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Thursday 28 March 2013 16 Jumada I 1434 - Volume 18 Number 5652 Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Emir meets Sudan president Executive New law on powers for alternative CMC likely DOHA: In a major push towards democratisation, the State Cabinet yesterday approved a proposal of the public rep- medicine soon resentative body, the Central Municipal Council (CMC), to arm itself with at least some executive powers. Draft law ready, says official The CMC, which has a four- year tenure and was first installed BY MOHAMMED IQBAL medicine. The authorities have in early 1999 through a maiden realised the need for organis- electoral process, has recommen- DOHA: A new law is in the ing this sector to provide more datory status and lacks executive making to organise and regu- healthcare options and due to the authority. late the practice of alterna- increasing demand for alternative With 29 members representing tive medicine like homeopathy medicine in the country. as many municipal constituencies and ayurveda in the country, a “Compared to conventional across the country, the body is senior official of the Supreme medicine, it is more difficult to only empowered to make recom- Council of Health (SCH) has regulate the practice of alterna- mendations about public projects, said. tive medicine. In the absence of civic amenities and social, eco- The law will enable setting up clear rules and standards, fake nomic and other issues of public of clinics and hospitals providing medicines and fake practitioners interest. treatment in branches of alterna- can enter the industry posing a Its members have long been tive medicine. threat to public health. The new demanding that they be armed The Healthcare Quality law is intended to prevent such with at least some executive Management Department at dangers,” added Al Khanji. The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani with Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al Bashir at the powers so they could serve their SCH, which is responsible for He said the law will define the Ritz-Carlton in Doha, yesterday. constituents more effectively by licensing and monitoring private branches of alternative medicine launching civic amenity projects healthcare facilities and prac- that will be permitted in the coun- in their wards. titioners, is working on the law try and lay down rules regarding The Cabinet yesterday with other departments. the facilities, practitioners, mode Syria rebels open embassy in Doha approved amendments to some “The draft is ready and it has of treatment, medicines, among provisions of two laws (Number been submitted to other sections other issues. 11 of 2011 and Number 12 of 1998, such as the Pharmacy and Drug Practice of alternative medicine DOHA: Syria’s opposition and senior foreign ministry offi- and they are confident of a victory the last regulating the setting Control Department for their rec- is not banned in Qatar, but the National Coalition opened its cials attended the ceremony in the despite an “international will not up, structure and functioning of ommendations. Once this proc- authorities have restricted issu- embassy here yesterday — the Diplomatic Area of the city. to let this revolution succeed”. the body) that were proposed by ess is completed, the draft will be ance of licences to facilities and first anywhere in the world — a Alkhatib lauded the Emir, Alkhatib decried the refusal of the CMC. If the amendments are referred to the bodies concerned practitioners in this sector in the move excitedly welcomed by the H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa international powers to provide finally approved and incorporated for the required legal and leg- absence of a comprehensive law. large Syrian expatriate commu- Al Thani, Qatar and its people for Patriot missile support for rebel- into the law, the CMC would not islative procedures to issue the The Healthcare Quality nity in Qatar. their support for the Syrian upris- held areas of northern Syria. need to make recommendations law,” Dr Jamal Rashid Al Khanji, Management Department at SCH The Minister of State for ing and showing deep understand- “This is a new international cover and could rather send its pro- director of the Healthcare Quality that is being converted into a Foreign Affairs, H E Dr Khalid ing of the Syrian people’s painful for the Syrian regime,” he said. posals for projects and issues it Management Department told new entity will be responsible for bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, inau- experience. “We are here to open Nizar Haraki, who was earlier has the authority over, directly to The Peninsula. He said a sepa- licensing and monitoring health- gurated the diplomatic mission the first embassy in the name of named the Coalition’s ambassador the Minister of Municipality and rate law had become necessary care facilities and practitioners along with the President of the the Syrian people who are stripped to Qatar, was present. Urban Planning for implementa- to regulate this sector due to the offering alternative medicine, said National Coalition, Moaz Alkhatib. of their rights for 50 years. He said THE PENINSULA tion. THE PENINSULA complex nature of alternative Al Khanji. THE PENINSULA A number of ministers, diplomats, the morale of the rebels was high Photograph on page 6 Continued on page 6

THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Cabinet hails Japanese mission to showcase best of Hokkaido DOHA: The Japanese embassy will showcase products, dietary supplements and cosmetics, small and medium enterprises that will display the best Hokkaido can offer to tourists at the among others. their products. Officials from these enterprises Hokkaido Fair on Saturday. The event will introduce Hokkaido to people in will give presentations. initiatives of Organised by the embassy in cooperation with Qatar, highlighting tourism resources. These companies, which are members of the the Hokkaido Bureau of Ministry of Economy, It will allow visitors to try cosmetics made in Hokkaido business mission coming to Doha, Trade and Industry of Japan, the fair will begin Hokkaido, and sample scrumptious food catered by include Hokkaido Association for Bio-Bushiness, at 7pm at the Japanese ambassador’s residence. Junko Sushi & Japanese Dining (formerly Midori) Amino Up Chemical Company, Katsuri Inc, Hokkaido, a north region of Japan, has many and the embassy. Hokkaido Bio-Industry Corporation, HABA Arab summit resources that attract tourists from all over the Ambassador Kenjiro Monji and Toshikazu Laboratories Inc, Hokuren Federation of world, from its winter sports performed on high Masuyama, Director General of Hokkaido Bureau, Agricultural Corporative and Kinki Nippon quality snow to its beautiful and magnificent will speak at the opening of the fair. Tourist Hokkaido Company. Draft CMC bylaw approved scenery to its excellent agricultural and marine The event will also feature several Japanese THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The weekly Cabinet meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, appreciated the outcomes of the 24th ordinary session of the Arab Summit held in Doha on Tuesday under the chairman- ship of the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The Cabinet welcomed the initiatives, resolutions and positions included in the Doha Declaration issued at the end of the summit. Such initiatives and resolutions would contribute to taking joint Arab action to a new stage, paving the way for more effective Arab stance and constituting a grand impetus to Arab drive to reach urgent and fair solutions to pressing Arab causes, with the Palestinian cause at the centre. After the session, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud said the meeting approved the rent allowance granted to beneficiaries of the housing system. It is aimed to provide social care to beneficiaries of the system to help them bear rents. The Cabinet approved a draft decree ensuring obliga- tions of the government to the newly-emerged Qatar aircraft sukuk company’s Islamic bonds or sukuk. It approved two Cabinet draft decisions on form- ing a grievance committee at Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) and appointing its chairman and members. The committee is assigned to study grievances with regard to penal decisions QFMA issues. Decisions can be challenged before the competent chamber of the Court of Appeal. This committee is formed under the chairmanship of one of the presidents at the Court of Appeal. Its members include two of the judges at the court and two others with long experiences in securities transactions. The Cabinet also endorsed a draft bylaw of the Central Municipal Council (CMC). The CMC prepared the draft to be in consistent with amendments to its related law as per Law No. 11 of 2011 which changed some provisions of Law No. 12 of 1998 organising the election law. The Cabinet approved Qatar joining the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent. QNA THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Qatar Foundation seeks Sheikha Moza meets Tunisian president recruitment at Career Fair

DOHA: Qatar Foundation bin Hamad Al Thani. prospects, the Human Resources for Education, Science and As one of QF’s most success- Directorate at QF will be looking Community Development ful initiatives, the fair is expected to employ candidates in various (QF) will recruit nationals for to feature over 140 public and fields, including information tech- career opportunities at the private establishments, which nology, engineering, media and sixth annual Qatar Career will offer extensive training and finance. Fair from April 1 to 6 at the recruitment opportunities to Employment will be open to Qatar National Convention Qataris to hone their skills and nationals with varying experi- Centre. help them achieve Qatar’s devel- ences, from entry-level graduates ‘Write the Next Chapter in opment goals. to more qualified professionals. Qatar’s Success’ is being held In keeping with the country’s Younger applicants are encour- under the patronage of the Heir commitment to provide capa- aged to apply for internships and Apparent, H H Sheikh Tamim ble Qataris with the best career entry-level positions to develop necessary expertise for the jobs market. “At QF, there are many areas of specialisation on offer for job seekers to explore H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser met yesterday Tunisian President Dr Mohamed Al Moncef Al Marzouki and his and pursue. Employment at delegation. They discussed Silatech’s Qatar-related projects in Tunisia. QF guarantees young Qataris a secure future and valu- able work experience, while helping them make impor- tant contribution to build- ing their country’s future,” Nasa scientist to speak at said Hassan Al Hammadi, Executive Director of the directorate. During the six-day fair, Empower Youth Conference visitors will be given a chance to meet QF person- DOHA: A scientist from nel. Representatives from National Aeronautics and the education, science and Space Administration (Nasa) community development is one of the featured speak- divisions will be available to ers at the fifth Empower Youth answer queries. Applicants Conference which opens today will also be encouraged to at Qatar National Convention meet other Qatari employ- Centre (QNCC). ees, who will be present Organised by Reach Out To at the QF booth, to learn Asia (Rota), the annual event about their professional has invited Dr Essam Heggy experiences and seek their (pictured), a planetary scientist guidance. in the Radar Science Group at The number of visitors Nasa Jet Propulsion Laboratory expected this year is likely (JPL) and Visiting Associate in interests in planetary geophysics as well as measuring the electro- to exceed 40,000. Geology at California Institute cover Mars, the Moon, icy satel- magnetic properties of rocks in The fair is sponsored of Technology, to speak in front of lites and near earth objects. the radar frequency range. by Qatar Foundation, over 400 youth activists tomorrow. His research at JPL involves Empower 2013 comprises the Amiri Diwan, Heggy obtained his PhD in probing structural, hydrological three days of debates, work- Qatar Petroleum, Qatar astronomy and planetary sci- and volcanic elements in terres- shops, lectures and off-site University and the Ministry ence in 2002 with distinguished trial and planetary environments projects. It centres on key themes: of Labour. honours from Paris VI University using different types of radar the Arabic language, Sports, THE PENINSULA in France. His main science imaging and sounding techniques Skills Development and the Environment taking the spot- light on Water Cooperation in line with the United Nations declaration of 2013 the UN International Year of Water Cooperation. “Empower 2013 will focus creating awareness on Water Cooperation. In order to address these challenges, taking youth seriously is not an option but an urgent pri- ority, and mobilising them to take action within their communities in order to cre- ate awareness is an excellent entry point towards building a more sustainable future,” said Mohamed Abdulla Saleh, National Programs Director, Rota. This year’s conference features 14 creative work- shops facilitated by lead- ing experts in the fields of youth development, lead- ership, service learning, global citizenship, environ- ment and sports. Among the highlights include a case study on the essential steps taken by Msheireb Properties to develop a sustain- able project with a focus on water, a seminar on ‘Action Campaigns – Water Cooperation’ and a workshop on Social Entrepreneurship pre- sented by SilaTech. In addition, the Earth Charter will facilitate the delegates to develop a clear cut campaign strategy that can be implemented and followed up on upon their return to their schools and universities. The final day of Empower 2013 will be dedicated for service learning that will include two on-site and seven off-site activities. “Empower 2013 will be a platform for youth from different countries to net- work with the youth of Qatar. As well as an excel- lent opportunity for other regions to learn from our best practices, Empower 2013 gives Qatari youth the chance to unite with youth from around the world in preparation for this year’s iEARN Annual Conference and Youth Summit being hosted by Rota in July this year,” said Saleh. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Qatar, Korea varsities Heir Apparent meets Yemen president sign cooperation pact Exchange of students, staff for study and research DOHA: Qatar University Sciences (CAS) hosted faculty for study and research, visits (QU) has tied up with Korea from KU’s College of Life Sciences by and interchange of staff for University (KU) to collaborate and Biotechnology at the signing research, teaching and discus- on several joint research and ceremony, which was followed sions among other initiatives, QU academic projects. by a presentation on ecosystem said yesterday. A five-year agreement signed science by Professor Yowhan “Our partnership will begin yesterday, will establish partner- Son, Director of the Institute of with the launch of exchange pro- ships related to study, research Environmental Ecology at KU. grams for students and academic and teaching between the two The agreement includes vis- staff, as well as research collabo- institutions. its and exchange of graduate ration in the fields of biology and QU’s College of Arts and and undergraduate students environmental sciences. These collaborations will bring signifi- cant benefits to KU and QU,” KU’s Professor I H Kim said. The agreement was signed by CAS Dean Dr Eiman Mustafawi and KU’s Dean of the College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology Professor Kim, in the presence of QU President Professor Sheikha A Misnad, QU Vice-President The Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met yesterday Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour of Academic Affairs Dr Mazen Hadi at the Ritz-Carlton Doha. They discussed bilateral relations and developments in Yemen. Hasna, Head of QU’s Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences Prof Samir Jaoua, KU Vice Dean Prof T S Kim and fac- Qatar, China sign ulty from both universities. Ooredoo Internet packs “We look forward to a strong partnership with Korea University, civil aviation sharing knowledge and expertise which will benefit faculty and stu- for Hala customers agreement dents of both institutions,” QU’s Dr Eiman Mustafawi said. DOHA: Ooredoo has launched Ooredoo’s existing weekly Mobile DOHA: Qatar and China Professor I H Kim being presented with a memento during the ceremony. THE PENINSULA two new daily Mobile Internet Internet Packs for 250MB, have signed a memorandum of Packs for Hala customers, the 750MB, 1500MB and unlimited understanding (MoU) in air company announced yesterday. data plans. transport field. The signing cer- The two new Mobile Internet Customers who need to use data emony came after two-days of Packs are 10MB for QR1 per day only occasionally will benefit the talks held in Beijing . and 50MB for QR4 per day. Hala most by saving money. For exam- The MoU was signed for Qatari customers can subscribe to the ple, if customers access data with- by Abdulaziz Mohammed Al IIA contest on household safety packs by sending an SMS to 121 out the pack, 10MB of data would Noaimi, Chairman of Qatar Civil reading “MIP 1” for 10MB or cost QR5.50. Customers who use Aviation Authority, and for China DOHA: The Indian Islamic can participate and display their co-coordinator on 55309177, email: “MIP 4” for 50MB. more than their allowance will be by Chia Hengoa, the Deputy Association (IIA) has invited projects. Each organisation can [email protected] Once a customer subscribes to charged the out-of-bundle rate of Director of the Department of entries from expatriate organi- enter a working or still project/ The medical camp to be held the service, it will renew auto- QR0.55 per 1MB of data. Civil Aviation. The two parties sations to a competition on model in the competition. The at Tariq Bin Ziad Independent matically every day. To unsub- Hustomers can top up their agreed to amend the agenda household safety being organ- winners will get cash prizes, tro- Senior Boys School New Salata scribe from the service, customers Hala account in-person at any routes in the air transport agree- ised as part of its forthcoming phies and certificates. will include free medical check should send an SMS reading Ooredoo Shop, by scratch card, by ment they signed earlier in 1999. free medical camp. The last date for registration is up and health awareness pro- “Stop MIP” to the shortcode 121. direct top up at any of the more The MoU allows the national IIA is planning to hold an exhi- March 31. For registration and grammes targeting low-income The new packs have been than 200 Self-Service Machines carriers of both countries to bition on the sidelines of the camp further information interested expatriates. designed in response to requests or by eTopUp. increase the number of weekly in which expatriate organisations people may contact the exhibition THE PPENINSULA from customers and complement THE PENINSULA flights from 27 to 31. QNA THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME QTA, SUQ in deal on Minister opens Syrian embassy tour guiding course Bid to develop professional guides and boost tourism

DOHA: In line with efforts This programme comes in line introduction to tourism, tour to develop the tourism sector, with QTA’s plan to develop guiding, tourism system, com- Qatar is set to professionalise human resources in the tourism munications skills, customer care, tour guiding with the signing sector. Thus, launching this pro- health and safety and legal and of an agreement between Qatar gramme is a first step in a series of ethical issues. Tourism Authority (QTA) training programmes to develop It will be open to Qatari high and Stenden University Qatar human resources in the tourism school graduates who are famil- (SUQ) to introduce a new train- sector and raise efficiency in the iar with the country’s history and ing programme for prospective local market to provide tourist culture and able to speak English guides. services matching international and Arabic. The Tour Guide Licence standards,” said Al Mohannadi. SUQ delivers four-year Programme seeks to develop The programme will cover bachelor programmes in busi- professional guides who are Qatar’s history from the Al Ubaidi ness administration with three knowledgeable about Qatar’s rich Period through the Bronze Age, majors — international business history, culture and heritage and Kassite Period, Greek and Roman and management studies, inter- tourist sights. influences, Sasonid Period, Islamic national hospitality manage- A Letter of Agreement was Period, Umayyad and Abbassid ment and international tourism signed by QTA Chairman, Period and Bani Khalid Time management. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah yesterday opened the Syrian embassy Engineer Issa bin Mohamad right up to British Rule and Otmane Sadoki, Head of with Syrian National Coalition President Moaz Alkhatib. Several ministers, senior foreign ministry officials and Al Mohannadi, and Stenden recent history of Qatar. Academic Operations, Simone heads of diplomatic missions were present. University Qatar President, It will also cover the rulers, Arnheiter, Head of Marketing, Wayne Johnson. the Al Thani Dynasty, and the Sohair Abul Haija, Senior “As part of QTA’s mission to country’s geography, plants and Academic Specialist Adviser, and develop human capital, we initi- wildlife, land characteristics and Vera Rassam, Student Affairs ated the programme to ensure weather. Manager, attended the ceremony. NCPW experts discuss resolutions Qatar’s guides are professional. The course will include an THE PENINSULA on weapons of mass destruction

DOHA: Experts from National Activities Department at QU. debate with students at the high Committee for the Prohibition “It is in their interest that we school and university level on of Weapons (NCPW) in Doha provide these opportunities so weapons of mass destruction. discussed Qatar’s efforts to they could extend their learning Students learned about goals implement and execute tasks outside the classroom environ- and achievements of the national and responsibilities emanating ment and get involved in another committee, the role of the from United Nations Security reality.” Organisation for the Prohibition Council Resolution and vari- QU VP for Student Affairs Dr of Chemical Weapons and the ous conventions regarding non- Omar Al Ansari, the director and International Atomic Energy proliferation of weapons of mass several NCPW members along Agency, and measures adopted in destruction. with Dr Nasser Al Ansari from the Conventions and the Treaty Discussions were held as part Hamad Medical Corporation and on the Non-Proliferation of of the second Weapons of Mass member of NCPW, QU faculty and Nuclear Weapons of 1970. Destruction Awareness work- staff attended. International affairs students shop for students from Qatar In the opening segment, the Muna Jabr Al Thani and Khaled University (QU) and Georgetown audience was welcomed by Al Khulifi said: “This workshop is University School of Foreign Al Marri and heard National very important in terms of aware- Service (SFS). Committee member Dr Salwan ness among students, especially The event was hosted by QU Kamal Aboud, radiation expert; those of international affairs. Student Affairs Department and QU alumnus Engineer Saif Al “We have been informed of sponsored by NCPW in collabora- Naimi, Head Chemical Weapons the dangers of weapons of mass tion with QU, Qatar Foundation Convention Working Group/ destruction and how much the and SFS Qatar, partner of Hamad NCPW; and Ismail Afifi, legal world has been protected from Bin Khalifa University. expert, who spoke on behalf of destruction by the treaties. “This is an opportunity to NCPW Vice-Chairman Colonel “It has been a great opportunity engage students on issues that (Pilot) Hassan Saleh Al Nesf. for me to attend this workshop, are taking place in the world and The workshop was part of the especially with the vast amount integrate their views and opinions national committee’s approaches of information I’ve gained,” Muna into the general debate,” said Al to communicate information on said. Issa bin Mohamad Al Mohannadi and Wayne Johnson exchanging documents at the signing ceremony. Jazzi Al Marri, Director Student the conventions and hold an open THE PENINSULA

Texas A&M Minister can reject Indian property show tomorrow holds session DOHA: The “Indian Property developers, financial institu- estate market is expected to rise proposal from CMC Show-Doha” would open at La tions, legal advisors and architect to $90bn by 2015. The depreciat- on QSLP today Cigale Hotel tomorrow. The consultants and more all under ing rupee may be a concern for organisers said here yesterday one roof. Some of the develop- the Indian economy, but NRIs DOHA: Qatar Science Continued from page 1 that they were expecting over ers at the show are: Indiabulls, are the happier lot as they find Leadership Programme The Minister could reject the 5,000 genuine buyers to visit the Jaypee Greens, Wave Infratech, the time is ideal for real estate (QSLP), the nation’s leading sci- proposal only on three grounds: show. Purvanchal, Brigade Group, investment in India. In flow of ence and research management if it contradicts government Indian Ambassador Sanjiv Proptiger Realty, Purvankara, funds into property sector has programme, will be hosting an policy or some provisions of Arora will be the chief guest at Ansal Housing,Ozone Group, increased by 25-30 percent due information session for those the CMC law or if the Minister the inaugural event, scheduled at Arun Excello, Kalpataru, Ishwar to rupee depreciation. The NRIs interested in pursuing a career thinks that the proposal has no Al Wajba Ball room at 10.30am. Parmar Group, Achalare Rachna are cashing in on this deprecation in this prestigious field. merit. The exhibition, organ- and South India Shelters. and are making a beeline to buy The event at Texas A&M And in case the proposal does ised by Dubai-based Sumansa Featuring affordable to luxury property in India”. University today will provide not contradict either the govern- Exhibitions, is poised to be and from investment to com- The fall of the rupee is encourag- attendees with the opportunity to ment policy or the CMC legis- the biggest display of Indian mercial spaces, developers will ing more investment by Gulf-based understand the programme ele- lation and the Minister rejects real estate showcasing proper- be showcasing apartments, vil- NRIs into the realty market which ments, including track options, it on the ground that it has ties worth QR10bn by over 50 las, row houses, commercial, retail offers relatively higher returns. application criteria and relevant no merit, and the CMC insists developers exhibiting about 200 properties and farm land from Properties continue to be a pre- dates for enrolment. that the proposal does have projects from across India, Sunil cities like Delhi, Noida, Greater ferred choice for expat Indians “QSLP is proving to be valu- merit, it would have the right Jaiswal, CEO, Sumansa said at a Noida, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Mumbai, for investment and asset creation. able to the research enterprise to forward it directly to the press conference here yesterday. Navi Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, What they look for is a good brand in Qatar,” said Dr Wyatt Hume, Cabinet for its consideration for It will provide a platform for Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Kochi to invest and a price point which is Director of Education, Training implementation. non-resident Indians (NRIs) to and more. good to enter, he said. and Development at Qatar The practice currently is the working of the Secretary- interact with Indian property Said Sunil: “The Indian real THE PENINSULA Foundation’s Research Division. that the CMC must forward General (an administrative post) Dr Abdelali Haoudi, Executive all its proposals to the Minister of the CMC be entrusted with Director, Qatar Biomedical of Municipality and Urban the House. Research Institute (QBRI) stated Planning in the form of recom- The supervisory authority is that the institute has benefitted mendation only and its is the presently with the chairman of from QSLP trainees who have Minister’s prerogative to reject the CMC. “That proposed amend- served in our project management. or accept them. ment has also been accepted and “Because of the structure of QSLP, Asked what happens if there approved by the Cabinet,” Al with trainees moving from one is a conflict between the CMC Malki said. Once the amendment research area to another, QSLP and the Minister over a proposal is finally approved and incor- members bring a diversity of expe- after the amendments are imple- porated into the law, the CMC rience and fresh ideas,” he said. mented, CMC’s Vice-Chairman, would be authorized to set up a Introduced by Qatar Foundation Jassem Al Malki (pictured), sim- committee that would oversee the for Education, Science and ply told The Peninsula: “We will working of the secretary-general. Community Development in 2008, see”. In the event there are differ- QSLP has become one of Qatar’s He, however, added that the ences of opinion in the House on greatest resources for producing Minister is “very cooperative” some issue related to the working scientific talent. QSLP achieved a and has so far accepted a vast of the secretary-general, a vote significant milestone with the intro- majority of the recommenda- would be taken to settle the dis- duction of two new programmes tions made by the CMC about pute in a democratic way, said Al designed for undergraduates and key public projects, civic ameni- Malki. post-doctoral candidates. Over 50 ties and social and economic He described the proposed young Qataris have enrolled and issues. amendments as a major step are pursuing careers in specialised According to Al Malki, another towards democratisation and fields including stem cell research, important amendment that lauded the Cabinet for its historic biomedicine, environmental sus- was proposed by the CMC was role. FROM LEFT: Amanullah Vadakkangara, CEO, Media Plus; Sunil Jaiswal, CEO, Sumansa Exhibitions, and Srividya tainability and biostatistics. that the authority to supervise THE PENINSULA Rajan, General Manager, Sumansa Exhibitions, at a press conference yesterday. (SALIM MATRAMKOT) THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

Advisory Council Speaker meets Sheltered ambulance point opens Permanent Arab Parliament officials

Emergency Medical Services to open 26 more service points this year DOHA: Advisory (Shura) Council Speaker H E Mohammad bin Mubarak Al Kholeifi met yesterday Chairman of the Permanent Arab Parliament Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Jarwan Al Shamsi and the Secretary General Dr Abdulnasser Al Janahi. Talks dealt with parliamentary relations between the Council and the Arab Parliament and ways of enhancing them. The meeting was attended by the Council’s Secretary-General Fahad bin Mubarak Al Khayareen. QNA

Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, (sixth left) Managing Director of Hamad Medical Corporation; Mohammed Mubarak Al Noaimi (centre), Brendon David Morris (fifth right), Chief Operations Officer, Ambulance Service (AS), Ali Darwish Karbon (fourth right), Senior Operations Manager, AS, with other officials during the launch ceremony yesterday. (KAMMUTTY VP)

BY FAZEENA SALEEM “All chosen locations are based on num- Arabic, Hindi and Urdu for distribution bers of calls to the ambulance service,” said among the public. DOHA: Ensuring quick response Bredon David Morris, Chief Operations to emergency calls, Hamad Medical Officer, Ambulance Services at HMC. No abuse of privilege Corporation’s (HMC) Emergency Medical “This location (Immigration Roundabout The service has been receiving complaints Services (EMS) yesterday opened the in Madinat Khalifa) was identified as the from the public that emergency vehicles are first sheltered ambulance dispatch point top priority location. And logically too from abusing the privilege of lights and sounds, near the Immigration Roundabout in the Immigration Interchange you can go to said Morris. It is a clear misunderstanding Madinat Khalifa area. all four corners of Qatar,” he added. among the public, he said. The location has been chosen considering The new facility functions with solar “If an ambulance switches off its lights the increasing number of calls for ambu- power. Recycled water will be used to clean and sounds after passing one particular lance service received from places near the the solar panels. Staff at the shelter can point, it’s purely due to an operational area. It also gives easy access to several leave without closing the doors as it will be method,” Morris said. other places. locked automatically and the power will be “This is the operational model whereby The dispatch point was opened accord- switched off within 15 minutes as it is con- the ambulance is constantly getting updates, ing to a new service model for the service nected to a sensor system. from their colleagues who are already at known as ‘Hub and Spoke’ — stationing Vehicles will be connected to power even the scene of the accident or at the house ambulances at places closer to where more when their engines are switched off to keep of a sick person, they will be giving feed- calls are received for emergency service. equipment functional. back to all other ambulance units that are The facility is directly connected to the The building can be easily removed and responding. National Command Centre. assembled in case if it has to be shifted to “Lights and sounds will be put off imme- Two ambulances and four staff will be on another place. It can be divided into 60 diately when it’s not a critical situation,” duty. Dispatch points have been in operation pieces and reassembled in five days and Morris said. for some time but this is the first formalised would be operational in seven days. “You will see ambulances on the road facility. In order to best help people, the service switching off their lights and sounds at Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, Managing Director has urged them to remember five key ways certain points, that is not abuse, this is not of HMC, officially opened the sheltered point they can assist during an emergency. putting the community at risk by driving in the presence of other officials from EMS. A special card with the five ways — dial unnecessarily. It’s because of the informa- Twenty-six more such points are to be 999, know your location, answer all ques- tion we received back form the location that opened this year. Five of them will be opened tions, follow all instructions and give way to we are going to,” he added. in a few months. ambulances — is being printed in English, THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com QATAR PERSPECTIVE Reading and writing skills vital

AL JADEL BINT NASSER

evelopment Education Council to launch the Development, in its ‘e-Bag’ project. The project seeks correct definition to help students download their and obvious inter- curricula and homework, and pretation, means interact with their teachers and theD advancement of society to schools using tablet PCs. These achieve prosperity and immor- PCs are easy to use, regardless of tality on the pages of history, or their advanced operating system to acquire the vitality to move and ability to save an enormous from one phase of development amount of data. and prosperity to another. The e-Bag project is signifi- How then will Qatar’s vision cant as we desire to give priority for development look and what to our children learning science will Qatar look like in future with and advancing knowledge. Fear, regard to its education system? however, reigned supreme at the The present era is critical and end of the day. transitional, which requires over- Nobody can deny the fact coming difficulties with courage, that we live in a society that has determination and thoughts that strayed far from the reading habit are in tune with our times and and the majority has abandoned requirements of the modern era. books. It is sad that we are not The aforementioned facts readers and are content with make it easy for us to under- what are called “snacks” — news- stand the decision of the Supreme papers and magazines. To speak the truth, I do not know where lie the roots of our not developing the reading habit. We see Westerners outperform- ing us in reading, and they have developed the habit of reading anywhere, including in railway We already have stations, airports and cafes. I a generation am not sure whether the prob- lem is related to our education that does not systems, which may be encour- read. We do not aging them and discouraging us. In other words, school curricula handwriting if students get used the students’ information base in Brilliant and creative ideas and writing. We need to imbibe want the lack might have caused this dislike to doing their homework with their brains. Writing has many such as the e-Bag must not erase knowledge so that a society of of reading, whereas school cur- electronic devices instead of pen benefits that we do not want elec- old traditional methods practised intellectuals and pioneers of sci- of writing skills ricula in the West may be doing and paper? Rewriting is one of the tronic homework to nullify. by former generations in bygone ence is created here. Only then to be added to the opposite. most important and mandatory We already have a generation times when science and knowl- will we reach the skies, take The question is if our way of subjects during the early stages that does not read. We do not edge flourished, such as the great our position among these stars this generation’s education is behind our declin- of education. Students are asked want the lack of writing skills to era of Andalusia. and shine brightly with light failings. ing inclination to read, can the to rewrite sentences to develop be added to this generation’s fail- We need technology to keeps and knowledge, while a banner e-Bag project add insult to their abilities of reading and writ- ings. This is a catastrophe that up with modernity, but one that proudly radiates with the words injury? How will the project affect ing. The subject also helps build can befall the coming generations. does not do away with reading “Here is Qatar” written on it.

