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Wednesday 21 January 2015 • 1 Rabial II 1436 • Volume 19 Number 6317 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Emir meets French Defence Minister Paris to sue Minister: Sports Fox News for Muslim ‘no-go clubs lack zones’ reports

PARIS: The city of Paris said accountability yesterday it plans to sue US chain Fox News for reports that there were “no-go zones” in the French capital that police and ‘Clubs run from behind the curtain’ non-Muslims avoid. The reports in the wake of the DOHA: There is a lack of tournaments that are heavily attacks in Paris two weeks ago have accountability for sports club dependent on foreign players. been widely derided and prompted administrations in the country The government is spending Fox to issue an on-air apology for and the proposed amendments huge amounts on sports and sports suggesting parts of Paris and the in the law governing sports facilities but still Qatar has the English city of Birmingham were clubs are intended to bring them highest diabetes rate; 23 percent run under Sharia’h law. under strict government moni- among children and 15.7 percent “A complaint will be filed in the toring, the Minister of Youth and among adults, while 70 percent of coming days,” despite the apology, Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem the citizens are overweight, said said a source at Paris city hall. bin Nasser Al Ali has said. the minister. Only seven percent of The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met Defence Minister of the French Republic Jean-Yves Le The news channel broadcast a Presenting the government’s the Qatari youth go to the sports Drian and the delegation accompanying him at Emiri Diwan yesterday. They reviewed aspects of cooperation map outlining the so-called no-go vision on sports clubs at the sec- clubs and 54 percent of the youth between the two countries and means of enhancing them. zones, which an expert, Nolan ond meeting of the culture and don’t practice sports, he added. Peterson said felt like Afghanistan media committee of the Advisory He said the ministry wants to or Iraq. Council held earlier, the minister reorganise the sports clubs. The On Saturday a Fox news anchor was vehemently critical of the way Qatari sports clubs are different apologised for “some regretta- sports clubs are currently being from those in other countries, ble errors on air regarding the run. The committee was assigned because they are fully (hun- Rebels seize Yemen palace Muslim population in Europe, par- by the Council to prepare a report dred percent) supported by the ticularly with regard to England on the draft law amending law No government. SANAA: Shia militiamen yesterday to produce a roadmap After a lull overnight, fighting and France. 5 of 1984 on sports clubs. “One of the reasons for amend- seized the presidential palace to end violence. Pitched battles re-erupted yesterday near Hadi’s “Now this applies especially “Majority of the sports clubs in ing the law is that currently there in Yemen’s capital yesterday had erupted on Monday near the residence in western Sanaa when to discussions of so-called no-go Qatar have debts of tens of millions is no proper system to make the in what a minister said was presidential palace and in other the Houthis attempted to set up zones, areas where non-Muslims of riyals and their administra- club administrations accountable a bid to overthrow President parts of Sanaa, before a ceasefire a new checkpoint close by and allegedly are not allowed in and tive system is outdated,” Al Sharq and ensure proper monitoring,” Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi and his was agreed between ministers and were confronted by troops, the police supposedly won’t go,” the quoted the minister as saying. said the minister. US-backed government. a Houthi representative. witnesses said. They reported anchor said. AFP The Advisory Council on He said one of the problems in Witnesses said the heavily At least nine people were killed, heavy clashes inside the complex Monday returned the committee’s the current system is that boards armed gunmen were also clash- including fighters from both sides, in southern Sanaa, one of the few report for further studies. The (of the clubs) do not meet. The ing with troops outside the resi- and 67 wounded, as the militia public buildings to remain outside Council sought a second opinion ministry wants to give more pow- dence of Hadi, who was reportedly seized an army base overlooking the the control of the Houthis since Kuwait shuts on the draft law following differ- ers to the chairman, (instead of inside receiving visitors at the complex and took control of state they overran the capital. ences among experts over a pro- the board) because the clubs are time of the attack. “The Yemeni media. Yemen has been wracked by Tensions have been running newspaper vision giving more powers to the being run from “behind the cur- president is under attack by mili- unrest for months, raising fears of high in Sanaa since the Houthis club chairman, rather than the tains” and the ministry wants to tiamen who want to overthrow a collapse of Hadi’s government, a on Saturday abducted Hadi’s KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait has board, said the daily. stop this practice. the regime,” Information Minister crucial ally in Washington’s fight chief of staff, Ahmed Awad bin scrapped the commercial licence The Minister said sports activ- Continued on page 6 Nadia Sakkaf said on Twitter. against Al Qaeda. Mubarak, in an apparent move to of leading newspaper Al-Watan, ities in the clubs are focused on THE PENINSULA The fresh unrest came after Prime Minister Khalid Bahah extract changes to a draft consti- which has been highly critical the Houthi militiamen, who have escaped to his residence, where tution that he is overseeing. of the government, citing its tightened their grip on Sanaa he has lived since taking office in Mubarak is in charge of a failure to comply with legally since overrunning it unopposed in October, after his convoy came “national dialogue” set up after required financial terms. September, surrounded the prime under fire from Houthi fighters. veteran strongman Ali Abdullah Al-Watan, owned by a member Unified mechanism soon minister’s residence at the end of Houthi gunmen took up posi- Saleh was forced from power in of the Al-Sabah ruling family, said a bloody day on Monday. tions outside the residence late February 2012 following a year of on its website, which was still Prior to the attack on the on Monday and were in control of bloody Arab Spring-inspired pro- operating, that it had challenged to monitor encroachments presidency, the government had all three of its entrances, govern- tests. AFP the decision in court. AFP sought to hold “urgent” talks ment spokesman Rajih Badi said. See also page 7 See also page 7 DOHA: The Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning will soon implement a unified mechanism to monitor encroachments of public properties. The heads of the monitoring sections of all municipalities met yesterday seeking consensus on the proposed mechanism, the Qatar News Agency reported yesterday. Oil falls as IMF cuts forecast As per the new system, a legal notice will be served to the vio- Switch on car AC with lators asking them to report at the municipality within 24 hours NEW YORK: Oil fell as much bottom of $45.89. Benchmark after the violation was detected. A notice will be prepared listing as 5 percent yesterday after the Brent crude closed down 85 cents, in detail the type of the violation. A warning will be issued to the International Monetary Fund cut or 1.8 percent, at $47.99 a barrel. violators to remove the encroachments. its 2015 global economic forecast It earlier touched a session low of mobile, from a distance If the error is rectified within the given time, the issue will be and key producer Iran hinted $47.78. Traders said activity in US settled. Otherwise, a decision will be issued by the director of the prices could drop to $25 a barrel crude was heightened somewhat DOHA: Now customers will (IoT) and M2M connectivity municipality to forcefully remove the encroachment. The security without supportive Opec action. by the expiry of the February be able to cool their cars with products, demonstrating the agencies and other departments concerned will be notified to imple- US crude settled down $2.30, futures contract as the front- mobile — at any time and from company’s commitment to pro- ment the decision, said the report. THE PENINSULA or 4.7 percent, at $46.39 a bar- month. REUTERS any distance. viding the next generation of rel, after tumbling to an intraday See also page 18 Ooerdoo yesterday said it has services to Qatar’s expanding partnered with Q3smart com- business and technology sector. pany to offer a technology that Ooredoo is working with a will enable customers to switch range of companies across many on the air conditioning in their sectors — including automotive, cars through their smartphones. hospitality and manufacturing The technology works by companies — to create a range Solar plane set for round-the-world flight sending data over Ooredoo’s 4G+ of new M2M services, to bring network, so that customers can a full range of smart services to ABU DHABI: A plane with the it will begin the journey in late remotely control the air con- life for the people of Qatar. top speed of a homing pigeon is February or early March. ditioner in their car from any Among the bespoke solutions set to embark on a landmark It will first stop at Muscat, to distance. “Using the new serv- being developed are services round-the-world flight powered benefit from the Gulf’s low-cloud ice, customers can ensure they that enable fleet management, only by the sun’s energy, organ- conditions, before crossing the always return to a cool envi- remote monitoring and full isers said yesterday. Arabian Sea to India and head- ronment in their car, without automation. Solar Impulse 2, the first solar- ing on to Myanmar, China, Hawaii wasting unnecessary resources, Ooredoo offers a variety of powered plane to be able to fly and New York. Landings are also simply by tapping a button on data bundles ranging from 100 for several days and nights, will earmarked for the midwestern their phone,” said Ooredoo in a MB to 50 GB to support M2M, land 12 times along its roughly United States and either southern statement. and enable data-sharing, so that 35,000km trip — including a Europe or north Africa, depend- The Q3smart Start service companies can distribute the five-day stretch above the Pacific ing on weather conditions. works via a secure network and data allowance across as many Ocean without a drop of fuel. The longest single leg will see connects directly with an opera- SIM cards embedded in differ- “We want to demonstrate that a pilot fly the plane non-stop tor, protecting the application ent machines as they need. clean technology and renew- for five days and nights across against hacking. The applica- Customers who want to see able energy can achieve the the Pacific between Nanjing in tion can also be used with select the power and potential of IoT impossible,” said Solar Impulse China and Hawaii — a distance smartwatches and can even be and M2M services can do so at Chairman Bertrand Piccard, of 8,500km. used as a car location tracking Ooredoo’s OASIS Lab, which is the scion of a dynasty of Swiss With flight speeds of 50-100km system. designed to enable and showcase scientists-cum-adventurers. per hour, the entire round-the- The service is powered by Ooredoo smart solutions. An Emirati takes a picture of himself in front of the Solar Impulse 2 in Abu The plane’s route was unveiled world journey is expected to take Ooredoo’s “Internet of Things” THE PENINSULA Dhabi yesterday, on the sidelines of the World Future Energy Summit. yesterday in Abu Dhabi, where five months to complete. AFP WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Premier meets Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Deputy PM reviews Darfur peace process

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud yesterday met Thabo Mbeki, Chairperson, African Union High-level Implementation Panel, and The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday met member Abdulsalami Abubakar and Abiodun Oluremi Bashua, Acting Joint Special Representative, African Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Abdul Latif Darian and his delegation. Union-UN Mission in Darfur and Joint Chief Mediator. Talks dealt with strengthening the Darfur peace process.

Shura Council Qatar tops in GCC female workforce team leaves for Turkey forum Women have opportunity to take on more active role in GCC family businesses: Study DOHA: Advisory Council Speaker Mohammad bin Mubarak Al Khulaifi and his DOHA: Qatar, with 50.8 per- behind developed countries, at the most critical challenges fam- supportive environment for delegation yesterday left for cent working women, has the around 30 percent compared to ily businesses face but it can also family businesses to take advan- Turkey to take part in the 10th highest female workforce 70-80 percent for most OECD be a great opportunity to draw tage of the contributions their session of the Parliamentary among the GCC member countries. from the entire talent pool, not women can make. Union of the member states states, followed by the UAE According to the joint study just the male members of the “GCC family businesses are of the Organization of Islamic (46.6 percent) and Kuwait by Al Sayedah Khadijah Bint family. As female family mem- also looking at global best prac- Cooperation. (43.4 percent), according to a Khawilid Center (formerly Booz bers become shareholders via tices and finding that female The forum which ends tomor- statement yesterday. & Company), family businesses inheritance, they tend to seek a family members are increasingly row, will cover issues, including Referring to a study in the GCC seek to address new role in the governance and over- becoming a vital force within ratification of a memorandum by International Labour challenges and transition to sight of the business. their foreign counterparts. of understanding on coopera- Organisation, a Jeddah-based future generations and women Dr Basmah Omair, CEO, Al “Several trends have contrib- tion between the union, adoption research centre said wide dis- have the opportunity to take on Sayedah Khadijah Bint Khawilid uted to women’s growing leader- of the 17th session report of the parities exist in the GCC states more active roles. Center, said: “This is a propi- ship over the past two decades, general committee of the union when it comes to women’s par- The study investigated wom- tious time for family businesses including changing social con- and the reports represented by ticipation in employment. en’s role in family businesses in as all GCC countries have made ditions, such as smaller family four standing committees and the For instance, in Saudi Arabia the GCC. It is based on insights female economic inclusion a top sizes and higher average age Committee of Palestine. only 18.2 percent of Saudi women from client work, publicly avail- priority. of marriage; increasing efforts The agenda also includes the are joining the workforce, while able information and interviews “The value of diverse per- from women to acquire skills nomination of members of the in Oman and Bahrain the ratios with stakeholders in 30 leading spectives from all members of that would make them eligible general, executive and standing stood at 28.6 percent and 39.4 family businesses in the GCC in Dr Basmah Omair, CEO, Al Sayedah the family is gaining widespread for a wider spectrum of roles committees for 2015, determine percent, respectively. the past one year. Khadijah Bint Khawilid Center. recognition as most family busi- in business; and growing social the time and venue of the 11th Although the GCC countries The study suggests that nesses in the GCC are facing acceptance that encourages session of the conference and the have made strides in women’s in the next five to 10 years, face a transition to the third transition from the second to the women to be more involved in adoption of Istanbul Declaration education, their participa- a large number of GCC fam- generation. third generation of ownership. the family business,” Dr Omair and Final Declaration for the 10th tion in the labour force lags ily businesses are expected to Succession planning is one of “As a result, there is a added. THE PENINSULA conference. QNA WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 QM launches three new books

DOHA: Qatar Museums (QM) publication to support family I will cherish for days to come,” launched three new books at learning. It is important to high- said Al Kubaisi. the recently concluded 25th light all Qatari cultural content Fatema Al Sulaiti, Associate Doha International Book Fair. on offer and support Qatari writ- Deputy Director for Collection, QM Family Programmes’ first ers and illustrators,” he added. QM, also launched two of her lat- publication for children is What’s “It was an honour to cooper- est books – Fatimid Woodwork and in the Sand? by Qatari writer ate with QM through this book Architecture Development. Sheikha Alzeyara and Qatari and participate with Family Fatimid Woodwork highlights illustrator Mai Al Kubaisi. Programmes in their creative a unique craft and medium of It is a story of adventure, activities which aim to support design in the Fatimid era. It imagination and a mother’s love Qatari families by enhancing the presents examples of the finest and support for her children. bonds between its members in Fatimid woodwork of Islamic and Available in English and Arabic, inspiring ways. Coptic origin and aims to show the book aims to encourage lit- “What’s In The Sand? is a story that Fatimid art is a historic style eracy from an early age and high- that urges mothers to enrich the in its own right. light the importance of a mother’s imagination of their children Architecture Development pro- bond with her young children to through play, discovery and shar- vides insight into how tradi- learn and play together. ing moments. tional Islamic towns and cities To mark the book release, story “I would like to thank QM for were conceived, organised and reading, hands-on activities and their innovative ideas in nurtur- developed over time, following The Dean of the College of Medicine, Dr Egon Toft, speaking at the event. book signing were organised at ing children’s culture in modern simple rules based on religious the fair. ways and through interactive pro- and ethical values. The books are Maram Al Mahmoud, grammes,” said Alzeyara. available at QM’s retail outlets at Museums Coordinator, QM “What’s in the sand? was my Museum of Islamic Art, Mathaf: Family Programmes, said, “The first peek into the world of chil- Arab Museum of Modern Art, 400 students keen to idea of the book sprang from a dren’s books. It was exciting to be Al Zubarah, QM galleries at Al workshop held for mothers and part of it and I felt the lightness, Riwaq and Katara and Virgin children aged up to four. simplicity and joyful nature of the Megastore and WH Smith in “We realised the need for a story. It was a unique experience Doha. THE PENINSULA join College of Medicine DOHA: More than 400 students, Primary Health Care Corporation will enhance their ability to com- including over 50 Qataris, have who shared experiences and high- municate effectively with patients. registered their interest to enrol lighted reasons for choosing medi- He said the curriculum will in Qatar’s first public medi- cine as a career. be based on international best 10 falcons qualify for Dau finals cal school which opens at Qatar The Associate Dean for Clinical practice and national traditions University (QU) this year. Affairs, Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, and culture will be embraced DOHA: The Dau contest contin- The College of Medicine has gave the students an insight into within the teaching and learning ues today at the Qatar Falcons conducted an online campaign, the world of medicine and its con- environment. and Hunting Festival in Sabkhat seeking to admit up to 50 students tribution to a healthy society and He said students will receive an Marmi in Mesaieed. in the first year. national development. education designed to empower Many turned up to witness the Priority will be given to Qataris The Assistant Dean for Student them with knowledge and skills event’s second round yesterday, and outstanding international stu- Affairs, Ghada Al Kuwari, specific for Qatar’s needs. following its rescheduling due to dents, especially long-term resi- explained admission criteria and “The future of healthcare in strong winds that swept over the dents and students born in Qatar, student life and addressed ques- Qatar needs highly-qualified doc- venue on Monday, picking up sand added officials. tions on admission and transfers. tors that are locally-trained and and making it impossible to con- Admissions begin on February Pointing to the college’s slogan locally-based. We hope you are up tinue with the event. 22 and continue until July 9. ‘National Focus, International for this mission, we know we are!” Ten best falcons qualified for QU welcomed 179 students Standards’, Dr Toft said, “We are Dr Al Khal said: “I am confident the final round which showcases interested in joining the college. national because our priorities that the college will play a signifi- falconers’ skills in training their The event drew over 250 partici- are based on the needs of the local cant role in helping Qatar meet birds for speed. pants and was an opportunity for society; but we are also interna- its need for highly-knowledgeable, Each falcon is to cross 400 them and their parents to meet the tional because we are committed compassionate and competent doc- metres towards its owner signal- Dean, Dr Egon Toft, faculty and to international quality standards tors to support the health of the ling it to approach the finish line, staff to learn more about the col- in everything we do from cur- community. in the shortest possible time. lege, its programmes and curricu- riculum design to teaching and “It’s collaboration with HMC The organising panel said a lum and express their expectations research methods.” He said while will be a key factor in supporting shooting competition will be held Some of the contestants at the event. and concerns. the English medium of instruction its mission. Students will spend from today for members of the fes- The students also met four will give students access to latest significant time learning clinical tival’s committees, with a special group 11-15 tomorrow and an open will be held from 9.30am to noon. doctors from Hamad Medical advances in the medical field, the medicine within the hospital sys- competition for youth in the age shooting competition on Friday. All THE PENINSULA Corporation (HMC), Sidra and focus on Arabic communication tem.” THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME QC to open model village Qatar keen to boost German ties DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker met Germany’s for displaced Syrians Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Katherina Apartments, caravans to benefit 100 families Reiche, in Frankfurt on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony of the A350. They discussed matters of mutual interest and the growth of the aviation industry and related sectors between both countries. Talks highlighted the incre- mental commitment of Qatar to strengthen ties with Germany and provide more opportunities for the Europe’s largest economy, according to a statement. Al Baker hosted a dinner for dignitaries, stakeholders and trade members from the travel industry on the back of the launch of QA’s first A350 commercial service to Frankfurt. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker (left) with Germany’s QA selected Frankfurt as its Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transport and first A350 destination as it oper- Digital Infrastructure, Katherina Reiche, in Frankfurt. ates double-daily flights to the city and underscores the long German economic centres and one XWB’s capacity will provide more tenure of the route on its net- of the most important air traffic comfort for business and leisure work. Frankfurt is one of the top hubs in Europe, and QA’s A350 travellers. THE PENINSULA

