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China cuts 2016 Beerbaum wins growth target to second major 6.5-7%: Li trophy in Doha

SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 • 26 Jumada I 1437 • Volume 20 • Number 6727 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

PM meets ILO delegation Emir to visit Consumer rights Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan panel uses DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will leave for Turkmenistan today on a two-day state visit at the invitation of sign language President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, Qatar News Agency said. The Emir will then go to and anti-commercial fraud cell, said Azerbaijan at the invitation Consumer protection yesterday that the Week is attract- of President Ilham Aliyev. ing a large number of people, among The Emir will hold law being explained them students. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani met in Doha talks with leaders of the to hearing impaired. As part of the Week, on display yesterday with a delegation from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) led by Ambassador two countries and officials are replicas — known as counter- Misako Kaji. They discussed Qatar’s efforts to promote workers’ rights. on bilateral relations and feit products — along with originals international issues, said QNA. so that visitors can differentiate The Peninsula between the fake and original. Lectures on consumer aware- ness are also being held at the event. Two car dealers organised lec- DOHA: The state-run con- tures on after-sales services that Magical Festival Village opens at Katara sumer rights’ watchdog has begun explained how fake automobile explaining the country’s consumer spare parts could be identified. protection law in sign language to Interestingly, a model of a baqala By Raynald C Rivera countries, more than 20 restaurants True to its name, the Magical Fes- environment and activities which the hearing impaired and those who (neighbourhood store) at the event is The Peninsula and cafes with a seating capac- tival Village will be hosting festivals will contribute to the advancement lack the power of speech. a major attraction. ity for 800 diners and a number of regularly. Set to add excitement to of cultural movement and promotion The idea is to make those who The replica of the shop (Al family entertainment options. “We the village, a number of festivals has of tourism in Qatar. cannot hear and speak, aware of Dukan) has been created to train have the big 300sqm trampoline, the been lined up including the Smart Sci- “We are working to strike a bal- their rights as consumers. students and children, especially, DOHA: A stellar shopping and enter- ice skating rink which is more than ence Festival, Fantasy and Laughter ance between what is cultural and As part of an ongoing GCC Con- on how to shop in the right way. tainment destination has emerged in 600sqm, 500sqm obstacle course for Festival, and the Chocolate Cupcake what is profitable. We invest on sumer Awareness Week, the sign “The idea is to introduce the Katara with the multi-million riyal children and the Fort Castle which Festival, to name a few. cultural buildings and facilities to language was used to explain the younger generation to the cul- Magical Festival Village that launched is being given final touches and The streets of the Village will achieve profitable revenue to sup- consumer protection law to the ture of responsible shopping and on Thursday. will likely open this week,” said Al also host free entertainment activ- port the organisation’s activities and aurally challenged and mute. avoid waste,” said the Ministry “We celebrate today the official Mohannadi. ities such as daily carnivals, musical events,” he said, stressing Katara’s The Week kicked off on March release. opening of Magical Festival Village, a Even weeks before the opening corners, and a plethora of other shows keenness to host only high quality 1 at Souq Waqif and will continue Always make a list of what is to new concept combining shopping and of the village, the iconic Castle has that will pop up to surprise visitors. events and activities. until tomorrow. be purchased from an outlet and a entertainment in a European ambi- generated much attention to Katara The project was implemented in Ezdan Group CEO Ali Al Obaidli The hearing impaired and those budget should be allocated, and one ence which I’m sure will make every visitors, many of whom took to social cooperation with a number of gov- said, “Our partnership in this project who lack the power of speech are should try to stick to the list and the visitor happy,” Abdulaziz Al Mohan- media posting photos with the stun- ernment and private entities including stems from our desire to create a an important segment of society, so budget. nadi, Operations Manager of Magical ning blue palace. “The palace has Katara, Ezdan Holding Group as stra- stronger communication with the they must be made aware of their “Don’t get tempted during shop- Festival Village, told The Peninsula, two features, one is a studio which tegic partner and Media Works, as community. We seek this through rights and duties as consumers, the ping and buy things unnecessarily. adding the total cost of the project has uses Virtual Reality technology to general contractor. projects that would provide an Ministry of Economy and Commerce Buy only those items that you need reached more than QR60m. transport children to their favourite Saif Saad Al Said Al Dosari, exclusive family shopping and enter- said. and have listed,” said the Ministry. Spread over 40,000sqm, the cartoon characters. It also presents a Katara Human Resources Direc- tainment outlet over a large area.” In a press statement, the Ministry European designed village features ten-minute show of movies using 3D tor, said it is Katara’s goal to invest which boasts a consumer protection → Continued on page 3 400 shopping boutiques from 20 mapping technology,” he said. in facilities which provide diverse → Continued on page 3

Sudan opposition Al Rayyan win QSL leader Hassan Al Huge demand seen for Turabi dies edutainment parks of heart attack By Mohammad Shoeb edutainment theme parks in Qatar, The Peninsula which is set to open in August. It AFP will support the interactive fun and learning experience for young minds at the facility. Being part of the DOHA: With rising population and Mall of Qatar, the educative indoor KHARTOUM: Veteran Sudan growing number of schools in Qatar, theme park is an awareness facility Islamist opposition leader Has- there is a huge demand for edutain- for playful learning which has been san Al Turabi, one of the fiercest ment theme parks in the country, especially designed for children critics of President Omar Hassan says an industry expert. aged between two and 14 years and Al Bashir’s government, died of a “Qatar is a family destination. It’s their parents. It is anticipating some heart attack yesterday aged 84, a fast growing market with so many 350,000 (65pc children and 35pc state television said. new schools opening every year. Our adults) visitors during 2017 out of the “The Islamist intellectual Has- market studies suggest that there are nearly 20 million footfall the Mall of san Al Turabi has died,” the state opportunities for investments in the Qatar is expecting during the year. broadcaster said. sector, especially for developing “Initially we may not find the volume It interrupted its regular pro- innovative edutainment concepts. and traffic that our facility can sup- gramming and broadcast verses I believe it will continue to remain port, but within very short time, we from the Holy Quran that are Al Rayyan, winners of the Qatar Stars League (QSL), celebrate on the podium at Al Sadd Stadium viable,” said Nabil Barakat, General expect that the number will exceed recited for the dead. yesterday. Al Rayyan beat Al Wakrah 5-0 to seal the QSL title with five rounds to spare in the 2015-16 Manager of KidzMondo Doha. our expectations,” added Nabil. A medical source earlier said season. → See also pages 29 & 30 KidzMondo Doha is a one that Turabi was taken to the inten- of the largest upcoming indoor → Continued on page 7 sive care unit of Khartoum’s Royal Care hospital “after suffering a heart attack in the morning and died” there. In the evening, an ambulance UN seeks to build peace talks on fragile Syria ceasefire carrying his body left the hospital for the Turabi family home in the city, an AFP correspondent said. Reuters tomorrow in Geneva, would get off to A pro-Damascus Lebanese TV pace of the war, although it does not Fighting has also continued A key figure in Bashir’s regime a staggered start later in the week, channel, al-Mayadeen, reported from include Islamic State militants or the between rebel groups and Kurdish- for a decade after his 1989 coup, with delegates arriving from Wednes- its own sources that talks had been Al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front. backed forces in north Aleppo, and Turabi later became one of its day onwards. moved to March 13. Reuters could not The opposition is dissatisfied with between rebel groups and Islamic fiercest critics and led the oppo- BEIRUT: A total of 135 people were The UN said the delay was due to independently verify this. the implementation of the deal and State. Yesterday, Islamic State sition in urging a Tunisia-style killed in the first week of a partial “logistical and technical reasons and The five-year Syrian civil war has has yet to say whether it will attend regained control of a border crossing uprising. He was detained in May truce in Syria in areas covered by also for the ceasefire to better settle killed more than a quarter of a million the new talks. Fighting continues in with Iraq seized by a group of rebels 2010, a month after Sudan’s first the deal, a monitoring group said yes- down”. people and created a massive refu- many parts of Syria, and rebels say on Friday, the Syrian Observatory competitive polls since 1986 for terday, highlighting its fragile nature “I see us beginning on (Thurs- gee crisis in Lebanon, Turkey and the the Syrian government, backed by for Human Rights said. The Observ- denouncing the election as fraud- just days before the United Nations day) March 10 when we will launch European Union. Russian air power and fighters from atory said 135 people have been killed ulent. After breaking ranks with attempts to reconvene peace talks. the process,” de Mistura said in an The partial truce, drawn up by Iranian-backed Hezbollah, has kept in areas covered by the ‘cessation of Bashir, he formed his own party— UN envoy Staffan de Mistura interview with pan-Arab newspa- Washington and Moscow, came into up attacks on strategically important hostilities’ agreement since it came the Popular Congress Party. said the talks, originally due to begin per Al Hayat. force a week ago and has slowed the frontlines. into force on February 27.

HOME SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 03

Green Hospitality Award unveiled Cypriot envoy visits The Peninsula

The Peninsula “Since its founding, Amlak has A panel of experts will evaluate placed sustainability — economic each competing hotel operations and and environmental — at the core of environmentally friendly initiatives, its business ethos,” said Abdul Aziz Al based on criteria including HVAC DOHA: Amlak and Qatar General Emadi, CEO. systems, lighting, plumbing fixtures, Electricity and Water Corporation “Our collaboration with Tarsheed landscape, operation and maintenance (Kahramaa) have launched Green is based on a shared vision to spear- practises, building automation, sus- Hospitality Award to highlight the head green operation innovations and tainability measures, specific energy/ hospitality industry’s sustainability clean technologies in the hospitality water consumption as part of the leaders. and tourism sector,” he added. Tarsheed Conserving Building Compe- A first for Qatar, the annual award Engineer Abdul Aziz Al Ham- tition but specialised for Hotel Sectors aims to recognise hotels that have suc- madi, Manager, Conservation and under the award. cessfully integrated green operation Energy Efficiency, Kahramaa, said, One winning entry will be nom- — covering energy efficiency, resource “We hope the initiative helps trigger inated from the hospitality sector conservation and air quality — into a ripple effect of change in the fast- and granted an award and a certifi- their operations. growing hospitality and tourism sector cate for being a pioneer in hospitality The awards will take place on and ingrain the concept of sustaina- best environmental practices. Eligible April 21 at Qatar National Conven- ble operations into all aspects of the hotels must submit nominations online tion Centre during the Tarsheed fourth industry thus improving environmen- via http://www.km.com.qa/Tarsheed/ annual celebration. tal performance.” Pages/Sustainable.aspx by March 25.

Cypriot Ambassador to Qatar Charalambos Panayides visited The Peninsula newspaper late last week and met Editor-in-Chief Dr Khalid bin Mubarak Al-Shafi. The ambassador praised the newspaper and congratulated Dr Al-Shafi on its successful re-launch earlier this year and the progress achieved by the newspaper. He said more pages dedicated to Europe have made The Peninsula more popular among the Europeans living in Qatar. Pic: Baher / The Peninsula

Always demand a bill, says ministry

Continued from page 1

“This will help one check waste and unwanted expenditure.” First, dry products should be bought and then the frozen items. Saif Saad Al Said Al Dosari, Director, Human Resources, Katara, and Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi, Operations Always check the validity of a prod- Pic: Baher / The Peninsula Manager of the village, open the Magical Festival Village at Katara. uct and avoid canned products that look dirty. “Always demand a bill for the purchase or purchases you have made.” Events to stimulate hospitality in state Storage at home is very important. Food items should be kept separately from non-food products, according to Continued from page 1 investing in the entertainment sector, especially for GCC citizens. The vil- the ministry. especially malls and that the com- lage is open for the next three months, During the lectures, questions- pany also plans to organise events to from 3pm to 11pm during weekdays, answer sessions were held and He said the Group’s decision to stimulate hospitality in the state and and in the mornings on Friday and participants, including students, asked Officials explain to a visitor how to tell a counterfeit product from enter this strategic partnership is contribute to making Qatar one of the Saturday. For the next season, it will questions regarding their rights and the original. derived from its approach towards best regional tourism destinations, open from October to May. duties as consumers. 04 SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 HOME Doha Film Institute begins second edition of Qumra

films can find their voice in the glo- experts and take movies to a wider bal film market. audience. Participants tackle Welcoming the industry experts His second project Amer: The Ara- the question — how and delegates, Fatma Al Remaihi, bian Legend (Qatar; Arabic, English; can Arab filmmakers CEO, DFI, said: “At its heart, the 2016) is one of the projects chosen at mission of the event is to support Qumra. find their footing emerging filmmakers. Al Rumaihi said while he had a in the international “The programme has been rough cut of his second project, he designed with the goal to create a attended Qumra with an open mind. market, with some supportive and productive space for “I did my first film with no expecta- 50,000 movies made projects by emerging filmmakers to tions. Now that it has been received be nurtured and provide maximum well, there is the pressure to be better. every year across the opportunities for our filmmakers to I think that is natural for any film- world? benefit from the wisdom of the most maker. It is a positive force and Qumra experienced industry experts in the helps channel my work in the right world.” direction.” Elia Suleiman, Artistic Adviser, Sharing insights on taking Arab The Peninsula DFI, said, “The imagination and films to new markets during a work- poetry of our young filmmakers serve ing breakfast session, Cameron Bailey, as a resistance to these borders. The Artistic Director, Toronto Interna- fact that we are at Qumra shows the tional Film Festival, said the key is to DOHA: With some 50,000 movies confidence in our filmmakers to break know the audience for the films and made every year across the world, these barriers”. push oneself out there and tell their how can Arab filmmakers find their Hanaa Issa, Deputy Director, story. footing in the international market? Qumra, said: “In many ways, Qumra is “Being an English-language FROM LEFT, BACK ROW, STANDING: Qumra Master James Schamus, Artistic Adviser Elia Suleiman, Qumra This was one of the key topics the culmination of the work we have driven market, it is important to Deputy Director Hanaa Issa and DFI CEO Fatma Al Remaihi (fifth left) with Qumra project participants and the discussed at the second edition of been doing at DFI over five years. It be aware how you use English and Qumra programming team on the first day of the second edition of Qumra yesterday. Qumra is an industry Qumra, the annual industry event by builds on support we give to film- how much of the content will be in event organised by DFI to develop emerging filmmakers. Doha Film Institute (DFI) designed to makers through our education and the language. Having a trailer that nurture the development of emerg- development programmes, our fund- grabs attention, a sales agent who ing filmmakers. ing programmes, and our screenings can cut through the clutter and build Through a series of one-on-one and film appreciation initiatives.” a personal narrative around the film- are viewed today. sessions, Qumra also features Mas- organised in two segments: New meetings, consultations and tutori- Qatari filmmaker Jassim Al makers will help raise visibility.” “Research shows some 95 percent ter Classes by five Qumra Masters Voices in Cinema and Modern Mas- als, delegates at Qumra — producers Rumaihi, whose film The Palm Tree Heidi Tao Yang, Industry Pro- of the people who watch documen- — James Schamus, Joshua Oppen- ters Screening. and directors associated with the 33 (Qatar, No Dialogue, 2015) screened in grammer, Funds & Deal Maker, Hot taries do it at home. Getting a good heimer, Naomi Kawase, Nuri Bilge All screenings take place at projects from 19 countries selected the New Voices in Cinema segment of Docs Canadian International Docu- publicist and engaging on social Ceylan and Aleksandr Sokurov. Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium for the industry programme — are Qumra, said the meetings at Qumra mentary Film Festival, highlighted the media are important.” Qumra also offers the public the and tickets are on sale at www.doha- providing deep insights on how their provide a credible platform to meet shifting trends in how documentaries In addition to the networking opportunity to attend screenings filminstitute.com Innovation entrepreneurship centre incubates first project for university students

The Peninsula The centre was launched in “Our students in Education City the Fall of 2015 by Sheikh Faisal needed a platform for mentorship, bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman, training and early-stage support for AlFaisal Without Borders Founda- startups, which is crucial for them DOHA: The AlFaisal–Carnegie tion, and Ilker Baybars, Dean and and recent graduates who want to Mellon Innovation Entrepreneur- CEO, CMU-Q, to promote inno- develop innovation projects and ship Centre is incubating its first vation entrepreneurship through pursue careers as entrepreneurs.” project: Metis, an application that education, programmes and an The idea for Metis first came to helps university students plan their incubation process that provides Sabih bin Wasi in his first year at courses so they will be in the best resources and mentorship. CMU-Q. career position when they graduate. “AlFaisal Without Borders “I have a passion to change Metis is the creation of a team Foundation is firm in its com- things that affect me, and I saw how of Carnegie Mellon University in mitment to be a leading global course selection can have a huge Qatar (CMU-Q) alumni Sabih bin humanitarian organisation focused impact on where you end up when Wasi, Rukhsar Neyaz Khan and on achieving sustainable develop- you graduate,” he said. Jiyda Moussa. ment,” said Sheikh Faisal. During his time at CMU-Q, he They describe Metis as a tool for “To do so, we will continue gathered a multi-disciplinary team students to tailor education accord- to support innovative ideas that to develop the project. ing to career goals and interests. nurture better opportunities for In 2014, Sabih participated in a A second interface allows professional success among the field trip to Silicon Valley, organ- advisers to view the students’ plans future leaders of our society,” he ised by CMU-Q, won Al Fikra and provide input and a third allows added. business plan competition, and the university to input updated “Taking your idea to the next was accepted, along with his team information on courses and class level and turning it into reality is a members with their project as the schedules. full-time job that requires a lot of first incubated one at the centre. Metis is the first project of the dedication and support,” said Maher Funding for the project was centre, a collaborative initiative to Hakim, brainchild of the centre and provided by Qatar Science and foster an entrepreneurial environ- Associate Professor of Entrepre- Technology Park through its accel- CMU-Q alumni Sabih bin Wasi, Rukhsar Neyaz Khan and Jiyda Moussa who developed the application. ment in Education City. neurship, CMU-Q. erator programme.

Forum on social sciences and humanities from Saturday

The Peninsula Arab Thought’. Some 61 research papers will be provided at sessions. DOHA: The Arab Centre The conference is the for Research and Pol- centre’s flagship event. icy Studies will host the Each year, it attracts Arab fifth annual conference scholars from the Mid- on social sciences and dle East, North Africa humanities from Satur- and beyond to discuss day until March 14, with pressing research ques- participation of several tions centred on themes researchers and aca- selected by the academic demics. committee of the confer- The themes of this ence. The first and second year’s conference are ‘The conferences were held in Arab city: Challenges of Doha, the third in Tuni- Urbanisation’ and ‘Free- sia and the fourth in dom in Contemporary Marrakech.

Youth Hostel Federation meets

QNA discussed the budget for the next three years, how to avoid any deficit, acti- vating online reservation DOHA: The Board of for global youth hostels, Trustees of International increasing the number Youth Hostel Federation of guests who use the held a meeting, attended website, ways of strength- by board members and ening the network to heads and representa- improve the quality of tives of foreign and Arab youth hostels and the societies. services, among others. Abdullah Salem Al He said London will Bakri, Deputy CEO, Qatar host the next general con- Youth Hostels Association, ference of youth hostels in said the two-day meeting September. HOME SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 05

New programme QA begins direct Doha-Sydney flights for healthcare practitioners The award-winning from tomorrow airline’s new route will bring A$240m The Peninsula to the local economy each year. DOHA: The National Continuous Medical Education and Profes- The Peninsula sional Development (CME/CPD) Programme will be launched tomorrow. The launch will mark imple- DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) wel- mentation of the programme’s comed dignitaries, local officials mandatory participation policy and international media to a packed linked to renewal of licensure for press conference in Sydney to mark all licensed healthcare practition- the launch of direct flights between ers in the country. Doha and the airline’s third gateway The programme will be in Australia. launched by Qatar Council for The new service is expected to Healthcare Practitioners (QHCP), bring an additional A$240m to the the governmental entity estab- local economy each year. lished to regulate the practice of Akbar Al Baker, Chief Execu- healthcare practitioners, at the tive, QA Group, addressed about 80 Sheraton Hotel in Doha in the pres- local media members, alongside Ker- ence of senior officials from the rie Mather, Managing Director and healthcare sector. CEO, Sydney Airport; Marwan Kolei- “The programme is a sig- lat, Senior Vice-President, South East nificant milestone in building a Asia and South West Pacific, QA; and Akbar Al Baker (second left), Chief Executive, Qatar Airways Group; Kerrie Mather (left), Managing Director and CEO, Sydney Airport; Marwan world-class healthcare workforce Adam Radwanski, Country Manager Koleilat (second right), Senior Vice-President, South East Asia and South West Pacific, QA; and Adam Radwanski, Country Manager Australasia, for the people in accordance with Australasia, QA, on March 3. at the press conference. the human development goals of Al Baker said: “Australia is a des- Qatar National Vision 2030 and tination on everyone’s wish list and I the National Health Strategy,” hope that by launching our new direct our cultures and home countries — passengers to its global network of “We’re thrilled to welcome QA to to the Middle East. Australian exports QHCP said in a statement yester- service to Sydney, we can help even Qatar, like Australia, is known for its more than 150 destinations. Sydney Airport. QA is a three-time to Doha grew by 23 percent last year, day. The programme is unique in more visitors discover this spectac- hospitality, warm welcome and for- The Sydney route is expected to Skytrax Airline of the Year winner and Qatar’s high demand for livestock, bringing all healthcare practition- ular country. ward thinking. generate an estimated 3,000 jobs in and will provide passengers with cereal, meat, dairy products and crops ers under one regulatory authority “With the addition of Sydney, and “These qualities are reflected New South Wales and will contrib- more choice, a quality product and provides a significant opportunity for and has similar credit require- Adelaide later this year, we will dou- in the strength of our current trade ute millions of dollars in tourism and seamless connectivity through Doha’s Australian exporters.” ments for all licensed healthcare ble our capacity to and from Australia totalling A$1.56bn in 2014. We look cargo freight to the local economy. Hamad International Airport to des- QA’s hub — Hamad International practitioners for renewal of their in the first half of 2016. This swift forward to building on this success It will connect Australia’s leading tinations around the world,” Mather Airport — offers passengers from Syd- licensure (Maintenance of and significant increase in service and going places together.” exporters to QA Cargo’s global net- said. “QA’s new daily service will ney a comfortable and efficient transit Licensure). demonstrates our commitment to QA has been serving Australia work of over 150 stations, providing boost tourism, providing an additional with an average connection time of The event will also feature a the Australian market and our Aus- since 2009 when it commenced 84 tonnes of cargo capacity per week. 245,000 seats per year, generating an 90 minutes. panel discussion on ‘More Knowl- tralian passengers, as we offer them flights from Melbourne, later adding QA Cargo is the third largest inter- estimated 3,000 jobs and contributing Daily Flight Schedule: QR908 edge, Better Patient Care’ with the the opportunity to fly in comfort flights from Perth in 2012. national cargo carrier, carrying 301 more than A$240m to the Australian departs Doha at 2010 and arrives in participation of senior officials onwards to more than 150 world- The award-winning airline will tonnes of freight in the belly hold of economy. Sydney at 1805+1 and QR909 leaves from the healthcare sector and wide destinations. fly a Boeing 777-300 daily from Syd- its passenger aircraft into and out of “It will foster trade, providing Sydney at 2220 and arrives in Doha experts from the Canadian Inter- “There are many similarities in ney to Doha, connecting Australian Perth and Melbourne per week. greater air cargo capacity and access at 0505+1. national College. State-of-the-art Ooredoo Cancer Awareness Centre to open soon

The centre on the 18th and 19th floors of Barwa Towers in Al Sadd is in the final stage of completion.

The Peninsula “It will also help increase the The room is furnished with a large quality of life by increasing aware- central table to facilitate lectures and ness about healthy and safe lifestyle group discussions. to prevent cancer,” he said. The centre also has a workshop DOHA: The Ooredoo Cancer Aware- “The centre aims to educate peo- classroom for classes for special ness Centre is in the final stage of ple in different segments of society. demonstrations. A kids classroom completion and will open soon, said There are programmes for physicians has some 20-30 chairs and five tables Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani, and paramedical staff and another painted in attractive colours, suita- Chairman, Qatar Cancer Society to support the public which we aim ble for children aged six and 12 years. (QCS). The state-of-the-art facility is to make the biggest. The meeting and VIP Hall can on the 18th and 19th floors of Barwa “The programme aims to train accommodate 22 guests and is fully Towers in Al Sadd, and will be used people on how to deal with patients equipped to host official meetings as training facilities. diagnosed with cancer or those and video and press conferences. “We will announce the opening already suffering from it, to provide The electronic library at the cen- dates soon,” said Dr Sheikh Khalid. psychological support for them dur- tre will establish links with university The QR20m project is financially ing the phases of treatment,” he said. and school students. It contains jour- supported by Ooredoo, according to a The centre has a lecture hall to nals, textbooks, and databases. The partnership signed in May 2014 with accommodate more than 100 peo- librarian will assist students in learn- QCS. ple and is equipped with multimedia ing how to retrieve the best evidence “The centre will implement an and telecommunications facilities. It from the vast scientific literature, dis- awareness strategy to help change also has audio-visual aids. tinguish the appropriate resources the mindset of the people about can- A small lecture hall can accom- to answer clinical and research cer and reduce the stigma associated modate 50 people and the seminar questions, and obtain and organise with the disease. room can be used by 20 to 30 people. literature for future use. 06 SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 HOME HIA launches mobile app with iBeacon capabilities

State-of-the-art Hamad International Airport among the first in the world to use iBeacon technology for wayfinding and promotion alerts.

Officials and some of the participants at the concluding session of Destination Imagination Qatar 2016 Tournament. The Peninsula

DI selects 24 winning teams DOHA: Hamad International Airport (HIA) has launched its new iBea- con-enabled mobile app to provide passengers with an immersive expe- The Peninsula problem-solving. The programme Mubarak Al Edan with a special rience and stay connected while they also aims to provide employers with award. travel through Qatar’s iconic airport. graduates empowered as decision- “ALF, through our DI programme, HIA is among a select few makers and thought leaders. aims to develop the future lead- airports in the world to have success- DOHA: Destination Imagination (DI) A highlight of the competition ers of Qatar,” said Sheikh Faisal. “In fully used iBeacons for wayfinding Qatar 2016 Tournament has selected among Independent schools was the pursuing the nation’s growth and and providing customers with context 24 winning teams out of 315 from 100 participation of Al Yarmouk Inde- development aspirations as con- relevant information about promo- schools in Qatar. pendent Preparatory School, which tained in Qatar National Vision 2030, tional offers to enhance their airport The winning teams will partici- entered the tournament with a team we need new ideas from young, crea- experience. With a simple scan of the pate in the DI Global finals from May of visually impaired students. tive and innovative minds of students, boarding pass and opt-in for location The iBeacon-enabled mobile app is an immersive experience for 25 to 29 in Knoxville, Tennessee, US. The achievement had a huge handicapped or not, who will form detection, the app provides real-time passengers. Hosted by AlFaisal Without Bor- impact on about 2,200 participants, part of a rich national pool of think- information about flight status, bag- ders (ALF) Foundation, the four-day as the winning team from the school ers and movers that will push the gage claim, time and direction to competition was held in partner- also imparted the lesson of showing country forward in all fields. boarding gates and food, beverage Meer, Chief Operating Officer, HIA, desired location within HIA, guid- ship with the Ministry of Education respect for others and accepting oth- “I wish to congratulate all win- and retail offers from Qatar Duty said: “We take pride in having con- ing them along the way and alerting at Qatar National Convention Centre ers’ differences, which are among the ners for their outstanding and Free, the airport’s award winning ceptualised, designed and developed them of any updates to their flight and was supported by Social Media basic values of the Foundation. impressive performance,” he added. shopping emporium. our HIAQatar mobile app in house, status.” Solutions, Qatar Volunteers, Amlak The team’s character also Three teams from Saudi Arabia, To ensure customers benefit from which gave us the control and flex- The app is available for iOS- and QNCC. made them role models for the real two each from Morocco, Poland, Tur- the best deals, the app alerts the user ibility to ensure a customer-centric based devices. The future roadmap The foundation brought the DI meaning of challenge, persistence, key and the US, and one each from when walking past outlets with ongo- and intuitive design, much like our includes the launch of the Android programme to Qatar to address the commitment, patience and creativ- the UAE and Jordan took part in the ing promotions. airport. “With the installation of over app in the second half of this growing need for students to exhibit ity towards successful attainment of 24-hour Extreme Challenge. A unique global search feature 700 Bluetooth iBeacons across the year, further improvements to the curiosity and self-direction in learn- desired goals. The teams from Poland and Min- matches and delivers relevant con- expansive terminal, the app helps wayfinding experience through ing. It also aspires to meet the needs Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al nesota tied for first place. Another tent and information fast, eliminating put our passengers at ease by helping integration with the airport’s com- of universities for students pre- Thani, Chairman, Board of Trus- team from Poland grabbed second the need for navigating through tra- them identify their real-time loca- plimentary passenger Wi-Fi system pared to continue to grow the region tees, ALF, honoured the team and place and a team from Saudi Arabia ditional app menus. tion in the airport, informing them and ongoing collaboration with tech- with an attitude of innovation and the school’s Headmaster Ibrahim got third. Engineer Badr Mohammed Al how long it will take to reach their nology industry leaders. Toyota Gazoo Racing announces annual schedule

The Peninsula in the FIA World Endurance Cham- hybrid system developed at Toyota’s crucial means of conveying the pionship (WEC), the Nürburgring 24 Higashi-Fuji Technical Centre. In the excitement of driving and are at Hours endurance race and the Japa- 2016 Nürburgring 24 Hours endur- the heart of Toyota’s efforts to fos- nese Rally Championship. ance race, Toyota will celebrate its ter a greater following of car fans DOHA: Toyota Gazoo Racing, the WEC 2016 will see the debut of 10th year of participation by enter- and enthusiasts. By taking part in in-house brand responsible for mot- the new Toyota TS050 Hybrid race ing three cars: Toyota C-HR Racing, these activities under the umbrella orsports activities administered by vehicle, with which the team will and Lexus RC F and RC. of Toyota Gazoo Racing, Toyota can Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), has aim to recapture the series champi- Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Rep- focus on developing its people and announced schedule for 2016. onship and achieve its first win in the resentative, Middle East and North improving products, contributing to Under the Toyota Gazoo Racing 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Africa Representative Office, TMC, the creation of better, more advanced team name, Toyota will participate The TS050 Hybrid utilises a new said: “Motorsports events offer a cars.

Toyota will participate in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race and the Japanese Rally Championship.

“The know-how from our advanced hybrid race cars is in use to enhance Toyota’s road car hybrids, and the WEC’s focus on fuel economy and road-rele- vant technology is expected to see further technology transfer from track to road. We appreciate the sup- port from our customers who have always backed our racing efforts.” In the US, Toyota will continue to compete in NAS- CAR events, while in South America, it will support Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd., which will participate in the Dakar Rally in early 2017. In Japan, Toyota will participate in the Super GT and Super Formula series, which are in the top-tier of motorsports events in the country, and will com- pete in the Super Taikyu series with the 86 coupe. Next year, Toyota will return to WRC. Prepara- tions continue, with a rally vehicle based on the Yaris compact hatchback being developed to meet FIA 2017 regulations. As part of initiatives to cultivate young drivers who hope to compete in high-level interna- tional racing events, Toyota will continue to run the Toyota Gazoo Racing Rally Challenge Programme for rallies and the Toyota Young Drivers Programme (TDP) for races. Toyota will also try to raise awareness about automotive culture, creating a new generation of car enthusiasts in the process. Key to these efforts will be participative, informal motorsports events tar- geting participation by ordinary customers, such as the Toyota Gazoo Racing 86/BRZ Race, Toyota Gazoo Racing Netz Cup Vitz Race and Toyota Gazoo Racing Rally Challenge. Toyota will continue to share infor- mation about upcoming races, rallies and events by utilising digital platforms and social networking sites. It will also share updates on its line-up of tuned and performance models, such as the GRMN and G’s series, adapted based on racing and rally experiences. A new logo for Toyota Gazoo Racing activities has been announced, along with a unified colour scheme to be implemented for all participating vehicles. HOME SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 07

Scattered rains in parts Deputy PM arrives of Qatar forecast today in Indonesia

QNA The Peninsula offshore for today but the weather will be hazy to misty initially and partly cloudy to cloudy later, with JAKARTA: Deputy Prime Minister chances of scattered rains. and Minister of State for Cabinet DOHA: It drizzled yesterday in parts The wind direction will be Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah of the country, with the weather northwesterly to northeasterly and bin Zaid Al Mahmoud arrived in bureau forecasting scattered rains speed between five and 15 knots. Indonesian capital Jakarta yes- with thunder and high winds at During rains and thunder the terday. times in some areas today. wind will move at speeds of up to He is leading Qatar’s delega- The warning for inshore weather 25 knots in some areas. tion to the Extraordinary Session said rains with thunder and strong Day temperatures will vary of the Islamic Summit Conference winds can be expected today. between 24 and 28 degrees C, while on the Cause of Palestine and Al The weather will be misty first at night the mercury will drop to Quds Al Shareef. and then partly cloudy to cloudy between 16 and 20 degrees. On arrival at the airport in with chances of scattered rains asso- In Doha, the day temperature Jakarta, he and his delegation were ciated at times with thunder, said the forecast is 27 degrees and nightly welcomed by Qatari Ambassador A little after 10am yesterday, there was a brief drizzle near the Barwa Village in Al Wakrah. Rain droplets can bureau. temperature 20 degrees, the bureau to Indonesia Mohamed bin Khater There was no warning for said. be seen on the exterior of the windscreen of the car of this newspaper’s photographer Salim Matramkot. Ibrahim Al Khater. RAF sends more aid to refugees in Chad KidzMondo Doha gets 95% of potential partners

Continued from page 1 The Peninsula prolonged lower energy prices impact- ing our kind of businesses in a big “There are activities to be done. So way. As long as families and children far as the variety of activities is con- exist, parents will continue to invest DOHA: Sheikh Thani Bin Abdullah cerned it is underserved. So there is in their children’s education and skills Foundation for Humanitarian Serv- a need for new concepts to enter the development. ices (RAF) has dispatched fresh aid market.” The government is also working worth QR720,000 for victims of sec- The KidzMondo Doha park is a hard to encourage tourism, especially tarian violence in Central African miniature replica of a real city where family tourism.” Built on an indoor Republic (CAR). children will get to role-play as adults area of about 8,000sqm, KidzMondo Some 33,000 Muslim citizens in over 60 occupations and pro- Doha will partner with over 60 brands of CAR in Kore camp in N’Djamena, fessions. It is an ideal forum where that will sponsor activities in the kids’ capital of Chad, will benefit. Many social rules and values are promoted city. camps were set up near Chad bor- and ingrained in children to prepare On challenges, he said getting ders to receive the Muslims fleeing the them to behave as good adult citizens the right kind of qualified staff and ethnic cleansing by militias in CAR. would in real life. securing partnership with poten- The funds were raised through He said even the concepts being Nabil Barakat, General Manager, tial sponsor and partners is not easy. donations from Qataris. The aid has introduced by KidzMondo Doha need KidzMondo Doha “However, we have secured about 95 been distributed in collaboration to be evolving as kids tend to get bored percent of potential partners, includ- Beneficiaries receive aid. with local charity partner in Chad, with same activities after some time. ing Qatar Airways, Woqod, Ooredoo, Al Rashad Development Association “The learning process among the The edutainment theme parks QIIB among others.” and other civil society organisations. is deteriorating due to malnutrition. The initial figures show that over younger generation is much faster than will also be required to evolve with KidzMondo Doha is in the proc- It comprised basic foodstuff, The fresh aid is part of a drive 100,000 people took refuge in Chad their predecessors. So they always the same pace to be in the business ess of hiring over 200 staff, including including corn, sugar and edible RAF launched three years ago when while the number of migrants is look for something new.” for long. educators, coordinators, supervisors oil, for two months. There is short- the crisis began in CAR. So far, RAF increasing, RAF said. RAF urged the He said since the concept of To a question on the possi- and other middle and top level man- age of humanitarian supplies. The has provided medical and food aid public to donate through its collection edutainment evolves with education, ble impact of lower oil prices on his agement, expected to be completed health condition of some refugees and set up tents for refugees. centres or by calling hotline 55341818. it is changing worldwide fast. business, he said: “We do not see a before June-end. Ooredoo becomes newest talent sponsor of Teach For Qatar programme

The Peninsula organisation’s vision. Ooredoo takes By training young leaders to positively pride in its talented pool of employees impact students inside the classroom, and supports their professional and per- Teach For Qatar, a local non-govern- sonal development. mental organisation, provides passionate DOHA: Teach For Qatar “We are happy to contribute our graduates and professionals with an has announced that Oore- young professionals to Teach For Qatar’s opportunity to give back to the country doo will be its newest talent placements, because it will benefit the by placing them at Independent schools sponsor, enabling young community and help diversify and for a two-year teaching and leadership professionals or manag- develop our employees’ leadership skills.” development programme. ers in the company to take Teach For Qatar’s partners include the Following a successful first year, a placement at one of the Ministry of Education and Higher Educa- Teach For Qatar’s second set of hand- schools in Qatar to impart tion, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Petroleum, picked professionals started teaching at working knowledge and ExxonMobil Qatar, Qatar National Bank, Independent schools last September, with professional training to Maersk Oil Qatar and Dolphin Energy. the start of the new academic year. children. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at a ceremony led by Mohammed Abdul- lah Fakhroo, CEO, Teach For Qatar, and Yousuf Al Kubaisi, COO, Ooredoo Qatar. They agree to sup- port each other as they push to offer Ooredoo employees and students in world-class training. Fakhroo said, “Teach For Qatar continues to seek outstanding leaders — whether top graduates or talented profession- als — who can act as role models in the classroom to positively impact stu- dent learning. “Our partnership with Ooredoo enables Teach For Qatar to continue efforts to improve the local edu- cation sector by acting as part of the solution to some of the challenges facing Qatar’s students. We look forward to estab- lishing new partnerships with companies seeking to support our mission, by providing Teach For Qatar with access to their pool of talented Qatari employees.” Al Kubaisi said, “Oore- doo is committed to developing the local com- munity and supporting the country’s growth as it strides forward to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030. “We are delighted to partner with Teach For Qatar and assist in the 08 SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 MIDDLE EAST Zaman edition blasts govt takeover as EU stews

Police use bolt-cutters to get into office of opposition newspaper.