ABDULLAH BIN HAMAD AL ATHBAH Need to build better planned flyovers Achievements of Qatar’s highly commend the deci- which causes equal confusion to sion, recently reported by KHALID ABDULLAH AL ZYARA motorists who want to drive to Arabic daily Al Sharq, to Al Wakra or the airport. Last communications sector I create a higher commit- but not least, the Ras Abu Aboud tee to oversee projects to build to build its own highways, most flyover has so many exits and he communications sector in Qatar has, no doubt, made subways and flyovers in the of these structures have not lanes that motorists get lost on major strides after opening up and undergoing develop- country. A Ministry of Interior been built in the correct manner. it and fail to determine where ment following the creation of the Supreme Council of representative will head the Some of them are useless sim- they are going. TInformation and Communication Technology, ICTQatar, new committee, which will have ply because motorists can easily These are examples of flyo- which is headed by the Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin member representatives from a reach their destinations without vers built at the beginning of Hamad Al Thani. number of agencies and institu- Some of the using these flyovers. construction of highways in our The achievements in this regard include ending the telecoms tions that are directly connec- To be more precise, I will give country. I have high hopes that service monopoly by bringing in Vodafone Qatar, and the launch, tion to these projects, including flyovers are some examples of poorly planned the new higher committee will by ICTQatar, of a broadband network that uses high-speed fibre the Ministry of Municipality useless simply flyovers. be careful in coordinating the cable, at a total investment of QR2bn. and Urban Planning,. The Urban For instance, the February 22 work of all the agencies con- Everybody has seen the positive results of the introduction of Planning Department in the because Road has been the target of end- cerned in order to produce, at a second mobile service provider beside Qtel to the Qatari com- ministry will be responsible for motorists can less criticism – most of the criti- the end of the day, a common munication market following the introduction of mobile number planning the projects and decid- cism is directed at the entrance vision that serves its ultimate portability last month. This makes Qatar the fourth country in ing their location. The Public easily reach their and exit of the road – because of objective. Member institutions the GCC to introduce this service. The service helps mobile phone Works Authority, Ashghal will destinations frequent accidents and increas- in the committee must work users escape any restrictions that might be imposed on them be responsible for implement- ing traffic congestion. together in harmony and with by either of the two telecoms service providers in the country, ing these projects, while Qatar without using The Salwa Road flyover is flexibility, keeping in mind the Vodafone and Qtel, which officially changed its name to Ooredoo Railways Company will specify another example of a poorly sensitive nature of the current earlier this month. the location of train stations them. planned flyover. The flyover cre- phase of development in our Ooredoo so flyovers and subways can be ates a dilemma in the minds of country. I liked the new name of the Qatari communications company. built. drivers as to whether they should This phase makes it necessary In Arabic the name means “I want”. It means I want this serv- Such a committee fills me with state’s modernisation drive. drive on the flyover or under it for everybody in this country ice or that, in a significant reference to the presence of varied pride, keeping in mind its objec- Several highways were built to since there is roundabout under to work hard to put into effect services in the Qatari communications market, including money tives and the timing of its crea- connect cities and regions across the flyover which allows them to Qatar’s vision for the future, a transfer service. tion, a long time after a series our country. Although people go straight. vision that is badly in need of We are not talking here only about traditional communication; of not so well-planned flyovers like me appreciate these flyovers, We do not need to go far serious, speedy and committed we are contributing to teaching those who do not know Arabic a were built at the start of the the first fruits of Qatar’s desire from the Al Aseeri flyover, efforts. new word when they ask about the meaning of the company’s new name. Moreover, having one name for a company operating in 17 countries is important, particularly with regard to the trademark and issues related to marketing. However, I blame my friends in the company for their lack of attention to our mother tongue, as the company has failed to write the brand name in Arabic officially. This may reflect our lack of Militarisation of Syrian revolution appreciation for our language, culture and identity. Qatar Vision 2030 underlines the importance of the Arabic language, which it fter the revolution in and has become a plaything in says is a pillar of development in the country. This has restored Syria entered its third KHALED AL JABER the hands of regional and inter- to Arabic its original stature in Qatar University, following a year, the Arab League national players who invest in decision by the Heir Apparent last year. A has finally admitted killing, exporting weapons and Everybody knows that the Ministry of Municipality used to that revolution has erupted in Notwithstanding its late deci- who was an active participant hiring mercenaries to fight the require all companies and institutions to write their names in one of its member states, and sion, the Arab League still does in the peaceful Syrian upris- bloody Ba’ath regime, which is Arabic in its bid to boost Arabic language in the face of cultural decided to offer Syria’s vacant not know how to support the ing, but later resorted to arms backed by Moscow and Tehran. influences from abroad. Is this still the case? I hope officials in seat to the National Coalition revolution and how member when they were confronted with Has the train of the Arab the ministry will answer this question. until the formation of an elected states can provide the Syrian tanks and rockets of the regime. Spring revolution come to Leaving the name of telecoms company for people to write as government. opposition with weapons to Gradually, he found himself in screeching halt at the borders they please in Arabic can create confusion. Native Arabic speakers UN-Arab League envoy defend themselves against the Al Nusra Front, the most effec- of Damascus? Has the world lost and non-native speakers could spell the name in different ways, Lakhdar Brahimi has previously Assad regime’s armoury. tive group fighting the Assad hope of finding a peaceful politi- so we may need to standardise the Arabic spelling of the name warned that unless the inter- The tragic situation in Syria regime. cal settlement or democratic to avoid confusion. national community brings to and the hesitation to support Ruthless civil war is now rag- alternative to the violence in Major companies like Apple and Orange write their names in an end the conflict in Syria in the revolution is very similar to ing inside Syria and the state Syria? English, and they do not write them in Chinese in China, so there 2013, there is a high possibly of what happened with the Libyans has become paralyzed and could It is said that when a former is no chance for anyone to spell the names in different ways. collapse of the state in Syria. and Yemenis, who finally got be considered one of the failed prisoner becomes jailer he does The fact is that Qtel, which is now Ooredoo, has achieved Brahimi said Syria may turn support through International states, according to the inter- what his jailers did. Everybody unprecedented success under the leadership of its Qatari chair- into another Somalia and the resolutions and GCC initia- national classification of such in the Arab world has made his man, regardless of its name. However, there are always negative number of fatalities will rise to tives, respectively. The delays states. Co-existence among the own contribution to creating and positive aspects to any human endeavour, which is natural. more than 100,000. in providing support resulted different sections of society has prisoners and jailers, and we are It is too early to judge the logo or the colour of the new brand, Despite Brahimi’s warnings, in increasing extremism and become more difficult as revenge reaping what we sowed. but what if the colour of the brand is maroon in all 17 countries the Arab League has kept issu- militarisation of the societies and hatred prevail everywhere where the company is operating? ing statements and calling on in those countries. in the country. The views expressed in the articles on this I wish the company success as an investment arm and part of different parties to find a solu- Recently, CNN aired the At the international level, page do not reflect the viewpoint of the Qatar’s soft power which carries to the world the colour of our flag. tion to the conflict. story of a man in his twenties Syria has lost its independence newspaper. THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Demand for execution Bahrain protest of Shia cleric in Saudi Sheikh Nimr Al Nimr accused of aiding terrorists

RIYADH: A Saudi Arabian Last week 37 Saudi Shia lead- prosecutor has demanded the ers signed a statement accusing death penalty for a Shia cleric the government of using the spy whose arrest last summer trig- ring allegation to stir sectarian gered deadly protests in the tensions and distract Sunnis from Sunni-ruled kingdom, local demands for reform. media reported yesterday. Yesterday’s statement repeated Sheikh Nimr Al Nimr, long that sentiment, adding “we assure seen as a radical leader in the our affiliation to this nation and Shia minority, appeared in court our commitment for its unity”. on Monday for the first time This month a Sunni cleric since his arrest in July, the Saudi urged the government to free Gazette reported. suspected Islamist militants and The prosecutor, accusing him improve public services or risk of “aiding terrorists” and insti- street protests. Saudi Arabia has gating unrest, said he was guilty Sheikh Nimr Al Nimr escaped the popular uprisings of “waging war on God”, a crime that have swept some other Arab Bahraini mourners carry placards and shout slogans during the funeral of Jaffar Jassim Al Taweel in the village in Shariah, or Islamic law, that Qatif that has been a hotbed of states in the past two years. of Sitra, south of Manama, yesterday. Taweel, 35, died in hospital after inhaling poisonous tear gas riot police automatically carries the death unrest. When he was arrested in Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign used during a protest this month. penalty, Al Riyadh daily reported. July the authorities said he had ministry has strongly protested Saudi Arabia has no written rammed a police car and pos- against a Saudi accusation that it legal code and judges have wide sessed weapons. Local Shia activ- was directly linked to an alleged discretion to deliver verdicts ists denied both accusations. spy cell busted last week in the First South Sudan based on their interpretation of Three demonstrators were kingdom, Iranian media reported Saudi executes Yemeni murderer Shariah and without reference to killed during protests in the days yesterday. RIYADH: Saudi authorities yesterday beheaded a Yemeni man oil to reach Sudan precedent. immediately after Nimr’s arrest. Saudi Arabia’s interior min- and then crucified his body after he was convicted of murdering Tension is already running Early last year the Interior istry said on Tuesday that the a Pakistani national, the kingdom’s interior ministry announced. in mid-April high over this month’s arrest of Ministry issued a list of 23 people cell it dismantled last week had “The Yemeni citizen Mohammed Rashad Khairi Hussein killed a 16 Shias accused of spying for wanted over the unrest in Qatif, “direct links” to Iran’s intelligence Pakistani, Pashteh Sayed Khan, after he committed sodomy with him,” CAIRO: South Sudan’s first Riyadh’s regional rival Iran, a saying they were acting on behalf services. The charge d’affaires said a statement carried by state news agency SPA. The Yemeni was oil exports will reach Sudan charge Tehran denied. Yesterday, of an unnamed foreign power, was summoned after “the pub- also convicted of carrying out a series of attacks and robberies. The in mid-April after resuming 135 Shia religious and commu- widely seen as Iran. lication of the baseless claim by execution in the southern city of Jizan was followed by crucifixion, production, Sudan’s state news nity leaders signed a statement Nimr was accused of meeting Saudi Arabia,” the Mehr news implemented by the ultra-conservative country for serious crimes. agency Suna said yesterday, cit- to “reject the accusations” and some of these people while they agency reported, citing a foreign The beheading brings to 28 the number of people put to death in Saudi ing a senior oil official. call on the government to release were on the run. ministry statement. Arabia so far this year. After months of negotiations those accused of espionage. He was also accused of inter- In the meeting with the both African countries agreed Police and protesters have fering in the internal affairs of unnamed Saudi diplomat, the Saudi customs thwarts fuel smuggling bid earlier this month to resume clashed repeatedly in the past two Bahrain, separated from Eastern Iranian authorities “completely cross-border oil-flows after years in the Eastern Province’s Province by a 25km causeway, rejected the accusations” and also RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s customs authorities have thwarted an tensions between them eased. mostly Shia-dominated Qatif area where majority Shi’ites have expressed “their strong protest,” attempt to smuggle over 3,260 metric tonnes of refined petroleum Landlocked South Sudan, which where 16 demonstrators and a led protests demanding the it added. products out of the country’s Gulf port of Dammam, the official shut down its entire output in a security officer have been killed. Sunni ruling family introduce On March 19, the interior Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. King Abdulaziz Port Customs row with Khartoum over oil fees The government has attributed democracy. ministry in Riyadh said authori- general manager Othman Al Riqei was quoted as saying on Tuesday last year, needs to export its oil all the deaths to exchanges of fire Saudi Shias have long com- ties had arrested 16 Saudis, an that the smugglers had tried to disguise their operation by mislabel- through the Sudanese port. The with rioters. Shia activists say plained of persistent discrimina- Iranian and a Lebanese citizen ling 296 large metal containers containing barrels. first southern cargo would cross police shot the 16 during peace- tion in the kingdom, where the in four regions including Eastern The report did not say which fuels were seized or where they were Sudan’s border between April 15 ful demonstrations or during majority follow the rigid Wahhabi Province, where the Sunni- headed, but subsidised Saudi vehicle fuels are among the cheapest in the and 20 and then go to Port Sudan, attempted arrests. school that sees Shiaism as heret- ruled kingdom’s Shia minority is world and several countries in the region, including Iraq, Iran, Yemen Secretary-General in Sudan’s oil Nimr was based in Al ical. The authorities deny charges concentrated. and Pakistan, have struggled to meet their demand with domestic ministry, said. Awamiyah, a neighbourhood in of discrimination. REUTERS/AFP production. AGENCIES AGENCIES THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 10 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Cyprus clampdown Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

HE Cypriot banking crisis has caught global attention. The country has made eurozone history by imposing stringent measures to stop money Cyprus crisis: Why do Tflooding out of the country when its banks reopen after a 12-day hiatus today. After repeatedly delaying the reopening of the banking system, due to fears of a collapse of the system, officials said banks would finally open today, we need banks at all? raising concerns that customers will scramble to withdraw savings on which they could otherwise be facing losses of BY RICHARD SEYMOUR at least 40 percent. Investors have been crying that they between production and consumption. transport and create a viable pen- are being unfairly punished for the crisis. Reactions have Investment banks enable companies to sions system. been furious even from outside the country, with experts LL Cyprus banks will remain raise capital, and thus direct invest- Yet this would be most effective as a sympathising with Cypriots. closed until Thursday, hav- ment to growth areas of the economy. transitional measure towards a more Aing been shut since 15 March. Necessarily, these banks are organ- radical transformation. The government has imposed what has been called There is a real risk of collapse for the ised in a hierarchical system under a This is because a nationalised bank- draconian measures by ordinary investors who thought their country’s banking system, which has government-mandated central bank, ing system is not necessarily a more savings are safe. Cash withdrawals will be limited to 300 gambled recklessly with both small which preserves the quality of national democratic one, particularly if the euros a day. Even this amount is not guaranteed, because savings and “money of uncertain prov- money, and enables the competing same managers and owners remain in banks in recent days have been restricting withdrawals to enance”. And it is a cardinal principle banking institutions to regulate their charge, and if they possess the same of the current global economy that the dealings with one another. private interests. For example, the 100 euros per customer to prevent them running out of cash. financial system must be protected at In the international system, the Bank of England was nationalised in Moreover, a limit of 5,000 euros has been set on the use of all costs. quality of money is guaranteed by a 1946, but remained in effect the voice credit cards abroad and the government says the measures It is tempting to ask, “Why not just de facto “world bank”. On the face of of merchant bankers in the City. Such would be imposed for just four days. Since the launch of let it crash?” But the obvious answer it, if there is to be production, trade an institutional arrangement would euro in 1999, no member of the currency bloc has faced such is: because it would be grossly irre- and consumption on a global level, such obviously be resistant to implementing emergency measures to keep cash sponsible. Workers’ savings would byzantine hierarchies are unavoidable popular goals of the kind mentioned be destroyed, and homes would be – and with that, all the concentra- above. within its borders. repossessed. It would accelerate a tions of power, the state-corporate Not only that, but such a bank would The crisis in As usual, the restrictive tremendous eco- alliances, and the veils of secrecy that have to be capable of challenging pri- measures are in response to nomic crisis not are entailed by such arrangements. vate capitalist power. Why? Because Cyprus shows troika’s (the EU, the ECB and the just in Cyprus In practice, of course, banks do a private investment decisions are not even smallest International Monetary Fund) but in much of lot more than this. Commercial banks necessarily for the public good. It is demands. Under the terms of a Europe, which have shifted from direct lending to not just that corporations externalise members of the The eurozone would destroy selling financial products based on the costs and maximise profits, with as bailout agreed, the island’s second living standards. securities markets. much disregard for the public good as eurozone can biggest bank, Laiki, is to be closed will do all it This threat has Investment banks have developed they can get away with. It is that the down and savers with less than induced popula- increasingly labyrinthine techniques to very system of competitive accumu- rock the single 100,000 euros will be transferred can to protect tions to put up enable investors to generate more and lation produces irrational outcomes: currency bloc. to Bank of Cyprus, the largest with tremendous more profit from less “real” economic mass unemployment, overproduction the financial social misery value – betting on high-risk derivatives and waste production. in the country. At the same in order to bail such as credit default swaps and col- This suggests that we would need to time, depositors with more than system, at out the banks. lateralised debt obligations. In a boom- aim to go beyond public utility banking. 100,000 euros in their accounts face a levy to raise billions of Certainly, any ing market, this all looks splendid. In What we today know as banks would euros towards the bailout. the cost of idea of abolish- the aftermath of 2007, it looks like a have to become instruments of popular The Cyprus crisis shows that even the smallest members tremendous ing banks in the racket. control and democratic planning, and of the eurozone can rock the single currency region. current context One response to this, which is quite for that we would need to democra- social misery. seems utopian in popular on the left, is to favour a pub- tise not just the banking system, but According to reports, Slovenia is probably the next country the worst sense lic utility banking system: instead of the productive base of the economy as most likely to be forced into a bailout programme. Malta and Is there another of idle fantasy. credit and investment being dependent such. Luxembourg are also said to be vulnerable given the size of But what does on secretive organisations operating It would require taking as much their banking sectors relative to their economies. way? the banking sys- in a global casino, they should be allo- of the economy out of the market as The crisis has dented Cyprus’s reputation as an offshore tem do that we cated by a set of nationalised institu- possible and placing it under direct bank centre and proves no economy is free from risk. The actually need? tions responsive to popular needs. popular control. It would require, in In the present This would certainly be a step for- short, a sustained popular challenge to economic future of the country depends on the success of system, banks perform a number of ward. It would undermine the insti- capitalist power, with a flourishing of the deal. But the government and the troika need to refrain functional requirements. Commercial tutional basis for a particular form grassroots democracy in every locale: from taking measures which will sap the confidence of the banks operate as a clearing house of ruling class power, and it would, from Occupy Wall Street to Occupy public in the banking sector. Also, too much of austerity will for bills of exchange, thus reducing in principle, place in the hands of the Main Street. work against the country and hopes of a revival. the costs of circulation and ensuring population the means to undertake To paraphrase Karl Marx on reli- the quality of those bills as a meas- massive, but necessary, restructuring, gion, the demand to abolish banking is The government needs to think of both people and the ure of value. They mediate between such as the enormous investments a demand to abolish the state of affairs economy • savers and borrowers and, by provid- needed to create a “green” economy, that needs banking. ing credit, help overcome imbalances solve the housing crisis, fix public THE GUARDIAN The other side Quote of Italy must finish cutting ties between banks and politics the day

ERE it not for some Yet the Democratic Party ran the virtuous. They were meant to help move patronage and corruption. Some foun- shady derivatives trades philanthropic foundation that, in turn, the country’s banking system from state dations, such as Fondazione Monte dei carried out by the world’s controlled Monte dei Paschi. The founda- to private control. Foundation ownership Paschi di Siena, held onto their bank Woldest bank, Banca tion for years had chosen the bank’s top meant that bank dividends went to phil- shares, partly because they offered too My message to the Monte dei Paschi di Siena, Italy’s most executives, meddled in investment deci- anthropic causes. useful and lucrative a political tool. No recent parliamentary elections might sions and determined how the bank’s lar- The banking system that resulted did wonder former Treasury Minister Giuliano insurgency is basically have produced a government. When gess, via dividends, should be distributed a decent job as far as the wider society Amato, who drew up the 1990 law that a sort of long-term Bloomberg News on Jan. 17 broke the in Siena. As more revelations followed, was concerned. Italy spent slightly less set up the foundations, recently called his first details of derivatives transactions that the Monte dei Paschi affair seemed for than 0.3 percent of annual gross domes- creations Frankensteins. message: You are the bailed-out Monte dei Paschi made many Italians proof that their entire politi- tic product recapitalizing its banking sec- Italians voted against their political Afghans, you care, I to hide losses, the election campaign cal system was rotten. Bersani’s sizable tor from 2008 to 2011, compared with system in February. Beppe Grillo’s Five was in full flight. Many Italians were lead began to evaporate, and by election 2.5 percent of GDP in Germany and 40 Star Movement, which calls for eras- assume, about your planning to vote for Pier Luigi Bersani’s day no party had enough support to form percent of GDP in Ireland, according to ing the entire political structure, won a Jan Kubis center-left Democratic Party, tired of the a government. data from the European Commission. quarter of the vote. Grillo then ruled out country, you care endless conflicts of interest and political The story of Italy’s 88 bank founda- Still, the foundation system proved supporting any of the traditional parties in about peaceful stable Head of the United corruption that former Prime Minister tions is one of good intentions gone awry. susceptible to the weaknesses that government, forcing a period of gridlock. Nations Assistance Silvio Berlusconi had come to represent. The foundations were in many ways hobble Italy’s political economy, namely THE WASHINGTON POST future of the country. Mission in Afghanistan THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Assad appeals to African summit for help Damascus says it will take ‘appropriate measures’ to defend sovereignty DAMASCUS: Syria’s increas- two-year-old conflict through in 2009 amid the economic melt- ingly isolated president sent peaceful means have failed to down to chart a new and more a letter calling for help from make progress. The opposi- equitable world economic order. leaders of five nations at an tion, including the main Syrian Assad said Syria is subjected to economic meeting yesterday National Coalition, says it will “acts of terrorism backed by Arab, in South Africa to help end his accept nothing less than Assad’s regional and Western nations” country’s civil war. departure from power while and asked the leaders to “work Bashar Al Assad’s appeal to Assad’s government has vowed for an immediate cessation of vio- Brazil, Russia, India, China and to continue the battle until the lence that would guarantee the South Africa came a day after rebel forces — which it refers to success of the political solution.” the Arab League endorsed Syria’s as terrorists — are crushed. The opposition’s ascension to Western-backed opposition coali- “This requires a clear interna- the Arab League further demon- tion, allowing it to take the coun- tional will to dry up the sources strated the extent of the regime’s try’s seat at a summit in Doha, of terrorism and stop its funding isolation two years into a civil war Qatar. The move drew strong con- and arming,” Assad said in the let- that the UN says has killed an demnation from Damascus, which ter, which was carried by Syrian estimated 70,000 people. warned it will take “appropriate state media yesterday. It was In a further show of solidarity measures” to defend its sovereignty. addressed to the leaders at the with anti-Assad forces, the sum- Attempts to end Syria’s BRICS forum, which was started mit in Qatar endorsed the “right of each state” to provide the Syrian people and the rebel Free Rebel dies in Israeli hospital Syrian Army with “all necessary means to ... defend themselves, JERUSALEM: A Syrian rebel fighter taken to a hospital in including military means.” neighbouring Israel for treatment died of his wounds yesterday, Following up on the endorse- doctors said. The Syrian had been shot in the head, sought medi- ment, the Syrian National cal help on the southern border with Israel and was taken to Coalition opened what it called hospital in the town of Nahariya, along with another seriously its first embassy, raising its green, wounded fighter, Israeli public radio quoted medics as saying. white and black rebel flag at dif- A Syrian opposition fighter runs for cover from army snipers during clashes in the northern city of Aleppo, yesterday. Five other Syrians seeking medical aid at the border in the Golan ferent site from the now-closed Heights were treated on the spot by Israeli medics and were sent Syrian Embassy in the Qatari rebel forces fighting inside Syria, and to protect the nation by fight- Putin said only that “We will think back. In the past month, 11 Syrian fighters have been treated in capital. Key opposition figures so it’s not immediately clear how ing terrorism and terrorists.” about it.” Earlier, the Russian Israel. Eight of those were repatriated and three have remained in looked on, including Ghassan the developments in Qatar would BRICS countries, including president said the forum’s leaders the country for further treatment, including Wednesday’s casualty. Hitto, George Sabra and leader translate on the ground. Assad’s key ally Russia, oppose would jointly “work for a peaceful Israel controls some 1,200 sq km of the strategic Golan Heights, Mouaz Alkhatib, who recently The Syrian government said foreign intervention in Syria and resolution to the Syrian crisis.” after gains made during the 1967 Arab-Israeli Six Day War, while said he was stepping down from the Arab League’s decisions in accuse the West of trying to force In his letter, Assad criticised around 510 sq km remain in Syrian hands. Rebels engaged in a civil his post and criticised the inter- favour of the opposition “violate regime change. Russia, China European and US sanctions war against Syrian President Bashar Al Assad seized a 25km strip national community for not doing in a flagrant way its charter.” and South Africa have also voted imposed on his regime and urged of land stretching from the Jordan border to the Israeli-occupied enough to back the anti-Assad A statement carried by state- against UN Security Council res- leaders of the five countries to Golan Heights, a watchdog said on Sunday. forces. Alkhatib said the SNC will run TV said the Doha summit olutions on Syria. “exert every possible effort to lift not discuss his resignation, leav- “encouraged violence, radicalism At the gathering in the South the suffering of the Syrian people ing open the option that he could and extremism that form a dan- African coastal resort of Durban, that were caused by the sanctions,” Kurds help Shia, Sunni fighters negotiate be asked to reverse his decision. ger not only to Syria but for the President Jacob Zuma and his an apparent reference to short- Alkhatib criticised a decision whole Arab nation and the world.” Russian counterpart, Vladimir ages of goods and soaring prices. BEIRUT: Syrian Kurds in the northern province of Aleppo have by Nato not to use US Patriot It said Damascus rejected Putin, were asked on Tuesday Syrian activist groups, meanwhile, helped Sunni rebel fighters negotiate a settlement with Shia res- anti-missile batteries based in the Arab summit’s decisions whether they would use their reported violence in different areas idents in two flashpoint villages, a monitoring group said. Turkey to help protect parts of and reserved its right “to take influence to persuade Assad to in the country yesterday, includ- Sunni “rebels and Shia fighters from the popular committees of northern Syria from attacks by appropriate measures to defend allow unimpeded UN humani- ing Damascus and its suburbs Zahraa and Nabul have entered into talks, several months into a Assad’s military. But the opposi- its sovereignty and interests of its tarian access across all of Syria’s and the southern Quneitra region siege by insurgents of the two villages,” said Syrian Observatory for tion alliance is marred by severe people.” The statement added that borders, as requested by leading along the cease-fire line separating Human Rights director Rami Abdel Rahman. AFP divisions among its ranks, and Syria will continue the work to activists from BRICS countries. Syria from Israeli-occupied Golan often disconnected from the “guarantee security and stability Zuma did not answer, while Heights. AP Displaced Syrians failed by govts

