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QDB and Maersk India clinch Oil in deal to Asia Cup develop SMEs T20 title

MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 • 27 Jumada I 1437 • Volume 20 • Number 6728 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Emir begins Turkmenistan visit Emir congratulates Woqod to open Ghana President

DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday a cable of congratulations to Presi- maintenance dent of the Republic of Ghana John Dramani Mahama on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day. centres for cars QSTP adds 91

per the plan then it will start with patents to market Specialised centres, at least three facilities by the end of this year. DOHA: Qatar Science and Tech- in collaboration with These facilities will be sepa- nology Park (QSTP) through its leading big players rate entities located along Woqod member companies has con- petrol stations wherever they can tributed 91 patents to the global such as Toyota, be accommodated. These brand- technology market, a senior offi- Nissan and Mercedes, dedicated service centres will be cial has said. providing full services of all leading QSTP’s Managing Director will start by the end cars manufacturers, including Ford, Hamad Al Kuwari said: “QSTP of this year. GMC and all major Japanese brands. serves as the hub for applied The investment cost of each research, innovation, and centres is expected to vary from entrepreneurship to reach com- company to company depending on mercialisation of viable technology By Mohammad Shoeb the size of the facility. But the esti- projects in Qatar. We are thrilled to The Peninsula mated cost of an ideal service centre announce that, through our mem- would be over QR50m. ber-companies, who have so far The names and locations of these contributed 91 patents to the glo- proposed centres have not been dis- bal technology market. I would like Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani getting off the plane at the Saparmurat Turkmenbashi DOHA: Qatar Fuel Company closed, but according, to Al Kuwari, to use this opportunity to extend (Woqod) has announced the opening they will be a carrying the names of International Airport in Ashgabat yesterday. The Emir is on a two-day state visit to Turkmenistan. He my gratitude to our esteemed of several specialised car mainte- Woqod as well as the name of a par- was welcomed upon arrival, along with the accompanying delegation, by Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime member-companies who have nance service facilities inside Doha ticular car brand. Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, Qatar’s Ambassador Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Suwaidi and been working diligently to make in collaboration with some leading “We are working to further tight- Turkmenistan’s envoy to Qatar Charyev Orazmuhammet Atajanovich. these unparalleled developments car dealers. ening agreements with more car possible.” “We are going to develop stan- dealers. Japanese car dealers such as dalone full car maintenance service Toyota, Nissan and others are more facilities at Woqod petrol stations aggressive for establishing such cen- wherever space is available,”, Ibra- tres”, he added. him Jaham Al Kuwari, CEO of Woqod “As these centres will be built in told The Peninsula yesterday on the different parts of Doha for leading Many arrested for helping maids escape sidelines of the company’s Annual car dealers, the car owners, instead General Meeting. of going to industrial area, will get “The total number of centres full maintenance services with great The Peninsula employed them, says a senior Minis- Director of Search and Follow-Up against them and those complaints have not been decided yet. We are comfort and ease.” try of Interior official. Department (S&FD) of the Ministry were verified. going to start with three big players The company is in the final stage During inspection drives, many of Interior, Al Sayed said some 5,440 Replying to questions about illegal such as Toyota, Nissan and Mercedes. of giving the full study to its Board foreign workers were caught last year companies and 3,460 individual visa trade, he said the crime has been These facilities will be a joint venture of Directors for their approval. Once DOHA: Law-enforcement agencies who were found violating Law No. 4 sponsors were blacklisted in 2015 for on a decline. In 2013, for instance, 184 project between Woqod and the spe- the plan is approved, the develop- have arrested many people involved of 2009 regulating entry, exit and stay violating the provisions of Law No 4 of companies were caught which were cific car dealers,” Al Kuwari added. ment work will soon start at various in luring housemaids to escape their of foreign workers in Qatar. 2009. They will not be allowed to hire accused of involvement in visa- The design of these centres are locations. sponsors. Many workers were repatriated fresh workers anymore as punish- related rackets. currently undergoing a lot of devel- Some 112 maids were prompted home last year for different crimes, ment, he said in remarks to Al Sharq. opments. But if everything goes as → Continued on page 2 to run away from the households that said Brigadier Nasser Al Sayed. Their workers had lodged complaints → Continued on page 4

IS truck bomb Sheikha Mayassa Five health centres to be in Baghdad opens auction set up in western region kills 60 house at Katara DOHA: H E Sheikha Al Mayassa The Peninsula Al Sada, director of the Western bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Region at the Primary Health Reuters Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Care Corporation (PHCC). Museums, yesterday opened Five new health centers will Dar Al Bahi auction house at DOHA: With a rapid increase in be set up in the region in the next HILLA, IRAQ: A truck bomb at an Katara Cultural Village, featur- the number of people using pri- few years which will add to the Iraqi checkpoint south of Bagh- ing several priceless paintings mary healthcare services, a major existing seven centers, Al Sada dad killed at least 60 people and and art works on Islamic and ori- expansion in the facilities is on told Qatar News Agency (QNA). wounded more than 70 yester- ental art. the anvil in the Western region Of these, two new health cen- day, medical and security officials These items will be auc- of the country that comprises a tres will open in Al Wajbah and said, and Islamic State (IS) claimed tioned first time in Qatar in large geographical area. Muaither by the end of this year or responsibility for the blast. April. Sheikha Al Mayassa later The new appointment system the beginning of next year. The suicide attack, involving toured the facility accompanied through the Wayyak telephone A new health center in Al an explosive-laden fuel tanker, is by Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin service has helped organise the Waab will also open next year the second deadliest this year after Hamad Al Thani, CEO of Qatar functioning of health centres and while new health centers are one on February 28 that killed 78 H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Media Corporation and Dr Kha- improve performance. planned in Bani Hajar and Ain people in Sadr City, a Shia district Qatar Museums, at the Dar Al Bahi auction house at Katara Cultural Village, lid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, director However, about 30% of the Khalid in future. of Baghdad. This was also claimed yesterday. general of Katara. patients who have appointments by the ultra-hardline Sunni group fail to turn up, said Dr Hiyam Ali → Continued on page 4 that controls vast swathes of terri- tory in Iraq and in Syria. The escalation in IS bombings suggests that Iraqi government forces are being stretched thin after their recent gains against the Over 1,500 chefs to participate in Gout de France group in the western and northern provinces. Responsibility for the bombing By Sidi Mohamed Announcing details about the and The French Ministry of foreign to French embassies from around said replying to a question from this in Hilla, 117km south of Baghdad, The Peninsula event, the French Ambassador to Affairs,” the ambassador said. He was the world”. newspaper. In the words of the famous was claimed in a posting on the Qatar, Eric Chevallier, said yes- addressing a press conference at his The French Embassy in Doha is Chef Alain Ducasse: “French cuisine website of the Amaq news agency, terday that more than 1,500 chefs residence and present were several also contributing to the “Good France” is the interpreter of a cuisine that has which supports Islamic State. from across the five continents celebrated chefs representing some event along with eight restaurants evolved towards lightness in harmony “A martyr’s operation with a D0HA: The second edition of the will be participating in the event, eight famous restaurants. here, in which tribute will be paid to with its environment, and the com- truck bomb hit the Babylon Ruins Goût de France ( Good France) will and providing 1500 “French –style Over 100,000 people and one French cuisine which is vibrant, mon point of this event is generosity, checkpoint at the entrance of the be held on March 21 to promote the dinners”. representatives from 1,300 restau- open and innovative, he added. sharing and the love for what is beau- city of Hilla, killing and wound- French cuisine. The event is being “This is part of a global event rants from across the world had In 2010, the Unesco had considered tiful and testes good”. ing dozens,” the statement on the held inspired by the success of the organised at the initiative of the taken part in the last edition of the the French cuisine as an international Amaq website said. last edition. famous French Chef, Alain Ducasse, French food festival, in addition and humanitarian heritage, Chevallier → See also page 7 02 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 HOME

Emir meets Singapore Deputy PM Qatar and Singapore sign cooperation agreements

between the two countries and countries. They welcomed the devel- means of enhancing them in the eco- opment of relations as each side has The Premier and nomic and investment fields. been cooperating in various fields Singapore’s Deputy They also exchanged views on since the first meeting of the com- regional and international issues of mittee in October 2006, particularly Premier attend the joint interest. economic cooperation, training in high-level joint The Premier and Singapo- the fields of civil service and urban rean Deputy Premier witnessed planning, cooperation in the fields committee meeting the signing of three memorandums of security, civil defence, informa- and witness the of understanding — on coopera- tion technology and communications tion in the legal field between both and the legal field. signing of several governments; cooperation in the The two sides welcomed the MoUs. education field between Qatar’s signing of a memorandum of under- Ministry of Education and Higher standing on cooperation in the legal Education and the Ministry of Edu- field, between Qatar’s Ministry of cation in Singapore; and cooperation Justice and the Ministry of Law in QNA and exchange in the field of devel- Singapore. They also welcomed the opment and capacity-building of renewal of an MoU on cooperation government officials and leaders of and exchange in the field of capac- DOHA: The Qatar-Singapore High the sector between Qatar Leadership ity- building of officials and leaders Level Joint Committee yesterday held Centre and the Civil Service College of the sector between Qatar Lead- a meeting under the chairmanship of in Singapore. ership Centre and the Civil Service Prime Minister and Interior Minister The Premier and the Deputy College in Singapore. Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Prime Minister of Singapore also They agreed to hold the com- Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean and his delegation at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. Talks Khalifa Al Thani. witnessed the signing of minutes mittee’s next meeting in Singapore Singapore’s Deputy Prime Min- of the joint statement of the meet- at a date to be set later through dip- dealt with relations between both countries, means of enhancing them and issues of mutual interest ister Teo Chee Hean headed his ing in which both sides underlined lomatic channels. The Premier also in the economic and investment sectors. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah delegation at the meeting at the their commitment to continue the hosted a luncheon banquet in hon- bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani was present. Emiri Diwan. work of the panel as the major pil- our of the Singaporean Deputy Prime Both sides discussed cooperation lar of cooperation between the two Minister and his delegation.

Greeting cables sent to Ghana Draft Code on Premium President Rate Services under way

QNA

The Peninsula CRA intends to empower consum- ers in Qatar to have full control of DOHA: Deputy Emir H H Sheikh the services and messages they Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani want to receive,” said Amel Salem Al yesterday sent a cable of congrat- DOHA: The draft Code on Premium Hanawi, Consumer Affairs Depart- ulations to Ghana President John Rate Services being prepared by the ment Manager. Dramani Mahama on his country’s Communications Regulatory Author- “These Codes will further Independence Day. ity (CRA) proposes a new obligation enhance CRA’s consumer protection Prime Minister and Interior on service providers to ensure that efforts together with the existing ini- Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin consumers have expressly agreed tiatives and regulatory instruments. Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with other officials to receive a service before they are The final documents will be made a similar congratulatory cable to at the Second Doha International Conference on the deaf and blind (dual disability). charged for that service. available to the consumers and other the president. The draft Codes are expected to stakeholder in the CRA website,” she be finalized in the coming months added. after both service providers - Oore- Some key consumer protection Rowing descent PM attends global forum on dual disability doo and Vodafone Qatar – have initiatives towards consumer protec- provided their comments. tion spearheaded by CRA include: A exercise alert The draft Codes are a result of Consumer Protection Policy which QNA attended the opening of the Second Senior officials, heads of diplo- continuous monitoring of reports includes a strengthened system for DOHA: The General Command of Doha International Conference to matic missions, representatives of in the media and many complaints monitoring and enforcing compli- the Armed Forces yesterday said discuss the problems of the deaf and civil society organisations and gov- received by CRA from consumers ance with the rules, and provision the Internal Security (Lekhwiya) blind (dual disability) at Doha Mar- ernments and experts from Qatar, about being charged for services for a dispute resolution process that will perform today a rowing DOHA: Prime Minister and Inte- riott Hotel yesterday. The three-day Arab and foreign countries and World that they have never requested or is independent of operators. descent at the height of 10 metres rior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah event is organised by Arab Union for Federation of the Deafblind are tak- received. A dedicated telecom consumers at Lekhwiya Camp from 7.15am to bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani the Blind. ing part. CRA has launched an industry complaint hotline (103) operational 9.15am. It called on visitors to the consultation on draft Codes on spam 24-hour; an independent complaints area to take precautions for safety. and premium rate services. process, which consumers can con- Through these draft Codes CRA tact if they are dissatisfied with intends to give specific guidance the way their service provider has Qatar to attend Woqod to open 18-20 petrol to service providers on issues that treated their complaint; a Code on are common sources of concern for Advertising, Marketing and Brand- UN meet stations in strategic areas consumers, CRA said in a statement ing to monitor advertisements and yesterday. promotions of communications DOHA: Qatar will attend the four- Service providers already have a products and services; and mobile Continued from page 1 day 47th Session of the United space to establish a fuel station,” he range of consumer protection obli- app — Arsel Nations Statistical Commission at said. gations under existing regulations. Consumers can contact CRA if the UN headquarters in New York Asked about developing more “So we are looking forward to The draft Codes add to these in ways they are first unable to resolve their City from tomorrow. Minister of fuel stations, especially in some developing some back streets which that are intended to reduce com- disputes with their service provider Development Planning and Statis- underserved areas, such as Al Cor- can be easily accessed by traffic plaints about spam and premium within 30 days using a variety of tics H E Dr Saleh Mohamed Salem niche Street and F-Ring Road, he along Corniche Road and similar rate services. communication channels: The 24/7 Al Nabit will lead a delegation to said Woqod has submitted a ‘mas- critical locations,” Al Kuwari added. “Most of the consumer com- hotline number 103, email at con- the meeting. Last year, Qatar was ter plan’ to concerned authorities He said Woqod is going to open plaints we receive are related to [email protected], using the elected Representative of the Asian which trying hard to provide right some 18-20 additional fuels stations premium services, consumer’s ina- CRA’s online complaint form, by Engineer Ibrahim Jaham Al Group, which enabled it to obtain locations. in strategic areas across the coun- bility to unsubscribe, spam and tweeting directly to @CRAqatar, or membership of the UBN Statistical Kuwari,CEO, Woqod, speaking at “In some areas such as Cor- try to ease the rush at existing petrol scam, among others. by visiting CRA’s headquarters at Al Commission for 2016-2019. the event. Pic: Salim / The Peninsula niche it is difficult to find appropriate stations. “Through these two draft Codes, Nasr Tower B, Corniche. Ooredoo donates QR200,000 to support Educate A Child programme

The Peninsula Moza bint Nasser, EAA aims to build work they do around the world. a global movement that contributes to “Ooredoo believes in the power human, social and economic develop- of education to transform people’s DOHA: Ooredoo has donated ment through the provision of quality lives, and we are working hard on QR200,000 to support Educate A education. programmes that deploy innovative Child (EAC), a programme of Educa- Under the mandate, the EAC pro- mobile technology to bring educa- tion Above All Foundation (EAA). gramme aims to provide access to tional resources to under-served and A cheque was given at a special quality primary education to out- of- remote communities. ceremony this week and will be used school children in regions suffering “We thank everyone who ran for EAC projects in support of chil- due to poverty, conflicts and natural the Ooredoo Marathon for their dren around the world with no access disasters. contribution.” to primary education due to poverty, Through its partnerships to date, Leena Al Derham, Senior Educa- conflicts or natural disasters. EAC has commitments in place to tion Specialist, EAC, said: “Ooredoo Ooredoo raised the money from enrol six million children. is a valuable partner and on behalf of entry fees for races during Ooredoo Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, Direc- EAC and EAA, we would like to thank Marathon 2016 in January and con- tor, Community and Public Relations, Ooredoo for its support and envision tributions from its central charity Ooredoo, said: “We are pleased and this to be the beginning of collabora- fund. proud to provide the donation to sup- tions with the company in support of Officials at the event. Founded in 2012 by H H Sheikha port EAC, recognising the incredible out-of-school children.” HOME MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 03

HBKU to celebrate accomplishments Great British Festival Qatar 2016 opens of women in Qatar The festival celebrates culture, education, The Peninsula tourism and business, with special events marking the 400th DOHA: As part of International Women’s Day, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) of Qatar Foundation (QF) anniversary of the death is organising an event to celebrate accomplishments of of William Shakespeare. leading women in Qatar and explore how women can best shape their futures. Organised by College of Humanities and Social Sciences in collaboration with Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), the event ‘My Voice, My Future’ will be held tomor- By Fazeena Saleem row at 9am at HBKU Student Centre. The Peninsula HBKU invites members of the community to attend a panel discussion featuring five female Qatari thought leaders Dr Amal Al Malki, Founding Dean of the college, said: DOHA: The third annual Great British Darwish Ahmed (third left), Director, Marketing and International Affairs, Katara; and British Ambassador to Qatar “The college was founded with a remit to be a catalyst in Festival Qatar 2016 has officially opened Ajay Sharma (fourth left), with other officials during the opening of the third annual Great British Festival Qatar 2016 these fields, employing academia and research to the serv- in celebration of culture, education, tour- at Katara yesterday. Pic: Abdul Basit ice of society. It gives me pleasure to organise this event ism and business, with special events along with DIFI. This is the first time we are celebrating marking the 400th anniversary of the International Women’s Day in an academic setting at HBKU. death of William Shakespeare. and enjoy some of the superb activities the opportunity to win two return flights in partnership with Unesco, will share “The focus of the event is to bring Qatari women to the The festival was opened by British on offer,” said Sharma. on the new direct route to Birmingham recent archaeological investigations forefront of the conversation and give them space to rep- Ambassador Ajay Sharma, with Dar- The Reduced Shakespeare Company to enjoy a Shakespeare Experience, with about the origins of Qatar and its his- resent themselves and their experiences. The event also wish Ahmed, Director, Marketing and will perform all his plays in 97 minutes free accommodation. toric towns at a ‘Cafe Scientifique” event brings together Qatari women from different professional International Affairs, Katara Cultural on March 11; the movie Much Ado About The Great Britain campaign is the on March 17 at Museum of Islamic Art backgrounds to showcase success stories and challenges Village, which is cultural partner for the Nothing, arguably the best film adaption UK’s most ambitious international mar- Park Cafe II. faced by them and state Qatari women’s aspirations and celebration. The festival until March 19 of Shakespeare, will be screened on March keting event and showcases the best the Frank Fitzpatrick, Director, Brit- objectives for the future. in partnership with British Council fea- 15, Qatar’s Philharmonic Orchestra will country offers to encourage more people ish Council Qatar, said, “The council “Qatari women are citizens of this wonderful country tures everything from traditional British play a selection of famous music inspired to visit, study, invest in and do business is delighted to again support the festi- and share the responsibility of the present and the future, spring fetes to a football tournament and by Shakespeare to close the festival on with the UK. val, in its third year. I look forward to working hand-in-hand with Qatari men.” activities in hotels. March 19. The full programme and ticket Prospective students are invited to another programme that welcomes the Noor Al Jehani Al Malki, Executive Director, DIFI, and “I am proud to launch the festival, details can be viewed at https:llwww. visit the annual ‘Study in the UK’ exhi- strength of our relationship with Qatar Co-organiser of the event, said, “We are delighted to collab- which promises to be the most enjoya- facebook.com/britfestga/or find out more bition from March 13 to 14 at La Cigale while creating opportunities for fur- orate with the college in celebrating International Women’s ble yet. It provides a platform for both about the festival on Twitter or Instagram Hotel. You can register in advance to ther collaboration and the exchange of Day. Driven by Qatar National Vision 2030 and aiming to countries to forge partnerships in com- by following the handle @britfestqa. gain fast access to the event at http:// knowledge and ideas.” Qatar Shell, Ezdan enhance women’s capabilities and empower them to par- merce, tourism, culture, education and To highlight Shakespeare’s con- ga.edukexhibition.org. Holding Group, Park House Community ticipate fully in all spheres of life, we want to highlight science. I encourage residents in Qatar tribution to the arts, Qatar Airways is Many British researchers from Uni- Initiative and Blue Rubicon are official achievements and aspirations of younger women, while to get involved over the next fortnight offering one lucky festival participant versity College London in Qatar and sponsors of the festival. encouraging them to be proactive and take advantage of opportunities that could shape their futures.” Panellists include Dr Kholode Al Obaidli, former vice-- president, National Talent Management, Human Resources Department, Qatar Airways; Aysha Al Mudahka, CEO, Qatar Plans to organise traditional camel-riding festival Business Incubation Centre, Dr Asma Al Fadhala, Director of Research, World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE); Hanadi Al Darwish, Artist and Director, Visual Arts Centre, QNA Jassim bin Faisal Al Thani said they riding festival. He expressed delight over reactions from citizens and foreigners Ministry of Culture and Sports; and Tahani Al Hajri, Col- will organise a traditional camel-rid- the success of the festival this year and to the festival encouraged the commit- umnist. The event will be moderated by Reem Al Harmi, ing festival next season. The panel holds highlighted the high level of attendance tee to prepare for the event next year. He Qatari Columnist, followed by a question-answer session three major festivals each season. The by people of all ages, in addition to for- thanked the country’s leadership for sup- and a networking reception. Those interested are encour- DOHA: Camel Racing Organising Com- announcement follows the success of this eigners and tourists visiting Qatar. port and said it helped make the festival aged to RSVP at: [email protected]. mittee Chairman Sheikh Hamad bin year’s edition of the traditional camel- Sheikh Hamad said strong positive a success. 04 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 HOME

Yamaha bikes HMC hosts second Qatar nephrology forum 42F-R1/RIM models recalled or treated with conventional medi- cal treatments. There are about “Patients with the condition The Peninsula 80 patients on the depend on dialysis and kidney trans- waiting list and 300 plants for survival,” said Dr Hassan Al Malki, Head, Nephrology Depart- under work-up for ment, HMC, and Chairman of the DOHA: The Ministry of Economy kidney transplants in conference. About 250 healthcare and Commerce, in collaboration professionals, including leaders in with Al Badi Trading & Contract- Qatar. the field of nephrology, attended the ing Co. dealer of Yamaha bikes, has conference with Qatar National Bank announced the recall of Yamaha as the main sponsor. bikes 42F-R1/R1M models of 2015 “The conference is part of HMC’s because of an imbalance in the The Peninsula efforts to build capacity in Qatar and speed box (gear). the region for the delivery of high The ministry said the recall quality preventive and therapeu- is within the framework of its tic healthcare, which is a priority of efforts to protect consumers and DOHA: The Second Qatar Nephrology Qatar’s National Health Strategy,” Dr ensure dealers follow up on vehi- Conference hosted by Hamad Medical Al Malki said and thanked sponsors. cle defects and repairs. Corporation (HMC) discussed latest QNB Group’s sponsorship is part The ministry said it will coor- research and other developments in of the Group’s efforts to support the dinate with the dealer to follow up renal and transplantation medicine. development of healthcare and medi- on maintenance and repairs and Dr Hassan Al Malki (third left), Head, Nephrology Department, HMC, and Chairman of the conference, with There are about 80 patients on the cine in Qatar, and part of its corporate communicate with customers to waiting list and 300 under work-up social responsibility programme to other participants and representatives of the sponsors pose for a group photo at the event. ensure necessary repairs are car- for kidney transplants in Qatar. give back to the community in Qatar ried out. “The incidence and prevalence and across its international network. It urged customers to report of renal diseases is on the rise all QNB’s CSR programme is focused on the success of the first in 2013. programmes. Centre for Organ Transplantation’s any violations to its Consumer over the world, and fighting the dis- on the development of six main It aimed to provide healthcare pro- The event featured 15 interna- National Paired Kidney Exchange Protection and Anti-Commer- eases is a major health challenge for areas: Arts and culture; economic fessionals in the region with an tional speakers, including renowned Committee; Dr Peter Blake, President, cial Fraud Department through the future. “Chronic diseases such and international affairs; health and opportunity to share knowledge kidney clinician scientist Dr Chris North American Chapter of Interna- hotline: 16001; email: info@mec. as diabetes and hypertension repre- the environment; social and human- and expertise and foster collabo- McIntyre from Canada; Prof Jürgen tional Society of Peritoneal Dialysis; gov.qa; Twitter: @MEC_Qatar; sent the major causes of end-stage itarian affairs; sports; and youth and rations with international centres Floege, President, German Society and Dr Ronald J Falk, international Instagram: MEC_Qatar; and the renal disease — a kidney failure so education. that can contribute to the develop- of Nephrology; Dr Khalid Abdulmo- expert in vasculitis and autoimmune ministry’s mobile app for Android advanced that it cannot be reversed The second conference builds ment of HMC’s transplant and dialysis hsen Almeshari, Chairman, Saudi kidney disease. and IOS: MEC_Qatar French-Syrian Vodafone unveils Number of errant firms dropped to 120 in 2014 lensman to open spam calls solo exhibition

Continued from page 1 awareness drive The companies numbered only There is a special team at the Law No. 4. five and individuals barely seven last S&FD that collects proof and builds Talking about the punishment The Peninsula As for individuals who were year. cases against those involved in visa prescribed for those who provide The Peninsula involved as brokers in the illicit visa “The figures show beyond doubt rackets, he said. shelter to a runaway worker, the trade, their number totalled 1,203 in that the illegal visa trade is not a The suspects are referred to the official said Article 51 says if proved DOHA: Prominent French-Syr- 2013. problem anymore,” said Al Sayed. Public Prosecution and then legal guilty they must face a fine of up to ian photographer Ammar Abd However, the number of errant He said the victims of the illicit action is taken against them. QR50,000 or a jail term of up to three Rabbo will open a solo exhibition DOHA: To ensure the highest lev- companies went down to 120 the fol- visa trade who land here and have no The court decides the action to years. at Katara, marking the fifth anni- els of customer security and data lowing year (in 2014) and the number jobs and nowhere to go, are helped by be taken. However, if the person is found versary of the Syrian Revolution as protection, Vodafone Qatar has of people found involved as brokers his department to change sponsor- Catching runaway workers is repeating the crime, he or she must a homage to the civilians trapped launched a campaign to raise was a mere 75. ship and find jobs. a coordinated work and the S7FD face a jail term of a minimum of 15 in Syrian cities. awareness about spam calls and Last year, there was a drastic “We usually send them to compa- works in close cooperation with law- days and a maximum of three years Titled “Aleppo,” the exhibi- messages. decline in both, the number of com- nies that have jobs and need workers,” enforcement agencies like Lekhwiya and fine ranging from QR20,000 to tion will feature 31 photos that Vodafone Qatar said: “Our cus- panies and individual brokers. said the Brigadier. and Al Faza to catch the violators (of QR100,000 or both. document the different aspects tomers may have received a call or of everyday life in the war torn message via WhatsApp recently city of Aleppo: a city that is being from an unknown local or inter- besieged and suffers from hun- national number informing them ger and shortages like the other that they have won a cash prize Al Rayyan health centre to be expanded this year cities of Syria. The exhibition from Vodafone Qatar. We assure has travelled to various cities in customers that our competitions are France including Paris, Alençon SMS-based with the sender listed and Mandelieu. Five photographs Continued from page 1 as ‘Vodafone’ or the number 97773. centres receive an average 15,000 centres. The extended timing has already of the show were also shown in We will not contact customers via visitors. It will be implemented in Abu been implemented in Abu Nakhla, Berlin as part of a collective exhi- WhatsApp and we ask them not to Al Rayyan health centre, one Health centres in less populated Backer and Mesaimeer health cen- Sheehnaia and Mesaimeer health bition called “My Voice Rings Out answer these messages or return of the biggest in the region will be areas like Karana and Jameelia tres in July. centres and it will be enforced in For Syria” and one of the images calls as it may be a scam. Vodafone expanded this year because of the receive relatively less number of Specialized clinics has been Al Rayyan and Abu backer Siddiq shown in Doha was chosen and is working to block such scams so large turnout, Dr Al Sada added. visitors. shifted from the old building to the health centres in April and later in exhibited by worldwide famous that they do not receive them in Al Rayyan health centre receives Of the total patients, about 20 new one as part of expansion at Abu- the remaining health centres. artist Banksy for his “Dismaland” future.” It urged customers to con- an average 36,000 visitors per month, percent are referred to the Hamad backer Siddiq health centre and some Vaccination against infection dis- project in England. Presented by tact its Call Centre on 111 about any while Mesaimeer and Abu Backer General Hospital, especially cases new services have been added like eases and pre-travel vaccination are Katara and the French embassy, such numbers. Vodafone will draw Siddiq health centre see an average needing surgery and critical care. school health services, quit smoking available in all heath centres in the the expo will be open from March information related to the number 26,000 visitors. The E-file system has helped clinic, dermatology, minor surgery region, not only in Mesaimeer, said 15 to 31 at Katara Building 22. and refer it to authorities. Al Nakhla and Sheehania health improve the services at health and physiotherapy. Dr Al Sada. Firm and pharmacy shut down for violating consumer protection law

The Peninsula suppliers of goods shall clearly display on product labels a clear description DOHA: The Ministry of of goods and their ingre- Economy and Commerce dients and refrain from has shut down a com- posting any misleading pany for a month and a or false statements. pharmacy for a week for The administrative violating some provisions closure is published on the of the consumer protec- ministry’s website as well tion law. as two daily newspapers The erring outlet in at the offending com- Al Wakrah was caught pany and the pharmacy’s for displaying and sell- expense in line with Arti- ing counterfeit products cle No. 3 of the law. and the pharmacy in Al The ministry said it Aziziyah was booked for is determined to protect selling expired baby milk. consumer rights and will The closure in both intensify inspection cam- cases is within the paigns to crack down on framework of inspec- violations of the law. tion campaigns carried The ministry said it will out by the ministry to refer violators of laws monitor the market and and ministerial decrees commercial activities to to authorities, who will combat price manipula- take action against them tion and expose violations to protect the rights of pertaining to counterfeit consumers. goods and non-conform- The ministry urged ance with standard consumers to report any specifications. violations to its Consumer Inspectors from the Protection and Anti-Com- ministry fined the com- mercial Fraud department pany and the pharmacy in and send complaints and line with Article 7 of Law suggestions through hot- No. 8 of 2008. line, 16001 or email info@ The law stipulates that mec.gov.qa. HOME MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 05 Qatar Airways Cargo wins global award for excellence

STAT Times readers rate the world’s third-largest air cargo carrier ‘highly acclaimed’ in the International Air Cargo Airline of the Year category.

The Peninsula

Qatar Red Crescent Society officials with students during a visit to Kenya. DOHA: Qatar Airways Cargo (QAC) recently received the International Daniel Parker (left), Vice-President, Global Sales, Qatar Airways Cargo, Award for Excellence in Air Cargo at the Air Cargo India 2016 exhibi- receives the award from Hemanth D P, Chief Operating Officer, Aero QRCS team visits Kenya to promote tion and conference hosted by STAT Commercial, Cargo & Asia Pacific Flying School, GMR Airports. Times. Readers of STAT Times, the monthly publication covering trans- our cargo customers so well. Boston and Birmingham this month. International Humanitarian Law port and tourism news, rated QAC “QAC is emerging as a leader in QAC recently expanded portfolio ‘highly acclaimed’ in the Interna- the air cargo world, expanding net- of services with the introduction of tional Air Cargo Airline of the Year work and offering new products and QR Express and QR Equine. The Peninsula It was agreed to hold a moot court services for society, and the Somali category, a significant recognition services our customers want and The two product lines ensure the competition for law students of the refugees in particular. The toured the of QAC’s emerging industry leader- need. We are investing in infrastruc- special needs of each customer are university, like the one held by QRCS King Faisal Hospital, the country’s ship position. ture at Hamad International Airport fully met throughout the transport in Uganda. The moot court will be central hospital funded by Saudi Ara- Recent customer innovations to support further growth, includ- experience. DOHA: A Qatar Red Crescent Soci- chaired by Dr Oussedik and man- bia, and met some in-patients. introduced by QAC include Croamis, ing a new cargo terminal that will QR Express provides clients with ety (QRCS) delegation visited Kenya to aged by a jury of legal professors The team went to Lamu County, a new shipment tracking system that be able to handle 4.4 million tonnes the opportunity to book shipments discuss cooperation, capacity- build- and experts. some 600km from Nairobi, to visit allows shippers and forwarders full of cargo per year, and we look for- with high boarding priority and rapid ing and promotion of International Dr Al Mannai delivered a lecture the KRCS branch and have an idea visibility of the transportation ribbon, ward to expanding our influence in handling at origin and destination. Humanitarian Law (IHL) in the Afri- for College of Islamic Studies students about its activities, especially in rela- which provides the latest information global airfreight.” With QR Equine our team of spe- can continent. on volunteerism and humanitarian- tion to drug control. and real-time status of their cargo. QAC operates a fleet of eight cialists ensure that horses experience Dr Aisha Yousef Al Mannai, ism, stressing the need to enforce They spoke to some rehabilitated The world’s third-largest air Airbus A330Fs, eight Boeing 777 QA’s globally renowned service and Vice-President, QRCS; and Dr Fawzi IHL. The lecture received large addicts to know what services they cargo carrier has fully adopted the freighters and one Boeing 747 nose comfort. Oussedik, Head, International Rela- attendance, who made valuable received that helped them overcome electronic air waybill, which makes loader freighter. It utilises the cargo QAC offers other customer prod- tions, QRCS, were received by Dr comments. addiction and fill their free time with the shipping process more stream- belly-hold space on QA’s passenger ucts, including QR Fresh and QR Abbas Gullet, Secretary-General, A seminar was held with the uni- useful activities. lined and efficient. flights. Pharma, for the handling and trans- Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS). versity’s faculty on their interest in The team then visited the Kenya- QAC continues to expand network QA launched freighter services to portation of temperature-controlled They visited Al Mustaqbal Uni- voluntary work and related fields, Somalia frontiers to watch difficulties of offerings, serving more than 50 Budapest, Prague and Ho Chi Minh goods such as perishable products versity in Garissa, chaired by Dr highlighting challenges that may facing humanitarian efforts so that cargo destinations. on March 3. Belly-hold cargo capacity and delicate pharmaceuticals, and Abbas Gullet, to explore cooperation hinder progress. future relief and development pro- Ulrich Ogiermann, Chief Officer will also be provided on the recently QR On-Board Courier for smaller between QRCS and KRCS, particu- The delegation also visited KRCS grammes for the Somali refugees in Cargo, Qatar Airways (QA), said: “We launched passenger route to Sydney, packages that require immediate larly in the promotion of IHL. First Aid Department to review Kenya can be prepared accordingly. appreciate the recognition for serving and on the up and coming services to care and attention from a handler. 06 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 HOME QRCS’s ‘Touch of Warmth’ project continues in Syria

distributions were in Kafar Naha in (IHR). The project aims to distrib- western and southern Aleppo coun- ute 30,500 bags of children’s winter Children receive warm tryside, Jarjnaz in Idlib countryside, clothes and 225,000 litres of heat- clothes to protect Qasr Ibn Wardan in eastern Hama ing oil and restore 200 households themselves against countryside, areas of Damascus, Rif damaged by war. All clothes were Dimashq, Daraa countryside and produced and delivered by 26 con- the bitter cold as Homs. tracted workshops, which hired more part of Warm Winter In the towns, children received than 370 local workers. warm clothes to protect their fragile Distribution of the second batch 2015-2016 campaign health against the bitter cold. of heating oil (125,000 litres) has at a cost of QR4m for The innocent children smiled as begun, following distribution of the they wore new warm clothes with first batch of 100,000 litres at the 60,000 beneficiaries. the help of QRCS staff, who talked to rate of 40 per family. Homes res- them in a friendly manner and took toration works were welcomed by group photos with them to help them communities, beneficiaries, and pro- forget the atrocities of war and dis- fessionals, including electricians, The Peninsula placement and compensate them for plumbers, construction workers, car- deprivation of their basic rights to penters, among others, playing, food, warmth and education. So far, 80 homes in Rif Dimashq For more than three months now, and 30 in Aleppo have been restored. DOHA: Work is in progress in the QRCS relief personnel have been con- There are also indirect benefici- ‘Touch of Warmth’ project of Qatar ducting the production, procurement, aries, including 370 sewing workers, Red Crescent Society (QRCS) in needy and distribution processes of the 150 reconstruction workers, 80 vol- A Qatar Red Crescent Society volunteer with Syrian children after dressing them in warm clothes. parts of Syria, with a budget of $1.1m project in cooperation with Interna- unteers supervising the project, and (QR4m), under its Warm Winter 2015- tional Community Development and 20 volunteers to distribute the heat- Warm Winter campaign for 2015- child mortality rates, encourage reactivate small-to-medium plants 2016 campaign. Human Support Foundation (SDI) and ing oil. 2016 to protect Syrian children school attendance and prevent and workshops and reach out to the The latest winterisation aid International Humanitarian Relief The project is part of QRCS’s against the cold winter, help reduce absenteeism, support local livelihood, beleaguered and most needy areas. HMC documentary wins award in Cairo

The Peninsula Minister of Health and Population, Secretary-General, Medical Affairs, and Dr Tawfik bin Ahmad Khoja, the Ministry of Public Health, said Director-General, Executive Board, constant migration of Arab medi- GCC Health Ministers Council and cal practitioners out of the region is DOHA: A team of senior leaders from Secretary-General of the federation. one of the main challenges facing the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Ali Abdullah Al Khater, Chief of development of healthcare systems collected the health education lead- Communications, Corporate Com- in the Arab region. ership award presented by the Arab munications Department, HMC, and He stressed Qatar’s efforts Hospitals Federation during its 17th Head of the HMC delegation to the towards retaining competent Arab forum in Cairo, Egypt, last week. forum, thanked the federation for the medical practitioners to serve its The team won the award in rec- award and recognition. healthcare sector by allocating 2.8 ognition of a documentary film on He said the award reflected the percent of the budget for scientific their experiences in trekking to the importance HMC places on creating research and to attract the most Ali Abdullah Al Khater, Chief of Communications, Corporate Communications Department, HMC, and members summit of Mount Kilimanjaro last health awareness among Qatar’s prestigious universities and scien- year. The film stressed the impor- population. tific institutions to open branches in of his delegation pose for a group photo at the forum in Cairo. tance of physical exercise for all ages “We always urge the public to the country. and conveys the message that older adopt a healthy lifestyle, especially At an exhibition on the side- people can engage in sports, includ- by engaging in activities that con- line, HMC’s delegation received Saif ing climbing mountain peak. tribute to the prevention of diseases. bin Moqaddam Albuainain, Qatari Mohamed Mubarak Al Noimi, Health education is part of our role in Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Chief of Communications and Chief promoting a healthy community by Delegate to Arab League, and Khalid of Staff at HMC Managing Director’s giving people the knowledge to take Ali Al Malki Al Juhani, First Secre- office, and member of the Executive control of their health,” he added. tary at the Qatari embassy in Egypt. Board of the federation, received the During a discussion panel com- Al Noimi and Al Khater awarded award on behalf of HMC from Dr prising Arab health ministers, Dr HMC plaques to top visitors to the Ahmad Imad Addin Rady, Egyptian Saleh bin Ali Al Marri, Assistant corporation’s stand. Award-winning director James Schamus shares his experiences at Qumra