AFP

ISTANBUL: Turkey’s top-selling Zaman newspaper published a defi- ant edition yesterday warning of the “darkest days” in the history of the press after authorities seized control of its headquarters in a dramatic late- night raid by riot police. LEFT: Turkish riot police use water cannon and tear gas to disperse supporters near the headquarters of Zaman daily in Istanbul yesterday. CENTRE: Journalists carry a woman The swoop against the paper, injured in the violence. RIGHT: A plainclothes policeman kicks a demonstrator during clashes. staunchly opposed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, caused immediate concern in Washington and Brussels the newspaper, which managed to iron gate in front of the building, doz- “respect the freedom of the media” their job yesterday morning under secular authorities. over declining media freedoms in Tur- print its latest issue after the violent ens of police then marched into the and rights were “not negotiable”. tight police scrutiny, the AFP pho- Despite living outside of Turkey, key, a key EU ally. takeover, said on its front page in large premises to seize the headquarters The president of the European tographer reported. The employees Gulen built up huge influence in the It came ahead of a visit by Prime font on a black background. and formally place it under admin- Parliament, Martin Schulz, tweeted formed queues at the entrance for country through allies in the police Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to Brussels “The Turkish press has experi- istration, pushing aside anyone who the seizure was “yet another blow to identity control. and judiciary, media and financial tomorrow for a crucial summit meet- enced one of the darkest days in its stood in their way, media images press freedom in Turkey” and said he A crowd of around 150 supporters interests and a vast network of cram- ing with EU leaders, history,” it added. showed. planned to raise the issue tomorrow. gathered outside the building, hold- ming schools. Police fired tear gas and water “Turkey’s mass circulation news- Once the building was cleared, The United States said the court ing the newspaper’s latest issue in a There have been numerous legal cannon just before midnight Friday paper was seized despite Prime the court-appointed administrators order was “the latest in a series of show of solidarity. crackdowns on structures linked to at a hundreds-strong crowd that had Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s assur- — lawyers Tahsin Kaplan and Metin troubling judicial and law enforce- Ankara accuses Gulen of running the group and on Friday Turkish police formed outside the headquarters of ance that ‘free press is our redline.’” Ilhan and writer Sezai Sengonul — ment actions taken by the Turkish what it calls the Fethullahci Terror arrested four executives of one of the Zaman daily in Istanbul follow- Shortly before midnight (2200 were bussed inside the complex to government targeting media outlets Organisation/Parallel State Structure the country’s largest conglomerates, ing a court order issued earlier in the GMT), a team of police arrived with begin their work, Anatolia said. and others critical of it.” (FeTO/PDY) and seeking to overthrow accusing them of financing Gulen. day, an AFP photographer said. two Turkish-made TOMA water EU enlargement commis- “We urge Turkish authorities to the legitimate Turkish authorities. Gulen supporters decry the accu- Zaman, closely linked to Erdog- cannon trucks, which are used by sioner Johannes Hahn said he was ensure their actions uphold the uni- Anatolia said the court order was sations as ridiculous, saying all he an’s arch-foe, the US-based preacher the police and exported to several “extremely worried” about the move versal democratic values enshrined issued on the grounds that Zaman leads is a more informal group known Fethullah Gulen, was ordered into countries. “which jeopardises progress” made in their own constitution, including supported the activities of this “ter- as Hizmet (Service). administration by the court on the They advanced military style by Turkey in other areas. freedom of speech and especially ror organisation”. The effective seizure of the news- request of Istanbul prosecutors, the towards the waiting supporters, firing He warned on Twitter that Turkey, freedom of the press,” State Depart- Gulen has been based in the paper by the state added to concerns state-run Anatolia news agency said. the freezing water directly at them. which is a long-standing candidate ment spokesman John Kirby said. United States since 1999 when he fled over freedom of expression in Turkey “The Constitution is suspended,” Using bolt-cutters to unlock the to join the European Union, needs to The newspaper’s employees began charges against him laid by the former under Erdogan’s rule.

Erdogan moots building city for UN chief warns world powers not to stoke Libya conflict refugees in AFP West and North Africa. While meeting government is based in the far east “All those with influence must use Success in stabilising Libya would Mauritanian leaders, including Pres- of the North African country. it to calm the situation and stop the also benefit the whole Sahel region northern Syria ident Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and The Islamic State group and fighting. It is utterly irresponsible for and “our world” in general, he added. Prime Minister Yahya Ould Hademine, other extremist organisations have any outside player to stoke the fires,” The UN chief also called for Mau- NOUAKCHOTT: UN Secretary Gen- in the capital Nouakchott on Friday he exploited the power vacuum, mak- he added. ritania’s help in a territorial dispute eral Ban Ki-moon has warned that said he was “deeply concerned about ing gains along the oil-rich coastal Ban said that his special repre- between Morocco and a Western AFP the future of Libya, and the stability the situation in Libya”. regions and triggering concern among sentative Martin Kobler “is facilitating Sahara separatist group that has dis- of the whole Sahel region, is at stake Chaos has engulfed Libya since Western nations over jihadists con- talks on a national unity government” placed tens of thousands in decades as it faces the “terrifying threat” of the 2011 Nato-backed ouster of dic- trolling territory just 300 kilometres as “we face the terrifying scourge of of fighting. ISTANBUL: Turkish President Islamic State. tator Muammar Gaddafi and rival from Europe. Daesh (IS) expanding in Libya and “Making progress on the situation Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sug- But he warned international pow- administrations are being urged to “There are alarming reports of beyond its borders.” in Western Sahara is also of impor- gested building a new city in ers not to “stoke the fires of conflict” sign up to a UN-brokered national widespread human rights viola- Delays would only worsen the dire tance here too,” he said, referring northern Syria to house some of in the country. unity government to help restore tions, including serious abuses that humanitarian needs, he warned, add- to Mauritania. “Numerous refugees the millions of refugees escaping Ban left Mauritania yesterday and stability. may amount to war crimes,” Ban said ing that “Libya’s future is at stake” and share the same culture and family ties the country’s civil war, reports said headed to Algeria as part of a tour of The internationally recognised in his comments Friday. “the reverberations echo far”. with Mauritanians.” yesterday. Erdogan said in a speech in Istanbul late Friday that the new city would be located near the Turkish border and said he had Amnesty seeks help for even discussed the idea with US President Barack Obama. “I am going to tell you some- thing. What is the formula? We Palestinian circus artiste found a city in the north of Syria,” said Erdogan, quoted by the Ana- tolia news agency. AFP immediatly comment on the rea- He said that the city would be sons behind Abu Sakha’s detention. 4,500 square kilometres in area The Palestinian Performing Arts and its infrastructure could be RAMALLAH: Amnesty International Network (PPAN), representing art- built in cooperation with the inter- and Palestinian cultural institutions ists and cultural institutions, said national community. have launched an appeal for help for it was “deeply concerned” over the Refugees from Syria could be 23-year-old Palestinian circus per- detention of Abu Sakha, who since “resettled” there, he said. Such an former and teacher Mohammad Abu 2008 has been part of the Palestin- area would make the city compa- Sakha, held by Israel for nearly three ian Circus School in Bir Zeit, first as rable to some of the largest urban months without trial. a student and later as a clown and centres in the United States. Abu Sakha was arrested on teacher. “We have discussed this with December 14 in the occupied West PPAN called on artists and Mr Obama and even set the coor- Bank, and held since January in cultural organisations “to raise dinates but it has not yet come to administrative detention, the contro- awareness of Israel’s illegal policy fruition,” said Erdogan. He gave no versial measure under which Israel of administrative detention” and timescale for how the project could can hold suspects without trial for pressure Israel to release Abu Sakha. be realised. Turkey has repeatedly periods of six months, renewable Amnesty called to pressure Israel sought to persuade its Western indefinitely. ahead of a military court hearing allies to help create a so-called Amnesty said Israel believes of Abu Sakha’s appeal against his Iranian President Hassan Rowhani (right) with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Tehran, yesterday. safe zone inside Syria that could Abu Sakha is a member of the left- detention, scheduled for March 21. house Syrian refugees. Davutoglu is in the Iranian capital Tehran on a two-day visit. ist Popular Front for the Liberation Abu Sakha’s mother was allowed of Palestine (PFLP), which is consid- to visit him once in the Megiddo ered a militant movement by Israel prison in northern Israel, where he Assad should leave due to its armed wing. was entertaining his fellow inmates Iran and Turkey seek to boost ties The Israeli army could not to help the time pass, Amnesty said. sooner: Saudi FM Reuters critic and has backed opposition differences to reach stability in the Reuters forces. “We may have different views region ... Iran and Turkey would both IS behind attack on elderly home: Yemen but we cannot change our history benefit from regional security and or our geography,” Davutoglu said, stability,” Jahangiri said in remarks PARIS: Saudi Foreign Minister Adel ISTANBUL: Turkey and Iran, two standing alongside Iranian Vice- broadcast live by Turkey’s NTV chan- AFP Al Jubeir said yesterday that Syr- countries on opposite sides of Syria’s President Eshagh Jahangiri. “It is nel and Iran’s Press TV. ian President Bashar Al Assad must civil war, must develop a “common extremely important for Turkey and The comments, days before the leave at the beginning of a political perspective” in order to end sectar- Iran to develop some common per- planned resumption of Syrian peace ADEN: Yemeni authorities have blamed the Islamic State group for an attack transition. “For us it is very clear ian strife in the region, Turkish Prime spectives in order to end our region’s talks in Geneva, also reflected a will on an elderly care home run by missionaries that killed 16 people and was it’s at the beginning of the process, Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said dur- fight among brothers, to stop the eth- on both sides to reap trade benefits condemned by Pope Francis as “diabolical”. not at the end of the process, it’s ing a visit to Tehran yesterday. nic and sectarian conflicts.” Turkey is from the easing of international sanc- Rival jihadist movement Al Qaeda distanced itself from the mass shoot- not going to be 18 months,” Jubeir Iran, along with Russia, has stood close to Saudi Arabia, which has cut tions against Iran in January. ing in the main southern city of Aden, saying it was not responsible. said during a visit to France. Jubeir by Syrian President Bashar Al Assad its diplomatic ties with Iran. The removal of the sanctions Gunmen stormed the refuge operated by Mother Teresa’s Missionaries also said Saudi Arabia will take in the five-year war, providing him “We have our differences means the two neighbours can eas- of Charity on Friday, killing a Yemeni guard before tying up and shooting delivery of French arms it origi- with military and financial support, on some regional issues, but we ily exceed their previous trade target 15 other employees, officials said. nally ordered for Lebanon. while Turkey is his most outspoken are determined to manage the of $30bn annually, Davutoglu said. Four foreign nuns working as nurses were among those killed. ASIA / PHILIPPINES SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 09 China says defence spending pace to slow

Reuters previous day. President Xi Jinping is “We will make steady progress said China will strengthen its capa- China, the world’s second-larg- seeking to drag the People’s Libera- in reforming military leadership and bilities in maritime law enforcement est economy, is increasingly exposed “There is no need to tion Army, the world’s largest armed command structures and launch and “appropriately handle” infringe- to international crises like the Mid- spend hugely to catch forces, into the modern age, cutting reform of the military’s size and ments of its maritime rights, though dle East but has little experience at BEIJING: China said yesterday that 300,000 jobs and revamping its Cold structure as well as its policies and it gave no details. dealing with them, unlike estab- it will raise military spending by 7.6 up with the US,which War-era command structure. institutions. The Global Times, a widely read lished powers like the United States percent this year, its lowest increase seeks to keep its However, the reforms have run The official Xinhua news agency tabloid published by the ruling Com- and Russia. in six years, but vowed to protect into opposition from soldiers and attributed the slowdown in the pace of munist Party’s People’s Daily, said that Underscoring the sensitivity of its maritime rights amid disputes in global military officers worried about job security, defence spending to “rising economic for many Chinese the smaller increase China’s defence spending, about a the East and South China Seas and presence. China’s and few details have been released as headwinds and last year’s massive “was a bit of a disappointment”, but dozen senior officers approached by improve intelligence gathering. to what will happen to those laid off. drawdown of service people”. called for understanding. Reuters on the sidelines of parliament The 954.35bn yuan ($146.67bn) regional military Premier Li Keqiang told the open- Beijing is also feeling public pres- “There is no need to spend hugely declined to comment on the matter. figure is only around a quarter of the deterrence aimed at ing of China’s largely rubber-stamp sure to show it can protect its claims to to catch up with the US,which seeks In a government-arranged inter- US Defence Department budget for national defence has parliament that the country will the South China Sea after the United to keep its global military presence. view the previous evening, Chen 2016 of $573bn, but comes at a time “strengthen in a coordinated way mil- States began conducting “freedom of China’s regional military deterrence Zhou, a researcher at the Academy of rising concern over China’s inten- been taking shape.” itary preparedness on all fronts and navigation” operations near islands aimed at national defence has been of Military Science, said a more mod- tions in territorial disputes. for all scenarios”. where China has been carrying out taking shape.” ern army needed better training and The increase is the first single- “We will work to make the mili- controversial reclamation work and The five-year plan also said China this is where defence funds should be digit rise since 2010, following a It was announced yesterday at the tary more revolutionary, modern and stationing advanced weapons. would improve its national security spent. “Investment in troop training nearly unbroken two-decade run of start of the annual meeting of par- well-structured in every respect, and A draft of the five-year plan, a “technology and equipment con- needs to increase, as only this way can double-digit jumps, and comes as Chi- liament, but had been flagged by an remain committed to safeguarding blueprint for the country’s aspira- struction” and raise the country’s we allow our military to walk down na’s economy slows. official who gave a rough figure the national security,” he said. tions from this year through to 2020, intelligence gathering abilities. a path of military professionalism.”

More than 60 hospitalised as boat The US 7th Fleet flagship in Manila engine explodes in Bangkok

AFP one Japanese -- were among those and leapt into the canal’s murky injured in the accident. waters. The director of Family Trans- Bangkok’s police commissioner port, a private company that runs the Sanit Mahathavorn said two pas- boat service, told the network he BANGKOK: More than 60 people sengers were seriously hurt by flying would suspend all boats in his fleet were hospitalised yesterday, mostly debris from the explosion, which that run on liquefied natural gas for burns, after the engine on a Bang- rocked the wooden boat but largely while the investigation was ongoing. kok commuter boat burst into flames left its hull intact. “We still don’t know how it and sent passengers leaping to a “Most of the injured passengers exploded,” he said, adding that 25 of nearby pier, officials said. are suffering from burns,” he told his boats have been using gas-pow- The crowded boat was ferrying reporters from Wat Thepleela pier, ered engines for up to eight years passengers through a major canal where the accident took place shortly without any issues. in the eastern outskirts of the Thai after dawn. An initial police investi- The shuttle was travelling on capital, which boasts an extensive gation suggested the combustion was Saen Saeb canal, which runs through network of waterways that teem caused by a fuel leak onboard. the heart of the capital and eventu- with motorised commuter boats dur- “We found that gas leaked at the ally connects to its main river, the ing rush hour. boat’s rear and caused an explosion Chao Praya. Most of the 65 injured were later in its engine,” the officer said. Bangkok’s Govenor Sukhum- released from the hospital, while Security footage showed the back bhand Paribatra visited injured 19 were still receiving treatment, of the boat erupt into flames just as passengers at hospitals in the after- according to the city’s Erawan emer- it was docking, sending a storm of noon and said he would ask the gency medical centre. passengers scrambling towards the transport ministry to halt all boat The US 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) is docked at the South Harbour in Manila, yesterday. The centre said three foreign- concrete pier. services on the canal until the inves- ers -- two Myanmar nationals and Witnesses said others panicked tigation is complete. IS-inspired rebels on offensive in southern Philippines

Hong Kong AFP week on a visiting Saudi Arabian a separatist insurgency that has while it waits for Aquino’s successor remote army outpost on Mindanao, preacher who was on an IS hit list claimed 120,000 lives. The violence to be elected mid-year. the largest southern island. police dismantle has raised the alarm further, although has left the region one of the poor- But hardline groups opposed to The attack triggered a week of police emphasised they were yet to est in the Philippines, while allowing compromise with the government fighting that the military said left six WWII bombs MANILA: Militants fighting in the determine the gunman’s motives. warlords and extortion gangs to have started to take advantage of the soldiers and at least 12 militants dead, name of the Islamic State group are “Their influence is growing flourish. Many of the predominantly vacuum, as they sense an opportu- and forced more than 30,000 people HONG KONG: Hong Kong escalating attacks in the southern stronger and it is expanding,” Rodolfo Catholic Philippines’ Muslim minor- nity to raise their profile and prove to flee their homes. The gunmen flew police said yesterday they Philippines, analysts said, deepen- Mendoza, a senior analyst at the ity live in the south. their credentials to IS, according to IS flags during the fighting, and ban- disposed eight World War ing fears for the volatile region after Manila-based Philippine Institute The biggest rebel group, the analysts. “There is an incentive if they danas with the group’s insignia were II explosives, after a hiker its main rebel group failed to seal a for Peace, Violence and Terrorism 10,000-strong Moro Islamic Libera- show that they are a fighting force,” found when soldiers overran their found the unexploded peace pact. Research said, referring to IS. tion Front (MILF), had been working Zachary Abuza, a professor at the base, a two-storey concrete build- devices on a trail. Gunmen who have pledged alle- He said the various local groups hard with President Benigno Aquino’s National War College in Washing- ing, according to the military. Unexploded bombs giance to the jihadists controlling vast that had pledged allegiance to IS were administration for nearly six years. ton, who specialises in Southeast At the same time about 100 kilo- are usually found by swathes of Iraq and Syria have insti- “planning big operations, like bomb- But when congress failed to pass Asian security issues, said. In the metres away, soldiers were battling a unsuspecting hikers or at gated a series of deadly battles with ings, attacks or assassinations”. a bill last month that would have most spectacular attack, a previ- bigger and much better known group construction sites in the the army since the nation’s parliament Such violence has plagued large granted autonomy to the region, the ously obscure group discounted by that had previously declared alle- southern Chinese city, blocked the peace push last month. areas of the southern Philippines for peace process was frozen. The MILF the military as a small-time extor- giance to IS, the Bangsamoro Islamic which was the scene of An assassination attempt this decades, as Muslim rebels have fought has pledged to honour a ceasefire tion gang launched an assault on a Freedom Fighters (BIFF). fierce fighting between Japanese and British allied forces in 1941. “The bomb disposal squad received the report Weaving coco-net Floods and mudslides hit and travelled to the scene where what was believed to be six World War II-era grenades and two mor- Papua New Guinea tar shells were found,” a police statement said. Reuters Jiwaka province in the highlands, and 1,700 in Morobe province on the Rising rents in coast, said George Gigauri, the head of the International Organization for Sydney leave BANGKOK: After months of food Migration in Papua New Guinea. and water shortages caused by Despite the rains, people remain drought and frost, Papua New in need of assistance in the Pacific more homeless Guinea is suffering floods and mud- island nation of 7 million people slides affecting 2,000 people living who largely rely on what they grow SYDNEY: An informal on a “razor’s edge” after last year’s in their backyard gardens and have “street count” by staff lack of rain. little or no access to markets. of City of Sydney council The El Niño-driven drought last “The sweet potato takes six to and volunteers has identi- year cut food production and left nine months to grow. So even if fied 486 homeless people about 480,000 people facing crit- they plant now, it takes time before sleeping rough in the ical shortages and in need of food they can harvest,” said Gigauri by inner city, the highest fig- aid, according to the UN Office for telephone from Port Moresby. Agri- ure since the initiative was the Coordination of Humanitarian culture on the island focuses heavily launched in 2010. Declin- Affairs (OCHA). on tuber crops. ing housing affordability Successive rains since early “If sweet potato is hit, then was contributing to the February have triggered floods the whole village will be in trou- high numbers of home- and mudslides that have damaged ble, and that’s what happened this less people or destroyed homes, food gardens, time.” The drought has also forced “Even middle-income water sources, roads and bridges in healthcare facilities to close or oper- earners find it tough to several provinces, particularly in ate at reduced capacity because of Filipino farmer Mariano Donoga weaves coco-net at a slum area in Las Pinas City, Metro Manila , pay their rents,” said Lord the highlands and coastal Momase lack of water, said Boris Pavlin, an Mayor Clover Moore. Philippines, yesterday. Rope making using coconut fibres is a means of livelihood for many. region. The floods and mudslides epidemiologist for the World Health have affected about 300 people in Organization in Papua New Guinea. 10 SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 OPINION

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Taliban pullout What Trump voters are afraid of opes of peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban have suffered a come, are making Trump the heart threats and scary changes that bring bit of the far right as he? Simply huge blow with the Taliban refusing to hold direct of the “party of Lincoln.” out the authoritarianism in peo- stated, Trump can neither be out- talks with the government. The news came as a Republicans don’t get a pass. ple, as Vox notes. demagogued nor out-nastied. huge disappointment as face-to-face talks were Trump couldn’t happen without It isn’t Trump who is making How can anyone top such vile Hexpected to start in Islamabad this week to end the deadly 14-year them. the country more diverse. He’s not Trump insults as: Saying Mexican insurgency. Moreover, the international community had invested Who are these voters, and why confronting white Americans with immigrants are criminals and rap- heavily in terms of time and energy to make the peace talks are they backing The Donald? race in ways they have never faced ists? Regaling crowds with the story Vox correspondent Amanda before. He isn’t squeezing working- of prisoners massacred with bul- possible and the last minute withdrawal shows the fickleness and Taub examined Trump’s emergence class whites economically. He’s not lets dipped in pig’s blood? Claiming unpredictability of the Taliban and their utter disregard for any in an in-depth article this week, behind the demographic, economic Barack Obama wasn’t born in the negotiated settlement to the war in Afghanistan. “The rise of American authoritar- and political forces that make the United States and is an illegitimate The decision of the insurgent group wouldn’t come as a By Colbert I King ianism,” that seeks to explain the authoritarian-minded feel insecure. president? surprise because it has been increasingly feeling confident after The Washington Post strong support that the prospec- Trump is, however, the embod- Or consider Trump on Fox a string of victories on the battlefield, while the government in tive GOP nominee draws across iment of what they think is needed News’s Megyn Kelly: “You could income, age, educational and reli- to suppress the dangers and halt see there was blood coming out Kabul led by President Ashraf Ghani has felt vulnerable and been his is shaping up to be a gious lines. the damage - threats and changes of her eyes, blood coming out of desperate to bring the insurgents to the negotiating table. The seminal year in Amer- A stipulation: It would be unfair such as the Islamic State, Russia her wherever.” On Jews: “The only Taliban threw hurdles in the peace process by setting impractical ican politics. What was and dishonest to paint all Trump and Iran; the erosion of tradi- kind of people I want counting my preconditions for the dialogue, like the departure of foreign unthinkable six months supporters with the same brush. tional gender roles; immigration; money are little short guys that Tago is emerging as a strong pos- Nonetheless, the story warrants a the browning and blackening of the wear yarmulkes every day.” On troops from Afghanistan.”We want to repeat our stance once again that until the occupation of foreign troops ends, until sibility today: Donald Trump may be closer look. United States; and the disruption Sen. John McCain(R-Ariz.): “He’s Taliban names are removed from international blacklists and on his way to becoming the Repub- The Vox article is based upon of once well- established social not a war hero. . . . I like people that lican nominee for president of the work by various political scien- hierarchies. weren’t captured.” On my journal- until our detainees are released, talks will yield no results,” the United States. His ascension is tists who study psychological Trump’s authoritarian sup- ist colleague Serge Kovaleski, who group said in a statement. causing the party establishment “authoritarianism.” According to porters believe he can “take back has limited mobility in his arms: The latest peace efforts are led by Afghanistan, China, - congressional leaders, high-toned the scientists, people who score high America” and protect them from “Now the poor guy, you’ve gotto Pakistan and the United States. conservative commentators and in authoritarianism value conform- a scary world. see this guy,” Trump said, before Delegates from the four countries had deep-pocketed right-wing money ity and, when feeling threatened, Taub reported that with or with- contorting his arms in an appar- Taliban’s met in Kabul late February for a fourth moguls - to go, as Sen. Lindsey O. turn to strong leaders who prom- out a Trump, political scientists ent impersonation. Graham, R-South Carolina, put it: ise to do whatever is necessary “to found that authoritarians gener- Trump’s willingness to flout all round of talks to revive the peace refusal to “bat-expletive crazy.” Except he protect them from outsiders and ally, and Trump voters specifically, the conventions of civilized dis- hold direct process which stalled last summer. The didn’t say “expletive.” the changes they fear.” were highly likely to support pol- course when it comes to out-groups Taliban had responded positively during Their meltdown, however, is Does authoritarianism, the sci- icies such as prioritising military and others that his authoritarian peace talks several rounds of talks with various secondary to Trump’s elevation to entists asked, correlate with support force over diplomacy against coun- supporters find so threatening is, with the parties but when it came to talking GOP front-runner and likely party for Trump? Polling data not only tries that threaten the United States; as Vox observed, a benefit rather government with the government to discuss the real standard-bearer in November. said yes, they concluded, but also amending the Constitution to bar than a liability for him. issues, they backed out in defiance. But for goodness’ sake, please suggested that this characteristic citizenship for children of illegal Even if Trump is out of the has dealt a note that it is not Trump who is was more reliable a predictor than immigrants; imposing extra airport picture, Vox’s Taub points out, Afghan security forces have tottered placing the crown on his own head. virtually any other. checks on passengers who appear the authoritarians “will still look huge blow to and suffered heavy casualties since Republican voters in New Trump, according to the Vox to be of Middle Eastern descent; for candidates who will give them the nascent Nato ended its combat mission in Hampshire, South Carolina, article, embodies the leadership and requiring all citizens to carry the strong punitive leadership they peace December 2014. In recent months, the Nevada, Alabama, Arkansas, Geor- style most desired by these author- a national ID card to show a police desire.” Taliban briefly captured the northern gia, Massachusetts, Tennessee, itarians: “simple, powerful and officer on request. Thus a seminal finding: There process. city of Kunduz, the first city to fall to the Virginia and Vermont, and those punitive.” So what sets Trump apart from is a sickness in our body politic that in primaries and caucuses yet to But Trump is not producing the his Republican rivals who are every Trump’s candidacy exposes. insurgents, and have seized territory in the opium-growing southern province of Helmand. These gains by insurgents have made the security forces wary of battling them on their own. The Taliban will never run short of reasons to explain their The other victim of my decline refusal to participate in talks. For example, the group accused the US of duplicity, saying it had boosted troop presence and increased air strikes while the insurgents themselves have By Don Riggenbach she’s at the pharmacy picking up the Well Spouse Association, “is himself.” ratcheted up their attacks. The Washington Post refills. While I’m waiting for her help how and the extent to which our Most days, that’s not the case. The government in Kabul, in consultation with its allies, getting me dressed for my Thurs- lives, too, would be transformed.” In my experience, as one’s uni- will have to plan its strategy in the wake of the latest setbacks. day breakfast group, she’s racing The most important realization, verse becomes smaller, one is more Unfortunately, the options before the government are limited, to dress herself, care for the dog Beilin noted, was that “to provide inclined than ever to view oneself while the insurgents are singularly focused on fighting to capture robably the only good thing and plan her workday before she good care we must first care for as the centre of it. Whenever I do I can say about having Par- drives me to the cafe. Whatever Jan ourselves. To neglect our own well- pause to contemplate what would more territory and topple the democratically-elected government kinson’s disease is that it is doing can be interrupted when being is to risk burnout, and then happen if Jan’s role and mine were in Kabul. P has introduced me to the unex- I suddenly need help getting out we neither serve our partners or reversed, what I’m really experi- pected helpfulness of others. Any of a chair or pulling up my pants. ourselves very well.” encing is more a fear of inadequacy: time I venture out with my sturdy Sometimes I say thank you. After forays into hope (including Would I have the strength to be for cane, people go out of their way to Often I don’t, because I’m already late-night online pursuits of mir- her what she is for me? open doors, offer a helping hand or thinking about something else I acle cures) and despair (and the Indeed, the healthier partner instruct their kids to stand aside as need her to do for me. instinctive impulse to run), car- is the invisible victim of progres- Quote of the day I shuffle past. Some teenagers will The little sensitivity I’m able to egivers eventually accept “the new sive diseases such as Parkinson’s, even extract themselves from their show for her situation has come in normal” - realizing that they’re in Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, late- smartphones to offer assistance. response to her occasional signs for a tough slog and that to survive stage cancer, amyotrophic lateral We have a situation where Yet people seldom offer to help of exhaustion or pleadings for they’re going to need both physical sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and the woman who struggles to hoist understanding, as well as from an help and informative resources. many others. She - or he - has the Lebanon’s decisions me from the car seat, push my chair eye-opening article I happened The Well Spouse Association most endless of thankless jobs, till have been hijacked by up to the restaurant table or quietly upon about the widely unrecog- provides useful and reassuring death - or abandonment - do us part. Hezbollah. The contracts cope with my unseen, round-the- nised plight of the “well spouse.” publications, workshops, respite By coincidence, my father- clock needs and demands. Marty Beilin, a former spousal weekends and both online and in-law had Parkinson’s. So my will be completed but the My wife, Jan, is struggling to caregiver who has written exten- face-to-face sharing groups. My mother-in-law was, to use today’s clients will be the Saudi do the things she did in the era sively on the subject, described the wife is a loyal participant, grate- label, a well spouse. Looking back, I we call BP - Before Parkinson’s - well-spouse journey as beginning ful that I learned of the group and remember thinking her complaints military. along with most of the things I did. with shock over a partner’s diagno- bought her a membership. of overload and exhaustion were Every day, the most urgent tasks sis, which can take weeks to absorb. But don’t kid yourself - or me - whiny and selfish. From my van- steal time from mere daily require- “What would take longer for our by thinking, “How sweet! Despite tage point today, I see that I owe Adel Al Jubeir ments. While I’m sleeping off the mind to grasp,” he wrote in an essay the torture of Parkinson’s, he’s wor- her a hug - and some retroactive Saudi Foreign Minister side effects of my medications, about the “caregiver journey” for rying more about his wife than assistance.

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

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Sahel nations Jacob Zuma greets supporters form forces to counter rebels

where the terrorists operate,” the G5 Sahel’s permanent secretary Najim With its vast, loosely Elhadj Mohamed said following the controlled desert meeting late on Friday. He said the units, tailored after expanses on the Spanish forces used against the edge of the Sahara Basque separatist group ETA, would receive training and support from and its porous both Spain and France. borders, the Sahel French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, during a visit to the region last has proved to be month, promised to boost assist- fertile soil for the ance to the Sahel countries in the expansion of Islamist wake of dramatic attacks on hotels in Burkina Faso and Mali claimed militancy in one of by al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb the world’s poorest (AQIM). Intelligence will be compiled at regions. a threat analysis and early warning centre to be established in Maurita- nia, where the Sahel group also plans South African President and leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party Jacob Zuma (right), greets ANC supporters at to create a special war college. Reuters Financing was expected to the Halambu Primary School in the rural village of Nkandla, yesterday, ahead of local government elections. come from European Union funding already pledged to the Sahel nations, the regional body said. N’DJAMENA: Defence minis- The G5 Sahel heads of state ters from West Africa’s arid Sahel already called for the creation of a region have agreed to work together multinational force last year. to establish special rapid reaction French forces intervened in 2013 China warns on Taiwan independence forces to counter the growing threat to drive back Islamist fighters after from Al Qaeda and Islamic State- they seized Mali’s desert north a year linked militants. earlier, citing concern that the area AFP Beijing will “oppose separa- aimed at stopping Taiwan from family” sharing a “common destiny”. With its vast, loosely controlled could become a launching pad for tist activities for the independence declaring independence. The phrasing echoed President Xi desert expanses on the edge of the attacks on targets in Europe. of Taiwan” and “safeguard China’s Beijing has repeatedly asserted its Jinping’s rhetoric from last November, Sahara and its porous borders, the However, the militants have sovereignty and territorial integrity”, belief in the “1992 consensus”, which when the leaders of China and Tai- Sahel has proved to be fertile soil for since reorganised and launched a BEIJING: China stepped up its rheto- Li told the Communist-controlled says that there is only “one China”, wan reached across decades of Cold the expansion of Islamist militancy wave of attacks against local secu- ric against Taiwanese independence legislature. despite allowing Taiwan to make its War-era estrangement and rivalry to in one of the world’s poorest regions. rity forces, UN peacekeepers and yesterday, with Premier Li Keqiang Both clauses were additions to the own interpretation. exchange a historic handshake in the At a meeting in Chad’s capital civilian targets that has extended warning against “separatist activities” remarks he made on the issue at last But the DPP -- which does not first summit since the two sides split. N’Djamena, defence chiefs from well beyond northern Mali and into on the island and pledging to safe- year’s NPC, when the Beijing-friendly recognise either the “one China” prin- “We are brothers connected by Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and neighbouring countries. guard China’s “territorial integrity”. Kuomintang of current leader Ma ciple or the “consensus” -- triumphed flesh even if our bones are broken. We Mauritania—the so-called G5 Sahel Meanwhile Nigeria’s Boko Li’s comments at the opening of Ying-jeou was still hoping to retain in the island’s January parliamentary are a family whose blood is thicker countries—pledged to form special Haram, which has pledged its the mainland’s National People’s Con- power in Taipei. and presidential elections as voters than water,” Xi said then. units to respond quickly to threats allegiance to the Islamic State, is gress (NPC) parliament came weeks China and Taiwan split in 1949 turned their backs on closer ties with Tsai will take office in May, and and attacks from Islamist militants. stepping up raids and suicide bomb- after Tsai Ing-wen, chairwoman of after a civil war but Beijing still con- the mainland. Li Keqiang spoke Sat- though she has radically toned down “These groups, each composed ings in the Lake Chad region, which the Beijing-sceptic Democratic Peo- siders the self-ruled island part of urday of people on both sides of the her party’s traditionally pro-inde- of around 100 well-trained and very straddles the borders between Chad, ple’s Party, was elected Taiwan’s next its territory awaiting reunification, Taiwan Strait as “fellow compatri- pendence platform, analysts agree mobile men, will deploy in zones Niger, Nigeria and Cameroon. president. and has an estimated 1,500 missiles ots” belonging to “one and the same a deterioration of ties is inevitable.