Qatar Charity volunteers at the project site. Lanes on Al Maamoura bridges to DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) families or around 600 people implementation of projects to is to open a new model village currently sheltering in tents. help off-set the worsening con- to house about 100 displaced Each caravan/apartment cov- ditions the Syrians are experienc- be closed for maintenance works Syrian families. ers an area of 17.5sqm in addition ing at home and in neighbouring The village, which is the fourth to a 70sqm kitchen for the vil- countries, particularly in light DOHA: The Public Works of its kind in Syria, is in the lage, a 140sqm mosque, a 140sqm of the difficulty of access expe- Authority (Ashghal) yester- final stages of construction and school, bathrooms for men and rienced by humanitarian and day announced closure of one includes essential services. women, laundry rooms, play- charitable organisations. lane on each of the two bridges It is being implemented as part grounds for children, water dis- QC is expected to announce leading to D-Ring Road in Al of the ‘Before They Freeze’ cam- tribution and rubbish collection implementation of other model Maamoura. The closure is for paign for the benefit of displaced points. villages in the immediate future. periodic maintenance of expan- and refugee Syrians affected by All caravans/apartments are The ‘Before They Freeze’ cam- sion joints. the recent snowstorms. fully equipped with carpets, mat- paign continues and will include The first bridge extends from The project has been funded by tresses, blankets, pillows and a new relief convoy. Al Asiri Interchange to Al donations from Qatari benefac- kitchen equipment, and residents To donate, call the campaign Maamoura and the second par- tors and philanthropists in Qatar, will also receive free meals every hotlines 55524646 and 70700792, allel bridge extends from Haloul who have contributed QR33m so day, education services, primary or the call centre on 44667711 or Street at Khalifa bin Abdullah far. healthcare, religious lessons and via QC website qcharity.org where Al Attiyah Interchange to Al The village will comprise laundry services. donors can purchase shares. Maamoura. The closure will be apartments/caravans for Syrian QC is working on THE PENINSULA implemented in two phases to reduce the effect of works on traf- fic flow in the area. The first phase will include the closure of the left lane on both bridges from January 23 to 30, while the right lane will remain open. In the second stage, the right lane on both bridges will be closed from January 31 to February 7, while the left lane will remain open. Ashghal will install signs to It urged road users to abide by for their safety. advise motorists on the diversion. speed limits and follow the signs THE PENINSULA

Ooredoo offers mobile broadband discount DOHA: Ooredoo has announced Broadband packages will get a 25 works with Ooredoo’s big- a special offer of 12 months of percent discount on their monthly ger and faster 4G+ net- discounted mobile broadband for subscriptions for up to one year. work, which offers speeds customers who purchase new 4G+ The promotion is also valid for of up to double the average My-Fi device. existing Ooredoo Shahry Mobile 4G network. Customers who purchase the Broadband customers who purchase Customers purchasing device from an Ooredoo Shop and the device from an Ooredoo Shop. the device will receive the activate any of the Shahry Mobile The 4G+ My-Fi costs QR999 and discount automatically in their monthly bill. With 4G+ My-Fi, they can enjoy a high speed surf- ing experience for up to 10 devices. The device also offers enhanced indoor and out- door coverage allowing customers to connect to a stronger 4G+ network signal. 4G+ is available on the Corniche, in West Bay lagoon, at Katara, Souq Waqif, Al Rayyan, Shahaniya and Sealine, with more areas planned to be rolled out this year. The offer aims to give customers the freedom to enjoy the smoothest browsing, streaming, downloading and upload- ing in Qatar. The promotion is avail- able until March 15. To subscribe to a mobile broadband pack, visit an Ooredoo Shop or check Ooredoo.qa for available bundles. Customers can enjoy access to Ooredoo’s 4G+ super-speeds at no added cost with a device that sup- ports the company’s 4G+ technology and 800 or 2600 MHz frequencies. Customers can find a list of Ooredoo-supported 4G+ devices at http://www.oore- doo.qa/en/4G-devices THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Airport Hotel offers early Silatech in deal to help young baggage drop service for QA passengers Palestinians find employment DOHA: The Airport Hotel at added: “We look forward to wel- DOHA: Regional NGO launch Ta3mal locally. Rula as it will help consolidate services highest in any region in the world. Hamad International Airport coming QA’s passengers, who Silatech, International Youth Shunnar, Silatech Country Palestinian youth and the private According to Palestinian Bureau of (HIA) has announced that can now check in baggage up to Foundation (IYF), Microsoft Representative in Palestine sector need in one user-friendly and Statistics, unemployment among guests flying with Qatar 12 hours prior to departure when Corporation and online jobs and Jordan, said, “Youth accessible location.” Palestinian youth as of the first quar- Airways (QA) now have the they have a confirmed reservation matching company Jobs.ps unemployment is one of the Youth unemployment in the Arab ter of 2014 reached 39.5 percent. option of checking in luggage up at the hotel. are collaborating to assist most problematic and endur- world stands at 28 percent — the THE PENINSULA to 12 hours prior to departure, “We always go the extra mile more young Palestinians ing challenges our region faces said a statement yesterday. to make our guests feel welcome seeking work. today, and the difficulty of The service effective from and comfortable, and the avail- Silatech and Jobs.ps finding a job is compounded January 20 gives QA’s passen- ability of an early luggage drop recently signed an agree- in Palestine by many restric- gers, who have a pre-paid and will add a further level of comfort ment to connect the regional tions the occupation places on non-refundable reservation at and flexibility to their experience employability tools of Ta3mal physical movement. the hotel, flexibility of arriving at of staying with us.” with local resources and “We believe technology pro- the airport at leisure and enjoying Guests have an option to choose job opportunities provided vides the best way to empower facilities or relaxing in their room from superior, deluxe and execu- in Palestine by Jobs.ps to young Palestinians, train them while they wait for their flights. tive rooms or executive suites, help young Palestinians find for the working world and link The hotel’s guests can also avail which can be booked for 0-4, 4-8, employment. Jobs.ps serves them directly to job opportu- a QA counter in the check-in hall 8-12 or 12-24 hours, giving them more than 50,000 registered nities despite challenges and where they can drop off luggage. the opportunity to rest in between jobseekers and almost 2,000 restrictions on movement that The service gives passengers flights or use the room as a base active employers in Palestine. they face.” who have an early morning flight while they discover the boutiques Based on the current Amjad Hamarsheh, CEO, the opportunity to check at the and restaurants. employment rates of Jobs.ps, Jobs.ps, said the partner- night before, have dinner at one Hotel guests (as well as non- it is estimated that over 2,000 ship between Jobs.ps, IYF, of HIA’s dining outlets and spend staying passengers) can also additional young Palestinians Silatech and Microsoft aims to the night at the hotel. take advantage of services at will find jobs this year as a strengthen and develop young- Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief The Vitality Spa, which includes result of the agreement. sters’ skills and provide them Executive, QA, said: “We are a 25-metre swimming pool, full- Launched in April 2012 with new ones and expertise delighted to offer yet another service gym equipped with cardio- by Silatech and Microsoft, to increase their chances in exclusive service to our passen- vascular machines and two squash Ta3mal is a regional network obtaining jobs in their fields. It gers. The new offering from The courts. Passengers can also choose of employability portals link- will also enhance the capacity Airport Hotel will be a popular from a variety of treatments at ing youth to career guidance, of young people to start their new service, adding an enhanced the spa, which have been designed soft skills and entrepreneur- own businesses and create job level of flexibility to our passen- to relieve the fatigue of travelling. ship training, eLearning, as opportunities in the long run. gers who want to relax at the There are three treatment rooms well as internships and entry Dr Mohammed AlMbaid, hotel and spa before their flight or for men and two for women. A level job opportunities. Country Director for IYF explore five-star facilities at HIA.” hydrotherapy bath is available in In Palestine, Silatech and in Palestine, said, “IYF is Philippe Anric, General male and female spa areas. Microsoft are working in pleased to have Jobs.ps join the Manager, The Airport Hotel, THE PENINSULA collaboration with IYF to Palestine Ta3mal partnership Labour health centre receives 4,000 cases a month DOHA: The emergency unit measures at work sites and Dr Mohammad Ali Al Hajjaj, of Transport, Qatar Airways at the labour health cen- urged authorities and compa- Head of the section, told Al and some private companies tre in the Industrial Area nies to ensure workers’ safety. Watan. was held recently. receives some 4,000 cases “Experts at the occupational Inspectors of monitoring Some 30 doctors were every month, mostly related health monitoring section of sections keep visiting compa- briefed on the basics of occu- to injuries at work sites, the Supreme Council of Health nies and industries to ensure pational health to reduce cases said a source at Qatar Red (SCH) visited some industries safety and security measures of injuries. Crescent which operates the and companies, including car- are taken, he added. The trainees were taken to centre. penters and plastics factories, Meanwhile, a five-day work- industries to teach them about The source said most inju- last week to train doctors at shop to train health practition- occupational health risks and ries are caused due to igno- work sites in dealing with inju- ers at labour health centres, work environment. rance about safety and security ries to ensure workers’ safety,” Qatar Petroleum, the Ministry THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Premier reviews International Islamic Career Day begins Turkey ties DOHA: The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Bank eyes 35 percent Qatarisation against mandatory target of 20 percent per year bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday met Turkish Foreign Minister DOHA: International Islamic will be provided with appropriate Mevlut Cavusoglu and his opened its three-day Career Day professional training. They will delegation. at Doha Sheraton yesterday. benefit from career enhancement They reviewed relations and Counters received a good and promotions, he added. means of enhancing them and number of enquiries on the open- The Career Day is open to matters of mutual interest. ing day. young Qataris who hold a gen- The Foreign Minister H E Dr The Deputy Minister of Labour eral certificate of education and Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah and Social Affairs H E Hussein Al a university degree with interest also held a separate meeting with Mulla visited the event. in working in the banking sector. Cavusoglu and his delegation and Our mandatory target is 20 “We are proud to put in action reviewed relations and issues of percent Qatarisation per year. But directives issued by H H the Emir, mutual interest. we are looking to enhance it to 35 which stress developing young percent this year, International Qataris’ professional skills. Deputy PM leaves Islamic CEO Abdul Basit Al “At International Islamic, Shaibei told this daily. we act in accordance with the for Bolivia This is the second edition of our government’s vision vis-à-vis Career Day. Last year, we wit- Qatarisation. Young Qataris are DOHA: The Deputy Prime nessed a good turnout and there the country’s biggest assets and Minister and Minister of was a significant number of hir- the bank is committed to invest- State for Cabinet Affairs H E ing. We expect a better response ing in them and providing them Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid from eligible candidates this year, with best training and profes- Al Mahmoud and his delega- he said. sional development programmes,” tion yesterday left for La Paz, Al Shaibei said selected candi- he added. Bolivia, to represent Qatar in dates will get offer letters within a On the hiring process, he said a the inauguration ceremony of week. They need not wait for long screening committee is interview- President Evo Morales. before starting training. ing candidates and selecting the Recruiting young Qataris is a right ones for available positions 12,557 register strategic decision taken by our in all departments and branches The Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs H E Hussein Al Mulla (left) and Abdul Basit Al Shaibei, CEO, human resource department, and across the bank’s network. International Islamic, on the opening day of International Islamic Career Day at Doha Sheraton yesterday. BAHER AMIN for CMC elections we ensure that hired candidates THE PENINSULA DOHA: A total of 12,557 Qatari voters have registered for the Central Municipal Council (CMC) elections until Monday evening, the supervising com- Souq Waqif Spring Festival from Friday mittee for the elections said QFCA, QU in deal yesterday. The voters include 7061 males DOHA: The Souq Waqif rides will be held near Al Koot this year’s festival will be differ- and 5496 females. Registration Spring Festival 2015 featur- Fort. Visitors will be enter- ent and see an increase in the started on January 11. to boost students’ ing shows and entertainment tained by 10 teams of perform- number of visitors, especially The committee has urged eli- programmes in several venues ers, including Stripes Circus, with the recent opening of the gible voters who have not regis- starts this Friday. Palettes, Roaming Clowns, new underground car park which tered to get their names included Dolphin shows, plays, games, Robot, Nomad Street Drummers, can accommodate up to 2,000 in the voters list before registra- business skills street shows and workshops Penguins, Lighting UFO, Light vehicles. tion closes on Thursday. are among the activities for the of Wonders, Human Robots and Around 40,000 visitors are It praised citizens’ contribu- DOHA: Qatar Financial Centre QFCA will create ‘The Faculty 15-day festival. The Birds and the Explorer. expected on the first day with the tions “to ensure this democratic Authority (QFCA) and Qatar Award in Finance Research’, to Al Rayyan Theatre will host The groups from various coun- launch of a massive campaign in path which allows everyone to University (QU) have signed a recognise a CBE faculty member two children’s plays — Shaun the tries will perform at Souq Alley. Qatar and neighbouring coun- express their right to select the memorandum of understand- conducting research in an area of Sheep and Karameesh which will There will also be art work- tries such as Saudi Arabia and members of the CMC”. ing (MoU) to promote mutual finance deemed to best contribute staged twice daily. shops and competitions as well Oman and as the festival coin- Citizens can register online interests in the fields of finance, to the economic development of Skills games and entertain- as plastic and mural arts at Souq cides with school vacation, he through Metrash 2 or by visit- research and education and Qatar and the GCC. ment activities will be held at Al Waqif Art Centre. added. Around 40,000 gifts will ing registration centres in their boost financial and business The award will be based on Ahmed Square from 3.30pm to Mohammed Salem, Director, be distributed to children during constituencies. skills development among criteria and a selection process 10.30pm. Souq Waqif, and member of the festival, Salem said. “All centres received a large students, said a statement agreed by both institutions. In addition, pony and camel the festival committee, said THE PENINSULA number of citizens for registering yesterday. Al Jaida said: “Enlarging the their names, especially because The MoU was signed by Yousuf talent pool available to the com- registration closes on Thursday,” Mohammed Al Jaida, Deputy mercial and financial sector in said the statement. CEO, QFCA, and Professor Qatar through education is a key Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad, imperative for QFCA. It is part Minister invited President, QU. of our strategy to develop a first- 25 graduate from diabetes programme It enhances collaboration in class international financial serv- to visit Nepal three main areas: MBA gradu- ices industry and business sector ation projects, QFCA research in Qatar.” DOHA: The Minister of grants, and faculty awards. Al Misnad added: “QU’s rela- Labour and Social Affairs H E Each year, MBA students from tionship with QFCA stands on a Dr Abdullah Saleh Mubarak Al College of Business and Economics solid foundation. This has been Khulaifi received a written mes- at QU will be eligible to partici- proven time after time, most sage from the Nepalese Minister pate in one project with QFCA recently through cooperation on of Labour and Employment, Tek which will provide funding and the Kawader programme. Bahadur Gurung, containing an set the topic, aligning it with stu- “The MoU is a further step in invitation to visit Nepal. dents’ interests and experience. growing that relationship and It was delivered by Charge Two research grants will be represents a commitment by both d’Affaires Ganesh Prasad given to the college’s faculty mem- organisations to shared endeav- Dhakalas he met the Minister bers annually by QFCA to con- ours to build a strong local talent yesterday. duct research of mutual interest. base, while contributing through Both sides discussed relations The research topics, based on research and education to the and ways of enhancing them, criteria previously set by the development of a vibrant finan- especially in the field of labour, faculty, will be selected by both cial services sector.” and matters of common concern. parties. THE PENINSULA Restaurant, cafe Officials with some of the graduates at the ceremony. closed down

DOHA: Twenty-five healthcare The graduation ceremony and to work with QDA and Canadian DOHA: Al Wakra Municipality More powers likely for professionals from Qatar and awards dinner were held at Al Michener Institute for the sec- has closed down a restaurant the region graduated from an Mirqab Boutique Hotel, Souq ond year running to support this for 10 days for selling food unfit Accredited Diabetes Educator Waqif. project. for human consumption. sports clubs under new law Graduate Certificate pro- Dr Abdulla Al Hamaq, “At AOD, we continue to work A cafeteria was also closed gramme, a nine-month course Executive Director, QDA, said: to support those working in dia- for seven days over a similar Continued from page 1 board will interfere in this. to equip them with insight into “Our goal is to deliver pro- betes care by hosting workshops violation. “The current amendment aims As long as the government is latest developments in dia- grammes designed to help people and facilitating courses that offer Meanwhile, the Ministry of to give more powers to sports funding the club, the ministry betes care and education and affected by diabetes. Given that diabetes education and training, Environment caught more than clubs and monitor implementa- has the right to audit its expen- improve the quality of life for diabetes is one of Qatar’s biggest and are committed to helping 550 violations last year. tion of the government’s sports ditures, added the Minister. the patients. health challenges with 16.7 per- prevent diabetes from increasing Violations caught by land and strategies because the govern- Some Advisory Council mem- The programme was delivered cent of Qataris living with the further in Qatar.” sea patrols including grazing ment is funding implementation,” bers expressed reservations on by Canadian Michener Institute condition, having 25 health pro- The programme is the first camels in restricted areas, dump- said the Minister. vesting all powers on the chair- for Applied Health Science, fessionals graduate this year puts distance learning programme of ing waste in undesignated places, The new law will allow the man and said it will reduce the in conjunction with Calgary us one step forward in increasing its kind in Qatar. It included six wasting sanitation water, felling chairman to be elected by the role of Qatari youth in the clubs. University-Qatar and supported awareness and enabling us to bet- online modules and evaluation trees, carrying diesel without general assembly and he will The ministry wants to make by Action on Diabetes (AOD) ter support patients. through written assignments, licence, using devices to attract have powers to recruit and assign administration of the clubs more and Qatar Diabetes Association Herluf Nis Thomsen, Novo presentations and web-based birds. (staff). formal than social, said a member. (QDA), a member of Qatar Nordisk, Senior Project Manager, examinations. Sea violations included fishing Neither the ministry nor the THE PENINSULA Foundation. AOC, said, “It has been a pleasure THE PENINSULA with nets banned in the coun- try, and damaging coral reefs, said Umar Salim Al Nuaymi, Director, Environment Protection Department. He said patrols are on duty round the clock across the coun- VCUQatar opens registration for spring community classes try to protect land and sea. On the winter camping season, DOHA: Virginia Commonwealth graphic design, Islamic pattern construc- Al Luqta Street. VCUQatar is also offering a short pro- he said the number of registra- University in Qatar’s (VCUQatar) tion, fashion dress making, other making In addition to over 40 non-credit classes, gramme for female high school students tion reached 2,200 and inspec- Community and Outreach Programme and craft classes, Adobe and AutoCAD the university is offering community interested in art and design. It is taught tions continue to ensure campers has opened registration for spring com- and art classes for children in age groups courses in partnership with and at IAID in Arabic and includes ceramic mosaics, are complying with rules and munity classes. under 15. as an extension of its own programme and gouache painting, party planning and pup- regulations. Courses include different art, design and The eight-week programme runs from complement IAID’s programme. pet making and is open to girls aged 10 Al Nuaymi urged companies craft by local and international instructors. late January to early April with a two-week VCUQatar courses at IAID include to 14. and individuals to cooperate with The programme continues to expand. break in early March. Unless otherwise charcoal and pastel drawing, fashion illus- Classes can be booked individually or as authorities to protect the sea and The current set of 55 courses includes noted, non-credit community classes are tration, advanced watercolour painting, a complete programme at a discounted fee. land environment, especially dur- classes in photography, camera filming, open to women and men aged 15 and above, collage with discarded materials, decoupage For details or to register for 2015 spring ing rainy season by calling on drawing, painting, jewellery making, fash- and are taught in English at the VCUQatar and two children’s classes: stroke painting community classes, visit www.qatar.vcu.edu 998. ion styling and making, home, event and building on the Education City campus on and ceramic mosaics. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA/QNA WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Ready for All options open: Houthi leader direct talks Yemeni Shias say ready to face ‘any measures’ by UN Security Council with Saudi,

