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Sunday 8 December 2013 4 Safar 1435 - Volume 18 Number 5907 Price: QR2

International Qatar’s Nasser Islamic wins focuses top award on Rio goal

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Judicial powers Emir attends forum on Palestine ‘must for ration inspectors’ 44,000 families have ration cards

DOHA: The Ministry of Finance complaints from citizens. and Trade has proposed a new Currently there are about 44,000 law to give judicial powers to its Qatari families holding the smart inspectors monitoring distribu- ration cards. tion of rations to the citizens, a The official said the govern- senior official has said. ment has no plans to increase The supply department the prices of the subsidized food, (Tamween), under the Central despite an increase in the prices Tender Committee of the in source countries. The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the opening of the Second Annual Conference of Strategic and Policy Studies Research Centres Ministry, had issued smart cards A 40kg bag of rice is available at at The Ritz-Carlton Doha yesterday. The conference was themed ‘The Cause of Palestine and the Future of the Palestinian National Movement’. to the citizens last year replacing QR65, 25kg bag of sugar at QR25, Full report on page 4 the traditional paper coupons to four cans of edible oil with three make distribution of the rations litres each at QR35 and canned more organised and transparent. milk at QR60 (96 cans with 170 “The Ministry has requested grammes each). Besides food, fod- for a law giving judicial powers der is also supplied to citizens who (to the inspectors ) to monitor own cattle. Oman ‘opposes’ distribution of the subsided items, “The cost is increasing every Include GCC in Iran talks: FM Gulf states’ union so that they can punish those year but the price is fixed for manipulating with the rations the citizens. It is not going to MANAMA: Gulf Arab states sidelines of the Manama Dialogue, intelligence chief Prince Turki MANAMA: Oman opposes illegally,” said Khalid Ibrahim Al change. The state is bearing the must have a seat at nuclear a regional security conference Al Faisal and Saudi Minister of upgrading the Gulf Cooperation Noaimi, Director of Tamween, in additional expenses,” said Al talks between world powers and organised by the International State for Foreign Affairs Nizar Council to a union of six nations, an interview with Al Sharq. Noaimi. He added that distribu- neighbouring Iran because of Institute of Strategic Studies bin Obaid Madani. an idea first mooted by Saudi He said the monitoring depart- tors are getting only a marginal their own stake in regional sta- think tank. Turning to Syria, Al Attiyah Arabia, Muscat’s foreign minis- ment at the Ministry has been profit. He asked the citizens to bility, Qatar’s Foreign Minister “I know that we have good rela- said Qatar would continue provid- ter said yesterday. conducting regular inspections use the subsidized food respon- H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al tionships and we are a strategic ing support to Syrian rebels fight- The union issue is on the agenda and surprise raids at distribution sibly to ensure continuity of the Attiyah said yesterday. partner with our allies – the US, ing Assad. “We work with our of the GCC summit to be held outlets to prevent irregularities. provisions. “They are supposed to Gulf Arab capitals cautiously UK, France and others. So what I friends to support General Selim on Tuesday in Kuwait. “We are He said most of the complaints take it every month and they can welcomed an interim nuclear was thinking about, it is not only Idris (head of the rebel Supreme against a union,” Omani Foreign from citizens were related to stor- not postpone purchase until next accord between Tehran and six P5 plus Germany; it should be P5 Military Council) and to facilitate Minister Yusuf bin Alawi said at age of the commodities and short- month,” he said. powers agreed on November 24, plus the ... GCC. whatever they want through the the Manama Dialogue here. age in stocks or the distributors’ Currently there are 73 distrib- but some officials said Western At the end of the day (in) any Friends of Syria,” Al Attiyah said. Alawi was speaking after Saudi failure to provide the required utors across the country, includ- allies had not briefed them agreement, the GCC is meant to “This is an international group Assistant Foreign Minister Nizar quantities. ing 49 authorised centres and adequately on a deal central to be part of that agreement on the ... who are there to support the Madani called on Gulf states to “If any violation is detected, 24 Al Meera outlets, besides five regional as well as global security. region. We are trying to say it Syrian people with any means unify against dangers in the the inspectors will first issue a distributors for subsidised fodder. Speaking to Reuters in an should be 5+2,” Al Attiyah said. they need to protect themselves region. “We will not prevent a warning to the distributor and Regarding complaints about a interview, Al Attiyah said the Al Attiyah’s suggestion that from the brutality of the Syrian union, but if it happens we will would cut their quota, if they fail shortage of rice with some dis- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) the GCC become more closely regime,” he said. not be part of it,” Alawi said. to comply with the instructions,” tributors, the official said it was deserved a place at the table as involved in the nuclear talks was Attiyah said “any terrorist If the five other GCC members said Al Noaimi. caused by a delay in imports. essential partners in regional echoed at the Manama Dialogue group worries us”, but blamed a decide to form a union, “we will The department has set up THE PENINSULA stability. “We are in the region. by several serving and former lack of world action on Syria. simply withdraw” from the new a hotline (44461666) to receive Continued on page 4 We are concerned,” he said on the officials, including former Saudi REUTERS body, he said. AFP

Celebrating Mandela’s life WTO seals first global trade deal Qatar among best NUSA DUA, INDONESIA: The World Trade Organisation reached its first ever trade countries for doing reform deal yesterday to the roar of approval from nearly 160 ministers who had gathered on business: Forbes the Indonesian island of Bali to decide on the make-or-break agreement that could add $1 DOHA: Qatar is ranked 40th in However, the magazine also trillion to the global economy the recently released Forbes list said that the country’s oil and The approval came after Cuba of the best countries for doing gas still account for more than dropped a last-gasp threat to veto business. 50 percent of its GDP, roughly 85 the package of measures. “For The list, compiled by the US percent of export earnings, and 70 the first time in our history, the publication, cites Qatar’s strong percent of government revenues. WTO has truly delivered,” WTO economic fundamentals such as a “Oil and gas have made Qatar chief Roberto Azevedo said. “This well-capitalised banking sector, low the world’s highest per capita time the entire membership came inflation, high per capita GDP, huge income country and the country together. We have put the ‘world’ proven reserves of hydrocarbons with the lowest unemployment,” back in World Trade Organization,” and high public sector spending on said the periodical. he said. “We’re back in business... large-scale infrastructure projects In terms of trade freedom, Bali is just the beginning.” Children dance outside the Mandela House in Soweto yesterday as part of the events celebrating the life of for hosting the 2022 World Cup as Qatar is ranked 54th, and on REUTERS former South African president Nelson Mandela, two days after his death. World leaders are preparing to some of the key driving factors for monetary freedom it is placed See also page 17 converge in unprecedented numbers on South Africa for the funeral on December 15. See also page 10 strong growth. 25th. On property rights it is Among the other GCC econo- ranked 20th, on innovation 16th, Sudan’s VP resigns mies, the United Arab Emirates is on technology 31st, on red tape placed higher than Qatar, at 31st 91st, on investor protection 103rd, KHARTOUM: Sudan’s Vice- on the list, while Saudi Arabia is on corruption 26th, on personal President Ali Osman Taha, a placed 56th, Oman 58th, Bahrain freedom 117th, on tax burden sec- key figure behind the Islamist- Al Zubarah fort to be opened to public 59th and Kuwait 76th. ond, and on market performance backed coup 24 years ago, has Forbes determined the ‘Best 28th. resigned to pave the way for DOHA: Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) yes- State. Qatar will host the 38th World Heritage Countries for Business’ by grading Ireland topped the list, followed a new government, President terday announced that it will open Al Zubarah Committee session in Doha in June 2014, it said. 145 nations on 11 factors, including by New Zealand, which slipped to Omar Al Bashir said yesterday. Archaeological site to the public after the official The Al Zubarah Archaeological site, is one of the property rights, innovation, taxes, the second position. Hong Kong “Ali Osman will voluntarily step launch on December 12. largest and best-preserved examples of an 18th-19th technology, corruption, freedom was third for the second straight down”, as he did in 2005 following In a statement, the QMA said the inclusion of century traditional pearl fishing and merchant town (personal, trade and monetary), year. the signing of a peace agreement the site in the Unesco list of World Heritage sites, in the Gulf. Al Zubarah is situated about 100km red tape, investor protection and The data for the report came that ended 22 years of civil war, made during the 37th meeting of the World Heritage north-west of Doha. Founded in the mid-18th century, stock market performance. from published reports from Bashir was quoted by the official Committee of Unesco, is the first to list a Qatari the town developed into a centre of the pearling and “Economic policy is focused on organisations like Freedom House, SUNA news agency as saying. archaeological site. Unesco’s international registry international trade and rose to become the country’s developing Qatar’s non-associated Heritage Foundation, Property Taha “is the spearhead and the currently includes 911 natural and cultural sites. largest and most important settlement. It was aban- natural gas reserves and increas- Rights Alliance, Transparency leader of change in the forma- To celebrate the recognition, QMA will officially doned by the mid-20th century. The site covers an ing private and foreign invest- International, World Bank and tion of a new cabinet,” Bashir said launch the site on December 12, to be attended by area of 60 hectares with remains of houses, mosques, ment in non-energy sectors”, World Economic Forum. without elaborating. AFP senior officials and ambassadors accredited to the large fortified buildings and a market. QNA Forbes said. THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Qatari firms need to raise salary bar: Expert ‘Attract and retain talents in run-up to FIFA projects BY SATISH KANADY because of long delays in sending offer letters after completing the DOHA: Qatari companies need long hiring process, he said. to review their salary pack- Qatar’s job market is facing ages and benefits if they want to problem in getting people from the attract and retain talents in the Asian-Pacific region, which has a run-up to FIFA 2022 develop- talent pool of financial profession- ment works, a leading recruiter als. Qatar needs to attract them. has said. “But the job market dynamic The country also needs to speed changes when we approach them. up recruitment process to ensure They are looking for far higher that it gets the right hands at the salaries than what we are offering. right time, David Mace, Country “We do not get many responses Manager, REED (pictured) , told from Singapore, Hong Kong or The Peninsula in an interview. Australia. They do not want us, we Qatar must understand that need to find them. So we need to the region as a whole is grow- offer them higher salaries. Their ing. Saudi Arabia and the UAE asking salaries are higher than have lined up mulit-billion-dollar neighbouring countries in terms the existing benchmarks. projects. Qatar is committed to of the pay package and benefits “People of Qatar are very wel- honouring the deadlines of sev- has been getting wider over the coming to expatriates. And this is eral critical projects. To attract past couple of years. “Qatar is a the right time to be in Qatar. right people, Qatar needs to raise very safe and progressive place. If “This is what we tell our peo- its remuneration bar, he said. you get an offer from Qatar and a ple to attract them. On their side, “I am not saying that Qatar neighbouring country, you would the Qataris are very much proud is currently facing problems in definitely choose Qatar. However, of their country’s growing story getting right people. But with a should the neighbouring country and they really want real talents huge number of projects coming offer a better package, people will to be part of their growth story,” up simultaneously, and neigh- definitely go for that. We have he said. Qatar’s expansion plans bouring countries witnessing an examples for that,” Mace said. are very rapid and need peo- unprecedented surge in develop- The slow pace in the recruit- ple very quickly. REED recently ment activities, Qatar might face ment process is another challenge held recruitment drives in East the problem of getting talents at Qatar’s job market is facing. The European countries, Singapore, right time.” procedures are fast and quicker Ghana, Malaysia and South The REED Qatar, involved in in neighbouring countries. The Africa. It plans to run another hiring for its clients in the oil interview process in Qatar is recruitment drive in April 2014. and gas, banking and finance and quite lengthy. It has to be reduced. “It is important that our clients IT and infrastructure sectors, There are instances of very good are getting what they really want,” feels the gap between Qatar and companies losing good people he said. THE PENINSULA HMC cuts waiting time for myocardial perfusion scan DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) sensitive test that has a vital clinical role in diag- Heart Hospital has reduced the waiting time for nosing coronary artery disease (CAD). By being able myocardial perfusion scan. With a mean average to offer the service to more patients in a shorter waiting time of 19.5 days, HMC is well within the time, we are able to diagnosis CAD earlier and start international benchmark of 45. patients on effective treatment and management Dr Daoud Ali El Khatib, Nuclear Medicine more quickly. This could save their lives.” Consultant at HMC, said, “The scan is a very THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Tributes to Mandela

Flowers and condolence messages in tribute to Nelson Mandela kept at the main gate of the South African Embassy in Doha yesterday. KAMMUTTY V P WISH draws 600 experts

DOHA: A two-day stimulate discussion and inaugural World encourage the uptake of Innovation Summit for innovative approaches Health (WISH) will to deal with eight chal- be held from Tuesday lenges, including obes- at Qatar National ity, mental health, road Convention Centre. traffic injuries, account- Under the patronage of able care, antimicrobial H H Sheikha Moza bint resistance, end-of-life Nasser, Chairperson of care, patient engage- Qatar Foundation, WISH ment, and big data and will bring together more healthcare. than 600 policymakers, There will also be a industry experts and panel discussion on day leading practitioners one on health ethics of from over 50 countries end-of-life care. to explore innovative WISH will also launch approaches and solutions the groundbreak- to the most pressing glo- ing Global Diffusion bal healthcare challenges. of Health Innovation Professor Lord Darzi report, which assesses of Denham, Director of how the national health- the Institute of Global care systems of Qatar, Health Innovation at India, Brazil, England, Imperial College London, the US, Australia, Spain is the executive chair of and South Africa con- the summit. tribute to global change. The summit seeks to THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Ex-Indonesia Justice Ministry to provide real estate e-services president arriving DOHA: Real estate registra- e-services at the ministry,” the transactions for the public, tight- Department represented min- the regional and international DOHA: Former Indonesian tion and documentation serv- ministry said in a statement yes- ened control over the documen- istries and other government levels. president Prof. Dr Ing ices at the Ministry of Justice terday, in the context of National tary cycle, and ensured the rights institutions and public bodies in It also studied a draft agree- Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie are being made simpler and Day. of people from damage or loss.” 2012 with nearly 975 cases, mostly ment on extradition of criminals is arriving on a four-day visit faster, with a special committee The ministry said develop- The ministry completed 31,481 relating to construction contracts, between the GCC countries, a to Qatar tomorrow. He will working to develop e-services. ment of real estate registration transactions from January 1 to land and property disputes, and draft Arab convention to combat attend the opening of WISE The ministry said it is also and documentation services is top November 28 this year. It also issues relating to civil service and human trafficking, a proposal at Qatar National Convention planning to provide e-services priority of the committee. It aims provided services for the public administrative decisions. to establish a GCC non-profit Centre at the invitation of the Real Estate Registration at high efficiency to facilitate the in evenings at the Documentation The department got a lot of organisation to protect rights from H H Sheikha Moza bint Department soon for trading cen- public to deal with the ministry and Eeal Estate Registration court rulings in favour of state of authors, composers and oth- Nasser, Chairperson of WISE. tres to facilitate citizens’ work. using modern technology through Department to facilitate services bodies in 438 cases and is con- ers. The Public Relations and He will also give a public lec- “The ministry is working on applications that can be down- and reduce pressure on the minis- tinuing to follow the rest of the Communication Department has ture at Georgetown University the establishment of an e-data- loaded on smart communication try and the public during normal cases until the final judgments. set up a working group to com- in Qatar on ‘Optimising base (real estate and cadastral) devices such as iPhone and iPad, working hours. This year, the Agreements municate with the public through Technology and Human and archiving all property docu- said the statement. The ministry opened new and International Cooperation social media like Facebook and Resources for Economic ments. To modernise and develop On its achievements last branches of the department in Al Department studied 161 inter- Twitter and activate the hot- Sustainability in the Islamic services, a committee has been year, the ministry said manual Khor and in the Industrial Zone national co-operation deals, 137 line to respond to any queries or World’ on Tuesday at 6pm. The formed under the chairmanship labour was replaced by auto- services complex. mutual co-operation deals in vari- complaints. movie Habibie & Aniun will of the Justice Minister to develop mated systems “which facilitated The State Lawsuits ous domains, and three deals at THE PENINSULA be screened for the public at Hamad Bin Khalifa University Student Center Cinema on Tuesday at 4pm. It highlights his devotion to his wife Aniun. Education Minister Palestine issue root cause of conflicts visits CNA-Q DOHA: The Minister of Education and Higher Security masks ambitions of expansionist Israel, UN special rapporteur tells seminar Education and Secretary General of the Supreme Education Council H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi visited yesterday College of the North Atlantic - Qatar (CNA-Q) a n d met Vice Chair, Executive Committee, Dr Latifa Al Houti, President of the College, Dr Ken MacLeod, and other officials. He was briefed on the college’s facilities, specialities and programmes as well as its needs and challenges it faces. French visa services improved DOHA: To improve visa serv- ices, the French Embassy said applications will be received in Qatar at Capago-MENA company from December 11. Facilities for applicants include a personalised contact Delegates listening to one of the speakers at the seminar yesterday. in luxurious and comfortable offices and assistance to fill their application form and DOHA: The Palestinian conflict of the Second Annual Conference that the last 10 years have seen that the Arab nationalist project for the Palestinian Territories, files. Capago-MENA will also continues to be the root cause of Strategic and Policy Studies opinion shift rapidly against could never recover from the Six Richard Falk, said Israel had help them identify documents of all conflicts in the region, Research Centres that was Israel in the ‘legitimacy war’. Day War of 1967. converted the Nakba (the day needed and a shorter period experts told a seminar on the attended by the Emir H H Sheikh Former Jordanian prime minis- “Israel has proven that it can- that marks the displacement of of visa registration from the present state of the Palestinian Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, ter Taher Al Masri said the con- not even grant simple democratic Palestinians) from a tragic event first appointment to the final issue yesterday. experts said the Palestinian issue flict was not just about lands, but rights to its own citizens. In con- into a process that continued to issuance of the visa. Services Speaking at the plenary session was tied with Arab nationalism involved strong nationalist and trast Palestinians must develop date. such as easy follow-up of visa and it had religious religious factors. their own nationalist project that Falk identified three disil- application when requested, implications. “The conflict in Palestine is the appeals to universalist, liberal lusionments with the way the notification by e-mail or SMS The session root of all conflicts in the region. values.” Palestinian national movement when the visa has been issued was organised by The cause of Palestine is much Expressing solidarity with the was pursued, which included the for the applicant to know the Arab Centre more than just about lands, but Palestinian cause, Ahmad said incompetency of the UN and its when the passport can be col- for Research and rather it has strong nationalist new strategies were required to institutions in implementing its lected at Capaco-MENA will Policy Studies as and religious components which resolve the issue and a shift from resolutions on the issue. also be provided. The office is part of its four- make it crucial for Arabs,” he territory to rights was needed. “Israel has carried out this at Al Jaidah Square Business day conference added. “I believe that the fate of the unlawful process by insisting ever Centre, 2nd floor, 63 Airport on the ‘Cause Aijaz Ahmad, well-known Palestinian project has always more excessive security claims Road, Umm Ghuwailina of Palestine and Indian academic, said the been tied to the Arab national- that operate not for the sake of Zone 27. For details, email to the Future of Palestinian issue was in danger ist project, and that the Arab security but rather for land con- [email protected] or the Palestinian of being diluted through con- nationalist project never recov- fiscation. In other words, security check http://www.capago.eu/ National cessions, which also included an ered from the defeat of 1967,” masks the ambitions of an expan- FR-QA Movement’. ambiguity about the kind of state Ahmad said. sionist Israel.” AGENCIES It was noted Palestine would be. He asserted The UN Special Rapporteur THE PENINSULA Ras Laffan college to offer courses accredited in US DOHA: The recently services, and civil defence inaugurated Ras Laffan and aviation, while addi- Emergency and Safety tional courses in health, College features some safety and environment, of the most technologi- public safety, and business cally-advanced props in continuity will further the world. Most train- enrich its subject list at ing courses offered by a later stage, said a press it are accredited by the statement yesterday. US-based ‘ProBoard’, The college was officially the National Board on inaugurated by the Prime fire Service Professional Minister and Interior Qualifications. Minister H E Sheikh Texas Engineering Abdullah bin Nasser Extension Service (TEEX) bin Khalifa Al Thani on is the training partner November 12. Last week, it and provider of emer- hosted journalists to show- gency training at the col- case world-class facilities lege. TEEX is known for and infrastructure. advanced practical emer- It will provide advanced gency and safety training. training to professionals in In its initial phase, the the oil, gas, petrochemi- college will offer training cal, civil defence, civil and courses in fire emer- and military aviation, and gency and safety, industrial other sectors in Qatar, the firefighting, search and Middle East, North Africa rescue, hazardous mate- and Asia. rials, emergency medical THE PENINSULA New food shipments arrive Continued from page 1 The issue has been resolved with the arrival of new shipments, Al Noaimi added. Milk is imported from Germany and Holland, edible oil from the UAE, Oman, Singapore, the US, Greece and Japan, rice from India and sugar from the UAE and Germany. “We go to those who can better meet our requirements,” said Al Noaimi. All shipments directly go the department’s warehouses in Shahania, Al Khor and Al Shamal, from where they are supplied to distributors. THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 US NGO to promote child safety on roads Safe Kids Worldwide to check car seat installations

Kate Carr, Chairperson of Safe Kids Worldwide, Dr Khalid Abdulnoor Saifeldeen, Director of Hamad International Training Centre (HITC) and Chairman of the Kulluna Safety Campaign, and Gary Sykes, President of ConocoPhillips Qatar, during a press conference at HITC yesterday.

DOHA: Safe Kids Worldwide, and partnership with other child yesterday held their first check- the US-based international safety initiatives in Qatar,” Dr ups with the expatriate group non-governmental organisation Khalid Abdulnoor Saifeldeen, ‘Doha Mums.’ specialising in child safety, has Director of HITC and Chairman Parents were encouraged to opened a branch here to support of the Kulluna Safety Campaign, check child car seats with tech- initiatives for the cause. told a press conference yesterday. nicians who could be approached It will work together with He said only a few people use through Kulluna at HITC. Hamad International Training car seats for children and the neg- “We aim at teaching them Centre (HITC) and the national ligence has led to children getting that younger children must not Kulluna Safety Campaign to injured and killed in accidents. sit in parents arms but on safely ensure child safety. Mostly children under four installed car seat,” said Kate As its first project, Safe Kids years suffer serious injuries and Carr, Chairperson of Safe Kids Qatar will train technicians who those who die would have not used Worldwide. instal child car seats, check the a car seat,’’ he said. ConocoPhillips Qatar, the seats and educate parents. On the need to make people founding sponsor of Kulluna, will Safe Kids Worldwide partnered understand the importance of continue to support the initiative with Kulluna last year in its first car seats for children, he said, for four more years. phase, which aimed at child safety. “It’s a massive challenge, every- “Working with Safe Kids was “With Safe Kids Qatar, Kulluna one is there to make a difference, one of our top priories and I has just begun its second year and keep children safe. And really am very pleased to see it finally campaign with more emphasis on when it comes to people’s under- becoming a reality benefiting all child safety, particularly safety for standing as individuals, and insti- residents in Qatar,” said Gary children in cars. tutions, government and everyone Sykes, President of ConocoPhillips “Safe Kids Qatar will also seek have a role to play.” Qatar. opportunities for collaboration Safe Kids Qatar technicians THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Egypt courts release 21 female protesters Women were convicted of taking part in violent protests

CAIRO: Egyptian appeals in an Alexandria court in white final verdict. She said her daugh- courts yesterday ordered 14 prison garb, with “freedom” ter was among the seven juve- women jailed after a protest scrawled in black marker on their niles sentenced, and explained to be freed, reducing 11-year palms. that they had both been near prison terms to one-year sus- The hearing by a juvenile the October 31 protest by chance pended sentences, as seven girls appeals court for the seven when arrested. “I have the right were also ordered released. girls was held in an adjacent to express my opinion — this is a The women’s supporters in the courtroom. constitutional right, and we are Alexandria courtroom chanted Judge Sharif Hafiz found the currently political prisoners,” said “God is great” as the judge pro- 14 women guilty of three counts another defendant, Aya Adel. nounced the ruling. relating to violence during the The prosecutor general’s office The girls, who had initially been protest, but reduced their sen- charged that the women fought sentenced to juvenile detention, tence to one year and suspended with knives and threw rocks dur- were ordered freed by a separate it. Their lawyer Ahmed Al ing clashes that erupted during court but placed on three months’ Hamrawy had urged the court to the protest in Egypt’s second city. probation. acquit them, arguing there was Six men said to be Muslim The initial sentences in no evidence against the women. Brotherhood leaders were tried Egyptian female members of the Muslim Brotherhood hold roses as they stand in the defendants’ cage during November had shocked even sup- “Even in Mubarak’s era there in absentia in the same case and their trial at the Appeals Court in the Egyptian Mediterranean city of Alexandria yesterday. porters of the military-installed were morals. Egypt’s women and sentenced to 15 years. government, with images of the girls were a red line and they They were found guilty of incit- white-clad defendants also gal- weren’t placed on trial,” he told ing the women to cut key roads defendants stood outside the presidential candidate and lead- imprisoned thousands. Much vanising the Islamist opposition. the court, referring to ousted in Alexandria during the clashes. courtroom chanting “Down with ing dissident under Mursi, called of the Brotherhood’s leader- The 21 were all convicted of dictator Hosni Mubarak, Mursi’s There was a heavy police pres- military rule.” on the interim president to par- ship, including Mursi, is on trial taking part in a violent protest predecessor. ence outside the court complex The jail terms, coming in the don the girls and repeal the new on various charges of inciting demanding Islamist president Another defence lawyer, Ramy in the coastal city, where Mursi’s same week as a restrictive new law governing protests. violence. Mohammed Mursi’s reinstate- Eid, said the verdicts “were Islamist supporters have repeat- protest law, re-energised Islamist The military-installed govern- Courts have handed out harsh ment following his overthrow by positive”. edly clashed with opponents and opposition to the interim govern- ment has pressed a crackdown sentences to Islamist demonstra- the army in July. “This is an oppressive sen- security forces. ment and drew criticism even on Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood tors, including 12 men imprisoned Wearing handcuffs but holding tence,” one defendant, Salma, During the recess, about from its secular supporters. movement that has killed for 17 years after a violent protest red roses, the 14 women appeared said during a recess before the 100 friends and relatives of the Hamdeen Sabbahi, a former more than 1,000 people and in Cairo. AFP

Israeli troops kill Palestinian teen in West Bank RAMALLAH: Israeli troops Israeli news website Ynet said the number of Palestinians killed should continue in order to con- shot dead a 15-year-old that he was hit in the back. by Israeli forces since the begin- tain the long-running conflict. Palestinian during a clash in The Israeli military could not ning of this year, the great major- “I don’t believe it is possible in Jelazoun refugee camp yester- immediately confirm or deny the ity in the West Bank, according the next year... to achieve a com- day, near the West Bank city of reports. to a tally. prehensive solution to achieve Ramallah, a Palestinian medi- The camp is close to the Israeli Israeli Foreign Minister Foreign some breakthrough but I think it cal source said. settlement of Beit El and is the Minister Avigdor Lieberman has is crucial to keep our dialogue,” He named the youth as Wajih scene of frequent clashes between said Israeli-Palestinian peace he said on Friday in Washington Al Ramhi and said that he was young Palestinian stone-throwers talks are unlikely to bear fruit after US Secretary of State John dead on arrival at Ramallah, from and soldiers. within the envisioned nine-month Kerry said peace was closer than a single gunshot. Yesterday’s death brought to 26 timeframe, but that dialogue it had been in years. AFP