12th China National People’s Congress Borno suspends trading Four dead in four cattle markets

after ferry AFP goat -- have also been banned, he added on Friday. A military coun- ter-offensive that began last year sinks off Bali has recaptured territory lost to Boko JAKARTA: Four peo- MAIDUGURI: The Borno state gov- Haram in Borno and two neighbour- ple were found dead ernment in northeast Nigeria has ing states and the government in and another missing one suspended trading in four cattle Abuja believes the group is “techni- day after a ferry sank off markets to prevent the sale of sto- cally” defeated. the Indonesian resort len livestock to raise funds for Boko Hit-and-run raids on remote island of Bali, an offi- Haram Islamists. villages in the mainly agricultural cial said yesterday. At Governor Kashim Shettima said region -- a trademark tactic of the least 71 people were res- “all trading activities have been sus- group -- have increasingly seen Boko cued after the accident in pended until further notice in line Haram fighters make off with cattle the Bali Strait Friday, said with (the) government commit- and foodstuffs. Johan Saptadi, the head ment to ensure that no public place The army says it has cut off the of the Search and Rescue is turned into an avenue for funding rebels’ supply lines, making it diffi- Agency in East Java. activities of the terrorists”. cult for them to source food, fuel for A mother and young The affected markets are in the vehicles and weapons. Some raids child were among the towns of Gamboru, Dusuman, Shu- have been carried out on foot or even four found dead in the warin and Ngom all outside the on bicycle. Shettima told a meeting wreckage of the ship, said provincial capital Maiduguri. of cattle traders that security offi- Hostesses from China’s Guangxi province pose for a photograph during the opening of the fourth Johan. Sales of dried meat such as cials have reported the markets were The Revalia II was Session of the 12th National People’s Congress (NPC) outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, “kilishi” -- a popular delicacy in being used by unscrupulous middle- travelling from Bali’s Gili- China, yesterday. northern Nigeria made from roasted men to sell stolen livestock in raids manuk port to nearby thin strips of spiced beef, lamb or at inflated prices. Ketapang in East Java. China to build second railway S Korea urges North to abandon nuclear ‘delusion’ line to Tibet Agencies chief Federica Mogherini on Wednes- delusion about nuclear development defense posture and closely cooper- weapons development, choose the BEIJING: China will build day welcomed the UN vote to expand through strong and effective meas- ate with the international community path of peace wished for by the UN a second railway connect- existing sanctions following North ures,” Seoul’s Foreign Ministry said to respond to the North’s provocations and the international community, ing Tibet with other parts Korea’s latest nuclear test and rocket in a statement, reported by Yonhap and resistance, it added. and wake up from the delusion that of the country, expand- SEOUL: South Korea urged North launch, saying the bloc will update its news agency. The UN sanctions call for man- nuclear weapons will protect its ing its connectivity with Korea yesterday to abandon its sanctions regime. “Our government has already datory inspection of all cargo going regime, and we once again strongly the Himalayan region and “delusion” that nuclear weapons The North threatened to take stated that we will no longer tolerate into and out of North Korea and a ban urge it to choose the path of sincere increasing its strategic will protect its regime as Pyongyang “strong and merciless actions” in the exploitation of the North Korean on the country’s exports of iron and change toward denuclearisation,” the options to rapidly move bristled at new UN sanctions on the protest of the UN Security Council people, and the extreme and cruel other mineral resources, among other ministry said. troops to the borders with country. (UNSC) adopting unprecedentedly reign of terror used to maintain the things. The measures were punish- South Korea’s foreign minister India. In the meantime, the European tough sanctions over the country’s Kim Jong-un regime,” the statement ment for North Korea’s fourth nuclear called on the UN Security Coun- The new railway Union is considering more sanc- nuclear and long-range rocket tests added. test on January 6 and long-range cil to expand sanctions on North was announced in a tions on North Korea after agreeing earlier this year. The ministry said North Korea’s rocket launch on February 7, both of Korea on Wednesday to punish his draft of China’s new five- to adopt tough new United Nations It rejected the sanctions as “the threat amounts to a “flagrant which violated past UN resolutions. neighbour for what he called an esca- year development plan measures, although further steps will most reckless provocation” and challenge” to the international com- Angered by the fresh sanctions, lating and increasingly threatening released at the opening likely be mostly a show of solidarity vowed to take “stern” actions. munity’s resolve expressed in the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un nuclear programme. Yun Byung-se of the annual meeting of with Pyongyang’s neighbour Seoul, “Our government, in response unanimous adoption of the UNSC on Thursday ordered the country’s called North Korea a “serial offender” parliament. diplomats said. to such reckless behavior by North resolution on Wednesday. nuclear arsenal on standby. “We hope and denounced Pyongyang’s fourth European Union foreign policy Korea, will make it wake up from its South Korea will strengthen its North Korea will abandon its nuclear nuclear test. 12 SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 PAKISTAN

Taliban rejects Honoured Complete power peace talks with projects soon: PM ISLAMABAD: Prime Min- ister Nawaz Sharif has ordered that two major Afghan govt hydropower projects that will add about 2,380 megawatts of electric- international blacklists and until ity to the national grid be our detainees are released, talks will fast tracked for comple- The move is a yield no results,” the group said in a tion before June 2017. setback in efforts statement. The announcement marks Through two let- a setback in efforts by Afghanistan, ters, the government has by Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and the United asked state energy giant China, Pakistan and States to restart negotiations aimed Wapda and the manage- at ending the insurgency. ment of Neelum-Jhelum the United States to Delegates from the four coun- Hydropower Project restart negotiations tries met in Kabul late February for a (NJHP) to ensure effective fourth round of talks aimed at reviv- monitoring of the Tar- aimed at ending the ing the nascent peace process, which bela-IV Extension Project insurgency. stalled last summer. and the NJHP for their The quartet had called for a completion before the direct dialogue between the Taliban deadline. Chief Executive and Kabul by this week, a deadline Officer Muhammad Zubair AFP that some analysts called “com- of the 969MW NJHP has pletely unrealistic”. Oscar-winning Pakistani film director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (right) poses with her Oscar during a been directed to shift the “We unequivocally state that the press conference in Karachi, yesterday. “A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness” won the Academy project’s headquarters esteemed leader of Islamic Emir- Award for best documentary short at the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles on February 28. from Islamabad to its site KABUL: The Taliban yesterday ate (Taliban) has not authorised at Muzaffarabad for on- refused to hold direct peace talks anyone to participate in this meet- site monitoring. with the Afghan government, deal- ing and neither has the Leadership ing a blow to international efforts Council of Islamic Emirate decided to revive long-stalled negotiations to partake in it,” the Taliban state- Use of biometrics aimed at ending the deadly 14-year ment added. Immunisation aid to reach $1bn by 2020 insurgency. The group also accused the to verify poor The statement, which comes as United States of duplicity, say- face-to-face talks were expected ing it had boosted troop numbers, Internews by 2020. Under the Gavi support “Gavi has also supported us for ISLAMABAD: The Paki- to start in Islamabad this week, increased air strikes and night raids programme, Pakistan has received the eradication of polio. Currently, stan government has stressed long-standing preconditions against the insurgents in tandem $835 m for 12 programmes from it is providing us six million doses of decided to introduce bio- for dialogue including the departure with its efforts to revive talks. 2001 to 2017. The country is likely inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) free of metric system for the of foreign troops from Afghanistan. The Taliban have also stepped up ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national to get another $165m between 2018 cost ever year. Gavi is also providing identification of poor- The Taliban’s seemingly intrac- attacks on government and foreign project to immunise its most vulnera- and 2020. Gavi, established in 2000, syringes and safety kits for six mil- est of the poor coming table position follows a string of targets in Afghanistan—even in the ble populations against basic diseases brings together the public and private lion doses,” he said. under the Benazir Bhutto military victories for the insurgent winter months when fighting usually is set to mark an important milestone. sectors to help the world’s poorest Though compared to the oral polio Income Support Pro- group after NATO formally ended abates—underscoring a worsening A delegation of Global Alliance countries and ensure routine immu- vaccine IPV is costly, Gavi will con- gramme (BISP), its combat operations more than a security situation. Afghan security for Vaccines and Immunisation nisation for children. tinue providing the country with the BISP Chairper- year ago. forces have suffered record casu- (Gavi) has informed health author- The head of the National Emer- IPV till 2017. Deputy chief executive son Marvi Memon said “We want to repeat our stance alties since Nato ended its combat ities that the monetary support for gency Operation Centre (EOC), Rana officer of Gavi, Anuradha Gupta, told over the weekend the once again that until the occupa- mission in December 2014, leaving strengthening the routine immuni- Safdar, says that the assistance from the health authorities at a meeting that biometric system for tion of foreign troops ends, until them to battle the resurgent Taliban sation of children and mothers will Gavi was the backbone of the immu- immunisation was critical to achieve withdrawing BISP grant Taliban names are removed from largely on their own. be enhanced to one billion dollars nisation programme. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). would be introduced after effective tests in Larkana. Sixteen districts would be surveyed this year and the rest of the country would be covered Sharif may attend summit of Saudi-led military alliance before the general elec- tion of 2018, she said. She said the last survey was Internews government sources confirm that ahead of a planned visit of Iranian were called off during the past cou- offered mediation and delivered ideas conducted five years ago Sharif plans to visit Riyadh from President Hassan Rouhani to Islam- ple of months. Sharif visited both between Saudi Arabia and Iran, but and there was a need to March 9 to 11. The Prime Minister is abad that is likely after March 20. Riyadh and Tehran in January when there is no need for this.” conduct a new survey, as likely to meet the Saudi king. The dates for Rouhani’s visit tension between the two states was The issues Sharif would possibly such surveys have validity ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Separately, there are reports that have not been finalised yet as the at its height. The trip was dubbed as discuss with Saudi leaders during of five years. Sharif is scheduled to pay a three-day he might also attend the inaugural Iranians are keeping them open for a ‘mediation trip’. his stay in Riyadh include Pakistan’s BISP awards finan- visit to Saudi Arabia from March 9 for summit of the 34-nation military now because of what a diplomatic The Iranian leadership wel- role in the 34-nation military alliance; cial support of Rs4,700 underscoring the importance of the alliance which Saudi Arabia has observer described as a developing comed the initiative, while Saudi Saudi Arabia’s financial assistance to 5.2m beneficiaries on kingdom for Islamabad. announced for fighting terrorism. The situation. Islamabad and Tehran have Foreign Minister Adel Jubeir appar- and planned investment in Paki- quarterly basis via Benazir The visit has not been offi- meeting is reportedly taking place on a history of cancelling visits due to ently spurned it in a later statement, stan; regional issues and other facets Debit Card (BDC). cially announced yet, but multiple March 10. Sharif is making the trip regional issues and at least two trips saying: “A lot of countries have of bilateral ties.

PM okays For a living Healthcare facilities through green cover apps, a boon for Pakistanis project

Internews Shamsi was helpless a year ago for his own family but he wants to Internews make sure no one else has to go KARACHI: It had been a year since through a similar ordeal. “Since then Faraz Shamsi lost a loved one to a he has been working on establish- ISLAMABAD: Prime Minis- heart attack, but the memory was ing such a platform that will enable ter Nawaz Sharif has approved still raw. Perhaps, the cardiac arrest people to easily find a hospital near launching of the ‘Green Pakistan wasn’t as fatal as failure to receive them.” Programme’ under which over 100 timely treatment was. Launched in January 2016 the million trees will be planted. Shamsi isn’t the only one who app has already crossed 1,000 The idea, according to the PM has lost someone due to the absence installs on Play store and boasts an Office, is based on the ‘Great Green of information. In a metropolis like impressive data base covering 3,000 Wall Programme’ of China. Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, 1,067 doctors and 60 hospitals in Karachi, Whether it’s the ongoing ‘One people were involved in road acci- Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Billion Tree Tsunami’ campaign dents in 2014, roughly translating to Peshawar. of the government in Khyber a person dying every 8 hours. The start-up is now reaching out Pakhtunkhwa province or the Desperate to find a solution, to Sialkot, Faisalabad and Multan. ‘Green Pakistan Programme’ of the which would be applicable in all The mobile phone app which federal government, there is wide- cities of the country, Pakistani entre- covers 50 categories (specialties), spread support from the people for preneurs are chipping in. has a comprehensive database of the initiatives. Environmentalists “Imagine a person, who lives in healthcare workers providing their say the political ownership of such An Afghan boy selling boiled eggs waits for customers in Kabul. Lahore and is visiting Karachi for a name, qualifications, gender and efforts will help check fast deplet- few days, falls sick. What does he do? clinic address along with schedules. ing flora and fauna of the country. Mytabeeb.pk’s team asks. Finding a particular doctor and “Even if somebody thinks in Shamsi’s experience was not their timings and practice location is this case we are following [Imran uncommon for those trying to find difficult in Pakistan due to absence Khan’s] Pakistan Tehrik Insaf access to healthcare facilities in a of such platforms, the developers say. party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, country with a population of 200 A patient or user, therefore, has the end result should benefit the Only 5.8% judges in Pakistan are women million. to rely on friends and relatives for people of Pakistan,” commented However, the rapid growth doctors’ or hospitals’ contact infor- a senior government official. of high-speed Internet users has mation. This is where the idea of “All across the country, envi- Internews Pakistan (HRCP) in an official state- High Court. The commission stressed encouraged local entrepreneurs mytabeeb.pk has a role, they say. ronmentalists are recommending ment here, adding that among total for the urgent need for addressing to come up with solutions such as Even for Saad Siddiqui, the the country needs emergency 130 judges of Supreme Court and the severe under-representation of mytabeeb.pk or findmydoctor.pk. absence of information regarding measures to check wastage of ISLAMABAD: Only 5.8 percent of provincial high courts in the coun- women in the higher judiciary. Recently launched healthcare healthcare facilities was a glaring fresh water resources and such high court judges in Pakistan are try, only seven are women. As part of HRCP’s media cam- app mytabeeb.pk developed by defect of the society. measures will be helpful in pres- women, and to date, no woman had There is no woman judge in paign, ahead of International Seventh Sense and co-founded by Upon research, he too found that ervation of water,” he added. been appointed as a judge of the Islamabad High Court where as the Women’s Day falling on March 8, the Abubaker Siddiq and Faraz Shamsi mostly all of the data of doctors is on The Green Pakistan Pro- Supreme Court or as chief justice of highest number of women judges is Commission drew attention towards offers a range of healthcare solutions websites and not on any app. That is gramme targets to add 100 million any of the high courts. three in Lahore High Court with two women’s under-representation in ranging from locating a nearby hos- where the idea of findmydoctor.pk plants over the next five years all The observation has been made in Peshawar High Court and one each Pakistan’s legal profession, particu- pital or doctor and getting driving came up and entered the market in over the country. by Human Rights Commission of in Balochistan High Court and Sindh larly in the superior judiciary. directions. January 2016. INDIA SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 13

Call for women’s Tibetan refugees protest representation in legislatures

in society. Congress president Sonia Gandhi was also slated to attend the It’s unfortunate for conference but did not turn up. Party not being able to sources said she was unwell. ensure 33 percent Observing that the theme of the conference was “appropriate quota for women in and timely”, Ansari called upon all Parliament: President political parties to help in ensuring women’s representation as it was in the national interest.

IANS “Women must have votes and equal legal status, but the problem does not end there. It only com- mences at the point where women NEW DELHI: Linking the issue begin to affect the political deliber- of women’s empowerment with ations of the nation,” he said, adding their numbers in parliament and that the present situation with regard state assemblies, President Pranab to their representation is “certainly Mukherjee yesterday said it was not very encouraging”. impossible in the absence of their Sumitra Mahajan hoped when Tibetan refugees hold placards and candles during a vigil following the self-immolation of two Tibetans in Bengaluru, yesterday. A Tibetan appropriate representation in leg- women legislators would sit together, islative bodies. they would come out with new pro- schoolboy died four days after setting himself on fire to protest Chinese rule, the hospital treating him said on March 4. “It’s unfortunate (for the coun- visions and answers to various try) for not being able to ensure 33 problems. percent representation of women in She also emphasised the need for Parliament,” he said, while address- ensuring “women-friendly tools” as ing the inaugural function of the a large number of women work in two-day national conference of the country’s agriculture sector. Haryana to introduce bill for Jat women legislators on ‘Women Leg- The Lok Sabha speaker also islators: Building Resurgent India’. thanked renowned lyricist Prasoon He also praised Prime Minister Joshi for writing a good song for the quota in coming assembly session Narendra Modi, who was present on conference. She said women could JNU row: ABVP the occasion, for giving due impor- actually be best compared with the tance to the cause of women and river as he did in the song which has demands release girls, saying: “I thank prime min- been specially composed for the IANS of the bill to grant reservation under in the Vidhan Sabha without any dis- ister for ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ two-day conference. the ambit of constitution. cussion,” Khattar said. of probe report (save girl child, educate girl child) “A river gives life to many... simi- The Chief minister added that an The Khattar government has said programme”. larly women too, are life-givers,” she all-party committee was also being that people associated with the agi- NEW DELHI: The ABVP He said that to ensure overall said. CHANDIGARH: The Haryana gov- set up to give suggestions for drafting tation and others could submit their yesterday demanded an development of the country and The Women’s Reservation Bill ernment will introduce a bill in the of the bill. The BJP government in the suggestions regarding reservation so early release of the report society, the country must recognise that sought to reserve one-third of state assembly in the forthcoming state had promised reservation for that their suggestions could be incor- of the high-level enquiry and encourage ‘stree shakti’ (wom- all seats for women in the Lok Sabha session to grant reservation to five the Jat community and others after porated while drafting the bill. committee, probing the en’s power) and this could only be and the state legislative assemblies communities, including the Jats, Chief the recent Jat agitation for reservation Khattar made it clear that the Jawaharlal Nehru Univer- possible by giving them their due was introduced in Parliament by the Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that left the state paralysed for nine existing 27 percent reservation for sity issue. The committee representation in parliament and UPA-I government in May 2008. yesterday. days. At least 30 people were killed, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the was set up on February state legislatures. It was passed by the Rajya Sabha He said that the state govern- over 200 injured and property worth state would not be disturbed. 11 to probe the mat- “How can there a be empow- in 2010, but kept pending in the Lok ment would introduce a new bill hundreds of crores was destroyed as The statement is significant as ter related to “anti-India” erment of women without proper Sabha and lapsed with the 15th Lok in the assembly session beginning the agitation turned violent. non-Jat communities from the OBCs sloganeering at the Jawa- representation,” he asked. Sabha expiring its term. from March 14 for reservation to five The chief minister urged presi- were objecting to the Jat and other harlal Nehru University Speaking on the occasion, Vice The Prime Minister did not speak communities, namely Jats, Jat Sikhs, dents of all registered political parties communities being included in the (JNU). “Why hasn’t the President Hamid Ansari and Lok on the occasion. Tyagis, Bishnois and Rors. to send the name of their represent- existing reservation for OBCs. enquiry committee which Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said Among those who attended the Khattar said that a five-member ative to the government for this The chief minister also appealed was formed to look into women’s representation in parlia- conference were women leaders committee had already been con- committee. “In case the all-party to the people in the state to maintain the February 9 incident ment and state legislatures has to be Uma Bharti, Maneka Gandhi, Sheila stituted under the chairmanship of committee is able to draft the new peace and brotherhood and not be released its report yet? corrected as they play a crucial role Dikshit, and Poonam Mahajan. the chief secretary to prepare draft bill unanimously, it would be passed swayed by rumours. Is any group pressuris- ing it? If a three-member committee was formed earlier then why was it Thane massacre: Multiple expanded,” asked JNU Promoting healthcare Students Union (JNUSU) joint secretary and ABVP motives emerge in probe member Saurabh Sharma. Charges against IANS On February 27, Warekar had invited his family members, includ- LeT operative ing his parents, sisters, their children, his wife and his own two daughters, dropped THANE: A week after the sen- for a party to celebrate his elder sational massacre of 14 family daughter’s sixth birthday. NEW DELHI: A court yes- members and the subsequent sui- Later that night, he served them terday dropped charges cide by killer Hasnain Warekar, soft drinks spiked with sedatives and against suspected police have yesterday come up with around 3.00am on February 28, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) multiple motives behind the maca- Warekar slashed their throats with bomb maker Abdul Karim bre killings, including debts, sexual a large knife, used to sacrifice big Tunda in 1998 case under abuse of a sibling and his own psy- and small animals during Bakri Eid. the Explosive Substance chological distress. The daybreak on Sunday left Act — the fourth case he Joint Police Commissioner many people shocked as 15 bod- was facing. Ashutosh Dumbare said the state- ies, including Warekar’s own, were Tunda, one of the 20 ments by the sole survivor, Hasnain’s found in a pool of blood inside the terrorists whom India younger sister Sabia Bharmal, bungalow unnerving the quiet had asked Pakistan to revealed a huge financial debt of Kasarvadavali area of the city adja- hand over after the 26/11 Rs6.70m and sexual abuse of one cent to Mumbai. A few hours earlier, Mumbai attacks, was mentally-challenged sister. survivor Sabia, who did not eat much chargesheeted by Delhi Police also recovered certain but took a little of the soft drink and Police in four cases and medicines the killer used to consume slept, suddenly woke up to see the with yesterday court’s for psychological treatment and they gory killings and witnessed her order, he has been dis- are now ascertaining details of the brother killing their mother who charged in all. An artiste performs dance stunts to promote health care facility at home, in Mumbai, yesterday. doctor who may have advised him was begging for mercy. Last year, another Companies try different kinds of promotional activities to attract people. the medication and the pharmacy Sabia managed to lock herself in Delhi court dropped from where he procured them, he one of the bedrooms and screamed charges against Tunda in added. for help from the neighbours. connection with two sep- arate blast cases — the October 28, 1997 blast in Karol Bagh and October 1, 1997 explosion in Sadar Peace and development in Kashmir depends on CBMs: Mehbooba Bazar. Then another court on March 10 also dis- charged him in other IANS only when we revive, with firm enormous human and economic happened between 2002 and 2005. “We shall have to ponder over the terror-related cases. resolve and with tangible confidence losses because of the hostility. “There was not only peace along emerging situation in the state and A sessions judge yes- building measures, the process of rec- “While people living along the the borders from Kathua to Kargil, go deep into the reasons for mount- terday discharged Tunda, onciliation and engagement in and borders in Jammu region suffer and during that golden era, but the sit- ing alienation especially among the accused of waging war JAMMU: Peoples Democratic Party around Jammu and Kashmir,” she live under the constant threat of uation in Kashmir valley had also educated youth,” Mehbooba. against India under the (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti yes- said while addressing an a gathering cross-border shelling, the people in started turning for good after wit- Concrete measures shall have Indian Penal Code and terday said that effective development of PDP workers at Vijaypur in Samba Kashmir valley are suffering because nessing a long gloomy era of death to be taken to address the causes of under the various pro- and good governance in the state is district to launch of the party’s mem- of the continued internal strife and and destruction,” she said. alienation and cynicism and at the visions of Explosive possible only in an environment of bership drive. recurrent violence,” she said. She claimed that due to the same time revive the process of intra- Substance Act, observ- peace and stability which necessitates Mehbooba said the state has huge She added peace along the bor- “reversal” of the peace and reconcili- state and inter-state reconciliation, ing that there is lack of decisive confidence building meas- stakes in peace and stability in the ders in Jammu region and within ation process after 2008, uncertainty which was the dream of her father evidence to prove the ures (CBM) to be taken by New Delhi. region, as people in both Kashmir the mainland in Kashmir is key to has again returned to haunt the state’s and late chief minister Mufti Moham- allegations against him. “Peace and stability is possible and Jammu regions have to suffer development and progress as had people. mad Sayeed, she added. 14 SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 INDIA

Abuse by peacekeepers: Indian blue helmets get clean chit Heart ‘flies’ from Indore to

IANS “We will never, never agree to compiled in a report by Secretary- involved the 51 allegations in 2014. Special Committee for Peacekeep- Mumbai to save protectors turning into predators.” General Ban Ki-moon one was from But another report by the Office of ing Operations last month, “We have Twenty-two cases involved the UN Entity for Gender Equality and Internal Oversight Services said there a zero tolerance policy on SEA (sex- Odisha youth minors. Khare said that he felt “per- the Empowerment of Women. That were three substantiated cases of sex- ual exploitation and abuse) cases and UNITED NATIONS: As the UN vowed sonally hurt” when he read about allegation was “unsubstantiated,” ual exploitation or abuse by Indian would like that there is zero tolerance Mumbai: Precise and firm action to root out sex abuse by the case of a 13-child who became the report said. For the first time the peacekeepers between 2010 and 2013. on such issues across the UN too.” meticulous planning peacekeepers, the Indian blue helmets pregnant when she was raped by a UN identified the nationalities of the India has declared that it would The 69 cases last year show a by various private and have received a clean chit for 2015. peace-keeper. “I am ashamed to call peacekeepers facing complaints and not tolerate sex abuse among the sharp increase from the 52 in 2014. government agen- Calling the total of 69 cases myself a peacekeeper on some of there were no allegations of sexual ranks of its peacekeepers. After a Khare attributed it to the 22 cases — cies enabled a donated of sexual exploitation and abuse these days when I see cases like this.” exploitation and abuse against the spate of such cases rocked the peace- the most of any — reported last year heart “fly” from Indore recorded against peacekeepers last Of the total of 99 sexual exploi- 7,798 Indian peacekeepers. keeping operations last year and by the mission in the Central African to Mumbai within just year an “abomination”, Under Secre- tation and abuse allegations across A similar report last year did not this year, India’s Permanent Repre- Republic which began operations only 116 minutes to save the tary-General Atul Khare said. all the units of the UN during 2015 identify the nationalities of those sentative Syed Akbaruddin told the in September 2014. life of a 22-year-old cardiac patient from Odisha at a hospital yesterday, officials said. The heart was har- Magh Mela vested from a 20-year Sushma assures old Indore boy who was brain-dead after he suffered severe trauma (head inju- ries) in a road accident all help to Aden and transplanted in the youth from Odisha who was awaiting a donor heart at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, in northeast attack victims Mumbai. The live heart was retrieved by Anvay Indian embassy has now been closed Mulay, head of car- down and also expressed doubts of diac transplant team of We are in close touch the efficacy of the government there, the hospital from the with our people but she has assured that the centre brain-dead donor at will do its best,” he said. Choitaram Hospital in in Yemen who are Earlier, an aide of Chandy, who Indore this afternoon. closely following the is keeping in touch with Keralites in The heart com- developments there: Yemen, said that the mother supe- menced its journey rior of the home, Sister Sally, had a from the Choitaram Official narrow escape when the gunmen Hospital at 12.20pm to opened fire at the care home. reach Indore Airport “The priest Tom Kuzhuvennal, at 12.43pm, moved to who hails from Kottayam district, a waiting Jet Airways IANS has been taken away by these uni- flight which departed dentified gunmen who opened fire, A woman carries firewood gathered from the venue of the annual Magh Mela as devotees leave after after 12 minutes, and while Sally was moved to a safe a month-long stay on the banks of the Sangam in Allahabad, yesterday. landed in Mumbai at place in the convent by the local 1.53pm. An ambulance THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There people there after hearing the gun awaited the heart and is no trace of the Catholic priest from shots,” said the official. passed through a spe- Kerala, taken away by unidentified “We are in close touch with our cial Green Corridor gunmen following Friday’s attack on people in Yemen who are closely route laid from the air- a care home for the elderly in Yem- following the developments there,” Minister’s son booked for stalking woman port to the hospital in en’s Aden, that left four nuns dead added the official. Mulund — covering the and another missing but External In the gunfire, four nuns of the total 546kms in just 116 Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has Missionaries of Charity, includ- IANS Criminal Procedure. Sushil has been Another police officer said the minutes (one hour 56 assured all help, Chief Minister Oom- ing one from India, were killed. asked to appear before Banjara Hills minister conveyed to the police that minutes) flat, a hospital men Chandy said. The Indian nun has been identi- police station. Deputy Commissioner his son was ready to give himself up spokesperson said. An Indian nun was among the fied as Sister M Anseleme, 57, from HYDERABAD: Hyderabad police on of Police Venkateswar Rao said that if before the police. It was moved four nuns killed in the attack on the Jharkhand. Of the other three nuns, Saturday booked an Andhra Pradesh he failed to appear within 48 hours, Earlier, a case for harassing a straight to the Fortis home run by the Mother Teresa’s two were from Rwanda and another minister’s son and his driver for mis- action will be taken according to the woman was registered on Friday Hospital operation the- Missionaries of Charity. from Kenya. behaving with a woman. law. against Sushil’s driver M Appa Rao. atre where Mulay and The Kerala Chief Minister said The home, set up by Mother Ravela Sushil — son of Andhra The police officer denied that The incident had occurred on his team completed the that he spoke to Sushma Swaraj and Teresa in 1992, houses 61 elderly Pradesh Minister for Social and Tribal there was any attempt to shield the Thursday evening in posh Banjara transplant successfully it was she who told that a nun, who destitute and the Kerala priest had Welfare Ravela Kishore Babu — and minister’s son in the case. Hills neighbourhood when Sushil, sit- later this evening. belongs to Chhattisgarh, has also come to the home from an insecure his driver Ramesh were booked for Two police teams have also been ting in his car, allegedly intercepted This was the 12th gone missing from the care home place in Yemen. stalking under section 354(D) of the constituted to track him down. The a woman, held her hand and tried to successful heart trans- in Aden. News reports indicate that these Nirbhaya Act. police swung into action after wom- drag her inside. plant at the hospital “I spoke to her about the reports unidentified gunmen belonged to the The action came within hours en’s groups threatened to launch an The woman said the driver since the first one in of a missing Kerala priest and sought Yemen-based affiliate of the Islamic after police served notice to Sushil agitation if Sushil was not booked passed lewd comments and both of August 2015. help to locate him. She said the State (IS) group. under section 41A of the Code of and arrested. them asked her to sit in the car.

Concern over BJP to begin poll campaign proposal to in Kerala on a high pitch tax EPF IANS BJP is now the main opposition withdrawal in the Thiruvananthapuram Cor- poration, beating the traditional opposition Congress party to third IANS THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: place. Encouraged by recent electoral suc- The party also shocked Con- cesses in Kerala and hoping to gain gress and CPI-M in the Palakkad NEW DELHI: Following wide- from partnering with the recently- municipality, winning 24 seats to spread concern over the proposed floated Bharat Dharma Jana Sena, become the single largest party tax on withdrawal from the the BJP is launching its election cam- there. The BJP earlier had 15 seats Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) paign in the state on an upbeat note. in that municipality. In the 2014 Lok contributions, the government “We will not just open our Sabha polls, for the first time, BJP’s is contemplating to give relief to account in the assembly, we are vote share touched double-digit — at people but without a complete roll- Congress party supporters hold posters of party Vice President Rahul Gandhi as he takes part in a road going to win at least 71 seats,” 10.83 percent, up from 6.03 per cent back, said informed sources. show while launching the first election rally in Assam, yesterday. Kummanem Rajashekeran, the in the 2011 assembly polls. According to sources, a meet- newly-appointed president of the In the 2011 assembly polls, the ing between the officials of Prime state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party BJP had contested 139 of the 140 Minister’s Office (PMO), the finance (BJP), told reporters. seats, finishing runners up in three ministry and the labour ministry The state is scheduled to vote on assembly constituencies with each took place on late Thursday and PM’s speeches are hollow: Rahul May 16 to elect a new 140-member of the three candidates getting more discussed the EPF tax issue. legislative assembly. The rightist BJP than 40,000 votes. In the rest of the The RSS-affiliated Bharatiya hopes to make its assembly-entry in constituencies, the party had fin- Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), which has IANS He said the biggest achieve- “Wherever I go, I raise the issues the state which gave India its first ished third with poor vote counts. also opposed the proposal and ment of the Congress government of the poor and common people. But Left government in 1957. In the upcoming assembly elec- demanded a complete rollback, in Assam was its success in bring- when we ask these questions, Mod- The state BJP unit has report- tions, the BJP has decided to field all also said that government is con- ing back peace to the state in the last iji attacks us personally,” he said, edly already compiled a list of 100 its top leaders, including 86-year- sidering their demand. NAGAON: Congress vice president 15 years. “We are here to serve peo- obliquely referring to his recent accu- candidates, which indicates that the old former union minister of state “We are talking to government Rahul Gandhi yesterday said Prime ple. However, the present government sations aganst the Modi government party could be contesting all or most O Rajagopal. “I have decided to representatives and they are con- Minister Narendra Modi is good at the Centre has been trying to help and the prime minister’s rebuttal in of the 140 seats. Power in Kerala contest again as I do not want our sidering our concern. We are in in marketing and delivering good only few businessmen in the country. the Lok Sabha the following day. has alternated between the United opponents to go around saying that regular touch with them. We hope speeches but his speeches are often “They (businessmen) get every- “Modiji cannot answer my Democratic Front (UDF) led by the I have been replaced in the Nemom some announcement in a day or hollow. thing. Thousands of crores of rupees questions as he does not have the Congress and the Left Democratic constituency,” said Rajagopal. He two,” BMS general secretary Vijesh “He (Modi) went to Bihar and have come to country’s exchequer answers.” Rahul Gandhi also tar- Front led by the CPI-M. had finished second in Nemom in Upadhyay said. made promises and assurances but after recent decline in the petrol geted the union finance minister The BJP’s hopes have been the 2011 assembly polls. Rajagopal The BMS leaders have met did not fulfil them. He came to Assam prices. But the people of the coun- over his budget, saying: “Arun Jait- boosted by a number of electoral had also contested the 2014 Lok Labour Minister Bandaru Dat- also and made good speeches and try will not get even a single penny, leyji has brought a ‘Fair and Lovely successes. The party doubled the Sabha election from the Thiruvanan- tatreya, Power Minister Piyush lofty promises but those proved hol- all the money will go to his (Prime scheme’ through which all the thieves total number of seats in the last thapuram constituency, finishing Goyal and some other government low,” said Gandhi while addressing Minister’s) industrialist fiends,” said in the country can convert their black year’s local body polls as compared second. The BJP also hopes to gain representatives in this regard. a public rally at Borghat in Assam’s Gandhi. The current government money into white.” to its performance in 2010 polls. from its alliance with the Bharat Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is Nagaon district. Ahead of the rally, he at the Centre, he said, was not the “However, the people who work It won about 1,100 of the 21,871 Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) — the likely to make the announcement also took part in a road show walk- government of common people, the for the whole life and take salary and seats across the three-tier local body political party launched in Decem- when he replies to the debate on ing five km with thousands of people salaried class, the workers but of the pension are made to pay tax on their structure in the state. The party’s ber 2015 by the powerful Hindu the Budget in parliament. in the district. industrialists. PF (provident fund).” vote share touched 14 percent. Ezhava leader Vellapally Natesan. EUROPE / UK SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 15 Smith slams EU Farmers rally to support Britain staying in EU

