Cemetery in November 2013 right next to the be able to trace its imperial ances- Yokohama, near Tokyo. original Nishinoshima, when mol- try for thousands of years looked William looked at pictures of ten rock cooled and began to poke frail next to the hearty former his mother’s visits — in 1990 and its head just above the water. helicopter pilot, whose wife, Kate, 1995 — and footage of her trip was That speck of land grew as is due to give birth to the couple’s replayed on Japanese television. the volcano kept going, and soon second child in April. The Princess of Wales was engulfed its once larger neighbour. Pictures showed William, 32, immensely popular in Japan, her The new super-island is now shaking hands with the 81-year- visits setting off so-called “Diana a respectable 2.46sqm, the Japan old emperor, and Japanese media Fever” as tens of thousands Coast Guard says — roughly the reported he had thanked the royal flocked to meet her and as women size of 345 football pitches — while couple for an invitation that had sought to copy her carefully-coif- the still-spewing volcano is now a brought him to Japan for the first fured hair and stylish dress-sense. healthy 100 metres tall. time. Speaking at a reception The young prince has some- Kenji Nogami of the Tokyo later in the day, William said he thing of that star power for many Institute of Technology, who was “immensely honoured to have Japanese, who speak admiringly of helped conduct the latest of the been received by Their Majesties”. his apparent warmth and ease with coastguard’s monthly observa- Williamlater met Crown Prince members of the public, although the tions, said volcanic activity is Naruhito at a separate palace for absence of Kate and baby George likely to continue for the time Britain’s Prince William (luke), Duke of Cambridge, is greeted by Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko a tea ceremony. has dimmed the appeal a little. being. on his arrival for a luncheon at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo yesterday. The younger prince towered AFP “There have not been any sig- nificant changes at the volcanic vent of the pyroclastic cone, where eruptions of lava are seen several times a minute,” he said in a statement. No capes in sight at Armani after “Magma has risen to shallow areas of the vent, and lava flows to the east have continued to stretch out. Madonna fall at Brit Awards “Therefore, I conclude a stable supply of magma is continuing,” MILAN: You could forgive with tights mind! — before the overtones. The fat effect is also he said. fashion king Giorgio Armani masculine, patent leather shoe going large, though Armani took The coastguard has asked sail- the absence of capes at his below. a softer approach, offering just ors to stay away from the island. Emporio show yesterday, after Red or black butterfly bows two short-sleeved blue and red Japan sits on the Pacific ring pop diva Madonna blamed one adorned shoulders on high- dresses in fur and wool, which of fire, where earthquakes and of his creations for her fall at waisted jackets and the front of hung out from the frame down volcanic eruptions are relatively the Brit Awards this week. full-waisted coats, or were trans- to the knee. commonplace. The white-haired grandfather formed into earrings. Shoes were shiny in electric AFP of fashion looked unrepentant Bags were tiny, closed with a reds, purples and blues, with only as he took his bow for a lively metal clasp and worn on long a pair of sensible wide-heeled high autumn/winter 2015 collection chains under furry gilets or with heels for special events—which based on a palette of soft blues, long frill straps, with classic should rule out any further stum- vibrant pinks, reds and pur- clutches for the evening. bles by celebrities dressed by the ples, rounded off with a host of Among the trends emerging at 80-year old fashion lord. bewitching black looks. Milan fashion week is the bed- Madonna blamed her Armani Those cursed with unshapely room look, with Gucci producing cape for her tumble off the stage ankles are in trouble: this win- furry slippers and Fendi showing at the Brit Awards on Wednesday, ter it’s all about slim-cut trou- off a duvet dress — and Armani after she was unable to untie it sers which stop short, leaving a did not disappoint, unveiling a during an act. A model displays a creation as part of the Emporio Armani Autumn/Winter glimpse of bare skin — no cheating pink coat with dressing-gown AFP 2015/16 collection during Milan Fashion Week, yesterday.