DAMASCUS: Foreign govern- International Federation of Red motivated. He points out that nine ments are failing to deliver the Cross and Red Crescent societies as Sarc volunteers have been detained money they promised for home- well as directly from individual soci- by government security agencies, less Syrians fleeing the civil war, eties like the British Red Cross. It and some have been held for more and this, rather than lack of receives no funding from the Syrian than a year. access, is the main reason for the government. “It costs nothing for the peo- massive shortage of aid, accord- In spite of this, some Syrian ple who raise this noise. For us it ing to the main volunteer agency opposition groups claim Sarc is not costs lives. Don’t mix politics with in the country. neutral, a charge which Erksoussi humanitarian aid”, he said. “We can reach people in 90 per- finds “very stupid” and politically GUARDIAN NEWS cent of Syrian territory but we need help financially. There are 4 million internally displaced but we’re only able to cover the needs of half of them”, Khaled Erksoussi, head of operations at the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (Sarc), said. Britain’s Disasters Emergency Committee, which represents the main British charities, has broad- cast an appeal for donations for the millions of war-displaced Syrians. The committee includes the British Red Cross which invited Erksoussi and Sarc’s pres- ident, Dr Abdul Rahman Attar, to London last week. Samantha Cameron, wife of Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron and ambassador to Save the Children, While strongly supporting the during her visit to a Syrian refugee camp in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, yesterday. appeal, Erksoussi pointed out that the shortfall in necessary funding could largely be met if foreign governments made good UN seeks deployment of on their promises at a donors’ conference in Kuwait in January. Arab and western ministers chemical arms team soon surprised the UN by pledging just over $1.5bn in aid. It was a rare case of a UN appeal target UNITED NATIONS: The possible since the experts need Syrian Ambassador Bashar being fully met. Almost half was United Nations hopes that a to be assembled and approved Ja’afari told Reuters that promised by Arab governments, team investigating allegations and the investigation’s mandate Damascus had promised to pro- although there were some dra- about the use of chemical clarified. “Whenever they get vide Sellstrom’s mission with matic exceptions. weapons in Syria’s civil war there, it will be the earliest pos- assistance. “The technicalities But two months later govern- will deploy to the country as sible date for them to arrive,” will be negotiated in Damascus ments have supplied only 30 per- early as next week, UN diplo- a U.N. official told Reuters on during the establishment of the cent of the promised cash, even matic sources said yesterday. condition of anonymity. Memorandum of Understanding though the number of Syrians UN Secretary-General Ban UN spokesman Martin similar to what had happened forced to flee their homes has Ki-moon on Tuesday named Nesirky said Syria has accepted for General (Robert) Mood’s accelerated over the past two Swedish scientist Ake Sellstrom Sellstrom as the head of the Mission,” said Ja’afari, referring months. “Don’t pretend you’re to head the UN team. investigative team and that the to the brief U.N. mission last involved in humanitarian aid if The United Nations said logistics and composition of the year to observe a failed ceasefire. you don’t give money”, Erksoussi last week it would investigate team were still being worked out. The inspection team will be said. Syrian allegations that rebels “Of course, we hope the Syrians composed of around eight to 10 Sarc is the main agency that used chemical arms in an attack don’t play games and prevent the experts, mostly chosen by the distributes aid to needy Syrians near the northern city of Aleppo, team from accessing all sites of Organization for the Prohibition on behalf of the big UN agencies though Western countries want alleged chemical weapons inci- of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the International Committee a probe of two additional rebel dents,” a Western diplomat said. in The Hague, UN sources said. of the Red Cross. It has about claims about the use of such Nesirky said the United Nations The World Health Organization 9,000 volunteers in 80 sub- arms. The opposition says the was still speaking with Syria will also support the team. branches around the country. government carried out all three about access for the team. The OPCW oversees imple- Many take great risks in cross- alleged chemical attacks. “It is obvious that to do mentation of the Convention on ing the frontlines to bring food, Several UN diplomatic this work you need unfettered Chemical Weapons, an interna- clothing, blankets and medicine sources said on condition of access and that is why the sec- tional treaty aimed at eliminat- to people who have fled their anonymity the Ban hopes the retary-general has underscored ing such arms. Syria is a not a homes. Seventeen volunteers team will arrive in Syria next that in his communications signatory of the convention. have been killed. week, though that may not be (with Syria),” Nesirky said. REUTERS Sarc’s funding comes from the THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Polls could begin in October: Mursi Delay gives breathing room for IMF deal CAIRO: Egyptian President Brotherhood. Mursi has in turn a change in government. Mohammed Mursi said yes- hardened his tone in response “This could increase the pos- terday parliamentary elections to recent violence triggered by sibility of a reshuffle. It would could be delayed until October, protests against him and the force some concessions in line a postponement which could Brotherhood. After promising with opposition demands,” said give his cash-strapped adminis- on Sunday to take unspecified Mona Mansour, chief regional tration breathing space to nego- steps to protect the nation, Mursi economist at CI Capital. tiate an IMF deal. vowed on Tuesday to “break the Ahmed Omran, Mursi’s adviser Mursi’s original plan was for neck” of anyone who threw a pet- for development issues, told a a four-stage election that would rol bomb. Kuwaiti newspaper this week start in late April and put a par- The unrest is frustrating that one way forward would be liament in place by July. efforts to revive the economy. for Mursi to head the government But the schedule fell apart this Dwindling wheat stocks and himself. month when a court cancelled the shortages of imported fuel have But the arrest warrants for the presidential decree setting the increased the urgency of securing bloggers appeared to have made dates. “Perhaps the elections will the IMF loan to plug the budget the opposition less willing to talk be held in the coming October,” deficit and support foreign cur- of give-and-take. state news agency Mena quoted rency reserves that have dropped “If he is going to arrest us, Mursi as saying. below the level needed for three arrest the activists, threaten the The postponement removes one months of imports. opposition, I don’t think this is source of friction between Mursi The government has said it showing any sign of compromise,” and the secular-minded opposi- expects an IMF technical mission said Khaled Dawoud, spokesman tion that had planned to boycott in Cairo soon to complete negotia- for the National Salvation Front, the vote on the grounds that the tions on the agreement. an alliance of non-Islamist par- election law had been drawn up to The IMF, however, has not ties that have come together to suit Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood given a date. The planning min- oppose Mursi. and other Islamists. ister said last week he expected Hassan Nafaa, a professor But many tensions remain in a deal and payment of the first of political science and a critic a political landscape where divi- tranche of the loan by the end of of Mursi, also questioned the sions have deepened since Mursi June. Islamist leader’s readiness for was elected in June. Masood Ahmed, director of the concessions. “If the president had The acrimony will complicate IMF’s Middle East and Central wanted a dialogue, he would have efforts to build the consensus Asia department, held talks in postponed the elections a while Egypt’s President Mohammed Mursi arrives at King Shaka Airport in Durban during his visit to South Africa, that the International Monetary Cairo earlier this month, saying ago,” he said. yesterday. Fund wants to underpin a loan loan discussions would continue One opposition demand is for deal likely to require cuts in unaf- in the coming weeks. the removal of the prosecutor- Mursi had sacked. It was not led by the Brotherhood, in June. to prepare for the vote. fordable state subsidies. An IMF deal would unlock bil- general appointed by Mursi in immediately clear whether Mursi Mursi now expects the new Yasser Mehrez, a Brotherhood This week Mursi’s opponents lions of dollars in further support November. would appeal. lower house to convene by the end spokesman, said Mursi’s critics accused him of instigating a for Egypt. But political consensus In a blow to the president, an Mursi had billed the parlia- of the year, according to Mena, should now “calm down” since the crackdown on dissent when the is seen as vital. appeals court yesterday ordered mentary election as completing the state news agency, which delay met one of their demands. “I prosecutor-general ordered the With elections postponed, the reinstatement of the former the transition from Mubarak’s said it would take two and a half really hope they react to it posi- arrest of five bloggers alleged to Mursi may have to give ground prosecutor-general, a Hosni autocracy. A court dissolved the months to complete a new elec- tively,” he said. have incited violence against the to opposition demands including Mubarak-era appointee whom previous lower house, which was tion law and another two months REUTERS

Tunisia sets up Israeli army arrests cells to combat Al Qaeda threat five Hamas members

TUNIS: Tunisia announced HEBRON: Israel’s army early has 74 members in the 132-seat yesterday it was setting up yesterday arrested five mem- Palestinian Legislative Council. crisis cells to combat “terror- bers of the Palestinian Islamist Meanwhile The United States ist activity,” after the United group Hamas, including a mem- yesterday remained cool to a States warned that Al Qaeda ber of parliament, a prisoners’ possible visit by Turkish Prime was seeking to establish a base support group said. Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the country. The five were arrested at dawn to the Palestinian territories next “We have launched the crea- at their homes in the southern month, renewing US opposition to tion of crisis cells to monitor West Bank city of Hebron, the engaging Hamas. terrorist activities on the border Ramallah-based Prisoners’ Club Hot on the heels of last week’s (with Libya and Algeria) and in said. They included Hamas MP breakthrough apology from Israel the interior, faced with the rise Mohammed Jamal Al Natshe, for the deaths of nine Turks of the radical Salafist movement it said. An Israeli army spokes- during a 2010 Israeli raid on a and the existence of recruitment woman said “six people were Gaza aid flotilla, Erdogan said networks,” Interior Minister Lotfi arrested and taken for security he planned to travel to the Gaza Ben Jeddou told parliament. questioning,” but gave no further Strip and West Bank in the com- He said those cells would be details. ing weeks. under the control of Tunisia’s The army later released He added the aim would be Supreme Security Council and another Hamas MP, Nayef Al “to help the process” of lift- would also gather information Rujub, who had been in prison ing an Israeli embargo on the on networks enrolling young for two and a half years, the Palestinian territories — an issue Tunisians to fight in Syria. Prisoners’ Club said in a state- raised in talks with Israeli Prime He was speaking after General ment. The Israeli army had yet Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Carter Ham, head of US Africa to confirm the release. according to the state news Command (Africom), warned Israel has stepped up arrests agency Anatolia. during a brief visit of the grow- of Hamas members in the West A top US official said ing threat to Tunisia posed by Al Bank, in the face of a rising tide Washington shared global con- Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb of low-intensity conflict and civil cerns about the plight of the (AQIM), the group’s north Palestinian students take part in a military-style exercise at the courtyard of a high school in Khan Younis in the unrest. There are currently 13 Palestinians, including those liv- African franchise. southern Gaza Strip. The exercise in the 138 Hamas-run high schools in Gaza was part of a programme sanctioned Palestinian lawmakers in Israeli ing in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip. “It is very clear to me that Al by the Islamist government to teach students how to use guns. jails, including Natshe. Hamas AFP Qaeda intends to establish a pres- ence in Tunisia,” he told Tunisian radio late on Tuesday, after meet- ing Ben Jeddou, Prime Minister Ali Larayedh and the army chief of staff. The North African nation of Cookbook displays Gaza’s hidden culinary delights 10 million was the birthplace of the 2011 pro-democracy Arab RAFAH: Spicy stuffed squid Gaza’s people — most descend- sour, bright twist,” said Maggie now the southern Israeli town Gaza’s rich clay deposits were Spring uprisings and has since and roasted watermelon salad ants of refugees displaced by the Schmitt, co-author of the Gaza of Beersheba, home cooking is the likely reason for the favored seen a rise in radical Islamic are among the unexpected culi- war over Israel’s 1948 creation — cookbook. “libbeh.” cooking method, said Al Haddad, movements. nary delights of the Gaza Strip, often have to improvise to cling The territory’s penchant for On a recent day, he made the 35, who is from Columbia, Ham said that following talks a densely populated seaside to their food traditions. strong flavors likely dates back to dish by roasting bread directly on Maryland. Another local spe- with the government, which is sliver of land that that has been “Our situation hasn’t always Gaza City’s history as a port on hot coals, dusting it off, shred- cialty is tiny stuffed squid with led by moderate Islamists, he is choked by Israeli border block- let us cook everything, but we the ancient spice route from Asia ding and mixing it with roasted dill, spices, raisins and rice. convinced it is “committed to ades and battered by wars. have adapted,” said housewife to Europe, Palestinian anthropol- eggplant, diced chili, tomatoes Gaza’s border blockade has doing everything it can to pre- The territory’s hidden gourmet Nabila Qishta, 52, in the southern ogist Ali Qleibo said. and olive oil. The eggplant was a restricted many imports, raising vent Al Qaeda from establishing treasures have been detailed in town of Rafah, near the border Gaza’s location, on the fault line substitute for young green water- the price of fuel and basic ingredi- a presence.” “The Gaza Kitchen: A Palestinian with Egypt. Qishta once used an between Asia and Africa, and the melon, meant to crown the dish, ents, such as sesame paste tahini, Ham, who took over Africa Culinary Journey,” a new cook- electric oven to bake bread and influx of refugees more than six but out of season. olive oil, meat and spices. Command in March 2011 and is book showcasing a unique, fiery make her spicy stews. Tired of the decades ago also have contributed Like his ancestors, Al Shakaa For years, smugglers defied stepping down, was on a regional variation of Mediterranean-style power outages, she built a wood- to culinary diversity. and other men sat in a circle and the blockade by hauling in goods tour that included visits to south- cuisine kept alive despite food fired kiln in her garden four years The refugees uprooted by ate from the same bowl. They through tunnels linking Gaza to ern Algeria and Libya. shortages and poverty. ago. Such resolve is helping keep Israel’s creation included villagers, used their hands to scoop out Egypt. Israel has progressively The Tunisian government has Many of Gaza’s 1.7 million peo- Gaza’s unique cuisine alive. Bedouin shepherds and sophisti- fleshy bread, made smoky, spicy loosened the blockade; what warned in recent months of jihad- ple struggle just to get by. About 1 Gaza cooks like to mix chili cated city dwellers, all coming and dewy. remains are long power cuts and ist groups linked to the Al Qaeda million get regular food rations of peppers and garlic to flavor food. with their own food traditions. “We inherited this from our a ban on most exports, choking affiliate, infiltrating Tunisia’s vegetable oil and white flour, key It’s a taste acquired at a young In Gaza, they cooked familiar fathers and grandfathers,” he Gaza industry and keeping unem- borders and trafficking weapons, to survival but hardly ingredients age, with children often showing foods, passing on recipes to chil- said. “This is the food we crave.” ployment and poverty high. notably to northern Mali. of scrumptious dishes. Rolling up at school with chili spread on dren and grandchildren, keeping Another Gaza specialty is cook- Urban sprawl has eradicated The public prosecutor opened power cuts lasting several hours a their lunch sandwich. a link to lost communities. ing with clay pots, and the ter- most of Gaza’s farmlands. Israel an inquiry in mid-March into the day frazzle the nerves of all those Dishes are laced with piquant “For Palestinian people, their ritory’s signature dish is a fiery limits access to farms near the recruitment of Tunisians to the trying to prepare meals. flavors like sour plums, limes and food connects them,” said Laila tomato shrimp stew with pine border because militants have ranks of Islamists fighting Syrian The daily hardships are a a sour pomegranate molasses, El-Haddad, another co-author of nuts. Spices are crushed in a used the areas to fire rockets. President Bashar Al Assad’s result of border restrictions or sprinkled fresh dill, an herb the cookbook. “It locates them, mortar, using a lemon-wood pes- Israel also restricts where fish- forces, with the media accusing imposed by neighboring Israel and not widely used elsewhere in the when maps don’t.” For Bassam tle that releases their fragrance. erman can cast their nets, driving imams of urging young Tunisians Egypt in 2007 when the Islamic region. Gaza’s cuisine gives tra- Al Shakaa, 33, whose Bedouin The dish is assembled, baked and up the price of seafood. to go to Syria. AGENCIES group Hamas seized the territory. ditional Palestinian food “a spicy, roots trace back to what is eaten in the clay pot. AP THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13

Only mentally Berlin Wall section removed ill would want Human Rights Italy’s top job, says Bersani Watch offices

ROME: Centre-left leader Pier Luigi Bersani said yesterday that only a mentally ill person raided in Russia would want Italy’s top job as he scrambled against the clock to secure enough support to form Another crackdown sparks EU concern a government in the recession- hit country. MOSCOW: Russian authorities the raids to the foreign agent law His comments came during searched the Moscow offices of directly and the action appears part last-minute talks with politi- New-York based Human Rights of an in-depth examination of activi- cal parties before time runs out Watch yesterday as they stepped ties of non-governmental organisa- for Bersani, who was asked by up raids against pro-democ- tions that bother the state. Italy’s president last week to try racy groups despite growing EU The authorities began their action to forge a coalition but has been concern. last week by moving in against unable to strike a deal with his HRW’s Europe and Central Asia Memorial — one of the country’s rivals. “Only a mentally ill per- department head Rachel Denber most respected rights organisations son could have an itching desire said three representatives from the whose vast catalogue of Stalin-era to govern right now,” Bersani said prosecutor’s office and a tax offi- repressions is accessed by scholars during talks with the anti-politics cial had begun what they called “an around the world. 5-Star movement, which he has unplanned inspection” of the Moscow The Moscow office of London- repeatedly tried — and failed — office. based Amnesty International was to woo. She said the Moscow headquar- searched on Monday. Groups such “I want things to be clear: I am ters of the Civic Assistance refugees as Memorial have refused to change ready to assume a huge amount of centre and of the Transparency their registration to that of a “for- responsibility, but I ask everyone International corruption watchdog eign agent” because they argued the else to take on a little bit them- had been raided in a similar manner. legislation equated them with spies. selves,” he said. “This is part of a massive, unprec- The raids have already raised Business leaders and trade edented wave of inspections of NGOs eyebrows in Europe and threat- unions sounded the alarm this (non-governmental organisations) in ened to further complicate ex-KGB week over the parlous state of the Russia that is intensifying pressure agent Putin’s uneasy relations with eurozone’s third largest economy. on civil society in the wake of the the West. Italy is suffering its longest Police near a stretch of the Berlin Wall known as the East Side Gallery in Berlin, yesterday. A section of adoption of a number of restrictive EU foreign policy chief Catherine recession for 20 years and young the wall was removed in a pre-dawn operation to make way for an upscale housing project. laws last year,” Denber said by e-mail. Ashton on Tuesday called the inspec- people have been hit particu- “The scale of these inspections tions and searches “worrisome since larly hard, with unemployment serves to reinforce the menacing they seem to be aimed at further rates hitting almost 39 percent atmosphere for civil society created undermining civil society activities in January while the economy is by the adoption of last year’s laws.” in the country.” forecast to shrink by 1.3 percent Uproar after Turkish reporters The raids followed President Germany also expressed its “con- this year. Vladimir Putin’s signature of a law cern” to the number two envoy of the “It is clear that the politi- that labelled Russian political organi- Russian embassy in Berlin over an cal instability is not helping,” sations with Western funding as inspection of the offices of Konrad Marcello Messori, economics pro- denied access to German trial “foreign agents” that required more Adenauer Foundation (KAS) — a fessor at the Luiss University in rigorous checks. political think tank with ties to Rome told AFP. BERLIN: German politi- that a German government An inquiry revealed botched Putin blamed the US State Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian He said he was “very con- cians, media and the coun- minister said was unaccept- investigations, failure to con- Department for funding the protests Democratic Union. cerned” that the country’s try’s Turkish community able and a potential national sider racist motives for the kill- that rose against his return to the Activists estimate that at least 100 economic health would be accused a German court of embarrassment. ings between 2000 and 2007, a presidency last winter and moved organisations have been inspected neglected as Italy’s politicians gross insensitivity in failing “Out of respect for the vic- lack of communication between quickly against the NGOs once con- already in Moscow and Saint wrangled. to guarantee Turkish report- tims and their families, and in Germany’s intelligence serv- firmed to power in May. Petersburg as well as other parts of Bersani has hoped to persuade ers access to a trial of sus- order to win back trust, it is an ices and a failure to properly Russian officials have not linked Russia. AFP individual members of other pected neo-Nazis blamed for absolute necessity for Turkish monitor members of neo-Nazi parties to give their support, a racist killing spree. and Greek media reporters to groups. The court defended its proposing a limited programme With the trial for the murder be considered in the seat allo- action, saying it had warned it Medvedev uses copter in Moscow of urgently-needed reforms in of eight Turks and a Greek due cation,” said Maria Boehmer, would allocate seats in order exchange for their backing at a to start on April 17, the court minister of state for migration of application. It is not legally MOSCOW: Russian Prime who are forced into massive traf- confidence vote. allocated 50 guaranteed seats and integration. possible to broadcast proceed- Minister Dmitry Medvedev has fic every time his long motorcade Proposals on the table include to media on a first-come-first- “The whole world is looking ings to another room for more switched to using a helicopter swings by. “He will always do this a cut in taxes and expenses of served basis. Reporters would at Germany in this case.” reporters to follow, it said. rather than a car for his trip to (take the helicopter) whenever the political parties, and a reform have to queue for a further The Munich court’s decision Germany’s Foreign Press work from his suburban residence weather allows,” his spokeswoman to the complicated electoral law 50-60 places each day, the court threatens to become the lat- Association urged the court to and other travel around Moscow, Natalya Timakova told AFP. The which has been blamed for land- said. With local media rushing est in a series of missteps by re-think. German newspaper his spokeswoman said yesterday. government yesterday published ing the parties in the current for seats at what will be one of German authorities over the Bild offered to give its seat to The move appears to be a bid pictures of the helicopter landing crisis. Germany’s most watched trials murders blamed on a previ- Turkish newspaper Hurriyet, by the premier, who lives in his right outside the massive White Yesterday, the 5-Star said in decades, no Turkish news- ously unknown group called the but the court said places could suburban Gorki residence west of House government headquarters it refused to back the former papers were allocated guar- National Socialist Underground not be swapped. Moscow, to placate irate drivers in central Moscow. AFP Communist. AFP anteed places — a situation (NSU), discovered in late 2011. REUTERS

Spiritual prop Zimbabwe PM’s aides get bail HARARE: The High Court in Zimbabwe yesterday granted bail to four aides of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai who are facing charges of breaching the state secrecy code. The staff members, arrested a day after a referendum on a new constitution, stand accused of violating state secrecy law, impersonating police officers and possessing articles for criminal use. Mali unrest toll reaches 663 BAMAKO: The Malian army said yesterday 63 of its troops and 600 rebels had died since the launch of Artists perform in a street of Rome, yesterday. French-led operations two months ago to take back the north from hardline Islamist groups. The announcement by the military came as UN Kosovo hopes for fruitful Serbia talks leader Ban Ki-moon said up to 11,200 troops could be needed for a peacekeeping PARIS: Kosovo’s foreign min- lengthy talks between Serbian the reason why we didn’t have a mission in the troubled west ister said yesterday he antici- Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and breakthrough is in Belgrade and African nation. pated a breakthrough with Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim not Pristina.” Serbia when the two countries’ Thaci that were hosted by EU Ashton has been mediating prime ministers meet next foreign policy chief Catherine talks between Dacic and Thaci 3 presumed dead week to discuss an end to the Ashton in Brussels. since late last year, as the EU ethnic partition of the former Talks are set to resume pushes to establish functional, in avalanches Serbian province. on April 2. neighbourly relations between Serbia does not recognise “This is a dialogue about Serbia and Kosovo five years OSLO: Norwegian rescu- Kosovo’s 2008 secession, but the normalisation of relations after the former province ers said yesterday they had is under pressure from the between two countries as sepa- declared independence with the called off efforts to find European Union to improve rate and independent countries,” backing of the West. three people presumed dead ties and help overcome a split Kosovo Foreign Minister Enver The clock is now ticking in two avalanches a day ear- between Kosovo’s Albanian Hoxhaj told Reuters in an inter- towards a mid-April progress lier in Norway’s far north. majority and a small Serb enclave view in Paris. report from Ashton that will The three presumed victims in the north. “I think we will have a break- decide whether the EU launches are in their 30s and from the The two parties failed to reach through by April 2. We are membership talks with Serbia. Senja region. an agreement on March 21 after working on that, but I think REUTERS AGENCIES THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL UK loses bid to deport Abu Qatada Govt vows to keep on trying