Agencies Cameron, has focused on the eco- Worth, said leaving the EU could mean the pension system which could raise nomic and security threats of leaving a cut in subsidies. revenues for his push to turn Britain’s campaign as the 28-nation bloc. “Brexit” support- They said they could still sell to budget deficit into a surplus by the end ers say leaving will let the UK boost Europe if Britain were to leave the EU of the decade. LONDON: Feelings about the UK domestic investments. but they would have to pay into the EU Reform options included introduc- leaving the European Union fired up In a keynote speech at the cham- budget with no say on policies. ing a flat rate of tax relief on pension farmers and led the head of the Brit- bers’ annual conference in London The letter was signed by the indus- contributions, which would hit wealth- spin and threats ish Chambers of Commerce to be this week, Longworth described the try’s biggest farmers and dairies. ier savers, or the more radical idea suspended. referendum on the EU as “a choice Meanwhile, Finance Minister of taxing pension contributions and John Longworth, director-general between the devil and the deep blue George Osborne has dropped plans ending the tax-free lump sums that threats,” Duncan Smith wrote in an of the business advocacy group, was sea,” according to a transcript. for a pensions overhaul which had run pensioners enjoy now. article for the Daily Mail newspa- removed from his position after saying He said that the UK would be bet- into opposition in his Conservative “George has always been clear Duncan Smith, the per. “The acrimonious manner in he favored the UK leaving the EU, the ter off taking a decision to leave the Party, already split over the country’s he wouldn’t do anything to damage work and pensions which all this has been conducted is Financial Times reported yesterday. EU, based on his analysis. European Union membership referen- saving,” a person identified as an ally troubling, and will I fear have conse- UK farmers, who in the past com- The BCC has a policy of not cam- dum, media reports said. of Osborne was quoted as saying in secretary, said the quences long beyond June 23. After all, plained about EU rules on curved paigning for either side of the issue, The decision also reflected newspapers. prime minister is not such desperate and unsubstantiated cucumbers and bendy bananas, say according to a statement on its website, Osborne’s ambitions to succeed Prime The combination of uncertainty being respectful to claims are now being made that they a “Brexit” vote on June 23 would cut which didn’t mention Longworth’s sta- Minister David Cameron, some reports about the global economy and the begin to damage the very integrity of them off from a market that is more tus. In a letter to The Times, a group of said. implementation of other pension colleagues whom he those who make them in the eyes of than twice the size of the US farmers including Peter Kendall, head Osborne, who is due to make his reforms meant it was not the right gave permission to the public.” The campaign to stay in the EU, of the UK’s National Farmers’ Union, annual budget statement on March time to make further changes, the The campaign to stay in the EU, which is led by Prime Minister David and QV Foods Ltd. Chairman Duncan 16, has been considering reforms of person said. campaign for Britain which has been led by Cameron to leave the EU. and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and has centered on the economic and security threats of leaving the 28-nation bloc, is entrenching divisions, Bloomberg Duncan Smith said. Cameron is threatening “almost biblical con- sequences” if Britain leaves—a so-called Brexit—to compensate for LONDON: Prime Minister David his failure to deliver fundamental Cameron’s integrity is being dam- reform to the EU, he said. aged by his “scaremongering” The splits on display in the Con- campaign for Britain to stay in the servative cabinet in the two weeks European Union and it will have last- since Cameron called the referen- ing consequences, said Iain Duncan dum raise questions about how unity Smith, one of the most senior mem- can be restored after the vote. A fail- bers of his cabinet and a leading ure by the prime minister to achieve advocate of leaving the bloc. a clear victory for staying in the EU Duncan Smith, the work and might open the way to an early chal- pensions secretary who has been lenge to his leadership. responsible for broad-ranging wel- “Some people are now deter- fare reforms since 2010, said the mined to make out that if Britain prime minister is not being “respect- were to leave, all the potential sce- ful” to colleagues whom he gave narios would be perilous,” Duncan permission to campaign for Britain Smith wrote. “If that really were the to leave the EU before the referen- case, wouldn’t it have been deeply dum on June 23. irresponsible for the same people to Prime Minister David Cameron (left) with Scottish Conservative Party leader Ruth Davidson during the Scottish Conservatives conference at Cameron’s campaign has “become have put the question to the British Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland. characterised by spin, smears and people in the first place?” Slovakia’s Fico eyes victory in boon to anti-refugee east BA settles over claims pilot AFP Hungarian Premier Viktor Orban and Polis Slovakia think tank, said Fico lead this country. I find Fico trust- As Slovakia gears up for the EU’s abused children Poland’s Jaroslaw Kaczynski. All have “even changed his party’s slogan to worthy,” a pensioner who identified rotating presidency in July, Fico starkly shunned refugees as Europe grapples ‘Protecting Slovakia’, as in ‘protecting herself only as Anna said. warned that “we have reached the point with its worst migration and humani- Slovakia against migrants’”. Fellow pensioner Stefan Kralko when... Greece is likely to be sacrificed in Africa BRATISLAVA: Slovaks voted in a gen- tarian crisis since World War II. Billboards blasting the message told AFP Fico has his vote “because for the sake of Schengen”, referring to eral election yesterday expected to Arguing that jihadists posing as blanketed the country before elec- I feel safe.” the 26-nation passport-free travel zone. hand firebrand leftist Prime Minister refugees could infiltrate the European tion day. Fico and regional EU allies have He also insists that Slovakia, a eurozone AFP Robert Fico a third term on the back Union, the populist Fico has insisted The strategy appears to have vowed to help Bulgaria and Mac- member since 2009, opposes further of a staunchly anti-refugee platform. on “monitoring every Muslim” in pre- worked despite very few refugees edonia seal their borders with EU bailouts for troubled Greece, calling this His policies echo hardliners in dominantly Catholic Slovakia after arriving, with most preferring richer member Greece, should Athens fail “a red line for us”. LONDON: British Airways has the EU’s poorer ex-communist east November’s attacks in Paris. nations. to stem the tide of refugees from Tur- But not all have been wooed by reached an undisclosed settlement like Czech President Milos Zeman, Jan Baranek, an analyst with the “I like the way they (Smer-SD) key by mid-March. Fico’s strident anti-refugee stance. with dozens of African children over alleged abuse by one of its pilots, lawyers said. First Officer Simon Wood, 54, threw himself under a train at a Weather alert in Spain station north of London in 2013, Putin’s Syria strike campaign days before he was due in court to face charges of molesting chil- dren in schools and orphanages. Law firm Leigh Day, which was is win-win for most Russians acting on behalf of the 38 children from Kenya, Uganda and Tanza- nia, claimed BA was liable as Wood AP independent polling agency. pilot’s crewmate. Blame for the two was carrying out charity work on The news programs on Krem- deaths was put on Turkey, and Putin behalf of airline when he is alleged lin-controlled television have shown struck back hard by imposing an to have carried out his crimes. Russia’s strategic bombers and new array of economic sanctions and “We allege that British Air- MOSCOW: For most Russians, there’s long-range cruise missiles mak- deploying more weapons to Syria. ways had a duty of care toward little not to like about their country’s ing direct hits on targets described In recent weeks, Russian televi- these children in the schools military operation in Syria. as assets of the Islamic State group. sion has provided heavy coverage of and orphanages, that Wood was The airstrikes have demonstrated The reports have noted the terrorist the flurry of diplomacy leading up to involved in through the airline’s Russia’s might, turned the course of threat posed to Russia by the Islamic the new cease-fire for Syria reached charitable work,” said Nichola the war and made sure that Russia is State, which has won the allegiance by Russia and the United States. Marshall from Leigh Day’s inter- once again treated as a world power of Islamic militants operating in In announcing the agreement in national claims team. on a par with the United States. And Russia and recruited thousands of a televised address after speaking “We are looking into the alle- all at little cost. Russian citizens to join the battle in with US President Barack Obama, gations that BA were told on two When Russia began its air cam- Syria. Putin portrayed the cease-fire as the occasions that one of their pilots paign on September 30, there were The news broadcasts also have achievement of Russia and the U.S. could be a danger to children fears that it would turn into a repeat featured interviews with displaced working together as partners. but continued to allow and even of the disastrous Soviet invasion of Syrians who have been able to return The deal has allowed Putin to encourage him to volunteer in Afghanistan in late 1979, which ended home after Russian airstrikes helped cast Russia as indispensable to a set- projects they supported.” nine years later with thousands dead the Syrian government army to lib- tlement of the nearly five-year-old BA in a statement called the and a humiliating withdrawal. Those erate their town. conflict and a world power equal to allegations “shocking.” “Though fears have been dispelled as President Foreign reports about Russian the United States. we do not bear any legal respon- Vladimir Putin has kept his word that bombs destroying hospitals or kill- Nearly 60 percent of Russians sibility for Simon Wood’s actions, there will be no ground action. ing civilians have been denied by support the Russian airstrikes in we recognise the impact they had Denis Kuzichov, a 36-year-old the Kremlin and spurned as West- Syria, according to a Levada Centre on his victims and the distress artist in Moscow, said he supports ern attempts to smear Russia. poll. Of the remainder, about 25 per- and suffering they caused,” it said Russia’s involvement in Syria as long “The West has blamed us for cent said they did not support them “This recognition is reflected in the as it is limited to airstrikes. something or other since ancient and 15 percent said they had trouble agreement we have made with the “If we’re talking about bomb- times,” said Yulia Zhalbe, a 28-year- answering. The poll, conducted Jan. victims’ representatives.” ing terrorists and the fight against old Muscovite. “But if you notice, 22-25, had a margin of error of 3.4 Police officers first approached incorrect forms of Islam, then yeah,” Russia has never been the first to percentage points. Wood at Heathrow Airport on July Kuzichov said. “If our ground troops strike. We just protect our own.” Critics of the Syria campaign 19, 2013. He was charged with move in, and by that I mean if they Zhalbe said she supports Russia’s have called it an unnecessary indecently assaulting a girl under start giving weapons to people on the intervention in Syria because she has expense at a time of economic cri- of taking indecent photographs ground — tanks, heavy guns — then trust in Putin and “our president is sis. But by limiting its presence in of a child and of possessing inde- of course it’s bad.” always right.” Syria, the Kremlin has been able to cent images of a child. “As a result Most Russians judge the situation in Russia has lost three men in keep spending on the military oper- of things discussed in that con- Huge waves seen in Santander, Cantabria, northern Spain, Syria based on what they see on state Syria, including a pilot killed when ations to an estimated $2 million to versation about activity in Kenya yesterday. Northern region of the country is under weather alert television, said Nataliya Zorkaya, who his warplane was shot down by a $4 million a day, an easily sustaina- and potentially things seen on his after it witnessed waves of 9 metres high and snowfall. heads the social and political survey Turkish jet in November and a marine ble level even for the crisis-stricken computer, he was arrested,” said department at the Levada Center, an who died on a mission to rescue the Russian economy. Scotland Yard’s Simon Giles. 16 SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 EUROPE EU must help Two Kiev soldiers Greece to shelter killed in east Ukraine fighting refugees: Merkel Kiev: Two Ukrainian sol- diers were killed in clashes between pro- Russian rebels and thousands stranded in poor condi- government forces over tions in Greece. the past 24 hours, a mil- Efforts to “Originally, Greece should have itary spokesman in Kiev accommodate created 50,000 accommodation said yesterday. refugees must places for refugees by the end of The latest casualties 2015,” Merkel told German tabloid came after a fresh Euro- be resolved at Bild am Sonntag. pean push to resolve the lightning speed “The backlog must be resolved nearly two-year conflict now at lightning speed because the floundered this week, because the Greek Greek government has to guarantee with Russia and Ukraine government has to decent accommodation.” saying they could not Merkel said Greece could count agree on polls in the guarantee decent on more help from other EU states. rebel-held east. accommodation, “I know from my talks with The skirmish took place in the vicinity of the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras Migrants with blanket and wollen clothes to protect from the morning cold wait to register at a makeshift said the German government-held port of that he wants to do this, but that he camp at the Greek-Macedonian border near the Greek village of Idomeni, yesterday. Chancellor. needs our help, and that’s why the Mariupol, when Ukrain- EU must and will support Greece in ian soldiers detected a solidarity.” She also said that Austria reconnaissance group of and Balkan countries were largely agreement to shut down the Western migrants who do not qualify as ref- Cavusolglu said Greece had sub- rebels. Reuters to blame for the changed situation Balkans route that most refugees and ugees and the curbing of the flow of mitted 860 requests for Turkey to take Five more Ukrainian in Greece by deciding unilaterally migrants have taken into the Euro- new arrivals. people back, “99 percent” of which had soldiers were wounded to impose borders controls. pean Union. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut been accepted. over the past 24 hours in Tsipras has accused Austria and His prediction ahead of a crucial Cavusoglu said his government was Brussels meanwhile unveiled a plan eastern Ukraine, Lysenko BERLIN: Greece needs to deliver Balkan countries of “ruining Europe” summit in Brussels tomorrow came mulling the possibility of taking back for saving the passport-free Schengen added. quickly on its promise to provide by imposing border restrictions to as new official figures showed that asylum seekers from countries other zone, which has been jeopardised by accommodation for 50,000 refugees slow the flow of migrants heading a record 1.2 million asylum seekers than Syria. several countries closing their borders and the European Union should help north from Greece. arrived in the EU in 2015 —more than “We have started looking at the in response to the huge influx of human- Spanish police Athens with this task, German Chan- Meanwhile, EU president Donald double the figure from the year before. possibility of re-admitting asylum ity from Syria and elsewhere. cellor Angela Merkel said in a media Tusk struck an unusually upbeat note “For the first time since the begin- seekers, notably from Morocco, Paki- The EU has been deeply divided on arrest four in interview published yesterday. in Brussels on the migrant crisis as ning of the migration crisis, I can see a stan or Afghanistan,” he said in a joint how to handle the biggest migration cri- Austria, one of the last stepping Turkey raised the possibility of tak- European consensus emerging,” Tusk press conference in Athens with Greek sis to hit the continent since World War hit-and-run case stones to Germany for hundreds of ing back non-Syrian asylum seekers. said in an invitation letter to leaders. Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias. II. French President Francois Hollande thousands of refugees and migrants, Wrapping up a whirlwind He warned success depended “We already have readmission said at talks with German Chancellor MADRID: Spanish police recently imposed border restric- diplomatic tour with a meet- largely on securing Turkey’s agreement agreements with Greece, Bulgaria and Angela Merkel in Paris that they had the arrested four minors tions, setting off a domino effect ing with Turkish President Recep at the summit for the “large-scale” other countries and we are preparing “the same spirit and the same will” in allegedly involved in in Europe and leaving tens of Tayyip Erdogan, Tusk predicted an deportation from Greece of economic to sign others.” handling the migrant crisis. the fatal hit-and-run of a police officer in the northeastern province of Huesca, officials said. Officer Jose Antonio Spanish parliament votes down Socialist bid to form govt Perez stopped the sus- pects’ vehicle to carry out an alcohol test and leant AFP an alternative to avoid fresh an acrimonious debate in par- by a caretaker government Popular Party (PP) came first in runner-up Sanchez, whose into the car, police said. elections. liament that highlighted the since a December 20 election the polls—which put an end to Socialists scored their worst The 17-year-old driver Sanchez’s proposal was country’s political divisions. which resulted in a hung par- Spain’s long-running two party result in history, to form a accelerated, dragging the defeated with 219 votes against It is the first time that a liament. . system—but lost its absolute government. After weeks of officer 460 meter). The MADRID: Spanish lawmakers and 131 in favour, with only his candidate for prime minis- Parties now have until May majority, taking just 123 seats. negotiations, he sealed a deal vehicle then hit a guard- voted down a bid by Socialist own party, Ciudadanos and a ter has lost both confidence 2 to negotiate an alternative Rajoy gave up trying to last week with upstart centre- rail and crashed into an chief Pedro Sanchez to form tiny party from the Canary votes since Spain returned to power-sharing agreement. If form a government after he right party Ciudadanos. But oncoming car, flinging the a coalition government with Islands voting in favour. democracy following the death they fail, new elections will be failed to win support from both the PP and Podemos, led 54-year-old Perez onto centre-right Ciudadanos, His first attempt to win of dictator General Francisco called, most likely on June 26. other parties fed up with years by university professor Pablo the road where he died. leaving the country’s parties approval on Wednesday also Franco in 1975. Acting Prime Minister of crisis and corruption scan- Iglesias, which has 65 seats, with just two months to find fell well short of the mark after Spain has been governed Mariano Rajoy’s conservative dals. So King Felipe VI asked voted against Sanchez. Several Polish generals resign Paying tributes to leader Moldovan rappers chime Warsaw: The surprise resignations of several key Polish generals have rocked the new conserv- with protests over graft ative government, which is facing a barrage of crit- icism at home and abroad AFP “My buddies were involved with over a host of controver- me, they listened to me, they helped sial reforms. me,” raps Mani. “It’s not easy to steal a “Five generals have billion...no, but it’s thrillin’,” he sings in submitted their resigna- CHISINAU: Mani is a TV producer by on of his latest songs, “I got a billion.” tions over the last few day, but in his “second life” the busi- Wedged between Ukraine and days,” Szczepan Gluszc- ness management graduate dresses Romania, Moldova is often seen zak, spokesman for the up as a mobster to rap about corrup- in terms of a tug-of-war between general command of the tion among Moldova’s ruling elite. Moscow and the West, especially Polish armed forces, said Ex-Soviet state Moldova is after it inked an historic EU asso- The generals quit Europe’s poorest nation and has ciation agreement in 2014 despite just as tensions run high been hit by a string of political crises, bitter opposition from former mas- with Poland’s Soviet-era with protesters taking to the streets ter Russia. But the current protests master Russia. The res- to demand an end to rampant graft have seen both nominally pro-West- ignations came months among those running the country. ern and pro-Russian forces from ahead of a large NATO While most of the demonstra- the right and left temporarily put exercise in Poland, as well tors have pitched tents and picketed aside their differences to challenge as the western defence parliament, Mani and other discon- a ruling elite they accuse of using alliance’s next summit, set tented youths have turned to the pro-European rhetoric to cover up for July in Warsaw. Members of the Kosovo Security Force march during a ceremony in Pristina yesterday, to mark the 18th medium they know best to express widespread graft. anniversary of the killing of Kosovo Liberation Army founding member and commander Adem Jashari. their anger—rap music. “I don’t think this was the first “I would prefer not to do so many billion to be stolen. It just really hit Greek painter songs about social issues but I think home this time,” says fellow rapper an artist has to react in the face of Kapushon, an IT graduate, his hat Tetsis dies at 91 what is happening in his country,” tilted in the hip hop style. 27-year-old Mani said. “But they have always stolen. Do Athens: One of Greece’s Museum chief’s hardworking He has been active in the we know how many billions have most renowned painters Moldovan rap scene for a decade, been stolen since 1991? We deplore and academics, Panayi- trying through his music to highlight this latest case. That’s if it is still the otis Tetsis, died in an style angers unions in Italy the rotten core in his homeland that latest and there are no new ones Athens hospital early was startlingly revealed last year in already.” While the rappers take Saturday aged 91, state a scandal over $1 billion—some 15 aim at the corruption and political agency ANA said. percent of Moldova’s GDP—which scandals, other social problems are Born on the Greek Reuters treasures was suffering from decades “The unions complaining about vanished from the banking system. also in their sights. Mired in poverty, island of Hydra in 1925, of neglect and mismanagement. Felicori, who was chosen by the That scandal was the last straw some 600,000 of Moldova’s 3.5 mil- Tetsis is best known for Local unions however sent a let- government after an international for many Moldovans, convincing lion inhabitants have moved abroad his seascapes which were ter to the culture minister, Felicori’s selection process, should realise that them that they had to take to the in search of work and this has also inspired by his birthplace, ROME: Italian unions have lambasted boss, complaining that he works late the tide has turned. The fun’s over,” streets to battle a ruling class that struck a chord with the musicians. the island of Sifnos, and the new museum chief of Royal Pal- into the evening without the rest of Renzi said. had lost itself in corruption. “My father left twelve years ago, other Greek islands. ace of Caserta for working too hard, the personnel being informed. Visitors to the Caserta palace, Over the past year the country my mother nine years back. They After graduating prompting Prime Minister Matteo “Such behaviour puts the whole a Unesco World Heritage site often has seen three different govern- were teachers and my father was a from Athens School of Renzi to ride to his defence. structure at risk,” said the letter, pub- referred to as Italy’s own Versailles, ments but the protests rumble on, headmaster,” Mani said. Fine Arts in 1949, Tet- Renzi’s government appointed lished in Corriere della Sera daily. increased 70 percent in February demanding new elections to wipe In 2012, the musician Guz had sis pursued postgraduate Mauro Felicori five months ago to In a post on his Facebook page, from a year earlier, with revenues the slate clean. a popular hit with his song “I rock studies at Paris’ Ecole revive the fortunes of the spectac- Renzi said the accusation levelled up 105 percent, he added. For Mani, whose real name is Moldova” in which he encouraged des Beaux Arts in 1953- ular, 1,200-room Baroque palace of at Felicori, a 63-year old expert in “The director is simply doing his Marian Lupu, the story of the miss- people to try to change the society. 1956, where he learned the Bourbon kings, which like many the management of cultural sites, job. And we all stand by him, with- ing billion dollars has proved a rich “Politics doesn’t mean nothing engraving. of the country’s artistic and cultural was ridiculous. out fear.” source for material. without the people,” Guz said. AMERICAS SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 17 Five more states vote in presidential primary race

Clinton and Sanders battled in lambasted Trump as unfit to be pres- Kansas, Louisiana and Nebraska, ident, calling him a “phony” and “a Former secretary of while the Republicans were con- fraud.” Trump shot back saying: “It’s state Hillary Clinton testing Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana the establishment. The establishment and Maine. The GOP race has been is against us.” “We’re going to change is well ahead of winnowed down to four candidates— things so badly and so quickly, it’s rival Senator Bernie the political outsider Trump, Florida’s going to go so fast, and you’re going Sanders on the Rubio, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and to be so proud.” Ohio Governor John Kasich—with With Trump’s challengers insist- Democratic side, many in the Republican establish- ing they are in it for the long haul, hoping to expand her ment in virtual panic over whether there is a chance no candidate will one of the challengers can stop rack up the 1,237 delegates needed lead as she inches Trump’s march to the nomination. to secure the nomination before the closer to securing the Saturday’s races were wedged convention in July. in between far more consequential That would mean a contested, or nomination. contests: the dozen states that voted “brokered,” convention, a scenario on “Super Tuesday” March 1, and the that could turn chaotic, especially if Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (second from right) talks to a resident during a campaign big states like Florida and Ohio on establishment figures seek to some- AFP March 15, when the Republican races how actively prevent delegates from stop at Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles restaurant in Detroit, Michigan. become winner-take-all affairs. coalescing around Trump. Trump made waves when he can- There were 155 delegates at stake celled a scheduled appearance at the in yesterday’s Republican races. WASHINGTON: Five more states Conservative Political Action Confer- Trump leads the field with 329 Trump gets thumbs down at CPAC including Louisiana and Kansas ence near Washington, opting instead delegates, followed by Cruz with 231 voted yesterday in the hotly con- to hold a rally in Wichita, Kansas. and Rubio with 110. Kasich trails with tested White House primary race, The move angered members of 25. In a further sign of tensions sur- AFP would be “disastrous in a president,” had cancelled his scheduled appear- with Republican challengers like the American Conservative Union rounding Trump’s rise, his Friday Williams said at the Conservative ance here. “I don’t think he’s on the Marco Rubio desperate to cut into which hosts CPAC. rally in Louisiana saw skirmishes Political Action Conference (CPAC), conservative spectrum,” said Brent frontrunner Donald Trump’s lead. “I think it was a big mistake for inside and outside the venue. the country’s largest grassroots gath- Tidwell, a Republicans volunteer. The brash billionaire is ahead in Donald Trump not to be here,” ACU “Oh no, not another one of these. OXON HILL, UNITED STATES: ering for right-wing activists. “I think he saw there was a need and the all-important delegate count for chairman Matt Schlapp told CNN. Get out. Get them out. Get out of here, Ben Williams played bagpipes at the Arrogance, impetuosity and vul- an interest in certain conservative ideas, the Republicans, having won 10 of the Earlier his group said the troublemakers,” Trump boomed as funeral of conservative Supreme Court garity, to name a few. and espoused them because they were 15 states that have voted to date in the absence “sends a clear message to protesters interrupted his speech. Justice Antonin Scalia last month. On “For the right wing of the party, convenient.” Before taking Democratic process that determines the nomi- conservatives.” Outside, protesters squared off Friday, the retired schoolteacher urged no” he is not conservative enough, candidate Hillary Clinton, he must woo nees for both parties. Trump told the Wichita crowd against Trump supporters. a Republican resurrection that would said Williams. his own party, and among the die-hard Former secretary of state Hillary that Mitt Romney, the 2012 Repub- “This is what hate looks like,” a prevent Donald Trump from becom- His view appeared to be in the activists gathering near Washington, he Clinton is well ahead of rival Senator lican nominee, was a “loser” who protester screamed as he pointed ing the party flag bearer. majority at CPAC, where cheers rang appears to be losing the battle. Bernie Sanders on the Democratic side, should have defeated President to the rally venue, in video foot- Trump, the celebrity billionaire out when it was announced that “So Donald Trump is skipping hoping to expand her lead as she inches Barack Obama. age posted by The New Orleans who has enthralled and distressed the Trump, the real estate mogul on a glide CPAC,” his arch-conservative rival closer to securing the nomination. Romney earlier this week Times-Picayune. US political world, has qualities that path to the Republican nomination, Senator Ted Cruz said.

Prince of Tides SpaceX launches satellite Albino whale sighted in Mexico author Pat Conroy but botches sea landing dies at 70

Reuters its target, but its velocity proved too AFP great to allow for a safe landing on the drone barge. “Rocket landed CAPE CANAVERAL: A SpaceX Fal- hard,” Musk, founder and chief WASHINGTON: Pat Conroy, a US con 9 rocket (pictured) blasted off executive officer of SpaceX, said novelist whose books included from Florida and thrust a communi- in a Twitter message after blastoff. Prince of Tides and The Great cations satellite into orbit on Friday, “Didn’t expect this one to work ... but Santini,” died at the age of 70, his but the launch vehicle’s reusable next flight has a good chance.” hometown newspaper reported. main-stage booster was destroyed The ability to safely and relia- Conroy, who was diagnosed when it failed to land itself on an bly return the rocket’s main stage to with pancreatic cancer just four ocean platform, the company said. a landing pad at sea has been a key weeks ago, died on Friday sur- It marked the fourth botched at- hurdle in Musk’s quest to develop a rel- rounded by family at his home sea return landing attempt for Elon atively cheap, reusable launch vehicle. in Beaufort in the state of South Musk’s privately owned Space Explo- The rocket flying faced a par- Carolina, the Beaufort Gazette ration Technologies, though a Falcon ticularly challenging mission to reported. His bruising childhood main-stage rocket did achieve a suc- deliver the 5,721 kg satellite into an in the southern United States cessful ground-based touchdown orbit more than 100 times higher An albino whale called ‘Galon de Leche’ (Gallon of Milk), was sighted in the waters of the El Vizcaino served as material for his novels. after soaring back to Earth from a than where the International Space Biosphere Reserve in Baja California Sur, Mexico, yesterday. His 1976 book, The Great less demanding launch in December. Station flies. The speed required to Santini, was inspired by his own The latest try occurred after four achieve that feat meant the rocket family and his overbearing father, SpaceX launch delays stretching was going too fast to even attempt a an abusive and ultra-macho back to February 24. The 23-story- ground landing. Marine fighter pilot. The book was tall Falcon 9 bolted off its seaside SpaceX came close to nailing an turned into a 1979 movie starring launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air ocean touchdown in January after Louisiana abortion curbs blocked Robert Duvall. Force Station as scheduled at 6:35 blasting off from California to deliver Conroy later wrote about a rec- p.m. A half-hour later it completed a climate-monitoring satellite into onciliation of sorts with his aging the chief goal of its mission, putting orbit. The returning main-stage father in the 2013 memoir titled the Boeing-built satellite, owned by rocket settled itself on a platform in AFP are difficult to secure. The Texas case also involves hos- The Death of Santini. Luxembourg-based SES SA, into orbit the Pacific Ocean, but a stabilizing “These underhanded tactics to pital admitting privileges as well as His 1986 novel The Prince of more than 40,600 km above Earth. landing leg failed to latch, causing cut off women’s access to safe, legal separate requirements that abortion Tides, about a troubled man who On its way up, the rocket’s first- the booster to keel over and explode. abortion simply cannot stand,” Nancy facilities meet the same standards falls in love with his suicidal sis- stage booster separated as planned, SpaceX’s next mission, a cargo- WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court Northup, president of the Center for as surgical centers. The Supreme ter’s psychiatrist, was turned into turned around and headed toward a delivery run to the space station for blocked restrictions affecting doctors Reproductive Rights, said in a state- Court has sent mixed signals about a 1991 Hollywood movie starring platform floating about 645 km off NASA, is targeted for launch in late in Louisiana that could have forced ment. The centre represents the its thinking. Although it temporarily Nick Nolte and Barbra Streisand. Florida’s east coast. The rocket found March or early April. all but one of the state’s abortion clin- Louisiana clinics challenging the blocked the surgical-centre require- The movie received seven ics to close. law in court. ment, it has allowed the admitting Oscar nominations, including for In what reproductive-rights Justice Clarence Thomas was the privileges provision take effect Best Picture and one for Conroy as advocates hope may foreshadow a sole court member to publicly dis- throughout most of the state. the screenplay co-author. major legal victory later this year, sent against the court’s one-sentence Majority of justices said the Conroy used his time at The the court temporarily reinstated a order. The Supreme Court is consid- court’s action was “consistent” with Citadel military college and the trial judge’s order blocking a new ering an almost identical case in the June 2015 halt of the Texas surgi- school’s problems with racial inte- Louisiana law that requires doctors Texas with national implications. cal-center provision, the second time gration as inspiration for his 1980 to obtain a formal affiliation with a The order came after the jus- the court suspended that part of the novel Lords of Discipline. local hospital. An appeals court last tices heard arguments in the Texas Texas law. “For third time, in a lit- That book was banned from week said the law could be enforced. case—over actions by the same fed- tle over a year, the Supreme Court campus, and triggered a war of Abortion-rights supporters, say eral appeals court, the 5th US Circuit has stepped in to preserve women’s words with the school. Further the law was designed to shut down Court of Appeals in New Orleans—and ability to get the constitutionally irritating the school, in the 1990s abortion clinics by requiring hos- just hours after they voted in a private protected health care they need,” Conroy pushed for female integra- pital “admitting privileges” that meeting on the outcome of that case. Northup said. tion at the all-male bastion. Cuba has no say on Obama meeting dissidents: White House

AFP Cuba,” said spokesman Josh Earnest, increased,” said Republican presi- moment, crowning a policy they see “the guest list for that meeting will be dential candidate Marco Rubio. as being among Obama’s greatest for- determined solely by the White House.” The White House argues that a eign policy achievements. “The president will meet with whom- half century of isolation has failed Last April, on the eve of a his- WASHINGTON: The White House ever he chooses to meet with.” to make Cuba democratic, and that toric first meeting with Raul Castro, said Cuba’s communist government The meeting is a difficult subject improving economic ties will force Obama held a closed-door discus- will have no say in which dissidents for Obama. Republicans accuse him the regime into political reforms. sion with dissident Cuban lawyer President Barack Obama meets dur- of betraying human rights in Cuba by On March 21, Obama will become Laritza Diversent and political activ- ing his visit later this month. engaging the regime. the first US president to visit Cuba in ist Manuel Cuesta Moura, along with Falcon rocket carrying a telecoms satellite launching from Cape “The president does intend to meet “Despite concession by the United almost a century. The White House a dozen other activists from the Canaveral. with some political dissidents inside of States, detentions of activists have hopes the trip will be a “Berlin Wall” Americas. 18 SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 AMERICAS

Ferguson close Lula arrest raises risk of Rousseff’s fall to choosing new police chief to add accusations made by prose- cutors that Rousseff benefited from The main opposition the Petrobras bribes and political Reuters party, the Brazilian kickbacks. “The Rousseff government is Social Democracy over,” PSDB leader in the Senate, Cas- NEW YORK: Ferguson, Missouri, Party (PSDB), has sio Cunha Lima, told reporters. “The the site of violent protests after a asked Congress to latest revelations show the coun- white officer shot and killed an try urgently needs a constitutional unarmed black teenager in 2014, impeach Rousseff and way out of this deepening crisis, said that it had narrowed its search said it plans to add either through impeachment or new for a new police chief to four can- elections.” didates and would name its choice accusations made Expectations that Rousseff might in April. by prosecutors that fall from power, ushering in changes Officials in the St. Louis suburb in economic policy that pull Brazil said they had narrowed a field that Rousseff benefited from its worst recession in decades, had started with 54 applications. from the Petrobras drove Brazil’s stock market and cur- The town has been sued by the US rency to the highest in at least six Department of Justice to change its bribes and political months. police and court system after the kickbacks. For a second day in a row, Rous- federal government found both to seff called an emergency meeting be biased against minorities. of her political advisors to limit the “We carefully selected candi- damage from the sprawling investi- dates we felt had the experience to Reuters gation, a presidential aide said. move the Ferguson Police Depart- On Thursday, media reports that a ment forward, including someone Workers’ Party senator had linked her who could immediately work with to corruption in a plea bargain with the community,” said Ferguson BRASILIA: The implication of Bra- prosecutors had sent shockwaves City manager De’Carlon Seewood. zil’s ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula through the government. The final four police chief can- Brazilian former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wipes tears as he attends a meeting organised by da Silva in a graft scandal at state oil Rousseff’s political fortunes didates are Mark Becker, chief of firm Petrobras has reignited opposi- slumped despite her aides having unionists and members of the Workers Party (PT) in Sao Paulo, downtown Brazil, late on Friday. police in East Chicago, Indiana; tion hopes of unseating his successor grown increasingly confident that Brenda Jones, former police chief Dilma Rousseff and increased the risk she had marshalled the support in they had evidence the former presi- arrested last week on suspicion that taken a neutral stance, announced for Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Frank she may not finish her term. Congress to defeat the impeachment dent had enriched himself and financed he was paid by Odebrecht engineer- on Friday it was moving to the McCall Jr, police chief of Berke- The federal police’s decision to process. election campaigns with money ing conglomerate with funds from the opposition. ley, Missouri; and Delrish Moss, take Lula in for questioning on Fri- “The risk of impeachment was skimmed from Petrobras contracts by Petrobras graft scheme. “The immediate consequence supervisor of public information day raised the temperature of Brazil’s dead and buried but it has come back Brazil’s largest engineering firms. The spread of the Petrobras scan- of the latest events is that there will and community relations for the political crisis on the streets, with with force,” said the Rousseff aide, Lula and Rousseff both gained dal to the presidential palace will be more pressure inside the party Miami Police Department. demonstrators for and against the rul- who requested anonymity because politically from the corruption put her coalition allies in a difficult to abandon ship and break with the Becker is white, while Jones, ing Workers’ Party clashing outside of the delicate situation. scheme, they said. If confirmed, position. Her main ally, the Brazilian government,” said an aide to Vice McCall and Moss are black. The his home in the outskirts of Sao Paulo. “Forget reforms. Brazil is para- Thursday’s reports of a plea bargain Democratic Movement Party (PDMB), President Michel Temer, leader of the racial composition of the police Rousseff’s opponents now expect lysed,” the aide said, downplaying any deal by Senator Delcidio Amaral appears to be already positioning party that has six ministers in Rous- department has been a source of a larger turnout for a national protest prospect of advancing fiscal and pen- would bolster an investigation by the itself for an end to the era of Work- seff’s cabinet. controversy since most officers on March 13 to rally support for their sion reforms to plug a massive fiscal Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) that ers’ Party dominance that began with The PMDB has its convention in are white while two-thirds of the efforts to impeach the president or deficit. The reforms were regarded threatens to annul Rousseff’s 2014 Lula’s election in 2002. The centrist Brasilia on March 12 where factions town’s population is black. get her 2014 re-election overturned. as important to bolstering flagging victory on the grounds it was funded party plans to field its own candidate in favor of joining the opposition The Justice Department initi- The main opposition party, the investor confidence in an economy using illicit funds. in 2018. will voice their support for the ated a civil rights investigation into Brazilian Social Democracy Party that shrank 3.8 percent last year. Adding to Rousseff’s woes, the The split could now happen ear- impeachment of Rousseff, which Ferguson’s policing after Michael (PSDB), has asked Congress to Prosecutors who ordered Friday’s strategist behind her 2010 and lier. The smaller Brazilian Socialist would put their leader Temer in the Brown, 18, was shot and killed by impeach Rousseff and said it plans raids on Lula’s home and offices said 2014 victories, João Santana, was Party (PSB), a former ally that had presidential seat. an officer in 2014. It was one of sev- eral killings of black men, mostly by white officers, that started a nationwide debate about the use of excessive force by police, espe- ‘Super bloom’ in Death Valley cially against minorities. It resulted Evidence mounts linking in a Justice Department report that was extremely critical of Ferguson’s police and court systems. Thomas Jackson, who had been chief at the time of Brown’s death Zika virus to birth defects and was criticized for the handling of the resulting protests, resigned in March 2015. Interim Chief Andre Reuters Organization last month to declare a to urgently craft a plan to attack Anderson, the city’s first black chief global public health emergency. the hard-to-control mosquito that of police, resigned in December. The WHO said on Friday that spreads the virus. The White House Ferguson officials had negoti- there is accumulating evidence of a is inviting officials involved in mos- ated a reform agreement with the GENEVA/WASHINGTON: Evidence link between the virus and micro- quito control and public health to Justice Department but the town’s mounted linking Zika to the birth cephaly as well as a rare disorder discuss how best to track and control city council asked for changes to defect microcephaly, and the United called Guillain-Barre syndrome in the spread of the virus and respond the deal last month. The Justice Nations health agency set a review which the immune system attacks when people are infected. Department sued in response. of travel advice related to the out- part of the nervous system. US federal health officials expect break of the virus while US officials The WHO’s Emergency Commit- the first locally transmitted cases Country music singer planned strategy to control mosqui- tee is due to meet on Tuesday to review of the Zika virus in the continental toes that spread it. “evolving information” and its rec- United States by June or July. Joey Feek dead The virus is capable of rapidly ommendations on travel, trade and “We can’t say for sure that we’re infecting and harming developing mosquito control in what is thought not going to have a major outbreak in LOS ANGELES: Country music fetal brain cells, scientists said in a to be high season for transmission of the United States. I do not think we singer Joey Feek has died of can- study that provided insight into how the virus in the southern hemisphere. will, but we will be prepared for it cer. She was 40. Joey passed away the virus might cause microcephaly The WHO last month advised preg- anyway,” Dr Anthony Fauci, director in her hometown of Alexandria, in fetuses. nant women to consider delaying travel of the US National Institute of Allergy Indiana, late on Friday after a long The researchers said the study, to areas where Zika is spreading. Travel and Infectious Diseases, said. battle with cervical cancer, reports published on Friday in the journal to Brazil has been a particular concern There were fresh signs of Zika- femalefirst.co.uk. Her husband and Cell Stem Cell, does not prove a direct because the Summer Olympics will be linked microcephaly cases outside music partner Rory Feek, 50, took causal link between Zika and micro- held in Rio de Janeiro in August. Brazil. Colombia reported its first to his blogging account and shared cephaly in newborns, a condition Dr Bruce Aylward, WHO’s execu- microcephaly case linked to Zika. the news of her death. The couple defined by unusually small heads that tive director for outbreaks and health In addition, doctors in Venezuela got married in 2002. can result in developmental prob- emergencies, said recently published reported their first suspected Zika- Rory wrote about Joey’s strug- lems. But they said it does identify studies in the Lancet medical journal linked microcephaly case in a fetus gle to deal with cancer. “When a where the virus may be inflicting the on microcephaly and by the U.S. Cent- that died whose mother likely was person has been through as much most damage in developing fetuses. ers for Disease Control and Prevention infected with the virus. pain and struggle as Joey’s been A Desert Gold wildflower is seen in dried earth in Death Valley Zika has been linked to numer- (CDC) on Guillain-Barre had strength- Brazil said it has confirmed more through, you just want it to be over. National Park, California. Unusually heavy rainfall in October ous cases of microcephaly in Brazil, ened the case that Zika is responsible. than 640 microcephaly cases and You want them to not have to hurt triggered a “super bloom”, carpeting Death Valley National Park, where the current outbreak began. The White House and the CDC considers most to be related to Zika anymore, more that you want them the hottest and driest place in North America, in gold, purple, The virus is spreading rapidly in will bring together U.S. state and infections in the mothers. Brazil is to stay with you. And so, it makes white and pink. The bloom is the park’s largest in a decade. Latin America and in Caribbean local officials on April 1 for a sum- investigating more than 4,200 addi- the hard job of saying goodbye just nations, prompting the World Health mit at the CDC’s Atlanta headquarters tional suspected microcephaly cases. a little easier,” he added. Peru bars candidate from presidential polls

Reuters front-runner Keiko Fujimori in a likely would ask the courts to step in. “This is Definitively barring either could June runoff, was allowed to stay in the a strike against democracy and antic- boost lesser-known candidates who race February 24 after he fulfilled a ipated fraud,” he said on Facebook. have edged up in recent polls, includ- series of technical requirements Acuna said he would continue ing leftist lawmaker Veronika Mendoza LIMA: Peru barred a presidential related to his party’s registration. campaigning until his appeal was and left-leaning former Lima mayoral hopeful from next month’s elections But those same technicalities were heard. A local TV channel had broad- candidate Alfredo Barnechea. because of vote-buying allegations cited by the Special Jury of Elections, cast footage of him promising cash to Fujimori could potentially pick up and also moved toward disqualifying which approves presidential tickets, in a handicapped man for medical care poor and rural votes from Acuna sup- likely runoff contender Julio Guzman accepting a citizen’s petition to declare and to a crowd in a shantytown so they porters, although probably not enough in a surprise decision that could turn Guzman’s candidacy “inadmissible” could build a levee. to give her the 50 percent needed to the race on its head. on Friday, a widely unexpected move Guzman and Acuna had climbed win outright. Acuna had 6 percent of Cesar Acuna, a wealthy former that again threatens to upend his bid. in polls on the back of voter frustra- voter intent in an Ipsos poll last month, governor, and Guzman, a centrist econ- The possibility of throwing out two tion with the other leading candidates, down to fourth place from double-digit omist, both said they would file appeals candidates weeks ahead of April 10 all well-known politicians who have figures that had ranked him second by tomorrow. The National Jury of Elec- elections has raised questions about sought the presidency at least once before a plagiarism scandal derailed Peruvian presidential candidate of the All for Peru (Todos por el Peru) tions can overrule the decisions made how free and fair the vote will be. Guz- before, including two ex-presidents his rise. Fujimori had 30 percent and late on Friday by a lower electoral panel. man summoned his supporters to a and Fujimori, the daughter of jailed Guzman 18 percent, and the two were Party, Julio Guzman makes fists as he is received by supporters after Guzman, seen by polls as tying rally in downtown Lima and said he ex-president Alberto Fujimori. virtually tied in a run-off scenario. a press conference in Lima late on Friday.