Tolerance can resolve prisoner issue: Rowhani

TEHRAN: Iranian President be freed but made no direct administration preferred to talk Rouhani’s remarks came a day Hassan Rowhani yesterday told promises. less and instead take more action after hardline Ayatollah Ahmad university students that tolerance Government spokesman on such issues. Khatami, a Friday prayer leader could resolve the issue of politi- Mohammad Baqer Nobakht “People should trust this in Tehran, said the 2009 unrest cal prisoners, as some of them said last week that “lifting the administration. For some issues, was not just a protest but “a chanted for opposition leaders house arrests” was on “the presi- it is better for the government to crime and a betrayal” against the under house arrest to be freed. dent’s agenda,” adding that the act instead of talk,” Nobakht said. Islamic establishment. AFP “My government is committed Ronnie Smith with his wife, Anita, and young son. to the promises it has made to the people, but we need to create internal consensus to achieve the objectives,” Rowhani told students at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran. US teacher killed in “We need tolerance and patience... We need to distance ourselves from an emotional atmosphere. Reason and moder- Libya remembered ation can resolve the issues,” he added during the meeting, organ- ised to mark Students’ Day. as a force for change He was speaking in reaction to some students chanting slogans calling for the release of politi- BENGHAZI: Ronnie Smith, and lollipops, but God’s hand cal prisoners. Among them are the American teacher shot was always leading me and He opposition leaders Mir Hossein dead by gunmen in Libya, was brought me to where I am today,” Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, remembered on Friday by his he had written on his page at the who have been kept under house students and friends as an church’s website. arrest since February 2011 and inspirational figure making a One of his friends, Logan without being officially charged. difference in the troubled North Gentry, told the Los Angeles Times Those chants provoked oppos- African country. in an email interview that Smith ing slogans from students affili- Smith was gunned down on was aware of the heightened vio- ated with the Basij militia, who Thursday as he was exercising lence in Libya but he was not called for “seditionists” to be in the Libyan city of Benghazi afraid. hanged. where he worked as a chemistry “Part of me wonders, ‘Why That is a term coined in the teacher for the last year and a were you out running in that aftermath of the disputed 2009 half, security sources and school environment?’ But he would prob- presidential election to describe officials said. It was not immedi- ably say, ‘Why not?’ He enjoyed pro-reform supporters of Mousavi ately clear who was responsible life and feared very little. It is and Karroubi, who took to street for the attack. what made him so great,” he told in massive protests. Iranian President Hassan Rowhani (second right) greeting youngsters during a hike in the Tochal mountain. “He was just always so help- the paper. In response to the chanting, ful and caring. He was just all Smith had been planning to some of which was broadcast on around perfect,” Abubaker Tahar, return to Texas for the Christmas state television, Rouhani called Rowhani seen on casual hike in the hills 16, one of Smith’s students at the holiday and was in Benghazi pre- for the resolution of this thorny International School Benghazi, paring his students for their mid- issue, which has shadowed his TEHRAN: The personal in a black baseball cap and and who is seen as more dis- said via Twitter. term exams. His wife and child government since taking office website of Iranian President matching ski jacket walking trustful of the West, is also fond He was one of a number of stu- were in the US at the time of the in August. Hassan Rowhani has pub- along a dirt road and using hik- of hiking, and state media have dents who took to social media attack. “If we cannot solve an internal lished pictures of the mid-level ing poles. published similar pictures of him to share their grief for a teacher Libya’s government is strug- issue of ours with calm and rea- cleric hiking in the mountains He is seen mingling and chat- in the past. they described as trying to push gling to contain former fighters son, within the framework of the outside Tehran, his black tur- ting with other hikers, including Iran and a group of major them to make Libya a better and militants who, two years after law and with internal consensus, ban replaced by a baseball cap. a group of women, and posing for powers broke through a decade place. the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, are how can we resolve the compli- The photos, which appeared a picture with the sun setting of gridlock last month to agree Smith attended Woods-Tower challenging a fragile state that is cated issues of the region and the on the website on Friday, came over Tehran in the background. on an interim deal that would High School in Warren, Michigan, still building a national army with world,” he asked. as the recently elected leader The website said Rowhani freeze parts of Iran’s controver- and earned a master’s degree in Western aid. Rouhani, a moderate mid- has sought to present a friend- — who defeated a pool of con- sial nuclear programme while chemistry from the University of “It makes me feel so sad that he ranking cleric who campaigned lier and more moderate image servatives in a June presidential easing some of the crippling Texas in 2006. came to help Libyans and ended for more domestic freedom, of the Islamic republic, which election after vowing to engage international sanctions against He was a devout Christian who up murdered by them,” Bushra defeated a pool of conservatives reached a landmark nuclear deal with the West — goes hiking it. The West and Israel have was a member of the Austin Stone Gleasa, 18 and a student at the with key backings from Iran’s with the West last month. once or twice a week. long suspected Iran of pursuing Community Church, which aims school, said by Twitter. marginalised pro-reform factions. The pictures show Rowhani, Iran’s supreme leader a nuclear weapons capability to have its followers do good works “He was not a foreigner to us. Following the release of sev- usually seen in the turban and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who alongside its civilian programme, in the places where they live. He was one of us,” she said. eral prisoners in September, he robes favoured by Iran’s clerics, must approve all major decisions a charge denied by Tehran. AFP “It was not always sunshine REUTERS expressed hope that more would SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Islamists US to maintain 35,000 troops in Gulf seize Free Defence Secretary allays fears of Arab allies over America’s diplomatic opening with Iran

MANAMA: The US is com- “We have deployed our The remarks came a day after Syrian Army mitted to maintaining a most advanced fighter aircraft Hagel told sailors on the USS 35,000-strong force in the Gulf throughout the region, includ- Ponce docked in Bahrain that region regardless of a nuclear ing F-22s, to ensure that we can he would “assure our partners arms depots deal with Iran, Pentagon chief quickly respond to contingencies,” that we’re not going anywhere” Chuck Hagel said yesterday in Hagel said. despite the diplomatic gambit BEIRUT: The largest Islamist Bahrain. “Coupled with our unique with Iran. Gulf allies, especially rebel force in Syria seized The US has an armada of ships munitions, no target is beyond Saudi Arabia, are concerned over arms depots belonging to the and aircraft in place and “will our reach,” said Hagel, in an a November 24 interim accord mainstream Western-backed not make any adjustments to its apparent reference to “bunker between world powers and Iran Free Syrian Army yesterday, forces in the region — or to its buster” bombs designed to pen- that offers limited sanctions a watchdog said, highlighting military planning — as a result etrate deeply buried targets. relief in return for Tehran roll- tensions among rebel groups. of the interim agreement with Some of Iran’s most sensi- ing back elements of its nuclear “After combat that lasted all Iran,” said Hagel, according to a tive nuclear sites are believed programme. night, fighters from the Islamic prepared text of a speech. to be located underground and Washington’s reluctance Front captured (FSA) general In a trip meant to reassure Washington has publicised the to intervene against Syria’s staff positions near the Bab el- Gulf Arab allies worried about development of weapons capable President Bashar Al Assad, a Hawa border crossing (with America’s diplomatic opening of striking buried bunkers. staunch ally of Tehran, as well Turkey) and seized their arms with Iran, Hagel enumerated a Speaking at an annual secu- as budget pressures and a US depots,” the Syrian Observatory list of US weaponry and resources rity conference in Manama “rebalance” to Asia have raised for Human Rights said. The that will remain deployed in the organised by the International doubts among Gulf governments Observatory said the arms had region. Institute for Strategic Studies, and Israel about America’s influ- US Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel speaks during the 9th International been brought across the border “We have a ground, air, and Hagel also noted investments in ence in the region. Institute for Strategic Studies Regional Security Summit in the Bahraini from Turkey and that five fight- naval presence of more than minesweeper ships and a $580m The details of the US military’s capital Manama yesterday. ers were killed, but it did not say 35,000 military personnel in and construction project for the US presence around the Gulf are not from what side. The seizure comes immediately around the Gulf,” Fifth Fleet headquarters, the new. But by having the defence US force in place, Hagel vowed to security cooperation among the four days after the Islamic Front he said, according to the text naval command in Bahrain secretary lay out the details of bolster the military strength of Gulf states, especially on missile announced that it rejected the released in advance of his speech that oversees vessels across the the military’s deployment in a Gulf states while pursuing major defence, Hagel said. Washington authority of the FSA command. in Manama. Middle East. high-profile manner in a Gulf joint exercises and training. for years has tried to persuade The FSA was the first organ- The military footprint includes A senior US defence official, state, US officials hoped to ease He proposed a new initia- the Gulf governments to forge ised rebel military entity to 10,000 US Army troops with who spoke on condition of ano- strains with its longstanding tive that would allow the Gulf a common missile defence net- emerge after peaceful demonstra- tanks and Apache helicopters, nymity, told reporters the speech partners. Although the Pentagon Cooperation Council — Saudi works to counter Iran’s growing tions against President Bashar Al roughly 40 ships at sea includ- was intended to send a message of faces the prospect of steep budget Arabia, the United Arab missile arsenal but the effort has Assad in 2011 degenerated into an ing an aircraft carrier battle solidarity to Gulf allies while also cuts, the large US presence in the Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman produced mixed results. armed uprising. It was made up group, missile defence systems, conveying a warning to adver- Middle East would remain a top and Bahrain — to qualify to The Pentagon “will work with of army deserters and civilians. advanced radar, surveillance saries “that any sort of mythol- priority and largely shielded from purchase US weapons as an the GCC on better integration Since then, numerous other drones and warplanes that can ogy of American retreat is just major spending reductions. organisation. of its members’ missile defence groups have emerged, many of strike at short notice, he said. wrong-headed.” In addition to keeping a robust The idea is to encourage closer capabilities,” Hagel said. AFP them Islamist, which are operat- ing with a high degree of auton- omy from the FSA if not totally independently. The Islamic Front was formed last month when six groups Missing Syrian nuns appear merged and pledged to work towards forming an Islamic state. Syria’s civil war, which has in video, say they are fine killed more than 126,000 peo- ple and displaced millions, has BEIRUT: A group of nuns who to escape the shelling, and that become more complicated as went missing in Syria after they would be released after two jihadist and other rebel groups Islamist fighters captured a days. battle not only Assad but, increas- Christian village this week have “We are being treated well. ingly, each other. appeared in a video, saying they They brought us from the con- In violence elsewhere, at are in good health and denying vent, out from under the shell- least 12 civilians — among them that they had been kidnapped. ing ... they rescued us, and we’re women and children — were The nuns were taken after mil- very happy with them,” another killed in air raids on the jihadist- itants seized the ancient quarter nun said. held northern town of Raqa, the of Maaloula, a Christian village It was not clear when or where Observatory said. It also said the north of Damascus, following the video was filmed or under civilian toll from Friday air raids heavy fighting with President what conditions the nuns were on another northern town, Bezaa, Bashar Al Assad’s forces on speaking. had risen to 20, among them eight Monday. On Friday, the pan-Arab children and nine women, one of The fighters then moved the Asharq Al Awsat newspaper them pregnant. nuns from the Greek Orthodox reported that a rebel group call- A member of Lebanon’s Shia monastery of Mar Thecla to the ing itself “Free Qalamoun” had Hezbollah, which is fighting along- nearby town of Yabrud, according claimed the kidnapping of the side Assad’s forces, was killed on to the Vatican’s envoy to Syria. nuns and wanted to trade them Saturday in Nabuk, one of the In the video broadcast by Al for a thousand female detainees last rebel-held areas of the stra- Jazeera late on Friday, more than held by the government. tegic Qalamoun area bordering a dozen nuns wearing long black Syria’s Christian minority has Lebanon. The Observatory said robes appeared sitting on couches generally tried to keep on the that at least 18 people, includ- around a room. sidelines of the civil war, which ing children, have been killed Asked by a man behind the pits mostly Sunni Muslim rebels by regime forces in a shelter in camera if they had been kid- against Assad, who is from the Nabuk at an unspecified time, in napped, one denied it and said minority Alawite sect, and his a new toll a day after reporting 17 they had only left the monastery foreign Shia allies. REUTERS deaths. AFP

Yemen says defence complex attackers were mostly Saudi SANA’A: Militants who launched a brazen daylight assault on the Yemeni defence ministry that killed 56 people were mostly Saudis, investigators said yesterday. The finding, in a preliminary report on the inquiry into Thursday’s attack, adds credibility to a claim of respon- sibility by Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which was formed from a merger of the jihadist network’s Saudi and Yemeni branches. Investigators said the assailants wore military fatigues and penetrated the sprawling Sana’a complex in the con- fusion created when a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle into the gate. They said the bodies of 12 attackers were recovered after security forces regained control of the area. A hospital in the complex bore the brunt of the assault. Among the dead were medics from the Philippines, Germany, Vietnam and India. Civilian patients as well as soldiers were also killed, Yemen’s supreme security com- mittee said. On Friday Al Qaeda said it was behind the assault, alleging that the complex hosted US personnel behind drone strikes against its militants. There was no immediate evidence to support that claim. Speaking on the sidelines of a regional security meeting in Bahrain, Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu Bakr Al Kurbi said the findings represent “a possibility, but there is no evidence “We should wait for the final results of the investiga- tion,” he said. Yemeni analyst Saeed Al Jamhi, who specialises in Al Qaeda affairs, said the attack reflects “the level of the network’s penetration into security and military services” and shows it has access to “high-level information”. The attack followed a spate of hit-and-run strikes on military personnel and officials, as the country struggles to complete a thorny political transition. AFP SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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N FREEZING temperatures, Ukrainians who want their country to follow the western model are picketing at Independence Square in the capital Kiev for days. The bone- Ichilling weather is testing the resolve of the protesters who want the former Soviet Republic to keep pushing away from The meaning for young Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Moscow has been trying hard to pull Ukraine over to its side after the country was seen to be leaning West amid the pull by the European Union to sign a trade agreement in keeping with its Eastern Partnerships programme. South Africans It seems embattled Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych BY SIPHO HLONGWANE is fighting a losing battle with the pulls and pushes of Russia and veneration I might have had of Mandela. suburbs of Johannesburg or Cape Town, Europe tearing apart the country. Yanukovych has been cast as His death will briefly throw the world the only thing that has been stopping the villain in the standoff that seems to be deepening by every ow do you encapsulate the into a bereavement that befits the pass- the angry black masses from rising up passing day. weight of Nelson Mandela ing of an icon. What the rest of the and massacring the whites is Mandela. Ukraine lies on the strategic gas route between Russia on South Africa? How do you world will blessedly miss is the anguish, Black South Africans are generally and Europe. The European Union was almost ready with the Hdo so from the perspective of doubt and emotional turmoil that has under no such illusions. They know a generation that does not remember gripped South Africa for the last decade that the struggle was much greater agreement and officials of the 29-nation bloc were almost the man in jail, or remember when he and more, which will now be heightened. than Mandela. celebrating after having beaten Putin to his own game, or so walked free, and the idolisation that When he still walked among us, My generation, who largely grew up they thought. The former KGB spy, however, had the last laugh. went with that? These are some of the Madiba was the people’s man in the under the new dispensation and tend He would now be laughing all the way to the Gazprom-funded challenges that we face, as we grapple truest sense — all South Africans who to take political freedoms for granted, coffers. Gazprom is the state-owned Russian energy giant. The with the legacy of Madiba and apartheid bought into the post-apartheid ideal of are in a different sort of struggle from Ukrainian protesters became more indignant yesterday after that is thrust upon us. reconciliation and nation building felt that of the 1960 or the 1976 youth. My first memory of Mandela was that Madiba was somehow an indis- Politicians from the tripartite alliance learning that Yanukovych had participated in a summit with around 1993, when a South African pensable part of themselves. Inevitably (the ANC, South African Communist Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. The two countries decided defence force helicopter rumbled then, there will be a tug of war for own- party and the Congress of South to narrow differences over the price of Russian gas at the overhead and poured forth a cloud of ership of his legacy. African Trade Unions) refer to it as meeting, which is set to continue. voter education pamphlets (which had The unspoken truth in South Africa the struggle for economic freedom, as Talk of a Yanukovych’s volte face derailed Mandela’s face on them) into the hazy is that Mandela has been politically if marching in the streets will rid the KwaZulu Natal irrelevant since 1999. His successor country of poverty. the deal with the EU that was new gas deal afternoon air. My Thabo Mbeki’s bristly nine years in The most pressing issue for us is expected to be signed in a summit friends and I were power all but erased Mandela’s genial unemployment. Millions of my peers between Russia in Lithuania. However, Russia’s a few months and reconciliatory years from the popu- are without jobs, and despite millions and Ukraine proposed customs union proved to We want to away from our lar imagination. The Mbeki years were being devoted to youth employment be a better bet for Yanukovych, who 5th birthdays, the natural next step in the develop- initiatives, there is no relief in sight. undercuts the is grappling with many crises on the be inspired what did we know ment of the nation’s cracked psyche, but Our struggle needs a different sort of by business of such things? it didn’t make them any less painful or hero. We want to be inspired by business tenacity of domestic front. The government’s Nevertheless, we scary. The memories of apartheid and visionaries with their ledger books and protesters who being saddled with huge debts visionaries were conscripted the violence of the transition years were economic wealth and less by a romantic and the threatening disposition of into collecting still fresh. Like a baby weaned off breast revolutionary jailed for his beliefs. are relentlessly Kremlin’s might was too much for with their and destroying milk, we pined for the comfort of the Unlike older generations, young peo- pursuing a cause. the Ukrainian leader. Russia has ledger books the pamphlets by Madiba years. ple are less awed by the so-called mira- been trying to coerce its former angry adults, who The sight of Hollywood and the jet set cle of the new South Africa. We went and economic exhorted us not to laying themselves at Madiba’s feet didn’t to integrated schools, sat next to people Republics into some kind of a wealth and less read the “commu- help: it served to reinforce our nostal- of all kinds at university and never had coalition that would help Moscow keep its footprint large and nist propaganda”. gia. To suggest publicly that Mandela to carry a pass allowing us into “white strong in the region. Putin brooks no dissent. And so he tried by a romantic For the next could no longer lead the country in any areas” in the cities. Post-apartheid to force the Caucasus nations to fall in line. Most of them did, revolutionary couple of weeks, material way bordered on sacrilege. South Africa is our norm. except Georgia. He has been trying the same game with Ukraine. we were made to His death will now force every South The lingering aftertaste is still here, attend a series African to deal with this fact. but our focus is in the future, not the However, because of its size and geostrategic footprint, Ukraine jailed for his of meetings Extraordinarily, it is the victims of past. There is nothing miraculous or is not the one to kowtow easily. Though Yanukovych has vested beliefs. hosted by the apartheid (the so-called “previously unbelievable about post-apartheid interests in going the Russian way, the citizens of Ukraine are Zulu nationalist disadvantaged people”) who will cope South Africa. Our parents and older no mannequins to look out the window as a dictatorial regime Inkatha Freedom party (IFP), which far better. You may not know it from peers baffle us when they speak of how stares them down. The nation underwent the Orange Revolution spooked us into fearing the African watching BBC or CNN broadcasts, amazing it is that everyone gets along under the stewardship of jailed former prime minister Yulia National Congress, which was coming but black South Africans were always relatively well. Did it have to be difficult to take away our homes and force us less enthralled by the Madiba magic. to get along? we ask. Tymoshenko. Her incarceration, like many of Yanukovych’s into communist slave camps. If I may be allowed a sweeping gener- A working country is what we see, not actions, is under the glare of the West, which says the Orange A taut thread of fear ran through our alisation - far too many white South a miracle in need of a miracle worker. Revolution darling’s sentencing is a result of selective justice. preschool daily existences. Such were Africans believe that Mandela spear- Even before he died, Madiba existed as The swaddled protesters in Ukraine are trying to beat the the joys of growing up in an IFP strong- headed the struggle against apartheid a distant figure, sometimes exploited cold, or the heat of Yanukovych’s injustice by cooking warm food hold during the transition years. This and carry that belief into how they treat for political and economic gain by those for themselves in the street. But what’s cooking between Putin rude introduction into South Africa’s the man’s legacy. who could. often absurd politics helped temper any To hear it being spoken in the lush THE GUARDIAN and Yanukovych is likely to ruin the future of Ukraine • The other side Quote of End of an era the day

have fought against white domination despatched to Robben Island, just off persuader and a votary of non-violence, Not surprisingly, when the white apart- and I have fought against black Capetown, incarcerated for three dec- Mandela had every reason to be bitter heid regime, under intense international domination,” declared the tall and ades, mostly in solitary confinement. and vengeful towards his tormentors. pressure, decided to make overtures Ilean, 45-year-old prisoner, before a Thirty years after being sentenced, A few years after his incarceration, he to the African National Congress in the white judge in Pretoria, nearly 50 years Mandela’s dreams of living in a demo- was beset with personal tragedies, mid-80s, it was Mandela they turned to. One can envision ago, at the end of the Rivonia trial. cratic and free society were realised, following the death of his mother and While the talks dragged on for “I have cherished the ideal of a dem- when he was sworn in as the first black his son and imprisonment of his wife years, it was only at the end of the an ideal world in ocratic and free society in which all per- President of South Africa in 1994 and Winnie. Much later Mandela admitted hated P.W. Botha regime, when F.W. sons live together in harmony and with millions of his compatriots were set free that he did not have words to express de Klerk came to power that Mandela which Iran said ‘we equal opportunities. It is an ideal which from the apartheid regime. Madiba, as “the sorrow or the loss I felt.” But the was released from jail. The challenge I hope to live for, and to see realised.” he was fondly known in his native land, graceful man did not let his personal before him was to persuade other will destroy every And then looking directly at the judge, passed away at age 95 on Friday, suc- tragedies to destroy his life. “I learned members of the ANC and some of the element or facility Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela announced: cumbing to lung infection. that to humiliate another person is to more militant elements both within and “But my Lord, if needs be, it is an ideal Mandela was undoubtedly one make him suffer an unnecessarily cruel outside the party, to continue talks with and you name it, it for which I am prepared to die.” of the greatest leaders of our time, a fate,” Mandela recounted many years the apartheid regime to ensure a non- is all gone’. Fortunately for humanity, Mandela man who changed the course of his- later. “I sought always to defeat my violent handover of power. Barack Obama was not sent to the gallows. He was tory. An outstanding lawyer, a great opponents without dishonouring them.” Khaleej Times US President SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 How Mandela changed African politics Mandela’s biography stirs the soul, often serving as a recipe for inspirational social change. BY CHARLES ELLISON that governing countries is much harder than waging rebellions and civil wars. t will be easy to remember Nelson Building is much tougher than destroy- Mandela, the iconic, larger-than- ing. In that sense, Mandela was truly a life activist and freedom crusader. diamond in the continental rough. And Reflections on Mandela will, the almost mythological pedestal on naturally, focus on the human which we eagerly put him corrosively Irights-advocate aspect of his life: from short-changes his substance as a leader years unjustly locked in an apartheid- and a manager. era prison to his obsession with racial While re-watching the peculiar semi- reconciliation in a country that seemed biopic Invictus, a worthwhile drama about irreversibly distant from it. Mandela and the 1995 South African While Mandela’s personal biography rugby World Cup team, shortly after certainly stirs the soul, often serving as a news of Mandela’s death, I was struck recipe for inspirational social change, it’s by how director Clint Eastwood (of all not the only chip he brought to the table. people) managed to capture the routine There is a tendency to either overlook or and rather effective governance style of underestimate his executive acumen and the man known as Madiba. leadership style. There is a fascinating and highly It took considerable skill and political impactful governance model in President trade craft to pull off what many deemed Nelson Mandela’s story that gets glossed impossible: somehow peacefully guiding over for a variety of reasons. Mainstream Africa’s largest and most powerful econ- pop-cultural reference to Mandela can be omy through a period of radical political annoyingly lazy and racially one-dimen- People sing to pay tribute to the late South African president, Nelson Mandela, outside his old house in Soweto on Friday. The revered transformation. sional — it’s easier relegating historical icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, died aged 95. But even during his one-term as presi- black change agents to nothing more than dent of South Africa, the rest of the world very vocal wordsmiths who give good peers throughout the continent, such as In a sign that Africa’s growing middle Rwanda and Burundi to form a pow- seemed to give little thought to exactly speeches and stage large protests. stubborn neighbour Robert Mugabe in class is actually real, Wal-Mart’s South erful, politically unified East African how he was doing as a head of state. This is, for example, part of the prob- Zimbabwe. Africa subsidiary Massmart plans to open Federation, which will tie the economies We seem satisfied with knowing noth- lem that has plagued President Barack Mandela chose a pragmatic approach 90 new stores throughout sub-Saharan into one currency. ing more beyond the legends and tales Obama since he was a candidate. There that, if examined more closely, served as Africa. These trends appeared to escalate and that have moulded him into a sort of met- is an entrenched and culturally myopic a bridge from Africa’s infamous post- Of course there’s quite a bit of work take off during the era of Mandela, as he aphysical or mystical being. Yet, Mandela segment of the population unwilling to colonial tyrant and corruption model to still to do on the beleaguered continent embraced democratic governance models, the governor or chief executive was prob- take him seriously as a national execu- what we’re now witnessing as a dynamic of civil wars, blood diamonds and greedy hastily dismissing any scent of the auto- ably much more consequential and tran- tive or perceive him as someone much African economy and good governance despots. cratic rule that’s gripped African nation scendent than Mandela the activist and more than a “community activist,” much standard. But, there are massive bright spots states for so long. revolutionary. less have any confidence in letting a black That’s spurred a period of unprece- that get little attention in the press. Mandela’s true calling may have been This is critical to note because man run anything. dented growth for the continent, with There are stable, prosperous middle- the 21st-century brand of leadership he Africa is littered with numerous sto- There was something fresh about its economy projected to grow by nearly class societies such as Botswana, and introduced to Africa at the end of the ries of post-colonial revolutionaries who Mandela’s style of national management 6 percent in 2014 and its labour force to there are emerging mega-states such as 20th. dethrone despotic regimes only to find that was radically different from his expand by 122 million by 2020. the plan by Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, WP-BLOOMBERG President Obama: Deporter-in-Chief Honduran election No matter how many Dominican circus undermines grandmothers Obama deports, he will never win over a Republican its democracy House that would rather shut down BY RAUL GALLEGOS