The Peninsula

DOHA: Multi-award-winning screenwriter, director and leading US indie producer James Schamus shared his journey to becoming a filmmaker, at Qumra in a candid, humorous and inspirational master class on Sunday. The session was the first of five master classes during the second edi- tion of Qumra, the annual industry event by Doha Film Institute (DFI) designed to nurture the development of emerging filmmakers. Schamus recalled how he got interested in film, growing up in Los Angeles and watching silent movies on Friday nights on TV. He described his first meeting with Ang Lee when Richard Pena (left), moderates the first Qumra Master Class with multi- he co-founded the US production award-winning screenwriter James Schamus on day two of Qumra, the company Good Machine in the early second edition of the industry event by Doha Film Institute dedicated 1990s with Ted Hope, and decided to focus on making ‘no budget movies’. to the development of emerging filmmakers. “Ted loves to make lists and made a list of everyone who had made a remains the highest-grossing non- his feature directorial debut Indigna- short film in the last 10 years but had English-language film in the US. It tion, he said: “Directing is a disease never made a feature. Ang had made was screened at Qumra as part of the that strikes middle-aged producers. a short while at NYU Film School and Modern Masters Screenings. I knew I was always susceptible, but it was amazing. So we called his On the importance of casting I’d always had the luxury of writing agent and were told he was work- directors, Schamus discussed how for Ang so why would I have done it ing on some big projects and thanks much he enjoys the casting proc- before!” for the interest but we heard noth- ess when working with first-time Asked about the key to success ing back. filmmakers. in becoming a screenwriter and his “Then two weeks later we got a “My heart goes out to actors. I advice in overcoming the biggest call out of the blue from Ang saying admire them as they risk more than challenges he has faced as a writer, he’d won a screenplay prize in Tai- anybody and they are very vulnera- he joked: “The biggest problem is get- wan and had $300,000 to make a ble. They need respect so I always try ting started. Screenplays are a purely feature and he’d heard we were to give as long and wide a space for instrumental document; they are rhe- the guys who made movies for no emotions to play themselves out and torical documents that are not in and money.” let them know we will catch them if of themselves works of art. My def- From that first encounter grew they fall. Casting is 90 percent of inition of a screenplay is 124 pages a long working collaboration that directing.” of begging for money. You are not spanned nine movies, including On his recent move into directing writing a sonnet, it doesn’t have to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, – first with the short documentary be particularly elegant, it has to be which won four Academy Awards and That Film About Money in 2014 and persuasive.” HOME MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 07

Gout de France on March 21 Josoor and QU host sports and events workshops

workshops a success. impact of social media for the sports The workshops are “We aim to train and inspire industry. many professionals working in the ‘Creating High Performance the result of a long- sports and events industries in Qatar Sports Organisations’ workshop dealt lasting partnership and the Middle East and North Africa with a relevant topic for sports organ- (Mena) region. This would include the isations in Qatar and the region. It between QU and younger generations who have the started with a session by sports psy- Josoor and were important mission to build Qatar’s chologist Tom Cross, who prepared attended by a large leading position in these industries the delegates for change and innova- and deliver an amazing 2022 FIFA tion by making them more aware of number of delegates, World Cup.” their personal style of working and including over 60 QU The workshops were tailored to interacting with their teams. address challenges faced by sports Each workshop also featured students. and events professionals in Mena and a keynote speaker who shared build sustainable sports and events knowledge and inspiration with the industries in this part of the world. delegates. The first keynote speaker ‘Marketing and PR for Sport and was Sunny Singh, Senior Market- Eric Chevallier, French Ambassador to Qatar, announces the Gout de France event, at a press conference The Peninsula Major Events’ examined the essential ing Officer, Qatar Sports Investment at his residence yesterday. The event will be held on March 21. Pic: Baher / The Peninsula role marketing and PR play in driv- (Burrda Sportswear Brand), who ing interest and increasing visibility talked about driving innovation, for sporting and non-sporting major reaching new audiences and build- DOHA: Josoor Institute, a centre of events. With many world champion- ing relationships. excellence for the sports and events ships and regional events embraced Simon Clegg, one of the most industries, inspired and developed by by the Arab world in recent years and experienced sports business leaders Awareness lecture on fake products held the Supreme Committee for Delivery large-scale brands and promoters in the UK, was a keynote speaker for & Legacy (SC), collaborated for the defining specific approaches for the the second workshop. first time with Qatar University’s Col- local market, there is an increasing Both workshops were delivered lege of Arts and Sciences (QU-CAS) to demand for sports marketing and PR by international and local experts, The Peninsula deliver two professional development professionals in the region. including Dr Mahfoud Amara, Assist- workshops on sports and events. The workshop developed engag- ant Professor, Sport Management and The workshops ‘Marketing and ing and interesting topics, from Policy, QU, Nick Thain, CEO, Sports Public Relations (PR) for Sport and practical tips for successful sports New Media and GiveMeSport, and DOHA: An awareness lecture was held for customs Major Events’ and ‘Creating High Per- and marketing campaigns, includ- social media expert for the sports inspectors to help improve their skills to detect counterfeit formance Sports Organisations’ are ing best real life examples of sports industry; and Keith Scully, Adjunct products, fight commercial fraud and protect intellec- the result of a long-lasting partner- campaigns in the Middle East to the Professor, Georgetown University. tual property rights. ship between QU and Josoor and had The lecture was organised to mark Arab Customs Day in attendance a large number of dele- that falls on March 3 every year. gates, including over 60 QU students. Customs officials, especially the inspectors, were told The workshops also had over 40 how to tell a replica of a real product from the real prod- delegates from Qatar Stars League uct itself, among other things. and its clubs attend and engage in Latest techniques to fight commercial fraud and help thought-provoking discussions with protect intellectual property rights were also explained to the speakers. Overall, there were 180 the participants. The lecture was held as part of a broader delegates from local organisations goal to implement the recommendations of Directors- attending the workshops. General of Customs Departments in the Arab world. Mushtaq Al Waeli, Executive The focus was on recommendations, particularly the Director (Acting), Josoor Institute, ones made at the 25th Meeting of Arab Customs Direc- said: “This was our first collaboration An official explaining to customs inspectors and tors-General held in the year 2013. with QU for the delivery of profes- It was decided at this meeting to mark March 3 every officials how to differentiate between the replica sional development workshops and I of a real product and the real product at the event year as Arab Customs Day, a release from Qatar’s Cus- would like to commend the QU team One of the workshops in progress. toms General Authority said yesterday. to mark Arab Customs Day. on their contribution to making the 08 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 MIDDLE EAST

Iranian tycoon Homage to Turabi sentenced to death for fraud

the oil ministry. They must also pay a “fine equal to one fourth of the money that was Two other convicts laundered”, the spokesman said, without likely to get death in specifying the sum. trial held in public. Zanjani, who can appeal, had denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the only reason the money had not been paid to the oil ministry was that sanctions had prevented a planned transfer from tak- AFP ing place. However, the case follows repeated declarations from the current govern- ment of President Hassan Rowhani that TEHRAN: Iran’s billionaire tycoon Babak corruption and the payment of illegal Zanjani has been sentenced to death for commissions thrived under Ahmadine- corruption, a judicial official said yes- jad’s rule. Other trials are ongoing. Mourners hold a banner bearing portraits of veteran Sudan Islamist opposition leader Hassan Al Turabi during his funeral in terday, after a long trial in which he was Zanjani had repeatedly said in media the capital Khartoum, yesterday. Turabi, one of the fiercest critics of President Omar Hassan Al Bashir’s government, died of a accused of fraudulently pocketing $2.8bn. interviews that in return for commissions heart attack on Saturday. Zanjani became notorious during the paid by Ahmadinejad’s government he was era of president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, tasked with circumventing sanctions to get finding ways to channel hard currency money back to Iran. from oil sales to Tehran despite financial In October last year, however, Rowha- sanctions imposed on the Islamic repub- ni’s oil minister Bijan Zanganeh signalled lic’s banks as punishment for its nuclear the shifting political balance in Iran, hit- Egypt and France programme. ting out at the use of middlemen such as UN chief seeks talks to resolve The 41-year-old was convicted of fraud Zanjani, who before being arrested had begin military and economic crimes and as well as fac- boasted of his personal wealth. ing the death penalty he must repay money Iranian media have put it as high as Western Sahara insurgency exercises in the to the state, judiciary spokesman Gholam $13.5bn. Hossein Mohseni-Ejeie said at his weekly Speaking after Iran concluded a press conference. nuclear deal with world powers, paving Mediterranean The trial was held in public, a rarity for the way for increased foreign activity in Reuters such a major case in Iran, and two other Iran’s oil sector, Zanganeh urged inves- AFP accused were also convicted of “corrup- tors to deal directly with his ministry and tion on earth”, the most serious offence avoid third parties. under the country’s criminal code, mean- “We despise the corrupt parasites that ALGIERS: United Nations chief CAIRO: Egypt and France began ing they too will face the death penalty. want to suck the nation’s blood even in this Ban Ki-moon said yesterday he yesterday joint manoeuvres in the “The preliminary court has sentenced situation,” Zanganeh said, to loud applause had asked his envoy for the dis- Mediterranean in which French these three defendants to be executed, as at an oil and energy industry event in puted Western Sahara territory to Rafale warplanes purchased by well as paying restitution to the plaintiff,” the capital while Zanjani’s trial was meet the Polisario independence Cairo last year are taking part, Mohseni-Ejeie said, adding that that was under way. movement and Morocco to bring the Egyptian army said. the two sides back to negotiations The “Ramses 2016” military to end their conflict. and naval exercise is being held off Morocco took most of West- the coast of the Mediterranean city ern Sahara in 1975 following the of Alexandria and are expected to Egypt replaces farm quarantine official withdrawal of the colonial power last for several days, the army said Spain. The Polisario Front, which on its Facebook page. Reuters Moussa imposed a zero tolerance pol- says the territory belongs to eth- Paris announced the manoeu- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) arrives for a one-day icy on ergot, a common grains fungus. nic Sahrawis, waged a guerrilla vres Tuesday saying the French This was at odds with the ministry of war until a UN-brokered cease- visit to the indigenous Sahrawi refugee camp of Al Smara in aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, CAIRO: Egypt has appointed a new head agriculture and supply backing a more fire in 1991. UN attempts to hold Tindouf, southern Algeria. which is being used to launch air of its agriculture quarantine authority, common international standard that a referendum on the future of strikes on the Islamic State group the ministry of agriculture said yesterday, allows trace levels. the region have failed since then, Ban has said he wants to in mud brick houses in the harsh in Syria and Iraq, would also take replacing Saad Moussa, who has been at Many traders have declined in recent with the two sides deadlocked. relaunch negotiations to resolve Tindouf area in southern Algeria part. The drill is aimed at “shar- the centre of a controversy over the coun- months to make offers in state wheat “I asked my special envoy the conflict so Sahrawi refugees for some 40 years. ing our expertise with the Egyptian try’s wheat imports. tenders. Christopher Ross to resume his can return home to Western Polisario leader Mohammed military... one of our main Mid- shuttle diplomacy to create the Sahara. He said yesterday he Abdelaziz last week called Ban’s dle East partners,” the French appropriate atmosphere for the would call for a donors’ con- visit the best chance in a long defence ministry said at the time. resumption of talks,” Ban said in ference to raise funds for the time to reset negotiations, but The Egyptian army said a French Algiers after visiting the Sahrawi Sahrawi camps. many in the Sahrawi camps are multi-mission frigate purchased refugee camps where Polisario Many of the Sahrawi refu- deeply frustrated over the long- by Cairo last year would also take Front is based in southern Alge- gees, who fled the fighting in delayed referendum and lack of part in the drill along with Rafale ria, near the Moroccan border. Western Sahara, have been living progress. combat jets and F-16 warplanes. Netanyahu plays down rift with US

AFP

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netan- yahu spoke yesterday of “strong” ties with the United States ahead of a visit by Vice-President Joe Biden, despite deep disagreement over the nuclear accord with Iran. “This visit expresses the strong relations between Israel and our ally the US,” Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting. “There are those who have predicted the collapse of these relations. It is not so. The relationship is strong in all areas and also in face of the challenges that we are standing together against in our region.” Biden is set to arrive tomorrow for talks with Netanyahu as well as Palestinian President Mah- moud Abbas in Ramallah. Israel and the United States have been seeking to move past deep disagreement over the Iran nuclear accord, which Netanyahu strongly opposed, and work out a new 10-year defence aid package. The current deal grants Israel some $3.1bn annu- ally, in addition to spending on other projects such as missile defence. Biden’s visit comes amid a five-month wave of vio- lence in Israel and the Palestinian territories that has killed 181 Palestinians as well as 28 Israelis. Most of the Palestinians who died in the violence were killed while carrying out knife, gun or car-ram- ming attacks, according to Israeli authorities. Others were shot dead by Israeli forces during clashes or demonstrations. The White House said on Friday that Biden would not be pursuing any major new peace initiatives during his visit. US President Barack Obama has acknowl- edged that there will be no comprehensive agreement between Israelis and Palestinians before he leaves office in January 2017. MIDDLE EAST MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 09

Turkey rules out All that remains bargaining over new constitution

overhauling the constitution, which dates back to the period after the PM says new charter 1980 military coup and has been will be put to a repeatedly amended. But there are wide divergences over what a new referendum charter should look like. Erdogan wants the charter to transform the presidency from largely ceremonial to an executive Reuters post with expansive powers. Davutoglu said parliament will begin debate on revoking the par- liamentary immunity for lawmakers ISTANBUL: There will be no bar- from the opposition Peoples’ Dem- gaining over a new constitution for ocratic Party (HDP), which has Turkey which could enhance the Kurdish roots, after budget talks powers of the president and the gov- conclude on Wednesday. ernment will seek to put the matter The Justice Ministry last week to a referendum, the prime minister submitted a request for the assem- said yesterday. bly to scrap the protection from The ruling AKP party will have prosecution of five HDP lawmak- the support of all its 317 deputies for ers, including the HDP’s co-leaders, a new charter and will look for an Selahattin Demirtas and Figen additional 13 votes from the opposi- Yuksekdag, after repeated calls by Iraqis gather at the scene of a truck bomb attack in Hilla, southern Baghdad, yesterday. At least 60 people were killed in the last.b tion that are needed to take the draft Erdogan. to a referendum, Ahmet Davutoglu The ultra-right National- said in an interview with broadcaster ist Movement Party, parliament’s A Haber. fourth-biggest grouping with 40 A cross-party commission seats, has signalled its support for charged with drafting a new con- stripping Demirtas and the others Egypt arrests 14 Brotherhood members stitution collapsed last month after of their immunity. the main opposition pulled out Demirtas, who faces some 60 over attempts by the AKP to change dossiers for things he has said, told Turkey from a parliamentary to a reporters at a briefing the AKP was Reuters Interior Minister Magdi Abdel for Barakat’s murder. The official independent of the government and presidential system. using the issue to tap nationalist Ghaffar told a news conference MENA news agency reported that military, but some judges have been “All 317 AK Party lawmakers will support during a time of clashes that the attack was ordered by Tur- those arrested were suspects in sev- accused of bias after handing down do what’s necessary. The constitu- between security forces and Kurd- key-based leaders of Egypt’s oldest eral acts of “terrorism, possessing and lengthy jail terms and mass death tion is not up for bargaining, it’s a ish militants in Turkey’s restive CAIRO: Egypt has accused exiled Islamist movement and coordinated using explosives, and joining a ter- sentences. matter of principles,” Davutoglu said. southeast. Muslim Brotherhood officials of with Hamas. He accused Hamas rorist group”. The crackdown, which has “We will find the 330 (votes) and take “The government has raised conspiring with Gaza-based Hamas of helping to provide training and Judges and other senior officials included restrictions on freedom of it to a referendum. Our people will the issue of our immunity before, militants to assassinate Public Pros- explosives. have been targeted by radical Islam- protest, has angered many oppo- have a constitution embraced by but this time they appear serious,” ecutor Hisham Barakat last year and He said the authorities had ists since then-military chief Abdel nents of Sisi who has struggled to all, and the (current) charter will be he said. “They want to scapegoat arrested 14 people in connection with arrested 48 members of a Muslim Fattah Al Sisi ousted Mursi after mass suppress an insurgency that is raging consigned.” us. We don’t want this to happen the attack. Brotherhood cell aimed at under- protests against his rule. in the Sinai Peninsula which borders Senior AKP officials said last because not only will it hurt our Barakat, 64, was killed by a car mining security through a series of Sisi, who went on to win a presi- Hamas-controlled Gaza. week that the party was working party but all of Turkish society and bomb in Cairo in June 2015. He was attacks. Fourteen of them had con- dential election the next year, banned The attack last June cast doubt on on its own proposals despite the its democracy.” the most senior state official assassi- fessed to killing Barakat. the Brotherhood and jailed thousands Egypt’s ability to contain an Islam- opposition’s resistance, plans which Even if parliament lifts the law- nated since the toppling in mid-2013 “This is a very big conspiracy that of its followers. Security forces killed ist insurgency based in Sinai that could hand President Recep Tayyip makers’ immunity, the HDP will of elected president Mohamed Mursi started a long time ago and contin- hundreds of Mursi supporters in a sin- has killed hundreds of policemen Erdogan powers to draft legislation retain its 59 seats until any prose- of the Muslim Brotherhood. There ued,” he said. gle day in the bloodiest episode in and soldiers since Sisi took over. The directly and pick ministers. cution is complete, which could take was no claim of responsibility for the A judicial source said yesterday Egypt’s modern history. Brotherhood has been banned and The AKP has broad support for years, Demirtas said. attack at the time. that six people had been arrested The Egyptian judiciary says it is designated as a terrorist organisation.

US builds two War junk air bases in 18 migrants dead as Kurdish-controlled boat sinks in Aegean northern Syria

Reuters five years,” Davutoglu told report- Reuters ers at a news conference yesterday before his departure. “But since the ISTANBUL: At least 18 people second half of 2015, this matter has AMMAN: The United States has attempting to reach Greece drowned become part of the Europe Union’s nearly finished setting up an air after their boat sank off the Turkish agenda, and we are pleased with the base in Kurdish-controlled north- coast yesterday, the state-run Ana- sensibility Europe has displayed and ern Syria and was proceeding with dolu news agency reported, on the its willingness to work together.” the construction of a second base eve of a European meeting aimed The EU has offered Turkey ¤3bn for dual military and civilian use, at tackling the number of migrants. ($3.3bn) to do more to stop migrants a Kurdish website said yesterday. The Turkish Coast Guard, using from attempting the perilous jour- The Erbil-based news website speedboats and a helicopter, rescued ney. The migrant crisis has divided BasNews, quoting a military source 15 people and recovered 18 bodies the EU’s political leaders and threat- in the Kurdish-backed Syria Dem- in the Aegean Sea near the town of ened the bloc’s open-border policy. ocratic Forces (SDF), said most of Didim, Anadolu said. Efforts con- So far this year, 135,000 the work on a runway in the oil tinued to find more victims whose migrants have reached Europe ille- town of Rmeilan in Hasaka was nationalities were not given. gally, 126,000 via Turkey, and more complete while a new air base Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet than 400 have died, many on the so- southeast of Kobani, straddling Davutoglu will be in Brussels for called eastern Mediterranean route the Turkish border, was being today’s emergency summit with from Turkey to Greece, the Interna- constructed. European Union leaders seeking to tional Organization for Migration The source in the US-backed reduce illegal migration to member has said. Last year, a million peo- alliance that also includes Arab states, much of which occurs through ple reached Europe through illegal armed groups told the news portal Turkey. routes, many fleeing economic and scores of US experts and techni- A ship sunk during the 1991 Gulf War is seen at Shatt Al Arab in Basra, Iraq. “Turkey has been carrying this political turmoil in the Middle East, cians were involved in the project. burden pretty much on its own for North Africa and Asia. Syrian Kurdish officials had recently said the Rmeilan airstrip was being used by US military hel- icopters for logistics and deliveries. The United States sent doz- Turkish opposition paper turns pro-govt after takeover ens of special operations troops to northern Syria last year to advise opposition forces in their fight against the militant group Reuters late on Friday after a court approved large crowds gathered outside of the Gulen of plotting to topple their you, our readers, with a better qual- Islamic State. They have also a request by a prosecutor to appoint newspaper. government in 2013 after police sus- ity and more objective service as soon dropped supply munitions to rebels a state administrator to the daily. The Rights groups and European offi- pected of belonging to the religious as possible.” The website of the Eng- in the province. Last month, US ISTANBUL: A day after Turkey’s top- prosecutor is investigating whether cials criticised the seizure, saying it movement leaked a corruption inves- lish-language Today’s Zaman, which advisors backed by coalition air selling newspaper Zaman was taken funds have been diverted to Gulen. infringed on press freedom in the EU tigation into Erdogan’s family and was also confiscated, featured stories strikes assisted Kurdish-led Syrian over by the state, it dropped its crit- Yesterday’s front page included a candidate country. ministers. about the takeover and the EU’s criti- rebels in encircling and capturing icisms of the government yesterday story about Erdogan’s planned recep- Prime Minister Ahmet Davu- Some 50 people stood outside cal response but had not been updated the strategic Syrian town of Sha- and published flattering stories on tion to mark International Women’s toglu, who is flying to Brussels for an of the paper’s Istanbul offices again since Saturday. dadi from Islamic State but were President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Day and his visit to the site of a bridge emergency summit on refugees today, yesterday, witnesses said. The atmos- Zaman’s editors were once largely away from the frontlines, US offi- The episode is the latest twist being built across Istanbul’s Bospho- rejected that charge, saying a legal phere was calm. supportive of Erdogan, who served cials said. in a long-running conflict between rus Strait. process was under way to investi- Yesterday’s edition was a slim ver- as prime minister between 2003 and The Syrian Kurds have estab- Erdogan and US-based Islamic There was no mention of pro- gate illicit financing of a “terrorist” sion of its previous self at just 12 pages 2014 before winning the presidency, lished control over wide areas of preacher Fethullah Gulen. tests by Gulen’s supporters on Friday organisation and that there had been and with sparse content. but differences emerged over foreign northern Syria since the country Police raided the offices of and Saturday when police used tear no political interference. Zaman’s website was offline, with policy and a government plan to shut erupted into civil war in 2011. Zaman, which is affiliated with Gulen, gas and water cannon to disperse Erdogan and Davutoglu accuse a message that read: “We will provide schools run by Gulen’s followers. 10 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 OPINION

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL IS in Libya Who fears Nasrallah? estern countries need to formulate a more coherent and effective strategy to fight the brutally and stand hand in hand could bring to the Lebanese peo- Islamic State in Libya as the militants are with a gross injustice. Those lost, Hezbollahis now ple, he would not have sought any expanding their operations in the country. dead and injured from his own ‘provocation of Israel’. The issue has acquired urgency due to Libya’s militia, are now almost three no more than: A Anyway since that time, and Wgeographical proximity to Europe. If the IS is allowed to expand times those in the 2006 war! The hired gun” and big for long time to come, Hassan at the current pace and if Libya further weakens with the phenomena of Hezbollah could be mouth, involving Nasrullah nor his Iranian back- strengthening of militias which are ruling its large swathes, the categorised as ‘ravenous’ catching ers, have ever dared to provoke the ‘virus’ of ISIS! itself in Yemen, another war or even a skirmish situation could spin out of control. Hezbollah was in direct con- with Israel- the eight years since Italy yesterday refused to send troops to Libya to fight the IS flict with Israel in the summer Syria, Iraq, Bahrain, has proven that. His war will be after a suggestion from the US ambassador in Italy that Rome of 2006, when it kidnapped two and a number limited to helping the poor Leba- could send up to 5,000 troops. Italian Prime Minister Matteo By Dr Mohammed Al Rumaihi Israeli soldiers on the border with of other places, nese, their economy, their system Renzi made a statement explaining his country’s stance after two Lebanon. Israel retaliated because of law,and their livelihood, and Italian hostages freed in Libya (two fellow captives were of that, and war broke out for fighting to enhance he will be known for his action thirty five days. All of Lebanon towards the Gulf States and fiery allegedly killed by the Islamic State militants) were flown back the Iranian n his latest speech last week, was at the mercy of the Israeli statements. home. “As long as I am prime minister, Italy will not go to Libya Hasan Nasrallah, the leader fighters and guns. One thou- interests. He is now risking the liveli- for an invasion with 5,000 men,” Renzi told Canale 5 television. of Hezbollah, a political entity sand Lebanese citizens lost their hoods of hundreds of thousands of Five years after the revolution that ousted Muammar created by Iran in Lebanon in lives, most of them civilians and Lebanese workers in the Gulf-they Ithe eighties, said that he has not around ten thousand left their vil- can go nowhere to work in fact. Gaddafi, Libya is deeply divided, with rival governments based in Tripoli and the east and efforts to form a national unity been proud of all his public life. Per- lages in the south. An international by Saudi Arabia,scaled down The big question is where is Hez- government failing despite intense efforts and accords. Militants haps one of these times is when he ceasefire was agreed, Hezbollah oil production-starting with a bollah taking Lebanon to? Does delivered a speech in March 2015 accordingly was banned in the decrease of 10%.Later,the Saudi it want to create a “Welayat Al loyal to Islamic State have taken advantage of a security vacuum opposing the ‘military attack by zone up to 35 kilometres from the King at the time, Faisal bin Faqih” in the style of Iran?! Could after the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi to expand their Saudi Arabia and its allies against Lebanese Israeli borders, Fifteen Abdul-Aziz,ordered a ban on it do that in a diversified society, presence, establishing control over the coastal city of Sirte last the Yemeni people’! That was a thousand blue-hats (UN forces) selling Saudi oil to the United with Christian, Sunni and Druze, year. fiasco of a statement. Hezbollah was were placed to guard the border, states. Thousands of cars were and almost ten other domina- The government in Tripoli is trying always saying that all its purpose in to prevent any Hezbollah member seen in long lines at the filling tions? Until what time can it hold to weaken the IS, but its efforts haven’t keeping forming a militia and arm- coming near to it! The propaganda stations,queuing for refills. The a gun over the heads of most Leb- ing it was to fight Israel. To forget of Hezbollah later called that concept of the “oil weapon” had anese citizens, who do not share been successful. For example, Libyan that prime goal and turn its guns on arrangement a “triumph”! been introduced for the first time its convictions? Western forces based in the city of Misrata are S a u d i A r a b i a a n d t h e i r a l l i e s , t h i s The Arab-Israel war broke out to the international media. This Also, what kind of action can countries carrying out air strikes against Islamic means, in political terms, that the several times, in more than half action made Hennery Kissinger, Hezbollah take now towards its need to State militants in their stronghold masters of Hezbollah in Tehran, a century of continued conflict. the former secretary of United exhausted slogan, ‘fighting Israel’? of Sirte. As many as 18 people were have instructed their agent to open The most well-known of them are States at the time, hurry to the Who on earth still believes that? broaden their killed in the strikes, including senior political fire somewhere else, far three: the wars of 1948, 1967, and region to sort out some kind of Hezbollah is now no more than: a coalition to Islamic State members, according to away from Israel, after decades of 1973. The latter was very impor- compromise. A process was put hired gun” and big mouth, involv- deceiving the Arab general public tant, as it brought some peace to in the pipeline for later,resulting ing itself in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, defeat the government officials. Such airstrikes that their prime goal was to fight the region. Egyptian and Syrian in Egyptians gaining their whole Bahrain, and a number of other Islamic State are carried out regularly, but the Tel Aviv. forces fought on both borders, and land in Sinai, and ‘almost perma- places, fighting to enhance the militants have been entrenched enough However,this is not the first thousands of soldiers died from nent’ peace in the Golan Heights Iranian interests. This being tol- in Libya. to be uprooted by such attacks. time Hezbollah has changed its both camps. The Egyptians alone on the Syrian border. erated no more, which is why the Italy is unlikely to be interested in targets. Almost four years ago lost, some estimate, as much as At that time probably Nasral- GCC has declared Hezbollah a ter- a military involvement in its former Hezbollah sent fighters to Syria, six thousand, and twelve thou- lah, in his Cartel, did not know rorist organization- nobody now to rescue a regime that has com- sand were wounded. Hundreds what Saudi Arabia and the Gulf fears Hasan Nasrallah! colony and its focus so far has been on mitted the most terrible atrocities of items of military hardware states had contributed to the finding a solution inside Libya. Rome against its own people-a regime were destroyed, but the battle for war effort and the conflict with is working with other Western powers and the United Nations to far more brutal and corrupt than diplomacy was won, because the Israel. In fact, he said publicly in Dr Mohammed Al Rumaihi, The writer try to convince two rival Libyan governments to create a single, any other in the region. Hezbol- Gulf Countries became involved. the aftermath of Lebanese war is an academic and researcher in unity coalition and focus their energy on the fight against Islamic lah is not ashamed to defend this At the time, the Gulf states, led in 2006, if he knew what the war GCC affairs. State. But this strategy isn’t working as the rival governments in Libya remain as divided as ever. Americans have launched air strikes on Islamic State outposts in Libya and the French have conducted surveillance Marco Rubio and the myth of the establishment lane flights. US, French and British special forces are also in the country. This coalition needs to be broadened and the Libyan rival governments must be persuaded to form a unity The media has said it often and horses to seek it. He even shoved placed no higher than third in any government so that the fight against the militants can be it must be true. The Establishment Jeb Bush out of the way in the hopes state. Where was the dang lane? Lane was a beautiful legend. Imag- of getting there sooner. He rode and rode but found only ratcheted up and won. ine! A lane where all you needed But he rode and rode and passed voters, under whelmed. was major donors and the support all the landmarks by which the pun- After Super Saturday, the Estab- of party leaders, and voters would dits (always so reassuringly certain lishment Lane joins the Fountain of flow like milk and honey. of everything) said that one might Youth, city of El Dorado, and Atlantis It is just north of the Fountain be able to identify the lane. The on the list of Things That Sounded of Youth, right past the Big Rock second-place polling. The media So Beautiful That People Went Out Candy Mountain, but before you plaudits. The praise on Sunday Looking For Them, Wandered For Quote of the day find the Holy Grail. It is visible in morning shows. He rode further. Years, And Then Were Forced To By Alexandra Petri the background of photos of Bigfoot, There were definitely lanes. The Return Home Empty-Handed, But The Washington Post although you cannot see it because Outsider Lane was most certainly With The Sympathy Of The Peo- the photos are always so blurry. real. People kept passing him in it. ple of Minnesota. For years, Marco Rubio sat at He was right where it should The Establishment Lane As long as I am prime the knee of people who told him have been. His position was cor- sounded so real and so beautiful minister, Italy will not go the tale of a beautiful, wonderful rect. Except: no lane. that someone was bound to believe. to Libya for an invasion he Holy Grail has one up on place called the Establishment He tried again. He showed up But so far Marco Rubio has found the Establishment Lane. At Lane, where a young candidate to CPAC, even though he clearly himself in the unenviable posi- with 5,000 men. Tleast someone was able to could go to make his fortune. The had a terrible cold. He delivered tion of someone whose parents find the Holy Grail. Marco Rubio media assured him that it existed. It a speech, coughing intermittently. were so convincing about Santa has not been so lucky. existed and was paved with major He attacked Donald Trump, as the that he expected gifts from him as Did you know that if you whis- donors and it would solve all his establishment urged someone to a grown-up. And who can blame per “George Herbert Walker Bush” problems. But then Marco Rubio step up and do. He did all the things him? Everyone who Knows About Matteo Renzi three times into a mirror, the Estab- actually went out on the road to look recommended by the People Who These Things for a living was so sure. Italian Prime Minister lishment Lane will appear and open for it. He and Jeb Bush rode forth Said This Was Surely Real. But -- But when have they ever been a path to victory for you? from Camelot (Fla.) on matching nothing. On “Super Saturday” he right, this cycle?

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Opinion page should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief.

EDITORIAL TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR E-MAIL: [email protected] ADVERTISING TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] ASIA / PHILIPPINES MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 11 China tells Hong Kong not to politicise issues

separatists” seeking to destabilise Communist Party Hong Kong. Other delegates who met with leader emphasises Zhang said that while Zhang didn’t need for broader single out anyone for blame, there remained concern among Beijing’s perspective. top leaders towards an embittered cluster of youth groups in Hong Kong using increasingly radical or violent means to demand greater autonomy. Reuters China maintains Hong Kong is an inseparable part of China and as such resolutely opposes any moves towards independence. BEIJING: China’s third-ranked Com- Reuters was not able to contact munist Party leader Zhang Dejiang Zhang for comment. Calls to Chi- said Hong Kong shouldn’t “politicise na’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs everything” and should instead focus Office in Beijing after regular busi- on integrating its economy with ness hours went unanswered. China’s, according to members of China’s parliament who met with NATIONAL SECURITY Hostesses take selfies outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during the second day of the National People’s Congress yesterday. him yesterday. “They worry about the rise of A day after Premier Li Keqiang separatism,” said Lau Siu-kai, a pledged greater economic sup- former senior Hong Kong govern- port for Hong Kong at the opening ment adviser who met with Zhang framework granting it broad freedoms removed” from Hong Kong. Hong Kong territory, this is something China’s updated draft five-year of annual parliamentary sessions on Friday with other members of the and an independent judiciary, though China’s Foreign Ministry has said that shouldn’t be allowed... Even if it’s development blueprint also men- in Beijing, Zhang said that while Chinese People’s Political Consulta- with Beijing having ultimate authority. its law enforcement officials would Chinese police.” Still, Andrew Yao, a tioned a so-called “Guangdong-Hong a recent riot in Hong Kong was a tive Conference, a top parliamentary As for the disappearances of five never do anything illegal, especially Hong Kong businessman and member Kong-Macau big bay area” to boost concern, it was one the city’s gov- advisory body. Hong Kong booksellers who published not overseas, and called on foreign of China’s parliament, said such con- economic synergies, as well as busi- ernment could handle. “If something big happens in gossipy books of China’s leaders, the governments not to interfere in Hong cerns were overplayed, with Beijing ness and transport linkages between “He (Zhang) said one needed to Hong Kong that is seen as threaten- issue wasn’t raised by Zhang despite Kong affairs. “Even me, I still have intent to maintain Hong Kong’s pros- Hong Kong and southern China. take a broader perspective to look at ing national security, I don’t expect lingering questions about the cases. some doubts ... most of the middle perity and stability. “He (Zhang) is saying ‘look ... don’t it, and to not politicise everything,” China to wait, they may take the ini- All of the booksellers recently sur- class actually have serious concerns,” “I don’t see a pivot to a police state get politicised in all your social and said Rita Fan, a standing commit- tiative to protect national security,” faced to give interviews on Chinese Ma Fung-kwok, a Chinese parliamen- where they can come arrest us,” Yao economic issues, concentrate on tee member of China’s parliament Lau told Reuters. television saying they had travelled tary delegate said in a Beijing hotel said. Premier Li emphasised in his developing your economy, ride with chaired by Zhang. Hong Kong was returned from voluntarily to China. But the Brit- lobby. annual work report that Beijing would the tide of China rising’,” said Maria Chinese media has blamed the British to Chinese rule in 1997 ish government maintains one of the “If someone broke the Basic Law continue to “elevate” Hong Kong’s role Tam, a veteran Hong Kong delegate to riot in early February on “radical under a “one country, two systems” men, Lee Bo, had been “involuntarily and tried to do illegal enforcement in in China’s economic development. China’s parliamentary sessions.