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The winner Gregory Wathelet from BEL in Japan robo dogs eyed for rescue missions acton during the Chi Al Shaqab Jumping 2016. Photo: Kammutty VP AFP technology to augment nature -- to the US for military dogs, but Ohno said Ohno had been developing rescue increase the chance of finding peo- his device is unique as it can send live robots but said while they could work ple as the clock ticks down. During the video from a dog's perspective to mul- long hours and in treacherous environ- training session last month in the city of tiple tablets at once. ments, they could not match canine JAPAN: Rescue dog Gonta, outfit- Fujimi north of Tokyo, Kazunori Ohno Unlike a heavy device used for large skills to find people over a wide area ted with a GPS-enabled backpack but monitored live video and a map trans- military dogs in the US, the outfit Ohno in a limited amount of time. Hong Kong to host 2017 world driven by his own innate sense of smell, mitted by the camera and GPS on Gonta developed can be used for medium- It is critical to find the trapped jumps onto a pile of collapsed rubble to to a tablet device. sized dogs, like Gonta who weighs 14 within the first 72 hours as the sur- track championships find buried survivors. Ohno, a professor at Japan's Tohoku kilogrammes. vival rate without food or water drops Though just a drill, the intensity University, said a big problem has been Such animals are considered ideal sharply after that. LONDON: Hong Kong will host the 2017 world track cycling cham- of the Brittany spaniel in scouring the that a handler could not know what was for rescue work as they can cover "I've learnt what robots can and pionships, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) said yesterday. It mound of broken concrete highlights happening once a dog entered a dam- treacherous terrain with greater ease cannot do... So I thought I could develop will be only the second time the showpiece event has been hosted the key role of sniffer dogs in saving aged structure alone. The pack, still in than bigger dogs. a new technology that can unite dogs in Asia, following Maebashi, Japan in 1990. lives when buildings collapse, such as development, helps overcome that hur- Gonta, with his coat of fluffy brown and robots," he said. Ohno hopes to start “I am delighted that the 2017 UCI Track Cycling World Cham- in earthquakes or explosions. dle. "A handler can check a video to see and white fur is usually playful and renting the pack this year to the Japan pionships will be held in Hong Kong,” UCI president Brian Cookson Ten-year-old Gonta helped search where a dog is searching, how it looks enthusiastic, but quickly turns serious Rescue Dog Association, a nonprofit announced at a news conference at the London velodrome currently for survivors after the massive 9.0 inside a building and where survivors when he gets the command to begin organisation with which he has been hosting this year’s championships. “The fact that the event is going magnitude earthquake and tsunami are located," he said. the rescue search. Dashing towards collaborating. to Asia for the second time marks an important milestone in the on March 11, 2011 -- back then he, like The device strapped to Gonta's back the rubble alone -- rescue dogs can Japan is a global seismic hotspot further globalisation of track cycling.” Hong Kong won its first ever other rescue dogs, relied on their olfac- weighs 1.3 kilogrammes (2.9 pounds) work away from their handlers -- he and while newer buildings can with- Olympic medal in cycling in London four years ago when Lee Wai tory instincts to look for survivors. while the tiny camera attached to one barks loudly when detecting a survivor, stand even major quakes, there are Sze took bronze in the women’s keirin. She also won a world silver But now a Japanese researcher says side of it is just 100 grams. Similar played by one of the dog trainers. His plenty of older structures and homes medal on Friday in the women’s 500m TT at the London velodrome. he has developed an idea that uses technologies have been developed in reward for success? Praise and petting. vulnerable to collapse. Recent drought in Mideast worst in 900 years Criminals like Apple iPhones because of AP Middle East, he added. Sink holes water was abundant. Cook said on the shoreline of the Dead Sea the research supported other near the town of Ghor Haditha in studies indicating human causes encryption: Police Jordan, show the retreating sea of extreme climate events. JERUSALEM: A recent, 14-year water line. Researchers with Last year, researchers at dry spell in the Middle East was NASA examine... Columbia University and the the worst drought in the past Sink holes on the shoreline University of California Santa Reuters Enforcement Officers. Associa- 900 years, according to a new of the Dead Sea near the town Barbara found that drought trig- tion and two others also cited a NASA study released this week. of Ghor Haditha in Jordan, show gered a collapse in agriculture jailhouse phone call intercepted NASA's researchers exam- the retreating sea water … in Syria and the migration of by New York authorities in 2015, ined records of rings of trees in Cook is a climate scien- 1.5 million farmers to the cit- LOS ANGELES: Some criminals in which an inmate called Apple’s several Mediterranean countries tist at NASA's Goddard Institute ies, straining resources. have switched to new iPhones as encrypted operating system a to determine patterns of dry and for Space Studies and the Lam- The water shortage was one their “device of choice” to com- “gift from God.” wet years across a span of 900 ont Doherty Earth Observatory of several contributing factors mit wrongdoing due to strong The government obtained a years. They concluded that the at Columbia University in New that had worsened the situa- encryption Apple Inc has placed court order requiring Apple to years from 1998 to 2012 were York City. The researchers used tion in Syria in the lead-up to on their products, three law write new software to disable drier than any other period, records of tree rings in Northern the outbreak of that country's enforcement groups said in a passcode protection and allow and that the drought was likely Africa, Greece, Lebanon, Jordan, devastating civil war in 2011. court filing. access to an iPhone used by one caused by humans. Syria and Turkey, and combined Michael Mann, director of The groups told a judge over- of the shooters in the December The study's lead author Ben the data with records from the Earth System Science Center seeing Apple’s battle with the US killings in San Bernardino, Cali- Cook said the range of extreme Spain, southern France and Italy at Penn State University, said the Department of Justice on Thurs- fornia. Apple asked that the order weather events in the eastern to examine patterns of drought NASA study is one of several day that, among other things, be vacated, arguing such a move Mediterranean has varied widely across time in the region. They worrying reports about unprec- they were aware of “numerous would set a dangerous precedent in the past nine centuries, but the studied rings of trees, both liv- edented climate conditions. instances” in which criminals and threaten customer security. past two decades stand out. ing and dead, that were sampled Mann noted that tree rings "have who previously used so-called Tech industry leaders including "This recent drought falls all over the region. Rings in the their limitations and uncertain- throwaway burner phones had Google, Facebook and Microsoft outside the range of natural trunks of trees represent years. ties," but said "the authors have Sink holes on the shoreline of the Dead Sea near the switched to iPhones. They did not and more than two dozen other variability," he said. Drought Thin rings indicate dry years; done a reasonable job in assess- town of Ghor Haditha in Jordan, show the retreating list a specific instance. companies filed legal briefs on has continued in parts of the thick rings show years when ing the uncertainties." sea water. The brief by the Federal Law Thursday supporting Apple. SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 • 26 Jumada I 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Moody’s places Kuwait’s Aa2 rating under review

the need to take a rating action to reflect the points and the fiscal balance turned into a def- impact of the price shock, QNA reported quot- icit of 1.1 percent of GDP in 2015 from a surplus Moody’s will assess the ing Kuwait News Agency. of almost 35 percent in 2013. Moody’s estimates extent of the impact of Moody’s expects to complete the review that, during the same period, the country’s cur- the further sharp fall in within two months, according to a statement rent account surplus relative to GDP fell to six released by the agency on Friday. percent from around 40 percent, and nomi- oil prices on Kuwait’s Kuwait is highly dependent on hydro- nal GDP contracted by more than 30 percent. economic performance. carbons to drive economic growth and to Assuming a limited policy response, the finance government expenditure. Oil and gas depressed oil prices for the coming years would accounted for over 90 percent of total goods imply a further reduction in government rev- exports and roughly 63 percent of nominal enues of around 16 percent in 2016 and only a The Peninsula GDP in 2014, the latest date for which full-year gradual recovery thereafter, with total reve- official statistics are available. It also provides nues only recovering to 2009 levels in nominal around 77 percent of total government reve- terms by the end of 2019. nues. Between September 2014 and September With average annual expenditure growth DOHA: Moody’s Investors Service has placed 2015, the oil price roughly halved. Since then, of about 4.5 percent per year between 2016 Kuwait’s Aa2 long-term issuer rating on review it has fallen a further 40 percent. and 2019, this would result in an average fis- for downgrade. During the review, Moody’s will Moody’s recently revised its oil price cal deficit of around five percent of GDP for assess the extent of the impact of the further assumptions for Brent to $33 per barrel in 2016 the time period. Assuming a funding mix of sharp fall in oil prices, which Moody’s expects and $38 per barrel in 2017, rising only slowly 80 percent via debt issuance and 20 percent to remain low for several years, on Kuwait’s thereafter to $48 by 2019. The structural shock from government reserves, this would imply a economic performance and the balance sheet to the oil market is weakening Kuwait’s gov- rise in Kuwait’s general government debt stock of its government in the coming years. ernment balance sheet and its economy, and to around 25 percent of GDP by 2019, up from In particular, the review will allow Moody’s therefore also its credit profile. Moody’s projects 7.6 percent in 2014. That would shift Moody’s to determine the extent to which Kuwait’s that between 2013 and 2015, revenue as a per- assessment of the government’s fiscal strength economic and fiscal strength insulate it from centage of GDP declined by 17.5 percentage to ‘Very High’ from ‘Very High (+)’. 22 SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

Citi executives Global jewellery market moves to Asia avoid US charges over a great year. Yes, oil is going up. But Gold jewellery acounts for the World’s most important network- we have to see whether the trend will largest amount of jewellerymarket ing platforms for jewellery, gold, mortgage bonds India and China continue,” Corrado Facco, Manag- consumption in Mainland China, more precious stones and diamonds. together make out ing Director of Fiera di Vicenza and than 50 percent. In 2013, the slump in This year’s show will bring for the 65 percent of Vice-President of DV Global Link, gold price provoked consumers’ inter- together the industry’s key players at NEW YORK: US authorities have the organiser of high-profile jewel- est for purchase, which made the gold an exclusive event in the Dubai World decided not to pursue criminal global gold market. lery trade show VICENZAORO DUBAI jewellery market consumption jump Trade Centre from April 14 to 17. An all- charges against any Citigroup Inc (VOD) told The Peninsula. by 42.5 percent that year, to 716.5 round platform for operators, buyers executives or employees involved Corrado said the risks in Europe tonnes. In 2014, as gold prices moder- and visitors, it si designed to offer the in packaging and selling mort- are stacking up. With the slowdown ated, the gold rush retreated, resulting highest standards in terms of quality, gage-backed securities at the heart The Peninsula in Europe and shift in global demo- in a year-on-year decline of 6.9 million research, knowhow and innovation, of the 2008 financial crisis, a gov- graphic pattern, the global luxury percent in gold jewelry consumption in terms of trends in jewellery. Exhib- ernment report shows. market is slowly shifting to Asia and to 667.1 tonnes. itors will be provided the opportunity The decision, which followed the Pacific region. “Asia’s i –Genera- Corrado, who was in Doha to present their very latest collections Citigroup’s $7bn settlement in DOHA: Weighed by oil prices, the tion is going to drive global jewellery recently to attend, the Doha Jewelry to professional public hailing from four 2014 resolving federal and state region’s retail jewellery market is cur- market. Currently, India and China and Watches Exhibition, however, strategic markets-the Middle East, civil claims related to mortgage rently facing immense pressure and together make out for the 65 percent of said the second edition of VICENZA- Eurasia, North and East Africa , and bonds, was described in a Novem- the market trend is expected to con- global gold market. An estimated 1,800 ORO DUBAI, will attract top global Central and Southern Asia. Last year, ber report obtained in response tinue for short term, according to a tonnes of gold are being converted names this time as well. The Super the response from Qatar was quite to a Freedom of Information Act leading market expert. into jewellery in a year. Of this, more Show, which is organised by DV Glo- encouraging. Some top retailers from request. Corrado Facco, Managing Director “We have to really watch out how than one third of the yellow metal is bal Link, a joint venture between Fiera Qatar has already confirmed their Its release marked the first global economy will be doing before being processed in India and China. di Vicenza and the Dubai World Trade presence at 2016 show. The organis- of Fiera di Vicenza and Vice- public acknowledgement by US predicting a long term outlook. Cur- This clearly means the global jewel- Centre (DWTC) has confirmed its sta- ers are planning to hold a road show President of DV Global Link. authorities that executives at a Pic: Abdul B/The Peninsula rently, I do not think that we will have lery market is shifting to Asia”, he said. tus as one of the in Qatar in the coming weeks. major bank linked to the finan- cial crisis would face no criminal charges for their involvement in selling billions of dollars of toxic mortgage bonds. The report, by the Federal QBA holds seminar Housing Finance Agency’s Office of Inspector General, one of the agen- cies in the Citigroup probe, said following the settlement, prosecu- on UK taxation tors reviewed the evidence to see if any individuals could be charged and determined “there was not enough compelling evidence.” system for members The investigation focused on the bank’s practices related to its sale and issuance of mortgage The Peninsula tax rules governing investment into bonds from 2006 to 2007. UK residential property by individu- The two-page report, which als from Qatar. summarised the investigation and He explained all the main taxes called the probe closed, does not DOHA: The Qatari Businessmen’s (stamp duty land tax, capital gains name any individuals that were Association, in cooperation with the tax, inheritance tax, income tax and investigated, nor does it elabo- British Embassy in Qatar, organised the annual tax on enveloped dwell- rate on why individuals could not a seminar highlighting the UK taxa- ings) and noted that, although the be successfully prosecuted. tion system. rules have changed over the past few Patrick Rodenbush, a US Jus- The seminar covered several years and in some cases are now less tice Department spokesman, in a key areas of interest for the local favorable, with proper planning it is statement noted the department in businesses and private individuals, still possible to invest in UK residen- September announced a new pol- such as the UK Tax for personal and tial property, both as holiday homes icy that “emphasises the priority in business investments, the latest UK and as a rental investment, in a tax any corporate case of holding indi- residential property taxation and the efficient way. It is however important vidual wrongdoers accountable.” ways to set up business in the UK. to structure properly at the outset, He declined to say, though, Participants at the seminar. In light of its continuous activities since it can be harder to make an if individuals at any other banks to deliver high level services to the inefficient ownership structure tax investigated for practices related Qatari business community, the QBA efficient after purchase. be reviewed, ideally in the course of no two cases are the same, but by way it provides an internationally very to mortgage-backed securities will be organising a series of seminars Master drew attention to the pro- 2016, but not until the new propos- of guidance a Qatari individual who competitive rate of tax, and is very remained under investigation. and roundtables to present and dis- posal to extend inheritance tax to als have been clarified. has never been UK tax resident in the investor friendly. The status of any such probe is cuss various topics that would be of residential property held by non-UK He also spoke about the rules past, who does not work in the UK, The specialist also stated the unknown. A Citigroup spokes- interest to all businessmen. companies, from April 2017. The new governing when an individual has no UK resident immediate fam- incentives that are available for woman, Danielle Romero-Apsilos, The UK tax briefing private sem- rules are not yet finalised, and fur- becomes tax resident in the UK. This ily, but has a place to live available in companies involved in creating and declined comment on Friday and inar was organised in collaboration ther details are awaited from the UK is important because non-UK resi- the UK, could generally spend up to exploiting new technologies, and also a spokeswoman for the FHFA with the UK Trade and Investment Government, but if they do come into dents are exposed to fewer UK taxes 120 midnights in the UK per UK tax for individuals who invest in early Office of Inspector General did not Authority, where Charles Russell force next year as expected, it will than UK residents. It is possible to year (April 6 to April 5), 90 midnights stage. He also mentioned that the respond to a request for comment. Speechly’s LLP presented the UK tax- be important for anyone with such a become UK resident and live in the would be even safer in most cases. UK’s headline rate or corporate tax The review for potential cases ation system. structure to review it to see if a com- UK tax efficiently, but advance plan- Julian Christmas from UK Trade is currently 20 percent, the joint low- against individuals was conducted Piers Master, a partner at inter- pany is still appropriate. Each case ning in the tax year before arrival is & Investment Authority introduced est rate of the G20 economies, and it with the US Attorney’s Office in national law firm Charles Russell will turn on its own facts but what is normally required. Master stressed the UK Corporate tax system as a will be reduced to 19 percent in 2017 Colorado, one of two US attor- Speechlys LLP, spoke about the UK certain is that structures will need to that generalisation is dangerous, and very simple and administer one as and 18 percent in 2020. ney’s offices involved. Honour for QPMC’s sustainable CSR initiatives

The Peninsula

DOHA: The sustainable CSR plans and initiatives of Qatar Primary Materials Company (QPMC) were honoured at the launch ceremony of the fourth edition of the National CSR Report held at Qatar University (QU) recently in the presence of the ‘CSR Person of the Year 2015’, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Com- mittee (QOC). Gulf Air representatives and other officials at the travel fair. The launch of the National Cor- porate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report (Leaders’ Visions) was held under the patronage of Prime Min- Gulf Air participates in ister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdulla bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. With its keen efforts aimed at Saudi Aramco Travel Fair serving the community in Qatar, Eisa Al Hammadi (right), CEO of QPMC, receiving the commemorative shield from Dr Hassan Rashid Al QPMC pays high tribute to signifi- Derham, President of Qatar University, during the ceremony. cant community programs and events The Peninsula destinations in Saudi Arabia and that contribute to the wellbeing of the part of QPMC’s vision in achieving the public, our property and the envi- All QPMC employees and contrac- its flexible and convenient travel Qatari community at large. Awarded corporate social responsibility and ronment in which they work and tors attend mandatory training on proposition. for its annual progress of sustainable sustainable development.” live. It is a commitment that is in the safety guidelines and procedures on DOHA: Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national Gulf Air A/Chief Commercial development in society especially in He added, “Our aim is to help best interests of our customers, our site before starting their duty. Human carrier, has successfully partici- Officer Ahmed Janahi, said: “Par- CSR and for its dedication in serving contribute to the nationwide CSR ini- employees and all other stakehold- resources department organises staff pated in the recent Saudi Aramco ticipating in the Saudi Aramco Travel the Qatar national vision, “QPMC is tiatives, across various key pillars and ers to follow safety regulation and sessions concerning the required Travel Fair which was held between Fair offers us an ideal opportunity determined to contribute to building at the forefront of achieving a sus- reduce incident as far as reasonable business rules and behavior regula- February 28 and March 3 at Saudi to showcase the distinctive Gulf Air bridges between cultures foremost tainable CSR plan in alignment with and practicality,” he said. tions and explain medical insurance Aramco’s worldwide headquarters offering to the Saudi Aramco team. between its labours and employees our company’s prime programmes: The HSE team consists of 11 services offered. in Dhahran. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one and to partake in key CSR initiatives Health, Safety and Environmental employees, including heads of In addition, QPMC introduced the Alongside over 50 travel and of our key markets in which we have that achieve sustainable develop- (HSE) Management is an integral and departments who work in the morn- concept of the suggestion box to col- hospitality exhibitors, Bahrain’s had a strong presence dating back ment across all the community in one essential part of the way we do our ing shift and the administrators who lect all the suggestions, complaints national carrier showcased and to 1950 (when Gulf Air launched its human bound, a leading example for business and is considered an equal supervise health and safety in two and other information on a weekly promoted some of the airline’s key Dammam operations). Events such which Qatar is known for. part of the wider system for the man- shifts in the afternoon and at night basis from work sites, and are dealt products and services, its attrac- as these allow us to further consoli- Eisa Al Hammadi, CEO of QPMC, agement of our business.” covering all sites and operations 24 with in a very serious manner and tive flight schedule to/from five date our position in the market.” said: “Serving the community is a key “Our goal is to protect our people, hours a day. with full confidentiality. BUSINESS SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 23

China lays Investcorp out its vision to become a acquires The tech power

BEIJING: China aims to become a world leader in advanced industries such as semiconduc- Wrench Group tors and in the next generation of chip materials, robotics, avia- tion equipment and satellites, the of home services in each of its mar- government said in its blueprint The Wrench kets due to high brand recognition for development between 2016 and commitment to exceptional and 2020. Group serves over customer service. The Company is In its new draft five-year 140,000 customers poised for continued growth in exist- development plan unveiled yester- ing and new markets. day, Beijing also said it aims to use throughout Atlanta, Ramzi Abdel Jaber, Managing the Internet to bolster a slowing Dallas, Houston and Director at Investcorp for Qatar, said, economy and make the country “The Wrench Group is a great fit for a cyber power. Phoenix markets. Investcorp’s portfolio of corporate China aims to boost its R&D Ali Hamad Al Mesaifri (right), Director of Human Resources and Public Services at QIIB, receiving the investments and we look forward spending to 2.5 percent of gross to partnering with the management commemorative shield from Dr Hassan Rashid Al Derham, President of Qatar University, during the ceremony. domestic product for the five-year The Peninsula team who have a track record of suc- period, compared with 2.1 percent cess. We believe our financial and of GDP in 2011-to-2015. operational expertise will provide Innovation is the primary value as we explore development driving force for the country’s DOHA: Investcorp, a leading pro- opportunities for the Company.” QIIB honoured for CSR role development, Premier Li Keqiang vider and manager of alternative As part of the transaction, said in a speech at the start of the investment products, has announced management will continue in their annual full session of parliament. the acquisition of The Wrench Group. current roles with the Company China is hoping to marry its The Company was formerly control- and retain a meaningful interest in The Peninsula fourth annual national report on CSR. services that meet the society’s needs. tech sector’s nimbleness and led by Alpine Investors, Skylight Wrench. Collin Hathaway, Manag- Commenting on the honour QIIB also strives to achieve growth by ability to gather and process Capital, and Wrench management. ing Partner of Skylight Capital and bestowed on QIIB for its efforts in implementing standards and controls mountains of data to make other, The Wrench Group provides essen- Chairman of Wrench said, “We spent CSR and the overall service to soci- that are in line with the economic traditional areas of the economy tial home maintenance and repair the past five years identifying and DOHA: In recognition of its leading ety, Al Mesaifri said: “We, at QIIB, are development of various sectors. The more advanced and efficient, with services, including heating, ventila- partnering with the best regional role in the field of Corporate Social proud to be honoured for the second bank does not only seek to make a an eye to shoring up its slowing tion and air conditioning, plumbing companies, leaders, and cultures in Responsibility, Qatar CSR Network time in a row, but we are more proud profit and concentrate on consumer economy and helping transition and electrical services. the non-discretionary home serv- has honoured Qatar International to continuously support the activities finance but also constantly focuses to a growth model that is driven The Company operates in a large ice space. Investcorp shares our Islamic Bank (QIIB) for the second that serve society and provide added on finance operations that boost more by services and consumption and fragmented $200bn market and commitment to our team, our cus- year in a row along with other enti- value as we seek to be efficient and development. Thus, the bank concen- than by exports and investment. has demonstrated consistent growth tomers and our industry, and we are ties during a ceremony held at Qatar contribute in the achievement of sus- trates on financing and supporting This policy, known as “Internet through all economic cycles. thrilled to have them as a partner University under the patronage of tainable development”. SMEs, which has made it a leader in Plus”, also applies to government, The Wrench Group currently and resource.” Prime Minister and Minister of Inte- He said, “We constantly work this field in Qatar that serves the larg- health care and education. serves over 140,000 customers Graham Weaver, Founder and rior H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser realising the ethical principles that est segment of the community”. As technology has come to throughout the Atlanta, Dallas, Hou- Partner of Alpine Investors added: bin Khalifa Al Thani. The event was we comply with in all our trans- “The bank’s strategy constantly permeate every layer of Chinese ston and Phoenix markets, four of “The management team at Wrench held as part of honouring CSR lead- actions, including those related to focuses on attracting, support- business and society, controlling the fastest growing metropolitan has built a world class, durable ers in Qatar for 2015. non-profit activities. The bank’s com- ing, qualifying and training Qatari technology and using technology areas in the United States. company that continues to provide Ali Hamad Al Mesaifri, Direc- mitment to CSR is undisputable and personnel and 2015 marked a new to exert control have become key It is marketed regionally through incredible service and value to thou- tor of Human Resources and Public its support covers various activities, advancement in this field as QIIB priorities for the government. four prominent brands: Coolray, Ber- sands of customers throughout the Services at QIIB received the com- be it in the field of education, reli- organised its second three-day job China will implement its keys, Abacus and Parker & Sons. US We are honoured to have Invest- memorative shield from Dr Hassan gion, health, sport, culture or others”. fair, which saw an impressive turn- “cyber power strategy”, the five- With approximately $150m in rev- corp, a first rate and experienced Rashid Al Derham, President of Qatar “QIIB’s responsibility is man- out. The bank also guaranteed career year plan said, underscoring the enue for 2015, The Wrench Group investor, as a partner to help the University, during the ceremony that ifested first in the introduction of advancement opportunities to all weight Beijing gives to controlling is positioned as a leading provider Company realise its potential.” also witnessed the launching of the high-quality banking products and new employees. the Internet, both for domes- tic national security and the aim of becoming a powerful voice in international governance of the web. China aims to increase Internet control capabilities, set Two-day entrepreneurship forum opens tomorrow up a network security review system, strengthen cyberspace control and promote a multilat- eral, democratic and transparent The Peninsula “The importance of this Forum that deeper knowledge and under- SME’s and Entrepreneurs’ to be con- international Internet governance is highlighted by the presence of standing about entrepreneurship is ducted on the first day of the Forum. system, according to the plan. high-calibre experts and decision shared, which in turn facilitates the To kick off the second day of the China will “strengthen the makers in the field of entrepreneur- crafting of academic programmes event, Mohammed Jaffar, Founder of struggle against enemies in online DOHA: Prominent business leaders ship and there is no doubt that the that meet the requirement of a fast- the E-Commerce business “Talabat. sovereign space and increase con- and leading academicians from the government’s support to this impor- changing business and economic com” from Kuwait will reveal some trol of online public sentiment,” region and the world are expected to tant and vital sector is a key element environment. “We in the academic secrets to his success in Q&A format said the plan. It will also “perfect exchange ideas and vital concerns in achieving the development of the community look forward to having session on ‘Success Story: How Did I cybersecurity laws and legislation”. as well as the latest information on entrepreneurial system in the state continuous and constant dialogue Do It’. Founded in 2004 as a Kuwait- Such laws and regulations have entrepreneurship during the third and activating it.” said Abdul Aziz amongst all stakeholders in order to based online food delivery service, it sparked fear amongst foreign busi- edition of the ‘Entrepreneurship in Al Khalifa (pictured), CEO of Qatar keep students up-to-date with the cur- has since grown into one of the larg- nesses operating in China, and Economic Development Forum’ which Development Bank (QDB). “And at rent trends on entrepreneurship.” est companies in the region, covering prompted major powers to express opens tomorrow. QDB, we are proud of the leadership Other speakers from both the Oman, the UAE, Kuwait, KSA, Qatar concern to Beijing over three new Organised by Qatar University role that we are playing to provide key public and private sectors as well as and Bahrain. The site operates with or planned laws, including one on (QU) and Qatar Development Bank services to this sector in general and the academe are Kabalan Abisaab, the over 1,300 restaurants, including counterterrorism. (QDB), the two-day event will take to Qatari entrepreneurs in particular.” through exchanges of information and Ambassador of the Republic of Ecua- major brands like Burger King, KFC, These laws codify sweep- place under the patronage of Prime “The academic community, whilst insights with the key business lead- dor to Qatar and Kaleem Mohammed Johnny Rocket’s, Hardees, TGI Fridays, ing powers for the government Minister and Interior Minister H E presenting its theoretical expertise ers and government officials,” said Dr Al Yaqoobi, Founder and CEO of GEE and Subway. Due to its phenomenal to combat perceived threats, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Kha- on entrepreneurship, is very much in Nitham Hindi, Dean of the College of from Oman, who will both provide success, the company was purchased from widespread censorship to lifa Al Thani, at the Sheraton Doha touch with the realities of everyday Business and Economics at QU. “It is their insights in the panel discussion by the German ecommerce group heightened control over certain Resort and Convention Hotel. business and governmental operations through platforms such as this Forum of on ‘Government Intervention with Rocket Internet for $170m in 2015. technologies. Malabar Gold launches Solitaire One India to study mergers of state-run banks The Peninsula

Reuters than numerically a larger number,” Jaitley said. “What is the best course DOHA: Malabar Gold & Diamonds has for consolidation? Where do you launched Solitaire One — an exclusive start from? Which are the banks to collection of solitaires showcasing a GURGAON: India will consider be considered?,” the minister said. wide collection of loose solitaires in merging some of its more than two He added that the planned panel various sizes, colour and quality. Every dozen state-run banks, the finance would consider options such as mak- Solitaire One gemstone is certified by minister said yesterday, as the gov- ing some banks subsidiaries under a leading international certification ernment seeks to improve efficiency holding company, merging a weaker agencies like GIA, IGI and HRD. at the ailing lenders that dominate bank with a stronger bank, or allow- “As a preferred jewellery retailer the nation’s banking sector. ing banks that are stronger in a for diamonds, we have developed Bankers have “strongly sup- particular region to merge. Solitaire One to showcase a wide col- ported” the idea of consolidation, Central bank Governor Raghuram lection of loose solitaires in various suggesting the government form a Rajan said in January it was “prema- sizes, colour and quality.’ said Shamlal panel of experts to devise a merger ture” to talk of bank mergers when Ahamed, Managing Director – Inter- strategy, Arun Jaitley said after a managements were preoccupied with national Operations at Malabar Gold two-day annual brainstorming event dealing with stressed assets. & Diamonds. of industry leaders and officials from Jaitley said it was too early to say “While buying a solitaire diamond, the central bank and finance min- how many state-run banks would the customer should exercise great istry. State-run lenders hold more emerge at the end of a consolida- attention and ensure that they buy than two-thirds of assets in India’s tion process and declined to give only from reputed jewellery retailers. banking industry. But they also hold any timeline for the shake-up. Among One should also demand certificates about 85 percent of non-performing other measures, he said, the govern- for the diamonds from leading certifi- Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan unveils ‘Solitaire One’ brand from Malabar Gold & Diamonds in the loans after adding toxic assets at a ment was considering an employee cation agencies like IGI or GIA’ said KP presence of Malabar Group Chairman Ahammed MP, Malabar Gold & Diamonds International Operations faster pace than their private sector stock option plan for state-run banks, Abdul Salam, Group Executive Director Managing Director Shamlal Ahamed MP, Malabar Group Group Executive Director Abdul Salam KP, Malabar rivals, hurting profitability. where senior executives earn far less – Malabar Gold & Diamonds. Group Corporate Executive Director AK Faisal and other dignitaries of Malabar Gold & Diamonds. “You need strong banks rather than their private sector counterparts. 24 SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS China cuts 2016 growth target to 6.5-7%: Li

(NPC) parliament, the country’s Com- east, called the speech “fairly prag- exports and investments to consumer- munist-controlled legislature, that this matic”, adding it “touched on many led growth, seen as slower but more Chinese Premier says year’s growth target was “6.5 percent problems”. sustainable. downward pressure to 7 percent”. “Every area has places that are Nevertheless, Li said that this Li struck a deeply realistic tone, still imperfect, lots of things can’t be year, central government investment on the economy is cataloguing the impact on the coun- accomplished in one shot,” he told spending would rise to 500bn yuan growing and will face try’s outlook of weak trade growth, AFP. “It’s like climbing a mountain. ($77bn), while nationwide spending more and tougher fluctuations in commodity and finan- You go up step by step. It’s impossi- on railway construction would exceed cial markets, and rising geopolitical ble to walk to the top in a single step.” 800bn yuan and road-building would problems this year. risks. “China will face more and Premier Li said that authorities top 1.65 trillion yuan. China’s leaders tougher problems and challenges would make much-needed cuts to have sought to reassure jittery glo- in its development this year, so we overcapacity in the steel, coal, and bal markets in recent weeks with a must be fully prepared to fight a dif- “other industries facing difficulties”. unified message that authorities still AFP ficult battle,” he said, adding that the State-owned enterprises, many of have monetary and fiscal policy tools government would increase deficit which are plagued by inefficiencies in their arsenal to keep the economy spending. and overcapacities, will be prompted from further slowdown. “Downward pressure on the “to make structural adjustments”, he Li projected a government deficit BEIJING: China yesterday cut its economy is growing,” Li said. “Domes- said, with some reorganised, merged, for 2016 of 2.18 trillion yuan, 3.0 per- growth target for this year to a range tically, problems and risks that have or forced to exit the market. cent of GDP, up from 2.3 percent last of 6.5 to 7 percent, as the world’s sec- been building up over the years are Such pledges have been made year, which would be the highest for ond-largest economy faces a litany becoming more evident.” many times before and Christopher several decades. of challenges from overcapacity to Anne Stevenson-Yang, co-founder Balding, professor of economics at A three percent level has long weak trade. of investment advisers J Capital Peking University’s HSBC Business been seen as a red line by authori- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks at the National People’s Congress The country is a key driver of glo- Research, said Li was sending a mes- School, told AFP the cuts were insuffi- ties, but Li noted that such a ratio was bal growth but expansion fell last year sage that “’This is a painful year. We at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday. cient to cancel out additional capacity lower than in other major economies. to 6.9 percent, its slowest in a quar- are going to grit our teeth and hope we recently added or still coming online. China was also targeting con- ter of a century, and worries over its can create an upturn in 2017’.” worn by ethnic minorities at official thousands of sheets of paper turning “A lot of these problems they’ve sumer inflation of around 3 percent health have sent tremors through The annual, highly choreographed ceremonies. Li’s nearly two-hour simultaneously each time he finished been talking about for many years but and unemployment within 4.5 stock markets around the world. event at the Great Hall of the People speech to serried ranks of delegates reading a page. nothing has come of it,” he said. percent, he added, and pledged Premier Li Keqiang told the open- featured mostly male attendees in was punctuated by regular bursts Audience member Zhao Jiajun, a China is attempting a diffi- reductions in releases of some major ing of the National People’s Congress dark suits or the colourful costumes of polite applause, and the sound of doctor from Shandong province in the cult transition from dependence on pollutants.

Corus set to win Iran and Turkey aim to IMF eyes subsidies and simple shareholder vote triple trade to $30bn things to tackle climate change for $2bn deal

AFP for our trade,” Jahangiri said in a Reuters taxed that would go a long way in TORONTO: Corus Entertainment press briefing broadcast on state addressing the climate change issues Inc’s minority shareholders are television, outlining a two year time- the world is facing.” set to approve its C$2.65bn ($2bn) frame for upping the figure from its She also encouraged individuals bid for Shaw Communications TEHRAN: Iran and Turkey aim to current $10bn. CAMBRIDGE: Turning the tide on to do their part by simple things such Inc’s media assets, despite vocal triple their annual trade to $30bn Trade between Turkey and Iran global warming should be tackled by as opting to ride a bicycle instead of opposition from private equity within two years, officials said in slipped from $15bn to around $10bn big and small steps that range from driving cars, drawing applause from firm Catalyst Capital, according Tehran yesterday, despite the two in the past 12 months, with less cutting subsidies to riding bicycles, the audience of students, faculty and to two sources familiar with the countries being at odds over fight- imports reaching Tehran. International Monetary Fund Man- local residents. situation. ing in Syria. Iran sells gas to Turkey and an aging Director Christine Lagarde In December, nations agreed to a A Corus shareholder vote is Following last year’s nuclear deal increase in exports is one of the top- (pictured) said yesterday. landmark global climate accord for set for March 9. The transaction with world powers Iran is being tar- ics that should be discussed during “Removing fossil fuel subsidies transforming the world’s fossil fuel- needs to win the approval of more geted by Europe as a new market but Davutoglu’s trip. would go a long way to cutting con- driven economy within decades. than half of Corus’ minority share- Turkey is also seeking to cash in after The trade target comes after ten- sumption,” Lagarde said in answer Lagarde said that the IMF, which holders, as it is a related-party the end of most international sanc- sions rose between Turkey and Iran to a question at Massachusetts Insti- competition among insurers and has not historically focused on the deal with the Shaw family own- tions on Iran. over the war in Syria after Ankara tute of Technology about how climate raising the retirement age could go issue of climate change, is now ing controlling stakes in both Shaw Visiting the Iranian capital, shot down a Russian fighter plane change can be addressed. a long way to helping. becoming more engaged by pro- Communications and Corus. Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Dav- last year. She had delivered a speech on Speaking months after the end of ducing research papers on the right The majority of the proxies utoglu met Iran’s first Vice-President Jahangiri acknowledged that how to promote growth in the face the hottest year on record, Lagarde price of energy and how to remove have come in ahead of the vote, Eshaq Jahangiri. Iran has “differences” with Turkey of an aging population and said said “If subsidies were removed and subsidies. She called the steps the and over 75 percent of the prox- “We have set a target of $30bn on regional issues. that “game changers” including carbon prices set properly now and “beginnings of our contributions.” ies tendered are in favour of the transaction, one of the sources said, speaking on condition of ano- nymity as the matter is private. “It’s a done deal,” the source said. It is still unclear though Google tweaks ‘right to be forgotten’ in EU searches whether the vote will proceed on Wednesday, as the Ontario’s securities regulator is currently AFP to restrict access to the delisted URL inaccurate or no longer relevant. searches made on google.de, google. new practice is more complex but weighing whether Corus needs on all Google Search domains, includ- Google set up an online form that fr, google.co.uk and other domains still could have loopholes. to provide additional disclosures. ing google.com, when accessed from people in Europe can fill out to ask within Europe. “We’re changing our “It’s worldwide censorship for The regulator, which held a the country of the person requesting for information to be excluded from approach as a result of specific dis- those within the country where the hearing on the matter on Friday, WASHINGTON: Google said it would the removal,” said a blog post from search results. cussions that we’ve had with EU request was granted, in the sense has now adjourned the matter until implement changes in how it applies Google’s global privacy counsel Peter Now a part of the holding com- data protection regulators in recent that no matter what edition of Google tomorrow. A Corus lawyer at the the so-called right to be forgotten for Fleischer. pany Alphabet under a reorganisation, months,” Fleischer said. they use, the removed listings will not hearing said the company has so online searches made in Europe. “We’ll apply the change retro- Google’s moves failed to satisfy “We believe that this additional show for the terms involved,” Sullivan far not received objections from The changes, to be implemented spectively, to all delistings that we some regulators, notably in France, layer of delisting enables us to pro- said in a blog post. any other minority investors and this week, would close a loophole that have already done under the Euro- because the users could get around vide the enhanced protections that “Outside the EU, none of the cen- that it expects to win sufficient allowed Europeans to find deleted pean Court ruling.” the restriction. European regulators ask us for, while sorship will be in place — so it’s not minority shareholder support for entries by using Google.com instead of A European Court of Justice rul- Google has not changed search also upholding the rights of people worldwide when considered that way. the deal. the search page for their local country. ing in May 2014 recognising the “right results in other areas such as the in other countries to access lawfully This will also be the case for anyone Catalyst Capital on Friday “Starting next week, in addition to to be forgotten” opened the door for United States. published information.” within the EU who manages to dis- called on the Shaw family to prove our existing practice, we will also use Google users to ask the search engine Up to now, Google had been Danny Sullivan, editor of the guise their location, such as someone the deal was the result of a fair, geolocation signals (like IP addresses) to remove results about them that are deleting certain results from Search Engine Land blog, said the using a VPN.” competitive process.