SANA’A: The leader of Yemen’s Doha by video link, said he would Shia militia, who seized the travel to Sana’a immediately to says Tehran presidential palace yesterday, try to help restore stability. has warned that “all options are The Security Council meeting DUBAI: Iran said yesterday it open” in their action against was requested by Britain following was ready for “straight talks” the authority of President heavy clashes on Monday between with Saudi Arabia over con- Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi. the Houthis and the presidential tentious issues that have kept “All options are open in this guard in Sana’a. the rival Gulf powers at log- action. We will take any measure Following a brief lull overnight, gerheads for more than three to protect the peace and partner- Houthi gunmen seized the palace decades. ship agreement,” signed after the yesterday and attacked Hadi’s res- Relations between Tehran northern militia overran Sana’a idence, with the president report- and Riyadh soured after Iran’s in September, Abdul Malik Al edly inside and meeting with 1979 revolution brought to power Houthi said. visitors. The 15-member council Shia clerics opposed to the Sunni “No one, the president or any- was expected to issue a statement Muslim kingdom. one else, will be above our meas- following the emergency meeting The two countries, strug- ures if they stand to implement to condemn the attack and appar- gling for regional influence and a conspiracy against this coun- ent coup attempt. power, have backed opposite try,” he warned in a televised British Ambassador Mark Lyall sides in the Syria and Yemen statement. Grant told reporters the state- conflicts and argued over global “We are ready to face any ment would call “on all spoilers to oil prices. measures by the UN Security the political process to desist from An Iranian official said Council, Abdulmalik Al Houthi their actions or face the wrath of this week Foreign Minister said. “I advise the UN Security the international community.” Mohammad Javad Zarif delayed Council... (that) you will not ben- Benomar has been leading a visit to Saudi Arabia in protest efit from any measures you wish negotiations on forming a unity against Riyadh’s refusal to cut to take” against the Houthis, he government in Yemen but faces crude output and help lift prices. said. “We are ready to face the resistance from the Huthis who But Admiral Ali Shamkhani, consequences, regardless of what have tightened their control over a top security aide to supreme they are.” Sana’a since they overran the Houthi fighters stand near a damaged guard post at a Presidential Guards barracks they took over on a mountain leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, UN Secretary General Ban capital in September. overlooking the Presidential Palace in Sana’a yesterday. said his country “is now quite Ki-moon called on armed fac- Ban also condemned the kid- ready to for straight, clear and tions in Yemen to stop fighting napping by the Houthis on two allied Houthi commanders for escaped to his residence, where of the Houthis since they overran continuous talks spanning the immediately. The UN chief urged Saturday of Hadi’s chief of staff, threatening peace in the impov- he has lived since taking office in the capital. Tensions have been whole range of mutual interests “all sides to immediately cease Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, and erished Arab country. October, after his convoy came running high in Sana’a since the with Saudi Arabia.” all hostilities, exercise maximum called for his immediate release. Saleh has been accused of back- under fire from Houthi fighters. Houthis on Saturday abducted “In light of unprecedented restraint, and take the necessary Hadi’s government has been ing the Houthis and a source in Houthi gunmen took up posi- Hadi’s chief of staff, Ahmed human and financial losses caused steps to restore full authority a key ally of the United States, the presidential guard said some tions outside the residence late Awad bin Mubarak, in an appar- by sectarian conflicts, (we) need to the legitimate government allowing Washington to carry Yemeni troops still loyal to the ex- on Monday and were in control of ent move to extract changes to to stop further bloodshed and institutions.” out repeated drone attacks on Al leader had supported the militia all three of its entrances, govern- a draft constitution that he is wage an earnest fight against Shia militiamen seized the Qaeda militants in its territory. in Monday’s fighting. ment spokesman Rajih Badi said. overseeing. Mubarak is in charge extremism and terrorism that presidential palace in capital Yemen’s branch of Al Qaeda Pitched battles had erupted on After a lull overnight, fight- of a “national dialogue” set up after has found expression in Daesh Sana’a yesterday in what a min- in the Arabian Peninsula, is con- Monday near the presidential pal- ing re-erupted yesterday near veteran strongman Ali Abdullah (Islamic State)”, Shamkhani ister said was a bid to overthrow sidered its most dangerous and ace and in other parts of Sana’a, President Hadi’s residence in Saleh was forced from power in told Iran’s ambassador to Saudi President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi claimed responsibility for this before a ceasefire was agreed western Sana’a when the Houthis February 2012 following a year of Arabia, according to state news and his US-backed government. month’s attack in Paris on French between ministers and a Houthi attempted to set up a new check- bloody Arab Spring-inspired pro- agency Irna. UN envoy Jamal Benomar told satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo representative. At least nine peo- point close by and were confronted tests. AFP REUTERS the UN Security Council that the that left 12 dead. Yemen has been ple were killed, including fighters by troops, the witnesses Shia militia known as the Houthis wracked by instability since an from both sides, and 67 wounded, said. They reported heavy had launched a “masssive attack uprising forced leader Ali Abdullah as the militia seized an army base clashes inside the complex using heavy weapons” on the pal- Saleh from power in 2012. overlooking the complex and took in southern Sana’a, one of ace, a diplomatic source said. The council in November control of state media. the few public buildings to The envoy, who briefed from imposed sanctions on Saleh and Prime Minister Khalid Bahah remain outside the control

Kuwait shuts newspaper critical of government

KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait has scrapped the com- mercial licence of lead- ing newspaper Al Watan, which has been highly critical of the govern- ment, citing its failure to comply with legally required financial terms. Al Watan, owned by a member of the Al Sabah ruling family, said on its website, which was still operating, that it had challenged the decision in court. An urgent hearing had been set for today, it said. The decision was issued late on Monday by the ministry of commerce and industry, which said the newspaper had vio- lated minimum capital requirements. Under Kuwaiti law, the commercial licences of companies with losses worth more than 75 per- cent of their capital are cancelled. The ministry said in a statement yesterday that it had applied the law on a number of compa- nies after warning them to rectify their financial position. The state minister for cabinet affairs, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al Sabah, told reporters out- side parliament yesterday that the decision was “not politically motivated”. Al Watan, one of the largest dailies in Kuwait, is owned by former oil min- ister Sheikh Ali Khalifa Al Sabah, a member of the ruling family, and it is managed by his son Sheikh Khalifa. The newspaper has tra- ditionally supported the government, except in the past two years when it adopted a tougher line. AFP WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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EMEN is plunging deeper into chaos, while its neighbours and the rest of the world are forced to Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate watch helplessly. This impoverished Arab country Yoccupying the southwestern to southern end of the Arabian Peninsula always had troubles disproportionate to its size, but the latest crisis that has gripped the country is unprecedented and has caused huge concern to its Gulf neighbours and the international community. In a dangerous Misunderstood fundamentalism turn of events, the Houthi rebels attacked President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi’s residence and seized the presidential palace in a bid to overthrow his embattled government. The militias BY JONATHAN POWER is anathema to the powerful black population and police forces. It means and government troops fought pitched battles near the palace Baptist Churches of America which making more effort to find unem- and in other parts of Sanaa, leaving at least nine people N HIS book “Faith and Power” consider themselves also part of the ployed young people jobs, not least dead and 67 wounded. The militia also seized an army base Edward Mortimer, the former fundamentalist tradition. And where the offspring of immigrants, even if overlooking the presidential palace, took control of state media foreign affairs columnist for the does the fundamentalism of the it is only paid training in skills useful and opened fire on a convoy carrying the prime minister from IFinancial Times, when writing Northern Ireland’s Protestant fire- for when economic growth returns. It about Rishid Rida, the great Islamic brand the late Ian Paisley (and now means spending resources on knock- Hadi’s residence. Prominent Huthi member Ali Al Bukhaiti intellectual of the first half of the twen- his son) fit in? His tolerance of the ugly ing down the soulless housing blocks said on Facebook that the fighters “have taken control of the tieth century, asked himself if Rida Protestant militias killing Catholics and substituting them with street level presidential complex”. was “fundamentalist” since he was an made him unacceptable to the opin- apartments, shops, mosques, churches, Yesterday’s developments didn’t come as a surprise because admirer of the militant Wahhabi puri- ion of fundamentalists in the southern playgrounds and cinemas- the essence the past two days have seen a dramatic escalation in violence tans of Saudi Arabia. “I do not think United States that consider religious of a stable community life that will not in Sanaa, raising fears that Hadi’s government will collapse so”, concluded Mortimer, “although I toleration an important part of their be a breeding ground for extremism. must admit that the precise meaning credo. Europe must wake up to the fact that and the country will descend into absolute chaos. of this word when used in the context Likewise in Islam the so-called fun- there is no such thing as a low-cost The fall of the palace has triggered furious reactions and a of Islam eludes me.” damentalists have many strands, even immigrant. volley of condemnations. The UN Security Council began an At a time when the West is again as they overlap each other and some- Europe faces a future crisis as the emergency meeting over the unrest aroused- because of the attack on times intertwine. Wahhibism is not native population ages. The answer is and Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Charlie Hebdo- by the actions of Salafism despite their mutual respect. definitely not more immigration but Yemen has said he was “gravely concerned” and extreme Islamic And Al Qaeda’s and the Islamic State’s pushing older people into much later fundamentalists fundamentalism is neither. retirement. There is no reason why a again slipped called for an immediate halt to the we should note It is profoundly ironic that the 75 year-old doctor, teacher or journal- fighting. The new development has that it is aston- “fundamentalist” Osama bin Laden, ist can’t work- or a plumber, bus driver out of control shattered a ceasefire agreed after ishingly difficult with his Egyptian-influenced credo, or a worker on an assembly line. Look with Shia a bloody day on Monday that saw Europeans to define fun- adopted a philosophy whose true at Pope Francis at 78 or Janet Yellen, the Huthis, who overran Sanaa in damentalism pedigree reaches back to the toler- chair of the US Federal Reserve Bank- either in Islam or ant, enlightened reformism of Jamal at the age of 68 she was only appointed September, tighten their grip on the must more militias Christianity. If it al-Din-Afghani. last year. capital. forcefully means “an effort Labels cannot only be seriously mis- Abroad, foreign policy needs to be storming the The options before the to define the leading, they have led Western policy radically redrawn. No more Iraqs presidential international community are now deal with the fundamentals in a dangerous and totally counter- and Afghanistans- President Barack limited. Houthis are defiant, and ignorance that of one’s religion productive direction. 9/11 and Charlie Obama sees this and hence his right palace. their leader has said that they are and a refusal to Hebdo do not mean there is a clash decision not to bomb Syria. permeates budge from them of civilisations as many are now sug- It means turning up the heat on ready to face any measures by the once defined then gesting. The late Samuel Huntington, Israel. It means forswearing “pre- UN Security Council. The seizure some part surely anybody the Harvard academic, even proph- emptive” military action whatever the of the palace also shows that President Hadi’s forces are with serious esied in his seminal book, “The Clash state of Iran’s putative nuclear bomb. too weak to confront the rebels, which means Houthis have of the native religious beliefs of Civilisations” that it could well end With Turkey it means accelerating attained an almost unassailable position. population and of any sort must in nuclear war between the countries the negotiations that would lead to Further instability in Yemen or the fall of the current be fundamental- of Islam and the countries of the West. EU membership. police forces. ist in this sense”. This is truly fear-mongering. Also, as Pope Francis said on his government will have huge consequences. The country will In Christianity What can the West do to dimin- way to the Philippines we shouldn’t plunge into a broader sectarian conflict and it will complicate there are many ish this Islamic hostility that has mock the sensitivities of others even American efforts to combat Al Qaeda’s Yemeni affiliate, long strains of fun- now reached such unprecedented if we have the right to. considered the most dangerous branch of the terror network. damentalism. The Catholic Church, levels- most worryingly in Pakistan, We are part of the global village and President Obama had cited Yemen as a drone-led model for which abhors Enlightenment liberal- Afghanistan, Palestine and among we can upset and hurt other peoples by ism, is clearly fundamentalist when a very small minority, resident in our extremism- pornography in hotels counter-terrorism, saying the strategy had succeeded in it comes to issues like birth control Western Europe? ( Less than 40pc of or women who dress in an ultra pro- Yemen and Somalia. That strategy has been proved to be a and abortion, a position which allies Muslims in France attend the mosque vocative way. A woman’s best friend is disaster now. the Vatican in international popula- regularly as they become increasingly what she can hint at. President Hadi, who took office in 2012 under a UN- and tion conferences with many Muslim secularized.) In short, we have to get down to Gulf-backed peace plan, must share the blame for his downfall. states and wins plaudits from many Europeans must more forcefully protecting and respecting all our He is known as a hesitant leader who failed to impose his evangelical Church groups in the than hitherto deal with the ignorance fundamentals. US. But this kind of fundamentalism that permeates some part of the native THE PENINSULA authority after three turbulent years in power. The other side Quote of Abe’s Mideast vision the day

HE Japanese prime minister that could matter them in the long run. down the Daesh infrastructure and financiers and sympathisers of such rightly remarked that if peace Abe, who is riding high on his popu- exterminate them cannot be of any dreaded movement should be imple- is to sustain across the world, larity after a landslide in snap polls help in limbo, and it should be supple- mented in totality. Tthan Mideast has to be taken wherein he plans to rewrite the pacifist mented by all major powers, as well. The European Union Foreign Policy care of. His synopsis at a time when the constitution to further an international What Abe has pointed out in simple chief Federica Mogherini has aptly Making threats Daesh is on the move and is bent upon military role for Japan, believes that sta- words is that the revulsion underway is reciprocated Abe’s vision in a somewhat changing the geopolitical realities of the bility of the Middle East is the foundation a threat to peace and security and the different manner. She told a ministerial by taking people region cannot be dismissed summarily. for peace and prosperity for the entire militant bodies should not be allowed summit in Brussels that a broad-based While doling out $2.5 billion in non- world. He pointed out that terrorism left to survive in any capacity. As a primary alliance to tackle terror, including with hostage is an military assistance to one of the most unattended would be cancerous and measure, what needs to be done is to Muslim nations, is indispensable. This volatile zones of the world, Abe said the the loss imparted upon the community take out the avenues of financing with resolve with the Middle East in the back- unforgivable world would suffer if terrorism spread. immeasurable. which the Daesh is benefitting such as drop of Paris mayhem and communal terrorist act about The aid, which is likely to be used for The Western powers should emulate access to oil and hard cash that comes discord is most welcome. She said that rehabilitating millions of refugees in the Abe’s vision and address the upheav- their way through illicit business deals the threat is not only the one confronted which I feel strong region, is a step in the right direction, als in the region on a priority basis. The in the international markets. Moreover, in Paris, but is spreading in many other anger. and has shown the way as to how far off cooperation that is underway between the consensus between the Middle East parts of the world, starting from Muslim Shinzo Abe countries can be concerned for an issue Britain and the United States to knick and the Gulf States to act against the countries. Khaleej Times Japan’s Prime Minister WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 ARAB VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Assad chooses revenge over talks

talkers. Instead, it will take revenge from all those who pointed guns at it in the past, in an unmerciful and horrifying manner. How can the regime forgive those who fought against it? It burnt, confiscated, and tracked down journalists and peace- ful adversaries that only fought back with words. They were charged with ridicu- lous accusations of terrorism, creating segregation bombs and digging trenches, BY DR FAISAL AL QASSIM all by influence. Therefore, the govern- ment severely punished them by attack- ing their families and confiscating their properties just because they were related ashar Al Assad’s regime to revolutionaries. learned a good lesson Let us remember the laws issued from the revolution, and if by the Syrian government against the “Bit would remain in power Muslim Brotherhood, like Article 49 that after negotiations with the opposition, allowed the regime to take possession of it will not rule by using its old ruthless all their properties in Syria. According intelligence techniques.” to the same law and after overpower- Lately, we have been listening to these ing the organisation, the ruler had the lies and exaggerations from Al Assad’s right to give death sentence to anyone allies who wish for a political solution who claimed to be one of its members or between the Syrian regime and the rebels. supporters. We often hear these statements from This law is still in effect regardless Russian and Iranian representatives. of the Syrian revolution. If the regime However, can we believe such prom- returns under a new pretext, it will issue ises? Of course NOT. Anyone who is naïve many similar laws against the opposition, enough to believe them should only blame even verbal directions. oneself because the experiences of the In order to clear the air on the afore- past few decades tell us that the nature of said “biased” statements, let us read the Syrian regime and its bloody criminal what the Syrian government and its administration is to use brutal force to entourage say. Despite all their defeats, subdue and intimidate the Syrian popula- Bashar Al Assad and his local and for- Syrian President Bashar Al Assad eats with soldiers during a visit to Jobar, northeast of Damascus. tion. The one who said, “The sheep should eign supporters are still insisting on a never feel safe near the wolf regardless military solution against the opposition. of its sweet assurances,” has spoken the This was confirmed by Syria’s UN envoy Just recently, a senior Syrian secu- opposition and blame it for destroying Just remember that the current regime truth. Al Akhdar Al Ibrahimi in a BBC inter- rity officer said that “the regime has the Syria; while it will have the legitimate destroyed a nation called “Syria” and Dear Syrians, if the Syrian regime view. He said: “Bashar and his followers capacity to resist for at least the next right to continue implementing its strict has displaced it population to remain in regains full sovereignty with a new con- do not believe in peaceful dialogues with ten years and it is confident that it will laws because it would have overcome ‘ter- authority. Therefore, how do we expect it stitution, know that it will not rule you in the opposition. They are committed to overpower the revolution. rorism’ and saved the Syrian people from to serve Syrians’ interest when it regains a better way as promised by the deceptive bury the resistance movement by force.” At that time, it will condemn the its evil.” control over them? Violence leads Reconciliation among Arab countries to more violence DR ZAFER MOHAMMAD BY PROF ALI AL HAIL AL AJMI One of the aspects of reconciliation proposal from the Custodian of the they transformed their internal crises is Kuwait’s agreement to postpone Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin to become international disagreements. Iraq’s last payment of the compen- Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia to break the One of the most important reasons n his book “Nature’s philosophy”, meaning n the eve of its “bloody spring”, sation imposed on the latter by the cold war between Doha and Cairo by behind the urge of this current Arab divine laws on earth, Isaac Newton, who dis- our Arab world appeared to sink Security Council. turning over a new page and re-estab- reconciliation is the support of some Icovered gravity in 1687, says that for every in chaos, or actually chaos was all In this sense, Iraqi Prime Minister lishing their mutual relations. regimes to groups that are rivals of action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Iover it! Dr Haider Al Abadi visited Kuwait and Actually, this proposal proved fruit- other countries, hence exposing them Newton was a materialistic scholar, believing In many parts of our Arab world, due appreciated this agreement, at the time ful after the agreement to restore the to threats. that nature controls the earth. God has taught to the pressure created by the Arab when Iraq has been battling IS under rift that occurred before and during In addition, each country had its us that nature is one of His creations; He says Spring revolutions, the decision mak- difficult economic circumstances. the fluctuations of the Arab Spring. own political and economic require- in the Quran what means, “…and none knows ers have been sharing a common stand At the same time, the Kuwaiti That was done by stopping the raging ments that urged it to accept the the forces of your Lord except Him…” (74:31). on reconciliation, or what is called “A Foreign Affairs Minister, Sheikh campaigns that were blind to see that reconciliation. He is the ultimate controller of the Universe Peace Want” for themselves by their Sabah Al Khalid, visited Baghdad to “Pyramids stand high when everybody Also, the growing disagreements with whoever and whatever it contains. people’s disposition that became harder announce that Kuwait intends to open sits” and also the inability to recog- caused gaps that rocked Arab national The reasons behind the massacre of innocent than ever to tame. consulates in Basra and Erbil. nise that the Qatari window of oppor- security, which forced Arab nations civilians at the Charlie Hebdo magazine by the A manifestation of this reconcilia- Kuwait also declared to regulate tunity encompasses the whole world. to sign security agreements with the two French brothers of Algerian origin, Chérif tion was expressed through the ini- shipping from “Abdullah” minor port Any attempt to close these windows West. This opened the door for west- and Saïd Kouachi, cannot be justified. tial analysis of the crisis regarding to become “Mubarak Grand Port”, will lead to a big loss of international ern parties to interfere in Arab affairs. Whether we call it an act of terrorism, a Gulf ambassadors’ withdrawal which as a step toward supporting Iraqi respect for Arab and Gulf diplomacy. This third party involvement aimed at reaction according to Newton or a response to reflected a real diplomatic imbalance in ports rather than competing against By the Qatari-Egyptian reconcili- dominating Arab countries by caus- an equivalent action according to God’s law, in the midst of serious regional changes. them, keeping in mind the big vision ation, we won’t have to swallow the ing a conflict among them in order to all cases, what happened was devastating since This was a major crisis due to the of how affairs should be conducted. daily disturbances of biases from some destroy one other. twelve people lost their lives in this incident. lack of diplomacy among all parties Consequently, this part of the recon- media outlets. The reasons behind rec- However, the major reason behind This was followed by the attack on a involved. It was one of the first unex- ciliation turned into an action plan. onciliation among Arabs are numerous. this reconciliation was to control the Jewish supermarket carried out by Amedi pected GCC crises of its kind, requiring Speaking about taking initiatives One of which is to rectify the strategic conflicts between Arab countries due Coulibaly who was assisted by his wife, Hayat urgent reconciliation. and positive responses, there was a mistake which they committed when to the IS threat. Boumeddiene, resulting in additional injuries and loss of lives. It’s known that the magazine’s recent carica- tures focussed on Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and depicted him as a terrorist. It’s one of the series that was widely published in Europe, which was led by Netherlands, Sweden and PA’s futile negotiations with United Nations France, in a phenomenon that became widely known as “Islamophobia”. The magazine also portrays Judaism and BY DR MOHAMMAD to the emigration of Israelis to other Roman Catholicism with unworthy descrip- SALEH AL MISFER parts of the world in search of secu- tions, which didn’t anger their followers. We rity and stability. We have observed may only exclude the case of the joint British- srael took punitive measures in what happened to the settlers next Italian film on Jesus Christ in 1977, titled “Jesus Ramallah after the Palestinian to Gaza in the war that dragged on of Nazareth” that was produced by Franco IAuthority handed over a mem- for 55 days. They fled from their set- Zeffirelli. Christians saw it as abusive and as orandum of request to join the tlements to Tel Aviv and some emi- a result, it was followed by demonstrations in International Criminal Tribunal and grated to Europe and America. America and Europe forcing the producer to other organisations. The measures This deafening silence maintained apologise. include: no transfer of tax collection by the Abbas administration toward Charlie’s secularist magazine is hostile to any carried out by Israel on behalf of the Israel’s unfair practices has made the religious ideology to the extent of being mali- Authority in Ramallah and imposing successive Israeli governments unable cious. It isn’t specialised in religious criticism as further sanctions on the movement to see the necessity of reaching a final widely known because it does include objective of Palestinian leaders. The Authority agreement with the Palestinians as ideas deserving appreciation, irrespective of demands that Israel end its occu- long as the Israeli settlements are whether people agree or disagree. Nevertheless, pation by 2018. The United States secure and stable. it has lately increased its efforts in attacking vetoed the ICC move. On the international scene, they religious figures and symbols. However, the Mahmoud Abbas’ Administration are protected by the American influ- reaction of both perpetrators who are zealous is threatening to return to the UN ence, be it in the UN Security Council about their religion was not objective, since Security Council demanding justice or other international organisations. it led them to violence. Therefore, it doesn’t against Zionist practices against the In these circumstances, Israel issued impair what Islam stands for but it generally Palestinians who will pave the way information that the number of stains the image of Muslims around the globe. for another US veto. The American Israelis who migrated back exceeded What was really odd is the analytical report administration may make efforts with last year’s due to the Israel-Palestine published the day following the attack by the other temporary member states in PUSH COMES TO SHOVE: A Palestinian pushes a car in the snow at Qalandia refugee security coordination. French newspaper, Le Figaro. It really deserves the Security Council to vote against camp near Ramallah. To conclude, if Abbas wishes to contemplation since it said that for several the proposal. This will prevent reach- attain real victory for the Palestinian years, the French government has tightened ing of the nine votes in favour of the Abbas had admitted before one of the Third, Hamas and jihadists should people, he should carry out the fol- security around Hebdo’s magazine, especially proposal and will lead to its cancella- Arab leaders that “The Agreement both join the PLO; the organisation lowing: End the security coordina- because of its famous caricaturists. The gov- tion in the Council without the veto with Israel was unsuccessful and the should be restructured and a new tion with Israel; regard the war ernment knows that the magazine provokes of the United States. 20 years of negotiations on 1967 bor- leadership formed. The Palestinian waged by Hamas last year against Muslims especially in France which has the In my opinion, instead of Mahmoud ders didn’t see any progress”. National Council should be activated Israel as nationalistic; the PLO and highest number of Muslims in the European Abbas going back to the Council, he Second, the Palestinian Authority and Abbas should relocate in Gaza Fatah should support him; and end Union. Nevertheless, the French Internal should declare officially that the Oslo should be dissolved, all the factions in support of conciliation between the siege in Gaza in agreement with Ministry regarded Hebdo as representing agreement concluded in 1993 with resort to the programme of the Hamas and Fatah. This move will Egyptian government. He should also one of France’s symbols, which is freedom Israel is invalid. This is because Israel Palestinian Liberation Organisation be regarded as a practical challenge stop being suspicious of Hamas and of expression, forgetting that it also offends has breached it from the beginning (PLO), every amendment tabled on to the arrogance of Israel and the jihadists because they were engaged Muslims. and Sharon said that the agreement the organisation’s programme after United States. in one of the fiercest battles with the was null and void, knowing well that the Oslo agreement be nullified. These practical measures will lead Israeli army. WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 MIDDLE EAST 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

