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Thursday 6 February 2014 6 Rabial II 1435 - Volume 18 Number 5967 Price: QR2
Qatar Exchange Pieters upstages index adds Wild to grab 85.01 points golden jersey
Business | 20 Sport | 27
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PM meets ITU Secretary-General Syria misses another chemical Govt to act weapons deadline BEIRUT: Syria claims it remains committed to destroy- ing its chemical weapons arse- on safety at nal by mid-2014 despite missing another deadline yesterday. The delay is being blamed by Syrian officials on the ongoing war with anti-regime militants farmhouses and comes despite an interna- tional agreement brokered last September to avert a US strike, Fire in Al Shahaniya prompts move mooted in the aftermath of a chemical attack in east Damascus DOHA: The authorities will Qatar of which 1,640 are new ones. that killed hundreds and drew step up safety measures at Al Shahaniya where the fire took global outrage. farmhouses following the fire in place has 353 farmhouses. Others Less than 5 percent of Syria’s a farmhouse in Al Shahaniya on are mostly located in Al Khuraib chemical arsenal, thought to total Monday that killed a prominent (317) Semaisima (314), Abu Nakhla more than 1,300 tonnes, has been Qatari actor, a senior official (125), Al Wakra (193), Al Shamal shipped out for destruction. has said. (71|) and Al Khor ( 264). By now, more than 90 per- The incident has triggered con- The role of the environment cent should have been surren- cerns about the safety of farm- protection department is only to dered, according to a timeline houses across the country and give advices and launch aware- prescribed by the UN and the there are calls for immediate ness drives. Al Nuaimi said the Organisation for the Prohibition action. department had been advising the of Chemical Weapons. A senior official of the Ministry owners to clean the farmhouses The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, met International Neither body would com- of Environment told an Arabic properly and remove vehicle scrap Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Dr Hamadoun Toure in Doha yesterday. ment yesterday, saying the situ- daily that the Ministry will hold and other solid waste to protect ation “spoke for itself”. The US an urgent meeting with Civil environment and prevent fire. Secretary of State, John Kerry, Defence officials to discuss the The inspection team conducts warned earlier this week that issue in detail and plan steps to regular inspections at farmhouses there would be “consequences” prevent such incidents in future. to ensure that they abide by the Cabinet nod for cyber security panel if the terms of the deal were not The meeting may propose to regulations of the Ministry. honoured. make it mandatory for farm- Strict actions have been taken The agreement had stipulated house owners to equip the against erring facilities, even DOHA: Qatar will form and information, communications The draft law mandates every that all 500 tonnes of “category premises with fire extinguishers, licenses of several farmhouses a national Cyber Security services and associated data bases institution to work out a frame- two” chemicals were to have been Abdullah Esa Al Nuaimi, acting have been cancelled for failure to Committee which will be in technology. work for information manage- moved to the port of Latakia head of environmental protec- comply with the rules. charge of unifying efforts in It will help in safeguarding the ment inside the facility including on Syria’s north-west coast by tion department at the Ministry “We are trying to raise public area of cyber security. The com- security, financial and economic the appointment of the officials yesterday. Another 700 tonnes told the daily. awareness about a very common mittee, which has got cabinet interests and step up Qatar’s concerned and allocating the should have left the country by The meeting will also discuss mistake that often happens in approval, is expected to be set competitiveness capabilities and appropriate budgets. December 31. ways to educate farmhouse own- farmhouses. People would light up up soon as executive plan has provide the basic structure for the The provisions of the draft law Russia, which was instrumental ers and labourers on safety and a coal fire for barbeque and leave already been made for this. benefit of companies, institutions also include setting up adequate in brokering the deal, played down security measures. Farmhouses the place keeping it burning and The Cabinet yesterday also and individuals. controls for risks management the delays and said Syria would are private properties like homes without removing the coal from approved a draft law concerning The draft law defines the vital in each sector and immediate still move out a large quantity of and they don’t require a licence the premises,” said Al Nuaimi. the vital technology infrastruc- sectors and fields in the state, reporting of any risks threaten- chemicals by the end of February. from Civil Defence, he added. THE PENINSULA ture. The draft law aims to ensure the officials in charge of these ing the vital infrastructure. THE GUARDIAN There are 5,163 farmhouses in Continued on page 2 protection of vital infrastructure vital sectors and their duties. THE PENINSULA See also page 7
Civil Defence personnel removing the bike from under a truck after the accident in front of the cargo terminal on Airport Road last night. (ABDUL BASIT) Biker trapped under moving van
DOHA: A young bike rider was in back wheel of the van, where he under a van moving in front of him, critical condition last evening after was stuck under the impact of the according to eye witnesses. getting trapped under a moving accident. He was alive at the time, The bike got stuck in the left container van, along with his bike. a member of the rescue team told wheel while the man got trapped When our cameraman cap- this daily. The incident happened in the right wheel. The rescue team tured this picture at around 11pm on the Airport Road opposite the lifted the van to remove the bike yesterday, the police, civil defence Family Food Center. Two bikes and efforts were in progress to res- and ambulance team were trying were coming from the Wakra side cue the man alive. hard to extricate the man from the towards Doha and one of them slid THE PENINSULA
Western leaders to boycott Sochi Winter Games
SOCHI: There will be no Barack Obama, no Japan’s Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, and Turkey’s David Cameron and no Angela Merkel in the sta- Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as well as dium when the Winter Olympics open in Sochi on the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon. Many in Friday, but Vladimir Putin will at least be able to the West have been put off by the passing of a new enjoy the company of China’s President, Xi Jinping, law banning “gay propaganda”. THE GUARDIAN THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Wheels ‘n’ Heels to create diabetes awareness #MyLegacy photo contest DOHA: With a focus on raising during Wheels ‘n’ Heels last year awareness about health issues, through partnership between the Wheels ‘n’ Heels 2014 will Supreme Council of Health, be a platform to highlight the Hamad Medical Corporation winners receive gold coins seriousness of diabetes through (HMC), Primary Healthcare the ‘Action on Diabetes’ village. Corporation, Qatar Diabetes This is the second year ‘Action Association, Maersk Oil Qatar Diabetes’ features at the event and Novo Nordisk, a world leader Five of 51 entries for Sheikh Abdullah competition chosen by jury in partnership with Maersk Oil in diabetes care. Qatar, the flagship sponsor of “I express my gratitude to DOHA: Four people have the seventh Wheels ‘n’ Heels the flagship sponsor and our received limited-edition of organised by Reach Out To Asia partners involved with Wheels Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al (Rota). ‘n’ Heels,” said Rota Executive Thani gold coin after winning “Diabetes affects millions of Director Essa Al Mannai. the #MyLegacy social media people and has a profound impact “We acknowledge support photography competition. on families mainly because of the of our strategic partner Qatar They were Rukhsar lifestyle we are leading. If we can Cycling Federation, and organi- Rafiq, Abdullah Mohammed improve that with healthy diet sations which will demonstrate Kaivanifard, Maryam Abdullah and regular exercise, we would their corporate social respon- Al Khalifa and Rahma Osman. be significantly lowering the sibility by participating in this Inspired by National Museum’s chances of developing the con- annual event: Aspire, Child Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al dition” said Ahmed Al Kuwari, Culture Centre, Ooredoo, Qatar Thani: A Leader’s Legacy exhibi- Technical Liaison Manager, National Cancer Society, Qatar tion, the contest asked the public Maersk Oil Qatar. Orphan Foundation - Dhreima, to share images of how they would “The company is proud to team Qatar Olympic Committee, Qatar leave their legacy in Qatar and up with Rota to raise awareness University, Green Life, Qatar tag it to #MyLegacy. about this illness during Wheels Brazil 2014, HMC, ADL, Qatar From 51 entries, five photo- ‘n’ Heels. With a healthy diet Bikes, Slim N Lite, and Qatar graphs were selected by a five- and exercise, we can tackle type Football Association,” he added. member jury from National 2 diabetes.” Wheels ‘n’ Heels 2014 will Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), based ‘Action on Diabetes’ village be held tomorrow from 2pm to on creativity, aesthetics, and how aims at raising awareness about 10pm at Museum of Islamic Art they embodied the competition the prevention and manage- Park. Parking area will be avail- challenge. ment of diabetes and promoting able at Qatar Sports Club and the One winner is still to come for- healthy lifestyle choices. Ministry of Interior. There will ward and identify the social media It proved successful, attract- be shuttle buses. submission. Rukhsar Rafiq, one of the winners of the social media photography competition. ing more than 5,000 people THE PENINSULA Images and videos were uploaded to Vine, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and can principal partner ExxonMobil. The story then moves to his modern times, showcasing the be seen under the hashtag. Organised in three phases, the Old Palace, its history, occupancy transition of what was a former Over 350 farmhouses made of As part of the exhibition’s com- expo brings to life Qatar’s devel- by the ruling family, location in palace to first museum in 1975, munity outreach, school tours, opment beginning with Sheikh the Fareej Al Sulatah or (Sharq) and displays Qatar Museum inflammable materials: Official family programmes, lectures, Abdullah taking over the reign in of Doha, and its importance as the Authority’s plans to develop the and workshops are offered and 1913 and the start of the modern centre of rule. old palace site into NMoQ. led by NMoQ, with support from State of Qatar. Then the expo moves into THE PENINSULA Continued from page 1 More than 350 farmhouses in Al Shahaniya are made of inflammable materials, Mohammad Zafer Al Hajari, member of Central Municipal Council (CMC) representing Al Shahaniya told the daily. The Ministry rules do not allow building permanent structures for farmhouses since they can be misused for other purposes like labour Rayyan Club to offer 155 prizes to spectators at free match accommodations, he added. “Once the CMC recommended to allow the farmhouses to build DOHA : The Rayyan Sports Club has Abdullah Izzuddin Al Mutawwa, said the club Spectators also can win 10 Galaxy Samsung, one or two rooms using cement blocks but the Ministry rejected the announced 155 prizes for spectators at the under the chairmanship of Sheikh Saud bin 10 iPads and 100 mobile phones in a draw proposal. They depend on generators if they do not have water supply 19th Qatar Stars League football match Khalid Al Thani has decided to give away based on entry tickets to be distributed free. then how they can put out the fire,” he asked. between Rayyan and Umm Sulal teams prizes, including the mega prize of a car and Organisers have arranged a special area for Another problem is that farmhouses are built in close proximity. If tomorrow at 7.15pm at the club’s Ahmed bin 35 air tickets, five each to people from India, families. The public has been urged to arrive one facility catches fire, it can easily spread to the adjacent premises, Ali Stadium on Dukhan Road. Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Egypt at 6.30pm to ensure seats and enjoy the free he added. THE PENINSULA In a statement, the club’s Secretary General, and Sudan. match. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 30,780 women benefit from health insurance Al Hayat Medical Centre becomes first polyclinic to join mandatory national scheme
DOHA: Al Hayat Medical are expected to be added as the Hospital, Al Emadi Hospital, mothers with information, subsequent stages will gradually Centre in Al Waab street has scheme expands, NHIC said in a Al Ahli Hospital, Doha Clinic counsel and practical advice on incorporate expats and visitors. become the first polyclinic in statement yesterday. Hospital, Al Wakrah Hospital, Al pregnancy, child-birth, and post- Users will be able to select Qatar to join the national health Phase I is open to Qatari Khor Hospital, Cuban Hospital, partum related issues. from a wide range of public and insurance scheme (NHIS). women aged 12 and above for and Al Hayat Medical Centre. “Response to the programme private healthcare providers for A total of 30,780 Qatari women maternity, obstetrics, gynae- “The first six months have gone has been overwhelmingly posi- their needs. have been treated in the first cology and related healthcare very smoothly despite the mag- tive with 328 women benefiting to Information and updates on the phase of the mandatory scheme needs. nitude of changes NHIS heralds date. Participants are supported scheme are available at the NHIC since its launch last July, accord- The beneficiaries included for large sections of the health by a team of trained nurses who website www.nhic.qa. ing to data released by National 5,672 inpatients and 25,118 out- sector,” said Dr Faleh Mohamed counsel expecting mothers on an Members can also call the Health Insurance Company patients at participating hospitals Hussain Ali, Acting CEO of individual basis throughout their NHIC call centre on 4020 8444 (NHIC) for the first six months and clinics, while the call centre NHIC, (pictured) which man- pregnancy and delivery,” said the or visit NHIC information booths until January 17. received about 2,269 enquiries ages scheme. statement. at participating hospitals and at The centre joined the net- during the first six months. Among NHIS’ successes is In phase II, the scheme will the Supreme Council of Health’s work of providers this month The NHIS network includes the maternity management pro- cover all Qataris for a full range headquarters in Doha. and more hospitals and clinics eight providers — HMC Women’s gramme that provides expecting of basic services this year while THE PENINSULA Expats outnumber Qataris in GCC Digital Security Forum personal loans from banks ends with call for cooperation DOHA: The first GCC Digital “We should not think that Security Forum organised by providing digital security is the BY SACHIN KUMAR “If one takes into account the For example, banks in India MEEZA in collaboration with prerogative of only IT security demographic growth in Qatar, charge 14-18 percent interest on Al Iktissad Wal Aamal under providers, rather it should be DOHA: Non-Qataris have out- the growth of expat population personal loans. The differential the patronage of Information on everyone’s agenda to defend paced Qataris in taking per- far outstrips the growth of local encourages expatriates to take and Communication themselves from these threats. sonal loans from banks. population and this plays a major personal loans from banks in Technology Minister H E Dr “Nobody can deny the fact that Personal loans taken by expa- factor in the growth statistics Qatar and buy assets back home. Hessa Sultan Al Jaber con- we are all using technology and, triates grew by 36 percent to for any sector or product,” said “Expat customers see benefits cluded at the St Regis Hotel therefore, it becomes necessary QR14.36m in December 2013 from Niranjan Mendonca, Head of from Qatar Central Bank capping yesterday. that we realise the importance of QR10.6m in January 2013 whereas Retail Banking, Mashreq Qatar. rates for loans to avail short-term Delegates and participants defending ourselves from cyber loans taken by Qataris rose 9 per- In Qatar’s population of personal loans at cheaper rates to agreed that the only way to threat,” she said. cent to QR26.82m in December over two million, expatriates purchase property in their home tackle digital security issues is The second day included from QR24.5m in January, accord- predominate. countries without having the has- by fostering cooperation and bet- three interactive sessions and ing to Qatar Central Bank data. Last year the total popula- sles of availing lengthy, expensive ter understanding of the threat. with a live penetration testing Though the growth is higher tion grew by around 7.5 per- mortgage loans,” said Mendonca. Opening the second day of the by MEEZA. in case of non-Qataris, the total cent. According to the Ministry Bankers said banks get addi- forum, Ghada El Rassi, Chief During the session, panellist amount of loans is higher in case of Development Planning and tional comfort to lend to expat Executive Officer, MEEZA, said shared informative and exciting of Qataris and shows that the Statistics, the total population customers due to Qatar Central the forum is just the beginning facts on new trends and solutions ticket size of loan is bigger for was 2m at the end of December Bank directives to extend loans of an initiative to create aware- to digital threats. Qataris. 2013 up from 1.9m at the end of only on the basis of a salary trans- ness and bolster collaboration Ghada El Rassi, Chief Executive More than 500 delegates Experts say rapid growth in the January 2013. fer, with repayments capped at among all stakeholders to cope Officer, MEEZA, addressing the representing governments and population of expatriates is one Another reason for high distri- a 50 percent of salary; and a with the growing challenge of concluding session yesterday. companies from 15 countries in of the main reasons for surge in bution of personal loans is lower comprehensive credit bureau digital security. the Gulf and beyond discussed personal loans. interest rates. that provides a 360 degree view “This is the time to act, and organisations and homes from digital security issues of vital Low salaries and rising infla- Banks are charging 2-4 percent of a customer’s borrowing pro- each of you will have to act digital threat. importance to governments and tion have also forced non-Qataris rates on personal loans which file, financial commitments and differently and start thinking “This forum is not for deals companies in Qatar and the Gulf. to approach banks for personal are lower than rates in other repayment history. on how you can defend your but to raise awareness. THE PENINSULA loans. countries. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Airbus A350 XWB arrives to Qatar Airways fares 10 to 15pc ‘cheaper’ honour launch customer QA BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB at Hamad International Airport (HIA). DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) The A350XWB is en route fares are 10 to 15 percent to the Singapore Airshow and Another milestone in country’s aviation development, says Al Baker cheaper than those of com- landed here for a couple of days peting airlines, said Akbar Al to honour Qatar Airways, which DOHA: Airbus, the world’s Baker, CEO of Qatar’s national is the launch customer of A350 leading aircraft manufac- carrier, yesterday. with 80 firm orders. turer, yesterday honoured its “As far as the fares of QA are Asked about the profitability A350 launch customer, Qatar concerned, I think there is an of QA, Al Baker said: “Every Airways (QA), with a stop- absolute misleading perception airline has different strategy. As over at Hamad International about them,” Al Baker said in far as QA is concerned, we are Airport en route to the upcom- reply to a question on why QA very keen to follow the strategy ing Singapore Airshow. fares are higher than its rivals’ chartered by His Highness the QA welcomed the A350 XWB such as Emirates and Etihad Emir. To this, we are absolutely (extra-wide body), the world’s Airways. on the dot.” newest and most modern aircraft Al Baker said: “Every airline in He said QA is delivering the expected to bring a new milestone the world follows the price strat- kind of economic benefits an air- of efficiency with 25 percent lower egy of QA. Our prices in Qatar line gives to any country. “For a operating cost than previous gen- are presumed higher because country like Qatar with such eration competitors. when you purchase a ticket for a strong economic growth, QA The flagship aircraft is in its point-to-point travel, the passen- is playing an important role in advanced flight test programme gers have to pay a little higher.” achieving sustainable economic phase. However, he said if one buys development goals,” he added. The efficient A350 XWB air- a ticket from Doha to London, Highlighting the significance liners are scheduled to enter or Doha to Paris from Qatar in of having a national carrier, he commercial service in the fourth FROM LEFT: Didier Evrard, Executive Vice-President, Airbus A350 XWB Programme, Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar a particular class of travel and said: “Just imagine what would quarter of 2014. Airways, and Phil Harris, Senior Vice-President, Customer Business, Rolls Royce, during a press conference and he buys the same ticket from the situation be if QA does not QA has ordered 80 aircraft (Below) the Airbus A350 XWB landing at Hamad International Airport yesterday. SHAIVAL DALAL QA competitors, he will realise exist. Qatar will have to rely on to date, leaning towards the that QA prices on an average foreign carriers to serve its eco- larger A350-900 and A350-1000 are between 10 and 15 percent nomic interests which can be models, which better suit its to commemorating the inaugu- Later, giving a joint press con- Over 70 percent of the A350 cheaper (point-to-point). easily undermined by those enti- business model and passenger ral landing. Issa bin Mohammed ference with Harris, Al Baker XWB’s weight-efficient airframe “When you take an origin-des- ties.” He said QA is very success- requirements. Al Mohannadi, Chairman, said: “This is yet another key is made from advanced materi- tination (O&D) passenger ticket, ful in its strategy, and expanding As the launch customer for the Qatar Tourism Authority, Jean- milestone in Qatar’s aviation als combining composites (53 our competitors are cheaper, but with a remarkable double-digit family of long-range, two-engined Christophe Peaucelle, French progress. We have been steadily percent), titanium and advanced in the same way, we also offer growth. jet airliners, CEO of QA, Akbar Al Ambassador, Angelikai Storz- investing in our infrastructure aluminium alloys. cheaper rates in their markets “If there is a classification Baker, welcomed Didier Evrard, Chakarj, German Ambassador, to enable us to stay ahead of the The aircraft’s innovative all- here. This is an industry practice which categorises the fastest Executive Vice-President, Airbus and Maria Del Carmen De latest developments in the global new carbon fibre reinforced plas- worldwide,” Al Baker said, adding growing airlines, year-on-year, A350 XWB Programme, and Phil Labena, Spanish Ambassador, and aviation sector. tic fuselage results in lower fuel his signature humour — “If you the compound annual growth Harris, Senior Vice-President other officials visited the A350 “Hamad International Airport, burn and easier maintenance. want to pay a little extra, fly from rate of QA will be the highest.” Customer Business, Rolls Royce, XWB displayed on the tarmac. built for advanced aircraft such The arrival of the A350 XWB Abu Dhabi or Dubai directly.” Asked about challenges faced as the Airbus A350 XWB, is our in Doha from its Airbus base in Reiterating his claims about by QA as a launch customer of flagship asset and will soon be Toulouse was a unique oppor- QA fares, he said: “Very recently A350, Al Baker said: “It was not the new home of Qatar Airways tunity for the Airbus crew and my board asked for an independ- difficult at all for many reasons. and our modern fleet of aircraft, HIA air traffic control and ground ent audit of QA prices to convince “First, QA has strong con- including the A350 XWB family.” officials. that what I am saying was cor- fidence in Airbus, and second, The A350 XWB is a family “It was a proud and symbolic rect. When results came, it was when we introduce a programme, of mid-sized wide-body aircraft occasion for QA and our team exactly what I was saying that we also expect benefits from designed to enhance fuel, operat- of air traffic and ground control QA prices are 10 to 15 percent Airbus as we are a launch cus- ing costs and environmental effi- crew at the airport to experience cheaper than its competitors’.” tomer, and we always want to ciencies during medium-to-long the landing of the new A350 at Al Baker was speaking at a be at the forefront of any new haul operations. our new airport, as it gave us a press conference to commemo- programme to maintain a fleet of Featuring the latest in aero- unique glimpse into the exciting rate the first landing of A350 modern, fuel-efficient and tech- dynamics, design and advanced developments around the corner,” XWB, the world’s newest and nologically advanced aircraft.” technologies, the aircraft provides said Al Baker. most modern wide-body aircraft, THE PENINSULA fuel efficiency of up to 25 percent. THE PENINSULA
THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Cabinet forms panel Iran’s National Day marked to restructure Central Municipal Council
DOHA: The Cabinet yester- second summit of International day endorsed a proposal by the Organisation for Public Transport Minister of Municipality and and events in the Middle East and Urban Planning to amend some North Africa region in Doha this provisions of the Cabinet deci- November. sion No. 34 of 2001 forming an UITP has 1,300 member com- ad-hoc coordination and follow- panies giving access to over 14,000 up panel as stipulated in the law contacts from 92 countries. The for restructuring the Central members are public transport Municipal Council (CMC). authorities and operators, deci- The panel coordinates with the sion-makers, research institutes CMC, ministries, authorities and and the public transport supply public institutions. and service industry. The weekly session, chaired by The Cabinet took decisions the Prime Minister and Interior after reviewing a letter from the Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah Minister of Justice on the first bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani annual report of the National at the Emiri Diwan, also approved Committee for International a draft decision of the Minister Humanitarian Law; and the 12th of Public Health amending the report on the outcome of National second schedule annexed to law Anti-Terrorism Committee activ- No. 19 of 1993 on the handling ities from April 1 to September of substances with psychological 30 last year. The committee pre- effect; and a draft decision of the pared Qatar’s report for the UN Minister of Finance to establish General Assembly on measures The Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari (centre), the Iranian Ambassador, Mohammad Javad Asayesh (third a customs department at Hamad to fight international terrorism. left) and a dignitary cutting a cake marking Iran’s National Day as other officials look on at the Diplomatic Club yesterday. SHAIVAL DALAL International Airport. The session also approved a The Director General of the draft agreement on economic, Customs General Department trading and technical cooperation will set its functions and work- between Qatar and Kyrgyzstan; ing time. and two draft agreements The Cabinet then approved between the Doha Municipality Qatar’s hosting of the and Brasilia. QNA Qatar Olympic Committee Ministry to monitor Sports Village opens today vegetable yards Sports, educational events and entertainment for all until February 11 over ‘higher prices’ DOHA: Faced with com- city are doing this and this may plaints from citizens about have led to such complaints,” high prices of vegetables said Al Thani. at Al Mazrouh yard and He said the department has the newly opened Al Khor- been conducting routine inspec- Dakhira yard, the Consumer tions at the new markets and Protection Department (CPD) will also investigate complaints at the Ministry of Economy about price hike. and Commerce is planning to “We need to conduct a monitor the markets. detailed study in this regard, Several citizens who called up then only we will be able to reg- a popular programme on Qatar ulate the prices properly,” said Radio — Watanee Al Habeeb Al Thani, in his intervention at Sabah Al Khair (Good Morning the discussions on the radio. FROM LEFT: Khawla Khalid, QOC Head of International Relations Department, Khalil Al Jaber, Director of Sports Affairs Committee, Fayssal Al Mansoori, Qatar) — yesterday said prices Citizens, however, have Director of Public Relations and Marketing, and Sheikh Hamad Al Thani, National Sport Day Media Director, at the launch of the Sports Village yesterday. of several items in the new mar- lamented that prices at the ABDUL BASIT kets were higher compared to new markets were supposed to those at the central market in be lower than those at the cen- Doha. tral market. BY RAYNALD C RIVERA awareness activities such as The expat winners included General Manager, ExxonMobil The two markets were opened A caller who introduced him- Weill Cornell’s health awareness Salma Imam Mansour, Kamal Qatar, said in a statement. Gold by the Ministry of Environment self as Abu Nasir said, “I have DOHA: The Qatar Olympic activities on “Healthy Living” and Eldine Ahmad, Salwa Mahmoud, sponsors were Sports Corner, to give an opportunity to Qatari compared the prices. A box of Committee (QOC) Sports “Healthy Food” product reviews Khaled Walid Fady, Adel Zoom Event & Production, Astad farmers to sell their products tomato at Mazrouh yard cost Village officially opens today to by Lulu. Registration for the Mohamad Abdel Fadel, Mona Project Management and VLCC directly to customers without QR15 while the same is sold at welcome thousands of citizens VLCC Be Fit competition will Salim, Mostafa Mahjoub and while Silver sponsors included intervention of middlemen. the central market at QR8. and residents to participate in also be held during the week at Samih Mohamad Issa. Aspetar, Weill Cornell Medical Responding to citizens’ com- “A box of cucumber cost sports, educational events and the village. One of the highlights of this College, LuLu and Jungle Zone. plaints at the programme, CPD QR22 compared to QR15 at the entertainment. “This is the second edition of year’s NSD, Sheikh Hamad said, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Director Sheikh Jassim bin central market. The prices are “National Sport Day (NSD) the Be Fit competition, covering is a rowing competition which Al Thani, Secretary General of Jabor Al Thani said the depart- supposed to be lower because is not only for Qataris but for 2014 to 2015, in which the partici- will see 10 teams compete for a QOC, said: “In three years, the ment will look into the issue. they (traders at Mazrouh) are all. Everyone is welcome to the pant who loses the most weight three-km distance on the sea on NSD has captured the imagina- He, however, added that the not paying rents.” Sports Village from February 6 receives QR100,000,” said Sheikh February 11. tion and heart of the nation. It is department can take action He felt that prices in all mar- to 11 from 3pm to 10pm,” Sheikh Hamad. “We also have our signature a moment to celebrate as com- only if the prices are found kets should be fixed and unified Hamad Al Thani, Media Director Yesterday, the names of win- contest on National Sport Day munities unite through sporting higher than those fixed by the by the Ministry of Economy and of National Sport Day, told The ners of the inaugural Be Fit which is “Al Shawahef” — the values and ideals. daily price list issued by the Commerce. Peninsula on the sidelines of a competition, which ran from name of the traditional rowing “This has been possible thanks CPD. A woman, Umm Hassan, had press conference at the QOC 2013 to 2014, were announced competition with a prize money to support, commitment and “Our department issues daily similar opinion about Al Khor- headquarters to announce NSD by Khawla Khalid, QOC Head of QR4m,” he said. vision of all our sponsors. Thanks price list for fruits and vegeta- Dakhira yard in Al Khor. sponsors and the launch of the of International Relations ExxonMobil Qatar was yester- to their generosity, future genera- bles fixing the maximum price “I took my mother to Al Khor village. Department. A total of 775 peo- day announced the official part- tions will be inspired to take their for each item. yard and she noticed differences The village, near the central ple registered. ner of QOC for NSD. first steps in sport and benefit the “Traders are required to in prices. post office, offers sport demon- The Qatari winners were “Our partnership with QOC country for years to come.” abide by this ceiling but can “For example, a box of lettuce strations and teaching of basic Mohamad Al Roumehi, Ayed for NSD stems from our com- Aside from the village, NSD reduce the prices from the cost QR10 at the central market skills in sports such as football, Ali, Oouhoud Mohamad, Sabika mitment to support high quality events will also take place in maximum limit to attract while the same cost QR15 at Al basketball, handball, table tennis, Nasr, Talal Al Tamini, Kadnana sporting events in Qatar, while key locations, including Aspire, customers. Khor yard,” she said. shooting volleyball, tennis and Mahmoud, Ahmad Fakhro, promoting healthy and active Katara, The Pearl, Souq Waqif “Maybe, some traders in the THE PENINSULA equestrian. Nasser Mouhanadi, Maha Ali and lifestyles, particularly among and Al Refaa Street. It also offers education and Darwish Darwish. youth,” Bart Cahir, President and THE PENINSULA