Expansion of Toyota plant in Argentina Volkswagen brand boss sees US emission deal within months

Reuters Department, the Environmental profitability to be able to afford new Protection Agency and California technologies and compete with rivals Resources Board. in the digital age. But Diess, in an interview with “The Volkswagen brand still BERLIN: Volkswagen’s brand German regional newspaper Wolfs- has some work to do to become chief Herbert Diess said it will burger Allgemeine Zeitung published more profitable in coming years,” take months rather than weeks to yesterday, said it may take months Diess said. “We will not get a second reach an agreement with US regula- rather than weeks for to reach a chance.” tors on an emissions fix for 600,000 settlement. Diess wants to cede more powers diesel cars, a newspaper reported “I believe we have good chances to regional operations and stream- yesterday. to achieve an agreement with the line vehicle development as part of a US District Judge Charles Breyer authorities in the United States in 12-point plan to increase cost savings last month turned up the heat on the next months,” the executive said. and ready the brand for the arrival Volkswagen (VW) by setting a March Europe’s largest automaker has of electric and autonomous mobility. 24 deadline to the carmaker to state said previously it was considering The executive is expected to whether it has found a fix that is buying back cars as part of a set- outline his plans before thousands acceptable to US regulators. tlement, a move that could cost it of workers at a staff gathering at Volkswagen lawyer Robert billions. Volkswagen’s base in Wolfsburg on Giuffra told Breyer at the Febru- Separately, Diess reinforced calls Tuesday, alongside Chief Executive President of Argentina Mauricio Macri (left) at the opening ceremony of the expansion of Toyota plant ary 25 hearing that the carmaker for further cost cuts at Volkswagen’s Matthias Mueller, labour boss Bernd in Zarate, Argentina, on Friday. was making progress in trying to biggest division by sales and reve- Osterloh and Lower Saxony premier reach a settlement with the Justice nue, saying the brand must improve Stephan Weil. BUSINESS SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 25

Ballooning bad World’s largest floating solar farm loans in Turkey worsening

funding costs and the weaker cur- rency will all take a toll on the The rise in bad loans corporate sector,” he said. is compounding Concerns over credit quality have exerted pressure on Turkish the challenges for bank shares in the past 12 months, Turkey’s $814bn with a gauge of 11 lenders dropping banking industry. 16 percent versus a decline of 6.7 percent for the benchmark Borsa Istanbul 100 Index. Turkiye Halk Bankasi AS and Turkiye IS Ban- kasi, known as Isbank, slid at least Bloomberg 24 percent. Isbank, the nation’s largest listed lender by assets, last month said a single bad loan from a company in ANKARA: The ailments afflicting the tourism industry contributed Turkey’s economy that have trig- the most to an increase its NPL ratio gered a surge in bad loans look to 2 percent in the fourth quarter. poised to get worse before they get Since that statement on February better. 1, yields on the lender’s $400m of Non-performing loans at the bonds due in December 2023 have nation’s lenders climbed to 3.18 per- climbed 96 basis points, to 7.54 per- A worker operating on a section of the world’s largest floating solar farm at the Balbina hydropower plant (HPP), in Balbina, Amazonas, cent of total credit in January, the cent in Istanbul. sixth straight monthly increase and The banking index has staged Brazil, on Friday. Brazil will be the first country in the world with a floating solar plant over a reservoir of a hydroelectric plant, as it began the highest proportion in almost five a rebound since valuations fell to a operations. The government will include in the project a second prototype over the hydroelectric of Sobradinho, Bahia, Brazil, and it will years, according to data this week seven-year low in January. It’s up 6.2 be switched on March 11, according to official sources. from the Ankara-based Banking percent in 2016, almost in line with Regulation and Supervision Agency. the Borsa Istanbul’s performance. Bank of America Merrill Lynch The increasing pressure on bank and Commerzbank AG said in Febru- loan quality prompted the govern- rary corporate distress is deepening ment to propose a plan to help tourism in Turkey, making it harder for com- companies restructure bank debt, Pakistan’s economy back on track: Forbes panies to pay down debts. proposing on Feb. 22 to allow them The rise in bad loans is com- to postpone repayment of 288m liras pounding the challenges for Turkey’s ($99m) of credit and give some oper- $814bn banking industry as a com- ators access to benefits currently Internews by Indonesia or Brazil. The maga- Pakistan is the sixth largest country by and potential growth lies in the energy bination of currency depreciation, available only to exporters. zine stressed the United States and its population in the world and is projected sector. Pakistan’s abundant coal Russian sanctions and waning tour- Still, the worst may not be over allies to help address the core struc- to become the fourth largest country by reserves and access to water flow- ist visits amid a spate of terrorist for the industry as tourism compa- tural development problems within 2050. To understand Pakistan requires ing from the Himalayas mean it could attacks weigh on the economy. nies will contribute to a deepening ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has under- Pakistan that would also help resolve analysis through its own sui generis set be the “Saudi Arabia of Coal” and the As the central bank limits fund- of the bad-loan quandary, accord- gone a series of positive developments their security concerns. of issues and opportunities. “Saudi Arabia of Hydropower”. ing to tame inflation, the highest ing to Cagdas Dogan, an analyst at meriting recognition and country’s It also asked the US Administra- The country had its first peaceful Pakistan also has significant borrowing costs in four years and BGC Partners in Istanbul. economy is on track to complete an tion to broaden the way it looked at democratic transition in 2013, and for wind, solar and geothermal potential. a slowdown in loan growth are pil- The average inflow of NPLs in International Monetary Fund pro- Pakistan as security issues have dom- now, the military, the civilian govern- It is in both US and Pakistani interests ing pressure on indebted businesses. the first two months of 2016 climbed gramme from start to finish for the inated Washington’s Pakistan agenda ment, and civil society are broadly to see that Pakistan grows a lot faster. “The trend is likely to increase to 1.5bn liras ($514m), a 60 percent first time in its 70-year history. for decades while “soft” issues have aligned on security issues. To seize its full potential, Pakistan and intensify,” said Apostolos Ban- increase from the year earlier, accord- According to an article published been an afterthought. Pakistan’s growing middle class, is going to need more capable people tis, a Commerzbank credit analyst ing to banking regulator data. That in Forbes, American-based business From Islamabad’s perspective, the which will expand from an estimated to lead industries that will carry its in Dubai, who said loans and lira- acceleration could exert new pressure magazine, the positive developments “soft” issues included some of their 40 million people today to 100 million future growth; run it’s national, pro- denominated bonds would be on bank shares, according to Sadret- taking place in the country despite most important challenges. These soft people by 2050, represents a pow- vincial and city governments; and exposed. “While I don’t see the sit- tin Bagci, an analyst at Istanbul-based weak country brand with the interna- issues might be characterised as Paki- erful engine for change, demanding grow its universities. The govern- uation running out of control, the Deniz Yatirim. Dogan of BGC projects tional media, set the table for the sort stan’s “6Es”: (non-security) engagement, both improved services and greater ment has made increases in spending impact of Russian sanctions, the the NPL ratio will climb by 40 to 50 of policies and investments needed to economics, entrepreneurship, educa- access to opportunities. on education, up from 1.9 per cent of blow to the tourism industry, higher basis points in 2016. move the country on a path traveled tion, energy, and (gender) equality. One key area of expanding demand GNP in 2004 to 2.5 percent in 2014.

Galaxy S7 lens accessories Wall Street stocks erase European banks losses as bulls charge and firms wary about resuming Reuters its 100-day moving average for first time in 2016. Half of 10 S&P sectors business in Iran — including energy — are now pos- itive for the year. DUBAI: Iran complained yesterday NEW YORK: The bulls have gained In another upbeat sign for the that European banks and compa- the upper hand in the US stock market, the Dow Jones transporta- nies were too wary about renewing market in recent weeks and strat- tion average has been outperforming business ties following the lifting of egists are cautiously optimistic the the broader market. It is up 1.9 per- economic sanctions and said it had rebound will continue. cent since December 31, largely asked the International Monetary A lot is riding on whether eco- because of the recent gains in oil Fund (IMF) to ease their concerns. nomic data can continue to hold up, prices, while the S&P 500 is down In January, world powers led since upbeat reports in recent weeks 2.2 percent. by the United States and the Euro- have eased fears the United States Investors see the Fed as holding pean Union lifted most sanctions may be headed for a recession. off on rate hikes for now, helping on Iran in return for curbs on its Friday’s jobs report was the lat- stocks in recent weeks, said Don- nuclear programme. est signal that those worries were ald Selkin, chief market strategist But some US sanctions remain, Lens accessories for Samsung Galaxy S7 edge and S7 smartphones on display during a promotional overblown, with February US pay- at National Securities in New York. and US banks remain prohibited show in Taipei, Taiwan. According to news reports, Samsung Electronics Co sold the most smartphones rolls surging more than expected. The energy index, which was the from doing business with Iran followed by Apple Inc, Asustek Computers Inc and HTC Corporation from around 728,000 total The S&P 500 has gained in 10 worst-performing sector of 2015, is directly or indirectly because smartphone sales in Taiwan by January 2016. out of 15 sessions since its February now up more than 20 percent from Washington still accuses Iran of 11 low, and on Friday closed above the January 20 bottom. “supporting terrorism”. That has deterred European institutions, which fear they could face US legal problems if they re-estab- lish banking links. “There is still ‘Iranopho- Egypt’s poorest struggle to find rice amid hoarding bia’ in the banking sector that we’re trying to overcome,” Hamid Tehranfar, a vice governor of Iran’s Reuters Mostafa Al Naggari, head of the rice com- “One of our vital recommendations to the unrest instrumental in unseating two presidents central bank, was quoted as saying mittee of Egypt’s agricultural export council, government before opening the door for rice in the last five years. by state news agency IRNA. estimates the country produced 3.75 million exports in October was for it to stock up on “This month I couldn’t get any subsidized rice “We have asked the Interna- tonnes of rice in the 2015 season and carried around half a million tonnes,” Naggari said. at all,” Cairo resident Sabrine said after returning tional Monetary Fund to review ABU DHABI/CAIRO: Egypt has more rice than over 700,000 tonnes from 2014. With consump- “But that didn’t happen and hence we find from a government food outlet empty-handed. our regulations so other countries’ it needs but little available for those who need tion at 3.3 million tonnes, that leaves a surplus ourselves in the situation we are in today.” “They said we can take juice instead of rice—what banks feel reassured. it most. The price the government pays for rice of more than 1 million tonnes. Previous governments have stockpiled are we going to do with juice?” The more desper- The IMF will announce its has surged by about 50 percent in the past But the government’s failure to stockpile between 200,000 to 500,000 tonnes of rice, but ate the government gets in its attempts to buy rice, assessment in 2018,” he added, two months because traders are holding back rice has left it at the mercy of traders, who are Naggari said supplies minister Khaled Hanafi the more traders are likely to hold back. without explaining why it would supplies and expect prices to rise further fol- unwilling to sell when prices are rising daily, had refused to buy any reserves. “The rice is there but it’s being stockpiled, take two years. lowing the government’s failure to replenish Naggari said. With an eye to the overall rice sur- Critics say Hanafi ignored advice to stock- traders are storing it as they can see the prices go As part of sanctions relief, its stockpiles. plus, the government has allowed exports to pile rice, saying it was plentiful and he could buy upwards and they are waiting to sell at the high- most of Iran’s banks were recon- Imported commodities such as cooking oil resume, but its failure to accumulate its own it when he needed it. Hanafi and the Supplies est price,” said one trader, who declined to be nected to the SWIFT international have been in short supply for weeks at outlets stocks has encouraged traders to hold back sup- Ministry did not respond to calls for comment. identified. The government has this week tried payments network last month, that offer subsidised goods to poor Egyptians plies in the expectation of rising prices while Growing shortages and rising prices carry to strike back, imposing penalties on suppliers it allowing them to resume cross- as a dollar shortage makes it harder for state discouraging exports. immense political risk for President Abdel Fat- finds are hoarding, said Adham El Welely, man- border transactions with foreign importers to secure regular supplies. At the same time, the government has tah al-Sisi, as tens of millions of the country’s aging director of Unicom for Investment and banks. But because of foreign insti- But rice is widely grown in Egypt and farm- imposed a tariff of 2,000 Egyptian pounds ($255) poorest rely on state subsidies for their basic Development, a rice supplier that has been vis- tutions’ legal fears, actual activity ers are actually producing a surplus. per tonne tariff, which has kept exports low. food. Economic discontent helped stoke public ited by government officials. has remained very limited. 26 SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS From Schengen to Brexit, risks to euro are stacking up

as Spain, the euro is facing a slew of pledged to do whatever it takes to people put the euro itself into governments and a move away from Even so, the possible impact of hazards. Set alongside economists’ preserve the euro. question, then foreign holdings in fiscal reform. Uncertainty remains in suspending Schengen on the common The euro is the worst- expectations for lower interest rates While a falling currency may European assets would become Ireland following a vote which pointed currency is worrying Europe’s polit- performing major and more asset purchases from the bolster the region’s economy by stim- problematic,” said Hans Redeker, a to no clear winner, while Spain has ical elite. German Chancellor Angela ECB, investors are wondering how ulating exports, the recent declines currency strategist at Morgan Stanley been in a political deadlock for 10 Merkel told a March 2 rally in Rhine- currency after the low it can go. reflect a troubled outlook for the bloc. in London. “One has to be very vigi- weeks since its inconclusive election land- Palatinate that the strength of pound over the past “There are monetary policy risks, A decision by the UK to exit in a June lant in the current environment and result. Portugal last year endured the euro “relies on the free move- there are political risks within the EU, 23 referendum would further damage there’s certainly a lot of pressure still weeks of wrangling before a Social- ment of goods and services as well month, and touched a there’s the geopolitical risks from out- trade and present unprecedented polit- building up.” ist led- government took power. as people.” four-week low against side with migration, and underlying ical challenges for the EU, while efforts Redeker, who predicts the euro Still, the euro has weathered Supporting trade is particularly the dollar last week. it all you’ve got a pretty lackluster to manage an influx of refugees from will fall to parity with the dollar by many storms in its 17-year history, important in a bloc still struggling to growth picture,” said Frances Hud- countries such as Syria by reducing the end of the year, says there’s a and so far the growing list of concerns recover from its recession and debt son, an Edinburgh-based global free movement within the EU’s pass- “fairly high” possibility that he will hasn’t knocked the currency out of crisis, even as central bank bond pur- thematic strategist at Standard Life port-free Schengen area also threaten have to lower that forecast to 96 US the $1.05 to $1.15 range within which chases are pushing member-state’s Investments, which oversees $356bn. to hamper the transfer of goods. cents, a level not seen since 2002. He’s it has largely traded in the past year. borrowing costs to record lows. While Bloomberg “You could quite easily see a negative More than 100,000 people have not alone. Almost a fifth of the fore- The median estimate of analysts sur- that quantitative easing program is spiral developing.” crossed the sea to Greece, Italy and casters in a Bloomberg survey agree veyed by Bloomberg is for the euro to helping to insulate sovereign debt The euro is the worst-performing Spain in the first two months of this with Morgan Stanley that the euro end 2016 at $1.08. from the selloffs seen in previous cri- major currency after the pound over year, according to the United Nations’ will trade one-to-one with the dollar “The interesting point is why the ses, it’s leading investors to look to the LONDON: It’s not only European the past month, and touched a four- refugee agency UNHCR, after about a by the end of 2016. Six-month euro- euro isn’t trading weaker,” Ewen Cam- currency to express their concern. Central Bank stimulus that has the week low against the dollar last week. million made the journey in 2015. With dollar implied volatility, a measure of eron Watt, chief investment strategist “Taking it all together we’re neg- potential to hurt the euro. From the In a further sign of unease, a gauge of leaders set to meet on March 7 to try to price swings based on options, was at BlackRock, which oversees $4.8 ative on the euro,” said Adam Cole, possibility that Britain might leave traders’ expectations for price swings hammer out a solution, the European at 11.37 percent, after closing at 11.63 trillion as the world’s biggest money head of global foreign-exchange the European Union and the impact in the world’s most- traded currency Commission on Friday proposed an percent on February 29, the highest manager, said in a Bloomberg Televi- strategy at Royal Bank of Canada in of refugees flooding the region, to pair over the next six months climbed end-of-year target date for lifting inter- since July 2012. sion interview. “I suspect that’s to do London. “We see it getting down to concerns over the economic outlook this week to the highest since 2012, nal border checks in Europe. Political turmoil is also on the with the current account surplus in parity and trading around that level and political turmoil in Ireland as well when ECB President Mario Draghi “If you get a situation where rise, raising the specter of weak Europe—therefore scarcity of euros.” for a while.”

Key Indian equity South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves down IMF to identify yuan in forex indices log steepest reserves gain in four years database IANS

IANS “The government’s move to maintain fiscal shortfall target of WASHINGTON: The International 3.5 percent of the GDP for 2016- Monetary Fund (IMF) announced it 17, the smallest in nine years, has will separately identify the Chinese MUMBAI: As trading drew to a raised speculation of a near-term yuan in its quarterly survey of the close on Friday, there were reasons rate cut of at least 25 basis points, composition of foreign exchange to cheer as two key Indian equity by the central bank to help power a reserves (COFER) from October 1. indices logged their steepest weekly revival in demand and investment,” Currently, the currencies iden- gain in four years, despite the jittery Sharekhan said. tified in COFER are the US dollar, start on Monday as the initial market The other policy action that the pound sterling, the Japanese assessment of the national budget boosted sentiments was the deci- yen, the Swiss franc, the Cana- was positive. sion to nurse state-run banks back dian dollar, the Australian dollar The 30-share Sensitive Index to a sound fiscal health. The money and the euro, Xinhua news agency (Sensex) of the BSE logged a gain provided in the budget towards reported yesterday. of 6.44 percent during the week in their capital was just Rs25,000 This move recognises the review, while the 50-share Nifty of the crore. But assurances of more continuing internationalisation National Stock Exchange (NSE) gained money as and when required lifted of the yuan, facilitated by Chi- around 6.5 percent. In terms of abso- the market mood. na’s reforms to promote a more lute numbers, the 1,492-point rise in In fact, among the 30 Sensex market-based economy, the IMF Sensex was the highest in seven years. shares, State Bank of India was the said on Friday. It means that IMF “The market has gained nearly best performer. Its shares were up as members could record their hold- 7 percent during this week as the much as 20.58 percent at Rs188.40 ings of yuan-denominated official fiscal consolidation plan is attract- during the week. ICICI Bank followed reserves as in the COFER survey. ing foreign funds to the domestic suit with a gain of 19.29 percent at The COFER lists the currency market,” said Vinod Nair, the head Rs220.50. While Axis Bank gained composition of holdings of foreign of fundamental research at Geojit 7.71 percent, HDFC Bank gained 6.38 exchange reserves across the IMF BNP Paribas. percent. members in the form of statisti- “Foreign investors remain pos- The top loser was Oil and Natural cal aggregates. The IMF publishes itive as the consensus is pointing to Gas Corp, due mainly to the develop- the COFER data quarterly and its a significant upside on the US non- ments globally in the oil market. The members voluntarily participate farm payroll data, which could company’s share fell 6.51 percent in the COFER survey. provide clues on the rate hike direc- during the week. The markets dis- When the IMF’s executive tion of the US Federal Reserve,” Nair counted reports that the government board determined the yuan to be a said in an end-of-the-week analysis. was mulling a hike in oil and gas prices freely usable currency and decided During the week, foreign funds extracted from difficult areas. to include it in the Special Drawing were net sellers in the equity space This apart, Sun Pharma, Mahindra Right (SDR) basket last November, for the first two days and pulled out and Mahindra, Hindustan Lever were they also underscored the impor- $84.95m and $248.67bn. But in each the only other stocks within the Sensex tance of making efforts to address of the subsequent three days, they that lost ground during the week in a remaining data gaps ahead of the emerged net sellers -- $442.68m, range of 1.59 percent and 0.24 percent. next SDR review. $252.32m and $164.65m. That is all the remaining 26 stocks The IMF board on February 26 One of the most comforting ended in the positive territory. agreed to identify the yuan in the A clerk scrutinises 100 US dollar banknotes to see if any of the bills are counterfeit, at the headquarters factors of the budget, presented Besides, the State Bank and ICICI COFER survey in order to address by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Bank, Tata Steel emerged the third of the Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) Hana Bank in Seoul, South Korea. South Korea’s foreign exchange data gaps. The first batch of data on Monday, was the government’s best performed with a gain of 16.08 reserves dwindled for the fourth consecutive month in February due partly to a cut in the value of with a separate identification for resolve to adhere to fiscal prudence percent at Rs288.35, followed by Tata non-US dollar assets such as the euro and the British pound, the central bank said. The country’s yuan-denominated reserves will to bring down the deficit to to 3.5 Motors, up 13.68 percent at Rs343.55 foreign exchange reserves stood at $365.76bn at the end of last month, down $1.54bn from the be published at the end of March percent in the next. The markets saw and Bharat Heavy Electricals, up previous month, according to the Bank of Korea. 2017, said the IMF. this as an opportunity for rate cuts. 12.78 percent. As the foreign reserves listed in the COFER survey do not include holdings of the currency of the issuing country, the yuan assets of China’s central bank are not for- eign reserves and therefore are not China’s commodities trade thrives amid uncertainty included in COFER, according to the IMF. China reported its for- eign reserve portfolio to the IMF Bloomberg the economy. Trading volumes on the Shanghai and was last at 36,900 yuan. Price moves on raised fees. Although the number of contracts for the first time last September, Futures Exchange in January and February were China’s exchanges are increasingly setting traded on the SHFE exceeded those of the LME, in an effort to improve its data dis- at a record in the first two months of the year. the tone for global markets, helped in part by tonnages were much lighter due to smaller lot closure transparency. Chinese exchanges have opened a flurry of aggressive trading from Chinese hedge funds, sizes in Shanghai. Shi and Browning want to Meanwhile, China will keep BEIJING: Economic uncertainty is a boon for contracts in recent years. Iron ore on the Dalian said Shi, who began his career in 1996 at the capitalise on the growing number of Chinese the yuan exchange rate gener- China’s commodities trade, lifting volumes and Commodities Exchange, established in 2013, saw State Reserve Bureau, China’s strategic stock- asset managers looking for overseas invest- ally stable while continuing with expanding the nation’s sway over global mar- volumes surge 169 percent to a record in 2015 piling agency. Browning, a UK national, started ments, and also serve western investors seeking reforms of exchange rate liberali- kets for raw materials even as its own demand amid a plunge in prices. The SHFE’s nickel con- out at metals warehousing firm Henry Bath & access to Chinese markets as the country pur- sation, according to a government slows, according to two veteran metals brokers tract, launched March 2015, is already trading Son Ltd in the 1970s. sues financial reforms. work report to the national legis- who share more than 50 years experience in around three-quarters of the tonnage seen on “The reason these hedge funds are doing so While China’s futures markets remain ring- lature’s annual session. the industry. the London Metal Exchange, the world’s bench- well in commodities is that China has been the fenced by rules that restrict access in both China will continue to improve “Volatility is going to remain in the market mark, based on data for January and February. driving sector of the whole commodities story, directions, its leaders have pledged to gradually the market-based mechanism this year and that is going to increase turno- “The market is changing consensus all the and these people are very close to the funda- open up the country’s exchanges and securi- for setting the yuan exchange ver,” said John Browning, managing partner at time, so people aren’t putting in a position and mental market in China,” Shi said. “We shouldn’t ties to outside participants, and introduce more rate to ensure it remains gener- BANDS Financial Ltd, the brokerage he founded holding it for six months any more,” said Brown- give them all the credit for market moves but market-based pricing. “Commodities are slow- ally stable at an appropriate and with Chinese business partner Tiger Shi last year. ing, speaking last week by phone with Shi from there are certain times and certain moments ing down but financial market reform has only balanced level, said Xinhua news China, the top buyer of everything from cop- their office in Hong Kong. The two worked in the they trade in and out with huge volumes.” just started in China and will continue,”’ Shi agency citing the report. The yuan per to rubber, is the epicentre of a collapse in city at Jefferies Group LLC, before the bank with- While the SHFE is booming, LME trading said. “We want to place ourselves in that trend has been heading south since the metals to multi-year lows as it struggles with drew from commodities last year, and plan to set slipped 4 percent last year for the first decline to profit from the shift from west to east. Chi- central bank revamped the foreign the slowest growth in a generation. Prices have up an office in Shanghai later in 2016. since 2009, as western financial institutions na’s investor population is growing in wealth and exchange regime in August 2015 rebounded in recent weeks as investors bet on Copper in Shanghai dropped from 46,260 reduced their exposure to slumping prices, reg- sophistication but a broad spectrum of invest- to let market forces play a greater output cuts and policymakers move to stabilise yuan a tonne in May to 33,510 yuan in November ulators imposed tighter rules, and the exchange ment products does not exist yet.” role in setting the currency’s value. BUSINESS VIEWS SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 27

EM industry sinks Property buying in Shanghai into post-boom sets alarm bells ringing soul searching

By Sujata Rao the book and to better cherry-pick Reuters clients,” he said. Little did they know but emerg- ing equities’ boom decade was drawing to a close. Having risen FTER the dotcom bub- more than 200 percent from 2001, ble and the global credit the main index run by MSCI fell 35 crunch, it’s the turn of the percent in the subsequent five years. emerging markets indus- Kaloo’s fund has not been Atry to sink into post-boom soul spared as investors fled the prob- searching. The near mania that lems of emerging markets - such once flabbergasted even emerg- as diving oil prices for energy pro- ing market specialists is gone. ducers from Nigeria to Russia or Now many of the firms that grew political infighting in the likes of to serve investors in the likes of South Africa - and returned to China, Brazil or South Africa are developed markets in the hope slashing their businesses and jobs, of reviving returns. with more cuts to come. Its assets under management If proof were needed that (AUM) are down to $5.1bn from global investors have gone off $16bn in 2013. Aberdeen Asset developing economies, it came Management’s overall AUM fell by in Tuesday’s announcement by $30bn last year, mainly due to its Barclays that it is pulling out of EM-heavy profile. Across the indus- Africa after more than a cen- try, $26bn fled emerging equity tury. The British bank’s African funds last year, according to Bos- subsidiary insisted the decision ton-based EPFR Global, a sizeable to withdraw under a makeover chunk of the net $153bn inflows of the London-based parent did received between 1996 when data not relate to economic sentiment tracking began and now. on the continent. Most of this is down to small But sentiment among investors but the downturn is also investors in emerging mar- testing the patience of pension kets generally has been souring and insurance funds, mostly late for some time; in dollar terms, arrivals to the EM party who had emerging equities underper- been lured by the juicy returns Labourers work at a construction site in front of residential buildings in Shanghai. formed their developed peers earlier entrants enjoyed. by around 50 percent in the five The losses go beyond equi- years from the end of 2010. ties. EM debt funds tracked by Compare that with the mood EPFR suffered $32bn in redemp- By Clare Jim and Samuel Shen after the global financial crisis. He added that Shenzhen, a booming just before the market peaked half tions last year; more emerging Reuters As developers poured money into new major city in southwest China, was blazing a dozen years ago. More adventur- market bond funds closed than builds and unrelated companies set up prop- the trail for Shanghai. “People think since ous investors had long poured into were launched in 2015, accord- erty arms, residential housing development as Shenzhen has gone up 50 to 60 percent emerging markets (EM) — espe- ing to Lipper, the first time this a share of economic output tripled in a dec- last year while Shanghai was up only 20 cially countries exporting then has happened since it began com- RENZIED property buying in ade, until government measures to cool the percent, it should be now Shanghai’s turn.” booming commodities - seeking piling data in 2006. Shanghai has set alarm bells ring- market ended the frenzy. Hong Kong developer Shui On Land better returns than in developed More pain probably lies ahead ing that a new bubble is forming, Chastened by the impact of that bust, said last month it sold out a new resi- economies where interest rates because it usually takes at least just months after China’s frothy which left a huge stock of unsold apart- dential development in north-central were near rock-bottom. But to 8-10 quarters of negative returns stock markets crashed, raising ments across China and hammered Shanghai on the day of launch at an aver- the astonishment of market pro- to affect the bigger, diversified fears about a replay of the real industries supplying construction materi- age price of about $1,140 per square foot. fessionals, even some pension funds seriously, says Shiv Taneja, Festate bust that has hit the country’s growth als, Beijing has for the last 18 months been The largest unit was an 1,800 sq ft fund managers — the tradition- principal at Market Metrics, which since 2012. trying to soften the blow, cutting interest apartment that fetched more than $2.2 ally ultra-conservative guardians provides data to the asset man- Home prices in the city, China’s biggest rates, down-payment requirements and million, and the agent said prices would of people’s retirement incomes — agement industry, adding that financial hub, climbed 3.6 percent in Febru- property transaction taxes. “definitely go up” when they start selling wanted to join them. there was still “fat in the system”. ary from the previous month, according to a The government’s principal goal was not a new phase of the development in May. Devan Kaloo, head of emerging Global banks, struggling with survey by CRIC, extending the 17.5 percent to help the bigger cities but the smaller ones Wang Wenwen at real estate agency equities at Aberdeen Asset Man- sluggish home economies, had annual gain it recorded in January, which where unfinished, abandoned developments Sinyi said sellers could see the market agement, recalls a conversation fanned out across the world in was seven times faster than remain a very visible reminder of the mar- heating up and were now playing catch- he had with a European pension anticipation of dealmaking and the country as a whole. ket failure. up with each other in raising prices. fund in 2010: it wanted to put no research fees. Hopes were also The property revival has But the big cities appear to be drawing the An official at Shimao Property, which less than 80 percent of its assets pinned on mortgage and credit coincided with investors’ lion’s share of new investment — and warn- last October launched a project in a into a sector that a few years ear- card sales to the millions of Bra- abrupt loss of faith in Chi- ings from economists. “In first-tier (cities) less central part of Shanghai averaging lier had been considered too risky zilians, Nigerians and Indians na’s share markets, which the prices are certainly rising too fast. Every 41,000 yuan per metre, said the company for mainstream investors. who were expected to join the had soared 150 percent in the time when there are control policies, most was planning to raise prices for its new Kaloo runs one of the sector’s middle classes. This paid off for year to mid-2015, only to give resources focus on first tier,” said Lan Shen, launches this month and next. most successful funds; it delivered a while, particularly with under- up fourth fifths of those gains Standard Chartered’s China economist in Shanghai is already trying to allevi- average annual returns of almost writing new share sales (IPOs) since the summer. Beijing. ate the pressure, issuing new rules last 20 percent in the decade after its in the developing world. With “The (property) market “Going forward the policies will be more month to increase the supply of small and 2003 launch, far outpacing the jumbo deals such as Agricul- Shanghai is seems crazy again. I have no aiming at the lower tiers; very selective medium-sized apartments. underlying emerging index. But tural Bank of China’s $22bn IPO already trying idea why it’s crazy, but it should measures, not broad-based to create a big- But the history of China’s booms and some time after the 2010 conver- and Santander’s $9bn Brazilian to alleviate the be the right time to buy,” said ger bubble in the first tier,” Lan said. busts and Beijing’s efforts to cap the highs sation, Kaloo “soft-closed” his fund debut, equity bankers’ fees topped Wang Zhongcai, a 50-year-old But as China loosens the credit environ- and cushion the lows has made some - not marketing it and charging new $6.3bn in 2010, a six-fold rise pressure, issuing clerk, who was queuing, among ment to support growth, which slipped to investors wary that what goes up too fast investors extra fees upon entry. from 2000, ThomsonReuters data new rules last many others, to register own- its weakest in 25 years in 2015, speculators comes down as speedily. “EM became so much in vogue shows. This fell to $4bn in 2015, or ership of a small investment are following the investment logic, not Bei- “This rally is too crazy,” said a property that we had investors coming to $1.2bn if China is excluded. The month to increase apartment he had bought. jing’s goals. “First-tier cities have a more agent who gave his last name as Xu. “I own us who perhaps didn’t understand shift is forcing lenders to retreat, the supply of small From 2005 to 2011, prop- sophisticated environment (for specula- three units in Shanghai and I’m planning the asset class; they looked at our closing offices overseas and rout- erty prices in China soared, tion). Investors see room for prices to rise to sell them. I think a chill wind is blow- track record and extrapolated that ing activity back through London and medium-sized buoyed by ready credit, because there’s a lot of demand yet limited ing to the first-tier city, and I worry that forward. We wanted to rebalance or New York. apartments. migration into the cities, and supply,” said Clement Luk, chief executive the government will implement cooling government stimulus measures officer for eastern China at realtor Centaline. measure soon.” Brexit vote prolongs sales shutdown in riskiest UK bank debt

By Tom Beardsworth according to a Bloomberg survey of econo- surprised many,” Steven Penketh, Barclays’ Friday sought to reopen the market for sub- Bloomberg mists. An economic slowdown would spur bad head of capital markets execution, said on ordinated European bank debt, with a sale loans and dent banks’ revenue, raising the risk a March 1 call. Prices may improve “as the of Tier 2 notes. The deal would be the first that capital regulations would prevent cou- market generally settles down after what is since Intesa Sanpaolo SpA sold ¤1.25bn of pon payments on additional Tier 1 notes, the frankly a very fractious period,” he said. AT1s on January 12. K lenders may face further delays most recent version of CoCos sold by banks. Lenders are taking other steps to bolster A gauge of credit-default swaps on subor- before they can sell risky debt Issuance of additional Tier 1 bonds, or capital, with Barclays cutting its dividend and dinated financial debt was at 217 basis points, required by regulators because AT1s, in Europe plunged to ¤2.4bn in the RBS selling its Williams & Glyn unit. UK banks down from an almost three-year high of 314 of a market rout and the nation’s first two months of 2016 from ¤10.5bn a also have some breathing room because of basis points on February 11, according to data possible exit from the European year earlier, according to data compiled by adequate existing buffers and the phased intro- compiled by Bloomberg. UUnion. Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc, Bloomberg. The last sale by a UK bank, HSBC, duction of new requirements through 2022. Still, the scars from this year’s rout may Barclays Plc and HSBC Holdings Plc have all was in September. The AT1 market is “deeply “We could afford to be pretty quiet in the have reshaped the market for risky bank debt, voiced concerns about a Europe-wide slump dysfunctional right now,” Iain Mackay, HSBC’s second and third quarters, if the market wasn’t as general investment funds are no longer Issuance of in issuance of contingent convertible, or CoCo, finance director, told investors last week. The there for us,” Lloyds Banking Group Plc’s Group interested, according to Wee Mien Cheung, bonds after a selloff caused by weaker indus- lender has to issue about ¤7bn of the bonds Corporate Treasurer Toby Rougier said in a who oversees about ¤15bn of debt at Delta additional Tier 1 try earnings and tighter regulations. These by 2019 to meet new rules, the most among post-earnings call last week. UK banks may Lloyd Asset Management in Amsterdam. bonds, or AT1s, in challenges are compounded for UK lenders European banks, according to debt-research weather an EU exit because of strong capital Any attempts by UK lenders to lure inves- Europe plunged to by uncertainty in the run-up to the June 23 company CreditSights. bases and domestic-focused businesses, said tors back to the market will probably have to vote on whether to leave the EU. Banks’ riskiest debt has lost about 6 Christoph Hittmair, who oversees new issu- wait until prices stabilize and votes in June’s €2.4bn in the first “Why would I buy into a CoCo just ahead percent this year, based on a Bank of Amer- ance for bank clients as head of HSBC’s financial Brexit poll are all counted, according to RBS’s two months of 2016 of the referendum?” said Jochen Felsenhe- ica Merrill Lynch index, with a price slump institutions group. High coupons will also aid Chief Financial Officer Ewen Stevenson. The imer, the Munich-based managing director largely erasing 2015’s market-beating returns. sales of risky bonds, he said. Scottish bank plans to issue about £2bn of from €10.5bn a year of XAIA Investment GmbH, which oversees Yields on bonds issued by Barclays and Deut- “There are investors who have plenty of additional Tier 1 notes this year. “Markets are earlier, according to ¤2.3bn ($2.5bn) of assets. “If there’s a Brexit sche Bank AG roughly doubled earlier this cash to put to work,” he said. “If people see not effectively open,” Stevenson said on an it will be a fundamental shock for the whole year to as high as 13 percent. a strong order book for the first bank which earnings call. “For us and the other UK banks, data compiled by economy.” A decision to leave the 28-nation “What we have here is a fundamental comes back, then that could lead to a sec- the AT1 market is going to be a second-half- Bloomberg. EU would triple the chance of a UK recession, sell-off that, to be honest, surprised us and ondary market rally too.” BNP Paribas SA on of-the-year opportunity.” 28 SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

BACK TO BUSINESS sight What does a nice meal out say Era of zero interest rates could last about the US economy? for years: Barclays

By Ann Saphir “dining out” price index gained an Reuters annualized 4.4 percent nationally By Jamie McGeever broader private sector can clean in January, according to government Reuters itself up and get itself in shape data released last week. to start growing again. Weekly earnings in the leisure This could be most difficult HAT does a and hospitality sector, which includes in the euro zone, where the mix nice meal out restaurants, dropped about $2 to HE era of zero or neg- of slow growth, low inflation say about the $380.80 in February, a smaller dip ative interest rates, and a fractured banking sys- US economy? than for overall wages, according to notably in Japan and the tem blighted by bad loans will Quite a lot, as it Friday’s jobs report. The decline was eurozone, could extend make it difficult for the Euro- turns out, and largely driven by a statistical quirk. Tfor several more years as cen- pean Central Bank to escape Wthe Federal Reserve is taking note, Cheaper fuel, which is putting tral banks battle persistently low low or negative rates. “The era especially after a whopping 40,200 extra cash in American wallets, is growth and inflation, strategists of low or even negative inter- food service and drinking establish- one of the tailwinds driving growth at Barclays said. est rates across the developed ment jobs were created last month. at restaurants and other eateries, says The downward pressure on world, particularly in Japan and That represented nearly 17 percent Hudson Riehle, head of research at interest rates will be strong- the euro zone, could last for sev- of overall job gains reported by the the National Restaurant Association. est in Japan and the euro zone, eral years to come,” Gapen said. Labour Department on Friday. Sales within the industry are while the greater flexibility In 1995 the Bank of Japan Spending at restaurants is also expected to rise 5 percent to $783bn and resilience of the US and UK lowered its main interest rate to surging and prices are up, reflecting this year, with growth in quick-serv- economies should allow interest 0.5 percent to try and reflate the strength in the services sector, which ice outlets outpacing fine dining, rates there to rise quicker, albeit flagging economy. Rates have accounts for more than 80 percent of Riehle says. That would represent a extremely gradually. “Nega- never been higher since and the U.S. economic output. roughly 20 percent jump from 2012. tive nominal interest rates are BOJ has also injected trillions of If the $16 trillion American Shares of restaurant companies more than just a passing mone- yen worth of stimulus via quan- economy keeps adding jobs and the such as El Pollo Loco and Cosi are tary fad,” Barclays said in its 61st titative easing bond purchases. recovery from the 2007-2009 finan- slowly rebounding after sharp sell- annual Equity Gilt Study. The BOJ is still fighting that cial crisis takes hold more broadly, offs last year. Bakery-cafe chain Barclays said the natural battle against low growth and it will allow the US central bank to Panera Bread, which forecasts as rate of interest across the devel- deflation. Earlier this year it make good on its plan to lift interest much as 4.5 percent sales growth in oped world, where borrowing adopted negative interest rates rates gradually this year. 2016 for its company-owned outlets costs are neither stimulative nor on certain bank deposits and People having lunch at Urth Caffe in West Hollywood, California. Although waitstaff and line cooks in North America, has seen its shares restrictive given an economy’s became the first G7 rich country do not generally make big salaries, rise about 13 percent since the start potential growth and inflation to have yields on its benchmark they are part of a broader story: Dol- about restaurants: he once managed a managers, servers, cooks, and it’s of the year. rates, is lower than where nom- 10-year bonds fall below zero. lars spent in restaurants are going well-known San Francisco pizza joint almost impossible to hire chefs right Restaurant sales reflect stronger inal rates currently stand. “We don’t see a ‘Japan- directly into the pockets of other called Blondies. Chef and restaurant now,” Worth says, adding that he has job growth in the overall economy The study finds that real ification’ of the world. But Americans, and for the Fed, that may owner Rodney Worth sees the driving had to offer bonuses and higher pay and as workers on low incomes tend equilibrium policy rates are accommodative policy is here point to sustainable economic growth force of dining out first-hand. to compete for staff against tech- to spend, “the economic multiplier near-zero across the developed to stay,” said Christian Keller, and the beginning of a long-awaited “We’re killing it,” he says, of sales nology giants like Alphabet Inc’s effect of that on both employment and world and may need to fall fur- head of economics research at rise in inflation. at his seven restaurants in the San Google, which have their own on- economic growth overall is substan- ther below zero in the euro zone Barclays and also a co-author With a slowing global economy Francisco area, where he is seeing campus kitchens. tial,” Riehle said. and Japan for interest rate pol- of the study. and a strong dollar weighing on US more guests ordering $11 sloppy joes He’s had to increase prices, in part For Worth, it’s all connected. His icy there to become “sufficiently “Before we get to the limits exports and manufacturing, the serv- and $18 brisket as well as desserts. because of higher minimum wages, catering business all but dried up after accommodative”. (of these policies), central banks ices sector “is going to be the driver, That jump in business has a but he also felt comfortable enough the Great Recession, but in the past Michael Gapen, the bank’s will persist with zero and neg- not only of jobs and growth for the downside that reflects a tighter job to recently open a new restaurant, year he has had to buy an extra van chief US economist and co- ative rates,” he said. The ECB next year or so, but also for inflation,” market and lends support to Fed Chair Worth Ranch, in San Ramon, some to handle the surge in business from author of the report, said the already applies negative rates San Francisco Fed President John Janet Yellen’s argument that falling 56km east of San Francisco. both local firms and households. way to avoid a repeat of Japan’s on banks’ cash deposits and is Williams said after a speech earlier unemployment — now at 4.9 per- The growth is not confined to Cal- “They used to ask for pricing on experience over the last two expected to cut them deeper into this week in San Ramon, an affluent cent nationally — and rising wages ifornia’s booming, tech-driven corner sandwich platters,” Worth said. “Now decades is to restructure “zom- negative territory at its next pol- city in northern California. will push inflation higher. of the US economy. What one Dal- they are saying ‘show up and do it big bie” banks and firms so that the icy meeting later this month. Williams knows a thing or two “It’s very hard to find catering las Fed economist refers to as the - we are not really looking at pricing.’”