oliticians in Honduras have been cementing the Central the government than cooperate in American country’s reputation for dysfunction. Four and half years ago, the Honduran military — with a nod from any way with the White House. PCongress and the Supreme Court — staged a coup against leftist President Manuel Zelaya in order to halt his plans for populist BY MICHAEL PAARLBERG old Korean American Harvard constitutional reform. The repercussions of that decision have made researcher and undocumented a mess of the country’s recent presidential election. merica is not just a immigrant (his parents had Xiomara Castro, a leftist presidential candidate who also happens to nation of immigrants, brought him to the US when he US President Barack Obama be Zelaya’s wife, has so far refused to accept defeat in the November it is a nation of illegal was 11 and overstayed their visa), 24 election, despite having apparently received about 28.8 percent of Aimmigrants. After all, interrupted Obama minutes into The 2012 election debates saw It’s the same political calculus the vote, 8 percentage points fewer than the winner, Juan Hernandez no one – whether having come a speech, shouting: Obama bragging about going after that makes beefing up border of the conservative National Party. over willingly or forcibly – both- There are thousands of fami- “criminals, gangbangers, people security a necessary component of Castro’s rejection of, well, reality began the evening of the election, ered to ask permission from those lies being deported. Please use hurting the community”, a gro- any grand compromise on immi- when she declared herself the victor before the electoral tribunal had who lived here first. A byproduct your executive order to halt the tesque distortion of his immigra- gration, producing little apart announced the official results. Later that night, she tweeted: “With of the massive and bloody land deportations of all 11.5 million tion record that escaped mockery from wasteful boondoggles that the results I’ve received from nationwide exit polls, I can tell you: I am grab that birthed this country immigrants. You have the power only thanks to Romney’s idiotic are as unnecessary – Mexican the President of Honduras.” is our peculiarly broad notion of to stop the deportations for all ideas about “self-deportation”. net migration to the US has The bizarre events continued the next day when, at a rally, Zelaya American-ness. Because unless undocumented immigrants. One analysis of deportation dropped to zero – as they are told supporters to “take to the streets if necessary” to defend his wife’s you are, in fact, native, nobody Obama engaged Hong, but did records found that only 14 per- ineffective at keeping out either victory by demanding a recount. Castro was oddly missing from the – Mexican American, African so by passing the buck, replying: cent of those deported in 2012 people or drugs. One DEA agent event; the deposed president’s silence on his wife’s absence prompted American, or Irish American – Actually, I don’t. If in fact I had a criminal record – ie not just recounted in the New York Times rumours that Zelaya had struck her in anger for having declared her- can claim to be “more American” could pass all these laws without an immigration violation, a civil how Mexican cartels responded to self a winner too early. than the next person. It’s a legacy Congress, I would do so. But we’re matter – and just 4 percent were a multimillion dollar border fence The domestic-abuse chatter apparently prompted Jose Manuel of tolerance, born of mutual ille- also a nation of laws, that’s part aggravated felons (a category that built in Arizona by constructing a Zelaya, the couple’s son, to try to defend his parents. “In my 24 years gitimacy, of which Americans can of our tradition. would cover, for example, the non- catapult to toss bales of marijuana of existence never has my father raised a hand against my mother,” he be justifiably proud. It was, in a narrow sense, true: remunerative transfer of a single over it. He repeated: A catapult. wrote on his Facebook account, according to AmericaEconomia. The President Obama should appre- Congress passes laws and the ecstasy pill). Presumably one of We’ve got the best fence money whole affair only served to remind Hondurans that Castro’s candidacy ciate this more than most. He was president carries them out. It these “gangbangers” is Carmen can buy, and they counter us with may well be Zelaya’s. Honduran newspaper La Tribuna touched on the elected twice with overwhelming was, in a broader sense, duplici- Ortega, a 62-year-old grand- a 2,500-year-old technology. circus in a November 26 editorial: “The fight for power brings out the Latino and Asian American sup- tous. Obama may not be able to mother of 14 with Alzheimer’s The problem with this sweeten worst side of the people that dispute it. It was probably wishful think- port, capturing over 70 percent ignore immigration law, but he who has been ordered deported to the pot strategy is it’s about as ing to expect that we had learned the lessons from that painful crisis of both groups in 2012. He ran has plenty of executive discretion the Dominican Republic, a coun- likely to work as border fences. that did so much damage to the country,” the paper noted, referring on a platform of comprehensive over how to enforce it. And how try where she has no remaining House Speaker John Boehner has to the 2009 coup. immigration reform, a promise he he has exercised this power, or family, after living in the US for made it clear he will not bring the On Saturday, the tribunal officially declared Hernandez the win- has so far been unable to deliver. chosen not to, explains a lot more 40 years. Her charge? “Possession Senate’s immigration bill before ner. Castro and Zelaya led a march against the results the following What he has delivered instead is about why deportations have mys- of a controlled substance.” the House for a vote. No matter day that featured the coffin of a pro-Zelaya activist who was killed mass deportations. teriously hit record levels than This evidence suggests the how many Dominican grandmoth- on Saturday, possibly by individuals intent on stealing his gun. That Under Obama, the US has Obama is willing to admit. Obama administration isn’t fol- ers Obama deports, he will never didn’t stop Castro from blaming the government for the death to deported over 1.5 million people, Administration officials would lowing its own, supposedly tar- win over a Republican House that advance her agenda against the electoral results and the policies of a historic record. At the current have us believe deportations are geted and humane enforcement would rather shut down the gov- those currently in power. The El Heraldo newspaper quoted Castro as rate of 400,000 per year, Obama simply rising with Congressional strategies. It may be that the ernment than cooperate in any way calling on President Porfirio Lobo to control security forces, saying: will take just over 6 years to sur- allocations to law enforcement administration has lost con- with the White House. “The practices that led to the (2009) coup are starting again. Stop the pass the 2 million deportations agencies. Obama has shifted away trol over the bloated post-9/11 So with immigration reform killings and that repressive apparatus.” Bush achieved in 8. This is despite from Bush’s preferred tactic of national security state: There’s a off the table, the only measures Observers from the European Union and the Organization of the fact that illegal immigra- workplace raids to a supposedly growing sense that Immigration left are executive: redirect- American States have vouched for the election’s transparency, in spite tion has been dropping steadily smarter strategy that targets and Customs Enforcement (Ice) ing resources to prosecutorial of some imperfections. A group of Honduran computer programmers for years, ever since the reces- criminals and “egregious” viola- is a rogue agency, with the Ice discretion and Alternatives to who, with the help of crowdsourcing, took on the job of verifying the sion made America a much less tors, ie those who have come back employees’ union having even Detention programmes, ending results have largely confirmed Hernandez’s victory. But Castro’s call attractive destination. after being deported multiple sued the administration in an Secure Communities, granting on Monday for the tribunal to carry out a recount suggests she’s still This contradiction received times. But to call this “smart” is unsuccessful attempt to overturn more temporary work permits, in denial. The tribunal has agreed to review the tallies, likely in an media attention this week, when a stretch. Another Obama inno- Daca. cracking down on Ice, and stop- effort to prevent any further protests or political antics. Obama’s own uncle was spared vation is Secure Communities, a Most likely though, the depor- ping prosecutors from pursu- Back in 2009, Zelaya’s actions exposed the dark side of Honduran deportation by a Boston immi- programme that feeds records tations are political manoeu- ing absurd cases, among others. populism, but removing him only enraged a segment of the popula- gration court. It also came into from local police arrests into fed- vring: an attempt by Obama to Either Obama is unaware of the tion — mostly lower-income Hondurans — and lent credence in the sharper focus the week before, eral immigration databases, set- sell Republicans on immigration authority he has, or he’s unwill- eyes of some to his plan to change the constitution to do away with when Obama was heckled on ting undocumented detainees on reform by acting tough, though ing to use it. Though as a former presidential term limits. what should have been home a fast track for deportation even this does more to break up constitutional law professor, he Allowing a coup suggests many Hondurans still don’t fully trust turf, devoutly Democratic San if they are never convicted of any families than keep communities can’t plead ignorance. their democracy. So it is no surprise that politicians such as Zelaya Francisco. Ju Hong, a 24 year crime. secure. THE GUARDIAN and Castro continue to command attention. WP-BLOOMBERG SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Grand funeral awaits Mandela South African President Asks People To Celebrate Mandela’s Life By Singing And Dancing MEMORIAL EVENTS BEGIN TODAY BURIAL ON DECEMBER 15 SYRIA’S ASSAD PAYS HOMAGE ON FACEBOOK

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa pre- pared yesterday a sweeping, emotional farewell to Nelson Mandela — a funeral that will draw an unprecedented gath- ering of world leaders and luminar- ies, reflecting the anti-apartheid icon’s transcendent influence. Presidents, heads of government and royalty from every corner of the globe will be among those seeking to pay their respects to modern South Africa’s found- ing father, who died late on Thursday aged 95, surrounded by friends and family. The sheer scale of the event and of the global attention and emotion surround- ing it has had observers searching back decades for a precedent, with some cit- ing the funerals of Mahatma Gandhi and Winston Churchill. Mandela’s body will lie in state for three days from Wednesday, ahead of his eventual burial on December 15 in his boyhood hometown of Qunu. The government announced yesterday that his coffin would be taken in a cor- tege through the streets of Pretoria every morning, giving the millions of South Africans still coming to terms with the death of their first black leader an oppor- tunity to say a final farewell. The organisational logistics are daunt- ing and the military yesterday cancelled leave for troops and reservists to help with crowd control. Large numbers of mourners, car- rying candles, flowers and messages of A boy walks past a poster of Nelson Mandela on Vilakazi Street in Soweto where he once used to stay, yesterday. RIGHT Girls dance in the street. respect have turned up every day out- side Mandela’s residence in Johannesburg US President Barack Obama and his from all races and ages gathered for a president, F W de Klerk, in 1993. New York’s Empire State Building and and in the once blacks-only township of wife Michelle will travel to South Africa multi-faith celebration at the site where Palestinians and Israelis, Beijing Paris’ Eiffel Tower were lit up in the col- Soweto. together with former first couple George Mandela made his first public speech and the Dalai Lama, Washington and ours of the South African flag. Memorial events begin today with W and Laura Bush. after nearly three decades in apartheid Tehran all paid heartfelt tribute to India declared five days of mourn- South Africans invited to go to churches, Another former US leader, Bill Clinton, jail. “Tonight we stand in solidarity as the Mandela, describing him as one of the ing for a man the premier labelled “a mosques, synagogues and other places of who was in office when Mandela became people of Cape Town — black, white, col- towering figures of the 20th century true Gandhian”. South African Foreign worship, to pay their respects. South Africa’s first black president, will oured, Indian, all the religions together,” who inspired young and old with his Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said President Jacob Zuma will attend a also attend. said mayor Patricia De Lille. fight for equality. the best way to remember Mandela was service at Bryanston Methodist Church In a tribute shortly after the revered South Africa’s archbishop emeritus Even reclusive North Korea sent its to free the African continent of poverty, in Johannesburg. statesman’s death was made public, Desmond Tutu, a fellow Nobel peace prize condolences, praising Mandela’s “struggle unrest and disease. Zuma urged South Africans to turn out Obama mourned Mandela as a “pro- winner, praised Mandela as an “incredible against racism and for democracy”. “We will do it in your name,” she said. in force and in singing voice. foundly good” man who “took history in gift that God gave us”. Syria’s beleaguered president, Bashar In Brazil, organisers of the 2014 foot- “We should, while mourning, also sing his hands and bent the arc of the moral Fighting back tears, Tutu said his old Al Assad, ventured a homage on his ball World Cup flashed Mandela’s image at the top of our voices, dance and do universe towards justice”. friend was “a unifier from the moment he official Facebook page, calling Mandela up on a giant screen and held a minute’s whatever we want to do, to celebrate the On Friday, ordinary South Africans walked out of prison”. “a torch for the resistance and libera- silence before the groups’ draw. life of this outstanding revolutionary,” across the country poured out onto the Mandela spent 27 years in apartheid tion from racism, hatred, occupation Mandela had waged a long battle Zuma said. streets in a riot of colour, dance and prisons before being elected president and injustice.” Flags flew at half-mast against a recurring lung infection and On Tuesday, around 80,000 people are song to celebrate the life of their beloved in 1994 and unifying his country with a in numerous countries, including the had been receiving treatment at home expected to attend a memorial service in ex-leader, known affectionately as message of reconciliation after the end of United States, France and Britain, and since September following a lengthy the Soweto sports stadium that hosted Madiba. white minority rule. He shared the Nobel at the United Nations headquarters in hospital stay. the final of the 2010 World Cup. In Cape Town, a crowd of thousands Peace Prize with South Africa’s last white New York. AFP

Czech PM in Pro-Europe Ukrainians soup over raise protest pitch Mandela remark PRAGUE: Outgoing Czech KIEV: Pro-Europe protesters Prime Minister Jiri Rusnok accused Ukrainian President said he was hoping to shun Viktor Yanukovych yesterday the funeral of anti-apartheid of planning to seal a customs icon Nelson Mandela next union with former Soviet mas- week, in comments he didn’t ter Moscow this month, a move realise were being recorded that would stoke further tur- that went viral yesterday. moil in Kiev. Talking to Defence Minister One opposition leader said Vlastimil Picek, his neigh- France’s President Francois Hollande (centre) and Tanzanian President returning to Moscow’s economic bour in parliament on Friday, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (left) attend a news conference at the Elysee Palace fold could even endanger the unity Rusnok said “I hope the presi- in Paris at the end of the Elysee Summit for Peace and Security in Africa, of Ukraine, a sprawling country dent will go instead. The idea yesterday. of 46 million that borders four of going gives me the shivers.” European Union member states The private chat was cap- and is the main transit route for tured by parliament micro- Russian gas to Europe. phones, then broadcast by the French troops pour into The Moscow and Kiev govern- public Czech Television at night ments both denied Yanukovych before going viral on the web and Russia’s President Vladimir yesterday. Central African Republic Putin had discussed the customs Rusnok said he hoped union in unannounced talks on President Milos Zeman would BANGUI, CENTRAL the parliament building. Red Friday in the Russian Black Sea go to the funeral, but the Czech AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Cross staff continue to pick up resort of Sochi. Republic’s first-ever directly French troops received a trium- dead and mutilated bodies from But the secrecy of the meeting, elected 69-year-old head of phant welcome as they deployed the streets, but have been over- and speculation they had struck state is recovering from a knee in strife-torn Central African whelmed by the scale of the task. a deal, was seized on by opposi- injury and his participation is Republic yesterday, with thou- Around 200 French troops tion leaders rallying protesters Protesters prepare hot meals in an outddor kitchen on another day of protest doubtful. sands cheering their arrival as crossed the border from against a decision last month by at Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, yesterday. “Can you tell me how he will part of a bid to stamp out deadly Cameroon into the mainly Yanukovych to spurn a deal on climb the stairs to the plane?” sectarian violence. Christian town of Bouar in the trade ties and integration with not seen since Ukraine’s 2004-05 said the talks had focussed on Picek asked Rusnok. French President Francois west of the country, where cheer- the European Union. Orange Revolution. cooperation in industry, aviation The prime minister, who Hollande said reinforcements to a ing residents blew horns, danced “Any signature to a deal on The crisis has exposed a divide and energy. had sent condolences to South UN-mandated force would reach and banged on saucepans to wel- forming a new Soviet Union in Ukraine between those mainly In Moscow, Putin’s spokesman Africa earlier expressing “pro- 1,600 troops — 400 more than come them. means the breakup of the coun- in the west who seek to join the Dmitry Peskov told reporters: “No found grief” over Mandela’s previously envisaged — and had “Save us. We have suffered try,” Arseny Yatsenyuk, one of European mainstream and many final agreement has been reached. death, called the trip “one hell been told to “disarm all the mili- so much,” shouted Cedric, 15, in three main opposition leaders, in the east whose native lan- Talks on all these issues will be of a distance” before conceding: tias and armed groups terrorising Bouar, one of France’s main mili- told reporters. guage is Russian and who look continued on the level of experts “I guess he (Zeman) won’t fly.” the population”. tary bases in Africa and a nerve Yatsenyuk, a former economy to Moscow as a guarantor of in the near future.” Rusnok apologised for his Sectarian violence between centre for the area that saw some minister, accused Yanukovych of stability. Peskov confirmed the words later yesterday in a Muslim and Christian communi- of the worst violence at the height planning to sign Ukraine up to a Yesterday, the Russian and December 17 governmental meet- short message sent to Czech ties, which has swept the nation of the Seleka rebellion. regional Customs Union, led by Ukrainian governments also ing in Moscow. media saying “it was not cor- since a March coup, has left at Local builder Serge Dilamo Russia, at a meeting of the Russian denied reports that Putin and Faced with $17bn in gas bills rect to say that.” least 300 dead in a wave of mas- said: “There are deaths, they are and Ukrainian governments sched- Yanukovych had also discussed and debt repayments next year, Mandela, who spent 27 years sacres and reprisal attacks since killing us. Everyone knows some- uled for December 17 in Moscow. in Sochi cheaper gas supplies Ukraine is seeking to cut the price in apartheid prisons before Thursday, the Red Cross said. one who was killed.” Such a move would be sure to exac- and credits from Russia. “I cat- of gas it imports from Russia and being elected president of French troops patrolled the Hollande told the end of a sum- erbate public anger in Kiev over egorically reject this speculation,” possibly billions of dollars in cred- South Africa in 1994, died on capital in a visible show of mit with African leaders in Paris the government’s November 21 Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola its to stave off a looming balance of Thursday aged 95. strength yesterday and a fighter that the French troops would be rejection of the EU accord, which Azarov said, echoing a statement payments crisis. AFP jet flew low over the city, where deployed wherever civilians were has triggered protests on a scale from Yanukovych’s office. Azarov REUTERS bodies still lay abandoned outside in danger. AFP SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Haiti protest Ice storm causes Obama: ‘Ideal’ blackouts, flight delays in US DALLAS: Freezing weather in Iran N-deal the US gripped parts of Texas and Arkansas yesterday, with hundreds of thousands of peo- ple coping in the cold without power after a winter storm made roads impassable and not possible caused severe flight delays. More than 3,300 travellers were forced to sleep on cots Plea for realistic expectations overnight at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, where WASHINGTON: US President does not get a nuclear weapon?” workers had managed to thaw Barack Obama warned yester- Obama noted likely criticism only two of its seven runways by day that an “ideal” agreement to from Israel of any final deal that last morning. eliminate “every nut and bolt” did not eliminate all of Iran’s Airlines cancelled more than of Iran’s disputed nuclear pro- nuclear infrastructure. 350 flights from DFW that were gram was not a realistic goal. “One can envision an ideal scheduled for yesterday, the air- But he argued that the best world in which Iran said ‘we will port said in a statement. possible available agreement destroy every element or facility At the height of the storm, with Tehran was likely to be bet- and you name it it is all gone.’” some 267,000 electricity outages ter than the alternatives, and it But he added: “I think we have were reported in Texas, accord- was therefore imperative to try to be more realistic and ask our- ing to utility provider Oncor, to secure one. selves what puts us in a strong but that number was down to Obama, speaking at the position to assure ourselves that Haitians protest against a court ruling in neighbouring Dominican Republic that strips Dominican citizenship about 130,000 early yesterday. Brookings Institution’s Saban Iran is not having a nuclear from hundreds of thousands of children born over the last 84 years to migrants deemed to be living in the Oncor said it hoped to get power Forum in Washington, said a deal weapon.” country illegally, in Port-au-Prince. The ruling could leave more than 200,000 Haitian migrants stateless. restored to nearly all of its cus- was possible that included enough Obama also made clear that the tomers by tonight. verification safeguards to assure interim deal reached in Geneva Icy conditions were expected to foreign powers Tehran could not last month between Iran and last through the weekend from build a nuclear bomb. world powers did not grant Iran Texas to Ohio to Tennessee, and He indicated that could include a “right to enrich,” despite such Virginia officials warned residents a very “modest” option for Iran interpretations of the deal by Scrap vote result: Honduras left of a major ice storm likely to take to enrich uranium as part of a some top Iranian officials. shape today, resulting in power peaceful nuclear programme “We can envision a compre- TEGUCIGALPA: The leftist conspired to throw the election the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, outages and hazards on the roads. under intense scrutiny by out- hensive agreement that involves Libre party in Honduras late on for Hernandez. announced on November 27 that In California, four people side observers that would ensure extraordinary constraints and Friday formally asked election He insisted that votes were also Hernandez won the election. On died of hypothermia in the San Tehran was kept from “breakout” verification mechanisms and officials to overturn the results bought, “because at the other vot- December 1 the official count was Francisco Bay area and about a capacity needed to race to build intrusive inspections but that of the November 24 presidential ing stations, all 12,000 of them ... complete: Hernandez, of the rul- half-dozen traffic-related deaths an atomic weapon. permits Iran to have a peaceful election, which their candidate Xiomara won.” ing National Party, beat Castro by were blamed on the weather in “If we could create an option in nuclear programme,” Obama said. claims to have won. Zelaya was deposed at gun- eight percentage points, 37 per- several states. More than 100,000 which Iran eliminated every sin- Such a scenario, however, would A document formally request- point in a June 2009 coup after cent against 29 percent. customers in the Dallas area were gle nut and bolt of their nuclear not permit underground fortified ing the annulment was deliv- he aligned Honduras with the Castro cried foul, and she without power yesterday, with programme and foreswore the facilities or advanced centrifuges. ered by ex-president Manuel leftist governments of Cuba and described the results as a “dis- about 7,000 in Oklahoma and possibility of ever having a nuclear “Now, you’ll hear arguments Zelaya, accompanied by his wife, Venezuela. gusting monstrosity.” thousands of more in other states. programme, and for that matter including potentially from the Libre candidate Xiomara Castro. This led to 100 days of unrest Pre-vote polls suggested that Meanwhile, around seven got rid of all its military capabili- (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Officials earlier declared conserv- that included massive street pro- she was in a tight race for presi- inches of snow fell in northeast ties, I would take it,” Obama said. Netanyahu) that says we can’t ative Juan Orlando Hernandez the tests and a crackdown on leftist dent with Hernandez, and imme- Arkansas and the Missouri boot “But I want to make sure eve- accept any enrichment on Iranian election winner. activists. diately after the vote she claimed heel, according to the National rybody understands it — that par- soil, period, full stop, end of con- Zelaya said that the document The possible unrest poses a victory. Weather Service in Memphis, and ticular option is not available, so versation,” Obama said as he he submitted included proof of serious threat to governing in On Monday the Tribunal eight to nine inches fell in parts as a consequence, what we have to warned that such solutions of “clear” voter fraud. Honduras, the second poorest agreed to review disputed elec- of southern Indiana. The storm do is make a decision, as to given “an ideal world” were not within “It was a well-done fraud,” country in the western hemi- toral rolls and results at thou- dumped a foot of snow and more the options available, what is the reach. said Zelaya, who claimed that sphere after Haiti. sands of polling stations. in some areas of Illinois. best way for us to assure Iran AFP officials at 2,800 voting stations David Matamoros, head of AFP AGENCIES

Eight killed in Colombia blast

BOGOTA: Eight people were said in an official statement. In addition to the two civilians, killed in a car bombing in Seven soldiers were wounded those killed included an army Colombia yesterday which was in the early morning incident but major, two lieutenants, a sergeant, immediately blamed on left- details on their condition were a soldier and a police sergeant, ist FARC rebels currently not released. according to the army statement. engaged in peace talks with the The army said the bombing “We are in mourning,” tweeted government. was the work of the FARC’s Sixth General Juan Pablo Rodriguez, President Juan Manuel Santos Front. the commander of Colombia’s condemned the blast in the small It “clearly shows that the armed forces. town of Inza as an “insane terror- FARC continue to systematically The blast occurred as Bogota ist attack.” commit acts of terrorism against and the leftist Revolutionary The victims — two civilians, a civilians,” the statement said. Armed Forces of Colombia police official and five members Colombia’s police chief, General (FARC), established in 1964, of the military — died when a Rodolfo Palomino, traveled to Inza attempt to negotiate an agree- vehicle loaded with explosives and told reporters the attack was ment to end their near 50-year- blew up as locals prepared for “further evidence of indiscrimi- old conflict. a farmer’s market, the army nate FARC terrorism.” AFP

Three members Computer fault hits flights of ‘Muslim patrol’ LONDON: Thousands of trav- failed properly to switch over to ellers were delayed at major air- daytime mode. jailed in London ports across England yesterday “At night, when it’s quiet, we because of a technical problem can combine sectors of airspace. LONDON: Three members of at an air traffic control centre. When it gets busy in the daytime a self-styled “Muslim patrol” in Disruption was reported we split the sectors out again,” it London who harassed passers- at most airports including said in a statement. by for wearing short skirts, Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, “We experienced a technical holding hands and drinking after what National Air Traffic problem in the early hours of alcohol have been jailed, in a Services (NATS) said was a com- this morning, which means that conviction welcomed by the puter glitch at its control centre it hasn’t been possible to ... split local mosque yesterday. in Swanwick in Hampshire. out the sectors for the busier day- The men were jailed for up to Passengers were being hit by time traffic.” 16 months on Friday after admit- average delays of between one NATS did not give any estimate ting a variety of public order and and two hours but the knock- of when normal service would be assault charges during ‘patrols’ in on effects were expected to last resumed. “Engineers are working December 2012 and January 2013. through last afternoon. to rectify the problem as soon as “These men routinely threat- NATS said the problem began possible,” it added. ened and intimidated innocent when its night operating system REUTERS members of the public whom they perceived to be behaving in an ‘un-Islamic’ manner,” said prosecutor Baljit Ubhey. “They would roam the streets, seeking out victims whom they Prince Harry’s South Pole race off could target, and chanting threats LONDON: A race to the South Pole involving Britain’s Prince to ‘kill the non-believers’. Harry and teams of injured troops has been cancelled due to safety “On the nights in question concerns, organisers said yesterday, but the veterans will trek on they confronted and aggres- together to the globe’s most southerly point. sively intimidated a couple The Walking With The Wounded charity said that five days into the who were holding hands in the gruelling trek, “it became obvious that underneath the concrete deter- street, a group of friends who mination of all the team members, the harsh reality of the Antarctic were drinking alcohol, and a girl was starting to take its toll”. whom they deemed to be dressed The three teams, made up of wounded veterans from Britain, the provocatively.” United States and the Commonwealth (represented by Canada and Some of the patrols took place Australia), will trek the final 112 kilometres (70 miles) together and near the East London Mosque in aim to arrive by next Friday or Saturday, the charity said. Whitechapel, which hosts 7,000 Harry, the fourth-in-line to the throne, is a patron of Walking With worshippers on a typical Friday. The Wounded. He had been trekking with the British team. AFP AFP SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA/PHILIPPINES North Korea releases ex-American soldier Newman reunites with family; Pyongyang says 85-year-old apologised for his actions in the Korean war

SEOUL: An 85-year-old retired plane by North Korean authori- actions and gave the fighters American soldier who was held ties on October 26 while prepar- advice, but he was not involved in by North Korea for more than a ing to leave the country after a day-to-day operations, according month arrived in San Francisco 10-day tour. State Department to the former rank-and-file mem- yesterday, to be reunited with spokeswoman Marie Harf urged bers and analysts. Newman was his family. Pyongyang to pardon “as a scheduled to visit South Korea to Merrill Newman’s United humanitarian gesture” another meet former Kuwol fighters after Airlines flight landed shortly after American, Kenneth Bae, who has his North Korea trip. 9am local time, a Reuters wit- been held in the North for more After he was detained, Newman ness said. North Korea deported than a year. was visited at a Pyongyang hotel Newman late on Friday, end- Members of a group of former by the Swedish ambassador, his ing the saga of his return to the South Korean guerrillas who family said in a statement, and North six decades after he advised fought behind enemy lines dur- he appeared to be in good health, South Korean guerrillas who are ing the 1950-53 Korean war said receiving his heart medicine and still loathed by Pyongyang. in an interview last week with the being checked by medical person- “I am very glad to be on my way Associated Press that Newman was nel. Sweden handles American home,” a smiling Newman told their adviser. Some have expressed citizens’ interests in Pyongyang as reporters after arriving at the air- surprise that Newman would take the North and the United States port in Beijing from Pyongyang. the risk of visiting North Korea have no formal diplomatic ties. “And I appreciate the tolerance given his association with their Jeffrey Newman has previously the [North Korean] government group, which is still remembered said that his father, an avid trav- has given to me to be on my way.” with keen hatred in the North. eller and retired finance execu- “I feel good,” Newman said, The televised statement read tive from California, had always adding with a laugh that the first by Newman said he was apologis- wanted to return to the coun- thing he planned to do was “go ing for killing North Koreans dur- try where he fought during the home and see my wife”. ing the war, attempting to meet Korean War. US Vice-President Joe Biden, surviving guerrilla fighters he had Before Newman, North Korea who is in Seoul, welcomed the trained during the conflict and detained at least six Americans since release and said he talked by reconnect them with their war- 2009; five of them have been either phone to Newman in Beijing, time colleagues living in South released or deported after promi- offering him a ride home on Air Merrill Newman holds hands with wife Alicia shortly after landing at San Francisco International Airport yesterday. Korea, and criticising the North nent Americans such as former Force Two. Biden said Newman RIGHT: US Vice-President Joe Biden at the Observation Post Ouellette during a tour of the Demilitarised Zone during his recent trip. Newman’s presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy declined because there was a (DMZ), near the border village of Panmunjom, which has separated the two Koreas since the Korean War, yesterday. comments have not been inde- Carter travelled to Pyongyang. The direct flight to his home state of pendently confirmed. sixth detainee, Bae, has been held California. Newman’s son, Jeffrey, outside his home in Pasadena. The country’s official name. “At least releasing Newman because had Some of those former guer- for more than a year Bae. He is a said he spoke briefly to his father family said they would say more there’s one bright piece of sun- apologised for his alleged crimes rillas of the Kuwol unit in Seoul Korean-American missionary and and that he was “in excellent spir- about Newman’s unusual journey shine, that he will be released and during the Korean war and remember Newman as a hand- tour operator whom the North its and eager to be reunited with after he had rested. return to his family.” Biden said because of his age and medical some, thin American lieutenant accuses of subversion. his family”. “The DPRK today released he had “played no direct role” in condition. who got them rice, clothes and Biden earlier visited the demili- “As you can imagine this has someone they never should have securing Newman’s release and Aside from an awkwardly weapons during the later stages of tarised zone which has split the been a very difficult ordeal for us had in the first place,” Biden offered no thoughts on why the worded alleged confession last the war but largely left the fight- Korean peninsula since the 1950- as a family, and particularly for said, referring to the Democratic North decided to release him. month, Newman has yet to speak ing to them. 1953 Korean War. him,” he said in a statement read People’s Republic of Korea, the North Korea said it was publicly since being taken off a Newman oversaw guerrilla THE GUARDIAN/AFP