Kashmir Solidarity Day marked Ezdan inaugurates Al Shamal Compound
DOHA: Ezdan Holding Group officially opened Al Shamal Compound on Tuesday in the presence of senior officials of the group and its subsidiaries and businessmen. “The official opening of the complex is a starting signal to offer all residential units at the compound available for home- seekers and entering the real estate market. The units are fully-equipped and furnished according to high standards, spec- ifications and premium services,” Ali Mohammed Al Obaidli, CEO Officials at the event. of Ezdan Holding Group, said. The complex is on Al Shamal distinct apartments and a four- Al Obaidli said Ezdan has Road, which is considered the live- star hotel with 220 rooms. always been working to provide Guests listening to Farhan Chak (inset) at Pakistan embassy auditorium on liest street in Doha. It is spread It also includes a swimming high degrees of luxury and com- the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day yesterday. ABDUL BASIT over an area of about 115,000sqm, pool, shops, nurseries, restaurants fort at very competitive prices for including 129 luxury villas, 256 and services. its tenants. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Syrian children Bombings kill 33 in suffer terrible Baghdad
BAGHDAD: Bombings in Baghdad, including three near abuses: UN the heavily-fortified Green Zone and the foreign ministry, killed 33 people yesterday, the latest Govt forces behind many killings in Iraq’s worst surge of violence in nearly six years. UNITED NATIONS: Children children’s access to education and The attacks, which wounded enduring the war in Syria have health services,” Ban wrote. dozens more, came as secu- suffered terrible abuses, with “Government forces have also rity forces battle militants in the government and allied mili- been responsible for the arrest, the western province of Anbar, tia responsible for many kill- arbitrary detention, ill treatment including the Islamic State of Iraq ings, maiming and torture, and torture of children,” he added. and the Levant (ISIL), a powerful according to a grim UN report. “Armed opposition groups have jihadist group that has exploited Rebels have also recruited been responsible for the recruit- the chaos in neighbouring Syria. youngsters as soldiers and used ment and use of children both With violence at its highest terror tactics in civilian areas, in combat and support roles, as level since 2008, diplomats have according to the UN’s first report well as for conducting military urged the Shia-led government on this area of the conflict that operations, including using ter- to reach out to Sunnis in order was released to the Security ror tactics, in civilian-populated to undercut support for mili- Council. areas, leading to civilian casual- tancy, but Prime Minister Nouri It detailed gruesome incidents ties, including children.” Al Maliki has taken a hard line of torture including children The report highlights the dis- ahead of April’s parliamentary being raped or beaten with metal appearance of many children and A man rides a motorbike past a damaged building in Maaret Al Naaman town in Syria’s Idlib province, yesterday. elections. cables, suffering electric shocks says all parties to the war have Yesterday’s deadliest bombings, to the genitals and having their seriously hampered delivery of which included at least one sui- fingernails ripped out. humanitarian assistance in areas cide attack, struck during morn- “Violations must come to an most affected by the fighting. Damascus misses another ing rush hour, ripping through end now,” UN Secretary General It also warned that children confessionally-mixed areas of the Ban Ki-moon said in the report. have experienced a high level of capital bordering the Green Zone, “I therefore urge all parties distress by witnessing the killing home to parliament, the prime to the conflict to take, without and injuring of members of their disarmament deadline minister’s residence and the US delay, all measures to protect and families and peers, or of being and British embassies. uphold the rights of all children separated from their family and/ THE HAGUE: Syria missed yet not be met, putting disarmament tentative schedule for completing The three explosions killed 25 in Syria.” or displaced. another key deadline in destroy- weeks behind schedule. the transportation of chemicals”. people and wounded another 35, The report covered the period The report details the deten- ing its chemical stockpile when So far just two small shipments The UN Security Council last security officials and a medical from March 1, 2011 to November tion of children as young as 11 for it failed yesterday to have “less of chemicals have so far left the year backed a US-Russian deal source said. 15 last year in a conflict that has alleged association with armed dangerous” chemicals removed Syrian port of Latakia, account- to destroy Syria’s vast chemi- One attack was just opposite now left more than 135,000 people groups by government forces in from its soil under an interna- ing for less than four percent of cal arsenal as a way to avert US the foreign ministry, but accounts dead. It details a series of abuses large-scale arrest campaigns. tionally-brokered agreement. the country’s declared arsenal of strikes threatened after chemi- differed as to what caused the Syrian children have suffered It says youngsters were ill- Asked whether the February most dangerous chemicals, the cal attacks near Damascus that explosion. Two security officials since the opposition rose up to treated and tortured to extract 5 deadline to have so-called “cat- United States said last month. Washington blamed on the said the blast was caused by a car try to depose President Bashar confessions or humiliate them, or egory two” chemicals removed Last week the world’s chemi- regime. Under the agreement, bomb, but witnesses said a suicide Al Assad. pressure a relative to surrender had been met, Organisation for cal watchdog also called on Syria’s entire chemical arsenal is bomber was responsible. They range from direct com- or confess. the Prohibition of Chemical Damascus to “pick up the pace”, to be eliminated by June 30. The area surrounding the min- mission of abuse, including sexual “Ill treatment and acts tan- Weapons (OPCW) spokesman echoing similar sentiments by UN Syria has declared around 700 istry has been hit by explosions in violence, to more general viola- tamount to torture reportedly Michael Luhan said: “There is no Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. tonnes of most-dangerous chemi- the past, notably in August 2009, tion of their rights, from school included beatings with metal reason to comment. The situation Syria has told the OPCW that cals, 500 tonnes of less-dangerous when a massive truck bomb dev- closures and denial of access to cables, whips and wooden and is evident.” it is “making intensive efforts to precursor chemicals and around astated the building, and again humanitarian aid, the UN website metal batons; electric shock, In addition to 700 tonnes of prepare for, and accelerate, the 122 tonnes of isopropanol — which ahead of an Arab summit in said, quoting from the report. including to the genitals; the rip- the most lethal chemicals — that transportation of chemicals, and can be used to make sarin nerve Baghdad in 2012. “The present report highlights ping out of fingernails and toe- should have left the war-wracked that it is currently working on a gas — its arsenal. AFP AFP that use of weaponry and mili- nails; sexual violence, including country on December 31 — an tary tactics that are dispropor- rape or threats of rape; mock additional 500 tonnes of “category tionate and indiscriminate by executions; cigarette burns; sleep two” chemicals was supposed to Government forces and associated deprivation; solitary confinement; have been shipped out by yester- militias has resulted in count- and exposure to the torture of day. Sources involved in the proc- less killings and the maiming relatives,” the report said. ess last month already indicated of children, and has obstructed AFP that the second deadline would Kuwait to investigate Airbus and power project deals
KUWAIT: Kuwait’s parlia- Power Project (IWPP) last year In December it signed a pro- ment voted yesterday to inves- to a consortium led by GDF visional agreement with Airbus tigate a contract awarded to a Suez and which includes Japan’s to buy 25 new aircraft in a deal GDF Suez-led consortium for a Sumitomo Corp and Kuwait’s worth $4.4bn at list prices. power project in the Gulf state Abdullah Hamad Al Sagar & The order would include the and a deal between the state Brothers. purchase of 10 A350-900 and 15 carrier and Airbus to buy and The project for a 1,500 mega- medium-haul A320neo jets. The lease aircraft. watt power plant and desalination airline also aims to lease 12 air- Politics have long complicated facility is Kuwait’s first public- craft from Airbus pending deliv- Kuwait’s plans to modernise its private partnership and a test for ery of the new planes. infrastructure and to implement a country which has struggled to The power plant is part of a programme to diversify the attract foreign investors. KD30bn ($106bn) development economy and enable it to compete South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy plan announced in 2010, which as a Gulf financial centre. Industries Co Ltd and France’s also includes a new refinery and Such parliamentary inquiries Sidem are involved in the project’s major causeway. The Airbus deal are common in Kuwait, where $1.43bn first phase, due for com- is meant to complement the lawmakers often question large pletion in the first quarter of 2016. development goals. government projects and have Lawmakers also want to inves- MPs say they are holding the delayed or scuppered them in tigate all deals agreed by Kuwait government accountable for major the past. Airways, which is attempting the business deals to ensure trans- Kuwait awarded the Az-Zour biggest overhaul of its fleet since parency and value for money. North Independent Water & the 1990 Iraqi invasion. REUTERS
Guard of honour Saudi beheads drug smuggler, murderer
RIYADH: Saudi authorities yesterday beheaded a Pakistani for smuggling drugs and a national for killing a compatriot, the interior ministry said, bring- ing the number of executions in the kingdom this year to nine. Mohammed Asharaf Ramadan was caught attempting to smug- gle into the kingdom an amount of heroin that he swallowed, the ministry said in a statement car- ried by SPA state news agency. In another case, Saudi national Turki Ahmed Al Salami, was exe- cuted in the southwestern Asir Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino reviews a guard of honour during region after he was convicted of her visit to Italian troops of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon shooting dead Salman Subaykhi, (UNIFIL), based in the southern Lebanese village of Shama’a, yesterday. the ministry said in a separate statement. AFP THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com
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Afghan stalemate Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate
HE US relations with Afghan President Hamid Karzai have hit a new low after reports emerged that Karzai was secretly negotiating with the TTaliban. The Obama administration was shocked at the development, and according to White House Satya’s selection as Microsoft adviser John Podesta, it explains Karza’s ‘erratic’ behavior in refusing to negotiate an agreement to keep US forces in the country after 2014. CEO isn’t great for Indians As the US draws down its troops in Afghanistan, whether to 10,000 or to zero, efforts to arrive at a deal with the government of Karzai has been stuck in a cul- BY ARUN GUPTA For Indians who do raise a glass Her critique exposed the double- de-sac. The Obama administration has been intensely of the national drink, Johnny Walker edged sword of ethnic pride. After trying to sign the deal before it’s too late, but Karzai has ROWING up near Black, to Nadella, they’re not affirming writing The God of Small Things, been procrastinating much to Washington’s chagrin. The Washington DC, in the 1970s, a shared achievement. They’re affirm- “beaming” Indians would stop Roy and news that Karzai is secretly talking with the Taliban one of my few pop cultural ing their status in America’s winner- declare, “You have made India proud,” can only add to the US discomfiture, because such talks Greferences for an Indian was take-all system. Their definition of referring not to her novel that digs into Johnny Quest’s Hadji: “a well-spoken … success is limited to business execu- India’s afflictions of caste, class and are contrary to the objectives which the US has on orphan who picked up his smarts on the tives, Hollywood stars, US attorneys, gender violence, but to her receipt of Afghanistan. streets of Calcutta.” It was embarassing, television physicians, and White House England’s Booker Prize. But that pride Going by the current mood, Karzai-Washington like the urine-drinking Indian prime officials. curdled. Her loyalty, background, and relations are likely to worsen. Karzai has been minister, or the teacher who explained This empty boosterism is often Indianness were questioned after she undeterred by repeated US warnings and is moving as to my classmates that the reason I was tinged by a chauvinism as crude as any tallied that the embrace of nuclear per a script he had prepared for himself. The desperation tardy in returning from a trip to India Tea Party reactionary. Many Indian- weapons, “the most diabolical crea- was because I “may have gotten mar- Americans praise Bobby Jindal, the tion of western science,” cost India is more on Washington’s side because it can’t leave the ried” at the ripe age of 10. Republican governor of Louisiana solely freedom and imagination for fear and battlefront with its mission unfinished. After spending Indians take pride when one of for his heritage. If they paid attention to insecurity. several billions of dollars and fighting for more than their own scales the pinnacles of west- his policies he might have acquired the Since then nuclear terror has been twelve years in the rugged, hostile ern success – Pulitzer Prizes, Miss sobriquet of “Gunga Jindal” for seem- superseded by India’s embrace of the terrain of Afghanistan, it would America, governorships and business ingly changing his name and religion as free market and the digital revolu- be foolish for US to flee without a titans – partly part of his effort to pander to racists. tion. It’s created 65 billionaires, but A Karzai- because they are Ethnic pride also tends to be marked the cost is being by the still major- Taliban credible plan to protect the limited prickly about by childlike cravings for normalcy to ity agrarian population who are gains it has made. being viewed mask shame. Each success is another being pushed off ancestral land for deal will Karzai seems to be planning his as themonkey- sign India’s greatness will erase images factories, mines and dams. So when future irrespective of the anger brain-eating of a land of female infanticide, ethnic Indians glow like a proud parent at a deal a of Washington. He understands When Indians other. Individual cleansing, gang rapes and slave labor. new CEO or billionaire of their own, success is proof Now, what would be an accomplish- they are rejecting millions who suffer perfectly well that his alliance severe glow like a of the nation’s ment for these Indians is to mature for that wealth. If Indians want their with the US is ending and under collective intel- beyond such dubious conceits. For one, own to venerate, they should look to blow to the Afghan Constitution, he may proud parent at lect, work ethic what is there to celebrate in Microsoft? those like Roy who embody the best of not serve another term. So if the a new CEO or and merit. Many see it as a company with medio- their heritage, the thirst for universal Washington. US remains the power behind the The selection cre products wedded to Robber Baron ideals and justice. throne, he will have to step down billionaire, they of Satya Nadella monopoly practices headed by a billion- In the United States, there’s Kshama as the new CEO aire whose pastimes include destroy- Sawant, the new city councilmember in the spring. That would leave him reject millions of Microsoft is ing public education from Kindergarten in Seattle, around the corner from vulnerable to revenge killing by the Taliban, or going one such moment. through college and bankrolling apoca- Microsoft’s home, who’s reviving social- into exile from the country, which will be humiliation who suffer for Hyderabad-born, lyptic geoengineering schemes. ism in a country floundering in capi- for a leader who has led for a decade. So he is working Indian-educated, More significant, few of the 140 mil- talism. Or Bhairavi Desai, the unlikely on solutions. One option for him could be to offer the that wealth. cricket-lover, lion Indians who lack clean water or organizer of tens of thousands of New Taliban a chance to take over the government without Nadella is pure- the 400 million who live on less than York City cabdrivers. Or immigrant- Desi, bringing $40 a month will toast Nadella. They rights organizer Harsha Walia in much of a fight. In return, he could ask that his life be the essence of are not indifferent to his success. They Canada. spared, and perhaps that he be given some importance thousands of years of culture to cut- pay for it in homes bulldozed, waters In fact, there is an astonishing and power through some kind of a formal role in a future ting-edge technology. The reaction stolen and land fouled by proliferating number of South Asians in North Taliban-led government. back home was ecstatic. The Hindustan IT campuses and gated communities. America whose activism is inspired Succumbing to the Taliban plan will be a defeat both Times crowed, “India raises toast as Exalting Nadella conflates the few by the vast tableau of social justice Satya Nadella named Microsoft top with the nation. It’s similar to the struggles in their home countries and for Karzai and the US. It’s unthinkable that all the gains boss.” Infosys CEO Narayana Murthy nationalist orgy after India exploded a communities. They are working across made in this protracted, deadly war can be allowed to declared, “This is how India’s brand nuclear device in May 1998. Arundhati cultures, languages and communities fritter away by installing the Taliban in Kabul. But the will be enhanced.” One analyst touted Roy wrote at the time, “The bomb is for a better world, and are far more future of Afghanistan is uncertain. The withdrawal of US Nadella as an example for all Indians India. India is the bomb. Not just India, deserving of their compatriots’ atten- troops will not result in a disengagement. Afghanistan to put aside their “caste, religion and Hindu India. Therefore, be warned, any tion than some head of a corporate will continue to haunt the US for a long time regional” differences and “start helping criticism of it is not just anti-national, behemoth. . one another”. but anti-Hindu.” THE GUARDIAN The other side Quote of Cultivating the right mindset for study matters the day IGHER education requires the recent decision to scrap the major studies immediately? Although maturity and willingness to work and maturity, desire to learn, foundation year at state universities. the statistics have been improving, gain general skills and knowledge and curiosity to explore and As The National reported yester- only 20 per cent of students were in some areas, such as maths and Hdiscover the world around day, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak, ready for direct entry to university science. It is important us. But, unfortunately, many members the Minister of Higher Education at federal institutions last year. This While it is the responsibility of par- of the new generations around the confirmed at the FNC meeting on means that by 2018, the English ents to be firm in teaching their chil- for ... the political world don’t seem to possess that as Tuesday that the decision by the teaching standards at secondary high dren how to get more serious, control much as the generations that came cabinet to abolish the foundation year schools will have to be highly improved themselves and accept personal process in North before them. Some studies have at state universities, which improves in order to close the gap. accountability, the mandatory military shown significant generational gaps new students’ English-language skills But there is also another critical training introduced recently by the Africa that Egypt in education and work attitudes in before they join different colleges, will question to be asked here: would high UAE Cabinet could also play a role in succeeds in the general. come into effect starting from 2018. school graduates be mature enough shaping young male adults’ character. Many young adults graduating The abolition alone could not work by the time they join universities? As a And so it should be required at the transition to from high schools are not ready to of course without answering a fun- foundation teacher at Zayed University time between secondary school and Frank-Walter take responsibility and learn for them- damental question: does the current told The National, there are many college. The country and the young a consolidated selves. And this is critical to consider school system provide students with young students “who just aren’t ready themselves would benefit from it. Steinmeier here in the UAE when implementing sufficient English skills to join their to study” and have insufficient levels of The National democracy. German Foreign Minister THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 QATAR PERSPECTIVE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Education minister’s intervention needed
MOHAMED SALEH AL MUSAFAR
rivate schools are pop- ping up everywhere in our country with the aim Pof collecting money and making a profit. I do not have any problem with these schools Those who making money so that they can expand and have the financial want to open ability to get the necessary math- private schools ematics and language labs as well as other scientific materials. This or educational money also helps private school institutes should administrations have the neces- sary libraries that can be a boon not get the for students in their search for necessary licences more knowledge. The schools also need money unless they have to hire qualified and experienced enough money in teachers and these teachers need salaries that can make them do the bank to pay without the need to find an addi- the salaries of the tional job to improve their finan- cial condition. They need housing staff even if some that suits their position in their students fail to pay capacity as teachers. These schools also need to cre- their fees. ate strong links with students so that these students can be part- ners, not in financial profit, but in Saudi Arabia and other Arab to school the following day if they certificates saying that they are This is why I suggest that those they can do psychological harm to in raising the standards of their countries. did not send the school fees with registered in them but they have who want to open private schools the students if they kick them out schools as far as education is I appeal to the Minister of them. It is important to note that to pay the fees. or educational institutes should of classes or prevent them from concerned. Education and Higher Education, the second semester started just Sometimes school owners say not get the necessary licences attending classes when they fail The fact is that we need private H E Dr Mohamed bin Abdel two weeks ago. that they would not be able to pay unless they have enough money to pay the school fees. Financial capital to be used in the construc- Wahid Al Hamadi, and hope he Dear minister, in advanced the salaries of teachers and work- in the bank to pay the salaries of dealings should be confined to tion of schools that can keep pace will rescue the families of students countries, and I consider Qatar ers in their schools if the students the staff even if some students fail the school administration and with developments in science. We from the greed of private school to be one of these advanced do not pay the fees at the begin- to pay their fees. the parents. Students should not do not need commercial schools owners. These owners only care countries, students are never ning of each semester. To this I We are badly in need of inter- be a part of these dealings by any that only care about profits. about maximising their profits prevented from attending their say: the rule is that the students vention by the minister. We want means. I remember Al Saadia school, regardless of the methods they classes, regardless of whether they have to pay the fees during the him to give orders that students In sum, the Minister of which is known to almost all employ to achieve this goal. have paid the school fees or not. first month of the semester. Some should not be stopped from Education and Higher Education Egyptian parents and students. Some local newspapers reported Schools and universities generally students, however, may not be able attending classes for any reason, needs to intervene to put an end I also remember Khedive Abbas that some private schools had col- allow students to attend classes to pay the fees. The other thing is and that schools should not tell to these practices, which have School, Raghba Khatoun School lected a large number of their stu- and sit for their exams, and only that the inability of these students students that their parents had nothing to do with education. To and Victoria College School. Each dents in one classroom, prevented withhold the results of the exams to pay their fees does not mean failed to pay their school fees. the owners of private schools: you parent in Cairo hopes that his son them from attending classes and until they pay the fees. Sometimes that school staff will not get their Schools have the right to hold need to have some mercy on peo- or daughter will join one of these sent letters to their parents ask- schools and universities give stu- salaries because the majority of back the exam results of the stu- ple who are in a difficult financial schools. There are similar schools ing them not to send the children dents who have not paid the fees the students pay the fees. dents. But they need to know that condition.