Britain deplores flogging, will IS threatens raise matter with Saudi minister to kill Japan LONDON/RIYADH: Britain deplores the flogging of a blog- ger in Saudi Arabia and will raise concerns about the case with the country’s deputy for- eign minister this week, Foreign hostages Secretary Philip Hammond said yesterday. Saudi Arabia’s ruling family has come under pressure from Tokyo vows not to bow to pressure Western countries over its pun- ishment of activist and writer BEIRUT: The Islamic State tour. But Abe said Japan would Raif Badawi, whose second of (IS) threatened in a video yes- not bow to extremism and pledged 20 weekly floggings was post- terday to kill two Japanese hos- to honour his promise of aid. “I poned on Friday due to medical tages within 72 hours unless it strongly demand that they not be grounds. receives a $200m ransom, but harmed and that they be imme- “We deplore this punishment,” Tokyo vowed it would not bow diately released,” he told a news Hammond told parliament. “The to “terrorism”. conference in Jerusalem. deputy foreign minister of Saudi Japanese Prime Minister “The international community Arabia will be here in London Shinzo Abe, in Jerusalem on the will not give in to any form of ter- tomorrow and I will be speak- latest leg of a Middle East tour, rorism and we have to make sure ing to him directly on this issue. demanded the militants imme- that we work together.” Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left), and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas shake hands after making We have already made our views diately free the two hostages Abe said the aid he had prom- press statements in Ramallah, West Bank, yesterday. known to the Saudi authorities at unharmed. ised in Cairo on Saturday was to the highest level.” He flew home several hours help the displaced and those made The political stakes over the earlier than planned to take homeless by the conflict in Iraq punishment of Badawi have been charge of the crisis after meet- and Syria. IS executing educated women: UN heightened by the Paris attack on ing with Palestinian president “This position is unshakable,” Charlie Hebdo newspaper and its Mahmoud Abbas, who condemned he said, describing the assistance GENEVA: The UN yester- large swathes of territory in Iraq reporters. She said “educated, publication last week. the threat against the abductees as “absolutely necessary” for the day decried numerous execu- and in neighbouring war-ravaged professional women, particularly Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia yes- as “despicable”. survival of people who have fled tions of civilians in Iraq by the Syria, last week published pic- women who have run as candi- terday beheaded one of its citizens IS has murdered five Western fighting. Since August, IS has Islamic State group, warning tures of the “crucifixions” of two dates in elections for public office, for murder in its 12th execution hostages since August last year, murdered three Americans and that educated women appeared men accused of being bandits, seem to be particularly at risk.” this year, warning it would mete but it is the first time that the two Britons, posting grisly video to be especially at risk. and of a woman being stoned to “In just the first two weeks of out the same fate to perpetrators extremist group — which has footage of their executions. The militant group is show- death, allegedly for adultery. this year, reports indicate that of similar crimes. seized swathes of Syria and neigh- US journalists James Foley ing a “monstrous disregard for Numerous other women three female lawyers were exe- Mansour bin Awad bin Ziniegih bouring Iraq — has threatened and Steven Sotloff, American aid human life” in the areas it con- have also reportedly been exe- cuted,” Shamdasani said. Al Jabri was sentenced to death Japanese captives. worker Peter Kassig and British trols in Iraq, the UN human cuted recently in IS-controlled A number of other groups are after being convicted of shooting In footage posted on the web- aid workers Alan Henning and rights office said. areas, including Mosul, spokes- also targeted by the militants, dead another Saudi in a family sites, a black-clad militant bran- David Haines were all beheaded. The group, which controls woman Ravina Shamdasani told Shamdasani said. AFP dispute, the interior ministry dishing a knife addresses the The militant who appeared said. Authorities carried out the camera in English, standing in the video threatening the sentence in the central Qassim between hostages Kenji Goto and Japanese hostages spoke with a broadcaster NHK. He had been Yukawa is a 42-year-old wid- reason he was carrying a gun. region, the ministry said in a Haruna Yukawa who are wearing very similar southern English out of contact since late October ower who reportedly has a his- He replied in stilted English statement carried by the official orange jumpsuits. accent to the militant who after telling family that he tory of attempted suicide and that he was a “photographer” and Saudi Press Agency. “You now have 72 hours to appeared in the footage posted of intended to return to Japan, NHK self-mutilation after his military a “journalist, half doctor”. The government is committed pressure your government into the executions of the Britons and reported. In early November, his goods business went bankrupt and “I’m no soldier,” he said. “to maintaining security, realising making a wise decision by paying Americans. wife received email demands for his wife died of cancer. He came Another video surfaced show- justice and implementing God’s the $200m to save the lives of your Goto is a freelance journalist, about one billion yen ($8.5m) in to widespread attention in Japan ing a man believed to be Yukawa law on those who shed blood,” the citizens,” he says. born in 1967, who set up a video ransom from a person claiming to when he appeared in footage test-firing an AK-47 assault ministry said. “It warns others The militant says that the ran- production company, named be an Islamic State group mem- posted last August in which he rifle in Syria. Japanese nation- tempted to carry out any simi- som demand is to compensate for Independent Press in Tokyo in ber, Fuji TV said. was shown being roughly inter- als’ involvement as combatants lar act that their fate will be the non-military aid that the Japanese 1996, feeding video documen- The emailed threats were later rogated by his captors. in foreign conflicts is limited, same legitimate punishment.” prime minister pledged to support taries on the Middle East and confirmed to have come from a He offered brief responses to although the country’s extensive The kingdom executed 87 peo- countries affected by IS violence other regions to Japanese televi- sender implicated in the killing of questions posed in English about media is usually well-represented ple last year, up from 78 in 2013. at the start of his Middle East sion networks, including public US journalist Foley, Fuji TV said. why he was in Syria and the in hotspots. AFP AFP

Bahrain rights activist gets 6 Sisi defends police but admits rights abuses months in jail CAIRO: President Abdel Fattah speedy trials which the United annual police day on January 25. more concerned for human rights more than half had been released. MANAMA: Bahrain Al Sisi acknowledged yesterday Nations says is “unprecedented On police day in 2011, mil- than any one else,” said Sisi, after “These figures show that...we sentenced Nabeel Rajab, that police committed rights in recent history”. lions launched protests against awarding families of police officers make sure that innocent people one of the highest-profile abuses after the overthrow of Several youth activists who Mubarak, expressing their anger killed in security operations. are not killed,” he said, adding democracy campaign- his Islamist predecessor, but spearheaded the 2011 revolt against the then reviled police “But come see millions of that the situation in Sinai would ers in the Arab world, to said they were expected given against former autocratic presi- force. families... the modest Egyptians take a while to resolve. six months in jail yester- the “exceptional” security dent Hosni Mubarak are also Since Mursi’s ouster, the police who live in regions that need to Jihadists have stepped up day over remarks critical threats faced by Egypt. serving jail terms for protest- have been back on the streets in be improved. What about their attacks against security forces of the state, according to A crackdown overseen by Sisi ing illegally. “Nobody is against full force amid accusations that rights?” on the peninsula since the ouster the Twitter accounts of against supporters of his pred- human rights... but today Egypt Sisi’s regime is even more author- Sisi defended an ongoing secu- of Mursi. They say their attacks his lawyer and the public ecessor Mohamed Mursi has left is in an exceptional condition... is itarian than that of Mubarak, rity operation on the unrest roiled are in retaliation to the govern- prosecutor. hundreds dead since the then it possible that there will be no who quit after an 18-day uprising. Sinai Peninsula, where he said ment crackdown against Morsi The founder of the army chief toppled the Islamist violations?” asked Sisi. Sisi has repeatedly said that 208 militants have been killed by supporters. Bahrain Center for Human in July 2013. “There will be violations. But ensuring stability in politi- the security forces in more than Officials say militants have Rights, Rajab took a leading Thousands of Mursi backers do we approve them? No,” he cally tumultuous Egypt is a top a year. The president said 955 killed scores of policemen and role in Shi’ite-led demon- have also been imprisoned, and said in an address to police offic- priority rather than promot- people had been arrested in the soldiers in Sinai and other parts strations in Bahrain in 2011 dozens sentenced to death after ers and ministers ahead of the ing democratic freedoms. “I am region, which borders Israel, but of the country. AFP that demanded reforms in the Sunni-ruled Gulf Arab Kingdom, inspired by other pro-democracy uprisings in the Arab world. Libyan Opec Bahrain’s public pros- Tunisian military court jails ecutor said on its Twitter account that a person representative had been sentenced to six blogger for insulting army months in jail for publicly missing in Tripoli insulting two government TUNIS: A Tunisian military democratic transition since the institutions. It did not court has sentenced a blogger fall of Ben Ali, with free presiden- TRIPOLI: A Libyan senior name the individual. to one year in prison on charges tial and parliamentary elections oil official who represents his Rajab’s lawyer he insulted the army, his law- last year and a new constitution company in the Opec cartel is Mohammed Al Jishi con- yers yesterday, in a case rights that is seen by supporters as one believed to have been abducted firmed the sentence on activists fear may undermine of the most progressive in the in the militia-held capital Twitter, but said it would freedoms won after the 2011 region. Tripoli, a company official said be suspended pending an revolution. Last November, the secu- yesterday. appeal. The court set a bail The blogger, Yassin Ayari, was lar party Nidaa Tounes, which Samir Salim Kamal, an engi- of BD200 ($530) while the well known in Tunisia for his crit- includes officials of the former neer with the National Oil appeal was being processed. icism of former autocrat Zine El Ben Ali regime, won the most Company who is also Libya’s gov- Rajab had also been on bail Abidine Ben Ali and restrictions seats in parliament. Newly elected ernor for Opec, has not been seen in the run-up to sentenc- during his rule on freedom of President Beji Caid Essebsi is also since Thursday when he left the ing. Rajab was previously expression. After the 2011 upris- a former Ben Ali official. company’s offices. handed three months in jail ing that ousted Ben Ali, Ayari Critics and some activists “His friends last saw him on in 2013 in a separate case turned to political criticism of worry the return of old guard fig- Thursday afternoon as he left over a Twitter posting crit- the army. ures is a setback for the revolu- the NOC headquarters” in central icising the prime minister, “A military court sentenced the tion, which aimed to sweep away Tripoli, an official at the company, the king’s uncle. blogger Yassin Ayari to a year on the country’s autocratic past. who did not want to be named, The ruling was over- charges of insulting the army and Essebsi dismisses the criti- said. turned, but only after Rajab impacting its morale after com- cism, saying he is president for all Nobody has claimed responsi- had already served his sen- ments on Facebook criticised the Tunisians. He says former Ben Ali bility for his apparent abduction tence. Bahrain, where the performance of the defence minis- officials like him are technocrats and the family of the engineer US Navy’s Fifth Fleet is ter,” lawyer Malek Ben Amor said. untainted by past corruption and has received no news about him based, quelled the 2011 pro- The army did not immediately abuses. since his disappearance, the offi- tests but has since struggled return calls seeking comment But the sentencing of a civil- cial said. to resolve political deadlock on the case. Ayari is the son of ian by a military court has left Libya is one of 12 members of between the government a military officer killed by mili- some Tunisian activists and rights the Organization of the Petroleum and the opposition. tants in an attack in 2011. He was lawyers with questions, just as the Exporting Countries (Opec), AFP arrested at the airport last month new government is being named whose current secretary general Tunisian protesters shout slogans in front of the military tribunal in Tunis on arrival from Paris. and starting work. Abdullah El Badri is Libyan. during a trial of bloger and journalist Yassine Ayari. Tunisia has been praised for its REUTERS AFP WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Snow in France UKIP replaces France arrests policy chief before election five Russians LONDON: Britain’s anti- EU UK Independence Party abruptly replaced its policy chief yesterday, less than four months before a national elec- over attack plot tion, because it said he was too busy to finish writing the par- ty’s manifesto. Political rivals have accused Belgium hunts two men after raid UKIP, which wants Britain to leave the European Union and sharply PARIS: France arrested five 27-year-old Belgian of Moroccan curb immigration, of lacking seri- Russians yesterday accused of descent, remains at large. ous policies on other issues. The plotting a new attack as four Belgian authorities are hunt- manifesto, eagerly awaited by crit- men suspected of helping the ing for two men on the run after ics and supporters alike, is designed gunmen behind the Paris shoot- a jihadist cell was broken up in to show voters it does. ings were brought before anti- Belgium last week, with the search A UKIP spokesman said out- terrorist judge. focusing on Spain and France. going policy chief Tim Aker had European nations, on high Belgium issued arrest warrants stood down in favour of Suzanne alert after the attacks that shook on Sunday for the two men, born Evans, the party’s deputy chair- France to its core, have launched a in 1993 and 1996, to police in Spain man, to focus on other party wave of raids targeting suspected and France. The authorities fear commitments. jihadist cells. French prosecutors the two men could be trying to Aker is also a UKIP member of said five Russians from the restive get to Syria or another country the European Parliament, a local Muslim republic of Chechnya had by via Spain or Turkey, the source councillor in England and is cam- been detained near the southern added. One has Belgian citizen- Traffic is held up as snow ploughs clean the A7 highway near Valence, in southeastern France, yesterday. paigning for a seat in the May 7 city of Montpellier suspected of ship and the other is a Dutch British parliamentary election. plotting an attack. No further national, according to Spanish UKIP sources denied a report that details about their plans were media reports. Aker had been sacked for failing to immediately available. And in Bulgaria, a court ruled deliver a final draft of the mani- Meanwhile, prosecutors have that a Frenchman who knew two festo by the start of January. “He called for charges against four men of the Paris attackers should be asked to stand down, it’s definitely suspected of helping supply weap- returned to his home country. Obama to talk taxes in speech not a sacking,” one source said. ons and vehicles to the Islamist France had issued an arrest war- Still, UKIP’s failure to set out gunmen who killed 17 people in rant for Muslim convert Fritz-Joly WASHINGTON: US President Obama also will propose boost- two weeks after 17 people were its policy ideas before an elec- three days of carnage around Paris. Joachin, 29, who denies being an Barack Obama will propose to ing middle class benefits through killed in attacks in France. tion in which it hopes to deliver The four, who are appearing before extremist but was detained after hike taxes on the wealthy in his tax increases on the wealthy Republicans and others criti- “a political earthquake” after a anti-terrorist judge, would be trying to cross from Bulgaria into State of the Union speech, an idea and financial firms adding up to cized the White House for not winning European elections the first to face charges over the Turkey before the attacks. already panned by Republicans $320bn over 10 years. sending a top American official in Britain and two seats in the January 7-9 attacks, the worst in The jihadist attacks in Paris on in Congress who want him to That idea is popular with to a unity march in Paris, where British parliament, has exposed France in decades. satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo aggressively pursue trade deals Democrats, who are looking other countries sent their leaders it to ridicule from critics. There has been a flurry of activ- and a kosher supermarket and with Asia and Europe. beyond Obama’s tenure to 2016 and other high-ranking officials John Prescott, a member of ity by police and prosecutors across police officers triggered global Obama has said he wants to elections. But it seems dead on to walk arm-in-arm with French the opposition left-wing Labour a jittery Europe, including raids by outrage and fears of a resurgence reach out to Republicans who arrival with Republicans who President Francois Hollande. party and a former deputy prime some 200 German police hunting a of Islamist attacks in Europe. support trade deals his admin- control both houses of Congress. Obama’s Chief of Staff Denis minister, urged people to mock jihadist network they believed was A Muslim employee in the istration has pursued, over the Obama’s aim is to help those McDonough accepted blame UKIP on Twitter by using the planning an attack in Syria. Jewish supermarket, who was objections of some of his fel- left behind by an economic for the uproar on Tuesday. “We social media site to post sarcas- The Germans searched 13 hailed as a hero for trying to save low Democrats, and could push revival taking hold six years into regret we didn’t send someone tic policy ideas under the hash- apartments in Berlin and other customers during the attack in for fast-track trade negotiating his tenure, which began with more senior than our ambassa- tag #MyUkipManifesto. “We will locations, seeking people linked to which four people were killed, authority in his speech at 9pm the Democrat facing a crippling dor, that rests on me. That’s my encourage gay marriage (but only the alleged leader and financier of gained French citizenship. About EST (0200 GMT today). financial crisis. He has said trade job,” he said, speaking on NBC’s during droughts),” ran a suggestion the group who had been detained 273,000 people had signed a peti- “If President Obama can be more deals could help expand markets “Today” program. from one user, a jokey reference to on Friday. tion calling for France to natural- forward-leaning with members of for American goods and services. Obama also will defend his a former UKIP councillor who last Greece also ordered the extra- ise Lassana Bathily, 24, from Mali. his party, starting with tonight’s Looking to burnish his legacy decision to seek to normalize year blamed flooding in Britain on dition of a 33-year-old Algerian The attacks have forced France State of the Union address, I think with two years left in office, diplomatic relations with Cuba. the passage of gay marriage laws. man with suspected links to yet to face up to its failure to inte- we can get this (fast-track author- Obama’s speech will be his best Alan Gross, the US aid worker UKIP is expected to unveil its another jihadist cell dismantled grate poorer, migrant families, ity) done quickly. That is what I am opportunity of the year to com- whose release from a Cuban manifesto at the end of February by Belgian security forces last with Prime Minister Manuel committed to do,” said Republican mand the attention of millions of prison helped pave the way at its spring conference. The party week over claims it was plotting Valls admitting yesterday that Senator Orrin Hatch, chairman of Americans watching on television. toward restoring diplomatic ties has had problems with manifestos to kill police officers. the country suffered “social and the Senate Finance Committee, The speech will also allow with Cuba, will be among Michelle before — UKIP leader Nigel Farage The suspected mastermind of ethnic apartheid”. in a speech to the US Chamber of Obama to update Americans on Obama’s guests for the speech. once called the 2010 manifesto “486 the plot, Abdelhamid Abaaoud, a AFP Commerce. the threat of Islamic extremists, REUTERS pages of drivel”. REUTERS