Japan whaling Five fishermen killed in Bird flu: HK quarantines 19 people ships leave for Antarctic hunt Philippine sea attack HONG KONG: Hong Kong underlying medical conditions. be quarantined for 10 days since yesterday quarantined an addi- “Nineteen close contacts of the their last contact with the carrier. TOKYO: Two Japanese whal- tional 19 people after the city patient have been quarantined,” a Officials are still investigating ing ships and a surveillance ZAMBOANGA: Gunmen three of the bodies were recovered,” confirmed its second human government statement released whether or not the 80-year-old vessel left yesterday for the aboard a speedboat shot dead he said. case of the deadly H7N9 bird late yesterday said. patient, who remains in stable annual hunt in the Antarctic five members of a fishing crew The attackers were suspected to flu, less than five days after it Out of the 19 quarantined, 13 condition, had come into contact Sea, Kyodo News said. in a mysterious attack in the be pirates Angue added. But it was confirmed its first, officials said. had stayed in the same cubicle with poultry on the mainland. The three ships departed seas of the southern Philippines, unclear why they would attack the The 19 people were close con- with the elderly man at the city’s On Monday the city admitted a from the western port of the coast guard said yesterday. fishing boat crew. tacts of the second carrier of Tuen Mun hospital, five were his 36-year-old Indonesian domestic Shimonoseki to join other ships The five were part of a fishing Authorities said the attack H7N9 in the city -- an 80-year- family members, and one other helper who was infected with the to hunt up to 935 Antarctic fleet off the troubled southern might be part of an extortion old Hong Kong man who had been was the taxi driver who drove him virus. minke whales and up to 50 fin islands of Sulu when the gun- attempt by armed groups oper- living in the neighbouring main- from the border to the hospital, “She has a history of trav- whales through March, the men attacked them on Friday, ating in Sulu. land Chinese city of Shenzhen. the statement said. elling to Shenzhen, buying a news agency said. said coast guard spokesman Among the armed groups in The man developed a fever Eighteen of the quarantined chicken, slaughtering and eating The Fisheries Agency had Lieutenant Jomark Angue. Jolo are Muslim separatists who and was found to be infected patients have tested negative for the chicken,” Hong Kong health kept secret the departure date “Even as the five leapt over- staged a bloody three-week siege with the virus on Friday after he the deadly virus, while the test minister Ko Wing-man had said of the whaling fleet as a precau- board, the gunmen riddled them in the southern city of Zamboanga was admitted to the city’s Tuen results for an “asymptomatic” of the patient, who remains in a tion against obstruction by mili- with bullets, then sped off. Only in September. AFP Mun hospital on Tuesday due to patient was pending. All 19 will critical condition. AFP tant anti-whaling groups such as Sea Shepherd, Kyodo said. Japan’s whale hunts have Floods in Malaysia long drawn criticism from activists and foreign govern- ments, but Tokyo defends the practice saying eating whale is part of Japanese culinary tradition. Nepal rattled by EU airline ban KATHMANDU: Nepal expressed fears on Friday for its tourism industry after the European Union blacklisted its airlines due to safety concerns. EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas announced on Thursday that Residents being evacuated a boat at a flood affected area in Temerloh, 150km outside of Kuala the bloc had placed all of Lumpur, yesterday. Four states in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia have been affected by the Nepal’s airlines on its safety annual monsoon floods, with more than 30,000 people evacuated so far. blacklist, banning them from flying to the EU, saying their safety record “does not leave us any other choice.” “This is very unfortunate. US urges end to This will damage our tour- Shinawatras want peace, ism industry,” said Mohan Krishna Sapkota, spokesman Bangla unrest for the tourism and civil avia- not power, says Thai PM tion ministry. WASHINGTON: Bangladeshi political parties must come BANGKOK: Thai Prime oust Yingluck and eradicate Seven charred together immediately to halt a Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Thaksin’s influence in a final spate of violence and ensure free ruled out a political come- push on Monday. to death and fair elections next month, a back for her influential self- “Right now, I don’t think he top US official said on Friday. exiled brother yesterday and wants to continue with poli- DAVAO: Seven store employ- At least 67 people have died said an unpopular amnesty tics, he would like to see fair- ees were killed in the southern in clashes since October when bill that would have allowed ness to everyone to make sure Philippines when a paint shop an 18-party opposition move- him to return has been that we can work together and burned down while they were ment launched a wave of pro- scrapped, permanently. find a long-term solution for sleeping inside, the provincial tests calling on Prime Minister Yingluck said neither Thailand,” Yingluck said of her police chief said on Friday. Sheikh Hasina to resign before Thaksin Shinawatra, the brother in an interview with The fatalities — three men the January 5 polls. divisive former premier at foreign reporters. and four women — died when The opposition, led by Hasina’s the centre of Thailand’s “My family doesn’t want the Palomares Paint Store in bitter rival, Khaleda Zia, fears the eight years of on-off politi- to hold power for our family. the rural town of Manay in premier will try to rig the vote in cal turmoil, nor the billion- Any option for the majority, Mindanao island caught fire a country which for decades has aire Shinawatra family were for peace, to move Thailand late on Thursday, said Senior been plagued by coups and political power hungry and all wanted forward as a democracy, we Superintendent Jose Carumba. upheaval. the country to be democratic will take it. I can tell you right “The victims were stay-in Violence of any kind is “not and at peace. now, we do not want to be any storekeepers and helpers. All of acceptable” and it “must stop Anti-government pro- obstruction to peace in this them were burned beyond rec- immediately,” deputy State testers have been on the country. We want a solution ognition when found,” he said. Department spokeswoman Marie streets for weeks, clashing for everyone.” AGENCIES Harf said. AFP with police and vowing to REUTERS SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Afghanistan will sign treaty: Hagel US warns of full exit, including Nato withdrawal

KABUL: US Defence Secretary and countering Al Qaeda-linked Dunford said the military would Chuck Hagel yesterday said extremists. have to “look at a couple of dif- he had received assurances The Afghan president, who will ferent possibilities.” With no US during a visit to Kabul that a stand down next year after two boots on the ground, Afghanistan long-delayed deal allowing US terms in power, recently refused would face the risk of a Taliban troops to stay in Afghanistan to sign the pact promptly despite resurgence and likely lose out on after 2014 would be signed “in a a “loya jirga” national assembly a billions of dollars of military and timely manner.” that he convened voting for him other international aid. The Bilateral Security to do so. There are currently 46,000 Agreement (BSA) has been at the President Barack Obama’s American troops and 27,000 sol- centre of a public dispute between deputies have warned that unless diers from other coalition countries the allies, with the US increas- Karzai relents before the end of in Afghanistan, and almost the ingly frustrated by President the year, there will be no option entire Nato-led force is scheduled Hamid Karzai’s negotiating tac- but to prepare for a full US exit — to pull out by the end of next year. tics over the deal. the so-called “zero option.” Under the proposed post-2014 After meetings in the Afghan The Nato commander in mission, roughly 12,000 troops -- capital, Hagel told reporters that Afghanistan, General Joseph mostly American -- would remain Afghan protesters carry banners during a demonstration calling for President Hamid Karzai to sign a security pact Defence Minister Bismillah Khan Dunford, said yesterday that in the country, under rules that with the US, in Kabul yesterday. Mohammadi “assured me the he had not started planning for would allow controversial house BSA would be signed in a timely a total US withdrawal but that raids by Nato forces only in spe- manner.” he would have to within “weeks” cial circumstances. Aimal Faizi said that Hagel was the purpose of my trip. There’s plainly and clearly and dramati- Washington and Nato have without the BSA being signed. Washington had initially set due to met with Karzai and have not much I can add in a meeting cally about the interests for this repeatedly appealed to Karzai to “In some weeks, I expect we’ll an October deadline for clinch- dinner with him, but Faizi later with President Karzai to what’s country going forward.” sign the BSA, which lays out the start to plan for something other ing the security agreement and said no meeting would take place. already been said.” Hagel said his visit was prima- rules for US-led troops to oper- than ‘Resolute Support’,” Dunford later insisted on a signature by “I never asked for a meeting “The people of Afghanistan rily to thank US soldiers for serv- ate in Afghanistan after 2014 on told reporters, referring to Nato’s the end of this year. with President Karzai,” Hagel through the body that he empan- ing in Afghanistan. a mission focused on training current post-2014 plan. President Karzai’s spokesman told reporters. “That was not elled, the loya jirga, spoke rather AFP Pakistan court names six missing people Supreme court blocks open ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s took up the case and ordered the been identified,” Muneer A Malik, further act on the court direc- funds for Pakistani officials Supreme Court yesterday iden- defence ministry to produce these attorney general of Pakistan said. tives,” Arif Nazir, a senior official tified six missing people who ‘missing persons’. The court did not allow media of ministry of defence, said. ISLAMABAD: The Supreme ethos. In its judgment abolishing relatives say were disappeared Acting upon the court’s advice, to witness the proceedings. Pakistan’s Chief Justice Court of Pakistan, in slamming the illegal allocation of Rs47bn for by the country’s powerful army the authorities presented some of Speaking after the proceedings Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, the door for misuse of special development projects of Ashraf, a from a detention centre. the detainees in the court yester- an official of the defence ministry who retires on December 12, has funds by politicians in their three-member bench headed by Relatives launched a legal bid day during an “in camera” session. said they had obeyed the court’s actively pursued Pakistan’s mili- election campaigns, said it was Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad to force the military to produce 35 Of those, six were identified order to present the missing tary and intelligence agencies, against the Islamic ethos. Chaudhry also held that the people who they alleged are being as missing people who had rela- persons. which are often seen as untouch- In a judgment in a case involv- Constitution has no provision, held in ‘unofficial’ military deten- tives complaining about their “We presented these people to able, demanding they explain the ing former premier Raja Pervez which confers any discretionary tion at a string of secret investi- disappearance. obey the court orders and will fate of missing persons believed to Ashraf, the court ruled that the power on Ashraf to allot money gation centres. “Six missing persons, who were present more people before the have disappeared into their cus- use of the term ‘notables’ (digni- this way. The Supreme Court of Pakistan presented in the court today, have court on Monday or Tuesday to tody. AFP taries) is abhorrent to the Islamic INTERNEWS Turkish PM to Seminary exam visit Islamabad ISLAMABAD: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay an official visit to Pakistan in the last week of the current month. He will be heading a big business delegation as the two brotherly countries will ink a number of bilateral agreements. The spouse of the Turkish premier would also accompany him. Turkey is viewed one of the closest friends of Pakistan in the region. It is likely that Prime Minister Erdogan who cares for Pakistan like his own home would be decorated with the highest civil award of Pakistan in recognition of his meritorious services for strengthening the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries. Prime Minister Erdogan is undertaking the visit from 23rd of this month on the invitation of his counterpart Nawaz Sharif. Prime Minister Nawaz also visited Turkey four months ago. Pakistani seminary students take their first semester exam at the Islamic Jamia Binoria seminary in Karachi yesterday. More than 3,300 students New system to took the exam. deal with waste PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s KP province passes RTI northwestern provincial cap- ital of Peshawar will soon get a new sanitation agency along law, appoints official the lines of the one exist- ing in Lahore to introduce a ISLAMABAD: Sahibzada will serve as the chairman of modern waste collection and Muhammad Khalid was the committee. Justice (retired) garbage disposal system. appointed as the Chief Abdul Aziz Kundi, University of Also, a compost plant will Information Commissioner by Engineering and Technology Vice be installed in the provincial the government yesterday as Chancellor Syed Imtaiz Hussain capital. the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Gillani and Rahimullah Yousafzai A multimillion rupee project Governor signed the Right to were announced as members. KP to this effect was approved by Information (RTI) Act 2013, Secretary Information will serve Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief said a notification. The law will as secretary to the committee. Minister Pervez Khattak make KP the first province to The search committee will during a high-level meeting have implemented the RTI as a ensure merit based appoint- in Islamabad, said an official law. ments, mindful of the criteria for release issued here yesterday. Sahibzada Muhammad Khalid, the commissioner jobs, within 30 According to the release, a grade 22 official who resigned days, added the handout. the preparatory work for the from the KP Public Service The eligibility for commission- launch of the new system will Commission earlier this week, has ers set under Section 24 of the begin in January 2014. been appointed for three years. RTI Act states one of the mem- International firms will be This period starts from the date bers needs to be an advocate of hired to introduce the new of his taking office as outlined by the high court or Supreme Court system involving waste collec- Section 24 of the RTI Act, read the who is qualified to be a judge at the tion, garbage disposal and a official statement. high court. The act has a deadline reprocessing facility to produce The search committee, which of 120 days to appoint the Khyber- energy. will decide two other ‘commis- Pakhtunkhwa Information AGENCIES sioners’ was also announced. K-P Commission after its commence- Chief Secretary Arbab Shahzad ment. INTERNEWS

SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Andhra CM in revolt Among friends over Telangana Bill will be defeated in assembly: Kiran Kumar Reddy

HYDERABAD: In an open Krishna river to the nation. and the the central government revolt against Congress leader- Kiran Reddy wanted to know should reconsider the decision. ship for the decision to bifur- from the party leadership if the The chief minister alleged cate Andhra Pradesh, Chief people committed a crime by sup- that the central government Minister N Kiran Kumar porting the Congress in difficult was ignoring a massive pub- Reddy yesterday said he would times that it is now dividing the lic movement in Seemandhra see how a bill defeated in the state. He pointed out that it was (Rayalaseema and coastal state assembly is tabled in people’s support which brought Andhra) to keep the state united. parliament. Congress back to power in 2004 “More than 650,000 employees With the central government and 2009. were on strike for 70 to 80 days sending the bill for formation “Will you divide the state and 300,000-400,000 people were of Telangana state to President just because KCR (TRS chief on streets every day but it seems Pranab Mukherjee and the later K Chandrasekhara Rao) wants they (the central government) likely to refer it soon to the state it,” he asked and even advised had closed their eyes and ears,” assembly, the chief minister said the leadership to make KCR or he said. the bill would be defeated in the YSR Congress party chief Y S Though Kiran Reddy had been Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama (centre) poses for a picture along with street children adopted assembly. Jaganmohan Reddy or Telugu speaking out against the party’s by a charitable day-boarding school in New Delhi, yesterday. “We will see how a defeated Desam president N. Chandrababu decision for last three months, bill will be tabled in the par- the chief minister but keep the this was his first reaction after liament,” the chief minis- state united. Thursday’s union cabinet meeting, ter told a public meeting at While making it clear that he which approved the draft Andhra Question over Vijayawada after dedicating the would never accept the division, Pradesh Reorganisation Bill. NC seeks apology Pulichintala project built across he said it was still not too late IANS parole for Dutt NAGPUR/MUMBAI: from Modi on remark Uncertainty loomed over the fresh parole granted to impris- JAMMU: The ruling National to react so BJP could derive ben- oned Bollywood actor Sanjay War can’t sort out issues: Imran Khan Conference (NC) yesterday efit in the states during the just- Dutt as the Maharashtra gov- demanded an apology from concluded assembly polls and the ernment yesterday sought a NEW DELHI: India and ideological movement and those He said cooperation between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 2014 general elections. report on the issue, while his Pakistan need strong leader- involved in the Mumbai terror countries raises living stand- prime ministerial candidate The ruling party leaders said wife Maanyata’s doctor said she ship that tells people that war is attack should be brought to justice. ards, but admitted that relations Narendra Modi for describing the Gujarat chief minister has was suffering from heart and not an option to sort out bilat- Khan also said the future of the between India and Pakistan could Jammu and Kashmir as a beg- tried to belittle the people by liver ailments. eral issues, Pakistani cricketer- Indian subcontinent lay in living not improve in the absence of gar state. describing Jammu and Kashmir The month’s parole for Dutt turned-politician Imran Khan as neighbours like countries in the trust. Modi, during his maiden public as a beggar state and the state- on grounds that his wife was said here yesterday. European Union. Khan said there were lobbies rally in the state’s winter capi- ment has demonstrated insen- ill, apparently approved by the The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Khan said the younger genera- interested in fanning hatred in tal Jammu on December 1, said sitivity, arrogance and lack of Pune divisional commissioner, chairman said he had never tion in the two countries had not the two countries. despite huge natural resources, comprehension of a person aspir- has evoked strong reactions from believed in military solutions to seen the “horrors of partition” He said Kashmir was a prob- Jammu and Kashmir was always ing to become the prime minister. various quarters. problems. and “want to move on”. lem and the two countries should approaching the central govern- “By showing immense degree Republican Party of India Speaking at an interactive “What the two countries need solve it “as neighbours do across ment with a begging bowl. of sagacity, the people of the activists yesterday demonstrated session at the HT Leadership is strong leadership that sells the the table”. In a joint statement, NC lead- state have not obliged the saffron outside the Yerawada Central Summit here, Imran Khan idea that war was no option and “Kashmir is about people of ers yesterday said it was neither brigade to succeed in its machi- Jail, protesting the actor’s likely said Kashmir was an issue that make (people) understand the Kashmir. What is best for them, a slip of the tongue nor an inad- nations”, the NC leaders said, release. They shouted slogans the two countries should solve dividends of peace... we need to India and Pakistan should look vertent mistake but a deliberate cautioning the people against the demanding that Dutt be treated through dialogue. have leadership that tells war for,” he said. attempt on Modi’s part to provoke BJP’s designs. at a par with other prisoners. He said the Taliban was not an is no option,” Imran Khan said. IANS the people of Jammu and Kashmir IANS IANS SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

Follower’s love PRAYER TIME News in Numbers  won’t melt Pope    CHART: 1 2 Fajr (Dawn) 4:45 Francis made of Shorook (Sunrise) 6:07 silicone: Museum Zuhr (Noon) 11:26 Asr (Afternoon) 2:24 ROME: Pope Francis has become the latest figure in Maghrib (Sunset) 4:45 Rome’s wax museum with a Isha (Night) 6:15 statue depicting the pontiff smiling in the iconic moment when he appeared on the bal- cony of St Peter’s Basilica after WEATHER his election. Visitors have been asking for Weather months when the Francis statue Today Monday Tuesday Conditions: would go on display but the muse- Clear Partly cloudy Partly cloudy um’s director, Fernando Canini, Slight dust with told AFP that he had waited for One of the most striking features of the MENA insurance market is an extraordinarily some clouds an official verbal go-ahead from low insurance penetration - premiums in 2012 accounted for just 1.3pc of GDP, the Vatican. High: 27° and relatively High: 29° High: 28° “Everyone told us we were a fifth of the global average. However, this gap is narrowing as MENA insurance Low: 19° Low: 20° Low: 18° cold by night. missing Pope Francis,” Canini markets outpace regional GDP growth. Between 2007 and 2012, total non-life and said on Thursday, explaining that the process of making the statue life insurance premium volume in the region expanded from about US$ 26 billion to — starting with a clay model of more than US$ 44 billion. The region’s four largest insurance markets - Turkey, Iran, DOHA - SUN & SEA the head based on photographs — UAE and Saudi Arabia - account for about three quarters of the total premium pot. took around three months. SUN TIDE SEA “In this period of crisis, we are At a share of less than 16pc, life business continues to play a relatively minor role SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND hoping Pope Francis will help even though it grew slightly faster than the non-life market (at an annual average increase the flow of visitors,” 06:10 16:41 09:00 & 21:30 01:15 & 16:30 6-14/18 KT he added. real rate of 9.1pc as compared to 7.6pc) The statue today will take its THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW place alongside the one of Benedict MENA insurance premiums by type XVI, the Roman Catholic leader’s HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER predecessor, who was the first (life versus non-life, 2007- 2012, in US$ bn) pope to resign since the Middle MUSCAT 28/21 Partly cloudy 28/21 Partly cloudy Ages. Non-life Life KUWAIT 23/15 Partly cloudy 22/08 Clear The statue’s head and hands BAHRAIN 24/20 Clear 25/19 Clear are made with a silicone and wax SANAA 23/04 Clear 22/04 Clear mixture that is usually used in 40 37.1 RIYADH 29/15 Clear 29/12 Clear dentistry, while the rest of the 34.9 DUBAI 29/21 Partly cloudy 29/21 Partly cloudy body is made of wood and resin 35 BAGHDAD 18/08 Partly cloudy 17/03 Partly cloudy and is clothed in the white cas- 29.9 sock worn by pontiffs. 30 26.8 THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW The clay model was made by 26 an artist, Otello Scatolini, who 25 HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER has already done those of famous 22 Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti 20 ATHENS 12/07 Clear 13/09 Clear and rock singer Zucchero. WASHINGTON 01/0 Ice Pellets 07/01 Ice Pellets Canini explained that he chose 15 SYDNEY 28/18 Clear 32/22 Mostly cloudy not to make the statue only in wax because it would not have LONDON 11/09 Mostly cloudy 11/08 Partly cloudy lasted given the high number of 10 PARIS 09/03 Partly cloudy 07/05 Cloudy 6.5 6.9 visitors he expected would want 5 5.5 ISTANBUL 06/02 Chance of rain 07/07 Partly cloudy 4 4.6 to have their picture taken along- 5 MANILA 32/24 Mostly cloudy 32/24 Chance of storm side the pontiff. DHAKA 26/18 Clear 26/18 Mostly cloudy “We did John Paul II in wax and 0 DELHI 26/11 Clear 26/10 Clear he melted,” he said. AFP 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 ISLAMABAD 22/07 Partly cloudy 22/07 Partly cloudy Source : http://www.qfc.com.qa

$531,395 in loose change Documentary spotlights Latino pop culture at US airports LOS ANGELES: A new documentary Los Angeles. “The movie is really about two the violence in Mexico. On the Mexican side a few months old. But the singer, who makes shines a worrying and grisly light on a people, and through them you understand the of the border, the documentary follows inves- $5,000-15,000 per tune for writing and singing WASHINGTON: growing Latino pop culture phenomenon whole situation,” Schwarz, a war photogra- tigator Richi Soto, as he investigates end- macabre lyrics for customers who typically Travellers left behind in the United States inspired by the deadly pher who has worked in Afghanistan, Kenya, less gory crime scenes — 10 murders a day want gory feats celebrated in song, insists a record $531,395.22 in drug violence which has ravaged neigh- Haiti and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, told in 2010 — amid spiralling Mexican violence they are inoffensive. loose change at secu- bouring Mexico. AFP. “I want people to think about it, to not during the partly US-funded war on drugs, “I’m not involved directly, I simply focus on rity checkpoints in US “Narco Cultura” depicts the “narco clubs” just wave it off as a Mexican drug war far launched by his country’s former president the music. You have to draw a red line and airports in fiscal 2012, of the southern and southwestern US, from away,” he said, adding that drug-related vio- Felipe Calderon. walk with respect,” he told AFP. the Transportation Los Angeles to Atlanta, where fans come to lence has killed 60,000-100,000 people in the On the US side, Schwarz focuses on Edgar Schwarz said he first met Quintero after he Security hear popular music glorifying Mexico’s drug last seven years. Quintero, leader of Los Buknas de Culiacan, had just spent a day covering two murders in Administration says. cartels. “When people do coke here tonight, it who lives comfortably in Los Angeles while the Mexican border city of Tijuana. In a report to Mexico’s “narcocorridos,” as the ballads are affects (people) there (in Mexico). We are singing narcocorridos whose lyrics glorify He described his initial reaction upon view- Congress, seen by the called, are catchy, up-tempo odes to a danger- all in this. It really is a very clear circle and Mexico’s drug cartels. ing Quintero’s show as “very angry.” Washington Post, the ous, often deadly, criminal life — likened to I want people to see that,” added Schwarz. “With an AK-47 and a bazooka on my “But the more I spent time with Edgar, the TSA said more than America’s violence filled “gangsta rap” music. “Narco Cultura,” which premiered at the shoulder/Cross my path and I’ll chop your more I understood how they see it,” and why $10,000 in change was The film by Israeli-American photographer Sundance Film Festival in January, came out head off/We’re bloodthirsty, crazy, and we like young people seem to look up to it. forgotten at each of 13 Shaul Schwarz contrasts the grim life of a in Los Angeles on Friday, a month after its to kill,” he sings from the relative safety of “Ninety-nine percent of these kids are just major airports in such crime scene investigator in Ciudad Juarez, release in Miami and New York. a bar in El Paso, just over the border from out there, looking to connect, to have a music cities as New York, one of Mexico’s most violence-torn cities, with Schwarz began working on the subject in Ciudad Suarez. scene,” Quintero said. Dallas, Atlanta and San the glamour of a top narcocorrido singer from 2010, after spending two years photographing He even sings it as a lullaby to his baby, only AFP Francisco. Passengers at Miami International Airport, a prime gateway for Sunny chill Latin American trav- ellers, left $39,613, Sacred objects of more than at any other airport. The total amount Hopi tribe can be collected included about $32,000 in foreign cur- rency, the Post reported sold, says court on Friday. PARIS: A Paris court on Friday dismissed Under US law, the an attempt by advocacy group Survival TSA is supposed to International to block the auction of 25 spend any loose change sacred objects from Arizona’s Hopi tribe it finds on civil aviation that has caused outrage. security. The sale of the “Kachina” ceremonial Nickels, dimes and masks and headdresses will go ahead tomor- quarters aren’t the row as planned, despite pleas from the Hopi’s only things TSA agents religious authorities to cancel the auction. come across at security The court battle against auction house checkpoints. EVE echoed another legal saga that erupted Last week alone, they in April when French firm Neret-Minet discovered 34 firearms ignored international appeals to halt the — 27 of them loaded — sale of some 70 masks that eventually fetched as well as 22 stun guns around ¤930,000 ($1.3m). in carry-on baggage, That auction was decried by activists, the federal agency said including Hollywood legend Robert Redford, last Friday. who described it as a “criminal gesture” AFP and “sacrilege”. The sale involved dozens of striking, brightly coloured masks and head- dresses that the 18,000-strong Hopi, a Native American tribe, say are blessed with divine spirits. The Hopi insist that even the mere description of the objects as masks or arte- facts is highly offensive. But while the sale of sacred Indian arte- facts has been outlawed in the United States since 1990 — legislation which has allowed the tribe to recover items held by American A paraglider hovers on Lake Lucerne in Switzerland in sunny winter weather. In the background is Mount Pilatus, near Luzern. museums in the past — the law does not extend to sales overseas. AFP Sunday 8 December 2013 4 Safar 1435 Volume 18 Number 5907 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatar Investment WTO confirms Fund proposes tender offers

DOHA: Qatar Investment long-awaited Fund (QIF) has announced the proposal for a tender offer to purchase up to 10 percent of the issued share capital of the company. global deal In a circular issued on Thursday, the London-listed Fund noted: “Under the terms of the Anti-poverty groups condemn agreement tender offer, shareholders, other than restricted shareholders, will NUSA DUA, Indonesia: WTO comprehensive deal being struck be entitled to have up to 10 per- concluded first global trade deal at the meeting. The talks were cent of the shares they hold as at in 20 years but critics say it will also threatened at the 11th hour the record date purchased under boost big business at expense of when Cuba objected to removal of the tender offer. developing nations a reference to the decades-long The proposal for the offer is The first global trade deal since US trade embargo that Cuba subject to shareholder approval the creation of the World Trade wants lifted. at the Extraordinary General Organisation (WTO) nearly two To head off a dispute, WTO Meeting, scheduled to be held on decades ago has been condemned members gave developing nations December 23. by anti-poverty groups as a boost a temporary dispensation from The tender price will be an for big business at the expense of subsidy limits, shelving the issue amount equal to a discount of one developing nations. for negotiations at a later time. percent to Formula Asset Value After 12 years of talks, an At the heart of the agreement per share. Continuing sharehold- agreement drafted by the WTO reached in Bali were measures to Director-General Roberto Azevedo gestures as he is being congratulated by delegates after the closing ceremony of ers should receive uplift to their Director General, Roberto ease barriers to trade by reduc- the ninth World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference in Nusa Dua, on the Indonesian island of Bali, yesterday. net asset value (NAV) per share Azevedo, was signed in Bali by ing import duties, simplifying as the tender price is calculated to ministers from the body’s 159 customs procedures and making South America. “We are trying it would add $960bn (£587bn) corporations not the world’s poor”. a discount one percent to Formula member countries on Friday after those procedures more transpar- to get justice for the poor peo- through extra trade and 20m Nick Dearden, director of the Asset Value, which includes the last-minute concessions to India ent to end years of corruption at ple,” Indian trade minister Anand extra jobs. WDM, said: “On the positive costs of the tender offer. over food subsidies. ports and border controls. Sharma said on the final day of John Cridland, head of the side, developing countries have The tender price will be paid Azevedo shed tears during the Tense negotiations in recent the meeting. Confederation of British Industry, forced concessions on to the pro- to shareholders in US dollars and summit’s closing ceremony yes- weeks ahead of the meeting India will implement a welfare said commitments to streamline corporate agenda of the US and will be effected by the dispatch of terday as he thanked the host followed 20 years of bitter dis- programme next year to provide customs procedures and cut red EU. However, those concessions cheques drawn on an account of nation, Indonesia, and his wife. putes as developing countries cheap food to 800 million peo- tape would help British export- are only the minimum necessary a branch of a UK clearing bank, “For the first time in our his- have attempted to protect their ple that would have contravened ers to move their products more to get through what remains a or crediting of CREST accounts tory, the WTO has truly deliv- fledgling agricultural and indus- WTO rules curbing farm subsi- efficiently around the world. deal for corporations, not for the as appropriate. ered” on large-scale negotiations, trial sectors while allowing them dies to 10 percent of production. “With many British busi- world’s poor. The tender offer is being made he said. “This time the entire access to markets in the rich west. The programme, which relies nesses looking further afield at “Here in Bali, social move- by Panmure Gordon who, as prin- membership came together. We The Doha round of talks, which on large-scale stockpiling and the new export markets, this deal is ments, trade unions and cam- cipal, will purchase at the tender have put the ‘world’ back in World began 12 years ago with high offer to pay farmers a minimum good news,” he said. “Now we need paign groups have supported the price the shares validity tendered Trade Organisation,” he said. hopes of a deal, was considered to price, is a central plank of the to see ambitious bilateral trade efforts of developing countries to and following the completion of “We’re back in business … Bali is be dead as late as Thursday night government’s bid to win a third and investment agreements with get a deal which moves the agenda all those purchases, sell the rel- just the beginning.” by many delegates. term. the US and Japan to provide an away from a pro-corporate char- evant shares on to the company An agreement with India, India, whose government faces Supporters of the WTO deal additional boost to UK export ter and towards something that at the tender price by way of an which has sought protection for the risk of losing elections next argue it will add hundreds of bil- performance over the long term.” asserts the rights and needs of on-market transaction, in accord- its poorest farmers from US year, has said its tough stance lions of dollars to the world econ- But the World Development the majority of the world’s popu- ance with the terms of repurchase firms dumping surplus agricul- drew support from developing omy. A report by the Peterson Movement (WDM) warned it was lation,” he said. agreement. All transactions will tural produce, was crucial to a countries in Asia, Africa and Institute in Washington argued “an agreement for transnational THE GUARDIAN be carried out on the London Stock Exchange. Shareholders are not obliged to tender any shares and, if they do not wish to participate in the offer. Shareholders should not complete or return their tender Qatar’s non-energy sector to form half of GDP by 2015 form.