LONDON: The British govern- objections raised by the European ment yesterday vowed to con- Court of Human Rights 10 months tinue its fight to deport radical earlier. Government lawyers were Islamist cleric Abu Qatada to given leave to appeal November’s Jordan after failing in its latest decision but only on a point of law, attempt to have him expelled. and the judges said yesterday they Lawyers for Home Secretary had failed to prove that there were Theresa May lost their appeal legal mistakes in the SIAC ruling. against a decision by the Special “We are satisfied that SIAC Immigration Appeals Commission did not commit any legal errors. (SIAC) in November to allow the This appeal must therefore be dis- Jordanian to stay in Britain. missed,” the ruling said. Three judges at the Court of The judges acknowledged min- Appeal acknowledged that minis- isters’ frustration, but said: “The ters believed Abu Qatada to be an fact that Mr Othman is consid- “exceptionally high-risk terrorist” ered to be a dangerous terrorist is but said this was not relevant to not relevant to the issues that are their considerations. raised on this appeal.” The Home Office or interior The Home Office said it would ministry vowed to keep fighting, consider the ruling carefully and saying in a statement: “This is planned to seek leave to appeal. not the end of the road. The gov- “In the meantime we continue US President Barack Obama watches as US Secret Service agent Julia Pierson is sworn in as the first woman Director of the service by Vice President ernment remains determined to to work with the Jordanians to Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, yesterday. deport Abu Qatada.” address the outstanding legal It said ministers planned to seek issues preventing Abu Qatada’s leave to appeal, further dragging deportation,” it said. out a case that has been a thorn Yvette Cooper, the home affairs in the side of successive British spokesman for the opposition governments for the past decade. Labour party, said the ruling made US secret service gets first woman boss Abu Qatada, meanwhile, remains a mockery of the government’s in custody. He was released on bail repeated assurances that Abu WASHINGTON: When not be tolerated. The service was ahead of her to create a culture Obama said: “Julia is eminently following November’s decision, but Qatada would soon be on a plane. Barack Obama named Julia badly damaged with revelations that respects the important job qualified to lead the agency that was sent back to jail earlier this “The home secretary needs to Pierson as the first female head last April about preparations the agency is tasked with. I hope not only safeguards Americans month for breaching the condi- pursue all legal avenues, demon- of the US secret service on for Obama’s trip to Cartagena, she succeeds in restoring lost at major events and secures our tions of his release. The 52-year- strate further work with Jordan, Tuesday night, it should have Colombia, in which secret serv- credibility.” financial system, but also protects old cleric, whose real name is take urgent action to keep the come as no surprise to those ice employees, part of an advance In announcing her nomination, our leaders and our first families, Omar Mohammed Othman, public safe, and get this deporta- who have long recognised that team preparing for the president’s Obama praised Pierson: “Over her including my own.” has been convicted of terrorism tion back on track,” she said. women are making a name arrival, took prostitutes back to 30 years of experience with the The homeland security secre- offences in Jordan in his absence In a hearing on March 11, gov- for themselves at the head of their hotel. secret service, Julia has consist- tary, Janet Napolitano, praised and is likely to face a retrial if and ernment lawyers argued that American law enforcement Pierson, 53, replaces Mark ently exemplified the spirit and Obama for his “historic decision”. when he is sent back. SIAC had taken an “erroneous” agencies. Sullivan, who retired last month dedication the men and women Sullivan said Pierson would But he has successfully fought view of the situation in Jordan, Michele Leonhart was the after leading the agency for of the service demonstrate every excel in the role. “I have known off attempts at deportation since insisting the constitution there first to be picked by the presi- seven years. He faced heavy day.” and worked with Julie for close 2005 by arguing that his human clearly banned the use of evidence dent when she was nominated as criticism on Capitol Hill over the He added: “Julia has had an to 30 years,” he said. rights would be violated if he was obtained through torture. head of the Drug Enforcement Colombian scandal, for which he exemplary career, and I know Ralph Basham, a former secret returned to Jordan. But Abu Qatada’s lawyer Administration in February 2010. apologised while insisting the these experiences will guide her service director, told Reuters: The cleric, who first arrived in Edward Fitzgerald argued there A few months later, Obama president’s safety had never been as she takes on this new challenge “Julie was selected because she Britain in 1993 claiming asylum, was “concrete and compelling nominated Stacia Hylton to compromised. to lead the impressive men and is competent, has been around was once branded the right-hand evidence” that Abu Qatada’s co- take over as director of the US The scandal tarnished the women of this important agency.” for 30 years and understands the man in Europe of Osama bin defendants were tortured into Marshals Service. agency’s image, which had pre- As well as its protection duties, service well. Laden, although he denies ever providing statements. Pierson, a secret service vet- viously been based on the notion the service is also involved in “It’s exciting for the secret having met the late Al Qaeda Britain initially detained Abu eran who has spent much of that men were prepared to put criminal investigations, mainly in service to have a female named leader. In November, SIAC ruled Qatada in 2002 under anti-ter- her career in Florida, will take their lives on the line to protect the field of counterfeiting, and has to that position. My daughter was there was a real risk that evidence ror laws imposed in the wake of on responsibility for the safety the president and others under 150 offices across the US. a secret service agent, so it makes obtained through torture would be the September 11 attacks on the of Obama and his family, the their watch. Pierson, originally from me very proud of the organisation used against Abu Qatada in any United States in 2001, and he has vice-president, other leading “During the prostitution scan- Orlando and a graduate of the and proud of Julie for attaining retrial, which it said would be a been in and out of jail ever since. Washington figures and visiting dal, the secret service lost the University of Central Florida, that position.” “flagrant denial of justice”. The cleric was released under international dignitaries. trust of many Americans and began her career as a police Of 3,500 special agents in the This was despite the British house arrest in November but By appointing a woman to failed to live up to the high expec- officer in Orlando in 1980, join- service, about 10 percent are government having sought assur- was sent back to jail on March 9 lead the 148-year-old service, the tations placed on it,” Republican ing the secret service, where she women, a lower proportion than ances about his treatment from accused of breaching his bail con- White House is sending a pointed senator Chuck Grassley said. is currently chief of staff, in 1983 at other law enforcement agen- Jordan to overcome similar ditions. AFP message that a macho culture will “Ms Pierson has a lot of work in Miami. cies. GUARDIAN NEWS

US child alone Remembering Chavez Former policeman, prison officer with mother’s corpse for days jailed for selling stories to Sun NEWARK, New Jersey: A 4-year-old boy who spent LONDON: A former police- “This case demonstrates that four days in a New Jersey men and an ex-prison officer behaviour of this kind will not be apartment with his mother’s were jailed yesterday for sell- tolerated in the police service,” corpse was released from a ing stories to Rupert Murdoch’s said London’s Metropolitan Police, New Jersey hospital yester- tabloid the Sun, Britain’s top- which is leading the inquiries. day where he was treated selling newspaper. Trunkfield, 31, provided infor- for malnutrition after being The two men were convicted mation about Jon Venables, who too weak to open the home’s as part of a wide-ranging police was aged 10 when he and another refrigerator, police said. investigation begun two years child killed a toddler in 1993 in After Kiana Workman, ago into claims journalists from one of the most infamous murders 38, died apparently of natu- Murdoch’s now-defunct News of in Britain in recent times. ral causes in the Union, New the World newspaper had hacked The prison officer, who had Jersey, apartment, her son into mobile phone voicemail contact with a Sun journalist spent four days alone with her messages. between 10 and 15 times, receiv- body, rubbing lotion on her That inquiry has led to dozens ing 3,500 pounds in the process, skin in an attempt to revive of arrests of current and former was handed a 16-month sentence. her, police said. staff at News International, “It is most assuredly not for He was found on Tuesday at the British newspaper arm of individual prison officers to take the Mill Run apartment com- Murdoch’s News Corp, and has it upon themselves to contact the plex, police said. Maintenance been widened to examine claims press to reveal information about workers who detected a foul of illegal payments to public a defendant in circumstances odour from the unit found officials. such as those before the court the boy inside, local media The long-running scandal today, still less to enrich them- reported. forced the closure of the News Former prison officer Richard selves in the process,” said the The apartment belongs to of the World and has called into Trunkfield, who was arrested as judge, Justice Adrian Fulford. the boy’s 64-year-old grand- question the judgment of British part of the Metropolitan Police's Last month, April Casburn, mother, who was temporarily Prime Minister David Cameron, Operation Elveden into alleged 53, a senior British counter-ter- in a nursing home recovering who was friends with several of inappropriate payments to officials, rorism police officer, became the from hip replacement surgery, Murdoch’s senior executives. arrives to be sentenced at the Old first person to be convicted and local media reported. The Alan Tierney, a police constable Bailey criminal court in central jailed by detectives looking into mother and son, who police based in Surrey to the south of London, yesterday. the phone-hacking claims and said live in Brooklyn, New London, and Richard Trunkfield, other related offences. York, had been staying with who worked at a high-security Rebekah Brooks, the former the grandmother for several prison in central England, had John Terry’s mother on suspi- head of News International and a months. The child was treated both pleaded guilty to misconduct cion of shoplifting and the arrest close confidante of Murdoch, and at Overlook Medical Center Venezuela interim president Nicolas Maduro lifts a mask during a cel- in a public office last month. of Rolling Stones star Ronnie Cameron’s former media chief for malnutrition and dehydra- ebration marking the 19th anniversary of the release of late Venezuelan Tierney, 40, was paid £1,250 Wood, who was held on suspicion Andy Coulson, are among those tion and released to relatives president Hugo Chavez from prison, in Yare, Venezuela. Chavez was ($1,900) by the Sun for pro- of beating up his lover. who have also been charged with yesterday, a hospital spokes- imprisoned for two years for his participation in a coup on February viding details of the arrest of The former policeman was crimes relating to the inquiries. person said. REUTERS 4, 1992. former England soccer captain jailed for 10 months. REUTERS THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 N Korea cuts military hotline with South Breaking of the last communication link with Seoul is the latest in a series of actions that have raised tensions

SEOUL: North Korea severed communications in the absence North’s long-range rocket launch its military hotline with South of diplomatic relations. in December and its nuclear test Korea yesterday, breaking the Severing the military hotline last month. last direct communication link could affect operations at the Both events triggered UN sanc- between the two countries at Seoul-funded Kaesong industrial tions that infuriated Pyongyang, a time of heightened military complex just north of the border which has spent the past month tensions. because it was used to organise issuing increasingly bellicose The decision coincided with an movements of people and vehi- statements about unleashing an announcement that the North’s cles in and out. “all-out war”. top political leadership would The industrial estate -- estab- Earlier yesterday the North meet in the next few days to dis- lished in 2004 as a symbol of announced an imminent meet- cuss an unspecified “important cross-border cooperation -- has ing of its ruling party politburo issue” and make a “drastic turn”. remained operational despite and launched a scathing attack The hotline move was relayed repeated crises in relations. on South Korea’s new president, by a senior North Korean mili- “We are negotiating with the Park Geun-Hye. tary official to his South Korean North to prevent any opera- “If she keeps to the road of counterpart just before the link tional issues,” an official from the confrontation... she will meet a was severed. Kaesong management committee miserable ruin,” it said. “Under the situation where a said, adding the North has yet to In Seoul, some analysts sug- war may break out any moment, block movements of people to and gested the North was fast run- there is no need to keep up North- from Kaesong. ning out of threats and targets for South military communications,” The South’s unification min- its invective as it sought to bully the official was quoted as saying istry urged the North to retract the international community into by the official Korean Central its action, saying it’s not good for negotiating on Pyongyang’s terms. News Agency. “stable operation” of the complex Although North Korea is a past “From now, the North-South where more than 50,000 North master of brinkmanship, there military communications will be Koreans work at small labour- are concerns in South Korea and cut off,” he said. intensive South Korean plants. beyond that the current situation Several weeks ago North Cutting the hotline was the is so volatile that one accidental Korea severed the Red Cross latest in a series of threats and step could escalate into serious South Korean soldiers check a military iron fence in the border city of Paju near the demilitarised zone dividing hotline that had been used for actions that have raised tensions conflict. the two Koreas, yesterday. government-to-government on the Korean peninsula since the AFP

First Lady’s style not for sale Milf talks delay ruled out BEIJING: The Chinese COTABATO CITY: (TPMT) and the Independent the completion of the annexes fashion brand, which Government chief negotiator Commission on Policing (ICP), of the framework agreement on designed bags and clothes Miriam Coronel-Ferrer allayed the convening of the Transition Bangsamoro. for the new First Lady mounting speculations regard- Commission in the first week She said she and government Peng Liyuan, has turned ing the postponement of the of April 2013, and the Terms peace panel members went to do w n t he c h a nc e t o m a ke a 37th exploratory talks with the of Reference of the Task Force Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to con- fortune from her endorse- Moro Islamic Liberation Front Sajahatra Bangsamoro.” vey to their MILF counterparts ment, saying no similar (Milf) that were scheduled last The two sides also agreed to the request of President Aquino items will be on offer. March 25-27 in Malaysia. hold the 37th round of formal to move the formal talks from Even though none of her In a joint statement, Ferrer talks in the second week of March 25 to the second week apparel bore conspicuous and Milf panel chair Mohagher April. of April to have more time for logos, Internet users man- Iqbal said “the parties dis- Ferrer said that there is noth- review and consultation on the aged to identify one man- cussed the composition of the ing wrong with the talks and draft annexes. ufacturer as Exception Third Party Monitoring Team both sides remain focused on THE PHILIPPINE STAR based in the southern city of Guangzhou. It confirmed on its verified weibo, a Chinese equiva- lent of Twitter, that it made some of Peng’s Crackdown on Bangla bloggers clothes, with Wuyong, another Chinese label. DHAKA: Bangladesh widened a crackdown on — Somewhereinblog.net and Amarblog.com — have allegedly blasphemous blogs after a threat by removed most of the posts.” Small tornado Islamists to march to the capital demanding the Khan said the regulator was scrutinising other sites prosecution of atheist bloggers, an official said to identify and erase “blasphemous blogs” to ensure kills 12 people yesterday. religious harmony in the mainly Muslim nation. COTABATO: Twelve The telecommunications regulator ordered The move comes after Islamic groups and cler- people died when a two leading Internet sites to remove hundreds ics, who have staged deadly protests against atheist mini-tornado caused an of posts by seven bloggers whose writings it said bloggers in recent weeks, threatened to march to overloaded boat to cap- offended Muslims, according to its Assistant Dhaka on April 6 unless the bloggers are prosecuted. size in remote southern Director Rahman Khan. “These two sites AFP Philippine marshes, a local official said yesterday. The small motorboat, designed for 10 passengers, was carrying 18 people from a small town through Fresh violence erupts in Myanmar marshland on Mindanao island when the accident happened YANGON: A rampaging mob clashes erupted, a mosque was “About 200 villagers came set fire to a mosque and homes torched in Nattalin town, 150km to the town last night. But the China imprisons in a central Myanmar town, a (90 miles) north of the commer- police could not control the police official said yesterday, cial hub of Yangon, police said. mob... they destroyed the mosque 20 in Xinjiang the latest outbreak of violence A Nattalin resident said police and some houses. Then they BEIJING: China sen- in communal unrest that has were overwhelmed as a mob left,” the resident said on condi- tenced 20 men to terms left at least 40 people dead. arrived in the town, setting fire tion of anonymity. of up to life imprison- A week after Buddhist-Muslim to the mosque before leaving. AFP ment for involvement in terrorism and “incit- ing secession” in the ethnically-divided west- ern region of Xinjiang, state media said. They were convicted of crimes, including circulating reli- gious extremist material and attempting to set up an Internet chat room to promote “ethnic separa- tism”, the Tianshan news website said. Mother jailed for deaths of kids TOKYO: A 25-year-old mother whose two young children starved to death surrounded by rubbish after she locked them in her apartment has been sentenced to 30 years in jail in Japan, reports said yesterday. Single mother Sanae Nakamura regu- larly left her daughter, 3, and one-year-old son in the apartment in western Osaka while she spent the night at her boyfriend’s house. A lower court issued the verdict, which was upheld by supreme court. AGENCIES THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN UN urges Taliban to Canvassing time join peace process Contribute to a peaceful Afghanistan, Kubis tells militants

KABUL: The UN envoy to largely been thwarted. The Afghanistan called on the Taliban publicly refuse to hold Taliban yesterday to join peace direct talks with Kabul, consid- efforts as the bulk of Nato com- ering it a US puppet. bat troops prepare to leave the The militia broke off tentative country by the end of next year. contacts with the United States “My message to the insurgency in Qatar in March 2012 after the is basically a sort of long-term failure of attempts to negotiate message: you are Afghans, you a prisoner exchange as a confi- care, I assume, about your coun- dence-building measure. try, you care about peaceful stable Karzai said he plans to visit future of the country,” Jan Kubis Qatar, with US backing, to discuss told a news conference. the proposed opening of a Taliban The withdrawal and next office in the emirate as a prelude year’s presidential election, when to possible peace talks. President Hamid Karzai will step The UN envoy welcomed Pakistani police escort a vehicle carrying former premier Nawaz Sharif during an election campaign in the northwest city of Mansehra. down after 13 years in power, Jan Kubis, Special Representative Karzai’s visit. “We took good have lent urgency to the search of the Secretary-General and head note of the plan of Mr President for a negotiated settlement to end of the United Nations Assistance to visit Qatar these days and Afghanistan’s decades of conflict. again we hope that some mes- Mission in Afghanistan. The Taliban, ousted from sages are coming after this visit,” Islamabad may face sugar shortage power by a 2001 US-led invasion Kubis said. Until earlier this year, for refusing to give up Al Qaeda motivation” for insurgents was Karzai rejected the idea of a KARACHI: Under the recent in the Federal Board of Revenue A spokesman of Sindh after the 9/11 attacks, are lead- the fight against foreign troops, Taliban office in Qatar because of Sugar Policy 2013, Pakistan is (FBR) said yesterday. Agriculture Forum said the ing a deadly insurgency against Kubis said: “There will be no fears that his government would likely to face sugar shortage, This relief has been provided export of more than 1.0 mil- Western troops and the Afghan international fighting force at be frozen out of any deal between which will also increase its price. to the sugar mills for supplying lion tonne of sugar would cre- government. the end of 2014. “Take this into the USs and the militants. Just a couple of months ahead of the commodity to the domestic ate shortage besides increase the When Nato troops leave, account. Adjust and take neces- The president has often called the elections, due to the provision market. However, a condition had domestic prices. Afghan police and soldiers will sary measures to contribute to the Taliban “brothers” in a ges- by the government providing con- been applied to avail the benefit According to US Department take responsibility for security. the surge of a peaceful and stable ture to promote reconciliation, ditional relief to the sugar mills by of 0.5 percent FED - the quantity of Agriculture’s foreign agricul- There are fears that without some Afghanistan after 2014.” but he also accuses them of hold- reducing the Federal Excise Duty on which the facility was being ture department, such an act kind of settlement, the country Efforts by the international ing secret talks with the US at (FED) by 7.5 percent to 0.5 per- provided should be equal to the would be against the World Trade could return to the horrors of its community and the Afghan gov- the same time as they launch cent from 8.0 percent, the coun- quantity exported otherwise the Organisation’s agriculture rules 1992-96 civil war. ernment to bring the Taliban suicide attacks that kill civilians. try’s stockpile would come down rate of FED would remain the and regulations. Pointing out that a “strong to meaningful negotiations have AFP to around 400,000 tonnes, sources same at 8.0 percent. INTERNEWS

Police foil terror Afghanistan ‘shocked by Pakistan’s complacency’ plan in Quetta KABUL: Afghanistan is Pakistan is seen as critical to sta- to join reconciliation efforts and “We here in Kabul are in a bit due to “unacceptable Pakistani shocked by Pakistan’s “compla- bilising Afghanistan because of its Kabul had spoken of progress of a state of shock at once again shelling” of the country’s moun- ISLAMABAD: The cency” in the nascent Afghan long ties to insurgent groups. after Islamabad released some being confronted by the depth of tainous eastern borderlands. Pakistani police managed to peace process and is ready Ludin also said the government Taliban prisoners who could pro- Pakistan’s complacency, we are More than two dozen Pakistani foiled a massive plan of terror- to work without Islamabad’s would look to senior Taliban pris- mote peace. But Ludin, who is just very disappointed,” he said. artillery shells were fired into ism in Quetta and recovered help on reconciliation, Deputy oners recently handed over by the widely believed to shape foreign “But what has happened in Afghanistan’s eastern prov- a huge quantity of explo- Foreign Minister Jawed Ludin United States in Bagram prison policy, said in an interview that the last few months for us, (we) ince of Kunar on Monday and sives material. According to said yesterday. to urge militants to pursue peace. Afghanistan had noted a shift in see that Pakistan is changing the Tuesday. The cancellation of the DIG Investigation Mobeen It was the first time He did not elaborate. Pakistan’s position towards peace goal post every time we reach trip and days of angry diplomatic Ahmed, on a tip-off given by Afghanistan has suggested the Afghan officials had been push- efforts that are gaining more understanding.” exchanges have placed further the secret agencies, police possibility of going it alone with- ing Pakistan hard to influence urgency as foreign forces prepare Afghanistan also said it had can- strain on a fraught relationship. searched a truck at Nawabi out its neighbour. Regional power the Taliban and other groups to leave by the end of 2014. celled a military trip to Pakistan REUTERS Gate near Kuchlak and recov- ered at least 80 sacks filled with potassium chloride, add- Mass wedding ing the explosive is two thou- sands kilograms in weight. He said it is a great success on the part of police team Afghan army cancels to have seized the explosives ahead of elections. The truck- driver is said to belong to Qila Abdullah, while the other ter- visit to Islamabad rorist belongs to Balochistan area of Gulistan. A case has KABUL: Afghanistan has cancelled a military trip to Pakistan due been lodged against the ter- to “unacceptable Pakistani shelling” of the country’s mountainous rorists, who are currently eastern borderlands, the foreign ministry said yesterday. being interrogated. More than two dozen Pakistani artillery shells were fired into Afghanistan’s eastern province of Kunar on March 25 and 26. The 20 rebels killed cancellation of the trip and days of angry diplomatic exchanges have placed further strain on an already fraught relationship. in Afghanistan Eleven Afghan National Army officers had been due to take part in a simulated military exercise at the Staff College in the western KABUL: More than 20 city of Quetta, gripped by recent sectarian violence directed at Shias. insurgents were killed in a “This visit will no longer take place due to the resumption of unac- joint operation in eastern ceptable Pakistani artillery shelling against different parts of Kunar Afghanistan, the Afghan and province from across the Durand Line on Monday and Tuesday,” the Nato military officials said statement said. here yesterday. Provincial The Durand Line is the 1893 British-mandated border between government spokesman Din the two countries, recognised by Pakistan but not by Afghanistan. Mohammad Darwesh said the Pakistani support for the Afghan peace process is considered essen- two-day operation that ended tial because of the two countries’ long, porous border and Pakistan’s Tuesday night in Logar prov- history of supporting militant groups. The neighbours have engaged ince also killed a local Taliban in days of angry accusations, including a Pakistani official denouncing commander. He added that Afghan president Hamid Karzai as an obstacle to peace. REUTERS two civilians were wounded in Pakistani grooms at a mass marriage in Karachi. Some 110 couples tied the knot in the ceremony organised Baraki Barak district. There by a local charity Al Ghousia. were no immediate reports of Afghan or international forces deaths. The Nato said in a statement that the troops killed 24 insurgents Attack fears haunt poll campaign The poor want their as part of the operation that rescued two captured Afghan ISLAMABAD: Pakistani poli- Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to son, will make few public appear- soldiers. Afghan officials gave ticians may be bitter rivals who victory, on a wave of sympathy. ances and will address crowds daughters to study varying numbers of 23 to 26 exploit the tiniest chance to But it was a powerful reminder by phone or video link “due to militants killed. score points off one another, but of the dangers and, heading into security and logistical” reasons, ISLAMABAD: About 93 per is conditional with 80 per cent one thing unites them as they the May 11 polls, Pakistan today party spokesman Qamar Zaman cent of the poorest of the poor in monthly attendance. British soldier campaign for May elections: is a far less secure country than Kaira said. “There are security Pakistan’s northwestern prov- The participants were informed fear of attack. five years ago. concerns. He cannot travel eve- ince of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that the SDPI conducted a survey dies in blast In a country awash with weap- Violence against the Shiite rywhere,” he said. h ave a g r e e d t o s end thei r d au g h- last year in which 600 poorest of ons, overstretched security forces, Muslim minority is at a record For any self-respecting politi- ters to schools after being regis- the poor families in the province KABUL: British defence fractious tribes, Islamist militants high. Religious intolerance is cian, a bullet-proof vehicle is de tered for a monthly stipend. were interviewed. The result of officials announced a British and deadly political and ethnic worse today than five years ago. rigueur. Party offices are bar- However, unavailability of facil- the survey showed that 93 per soldier was killed when rivalry, the spectre of violence The Taliban insurgency and a ricaded with barbed wire and ities such as transport is discour- cent of the families showed will- a suspected suicide car haunts politicians from left to Baluch separatist insurgency in concrete blocks. Bullet-proof aging them. ingness to send their daughters bomber attacked a patrol right, conservative to reformist. the southwest have only expanded. glass on podiums is increasingly This was stated during a brief- to schools if they were registered base in Afghanistan. The sol- More than five years after her The Pakistani Taliban have common. ing and dialogue Female edu- for the stipend. dier, from the 1st Battalion murder, the ghost of Benazir issued a direct threat against the As former dictator Pervez cation in KP organised by the Mohammad Zeshan, a repre- of the Mercian Regiment Bhutto hangs over the campaign. three main parties of the outgoing Musharraf flew back at the Sustainable Development Policy sentative of the SDPI, said the (Cheshire), was one of 10 She was killed in a gun and sui- government -- the PPP, the secu- weekend from more than four Institute (SDPI) here on Tuesday. stipend scheme can help enhance UK troops injured in the cide attack after an election rally lar Awami National Party (ANP) years in self-imposed exile, the The KP government launched the literacy rate but there were blast in the Nad Ali district in Rawalpindi in December 2007, in the northwest and MQM, the Taliban said they had gathered the stipend scheme for the girl so many other difficulties due to of Helmand province, media and her assassins have never been party that rules Karachi. a squad of suicide bombers to go students in 2008 and till now which the parents hesitated to reports said. convicted. The 24-year-old PPP chairman after him. 280,000 pupils have been receiv- send their daughters to schools. AGENCIES Her death catapulted her Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Bhutto’s AFP ing Rs200 per month. The stipend INTERNEWS THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17

Police question murdered BSP BJP expels leader’s wife, son

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police yesterday said they have ques- rebel minister tioned around 20 people in connection with the murder of billionaire realtor and BSP leader Deepak Bhardwaj on Tuesday. Those quizzed include in Karnataka his wife and younger son. The 62-year-old real estate tycoon was shot dead by two uni- dentified men in his farmhouse Renukacharya to join Yeddyurappa party here. Bhardwaj’s wife was ques- tioned because police wanted to BANGALORE: Rebel minister in the state in August know if she had a grudge against Karnataka minister M P 2011 and got elected to the state her husband since she was liv- Renukacharya was sacked yes- legislative council last year. ing separately in Dwarka with terday following his expulsion The controversial member, younger son Nitish for several from the ruling BJP for six however, did not quantify the months, a police officer close to years on disciplinary grounds. amount of money he had given to the probe said. The officer did not A Raj Bhavan communique Gowda but claimed that he had want to be named. said Governor H R Bhardwaj had documentary evidence to prove The officer said South Delhi accepted the recommendation of the charge. special staff and local police also Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar He also accused BJP’s national questioned Nitesh, 32, since he to drop the excise minister. general secretary Ananth Kumar, had filed a police case against his Renukacharya was expelled party’s former state unit presi- father some months ago and in from the Bharatiya Janata Party dent K S Eshwarappa and Joshi turn, Bhardwaj had lodged a com- (BJP) late on Tuesday. of being equally corrupt. plaint against his son. The rebel lawmaker from As Yeddyurappa’s die-hard Police want to know the rea- Honnali assembly segment in loyalist, Renukacharya has been son behind the cross-complaints. Davangere district, about 310 km smarting over the weeks after the They are still working on the from here, on Tuesday embar- party denied tickets to his nomi- rivalry theory over property or rassed the ruling party by accus- nees in the March 7 local body family disputes, the officer said. ing its former chief minister D elections in his assembly constitu- V Sadananda Gowda of receiving ency where the BJP fared well. money from him and being corrupt. Apprehending that he would Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has his headphones adjusted by an aide as he attends the BRICS summit in Metro shooter Though Renukacharya had not be given party ticket to con- Durban, yesterday. Leaders from the BRICS group of emerging powers failed to launch a much-anticipated new threatened to quit the fac- test in the ensuing state legisla- development bank to rival Western-dominated institutions like the World Bank. commits suicide tion-ridden BJP to join the tive assembly election on May 5, Karnataka Janata Party (KJP) Renukacharya said he would join NEW DELHI: The man who of former BJP’s chief minister Yeddyurappa by this weekend and allegedly shot dead his wife and B S Yeddyurappa, ruling party’s fight against the BJP from his PM assures Putin on N-plant critically injured her father has state unit president Pralhad home constituency on KJP ticket. committed suicide by hanging Joshi expelled him from the pri- Renukacharya also accused a DURBAN: The Prime Minister capacity of 1,000 mega watt. security, which he chairs. himself from a tree, police said mary membership after Gowda prominent state RSS (Rashtriya Manmohan Singh has assured The prime minister also Prime Minister said India yesterday. and Shettar sought swift action Swayamsevak Sangh) leader of Russian President Vladimir Putin assured the Russian president remained committed to support- “Pawan Kumar committed against him for indulging in loose minting money after the BJP that the first phase of the nuclear about the substantive progress ing Africa’s rise and would con- suicide by hanging himself from talk and making false charges. came to power in Karnataka for power project at Kudankulam in being made on the other remain- tinue to assist and work with the a tree near a railway station in Renukacharya had told local the first time in May 2008. Tamil Nadu will be up and run- ing phases of the joint nuclear vast continent, as its 54 countries Muradnagar in Uttar Pardesh,” news channels at Honnali that Gowda, however, rubbished ning by next month. energy programme between India develop their institutions and a police officer said. Gowda had taken a huge sum Renukacharya’s claims and told “I am pleased to inform you Mr and Russia at Kudankulam, near build infrastructure. The body was found by the of money from him during the reporters in Bangalore “eve- President that Kudankulam Unit Tirunelveli in town in the south- “India’s relations with Africa Government Railway Police Udupi-Chickmagalur parliamen- rybody knows Renukacharya’s will become operational, in par- ern quarters of Tamil Nadu. are rooted in history of our soli- (GRP) early morning, who tary by-election in March 2012, character”. Gowda also recalled ticular, the very next month,” the “As far as Unit III and IV are darity against colonialism and informed police, he said. which the BJP forfeited to the that he had ordered a probe into prime minister told the Russian concerned, we have secured our apartheid,” the prime minis- Deepti, 25, was killed on Congress. Gowda, who repre- allegations that Renukacharya president when they met at a internal approvals,” the prime ter said at the Africa Dialogue Tuesday and her father Bishan sented the Lok Sabha constitu- was involved in corruption in the bilateral meeting on the mar- minister said, referring to the Forum, which was an important Das, 55, was critically injured ency, resigned after he became excise ministry during his tenure gins of the 5th BRICS Summit sanction granted by the meet- side event at the BRICS Summit when her estranged husband the ruling party’s second chief as chief minister. IANS yesterday. The first unit has the ing of the cabinet committee on here. IANS Pawan Kumar shot them out- side the Karkardooma Metro station in east Delhi. Deepti was taken to the Deepak Memorial Dalai Lama with students Hospital where doctors declared her brought dead. Four perish in UP village fire LUCKNOW: Four people, including two children, were killed when a fire broke out in their house in an Uttar Pradesh village early yesterday, police said. The fire was trig- gered when a burning kerosene lamp fell down in the house in Amapur village of Kasganj dis- trict, some 300km from here, a police official said. The dead have been identi- fied as Basanti (30), Arjun (3), Gudiya (3) and Gauri (26). While Basanti, Arjun and Gudiya died in the fire even before they could be Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks with students of the rescued, Gauri was rushed to a Buddhist cultural school at Salugara, on the outskirts of Siliguri, West nearby medical facility where she Bengal, yesterday. The Dalai Lama expressed his sorrow for self-immo- succumbed during treatment, the lation protests going on in Tibet, on his first day of a three-day visit to official added. IANS the state. THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Tamil Nadu wants Tamil state in Lanka State Assembly adopts resolution for referendum, urges federal govt to impose sanctions against Colombo