Zambians vote Russian forces accused for president LUSAKA: One of the frontrun- of attacking Kiev troops ners in Zambia’s presidential election cried fraud just hours KIEV: Ukraine yesterday the insurgents’ latest advance on after polling stations opened accused Russian forces of government troops. yesterday in a tight race to attacking its soldiers after Blasts of incoming and outgoing replace Michael Sata, who died crossing over into the ex-Soviet artillery echoed all night across the in office last year. state’s war-wrecked separatist rebels’ main stronghold of Donetsk Opposition candidate Hakainde east in violation of a September — a once bustling industrial hub Hichilema, 52, of the United truce deal. now the crucible of one of Europe’s Party for National Development The charges — met with initial worst humanitarian and diplomatic (UPND), said some remote silence by Moscow — should add crises since the Cold War. Rebel parts of the country had still not further tensions to difficult talks city administration member Ivan received ballot papers halfway in Berlin today aimed at stemming Prikhodko said two civilians were through election day. a spike in fighting that has already killed and eight seriously wounded “Why are there no ballot killed 4,800 people and driven a when a shell hit a bus stop on the papers in our strongholds, some- million from their homes. northwestern edge of town. one is scheming around. It’s “In violation of all prior agree- “The bus stop itself and a fraud,” Hakainde told reporters ments, Ukrainian military units store nearby have been levelled,” after casting his ballot in Lusaka. were attacked in the north (of the Prikhodko told AFP by telephone. Hichilema is seen as the main war zone) by regular units of the Two top Western diplomats in challenger to Defence Minister Russian armed forces,” Ukrainian Kiev said they believed the pro- Edgar Lungu, 58, who represents military spokesman Andriy Russian militias had made sig- the ruling Patriotic Front (PF). Lysenko told a hastily convened nificant progress on the ground The Electoral Commission of press conference in Kiev. in recent days. One of them said Zambia blamed the late delivery The claim came only hours the gunmen appear to be trying of ballot papers on heavy rains after Moscow called “absolute to undermine European peace pounding the country. nonsense” claims by Kiev of about efforts in order to win more “We have no control over the 700 new Russian soldiers crossing ground before a final partition weather and it is far from our Ukrainian servicemen patrol the streets of Debaltsevo, in Donetsk area, yesterday. over into eastern Ukraine to help agreement is reached. AFP desire that we should have... late delivery of personnel and ballots which would result in late com- mencement of the polls,” commis- sion director Priscilla Isaacs said. She said that due to flooded Hundreds flee Nigeria villages after Boko Haram ‘warning’ roads, voting material and per- sonnel were being airlifted via military helicopter—though the KANO: Hundreds of people from four Security analysts said the attack, in almost empty with some remaining resi- Chadian troops deployed last weekend to weather was grounding some of villages near the devastated Nigerian which a regional military base was cap- dents staying behind to pick up personal help Cameroon repel Boko Haram attacks those flights. town of Baga have been forced to flee tured, potentially puts the group in a strong belongings,” said Ma’agana Butari. in its far north region in a sign of the grow- The first counts were expected after a warning from Boko Haram mili- strategic position to strike southwards and “We also found Budur, Kekenu and Yoyo ing recognition of the wider threat posed to begin trickling in just before tants, witnesses and community leaders launch cross-border attacks. deserted and we caught up with some of by the group. midnight while the final results said yesterday. Lake Chad forms the border between the residents moving towards Monguno,” Ghana’s President, John Dramani were to be released late on Friday. News of the exodus from Kekenu, Budur, Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon and the 32-year-old mother of five said by tel- Mahama, has also raised the possibility of The interim vote was triggered Yoyo and Mile 90 villages came as Niger tens of thousands of people have streamed ephone from Maiduguri. a larger regional force, possibly under the after Sata died in October last hosted a meeting on how to fight the across the frontiers seeking sanctuary from The villages lie some 40km south of Baga auspices of the African Union, to prevent year from an undisclosed illness. rebels as concern mounted at the threat the relentless violence. and although there was no confirmation the spread of violence. At stake is the remaining year to regional security. Boko Haram fighters Abubakar Gamandi, head of the Borno that Boko Haram had moved in, it will Both Butari and another woman, Aisa and a half of his five-year term in attacked Baga on January 3, looting and State fishermen’s union, said residents likely raise fears that the group plans to Aribe, who arrived in Maiduguri from Baga the copper-rich southern African burning down homes and businesses in the from the affected villages told him Boko push south. The city has in recent weeks on Monday, said Boko Haram were still in nation. town and at least 16 surrounding villages Haram fighters had visited “and asked peo- been hit by a wave of suicide bombings. control of the town and the streets were Despite scheduled elections also on the shores of Lake Chad. ple to leave — or else”. One women who fled In Niger’s capital, Niamey, the coun- strewn with the dead. “Dead bodies are all due next year, Zambians braved Hundreds of people, if not more, are Baga to the Borno State capital, Maiduguri, try’s foreign minister, Mohamed Bazoum, over the town and surrounding villages. rains and chilly temperatures in feared to have been killed, although there on Monday confirmed that she joined the said the rise in strength of Boko Haram They are decomposing and there is no one long queues to cast their vote. is no official confirmation of the toll as the crowds fleeing the four villages. “reflects our slowness and our inability to to bury them,” said Aribe. AFP town is still in rebel hands, residents said. “When we came to Mile 90, we found it put up a robust response”. AFP WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES North Korea hits out at defector Gulag survivor a liar: Website

SEOUL: A North Korean web- and all the materials presented site pounced yesterday on the to the UN Human Rights admission by a high-profile Commission by so-called ‘North defector that his harrowing Korean defectors’ were all lies and account of escaping a prison false accusations,” it added. camp contained inaccuracies, Shin was among scores of saying it proved the dishon- defectors who testified before a esty of UN moves to censure UN commission of inquiry into Pyongyang for rights abuses. North Korea’s rights abuses A signed commentary on the last year. state-run Uriminzokkiri website The commission’s report con- highlighted the “lies and false cluded that North Korea was accusations” of Shin Dong-Hyuk committing human rights vio- — a North Korean gulag survivor lations “without parallel in the whose torture and daring escape contemporary world,” and urged were detailed in a best-selling the UN Security Council to refer An opposition lawmaker throws a chair during a meeting inside the Constitution Assembly building in Kathmandu yesterday. RIGHT: Supporters of the book. Shin admitted Sunday that its leadership to the International 30-party alliance led by the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) clash with police during the general strike in Kathmandu. elements of his story as told in Criminal Court (ICC). “Escape from Camp 14” were The Security Council held inaccurate, including various its first-ever discussion on locations and chronologies. the North’s rights record in Although Shin stressed that December, but any referral to MPs go berserk in Nepal parliament most of the account of his suf- the ICC would almost certainly ferings still stood, his admission be vetoed by permanent members KATHMANDU: At least three deadline tomorrow. the Maoists as well as a string of the sticking points. was a blow to the community of China and Russia. security marshals were injured “This is their ploy not to let small regional parties, wants to In protest, the Maoist-led North Korean rights campaigners The Uriminzokkiri commentary in a brawl that broke out in the constitution be prepared in create ten states and name them opposition called for a nationwide of which he has been a prominent said Shin’s admissions underlined Nepal’s parliament early yes- time at any cost,” Information after different ethnic and margin- shutdown of schools, colleges, member. the fact that “hostile forces” led terday, with opposition legisla- and Communication Minister alised groups. factories, businesses and public As far as North Korean pub- by the United States had “made tors climbing on their chairs Minendra Rijal told reporters. The ruling centre-left alliance transport yesterday. lic statements go, a commentary a mockery of the international and throwing microphones and A new constitution is widely says Nepal, a country roughly the Police detained 30 people posted on Uriminzokkiri is low- community” by banging the shoes in a heated debate over seen as crucial to ending the size of Greece with an economy across the country for stoning level stuff, and experts believe human rights drum. the Himalayan nation’s new instability that has plagued Nepal dependent on aid and tourism, vehicles and for arson. Police Pyongyang will issue higher- The North has repeatedly constitution. since the end of a Maoist-led does not have enough resources said one Maoist lawmaker was profile statements as it seeks to sought to discredit Shin as a Former Maoist rebel lawmak- civil war in 2006 and settling the to support several states, and says injured when protesters clashed extract maximum mileage out of fabulist and criminal, and last ers stormed the parliament’s republic, nestled between regional the creation of federal units along with police during the strike in the situation. October aired a TV interview chambers during the late-night powers India and China that jostle ethnic lines could spark commu- Kathmandu. A previous parlia- But the commentary provided a with his father who called Shin a session in an attempt to prevent to woo a new geopolitical ally. nal tensions. ment missed several deadlines taste of the argument Pyongyang “liar” and denied the family was the ruling coalition from pushing But it has been thwarted by dif- The government, which com- for the constitution before being will likely make. even in a labour camp. ahead with a vote to settle sev- ferences among political parties mands a parliamentary major- dissolved in May 2012 because of “It is not that some parts of Shin said his father must eral disputed points in the new over how to divide the country ity, has said it will go ahead with deep divisions over the formation (Shin’s) statements were inaccu- have been coerced into constitution and have a draft of into federal states. a vote on the disputed issues if of the proposed federal states. rate,” it said. “All his statements denouncing him. AFP the document ready by their soft The opposition, which includes opposition parties fail to agree on REUTERS

Sri Lanka PM Three held for vows to restore China president gets 62pc raise bomb joke at BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping within the party and government that has checks and (pictured) and the other six members of the seen low-ranking “flies” and once high-flying Pope mass Communist Party’s elite Politburo Standing “tigers” brought down. balances Committee have been given 62 percent pay Relatives of top leaders including Xi and MANILA: Philippine police rises, state-run media said yesterday, as former premier Wen Jiabao have used offshore arrested three people for crack- COLOMBO: Sri Lankan Prime civil servants get their first increases since tax havens to hide their wealth, according to ing jokes about a bomb while Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe 2006. a mammoth investigation released in January on their way to attend Pope yesterday said the new govern- Xi’s basic monthly pay will go up to 11,385 last year by the US-based International Francis’s mass in Manila, an ment will restore democratic yuan ($1,832) from 7,020 yuan, the China Daily Consortium of Investigative Journalists. official said yesterday. checks and balances after a said, citing announcements by the Ministry of In 2012 The New York Times and Bloomberg The man and two women were decade of increasingly authori- Human Resources and social security. News published investigations into vast wealth arrested at a police checkpoint on tarian rule under former presi- Despite leading the world’s second- said to have been amassed by family members Sunday while heading to the mass dent Mahinda Rajapaksa. largest economy, Xi’s pay falls far short of of Wen and Xi. Neither official was accused in Rizal Park which attracted a Under Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka US President Barack Obama, who earns of wrongdoing. record six million people, said lost the support of Western gov- $400,000 a year. Other countries’ leaders enjoy significantly officer Alberto de Guzman of ernments and India and was At the bottom of China’s scale, the lowest- higher basic pay. India’s government said in Manila police radio control office. increasingly reliant on close ties ranked civil servants have seen their pay more 2013 that its then-premier Manmohan Singh As they went through the with China, which did not ques- than double to 1,320 yuan. was earning around Rs160,000 ($2,600) a checkpoint, witnesses heard one tion his steady strengthening of Increasing numbers of officials are quit- amounts. Civil service work in China has month in salary and allowances — as well as of the three saying “Hey, I’ve got a presidential power and the dimin- ting over low compensation, the paper said, long offered both prestige and official perks, a personal staff, rent-free housing, a plane and bomb. Why didn’t you detect it?” ishing role of parliament. but it pointed out that basic salaries make up as well as opportunities to accrue extra wealth an official vehicle. de Guzman said. Riding a wave of popularity for just one component of civil servants’ monthly through the receipt of bribes and other forms And Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of His companions then joked winning a 26-year war against compensation. of corruption. Singapore, with a population a fraction the about carrying guns, de Guzman Tamil Tiger separatists in 2009, Additional allowances are also provided Since becoming party chief in November size of China’s, is among the world’s best-paid said. “They were making fun of Rajapaksa amended the constitu- based on their positions and duties, it said, 2012 and state president in March 2013, Xi heads of government with an annual salary of the police officers. If people had tion to remove a two-term limit though it did not provide breakdowns or has spearheaded a crackdown on corruption Sg$2.2m ($1.64m). AFP heard them, it could have caused and abolish independent commis- a stampede,” he told AFP. sions for elections, the police, judi- The three are being held under ciary and public service. a law that penalises “pranksters” “We will replace the present who make false reports about executive presidency with a bombs. The crime is punishable government which will exercise Crashed jet climbed up to five years in jail or a fine of executive power with cabinet and 40,000 pesos ($894) or both. parliament,” Wickremesinghe AFP told parliament, in a speech laying out the new government’s 100-day too fast and stalled programme. HK maid was Wickremesinghe, 65, said the JAKARTA: An AirAsia plane Minister Ignasius Jonan told constitution would be amended to that crashed into the Java Sea reporters, citing radar data. treated like a give powers to independent bodies last month with 162 people on “The plane suddenly went up that will act as watchdogs over board climbed at a faster than at a speed above the normal limit slave, court told the judiciary and other public normal speed and then stalled, that it was able to climb to. Then bodies, a move to limit presiden- the Indonesian transport min- it stalled.” Earlier at a parlia- HONG KONG: A Hong Kong tial authority. ister said yesterday. mentary hearing, he said radar employer accused of starving The new government will abol- Flight QZ8501 went down on data showed the Airbus A320-200 and beating her Indonesian ish Rajapaksa’s 2010 amendment December 28 in stormy weather, appeared at one point to be climb- maid treated the woman as and enact a Right to Information during what was supposed to be ing at a rate of 6,000 feet (1,800 an “unpaid slave”, prosecutors Act and a National Audit Act a short trip from the Indonesian metres) a minute before the said yesterday on the last day to increase transparency, after city of Surabaya to Singapore. crash. There were several other of hearings in a case which has complaints that Rajapaksa signed Indonesia’s meteorological planes in the area at the time. shocked the city. deals worth hundreds of millions agency has said bad weather may “I think it is rare even for a In the course of the six- of dollars with China without have caused the crash, and inves- fighter jet to be able to climb week trial, 23-year-old Erwiana informing the nation of the terms. tigators are analysing the data 6,000 feet per minute,” he said. Sulistyaningsih described in vivid The constitutional amendment from the jet’s black boxes before “For a commercial flight, climb- detail how she was “tortured”, needs a two-thirds parliament releasing a preliminary report. ing around 1,000 to 2,000 (feet) living for months on nothing but majority. Just moments before the plane is maybe already considered bread and rice, sleeping only four President Maithripala Sirisena, disappeared off the radar, the extraordinary, because it is not hours a day and being so badly who also succeeded Rajapaksa pilot had asked to climb to avoid meant to climb that fast.” beaten by her then-employer as the chairman of Sri Lanka the storm. He was not immedi- His comments came after Law Wan-tung that she was Freedom Party (SLFP), has ately granted permission due to Indonesian investigators said they knocked unconscious. Law’s secured the support of around 100 heavy air traffic. were focusing on the possibility defence accused the former maid former Rajapaksa loyalists in the “In the final minutes, the of human error or problems with An Indonesian diver and an official examine the wreckage of AirAsia and another two domestic help- 225-member parliament. plane climbed at a speed which the plane having caused the crash. flight QZ8501 after it was lifted into the Crest Onyx ship at sea in this file ers involved in the case of being REUTERS was beyond normal,” Transport AFP photograph taken on January 10. “opportunistic”. AFP WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Pakistan, Afghanistan Guard of Honour Roadside bomb kills deepening military ties eight in Two sides working on border coordination mechanism Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: In a move between Army Chief Gen Raheel mechanism have coincided with GHAZNI: At least eight civil- towards improving border coor- Sharif, ANA Chief General improvement in military to mili- ians including women and chil- dination and deepening mili- Sher Muhammad Karimi and tary ties. dren were killed when their tary-to-military ties, Pakistan Isaf Commander General John Afghan President Ashraf van struck a roadside bomb in and Afghanistan over the week- Campbell. Ghani’s visit to GHQ during his southern Afghanistan yester- end opened a series of meetings The two sides have been work- visit to Islamabad in November day, officials said. of commanders. ing on a border coordination signalled warming of defence The incident occurred in the Peshawar Corps Commander mechanism to replace the exist- relationship. Active cooperation Jaghuri district of Ghazni prov- Lt Gen Hidayat ur Rehman trav- ing procedure involving Isaf. Two between the two sides was seen ince, Deputy Provincial Governor elled to Afghanistan on Sunday border coordination points in in the aftermath of the December Mohammad Ali Ahmadi said. for the first meeting. Commander Torkham and Spin Boldak have 16 massacre of 149 schoolchildren It comes weeks after the NATO of Southern Command Lt General been reactivated. and staff members by Taliban in combat mission which began in Nasir Khan Janjua would visit Unauthorised cross-border an attack on the Army Public 2001 was downgraded to support Afghanistan for another meeting movement remained a sore point School in Peshawar. and training duties to help the today. Military’s public affairs in the Pak-Afghan relationship Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif Afghan army and police. division ISPR in a statement on during the Karzai government accompanied by ISI Chief Lt Gen “Eight civilians, including one Rehman’s meeting in Afghanistan with both sides accusing each Rizwan Akhtar had travelled woman and a child, were killed said: “Matters related to border other of not doing enough to regu- to Kabul immediately after the in this morning roadside blast. security came under discussion. late the porous border. attack seeking action against One child and one woman were During the meeting ways and The new mechanism envis- Afghanistan-based Tehrik-i- wounded,” he said, adding that means were also discussed to fur- ages better coordination between Taliban Pakistan leaders. The ISI the injured child and woman were ther enhance the existing border troops in bordering areas and chief paid a second visit almost a taken to the hospital in critical coordination mechanism.” protocols for improving border week ago. Reports suggest that condition. Rehman met the military com- control. Afghanistan has arrested five Asadullah Safi, the deputy mander of Afghanistan’s eastern The two countries have in the Taliban suspects of the Peshawar police chief of the province said Nangrahar province that borders past tried regulating the border school attack. that four of those killed belonged Pakistan’s Federally Administered by setting up designated border The next planned meet- to one family. Tribal Areas. The meeting was crossing points; installing biomet- ing is between Commander of No one has claimed responsib- also attended by representatives ric screening system at crossing Southern Command Lt Gen lity for the attack but roadside of Afghan Border Police and points and other similar steps. Janjua and Commander of bombs have been the Taliban’s International Security Assistance There have also been propos- Southwestern Kandahar prov- weapon of choice in their war Force (Isaf). als for fencing of the border, but ince in Afghanistan. “These vis- against foreign and Afghan secu- The decision regarding meet- mutual mistrust has prevented its are aimed to enhance ongoing rity forces, now in its fourteenth ings of commanders was taken progress. military-to-military relationship year. The bombs also increasingly during the last trilateral meet- This time round discussions between the two countries,” the kill and wound civilians. Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani inspects the honour guards during ing on December 23 in Islamabad about the new border coordination ISPR said. INTERNEWS According to a UN report a ceremony to introduce his new cabinet to parliament in Kabul yesterday. released in December, civilian casualties hit a record high in 2014, with 3,188 civilians killed and 6,429 injured by the end of November, a 19 percent jump Labourers suffer as Afghan transit trade shrinks in Pakistan compared to the year before, making 2014 the deadliest year for non-combatants. ISLAMABAD: Samad Khan the two countries. Land-locked, earned their daily wages from Pakistan’s Karachi port to Iran’s Rs20,000 ($200) a month, he now Last year also saw a 33 percent is busy unloading a 40-foot Afghanistan depends on Pakistan the Afghan Transit Trade route,” Chabahar port. The Afghan goods makes only Rs6,000 a month. He rise in casualties among children container from a train at the for most of its trade through the said Gul Zarin Khan, president transit decreased after 2010 when said that most of his colleagues sit and a 12 percent increase among Chaman railway station near Arabian Sea, carried out through of the Transit Transport Truck Pakistan renewed the earlier idle now that the Afghan transit women. While ground fighting the Pakistan-Afghanistan bor- the port city of Karachi. Earlier, Association at Chaman. Afghan Transit Trade Agreement trade has been reduced to a trickle. between troops and insurgent der. The effort tires out Khan, goods meant for Afghanistan were “More than 300 to 400 transit inked in 1965. The security situation in groups as well as improvised who is 82 and has a full beard brought in through trains from good containers would make their According to Daro Khan, the Pakistan is the main reason for explosive devices remained lead- that is completely white. He Karachi, the provincial capital of way to Afghanistan daily through 2010 agreement charged Afghan traders to switch to the Chabahar ing causes of deaths and injuries, asks his fellow labourer if he Sindh province, to the dusty border this route with some 10,000 fami- traders a higher custom duty and port for the Afghan transit trade, the Taliban were responsible for can rest for a while. city of Chaman in south-western lies from the province benefiting insurance. Afghan traders also said Muhammad Hannifia, an 75 percent of all civilian casual- It is early morning. The train Balochistan province. From here as daily wage labourers, trans- had a tough time due to frequent Afghan trader. ties, according to the UN report. station is not all that busy, now they were taken to the city of porters and clearing agents”, said political trouble in view of the ten- “More than 15,000 containers About 17,000 foreign soldiers, that the new Afghanistan Pakistan Kandahar across the border in Daro Khan Achakzai, president of uous Pakistan-Afghanistan rela- were stolen and looted when they most of them from the US, will Transit Trade Agreement Afghanistan. Chaman Chamber of Commerce. tionship, delays at the Pakistani were processed at Karachi port. still be deployed in Afghanistan (APTTA) has pushed Afghan trad- “Some 2,000 labourers and “But the number of containers has port in Karachi, and security We cannot take the risk as many this year. But US troop numbers ers to pay more money to the both more than 2,500 transporters, shrunk to only 20 to 40 now.” issues along the route. of our containers were burnt and are set to halve within 12 months governments than they did under including drivers, conductors Afghan traders have gradually Where Samad Khan, a daily looted on their way from Karachi and fall to almost nothing in two an earlier agreement between and truck owners from Chaman, changed their transit route from wage labourer, once earned to Chaman,” he said. INTERNEWS years. AFP