DOHA: Qatar’s diversifying Qatar’s real GDP is expected to QNB Group’s positive out- financial sector, as the country order to cater to the growing Economic Zones Co economy is reaching the key grow by 6.5 percent in 2013 and look on Qatar’s financial future was recently named the Middle population.” milestone of the non-hydrocar- 6.8 percent in 2014, with Qatar is shared by many international East’s most competitive by the QNB Group, the GCC’s fast- renamed Manateq bon sector being worth more adding 240,000 jobs by 2014. firms attending the Euromoney World Economic Forum, and est-growing bank and the larg- than half of the country’s GDP Joannes Mongardini, head of Qatar Conference, where they Qatar will be upgraded from est bank in Mena, is the senior DOHA: Effective November by 2015, said top economists Economics, QNB Group, said: will influence the new generation “frontier market” to “emerging lead sponsor of the Euromoney 17, Economic Zones Company leading up to a major financial “The Qatar economy is boom- of key financial players from the market” status by the MSCI in Qatar Conference, as part of its – the developer and operator of conference in Doha next week. ing and entering a new phase of GCC and beyond. May 2014. commitment to fueling interest advanced economic zones and In 2012, Qatar’s GDP was economic growth predicated on Euromoney Qatar Conference Mongardini added: “While in regional investment opportuni- projects that offer world-class $192bn, with the hydrocarbon (oil diversifying its economy away delegates will be able to gain fur- the government clearly has a ties and sponsoring exhibitions to business environments to the and gas) sector accounting for 58 from the traditional gas and oil ther insights into how Qatar’s key role to play in infrastruc- stimulate growth. Qatari private sector — will be percent. Driven by infrastructure sector, the so-called hydrocarbon evolving governmental structure ture development, other sectors Held under the patronage of H now known as Manateq. mega projects for FIFA World sector. Large investments in con- and new regulations affect the are mostly going to benefit from E Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Owned by the Qatari Cup 2022, Qatar’s non-hydrocar- struction, transport, real estate economy, and for predictions on private sector investments. We Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Government represented by bon sector is slated to grow from and petrochemical sectors will the path of the country’s financial would also expect small- and Interior Minister, the Euromoney Qatar’s Authority for SMEs, 42 percent in 2012 to more than result in double-digit growth of future. medium-sized enterprises, such Qatar Conference is being co- Manateq and its economic zones 50 percent by 2015, according to the non-hydrocarbon sector over Qatar is one of the most as hotels, medical services, retail, hosted by Qatar Central Bank. will focus on creating the right QNB Group. the next few years.” talked-about countries in the and restaurants, to flourish in THE PENINSULA conditions for smooth, long-term operations for clients, and facili- tating opportunities for excellent returns. Boeing deal with South Carolina “At Manateq, we have a vision to create a future with sustained QCB to announce details growth for the private sec- tor in Qatar and for everyone in general,” said Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi, CEO of Manateq. of market rules today “Towards the attainment of such vision, we use resources wisely, DOHA: Qatar Central Bank Exchange came under the Qatar support diversification, care for (QCB) will formally announce Financial Markets Authority the environment, provide access the details of its renewed strat- (QFMA). to growing markets and make egy to regulate Qatar’s financial Mainstream banks and finan- it easier for companies to do market at an event today. cial services companies as well as business. Qatar took a big step towards exchange houses were regulated “Our mission is to play our part standardising its financial regu- by the QCB, while the QFC has in delivering Qatar’s National latory regime when it approved several foreign bank branches and Vision by developing and oper- a law recently to create a single financial services companies reg- ating advanced economic zones unified body to regulate banks, istered with it. and projects that offer world- financial services and insurance All these entities will now class business environments,” companies and the country’s come under QCB to help it keep he added. “With core competen- bourse, as well as entities licensed pace with the changing scenario. cies comprising the intellectual by the Qatar Financial Centre QCB will unveil the details in the property that resides in the com- (QFC). presence of its top executives pany, our expertise enables us to Before the new law was passed, and the senior officials of Qatar’s create some of the world’s most A Boeing 777 sits on the assembly line at the company’s operations in Everett, Washington. South Carolina insurers and reinsurers were reg- banking and financial sector advanced economic zones and will clinch a long-awaited land sale next week that should help Boeing Co expand aircraft production. ulated by the Ministry of Business today, Al Sharq reported. projects.” and Trade, while the Qatar REUTERS THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

QNB convenes After soft landing, China taking off again strategy Economy expected to grow by eight to 8.5 percent next year: QNB Group conference

DOHA: Rather than the hard stabilised and the most recent consecutive quarters to end– Session of the Central Committee should also support the continued in Dubai landing that many feared in indicators show stronger growth September 2013. The government of the Communist Party. The steady appreciation of the Chinese 2012 and early 2013, the Chinese ahead. The Purchasing Mangers’ is reportedly preparing measures measures aim to give the invisible currency, the Renminbi. In October DUBAI: Qatar National Bank economy seems to be taking off Indices (PMIs) for November to constrain lending by strictly hand of free markets a stronger 2013, the Chinese yuan overtook (QNB) has convened its strategy again based on the latest indica- 2013 beat market expectations enforcing an existing lending cap, role in resource allocation, liberal- the euro to become the second– conference entitled “Shaping a tors. The authorities have taken and pointed to steady expansion which has been bypassed by banks ise exchange rates and capital con- most traded currency in global Mena Icon” in Dubai. This was m e a s u r e s t o m it i g at e s o m e of t h e in services and manufacturing through the shadow banking sys- trols, spur private investment in trade finance according to the the first time this group event risks earlier this year, including sectors. Industrial production and tem up to now. The central bank state-owned enterprises, encour- Society for Worldwide Interbank had taken place in the UAE and concerns about excessive credit. investment are both expanding, has also tried to restrain lend- age local governments to issue Financial Telecommunication. All was most timely given Dubai’s With the recent announce- despite overcapacity, suggesting ing by restricting liquidity in the bonds while tightening controls on these factors should present good successful bid for The World ment of a major reform pack- higher growth ahead. Retail sales banking system, causing a mini– regional finances, fighting corrup- opportunities for foreign invest- Expo Event in 2020. age and positive economic news, growth was strong in October, credit crunch in June and push- tion, and ease the one-child policy ment into China going forward. The conference is held in one of the Chinese economy is likely expanding 13.3 percent year– ing up short–term interest rates. while making urbanisation easier. Overall, QNB Group believes the 26 countries where the com- to grow eight to 8.5 percent in on–year, continuing its upward China’s broadest measure of new Stockmarkets responded positively the Chinese economy is ready pany has an operating presence 2014, according to QNB Group. trend throughout 2013. The latter credit fell by more than estimated to the announcement of the reform for another growth acceleration and is attended by the QNB sen- This is the result of the ongo- is an important indication that in October to well below the plans, rising by over six percent next year, after a brief slowdown ior management team in Qatar, ing transformation from an China is succeeding in transform- average over the last two years. from before the meeting until after in 2013. This is part of the long- general managers from inter- export–oriented to consumer– ing its economy toward domestic Nevertheless, government efforts the details of the reform plan were term economic transformation of national companies and chief based economy. consumption. to rein in credit growth as well as announced in November 18. the Chinese economy from export- executive officers from subsidi- Since 2010, China’s economy There is some concern that higher interest rates do not seem According to QNB Group, the oriented to consumer-based. This ary companies. The purpose is to has slowed. Real GDP growth strong credit growth, fuelled by to have had a significant negative reforms will be positive for long– transformation has large impli- discuss topics that will enhance had fallen from over 10 per- government economic stimu- impact on economic activity. term growth, but implementation cations for the global economy, the strategic development of the cent to 7.4 percent in Q3, 2012 lus measures following the glo- Over the medium term, growth will be complex. The relaxation of including a prominent role for the organisation and help secure as exports remained relatively bal financial crisis, could end will be determined by the success capital controls and liberalisation Chinese renminbi as an interna- The bank’s vision of “Becoming a weak on sluggish global demand. in a banking crisis. The value of an array of reforms announced of the exchange rate should help tional currency going forward. Mena Icon”. However, since then growth has of bad loans has risen for eight on November 12 after the Plenary encourage foreign investment. This THE PENINSULA The two-day meeting was chaired by Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari, the Acting Group Chief Executive (AGCEO). He said: “As the lead- ing financial institution in the region, we are delighted to be International Islamic hosting this important event in Dubai. A key strength of the QNB Group is our commitment to wins Excellence Award stay close to and work together with our overseas branches, sub- DOHA: International Islamic excellent and new products, effi- sidiaries and associate companies. (QIIB) has won the “Excellence ciency of bank staff and IT system An important forum such as this Award” instituted jointly by used, where social responsibility allows us to both highlight the the General Council for Banks, comes on top. continuing impressive progress Islamic Financial Institutions, Al Shaibei said: “International being made by the group and Tatweej Academy and the Islamic bank staff feel proud focus on the key strategic objec- Arab Organisation for Social about having the ‘Excellence tives that we still need to deliver. Responsibility. The award was Award’ from such prestigious Doing all of this for the first time given to International Islamic institutions. This also reminds in Dubai has been an additional in recognition if its pioneering us of the responsibilities that we bonus”. role in designing and launching have been entrusted with to real- Mohamed Al Qadi, Chairman many trend setting Shariah- ise further development, enrich of the UAE–based Commercial based products and services, the Islamic banking system to Bank International (CBI), wel- both at the local and regional cope with the banking develop- comed the executive management levels, in Islamic banking sys- ment across the world.” of QNB Group and stressed CBI’s tem and social responsibility. “We, at the International desire to continue to strengthen The bank’s Chief Executive Islamic, feel gratified with every its relations with its QNB part- Officer Abdulbasit A Al Shaibei new honour and award. These ners and work towards common received the award during a spe- reflect the enormity of duties we shared goals. cial ceremony attended by a host have carried at different levels to QNB Group holds 40 percent of public figures, leaders, decision- reach this prestigious position, of shareholders’ capital of the makers, businessmen from different which are based on an ambitious CBI, which operates in the UAE countries and officials from several strategic vision chalked out by our through 19 branches covering all Islamic financial institutions. The board of directors. It is a vision UAE major cities. Earlier this ceremony was also attended by that underlines the leading role year, CBI announced its new International Islamic Deputy CEO, of the International Islamic in brand reflecting a strong strategic Gamal Abdullah Al Gamal. Islamic banking, by encouraging partnership with QNB Group and International Islamic was cho- innovation and renewing Shariah- taking advantage of the financial sen for the award based on its based banking products. At the Abdulbasit A Al Shaibei (centre) receiving the award. strength and brand equity of the fulfilling a number of set crite- centre of Islamic banking is focus largest financial institution in The ria. These include the bank’s on core values. It attaches top pri- providing society with quality serv- making profits but about moral, development responsibilities.” Mena Region. credit rating, quality of services, ority to social responsibility and ices. Islamic banking is not about humanitarian and sustainable THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Experts from 20 countries to attend AMAN meet

DOHA: Scores of experts from insurance The event will bring together Aman the framework for cooperation between the and banking sector from over 20 coun- Union members and experts from a number members in the union. ” tries will participate in the 4th Annual of related sectors, including credit and Dr Abdel Rahman El Tayeb Taha, the AMAN Union Meeting to discuss on host political risk insurance, reinsurance, bank- Chief Executive of the Islamic Corporation of issues related to export development ing and credit information, to discuss the for the Insurance of Investment and Export processes, including credit risks, insur- importance of promoting and developing the Credit, in his capacity as the Secretary ance and reinsurance. credit and political risks insurance industry General of AMAN Union added: “The Union Qatar Development Bank (QDB), through the export development processes. now is holding its 4th Annual Meeting in through its export arm ‘Tasdeer’, is host- Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, CEO, the continuing cycle of the sluggish Global ing the meeting for representatives of the QDB said: “We are delighted to be hosting economic growth that needs more work in risks insurance industry in Islamic and the meeting. Hosting an event of this cali- the industry to face the challenges.” Arab Countries. The three-day meeting will bre gives us the opportunity to meet with Tasdeer provides private sector export- start from at Renaissance Doha City Centre representatives of member countries differ- ers with financial solutions, credit insur- Hotel, said a press statement yesterday. ent countries and showcase the processes of ances and advisory services, in addition to Established in 2009, AMAN Union is a promoting and developing Qatari exports. It supporting businesses in developing their professional forum assembling commercial is an important opportunity to raise aware- export capabilities through participating in and non-commercial risk insurers and rein- ness share experience on how to develop a wide range of events and activities across surers exports from the Middle East, Africa, risks insurance and promote exports and the world. Asia and Europe. discussions. This process will lead to base THE PENINSULA

Indian rupee appreciates Brazil’s OGX to change name RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazilian tycoon Eike Batista’s debt-rid- den OGX oil company, currently under bankruptcy protection, said it will change its name to Oleo e Gas Participacoes SA. The company will also change its address but will continue to be headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, in line with a decision reached at a meeting of shareholders, a spokeswoman said. Last month, a Rio state judge granted bankruptcy protection to OGX but not to its foreign subsid- iaries based in The Netherlands and Austria. OGX requested filed for bankruptcy protection in late October after debt-restructuring talks with its creditors failed. The company said it owed around $3.8bn to its international A cashier counts Indian rupee notes in a bank in Mumbai. A recovery in the rupee is giving India’s creditors and banks. Finance Minister P Chidambaram rare relief in his battle against a threatened credit rating downgrade. AFP SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Qafac holds Mexico parties session on strategy agree on draft execution DOHA: Qatar Fuel Additives Company Limited (Qafac) has sponsored the 2nd Qatar strat- energy bill egy execution community ses- sion on December 3, under Dr David P Norton, co-founder of Palladium, a global manage- Crude ownership to be in state hands ment consulting firm. The purpose of the event was to MEXICO CITY: Lawmakers one of the most important in the promote network among strategy from Mexico’s ruling centrist last 60 years. professionals in Qatar to share, party and opposition conserva- He said however there were learn and discuss successful tives have reached agreement in still some details that remained to practices and innovative strat- principle on a draft energy bill be debated, such as union repre- egy execution related concepts that includes contracts ranging sentation on the board of state oil that contribute to Qatar National from profit-sharing and risk- monopoly Pemex and a sovereign Vision 2030. sharing to licences, a top law- fund to hold Mexico’s oil revenue. Nasser Jeham Al Kuwari, maker said yesterday. “Companies are going to be able General Manager of Qafac, The bill, which would keep to invest across the whole chain,” while addressing the session ownership of crude in state hands, Penchyna said. “Mexico cannot said: “Our new strategic themes is at the centre of an economic remain behind ... and thanks to will help us to organise the reform drive that President this reform will be able to better strategic development proc- Enrique Pena Nieto hopes will take advantage of its resources.” ess and to define our strategic boost long-lagging growth in He said that the under the Officials of Dohaland Hospitality and Sharjah Investment Development Authority during the signing ceremony. objectives in order to achieve Latin America’s No. 2 economy. reform the state would retain our new mission and vision Lawmakers from the Pena “ownership and economic con- statements.” Nieto’s ruling Institutional trol over its energy resources ... to These themes are: To focus on Revolutionary Party (PRI) and generate more value and increase Dohaland, Shurooq sign MoU operational excellence through the conservative National Action revenues for the nation.” continuous optimization of proc- Party (PAN) were due to meet In August, the PRI proposed DOHA: Dohaland Hospitality 2009 with the aim of achieving tourism sector in particular, esses such as production and later on Saturday to present the offering contracts that would give has signed a memorandum social, cultural, environmental which is projected to expand maintenance, to achieve continu- bill, and were expected to start private companies a share in prof- of understanding (MoU) and economic development on by 12 percent by 2016, benefits ous improvements in productiv- debating it today. its from oil extraction, which was with the Sharjah Investment the basis of Sharjah’s distinct from exceptional support and ity and resource utilisation to “We have left it multifunc- viewed by companies and analysts and Development Authority Arab and Islamic identity, and encouragement. This MoU will deliver high-quality methanol and tional. It will be profit-sharing, as too tame. The PAN meanwhile (Shurooq) to boost cooperation to encourage investment by aid both Shurooq and Dohaland’s C4 derivatives. To foster growth risk-sharing and licenses and pay- called for full-blown concessions. by establishing joint ventures adopting the best international approach to developing invest- opportunities both in Qatar and ment will be made to the Mexican This week the two sides con- for the development of projects standards in providing qual- ment projects across a range of abroad in partnership with other state,” the lawmaker said on con- verged toward a middle ground. by both parties. ity services that help attract vital sectors, and will help deliver entities. dition of anonymity because of the As the parties were negotiat- According to the MoU, they investors from the region and niche tourism projects to boost To integrate and manage the sensitivity of the issue. ing, Jorge Lavalle, a senior PAN will jointly evaluate potential the world. the emirate’s position on the glo- economic, social, environmental, The bill, which would allow energy expert in the Senate, told investment opportunities and The MoU was signed by bal tourism map, particularly as and ethical concerns into our private investors to drill for the Reuters on Friday companies will invest in a number of tour- Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Dohaland boasts a long and rich business operations and finally to country’s oil, keeps ownership of would not be able to book reserves ism development projects that are CEO, Shurooq and Abdul Aziz history in the tourism and hos- assemble and develop motivated crude in state hands, lawmakers - a key wish of multinational under Shurooq. Al Emadi, CEO, Dohaland pitality sector.” employees in an efficient manage- said. companies. Dohaland Hospitality is a leader Hospitality. Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal ment structure. David Penchyna, leader of “They won’t be able to book in the hospitality sector and man- Speaking on the occasion, said: “This agreement will see Dr Norton, one of the leading the Senate’s energy committee reserves of hydrocarbons coming ages, develops and launches hotels Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, the building of joint ventures thinkers in strategic perform- and a member of Pena Nieto’s from Mexico because hydrocar- and hospitality projects, with Chairperson, Shurooq said: on a solid foundation, a win-win ance management, has presented Institutional Revolutionary Party, bons are and will remain property focus on investing in renowned “Sharjah is witnessing dynamic situation for both Shurooq and Palladium’s view on “leading the said the parties had agreed to a of the nation,” he said. brands and niche hotel properties. development and remarkable Dohaland.” change”. “very big” reform he described as REUTERS Shurooq was established in growth in various sectors. The THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA QE index hits 10,375 points barrier

BY BASHEER YUSIEF of shares of Investors advanced KAHLOOT 3.40 percent and Al Rayan added 3.18 percent. ATAR stock market saw In contrast, Cinema was the a slowdown for the second biggest loser by 5.08 percent, fol- Qweek in a row, which has lowed by the General Insurance been obviously reflected in the four percent. Navigation dropped performances of most of the main 2.79 percent and Electricity and groups. The benchmark index bank in Britain, and to open Water shed 1.60 percent while remained on the level of 10,375 branch of the bank in the Dar Al Salam and Industries Qatar points, fluctuating up and down. Salaam Complex in Al Ma’mura. dropped 1.36 percent and 1.25 Trading volume decreased by The general index has risen by percent respectively. 30.8 percent to QR1.58bn, while about 14 points and by 0.14 per- The total trading volume the index rose in three days of cent to reach the level of 10,389.1 decreased by 30.8 percent to the week, and fell in two days, points. All share indexes rose QR1,585m. The total trading on besides active trading on shares barely to less than one point to the the shares of the top six companies of Vodafone, Al Rayyan, Nakilat, level of 2583.4 points. This limited reached to about QR791.9m, which Barwa and Investors. rise in the general index and all- is about 50 percent of the total. At the end, the general index share indexes were resulted from Trading on Vodafone’s shares rose to about 14 points only com- the rise in the prices of shares of topped the trading with QR189.1m, paring to the previous week to the three sectors. Where the bank- followed with the trading on Al level of 10,389 points. All-share ing sector rose by 0.49 percent, Rayyan shares worth QR151.2m, indexes increased, besides only and the telecommunication sector then on the shares of Nakilat with shares of three sectors, where the went up by 0.46 percent, the real QR140.6m. These werer followed total capitalisation decreased to estate sector grew by 0.17 percent. by the trading on shares of Barwa about one billion and reached to Industries sector dropped by with a value of QR122.3m, trading the level of QR554bn. 0.65 percent, followed by the trans- on the shares of Investors Group The week witnessed some portation sector which lost 0.55 worth QR102.8m and the last was scattered news, which may have percent. The insurance sector lost the trading on Commercial bank influenced the trading on shares by 0.26 percent, and the consumer worth QR85.9m. of some companies, including goods dipped by 0.01 percent. The total market capitalisa- the declaration made by Qatar Of the 42 listed companies, 22 tion has been decreased to about Navigation about the end of the climbed and 18 dropped, while QR1bn to the level of QR554bn at buying period of the shares of share prices of two companies, closing with the end of the ses- company as treasury shares, National Leasing and Al Khaleej sions during the week. a period that extended to six Takaful, remained stable. Qatari portfolios has bought months. The week witnessed the Trading on Ahli shares was net stocks worth QR62.1m and signing of a Letter of Intent by the highest in terms of price by Qatari individuals bought worth Qatar Cement Company to estab- rising eight percent, followed by QR66m. On other hand, non- lish cement plant No. 5. Al Rayan the price of shares of Vodafone by Qatari portfolios sold net stocks bank disclosed that it has reached 6.76 percent. Widam rose by 4.1 worth QR29.1m, and non-Qatari an agreement on the terms of percent. While Islamic Holding individual sold QR70.2m. cash offer to acquire an Islamic Group gained 4.10 percent, price THE PENINSULA

Thyssen to keep European steel unit

FRANKFURT: Germany’s wrong to believe that a sale of the of losses and racked up debts, ThyssenKrupp is holding European business could support is trying to move away from on to its Steel Europe busi- the company. a bulk steel market, hit by ness, a company spokesman According to the report, weak demand and overcapac- said yesterday, responding to he added that a divestment ity, to more profitable products speculation that a sale could would not yield a reasonable such as elevators and factory help its current restructuring price in the current economic components. efforts. environment. In February, ThyssenKrupp “We’ve always said that we Hiesinger in August dismissed said it wanted to cut ¤500m want to keep the steel business,” any speculation on a possible sale ($684.2m) in costs over the the spokesman said. of Steel Europe as “nonsense”, next three years at its Steel German magazine Focus, cit- but such talk has resurfaced due Europe operations, which could ing no sources, reported that to the conglomerate’s weakening lead to about 14 percent of the ThyssenKrupp Chief Executive finances. division’s workforce leaving the Heinrich Hiesinger had told an ThyssenKrupp, which has company. internal leadership meeting it was suffered three straight years REUTERS SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Egypt spent Trade ministers $1bn of stimulus package, says begin TPP talks minister

CAIRO: Egypt has spent 7bn Egyptian pounds ($1.02bn) of in Singapore a package of 29.7bn pounds intended to stimulate an econ- omy ravaged by more than two years of political turmoil, Meeting deadline unlikely: Analysts Planning Minister Ashraf Al Arabi said yesterday. SINGAPORE: Trade minis- has already caused negotiators to Many tourists and investors ters from the United States and miss the original 2012 deadline have stayed away since a popular 11 other countries opened talks set by Obama to reach a deal, uprising ousted autocrat Hosni yesterday in an attempt to meet with the new target also looking Mubarak in 2011. The army’s a US deadline to forge a trans- unlikely. removal of the elected Islamist Pacific trade pact before the end “They aren’t very far away from president, Mohammed Mursi, last of the year. a deal but my own guess is that July after months of protests has However, analysts said an they are more likely to conclude failed to bring calm back to the agreement on the proposed around March,” said Deborah streets. Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) K Elms, a specialist on the TPP Gulf states, mistrustful of was unlikely to be reached dur- at the S Rajaratnam School of Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood, ing the four-day meeting, and International Studies (RSIS) in have pledged over $12bn in aid activists slammed the US for its Singapore. to help Egypt overcome its bal- “manipulative” tactics in a bid to She said that the year-end ance of payments crisis and get a deal done. deadline had already “looked A view of the container port in Singapore yesterday. Trade ministers from the US and 11 other countries opened avoid painful austerity measures The TPP is being negotiated by problematic for months” as dif- talks in Singapore in an attempt to meet a US deadline to forge a trans-Pacific trade pact before the end of the year. that could ignite more popular 12 nations — Australia, Brunei, ferences remained. unrest. Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Elms, however, said there was a trading in key sector trading like industry, want drug companies to advantage over private firms, The most populous Arab coun- Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, “very slim chance” that the min- autos and agriculture,” said Biden, extend patent protection beyond analysts said. Activists monitor- try, whose GDP grew a mere 2.2 Singapore, the United States and isters might announce a “political who also welcomed South Korea’s the typical 20-year limit. ing the talks criticised the US for percent in the financial year Vietnam — that together make up agreement”. interest in joining the TPP talks. Drug firms say this is necessary its negotiating tactics. ending June 2013, low for an 40 percent of the global economy. “This means that they take “We have to agree on final to allow them to recover invest- Nobuhiko Suto, a Japanese emerging economy, launched a Washington has spearheaded the photographs in Singapore... regulations that allow financial ments and continue research for former MP from the opposition 22.3bn pound stimulus package the secretive talks, which have and announce a deal and then institutions to operate fully.” fresh cures. DPJ party, said the US was break- in August, increasing it later to been denounced by non-govern- finish up the hard parts later,” While in Japan on Tuesday, But activist groups like human- ing the rules by holding parallel just short of 30bn. ment groups for their alleged lack said Elms, head of the Temasek Biden pushed Tokyo to step up itarian organisation Medecins talks with individual countries on Officials hope that, with the of transparency. Foundation Centre for Trade and efforts to open its auto and farm Sans Frontieres (Doctors issues that should be discussed stimulus package, growth could The ministers, who arrived Negotiations at RSIS. markets. Without Borders) say such patent multilaterally. reach 3.5 percent by the end of in Singapore from the just-con- “But this strategy seems a bit Foreign automakers have long protection would restrict access “The US acts as if it knows eve- June 2014. cluded World Trade Organisation risky to me, as it means that they complained that Japanese author- to cheaper generic drugs for mil- rything,” he told reporters at a They also hope to lower the talks in Bali, did not issue any really have to sort out the last ities erect huge barriers to its lions of poor people. press briefing on the sidelines of budget deficit to 10 percent of statement as they began the remaining tough spots and do it lucrative market and Tokyo has Negotiators are ironing out the talks. GDP this fiscal year, ending June meeting. rather hastily afterwards.” insisted it will never lift all tariffs kinks over a provision that allows Jane Kelsey, a law professor at 2014, from 14 percent last year, President Barack Obama has US Vice-President Joe Biden, on sensitive farm products amid companies in any of the TPP the University of Auckland, called despite increasing government hailed the TPP as a centrepiece of who is in South Korea on the final strong domestic opposition to countries to bid for government the talks a “very manipulative spending by 35 percent to 85 bil- renewed US engagement in Asia, leg of a Northeast Asia tour, said opening up the sector. procurement contracts within the process because it marginalises lion pounds. saying it contains market-opening that more work would be needed TPP negotiators have also been trade grouping. those that are potential critics The government has paid off commitments that go well beyond to secure a deal before the year- divided over patent issues, in par- There are also disagreements and makes it harder for them to 1bn pounds’ worth of arrears to those made in other free-trade end deadline. ticular on medicines. over textiles as well as on the continue rejecting compromised contractors and expects to pay off accords. “We have to end the bureau- US negotiators, backed by treatment of state-owned enter- deals”. another 1bon pounds before the But the complexity of the issues cratic hurdles that close off the powerful pharmaceuticals prises deemed to have an undue AFP end of December, Arabi said. REUTERS