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu for her government the Indian state assembly yesterday urged Premier League’s (IPL) decision India to introduce a resolution not to hold any cricket match in in the UN Security Council Tamil Nadu if Sri Lankan players seeking a referendum in Sri were involved. Lanka to carve out an inde- On Tuesday, she told Prime pendent Tamil Eelam state. Minister Manmohan Singh that A resolution moved by the her government would allow IPL AIADMK-controlled house said matches in the state only if no Tamils living in Sri Lanka as well Sri Lankan player, umpire, official as Tamils of Sri Lankan origin in or support staff took part in the other countries should take part matches. in the referendum. She accused DMK president M The resolution also urged India Karunanidhi of being insincere to stop describing Sri Lanka as vis-a-vis the Sri Lankan Tamil a friendly nation and sought an issue and charged the Congress- international probe on war crimes led federal government, of which during the war against the Tamil the DMK was a major partner, Tigers that left thousands dead. with helping Sri Lanka to kill It said those responsible for the Tamils. alleged war crimes should be tried She said Karunanidhi revived by an international court. the Tamil Eelam Supporters The Indian government was Organisation (TESO) only after also asked to impose economic his DMK lost power in the state sanctions on the island nation in 2011. until the “oppression” on Tamils The chief minister said New there ended. Delhi had not taken any action Speaking in the house, the chief on the resolution passed by the minister referred to the wide- Tamil Nadu assembly in 2011 spread protests by students in the urging India to impose economic state demanding action against sanctions on Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka over the deaths of approach the UN to declare those Tamil civilians in the war against responsible for the “genocide” in the LTTE . the island as war criminals. She also spoke about the UN Jayalalithaa said it was regret- Human Rights Council resolu- table that the Indian government tion that pulled up Colombo over was indifferent to the Tamil issue accusations that many inno- and not respecting Tamil senti- cent Tamils died in the military ments. She said she had intro- blitzkrieg against the Liberation duced the new resolution in the Tigers of Tamil Eelam. house to show “the entire Tamil Sri Lanka crushed the LTTE community’s feelings”. Police detain a college student during an anti-Sri Lanka protest in Chennai, yesterday. Dozens of students protested for a probe into war crimes against and wiped out its leadership in Earlier, Sri Lankan President the neighbouring country. May 2009, ending one of the Mahinda Rajapapaksa warned of world’s longest running conflicts. local and internationally attempts come within a week after a Since defeating the Tamil influence on the island”. America’s pointsman for South “India should stop calling to scuttle peace in the island US-sponsored resolution was Tigers, Rajapaksa’s government Washington had worked very Asia. “Well let me just say with Sri Lanka a friendly nation,” nation. passed against Sri Lanka at the has been under pressure, espe- closely with India in the run- respect to India that we worked Jayalalithaa said. Addressing a Sri Lanka UN Humans Rights Council in cially from Western countries, up to last week’s passage of an very closely with India throughout “There should be an interna- Freedom Party ceremony in Geneva. seeking an independent probe American-backed resolution the process and we indeed wel- tional probe on the war crimes Colombo, Rajapaksa said it was Days later, the US warned that into war crimes allegations. by the United Nations Human comed some of the changes that during the war (against the Tamil the right of all Sri Lankans to international action may be initi- The United States has suggested Rights Council pressing Colombo India made,” Assistant Secretary Tigers) and people responsible ensure that peace was protected ated on Sri Lanka if the island that the international community to investigate the deaths of tens of State for South Asia Robert for that should be tried before an in the country without falling failed to implement the latest res- work with India to encourage of thousands of civilians in the Blake told the BBC Sinhala Service international court,” she said. prey to rumours, reports Xinhua. olution adopted at the UN Human progress on the Sri Lankan issue final stages of the civil war with after the passage of the resolution She described as a victory Rajapaksa’s comments Rights Council. as New Delhi “has quite a lot of the Tamil Tigers, according to last Friday. IANS

US report calls Katju seeks pardon for for India-Pakistan water cooperation Zaibunissa in blasts case WASHINGTON: India and Pakistan will both benefit if NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: appealing to him to seek pardon they work together to peace- After actor Sanjay Dutt, Press for her mother. fully share and conserve the Council of India Chairman Shagufta, 40, told mediapersons vitally important waters of the Markandey Katju yesterday that her mother was innocent Indus River Basin, according to sought a pardon for Zaibunissa and she had only agreed to keep a new report. Kazi, another convict in the a bag containing AK-56 rifles, bul- The study by researchers from 1993 Mumbai blasts case. lets and hand grenades that was Stimson Centre, a US-based The former apex court judge brought to her by Abu Salem and think tank, the Observer said that he would write to Manzoor Ahmed Sayed Ahmed. Research Foundation in India President Pranab Mukherjee She said that Zaibunnisa was not and Sustainable Development and Maharashtra Governor K aware of the contents of the bag. Policy Institute in Pakistan, was Sankaranarayanan to pardon “I wish I was a celebrity or produced by water experts from Zaibunissa Kazi, 70, on humani- my mother was a celebrity, then groups that formed the Indus tarian grounds. I would also get all the support Basin Working Group. “Zaibunissa Kazi also deserves that Sanjay Dutt is getting today. “Indian-Pakistani coopera- a pardon. I was earlier consid- If it is on humanitarian grounds, tion will result in more effec- ering her case and after going then why only Sanjay Dutt, why tive management of the basin’s through her judgement file, I am not Zaibunissa?” she asked. water resources than confronta- of the firm opinion that she also Zaibunnisa was a co-accused in tion between the two nations,” deserves a pardon,” Katju said in the 1993 bomb blasts case and was said David Michel, director his blog. “I have decided to appeal sentenced to five years imprison- of Stimson’s Environmental to the president of India as well ment. “The only charge on which Security Programme and the lead as the governor of Maharashtra she has been convicted is possess- Stimson researcher on the report. Hindu devotees are sprayed with coloured water as they celebrate the Holi festival at the Swaminarayan Temple to pardon Zaibunnisa and Sanjay ing some prohibited weapons. It Titled “Connecting the Drops: in Kalupur, Ahmedabad, yesterday. Dutt,” he said. was not disputed that no recovery An Indus Basin Roadmap for The Supreme Court verdict on of any weapon was made from her Cross-Border Water Research, Thursday upheld Dutt’s convic- house. In my opinion she should at Data Sharing, and Policy tion for illegal possession of pro- least have been given the benefit Coordination,” the report makes Holi celebrated with fun, frolic hibited weapons like an AK-56 of doubt,” Katju said. “Zaibunnisa several recommendations to assault rifle and a revolver and is a widow with various ailments. foster cooperation by India and NEW DELHI: From soldiers water fights, using plastic guns each other’s faces and danced to sentenced him to five years in jail. She had a kidney operation some Pakistan “to overcome overlap- in the north to teenagers in and balloons to splash each other Bollywood songs heralding the Two days ago Katju had said time back, and has to be screened ping socio-economic, environ- the south, Indians of all hues and any unsuspecting person in “festival of colours”. that he received an e-mail from every six months. She can hardly mental, and political pressures.” threw water-filled balloons and sight from the rooftops of homes In Mumbai, home to the Hindi Shagufta, Zaibunnisa’s daughter, walk. ,” he said. IANS The report says water short- smeared coloured powder on in the Indian capital Delhi. film industry, usually riotous cel- ages could hit the subcontinent each other to celebrate the fes- Soldiers in Kashmir as well ebrations appeared to have been in a few years because growing tival of Holi yesterday. along the Wagah border between muted, perhaps in response to a populations and increasing devel- The revelry began in the early India and Pakistan rubbed call by leading actors to conserve opment are placing rising pres- hours with children engaging in brightly-coloured powder on water as millions of Indians face Notice to Kurien after fresh plea sure on the Indus Basin, to the their worst drought in decades. point that water removals from Although the festival is usually IDUKKI, KERALA: Accepting a petition by the Suryanelli sex the Indus are outpacing natural Eight killed in Andhra Pradesh celebrated with wild “rain dances” case victim, a district court yesterday ordered that notice be served rates of renewal. Almost all of the and the throwing of buckets of on Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson P J Kurien and four others, basin’s renewable water resources HYDERABAD: Eight people were killed in four separate incidents water, the drought in central including the Kerala government. The Idukki court also posted the are already allocated for vari- during Holi celebrations in Andhra Pradesh yesterday. Five youths parts of Maharashtra state, of case for May 29 and asked all those, who would be served notice, to ous uses - with little or no spare drowned in a lake in Nizamabad district. Police said they drowned which Mumbai is the capital, led be present in the court. The victim approached the court after her capacity. Scientific and policy col- in Basant Lake in Srikonda while taking bath. The bodies were many to push for a “dry” Holi. petition was not admitted in a lower court in the district earlier this laboration across national and retrieved and taken to a hospital in Armoor town for autopsy. A The call for austerity did not month. She has demanded further probe into the case. disciplinary boundaries will be youth drowned in a well in IDL area in Kukatpally here. Police said reach Delhi, where one jewellery The Peerumedu first class magistrate court on March 2 pointed out essential, according to the study. he had gone to the well to take a bath after celebrating Holi. store offered a gold water pistol that it had once considered the case and hence could not take it up again. Indus River is one of the most A six-year-old boy drowned in a water tank near Koyalagudem on sale for the princely sum of Kurien’s name never appeared in the list of accused and in the late 1990s, important water systems in the in Choutuppal mandal of Nalgonda district. He too was taking bath `8m ($147,000), according to a after a special court found more than 42 people guilty in the case, the world. It supplies the needs of after playing Holi. A youth, playing Holi, was killed after a truck report in the Hindustan Times victim filed a private complaint against him in a court in Idukki claiming about 300 million people and knocked him down in Adigoppala in Durgi mandal of Guntur district. newspaper. that he had exploited her at a guest house in the district. nourishes the breadbaskets of the In Kadapa district, a five-year-old boy accidentally fell into a Holi, a public holiday, marks He got a discharge in the case from the Supreme Court in the peti- subcontinent, watering fields in borewell while playing Holi with friends. He was rescued by villag- the arrival of spring and is espe- tion. The sex scandal took place in Suryanelli in Idukki in January India and Pakistan that consti- ers. The incident took place in Kumarampalli in Vempalli mandal. cially popular in northern India 1996, when the then 16-year-old was threatened, abducted and abused tute the most intensely irrigated IANS and other parts of the world with by a bus conductor and was later confined and sexually assaulted by area on Earth. IANS large Hindu communities. AFP 42 men for 45 days. IANS

THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME TV comedies Girls, News in Numbers OZONE-DEPLETING, Louie headline SUBSTANCES

Fajr (Dawn) 4:14 Peabody Awards Shorook (Sunrise) 5:31 NEW YORK: Irreverent US Zuhr (Noon) 11:39 cable television series Girls and Asr (Afternoon) 3:07 Louie yesterday headlined the winners of the annual Peabody Maghrib (Sunset) 5:49 Awards, the oldest and one of Isha (Night) 7:19 the top honours in broadcasting. The awards recognise excel- lence in television and radio broadcasting, as well as by web- WEATHER casters, producing organisations and individuals. Consumption of ozone-depleting substances witnessed Today Friday Saturday Weather HBO’s Girls, which has earned Conditions: creator and star Lena Dunham, a surge between 2004 and 2010. It increased from Clear Partly cloudy Partly cloudy 26, two Golden Globe awards and Hazy with some a slew of Emmy nominations, was 294.37 metric tonnes in 2004 to 1,446 metric tonnes in clouds. lauded by the Peabody panel for 2010. This is due to the increase in the import of organic High: 31° High:31° High:34° its “singular, decidedly unglam- Low: 17° Low: 23° Low: 24° ourous take on the single girl”. chlorine and fluorine compounds. In 2011, however, Comedian Louis C K’s Louie, a cult hit on FX of unconnected story consumption of ozone-depleting substances declined lines and vignettes about a single significantly reaching 714 metric tonnes. father in the entertainment busi- DOHA - SUN & SEA ness, was praised as a “milestone of comedic reach and candour”. Consumption of substances that deplete SUN TIDE SEA The Peabody panel, which also SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND honours international and local the Ozone layer from 2004 to 2011 programmes, awarded a prize 05:31 17:49 05:15 & 18:00 11:30 & 00:00 03-12 KT to WVIT-TV, an NBC affiliate in West Hartford, Connecticut, THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW for its coverage of the elemen- HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER tary school mass shootings in Organic chlorine and fluorine compounds-11 December in nearby Newtown. Organic chlorine and fluorine compounds-12 MUSCAT 38/24 Clear 37/24 Clear Other notable winners include Halon-1121 MAKKAH 33/23 Clear 33/23 Clear British broadcaster ITV’s docu- Halon-1301 Organic chlorine and fluorine compounds-22 KUWAIT 29/20 Clear 28/21 Partly cloudy mentary on the late BBC pre- BAHRAIN 29/22 Partly cloudy 30/22 Partly cloudy senter Jimmy Savile that explored SANAA 24/10 Thunderstorm 23/11 Thunderstorm allegations of decades-long sexual RIYADH 32/19 Partly cloudy 32/17 Chance of storm abuse by the once beloved star. The BBC science-fiction drama DUBAI 29/20 Clear 32/22 Partly cloudy Doctor Who won an Institutional BAGHDAD 26/15 Clear 27/15 Partly cloudy Peabody Award for its ability to evolve with the times over its THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW some 50 years in production. HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Producer Lorne Michaels, the driving force behind NBC sketch Figure (24) shows that the State did not import organic ATHENS 19/11 Mostly cloudy 18/12 Mostly cloudy comedy series Saturday Night Live, chlorine and fluorine compounds during the period WASHINGTON 09/01 Partly cloudy 11/02 Partly cloudy won an individual Peabody Award for career achievement. SYDNEY 22/14 Partly cloudy 26/16 Partly cloudy from 2009 to 2011. This confirms the success of the The website SCOTUSblog.com, LONDON 05/-1 Mostly cloudy 06/-1 Chance of rain which provides analysis and archi- actions taken to reduce the import and use of certain PARIS 07/02 Chance of rain 08/03 Partly cloudy val material on the U.S. Supreme ISTANBUL 09/05 Chance of rain 12/05 Partly sunny Court, also won an award and substances that deplete the Ozone layer. Yet, the State MANILA 33/25 Partly sunny 33/24 Partly sunny was praised as a one-stop shop still imports organic chlorine and fluorine compounds DHAKA 39/24 Mostly cloudy 38/26 Partly sunny for information on the court. The DELHI 31/20 Mostly cloudy 33/21 Partly sunny winners will be honoured at a cer- to meet the personal and industrial demand. ISLAMABAD 28/15 Partly cloudy 26/13 Mostly cloudy emony in New York on May 20. Source : http://www.qsa.gov.qa/ REUTERS Thursday 28 March 2013 16 Jumada I 1434 Volume 18 Number 5652 Price: QR2

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International Tunisia seeks Qatari investments Islamic gets Marzouki meets QBA officials top rating BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB he said: “Relatively it is low, and DOHA: Islamic I think we need to improve it. International Rating DOHA: The corrupt regime Because earlier Tunisia was a cor- Agency (IIRA) has of ousted President, Zine El rupt state so the level of invest- assigned a national scale Abidine Ben Ali, was the main ment was not very high. But rating of A+/A-1 (QR) reason for low levels of Qatari now with the new government (A plus/A-one) to Qatar investment in Tunisia, says the in Tunisia, which he claimed was International Islamic Bank country’s visiting President Dr free of corruption, the investment (International Islamic). Mohamed Moncef Marzouki. would be extremely important for On the international scale, The new government in Qatar as well as Tunisia. IIRA has assigned a foreign Tunisia, the epicentre of ‘Arab In December, 2010, during the currency and local currency Spring’, is now committed to fourth session of Qatar-Tunisia rating of A-/A-1 (A minus/ further improving relationship Joint Higher Committee, 14 agree- A-one). These ratings have with Qatar, he told The Peninsula ments were signed for coopera- been assigned on the basis yesterday. tion between the two countries. of International Islamic’s Speaking on the sidelines of Trade and investment between strong credit fundamentals. a luncheon hosted in his hon- Qatar and Tunisia have witnessed Further, International our by the Qatari Businessmen’s a significant improvement since. Islamic’s fiduciary score has Association (QBA), Marzouki The President was here to been assessed in the range of said Qatar was a very important participate in the recently con- ‘70-75’ (out of 100), reflect- country, and Tunisia was looking cluded Arab League Summit. ing strong fiduciary stand- forward to Qatari investments His delegation included Osman ards wherein rights of fund and expertise to play a signifi- Jerandi, Minister of Foreign providers are adequately cant role in the mutual growth Affairs, Tunisian Minister of defined and protected. and development for a “win-win Education, and a number of con- The fiduciary score is relationship”. sultants and government officials an aggregation of scores “We have very very good rela- in addition to the Ambassador of assigned to its three sub- tionships with Qatar. And we Qatar to Tunisia, Nasser Hamidi, sections, namely Corporate are trying to improve it further the Tunisian Ambassador to The Chairman of the Qatar Businessmen’s Association Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani hands over a memento Governance, Shariah because Qatar is a very good and Qatar, Mohammed Munther to Tunisian President Dr Mohamed Moncef Marzouki, during the luncheon in Doha, yesterday. Governance, and Asset friendly country, especially in Zarif including the official repre- Manager Quality. matters of public affairs. We need sentatives of Tunisia at the Arab presence of Hussein Alfardan, expressing the desire of the and their Tunisian counterparts. The fiduciary score cap- Qatari investment and expertise, League. First Deputy Chairman of QBA, Qatari business community to Sheikh Faisal said that Tunisia tures the role of the man- and I am quite sure that we are The luncheon was presided Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Thani Al open bridges of communication had a privileged geographical agement of the institution going to improve this relation- over by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Thani, Second Deputy Chairman and strengthen economic ties position that attracts major inter- as Mudarib, the entity’s ship in the days to come,” said Al Thani, Chairman of QBA, and of QBA, Sherida Saad Jubran between the two countries, in national companies, especially due governance practices and the President. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Kaabi board member, and other order to discuss ways of enhancing to its geographical proximity to compliance with Shariah Asked about the current status Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman distinguished guests. trade cooperation and investment major European markets. principles adopted by the of Qatar-Tunisia trade relations, of Qatar Chamber, and in the They exchanged ideas between the Qatari businessmen THE PENINSULA bank. THE PENINSULA Revenue of banks grew 12pc in 2012

DOHA: Revenue of Qatari banks grew by 12 percent in 2012 as the combined rev- enues of the banking industry in the Middle East settled at single digit revenue growth, up 6.9 percent. Banks in Saudi Arabia and Oman achieved high single digit growth rates, while banks in the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain achieved a revenue growth rate of 5 percent or below in 2012, Some of the members of the British delegation. according to a new study by Some of the directors of Salam International Investment Limited during the Boston Consulting Group their meeting. (BCG). The new study is part of BCG’s annual banking per- British delegation seeks to formance indices measuring the development of banking SIIL wins nod for Salam revenues (operating income) and profits for leading Middle East banks. Bounian acquisition capitalise on 2022 projects In 2012, loan loss provisions varied significantly by coun- DOHA: The UK-based Middle Forum during this period. co-operation growing in a wide try. In particular, banks in DOHA: The Board of Directors The Board noted that the QFMA East Association has brought The mission programme range of areas such as healthcare, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait had (BOD) of Salam International had suspended the share trade for in a delegation of British com- includes visits to Qatari Diar, education, culture, science and to build higher provisions due Investment Limited (SIIL) a third time without citing ade- panies to Qatar. In the four- Qatar Rail Company, Ashghal technology. Qatar has invested to increasing delinquencies in approved in principle the total quate reasons. day networking, the delegation, and the Urban Planning & $20bn in the UK, and is now the sectors such as real estate, con- acquisition of shares of Salam The suspension of the trad- with the support of the British Development Authority, where UK’s leading supplier of LNG. struction, banks, financial serv- Bounian, and to increase the ing for a prolonged period will be Embassy, would seek to capital- mission members will learn “Qatar’s rapidly growing econ- ices, and manufacturing. company’s capital in kind at the against the rights and interests ise on the opportunities arising about plans for the development omy and its plans to spend around UAE banks were, on aggre- fair value of the Salam Bounian. of the shareholders and would from Qatar’s preparations for of Qatar’s physical infrastructure $60bn on infrastructure projects gate, able to significantly reduce It also approved to issue new undermine the confidence in the the FIFA 2022 World Cup. and for the redevelopment of in the run up to FIFA 2022, offer the existing high provisioning shares against the shares in company; the Board noted stat- The delegation comprises 14 Doha. They will also be briefed unprecedented opportunities for levels by 13 percent. The retail kind. ing that the QFMA’s decision is representatives from 11 compa- on plans for the 2022 FIFA World British companies,” Matthew said. banking revenues in the GCC An Evaluator will be appointed unjustifiable. nies, whose interests include con- Cup by the Qatar 2022 Supreme “Qatar is one of the most prom- which had remained rather to evaluate the two companies, The BOD noted that the com- sulting engineering, structural Committee. Opportunities to ising project markets in the world flat during the last few years in agreement between both pany published the text of court engineering, project manage- establish new business contacts today. With an upsurge in contract experienced a further uptick companies. decision in question and all previ- ment, cable products, legal serv- will be maximised through a net- awards anticipated in 2013 and of some 4 percent, largely due The BOD also decided to sub- ous judgments in the same case, ices, education and training, and working reception at the British 2014 and the Qatari Government to an increase in the three big- mit to court to appoint an expert on the Qatar Exchange website, recruitment. Embassy, and networking lunches keen to promote projects involving gest markets – the UAE, Saudi to verify whether these shares and on the company website, to The delegation is led by hosted by the Links Group and the transfer of foreign expertise, Arabia and Kuwait. Oman were properly evaluated, in provide a chance for interested Matthew Smith, Director General SNR Denton. the market presents favourable repeated the strong double digit accordance with the provisions investors and shareholders to be of the Middle East Association. Qatar is a large and growing opportunities for British compa- growth of the previous year. On of Article 158 of the Commercial aware of company’s disclosure on Mathew is no stranger to Qatar, market for British companies, nies that can demonstrate a com- the whole, the variance between Companies Law No 5 of 2002. the new judgment of new Court having served as CEO of HSBC accounting for £1.3bn worth of mitment to the country beyond growth rates of individual banks The BOD expressed its serious of Appeal, and in accordance Qatar from 2000-2004, during UK exports in 2012, a 16 percent any short term project gain,” said in retail was very high and concern over Qatar Finance and with the principles of transpar- his 30-year career with HSBC. increase over the previous year. Wayne Merrick, General Manager ranged from -39 percent to +19 Marketing Authority’s (QFMA) ency and disclosure adopted by Matthew also served as Treasurer Relations between the UK and – Qatar, The Links Group. percent. THE PENINSULA decision to repeatedly suspend the company. of the Qatar British Business Qatar continue to prosper, with THE PENINSULA trading of the company’s shares. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Qatari bourse ends in green Dubai’s index drops to an eight-week low as investors book gains