Over 34 million IDPs seek compensation for damage in military operations Pakistani kids to ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army parts of the country such as per cent of the houses were badly announcement that repatria- Karachi for seven years now. damaged.” get vaccinated tion of the internally displaced “I want to return to South The military had cleared the people (IDPs) will begin from Waziristan but my home was Mahsud dominated areas of South in polio drive February may have come as a completely destroyed during the Waziristan after a year of the relief to many of the displaced military operation,” said Fateh operation that started in 2009. ISLAMABAD: Except for a families from tribal areas but the Khan, 63, a resident of Ladha in Umer said that the repatriation few districts, the New Year’s Mahsud tribesmen from South South Waziristan. Khan said if process of the people displaced by first national polio campaign Waziristan are not sure where the government rebuilt his home, the operation started on December was launched to vaccinate over they will return to as most of he would consider going back to 4, 2010. About 11,924 families have 34 million children across the them will be finding destroyed “live with dignity”. repatriated till date but several country yesterday. houses in their native areas. Umer, FATA Disaster thousands have yet to return. However, due to the security Among the first of those Management Authority’s coordi- “Due to the military opera- reasons, unavailability of staff displaced from the Federally nator for South Waziristan, said tion in the neighbouring North and harsh weather conditions, Administered Tribal Areas “A survey by FDMA in South Waziristan, the repatriation proc- the anti-polio drive could not (FATA) due to a military opera- Waziristan Agency to assess ess was stopped but it will start be launched in a few districts. tion against the Taliban militants damages of the houses and pub- again in the first week of February Because of the prevailing secu- in 2009, the Mahsud tribesmen lic property during the military after a registration process”, said rity situation, the campaign would have been living in Dera Ismail operation has revealed that 27,107 Nawab Safi, Assistant Political be carried out in three phases in Khan, Tank towns neighbouring houses have been completely or Officer South Waziristan Agency. Internally displaced Afghan children stand outside their shelter in the cold Karachi. South Waziristan — and other partially destroyed whereas 80 INTERNEWS at a refugee camp on the outskirts of Herat city yesterday. Also, the drive was postponed in five districts of Balochistan: Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Musa Khel Remembering victims and Qilla Saifullah. Mansehra, Chitral, Battagram and some areas in Skardu were not included Private schools using ‘security in the campaign due to the severe weather conditions and snowfall. The shortage of field staff also led to the postponement of the drive arrangement’ trick to hike fees in Bannu. It may be noted that the government and UN agen- ISLAMABAD: Lack of gov- bureaucrats and even an incumbent expenses incurred due to increased cies have expressed their resolve ernment control and the alleged provincial education secretary were security arrangements. “The fees to eradicate the crippling disease connivance of the education running chains of private schools. were increased by schools, mostly from the country during the cur- department have allowed private He said that the private schools in urban areas, which are facing rent year. schools to unilaterally increase owners had not been taking inter- financial problems,” he said. An official of the Ministry of fees on the pretext of ‘security est in meetings being held to review On the additional costs, Ahmad National Health Services said arrangements’ in Pakistan, it was security arrangements. “They were said that price of an ordinary poliovirus was at the verge of learnt yesterday. not even attending meetings held at weapon was over Rs18,000, while eradication during the tenure In recent days, around 3,000 pri- the commissioner’s office until the the government had made it bind- of the previous government but vate schools in Rawalpindi district government threatened to cancel ing on all institutes to keep at least the caretakers ignored the pro- have hiked up fees by 20 to 30 per the registration of schools failing to two security guards. gramme in 2013 due to which the cent. A senior education depart- put proper security arrangements “It is not possible for all insti- virus started spreading again. ment officer said that it had no con- in place,” the officer said. tutes to absorb the additional cost “Polio cases, which were being trol over private sector educational When contacted, Private Schools of metal detectors, walkthrough reported only from the Federally institutes. Association Rawalpindi chap- gates, CCTV cameras, and increas- Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) A girl holds the portrait of her brother who was killed in terrorists attack The officer added that pri- ter President Ibrar Ahmad said ing the height of boundary walls, and some parts of Karachi, started at Army Public School, as she arrives to attend a ceremony to com- vate sector institutes were often a press release had been issued due to which most private schools reporting from all over the coun- memorate the victims, at Chief Minister House in Peshawar yesterday. ‘above the law’ and could not be stating private schools would not have increased their fees,” he said. try,” he said. INTERNEWS held answerable as ministers, increase fees to bear the additional INTERNEWS WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA EC notice to Kejriwal challenges Bedi to debate AAP chief BJP sidesteps, Maken ready on bribes NEW DELHI: BJP’s chief min- nominated as BJP’s CM candidate. isterial candidate Kiran Bedi I invite u 4 a public debate moder- NEW DELHI: The Election yesterday sidestepped AAP ated by neutral person and telecast Commission yesterday asked leader Arvind Kejriwal’s chal- by all,” Kejriwal said. Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind lenge for a debate on issues facing Kejriwal, who is leading the Kejriwal to explain why he the national capital but Congress AAP campaign, also said Bedi has asked people to take bribes general secretary Ajay Maken blocked him on social network- from other parties for voting in expressed his willingness for a ing site Twitter. Bedi said she was the Delhi assembly polls. structured discussion among the willing to take part in a debate The poll panel asked the AAP three politicians who are leading but in the Delhi assembly as her leader to give an explanation by the campaign of their parties for focus was on “delivery” and not 4pm tomorrow. the assembly polls. on just discussion. “People from both parties (BJP Kejriwal threw the challenge “I accept the challenge but I and Congress) will come to offer for a debate a day after Bedi will do it only in the Delhi assem- money, do not refuse, take it... was named the Bharatiya Janata bly. Right now, I am focusing on if no one comes forward to give Party’s chief ministerial candi- delivery, while debate is all he you money, go to their offices date. The BJP retorted by term- (Kejriwal) has been doing,” Bedi and ask them to give it to you ing Kejriwal “I run man” and Bedi told reporters. BJP spokesperson in their office...accept the money “Iron Lady”. Sambit Patra called Kejriwal’s from both, but vote only for the The battle for Delhi intensified move a publicity gimmick. broom,” the Election Commission Tuesday, following clarity about “The battle in Delhi is between quoted Kejriwal as saying at a the campaign leaders of the BJP, Iron Lady and I-run-man — a public meeting. the Aam Aadmi Party and the man who has been on the run for In the notice to the former Congress. Kejriwal, a former (the post of) CM to PM,” Patra Delhi chief minister, the poll Delhi chief minister, led a road said, referring to Kejriwal’s defeat panel said it was “prima facie of show in central Delhi but could in Varanasi to Prime Minister the opinion that by making the not file his nomination papers as Narendra Modi. aforesaid statements, you have he could not reach the district He said Kejriwal stands for violated provisions of the model magistrate’s office on time. “drama, dharna and debate”, code of conduct”. Kejriwal said an informed while the BJP stands for “devel- “You are hereby called upon debate between the three con- opment, democracy and delivery”. Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal greets supporters during a road show in New Delhi yesterday. to explain by 4pm 22.01.2015 tenders to the post of chief min- Patra said the people of Delhi will (Thursday) as to why action ister will help the people of Delhi decide if they want another dra- blocked Kejriwal on Twitter one a debate,” Maken said. the national capital. should not be taken against you make an informed choice. matic debate or development and year back. He (Kejriwal) should Bedi, 65, joined the BJP on Addressing a boisterous crowd for aforesaid violation of the “Ajay Maken, Kiran Bedi and I, delivery. “This debate is a gim- have approached her then.” January 15 and was named its in the east Delhi constituency, he model code of conduct, failing all three should have a debate so mick to gain some cheap public- Maken, who is the chief of chief ministerial nominee on said the BJP and everyone else which the Election Commission that people can make an informed ity. The AAP is all about publicity, the Congress campaign, said he Monday night. Both Kejriwal and have united to defeat him. “When of India shall take a decision choice about selecting their chief they want to use Kiran ji for their was prepared for a structured Bedi were part of the anti-cor- they will lose in the polls, they will without any further reference minister,” he told reporters. publicity,” Patra said. debate between the three lead- ruption movement led by social say that it was because of Kiran to you,” the notice said. He had earlier conveyed his Referring to Kejriwal speak- ers. “This is not Kejriwal’s idea, activist Anna Hazare. Kejriwal is Bedi,” the AAP Party chief said. The notice was sent follow- challenge to Bedi for a debate ing about Bedi blocking him on a TV channel had invited us for slated to contest from New Delhi Kejriwal also attacked the BJP- ing a complaint to the poll panel through a tweet. “Congrats 4 being Twitter, Patra said: “Kiran ji debate. I welcome the idea of such and Maken from Sadar Bazar. led central government on various by the Congress. The AAP chief In the 2013 elections, the AAP fronts, saying the Narendra Modi made the appeal to the peo- won 28 seats and finished a close government had back-tracked on ple on Sunday. Balloting for the second to the BJP which bagged several promises it made before 70-member Delhi assembly will 31 seats. The Congress could win coming to power in 2014. be held on February 7. Votes will Delhi elections ‘a big challenge’ only eight seats. Elections to the In the 2013 polls, BJP’s Harsh be counted on February 10. 70-member Delhi assembly will Vardhan won from here for the This is the second notice issued NEW DELHI: The upcoming Delhi assem- India now has 830 million voters and this number be held Feb 7. fifth time in a row. Harsh Vardhan to Kejriwal in the run up to the bly elections are a big “challenge” as they are is more than the population of Europe. Meanwhile, Bedi held a rally was elected to the Lok Sabha in prestigious Delhi polls. the first polls to be held in 2015, Chief Election Brahma said in the next five years, the number in Krishna Nagar, the seat she is 2014, and is now the union science The commission had issued Commissioner H S Brahma said here yesterday. of voters is likely to touch the 850 million mark contesting from. Kejriwal held a and technology minister. notice to the AAP leader on “Since Delhi assembly polls are the only elec- “easily”. January 25 is observed as National Voters public rally in the assembly seg- Addressing BJP workers, Bedi January 17 for violating the toral exercise taking place, the eyes of the entire Day to mark the establishment of the Election ment and said the BJP would promised to bring a clean govern- model code of conduct by making world are focused on it. Delhi is the capital of India. Commission in 1950. blame her for its defeat in the ment in the national capital by “unverified” allegations against Ruling Delhi has a separate meaning... It is a big During the six-day-long programme launched elections next month. focusing on every department. Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay. challenge,” the CEC said while addressing a gather- yesterday, queries on registration and voting would Kejriwal said the BJP has already “Every minister and govern- The EC also asked Kejriwal to ing to launch the National Voter’s Day celebrations. be answered and electoral process explained at the conceded defeat, and Bedi had ment official will work together. explain his alleged comments that Brahma said it was the duty of voters to elect mock model polling station and facilitation centre. joined the party to be “trapped”. He I will bring a clean government in the BJP was trying to incite com- good candidates with a better vision. The CEC said IANS said the BJP’s sole purpose was to Delhi which would focus on every munal violence in Delhi. defeat him rather than improving department,” Bedi said. IANS IANS Squabbling in Kerala’s ruling alliance Is BJP, PDP alliance THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: ostensibly revealed that whistle- to Mani as the first instalment Mani’s Kerala Congress-Mani R Balakrishna Pillai, a senior blower bar owner Biju Ramesh of the Rs5crore he demanded to also is in a quandary a second con- leader of Kerala’s Congress-led had called Pillai. help reopen bars that were closed versation involved Ramesh and P C likely before Feb 7? United Democratic Front (UDF), Pillai is heard saying he along under the state’s new liquor pol- George, government chief whip and said yesterday that he would be with his son K B Ganesh Kumar icy. Following the allegation, the the party’s vice chairman. JAMMU: There was intense to be sworn in. Political grapevine happy if ousted from the coali- — a former minister — had told vigilance department registered George is heard saying that speculation yesterday about is rife that the BJP-PDP alliance tion over controversy that he Chief Minister Oommen Chandy a case against Mani. even though he defends Mani on an imminent alliance between may be announced anytime later knew about the bribe allegedly that Mani was taking bribes from The UDF consists of nine polit- TV channel debates, it should not the BJP and the PDP before this month. demanded by Finance Minister several business groups. ical parties and was formed in the be given any importance. February 7 when elections for The two parties will have to K M Mani from bar owners. Pillai is heard telling Ramesh early 80s and Pillai is one of its Pillai said: “Before Mani’s party four Rajya Sabha seats are to chalk out a clear common strat- “I will be more happy if I am that he should not backtrack founder leaders. Pillai heads one wants action against me, they be held in Jammu and Kashmir. egy on whether they want to fight booted out. I feel I will be stronger on his statement, and should of the three Kerala Congress par- should throw out George first.” Leaders admitted to informal the Rajya Sabha elections jointly if I am outside the UDF, than approach the Kerala High Court ties, who are allies in the UDF. Meanwhile, Chandy yester- talks on government formation. or separately. being an ally of the UDF. If I am seeking a probe by the Central Following the revelation, a day held informal talks with the Peoples Democratic Party If they choose to fight the elec- booted out, I will be able to reveal Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into peeved Mani demanded that Pillai senior leaders of the UDF and a (PDP) chief spokesperson Naeem tions jointly, it is quite possible more,” Pillai told reporters here. the bar graft case. should be booted out of the UDF meeting is expected to be called Akhtar said in Jammu city: all the four seats would be won The audio recordings aired Ramesh alleged in October and has approached Chandy and early next week. “Formal talks are yet to begin by the BJP-PDP combine. But, if on TV channels on Monday 2014 that Rs1 crore was given UDF convenor P P Thankachen. IANS with the BJP. Yes, talks at an they fight these separately, it is informal level are going on.” possible the two might not win The PDP has 28 and the BJP more than two seats, while the 25 seats in the state assembly. other two could go to the National The National Conference won Conference and the Congress. 15 seats and its former ally, the Elections for four Rajya Sabha Tiger population Congress 12. Seven seats went to seats from the state are being Independents and smaller parties. held on February 7 as the terms After confusing voices on of two candidates each from the jumps 30.5pc whether the PDP should ally with Congress and the NC end next the BJP or not started emerging month. The outgoing Rajya Sabha NEW DELHI: Union Environment and from within the party, PDP presi- candidates from the state are Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar yester- dent Mehbooba Mufti authorised Ghulam Nabi Azad and Saifuddin day said that while the population of tigers only Naeem Akhtar to speak to Soz of the Congress, and Ghulam faced a threat globally, India recorded an the media. Nabi Ratanpuri and Muhammad increase to the tune of 30.5 percent in the Jitendra Singh, minister of Shafi Uri of the NC. recent national estimation. state in the Prime Minister’s The electoral college for the “The tiger population has gone up from 1,706 Office, has told reporters: “Talks Rajya Sabha elections is formed to 2,226 tigers ... We are proud of our efforts. on Article 370 and AFSPA by the 87-member state legisla- This corresponds to a little over 30 percent (Armed Forces Special Powers tive assembly. As per a ruling increase,” Javadekar said. Act) are being held by responsible of the Supreme Court, elected He was releasing the tiger estimation report people of the party.” members of a state assembly can at the inaugural session of the meeting of PDP patron Mufti Muhammad vote for the Rajya Sabha elec- field directors and chief wildlife wardens on Sayeed’s two-hour long dinner tions even if the state assembly best practices and wildlife crime monitor- meeting with Governor N N is kept in suspended animation ing systems organised by National Tiger A Royal Bengal Tiger pauses in a jungle clearing in Kaziranga National Park, 280km east of Guwahati. Vohra on Sunday fuelled specu- as was done by the governor Conservation Authority. lations that the PDP patron when he imposed Governor’s rule The report — All India Tiger Estimation and Kerala registering an improvement in Landscapes at World Wide Fund for Nature discussed the prospects of gov- here on January 8. 2014 — indicated a considerable jump in India’s tiger population, said an official statement. (WWF) India, a partner in the survey. ernment formation with Vohra While the central direct rule in tiger population. In a consistent escalation in As many as 1,540 individual tigers were Javadekar attributed the improved result despite the PDP chief spokesper- other states is through President’s the last decade, the numbers scaled from 1,411 identified through images collected from 9,735 to the success of official measures like Special son parrying a direct question. rule, under constitutional provi- in 2006 to 1,706 in 2010 and 2,226 in 2014. camera trap locations across the country’s Tiger Protection Force, Special Programme Akhtar said: “Yes. Mufti Sahib sions in Jammu and Kashmir it is “At a time when the global tiger population tiger landscapes. for Orphan Tiger cubs, efforts to control met the governor, but we are not through Governor’s rule. is under threat, it is heartening that India’s Because of the extensive survey effort and poaching, and initiatives to minimise human- in any hurry.” The term of the It is believed the BJP high com- tiger numbers are increasing. This was not camera trap results collected form 43 tiger animal conflict and encroachment. outgoing state assembly ended on mand wants a clear understand- the situation a decade ago,” the minister said. reserves as well as national parks, which iden- He said India was willing to donate tiger Monday. The 12th state assembly ing with the PDP so that the A total of 3,78,118 sq km of forest area in tified nearly 70 percent of the estimated tiger cubs to the international community and con- has been constituted by a notifica- two vote jointly during the Rajya 18 tiger states was surveyed with Karnataka, number, these figures are most accurate ever, tribute to the global effort to save the tiger. tion of the state law department, Sabha elections. Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu said director Dipankar Ghose, Species and IANS but the elected members are yet IANS WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