The US mentality, which Capital is a bit more competitive Kasper Rorsted, the departing [than the European], was chief executive of consumer- products company Henkel AG Comment set in me at an early age. and the the next CEO of Adidas TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Market Talk Deutsche Bank @ Private Equity Beat DeutscheBank NAME IN THE MARKET: RETURNS BY ASSET CLASS Global #steel produc- tion has sunk for first Financially strapped time in 25 years. #Coal and steel hub in north- companies’ ranks are swelling east #China stuck in in the US. A Moody’s Investors recession Service tally of the least- creditworthy companies rose IIF @IIF by 10 to 274 this month, Africa, Middle East led pushing it nearer to April retrenchment w/ $1.7 2009’s record 291. billion of outflows.

BlackRock @blackrock DealB%k The VIX jumped 43% since ‘15—how to be more nimble in your portfolio: A growing number of analysts say China’s practice Bloomberg Business @ of setting an annual target business for growth actually hurts the economy and encourages The oil market seems to be calming down officials to falsify data. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 31 PAGE | 35 New Zealand off Qatari golfers to fast start in Las dominate at GCC Vegas Sevens Championship

SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 • 26 Jumada I 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS IN QATAR SINCE 1963-64 SEASON 1963-64: Al Maref 1964-65: Al Maref 1965-66: Al Maref 1966-67: Al Oruba 1967-68: Al Oruba Indomitable Al Rayyan seal QSL title 1968-69: Al Oruba 1969-70: Al Oruba 1970-71: Al Oruba promotion to QSL. Since September AL RAYYAN’S VICTORIES 1971-72: Al Sadd Runaway points last year, it has been Al Rayyan all 1972-73: Al Esteqlal the way with just one blip against Al THIS SEASON 1973-74: Al Sadd leaders trounce Al Sadd almost three months ago. 11/9/2015: Al Rayyan bt Al Sailiyah 4-0 1974/75: no champion After a slightly cagey start to the Wakrah 5-0 to seal 18/9/2015: Al Khuraitiat lost to Al Rayyan 1-2 round 21 clash at Jassim Bin Hamad 1975-76: Al Rayyan the title with five Stadium, Al Rayyan got their act 27/9/2015: Al Rayyan bt Umm Salal 3-1 1976-77: Al Esteqlal rounds to spare in the together to put pressure on A Wakrah. 02/10/2015: Al Rayyan bt Mesaimeer 2-0 1977-78: Al Rayyan In the 8th minute, Hamid Ismail 17/10/2015: Al Khor SC lost to A Rayyan 2-4 1978-79: Al Sadd 2015-16 season. chipped in a neat lob from the flank 1979-80: Al Sadd but Soria failed to connect from close 24/10/2015: Al Rayyan bt Al Arabi 5-2 range, missing power on his flick. 31/10/2015: Lekhwiya lost to Al Rayyan 1-3 1980-81: Al Sadd But soon afterwards Al Rayyan 06/11/2015: Al Rayyan bt Al Wakrah 2-1 1981-82: Al Rayyan The Peninsula discarded the iffy game and played 22/11/2015: Qatar SC lost 0-9 1982-83: Al Arabi to their potential with slick moves. 1983-84: Al Rayyan Influential striker and captain 28/11/2015: Al Rayyan bt El Jaish 2-1 1984-85: Al Arabi Tabata opened the scoring in the 05/12/2015: Al Gharafa lost to Al Rayyan 0-2 1985-86: Al Rayyan DOHA: Runaway points leaders Al 37th minute while Soria flicked one 14/12/2015: Al Rayyan bt Al Ahli 3-1 Rayyan yesterday beat Al Wakrah 5-0 home from close range to give Al 1986-87: Al Sadd 21/12/2015: Al Sailiyah lost to Al Rayyan 1-2 to seal the Qatar Stars League (QSL) Rayyan the 2-0 cushion going into 1987-88: Al Sadd 02/1/2016: Al Rayyan bt Al Kharaitiyat 2-1 title with five rounds to spare in the half time. 1988-89: Al Sadd 2015-16 season. Seconds before the kick-off Fos- 28/1/2016: Umm Salal lost to Al Rayyan 0-2 1989-90: Al Rayyan It was Al Rayyan’s first title win sati was shown on the large screen 06/2/2016: Mesaimeer lost to Al Rayyan 0-2 since the 1994-95 season. inside the stadium seemingly praying 1990-91: Al Arabi Al Rayyan, coached by shrewd with his hands folded but Al Rayyan 12/2/2016: Al Rayyan bt Al Khor 1-0 1991-92: Al Ittihad Uruguayan Jorge Fossati, relied players ensured a straight forward 20/2/2016: Al Arabi lost to Al Rayyan 0-2 1992-93: Al Arabi Jorge Sebastian Saez (right) of Al Wakrah and Al Rayyan player vie for on goals from ace strikers Rodrigo win would be the order of the day. 26/2/2016: Al Rayyan bt Lekhwiya 5-0 ball possession during the Qatar Stars League match at Al Sadd Stadium 1993-94: Al Arabi Tabata and Sebastian Soria to launch With hundreds of Al Rayyan of Al Rayyan’s losses this season 1994-95: Al Rayyan their goal-scoring spree yesterday. fans present at Jassim Bin Hamad in Doha yesterday. Al Rayyan won 5-0. Pictures by Abdul Basit/The Peninsula Spain’s Sergio Garcia scored the Stadium, the visitors put up an 10/12/2015: Al Rayyan lost to Al Sadd 1-2 1995-96: Al Arabi third goal in the 57th minute as Al impressive show in front of audi- 1996-97: Al Arabi Rayyan moved towards completing ence that also included Qatar national 1997-98: Al Ittihad a comprehensive win. Myongin Koh coach Daniel Carreno. 1998-99: Al Wakrah scored the fourth for Al Rayyan in the Jose Mauricio, coach of Al Wak- 1999-2000: Al Sadd 67th minute. rah, made several changes on the It was a team effort: Al Rayyan president 2000-01: Al Wakrah Victor Javier Caceres joined in the field of play but a determined Al fun to score Al Rayyan’s fifth goal in Rayyan were not to be denied. 2001-02: Al Ittihad the 72nd minute. In the 57th minute, Soria found an The Peninsula were very focussed on our matches. the 2014-15 season) and now I have 2002-03: Qatar SC After 21 rounds, Al Rayyan have unmarked Garcia in the Al Wakrah This is a good win for us, for Qatar won with Al Rayyan. The key point is 2003-04: Al Sadd an unassailable tally of 60 points. box and the former Espanyol striker football,” Sheikh Khalid said. winning and we are happy,” he said. 2004-05: Al Gharafa Second-placed El Jaish have 39 curled one past goalkeeper Hassan DOHA: Team effort did it for Al “Our league is very compet- “I would like to thank the club 2005-06: Al Sadd points from 20 matches. Defend- Idriss Dicko for his side’s third goal. Rayyan, club president Saud bin itive and you saw how tough the management and my family for ing champions and third-placed Within a space of five minutes, Garcia Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani said matches were for us,” he said their support,” Soria said. 2006-07: Al Sadd Lekhwiya have 37 points from 20 and Caceres also added their names after Al Rayyan clinched the Qatar Influential striker Sebastian “It is always good to win and 2007-08: Al Gharafa matches. to the goal-scorer’s list. Stars League (QSL) title yesterday. Soria yesterday thanked club fans we are very happy we played so 2008-09: Al Gharafa In the ongoing season, Al Rayy- Perhaps the only blemish came Al Rayyan yesterday beat Al for the support in his team’s victo- well in the entire season,” Soria 2009-10: Al Gharafa an’s only defeat has come against Al when Al Rayyan’s Tahir Zakariya was Wakrah 5-0 to seal their 8th QSL rious run in the QSL. said. QFA President Sheikh Hamad 2010-11: Lekhwiya Sadd when the two sides clashed on slapped by a yellow card by referee win and the first since 1994-95 “I thank God for this incredible bin Khalifa Bin Ahmad Al Thani December 10. It has been a remark- Abdulrahman Abdu who otherwise season. win. But I would like to thank the gave away the QSL shield to Al 2011-12: Lekhwiya able journey for Al Rayyan who were had an easy game to officiate. “It was a team effort. Every- fans for their support,” Soria said Rayyan captain Tabata. QFA Vice 2012-13: Al Sadd demoted to the second division at the Tabata, who was benched in the body worked so hard in the entire after the round 21 clash at Jassim President Saoud Al Mohannadi 2013-14: Lekhwiya end of 2013-14 season. 87th minute, hugged coach Fossati season,” Sheikh Khalid said. Bin Hamad Stadium. and QSL chief Hani Balan were 2014-15: Lekhwiya They won the second division before celebrating with his team- “We clicked as a team and we “I won this title with Lekhwiya (in also present. 2015-16: Al Rayyan title the following season and won a mates in the dugout. 30 SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 SPORT

Al Rayyan striker Sebastian Soria celebrates after scoring a goal against Al Wakrah in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) match at Al Sadd Stadium yesterday.

Victor Javier Caceres (left) of Al Rayyan and Ahmed Fadel of Al Wakrah vie for ball possession. Al Rayyan’s moment of glory in pictures

Al Rayyan coach Jorge Fossati shows the thumbs up sign after winning the title.

Al Rayyan players and officials celebrate their win.

A section of the crowd at Al Sadd Stadium during the QSL match between Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah.

Al Rayyan players Selfie time for Al Rayyan players during the victory ceremony. throw coach Jorge Fossati in the air during the victory Rodrigo Tabata of Al Rayyan celebrations. celebrates his goal. SPORT SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 31

Magical Miller steers South Africa past Australia in first T20 Andre Russell AFP CRICKET: PROTEAS WARM Windies’ UP FOR WORLD T20 Russell set for DURBAN: David Miller hit an But the tourists lost their way unbeaten half-century as South against the medium-pace of David World T20 Africa beat Australia by three Wiese (two for 16) and the leg-spin wickets in the first Twenty20 inter- of Imran Tahir (three for 21), slump- despite national at Kingsmead on Friday. ing to 114 for seven. Miller hit 53 not out off 35 balls Mitchell Marsh gave the innings possible ban to enable South Africa to overhaul late impetus, hitting 35 off 25 balls. Australia’s total of 157 for nine with South Africa made a bad start, Reuters four balls to spare. losing AB de Villiers to the first ball. The hosts were in trouble at 95 They slipped to 41 for three before for six but the left-handed Miller, captain Faf du Plessis (40) and Rilee KINGSTON: Andre Russell looks playing on his home ground, steered Rossouw (19) put on 31 for the fourth set to play in the World Twenty20 Bangladeshi cricketers play football during a training session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket them to victory with sensible batting wicket. after the Jamaica Anti-Doping Stadium in Dhaka yesterday, ahead of today’s Asia Cup Final. interspersed with some powerful They were out off successive Commission said on Friday the hits. deliveries before man of the match West Indies all-rounder would not The key over was the 16th, which Miller took charge. be suspended pending a hearing started with South Africa needing “He played a gem of an innings,” into his “anti-doping whereabouts” 45 runs off 30 balls. Miller hit two said Australian captain Steve Smith, rule violation. big sixes as Andrew Tye conceded who said Australia had put in a good The 27-year-old, named in the 16 runs. performance in the field before West Indies squad for the World Bangladesh looking for He hit an even bigger six off John Miller took the game away from Twenty20 in India that starts next Hastings in the 18th over, with the them. week, has missed three doping ball sailing out of the ground over “Once again we won a game we tests within a 12-month period and square leg, as the target shrunk probably shouldn’t have won,” said faces a possible two-year ban from rapidly. Du Plessis, who said South Africa cricket if found guilty. major upset against Australia made a fast start after had started badly with both ball “The Jamaica Anti-Doping winning the toss, racing to 69 for and bat. Commission has referred the mat- one in the six-over power play, “But to win games like that ter regarding Mr. Andre Russell with Aaron Finch pounding 40 off makes me very happy. It shows a to the Independent Anti-Doping 27 balls. lot of character.” Disciplinary Panel,” JADCO exec- favourites India in final He hit four sixes, three of them The three-match series is the utive director Carey Brown said in off the first three balls bowled by last chance for both teams to decide a statement on Friday. off-spinner JP Duminy, who was on their combinations ahead of the “The Commission is awaiting Bangladesh’s five-wicket win winning meets were all held in the surprisingly brought on during the World Twenty20 in India later this a date for the hearing. Mr. Rus- Number one ranked over Pakistan on Wednesday, previous 50-over one-day interna- power play. month. sell has not been provisionally watched by Prime Minister Sheikh tional format. suspended.” India looking Hasina from a packed gallery, “In this format the difference Precedent would suggest that to extend their sparked jubilation in the cricket- between the two teams can often be SCOREBOARD the panel, chaired by Kent Pan- mad nation. just one knock, one individual hav- try, is unlikely to set a hearing dominance while the “Any good team, if they are the ing a very good day or one bowler AUSTRALIA SOUTH AFRICA date until long after the World hosts are also in form home team, they will always know having a very good day,” Dhoni said. U Khawaja c Wiese b Rabada 9 A de Villiers c Nevill b Coulter-Nile 0 Twenty20 is concluded on April 3. ahead of World T20 the conditions very well. So to beat a “The difference between a good A Finch c Rabada b Imran Tahir 40 Q de Kock c and b Coulter-Nile 7 Russell, who helped West home team is always difficult,” Indian team and not-so-good team can be D Warner c Duminy b Wiese 20 F du Plessis (run out-Nevill) 40 Indies win the 2012 World captain MS Dhoni told reporters. just a performance on that partic- S Smith c De Kock b Wiese 6 J Duminy c Finch b Tye 5 Twenty20, is therefore likely to be “Also Bangladesh, over the ular day.” available for the opening Super 10 years has developed a lot. They Dhoni, whose illustrious trophy G Maxwell c Du Plessis b Morris 17 R Rossouw c Khawaja b Marsh 19 match against England in Mumbai A FP have improved their strength,” said case includes one Asia Cup from M Marsh c Miller b Abbott 35 D Miller (not out) 53 on March 16. the skipper, predicting: “It will be a 2010, would like to end the 12-day P Nevill lbw Imran Tahir 4 D Wiese (run out-Hastings) 13 Athletes must tell their local good final.” meet on a high before India hosts the J Hastings b Imran Tahir 7 C Morris c Finch b Coulter-Nile 8 anti-doping agency where they Dhoni’s side, the pre-tournament World Cup T20 Championship start- N Coulter-Nile b Rabada 9 K Abbott (not out) 6 will be for at least one hour each DHAKA: Bangladesh are hoping favourites, defeated the UAE by nine ing on March 8. day to facilitate drug tests, World to cause a major upset in the Asia wickets on Thursday to end the league Hosts Bangladesh have qualified A Zampa (not out) 5 Extras (LB-1, NB-1, W-5) 7 Anti-Doping Agency rules state. Cup final in Dhaka today by spoil- phase with a 100 percent success rate. for the Asia Cup final only once in A Tye (not out) 0 Total (for 7 wkts in 19.2 overs) 158 If an athlete misses three drug ing favourites India’s preparations India - who have won nine of their last 2012, when they lost to Pakistan at Extras (B-2, LB-1, W-2) 5 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-17, 3-41, 4-72, 5-72, checks within a 12-month period, for the World Twenty20, which starts 10 Twenty20 internationals - will start home by just two runs. Total (for 9 wkts in 20 overs) 157 6-95, 7-134. that counts as a positive test. next week. the final as favourites, but Dhoni said Meanwhile, clashes broke out yes- Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-69, 3-71, 4-91, 5-97, Bowling: Coulter-Nile 4-0-29-3 (2w); Hast- Russell, who last month helped Top-ranked India crushed Bang- nothing could be taken for granted, terday between police and hundreds 6-104, 7-114, 8-149, 9-154. ings 4-0-29-0; Maxwell 1-0-16-0; Tye 3.2-0- Islamabad United win the Pakistan ladesh by 45 runs in the opening especially in the shortest format of of fans queuing for tickets, local Bang- 40-1 (1nb); Marsh 3-0-17-1; Zampa 4-0-26-0 Super league and was named man match of the tournament, but the international cricket. ladesh media reported. Police fired Bowling: Rabada 4-0-26-2 (2w); Abbott (1w). of the tournament, also plays for hosts have since executed a turna- His side are five-times winners tear gas to disperse the fans, accord- 4-0-32-1; Duminy 1-0-24-0; Morris 3-0-35-1; the Kolkata Knight Riders in the round, winning three matches on the of the Asia Cup, which takes place ing to the online edition of Prothom Wiese 4-0-16-2; Imran Tahir 4-0-21-3. Result: South Africa won by three wickets. Indian Premier League. trot to qualify for the final. every two years, although India’s Alo, a Bengali-language daily. Rudisha begins New Zealand off to a fine start as Samoa shock Fiji in Las Vegas Sevens Rio build-up with AFP win in Australia

AFP LOS ANGELES: New Zealand got off to a quick start in their bid for a MELBOURNE: Olympic champion David third straight Rugby Sevens World Rudisha was pushed by Australian Luke Series triumph, winning both of Mathews in his first competitive run of their matches on the opening day the season in the 800 metres at the IAAF of the Las Vegas Sevens on Friday. World International Challenge meet in New Zealand, South Africa, Aus- Melbourne yesterday. tralia, Kenya and Argentina all won The 27-year-old Kenyan star clocked both of their opening day matches, one minute 44.78 seconds in holding but reigning series champions Fiji off fast-finishing 20-year-old Mathews were stunned by Samoa in their (1:45.16) as he began the build-up to his opening contest. Olympic title defence in Rio de Janeiro in Savelio Ropati’s late try lifted August. It was Rudisha’s first track race Samoa to a dramatic 28-24 vic- since reclaiming his world title in Beijing tory over their Pacific rivals, who in August. rebounded with a comfortable 42-12 “Coming here, I was hoping for some- victory over France. thing like 1:44, 1:45,” Rudisha said after England’s day got off to a rocky the race. It was Rudisha’s fifth start in start as they had to battle back from Melbourne for five wins, ranging from his a 19-5 deficit to salvage a 19-19 draw meeting record of 1:43.15 in 2010 to his with Japan. 1:44.94 to start 2015, the year he won his Two tries in the final two min- Sam Myers of Australia second world title. utes, the second converted by Tom dives for a try against Rudisha set an amazing world record Mitchell, gained the draw, but in James Fleming of Scotland of 1:40.91 when winning gold in the Lon- England’s second match -- the last during the USA Sevens don Games in 2012. of the day -- Joe Nayacavou sealed Rugby tournament at Sam The Kenyan has made the Melbourne a superb win for Scotland with a Boyd Stadium on Friday in meeting the regular benchmark of his try on the last play of a 24-14 vic- Las Vegas, Nevada. early-season fitness, kicking off his season tory that knocked England out of the in Australia in five of the past seven years. running for the Cup. The Kenyan will now return home to New Zealand -- whose victories prepare for the Diamond League 800m at Wellington and Sydney in the last race in Shanghai on May 14 as he prepares two stops in the series pulled them on Friday, as did Australia in Pool B, with a 26-0 rout of Scotland that four conversions in a 35-5 victory this year with rugby making a return to try to join an exclusive group to have level with Fiji and South Africa atop Argentina in Pool C and South Africa included the sevens debut of Quade over Japan. to the Olympics at Rio de Janeiro in defended Olympic gold medals. the standings -- opened the tourna- in Pool D. Cooper, the veteran of the 15-a-side Hosts the United States opened August. No man has won consecutive Olym- ment at Sam Boyd Stadium with a Bryan Habana, South Africa’s game. with a 19-12 victory over Wales, but Friday’s action drew a crowd of pic 800m titles since New Zealand’s Peter 42-7 victory over Portugal. leading try-scorer in Tests with 64, Cooper, 27, came on as a substi- wasted a 12-point lead in a sloppy 18,441 -- a record USA Sevens one- Snell in 1960 and 1964, while only two oth- They followed up with a 38-0 returned to sevens after a 12-year tute in the final five minutes against 26-26 draw with Canada. day attendance. ers - Douglas Lowe (1924 and 1928) and win over Russia and in their final hiatus as South Africa notched vic- Scotland and struggled at first to The Las Vegas tournament is Pool play was scheduled to Mal Whitfield (1948 and 1952) - have ever Pool A match they will take on tories over Canada and Wales. adjust to the rhythm of the seven-a- the fifth stop in the 10-event series, continues yesterday and the event done it. Kenya, who also went two-for-two Australia opened their campaign side format.However, he contributed which even more in the spotlight concludes today. 32 SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 SPORT

Djokovic beaten in doubles as Sanchez frustrates Spurs as Serbia slump

AFP

Manchester City crush Villa BELGRADE: Novak Djokovic suf- fered his first Davis Cup defeat in five years when he and Serbian team-mate Nenad Zimonjic lost PREMIER LEAGUE their doubles rubber to Kaza- Wenger’s 10-man khstan’s Andrey Golubev and RESULTS Aleksandr Nedovyesov yesterday. The 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 scoreline Arsenal rescued Chelsea 1 (Traore 39) Stoke 1 (Diouf 85) by late equaliser gave Kazakhstan a 2-1 lead ahead Everton 2 (Lukaku 13, Lennon 56) West of the reverse singles today where against Tottenham as Ham 3 (Antonio 78, Sakho 81, Payet the winner will go on to face either 90) Pellegrini’s side keeps defending champions Great Brit- Newcastle 1 (Perez 80) Bournemouth ain or Japan in the quarter-finals title hopes alive with 3 (Taylor 28-og, King 70, Daniels 90) match. 4-0 rout Manchester City 4 (Toure 48, Aguero Today, world number one 50, 60, Sterling 66) Aston Villa 0 Djokovic will face Mikhail Kuku- Southampton 1 (Van Dijk 90) Sunder- shkin where he will try to keep the land 1 (Defoe 85) tie alive. AFP Swansea 1 (Sigurdsson 61) Norwich 0 The final singles is due to Tottenham 2 (Alderweireld 60, Kane feature Viktor Troicki against 62) Arsenal 2 (Ramsey 39, Sanchez 76) Nedovyesov. Djokovic last lost in the tour- LONDON: Alexis Sanchez ruined Tot- Playing today nament in 2011 – against Juan tenham’s bid to take over at the top Crystal Palace vs Liverpool Martin del Potro through a retire- of the Premier League as the Arse- West Brom vs Manchester Utd ment in the semi-finals that Serbia nal forward’s late equaliser rescued lost 3-2 to Argentina and alongside a 2-2 draw for the 10-man Gunners, Zimonjic in a 4-1 win over Sweden while Manchester City kept their title Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez celebrates after minute, but Everton were reduced to in the first round that year. hopes alive by thrashing Aston Villa scoring a goal against Tottenham during 10 men in the 34th minute when Kevin In the opening match of the 4-0 yesterday. their Premier League match at White Mirallas was sent off. World Group tie on Friday, Djok- Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal were Heart Lane in London, yesterday. Roberto Martinez’s side scored ovic, playing for the first time in danger of being cast adrift in the again through winger Aaron Lennon in front of his home fans since Premier League title race when Tot- in the 56th minute. the Davis Cup against Croatia in tenham led 2-1 in the second half at But Lukaku saw a penalty saved March last year, easily defeated White Hart Lane. by Adrian and Michail Antonio Nedovyesov, the world number With Francis Coquelin sent off they wasted a chance to go top for the Bournemouth piled more pressure reduced the deficit in the 78th minute. 200, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3. after Aaron Ramsey’s opener, Arsenal first time in seven years, Tottenham PREMIER LEAGUE on beleaguered Newcastle manager Diafra Sakho equalised three Although suffering from minor surrendered the lead when Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, whose side ROUND-UP Steve McClaren with a 3-1 win over minutes later and Payet won it in the problems with his left shoulder, hit back through Toby Alderweireld are two points behind Leicester, was the crisis-torn Magpies at St James’ last minute. Djokovic appeared recovered and Harry Kane. still satisfied. Park. Southampton defender Virgil van from an eye infection which forced But Arsenal recovered to equal- At Eastlands, City ended a run of side are now seven points behind After a week that featured Dijk dented Sunderland’s bid for sur- him to retire from his Dubai ATP ise through Sanchez with 14 minutes three successive league defeats as Leicester. Chelsea warmed up for their reports of a dressing room rebellion vival as his stoppage-time equaliser quarter-final last week, ending his remaining and Wenger was quick to Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure crucial Champions League showdown against McClaren, who also became salvaged a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s. streak of 17 successive finals. hail their character after it was ques- broke the deadlock in the 48th minute against Paris Saint Germain with a embroiled in an angry exchange with Saints defender Jose Fonte was But in the second singles, tioned following successive defeats and Sergio Aguero doubled the lead disappointing 1-1 draw against Stoke a journalist on Friday, Newcastle fell sent off in the 79th minute before Kazakhstan fought back to level earlier in the week. two minutes later. at Stamford Bridge. behind in the 28th minute through Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe stabbed 1-1, as their top player Kukush- “I am proud of the spirit, but going Aguero struck again in the 60th With Diego Costa rested ahead of Steven Taylor’s own goal. home six minutes later. kin, the world 79, defeated world down to 10 men was the big regret for minute and Raheem Sterling added the last 16, second leg against PSG, West Ham staged a superb fight- Swansea climbed nine points number 23 Troicki with a 7-5, 6-2, the day and it was hard to take,” said the fourth six minutes later before who hold a 2-1 advantage, Burkina back to remain in the hunt for a clear of the relegation zone as Gylfi 6-4 score-line. Wenger, whose third-placed team are Aguero squandered a chance for a Faso forward Bertrand Traore bagged Champions League berth with a 3-2 Sigurdsson’s 61st minute goal secured Serbia won the Davis Cup five points behind Leicester ahead of hat-trick when his penalty hit a post. his fourth goal in his last five appear- win at 10-man Everton. a vital 1-0 win over third bottom Nor- in 2010, led by their star player the leaders’ trip to Watford. Although Manuel Pellegrini’s fourth-placed ances in the 39th minute. Romelu Lukaku struck in the 13th wich at the Liberty stadium. Djokovic.

DAVIS CUP RESULTS Four-star Ronaldo silences critics in Celta rout World Group In Birmingham Great Britain 2 Japan 1 AFP Madrid’s seventh on his first appear- claimed Real would be top of the in behind the Madrid defence to pull a Andy Murray/Jamie Murray ance after six weeks out with a calf league if the rest of his teammates goal back with a neat chip over Navas. (GBR) bt Yoshihito Nishioka/ injury. matched his exacting standards after However, Madrid duly replied with Yasutaka Uchiyama (JPN) 6-3, Victory moved Real back to within the Atletico game. a further three goals in 13 minutes. 6-2, 6-4 MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo (pic- nine points of leaders Barcelona, who And the Portuguese was met with Firstly, Ronaldo completed his In Belgrade tured) silenced his critics with four travel to Eibar today. a few whistles from the crowd early in 30th La Liga hat-trick with a tap in goals in Real Madrid’s 7-1 mauling of There was little evidence that the second-half after losing posses- from Isco’s unselfish low cross. Serbia 1 Kazakhstan 2 Celta Vigo yesterday after being jeered Ronaldo or Real were about to burst sion twice in quick succession. Bale then made his entrance Aleksandr Nedovyesov/Andrey by certain sections of the home sup- into life during a quiet first-half However, he responded instantly with the Welsh star’s return to fit- Golubev (KAZ) bt Nenad port. played out in front of a frustrated with a dipping strike from 25 yards ness a huge boost for Zidane ahead Zimonjic/Novak Djokovic (SRB) Ronaldo wheeled away in cel- home crowd after last weekend’s 1-0 that flew past Blanco. of Madrid’s Champions League last- 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 ebration with hand cupped to his defeat to Atletico in the Madrid derby. Ronaldo immediately headed 16, second-leg clash with Roma on In Pesaro ear after smashing home Madrid’s Iago Aspas had a huge chance to towards the stand behind the goal Tuesday. Italy 3 Switzerland 0 second after Pepe had headed Zin- put Celta in front when he headed with his hand placed over his ear as Ronaldo headed home his fourth Saturday edine Zidane’s men in front before against the bar before Keylor Navas a warning shot to his critics. of the afternoon before substitute Jese half-time. smothered his follow-up effort from More was to come from Ronaldo Rodriguez smashed home Madrid’s Simone Bolelli/Andreas Seppi (ITA) vs Marco Chiudinelli/ The three-time World Player of point-blank range. and Casemiro, but the visitors were as he then curled home a brilliant sixth after a fine solo run. Henri Laaksonen (SUI) 6-3, the Year added three more to surpass Ronaldo didn’t make his presence struggling to deal with cross balls free-kick into the top corner to bring And Bale showed what Madrid 6-1, 6-3 Telmo Zarra as the second highest felt until 20 minutes in when his fierce and Pepe powered home the opener up 250 La Liga goals in just 228 were missing last week against scorer in La Liga history. strike from distance was beaten to five minutes before the break from appearances. Ronaldo hit the bar with Atletico when he drove at the Celta In Gdansk And there was further good safety by Ruben Blanco. Isco’s cross. another free-kick before Aspas cap- defence before firing in his 14th goal Poland 1 Argentina 2 news for Real as Gareth Bale scored The Celta ‘keeper also denied Isco Ronaldo had controversially italised on the huge amount of space of the season off the post. Martin Matkowski/Lukasz Kubot (POL) bt Carlos Berlocq/ Renzo Olivo (ARG) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 In Hanover Qatar Junior Open begins PSG, Montpellier play out 0-0 draw Germany 1 Czech Repulic 2 Tomas Berdcyh/Radek Stepanek (CZE) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber/Philipp AFP eight of the Champions League for the PSG only really threatened when Di Petzschner (GER) 7-6 (9/7), 7-5, fourth year running, but all depends Maria turned on the style. 6-4 on the second leg of their last-16 tie The Argentine produced some with Chelsea in London on Wednes- flashes of quality and also nearly In Melbourne PARIS: With numerous stars rested, day, into which they take a 2-1 lead. found the net from a curling left-foot Australia 1 United States 2 Paris Saint-Germain settled for an Blanc rested a host of key players free-kick that forced Laurent Pion- Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan (USA) uninspiring goalless draw at home to to keep them fresh and Zlatan Ibra- nier in the Montpellier goal into an bt Lleyton Hewitt/John Peers Montpellier yesterday ahead of their himovic was on the bench alongside excellent save high to his left. (AUS) 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3 crucial Champions League return David Luiz and Thiago Motta while Di Maria then sent a low ball Today clash with Chelsea. captain Thiago Silva was not involved across the face of goal but Lucas, slid- Bernard Tomic (AUS) vs John PSG’s enormous lead at the top of at all. ing in, was unable to make contact in Isner (USA) Ligue 1 and determination to progress While Marco Verratti and Blaise one of the last acts of the first half. in Europe meant this game was never Matuidi were not fit, there was a The state of Di Maria’s fitness has Sam Groth (AUS) vs Jack Sock (USA) the priority for coach Laurent Blanc, return for Angel Di Maria but the been one of the biggest concerns for although things could have been very home starting line-up also featured Blanc ahead of the game at Stamford In Liege different had Edinson Cavani found 20-year-old defender Presnel Kim- Bridge and he was replaced after an Belgium 1 Croatia 2 the net rather than the bar early on. pembe and midfielder Christopher hour to make way for Ibrahimovic. Yesterday The draw allowed the defending Nkunku, who was making his first Despite the Swede’s introduc- Ivan Dodig/Kranko Skugor champions to restore their 23-point start in Ligue 1 at the age of just 18. tion, PSG could not break down their (CRO) bt Ruben Bemelmans/ lead at the top over second-placed Nkunku showed some nice opponents, but they will recall that David Goffin (BEL) 7-6 (7/5), Monaco, who drew 2-2 at Caen on touches in a first half that lacked a 0-0 draw at home to Lille imme- 6-3, 6-1 Friday, and means they could still intensity at a Parc des Princes once diately before the first leg against Today secure a fourth straight title when again far from full. Chelsea did them little harm. Action from an opening day match of the Qatar Junior Open they host the principality club at the The hosts almost opened the Montpellier, meanwhile, will David Goffin (BEL) vs Marin Squash Championship at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Parc des Princes on March 20. scoring from one of their first attacks be pleased as they continued their Cilic (CRO) Complex in Doha, yesterday. The event will conclude tomorrow. By then they will hope to have as a Maxwell cross was turned onto revival since the January appoint- Kimmer Coppejans (BEL) vs confirmed their place in the last the bar by Cavani, but other than that ment as coach of Frederic Hantz. Borna Coric (CRO) SPORT SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 33 Gerrard and Vieira ready as MLS season kicks off

AFP ourselves well for the playoffs which for what will be the first match under gave us a very difficult game away in the new reign of manager Vieira. Seattle,” Gerrard said during an MLS The former France, Arsenal and media day recently. Juventus star has opted to launch his Steven Gerrard LOS ANGELES: Steven Gerrard has “The learning curve is we need managerial career in the MLS after holds his new Los set his sights on winning his first tro- to perform and defend very solidly working as part of the backroom staff Angeles Galaxy phy with the Los Angeles Galaxy while all the way through, try and position at New York’s parent club Manches- jersey during a Patrick Vieira aims to inspire New ourselves high come the end of the ter City in recent years. news conference York City to glory as the 21st Major league campaign and that will hope- Expansion side New York endured at the Stubhub League Soccer (MLS) season kicks fully give us a smoother ride through a difficult debut season in the MLS, Center in Los off today. the play-offs.” failing to make the playoffs despite Angeles in this Gerrard and New York manager Gerrard admitted he found his assembling a squad which is bristling July 2015 file Vieira are among a growing band of first season in the MLS a demand- with overseas talent. foreign players and coaches who have ing experience, struggling to get to Former England midfielder Frank photo. headed to the MLS in recent seasons, grips with a challenging schedule that Lampard, Italian playmaker Andrea sprinkling stardust on a league that is often involves travel through multiple Pirlo and Spanish World Cup winner enjoying record popularity. timezones and matches on variable David Villa all return for New York Gerrard, who signed for the Gal- surfaces. this season as Vieira aims to improve axy last year, is an integral part of a “I used it as a learning experi- on last year’s disappointing campaign. new-look LA team aiming to bounce ence,” Gerrard said. “I don’t want to put any kind of back after the disappointment of a “I feel an awful lot more prepared target upon the players, what’s impor- first-round exit against Seattle in the going forward into the new season so tant for me is to play the best football post-season last term. hopefully the experience of the ups we can,” Vieira said. Following that shattering loss, the and downs from the previous four or “The message I sent to the play- Galaxy moved swiftly to strengthen five months will be very helpful for ers is if we play the right way, if we their squad, recruiting Gerrard’s me.” do what we want to do, we will give former England team-mate Ashley Gerrard said he has set a straight- ourselves more chances to winning Cole, Dutch international midfielder forward aim for the season: “Win the games. Nigel De Jong and Jelle van Damme. MLS Cup or go close.” “The first game will be a very big Former Liverpool skipper Gerrard The five-time MLS Cup champi- test for us to see where we are, we will pinpointed Galaxy’s leaky defense ons Galaxy open their campaign with play against a well organized team as the cause of their downfall last a testing match against DC United in with very good players, it will give us picking up a knock but Vieira said experienced players. club and remembered for bringing season. California on Sunday night. a really good indication of where we the former Chelsea star and Pirlo “The way they speak, the way titles to this team. They are train- “I think we started conceding Elsewhere today, big-spending are.” had already been influential in pre- they are hungry to win things, they ing hard, giving information to the too many goals. We didn’t position New York City FC travel to Chicago Lampard will miss opener after season by setting standards for less really want to be part of this football younger players,” Vieira said. FIFA approves testing of Van Gaal turning the tide video technology

AFP the debate and not stopping the debate. We have shown we are as United target top four listening to the fans, players, to football. CARDIFF: The International Foot- “We are applying common sense. ball Association Board (IFAB) has Of course we have to be cautious but approved testing of video technol- we are also open to taking concrete PREMIER LEAGUE ogy to aid match officials, it was measures.” Rejuvenated Red PREVIEW announced yesterday. Infantino has previously admit- Devils eye fifth Experiments will be carried out ted his concern that the flow of straight win as they over a two-year period starting no football should not be affected by Jones and Bastian Schweinsteiger later than the 2017/18 season before a the introduction of video. visit West Bromwich likely to join them next week. No one final decision is taken on whether to The decision to introduce video today will be rushed back, but Van Gaal is adopt the technology permanently. technology follows the widespread pleased about the prospect of get- The trials will allow referees to introduction of goal-line technology, ting key players back as the season call on the video assistance to help which was used by FIFA at the 2014 approaches its final two months. determine four categories of game- World Cup and will be used by UEFA AFP “We have closed the gap between changing moments -- goals scored, at this season’s Champions League ourselves and the top four, and so that red cards, penalties and mistaken and Europa League finals, as well as has increased our belief,” Van Gaal identity. at Euro 2016. said. “We have taken really a his- Numerous football associations WEST BROMWICH: Manchester West Brom head coach Tony Pulis toric decision for football,” said new have already expressed support for United’s hopes of Champions League has suffered a similar tone of criti- FIFA president Gianni Infantino at a introducing video technology and qualification are growing as their cism to Van Gaal this season, albeit press conference in the Welsh cap- the Dutch Federation (KNVB) have injury list shrinks and boss Louis van in his lower profile job, with support- ital Cardiff. already carried out their own tests Gaal appears much more optimis- ers objecting to a perceived negative “FIFA and IFAB are now leading into the feasibility of using video. tic now than the man who recently approach. His team, however, have looked set for the sack. scored six times in their last three A fourth successive victory was league games and taken seven points ground out on Wednesday as Van from a possible nine. Gaal’s side beat Watford 1-0, moving Manchester United’s Dutch manager Louis van Gaal (right) shakes hands Pulis, who will again be without them to within reach of the Premier with midfielder Memphis Depay at the end of the Premier League formed United defender Jonny Evans, League’s top four as the Red Dev- said: “I think you’re going to get criti- match against Watford at Old Trafford in Manchester on Wednesday. ils prepare to visit West Bromwich cism whichever way you cook it today. Albion today. “It’s style of football, not scoring The two teenagers in United’s goals, conceding goals. If you’re not starting line-up in midweek both Hodgson suggesting that he could be play the full 90 minutes on Wednes- winning enough games then people acquitted themselves well, with Mar- part of his international squad for day, Rashford may have to settle for are going to find a way why you’re cus Rashford proving more effective Euro 2016. I think that Mr Hodgson a place among the substitutes at the not doing it and criticise that reason. when switched from a central attack- has answered that question,” Van Hawthorns. “You have to accept that. There’s ing role to the right wing for the Gaal said. In addition, Marcos Rojo has been always a group of supporters within second half. “It is never too early, I have said able to play some part in each of the every club that won’t be happy with In addition, Timothy Fosu-Men- that a lot of times. Age is not impor- last three matches after three months what’s going on unless you’re top of sah showed great composure to get tant. It’s the quality.” out with a dislocated shoulder, while the league or doing something very, through the game at centre-back The influx of young players has fellow left-back Matteo Darmian very special. despite having to play for 67 minutes been made necessary by the fact that recovered from a similar injury to “They will always be there ready with a yellow card to his name. United, at one stage, had 14 players return as a substitute player against to have a little gripe if they feel right. Rashford has made an astonish- out injured; however, those concerns Watford. You have to accept that. You’ll get no ing start to his career, scoring four are easing. Midfielder Marouane Fellaini and complaints from me, the only com- FIFA President Gianni Infantino addresses a press conference at the goals in his first three games, and Indeed, with Anthony Martial full-back Antonio Valencia are back plaint I’ll give is if they start throwing that has led to England manager Roy recovering from a hamstring injury to in full training after injury, with Phil coins or stupid stuff like that.” St David’s Hotel in Cardiff, Wales, on Friday. Seven in a row as Roma rout Fiorentina

AFP over a contract extension, almost com- confidence of playing in the Champi- the scoresheet when a long-range shot pleted a perfect evening at the Stadio ons League again next season. took a huge deflection off Davide Astori Olimpico. “Can we hope for more than third and ballooned over goalkepeer Ciprian As time ticked down, the 39-year- place? We’ll see, we go step by step,” Tatarusanu. ROME: Roma clinched a seventh suc- old substitute just brushed a post with he said. Perotti added the third on 38 min- cessive Serie A victory on Friday when a long-range free-kick. “Tonight we’ve done the job against utes after being put through by El a 4-1 mauling of title rivals Fiorentina The defeat left Fiorentina in fourth a good team. It was a beautiful Roma Shaarawy before Fiorentina pulled one also boosted their Champions League spot, three points behind Roma but and we have to keep going like this with back from the penalty spot. qualification campaign. eight off the pace being set by cham- the same enthusiasm and the same Josip Ilicic converted the spot-kick On-loan striker Stephan El pions Juventus. rhythm.” after Lucas Digne had brought down Shaarawy, Mohamed Salah, with two Victory was Roma’s second in the Salah was at the heart of Roma’s Cristian Tello. goals, and a Diego Perotti strike allowed league over Fiorentina this season but opener after 21 minutes when his cross Salah scored Roma’s fourth just Luciano Spalletti’s third-placed side to they had lost to their rivals twice at from the right was stroked home by before the hour mark and with the cut the gap to leaders Juventus to five home in the Europa League and Ital- El Shaarawy. It was a fifth goal in six points wrapped up, Totti was sum- Roma’s Diego Perotti celebrates after scoring a goal against points. ian Cup. games for El Shaarawy since he joined moned from the bench to the raucous Fiorentina during their Serie A match at Olimpico Stadium in Rome Francesco Totti, who has been Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic on loan from AC Milan. applause of the fans as the veteran on Friday. locked in a bitter dispute with the club said the victory will boost their Three minutes later, Salah was on played his 593rd game for the club. 34 SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 SPORT

Browns’ Bryant gets four-game Cavaliers outwit Wizards as suspension

Agencies

Raptors edge Trail Blazers NEW YORK: Cleveland Browns linebacker Armonty Bryant has been suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season for NBA RESULTS violating the NFL policy on per- James plays crucial Charlotte 108 Indiana 101 formance-enhancing substances, the league announced on Friday. role in victory for Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (left) Phoenix 102 Orlando 84 and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James go Bryant was indicted on Feb- Miami 112 Philadelphia 102 ruary 10 on two counts of felony Cleveland as DeRozan for a loose ball during the third quarter of their Boston 105 NY Knicks 104 drug possession stemming from a NBA game at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on leads Toronto to win Toronto 117 Portland 115 Christmas Day traffic stop in which Friday. Cleveland 108 Washington 83 he and a former teammate, prac- tice squad defensive back De’Ante Memphis 94 Utah 88 AFP Saunders, were arrested. Milwaukee 116 Minnesota 101 Police claim they found mar- Brooklyn 121 Denver 120 ijuana, prescription drugs and a Atlanta 106 LA Lakers 77 loaded handgun in the Saunders’ Los Angeles: The Cleveland Cava- car. liers romped past Washington on Bryant is eligible to participate Friday while their closest pursuers 13th straight home win. Isaiah Tho- in offseason workouts and pre- for the NBA Eastern Conference lead, mas scored 32 points and handed out season practices and games. His Toronto, battled to a two-point vic- eight assists – his second straight suspension, without pay, begins tory over the Portland Trail Blazers. 30-point game for Boston. Ukraine’s at the start of the regular season. LeBron James had 19 points, 13 Alex Len was the hero for the Phoe- Bryant had 5 1/2 sacks last sea- rebounds and seven assists in the nix Suns in a 102-84 victory over the son before being deemed inactive Cavaliers’ 108-83 victory over the Magic in Orlando that snapped the for the final two games due to the Wizards in Cleveland. Suns’ 17-game road losing streak. Christmas Day incident. Kyrie Irving added 21 points Len scored a career-high 31 Meanwhile, Buffalo Bills cor- and eight assists for Cleveland, who points and pulled down 15 rebounds. nerback Leodis McKelvin was snapped the Wizards’ four-game The Suns went into the contest with released. winning streak and avenged a loss in the NBA’s worst field-goal percent- McKelvin, 30, was limited last Washington on Sunday when James age defense, allowing opponents to season to five starts after returning sat out to rest. make 47.3 percent of their shots. But from a broken ankle in November For the rematch, Cavs coach Orlando shot just 34.7 percent against 2014. Tyronn Lue shuffled his lineup, start- them, suffering a blow to their dwin- Rookie Ronald Darby graded ing James at power forward, resting dling hopes of making the playoffs. out as one of the best cover men in Kevin Love and going with a smaller “This is really disappointing,” said the AFC last season and helped to lineup that featured Iman Shumpert Magic coach Scott Skiles. make McKelvin expendable. at small forward. “They were much more physical The Bills have parted with sev- The mix worked. Cleveland led by on us and we never responded. They eral veterans this week, starting 17 at halftime and by as many as 30 pretty much dominated us. This is a Tuesday with the expected release in the fourth quarter, giving Lue the game we had to have, and we didn’t of 31-year-old defensive end Mario luxury of resting James for the final respond.” Williams, guard Kraig Urbik and period. The Suns led 58-50 at halftime, running back Boobie Dixon. The emphatic win came after and opened the third quarter with 16 The Chicago Bears are trying James was criticised in some quar- straight points. to work out a trade for disgruntled ters for travelling to Miami to train “Len played great,” said Orlan- tight end Martellus Bennett. with former Heat team-mate Dwyane East, withstanding 50 points from points and 10 rebounds for Toronto. do’s Nikola Vucevic. “He has really A source told ESPN’s Adam Wade. NBA ROUND-UP Portland’s Damian Lillard to beat the CJ McCollum added 24 points for improved a lot, but I wasn’t aggres- Schefter that the Bears are work- A couple of cryptic tweets from Trail Blazers 117-115. the Trail Blazers, but he and Lillard sive enough against him defensively.” ing with Bennett’s agent, Kennard James had Cavs-watchers wonder- DeMar DeRozan scored 18 points, were the only Portland players to The 22-year-old Len is a sign of McGuire, to find a trade partner. ing if there was trouble brewing in setting an NBA record by making 24 score in double figures. hope for the Suns team that has strug- The 6-foot-6, 273-pound Ben- the locker room, but on the court all twisting an ankle. straight free throws before missing his It was close in Boston, as well, gled all season. Since the All-Star nett is entering the final year of his was well. Markieff Morris had 13 points and final effort from the foul-line. where the Celtics stormed from eight break he has averaged 18.5 points current contract, with $5.085m “To be able to come out and play five assists for the Wizards, but Wash- Overall the Raptors made a points down with less than four min- and 12 rebounds. owed to him next season. like we did tonight -- it’s a step in the ington committed 16 turnovers and club record 43 free throws as they utes to play to beat the struggling New The seven-footer said he’s finding The Cincinnati Bengals re- right direction,” James said. remained outside of playoff position stretched their club-best home win- York Knicks 105-104. his feet this season “This is just the signed wide receiver and return John Wall scored 17 points with in 10th place in the East. ning streak to 12 games. Kyle Lowry Avery Bradley drove for the beginning,” Len said. “My body wasn’t specialist Brandon Tate, who was eight rebounds and seven assists, In Toronto, the Raptors main- added 28 points and six assists and winning points with 17.7 seconds ready last year. Now all the hard work due to become an unrestricted free sitting out the fourth quarter after tained their grip on second in the Jonas Valanciunas chipped in 17 remaining, lifting the Celtics to their is starting to pay off.” agent on Wednesday. MLB: DeGrom declines to sign Mets deal in protest

AFP

NEW YORK: Jacob deGrom (pic- tured), the 27-year-old right-handed pitcher who helped the New York Mets reach last year’s World Series, declined to sign his new Major League Baseball contract with the club on Friday. DeGrom, the 2014 National League Rookie of the Year, is not yet eligible for salary arbitration, so the Mets kept his rights and renewed him at $607,000 after being unable based on the business side of the to reach a deal with him on a 2016 game.” Last year, deGrom made the campaign salary. National League All-Star team and The Mets could have given went 14-8 with a 2.54 earned-run deGrom the major league minimum average with 205 strikeouts over 191 of $507,500 but instead boosted the innings over 30 starts. He was 3-1 New York Rangers goalie Antti Raanta (left) makes a save against Washington Capitals centre Mike Richards (right) paycheck of $556,875 he received for with a 2.88 ERA in four playoff starts. during the third period of their NHL game at Verizon Center in Washington on Friday. The Rangers won 3-2. last season, although the figure was “We, as is the case with most low enough to keep deGrom from if not all of the clubs, have a fairly inking his deal, a symbolic protest straightforward approach to deter- gesture at best since he will play for mining salaries,” Mets general the Mets this season. manager Sandy Alderson said. That will make him eligible for “Yes, it is based on a formula, New York Rangers, Jackets register wins salary artbitration next season and predicated on performance. And he is likely to command a rich pay- we’re really talking about mar- day then after having helped power ginal differences in salaries. This the Mets to their first World Series is the first renewal we’ve had since Agencies gave the Rangers a 2-0 lead in the Cam Atkinson, Boone Jenner, over New Jersey at American Air- since 2000, although they lost to the I’ve been here, so the process has first period. Ryan McDonagh had two Scott Hartnell and Fedor Tyutin also lines Center. The Stars also got a Kansas City Royals. worked well. assists. scored for the Blue Jackets, who are goals from Jason Spezza, Colton Sce- “That’s the business side of the “And we respect Jacob’s right to Jay Beagle and TJ Oshie scored 12-5-4 since Jan. 13. Joonas Korp- vour and Vernon Fiddler in their first game,” deGrom said on Friday at take a renewal if that’s what he feels NEW YORK: Derek Stepan had a goal second-period goals for Washing- isalo finished with 33 saves in the home win since February 13 against the Mets’ Florida spring training and is best in his interest and we’ll and an assist, Antti Raanta made 32 ton, which was looking to reach the encounter. Washington. complex. move on from there.” saves, and the New York Rangers 100-point mark. The Oilers got goals from Connor The Devils got goals from Adam “That’s why I hired my agents. It’s DeGrom said he is interested in defeated the Washington Capitals Raanta, starting in place of Hen- McDavid, Taylor Hall and Leon Drai- Henrique, who now has four goals a business decision that we decided discussing a long-term deal with the 3-2 on Friday night. rik Lundqvist (neck spasms), made 32 saitl, while Laurent Brossoit, making in his last four games, and Devante to make. We have great respect for Mets. Stepan gave the Rangers the 3-2 saves while Holtby made 20. only his third NHL start, made 21 Smith-Pelly. the Mets and the system they have, “I don’t think this will affect that lead just 17 seconds into the third Blue Jackets 6, Oilers 3 saves. and I feel like we have a great rela- in any way,” deGrom said. “We’re still period when his shot from high in David Savard had the first Stars 4, Devils 2 NHL RESULTS tionship with them. open to discussions for long-term the slot deflected off defenseman two-goal game of his career, and Valeri Nichushkin had a goal and NY Rangers 3 Washington 2 “As I’ve said before, I love playing things, but nothing is in the works Brooks Orpik’s stick and by goalie Columbus answered Edmonton at an assist, Mattias Janmark had two Columbus 6 Edmonton 3 here and I want to be in this uniform now and I don’t think this will have Braden Holtby. every turn in a win at Nationwide assists and Kari Lehtonen stopped for a long time. It was just a decision any effect on that.” Jesper Fast and Keith Yandle Arena. 18 of 20 shots for Dallas in a win Dallas 4 New Jersey 2 SPORT SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 35

Big wins for HBK, CBQ in Division A Lorenzo tops on final day of testing Cricket League

and week, and the only satellite rider Pramac Ducati rider inside the top six. The Peninsula Thursday pacesetter Maver- Redding finishes ick Vinales stopped on track during second in the final the session but capped a promis- ing pre-season for Suzuki with the DOHA: A century from Ushantha three-day pre-season third-fastest time, just 0.007s behind helped HBK to register a resound- testing in Qatar Redding. ing 267-run win over Bangladesh Marc Marquez and Rossi were Club in the Qatar Airways Division fourth and fifth, the pair both falling A Cricket League at the West Bay Agencies for a second time in the test, at Turn Grounds. 16 and Turn 10 respectively. Marquez’s The Qatar Cricket Association Honda team-mate Dani Pedrosa fin- is hosting the national league to DOHA: Yamaha’s world champion ished a quiet 14th. provide exposure to the players. Jorge Lorenzo finished the MotoGP Ducati’s Andrea Iannone led the Batting first, Ushantha pre-season testing in scintillating way before Lorenzo’s effort but did plundered a brilliant 178 and Dilas- style, finishing the final day in Qatar not improve thereafter and ended up hrihit a stylish 74, which enabled half-a-second clear. sixth, ahead of Cal Crutchlow, And- HBK to amass 408 for four in 35 Lorenzo was the dominant force rea Dovizioso, Hector Barbera and Pol overs. Mughees (37), Nimantha (33) in the opening test last month at Espargaro. and Joseph (28) also contributed Sepang, and after a quieter week in Crutchlow and Barbera each useful individual scores. Munna Australia, led Wednesday’s first night crashed before running effectively picked two wickets. in Qatar, where the season will start finished, while Loris Baz, Aleix Espar- As expected, Bangladesh Club in a fortnight. garo and Tito Rabat also crashed could not bear the run pressure The Spaniard went to the top with on their way to 13th, 15th and 17th and collapsed at 141 in 34 overs. a lap of 1m54.810s, a full 0.725 sec- respectively. Alvaro Bautista put the Fokhrul, who cracked 52, offered onds faster than the rest of the field new Aprilia RS-GP 18th, 2.233s off the toughest resistance to the at that stage. Lorenzo’s pace and three spots ahead rivals. Johny made 24. Lahiru was Yamaha’s world champion Jorge Lorenzo in action during the final day of the three-day pre-season MotoGP That lap was also 0.457s bet- of team-mate Stefan Bradl. the wrecker-in-chief, dismissing ter than the fastest lap of last year’s Meanwhile, difficulties continue testing at the Losail International Circuit in Losail on Friday night. four players. Ushantha, Mughees Qatar Grand Prix, set by team-mate for Dani Pedrosa who remains una- and Gayan all got a wicket each. Valentino Rossi. While no-one beat ble to find a satisfactory feeling on his the three day event in tenth and just race, although he is aware there is still the three days we have tried to test a Waleed starred in Commer- Lorenzo, his margin at the top did bike during Qatar test. over a second behind the fastest time. much work that needs to be done. lot of things, but there are still some cial Bank Qatar’s 67-run triumph eventually close slightly. The testing period has been a try- While many riders performed longer The new Michelin tyres and Magneti ideas that we want to apply the next against Doha Falcon in the second Having been fifth and fourth on ing time for Pedrosa, the factory rider race runs on the final day, Pedrosa Marelli ECU have proven a difficult time we are on track. With the data match. Waleed cracked a superb the first two days, Pramac Ducati struggling at all three tests to find a continuing to focus on experiment- challenge for Honda to overcome, obtained in the last few tests, the 113, which provided the nucleus rider Scott Redding continued his quality setting for his factory Honda. ing with settings. their rivals having made an easier technicians in Japan will work to try to his team’s big 337 for seven in strong week on Friday when he slot- Experimenting with several dif- Fortunately the first race is not transition during the off-season. to make some changes ahead of the 45 overs. ted into second place with 90 minutes ferent settings on the final day of the until the 20th of March, giving the Pedrosa: “We had not many tyres first Grand Prix. We’ll see if they are Habib (51) and Dharmang (53) remaining. Qatar Test saw the Repsol Honda technicians back in Japan a chance left so we couldn’t do much testing favourable, and if we can get better batted solidly to register half-cen- The Briton turned a lap of Team rider unable to match his best to analyse the data. Come race day and I finish more early than usual.” performance for the race,” he added turies. Aamir (43), Sajjad (24) and 1m55.326s to be Lorenzo’s closest lap of the test. His 1’55.857 from many things can change and Ped- Unfortunately the conclusions at the end of the third and final three- Ali (22) were other contributors. challenger, 0.516s behind for the day Thursday saw Pedrosa conclude rosa remains confident of a solid first are not entirely satisfactory. Over day testing in Qatar. Amjad Khan and Kushal shared four wickets. Doha Falcon battled bravely but it was not enough as they got at 270 all out in 43 overs. Hasitha led their reply with 63,.Nafiaz (32), QMMF Racing Team’s Simon hopes for turnaround Muftab (31) and Damith (30) batted well and delayed the inevitable to some extent. Galfar Al Misnad also turned The Peninsula out to be a big winner as they crushed the challenge of Doha Youngstars by 130 runs. Galfar DOHA: QMMF Racing Team’s new entry Xavier made a modest 263 all out in 45 Simeon finished the official three-day Moto2 overs. Kamran (three wickets), test in Jerez on a high note. Iqbal (three wickets) and Rawaayt The 26-year-old from Belgium further (two wickets) bowled well for Doha improved his race pace, with a good level of Youngsters XI. grip and a good feeling for his Speed Up bike In reply, Doha Youngsters even with worn-out tyres. He now looks forward could reach barely 130 in 36 overs. to the challenges of the Losail track in Qatar, Taimoor (61) was the mainstay of where more testing will take place in the lead- their batting. Umer and Imraz up to the first Grand Prix of the 2016 season on snapped three wickets each, while March 20th. Suneth added two scalps. Team-mate Julian Simeon continued his Brief scores search for the best possible set-up solutions, Result: HBK won by 267 runs but never got to the point where he was able HBK made 408/4 runs in 45 to push to the absolute maximum. However, overs. Ushantha 178, Dilashri 74, the 28-year-old Spaniard and his technicians Mughees 37, Nimantha 33, Joseph learned a lot over the three days at Jerez and 28, Munna 2 wkts, Fokhrul 1 wkt, are confident to extract a solid set-up base for Rafiq 1 wkt) the Losail track, where Simeon will give his very Bangladesh: 141 all out in 34 best to get closer to the front and to battle for overs (Fokhrul 52, Sobuj 15, Johny QMMF Racing Team’s Xavier Simeon negotiates a curve during the official three-day test on Friday. RIGHT: Team-mate Julian Simon a good result. 24, Shihab 13, Mughees 1 wkt, “Today went quite well, we improved the in action at Jerez. Lahiru 4 wkts, Gayan 1 wkt, Ush- pace of the bike and my feeling was much bet- antha 1 wkt ter,” Simeon said. of grip and the same good feeling in Qatar. race in Qatar, where I want to arrive well rested have to wait and see if we can find the right set- Man-of-the-Match: Ushantha “The only thing that I am a little disap- We did quite a lot of testing here at Jerez and and well prepared physically. These three days up for the Losail track on the base of what we of HBk 178 runs + 1wkt pointed about is the fact that I couldn’t go also two days at Valencia, and we achieved a were tough, we tried many things and never learned here, so we can fight and close in on the Result: CBQ won by 67 runs faster when we mounted new tyres, because lot. Losail is a new track for me with this bike really got the feeling with the bike that we were guys at the front. We did a lot of kilometers here Batting first Commercial I wanted to leave these tests with a better lap and I hope we can be fast and consistent like looking for. Sometimes we had problems with in Jerez, which is good in itself, and as I said, it’s Bank made 337/7 in 45 overs time. Anyway for the rest I am quite happy, we we were here” the front end of the bike, at other times we suf- now a matter of re-charging the batteries and CBQ Batting: Habib 51, Waleed had a strong pace and I managed to do fast times Simon meanwhile is looking forwards to fered with the rear. The team never stopped arriving in Qatar in the best possible shape. I 113, Aamir 43, Dharmang 53, Sajjad even with very used tyres, which is really pos- the race in Qatar. working as I never stopped trying as hard as I want to thank the team for all their efforts and 24, Ali 22, Muftab 1wkt, Muham- itive,” he added. “The official three-day test here at Jerez is could on the track, but we maintained a rhythm I will give my maximum to reward them at the mad 1 wkt, Rushin 1 wkt, Amjad “Now, I hope we can get the same level over and now I really look forward to the first that was a bit too far away from the top. Now we home Grand Prix of QMMF.” Khan 2 wkts, Kushal 2 wkts

Qatari golfers dominate at GCC Golf Championship

Qatar’s winning team members of the senior and junior teams, pose for a picture with officials of Qatar Squash Federation at Doha Golf Club yesterday. Hosts Qatar finished on top in the team category in both the junior and senior sections. Bahrain finished second and UAE took the bronze in the senior section while Kuwait came second in the junior section behind Qatar and Bahrain took the third place. Six countries took part in the championship. In the individual category, Saleh Ali Al Kaabi of Qatar came first in the senior section followed by compatriot Ali Al Shahrani and Khalid Yousef Al Jesmi of UAE. In the junior section, Ali Al Ansari took the gold medal followed by Arnav Jain of Qatar and Ahmed M Ahmed of Bahrain. Qatar team senior team consisted of Abdulrahman Al Shahrani, Saleh Al Kaabi, Ali Al Shahrani and Ghanim Al Kuwari while the junior squad comprised of Saoud Al Muhannadi, Sami Hussam and Arnev Jain. 36 SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 Beerbaum leads German 1-2-3 to win second major trophy in Doha

CHI AL SHAQAB 2016 Chiara continues RESULTS amazing form as CHI Dressage Al Shaqab concludes Competition P14 - CPEDI3* Freestyle III (III FS with phenomenal 20x60) success Philippa Johnson-Dwyer, Lord Louis, 73.500, €1280 Susanne Jensby Sunesen, Thy’s Que Faire, 73.000, €1080 Ann Cathrin Lübbe, Porsborggaardens Donatello, By Rizwan Rehmat 71.833, €880 The Peninsula Competition P15 - CPEDI3* Freestyle IV (IV FS 20x60) Carolin Schnarre, del Rusch, 71.417, €1400 DOHA: German giant Ludger Beer- Camilla Christensen, Oestergaardens Deleight, 68.417, baum guided Chiara with great €1200 command to win the Al Shaqab James Dwyer, Fleurette van de Kreungel, 67.833, €1000 Grand Prix for the second time in three years. Competition P11 - CPEDI3* Freestyle Ia (Ia FS) The last one out of the blocks in Rihards Snikus, King Of The Dance, 73.917, €1300 the CSI5* competition, Chiara clocked a time of 48.81 seconds to win the Jens Lasse Dokkan, Cypres, 73.750, €1100 feature event of the four-day eques- Elke Philipp, Finnbar, 68.500, €900 trian gala at Al Shaqab Arena. Competition P12 - CPEDI3* Freestyle Ib (Ib FS) “The way she jumped was really nice. I went last and that was definitely Qatari rider Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani in Nicole den Dulk, Faust, 74.083, €1200 was an advantage. I am very pleased action during the CHI Al Shaqab yesterday. Pepo Puch, Fontainenoir, 74.000, €1000 because I beat a strong field. To come back and sit here is a special feeling,” Céline Gerny, Flint, 67.917, €800 Beerbaum said after the victory. Competition P13 - CPEDI3* Freestyle II (II FS) “My horse came from a two- Rixt van der Horst, Caraat, 76.333, €1200 month break. To come back like this, so clear, is a great feeling. It is a spe- Caroline Cecilie Nielsen, Leon, 74.083, €1000 cial feeling,” he added. Angelika Trabert, First Lady Melody, 70.750, €800 Beerbaum, 52, got richer by Ludger Beerbaum guides Chiara over an Competition D02 - CDI5* GPS - Grand Prix Spe- €165,000. obstacle on his way to win the feature His compatriot Daniel Deusser cial (GPS event of the four-day CHI Al Shaqab at steered First Class van Eeckelghem Alice Oppenheimer, Headmore Delegate, 72.431, Al Shaqab Arena yesterday. to second spot in the jump-off of the €5000 Pictures by: Kammutty VP / The Peninsula two-phased competition. Marina Mattsson, Beckham, 67.627, €4000 First Class van Eeckelghem clocked a time of 49.02 seconds as Julie Leytens - De Deken, Kingsley Lucky Dance, 66.725, Deusser won €1,00,000. Dutch rider Katja Gevers (Thriller, CHI Al Shaqab as it’s a great test for €3000 Codex One, ridden by Germany’s 74,625, €10,000) and Sweden’s Rose both horse and rider. Competition D01 - CDI5* GP - Grand Prix (GP) Christian Ahlmann, finished in third Mathisen (Zuidenwind, 74.600, This was a big competition and it spot of the 1.60cm class. Codex One, €6,000) completed the top five in was always going to be tough to win, Patrik Kittel, Deja, 77.100, €10000 who suffered 4 penalties, clocked a the GP FS class at Al Shaqab Arena. but I am very confident in this horse’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, Zaire, 75.560, €8000 time of 47.84 seconds. “The mare that we have these days ability. Judy Reynolds, Vancouver K, 74.320, €6000 Ahlmann won €52,500. are really good. I couldn’t be happier,” “She has great speed and massive Last week’s Emir Sword Meet Kittle said. “Today the presentation scope and she really enjoys jumping CDI5* GP FS - Grand Prix Freestyle to Music (GP winner Portugal’s Luciana Diniz fin- was done at the main arena and I was in this environment. It was great to FS) ished in fourth place with Fit For Fun like ‘wow’.” compete today off the back of yester- Patrik Kittel, Deja, 82.900, €25000 13 after stumbling over an obstacle. “What really clicked was the day, which was another great day for Germany’s Nicola Philippaerts, music and how everything turned us,” he added. Judy Reynolds, Vancouver K, 79.700, €20000 astride Zilverstar T, finished in fifth out,” Kittel said. Egyptian rider Saed Saad guided Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, Zaire, 79.475, €15000 Podium winners of the feature event of the final day of CHI Al Shaqab, spot. “The more I come here, the more Triple S to second spot in a time of Show jumping Diniz won €40,000 while Philip- impressed I am. I have come here four 35.03 seconds. Saad won €7,200. Ludger Beerbaum, Daniel Deusser and Christian Ahlmann pose with paerts took home €30,000. times and every time I feel amazing,” Almobty’s compatriot Ramzy their trophies with H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Competition S11 - CSI3* Final - Table A (238.2.2) In the feature dressage event yes- Kittel said. “Doha is clearly one of the Hamad Al Duhami enjoyed a good Qatar Olympic Committee President and Alistair Routledge, President 1.45m terday, Swedish giant Patrik Kittel, 39, top events in the world and not with- rider with Bayard van de Villa Ther- and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar during the awards ceremony. Khaled Abdulrahman Almobty, Dona Evita, 34.70 sec- bagged the top prize of €25,000 when out reason.” esia. Al Duhami won €5,400 after onds, €11880 he guided Deja to win in the Grand Earlier in the CSI3* 1.45cm class, Bayard van de Villa Theresia clocked Prix Freestyle to Music competition. Saudi Arabia’s Khaled Abdulrahman the third-best time of 35.06 seconds. Saed Saad, Triple S. 35.03, €7200 Deja got top ranks from the judges Almobty showed he’s a winning visi- In the CDI5* Grand Prix Special, Beckham, ridden by Sweden’s I’ve never participated in a show like Ramzy Hamad Al Duhami, Bayard van de Villa Theresia, to close with a winning tally of 82.550. tor to Qatar when he rode Dona Evita Britain’s Alice Oppenheimer clinched Marina Mattson, managed a tally of this before and then to secure a win 35.06, €5400 Vancouver K, ridden by Irish rider to a comfortable win. the deal with a high score of 72.431 67.627 to finish second while Kings- has been surreal. I’m completely CSI5* Grand Prix Two Rounds with Jump Off Judy Reynolds, finished second with Dona Evita clocked a time of 34.70 as Headmore Delegate stood first in ley Lucky Dance - who had Belgium’s blown away by the exceptional facil- a score of 79.700. seconds as Almobty - often seen com- all classes. Julie Leytens - De Deken in the sad- ities and the warm hospitality. The 1.60m Zaire, who had Jessica von peting in Doha - picked up the top Oppenheimer, who breeds and dle - ended in third place with a score groom assigned to my horse has been Ludger Beerbaum, Chiara, 48.81 seconds,€165000 Bredow-Werndl in the saddle, man- prize of €11,880. trains her own horses at her family of 66.725. wonderful,” Oppenheimer said. Daniel Deusser, First Class van Eeckelghem, aged a tally of 79.475. “I am delighted to win today. My yard, Headmore Stud in Hampshire, Mattson won €4,000 while De “From the start she has taken 49.02,€100000 Reynolds picked up €20,000 horse is really good and yes, I like exhibited flawless routines with Head- Deken picked up €3,000. great care of Headmore Delegate while Von Bredow-Werndl got richer coming here,” Almobty said. more Delegate to nail the top prize of “My entire experience at CHI Al ensuring she adjusts well to her sur- Christian Ahlmann, Codex One, 47.84 (4 penalties), by €15,000. “It’s always great to participate in €5,000. Shaqab 2016 has been phenomenal. roundings,” Oppenheimer added. €52500 Head of Volunteer Programme hails volunteers at CHI Al Shaqab 2016

The Peninsula Prior to this year’s competition, a number of volunteers helped dis- tribute approximately 2000 flyers at Katara, to attract spectators for DOHA: The CHI Al Shaqab Show the event, while others flew in to Jumping Gala saw world-class action Qatar from the US, the UK, Canada, at the Qatari capital and among best Finland and other GCC countries performers of the meet are over 300 especially to help out. volunteers of the Al Shaqab Volun- The volunteers attended a teer Programme who assisted the detailed orientation session three organisers in the smooth operation days before the event, where they over the past few days. met the Al Shaqab employees The Program, which began five responsible for each task area and years ago, currently has a database received extensive training for their of 4000 volunteers. upcoming responsibilities. Volunteers of the Al Shaqab Volunteer Programme. Its members have become a vital The functional areas for vol- part of the event’s enormous suc- unteers included ticketing, guest cess – with some even travelling transportation, VIP guest ushering, “We come here at 6.30am to programme. Each area employee “My work programme is just like Fatin Al Sada dedicated the suc- from across the world to support spectator services, and accreditation organise the workforce area,” said then takes their volunteers and a home for the volunteers, safe and cess of her volunteer program to the competition. for riders and volunteers. In-field MsFatin Al-Sada, Head of Human organises the day according to what friendly,” Al-Sada added. Fahad al Qahtani, Executive Direc- Volunteers fill in their time volunteers delivered score sheets Resources at Al Shaqab, which man- needs to be done.” The volunteers got to meet per- tor of Al Shaqab, Omar Al Mannai, and location preferences two to from judges to the media centre ages the initiative. Volunteers at CHI Al Shaqab sonalities from TV, newspapers and Event Director of CHI Al Shaqab, and three months ahead of the event, for real-time tabulation, and oth- “The volunteers work under the gained valuable work experience magazines, and received certificates his team and Eman Al Abdulla, Head to ensure that it is well planned and ers input judges’ dictations into Volunteer Program Administrator, at a world-class equestrian facility and gifts from Al Shaqab in appre- of Communications and Media at Al organised. computers. Vivian, who is my right hand in this in a family-friendly environment. ciation of their efforts. Shaqab.