Philippines awaits UN response after Second bookseller detained in China returns to Hong Kong seizing North Reuters “Cheung Chi Ping requested in January and tearfully confessed to citizenship. The booksellers’ plight expressed concern about the disap- police to cancel his missing person a fatal drink-driving incident over a had provoked concerns that China pearances, which some diplomats fear Korean ship case and stated that he did not require decade ago. was using shadowy tactics to weaken were abductions by Chinese agents. HONG KONG: A second Hong Kong any assistance from the Hong Kong He appeared on Chinese televi- Hong Kong’s freedoms under the China’s Foreign Ministry has said bookseller who went missing and was Special Administrative Region Gov- sion again late last month with three “one country, two systems” formula its law enforcement officials would AFP found to have been detained in China ernment or police,” the police said in of his colleagues confirming for the under which the global financial hub never do anything illegal, especially returned home yesterday, refusing to a statement. first time they had been detained has been governed since its return to not overseas, and called on foreign discuss his case, Hong Kong police “Cheung refused to disclose other for “illegal book trading” in main- China from British rule in 1997. governments not to interfere in Hong MANILA: The Philippine coast- said. details,” it added. land China. British passport holder Police had said on Wednesday Kong affairs. guard said it was closely watching Cheung Chi Ping was one of five Two of the others, Gui Minhai Lee, in an interview with China’s that authorities in the southern Chi- Hong Kong police said they a North Korean vessel and its 21 Hong Kong booksellers specialising and Lee Bo had been outside main- Phoenix Television last week, said nese province of Guangdong had told would continue to follow the other crew members yesterday, as offi- in gossipy publications about Chi- land China when they disappeared. he had not been kidnapped by Chi- them Lui and his colleagues, Cheung missing person cases with the Inter- cials waited for a response from nese leaders to go missing last year. Gui was in Thailand and Lee in Hong nese authorities, as many suspect, but Chi Ping and Lam Wing Kee, would pol Guangdong Liaison Office of the United Nations days after the A colleague from the same store re- Kong. had sneaked into China illegally and be released on bail in coming days. Guangdong Provincial Public Secu- ship was seized in compliance with appeared in the city on Friday. Gui appeared on state television that he would renounce his British A number of governments have rity Department. new sanctions. The 6,830-tonne cargo ship, the Jin Teng, is being held at Subic port, northeast of Manila, where the Philippine coastguard are S Korea to slap fresh guarding the freighter and mon- itoring its crew, said coastguard spokesman Commander Armand sanctions on North Balilo. “We will probably keep it in Subic pending our request for guidance on its disposition,” he AFP readied for pre-emptive use at “any said. The ship’s 21 North Korean moment”. The Seoul official did not crew members remain onboard elaborate on the South’s separate but are otherwise not restricted, he SEOUL: South Korea will soon sanctions. Yonhap news agency told AFP. “They are just on the ship. announce its own tougher sanctions said they would include banning They are remaining there. They on North Korea, an official said yes- any ships which have previously have provisions of their own. They terday, a move set to further heighten docked in the North from South won’t try to escape,” Balilo said, tensions as Seoul and Washington Korean ports. adding there was no need to pro- begin their largest-ever joint mili- A group of North Korean indi- vide them with any supplies yet. tary exercise. viduals and organisations believed Earlier this week, a govern- The new measures — following involved in weapons development ment spokesman said the North Wednesday’s decision by the UN will also be added to a blacklist, it Koreans would eventually be Security Council to slap unprece- said, citing a government source. deported, but there has been no dented sanctions on the North — will In February, in an unprece- confirmation when that would be announced this week, a Seoul dentedly tough move, the South take place. government official said on condi- announced the total shutdown of a The Philippines said Saturday tion of anonymity. jointly-run industrial park in North authorities had impounded the The Security Council announced Korea, saying Pyongyang had been vessel in accordance with fresh UN its toughest sanctions yet to pun- using it to fund its nuclear weapons sanctions introduced in the wake ish the North for its recent nuclear programmes. of Pyongyang’s recent nuclear and and missile tests in violation of UN Today, South Korea and its close ballistic missile tests. resolutions. ally the US begin their annual Key It was the first reported The North responded within Resolve/Foal Eagle military drill. enforcement of the sanctions, hours by test-firing rockets into the This year’s will be the largest- Students of North Korea’s Kim Hyong-Jik Education University protesting United Nations Security Council the toughest to date, which were sea. Its leader Kim Jong-Un ordered ever, with the US reportedly sending adopted late Wednesday by the resolution on the country. the nation’s nuclear arsenal to be more than 15,000 troops. UN Security Council. Balilo said the coastguard have inspected the ship twice, once using electronic sensors to search for weapons. However, no contraband has American woman gets infected with Zika in Philippines been found. A team from the UN is expected to inspect the ship in Subic, a former United States naval AFP the first case detected in the country developed symptoms in her last week with US-CDC for the profile of the Philippines. The only previous known base, foreign affairs spokesman for several years. before returning to America. patient, including information on case of Zika in the country was a Charles Jose said earlier. Health Secretary Janette Garin “We were informed that shortly places she visited in the Philippines,” 15-year-old boy infected in 2012. He The Jin Teng arrived in the said the US Centers for Disease Con- after returning home to the US, an Garin said without giving details of recovered after three weeks. Philippines from Palembang, MANILA: An American woman trol and Prevention (US-CDC) had evidence of Zika virus infection was the patient. The mosquito-borne disease is Indonesia, Thursday afternoon, was infected with the Zika virus informed her that a US resident who detected from the patient,” Garin said Health department officials usually not life-threatening but has just hours after the latest sanc- while visiting the Philippines, health stayed in the Philippines for four in a statement. said they still had no clue how the been linked to a rise in birth defects tions were unanimously passed. department officials said yesterday, weeks in January had apparently “Currently, we are coordinating American was infected while in the in other countries. 12 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 ASIA / AFRICA

LEFT: Zamani Zakaria, father of Mohd Razahan and wife Norli Ahma, the missing flight MH370 passengers, cries during a remembrance ceremony to mark the second anniversary of the plane’s disappearance, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. CENTRE: A woman writes messages for the passengers of the missing airliner on a banner during the ceremony. RIGHT: A woman wears face paint reading ‘MH370 search on’. Two years on, pressure to keep searching

“A lot of it was based on calculations that But families are calling for the search to until the plane is found. Second possible part Another MH370 crash had never been used before, where there’s continue after the discovery last week of a “They can stop the search, but where do room for human error,” Nathan said in an white, metre-long chunk of metal suspected to we stop the feeling of loss? We want them probe interim report to interview. Nathan’s mother, Anne Daisy, was be from MH370 off the coast of Mozambique. to try, if possible, to continue searching for found off Reunion be out tomorrow. on board when MH370 disappeared on its way Just as they prepare to mark the two-year MH370,” said Jacquita Gonzales, the wife of to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur on March 8, anniversary of the jet’s disappearance, the MH370 in-flight supervisor Patrick Gomes. 2014, with 239 passengers and crew on board. relatives are asking for efforts to focus on the MH370 vanished from radar screens SAINT-DENIS DE LA REUNION: A resi- Some 120,000 square kilometres of the southeast African coast. shortly after taking off from Kuala Lumpur, dent on the French Indian Ocean island of sea floor is being scoured at an estimated cost Voice370, a support group for MH370 next- and investigators believe it was flown thou- Reunion who last year found a wing frag- Reuters of about A$170m ($124.17m). But no trace of of-kin, said last week in a statement that the sands of miles off course before eventually ment from Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 the missing Boeing 777 has been found except claims of funds drying up was “unacceptable” crashing into the ocean off Australia. said yesterday he had come across a sec- for a wing part, known as a flaperon, which as a reason for ending the investigation, which A 584-page interim report into the disap- ond possible piece from the missing plane, surfaced on Reunion island off Madagascar they say could benefit the broader industry pearance of the Boeing 777-200ER released reports AFP. KUALA LUMPUR: The families of passengers last July. and increase safety. on the first anniversary provided details on Johnny Begue, who found the “flaperon” lost aboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 Australia said in August that initial drift how radars tracked the plane going off course part while cleaning a beach last July, said say the two-year search for the missing air- models of where debris from the jet might first BACK TO DRAWING BOARD and issues concerning the battery of the flight he handed over the new suspected object craft must go on beyond a June deadline, as wash up had incorrectly identified Indonesia Yesterday, scores of family and friends of data recorder’s underwater locator beacon. to police immediately after finding it last new hope emerged last week of resolving the as the most likely location. those on board the plane gathered at a mall in However, it did not identify a definitive Thursday. aviation mystery. “If that could be wrong, what else could be Kuala Lumpur in a memorial seeking to “re- cause for the disappearance, adding there was He said he was out jogging by the sea Debris found off the African coast rekin- wrong?” Nathan, a 28-year-old lawyer, said. investigate, re-evaluate, re-start” the search. nothing suspicious in the financial, medical or shore when he found the object measur- dled hope for many, prompting relatives like A meeting set for June between Australia, Accompanied by poignant musical and personal histories of pilots or crew. ing about 40 by 20 centimetres, which had Grace Subathirai Nathan to demand investi- Malaysia, and China will determine whether dance performances, the next-of-kin made an The next interim report will be released a blue mark on the surface and was grey gators go back over mistakes made early on. to extend the search. impassioned plea for search efforts to continue tomorrow. underneath. $30m drugs Sri Lanka brings back seized in war-time checks Myanmar AFP wounded a suspect who was being taken back to jail after a court hear- AFP ing in the capital last week. COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s police yes- Another suspect on bail was shot terday re-introduced war-time dead at home while a woman was YANGON: Police in Myanmar road blocks and random checks on shot and wounded outside the main seized more than $30m worth of vehicles following a surge in gang- prison in Colombo Saturday after she heroin and methamphetamine, a related shootings in the capital, a visited her jailed husband. senior investigator said yesterday, spokesman said. Gunasekera said 10 special units a bust that highlights the country’s More than 100 police stations in were also established to crack down continued role as a major global Colombo and its suburbs have been on gang activity that had increased drugs manufacturer. asked to erect snap blocks, a com- in recent weeks. Myanmar sits at the heart of mon practice during the island’s Sri Lankan authorities had dis- the infamous “Golden Triangle”, separatist war that ended nearly mantled road blocks and stopped which also covers parts of Thai- seven years ago, police spokesman vehicle checks after the end of the land and Laos, and has been a Ruwan Gunasekera said. decades-long Tamil separatist war hotbed of narcotics production for “The objective is to prevent seri- in May 2009. decades despite repeated govern- ous crime and drug smuggling as Even the permanent check ment vows to tackle the scourge. A man casts his ballot in the Benin presidential elections in Cotonou, yesterday. well as to catch those committing points at key entry points to the city “It’s worth about 37bn kyats serious crime,” the spokesman said. had been removed several years ago. ($30m),” a senior police official of He said there was a surge in The new government which the anti-drugs squad in Naypyidaw drug smuggling and shootings that came to power in January last year said on condition of anonym- prompted the authorities to take removed the last remaining check ity. “This is the biggest seizure of Benin votes for new president extraordinary measures. point at the entrance to the former 2016.” At least three people were shot war zone as a sign of normality. Police found a smorgasbord dead and many more wounded in However, the new police meas- of narcotics in a container vehicle AFP for the ruling Cowry Forces for an Cocotiers, Cotonou, and said lack of Colombo in the past week in what ure brought back memories of on an industrial zone in Manda- Emerging Benin (FCBE) party and is opportunities for the country’s young police said was gang-related vio- war-time Colombo when freedom lay including 82 kilogrammes widely viewed as Boni Yayi’s chosen people was a major problem. lence. Unidentified gunmen had of movement was curtailed due to of methamphetamine, 24 kilo- successor. “I want the next president to opened fire on a prison bus and frequent stops for security checks. grammes of heroin, 6.8 million COTONOU: Benin went to the polls He already has the support of two encourage the youth to take to agri- stimulant tablets and 15 kilo- yesterday to choose a new president opposition parties but critics view culture,” said the 49-year-old father grammes of opium. from a record field of 33 candidates him as an outsider “parachuted” in of four. The official said the main sus- but with concerns about the distri- by former colonial power France. The first round of voting had been pect was still not apprehended. bution of voters’ cards that already Zinsou, who in the 1980s was due to take place on February 28 but Bangladesh arrests three Myanmar has struggled to forced a two-week delay. a speechwriter for France’s social- was rescheduled because of delays in stem the tide of narcotics from Polling began at 0600 GMT in ist former prime minister Laurent the production and distribution of the its remote and violence-scarred the tiny West African nation, with Fabius, cast his vote shortly before 4.7 million voters’ cards. suspected militants border regions despite political international observers assessing midday in the Cocotiers area of Ben- On Saturday evening, distribution reforms that saw Aung San Suu the atmosphere as “very calm and in’s commercial hub, Cotonou. of new voters’ cards had not started Reuters Kyi’s opposition party win historic very relaxed”. Voting was due to end Two of Benin’s leading business- in two central states (Zou and Pla- elections in November. nine hours later. men, Patrice Talon, 57, and Sebastien teau) and had not been completed in The impoverished nation Mathieu Boni, an official from Ajavon, 51, are also front-runners, several of the 10 others that make up DHAKA: Bangladesh’s elite anti-terrorism unit detained yesterday three remains the world’s second largest a civil society group which has pitching for the top job after previ- the country. suspected members of a militant group believed to be behind a spate of opium producer after Afghanistan deployed more than 3,000 election ously bankrolling presidential bids. The head of the independent recent attacks in the south Asian country. while cartels increasingly churn observers, said “more than half” of Other favourites include econ- electoral commission, Emmanuel Muslim-majority Bangladesh has seen a rise in Islamist violence in out methamphetamine tablets. the nearly 8,000 polling stations omist Abdoulaye Bio Tchane and Tiando, told reporters that both old which liberal activists, members of minority Muslim sects and other reli- The United Nations Office on opened on time. financier Pascal Irenee Koupaki, both and new cards would be allowed “to gious groups have been targeted. Drugs and Crime has said meth- President Thomas Boni Yayi is 64, who were voting in the northern avoid any tense situations and allow The detainees were members of the banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen amphetamine dominates the bowing out after serving a maxi- town of Djougou and Pomasse in the all voters to take part in the ballot”. Bangladesh and were arrested in a raid conducted in the northwestern global market for synthetic drugs mum two five-year terms, marking south. In Zou and Plateau, voting was district of Rajshahi, said Rumman Mahmud, a deputy director of the Rapid and is expanding significantly in him out among some African leaders With so many candidates, polit- allowed with identity cards rather Action Battalion. Sixteen crude bombs, seven petrol bombs and jihadi Southeast and East Asia. who have tried to change constitu- ical analysts predicted no decisive than voter cards, he added, prom- books were also found in their possession, he added. “It’s scary as drugs trafficking tions to ensure third terms. result yesterday and believe who- ising that all election material was The group is believed to be behind attacks such as the bombings of a has been increasing and spread- The first results are expected ever wins in the northern region will available in polling stations across Shia shrine and the killing of two foreigners. ing around the country,” the senior within 72 hours of the vote. determine the overall result. the country. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for some of the attacks, includ- drugs investigator in Naypyidaw Prominent candidates include Key issues in the election include Voter Franck Tokannou said ing the killing of a Hindu priest last month, but the government has denied said. Lionel Zinsou, the Franco-Beninese job creation, tackling corruption, after casting his ballot in Cotonou: the militant group has a presence in Bangladesh. At least five militants of Last July, Myanmar has seized financier who stepped down as head improving health and education, “This morning has been difficult for Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen have been killed in shootouts since November, as more than $100m worth stimulant of France’s biggest investment bank and the economy in the country, a those who are organising it all but it security forces stepped up a crackdown on Islamist militants seeking to tablets from a private container to become prime minister last year. major cotton producer. Farmer Emile seems that it’s going OK. Everything make the moderate Muslim nation of 160 million a Shariah-based state. vehicle in northern Yangon. The 61-year-old is standing Sosa was one of the first to vote in is in order.” PAKISTAN MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 13 Against India’s one, Pakistan has a dozen ‘Aam Admi’ parties

Internews All these parties have been reg- is no legal provision to delist a party “If it continues like this, we will copy of the party constitution and list istered in recent years once a party once it gets registered with the elec- have to use symbols like two arrows, of its office bearers to the commission. With a free-of-charge with a similar name became famous toral body. The commission can delist two tigers or two bats since we are The officials claim the commis- and open-for-all in India. With a free-of-charge and a party only if it gets a court order that short of distinguishing symbols,” said sion had been asking governments ISLAMABAD: While the neighbour- open-for-all registration process, peo- it has been banned. an official who deals with allocating to devise some mechanism to check ing India has one Aam Admi Party, registration process, ple have also registered parties with “The booming business of getting symbols to parties. “Ultimately seri- the trend. Most recently it has Pakistan has around a dozen parties people have also funny names like ‘Aap Janab Sarkar a party registered is a real headache ous parties that [actually] take part proposed that a parliamentary com- with either a prefix or suffix of Aam Party’, ‘All Pakistan Bayrozgar Party’. for us, too,” an official of the ECP says. in elections will suffer.” mittee on electoral reforms modify Admi (common man) registered with registered parties While former military ruler Gen “We are way short of election symbols Among these 321 registered par- some existing laws and even frame the country’s top election body. with funny names like (retd) Pervez Musharraf heads his own now compared to the number of par- ties, not more than 50 take part in the new rules. In the ever-burgeoning list of ‘Aap Janab Sarkar party with the name of All Pakistan ties we have.” elections. Among the ones that par- The matter has yet to be taken political parties, the Election Commis- Muslim League, there is another party The ECP has a total of 156 elec- ticipate in elections at some level, up by the committee which has been sion of Pakistan (ECP) has registered Party’, ‘All Pakistan registered with the name of ‘General tion symbols and double the number hardly two dozen have any vote working on a reforms package that 321 recognised political parties while Bayrozgar Party’. Pervez Musharraf Himayat Tehreek’. of parties. Many among the non-seri- bank in national, provincial or local was supposed to be completed by over two dozen more are in the proc- In the long list of parties, names ous parties have reserved attractive governments. end of 2014. ess of registration. of some known parties of the past are symbols. Under rules, once a symbol Explaining the reasons behind the Of the possible options to filter A glance at the alphabetically Party of Pakistan, Aam Insan Move- still present like the Muttahida Majlis- is allotted to a party it cannot be allo- unchecked growth of political par- non-serious actors, officials suggest ordered list on the ECP website shows ment, Aam Log Party Pakistan, All e-Amal and Farooq Leghari’s National cated to another one unless the first ties, ECP officials said getting a party parliament can prescribe a mini- around a dozen similar names like Pakistan Aam Admi Party, Aam Admi Alliance that ceased years ago. party agrees to relinquish it in favour registered was easy as all one needed mum voters benchmark or a specific Aam Admi Justice Party, Aam Admi Party, etc. They are enlisted because there of the other. was to propose a name, provide a number of seats in any legislature. US notifies sale 86 Indian fishermen released of 8 new F-16s to Pakistan

balance in South Asia and will ulti- mately be used against India. Pakistan had initially In a policy justification, posted requested for 18 on the Federal Register, the US administration rejected this asser- F-16s, but because of tion. “The proposed sale of this financing problems it equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in was purchasing just the region,” it argued, adding that the eight. aircraft would improve “Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future security threats”. The administra- tion also noted that the additional Internews F-16 aircraft would facilitate opera- Indian fishermen board a train after being released from prison, Karachi, yesterday. Pakistani authorities released 86 fishermen who were tions in non-daylight environments arrested for straying into Pakistan territorial waters. The fishermen will be repatriated to their country via the Wagah border near Lahore. and “enhance Pakistan’s ability to conduct counter-insurgency and WASHINGTON: The US government counter-terrorism operations”. has formally notified the intended The Obama administration sale of eight F-16 fighter jets to Paki- also explained that the sale would stan, taking a major step towards increase the number of aircraft Sharif’s son finalising the deal. available to the Pakistan Air Force Afghan forces’ retreat from key “This proposed sale contributes to sustain operations, meet monthly admits he to US foreign policy objectives and training requirements, and support national security goals by helping transition training for pilots new to districts stokes instability fears to improve the security of a strate- the Block-52, F-16 aircraft. owns flats gic partner in South Asia,” said the Implementation of the pro- notification published in the US Fed- posed sale would not require the eral Register. assignment of any additional US AFP government backroom deals with the the recent withdrawals as a “tactical” in London Officials here say the notifica- government or contractor represent- Taliban at a time when international manouevre aimed at consolidating tion is accompanied by a copy of atives to Pakistan. There would be no efforts are growing to bring the insur- forces from isolated, hard-to-defend Internews the February 11, 2016 letter which adverse impact on US defence read- gents to the negotiating table. areas. “Those who are criticising the the Defence Security Cooperation iness either, it said. KANDAHAR: Overstretched Afghan “Once you start pulling out troops plan do not know the art of war,” Agency wrote to speaker of the An additional note to the House forces are pulling back from violent and surrendering hard-won territory, defence ministry spokesman Daw- LAHORE: Pakistan Prime Min- House of Representatives, Paul Ryan. speaker said the sale was “necessary southern districts without a fight, you are basically admitting that the lat Waziri said. ister Nawaz Sharif’s son Hussain “We are grateful to the US in furtherance of the US foreign pol- ceding key territory to the resurgent Taliban have won,” said Mohammad Many of the hundreds of with- Nawaz has called for conduct- administration and members of icy and national security objectives Taliban as part of an unprecedented Ismail, a tribal elder from Musa Qala drawn forces have been redeployed ing an accountability process in Congress for their acknowledg- outlined in the Policy Justification”. “strategic retreat” that has stoked who fled the area after government to beef up a security belt around the country’s Punjab province as ment of Pakistan’s decisive actions The administration also assured fears government control is slipping. troops pulled out. Lashkar Gah, Helmand’s capital well where his family rules the against extremists and terrorists and Congress that Pakistan “can provide Beset by record casualties, deser- “This is a betrayal to all those which recently came close to fall- province. of the effective role the F-16s play the same degree of protection for the tions and troop shortages, Afghan who have sacrificed their lives to ing to the Taliban, officials said. But Speaking to the host of Express in our counter-terrorism efforts,” sensitive technology being released troops have recently abandoned defend these areas over 15 years.” many experts reject government News TV show Kal Tak Javed Chaud- said Pakistan Ambassador to US as the US government”. outposts in parts of central Uruzgan The withdrawal has sparked con- claims that the withdrawal quali- hry, Hussain said his father, Premier Jalil Jilani while commenting on the The 30-day notice period for province, extending a withdrawal cerns that the government is fast fied as a “strategic retreat”. Sharif, had never interfered in the notification. Congress expires on March 11, 2016 which began last month. losing control of volatile Helmland. “This new strategy is effec- accountability process. “If [Pakistan The notification estimates the after which the deal will be final. They have already pulled out of The Taliban effectively control or tively a surrender to the Taliban. Tehrik-e-Insaf chief] Imran Khan total cost of the deal to be nearly Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Musa Qala and Nowzad districts in contest at least 10 of the 14 districts That’s because there’s no reason to proves that we have defaulted on $700m. The Indian government and Aziz said at a news briefing last week neighbouring Helmand, bastions that in Afghanistan’s biggest centre for think that this territory will be taken any loan, the Sharif family will face some US lawmakers, however, are that Pakistan had initially requested foreign troops struggled for years to opium production, a lucrative source back anytime soon,” said Michael punishment as stipulated under the questioning Washington’s rationale for 18 F-16s, but because of financ- defend as the opium-rich region tee- of insurgent funding which makes Kugelman, Afghanistan expert at law,” Hussain said. that such an arms transfer will help ing problems it was purchasing just ters on the brink of collapse. the province a hotly contested area. Washington-based think tank the “Imran only talks about combat terrorism. They claim the eight. He said the F-16s were a criti- The retreat has triggered But Afghan commanders dismiss Woodrow Wilson International Cen- default, but he should have some fighter jets will change the military cal tool in the war against terrorism. fevered speculation about possible claims of any Taliban deal, describing tre for Scholars. reference, like the name of the banks the Sharif family has alleg- edly defaulted against,” he added. Regarding allegations that Sharif had curbed the powers of accountability institutions, Afghans feel forgotten in Europe’s migrant crisis Hussain said no such direction had been issued from the Prime Minister’s House to the National Accountability Bureau or any other Reuters as medical centres and education facil- to stay (in Turkey) but ... there is no investigation agency. ities set up in Turkey, the fact they speak support here. It’s too expensive,” said “If there are any issues in Pun- Pashto and Dari, rather than Arabic, risks Najebullah, 45, a father of four from jab which need to be investigated, CESME: As the European Union and excluding them from projects designed Kabul waiting in Cesme, on Turkey’s then there should be no bar on Turkey focus on stemming the flow for Syrian refugees, aid workers warn. Aegean coast, to make an illegal cross- that,” he said. Hussain accepted of Syrian refugees attempting peril- Afghan migrants in Turkey said that over ing to the Greek Island of Chios. that he owns flats on Park Lane, ous journeys across the Aegean sea to the past few years they had been denied More than 63,000 Afghans came to London, which belong to offshore Greece, another migrant community interviews with UN refugee agency Turkey last year, a sharp rise from 15,652 companies Nesco Ltd and Nelson whose numbers are also swelling says UNHCR that would formally determine in 2014, according to ASAM, counting Ltd, saying that he only enjoys the it is being overlooked. their refugee status, a key step in the only those who registered. The exodus benefits of these assets. He said Largely denied the chance for legal journey to being resettled. from Afghanistan has been prompted these assets are run by a trust held resettlement in Europe and struggling Polat Kizildag, programme coordi- by an precarious security situation, by his sister Maryam Nawaz. to find work or support in Turkey, nator at ASAM, an organisation which with 11,000 civilians killed or injured Hussain called on accountabil- Afghans account for around a quarter registers asylum seekers in Turkey, in 2015, as well as widespread corrup- ity bodies to try former president of the migrants risking their lives in the said they were generally told they were tion undermining faith in the future and Pervez Musharraf, “otherwise small boats leaving Turkey’s shore. The ineligible because Turkey was the third a war-ruined economy that cannot pro- every ruler will do as he pleases EU executive has announced the first country on their journey and the expec- vide enough work for its population. and leave”. payouts from a $3.3bn fund meant to tation was that they apply for refugee According to the European Com- He said he forgave Musharraf help Turkey cope with an influx of more status in their second, in many cases Iran. mission, 64,109 asylum requests were for what he did to him. Mushar- than 2.7 million Syrian refugees and Human rights groups have said registered in Turkey in 2015, more than raf is accused of persecuting the encourage them to stay put. Iranian forces deport thousands of 11,000 of them from Afghan citizens, Sharif family after overthrowing Afghan refugees wait before travelling to the Greek island of Chios, But while Afghans are unlikely to Afghans without giving them a chance but only 459 were concluded, either by the Pakistan Muslim League-N in Cesme district, Izmir in Turkey, yesterday. be prevented from using services such to prove their asylum status. “We want granting or rejecting refugee status. government in 1999. 14 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 INDIA

Alert in Gujarat Walking by recycled workshop and Delhi over attacks threat

and vital installations falling in their jurisdiction. Delhi along with all Delhi along with all metro cit- metro cities was put ies was reportedly put on high alert on high alert after just hours after intelligence inputs about the infiltration of 10 suspected intelligence inputs terrorists into Gujarat to carry out about the infiltration attacks against high-value targets. Minutes after the alert, security of 10 suspected across Gujarat was intensified and terrorists into Gujarat leaves of all police personnel were cancelled. Two NSG teams, com- to carry out attacks prising nearly 200 personnel, were against high-value sent to Ahmedabad by the central targets. government on the request of the Gujarat government. The agencies suspect that the infiltrators belong to Pakistan as a fishing boat of the neighbouring IANS country was seized by an Indian Commuters walk past dumped tin containers near a recycle workshop in Kolkata. Thousands of poor families and migrants are working at Border Security Force patrol team recycle workshop in central Kolkata. on Friday. Its occupants fled upon seeing them in the Koteshwar creek NEW DELHI/AHMEDABAD: Fol- area off the Kutch coast along the lowing intelligence agencies’ inputs India-Pakistan border in Gujarat. about infiltration of 10 suspected ter- NSG teams were put on standby rorists into Gujarat, Delhi was also and Mahashivratri festivities at the Aden aid home survivors will be evacuated: Chandy put on high alert yesterday as a pre- historic Somnath temple were sus- cautionary measure, police officials pended in Gujarat after the Centre said. yesterday sounded a high alert amid IANS Swaraj on Saturday night, Indian or any officials. that he got, these gunmen tied the “Delhi has always been on high reports that 10 fidayeen militants embassy officials from Djibouti “She said that things are not that arms and hands of the priest and took alert. But the recent intelligence alert have entered the coastal state. have established contacts with Sis- smooth where she is and there is no him with them. about the entry of some suspected “The Gujarat Police are on alert. ter Sally, the mother superior of the information about the priest Tom “She also said that there is no terrorists in Gujarat is really a seri- The state government had asked THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The old age home run by the Mother Tere- Kuzhuvennal, who hails from Kot- information about the priest,” said ous issue following which a prompt the Centre to send National Secu- Indian government will shift, out of sa’s Missionaries of Charity, who hails tayam district and was taken away Chandy. message was circulated to step up rity Guards (NSG) teams, which have Yemen, the Indian mother superior from Kerala. by these unidentified gunmen,” he In the gunfire, four nuns of the security,” said a police officer on also arrived,” state Home Minister of an aid home in Aden where four “I managed to speak to Sally a said. Missionaries of Charity, including one condition of anonymity. Rajanikant Patel told reporters. nuns including were killed and an while ago and she said that she has Chandy added that Sally was from India, were killed. The Indian The officer said that all the sta- Two NSG teams, which landed Indian priest kidnapped in an attack been contacted by Indian embassy lucky to escape the attackers as she, nun has been identified as Sister M tion house officers (SHOs) of over in the state yesterday morning, were by gunmen on Friday, said Kerala officials from Djibouti who are along with a few locals, saved herself Anseleme, 57, from Jharkhand. 180 police stations in Delhi have put on standby. He said, “We have Chief Minister Oomen Chandy. expected to come to take her with by hiding when these gunmen cre- Of the other three nuns, two were been asked to enhance security at issued a high alert and beefed up Chandy said that after he spoke them on Monday. In her place ated mayhem. from Rwanda and another from busy markets, vulnerable places security at all key installations.” to External Affairs Minister Sushma (Yemen), there is no Indian embassy He said that according to reports Kenya.

Ready to perform Amit Shah wants to see BJP as key force in south Hizbul guerilla IANS there are NDA governments at killed in Kashmir both the centre and in the state, their political rivals are making a false propaganda that the BJP-led SRINAGAR: A guerrilla RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: BJP government at the Centre is not of the separatist Hizbul president Amit Shah yesterday said extending necessary support to And- Mujahideen (HM) outfit that he wants the party to emerge hra Pradesh. was killed in an ongo- as a key force in the electoral battle During the last one-and-half ing gunfight with security in south India. years, Modi government has given forces in Jammu and Addressing a public meeting in schemes worth Rs1.40 lakh crore to Kashmir Kulgam’s district Rajamahendravaram, as Rajah- Andhra Pradesh, he said. yesterday , police said. mundry is now called, he said the Stating that Polavaram project “A Hizbul militant Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should is the lifeline of the state, the BJP identified as Dawood spread to all regions of the country. leader said it was Modi government Sheikh was killed in a “Modiji has given slogan of Con- which is making it a reality by merg- gunfight with the security gress-free country. If we have to free ing seven ‘mandals’ (of Telangana) forces in Buchroo village the country from Congress, we have with Andhra Pradesh. of Kulgam district,” a sen- to ensure that be it north, south, west He said the state was selected ior police officer said. . and everywhere region, the BJP flag under the project to ensure 24x7 The gunfight ensued should fly high and ‘vande mataram’ electricity in every village. Listing after security forces, slogan is sung,” he said. out the initiatives, he said national closing in on a house In Andhra Pradesh, where BJP highway works worth Rs65,000 in Buchroo village after is a partner in Telugu Desam Party- crore were sanctioned for the state. receiving specific infor- led government, this was the first Shah said Kakinada and Visa- mation about two public meeting of BJP after state’s khapatnam were selected under militants hiding there, bifurcation. smart cities project while the cen- came under heavy gunfire He asked BJP workers to take the tral government also released from the hiding militants, party to every village and booth in Rs1,500crore as initial assistance triggering the gunfight, the state and strengthen the organ- for development of new state capi- the officer said. isation. “Those who say that BJP is a tal Amaravati. He said an industrial party of the north should know that park at a cost of Rs.22,000 crore will Bomb hoax call the party unit in Andhra Pradesh is come up in the state. HPCL refinery the strongest in the country,” he said. in Visakhapatnam will be built at a grounds AI flight He claimed that the BJP which cost of Rs25,000. Artist K Radhakrishnan performs as Duryodhana (a major character in the Hindu epic Mahabharata) started with 11 only members, is He said it would take seven days in the play ‘Draupadi Kuravanchi’, a Kattaikkuttu performance from Tamil Nadu, in Mumbai, yesterday. today the largest party in the world for him to read the entire list of PANAJI: Security forces Kattaikuttu is the theatre of the rural people in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu. with 11 crore strong membership. works sanctioned for the state dur- were thrown into a tizzy The BJP chief said that though ing last one-and-half years. yesterday after a phone call — which later turned out to be a hoax — regarding the presence of a bomb on an Air India Jat agitation victims not happy with compensation flight from Delhi to Mos- cow via Goa. A thorough search was conducted of Air India Flight AI-156 IANS and institutions were looted and com- at a jobless future. summit when the existing ones have Khattar, having failed to contain the carrying 89 passengers, pletely burnt down in the mindless “My estimated loss in the Mall suffered losses of hundreds of crores. violence, is trying to give an impres- including four foreign- arson by Jat protesters in last month’s alone is over Rs7crore. Even I am job- Who will invest in a state where such sion that it will compensate all losses ers, once the plane had violent agitation for reservation, says less as of today. So is all my staff. We lawlessness prevails?” he said. suffered by people. landed in Goa. “A person ROHTAK: “I have got RTGS (Real- that non-Jat community businessmen don’t even know where the money for “They took away all computers Much of this is being done ahead who identified himself time gross settlement systems) of are uncertain whether they want to re-building the whole thing will come and other equipment and burnt down of the March 7-8 ‘Happening Hary- as Videsh Singh called Rs10 lakh in my account. With this re-build their establishments in Har- from. The interim relief is hardly of the building. The loss at the college ana Global Investors’ Summit’ being the Calangute police say- amount I cannot even get my mall yana or move out to other places. any use. The government should com- is around Rs4crore,” Sharma said. held in Gurgaon. ing he was informed by cleaned, leave alone rebuilding the Rohtak’s only McDonald’s out- pensate the whole loss immediately as The arsonists specifically targeted “Haryana government has so one ‘Rajan’ that there was entire thing. All my hard work of so let, which Sharma brought almost 18 the police and administration failed establishments owned by people from far released an interim assistance a bomb aboard AI-156, many years has been reduced to rub- months ago after a lot of effort, has to provide security for our establish- non-Jat communities like Punjabis, of Rs20,04,75,291 (Rs20.04crore) which was due to land ble,” Suresh Sharma, the owner of been charred along with the multi- ments,” Sharma said. Sainis, Brahmins and others, local to 1,537 persons whose properties in Goa at 2pm,” a sen- Rohtak’s burnt down RN Mall, rued. plex cinema halls, high-end gyms and “I don’t understand how the Khat- traders point out. were damaged in the recent agita- ior police official said Sharma, like scores of others other showrooms in the RN Mall. The tar government is going ahead with The BJP government in Haryana, tion in the state,” an official claimed requesting anonymity. whose shops, business establishments mall’s staff, numbering over 100, stare the ‘Happening Haryana’ investors’ led by Chief Minister Manohar Lal in Chandigarh. INDIA MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 15

Women-led development Tender hands aim high need of the hour: Modi

councils, union ministers and present Sushma Swaraj, saying her capabil- and former chief ministers. ity is widely recognised. Empowerment is In her speech at the valedictory Congratulating Lok Sabha needed for those session held in the central hall of Speaker Sumitra Mahajan for her Parliament, former president Prat- leadership and vision to organise who are weak and ibha Devisingh Patil said children the conference, he said in addition not for those who are should be imparted values to respect to the structured component of such women. She also stressed that women events, experiences shared infor- capable and strong, legislators should scrutinise provi- mally among delegates were also says Prime Minister. sions of gender budgeting. extremely enriching. Patil said women should be “Women have higher success imparted training in self-protection ratio despite the fewer opportunities IANS and emphasised on their economic they get in comparison to men,” Modi self-dependence. She said women said, referring to Rwanda, saying that legislators should come together in the east African country was brought the fight against money and mus- back to its feet by women after mas- NEW DELHI: Laying stress on mov- cle power. sacres in which a large number of ing towards women-led development, The first-of-its-kind confer- men were killed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi yes- ence adopted a resolution which the He urged women to work more terday urged elected representatives participants resolved to work for towards scrutinising bills in parlia- to use technology to be more effective transparent, accountable and inclu- ment, saying they have a long-term in their role and suggested creating a sive governance and to contribute to perspective of events. e-platform of women MPs. task of building a Resurgent India. “I would urge Lok Sabha and Addressing the National Con- In his address, Modi said there Rajya Sabha, can you create an ference of Women Legislators, the was need to change the psychological e-platform of women representa- Prime Minister said the country must feeling concerning women empow- tives,” he said. think beyond “women development” erment as empowerment is needed Also admitting women are better and move towards “women-led for those who are weak and not for in adopting technologies than men development” and asked woman those who are capable and strong. and “are specially gifted by god in lawmakers to interact with pancha- “I am unable to understand who this aspect”, he urged the women yat and municipal representatives are men to empower (women). But legislators to engage with their con- in their area as a step towards their the need is that we should understand stituents using technology. “empowerment”. our strength ourselves,” he said. Shehnaz Ganai, a member of He however did not mention the Noting that a country is enriched legislative council of Jammu and women’s reservation bill to which by the power of its women, he said Kashmir who spoke before the con- President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice multitasking, considered to be a cluding session, suggested that such President Hamid Ansari had referred very important element of modern conferences should be held in states, in their speeches on Saturday. day management, comes naturally while former Delhi chief minis- The two-day conference, which to women. ter Sheila Dikshit said that women concluded yesterday, was attended Also noting his government had must raise their voice to get 33 per- A child tries to catch hold of the handlebars in a local train in Mumbai yesterday. by women members of parliament a large share of women ministers, cent reservation in parliament and and state legislatures and legislative he praised External Affairs Minister assemblies.