DOHA/DUBAI: Qatar Dubai’s real estate bellwether 15-week low, rising 0.7 percent as YESTERDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS Exchange traded in the green Emaar Properties and telecom- bargain-hunters returned despite QATAR: The index climbed 0.4 per- area yesterday adding 33.56 munications operator du led the political instability. cent to 8,607 points. points (or 0.4 percent) to declines, slipping 3.6 and 2.9 per- Heavyweight Orascom Telecom SAUDI ARABIA: The index ticked advance to 8,606.67 points from cent. The market hit a 39-month climbed 4.8 percent on renewed Chairman of Doha Bank Sheikh up 0.01 percent to 7,178 points. The Managing Director and Chief 8,573.11 Tuesday. high in late February, boosted hopes of a dispute resolution Fahad bin Mohammed bin Jabor BAHRAIN: The index declined 0.1 Executive Officer of Widam Food Al Thani The volume of the shares by a tentative recovery in prop- around its Algerian unit Djezzy. Ahmed Nasser Sraiya Al Kaabi. traded was up to 5,723,942 erty prices and a thriving tour- A newspaper reported earlier this percent to 1,086 points. from 5,128,003 on Tuesday, and ism sector, but it has lost steam week that Russian mobile firm DUBAI: The index fell 1.6 percent the value of shares decreased in the last several weeks, partly Vimpelcom — Orascom’s parent to 1,837 points. Doha Bank’s to QR258,483,007.34 from because some stocks have gone company — may soon reach a ABU DHABI: The index slipped 0.3 Widam Food’s QR331,969,603.58 on Tuesday. ex-dividend. deal to sell a stake in Djezzy to percent to 3,005 points. Among the top gainers were “Technically, stocks are over- Algeria’s government. KUWAIT: The index eased 0.01 ratings get Qatar National Bank which was bought and the market will con- Orascom Construction percent to 6,776 points. net profits up 0.37 percent to QR134.00, solidate around these levels or a Industries gained 3.8 percent. OMAN: The index fell 1.6 percent Industries Qatar rose 0.51 per- bit lower, and that’s healthy,” said OCI, Egypt’s largest listed stock, to 6,073 points. surge by 29pc upgraded cent to QR158.70, Electricity and Amer Khan, fund manager, Shuaa is battling government charges it EGYPT: The index gained 0.7 per- Water gained 3.24 percent to Asset Management. evaded 14 billion Egyptian pounds cent to 5,164 points. QR143.50 and Barwa Real Estate The emirate’s benchmark fell ($2.1bn) in taxes. DOHA: Qatar’s premium DOHA: Capital Intelligence was up by 2.69 percent to Q24.85. 1.6 percent to finish at 1,837 Shares in National Societe meat provider Widam Food’s (CI), the international credit rat- The banking and financial sec- points, its lowest close since Jan. Generale Bank tumbled 10 per- allow investors during the day net profits reached QR75m for ings agency, has affirmed Doha tor index was up 0.15 points while 28. The break below chart support cent to 33.20 Egyptian pounds, to “reverse their decision” to sell 2012. The net profits surged by Bank (DB)’s Financial Strength consumer goods and services at the March low of 1,860 points their lowest since August and their NSGB shares to QNB in the around 29 percent compared to Rating at ‘A’. CI has assigned a sector index added 0.60 points. triggers a double top formed by extending Tuesday’s 4.1 percent Qatari bank’s mandatory tender. the profits for the same period positive rating (upgraded from The industrial sector gained 1.08 the February and March peaks; drop. The stock has been slid- The tender, at 38.65 pounds, was last year. stable) on Doha Bank’s foreign points while insurance sector rose this points down to around 1,770 ing since the government said it for the 23 percent of NSGB which Widam Food’s EPS (earnings currency outlook. by 0.64 points. points in coming days or weeks. would levy a 10 percent tax on QNB had not bought from Societe per share) also increased by 29 The affirmation of ratings and Elsewhere, Dubai’s bourse Abu Dhabi’s benchmark investors who made capital gains Generale. percent, or what is equivalent to the positive outlook reflects the dropped to an eight-week low yes- declined 0.3 percent, trading in from Qatar National Bank’s bid Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia’s mar- QR 0.93, to reach QR 4.17 per bank’s very strong retail fran- terday, as investors booked gains a tight range since climbing to a to acquire the Egyptian lender. ket and Kuwait’s bourse ended share. Widam Food recorded a chise, growing international net- from an early-year surge, while 40-month high in late February. The stock exchange said flat. In Oman, the index fell 1.6 significant hike in sales reaching work, improving asset quality, bargain hunting helped lift Egypt In Egypt, the main bench- yesterday that in response to percent from Tuesday’s 22-month QR350m, or what is equivalent to strengthening capital adequacy from a 15-week trough. mark edged away from Tuesday’s requests by the public, it would high. QNA/REUTERS an increase of 23 percent equal- and sound profitability. ing QR59.7m over the last finan- The long and the short term cial year where sales were up to foreign currency ratings are QR260m. also affirmed at “A” and “A2” Ahmed Nasser Sraiya Al Kaabi, respectively. The Bank’s Support Managing Director and Chief Rating was affirmed at ‘2’. Sheikh al khaliji to finance QR1bn Alfardan resort Executive Officer of Widam Food Fahad bin Mohammed bin Jabor said: “2012 has been a superb year Al Thani, Chairman of the bank for us at Widam Food and this said that ratings reflected Doha DOHA: Al Khalij Commercial development. We are therefore is strongly highlighted by our bank’s strengthening interna- Bank (al khaliji) QSC has privileged to be associated with annual financial results which tional presence and sustained inked a deal to finance the one of the most ambitious hos- saw our profits soar to QR75m. profitability. He said that bank Alfardan Properties’ upcoming pitality projects in Qatar – the Such results accentuate our con- had achieved noticeable growth Kempinski Marsa Malaz Hotel Kempinski Marza Malaz Hotel tinued investments to grow our rates in all financial parameters. Resort, costing about QR1bn, a Resort.” business, expand our workforce, Dr R Seetharaman, CEO of the press statement said yesterday. Omar Hussain Alfardan, upgrade our facilities and plan to bank said that it is the vision of Alfardan Properties, one of President and CEO of Alfardan tap into new industries.” the board of the bank to expand the companies under Alfardan Properties and Alfardan Group, “At Widam Food, we are highly globally and set its international umbrella group, is renowned added: “The Kempinski project committed to excel in everything footprint. He said that the bank for luxury turnkey residential clearly reflects our vision to pro- we do by prioritising world-class has been able innovate and bring and commercial developments vide iconic luxury developments best practices and uncompro- the most novel and state of the art in addition to five-star hospital- focused on superlative hospitality mised quality. This has been products to the market. He said ity projects such as Kempinski service to Qatar and the region. clearly apparent in the number the bank has been able to produce Residences and Suites. This uniquely themed hotel resort of prestigious accolades we bagged sustainable performance and that Commenting on the deal, Robin which we foresee to become a till today. We are pressing ahead continued in 2012 as well. He said McCall, al khaliji’s Group CEO popular destination for interna- with our growth and development that bank hence has been awarded said: “As the country looks to tional guests visiting Qatar, will plans for the year 2013 in order by renowned financial sector ana- the future, and continues with truly display the luxury, authen- to cater to market demand with lysts and companies for its pio- its economic growth, companies ticity and excellence Alfardan a wider line-up of products and neering role in financial services such as Al Fardan Group Holding Properties is known for.” Officials of Alfardan and al khaliji after signing the agreement. services,” Al Kaabi added. sector. THE PENINSULA will be at the forefront of Qatar’s THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

QATARI MARKET Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 104.56 0.65 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.94 1.52 % Aa2 AA EQ holds training sessions for SMEs Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 124.25 2.23 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 117.13 2.50 % Aa2 AA DOHA: Enterprise Qatar (EQ) Banking. The program is pro- Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 112.06 2.94 % Aa2 AA carried out the second of its vided in partnership with leading Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 169.75 4.07 % Aa2 AA series of workshop-training pro- advisory firms KPMG, Deloitte, Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 129.25 4.51 % Aa2 AA grammes for small and medium PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 119.50 4.53 % Aa2 AA enterprises (SMEs) with a ses- and Qinvest. sion on ‘strategic planning’ Noora Al Mannai, CEO of EQ, Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.25 1.20 % Aa2 AA delivered by Deloitte, a leading said: “Enterprise Qatar exerts all Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 114.63 2.78 % Aa2 AA financial consultancy firm, a possible efforts to help the coun- Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 105.75 1.41 % A1 A- press statement said yesterday. try in creating an entrepreneurial Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.63 2.17 % A1 A- The event cost was covered ecosystem, in line with the Qatar QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.50 2.02 % NR NR by EQ and attracted a capacity National Vision 2030, to develop QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.63 1.71 % Aa3 A+ attendance of over 30 Qatari and a versatile, knowledge-based and QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.63 2.13 % Aa3 A+ resident entrepreneurs, SME create new job opportunities for owners and their management Qataris and residents. Once a com- Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.50 2.31 % A2 A- teams. pany has been set up, the first five Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.63 1.73 % A2 A The workshop covered the years are of critical importance in Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 131.00 2.46 % A2 A basics of how to write a business determining whether the venture Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 111.88 3.04 % A2 A plan, and demonstrated the dif- Some of the participants in the Enterprise Qatar training workshops. will succeed and grow, or not.” Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 110.75 3.91 % A2 A ferences between a strategic plan EQ will deliver two more work- Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 106.63 1.02 % Aa3 A and a business plan. shops on April 2 and April 9 in the Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 108.13 3.36 % Aa3 A Participants discussed with the participants contributing their specific to the Qatari market and Professional Series, on corporate Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 111.38 3.56 % Aa3 A trainer, David Mason, Director of opinions on many of the areas. its fundamentals. governance and family business Consulting for Deloitte Qatar, the The workshop also included The “Professional Series” pro- planning and financing. These SOVEREIGNS key sections of any business plan, exercises on SWOT analysis, gramme has been designed to workshops are free to attend for Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P such as company overview, prod- vision/mission statements, and provide training to SME own- EQ-registered companies. SME Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 105.13 0.44 % Aa2 AA ucts and services, management, the importance of producing ers and manager to create more owners and managers interested Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 125.75 2.17 % Aa2 AA marketing, operating processes, accurate financial projections. effective business plans, in addi- in the programme are encouraged financial information, and times- The major theme that emerged tion to building understanding of to contact the Business Support Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 110.25 2.46 % NR NR cales and benchmarks. An inter- from the sessions was the need the available financing schemes in Services team at EQ. Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 107.25 3.01 % NR NR active format was adopted, with to develop business plans that are the local market such as Islamic THE PENINSULA Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 124.13 4.00 % NR NR Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 117.13 4.17 % NR NR Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 105.63 0.84 % Aa2 AA Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 115.38 3.27 % NR BBB Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 109.88 3.88 % NR BBB Kuwait budget surplus at $60.5bn Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 88.50 7.90 % Caa1 B- Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 106.13 3.56 % NR BBB- KUWAIT: Kuwait had a budget had been predicted. Oil revenues *Periodic Distribution Amount • Bullion - Mumbai surplus of KD17.2bn ($60.5bn) were KD25.5bn, or 94 percent of IMPORTANT NOTE: Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 29540 Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which in the first ten months of its the income, the data showed. is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services Silver (1 kg) Rs. 54775 fiscal year, preliminary budget The 10-month surplus is equiv- Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.79 data showed yesterday, thanks alent to around 39 percent of the data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising • Sensex to robust oil income and lower- Gulf state’s 2011 gross domestic out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds BSE 18704.53 than-expected public spending. product, according to a Reuters can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant NSE 5641.60 The government spent KD9.8bn calculation based on the latest liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not in the 10 months to the end of official data. A poll in September • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and January, less than half of the forecast that Kuwait would consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. p.a. (in dollar) KD21.2bn originally earmarked record a budget surplus of 25 per- • Housing loan from HDFC LTD for the period, a report posted on cent of GDP in fiscal year 2012/13, • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, the Finance Ministry’s website which began in April. The cabinet Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. showed. approved a revised budget for the Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] Income was KD27bn, much current fiscal year in October. higher than the KD13.9bn which REUTERS THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Turkey halts Qatar’s real energy deals with ENI over GDP up 13pc Cyprus row

ANKARA: Turkey has sus- pended energy projects with Italian giant ENI because it is involved in exploration for oil in 2011: QSA and gas off the divided island of Cyprus, the Turkish energy minister said yesterday. “We have decided not to work Authority issues accounts bulletin with ENI in Turkey, including sus- pending their ongoing projects,” Taner Yildiz was quoted as saying BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB mainly manufacturing; construc- by the state-run Anatolia news tion; trade, hotels and restau- agency. DOHA: Qatar’s real Gross rants; transport, storage and ENI, along with the private Domestic Product (GDP) was communication; finance, insur- Turkish group Calik, is a part- up 13 percent in 2011 versus ance, real estate and business ner in the Samsun-Ceyhan pipe- 16.7 percent in 2010 calculated services; and government serv- line project that aims to deliver at the constant prices of 2004, ices for the year 2011 has been Emirates and Qantas A380 aircraft sit on the tarmac at Kingsford Smith international airport in Sydney. Russian and Kazakh crude oil to according to revised estimated revised at QR254bn representing Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. figures released by the Qatar an increase of 17.8 percent over Calik will make its own decision Statistics Authority. the GVA of QR215.7bn for the whether to continue working with Issuing ‘National Accounts year 2010. ENI but Ankara is not in favour Bulletin (NAB) 2012’ the revised While the real GDP in 2010 at Qantas and Emirates get nod of the Italian group remaining on estimate of nominal GDP (at constant (2004) prices was esti- the project. current prices) for 2011 was up mated at QR284.23bn and the The pipeline is expected to 37 percent which was up by 27.9 revised preliminary estimate of carry up to 70 million tonnes percent in 2010. real GDP for 2011 was estimated for ‘game-changing’ alliance of oil annually from Turkey’s The NAB in its new-look, to QR321bn, representing an Black Sea city of Samsun to its presents data series of key increase of 13 percent. SYDNEY: Australia’s compe- on March 31. the frequent flyer benefits that Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. national accounts aggregates Government’s Final tition watchdog yesterday gave However, the regulator said it extend across it, with a significant It was not clear, however, including GDP, Government Consumption Expenditure final approval for Qantas and was concerned that New Zealand increase in bookings.” if Turkey would oppose ENI Final Consumption Expenditure, (GFCE), at current prices, is Emirates to launch a “game- was a key market where competi- With services to Asia no longer involvement in the South Stream Household Final Consumption estimated at QR76.84bn in 2011 changing” global alliance, tion could be eroded. tied to onward links to Europe, project, a separate, strategic gas Expenditure, Capital Formation versus QR63.69bn in 2010, show- saying the tie-up will benefit To deal with this it imposed Qantas recently announced that pipeline plan. and other for the period 2004 to ing a rise of 20.6 percent. And, passengers. a condition on flights between new direct destinations from ENI head Paolo Scaroni told 2011 both at current and con- at constant prices, the GFCE The decision by the Australian Australia and New Zealand, forc- Australia are being considered, Italian news agency Radiocor stant prices. works out to QR53.33bn in 2011 Competition and Consumer ing the airlines to maintain exist- including Beijing, Seoul, Mumbai, he regretted the decision, but The NAB begins with the ana- as against QR43bn in 2010, which Commission (ACCC), widely ing capacity on four overlapping Delhi and Tokyo-Haneda. remained confident that common lytical overview of economy in was up by 23.9 percent. expected after a preliminary trans-Tasman routes that were For Emirates customers, it ground still existed and that posi- 2004-2011, and the publication is While the Household Final green light in December, allows in operation before the alliance. opens up Qantas’s Australian tive relations with Turkey would divided in six parts. Some of the Consumption Expenditure the airlines to combine operations “With this condition, the ACCC domestic network of more than recover. salient features of the National (HFCE), at current prices, was for five years. is satisfied that the relevant net 50 destinations and nearly 5,000 In 2011, Turkey gave Russia a Accounts Aggregates are as estimated at QR79.90bn in 2011 Under the alliance, they will public benefit tests are met,” the flights per week. green light for the South Stream follows: as against QR73.65bn in 2010, coordinate ticket prices and regulator said. “This is a truly game-changing project to run through Black The final estimated GDP in witnessing a rise of 8.5 percent. flight schedules and struggling The alliance is seen as vital partnership that brings together Sea waters, paving the way for a 2010 at current prices stood at The HFCE estimates, at 2004 Qantas will shift its hub for to the sustainability of Qantas, two of the world’s best airlines pipeline designed to transport 63 QR455.45bn. prices, works out to QR52.82bn in European flights from Singapore which last year posted its first and offers some of the highest billion cubic metres (2.2 trillion The revised preliminary esti- 2011 against QR49.72bn in 2010, to Emirates’ Dubai base. annual deficit since privatisation quality travel experiences,” said cubic feet) of natural gas per year. mate of GDP for 2011 is accord- which was up by 6.2 percent. It also means an end to Qantas’ in 1995, due to tough regional Emirates chief Tim Clark. The Russian behemoth ingly placed at QR624.17bn, Gross savings at current partnership with British Airways competition and high fuel costs Dubai Airports has earmarked Gazprom owns 50 percent of representing an increase of 37 prices, in 2011 was provisionally on the so-called kangaroo route for its international arm. major funds to further expand the South Stream project and percent. estimated at QR373bn as against to London, which has spanned Qantas chief Alan Joyce called the capacity of the international ENI has 20 percent, while the The Gross Value Added (GVA) QR229.63bn in 2010, showing an nearly two decades. it good news for travellers and travel hub and expects to handle German company Wintershall from the mining and quarrying increase of 62.5 percent. “The ACCC considers that the Australian tourism. 75 million passengers by 2015 and and Electricite de France (EDF) sector for the year 2011 has been The Gross Capital Formation alliance is likely to result in public “Qantas is an Australian icon 98 million by 2020. each holds 15 percent. revised at QR370.16bn represent- or Gross Investment, at current benefits through enhanced prod- and the future of its international Australian Transport Minister ENI is also a partner to the Blue ing an increase of 54.4 percent prices, shows an increase of 28.6 ucts and service offerings by the business is much brighter with Anthony Albanese forecast lower Stream pipeline which crosses the over the GVA of QR239.75bn for percent in 2011 from QR143bn airlines, and improved operating this partnership,” he said, with its fares for air travellers as a con- Black Sea, taking Russian gas to the year 2010. The increase is in 2010 to QR183.87bn in 2011. efficiency,” ACCC chairman Rod share price rising 1.74 percent to sequence of the deal. “The Flying Turkey. Turkey has warned that mainly attributed to both higher While the rate of gross capital Sims said. A$1.75 ($1.84) in afternoon trade. Kangaroo has a special place in companies involved in exploration production and international oil formation at current prices was The decision comes after a six- “Customers are already the heart of all Australians and for energy resources in waters off prices. 29.5 percent in 2011 as against month review and just days before responding very strongly to this is good news for Australian Cyprus would be excluded from The GVA from the non-mining 31.4 percent seen in 2010. the first joint flight from Sydney the joint network that Qantas travellers and the Australian Ankara’s energy investment and quarrying sectors including THE PENINSULA to London, via Dubai, is scheduled and Emirates have built, and to economy,” he said. AFP plans. AFP

1,600 UAE QFC Regulatory Authority taxis to run on LNG

ABU DHABI: In light expands role of COO of the lowering cost of gas-operated taxis DOHA: The Qatar Financial Prior to joining the QFC Michael Ryan, CEO of the QFC worldwide, Sharjah, Centre (QFC) Regulatory Regulatory Authority, he held a Regulatory Authority, said: “We one of the seven emir- Authority announced yesterday number of senior leadership roles are delighted to have Otello take ates of the UAE, is that Otello R Sturino, who was at State Street Corporation in on this expanded leadership role at planning to convert at appointed as its Chief Operating Canada, the US and UK, including the QFC Regulatory Authority. His least 1,600 taxis to run Officer (COO) last year, will Executive Vice President and COO global experience in the financial on natural gas instead expand his management respon- of the global asset management services industry and extensive of petrol within the sibilities at the QFC Regulatory division (SSgA) at State Street. asset management background next two years. Authority to include finance. Sturino was responsible for the add significant value to the QFC Sharjah Transport In this expanded role, Sturino global operations of the asset man- Regulatory Authority”. Corporation (STC) has will be responsible for the over- agement division including IT, HR, On Perumal’s retirement from said that 800 cabs would all effectiveness of the QFC finance, investment operations, the QFC Regulatory Authority, be converted this year, Regulatory Authority through the project management office, Ryan added: “Since the inception with 800 more going the management of the Corporate trading, and compliance. of the QFC Regulatory Authority green in 2014 as natural Communications, Human He has also played a leadership more than seven years ago, Jay has gas emits less emissions Resources (HR), Information role in the financial services indus- been a valued member of the man- and is more efficient Technology (IT), Corporate try as a member of the Securities agement team. He has played a key than petrol. STC plans Services, and Finance functions. Industry and Financial Markets role building the financial foun- to convert all cabs by He replaces Jay Perumal follow- Association Steering Committee dations of the QFC Regulatory 2015. Abdullah Al Zarri, ing his retirement after more than for Asset Management, a member Authority through the establish- director general of STC, seven years of service as the Chief of the International Committee of ment and management of strong said it had reached an Financial Officer at the Authority. the Investment Company Institute, governance practices, in line with agreement with the Sturino has worked in the finan- Director of the Continuously the highest international stand- four franchised taxi cial services industry for 30 years, Linked Settlements Bank (CLS), ards. We are extremely grateful companies that oper- including 18 years with State and a member of the Federal for Jay’s many contributions and ated in the emirate to Street Corporation, a leading glo- Reserve FX Working Group. wish him all the best in his retire- change the colour of bal financial services provider. On Sturino’s appointment, ment.” THE PENINSULA their cars, according to the National newspaper. All taxis will now be painted white but with different colour roofs so customers can tell the UAE okays $400m loan to Serbia companies apart. “The other parts of the taxis would be white BELGRADE: The UAE has Etihad airline could also become is hoping to secure 2 percent but the top can be green approved a $400m loan to a strategic partner of Belgrade’s growth this year after a drop in as for Union Taxi or Serbia, boosting the Balkan loss-making JAT Airways. With gross domestic product of about pink as for Advantage country’s drive to find inves- its traditional trading partners 1.9 percent in 2012. Taxi,” said Al Zarri. He tors from outside the crisis-hit in the euro zone struggling with Under the loan deal with the added that STC had eurozone to help pull it out of a debt crisis, Serbia is looking to UAE’s development fund, some successfully moved into recession. other potential investors such $200m would be invested in irri- its Dh55m headquarters Serbian finance minister as Russia, China and the UAE. gation throughout Serbia, the in Al Azra this year. Mladjan Dinkic, visiting Abu The country, which is a candi- finance ministry said in a state- QNA Dhabi, said yesterday the emirate’s date to join the European Union, ment. REUTERS THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Index 8,606.67 0.39 % QE Total Return Index 12,151.37 0.39 % RATE QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,567.3 0.70 % QE All Share Index 2,164.77 0.43 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,047.09 0.15 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5007.047 42.368 0.85 5174.4 4664.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 5,166.47 0.60 % QR187.1887 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 3684.55 -64.09 -1.71 3871.58 3600.81 UK ...... QR 5.4680 QR 5.5450 QE All Share Industrials 2,991.9 1.08 % SILVER QE All Share Insurance 1,956.78 0.64 % Dj Indu Average 14559.65 111.9 0.77 14563.8 12035.1 QR 3.3249 Euro ...... QR 4.6246 QR 4.6888 QE All Share Real Estate 1,519.67 1.61 % CA$ ...... QR 3.5410 QR 3.6107 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Telecoms 1,170.39 1.16 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.7985 QR 3.8522 QE All Share Transportation 1,459.36 0.18 % Hang Seng Inde/D 22464.82 153.74 0.69 23944.74 21975.9 Yen ...... QR 0.0383 QR 0.0391 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7649 QR 3.8397 Iseq Overall/D 3923.37 -0.15 0 3993.49 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0665 QR 0.0678 27-03-2013 26-03-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 17897.9 25.75 0.14 18312.65 16036.31 Index 8,606.67 8,573.11 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0367 QR 0.0375 Change 33.56 6.90 Nikkei 225 Index 12493.79 22.17 0.18 12650.26 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0882 QR 0.0899 % 0.39 0.08 $109.21 SL Re ...... QR 0.0284 QR 0.0290 YTD% 2.96 2.56 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1564.91 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0461 QR 0.0470 Volume 5,723,942 5,128,003 Straits Times/D 3313.03 24.5 0.75 3319.19 3160.83 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0417 QR 0.0425 Value (QAR) 258,483,007.34 331,969,603.58 $107.54 Trades 3,183 3,203 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3887 QR 0.3963 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 22 | Down 15 | Unchanged 01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 27-03-2013