Republic Day rehearsal Tharoor may Jethmalani plans public be questioned again: Police

‘outcry’ on black money NEW DELHI: Delhi Police chief B S Bassi yesterday said that if necessary, Congress MP Modi ‘keeping mum’ on legislation draft Shashi Tharoor would be ques- tioned again for the mysteri- NEW DELHI: Senior coun- properties being attached here or paid taxes and penalties.” ous murder of his wife Sunanda sel Ram Jethmalani told the there, none of the stashed away Meanwhile, the SIT has sug- Pushkar in January last year. Supreme Court yesterday that money has come back. gested that the offences relat- “We have examined several peo- he will go to the people to create The court told Divan he should ing to tax evasion be made penal ple related to this case. Some of a public outcry if the government make his suggestions before the offences under the Prevention them are still to be questioned and fails to respond to his draft legis- SIT. The court also permitted of Money Laundering Act, 2002, we are in the process of completing lation to curb the flight of unac- counsel Prashant Bhushan to attracting punitive action. our questioning,” Bassi said. counted money to tax havens and make his suggestions before the The SIT told the court that the Asked about Tharoor’s ques- bring back the already stashed SIT for its consideration. Central Board of Direct Taxes, tioning on Monday night, he away black money. The court had on July 4, 2011 which was examining as to which said: “Tharoor was questioned for Jethmalani said this to a bench ordered the setting up of the SIT provision of the Income Tax Act around three-and-a-half hours... of Chief Justice H L Dattu, Justice but the notification was issued should be brought within the ambit and if necessary he will be called Madan B Lokur and Justice A K May 29, 2014. The court said the of penal offences, should complete for a second round of questioning.” Sikri at the end of a hearing of SIT would consider these sugges- the exercise by March 2015. Police officials refused to share his application seeking steps to tions — mainly aimed at recover- The SIT said such a provision Tharoor’s answers during the nail the people whose names have ing the money stashed in overseas would be in line with statutory questioning on Monday evening, come to light for allegedly holding banks — in accordance with the provisions followed by 25 coun- saying any revelation would ham- undisclosed overseas accounts. law of the land. tries including the US, Canada per the investigations. He said that on the sugges- The court said the SIT would and Australia. Bassi said: “Our SIT (Special tion of the SIT headed by former communicate its views to the Seeking the setting up of five Investigation Team) questioned apex court judge M B Shah with court on these suggestions in additional chief judicial magis- Tharoor about the background Justice Arijit Pasayat as its vice a sealed cover. The court gave trate courts in Mumbai to deal of the incident and also the inci- chairman, he drafted the legisla- Jethmalani and the others two with over 5,000 pending cases of dent”. He added that police were tion and sent its copy to Prime weeks’ time to make their sug- income tax violations, the SIT analysing Tharoor’s answers given Minister Narendra Modi and also gestions before the SIT. sought amendment in the Foreign to the interrogating team. to the SIT. He regretted that till When Attorney General Mukul Exchange Management Act, 1999 The SIT has questioned at least date, he has not heard anything Rohatgi told the court it had for the attachment of properties 12 people, including Tharoor’s secu- from Modi. already permitted Jethmalani within the country that would be rity staff members and domestic “I want to know their attitude and others to go to the SIT, Chief equivalent to the value of overseas help who were present in the hotel before I go the people,” Jethmalani Justice Dattu said “we are reiter- assets held by the FEMA offender. in south Delhi’s Leela Palace hotel told the court. “I am recovering ating our earlier order”. Rohatgi The Foreign Exchange when Pushkar was found dead. money not for myself, it is public said going before the SIT could Management Act (FEMA) pro- IANS money. They (government) will not be an evolving situation. vides for the confiscation of the have to make up their mind.” He said the tax assessment of properties if found to be held He told the court that without all the people whose names have abroad in violation of section 4 of 11.50 crore bank passing the legislation, no money come to the government from the Act. The SIT has also recom- stashed away in tax havens would various sources would be com- mended a ceiling on the cash hold- accounts opened ever come back. “They (govern- pleted by March 31, 2015 — a ing, curbing the menace of bogus ment) have to clarify what is their deadline committed by the gov- bills and setting up of a unit on NEW DELHI: Union Finance attitude.” “I want to create a public ernment to complete the task. the lines of Trade Transparency Minister Arun Jaitley yesterday outcry if they don’t want to do any- Rohatgi contested Divan’s sub- Unit, set up in the US for tally- said that a record 11.50 crore thing,” Jethmalani told the court. mission that no money has come ing of import-export data with bank accounts have been opened Appearing for Jethmalani, back, and told the court: “My foreign governments to control under the Pradhan Mantri Jan counsel Anil Divan told the court friend is wrong that no money has trade-based money laundering. Punjab state policewomen participate in a rehearsal for the upcoming Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and the that except for reports of some come. Some have admitted and IANS 66th Republic Day parade in Amritsar yesterday. opening 1.8 crore accounts in a week has been recognised by Guinness World Records. “The Guinness World Records has recognised the achievements made under the PMJDY and has given a certificate stating that the Amit Shah slams Mamata over Burdwan blast most bank accounts opened in one week as part of the Financial Inclusion Campaign (FIC) is BURDWAN: Lashing out at Party rally in Burdwan where “Even when the National initiatives of the Narendra Modi to work for the development of 18,096,130 and was achieved by the West Bengal Chief Minister the October 2 blast last year Investigation Agency began government, Shah called for Bengal, Mamata ji doesn’t allow department of financial services, Mamata Banerjee over the had killed two Bangladeshi mili- probing the Burdwan blast, she uprooting the Trinamool from us to do that,” said Shah, blaming government of India from August Saradha chit fund scam and the tants, Shah hit out at the alleged (Banerjee) expressed her oppo- Bengal. “What the Congress-led the state government for closure 23 to August 29, 2014,” Jaitley said Burdwan blast, BJP president involvement of Trinamool leaders sition over it. The Mamata gov- UPA government could not do in of several industrial units and Till January 17, 11.50 crore Amit Shah yesterday called in the Saradha scam and charged ernment is answerable for the 10 years, the Modi government spreading unemployment. bank accounts have been opened for uprooting the Trinamool Banerjee with focusing only on blast,” Shah said about the blast has done it in just seven months, “Trinamool MPs, ministers and as against the target of 7.5 crore Congress for jeopardising trying to save her scam ‘tainted’ in which militant outfit Jamaat- be it controlling price rise, lower- their prominent party workers by January 26, 2015. national security for the sake of leaders. ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh was ing fuel prices or ensuring unin- are involved in the Saradha scam. Exclusion of a large number of vote bank. “The Burdwan blast is only a purportedly involved. terrupted power supply. Such a big scam happened under people from any access to finan- While Shah blamed the Banerjee glaring example of the Trinamool’s “The people of Bengal should “Only the BJP can bring devel- her nose but she is busy looking for cial services inhibits the growth government for the Burdwan blast vote bank politics. Had this gov- not allow this government to opment. So uproot the Trinamool conspiracy,” Shah said in a refer- of the country, the minister said. in which a Bangladeshi militant ernment properly investigated the run even for a day which jeop- from Bengal and bring the BJP ence to the Banerjee government PMJDY is a “came changer” for outfit was involved, the Trinamool blast in Kolkata that took place ardises the nation’s security,” to power,” Shah asserted. “When Monday moving the Supreme the economy as it provides plat- in turn dubbed the BJP rally a “flop a year ago, the Burdwan blast said Shah, whose party has been the Modi government has taken Court alleging that the CBI was form for Direct Benefits Transfer show” and ridiculed its attempt to would not have happened. But, attacking the Trinamool over the country towards the path acting as an “instrument” of the which in turn will help in plugging uproot the Trinamool from power for the sake of vote bank politics, the Bangladeshi infiltration issue of development, the Trinamool central government and was tar- leakages in subsidies and thereby through “missed calls”. the Trinamool government did since the Lok Sabha polls. government has taken Bengal geting Trinamool leaders. increasing savings to the excheq- Addressing a Bharatiya Janata not probe it properly,” Shah said. Enumerating the development backwards. While the BJP wants IANS uer, he said. IANS

Dense fog in Amritsar Jharkhand’s ex-CM Koda summoned Marital blues make many in coal block case NEW DELHI: A court here NRIs dread visiting India yesterday issued summons to former Jharkhand chief min- ister Madhu Koda and seven KOLKATA: At a time when dowry case by a Kolkata court, the dread of demonic Indian laws others in a coal block allocation Prime Minister Narendra Modi Chatterjee said his frequent visits like the Domestic Violence Act case involving Vini Iron and is reaching out to the Indian to India to attend the proceedings or the Dowry Act can be judged Steel Udyog Ltd. diaspora, some NRIs are claim- cost him his job with a reputed from the fact that several embas- Special Judge Bharat Parashar ing they even dread the idea of company and he had to settle for sies including those of the US, took cognizance of the chargesheet visiting the country of their origin a low-paying job. Germany and Canada have issued filed by the Central Bureau of because of what many of them call Faced with similar ordeals, over travel warnings,” said Satish Babu, Investigation (CBI) last month “demonic matrimonial laws”. 100 men from across Britain have a member of the Marital Justice and issued summons to Koda and From their passports being joined Chatterjee’s “Justice2NRI. group of Britain-based NRIs. the others in the case for Feb 18. impounded to losing their jobs after Org” to share their experiences “It’s heartening to see Prime The other accused in the case being stuck in India, at the receiv- and provide suggestions and Minister Modi reaching out to the are ex-coal secretary H C Gupta, ing end of the matrimonial laws, advice to each other. Indian diaspora but he needs to look former Jharkhand chief secre- a host of Indian men from across Similar is the plight of London- into the laws that have rendered tary A K Basu, Vini Iron and Australia, Britain and the US, as based IT professional Hardik even the thought of visiting India Steel director Vaibhav Tulsyan, also Europe have now started sup- Mehta, who is now stuck in a dread for us,” said Melbourne- two government officials - Basant port groups to counsel each other Mumbai for nearly a year after based CA Yogesh Gupta who had Kumar Bhatacharya and Bipin on how to tackle the issue. his wife filed a dowry case. to shell out Rs10 lakh as surety to Bihari Singh — and alleged mid- California-based techie “While the police are quick to secure bail after he was arrested dleman Vijay Joshi. Anindya Chatterjee, who runs one take action even without verify- under the anti-dowry law. The Kolkata-based Vini Iron such online, has urged amend- ing the veracity of the complaints, With the number of NRIs and Steel has also been named ments in the statute. “Once a the courts, after taking a lifetime, facing prosecution steadily as an accused in the case. The case of 498A (of the Indian Penal often come to conclusion that the increasing in Australia, Deepa CBI filed the chargesheet in Code relating to cruelty) is reg- complaints are baseless. The com- Bhatia, whose son is a “victim”, December last year in the case istered against an NRI, although plaint against me was filed in 2008 has written to Modi urging his against Koda. just an accused, he is treated as but the court is still in the process intervention. The case involves allocation of a criminal by the police and soci- of verifying it. I have lost my job in “A lot of us now refrain from coal blocks to Vini Iron and Steel ety. Besides, the law enforcers London and because of the social doing business with Indians to in Jharkhand’s Rajhara town, in look at NRIs as easy meat and stigma attached, I am finding it avoid travelling to the country which its directors and unknown resort to indiscriminate action difficult to cope here,” Mehta, who which is so dear to us. While public servants of the coal min- like arrests, warrants, look-out too runs a similar group, said. many of us are eager to answer istry, the Jharkhand govern- notices or impounding passports, Many of the NRIs claimed that Modi’s call and contribute towards ment and others were named as Commuters wade through dense fog in Amritsar yesterday. The tempera- which often result in the guy los- a broad consensus was growing India’s development, he has to look accused in the first information tures dipped in and around the city with no sun visible throughout the day. ing his job,” Chatterjee told IANS against marrying Indian women. into this issue,” Melbourne-based report lodged in September 2012. in an email from Los Angeles. “Besides a growing consensus Bhatia, an entrepreneur, said. IANS Recently acquitted in a against marrying Indian women, IANS WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME New dawn

Fajr (Dawn) 5:01 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:21 Zuhr (Noon) 11:45 Asr (Afternoon) 2:49 Maghrib (Sunset) 5:11 Isha (Night) 6:41

WEATHER

Today Thursday Friday Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy Clear Clear Moderate temperature High: 21° High: 20° High: 21° during the day Low: 11° Low: 14° Low: 14° with some clouds and cold by night.

DOHA - SUN & SEA

SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 06:21 17:11 05:45 & 17:00 12:45 & 23:00 12-18/22 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER

MUSCAT 22/15 Partly cloudy 22/16 Clear MAKKAH 32/21 Clear 33/21 Clear KUWAIT 19/05 Clear 22/06 Clear The sun rises across the river Mersey over Liverpool in northern England yesterday. BAHRAIN 18/11 Clear 19/11 Clear SANAA 22/04 Partly cloudy 21/04 Clear RIYADH 19/06 Clear 21/07 Clear DUBAI 22/13 Partly cloudy 23/12 Clear BAGHDAD 19/04 Clear 22/06 Clear Facebook to curb news feed ‘hoaxes’ THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW WASHINGTON: HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Facebook (‘Click here to win a lifetime sup- flagged as suspicious. Facebook satirical news. “We’ve found from said yesterday it would step ply of coffee’), or deliberately false has also added an option that testing that people tend not to ATHENS 16/09 Partly cloudy 17/12 Clear up efforts to limit circulation or misleading news stories (‘Man allows its users to report a “false report satirical content intended WASHINGTON 04/02 Snow 06/01 Partly cloudy of bogus “news stories” in user sees dinosaur on hike in Utah’).” news story” being circulated. to be humorous, or content that is SYDNEY 28/21 Chance of showers 31/21 Partly cloudy feeds, saying it is an annoyance The Facebook researchers said The social network said the clearly labeled as satire. This type for members of the huge social people “often share these hoaxes update “reduces the distribution” of content should not be affected LONDON 05/01 Chance of rain 06/-1 Clear network. and later decide to delete their of these posts but does not elimi- by this update,” the blog said. PARIS 06/-2 Partly cloudy 06/-1 Clear “We’ve heard from people that original posts after they realize nate them. “We are not remov- “The vast majority of publishers ISTANBUL 12/08 Partly cloudy 13/08 Clear they want to see fewer stories that they have been tricked.” ing stories people report as false on Facebook will not be impacted MANILA 26/23 Chance of storm 26/23 Partly cloudy are hoaxes, or misleading news,” An update to Facebook’s News and we are not reviewing content by this update. A small set of pub- DHAKA 24/13 Clear 24/14 Clear said Facebook’s Erich Owens and Feed will aim to limit the spread and making a determination on lishers who are frequently posting DELHI 17/11 Chance of rain 18/10 Partly cloudy Udi Weinsberg in a blog post. of posts that have been reported its accuracy,” the blog post said. hoaxes and scams will see their ISLAMABAD 13/06 Rain 12/05 Rain “Hoaxes are a form of News as hoaxes and adds an a warn- The update aims to steer clear distribution decrease.” Feed spam that includes scams ing to messages that have been of any effort to cut down on AFP US study finds inner city The Sun covers them up, doesn’t raise asthma risk

MIAMI: A US study out yesterday including more than 23,000 children has debunked the long-standing belief that living in the inner city raises the risk of asthma. Instead, it found that being poor, African-American or Puerto Rican were more significant risk ending topless tradition factors for asthma than urban living, said the findings by research- ers at the John Hopkins University. The study published in the LONDON: Britain’s best- Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology compared asthma rates selling newspaper The Sun inside cities to suburban and rural areas. has quietly dropped photos of Parents and caregivers of more than 23,000 children, ages six to 17, topless women from page 3, answered survey questions about asthma in their homes. ending a controversial tradi- The results showed that 13 percent of inner-city kids had asthma, tion that has lasted decades compared with 11 percent of children living outside of inner cities. in a move hailed by feminist When researchers accounted for other variables, like race, ethnicity campaigners. and geographic region, the differences disappeared. The Times, which like The Sun They found a strong association between poverty and asthma, in is owned by media tycoon Rupert addition to African-American and Puerto Rican heritage. Murdoch’s News UK, reported As family income fell, asthma risk climbed. Researchers said the yesterday that last Friday’s edi- results showed that family poverty had a stronger influence on asthma tion of the tabloid would be the risk than the poverty level of the surrounding neighborhood. last to feature a topless model “Our results highlight the changing face of pediatric asthma and after 44 years. suggest that living in an urban area is, by itself, not a risk factor for “The Sun will no longer fea- asthma,” said lead investigator Corinne Keet, a pediatric allergy and ture topless models on page 3,” asthma specialist at Johns Hopkins. The Times said, adding that the “Instead, we see that poverty and being African American or Puerto change had been on the cards Rican are the most potent predictors of asthma risk.” since billionaire Murdoch last The rate of asthma among African-American children was 17 per- year described the custom as cent, and among those of Puerto Rican descent it was 20 percent, said “old fashioned”. the study. Those figures were “disproportionately higher” than whites The British tabloid, which (10 percent), or Hispanics (nine percent) or Asians (eight percent). has a circulation of 2.2 million, Several decades ago, inner-city life was thought to raise the risk played down the story. Its head of asthma due to a number of factors, including pollution, pests and of public relations Dylan Sharpe smoking. But those risks are likely to be just as present in rural areas described it as “speculation”. as they are in cities, experts said. “The Sun hasn’t said either way what’s happening to page 3,” he said. Muslim prisoner can grow “There’s no confirmation from The Sun The Sun,” he said. The UK tabloid at a news stand in London. Yesterday’s edition fea- tured a photo of actresses on his beard: US Supreme Court a Dubai beach on page 3, while careers of models Samantha Fox Holmes reacted cautiously to what mattered, frankly, were WASHINGTON: The US Supreme Court ruled unanimously yes- Monday’s edition had a model’s in the 1980s and Katie Price in the reports. “The Sun hasn’t sud- our breasts not our brains,” she terday that an Arkansas prison cannot prevent a Muslim inmate picture. the 1990s, has also long been denly decided that women say, added. from wearing a half-inch long beard, in keeping with his religious A tag line at the bottom of the criticised as sexist. think and do interesting and Shadow culture secretary beliefs. The case was brought by Gregory Holt, also known as Abdul page yesterday invited readers An active petition to stop incredible things,” she told BBC Harriet Harman said The Maalik Muhammad, who is serving a life sentence for a domestic to view the online edition for The Sun featuring topless mod- 2’s Newsnight programme. Sun was “moving into the 21st violence conviction. topless photos of “Lucy from els gathered more than 217,000 “It’s still basically saying century”. Holt, a Muslim, wants to be allowed to grow a 0.5-inch (one-cen- Warwick”, implying that nudity signatures. women are here for decora- The Sun’s Irish edition had timeter long) beard — twice as long as the the 0.25-inch limit allowed may have shifted from print to The No More Page 3 campaign tion but it’s a step in the right already banned topless girls in under prison rules. In the decision written by Justice Samuel Alito, the the web. welcomed the apparent change direction.” 2013, saying it had “a different US high court said the prison restrictions violate Holt’s constitutional The pin-ups have featured in in a Facebook posting, calling it Labour MP Stella Creasy, audience” to the British edition. rights to freedom of religion. the newspaper since 1970 when “truly historic news and a great who also campaigned against At the time, The Sun’s editor Prison officials, Alito wrote, have given the inmate the option of 20-year-old German model day for people power”. the feature, said that The Sun’s David Dinsmore said he would either “engaging in conduct that seriously violates his religious belief, Stephanie Rahn became the first The campaign was founded portrayal of women was “not the resisting pressure to cover up or contravening the grooming policy and risking disciplinary action.” “Page 3 Girl” and the feature in 2012 by actress Lucy-Anne world we wanted to live in any page 3. The court heard arguments in the case in October. became something of an insti- Holmes with support from more”. “I think that it is a lively issue Forty of the 50 US states allow prisoners to wear a trim beard. tution for nearly two generation groups including Girlguiding UK, “The sexualisation, the objec- for people who don’t buy the Arkansas is among the 10 remaining states restricting that right, for of British males. Mumsnet and Breast Cancer tification of women in this way paper,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. security reasons. The nine justices acknowledged the validity of prison The page, which launched the UK. was basically saying to all of that AFP officials’ security concerns — that inmates could hide weapons or other contraband inside their whiskers. AFP Wednesday 21 January 2015 1 Rabial II 1436 Volume 19 Number 6317 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Doha Bank registers QR1.35bn full year profit Net operating income rises by 12.5 percent in 2014