Woman burnt Popular Malayalam actor Kalabhavan Mani dies at 45 alive in honour IANS in the film Sallapam in 1996 and after films, he sang in about 25 films and at the Kochi airport. killing; 7 held that, through his characteristic laugh whenever he was called for a pro- With assembly elections round the and dialogue delivery style, never had gramme, was known for voluntarily corner, there were reports the Com- to look back and went on to act in Tamil singing ballads, which made him munist Party of India-Marxist would KOCHI: Equally gifted in dancing and Telegu films. hugely popular. He is survived by his field him from an assembly constitu- IANS and singing, popular Malayalam Mani proved his mettle in the film wife and a daughter. ency from his home district Thrissur. actor Kalabhavan Mani (pictured) Vasantiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Nja- His admission to a private hospital Chief Minister Oommen Chandy could make his audience laugh and num where he played the title role of a two days back was kept a secret and it condoled the unexpected demise and JAIPUR: Seven people have been cry and did that for almost a quarter blind man which took him to greater was only yesterday that even the spe- said that Mani will live through his bal- arrested in connection with the of century before his art was untimely heights and won him the special jury cial branch came to know that he was lads and the numerous characters he burning alive of a 27-year-old stilled as he passed away at a private award at the national and the state unwell. He was reported to be suffering played, while his predecessor and vet- woman allegedly by her fam- hospital here yesterday. He was 45. level in 2000. from liver and kidney-related ailments eran Left leader V SAchuthanandan ily members for marrying a man Mani burst into the Malayalam film For the past few years, he was a and was undergoing treatments. said Mani excelled playing characters from another caste eight years ago industry in 1993 by first mimicking busy actor in the Tamil films and was Mani also had his share of getting projecting tribulations of the weaker in Rajasthan’s Dungarpur district, practically every film star the indus- mostly seen playing villain roles and into the news for the wrong reason, sections of the society. “He was bold police said yesterday. try has seen as part of famous mimicry also doing more of character roles in mostly for his rough and tough behav- enough to say that he was a strong Left According to police, the inci- troupe Kalabhavan - which earned him the Malayalam industry. iour which included alleged assaults sympathiser and his untimely loss is a dent occurred on Friday over his prefix. He was however first noticed Apart from acting in around 200 of forest officials and customs officials huge loss to the film industry,” he said. 530km from here while Rama Kumwar was visiting her family to meet them along with her lit- tle daughter. “The woman, Rama Kumwar, after marrying Prakash Tearful adieu to Tibetan boy Sevak of another community had Police grill Andhra eloped from her village Pachlasa in Dungarpur district around 8 years ago,” a police official said. minister’s son “After living somewhere else for all these years she returned to her village along with her three- IANS complaint lodged by a woman. year-old daughter to meet her Venkateswar Rao said police family and in-laws.” were also examining the CCTV foot- “Her brother Laxman Singh age of the car in which Susheel was and other relatives who were still HYDERABAD: Ravela Susheel, son travelling. He also asserted that the angry with her (Rama Kumwar), of Andhra Pradesh Social and Tribal government was taking all steps dragged her out of my house. They Welfare Minister Ravela Kishore for protection of women. “There is beat her up badly and burnt her Babu, was extensively grilled by no question of shielding anybody alive. To destroy evidence, they police yesterday after he surren- involved in a crime, no matter how cremated her late in the evening,” dered in a molestation case. A court powerful he may be.” Kalavati, mother-in-law of later sent him to 14 days judicial cus- The accused were later taken to Rama Kunwar, said in her police tody. the government-run Osmania Hos- complaint. Susheel appeared at Banjara pital for examination. They were Kalavati also claimed to have Hills police station and surrendered later produced before a magistrate been beaten up badly when she after his lawyer failed to get him bail. at his residence in the evening and tried to save Rama Kumwar. Police also arrested Susheel’s remanded in judicial custody for 14 “We have registered a case on driver M Ramesh alias Appa Rao. days. The accused were shifted to her complaint and investigations Deputy Commissioner of Police Chanchalguda Central Jail here. Tibetans living in exile attend the funeral ceremony of Dorjee Tsering, a teenager who had set himself are going on,” the official said. Venkateswar Rao told reporters Police on Saturday issued notice on fire near McLeodganj, Dharamsala, yesterday. The 16-year-old Tibetan living in India died three “We have so far arrested seven that both Susheel and his driver to Susheel, asking him to appear days after he set himself on fire to protest against Chinese control of his homeland. people including her brother Lax- were questioned with regard to the before them within 48 hours. man Singh,” he added. Left parties join hands ahead of polls in northeast and call to root out corruption

IANS emulate them,” Moirangthem Nara, and people are happy,” Nara, a former are also due for the assembly elec- implementing the Food Security Act two years of BJP rule in the country”. secretary of the CPI’s Manipur unit, minister of Manipur, said. tions in 2018. without creating conditions for it. “The tribals and non-tribals said here at the first state-level meet- Attended by the representatives Nara said the Left parties should “The Public Distribution System should stay in communal harmony ing of the Coordinating Committee of of the Communist Party of India particularly be concerned about has been a failure in the state. There and all sections of people should IMPHAL: Joining hands ahead of the Left Parties on Saturday. (CPI), Communist Party of India- Manipur where the Congress has is apprehension among some sections stay together as equals,” said the CPI elections in some northeastern states, He said the Left government in Marxist (CPI-M), Forward Block, “given a corrupt regime”. that ministers, MLAs and hangers-on leader. the left parties called for unity among Tripura has shown that if there is polit- Revolutionary Socialist Party and “There is an urgent need for the may get a free hand once the Food Another CPI leader, Moirangthem themselves to stamp out corruption ical will, the Armed Forces (Special CPI-Marxist-Leninist, the Left parties’ Left parties to join hands in Manipur Security Act is implemented.” Ibohal, took a poor view of the and communalism from the region. Powers) Act, 1958, could also be lifted. convention comes ahead of assem- to save the state from the corrupt Con- Nara and other leaders also Manipur budget for 2016-17. “It is “The Left parties have shown the “There is no crusader like Irom bly elections in Assam in April and gress party.” flagged the issue of communalism, like a project report of an NGO and way in states like Kerala, West Ben- Sharmila in Tripura. The Left govern- in Manipur early next year. Megha- He said the Manipur govern- observing that “there have been hun- is not in the interest of the state and gal, Tripura, and other states could ment has brought about a sea change laya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura ment has started talking about dreds of communal clashes during the the people.” 16 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 EUROPE / UK

Golden chance Against the tide to stay out of EU: Johnson

business” and he did not believe banks’ “threats” to relocate from The London Mayor London if it happened. denied any personal “For the last few years I have said clearly if we didn’t get reform ambition to we should be prepared to walk campaign for Britain away. I think we now have a golden to leave EU opportunity to shrug off a regulatory legislative burden that is profoundly undemocratic,” he said in a BBC interview. “We have got a once in a life- Reuters time opportunity, which will not come again, to strike a new series of relationships, free trade deals with the growth economies around the LONDON: London’s influential world, whilst maintaining ... our free mayor yesterday denied personal trade advantages with the European ambition was Union.” behind his decision Cameron has A surfer paddles out to ride a wave on a day of swell generated by strong winds on the Mediterranean Sea in Varazze, Italy, yesterday. to campaign for said he will not Britain to leave the run again at the European Union next election due and said it was a in 2020, and many “golden oppor- believe Johnson tunity” for the took the gamble country to forge that campaigning Slovak PM wins but retaining power difficult its own trade deals for ‘Out’ would boost with the world. his chances of suc- Boris Johnson ceeding him. Twice (pictured), whose elected to run Lon- Reuters it a bigger role in EU policy discus- election we have the obligation to try well as the mildly nationalist Slovak backing for a so- don, he is among the sions over the bloc’s migration crisis, build a meaningful and stable govern- National Party. called ‘Brexit’ has country’s most pop- the election is being watched closely ment,” Fico told reporters. “It will not Most-Hid refuses to work with angered Prime ular politicians and in Brussels. be easy, I am saying that very clearly.” the nationalists, the party’s chief Bela Minister David seen as one of the BRATISLAVA: Slovak Prime Minister Fico bet on a combination of pop- Fico, who dismisses multicultural- Bugar said, putting the faction that Cameron and Eurosceptic camp’s Robert Fico won Saturday’s parlia- ular welfare measures such as free ism as “a fiction”, has pledged never to won just 6.5 percent in the position highlighted the deep splits within chief assets. mentary election, nearly complete train rides for students and pension- accept EU-agreed quotas on relocating of a possible king-maker. his Conservatives over Europe, Asked if he expected to be the results showed, but gains by opposi- ers and his opposition to accepting refugees who have flooded into Greece “This will be a more difficult said he believed the risky option next prime minister, he responded: tion parties including the far right will refugees to secure a third term, after and Italy from Syria and beyond. birth than this country has ever was to remain inside the 28-nation “Certainly not.” make it very hard if not impossible to ruling in 2006-2010 and 2012-2016. Slovakia has a tiny Muslim minor- experienced,” said Marian Lesko, a bloc when Britons vote in a June 23 As both sides accuse each other form a new government. The results showed eight groups ity. It has not seen any large numbers commentator at weekly Trend. referendum. of scaremongering in an increasingly If Fico fails to put together a gov- won seats in the new parliament, of refugees pass through its territory. Slovakia is one of the euro zone’s His comments came as German acrimonious debate, another leading ernment led by his leftist Smer party, including four that were not in the Opponents portray Fico as an most financially sound states, popu- Finance Minister Wolfgang Schae- ‘Out’ campaigner, Justice Secretary a group of centre-right parties could outgoing one. Some factions rule out inefficient and unsavoury populist lar with foreign investors, particularly uble warned Brexit would lead to Michael Gove, told the Sunday Times try to form a broad but possibly working with each other, especially who ignores the need to reform edu- car makers. years of tortuous negotiations and that the EU’s treatment of Greece in unstable anti-Fico coalition, a repeat with a far-right party that gained cation and healthcare. However, most But unemployment of more than create insecurity that would be “poi- its debt crisis had fuelled the rise of of the 2010 election. representation. opposition parties in the predomi- 10 percent and vast regional differ- son” to the British, European and far-right “Hitler worshippers” across Fico, whose anti-immigration and Some analysts raised the pros- nantly Catholic country agree with ences in wealth, as well as corruption global economies. the bloc. socially conservative views are in line pect of a stalemate that could lead Fico’s hardline stance on migrants. and low healthcare and education No country has previously quit In the same paper, Johnson said with neighbours Poland and Hun- to a minority or temporary cabinet. Refusal to provide guarantees for standards, have disappointed many the EU, and a British departure the EU made it harder for Britain to gary, took 28.3 percent of the vote, Fico, who had hoped to rule with a bailout of Greece brought down the voters. The dissatisfaction along with would deprive the bloc of its number carry out surveillance on terrorists. far ahead of others but less than he one smaller coalition partner, said previous centre-right government Fico’s bet on immigration fears may two economy and leading financial He criticised as “scandalous” reports had hoped for, results from 99.98 per- building a new coalition in a highly in 2012. Both Smer-led and centre- have brought votes to protest parties. centre. Cameron says leaving would that the head of the British Cham- cent of voting districts showed. fragmented parliament would take right coalitions face huge obstacles, The far-right radical People’s Party be a risky “leap in the dark”. bers of Commerce, which represents With euro zone member Slovakia time and be tough, given the “very because either would have to include of central Slovak Governor Marian But Johnson said it would be thousands of businesses, had been due to take over the European Union’s complicated” election results. the centrist Most-Hid party popular Kotleba won 8.0 percent, nearly three a “huge weight lifted from British suspended for backing Brexit. rotating presidency from July, giving “As the party that won the among the Hungarian minority as times more than predicted. Swiss foreign Russia will cut defence budget by 5 percent this year minister sees Reuters Defence spending has been grow- by falling oil prices and Western announced plans to revitalise the the finance ministry, which has said ing as part of a drive by President sanctions, the news agency quoted Russian army and its aging equip- Russia can no longer afford the multi- EU immigration Vladimir Putin to restore Russia’s Shevtsova as saying. ment by spending 23 trillion roubles billion-dollar revamp of the armed military might. The 5 percent cut, if approved by by 2020. Military interventions forces and called for a 10 percent deal near MOSCOW: Russia’s defence budget The decision to cut shows, how- Putin, would be the biggest reduc- in Ukraine and Syria have made spending reduction across ministries. will be cut by 5 percent in 2016, Rus- ever, that even the armed forces tion in defence spending since he took strengthening the military an even The Russian economy shrank by sian Deputy Defence Minister Tatiana are not immune to a slowing Rus- office in 2000. greater priority for the Kremlin. 3.7 percent last year and is expected to Reuters Shevtsova said, said RIA news agency. sian economy, which has been hit In 2011, while prime minister, he The cut represents a victory for decline by another 1 percent this year.

ZURICH: Switzerland and the European Union could strike a deal on curbing immigration to the Ukrainian pilot’s condition neutral Alpine country soon after Britons decide in June whether to quit the bloc, Swiss Foreign Minis- satisfactory: Lawyer ter Didier Burkhalter said. His comments to the NZZ am Sonntag paper follow the cabinet’s AFP or not live long enough to attend the unveiling of tough draft legislation next hearing set for Wednesday. that envisages unilateral limits on Refusing both food and water EU immigrants, a red flag for Brus- MOSCOW: A jailed female Ukrain- is known in Russia as a “dry hun- sels, should negotiations fail. ian pilot, who this week rejected ger strike” and was a method of last The talks are on hold until EU food and water to protest delays in resort for some Soviet dissidents member Britain’s June 23 referen- her controversial murder trial in under Communism. dum of whether to stay in the bloc. Russia, is in “satisfactory condition,” Polozov said that Russian human Brussels is unwilling to show any her lawyer said yesterday. rights ombudsman Ella Pamfilova flexibility in the talks that could Nadiya Savchenko, 34, is had informed Savchenko’s sister Vera encourage the British ‘Out’ camp. demanding she be repatriated to of her condition after her representa- Justice Minister Simonetta Ukraine after a judge in the south- tives visited her in a detention centre. Sommaruga had said on Friday the ern Russian town of Donetsk on A group of Ukrainian doctors two sides remained far apart, but Thursday unexpectedly postponed are waiting for permission to also Burkhalter said things could move her final address to court as her trial visit her, he added. Savchenko has quickly after the British decision. over the 2014 killing of two Russian fasted before to protest the accu- “The fact that the EU is journalists in east Ukraine nears an sations against her but has never interested in a joint solution is evi- end. before refused both food and water. denced by the intense discussions “Nadezhda Savchenko is now in “She counts only on her pres- we have conducted for a year. In satisfactory condition,” one of her sure on the Kremlin,” her sister Vera my opinion we don’t have to nego- lawyers, Nikolai Polozov, said on said earlier this week. “She does not tiate much longer as we are close Facebook, using the Russian version believe politicians.” to a solution with the EU,” he was of her name. He said she was being Irena Lesnevskaya, founder of quoted as saying. constantly monitored and there was Russia’s REN TV channel, yesterday Switzerland is two-thirds of no need to force-feed her. appealed to President Vladimir Putin the way through a three-year Savchenko has not been drinking to let Savchenko go ahead of March 8 timetable to enforce 2014 referen- water or eating since the trial was when Russia and Ukraine celebrate dum vote in favour of immigration adjourned on Thursday. Women’s Day. “Do not humiliate quotas which would violate a bilat- Her supporters are concerned Russia, its men, its officers who still eral pact guaranteeing freedom of People take part in a rally demanding release of Ukrainian army pilot Nadezhda Savchenko by Russia in central that by refusing to drink water she know what honour is about,” Les- movement for EU workers. Kiev, Ukraine, yesterday. may damage her health irreparably nevskaya wrote on Facebook. EUROPE MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 17 EU to press Turkey to take back migrants

more than one million refugees and migrants who have come to the con- The EU will also push tinent since early 2015. Ankara to drastically On Saturday, European Migra- reduce the huge tion Commissioner Dimitris Avramapoulos said Greece—already flow of migrants into struggling with a buildup of 30,000 Europe. migrants—was expected to receive “another 100,000” by the end of March. EU leaders will also try to increase aid for Greece which has AFP seen non-EU Macedonia and EU countries on the Balkans route tighten their borders, stranding asylum seekers desperate to head BRUSSELS: European leaders will northward to wealthy Germany and push Turkey at a summit today to Scandinavia. Macedonia allowed just Refugees and migrants receive food at the camp at the buffer zone of Greek-Macedonian border, near Idomeni village, northern Greece, yesterday. agree to “large-scale” deportations 240 people to cross the border with of economic migrants from Greece Greece between Saturday and early which is bracing for a fresh surge of yesterday morning, Greek frontier do not qualify as refugees. Following their lunch with a winter month. In the report to EU Ankara to “swiftly negotiate and migrant and refugee arrivals by the police said. Syrians, who top the influx of Davutoglu in Brussels, EU leaders are summit participants, the commission conclude readmission agreements end of March. Meanwhile, there are over 5,000 people into Europe, are considered to meet by themselves. said encouragingly that Ankara on with the relevant third countries,” The European Union’s 28 lead- refugees and migrants waiting to genuine refugees requiring admis- The EU said Turkey has made February 26 approved 859 readmission which would then take back economic ers are hoping for new commitments cross to Greek mainland from Aegean sion under international law. progress towards implementing a requests from Greece. migrants from Turkey. from Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet islands facing Turkey, Greece’s state Brussels has meanwhile unveiled cooperation-for-aid deal clinched in Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Rutte said, Europe could Davutoglu at their talks in Brussels in agency ANA reported yesterday. a plan for saving the passport-free November but added that too many Netherlands, which currently holds implement a more “ambitious” plan order to curb the chaos on the west Donald Tusk, the European Schengen zone, which has been people were still heading from Turkey the bloc’s rotating presidency, told to resettle refugees directly from Balkans route that begins in over- Council president and summit host, jeopardised by several countries to Greece, the main entry point to reporters he hoped Turkey would camps in Turkey, which hosts 2.7 stretched Greece. said in his invitation letter that suc- closing their borders to stop the huge Europe. The European Commission, agree “to accelerate readmission of million Syrian refugees. Under the The EU will also push Ankara cess depended largely on securing influx of people. “For the first time the EU executive body, said in a report third country nationals and economic action plan, the EU will give Turkey to drastically reduce the huge flow Turkey’s agreement at the summit for since the beginning of the migration that the daily average of irregular migrants.” Rutte added: “I think that €3bn ($3.3 bn) to aid refugees on its of migrants into Europe, as Turkey the “large-scale” readmission from crisis, I can see a European consensus arrivals in February amounted to would be the minimum outcome.” territory and Turkey will crack down is the launch pad for most of the Greece of economic migrants who emerging,” Tusk said in his letter. just under 2,000, which is “high” for The commission report urged on people smugglers. Greece can pay debts by hosting migrant centres: Czech President

Reuters Zeman, speaking in a broadcast deported ... and Greece would, by border restrictions that led to logjams, where some 30,000 are now trapped, been sceptical about Greece’s ability interview with Czech television chan- maintaining these detention centres, said Greece would press for solidarity waiting for Macedonia to reopen its to limit migrants, many of whom are nel Prima, said the idea came from pay its otherwise uncollectible for- with refugees and fair burden-shar- border so they can head to Germany. fleeing war in Syria and elsewhere, one of his advisers and called it “an eign debt,” he said. ing among European Union states at “Europe is in a nervous crisis,” and fear Turkey will not manage to PRAGUE: Greece could pay down its original idea that could kill two birds The Greek foreign ministry Monday’s summit. Tsipras told his leftist Syriza party’s stem the number of people crossing foreign debts by hosting deportation with one stone”. declined to comment on Zeman’s Tsipras has accused Austria and central committee. “Will a Europe of the Aegean Sea. centres, giving Europe another option “Detention centres would be remarks. Balkan countries of “ruining Europe” fear and racism overtake a Europe of They have said a back-up plan to in tackling the migrant crisis, Czech built on Greek islands to where Greek Prime Minister Alexis by slowing the flow of migrants and solidarity?” provide help to Balkan countries along President Milos Zeman said yesterday. migrants from Europe would be Tsipras, lashing out yesterday at refugees heading north from Greece, Central European leaders have the migration route is important.

Trump a threat Protest for green cause French PM to go ahead to peace and prosperity: with labour reform bill

AFP he said. The prime minister will Sigmar Gabriel meet with business and union heads from today, while a number of organisations have called strikes AFP PARIS: French Prime Minis- for Wednesday and demonstrations ter Manuel Valls yesterday said he later in the month to protest against would push ahead with a controver- the plans. BERLIN: Germany’s Vice Chancel- sial labour reform bill, but promised Valls faces strong opposi- lor Sigmar Gabriel said yesterday “improvements” to the proposed text tion from the left wing of his own that US billionaire Donald Trump, after meetings with union and busi- Socialist Party, while seven in 10 frontrunner for the Republican ness leaders. French are opposed to the changes, presidential nomination, poses a Unveiled in mid-February and according to a poll. Another sur- threat to peace, social cohesion greeted with howls of protest from vey showed two-thirds of people and prosperity. trade unions, the plans would make believe there will be widespread Gabriel labelled the brash real it easier for companies to lay off protests if the law is pushed estate mogul a “right-wing pop- workers. through. ulist” who, like Marine Le Pen of “We have to improve and com- The reforms are part of gov- France and Geert Wilders of the plete this draft law. But what we ernment efforts to combat record Netherlands, promises voters cannot do is maintain the status unemployment levels in a country unsettled by globalisation a return quo,” Valls said in an interview with where employers are loath to take on to a protected “fairytale world”. the weekly newspaper Journal du permanent workers, as letting them “Whether Donald Trump, Dimanche. go can be near impossible. Marine Le Pen or Geert Wilders— Police and activists clash at a protest over a proposed building development in the national park of “(We) cannot stand still even for But critics complain the meas- all these right-wing populists Tirana, Albania, yesterday. A group calling themselves ‘For the Park’ are protesting against a proposed a second. This labour law means ures would dismantle one of the are not only a threat to peace building development where many trees will be cut down. more transparency for businesses key job guarantees for French and social cohesion but also to and more protection for employees,” employees. economic development,” the cen- tre-left Social Democrat told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper. “The right-wing populists promise their followers a return Spain’s Basque Country - where haute cuisine meets science to a fairytale world where eco- nomic life happens only within the borders of their own nation,” said Gabriel, vice chancellor to con- AFP four-decade culinary revolution that tradition, trying to find new options.” textures, and determine how their nutritionists, chemists and cooks on servative Angela Merkel. has made the northern Basque Coun- From ice shavings with shrimp discoveries can be used not only at site to conduct culinary experiments. Gabriel, who is also economy try famous for its traditional haute juice to apple chunks covered in a Mugaritz but in the wider world. They measure the effect of what minister, stressed that countries cuisine... and its more controversial, mould-like substance, Aduriz and Take bubbles. The team worked diners see on their brain activity, don’t prosper in self-imposed iso- SAN SEBASTIAN/SPAIN: It’s a scene experimental counterpart. his team like to disconcert diners with a rheologist—who studies the for instance, by showing them food lation and that, in export powers reminiscent of “Clockwork Orange”: a “In many places in the world, at Mugaritz—using a strong dose of flow of matter—to make them stable images while they eat with a sensor like Germany and elsewhere, “we chair, large screen and cap of brain sen- there’s a certain degree of aversion science. Customers have for instance and edible. cap on, to try and determine what need to make the effort to explain sors with dangling cords await the next to what we come up with,” says BCC been treated to what looks like unap- The result? Chocolate or honey- exactly gives them visual and gusta- how to shape globalisation in a guineapig. In a room nearby, big vats collaborator Andoni Luis Aduriz, petising rotting bread which has flavoured bubbles, sometimes served tory pleasure. fair way”. of smelly goo are lined up on a table. whose avant-garde Mugaritz eaterie actually been injected with the fun- with soap bar-shaped ice cream. “We’re the result of a culinary Merkel was asked in a sepa- Several floors above this secure is rated the world’s sixth best by Brit- gus found in French Roquefort, giving But the team realised this kind evolution where innovation has held rate interview, by Bild am Sonntag lab, a chef in a classroom plunges a ain’s influential Restaurant magazine. it a mouth-watering cheesy taste. of texture-changing process could a very important role,” explains Joxe newspaper, to comment on Trump, green balloon full of cream cheese “It seems that often, it’s identified But Aduriz’s experimental be used further afield—to vary food Mari Aizega, BCC director. and replied only that “I don’t know into a smoking bowl of liquid nitro- as an exercise that harms tradition or approach to gastronomy goes beyond options for people who have trouble “Everything started here more him personally”. Questioned about gen, one of the teaching techniques at puts it in question,” says the 44-year- his Michelin-starred restaurant near swallowing, for instance—and are than 30 years ago.” his harsh attacks on her liberal ref- Spain’s Basque Culinary Centre (BCC). old Basque chef. San Sebastian. working on developing such products. Or in 1976, when restauranteurs ugee policy, which he has called This gastronomy school in “But in the Basque Country, there He and his chefs have worked Aduriz works closely with the Juan Mari Arzak and Pedro Subijana “insane”, Merkel said that “I see no European culture capital San Sebas- are a series of restaurants that have closely with scientists of all kinds BCC, which apart from teach- met France’s star chef Paul Bocuse at reason to reply to that”. tian is but one manifestation of a stepped out of the margins of this to find new cooking techniques or ing gastronomy also has a team of a Madrid round table. 18 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 AMERICAS With two wins, Cruz emerges Trump’s rival

Marco Rubio, a US senator who was shut out in the four contests. The wins for Trump “I think it’s time that he dropped and Cruz were a out of the race,” Trump said of Rubio afterward. “I want Ted one on one.” setback for the The Republican campaign now Republican members, moves to Puerto Rico and contests who opposed Trump in Michigan, Mississippi, Idaho and Hawaii tomorrow, where Trump and hinted that they will be looking to expand his lead prefer Marco Rubio. in the battle to pick nominees for the November 8 presidential election to succeed President Barack Obama. On the Democratic side, front- runner Hillary Clinton won on in Reuters Louisiana and rival Bernie Sand- ers won in Kansas and Nebraska in results that slightly expanded Clinton’s delegate lead over the US Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz greets a woman at a campaign rally in Wichita, Kansas. WASHINGTON: Republican presi- senator from Vermont. dential contender Ted Cruz solidified Next up for Democrats is a his claim to be front-runner Don- contest in Maine and a nationally tel- to build a wall on the border with State militant group and has pledged most likely be decided by voters before sometimes adolescent language used ald Trump’s prime challenger by evised debate from Flint, Michigan, Mexico, round up and deport 11 mil- to eliminate the tax-collecting Inter- the convention, and that the party’s by his party’s candidates, with Rubio splitting four nominating contests a majority-black and impoverished lion undocumented immigrants and nal Revenue Service and four Cabinet leadership did not intend to subvert calling Trump unattractive and incon- with the real estate mogul, and both city that has suffered a health cri- temporarily bar all Muslims from agencies in the country. the will of its members. tinent, and Trump boasting at the last turned their attention to a crucial sis caused by a contaminated water entering the United States. Trump still has a substantial lead “There are no plans to undo the debate that his penis was not at all showdown in Michigan tomorrow. supply. The party’s establishment has not in the race for delegates who select the rules, or change the nomination small, contrary to what Rubio had The wins for Trump and Cruz The Republican race has been been much happier with Cruz, who presidential nominee at the nominat- process mid-stream,” he said in an suggested. on Saturday were a setback for the marked by a growing wave of has alienated many party leaders in ing convention in July. interview yesterday with ABC News, “I would hope that at the next Republican Party’s most powerful attacks on Donald Trump from Washington. Reince Priebus, the Republican downplaying the prospect of the first debate,” Priebus said, “things are members, who have largely opposed the Republican establishment, Cruz, 45, has called for the United National Committee chairman, said contested convention in decades. improved over the last debate as far Trump and hinted that they prefer which has blanched at his calls States to “carpet bomb” the Islamic he thought the party’s nominee would He also spoke ruefully of the as tone and rhetoric.”

Judges back graft Former US first lady Nancy Reagan dies at 94 probe despite

AFP protectiveness and outsized influ- devoted to President Reagan, and we something of a patron saint of con- concern over ence on the president. take comfort that they will be reu- servatives and the patriarch of the Perceived as regal and cold, she nited once more,” former first lady modern Republican Party. Lula’s detention was feared by White House aides Barbara Bush said in a statement. Born Nancy Davis in New York LOS ANGELES: Nancy Reagan (pic- who often found themselves butting “George and I send our prayers and on July 6, 1921, she was the daugh- tured), devoted wife and trusted heads with her over policy and per- condolences to her family.” ter of an actress and a car salesman Reuters confidante to late president Ronald sonnel appointments. She made her Added former California governor who abandoned the family soon after Reagan who after his death became own mark as first lady with her sig- Arnold Schwarzenegger: “Nancy Rea- she was born. Her mother eventually the most ardent guardian of his politi- nature “Just Say No” drug awareness gan was one of my heroes. She served remarried to a neurosurgeon. cal legacy, died yesterday. She was 94. campaign, launched in 1982. as first lady with unbelievable power, In 1949, she went to Hollywood SAO PAULO: Senior judges in The former first lady passed away But after leaving the White House, class and grace and left her mark on where she acted in B-movies and met Brazil voiced concern over the at her home in Los Angeles from as she nursed Reagan through his the world. .” her future husband. detention of former President congestive heart failure, her spokes- descent into Alzheimer’s disease until Throughout her husband’s illness, They married in 1952 after Reagan Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, even as woman Joanne Drake said. his death in 2004, America softened Nancy Reagan emerged as the epit- divorced his first wife, actress Jane they threw their support behind She will be buried next to her its view of the former movie starlet. ome of a loving wife, as well as one Wyman, beginning a marriage that the sweeping corruption investi- husband at the Ronald Reagan Warm tributes noting Nancy of the country’s best known advo- has been described as a love story to gation that threatens to topple his Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Reagan’s steadfast dedication to her cates for stem cell research that might rival any that the couple acted out on embattled successor. California, Drake said. that saw her savaged by critics dur- husband poured in as news of her have saved her husband had a break- the silver screen. The pair had two Lula’s three hours of question- Late in her life, Reagan earned ing Ronald Reagan’s two White House death broke. through been found in time. children: Patti, born in 1952 and Ron, ing in police custody on Friday was praise for many of the very qualities terms from 1981-1989 —her fierce “Nancy Reagan was totally President Reagan is viewed as born in 1958. the highest profile development in the two-year-old probe focused on state oil firm Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras). The detention of Lula, Brazil’s No basis for indictment Taken for a new role first working-class president and a hero to millions of his fellow cit- izens, shocked his supporters. His in e-mail probe: Hillary 2003-2010 government helped lift an estimated 40 million Brazilians out of poverty. Bloomberg to send personal and work corre- Supporters and opponents of spondence, which she has since the former union leader clashed said she regrets. She said she took outside his home on the out- such a step as a matter of conven- skirts of Sao Paulo after Lula was WASHINGTON: Hillary Clinton said ience and exchanged more than detained by police. there’s “no basis” for indicting any- 60,000 such messages from 2009 to Supreme Court Justice Marco one after one of her former aides was 2013. About half were of a personal Aurélio Mello said “nothing justi- reportedly granted immunity in the nature, she said. The resulting probe fied the use of force” when police US investigation of her use of a pri- into whether the practice resulted picked up Lula unannounced vate e-mail server when she was in inappropriate handling of clas- from his apartment. Even Justice secretary of state. sified communications has dogged Gilmar Mendes, who has publicly The Democratic presidential her presidential campaign. said there is strong evidence the front-runner put a positive inter- Clinton, who said that she has ruling Workers’ Party used graft pretation yesterday on reports that “been more transparent than any- proceeds to fund electoral cam- Bryan Pagliano, who helped set up body I can think of in public life,” paigns, called Lula’s interrogation the e-mail server in Clinton’s New also criticised government deci- in police custody a “delicate” sit- York home, was granted immunity sions to retroactively designate uation in O Estado de S.Paulo by federal prosecutors. some of the e-mail traffic as clas- newspaper. The federal judge who “I’m delighted that he has agreed sified. She said it warrants “a hard ordered Lula to be brought in for to cooperate,” Clinton said. “I think look at the inter-agency disputes questioning, Sergio Moro, said we’re getting closer and closer to and the arguments over retroactive A dog trainer leaves with a dog that was adopted by the police from a municipal anti-rabies centre steps were taken to protect Lula’s wrapping this up.” classification.” in Saltillo, Mexico, yesterday. Stray dogs are adopted by the police from the centre and then trained image during the operation, and During her tenure at State, Clin- Republicans have stayed on the to help the police patrol the streets, and search for drugs, explosives and weapons. he expressed regret that it sparked ton used the private e-mail address attack over the e-mails. violence. Lead-free water and food a daily challenge for residents in Flint

AFP water in this impoverished former and then hushed up by government harm brain development. Most residents say they don’t she uses about 10 bottles of water to manufacturing hub has been contam- officials, was a key topic during a Replacing all the corroded pipes trust the filters, after being burned by cook a meal. “You always have to inated with lead, after water from the debate in Flint yesterday between could take years and residents are authorities who had falsely assured go and make sure you have bottles polluted Flint River caused pipes to Democratic presidential hopefuls unsure when they can expect their the public that the drinking water of water in the house, it’s no longer FLINT, UNITED STATES: The United become corroded. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. water to be safe again. was safe until the contamination was a pleasure.” Families are facing a States is known for trends like fat-free Staying healthy amid the con- In the contamination’s wake, Authorities are distributing vast exposed by citizen activists. logistical challenge to constantly buy, and gluten-free diets, but residents in tamination has proven difficult, with many Flint residents have been quantities of bottled water, an oper- “I am afraid of this water. I do eve- transport, store and then recycle all Flint, Michigan are struggling with a simple, daily tasks like washing veg- diagnosed with lead poisoning and ation that involves National Guard rything with these bottles of water. I those plastic bottles. much more serious concern: how to etables or rinsing a pot able to cause more than 8,000 children have been soldiers and hundreds of volunteers. don’t want to die,” said Robert Cme- Cafes and restaurants are also keep food lead-free. lead exposure. reported exposed to lead, a harrow- They have also given away 108,000 jrek, a 72-year-old retiree. trying to reassure customers that their For more than a year, the drinking The crisis, which was first ignored ing statistic since it can irreversibly water filters. Chia Morgan, a social worker, said water is safe.

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 21o C Maximum: 25o C

FAJR 04.37 am ZUHR 11.45 am MAGHRIB 05.40 pm HIGH TIDE 04:00 - 15:30 Partly cloudy to cloudy with chance of scattered SHOROOK 05.53 am ASR 03.07 pm ISHA 07.10 pm LOW TIDE 10:45 - 21:30 rain maybe thundery at times.

20 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 MORNING BREAK ONLINE CHART BUST Fukushima ‘dark tourism’ aids www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MOST READ remembrance and healing Egypt’s SODIC, Heliopolis Housing to 1 develop 655 acres in east Cairo AFP EU to push Turkey to take back 2 migrants on ‘large-scale’

Low oil prices put strains on Gulf NAMIE, JAPAN: Shinichi Niitsuma enthusiastically 3 currency pegs shows visitors the attractions of the small town of Namie: its tsunami-hit coastline, abandoned houses and hills overlooking the radiation-infested reac- tors of the disabled Fukushima nuclear plant. TWEET OF THE DAY Five years after the nuclear disaster emptied much of Japan's northeastern coast, tourism is giving locals of the abandoned town a chance to exorcise the horrors of the past. Like the Nazi concentration camps in Poland or Ground Zero in New York, the areas devastated by the Fukushima disaster have now become hotspots for "dark tourism" and draw annually more than 2,000 visitors keen to see the aftermath of the worst nuclear accident in a quarter century. "There is no place like Fukushima -- except maybe Chernobyl — to see how terrible a nuclear accident is," Niitsuma said, referring to the 1986 accident in Ukraine. "I want visitors to see this ghost town, which is not just a mere legacy but clear and present A participant of "dark tourism" looks at cows which survive eating contaminated grass at a ranch despair," he added, as he drove visitors down the in Namie, Fukushima Prefecture, after the accident of the nuclear plant. As the fifth anniversary main street of Namie, which lies just eight kilome- of the disaster approaches, a growing number of visitors are joining Fukushima-related tours. tres (five miles) from the stricken nuclear plant. On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 undersea earthquake off Japan's northeastern coast sparked INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY a massive tsunami that swept ashore leaving 19,000 people dead or missing. Namie's residents were evacuated after the tsunami sent the nuclear plant into meltdown and none has yet been allowed to move back over radiation concerns. Niitsuma, 70, is one of 10 local volunteer guides organising tours to sights in Namie and other Fukushima communities, including tightly regulated restricted areas. The volunteers take From the opening visitors through the shells of buildings left of the #Megapolis untouched as extremely high levels of radiation at the Pearl-Qatar.@ hamper demolition work. The guides use Megapolis_Qatar monitoring dosimeters to carefully avoid radiation "hotspots". A tsunami-hit elementary school is another stop on the morbid tour. Clocks on the classroom walls are stopped at 3:38 pm, the exact moment killer Voice Kids winner waves swept ashore. In the gymnasium, a banner for the 2011 graduation still hangs over a stage and the crippled nuclear plant is visible through the shattered Abandoned Tomioka Station in Tomioka, Fukushima Prefecture, after tsunami disaster and windows. accident of Fukushima nuclear plant. Former high school teacher Akiko Onuki, 61, survived the tsunami that claimed the lives of six gathered tourists, he explained he keeps the cattle grief of losing loved ones and with no hope of of her students and one colleague, and is now one alive in protest against plant operator Tokyo Electric returning home, say they have mixed feelings at of the volunteer guides. Power and the government. "I want to tell people all seeing sightseers tramping through their former "We must ensure there are no more over the world, 'What happened to me may happen hometown. Fukushimas," Onuki said of her reasons for to you tomorrow'," Yoshizawa said. But Philip Stone, executive director of the wanting to show tourists her devastated former The disaster forced all of Japan's dozens of Institute for Dark Tourism Research at Britain's home. Chika Kanezawa, a tour participant, said reactors offline for about two years in the face of University of Central Lancashire, said recently she was "shocked" by conditions she saw. "TV public worries over safety and fears of radiation that such tangible reminders of disasters serve as and newspapers report reconstruction is making exposure. "warnings from history". progress and life is returning to normal," said the But the government has pushed to restart Niitsuma, who is from Soma, a coastal city some 42-year-old from Saitama, north of Tokyo. reactors, claiming the resource-poor country needs 35 kilometres (22 miles) north of the Fukushima Leen-Al Hayek holds up her trophy with Egyptian celebrity Tamer "But in reality, nothing has changed here." nuclear power. English teacher Tom Bridges, who plant, says he feels haunted by regret for not having Hosny after winning “The Voice Kids” singing competition in Beirut, Dairy farmer Masami Yoshizawa still keeps lives in Saitama, said he was able to share victims' been active in the anti-nuclear movement before some 300 cows in Namie. anger and frustration through the tour. the disaster even though he was against reactor Lebanon, yesterday. With them are Iraqi musician Kadhim Al Sahir They live off the radiation-contaminated grass "It's not a happy trip but it's a necessary trip," construction. "I should have acted a little more (front left) and Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram (rear second left). in defiance of a government order to have them he said. seriously," he said. slaughtered. As Yoshizawa showed the herd to the Some local residents still suffering from the "I'm working as a guide partially to atone."