Tunisia 2013 growth not to Greek lawmakers to approve tentative growth budget ATHENS: Greece’s parlia- The budget plans for Greece’s deep and the European Commission. moratorium on home foreclos- track to reach a primary budget exceed 2.6pc: ment prepared to approve next recession to end next year with 0.6 The troika predicts that ures, but such a measure is likely surplus,” European Commission year’s budget, which forecasts percent growth following a 4.0 per- Greece’s 2014 fiscal gap will to be opposed by several ruling President Jose Manuel Barroso an end to the recession that has cent contraction in 2013. exceed ¤1.5bn, while the Greek party lawmakers and could risk said Wednesday. World Bank gripped the country since 2008. The text submitted to lawmak- government estimates the sum the cohesion of the conservative- “However we know that the The coalition government has ers also forecasts an extra ¤2.1bn at slightly more than ¤500m. socialist coalition. economic situation is still frag- TUNIS: The World Bank pre- a four-seat majority in parlia- ($2.8bn) in tax revenue and a The talks on the latest loan Greece hopes to conclude its ile and this is not the time to fall dicted that growth in Tunisia, ment, and the budget is expected ¤3.1bn cut to state spending. release, which began in September troika talks before January 1, victim to reform fatigue. More where the economy continues to to pass, notably since more con- But the budget was introduced and will continue this month, are when it assumes the rotating work is needed on the fiscal pack- suffer from a political impasse troversial legislation covering despite Athens’ failure to reach also stumbling on the issues of a European Union presidency. age, tax and public administra- and security problems, will not property issues will be debated full agreement with auditors from new property tax, home foreclos- “Greece has made impres- tion reform, privatisations and exceed 2.6 percent in 2013. separately next week. the troika of international credi- ures, layoffs in the state sector sive progress over the last year, improvements to the business The forecast contrasts with the “I do not expect (a setback),” tors that have extended it bailout and the slow pace of privatisation. and the hard work is paying off. environment and product and Tunisian authorities’ more opti- Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras loans, the International Monetary The government is under pres- Greece is set to emerge from service markets,” Barroso said. mistic growth estimates, of 3.0 to said in reference to the budget vote. Fund, the European Central Bank sure from the troika to loosen a recession next year and is on AFP 3.5 percent this year and 4.5 per- cent in 2014, and is one percent- age point below the International Monetary Fund’s latest forecast. In a note entitled “Escaping austerity while accelerating GE to pay $18m to settle growth,” the World Bank said Tunisia was paying the price for the political crisis, which was hin- dering the establishment of func- bond-rigging lawsuit tioning institutions. It also pointed to Tunisia’s NEW YORK: General GE Capital bankers: Dominick growing security concerns Electric Co has agreed to pay Carollo, Steven Goldberg and “relating to terrorism” and as much as $18.25m to settle a Peter Grimm. Europe’s economic woes as fac- class action lawsuit accusing GE’s settlement follows an tors impacting on the country’s it of rigging bids for municipal earlier $30m settlement by the own performance. securities, court papers filed Fairfield, Connecticut-based com- The Bank said investments, show. pany to resolve claims by state exports and tourism had “dropped The accord requires court attorneys general. or at best stagnated”, that phos- approval, and flows from liti- In 2011, GE also agreed to pay phate production remained weak gation that began in 2008 over $70m to resolve a investigation due to social unrest and that the claims that banks and finance by the US Department of Justice agricultural sector had suffered companies conspired to artificially into its role in bid-rigging of from bad weather. fix prices for so-called municipal municipal bonds. “The weakening of Tunisia’s derivatives. In the lawsuit, investors con- macro-economic fundamentals is The GE settlement involved tended bid-rigging by GE and more and more worrying. Fiscal activity by three of the compa- other firms violated antitrust law vulnerability has worsened, exter- ny’s units: GE Funding Capital and forced them to receive lower nal deficits remain high and pub- Market Services, Trinity interest rates than they otherwise lic debt is growing.” Funding Co and Trinity Plus would have. The bank also warned that Funding Co. The lead plaintiffs include the unemployment, a driving factor International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde is greeted by faculty members at the Yangon A spokesman for General City of Baltimore, and the Central behind the January 2011 revolution, Institute of Economics at Yangon University yesterday. Electric did not immedi- Bucks School District and Bucks would stay high in the short time, ately respond to a request for County Water & Sewer Authority given that “Tunisia needed growth comment. in Pennsylvania. of more than 4.5 percent to reduce Focus on poverty reduction: IMF to Myanmar The settlement was revealed The GE and Bank of America the number of people out of work.” two days after plaintiffs sought settlements follow earlier deals The national unemployment YANGON: International yesterday on her first official trip still lives below the poverty line. court approval of a separate $20 for $44.6m by JPMorgan Chase & rate stands at around 15 percent, Monetary Fund chief Christine to the country formerly known as “The next step is to build on million settlement with Bank of Co, $37m by Wells Fargo & Co and but that figure rises to more than Lagarde urged Myanmar — Burma. She met with a range of these gains and take the path of America Corp over its own alleged $6.5m by Morgan Stanley, court 30 percent among university which is enjoying an economic government officials and opposi- sustained, strong, and inclusive big-rigging conduct. papers show. graduates. boom after decades of interna- tion leader Aung San Suu Kyi. growth to lower poverty and The deal also came almost two As with GE, Bank of America, The economic malaise and tional isolation under the junta “Three-quarters of the popula- lift the prospects of everyone in weeks after a federal appeals JPMorgan, Wells Fargo and UBS political deadlock gripping the — to urgently prioritise tackling tion have no access to electricity... Myanmar,” she said. court reversed the convictions of AG have settled related claims country, along with the rise in widespread poverty. only one percent of the population “Clearly, too many people are three former GE banking execu- brought by various state attor- attacks by militants, which many “As Myanmar opens up and uses the Internet,” she said. not yet equipped for the economy tives for conspiring to rig bids neys general. blame the ruling Islamist party expands, it needs the structural High annual growth rates and a of tomorrow,” she added. for contracts to invest municipal The case is In re: Municipal Ennahda for failing to prevent, foundations of a modern economy. large, untapped domestic market, She highlighted the impor- bond proceeds. Derivatives Antitrust Litigation, has fuelled discontent in Tunisia, This is an urgent priority,” she have triggered a surge of inter- tance of agriculture to the coun- The 2nd US Circuit Court of US District Court, Southern spurring a growing number of said in a speech to students at the est from foreign investors, but try’s economy, pointing out it Appeals has yet to release its District of New York, No. strikes and protests. Yangon Institute of Economics. Lagarde pointed out that 26 per- accounted for over a third of GDP. reasoning for overturning the 08-02516. AFP Lagarde was in Yangon cent of the country’s population AFP 2012 convictions of the three REUTERS SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

The truth about Is Lew right about feat Blackstone, Cordere BY FELIX SALMON of financial reforms? BY NEIL IRWIN into trouble, and in the meantime we need did last year, when it cut 10,000 jobs, and ’ve always felt that the Daily Show should do more finan- to be constantly thinking of how to make what Bank of America is doing in getting cial stuff, and there’s no doubt that Wednesday’s piece on t’s not quite a victory lap, but Treasury our regulations better.” But what is Lew out of the mortgage business.) Blackstone was funny. But it was also extremely credulous Secretary Jack Lew is arguing that the referring to, and does he have a case? Over his nine months as Treasury secre- Iabout a single Bloomberg article from October. battle against too-big-to-fail financial Lew’s approach — and that of other lead- tary, Lew has spent a considerable amount Jon Stewart — a man who, according to the NYT, might be “the institutions is largely won. Yes, there ing US regulators, for that matter — has not of time knocking heads with the panoply of most trusted man in America” — said that the Bloomberg piece remain enormous banks with multi- been to start with some baseline assumption often-squabbling financial regulators who was “unbelievable story” of how Blackstone engaged in “incredibly Itrillion-dollar balance sheets and operations about what the proper size and complexion have to come together to actually carry egregious behaviour” which “should be illegal” — strong words, in all corners of the financial world. But, of the US financial industry ought to be. out the details of the Dodd-Frank financial which elicited smart reactions from both Matt Levine and Dan Lew said in a speech Thursday, the reforms Rather, he (and counterparts at the Federal reforms. While he doesn’t have any direct Primack. In a sign of the degree to which Bloomberg is implicitly implemented through the Dodd-Frank Act Reserve and beyond) has tended to focus control over, for example, the details of the trusted, however, all concerned — Bloomberg View, the Daily are making it pretty much unthinkable that on narrower questions, demanding that “Volcker Rule” regulations that seek to pro- Show, Fortune — take at face value the core assertion made by one of these institutions could fail in a way firms that are large and complex enough to hibit banks from engaging in certain types Bloomberg News: that Blackstone made a profit of “from €11.4m that brings on a government bailout or leads endanger the entire economy pay a price for of speculative trading, Lew has pushed dis- to as much as €13.7m” on its Cordere trade. to a catastrophic economic downturn. that privilege: higher capital requirements, parate agencies to work together to arrive The article attributes those numbers simply to “data compiled “Put simply, the reforms we are putting in more stringent stress testing of how they at rules expected to be approved next week. by Bloomberg”, but in fact it’s quite easy to see where they came place raise the cost for a bank to be large, might fare in a downturn, more detailed Whether that rule, and the other steps from. Blackstone, according to Bloomberg, “held €25m to €30m” requiring firms to internalise their risks, and plans of how they would be wound down in that the Obama administration and regu- of credit default swaps on Cordere. It then forced Cordere into together, with resolution authority and living the event of a failure, more regulators scru- lators have taken to try to strengthen the a technical default (repaying a loan two days late) — which trig- wills, make clear that shareholders, credi- tinising different aspects of their business. financial system over the past three years, gered those swaps and forced a payout at 45.5 cents on the dollar. tors, and executives — not taxpayers — will Then, the companies themselves have to will be enough to stop bank failures from Therefore, the amount that Blackstone received on its CDS posi- be responsible if a large financial institution make a series of decisions. To what degree is being catastrophic for the economy boils tion was somewhere between €11.375m and €13.65m. fails,” Lew said at the Pew Charitable Trusts. their size an advantage (you get economies down to this question: But that number is gross revenue, not profit. The profit on “Earlier this year, I said if we could not of scale, after all, and geographical reach Was the problem that led to the 2008 Blackstone’s CDS position can be looked at as being the difference with a straight face say we ended ‘too big and the whatever synergies that can come crisis one of just poor regulation? Of insuf- between that payout, on the one hand, and the amount that it to fail,’ we would have to look at other from offering a wide range of financial serv- ficient capital requirements and excessively spent buying the CDS in the first place, on the other. Unless we options. Based on the totality of reforms ices) and to what degree is size a disadvan- lax oversight, which can be fixed by doing have some idea of Blackstone’s cost basis on this trade, we have we are putting in place, I believe we will tage (the too-big-to-manage problem, plus all those things better? Or was the prob- no idea what its profit was. Bloomberg, however, seems to simply meet that test. But, to be clear, there is no all those regulatory headaches)? lem in 2008 more fundamental? Is the mere assume that Blackstone’s cost basis for the CDS was zero — that precise point at which you can prove with Over time, management teams and boards existence of multitrillion-dollar financial it managed to accumulate all that insurance without paying any- certainty that we have done enough. If, in of the big banks will have to weigh those behemoths, with their political connections, thing for it whatsoever. the future, we need to take further action, against each other, and if the benefits of size lobbying budgets, and inherent risk to the To be sure, Blackstone are smart operators, and I don’t doubt we will not hesitate.” exceed the costs, they will carry on. (That’s global economy the problem? If you believe that they’re making a profit on this trade. But we really have no There are quite a few caveats in there. what JPMorgan Chase seems to be doing, the first case, then Lew and the Obama idea how big that profit was. And in any case the whole thing If the question is “Has ‘too big to fail’ been adding 3,000 compliance workers and spend- administration have come a long way, and was part of a much bigger trade, which has yet to be unwound. solved?” then Lew’s answer is not a simple, ing an extra $1bn on technological controls.) we really do have a more resilient system Primack explains that “in the first half of 2013, Blackstone affiliate “Yes,” but more like, “I think so, but we won’t If they decide that it’s just not worth it, they than we did before. If you think it’s the lat- GSO Capital Partners purchased debt and credit default swaps know for sure until one of these firms runs will shrink. (That’s what Swiss bank UBS ter, then God help us all. WP-BLOOMBERG in Codere” — in other words, it entered into a basis trade, where it bought debt in a troubled company and also bought insurance on that debt. But Cordere was already a deeply troubled company in the first half of 2013, which means that Blackstone would have had to pay some nontrivial amount of money to buy its CDS posi- tion in the first place. So before we take Levine’s lead and admire the “majestic beauty” of the Blackstone deal, let’s wait and see just how profitable it was. We’re not going to know that for a while, since Blackstone is now a major creditor of Cordere, which is (still) at very high risk of defaulting on its debt: when the original Bloomberg article was published in October, Cordere’s bonds were trading at a mere 53 cents on the dollar. The way that Blackstone made some unknown amount of money on the CDS leg of its trade, then, was to take a huge direct exposure to Cordere on the other side of its trade. It’s still entirely plausible that Blackstone’s current exposure to Cordere could be written down sharply, and could even end up being bigger than the profits on its CDS trade. Two other points are worth making, here. The first is, as Primack points out, that absent new money from Blackstone, Cordere was pretty certain to default in any event. As a result, Blackstone can credibly be painted as the white knight here — as the company which managed to find a way to funnel money from the CDS market back into Cordere, thereby avoiding a bankruptcy filing. That’s certainly Blackstone’s view: spokesman Pete Rose says that the trade saved jobs at Cordere, as well as lots of money for Cordere’s supplier-creditors. What’s more, it’s worth stopping to ask who Blackstone bought the CDS from, in the first place. Not many people are in the business of writing single-name CDS on a troubled company like Cordere, and the people who do engage in such transactions tend to be highly sophisticated investors — and indeed are probably engaging in some kind of relative-value trade of their own. Add it all up, and I really don’t think that what Blackstone did was particularly egregious; there’s certainly no reason to believe that it should be illegal. The Daily Show basically accuses Blackstone of setting fire to Cordere so that it could collect the insurance proceeds — but in fact Blackstone’s actions were a large part of the reason why Cordere managed to survive. Far from being a pile of ashes, Cordere now has a real chance of avoiding liquidation. For a piece of clever financial engineering, that’s an uncommonly positive societal outcome. REUTERS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate How far can privatisation go? Perhaps govt could be outsourced BY IAN JACK two Rembrandts that were still later – as an amusing and slightly Tories’ 1983 manifesto – had still profitable stake in cross-Channel rates of pay than the average left [laughter] and they went, and camp version of a previous age. to complete their journey from trains, and which has its eye on British infantryman. Why not he phrase “selling the fam- now we’re promised in the king’s He disavowed the speech only the public sector, and the big pri- all kinds of small treasures that outsource the police, given that ily silver” became the most speech a further sale of anything a few days afterwards, telling the vatisations that would affect every in future may raise a few bob and prison warders are already pri- celebrated if not the deep- that can be scraped up. You can’t House of Lords that he’d been household had yet to come. Gas, enable a tax cut? Comparisons with vatised? Why not outsource the Test criticism of Thatcher’s sell the coalmines, I’m afraid, misunderstood. All he was ques- water, electricity: people puzzled the sale of silver sugar tongs and government? It has cut so many privatisation programme, though because nobody will buy them tioning was the government’s wis- as to how the same stuff flowing Canalettos hardly seem adequate. parts from itself that it does no Harold Macmillan never used those [laughter, prolonged applause].” dom in treating the capital raised through the same pipes and wires Surely the crumbling house itself more than bleed on its stumps. exact words. At a dinner of the When Macmillan made the by privatisation as income; as a could be owned by different compa- has a For Sale sign nailed to it at a Finally, why not outsource the Tory Reform Group – wets, moder- speech, on 8 November 1985, he Conservative he was “naturally in nies, and yet somehow it became so crazy angle, with stickers attached political class that without inter- ates, Europhiles, none of them “one was 91 and had just over a year favour of returning into private in the name of competition. Nigel to the inhabitants for they too ruption since 1979 has promoted of us” – the former prime minister left to live. He still cut an attrac- ownership … all those means of Lawson triumphantly announced have a value as the consumers of the denigration of public service devised a more extended metaphor tive figure – the inverted V of his production and distribution which “the birth of people’s capitalism”, the stuff their new owner will sell while upholding the idea of pri- that drew on an aristocratic life- bow tie matched the weary droop are now controlled by state capi- but many private companies sold them. vate profit, or at best done noth- style that had been failing since its of his moustache and eyebrows talism”. But the metaphor had out to foreign ownership; oth- The words of the novelist and ing to stop it. How interesting it heyday in his Edwardian childhood. – though his reference to the made its mark, and the fact is that ers were taken over by private reporter James Meek ring ever would be to oversee the tendering When individuals or estates ran king’s speech suggested that a few Macmillan’s “family silver” and equiteers; others again subsumed truer. “The commodity that process for the last – to weigh up into financial trouble, he said, they marbles were coming unstuck in British Gas’s “Tell Sid” slogan are into octopus-like businesses such makes water and roads and air- the rival claims of political teams would commonly sell a few of their what was once one of the sharp- probably the most-remembered as Serco and G4S, which picked up ports valuable to an investor, for- from, say, Finland, Germany and assets. “First the Georgian silver est minds in British politics. The phrases from the early years of the contracts for outsourced work eign or otherwise, is the people Iceland to transform the House of goes. Then all that nice furniture audience loved him. He was the the war against public ownership. ranging from Royal Navy tugboats who have no choice but to use Commons into a more intelligent that used to be in the saloon. Then last British prime minister to Oddly, given that privatisation was to nursing assistants. them,” Meek wrote last year in and courteous debating chamber the Canalettos go.” have served in the first world war, to have such profound effects on This landscape is familiar to us, the London Review of Books. that had outgrown the Oxford He began to wander a bit. “And where he was badly wounded, and British life, both in their different but what would Macmillan have “We have no choice but to pay Union. then the most tasty morsel, the the last born during Victoria’s ways raised a smile; did we know made of it? What kind of country- the price the toll keepers charge. How good it would be if the most productive of all, they got reign; a “born actor”, people said, what was coming? house metaphor would be equal to We are a human revenue stream; shouters and petty point-scorers rid of Cable and Wireless, and because he was always so effort- At the time of Macmillan’s the modern situation where the we are being made tenants in our could be replaced, on the male side having got rid of the only part of lessly droll. His references to oil speech, privatisation had hardly electricity is owned in France, the own land, defined by the string of at least, with grave pipe-smokers the railways that paid, and a part paintings and precious table- begun. British Rail’s ferries football clubs by emirs and the pub- private fees we pay to exist here.” who spoke in charming English of the steel industry that paid, ware, his correct but vintage use and hotels were the first to go. lishing houses in Germany and the But why not take it further and wanted only the best for the and having sold this and that, of the word “saloon”: this kind of But British Telecom, British US? Or a state that has recently and outsource the air force, the country they had come to super- the great thing of the monopoly thing endeared him to the pub- Steel, British Airways, British sold off the Royal Mail too cheaply, army and the navy? Mercenaries vise – a colony almost, deserving telephone system came on the lic for much the same reasons Shipbuilders and Rolls-Royce – that has privatised its blood plasma from poorer countries would be enlightened rule. market. They [sic] were like the as Downton Abbey did 25 years all of them listed as targets in the service and is about to sell its cheaper, accepting even worse THE GUARDIAN SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com GECM & TENDERS

GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS MAP (GECM) Every Sunday Britain’s growth forecast German central bank raises almost doubles growth forecast LONDON: Britain’s BERLIN: Germany’s central bank government announced the raised its growth forecast for the Russia’s economic model losing biggest upgrade to official German economy next year to 1.7 potential for growth Japan’s Oct. key economic US economic confidence rises percent on Friday, citing expanding growth projections in more in November domestic demand in its upbeat MOSCOW: During the past three years, index up to highest level in than a decade on Thursday, the current state and the prospects of 5 years WASHINGTON: Americans were much assessment. The forecast was up following the UK economy’s Russia’s economy have provoked positive more upbeat about the US economy in from the Bundesbank’s prediction TOKYO: Japan’s key index of surprisingly strong turnaround. and negative forecasts within the country November than they were in October, made in June of 1.5 percent gross indicators designed to show the In a budget update, finance domestic product growth for 2014 and among authoritative international but are still less confident than they current state of the economy rose minister George Osborne said based on an easing of the wider agencies. By 2013, however, the arm of were in the months before the federal in October to its highest level the economy was on track eurozone crisis. the barometer began definitely moving government shutdown. Gallup’s in more than five years, with to grow by 1.4 percent this toward the storm. According to official Economic Confidence Index averaged economic recovery prodding year - more than double the data, since the last quarter of 2012, -25 in November, improving from -35 in companies to bolster production 0.6 percent pencilled in at the Russia’s economic dynamics began October but still below the -19 found and investment, the government time of the March budget. slowing down. in September. November is the first said Friday. 109.6, up for the month that the index has improved second straight month, against since May, when it peaked at -7. Indian economy to grow at 6pc the 2010 base of 100, the Cabinet by 2015: Morgan Stanley Office said in a preliminary report. South Africa rand dips to near NEW DELHI: Morgan Stanley has five-year low revised upwards their Indian economy growth estimates for 2013, 2014 as JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s volatile well as 2015. At the same time, it is rand dipped to a near five-year low cautiously optimistic about Indian Brazil’s economy posts worst against the US dollar on Thursday as economy prospects. Morgan Stanley quarterly performance in two years Africa’s largest economy battles with believes that the Indian economy a widening current account deficit and RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil’s economy will be able to achieve 6pc growth weakening investor confidence. The shrank in the third quarter as investment by 2015 from the current stagflation- rand, which has depreciated by about Australia growth rate falls declined and manufacturing and type economic environment. It has 20 per cent against major currencies short of forecasts agricultural output slumped, adding to revised and raised its Indian economy since the beginning of the year, fell the woes of a country that recently faced growth expectations for this year end SYDNEY: Australia has reported weaker- by as much as 1 per cent to 10.5389 mass street protests and is straining to as well as 2014, to 4.7pc and 5.1pc than-expected growth for the July-to- against the dollar – its lowest intraday get ready to host soccer’s World Cup next (India’s GDP grew at 4.8pc as per data September quarter partly due to slower level since March 2009. year. Latin America’s largest economy released on 29th November.) The note domestic demand. The nation’s gross contracted 0.5pc compared with the said. domestic product (GDP) expanded 0.6pc second quarter, or minus 1.9pc at an compared to the previous quarter and annualized rate. 2.3pc year-on-year. Most analysts had forecast a quarterly growth of about 0.7pc and an annual expansion of close to 2.6pc.

TENDERS

TENDER TENDER CLOSING TENDER TENDER CLOSING No. COMPANY TENDER NO. SUBJECT No. COMPANY TENDER NO. SUBJECT BOND FEES DATE BOND FEES DATE Supply and installation and operation of HD Survey & tagging of all pipelines, valves & 128/ Monday 1GT13112200 QR 250,000 QR 500 22/12/2013 24 Video edit server storage with accessories for QR 15,000 QR 250 other eqpt outside plant in Dkn flds 2013-2014 06/01/2014 Media Production Center 120- 2013- Planting and maintenance of green areas in Monday Stocking & supply of lubricating oil & grease 1.12.2013 25 QR 50,000 QR 500 2GT13MT0024 QR 141,000 QR 1,000 2014 Abu Samra Centre 30/12/2013 on call-off basis for a period of three (3) years (12:00hrs) Upgrading & maintenance of fire alarm & fire 115 Monday 26 fighting system in Police Motor Workshop on QR 60,000 QR 500 2013-2014 23/12/2013 Sale and removal of line pipes/spools, Ministry of Salwa Road separator lift pumps, flanges, ball/control 16.12.2013 Interior 3ST13MT0298 QR 2,000 Free 121- 2013- Renovation of coast Guard blocks at North Monday valves, transmitter, pressure gauge/ (12:00hrs) 27 QR 45,000 QR 500 2014 areas 30/12/2013 indicators etc. 124/2013- Monday Epic for replacement of VSDS at production 28 Renovation works for Al Baadi accommodation QR 25,000 QR 250 4 GT13111700 QR 1100,000 QR 500 15/12/2013 2014 30/12/2013 stations and RG Transmission pipelines for mega reservoirs material supply, construction, testing and Tanks (T5,T6 & 6833-T-1) & (QJA14, 5 GT13111900 QR 1560,000 QR 500 15/12/2013 commissioning of transmission mains 02/01/2014 QAJ15,QAJ16&T1750) Rehab work QPGO (MES) around the City of Doha, which are required QR Not later 29 GTC 611/2013 QR 20,000 to facilitate the Mega reservoir project, and 10,000,000 than 11:00 fibre Optic cable ducts, consisting of: 10.8 am Stocking & supply of water flter cartridges on 23/12/2013 6ST13MT0327 QR 15,000 QR 100 km of 900mm, 36.5 km of 1200 mm, 3.4km of call-off basis for a period of three (3) years (12:00hrs) 1400mm & 49.6km of 1600 mm dia. mains. 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And 1.15 km of package pm within Dukhan fields 1200mm including branch connections from QEZ desalination plant Corrosion inhibitor tanker (1 No.) (Diesel 12/01/2014 9LT13MT0071 QR 80,000 Qr 500 Consultancy Services for Geophysical and engine vehicle, 12,000 L stainless steel tank) (12:00hrs) Structural integrity prepapre a comprehensive study and assessment for the current condition 26/12/2013 Miscellaneous maintenance support services GTC of Kahramaa 37 numbers existing reservoirs Not later 10 GT13111600 QR 175,000 QR 500 15/12/2013 31 QR 300,000 QR 3,000 at contractors workshop 598/2013 necessary for refurbishment or demolition and than re-construction, in addition to preparaion of 11:00am Stocking & supply of sub-sea cement (type II 22/12/2013 tender documents and site supervision for the 11 LT13MT0073 Astmc 150-97) on call off basis for a period of QR 34,000 QR 500 (12:00hrs) construction contracts three(3) years (re-tender) On-call contract for 2 years supply, Various safety training materials for Ras Laffan 29/12/2013 installation, replacement and maintenance of 12 LT13MT0075 QR 42,000 QR 500 PWA/ fire detection and fire alarm system at various College (12:00hrs) 32 QR 105,000 QR 1,000 15/12/2013 ITC/019/13-14 pumping stations & workshops for drainage networks O & M department AA/DOM/13- Stocking & supply of sulphuric acid 14/M/1573-6.06/1 22.12.2013 13 LT13MT0070 (98% & 50%) on call-off basis for a period of QR 25,000 QR 500 (12:00hrs) On-call supply, delivery and filling of chemcials three (3) years PWA/ (50% caustic soda & hypochlorite solutions) in 33 STC/031/13- QR 21,000 QR 400 30/12/2013 Sale and removal of flanges, 48’ venturi 16.12.2013 storage tanks at various pumping station AA- 14 ST13MT0300 QR 2,000 Free 14 flanges, plate pack heat exchanger (12:00hrs) DOM/13-14/M/1256-2.05/S Sale and removal of welding/relieving 16.12.2013 Post contract professional consultancy 15 ST13MT0299 machines, electric motors, equipment, QR 2,000 Free (12:00hrs) PWA/ services for General, site supervision and decoders, spares etc. 34 STC/034/13- Quantity surveying for construction of sewer QR 35,000 QR 500 30/12/2013 Sale and removal of circuit breakers lifting 14 extension & house connections at Murikh 16.12.2013 16 ST13MT0301 truck, power supply units and Seg circuit QR 2,000 Free area-phase 4 IA/D-HC/13-14/069/S (12:00hrs) breaker etc. PWA/ Asset tagging at pumping stations AA/ 35 QR 123,000 QR 1,000 5/1/2014 Sale and removal of SPM floating/tanker rail 16.12.2013 ITC/017/13-14 DOM/13-14/M/1570-2.06/I 17 ST13MT0302 QR 2,000 Free hoses (12:00hrs) PWA/ construction of additional classrooms for 3 16.12.2013 36 GTC/070/13- Nos. schools around Doha and villages BA/13- QR 400,000 QR 1,500 7/1/2014 18 ST13MT0312 Sale and removal of Nissan Juke F 15-2012 QR 2,000 Free (12:00hrs) 14 14/C/054/G PWA/ Improvement on C-Ring Road junctions and Sale and removal of shredded wood stockpiled 16.12.20123 37 GTC/062/13- QR 6,500,00 QR 6,0000 10.12.2013 19 ST13MT0329 QR 2,000 Free roundabouts IA/13-14/C/036/G in RLC (12:00hrs) 14

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General repair of radiators on call-off basis PWA/ Sewer extension & house connections Al 21 ST13106400 QR 40,000 QR 200 16.12.2013 within Dukhan fields 39 GTC/071/13- Jazeera/Qatar Television stations IA/D-HC/13- QR 300,000 QR 1,500 31/12/2013 14 14/C/076/G Supply, installation and operation of workshop 125/ 2013- Monday 22 tools & equipment for the general Directorate QR 50,000 QR 500 Post contract professional consultancy 14 30/12/2013 Ministry of of Civil Defence PWA/ services for the construction of Main building Interior 40 GTC/072/13- and Ancillary building for Coast Guard stations QR 400,000 QR 1,000 7/1/2014 127/ 2013- Supply and installation of sport equipment for Monday 14 a n d S h w i s m s a h a n d R a s M a t b a k h , Q a t a r 23 QR 35,000 QR 500 2014 Civil Defence 06/01/2014 BA/13-14/S/065/G SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Woods ties course record 62 The world number one has 10 birdies and no bogeys for an 11-under total of 133