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED

A C C-A/D 1157.4 1.25 17393 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1333.45 18.45 35279 Hind Unilever-/D 472.45 9.95 740669 Kopran-B/D 13.08 0.68 24966 Sterling Tool-/D 93.5 0.5 1562 Kingfisher/D 281.5 -1.5 1605766 Aarti Drugs-B/D 150.75 -16.7 13361 Colgate-A/D 1239.6 -41.6 19443 Hind.Petrol-A/D 280.95 -1.1 67246 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 143.65 3.3 1142 Tanfac Indust-/D 13.38 0.87 1653 Land Secs Grou/D 810.5 -9 735045 Aban Offs-B/D 259.95 2.65 31144 Container Cor-/D 1026.45 4.45 292206 Hindalco-A/D 88 0 731643 Lgb Broth-B/D 190 -4.45 4382 Tanfac Indust-/D 13.38 0.87 1653 Legal & Genera/D 170 -0.5 3778878 Aegis Logis-B/D 122.9 1.2 3811 Dai-Bichi Kar-/D 39.4 -0.15 1115 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 822.65 17.45 112247 Lloyd Metal-B/D 11.91 -0.26 2263 Thirumalai-B/D 89.65 -0.95 2796 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 48.85 1.2 108915909 Alembic-B/D 15.75 -0.25 9803 Dhampur Sugar-/D 41.1 -0.1 11812 I F C I-A/D 25.15 -1.35 2481558 Lloyd Steel-B/D 9.79 0.36 58884 Til Ltd.-B/D 143.75 1.7 2628 Marks & Sp./D 388.7 -5.7 839298 Alok Indus-B/D 7.8 -0.17 762551 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Bikaner-B/D 408.15 -13.35 3015 Hsbc Holdings/D 698.9 0.4 7019265 City Union Bk-/D 52.4 -0.75 25297 Hind Org Chem-/D 10.07 0.02 13321 Klg Systel-B/D 10.44 -0.44 6364 Saur.Cem-B/D 19.55 -1.4 5457 Imperial Tobac/D 2241 -25 660307 THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Penguins edge Canadiens Mavericks stun Clippers 1-0 for 13th Nowitzki scores a season-high 33 points; Knicks stretch winning streak straight victory PITTSBURGH: Montreal DALLAS: The Dallas getting under Paul, who slightly Canadiens goaltender Carey Mavericks finally have a win over NBA Results turned his ankle on James’ foot. Price saw the NHL’s leading one of the top four teams headed NY Knicks 100 Boston 85 Paul hit two of the three free scorer bearing down on him and to the Western Conference play- Minnesota 105 Detroit 82 throws, then had a jumper after figured he had maybe an inch offs - just in time for their own Dallas 109 LA Clippers 102 a Dallas miss for a 93-90 lead. or two over his right shoulder postseason push. Dallas got even at 93-93 when exposed. Dirk Nowitzki had a season- called for an offensive foul for Mayo converted a three-point Thing is, an inch or two is all high 33 points, including the first pushing Nowitzki while the pass play after getting fouled by Paul Sidney Crosby needs these days. eight for Dallas in overtime, and was in the air. on a jumper in the lane. Crosby beat Price with a laser the Mavericks moved within a Dallas got the ball back but Lamar Odom was booed loudly to the top corner of the net late game of .500 for the first time was 70 feet from the basket and when he entered and every time in the second period, Marc-Andre since mid-December with a couldn’t get a shot off. Nowitzki he touched the ball in his first trip Fleury and Tomas Vokoun teamed 109-102 victory against the Los put Dallas ahead for good at 101- to Dallas since a disastrous 2011- up to stop 37 shots, and the Angeles Clippers yesterday. 100 on a jumper, and the Clippers 12 season with the Mavericks. Penguins extended their winning More importantly for the missed their next seven shots. He was so unhappy, they put streak to 13 games with a 1-0 vic- Mavericks, they’re just a game The only point over a stretch of him on the inactive list late in the tory on Tuesday night. behind the Los Angeles Lakers 4:10 was a free throw by DeAndre year even though they were fight- “He’s the best player in the for the final play-off spot in the Jordan, who had 11 rebounds. ing for playoff survival. world, so we got beat tonight by West with 11 games remaining. Matt Barnes had a chance to He averaged a career-worst 6.6 the best player in the world, by They’ve won nine of their past 12 tie it on a wide-open 3-pointer points for Dallas, but is setting the perfect shot,” Montreal coach and improved to 1-11 against the with Dallas leading 103-100 with a new low at 4.1 per game in his Michel Therrien said. top four teams in the West. 22 seconds left, but he shot an air return to the Clippers, his first One Crosby delivered after a “We’ve fought an uphill battle ball. team. rare defensive breakdown by the all season long,’’ said Nowitzki, A game-time decision because Even when he wasn’t playing, Canadiens. who also led Dallas with nine of a sore left knee, Paul was Odom kept showing up on the Chris Kunitz found Crosby with rebounds. strong from start to finish. He big video screens above the court, a pretty cross-ice pass and Crosby Chris Paul matched Nowitzki had 10 points in the first quarter drawing more boos. He almost did the rest. with 33 - also his season high - and scored the last 10 of regula- matched his season average with His 15th goal of the season but the Clippers went more than tion and the first two of overtime. four points in the second quarter turned out to be just enough to 4 minutes without a field goal In the final minute of regula- and finished with six points and keep Pittsburgh’s march through in overtime after Paul put them tion, Vince Carter put Dallas six rebounds. March going. ahead 42 seconds into the extra ahead with two free throws before Meanwhile in Boston, JR “To win that many, your goal- period. Paul answered quickly. After a Smith scored 32 points, Carmelo tenders have to steal a game or The game went to overtime turnover by Carter, Paul hit a Anthony added 29 and the New two over that time period,” Crosby after a wild final 5 seconds in reg- tough layup on the baseline, set- York Knicks extended their win- said. ulation starting with a go-ahead ting up Mayo’s tying bucket. ning streak to five games with a “Sometimes we’ve had tough layup by Paul. OJ Mayo answered Griffin and Caron Butler had 100-85 victory over the Boston periods and they’ve bailed us out.” when he slipped the ball in from 14 apiece for Los Angeles, and Celtics yesterday. Against the surprising behind the backboard to tie the DeAndre Jordan had 11 rebounds. The win moved the Knicks Canadiens, the Penguins needed score at 97-all with 0.6 seconds Mayo finished with 11, while into second place in the Eastern both. Fleury stopped all 22 shots left. Carter had 14, and Darren Conference, percentage points he faced, but did not play in the With coach Vinny Del Negro Collison 13. Dallas had six play- ahead of the Indiana Pacers. third period following a collision signaling for a timeout, the ers in double figures. The Celtics, who could face the in front of the Penguins’ net. Clippers threw it in anyway. Blake The Mavericks led 90-89 when Knicks in the first round of the Vokoun filled in and made 15 Griffin caught the long pass in the Paul fell after a jumper and Mike playoffs, lost their fifth game in Dallas Mavericks’ forward Dirk Nowitzki (right) shoots against Los Angeles’ saves to give Pittsburgh just the lane and flipped the ball in the James was called for a technical a row and remained in seventh. Clippers forward Blake Griffin during the first half of their NBA game in fourth combined shutout in fran- basket in one motion, but was after picking up his fifth foul for AGENCIES Dallas, Texas, yesterday. chise history. Fleury appeared woozy after he was slammed into by teammate Tyler Kennedy and Montreal’s Brian Gionta with less than a Matsuzaka minute to go in the second. He laid on the ice for a moment Deans keeps Smith option open to collect himself and managed to re-signs with finish the final 49 seconds, but did SYDNEY: Wallabies coach “If the Brumbies Calls for Smith’s an altercation on the Melbourne not come out of the dressing room Robbie Deans will consider seek permission, recall have inten- Rebels team bus last weekend, for the third. Indians selecting George Smith (pic- that’s the logical sified since the which led to both players being Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma tured) for the British and Irish progression for hammer blow of sent home from South Africa. said Fleury - who leads the NHL CLEVELAND, Ohio: Japanese Lions series later this year if sure,” Deans said. a season-ending The players also face discipli- with 18 victories - would “con- pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka has the 110-cap forward’s eligibility “It’s always good knee injury to his nary action from the ARU and tinue to be evaluated” but offered re-signed with Major League is resolved, the New Zealander to have a longer Brumbies team Beale, who finished last sea- no specifics. The Penguins are off Baseball’s Cleveland Indians and said yesterday. queue of players, mate and the man son playing at flyhalf for the until Thursday when they host will begin the season with their Former test captain Smith has there’s no doubt who replaced him Wallabies, would be a big loss to Winnipeg. top developmental club, the been in spectacular form at open- about that, so it in the Wallabies Australia should he be handed a Given an entire intermission to Indians announced yesrterday. side flanker for the Canberra- would be great to number seven long ban. warm up, Vokoun played solidly as The Indians released based ACT Brumbies in Super be able to consider shirt, David Pocock. “It’s stuff obviously that we Pittsburgh continued to tighten Matsuzaka earlier this month, Rugby this year after returning to him.” “David’s been could do without,” Deans said. things up on the defensive end. avoiding a $100,000 bonus pay- Australia from playing in France If Smith were an integral part “What players have to under- AGENCIES ment to the 32-year-old right- and Japan. to make the of our programme stand, when you compromise hander as a result, but will now Deans had earlier said the Wallabies team for for a long time now, people, particularly yourself, you NHL Results be able to recall him to the main 32-year-old was not under con- the three matches which is remark- get yourself into a circumstance roster quickly. sideration, largely because he was against the Lions in June and July, able for such a young player,” where you can’t control your Toronto 3 Florida 2 Matsuzaka, an 18-game winner still under contract to Japanese he would be facing the tourists Deans said of the 24-year-old. destiny. Pittsburgh 1 Montreal 0 with the Boston Red Sox in 2008 club Suntory and therefore ineli- in a second series having played “And he is a remarkable player. “That’s the key to mastering NY Islanders 3 Washington 2 who has struggled with arm issues gible under Australian Rugby in all three of the matches in He’s had his share of misfortune. your habits so you don’t leave Winnipeg 4 Carolina 1 in recent seasons, was edged for Union (ARU) rules. Australia’s 2-1 win in 2001. It’s a tough pill for him to swallow. your destiny in other people’s NY Rangers 5 Philadelphia 2 the final spot in Cleveland’s pitch- Brumbies coach Jake White is “(Experience) is a valuable Really tough for him and it’s not hands. The process will run its Tampa Bay 2 Buffalo 1 ing rotation despite a 2.25 earned now seeking to extend the player’s asset in cauldrons like Lions ideal for us, clearly.” course and clearly there will be Edmonton 3 St Louis 0 run average over eight innings in loan from Japan, however, and series, they are the reason the Deans said he was disappointed consequences. pre-season exhibition games. Deans said that would open the word cauldron developed,” Deans by the involvement of Wallabies “The Wallabies and the game Chicago 2 Calgary 0 AFP door for a Wallabies return. said. Kurtley Beale and Cooper Vuna in will have to live with that.” AFP Vancouver 1 Columbus 0

Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation stages the Emir Cup

Shooter Masoud Hamad Al Athba (centre), winner in the Double Trap event at the Emir, poses for a picture along with officials of Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation at Losail Shooting Complex on Monday. Abdulbaset Mohsin finished second while Hamad Al Marri finished third. RIGHT: Masoud celebrates his win. THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Haas shocks Djokovic in Miami Defending champion loses in to the German in straight sets; Murray, Serena advance

MIAMI: Two-time defend- WTA and ATP for his only other win over a world ing champion Novak Djokovic No. 1 in 15 contests. crashed out in the fourth round Masters Miami Scotsman Murray, the 2009 of the Miami Masters yester- Miami winner who lost to day while last year’s runner-up Results Djokovic in last year’s final, Andy Murray eased through to Results on Tuesday from the eighth day needed only 86 minutes to book a the quarter-finals in straight of the $8.5 million WTA and ATP Masters date in the last eight with ninth sets. Miami hardcourt tournament (x denotes seed Croatian Marin Cilic. World number one Djokovic seeding): World number three Murray was stunned 6-2, 6-4 by German Men’s 4th round only lost three points (28/31) on 15th seed Tommy Haas but US his first serve all match. He also David Ferrer (ESP x3) bt Kei Nishikori (JPN Open winner Murray had no such fired three aces and had two dou- x13) 6-4, 6-2 difficulties, breezing past Italy’s ble faults. Jurgen Melzer (AUT) bt Albert Ramos (ESP) Andreas Seppi by the same score “Today I served well,” Murray 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the $8.5m ATP and WTA hard- said. “When I was down in games court event. Richard Gasquet (FRA x8) bt Nicolas I served pretty good, too. “There are days when you don’t Almagro (ESP x10) 6-7 (3/7), 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) “I just keep working on it each feel good on the court and this Andy Murray (GBR x2) bt Andreas Seppi (ITA day. Focusing hard on each serve is one of those days,” Australian x16) 6-2, 6-4 specifically.” Open champion Djokovic said. Tomas Berdych (CZE x4) bt Sam Querrey Cilic advanced with a 7-5, 7-6 The Serb lost for just the sec- (USA x17) 6-1, 6-1 (7/4) win over French sixth seed ond time this season, never get- Marin Cilic (CRO x9) bt Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. ting to grips with Haas, who (FRA x6) 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) Spanish third seed David kept Djokovic off his game with Gilles Simon (FRA x11) bt Janko Tipsarevic Ferrer advanced to the quar- a number of skillful shots. (SRB x7) 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 ter-finals with a 6-4, 6-2 vic- “All the credit to him. He was tory over Japan’s 13th-seeded Tommy Haas (GER x15) bt Novak Djokovic the better player. As far I am Kei Nishikori. (SRB x1) 6-2, 6-4 concerned it is the worst match He will play Austria’s Jurgen I have played in a long time,” Women’s Quarter-finals Melzer, who defeated Spain’s Djokovic said. Serena Williams (USA x1) bt Li Na (CHN x5) Albert Ramos 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. “I just didn’t feel good on the 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) French eighth seed Richard court. The conditions were dif- Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x4) bt Kirsten Gasquet outlasted Spanish 10th ferent. The balls didn’t bounce at Flipkens (BEL x30) 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 seed Nicolas Almagro 6-7 (3/7), all and he used a variety of shots 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) and will next face very well. Djokovic’s 14 match-winning Czech fourth seed Tomas Berdych, “I just didn’t find a solution to streak in Miami. who dispatched US 17th seed Sam come back into the match.” Haas easily won the first set Querrey 6-1, 6-1. Haas, who turns 35 next week, then clinched victory on his sec- In the women’s draw, world No. advances to the last eight where ond match point with a forehand 1 Serena Williams beat China’s he will face Frenchman Gilles winner to the open court, ending fifth seed Li Na 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) Tommy Haas of Germany celebrates his win against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their match at the Miami Simon who outlasted Djokovic’s the 80 minute match. to book a semi-final tie against Masters in Miami, Florida, yesterday. Haas won in straight sets 6-2, 6-4. RIGHT: Djokovic wipes his forehead countryman Janko Tipsarevic 5-7, Djokovic, who had won this Polish fourth seed Agnieszka between points. 6-2, 6-2. event three times (2007, 2011, Radwanska who rallied to beat “I had the mentality tonight 2012), had one double fault and Kirsten Flipkens, of Belgium, 4-6, end matters after one hour and Williams had three aces and six game and it was just outrageous. going out there believing in it,” won just 54 percent of his second 6-4, 6-2 50 minutes. double faults to one ace and seven It was like at this point I shouldn’t Haas said. “You’ve got to. I had a serves. Breaking Li three times in each “It’s good to be able to at least double faults for Li. be a professional tennis player.” good game plan.” This is the first time since 1999 set, Williams fell behind in the come back,” Williams said. “I like “I just can’t hit any more dou- Williams won Miami titles in Haas hit seven forehand win- Haas has beaten a world number second set before roaring back to to believe that I try to be a solver. ble faults,” Williams said. 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2008 ners and won 76 percent of his one. He defeated Andre Agassi in hold off Li, taking the last point I just try to do things different if “It’s embarrassing and unpro- and is trying to become the first first-serve points, snapping three sets at the Grand Slam Cup off the Chinese’s star’s serve to something is not working.” fessional. I hit about 50 in one six time winner. AFP

Polish, Slovak Radcliffe fears she may never race again leaders back LONDON: World marathon record may never be able to return to the sport. targeted a return at this month’s World holder Paula Radcliffe admitted yes- “Targets have gone out of the window,” Cross-Country Championships. When 2022 Winter terday that she may never take part Radcliffe told BBC Sport. that became an impossible goal, she in a competitive race again because of “I’m very much in that limbo where I aimed for competing in a 10km race, but Olympics bid ongoing complications with her foot know and accept that realistically it may she now knows her career is dangerously injury. not be possible. close to an unwanted end. PRAGUE: Poland and Slovakia Radcliffe, who set the women’s world “But at the same time I have a little “I’ve not even been able to run after backed a joint bid to host the record with a time of 2:15.25 during the window of hope and I would rather be the kids in the last few months, and you 2022 Winter Olympics yesterday 2003 London Marathon, was forced to able to finish my career in a race, rather start to think about the first goal - to hoping to win the first Games pull out of the 2012 London Olympics than a race I can’t actually get to the get back and be able to have a normal for the two central European shortly before the start after specialist start line of.” active life and then worry about if I can countries. treatment in Germany failed to cure the Radcliffe has endured severe pain in get back to competing,” she said. The countries’ prime ministers problem. her left foot for 18 years, but despite that “In all honesty with me, it was prob- announced the bid after meeting The 39-year-old, a gold medallist at she became world marathon champion ably always going to be something going in the Slovak town of Poprad, at the 2005 World Championships and 2002 in 2005 and twice won the world cross- wrong with my body that would make the foot of the Tatra Mountains Commonwealth Games, then underwent country title. my career start to wind down because I where alpine skiing disciplines surgery in August when it emerged Next month marks the 10th anniver- am always going to want to keep compet- would be held to make up for a her injury was more serious than first sary of her world record, yet Olympic ing and keep getting out there. lack of suitable terrain in mostly thought. success has eluded Radcliffe, who fin- “I would love to be able to run a couple flat Poland. At that point Radcliffe still retained ished fourth in the 10,000m in Sydney more marathons before I finish, even if “We have a clear vision. We Veteran British marathon runner Paula Radcliffe in this hopes of participating in a 10-kilome- in 2000. it’s just another half marathon. are not interested in any mega- file picture. Radcliffe admitted yesterday that she may tre race, as well as the 2014 London Despite the frustration of having to “At the same time I would still like to lomania,” Slovak Prime Minister never take part in a competitive race again because of Marathon, but now, with her injury withdraw from the London Olympics have a healthy foot in 20 years’ time.” Robert Fico said in a televised ongoing complications with her foot injury. problems persisting, she concedes she only days before the marathon, Radcliffe AFP news conference with his coun- terpart Donald Tusk. The Games would build on Poland’s Euro 2012 soccer tour- nament, co-hosted with Ukraine, and Slovakia’s experience with hosting the ice hockey world Mellouli back in pool, eyes worlds championships in 2011.The his- toric southern Polish city of TUNIS: Double Olympic “After London, I said I was through for another four years. Krakow would be the centre for champion Oussama Mellouli ready to take my leave,” he said. Mellouli, born in the fashionable the Games. has taken to the water again “But I re-evaluated my situation seaside town of La Marsa, 20km Germany’s Munich, beaten by after a long break following the and I fixed for myself new goals (12 miles) northeast of Tunis, left South Korea’s Pyeongchang for London Games with his eye on with this new passion that is for France as a 15-year-old swim- the 2018 Winter Olympics, is a competing in the 1500m and open-water swimming. ming hopeful before moving on to possible candidate while a planned 10km at this summer’s World “At my age and after the career California three years later. Swiss candidacy of Davos and Championships in Barcelona. I’ve had, it’s cool to have that sort “Oussama, it’s a Tunisian- St Moritz was rejected by local The Tunisian became the first of stimulus.” American mix with a little bit of citizens. man in Olympic history to win Mellouli, who has trained since French thrown in!” he jested. Fico brushed aside ques- gold medals in both pool and 2002 in Los Angeles where he is “Leaving the home at 15 years tions about whether the costs open-water races when he won studying for a Masters in sports of age was very tough,” he added. of hosting the games would be the 10km swimming marathon in management, spent two months “I got up before everyone else justified, especially as the euro London after having topped the in his homeland after London but (during his stay at the French zone struggles with its lengthy 1500m freestyle podium in Beijing insisted he was not completely out centre of swimming excellence). debt crisis. four years previously. of shape. “It wasn’t to go to the canteen “We have crisis now. Should The first African man to win a “I’ve kept fit but I’ve not been but to the telephone box because we crawl under the table? When gold medal in an Olympic swim- training intensively,” he said. I cried every morning, to my we have crisis, we should not ming event, Mellouli said he was “Four months out from the mother... It was the same thing think about the future, ignore now raring to go after having a worlds, I’ll see how it pans out and in the evening.” any chances that come up?” Fico time-out following his success in afterwards will seriously start on Mellouli said the 2011 Arab said. London. the Olympic cycle.” Spring revolution in Tunisia Olympic champion Oussama Mellouli swims during a training session Slovak investors have “I want to compete at the World Mellouli’s participation in the which saw the fall of long-time in the northern Tunis suburb of La Marsa on March 22. Double Olympic upgraded ski lifts and services at Championships,” the 29-year-old Barcelona worlds will also offer dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali champion Mellouli has taken to the water again after a long break following the Chopok and Jasna ski resort said of the July 19-August 4 event. the Tunisian a chance to fur- had created a “free country”. the London Games with his eye on competing in the 1,500m and 10km at in the Tatras, drawing in tour- “It will be 10 years since my first ther banish the memory of the “We live in a new Tunisia after this summer’s World Championships in Barcelona. ists from surrounding countries medal, in the world champs (also) 18-month ban he received in 2007 the revolution, we’re in the proc- but more infrastructure invest- in Barcelona in 2003. for a doping offence. ess of creating it together,” he of speaking about my country. “I choosing it. Luckily the revolution ment would be needed to pre- “I want to compete in both the It cost him the gold and silver said. was limited in my talking about offered me freedom from this. pare the region for the games’ open-water event and the 1500m.” medals he had won at the 2007 “After the revolution, I it, everything was scripted. There “The Tunisian anthem has visitors. Mellouli admitted he had back- World Championships, but he changed. I now swim for a free was fear, absolutely.” taken on a real meaning. I feel Poprad unsuccessfully bid for tracked on post-Olympic thoughts rebounded in style at the Beijing country. Before, they stole that Mellouli added: “They politi- like I’m protecting my Tunisia.” the 2002 and 2006 Winter Games. of calling it a day. Olympics and continued that form pride away from me, that pride cised my career without me AFP REUTERS THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29 Al Ahli stun CHI Al Shaqab kicks off Eljaish in Emir Cup Frenchman Roger-Yves Bost wins first place in Big Tour- CSI 5* basketball DOHA: The inaugural edi- tion of the CHI Al Shaqab 2013 was officially launched here BY DANOTZKI SANTOS yesterday In the presence of Al Shaqab DOHA: Al Ahli shocked Eljaish Vice Chairperson H E Sheikha Al 81-72 to register an upset vic- Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, tory in the Group 1 match of the and under the flags of 23 par- Emir Cup Basketball League at ticipating countries raised over the Al Gharafa Indoor Arena. the state-of-the-art Al Shaqab Al Ahli had the returning Cory arena, 31 riders and their horses Bradford at the helm and were cantered onto the arena floor to in the thick of the fight early in mark the beginning of the CHI Al the game as they held the Heir Shaqab 2013 with a show jump- Apparent Cup runners-up within ing tour. striking distance, 19-22, at the Jumping over obstacles set in end of the first period, and went place by the Argentinian Leopoldo on to wrest the upper hand, 40-34 Palacios who designed the Doha- before the half time break. inspired course, the riders com- The green shirts were on a roll pleted the Small Tour CSI3*, a leading 53-45 until Eljaish, with two-phase competition, over a Ali Turki and Mohammed Bakir 1.30m track. regaining their touch, stepped on Alia Humaid Bin Drai, a the gas midway in the third quar- female rider from the United ter and went on a 15-2 rampage to Arab Emirates, ranked third at post a 60-55 advantage going into the end of the first Small Tour- the final quarter. CSI3* class commented on the Bradford pumped his team course: “The Al Shaqab facilities back in the driver’s seat, 63-62 are incredible, easily one of the with an 8-2 charge early in the best in the world. I am absolutely fourth, and kept Army at bay, delighted to be competing here in 73-67, as the game reached the Doha.” homestretch. Cyrine Cherif, a French com- Meawhile, Michael Benjamin petitor, was also full of praise: Southall, asserted his might late “I think the course was fantas- in the third quarter as he tow- tic. It was a real CSI 3* course, ered over all defenders and scored and there were some technical unmolested from under the bas- aspects. Overall, it was a great ket to pull Al Sadd out of a 49-54 track to ride, a wonderful way to deficit en route to a 91-81 con- gain experience and good for the quest of Al Shamal earlier in the horses.” first game. Omar Al Mannai, CHI Al The 6’10” Lousianna native Shaqab Event Director said: “I banged 10 of his 18 markers on am delighted that we can finally monster slams in the final period, present to the world the CHI Al collected 15 rebounds and blocked Shaqab . We have a busy schedule Jordon’s Ibrahim Bishart rides Kirfa De Kreisker during the Big Tour-CSI 5* class show jumping during CHI Al Shaqab 2013 at Al Shaqab yesterday. 4 shots typifying Al Sadd’s domi- over the next four days, encom- RIGHT: Beligum’s Jos Lansink rides Wervel Wind during the Big Tour-CSI 5* class show jumping. Frenchman Roger-Yves Bost won the first place nation inside, outscoring the passing three disciplines – show in Big Tour- CSI 5* riding Castle Forbes Cosma and in Medium Tour- CSI 3* riding Nikyta D’Elle. In the Small Tour- CSI 3* class of show jumping, northerners in the paint 34-24, jumping, dressage and endurance. Qatar’s Khalid Al Emadi took the first place riding Michael Jackson. PICTURES BY: SHAIVAL DALAL and outrebounding them, 45-36. I am confident that every rider New adddition Rashad here will agree that this is one Anderson top-scored with 30 of the most beautiful equestrian Big Tour-CSI 5* competition on “My goal today was to be in the today at 6.00pm with 35 of the Following this, at 2:00pm, riders points while returning point venues in the world.” his horse Castle Forbes Cosma. top three with my horse and this very best riders coming forward will have a second opportunity to guard Chris dela Rosa contrib- He added, “The event is also Following his success, Roger approach worked in my favour. for the CSI 5* Big Tour against qualify for the CSI 3* Medium uted 17 points and 11 assists to the the perfect opportunity to dem- explained his excitement over his It’s going to be our fourth year the clock. Tour Grand Prix, which will be Qatar Men’s League champions’ onstrate Qatar’s rich heritage in triumph, stating: “She’s a quick together this year and we really Among the starters will be held tomorrow. This competi- first victory in the Emir Cup. equine culture and sport.” horse and it was funny how she understand each other. I also the reigning Olympic individual tion will count towards the FEI Tyvon William led Shamal with The small tour followed the first wouldn’t stop dancing at the end. must say that the place here is gold and silver medallists Steve Jumping Rankings, as will the 29 points, including an impressive qualifier for the Medium Grand You can go faster with her and unbelievable and it is such a Guerdat (Sweden) and Gerco final class of the day, the CSI 5* 4 conversions out of 6 attempts Prix – a 1.40m class against the I know that I can push her. The pleasure to ride here. Everything Schroder (Netherlands), plus Big Tour, starting at 6:00pm. from beyond the arc. clock – which will see 62 riders competition was great for me is perfect and it has been a fan- the winner of the 2012 Global The many visitors attending Newly-crowned Heir Apparent vying for a place in tomorrow’s today and I am excited for the tastic experience thus far.” Champions Tour, Edwina Tops- this first day of competition gath- titlists Al Rayyan barge into Medium Tour Grand Prix. coming days.” Today will see another full day Alexander (Australia). ered to cheer on riders through- action in the first game today Roger – Yves Bost from France, Luciana Diniz from Portugal of action from the show jumping The action begins at 10:am out the day, flocking to the 17,000 and will face Al Gharafa, who won who won the afternoon’s class, took second place on her impres- arena. The cream of world show with another CSI 3* Small Tour square metre spectator plaza. . over Al Arabi in their first outing. earned his second victory in the sive stallion Lennox. jumping will take centre stage class, at 1.30m against the clock. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

Diploma of honour for Nasser Webber’s future not decided, say Red Bull

LONDON: Red Bull have dismissed reports that Australian Mark Webber is certain to leave the Formula One world champions at the end of the season after Sunday’s Malaysian Grand prix team orders furore. “It’s pure specula- tion that Mark will not drive with the team in 2014,” Red Bull said when asked about comments by Webber’s manager Flavio Briatore that he was sure the current lineup would not continue. “Mark’s contract has been renewed for the last few years on an annual basis - he has continually chosen to drive for the team each year and the team has similarly wanted to continue working with him as he is an excellent driver and a competitive racer. We are two races into the current season and it’s far too early to be talking about 2014.” Webber’s future at a team who have won the last three championships Ace shooter Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah poses with his diploma of honour received from International Shooting has been called into ques- Sport Federation at the Losail Shooting Complex yesterday. Nasser was congratulated by President Mohamed tion after Sunday’s race Ali Al Maadeed, President of Qatar Shooting and Archery Association at Losail yesterday. Nasser received led to a breakdown in trust the diploma of honour from International Shooting Sport Federation for equalling two world records in the between the drivers. World Skeet at the 12th Asian Shooting Championship held in Qatar in January 2012. Qatar’s sports icon shot 150 champion Sebastian Vettel out of 150 to equal the world record set by USA’s Vincent Hancock in 2007. The 42-year-old went on to win a overtook Webber, despite bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics Games in the men’s Skeet event. Nasser has so far competed in being instructed not to by five Olympics, since making his debut at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. Nasser who is also a rally driver, won the team because of the the Production World Rally Championship (PWRC) in 2006 and the Dakar Rally in 2011. need to look after the tyres and save fuel. AFP THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

QOC, QCS sign partnership Qatar coach predicts top agreement in new move DOHA: Qatar Olympic show in years to come Committee (QOC) and Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) yesterday signed a partnership agreement to create awareness about pre- We want our gymnasts to get experience, says QGF President Ali Al Hitmi ventive measures needed to con- trol cancer. This was announced at a press BY AZMAT HAROON conference held at QOC head- quarters yesterday. DOHA: Qatari gymnasts will Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman soon be ranked among the top Al Thani, the QOC Secretary eight teams in the world, a sen- General, signed the agreement ior national gymnastics coach on behalf of the governing sport said yesterday. body and Dr Sheikh Khalid bin With the promotion of women’s Jabor Al Thani represented QCS sports in the country, an increas- as its chairman. ing number of young girls are Sheikh Saoud confirmed that joining the gymnastics squad. the agreement would serve as “In four to five years, Qatar will a joint cooperation between the be in the top eight teams in the QOC and QCS in several pro- world,” Razvan Celario, the Qatar grams aimed at creating aware- women’s gymnastics coach, told ness about the deadly disease. The Peninsula. Sheikh Saoud told reporters: Celario, who is coaching Qatari “The QCS objectives are in com- girls for four years now, said that pliance with the QOC goals in he does not want to reveal his terms of encouraging the com- strategy yet. munity members to practice “All the coaches are asking me sport exercises as a preventive about what I’m doing. But I can- tool against cancer.” not say what my plan is. I cannot Dr Sheikh Khalid appreciated reveal my secret,” Celario said the partnership agreement. while answering a question about “QCS is proud to cooperate his plans for the team. with QOC in this cause. QOC is He said that participating in LEFT: Tomi Tuuha of Finland playing a vital role in the over- the 6th FIG World Challenge Cup performs during the rings routine all wellbeing of the communities is a ‘big step’ for his girls and the on day one of the 6th FIG World living in the country,” Dr Sheikh team plan for now is to do well in Challenge Cup at Aspire Academy Khalid said. all the exercises. in Doha yesterday. ABOVE: “The previous cooperation Qatari gymnasts, however, feel Qatar’s Ahmed al Dayani swings between the two parties in host- that there is a need for creating into action on the pommel horse ing the outgoing Sport Festival more awareness about the sport during the qualifying stage. RIGHT: on the World Cancer Day in last in the country. February was a beginning for a Ali Al Hitmi, President of the Qatar Shahden Wohdan and Al Jazi series of programmes which will Gymnastics Federation (QGF). Hanshi, representing Qatar at the take place in the near future,” he Challenge Cup, said their aim is PICTURES: SALIM MATRAMKOT added. to qualify for the finals and get Yesterday’s agreement states good rankings. that both parties will establish a They said that the tournament constructive partnership to hold this year was very competitive joint awareness campaigns tar- with many world champions vying University Qatar next year. The Three young girls have recently and encourage our national We want our gymnasts to get geting the community individu- for top ranks. duo, however, said that they want joined the squad and are compet- gymnasts and support the pro- experience. This event provides als especially the youngsters and “We have been training well. I more people to cheer female ing in the junior category. motion of gymnastics,” Ali Al the opportunity to compete children. started concentrating more on my gymnasts. “Many Qatari women have Hitmi, President of the Qatar and learn against the best. The QOC will facilitate QCS mis- exercises in the last few months “I think it perhaps needs more begun to participate in sports. But Gymnastics Federation (QGF), result of national teams at the sions to hold workshops, lectures for this competition,” said Hanshi. advertising. We like to perform in I wish more people would come to said. Arab Games (in December 2011) and meetings at QOC institutions. Wohdan, who is currently with front of big crowds,” said Hanshi. see us perform,” Hanshi said, add- “I wish to extend my gratitude showed Qatari gymnasts have The agreement also states that the Academic Bridge Program Unlike sports such as football ing that many girls in the squad to our partners for their uncon- improved their experience and QOC will provide logistic support (ABP) at Qatar Foundation, said and tennis, gymnastics does not need more encouragement. ditional and absolute support. overall performances. They have for all activities and programmes she also tries to strike a balance have a very large fan following With the attendance of more In 2011 we had more than 2,000 learned so much in recent times” and events hosted by QCS. between studies and play. but the sport is ‘getting there’, than 130 gymnasts from around fans during the championship. Al Himti added: “The interna- It was confirmed that QCS is “As soon as I get done with she said. 37 countries, Doha is once again We hope to cross that figure this tional gymnasts prefer to come to willing to arrange regular aware- the university I directly go to the “A few youngsters think gym- playing host to the world’s best time,” he said. Qatar because of the high reputa- ness messages about the risks of gym. I’m trying to get back to my nastics is a very difficult sport but gymnasts. When asked about home expec- tion of our events. Top officials say cancer and the preventive meas- old performance,” said Wohdan, I think it’s exciting and spectacu- “I’m sure that fans will enjoy tations, Al Hitmi said: “We don’t Qatar event is one of the best in ures to be taken at QOC social who hopes to join North Western lar,” she added. this world class competition put pressure on our gymnasts. region.” THE PENINSULA media sites. THE PENINSULA