DOHA: Doha Bank, Qatar’s fifth-largest lender by assets, delivered a solid QR1.35bn as net profit for the full-year 2014, reflecting a 3.1 percent growth. The bank increased its net operating income by 12.5 percent to QR2.9bn. Fees and commission income for the year 2014 showed an impressive growth of 27.3 percent to QR516m as compared to QR405m for the year 2013. Total assets increased by QR8.5bn, a growth of 12.8 percent, from QR67.0bn as at Sheikh Fahad bin Mohammad bin December 31, 2013 to QR75.5bn as Sheikh Abdul Rehman bin at December 31, 2014. Jabor Al Thani Mohammad bin Jabor Al Thani “This is another outstanding result and is clear demonstra- Mohammad bin Jabor Al Thani, streams have shown strong growth tion that Doha Bank continues Managing Director of the bank, over the previous year reflecting to perform consistently”, Sheikh said: “The bank continues to per- on the bank’s intrinsic strength Dr R Seetharaman, Chief Executive Officer of Doha Bank and other officials during a press conference to announce Fahad bin Mohammad bin Jabor form well with total equity, as towards recurring earning capac- the financial results for the year 2014 at Doha Bank Tower yesterday. (BAHER AMIN) Al Thani, Chairman of the Board at December 2014, at QR11.3bn, ity and also on the bank’s produc- of Directors of Doha Bank, said registering a marginal increase of tive operational performance”, shareholders of Doha Bank held Seetharaman, said: “Doha Bank & Kuwait customers to name a while announcing the results. 0.2 percent during the last year. Sheikh Abdul Rehman added. on November 30, 2014, had unani- inaugurated its first electronic few. Doha Bank’s net loans & Through the efficient asset alloca- Doha Bank continues to max- mously approved the Scheme of branch in Dubai besides introduc- During the year, Doha Bank advances increased to QR48.6bn tion model the return on average imise shareholder value which Amalgamation to take over the ing various products and services came up with various schemes, in 2014 from QR41.1bn in 2013, shareholders’ equity is 16.4 per- is clearly evident from the suc- India operations business of such as acquisition financing, deal promotions and campaigns, such registering a growth of 18.1 per- cent as at December 2014 one of cessful results displayed. This is HSBC Bank Oman by Doha Bank, underwriting, factoring, M&A as pre-approved, pre-screened cent. Deposits showed a year-on- the best in the industry. The bank largely due to the bank’s strategy India, on a going concern basis, advisory, JV arranging, project loan campaign, offering up to year increase of 8.1 percent from has achieved a very high return on to innovate, diversify and capi- subject to necessary regulatory financing, aircraft financing, 100 percent finance option for QR42.5bn in 2013 to QR45.9bn average assets of 1.93 percent as talise on market synergies. Dr R approvals, in line with the bank’s online money transfer through Messaeid Petrochemical Holding as at December 31, 2014 which is at December 2014, which is a clear Seetharaman, Chief Executive international expansion strategy. credit card, mobile e-remittance Company IPO subscribers. evidence of the strong liquidity demonstration of the effective uti- Officer of Doha Bank, high- Highlighting the key innova- for payroll card holders, deposit THE PENINSULA position of the bank. lisation of shareholder’s funds. lighted that the Extra Ordinary tions, achievements and initia- cards and mobile banking for cor- See also next page Sheikh Abdul Rehman bin “The bank’s core revenue General Assembly meeting of the tives by Doha Bank in 2014, Dr porate customers, CMS for UAE WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

QFB acquires Qatar pushes Mideast M&A higher 49pc stake in Qatar’s overseas acquisitions account for 65pc of Middle Eastern outbound M&A Food Services

DUBAI: Mergers and acqui- owner of London’s Canary Wharf total since 2009. Qatar’s overseas originated outside the Middle 2014 as a whole, they fell three Company sitions with Middle Eastern financial district, by Qatar acquisitions accounted for 65 per- East shrank 30 percent to $4.2bn. percent to $751.7m. Equity capi- involvement last quarter hit Investment Authority and US cent of all Middle Eastern out- Middle Eastern equity and tal markets underwriting fees DOHA: Qatar First Bank their highest level since early investor Brookfield Property bound M&A, while acquisitions by equity-related issuance totalled soared but fees from debt capital (QFB), Qatar’s first independent 2008, boosted by outbound Partners. That deal has not so far United Arab Emirates companies $11.4bn last year, a 173 percent markets and syndicated lending Shariah compliant bank author- investment by wealthy Gulf been completed and some major provided 15 percent and Saudi leap that was largely due to the slumped; fees from completed ised by the QFC Regulatory funds and companies, according shareholders in Songbird are still Arabian firms, nine percent. $6bn initial public offer of Saudi M&A deals totalled $159.2m, Authority announced the acqui- to a Thomson Reuters study. evaluating the offer. However, acquisitions into and Arabia’s National Commercial down five percent. sition of a 49 percent stake in The value of announced M&A The data suggested signs of a within the Middle East remained Bank, the biggest IPO ever con- HSBC earned the most Food Services Company (FSC). deals with any Middle Eastern US economic recovery encour- sluggish, reflecting political ducted in the Arab world. investment banking fees in the FSC is a leading food & bever- involvement jumped to $22.7bn aged Gulf investors to become uncertainties, legal and cul- Debt sales were curbed by Middle East during 2014, a total ages company that operates a 16 in the fourth quarter of 2014, more active last year. For 2014 tural barriers to takeovers, and, instability in emerging markets of $56.9m. Lazard topped the branch networks of five brands: more than double the value in the as a whole, M&A with Middle towards the end of the year, the and the approach of US interest Middle Eastern completed M&A Opera Patisserie, Opera Café, previous quarter and the highest Eastern involvement climbed 23 plunge of oil prices. rate hikes; Middle Eastern bond fee table, while HSBC was first Opera Catering, Take Away and total since the first quarter of percent to $50.3bn, the highest M&A that originated and issuance in 2014 decreased six in the ECM and DCM rankings. Kanafji. 2008. total since 2010. occurred inside the region fell percent to $37bn. Mizuho Financial Group took top The acquisition marks QFB’s The calculation includes a Outbound M&A surged 74 per- 12 percent to $14bn during Investment banking fees ticked spot in Middle Eastern loan fees. second investment in the food & $9.1bn offer for Songbird Estates, cent to $26bn, the highest annual 2014, while inbound M&A that up during the last quarter but for REUTERS beverages sector and the fourth in the Qatari market. Ahmad Meshari, QFB Acting CEO said: “From the outset, our London Toy Fair investment strategy focuses on sectors that are expected to Oil slides benefit from macroeconomic growth. “The F&B sector in the Qatar as IMF cuts is projected to maintain its his- torical growth driven by robust global growth macroeconomic fundamentals and population growth. We look forward to working with FSC forecast and assisting them in imple- menting their ambitious expan- LONDON: World oil prices sion plan.” fell yesterday after the Ihab Asali, Head of QFB’s International Monetary Fund Private Equity Department said: slashed its world economic “We are pleased to be partner- growth forecast, stoking fresh ing with FSC which has a proven fears over the strength of global track record of growth and inno- crude demand. vation. We believe that FSC is In late afternoon London deals, well positioned to capitalize on Brent North Sea crude for deliv- the future growth expected to ery in March dropped 55 cents to take place.” $48.29 a barrel. FSC, established in 1997 in US benchmark West Texas Doha by Qais Al Saleh, is one Intermediate for February sank of the first home-grown and $1.97 to trade at $46.72 per barrel. branded F&B concepts that still “Oil prices fell back ... dented exists today. FSC has witnessed by the global demand outlook sug- significant growth since inception gested by the IMF,” said Jasper growing from 1 branch in 1997 to Lawler, analyst at CMC Markets. having a 16 branch network as of The International Monetary 2014. Fund yesterday sharply cut its Through its household brands, forecast for global economic FSC offers different menu selec- growth this year to 3.5 percent, on tions to appeal to a wide range the back of weaker momentum in of tastes, in addition it provides nearly all leading economies but catering services to corporates the United States. and individuals It said poorer prospects in An animatronic dinosaur at the Toy Fair 2015 in central London yesterday. Toy Fair, the only dedicated toy, game and hobby exhibition in Britain, THE PENINSULA China, Russia, the euro area features over 260 companies competing for business. and Japan would also hold world growth to just 3.7 percent in 2016. Both estimates were 0.3 per- centage points lower than in the IMF’s previous World Economic Crashing oil prices unlikely to affect Qatar banks: Expert Outlook forecasts in October, and underscored the steady deteriora- BY SATISH KANADY tion of the economic picture for “Qatar has got strong revenue money into it. The price of oil is capital requirements. Currency many countries. sources and they are sustain- not an issue”, Doha Bank CEO volatility is another major issue. “Crude oil prices remain under DOHA: The crashing oil prices able too .The country’s Sovereign said. With new players expecting heavy pressure with WTI front and Qatar’s reported deci- Wealth Fund is well in multiple This doesn’t mean Qatar’s to enter the market, the Net month futures retreating ... fol- sion to prioritise its proposed market and multiple sectors. If banking sector is not entirely Interest Margin (NIM), which is lowing news that the IMF cut its mega projects are unlikely to you look at the latest GDP num- without risks. On the 2015 mar- already under pressure, will fur- global growth forecast by most in impact the asset quality or the bers, non-hydrocarbon sector ket challenges, Dr Seetharaman ther go down. Regulators are also three years,” added Sucden ana- profitability of banks in the represents over 50 percent of the said the banking model is fast changing the game. “The bigger lyst Myrto Sokou. “Brent front country. Qatar’s banking sec- country’s GDP. Going by IMF’s changing across the world and picture is the margins are going month futures fluctuated ... amid tor is expected to grow by 14 latest growth projects for Qatar, Doha Bank is in the process of down and at the end of the day, concerns regarding a further to 15 percent this year, Dr R the country’s banking sector redefining its business model. He it’s going to be a volume game. slowdown of global oil demand.” Seetharaman (pictured), Chief should grow by 14 to 15 percent”. said the bank is looking to bring It’s very important that in which Crude futures had also fallen Executive Officer, Doha Bank, Doha Bank is synchronising down its Non-Performing Loan market you are in... we will be in earlier Asian trading hours, said yesterday. with Qatari growth and we will (NPL) to two percent in 2015 increasingly focusing on beyond hit by weak global demand and Its’ true that oil prices have allocate our resources in mul- from the current 3.5 percent or the border destinations… some an oversupply. declined nearly 50 percent and tiple forms, whichever model it an estimated QR1.56bn. “ As long of these changes are measurable “We see no near-term catalysts there are reports of project shelv- is working on a sustainable way. as we provide adequate provision, and some are not. Good institu- that would change the supply/ ing. But decline in crude prices is Our market share in project there is no real risk in NPL”, he tions can always go through this demand equation,” credit ratings not going to shake Qatar’s eco- financing is very strong we have said. turbulence and at the end of the firm Moody’s said in a market nomic stability as its revenue strong cross-border operations. like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and India. The 2015 is expected to witness day they will perform like Doha commentary. come from diverse sources, Dr Doha Bank’s brand equity is very “Whenever and wherever there a highly volatile financial market. Bank.” AFP Seetharaman noted. strong in the growth markets are opportunities, we will put You will need more and more THE PENINSULA

FFC, TFI win Banker Middle East honours

DOHA: First Finance Company market-leading consumer finance has achieved great returns while (FFC), a subsidiary of Barwa services, including auto- and still attracting a large number of Bank Group, has been recog- home finance that offer great investors. Over the past few years, nised as the “Best Personal value and outstanding features. our Asset Management team con- Finance” firm and The First To support Qatar’s booming econ- sistently out-performed all agreed Investor (TFI), the investment omy FFC also offers a range of benchmarks for its discretionary banking arm of the Barwa Bank Shari’ah complaint financing for portfolios and significantly out- Group has been recognised as SMEs that provide flexible down performed its peer group,” TFI the “Best Investment Fund” payment, installments for up to said in a statement. at the Banker Middle East 48 months, fast and simple per- The First Investor’s asset man- Product Awards 2014 , accord- formance and flexible payment agement activity is Shari’ah- ing to a statement yesterday. scheme. To empower entrepre- compliant and focuses upon the The FFC received the award neurs, FFC’s SME product also management of regional public and from CPI Financial at the FFC provides financing to startups discretionary investment portfo- headquarters. Attending from which have been operational for lios to achieve long-term growth of FFC were Eslah Assem Awad, more than six months. capital and income through listed CEO and Yousif Al Subeai, Deputy Yousef Al Obaidan, Acting CEO securities. The First Investor also CEO of FFC. of The First Investor received the offers thematic structured prod- “We are delighted to receive accolade from Banker Middle ucts as well as Sukuk portfolio this award and we congratulate East for the TFI GCC Equity management services. the entire FFC team for their Opportunities Fund, a Shari’ah- The awards were established outstanding contribution to our compliant equity fund focused on by CPI Financial, publishers of success in positioning FFC as GCC Equities which TFI launched Banker Middle East, in 2005 to a leader not only in the Qatari in November 2012 and has so far recognise banking products and financial sector, but across the achieved double-digit returns. services that are either exception- Middle East,” said the statement: “We are delighted to win Best ally innovative or have generated Since inception, FFC has Investment Fund for the GCC excellent financial results and focused on delivering a compre- Equity Fund. This product has growth in market share. Officials with the awards. hensive and innovative range of been very promising and as so far THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Yasser Salah Erdogan forces named Qatar Cool CEO

DOHA: central bank Qatar District Cooling Company (Qatar Cool) announced the to slash rates appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer Yasser Repurchase rate cut to 7.75 percent Salah Al Jaidah (pictured). ISTANBUL: Turkey’s central bank is independent. I am also Before joining Qatar Cool, bank yesterday cut its main independent. I have to say this as Yasser Salah Al Jaidah was the interest rate for the first time the voice of the people.” General Manager and Director of in six months, after President A year ago, the bank had South Hook LNG in the United Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed aggressively raised key rates to Kingdom; the largest liquefied natu- to pressure the bank into relax- avert a major domestic economic ral gas (LNG) terminal of Western ing monetary policy to boost crisis following a steep drop in the Europe. He completed a bachelor’s growth. value of the lira. of science in Electrical Engineering The bank said in a statement Despite a cycle of cuts over the Officials with the award. from the University of Missouri in after its latest monetary policy summer, Erdogan has argued that the United States. He is also cer- meeting that the one-week repur- the bank has been far too slow tified as a Project Management chase rate would be dropped to in pruning rates back to their Qatar Development Bank wins Professional (PMP) from the Project 7.75 percent from 8.25 percent. former level. Management Institute (PMI) and The bank said in a statement Some economists have has an Executive MBA from HEC- that the “measured cut” was jus- expressed alarm that aggres- Paris in Shanghai, China. tified by an improving inflation sive rate cuts as demanded by Best SME Loan provider award He has over a decade of energy outlook largely due to the fall in Erdogan could be dangerous with experience and has held positions oil prices. inflation still high. DOHA: Qatar Development the past year and recognises our to this leading position.” throughout the field. The marginal funding rate Annual inflation in Turkey Bank (QDB) has been recog- tireless efforts to support SMEs QDB was previously recog- Al Jaidah also held a General remained at 11.25 percent and ticked up to 8.17 percent in 2014, nised as the “Best SME Loan” in Qatar - helping ensure strong, nized by the Banker Middle East Manager position at the RasGas the overnight borrowing rate at slightly higher than 2013 and well provider at the ‘Banker Middle continued private sector growth Product Awards for “Best SME Korea liaison office. Al Jaidah 7.50 percent. over the central bank’s medium- East Qatar Product Awards for the future. Behind this award Finance Scheme” in 2013, for its and his Korean team played a key The last cut made by the bank term target of five percent. 2014’. This is the latest recog- is an exceptional portfolio of successful Al Dhameen indirect role in facilitating the signing of to the one-week repurchase rate But the bank said that under nition of QDB’s leading posi- products and services for SMEs lending programme. Also this the 2012 contract between Qatar was also a cut of 0.50 percent back the current monetary policy tion supporting and financing and a track record of success in year, QDB was awarded the “Best and South Korea for an additional on July 17. Market consensus had stance, it “anticipates that infla- small and medium-sized enter- delivering them. In the past year, Development Bank” in the Middle two million tonnes of Qatari LNG been split on whether the rate tion will decline to levels close to prises (SMEs) in Qatar, said a QDB granted approximately 375 East. This series of awards rein- per year for the next 20 years. would be cut or unchanged. the target by mid-2015.” statement. loans, helping more than 100 forces QDB’s efforts building an “I am honoured and privi- The central bank is nominally Economists at Finansbank in QDB achieved this award after SMEs in Qatar. To date, the ideal environment for the growth leged to join Qatar Cool as Chief independent but this has not Istanbul said that while the bank four weeks of voting process and bank has supported around 250 of SMEs and entrepreneurship in Executive Officer. I am commit- saved it from very public pressure appeared to be flagging more rate following online participation SMEs through nearly QR3.5bn Qatar. ted to continue and build on to from the tough-talking Erdogan cuts further down the line “we from 32,000 Banker Middle East in financing.” The awards are based in part on Qatar Cool’s success by empower- for aggressive cuts to stimulate think the room for further rate magazine readers. This year’s Al Khalifa added: “I would a peer voting process and in part ing the Qatar Cool team to reach growth. cuts is rather limited.” awards were hotly contested by like to emphasise that QDB’s on the CPI Financial 100 analy- its full potential as we enter the In one of his most bitter attacks London-based consultancy 110 nominees across 27 catego- main strategy is to provide to sis of published, audited financial next stage of growth, which must yet on the widely-respected cen- Capital Economics argued the ries. The awards are among the our customers and partners data. The results of the awards go hand in hand with the expan- tral bank chief Erdem Basci, overnight marginal funding rate— most recognized and prestigious with first-class service, and we are therefore decided jointly with sion of Qatar’s infrastructure. As Erdogan on Friday had vowed which was left unchanged at 11.25 for financial institutions in the would like to express our deep the industry and financial com- a Qatari I feel a sense of respon- to “sit and talk” with the bank’s percent—has emerged as the most Middle East and North Africa gratitude for their support and munity and not solely by Banker sibility in utilising my worldwide leadership to press for a rate cut. important interest rate in recent (Mena). that of the industry as we accept Middle East. Only readers of experience to plant my seed in the “Hey, central bank, what are weeks and the cut was more of Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al this prestigious honor. I dedicate Banker Middle East and regis- realisation of the Qatari National you still waiting for?” Erdogan a cosmetic show of listening to Khalifa, CEO of QDB, said: “We this award to each member of tered users of www.cpifinancial. Vision,” Al Jaidah said on his said. Erdogan. are proud of this honor, which the QDB family, who has played net are eligible to vote. appointment. “They may now say the central AFP reflects QDB’s achievements over a major role in propelling QDB THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA New S&P criteria draw line between sukuk issuers and sponsors

LONDON: Credit rating The agency said it did not S&P predicted global sukuk issu- agency Standard & Poor’s said expect the new criteria to lead ance would exceed $100bn this year, it had updated its criteria for to upgrades or downgrades of after reaching $116.4bn in 2014 and Islamic bonds to distinguish the sukuk which it rates, but it $111.3bn in 2013, supported by still- more clearly between issuers of might withdraw a rating if terms positive economic outlooks in the sukuk and sponsors of them. and conditions did not meet the Gulf region and Malaysia. