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QC and Djiboutian One step at a time for counterpart to set up new Qatar volleyball business council coach Piazza

TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 • 21 Jumada I 1437 • Volume 20 • Number 6722 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Al Kuwari is candidate Emir and Djibouti President hold talks for Unesco’s top post

a bridge between Arab civilizations • Until now I am the only and other civilizations of the world,” “I am aware of the candidate from the Arab and he added. responsibilities and Islamic world so far. On the sidelines of the event, he said: “I proudly and with feeling of I will do my best to responsibility accept this nomination be at the level of the • A meeting held around two and I hope Allah help me take this task and my priority months ago in Oman by the responsibility because Unesco is one of the important organisations serv- is Unesco which has ministers of culture of Islamic states, supported my ing common human objectives such noble objectives as education, science and culture.” nomination for this post. He added: “My nomination for which are related to this post reflects the role of Qatar at →Text of speech on page 2 education, science world level. And Qatar is keen to play an effective role in the world by intro- and culture.” at this historic moment, during which ducing experiences and capabilities of I am submitting my candidacy for the its citizens to serve the humanity not Director-General of Unesco” said Dr only their country or the Arab world.” Al Kuwari in his speech. “Until now I am the only candi- By Mohammed Osman “Today, I stand before you and date from the Arab and Islamic world, Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday held talks with the President of Djibouti, Ismail The Peninsula address you as a candidate for not only for the GCC states,” Dr Al Unesco, and proudly offer a reminder Kuwari said answering a question Omar Guelleh, at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani was that I come from this honourable land whether he is the only Arab candi- also present. Bilateral relations and ways to boost them in various fields were discussed. where I grew up rooted in its magnif- date for the post. “I am aware of the DOHA: H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz icent civilization,” he added. responsibilities and I will do my best Al Kuwari, the former minister of cul- A diplomat from an Arab coun- to be at the level of the task and my ture, heritage and arts, yesterday try overseeing the stewardship of priority is Unesco which has noble officially announced his candidacy this organisation, for the first time objectives which are related to edu- Emir to attend for the position of the Director-Gen- in history, represents a chance for the cation, science and culture. These are Sheikha Hind appointed eral of Unesco as Qatar’s nominee. people of the Arab-Islamic world in areas I worked in my whole life and I Al Kuwari, who is the Cultural particular and the developing coun- will focus my efforts to achieve their ninth Education Adviser to Emir H H Sheikh Tamim tries in general to play a role in its objectives,” he added. as Qatar Foundation CEO bin Hamad Al Thani, announced future perceptions, said Al Kuwari. He said that in a meeting held Excellence Day his nomination at an event held “It is a unique opportunity for around two months ago in Oman by at the Doha Sheraton attended by advanced countries and the Unesco the ministers of culture of Islamic By Fazeena Saleem award ceremony ambassadors, diplomats and media to confirm the spirit of mutual coop- states that there was a decision sup- The Peninsula personalities. “I am extremely excited eration and human unity, thus, porting his nomination for this post. to have the privilege of meeting you leading to a stronger formation of “So I can say all indications shows QNA that I am the only Arab-Islamic can- didate and the situation will become DOHA: H E Sheikha Hind bint more clear within the coming days,” Hamad Al Thani has been appointed DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim said Al Kuwari. “The nomination proc- as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of bin Hamad Al Thani will honour ess started before a year ago and I am Qatar Foundation (QF). today the Ministry of Education confident that I am not only the can- She will continue in her current and Higher Education’s cere- didate of the GCC and Arab states, but role as Vice-Chairperson, Qatar mony marking the ninth education also of the Arab- Islamic states for this Foundation said yesterday. excellence day award for academic position,” he said. The new appointment has been year 2014-2015, due to be held at Al Kuwari started his diplomatic made by the Board of Directors the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. career in 1972 and represented of QF. In her role as CEO Sheikha H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Qatar as Qatari ambassador in sev- Hind will lead a unified executive eral Arab, European countries and team, responsible for enhancing and Thani Bank holiday the US for around 20 years. In 1992, implementing strategy and budget, he was appointed as Qatar’s Minis- driving performance, and strength- In order to build QF’s continued suc- on March 6 ter of Information and Culture and ening the relationships with QF’s cess and impact into the future, we Minister of Culture, Art and Heritage various partners and stakeholders, must now ensure that we are ready from 2008 to 2016. He has several said a statement. to meet the challenges of tomorrow. DOHA: Qatar Central Bank has international awards to his credit and Stressing the important role that With this in mind, the Board of Direc- announced that next Sunday authored several books such as: Dia- QF will play in future, H H Sheikha tors has agreed to a new governance (March 6) will be an official hol- Qatar’s candidate for Director-General of Unesco, H E Hamad bin lectics of Conflicts and Settlements, Moza bint Nasser, said: “Due to our structure for the Foundation.” iday for all banks and financial Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, giving a speech during a meeting with diplomats The Deficient Knowledge, Vision, rapid growth and success, we are institutions under its supervi- in Doha yesterday. Pic: Abdul B / The Peninsula Global Majlis and Majlis Mondial. now at a key juncture in our history. → Continued on page 2 sion. Work will be resumed on Monday (March 7). A press state- ment issued by the QCB yesterday said that banks, exchange houses, as well as investment and finan- Portable fuel station cial companies will be closed to QR2.7bn property the public on this date, in accord- ance with the Council of Ministers’ Decision No. (33) of 2009. deals in January Qatar to host ILO delegation By Mobin Pandit as against 331 in December 2015. and Sidi Mohamed According to Al Oruqi, who DOHA: The Government of Qatar The Peninsula is general manager of Roots Real will welcome a high-level delega- Estate Company, the market was dull tion of the International Labour in January because of low demand Organisation (ILO) to Doha. as owners were sticking to the old The ILO delegation will DOHA: There was a lull in the oth- prices which were high. engage in a number of high erwise buoyant real estate market in However, according to another level meetings with Qatari January as owners held on to their real estate market expert, recent Government officials and repre- properties due to weak demand and announcement by the country’s sentatives of the private sector reduced prices, says a real estate Minister of Energy and Industry and will visit construction and market expert. that crude prices were expected worker accommodation sites. “So potential buyers weren’t to improve to $50 a barrel by next The Ministry of Administrative willing to offer the old, higher rates, year would likely bolster the demand Development, Labour and Social and that was why the value of prop- for real estate. Khalifa Al Muslem- Affairs looks forward to working erty deals in January was relatively ani told this newspaper yesterday and collaborating with the ILO low,” said Ahmed Al Oruqi. that he expected property deals to delegation on the various issues Real estate transactions totaled improve, both in value and number, Work in progress on a new portable fuel station being installed by Woqod near Al Wakra Hospital concerning workers in Qatar and QR2.7bn ($741.4m) in January, by the middle of this month due to on Wukair road. Special entry and exit roads are also in place. Woqod is establishing a number of to discussing the progress that has down from QR3.6bn (approx $1bn) the above announcement. portable petrol stations across the country to address the huge rush in the existing fuel stations. been made in improving the living in December 2015. The number of Pic: Salim M / The Peninsula and working conditions of work- deals totaled 255 in January this year → Continued on page 2 ers in Qatar. 02 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 HOME

Emir appoints envoy to Greece

QNA

DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday issued Emiri Decision No. 17 of 2016, appointing Sultan Khalaf Al Muraikhi as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Greece. The decision takes immedi- ate effect and will be published in the official gazette.

QU to honour Sheikh Joaan Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Cultural Adviser to the Emir and former minister of culture, arts and herigage with the ambassadors. and launch fourth edition of National CSR report Al Kuwari submits candidacy for The Peninsula Unesco director-general’s post

DOHA: Qatar University (QU) will launch the fourth edition of the thinkers who have utilized their established the highly respected code we continue to branch out in this new National CSR (Leaders’ Vision) knowledge in various fields that have of values and means that formed the technological age and utilize all avail- tomorrow under the patronage of The Cultural Adviser truly enhanced the progress of human driving moral and practical force able advanced digital tools to reach Prime Minister and Interior Minis- to the Emir addresses beings. for world peace initiatives. Today, a wider public spectrum allowing for ter H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser This land taught me the meaning we urgently need to reestablish this the accomplishment of its important bin Khalifa Al Thani. ambassadors. of openness to other civilizations, and approach which requires innovation mission and obligations. H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad with this in mind, I travelled through at this critical stage of the history of I am very happy to be here today, Al Thani, President, Qatar Olym- America, Asia, Africa and Europe and humanity. within your presence, not only to pic Committee, will be honoured The Peninsula breathed the air of all these wonder- Just as the Arab civilization witness the announcement of my as CSR Person of the Year 2015 in H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al ful cultures. played a strong role and provided candidacy for the Unesco, but also to recognition of his role in support- Thani, President, Qatar Olympic I truly feel that I am a combina- humanity with science in the past, respectfully inform your governments ing corporate social responsibility Committee. tion of these diverse civilizations, I am certain that the symbolic and and people of our vibrant determina- (CSR) and for being a role model in An edited version of the speech by embodying service to others and material goods which humans tion to achieve a new breakthrough inspiring youth of Qatar. by Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al helping to emulate their values, thus enjoy are, indeed, the outcome of for this noble organization. The Premier will present the of the CSR Committee. Kuwari, Cultural Adviser to the achieving Unesco’s noble message, the participation of all civilizations. My country would not have put report which will be distributed to It includes intellectual contribu- Emir, and Qatar’s candidate for of world peace. You, in your unique Therefore, we must strive to pro- forth my nomination if it weren’t Qatari embassies around the world tions from ministers, ambassadors, Director-General of Unesco, at the capacity, share this vision with me, vide each global talent a chance to for two primary factors; the first is through the Foreign Ministry, one of representatives of international ambassadors’ meeting at Doha since we are all on the same united create scientific and knowledge- the leadership’s confidence in me the partners of the report. organisations and academic per- Sheraton yesterday: team aiming to achieve rapproche- based approaches to address the and in my ability to carry the torch Other government part- sonalities in Qatar. ment between people and grant all problems of development in all coun- for this imperative responsibility, ners include QOC, the Ministry of The Abdullah Bin Hamad Al I am extremely excited to have generations their undeniable human tries through applied technological due to my skills and cultural and Economy and Commerce Logistic Attiyah International Foundation the privilege of meeting with you at rights to education, culture and sci- research. educational potential, which were Committee, and National Security for Energy and Sustainable Devel- this historic moment, during which I ence in order to accomplish the global Unesco should diligently con- developed through past experience Programme (Somod). opment presented its global vision. am submitting my candidacy for the goal of sustainable development. tinue its mission to achieve “cultural bearing a number of responsibilities The academic report documents Other contributors are Qatar Shell, Director-General of Unesco. Advocating for this position has peace and understanding” through and working for state initialized cul- achievements of national organisa- INJAZ Qatar, Asthma Qatar Network, As you all know I am no stranger more than one meaning and goal. the “code of shared values” for which tural interaction on all local, Arab and tions in CSR and monitors progress and the embassies of the UAE, Swe- to yourselves or to the diplomatic A diplomat from an Arab country humanity has struggled to achieve, international levels. in social development and Qatar den, the Netherlands and Germany. departments, since I am first and overseeing the stewardship of this since cultural respect and under- The second is my country’s National Vision 2030. The report, part of a memo- foremost a son of the United Nations organization, for the first time in standing is considered our most deep- seated readiness to support This year’s edition is the first randum of understanding signed and of the Unesco. You are all fully history, represents a chance for the uniting factor for attaining world my candidacy by all means availa- academic primary study prepared between QU and the CSR Network, aware of my relationship with diplo- people of the Arab-Islamic world in peace. ble in order to serve the noble goals of in Qatar by researchers and students also honours leading companies in macy, where I spent many years particular and the developing coun- We must more strongly advo- Unesco in fulfilling the commitment of QU’s College of Business and Eco- CSR, and is sponsored by high-level immersed in the diplomatic field tries in general to play a role in its cate for the necessity to provide equal to education, science and culture. nomics (CBE) under the supervision organisations. and represented my country in sev- future perceptions and projects in access to development opportunities, I am proud to say that you have eral states, which brought me closer order to lift the situation of these so that we will not marginalise devel- worked side by side with me as to you and strengthened our rela- directly affected people. oping countries, but instead, we will ambassadors for your countries and tionships because we are all aware This is also a unique opportunity give full support to our initiatives in sensed closely my belief in work- of the importance of diplomacy today for advanced countries and Unesco to Africa and South America, without ing for all of humanity and the life in bringing about global consensus. confirm the spirit of mutual cooper- neglecting people the Small Island affirming world heritage goals of Today, I stand before you and ation and human unity, thus, leading Developing States (SIDS). Unesco. address you as a candidate for to a stronger formation of a bridge We are fully aware that Unesco This relationship provides you Unesco, and proudly offer a reminder between Arab civilizations and other made significant efforts over the with an innate ability to know me that I come from this honourable land civilizations of the world. past 70 years for the greater sake of quite well and allows me this won- where I grew up rooted in its mag- This candidacy represents a new humanity, however, it is still far from derful opportunity to once again ask nificent civilization that gave us breakthrough for Unesco guided by having reached the desired popular- you to support my candidacy and enlightened scientists and unique the ideals of the founding fathers who ity it needs to achieve, which is why urge your governments’ support.

Rain in Doha QF executive Some of the visitors at the park last weekend. team appointed

Over 40,000 visit Al Khor Park Continued from page 1

Sheikha Hind also serves The Peninsula and another 13 will be moved very as Co-Chairperson of the Joint soon, said Abu Baker Hamouda, Advisory Board of Northwest- Head, Veterinary and Supervision ern University in Qatar, a partner Section. of Hamad Bin Khalifa University DOHA: More than 40,000 people Meanwhile, the Umm Salal (HBKU), Vice-Chair of QF Board visited the newly opened Al Khor Municipality marked Qatar Envi- of Directors, Member of the Board Park last weekend. The park has a ronment Day, with an awareness of Trustees of QF and Chairperson mini zoo, with animals and birds lecture attended by students from of the Board of Directors of Teach shifted from the Doha Zoo which is several schools. At the end of the lec- For Qatar. undergoing renovation. ture, saplings were distributed to the The executive team appointed A total of 188 animals and birds participating students for planting at QF will be effective from April have been shifted to the mini zoo in their homes. 3. It includes Faisal Moham- med Al Suwaidi, President, QF Research and Development; Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, President, HBKU; Buthaina Al Nuaimi, Pres- Free data for Shahry Smart Rain drops on the windshield of a car parked near the Reach Out To Asia office in Luqta in Doha ident, Pre-University Education; yesterday. Pic: Salim / The Peninsula Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, President, Community Development; Sheikh and Hala Business customers Salman bin Hassan Al Thani, Chief Financial Officer; Mayan Zebeib, Chief Communications Officer; The Peninsula highlights the enhanced commu- Better oil prices hope to push property sales next year Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Naimi, nications experience for customers Chief Operations Officer; Michael who switch to Shahry. Mitchell, General Counsel; Engi- Last month, Ooredoo super- neer Jassim Telefat, Executive Continued from page 1 DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday loaded the data allowance, remarks to this newspaper. Al Rayyan. It was QR1.64bn versus Director, Capital Projects; and announced a new permanent offer, international call and local minute Asked about speculators who QR718m in Al Rayyan. Omran Hamad Al Kuwari, Exec- giving new Shahry Smart and Hala allowance across a range of Shahry “The expectations about were active on the market earlier, The highest price for a single utive Director, CEO Office. Business customers a full month of Smart Packs. improved oil prices next year would Al Oruqi said they weren’t to be seen piece of real estate was offered for a Engineer Saad Ibrahim Al unlimited data for free. Shahry Smart packs offer of local certainly push up the sale as the anywhere now. property in the posh Al Dfana local- Muhannadi, who has served as Starting today, every new cus- and international minutes/SMS, data demand for real estate would rise,” Meanwhile, in December 2015 ity of Doha at QR360m in January. QF President since 2013, has been tomer who chooses Shahry Smart and access to the Ooredoo Supernet he said. “I am quite hopeful.” and January 2016, Al Rayyan, Doha’s And, again, interesting as it may appointed as a Lifetime Member of 55 Packs or above, or new business for incredible Internet speeds and But Oruqi said that he didn’t sprawling satellite city, topped seem, for the first time Al Shehaniya the Board of Directors, in addition customers who choose Hala Busi- smoother downloads. think oil prices have any impact on in terms of the number of deals was included as the eighth munici- to his role as member of the Board ness 55 and above, will receive free The monthly packs are available Qatar’s real estate market because concluded. pality in the figures announced by the of Trustees. As a founding member data for a month. in denominations of 15, 35, 55, 100, infrastructure development projects The city accounted for 30 percent Real Estate Registry of the Ministry of of QF in 1995, he has led the devel- The upgrade is the latest in a 150, 250, 450 and 750. were on in full swing. of the total number of transactions in Justice for the month of January 2016. opment of QF’s infrastructure in series of boosts for the popular To get started with a Shahry “The development projects are January, while Doha had a share of However, just one real estate line with Qatar’s goal of trans- post-paid communication service, Smart or Shahry Super pack, visit still going on, so the question of low 29 percent. transaction took place in the new forming itself from a carbon-based being delivered as part of Ooredoo’s an Ooredoo shop for details or www. oil prices affecting the property mar- But the value of transactions in municipal area in January and its economy to a knowledge-based ‘Just Switched’ campaign, which ooredoo.qa ket here does not arise,” he said in Doha was more than double that of value was QR2m. economy. HOME TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 03

Youngsters enjoy a boat ride. School kids enjoy cultural and educational activities

Katara. The initiative was unveiled answered, and they were given to instil among the young curiosity of awards and gifts. ‘Schools enrich our discovery towards their history and The students of Al Muntazah culture’ initiative Qatar’s cultural traditions. Model Independent Schools toured launched by Cultural Students of Al Hayatt Universal Sawt Al Khaleej radio station’s inter- School and Al Muntazah Model Inde- active media studios. They enjoyed Village Foundation- pendent School had educational and the experience of recording the Katara continues interactive tours. Qatari national anthem in their A group of Al Muntazah Model voices. until the end of the Independent Schools students The Childhood Cultural Centre academic year. learned more about the life of sea- (CCC) provided the students of Al farers, hunting trips and pearl diving. Hayatt Universal School with edu- Other sea-related terms such cational, cultural and artistic sessions as Dasha (start) and Gafa (end) and and on personal values for those aged The Peninsula types of pearls were introduced to four to 18. schoolchildren. The initiative started on Febru- Maritime artefacts and profes- ary 7 and continues until the end of sions related to marine heritage were the academic year. Seven entities are DOHA: Schoolchildren yesterday also explained. taking part in the initiative — CCC, enjoyed cultural and educational There were also other cultural Sout Al Khaleej, Poet Majles, Qatar activities at Katara as part of ‘Schools and educational sessions to pro- Music Academy, Al Ganaas Associa- enrich our culture’ initiative launched vide students with information and tion, Katara Beach Management, and by Cultural Village Foundation- knowledge. Their questions were Red Velvet Cupcake. 04 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 HOME Qatar Airways first platinum airline in Middle East

The Pearl, where the airline is hosting throughout their journey with us.” The airline recognised the Passenger Experience Manage- The airline industry’s Fast Travel ment Group. initiative comprises six criteria and by IATA’s Fast The airline met IATA’s highest three standards — green, gold and Travel Programme Fast Travel standard by implement- platinum. ing self-service systems that address QA has achieved platinum for delivering fast worldwide passenger demands for status for offering self-service facil- and convenient more choice, convenience and con- ities to more than 80 percent of its trol over their travel experience. passengers travelling through its service has received QA uses new technologies, from state-of-the-art hub Hamad Inter- an award at the kiosks to mobile apps, to offer self- national Airport and across its global Passenger Experience serve channels, enabling passengers network. to check in, print Q-tag baggage labels In 2014, QA received the Fast Management Group. at home and access quick bag drop Travel green status for streamlining its facilities worldwide, scan their travel travel processes and became the first documents, re-book flights, self- airline in the region to enable passen- board and report missing bags online. gers to print baggage tags at home. The Peninsula Al Baker, said: “QA is the first Nick Careen, Senior Vice-Presi- airline in the Middle East to achieve dent, Airport, Passenger, Cargo and IATA’s platinum accolade, and only Security, IATA, said: “QA’s ongoing the sixth in the world to accomplish efforts and innovative solutions mean DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) is the first this high-level standard since the Fast that more than 80 percent of its pas- airline in the Middle East to achieve Travel Programme’s foundation. sengers are now offered solutions that platinum status in the International “This is a significant achieve- enable them to manage their journey. Air Transport Association’s (IATA’s) ment for the airline and furthers our “According to industry surveys, Fast Travel Programme in recogni- ambition to redefine the passenger over 50 percent of passengers want tion of its success in using innovative experience. to speed up air travel experience and technology to provide passengers with “Passenger needs are at the heart around 75 percent worldwide want quick and convenient air travel. of our service design and we want to more self-service options. Mohsen Alyafei, Executive Vice- provide all of our guests with the very “Ultimately, by providing more President, QA, received the accolade best travel experience. choice and more control for passen- on behalf of Akbar Al Baker, Group “For those passengers comforta- gers, airlines can achieve lower costs FROM LEFT: Ioannis Metsovitis, Vice-President Operations, Hamad International Airport; Pierre Charbonneau, Chief Executive, QA, yesterday from ble using technology, QA has provided and billions of dollars in annual sav- Pierre Charbonneau, Director Passen- opportunity to self-serve, giving them ings for the industry,” he added. Director Passenger, IATA; Mohsen Alyafei, Executive Vice-President, QA; and Srinivasan A T, Chief Information ger, IATA, at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, the control and flexibility they desire Officer, QA, at the event. Qatar Airways’ A350 aircraft to take centre stage at India Aviation 2016

The Peninsula Executive, QA, said: “We are proud QA is one of the fastest growing to showcase our A350 for the first airlines operating one of the young- time in the Indian market, giving est fleets in the world. In its 19th prospective clients and visitors a year, the airline operates a modern DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) will glimpse of what to expect when fleet of 177 aircraft to key business exhibit its Airbus A350 new-gener- they fly on board. and leisure destinations across six ation jetliner at India Aviation 2016 “We recently celebrated the first continents. in Hyderabad from March 16 to 20. anniversary of our A350 operations Since 2004, when QA operated The A350, for which QA was the which demonstrates our technolog- to four cities in India, the airline global launch customer, will make ically-advanced and fast-growing has increased capacity across the its debut at India’s largest civil avi- young fleet. The aircraft is the very country, increasing the number ation and aerospace show. latest in design, technology and of destinations to 13, and taking The theme of this edition of the comfort, and will make its debut overall frequency to 102 passen- biennial international exhibition appearance on the Indian shores ger flights and 30 freighter services and conference at Begumpet Air- soon. a week. port is ‘India’s Civil Aviation Sector: “India, as one of the world’s Demand for QA service in India Potential as Global Manufacturing & largest aviation markets, contin- continues to grow, which has been MRO Hub’ and the event is expected ues to command respect. The focus met by up-gauging aircraft from to bring together 250 exhibitors and this year on growing the manufac- A320s, with a capacity of 144 seats up to 50,000 visitors from around turing and maintenance, repair to Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with 254 the world. and overhaul businesses in India seats and Boeing 777 aircraft with Organised by the Ministry of is commendable, and will benefit The A350 aircraft will debut at India Aviation 2016 in Hyderabad from March 16 to 20. 335 seats. Civil Aviation and Federation of the aviation industry as a whole.” QA offers daily passenger flights Indian Chambers of Commerce QA took delivery of the first to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Amrit- and Industry, the event will be A350 in December 2014 and started operate A350s to three continents. in a 3-3-3 configuration, allowing Executive’s Bombardier Challenger sar, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, inaugurated by President Pranab commercial operations in Janu- The state-of-the-art aircraft it to seat 247 passengers. 300, with a hospitality chalet. Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Mukherjee, and will feature static ary 2015. It operates seven aircraft features customised interior set- The carrier participated in As in past events, QA will extend Chennai, Bengaluru (Bangalore), displays, demonstration flights and with regular commercial service to tings, with its Business Class cabin the Indian Aviation show in 2010, award-winning hospitality to guests Nagpur with 11-flights-a-week to aerobatic shows. Frankfurt, Munich, Singapore and comprising 36 seats in a 1-2-1 con- exhibiting a Boeing 777-200 and media and trade partners at a Cochin and double daily flights to Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Philadelphia — the first airline to figuration and Economy Class cabin Long Range aircraft and Qatar visitors chalet. the capital Delhi.

RAF begins new aid campaign for newly displaced Syrians Over 72 QU students attend smoking cessation event

The Peninsula The Peninsula collaboration with Qatar-based Holy Quran Radio to collect the aid. The programme will be broadcast today at 8pm and on DOHA: Over 72 students from Qatar DOHA: Sheikh Thani Bin Thursday at 3.30pm. University (QU) College of Pharmacy Abdullah Foundation for RAF urged the public to (CPH) and the Department of Health Humanitarian Services (RAF) extend a helping hand to res- Sciences, College of North Atlan- has launched a new campaign cue the displaced Syrian people tic-Qatar (CNA-Q), University of to collect humanitarian aid to forced to leave their homes due Calgary-Qatar (UCQ) and Weill Cornell support newly displaced Syrian to the shelling by Russian fight- Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) participated people inside the country along ers. Donors can finance a full in the second IPE activity on smoking Turkey’s border. truckload or part of it. A tonne cessation. The target is 100 truckloads of flour costs QR1,100, the price The workshop at CNA-Q started of flour. Each truck will contain for a full truck is QR27,000 and with an ice-breaker activity to famil- 25 tonnes of flour bags, at a cost half truck QR13,750. iarise the students with the concept of of QR27,500. The aid is expected A tonne of flour will be interprofessional education and for to benefit 125,000 people. enough to produce 1,150 packets them to share the commonalities and The flour will be delivered of bread, each with eight breads. differences of their academic disci- to bakeries in the areas of newly So far, RAF has dispatched three plines and professional backgrounds. displaced Syrians in Rif Halab caravans of trucks loaded with Opening the event, Alla El Awaisi, along the Turkey-Syria boarder, flour at a cost of QR2.1m to Syria, Assistant Dean, Student Affairs, and IPE Rif Hama (north), Sahl Al Ghab, donated by people in Qatar. Chair, said: “Part of our goal from these Students attending the workshop. Al Atshan village, Rif Halab Donations can be made through workshops is preparing our students for (west), Rif Lazqiyah, Rif Hamas the round-the-clock RAF hotline shared decisionmaking through collab- (east) and Al Hawla, Hems. 555341818 or at the collection orative practice in their careers ahead. for when they start working in Qatar’s partnership among pharmacy, med- obstructive pulmonary disease to stop RAF will launch a drive in centre set up all over the country. “Smoking cessation is an effective healthcare system.” ical, public health, nursing and allied smoking. Also discussed were strate- model for showcasing this collabora- The students were oriented on the health professional students. gies and roles in establishing a smoking tion and providing an environment for relevance of smoking cessation and “Collaboration of this capacity pro- cessation clinic. students of all healthcare backgrounds the role of healthcare providers by vides all students with the opportunity Second-year CPH student Radoa to understand and respect their roles Dr Ahmed Awaisu, Assistant Profes- to further their skillsets and become Al Ansari said: “Collaborating with and responsibilities to stakeholders.” sor, CPH, who also stressed the role for more well-rounded healthcare prac- students from other healthcare Irene O’Brien, Dean, CNA-Q School collaborative care in tobacco cessation titioners in the workplace.” programmes gives us a better under- of Health Sciences, said: “It is a pleasure clinics as part of the strategies to con- Students were later engaged in standing of each other’s roles and to host healthcare students on our cam- trol tobacco use in Qatar. addressing cases of smoking cessation perspectives in the healthcare team. pus to help build professional aptitude On the importance of students adopting the strategies learned during These sessions provide us with tools we and educational opportunities. in healthcare profession disciplines a session conducted by Dr Mohamud will need in the workplace to provide “Healthcare is all about teamwork joining forces for a healthier Qatar, Verjee, Associate Professor, Family optimal care to patient. and improving patient care — it is won- he said: “Learning together using an Medicine in Clinical Medicine, WCM- “Working together for the better- derful that students can gain practice in IPE model is a unique opportunity to Q. One such case involved helping a ment of the patient is everyone’s goal,” Donors can finance a full or part of a truckload of flour. the area to better prepare themselves build a strong foundation for future heavy smoker suffering from chronic Al Ansari added.

06 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 HOME

Over 100 film industry Over 2,200 attend first Destination experts to attend Qumra

Imagination Invitational Tournament The Peninsula outcomes for the projects developed in the first edi- tion of Qumra and I am confident that connections DOHA: More than 100 film made between emerging industry experts will attend filmmakers and indus- the second edition of Qumra try mentors in the coming — the annual industry event week will contribute to the by Doha Film Institute (DFI) growth of a more robust to nurture the development regional film industry and of emerging filmmakers. benefit the participants far The event from March into the future.” 4 to 9 at Museum of Islamic The Qumra is centred Art (MIA) will see the around 33 projects from attendance of international Qatar, the Arab region and film festival directors, pro- the rest of the world at var- ducers, fund managers, ious stages of development. script consultants, distrib- The industry ses- utors and other industry sions are presented in two experts. strands: Tutorials, work- Several industry leaders shops, consultations and who attended the inaugural one-on-one meetings for edition last year have con- projects in development; firmed participation for and work-in-progress and the second time, alongside ‘picture lock’ screenings many new organisations and feedback sessions for represented the first time projects in post-production. at the annual gathering Leading industry Officials and participants at the event. dedicated to supporting experts to attend the event first- and second-time film- include David Parfitt, makers on a creative and Academy Award-winning tion Centre (QNCC). Thani, Chairman, Board of Trustees, pace with the modern world. practical level. producer, Chairman, Film A total of 315 teams from Qatar ALF, said: “The ALF Foundation had the “This system encourages students The delegates come London and ex-chairman, A total of 315 teams and 13 from seven countries, includ- opportunity to bring very talented and to have fun, take risks, focus and frame from as far afield as Argen- BAFTA; Christophe Lep- from Qatar and 13 ing the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, creative students to our country. challenges while incorporating science, tina to Australia and India to arc, Managing Director, Turkey, Morocco, Poland and the US, “They are able to learn more about technology, engineering, mathematics, the Netherlands and Egypt Programmer, Director’s from seven countries participated in the tournament hosted our culture and this provided us with an the arts and service learning. to the US. Fortnight Cannes Film Fes- participated in by AlFaisal Without Borders (ALF), in opportunity to reinforce the time and “It is through this programme that Fatma Al Remaihi, CEO, tival and new Director, Destination Imagination partnership with the Ministry of Edu- energy these young people have invested ALF hopes to shed light on the impor- DFI, said: “Qumra presents a Cinemed; and Cameron cation and supported by Social Media in a mind-challenging competition that tance of providing an opportunity for very important component Bailey, Director, Toronto tournament hosted Solutions, Qatar Volunteers, Amlak and will better prepare them for high school students to experience and develop in nurturing a film indus- International Film Festival. by AlFaisal Without QNCC. and college. imaginative and original ideas.” try in Qatar and the Arab Qumra has three main DI is an educational competition “We as the private sector, together International visitors participated in world and the participation elements: Masterclasses by Borders. where teams compete with each other with private institutions, charities and an extreme challenge where they had 24 of international industry Qumra Masters to be led by to solve challenges they are given. foundations, are doing our best to come hours to understand and solve a chal- experts is integral to this ini- James Schamus and Joshua Each of the eight challenges (tech- up with ideas that serve and improve lenge being faced. tiative. I would like to thank Oppenheimer (US), Naomi nical, scientific, structural, fine arts, our country. Teams this year had to dream, design each of these seasoned pro- Kawase (Japan), Nuri Bilge The Peninsula improvisational, service learning, early “We are proud of the achievements and build a creativity centre inspired by fessionals for lending their Ceylan (Turkey) and Ale- learning and instant challenge) is dif- of Qatari youth and the educational sys- Doha Architecture. They were required expertise to benefit the ksandr Sokurov (Russia); ferent from the other, but they aim to tem of our country.” to create a blueprint and participate in a participating projects and industry meetings and spur creativity, critical thinking, prob- Abdullatif Al Yafei, General Manager, mock bartering souq to obtain required for being part of the unique screenings. All projects DOHA: More than 2,200 people have lem-solving and teamwork spirit among ALF, said: “In adopting this programme, materials for building. creative network we have selected by DFI will benefit taken part in the first Destination the students. we are working hard to achieve Qatar During the presentation, their cultivated through Qumra. from industry meetings with Imagination (DI) Qatar Invitational Stressing on the importance of the National Vision 2030, which aims to metres-tall structures had to withstand “We have seen many experts to take their work to Tournament at Qatar National Conven- event, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al build an education system that keeps a simulated Doha sandstorm. productive and tangible the next stage.

08 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 HOME / MIDDLE EAST

Premier arrives in Tunisia for meeting 12% of retired married Qataris feel lonely and isolated: Survey

By Mobin Pandit and Sanaullah whereas 86 percent are sitting at yesterday that some awards were Ataullah home. More widows (19 percent) presented at the symposium. The Peninsula talked of loneliness than those Mubarak bin Abdulaziz Al Khal- divorced (15 percent). Of all respond- ifa, CEO, Ehsan, told the seminar that ents, 87 percent said they did not the survey aimed to get facts and fig- suffer loneliness and isolation, with ures about the Qatari community. DOHA: A survey shows that more 13 percent complaining of the curse. “We don’t want armchair con- retired Qatari married individuals Some 80 percent of the respond- cepts and speculative figures. For (aged 60 and above) feel more lonely ents said they were married, while 12 policymaking we need hard facts than their single counterparts. percent were widows, five percent and figures which such surveys can Some 12 percent of those sur- divorced and three percent single. provide,” said Al Khalifa. veyed among the retired senior Most retired Qataris (95 percent According to him, the idea is to citizens said they felt isolated and of the surveyed) said they lived with know the extent of the feeling of lonely while only 10 percent of the their extended families, and five per- loneliness and isolation among the single said they suffered loneliness. cent said they were staying alone or Qatari elderly who have retired and The survey was conducted by with relatives. Some 65 percent of look for their causes and solutions. Ehsan Centre for the Care of the Eld- them were found suffering from old- “Based on the findings, efforts will erly, of Qatar Foundation for Social age-related diseases and 35 percent be made to weave the retired senior Service. It was held in collaboration reported physically fit. citizens back into the mainstream of with the Ministry of Development The survey was conducted to the Qatari community,” he said. Planning and Statistics from Decem- assess problems the elderly in the Mariam Ibrahim Al Ansari, Head, ber 14, 2014 to January 14, 2015. Qatari community face and look for Development and Planning, Ehsan, Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday Some 846 retired individuals ways to redress them. said loneliness suffered by retired arrived in Tunisia to participate in the 33rd meeting of Arab ministers of interior. Tunisian Prime Minister aged 60 and above were included in Details were discussed at a sem- Qataris led to health problems. This Habib Essid welcomed the Premier on arrival. Tunisian Minister of Interior Hedi Majdoub, Secretary- the survey as sample. Of them, 76.6 inar attended by social activists is the first such study to look for ways General of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers Dr Mohammed Koeman and Qatari Ambassador to percent were men and 23.4 per- involved with the care of the elderly, and means to redress the plight of the Tunisia Abdullah Nasser Abdullah Alhumaidi were also present. cent women. However, 14 percent of community elders and media per- elderly in the Qatari community, she them were still economically active sons. Qatar News Agency reported added. Ikea ceiling lamps recalled QCS unveils cancer booklet Story of Hope

The Peninsula protect consumers and ensure sup- The Peninsula word that still sounds undesirable courage and gives motivation. The pliers follow up on product defects although a significant improvement stories will remain memorable. and recall defective items. All stories describe has been achieved in detecting and “With different characters, all The ministry will coordinate hard times that could treating it. stories have hope and describe hard DOHA: The Ministry of Economy with the supplier to ensure the recall DOHA: Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) “Fear of cancer has destroyed times that could change the course and Commerce, in collaboration of defective products and commu- launched a survivor booklet ‘Story change the course hope in people and some think it’s of life, but that the human beings with Hamad and Mohamed Al Fut- nicate with customers to ensure the of Hope’ marking World Cancer of life, but that the not curable and would always lead could not be defeated,” Dr Khalid taim Company–IKEA WLL, has necessary procedures have been Day. to death. bin Jabor added. announced the recall of Ikea Hyby, taken. It urged customers to report It aims to raise awareness about human beings could “This concept has been there Jeremie Arash, Associate Pro- Lock and Rinna ceiling lamps due to any violations to its Consumer Pro- cancer and let the people know that not be defeated. among many for a long time. It is fessor, Genetic Medicine, Weill the potential fall of the glass shades tection and Anti-Commercial Fraud cancer can be treated if diagnosed just a transitional stigma. Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), and urged the immediate removal of Department through kotline: 16001; at an early stage. “With advanced treatment and said, “The booklet serves the mis- the ceiling lamps and their return to email: [email protected]; Twitter: @ World Cancer Day activities psychological support, cancer will sion of QCS and WCM-Q to educate any IKEA store. MEC_Qatar; Instagram: MEC_Qatar; at Karata were organised for all were named ambassadors for QCS. be just a memory and a motivation people with stories of patients who The ministry said the recall is and the ministry’s mobile app for groups, including school students. Dr Khaled bin Jabor Al Thani, to love life. have survived emotional, spiritual within the framework of its efforts to Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar. Nadine Bitar and Shatha Adhami Chairman, QCS, said, “Cancer is a “The booklet has stories full of and physical challenges of cancer.”

Driver who killed Kuwaiti policeman Israel orders 84 Palestinians held without trial may be a militant, says minister AFP The Palestinian Prisoners’ Club The procedure, which dates back their cases, said it was the highest Mosque and to Jews as the Cave of the said 39 Palestinians had been arrested to the British mandate of Palestine, number since 2009. Patriarchs in late 2015 and early 2016. KUWAIT: Kuwait’s interior min- and placed under administrative allows Israel to hold suspects without Israel’s military announced Mon- They occurred amid a wave of ister said yesterday that a man detention for periods of between trial for renewable six-month periods. day the arrests of two Palestinian Palestinian attacks targeting Israe- who rammed his car into a group RAMALLAH: Israel has over the two and six months, while the other The latest orders raise to more brothers accused of being “snipers” lis, but most of the assaults have been of police officers last week, killing past 10 days slapped “administrative 45 had their detention prolonged. than 700 the number of Palestinians who shot and wounded two civilians stabbings. one of them, “belonged to an organ- detention” orders on 84 Palestini- Last Friday, journalist Moham- held under administrative detention, and two soldiers in Hebron in the The two arrested were Nazar Fizel isation” - a wording that suggested ans, a controversial procedure under med Al Qiq ended a 94-day hunger out of a total of more than 7,000 Pal- occupied West Bank. Mohamed Badie, 23 and alleged to be the incident was a militant attack. which prisoners can be held without strike staged in protest at his admin- estinians being held in Israeli jails, The shooting incidents took place an operative of the Islamist movement The Western-allied oil charge, a Palestinian NGO said yes- istrative detention under a deal for his according to the NGO. near a flashpoint religious shrine Hamas, and his brother, Akram Fizel exporter has been on alert against terday. release in May. The Prisoners’ Club, which follows known to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mohamed Badie, 33. militants since a suicide bomber killed 26 people in June last year at a Shia mosque in an attack claimed by Islamic State (IS). UAE jails Omani over Sheikh Mohammad Al Hamad Kuwait-Nato agreement Al Sabah, speaking at a ceremony WhatsApp insults to state to honour the deceased police officer, said the man who carried out the attack “belonged to an ABU DHABI: The supreme court in the United Arab Emirates organisation,” state news agency yesterday jailed an Omani man for three years for “mocking” Kuna said, quoting a statement by the Gulf state on WhatsApp messenger, local media reported. the interior ministry. Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Owaissi, 29, was convicted of “distributing information aimed at mocking and harming the reputation of the state,” Al Ittihad newspaper reported on its Bahrain jails website. He had distributed an audio recording “in which he accused the state and its martyrs in Yemen of cowardness five people for and treachery,” the report said, citing the verdict. Owaissi was also fined Dh50,000 ($13,625). attacking police It was unclear with whom he shared the message on the popular mobile telephone application, or how many people it reached. The UAE is a key member of the Saudi-led coali- DUBAI: Bahrain jailed five people tion fighting Iran-backed Shiite rebels in Yemen in support of for up to 15 years on Monday for internationally recognised President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi. “terrorist” attacks against police The oil-rich country has not seen any of the pro-reform in the Sunni-ruled Gulf kingdom protests that have swept other Arab countries since 2011, that has been shaken by Shiite-led including fellow Gulf states Bahrain and Oman. But author- unrest since 2011. ities have stepped up a crackdown on dissent amid calls for A high criminal court sen- democratic reform. tenced three defendants to 15 years Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (left) and Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs each after convicting them of set- Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al Sabah exchange documents of the Nato-Kuwait Transit Agreement, in Kuwait City, yesterday. ting an interior ministry vehicle on US-led coalition discussed fire, the prosecutor in “terrorist” cases, Ahmed Al Hammadi, said. Syria ground incursion They were also collec- tively fined more than BD17,000 ANKARA: Defence ministers from the US-led coalition ($45,000), said Hammadi in a against Islamic State discussed the possibility of a Syrian statement published by the offi- Suicide car bomb kills 4 in Aden ground incursion two weeks ago in Brussels, but have not cial BNA news agency. made a decision, an aide to Saudi Arabia’s defence minis- No casualties were reported in ter said yesterday. the attack that took place in August AFP Five others were wounded in the attack capital as Sana’a remains in the hands of “It was discussed two weeks ago in Brussels,” Brigadier last year. In another case, the same in the Sheikh Othman district of the port the Iran-backed Houthi rebels and their General Ahmed Asseri said in a telephone interview from court jailed two defendants, one city, the official said. allies since they seized it in September Riyadh. “It was discussed at the political level but it wasn’t for three years and the second for The suicide bomber rammed his explo- 2014. discussed as a military mission,” he said. 10 years, after convicting them of ADEN: A suicide car bombing killed four sives-laden vehicle into an area where Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group “Once this is organised, and decided how many troops rioting and throwing explosives people yesterday when it hit a gathering of security forces and pro-government mili- have stepped up attacks in Aden despite the and how they will go and where they will go, we will par- and rocks at police last April. loyalist forces in Yemen’s Aden, the south- tiamen had assembled, the official said. efforts of the government and its backers in ticipate in that,” he said. “We need to discuss at the military That “terrorist” attack wounded ern city serving as a government base, a President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi a Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis level very extensively with the military experts to make sure two policemen, the statement said. security official said. has declared Aden as Yemen’s temporary and their allies to secure it. that we have a plan.” MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 09 Assad regime wrecking truce deal: Opposition

to include military action. The White House Russia yesterday also rejected any sugges- tion of a Plan B, which has been alluded to by says that the US US Secretary of State John Kerry. remained committed The agreement does not include jihadist groups, such as Islamic State and the Nusra to implementing the Front, and Russia has made clear it intends cessation of hostilities to keep bombing them. But rebels regarded as “moderate” by the West fear they will also despite reports of be targeted as they operate in areas where violations over the Nusra is also present. weekend. Countries belonging to the “International Syria Support Group” (ISSG), led by the United States and Russia, met in Geneva yesterday. They are supposed to monitor compli- Reuters ance with the deal and act rapidly to end any flare-ups. “We have received indications that attacks, including by air, have been continu- ing against zones controlled by the moderate BEIRUT/GENEVA: A senior official from Syr- opposition,” French Foreign Minister Jean- ia’s main opposition group said yesterday that Marc Ayrault said in Geneva. “All this needs a fragile international attempt to halt nearly to be verified.” five years of fighting was in danger of total col- The HNC said the cessation of hostilities lapse because of attacks by government forces. was broken by the Syrian government 15 times The cessation of hostilities drawn up by on the first day, and that there were further Washington and Moscow faced “complete nul- violations by Russia and Hezbollah, both allies lification” because Syrian government attacks of President Bashar Al Assad. were violating the agreement, the official of On the ground, rebels said the violence the Saudi-backed opposition High Negotia- was below pre-ceasefire levels in some places tions Committee (HNC) said. and little changed in others. France said there were reports of attacks Colonel Fares Al Bayoush, head of a Free on opposition forces in breach of the deal, Syrian Army group called the Northern Divi- which came into force on Saturday, and coun- People carry Free Syrian Army flags while attending a protest against forces loyal to President Bashar Al Assad, Russia and the sion, told Reuters: “The air strikes are heavy tries backing the Syrian peace process met to Syrian Democratic forces, in Tariq Al Bab neighbourhood of Aleppo, yesterday. today, especially by Russian planes.” try to clarify the situation. Abu Al Baraa Al Hamawi, a fighter with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Ajnad Al Sham group in northwestern Syria, the pause in the fighting was largely holding, to allow peace talks to resume and aid to reach and must take real, practical measures Reuters in Riyadh. “Today there about 10 Rus- said the government had shelled a number despite some incidents that he hoped would besieged communities. towards the (Syrian) regime,” Zoubi said, with- sian air strikes, about 16 air strikes done by of villages. “It is regular bombardment, no be contained. The Kremlin said the process Aid trucks carrying non-food items such out elaborating. the regime.” change. The regime after the truce is as it was was under way, although it had always been as blankets yesterday entered Mouadamiya, He said there were no signs of any prep- He said a mechanism was needed to stop before.” A fighter in the Aleppo area said the clear it would not be easy. a suburb of Damascus under siege by gov- arations for peace talks, which the UN wants such violations and encourage negotiations. overall level of violence had gone down, but In Washington, the White House said the ernment forces, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to reconvene on March 7. Talks in Geneva in Syrian officials could not immediately be there were many violations and people were United States remained committed to imple- said. The United Nations and other agencies early February collapsed before they started, reached for comment on claims that govern- pessimistic. menting the cessation of hostilities despite hope to deliver aid to more than 150,000 peo- with rebels saying they could not negotiate ment forces were violating the cessation. The Syrian government forces meanwhile reports of violations over the weekend. ple in besieged areas over the next five days. while they were being bombed. government, whose forces are backed by Rus- regained control of a road to the northern The British-based Syrian Observatory for Asaad Al Zoubi, head of the HNC’s del- HNC spokesman Salim al-Muslat said sian air power, has said it is abiding by the city of Aleppo after making advances against Human Rights said the cessation was largely egation to the peace talks, gave a gloomy the truce was a step in the right direction, agreement. Islamic State fighters. Government forces had holding with casualties greatly reduced com- assessment of the truce. “We are not facing a but that there was no means of preventing it However, a Syrian foreign ministry official been relying on the route to reach Aleppo, pared with before the agreement took effect. violation of the truce ... we are facing a com- being violated. accused Saudi Arabia of trying to undermine which it sees as a major prize. IS fighters in The cessation of hostilities, the first of its plete nullification,” he said on Al Arabiya Al “There has to be a power that really stops the cessation of hostilities agreement by say- northern Syria also came under cross-border kind since the war began in 2011, is a less for- Hadath TV. “I believe the international com- what Russia and what the regime is doing,” ing there would be a “Plan B” if it failed. He did artillery fire from Turkey, a military official mal arrangement than a ceasefire. It is meant munity has totally failed in all its experiments, Muslat said in a television interview with not give details of the plan, which is believed said.

IS-claimed blast kills at least 24 Rouhani secures more at Iraq funeral

AFP moderate parliament

AFP in 2009 saw Ahmadinejad re-elected. BAQUBA, IRAQ: A suicide bomber That vote was followed by bloody street struck a Shia funeral northeast of protests in which dozens of people were killed Baghdad yesterday, killing at least in what is widely considered the Islamic repub- 24 people, including militia com- TEHRAN: Iran’s President Hassan Rowhani lic’s darkest hour. Reformists swept the capital, manders, in an attack claimed by secured a more moderate parliament yester- and in an electoral first did so without requir- the Islamic State (IS) group, offi- day after elections saw hardliners soundly ing a second round of voting in any of the 30 cials said. trumped by reformists while conservatives seats they secured. The blast in Muqdadiyah, lost seats and voters implicitly backed the After campaigning as the “List of Hope”, a which also wounded dozens of government. slate of reformist politicians who support the people, threatens to spark another Final results showed seats being shared government will regain significant power in round of revenge attacks against three ways between Rowhani’s reform- parliament and are likely to push for social, Sunnis in the area, like those car- ist and moderate allies, conservatives and cultural and political reforms. ried out after bombings in January. independents. Reformists stayed away from parliamentary The latest attack targeted a No single group had a decisive share of par- elections four years ago in protest at Ahmadine- funeral for a well-known Shiite liament’s 290 seats from Friday’s voting, but jad’s earlier victory, with defeated candidates member of the Beni Tamim, one tallies suggested the president would be able Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, who of the main tribes in Diyala prov- to muster support from key backers and cre- remain under house arrest, alleging the vote ince, where Muqdadiyah is located. ate a working majority. was rigged. Results from Sadiq al-Husseini, the head of The returns were shap- other cities also had con- the Diyala province security com- ing up as a strong signal servatives losing seats, but mittee, said that a commander of public support for they continued to enjoy from Asaib Ahl Al Haq and another last year’s nuclear deal strong support in rural from Badr — two powerful Shiite between Iran and world areas. Iraqi firefighters arrive at an army position where an attack was carried out by the militias — were killed in the blast. powers, an agreement The main conserva- Islamic State (IS) group in the Abu Ghraib area west of capital Baghdad, yesterday. Officials in the province steered by Rowhani tive list secured 103 MPs, appealed for calm in the after- which saw the lifting reformists and moderates math of the attack. of crippling sanctions from the List of Hope 95, Muqdadiyah residents should statement, saying a suicide bomber who det- killed at least 39 people and wounded at least in January. Friday’s and Independents 14. “join hands to get out of the current onated an explosive belt targeted a gathering 76, the deadliest attacks in the capital so far second election — for Some 69 constituen- crisis,” said Ali Al Tamimi, the head of militiamen in Muqdadiyah. this year. the clerical Assembly cies had no clear winner, of the Muqdadiyah district council. It listed the names of some who were alleg- IS said in an online statement that two of of Experts — also pro- meaning a second round And Diyala Governor Muth- edly killed. Suicide bombings are a tactic almost its suicide bombers carried out the Baghdad duced symbolic gains run-off will be needed in anna Al Tamimi said that: exclusively employed in Iraq by IS, a Sunni attacks. IS also claimed an attack at a cafe for Rowhani. a field that has more con- “Muqdadiyah will not fall into the extremist group that overran swathes of the in Muqdadiyah that killed at least 20 people Two renowned servatives than reformists trap of sectarian strife promoted country in 2014. and wounded dozens in January, after which hardline ayatollahs and moderates. by some politicians.” The IS group The Muqdadiyah attack came a day after revenge attacks targeted Sunni properties in lost their seats on the Many of those con- claimed the attack in an online bombings in a Shiite area of northern Baghdad the area. 88-member assembly, servatives already elected a powerful committee are moderates who backed Iranian Interior Minister Abdol Reza that monitors supreme Rowhani on the nuclear leader Ayatollah Ali Fazli speaks during a press conference deal and, acutely aware of Khamenei’s work and at the interior ministry in Tehran, the public’s shifting mood UK troops sent to Tunisia to bolster Libyan border will pick the 76-year- yesterday. and desire for more open- old’s successor if he dies ness to the West, are likely during its eight-year term. to support the government. AFP Tunisian authorities,” he said. Britain should not nation. Extremists including the Islamic In contrast, 15 of 16 members of the assem- Such a spirit of cooperation came from have a “combat role” in Libya but would be State group have exploited the chaos, rais- bly’s list in Tehran headed by Rowhani and his Ali Larijani, a conservative and parliament’s ready to provide military advice and training ing fears of jihadists using the Libyan coast top ally Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a current speaker, who described the election for the Libyan government if asked to do so as a launchpad to infiltrate Europe and carry two-term former president, were elected. as “eye-catching” and said it signalled that “a LONDON: Britain is sending a training team and only with the prior consent of British MPs. out attacks. Rafsanjani came first and Rowhani third. new page had been opened for the country”. of around 20 soldiers to Tunisia to help stop He denied that British pilots embedded Libya was thrown into turmoil after a A push by their supporters, largely on social Larijani’s political heft was crucial to the people illegally entering from neighbouring with other air forces had taken part in mis- Nato-backed uprising that toppled longtime media, helped eject current assembly chair nuclear deal being approved by MPs as he had Libya, Defence Minister Michael Fallon told sions over the country. dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Mohammad Yazdi and the ultraconservative backed Rowhani at key moments in the more parliament yesterday. Libya has had rival parliaments and gov- Western countries have agreed that mil- Mohammad Taghi Mesbah-Yazdi, formerly than two years of negotiations that led to the “A training team of some 20 troops from ernments since 2014, after an Islamist-led itary action is needed to dislodge IS in Libya, a close adviser to ex-president Mahmoud agreement. The results represent “a reaction the 4th Infantry Brigade is now moving to militia alliance overran Tripoli and forced but world powers want a national unity gov- Ahmadinejad. The most dramatic change was against radicals” from the electorate, Amir Tunisia to help counter illegal cross-bor- the internationally recognised administra- ernment installed to request help before the resurgence of the reformists, a political Mohebbian, an analyst with close links to pol- der movement from Libya in support of the tion to flee to the remote east of the oil-rich formally intervening. camp largely silenced after a disputed election iticians of all political hues, told AFP. 10 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 OPINION

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL A vote for reforms Britain - inescapably defined ran’s voters have rewarded President Hassan Rouhani and his allies for the nuclear deal his government struck both by Europe, and against it with the West which ended years of stiff sanctions. The twin polls held on Friday, for the parliament and the clerical assembly of experts, were seen as a test for will be of greater consequence on that stipulates the ever increasing (SNP)governing in Edinburgh, the IRouhani who had sought reelection for a continuation of his the former in the run-up to the next political integration of the Euro- Scottish capital, will campaign to policies and to finish the task he has undertaken by signing the general election in 2020, assuming pean project, on which something remain in Europe. Scotland has nuclear agreement. Hardliners were roundly trumped by the that the present Tory government of a national consensus exists. The always been predominantly pro- rules for the full five years. Europe Leave campaign was quick to rec- European for historical reasons as reformists and Rouhani secured a more moderate parliament. At has always been the nemesis of the ognise the ephemeral provisionality well as to distinguish itself from the same time, it can’t be called a sweeping victory for the ruling Tories, as Margaret Thatcher and of Cameron’s deal. Niceties apart, its Euro-sceptic neighbour to the party and its allies. Final results showed seats being shared John Major, British Prime Minis- they told him firmly that his deal south. SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, three ways between Rouhani’s reformist and moderate allies, ters in the 1980s and 1990s, both will not do. Their pronouncements a formidable debater, has raised conservatives and independents. No single group has mustered discovered to their costs. Although have, so far, been rhetorically effec- the menacing spectre of Scottish a decisive share of parliament’s 290 seats, though the president Labour will try to take advantage tive in terms of tempo and measure, independence again. She will keep of the divisions in the Tory ranks, it but it is unlikely that the rhetoric reminding her Scottish electorate will be able to create a working majority by winning the support By Professor Yasir Suleiman will face many problems of its own. of respect, in a state of national and the Westminster Parliament of those who back his policies. And on account of his largely inef- discord, will last the full course of that should the UK vote to leave the The capital city gave its unstinting support to the president, fectual performance in the debate the build-up to the referendum. As EU, Scotland, which is certain to with 15 of 16 members of the assembly’s list in Tehran headed by on Europe at the British Parliament the campaign on both sides inten- side with the Remain campaign, Rouhani and his top ally Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani f you are interested in pol- on 23 February, the ability of Jer- sifies, the gloves will come off. It is will have good reason to ask for a getting elected. itics without real blood, emy Corbyn, the Labour leader, at this stage that Europe will strike new referendum on independence. The results bring joy to reformists and centrists, and Iranians Britain would not be a bad to articulate the case for Europe back, dividing the Tories and, par- Should the Leave campaign win, place to sojourn for the next is going to be severely tested and adoxically, reminding them in real the UK will face two major chal- are happy that their country is taking a new turn. Rouhani Ifew months before the referen- may in fact catapult his limitations terms of its power over them and lenges: what to do outside Europe, can now pursue his economic liberalisation agenda to attract dum on Europe on 23 June. You as a leader to a wider public. Judg- over Britain as a whole. on the one hand, and the state of investment to boost growth and create jobs for millions of would be served a rich menu of ing by early skirmishes,the contest The Tory protagonists both the Union among the constituent Iranians and bring down inflation. The argument and counter argument, up to the UK referendum about EU for and against Europe will ini- nations of the United Kingdom on reformists were also able to consolidate with a generous dose of British wit membership on 23 June is going tially focus on the economy, this the other. This is why Europe dom- their position with the current elections and bite, about the merits of leav- to be of gladiatorial proportions. being the stuff of rational debate inates Britain whether Britain likes ing Europe or remaining a part of it. With an absent Labour party, the and the ground on which civility it or not. And this is why Britain is after suffering many setbacks in the In his new To be precise, the argument sought Prime Minister David Cameron and can be tendered and maintained. inescapably defined by Europe and past. Reformists had stayed away from to be about remaining part of the the Mayor of London and MP Boris However, being aware that referen- against it at one and the same time. term, Iran’s parliamentary elections four years Rouhani ago in protest at Ahmadinejad’s earlier must follow victory and there were allegations of The writer is President of Doha vote-rigging. Institute for Graduate Studies a foreign and a Professor at the University Our region too will be looking of Cambridge. policy of at Rouhani’s new term with hope. reconciliation On the foreign policy front, the new and non- government must follow the path of interference. reconciliation and non-interference to bring security and stability to this region. With a number of conflicts raging in the Middle East, the need for non-interference has become stronger than before. An increase in tension will be equally harmful to Judging by early all. Rouhani and his government would need peace and stability to fulfill their objectives of economic development and political skirmishes,the reforms. contest up to the UK As a moderate, Rouhani is in a better position to improve ties referendum about with the Gulf region. The West, which has started queuing up in EU membership on Tehran for a slice of the huge economic cake being thrown up after the lifting of sanctions, should use their rapprochement 23 June is going to with a former foe to persuade it to foster peace and harmony. be of gladiatorial The IAEA and signatories to the nuclear agreement must also proportions.With strictly monitor Iran’s adherence to the nuclear agreement to an absent Labour prevent a clandestine development of nuclear weapons. party, the Prime Minister David Cameron and the European Union or leaving it, but Johnson, a very popular politician, dums, like elections, cannot be won Mayor of London such niceties of discrimination have will emerge as chief gladiators, the through rational argument alone, and MP Boris Quote of the day no place when the issues at stake first batting for Britain in Europe the protagonists will start to appeal are imagined in stark terms: a mat- (Remain campaign) and the latter to national pride and uniqueness to Johnson, a very ter of national demise or national bowling for Britain out of Europe the beat of the allegorical rhythms popular politician, Conflicts in Syria, Iraq resurrection. Add to that the strong (Leave campaign). of ‘England’s green and pleasant will emerge as chief and elsewhere have feeling among many, even those Many of the ‘concessions’ David land’, each to marshal different ver- who are sympathetic to Europe Cameron ‘won’ from Europe dur- sions of history. It is at this stage gladiators, the first unleased a toxic brew that the UK is in Europe but not ing long negotiations in Brussels that the argument about migration batting for Britain of malevolent forces, fully part of it in cultural and other with EU leaders two weeks ago are to Britain from Eastern European including the commission ways, and you will begin to under- time-limited, in spite of his attempts countries, never far from the sur- in Europe (Remain of sickening atrocities, and stand the intensity of the argument to package them differently. And face of British politics, will ignite campaign) and on both sides of the fence. some are unlikely to be ever applied with all the phobic ugliness it can the emergence of human And what a permeable fence unless a majority of European discharge, at least on the part of the latter bowling trafficking gangs. it is. Both the Tories (Conserva- nations join forces to demand the Leave campaign. for Britain out of tives) and Labour, Britain’s two them from Brussels, an unlikely Lurking on the side is Scotland main political forces are divided scenario indeed. The one durable which will add more heat to what Europe (Leave Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Europe, although the conse- concession Cameron won is the already promises to be a searing campaign). UN’s Rights Chief quences of the European debate shielding of Britain from the clause debate. The Scottish National Party

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

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Reuters case lodged by the Philippines with discuss maritime disputes but nothing open for two-way talks with countries the tribunal and says all disputes had been resolved, he added. claiming the South China Sea. Three dead in China claims almost should be resolved through bilateral Chinese Foreign Ministry spokes- The Philippines and Japan, which mine accident in the entire South talks. man Hong Lei repeated yesterday that has its own territorial dispute with MANILA: The Philippines yesterday “The Philippines, as well as the China would not participate in the China in the East China Sea, on Mon- China Sea, believed urged China to respect a forthcoming international community, is ask- case. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang day signed a military agreement Philippines ruling by an arbitration court in The ing China to respect the forthcoming Yi, on a visit to the United States last allowing the transfer of aircraft and to have huge Hague on a territorial dispute in the ruling of the arbitral tribunal and week, accused the Philippines of equipment to the Philippines. MANILA: Three people deposits of oil and South China Sea after Beijing accused together advance an international “political provocation” in seeking arbi- Japan is ready to lease at least died and five are miss- Manila of “political provocation”. rules-based regime,” Philippine For- tration to resolve the dispute. five TC-90 King Air planes to the ing after water flooded gas and also refuses China claims almost the entire eign Secretary Albert del Rosario said Wang held talks last week with Philippines as a training aircraft for a mine in a mountain- to recognise the South China Sea, believed to have in a statement in Manila. his counterpart, US Secretary of State surveillance and reconnaissance, a ous gold rush town in huge deposits of oil and gas. Brunei, “If China does not heed our col- John Kerry, who said China was rap- military official said. The Philippines the southern Philippines, case lodged by the Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan lective call, does it mean that China idly militarising the waterway after has expressed interest in getting old police said yesterday. Philippines with the and Vietnam also have claims on the considers itself above the law?” building artificial islands and deploy- P3C-Orion planes from Japan after it Rescuers lowered waters, through which about $5 tril- The tribunal’s ruling was expected ing fighters and missiles. started using the sophisticated P1 sur- tubes to pump water out tribunal. lion in trade is shipped every year. before May, said del Rosario. Manila Wang defended China’s actions as veillance aircraft, the equivalent of the of the mine in the impov- China refuses to recognise the and Beijing had met several times to self-defence but said it would remain US Navy’s P8 Poseidon. erished town of Monkayo during the search for the missing, said provincial police commander Sen- ior Superintendent Albert Dinosaur model School in Colombo empties Ferro. Twelve miners were initially trapped. Two bod- ies were retrieved while over AIDS rumour five others were rescued and five are still missing, he said.

AFP The boycott by all of the school’s 179 students is the latest blow for the Philippines seals child and his mother, who has been trying since last year to find him a defence deal COLOMBO: Parents yesterday with- school to attend. drew all the children from a Sri She said a string of schools had with Japan Lankan school after false rumours refused her only son a place after spread that a new six-year-old pupil false rumours spread in her village TOKYO: Japan signed an was HIV-positive, an official said. last year that her husband had died agreement with the Phil- Parents also protested outside from AIDS. He died of tuberculosis ippines yesterday allowing Sambodi Primary School northeast and kidney failure. Sambodi’s head- the transfer of defense of Colombo against the boy’s admis- master agreed last week to admit the equipment, as the two sion after he turned up for his first boy after intervention by authorities, nations seek to bolster day of class, the official said. the mother said by phone. military cooperation in “Parents don’t want their chil- “Only after I complained to the the face of tensions with dren to be in the same school with child protection agency did they China. this six-year-old boy,” regional edu- intervene and got him into this Prime Minister Shinzo cation director Saman Wijesekera school,” she said. She said lawyers Abe and Philippine Pres- said. Sri Lanka has a national HIV/ had filed a case in the Supreme Court ident Benigno Aquino AIDS awareness programme but for compensation for trauma caused agreed at a summit understanding of the disease and to her and her son. The mother, who meeting in November to A Life-size dinosaur model on a street of Bangkok to promote Dinosaur Planet theme park in Bangkok, how it spreads is low, leading to is a casual labourer, said she has negotiate a deal enabling yesterday. frequent cases of stigma and dis- been unable to find work in the vil- the transfer of mili- crimination against sufferers. lage after the false rumours. tary equipment. Japan, which retains restrictions on arms exports under its pacifist constitution, must sign an accord with each country with whom Turtles’ vulnerable start to life on Philippine coast it plans to cooperate on defense equipment. The signing comes amid chilly AFP in Morong, a town about 80km west from the government’s threatened centuries been prized for their medic- relations between both of Manila, which is the olive ridleys’ species management unit. inal value and as a food, and rising nations and China. largest known egg-laying site in the Viloria said these efforts, focused incomes in the world’s most populous Manila - Teenage preg- country. mainly on educating communities but nation have fuelled demand. nancy rates across the MORONG: Hundreds of tiny turtles Globally, all seven known marine with little funding, were aimed at pro- Eleven Chinese fishermen wee world have declined in the (pictured) hatchlings emerge above a turtle species are declining or near tecting about 100 major nesting sites, arrested for poaching more than 500 last two decades except in Philippine beach at night and imme- extinction, mostly because of human including at Morong. marine turtles last year and are on the Philippines, according diately look to the sea, hoping to beat actions, according to the Swiss-based A law was also passed in 2001 trial on the western Philippine island to a new survey. huge odds and start a remarkable International Union for the Conser- punishing the trafficking of turtles of Palawan. trans-oceanic journey lasting dec- vation of Nature. and other endangered species with But Viloria conceded Chinese- ades. These include accidental cap- stiff jail terms and fines. orchestrated poaching remains a Manila tops Asia The olive ridleys, each shorter ture by giant nets of industrial-scale “Our goal is to reach a stable pop- major problem in the Philippines, a than a credit card, are among five fishing trawlers, as well as coastal ulation, when they will no longer be nation of more than 7,000 islands teen pregnancy species of sea turtles in the Philip- development that rob the migratory endangered,” she said. with a small and poorly funded coast pines that are in danger of extinction, reptiles of nesting sites. However turtle numbers are likely guard. rates: UN report mostly because they are prized as a And while the sea turtle trade is still in decline, according to Romeo “Our waters are too vast. We protein-rich food. banned under an international con- Trono, who previously ran the gov- cannot effectively conduct patrols,” MANILA: The report by “Not too long ago, all marine tur- vention, their meat and eggs remain ernment’s sea turtle conservation Viloria said. Morong’s Pawikan cen- To protect them from poachers, the UN says the Philip- tle eggs here ended up in the pot,” said a source of food and income for many programme and is a respected glo- tre, named after the Filipino term for the centre’s 17 volunteers, mostly local pines topped the regional Manolo Ibias, 63, a part-time fisher- people, such as those in the mostly bal expert on the animal. the animal, is promoted as a show- fishermen and farmers, dig the eggs list of Asian countries that man and farmer who in his youth poor fishing villages near Morong. While some local communities case for the national efforts to protect up and bury them at a guarded arti- continued to have the stole ridley eggs buried along the They are also harvested around have been educated, Chinese trad- the species. ficial hatchery nearby. greatest number of teen- coast to eat as omelettes. the world for medicine, religious cer- ers have emerged as the greatest For five months starting each They also take turns patrolling the age pregnancies. As a late convert to conserva- emonies and as articles of fashion. threat, bringing boats close to Phil- October, about 200 turtles lay an 7km stretch of South China Sea coast- It also says that one in tion, Ibias has for the past 17 years led In the Philippines, government- ippine islands and filling them with astounding 19,000 rubbery, ping pong line in an all-terrain buggy in a bid to 10 young Filipino women Pawikan Conservation Centre, a com- led conservation efforts began in the turtles bought from local poachers, ball-sized turtle eggs -- mostly olive stop residents of nearby villages from - between 15 and 19 munity-based effort to protect turtles early 1980s, said Angelita Viloria, Trono said. In China, turtles have for ridley -- at Morong. stealing them. years of age - is already a mother. Social attitudes towards family planning in the Philippines are heavily influenced by the Catho- Timbuktu trial: Ex-teacher Fixing headscarf lic Church. Australia’s to appear before ICC today $7m aid to Fiji SYDNEY: Australia said Reuters Prosecutors say al-Mahdi, an yesterday that it would ethnic Tuareg, helped lead a “moral- donate A$10m ($7.1m) to ity squad” linked to the Islamic Court fund relief efforts in Fiji, of Timbuktu. It damaged nine mau- where more than 60,000 AMSTERDAM: A former trainee soleums and the ancient Sidi Yahia people are sheltering in teacher accused of damaging mon- mosque, which dates from the 15th evacuation centres more uments in the name of Islam in the century, when Timbuktu was a trad- than a week after the ancient Malian city of Timbuktu ing hub and seat of learning. Pacific island nation was will stand before the International Al-Mahdi, a goateed college hit by its worst cyclone. Criminal Court today for a hearing graduate with a shock of tightly Tropical Cyclone Win- to decide if he should face a land- curled black hair behind rimless ston, the worst ever mark trial. spectacles, cut a very different figure recorded in the southern Malian citizen Ahmad al-Faqi in the courtroom from the politicians hemisphere, brought wind al-Mahdi is the first person to be and warlords who have stood trial gusts of up to 325kph and accused of destroying cultural arte- there until now. wreaked devastation, kill- facts by prosecutors at the court, Critics say it has often targeted ing at least 42 people, which has previously focused on the politically weak and its convic- with fears the toll could human rights abuses. The ICC has tion rate is low, while supporters say rise. The funds, earmarked been examining events in Mali since the sentences it has handed out have to provide food, clean 2012, when Tuareg rebels seized part served as deterrents. “The conviction water and shelter to com- of the north, imposing a strict inter- of Thomas Lubanga arguably had a munities, take to A$15m the aid Australia has pro- pretation of Islamic law. French and deterrent effect on the use of child An Indonesian vendor fixes a headscarf on a mannequin at a market in Jakarta. Malian troops pushed them back the soldiers,” said Bill Schabas, profes- vided so far. following year. sor at Britain’s Middlesex University. 12 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 ASIA / AFRICA

US student confesses to For fishing stealing political slogan

Korea, KCNA said. The acquaintance Wyoming, Ohio, told CNN that he also said the church would pay his did not know the person identified by A ‘deaconess’ had mother $200,000 if he was detained Warmbier in the KCNA story as a dea- offered him a used by the North and did not return. coness there, and said Warmbier was “My crime is very severe and pre- not a member of the congregation. car worth $10,000 planned,” Warmbier was quoted as According to KCNA, Warmbier if he could present a saying, adding that he was impressed also said he was encouraged in his by North Korea’s “humanitarian act by a member of the Z Society, an US church with the treatment of severe criminals like elite philanthropic organisation at the slogan as a “trophy” myself”. University of Virginia that he hoped Warmbier’s family have not heard to join. from North Korea. from him since his arrest, according An official in the universi- The acquaintance to a statement provided to the Cava- ty’s communications office could also said the church lier Daily, the University of Virginia’s not immediately be reached for student-run newspaper. comment. would pay his mother “He seems to be in good health, Isolated North Korea is expected although we won’t know for sure to face tough new UN Security Coun- $200,000 if he was South African fishermen get their boats and nets ready as they start the day in the early hours in the about his condition until we have a cil resolution following its nuclear test detained by the North chance to speak with him,” the state- in January and a long-range rocket South African fishing village of Paternoster. and did not return. ment said. launch this month. Other Westerners detained in Warmbier was on a five-day New North Korea previously have con- Year’s tour of North Korea with a fessed to crimes against the state. group of 20 and was delayed at immi- Reuters North Korea’s state media said in gration before being taken away by January that Warmbier “was caught two airport officials, according to a committing a hostile act against tour operator that had sponsored the Detained Hong Kong booksellers the state”, which it said was “tol- trip. While the vast majority of tour- SEOUL: An American student held in erated and manipulated by the US ists to North Korea are from China, North Korea since early January was government”. roughly 6,000 Westerners visit the detained for trying to steal a prop- The senior pastor at Friend- country annually, though the United admit ‘illegal book trading’ aganda slogan from his Pyongyang ship United Methodist Church in States and Canada advise against it. hotel and has confessed to “severe crimes” against the state, the North’s official media said yesterday. AFP He said the booksellers had news outlet Paper.cn said Cheung, Lui Otto Warmbier, 21, a student “explored ways to circumvent offi- and Lam may “return to Hong Kong at the University of Virginia, was cial inspections in China”, including in the near future” on bail pending detained before boarding his flight changing book covers or concealing trial because they “confessed with to China over an unspecified inci- HONG KONG: Four Hong Kong books in bags. The men all worked good attitudes”, citing law enforce- dent at his hotel, his tour agency said. booksellers known for titles crit- for the Mighty Current publishing ment information. North Korea has a long history ical of Beijing and who have been house in Hong Kong which pro- The report added that since Octo- of detaining foreigners and has used detained in China, have confessed duced salacious titles about political ber 2014, 4,000 illegal books had jailed US citizens in the past to exact on television to illegally smuggling intrigue and love affairs at the high- been mailed to 380 mainland buy- high-profile visits from the United books into the mainland, in a case est levels of Chinese politics. ers by the company. States, with which it has no formal that has shocked the city. Gui had already appeared on There is no news on the fate of a diplomatic relations. In individual interviews broad- television in China in January con- fifth bookseller from the company, “I committed the crime of tak- cast on Hong Kong-based Phoenix fessing to a fatal driving accident. Lee Bo, whose case sparked the big- ing out a political slogan from the TV channel late Sunday, the sombre In their first appearance since gest backlash as he was the only one staff-only area of the Yanggakdo foursome -- who are under criminal they were detained, fellow book- to have disappeared from Hong Kong. International Hotel,” a news agency investigation in China -- admitted to sellers Cheung Chi-ping, Lui Por and Letters purportedly written by quoted Warmbier as telling media in what they said was a banned trade. Lam Wing-kee blamed the compa- Lee have said he is on the mainland Pyongyang, the North Korean capital. The case has exacerbated fears ny’s illegal book trade on Gui. “assisting” with investigations. Lee is CNN showed video of a sobbing of increasing Chinese interference in A tearful Cheung added that he a British passport holder and was last Warmbier saying: “I have made the semi-autonomous Hong Kong. was “willing to face punishment in seen at a book warehouse in Hong worst mistake of my life, but please “This way (of publishing) is accordance to the law”. Cheung, Lui Kong in December. Britain said ear- act to save me.” not permitted by relevant Chinese and Lam were last seen in southern lier this month it believed Lee had Warmbier said a “deaconess” had authorities,” said bookseller Gui Min- mainland cities before disappearing been “involuntarily removed to the offered him a used car worth $10,000 hai, a Swedish citizen, who failed to in October. Chinese authorities con- mainland” in what it called a “seri- if he could present a US church with US student Otto Warmbier weeps at a news conference in Pyongyang, return to Hong Kong from a holiday firmed they were under investigation ous breach” of an agreement signed the slogan as a “trophy” from North yesterday. in Thailand in October. earlier this month. Mainland Chinese with Beijing in 1997. Mahathir quits ruling party over PM scandals

AFP from an overseas source. frozen millions in accounts linked to by abruptly clearing the premier of UMNO members despite the serious- Buhari launches “I want to leave UMNO because 1MDB. After the scandals broke Najib wrongdoing in the $681m donation. ness of the accusations against Najib it is no longer UMNO,” Mahathir sacked Malaysia’s attorney general, Through it all, the irascible and because UMNO leaders depend on probe into ethnic was quoted saying, referring to the who was reported to be preparing still-influential Mahathir has contin- party largesse to survive. UMNO has KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malay- long-ruling United Malays National charges against the prime minister. ued to savage Najib, accusing him of consolidated behind Najib,” said Ong clashes sian premier Mahathir Mohamad Organisation which he led as premier Najib installed his own appointee, corruption, criminal activity and brib- Kian Ming, an opposition parliament announced yesterday that he was from 1981-2003. who has brought domestic investi- ing party members to maintain their member. Lagos: Nigerian Presi- quitting the ruling party, saying it “It is a party dedicated to protect gations to a halt. He also purged his support and protect him from charges. He is accused of weakening insti- dent Muhammadu Buhari had degenerated into an organi- Najib,” the news portal Malaysiakini cabinet of critics and his government But Mahathir’s campaign has tutions such as the judiciary during is launching a probe sation whose sole purpose was to quoted him saying. has arrested whistle-blowers and shut largely failed to gain traction in a rul- his own iron-fisted 22-year rule, after week-long clashes protect scandal-plagued Prime Min- Authorities in several coun- down media outlets that reported on ing party that analysts say is built on and for setting a tone of repression between Muslim herds- ister Najib Razak. tries are currently investigating the allegations. patronage and money politics. Najib by sacking and jailing his then-dep- men and Christian farmers Mahathir has for months been a money flows centring on a company Last week authorities began is widely viewed as solidifying his uty Anwar Ibrahim in 1998 in a power left “hundreds” dead, offi- leading voice calling for the ousting launched by Najib called 1Malaysia blocking access to The Malaysian hold on the powerful party and fac- struggle. Anwar spent six years in jail cials said yesterday. of Najib, who is under pressure over Development Berhad (1MDB). Insider, a leading news portal, after ing no apparent threat of ousting, and on various charges and corruption Fulani herdsmen and allegations that billions of dollars had Swiss authorities have said they it ran a story on the affair. Mahathir’s rejection of UMNO is seen charges widely viewed as trumped- four farming communi- been pilfered from state firms, and for believe $4bn may have been stolen Najib’s attorney general also as having little impact. up. He later galvanised the opposition ties armed with guns and accepting a mysterious $681m sum from Malaysian state firms and have recently provoked howls of protest “I don’t see a mass exodus of into a potent force after his release. machetes battled last week in the latest round of violence of a long-run- ning battle over grazing rights in central Nigeria. Children sacrificed to bring luck Orangutan population declines The predominantly Muslim Fulani have been blamed in Uganda elections: Charity for waves of attacks. Nigeria ex-minister Reuters the cases had yet to go to court, she Binoga said the mutilated bod- said. ies of children and adults had been charged with fraud President Yoweri Museveni won found, some with hearts or livers a February 18 election, extending ripped out. In two cases reported last Abuja: Nigeria’s anti-graft KAMPALA: Six cases of the mutila- his 30-year rule in a vote criticised year the victims’ heads were miss- agency yesterday charged tion and murder of children as “good by the United States and Euro- ing, he said. the country’s former inte- luck” sacrifices were reported dur- pean Union. Ugandans also voted In a 2012 case, 82-year-old rior minister with fraud ing the recent Ugandan elections, a in municipal and parliamentary Hanifa Namuyanja was sentenced and money laundering children’s charity said. elections. to 15 years in jail for taking part in over the death of some “Child sacrifice cases are com- Moses Binoga, coordinator of the sacrifice of her granddaughter 20 job seekers in a 2014 mon during election time as some the anti-trafficking task force at the Shamim Nalwoga. stampede. people believe blood sacrifices will interior ministry, said children had Police found the girl’s body with Former President Good- bring wealth and power,” said Shelin been reported missing in the elec- her tongue and eyes cut out and gen- luck Jonathan’s interior Kasozi of Kyampisi Childcare Minis- tion period. But he could not confirm itals mutilated, the court heard. minister Abba Moro was tries (KCM), a charity that cares for KCM’s reports and said investigations The United Nations said last arrested in connection survivors of attempted child sacrifice. were ongoing. year that attacks on albino people with a recruitment stam- An orangutan leans to a bench waiting for visitors to take a photo She said the cases were reported He said seven child and six adult in Africa were on the rise, linked pede which claimed the from October to February in Ssem- sacrifice cases were reported in the to a growing demand from politi- at a zoo in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. According to conservation lives of job seekers. Doz- babule, Mukono, Buikwe and country in 2015, compared to nine cal hopefuls for body parts prized in groups, the worlds’ orangutan population has declined from ens were injured in the Mubende districts in central Uganda. child and four adult sacrifice cases black magic in the run up to elections 230,000 in the early 1900s to about 45,000 now. stampede. Suspects had been apprehended, but reported in 2014. in several African countries. PAKISTAN TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 13 Bagging Oscar, Chinoy brings honour for second time