Flower seeks Australia can become No.1 in improvement Sri Lanka players to two years, says coach Arthur ahead of Ashes PERTH: Australia cricket coach Mickey Arthur has said the tour of India was the toughest of his career but expressed confidence LONDON: England coach that his side can again become No.1 in Tests in two years. Andy Flower admits his play- skip Chennai matches Australia’s 0-4 drubbing in India was their worst result in the Indian ers will need to show significant subcontinent and the worst ever since losing 1-5 to England in the improvement from their drawn NEW DELHI: The Governing 1978-79 Ashes. series against New Zealand if Council of the Indian Premier “I’ve said it publicly, it was the toughest tour I’ve ever had in my they are to retain the Ashes League (IPL) yesterday decided career but that’s what happens in India. India is a tough place to go against Australia this year. to keep Sri Lanka cricketers out and play, it’s a tough place to win. We set ourselves very high standards Flower’s side narrowly avoided of Chennai in view of the oppo- with the Australian team. Myself and Michael (Clarke) set really high a shock defeat in the Test series sition from Tamil Nadu Chief standards with the players,” Arthur was quoted as saying by Herald in New Zealand this week after Minister J Jayalalithaa. Sun yesterday. grinding out a nerve-jangling This decision will make the “I think we moved forward, moved in the right direction and hope- draw in Auckland after the pre- players from the island-nation fully this will be the foundation of something really good for the vious two matches had also ended skip the matches to be held in Australian cricket side. We’ve said it numerous times now; we could in stalemate. Chennai in view of the security have carried on and been third in the world comfortably but we don’t “We’ve got a big year of inter- concerns in Tamil Nadu over the accept that, we want be No.1 in the world. We’ve put some stuff in national cricket and we will need atrocities carried out against eth- place that we believe can get this team there in the next 24 months.” to be sharper, better and more nic Tamils in Sri Lanka during Arthur also denied about the speculated rift between skipper Clarke skilful,” Flower told BBC Radio the war against Tamil Tigers that and vice-captain Shane Watson. Five Live. ended in May 2009. “Team harmony is fantastic. The players work extremely hard. We’ve “But it has been a wonderful “The Governing Council got a really good group of young players who want nothing more than winter and to win in India was a decided that Sri Lankan play- Sri Lankan cricketer Tillakaratne Dilshan throws a ball during a practice to make Australia the best cricket team in the world. It’s a funny really special moment. The only ers will not participate in the session at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele perception around Michael and Shane, they’re different personalities, series we have lost was the one- Pepsi IPL 2013 League matches yesterday. The third and final one-day international (ODI) between Sri different characters but they get on really well. It’s sometimes a media day series in India.” in Chennai and will advise the Lanka and Bangladesh will be played today. beat-up around Watto and Pup, they work really well together and While England were struggling nine franchises accordingly. The always have. I haven’t seen anything to dispel that,” said the South to avoid defeat in New Zealand, Governing Council met this after- African. Australia were slumping to a noon to discuss the issue. The parliamentary affairs, had said Ten Sri Lankan players, bar- dismal 4-0 series loss in India, security of all involved in the that the local administration’s ring Chennai Super Kings’ where Flower’s men won 2-1 three IPL, whether players, spectators advice cannot be ignored but Akila Dananjaya and Nuwan Sacked skipper Taylor not happy months earlier. or those working in the stadiums, the IPL matches were not to be Kulasekara, will be missing just Even so, Flower refused to write is of paramount importance to the shifted out of Chennai. one match, the away encoun- in New Zealand set-up off the Australians and preferred BCCI,” said IPL chairman Rajeev Jayalalithaa, in her letter had ter in Chennai. Dananjaya and to focus on England’s forthcom- Shukla in a press statement. stated that the state government Kulasekara, however, will be WELLINGTON: Ex-New Zealand skipper Ross Taylor, replaced as ing rematch against New Zealand “This is with reference to news will permit IPL matches only if missing eight home matches of captain late last year, admitted yesterday he was not entirely com- on home soil, which serves as a reports last week that the gov- the organisers promise that no the Kings. fortable in the team following a dramatic Test series draw against warm-up for the Ashes. ernment of Sri Lanka has issued Sri Lankan player, umpire, official Jeevan Mendis and Mahela England. Taylor also indicated there was more to the way he lost the “They had a tough time out a travel advisory that its citizens or support staff will participate. Jayawardene will playing for Delhi captaincy to Brendon McCullum than has been revealed. there (in India). It’s a really tough should exercise caution when Street protests had taken place Daredevils, Sachithra Senanayake “I wouldn’t say I’m as comfortable as I would like to be but I guess place to tour,” said Flower. travelling to Tamil Nadu. Today, in Tamil Nadu to denounce the for Kolkata Knight Riders, Lasith time will tell,” Taylor told Radio Sport when questioned about the “The Ashes are a little way off. the Honourable Chief Minister Sri Lankan government for the Malinga for Mumbai Indians, atmosphere inside the New Zealand dressing room. Taylor would not There is some great cricket to of Tamil Nadu has written to the killings of Tamil civilians in the Ajantha Mendis and Angelo go into details but said the full story of his demotion may yet be made be played in the meantime. Ian Prime Minister of India stating war against the Tamil Tigers in Mathews for Pune Warriors, public. Bell and Matt Prior were excel- that she will not permit the par- the emerald nation. Kusal Janith Perera for Rajasthan “There’s a lot of things that have happened. Maybe over the next lent; they fought hard and that’s ticipation of Sri Lankan players Eight of the nine IPL franchises Royals, Muttiah Muralitharan couple of weeks or months, things might get told but as of now, it’s a quality of the team, but we have or umpires in matches in Chennai have 13 Sri Lankans in their ros- and Tillakaratne Dilshan for probably not a great time to talk about it,” he said. Taylor, a mainstay to be better to get into winning during Pepsi IPL 2013.” ter while Chennai, home to Super Royal Challengers, and Kumar of the New Zealand batting line-up, who averages more than 40 in Test positions, not scratching our way Earlier, Shukla, also the Kings, were scheduled to host 10 Sangakkara and Thisara Perera cricket, said he was looking forward to the tour of England in May and to a draw.” REUTERS union minister of state for IPL matches this season. for Hyderanad Sunrisers. IANS June. AGENCIES THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 31 City plan Spain reclaim top spot worldwide coaching with 1-0 win over France schools LONDON: Manchester City have revealed plans to create a series of international coaching Montenegro rally to hold England; perfect Netherlands crush Romania centres across the world follow- ing the success of their football PARIS: World champions - seeing Italy to a 2-0 win away school in Abu Dhabi. Spain regained top spot in in Malta. The Premier League cham- their 2014 World Cup qualifying Italy lead second-placed pions’ coaching centre in Abu group on Tuesday night as they Bulgaria by three points - the Dhabi, named the MCFC School beat former leaders France 1-0 Bulgarians having drawn 1-1 with of Football, has doubled in size in a hard fought clash. Denmark - but with a game in since it opened a year ago and While Pedro Rodriguez’s sec- hand. now caters for 550 boys and girls ond-half goal saw them take a one The Czech Republic could aged between five and 18 and is point lead over France in Group sneak the runners-up play-off run by five coaches on weekday I, the team they beat in the 2010 spot as a 3-0 win in Armenia evenings and Saturdays. World Cup final, The Netherlands on goalkeeper Petr Cech’s 100th The success of the centre, maintained their perfect record appearance put them just two based at Zayed Sports City, will with their sixth win in six games, points behind Bulgaria and also become the blueprint for further a 4-0 success over Romania. with a game in hand. international projects as City’s The Dutch - who have recov- The enthralling duel for top Abu Dhabi-based owners look to ered brilliantly under Louis spot in Group A shows no sign expand their club’s global brand. van Gaal since he stepped in of abating as Belgium edged City were bought by Sheikh after they exited Euro 2012 at Macedonia 1-0 in Brussels while Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United the group stage - lead Group D Croatia stayed on level terms by Group in 2008 and their huge by seven points, second-placed coming from a goal down to beat investment culminated in last Hungary having drawn 1-1 away plucky Wales 2-1 in Swansea. year’s Premier League title in Turkey. Both sides are on 16 points triumph. England too came away with a with the Belgians ahead on goal “The success of the MCFC 1-1 draw away at Group H leaders difference, the two of them are School of Football in Abu Dhabi Montenegro. nine points clear of Serbia, who is fast becoming the benchmark However, having taken an early put Scotland out of their misery for our coaching excellence lead through Wayne Rooney, on by beating them 2-0 in Novi Sad internationally, with the club the ground where his red card to end their already dim hopes of currently exploring other destina- in Euro 2012 qualifying saw him reaching Brazil next year. tions around the world for future miss the first two group games at Spain dispelled notions before expansions,” a City statement yes- the finals, they were fortunate to the match that their mastery of terday read. even take a point. world football was on the wane Coaching at the school takes Montenegro still lead them by after a disappointing 1-1 draw at the form of 10-week courses, all two points and could stretch it to home to unfancied Finland last Spain’s Pedro Rodriguez (centre) scores against France’s Hugo Lloris (right) during their 2014 World Cup qualify- of which follow the same train- five if they beat Ukraine in June Friday. ing match at the Stade de France Stadium in Saint-Denis, near Paris, yesterday. ing techniques and philosophies before the English play their next Their performance left coach of Roberto Mancini’s first team qualifier at home to Moldova in Vicente del Bosque a satisfied the hard work is over with both men after Paul Pogba was sent off against a Montenegrin side that squad at City. September. man. his side and France having three in the second-half. has still got to play them at Former Arsenal and France Other European heavyweights “They are three welcome points games remaining. “We kept battling, even when Wembley, English skipper Steven star Patrick Vieira, now working had little trouble against lightly- which changes our situation in “There are still enough matches down to 10 men, but it is not easy Gerrard believes they can secure as City’s football development regarded opponents, Germany the table,” said the unassuming for the fortunes to change again, against a team that dominates automatic qualification. executive, added: “Every time I cruising to a 4-1 win at home to former Real Madrid coach. so nothing is yet done and dusted,” like Spain do. “They took control in the sec- visit the School of Football, I am Kazakhstan and a double from “What is better still is that we he added. “You need to take your chances ond half apart from the last 10 amazed at the growing number of Mario Balotelli - taking his haul remained faithful to our style of His France counterpart Didier and get some breaks, and that minutes, but we are still confident kids wanting to learn how to play to 10 goals in nine games for club play.” Deschamps said he was proud of wasn’t the case for us.” we can finish top of the group,” he the City way and how much talent and country since signing for However, Del Bosque is too the way his side kept battling Despite a rocky performance said. AFP they have at such a young age. AC Milan from Manchester City experienced a hand to assume even whan they were down to 10 by England in the second-half “It’s so important to have the correct coaching at a young age, as these early principles and val- Battling US ues can ultimately end up driving, guiding and defining you as both frustrate Argentina suffer scare in Bolivia a player, and as a person.” AFP MONTEVIDEO: Argentina minutes from time. 2014 World Cup Mexico at suffered a scare before com- South American Despite the failure to take ing from behind to secure a 1-1 maximum points, Argentina draw with Bolivia as 2014 World World Cup Qualifiers remain in control of the South Qualifier Azteca Cup qualifying rivals Colombia World Cup 2014 South American qualifying American qualifying standings European Zone 2014 World Cup slipped up against Venezuela on zone results on Tuesday (all kick-off times after Colombia, who had started qualifier results on Tuesday MEXICO CITY: Panama’s Tuesday night. GMT): the day in second place, crashed night: surprise 2-0 victory over Argentina had been thrashed At La Paz 1-0 to Venezuela in Caracas. Group A Honduras on Tuesday night 6-1 by Bolivia when the sides last Bolivia 1 (Martins 25) Argentina 1 (Banega 44) In Quito, Ecuador’s 4-1 victory At Brussels took them to the top of the met in the thin air of La Paz in At Quito over bottom team Paraguay lifted Belgium 1 (Hazard 62) Macedonia 0 table in CONCACAF qualifying qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup. Ecuador 4 (Caicedo 38, Montero 50, 75, them over Colombia into second, At Novi Sad, Serbia for next year’s World Cup finals Another upset looked on the Benitez 54) Paraguay 1 (Caballero 15) four points behind Argentina. Serbia 2 (Djuricic 60, 65) Scotland 0 while big guns Mexico and the cards on Tuesday when Bolivia The day’s other match saw 2010 At Santiago At Swansea, Wales United States ended their clash striker Marcel Martins headed World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay Wales 1 (Bale 21-pen) Croatia 2 (Lovren 77, goalless. the home side into a 25th-minute Chile 2 (Paredes 10, Vargas 78) Uruguay 0 suffer another setback after a 2-0 Eduardo 87) Costa Rica picked up their first lead. At Caracas defeat to Chile in Santiago. Group B win of the 10-game campaign with But Argentina -- who had Venezuela 1 (Rondon 13) Colombia 0 The loss leaves Uruguay two a 2-0 victory over Jamaica in San impressed in a 3-0 win over points adrift of the qualifying At Copenhagen Jose. Bolivia’s Ronald Raldes (left) and Venezuela in Buenos Aires last Argentina might even have places in South America. The first Denmark 1 (Agger 63-pen) Bulgaria 1 After three games, Panama, Argentina’s Lionel Messi collide Friday -- grabbed a share of taken all three points, but captain four teams qualify automatically (Manolov 51) who have never qualified for a during their Brazil 2014 FIFA World the points when Valencia’s Ever Lionel Messi squandered a golden for Brazil, while the fifth placed At Yerevan World Cup finals, lead on five Cup South American qualifier, in Banega headed in the equalizer chance when one-on-one with team goes into a play-off with Armenia 0 Czech Republic 3 (Vydra 47, 81, points followed by Costa Rica, La Paz, on Tuesday night. shortly before half-time. Bolivia keeper Sergio Galarza six their Asian counterpart. AFP Kolar 90) the U.S, and Honduras all on At Valetta four points while winless Mexico Malta 0 Italy 2 (Balotelli 8-pen, 45) have three points from their three Group C draws. Sydney to host 2015 Asian Cup final At Dublin A draw with Mexico and vic- Ireland 2 (Walters 25-pen, 45+1) Austria 2 tory over the United States in SYDNEY: Sydney’s Olympic (Harnik 11, Alaba 90+2) home games, had given Honduras stadium will host the final of At Nuremberg, Germany hopes of taking strong control of the 2015 Asian Cup, officials South Korea’s Koo Germany 4 (Reuss 23, 90, Goetze 27, the group at supposed minnows announced yesterday, with Ja Cheol (centre) Gundogan 32) Kazakhstan 1 (Schmidtgal 46) Panama, but Julio Dely Valdes’ Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra lies on the pitch Group D determined team had other ideas. and Newcastle the other cities as he tries to kick A close range effort from Luis hosting matches. At Amsterdam, Netherlands the ball watched Netherlands 4 (van der Vaart 12, van Persie Tejada put Panama ahead in just The region’s premier football by Japan’s Makoto 56, 65-pen, Lens 90) Romania 0 the second minute of the game tournament will take place from Hasebe (left) and but Honduras roared back, Carlos January 9 to 31, and will feature At Istanbul Costly hitting the woodwork with 32 games with Japan defending Daiki Iwamasa Turkey 1 (B. Yilmaz 62) Hungary 1 (Böde 71) a header in the 20thh minute. the title they won in Qatar in during the AFC At Tallinn Panama, who mix a high-speed 2011. Asian Cup semi- Estonia 2 (Anier 45+1, Lindpere 61) Andorra attacking game with a physical “We are pleased to have now final match at 0 approach, made sure of the three locked in five top-class venues the Al Gharafa Group F points when striker Blas Perez for the competition and finalised Stadium in Doha, At Baku put the game beyond Honduras the match schedule,” Australian Qatar in this file Azerbaijan 0 Portugal 2 (Alves 63, Almeida in the 75th minute, racing on to organising committee chief exec- picture of January 79) a through ball from substitute utive Michael Brown said here 26, 2011. Japan At Belfast Nelson Barahona and firing home. yesterday. defeat Australia Northern Ireland 0 Israel 2 (Rafaelov 78, Eden REUTERS “This will allow the detailed 1-0 in the final to Ben Basat 84) planning for the event to progress win the Asian Cup. Group H on schedule to ensure Asian Cup Australia will host At Odessa, Ukraine Australia 2015 is a world-class World Cup 2014 the next edtion of Ukraine 2 (Yarmolenko 61, Khacheridi 71) event.” the championship Moldova 1 (Suvorov 80) While Melbourne, Brisbane CONCACAF qualifying in 2015. At Podgorica and Canberra will each host six Montenegro 1 (Damjanovic 75) England 1 At Panama City group games and a quarter-final, (Rooney 6) Panama 2 (Tejada 2, Perez 75) Honduras 0 Newcastle nabbed one of the two At San Jose semi-finals alongside Sydney. At Warsaw Newcastle’s Hunter Stadium, well as four group matches. 30,000 people, and will conclude 2011 runners-up Australia and Poland 5 (Lewandowski 21-pen, 50, Piszczek Costa Rica 2 (Umana 22, Calvo 82) Jamaica 28, Teodorczyk 61, Kosecki 90+2) San 0 a two-hour drive north of The tournament will open at the 84,000-capacity Stadium third-placed South Korea all Sydney which has a capac- at Melbourne’s Rectangular Australia, the main venue for the qualify automatically, along with Marino 0 At Mexico City ity of 33,000, will also be home Stadium, home to the city’s two 2000 Olympics. AFC Challenge Cup champions At Paris United States 0 Mexico 0 to the third-place play-off as A-League clubs which holds Defending champions Japan, North Korea. AFP France 0 Spain 1 (Pedro 58) Thursday 28 March 2013 16 Jumada I 1434 Volume 18 Number 5652 Sport Price: QR2 &/&"&'1/#'23#2-$#&/7'-89"#"-+"3;/&9<-$!+1%#*#+= LATEST NEWS UPDATES IN TAMIL Haas crushes Sri Lankan TAMIL TIMES WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Middle East Edition Djokovic in players to skip

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Doha bids for 2018 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships We are confident of winning this bid, says Qatar Gymnastics Federation chief Ali Al Hitmi

BY RIZWAN REHMAT “Last year we got in touch with the Qatar Olympic Committee and Recent and Future DOHA: The Qatari capital has explored the possibilities of host- Championships bid for the 2018 Artistic World ing for the world championships. DOHA: Here’s a list of Gymnastics Championships, a “Then we started our prepa- recent and future hosts of the top official confirmed yesterday. rations on the Bid File. We got Ali Al Hitmi, World Artistic Gymnastics Ali Al Hitmi, President, Qatar together with our Board Members Championships: President, Gymnastics Federation (QGF) and got more feedback from the 1950 Basel Switzerland Qatar said the Bid File was submitted international gymnasts. 1954 Rome Italy Gymnastics two weeks ago. “We chose 2018 because we 1958 Moscow Soviet Union Federation The decision is expected to be were in the 2020 Olympic Games 1962 Prague Czechoslovakia (QGF), poses announced in June this year. race then. Although we are not 1966 Dortmund West Germany besides an “We are very confident of win- part of the 2020 Olympic Games 1970 Ljubljana SFR Yugoslavia ning this bid,” Al Hitmi said. “We race now but QOC is eager to con- event hoarding 1974 Varna Bulgaria launched plans to submit our Bid tinue our bid for the 2018 World inside Aspire 1978 Strasbourg France File around three years ago. Championships. Academy 1979 Fort Worth United States “The feedback on our events at “We have already submitted in Doha 1981 Moscow Soviet Union Aspire Academy from FIG (world our file,” Al Hitmi said. yesterday. 1983 Budapest Hungary governing body) officials and that Al Hitmi said FIG will meet in PICTURE: 1985 Montreal Canada from the gymnasts convinced us Liverpool in May to announce the SALIM 1987 Rotterdam Netherlands that we should bring the world’s final list of bidding cities. MATRAMKOT best event to Doha,” Al Hitmi “As of now, we are the only bid- 1989 Stuttgart West Germany added. der,” he said. 1991 Indianapolis United States If Doha’s bid is successful, then “Our Bid File is pretty convinc- 1992 Paris France it will be the fourth top world ing because the players compete 1993 Birmingham United Kingdom event to come to the Middle East. and train here in Aspire Academy. 1994 Brisbane Australia Qatar will stage the Men’s “Gymnasts prefer carrying out 1994 Dortmund Germany World Handball Championships training routines and actual com- 1995 Sabae Japan in 2015. petition at one venue. We provide host more events, saying Doha medals in gymnastics, said Qatar give to FIG (world body in gym- 1996 San Juan Puerto Rico A year later Qatar will just that,” he said. could even host the world cham- has everything to bring the World nastics) to show what you want,” 1997 Lausanne Switzerland stage the Cycling World Road “I don’t want to go on keep pionships if given a chance. Championships to the Middle he said. “Qatar can create a gym- 1999 Tianjin China Championships. praising our bid but we know Bellu, who was inducted into East. nastics explosion in a positive 2001 Ghent Belgium In 2022, Qatar will host the that the FIG family is pretty International Gymnastics Hall “Qatar has the money besides way,” he added. 2002 Debrecen Hungary FIFA World Cup. happy with the five editions of of Fame in 2009, said: “This is a team that can organise top “That way you can introduce 2003 Anaheim United States “I will tell you how the FIG World Challenge Cup staged my third time in Doha with events. Other aspects like good the sport to young fans in Qatar. 2005 Melbourne Australia idea of bidding for the World so far,” Al Hitmi said. the Romanian delegation. This hotels and top-clash venues are “Hosting an edition of the 2006 Aarhus Denmark Championships popped up. We QOC has already deposited the is what I was discussing with also not an issue,” Bellu said. World Championships is different 2007 Stuttgart Germany were constantly urged by the astronomical Bid File of almost a Qatar Gymnastics Federation. “Qatar hosted the gymnastics to staging an event like this one gymnastics family to go for some- $1m. Al Hitmi said the Bid File You need to have more than one at the Asian Games in 2006 at (6th FIG World Challenge Cup). 2009 London United Kingdom thing big. was presented at FIG headquar- World Challenge Cup edition. You this very venue. This facility was At the World Championships you 2010 Rotterdam Netherlands “They said you have the top ters in Swiss city of Laussane ear- need to (probably) host the world used then. It was also used dur- see top gymnasts from China, 2011 Tokyo Japan facility. They said we have one of lier this month. championships.” ing the Arab Games (in December Romania, Russia and the rest of 2013 Antwerp Belgium the best events on the calender,” On Tuesday, Romanian coach The 62-year-old, credited for 2011). the globe present at one venue.” 2014 Nanning China the QGF president said. Octavian Bellu urged Qatar to helping Romania win dozens of “You have enough reasons to THE PENINSULA 2015 Glasgow United Kingdom

AB C D

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT (above): A: Al Arabi’s Hussein Kharja (in red) vies for the ball Al Gharafa to appeal Nene decision: Club with Al Gharafa’s Nene during their Qatar Stars Cup semi- DOHA: Qatar Stars League (QSL) giants occurred and we didn’t see the guilty play- tempers frayed once again as both players final at Suheim Bin Hamad Al Gharafa will appeal the decision of ers then punished in the same way.” fell in a heap following a rough tackle sec- Emir Cup draw on Stadium last week. the QSL Disciplinary Committee which In a report posted on www.qfa.com.qa onds before the end of the match. decided to ban Brazilian striker Nene for website, he added: “Of course we are going Just as referee showed the red card to B: Kharja and Nene get entan- nine matches, it emerged yesterday. to appeal the decision.” Al Shammari, Marafee deliberately came April 1, says QFA gled and argue with each Nene was also fined QR350,000, it was The ugly incident occurred at the Suheim in Nene’s walk towards the match official. DOHA: The Emir Cup draw will be other while the referee tries to announced on Tuesday. Bin Hamad Stadium where hundreds of Kharja’s unwarranted soft shoulder held on April 1, the Qatar Football separate the two feuding par- The Brazilian was involved in a brawl fans witnessed the skirmish on the pitch. charge at Nene ticked off the Brazilian who Association (QFA) announced yester- ties (C). with Al Arabi’s Hussein Kharja during last Goals by Djordje Rakic (36) and took a swing at the Al Arabi midfielder. day. The tournament will be contested D: Kharja lies on the pitch week’s Qatar Stars Cup semi-final. Wanderley (85) helped Al Arabi stun Al One swing from Nene created a com- by 18 teams and divided into four while another Al Arabi player Kharja was fined QR380,000 and sus- Gharafa in the tense clash on March 19. motion as players from both sides threw groups, a QFA statement said. fights with Nene. Kharja and pended for 10 matches. For the losers, Nene drilled a shot home punches and kicks. Emir Cup is the most popular football Nene were shown the red card Al Gharafa yesterday officials said it from an acute angle in the 83rd minute. Seconds later, Marafee went for a kung- tournament in the country. by the referee. On Tuesday, the will appeal the decision which it said was Minutes later, Nene took a wild swing fu strike at Nene, a scene that was simi- The top officials of all the participat- QSL Disciplinary Committee ‘harsh’. with his left hand and hit Kharja following lar to Eric Cantona’s infamous kick at a ing clubs will be present at the draw announced hefty fines for the Club Secretary General Saeed Jassim Al a stoppage in play caused by red card to Al Crystal Palace fan in 1995. ceremony to be held at a hotel. two players who have been Mansouri said: “We are surprised by the Gharafa’s Fahad Al Shammari for a rough Both players were red carded by the ref- QFA officials will be present to con- suspended for nine (Nene) decision of the Disciplinary Committee. foul on an Al Arabi player. eree. Nene joined Al Gharafa on a two-and- duct the draw. The final will be played and 10 (Kharja) matches Suspending a player for nine matches is Nene and Kharja had been each other a-half-year deal in January. on May 18. THE PENINSULA respectively. a little too harsh. Similar incidents have throughout the clash but in injury time THE PENINSULA