THOUSAND OAKS, up for a round that was delayed Woods World UNITED STATES: for an hour by morning frost. Tiger Woods matched his “I did not warm up well,” he Challenge Scores own Sherwood Country Club said. “I was not hitting it very THOUSAND OAKS: Scores yesterday in the course record yesterday with a good on the range.” second round of the $3.5m Northwestern 10-under 62 to take the lead in He opened with back-to-back Mutual World Challenge hosted by Tiger his World Challenge. birdies at the first and second, Woods (USA unless noted, par-72): The world number one, who leaving himself a putt of less than 133 Tiger Woods 71-62 started the day four shots off the two feet at the first. 135 Zach Johnson 67-68 lead, had 10 birdies and no bogeys But it wasn’t until the third for an 11-under total of 133. hole, he said, that he felt his swing 136 Matt Kuchar 68-68 That gave him a two-shot lead really click. 139 Graeme McDowell (NIR) 72-67 over first-round leader Zach “I tried to keep that feeling 140 Bubba Watson 70-70 Johnson, who had four birdies in the rest of the day, and I did,” he 141 Bill Haas 73-68, Jim Furyk 72-69 a four-under 68 for 135. said. “I hit a lot of good shots after 143 Keegan Bradley 75-68, Ian Poulter “It was good today,” said Woods, that.” (ENG) 76-67 who has won this 18-man tour- Woods’ score was one shot off nament he hosts for the benefit the best of his career. He has 144 Jason Day (AUS) 76-68, Webb of his charitable foundation five shot 61 four times, most recently Simpson 73-71 times. He set the course record in the second round of the WGC 145 Jason Dufner 74-71 of 62 in the second round in 2007, Bridgestone at Firestone in 149 Jordan Spieth 77-72, Steve Stricker en route to one of those triumphs. August -- where he went on to 75-74, Lee Westwood (ENG) 74-75 “I only made probably two putts win by seven strokes. 150 Rory McIlroy (NIR) 73-77, Hunter that were downhill. I hit a lot of “This is similar to what I did Mahan 70-80 good shots, leaving myself in these at Firestone this year,” he said. 153 Dustin Johnson 74-79 spots so my putts weren’t really “I think Firestone is a much Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the second round of the Northwestern Mutual World that difficult to make.” more difficult golf course than Challenge at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California, yesterday. Hong Kong Open Woods saw a long putt at the Sherwood, but as far as quality seventh curl around the hole and ball-striking, I hit it equally as Scores drop in the back for birdie. good today if not better.” “The next couple days, if the “Steady golf,” he said of his first win of 2013 just last week HONG KONG: Leading scores after the He kept his momentum with American Matt Kuchar carded weatherman actually does get it round. at the Australian Open, endured third round of the $1.3m Hong Kong Open a key two-putt par at the par- a 68 for 136 to stand alone in third right, we are going to have a hell “Four-under is a nice score. another tough day. yeserday at the Hong Kong Golf Club, three 12th and birdied 13 despite place heading into a weekend of a test,” Woods said. Amazing what Tiger did out He carded a five-over 77 that Fanling (par 70). a tough lie in a bunker with an that could see rain move across Johnson birdied the 18th to there. It’s just some incredible included a double-bogey six at the 200 Stuart Manley (WAL) 67-67-66 acorn behind his ball. the rolling countryside course, 64 narrow the gap to Woods -- an golf.” par-four fourth and a quadruple- 201 Shiv Kapur (IND) 69-66-66, Wade Oddly enough, Woods wasn’t kilometres (40 miles) west of Los especially pleasing finish after his Former world number one bogey nine at the par-five 16th. Ormsby (AUS) 67-68-66 feeling that great as he warmed Angeles. bogey there on Thursday. Rory McIlroy, who captured his AFP 202 Steve Webster (ENG) 71-66-65, Jose Manuel Lara (ESP) 69-68-65, Miguel Angel Jimenez (ESP) 70-67-65 203 Joel Sjoholm (SWE) 68-70-65, Prom Manley leads Hong Kong Open Meesawat (THA) 66-70-67, Alex Cejka (GER) 68-67-68, 204 Jaakko Makitalo (FIN) 67-71-66, HONG KONG: Unheralded players a shot further back. The the Challenge Tour -- was red hot “I made a lot of birdies out David Lipsky (USA) 69-68-67, Unho Stuart Manley will take a one- Spanish veteran is tied with fel- with his putter yesterday, secur- there, my game feels good,” the Park (AUS) 71-66-67, Robert-Jan shot lead going into the final low countryman and 2006 winner ing six birdies and was unlucky Australian Ormsby said. Derksen (NED) 69-67-68, Angelo round of the $1.3m Hong Kong Jose Manuel Lara and England’s not to shoot an even lower score. “It’s nice to be up near the front Que (PHI) 69-67-68 Open after carding a four- Steve Webster to set up what On the eighth hole he came there and I’m looking forward to under-par 66 on yesterday. should be an enthralling final day agonisingly close to a hole-in-one tomorrow.” Nedbank Golf The Welshman, ranked a lowly of action at Fanling. while on the 16th a perfectly hit Jimenez, 49, had one blip in 275th in the world, is bidding for Manley struck the ball beauti- iron, which was heading straight what was otherwise a magnificent Challenge Scores the biggest victory of his career fully for a third consecutive round for the pin, landed on a sprinkler third round of 65. SUN CITY, South Africa: Third round scores but a host of players looking to at the co-sanctioned European head and bounced to the back of The winner of 19 European and totals yesterrday in the European & snatch the title for themselves are Tour and Asian Tour event and the green. Tour titles enjoyed seven birdies Sunshine Tour Nedbank Golf Challenge at hot on his heels. said he was confident going into From there Manley three and was cruising until he came the Gary Player CC, Sun City, South Africa Manley lies on ten-under-par today’s climax. putted for a bogey, adding to an unstuck on the 15th, leaving the (Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 72): at the Hong Kong Golf Club after “I wanted to be leading after earlier dropped shot on the 6th, green with a costly double-bogey 200 Jamie Donaldson 67-66-67 adding to two earlier rounds of three rounds so I’m delighted,” he but he put it behind him immedi- six. 203 Thomas Bjorn (DEN) 67-70-66, Ryan 67 while there’s a two-way tie for said afterwards. ately with a birdie on 17 to sit on “I’m just a couple back from Moore (USA) 71-65-67 second with India’s Shiv Kapur “I don’t have much experience a total score of 200. the leaders. I hope to win the 205 Sergio Garcia (ESP) 66-73-66, Henrik and Wade Ormsby of Australia of leading tournaments to be hon- Kapur signed for a second con- tournament,” Jimenez, who was Stenson (SWE) 69-67-69, Thongchai Stuart Manley of Wales walks on nine under. est. I think I’ll feel a few nerves secutive 66 in a flawless round victorious in 2004, 2007 and Jaidee (THA) 69-70-66 Defending champion Miguel early on but if I’m committed to made up of four birdies and 14 2012, said. between holes during the Hong 207 Brendon De Jonge 70-68-69 Angel Jimenez, chasing a record- the golf shot I’ll be fine. I’ll just pars while Ormsby recorded If he does triumph he will Kong Open at the Hong Kong 208 DA Points (USA) 71-67-70, Darren Golf Club yesterday. equalling fourth title in the south- enjoy it.” seven birdies and three bogeys match Hsieh Yung-yo’s four wins ern Chinese city, is one of three Manley -- a one-time winner on for the same score. in the 1960s and 1970s. AFP Fichardt (RSA) 71-68-69 Mandela the secret weapon for Springboks in 1995 final

WELLINGTON: For South Africans, and the chant of “Nelson, Nelson” reverber- winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup final ated around the stands while millions more marked the emergence of the “Rainbow watched television screens transfixed. Nation” -- for New Zealanders, it was It was around that moment -- immortal- the day Nelson Mandela single-handedly ised in the 2009 movie “Invictus”, starring outpsyched the mighty All Blacks. Morgan Freeman as Mandela -- that Mains The Jonah Lomu-inspired New began to believe his team was not taking Zealanders were red-hot favourites going part in just a simple rugby game. into the decider, breezing through the “It was very much more than that,” he group stages and humiliating England in said. the semi-finals. “It was incredibly intense. The All Blacks In contrast, the Springboks scraped may well have felt like they were taking on through on the back of an unconvincing the whole world. 19-15 semi-final win over France, raising “The atmosphere in that ground could fears they would be blown away in the final not possibly be repeated, ever, because you’d at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park. never again get such a great moment in his- Then Mandela, in one of the most tory and such a great man creating that audacious political gambles of his career, moment.” appeared before the mostly white crowd of To their credit, the All Blacks maintained 62,000 wearing a Springbok jersey to shake their composure to keep the scores level the players’ hands before kick-off. after 80 minutes but succumbed to a Joel The-then All Blacks coach Laurie Mains Stransky drop-goal deep into extra-time. said the entire stadium was electrified at the Mandela then took to the field again, this sight of South Africa’s first black president time to present the William Webb Ellis tro- sporting a garment that was indelibly asso- phy to Springbok skipper Francois Pienaar. ciated with the apartheid regime. The defeat spelled the end of Mains’ A file picture dated June 24, 1995 shows “We had no idea it was going to happen,” international coaching career, but he says former South African President Nelson Mains said, just months before Mandela he still feels proud to have been on the side- died aged 95 after a long illness. Mandela, wearing a Springbok rugby lines as history was being made. “When Nelson Mandela appeared from jersey, as he waves to the crowds at the “Put the rugby aside, put the result aside under the grandstand with a Springbok jer- 1995 Rugby World Cup final at Ellis Park for the moment -- I feel deeply honoured sey on, the crowd literally erupted. Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. and humbled that I was part of such a great “It was the most awesome experience I’ve occasion in world sport,” he said. had at a rugby stadium. Clearly it was a Nor does he bear any ill will to Mandela, huge boost, not just to the crowd but to the after years of fighting ... that one day they the Springboks’ secret weapon on the Springbok team.” all came together.” day, whom he subsequently met when he Lomu, who was named player of the tour- At the time, Mandela had been presi- returned to Johannesburg to coach Super nament, said it was intimidating to meet dent for barely a year and many whites still rugby in 2000-2001. Mandela decked out in his opponents’ regarded him as a terrorist over his support “The balance and compassion that man colours. for armed struggle against apartheid. showed after what he had been through is an “It felt like the pressure was all on us He also risked alienating black sup- example for all leaders in the world,” he said. because they had Nelson Mandela on their porters, for whom rugby union, and the “My everlasting impression of Nelson side,” he recalled ahead of the 2007 World Springbok jersey in particular, had long Mandela is that if we could have a few more Cup. been a hated symbol of white supremacy. of him, then the world would be a much “They had all their country finally united But on June 24, 1995, the gamble paid off better place to live in.” AFP SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

NHL Results Detroit 3 New Jersey 1 Carolina 5 San Jose 3 Columbus 4 Minnesota 0 Nasser focuses on Rio goal Anaheim 3 Chicago 2 Colorado 3 Calgary 2 2012 Games bronze medallist to concentrate on shooting over rallying Vancouver 3 Phoenix 2

BY ARMSTRONG VAS Ducks beat

DOHA: The 2016 Rio De Blackhawks Janeiro Olympic Games may be some 972 days away, but that has not stopped short Qatar’s high- in shoot-out profile athlete Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah from kick starting his CHICAGO: Jonas Hiller and preparations for the multi-dis- the Anaheim Ducks finally ciple event. grabbed another shoot-out win. The 42-year-old Qatari, bronze Against a good team, too. medallist at the 2012 London Hiller stopped Patrick Sharp Games, has began his prepara- and Patrick Kane in the tie- tions in right earnest at the Losail breaker, leading the Ducks to a Shooting Range. 3-2 win yesterday and sending Yesterday, Nasser who has rep- the Chicago Blackhawks to their resented Qatar at five Olympic third consecutive loss. Anaheim Games, was an ardent listener was coming off consecutive shoot- to whatever his Russian coach out losses to Los Angeles and San Viktor Karasov had to say during Jose. It had lost four tiebreaker the training drills at the shooting games in a row since it beat range. Phoenix 3-2 on Oct. 18 in its first “I recently changed my gun and shoot-out game of the season. I am trying to get use to the new “It’s been a while,” said Hiller, equipment. I am happy with the who had 23 saves in regulation way with it (new gun) and the and overtime. targets that I have been able to hit After Jonathan Toews scored with the new gun. The progress for Chicago on the first shoot-out has been good,” Nasser said while attempt, Nick Bonino responded speaking to The Peninsula. for Anaheim. Hiller then stopped Nasser who has represented his Sharp, and Kyle Palmieri beat country at five Olympic Games Antti Raanta with a backhand with a best finish of third at the to give the Ducks the advantage. 2012 Olympic Games in London is When Hiller made the save on also a accomplished rally driver. Kane at the other end, it was over. Being a two-sport athlete is a “Once the Bonino, the fluky challenging logistical exercise and one, went in it was, `OK, the the Qatari sporting icon is plan- monkey’s off our back. We’re good ning to slow down on one sport Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, bronze medal winner at the London Olympics Games, shoots down a target during a practice session at Losail to go. We’re going to start scoring to concentrate on the other as he Shooting Range, yesterday. Nasser (right) is training under the watchful eyes of coach Viktor Karasov. RIGHT: Nasser is all ears as he gets a few tips again, because we missed about remains focused on his ‘ultimate from coach Karasov. PICTURES BY: KAMMUTTY VP 18 in a row.” Ducks coach Bruce goal’ of winning the gold in the Boudreau said. Brazilian capital. Raanta had 24 saves in his first “I will reduce the number of same, he said: “I want to spend he will brush shoulders with world championship in Grenada said he is eagerly waiting to take home game. It was the first NHL rally events I will be taking part more time with my family and some of the world’s top shooters Spain,” disclosed Nasser, winner part in the next year’s power boat shoot-out for the rookie, who next year. I will not be taking want to stay close to them. I also in Doha. of the 2006 Production World racing event. won each of his first two starts. part in the world championship want to do more camps and con- “After the London Olympics I Rally Championship and the 2011 “It was a nice experience. There He looked as if he could have but will be in action in the Dakar centrate on my goal. The goal, as had taken a break from shoot- Dakar Rally. is not much difference between stopped Bonino’s attempt in the Rally in January next year and I have said earlier, is to win gold ing. So the next championship Nasser, who added another feat racing on water and on road. I tiebreaker, but it trickled under also the Qatar International at the next olympics in Brazil,” is the Qatar Open, which will to his credit by competing with am planning to take part in next him for the score. Rally in the same month and the said Nasser. be held in February, then, I will the Qatar Motor Sport Federation year’s event too. I plan to train for “Now I know how the shoot- Middle East Championship.” For Nasser the next big event be taking part in some more team in the November Key West more days for next year’s event” out’s going to be in the NHL, so Explaining the reasons for the in shooting is in February when events in Cyprus, Italy and the World Championships in Florida he said. THE PENINSULA we’ll have to keep on working with those also,” Raanta said. It’s the first three-game los- ing streak for the Blackhawks during the regular season since February 2012. They also lost three in a row against Detroit Atlanta’s Korver sets three-point record in the Western Conference play- offs last year, but managed to ATLANTA: Atlanta’s Kyle to talk about it. It is cool, but was advance in seven games on their Korver set an NBA record by NBA Results never my focus.” way to the title. draining a three pointer in his Charlotte 105 Philadelphia 88 Asked how long he can keep “Frustrating. You can’t overre- 90th consecutive game as the Milwaukee 109 Washington 105 the streak going Korver said, “I act to it,” Toews said of the slide. Hawks beat Cleveland 108-89 Atlanta 108 Cleveland 89 don’t know. I hate missing shots. “ You just have to keep improv- yesterday. Boston 106 Denver 98 Hopefully it will keep going for ing on the little things we do well Korver’s three pointer in the NY Knicks 121 Orlando 83 awhile.” as a team, and know that if keep first quarter broke the mark of He entered the game having working, we’ll eventually get the Houston 105 Golden State 83 89 games in a row which was set made 46.7 percent of his three- breaks.” Oklahoma City 109 New Orleans 95 by Dana Barros in 1996. point attempts during his amaz- Ben Smith and Kris Versteeg “There have been so many Phoenix 106 Toronto 97 ing run. Al Horford finished with scored for Chicago, which trailed great shooters in the NBA so Portland 130 Utah 98 22 points and nine rebounds 1-0 and 2-1, but rallied each time. anytime you are able to be a for Atlanta, who have won two The Blackhawks (20-6-5) still part of something like this it been going on for awhile. straight. lead the NHL with 45 points. says something,” said Korver, “I am glad it is done, very Paul Millsap added 16 points Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf who had 10 points. Korver, who grateful. You try not to think and 14 rebounds while Jeff Teague scored in regulation for Anaheim Dwight Howard (left) of the Houston Rockets drives against Andrew is an 11-year veteran, missed about it too much and just play and Lou Williams finished with (19-7-5), which has won five in a Bogut (centre) and Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors dur- his first three-point attempt your game. 13 points apiece for the Hawks. row against Chicago. ing the game at Toyota Center in their NBA game in Houston, Texas, Friday before nailing the “I didn’t even know this record Atlanta shot 51.6 from the field. “We continue to know how to yesterday. record-breaker. existed until midway through the Dion Waiters scored a season- play against these guys,” Perry “It feels good,” he said. “It has year last year when people started high 30 points. AFP said. AGENCIES

Association Cup: Mohammed Ali wins gold in trap at Losail Shooting Range

Mohammed Ali Al Athba (centre), winner in the men’s trap event at the Association Cup, celebrates on the podium at the Losail Shooting Range yesterday. Hamad Ali (left), finished second while Nasser Ali won bronze. The Association Cup organised by Qatar Shooting and Archery Association ended yesterday. Shooters competed in skeet, traps and double trap as well as pistol and rifle events in the ten-day championship. Competitions were- held in compliance with the International Shooting Sport Federation rules. The Association Cup is the first of a series of events the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association will be hosting in the coming months. The Qatar Open Shotgun Championship, which is likely to draw some of the world’s top shooters, will be held from February 12 to 21. PICTURES BY: KAMMUTTY VP SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

Qatar gear up to take part Mirza caps dream run with in FIVB Beach Volleyball Open Championship Tour of Al Zubarah title in South Africa

New Zealand’s Van Uden wins fourth and final stage to finish second DOHA: Qatar Volleyball Federation (QVF) has con- DOHA: Yousif Mohamed Mirza firmed their participation in of the UAE yesterday capped his the FIVB Beach Volleyball Open dream run of form with Tour of Championship which will be Al Zubarah title after finish- held in Durban, South Africa ing an impressive second in the from December 11 to 15, QVF fourth and final stage of the said here yesterday. four-day race. Qatar will field two teams in Mirza - winner of two stages the championship. out of three - was yesterday Thiago Santos and Jefferson pipped to the finish by New Pereira will be members of Zealand’s Roman Van Uden of one of the team, while Tamer Kazma Cycling Team in the final Abdelrasoul and Abdelaziz stage that started and ended in Khallouf make up for the second Mesaieed. team The 25-year-old UAE rider won Ali Al Sheebani will be head- both intermediate sprints yester- ing the delegation Thawip day picking up another 10 points Thongkamnird is the coach of to add muscle to his dominance the team. in the four-day event hosted by Last month QVF hosted the Qatar Cycling Federation (QCF). Arab Beach Volleyball champion- After four days of gruelling ship which Qatar won. cycling, Mirza retained his yel- Santos and Pereira defeated low and red jerseys while Martin Oman A 2-1 at Al Gharafa Weiss of Austria National Team Volleyball Arena in Doha secured the white jersey. yesterday. Mirza finished with an overall In the final match of the three- tally of 70 points followed by Van day tournament which attracted Uden with 45. Third-placed Weiss the region’s top teams, Qatar B managed a tally of 24. snatched the first set by a close Mirza’s overall time was 8 margin of two points 21-19, before hours 14 minutes and 50 seconds. Oman A levelled the match at Weiss was 23 seconds adrift of 21-18. Mirza while third-fastest Krist The hosts later secured the Jan Fajt of Adria Mobil was 31 third set 16-14. seconds slower than Mirza. Hosts Qatar were guaranteed a Qatar’s best rider over four Yousif Mohamed Mirza (eighth right, back row) of the UAE, winner of the Tour of Al Zubarah, poses for a group picture along with officials of Qatar finalist after Qatar A and Qatar days was Ahmed Elbourdainy Cycling Federation in Doha yesterday. New Zealand’s Roman van Uden of Kazma Cycling Team won the fourth and final stage to finish second in the B were drawn in the semi-finals. (7 minutes 23 seconds behind four-stage event. Martin Weiss of Austria National Team came third in the overall standings. Austria National Team won the team event. INSET: Mirza Qatar B topped the scoreboard Mirza’s overall time). of UAE team. PICTURES BY: SALIM MATRAMKOT in the match with a straight-set Van Uden finished yesterday’s scoreline of 2-0 (21-16, 21-13). 120.7km stage in a time of two “I am very happy,” Mirza said. list I said ‘I will win’. I beat riders win that again,” Mirza added. Mirza said he wanted to go Oman A reached the final cour- hours 44 minutes and 40 seconds. “I am proud of my performance. from Europe and Asia and so I am The team event was won by professional. tesy of a 2-0 win over Lebanon Mirza was 0.06 seconds slower I arrived here after a poor per- proud of myself,” he said. Austrian riders while Team “I like this sport a great deal. I (21-14, 21-15). while Gregor Muehlberger of formance at Tour of Sharjah. It “I am proud of my team. They Amsterdam ended in second spot, want to go and train in Europe. I After losing the semi-final, Austria National Team was third. was very disappointing,” he added. supported me well. Today I was a notch ahead of Adria Mobil. want to create interest for young Qatar A bounced back to secure Qatar’s best rider in yesterday’s “I wanted to win this title alone in the front so that I can Qatar National Team ended in people so that they take cycling third place by beating Lebanon B final stage was Abdullah Afif who because I knew I am a good rider. I control the race. I knew other rid- 8th spot while second home side seriously. In Middle East, every- in a close contest. ended in 33rd spot. have long-term goals and to reach ers would race against me. Thank Lekhwiya Cycling Team was last one likes football. Hopefully I can Qatar A won 2-1 (19-21, 21-12, Mirza was delighted with his those goals, I must win titles. I am God, I finished well. out of 14 sides. Regional sides will create a buzz,” Mirza said. 15-13). performance, saying he arrived targeting Asian Games next year. “My next event is the GCC stay back for the GCC Cycling ‘That’s why I dedicate this win Teams from Lebanon, Oman, in Qatar ‘to corner Tour of Al “I prepared for this Tour,” Cycling Championship. I am the Championships beginning later to my country,’ he said. Bahrain, Palestine, Libya and Zubarah title’. Mirza said. “When I saw the start defending champion. I want to this week. THE PENINSULA Yemen as well as the hosts took part in the competition. Except Yemen, all countries were represented by two teams each. THE PENINSULA F1: Kubica named FIA’s Personality of the Year

PARIS: Robert Kubica, the former Formula One driver seri- ously injured in a 2011 crash, has been named Personality of the Year in a vote by motorsport’s governing body the FIA. The 29-year-old is embarking on a new career in rallying after his F1 hopes crumbled when he suffered life-threatening injuries in an accident in the Ronde di New Zealand’s Roman Van Uden of Kazma Cycling Team celebrates on crossing the finish line in Andora Rally three years ago. Doha yesterday. TOP: Van Uden (centre) shows off his trophy along with Mirza (left) and Gregor The Polish driver’s right-hand Muehlberger of Austria National Team. was partially severed in the crash in northern Italy when he hit a safety barrier and had to be cut free from his car. He also suffered serious injuries to his shoulder Bowling: Qatar Open and leg. Kubica, who won the 2008 Canadian F1 Grand Prix for Renault, is in line for a drive with Citroen or Ford in next year’s world rally championship. He received his award at a cer- emony near Paris on Friday, beat- ing four time world F1 champion Sebastian Vettel and two rally champions, Sebastien Loeb and reigning titleholder Sebastien Ogier. AFP