Musicians and media figures Dazzling display celebrate Murdoch-Hall wedding

AP service were actor Michael Caine, church service, which included music composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, by Wagner, Schubert and Vivaldi and artist Tracey Emin, playwright Tom the hymns "Jerusalem" and "Amaz- Stoppard, Live Aid founder Bob Gel- ing Grace." Murdoch's son James LONDON: Rupert Murdoch and Jerry dof and former Rolling Stone Bill read from the Bible's 1 Corinthians Hall celebrated their marriage on Wyman, as well as newspaper editors — a passage that declares "the great- Saturday alongside family members, and executives, including Rebekah est of these is love" — and Hall's son media executives and music stars in a Brooks, chief of Murdoch’s British Gabriel Jagger read from ancient Chi- church considered the spiritual home newspapers. nese text the Tao Te Ching. of British journalism. Also attending were the couple's Australia-born Murdoch, the The media mogul groom and 10 children. Murdoch, 84, has six chil- executive chairman of News Corp., model-actress bride emerged from dren from three previous marriages, and former supermodel Hall were St Bride’s church in Fleet Street after while 59-year-old Hall has four with introduced last year and announced the service beaming in the London her ex-partner Mick Jagger. their engagement in January. drizzle. Murdoch wore a dark blue The couple officially tied the knot This is the fourth marriage suit, Hall an ice-blue silk Vivienne Friday in a civil service at Spencer for Murdoch, who owns Fox News Westwood dress accompanied by House, an aristocratic palace built by Channel, movie studio Twenty-First Acrobats perform “Aphrodite and the judgment of Paris” choreographed by the Spanish troupe La silver shoes and a small bouquet of ancestors of the late Princess Diana. Century Fox, publisher HarperCol- Fura dels Baus during the opening of the 15th Ibero-American Theatre Festival in Bogota, Colombia, cream flowers. Hall and Murdoch reaffirmed lins and newspapers in Britain and yesterday. Among some 100 guests at the their marriage vows at the hour-long the US. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

PAGE | 23 QE 10,136.57 +122.14 PTS PAGE | 24 Brexit would be DOW 17,006.77 +62.87 PTS Digital mapping economic poison: FTSE100 6,199.43 +68.97 PTS consortium in German FM BRENT $38.72 +$1.65 expansion talks

MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 • 27 Jumada I 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Spotlight on Qatar as LNG being rerouted to Europe

roughly the same. As a result, when BofAML expects the Asian Spot continental Europe,and global gas both basins receive spot LNG cargoes LNG vs. UK NPB price spread to prices will have to adjust lower to LNG inflows to Europe from Qatar, Asian spot LNG and UK remain tight for years to come, and incentivise the switch from coal to increased by 16% in NBP prices should trade in a relatively hence we expect both UK and Asian gas,” the BofAML said. tight range of $0-2/MMBtu. This has spot gas prices as a ratio of Brent China’s LNG imports contracted 2015 and are likely been the case for most of the past 10 prices to drop meaningfully this year. for the first time ever in 2015. The to rise even further years, except in the 2011-14 period Put differently, global gas prices will contraction was marginal, yet repre- when Japanese nuclear shutdowns stay weak for some time to come. sents a drastic U-turn as imports rose this year as import forced a rerouting of all disposable According to BofAML, LNG imports sharply in prior years. In the past five demand in Asia LNG from Europe to Asia, Bank of in Asia outright contracted in 2015, years, pipeline and LNG imports have falling. America Merrill Lynch’s latest global including in most of the major import- been the main supply source to meet energy report noted yesterday. ers, namely Japan, China and Korea. strong growth in domestic demand. Falling import demand in Asia Only India and Taiwan showed modest Pipeline and LNG imports now each means that LNG is being rerouted growth, though not enough to prevent account for 15 percent of Chinese nat- By Satish Kanady to Europe. LNG inflows to Europe big declines for the region as a whole. ural gas supply, up from virtually zero The Peninsula increased by 16 percent in 2015, and It expects Asian demand contrac- 10 years ago. Japanese gas consump- are likely to rise even further this year. tions to continue into 2016 on a weak tion is contracting on restarting nukes. As such, global gas prices will have macro and strong growth in nuclear In Japan, Qatar’s major importer, gas to adjust lower to incentivise Euro- and renewable generation capacity. burn is under pressure from the grad- DOHA: As falling Asian demand for pean operators to switch from coal With two years of very strong supply ual restart of the country’s 48 nuclear 12.8GW by end of 2017. LNG burn in efficiency gains. LNG reroutes its supplies back to to gas. UK NBP prices have already growth ahead of us, all this LNG will reactors. So far, three reactors (3.5GW power generation fell 6 percent to 53 LNG demand is also displaced Europe, Qatar is back in the global fallen through coal switching lev- go to Europe, at least in the short term, of capacity) are online. mmtpa in 2015 driven mostly by a by nukes in South Korea, the world’s market spotlight. els, as the UK coal to gas switching a phenomenon seen already in 2015. BofAML’s Japanese utilities ana- 4 percent decline in power demand fifth-largest producer of nuclear Qatar is the key swing sup- has been limited so far. Hence, Euro- “Europe is the only place where lyst now sees the nuclear restarts on efficiency gains. This year, LNG power, with 24 reactors supplying plier between the Atlantic and the pean prices may drop to 25p/therm (or gas-fired power generation has mate- as slightly more back-loaded than demand could contract by 2.1 mmtpa roughly a third of the country’s power. Pacific basins as transport costs to $3.50/MMBtu) where switching into rial spare capacity. The excess LNG before, and expects nukes online (or 4 percent) due to nuclear restarts Korean LNG imports are projected to North Western Europe and Asia are gas starts in Germany. will then be dumped in the UK and to rise to 4.4GW by end of 2016 and alone, and by another 3-4 percent on decline this year. Woqod expects better growth in 2016

By Mohammad Shoeb The meeting was chaired by such as improved fleet size of our The Peninsula Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahaman Al transport services, which is another Thani, the Chairman of the Board of source of income for the company,” he Directors. Total shareholder’s equity added. “And also we have introduced reached QR7.2bn with an increase new technologies such as the smart DOHA: Qatar Fuel (Woqod) yester- amounting QR222m representing a fueling and payment system named day held its Annual General Meeting growth of 3.2 percent compared with ‘WOQODe’ with significant invest- (AGM) and approved the recom- same period of last year. ments, which will bring additional mendation of its Board of Directors “Seeing the first quarter perform- income to the company.” to distribute cash dividends of about ance, we are expecting to maintain He said that the newly introduced QR692.57m according to a rate of 82 the same rate of growth and profits or ‘WOQODe’ system will not only gen- percent of the value of the paid-up even higher during the current finan- erate income for the company but also nominal capital (QR8.2 per share), in cial year,” Ibrahim Jaham Al Kuwari, provide tight control over fuel usage addition to 8 percent bonus shares (8 CEO of Woqod told The Peninsula on and bills, especially to companies shares per 100 outstanding shares). the sidelines of the AGM yesterday. with big fleet size of vehicles. The company’s net profit for “As we are going to open about 18 Al Kuwari said that Woqod is cur- 2015 touched QR1.2bn, up 11 percent, more additional fuels stations across rently involved in implementation of Woqod Chairman Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (right), Vice-Chairman Ahmed Saif Al Sulaity compared with the previous year. the country, we are expecting higher many projects under construction, (second right), CEO Ibrahim Jaham Al Kuwari (left), with other members of board of directors at the AGM of Earnings per share (EPS) increased revenues and profits. Besides that tendering, designing and approval the company in Doha yesterday. Pic: Salim M/The Peninsula to QR14.84 from QR13.41. we have some specialised projects stages.

US govt to place restrictions on ZTE Qatargas delivers first LNG cargo to Pakistan State Oil Co

The Peninsula delivered the first commission- We look forward to a safe and LONDON: The US Commerce ing cargo to PSO onboard the LNG successful relationship with all Department is set to place export vessel Excelerate Exquisite, a Float- stakeholders as we celebrate the restrictions on Chinese telecoms ing Storage and Regasification Unit successful first Q-Flex delivery of equipment maker ZTE Corp for DOHA: Qatargas delivered its (FSRU) vessel, which is currently this important new agreement.” alleged violations of US export first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) moored at the Engro LNG termi- This latest achievement by controls on Iran. cargo under a new long term sup- nal in Port Qasim, and is Pakistan’s Qatargas followed many months The restrictions will make ply agreement with Pakistan State first LNG import terminal. of careful preparations in con- it difficult for the company to Oil Company (PSO) to Port Qasim, Qatargas Chief Executive junction with ship-owner, the Port acquire US products by requir- Pakistan. The cargo was loaded Officer, Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalifa Qasim Authority (PQA). Prepara- ing ZTE’s suppliers to apply for onto Al Gattara, a chartered Qatar- Al Thani said: “This is a signifi- tions included the development an export licence before shipping gas LNG Vessel, which is owned cant milestone for Qatargas as of new dedicated procedures for any American-made equipment or and operated by Nakilat. The Vessel we celebrate the first LNG cargo Q-Flex vessels and required the parts to ZTE. According to a Com- left Ras Laffan, Qatar on February to Pakistan on a Qatargas vessel support of Master Mariners from merce Department notice that will 26 to mark the inaugural Q-Flex under the long term agreement. Qatargas, the PQA Pilots. be published next week in the US delivery to Pakistan. PSO is an important new cus- The first Q-Flex LNG delivery Federal Register, the licence appli- With the addition of this mile- tomer for Qatargas and we are to Pakistan under a 15-year sales cations generally will be denied. stone delivery to Port Qasim, the very pleased that the first Q-Flex and purchase agreement demon- The restrictions will take effect Qatargas chartered Q-Flex fleet cargo has been safely delivered. strates the Company’s commitment tomorrow, and apply to any com- achieved compatibility with 60 We would like to compliment and and further strengthens the rela- pany worldwide that wants to ship LNG terminals globally while the express our deep appreciation of tionship between both companies American-made products to ZTE larger Q-Max vessels are presently Nakilat and our business partners going forward. This achievement Corp in China. Those companies compatible with 32 LNG terminals in Pakistan for their tireless prepa- highlights Qatargas’ capability to are not the target of the export globally. rations and professional support in supply LNG to customers around Qatargas-chartered Q-Flex LNG Vessel ‘Al Gattara’ moored at Port Qasim in curbs on ZTE. In April 2015, Qatargas achieving this milestone delivery. the globe both safely and reliably. Pakistan. 22 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS ExxonMobil and RasGas to test gas sensor

and accurate early warning of hydro- cameras with a common optical path. as a core commitment. Therefore, elements that are fundamental for carbon leaks and is designed to One imager operates at a wavelength the partnership between RasGas successful operations,” said Dr. Moha- Advanced detection improve process safety and environ- slightly offset from the other, allowing and ExxonMobil Research Qatar is a mad Al-Sulaiti, ExxonMobil Research technology system is mental performance at oil refineries, one imager to detect both hydrocar- clear demonstration of our consist- Qatar’s Research Director. “Exxon- chemical plants, liquefied natural gas bon and background signatures while ent efforts to implement innovative Mobil is proud to build a world-class designed to improve (LNG) facilities and other gas process- the second imager detects only the technologies that would significantly center of educational and scientific safety process and ing facilities worldwide. background signature. Image subtrac- improve process safety, integrity of excellence, while simultaneously environmental The remote gas detection system, tion techniques eliminate background assets and enhance environmental conducting research in areas that fur- which won the 2013 Qatar Petroleum interference, which increases hydro- performance of our facilities,” said ther Qatar’s National Vision 2030. We performance at HSE Excellence Innovation Award, carbon plume detection accuracy, Khalid Al Hemaidi, RasGas Chief want to ensure that our efforts con- refineries. has been deployed near LNG Train 7, simplifies the autonomous computer Safety, Health, Environment and tinue to contribute to a brighter and Grand Hyatt Doha in which ExxonMobil has a 30 percent vision algorithm and improves con- Quality Officer. “RasGas continues more sustainable future for Qatar and participating interest. Field testing is tinuous scanning of a given landscape to seek opportunities that support its people,” he added. appoints new expected to run through 2016. for aerial surveillance applications. Qatar’s drive for sustainable devel- ExxonMobil Research Qatar “The dual imager IntelliRed Scientists from ExxonMo- opment,” he added. was established in 2009 to conduct Director of Rooms The Peninsula remote gas detection system is a step bil Research Qatar and Providence “This pilot project emphasizes the research in areas of common interest forward in mitigating operational Photonics developed the IntelliRed continued commitment of ExxonMobil to the State of Qatar and ExxonMobil, risks while improving reliability and system over a four-year period, cul- Research Qatar and RasGas to pur- including environmental manage- ease of use,” said Hazem Abdel-Moati, minating in field tests of the system sue research excellence in the field ment, water reuse, LNG safety and The Peninsula DOHA: ExxonMobil Research Qatar Safety Research Lead at ExxonMobil at production facilities in Qatar and of process safety and environmen- coastal geology. and project partner RasGas Company Research Qatar. “The pilot project is the United States. In 2015, the Exxon- tal protection. It is another example ExxonMobil Research Qatar Limited (RasGas) are field testing an designed to test the system’s durabil- Mobil Upstream Research Company of the joint effort of ExxonMobil’s sci- became one of the first anchor ten- advanced second-generation dual ity and harsh climate performance awarded Providence Photonics a glo- entists and local partners to develop ants to open its doors at Qatar Science DOHA: Grand Hyatt Doha sensor version of ExxonMobil’s Intel- by challenging it with various envi- bal commercial license for the system. and commercialize cutting-edge & Technology Park with a research appointed Xavier Halbi (pictured) liRed remote gas detection system. ronmental conditions such as heat, “RasGas embraces its respon- technologies that enhance safety for and development center that includes as the new Director of Rooms. The IntelliRed system, patent humidity, dust, sand and fog.” sibility for the safety of people and personnel; integrity for facilities; and offices, laboratories and training Xavier brings more than a dec- pending, provides a highly sensitive The system employs two infrared the protection of the environment protection for the environment – all facilities. ade of experience to his new role at the luxurious 249-room idyllic leisure retreat blessed with pictur- esque, breath-taking views of the Arabian Gulf Xavier has been passionate QSTP hosts tenant about the hospitality world from a young age, which drove him to pursue a degree in hotel manage- ment at the hotel management school VATEL in Lyon, France networking event before obtaining his MBA in Inter- national Hospitality Management from Cornell University and ESSEC Business School in 2004. The Peninsula serves as one of the foremost drivers A French native with a service- in helping Qatar achieve a sustaina- oriented mindset, Xavier started ble knowledge-based economy built building his career at the age of on technology research, innovation, 19, when he got his first hospitality DOHA: Qatar’s primary incubator and entrepreneurship.” job in Lyon as a bell attendant and for technology development, Qatar Al Kuwari said: “QSTP serves as continued enhancing his skills in Science & Technology Park (QSTP), the hub for applied research, innova- service in destinations as diverse part of Qatar Foundation Research tion, and entrepreneurship to reach as China, UAE, France, England and Development, recently hosted a commercialisation of viable technol- and the Maldives. He started his networking event entitled ‘Business ogy projects in Qatar. We are thrilled Hyatt career at the Hyatt Regency Connect’. to announce that, through our mem- Xi’an, China, as Guest Relations The workshop, aimed at creating ber-companies, who have so far Manager and Assistant Manager an interactive environment condu- contributed 91 patents to the global Front Office and has been with cive to networking and learning, was technology market. I would like to Hyatt for 11 years. targeted towards senior members use this opportunity to extend my Xavier worked as VIP Team Participants at the workshop. of QSTP’s resident-companies. The gratitude to our esteemed member- Manager at Grand Hyatt Dubai annual workshop was attended by companies who have been working then joined Hyatt Regency Dubai & department heads and QSTP Chair- diligently to make these unparalleled Manager of QSTP’s newest member, QSTP is set to expand their oper- facilities allowing heavy equipment Galleria as Revenue Manager and man Dr Hamad Al Ibrahim. developments possible.” Iberdrola Qatar, said: “Today’s event ations with a new facility, TECH4, and containers to be delivered to the later on added Park Hyatt Mal- Opening this year’s event, Hamad In addition to its long-stand- was highly beneficial for us as a new which is now under construction. tenants with ample allocated spaces, dives under his responsibilities. His Al Kuwari, QSTP’s Managing Direc- ing partner companies, QSTP has member of QSTP’s family. We learnt The new 6,000 square-metre facil- smooth access, and custom clearance, most recent position was director tor, said: “Effective communication, recently welcomed on board pres- a great deal about QSTP, its processes ity, once completed, will allow QSTP as well as double the power and ceil- of operational strategy at the same knowledge-sharing, and building tigious international technology and expansions, which will prove to to accommodate more tenants and ing height. hotel. With his new appointment at synergies among QSTP’s various research and start-ups companies be helpful for us as we initiate and offer them state-of-the-art accom- QSTP aims to provide world-class Grand Hyatt Doha, where he has member-companies are some of the focused on various scientific fields. develop our projects in the future. We modation suitable for heavier testing facilities and services to its current 36 just arrived to inject a spark and main objectives we have set out to The new companies include Vetosis, would like to see more of these events and development. resident-companies and over 1,200 inspire ongoing change, Xavier achieve. Together, all members of Modus, Girnass, and Iberdrola, which take place in the future to ensure a Benefitting from the feedback employees to ensure their day-to- aims to turn the hotel into a bench- QSTP bring a quantifiable amount of will work alongside current members. collaborative environment is created of its current members, QSTSP day business needs are addressed mark for exceptional service and intellectual potential to Qatar, which Santiago Banales, General for technology innovation in Qatar.” has equipped TECH4 with various optimally. excellence for hotels in Doha.

VW chairman and CEO knew of Electric supercar wins young Croatian global fame defeat devices AFP to create a team, then the know-how by trial-and-error method to even- BERLIN: Volkswagen AG’s current tually become a company that could chairman and chief executive were make a product,” he said. alerted by the carmaker’s former SVETA NEDELJA: He’s the name The company unveiled the Con- CEO to the use of illicit emissions- behind the world’s first electric super- cept One at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor control software in the United car, winning international plaudits Show, where nobody expected a small States two weeks before the car- for his ingenuity. But for Croatia’s Croatian firm to showcase an electric maker disclosed the scale of its 28-year-old Mate Rimac, it all started car that could reach 100 km per hour manipulations, Bild am Sonntag as a hobby in his garage. in a staggering 2.8 seconds. reported, without citing the source A keen techie since high school, Last week at the Geneva Interna- of the information. Rimac was racing an old BMW when tional Motor Show, Rimac introduced Martin Winterkorn, who he blew the engine and decided the production version of the car resigned within a week of to turn the car into an electric one along with a prototype of its “evil Volkswagen’s (VW) biggest-ever starting with pieces he bought on twin”, the even more powerful Con- corporate scandal becoming pub- the Internet. A decade later, his firm cept S. “We can’t really decide which lic on September 18, briefed VW’s Rimac Automobili is becoming a Rimac creation we’d rather have, so executive board on September 8 global leader in electric vehicle tech- we’re off to get lottery tickets with that the carmaker had admitted nology, selling Concept One supercars hopes of buying both,” said a review the use of “defeat devices” to US for €850,000 ($923,000) each and on motoring news site Autoblog. authorities, the newspaper said. giving a much-needed boost to Many expected Rimac’s success Participants in the September Croatia’s start-up scene. “We want to would lead him to move somewhere 8 meeting included then-finance be the best in the world in what we else, such as Silicon Valley, Germany chief Hans Dieter Poetsch and do and we are changing the world,” or Italy. But instead he has kept the then-CEO of Porsche, Matth- Rimac said in his factory showroom business in Croatia, a country slowly ias Mueller, according to Bild am in the small town of Sveta Nedelja, emerging from six years of recession. Croatian inventor Mate Rimac, 28, poses next to his Concept One supercar model at his factory and showroom Sonntag. They have since taken near the Croatian capital. “I want to do it here... I’m stub- the positions of VW chairman and The confident but modest entre- born,” he said. “I think it is possible, I in Sveta Nedelja, on the outskirts of Zagreb. chief executive, respectively. preneur was named by Politico mean we are doing very well.” Former CFO Poetsch has been Europe in December as one of 28 He plans to build another factory financing from three international Rimac’s headline product, but he says €8,500 each. Rimac said the company criticised by some investors and people across the continent who in Sveta Nedelja, while his employee investors in 2014 and is now in a sec- it is only a showcase for the compa- was not directly affected by Croatia’s analysts for failing to inform VW’s are “shaping, shaking and stirring numbers are set to double this year ond round of fundraising. ny’s technology, from infotainment problematic business environment, shareholders of the looming prob- Europe”. But mastering the complex to 300. Their average age is 30, and Two Concept One prototypes, systems to battery packs, which aim which sees companies burdened by lem, with some of them demanding technology of electric sports cars and many are young engineers straight including the red vehicle unveiled in to reach a far wider audience — in excessive red tape and changeable that VW select an independent winning financing was no easy task out of university. Frankfurt, were on display behind ordinary cars, planes, ships, bicycles fiscal rules. But he stressed that a bet- chairman if it wants to overcome — especially in a small country of They build most of the supercar Rimac, while nearby engineers and wheelchairs. “We are helping the ter framework was needed to help the the crisis. 4.3 million people with no automo- parts from scratch on-site — from the worked on three cars to be delivered world to go electric. Our business is country’s young entrepreneurs, who “Volkswagen is convinced tive industry. body and chassis to the power distri- to the United States, Germany and to implement these technologies and only succeeded “either by themselves to have fully complied with Rimac formed the company in bution unit and batteries — sticking to Italy within a month. The firm is pro- help other industries to go electric.” or despite everything”. the requirements set out in the 2009 when he realised there was Rimac’s philosophy of creating know- ducing a limited quantity of just eight Spin-off firm Greyp Bikes, set up “We are creating our own little securities law,” a spokesman not much left of the original vehicle how and jobs instead of outsourcing. Concept One vehicles for clients who in 2013, produces high-performance island here with positive young peo- said. “Volkswagen categorically he had transformed in his garage, “That’s why we are growing so are both motor fanatics and technol- electric bicycles that can reach up ple... We are trying to be one of the declines comment on contents of and the aim was to build an electric quickly and becoming experts in dif- ogy afficionados — and can afford the to 70 km per hour. So far around 80 sparks in Croatia that will trigger the management board meetings.” supercar from scratch. “First we had ferent fields,” said Rimac, who won hefty price tag. The supercar may be have been sold around the world for change that is necessary,” he said. BUSINESS MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 23 QDB and Maersk Oil in deal to develop SMEs

Officer of QDB, and Lewis Affleck, nation’s goals.” MOQ’s Managing Director at the Qatar QDB seeks to improve local Partnership to Business Incubation Center (QBIC), an capabilities that accelerate the support the growth innovation space and entrepreneur- development of Qatar’s private sec- ial support centre co-founded by the tor in line with the needs of Qatar’s of small and medium QDB. economic diversification towards a enterprises in Qatar. Also in attendance were Troels sustainable, competitive economy. Poulsen, Danish Minister of Business Speaking on the importance of and Growth, Merete Juhl, Ambas- the agreement, Lewis Affleck, MOQ’s sador of Denmark to Qatar, Jakob Managing Director at the Qatar Busi- Thomasen, CEO of Maersk Oil, Sheikh ness Incubation Center (QBIC) said: The Peninsula Faisal bin Fahad Al Thani, Deputy “By partnering with QDB we aim to Managing Director of MOQ and Dr build on our strong record of utilis- Aysha Al Mudahka, CEO of QBIC. ing local goods and services to further Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khal- support local business growth and to DOHA: Qatar Development Bank ifa said:”We at Qatar Development help achieve the Qatar National Vision (QDB) and Maersk Oil Qatar (MOQ) Bank strive to empower and educate 2030.” signed a Memorandum of Under- small and medium enterprises to nur- He added: “In 2014 and in 2015, QDB Chief Executive Officer Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa (left) and Maersk Oil Qatar Managing Director standing (MoU) last week, creating a ture local market growth because of around 60 percent of all goods and Lewis Affleck signing the MoU. partnership to support the growth of their importance in supporting and services used by Maersk Oil Qatar small and medium enterprises (SMEs) diversifying Qatar’s economy. Our were sourced locally. Together with we hope will develop into meaningful conference and exhibition from March suppliers and buyers and aims to in Qatar. cooperation with Maersk Qatar is a the support of QDB we will seek to contracts for local enterprises.” 8 to 10 at the Qatar National Con- provide local SMEs with access to pro- The MoU was signed by Abdulaziz testament in cooperating with lead- further identify and bring opportuni- Maersk Oil Qatar will also be vention Centre. The event provides curement opportunities within local bin Nasser Al Khalifa Chief Executive ing businesses to help us achieve the ties to the Qatari SME market which participating in QDB’s Moushtarayat a platform for networking between government and private enterprises. Ooredoo revamps Business Messaging Service BIS: Faith in central

The Peninsula large groups of people, and aims to messages per month with monthly will now see companies’ send up to banks’ healing reach out to customers and employ- fees as low as QR30,000. 18 million SMS/Month, an increase of ees in an effective manner. With this change, Ooredoo has 5 million messages per month at no Ooredoo has improved the pric- become one of the most cost effi- extra cost. DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday ing by increasing the value received cient Business Messaging Services Ooredoo Business Messaging powers faltering announced a pricing restructure for by customers, reducing the local price options for any company in Qatar, Service was designed to enable com- its popular Business Messaging Serv- of each package, and increasing the and will enable SMEs and institutions panies to effectively communicate ice, as it looks to offer more affordable number of message recipients in to instantly promote their products with their customers and employ- solutions for Qatar’s growing busi- each, in order to support the grow- and services, as well as stay in con- ees; campaigns and new promotions, Reuters have taken notice. And their con- ness sector. ing small and medium enterprises tact with their customers. important corporate information, fidence in central banks’ healing The Business Messaging Service sector in Qatar. To ensure that enterprise cus- service payments, travel alerts and powers has — probably for the first is a mobile marketing tool that pro- From now, businesses can sub- tomers also see the benefits of the booking confirmation, voting and time — been faltering. Policymakers, vides companies with a cost-effective scribe to a range packages starting revamp, Ooredoo’s Business Mes- polling, and lots of different ways to LONDON: Financial markets’ shaky too, would do well to take notice.” and efficient way to send bulk SMS to from 500,000 to 8,500,000 local saging Services ‘Unlimited’ bundle increase their business. start to the year shows they are los- The comments dovetailed with ing faith in the “healing powers” of concerns about the potential side- central banks, the Bank for Inter- effects of negative interest rates, national Settlements (BIS) said which are effectively a charge on Amazon to restore yesterday while voicing concerns commercial banks’ spare cash. Brexit would be economic poison over sub-zero interest rates and A study in the BIS report showed encryption to emerging economies. the different ways negative rates The Swiss-based organisation, were being implemented by the Fire tablets which fosters cooperation between likes of Sweden, Denmark, Swit- for world: German Finance Minister central banks in the pursuit of mon- zerland, Japan and the European etary and financial stability, said that Central Bank, which is expected to after complaints recent worries over China’s econ- go even deeper into negative terri- omy, oil and commodity prices and tory on Thursday. Reuters to the EU budgets and applies the sin- some European banks had come as Evidence from Switzerland BOSTON: Amazon.com Inc said gle market’s rules and regulations fundamental shifts take place in the showed that banks there had not it plans to restore an encryption without having a vote on them. global economy. introduced negative rates on cus- feature on its Fire tablets after “I cannot really see why the UK International bank-to-bank tomers’ savings but had instead customers and privacy advocates LONDON: A British vote to leave the would be interested in staying within lending is contracting for the first increased costs on loans such as criticised the company for qui- European Union would damage the the single market without being able time in two years, the use of dollar- mortgages to curb losses. etly removing the security option British, European and global econ- to make decisions about it,” he said. denominated debt to drive growth “If negative policy rates do not when it released its latest operating omies, German Finance Minister “It doesn’t really make sense.” in emerging markets has ground to feed into lending rates for house- system. “We will return the option Wolfgang Schaeuble (pictured) said A collection of polls published by a halt on a strengthening of the cur- holds and firms, they largely lose for full-disk encryption with a Fire in an interview with the BBC. YouGov on Saturday showed that the rency that has also served to send their rationale,” the study said. OS update coming this spring,” A British exit following a June ‘In’ camp has had four consecutive US firms rushing to borrow in euros. “On the other hand, if negative spokeswoman Robin Handaly said. 23 membership referendum would leads since February 25, averaging At the same time, world growth policy rates are transmitted to lend- Amazon’s decision to drop rock the EU by ripping away its sec- 40 percent support compared with remains subdued, overall debt con- ing rates for firms and households, encryption from the Fire operating ond-largest economy and its richest 37 percent for ‘Out’. Its four previous tinues to rise and negative interest then there will be knock-on effects system came to light late this week. financial centre. Prime Minister polls put the ‘Out’ camp ahead. rates in large parts of Europe and on bank profitability unless negative The company said it had removed David Cameron has said Britain will The German finance minister Japan suggest that some leading rates are also imposed on deposits, the feature in a version of its Fire be better off remaining in the bloc. said it would be a “catastrophe” if central banks are running low on raising questions as to the stability OS that began shipping in the fall “We would have years of the most Britain left the bloc, but while the EU ammunition to quell market vola- of the retail deposit base.” because few customers used it. difficult negotiations, which would would still be able to trade with the would be weaker without Britain, it tility that could pose a threat to the The report also focused on On-device encryption scram- be very difficult for the EU as well. EU after leaving, it could not have would “not commit suicide”. global economy. another of the side-effects of the bles data so that the device can be And for years we would have such the advantage of access to the bloc’s In response to a question about “The latest turbulence has ECB’s rock-bottom interest rates. accessed only if the user enters the insecurity that would be a poison to single market without accepting free Turkey’s possible future accession hammered home the message that There has been a 15 per- correct password. Well-known the economy in the UK, the European movement of EU citizens or paying in to the bloc, he said the German gov- central banks have been overbur- cent-a-year rise in the amount of cryptologist Bruce Schneier called continent and for the global economy to the EU’s budget. ernment had major doubts about dened for far too long post-crisis,” euro-denominated debt issued by Amazon’s removal of the feature as well,” Schaeuble said, according to He dismissed the idea that Britain whether it should become a full EU the head of the BIS monetary and companies outside the euro bloc. If “stupid” and was among many a translation of the interview broad- could follow the example of countries member. “It will be a long time before economics department, Claudio they neglect to put currency hedges who publicly urged the company cast yesterday. such as Norway, which accepts free- we reach the end of negotiations with Borio, said in its first quarterly report in place, that represents some big to restore it. Schaeuble said that while Britain dom of movement, pays contributions Turkey,” he said. of the year. “Market participants bets on the euro remaining weak. QP honours 831 long-serving staff

The Peninsula Mohammed Al Mannai, Executive the second to be held by QP this year VP for Human Capital, said: “There to honour its long-serving employees. is no doubt that the long service of our It followed the first CSA Ceremony employees is the best testimony any 2016, which was held on February 17, DOHA: Qatar Petroleum (QP) hon- organization can receive in describ- to recognise a total of 369 employ- oured its 831 employees who have ing its standing as an employer. This ees who have already achieved career been serving the corporation for the is also a testimony to the success of milestones of 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 past 10 and 15 years. our Human Capital policies not just in years of service with the corporation. Held under the patronage of Saad attracting talent, but also in nourish- In addition, as part of this year’s Sherida Al Kaabi, QP President & ing and preserving them.” CSA programme, a total of 368 CEO, the second part of QP’s Contin- Al-Mannai presented the awar- employees will also be receiving Cer- uous Service Awards honoured 434 dees with a Certificate of Appreciation tificates of Appreciation for having employees who have already recorded and a gift as a token of gratitude for completed five years of service thus 10 years of service, and 397 staff who their loyalty and many years of ded- far. All in all, a total of 1,568 male and have been part of the corporation for icated service with the corporation. female employees will be awarded the past 15 years. The awardees came A number of QP Executive Vice Pres- in 2016 after serving the corporation from QP’s various directorates and idents and other senior officials then between five and 40 years. departments, and they work in the also took turns in distributing the cer- Organised by QP’s Public Relations corporation’s range of operational tificates and gifts, thus enabling them and Communications Department in areas in Doha, Dukhan, Mesaieed, Ras to congratulate the honored employ- partnership with the Human Capital Laffan, Halul Island and offshore pro- ees from their respective directorates Directorate, the ceremony was held duction stations. or departments. at the convention hall of the new QP Officials at the honouring ceremony. Addressing the event, Abdulaziz Last week’s CSA Ceremony was Headquarters in West Bay. 24 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS Retailers invite rival brands to fill empty spaces

come and look at different things,” Tesco and Marks & Spencer could join said healthcare worker Margaret the exodus. “The UK is very advanced Retailers such as O’Regan, who was browsing clothes in terms of online shopping,” said Neil Tesco have also from the privately-held Dorothy Per- Saunders, managing director of retail kins, Burton and Evans brands in a research firm Conlumino. “As other started experimenting huge Tesco store in Woolwich, south regions catch-up with that they will with gyms and east London. The brands have 20,000 experience similar problems and sim- children’s play areas square feet of the store’s 120,000 sq ft, ilar issues.” replacing space previously taken up In the UK online sales as a per- to lure customers by Tesco’s toys, stationery and tech- centage of total sales rose to 15.2 from online shopping. nology offer, some of which are now percent in 2015 from 13.5 percent only available on its website. in 2014, according to the Centre for In the four months since the Retail Research, compared with 11.6 brands went in, shopper numbers at percent in Germany, 8.0 percent in the Woolwich store have risen. France and just 2.5 percent in Italy. Reuters A Tesco spokesman said the Britain’s supermarket sector alone changes at Woolwich were illustrative added around 35 million sq ft between of Tesco Chief Executive Dave Lewis’ 2007 and 2014 even as online shop- strategy to turn around the business, ping rose and the digital shift looks LONDON: As online deliveries surge giving shoppers more choice so they unstoppable. and shop sales fall, retailers are start to see superstores as the most Sainsbury’s, Britain’s second big- looking to refit their once bustling convenient way to shop again. gest supermarket, has acknowledged superstores with new attractions such “We are always looking at new that it now has around 6 percent as rivals’ fashion brands to fill empty ways our stores can meet the needs excess space, or about 1.5 million sq ft. spaces and keep shoppers coming of local customers. We’re pleased with A big part of the rationale for its through the door. the feedback from customers in Wool- £1.3bn proposed takeover of Argos- In a shift in strategy aimed at wich who tell us they like the store’s owner Home Retail is to bring Argos making the space profitable and convenient range of fashion options,” concessions into its stores to absorb A customer walks past Arcadia group concessions in a Tesco Extra store in Woolwich, southeast London. avoiding store closures, retailers such he said. this space. “The coming together of as Tesco have also started experi- Thousands of small shops have the two organisations would allow us complement other moves by Sains- cutting firm. testing gyms and soft play areas in menting with gyms and children’s play disappeared from British towns in to optimise the space and optimise the bury’s to exploit under-utilised space Tesco has also struck deals for some stores. Similarly Wal-Mart’s areas to entertain customers. recent years, unable to compete with space quickly,” said Sainsbury’s Chief through existing partnerships with third party outlets with firms such Asda recently agreed a deal to give “You’ve got more choice. It’s a bit the lower costs and prices of online Executive Mike Coupe. Jessops, the photographic shop, and as Sports Direct, Mothercare, Claire’s space over to Decathlon, the sports like a shopping mall where you can outfits and bluechip retailers such as The Argos concessions will Timpsons, the shoe repair and key Accessories and Sock Shop and is equipment and sportswear retailer.