KHALID AL JABER Who is an intellectual? Times of change for journalism hen I devoted that converted news into an here is a famous French tale about a police chief who told myself to revi- ABDULAZIZ AL MAHMOUD enticing commodity for users. General Charles de Gaulle that philosopher Jean-Paul talizing Al Arab Using these applications, we Sartre had been arrested. De Gaulle said, “release him Wnewspaper in 2006, were able to pick certain cat- Timmediately because you are detaining France.” a friend of mine advised me to he kept listening to me until I In the year 2000, the income egories out of a whole stream of The late Arab intellectual Edward Said resorted to two con- contact the vice dean of a jour- had finished speaking, and then of US newspapers from ads news content via our devices. tradictory definitions of intellectual in his book Representations nalism school in a US university started asking questions about amounted to about $63.5bn. I try sometimes to study my of the Intellectual. The two definitions are considered the most who happened to be his friend, in the media market, the level of However, by 2012, this income way of dealing with these fast famous in this regard in the 20th century. The first definition order to consult him and benefit press freedom and the number had plummeted to $19bn. During variables in the world of infor- was presented by the Italian politician, journalist and philosopher from his experience. of readers and their interests. the same period, Google’s income mation, as in the past I used Antonio Gramsci, who said that “all people are thinkers”, but This person had worked for “Are you sure you want to estab- from ads reached $46.5bn. to read certain newspapers or not all people can do the job of the intellectual or the thinker in a long time in newspapers and lish a newspaper at this time?” Over the period 2001 to 2011, news websites, but now there society. ended up as editor-in-chief of a he asked. the number of journalists in US are many applications that pick According to Gramsci, intellectuals are divided into two catego- prestigious international newspa- Then I started listening to him. newspapers fell by 44 percent. only what I want to read from ries: First, traditional per. He then decided to turn to He was surprised that I wanted Journalism has witnessed a these websites and present it to intellectuals, includ- an academic career to escape the to establish a newspaper while massacre during the last ten me in brief. ing priests, teachers French philosopher ravages of journalism. American newspapers were shut- years in most countries. It was The feature of organising and administrators, I called him on his cell phone ting down, getting rid of their not able to compete with Google news and content has made the who do the same job of Edgar Morin says all and introduced myself and our employees and losing markets and other social media, so it sur- developers of these applications non-renewable think- mutual friend, and he greeted me and readers, and transforming rendered after being the medium used by the media news brokers ing. Second, people who arts have produced and asked the regular question, into electronic newspapers. that had influenced the world for who publish their content, like are directly linked to “How can I help you?” These newspapers were try- decades, unaffected by competi- auctioneer in markets who con- classes that use them I gave him a brief about the ing to benefit from the evolution tion from radio and television. duct auctions by accepting bids in organising their masterpieces, except newspaper project and my desire that wipes off those who do not Media outlets used to race and declaring goods sold. interests and gain- to change it from a traditional keep pace or take advantage of it. to deliver news to smartphone We are facing a dynamic, non- ing more power and politics, which has paper to a modern one that would He backed his words with exam- owners. They hunted readers by static, world, a world in which control. attract readers. ples supporting his point of view, providing free services to them services disappear and others The second defini- created monsters. I also briefed him about the including that of the newspaper in order to attract advertisers, appear. I also think that insti- tion of the intellec- competition between the press he used to work for, and ended his but that stopped long ago. tutions that cannot keep pace tual was presented by and social media. talk by saying, “Maybe you just Information companies came with these changes will soon French philosopher What Morin said is the The man was a good listener; have so much money to spend.” up with magnificent applications cease to be. Julien Benda. He con- siders intellectuals “a description closest to small group of phi- losopher kings who the state of culture own supreme abilities and talents and high and intellectuals in the morals”. They consti- India’s historic relations with Qatar tute “the class of sci- entists and educated Arab world. There is ecently, I was honoured Ministry of Culture, Arts and people, who are very to be invited by the KHALED ABDULLAH AL ZIYARA Heritage in the second half of the rare because of what not one philosopher Indian ambassador to last decade, under the title Pearls they call for and their RQatar, Sanjiv Arora, to the 19th century. According to of Gulf... The Memory of the 20th defence of truth and you can point to and attend a ceremony to mark India’s sources, this happened because Century, I dwelt upon the afore- justice.” 65th Republic Day. the influence of the East India mentioned era that witnessed the Edward Said believed say that he represents A host of renowned Qatari and Company spread out from India, flourishing of historical relations that the real intellec- Indian figures attended the cere- Use of the Indian so it issued silver coins that con- between Qatar and India, citing tual did not represent mony, which featured exceptional tinued as the currency of India verbal and documentary accounts. anybody, but repre- the Arab world. Indian traditional art by artists rupee here started through the British Raj and However, according to sources, sented common univer- from Indian Cultural Centre who in the second beyond. smuggling of rupees out of India sal principles that cannot be abandoned. Moreover, he represented represented the diverse Indian The Indian rupee then started to the Gulf region for exchange the pulse of the masses and did not accept half-baked solutions culture. half of the 19th to impose itself on the commu- with Pound Sterling caused huge or truncated truths. In his speech, the Indian century. nities of the Gulf countries due loss to the Indian economy. The intellectual is the person who faces power with the dis- ambassador commended the to the steady growth of trade The sales of pearls in India course of truth. He insists that his job is to force himself and his strong relations between India between the Arab Gulf states and were badly affected, so the Indian supporters to accept the truth. In addition, he is the “resistant” and Qatar, which he described India over time. government agreed with the gov- intellectual, as he resists with his thought and activity the domi- as “rooted” in the depth of his- interactions at the highest levels. The Indian market was the ernments of the Gulf region to nance of the prevailing power in all its various forms: physical, tory and tested by time. The Memories of the 1950s are main vendor of pearls that were issue a special currency note to social and political, which monopolise the superstructure of society ambassador was right, as rela- still entrenched in the minds of being fished from the deep sea of be used in the countries of the and politics. tions between the two countries Qataris who lived through that the Gulf region; it was the life- Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula. French philosopher Edgar Morin says all arts have produced are really strong. He did not say period, as India existed signifi- blood of Qatar and the rest of This currency was introduced masterpieces, except politics, which has created monsters. What but the truth when he spoke at cantly in our society during that the region. The Indian market in Qatar and countries of the Morin said is the description closest to the state of culture and length about the good relations era in many ways, including was the only place that displayed region by the Indian government intellectuals in the Arab world. There is not one philosopher you and multifaceted bonds of coop- Indian currency, the rupee and various Indian commodities and in 1959. can point to and say that he represents the Arab world, as is the eration between India and Qatar. the anna, which people then used goods that still represent a part case with France and Jean-Paul Sartre. These bonds are growing within in their daily transactions. of our heritage, like our clothes, The views expressed in the articles on this an excellent framework provided Use of the Indian rupee here spices and other important goods. page do not reflect the viewpoint of the by historic relations and regular started in the second half of In my book, published by the newspaper. THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST
Israeli civic Berlin concerned over body approves 558 homes in Cairo’s press freedom West Bank
JERUSALEM: Israel’s FM voices worries to his Egyptian counterpart Jerusalem municipality approved building plans yes- BERLIN/CARIO: Germany’s cause us concern” in the areas of political process in North Africa terday for 558 new homes in foreign minister voiced concern freedom of expression and free- that Egypt succeeds in the transi- the occupied West Bank, land yesterday over media freedom dom of the press, said Frank- tion to a consolidated democracy,” that the Palestinians want in Egypt, which has detained Walter Steinmeier in a meeting Steinmeier added at a joint press for a future state. A munici- a number of Al-Jazeera broad- with his Egyptian counterpart conference in Berlin. pality spokeswoman said the cast journalists accused of being Nabil Fahmi. Cairo has accused Qatari- local planning committee had part of a “terror cell”. “It is important for our bilat- owned satellite broadcaster approved requests by private Berlin sees “developments that eral relations but also for the Al-Jazeera of backing the Muslim contractors for the construction Brotherhood, which was ousted work in the settlements of Har from power by the military in Homa, Neve Yaakov and Pisgat July, and of falsely portraying Zeev. Mursi trial adjourned Egypt in a state of civil war. The three settlements are in a Australian Peter Greste; the part of the West Bank that Israel CAIRO: An Egyptian court yesterday adjourned the murder Canadian-Egyptian bureau annexed to Jerusalem, in a move trial of ousted president Mohamed Mursi to March 1, to review chief for Jazeera English in that has not been recognised video evidence against the Islamist. Cairo, Mohamed Adel Fahmy; internationally, after capturing the Mursi and 14 co-defendants, some of them former aides, are and Egyptian producer Baher territory in the 1967 Middle East charged with inciting the killings of opposition protesters outside Mohamed were arrested on war. The Palestinians have said the presidential palace in December 2012. December 29 in a Cairo hotel. that expansion of Israeli settle- The court also postponed witness testimony scheduled for yester- The crackdown has raised ments, which most countries deem day’s session, after Mursi’s defence requested more time to prepare concern from the UN’s human illegal, could derail US-sponsored for cross examination. rights office and protests from peace talks which resumed in July One of the witnesses was head of the military unit tasked with Washington as well as rights after a three-year break. protecting the president at the time of the clashes. groups about press freedom in The municipality spokeswoman Mursi was present in the court, inside a soundproof glass dock to the troubled country. Separately, said that the initial plans for the prevent him from interrupting proceedings with defiant outbursts, last week two journalists and a new dwellings had been approved as he had done in previous hearings. driver working for German ARD years ago. The Palestinians are He insisted in previous hearings that he was still Egypt’s legiti- public television were attacked seeking a state in East Jerusalem, mate president and challenged the legitimacy of the court. and wounded by a crowd as they the West Bank and Gaza Strip. In the hearing on March 1, the court will review a report on video covered a car bomb that struck Israel pulled its troops and set- footage of the December 5, 2012 clashes between Mursi’s supporters the Cairo police headquarters. tlers out of the Gaza Strip in 2005, and opponents. At least seven people were killed in the violence. The Egyptian foreign minister and the enclave is now run by Mursi faces four separate trials, on charges ranging from con- said that “we declare our com- Hamas Islamists opposed to the tempt of the judiciary to plotting an elaborate conspiracy involving mitment to building a democratic present peace drive. Iran and Palestinian militants to conduct attacks in Egypt. and free state which is open to all Har Homa and Pisgat Zeev are He could be sentenced to death if convicted on several of the peaceful ways of expression... under in one of the areas in the West charges, which include collusion with foreign groups and incite- the constitution and the law”. Bank that Israel says it intends to ment to murder. His supporters say the military-installed regime Speaking through an inter- keep in any future land-for-peace has brought trumped-up charges. preter, he added that Egyptian deal with the Palestinians. Since his overthrow in July, Mursi’s once powerful Muslim authorities had stressed that all Three weeks ago, Israel pub- Brotherhood movement is in disarray, blacklisted as a terrorist media, including foreign media, lished tenders for 1,400 new group with most of its leaders in prison. “are welcome”, but added that “it homes in the West Bank and AFP is no secret that Egypt faces ter- Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz (right) with interim East Jerusalem. Anti-settlement rorist threats”. AFP Egyptian Prime Minister Hazem Al Beblawi in Riyadh yesterday. watchdog Peace Now said at that time that Israel had announced plans for 5,349 new homes in those two areas since the peace talks restarted. REUTERS Rowhani faces backlash over food scheme Jordan hookah TEHRAN: Iranian President while waiting in the western Hassan Rowhani faced harsh Kermanshah province. ban sparks criticism from conservatives Parliament speaker Ali Larijani yesterday over what they say is has urged the government to French minister hits back at public outcry a poorly implemented scheme to “immediately amend the distribu- distribute food to low-income tion method,” the Khorosan daily AMMAN: There’s no smoke families in the sanctions-hit reported. without ire: a ban on water Islamic republic. The hardline Kayhan newspa- US on Iran business ties pipes in restaurants and cafes Rowhani, a moderate elected per said Rowhani should apologise has caused uproar in Jordan last year, has already drawn fire over the programme and called PARIS: A visit to Iran by Kerry told French Foreign trade missions to beat a path where $1bn worth of tobacco over a landmark nuclear deal for officials involved in it to resign. a 116-strong delegation of Minister Laurent Fabius that to Tehran since the November goes up in smoke every year. with world powers and diplo- “This plan could have been a French business figures is “a the trip — even though organ- deal. Under a decision based on matic overtures that have been gesture that the government bet” on the future and not ised through the private sec- Late last month, a large del- a 2008 law that was not previ- broadly welcomed in the West cares about the poor ... but it has “business as usual”, France’s tor — was “not helpful” in egation visited from fellow Nato ously enforced, the government but slammed by hardliners at turned into a damaging measure finance minister said yester- sending the message that “it member Turkey, headed by has announced that by the end home. accompanied by insult and humil- day, brushing off US criticism is not business as usual” with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip of 2014 the licences of more than Both the diplomatic push and iation,” it said in an editorial. of the trip. Iran. Erdogan, who said the neigh- 5,000 establishments that serve the social programme are aimed “Making huge numbers of poor “It’s not about doing ‘business “It seems to me that the sig- bouring countries aimed to hookahs will be revoked. at alleviating the effects of crip- people wait in long lines in freez- as usual’,” Pierre Moscovici told nal given by this visit is exactly more than double trade to $30bn Furious smokers and cafe own- pling Western sanctions imposed ing weather ... has been used by journalists at an entrepreneurs’ the opposite, which is to say: (¤22bn) next year. ers say the move will affect their over Iran’s nuclear programme, enemy media to portray a dark gathering in Paris, referring ‘fulfil your obligations and, if one The November agreement lifestyle and a $1.5bn (¤1.1bn) which the West suspects is being image of Iran.” to an expression used by US day that happens, things will go between Iran and the P5+1 — industry, jeopardising the jobs of used to develop weapons, charges Even Reformist newspapers Secretary of State John Kerry well’,” Moscovici said. Britain, China, France, Russia 12,000 people. “This decision will denied by Tehran. criticised the government for when he phoned his French “One must definitely not take and the United States, plus definitely have a negative impact The programme aims to hand what they said was a hasty deci- counterpart to complain about this as a sign of laxness or con- Germany — requires Iran to on us and mean thousands of out packages of frozen chicken, sion to implement the scheme the visit. sent but as a bet on a future scale back its contested nuclear people lose their jobs,” said cafe rice, vegetable oil, cheese and without proper preparation. The French delegation, with that rests on firmness and activities for limited sanctions manager Emran Torsha. eggs to poor families ahead of In response, Rowhani has representatives from major com- negotiation. relief. His popular Jafra cafe in central Iranian New Year celebrations in tasked Welfare Minister Ali Rabii panies such as Total, Lafarge “If one day Iran changed its The six-month accord, which Amman serves around 2,000 cus- mid-March. with re-organising the handout and Peugeot, is the largest of its attitude then there would be, took effect January 20, is aimed tomers daily, half of them smok- But critics say the programme effort and improving distribution, kind from Europe since a land- we know, significant commercial at buying time to negotiate a ers. “The government should not has forced people to stand in long media reports said. mark nuclear deal reached with and economic opportunities for comprehensive agreement that make decisions this way,” Torsha queues in cold weather, harming Rabii has meanwhile defended the major powers in November all countries.” could see all sanctions lifted on said as dozens of men and women, the image of the Islamic repub- the plan, saying at least nine mil- gave Iran limited relief from The French delegation is the oil- and gas-rich Islamic young and old, smoked hookah lic, and local media reported lion baskets of goods would be dis- crippling US and EU sanctions. the latest in a string of foreign republic. AFP with their drinks and snacks and that an elderly man had died tributed. AFP listened to live music. AFP
Bomb wounds 12 kids in Benghazi
BENGHAZI: A bomb blast that six other children, two in at Al Jala hospital, sparking a rocked the playground of a pri- serious condition, were taken to firefight which, however, left no mary school in Libya’s restive Benghazi medical centre. injuries. second city Benghazi during A security official described the Clashes between militia made recess yesterday, wounding 12 force of the explosion as “weak” up of former rebels and the spe- children, two of them seriously, and said a hunt was under way for cial forces erupted in the city officials said. those behind the attack. after the son of Al Saiqa’s com- Witnesses said a bomb was “Witnesses saw an individual mander in Benghazi was kid- thrown over the school wall as throw an explosive device over napped late January. the children were playing. the school wall during recess,” the In Tripoli, Prime Minister Ali Benghazi, cradle of the 2011 official said, speaking on condition Zeidan has faced criticism from Nato-backed uprising that top- of anonymity. Islamist MPs demanding his res- pled Muammar Gaddafi, has seen Yesterday’s school blast came ignation, accusing him of failing near-daily attacks on security and after a patrol of Libya’s Al Saiqa to improve security. other targets in recent months special forces unit was attacked Zeidan was himself kidnapped as the weak central government by unknown gunmen during the by gunmen and held for several has tried to rein in former rebel night in the centre of Benghazi, hours in October. brigades turned militias. causing no injuries. A security Deputy industry minister Fadia Al Barghathi, spokes- official said the armed group Hassan al-Droui was assassinated woman for Benghazi’s Al Jala had then set upon a sit-in being in Gaddafi’s hometown of Sirte hospital, had earlier yesterday staged by a group of anti-govern- on January 12, while the con- said six children suffering “light ment protesters, torching their voy of interior minister Seddik to moderate” injuries were admit- tents and cars. Abdelkarim came under fire last A victim of an attack on a school, lies down on a bed during medical treatment at a hospital in the eastern Libyan ted there. The gunmen later in the night week on the road to the airport. city of Benghazi, yesterday. Another medic later revealed attacked an Al Saiqa checkpoint AFP THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 London Tube US north-east hit by snow and ice NEW YORK: The latest in a series of winter storms hit the US north-east yesterday, threaten- ing to drop up to a 30cm of snow staff strike in central New England, snarling travel and eating into supplies of salt needed to keep roads clear. Officials in New York and New Jersey warned they were beginning to run short of the hits millions rock salt used by road crews to keep ice from building up on highways and local roads, the People walk, run, bike or bus to work result of the season’s repeated storms. Neighbouring New Jersey LONDON: Millions of Lond- There is absolutely no justifica- reported a similar shortage. oners were caught up in com- tion for a strike. We need a mod- As of January 26, New Jersey muting chaos yesterday, as ernised tube line working for the had spent $60m on snow removal, Underground workers began the millions of Londoners who use it putting it in place to break the first in a series of strikes that every day.” record of $62.5m spent last year. Prime Minister David Cameron Police were out in force at major Connecticut was on pace to exceed branded as “shameful”. rail stations to keep order in the its $30m budget. New York City has As tempers frayed on packed long lines that began building up spread some 346,000 tonnes of rock buses and the capital’s streets at bus stops shortly after dawn. salt on its roads so far this year. swarmed with commuters walk- Even so, there were reports of jos- Heavy show was expected from ing, running and cycling to work tling as tempers frayed. Thousands the Great Lakes through New Snow is seen on cars in the Williamsburg neighbourhood of the Brooklyn borough in New York yesterday. through gale-force winds, Mayor of workers took to the roads on England, with freezing rain domi- Boris Johnson and powerful union bikes. Boat services along the River nating south of New York. In the mid-morning, 24cm of snow had state and a mix of sleet and freez- snow and ice storms overnight, leader Bob Crow traded recrimi- Thames were running extra trips. Boston area, snow was falling at fallen in Burlington, in central ing rain on the way, I am asking according to local power compa- nations over the latest walkout. The more athletic used the strike a rate of 2-5cm per hour, making Connecticut, 23cm in Southbridge, residents to avoid unnecessary nies. The hardest hit state was London’s Underground rail as a chance to run to work from roads treacherous and causing in southern Massachusetts, and travel,” said Dannel Malloy. “If Pennsylvania, with over 640,000 drivers plan to stay out for two the suburbs. school closings. 32cm in Newburgh, New York, you can stay home or work from customers without power. Other days this week and another two The National Union of Rail, “The worst will be along the north of New York City, according home, please do.” hard-hit states include Maryland, next week, in a row over job cuts Maritime and Transport workers higher terrain, around central to the National Weather Service. Almost 900,000 homes and West Virginia, Arkansas, New and modernisation. The action (RMT) and the Transport Salaried New England,” said Benjamin Connecticut’s governor urged businesses were without power in Jersey, Kentucky, Delaware, Ohio, has brought new calls to curtail Staffs’ Association (TSSA) unions Sipprell, a meteorologist with people to stay off icy roads. “With the US Midwest and north-east Virginia, Indiana and New York. the rights of unions to strike in called the strike to protest against the National Weather Service. By heavy snow falling across the early yesterday following severe THE GUARDIAN key infrastructure areas. Some job losses and plans to close three million people use the Tube manned ticket offices as part of system most days. Only a lucky the modernisation of the 151-year- few could cram themselves on the old network. A second 48-hour handful of trains that were run- strike is planned for February 11 2013 sixth-hottest year ning yesterday. to February. 14. Cameron said on his official RMT leader Crow said the GENEVA: Last year tied for the sixth-hottest on record, con- Twitter feed that the strike was strike was “rock solid” and had firming that Earth’s climate system is in the grip of warming “shameful, bringing misery to reduced the network to a skeleton that will affect generations to come, the UN’s weather agency millions of Londoners”. Speaking service. The TSSA said service said yesterday. later in parliament, he added: “I had been reduced by 70 percent. “This is confirmation of the trend of global warming of the unreservedly condemn this strike. REUTERS planet,” World Meteorological Organization (WMO) chief Michel Jarraud said. Last year equalled 2007 as the sixth-warmest year since reliable records began in 1850, with a global land and ocean surface temperature that was 0.5 degrees Celsius above the UK storms cause power cuts 1961-1990 average, the WMO said in a statement. Thirteen of the 14 warmest years on record have occurred in the 21st century, Jarraud said. The hottest were 2005 and 2010, which both saw temperatures about 0.55 C above the long-term average. Jarraud acknowledged in a statement that “the rate of warming is not uniform” in every country. Last year, for instance, was the hottest year on record in Australia, while the United States measured record highs in 2012. But, Jarraud said, “the underlying trend is undeniable”. “Global warming... is occurring. There is absolutely zero doubt. But more important, it is due to human activities,” he told AFP, pointing to record levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. “Our action, or inaction, to curb emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases will shape the state of our planet for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” he said. El Nino weather patterns, which warm surface temperatures, and their cooling La Nina counterparts are major drivers of The Newhaven Lighthouse is battered by waves during stormy weather in natural variability in the climate. But the WMO noted that Newhaven on the southern coast of England yesterday. More than 8,000 neither condition occurred in 2013, which was warmer than homes were without power after fresh storms battered the region, send- both 2011 and 2012, which were cooled by La Nina. AFP ing huge waves crashing onto the coastline and damaging sea defences. UN watchdog NSA tapped Schroeder’s phone: Report slams Vatican BERLIN: US intelligence spied on former German Schroeder said he was unsurprised by the latest chancellor Gerhard Schroeder from 2002, NDR tel- spying report. “At the time the idea would never have over child evision reported, adding fuel to the flames of a row occurred to me, but now it doesn’t surprise me,” he over spying on incumbent Angela Merkel. told NDR and the Sueddeutsche Zeitung daily. abuse record Schroeder, the Social Democrat chancellor who US President Barack Obama in a recent interview served from 1998 to 2005, appears on a list of names assured that Merkel was no longer under surveil- GENEVA: The United of people and institutions put under surveillance lance. His Secretary of State John Kerry acknowl- Nations condemned the by the US National Security Agency (NSA) from edged on Friday that relations with Germany had Vatican yesterday for 2002, at the start of his second mandate as German gone through a “rough period” over the NSA snoop- failing to stamp out child head of state. At the time Germany was opposing ing but said that shared interests would help put ties abuse and allowing sys- intervention in Iraq. back on track. AFP tematic cover-ups, calling on the Church to remove clergy suspected of rap- ing or molesting children. The Vatican hit back, accusing the world body’s child rights watchdog of distorting the facts by fail- ing to take into account fresh efforts to rid the Church of child abusers. In an unprecedented report for a UN body, the Committee on the Rights of the Child slammed the Vatican for failing to live up to repeated pledges to put its house in order. “The committee expresses serious concern that in dealing with child victims of different forms of abuse, the Holy See has systematically placed pres- ervation of the reputation of the Church and the alleged offender over the protection of child victims,” it said. Saying abuse had affected “tens of thou- sands” of children world- wide, it urged the Vatican to “immediately remove all known and suspected child sexual abusers from assign- ment and refer the matter to the relevant law enforce- ment authorities”. AFP THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES Koreas agree on family reunions Separated relatives to meet on February 20-25
SEOUL: North and South Pyongyang’s top ruling bodies to United States responded to with Korea agreed yesterday to allow end the annual military drills. long-range nuclear bomber sor- some families separated by the It was unlike North Korea’s ties over the peninsula. 1950-53 Korean War to hold usual threats and aggressive tone “Their tone this year is differ- brief reunions, despite a cam- used with the South but that does ent; they’re saying ‘please don’t paign by Pyongyang that Seoul not mean Pyongyang has changed, do this’, as opposed to in the past cancel planned war games with analysts said. when they threatened military the United States. “There is no more seriousness action if drills went ahead,” said Any kind of agreement between behind this offer than others Kwak In-su, a researcher at the the two rivals is rare, and in the Pyongyang has advanced,” said Seoul-based Institute for National past unpredictable North Korea Andrea Berger, a research fel- Strategy and a former North has withdrawn permission for the low at the Royal United Services Korean spy who fled to the South event at the last minute. Institute in London who inter- in 1995. A meeting of officials from acts regularly with North Korean “They’re putting on a show but Thailand’s embattled government yesterday defended a much-criticised rice subsidy scheme after a Chinese firm North and South Korea agreed officials. at the same time they really want cancelled a one-million-tonne order following a graft probe involving Thai officials. the reunions will take place on “North Korea has not yet made some changes - it’s a mixed bag,” February 20 to 25 in Mount clear that the significant mili- he added. Kumgang, just north of the bor- tary restraint it is demanding on North Korea’s intentions are der, South Korea’s Unification the South Korean side would be always difficult to read, and the Thai PM defends rice-buying scheme Ministry said. At previous reun- matched by military restraint on relative lack of understanding ions, about 100 families have been its own part.” surrounding Kim Jong Un, the allowed to meet relatives on the The North’s offer to allow the third of his family to rule the BANGKOK: Thailand’s estimated at $6bn a year, have has at times been buying rice at other side for fleeting moments family reunions has been wel- country, has made the situation fiery protest leader, Suthep fuelled protests against Yingluck prices up to two-thirds above the before they are sent back to their comed both by its sole major ally, even more complex. Kim’s gov- Thaugsuban, denounced the and payment problems risk alien- prevailing benchmark rates. respective homes. China, and the United States, who ernment ordered the execution of government’s battered rice- ating farmers at the heart of her “Farmers who took their rice to Officially North Korea has were also on opposing sides in the his uncle, viewed as the number buying scheme as corrupt and support base in the poorer north milling houses received just over not linked the reunions with its Korean War. two leader in North Korea, last the prime minister leapt to its and northeast. 10,000 baht when the price they demand for the cancellation of the The war left millions of families year and has purged officials defence yesterday, days after an “Yingluck took farmers’ rice were guaranteed was 15,000 baht,” annual military exercises by the divided, with free private travel related or linked to him. election did nothing to restore more than seven months ago and Suthep said at a rally at one of the US and South Korean militaries across the border and communica- The impending war drills could stability in the divided country. hasn’t paid them,” Suthep told protest sites in Bangkok’s central scheduled to begin this month. tion, including phone calls, banned. provide an excuse for North The rice programme was supporters yesterday, even as business district. But officials in the South say More than 70,000 South Korea to do call off the reunions, among the populist policies pio- another warrant was issued for Yingluck said the government the intention is clear, and that Koreans have been seeking to said Berger, the analyst. neered by Yingluck’s brother, his arrest. was only trying to help farmers. Seoul will not fall in line. meet lost family members at fam- “The scheduling of family Thaksin Shinawatra, a former Yingluck and her government “These problems stem from the “The drills have been conducted ily reunions. The successful ones reunions highlights one of the prime minister central to the are being investigated by an anti- dissolution of parliament (last year) annually and they simply cannot are chosen by lottery. side effects of decades of North conflict that has divided Thais for graft panel for alleged irregulari- which made it difficult under the be an issue for us as far as the Tensions on the Korean penin- Korean allergic reactions to mili- eight years. He was toppled by the ties in the rice scheme. framework of the law to approve reunions are concerned,” said a sula soared last year as Pyongyang tary exercises,” she said. military in 2006. The rice programme is close to payments,” she told reporters. South Korean government offi- reacted angrily to tightened UN “To avoid the risk that Generous subsidies for farmers collapse after the commerce min- “Whether this scheme is cial involved in dealings with the sanctions imposed in response to Pyongyang’s objections to joint were a centrepiece of the platform ister said China had cancelled an extended or not is up to the next North, who spoke on condition of its latest nuclear test. drills cause such engagement to that swept Yingluck to power in order for 1.2 million tonnes due government ... Everyone knows anonymity. That was followed by a period collapse from one side, Seoul and a landslide election win in 2011, to the corruption investigation. that the government does not In recent weeks, North Korean of aggressive rhetoric from the Washington intentionally try to but have left Thailand with vast State-run Krung Thai Bank have the power to do anything diplomats have given rare media North that warned of nuclear war conclude or fulfil bilateral agree- stockpiles of rice and a bill it is has joined other lenders in saying that will affect the incoming gov- interviews and press conferences should joint US-South Korean ments before exercises start.” struggling to fund. it will not provide loans urgently ernment so this issue may take that have reiterated calls from drills continue - a threat the REUTERS Losses to the taxpayer, needed to rescue a scheme that time to resolve.” REUTERS