Polish former Formula One driver Robert Kubica arrives for the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Prize- Giving cer- emony The players and officials taking part in the Qatar Open championship pose for a picture at Qatar Bowling Centre in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: A winner of the Daily High Score award poses near Paris, for a picture along with an official of Qatar Bowling Federation. Around 75 bowlers are vying for the winner’s purse of €30,000 in the six-day tournament which will end on December 10. France, on Bowlers from USA, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Canada, Czech Republic, Costa Rica, England, Germany, Hong Kong, Latvia, Netherlands, Philippines, Indonesia, Venezuela, Belarus, Friday night. Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar are taking part in the €120,000 prize money event. Mika Koivuniemi of Finland won the title last year. SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Boycott Rain ruins New Zealand’s blasts England batsmen victory hopes in Dunedin LONDON: England great Geoffrey Boycott has slammed his country’s current crop of Hosts fall 33 runs short of beating Windies as first Test ends in a draw batsmen after yet another dis- mal collapse against Australia. Boycott has been shocked by DUNEDIN, New Zealand: produced exceptional figures of England’s lacklustre efforts with New Zealand were stranded four for 26 off 15 overs on a well- the bat in the latest Ashes series an agonising 33 runs short of worn pitch in the second. and the former opener launched a their first Test victory in more He struck first in the last over scathing attack on Alastair Cook’s than a year yesterday when rain before lunch when wicketkeeper team after the third day of the washed out the final session of Denesh Ramdin snapped up a second Test in Adelaide. the first Test against the West sharp catch down the leg side to Fresh from their struggles Indies in Dunedin. remove Peter Fulton. during the first Test in Brisbane, After four days of bright sun- Umpire Paul Reiffel turned where they were twice dismissed shine, the heavy downpour began down the appeal, but on review it West Indies captain for less than 200, England lost at tea on the final day when New showed the New Zealand opener Darren Sammy kicks the four wickets for six runs as they Zealand were 79-4 chasing 112 for had a faint touch. ball during the final day of were all out for 172 -- Australian victory. After lunch Aaron Redmond the first Test against New all-rounder Mitchell Johnson tak- After wrapping up the West (six) turned Shillingford into the Zealand at the University ing seven for 40 -- on a largely Indies second innings for 507 hands of Narsingh Deonarine at Oval in Dunedin, lifeless pitch in response to before lunch, the modest target leg slip and Hamish Rutherford Australia’s 570 for nine. yesterday. appeared a formality despite the (20) was lured into a favourite Several England batsmen were forecast rain. heave shot that went straight to guilty of giving their wicket away However, the New Zealand Shannon Gabriel waiting at long too easily and Boycott believes batsmen faltered from the start on. they have taken an overly aggres- and were rapidly reduced to 44-4 McCullum was unable to repro- sive limited-overs mindset into before Ross Taylor and Corey duce his century-making first- the Test arena. Anderson arrested the slide. innings heroics as he miscued a “I think the modern young Anderson finished not out 20 sweep shot and top edged the ball player grows up with so much with Taylor on 16, and a Test to Ramdin to be gone for nine. one-day cricket, he gets used to that at one stage looked as if it Shillingford then had four for 16. playing and having to play lots would be over in four days instead It was a New Zealand per- of attacking shots to every ball petered out to a draw on the fifth. formance far removed from the Trent Boult delivery that kept Scoreboard bowled in Twenty20 and 50-over “We would have won that, I determination shown in the first low. cricket,” Boycott told Radio 5 Live believe, if it hadn’t rained,” said a innings when they amassed 609-9 In his marathon innings, Bravo New Zealand (I innings): ...... 609-9 dec 9-507, 10-507 yesterday. dejected Brendon McCullum who declared, led by a career-best 217 faced 416 deliveries, scoring all West Indies (I innings): ...... 213 Bowling: Southee 29.1-4-101-2, Boult 35- “When it comes to Test is yet to taste success in 10 Tests not out from Ross Taylor, and but 38 of his runs on the off-side. West Indies (II innings): 11-81-2 (1w), Wagner 30-3-112-3 (2nb), An- matches you want them to change since replacing Taylor as captain whittled the West Indies out for Sammy compiled a solid 80 K Edwards lbw b Sodhi ...... 59 derson 14-2-29-1, Sodhi 49-7-155-2, Red- and adapt, and sometimes play after their last win in Sri Lanka 213. before being the last wicket to K Powell c Southee b Boult ...... 14 mond 5-1-18-0 carefully and sensibly. It’s a five- in November last year. Forced to follow on, on the fall, caught by Ish Sodhi at cover D Bravo b Boult ...... 218 New Zealand (II innings): day match, it’s like playing chess. “It was disappointing to set third day, the West Indies found a off the first delivery with the new M Samuels c & b Southee ...... 23 P Fulton c Ramdin b Shillingford ...... 3 “They’ve forgotten the art of ourselves up and be 33 short.” rock in Darren Bravo as the little ball by Tim Southee. S Chanderpaul lbw Wagner ...... 1 H Rutherford c Gabriel b Shillingford ...... 20 that, they’ve never really learnt West Indies skipper Darren left-hander led them from a 396- Sammy was saved from being N Deonarine c Watling b Anderson ...... 52 A Redmond c Deonarine b Shillingford ...... 6 it and one-day cricket has sucked Sammy described it as a “moral run deficit into positive territory. dismissed on 57 when he showed D Ramdin b Sodhi ...... 24 R Taylor (not out) ...... 16 them in to playing lots of shots.” victory” for his side coming off They were eventually dismissed deft football skills to kick away a D Sammy c Sodhi b Southee ...... 80 B McCullum c Ramdin b Shillingford ...... 9 Kevin Pietersen and Joe Root two innings defeats in India. for 507 on the final day, with delivery from Boult that had bal- S Shillingford c Taylor b Wagner ...... 15 C Anderson (not out) ...... 20 were singled out for criticism “We’re quite happy from the Bravo, who was dropped on 82, looned off the bat and was drop- T Best c Taylor b Wagner ...... 3 Extras (B1, LB3, W1) ...... 5 from Boycott for handing the position we were in at the end of making a career best 218. ping down on the stumps. S Gabriel (not out) ...... 0 Total (4 wickets; 30 overs) ...... 79 initiative to Australia. our first innings,” he said. After going to the crease in the Neil Wagner, who cleaned up Extras (B4, LB7, W5, NB2) ...... 18 Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-15, 3-31, 4-44 Pietersen clipped Peter Siddle The New Zealand top order last session on Wednesday, his the rest of the tail removing Tino Total (all out; 162.1 overs) ...... 507 Bowling: Best 8-1-26-0, Shillingford 15-5- to mid-wicket after Joe Root had failed to read spinner Shane valiant stand came to an end in Best and Shillingford, returned Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-135, 3-178, 26-4, Gabriel 5-1-16-0, Deonarine 2-0-7-0 struck the first ball he faced from Shillingford, who was inconse- the third over of the fifth morning the best bowling figures for New 4-185, 5-307, 6-363, 7-453 (Bravo), 8-491, Result: Match drawn Nathan Lyon to deep square-leg. quential in the first innings but when he was bowled by a slower Zealand with three for 112. AFP “Irresponsible. I could see it coming,” Boycott said of Pietersen. “He got out twice like Steyn warns that in Brisbane. Pakistan’s Hafeez refuses “It was as stupid as you get, just India to expect like Joe Root. “First ball from a spinner, we’re more aggressive to take Afghanistan lightly trying to save the game, he tries to slog him over the top. All he SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates: Pakistan captain had to do was carry on batting all bowling Mohammad Hafeez (pictured) stressed his team will not take day long. There’s no excuse for it. Afghanistan lightly in the first-ever Twenty20 international “They haven’t got the aptitude DURBAN: Sniffing a series between the two nations in Sharjah today. and the tail-enders haven’t got win in Durban, South African War-ravaged Afghanistan have earned a reputation of being a the courage, they haven’t got the pace spearhead Dale Steyn once dangerous team in the shortest format of the game, having last technique, they haven’t got the again reminded the Indians month qualified for their third successive World Twenty20 -- to be bottle and any time (Australia that they will be terrified once held in Bangladesh in March-April next year. pace bowler) Mitchell Johnson more with aggressive bowling Earlier this year, Afghanistan also qualified gets to them he’ll blow them when the two teams face-off for the 2015 World Cup (50 overs) to be held away.” AFP again in the second ODI at the in Australia and New Zealand. Kingsmead here today. They have an improved Twenty20 record, On the eve of the match here winning 11 of the 21 they have played so far, Johnson yesterday, Steyn was spitting although all their four matches against Test fire through his words just like playing nations in the last two World Twenty20s ‘blowing us his bowling and said that India’s ended in defeats. 141-run loss in the first ODI in They lost to South Africa and India in the away’, says Johannesburg was like a wake-up India’s head coach Duncan Fletcher (left) and captain Mahendra Singh 2010 World Twenty20 held in the West Indies call for the World No.1 side. Dhoni discuss tactics in the nets area during the training session at and two years later lost to England and India in Sri Lanka. defiant Bell He said that South Africa Sahara Stadium Kingsmead in Durban, South Africa, yesterday. But Hafeez warned his team, which slumped from two to four won’t be complacent and will try in ICC T20 rankings after losing three of their four games against to seal the series here. The third South Africa last month, on complacency. ADELAIDE: Unbeaten on 72 ODI is slated for Wednesday in similar performance (as in and other batsmen in the end, “We will definitely not take Afghanistan lightly because they are after another dismal batting Centurion. Johannesburg) as we did the they didn’t look like they wanted a dangerous side and the shortest format suits them,” Hafeez said display by England yester- “In India the ball doesn’t get other night, and we should be able to line-up (to bat),” he said. yesterday. day, Ian Bell said Australia’s higher than the stumps. This is to come through with a victory. The fast bowler feels the mas- Pakistan last year became the first Test nation to play Afghanistan Mitchell Johnson held no fear not Mumbai. Here, they cannot It is a massive game for us, we sive loss would be a wake-up call in a one-day (50 overs) match, winning by seven wickets but Hafeez for him. score easily in different areas and have the chance to seal the series for India. still wants his team to be at their peak. He was unable to extend the it is going to be hard to play here. here and we would like to do so,” “Then, I didn’t see many of our “We need to be at our best and give them no chance because one same confidence in his team And there is more of that coming he said. players walking off the field with player can change a Twenty20 match,” said Hafeez whose side will mates, however, after the red-hot on Sunday,” he said. Steyn also taunted the Indian bloody fingers or ice packs on ribs. be without magician spinner Saeed Ajmal -- the all-time highest seamer took a stunning seven- Asked if the Indian batsmen batsmen saying they never wanted Wanderers can be scary, if you get wicket-taker in Twenty20 cricket with 77. wicket haul to skittle England are frightened of South African to bat on fast and bouncy tracks. a full day-night game there. You Ajmal opted to skip the match to get proper rest before Pakistan’s for 172 on day three of the second bowling attack, Steyn said: “I “Our batsmen are batting really can inflict pain there, especially two Twenty20 games against Sri Lanka in Dubai on December 11 Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval. would think so. I would definitely well and in some small way we on that sort of a wicket. And we and 13. Australia pushed their lead to like to think so.” have really given the Indians a were able to do that as a bowling Pakistan will also play five one-day and three Tests against Sri 530 runs at stumps and plan to Steyn hoped it would be repeat taste of what the conditions are. unit. It didn’t look like that when Lanka. make England cook in the heat of Johannesburg performance Our intensity the other night they were bowling to us. So it defi- Despite Ajmal’s absence Pakistan will have Hafeez, Shahid Afridi early on day four today before here. really blew them away. Suresh nitely was a wake-up call for the and Zulfiqar Babar in the spin department which will likely exploit unleashing Johnson again to push “Hopefully we can have a Raina, Yuvraj Singh, R Ashwin Indians.” IANS Afghanistan batsmen’s weakness against slow bowlers. for victory. Hafeez said: “We can use the Afghanistan match to get tuned up “Obviously, we’re going to without giving any chance to the opponents who have played more have to find an answer because at this venue than us.” (Johnson’s) blowing us away mid- Sri Lankan players Pakistan have been forced to play their home series at neutral dle and lower order,” Bell told watch as prayers are venues since an attack by gunmen in Lahore in March 2009 sus- reporters. said for their success pended all international cricket in the country. “We need to make sure we can during a ceremony in The Afghans have also been restricted to playing matches in somehow get through his spell ... Colombo yesterday, neutral venues because of security problems back home. we need to find a way, and pretty prior to the team’s Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi urged his players to show quickly. departure for a tour in their talent against the 2009 World T20 champions. “When you’re playing pace, you United Arab Emirates “It is important that we play strong teams like Pakistan well, espe- have to have some serious cour- (UAE). Sri Lanka and cially after having qualified for the World Cup and World Twenty20,” age, don’t you?” said Bell who was said Nabi. the difference between the teams Pakistan will play “We will give our best and it will be a good competition. We have in England’s 3-0 win at home in two Twenty20s, five always received huge support from the crowd here and expect the the first Ashes series of the year. ODIs and three Tests same come Sunday.” “Every batsman has said that, match series from Afghanistan will hope they cash in on Pakistan’s unpredictable and we need to obviously make December 11 in UAE. batting which felled them 2-0 in a Twenty20 series against South sure that’s the first thing we’re Africa in the United Arab Emirates last month. AFP getting out there and we’re going to battle hard.” REUTERS SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Easy wins City favourites for EPL title, for Atletico, Barcelona MADRID: Atletico Madrid began their defence of the Copa del Rey with a comfortable 4-0 says United legend Irwin win away to third tier Sant Andreu yesterday. Goals from Raul Garcia and David Villa either side of an Arda Ex-defender admits ‘The Red Devils’ face a tough challenge to retain title Turan double mean that Atletico can already start planning for the last 16 in January with the BY DENZIL PINTO a really strong squad and that second-leg still to come at the is why I make them slight title Vicente Calderon in 10 days’ time. DOHA: Manchester United favourites.” The surroundings of the tiny legend Denis Irwin believes With Manchester United suf- Narcis Sala ground were a far cry arch-rivals Manchester City fering a major setback after a from Atletico’s previous Copa del are the favourites to lift the 1-0 loss against Newcastle yes- Rey outing when they beat rivals English Premier League (EPL) terday, a result that saw them Real Madrid at the Santiago title after admitting his former 12 points off the leaders Arsenal, Bernabeu to claim their 10th title. club face a tough challenge to who face Everton today, Irwin However, the visitors still pro- retain their trophy. insists his former club must duced a polished display on an The 48-year-old said the large start winning matches if they awkward artificial playing surface. but expensively assembled squad want to clinch their 21st EPL Garcia continued his fine scor- that Manchester City coach title. ing form of late with the opener Manuel Pellegrini has, gives the He said: “It’s going to be very after just 12 minutes before 2012 EPL winners the edge over hard there’s no doubt about say- Turan effectively ended the tie their rivals in the title race this ing that. They will have to go on a as a contest with a second away season. really strong run to get up there goal when he tapped home from Speaking after he took part and challenge. It’s been a year of Manquillo’s intelligent cut-back in a Evolution Sports Academy change. Obviously a new manager just eight minutes later. training session with kids at (David Moyes) came in and had The Turkish international dou- Doha College, yesterday, Irwin a tough start with the fixture bled his tally for the afternoon 10 said: “I would say Man City are list.” minutes after half-time as he took favourites. Arsenal look very very He added: “Even though advantage of some frantic defend- strong. The signing of (Mesut) we (Manchester United) got ing to slot home from inside the Ozil has been very important for beaten on Wednesday night, (0-1 area. them and Aaron Ramsey has been against Everton), prior to that Atletico boss Diego Simeone important as well. Chelsea will be we were unbeaten but drew too had rested top scorer Diego there or thereabouts. But I put many games but all we can do Former Manchester United defender Denis Irwin (left) answers questions from children and parents after a Costa and David Villa from the Man City as the favourites.” is keep going. Hopefully we will training session by Evolution Sports Academy at Doha College, yesterday. Irwin made 368 appearances for start, but the Argentine showed The Irishman added: “I think get back into the mix of things ‘The Red Devils’, winning 22 medals during a 12-year reign at Old Trafford. PICTURES BY: KAMMUTTY VP no mercy on the lowly Catalans because they (Man City) got and I still think there will be as he introduced his first choice a really strong squad. A really a lot of twists and turns this striker partnership with 20 min- good team but a really good season but it’s important that The former Leeds United you are playing with better play- utes to go. squad. I think when it goes into we start winning as quick as player said: “I think when you ers which help a lot as well.” And Villa had time to grab his February, March and April, when possible.” are looking at a manager in Speaking on the effects of the 10th goal of the season with classy you start playing the European Irwin played 368 times for ‘The knows what to do, then it goes EPL has had on the technical finish six minutes from time to matches, you need a big squad Red Devils’ where he claimed 22 a long way. And you have to development of players, Irwin make it 4-0. because games come thick and winner’s medals under former dedicate yourself to Manchester said: “La Liga is the best tech- Meanwhile, Barcelona con- fast. Players get tired a lit- coach Sir Alex Ferguson during United. All he wanted to do is nically league in the world but ceded a surprise early goal but a tle bit more in the back end of a successful stint. work as hard as possible, and at the moment I know Atletico Pedro double helped them fight the season. It’s great having a Irwin said the Scotsman just give everything. As long as you Madrid are having a great year back to secure a 4-1 victory at good team but Man City have wanted his players to train hard. did that, you was fine. Obviously but you have to look to Barcelona third-tier Cartagena in their and Real Madrid. Particularly this King’s Cup last 32, first leg on year in the Premier League, you Friday. AGENCIES got a mix of six or seven teams Irwin (right) takes that can possibly win it and it’s just entertainment value for the Scottish Premier part in a training Premier League as well.” schedule for kids, League Results He added: “It’s very very fast Scottish Premiership results yesterday: yesterday. The and physically you have to get former Republic around the pitch fast these days, Dundee Utd 4 (Armstrong 16, Graham 49, of Ireland player bottom teams can beat top teams. Mackay-Steven 85, Rankin 90) Hearts 1 started his career And because it’s a global league as (Hamill 20-pen) at Leeds United, well with fantastic players play- Hibernian 1 (Collins 90) Partick 1 (Doolan 49) before retiring ing, that’s why I think it’s the Ross County 1 (Kettlewell 33) Kilmarnock 2 from the game most watched league in the world. (Johnston 7, Boyd 43) after a stint at “It will have an effect as time St Johnstone 0 Aberdeen 2 (Pawlett 17, Wolverhampton goes on. It had an effect on Ireland, Irwin (left) presents a certificate McGinn 85) Wanderers in Scotland and Wales. We just have to a young child after a train- St Mirren 0 Iverness CT 0 2004. to deal with that and hopefully do ing session. Irwin also signed Played Friday a lot more in England and Ireland autographs for the children that Motherwell 0 Celtic 5 (Commons 44, 76, to make players technically more took part. Ambrose 54, Stokes 78, Atajic 90) better.” THE PENINSULA Ribery nets twice as Bayern Ibrahimovic steers PSG Your TV guide for romp to 7-0 live matches today away victory to five-goal triumph Event Competition Time Channel BERLIN: France’s Franck PARIS: Zlatan Ibrahimovic Alcorcon vs Granada Copa del Rey 14:00 HD2 Ribery produced a command- scored twice and created two ing display as Bayern Munich goals as Paris Saint-Germain Roma vs Fiorentina Serie A 14:30 .TV extended their record unbeaten crushed hapless Sochaux 5-0 to Bundesliga run to 40 matches go four points clear in Ligue 1 Heerenveen vs Feyenoord Eredivisie 14:30 .TV with a 7-0 away romp at Werder yesterday. Bordeaux vs Lille Ligue 1 16:00 .TV Bremen yesterday. The big Swede took his league Ribery created two goals and goals tally to 13 thanks to an all- Fulham vs Aston Villa Barclays Premier League 16:00 HD6 scoring twice in the rout as round masterclass which helped European champions Bayern PSG quickly recover from their Groningen vs ADO Den Haag Eredivisie 16:30 .TV warmed up for Tuesday’s final midweek loss to Evian in what Champions League match at was their first defeat of the Go Ahead Eagles vs PEC Zwolle Eredivisie 16:30 .TV home to Manchester City. season. Torino vs Lazio Serie A 17:00 .TV Ribery, who started his first That setback ended PSG’s Bundesliga match for nearly a 36-match undefeated run and it Sampdoria vs Catania Serie A 17:00 .TV month after a rib injury, gave was rock-bottom Sochaux who Bayern the lead when his cross were cast in the role of fall guys Cagliari vs Genoa Serie A 17:00 .TV was turned into the net for an yesterday. own goal by Werder’s Congo Ibrahimovic scored twice Verona vs Atalanta Serie A 17:00 .TV defender Assani Lukimya on 21 in the last five minutes after Sassuolo vs Chievo Serie A 17:00 .TV minutes. Thiago Silva, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left) of Paris Saint Germain vies for the ball with Daniel van Buyten then dou- Edinson Cavani, with his 11th of Cedric Kante of Sochaux during the French Ligue 1 match at the Parc Roda vs Heracles Eredivisie 18:30 .TV bled Bayern’s lead six minutes the season, had also hit the target. des Princes Stadium, in Paris, France, yesterday. later when he headed home from PSG were on top from the start Toulouse vs Montpellier Ligue 1 19:00 .TV a corner before Ribery added at the Parc des Princes where their third on 38 minutes when Sochaux had lost on their last five PSG continued to toy with made it 3-0 and again Ibrahimovic Gimnastic vs Valencia Copa del Rey 19:00 HD2 he simply tapped home Thomas visits, conceding 16 goals. the visitors with Marco Verratti, was involved. Bastia vs Lyon Ligue 1 19:00 .TV Mueller’s cross. Ibrahimovic had two early Cavani and Maxwell causing a The Swede crossed for Cavani With exactly an hour gone, opportunities -- grazing the string of problems. at the far post who controlled Las Palmas vs Almeria Copa del Rey 19:00 +2 Ribery provided the cross for post in the eighth minute before Cavani came closest to adding the ball before quickly hitting Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic smashing a free-kick into the a second goal just on the stroke the target. Arsenal vs Everton Barclays Premier League 19:00 HD6 to fire into an empty net for the wall, five minutes later. of half-time when his 20-metre Ibrahimovic deservedly grabbed fourth. Their pressure told after 14 drive was kept out by Cros. the fourth in the 85th minute Gil Vicente vs Sporting Portuguese League 20:45 .TV And six minutes later, Germany minutes with the big Swede once PSG were rewarded for their with a brutally-struck free-kick Jaen vs Espanyol Copa del Rey 21:00 +4 midfielder Mario Goetze picked again involved. endeavour with a second goal in from 20 metres which fizzed past out Mueller in the thick of the His pass to the far post allowed the opening minute of the second the despairing dive of Cros. Atletico vs Vasco Brazilian Championship 22:00 .TV Bremen defence to fire home for Silva to slot the ball right-footed half. Cavani then teed-up Bayern’s fifth with 68 minutes past Pierrick Cros in the Sochaux Lavezzi scored from a Motta Ibrahimovic in the 89th minute Inter vs Parma Serie A 22:30 HD6 gone. goal. pass although there was a hint for the fifth. Ribery scored on 82 minutes Ibrahimovic then freed Thiago of offside when the Argentine Earlier yesterday, flagging Monaco vs Ajaccio Ligue 1 23:00 .TV before Goetze powered Munich’s Motta who was thwarted by the striker collected the ball. Marseille sacked manager Elie Malaga vs Osasuna Copa del Rey 23:00 +3 seventh. AFP busy Cros. On the hour mark, Cavani Baup . AFP Sunday 8 December 2013 4 Safar 1435 Volume 18 Number 5907 Sport Price: QR2

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LONDON: Manchester Pornanong Phatlum of Thailand United’s dismal season lurched poses with her trophy after into crisis yesterday after a winning the Dubai Ladies 1-0 loss at home to Newcastle Masters in Dubai, yesterday. United condemned the cham- pions to their fifth defeat of the campaign. Yohan Cabaye’s goal just after Pornanong the hour gave Newcastle their first victory at Old Trafford since 1972 and consigned United LEFT: Southampton’s Dani Osvaldo wins Dubai to back-to-back home defeats in (right) celebrates after scoring a the league for the first time since goal during their English Premier Ladies May 2002. League match against Manchester Having lost 1-0 to Everton on City at St Mary’s Stadium in Wednesday, United have now lost Southampton, yesterday. RIGHT: Masters as many games as they did in the Newcastle United’s Yohan Cabaye whole of last season’s title-win- DUBAI: Thailand’s world ning campaign and David Moyes’s smiles after scoring the opening number 47 Pornanong Phatlum side could fall 15 points behind goal against Manchester United at ended her year on a high when leaders Arsenal before the week- OId Trafford in Manchester. INSET: she produced sensational end is out. Manchester United’s Robin van golf over the closing stretch “I’m disappointed with the Persie reacts after losing the match. of the Majlis course to beat result,” Moyes told BT Sport. “I American world number three think there were bits of the game Stacy Lewis by one shot in the where we needed a bit of luck to came to scoring was a Patrice if they win at home to Everton strike at the death. City fell one €500,000 euros Dubai Ladies go for us and to take our opportu- Evra header that hit the post today. place to fourth, five points behind English Premier Masters yesterday. nities a bit better, and that didn’t early in the second half. Chelsea slipped to third place Arsenal, after drawing 1-1 at Pornanong, who celebrated her happen.” Newcastle hit the champions after on-loan Liverpool winger Southampton. League Results 24th birthday on Wednesday, the However, the United man- with a sucker-punch in the 61st Oussama Assaidi scored a stun- Sergio Aguero gave City a 10th- Crystal Palace 2 Cardiff 0 opening round of the season-end- ager refused to admit defeat in minute, with Moussa Sissoko gal- ning last-minute winner to give minute lead by dispatching a low ing championship of the Ladies his side’s title defence, saying: loping down the right flank after Stoke City a 3-2 victory at the cross from Aleksandar Kolarov, Liverpool 4 West Ham 1 European Tour, made it a memo- “I stand firm that we’ll be very winning a duel with Evra before Britannia Stadium. but Dani Osvaldo produced a styl- Manchester United 0 Newcastle 1 rable week by closing with a six- close to it and I hope we’re in and cutting the ball back for Cabaye Jose Mourinho’s side were on ish equaliser shortly before the under par 66. around it when it comes to the to sweep home. course for a point after Andre interval, slipping past Vincent Southampton 1 Manchester City 1 Birdies on the last two holes end of the season.” United’s misery was tempered Schurrle claimed a brace either Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta helped her tally 15-under par 273 Stoke 3 Chelsea 2 United restored Robin van slightly after both Chelsea and side of goals from Peter Crouch before curling home. for the tournament, one shot bet- Persie to their starting XI follow- Manchester City dropped points, and Stephen Ireland, only for Liverpool went into second West Brom 0 Norwich 2 ter than Lewis, who could only ing a four-game absence with a but it means that Arsenal could Assaidi to cut in from the left place above Chelsea - by winning par the last two holes. groin strain, but the closest they stretch their lead to seven points and dispatch a glorious decisive 4-1 at home to West Ham. AFP Sunderland 1 Tottenham 2 The win was worth €75,000 euros for Pornanong, who had started the day two shots behind Lewis. Spain’s Carlota Ciganda (71), winner of the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit last year, Australia’s Johnson was alone in third place at seven- under par 281, with Italy’s Diane Luna (73) finishing in fourth a further two shots behind. Feng Shanshan of China, win- destroys England again ner last year, and British veteran Laura Davies were tied for fifth ADELAIDE, Australia: 180 after being dismissed for 136 398 runs Australia did not enforce at three-under par 285. Mitchell Johnson shattered and 179 in Brisbane. the follow-on to give their bowlers Charley Hull, the 17-year-old England’s hopes of a series- By third day stumps, the home a breather. English phenomenon, won the levelling win in the second Test side had built their overall lead Johnson wreaked havoc after Rookie of the Year award as she with one of the great Ashes to 530 runs although they lost lunch with six for 16 off 26 balls finished tied for eighth at two- bowling spells as Australia took Chris Rogers (2), Shane Watson for his ninth five-wicket haul and under par 286. an iron grip yesterday. (0) and Michael Clarke (22) along second in consecutive Tests. The Her nearest rival, compatriot Johnson reprised his Man-of- the way. energised 32-year-old quick is Holly Clyburn, who needed to fin- the-Match performance in the David Warner was in line for now 10th on the Australian all- ish much better than Hull, made a 381-run first Gabba Test win his second century of the series on time list with 221 wickets. quadruple bogey on the 18th hole with a destructive seven for 40 83 with Steve Smith not out 23 in “To be able to back up a per- and slumped to 79 yesterday. that strong-armed England out of Australia’s 132 for three. formance like in Brisbane and to Things seemed to be going the game and Australia onto the Only Ian Bell (72 not out) and do it here it’s a really nice feeling exactly as per plans for Lewis as cusp of a two-nil series lead with Michael Carberry (60) offered for me,” Johnson said. she made a birdie on the par-5 three Tests to play. any resistance in England’s feeble “I guess there’s been talk in 10th hole - her fourth of the day Australia, who declared at 570 effort, recoiling against the hostile the past where I can have those - to go to 15-under par. for nine, once again skittled the Johnson, who has now taken 16 performances where I can blow a At that stage, she enjoyed a Ashes holders cheaply for 172. wickets at just 8.9 in the series. team away and in the next one not three shot lead over Pornanong England have yet to score beyond Despite leading by a massive turn up, so for me I think that’s Australia’s paceman Mitchell Johnson celebrates his wicket of England’s with no one else in sight. why it was a bit more emotional batsman Stuart Broad on the third day of the second Ashes Test match It was then that Pornanong and special.” in Adelaide, yesterday. started playing her best golf. Scoreboard Johnson shattered England On the par-5 13th, she made Australia (I innings): ...... 570 for 9 decl. 5-117, 6-117, 7-117, 8-135, 9-135, 10-172 with three wickets in a devas- a 10-footer birdie putt, and then England (I innings): Bowling: Johnson 17.2-8-40-7 (2nb, 1w), tating 14th over, taking out Ben Michael Clarke at second slip the first innings you have, to get on the next hole, she hit a superb Alastair Cook b Johnson ...... 3 Harris 14-8-31-0, Lyon 20-5-64-1, Siddle 14- Stokes (1), Matt Prior (0) and for seven and then he cleaned up bowled out for under 200 you’re 4-iron to seven feet for another Michael Carberry c Warner b Watson ...... 60 4-34-1 (1nb, 1w), Watson 3-3-0-1 Stuart Broad (0). Graeme Swann Jimmy Anderson’s middle-stump not going to win anything.” birdie. Joe Root c Rogers b Lyon ...... 15 Australia (II innings): fought off the hat-trick ball before for a first-ball duck. England lost three wickets Both players dropped shots on Kevin Pietersen c Bailey b Siddle ...... 4 Chris Rogers c Haddin b Anderson ...... 2 he became another victim. Johnson ran past eye-balling before lunch with the pick of the par-3 15th hole and parred Ian Bell (not out) ...... 72 David Warner (batting) ...... 83 Debutant Stokes was out for Anderson as the English pro- them a sensational Warner left- the 16th, and it was down to the Ben Stokes lbw b Johnson ...... 1 Shane Watson c Carberry b Anderson ...... 0 the first leg before wicket dis- tagonist left the wicket to put handed catch to dismiss opener last two. Matt Prior c Haddin b Johnson ...... 0 Michael Clarke b Panesar ...... 22 missal of the Test after a review, the demon paceman on another Carberry, coming on top of the On the 17th, Lewis hit her Stuart Broad b Johnson ...... 0 Steve Smith (batting) ...... 23 out-of-form Prior was shortened hat-trick. That gave Johnson the wickets of Joe Root and Kevin second shot to six feet, but Graeme Swann c Clarke b Johnson ...... 7 Extras (B1, LB1) ...... 2 up by a lifting delivery before figures of five for 12 in three overs. Pietersen earlier in the session. Pornanong replied with hers to James Anderson b Johnson ...... 0 Total (3 wkts; 39 overs) ...... 132 Johnson got him next ball, edg- But Bell saw it off hitting air- Carberry showed plenty of within three feet. Monty Panesar b Johnson ...... 2 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-4, 3-65 ing to Brad Haddin, and Broad ily towards Chris Rogers at short resolve before Warner latched As the American was mak- Extras (LB3, W2, NB3) ...... 8 Bowling: Anderson 7-1-19-2, Broad 6-0-19- soon followed with Johnson crash- extra cover. onto a brilliant catch at square ing her birdie putt, she got dis- Total (all out; 68.2 overs) ...... 172 0, Swann 9-3-31-0, Stokes 7-3-20-0, Panesar ing into his leg stump to put him “It’s another disappointing per- leg off Shane Watson to send him tracted by a camera going off Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-57, 3-66, 4-111, 10-0-41-1 on the hat-trick in his next over. formance,” Bell said. “You can’t on his way for his maiden Test in the crowd, and pulled her Johnson had Swann caught by afford in Test matches, certainly half-century. AFP effort. AFP