UAE payments Digital mapping consortium in China’s economy isn’t company in talks with expansion talks: Daimler CEO headed for a hard Iranian banks Reuters landing: NDRC chief

DUBAI: Network Interna- tional, the largest payments ESTORIL: Daimler’s Chief Executive Reuters flexibility in juggling growth, job processor in the Middle East Dieter Zetsche (pictured) said that creation and restructuring of a host and Africa, could begin work- a German auto maker consortium of “zombie companies” in bloated ing with some of Iran’s largest which controls the HERE digital map- industries. Premier Li Keqiang out- banks this year, the com- ping business is in talks with potential BEIJING: China’s economy isn’t lined a series of targets on issues pany’s chief executive said new members. headed for a hard landing and isn’t such as energy consumption, job yesterday. In August last year, German car- dragging on the global economy, creation and inflation but few details The company is in talks makers BMW, Audi and Mercedes, China’s top economic planner said on how they would be met. with the banks about how it agreed to pay €2.5bn ($2.8bn) to yesterday, but uncertainty and insta- Many investors had been hop- could begin processing debit, buy Nokia’s high definition maps bility in the global economy do pose ing China would post an aggressive credit and other payment business, in a step to develop self- a risk to the country’s growth. target for fiscal spending to prop transactions without breach- driving cars. The deal closed in China on Saturday acknowl- growth. But the draft goal of run- ing the remaining economic December and the German auto edged it faced tough battle to keep ning a fiscal deficit equivalent to 3 sanctions against Iran, CEO makers Mercedes-Benz, Audi and world’s No.2 economy growing by at percent of GDP, while up from the Bhairav Trivedi said. BMW started negotiations with new least 6.5 percent over the next five previous year’s target of 2.3 percent, He declined to name the potential members, Zetsche said in self-driving cars, linked to wireless for interactive maps which include years while pushing hard to create disappointed some. Iranian banks, beyond say- an interview. networks, can perform functions such live data on traffic flows gathered by more jobs and restructuring state- Xu emphasised that China will ing that they are among the “If there are individual compa- as recalculating a route to the nearest thousands of sensors on BMW, Audi owned enterprises. work to improve the “efficiency” of country’s largest public and nies that are already raising their electric charging station or around a and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The comments, as Beijing kicked government investment, suggesting private lenders. finger, then this is fast and pleasing. traffic jam or accident. “It is clear that we want to aggres- off its 12-day annual national par- a desire for more targeted spending. “We believe there are a I do not think it will take very long Talks with third parties only sively expand this platform, we will liament, underscored the challenges That would be a contrast to the lot of opportunities in Iran until the first company gives a bind- started in the past two months make the means available to do this,” facing China as its economy transi- last stimulus injection after the glo- to expand our market, but we ing commitment to join,” Zetsche said because the consortium waited until Zetsche said. tions from an investment and export bal financial crisis when Chinese are not leaping into anything at a Mercedes-Benz driving event in the deal closed before talking to other There are talks with the telecom- focused economy to one based more local governments built ghost cit- blindly,” Trivedi said. “If we Portugal. partners, Zetsche said. Having only munications industry about how to on services and consumption. ies, roads to nowhere and airports can cross our Ts and dot our Is The HERE mapping business three members in the consortium spread the availability of ultra-high- “China will absolutely not expe- to juice growth. from a regulatory standpoint, needs additional investments to made negotiations to close the deal speed 5G networks, Zetsche said. rience a hard landing,” Xu Shaoshi, China has massive foreign then I would like to say yes, make it viable for use as a naviga- simpler, Zetsche said. “Interest will Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi head of the National Development exchange reserves of more than $3 we can initiate this year.” tion tool for self-driving cars. Having not only be limited to Renault-Nis- are also evaluating whether their and Reform Commission (NDRC), trillion to tap if needed, but a sharp For several years, Iran more carmakers join the consortium san and Continental,” Zetsche added. cooperation on maps can be broad- told reporters at a briefing. “These decline in reserves in the past 18 was largely frozen out of will potentially spread the cost across Self-driving and connected car ened, Zetsche said. “When it concerns predictions of a hard landing are months as Beijing sought to support the global banking system more members and could improve services could become a $50bn mar- navigation, we have broadly identi- destined to come to nothing.” its yuan has rattled some investors. by economic sanctions over the volume of live traffic information ket, analysts at Exane BNP Paribas cal needs. Setting communication China’s economy grew 6.9 per- Central bank Vice-Governor Yi its disputed nuclear plans. being fed to the map from vehicles have estimated. Germany’s carmak- standards, which language we should cent in 2015, the slowest pace in a Gang reiterated Beijing will keep the In January this year world on the road. ers decided to club together to bid speak and what signals we send, we quarter of a century, but still com- yuan basically stable and there was powers led by the United Last week carmakers Renault- for the asset to accelerate plans for can decide together,” Zetsche said. fortably the fastest among major no basis for continued depreciation. States and the European Nissan, and supplier Continental said self-driving cars after Internet rival Daimler is on the lookout for soft- economies. The state of China’s economy and Union lifted most sanctions they were considering taking a stake Alphabet unveiled a prototype auton- ware and information technology It has set a growth target of 6.5 Beijing’s ability to manage it were in return for curbs on the in the HERE mapping consortium. omous vehicle. specialists to help develop its digital percent to 7 percent for this year, key talking points at a Group of 20 nuclear programme. Intelligent mapping systems Now Daimler is ready to expand businesses, including through further introducing a band rather than finance ministers and central bank- But foreign banks and like HERE’s are the basis on which the business which will form the basis takeovers. a hard target as it seeks greater ers in Shanghai last month. payments companies have remained wary of re-estab- lishing ties with Iran because some US sanctions remain and US banks are still prohib- IMF employing stalling tactics and arbitrary estimates: Greek PM ited from doing business with Iran directly or indirectly. That has made many foreign institutions fear they AFP requirements to 2018, he said. reforms review to unlock debt relief could still be targeted by US In contrast, the IMF had “unre- promised by its European peers. But officials or face legal prob- alistic expectations” “unrevised and the IMF’s European zone head last lems in the United States if erroneous calculations,” Tsipras said. month warned against “over-opti- they resume business in Iran. ATHENS: Greek Prime Minister Alexis The Greek economy in 2015 saw mistic assumptions (which) will soon “There’s still some doubt Tsipras yesterday said the IMF was output fall by just 0.2 percent, after an cause fears (of a Greek euro exit) to about how the sanctions and employing “stalling tactics” and “arbi- August forecast of a drop of up to 2.0 resurface once again and stifle the US dollar clearing will work trary” estimates to hold up a reforms percent, the government says. investment climate.” in practice,” Trivedi said. “We review crucial to the country’s eco- Athens also closed the year with A major sticking point is a pen- are evaluating the propos- nomic recovery. a small primary surplus instead of an sion reform planned by Tsipras’ leftist als to create a structure that The leftist PM said the Washing- expected primary deficit, Tsipras said. government which the IMF has found works.” ton-based global lender was bent on “Numbers are numbers...this is not insufficient. The IMF worked with Some Iranian banks were counter-productive cuts that failed to a technocratic disagreement, it is a the EU on two previous bailouts for clients of Network Interna- take into account the improved per- political disagreement,” the PM said. Greece since 2010 but the Washing- tional before sanctions were formance of Greece’s economy. “The Greece’s international creditors ton-based lender said it would not tightened in 2011. Network review will be completed soon in spite — the EU, European Central Bank participate in the third rescue plan International is 51 percent of the IMF’s stalling tactics,” Tsipras and International Monetary Fund — without credible reforms and an owned by Dubai’s largest told his party’s central committee. completed a first phase of the review EU agreement to ease Greece’s debt bank Emirates NBD, with “For the first time, there is substantial nearly a month ago, but there has burden. In July, Greece accepted a the remainder held by private convergence... between the Greek side been little progress since. Athens is three-year, €86bn European Union equity firms Warburg Pincus and European institutions,” he said. hoping that a meeting of the 19-nation bailout that saved it from crashing out and General Atlantic. Greece and the EU now see eye eurozone today will authorise senior of the eurozone, but imposed strict to eye on the pace of reforms, the EU-IMF auditors to return later in the conditions such as fresh tax cuts and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras at the Maximos Mansion in Athens. state of the 2016 budget and fiscal week. Athens is eager to complete the pay cuts. BUSINESS MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 25 BMW turns 100 today

website Truecar, which Froehlich cannot afford to develop a plug-in described as “new intermediaries”. hybrid.” Chancellor Angela “Our task is to preserve our busi- Germany’s premium carmak- Merkel will attend ness model without surrendering it to ers are at the centre of the country’s an internet player. Otherwise we will global reputation for meticulous engi- BMW’s birthday end up as the Foxconn for a company neering. Chancellor Angela Merkel bash at its Munich like Apple, delivering only the metal will attend BMW’s birthday bash at its bodies for them,” Froehlich said. Munich headquarters today. But with headquarters today. BMW will have to ramp up the expected shift in focus from a car’s quickly, striking deals with a new net- body to its brains, the risk is that the work of suppliers, many from outside expertise will accumulate in silicon the traditional automotive industry. valley or in China, rather than Ger- Reuters “We have some catching up to do in many’s carmaking regions of Bavaria the area of machine learning and arti- and Baden-Wuerttemburg. ficial intelligence,” Froehlich said. “In the auto industry the battle Today, software engineers make will be not for horsepower but brag- GENEVA: After a century building up just 20 percent of the 30,000 ging rights will be ‘my car is more what it calls the “ultimate driving employees, contractors and supplier autonomous than your car’,” said machine”, BMW is preparing for a staff that work on research and devel- Manuela Papadopol, director, global world in which its customers will be opment for BMW. marketing automotive for Elektrobit, mere passengers, and the cars will do “If I need to get to a ratio of 50:50 a software company now owned by the driving themselves. within five years, I need to get man- Continental. A day before BMW’s 100th birth- power equivalent to another 15,000 to BMW, Mercedes-Benz and day, its board member for research 20,000 people from partnerships with Volkswagen’s Audi are each making and development described plans for suppliers and elsewhere,” Froehlich an effort to build a hub for automotive a completely overhauled company, said, adding that German schools are software and services. They clubbed where half the R&D staff will be com- not producing enough tech engineers together to buy digital map maker A June 2014 file picture of a BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car at the BMW world delivery centre in Munich, puter programmers, competing with for BMW to hire them all in house. HERE from Nokia last year to cre- the likes of Google parent Alphabet to As software becomes as important ate a neutral platform where smart southern Germany. BMW celebrates its 100th birthday today. build the brains for self-driving cars. as hardware, another cultural shift cars can share data on road and traf- “For me it is a core competence to could see BMW free up resources by fic conditions. identified where BMW will still need example about weather and traffic, new outside suppliers. “The thinking have the most intelligent car,” Klaus licensing out technology produced BMW’s own recent hiring included partners is in cloud computing, the using next generation mobile net- here is: they too have weaknesses Froehlich said at the Geneva auto by its own engineers, such as drive- a 200-strong digital innovation team technology of storing data and soft- works, also known as 5G. and there may be some win win sit- show. As a high tech world opens new trains for electric and hybrid vehicles. in Chicago, most of whom had worked ware remotely and accessing it over The ultimate aim would be to uations,” Froehlich said of potential business opportunities, BMW sees its “Going forward we will sell electric for Nokia, the Finnish mobile phone the internet. Data gathered from a build as much expertise in-house new suppliers. “Nonetheless I need to competitors as including firms like drivetrains,” Froehlich said. “We see pioneer. car’s onboard sensors will be com- as possible, although there could be build our own in-house competence internet taxi service Uber and sales many smaller manufacturers who Among the areas Froehlich bined with remote information, for mutual benefits from working with in the next 5 to 6 years.” China sets cap Bankers jostle to be junior in Britain for energy consumption Reuters “I have had some clients with staff have significant managerial influence was regarded in the industry as a key advises individuals in the financial resistant to being a senior manager, over their teams. “One thing I have element to restoring trust in banking. sector, said more senior managers worried they are going to be kept seen that does make me smile is the “I talk to senior managers at might have been held responsible for for first time awake at night about what their team wonderful term used by some firms banks who say it’s been a useful exer- the Libor-rigging scandal if the SMR LONDON: New rules to hold bosses is doing, and if something goes wrong, that want to ‘juniorise’ positions,” cise, enabling banks to check and had existed in past years. Reuters responsible for wrongdoing at Brit- will they be the scapegoat,” said Sarah Gould said. “It may be more wishful confirm they have got the right peo- “We have heard anecdotally ish banks is deterring some bankers Henchoz, an employment partner at thinking than anything else.” ple in the right roles and clarify job that some banks now have a lawyer from taking on senior management Allen & Overy law firm. One person familiar with how the descriptions where necessary.” present at every meeting ... and that as roles and even prompting big-hitters Unlike the old system, bankers SMR is being introduced said regu- The United States and other Euro- a result decision-making is becoming BEIJING: China aims to keep to play down their own importance, deemed to wield significant mana- lators were aware of this and were pean countries have not gone as far increasingly bureaucratic,” he said. energy consumption within 5 say legal and compliance experts. gerial influence will have to sign up to pushing back against banks that as the SMR by holding senior man- “This is good for the protection of the billion tonnes of standard coal Public anger that so few senior a legal duty of responsibility for their fail what the person described as agers personally responsible by law. individuals but not so good for the equivalent by 2020, it said in its bankers were punished after tax- units, and show they took reasonable the “sniff test” — or too many sen- Requirements in the rules for sen- competitiveness of the City.” five-year plan published on Sat- payers bailed out the industry in the steps to prevent or stop rulebreaking ior managers saying that they did not ior managers to demonstrate they Few lawyers expect regulators to urday, marking the first time the financial crisis, or for scandals such that comes to light. have full responsibility over teams but took steps to prevent or stop rule- make any major enforcement moves world’s second-biggest economy as Libor and currency-market rigging, They include CEOs, heads of big simply reported to other more senior breaking will also prompt bosses to in the early days, but said they would has set such a target. has led to the rules which make it eas- business units, and non-executive managers. But such attempts at cre- document all delegation of tasks and eventually want to bare their teeth. China has long been consid- ier to hold them to account. directors who chair key committees ating a chain of senior managers to to archive emails to help keep them “It only applies to conduct on or ering an energy consumption cap The Senior Managers Regime and will amount to about 10,000 staff blur direct accountability were not in the clear if misconduct is uncov- after 7 March, so we are unlikely to in a bid to improve industrial effi- (SMR) from today replaces a sys- across 900 banking companies, or an widespread, the source said. ered, lawyers said. see enforcement action under the ciency, tackle smog and control tem that UK lawmakers criticised average of about 12 per firm, rising to Britain’s Financial Conduct “You need to be clear that you SMR for at least 18 months or so,” said greenhouse gas emissions, which for giving illusory control over 40-50 for the biggest lenders. Authority (FCA) and the Bank of have a document trail on how you Elly Proudlock, counsel at WilmerH- are the highest in the world. Beijing individuals with little prospect of Ron Gould — a former UK regu- England’s Prudential Regulation delegated responsibility, how you ale’s UK investigations and criminal is also pushing structural reforms enforcement action. A step change lator who is now European Chairman Authority, which will both enforce supervised key parts of the busi- litigation team. to decouple economic growth from in banking rules, it will allow regu- of Compliance Science, which helps the regime, declined to comment. ness, that you know in five years’ Compliance adviser Gould said energy consumption. lators to pin blame on named people financial companies comply with Asked if bankers were balk- time exactly what you did,” said that while some bankers were gen- “Energy consumption will be rather than just firms, which law- rules — said some senior bankers ing at the new rules, Simon Hills, A&O’s Henchoz. uinely frightened, others were blase, less than 5 billion tonnes if Chi- yers said has triggered anxiety were looking at whether they could an executive director at the British Adrian Crawford, employment viewing this as simply another set of na’s structural adjustment goes among top bankers. convince regulators that they did not Bankers’ Association, said the SMR partner at Kingsley Napley, which rules from regulators. smoothly,” said Xi Fengming, an expert on carbon emissions at the China Academy of Sciences, add- ing that the planned launch of a nationwide carbon emissions mar- ket next year would make it easier Pilot shortage hits to achieve. However, with energy demand growth already slowing consider- ably and China overshooting its US regional airlines 2011-2015 energy efficiency tar- gets, there might have been room to lower the number further, AFP increase our revenues,” said Bryan researchers said. Bedford, Chief Executive Officer Yang Fuqiang, senior advisor at of Republic Airways. “It’s become the US-based think tank, the Nat- clear that this process has reached ural Resources Defence Council, NEW YORK: Mid-sized and regional an impasse and that any further delay said the 5 billion figure was cal- airlines in the US are suffering from would unnecessarily waste valuable culated by combining China’s 6.5 a pilot shortage that could threaten resources of the enterprise.” percent economic growth projec- the health of the broader US aviation Things at Republic came to a head tions for 2016-2020 with its target industry. last July, when the airline acknowl- to cut energy intensity by 15 per- The labour shortfall has led to edged cutting four percent of its cent over the same period. canceled flights at carriers like Mesa flights due to a dearth of pilots. Delta “Based on my experience the Airlines and Silver Airways. That subsequently filed suit against Repub- government plans are conserva- has hit smaller airports, such as in lic, alleging breach of contract. tive,” he said. “There could be a Redding, California, or Erie, Penn- Aviation industry insiders cite higher 18 percent cut in energy sylvania, according to figures from a number of factors for the drop- intensity, and that means energy the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). off in pilots: longer working hours, consumption could be kept at The staffing crunch could also con- contentious relations with man- about 4.8 billion tonnes.” strain traffic for larger companies like agement, fewer job protections and The China Energy Research United Airlines and Delta Air Lines that industry turnover with the expected Society (CERS), a think tank, said depend on the mid-sized companies to retirement of some 18,000 pilots in a report published last week that The staffing crunch could also constrain traffic for larger companies like United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. serve rural consumers and feed cus- through 2022. But the biggest factor it expected energy consumption to tomers into their networks. is compensation. reach 4.8 billion tonnes of stand- “It’s becoming a crisis at some Regional carriers pay pilots an near Buffalo, New York, that killed accounts for half or more of all flying, of $80,000 spread out over four years, ard coal by 2020 and rise to 5.3 carriers, resulting in the cancellation average of $27,350 per year, according 49 people. and pilots are realizing that a job with said industry consultant Kit Darby. billion tonnes by the end of 2030. of flights and other serious disrup- to Paul Ryder, a captain at ExpressJet Commercial pilots must now have a regional often means an entire... Companies are also granting “We should see this (5 billion tions,” said Patrick Smith, a pilot who Airlines who is active with the ALPA. 1,500 hours of flight time before quali- career with a regional,” Smith said. bonuses of $500, $1,000 or $1,500 for tonne) target as a ceiling rather than runs “Ask the Pilot,” an aviation blog. That compares with an annual salary fying for their pilot’s license, compared “Fewer pilots are willing to com- pilot referrals, Darby said. “An airline a floor,” said Zhou Dadi, an energy Republic Airways, which oper- of $103,390 at large airlines, accord- with just 250 prior to the rule shift. mit hundreds of thousands of dollars that wants to be able to recruit new policy researcher at CERS. “Maybe ates flights for Delta, United and ing to US Labour Department data. Adding to that burden is a shift in the into their training and education for pilots and to retain its current pilots we can achieve better results.” American Airlines, filed for bank- Aspiring pilots must pay between broader aviation industry as regional a career with such a limited return needs to offer reasonable compensa- Total energy consumption was ruptcy protection last month, citing $150,000 to $200,00 to obtain their flying has grown. Up-and-coming pilots on investment, in what has histori- tion, fair worklife balance and some 4.3 billion tonnes of standard coal the labour crunch. “We’ve attempted license, Ryder said. once viewed the regional carriers as a cally been a very unstable industry.” career path with stability,” said pilot in 2015, up 0.9 percent from the to restructure the obligations on our Three years ago, US regulators stepping-stone to a job with a bigger Steps taken by some regional carriers Ryder. “An airline that does not offer previous year, according to the out-of-favor aircraft — made so by a stiffened the requirements on pilots company, said Smith. include boosting compensation, such that typically has seen challenges in most recent data from the National nationwide pilot shortage — and to following a 2009 Colgan Air crash “Today, the regional sector as offering a bonus to qualified pilots attracting employees.” Bureau of Statistics. 26 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS Rising oil prices spur Gulf bourses’ rally

last month, increased 2.9 percent week since December 2011 and the advanced for a third straight day, ris- of the matter. While the stock gained January 12. About 329m Egyptian and Kuwait’s SE Price Index added Standard & Poor’s 500 Index had a ing 0.1 percent. 4.6 percent, the most in a month, less pounds ($42m) of shares were traded, The stock market in 0.7 percent. third straight weekly advance. Arabtec Holding Co. was the most than 13,000 shares changed hands. compared with a one-year full daily Qatar was closed for Brent crude rallied a fifth day on First Gulf Bank PJSC, the lender traded stock in Dubai, extending its Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share average of 445m pounds. Friday, the longest winning streak with the biggest weighting on the ADX steepest weekly gain in seven years. Index climbed 2.9 percent to the high- “It is just a spontaneous rise fueled a national holiday. since November, and stocks climbed General Index, led the advance as it Traders exchanged about 304 mil- est level in two months, even after a by the jump in oil prices and GCC The QE Index is about after US employers added more jobs jumped 4.7 percent. Emirates Tele- lion shares in the builder, six times senior central bank official said on gains,” said Mohamed Radwan, the than projected and Nigeria’s petro- communications Group, the company the six-month average. The stock rose Thursday that the kingdom’s eco- head of equities at Cairo-based Pha- 1 percent from a leum minister said Opec members and with the second-biggest weighting 13 percent to the highest level since nomic growth will likely fall below ros Holding. so-called bull market, Russia may meet to discuss capping known as Etisalat, added 3.6 percent October. 2 percent this year. Expansion last Businesses in the country are having risen 19 output later this month. The rally sent the index above its The stock market in Qatar was slowed below that level in 2009, data struggling to import materials and Governments in the six-nation Upper Bollinger Band, a sign to some closed for a national holiday. The QE compiled by Bloomberg show. to transfer profits. Egypt reached an percent since a recent Gulf Cooperation Council rely on traders that the gauge may decline. Index is about 1 percent from a so- “Saudi and regional markets are initial agreement with airlines to help low on January 18. income from crude to fund spend- It also lifted the ADX’s 14-day rela- called bull market, having risen 19 taking a cue from rising oil prices them repatriate funds, the civil avi- ing, and stock markets often move in tive strength index to 78, well above percent since a recent low on Jan- as Brent crude closes in on $40 per ation ministry said on Thursday. The tandem with oil prices. the threshold of 70 that some inves- uary 18. The nation’s credit rating barrel,” said Muhammad Faisal Pot- nation’s net foreign reserves advanced “Lots of expectation has been tors use to determine if a security is was affirmed on Friday by Standard rik, the head of research at Riyad in February, according to data on the built into the potential meeting overbought. & Poor’s, which said it expects Qatar Capital. central bank website. Bloomberg at the end of the month, and that The Bloomberg GCC 200 Index, to maintain its large net- asset posi- “News from Moody’s on down- Orascom Telecom Media & Tech- helped oil kick on,” said Julian a gauge of the region’s 200 biggest tion and infrastructure investment to grading some countries in the region nology jumped 5.3 percent, the most Bruce, the head of institutional and most liquid companies, added support growth through 2019. and putting others on review for a in more than a month, on volume trading at EFG- Hermes UAE Ltd in 2 percent to the highest level in two Still, Moody’s placed the country downgrade has largely been ignored exceeding the stock’s three-month DUBAI: Abu Dhabi stocks entered a Dubai, a unit of the biggest publicly months. The positive sentiment in the on review, citing its dependence on today. The market has rallied well, but average. bull market, leading Mideast gauges traded Arab investment bank. region came despite an announce- hydrocarbons and the affect of the oil can undergo some technical correc- The company, majority owned higher, as rising oil prices added to “Relatively encouraging moves ment from Moody’s Investors Service price slump on the government’s bal- tion if the oil price stalls.” by Egyptian billionaire Naguib growing bullish sentiment across glo- across the emerging-market space” on Friday in New York that it was ance sheet. Emaar Economic City gained Sawiris, will complete the 924m bal equities. and globally are also boosting the placing more than 10 oil produc- Kuwait Food Co led the advance 2.2 percent to the highest level since Egyptian-pound acquisition of The ADX General Index climbed rally in the United Arab Emirates’ ing nations on review for potential in Kuwait. The operator of KFC res- July after the company’s chief execu- investment bank CI Capital by the 3.1 percent at the close, extending the markets, he said. downgrade. taurants in the Middle East and North tive officer said it plans to double the end of this month, he said in an longest winning streak this year and Brent crude rose 4.5 percent Moody’s cut Bahrain to Ba1, the Africa known as Americana has been number of residents in King Abdul- interview yesterday. His plan to taking gains since a January 21 low to $38.72 per barrel on Friday, the highest junk rating, and placed it valued at about $4bn by an investor lah Economic City to 10,000 this year. merge it with Beltone Financial to 22 percent. Dubai’s DFM General highest level in three months. Emerg- on review for a further downgrade. group seeking to buy the company, Egypt’s EGX 30 Index rose 2.1 would create the country’s second- Index, which entered a bull market ing-market equities posted their best Still, Bahrain’s BB All Share Index according to people with knowledge percent to the highest level since biggest investment bank.

HK property prices double China’s plan to ECB set to increase dose streamline IPO rules unlikely of monetary medicine this year

AFP “Amid heightened uncertainty but also on the scale of possible addi- Bloomberg about the world economy, rising tional action,” Schubert argued. political risks in Europe and renewed “If a tiered rate system were concerns about the health of the introduced, the burden on banks FRANKFURT: The European Central European banking system, finan- would rise less strongly and the BEIJING: China’s plan to stream- Bank will almost certainly announce cial volatility will likely impair the deposit rate could be cut more line rules for initial public offerings new stimulus measures at its policy transmission of the ECB’s current sharply than if the ECB stuck to a is unlikely to be implemented this meeting next week, analysts said, as monetary stimulus to the real econ- universal penalty rate.” year, which was why Premier Li eurozone inflation turned negative omy for a while,” Schmieding said. But Berenberg Bank’s Schmied- Keqiang didn’t mention the revamp and the economic outlook continues “To bring the economy back to trend ing said Draghi might have difficulty in his annual work report delivered to cloud over. growth nonetheless, the ECB needs communicating such a move to the Saturday, according to a person After disappointing financial to do more.” markets. “It could be technically diffi- familiar with the situation. markets with what were widely to Capital Economics’ Loynes pre- cult to define the dividing line between Lawmakers in December perceived as half-hearted measures dicted a cut in the key deposit rate ‘normal’ and ‘excess’ deposits,” he said. granted the China Securities in December, ECB chief Mario Draghi from minus 0.30 percent to minus Furthermore, “communicating to mar- Regulatory Commission a two- will announce bolder policy moves 0.5 percent and an increase in the kets a decision that cuts one interest year window in which to install this time round, central bank watch- monthly QE purchases from €60bn rate (on excess deposits) while rais- a registration-based system for ers predicted. ($66bn) to €80bn. The deposit rate ing an interest rate at the same time IPOs, which would end CSRC These were most likely to include is the interest the ECB usually pays (reduced penalty for ‘normal’ deposits) intervention in pricing and allow a further cut in interest rates, an banks for the excess liquidity they could tax even Draghi’s presentation companies to go public quicker. increase in the volume of bonds it park with it overnight. skills quite severely,” Schmieding said. Officials drafting Li’s address buys each month under its so-called But it has been negative since June A number of governing council for the annual full-session of quantitative easing or QE programme 2014, meaning the ECB effectively members, notably Bundesbank chief the National People’s Congress and a further extension of that meas- charges the banks for using the facil- Jens Weidmann, are opposed to addi- decided not to mention the system ure beyond its current timeframe of ity in the hope that they will instead tional stimulus measures. And the because they judged it unlikely to March 2017. lend it out to businesses and compa- minutes from the December meet- be realised in 2016, said the per- “The ECB has signalled a further nies to get the economy moving. ing, published in January, revealed son, who asked not to be identified loosening of monetary policy at its However, banks complain the that “some members” believed “that as the discussions were private. forthcoming meeting,” said Capi- currently ultra-low interest rate the existing policy measures were Li had explicitly mentioned tal Economics economist Jonathan environment is eroding profits and working in the right direction and the registration system in both his Loynes. “And while December’s pushing the deposit further into more time should be given for them 2014 and 2015 work reports. In this under-deliverance highlights the risk negative territory could harm them to unfold their full effect ... before year’s address, he only pledged to of another disappointment, the dete- further still. adopting further monetary policy “move forward with the reform riorating economic outlook should Commerzbank economist Michael measures.” of stock and bond markets and persuade the governing council to Schubert suggested the ECB might Nevertheless, the ECB’s own staff increase the level of rule of law in be bolder this time,” the expert said. therefore introduce a tiered interest economic projections, scheduled to their development.” He also called With area-wide inflation back in rate scheme to ease the burden on be published on Thursday, are likely for speeding regulatory improve- negative territory — it fell to minus banks, whereby lenders would pay a to provide the necessary ammunition ments to cover all financial risks. High rise residential buildings are seen in Hong Kong yesterday. 0.2 percent in February for the first lower or no penalty rate at all up to a to overcome such caution, analysts The year since Li mentioned time in five months — and eurozone specified amount of excess liquidity. said. Loynes suggested the ECB could Property prices in Hong Kong, famous for its sky-high rent and the registration system in his 2015 growth not expected to pick up any “A tiered interest rate would cut its forecast for growth this year super-rich tycoons, have more than doubled in six years due to work report has been a tumultu- time soon, the case for further stimu- probably send a clearer signal, to 1.5 percent from 1.7 percent previ- record low interest rates and a flood of wealthy buyers from ous one for China’s stock market. A lus measures is clear, said Berenberg as monetary policy does not only ously and the inflation forecast to 0.5 mainland China. rout last summer wiped out $5 tril- Bank economist Holger Schmieding. depend on the size of the rate cut, percent from 1.0 percent. lion of market value, followed by the January removal of trading cir- cuit breakers less than a week after their introduction and capped off last month by Liu Shiyu replacing India’s thriving gold markets up in arms over excise duty Xiao Gang as head of the stocks reg- ulator. Authorities are also studying a merger of stock market, banking and insurance regulators into one Bloomberg Arun Jaitley announced the move in the budget The shuttering of shops by jewellers last week than an excise duty, arguing that would generate agency, people familiar with the on Monday. By Wednesday, members of the All is driving away Indian consumers at a time when more revenue for the government while at the plans said last week. India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation, which offtake remains weak after a surge in prices. Spot same time protecting manufacturers. A new 1 While pushing back timing for the represents jewellers nationwide, had started a gold in London has rallied 17 percent this year to percent excise tax would bring in Rs16.5bn, while revamp is bad news for the more than MUMBAI: India’s thriving gold markets have three-day stoppage. $1,241.32 an ounce, outperforming other commod- an equivalent rise in the import duty would earn 700 companies that have IPO appli- gone strangely quiet. Shops are shuttered across A similar shutdown in 2012, when jewellers ities on a resurgence in haven demand. Rs21.25bn, the group said. cations pending with the CSRC, it does the world’s largest consumer after China and closed for three weeks, was successful in get- Bachhraj Bamalwa, a director at the All India The planned excise duty will make pur- offer some respite to Chinese stock would-be customers are getting frustrated in a ting the-then Manmohan Singh government to Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation, said the group chases more expensive for buyers and lead to investors. Under the existing system, country that adores bullion. drop plans for an excise duty. A record current- is now urging the administration to increase the irregular business practices, according to P R new listings are often priced cheaply “I will have to wait and see when the shops account deficit and slump in the rupee to an import tax further, rather than go ahead with the Somasundaram, managing director for India due to the regulator’s controls, mean- open next,” said Ghevar Jain, who stepped out all-time low in 2013 subsequently prompted the introduction of the excise duty. India buys almost at the World Gold Council. The planned duty ing IPOs are well supported when they in Mumbai this week to buy Rs200,000 ($2,970) government to raise import taxes to 10 percent. of the bullion it consumes from abroad. will put a significant compliance burden on the start trading, and offer safe havens worth of jewellery for weddings next month. In the run-up to this year’s budget, jewellers had “If the government’s intention is to collect rev- industry, which has already been weighed down from the bear market in equities. Instead, he had to return empty-handed as been hopeful of cut in the import tax. Instead, enue from the industry, we are asking them to by the import tax and a value-added tax, he said. Calls to the CSRC seeking com- stores in the Zaveri Bazaar weren’t trading. “I Jaitley announced the excise duty. increase the import tax instead of an excise duty India’s net imports of bullion were 897.5 tonnes ment during the weekend went didn’t know about the strike.” “I don’t think the government will be in a hurry and imposing one more compliance department in 2015 and consumption was 848.9 tonnes. unanswered. In a February 26 Jain had walked into a dispute that erupted to roll back the excise tax as it will be blocking a on us,” Bamalwa said by phone from Kolkata. While the two trade groups will be approach- statement, CSRC spokesman Deng last week between the nation’s thousands of source of revenue,” Harish Galipelli, head of com- While the import tax is stoking smuggling, it would ing the Finance Minister Jaitley over the next few Ge acknowledged that the various jewellers and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. modities and currencies at Inditrade Derivatives be less cumbersome than the excise tax on the days to appeal for the removal of the excise duty, studies involved with changing the Intent on boosting revenue as he reshapes Asia’s & Commodities Ltd, said from Hyderabad. “There operations of local manufacturers, he said. they’ve both said that the shutdown could be IPO process would require a “rel- third-largest economy, Modi wants to impose a is a new government this time around compared The India Bullion and Jewellers Associa- extended if they don’t get what they want. Jain, atively long time,” adding that the 1 percent excise duty on jewellery produced and to 2012 and it is more keen in diverting funds into tion Ltd, a second industry group, says it too the disappointed shopper, may have some time to realignment is the “direction of sold within the country, and Finance Minister boosting economic activities.” would prefer an increase in the import tax rather wait before he too can get what he wants. China’s capital market reform”. BUSINESS VIEWS MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 27

Ship owners scuttling Focus on ECB rate meeting older vessels at an unprecedented pace and Chinese data this week

By Alex Longley bulkers were broken up last year, Bloomberg and 14 had already been scrapped at the end of January this year, according to GMS, which buys ships destined for demolition. It OR an industry that is may not be enough. Wrecking losing money on almost yards would have to scuttle more every transaction, the than three times the number of world’s commodity ships scrapped last year to sta- shippers are remark- bilize freight rates, according to Fably busy grabbing any cargo Herman Hildan, a shipping-equity they can get their hands on. From analyst at Clarksons Platou Secu- space, where satellites track ship rities in Oslo. movements, it all appears like the Owners saddled with more market is booming, data compiled ships than they need are faced by Bloomberg show. with a choice: leave vessels wait- At giant iron-ore loading ter- ing at major ports in the hope minals in Brazil and Australia, that rates pick up, or carry on millions of tonnes are loaded shipping unprofitably. For now, each month on vessels that come many are choosing the latter. and go like clockwork. Along the While some ships are sitting idle, coastlines of China, Singapore most are on the move. and even Greece, the picture is Average waiting near Port the same: Little waiting about. Hedland in Australia was four But all that movement is a days for 80 Capesize ships pre- consequence of weakness, not paring to load iron ore, according strength. Commodity prices and to data compiled by Bloomberg. demand are so lousy, freight rates Off Brazil, it was five days for 36 The new headquarters (right) of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, Germany. for the biggest ships don’t even vessels. Of vessels monitored near cover a third of the cost of their China, the average was two days. crew. While owners would nor- “Delays haven’t really done a lot for mally idle ships when things slow months,” said Francis, the founder By Balazs Koranyi reserves, i.e., effectively a tax on QE itself.” down, hoping to spark a rebound of G-Ports. Reuters A small majority of analysts also expect a in rates, the outlook this time There are multiple ways €10bn increase in monthly asset purchases around is so dire that many figure owners can idle carriers. They while others predict an expansion of QE into it’s better to have some business. can either reject cargoes for sev- new asset classes or a fresh push for targeted Otherwise, they risk losing market eral days in anticipation of better HE European Central Bank is long term refinancing operations. The ECB share and earning nothing. rates, or they mothball vessels for almost certain to ease policy next could also remove its self-imposed limits not “It’s a bizarre scenario,” said months or years, a process the week as depressed commodity to buy bonds yielding less than the deposit The outlook for the Simon Francis, the founder of industry calls layup. The longer prices raise the risk of deflation, rate, a contentious move as it would mean G-Ports Ltd, a Penryn, England the inactivity, the more difficult it while a string of data from China certain losses on some assets, while a range United States was based company that’s been mon- is to reactivate the ship. There are will offer clues about the extent of technical changes are possible. brighter, with Friday’s itoring shipping congestion for a few signs that owners are turning Tof the recent emerging market slowdown. The outlook for the United States was decade. “There don’t seem to be away business or waiting out the Growth in most key economies has brighter, with Friday’s non-farm payrolls non-farm payrolls that many waiting around for slump, according to Herman Bil- slowed this year as states such as China to figures easing fears that the world’s largest figures easing fears cargo” even though the industry lung, the chief executive officer Brazil attempt to rebalance, weighing on glo- economy was heading into recession and is “on its knees,” he said. of Oslo-based Golden Ocean bal demand and sending deflationary waves potentially allowing the Federal Reserve to that the world’s largest For the first time since the Group Ltd., which has a fleet of around the world through sharply lower oil gradually raise interest rates this year. economy was heading early 1990s, combined trade in 70 vessels. and metals prices. However, China’s faltering outlook will coal and iron ore is poised for That is in part because laying Already struggling with ultra low infla- remain a top concern for policymakers into recession. two straight years of contraction, up a ship — removing some of its tion after years of crisis, the ECB has all but around the globe and investor focus will predicts Clarkson Research, part crew and anchoring it — is a long promised policy easing on Thursday but the be fixed on the annual meeting of China’s of the world’s biggest shipbroker. and sometimes costly process, devil will lie in the details. parliament, which must try to engineer a Almost every type of commodity Billung said. Owners will often A small 10 basis point cut to push its huge economic shift towards services carrier will fail to make a profit borrow ships from one another, deposit rate deeper into negative territory and consumption and away from basic this year, and they’ll earn almost either because they are betting is a foregone conclusion while some type of manufacturing. nothing in 2017, according to on a rates rally or because they adjustment of the bank’s €1.5 trillion asset As around 3,000 delegates from the by markets to gauge if China can arrest the analysts’ forecasts and industry have cargoes they need to cover. purchase programme is also near certain. National People’s Congress meet in Beijing, slowdown in investments. breakeven figures compiled by When rates fall, such companies But each option on the table comes with a wide range of fresh data, including on February foreign reserves data will Bloomberg. need the ships to earn whatever side effects and limited functionality as reserves and trade, are expected to point to a also be closely watched, with most expect- The current crisis stems from they can to repay the companies monetary policy is deep in unconventional further loss of momentum and capital flight, ing a slowdown in the exit of funds after a shipbuilding boom that doubled who lent the vessels. There are territory, making exotic decisions less likely supporting expectations for more measures exceptionally high outflows in January. the fleet’s capacity in the seven also loans and other financing given the difficulty of aligning the interest of to prop up sagging growth. “Government “Capital is flowing out of China at an years through December, which expenses to consider. 19 countries and 25 policymakers. policy is being set to guide China along a unprecedented pace,” Nordea analysts included a bull market in com- To reverse the rout, the indus- “Negative Interest Rate Policy (NIRP) narrow path: enough pain to force through Amy Y. Zhuang said. “$850bn is estimated modity prices as global demand try would need to hold back ships seems to be all the rage in central bank cir- reform and restructuring, close overcapac- to have left the country since mid-2014.” surged. Owners increased new- as rates tumble to record lows. cles these days,” Morgan Stanley said in a ity, improve efficiency of investment, etc., but “Even huge FX reserves like China’s would vessel orders when rates rose The average time-charter return note to clients, argu- not enough to seriously damage job crea- seem insufficient if the pace of depletion to a record from 2007 to 2009, for a Capesize vessel dipped ing that such policies tion,” Commonwealth Bank said. continues,” Zhuang added. wagering that China’s near dou- below $1,000 a day for the first do not actually help Foreign trade data are expected to make The Bank of Canada also meets next ble-digit economic growth at that time ever on February 26, down Already struggling with bank lending. “There for sombre reading, reflecting persistent week and will likely keep rates on hold, time would persist. It was a bad from a record high of $223,000 are concerns amongst weakness in demand at home and abroad taking comfort in stabilizing global bet. Instead, the world’s second- in 2008. The future isn’t looking ultra low inflation after investors that the neg- which is holding back industrial production markets, a slightly better-than-forecast largest economy is expanding at much better. years of crisis, the ECB ative deposit rate will and keeping a lid on commodity prices. fourth-quarter GDP reading and a mod- the weakest pace in 25 years. “There doesn’t even seem to undermine the effec- Imports are seen down 10 percent in Feb- est rebound in commodity prices. British As ship owners wrestle with be light at the end of the tunnel,” has all but promised tiveness of the ECB’s ruary, a improvement from a January’s 19 industry data are also expected to gen- oversupply, they are scuttling an official said, adding that the policy easing on quantitative easing,” percent drop, while exports are seen declin- erate interest after output fell 1.1 percent older vessels at an unprece- industry’s biggest vessels may not Morgan Stanley added. ing by 12.5 percent following an 11.2 percent in December, its sharpest monthly drop dented pace. A record 88 capesize break even again until 2018. Thursday but the devil “This is because it drop in January. New lending is also seen lower since 2012. January figures are expected will lie in the details. effectively introduces after a surge a month earlier but money supply to show a 0.6 percent increase, taking the a tax on excess bank growth is seen steady, a figure closely analysed annualised growth to 0.2 percent. Brazil’s clean-energy boom is running out of steam

By Vanessa Dezem energy project finance at Itau BBA. sources by 2030 as part its effort to fight cli- reservoirs and cut hydroelectric generation. Bloomberg “There are clouds in renewable energy’s mate change. Power from solar, wind and “The problem now is declining demand path now,” Girao said in an interview. “The biomass accounted for 9 percent of Brazil’s for power as the economy contracts,” said sector is high on the list of the Brazilian gov- total generation in 2014. Brazil also pledgedin Mauricio Tolmasquim, the head of EPE, said ernment’s priorities and it has some progress June to reduce carbon emissions by 37 per- by phone from Rio de Janeiro. “Distributors RAZIL’S renewable energy industry is to show, yet things aren’t looking so rosy now.” cent by 2025 compared with 2005. that buy energy in many auctions already poised for a setback this year as the Government contracts for clean energy “I am concerned,” said Chung from BNEF. have the capacity they need. In the next cou- slumping economy dries up credit, probably won’t reach 2 gigawatts this year, “Brazil’s government has denied giving more ple of auctions we will certainly see a low curbs power demand and threatens according to Helena Chung, an analyst with incentives for renewable energy in the same demand for power.” Bnew transmission lines needed to connect Bloomberg New Energy Finance in Sao Paulo. way it has been denying it for other indus- “It’s hard to quantify the magnitude of projects to the grid. That would show growth stabilizing over the tries. That has a lot to do with the economic Brazil’s economic slow-down, and that gen- Following years of growth that made past two years, and would be less than half the crisis, and a slowdown in the energy sector erates an uncertain environment,” Lucas Brazil the world’s 10th biggest wind market, 4.6 gigawatts of new wind contracts in 2013. can give a bad signal to the market.” Araripe, new-business director for the devel- Brazil’s renewable energy the industry is revising down the amount of New Energy Finance revised its wind- Financing also will be a challenge after oper Casa dos Ventos Energias Renovaveis new capacity expected in 2016, along with the power forecast in February. About 3 gigawatts Moody’s Investors Service cut Brazil’s credit SA, said in a phone interview. “ industry is poised for a number of new wind projects expected to win of capacity from projects already under rating two levels last week, stripping the nation Another challenge is new transmission, setback this year as the contracts at government auctions. development will be connected to the grid this of its last investment-grade rating. Standard & which is needed to connect clean power President Dilma Rousseff is facing issues year, 1 gigawatt less than the earlier estimate. Poor’s and Fitch Ratings had already cut their projects to the grid. About 220 power-line slumping economy dries including the Zika virus, an inflation rate Wind power has boomed in Brazil, reach- ratings to junk levels as plunging prices for projects were behind schedule as of Decem- up credit, curbs power that’s climbed to 10.8 percent and a local cur- ing 9 gigawatts of installed capacity last year, commodity exports and a historic corruption ber, about 60 percent of the total capacity rency that’s down more 35 percent in the past the most in Latin America and 10th world- scandal drive the economy to its deepest con- under development, according to a docu- demand and threatens year. Clean energy has been one of the few wide. Total capacity in 2013 was a third of traction in more than a century. ment from Brazil’s energy regulator Aneel. new transmission lines positive stories in Brazil, and the government that, according to Abeeolica, the country’s Brazil’s government Energy Research Difficulties getting environmental licenses needed to connect has set ambitious growth targets to drive up wind-power trade group. Agency, known as EPE, is planning three caused the most delays, according to the generating capacity without boosting fos- The government is helping drive that power auctions for this year. It held seven document. “There is no way to grow power projects to the grid. sil-fuel pollution. Those goals may now be growth, and set a goal last year of getting 23 in 2015, when Brazil faced a record drought generation without transmission lines on harder to reach, said Marcelo Girao, head of percent of Brazil’s energy from renewable that dried up the nation’s most important time,” Girao said. 28 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

BACK TO BUSINESS sight Chinese toxic smog has silver Why is eurozone inflation so lining for mask makers persistently low? AFP being made by US manufacturer 3M Co. In other cases, hospital masks AFP Nevertheless, a substantial have been washed and resold as and sustained rebound in oil new, reports said. Chinese Premier prices does not seem to be on HE STEEL plants and Li Keqiang declared a “war on pol- the horizon for now. As a result, cement factories scattered lution” at the Communist-controlled FRANKFURT: Despite a raft of inflation forecasts for the euro across China’s Shandong National People’s Congress (NPC) par- different measures by the Euro- area look set to be downgraded province have made it one liament two years ago. pean Central Bank to kickstart again, said Bundesbank presi- of the most contaminated But although average particu- sluggish consumer prices in the dent Jens Weidmann recently. Tareas of the world’s biggest polluter. late levels in Chinese cities fell 10.3 eurozone, inflation in the single EXCHANGE RATE: After But for one company, that just makes percent in 2015, according to official currency bloc turned negative falling sharply in March 2015 in the business climate better. figures collated by Greenpeace, none in February for the first time in the wake of the ECB’s announce- ASL Masks says it turned out more met the WHO’s standards. On Friday, five months. The ECB estimates ment of a massive asset than 100,000 face coverings last year a day before Li opened this year’s NPC that consumer prices need to purchase programme known as and aims to more than double that in session, PM2.5 counts were well over rise at an annual rate of close QE, the euro has risen against 2016 as China struggles to shake off 300 in the capital. to but just below 2.0 percent to the dollar since and is currently the toxic smog produced by its heavy Beijing and other cities in China foster healthy economic growth. hovering at around $1.10. “A rise industries. issued their first ever “red alerts” for But area-wide inflation stood in the euro exchange rate means At ASL’s Dongliu facility, shabby pollution this winter, banning half of at minus 0.2 percent in Febru- that the price of imported goods buildings bearing faded signs from all private cars from roads and advis- ary, due to the combination of falls,” said May. In other words, the 1980s exhorting “scientific inno- ing some schools to close. The alerts a number of different factors, if the euro rises in value against vation” are just visible through the struck fear into millions — and were experts say. other currencies, the price of an haze — pollution levels were six times a boon to companies selling protec- OIL: “The low level of infla- imported car or refrigerator is international standards. tion from the smog. tion and the drop in February reduced, bringing down the Dozens of middle-aged women “In the red alert, suddenly all are largely attributable to energy overall inflation rate. A worker checking a pollution mask at the ASL Masks factory in Dongliu, wearing bright blue hats and aprons these people who never cared were price developments,” Oxford WAGES: Another factor worked in near silence, sliding air fil- in China’s Shandong province. like: ‘Oh my God!’” said Liam Bates, Economics economist Ben May weighing on inflation are wages. ters into holes in the plastic products the founder of a company producing said. Oil prices have been falling “A lot of the countries affected by before threading on straps and yel- is mounting over the issue, but a wave in 2015. ASL has designed a product handheld pollution monitors, mainly sharply for the past two years, the crisis, such as Spain, Portu- low buckles. of firms see silver linings to the smog, specially adapted for youngsters by for the Chinese market. “In 24 hours weighed down by over-abun- gal and Greece, have been forced “Smog is bad for the lungs. We all including air purifier and pollution measuring the faces of 100 children. we sold pretty much what we sold the dant global supply. to reform their labour markets wear masks around here,” said pack- monitor manufacturers, as well as “People’s awareness of pollu- entire month before,” he added. For households and busi- and make them more flexible, ager Chen Aimei. China is the world’s mask makers. tion protection is increasing all the Zhang, 29, whose father bought nesses, this may be positive, as it which has led to lower wages,” top greenhouse gas emitter and last Even when many Chinese fac- time. People know that PM 2.5 is bad ASL when it was an unprofita- cuts energy bills, reduces heating said Natixis economist Johan- year air quality in some 300 haze-hit tory workers had downed tools for for them,” Zhang said. Shandong, ble state-owned enterprise in the costs and expenditure on petrol. nes Gareis. That leads to lower Chinese cities failed to meet national the Lunar New Year holiday in Feb- in eastern China, is the centre of 1990s, said he had amassed consid- But given the heavy weighting of household spending which, in standards. ruary, CEO Zhang Wenchao kept the industry, with another produc- erable wealth, but declined to go into energy prices in the overall basket turn, leads to lower inflation. Levels of PM2.5, tiny particles his staff on until the last possible tion hub, Dadian, dubbed the “mask detail. Behind a large mahogany desk, of goods that are used to calculate SLUGGISH INVESTMENT: which can embed deep within the moment. “December to April is our village” for producing the cheapest he brandished his latest invention — consumer prices, they are keeping Sluggish corporate investment lungs, are usually above the World busiest period... because it’s the peak specimens. an air filter which covers only the a lid on the headline rate of infla- is another factor. When com- Health Organisation’s recommended for pollution,” he said. It can be a murky business. nose — and insisted he hoped efforts tion, May said. panies invest, they create jobs, maximum of 25 parts per million. In ASL started making industrial Dadian was hit by scandal last year to reduce pollution would be effective, The oil market, which hit its which can push up salaries, and the northeastern city of Shenyang they masks in the 1980s, but has since when local media reported second- even at the expense of sales. lowest level since 2003 at the consequently inflation. But reached more than 1,400 in November. turned to the more lucrative anti- hand fabric used to make the masks “We are like doctors looking at beginning of this year before ten- “lots of companies are worried The pollution — mostly generated pollution equipment market. was piled up beside fresh manure, and patients,” he said. “No doctor wants tatively picking up at the start of about the future,” said Charles by burning coal to power industry and Demand has grown as authorities slept in by stray dogs. his patient to be sick.” Still, Zhang February, has seen strong fluc- Wyplosz, economics profes- heat homes, along with road traffic have started releasing more data on Customs officers in China’s com- does not expect demand to die. “Over tuations in recent weeks amid sor at the Graduate Institute of — is responsible for hundreds of thou- the problem, and state media estimate mercial capital Shanghai said in the next decade, there will be efforts speculation supplier countries International and Development sands of premature deaths in China the Chinese pollution mask market December they had seized 120,000 to improve the air quality,” he said. may throttle production. Studies in Geneva. each year, experts say. Public anger was worth nearly 4bn yuan ($600m) fake respiratory masks, labelled as “But it won’t be completely improved”.

It is certain that the US economy will be in recession Capital in the next 12 months. It’s been seven years, eight Jim Rogers, years since we had the last recession in the US. Chairman, Comment Look at the debt, the debt is staggering. Rogers Holdings

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Sawiris to acquire CI Capital Market Talk Holding this month Standard & Poor’s @ Private Equity Beat standardpoors Bloomberg populous Arab country, even as a foreign currency shortage #US to top sovereign NAME IN THE MARKET: COMMERCIAL BORROWING hampers growth. Combining borrowing in 2016. Beltone and CI Capital would #Japan, #China, #Italy The Ohio Police & Fire Pension & #France complete CAIRO: Egyptian billionaire create a company that con- top 5 Fund said it would commit Naguib Sawiris will complete trols about 25 percent of less to private equity this year, the acquisition of CI Capital brokerage business in Egypt, Argaam Plus @ Holding this month to cre- Sawiris said. as stock market selloffs have ate Egypt’s second-biggest “There’s a major crisis in ArgaamPlus investment bank. the economy,” Sawiris said. “If shrunk the amount of available The 924m Egyptian- you believe that when things #Abha #Chamber sets pound deal ($118m) is in get really bad, that’s when they up SAR 100 mln real capital to put to work. estate firm “execution mode” after the start to get better, it’s the right share-purchase agreement time to” invest, he said. “The was signed, Sawiris said in an end game is definitely to cre- Deutsche Bank @ Wealth Adviser interview in Cairo yesterday. ate the largest player in Egypt.” DeutscheBank He sees no regulatory objec- The acquisition of CI tions to the deal. Shares of Capital is “purely a mar- Global #steel produc- Orascom Telecom Media & ket opportunity because the tion has sunk for first Technology, Sawiris’ invest- investment, brokerage and time in 25 years. #Coal Thousands of small brokerages ment arm, advanced the most asset management scene in and steel hub in north- are bracing for a tighter rule in six weeks. Egypt was divided into one east #China stuck in The acquisition comes big player and lots of small recession governing investments they about four months after and medium-sized fraction recommend to retirement Orascom Telecom Media & players,” he added, refer- Christine Lagarde@ savers, a change they say will Technology, majority owned ring to investment bank Lagarde by Sawiris, paid more than EFG-Hermes. drive up compliance costs 600m pounds for Beltone The nation’s benchmark Foster tech innovation and could force them to drop Financial Holding SAE, stock index has tumbled by removing barri- another investment bank. more than 35 percent over ers to competition and middle-class clients. The billionaire is betting the past 12 months, the investing more in edu- on an eventual recovery in the world’s worst performer cation, R&D battered economy of the most after Ukraine’s gauge. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 33 PAGE | 34 Hiddink confident Jang eases clear over Costa fitness to claim victory in for PSG clash Singapore

MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 • 27 Jumada I 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Sheikh Joaan at the camel race

H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee is seen during the prize distribution ceremony of the Annual Camel Racing Festival at Shahaniyah Racecourse. Sheikh Joaan honoured the winners of the main races on the seventh day of Annual Camel Racing Festival. H E Sheikh Joaan awarded H E Sheikh Hamad bin Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and H E Sheikh Jassim bin Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani the Golden Spear and the Golden Daggers. The races were held in the presence of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Chairman of Race Organizing Committee H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Faisal Al Thani. QSL: Al Rayyan to target more glory

We are happy we have smashed so many records this season, says Sheikh Saud

The Peninsula

DOHA: After winning their eighth Qatar Stars League (QSL) football shield, Al Rayyan have no plans to rest on their laurels. On Saturday, Al Rayyan ham- mered Al Wakrah 5-0 for their 20th win of the season in which they have lost just one game. Sheikh Saud bin Khalid Al Thani, Chairman, Al Rayyan, said: “We hope to continue to winning. We are happy we have smashed so many records this season.” He said: “This win is for the Al Rayyan fans. These fans have a long history with us. I hope we continue in this trend.” Al Rayyan players celebrate winning the Qatar Stars League title during a victory parade on Saturday night. RIGHT: Al Rayyan, winners of the Qatar Stars League and Qatar Basketball Sheikh Saud said Al Rayyan had ‘achieved amazing results through- League, show off their trophies during a function at the club premises yesterday. out the season’. “The fact that we have won with Sheikh Saud said. “Their support division saw them promoted to the deserved’.“It has been a wonderful to congratulate the Board of Directors celebration. The fans clearly deserve five rounds to spare clearly shows encouraged the players no end. We QSL at the end of the 2014-2015 sea- effort of the coaching side headed by headed by Sheikh Saud bin Khalid Al credit for backing the players and the we are the best side in Qatar. We are managed to silence the doubters who son. Since last year in September, Jorge Fossati, the backroom staff, the Thani,” Salem said. team as a whole,” Salem said. the undisputed champions,” Sheikh thought Al Rayyan was finished’. there’s been no stopping Al Rayyan technical side of the club and last but “We can’t recall if a title race has Al Rayyan will now switch their Saud said in Al Kass TV programme Al Rayyan were demoted to the who have lost just one game the entire not least - a great show by the play- been decided five rounds to spare,” attention to the two remaining com- ‘Al Majlis’. second division at the end of the reg- season. ers,” Salem said in the same TV show. Salem said. “This win is for the Al petitions - the Qatar Cup and the “The support of the fans has been ular QSL season in 2013-14. Head of football at Al Rayyan, “It has been an exceptional season Rayyan fans,” he added. Emir’s Cup to be played in April and incredible for the team as whole,” A quick recovery in the second Ali Salem, said the title was ‘well for the players. I take this opportunity “It (the win) is worthy of great through to May. Al Khor trounce Qatar SC

The Peninsula Playing at home Qatar SC con- Qatar SC miseries. In the second half, ceded three first half goals and Kooky Yong scored for Qatar SC in managed to pull one back in the sec- the 70th minute to give a glimmer DOHA: Al Khor SC trounced Qatar ond half. Al Khor did not take time to of hope which faded in the course SC 3-0 in the Round 21 match of the settle down and found the net in the of time. Action from the Qatar Qatar Stars League (QSL) while the very sixth minute through Julio Cesar However, Sebastiao Lazaroni two other matches ended in identi- Donacimento. In the 20th minute, Al could not add to the one goal they Stars League (QSL) match cal one-all draw yesterday. Khor struck again this time Madson scored and ended by picking their between Lekhwiya and Lekhwiya drew 1-1 with Umm Formagini Caridade finding the net 11th defeat of the QSL challenge. Umm Salal at Lekhwiya Salal. to make it 2-0. Qatar SC are now second last in Stadium yesterday. In another match, El Jaish were With four minutes to go for the the points standings with 20 points in held to a one-all draw by bottom sit- first half whistle Marcos Antonio the 14 team league played on a dou- ters Mesaimeer. Miranda made it 3-0 to compound ble leg system. 30 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 SPORT Mata off as United lose, Benteke saves Liverpool

hand following a last-gasp 2-1 Rondon nets his win at Crystal Palace. Mata was shown his first fourth goal in yellow card in the 24th minute six games while at The Hawthorns for block- ing Fletcher’s free-kick and Liverpool record saw red two minutes later for third straight clumsily swinging his foot at the former United midfielder. Premier League Craig Dawson almost put victory West Brom in front immedi- ately, only for his ambitious 25-yard lob to fall inches wide of the left-hand post. AFP Having survived until half- time, United started the second half strongly and threatened through young forwards Mar- LONDON: Juan Mata was sent cus Rashford and Jesse Lingard. off as Manchester United’s But West Prom claimed the hopes of Champions League points when Venezuelan striker qualification were dealt a seri- Rondon gathered Sebastien ous setback in a 1-0 defeat at Pocognoli’s drilled left-wing West Bromwich Albion yes- cross before slamming home terday. left-footed to lift Tony Pulis’s Salomon Rondon scores the first goal for West Brom against The Spaniard received two men 15 points clear of the bot- quick-fire bookings mid-way tom three, effectively securing Manchester United in their Barclays Premier League match through the first half, for block- their survival. played yesterday. ing a free-kick and then taking Earlier, substitute Chris- a swipe at Darren Fletcher, and tian Benteke won and scored West Brom made their numeri- a 96th-minute penalty as “You can try (to make win, criticised referee Andre cal advantage count in the 66th 10-man Liverpool came from changes), but the rest is pas- Marriner’s decision to award minute when Salomon Rondon behind to win 2-1 at Palace. sion,” Liverpool manager Benteke a penalty. netted his fourth goal in six Joe Ledley’s 48th-minute Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports Delaney pulled out of a Premier League games. strike and Liverpool midfielder at Selhurst Park. sliding challenge on Benteke It ended United’s recent James Milner’s second-half “Football is like this. You inside the box, but the Irishman revival of four straight wins dismissal for two bookable make a plan at the end, but the had already gone to ground and and left Louis van Gaal’s side offences looked to have set Pal- lads did great. This is the third replays showed that his right in sixth place, three points ace on course for a first win in league win in a row. I can’t knee had clipped the Belgian’s below the Champions League 12 league matches. believe how it feels -- really left foot. berths having played a game But a slip by Palace goal- good, a big moment for us.” “(Benteke) is looking for it. more than fourth-place Man- keeper Alex McCarthy gifted Liverpool climbed two Our player is pulling out of it,” chester City. Roberto Firmino a 72nd- places to seventh after record- said Pardew, whose side are United are now in danger minute equaliser, before ing a third successive league nine points above the relega- of being caught by forthcom- Damien Delaney’s rash chal- win for the first time in a year. tion zone. Crystal Palace’s Mile Jedinak (left) in action against Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho during their ing Europa League opponents lenge on Benteke enabled the Palace manager Alan “If the linesman gives it for Liverpool, who are three points Belgium striker to net the win- Pardew, whose side have now the touch of the knee in the last English Premier League soccer match against Liverpool FC in London, Britain yesterday. behind them with a game in ner from the spot. gone 12 games without a league minute, I think it is harsh.” Liverpool won 2-1. Messi double keeps Barca record rolling Marseille held by Toulouse, Rennes thrash Nantes AFP Suarez was surpassed by Ronaldo in the fight to be La Liga’s top scorer and the Uru- guayan look determined to hit back early AFP Toulouse. But instead they were on, but fluffed his lines with just Abel Riesgo held and stay seven points off the top MADRID: A Lionel Messi-inspired Bar- to beat two minutes later. three, and with Lyon playing later celona tightened their grip on the La Liga El Haddadi should have teed up Suarez on Sunday that gap could quickly title race with a comprehensive 4-0 win for a tap-in from another Messi through ball PARIS: Marseille’s hopes of qualify- become eight. at Eibar yesterday to open up an 11-point midway through the half, but the young- ing for Europe look all but over after Toulouse remain second-from- lead at the top. ster overhit his pass and the ball slipped they were held to an entertaining 1-1 bottom in the table and nine points Munir El Haddadi tapped home the just wide. Eibar then enjoyed a concerted draw by struggling Toulouse at the from safety. opener from Luis Suarez’s cross before period of pressure and were desperately Velodrome yesterday, while Rennes Meanwhile, Rennes ended Messi doubled Barca’s advantage with unlucky not to level when Borja Baston’s thrashed Nantes 4-1. Nantes’ 13-match unbeaten run a brilliant individual effort just before cross hit Sergio Busquets and flew inches Marseille missed a host of good in the league in emphatic style, half-time. past the far post. chances, and Wissam Ben Yedder as young striker Ousmane Dem- Messi doubled his tally from the penalty Yet, just when Eibar looked the most ran clear to slot Toulouse ahead in bele scored a hat-trick at Roazhon spot before Suarez lashed home the fourth likely to score, Messi killed the game as a the 55th minute. Park. six minutes from time. contest as he intercepted the ball in midfield Relegation-threatened Toulouse The 18-year-old opened the Barca’s 11th consecutive league win and drove towards the Eibar goal before fir- were supposed to be playing their scoring within the first minute as also stretches their record unbeaten run ing into the far corner for his 20th league first game under new coach Pascal he reacted quickest after a set-piece to 36 games. goal of the season. Dupraz, but he was absent after suf- was not fully cleared. Real Madrid remain 12 points adrift of The second-half was far shorter on fering a heart scare at training on Supersub Kamil Grosicki was Barca in third despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s goalmouth action, but there was time for Saturday and spending the night in given a rare start by Rolland Courbis four-goal show in a 7-1 demolition of Celta Messi to put Barca’s recent troubles from the hospital under observation. and the Pole doubled the lead inside Vigo on Saturday. penalty spot behind him when Ivan Ramis And the away defence imploded, the first quarter of an hour, before The European champions were with- blocked the Argentine’s cross with his hand. as they have done all season, as Dembele’s free-kick evaded every- out the suspended Neymar, who made the Messi took responsibility after Suarez Somalia put through his own net one in the middle to put the result most of his free weekend to return to his had missed from the spot against Rayo Val- with 16 minutes to play. beyond doubt. native Brazil. lecano in midweek and coolly dispatched Coach Michel has come under Dembele completed his tre- However, El Haddadi made the most of the penalty for his 35th goal of the season. increased pressure in recent weeks, ble before half-time, and although his rare chance to start with a simple fin- Suarez got the goal he craved to move but Marseille would have expected Adryan’s strike and a second yellow ish at the back post eight minutes in after back to within one of Ronaldo in the scor- to end a club record 11-match streak card for Giovanni Sio gave Nantes Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal Messi’s brilliant pass had played in Suarez ing charts with a brilliant nutmeg of Capa without a home win in the league a glimmer of hope, Rennes held on behind the Eibar defence. before smashing the ball into the far corner. against Eibar in their Spanish La Liga match yesterday. against relegation-threatened with ease. Pakistan’s Ahmad clinches U19 title as Qatar Ouda finishes runner-up in U13

The Peninsula keep his cool to take the fifth to QATAR JUNIOR OPEN RESULTS wrap up the title 9-11, 11-1, 12-10, Boys U19 8-11, 11-6. Israr Ahmad [1] Pakistan DOHA: Top seed Israr Ahmad Abhay Singh of India fin- Sajad Zareian Jahromi [2] Iran of Pakistan won the U19 title at ished third while Lai Cheuk the Qatar Junior Open squash Nam Matthew of Hong Kong Abhay Singh [3] India championship while Qatar’s came fourth. Lai Cheuk Nam Matthew [4] Hong Kong Mohamed Tarek Ouda went Meanwhile, Asad Ullah down fighting in the U13 final Khan of Pakistan defeated Ouda Boys U17 of the Asian Squash Federation of Qatar 11-7, 11-8, 11-2 to win Alireza Shameli [1] Iran (ASF) Junior Super Series Silver the U13 title. Chan Chi Ho [4] Hong Kong event. Yousef Essam Farag of Qatar Zeeshan Ullah Gul Pakistan Yesterday, at the Khalifa finished third and Abdulelah Lam Yat Ting Harley [2] Hong KOng International Tennis and Squash Ibrahim Aboreggah of Saudi Complex, Ahmad overcame Arabia took the fourth spot. Boys U13 Sajad Zareian Jahromi of Iran In the U17, Alireza Shameli Asad Ullah Khan [7] Pakistan in an exciting five-game thriller of Iran defeated Chan Chi Ho of Mohamed Tarek Ouda [4] Qatar which lasted for one hour. Hong Kong 11-9, 9-11, 11-2, 11-9 Yousef Essam Farag [5] Qatar In the fortune fluctuating to clinch the title. Abdulelah Ibrahim Aboreggah Saudi Arabia tussle for supremacy, Ahmad In the U13, Qatar’s Salem lost the first game but bounced Yousef Al Malki finished behind Action from the Qatar Junior Open Boys U11 back to take the next two games first place winner Muhammad squash championship at the Khalifa Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim [1] Pakistan but a lost the fourth game. Huzaifa Ibrahim of Pakistan International Tennis and Squash Arnav Tevatia [2] India The 18-year-old Lahore and runner-up Arnav Tevatia Complex in Doha yesterday. born, who is ranked 162 on the of India. Arvin Rasulzadeh of Salem Yousef Al Malki [4] Qatar PSA world ranking, managed to Iran finished fourth. Arvin Rasulzadeh [3] Iran SPORT MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 31

Korea beat New Zealand in Davis Cup tie in Seoul

India clinch Asia Cup AFP hours, helping South Korea earn their ticket for the second round against India. SEOUL: Chung Hyeon achieved a New Zealand managed just one clean sweep against Jose Statham vicoty over the South Koreans, in yesterday to help South Korea secure the final day’s doubles match. Artem a first-round victory over New Zea- Sitak and Michael Venus beat Lee land in their Davis Cup tie. Duck-Hee and Lim Yong-Kyu 7-6 Chung, who had defeated Michael (7-3), 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Venus 6-4, 7-5, 6-1 on Friday, beat On Friday Hong Seong-Chan also Statham 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 in less than two beat Statham 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(6).

Kohli remained unbeaten on 41 inches off the ground. SCOREBOARD runs off 28 balls with five boundaries. But by then, India were well on the Dhawan and Kohli lead India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni road to victory and Dhoni strode in to BANGLADESH the charge as hosts added the finishing touch with 20 runs finish off the job with some trademark Tamim Iqbal lbw Bumrah 13 suffer eight-wicket off just six deliveries, with one hit to power-packed hits. Soumya Sarkar c Pandya b Nehra 14 the ropes and two sixes. Earlier, Mohammad Mahmudullah Sabbir Rahman (not out) 32 loss in rain-hit 15 Pacer Al-Amin Hossain (1/30) produced some lower order fireworks S Al Hasan c Bumrah b Ashwin 21 overs per side final gave Bangladesh some early hope as Bangladesh posted 125/5 in 15 overs. by dismissing Rohit Sharma early. Walking in with Bangladesh in Mushfiqur Rahim (run out) 4 Chasing a tricky target in front of a trouble at 75/5, the right-hander pro- Mashrafe Mortaza c Kohli b Jadeja 0 packed stadium rooting for the hosts, ceeded to hit two boundaries and an Mahmudullah Riyad (not out) 33 Rohit probably found the pressure too equal number of sixes in his 13-ball Extras (W-3) 3 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine poses with her trophy after winning the IANS much to handle as he edged one that innings to remain unbeaten on 33. Total (for 5 wkts in 15 overs) 120 BMW Malaysian Open women’s tennis tournament in Kuala Lumpur was moving slightly away to Soumya Sabbir Rahman gave him crucial Sarkar at first slip. support from the other end with 32 Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-30, 3-64, 4-75, yesterday. But that was one of the few runs from 29 balls. The duo produced 5-75.

MIRPUR: Shikhar Dhawan and Virat moments of joy that the Bangla- a 45-run partnership to help the hosts Bowling: Ashwin 3-0-14-1 (w1); Nehra Patience pays as Svitolina Kohli led the charge as India won the desh players and the capacity home to a competitive total. 3-0-33-1 (w1); Bumrah 3-0-13-1; Jadeja Asia Cup, outclassing Bangladesh by crowd could find as Kohli and Dha- Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah 3-0-25-0; Pandya 3-0-35-0 (w1). eight wickets in the final at the Sher- wan came together to pull the visitors (1/13) and Ashish Nehra (1/33) made INDIA wins Malaysia Open e-Bangladesh National Stadium here out of trouble. good use of the seam friendly con- R Sharma c Soumya b Al-Amin 1 last evening. The Delhi duo kept the required ditions to remove the Bangladesh Coming together after India had got run rate within manageable lim- openers early on. S Dhawan c Soumya b Taskin 60 AFP as many meetings with Bouchard off to a poor start, Dhawan and Kohli its with regular hits to the fence and Off-spinner Ravichandran Ash- V Kohli (not out) 41 and her first since winning the WTA produced a 94-run partnership as the some excellent running between the win, who opened the Indian bowling, M S Dhoni (not out) 20 Marrakech in May of last year. visitors overhauled the 121-run target wickets. had figures of 1/14 while left-arm Total (for 2 wkts in 13.5 overs)122 Bouchard, however, took another in 13.5 overs. It needed a superb effort in the spinner Ravindra Jadeja (1/25) also KUALA LUMPUR: Elina Svitolina step toward regaining her form after Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-99. Dhawan, who has been a flop field by Sarkar off Taskin Ahmed’s bagged a wicket. shrugged off a dropped first set and a rough season last year. throughout the tournament, finally (1/14)bowling to see the back of Dha- Bangladesh had a decent start with Bowling: Taskin 3-0-14-1; Al-Amin 2.5- lengthy rain delays to defeat Euge- She rose to as high as world found his touch when it mattered most, wan. The Delhi batsman attempted a 11 runs in the first two overs before 0-30-1; Hider 1-0-14-0; Shakib 2-0-26-0; nie Bouchard for the Malaysian Open number five in late 2014, with a scoring 60 runs off 44 balls with nine square drive off a full toss, but Sarkar Bumrah pegged back the run rate with Mashrafe 2-0-16-0; Nasir 3-0-22-0. title yesterday. series of solid Grand Slam show- boundaries and a six. dived to his right to pluck the ball just three runs in the third over. The win is the fourth WTA title ings under her belt. for the Ukrainian world number 19, But her form dropped off in 2015, who won 6-7(5) 6-4, 7-5 over Bou- and she slipped in the locker room chard, of Canada. at the US Open in September, suf- The third set was hit by intermit- fering a concussion. Forced to pull Warner, Maxwell set record in Australia win tent suspensions of more than two out of the tournament, she missed hours due to Kuala Lumpur’s trop- three months of play, but has shown ical rains. signs lately of getting back on track. Down early in the set, the sixth- The doubles competition was Reuters the three-game series at 1-1. seeded Bouchard managed to claw won by the Varatchaya Wongtean- Warner and Maxwell’s stand back into a tie at 5-5, but once play chai of Thailand and Yang Zhaoxuan fell just short of the world record of resumed for good the second seed of China, who beat the Chinese duo 171 set by New Zealand’s Kane Wil- Svitolina put the contest away. of Liang Chen and Wang Yafan, 4-6, JOHANNESBURG: A record stand liamson and Martin Guptill against It was Svitolina’s third victory in 6-4, 10-7. from David Warner and Glenn Pakistan in January. Maxwell helped Australia secure a The pair were particularly severe last-ball, five-wicket victory over on leg-spinner Imran Tahir and South Africa in the second Twenty20 seamer David Wiese, who went for International at The Wanderers yes- 105 in their combined eight overs. Tomic lashes at team-mate terday. The only consolation for South South Africa posted 204 for Africa was the successful return of seven on a flat batting wicket and fast bowler Dale Steyn (2-32 from Kyrgios commitment were on top when they reduced the four overs), who is trying to prove his tourists to 32-3 in their reply. fitness ahead of the World Twenty20 AFP out Kyrgios if he was competing as Yet Warner (77 from 40 balls) in India, which starts tomorrow. planned in an American tournament and Maxwell (75 from 43) staged The home side’s innings was this week. Tomic said he spoke to his a remarkable fightback with a anchored by Faf du Plessis, who teammate after his loss and Kyrgios Twenty20 Australian record part- smashed 79 from 41 balls, with fine MELBOURNE: Australia’s two lead- told him he was planning to play in nership for any wicket of 161 to take cameos from Quinton de Kock (44) ing stars Bernard Tomic and Nick Indian Wells, California, this week. their side close to victory. and David Miller (33). Kyrgios are at odds forcing new - ‘In the heat of the moment’ Needing two from the final James Faulkner proved the pick captain Lleyton Hewitt into a peace- -Australia’s top-ranked player delivery of the innings from seamer of the Australian bowlers with 3-28 making role after an extraordinary recalled that a similar situation Kagiso Rabada, Australia’s Mitch- from his four overs. post-script to Australia’s Davis Cup occurred a year ago when Kyrgios ell Marsh bludgeoned the ball down The final match of the three- loss to the United States yesterday. withdrew from the Davis Cup against the ground and was able to scram- game series will be played in Cape Tomic challenged the commit- the Czech Republic. ble the runs his side needed to level Town on Wednesday. ment of Kyrgios to the Davis Cup “He didn’t come to Czech and competition after his team-mate’s had stress fractures and somehow SCOREBOARD withdrawal from the Kooyong tie played Indian Wells and felt good,” with illness and back trouble. Tomic said at the post-match press SOUTH AFRICA Did not bat: D Steyn, Imran Tahir. John Isner was too strong for conference. A de Villiers b Hastings 13 AUSTRALIA Tomic winning 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (7/4) “Now it’s going to be funny for me to deliver the Americans the tie 3-1 to see whether he plays. Q de Kock b Faulkner 44 A Finch b Rabada 2 and reach the competition’s quar- “If he plays Indian Wells, then F du Plessis c Maxwell b Hastings 79 S Watson c Duminy b Steyn 9 ter-finals. Yet there was controversy he’s definitely lost a little bit of my J Duminy c Smith b Marsh 14 S Smith c Rabada b Steyn 19 during the match when Tomic was respect.” D Miller c Maxwell b Agar 33 D Warner b Rabada 77 overheard during a changeover ques- Tomic said it was disappointing F Behardien c Agar b Faulkner 3 G Maxwell c De Villiers b Morris 75 tioning Kyrgios’s absence from the tie. not to have Kyrgios playing in this

While in conversation with team weekend’s David Cup tie.

C Morris c Warner b Faulkner 3 M Marsh (not out) 2 captain Hewitt, television micro- “He’s an amazing player and it D Wiese (not out) 10 J Faulkner (not out) 7 phones caught Tomic muttering: would have been important to have K Rabada (not out) 0 Extras (LB-4, NB-2, W-8) 14 “Nick’s sitting down in Canberra. him here.” Extras (LB-1, NB-1, W-3) 5 Total (for 5 wkts in 20 overs) 205 Bullshit he’s sick.” Hewitt, who came out of retire- Total (for 7 wkts in 20 overs) 204 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-28, 3-32, 4-193, 5-194. Tomic was also heard saying ment for Saturday’s five-set doubles “that’s twice he’s done it”, in possi- loss to the crack Bryan brothers in Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-77, 3-103, 4-142, Bowling: Rabada 4-0-25-2 (3w); Morris 4-0- ble reference to Kyrgios’s withdrawal Kyrgios’s absence, said he did not 5-151, 6-165, 7-198. 39-1 (1nb, 3w); Steyn 4-0-32-2 (1nb); Wiese from the tie against the Czech Repub- share Tomic’s sentiments. 4-0-58-0 (1w); Imran Tahir 4-0-47-0 (1w). Bowling: Hazlewood 4-0-50-0 (2w); Hastings lic last year. The captain said they were “in 4-0-42-2; Marsh 2-0-28-1 (1nb); Maxwell 4-0- Result: Australia won by five wickets. Australia’s James Faulkner celebrates after scoring the winning run Tomic later did not resile from the heat of the moment, and frustra- 30-0; Faulkner 4-0-28-3 (1w); Agar 2-0-25-1. Series: The three-match series is tied at 1-1. against South Africa in their second T20 match played at the Wanderers his comments and questioned the tion”, but Tomic continued to question Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday. legitimacy of the virus that ruled Kyrgios at the media conference. 32 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 SPORT Pellegrini sets City 75-point target to clinch League title Steve McClaren

TOUGH RACE BETWEEN McClaren on Manchester City SPURS, CITY AND ARSENAL manager upbeat the brink as about regaining the lost against Leicester and Tottenham, title despite trailing I said it was a credit to the squad to Newcastle face leaders Leicester by be fighting for the title with so many 10 points in title race important players like Kompany, Silva and Kun injured. relegation “Of course, when you have your best players, it is better for the team. Reuters When you don’t have them, you need AFP your squad. But if you ask me, I always want to play with Sergio the way he LONDON: Newcastle United played today.” manager Steve McClaren made no Villa look doomed to relegation, excuses for his team’s flat display sitting nine points adrift of a position in a 3-1 home defeat by Bourne- MANCHESTER: Manuel Pellegrini of safety with nine games to play. mouth on Saturday that left them believes 75 points will be enough to Manager Remi Garde has taken staring Premier League relegation win the Premier League after declar- 12 points from 18 games since his in the face. ing that his Manchester City side are appointment last November, and has Newcastle are second from still firmly in the title race. been forced to deny claims of a dress- bottom after winning only six City ended a run of three straight ing room split at the club. games this season and the pres- league defeats by thrashing bottom He feels that his reputation as sure on the former England coach club Aston Villa 4-0 at Eastlands on a manager, built in France at Lyon, is mounting. Saturday. remains strong, though and was “I’m very disappointed. That It took Pellegrini’s fourth placed pleased with the way his side kept was definitely a poor perform- team to 50 points with another 30 still City at 0-0 before they conceded two ance and ‘going down’ material,” to play for over their final 10 matches goals in the first five minutes of the McClaren told the BBC. to be champions. second half. “We have got to find the Leaders Leicester are 10 points “I am very confident in my man- fighters in the team and the per- clear of City, but Pellegrini feels agement. I have no problem with that. formance today did not epitomise his players have the experience to Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini reacts during the English Premier League soccer match against I have problems but not with my own that. We cannot play like that and overhaul Leicester and title rivals Aston Villa in Manchester, Britain, on Saturday. management,” he said. hope to stay up.” Tottenham and Arsenal with a dra- “We were playing away to a team Newcastle fell behind to Ste- matic late surge to rival their Premier who can win the Champions League ven Taylor’s first-half own goal League triumph in 2014. and we are bottom. To be too attack- and the St James’ Park crowd, who “All the teams will lose points “We need to beat Norwich next win, while in between, Sergio Aguero important stages, as have fellow key ing would have been suicidal. have not celebrated a major trophy between now and the end of the sea- Saturday, and then after that we need scored twice to take his total for the players such as Vincent Kompany and “Everybody was pleased with the since 1969, turned on McClaren at son. As you approach the end of the to win the next game. season to 21 in a City win that was David Silva. “I always say it is a team way we played in the first 45 minutes. halftime. season, the pressure will increase,” “It is impossible to guess how convincing in the end, despite a frus- game not an individual game, but of We wanted to play the same way and “We are fortunate we’ve got Pellegrini said. many points we need to win this title trating and goalless first half. course there are players who are very try to exploit one or two opportuni- 10 games left and that’s enough,” “We have more experience than but I am sure it will be around 75.” Aguero has started 20 of City’s 28 important,” Pellegrini said. ties. “The first goal was a big blow, McClaren said. “It’s a four-team the other teams, and that will be very Yaya Toure opened the scoring Premier League matches this season, “Sergio makes a difference. That’s and the second one straight after the league now and we play every- important. We need to close that gap. and Raheem Sterling completed the but has been absent with injuries at why maybe three weeks ago, when we first one was a big blow.” one around us.” Newcastle have 24 points, eight ahead of bottom club Aston Villa, level with Norwich City and one behind north-east rivals Leicester pass another Sunderland. Tottenham’s “There was a certain edginess manager and you could see that in our play,” Mauricio McClaren said. test with flying colours “We lost our shape. Normally Pochettino gestures we are a good attacking team but today we were poor on the ball. during the Reuters bookmakers cut the odds on Leices- You can only say that the pressure Premier ter winning their first top-flight got to them.” League crown to 11-10. McClaren, assistant manager match “The title is not ours. We have to Alex Ferguson at Manchester against LONDON: Leicester City’s unlikely to fight a lot, step by step and keep United before taking charge of Arsenal in Premier League title challenge took our feet on the ground. At the end we Middlesbrough and the England London another major upturn with a gritty can see what happens,” Ranieri said. team from 2006-07, remained yesterday. 1-0 win at Watford on Saturday as Algerian Mahrez scored his 15th defiant. their closest challengers cancelled league goal of the season follow- “I can’t see any positives but each other out. ing a sweet strike from the edge of we have to stick together as a staff Riyad Mahrez conjured a fine the penalty area in the 56th minute and as a team and fight,” he said. goal to see off Watford and send before being substituted. Ranieri, Leicester five points clear at the though, played down concerns about top after second-placed Tottenham the inspirational forward’s fitness. Frankfurt sack Veh Hotspur and Arsenal, who are third, “No injury, he was tired and had drew 2-2 at White Hart Lane. a little cramp so I changed him in the after dropping “It was an important win, a big late minutes,” the Italian said. “His Spurs’ Pochettino rues wasted battle,” City manager Claudio Rani- goal was so important.” into bottom three eri told the BBC. Leicester next host Newcastle “Now there will be battles for United on March 14 before a trip to everybody not just for us. Crystal Palace. AFP chance to seize title momentum “It was a tough match. We cre- “We know every team can win ated four or five chances, they or lose so it has to be slowly, slowly,” created two or three. We are so Ranieri said. BERLIN: Bundesliga strugglers happy now.” “The desire is so high now and Eintracht Frankfurt yesterday AFP is a very good team with very good and Harry Kane after Coquelin had With nine games remaining, we have a great opportunity.” sacked coach Armin Veh after players. “It is true the feeling is we been dismissed, before Sanchez results over the weekend saw missed a big opportunity but we need equalised. the club drop into the relegation to be positive about that.” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger places. LONDON: Mauricio Pochettino Pochettino insists his young side admits the twists and turns in this Veh’s second stint in Frankfurt admits Tottenham missed an oppor- will not pay for their lack of expe- season’s title race means he is una- lasted just 265 days and Saturday’s tunity to step up their Premier League rience during the title run-in, after ble to judge whether his side, who sit dismal 1-1 draw at home to Ingol- title challenge, after failing to beat a week in which they lost at West third, remain in contention. stadt, when fans chanted ‘Armin 10-man Arsenal in a pulsating 2-2 Ham and then slipped up against “I don’t know because I don’t Out’, left Eintracht third from bot- draw at White Hart Lane. the Gunners. know what to say anymore about tom and winless in their last seven Pochettino’s side remain in sec- But he believes his team will ben- that,” Wenger said. matches. Werder Bremen climbed ond place, five points behind leaders efit from their efforts this season, “Everybody drops points so let’s out of the bottom three with a 4-1 Leicester, but the Tottenham man- no matter what the outcome of the see what happens over the weekend. I thrashing of last-placed Hanover ager was left frustrated after Spurs campaign. think we have to take encouragement 96 on Saturday, pushing Frankfurt squandered a 2-1 lead against their “It’s not about maturity. It’s not from our performance today and down into the relegation places. bitter north London rivals. about character. These are always the reproduce that until the end of the Veh lost 11 of his 25 league Alexis Sanchez’s 76th minute things people say about us,” he said. season and we might have a chance. games in charge with just five wins equaliser ensured Arsene Wenger’s “I can give a lot of examples of “Maybe yes, it is our best chance “It’s never nice to dismiss a side escaped with a point, despite big clubs with experienced players to win the title. Last year we had no coach,” said Frankfurt chairman having lost Francis Coquelin to a who concede goals in the last minute. chance. Heribert Bruchhagen yesterday. 55th minute red card when they were “Sometimes the opponent can “Three or four years ago I think “It was a very hard decision to leading through Aaron Ramsey’s first create good chances and it is unlucky we were in the race. It shows the team make, because up until recently half goal. but it is not about maturity because has quality and spirit and our balance Armin Veh had our confidence.” “I think with the way we played all the teams sometimes concede was right today.” Veh previously walked away we deserved more. At 11 against 11 I goals like this. Wenger admitted Coquelin was from Frankfurt at the end of the think we deserved more and were “We have come from a very busy rightly dismissed and criticised his 2013/14 season after three years unlucky in the way we conceded the period. All season we have been busy. player for collecting two yellow cards, as head coach. first goal,” Pochettino said. It is true in the last few months we but insisted Spurs’ Eric Dier should His assistant coach Reiner “But there are a lot of games have played a lot of games. also have been sent off. Geyer will take over training ahead Leicester City’s Algerian midfielder Riyad Mahrez (right) celebrates ahead; nine games and a lot of points. Ramsey put Arsenal ahead, but “I hate to say a lot to Francis after of next Saturday’s game against It is true we missed a big opportunity Spurs recovered with two goals in that tackle. He knows. He knows he after scoring a goal against Watford during their Premier League Borussia Moenchengladbach until but in the same way I think Arsenal two minutes from Toby Alderweireld made a big mistake,” Wenger said . match in Watford, north of London on Saturday. a permanent replacement is found. SPORT MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 33

Serie A: Napoli overcome Hiddink confident Costa Chievo to move joint top

AFP cheek of the away side, and Higuain swiftly calmed the home fans’ nerves will be fit for PSG clash by nipping in front of Bostjan Cesar to meet Faouzi Ghoulam’s low sixth- NAPLES: Napoli moved joint top minute pass and take this season’s of Serie A after goals from Gonzalo remarkable tally to 26 goals in 28 Higuain, Vlad Chiriches and Jose league games. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Chelsea’s interim MATCH ON WEDNESDAY Callejon saw them beat Chievo Napoli created a hatful of 3-1 on Saturday and get their title chances and should have been fur- manager insists Spain challenge back on track after a ther ahead way before Chiriches’ striker will be back as three-game mini-slump. redeemed himself by meeting “We got into mid-table which nor- Maurizio Sarri’s side are level Jorginho’s whipped cross with close- they meet the French mally for Chelsea standards is not on 61 points with reigning cham- range header seven minutes before champions in second enough. But if we can go into a very pions Juventus after a winning a the break. leg of last 16 beautiful March and April that would hugely entertaining encounter in Callejon went close twice in be nice in the Champions League and which Chievo, who stay 11th on 34 the space of a minute, first meet- FA Cup.” points, more than played their part ing another pinpoint Ghoulam Bertrand Traore, the exciting and opened the scoring with just cross only to see his 26th-minute 20-year-old from Burkina Faso, over a minute on the clock through shot blocked, then weakly shooting AFP started in attack in the absence of Nicola Rigoni. straight at Chievo keeper Albano Costa, and justified his manager’s Napoli also maintain their five- Bizzarri when set clean through faith with his second Premier League point lead over third-placed Roma, by the lively Lorenzo Insigne, who goal, a spectacular left-footed shot who briefly closed the gap to two missed a golden opportunity of his LONDON: Guus Hiddink dismissed from 20 yards six minutes before the with a thumping 4-1 win over own when he sliced wide just four concerns over Diego Costa’s fitness break. Fiorentina in Rome on Friday. minutes after Napoli took the lead. by insisting the Spain striker will be But Stoke pushed Chelsea all the After winning for the first time Napoli wasted more chances in available for Chelsea’s crucial Cham- way and were rewarded five min- in nearly a month, Napoli now await the second half of the match, with pions League clash with Paris Saint utes from the end when Mame Diouf the result of Juventus’ trip to Atalanta Higuain smashing the crossbar in the Germain on Wednesday. headed into an empty net after on Sunday. 66th minute, but Spaniard Callejon Costa missed Saturday’s 1-1 Pre- Thibaut Courtois failed to claim “We wanted another type of per- finally secured the full three points mier League draw against Stoke as Xherdan Shaqiri’s cross. formance today after drawing two for his side with 20 minutes to go he rested to avoid aggravating a ten- “Traore showed in parts of games,” said Callejon. when he tucked home Allan’s drilled don injury, but Blues interim manager the game he has the quality,” said “I think we did that, we worked cross. Hiddink is confident his star forward Hiddink. as a team. Now we’re top, we’ll wait In Saturday’s early game Samp- will return for the last 16, second leg “It is a bit different to start at and see for tomorrow, but if we carry doria eased their relegation fears by against PSG. Stamford Bridge. “Young players need on like this we’ll go far.” hammering Hellas Verona 3-0 with With the French champions hold- control and to dominate their nerves. Rigoni silenced a rowdy San goals from Roberto Soriano, Antonio ing a 2-1 lead, Hiddink can’t afford to But he showed with the goal he has a Paolo stadium when he robbed the Cassano and Lazaros Christodoulo- be without the in-form Costa, espe- capacity to do a lot. dozing Chiriches and drilled past poulos in the first half an hour. cially as Chelsea laboured without “We have some young play- unfortunate Napoli goalkeeper Pepe The comfortable win sees Samp him in a match that prompted the ers in the team and they compete Reina, who slipped just as he dived up to 13th on 31 points and leaves Dutchman to dismiss their top four in a healthy way. If they show what to save the Chievo midfielder’s shot. Verona rock bottom of Serie A, nine hopes as “impossible” and set his they can do in training they will be Napoli looked affronted by the points from safety. sights on success in Europe and the rewarded. Chelsea’s Diego Costa (right) vies for the ball with Manchester United’s FA Cup. “The match was frustrating, it Chris Smalling during their English Premier League match in London, “Diego had a problem on the ten- is always frustrating to concede a in this February 9, 2016 file photo. don, that’s why I was cautious not to late goal. But you can say we started worsen the situation, but I think he rather sloppy in the first half and will be OK on Wednesday,” Hiddink after 15-20 minutes we had more first half, which we didn’t convert, the game possession wise. “And there said. composure. unfortunately. “And lo and behold was a feeling in the stadium that we “I think the top four is difficult, “We scored a beautiful goal we get done with a sucker punch just were the more likely team to get the almost impossible especially when through Traore. But they have got before half-time. next goal. other teams are knocking on that some very creative players and in “You can be a bit deflated, but in “I was a little bit fortunate door. the end it was a fair result.” fairness it was the complete oppo- because I was going to take Mame “I am very respectful of the likes Stoke manager Mark Hughes site reaction. Diouf off just before he scored. That’s of West Ham who got a good result revealed he was going to take off “I basically told them to keep the fortune you need. today (at Everton). On the other hand Diouf before his goal. doing what you are doing and sec- “All-in-all, we have once again we know where we came from in “I felt we deserved a point,” he ond half was more of the same. come here and shown real belief. December, one point off the relega- said. “Arguably we felt a little bit hard “As the half progressed, I felt That’s the first point, I think, Stoke tion zone, and amazingly we got safe done by. Chelsea looked to play on the coun- have got from Stamford Bridge since in a relatively short time. “We had opportunities, certainly ter attack and we had more control of 1984.”

Veteran Blanco retires Ten wins in a row as PSV storm four points clear

Reuters league. Ajax Amsterdam, who are 20 points clear of third-placed Utrecht, visit Willem II Tilburg later yesterday. AMSTERDAM: PSV Eindhoven Ruud Boymans scored two goals claimed a 10th successive league in four minutes as Utrecht won 4-0 win as they cruised past Groningen at 10-man Heerenveen. 3-0 on Saturday to storm four points Utrecht took an early lead clear at the top of the Dutch cham- through Andreas Ludwig and pionship. received a further boost when Heer- Jetro Willems, continuing his enveen’s Joey van den Berg was sent rehabilitation after injury, opened off in the 31st minute for a danger- the scoring for the visitors after ous tackle. seven minutes. Chris Kum grabbed the fourth A stunning goal from Davy goal near the end. Proepper made it 2-0 in the 51st PEC Zwolle are seventh after a Napoli’s forward Gonzalo Higuain (left) in action next to referee Marco minute before Juergen Locadia double from Stef Nijland helped them added a third goal as PSV kept their beat bottom club De Graafschap with di Bello during the Italian Serie A match against Chievo Verona at fifth successive clean sheet in the a 2-1 score-line. San Paolo Stadium in Naples, on Saturday. Ruiz misses goal as Benfica beat Sporting

Reuters two league titles, has defeated his he was ably replaced by fellow Bra- old club this season in the Super- zilian Ederson. Jefferson crashed a PORTUGUESE LEAGUE cup, the Portuguese Cup and in their long-range shot against the cross- first league meeting of the campaign bar as the home team came alive just LISBON: Benfica won 1-0 at Sport- when Sporting won 3-0 at the Sta- before halftime. ing after an astonishing miss by Bryan dium of Light. Sporting took control in the sec- captain Adrien Silva, who had already Ruiz as the visitors knocked their Saturday’s encounter was billed ond half and Ruiz spurned a good been substituted, was sent off from neighbours off the top of the Portu- as a grudge match between Jesus and chance when an Islam Slimani cross the bench for protesting against the guese league on Saturday. his successor Rui Vitoria. found him unmarked at the far post decision. Cuauhtemoc Blanco, 43, of Club America controls the ball during The Costa Rican somehow man- In January, Jesus dismissively and he failed to control the ball. The win left Benfica with 61 their Mexican Clausura 2016 tournament football match against aged to scoop the ball over an open said he did not consider Vitoria to That miss was completely over- points from 25 matches, two more Morelia at the Azteca Stadium on Saturday. The match was played goal from five metres as Sporting be a coach and that “he is not my shadowed soon after when Slimani than second-placed Sporting. in tribute to the former football player and Cuernavaca Mayor pressed forward in a bid to wipe out colleague”. again found Ruiz and this time he Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio who retired from the club. As a footballer, Blanco was known for Kostas Mitroglou’s first-half goal for Benfica made a confident start lifted the ball over the bar when it has signed an extension to his con- his attacking ability and played most of his career as a deep-lying champions Benfica. and took a deserved lead in the 21st was easier to score. tract with Sporting Lisbon through to forward and his last years as an attacking midfielder. He was It was the first time Benfica had minute when Andreas Samaris’ ball Ruiz nearly made amends one 2022, his club announced in a state- also known for his accurate penalties, crucial passes and vision. beaten their neighbours since former into the area hit Sporting midfielder minute later with a dinked effort ment recently. Blanco is the only Mexican football player with an award in an coach Jorge Jesus joined Sporting in a William Carvalho and fell invitingly which Ederson did well to turn away The 28-year-old, who has won 38 international FIFA competition, as he won the Silver Ball and the move that shocked Portuguese foot- for Mitroglou to beat keeper Rui the threat. caps for Portugal, was already under Silver Shoe awards in the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup. He has ball in May, , making it a memorable Patricio. Benfica midfielder Renato contract until 2018 with the current been awarded the MVP of the Mexico Primera Division four times. victory for them. The visitors were missing goal- Sanches was lucky not to be sent off Portuguese league leaders, where he Jesus, who led Benfica to the last keeper Julio Cesar through injury but for a wild lunge at Ruiz and Sporting began his career. 34 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 SPORT Jang eases clear to claim victory in Singapore

and has backed that up with a Korean secures victory in Florida last month and another in Singapore to continue second win of the her rich vein of form. season as world That maiden triumph was celebrated with her self-styled number one Lydia ‘Samurai-lasso’ dance and after Ko falls behind inventing a new way to enjoy her Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts after scoring victory yesterday, the 23-year- against Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin old could soon be running out during the Davis Cup World Group first of ideas to mark each victory as round single match at Aleksandar Nikolic Reuters her stock rises on the LPGA Tour. hall in Belgrade yesterday. Djokovic battled “This week, I’ve been lis- for almost five hours to defeat Kukushkin tening to Beyonce’s music. So 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. I’m watching the concert at the SINGAPORE: Jang Ha-na sank Super Bowl and it looks really a short eagle putt on the last nice,” she added. “So I tried to and immediately broke into a be like Beyonce, the single lady. Beyonce-inspired shimmy to I’m single right now too, so I try Marathon man Djokovic celebrate her second win of the the single lady.” season with a brilliant four-shot Jang predicted on Friday levels Davis Cup clash, triumph at the HSBC Women’s she may have “something spe- Champions yesterday. cial” to perform should she win The Korean started the this week and such was her Britain make last-eight day one ahead of the pack but confidence that she took a stran- stormed clear on the back nine glehold of the tournament with to close with a seven-under-par an opening-hole birdie on Sun- AFP TENNIS: DAVIS CUP 65 for a 19-under total, capped day and refused to let go. WORLD GROUP FIRST by the gutsy eagle on the par-five Two more birdies gave her a ROUND last when she took on the lake three-shot lead over Pornanong with a fairway wood to attack at the turn as the chasing pack BELGRADE: World number one the pin. faltered but the Korean gave the Novak Djokovic battled for almost That was Djokovic’s first loss in The effervescent Jang was 26-year-old Thai a glimmer of five hours to defeat Mikhail Kukush- Davis Cup in five years. tracked all the way by playing hope with a messy bogey on the kin 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to Serbia won the Davis Cup in partner Pornanong Phatlum 11th which could have been a lot level the Davis Cup World Group first 2010, led by Djokovic. of Thailand, who closed with a worse. The lead was briefly down round tie betwen Serbia and Kaza- Meanwhile yesterday, Andy Mur- bogey-free 68 but was thwarted to one when the Thai birdied the khstan yesterday. ray defeated Kei Nishikori 7-5, 7-6 once more in her latest attempt par-five 12th until Jang matched Djokovic hit 19 aces and 37 win- (8/6), 3-6, 4-6, 6-3 in an epic clash to win on tour. her moments later to keep the ners but committed 94 unforced as defending champions Great Brit- Pornanong now has three advantage at two shots, before errors in a four hour 57-minute ain downed Japan to reach the Davis second-place finishes in as many a couple of monster putts led to epic win over world number 79 Cup quarter-finals. years and would have secured back-to-back birdies from the Kukushkin. Murray, the world number two, victory had it not been for the 13th to send the Korean clear. That levelled the tie at 2-2 with had seemed set for a comfortable brilliance of Jang, the Thai fin- World number one Lydia Ko, Jang Ha-Na of South Korea holds Serbia’s Viktor Troicki, the world afternoon against his sixth-ranked ishing four clear of Korea’s Amy who was eight adrift at the start up the trophy after winning the number 23, to face Aleksandr opponent by taking the first two sets Yang in third with a group of five of the day, sizzled on the front Nedovyesov in the decisive rubber against a player he had defeated five HSBC Women’s Champions golf players a further shot back. nine and moved to within four later yesterday. times in six previous encounters. tournament, with a score of 19 Jang started the year by of the lead on the 12th hole but Djokovic gave his country a 1-0 But Nishikori battled and even becoming the first player on the an error-strewn finish left her under par, at the Serapong course lead on Friday by easily defeating was a break to the good in the decid- LPGA Tour to score a hole-in-one 12 shots off the pace in a tie for in Sentosa, Singapore yesterday. Nedovyesov, the world number 200. ing set before Murray stormed back on a par-four in the Bahamas 15th at seven-under. But, in the second singles, Kuku- for victory in five minutes short of shkin fought back to level 1-1 by five hours. Victory gave Britain an beating Troicki 7-5, 6-2, 6-4. unassailable 3-1 lead in the tie and In Saturday’s doubles, a place in July’s quarter-finals. Nedovyesov and Andrey Gol- Waiting there will be Novak McIlroy grabs WGC Doral lead with bogey-free 68 ubev defeated Djokovic and Nenad Djokovic’s Serbia or outsiders Zimonjic 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5. Kazakhstan.

AFP champion Bubba Watson, five-time 13th career US PGA title and second in par saves down the stretch. At the major winner Phil Mickelson and as many weeks after last weekend’s par-5 12th, McIlroy’s second shot went England’s Danny Willett shared Honda Classic triumph snapped a way left and his third dropped into fourth on 209. 21-month win drought for the 2013 a greenside bunker, but he pitched MIAMI: Four-time major champion Third-ranked McIlroy, who closed Masters champion. to eight feet and saved par with his Rory McIlroy fired a four-under par with eight consecutive pars, seeks his McIlroy birdied the par-5 open- putter. 68 on Saturday to seize a three-stroke 12th US PGA Tour title, his first since ing hole, blasting his third shot out of At 18, he found a greenside bun- lead after the third round of the World last May at Quail Hollow, and his 20th a greenside bunker to four feet from ker with his approach but pitched out Golf Championships Cadillac Cham- career victory worldwide. the cup to set it up. He sank a seven- to five feet and made a tense par putt pionship at Doral. “It was good,” McIlroy said. “The foot birdie putt at the fifth and blasted to extend his streak of holes without The 26-year-old Northern Irish- wind was coming from a different out of a greenside bunker to three feet a dropped shot to 33. man, who hopes to complete a career direction so it made the course play with his third shot at the par-5 eighth Scott’s run of 16 rounds at par or Grand Slam at next month’s Masters, a little bit tougher. I played a solid to set up another birdie. better, what had been the best active stood on 12-under 204 after 54 holes round of golf, didn’t make any mis- At the par-5 10th, McIlroy found streak on tour, ended on a disappoint- at the Blue Monster. takes. I felt really good about it. I’ll the left rough on his approach but ing day. Australian Adam Scott, who have to do the same thing tomorrow.” punched his third shot to 17 feet and The Aussie made bogey at the owned a two-shot lead over McIlroy Eighth-ranked Johnson, 31, seeks sank his birdie putt to reach 12-under par-3 fourth, missing the green and Britain’s Andy Murray reacts after winning his singles match against when the day began, and US defend- his 10th career US PGA Tour title and and seize a two-stroke edge. a 10-foot par putt, and even when he ing champion Dustin Johnson shared the first since last year at Doral. McIlroy, using a new left-hand birdied the par-5 eighth it was after Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the Davis Cup world group, first round tennis second on 207. Two-time Masters Ninth-ranked Scott, 35, seeks his lower putting grip, had some tight a nine-foot eagle putt miss. match between Great Britain and Japan in Birmingham yesterday. German Football Federation Medical Commission chief visits Aspetar

The Peninsula

DOHA: Professor Tim Meyer, Chair- man of the German Football Federation (Deutscher Fußballbund-DFB) Medical Commission, long-standing team physi- cian of the German National Team and Director of the FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence in Saarbruecken, Germany visited Aspetar orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital. The veteran professor was there to learn about its various departments and services, and explore ways in which DFB can benefit from the expertise available. Professor Meyer praised the advanced and developed level of Aspetar. “This visit comes as part of a wider tour of the world’s leading sports medi- cine centres specialising in the treatment of football players to explore the unique specialities of each centre,” he said. “We also selected Aspetar to be on our visit agenda for its reputation and position in the sports medicine field on the inter- national level. I was very impressed with what I have seen in terms of the world- Professor Tim Meyer, Chairman of the German Football Federation Medical Commission, German National Team’s physician and Director of the FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence class facilities and services,” Professor in Saarbruecken, Germany looks at the facilities at the Aspetar orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital in Doha. Meyer added. SPORT MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016 35 James shines for Cavaliers in win over Boston Celtics

Cleveland star moves another spot higher on the NBA all-time scoring list, overtakes Spurs star Duncan Denver Broncos’ quarterback Peyton Manning holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers in the NFL’s Super Bowl 50 football game in Santa Clara, California in AFP this February 7, 2016 file photo. Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has decided to retire from the NFL

LOS ANGELES: LeBron James led eight Cleveland players in double-fig- ures with 28 points on Saturday, and Peyton Manning retiring reached another milestone in his bril- liant career as the Cavaliers crushed the Boston Celtics 120-103. after 18-year NFL career James was his usual dominate self, posting 11 rebounds and eight assists in 36 minutes. In the third quarter he passed San Antonio great Reuters deadline in which Manning would Tim Duncan (26,366 points) for 14th be guaranteed $19m from Den- on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. ver for the 2016 National Football James and Duncan have met three NEW YORK: Denver Broncos League season if he remained on times in the NBA Finals, with James’ quarterback Peyton Manning has the team’s roster. Miami Heat beating the Spurs in 2013. decided to retire from the NFL, One of the most prolific pas- Jimmy Butler (21) of the Chicago Bulls fouls Dwight Howard 0of the Houston Rockets at the United Center “He’s the greatest power forward bringing an end to a career that will sers ever in the NFL, Manning in Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday. The Bulls defeated the Rockets 108-100. of all time, if not one of the greatest surely land him in the Pro Football revolutionized the quarterback of all time, period,” said James, who Hall of Fame, the team said yes- position during an 18-year career has now scored at least 10 points for terday. that included two Super Bowl titles, the 700th consecutive regular-sea- this league. You look at a guy like that Jeff Teague scored 22 points as Nene made one of two free throws for Manning, who turns 40 later five most valuable player awards son game -- third longest streak in and it kind of puts you right back in the Atlanta Hawks came back from the Wizards with 10 seconds left for this month, will be going out on top and a slew of passing records. NBA history. place.” a 17-point deficit to beat the Los Ange- a 99-98 lead. Bradley Beal scored 12 after helping the Broncos to a Super Manning came across as a “I got so many different stories Kyrie Irving scored 20 points, les Clippers 107-97 at Staples Center. points for Washington in his first start Bowl upset victory last month over laid back southern boy but on the and so many different things and sit- Iman Shumpert posted a career-high Paul Millsap scored 20 points since February 11, but the guard didn’t the Carolina Panthers, in a devel- gridiron he was a clinical, ruthless uations that have been linked to him. 16 rebounds to go with 12 points off and grabbed 18 rebounds for Atlanta, finish the game. Fouled by Pacers Ian opment first reported by ESPN. competitor with an off-the-charts Even though he’s a few years older the bench, and JR Smith tallied 14 who surrendered 37 points in the first Mahinmi while going for a layup, Beal “When you look at every- football IQ who changed plays at than me, we just stayed linked. points on four three-pointers. quarter. Kent Bazemore tallied 17 landed hard on his side and had to be thing Peyton has accomplished the line of scrimmage to outsmart “I just think what he’s done for Isaiah Thomas led Boston with 27 points as Atlanta moved to within 1 helped off the court. The team said he as a player and person, it’s easy to opposing defenses with his dead- points. Jared Sullinger added 17 points 1/2 games of Miami for first place in suffered sprained pelvis. see how fortunate we’ve been to on accuracy. and 13 rebounds for the Celtics, who the Southeast Division. Beal missed 20 of Washington’s have him on our team,” John Elway, He played his final four sea- NBA Results had their five-game winning streak DeAndre Jordan had 17 points first 61 games. Broncos Executive Vice President sons in Denver but his prime NY Knicks 98 Miami 90 halted. and 11 rebounds, while Chris Paul Pau Gasol finished with 28 points, of Football Operations and Gen- came during the 14 years he spent Indiana 95 Orlando 86 Boston led 35-22 after one quar- earned 17 and 11 assists -- but it was 17 rebounds and six assists as the Chi- eral Manager, said in a statement. in Indianapolis where he led the Cleveland 121 Washington 115 ter, shooting 60 percent. The Celtic’s not enough for the Clippers, who had cago Bulls held on for a 108-100 win “Peyton was everything that Colts to two Super Bowls berths, Detroit 99 Boston 94 35 points tied the most points Cleve- a disappointing follow up to their over the Houston Rockets. we thought he was and even more- winning the big game in the 2006 Toronto 91 Brooklyn 74 land has allowed in a first quarter all comeback win over the Oklahoma Jimmy Butler scored 24 points and not only for the football team but in campaign. Denver 78 Minnesota 74 season. Cleveland countered with a City Thunder on Wednesday. grabbed 11 rebounds in his first game the community. I’m very thankful In addition to his career yards Dallas 100 New Orleans 91 12-0 surge in the second quarter. Paul George hit two free throws back since injuring his left knee Feb- Peyton chose to play for the Denver and passing touchdowns records San Antonio 123 Utah 98 The Cavaliers led by eight points with three seconds left en route to a ruary 5. Derrick Rose scored 17 points Broncos, and I congratulate him on and his record five MVP awards, after three quarters. They extended 38-point performance as the Indiana on six-for-10 shooting. Gasol posted his Hall of Fame career.” Manning’s Super Bowl win gave Phoenix 111 Charlotte 102 their lead to 16 points with just under Pacers defeated the Washington Wiz- his team-leading 35th double-dou- The decision came as the him an NFL record 200 career wins Oklahoma City 112 Memphis 94 three minutes to go on the final play ards 100-99. ble of the season as Chicago halted a Broncos faced a Wednesday including playoffs. LA Clippers 109 Portland 98 from James. George’s free throws came after four-game losing skid.

Qatar to host NHL: Ducks beat Kings Asian Rugby tri-nation event 3-2 to take division lead next month

The Peninsula Agencies NHL Results The Ducks trailed the Kings by as Minnesota 3 Buffalo 2 many as 16 points on the morning of Calgary 4 Pittsburgh 2 January 20. But since then, Anaheim DOHA: The Qatar Rugby Fed- Nashville 5 Colorado 2 has gone 18-1-1 and Los Angeles 9-9- eration (QRF) will host the Asian LOS ANGELES: The Anaheim Ducks 1. The teams each have 18 games Rugby tri-nation championship, Anaheim 3 Los Angeles 2 are back in a familiar spot — alone left, including one more matchup it was announced here yesterday. in first place in the Pacific Division Washington 2 Boston 1 on April 7 at Los Angeles. “I think The Asia Rugby competi- for the first time this season after Ottawa 3 Toronto 2 they always believed,” coach Bruce tion involving the national rugby winning three straight division titles. Tampa Bay 4 Carolina 3 Boudreau said. “I mean, we haven’t teams of Iran and Lebanon is part Two victories over the Los Philadelphia 6 Columbus 0 changed much from what we did of QRF’s efforts to further boost Angeles Kings six days apart helped Winnipeg 4 Montreal 2 last year. There were a couple of big and promote rugby in the country. them complete their remarkable Arizona 5 Florida 1 meetings, and we converted our style The three matches will be comeback. David Perron scored Vancouver 4 San Jose 2 just a little bit.” played at the Aspire warm track the go-ahead goal on a power play Los Angeles Kings’ Drew Hamza of Camels 1 breaks away from the French defence during the from April 16 -22. in the second period and the Ducks Doughty, left, and Anaheim Ducks’ Qatar Rugby Sevens at Aspire Zone in Doha on Saturday night. The first match of the competi- broke a franchise record with their Corey Perry, center, watch the puc … tion will see Qatar up against Iran 11th consecutive victory, beating we focus too much on during the The Ducks lead the season series on April 16, the second match will their Southern California rivals 3-2 season,” forward Jakob Silfverberg 3-1 and have won 11 of the past 14 be between Iran and Lebanon on on Saturday. said. “We just try to win games. regular-season meetings overall — Camels cruise to win April 19 with the final match fought “It’s always a good thing to set Obviously if you set a record, you’ve including a 4-2 victory last Sunday out between Qatar and Lebanon on new records, but that’s not something been doing something well.” at Honda Center. 22 April.The Asia Rugby Champi- in Qatar Rugby Sevens onship is an annual rugby union competition held amongst national rugby sides within the Asia Rugby region. The competition formerly The Peninsula bullocking charges and fast strong play known as the Asian Five Nations of the scrum allowed the college boys changed its name in 2015. to overpower their opponents 22 nil. Speaking about the April DOHA: Powerful sevens Qatar inter- This was CNAQ’s first registered win championship QRF President national and Camels 2 utility forward of the season. Yousef Al Kuwari said, “Naturally Rakan Mutawaa pulled off 4 big tries to The Lion’s woes however, did not we are delighted and excited to trigger a huge win for his Camels team get improve as they faced competi- host the tournament which will against the Lions at the Aspire warm tion leaders Camels 1 in their second help develop the sport in the coun- up and purpose built Rugby pitch. match. Things looked promising for try. Our players will get the needed The Camels 2 second match was the one time former champs as they exposure playing against these two against the North Atlantic College trailed at the break 14 nil. However, teams”. (CNAQ). The match started off as a rip- the roar of the Lions could not be He continued “Last week per with strong plays from both teams heard as the Camels rolled in five sec- we had the Asia Rugby consult- but it was the Camels 2 far too strong ond halve tries to take the match 47 nil. ant Aaron Stockdale here and in end for the college boys defeating The Camels 1 further demon- he gave us the thumps up for our them 24 -5. strated their prowess by dominating operations and facilities. We are Vancouver Canucks goalie Jacob Markstrom (25) saves a shot on goal by San Jose Sharks right wing CNAQ had better fortunes in their the final match of the night against the overwhelmed at the opportunity Joonas Donskoi (27) in the third period of their NHL game at SAP Center at San Jose. San Jose Sharks second match when they slugged it out Blue Falcons beating them 50 -7. to co-host this tri-nation’s cham- lost to Vancouver Canucks 2 to 4. against the luckless Blue Falcons. Their pionship with Asia Rugby. 36 MONDAY 7 MARCH 2016

Qatar Cup, Emir’s Cup draws ceremony Qatar Asian Junior Tennis event begins in Doha

The Peninsula honour. Ibrahim Al Khelaifi, Deputy Head of National team Committee, hoped the event will give Qatari players a good experience. DOHA: Around 80 players from all “The QTF spares no effort to over the continents are featuring at proved the Qatari players with the Qatar Asian Junior U-14 tourna- opportunities to put our national ment which kicked off in Doha on team on the right track in order to Saturday. improve their Asian ranking,” he The Qatar Tennis Federation said . (QTF) is hosting the event at the Kha- The Qatari team includes lifa International Tennis and Squash Mohammad, Al Sulaiti, Ghanim Al Complex . Khelaifi, Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Has- Apart from the hosts, players san Al Obaidli, Jassim Al Mahmoud, from a total of 16 countries including Abdulaziz Zainal and Rayyan Al Mohammed Al Subaei, Assistant Secretary-General of Qatar Basketball Federation, is seen conducting the draws of the Qatar Cup and the UAE, Turkey, Pakistan, Australia Jefairi. The final of the event will be Emir’s Cup, in front of team managers, officials and members of the media. The Qatar Cup will be held from March 9 to 29. The season- and Lebanon are vying for the top played on March 11. ending Emir’s Cup will be held from April 3 to 22, QBF said. RIGHT: A view of the draw ceremony. QBF and QSports to organise Ladies Endurance Ride 3x3 basketball tournament

The March 10-12 event includes three divisions with several teams confirming participation, say organisers

The Peninsula

DOHA: Several outfits with a flavour of Qatar’s A file photo of top-notch players will be seen in action at the 3x3 Basketball tournament to be held on a special 3x3 Basketball portable basketball court inside the 01 Mall in Ain tournament Aisha Hussam Saber lifts her trophy after winning at Ladies Khalid starting this weekend. held last year. QSports and Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) International Endurance Ride which ended at Sealine, yesterday. are once again collaborating to host a unique tour- BELOW: Riders celebrate after the race. nament scheduled from March 10-12. Organised by QSports, “The 01 Mall Novo Cine- mas 3x3 Basketball Tour” has been created as part of series of Doha 3x3 tours that will be organised throughout the year. The 3-day tournament is open to the general public and will feature up to 32 teams in each of the 3 divisions—Open, Classic and Women’s. The Open division is for the competitive players while the Classic division has a height restriction of 5’ 11”. Players from the Qatar National Women’s basketball team are also participating with one 30 teams have already registered in the first week Basketball Academy, QB Hoops Academy and BE professional women player allowed in any wom- of registrations. Basketball Academy. en’s team. Games are expected to begin at 7:00pm Plenty of activities and surprises await the spec- Coach Yusef Aziz of QSports Basketball Acad- on the first day of the event while the finals will tators, especially kids and families, with prizes and emy says: “It’s a great opportunity for young start at 8pm on the concluding day. special discounts at the 01 Mall. On lookers can players to witness such competitions for motiva- “With technical assistance from the QBF, the compete in free throw and short competitions and tion and learn valuable skills by being a part of tournament will be uploaded on the FIBA 3x3 Planet win gift vouchers from Mall shops such as Dom- such tournaments.” and teams will be ranked based on their partici- inos, Kebabs N Curries, Mega Mart and Suleiman Wassim Soubrawa, Chief Operations Officer pation levels” says Issam Al Sarout of the Qatar Jewellers. Kids and families of 01 Mall further said: “We are excited to promote Basketball Federation. One of the highlights will be 3 exhibition games grass roots sports in Qatar and are delighted to host The tournament’s popularity is growing as over on Saturday that will feature kids from the QSports the 3x3 basketball at 01 Mall.”

Qatar’s curling team formed CHI Al Shaqab: A memorable family experience

The Peninsula The Peninsula maximum capacity to seat 40 people so we have a long line of guests wait- ing to be seated,” Kumara expressed DOHA: In a pioneer step for the his wish to expand the seating area of first time in the Arab sport his- DOHA: CHI Al Shaqab 2016 wel- the restaurant at the next year’s CHI tory, Qatar curling team has been comed a massive audience over the Al Shaqab. launched under the supervision four days of the event. Cafe Station, with its unique of Qatar Winter Sports Commit- Attendees included dedicated fans blend of coffee and Gharissa Ice- tee (QWSC) in Doha recently. of equestrianism, as well as families cream,servedover 200 guests each The launch ceremony was who enjoyed the competitive drama day, most of them families with attended by Rashid Magid Al of the sport alongside an array of children. Sulaiti, President of Qatar Curling entertainment activities. Altseenat Cafe received a large Federation (QCF), Adel Sharida, the The weekend saw a huge number number of international riders who A steward Secretary General of QCF beside of attendees, who engaged widely visited the stall to enjoy Arabic cof- gives a ride the QCF board members and staff. with the amusement areas of the fee after their performance. Curling in its early days was venue. As the competitions progressed in to a young played on frozen lochs and ponds. Al Shaqab hosted a number of the afternoons, Popcorn Girl was par- girl during A pastime still enjoyed in some food stalls at the venue including ticularly popular with its iced drinks CHI Al Shaqab countries when weather permits, Chef’s Garden Restaurant, operated and sweet snacks. 2016 which but all national and international by AMLAK Hospitality, which experi- Immediately outside the arena concluded on competitive curling competitions enced considerable traffic throughout were carriages, pulled by beautiful Saturday. now take place in indoor rinks the event. German horses, that took an aver- with the condition of the ice care- “The view and ambience of this age of 150 children each day for rides fully temperature-controlled. spot is so beautiful that people come around the venue. Qatar curling team has and occupy tables for long hours,” said Pony rides were also popular Face painting was a favourite, fol- the eye of every passerby, and the Ultimately, CHI Al Shaqab 2016 started training and is due to Pradeep Kumara, the Food and Bev- among youngsters, and many families lowed closely by water painting and stalls exhibiting beautiful, traditional was an undeniable success, both as participate in the upcoming Inter- erage manager. relaxed at the Entertainment Zone as touch-screen digital colouring. Qatari garments and furniture were- a prestigious equestrian competition national Curling Championship “They love to watch the show they watched their toddlers get busy Meanwhile, the horse paintings added a further dash of local style and and as a prominent go-to spot for fun- scheduled in Sweden in April. while enjoying our food. We have a with colourful arts. by British painter Louis Bird attracted sophistication. loving families.