‘Beethoven’ Philippine president compares Chinese rulers to Hitler admits using ghost composer MANILA: Philippine waters and islands in the strategi- Hitler-led Nazi Germany occupied disputed islands in the East China Taiwan, have overlapping claims to President Benigno Aquino has cally vital South China Sea. western parts of the European Sea, raising fears about a military some of the waters, and those dis- TOKYO: A deaf composer warned China’s efforts to claim “At what point do you say: nation in 1938 before World War II. confrontation between Asia’s two putes have for decades made the dubbed “Japan’s Beethoven” disputed territories are like ‘Enough is enough’? Well, the Aquino’s comments come less biggest economies. South China Sea another potential confessed yesterday to hiring Nazi Germany’s before World world has to say it -- remem- than two weeks after Japanese China also claims nearly all of trigger for military conflict. someone to write his best- War II, drawing a fierce Chinese ber that the Sudetenland was Prime Minister Shinzo Abe raised the South China Sea, one of the China has been steadily increas- known works, leaving duped response yesterday branding given in an attempt to appease the temperature in a parallel world’s most important water- ing its military and coast guard broadcaster NHK red-faced, him ignorant and amateurish. Hitler to prevent World War II,” territorial dispute with China ways as it is home to vital ship- presence in the sea in recent years and casting a cloud over a fig- In an interview with the New Aquino told the New York Times by appearing to compare Sino- ping lanes and is believed to sit to assert its claim, causing diplo- ure skater set to dance to his York Times, Aquino called for in Manila on Tuesday. Japanese relations with the run- atop lucrative deposits of natural matic tensions to rise and stoking music in Sochi. world leaders not to make the mis- Aquino was referring to the up to World War I. resources. concerns in the Philippines about Mamoru Samuragochi, 50, take of appeasing China as it seeks failure by Western nations to Japan and China are at log- But the Philippines, as well as perceived Chinese bullying. shot to fame in the mid-1990s to cement control over contested back Czechoslovakia when Adolf gerheads over the sovereignty of Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and the AFP with classical compositions that provided the soundtrack to video games including Snow statue Resident Evil, despite having had a degenerative condition that affected his hearing. War crimes report ups Expert warns of pressure on Sri Lanka ‘mutant’ virus LONDON: The death of a COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s army suggests there was intent to com- woman in China from a strain led an orgy of indiscriminate mit those crimes,” the report said. of bird flu previously unknown killing at the climax of the Early analysis suggested that in humans is a reminder of the island’s civil war, and has since the Sri Lankan government was ever-present potential pan- tried to destroy evidence of its exhuming and destroying evi- demic threat from mutating crimes, a new investigation dence of mass civilian deaths, the animal viruses, scientists said published yesterday by foreign report said. yesterday. experts claimed. The ICEP said it had obtained The new strain, called H10N8, A report released by the Public testimony from unidentified new has so far infected only two peo- Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) witnesses that members of the ple - a fatal case in a 73-year-old in Australia claimed that soldiers Sri Lankan security forces had and another in a woman who is committed the “vast majority” destroyed forensic evidence after critically ill in hospital. But the of crimes in a final government the conflict. fact it has jumped from birds to offensive against Tamil Tiger “The allegations are that humans is an important warn- separatists in May 2009. human remains from mass ing, they said. The probe comes ahead of a burial sites in the conflict zone session at the UN Human Rights were exhumed and were cov- Ma keen to Council next month at which the ertly destroyed,” the report said. US is due to move a third resolu- “This highlights the urgent need meet Xi at APEC tion pressing Sri Lanka to inves- for an internationally-mandated tigate the conduct of its troops or investigation.” TAIPEI: Taiwan’s minister face further international censure. Sri Lanka’s military rejected in charge of China affairs yes- Sri Lanka has resisted repeated the report as “old allegations” and terday said he would support Malaysia’s national flag is hoisted next to an 18-metre high and 28-metre-wide snow statue of the Sultan Abdul calls for an international inquiry denied there had been any digging a meeting between Chinese Samad building at Malaysia square, during the 65th Sapporo Snow Festival yesterday. into allegations that up to 40,000 up of graves to destroy evidence. President Xi Jinping and his civilians were killed by govern- He said only one mass grave Taiwanese counterpart Ma ment forces during the bloody had been found in the former Ying-jeou, suggesting the finale to a conflict that dragged war zone and a judicial inquiry APEC leaders’ summit as an Tortured maid leaves Hong Kong hospital on for 37 years. was underway. ideal opportunity. The PIAC’s International “There is nothing new in the Wang Yu-chi, chairman SRAGEN: An Indonesian maid returning from Hong Kong where me. So pitiful, the fate of small Crimes Evidence Project report. It is the same old alle- of the island’s top China allegedly tortured by her Hong she allegedly suffered months of people like us.” (ICEP) report entitled “Island gations already in the public policy decision-making body Kong employer left hospital yes- abuse. Her alleged torture sparked of Impunity?” included material domain,” Sri Lanka military Mainland Affairs Council, terday after a month, tearfully As she left hospital, the maid protests by domestic workers from independent international spokesman Brigadier Ruwan made the comments ahead of expressing the hope that her said was feeling much better and in Hong Kong and Indonesian experts, UN staff members and Wanigasooriya said. his historic trip to China next case would prevent future abuse wanted to get her “old life back.” President Susilo Bambang new witness testimony. He discounted charges of mass week -- the first official con- of “small people like us.” But shortly afterwards she broke Yudhoyono called the maid to “Certain alleged crimes com- killings, torture and sexual vio- tact between the two former Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, down in tears at a press conference. express sorrow over the “tragedy.” mitted during the final months lence, but said 17 soldiers had bitter rivals in more than six 23, was admitted to hospital in “I hope my case will be the last,” It also renewed concern about of the war involved such fla- been prosecuted on charges of decades. Sragen, on Indonesia’s main island she told reporters. “I don’t want treatment of maids in the Asian grant and reckless disregard for rape in the final stages of the AGENCIES of Java, in critical condition after any more people to end up like financial hub. AFP the laws of war, which strongly fighting. AFP THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Three dies as blast derails train Afghan presidential hopeful says poll chance for change
KABUL: Leading con- security situation as US-led The candidates broadly tenders to succeed Afghan Nato troops wind down their backed the bilateral secu- President Hamid Karzai presence. rity agreement (BSA), have used the campaign’s Gunmen shot dead two which would allow about first televised debate to of Abdullah’s aides in the 10,000 US troops to be express their backing for western city of Herat on deployed in the coun- a US security pact, with Saturday, dealing an early try after Nato withdraws frontrunner Abdullah blow to hopes of a peaceful by December. President Abdullah calling the elec- campaign. Karzai is refusing to sign tion a “chance for change”. Stood on a platform the pact and wants to leave Abdullah, who came sec- adorned in Tolo’s trade- it to his successor. ond to Karzai in the cha- mark red and blue colours, Rassoul said the BSA otic and fraud-riddled 2009 the quintet responded to two would “bring long-lasting election, said late Tuesday hours of questions from an peace to Afghanistan” but he hoped the April election Afghan journalist, with the Ghani cautioned that “for would “bring security and format allowing few chances peace, both sides need to be prosperity to Afghanistan’s for exchanges between the flexible”. people”. candidates themselves. Analysts say Abdullah is The presidential debate, Among the other heav- the only presidential can- broadcast by the Tolo yweights present were didate to publicly endorse News channel, yielded few former finance minister a security deal with the US surprises, but Abdullah Ashraf Ghani, Karzai loyal- that would see thousands and four other candidates ist Zalmai Rassoul and the of foreign troops remain in coalesced on the need to president’s low-profile elder Afghanistan after 2014. improve the country’s dire brother Qayum Karzai. AGENCIES At least three passengers, including a minor, were killed when a Lahore-bound train derailed following a bomb blast on a rail track on the outskirts of Karachi yesterday. Pakistan-Taliban talks falter as they begin Scepticism hounds dialouge as head of extremists’ team accuses govt of making a mockery of the meeting
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security situation was under- been waging a violent insurgency leader Hakimullah Mehsud was negotiators but cricketer-turned- “Today it has been exposed how planned peace talks with scored by a fresh outbreak of since 2007. killed in a US drone strike. politician Imran Khan declined to serious the government is about Taliban insurgents stumbled as sectarian violence in the north- Many observers had been Teams representing the Taliban take part and another was pulled talks,” Haq said. they began Tuesday, with gov- western city of Peshawar. anticipating a military offen- and government had been due to out by his political party. “They are making a joke of ernment negotiators missing A suicide bomb attack on a sive against TTP strongholds in gather in Islamabad at 2.00pm to “We told them we are ready to talks and joking with the nation. a preliminary meeting citing Shia neighbourhood killed eight Pakistan’s tribal areas, following chart a “roadmap” for talks. meet them after we get an expla- On one side they are saying they doubts over the militants’ team. and wounded 42, officials said, just a bloody start to the year. More But the government delegation nation about one issue, that their are talking to the Taliban and on The faltering start will fuel hours after a leading Shia cleric than 110 people were killed in mil- did not show up. One of its mem- committee will consist of three the other side they are making scepticism about whether negoti- was shot dead. itant attacks in January, many of bers, senior journalist Rahimullah members,” Yusufzai said. joke of these talks.” ations with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif them military personnel. Yusufzai, said it wanted to clarify The head of the Taliban team, The TTP’s main spokesman, Pakistan (TTP) can achieve a caused surprise last week by Tentative efforts towards peace who was on the Taliban team and hardline cleric Maulana Sami-ul- Shahidullah Shahid, said that Haq meaningful and lasting accord. announcing a team to begin dia- talks last year came to an abrupt what powers they had. Haq, accused the government of and his two colleagues had their It came as the country’s fragile logue with the TTP, which has halt in November when the TTP The TTP initially named five not taking the talks seriously. blessing. AFP
Badly-trained crew blamed for air crash Obama meets commanders Musharraf files appeal against KARACHI: The pilots of a trained to use, according to the The captain was heard sud- as Afghanistan plan in limbo Pakistani jetliner that plunged report. denly remarking that it had arrest warrant to the ground outside Islamabad “The information with regards become dark, but he did not take WASHINGTON: President will have to begin preparing to in 2012 and killed 127 people to automation capacities of air- any action to discontinue the Barack Obama met top leave no troops behind in the ISLAMABAD: After fur- were not trained to use its auto- craft was not in the knowledge approach. Afghanistan war advisors last country. nishing surety bonds of mated flight deck, investigators of cockpit crew even after the He appeared not to trust the Tuesday with US plans for “As each day passes and we Rs2.5m to avoid arrest have found. formal ground schooling, as the plane’s automatic technology and a post-2014 military force in move further into this calendar in a treason case, former The Bhoja Air Boeing 737 from ground schooling did not cater for at one point seemed confused that limbo over President Hamid year it becomes more imperative president General Pervez Karachi crashed in fields and the automation of aircraft,” said the plane was travelling at 220 Karzai’s refusal to sign a secu- that the Afghan government sign Musharraf has filed an appli- burst into flames as it came in the report. knots instead of 190. rity agreement. the agreement that was negoti- cation before the special to land at the capital’s Benazir In their concluding remarks the The crash was Islamabad’s sec- Obama met Defence Secretary ated in good faith so that Nato court against issuance of his Bhutto International airport dur- investigators said that “ineffective ond in less than two years, after Chuck Hagel and Marine General and the US can make plans for a arrest warrant. He requested ing a storm in April 2012. There management of the basic flight an Airblue plane hit the Margalla Joseph Dunford, the com- post-2014 troop presence,” White the court to reverse the proc- were no survivors. parameters” such as air speed and hills in July 2010 while coming in mander of US and Nato forces in House spokesman Jay Carney ess of issuing the bailable In its official report Pakistan’s rate of descent were among the to land in bad weather, killing Afghanistan, as he deliberates on said. warrant to ensure his attend- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) main causes of the tragedy. 152 -- Pakistan’s deadliest air the pace of US troop drawdowns The White House says Obama ance at the hearing. Defence blamed the crew and Bhoja man- The eight-member investiga- accident. and future strategy. has so far made no decisions about counsel Faisal Hussain said agement for the crash, the second tion team was headed by an air Parts of the Bhoja Air plane’s Karzai has infuriated how many American troops would Musharraf had furnished deadliest in the country’s history. commodore and included engi- fuselage dragged across the Washington by declining to sign remain behind to advise the still bonds ‘under protest’. “Since The captain and his co-pilot neers, commercial and air force ground for several kilometres in a bilateral security agreement fledgling Afghan armed forces. the question about jurisdic- had been trained to fly the pilots, doctors and aviators. the crash and many of the bodies (BSA), which would allow some But it has made clear it is not tion of the special court is Boeing 737-200 but not the more Discussing the black-box were charred beyond recognition. US troops to remain behind on a prepared to wait out Karzai’s last pending, he thinks that the advanced 737-236 model which recording of the cockpit conversa- No one from the airline, which training mission when American few months in office to sign the three-member bench lacks crashed, the CAA report said. tion and air traffic control tower, had its operations suspended by and allied combat missions end at BSA after elections that will not jurisdiction to proceed in the The newer model was equipped the team observed that panic the CAA soon after the crash, was the end of the year. likely identify the next Afghan matter,” Hussain said. with an automated flight deck gripped the pilot in the severe available for comment. The White House has warned president until late May this year. which the crew had not been weather conditions. AFP that if he does not sign soon, it AFP Three die in Afghan raids Snowfall claims 14 lives KABUL: Three Taliban militants were killed and five were injured during opera- Sharif invites India for talks tions by Afghan national security forces. Operations were conducted during the to resolve Kashmir dispute past 24 hours by police, army and National Directorate ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kashmir in their legitimate the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. of Security (NDS) person- Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif struggle for their inalienable right “On behalf of the government nel. The Interior Ministry of extended an invitation to the to self-determination.” and the people of Pakistan, I reaf- Afghanistan said operations Indian leadership yesterday “On this day we reaffirm our firm Pakistan’s firm commitment were carried out in Nangarhar, to resolve the Kashmir issue resolve to stand by our brothers to a just and peaceful resolution Kapisa, Kunduz, Kandahar, through dialogue on Kashmir and sisters in their valiant strug- of the Kashmir dispute in accord- Zabul and Logar provinces. Solidarity Day. gle for their just cause. The peace- ance with the aspirations of the Addressing the legislative ful people of Jammu and Kashmir people of Jammu and Kashmir US ‘curtails’ assembly of Azad Jammu and continue to suffer. Not only the and the protection of their fun- Kashmir yesterday, the premier right to self-determination is damental rights”, he added. drone strikes said conflicts and uncertainty being denied to them but they are “We will always stand by our would linger on in the region also being subjected to the worst Kashmiri brethren until the reali- WASHINGTON: The if the Kashmir dispute wasn’t kind of human rights abuses, vio- sation of their right to self deter- Obama administration has resolved. lence and suppression,” he added. mination,” he said. sharply curtailed drone “We invite India to engage in Sharif said thousands of Separately, he said promo- strikes in Pakistan after a a comprehensive sustained and Kashmiris had lost their lives and tion of trade through the Line request from the govern- result-oriented dialogue process,” thousands more were languish- of Control (LoC) would further ment for restraint as it pur- he added. ing in Indian jails, adding that bolster peace in the region, adding sues peace talks with the Nawaz Sharif also urged atrocities and humiliations had that it would also strengthen ties Pakistani Taliban, according the international community not deterred them from a cause with Kashmir. to a US official. “That’s what to play its due role in secur- cased on their legitimate aspira- Nawaz Sharif is the 18th they asked for, and we didn’t ing for Kashmiris their right to tion of their right of self determi- and current Prime Minister of tell them no.” The admin- self-determination. nation as enshrined in the United Pakistan, in office since June 2013. istration said it will carry He said the government and Nations (UN) charter and the A veteran politician and indus- out strikes against senior Al An Afghan National Army soldier shovels slush from melting snow on a the people of Pakistan were United Nations Security Council trialist, he previously served as Qaeda targets if they became street in Mazar-e-sharif yesterday. At least 14 people died in Afghanistan’s observing Kashmir Solidarity (UNSC) resolutions. Prime Minister from November available, and move to thwart Day, adding, “This is an occa- Sharif said Pakistan would 1990 to July 1993 and from any direct, imminent threat northwestern province of Jowzjan after heavy snowfall, provincial deputy sion to reiterate our firm sup- continue playing its constructive February 1997 to October 1999. to Americans. AGENCIES governor Abdul Rahman Mahmoudi said yesterday. port to the people of Jammu role towards peaceful solution of INTERNEWS THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA
German president in India Election alliance Stormy start seen as regional parties meet
NEW DELHI: A clutch of to parliament regional parties met yesterday to discuss plans to stymie the government’s goals for parlia- ment’s final session, fuelling expectations that they will forge session an alliance before national elec- tions due by May. Officials from 11 parties plotted Opposition determined to stall bills a possible strategy for the session, in which the ruling Congress party NEW DELHI: The Congress to contain some pre-election sops hopes to push through a raft of party’s hopes of pushing through for voters. anti-corruption bills to woo voters. new laws to tackle corruption But shouting and protests over “We have decided to raise some stalled yesterday when the par- the creation of a new southern common issues in parliament,” liament’s last session before a state derailed other matters when Sitaram Yechury, a leader of the general election was adjourned the session began, despite speaker Communist Party of India-Marxist amid rowdy scenes over the pro- Meira Kumar’s appeals for calm. (CPI-M) said. “We can’t allow the posed creation of a new state. The new state, Telangana, would Congress party to further its elec- The session, which will go on be carved out of Andhra Pradesh tion agenda.” till February 21, is seen as a final and should generate vote-winning The group does not oppose the chance for Congress, which leads support for Congress. proposed anti-corruption bills the ruling United Progressive Members of parliament from but will not approve them hastily Alliance (UPA) coalition, to con- Andhra Pradesh crowded around simply to boost Congress’ image, vince voters it is taking action the rostrum of the chamber to Yechury said. on graft and to showcase leader denounce the proposed split, some In recent days, some promi- Rahul Gandhi. carrying placards saying “Hail German President Joachim Gauck (second left), accompanied by his wife Daniela Schadt, shakes hands with nent state-level leaders have After 10 years in power, its United Andhra Pradesh”. Prime Minster Manmohan Singh as President Pranab Mukherjee looks on during a ceremonial reception at sealed alliances or spoken about popularity has sagged in large part The world’s largest democ- the presidential palace in New Delhi yesterday. Gauck is on a six-day state visit. a so-called “third front”. Jayaram over a series of graft scandals as racy must hold a parliamentary Jayalalithaa, chief minister of well as its inability to halt a slide election by May and the date is southern Tamil Nadu state, whose in the economy. expected to be announced close to party attended yesterday’s meet- The main opposition Bharatiya the end of the session. ing, has in recent days formed an Janata Party (BJP) calls it a lame The bills due to come up for alliance with a leftist party. duck government that is merely debate cover issues that Gandhi, Modi lambasts Third Front Nitish Kumar, chief minister of making a last-ditch attempt to the fourth generation member of Bihar, whose party also attended shore up support. It should leave the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that KOLKATA: The BJP’s prime from the ruling party about its about the Third Front in Delhi the meeting, last week expressed decisions to the next government, leads Congress, has championed, ministerial nominee Narendra performance. should come here and see which enthusiasm for a third front in an BJP leaders say. including women’s empowerment Modi yesterday lambasted Urging the masses to elect BJP way the wind is blowing,” he said. interview with a newspaper. On the eve of parliament’s and graft. any possible Third Front, but candidates on all 42 Lok Sabha The Gujarat chief minister said Leaders at the meeting also reopening, Prime Minister Chandan Mitra, a BJP upper went soft on West Bengal chief seats in the state, Modi said the absence of the Third Front hinted at such a tie-up. Manmohan Singh appealed to all house member, said parliament Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bengal cannot reap the full ben- was the “most important” reason “We think the Congress and parties to help push through leg- should not be rushed into passing an apparent bid to keep open efits of governance if only the state why the western part of India had the BJP are not in a position to islation. But Finance Minister P bills without due scrutiny. the doors on an alliance with government works. seen development. “In the western give an alternative government to Chidambaram acknowledged that “There is no obligation on the the Trinamool Congress. “For working for Bengal, you side, none of the Third Front par- the country,” Yechury said. “Our might be a forlorn hope. part of the opposition to allow Mr Launching the Bharatiya Janata need your government in Delhi ties have ruled. No associate of the activities are now only confined to “I doubt whether it will pass any Rahul Gandhi to get his agenda Party’s Lok Sabha campaign in too. Give us a chance to serve Third Front has ever been able to parliament. What we will do next law. We’ve to go through the ritual pushed though,” Mitra said before the state at a rally in the Brigade Bengal. I will work for the state’s step into that region. It is different will be announced soon.” of attending parliament every day the session opened. “The govern- Parade grounds here, Modi said development. It will be a double here in the eastern states, where A government made up of sev- and coming back empty handed,” ment is trying to end this term on West Bengal would benefit if bonanza for you. Mamataji here, the Third front parties have ruled. eral regional groups with diverse Chidambaram said in a speech to a high, but we don’t want to give people voted for the BJP in the and me sitting in Delhi. You will The result is lack of development,” agendas could prove unwieldy. students. them an easy ride.” general election while Banerjee have laddoos in both hands,” he he said. Any third front would need to Congress will try to push Also on the slate is a bill on continued to usher in development told the rally. Playing to Bengali sentiments, work hard to counter the popular- through 39 bills, including six reserving a bloc of parliamentary in the state. Dismissing the Third Front as Modi invoked local icons like ity of Narendra Modi, the BJP’s anti-corruption bills, to address seats for women. He, however, also made a veiled one that would make India “third Rabindranath Tagore, Swami prime ministerial candidate, ana- public anger over graft. They Mitra said the interim budget criticism of the Banerjee regime grade”, Modi called upon people to Vivekananda and Netaji Subhas lysts say. Modi has presided over address issues such as protection was a priority. “The interim by asking the people whether reject the concept. Chandra Bose, and promised rapid economic growth during for whistle-blowers and corruption budget will be passed as no one they have got the “Parivartan” “The Third Front will make to help create a “Sonar Bangla” more than 12 years as chief min- in the judiciary. It will also try to wants a shutdown,” he said. (change) that was promised, India third grade and we need to (golden age of Bengal). ister of Gujarat state. pass an interim budget expected REUTERS and urged them to seek answers reject them forever. Those talking IANS REUTERS
Former minister Nadella underlines Indian-bred success abroad Four miners die alleges rampant MUMBAI: India yesterday the talent machine that is consist- terms of accepting and allowing celebrate Nadella, India should in Meghalaya celebrated the appointment of ently churning out global CEOs,” talent from outside to rise to the question why so many talented SHILLONG: Four miners died graft in Bihar Satya Nadella as the new chief said the daily. top”. figures flower overseas instead of inside a coal pit when it caved in executive of Microsoft, see- Nadella, who has spent nearly Proficiency in the English lan- on home soil where family con- in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills PATNA: A day after she ing it as another endorsement half his life working for the tech- guage “also gives Indians an edge nections are often as important district, police said yesterday. resigned from the government, of home-grown talent that has nology titan, follows a string of over the competition,” said Vikram as qualifications. The incident took place in Bihar’s first Muslim woman risen to the top of the US corpo- Indian-origin business leaders who Dhawan, director at financial Indian-origin families have Garegittim, about 400km from minister, Parveen Amanullah, rate world. have made it to prestigious chief research firm Equentis. thrived in the United States. Shillong. alleged that there was rampant Nadella, who became the giant executive positions. The South Asian nation pro- A 2012 report from the US “Four people died inside a coal corruption in the state. company’s third CEO on Tuesday, They include Indra Nooyi duces about a million engineering think tank Pew Research Centre pit after it caved in. Three of the “Corruption is (raging) out of was born and grew up in the south- at PepsiCo and Ajay Banga at graduates a year and has earned showed the median annual income bodies have been retrieved from control and the grievances of the ern Indian city of Hyderabad and Mastercard, while Vikram Pandit a reputation for its booming IT for Indian Americans was $88,000, the coal pit,” district police chief common people are not heard studied at Mangalore University ran Citibank until late 2012. outsourcing business, thanks to much higher than the Asian Davis Marak said. by authorities,” Amanullah said before moving to America to fur- Further afield, Anshu Jain is cur- its large educated workforce and American average of $66,000 The miners who have been after submitting her resignation ther his studies and career. rently head of German banking low labour costs. But many bright, and the overall US household identified were Ratna Barman, to assembly Speaker Uday Narain “India makes a power point,” giant Deutsche Bank. middle-class youngsters leave the median of $49,800. Among Indian 38, Debokantho Barman, 32, and Choudhary. said a proud front-page headline Vibhor Singhal, an executive country due to a lack of well-paid Americans aged 25 and older, 70 Bishwanath Barman, 30. It is the first time the social of the Times of India newspaper at brokerage PhillipCapital India, jobs and difficulty getting places percent had obtained at least a The body of the fourth miner, welfare minister has attacked the about the 46-year-old cricket lov- said a key reason for the success at Indian Institutes of Technology. bachelor’s degree, far higher than Piterson Marak, is yet to be government of Nitish Kumar. er’s appointment. of India-origin executives was the The Firstpost online news por- the national 28 percent. retrieved, police said. The daughter of diplo- “India has clearly emerged as “openness of the US economy in tal suggested that rather than AFP IANS mat-turned-politician Syed Shahabuddin and wife of IAS officer Afzal Amanullah, the Janata Dal-United minister said she won’t reconsider her decision and hinted at joining the Aam Scooter boom: Young women find gusto on India’s roads Aadmi Party (AAP). “There is no question of taking NEW DELHI: ‘Plush pink’ and Honda Motor said yesterday it back my resignation,” Amanullah ‘burgundy bliss’ scooters are the would build a fourth motorcycle told the media earlier, after meet- new buzz on India’s roads, even factory in India with initial invest- ing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. as the rest of the autos market ment of roughly 11 billion Indian Nitish Kumar tried to persuade is sputtering amid an economic rupees ($175.7m) and annual out- her to take back her resignation. slowdown. put capacity of 1.2 million vehicles. But she refused to heed his pleas. The scooters go by names such Last month, Honda expanded “I don’t have any grievances and as “Pleasure”, but marketing aside, production capacity at its third enmity with anyone. But there is a this new fleet of women-friendly motorcycle factory in India by need to improve the present sys- bikes reflects a deeper change 600,000 vehicles a year. The fourth tem,” she said. in attitude and society in India, plant will bring Honda’s total Amanullah refused to disclose and has captured the attention capacity in India to 5.8 million the reasons behind her decision to of foreign manufacturers such as motorcycles a year. quit the government and the party. Japan’s Honda Motor Co Ltd and Local player Hero MotoCorp Amanullah has praised AAP Yamaha Motor. also sees the potential of women leader and Delhi Chief Minister Young, well-heeled and inde- buyers. Arvind Kejriwal. “Let’s see what pendent-minded women, who are Besides being more manoeu- happens next.” also conscious of the perils of using vrable than motorbikes, the step- Bharatiya Janata Party leader public transport, are helping to through frame of scooters makes and former deputy chief minister propel a boom in sales of scooters. it easy to ride wearing a skirt or A woman riding a scooter waits for a traffic signal along a street in Mumbai yesterday. Sushil Kumar Modi has asked her Weighing convenience as well traditional saree. Scooters also to join the BJP. as safety, some young women, and usually have space under the seat Panchayat and Rural their parents, see the scooter as scooters, and are building mod- India. “Housewives are also using ‘burgundy bliss’. About 70 percent big enough to stow a handbag. Development minister Bhim the best solution for commuting els designed for women and add- scooters to drop (off) kids and buy of the women who buy it for them- Manufacturers have identified Singh agreed that Amanullah’s to work, going to college or simply ing new plants to keep up with vegetables,” Majeed said. selves are under 30, the company the south and west of the coun- complaints about corruption were going out to meet friends. demand. Yamaha launched its first Indian says. try — regions that tend to be less genuine. “Certainly, there are Scooter sales were up nearly “College-going girls and work- scooter designed for women, “They don’t want to trouble socially conservative than north- some shortcomings in the system. 20 percent in the nine months ing women are really creating this the Ray, in 2012. The bike sells their parents or brothers. They ern India — as the most profit- I agree with her that the system through December. demand-wave in the scooter seg- for around about 47,000 rupees want personal mobility,” said Roy able markets for women-friendly has to be (challenged),” he said. Both Honda and Yamaha have ment,” said Abdul Majeed, a part- ($750) and comes in colours such Kurian, vice president of market- scooters. IANS identified the growth potential in ner at PricewaterhouseCoopers as ‘starry white’, ‘plush pink’ and ing and sales at Yamaha in India. REUTERS