Reuters were never prosecuted. pre-meditated murder and people Obaid-Chinoy are not only a pride But yesterday, after a six-year should go to jail for it,” she said. for the Pakistani nation but are also trial, a court in the eastern city of The Oscar win is the second for a significant source of contribution Lahore sentenced two brothers to director Obaid-Chinoy, who in 2012 towards the march of civilisation in ISLAMABAD: Sharmeen Obaid- death for killing their sister in 2009 won Pakistan’s first Oscar for a doc- the world,” Sharif said in a statement. Chinoy’s film, “A Girl in the River: for marrying a man of her choice. umentary on the horrors endured by Others in Pakistan hope the atten- The Price of Forgiveness”, which Altering the law to remove the women who suffer acid attacks. tion the film has received might help denounces honour killings, won an possibility of “forgiveness” could help Obaid-Chinoy recently met with push changes through. Oscar on Sunday. reduce the number of honour killings Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz “She has been able to motivate The film tells the story of 19-year- in Pakistan. Sharif amid the growing global spot- the prime minister of Pakistan who old Saba from Punjab province who Domestic abuse, economic dis- light on the film. until her film has not taken any step survived her attempted killing but was crimination, honour killings and acid Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on this issue,” said Sughara Imam, pressured to forgive her attackers. attacks made Pakistan the world’s hailed Sunday’s Oscar win for the who last year introduced a bill in the The forgiveness option under the third most dangerous country for documentary about the practice of upper house of parliament to change country’s existing law can effectively women, a 2011 Thomson Reuters “honour killings”, with activists call- the law on honour killings. waive a complainant’s right to seek Foundation expert poll showed. ing for changes in laws to punish those The bill did not pass, however, and punishment against the accused, even Obaid-Chinoy said earlier that she who kill women deemed to have dis- it is not clear exactly how Sharif pro- in the case of attempted murder. hoped the film would further raise graced their families. poses to change the law. More than 500 men and women awareness about honour killings. He that his government was in the “He will have to take some bold Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy poses with her Oscar for Best Documentary died in honour killings in 2015, “It’s not something that is part process of pushing a law to stop the steps... Words from the PM are really Short Subject, “A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness,” in the press according to the Human Rights Com- of our religion or culture. This is killings. not enough,” said Zohra Yusuf, chair- room during the 88th Oscars in Hollywood on February 28. mission of Pakistan (HRCP). Most something that should be treated as “Women like Ms Sharmeen man of the HRCP. Massive protests as governor’s killer is hanged US maintains Mumtaz Qadri, close ties with who was executed yesterday, had shot India, Pakistan Punjab governor 28 ISLAMABAD: The United times in 2011 for his States maintains close ties with both Pakistan calls for reform in the and India because they blasphemy law. help reduce tensions between South Asia’s two nuclear-armed neigh- bours, says US Secretary AFP of State John Kerry. A transcript released yesterday showed Sec- retary Kerry arguing in RAWALPINDI: Thousands protested two recent congressional in several parts of the country yester- hearings that the US has day against the execution of a man been working “really hailed by hardliners as a hero for kill- hard” to advance a “rap- ing a provincial governor who was prochement” between seeking reform of the blasphemy law. Islamabad and New Delhi. Protests against the hanging of In one of the statements Mumtaz Qadri were held in Kara- he indirectly confirmed chi, Lahore, Islamabad and several media reports that the US smaller cities, with demonstrators had been quietly encour- aging the two prime burning tyres and chanting slogans. Supporters of Mumtaz Qadri, an ex-police guard who had killed a former governor for opposing the blasphemy laws, shout slogans during a But mass demonstrations did not ministers to hold bilat- protest after he was hanged to death, in Hyderabad, yesterday. break out and most rallies dispersed eral talks. peacefully after security was stepped with hundreds languishing in jails peacefully. “I have no regrets,” Qadri’s Earlier, authorities blocked roads up at flashpoints across the country. under false charges. Up to 900 people demonstrated brother Malik Abid said, tears roll- in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, bring- These included the garrison city Analyst Hasan Askari said the in the southwestern city of Quetta. ing down his cheeks, while women ing morning traffic to a standstill. Army officer of Rawalpindi where hundreds of next 24 hours would be “sensitive” for Qadri was hanged in Rawalpindi’s chanted nearby. Protesters in Islamabad burned tyres supporters gathered at Qadri’s fam- the government, adding that Islama- Adiala jail early Monday, senior local He said the family had been called and briefly attacked a local news van. killed in crash ily home. bad had weighed the danger of mass police official Sajjid Gondal told AFP to the prison Sunday evening by offi- National media played down the news Qadri, a police bodyguard to Sal- violence against the need to “wash Mosques near Qadri’s family cials who said Qadri was unwell. on orders of the government, two sen- ISLAMABAD: An army man Taseer, shot the liberal Punjab away the suspicion” of sympathy for home in the city broadcast the news, ior anchors said. officer was killed when governor 28 times at an Islamabad militancy. with cries heard from inside the house ‘READY TO SACRIFICE’ Most channels led their bulletins a military helicopter on market in 2011. He said he was angry By far the biggest protest was held as hundreds of mourners arrived. But when they arrived, Qadri with Pakistan’s win for best foreign a routine night training at the politician’s calls to reform the in the port mega-city of Karachi yes- Paramilitary Ranger forces and police greeted them with the news that documentary at the Oscars. mission crashed in north- blasphemy law. terday afternoon, with around 7,000 in riot gear as well as ambulances and authorities had deceived them and Taseer’s son Shehryar said on ern Pakistan yesterday, Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive people taking to the streets. dozens of police vehicles were sta- that his execution was imminent. Twitter the hanging was a victory for an official statement said. issue in the Islamic republic, and In the eastern city of Lahore, tioned at the house. “I am proud of the martyrdom of Pakistan, but not for his family. The crash took place Qadri was hailed as a hero by many around another thousand peo- By afternoon hundreds of mourn- my son,” Qadri’s father Bashir Awan “The safe return of my brother is as the helicopter was conservatives eager to drown out calls ple protested, while hundreds ers remained, forming a queue said, adding he was ready to sacri- the only victory my family wants,” he landing in Tarbela, some to soften the legislation. others demonstrated in Pakistan- roughly half a kilometre long to view fice all five of his other sons “for the wrote, referring to his sibling Shah- 50 kilometres (31 miles) Critics say the law—which carries held Kashmir, Peshawar, Multan, and the body. The funeral is expected to honour of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon baz Taseer, who was kidnapped later north of capital Islama- the death penalty—is largely misused, other smaller cities, later dispersing be held today. Him)”. in 2011 — reportedly by the Taliban. bad, it said. A lieutenant colonel of the Pakistan army “embraced martyr- dom” while four others escaped alive, the state- Female boxers break gender barriers Centuries-old coin ment added, without mentioning whether they sustained injuries. Reuters training at the Pak Shaheen Box- an international boxer. ... I will make unearthed in Taxila ing Club in Lyari, a packed Karachi Pakistan’s name famous.” Pakistani ward known more for its internecine women have been training as box- Compilation of gang warfare than for breaking glass ers in small numbers and competed KARACHI: In a dense and dusty ceilings. This week a dozen girls, in the South Asian Games last year, Internews The coin is believed to have new voters’ list neighbourhood in Karachi, eight aged eight to 17, go to the club after said Younis Qambrani, the coach who belonged to Shah Alam, one of the young girls lined up against a cement school to practise their jabs, hooks founded the club in 1992. sons of Emperor Aurangzeb. in Kashmir wall, touching their hands to their and upper cuts for hours in the hope The growth of the sport for both Dr Arif also said about another faces in prayer before boxing prac- of one day bringing a medal home men and women in Pakistan has been ISLAMABAD: During an excavation ‘remarkable’ discovery, one of a ISLAMABAD: The proc- tice began. to Pakistan. “I have been training dogged by a lack of equipment and at a Buddhist stupa in Ban Faqiran staircase in the stupa, believed to ess for compilation of For the last six months, these since I was a child,” said Urooj Qam- adequate facilities, but the situation area in Taxila, archaeologists from be the longest staircase in Gand- new voters’ lists for the athletes-in-the-making have been brani, 15. “Inshallah, I will become is slowly improving, he said. the Federal Department of Archae- hara and Taxila valley. upcoming elections to the In Pakistan, a conservative Mus- ology have discovered rare antiques, The stupa is from the Kushan Pakistan administered lim society, women and girls face including a copper coin from the period, between 200 and 400AD and Jammu and Kashmir Leg- additional obstacles — both from Tal- Mughal era. is located about two kilometres from islative Assembly will iban threats for going to school and Also unearthed was a staircase the Giri Buddhist monastic complex commence from the first also violence from family members, longer than anything yet discovered in Taxila Valley, and two kilometres week of March. This was including so-called “honour kill- in Gandhara and Taxila. from the Shah Allah Ditta caves in decided at a meeting ings” in which male relatives kill The discoveries could mean a Islamabad, Dr Arif said. with Chief Election Com- girls deemed to have brought shame rewriting of the history of the fed- He said the preliminary exca- missioner Justice Ghulam to the family name. In October, the eral capital. vation exposed the archaeological Mustafa Mughal in the Sindh Boxing Association organised Director General Dr Mohammad remains of the colossal Buddhist chair. On March 3, dep- a camp for female boxers in Karachi, Arif revealed that the remains of a structure, which measures 10.15 by uty commissioners of all the first time that a government-sup- mosque, the oldest in Islamabad, are 26 metres. The base was originally 10 districts would hold a ported event for women in the sport situated some 200 metres west of coated with lime plaster, and the day-long training session was held in the country, according the stupa — inside Islamabad Cap- drum of the stupa is made of kanjur with the assistance of to media reports. Some of the girls ital Territory — and is made of lime stone extracted from the Shah Allah Election Commission (EC) in Qambrani’s family, who had taken and kanjur stone. The mosque was, Ditta caves. at their respective head- up practising at home, participated until now, believed to be from the He said the exposed architec- quarters for the officials in the camp, and came to Qambrani Ghaznavi period. ture of the stupa presented masonry of revenue and educa- tion departments, to be A girl punches during an exercise session at the first women’s boxing afterwards to ask why they couldn’t However, recent excava- similar to that done during the train at his club as well. “A number of tions indicate that it was built in reconstruction of the Dharmarjika engaged for the registra- coaching camp in Karachi, yesterday. For the past six months about a girls were keen on training, but due to the Mughal era as the only coin Stupa in Taxila, which dates back to tion process, spanning dozen girls, aged 8 to 17, have gone to the Pak Shaheen Boxing Club social pressures, I had been avoiding unearthed is also from the Mughal the 3rd century AD, as well as the two weeks. after school to practice their jabs, hooks and upper cuts. the issue,” Qambrani said. era. Bhamala and Badalpur stupas. 14 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 INDIA

Kejriwal’s India and US closer to sharing military logistics car attacked in Punjab dominance by Russia, and holds more a third on exchange of topographi- not automatic that either side will get engaged in business in India said Logistics Support joint exercises with it than any other cal, nautical, and aeronautical data. access to facilities in the case of war,” there were expectations the LSA could country. “We have not gotten to the point the official familiar with the negoti- be sealed by the time US Defense Sec- IANS Agreement will allow It is in talks with New Delhi to of signing them with India, but I think ations said. retary Ash Carter visited New Delhi the two militaries to help build its largest aircraft carrier we’re close,” Harris, due in India this Asked whether China was con- in April. in the biggest military collabora- week, told the US House Armed Serv- cerned such cooperation was actually The source said Modi’s office was use each other’s land, tion to date, a move that will bolster ices Committee on Wednesday. aimed at Beijing, Chinese Foreign directly involved in the matter and LUDHIANA: Delhi Chief Minis- air and naval bases the Indian navy’s strength as China The progress comes as the coun- Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said: actively considering the agreements ter Arvind Kejriwal had a narrow expands its reach in the Indian Ocean. tries consider joint maritime patrols “We hope the relevant cooperation is as a key for enhanced cooperation. escape yesterday when some men for resupplies, repair After years of foot-dragging by that a US official said could include beneficial to regional peace and coop- India has been alarmed by Chi- armed with iron rods attacked his and other things. previous governments over fears the South China Sea, where China is eration and should not be aimed at the nese naval forays into the Indian car here, coming “within an inch that the logistics agreement would locked in a territorial dispute with interests of third parties.” Ocean and its involvement in mari- of grievously injuring” him, the draw India into a binding commit- Vietnam, the Philippines and Tai- India’s previous centre-left gov- time infrastructure on island nations AAP said. ment to support the United States in wan among others. ernment was worried the agreements that it traditionally considered its Kejriwal, whose five-day tour war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Both sides, though, said there would undermine India’s strategic back yard. of Punjab ends later in the day, Reuters administration has signalled a desire were no immediate plans for such autonomy and that it would draw it It has moved to shore up naval tweeted that his car was attacked to move ahead with the Logistics Sup- patrols, which drew strong condem- into an undeclared military alliance forces and build defence ties with with sticks and stones, breaking port Agreement (LSA). nation from Beijing. with the United States. Japan and Vietnam, besides the the front glass pane. That would allow the two mili- An Indian government official Concerns linger over the pro- United States. “Badals and Congress nervous? NEW DELHI/WASHINGTON: India taries to use each other’s land, air and said the main impediment to sign- posed communications agreement, “There is growing convergence They can’t break my spirits,” the and the United States are closing in on naval bases for resupplies, repair and ing the LSA had been cleared, after with some branches of the military between Obama’s Asia pivot and Aam Aadmi Party leader added. an agreement to share military logis- rest, officials said. Washington gave an assurance that including the air force fearing it would Modi’s Act East policy,” said Saroj AAP leader Ashish Khetan tics after 12 years of talks, officials Admiral Harry Harris, head of the New Delhi was not bound by it if the allow the United States to access their Bishoyi, an expert on the proposed called it a “well orchestrated said, a sign of strengthening defence US Navy’s Pacific Command, said the US went to war with a friendly coun- communications network. India-US collaboration at the gov- attack” and said the “goons sent ties between the countries as China two sides were working on the LSA, try or undertook any other unilateral US officials said they hoped that ernment-funded Institute for Defence by Badals attacked Kejriwal’s car becomes increasingly assertive. another agreement called the CISMOA action that New Delhi did not support. once the logistics agreement was Studies and Analyses in New Delhi. with stones and rods as police The United States has emerged as for secure communications when “It has been clarified that it will signed, the others would follow. “The LSA currently appears to be stood by. India’s top arms source after years of the militaries operate together, and be done on a case-to-case basis; it’s A US defence industry source a doable agreement.” “The attackers came within an inch of grievously injuring Kejriwal. It was only by god’s grace that he escaped unhurt,” Khetan added. Teachers beaten The AAP gave no further No video of Kanhaiya details. It was not immediately clear if Kejriwal, who usually sits to the left of the driver, continued shouting anti-national with his journey or not. The AAP put out a photograph showing the shattered front glass pane with a visibly worried Pun- slogans: Delhi Police jab police officer standing close by. The car appeared to be stranded on a rural road, with a police vehi- cle in the front. IANS security officer was asked to over- The AAP has emerged as a see the event and it shows Kanhaiya major player ahead of assembly Kumar’s presence at the spot. elections in Punjab due next year. To this, the high court asked . NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police yes- whether Kanhaiya Kumar was seen terday admitted before the Delhi shouting slogans and police admit- Petrol price cut by High Court that “it has no video ted that he was present but it has Rs3.02 a litre; diesel footage” which could show that “no footage of him shouting anti- JNU student union chief Kanhaiya national slogans”. hiked by Rs1.47 Kumar, arrested on sedition charges, While, the Delhi Police opposed was shouting anti-national slogans. Kanhaiya’s bail plea, the Delhi gov- The high court said it would pass ernment prayed the court to grant NEW DELHI: State-run Indian the order on Kanhaiya Kumar’s bail him bail, saying “no innocent should Oil Corporation moved in con- plea tomorrow. be punished” and there is not a sin- trary directions yesterday, cutting Justice Pratibha Rani reserved gle evidence of video/CCTV footage the petrol price by Rs3.02 a litre, the order on the bail plea and asked that he raised anti-national slogans. but raising diesel by Rs1.47, both at Delhi Police about the Jawaharlal Kanhaiya Kumar himself main- Policemen beat Kashmiri teachers with canes during a protest in Srinagar, yesterday. Police also Delhi, with corresponding changes Nehru University Students Union tained that he did not raise any detained dozens of government teachers to abort their protest march. in other states and effective mid- president’s active role during the anti-national national slogans and night. protest. did not lead any protest. “Do you have video evidence that Kanhaiya reached the venue Kanhaiya was raising anti-national when he heard that two groups of slogans?” asked the court at which stude nts were quarrelling, said sen- Additional Solicitor General (ASG) ior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing Tushar Mehta, appearing for police, for him. Privilege notice against Smriti Irani denied of having any video in this Kanhaiya was arrested in a sedi- regard. tion case on February 12 after the At this, the court pulled up Delhi event held on the university campus IANS not admit the Congress Party of India leader D Raja know from the speaker the status of Police for not showing any evidence against the execution of parliament notice. said consultations were on his privilege motion against the HRD where Kanhaiya Kumar could be attack convict Afzal Guru. He alleg- “The minister lied over the issue. minister. “It is painful for me to do seen raising anti-national slogans. edly shouted anti-India slogans at in her speech in the “We are discussing that on the day of the (presentation It also asked why police officers who the event. NEW DELHI: The opposition Con- Lok Sabha; so a priv- how to go about it; a final of the) general budget; I had to move were present there did not take any Sibal said that Kanhaiya Kumar gress submitted a privilege notice in ilege motion has been decision has not yet been a privilege motion against the HRD action. cannot be held responsible for anti- the Lower House (Lok Sabha) against submitted in the lower taken,” he said. minister,” Venugopal said. “Event was on February 9. SHO national slogans, posters or holding Human Resource Development Min- house. In the Rajya In the Lok Sabha yes- Other Congress members, includ- was stationary at the JNU gate. When of event since he did not take per- ister Smriti Irani (pictured), for what Sabha, the minister terday, the Congress gave ing the party’s leader in the house your three policemen were present mission for it. Neither the poster a Left leader said was “lying” to the could not conclude her a notice for a privilege Mallikarjun Kharge, also stood up and there inside the campus in civil carried his name, he added. “People house. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said speech,” Communist motion against Irani and asked the speaker to clarify on the dress, why don’t they take cogni- who shouted anti-national students the matter was under consideration. Party of India-Marxist created a ruckus for a while, notice’s status. Parliamentary Affairs zance when anti-national slogans were outsiders,” he said. While the opposition leaders said leader Sitaram Yechury said. shortly before Finance Minister Arun Minister M Venkaiah Naidu objected were raised? Why did not they video Mehta however told the court they may not submit a similar notice “If it is not admitted in the Lok Jaitley stood up to present the general and said: “Very cheap politics...noth- record it? Why you waited for Zee that a joint interrogation by the in the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) Sabha, in that case, we will submit a budget for 2016-17. ing should go on record.” news video?” asked the court. Intelligence Bureau and local police so soon, as she did not complete her notice in the Rajya Sabha as the min- Soon after the house met, the Amid noisy scenes, Mahajan Police said that an independ- shows Kanhaiya was not co-operat- speech in the Upper House of parlia- ister is a member of the upper house,” speaker asked Jaitley to present the requested the agitating members not ent video was made by someone in ing, giving contradictory statements ment, they will approach the Rajya Yechury said. budget but Congress member K C to create a ruckus and let the finance JNU by an mobile phone after chief and denying his role. Sabha secretariat in case Mahajan did On a similar note, Communist Venugopal stood up and sought to minister present the budget.

Women against assaults Congress begins seat sharing talks with Left Front in Bengal

IANS Though Chowdhury did not name difficulties on the issue of seat shar- either the LF or its spearhead, the ing. However, both the camps realise Communist Party of India-Marx- the fact that seat sharing has to be on ist, another senior Congress leader the basis of proportionate sharing of KOLKATA: The Congress yesterday had made it clear that the state party pain and pleasure,’ Mishra said. said it has started informal seat shar- chief’s appeal was targeted at them. “Both the camps are determined ing talks with the Left Front for the But while the RSP welcomed to reach at a conclusion, for our coming West Bengal assembly polls, Chowdhury’s statement, another LF mutual goal is to dismantle the rul- but conceded there were “difficulties” partner, the Communist Party of India ing Trinamool. The formal talks will in the way, even as the LF constitu- said the Congress should approach begin very soon and we are confi- ents seemed divided on how to get the LF first with a formal proposal - dent of ironing out the differences,” the ball rolling on an electoral pact. instead of issuing statements - to set he said. The RSP said Chowdhury’s An important LF partner, the the alliance talks rolling. statement indicated positive intent Revolutionary Socialist Party said State Congress general secre- on the part of the Congress. the coalition would meet on Wednes- tary and spokesperson Om Prakash “We have gone through Adhir’s day to discuss the issue, in the wake Mishra said both camps were deter- statement and it signifies the Con- of state Congress president Adhir mined to seal off an understanding, gress’ positive intent. We are treating Ranjan Chowdhury’s statement on but stressed the basis for the seat it as a formal proposal and initiated Sunday calling for the unity of secular sharing lay in a “proportionate shar- discussions in our party. The Front Activists from All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) protest demanding a probe into and democratic forces to take on the ing of pain and pleasure”. will be meeting on March 2 when we ruling Trinamool Congress and the “Informal talks with the Left will discuss the issue,” RSP state sec- sexual assaults in Murthal town of Haryana state, in New Delhi, yesterday. “communal” Bharatiya Janata Party. Front have begun but there are retary Kshiti Goswami said. INDIA TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 15 Budget pledges billions to farmers

AFP Guarantee Scheme, which guarantees 100 Chidambaram. days of employment on public works each The main Sensex index on the Bom- Finance Minister year for any household that requests it. bay Stock Exchange closed down 0.66 Arun Jaitley pledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi pre- percent after the budget, which included NEW DELHI: India’s government prom- viously called the scheme a “living a hefty 23 percent pay rise for millions of ised billions of dollars to help struggling to spend Rs359bn monument” to the “failures” of the previ- civil servants and a pension scheme for farmers and boost the rural economy as ($5.2bn) on doubling ous Congress-led government. retired soldiers. it unveiled its annual budget yesterday, Analyst Samir Saran said the ruling The two schemes will add billions of looking to kickstart growth and bolster the income of India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was “respond- dollars to the government’s spending bill its flagging popularity. ing to the political reality” before state over the next year, but Jaitley said it would India is now the world’s fastest-grow- estimated 120 million elections this year and next. stick to its ambitious target to cut the fis- ing major economy. But two years of farmers over the next “The BJP has to lay greater emphasis cal deficit to 3.5 percent of GDP in 2016-17. drought and a failure to create jobs for a on social policy, it has to deliver a more The government plans to counter burgeoning young population has left mil- five years through populist budget,” said Saran, a senior fel- big spending pledges with double-digit lions of rural residents struggling and led low at the Observer Research Foundation increases in tax collection -- with plans to deadly protests in recent weeks. measures including a think tank. to bring more people into the tax net, raise The government came to power nearly crop insurance scheme The BJP needs to perform well in those levies on cigarettes and SUVs and increase two years ago promising to transform elections in order to push stalled economic an income surcharge on the super-rich. India’s economic fortunes. But it has been and better access to reforms through the national parliament’s Jaitley also pledged to spend 2.21 tril- hampered by the global economic slow- upper house, where it lacks a majority. lion rupees on improvements to roads and down and a failure to push much-needed markets. These include Modi’s flagship plan to other infrastructure. reforms through parliament. introduce a national Goods and Services The government will also inject 250 Finance Minister Arun Jaitley acknowl- Tax to replace myriad complex state and billion rupees into public-sector banks, edged the challenges as he presented the five years through measures including a national levies seen as deterring much- which are weighed down by bad loans. budget in parliament, but said he had a crop insurance scheme and better access needed investment. Despite a major push to boost man- “vision to transform India”. to markets. India is considered a relative bright ufacturing, farming remains by far the “We have a desire to provide socio- The vast farming sector is suffering spot in the world economy, but feeble biggest employer in India. economic security to every Indian, after two years of weak monsoon rains, global demand has caused its exports Earlier in February the Jats, tradi- especially the farmers, the poor and the and from high inflation. to shrink for 14 months and investment tionally a farming caste, sparked riots in vulnerable,” he said. The budget outlined plans to raise remains weak. northern India to press demands for better “We have a dream to see a more pros- credit available to farmers to nine trillion The opposition Congress party access to government jobs and education. perous India and a vision to transform rupees for 2016-17, and pledged to ensure dismissed the budget as “a wasted They say they are struggling to make a liv- India.” all the country’s villages have electricity opportunity”. ing. The BJP performed poorly in elections Jaitley pledged to spend 359bn rupees within two years. “What is the one big takeaway for in the impoverished eastern state of Bihar Finance Minister Arun Jaitley prior to presenting the ($5.2bn) on doubling the income of India’s The government will increase spend- the average citizen? It is that there is no last year and faces polls in other major budget at Parliament House in New Delhi yesterday. estimated 120 million farmers over the next ing on the National Rural Employment big idea,” said Congress spokesman P farming states this year and next.

Cars and cigarettes to become dearer; pension plans cheaper

Things which will become dearer Various tobacco products other than beedi by about 10 to 15 percent Luxury cars above Rs1million Jewellery articles, excluding silver jewellery, other than studded with dia-

monds and some other precious stones India of Times Courtesy: Imported imitation jewellery Gold bars (countervailing and excise duties increased to 8.75 and 9.5 per- cent respectively from 8 and 9 percent respectively) Branded readymade garments and made up textile articles with a retail Budget 2016: Winners and losers sale price of Rs.1,000 and above Bill payments and eating out (due to additional levy of Krishi Kalyan cess on Bloomberg * Startup Investors -- Profits made after all services) two years of holding exempt from capital Air travel gains tax, compared with three years ear- Ropeway, cable car rides lier. Move to benefit angel investors, seed Lottery tickets NEW DELHI: India’s annual budget is funds and other early backers of startups. Legal services one of the nation’s most closely watched Electronic reading devices events — not just for the numbers, but for LOSERS: Goods and services above Rs200,000 the political message during a speech that in cash runs for about 90 minutes. * The High Rollers -- 1 percent cess on luxury cars valued at 1 million rupees or Things which will WINNERS: more; surcharge on income tax raised to 15 become cheaper percent from 12 percent on those earning * Farmers -- pledges to double income of 10 million rupees or more a year; additional Service Tax on service of life farmers by 2020, allocates 360 billion ($5.3 10 percent tax on those earning 1 million insurance business provided by way billion) to agriculture and farmers’ welfare; rupees or more in dividend income. of annuity under the National Pension steps to ensure a greater share of retail food * Coal producers -- tax on coal pro- System prices reach producers; announces 200-bil- duction to double to 400 rupees per tonne. Service Tax on low cost houses up to lion-rupee irrigation fund and record 9 these banks.” Shares of State Bank of India retrospective tax disputes to pay only arrears; Companies affected include NTPC Ltd., a carpet area of 60 square metres in trillion in credit for farmers. Affected com- Ltd. and Bank of Baroda could be affected. interest, penalty to be waived. Vodafone Group Tata Power Co., Adani Power Ltd. a housing project of a government panies include Shakti Pumps India Ltd., Jain * India’s biggest commodities exchange Plc, Cairn India Ltd. could gain. * Smokers -- taxes on cigarettes to scheme Irrigation Systems Ltd. — MCX Ltd. headed for a three-week high * Infrastructure projects — allocates 2.21 be hiked as much as 15 percent. Affected Braille paper * Poor families -- 100 percent of house- on the budget’s proposal to expand for- trillion rupees in total outlay for roads, railways stocks include ITC Ltd., India’s biggest ciga- Solar lamps holds to have cooking gas within three eign direct investment in the exchanges. and ports. Larsen & Toubro Ltd., India’s big- rette maker, and Godfrey Phillips India Ltd. Router, broadband modems years; 100 percent of villages to have elec- * Housing developers -- 100% deduc- gest engineering company, could see a boost. * Carmakers -- an infrastructure cess Digital video recorders tricity by May 1, 2018. tion in profits for affordable housing * Energy industry — “calibrated” mar- ranging from 1 percent to 4 percent on vehi- Set top boxes, CCTV cameras * State-run banks -- 250bn rupees to projects approved by March 2019. Projects ket-based pricing to incentivize deep sea cles to help combat pollution. Shares of Maruti Microwave ovens recapitalize government-controlled banks. must be built within three years. Shares of hydrocarbon exploration; 30 billion rupees Suzuki India Ltd. fell to a 16-month low. Sanitary pads “If additional capital is required by these DLF Ltd., Unitech Ltd. could benefit. a year to boost nuclear power investment. * Jewellery makers — Excise duty on Footwear banks, we will find the resources for doing * Tax litigants — one-time dispute Reliance Industries Ltd., Oil & Natural Gas jewelry and higher threshold for exempt pur- so,” Jaitley said. “We stand solidly behind resolution scheme for those involved in Corp., Oil India Ltd. could benefit. chases. Companies affected include Titan Co. Budget appeases the rich: CPI-M A prudent budget ( YUSUFFALI M A, CHAIRMAN, LULU GROUP )

IANS construction activities and many services. to a revenue loss of Rs.10.6bn and gains to he budget will make a positive impact in many sec- are our future and this The Government’s claim about the impres- the rich. Ttors. The Finance Minister has clearly highlighted will bring in the much sive growth performance of the Indian “The finance minister has also given the growth pillars of the Indian economy in agricul- needed impetus. economy was belied by the revenue realiza- a very perverse signal as far as tax dis- ture, rural, social sector, skills, ease of doing business Another highlight NEW DELHI: The CPI-M yesterday said tion figures for 2015-16, it said. cipline is concerned by announcing yet and tax and compliance reforms. would be the 100% the annual budget was aimed at appeas- The revenues from corporate and per- more amnesty schemes for the benefit of I am happy that the government has given stress FDI in food processing ing the rich and that it will only accentuate sonal income taxes have been far short of tax defaulters.” on Make In India by providing tax and duty bene- business. the problems of unemployment and rising the budget estimate - by a whopping sum of In agriculture the main increase which fits and these will go a long way in strengthening the This will be news to many international players inequality. nearly Rs.460bn. the budget shows are by way of transfer to manufacturing capabilities and infrastructure facil- who are looking to set up business in India and we “The budget is, therefore, distorted The lower revenue realizations have also banks and insurance companies that has no ities of India. all must welcome this. without any vision. It is once again a bla- affected adversely the states’ share in cen- real benefit to the farmers. The Finance Minister’s focus on agriculture was Being a retailer, obviously I am pleased to note tant attack on the poor and the oppressed,” tral taxes as the amount transferred to them “Despite tall claims of a big push in infra- keenly awaited and will enhance expenditure on the that the FM has mentioned about RETAIL as the larg- the Communist Party of India-Marxist said in 2015-16 was less than promised budget structure, capital expenditure in 2015-16 was rural and agriculture sectors which in turn will enhance est service sector employer in country and many more in a statement. estimates. lower than budgeted and is proposed to be food security and boost exports. jobs opportunities can be created, provided the reg- Instead of taking measures to enhance The fiscal deficit targets have actu- kept at almost the same level in 2016-17 - In my point of view, the“3 years tax holiday” for ulations are simplified. domestic demand, the budget will further con- ally been met by a higher realization of implying a reduction in real terms and as a Start-ups is one of the most exciting announcements From a common NRI’s point of view, the easing tract exports, leading to increasing distress excise duties - Rs540bn more than budget share of GDP from 1.8 to 1.6 percent. Both of this budget. of customs declaration and increasing of free bag- in agriculture and the countryside, collapse estimates. food and fertilizer subsidies have been cut The next generation of skilled entrepreneurs gage allowance are a welcome step. of industrial production, and slowdown in It said the direct tax proposals would lead by Rs50bn and Rs.20bn respectively.” 16 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 UK / IRELAND Cameron hits back at EU referendum foes

‘stay’, then you know what you get: the (EU single) market open, jobs The Prime Minister being created, businesses locating challenged some here, financial services being able of his closest allies to trade all over Europe. If you leave, you don’t have those facts, you have who want to leave a lot of uncertainty.” the 28-member bloc After a weekend when two gov- ernment ministers accused the “In” to explain what lay campaign of belittling Britain by ahead if Britons suggesting it could not cope outside the EU, Cameron was keen to project voted with them at a a positive argument for staying in. June 23 referendum. But it is clear that, for the Con- servative Party and much of Britain, the battle lines have been drawn. Two students, Tom Baker and Jim Prime Minister David Cameron holds a question and answer session with students at University Campus Suffolk in Ipswich, yesterday. Reuters Mitchell, said the prime minister was impressive, but Baker said he was still not convinced of the argument. Mitchell liked the argument but not IPSWICH, ENGLAND: Prime Minister the man. Neither can vote as they EU deal may disappoint British voters: Sturgeon David Cameron yesterday hit back at are not yet 18 years old. critics who accuse him of using scare Cameron’s decision to allow tactics to keep Britain in the European Conservative party members to Reuters Eurosceptic who wants out of Europe Scots rejected independence by Union, saying he was behind “Project campaign according to their con- come what may,” she said at a ques- 55-45 percent in 2014 vote but since Fact” not “Project Fear”. science has exposed divisions and tion session after a speech in London. then the SNP has gained further Talking to students in the eastern over the last week, he had a veiled “The danger is for those perhaps strength, taking 56 of the 59 seats English town of Ipswich, Cameron war of words with London Mayor LONDON: Prime Minister David in the middle ground who were look- representing Scotland in the national sought to play down deep divisions Boris Johnson of the “Out” camp. Cameron’s renegotiation of Britain’s ing to that to try and make up their parliament in London in last May’s in his Conservative Party, saying any Some of his ministers have called relationship with the European Union mind, it is an inevitable disappoint- election. debate over EU membership should for a truce, and Cameron was quick might not have done enough to per- ment, because it didn’t live up to what Polls show a majority of the 5 mil- be about issues not individuals. to say that the debate on EU mem- suade undecided voters to back staying was promised.” lion Scots back staying in the EU, and But he challenged some of his bership should be one on policy, not in the bloc, the nationalist leader of Sturgeon said she hoped the vote Sturgeon repeated her claim that if closest allies who want to leave the personality. Scotland said yesterday. would result in an “overwhelming” vic- Scotland were taken out of the bloc 28-member bloc to explain what lay “On Europe, in political parties, as Cameron, who is campaigning for tory for the ‘In’ camp, but while she against its will there would be a rising ahead if Britons voted with them at sometimes in families, or in universi- an ‘In’ vote at a June 23 referendum, would be campaigning on the same “clamour” for a second independence a June 23 referendum, and to stop ties there are divisions: some people has said a deal reached with the EU (pictured), who heads Scotland’s side as Cameron, she did not plan to referendum. hiding behind arguments offering want us to stay, some people want us earlier this month addresses voters’ devolved government, said renegoti- share a platform with him. If that were to happen, Sturgeon the “illusion of sovereignty”. to go,” he said. “What we need to do key concerns with the bloc through ation was “too grand a word” for what “We want the same outcome from said she was confident Scotland could “The only project I am inter- over the next four months is have an measures such as curbing EU migrants’ Cameron had achieved. slightly different perspectives ... if he remain a member if the EU. ested in is ‘Project Fact’,” Cameron argument about the issues.” access to some welfare payments in “Nothing in that was going to appeals to people who agree with him “I would expect that many peo- told dozens of students at University But he pulled no punches against Britain. change my view as someone who and I appeal to people who agree with ple in the European Union and across Campus Suffolk. the “Out” campaign and urged stu- But pro-EU Scottish National wants to stay in, nothing in it was me then we will maximise the vote for Europe would want to see Scotland “If ‘Project Fact’ is about saying dents to turn out to vote. Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon going to change the view of an arch staying in,” she said. seek to stay in,” she said. Ireland struggles to find new government UK launches first new

AFP election. was “not a chance in hell” of a deal grouping for a majority: Fine Gael and With all but 10 seats declared, the before Easter, at the end of March. runners up Fianna Fail, long bitter daily newspaper in two parties had just 53 seats between “It’s not going to be easy and it’s rivals that have fought each other to them—leaving them short of the 80 going to be long,” Ahern said. “It’s a take turns in government since 1932. DUBLIN: Irish Prime Minister Enda required for a majority and raising the new game, there’s no obvious combi- Any such deal would face signif- Kenny faced a struggle to form a new prospect of a second vote if no deal nation that can work this out.” icant opposition within the parties. three decades government yesterday after his outgo- can be reached. The outgoing coalition cam- “I don’t think there’s any chance ing coalition failed to win a majority, “The people have spoken, it’s paigned on a platform of maintaining that Fianna Fail would be coalescing as counting continued in a vote going to take a while to figure out a recovery that has seen Ireland with Fine Gael,” said Timmy Dooley, marked by anger against austerity. what exactly they have said,” said become the fastest-growing coun- a senior Fianna Fail politician. AFP see it’s very different.” Voters punished Kenny’s Fine outgoing Fine Gael junior minister try in the European Union, but which But Labour leader Joan Burton Cameron wrote a one-page col- Gael party and its junior coalition Simon Harris. many feel has yet to improve things urged the large parties to “step up in umn warning of the unknowns of partner Labour, stripping dozens of Former prime minister and Fianna for ordinary people. the interests of providing secure and a Brexit, leading it by saying “It’s a lawmakers of their seats in Friday’s Fail leader Bertie Ahern predicted there The results left only one clear stable government for the country”. LONDON: British Prime Minister new day. A new day when three mil- David Cameron yesterday helped lion people will go to work to do a launch the country’s first new job that is linked to Britain’s trade national daily newspaper in 30 with Europe.” Runway at Gatwick years, which vowed to show that As-well as newspaper staples Eye-catching view print news could prosper in the such as puzzles, showbiz gossip, Airport re-opens Internet age. recipes and horoscopes, the paper The New Day, created by pub- also carried reports into the plight after spillage lishing giant Trinity Mirror, hit the of albino children in Africa and the newsstands yesterday, carrying “army” of British youngsters who a front-page story of a report into have to look after their parents. LONDON: London’s Gatwick children who cared for their parents The paper, aimed at 35-55 Airport said its runway had reo- and a column by Cameron calling year-olds, promises to be free from pened after a spillage caused its on Britain to remain in the Euro- political bias, focus on good news temporary closure yesterday, lead- pean Union. as-well as bad and to mix up tra- ing some flights to be delayed or Despite plummeting sales of ditionally male and female stories diverted. print newspapers, which led The rather than having separate sections. The airport, to the south of Independent to announce last week The 40-page newspaper was London, was forced to close the that it was moving online, the new given away free yesterday, and will runway to departures and arriv- paper insisted that its unique format trial at 25 pence (€0.32, $0.35) for als for about an hour after the would help it survive. two weeks and 50 pence after that. spillage, meaning some inbound “We would of course be com- A cut-price version of The Inde- flights were diverted to other air- pletely daft if what we were pendent, the “i”, was launched in ports, officials said. launching was just another news- 2010 but Trinity Mirror said the “There may still be delays, so paper. But it’s not,” said a message new daily will be “an entirely new please check with your airline for from its editorial team. newspaper, not a sister title or light the latest information,” the airport “Yes, we have news and we are version” of the Daily Mirror. . said on its website. made of paper. But that’s pretty The Daily Mirror lost 12 percent It has not said what caused the much where the similarities end. of sales year on year, down to just spillage. We know this can’t just be another over 800,000 in January. Gatwick is Britain’s second newspaper.” The new paper is being launched Base Court of Hampton Court Palace is seen through the entrance gate in London, yesterday. largest airport and is used by over Barry Rabbetts, the paper’s exec- shortly after the Independent daily 40 million passengers each year. utive editor, tweeted an image of the said it would be printing its last print front page, adding: “When you pick edition on March 26 and shifting up @thenewdayuk tomorrow you’ll fully online. Young British girls forced into marriage over Skype

Reuters Imams in Britain and abroad have from London was married on Skype the family were planning to take her been conducting ceremonies using to a 25-year-old man in Bangladesh, out to consummate the marriage,” Skype to marry British girls remotely Freedom’s founder Aneeta Prem said. Prem said. to men abroad, said the charity Free- The girl, who hadn’t understood “She had been pulled out of LONDON: Girls in Britain as young as dom, which campaigns against forced the significance of the Skype call at school and was being taught to be a 11 are being forced into marriage via marriage. The new husband is often the time, contacted Freedom after housewife.” the internet while others are secretly promised that he will get a visa to reading a book about forced mar- Prem said only a handful of inter- wed over the phone, two charities come to Britain. riage by Prem. net marriages had come to light so said yesterday. In one case, an 11-year-old girl “As soon as she was old enough far, but the number was increasing. First edition of The New Day, on the day of its launch. EUROPE TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 17 Migrants try to German court break Macedonia fines Facebook border fence $109,000 BERLIN: A German court fined Facebook €100,000 capping the numbers of migrants ($109,000) for refus- entering their territory, there has ing to follow an order to Police fired tear gas been a swift buildup along the adequately inform users as a group of 300 Greece-Macedonia border with about how it was using Athens warning that the number of their intellectual property, protesters forced people “trapped” on its soil could a consumer group said. their way through a reach to 70,000 by next month. News of the ruling fol- As the bottleneck showed little lowed a visit of Facebook Greek police cordon sign of easing, German Chancel- CEO Mark Zuckerberg where they tried lor Angel Merkel lashed out at a raft in which he mounted a of restrictions imposed by Austria offensive in the face of to get through the and the Balkan states, saying they increasing antipathy in barbed wire marking risked plunging debt-ridden Greece Germany towards the the frontier between into refugee chaos. world’s biggest social “We can’t just abandon this media network. the two countries. country,” she said, pointing the fin- ger at Austria, whose introduction of restrictions on February 19 trig- gered a domino effect. “When one Napoli star AFP insists on his border, the other suf- Refugees and migrants try to break a Greek police cordon to approach the border fence at the Greek- fers. That’s not my Europe.” robbed at On the ground, thousands con- Macedonian border, near the Greek village of Idomeni, yesterday. tinued to mass at the Idomeni gunpoint in Italy IDOMENI, GREECE: Hundreds of crossing in the hope it would be refugees yesterday tried to break opened after a day of protests in Clashes break out as France begins NAPLES, ITALY: Napoli through a border fence into Mac- which scores of people lay down striker Lorenzo Insigne edonia from Greece where more on the railway tracks, among them was held up at gunpoint than 6,000 people are stranded, as women and children, some holding and robbed when he was Germany lashed out at EU states for slogans reading “Open borders” and clearing Calais jungle camp driving through crime- abandoning Greece to refugee chaos. “We are humans, not animals”. plagued Naples over the Macedonian police fired tear gas Macedonia had allowed in weekend, his agent said as a group of some 300 Iraqi and another group of 300 on Saturday Reuters about 3,000 people are staying. “The other reception centres around France. yesterday. Syrian protesters forced their way night, Greek police said. migrants are just going to run and hide On Thursday, a judge upheld a Insigne was driv- through a Greek police cordon and The build-up at Idomeni camp, in the woods and the police are going government order to evict migrants ing with his wife and two raced towards a railway track where which can accomodate up to 1,500 CALAIS, FRANCE: Clashes with to have to go after them,” said activ- living in the camp, although a few friends when he stopped they tried to get through the barbed people but is sheltering more than police broke out yesterday as work ist Francois Guennoc of the Auberge makeshift buildings of social impor- at a traffic light. A gun- wire marking the frontier between 6,000, began in earnest last week got underway to clear part of the des Migrants migrant support group. tance such as a school and a theatre man on the back of a the two countries. after Macedonia began refusing entry shanty town outside Calais in north- Regional Prefect Fabienne Buc- are to remain untouched. motorbike pulled level “Open the borders!” they to Afghans and imposed stricter con- ern France where migrants are trying cio had said the police presence was Thousands of migrants fleeing with the car and forced shouted, prompting police to fire trols on Syrians and Iraqis. to reach Britain. needed because “extremists” could war and poverty, from Afghanistan the four occupants to volleys of tear gas which prevented Slovenia Croatia and Serbia fol- Police fired tear gas around mid- try to intimidate migrants into turn- to Syria, have converged on the north- hand over their valuables. them from crossing. lowed suit with all four imposing a day, about 150-200 migrants and ing down housing offers or buses to ern port over the past year. Italian media said the The angry protest took place sev- daily limit of 580 migrants. The activists threw stones, and three reception centres. Many attempt to climb illegally robber got away with a eral hours after Macedonia allowed spate of border closures was sparked makeshift shelters were set ablaze. Interior Minister Bernard Caze- onto trains or into lorries heading Rolex watch, jewels and some 300 migrants to cross before by Austria’s decision not to accept Earlier, one person was arrested neuve had said authorities would work to Britain where they hope to settle. €800 ($872.48) in cash. resealing the frontier, keeping thou- more than 80 asylum claims per day for trying to stop a group of about with humanitarian organisations to Their presence has led to tension with sands of others out. and cap the numbers of those seek- 20 workers under heavy police pro- relocate the migrants to a nearby park some of the local population and to a With Austria and Balkan states ing to cross its territory. tection from clearing the site, where of converted shipping containers or permanent police deployment. ‘Darknet’ online trading platform EU seen not increasing emissions targets despite Paris deal operators held BERLIN: Police in seven European countries raided Reuters goals should be reviewed in 2018. So far, the EU has agreed an out- debate the Paris climate deal, says ambitious action by all parties for operators of “darknet” Such a decision would please line target to cut emissions by at the existing target “is based on glo- the period beyond 2030”. online platforms trading member state Poland, whose econ- least 40 percent by 2030 from 1990 bal projections that are in line with That global stock-take is expected in weapons, illegal drugs, omy relies heavily on coal, but it levels and has embarked on a diffi- the medium-term ambition of the to be preceded by a special UN report fake IDs and counterfeit BRUSSELS: EU regulators will say would anger environment campaign- cult debate on how to share the task Paris Agreement”. in 2018 and governments in Paris money, arresting nine sus- this week the European Union does ers, who see the Paris Agreement, among its 28 member states. It added that a first global stock- agreed to an initial review of their pects, German authorities not need more ambitious greenhouse agreed in December, as an argument A text prepared ahead of a meet- take in 2023 of emissions reductions, actions before the next decade to get said yesterday. gas target until the next decade, even for the European Union to step up its ing of EU environment ministers as agreed in Paris, “is relevant for on track for net zero emissions in the The operation tar- though the climate deal stipulates efforts on tackling climate change. in Brussels on Friday, which will considering progressively more second half of the century. geted 69 homes and businesses across Ger- many and in Bosnia, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Lithuania Hi-tech policing Greek farmers end road and Russia, said German federal police and Frank- furt prosecutors. blockades ahead of talks Ex-Auschwitz

don’t want to burden the rest of the paramedic’s trial country’s residents.” Farmers have been Farmers have been blockading suspended blockading roads border crossings and national roads for over a month demanding that NEUBRANDENBURG: demanding that the left-led government takes back A German court yes- the government a pension reform plan which triples terday suspended the takes back a their social security contributions. trial of former SS medic Last week, Tsipras sought to sof- Hubert Zafke for aiding in pension reform ten the deal by offering tax breaks 3,681 murders in Ausch- plan which triples and a longer, five-year transition witz after the 95-year-old period for the higher contribu- failed to attend over their social security tions. But the concessions need to health problems. contributions. be discussed with the international Chief judge Klaus lenders. Kabisch said “he was not Tourtouras said farmers would in a state” to be to be continue with city rallies and tax heard. Reuters office occupations, awaiting the final details. “We’ll be outside par- liament, with our tractors, if they Woman charged French Interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve, attends a presentation of the new equipment for the submit a bill which does not satisfy French anti-crime brigade of the prefecture of Paris, in Paris, yesterday. ATHENS: Greek farmers started our demands,” he said. with murder withdrawing from road blockades Tsipras has seen his popularity yesterday after getting assurances sliding, wants to conclude the bail- MOSCOW: Russian inves- from Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras out review swiftly and start talks on tigators arrested a nanny that his government would try to get debt relief to convince Greeks that and charged her with a better pension deal for them with their sacrifices are paying off and murdering a young child French PM firm on labour reforms bill the country’s foreign creditors. lure back investors. in her care after local The pension reform is a key term Deputy euro zone finance min- media broadcast footage of Greece’s third bailout and one of isters were scheduled to discuss of a woman brandishing a AFP Unveiled in mid-February and Valls said that after the consul- the main sticking points in talks with Greece’s progress later on Monday. severed infant’s head. greeted with howls of protest from tations, he hoped to bring the parties European Union and International EU inspectors were likely to A policeman had trade unions, the proposals would together with the labour and econ- Monetary Fund inspectors assess- return to Athens for the review as approached the woman to make it easier for companies to lay omy ministers, Myriam El Khomri ing its progress on fiscal targets and early as this week, but the Inter- check her documents and PARIS: French Prime Minister off workers. and Emmanuel Macron, to renew structural reforms. national Monetary Fund - which that she had responded by Manuel Valls yesterday retreated on “Probably over the next week discussion on the reform plans. “Today we are officially ending projects a wider than initially removing the child’s head controversial labour reform plans I will meet with all social part- The submission of the proposals the road blockades,” Yannis Tourtou- estimated fiscal gap by 2018 and from a bag and begun opposed by the left flank of his ners, labour unions and employers’ to the cabinet has been postponed ras, the head of farmers blockading believes a debt relief is necessary shouting that she had Socialist Party, setting a new round organisations, one by one,” Valls told from March 9 to March 24, a govern- roads near the border crossing with - “was not as cooperative”, a gov- killed the infant. of consultations on the proposals. reporters, yesterday. ment source said. Bulgaria, said. “We are tired and we ernment official said. 18 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 AMERICAS

Blame faulty Super Tuesday: TV earpiece for squall: Test for Trump Trump and Hillary Reuters WASHINGTON: Donald Trump blamed a faulty television earpiece the Republican side led by the brash yesterday for his failure to disavow real estate mogul Trump. support from a white supremacist, The Republican “What we can’t let happen is the swatting aside the latest contro- and Democratic scapegoating, the blaming, the fin- versy to shadow his unorthodox ger-pointing that is going on on the march toward the Republican frontrunners Republican side, which not only sets presidential nomination. fended off rivals a bad example,” she said. “It really On the eve of the biggest vot- and appealed to undermines our fabric as a nation.” ing day in the race to pick the 2016 Trump, whose incendiary cam- US presidential candidates, the supporters in a paign has turned American politics Republican front-runner tried to dozen states, a day on its head, has a political target on explain why he did not condemn his back, with mainstream favourite backing from former Ku Klux Klan before they head to Marco Rubio intensifying his per- leader David Duke during a Sun- polls. sonal attacks and stressing Trump day television interview. would have serious weaknesses in “I’m sitting in a house in Flor- a general election. ida with a very bad earpiece that The Florida senator warned sup- they gave me, and you could hardly AFP porters in Tennessee that US media hear what he was saying, but what and critics will jump on Trump “like I heard was various groups,” the hounds of hell” if he wins the Trump said. “I disavowed David nomination. Duke all weekend long, on Face- WASHINGTON: White House hope- “They’ll shred him to pieces and Democratic presidential candidate former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton greets supporters with US Rep book, on Twitter, and obviously, it fuls Donald Trump and Hillary then get Hillary Clinton elected,” Richard Neal during a ‘Get Out The Vote’ rally at the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History is never enough,” the real estate Clinton are poised to pass a point Rubio said, insisting that he is bet- in Massachusetts, yesterday. Hillary is campaigning in Massachusetts and Virginia ahead of Super Tuesday. billionaire added. of no return on Super Tuesday, if as ter positioned to defeat Clinton. It was unclear whether Trump expected they outrun their rivals on But Trump is clearly in the driv- would be damaged by the sup- the biggest voting day of the primary er’s seat. He is leading in polling in port of a white supremacist. He season. at least eight of the 11 Super Tues- of American politics” conducting a a white supremacist who once led the taking place, it could be lights out for has risen in opinion polls and With just hours to go before polls day states. political “Ponzi scheme,” Rubio told Ku Klux Klan. his Republican challengers. Even rival won three of four early nominat- open, the Republican and Dem- And a new CNN/ORC poll Fox News, referencing the former Rubio said Trump’s failure to Cruz said that would make Trump ing contests while proposing a ocratic frontrunners fended off released yesterday showed the investment advisor jailed for life for immediately repudiate Duke, who has “unstoppable.” temporary ban on Muslims enter- rivals and appealed to supporters billionaire expanding his lead committing the largest financial fraud expressed support for Trump, makes Arch-conservative Cruz hails from ing the country, calling Mexican in a dozen states, a day before they nationally, earning a stunning 49 in US history. him “unelectable.” Texas, the largest prize in Tuesday’s immigrants criminals and insult- head to polls. percent support compared to sec- “We’re going to pull off his mask,” The party’s flagbearer in 2012, voting, and he is banking on win- ing women. The former reality TV If they win big Tuesday night ond place Rubio at 16 percent. Rubio added. Mitt Romney, joined the chorus of out- ning his home state. But he trails in star, whose candidacy began as a as the presidential nomination Fellow first-term Senator Ted Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric rage, tweeting: “A disqualifying & every other Super Tuesday state but long shot, looks set to amass more race broadens following a string of Cruz of Texas is third, at 15 percent, during the campaign, accusing Mex- disgusting response by @realDon- Arkansas. victories when 11 states hold nom- statewide votes, it could spell doom followed by retired neurosurgeon ico of sending “rapists” and criminals aldTrump to the KKK. His coddling of Nearly 600 Republican delegates inating contests on Super Tuesday. for their challengers. Ben Carson at 10 percent and Ohio across the border and urging a ban on repugnant bigotry is not in the char- are up for grabs Tuesday, close to half Trump leads opinion polls Clinton was riding high after Governor John Kasich at six percent. Muslims entering the country, would acter of America.” of the 1,237 delegates needed to secure in many of those states where thrashing rival Bernie Sanders on Super Tuesday will unquestiona- have been the undoing of a normal Trump sought to put the issue the nomination. he has a double-digit advantage Saturday in South Carolina, but bly be a gut check for the Republican candidate. behind him Monday, blaming it on a A similarly substantial number of over closest Republican challeng- she was leaving nothing to chance, Party. But all signs show 2016 is far from “very bad ear piece” that prevented Democratic delegates are at stake. ers Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz. travelling to multiple states to urge It will also test whether Rubio’s normal, with a fiercely angry elec- him from accurately hearing the ques- Clinton is ahead in all Tuesday His progress in the race to a strong turnout. newfound aggressiveness toward torate keen to back an outsider who tion about Duke. states except Sanders’s home state of become the Republican nominee “I need your help to go and vote Trump—the 44-year-old senator has scornfully attacks the establishment. “I disavowed David Duke. All Vermont. for the November 8 presidential tomorrow, to bring people to vote attacked his business dealings, tem- In the latest controversy, Trump weekend long on Facebook and Twit- But Sanders, a self-described dem- election, boosted by a surprise with you,” she implored to a crowd in perament, age, policy platforms and came under withering criticism from ter and, obviously, it’s never enough. ocratic socialist, is proving resilient. endorsement from New Jersey Springfield, Massachusetts yesterday. hairstyle in recent days—will have Republican and Democratic can- Ridiculous,” he said. His campaign announced Monday Governor Chris Christie on Fri- She also took aim at the increas- an impact on voters. didates alike for not immediately If Trump sweeps the South, where that it has raised $36m in February, day, has alarmed many in the ingly hostile campaign rhetoric on Trump is “the Bernie Madoff disavowing the support of David Duke, many of the Super Tuesday races are a record for his campaign. party establishment.

Honour for rescuing hostage in Afghanistan ‘Boston Apple wants to end bomber passed encryption standoff citizen test’ AFP data become increasingly sophis- ticated, the tools we use to defend Reuters against them must get stronger too,” he said. WASHINGTON: Apple wants a “con- “Weakening encryption will BOSTON: The older of the two versation” to help settle a standoff only hurt consumers and other brothers behind the deadly 2013 with the lawmakers over accessing well-meaning users who rely on Boston Marathon bombing had an encrypted iPhone, according to companies like Apple to protect their passed a test to become a US cit- testimony prepared for a congres- personal information.” izen three months before the sional hearing. He added that around the world attack, the Boston Globe reported In a statement prepared for a encryption and other methods help yesterday, citing federal docu- hearing today, Apple general counsel preserve privacy “and it keeps peo- ments. Bruce Sewell said the public should ple safe.” Tamerlan Tsarnaev, a 26-year- understand that “encryption is a Sewell said the question of old ethnic Chechen who had good thing, a necessary thing” even access to the locked iPhone is a immigrated to the United States if it makes the work of law enforce- question that lawmakers and the from Russia a decade before the ment more difficult. public should decide, renewing attack, had correctly answered The hearing was called with Apple’s criticism of the use of the questions about American his- Apple and FBI locked in battle over broad 1789 All Writs Act that offers President Barack Obama (right ) awards the Medal of Honor to US Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare tory and demonstrated proficiency a warrant seeking to force Apple to broad authority to law enforcement. Operator Edward Byers during a ceremony at the White House in Washington yesterday. Byers was in the English. But the US immi- help unlock the iPhone used by one “The American people deserve honoured for his courageous actions while serving as part of a team that rescued an American civilian gration officer who reviewed his of the shooters in last year’s San Ber- an honest conversation around the being held hostage in Afghanistan on December 8-9, 2012. test did not immediately approve nardino attacks. important questions stemming from Tsarnaev’s citizenship application, Apple’s refusal has set off an the FBI’s current demand,” he said. the newspaper reported. Its report intense political debate about “Most importantly, the decisions was based on 651 pages of heavy encrypted devices which provide should be made by you and your col- redacted documents released by “keys” only to users. leagues as representatives of the the Department of Homeland In his remarks, Sewell said Apple people, rather than through a war- Obama adviser Deese to lead White Security. Tsarnaev was the older has been stepping up its encryption rant request based on a 220-year-old of the two brothers who carried over the past few years. statute. At Apple, we are ready to House’s Supreme Court process out attack in 2013. “As attacks on our customers’ have this conversation.”

Reuters Obama has been in the early Court Justice, we have set up a group stages of choosing a candidate to of staff devoted to this effort, led by replace conservative Supreme Court Brian,” a White House official said Theft of radioactive material: Mexico issues alert Justice Antonin Scalia since his death in an email. WASHINGTON: President Barack two weeks ago. The process is likely “Brian will ensure that the full Obama has turned to senior adviser to take at least a month. capacity of the White House is AFP pick-up truck carrying radioactive its container, but was not dangerous Brian Deese, an economic expert who Deese has a history of taking trained on this effort, even while iridium-192 had been stolen. The if kept sealed. The material, which previously led the administration’s on projects important to the presi- the rest of the White House continues ministry said the material “can be is used in industrial radiography, climate change efforts, to head the dent within the White House. He was its important work on other presi- dangerous for people if not handled belonged to the company Industrial team to pick and win confirmation of involved in leading the administra- dential priorities.” Deese’s team will MEXICO CITY: Five Mexican states safely” and could cause “permanent Maintenance Center located in the a Supreme Court candidate, a White tion’s bailout of the US auto industry, report regularly to chief of staff Denis were put on alert on Sunday after a or serious injury to a person who is city of San Juan del Rio. In addition House official said yesterday. budget deals with Congress and, most McDonough, senior advisers and the truck carrying a container of poten- handling or in contact with it for a to Queretaro, the states of Hidalgo, White House counsel Neil Eggles- recently, international climate change president, the official said. tially dangerous radioactive material short time”. Such damage could occur Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi and ton will lead the legal process include talks that culminated in a Paris deal Republican Senate Majority was stolen, the interior ministry said. after contact lasting anywhere from Michoacan were put on alert. Irid- the vetting of potential candidates, to fight global warming. Leader Mitch McConnell has said The National Coordination of minutes to hours, it added. ium-192 can cause burns, radiation the official said. Leading Republicans “Building on prior White House repeatedly that the Senate will not Civil Protection issued the warn- Officials said the radio- sickness and permanent injury if a have vowed to block any nominee staffing models for choosing, nom- confirm an Obama nominee in this ing after a company in the central active material represented a person comes in contact with it, and Obama chooses. inating, and confirming a Supreme election year. state of Queretaro reported that a significant health risk if taken outside can be fatal if exposure lasts hours.

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 17o C Maximum: 26o C

FAJR 04.41 am ZUHR 11.46 am MAGHRIB 05.38 pm HIGH TIDE 08:30 - 23:00 Misty to foggy at places at first becomes mod- SHOROOK 05.57 am ASR 03.07 pm ISHA 07.08 pm LOW TIDE 03:15 - 15:30 erate temperature with slight dust later and relatively cold by night.

20 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 MORNING BREAK

ONLINE CHART BUST DiCaprio wins Oscar; Spotlight best film

AFP Awards -- otherwise known as the white People's Choice awards. You realize if they nominated hosts, I MOST READ wouldn't even get this job," joked UNITED STATES: Leonardo DiCap- Rock, 51, who continued with a series Sheikha Hind named CEO of Qatar rio (pictured) won his long-awaited of jibes at the Academy throughout 1 Foundation first Oscar for revenge epic "The the night. Revenant" on Sunday but journalism For the second year running, all Blame-trading tests Syria’s drama "Spotlight" took best picture in 20 nominees in the main acting cat- 2 fragile truce a surprising end to Hollywood's glit- egories were white, and an angry tering awards season. social media backlash under the Syria ceasefire brings respite to overworked The night was overshadowed by hashtag #OscarsSoWhite has grabbed 3 medics a simmering race row, addressed the awards season headlines. head-on by black host Chris Rock, Rock, who hosted despite calls who delivered a series of caustic jokes for him to join a boycott, unleashed targeting the Academy's overwhelm- a fierce monologue -- one he appar- TWEET OF THE DAY ingly white male membership. ently rewrote in the wake of the As well as DiCaprio's best actor scandal to hold the Academy's award, "The Revenant" picked up 6,000-plus voting members, over- the statuettes for best director for whelmingly white men, to account. Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu -- his Former radio DJ Inarritu, just the second in a row -- as well as for best third filmmaker to win back-to-back cinematography. Academy Awards for best director, But "Spotlight," a searing study of picked up the theme as he hailed his The Boston Globe's investigation into latest Oscar as a tribute to diversity. child abuse in the Catholic Church, "There is a line in the film that unexpectedly grabbed best picture says, 'They don't listen to you when honors at the 88th Academy Awards. they see the color of your skin'," Inar- "This film gave a voice to survi- ritu said. vors. And this Oscar amplifies that "So what a great opportunity voice, which we hope will become a to our generation to really liberate choir that will resonate all the way ourselves from all prejudice and, to the Vatican," co-producer Michael you know, this way of thinking and Sugar told the audience at the Dolby make sure for once and forever that Theatre in Hollywood. the color of skin becomes as irrele- "Pope Francis, it's time to protect vant as the length of our hair." the children and restore the faith," he The first acting award of the night said. mixing. DiCaprio's success for his we need to work together and stop went to Sweden's Alicia Vikander, A defeat for "Creed" star and Tin- grueling star turn as 19th century procrastinating," DiCaprio said to who dazzled on the red carpet in Follow us on seltown darling Sylvester Stallone was fur trapper Hugh Glass came 22 applause. a strapless pale yellow Louis Vuit- the other big surprise of the night, as years after his first of four unsuc- First-time nominee Brie Larson ton gown, for her supporting role in Snapchat he was snubbed for best supporting cessful acting nominations. For the picked up a widely predicted best transgender love story "The Dan- actor, with the trophy going against 41-year-old actor, the fifth time was actress statuette, having dominated ish Girl." "This is insane," a visibly Open Snapchat and the odds to Britain's Mark Rylance for a charm. He thanked a long list of the awards season with her per- moved Vikander said, hailing her co- scan the Snapcode "Bridge of Spies." figures who have helped him in his formance as a kidnapped mother in star Eddie Redmayne: "Thank you for George Miller's stark action epic career, including filmmaker Martin "Room." being the best acting partner. I could to add The Peninsula "Mad Max: Fury Road" was the big Scorsese, before speaking on his pas- But it was not all celebration, as a have never done it without you. You account. winner in the technical categories, sion -- climate change. row over the lack of ethnic minority raised my game." It was a huge night taking home Oscars for best cos- "Climate change is real. It is hap- acting hopefuls overshadowed Hol- for "Spotlight" director Tom McCarthy, tumes, production design, make-up, pening right now. It is the most urgent lywood's biggest night. who also picked up the Oscar for best film editing, sound editing and sound threat facing our entire species and "Well, I'm here at the Academy original screenplay.

Best animated short film

A screenshot of the Chilean animated short film 'Historia de un Oso' directed by Gabriel Osorio Vargas, that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the 88th Academy Awards, in Santiago de Chile, Chile, yesterday.

Oscar at last for Morricone for The Hateful Eight

AFP Williams ("Star Wars: The Force Awak- of whistling, yodelling and rare wind ens"), Thomas Newman ("Bridge of instruments to brilliantly evoke the Spies"), Carter Burwell ("Carol") and atmosphere of the American frontier. Johann Johannsson ("Sicario") to the Despite their originality, the Leone ROME: Nobody could accuse Ennio coveted honor -- his first competitive westerns -- Morricone does not like the Morricone of not having earned the best Oscar win. 'spaghetti' description -- failed to earn original score Oscar he collected yester- "My tribute goes to the other nomi- him an Oscar nod. But the Rome-born day for his work on Quentin Tarantino's nees, and in particular to the esteemed son of a trumpeter went on to be nom- "The Hateful Eight". John Williams," Morricone said through inated no fewer than five times before Still working at 87, the Italian com- a translator. "There isn't a great sound- the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and poser has created the music for some track without a great movie that inspires Sciences, embarrassed that such a talent 500 films over the course of a 55-year it. I want to thank Quentin Tarantino had not been recognised sooner, pre- career that took off as a result of his for having chosen me to make this sented him with a lifetime achievement work for his childhood friend Ser- extraordinary (score)." His composi- award in 2007. He said that he intended gio Leone's "Spaghetti Westerns" of tions for films such as "The Good, the to carry on working with the same pas- the 1960s. Morricone beat rivals John Bad and the Ugly" used combinations sion and dedication. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

PAGE | 23 QE 19,892.32 -35.62 PTS PAGE | 24 Investcorp acquires DOW 16,685.34 +45.37 PTS Nissan scrips office space in US FTSE100 6,097.09 +1.08 PTS skyrocket on $3.5bn for $180m BRENT $35.95 +$0.85 buyback plan

TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 • 21 Jumada I 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Djibouti President woos Qatari investors

Earlier, talking to the media demand. Currently, we have four ports Qatar Chamber (QC) Vice-Chair- under construction in addition to the Qatar Chamber man) Mohammed bin Ahmed bin three already operational.” and Djiboutian Tawar Al Kuwari said the Chamber He noted that the level of Qatari and its Djiboutian counterpart are investment in Djibouti many not be counterpart to set to establish a business council very high but it is going to grow at a establish business to explore and facilitate investment faster pace because both the econ- opportunities in various promising omies are complementary to each council to facilitate industries, including power, tourism, other. He also said: “This was the first investments. and other services sectors of the Dji- direct meeting of our President with boutian economy. Qatar Chamber. He is very keen to “Currently we are negotiating with encouraging Qatari business commu- the authorities concerned from Dji- nity to invest in the various promising By Mohammad Shoeb bouti, including its Ambassador to sectors of the Djiboutian economy.” The Peninsula Qatar (Moumin Hassan Barreh),Al Meanwhile, Air Djibouti, the Kuwari told The Peninsula. national carrier of The Republic of Al Kuwari, speaking to the media Djibouti is to start three daily serv- after his meeting with the visit- ices of the Djiboutian airline to Qatar DOHA: Visiting Djibouti President ing President, said: “We just met the from next month, said a top official of Ismail Omar Guelleh yesterday called President and his accompanying dele- the carrier. on Qatari businessmen to seize the gation. We are also working on a draft The airline is negotiating with investment opportunities available agreement for a Memorandum of Qatar Airways, the official operator in his country. Understanding to be signed between of of Hamad International Airport. Djibouti is currently investing in the two chambers aiming to enhance “We are discussing to cooper- massive development infrastructure bilateral trade and investments.” ate with Qatar Airways to begin with projects such as marine ports, air- He said that Djibouti is geograph- three daily services of Air Djibouti to ports railway stations that will link ically located at a very strategic place Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh with Qatar Chamber Vice-Chairman Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Tawar Qatar, which is expected to start from the country to Ethiopia. Another key providing access to 10 landlocked next month. Once we start flying, this Al Kuwari and other officials.Pic: Baher A/The Peninsula advantage of Djibouti is that is cur- countries that do not have any sea- will take the combined weekly fre- rency is pegged to the US Dollar. This ports and rely on Djiboutian ports for quencies between Qatar and Djibouti facilitates the entry and exit of cur- imports and exports. The Qatari side services. However, it needs to carry producers. With the new law, foreign Zone’ spread over an area of 48 to six, including the currently three rency, he stated. is also planning to organise seminars out more reforms in its laws and reg- companies can come and invest in square kilometres. It will require weakly services of Qatar Airways,” Djibouti is located in a strategic for private businesses highlighting ulatory framework complying with power plants of 100 megawatts (MW) about 3,700MW of electricity.” said Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chair- area in the horn of Africa. This makes various opportunities of investments international standards and practices for generating electricity using clean He said that in addition to the man of Air Djibouti. it the meeting point for all continents. in the African Horn economy. to encourage private investments.” energy such as gas, wind solar and free zone, which itself provides a lot Hadi, who is also a senior member Guelleh said that Djibouti was the only Commenting about the challenges, Aboubaker Omar Hadi, a senior geothermal.” investment opportunities, the country of the visiting President’s official del- waterway to Ethiopia. The country’s he said:” Although Djibouti has a lot member of the Djiboutian President’s Hadi added: “The power demand is building two airports and several egation, said that Djibouti may not be waterway serves 18 other African of investment opportunities such as accompanying official delegation, in the Djiboutian economy is going seaports offering huge opportuni- a very big economy (in terms of GDP countries with a population of 400 in the seaport development, tourism, said: “We have recently passed some to increase very significantly as it is ties to investors. “We are planning to and population) but it is a gateway to million people, the President said. hotel, harbour management and other laws to invite independent power developing a huge ‘Free Economic build more ports to meet the growing over 10 big economies in Africa. Qatari stocks ride out January slump Qatar to get new tool to

By Satish Kanady The Peninsula update energy sector

DOHA: Qatari stocks rose 4.34 percent in By Sachin Kumar Goals (SDGs) requirements. “Detailed, com- February, after a volatile January pulled The Peninsula plete, timely and reliable statistics on the supply down the benchmark index by 9.09 percent. and use of different energy products are essen- The index gained 411.02 points to finish at tial to monitor the energy situation at a country 9,892.32 points to end the month yesterday, level as well as at an international level,” said 0.36 percent down from the previous session. DOHA: Qatar will soon get its ‘Energy Balance’ the document. “The preparation of the Energy Industrial sector was the month’s value — a technical tool — that will provide an over- Balance will require the cooperation of vari- leader, accounting for 30.71 percent of the all picture of the supply, demand and use of the ous institutions and companies. It is crucial for total traded value, followed by banks and different energy commodities such as crude oil, all the stakeholders (data suppliers, compilers financial services. Total trading value rose gas, electricity, etc in the country. and users) to have a common understanding of 30.11 percent to QR6.5bn in February. Volume The Economic Statistics and National the related concepts and definitions,” it added. increased by 31.93 percent. Market capitali- Accounts Department of the Ministry of Devel- The format of the Energy Balance for Qatar sation rose 3.66 percent to reach QR525bn. opment Planning and Statistics (MDPS) has will be the one provided by the Statistical Cen- Gulf International, Masraf Al Rayan, for the first time in a long time as they ride place, uncertainty still has the upper hand started work on the preparation of an Energy tre for Gulf Cooperation Council. Barwa Real Estate, Industries Qatar and QNB out another volatile week and preserve hindering fresh inflows. In the coming week Balance for Qatar, for the year 2014. The Energy Balance will provide an overall are the top gainers of the month. The value of monthly gains..... Despite repeated attempts the transition from February to March will The Energy Balance will be useful in formu- picture of the supply, trade, stocks, transfor- Gulf International jumped 15.93 percent com- by sellers to increase pressure, buyers held be done with an eye on whether buyers can lation of energy policies, compilation of energy mation and demand of the different types of pared to the previous month. Masraf Al Rayan their ground, allowing regional markets to maintain the recent uplift. indicators, preparation of energy accounts and energy products. It is obtained by aggregation rose 8.06 percent month-on-month. Barwa gain on average 0.7 percent on the week. A Reuters’ monthly Fund Managers survey estimation of Greenhouse Gas (CO2) emissions. of the individual commodity balance tables. was up 7.78 percent, while Industries Qatar positive average monthly gain has not hap- yesterday found Qatar has lost some favour “The overall energy balance is an account- The Energy Balance for Qatar will be presented and QNB gained 6.31 percent and 5.76 percent, pened since last April and given the carnage with portfolio managers, as 14 percent now ing framework for the compilation and in Tons of oil equivalents (toe). respectively. “We believe it (QE) could trade in January, it will be seen as a small victory,” expect to raise allocations there and the reconciliation of data on all energy products “The preparation of the Energy Balance with a positive bias in the short term. On the Al Masah Capital, a leading alternative asset same number to cut them. Last month, 43 entering, exiting, and used within the national will require the cooperation of various insti- downside, it could find support at 9,820 and management and advisory firm in Dubai said percent expected to boost holdings in Qatar territory of a given country during a reference tutions and companies. It is crucial for all the 9,650. Conversely, it could test 10,300 and in a note sent to The Peninsula. and 7 percent to reduce them. period,” noted the 14the issue of ‘Window on stakeholders (data suppliers, compilers and 10,450 if it trades above 10,000,” analysts at February gains have been led by retail- Managers said forward stock price val- Economic Statistics of Qatar’ released yester- users) to have a common understanding of Gulf Investment House (GIH) noted. ers, which tends to be the case in these uations in Qatar, especially in the banking day. “The energy balance is a matrix showing the related concepts and definitions,” noted GIH analysts are bullish on Industries markets and the buying has focused on sector, although cheap by historic meas- the relationship between energy products rep- the document. “The Energy Balance Table will Qatar from a short-term perspective. “We smaller cap names which is what retailers ures, were looking slightly more expensive resented in columns and flows represented in be prepared in a systematic way, in accord- believe it could advance in the near term focus on; hence market pessimists will deem compared to their Gulf peers. Middle East rows,” it added. ance with internationally accepted concepts and reach our price targets of QR113 and this a weak foundation on which to build fund managers have become more positive The availability of this Energy Balance and definitions. The main reference manuals QR118. Traders could consider buying above any momentum unless institutions and for- on Saudi Arabian equities after valuations will greatly help improve the quality of all the are the Energy Statistics Manual, 2004 and the QR109.50 and maintain a stop loss at QR105”. eign money recommit significantly. However, dropped and because of signs that oil prices official energy statistics. It will also be help- “International Recommendations for Energy “Regional markets are showing resiliency with oil still volatile and a bottom far from in may be bottoming out, Reuters reported. ful in fulfillment Sustainable Development statistics,” it added. 22 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS Hiring in Qatar Commercial Bank announces savings campaign winner to continue, The Peninsula DOHA: Commercial Bank yesterday announced the first winner of its “I am a Regular Saver” awareness cam- paign that encourages a smart savings culture by giving customers excep- says survey tional products that automatically save for them each month. Timed to coincide with the divi- dend distribution season, customers 44 percent will be looking to hire who applied for any new deposit ‘mid-career candidates with no account during the campaign period Hiring will be mostly managerial responsibilities’; 30 ending February 28 were also given for accountants, percent will be looking for ‘manag- the chance to win up to QR10,000 ers’ and another 30 percent will be each month. sales managers searching for ‘entry-level candidates To be eligible for a prize, deposit and engineers. with no managerial responsibilities’. account customers were asked to More than half of working post on Facebook or Twitter using respondents in Qatar (53 percent) the hashtag #ImSavingFor to share claim that, over the last three their savings goals. The post with the The Peninsula months, their company has hired highest number of likes at the end of new employees; 14 percent say that each month receives the grand prize they had new hires in the last six of QR10,000. months. Yasmin Hamdy was announced DOHA: The latest Middle East Job Qatar companies are looking for as the first “I am a Regular Saver” Index Survey, conducted by Bayt. candidates with managerial experi- QR10,000 grand prize winner for com, and research and consulting ence (46 percent), while 40 percent the month of December 2015, with firm, YouGov, has revealed that 57 look for engineering experience. her post using the hashtag #imsav- percent of working respondents in A third (33 percent) are looking to ingformyson’s education receiving Qatar expect their employers to be hire candidates with good computer the most number of likes. hiring in the next three months; 34 skills, and 27 percent are looking for The “I am a Regular Saver” cam- Yasmin Hamdy, the first winner of “I am a Regular Saver”, with QR10,000 grand prize. percent of them saying they will be candidates with senior-level expe- paign includes a series of video definitely hiring. rience (7 to 10 years). interviews from Commercial Bank Commercial Bank “Regu- EGM, Chief Consumer and Private responsible bank, Commercial The majority of respondents in Good communication skills customers sharing their advice to lar Saver” deposit accounts can be Banking said: “Commercial Bank’s ‘I Bank encourages everyone to save — Qatar said that, in the next three in English and Arabic is the most other people around the impor- opened online and are automated, am a Regular Saver’ campaign was regardless of age, background, status months, they will be mostly hiring desired skill by 63 percent of com- tance of saving for the future and as conveniently saving customers time created to help raise awareness of the and nationality – but we particularly accountants (19 percent), sales man- panies in Qatar. Working well in an added incentive, Commercial Bank and money as they don’t have to visit importance of a smart savings culture encourage Qatari nationals to open agers (19 percent) and engineers (19 teams, leadership, and efficiency is also rewarding the top 20 savers a branch in person to open their for the wider community including deposit accounts during the dividend percent). and productivity are also highly with the highest account balances at account or to make their monthly children, youth and adults, and the distribution season to make the most According to working respond- valued skills for 55 percent, 55 per- the end of each month by giving them deposits. need for saving in our daily lives.” of this opportunity to make a head ents in Qatar, 34 percent are cent and 47 percent of Qatar working QR1,000 each. Dean Proctor, Commercial Bank He added: “As a socially start on their savings goals.” ‘definitely hiring’ and 23 percent are respondents, respectively. The ability ‘probably hiring’ in the next three to work under pressure falls closely, months, while just 6 percent said at 45 percent that they are ‘definitely not hiring’ “At Bayt.com there are currently in the same time period. Focus- more than 10,000 jobs posted on Global govt debt to keep rising in 2016: S&P ing on future expectations, seven the website on any given day. Job- in 10 Qatar respondents state that seeker registration on our website is their companies will be hiring in a growing at over 12,000 new profes- year’s time; with ‘definitely hiring’ sionals a day and continues to reflect Reuters borrowing of $6.7 trillion set to con- total EM total debt stock to $6.8 tril- see year-on-year drops in headline and ‘probably hiring’ both follow- a healthy appetite for jobs across the tinue to outstrip the amounts being lion by the end of the year. borrowing numbers. ing at 35 percent. On the other hand, industrial and career spectrum,” said repaid. S&P said it saw the biggest abso- The eurozone is expected to see 4 percent are ‘definitely not hiring’ Suhail Masri, VP of Employer Solu- A number of major countries are lute increase in annual borrowing in a near 6 percent drop, although its and 16 percent ‘don’t know/can’t tell’ tions, Bayt.com. LONDON: The United States, China, behind the underlying trend. Brazil, which it expects will borrow overall debt stock will also continue their intentions for recruitment in Data for the Bayt.com Middle Brazil and India are expected to keep US borrowing is expected to $14bn more in 2015 an increase of 8 to creep up to just over €7 trillion as the coming year. East Job Index Survey was collected world government debt rising this increase 8 percent or $163bn year- percent. its countries borrow more than they Among those hiring in the next online between December 8, 2015 year, Standard and Poor’s said yes- on-year, while world number two Poland and India are both fore- repay. three months in Qatar, a quarter will and January 21, 2016, with a total of terday, despite a small reduction in economy China is forecast to ramp cast to see $12bn increases which is Globally annual issuance is fore- open positions to hire less than 5 jobs 1,232 online interviews conducted the annual global borrowing bill. its borrowing 18 percent or $51bn. an 38 percent rise for the former and cast to dip to $6.745 trillion from and another quarter will have 6-10 with respondents from the UAE, KSA, The rating agency released a new The rise in China and in the likes 8 percent increase for the latter. $6,899 trillion in 2015, though with new job openings. More than half Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Leb- report saying the stock of global gov- of Brazil and India is set to drive year- In contrast, Japan, the euro zone $4.9 trillion maturing, the $1.7 trillion of them (52 percent) will be look- anon, Syria, Jordan, Algeria, Egypt, ernment debt was expected to rise on-year emerging market borrowing and others such as Canada, the UK, ‘net’ increase will keep the overall ing for ‘team leaders/supervisors’; Morocco, Tunisia and Pakistan. 2 percent to $42.4 trillion, with new up 9.4 percent or $587bn and lift the Mexico and Ukraine are expected to debt stock rising.

News Corp faces US trial over Gulf Air holds agents monopoly of seminar in Bangkok in-store ads The Peninsula over the coming years. Commenting on the seminar, NEW YORK: News Corp went to Yahya Ali Buali, Gulf Air Senior trial in a class action lawsuit that Manager Sales said: “We are com- accuses the company of monop- DOHA: Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national mitted to serving the Thai market, olising the market for in-store carrier, recently conducted a sem- as we have done since our first entry promotions at some 52,500 retail inar for front line and sales staff in 1978, in a variety of ways. With stores across the United States. representing 30 travel agents in strong bilateral ties, there is consid- Jury selection got underway Thailand. erable mutual support between the in federal court in Manhattan in Held earlier this month at Khao two countries in developing and pro- an antitrust lawsuit filed by con- Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratch- moting tourism. We are committed sumer packaged goods companies asima the one day seminar was a to facilitating travel for Thai pas- Participants at the workshop. including Dial Corp, Kraft Heinz success, garnering positive feed- sengers across Gulf Air’s extensive Foods Co and Smithfield Foods Inc. back from all participants. The travel network and partnering with travel The lawsuit claims News Corp agents were familiarised by Khaled agents to realise this.” Texas A&M at Qatar hosts computing has monopolised the US market Abdulrahman, Gulf Air A/Coun- Gulf Air is a major international for in-store promotion services, try Managerand Airport Manager, carrier serving 43 cities in 24 coun- where it acts as a middleman to Bangkok and the airline’s dedicated tries spanning three continents. The help companies promote goods sales team at Gulf Air about the air- airline operates one of the largest workshop for oil and gas industry through coupon dispensers, elec- line’s latest developments, enhanced networks in the Middle East, with tronic signs, end-of-aisle displays schedule and modified connections double daily flights or more to 10 and shopping cart ads. to various European destinations, regional cities, in addition to select The Peninsula Qatar. The workshop also gathered solutions that have direct impact on The plaintiffs said News Corp, the attractive promotional fares on destinations in the Indian Subcon- stakeholders and local and interna- the world around us.” which is controlled by billionaire offer and the airline’s future plans tinent and Europe, from its hub at tional experts from academia and Dr Sami El Borgi from Texas A&M Rupert Murdoch, has dominated with regards to its fleet development Bahrain International Airport. industry to discuss recent research at Qatar’s Mechanical Engineering this market since 2004 by locking DOHA: Texas A&M at Qatar has and trends in computational aspects Program and Dr Othmane Bou- up exclusive long-term contracts hosted a two-day computing work- of mechanics and materials science hali from the Texas A&M at Qatar with retailers. By 2009, the plain- shop for oil and gas industry. More with applications to the oil and gas Advanced Scientific Computing tiffs said News Corp controlled than 60 people who work in the oil industry, and their role in tackling group jointly organized the work- 90.5 percent of the market. In and gas industry in Qatar attended complex problems. shop, which featured 19 speakers in 2014, its sole remaining competi- the 2016 International Workshop on “At Texas A&M at Qatar, our 24 sessions. tor, Valassis Communications Inc, Computational Methods with Appli- vision is to be the premier provider The first day consisted of plenary abandoned the business. cations to Oil and Gas. of engineering education in Qatar lectures and presentations, while the The plaintiffs said News Corp’s The workshop, held at the Hamad and the region, and that includes second day consisted of short courses anti-competitive conduct forced bin Khalifa University Student Center our outreach activities in STEM, our and tutorials on software used in them to pay artificially high prices in Education City, consisted of lec- conferences and symposia, and our the oil and gas industry. Key speak- to promote such goods as Dial soap tures, short courses and software continuing education,” said Dr Eyad ers included Dr JN Reddy, University and Heinz ketchup. It’s unclear tutorials given by leading academi- Masad, vice dean of Texas A&M at Distinguished Professor at Texas A&M from court records how much in cians and experienced practicing Qatar. University (USA) and a member of the damages News Corp could face. engineers. Attendees included prac- “This workshop illustrates the US National Academy; Dr Normand While the plaintiffs had until ticing engineers working in the importance working together with Mousseau from the University of recently been seeking damages Qatar’s oil and gas industry, as well industry, government and academic Montreal and Dr Andreas Polycarpou, that could reach $2.5bn if tripled as researchers, faculty and gradu- partners to develop the highly skilled Professor and Head of the Depart- by a federal judge under US law, ate students who are working on oil workforce that Qatar needs to drive ment of Mechanical Engineering at pre-trial rulings have recently lim- Travel agents at the seminar in Bangkok. and gas-related research problems in its future, and to develop scientific Texas A&M University (USA). ited News Corp’s potential liability. BUSINESS TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 23

Egypt launches Investcorp acquires office investment scheme to lure space in US for $180m expat dollars

CAIRO: Egypt launched a new new initiative focused on core-quality, scheme yesterday to encourage long-term hold assets in key gateway millions of Egyptians living abroad The property is a markets. The property, 733 10th Street, to pour their dollar savings into 170,813 sq ft luxury is a 170,813 sqft, 100 percent occupied, special certificates, as it tries to luxury office building located in the ease an acute shortage of foreign office building heart of Washington, DC’s East End currency that has hit the economy. located in the heart office submarket, in close proximity to The dollar-denominated high-end retail stores, premium hotels “Belady” certificate will be of Washington DC and restaurants, two major Metro offered to Egyptian expatriates Stations and well-known sports and by the country’s three largest entertainment venues. state-owned banks, Immigration Ramzi Abdel Jaber, Manag- Minister Nabila Makram Ebeid told The Peninsula ing Director at Investcorp for Qatar, a news conference. said, “Investcorp continues to grow “These certificates come to its real estate portfolio with valuable answer the request of Egyptians assets across major US markets. The abroad to use their savings to help DOHA: Investcorp, a leading provider 733 10th Street property represents a their country’s economy,” said and manager of alternative investment strategic addition to our long-standing Ramzi Abdel Jaber (left), Managing Director at Investcorp for Qatar, and the building in Washington DC. Makram Ebeid. products, yesterday announced that its investment history in the US, which Import-dependent Egypt has US-based real estate arm has acquired has reached over $13bn in value since alternative investment opportunities Investcorp is a leading provider Gulf, real estate investment in the US been suffering from a shortage of a Class A, quality office building in 1996. We look forward to capturing that it believes will deliver superior and manager of alternative invest- and global hedge funds. As at Decem- foreign currency since the 2011 Washington, D.C. for approximately new opportunities in the real estate returns. In the last twelve months, ment products and is publicly traded ber 31, 2015, the Investcorp Group had uprising scared off foreign inves- $180m. market and expanding our presence Investcorp’s total real estate acqui- on the Bahrain Bourse (INVCORP). The $10.7bn in total assets under man- tors and tourists — major sources This acquisition is consistent with in the US.” sitions have exceeded $1.5bn in gross Investcorp Group has offices in Doha, agement (‘AUM’), including assets of foreign exchange. Investcorp’s recent track record of Investcorp purchased the prop- asset value. Since 1996, Investcorp has Bahrain, New York, London, Saudi managed by third party managers and Egypt is hoping the scheme acquiring top-quality, cash flowing erty with its joint venture partner, completed over 400 property invest- Arabia and Abu Dhabi. Investcorp assets subject to a non-discretionary will help it tap the resources of properties in the US and also rep- ScanlanKemperBard. Investcorp’s ments totaling more than $13bn in has three business areas: corporate mandate where Investcorp receives almost 5 million Egyptians who resents the first acquisition under a real estate group continues to identify value. investment in the US, Europe and the fees calculated on the basis of AUM. live outside the country. KPMG named leader in information security consulting services

The Peninsula to keep their data and systems secure and the and delivery of commitments as being strengths bringing in IT advisory specialists from around recruiting highly talented cyber professionals, award proves that KPMG is the clear choice for KPMG. Larger clients also praise the com- the world to meet client’s needs. The local office to help ensure our clients meet every challenge in this field. KPMG has moved cyber security pany’s ownership of the I-4 organisation as an often draws upon the firm’s global network of and capitalize upon every opportunity.” to the heart of its business,” according to the excellent peer-to-peer networking opportunity over 6000 IT Advisory experts, enabling our In the past 16 months, KPMG firms have DOHA: KPMG International has been named a Forrester Research report authored by Mar- outside of consulting engagements.” clients to benefit from niche and specialist sup- made five cyber acquisitions including First Leader in the Forrester Research Inc report, The tin Whitworth. “KPMG [International] recently The Forrester report also states that, “KPMG port and services across a range of industries. Point Global, a leading identity and Access Forrester Wave™: Information Security Con- listed cyber security as one of its six strategic has a clear view of the relevant security issues “We are in a constant state of innovation management (IAM) consultancy operating in sulting Services, Q1, 2016 achieving the highest growth initiatives... To bolster this commitment for business executives and technicians.” This is and investment to serve the evolving needs of Australia; Qubera, also an IAM operating in the score for current offering and strategy (tied). the [organization] has increased and deepened backed up by the findings of the KPMG Global global business and, not surprisingly, cyber pre- USA, UK and India; P3 Consulting, a Frankfurt- Rajesh Menon, Partner and Head of Advi- its range of services, investing heavily in R&D CEO Outlook survey, a study of 1,200 of glo- paredness is one of the most common issues based security boutique consultancy; Trusteq sory at KPMG in Qatar said; “it is fantastic that and acquisitions.” bal chief executives, which revealed that only that our member firm clients are grappling Oy, a Finnish business which also specialises we have been recognised globally as a leader According to the Forrester report: “[Cli- half of respondents said they were fully pre- with,” said John Veihmeyer, Chairman, KPMG in IAM services and security transformation in IT security. In Qatar, we seeing an increase ents] also identify strategic advice, subject pared for a future cyber event. International. “Significant investments have and ZINK Security, an intelligence and digital in the number of clients looking for solutions matter expertise, flexibility and adaptability KPMG in Qatar has invested heavily in been made, both in terms of acquisitions and surveillance firm in Spain. 24 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS Nissan scrips skyrocket on $3.5bn buyback plan

a.m. in Tokyo. Japan’s second-larg- March, helped by strong demand in the alliance than Nissan. Nissan climbed as est carmaker will acquire as much as the US for models including the Rogue Nissan and Renault have agreed 400bn yen ($3.5bn) of stock, the com- crossover. that the French automaker will sell much as 12%, the pany said in a filing with the Tokyo “Return to shareholders is one of shares in Nissan to maintain its hold- biggest intraday jump Stock Exchange on Friday. Nissan’s key objectives,” Ghosn, the ing at 43.4 percent, according to the Chairman Carlos Ghosn (pic- chief executive officer of both Nis- filing. Renault’s stock rose 5.2 percent in almost seven years tured) and fellow directors on san and its alliance partner Renault to 82.77 euros on Friday. Nissan’s board are responding to a SA, said in a statement on Friday. “We After adding capacity in China, 24 percent decline for the compa- took this decision considering our Mexico, Brazil and Thailand in the ny’s shares this year through Friday. financial status and outlook to con- past few years, Nissan has fewer Bloomberg The stock was trailing its peer Toyota tinuously generate significant free pressing investment needs, freeing up Motor Corp and benchmark indexes, cash flow.” cash to buy back shares, according even as the company boosted earn- Nissan is spending to benefit to Ashvin Chotai, managing direc- ings on rising sales in the US and shareholders as the company nego- tor of Intelligence Automotive Asia TOKYO: Nissan Motor Co rose the China. Japan’s exporters have been hit tiates with its union over the labor in London. Nissan had 860bn yen of most in almost seven years as the Jap- hard by the yen strengthening against group’s request for 3,000 yen raises cash and short-term investments as anese carmaker plans its biggest share the US dollar, which cuts into the in their monthly base salaries for the of Dec. 31, according to data compiled buyback ever and first in more than value of profits brought home from fiscal year starting in April. Agreeing by Bloomberg. four years to counter a recent slump overseas operations. to that pay increase would cost the “The price-to-earnings ratio is for the stock. “You buy back your shares when carmaker about 59.5m yen. very low today and this is clearly Nissan climbed as much as 12 per- you think they are hugely underval- “The automotive industry is cyclical, as 300 million shares, or 6.7 per- The decision to buy back shares a good time for them to reduce the cent, the biggest intraday jump since ued,” said Nikkie Lu, an analyst for but it’s not as bad as people think.” cent of issued stock by December 22, comes two months after Nissan failed number of shares outstanding,” Chotai April 2009. The shares were up 7.9 Bloomberg Intelligence. The repur- In its first repurchase since buying according to the filing. The company in its effort to activate voting rights in said. “I’m encouraged to see it means percent as the benchmark Topix chase suggests Nissan doesn’t foresee back 13 million shares in December has forecast net income will rise to a its partner Renault. That preserved that the company thinks their shares index gained 0.6 percent as of 11:23 a global recession, she said by phone. 2011, Nissan will acquire as many record 535bn yen in the year through France’s status as having more say in are undervalued now.” China coal consumption Petronas posts $1.1bn net loss in Q4 drops again: Govt AFP

AFP There are widespread doubts over the accuracy of official statis- KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian state tics in China, which critics say can energy firm Petronas yesterday be subject to political manipulation. reported a fourth-quarter net loss of BEIJING: China’s coal consump- Coal fell to 64 percent of the 4.69bn ringgit ($1.1bn) due to plunging tion fell for the second year in a country’s energy sources last year, oil prices, and announced spending row, government data showed yes- the NBS report said, down from 66 cuts worth billions of dollars over the terday, as the world’s biggest polluter percent in 2014. next four years. attempts to tackle chronic pollution Observers reacted to the declines President and Chief Executive that accompanied economic growth. with tempered optimism. Officer Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin Coal use fell 3.7 percent last year “These statistics show that China said that amid a “depressed oil price compared to 2014 levels, according is on track to far surpass its Paris environment” the outlook remains to a report from China’s National climate targets, which is great news tough. Bureau of Statistics (NBS). for everyone,” said Lauri Myllyvirta, “The company anticipates its The drop follows a 2.9 percent a senior global campaigner on coal financial performance for 2016 to decrease in 2014. for Greenpeace. continue to be affected by the pro- China’s rise to the world’s sec- “However, the trend is not mov- longed volatility in oil prices,” he ond largest economy was largely ing as fast as it could.” said in a statement after revealing powered by cheap, dirty coal. As The government plans to lay the October-December results. growth slows, the country has had off about 1.8 million workers in the Revenue for the quarter was a difficult time weaning itself off the steel and coal industries, a human down 24.3 percent to 60.10bn ring- fuel, even as the pollution it causes resources and social security min- git, from 79.37bn ringgit in the same wreaks havoc on the environment istry official said at a press briefing. period a year earlier. However the net and public health. Both sectors have long been plagued loss shrank compared to October- China’s consumption of the by overcapacity. December 2014, when it was 9.87bn fuel doubled in the decade to 2014, China’s President Xi Jinping has ringgit in deficit. reaching more than four billion said that the country’s CO2 emis- The unlisted Petronas, Malay- tonnes a year. The figures did not sions, to which coal is a major sia’s only Fortune 500 company, Cars wait to refuel at a Petronas fuel station with the Petronas Twin Towers in the background in Kuala give an absolute total. contributor, will peak “around announced cuts in capital and oper- Lumpur. It emerged in November that 2030”, as pledged in Paris. ating spending of 50bn ringgit over China had been under-reporting its The State Council, China’s cab- the next four years, starting with Plunging prices of oil and other in 2014. The government now expects profit for the year ended December consumption for years, after a dif- inet, has also announced plans to 15-20bn in 2016. commodities have hurt the nation’s economic growth of 4-4.5 percent this 31, 2015, which sank 64.5 percent to ferent set of statistics were revised, reduce by 60 percent the amount Petronas is the single largest growth prospects. year, down from an earlier projec- 13.16 billion ringgit compared to 2014. with the figure for 2012 alone going of “major pollutants” coming from source of Malaysian government rev- Full-year growth for 2015 was at tion of five percent. Petronas’s weak Petronas said its revenue for 2015 up 17 percent, or 600 million tonnes. its coal-fired power plants by 2020. enue and national export earnings. five percent, down from six percent quarterly result pulled down its net plunged 25 percent to 248bn ringgit. Amazon in deal with Morrisons to enter UK European Union

Reuters U.S last September. All of Britain’s big unveils details of data four supermarkets — market leader Tesco, Wal-Mart’s Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons — have seen sales and LONDON: Amazon has launched its profits hit as they cut prices to stem privacy pact with US biggest foray into food outside of the the flow of shoppers to German dis- United States with a deal in Britain to counters Aldi and Lidl. offer fresh and frozen goods to cus- At the same time they are having tomers, in some places as quickly as to build the necessary infrastructure AFP Internet activist Max Schrems — who under one hour, in a deal with super- to meet the demand for online deliv- brought a case against Facebook in market Morrisons. eries. The British Retail Consortium Ireland that led to the EU court judg- Enabling the online retail giant predicted on Monday that 900,000 ment last year — said the new deal to compete with Britain’s biggest retail jobs could go by 2025 as the BRUSSELS: The EU yesterday amounts to putting “ten layers of lip- supermarket stores and smallest local industry moves online. unveiled details of a new deal with stick on a pig.” shops, the deal marks Amazon’s lat- The UK online grocery market is the US to curb government spying on “There will be a number of peo- est assault on a British market already predicted to nearly double to £17.2bn the personal Internet data of Euro- ple that will challenge this decision buckling under the weight of fierce ($23.85bn) in the five years to 2020, pean citizens, but critics said it fell if it ever comes out this way — and competition and rapid online growth. according to industry research group short and threatened fresh legal I may very will be one of them,” Amazon will now add fresh and IGD. Retail analysts have long spec- action. Schrems said in a document on frozen products to its existing offering David Potts, Chief Executive of Morrisons, during a news conference ulated the US company was gearing Top US companies including his Twitter account. He said that of packaged grocery goods, set- in London. up to launch Amazon Fresh in Brit- Facebook and Google rely on such the deal includes too many areas ting it up against established online ain after it previously tested a small transatlantic agreements to give under which “bulk” data collection rivals Tesco and Ocado in Britain’s that Amazon could one day buy the turning online and to discounters and range of chilled and frozen items in legal cover for them to transfer is allowed. advanced online retail market. British online firm. Market leader Tes- convenience stores. the country. Morrisons, with a smaller data from their European subsid- The old Safe Harbor agreement “The advance of Amazon as a co’s shares fell by 3 percent. Amazon launched delivery of footprint in the more affluent areas iaries to their headquarters in the effectively meant that Europe treated participant in UK grocery is a poten- “Tesco could soon be about to find fresh food in Seattle in 2007 and has of London and the south east of Eng- United States. Brussels and Wash- the United States a safe destination tial challenge to the whole trade, in out what it’s like to be David rather moved to a handful of other US cit- land than Tesco and Sainsbury’s, may ington announced the new EU-US for Internet data on the basis that time,” Shore Capital retail analyst than Goliath,” said Retail Vision con- ies since then. Its expansion into food have gambled that it could cope bet- “Privacy Shield” deal on February Brussels and Washington adhered Clive Black said yesterday. “Any new sultant John Ibbotson. in the rest of the world has focused ter with the arrival of Amazon which 2, replacing a previous agreement to similar standards. entrant is, but particularly the Amer- Morrisons announced separate so far just on packaged goods due to would typically target those areas. that was thrown out by the European But the EU court declared Safe ican behemoth.” plans to extend its own online gro- the complexity of delivering fresh and Amazon has offered some food Court of Justice last year. Harbor “invalid” in October because The tie-up boosted shares of cery deliveries to the whole of the UK, frozen products. However, it is seen and drink items to UK custom- The new steps include commit- of US snooping practices exposed by Morrisons, Britain’s fourth biggest in agreement with Ocado. It would as keen to extend its food offering, ers since 2010, when it launched its ments from President Barack Obama Edward Snowden, the former intel- supermarket, which had been a lag- take space in a new Ocado London just as supermarkets are increasingly Grocery Store, and in November it to limit the use of bulk-collected ligence contractor who leaked a gard in online sales. Since 2013 it warehouse while Ocado will pro- competing on its home turf by sell- launched a packaged groceries offer intelligence, the appointment of a hoard of National Security Agency has outsourced logistics for its own vide Morrisons with software to fulfill ing more non-food products online. for Amazon Prime members, who pay US ombudsman to deal with com- documents. online food business to Ocado, a Brit- online orders from its own stores. Amazon has also begun sur- an annual fee. Analysts at Bernstein plaints by European citizens, and Brussels said the new agreement ish purely online grocery retailer. For Morrisons’ rivals, the arrival veying UK customers about their said the deal meant Amazon could fines for firms that do not comply. meant EU member states’ national Morrisons shares rose by 5 per- in the coming months is likely to bring use of restaurant delivery services, now target every part of the retail EU Justice Commissioner Vera authorities will be able to fine firms cent. Those of Ocado fell 10 percent yet more pain to a sector which has in what analysts said was likely the sector - from the big weekly shop to Jourova said the agreement was a up to €20m, or up to four percent of on fears the deal would increase com- been convulsed by fierce competi- first step in an international expan- the short trip to the local store to buy “strong new framework” with easier total worldwide annual turnover, if petition and reduce the likelihood tion in recent years, with shoppers sion of a business it rolled out in the bread, milk and vegetables. redress for individuals”. But Austrian they break EU rules. BUSINESS TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 25

Japan industrial output rises Opec oil output Eurozone dips slips from record on Iraqi disruption into deflation; Reuters

LONDON: OPEC oil output has heat on ECB fallen in February from the high- est monthly level in recent history, a Reuters survey found yesterday, due to a halt in Iraq’s northern prices. More alarmingly for the ECB, exports and outages in other pro- core inflation excluding volatile food ducers. Combined with weak and energy prices, dipped to 0.8 per- The survey also found stable sentiment and output cent from 1 percent, suggesting that output in top exporter Saudi Ara- data, the dismal low oil prices are feeding into the bia, an early sign that Riyadh is price of other goods and services, delivering on a February 16 deal inflation figures creating a so-called second round along with Venezuela, Qatar and suggest that the effect that could entrench low infla- non-member Russia to freeze out- bloc’s tepid growth tion and lead to deflation. put and support prices, which hit Indeed, Bank of France Gov- a 12-year low last month. is slowing, adding ernor Francois Villeroy de Galhau, A pedestrian using his mobile phone walks past a signboard of a clothing retailing store at a shopping Supply from the Organiza- to calls for fiscal an influential member of the ECB’s district in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. Japan’s industrial output rose the most in a year in January, tion of the Petroleum Exporting Governing Council, warned over the tentatively signalling a pick-up in factory activity. Countries has declined in Febru- and monetary policy weekend that the central bank would ary to 32.37m barrels per day (bpd) action to prop up an have to act if the low energy prices from a revised 32.65 million bpd economy that has yet appeared to have long-term effects. in January, according to the sur- The worrisome inflation print vey, based on shipping data and to grow back to its comes just days after the G20 meet- China expects to lay off 1.8m information from sources at oil pre-crisis size. ing of the world’s top economies companies, OPEC and consultants. warned that leaders needed to looks Most of the decline in Febru- beyond ultra-low interest rates and ary output has been involuntary. printing money to shake the global workers in coal & steel sectors The biggest drop is in Iraq, OPEC’s Reuters economy out of its torpor. largest source of supply growth in Still, the meeting failed to out- 2015, due to the stoppage in flow BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT: Prices line any bold steps and even called Reuters that may follow has been a top weakest in 25 years, and the gov- along the pipeline carrying crude in the euro zone fell in February, on central banks to maintain accom- priority. ernment aims to achieve economic from the Kurdish region. falling short of already depressed modating policies as weak Chinese The central government will allo- growth of 6.5-7 percent in 2016. “The interruption from Kurdis- expectations and virtually ensuring growth weighs on all top economies cate 100 billion yuan ($15.27 billion) “The economy faces relatively tan is significant because they another round of policy easing from and low commodity prices raise the BEIJING: China said yesterday it over two years to relocate workers big downward pressures and some were a big part of the increase in the European Central Bank on March spectre of deflation. expects to lay off 1.8 million work- laid off as a result of China’s efforts firms face difficulties in production exports from Iraq,” said Olivier 10. Combined with weak sentiment “The inflation data puts more ers in the coal and steel industries, to curb overcapacity, officials said and operation, which would lead to Jakob, analyst at Petromatrix. “It and output data, the dismal inflation pressure on them to do something. or about 15 percent of the workforce, last week. China’s vice finance minis- insufficient employment,” Yin said, is prompt supplies and these are figures suggest that the bloc’s tepid Unfortunately, the number of instru- as part of efforts to reduce industrial ter Zhu Guangyao quoted Premier Li adding that increasing graduates this large volumes.” growth is slowing, adding to calls for ments for them is not increasing.” overcapacity, but no timeframe was Keqiang as telling US Treasury Sec- year would also add pressure in the The pipeline, which had been fiscal and monetary policy action to David Kohl, an economist at Julius given. It was the first time China retary Jack Lew yesteterday that the job market. carrying around 600,000 bpd in prop up an economy that has yet to Baer, said: “Can the ECB do some- has given figures that underline the fund would mainly focus on the steel Despite of economic downturn, recent months, has been offline grow back to its pre-crisis size. thing about it? Not much, or probably magnitude of its task in dealing with and coal sectors. there have been no reports of mass since Feb. 17 and could be shut “Deflation would be a disas- not,” Kohl said, referring to the lim- slowing growth and bloated state The number of layoffs was rea- layoffs as occurred during the global until mid-March. Production also ter for the euro area as the burden ited range of tools still left to the enterprises. sonable based on the government’s financial crisis, when over 28 million declined in Nigeria, where Royal of high debt would increase,” Nor- ECB after cutting rates into negative Yin Weimin, the minister for capacity closure targets, said Jiang workers were laid off between 1998- Dutch Shell’s Nigerian venture dea economist Holger Sandte said. territory and venturing into uncon- human resources and social secu- Feitao, an industry researcher with 2003. The survey-based jobless rate suspended the flow of Forcados “Therefore, the ECB will con- ventional policies. rity, told a news conference that 1.3 the China Academy of Social Sci- published by the National Bureau of crude to the export terminal fol- tinue easing monetary policy The ECB is expected to cut its million workers in the coal sector ences, a top government think-tank. Statistics stayed at around 5.01 per- lowing a spill. The incident added significantly.” deposit rate by 10 basis points to -0.4 could lose jobs, plus 500,000 from He said the funds being made cent at the end of last year. to the impact of lower scheduled “But no matter what the ECB percent in March, charging banks the steel sector. available would be used only after Officials have said that the serv- exports. decides to do on 10 March, infla- even more to park their cash over- China’s coal and steel sectors the enterprises go bankrupt and ices sector has created more jobs to Field maintenance including tion is likely to hover around zero night, and investors also expect the employ about 12 million workers, settle their debts. He said local gov- help absorb laid-off workers from the at the Murban development has during the next few months before bank to beef up it 1.5 trillion euro according to data published by the ernments would also be responsible manufacturing sector. reduced output in the United Arab it picks up - if oil prices behave well,” asset purchase programme. Although National Bureau of Statistics. for dealing with those debts. In 2015, the contribution from Emirates, the survey found. Sandte added. consumer spending, virtually the only “This involves the resettlement “It’s difficult to predict a time- the services sector to GDP climbed Saudi Arabia has kept output Headline inflation, the key indi- engine of growth, is holding up rela- of a total of 1.8 million workers. This frame but it will not be a quick to 50.5 percent, surpassing 50 per- steady compared with January at cator watched by the ECB, fell to -0.2 tively well, an array of weak business task will be very difficult, but we are process. There are many issues to cent for the first time. 10.20 million bpd, sources in the percent from 0.3 percent a month sentiment surveys and poor PMI data still very confident,” Yin said. be dealt with, including how to pay The registered urban jobless rate survey said, citing stable exports earlier, far from the bank’s target of indicate that the 19-member currency For China’s stability-obsessed debt as well as layoffs.” published by the human resources in much of February. Saudi pro- close to 2 percent and below already bloc is increasingly suffering from the government, keeping a lid on unem- The world’s second-largest econ- and social security ministry was at duction reached a record high of muted expectations for unchanged emerging markets slowdown. ployment and any possible unrest omy grew 6.9 percent in 2015, the 4.05 percent at the end of 2015. 10.56 million bpd in June.