Thursday 6 February 2014 6 Rabial II 1435 Volume 18 Number 5967 Price: QR2
www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 QNB Financial UK services growth unexpectedly slows Services expands Survey shows pick-up in price pressure for service firms; PMI eases to 58.3 in January coverage to Saudi, Egypt, UAE LONDON: Growth in Britain’s growth from contraction, and showed Britain’s rebound was driven by household spending - a will review interest rates faster. dominant service sector slowed business confidence was at its being supported by other sectors, trend which the BoE wants to see Still, it is already very close to DUBAI: QNB Financial unexpectedly in January but highest in nearly four years, bol- with construction activity grow- balanced by stronger exports and that level and policymakers have Services, the brokerage arm activity remained strong, sug- stered by outstanding business ing at its fastest pace in 6-1/2 more business investment. said rate hikes are not imminent. of the region’s largest lender gesting the economy is picking which reached its highest since years and manufacturing growth The business expectations “Employment growth has also Qatar National Bank, has up speed in the first quarter of May 1997. easing in January but still firm. index for the service sector accelerated again at the start of expanded its business cover- 2014, a survey showed yesterday. The survey showed the service The composite index of the rose to its highest since March the year, as increasing numbers age to Saudi Arabia, Egypt The survey by data company sector, which makes up more than three PMIs fell to 59.1 in January 2010. Markit said that to meet of firms gain confidence in the and the United Arab Emirates Markit also showed a pick-up in three-quarters of Britain’s GDP, — its lowest since June but still expected demand companies are economic outlook,” Williamson because of increased interest price pressures for service firms remained an important engine of some way off the 50 mark — from planning more recruitment and added. “However, the survey also in those markets among Qatari but not to a level that would sug- growth at the start of the year 59.4 in December, Markit said. investment. suggest that inflationary pres- investors. gest a problem for the Bank of after the economy in 2013 posted Williamson said the three PMI Indeed, an index of growth sures and wage growth remain “We’ve expanded our coverage England, which has stressed it is its fastest expansion since the surveys suggested Britain was on in employment in the services, muted, which provides policy- outside of Qatar as local investors in no hurry to raise interest rates. financial crisis. course for quarterly GDP growth manufacturing and construction makers with extra leeway to keep have shown more confidence in Markit’s services purchasing “Even with the easing seen in of 0.8 percent in the first three sectors together rose to 55.6 in policy loose for longer while the equities,” Ahmed Shehada, head managers’ index (PMI) eased to January, the sector is still expand- months of 2014, a pick-up from a January, its highest since October economy continues its recovery.” of trading at QNB Financial 58.3 in January — its lowest since ing at a rate that bodes well for preliminary reading of 0.7 percent and matching its highest level on The index for input prices Services, told Reuters. June — from 58.8 in December. It another strong GDP reading in the fourth quarter of 2013. record, from 55.2 in December, in the services sector rose to Dubai’s bourse surged more than was also lower than the 59.0 read- in the first quarter,” said Chris Britain’s economy had one Markit said. 57.3 from 55.9 in December, but 100 percent last year while Saudi ing expected in a Reuters survey. Williamson, chief economist at of the fastest recoveries among This could push the jobless rate Williamson said worrying levels Arabia climbed 26 percent. Egypt The figure remained well Markit. industrialised nations last year closer to the Bank of England’s would be above 60. has rebounded 60 percent from its above the 50 mark that separates Similar surveys this week but growth has largely been 7.0 percent threshold at which it REUTERS June 2013 low, recovering to levels last seen before its 2011 revolution. Qatar’s own equities bench- mark surged 7.5 percent last Indian Auto Expo month, buoyed by expectations QFMA signs pact for for strong government spending on infrastructure projects. QNB Financial Services accounted for 25 percent of transactions in the securities numbering Qatari market, the biggest share. “There’s also been an influx DOHA: Qatar Financial The launch of securities num- of institutional buying in Qatar Markets Authority (QFMA) has bering is also the part of QFMA’s and the high activity has helped signed a partnership agreement ongoing initiatives to give better attract funds,” Shehada said. with the Association of National exposure of the Qatar capital mar- “The regional markets are run- Numbering Agencies (Anna). ket to the International Financial ning in different directions but As per the agreement, QFMA Markets. Gaining the membership UAE and Qatar are setting up for is authorized for the task of of the International Organisation a rally until the MSCI upgrade numbering of all domestic secu- of Securities Commissions takes place,” Shehada said. rities issued in Qatar with uni- (IOSCO) and the upgrade of the fied International Securities Qatar Exchange to Emerging Moody’s: US hitting Identification Number (ISIN) Market status, has already given a and the Classification of Financial boost to Qatar’s financial market. new debt ceiling Instruments (CFI) code. Formed in 1992 under Belgian Nasser Ahmed Al Shaibi, CEO, Law, ANNA was created to pro- won’t hurt rating QFMA described the decision as mote the use of International an important step to transform Securities Identification WASHINGTON: Debt rater Qatari market into more efficient Numbers as the adopted method Moody’s said yesterday that . The decision would help boost of uniquely identify financial the United States’s top-grade the investor confidence. instruments. ANNA was subse- AAA rating would not likely The ISIN and CFI are globally quently appointed by ISO (the be affected by the country hit- recognized identity for securities “International Organization ting its borrowing ceiling this and are instrumental in attract- for Standardization”) as the week. ing international investors, espe- Registration Authority and Despite the US Treasury’s cially international financial Maintenance Agency for the warning that the cap to be placed institutions. It also enhances the ISIN Standard (ISO 6166). The on its borrowing on Friday will accurate representation of listed Association originally started 22 constrain its ability to meet its Qatari companies, while reducing National Numbering Agencies obligations by the end this month, any risk of misrepresentation or (NNAs), and twenty years later Moody’s said it believes the US confusion between similar named it comprises more than 110 NNAs. Shiro Nakamura (right), Senior Vice-President of Datsun and Vincent Cobee, Corporate Vice-President and will not default on its debt. entities, he added. THE PENINSULA head of the Datsun business unit, during the unveiling of the Datsun Redi-Go concept car at the Indian AGENCIES Auto Expo in Greater Noida, near New Delhi, yesterday. Eurozone private sector business Brent firms to Al Rayan named Qatar near $106; US activity shows robust performance crude up on cold asset manager of year BRUSSELS: Eurozone pri- driven by the manufacturing sec- broad-based, which in turns adds LONDON: Brent oil edged up DOHA: Underlining its local to make rapid strides as an estab- vate sector business activity in tor while services remained sub- to the likelihood that it can be towards $106 a barrel yesterday, dominance, Doha-based Al lished GCC asset manager. The January showed the best per- dued in comparison, at 51.6 points sustained,” he said. lagging gains in the US bench- Rayan Investment won ‘Qatar most recent award follows pre- formance since June 2011, fresh in January compared with 51 in At the same time, Williamson mark after data showed strong asset manager of the year’ title vious successes, where Al Rayan evidence that a modest recovery December. cautioned that the “recovery is demand for heating oil in a par- at the 2014 Mena Fund Manager Investment was voted ‘Mena Sukuk is gaining traction, a key survey A separate Markit report ear- still all-too dependent on the ticularly cold US winter and a Performance Awards. The Manager of the Year’ in 2013 and showed yesterday. lier this week showed eurozone manufacturing sector. smaller-than-expected rise in award was presented at a gala ‘Mena Shariah Fund Manager’ in Markit Economics said its manufacturing hit a 32-month “Although the service sector crude oil stocks. dinner in Dubai hosted by Mena 2012, both by Global Investor/ISF, Eurozone Composite Purchasing high of 54 points in January, up has returned to growth, its weak The US Energy Information Fund Manager Magazine, where the asset management publication Managers Index (PMI) for from 52.7 in December. pace of expansion reflects still- Administration said demand for over two hundred leaders of the of Euromoney magazine. January rose to 52.9 points from On the Composite PMI meas- subdued domestic demand ... in distillates, which include heat- regional industry were present. “Being recognised as Qatar’s 52.1 in December, the seventh ure, eurozone powerhouse many Eurozone countries, notably ing oil, amounted to 3.99 million Winners were initially short- best asset manager is a tremen- monthly rise in a row. Germany hit a 31-month high of France and Italy,” he said. barrels per day over the four listed and then judged by industry dous honor and we thank our While this was down from the 55.5 points while Spain was at a “A revival in consumer sentiment weeks to January 31, up 12.7 experts within the Mena region. investors for their continued sup- initial January reading of 53.2, it 78-month high of 54.8 points. in these countries will be an impor- percent from the same period The lengthy judging procedure port. We are committed to be the still represented the fastest rate France, with the second-big- tant ingredient of a more robust a year ago. studied qualitative aspects such trusted advisor for all our indi- of growth since June 2011, Markit gest economy in the 18-nation upturn.” At Berenberg analysts in Distillate stocks fell by 2.4 as investment philosophy and vidual and institutional clients”, said. single currency zone and which London, Robert Wood commented: million barrels in the week to process, approach to portfo- commented Haithem Katerji, The index is closely watched has lagged its peers, was on 48.9 “Eurozone growth continues to January 31, versus a forecast of lio construction, risk manage- Chief Investment Officer of Al as a reliable leading indicator of points, still in negative territory gradually accelerate and optimism a 1.6 million barrel draw. Crude ment, product innovation, client Rayan Investment. growth, and a reading above the but improving. about the future is growing.” oil stocks rose by 440,000 bar- growth and overall expansion of Al Rayan Investment manages 50-points growth-downturn line Williamson said the report He said: The eurozone is on- rels, but this was well below the the business. In addition, being investments in excess of QR 1.8 bil- is positive. overall suggested the eurozone track for a gradually strength- forecast of a 2.3 million barrel Performance Awards, quantita- lion, invested in sukuk and GCC “The final reading of the euro- economy could grow 0.5 percent ening recovery through this build. tive factors were given impor- listed equities. This includes Al zone PMI was down slightly on in the first quarter of the year and year, which we expect to result Global marker Brent crude tance with consistent investment Rayan GCC Fund, the largest mutual the earlier flash reading but nev- if that is the case, then 2014 fore- in eurozone GDP (gross domestic was up 19 cents at $105.97 at 1535 performance being singled out in fund based in Qatar. In 2013, the ertheless signals a very encour- casts of 1.0 percent are “already product) growth of 1.2 percent in GMT after three straight sessions particular. Across all these met- fund gained 27 percent, while over aging start to the year,” said looking somewhat conservative.” 2014. With improving PMI read- of losses. US crude , also known rics, Al Rayan Investment stood the last 24 months it was up 42 per- Chris Williamson, Markit chief “While Germany is providing ings, Spain could rival Germany as WTI, rose for a second session out and was recognised for its cent; subscriptions are open to indi- economist. the main impetus to the recov- in the growth stakes this year.” to $97.63, up 44 cents. achievements. vidual and institutional investors. Markit said the upturn was ery ... the upturn is becoming AFP REUTERS Al Rayan Investment continues THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS
Al Meera cancels RBS to move to MoU with Regency Group, Aramex DOHA: Al Meera Consumer London if Scots Goods yesterday announced the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that it signed with both Regency Group Holding and Aramex International Courier break away Express-Qatar stands can- celled. The MoU was signed in December 2012 for the purposes of entering into a partnership Great UK stability prompts change or joint venture with the parties to build, operate, promote and LONDON: Britain’s Royal Scottish nationalists are basing partner in a logistics facility Bank of Scotland would “inevi- their economic plans on keeping and services business in Qatar. tably” move its headquarters the pound by creating a currency from Edinburgh to London if union, but Britain sees that as a Consolidated Scotland votes for independ- highly unlikely outcome. ence later this year, Business The British government has said Michael Sik Yuen, flanked by Dr Karl Mootoosamy (right) and Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, addressing the media volumes slip Secretary Vince Cable said there is no clear economic rationale yesterday. yesterday. for a currency union and warned 3.8pc: DP World Scotland will hold a referendum that such an arrangement could in September on whether to end create financial problems similar Emirates, Mauritius hold road show DUBAI: Dubai’s DP World, the its 307-year union with England, to those suffered by the euro zone. world’s third biggest port oper- with polls showing around 42 per- Last week, Bank of England ator, said yesterday its consoli- cent planning to vote against inde- Governor Mark Carney said an DOHA: Emirates and the mesmerised by the peacefulness, Emirates airline and tour opera- dated container volumes slipped pendence and 29 percent in favour. independent Scotland that keeps Mauritius tourism authori- hospitality, safety and unique and tors, the number of tourist arriv- 3.8 percent in 2013 after the Cable said the greater stability the pound would have to give up ties are holding a series of road personalised service that are pro- als is continuously increasing. firm sold one of its Hong Kong offered by Britain’s established some national sovereignty to cre- show events across the Middle vided by the local people.” We have doubled our efforts on assets, but rose 0.7 percent on a financial system and regulation ate a banking union to protect East region to promote tourism “The island of Mauritius is a the Middle East market and this gross like-for-like basis. would tempt the bank to move its against a financial collapse. in Mauritius. vibrant country and constitutes year we are expecting an increase DP World, one of the more base to England. Cable echoed those concerns on The events, organised by the an important destination amidst of 25% in terms of tourist arriv- profitable assets of Dubai World, “I think if you were managing Wednesday, highlighting the impor- airline and the Mauritius Tourism our global network,” said Sheikh als. Our marketing campaigns said terminals controlled by the RBS you would almost certainly tance of RBS to the debate over Promotion Authority (MTPA), Majid Al Mualla, Emirates’ will focus mainly on the island’s company handled 26 million TEU want to be in a domicile where your whether a currency union would will promote Mauritius’ many Divisional Senior Vice President, luxurious hotels, golf courses, spas — or twenty-foot equivalent con- bank is protected against the risk be feasible because of its sheer size attractions in the key Middle East Commercial Operations, Centre. and the main cultural attractions tainer units — during the year. of collapse,” Cable told a panel of relative to the Scottish economy. markets of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, “We strongly believe in its poten- of the country.” This compares to 27.1 million lawmakers. “I think they already Scotland’s GDP is estimated Kuwait and the UAE. tial and our regular increases in The road show was marked by TEU in the year-earlier period. have a substantial amount of their at around £130bn ($212bn) while Kick-started in Riyadh on frequencies on this route, plus the presentations that highlighted the But gross volumes — which management in London and I at the end of September RBS February 2, the road show activi- introduction of a daily A380 serv- island’s attractions to the local include more terminals — rose would have thought that inevitably had assets of £1.1 trillion. “That, ties moved to Doha and Jeddah. ice, demonstrate that our promo- travel trade and media. slightly in like-for-like terms, DP they would become a London bank.” almost by definition, creates a The road show will be held in tion strategy is the right one and In December 2013, Emirates World said. The port operator has RBS declined to comment on high level of potential instability Kuwait and Abu Dhabi before cul- is bringing concrete results.” and the MTPA signed a renewed been selling assets globally, exiting Cable’s remarks. which that currency union would minating in Dubai on February 10. Sheikh Majid added: “The pro- Memorandum of Understanding markets where it does not have a How the bank would handle have to address,” Cable said. The Mauritian delegation for motion of Mauritius has always (MOU), ensuring that the two significant presence and seeking a possible split is one of many He said that after taking into the road show is led by Michael been an integral part of our organisations will continue to to redeploy funds in fast-growing unanswered questions concerning account the implications of a Sik Yuen, Minister of Tourism and strategy. We are now renewing work closely together to promote markets. Scotland’s well-developed finan- banking union, he thought it Leisure and Dr. Karl Mootoosamy, our commitment to the desti- inbound tourism from key markets. cial sector, which accounts for would be in Scotland’s own inter- Director of the MTPA. Senior nation and MTPA and want to Mauritian resorts and tourist Lazard expands around 7 percent of its economic ests to create a new currency. Emirates’ representatives are achieve even more together. I am operators such as Sun Resorts, output and directly employs “The problems of a currency joining them. extremely confident that results Beachcomber Hotels, Veranda Middle East asset almost 85,000 people. union with an independent Attending the Doha Road show of all our joint actions and mar- Leisure Hotels, St Régis Hotel, Cable also put RBS at the cen- Scotland are so difficult... that it here yesterday, Michael said: keting efforts will be seen in a Attitude, Constance Hotels management tre of the political debate between would almost certainly prove to be “Choosing Mauritius as a holiday very short span of time.” and Resorts, Le Preskil, Alyzée London and the Edinburgh over in Scotland’s interests, and indeed destination is an enriching expe- Dr Karl Mootoosamy said: Resort, Mautourco, Luxe Voyages DUBAI: Lazard Asset how independence would work the rest of the UK, that Scotland rience, especially for travellers in “The Middle East is a market of and SouthGate Voyages are par- Management (LAM) said it — much of which is focused on did have its own currency,” he said. quest of authenticity and a high utmost importance for our tour- ticipating in the road show. would expand its Middle East finance and currency. REUTERS quality product. Travellers will be ism industry. With the support of THE PENINSULA operations by hiring the former regional asset management team of ING Group NV, which resigned from the Dutch firm in Dubai earlier this week. A subsidiary of US-based Lazard, LAM will focus on equi- Oman to sell 19 percent of Omantel in two phases ties in the Middle East and North Africa and frontier markets with DUBAI: Oman will sell 19 per- month later appointing Bank individual investors and to insti- buy shares on the secondary market. boost market trading as part of a the Dubai-based team of six. cent of its former telecommu- Muscat as adviser. tutional investors, and is expected “The government believes that the wider privatisation drive. Farah Foustok will be manag- nications monopoly Omantel Since then, there has been no to be completed in March, current phase of the Omantel pri- “Increasing the free float will ing director and senior executive in two phases, with the first further official announcement, Shukaily said. A book-building vatisation should be completed over be positive for foreign investors at officer at LAM’s Dubai office, while reserved for wealthy local but some Muscat newspapers process will determine the price. the next eight to 10 weeks,” Shukaily least in the longer term because Fadi Al Said will be director and investors and due to finish in this week quoted Saud bin Nasser The second phase would be was quoted as saying. it will improve liquidity in the portfolio manager, Lazard said. March and the second open al Shukaily, Secretary-General open to all Omanis. The govern- Omantel did not respond to stock,” said Shrouk Diab, NBK The team resigned en masse on to all Omanis, Omani media for Taxation at the Ministry of ment would sell 142.5 million requests for comment. Its market Capital’s assistant vice president. Monday from ING Investments reported. Finance, as saying a first phase of Omantel shares in total; Shukaily capitalisation is $3.05bn, accord- Opting for a public sale is a Middle East, and the Dutch com- The government, which now the sale would consist of a private did not say whether a certain pro- ing to Reuters data, making a 19 change in strategy for the gov- pany, still struggling to pay back owns 70 percent of Omantel, in placement for investors buying portion of these shares would be percent stake worth about $579m. ernment. In 2007, it said it would the state after a 2008 bailout, then September announced plans to more than RO2m ($5.2m) worth reserved for the second phase. Shukaily said the purpose of offload 25 percent of Omantel to said it was shutting its regional reduce its holding to 51 percent of shares. Foreign investors will not be able the share sale was to expand a strategic investor. asset management operations. through a public share sale, a This will be open to major local to participate in either phase, but can Omantel’s shareholder base and REUTERS THE PENINSULA/AGENCIES
Kouwer joins KPMG Qatar as head of QU, IBN to organise Entrepreneurship advisory for in Economic forum from February 24 natural resources DOHA: Qatar University (QU), in collabo- of a government program which tackles DOHA: KPMG in Qatar yester- ration with Interactive Business Network entrepreneurship. day announced the appointment (IBN), is organising an Entrepreneurship in The role of education in preparing a new of Hi lda Mu lock Houwer as Globa l Economic Development, the first such forum generation of entrepreneurs will be the topic Head of Advisory for Energy and in the region promoting entrepreneurship of the second main discussion session on the Natural Resources. Mulock among young people. The two-day forum will opening day. It will examine how young people Houwer will further strengthen be held under the patronage of the Minister can be properly prepared to run their own KPMG’s oil & gas practice in both of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohamed bin business and will look at how the education Qatar and Bahrain. Saleh Al Sada, and will be held at QU. To be system in the region can be tailored to meet Gopal Balasubramaniam, Head held from February 24, it will feature interna- the skills demanded by the market place of Oil and Gas for KPMG in the tional experts in business, education, finance through practical, application-based education Middle East, said the appoint- and government as keynote speakers. and training. Dean of the College of Business ment is a major boost for KPMG’s This conference, which has as its theme “fos- and Economics at Qatar University Dr Nitham regional oil & gas services. He said: tering the new generation of entrepreneurs in Hindi will be among the panel speakers at this “We are delighted that Mulock Qatar and the Gulf” will bring together young, discussion. Houwer has joined our Qatar team prospective business owners with established The day will open with a keynote address on as she is a highly experienced business leaders to encourage and support the minimizing the challenges facing entrepreneurs KPMG partner who brings with spirit of entrepreneurship in Qatar and the Gulf and creating a framework for best practics for her over 22 years of experience in through practical advice. entrepreneurial centers, by Dr Abdulaziz Al Horr, consulting and auditing of gas and Speakers opening the conference will be Dr Al CEO of Qatar Finance and Business Academy. It mining industries.” Sada, Professor Sheikha Al Misnad, President will be followed by a panel discussion on the mak- Hilda will be overseeing busi- of Qatar University; Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al ings of an entrepreneur – looking at the qualities ness development engagements in Khalifa, CEO of Qatar Development Bank, and of entrepreneurs, their influences and driving Qatar and other GCC countries Raed Chehaib, Chief Executive of Interactive forces, the differences between male and female within the oil and gas and energy Business Network (IBN); entrepreneurs, and why some entrepreneurs suc- sector, and continue heading the First day of the forum will discuss Government ceed while others fail. global advisory business of Energy and entrepreneurship, looking in detail at the It will also examine different types of entre- & Natural Resources. role that economic policies can play in promot- preneurs and how they are shaped by personal Hilda said: “I am looking forward ing entrepreneurship as a catalyst for economic circumstances and the surrounding social, cul- to working in Qatar. Everything we change and how to foster an entrepreneurial tural and business environment. Financing of do with the oil and gas industry is mindset in society. Panel speakers on this topic new business will be another topic for discus- marked by a total commitment to include Sheikh Mohamed Ahmed Jassim Al sion, examining potential sources of capital serving clients and understanding Thani, former Minister of Ecomony and Trade for young entrepreneurs and the role of public their complex and constantly chang- and Chairman of Qatar Academy (Al Khor); Ali agencies, banks and angel investors, as well as ing markets. This commitment gives Al Khulaifa, acting CEO of Enterprise Qatar and policies to encourage and support bank lending us deep knowledge of our clients Abdullah Saeed Al Darmaki, CEO of the Khalifa programs for start-ups and SMEs. And the role and their businesses, together with Fund in the UAE. played by technology will be under discussion, a keen and fully informed perspec- Hendrik Halbe, co-founder and Managing in a session “The power of digital media for tive on the issues they are facing.” Director of Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship entrepreneurs”. THE PENINSULA in The Netherlands, will present a case study THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Gold firms in Global transport sector rides LNG boom narrow range US road, rail sectors start using natural gas as fuel; demand to rise to 160bcm by 2030 ahead of US
LONDON: Natural gas has demand, analysts expect prices to LNG makes AG EMS a pioneer in marine sector. In Asia, Singapore equivalent to two years’ worth started to challenge oil as the drop substantially later this dec- Germany and sends a clear signal has invested in LNG bunkering of current British gas demand or jobs data dominant transport fuel with ade when new production rises. that this low-emission propulsion capacity in anticipation of rising around three million barrels of oil. companies building gas-pow- Germany, Singapore and the system has arrived here,” said demand from large ships. “Gas has traditionally played a LONDON: Gold firmed yester- ered ships and installing net- Netherlands are among the Ruben Benders, managing direc- Singapore’s motivation to enter niche role in global transport but day as some investors bought works of service stations on countries investing in natural tor at Bomin Linde LNG. the gas for transport sector is it is now garnering greater atten- into bullion-backed funds, water and land. gas transport hubs while com- In the Belgian port of Antwerp, driven by the expectation of huge tion,” said Noel Tomnay, head of but uncertainly ahead of US The expectation of cheaper gas panies including Royal Dutch Europe’s second largest, the har- growth in China, currently still research at Wood Mackenzie. jobs data and a lack of Asian and tighter environmental regu- Shell, Gazprom and Total, bour authority says there are a small user of natural gas, but “Oil and gas price differentials demand during the Lunar New lation have created demand for are also developing LNG fuel “all kinds of initiatives” through where new regulation is aimed are now making investment in gas Year break kept the metal in its a cleaner alternative to the oil- infrastructure. which the use of LNG as fuel for at shifting the power generation re-fuelling infrastructure worth- tightest range in six weeks. based fuels that have so far domi- Germany is making its first shipping is encouraged. sector from coal to gas and the while and... increased environmen- Concerns about the fragility nated the transport world. move into LNG for transport At Rotterdam, Europe’s biggest transport sector from oil towards tal restrictions on emissions are of stock markets after a recent Although European and Asian after Bomin Linde LNG signed port, LNG also plays an increasing more gas use. encouraging wider global uptake.” heavy sell-off has piqued some liquefied natural gas (LNG) a deal in January to supply ferry role in transport as the Gate LNG Energy consultancy Wood Various new regulations on sulphur investment interest in gold, with prices are currently high, trad- firm AG EMS and it is now build- import terminal has begun sup- Mackenzie says global gas demand emissions in the shipping sector the world’s largest bullion-backed ing at almost $20 per million ing two LNG bunker terminals in plying local river vessels and port in the transport sector could will come into place for much of exchange-traded fund, the SPDR British thermal units (mmBtu) in Hamburg and Bremerhaven, due tugs, as well as sending it on for grow from under five billion cubic the North and Baltic Sea as well as Gold Trust, reporting a 3.9 tonne Asia and around $10 per mmBtu to start operations in 2015. use in the Baltic Sea where LNG metres (bcm) in 2012 to over 160 the US and Canada in 2015. inflow on Tuesday. in Europe because of booming “Supplying their ferries with is also seeing a pick-up in the bcm by 2030, which would be REUTERS Spot gold was up 0.4 percent at $1,259.30 an ounce at 1232 GMT, while US gold futures for February delivery were up $7.10 an ounce at $1,258.30. Spot prices held in a daily range of less Talks break down in than $7, their narrowest since Christmas Day. Investors are likely to stick to the sidelines ahead of US non-farm Panama Canal dispute payrolls data for January, which are due on Friday and are widely MADRID: A planned extension 80km transoceanic cargo route. seen as a barometer for the health of the Panama Canal, one of the Disagreements over cost over- of the world’s largest economy. world’s most important ship- runs have already reached inter- Ahead of that, they will be ping routes, was thrown into national courts and talks between watching yesterday’s ADP read- doubt yesterday after a group the two sides over how to find the ing on private hiring due at 1315 of companies said its talks with additional cash to finish the project GMT. Any disappointment will Panama’s government over how had already been extended twice. be taken badly by stock market to expand the canal had fallen It was unclear whether investors, analysts said, but could apart. Wednesday’s breakdown was benefit gold. Group United for the Canal, a final. In its statement, GUPC — “The market is sitting tight consortium led by Spanish builder the Spanish acronym by which ahead of the US jobs report on Sacyr, said in a statement that the consortium is known — said Friday and today’s ADP’s pri- the government’s canal authority the failure of the talks meant the vate sector employment survey,” had broken off talks on who will expansion and up to 10,000 local Andrey Kryuchenkov, an analyst pay some $1.6bn needed to com- jobs were at immediate risk. at VTB Capital, said. “Physical plete the ambitious project. The But the company said it was buyers are absent owning to holi- Panama Canal Authority said it still seeking a solution for com- days in China, and there’s a bit would hold a news conference at pletion of the project, which had of a seasonal lull, while investors 9am local time. been scheduled for 2015. remain sceptical.” The breakdown in talks is the If the partnership between European stocks inched up in latest setback to a project mired Panama and the builders is indeed early trade, snapping their steepest in disputes since the consortium, abandoned, it would likely mean two-week pull-back in seven months, which also includes Italy’s Salini further delays while Panama but underlying worries about global Impregilo as well as a Belgian and seeks financing and a new con- growth and emerging market cur- Panamanian firm, won a bid to struction group. Panama Canal administrator Jorge Quijano speaks at a news conference at the Panama Canal administration rencies kept buyers on edge. double the capacity of the near REUTERS building in Panama City yesterday. REUTERS THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS
Paddington to get facelift Sony to sell Gazprom sees PC business to investment Iraq output fund: Report
TOKYO: Sony is in talks to sell its personal computer business from spring to a Japanese investment fund as part of the electronics giant’s wider restructuring, reports Russian firm to get commercial oil said yesterday. The leading Nikkei busi- MOSCOW: Russia’s Gazprom Kurdistan alone may produce ness daily said Sony was look- Neft plans to start commercial up to 10 million tonnes of oil ing to sell the division to Japan oil production in spring at its equivalent (200,000 barrels per Industrial Partners for between Badra oilfield in Iraq and hopes day) at Gazprom Neft’s projects 40bn yen and 50bn yen ($396m for an average output of 15,000 by 2020, he said. to $495m). barrels per day (bpd) this year, a In Russia, a joint venture The fund would set up a new company official said yesterday. between Gazprom Neft and Royal company that will continue Gazprom Neft, the oil arm Dutch Shell has secured licenses selling PCs and laptops under of top Russian gas producer this year to start exploration at the Vaio brand, in which Sony Gazprom, is targeting hydro- three hard-to-recover fields in would retain a small stake, the carbon production of 100 million the Bazhenov formation in the Nikkei and other local media tonnes of oil equivalent (2 million West Siberian region of Khanty reported. bpd) by 2020, up 60 percent from Mansiisk, Yakovlev said. Sony had just a 1.9 percent 62.2 million tonnes last year. Oil production from tight rock An architect’s impression of Paddington Station in London after a planned over-site development at share of the global PC market in It earlier postponed initial pro- formations is needed to help keep Paddington’s Grand Union Canal. The 320,000sqft development was granted planning permission and will the first nine months of last year, duction at Badra due to safety Russia’s output annual at over 10 comprise 15 storeys of high-quality office space. according to the Nikkei. concerns and logistical problems. million bpd, the world’s largest. A Sony spokesman said the “We plan to start production Gazprom Neft and Shell have reports were “not based on any- (at Badra) in spring ... the tar- already started “fracking” for oil thing we have announced so we get of this year is to reach output in Siberia as part of another joint decline to comment on them, but of 15,000 barrels per day,” Vadim venture. Qatar Exchange index adds 85.01 we are studying various options Yakovlev, a first deputy chief Moscow has introduced tax for our PC business”. executive of Gazprom Neft, told breaks to encourage the develop- Sony shares rose 4.57 percent reporters. ment of Bazhenov and other shale to 1,600 yen in Tokyo yesterday, Its output at Badra has been deposits, which have led to drilling points; regional markets rebound recovering its losses the previous estimated to reach 170,000 bpd of ventures with international majors day on the back of a broad market crude oil by 2017. such as ExxonMobil and Statoil. DOHA: Qatar Exchange added biggest gains, was also boosted by sentiment, said Sebastien Henin, sell-off. Recent violence in Iraq, in Russian producers have so far 85.01 points, or 0.77, advance to good fourth-quarter earnings and portfolio manager at The National The reports come after pub- part a spillover from neighbour- reported recoverable crude oil 11,134.70 points from 11,049.69 contract announcements from the Investor. “I guess if we don’t have lic broadcaster NHK said at ing Syria, has increased concerns reserves of 500 million tonnes, or yesterday. real estate sector. a major international crisis in fixed the weekend that Sony was in about security, even while the gov- 3.5 billion barrels, in Bazhenov. The volume of the shares traded Dubai’s index surged 1.7 per- income, currencies or equities we can talks with Chinese computer ernment is hoping that this year Yakovlev also said the com- fell to 9,438,066 from 10,461,921 on cent to a new multi-year closing imagine that regional equity markets giant Lenovo to set up a joint will bring the biggest annual rise pany would probably sell oil Tuesday and the value of shares high of 3,875 points, confirming a will outperform both developed and venture for its overseas PC in oil exports in a decade. from Prirazlomnoye, Russia’s increased to QR518,447,226.06 break above technical resistance emerging markets,” he said. business. The oil field is located in the first Arctic offshore oil deposit, from QR502,812,765.05 on at 3,807 points, the 50 percent Stock markets in the Middle It added that Sony was doing Wassit Province in eastern Iraq at a discount to Urals and Brent Tuesday. retracement of its fall from the East are less vulnerable to large- a separate deal for its domes- with an estimated three billion benchmark blends due to its Among the top gainers were 2008 peak. scale changes in risk appetite tic business with an investment barrels of oil in place. The Russian higher sulphur content and Commercial Bank of Qatar which Union Properties, which this simply because there is little for- fund at home. Sony, which reports company submitted a tender in higher viscosity. Prirazlomnoye, was up 0.56 percent to QR71.40, week posted an eightfold rise in eign investment, he noted. its latest financial results on December 2009 and signed a which has faced stiff resistance Qatar Insurance gained 4.59 annual profits, gained 9.8 percent Abu Dhabi’s index rose 0.6 Thursday, has called the NHK contract with the government in from green activists, is expected percent to QR82.00, Electricity on Wednesday. Another developer, percent. Shares in Abu Dhabi report “inaccurate”. January 2010 to develop the field. to produce 6,000 bpd this year and and Water added 1.06 percent to Deyaar, rose 4.8 percent after its Islamic Bank surged 6.3 percent Last week, Moody’s cut its Since then, Gazprom Neft has plateau at 120,000 bpd in 2021. QR181.00 and Vodafone Qatar was annual profit quadrupled. to their highest level in more than credit rating on Sony to junk, say- had bumpy relations with the cen- Gazprom Neft also banks on up by 0.80 percent to QR11.31. The Construction firm Drake and six years after the bank posted ing the once-dominant firm had tral Iraqi government over its plans other Arctic fields to contribu- Banking and Financial sector index Scull jumped 6.9 percent after a forecast-beating 41 percent more work to do in repairing its to develop oil in the semi-autono- tion to production. added 0.21 percent while Consumer the company said it had won a fourth-quarter profit jump. battered balance sheet. mous Kurdistan region, where it Its Novoportovskoye onshore Goods and Services sector index lost contract worth SR328m ($87.5m) Saudi Arabia’s benchmark rose Japan’s embattled electronics has shares in the Garmian, Shakal Arctic field is scheduled for com- 0.13 percent. The industrial sector to do mechanical, electrical and 0.3 percent with gains across dif- industry, including Sony rivals and Halabja blocks. mercial production at the end gained 0.93 points while insurance plumbing works at King Saud ferent sectors. Almarai, the Gulf’s Panasonic and Sharp, has been Yakovlev said the company of 2015 or beginning of 2016 and sector was up 3.17 percent. University in Riyadh. biggest dairy company, was among undergoing painful restructur- plans to announce a commercial reach with peak production of Meanwhile, other regional Other markets in the region the top gainers, rising 4.2 percent ing to stem years of huge losses, discovery at Garmian and start 5.5 million tonnes (110,000 bpd) bourses rebounded yesterday on posted more modest gains amid after it announced the launch of largely tied to the low-margin TV test production at the block this in 2018, Yakovlev said. positive queues from global mar- slower newsflow, but reflected a a new poultry facility. business. year but declined to elaborate. REUTERS kets; Dubai, which posted the general improvement in investor AGENCIES AFP
QATARI MARKET Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Saudia plans IPO for cargo, maintenance units Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 101.00 -0.93% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.25 1.30% Aa2 AA DUBAI: Saudi Arabian Airlines 30 percent of its shares in 2012. Saudi Arabia’s stock market global reach and is in talks with Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 119.88 2.43% Aa2 AA (Saudia) plans to conduct an Its shares rose 81.4 percent last witnessed five new listings in plane makers Boeing and Airbus Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 113.25 2.81% Aa2 AA initial public offer of shares in year. 2013 with a combined value of to buy new jets before the end of Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 107.88 3.36% Aa2 AA its cargo unit this year and an “The catering has already been SR1.96bn ($523m). Saudi Arabia the year. Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 154.25 4.89% Aa2 AA IPO for its maintenance busi- done. So the next one this year had 163 listed companies as of “We have a requirement of Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 117.00 5.20% Aa2 AA ness in 2015, a senior official would be cargo and that will be end-2013. about 50 planes and are in talks Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 107.25 5.25% Aa2 AA said yesterday. followed by the maintenance unit The country opened its domes- with manufacturers about this,” The cargo unit would be the in 2015,” Abdulrahman Altayeb, tic aviation market to competi- said Altayeb. “We will have to Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 104.25 0.55% Aa2 AA second of six units — the others vice president for maintenance at tion in 2012 as part of reforms decide on this before the end of Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 110.25 3.23% Aa2 AA are catering, ground services, Saudia, said on the sidelines of a aimed at improving service levels the year.” Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 103.25 0.77% A1 A- maintenance, airlines and flight conference in Dubai. and accessibility. Qatar Airways is He added, “It will be a mix Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 103.88 2.10% A1 A- academy — to pursue a stock He did not specify exactly when expected to launch domestic oper- of wide-body and narrow-body QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.25 1.26% NR NR market listing following Saudia’s the cargo unit would be listed. ations in Saudi Arabia this year. planes.” The company is look- QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.63 1.05% Aa3 A+ decision in 2006 to privatise them. “The maintenance IPO cannot Saudia, which competes with ing at Boeing’s new wide-body QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.00 2.01% Aa3 A+ The first of the units to be sold be expected before June 2015. We regional aviation giants such as 777X as well as the Airbus A380 publicly, Saudi Airlines Catering will look to sell about 30 percent Emirates and Etihad Airways, superjumbo. Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.13 2.12% A2 A- Co raised $347m with an IPO of of this unit.” has been looking to expand its REUTERS Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.25 1.37% A2 A- Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 124.13 2.95% A2 A- Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 106.50 3.69% A2 A- Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 101.63 4.82% A2 A- CVS to phase out tobacco products Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 103.00 0.78% Aa3 A Egyptian pound Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 106.88 3.10% Aa3 A Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 108.38 3.86% Aa3 A steady in official, SOVEREIGNS black markets Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 101.00 -0.69% Aa2 AA CAIRO: The Egyptian pound Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 122.13 2.19% Aa2 AA was unchanged at a central bank foreign currency sale yesterday, Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 108.25 1.62% NR NR the bank said, and steady on the Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 107.25 2.54% NR NR black market, according to a Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 121.38 4.05% NR NR market participant. Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 113.25 4.50% NR NR The central bank sold $38.3m to Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 103.50 0.29% Aa2 AA banks with a cut-off price of 6.9516 Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 114.13 3.07% NR BBB pounds to the dollar, unchanged Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 107.25 4.15% NR BBB from the last auction on Monday. The bank had offered to sell up to Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 99.50 5.85% Caa1 B- $40m. On the black market, the Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 103.38 3.91% NR BBB- market participant said the dol-
*Periodic Distribution Amount lar was changing hands at 7.31/33 IMPORTANT NOTE: pounds — around recent levels. Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which The central bank introduced is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services dollar currency sales a year Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary ago. Last month it held a $1.5bn data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not exceptional auction, its largest take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds ever, to restock the market with can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant much-needed dollars and curb the liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not unofficial currency market. a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. The country’s foreign cur- rency reserves stood at $17bn in December, down from $36bn on the eve of the uprising that led to president Hosni Mubarak’s down- A man walks into a CVS/pharmacy store in Miami, Florida, yesterday. CVS Caremark Corp, the US’s second- fall in 2011. largest drugstore chain announced it will phase out cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco by October 1. REUTERS THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21
Economic nostalgia is all Bank of England could go the rage at worst time dotty with forward guidance BY WILLIAM PESEK
ndonesia is growing at 6 percent, has rejoined the ranks BY ANDY BRUCE more economic indicators such as wage advantage of being able to counter the per- of investment-grade nations, and after decades under the growth, it could make a bigger impact with ception that interest rates are likely to rise corrupt and repressive Suharto, has reaffirmed its place as hen it begins overhauling evolving Fed-style “dot” charts. soon after the recovery gets underway.” Ithe world’s third-largest democracy. Yet somehow enough its “forward guidance” The Fed introduced a “dot chart” in its However, they said introducing them Indonesians remember the Suharto years fondly that his Golkar policy this month, the January 2012 economic projections. Each might not be straightforward, given some Party has hopes of regaining power in upcoming elections. Bank of England may be dot represents the view of an individual policymakers have been reluctant to fore- Golkar isn’t alone in trying to exploit nostalgia for past strong- tempted to look across policymaker on how they see the appropri- cast interest rates in the past. men (and women). India’s Congress Party is trying to squeeze any Wthe Atlantic for inspiration, perhaps even ate level of interest rates for the coming remaining good feelings about the Nehru-Gandhi period (from cloning one of the tools that has served the few years. EARLY DAYS 1947 to about 1989) to elevate lackluster heir apparent Rahul US Federal Reserve well. Those charts seem to have served poli- Forward guidance is also a relatively new Gandhi. Even as China’s Xi Jinping pushes ahead with market It could all be in the “dots” - a published cymakers on the Fed’s Open Market tool, not tested over a period of years, even reforms, he continues to pay homage to Communist icon Mao matrix of where rate-setters think interest Committee (FOMC) well. if the Fed has been having some success. So Zedong (1949-1976). Thais are destroying their economy rather rates are heading. That, at least, is one of “The market fully believes what the that might act as a brake. than cut off support for tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra (2001-2006) the things the Bank is expected to ponder. FOMC has said - that’s a great success “There’s no experience of whether or not and his sister Yingluck. Many Malaysians wax sentimental about Central banks, unable to cut rates much for the Fed,” said Roberto Perli, a former those projections are in line with what the the boom days of Mahathir Mohamad (1981-2003). Japanese are below their record low levels, have resorted Fed official involved in drafting policy and Fed actually does in terms of rate hikes indulging Shinzo Abe’s dangerous stroll down memory lane. to forward guidance, or statements of intent, statements, and now partner at economic eventually. We don’t know. For now they’re What gives with nostalgianomics? The yearning for yesteryear to persuade markets and the public they will research firm Cornerstone Macro. just telling us what they are thinking,” said speaks to our disorienting times and a dearth of visionary leader- not raise rates for a long time as economies While the Fed’s guidance also centres on Perli. ship when it’s most needed. This is an upside- down era when the struggle back to growth. an unemployment rate threshold, it can also Around half the economists surveyed in unthinkable has a way of becoming reality: The United States is a The BoE introduced its guidance only rely on these charts to bolster its low-for- two separate Reuters polls have been criti- developing nation again; Europe is hitting up “poor” China to bail out six months ago, but it hasn’t worked out long message on rates - even as the jobless cal of the BoE’s forward guidance, many its debt markets; central banks have gone Islamic with zero-interest as planned. rate falls towards its own 6.5 percent stag- arguing it has been too complex. rates everywhere; the free trade that once raised living standards Britain’s unemployment rate has fallen ing post. As well as the unemployment rate thresh- now foments poverty. Many simply want to get off this crazy ride. within a whisker of the 7.0 percent level at “The market currently is exactly on path old, the guidance is subject to three caveats That’s a problem in a dynamic global economy that is constantly which the Bank had said it will review inter- with those charts, so it’s hard to argue based on inflation and financial stability. Its reinventing itself. It’s natural to pine for a less- frenzied exist- est rates. That is far sooner than expected, they’ve not been so far successful. They act last inflation report contained different sets ence, but looking to the past for policy solutions courts economic forcing policymakers to stress they have no as a guidepost,” said Perli. of forecasts based on market expectations decline. Unless nations reinvent themselves and plan ahead now, plans to hike rates soon. By contrast, BoE policymakers have and constant rates. they’ll get left behind. So Governor Mark Carney has said the struggled to convince markets that an inter- When the BoE does overhaul forward Across Asia, there are too many examples of populations still Bank will start looking at how to “evolve” - est rate hike is unlikely in 2014. guidance, it may do well to simplify it. fixated on world views that no longer exist. The forces of globali- or in other words, overhaul - guidance this Goldman Sachs economists Kevin Daly That point was underlined in December sation won’t slow down as nations reminisce. Neither will the month, generally taken to mean when it and Sebastian Graves also raised the pros- by Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko biggest migration flows in history, the dizzying pace of change unveils the quarterly Inflation Report a pect of the BoE adopting the Fed’s dot Kuroda, who said that central banks offer- in technology, the need to compete with neighbours as much as week on Wednesday. charts, in a note to clients on Monday. ing complicated messages to markets may cooperate, nor the deadly effects of climate change. Although the BoE might not set out in “We see some attraction in the introduc- have unintended consequences. Amid such upheaval, those at the helm must lead their people detail how it will expand forward guidance, tion of Fed-style ‘dots’, the most notable “Too complicated forward guidance, or forward. They must innovate constantly, promote dialogue about the report might at the least offer insight being that it would reflect the plurality of too complicated communication, could be how best to exploit global developments, and manage plural socie- to its thinking. views that exists within the committee,” less efficient and sometimes even disrup- ties. When their citizens start looking to the past for inspiration, While many economists expect it will they said. tive,” he said. today’s leaders must take the hint and do better. eventually broaden guidance to include “Such an approach would also have the REUTERS Nostalgianomics is related to the cult of gross domestic product that started with Japan. Its swift rise from the ashes of World War II set the bar high for leaders from South Korea to Indonesia. Fond memories of a Japan-like post-war boom under Park Chung- hee (1961-1979) helped propel daughter Park Geun-hye into the Korean presidency. Japanese long for a return to their boom years so much that they’re willing to turn a blind eye to Prime Minister Abe’s nationalistic ways and retrograde foreign policy. The Mahathir schmaltz pervading Malaysia recalls the days when GDP there, too, soared. But the insular and jury-rigged system of affirmative action, national champions and fat subsidies over which Mahathir presided now holds the economy back. The Malaysian leader also had a tendency to embarrass his nation on the interna- tional stage with his nutty anti-Semitic tirades. Malaysians must find fresh inspiration by looking forward, not back to 1990. The same holds true across the region. As Singaporeans try to balance the open immigration flows that drive growth with rising social tensions and inequality, they won’t find answers by harking back to the heady days of Lee Kuan Yew (1959-1990). They need to identify and empower a new generation of progressive leaders. No one really worries about a revival of Mao’s disastrous eco- nomic policies in China. But not until Beijing stops pretending that the Great Helmsman remains a guiding inspiration — and removes his portrait from the Tiananmen gate in central Beijing will it enjoy the global legitimacy it craves. Abe’s wistfulness about a time when Japan was a military pow- erhouse, its pacifist constitution wasn’t an American creation, and war crimes of past leaders didn’t anger neighbours or implicate his grandfather is proving especially dangerous. At some point Japanese are going to have to ask themselves how much more leeway they’re willing to grant their prime minister in the hopes that he can revive growth — something that remains in doubt. Asia is hardly alone, of course. In the US, the slow recovery under President Barack Obama has some looking back fondly to the wreckage that was the George W Bush years. Europe’s many crises and waning competitiveness have voters in Barcelona and Milan missing the pre-euro days. And how else do you explain Vladimir Putin’s lasting presence in Russia? Musing over the past helps humankind avoid repeating its mistakes. But looking at yesteryear with rose-tinted glasses encourages policies and styles of leadership that are no longer relevant in a fast-changing Asia. The more voters yearn to go back, the more they may suffer in the future. WP-BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate
Focus on progress, not market volatility in emerging countries
BY ZACHARY KARABELL many countries around the world to domestic consumption. That centric view of how the world and after hosting the World Cup. millions who will vote this year has had nothing to do with the transition will, inevitably, result in works. More voters, and more And in May, India — the world’s to define their ambitions for the he start of the year has change in economic fortunes, or diminishing demand for commodi- Starbucks lattes, are bellwethers largest democracy — will elect a early 21st century, their dreams not been an easy one for skilled leadership, or shifting glo- ties and raw materials, and that for progress, irrespective of how new government and see whether would have been the world as it financial markets. The bal sands. It was and is simply a demand had also been a key factor markets are performing. it can at last break the political is today: one of democratic inclu- TFederal Reserve is con- derivative of US policies. in the strength of other economies, Even more, what financial mar- knot that has constrained its eco- siveness, increasingly open mar- tinuing its policy of trimming its This view has wide play, and including many of the ones above. kets miss, in addition to the fac- nomic potential. kets, rising affluence, and more bond purchases by $10bn a month, goes nearly unchallenged. That Yes, China’s voracious demand tors above, is that this year will The sheer volume of this dem- and more freedom of movement, and the immediate result has been does not make it correct. for raw materials did provide a see a massive democratic surge ocratic activity is unusual, and of economic life and of personal a sharp pullback of the curren- Indeed, it is likely wrong for at boost to countries as far-ranging around the world. combined with the inevitably life than ever before, all capped by cies, and to some degree equities, least two major reasons: it for- as Chile, South Africa, Indonesia Many of those countries, in fact, partisan midterm elections in imperfect but radically improved of countries such as Indonesia, gets that financial markets are and Brazil. And yes, easy money are the ones currently experienc- the United States in November, political systems. Turkey, India, South Africa and not perfect proxies for real world from the Federal Reserve did get ing financial market volatility. it is a recipe for some volatility. The coming months will see no Argentina. The reason? According economies, and it misses the funda- deployed to more speculative cur- Turkey, which has seen a run on Democracy, as we all know, is end of obituaries written for the to traders, commentators, and mental transformation in countries rencies ranging from Turkey to the lira and then aggressive action messy, noisy, chaotic, often bitter emerging world, and of the perils even the head of Brazil’s cen- around the world that has taken Argentina. But that speaks only by the Turkish central bank to and frequently inconclusive. It is they face. There is nothing new tral bank, Fed policy will trig- place over the past few decades and to the narrow — albeit attention- raise interest rates, will have an a perfect recipe for the kind of about these prognostications, and ger interest rate rises around is about to accelerate this year. grabbing and important — finan- election in August to determine uncertainty that financial mar- they all miss the glaring realities the world, staunching the flow of As I wrote in a column last cial markets. Financial markets the fate of the embattled Prime ket participants frequently say of democratic transformation and easy money that has purportedly August, a US-centric view extends are roiling, as they do from time Minister, Recip Tayyep Erdogan, they dislike. As such, it also pro- its sometimes tumultuous conse- fuelled global growth — and lead- well back into the 20th century, to time, but that doesn’t result in and his Islamist party. Indonesia, vides the perfect excuse for sharp quences. They miss as well the ing to struggles everywhere. and the only wrinkle today is less activity by companies such as the world’s largest Muslim democ- swings in sentiment and short- degree to which hundreds of mil- That thesis is hardly new. It that China has now entered the Unilever or Starbucks, nor a halt racy with more than 250 million term-ism as traders attempt to lions have seen vastly increased was widely circulated last sum- mix. Low and behold, China, too, in the emergence of a global mid- people, will chose a new president game outcomes and as longer- living standards, and are willing to mer, when the Fed first hinted has recently seen some slowing dle class in numerous countries. and parliament over the summer. term investors sit on the side demand some degree of account- that it might begin to wind down of its growth, largely because of We shouldn’t overweight the In October, more than a hun- awaiting the verdict of the polls. ability from their governments. its more aggressive measures the determination of the Chinese significance of financial mar- dred million Brazilian voters will Yet, if you had asked Americans That is a recipe for global security, to stimulate economic activity, government to shift the mix of kets when evaluating the status decide whether Dilma Roussef has or Europeans in the middle of and long-term prosperity, even if which it introduced after 2009. its economic growth from state- of emerging markets; to do so earned another term in the midst the 20th century and indeed far too many declare the opposite. In this reading, the boom times of led infrastructure and exports is to espouse a particularly US of questionable economic growth the parents of the hundreds of REUTERS THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET
QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,134.70 0.77 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 15,995.51 0.77 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,202.82 0.58 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,766.23 0.51 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,651.98 0.21 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5088.719 -25.413 -0.5 5383.4 5088.719 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,123.45 0.13 % QR147.6607 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 4118.83 1.38 0.03 4351.21 4080.6 QE All Share Industrials 3,701.17 0.93 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.8923 QR 5.9744 QE All Share Insurance 2,702.36 3.17 % Dj Indu Average 15445.24 72.44 0.47 16588.3 13784 Euro ...... QR 4.8924 QR 4.9604 QE All Share Real Estate 1,991.42 0.10 % QR 2.3050 CA$ ...... QR 3.2555 QR 3.3201 QE All Share Telecoms 1,547.13 0.11 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Transportation 1,950.72 0.55 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.9991 QR 4.0557 Hang Seng Inde/D 21269.38 -128.39 -0.6 23469.33 21388.61 Yen ...... QR 0.0357 QR 0.0363 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.2212 QR 3.2855 Today Previous day Iseq Overall/D 4693.61 26.68 0.57 4873.52 4522.4 CRUDE OIL 05-02-2014 04-02-2014 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0577 QR 0.0588 Index 11,134.70 11,049.69 Karachi 100 In/D 26751.45 -194.65 -0.72 27213.21 25273.11 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0342 QR 0.0349 Change 85.01 87.90 BRENT Nikkei 225 Index 14180.38 171.91 1.23 16164.01 14008.47 Peso ...... QR 0.0796 QR 0.0812 % 0.77 0.79 $ 105.35 SL Re ...... QR 0.0276 QR 0.0282 YTD% 7.27 6.46 S&P 500 Index/D 1755.2 13.31 0.76 1850.84 1485.01 Taka ...... QR 0.0464 QR 0.0475 Volume 9,438,066 10,461,921 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0363 QR 0.0370 Value (QAR) 518,447,226.06 502,812,765.05 Straits Times/D 2960.09 -5.71 -0.19 3187.8 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3246 QR 0.3338 Trades 3,922 4,375 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77 $ 102.44 Up 25 | Down 13 | Unchanged 04
QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 04-02-2014
INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world
COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED
A B G Infra-B/D 42.15 -0.35 1879 City Union Bk-/D 48.45 -0.25 18174 Himat Seide-B/D 56.05 -1.2 26693 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 178 -5.7 2162 Reliance Indus/D 324.25 4.25 69485 Land Secs Grou/D 1020 6 689695 A C C-A/D 1008.05 8 151913 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1412.05 7.45 9702 Hind Motors-B/D 7.72 -0.26 126595 Lgb Broth-B/D 282.5 -6.1 422293 Ruchi Soya-B/D 31.45 0.15 71046 Legal & Genera/D 215.7 0.1 2864307 Aarti Drugs-B/D 224.5 -4.95 2557 Colgate-A/D 1320.55 3.3 3950 Hind Unilever-/D 570 -0.75 59717 Lloyd Metal-B/D 8.12 0.32 1534 Salora Inter-B/D 19.35 0.05 2666 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 81.406 0.36 31843640 Aban Offs-B/D 522.9 39.05 1952170 Container Cor-/D 722.4 -1.85 1219 Hind.Petrol-A/D 239.4 -1.25 48416 Lloydsfin.-T/D 0.51 0.02 1075 Savita Oil-B/D 408.6 18.8 5205 Marks & Sp./D 460.2 -3.8 901733 Aegis Logis-B/D 156.7 3.9 13557 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 51 0 3400 Hindalco-A/D 104.45 1.65 1578756 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 12.32 -0.6 33692 Til Ltd.-B/D 123.9 6.15 3944 Next/D 6165 30 83082 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 97.05 -1.45 1451 Dcm Financia-B/D 0.79 -0.03 7900 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 785.8 -2.5 63344 Lupin-A/D 914.95 2.6 84368 Timexgroup-B/D 8.88 0 12821 Pearson/D 1083 -5 723394 Alembic-B/D 11.85 -0.1 25608 Dhampur Sugar-/D 29 -0.05 2848 I F C I-A/D 22.6 0.05 616397 Lyka Labs-B/D 11 0.34 3682 Tinplate-T/D 44.25 0.15 2374 Prudential/D 1232 -10 1034251 Alok Indus-B/D 6.79 -0.01 299176 Dr. Reddy-A/D 2596.8 0.75 5546 Idbi-A/D 55.2 -0.25 313335 Mangalam Cem-B/D 97.15 0.1 2384 Ub Engineer-T/D 11.03 -0.57 1259 Rank Group/D 139.5 -1 11620 Apollo Tyre-A/D 112.8 0.1 653229 E I H-B/D 56.05 1.05 16986 Ifb Agro-B/D 198 7.65 3848 Maral Overs-B/D 19 -0.75 5487 Ub Engineer-T/D 11.03 -0.57 1259 Rentokil Initi/D 118.7 -0.2 546590 Asahi I Glass-/D 42 -0.5 4658 E.I.D Parry-B/D 125 -0.1 102834 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 79.8 7.3 26690 Mastek-B/D 179.05 5.75 111484 Unitech P -A/D 12.57 -0.06 2828844 Rolls Royce Pl/D 1167 7 1447039 Ashok Leyland-/D 16.05 -0.4 938869 Eimco Elecon-T/D 157.5 7.5 1279 India Cement-B/D 52.05 -0.1 40276 Max India L-A/D 187.65 -0.7 7228 Univcable-T/D 26.7 1.2 4084 Rsa Insrance G/D 102.3226 3.4 61157641 Bajaj Hold-A/D 936 11.95 1574 Electrosteel-B/D 13.98 0.9 123716 India Glycol-B/D 89.65 0.95 12503 Mrpl-A/D 43.3 0.7 54526 Sainsbury(J)/D 352.7 5.4 3224584 Ballarpur In-B/D 11.95 -0.08 98878 Emco-B/D 25.7 -0.1 40027 Indian Hotel-A/D 57.55 0 16982 Nahar Spg.-B/D 109.6 3.15 30430 Schroders/D 2451 26 92348 LONDON Banaras Bead-B/D 27.1 -0.65 2370 Escorts-B/D 121.7 -0.65 263958 Indo-Bcount-B/D 40.5 -1.05 13878 Nath Seeds-B/D 4.26 0.2 8975 Severn Trent/D 1732 2 179944 Bata India-A/D 962.15 -7.25 23605 Essar Oil-A/D 50.6 3.5 955894 Indusind-A/D 394.5 6.75 157310 Nation Alum -A/D 32.85 -0.1 25723 Smith&Nephew/D 876.34 2 739063 Bayer Crop-B/D 1556.15 -28.8 1290 Eveready Indu-/D 34.95 -0.1 27898 J.B.Chemical-B/D 126.75 -0.9 45245 Navneet Edu-B/D 54.05 0.05 3762 3I Group/D 383.3 9.4 388216 Smiths Group/D 1379 -17 349448 Beml Ltd-B/D 198.95 -7.1 114899 F D C-B/D 118.95 -1.3 8431 Jagson Phar-B/D 10.49 -0.26 7450 Nepc India-B/D 3.61 0.1 3960 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 2863 101 527708 Standrd Chart /D 1234.14 4.5 1579313 Bhartiya Int-B/D 169.85 9.85 3142 Federal Bank-A/D 76.75 -0.1 168617 Jbf Indu-B/D 72.8 1 5114 Neuland Lab-B/D 294.5 -15.9 8401 B Sky B/D 891.5 14.5 1523434 Tate & Lyle/D 762.4 -10 309599 Bhel-A/D 160.6 -2.8 1498275 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.05 0.04 16304 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.97 0.13 14790 O N G C-A/D 270.15 1.85 125203 Barclays/D 264.646 0.1 13152017 Tesco/D 316 2 4290454 Bhuwalka Stl-T/D 10.65 0.5 2900 Fgp Ltd-T/D 1.95 0.09 2265 Jik Indust-T/D 0.97 -0.05 50133 Oil Country-B/D 32.4 -0.6 3412 Bg Group/D 1057.1 5.5 2722746 Unilever/D 2308.3 -20 568856 Bom.Burmah-B/D 99 1.05 26742 Finolex-B/D 156.3 3.45 18340 Jindal Drill-B/D 173.55 3.65 1926 Onward Tech-T/D 50.95 0.45 5725 Bp/D 473.65 -0.15 5652678 United Util Gr/D 712.16 -1 302653 Bombay Dyeing-/D 57.85 2.3 297398 Gail-A/D 360.45 5.95 38589 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 143.6 2.1 61356 Orchid Chem-T/D 44.35 -0.5 43682 Brit Am Tobacc/D 2908.6 6 582058 Vodafone Group/D 218.839 0.25 26456330 Canfin Homes-B/D 174.75 -0.15 6089 Gammon India-B/D 12.3 0.19 8773 Jmc Projects-B/D 80.05 1.05 4061 Orient.Carb.-B/D 129.85 1.45 7706 Bt Group/D 385.68 1.1 4855196 Whitbread/D 3745 3 51693 Castrol Ind-A/D 296 -1.15 14728 Godfrey Phil-B/D 2760 150.55 131775 Kajaria Cer-B/D 323 3.75 20960 Orient.Carb.-B/D 129.85 1.45 7706 Centrica/D 311.7 2.4 2899037 Century Enka-B/D 132.6 -1.3 2687 Goodricke-B/D 133.55 4.8 4670 Kalpat Power-B/D 73.2 0.9 7311 Patspin India-/D 6.62 -0.33 2450 Gkn/D 387.4 -1.4 1329171 Century Text-A/D 300 7.25 212646 Goodyear I -B/D 350.05 -6.35 34590 Kalyani Stel-B/D 49.75 1.05 14271 Radico Khait-B/D 159.65 7.6 560699 Hsbc Holdings/D 622.3 -2.4 8464533 Chambal Fert-B/D 38.15 0.2 66305 Hcl Infosys-B/D 24.75 0.15 522480 Kinetic Eng-B/D 37.45 -0.4 1001 Rallis India-B/D 161.35 1.35 50576 Imperial Tobac/D 2225 -2 329345 Cipla-A/D 415 0 49580 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 8.51 0.03 216185 Kopran-B/D 24.1 -0.05 50780 Rallis India-B/D 161.35 1.35 50576 Kingfisher/D 357.4 -0.9 1628664 THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Kuala Lumpur to host Laureus Awards
KUALA LUMPUR: The 2014 Nelson Mandela, and I am sure David and Victoria Beckham, Sean platform diving Pandelela Rinong Laureus World Sports Awards, with the support of everyone in Connery, Michael Douglas and as products of our sports culture. the premier honours event in the Kuala Lumpur it will be an Awards Catherine Zeta-Jones, Morgan Coupled with international events international sporting calendar, Ceremony to remember where we Freeman, Teri Hatcher, Eva such as the Monsoon Cup and is to be held here on March 26. can salute today’s sporting heroes Longoria, Gwyneth Paltrow and Formula One Grand Prix, we are The globally televised awards cer- and pay tribute to President Kevin Spacey. supremely confident that Kuala emony, attended by living legends of Mandela.” YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri, Lumpur, Malaysia, is the perfect 2012 sport, celebrates the achievements of The winners of Laureus World Minister of Tourism & Culture host for a sporting event with such Laureus the greatest sportsmen and sports- Sports Awards are selected by the of Malaysia, said in a statement: global significance. I am positive women each year. ultimate sports jury — the 46 members “Kuala Lumpur is honoured to have this will be an event to remember World This is the 15th year of the of the Laureus World Sports Academy, been given the privilege of hosting for all involved.” Sports Laureus World Sports Awards and the living legends of sport honouring the prestigious 2014 Laureus World Proceeds from the Laureus World Award Edwin Moses, Chairman of the the greatest athletes of today. Sports Awards and the city looks Sports Awards directly benefit and winner Laureus World Sports Academy, The sporting greats who won forward to staging this internation- underpin the work of the Laureus Novak said: “I am delighted that the 2014 the awards over the 15 years ally-renowned event and welcom- Sport for Good Foundation, which Djokovic Awards is to be staged in Kuala were Usain Bolt, Sebastian Coe, ing a plethora of sporting legends supports more than 140 community of Serbia Lumpur, Malaysia. It is an exciting Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, to Malaysia.” sports projects around the world with his development that Laureus is being Alex Ferguson, Lewis Hamilton, Nazri added: “This is a sports- that have helped to improve the award in held in South East Asia for the first Kelly Holmes, Rafael Nadal, Pele, loving country and I can promise lives of over one-and-a-half million London. time, enabling the Laureus message Steve Redgrave, Ronaldo, Michael warm Malaysian hospitality awaits young people. to be extended to a new part of the Schumacher, Kelly Slater, Shaun all our guests.” Laureus was founded by its world.” White, Serena Williams and The Minister said: “We are proud Patrons Richemont and Daimler Moses added: “Of course this Zinedine Zidane. to count badminton world No. 1, and is supported by its Global will be a very emotional occasion Guests attending the awards cer- Dato’ Lee Chong Wei, squash world Partners Mercedes-Benz makers as it is the first Awards since the emony included King Juan Carlos champion Dato’ Nicol David and and IWC Schaffhausen. death of our Patron, the great of Spain, Prince Albert of Monaco, 2012 Olympic bronze medalist in THE PENINSULA Carlos powers Bulls to 101-92 win over Suns Third straight victory for Indiana as they beat Atlanta
PHOENIX: The Chicago Bulls and David West Mike Scott scored 11 assists but the home team shot slowed things down against combined for NBA Results 15 points after he just 31 percent from the field fast-breaking Suns, shutting 40 points and was re-signed to including just 4 of 20 from the Indiana 89 Atlanta 85 down the Phoenix 3-point game sparked a third- a 10-day contract three-point line. in the process while forcing quarter uprising Minnesota 109 LA Lakers 99 on February 1. A Minnesota Timberwolves 21 turnovers in a win in their that enabled the Chicago 101 Phoenix 92 Al Jefferson team that had not defeated the National Basketball Association Pacers to beat Charlotte 91 Golden State 75 dominated the Los Angeles Lakers since 2007 game here yesterday. the Atlanta middle with 30 until this season now has beaten Carlos Boozer led the Bulls Hawks for their third straight points and 13 rebounds as the them twice in three meetings (24-24) with 19 points and 12 win. Charlotte Bobcats beat Golden after their latest victory. Leading rebounds. Jimmy Butler and D J George scored nine of his 18 State to finish off their Western by 25 points in the second quarter, Augustin, who hit two late, clutch points and West had eight of his Conference road trip on a posi- the Timberwolves (24-24) held off 3-pointers, each added 18 points. 22 points in the third quarter tive note. a hurting Lakers team that lost The Suns (29-19) had their when the Pacers erased a one- Charlotte outscored the seven consecutive games and 13 five-game win streak broken. point halftime deficit. Warriors 26-13 in the first quar- of 15. They were led by guard Goran The Pacers (38-10) rallied for ter and did not look back as they Wolves shooting guard Kevin Dragic, who had 24 points and eight straight points to break completed their four-game stint Martin scored 32 points and seven rebounds. open a 47-47 tie in the third away from home with a record of Kevin Love had 31 points and 17 The Bulls held the Suns to quarter. Indiana guard Lance 3-1. rebounds on a night when the season lows of 13 points in the Stephenson was shaken up in the The Bobcats (22-28) have a 1 Lakers pulled within seven points Los Angeles Lakers’ forward Nick Young shoots in the third quarter first quarter and 33 points in the third where he fell awkwardly on 1/2-game lead on the eighth spot in the fourth quarter but could against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center, Minneapolis first half. National Basketball his back and did not return. in the Eastern Conference. get no further. Swingman Nick yesterday. Minnesota wins 109-99. Association games. Atlanta’s (25-22) top two scor- Stephen Curry led Golden Young scored 24 points for the Indiana forwards Paul George ers came off the bench. Forward State (29-20) with 17 points and Lakers (16-32). REUTERS
Over 45 held in Super Bowl Bruins hand Canucks vice raid
NEW YORK: Sixteen juveniles fifth straight loss were recovered and more than 45 people arrested during a BOSTON: The Boston crackdown on child prostitution Bruins continued their home linked to the Super Bowl, the ice dominance with a vic- Federal Bureau of Investigation tory over the floundering said yesterday. Vancouver Canucks. An FBI statement said the Milan Lucic and right winger youngsters aged between 13 and Jarome Iginla had a goal and 17 had been found in an operation an assist each and goaltender targeting commercial child sex Tuukka Rask stopped 27 trafficking during the American shots as the Bruins (36-16-3) football showpiece. improved their home record to “High-profile special events, 22-6-2, including 19-3-2 in their which draw large crowds, have last 24 games. become lucrative opportunities Vancouver (27-22-9) lost for child prostitution criminal five straight, the last two in enterprises,” Ron Hosko, assist- two nights since coach John ant director of the FBI’s Criminal Tortorella returned from his Boston Bruins centre Patrice Bergeron (right) deflects a shot Investigative Division, said in a 15-day league suspension. The towards Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo (left) while statement. Canucks have one goal in the being defended by defenseman Alexander Edler during their NHL “The FBI and our partners two games. game in Boston yesterday. remain committed to stopping Kyle Turris scored in the this cycle of victimization and fifth round of the shootout season, turning back the seemed to struggle with con- putting those who try to profit and goaltender Robin Lehner Colorado Avalanche. New trol of the puck throughout from this type of criminal activ- made 46 saves in regulation and York (31-23-3) received two the night. Center Valtteri ity behind bars,” he added. The overtime and three more in the first-period goals from right Filppula scored for the FBI worked with more than 50 shootout to lead the Ottawa wing Ryan Callahan in claim- Lightning (32-19-5), who law enforcement agencies in four Senators to a victory over the ing their seventh win in the have lost three of their past states during the crackdown ahead St Louis Blues. last 10 games. four games. of Sunday’s NFL season finale in The New York Rangers Colorado’s four-game win Chris Thorburn scored with East Rutherford, New Jersey. put together their first four- streak ended with the loss. Left 1:03 left and goaltender Ondrej Several of the 45 people game winning streak of the wing Gabriel Landeskog scored Pavelec stopped 28 shots as arrested admitted to traveling to for the Avalanche (36-15-5), the the Winnipeg Jets won for New Jersey “specifically for the best road team in the NHL the ninth time in their last 11 purpose of prostituting women NHL Results with a .692 winning percentage. games under new coach Paul and children at the Super Bowl,” Boston 3 Vancouver 1 Minnesota defenseman Maurice, defeating the Carolina the FBI said. The teenagers recov- NY Rangers 5 Colorado 1 Jared Spurgeon, who missed Hurricanes. ered during the raid included Winnipeg 2 Carolina 1 the previous 14 games with a Winnipeg (28-25-5) played high school students and children Montreal 2 Calgary 0 foot injury, set up goals by right its 33rd one-goal game, tied who had been reported miss- winger Nino Niederreiter and for second most in the league. Florida 4 Toronto 1 ing by their families. Additional left winger Dany Heatley in the Carolina (25-21-9), coming NY Islanders 1 Washington 0 enforcement actions also led to Wild’s win over the Tampa Bay off its second-best January in Ottawa 5 St Louis 4 the recovery of international Lightning. franchise history (20 points), human trafficking victims, the Minnesota 2 Tampa Bay 1 Tampa Bay got 24 saves lost for just the fifth time in 16 FBI added. AFP Dallas 3 Phoenix 1 from goalie Ben Bishop, who games. REUTERS THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Aspire ready for Sport Day Lighting the Torch event to kick off festivities in spectacular fashion on February 11
DOHA: Aspire Zone Foundation its “Lighting the Torch” event. personal scores and will be able Football League will hold a tour- has put the final touches on its Dozens of local sports stars will to compare them to the perform- nament on pitch 11 with six, male- preparations for National Sport pedal stationary bicycles, situated ances of world champions as well only teams. Day on February 11. outside the Torch-Doha Hotel, in as Aspire athletes. Finally, the Healthy Lifestyle Aspire Zone Foundation order to generate enough power In addition, the Life department of Aspetar will invite will provide over 14 different to light the iconic building. Development Program (LDP) at everyone to ‘Step Into Health’ sports activities through Aspire Other activities will begin at Aspire Academy is presenting through their program that pro- Academy, Aspetar Hospital and 8am with a woman only session four different games designed motes walking five thousands Aspire Zone is Aspire Logistics, to encourage for the Aspire Active programme. for boys and girls over 12-years- steps. This will take place near set to kick off people to be more active. Then from 9am it is fitness fun old that promote values such as the Torch Hotel area and end at National Sport Thousands of residents are for all the family with a struc- teamwork, focus, communica- the dome exit. Day festivities expected to flock to Aspire Zone tured workout that is suitable for tion, responsibility, fun, challenge Over 27 governmental and pri- in spectacular facilities to participate in a range any fitness level. and respect. Youngsters will also vate organizations will be taking fashion with of fun filled and healthy activities. Also starting at 9am is the get an opportunity to try wall part in the National Sport Day its Lighting the “Dedicating a day to celebrate 5-a-side football tournament climbing. activities at Aspire’s facilities this Torch event. sports is a wise and visionary with two competitions open to The Fun Run Race, organized year. Dozens of move by the leadership of Qatar. the public. These are a compe- by Aspire Logistics, is one of the One of the main events will local sports It reflects faith in sports to build tition tournament for the clubs day’s most popular events and will be the Koora Time World Cup, stars will pedal and sustain a healthy society. generation of 2006 and 2007, and a start at the Khalifa International organized by Qatar Shell in col- stationary This day also presents us with social tournament for the fathers Stadium at 9am. laboration with the Qatar Football bicycles, situ- an opportunity to communicate of those players. More than two thousand peo- Association. Forty-eight teams ated outside and interact with residents in Aspire Academy is also organis- ple participated in last year’s Fun will compete in a 5-a-side football the Torch- order to encourage them to join ing a competition between moth- Run that covers a distance of four match which is expected to run our regular programs that pro- ers and daughters and between kilometers around the Aspire for eight hours until the winning Doha Hotel, in mote a healthy lifestyle. Our main fathers and sons in gymnastics, Zone facilities. team are crowned champions. order to gen- priority is to spread awareness tennis and other games in the Runners are asked to register Companies joining in the cele- erate enough about the benefits of healthy liv- gymnastics and squash hall. From before the event on the website brations at Aspire include RasGas, power to light ing and to provide all residents in 10am the indoor athletic track and Aspire giveaways will be dis- Qatar TV, Ministry of Energy and the iconic Qatar with the tools they need to at the Academy Sport Science tributed at the end of the race. Industry, General Retirement and building. adopt a healthy lifestyle,” Khaled Department will be conducting a Aspire Logistics is also organiz- Social Security, Qatar Cycling Abdullah Al Sulaiteen, Chief series of physical tests designed ing a beach volleyball tournament Federation, Qatar Development executive officer of Aspire Zone to measure athletic performance. on the sand pitch. Bank, HMC Organs Donation Foundation, said. These will include timed Six to eight teams will par- Center, Civil Defense, Qatar This year, Aspire Zone is set to sprints, high jumping and throw- ticipate with Aspire giveaways Enterprise, ictQATAR, National kick off National Sport Day fes- ing speed. All participants will be provided at the end of the games. Human Right Committee, and tivities in spectacular fashion with provided with a record of their In addition, Qatar American Carrefour. THE PENINSULA Shooting: Heir Apparent Cup Volleyball Open League to kick off on March 14
DOHA: The Volleyball Open League (VOL) organised by Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) will kick-off on March 14, it was announced here yesterday QVA have Ali Al Faihani, QVA Board Member and Head of the Open League’s committee said invitations have been sent to com- munities, companies, institutions and ministries to participate in the second edition version of the VOL. “Many teams had contributed to the success of the first version, we would like to continue this endeavor to give wide opportu- nity to practice sports and to use Volleyball as tool for sports for life and Sports for all and to bring Action from the Qatar Volleyball Association League match played between Oleg Engachev (centre) winner in the 25m Standard Pistol event for men at the Heir Apparent Cup of Qatar players and communities mem- Al Shamal Sports and Al Ahli Sports at the Al Arabi Club yesterday. Shooting and Archery Association poses for a picture with second place winner Aziz Mukhamedrakhimov and bers all together”, Ali said. bronze medal winner Maltsev Konstantin at Losail Shooting Range yesterday. Qatar Under-17 National Team will participate in the event as a The team registration process The opening ceremony of the part of preparations for the Asia will begin on February 16, while tournament will take place at Championship which will be held the Technical Meeting will take QVA Indoor Hall on March 14. MotoGP champion Marquez in Sri Lanka next September. place on March 8. THE PENINSULA unstoppable at Sepang test A file picture SEPANG, Malaysia: World champion Marc 0.413 seconds off the pace while Rossi was fourth, of last year’s Marquez posted the fastest time and emerged as 0.538 seconds behind Marquez. Spaniard Lorenzo the first rider this week to break through the two- was sixth, 0.647 seconds behind the newly crowned Volleyball minute barrier on day two yesterday of the test MotoGP champion. Marquez, 20, became the young- Open League session in Malaysia. est MotoGP champion at the season-ending Valencia (VOL) organ- The Spanish Honda rider who was quickest on Grand Prix in November, winning the world title in ised by Qatar Tuesday, finished ahead of compatriot Dani Pedrosa, his rookie year. “I am happy. The new rear tyre is Volleyball with Germany’s Stefan Bradl third at the Sepang working well. But I feel a little nervous in the first Association Circuit. Marquez and his team-mate Pedrosa, who corner. We need to improve the bike performance on (QVA). This is seeking to capture an elusive first MotoGP world the first corner. We need to be safe,” he said. year’s VOL title after eight years in the premier class, were The Spaniard on Tuesday clocked two minutes kicks off on ahead of rival Yamaha pair Jorge Lorenzo and nine- 0.286 seconds to finish half a second ahead of Rossi. March 14. time Italian world champion Valentino Rossi. Testing wraps up today, but riders will return to Lorenzo - a two-time MotoGP champion - lost his Sepang for another three-day session from February world crown to Marquez last year. 26. They will have a further session at Phillip Island Marquez, who remains the one to beat, clocked in Australia and at the Losail Circuit in Qatar, before one minute 59.926 seconds in hot temperatures, the new season officially kicks off at Losail on March with Pedrosa 0.410 seconds behind. Bradl was third, 23. AFP IOC eyes Games revamp as Sochi opening nears SOCHI, Russia: While Sochi the Black Sea resort into a more Several cities have already pulled start of the IOC session yesterday. While organisers continue melt away when qualifying begins scrambles to get ready in time attractive tourism destination. out of the race to host the 2022 “Are we not asking too much to deal with teething problems today. “I really hope not, we’re all for tomorrow’s opening cere- Ratings agency Moody’s said in Winter Games amid concerns too soon (from bid cities)? Should including accommodation issues pretty good friends and we get on mony, the International Olympic a report on Wednesday that the about rising costs. the bidding procedure be more and an outcry over the fate of well, so it would be a shame if all Committee cast its eyes past Sochi Games, which have cost a Protests in Brazil ahead of this an invitation of potential bidders stray animals being rounded up that was to change and everyone the most expensive Games ever reported $50bn, were unlikely year’s World Cup and the 2016 rather than a tender for a fran- in Sochi, teams were already hit- turned up tomorrow all serious,” staged and began to look for to provide much of a boost to Rio Olympics have further high- chise? The cost of the bids con- ting the training facilities. the 20-year-old said, grinning. ways of revamping the global the Russian economy. The IOC, lighted the problems associated cerns us all,” the Australian said. For one new Olympic event, “Obviously I would be so stoked sporting spectacular. who picked Sochi in 2007 despite with hosting mega sports events. The discussions, part of the friendship will outlast the compe- to win an Olympic medal, but just Russian President Vladimir it having virtually no venues in “We believe we should do IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020 tition. American slopestyle snow- the fact that slopestyle is in the Putin has staked his personal place, said it was time to take more to support better bid cities launched by President Thomas boarder Sage Kostenburg said he Olympics for the first time is so and political prestige on hosting another look at the cost, size and in their engagement,” IOC Vice Bach, comes as athletes arrive en hoped the sense of friendship with sick. Not many people get to do a successful Games and turning bidding process for the Games. President John Coates said at the mass at the Black Sea resort. his fellow competitors would not this, you know?” REUTERS THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25
Giant-killing Beckham to bring Blades punish Fulham in FA Cup
MLS club to Miami LONDON:Third-tier Sheffield United scored in the last minute of extra time to dump sorry ‘This is going to be a people’s team’ Premier League strugglers Fulham out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory on Tuesday. MIAMI: David Beckham said would be British pop music and know this city is ready for foot- The fourth-round replay at a yesterday that he will buy a television impresario Simon ball, for soccer. rain-soaked Craven Cottage was US team to play Major League Fuller, who managed Beckham’s “I’m going to work hard to almost completely devoid of goal- Soccer and bring it to Miami, wife Victoria when she sang with make this team very successful. mouth incident and looked des- confirming the worst-kept the Spice Girls. It’s an exciting time. tined for penalties until Shaun secret in world football. Beckham, who reportedly paid “We want to create a football Miller snatched a dramatic win- The former England and a cut price $25m for the franchise, club that is a people’s football ner in the 120th minute. Manchester United star said he said his wife and family would join club. This is a dream... I’ve lived Miller’s close-range header, already has major players in the him in Miami. the dream.” from Harry Maguire’s knock- game phoning him up, pledging “This is going to be a people’s Asked if his manager at down, gave United a second suc- to create a “global team” like the team,” he told a throng of media Manchester United, Alex cessive victory against top-flight European clubs where he made at an art museum in downtown Ferguson, had been in contact opposition after a previous suc- his name. Miami, as a helicopter and a small over a coaching role, Beckham cess against Aston Villa in the “I wanted to create a team plane buzzed overhead. said: “Funnily enough no, he third round. where we can start from scratch,” The former Manchester United didn’t call me or text me.” “It is unbelievable,” Miller told Beckham said, explaining his and Real Madrid star said he had The pair famously fell out and BBC Radio 5 Live. decision to bring the expand- high hopes for the MLS, where Ferguson shipped Beckham out to “I am delighted to get the goal ing league’s 22nd soccer club to he featured for LA Galaxy before Real Madrid, although relations for my little son, who was born Miami. retiring last year following a stint have warmed since. a few weeks ago. I am made up “I know there was a team with Paris Saint-Germain. Beckham spoke to reporters for him.” here 10 years ago that unfor- “I’ve seen the change over the alongside MLS commissioner It was the latest indignity in a tunately folded, but I know last 10 years. I’ve seen the change Don Garber, who said Beckham desperate recent run for Fulham, that Miami is ready for foot- in this league, the interest in this and the league would work with who have slipped to the foot of the ball again,” he said. “I wanted league,” the 38-year-old said, as Miami Dade county to build a Premier League table after a run to create a team that would be fans chanted his name. world-class downtown stadium of four consecutive league defeats. very personal to me.” “We want to bring some of for the new club. “We know that we’ve only got “We’re planning to bring a the best football players in the Beckham thanked Garber ourselves to blame,” said man- team that will be a global team,” world, great players, to this team. and Miami Dade’s Mayor Carlos Former England and Manchester United star, David Beckham holds a ager Rene Meulensteen, who he said, arguing that in the past Players are already interested in Gimenez, and said he would not press conference at the Perez Art Museum Miami, in Miami, Florida takes Fulham to his former club 10 years American soccer has coming to Miami. seek public funding for the team’s yesterday. Beckham said yesterday that he will buy a US team to play Manchester United in the league made huge progress as both a “We are very excited about this stadium, having raised money Major League Soccer and bring it to Miami, confirming the worst-kept on Sunday. sport and a business. project. Miami is a vibrant city from private partners. secret in world football. “At the end of the day, that’s He said one of his partners and a city with a lot of passion. I AFP what we need to do. We need to look each other in the eye and say, ‘Let’s pick ourselves up and dig Pakistani ourselves out of it.’ Ibrahimovic double steers PSG past “If you talk about this game and you say, ‘Have we hit rock- sugar-seller bottom?’ We probably have. OK, fine, that’s it. takes aim at “And if we have hit rock-bot- Nantes and into League Cup final tom, it can’t get any worse and it can only get better, so that’s what Kyrgyz glory we need to work for.” PARIS: Zlatan Ibrahimovic Nantes keeper Remy Riou gifted Sheffield United are themselves struck early and late on Tuesday PSG’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic the opening goal. second from bottom in League KARACHI: Pakistani foot- night to keep Paris Saint- Ibrahimovic Riou appeared to slip as he One after a sequence of one win baller Mohammad Adil is set Germain on course for a domes- went to launch Issa Cissokho’s in seven games, but Nigel Clough’s (right) cel- to complete a remarkable jour- tic double as the Ligue 1 leaders backpass upfield, succeeding only side can now look forward to a ebrates with ney and fulfil his dream of play- edged past Nantes 2-1 to reach in sending the ball straight to home tie with either Preston ing for a foreign club, after an the final of the League Cup. his team-mate Ibrahimovic with the Swede fir- North End or Nottingham Forest impoverished beginning selling Ibrahimovic struck his first goal Marco Verratti ing a first-time left-foot effort in round five. sugarcane on the streets. in this season’s competition to put after scoring a from 30 yards over the head of “If you hang on in there at 0-0, The 21-year-old has signed PSG ahead after just five minutes goal during the the unfortunate Nantes keeper. you always have that opportunity,” a one-year contract with at the Stade de la Beaujoire. French League Thiago Silva nearly added a said Blades manager Clough, who Kyrgyzstan champions FC Dordoi Olivier Veigneau responded Cup semi-final second for the visitors inside began his playing career at Forest to cap a fairytale rise that has with an equaliser nine minutes match against the opening 15 minutes but Riou under his late father, legendary seen him touted as one of the from the end but Ibrahimovic Nantes, at managed to divert the Brazilian’s manager Brian Clough. AFP best players ever produced by the popped up with his second of the Beaujoire fierce drive from a narrow angle Pakistan Premier League. the match, and 31st of the sea- Stadium in away to safety. “It hasn’t sunk in yet,” the son, in the final minute to send Nantes, on Lavezzi then found himself in English FA Cup winger said from Lahore before the three-time winners through Tuesday night. behind the Nantes backline but his departure. to April’s final at the Stade de was thwarted by the legs of Riou Draw “I am over the moon and very France. on the half hour. The hosts almost LONDON: Updated English FA Cup fifth- excited that my hard work has “It was a real cup tie, the script fielded a strong side that featured only listed among the substitutes. drew level from their first genu- round draw after Tuesday’s match (ties to be paid off.” is often like that,” said PSG coach just three changes from the team Having swept the two league ine opportunity as Papy Djilobodji played the weekend of February 15-16): Even top-flight football in Laurent Blanc afterwards. that beat Bordeaux 2-0 on Friday encounters this season, including rose to meet Vincent Bessat’s cricket-mad Pakistan is of a low “In the first (period) we led 1-0. evening. Ezequiel Lavezzi was a 5-0 demolition at the Parc des corner only for a perfectly placed Manchester City vs Chelsea standard and it is extremely We had chances to double our drafted in to replace the injured Princes just over a fortnight ago, Verratti to clear off the line with Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest or unusual for a player produced by lead but didn’t. Edinson Cavani on the left of an PSG almost struck first blood just referee Laurent Duhamel waving Preston North End its leagues to move abroad. Adil “In the second half Nantes attacking three, while Marco four minutes in as Lavezzi hit the away protests for a handball. Arsenal vs Liverpool hails from a small town near the applied more pressure, were more Verratti, back from suspension, outside of the post following Blaise A fractious second half pro- agricultural city of Bahawalpur in involved, created some chances was restored to his midfield duties Matuidi’s burst into the box. duced little in the way of goal- Brighton and Hove Albion vs Hull City Punjab province, where his father and equalised. at the expense of Javier Pastore. Heavy rain made for a slick mouth action until Veigneau Cardiff City vs Wigan Athletic used to sell sugarcane. “But in the last 10 minutes my Reserve goalkeeper and cup- playing surface at La Beaujoire netted an 81st-minute equal- Sheffield Wednesday v Charlton Athletic As a boy, he would wheel a sug- team stepped up a gear. specialist Nicolas Douchez came and it played a factor just iser for Nantes as he slammed Sunderland vs Southampton arcane cart to school, carrying his With PSG already eliminated in for Salvatore Sirigu, but new moments after that initial home substitute Georges-Kevin books and a tattered football. from the French Cup, Blanc recruit Yohan Cabaye was again reprieve as a poor clearance from Nkoudou’s cross. AFP Everton vs Swansea City “Those were very difficult days,” remembered Adil. “I wanted to study and play but I had to take the cart to sell sugarcane after school and then Qatar SC aim to bounce back in QSL in the little time I used to play football.” DOHA: Qatar Sports Club will manager they can claim to have Noticing his interest in foot- look to bounce back in the Qatar more stability at the club. ball, his father encouraged him Stars League after last week’s Al Arabi on the other hand has and Adil took big strides from defeat when they take on Al a point to prove with the recent small clubs to Khan Research Arabi here today. sacking of Stielike. Laboratories (KRL) -- one of Qatar SC lost to defending They will be looking to nurse Pakistan’s top teams. champion Al Sadd 2-1 in the last this difficult time with a win. KRL coach Tariq Lutfi said round match. Lekhwiya lead the QSL stand- Adil was a natural talent. Al Arabi have lost four of their ings with 43 points. “Adil came to us as an exciting last six games and changed man- On Tuesday, Lekhwiya trounced player, willing to achieve his foot- agers after two consecutive drub- Al Gharafa 3-0. ball dreams,” Lutfi said. bings. Qatar SC is in sixth place Lekhwiya scored the first goal “For the last three years he has and is one position higher than Al came in the 31st minute with been an integral part of KRL and Arabi. Both teams therefore will Korean Nam Tae-Hee beating the we are now close to achieving a see this as a crucial match. off-side trap and running onto a hat-trick of league titles and Adil With only seven matches left perfectly weighted pass from has a major hand in it.” until the champions of the QSL is Qatari international Sebastián Adil’s main asset is his speed crowned, neither side can afford Soria. which he uses to make marauding to lose if they want to try and Nam Tae-Hee placed his shot runs at the opposition and set up reach for a Champions League past the keeper and the defenders team-mates. berth. Sebastian Lazaroni’s chasing back were too late. He was KRL’s best player as side have also had a torrid time Soria was instrumental once the club finished runners-up in with two loses in their last three more and in the 42nd he received the Asian Football Confederation games. the ball on the edge of the box President Cup last year. However, the advantage in and before anyone had a chance He helped KRL draw 1-1 Qatar’s favour is due to the fact to close him down, he had already against Dordoi, then scored a that they are having the same dispatched the shot into the bot- scintillating goal in the 2-0 win tom left-hand corner. over Palestinian club Hilal-Al Then to top off a bad night for Quds before they lost the final. QSL Today fixtures the Cheetahs, on the 82nd minute That, plus another fine show Al Sadd vs Al Wakra at new signing Vladimir Weiss in a AFC Challenge Cup qualifier Jassim bin Hamad Stadium scored on his debut and sealed against Kyrgyzstan, caught the Al Arabi vs Qatar SC at Grand Hamad the victory for the league leaders. A file picture of last week’s action from the Qatar Stars League. eye of the Dordoi hierarchy. AFP Stadium, both at 7.15pm THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Pakistan spot-fixing New Zealand confident of trio dream of comeback
LAHORE: Pakistan’s talented India upset in Test series but tainted trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer yesterday vowed to return to interna- Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s squad under pressure after ODI whitewash tional cricket, three years to the day after they were banned for AUCKLAND: New Zealand suggestion that India’s well-docu- Cheteshwar Pujara are likely spot-fixing. are quietly confident of being mented failings against the short- to be the only new faces in the On February 5, 2011 an anti- able to exploit the green state of pitched deliveries in the one-day Tests. corruption tribunal of the the Eden Park wicket and upset series would have a bearing on the Pujara, boasting an impressive International Cricket Council India in the first Test starting Tests. average of 66.25 from his 28 Test (ICC) banned the three players here today. “The plus point in Test matches innings, will add much needed for a minimum of five years for A combination of a bowler- is you can pick and choose,” he solidity to the batting line up. arranging no balls to order during friendly pitch and the success said, adding that India were ham- New Zealand, however, by the Lord’s Test against England in of the same XI, who won back- pered in the ODIs by their open- rewarding their victorious unit August 2010. to-back Tests in similar condi- ers not setting a solid enough who beat the West Indies have Butt, 29, the captain of the tions against the West Indies in platform. retained Peter Fulton and Hamish Pakistan Test team at the time, December, meant the selection “If you don’t get too many runs Rutherford as openers and cannot finally admitted his guilt in June was a no brainer for captain in the first 10 (overs) it means the be guaranteed a sound start. last year and said he wanted to Brendon McCullum (pictured). middle order when they come in Fulton and Rutherford pro- move on from the disgrace. “It’s a bit of both. It’s a nice have to play those strokes because duced a 158-run stand in their “I try hard to forget but some- luxury to be able to continue the asking rate keeps on rising if first Test as an opening partner- one always makes me remember with the same team, and obvi- you keep leaving them.” ship but have drifted down to that tough day,” Butt said. ously the pitch as well,” he said Dhoni gave little away about average 30.91 in 16 innings since Butt was banned for 10 years, yesterday. India’s approach other than indi- then. with five suspended, Asif for seven It was definitely a bowl-first cating left-arm spinner Ravindra New Zealand squad: Peter with two suspended and Aamer wicket, he added, with New Jadeja could expect to occupy Fulton, Hamish Rutherford, for five years, meaning all of Zealand intent on continuing the one end for long periods while he Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, them could return to the game short-pitched attack that proved rotated his pace attack from the Brendon McCullum (captain), in August 2015. to be India’s undoing in the just other. Corey Anderson, BJ Watling, Tim “I regularly play cricket as I completed one-day series won by Pace bowler Zaheer Khan Southee, Ish Sodhi, Neil Wagner, cannot adopt any other profession New Zealand 4-0. and batsmen Murali Vijay and Trent Boult. AFP and I am very, very keen to stage The home captain was also a comeback,” said Butt. unphased by the huge gulf in the The ICC tribunal made reha- rankings between the two sides, bilitation, including anti-corrup- where India are second to New tion courses, mandatory to avoid Zealand’s lowly eighth. the suspended part of the players’ “We know how tough a chal- Vettori targets May comeback sentence. lenge it is but we’ve got a quiet West Indian Marlon Samuels is confidence that if we continue to AUCKLAND: Injured New series that will determine if he than 4,000 runs and take more Vettori last played a Test in the only player ever to return to bowl and field as well as we have Zealand cricket great Daniel can revive his career. “I want to than 300 wickets in Tests, and July 2012 against the West Indies international cricket after serving done this summer then we can Vettori has set a May target commit to that tour otherwise McCullum sees him as a vital and his last internationals were a two-year ban on fixing. expose some of the not-so-strong to resume his international it will be too hard to keep try- member of the New Zealand three appearances in the 2013 Butt said he wanted the aspects of their game.” career with captain Brendon ing to come back,” the left-arm team if fit. Champions Trophy one-day Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to The pitch has “a decent cov- McCullum saying he should be spinner said following a meet- “He’s clearly a very well series in England last June. help him get permission to play ering of grass” and the promise an automatic selection if fit. ing with McCullum and New proven international cricketer He recently played seven first-class cricket. of more bounce than when New Vettori, one of the world’s Zealand coach Mike Hesson. and it will be nice if he was able games in Australia’s Big Bash “The PCB has taken up Zealand had England on the ropes leading all rounders, has been “Mike and Brendon made to be part of the squad, but for league, with the help of painkill- Aamer’s case and I have appealed here last year, only to be denied plagued by Achilles and back it clear that if I play for New him at the moment it’s a matter ers, but said he was barely able to them to help me play first- victory by a heroic century from injuries and last played Test Zealand again I’ve got to deliver of making sure he tries to get to walk at the end. class cricket, as I am very keen Matt Prior on the final day. cricket 18 months ago. in all three facets of the game, himself fit,” McCullum said yes- “It was a little bit worse than to resume my career,” said Butt, While New Zealand were con- The 35-year-old has now ruled which is completely fair. I can’t terday. “Hopefully if that’s the the past. Running around was who played 33 Tests, 78 one-day fident enough to name their side himself out of a comeback at the just bowl 24 balls and then expect case we will see him in the West difficult. I’ll just rest up and try internationals and 24 Twenty20s 24 hours before the toss, India World Twenty20 tournament in to be hidden in the outfield.” Indies. Obviously it’s the selec- and get that ready. If I can then for Pakistan. captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni Bangladesh in March but said he Vettori is one of only three tors who make those calls but that’s great and if I can’t then The ICC last year formed a was more circumspect in delaying is targeting New Zealand’s tour players — behind Ian Botham from my point of view he comes the writing is probably on the committee to consider relaxing naming his side as late as possible. of the West Indies in May as the and Kapil Dev — to score more straight in.” wall.” AFP some of the sanctions of Aamer’s He also batted away any ban. AFP Pietersen so sad over sacking LONDON: Former England bats- man Kevin Pietersen expressed sad- ness over the end of his international Reactions of former players career yesterday and said that he was “incredibly overwhelmed” by the sup- FORMER ENGLAND CAPTAIN MICHAEL VAUGHAN: port he had received. The 33-year-old’s days as an inter- “I think the @ECB_cricket have to explain to everyone exactly what @KP24 national cricketer came to an end on has done so we can all have clarity and reasoning .. I think the @ECB_cricket Tuesday when the England and Wales have to explain to everyone exactly what @KP24 has done so we can all have Cricket Board (ECB) announced that clarity and reasoning .. I care about the England team and that’s why I want all it had “unanimously” decided to move the best players in the side. Its sad that we can’t manage someone like @KP24” forward without him. With England due to name their squads for the forthcoming tour of the FORMER ENGLAND CAPTAIN MICHAEL ATHERTON: West Indies and the World Twenty20 “It was coming, I think. There was a unanimity of views there from the people today, the ECB’s new managing direc- that count, so ultimately I think Kevin Pietersen found himself friendless. He tor, Paul Downton, elected to make a had no allies amongst the management, the hierarchy and the senior players decisive call on Pietersen’s future. as well because Paul Downton would have been taking soundings from them at Pietersen posted a picture on photo- the end of the Ashes tour. It was a pretty horrific Ashes tour and there have sharing website Instagram of himself been a few victims along the way, but I think he just found himself friendless leaving the field after his final Test and with no allies.” match against Australia in Sydney dur- ing England’s recent 5-0 Ashes defeat. He wrote: “So sad that this will now FORMER ENGLAND CAPTAIN ALEC STEWART: be the last time I leave a field in an “At times you could call him a maverick cricketer, but he’s a match-winner, a England shirt. natural born winner and a game changer. I am sure there will be many England “Incredibly overwhelmed by the sup- fans who see this as a shameful decision but it’s a decision he will have to accept port overnight! Thank you so much. I and we within the game of cricket have to accept. I do not know the full facts love England and I honestly hope they but as an England fan I’d want my best players playing for England, to give us have every success in the future.” the best chance of winning. Part of managing is not just coaching but creating Meanwhile, Pietersen’s wife, British a good environment and not letting these things get to a head.” pop star Jessica Taylor, took to Twitter to criticise former England bowler Dominic Cork for claiming that England’s Kevin Pietersen celebrates his 200 against West Indies during the second FORMER ENGLAND ALL-ROUNDER IAN BOTHAM: Pietersen had clashed with captain day of the second cricket Test match at Headingley in Leeds, northern England, in this “I think everyone needs to remember what a terrific player he has been and Alastair Cook during the Australia tour. 2007 file photo. the entertainment he has given. I think it’s about time the ECB put out an offi- “Dominic Cork — there was no cial statement so we all know what is going on. There have been a lot of Chinese ‘squaring up’ to Alastair Cook or ‘off- wrote on Twitter. “But squaring up??? Pietersen’s one-time adversary Shane whispers, a lot of ex-players speculating. I don’t know what has happened. I don’t field antics’ in Australia — you are lying, #Nonsense.” Warne, the former Australia spinner, think anybody does. He is one of the best players the country has ever had. His plain & simple,” she wrote. With 13,797 runs to his name, branded the decision to end his inter- career has been terminated. Well why not tell us why? And don’t give us the She later added: “Regurgitating Pietersen bows out as England’s all- national career “a disgrace”. one-liner ‘we are moving on, we’re doing this, we’re doing that.’ He is 33, not 43” rumour & spinning it as fact is not what time leading scorer across all formats “I also just heard the sad news re I’d call responsible journalism. The pub- of the game. However, his outspoken KP that he has played his last game for lic deserve so much better - the truth.” personality and on-pitch single-mind- England, to me it’s a disgrace & a joke! FORMER AUSTRALIA LEG-SPINNER SHANE WARNE: Cork had told Sky Sports News that edness made him a polarising figure, The ECB is in a shambles,” Warne wrote “I also just heard the sad news re KP that he has played his last game for there was “nearly a dust-up, a fight” with former England players divided in on Twitter. England, to me it’s a disgrace & a joke ! The ECB is in a shambles” between Pietersen and Cook, but former their reactions to the news of his axing. While former team-mate Matthew England captain Michael Vaughan rub- Vaughan wrote in the Daily Telegraph Hoggard accepted that Pietersen was bished his claims. that Pietersen’s sacking was “preposter- not the most popular member of the FORMER ENGLAND CAPTAIN NASSER HUSSAIN: “With the way England were play- ous”, but former fast bowler Bob Willis England camp, he felt that a way to “There must have been things happening behind the scenes that Flower and ing I am sure players had lots of strong said that he had “disrupted every single harness his flamboyant talents should Cook weren’t amused with and it would be nice to know from the ECB - if you’re debate in the Dressing Room,” Vaughan dressing room he’s been in”. have been found. AFP going to axe one of your best players - what those things are.” THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27
The riders take off from Al Zubara Fort for the Golf: EurAsia 112.5-km ride of the second stage at the 2014 Ladies Tour of Qatar yesterday. Cup is no ‘mistake’, says O’Grady
SINGAPORE: European Tour chief executive George O’Grady has strongly denied saying the new EurAsia Cup team golf tournament was a “mistake” after organisers of a rival event claimed he was having second thoughts. O’Grady was responding to comments from Ivan Ballesteros, co-managing director of the rival Royal Trophy, who said the European boss had told him that having two similar Europe vs Asia tournaments was unsustainable. “I categorically refute the com- Top-10 riders in ments that Ivan has attributed to me stating that the EurAsia Cup stage two is a ‘mistake’ and ‘not sustaina- Pieters upstages Wild 1 Amy Pieters (Ned) Team Giant ble’,” O’Grady said in a statement - Shimano 2:53:33 yesterday. “It is simply not the case. We 2 Anna Van Der Breggen (Ned) are very much looking forward to Rabo Liv Women Cycling Team the initial playing of the match 0:00:03 next month where two excellent 3 Charlotte Becker (Ger) Wiggle teams are coming together under to grab golden jersey Honda the captaincy of two of the greats 4 Inga Cilvinaite (Ltu) RusVelo of the game -- Thongchai Jaidee 0:00:06 and Miguel Angel Jimenez.” 5 Kirsten Wild (Ned) Team The EurAsia Cup, which debuts Ladies Tour of Qatar: The Dutch rider wins second stage Giant - Shimano 0:00:27 next month in Malaysia, will be a 6 Chloe Hosking (Aus) Hitec Ryder Cup-style Europe vs Asia BY RIZWAN REHMAT Products team event. 7 Emma Johansson (Swe) Orica It is similar to the longer- - AIS established Royal Trophy. The DOHA: Dutch rider Amy seventh edition of this tourna- 8 Olga Zabelinskaya (Rus) Pieters upstaged title favourite ment was held at China’s Dragon RusVelo and compatriot Kirsten Wild Lake Golf Club in December. to grab the golden jersey on day 9 Jolien D’Hoore (Bel) Lotto Organisers of the Royal two of the four-stage Ladies Dutch rider Belisol Ladies 0:00:31 Trophy, inspired by the late Seve Tour of Qatar. Amy Pieters 10 Melissa Hoskins (Aus) Orica Ballesteros, are furious at the The Giant-Shimano rider crosses the - AIS creation of a new tournament. clinched the final sprint of the finish line at the They were further enraged 112.5km stage ahead of Anna Van end of stage General when O’Grady said the late Der Breggen (Rabo Liv Women two of Ladies Spanish great would have “cher- Cycling Team) and Charlotte Tour of Qatar classification ished” the EurAsia Cup. Becker (Wiggle Honda). in Madinat 1 Amy Pieters (Ned) Team Giant The dispute plays into a long- Pieters won the stage in a time Al Shamal. - Shimano 5:03:28 standing feud between Asia’s of 2 hours 53:33 seconds. PICTURES: competing golf circuits. Inga Cilvinaite (RusVelo) fin- 2 Kirsten Wild (Ned) Team SALIM The Royal Trophy is backed ished fourth fastest after the Giant - Shimano 0:00:07 by the OneAsia circuit while the group began riding from Al MATRAMKOT 3 Chloe Hosking (Aus) Hitec new EurAsia Cup is supported by Zubarah Fort while stage one Products 0:00:18 a rival set-up, the Asian Tour. winner Wild crossed the finish 4 Emma Johansson (Swe) Orica On Tuesday Ivan Ballesteros, line in fifth spot, a notch ahead - AIS 0:00:28 Seve’s nephew and former man- of Chloe Hosking of Australia. 5 Jolien D’Hoore (Bel) Lotto ager, said the European Tour had Sweden’s Emma Johansson Belisol Ladies 0:00:30 told him “that the launch of the (Orica - AIS), Russia’s Olga 6 Melissa Hoskins (Aus) Orica EurAsia Cup has developed into a Zabelinskaya (RusVelo), Belgium’s - AIS 0:00:31 silly situation and that they want Jolien D’Hoore (Lotto Belisol with compatriot Wild, Pieters to pocked the bonus seconds that As expected, the first few kilo- to get this sorted. Ladies) and Australia’s Melissa said: “I don’t know, I think we’re helped the Dutch rider to push metres proved to be eventful due 7 Iris Slappendel (Ned) Rabo Liv “They said that this was an ini- Hoskins (Orica - AIS) completed both really good. I just hope the Wild from the top of the overall to the crosswind. Women Cycling Team 0:00:38 tiative driven by the Asian Tour the top-10 fastest riders. jersey stays in the team.” standings after day two. The pack broke up into several 8 Valentina Scandolara (Ita) and that two Europe versus Asia Even in glory, Pieters put her Wild, the silver jersey holder, After two stages, Pieters holds groups as soon as the 5-km mark Orica - AIS events are not sustainable.” team first. wasn’t at her cheerful best when the gold jersey while Wild will with 21 riders making their own 9 Christine Majerus (Lux) Boels O’Grady admitted the “cher- “It’s good for the team because asked about the final sprint. start day three in silver jersey. lead. The leaders included Wild, Dolmans Cycling Team 10 Trixi ished” comment, made in an email we have first and second in the “We didn’t do the job,” Wild Continuing to impress with her Hosking, Johansson, Hoskins and Worrack (Ger) Specialized interview in December, had been general classification,” Pieters told cyclingnews.com. “I expected riding, Hoskins retained the double world champion Georgia - lululemon after wearing the golden jersey. it to break up early because there “White Pearl” jersey after finish- Bronzini. released without his approval. The 22-year-old from Haarlem, was the sidewind,” Wild added. “I ing 10th fastest rider. Building on their fine momen- Young rider He added that the European the Netherlands, said timing her just think we were just lucky that Pieters’ overall time is 5 hours tum, the leading pack stretched Tour had stopped sanctioning break in the last sprint was key there were four in the front.” 03:28 seconds. The Dutch rider their lead to 3 minute 55 seconds classification the Royal Trophy because of dis- to her maiden stage win in Doha. Bunched together in the last has a seven-second lead over at the 50-km mark. agreements with its promoters, 1 Amy Pieters (Ned) Team Giant “I was in the last wheel because 6kms, Pieters, Van der Breggen, Wild. Hosking, one of the rid- Once on the final circuit around including over TV rights. - Shimano 5:03:28 I had Kirsten in the group behind Becker and Cilvinaite dominated ers expected to dominate in ‘flat’ Madinat Al Shamal, Wild claimed “The commercial structure me, so I was waiting for the the proceedings by increasing Qatar, is 17 seconds adrift of the first intermediate sprint at 2 Melissa Hoskins (Aus) Orica of the EurAsia Cup offers The sprint,” Pieters said. “If the group their lead to 48 seconds but with Pieters. the second crossing of the line - AIS 0:00:31 European Tour a tremendous came back, then that was also ok 300m to go, Pieters broke free Earlier, a strong wind greeted (72-km mark) ahead of Hosking 3 Elena Cecchini (Ita) Italy I opportunity to further develop because I had Kirsten in the yel- from the group. the 88 riders that assembled at and Jolien D’Hoore. 4 Susanna Zorzi (Ita) Astana business interests, including tel- low jersey behind me.” Pieters pipped the chasing pack Al Zubarah Fort for the 112.5km The front girls were then no Bepink Womens Team 0:11:58 evision rights, in a part of the When asked to compare her at the end in Madina Al Shamal ride. longer concerned by the chasing world where our existing rela- 5 Thalita De Jong (Ned) Rabo tionships and partnerships are pack as the gap reached a stun- Liv Women Cycling Team 0:12:51 ning 6’50 at the 77-km mark. already strong,” he said. AFP 6 Dong Yan Huang (Chn) China Phinney makes The second bonus sprint of the Chongming-Giant Pro Cycling day at the fourth crossing of the 0:16:28 Volvo Match history in Dubai line (99-km mark) was clinched by Hosking ahead of Wild and 7 Roxane Fournier (Fra) France DUBAI: Taylor Phinney rode D’Hoore. Eventually, after quite 8 Emilie Moberg (Nor) Hitec Play returns to into cycling’s history books yes- a few attempts, four riders man- Products terday, the American claiming aged to break away at the 100-km 9 Michela Pavin (Ita) Ale England the first stage on the inaugural mark: Pieters, Van Der Breggen, Cipollini LONDON: The Volvo World Tour of Dubai. Becker and Cilvinaite. Five kilo- 10 Maria Giulia Confalonieri Match Play Championship will The BMC rider won the four- metres later they had a 45-second (Ita) Italy stage event’s 9.9 kilometre time lead over the chasing pack. The return to England this year for trial by 14 seconds from his British gap remained the same with three the first time since 2007 to mark teammate Steve Cummings. kilometres to go. the tournament’s 50th anni- Denmark’s 2012 Olympic The final sprint was finally Stage three today versary, organisers announced omnium gold medallist Lasse claimed by Pieters beating Van yesterday. Hansen was a further 16sec adrift Der Breggen and Becker to the Starts at Katara Cultural Village The European Tour event in third, with German world time line while the golden jersey group at 1:45pm and ends at Al Khor has been played in Spain and trial champion Tony Martin, who finished 27 seconds adrift of the Corniche at 4:10pm Bulgaria in the intervening years, ABOVE: set off last, coming fourth. winner. THE PENINSULA but although it is returning to England, it will be played at the Qatar Cycling Phinney had felt confident London Golf Club in Kent and not Federation about his level of preparedness American former venue Wentworth. (QCF) going into this newcomer on the professional cycling circuit after cyclist “I think it is fantastic that President a second place in an Argentine Taylor the Volvo World Match Play Sheikh Khalid season warm-up last month. Phinney, Championship will be played in bin Ali Al Thani “I thought I was going to beat of BMC England for this special anniver- gives away my record of watts, I reached 490. Racing sary,” said defending champion the trophy to I knew I was already in good con- team, rides Graeme McDowell. Amy Pieters dition as I’d worked well over the during the “I enjoyed everything about in Al Madinat winter,” said the 23-year-old. 9.9-km time my victory last year at Thracian Shamal Phinney, the son of two Olympic trial at the Cliffs in Bulgaria. It seems right, yesterday. though, to celebrate the champi- medallists at the 1984 Games, is inaugural RIGHT: Magid an early starter, the 2009 and onship’s anniversary in England, edition of Al Naimi, 2010 world pursuit champion fin- where the tournament was held Tour of Secretary ishing on the podium in last year’s for so many years.” Dubai in General, QCF, neighbouring Tour of Qatar. The 2014 tournament, to be the United with Pieters Today’s second stage favour- held between October 15 and 19, Arab who grabbed ing sprinters in the peloton is a will feature a 16-man field com- Emirates the golden 122km run from the capital of the peting for a first prize of £540,000 yesterday. jersey. UAE state to Palm Jumeirah. ($880,000, 651,000 euros). AFP AGENCIES Thursday 6 February 2014 6 Rabial II 1435 Volume 18 Number 5967 Sport Price: QR2
Aspire all set Ibra double for Sport Day steers PSG celebrations into final
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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Maiden triple ton for Sangakkara The left-hander joins 11,000-run club as Sri Lanka score 587 in their first innings
CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh: Scoreboard with the fourth ball of the innings. Kumar Sangakkara made a But Shamsur Rahman (45 not career-best 319 and joined the Sri Lanka (I innings): 5-312, 6-402, 7-405, 8-505, 9-533, 10-587. out) and Imrul Kayes (36 not 11,000-run club on the way as Sri D Karunaratne c Mahmudullah b Al-Amin ... 31 Bowling: Al-Amin 25-5-81-1 (nb1), Gazi 48-4- out) repaired the early damage Lanka took firm control of the K Silva lbw Gazi ...... 11 181-1, Razzak 4-1-6-0, Shakib 34-3-148-5 by adding 86 for the unbroken second Test against Bangladesh K Sangakkara c Gazi b Nasir ...... 319 (w1), Mahmudullah 34-2-110-1 (w1), Nasir 6.4- second wicket. Both batsmen Sri Lankan bats- in Chittagong yesterday. M Jayawardene lbw Mahmudullah ...... 72 0-16-2, Shamsur 1-0-5-0, Mominul 4-0-8-0. were lucky to survive till close man Kumar The tourists, who won the first D Chandimal c Kayes b Shakib ...... 27 Bangladesh (I innings): as Shamsur was dropped by Test by an innings and 248 runs A Mathews b Shakib ...... 5 Tamim Iqbal b Lakmal ...... 0 Mahela Jayawardene on 36 and Sangakkara (left) in Dhaka last week, scored 587 in K Vithanage lbw Nasir ...... 35 Shamsur Rahman (batting) ...... 45 Nuwan Pradeep grassed a simple celebrates his their first innings and Bangladesh D Perera lbw Shakib ...... 1 Imrul Kayes (batting) ...... 36 catch offered by Kayes just before triple century replied with 86-1 by stumps on A Mendis lbw Shakib ...... 47 Extras (NB-5) ...... 5 stumps. Bangladesh will still need with team- the second day. S Lakmal lbw Shakib ...... 0 Total (for 1 wkt) ...... 86 to bat out a major part of the mate Nuwan Left-handed Sangakkara’s N Pradeep (not out) ...... 4 Fall of wicket: 1-0 remaining three days to prevent Pradeep during maiden triple century was his Extras (B-21, LB-6, NB-1, W-2, PEN-5) ...... 35 Bowling: Lakmal 5-0-18-1, Pradeep 7-2-29- a 2-0 series rout. the second day ninth 200-plus knock, leaving him Total (all out) ...... 587 0 (nb3), Mendis 4-1-13-0 (nb2), Perera 7-2- The day was lit up by glorious of the second in second place behind Australian Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-49, 3-227, 4-294, 22-0, Mathews 2-0-4-0. strokeplay from Sangakkara, who Test match legend Don Bradman who had 12 flayed Bangladesh’s hapless bowl- againstBang- scores of 200 or more. try and chase when you have an “Hopefully before I finish we ers on the slow pitch at the Zahur ladesh at The Sangakkara, a 36-year-old vet- opportunity. will be able to beat some of the big Ahmed Chowdhury stadium. eran playing his 122nd Test, also “So I am very happy to have got countries in their own backyard. Left with number 11 Nuwan Zahur Ahmed became the ninth Test batsmen to into the 300-club at least.” And keep playing really good Test Pradeep at the other end, Chowdhury reach the 11,000-run mark. The former captain said his cricket and keep improving.” Sangakkara moved from 286 to Stadium in He now has 11,046 runs in the next big aim was to help Sri Having started the day on 160, 302 with a four and two sixes off Chittagong, all-time list headed by India’s Lanka play good Test cricket Sangakkara hit 32 boundaries consecutive deliveries from left- yesterday. Sachin Tendulkar (15,921). against the top sides. and eight sixes before he was last arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan. “As a batsman, you always look “I have personally achieved man out before tea attempting Pradeep contributed just four at big scores,” Sangakkara said. quite a bit as a batsman, but the to force the pace. Bangladesh’s in the 10th-wicket stand of 54 “There are 100s, 200s, 300s and team’s aim is to win a lot more reply began on the wrong foot with Sangakkara, who knocked Brian Lara has even got 400. Test matches, especially away when star opener Tamim Iqbal up 116 runs in the company of the Those are things you always from home,” he said. was bowled by Suranga Lakmal last three batsmen. AFP