Canadian dollar jumps Nestle eyes Argentina reaches Egypt growth despite dollar deal with creditors

Reuters The legal saga involved years of squeeze court battles, street protests in Bue- nos Aires, the seizure of an Argentine Reuters naval vessel, and increasingly dis- NEW YORK: Argentina and its main torted economic policy as the holdout creditors have reached a government tried to avoid settling CAIRO: Nestle is pushing ahead $4.653 billion agreement in princi- with the holdout creditors. with plans to invest 1 billion ple to settle a 14-year-old sovereign The remaining largest holdout Egyptian pounds in Egypt in the debt default dispute, a deal that investors include Aurelius Capital next few years, despite a foreign could help the country to return to Management, run by former Elli- exchange shortage that has made international capital markets and ott alumni Mark Brodsky, as well as it harder to finance imports and revive its economy. Davidson Kempner and Bracebri- repatriate profit. The deal, agreed to late on Sun- dge Capital. Yasser Abdul Malak, Nestle’s day and announced by the New York A spokesman for Aurelius CEO and chairman for North East court-appointed mediator Daniel declined to comment, and attempts Africa, said business had grown Pollack yesterday, will see the four to reach Elliott were unsuccessful. despite the challenges as the food largest remaining holdout creditors The holdouts rejected two prior group makes 70 percent of its get paid 75 percent of the amount debt restructurings in 2005 and 2010 products locally and has man- outstanding on their full judgments, that paid out roughly 30 cents on the A Canadian dollar coin, commonly known as the “Loonie”, is pictured in this file illustration picture aged to finance imports because including principal and interest. dollar. taken in Toronto. The Canadian dollar’s jump to a 12-week high has threatened to break its longer- essential foods are prioritised by “This is a giant step forward in The investors who accepted term bearish trend and worried some unhedged exporters, but strategists said the currency is unlikely banks allocating precious dollars. this long-running litigation, but not those deals, referred to as exchange to strengthen much further given the sluggish economy. “It is a daily battle for foreign the final step,” Pollack said in his bondholders, have not been paid currency, it is day in day out an statement. principal and interest on their bonds uphill battle but with all this and “The agreement in principle is since a second default in the summer the business model that we have subject to approval by the Congress of 2014 resulting in part from New and the categories that we operate of Argentina and, specifically, the York court decisions. in we have managed to continue to lifting of the Lock Law and the Sov- Intense talks in 2014 with the US pending home sales hit new low grow,” Abdul Malak said. ereign Payment Law, enacted under Fernandez administration ended “We will also in the coming an earlier administration and which without a deal and leaving in place years...invest similar to what we would bar such settlements,” he said. an injunction by Griesa that no one have in the past - 1 billion Egyp- Hedge fund Elliott Management, would get their principal and inter- Reuters Texas this month as the manufactur- “The disappointing data tone tian pounds.” Despite the political run by Paul Singer, brought numer- est unless all creditors were paid at ing sector continued to be buffeted by points to ongoing weakness in the turmoil that has rocked Egypt ous lawsuits against Argentina over the same time. a strong dollar, weak global demand housing and manufacturing sec- since a 2011 uprising, Nestle has the course of the dispute, with hear- A previously scheduled hear- WASHINGTON: Contracts to buy and spending cuts by energy firms. tors,” said Millan Mulraine, deputy expanded, opening a chocolate ings before US District Judge Thomas ing before Griesa is still expected to previously owned US homes fell to But coming on the heels of recent chief economist at TD Securities in factory in mid-2014 and doubling Griesa, that were appealed but failed take place on Tuesday in Manhat- their lowest level in a year in January strong data on consumer spending, New York. its employees to 6,500. to gain a hearing before the US tan related. amid a persistent shortage of prop- the labor market, industrial pro- “Nevertheless, with underlying The conflict in Libya had hit Supreme Court. He was a tough but A final settlement would open erties for sale, which could slow the duction and durable goods orders, domestic fundamentals remaining exports from Egypt, Abdul Malak fair negotiator,” Pollack said, adding: financing options to Argentina’s new housing market ahead of the spring yesterday’s reports did little to supportive to growth, the economic said, though Nestle expected to “A settlement is, by definition, a president as he tries to improve the selling season. change the view that the economy recovery should regain its footing in reach almost double-digit growth compromise and, fortunately, both country’s fiscal mess without impos- Other reports yeserday showed was regaining momentum after slow- the first quarter.” in the North East Africa region sides to this epic dispute finally saw ing the kind of sharp spending cuts factory activity contracting in the ing to a 1.0 percent annual rate in the Growth estimates for the first encompassing Egypt, Libya and the need to compromise, and have that have gotten previous Argentine Midwest and remaining subdued in first quarter. quarter are above a 2 percent rate. Sudan over five to 10 years. done so.” leaders removed from office. 26 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 9,892.32 0.36 % QE Total Return Index 15,669.85 0.36 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,651.49 0.17 % QE All Share Index 2,685.95 0.36 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,678.8 0.67 % QE All Share Industrials 2,974.8 0.26 % QE All Share Transportation 2,391.61 0.62 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,242.8 0.42 % QE All Share Insurance 4,217.78 0.45 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,070.26 0.44 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 6,134.56 0.32 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 29-02-2016 Today 28-02-2016 Previous day Index 9,892.32 9,927.94 Change 35.62 80.58 % 0.36 0.82 YTD% 5.15 4.81 Volume 10,071,417 12,144,273 Value (QAR) 404,803,935.25 399,129,615.03 Trades 6,466 5,314 Up 11 | Down 27 | Unchanged 02

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 4947.945 2.853 0.06 5379.6 4762.1 Cac 40 Index/D 4285.67 -28.9 -0.67 4586.11 3892.46 Dj Indu Average 16639.97 -57.32 -0.34 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 19111.93 -252.22 -1.3 21794.84 18278.8 Iseq Overall/D 6228.57 -11.72 -0.19 6791.68 5611.89 Karachi 100 In/D 31369.51 75.43 0.24 33304.4 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 16026.76 -161.65 -1 18951.12 14865.77 S&P 500 Index/D 1948.05 -3.65 -0.19 2134.72 1810.1

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.0159 QR 5.0866 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD Euro QR 3.9464 QR 4.0260 COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME CA$ QR 2..6624 QR 2.7151 NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED Swiss Fr QR 3.6077 QR 3.6594 Yen QR 0.0320 QR 0.0326 A C C-A/D 1190.05 -4.9 41126 Escorts Fin-B/D 3.9 0.05 4720 Kalpat Power-B/D 164.8 -6.85 9844 Timexgroup-T/D 27.6 1 6454 Aus$ QR 2.5808 QR 2.6316 Aarti Drugs-B/D 466.7 -0.35 1695 Escorts-A/D 126.1 -1.4 159643 Kalyani Stel-T/D 133.9 -0.5 27702 Tinplate-B/D 57.9 -0.05 11357 Ind Re QR 0.0528 QR 0.0538 Aban Offs-A/D 156.65 -3.15 362366 Eveready Indu-/D 221.7 6.65 36796 Kanoria Chem-B/D 48 -2.45 43418 Ucal Fuel-B/D 88.3 -1.8 28280 Pak Re QR 0.0345 QR 0.0352 Ador Welding-B/D 248 6.2 1916 F D C-B/D 179.55 -1.9 1522 Kg Denim-B/D 46.5 -0.15 14941 Ucal Fuel-B/D 88.3 -1.8 28280 Aegis Logis-B/D 85.05 2.95 20066 Federal Bank-A/D 46.2 0.15 480790 Kopran-B/D 41.9 -0.05 83679 Ultramarine-B/D 109 3 9776 Peso QR 0.0761 QR 0.0776 Alembic-B/D 34.2 0 62578 Ferro Alloys-B/D 3.99 -0.23 22066 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 28.95 -1.5 5744 Unitech P -A/D 3.91 0.03 8173381 SL Re QR 0.0248 QR 0.0256 Alok Indus-A/D 3.89 -0.05 935531 Finolex-A/D 306 0.4 9315 Lloyd Metal-B/D 16.13 1.86 184621 Uppergsugar-T/D 57 -1 4361 Taka QR 0.0459 QR 0.047 Apollo Tyre-A/D 157.9 2.8 176519 Gail-A/D 304.55 0.95 161744 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 5.28 0.08 88493 LONDON Nep Re QR 0.0330 QR 0.0336 Asahi I Glass-/D 150.1 5.4 8519 Galada Power-B/D 12.8 -1.1 3120 Lumax Ind-B/D 374 2.6 1903 SA Rand QR 0.2248 QR 0.2293 Ashok Leyland-/D 87.6 2.05 1449085 Gammon India-T/D 13.6 0.1 30412 Lupin-A/D 1752.15 24.5 53016 Bajaj Hold-A/D 1350 -66.1 4018 Gangotri Tex-T/D 1.25 0.02 1500 Lyka Labs-T/D 64.65 0.05 94271 3I Group/D 431.4581 -7.9 355838 Ballarpur In-B/D 11.9 -0.5 410425 Garden P -B/D 21 -0.35 3248 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 207 -1.2 2598 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3361 -2 120940 GOLD AND SILVER Bata India-A/D 455 -7.25 21196 Godfrey Phil-B/D 1075.9 54.95 77761 Maha Scooter-B/D 1113 -22 1277 Barclays/D 168.9225 -0.15 14780535 Beml Ltd-A/D 949.2 -4.35 81069 Goodricke-B/D 156.5 -1.3 9995 Mangalam Cem-B/D 170.2 9.8 4921 Bp/D 348.45 -1.1 8602298 GOLD QR144.7383 per gramme Bh Electronic-/D 1029.1 -28.15 59179 Goodyear I -B/D 449.8 -0.5 1119 Maral Overs-B/D 23.5 0.6 43455 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3896 -19 515692 SILVER QR1.7394 per gramme Bhansali Eng-T/D 16 -0.15 58915 Hcl Infosys-B/D 34.1 0.1 510523 Mastek-B/D 116.9 3.6 13038 Bt Group/D 484.3 -0.75 3779467 Bharat Bijle-B/D 682.75 -2.5 4577 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 16.75 -0.25 1489736 Max Financial-/D 336.4 9.2 10632 Centrica/D 206.7434 -4.6 3608176 Bhartiya Int-B/D 462 -16 11378 Himat Seide-B/D 147.8 -6.1 47667 Mrpl-A/D 57.4 2.35 67775 Gkn/D 273.7 1.5 687456 Bhel-A/D 91.1 -4 1603165 Hind Motors-T/D 5.05 0.1 25267 Nahar Spg.-B/D 81.9 0.8 34107 Hsbc Holdings/D 457.45 -9.9 10764178 Bom.Burmah-B/D 328.95 -5.8 4120 Hind Org Chem-/D 12.6 0 11773 Nation Alum -A/D 32.8 -0.45 123909 Kingfisher/D 334.1 -2.1 552337 Oil rebounds on Bombay Dyeing-/D 40.2 0 250833 Hind Unilever-/D 829.95 -20.65 169891 Navneet Edu-B/D 83.5 0.8 4222 Land Secs Grou/D 997.5 -8.5 860205 Camph.& All-B/D 431.5 11.6 1105 Hind.Petrol-A/D 688.15 27.1 263104 Nepc India-T/D 1.48 -0.05 3375 Legal & Genera/D 224.1 -2 3867890 Canfin Homes-B/D 942.1 -23 9749 Hindalco-A/D 68.65 -0.8 3386141 Neuland Lab-B/D 537.5 -9.25 7566 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 71.72 -0.41 38658379 China’s latest Caprihans-Xc/D 78 -0.65 4909 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1061.55 6.85 205188 Nrb Bearings-B/D 105.2 -5.8 1185 Marks & Sp./D 421 -1.3 907203 Castrol India-/D 367.25 -5 452839 I F C I-A/D 21.05 0.05 1206732 O N G C-A/D 194.1 -20.9 1930098 Next/D 6740 -30 74198 Century Enka-B/D 148.6 1.6 11248 Idbi-A/D 58.45 2.8 6520016 Oil Country-B/D 23.25 -1.2 1026 Pearson/D 854.5 18.5 1111350 stimulus move Century Text-A/D 416.6 -9.85 154786 Ifb Agro-B/D 363.1 -20.4 1002 Onward Tech-B/D 62.75 0.25 4317 Prudential/D 1233.1 -12.5 1204347 Chambal Fert-B/D 54 -1.6 67197 India Cement-A/D 66.5 -1 440191 Orchid Pharm-B/D 32.8 -1.9 140295 Rank Group/D 249.9 1.6 38297 Chola Invest-A/D 647.9 14.05 1611 India Glycol-B/D 65.65 -1.55 2167 Orient Hotel-T/D 20.2 0.25 3775 Rentokil Initi/D 166.9 -1.9 591294 AFP Cimmco-B/D 72 3.8 14686 Indian Hotel-A/D 98.8 -0.2 11472 Orient.Carb.-T/D 398 -4.25 3260 Rolls Royce Pl/D 674 -5 1455651 Cipla-A/D 515 -8.75 179986 Indo-Tcount-T/D 826.75 -2.65 19869 Orient.Carb.-T/D 398 -4.25 3260 Rsa Insrance G/D 434 -1.8 1179160 City Union Bk-/D 83.55 0.85 15932 Indusind-A/D 830.85 14.4 389600 Oudh Sugar-B/D 37.3 -1.9 4338 Sainsbury(J)/D 250.2 -2.6 1320252 LONDON: World oil prices rebounded yesterday after Colgate-A/D 820.25 -13.8 22680 J.B.Chemical-B/D 242.65 -2.25 12889 Pacific Indu-B/D 125 5 2137 Schroders/D 2580 -60 87726 China’s latest stimulus move boosted hopes of strength- Container Cor-/D 1162 -7.35 14351 Jagson Phar-B/D 33.2 -0.8 3486 Punjab Chem.-B/D 115 -0.7 4761 Severn Trent/D 2120 -9 96465 ening demand in the key energy consumer. Around 1700 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 309.3 -15.3 6540 Jamnaauto-B/D 120.8 -1 110995 Radico Khait-B/D 95.3 3.6 23428 Smith&Nephew/D 1168 -9 286776 GMT, the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Dhampur Sugar-/D 56 -0.45 35815 Jbf Indu-B/D 152.5 -5.8 16138 Rallis India-A/D 147.45 1.3 13058 Smiths Group/D 997 -2 201106 for delivery in April rose 78 cents at $33.56 per barrel. Dr. Reddy-A/D 3031.25 38.35 48090 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.34 -0.01 3000 Rallis India-A/D 147.45 1.3 13058 Standrd Chart /D 414.55 -15.45 4074632 In London, Brent North Sea crude for April advanced 96 E I H-B/D 105.9 -1.95 19551 Jct Ltd-B/D 4.53 -0.1 280159 Reliance Indus/D 369.1 -10.1 117881 Tate & Lyle/D 575.43 -11.5 234525 cents to $36.06 compared with Friday’s close. E.I.D Parry-A/D 168.55 0.75 23001 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 7.1 0.31 5170 Ruchi Soya-B/D 23.75 -0.25 31224 Tesco/D 178.3 -5.85 8498031 China’s central bank on Monday cut the proportion of funds banks must set aside as reserves, in Beijing’s Eicher Motor-A/D 18894.8 37.5 5686 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 74.5 -1.5 171810 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 469.25 9.15 5396 Unilever/D 3052.5 -44.5 706127 latest attempt to tackle slowing growth in the world’s Eimco Elecon-T/D 300 9.7 2513 Jmc Projects-T/D 184.4 -5.3 2869 Saur.Cem-B/D 39.8 -0.35 47182 United Util Gr/D 916.5 -10 331435 second largest economy. The People’s Bank of China Electrosteel-B/D 17.05 0.05 55984 Kajaria Cer-A/D 869 -12.75 3318 Savita Oil-B/D 450 -5 1047 Vodafone Group/D 216.65 -2.2 9531955 said it would trim the so-called “reserve requirement Emco-B/D 22.6 -0.05 20447 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 118.8 -2.1 2259 Thirumalai-B/D 131.8 -7.8 17989 Whitbread/D 3854 -26 150890 ratio” (RRR) for financial institutions by 0.50 percentage points, freeing up more funds for them to lend. “The price of oil reversed early losses to gain as much as 2.0 percent after China announced a cut to bank reserve ratio requirements,” said CMC Markets analyst Jasper Lawler. World stocks retreat as G20 disappoints “Credit expansion in China has been ramping up in recent months so the cut to the RRR would suggest that authorities are comfortable with it expanding even further. AFP was down 1 percent at 16,026.76 not only in Asia but also in Europe currency could fall to near par- strengthen the recovery. “Credit expansion is not a long term solution to Chi- points, in Shanghai, the Composite is the fact that China has once ity with the euro. But Capital Back in Europe, shares in Bar- na’s growth slowdown but would likely support growth was down 2.86 percent at 2,687.98 again fixed its currency lower... Economics suggested that Brexit clays rallied 1.74 percent after the this year—and remove some of the concern that has LONDON: European markets points; while in Hong Kong, the This does not only keep the implications “should not be over- British bank said it was evaluating been driving oil prices lower.” diverged yesterday while Asian Hang Seng was down 1.30 percent spotlight on a slowing Chinese stated, nor would they all be options over its African division, Beijing’s move came immediately after a G20 finance stock markets slid back after a at 19,111.93 points. economy but also creates fur- negative,” while accepting the on the eve of the group’s annual ministers’ meeting in Shanghai, which stressed the use key weekend meeting of finance Wall Street saw modest gains ther uncertainty.” risk of eurosceptic “contagion” results. after media speculation of all available policy tools to boost global growth, and ministers failed to quash concerns as oil prices advanced modestly Adding to the unease was to other member states. regarding a potential sale of its with Chinese and world stock markets assailed by wor- about stalling global growth. and ahead of the US February official data Monday showing Pressure has been mounting shareholding in Barclays Africa ries over the economy. Crude futures had risen in earlier In London, the FTSE 100 jobs report later this week. Just eurozone inflation in February across the board on central bank- Group Limited (BAGL). Asian trading on Monday, boosted also by hopes that was up 0.02 percent at 6,097.09 over two hours into trade the Dow down sharply to negative 0.2 ers to do more to stimulate growth Several media outlets strengthening growth in top oil consumer the United points; in Frankfurt, the DAX 30 Jones Industrial Average had added percent, in the clearest sign yet and reassure investors after finan- reported that Barclays could sell States will soak up some of the chronic supply glut. was down 0.2 percent at 9,495.40 0.4 percent to 16,705.99, while the that several rounds of stimulus cial markets posted one of the its 62.3-percent stake in BAGL in However, oil prices have slumped by about 70 per- points, while in Paris, the CAC 40 broad-based S&P 500 and the measures by the European Cen- worst starts to the year in living an overhaul spearheaded by chief cent from a mid-2014 high over concerns of a lasting was up 0.90 percent at 4,353.55 tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index tral Bank (ECB) are not working. memory. But G20 ministers dis- executive Jes Staley but BAGL surplus of supplies, at a time when global economic points. were posting similar gains. A further cause of uncer- agreed over the best way to stem stressed it “remained committed” growth is faltering. Oil had rallied sharply last week Chinese shares had shed “European equities are trad- tainty is Britain’s upcoming vote the turmoil, and their final text did to Africa, saying it was optimis- on hopes that top producers will cut output. nearly 3 percent, with traders ing lower on the back of... the G20 on whether or not to remain in the not include a call for coordinated tic on prospects. Barclays Africa Saudi Arabia, as well as Qatar and Russia, recently unconvinced that the G20 group meeting concluding in Shanghai European Union (EU). action that many had hoped. shares, however, tumbled 6.1 announced a preliminary deal to freeze output at Jan- of top economic nations had without any major breakthrough A possible outcome of ‘Brexit’ The communique said percent in Johannesburg. Global uary levels, should other major producers followed suit. promised enough to revive the where stimulating global growth could be a slump in the value of the group “will use all pol- stock markets had been buoyed But Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s largest oil producer, has world’s sagging economy in their is concerned,” said Markus Huber, sterling, with Swiss bank UBS icy tools—monetary, fiscal and on Friday by firmer oil prices and since ruled out a production cut and Iran has dismissed weekend meeting. a trader at City of London Markets. calculating the risk of exit at structural—individually and col- after brighter-than-expected US joining a freeze. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 “Souring the mood somewhat 40 percent and indicating the lectively” to build confidence and growth data. BUSINESS VIEWS TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 27

Central banks Launch of Maserati SUV brings back in focus after hope to Turin car workers G20 meeting

By Balazs Koranyi and Leika so each new measure yields less Kihara but carries a greater risk. Reuters “The options are not unlim- ited,” Swiss National Bank chief Thomas Jordan said. “The effects he widely predicted fail- of monetary policy measures can ure of G20 leaders to agree wane with duration and dosage.” Ton bold new steps to rein- “Interest rates ... cannot con- vigorate the world economy at a tinue to be lowered into negative meeting in Shanghai this week- territory without at some point end puts the onus firmly back on precipitating a flight to cash,” he central bankers. added. But after years of increasingly Low rates and big central desperate attempts to kick-start bank asset buys, a key part of growth there is fear among bank- unconventional policy, fuel asset ers and top finance officials that price bubbles, particularly for monetary policy is running out of housing, and keep poorly func- effective ammunition and future tioning “zombie” firms alive stimulus efforts could even be through access to cheap credit, harmful. slowly eroding competitiveness. “Monetary policy is extremely Low rates also depress bank accommodative to the point that profits, eventually reducing banks it may even be counterproductive ability to lend, while quantitative in terms of negative side effects easing disrupts markets, reduc- on banks, policies and growth,” ing liquidity and limiting market German Finance Minister Wolf- access. With China, Japan, the gang Schaeuble said at the G20 ECB and Switzerland all seeking meeting. a weaker exchange rate, banks “Fiscal as well as monetary are facing the risk of an open cur- policies have reached their lim- rency war, losing their ability to its,” he said. “If you want the real boost prices and competitiveness economy to grow, there are no through devaluation. The main entrance of Mirafiori plant in Turin. shortcuts which avoid reforms.” “Central banks should rethink The G20 acknowledged that their strategy,” said Michael Heise, monetary policy alone is not chief economist of Allianz, an enough to combat rising global insurer and one of the world’s By Agnieszka Flak and Baldari said. Near Mirafiori, a vast plant that FCA’s North American operations risks but leaders failed to outline biggest investors. “The power of Gianni Montani was Italy’s industrial heartland and once accounted for nearly 85 percent of com- concrete steps, making only vague the central banks is limited. We Reuters employed 50,000 people on its assembly pany profits last year and the future for its and general pledges. have been over reliant on central lines alone, furloughed workers spoke of hol- underused plants in Italy has long been Facing a new paradigm of banks to fix the problem but it is idays put on hold and long waits between precarious. Chief Executive Sergio Mar- slow growth and the legacy of cri- not under their control.” calls to do an extra day’s work here and chionne is now betting on the production ses, top central banks have kept Indeed, this time many of the undreds of workers from Fiat’s there, to top up a basic monthly net pay of of higher-margin vehicles - luxury Maser- rates near or below zero for years, shocks are external, such as slow- sprawling Mirafiori plant in some $875. atis, sporty Alfa Romeos and rugged Jeeps waiting in vain for governments to ing emerging market growth and the Italian city of Turin hope “When you wake up in the morning and - in Italy for export. The strategy is already embrace reforms instead of point- deflationary pressures from low Maserati’s first sport-utility don’t know what to do ... you feel useless,” bearing fruit at FCA’s Melfi plant in south- ing the finger at monetary policy. oil prices. These shocks are diffi- vehicle will finally change their said an emotional Giovanni Comparetto, a ern Italy which is running at full steam, Testing uncharted waters, cult to counter and weak PMI and Hfortunes for the better and end years of lay- father of two. “I had to rely on others to send helped by strong demand for the Jeep Ren- smaller central banks in Swit- confidence indicators in Europe offs. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) started my daughter to university and let me tell you, egade and Fiat 500X crossover. zerland, Sweden and Denmark suggest that growth is already production of the Maserati Levante on Mon- that’s not pleasant.” For Mirafiori, though, questions even cut rates deep into negative taking a hit, despite a 1.5 trillion day, a vehicle which is part of its strategy to Comparetto joined Fiat in 1988 and, like remain, especially after FCA last month territory, raising the prospect that euro stimulus programme from use spare capacity in Italy to make high- Baldari, was put on furlough in 2010. A few again delayed some investments meant monetary policy still had some the ECB. end cars for export, and compensate for lost days a month, he now helps assemble the for Italy due to tough markets. room left. The BOJ and the ECB Help could come from fiscal sales at home. Alfa Romeo MiTo, the only other model in FCA invested 1 billion euros to pre- both followed suit but the results spending but the G20 meeting For Giuseppe Baldari, 49, the luxury production at Mirafiori and he hopes to be pare Mirafiori for the Levante, but the SUV have been mixed, with side effects. highlighted that few govern- Maserati to be unveiled at the Geneva car called in to help with the Levante. comes late to an already crowded party, “Some things may be tech- ments have room to manoeuvre show on Tuesday and reach European deal- Fiat, and now FCA, used furloughs - and analysts wonder whether it will be nically possible, but it’s a and the those which could spend ers in May has already where workers stay home and are paid a unique enough to lure buyers away from different question when it comes more, such as Germany, made it brought some solace. portion of their salary - to cut costs and rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne. to whether they are feasible,” BOJ clear they are not going to. Hired by Fiat in 1987 avoid overproduction and permanent lay- The love affair with SUVs and their board members Takahide Kiuchi. That leaves central banks to ferry materials to the offs. But what was meant to be a short-term higher ground clearance have also “The reality in Japan is that stuck with a need to act and the busy assembly lines in solution ran for years, as the financial crisis prompted Lamborghini, Aston Martin and it’s gradually becoming diffi- ECB is almost certain to ease pol- Mirafiori, Baldari was choked car demand and delayed investment. Rolls-Royce to seek to compete in the pop- cult to come up with policy steps icy on March 10, delivering a small temporarily laid off in Salaries dropped by a third, some work- ular segment. for which the merits sufficiently rate cut and a few changes to its 2010 - kept on the books ers were unable to pay their mortgages and Analysts expect the Levante to cost outweigh the costs,” Kiuchi said, assets buys, moves well short of but only earning a frac- others had to use up their life savings. So for 70,000 euros to 140,000 euros ($76,000- suggesting that the BOJ may have a quantum leap. Hundreds of workers tion of his salary and the roughly 4,000 assembly line workers at $152,000), similar to the Cayenne, but exhausted its options when it cut Still, if a global crisis flared up from Fiat’s sprawling spending much of his Mirafiori the all-wheel-drive Levante is the wonder whether the Maserati SUV will its key rate to below zero last again, central banks still have a time at home. first good news in years. stand out sufficiently to match the success month. few powerful, though controver- Mirafiori plant in the But in December he Inaugurated in 1939 on the outskirts of of its long-standing German rival. Although the rate cut pushed sial and potentially illegal tools Italian city of Turin was back full-time at Fiat’s home city of Turin, the importance of Forecaster IHS Automotive said while bond yields into negative terri- left. Economists say that central FCA test driving the long- the Mirafiori plant diminished as it shifted the Levante will help boost Maserati’s vis- tory, it failed to lift stock prices banks could force commercial hope Maserati’s first awaited Levante SUV and some production to the south of Italy, and ibility, it sees the model as a “minnow in or stop an unwelcome rise in the lenders to offer loans at a neg- sport-utility vehicle he is now part of a new some abroad. the market place”, with annual sales peak- yen, meaning that policy is not ative interest rate in return for department at the com- While Turin was Fiat’s nerve centre for ing at around 17,000. achieving its goals. guaranteed earnings, stimulat- will finally change pany devoted to testing more than a century, the centre of gravity Maserati’s poor track record also In the world of such uncon- ing both growth and investment. their fortunes for the new models. for the world’s seventh-largest carmaker hangs over the launch. Weak demand in ventional monetary policies, the That would force central banks to better and end years “I can finally bring a has gradually shifted across the Atlantic, not the United States and China dragged the law of diminishing returns apply, take big losses. full pay check home at least through its buyout of US rival Chrysler brand’s sales volumes down 11 percent last of layoffs. the end of the month and and a Wall Street listing for the combined year and its operating profit margin more that’s a huge comfort,” group in 2014. than halved to 4.4 percent. Emerging currencies erase February losses as rouble rises on oil

By Lyubov Pronina in late October is petering out as stocks have percent, trimming a monthly retreat to 0.2 ratio helped boost crude. The rand rose 3.3 Bloomberg rebounded 7.5 percent and currencies gained percent. The equities benchmark trades at percent against the dollar. 2.7 percent from their lows in January. While 10.9 times the projected earnings of its mem- The won fell 3 percent in February, its factoring in the impact of lower commodity bers, a 28 percent discount to the valuation worst performance in seven months. Eight prices and the Chinese slowdown, investors for advanced- nation equities. of 23 economists surveyed expect the central merging-market currencies erased a have begun to look for buying opportunities The lira gained 1.8 percent against the bank to cut its key interest rate from a record monthly loss as Russia’s ruble and South in markets such as India and Turkey that ben- dollar as Fitch Ratings maintained its invest- low 1.5 percent in March to support growth EAfrica’s rand gained with oil, while the efit from lower oil prices and Russia where ment grade and stable outlook for Turkey. after exports shrank for 14 straight months. rupee advanced on optimism India will stick asset valuations are low. Fitch rates the country BBB-, the lowest The Chinese yuan fell for a seventh day, the to fiscal targets. Argentine bonds advanced “Emerging markets are trying to bottom,” investment grade. That’s in line with the rat- longest streak this year. after the government settled a lawsuit with said Hertta Alava, who helps oversee about ing from Moody’s Investors Service, which has Indonesia’s rupiah climbed 3 percent this An emerging- creditors over its 2001 default. $326 million as the head of emerging markets a negative outlook. Standard & Poor’s assigns month, Asia’s best performance, on optimism market selloff A gauge of 20 exchange rates headed for at FIM Asset Management Ltd. “Consider- Turkey its highest junk rating. that an opening up of the economy to more its first monthly gain since October. The rou- ing how bearish the mood has been lately, The Indian rupee strengthened after foreign involvement will boost inflows. that began in late ble strengthened as hedge funds increased a relatively weak scenario might be priced Jaitley said the budget gap will narrow as tar- In Sao Paulo, the Ibovespa rose for the October is petering bets the Russian currency will strengthen. in already. So, there could be room for pos- geted to 3.5 percent of gross domestic product first time in five days after China’s decision The rupee rose with local bonds after Indian itive surprises.” in the year starting April 1, the smallest since on bank reserves. Commodity stocks includ- out as stocks Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said he would Argentine bonds rose after the gov- 2008. Twelve of 16 economists polled by ing oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA and have rebounded maintain his goal for the budget short- ernment reacheda debt deal with creditors Bloomberg after the budget speech expected iron-ore producer Vale SA rallied. fall in the year beginning April 1. The lira after a 15-year battle over the nation’s $95 the central bank to cut India’s benchmark rate Indian sovereign bonds rose, driving the 7.5 percent and strengthened after Turkey retained its invest- billion default. Prices on the nation’s dol- by as many as 50 basis points before the next 10-year yield down by the most since May. currencies gained ment-grade status. Shanghai-traded shares lar bonds due 2033, which fell into default scheduled meeting on April 5. The yield on notes due January 2026 slid 16 2.7 percent from slid before China’s central bank cut banks’ in 2014, jumped to 117.8 cents on the dollar. Russia’s ruble strengthened 1.6 percent, basis points to 7.62 percent, prices from the cash reserve ratio. The stimulus measure The index of emerging-market currencies narrowing a fourth monthly decline, as Saudi Reserve Bank of India’s trading system show. their lows in buoyed Brazil’s markets as it improved the against the dollar rose 0.4 percent as of 11:36 Arabia’s statement about working with other Emerging-market dollar bonds advanced January. outlook for raw materials. a.m. in New York, recovering from a weekly producers to curb oil-price swings and Chi- 1.7 percent this month, taking gains in 2016 to An emerging-market selloff that began decline. The MSCI stocks gauge gained 0.1 na’s central bank’s cut on required reserve 1.5 percent, according to JPMorgan indexes. 28 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

BACK TO BUSINESS sight Strains show in China’s factory Gold evolves from a ‘relic’ to biggest heartland after annual break winner of 2016

By James Pomfret Reuters By Luzi Ann Javier interest rates because the expan- Bloomberg sion may weaken. That increases the allure of bullion as a store of value. ILLIONS of migrant Global holdings in gold ETFs workers stream- OLD’S comeback is surged 15 percent in 2016 to ing back to China’s dominating 2016. The 1,682.6 tonnes. That’s the high- industrial heart- precious metal is the est in more than a year, and the land after the year’s best-performing assets are on pace for the biggest long lunar New Gmajor asset. Its 16 percent gain is quarterly increase since 2010. MYear break are facing an uncertain topping gauges of high-yield and The changing economic pic- future, as smaller factories in partic- investment grade bonds, treas- ture has pressured some analysts ular struggle to cope with anaemic uries, all currencies and major to rethink their approach to gold. orders and rising inventories. stock indexes in developing and Georgette Boele, a strategist at In the Pearl River Delta, the emerging countries. ABN Amro Group NV, had been “world’s workshop” in southern Turmoil across global equity a bear and is now reversing her Guangdong province that accounts for and currency markets has sparked negative outlook. Boele boosted around a quarter of China’s exports, demand for a haven. Speculators her year-end forecast to $1,300, workers and business owners say A gate of a closed steel factory is seen locked by chain lock in Tangshan, China. raised their net-long position in from $900. The metal dropped production lines have been slower gold to the highest in a year. SPDR 10 percent in 2015 to $1,060.20. than usual to restart after the annual turbulence at the start of 2016. consumer is not picking up the He said 39,000 enterprises had Gold Shares, the world’s largest A gain this year would the first two-week holiday. The plight of Luo and her friends slack as is needed to rebalance the shut down in Dongguan last year, bullion exchange-traded fund, annual increase since 2012. At the Xicheng industrial park in underlines the dilemma for Chi- economy. including around 500 foreign invested attracted $4.5bn of new money in Oversea-Chinese Banking Hengli, several factories lay gutted na’s leaders — they want to shift the That is bad news for policymak- firms, though he stressed the number 2016, the most among all US-listed Corp economist Barnabas Gan, with broken machines strewn out- economy away from the low-end ers in Beijing, scrambling to stabilise of new businesses registered in the ETFs, according to Bloomberg the most accurate precious-metals side, while plots of land earmarked manufacturing that fuelled its rise, swooning financial markets and with same period had outnumbered those data as of February 25. It’s a turn- forecaster tracked by Bloomberg for industrial use were being used by but they also need jobs for the con- growth slowing to 6.9 percent last year, closing down. The outlook appeared around from just a few months last year, last week called bullion villagers to grow vegetables, a sign of sumers they hope will support its next its weakest in a quarter of a century. better for some larger factories with ago, when investors were sell- a “superhero” because of its per- the weak demand for Chinese goods phase. Labour activists also point Stanley Lau, who runs a watch steady revenue streams, including ing the metal, sending prices in formance this year, and said prices that is forcing business closures and to the risk of unrest, as industries factory, said uncertainty in Europe, electronics makers such as Foxlink, December to a five-year low. could reach $1,400. putting pressure on wages. consolidate and workers find their including the refugee crisis and a pos- a subsidiary of Hon Hai, Apple’s main “Gold has been the biggest There are other naysayers. “Finding a factory with a good benefits squeezed. sible exit of Britain from the European contract manufacturer in China. story of this year,” said Dan Den- Robin Bhar, a London-based salary, that’s what we want,” said Luo China’s manufacturing sec- Union, could further sap consumer The real challenge for China’s bow, a portfolio manager at the analyst at Societe Generale SA, Xianrong, an 18-year-old laid off by tor likely contracted for a seventh confidence there, and impact Chi- leaders is whether the economy can USAA Precious Metals & Miner- is keeping his average fourth- a factory in January, who was one of straight month in February with the na’s factories. “There will be certain create enough new jobs in sectors als Fund in San Antonio, which quarter price forecast at $955. scores of migrants knocking on fac- latest numbers due today. The offi- numbers of factories that will have they are trying to encourage, such as oversees $600m. “Last summer, Goldman Sachs Group Inc ana- tory gates in the hunt for new work. cial purchasing managers’ index is some changes, by narrowing down biotechnology or robotics, to replace people were calling it a barbaric lysts including Jeffrey Currie and “We have to be careful. Many expected to show the sector shrinking the scale of the factories or moving those lost lower down the chain. relic, and nobody could care less Max Layton reiterated in a Feb- factories aren’t providing food and at its fastest pace since August 2012. to other places,” said Lau. “Basically the employment situa- about gold. Now, it’s slowly gen- ruary 15 report their December accommodation, and they’re delay- Exports from Guangdong prov- While makeshift recruitment tion is in a state of flux, factories are erating more and more buying.” forecast that prices will drop for ing wage payments,” she said, as ince — which has a bigger economy booths and signs advertising jobs closing down,” said Geoffrey Croth- Deteriorating global econo- a fourth straight year, dipping to her four friends nodded in unison. than Indonesia — are predicted to remain a fairly common sight in the all of China Labour Bulletin, a labour mies have increased concerns that $1,000 by the end of 2016. “I don’t want to be cheated.” While grow just 1 percent this year, accord- Pearl River Delta, the labour market rights advocacy and monitoring group. the slowdown will be a drag on US The Goldman analysts and global policymakers gathered in ing to a January government work is seen getting tighter in the coming “Opportunities are coming up in new growth, raising gold’s appeal as Societe Generale’s Bhar expect Shanghai for a G20 meeting at the report. Analysts say many of the months. “The life and death of enter- manufacturing areas but the ques- a safety asset. At the same time, that the Fed will raise rates this weekend declared that “growth in key smaller factories hit hardest by the prises ... is to be expected,” said Xu tion is, are these jobs sustainable? A there is increasing doubt that year, eroding the appeal of the emerging markets remains strong”, slowdown catered more for domes- Jianhua, the Communist Party Secre- lot of start-ups are failing and the jobs the Federal Reserve will move metal because it doesn’t pay div- the slowdown in China has unnerved tic demand than the export market, tary of Dongguan, a major industrial they’re providing aren’t often well-paid as quickly as it planned to raise idends or yields. investors and contributed to market another signal that the Chinese city there, at a recent press conference. or offering decent work conditions.”

Britain is a great country, the people here are Capital inventive, innovative, and they will find a way with us UK’s Work and Pensions to actually have a real deal that gives Britain access to Secretary Iain Duncan Comment the world and access to Europe. Smith ‘on Brexit’

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Hedge funds turn bullish Market Talk on Brent but not WTI IIF @IIF Private Equity Beat By John Kemp 20 million barrels to 63 million Brazil faces a tough Reuters barrels from 47 million barrels. road ahead, as we NAME IN THE MARKET: RIGHTS OFFERINGS There is more confidence that project a deepening recession this year the long-awaited rebalancing of KKR-backed Fleur EDGE funds are turn- supply and demand is now under- ing more positive about way in earnest which could help Standard & Poor’s @ de Lis Energy LLC is Hthe outlook for crude oil stabilise stockpiles and prices standardpoors seeking $1bn to invest prices, according to the latest posi- later in 2016. tioning data from regulators and US shale producers seem to be Total investment in in acquisitions in North exchanges. Hedge funds and other finally cracking under the strain CfD-backed low #car- American unconventional money managers held a combined from low prices, with more than bon energy projects net long position in the three main 100 oil drilling rigs idled over the could reach up to oil and gas assets. crude oil futures and options con- past month, and many producers £14bn by 2020 tracts amounting to 383 million now openly talking about pro- barrels on February 23. ducing less in 2016. The combined net long posi- At the same time, US road traf- World Bank MENA @ tion has increased in eight of fic volumes and petrol demand WorldBankMENA DealB%k the last 11 weeks from a recent have continued to grow rapidly, low of 230 million barrels on according to the most recent #Tunisia needs a highly December 8. But the increase weekly and monthly data. skilled workforce to in hedge fund and other money But hedge funds and money move up the value manager net long positions has managers have displayed a strong chain & a World Bank been concentrated in Brent bias for going long through Brent program aims to help Berkshire Hathaway rather than WTI. rather than WTI. There are con- #graduates: will not engage in The net long position in Brent cerns about the availability of futures and options traded on ICE adequate onshore crude oil Bloomberg Business @ hostile takeovers, Futures has jumped by more than storage in the United States espe- business despite the rise of 100 million barrels to 320 million cially around the trading hub at barrels from 183 million barrels. Cushing. When good credit activist investors The net long position in WTI Reflecting those concerns, assets turn bad it futures and options traded on WTI futures contracts are trading can happen rather ICE and the New York Mercan- in much steeper contango than suddenly tile Exchange has risen less than Brent for nearby months. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 32 PAGE | 33 Ranieri rolls dice Scott ends drought again as Leicester with close victory face West Brom in Florida

TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 • 21 Jumada I 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar New FIFA chief ‘backs’ World Cup hosts Qatar

supposed to have started in 2015 with FIRST DAY IN OFFICE FOR a decision due in Kuala Lumpur next The 2018 and 2022 INFANTINO IN ZURICH year, should begin before the Mexico tournaments, to be City congress in May. staged in Russia and “Definitely I think we need to attorney general’s office. Last March, launch the bidding process in the next Qatar, has to be the the FIFA executive committee decided couple of months, probably before the ‘best in history’, says to move the 2022 tournament to the next Congress in May,” Infantino said. winter months because of the sum- Meanwhile, UEFA will name a Infantino mer heat in Qatar. new temporary general secretary on The move was recommended by Friday to take over from former Euro- a FIFA task force headed by Infanti- pean football number two Infantino, no’s election rival Sheikh Salman of the new FIFA president, a source said Agencies Bahrain. yesterday. Earlier, the Supreme Committee Greece’s Theodore Theodoridis for Delivery & Legacy congratulated would appear to be favourite for the Infantino on his election and said they job Infantino quit to take up his new ZURICH: Newly-elected FIFA presi- were looking forward to working with role with FIFA. dent Gianni Infantino has confirmed the Swiss. UEFA’s executive committee will that the next two World Cups will still “The Supreme Committee for meet on Friday morning in Nyon to take place in Russia in 2018 and Qatar Delivery & Legacy would like to decide on the matter. in 2022. congratulate Gianni Infantino on his The role is an important one as The 2018 and 2022 tournaments, appointment as FIFA President. We UEFA president Michel Platini is to be staged in Russia and Qatar, has wish President Infantino well in his banned from all football activities to be the ‘best in history’, the new FIFA new role and look forward to work- for six years, although he is engaged chief said on his first full working day. ing closely with him as we continue in legal proceedings to have that ban Speaking after an informal match our preparations for the 2022 FIFA overturned. with FIFA employees and guests, World Cup Qatar. To this end, Platini is appealing Infantino said: “Concerning Qatar “We would also like to commend to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and Russia, the decisions were taken the other four Presidential candi- (CAS). Should Platini have his ban in 2010 by the executive committee.” dates who contributed a great deal New FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) of Switzerland and former Spanish football player Michel Salgado overturned it will be then up to him “It’s now necessary to organise the to an election campaign run during perform during a friendly match at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland, yesterday. to keep the new number two or not. best World Cup in history in Russia in a crucial time for football. We wish If Platini’s case is unsuccessful, it will 2018 and in 2022 in Qatar.” all of them the greatest success and be up to the new president of UEFA Russia and Qatar won the right luck in their future careers.” to decide. to host the tournaments in a vote in Meanwhile, Infantino said he still which has engulfed FIFA, should begin not (for the) money that I was candi- soccer for six years, has never been Platini was found guilty of a con- Zurich in December 2010. did not know what he would be paid in the next couple of months. date to become FIFA president.” made public. But reforms agreed by flict of interest when former FIFA FIFA has been forced to investi- as head of soccer’s global governing Infantino said he had still not “I have not discussed with anyone FIFA last week to overcome the cor- supremo Sepp Blatter approved a 2 gate the decision to grant the 2018 body. discussed his salary following his about my pay or what my pay will be. ruption scandal included provision for million Swiss francs (1.8m euros, $2m) World Cup to Russia and the 2022 The Swiss said he expected the election on Friday. We will see.” salaries to be open to scrutiny. payment to Platini in 2011 for consul- finals to Qatar and an investiga- bidding process for the 2026 World “I have no idea yet,” he told report- The salary of Infantino’s prede- He said bidding for the 2026 tancy work done without a contract a tion is also under way by the Swiss Cup, delayed last year by a scandal ers. “I know you can’t believe it but it’s cessor Sepp Blatter, suspended from World Cup hosting, which was decade earlier. Volleyball: One step at a time for Piazza’s side to make World League debut in Greece new Qatar national coach Piazza LAUSANNE, Switzerland: Qatar - Kazakhstan. which will make their debut in the Twelve teams will participate in prestigious FIVB World League this World League Group 3 in 2016. The year to raise their competitive level Group will take place over a total of By Armstrong Vas - will play their group matches in three weekends. The Peninsula Greece, FIVB announced. The first two Preliminary Round The 2016 FIVB Volleyball World weekends will be played by three League Group 3 hosts have been four-team pools. Hosts Germany DOHA: Roberto Piazza – the new finalised with Slovenia, Mexico and the top three teams from the coach at the helm of affairs at the and Greece preparing to welcome Group 3 Preliminary Round will play Qatar national team - aims to take matches in the first week of the Pre- a Final Round at the Fraport Arena in the ‘step by step’ approach as he gets liminary Round. Greece will also Frankfurt, Germany from July 1 to 3. ready for his challenging assignment. host a pool in the second week, Brazil and Italy are the only The Qatar team, which made his- alongside Tunisia and Kazakhstan. two countries to have participated tory by making the cut for the FIVB The Week 1 matches in World in all 26 editions of the FIVB World Volleyball World League has hired League Group 3 will all be played League, which was held for the first the Italian expert at the helm to help from June 17 to 19. time in Osaka, Japan in 1990. them tread the world volleyball stage. Pool A3 featuring Slovenia, Tuni- All the former winners are also Yesterday, the 48-year-old who sia, Venezuela and Qatar will take back in action consisting of Bra- won multiple Italian and overseas place at the Sport Hall Stozice in zil (nine titles), Italy (eight), Russia club titles, signed a one-year contract Ljubljana, Slovenia. (three), the USA (two) and the other at the Qatar Volleyball Association The Olympic Complex Mexico four teams with one title apiece – (QVB) headquarters. 68 will be the venue for the Pool B3 world champions Poland, Cuba, the Speaking to reporters Piazza, matches in Mexico City, Mexico - the Netherlands and defending cham- who will take charge of the team in teams involved are Mexico, Spain, pions France.The tournament began May, said the he wants to better the Montenegro and Germany. with just eight countries, which took achievements of his predecessor. The New Indoor Sports Hall part in the inaugural competition in “I know the previous coach Juan in Kozani, Greece will play hosts 1990. In 1991, the number of teams Manuel Cichello did a really good job Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) President Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi (second right), and Roberto Piazza, to Pool C3, which includes hosts had risen to 10. for the national team and I want to the newly appointed coach of the Qatar national team shake hands after signing a contract at the QVA Greece, Kazakhstan, Chinese Tai- improve on his achievements,” Piazza headquarters in Doha yesterday. pei and Puerto Rico. World League said while talking to reporters after The second weekend of the Group 1 signing a one-year contract. Group 3 Preliminary Round will Piazza replaces Cichello of Argen- world league will be a really good team, but I need to check on the new produced good results including a take place from June 24 to 26. The France, Italy, Australia, Belgium, the USA, Brazil, Iran, Argentina, Serbia, tina as coach of the men’s team. experience for players and give players, that is the reason I need to sixth place finish at the Incheon 2014 matches in Pool D3 will be played Bulgaria, Russia and Poland Cichello has joined another Asian them an opportunity to play against call a lot of players and after maxi- Asian Games and an all-time high of in Greece at a venue still to be con- Group 2 powerhouse, the Iranian men’s the strongest teams from all over the mum ten days I need to put my focus fourth at the Asian Championship in firmed featuring hosts Greece, national team, as an assistant coach world.” on maximum 15 players, because Iran last year. Slovenia, Puerto Rico and Qatar. The Netherlands, Portugal, Turkey, to compatriot Raul Lozano. The Italian tactician, who will those 15 players will hold the key to Qatar’s last competitive outing The teams in Pool E3 - Mexico, Slovakia, Japan, South Korea, Fin- For the Italian, the first major take charge in May after finishing his a good performance in the World was at the GCC Championship in Sep- Venezuela, Montenegro and Tunisia land, Cuba, Canada, China, Egypt and Czech Republic challenge will be the World League contract with the Greek club Olympi- League. The situation in my opinion tember in Riyadh, where they finished - will play at the Salle Olympique de where Qatar will make their debut in acos, said a month time is more than is very good and we have do it step by as runners-up to Bahrain. Rades in Tunis, Tunisia. Group 3 June this year. enough for him to prepare the team step,” said Piazza who has been into This year, in addition to the World Finally, Pool F3 including Kaza- Slovenia, Tunisia, Venezuela, Qatar, “Our first challenge is the World for the World League. coaching since 1990. League, Qatar will also compete in khstan, Germany, Spain and Chinese Mexico, Spain, Montenegro, Germany, League and we have to prove that “For a good coach, 20 days, 20 The new Qatar mentor will be the Asian Volleyball Confederation Taipei will take place at the Balvan Kazakhstan, Greece, Chinese Taipei we can stay in the world league. The matches are enough to build a good up for the new challenge after Qatar Cup in India from September 19 to 25. Sholak Sports Palace in Almaty, and Puerto Rico 30 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 SPORT

AFC CHAMPIONS El Jaish prepare for Al Ain clash LEAGUE ACL: Zob Ahan aware of UPCOMING FIXTURES: The Peninsula oversaw his team take part in some light recovery drills ahead of tomor- TODAY row’s match. The second placed QSL side, will Group A Lekhwiya’s capabilities DOHA: Qatar Stars League outfit be looking for a repeat perform- Al Nasr vs Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan El Jaish began preparations ahead ance against the current Arabian Al Ittihad vs Lokomotiv of their crunch AFC Champions Gulf League champions after their League clash against UAE Arabian heroics last week. Group B QSL giants looking to Gulf League side Al Ain which will Jaish recorded a vital 2-1 away Bunyodkor vs Al Nassr be played at the Abdullah Bin Kha- win in the UAE, thanks to goals from Zob Ahan vs Lekhwiya bounce back as ACL lifa Stadium, Doha tomorrow. attackers Abderrazzaq Hamedallah rivalry resumes The Jaish squad went straight and Romarinho. Group E back to training on Sunday evening, El Jaish are currently top of FC Tokyo vs Becamex Binh Duong following their 1-0 QSL victory over group D, and their remaining fix- Jiangsu FC vs Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors Al Wakrah. tures include Al Ahli (KSA) and Nasaf The Peninsula Head coach Sabri Lamouchi (UZB). Group F FC Seoul vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima Shandong Luneng FC vs Buriram United ISFAHAN: Zob Ahan Esfahan FC Adriano of Seoul named ACL coach Yahya Golmohammadi will TOMORROW take nothing for granted when his team takes on Qatar Stars League Toyota Player of the Week Group C Champions as the former Iran Al Jazira vs Tractorsazi Tabriz defender looks to secure back- Al Hilal vs Pakhtakor to-back wins in the 2016 AFC Agencies for the home side, Adriano added a Champions League. fourth on the hour mark. And Adri- Group D The two teams meet once again ano then provided the assist for Nasaf vs Al Ahli today, this time at the Foolad Shahr returning Montenegro striker Dejan El Jaish vs Al Ain Stadium, Isfahan in Iran. KUALA LUMPUR: FC Seoul striker Damjanovic to score his 20th AFC Mehdi Rajabzadeh’s solitary goal Adriano was named the Toyota Champions League goal to attract Group G in Doha last week earned Zob Ahan Player of the Week for last week’s a rating of 9.7 after also posting a Gamba Osaka vs Melbourne Victory all three points against the Qatar first match-day of the 2016 AFC 100% pass completion rate from nine Shanghai SIPG vs Suwon Bluewings FC Stars League champions and the Champions League after he netted passes attempted. teams meet again in Group B with four goals and provided an assist as Adriano’s display edged Trac- Group H Golmohammadi’s side well rested the K-League Classic side beat Bur- torsazi Tabriz’s Bakhtiar Rahmani after not featuring in domestic action iram United 6-0 in Thailand. into second place after the mid- Sydney FC vs Guangzhou Evergrande over the weekend. On a high-scoring opening fielder scored twice as the Iranian Pohang Steelers vs Urawa Red Diamonds “We had a good start to the AFC week, Adriano set 2013 runners- outfit recorded a 4-0 win over Al Champions League and earned a Zob Ahan Esfahan up FC Seoul on their way after 28 Jazira of the United Arab Emirates. crucial win in Qatar,” said Golmo- FC coach Yahya minutes of the Group F opener Click here for the full results of hammadi. “We are ready to put on Golmohammadi before adding a second five min- the Toyota Player of the Week for the Ex-Bayern a good performance after having a utes before half-time. The Brazilian 2016 AFC Champions League good rest. completed his hat-trick five minutes Rahmani also completed 23 of 33 boss released “I hope we play reasonably well different approach. champions Al Nassr this afternoon into the second half, and after cap- passes attempted to attract a rating tomorrow. We should be realistic Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi after the Uzbek League side let slip tain Suchao Nutnum was sent-off of 8.8, having also won two duels. from prison about this match, there is no guar- denied his side’s confidence has been a two goal lead to draw 3-3 in their antee that we will win it and if we affected by their 5-0 thrashing at the Group B opener in Riyadh last week. lose our focus against Lekhwiya we hands of Qatar Stars League leaders Reigning AFC Youth Player of the AFP cannot expect to win the match. They Al Rayyan on Friday, the club’s fourth Year Dostonbek Khamadmov had are very professional. defeat in their last five games. scored his second goal of the game Seoul looking for strong start “We should remain focused “Our domestic matches have to give Bunyodkor a 3-1 lead with 15 BERLIN: Disgraced ex-Bayern in both defense and attack dur- nothing to do with the AFC Champi- minutes remaining at the King Fahd Munich president Uli Hoeness ing the 90 minutes. We are in very ons League and the circumstances International Stadium. Agencies defeated Sanfrecce 2-1 in Japan. was released from prison yester- good condition both mentally and are different,” said the Algerian But a strike from outside the area The Korean FA Cup winners will day after serving 21 months for tax psychologically. coach. five minutes later by Yahya Al Shehri kick off their K-League Classic sea- evasion, a regional official said. “Lekhwiya is a well-known team “The first leg was only half of our and Hussain Abdulghani’s 85th- son on Saturday, but before then The 64-year-old served half of in Asia and has professional players. showdown against Zob Ahan. That minute free-kick ensured the points SEOUL: Coach Choi Yong-soo is Choi is expecting a tough test from his three-and-a-half year sentence We cannot afford to make any mis- game was closely contested and Zob were shared. looking to maintain FC Seoul’s strong their J League visitors. after being convicted in March takes against them. We should not Ahan didn’t play open football, which While Bunyodkor’s domestic start to their 2016 AFC Champions “That was a perfect start to the 2014 of having evaded at least give them space. We should not give of course for a visiting side is natural. season will only begin this week- League campaign with a victory season for us but it is in the past,” he 28.5 million euros ($31.5 million) them free-kick opportunities. “It’s difficult to predict tomor- end, Al Nassr are more than mid-way over Japanese champions Sanfrecce said. in taxes. His release in the middle of “In tournaments like this, the row’s match and certainly both through the Saudi Professional Hiroshima in today’s Group F clash Sanfrecce have started the sea- the night was confirmed by Bavar- final weeks are decisive. Lekhwiya teams will play with different strat- League. The defending champions, at Seoul World Cup Stadium in South son slowly. Last year’s J.League ia’s justice ministry, which gave no collected only one point in the open- egies. We will try to be better than though, are some way off the pace Korea. winners followed up their loss at further details. Hoeness, the son of ing two weeks last season but finally in the first leg and our players have following their 1-1 draw with Al Last week, Brazilian striker home to Shandong with another a German butcher, rose to fame as qualified from their group. We have good experience and self-confidence. Wahda on Saturday which leaves Al Adriano scored amazing four goals defeat in front of their own fans by the driving force behind Bayern’s a marathon ahead of us and it’s still We underestimate no team and this Nassr seventh and 16 points behind as Choi’s former continental final- losing 1-0 to Kawasaki Frontale as rise and became a millionaire busi- too soon to predict which teams can is what we are known for in Qatar,” leaders Al Hilal. ists recorded an emphatic 6-0 win the new Japanese domestic season nessman, before his fall from grace. qualify.” the Lekhwiya coach said yesterday. New Al Nassr coach Raul Caneda over Thai Premier League winners kicked off last Saturday. He was granted day release Lekhwiya SC, after losing their Meanwhile, Bunyodkor coach did rotate much of his starting 11 for Buriram United at Buriram Sta- The Hiroshima-based club will in January 2015, and immediately first AFC Champion’s League Group Sergey Lushchan is looking for his the domestic fixture, and just five dium to leave them as the early also be without striker Hisato Sato started working in the club’s youth Stage match against Iran’s Zob Ahan team to go the distance in their sec- who played in the continental opener pace-setters in the group, ahead and midfielder Toshihrio Aoyama academy. Esfahan FC, will be looking for a ond meeting with Saudi Arabian faced Al Wahda. of China’s Shandong Luneng who due to injury. Lyon spoil PSG’s 36-game unbeaten streak Rare defeat

Reuters can serve as

wake-up call,

PARIS: Paris St Germain’s league record 36-game unbeaten streak says PSG chief came to an abrupt halt when they lost 2-1 at Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday. Reuters Maxwell Cornet and Sergi Darder, with an audacious piece of skill, scored the first-half goals that handed PSG their first Ligue 1 PARIS: The ending of Paris St Germain’s league defeat since a 3-2 reverse at Giron- record 36-game undefeated streak could serve as dins Bordeaux in March 2015. a wake-up call to the squad, according to presi- Laurent Blanc’s side are still dent Nasser Al Khelaifi. 23 points clear at the top of the Maxwell Cornet and Sergi Darder put hosts table, after 28 matches, as they sail Olympique Lyonnais 2-0 up. The runaway lead- towards a fourth consecutive title. ers replied through Lucas Moura but it was not “Congratulations to Lyon,” PSG enough to prevent their first Ligue 1 defeat since defender David Luiz told Canal they were sunk 3-2 at Girondins Bordeaux in Plus television. March 2015. “They played well. “We are not the best team in the world and “We didn’t play well tonight it’s good to lose,” Al Khelaifi told Canal Plus tel- and the manager told us to wake evision. “It serves as a reminder to the players.” up a bit at halftime but it was too PSG, after 28 matches this season, remain late. We played badly and although 23 points clear of second-placed Monaco and we scored a goal, we were tired.” firmly on course for their fourth consecutive PSG’s chances of beating the title. record unbeaten run of 32 games Laurent Blanc’s side are still competing on in a single league season, set by Paris Saint-Germain’s Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (right) vies three fronts, with an upcoming Ligue 1 game Nantes in 1994-95, were ended for the ball with Lyon’s French defender Jeremy Morel during the French against Montpellier sandwiched between a despite a Lucas Moura goal after L1 football match which Lyon won 2-1 at the New Stadium in Decines- French Cup quarter-final against St Etienne the break. Charpieu, central-eastern France on Sunday. and a Champions League last-16 second leg Lyon have flattered to deceive against Chelsea. this season but started strongly “It wasn’t good tonight,” said Al Khelaifi. and took the lead in the 13th he received a cross from Rafael, Ferri in the face in the 23rd minute. playmaker tearing into the Lyon Olympique Marseille’s match “Lyon were better. minute when Cornet brought flicked the ball over the head of PSG improved after the break box before flicking the ball into the at Ajaccio was postponed due to “We didn’t play at our level, we didn’t play the ball down inside the box, PSG captain Thiago Silva and fin- when manager Laurent Blanc path of Lucas who beat Anthony bad weather while Caen moved our style and we didn’t truly show we wanted evaded Gregory van der Wiel ished emphatically. introduced Javier Pastore for Ben- Lopes with aplomb. above Nice into fourth spot to win the match.” and slammed the ball past keeper The visitors were lucky to go in jamin Stambouli. Lyon are third on 42 points, after securing a 2-1 victory at St PSG’s chances of beating the record unbeaten Kevin Trapp. at halftime with 11 men, midfielder Pastore was quickly influential eight behind second-placed Etienne whose European aspi- sequence of 32 games in a single league sea- Darder doubled the advan- Thiago Motta escaping with a yel- as his side got back into the game Monaco who drew 0-0 at Nantes rations have been dented after son, set by Nantes in 1994-95, were wrecked by tage in first-half injury time when low card after punching Jordan in the 51st minute, the Argentine on Sunday. going three games without a win. the defeat. SPORT TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 31

Neymar will League Cup win never join Real vindicates me, Madrid: Pique says Pellegrini IANS

AFP not thinking about things BARCELONA: Barcelona defender from a personal perspec- Gerard Pique is confident that his tive and voiced hope that team-mate and star striker Ney- Sunday’s triumph would mar will never join arch-rivals LONDON: Manches- prove a spur to success in Real Madrid. ter City manager Manuel the Premier League and The Brazilian is yet to extend Pellegrini said his side’s Champions League. his current deal at Camp Nou League Cup final triumph “I’m not thinking which has led to speculation sur- over Liverpool vindi- about me, I’m thinking rounding his future while former cated his decision to field about the club,” said the Madrid defender Roberto Carlos a weakened team in their Chilean, whose side trail has claimed he could persuade the recent FA Cup defeat by league leaders Leicester 24-year-old to move to the San- Chelsea. City by nine points with tiago Bernabeu. Pellegrini came in a game in hand. “I’d bet an arm or a hand that for criticism for selecting “Fortunately for us, Ney will never join Madrid. He a youthful team almost we now have three or likes Barcelona very much, he’s in completely devoid of four players coming back FC Barcelona’s Argentinian striker Lionel Messi love with the club and I think he’ll recognisable names for to the squad, so we are stay here for many years,” Pique (foreground) takes a free kick to score the 1-1 City’s trip to Stamford not going to give up any was quoted as saying by goal.com equaliser against Sevilla FC during the Spanish Bridge in the FA Cup fifth chances to win the Pre- on Sunday. Liga Primera Division soccer match played at round, which saw Chelsea mier League. Pique, 29, also spoke about his Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain on win 5-1. “We are going to fight own future with the Spanish foot- Sunday. But City’s stars to the end and try to con- ball giants and suggested he may returned in a Champi- tinue in the Champions be open to a move to Major League ons League victory at League.” Soccer when the time is right but Dynamo Kiev last week Jurgen Klopp, who ruled out joining Pep Guardiola at before edging Liverpool had been bidding to win Manchester City. 3-1 on penalties in Sun- his first trophy as Liver- “I’d try another League in the day’s League Cup final at pool manager, said that future, when I have only a few Wembley after the match his team’s performance years of my career left. Maybe the Barca equal unbeaten had finished 1-1 following had been “perfect until United States of America, but no extra time. the last kick” -- the win- one knows what will happen in “I think the decision I ning penalty, scored by the future,” the 29-year-old said. took last week was very Yaya Toure. “My love for former club Man- important to win these Liverpool will have chester United is too strong to go to two games, mid-week in an immediate chance to City, so I don’t see myself in their record in Sevilla win the Champions League exact revenge when City shirt, even though Pep is a great and tonight (Sunday) to visit Anfield on Wednes- coach,” Pique concluded. win the trophy,” said Pel- day, but Klopp admitted “We are in great form, but records flew from his line to block Kevin Gameiro legrini, who previously that it will take time to A spot-on free-kick by don’t mean anything. At the end of the day as the Frenchman bore down on goal. led City to League Cup digest the disappointment Barca records everything is judged by titles,” Pique told Earlier, Valencia’s four-game winning glory in 2014. of defeat. star Messi and Pique’s Movistar+. run came to a sudden halt as Gary Neville’s “It was a difficult “We have so many nothing without winner see Barcelona “Our season is well on track, but we need men were beaten 3-0 by Athletic Bilbao in a decision for me not to games, do you think I go to finish it off.” dress rehearsal of their Europa League last- continue in the FA Cup, home and close the door titles: Enrique come from behind to Sevilla were a constant threat on the 16 tie. The Basques moved up to seventh in because we won the first and stay there for the next record 34th win in a row counter-attack, but should have taken La Liga with three goals in seven second- two games in that cup four weeks?” he said. AFP the lead from a set-piece when Timothee half minutes at Mestalla. However, Neville 3-0 (against Norwich “But you have to feel a Kolodziejczak somehow blazed over from was furious at two strong Valencia penalty City) and 4-0 (against defeat. You can’t say, ‘Oh, I point-blank range. appeals that were waived away before the Aston Villa), but with 13 don’t care, it’s not impor- BARCELONA: Barcelona boss Luis AFP Barca nearly went in front in spectac- opener. or 14 players, it was very tant.’ It was important. Enrique insists he will only be sat- ular fashion as Messi’s audacious attempt “I thought the referee was a joke,” said important to keep them We lost and it doesn’t feel isfied once his side have delivered from a corner hit the post and Luis Suarez the former Manchester United captain. fresh.” too good. You know you another La Liga title after equal- then blasted the rebound off the crossbar. “I’ve not blamed refs in every game, but Goalkeeper Willy fall down, but you have to ling a Spanish record by stretching MADRID: Barcelona came from behind to Sevilla did eventually make the break- his management of the game was awful. Caballero, who deputises stand up. That’s the truth, their unbeaten run to 34 games. equal a Spanish record of 34 games unbeaten through 20 minutes in thanks to a fine Some of the things he did were incredible.” for Joe Hart in cup com- but that’s completely nor- Barca were forced to come in all competitions by moving eight points breakaway as Benoit Tremoulinas’s cross Sabin Merino headed the visitors in front petitions, was City’s hero mal. Only silly idiots stay from behind against Sevilla on clear at the top of La Liga with a 2-1 win from the left was slotted home at the back before Iker Muniain then doubled the lead to at Wembley, repelling on the floor. If we carry Sunday as a brilliant Lionel Messi over Sevilla. post by Vitolo. register his first goal in 18 months. spot-kicks from Lucas on, work really hard, free-kick and Gerard Pique’s win- Sevilla were the last side to beat Barca However, as ever Messi came to the fore And Aritz Aduriz compounded a miser- Leiva, Philippe Coutinho there is light at the end of ner overcame Vitolo’s early strike back in October and deservedly struck first when Barca needed him most and the five- able afternoon for Neville by rising highest and Adam Lallana in the the tunnel. That’s what we for the visitors. through Vitolo. time World Player of the Year levelled with to head home Benat Extebarria’s corner for shootout. know. We stay in the race, Victory restored Barca’s However, as so often of late, Barca recov- a stunning free-kick high into the far cor- his 27th goal of the season. Coutinho had taken no doubt about this. But eight-point lead over Atletico ered from a slow start thanks to Lionel ner 11 minutes later. Villarreal moved to within two points the tie to extra time with tonight we feel rubbish.” Madrid at the top of the table Messi’s brilliant free-kick and Gerard Pique’s Sergio Rico prevented Messi turning the of Real Madrid by stretching their unbeaten an 83rd-minute equal- Klopp also said that with Real Madrid now 12 points winner early in the second-half. game around single-handedly before the league run to 13 games with a comfortable iser, after Fernandinho French centre-back adrift after losing 1-0 to Atletico Luis Enrique’s men have now matched break with a great save low to his left. 3-0 win over Levante thanks to goals from had put City in front early Mamadou Sakho “looked on Saturday. Real Madrid’s record run from the 1988-89 Barca upped the pace after the break and Leo Baptistao, Samu Castillejo and Adrian in the second half with a better after the game”, And it is Madrid’s record of 34 season and in doing so moved 12 points clear were rewarded when brilliant link-up play Lopez. Marcelino’s men should at least be shot that went through having been withdrawn -- games unbeaten from the 1988- of third-placed Madrid. between Messi and Suarez teed up Pique to assured a place in the Champions League Liverpool goalkeeper against his will -- during 89 season which will fall if Barca Atletico Madrid remain Barca’s clos- tap home from close range. qualifiers next season as they now lead Simon Mignolet. Despite the first half following a avoid defeat at Rayo Vallecano on est challengers after beating Madrid 1-0 on Sevilla still had the chance to take some- Sevilla by 11 points in the fight for fourth his impending departure, clash of heads with team- Thursday. Saturday. thing from the game when Claudio Bravo place. Pellegrini said that he was mate Emre Can. “The record tells me nothing. If we win titles then fine, but if not it doesn’t tell me a thing,” said Luis Enrique. “We have wanted to retain the Unlikely hero Caballero in tears after saving City title since the first day of the sea- son. That is the primary objective and we are in better position. “Now we need to win the AFP Manchester City’s Wilfredo Caballero saves a spot points necessary to be champions.” Barca have been far from their kick from Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho during their brilliant best in many of their Capital One Cup Final against Liverpool at Wembley recent league games with fatigue LONDON: Wilfredo Caballero wept tears of Stadium in London on Sunday. starting to set in from an already joy on the Wembley pitch after the Manches- gruelling campaign of 46 games ter City goalkeeper’s penalty shoot-out heroics across six competitions. had secured a dramatic League Cup final vic- However, Pique highlighted tory against Liverpool on Sunday. their resolve to put themselves on Caballero was City’s unlikely hero as he the brink of a sixth league title in saved spot kicks from Lucas Leiva, Philippe eight years. Coutinho and Adam Lallana to secure a 3-1 “We have suffered against shoot-out success after a 1-1 draw that went to Las Palmas, Malaga and other extra-time. matches, but we have managed The 34-year-old has rarely been in the spot- to win the games,” said the Span- light in his two seasons with City as he spends ish international. most of his time on the bench watching first “I think you win leagues like choice keeper Joe Hart. that if you can suffer and continue But, despite criticism of his form this sea- to win.” son, City boss Manuel Pellegrini stuck with his Sevilla have consistently tradition of playing Caballero in domestic cup caused Barca in three games so ties and the Argentine repaid him in memo- far this season. rable fashion. Overcome with emotion after The European champions Yaya Toure slotted home the winning penalty, edged a thrilling UEFA Super Cup Caballero started to cry before being lifted 5-4 after extra time in their first onto team-mate Wilfried Bony’s shoulders and game of the campaign before paraded in front of City’s jubilant fans. Sevilla inflicted Barca’s last “It’s amazing, to win this cup for me it’s ditching Caballero despite his troubled form. Mignolet, but he then missed his team’s first pen- is time to think about the next Premier League defeat in all competitions back in amazing,” Caballero told Sky Sports. “It was a “I’d rather lose the title than lose my word. alty in the shoot-out. game and then it is the Champions League,” October. hard week for me but we had a talk that we A lot of media were waiting to criticise me if “Caballero? Amazing today. He was so fast added Fernandinho, whose team are nine points “I think they are the oppo- could do it. It is fantastic for the blue people. Willy Caballero makes a mistake. I had a lot of and waited to the last second to go to the ball behind leaders Leicester and face Dynamo Kiev nents who play us best,” added “It’s important, emotional for me, my fam- trust in Caballero. I am very pleased for all the and he did it very well,” Fernandinho said. in Europe with a 3-1 lead from the last 16 first leg. Luis Enrique. ily, to be in this great team. It is a first trophy for players and staff but more for him because he City have now won the League Cup twice in City captain Vincent Kompany had lifted the The sides will meet for a final me and for my family in Argentina.” deserved it,” he said. the last three seasons and Fernandinho hopes trophy in his club’s previous League Cup final time in the Copa del Rey final Revealing he had studied Liverpool’s pen- City midfielder Fernandinho was especially it proves a springboard to mount a late bid to and the Belgian defender was delighted to get his on May 22 and Sevilla boss Unai alty takers on video, Caballero added: “I tried indebted to Caballero after it seemed the Brazil- claim the Premier League title, as it did in 2014 hands on the silverware again. He said; “There Emery admitted Sevilla need to be to see all the penalties last night, but my intui- ian would go from hero to villain. Fernandinho when they came from behind to overhaul Liv- was so much emotion in this final, we were hav- almost perfect to lift the Cup at the tion got me through.” had scored City’s 49th minute opener when his erpool after beating Sunderland at Wembley. ing so many chances and missing so many. We Vicente Calderon. Pellegrini said he never considering shot slipped under Liverpool goalkeeper Simon “I hope we can win more trophies. Now it left everything out on the pitch.” 32 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 SPORT

Ranieri rolls dice again as Leicester face West Brom

AFP

LEICESTER: Leicester City face the next test in their extraordinary Pre- mier League title challenge with manager Claudio Ranieri prepared to take more risks in search of victory over West Bromwich Albion. Ranieri’s boldness was rewarded on Saturday as his substitutions paid off with a late 1-0 win against Nor- Lekwiya’s head coach Djamel Belmadi Umm Salal’s coach Bulent Uygun wich City. And the Italian is ready to take the bull by the horns again on Tues- day as Leicester look to claim a second home win in four days and extend their fairytale season. Leicester answered another major question about their title cre- Lekhwiya looking dentials on Saturday when they demonstrated their patience and nerve to score in the 89th minute through Leonardo Ulloa after being frustrated by Norwich. Success came after Ranieri threw caution to the wind by sacrificing a for comeback win defender to deploy a 3-5-2 system Leicester City’s manager Claudio Ranieri late on. “I take a lot of risks,” said Rani- 4-4 draw with Al Gharafa. saw defender Ahmed Yasser sent eri, whose side go into the game two again after serving a one-match Brunt suffered a knee injury in their Head coach Bulent Uygun will off. The Red Knights will be eager points clear of second-place Totten- suspension. 3-2 home win against Crystal Palace. Packed calendar for be pleased with the fighting quali- to readdress the balance on Sunday ham Hotspur at the summit. The right-back could return at the The left-back, who is awaiting Belmadi’s side as ties of his side, who left it to the 82nd evening, whilst maintaining their top “One point is nothing -- we had expense of January signing Daniel news from a scan amid fears of cru- minute to seal a famous comeback. 4 place. If everything goes accord- to win. If you lose, it is just one point Amartey, who made his debut against ciate ligament damage, is expected to Umm Salal look for a More frustrating for the Turkish tacti- ing to plans, a tight tactical battle less. Norwich. be replaced by James Chester. repeat of November cian will be that his side let a two goal could be on the cards next Sunday Ranieri is likely to be forced into a “Kante felt something in his ham- Saido Berahino is set to start lead slip. The away side will be look- when Lekhwiya take on Umm Salal change to his starting line-up against string and we managed him during again after demonstrating his meeting ing for an improvement from stopper at Lekhwiya Stadium at 8.15pm. West Brom after N’Golo Kante, one the training sessions,” said Ranieri. return to form with a fine goal and Baba Malick, if they are looking for a Meanwhile, Al Gharafa has of the stars of Leicester’s season, The Italian added: “This win gives an impressive performance against repeat of their tight 1-0 victory over begun preparations in earnest ahead suffered a hamstring injury against us confidence going into a tough Palace just 24 hours after he apol- Lekhwiya back in November. Salal of next week’s round 21 clash against Norwich. derby. If you score at the end of the ogised for his threat to go on strike The Peninsula should also welcome back prolific Al Sadd. The match will be played on Andy King is the Frenchman’s match, that means the fitness and the last year. striker Yannick Sagbo who has been March 7 at Al Sadd stadium with the likely replacement after figuring as stamina is OK.” Captain Darren Fletcher said: missing through injury. kick off at 7.30pm. a substitute on Saturday, while right- West Brom will also be forced “He’s never been a problem in the However, winter signing Mounir Head coach Pedro Caixinia back Danny Simpson is available into at least one change after Chris dressing room, or anything like that. DOHA: Lekhwiya Sports Club will El Hamdaoui grabbed a hat-trick last refused his squad a day of rest, fol- be looking to dust themselves off fol- time out and could keep the big Ivo- lowing their unexpected 4-4 draw lowing a 5-0 loss against runaway rian out of the side. As for Lekhwiya with Umm Salal in round 20 of the leaders Al Rayyan and will be look- they have endured two defeats in a Qatar Stars League. The team under- Domingos back to strengthen Al Kharaitiyat ing to impress when they face Umm row in the AFC Champions League went light training drills under the Salal in the Qatar Stars League match and QSL. watchful eye of the Portuguese tac- of the week for round 21 next Sunday. Djamel Belmadi’s side has had tician. Most of the squad took part in Djamel Belmadi’s side has a a real trouble in front of goal in the training on Sunday evening except The Peninsula Al Arabi which will take place at Al dangerously hovering above the rel- packed calendar in March with AFC last few matches and they will be the injured defensive trio of Bilal Khor stadium on Saturday. The influ- egation zone. The team also began Champions League commitments counting on Youssef Msakni and Mohammed, Mahdi Ali and Ibrahim ential Brazilian defender was absent their preparations for the Al Arabi and the Algerian tactician will have Alain Dioko to be back to their goal Al-Ghanim. The trio underwent indi- from his side’s 2-0 defeat to Al Sailiya clash, under the watchful eye of head to make the most of his squad when scoring best. vidual training drills as they recover DOHA: Al Kharaitiyat SC have been in round 20 of the QSL, and returned coach Amar Osim. The Bosnian tac- they take on a solid Umm Salal outfit. Lekhwiya had never lost to Umm from long-term injuries. handed a boost after the return of to training on Sunday evening. tician oversaw a full squad train for On the other hand, Umm Salal Salal in the league prior to Novem- Gharafa are currently in eighth defender Domingos was confirmed The Thunders are currently in the match against Al Arabi which will will have to recover from their titanic ber’s bad tempered affair, which place in the QSL standings. ahead of their round 21 clash against 12th position in the QSL league table, kick-off at 6.00pm. Wenger challenges Arsenal to rebound from United setback

AFP bidding to stay within two points “We have lost three points,” Rashford, the timing and intelli- minutes, for Louis van Gaal’s of surprise leaders Leicester City said Wenger. “You have to show gence of his movement was great. side following his two-goal dis- ahead of a home fixture against you are up for the fight and give He could be a very positive sur- play in the midweek Europa Swansea on Wednesday and a absolutely everything in our next prise for Man United. League victory over Denmark’s MANCHESTER: Arsene Wenger crucial visit to Tottenham loom- game. Things can change quickly, “We struggled to be danger- FC Midtjylland. challenged Arsenal to respond in ing on Saturday. but only if you keep going, keep ous because they defended very Former United forward Danny this week’s crucial fixtures after But the loss at Old Traf- believing. well and I will analyse the game Welbeck, starting a league game watching his team waste a glori- ford, against an under-strength “We are in a fight where we again to see why. But of course for the first time in 11 months, ous opportunity to close the gap United side that enjoyed another can show we have great charac- there is time to pull the points pulled a goal back before the at the top of the Premier League stunning two-goal display from ter, great mentality and respond back. It is still possible but the interval but Ander Herrera’s 64th- Arsenal’s French in Sunday’s 3-2 loss at Manches- teenage forward Marcus Rash- on Wednesday (against Swansea). answer will have to come quick minute shot was deflected in by manager Arsene ter United. ford, has left serious question That’s what we have to do. and strong.” Laurent Koscielny and Mesut Ozil’s Wenger Arsenal, seeking their first marks over Arsenal’s ability to “The player who was sur- Rashford scored twice, within goal, five minutes later, was not league title in 12 years, were capture the title. prising for me talent-wise was the space of three first-half enough to rescue a point. MotoGP riders prepare for final pre-season test in Qatar

The Peninsula Team Suzuki Ecstar will continue felt they found the direction they to work on bike setting and getting needed to follow in Phillip Island the most out of their new engine in and both their M1s at Qatar will be Qatar. Both factory Suzuki riders the same spec and the frames both DOHA: Qatar will reverberate to the should also have a chance to test the Lorenzo and Rossi will start 2016 on. roaring sounds of fine-tuned engines fully seamless gearbox, if engineers The Qatar test will be the first once again when the MotoGP World in Japan are happy with reliability time that both Andrea Iannone and Championship returns to Qatar for after an initial shakedown in Phil- Andrea Dovizioso will have two 2016 one last test after three days in lip Island by the Japanese test team. Ducati Desmosedici GP bikes in their Sepang Circuit in Malaysia and Phil- With three riders inside the top garage. In turn, the Octo Pramac lip Island, Southern Australia. ten at Phillip Island, Honda appear Yakhnich squad will have two GP15 MotoGP World Championship to have eased many of their engine machines each for Scott Redding will descend on the Losail Interna- issues. The Qatar test will see the and Danilo Petrucci. With Petrucci tional Circuit in Qatar for their final Repsol Honda Team run the same having broken his second, third and Team Yamaha’s Spanish rider Jorge Lorenzo (left) and three days of testing from tomorrow engine as in Phillip Island as they fourth metacarpal in Phillip Island, Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez in action in this file photo. until Friday, before the 2016 season feel it has made significant progress the Italian remains in doubt for the gets underway at the same venue on and will likely be the one they begin test after undergoing successful March 20. The Sepang and Phillip 2016 with. Electronics remain a key surgery. Yamaha and Aprilia held a pri- The Qatar test will see all rid- and software is not adaptive and will Island tests have already thrown up area for all Honda riders to work on Ducati are pleased with the vate test at the Losail International ers with an equal allocation of these require much more work from the a number of surprises and the third while both Dani Pedrosa and Marc tyres, engine and the setting of Circuit from February 21 to 23 finalised tyres with the correct com- riders, especially towards the end of and final leg in Qatar looks to be no Marquez continue to develop their their electronics and will focus on while Yamaha had their test team pound applied for the Losail track. a race. Both Lorenzo and Rossi felt different. respective frames. fully understanding the chassis on there, both Stefan Bradl and Alvaro Aside from tyres, electronics will that MotoGP races will not only be Maverick Vinales was the stand Much of the discussion around the 2016 bikes. Alongside frame Bautista had their first run on the of course be a focus for all teams. much closer with the new rules, but out performance of the Phillip Island Yamaha in Sepang and Phillip Island assessment, the Bologna factory will all-new 2016 Aprilia RS-GP. Magneti Marelli remain eager for also more physical and require more test. The talented youngster leading has involved which version of the also continue working on their fully In Sepang, Michelin chose the teams to do a full race run as no finesse from a rider’s wrist. the second test on combined times M1 frame they will run in 2016. Both seamless gearbox, now with a seam- profile, or shape, of the tyres for 2016 rider is yet to complete one with- Testing begins at 4.00pm tomor- and continuing his meteoric rise. Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi less shift from fifth to sixth. and verified this finding in Australia. out interruption. The new spec ECU row at Losail. SPORT TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 33

Rugby: Fiery Australia’s Scott ends drought Argentina rout Canada to seize lead at with close victory in Florida Americas

AFP CLASSIC SCORES The 35-year-old seals Adam Scott of Australia poses with the trophy after his one shot -9 Adam Scott (Australia) 70 65 66 70 WASHINGTON: Juan Pablo first title in two years victory over Sergio Garcia following -8 Sergio Garcia (Spain) 65 69 67 71 Estelles and Juan Manuel Legui- with a closing 70 as the final round of the Honda Classic -5 Blayne Barber (US) 70 66 69 70; zamon each scored two tries to at PGA National Resort and Spa- Justin Thomas (US) 69 69 68 69 power undefeated host Argen- Spain’s Garcia shoots tina over Canada 54-21 on Sunday Champion Course on Sunday in -4 Graeme McDowell (Britain) 71 69 71 to finish second Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. and into the lead of the Americas 67 69 Rugby Championship. -3 Vijay Singh (Fiji) 69 70 68 70; Rickie The South American side Fowler (US) 66 66 74 71 improved to 3-0 with one draw -2 William McGirt (US) 66 72 73 67; and leapfrogged the United States Reuters Billy Horschel (US) 73 70 66 69 to claim the lead of the six-nation -1 Kang Sung-Hoon (Korea) 71 69 71 tournament with one weekend of 68; Scott Brown (US) 70 67 70 72; matches remaining. Luke List (US) 73 65 70 71; John Only an Argentina loss next MIAMI: Adam Scott maintained ice- Senden (Australia) 71 66 71 71 Saturday at Brazil and a US victory cool composure over the tough closing the same day at Uruguay could 0 Sam Saunders (US) 69 74 67 70; stretch at the Honda Classic to end a cost the South American side the John Huh (US) 71 72 71 66; Brendan title drought of nearly two years on Steele (US) 74 68 70 68; Andrew overall crown in the round-robin Sunday, clinching his 12th PGA Tour Loupe (US) 71 68 74 67; Bronson tournament. victory by one shot at Palm Beach Burgoon (US) 72 71 67 70; Sean Early tries from Santiago Igle- Gardens in Florida. O’Hair (US) 69 72 69 70; Camilo sias, off a maul from a lineout, and The Australian world number 13 Villegas (Colombia) 72 69 69 70 Estelles put Argentina ahead 12-0. out duelled his Spanish playing com- Dan Moor answered with a try 1 Brett Stegmaier (US) 72 67 74 68; petitor Sergio Garcia as he carded a for Canada but Pedro Mercerat’s Jeff Overton (US) 72 69 72 68; level-par 70 in the final round in blus- penalty kick and Leguizamon’s Greg Owen (Britain) 69 71 69 72; tery conditions on the challenging Chesson Hadley (US) 70 71 70 70; first try staked Argentina to a 20-7 PGA National layout. Alex Cejka (Germany) 71 70 69 71 edge. Tied for the lead with Garcia Andrew Ferguson converted with eight holes to play, Scott played 2 Stewart Cink (US) 73 68 72 69; Ryan his own tries in the 33rd and 38th steadier golf down the stretch to post Palmer (US) 73 68 73 68; Andy Sul- minutes to give the Canadians a nine-under total of 271 as the Span- livan (Britain) 71 71 70 70; Jamie their only lead at 21-20. Donaldson (Britain) 72 67 71 72; iard’s game unravelled. close all the time,” said the Australian, he deserved it. “I am proud of the way But Franco Cuaranta put Derek Fathauer (US) 70 72 70 70; “I got off to a good start, made one who made his third and final birdie GOLF: SCOTT OVERCOMES I hung in there. I don’t feel like my Argentina ahead 27-21 with a try GARCIA AT CLASSIC Patton Kizzire (US) 75 64 75 68; (for birdie) on the first and that defi- of the day at the 12th after hitting a swing is anywhere near where I want Colt Knost (US) 75 67 73 67; Russell at the half-time break and Argen- nitely relaxed me,” Scott, 35, told NBC superb 150-yard approach from a it to be but I scored nicely, I putted tina dominated the second half. Sports Knox (Britain) 70 70 71 71; Rob- after winning his first tourna- fairway bunker to just two feet. well, I chipped quite well. I felt like I ert Streb (US) 73 68 74 67; Brooks Mercerat added a penalty ment since the PGA Tour’s Crowne “But it was nice to hit some qual- stayed quite calm. Koepka (US) 70 71 69 72; Fredrik before the Argentine side was Plaza Invitational at Colonial in May ity shots coming in.” 16th and 17th holes, before rebound- “I gave it my all but unfortunately Jacobson (Sweden) 72 71 70 69 awarded a penalty try for mul- of 2014. Scott’s 12th PGA Tour victory put ing with a birdie at the last for a 71. a couple of bad shots on a couple of tiple Canadian violations, one 3 Daniel Summerhays (US) 71 70 70 “I hit a lot of good putts. Some him one ahead of Rory McIlroy at the “It was tough,” said the Spaniard, difficult holes (16 and 17) and I just that sent Canada captain Hubert 72; Smylie Kaufman (US) 70 72 69 didn’t go in, fortunately it was enough top of the list of most wins recorded who had been tied for the lead with wasn’t good enough.” Blayne Barber, Buydens to the sin bin with his 72; Stuart Appleby (Australia) 70 in the end. Things got tough out there by current tour players aged under 40. Scott after the third round but failed a rookie on the PGA Tour last sea- 72 73 6; hil Mickelson (US) 69 74 team down 37-21. Lucas Gonzalez at times but that’s expected too. It’s cia, 36, who had been bidding for to make early inroads on Sunday as son, closed with a 70 to tie for third 70 70; Tom Hoge (US) 70 73 68 72; added a try with the extra man and such a tough track and the wind was a ninth PGA Tour title, had to settle he parred the first 10 holes. at five under with fellow American Ken Duke (US) 75 65 73 70 Leguizamon and Estelles scored slightly different. “It’s hard to get it for second place after bogeying the “A really difficult golf course but Justin Thomas (69). their second tries to complete the thrashing.

Thiem moves GOLF RANKINGS Woods looks very healthy: Nicklaus 1. Jordan Spieth (USA) 11.48pts up in world 2. Jason Day (AUS) 9.69 3. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 9.49 rankings Reuters he was able to stand over a putt and 4. Bubba Watson (USA) 8.17 chip now without having any leg pain 5. Rickie Fowler (USA) 8.08 AFP and so forth. We didn’t really talk a whole lot about it.” 6. Henrik Stenson (SWE) 7.25 MIAMI: Tiger Woods seemed “very Despite the upbeat comments, 7. Justin Rose (ENG) 6.24 P A R I S : Dominic Thiem is up to healthy” when he attended a dinner Nicklaus said a return to competition 14th in the ATP world rankings fol- party at the home of Jack Nicklaus, was not imminent for Woods, who 8. Dustin Johnson (USA) 5.91 lowing his second tournament win the 18-times major champion said underwent back surgery in Septem- 9. Adam Scott (AUS) 5.77 (+4) inside a month in Acapulco. on Sunday. ber and had a follow-up procedure 10. Patrick Reed (USA) 4.94 (-1) The 22-year-old Austrian, who Nicklaus and wife Barbara hosted the following month. has been tipped for stardom for the gathering for United States Ryder There was a media report recently 11. Branden Grace (RSA) 4.68 (-1) some time, won the tournament in Cup hopefuls at their Florida home on that Woods had suffered a setback 12. Sergio Garcia (ESP) 4.57 (+7) Buenos Aires in mid-February and Thursday, while the players were in from his most recent surgeries, and on Sunday he defeated Australian town for the PGA Tour Honda Classic. could not move well. 13. Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 4.55 (-2) hope Bernard Tomic in three sets. Woods, who has not played com- Woods responded by send- 14. Jim Furyk (USA) 4.49 (-2) Tomic moves up one place to 20th. petitively since August, was there in ing out a video that showed him 15. Danny Willett (ENG) 4.34 (-1) The top 10 is unchanged with his capacity as a Ryder Cup assist- smoothly swinging a nine-iron in a Stan Wawrinka consolidating his ant captain. golf simulator. 16. Brandt Snedeker (USA) 4.16 (-1) fourth ranking by winning the “He looked very good,” the “He doesn’t have a timetable for 17. Zach Johnson (USA) 4.01 (-1) tournament in Dubai. 76-year-old Nicklaus told reporters returning or anything,” said the sea- 18. Brooks Koepka (USA) 3.99 (-1) Top-ranked Novak Djokovic on Sunday. soned golfer. was forced to withdraw from that “He looked very healthy and he Woods, 40, has won 14 major 19. Louis Osthuizen (RSA) 3.92 (+2) Tiger Woods of the US catches a ball during a practice round on the tournament with an eye infection, really misses playing. So that’s good. championships, second only to 20. Kevin Kisner (USA) 3.89 (-2) while Roger Federer is sidelined “He says he was feeling great, and Nicklaus. Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland, in this August 2015 file photo. after a knee operation. TENNIS RANKINGS 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 16,580 2. Andy Murray (GBR) 8,765 No easy fix to help boost Davis Cup : Courier 3. Roger Federer (SUI) 8,295 4. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 6,325 Reuters the Davis Cup in this country and it’s not an easy 5. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 4,810 discussion as to how to fix it. 6. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,030 “But I just hate to see it lose ground, to see players -- they’re not abandoning it but they’re 7. Tomas Berdych (CZE) 3,900 MELBOURNE: The Davis Cup has not been car- certainly plenty of players who choose not to 8. David Ferrer (ESP) 3,505 rying its weight for the time it occupies in the play and you’d love to see them all put their tennis calendar and there are no easy solutions hands up when it’s time.” 9. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 2,950 to rejuvenating the team tournament, according The International Tennis Federation, which 10. Richard Gasquet (FRA) 2,715 to United States captain Jim Courier. runs the Davis Cup, has flagged changes to the The US play Australia in a World Group tournament which leading players have long 11. John Isner (USA) 2,585 opener in Melbourne this week and although big criticised for its rigid format and scheduling in 12. Marin Cilic (CRO) 2,555 crowds are expected at the Kooyong Lawn Ten- the crowded tennis calendar. nis Club, Courier said the 116-year competition New ITF president David Haggerty hopes to 13. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2,450 was struggling to resonate to a global audience. push a ‘final four’ format which would see the 14. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 2,430 (+1) “I would say if the Davis Cup was a publicly semi-finals and final grouped together in a one- traded company and the Grand Slams were pub- week event played at a neutral venue. 15. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 2,065 (-1) licly traded companies, the Davis Cup would Courier, who won the Davis Cup as a player 16. David Goffin (BEL) 1,970 have been gobbled up by somebody already,” in 1992 and 1995, said he was “bullish” about four-times Grand Slam champion Courier told the tournament’s future under the ITF’s new 17. Gaël Monfils (FRA) 1,950 reporters at Kooyong yesterday. “It hasn’t car- management. 18. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 1,935 ried its weight for the amount of weeks that it “I think there’s a look forward to a modern- has in the season. And that hurts me because ised Davis Cup to make it sing in the way that 19. Gilles Simon (FRA) 1,895 I’m passionate about it. I wouldn’t be here if I the Australian Open and the majors are singing Britain’s Andy Murray celebrates with team-mates after beating Belgium’s David Goffin 20. Bernard Tomic (AUS) 1,885 (+1) didn’t care about it.” globally these days. The Davis Cup just doesn’t to win the Davis Cup final at Flanders Expo in Ghent in this November 2015 file photo. “I think there’s obviously passion here for resonate unfortunately that way.” 34 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 SPORT

SCOREBOARD UAE PAKISTAN Rohan Mustafa c Afridi b Sami 1 Mohd Hafeez c Fahad b Amjad 11 Malik and Akmal rescue Muhammad Kaleem b Amir 1 S Khan lbw Amjad 4 Mohammad Shahzad c Sarfraz b Irfan 5 K Manzoor c Patil b Amjad 0 Shaiman Anwar c Sarfraz b Irfan 46 Umar Akmal (not out) 50 Usman Mushtaq c Nawaz b Afridi 9 Shoaib Malik (not out) 63

Mohd Usman b Amir 21 Extras (W-3) 3 Amjad Javed (not out) 27 Total (for 3 wkts in 18.4 overs) 131 Pakistan against UAE Mohd Naveed (not out) 10 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-11, 3-17. Extras (LB-2, W-7) 9 Did not bat: Sarfraz Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, Total (for 6 wkts in 20 overs ) 129 Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Sami, Mo- Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-5, 3-12, 4-41, 5-72, hammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan. The middle-order 6-118. Bowling: Naveed 3.4-0-28-0 (w1); Amjad Bowling: Amir 4-1-6-2; Sami 4-0-28-1 (w2); 4-0-36-3(w2) Shahzad 4-0-19-0; Raza 3-0- batsmen score Irfan 4-0-30-2 (w1); Afridi 4-0-24-1 (w3); Na- 20-0; Rohan 3-0-20-0; Fahad 1-0-8-0 fighting half centuries waz 3-0-26-0 (w1); Malik 1-0-13-0. Result: Pakistan won by seven wickets. against the minnows to keep team’s hopes alive at the In-form India face depleted Asia Cup Twenty20 tournament Sri Lanka in Asia Cup clash

Agencies IANS Tuesday, Lanka have to step up and give their best to stay alive for the final berth. On the other hand, despite a DHAKA: Shoaib Malik and Umar MIRPUR: Buoyed by two back-to- couple of injury concerns, the 2007 Akmal stood firm to rescue strug- back wins in the Asia Cup, India will World Twenty20 champions look gling Pakistan from a shock defeat aim to extend their winning streak favourites on paper to win the tie. at the hands of minnows UAE, secur- when they take on a depleted Sri Shikhar Dhawan missed the match ing a seven-wicket victory to keep Lanka in their third Twenty20 against Pakistan as he was unfit with team’s hopes alive at the Asia Cup International at the Sher-e-Bangla a niggle in his left ankle. Twenty20. National Cricket Stadium here today. Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Pakistan who were bundled out India defeated hosts Bangla- who is being bothered by back for 83 in their first match against desh by 45 runs in the opener and spasms these days, has missed India, were reeling at 17-3 after the followed up with a thumping five- most of the training sessions but UAE posted 129-6, in what was the wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan is expected to be playing against 100th Twenty20 game for Shahid on Saturday. Lanka. Afridi’s men in Dhaka yesterday. Form is on India’s side as they Besides Dhawan and Dhoni, Pakistan’s players celebrate the dismissal of India’s Virat Kohli during their Asia Cup T20 match in Dhaka Pakistan became the first team to have recently outclassed the island opener Rohit Sharma was hit on play 100 matches in the format. on Saturday. Pakistan defeated the UAE by seven wickets to stay alive in the tournament. nation 2-1 in the T20I series at home. his left toe by a speedy yorker from The UAE captain Amjad Javed To add to it, Sri Lanka will come into pacer Mohammed Amir during the gave Pakistan scare by removing the match after a humiliating 23-run match against Pakistan on Saturday. the trio of Sharjeel Khan (4), Khur- Shaiman Anwar (46) played a “We are expecting that he will defeat at the hands of Bangladesh He was sent for an X-ray but thank- ram Manzoor (0) and Mohammad gutsy knock of 46 off 42 balls to help INDIA AND SRI LANKA make a quick recovery and resume on Sunday. fully there was no fracture found. Hafeez (11) before Malik and Akmal the UAE reach past 120. Mohammad SQUARE-OFF TODAY bowling soon.” The defending World Twenty20 It can be rightly said that India hit brave half centuries under pres- Usaman (21) and Javed (27) were the Mustafizur played a key role in champions, despite having experi- will once again rely on an in-form sure as Pakistan avoided further loss other notable scorers. Bangladesh’s 23-run win over Sri enced Tillakaratne Dilshan, Dinesh Virat Kohli to do the job for the side of wickets to achieve the target with Mohammad Amir and Moham- with injury. Team physio Bayjedul Lanka with four tight overs for just Chandimal and Lasith Malinga, have alongside the experienced Suresh 8 balls to spare. mad Irfan claimed two wickets each Islam said Mustafizur complained 19 runs. He also took the vital wicket failed to make an impact in the Asia Raina and Yuvraj Singh in the Malik scored 63 from 49 balls for Pakistan. of discomfort after Sunday’s match of all-rounder Thisara Perera. Cup, especially leading up to the middle-order. while Akmal chipped in with 50 off India will take on Sri Lanka in against Sri Lanka and an MRI scan Tamim, who is a regular mem- world event coming up next month In the bowling department, 46 deliveries in their unbeaten part- today’s match. and a report from the radiologist ber of the side, was allowed to skip in India. Dhoni will hope his young gun Jas- nership of 114 runs. Meanwhile, Bangladesh called up confirmed a strain on a right rib. the Asia Cup to be with his wife, who Skipper Malinga, whose knee prit Bumrah along with experienced Earlier, the UAE, bucking the opening batsman Tamim Iqbal for “He is under conservative treat- gave birth to a baby boy in Bangkok problem has again popped up, has Ashish Nehra and spinners Rav- trend of fielding first, were put under the remaining part of the Asia Cup ment and rest for next 48 hours. on Sunday. put his participation in the tour- ichandran Ashwin and Ravindra pressure early by the Pakistan pacers as a replacement for pacer Mustafi- Following that the rehab will begin,” Tamim returned home on Mon- nament in doubt. Nevertheless, on Jadeja will continue their good form. who took wickets at regular wickets. zur Rahman, who was ruled out Islam said in statement yesterday. day and joined the training camp.

India’s Ashwin content with bowling unit Indian cricketer Virat Kohli applies sunblock during a training session at IANS recently, the 2007 World T20 champions have got “I think it’s very good if you can punch as a the Sher-e-Bangla their Asia Cup campaign on a good start, defeating group and especially Ashish -- we all know that he National Cricket hosts Bangladesh by 45 runs in the opener and fol- is a very experienced candidate. He has come in on Stadium in Dhaka lowing it up with a thumping five-wicket win over the back of a very good India Premier League (IPL) yesterday. MIRPUR: India’s star off-spinner Ravichandran arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday. last year, so we know exactly what his strengths Ashwin yesterday lauded the team’s bowling unit, This is the first time the iconic tournament is are. He can swing the ball up front and has good specially the pace duo of Ashish Nehra and Jasprit being played in the Twenty20 format. All the earlier abilities to bowl at the death.” Bumrah for putting in their best efforts at the start events were One-Day International (ODI) editions. “Bumrah has got a unique action and he has and at the end of a bowling innings in recent times. “Our death bowling could definitely be much done very well in the IPL for the last couple of years. The 36-year old Nehra, and 22-year-old Bum- better than what it was in the past so that gives a He can bowl those lethal yorkers again, which we rah have swung the ball in the powerplays and lot of confidence and we can go about our middle might have been missing in the past few years so then peppered the batsmen later in the innings overs with a lot more attacking instinct, to try and that’s definitely given us an extra sting,” Ashwin with yorkers. pick up wickets to seal things off. ,” Ashwin said added. After two back-to-back Twenty20 International at the pre-match press conference ahead of their The Asia Cup will be followed by World T20 series victories against Australia and Sri Lanka clash against Sri Lanka. in India. Keflezighi sets sights for Rio marathon at age 41

Reuters The Eritrean-born American endorses. Keflezighi’s humility per- distance runner is an Olympic silver haps comes from being one of 10 medallist (2004) and winner of the children. He moved to the US when New York City Marathon (2009) and he was just 12 and says he rose before LONDON: Meb Keflezighi has run Boston Marathon (2014). dawn each morning to learn English past his humble beginnings, his mar- The Boston triumph, Keflezighi before his school day started. athon opponents and his advanced says, was the crowning achievement So when Keflezighi suffered a age as he reaches distances only he of his career. He was the first Ameri- hip fracture at the 2008 Olympic can see. can in 31 years to pull off the feat and marathon trial, which he finished in When the Rio Olympics are held it came one year after the infamous excruciating pain in eighth place, and in August, Keflezighi, who turns 41 in Boston bombings. considered looking for a real job as he May, will be the oldest United States Keflezighi is a mix of gentle spirit waited for the injury to heal, it was Olympic marathon runner in his- and take-no-prisoners competitor. merely a speed bump to negotiate. tory. It could be the latest chapter in He reflected both sides in finishing So too was being without an a career that is finally nearing the fin- second at the US Olympic marathon endorsement deal for most of the ish line. trial earlier this month in Los Ange- year 2011. Keflezighi says the 2013 US Half les, where he earned his way back for Three more marathons would give Marathon Championship was sup- a fourth Olympic appearance. Keflezighi 26 in total, the approximate posed to be his swan song. During the race, Keflezighi number of miles in a marathon and “The marathon is a prestigious exchanged tense words with eventual the figure Keflezighi says he has cho- Meb Keflezighi (left) of the event, but a brutal one,” he said in a winner Galen Rupp, accusing Rupp of sen to end his competitive career on. United States and Rita Jeptoo recent interview. running on his heels. At the post-race “Twenty-six is the perfect number “As you get older the physical part press conference, however, Keflezighi to stop at,” said Keflezighi, who wants of Kenya after winning the (is the hardest). My parents always was moved to tears by complimentary to give his three young daughters a 118th Boston Marathon in look forward to me being able to words from peers that included Rupp. chance to see him in more races. Boston, Massachusetts, in this retire.” “Once I don’t have racing shoes He knows “the end is close” but April 2014 file photo. Yet Keflezighi keeps pushing for- on I have nothing to be competitive for him it always seems just around ward, adding to a legacy that sets him about,” Keflezighi said while promot- the corner, without it ever actually apart. ing Krave, a healthy jerky product he arriving. SPORT TUESDAY 1 March 2016 35 Cavaliers fall to Wizards, Heat burn Knicks

minutes in a Friday win over Toronto, NBA Results he wanted to give him a break after Washington 113 Cleveland 99 Washington guard playing 56 of the team’s prior 57 con- Atlanta 87 Charlotte 76 Wall scores 21 points tests this season. “We have three and has 13 assists in games in four nights,” Lue said. “I just Detroit 114 Toronto 101 felt today was a good game to give him Portland 111 Indiana 102 win over Cleveland some rest.” Orlando 130 Philadelphia 116 James leads the Cavaliers with Dallas 128 Minnesota 101 24.7 points and 35 minutes a game. Miami 98 NY Knicks 81 The Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers fell to 41-17 while the Wiz- Agencies ards improved to 28-30. season without James and 3-12 when The Wizards led after each quar- he sits since the four-time NBA Most ter and by as many as 30 points in the Valuable Player returned to Cleve- WASHINGTON: With LeBron James second half on the way to inflicting land before the 2014-15 season. Lue grabbing a rare night off to rest, the Cleveland’s third loss in four games. benched his starters in the third quar- Cleveland Cavaliers proved no match Kyrie Irving led the Cavaliers with ter, including guard J.R. Smith. for the Washington Wizards, losing 28 points. Kevin Love added 12 points, “We can’t play basketball like this 113-99 in an NBA matchup on Sunday. but didn’t score in the second half. going down the stretch,” said Smith. Washington guard John Wall had “Our top leader [wasn’t] playing “After losing a game to the number 21 points and 13 assists while Otto tonight. It’s another opportunity for two team in the East and then you Porter added 21 points and Bradley guys to step in and relish that oppor- come out and get trashed, make it Beal had 17 for the hosts. tunity,” Irving said. “But our intensity look good at the end. We can’t do that. Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said level just wasn’t there.” that after James scored 25 points in 40 The Cavaliers fell to 0-2 this “If we’re serious about who we’re supposed to be, we can’t do this.” Centre Al Horford had his 200th career double-double and the Atlanta Detroit Pistons’ guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) pulls up for a shot against Toronto Raptors’ forward Hawks took advantage of the Char- Terrence Ross (31) during the fourth quarter of their NBA game at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Sunday. lotte Hornet’s early shooting troubles Pistons won 114-101. for an 87-76 win. Horford tallied 16 rebounds to go with 13 points and the Hawks won the team to feast on the Pacers’ inability scored 12 points with three assists who are fourth-best in the Eastern season series against Charlotte. to defend against the three pointer. and three rebounds while providing Conference. Wade’s lobbying helped Charlotte couldn’t recover after Guard Lillard tallied five strong defense in 30 minutes on the the Heat add an all-around force to shooting just nine percent in the first three-pointers, and Portland used floor in Miami’s 98-81 win over the pick up the slack for the sidelined quarter and 22 percent heading into three-point shooting as the catalyst home team. Chris Bosh. halftime. to win the 13th of their last 15 contests. “I have never joined a team mid- “We felt like he can be a big part “They missed some looks, but The Blazers made 14-of-24 shots season. This is kind of new,” said of it. He understood that. He is a smart I thought our energy was great to from three-point range to sweep 34-year-old Johnson, who became basketball player. He knew he could fit start the game,” said Horford, who the two-game series with Indiana, friends with Heat stalwart Dwyane in,” Wade told reporters after the win. also had six assists. “Our guys were which has lost three of its last four Wade when they played together on Johnson and Wade became the flying around and contesting.” home games. the 2006 U. team at the world basket- only active NBA players on the same Down by 24 points in the second In the two wins against Indiana, ball championship in Japan. roster to each score at least 18,500 quarter, the Hornets closed the defi- Portland made 32 three-pointers. “I am up for it. It is a challenge. points. cit to two points five minutes into the Meanwhile, veteran Joe Johnson Every game out is going to be play- “You get a guy at the caliber of fourth quarter with 11 straight points, signed with the Miami Heat on Satur- off like.” his level you usually get that in the but the Hawks then went on a 13-2 day and on Sunday the versatile swing Johnson was cut loose by the off-season,” said Wade. “The playoff streak to take command. man was thrown right into the fire, rebuilding Brooklyn Nets (17-42). He run is going to be big for us. He fits New York Knicks’ small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball Damian Lillard scored 33 points delivering in a victory over the New became a free agent at 5 PM ET on in with this team because ... he has against Miami Heat’s small forward Joe Johnson (2) during the third as the Portland Trail Blazers beat York Knicks at Madison Square Gar- Saturday and said that by 5:01 he had an overall game. He is also a good quarter of their NBA match at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. Indiana 111-102, becoming the latest den. Seven-time All-Star Johnson decided to sign with Miami (33-26), defender.” Blackhawks edge Capitals as Blues Free agent Uribe signs rally to trounce Hurricanes 5-2 one-year contract Agencies San Diego. New manager Dave Rob- erts announced the obvious choice Sunday morning before a spring Agencies NEW YORK: The Cleveland Indians training workout at Camelback officially signed free agent infielder Ranch in Glendale, Ariz. Juan Uribe to a one-year contract on “That was a tough one,” Roberts CHICAGO: For all the star power Sunday. said with a straight face. “That was with the Washington Capitals and Uribe made it to spring training one of the harder managerial deci- Chicago Blackhawks, it was a pretty camp in Goodyear, Ariz and passed sions I’ve had to make. After a lot of connection between fourth-line his physical, more than week after review and thoughts, we came to forwards that proved to be the differ- the agreement was reached. Uribe’s that conclusion.” ence. Richard Panik kicked the puck arrival was delayed because of visa The left-handed Kershaw, who from behind the net to a streaking problems in the Dominican Republic. is 3-0 in his previous five season- Dennis Rasmussen for the rookie’s Uribe’s deal is worth a reported opening starts, also will start the fourth goal at 12:47 of the third, and $4.5m for the 2016 season. He can Cactus League opener on Thursday the new-look Blackhawks topped the earn another $1.5m in performance against the Chicago White Sox. NHL-leading Capitals 3-2 on Sunday. bonuses. Kershaw will be the first Dodg- “I thought it was a beautiful pass,” Uribe, who turns 37 in March, ers pitcher to make six consecutive Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said owns a career major league batting Opening Day starts since Don Sut- with a grin, “one of best passes I’ve average of .256 with 192 home runs ton made seven - the team record. seen all year.” and 791 RBIs across 1,753 games and Don Drysdale made seven Opening Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane 15 seasons since debuting with the Day starts and Fernando Valenzuela also scored as the Blackhawks (39- Colorado Rockies in 2001. had six but those were not in consec- 20-5) won for only the third time in Uribe split last season between utive seasons. their last eight games. Corey Crawford the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Kershaw, who turns 28 next made 28 saves, helping Chicago leap- Braves and New York Mets. He fin- month, went 16-7 with a 2.13 ERA frog idle Dallas for the top spot in the ished the season on the World Series and a league-leading 301 strikeouts Western Conference with 83 points. roster of the Mets, collecting an RBI in 232 2/3 innings last season. The Blackhawks were coming off pinch-hit in Game 3. Elsewhere, the Texas Rangers disappointing losses to Minnesota and Overall, Uribe batted .253 with agreed on a one-year, $8m contract Nashville, but the defending Stanley 14 homers and 43 RBIs in 119 games with former Washington Nationals Cup champions got a boost from two in 2015. shortstop Ian Desmond pending Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10) and Los Angeles Kings right wing Dustin Brown (23) during a of their newest players acquired in a Meanwhile, three-time National a physical, according to multiple NHL game at Honda Center on Sunday. The Ducks defeated the Kings 4-2. flurry of moves last week. Andrew League Cy Young Award winner reports Sunday. Ladd got an assist in his return to Clayton Kershaw will make his sixth Desmond, 30, decided to test free Chicago after he was reacquired in Kuznetsov scored for Washington Niklas Hjalmarsson’s unsportsman- first goal since Dec. 19, stopping a straight Opening Day start for the agency after the Nationals extended a trade with Winnipeg on Thursday (45-12-4), which had won five of six. like conduct penalty and held on for 29-game drought, made it 3-1. Panik Los Angeles Dodgers on April 4 in a $15.8m qualifying offer to him. night, and Tomas Fleischmann had Braden Holtby made 20 saves while the victory. used his right foot to slide it to Ras- a solid debut after he came over in a dropping to 39-7-3 on the year. “That was a heck of a hockey mussen in front. trade with Montreal on Friday. “You can definitely see why game today, I thought,” Washington “It was a really nice pass,” Ras- “It was nice to be around familiar their top players are their top play- defenseman Matt Niskanen said. mussen said. faces from the guys who were around ers,” Capitals coach Barry Trotz said. “There was a lot of high pace, “I actually saw him have the when I was here before,” Ladd said. “I thought today had a little bit of a good scoring chances, good goal- puck under his skate and kinda real- “There are a lot of things different playoff feel. It’s just another good tending, a lot of good stuff out there. ized he’s gonna make that play. I’ve — they’ve changed this whole room experience for us.” Unfortunately we were on the short seen it done in practice. I was ready around — and a lot of new faces, but The nationally televised second end of it, but it was a good game, good for it.” just fun to be back.” meeting of the season between two team.” The Capitals felt there might Marcus Johansson and Evgeny of the NHL’s top teams — Washing- The score was tied at 1 in the sec- have been a missed icing call on the ton beat Chicago 4-1 way back on Oct. ond period before Teuvo Teravainen sequence that led to Rasmussen’s NHL Results 15 — was a highly entertaining affair set up Toews’ 22nd goal with a slick goal. “Chicago’s a good measuring played at a breakneck pace for much pass over the middle to the captain. stick but we were down on what we Edmonton 3 NY Islanders 1 of the day in front of a season-high Ladd helped get the puck to an thought were icing calls,” Trotz said. Boston 1 Tampa Bay 4 crowd of 22,218 at the United Center. open Teravainen off a scramble in “It was a tough night for the linesmen Anaheim 4 Los Angeles 2 With the Capitals enjoying a front. Ladd previously played for Chi- tonight, I’ll tell you.” Vancouver 1 San Jose 4 6-on-3 power play, Kuznetsov stuffed cago for two-plus seasons, helping Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues Los Angleles Dodgers’ third baseman Juan Uribe hits two run single home his 19th goal from a tough the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup found offense from a variety of sources Carolina 2 St Louis 5 against the St Louis Cardinals during the third inning in game one of Minnesota 3 Florida 1 angle with 3:21 left, trimming Chica- in 2010. He got a loud ovation when as they came back from a first-period go’s lead to one. But the Blackhawks he was introduced with the starting deficit to defeat the Carolina Hurri- the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium in this Chicago 3 Washington 2 killed off the rest of defenseman lineup before the game. Rasmussen’s canes 5-2 on Sunday. file picture of 2013. 36 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2016 Losail Circuit Sports Club to plan new activities

LCSC Vice Chairman Khalid Al Remaihi says community engagement will be at the heart of plans to start new events Al Rayyan coach Koufos Stergios (left) and Al Sadd coach Zoran Kreckovic during the first game of the best-of-three series finals on Saturday.

By Rizwan Rehmat The Peninsula Al Rayyan eye

DOHA: Qatar’s iconic racing track - the Losail International Circuit - will make room for additional interesting sports activities all-year round, a top title in game two official has said. Tim Gajser in action Khalid Al Remaihi, Vice Chair- during the opening man and Secretary General of Losail round of 2016 MXGP The Peninsula Circuit Sports Club (LCSC), said plans World Championship are being finalised to get the place at Losail International buzzing with ‘new excitement’ as he Circuit on Saturday night. charts out ways to engage communi- DOHA: Defending cham- ties for outdoor activities. pions Al Rayyan will be The dirt track inside LIC on Sat- looking to seal the deal urday launched the 2016 MXGP World and emerge winners of the Championship with a spectacular Qatar Basketball League night race won by Tim Gajser. NEW ACTIVITIES TO BE (QBL) today when they “That (bringing fans in) defi- ANNOUNCED SOON clash against Al Sadd. nitely is one of the main objectives Last week during game and goals in our strategy,” Al Remaihi one of the best-of-three told The Peninsula during the MXGP “We are not going to rush. What final series, Al Rayyan extravaganza. we are doing right now is deliver- hammered Al Sadd 78-48 “We have already started the ing major events and maximising to take a 1-0 lead. track for cycling and running activ- the accessibility of the venue for the Ngombo Tanguy Alban ities (at Losail Circuit). That proved Qatari youth or youngsters living in and Davon James Dominic to be very popular with the our com- the region. So many participants from scored 21 points each in Al munities in Qatar,” Al Remaihi said. within the region come and feature in Rayyan’s convincing win “We are looking to do more soft our events,” Al Remaihi said three days ago. events. We want to convert this into “So we are not jumping into any- Alban and Dominic all-round destination of activities and thing right now. We are in planning completed their all-round not just motor sport. This should be a mode. We believe planning properly performance with 3 and Khalid Al Remaihi, Vice Chairman and Secretary General, Losail Circuit destination for motor sport fans, their will deliver what we want as our 5 assists respectively as families and their friends,” Al Remaihi Sports Club (LCSC), is seen with MXGP legend Antonio Cairoli (second objectives in the most efficient ways coach Koufos Stergios explained. left), Gautier Paulin (second right) and Max Nagl, at Losail International possible. walked off a satisfied man “They should all come here and Circuit. “That’s the objective,” he said at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. enjoy their time out at Losail Circuit. “We are very passionate about the In Al Rayyan’s win, Hill Law- Moustafa managed a tally of 6 in a It will be a place for all-year round get the place going with non-stop over. We are working on strategic sport in general and about the event rence scored 16 points and managed losing cause. Earlier the same day, activities,” he said. entertainment. plans that will help us deliver on our that we staged at Losail Circuit. That 4 assists. El Jaish crushed Al Gharafa 83-66 Built in record time of under “Like you heard during the week, objectives which include commu- gives us a lot of drive and enthusiasm Abdulla Malek Salem scored 6 to claim the third spot in QBL in the a year, the Losail Circuit has been we take care great in hosting top nity engagement, promoting sport to deliver on this major levels. points for Al Rayyan. 2015-16 season. home to a round of MotoGP race since events. That’s what we are known for and commercialising the venue in “Qatar as a country has proved For Al Sadd, Kone Mohamed The Qatar Basketball Federation September 2004. The iconic floodlit that and hopefully God Willing we the most efficient ways possible,” he to be more than capable of deliver- Deba and Raffa Anthony were (QBF), organisers of the league, said racing track hosts the only MotoGP are ready to build on for the future,” added. ing. We are happy with the help of the two players with double fig- the second game will commence at round in the entire region. Al Remaihi said. “We will say more once we have our young Qatari friends, our team ures. Deba scored 20 points while 7:00pm at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. Al Remaihi said his team won’t “This is not something we can’t that strategy in place and once we here at the club to deliver events on Anthony managed 13 points. The game is expected to draw a rush into a decision but rather work actually discuss right now because have that master-plan finalised for time with great professionalism,” Al Al Sadd’s Abdi Khalid Suliman huge crowd for what could be the on a meticulous ‘master-plan’ to we just got the responsibility handed the venue. Remaihi said. chipped in with 7 points while Fouda final game in the league. Road to Rio: Home riders prepare for CHI Al Shaqab

The Peninsula

DOHA: Home rider Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani and his Rio-bound team-mates Ali Yousef Al Rumaihi, Khalid Al Emadi and Bassem Hassan Mohammed will be eager to pick up early momentum ahead of their show jumping debut at the 2016 Olympic Games. All four riders featured at last week’s Emir’s Sword Meet, a CSI5* event in which Sheikh Ali won a title besides finishing fourth the fea- ture competition won by Portugal’s Luciana Diniz. The quartet will now turn their attention to this week’s CHI Al Shaqab international equestrian competition 2016, which kicks off tomorrow. “It was good to compete at the Emir’s Sword Meet because we are busy preparing for the Olympic Games,” Sheikh Ali said. An attendant at Al Shaqab Arena takes her horse out for a walk ahead of this week’s CHI Al Shaqab, a top international equestrian competition. RIGHT: A file photo of Qatar’s Rio- “We have better horses that we bound show jumping star Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani. didn’t run (last week). We will be run- ning them at CHI Al Shaqab. “We had a Qatari rider finishing and gives them the opportunity to achieving a number of impressive Shaqab. Doha Tour is the first of its For Arab riders, it is part of the will host the second leg from March second (in the main event). I finished hone their skills in the various results at Championship level. kind in the Arab World. For the first Arab League rankings for the 2016 10 to 12 which will offer a CSI2* and fourth. Our riders did well,” Sheikh upcoming tournaments. Organisers yesterday said CHI Al time, this year’s programme will World Cup Final to be held in Gothen- a CSI4* competition. The third and Ali said. “We will forget this event This should help them gain more Shaqab will play host to the opening involve three legs of the competi- burg, Sweden at the end of March. final event takes place at Katara now. We start again. We will try to do confidence in the run up to the Olym- event of the “Doha Tour.” tion being staged at three different The Doha Tour features CSI3 *and where, again, there will be a CSI2* our best at CHI Al Shaqab,” he said. pic Games that will be held in August The first part of this prestigious venues. It is a competition open to CSI4* competitions for elite riders but and a CSI4* competition from March The four-day event will be a 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. competition will be at CSI3* level and riders from all over the world but there is also a CSI2* competition for 24 to 26. The championship trophy unique occasion for the Qatar’s Qatar has a strong squad built will run concurrently with the other is expected to attract a number of young and up-coming riders to score will be awarded to the overall win- Olympic show jumping team to expe- around four key riders who were international competitions taking Qatari and Saudi competitors of dif- points and gain experience. ning rider who has won the most rience a highly technical competition the mainstay of the team last year, place in the spectacular arena at Al ferent skill levels. The Qatar Equestrian Federation points over the three events.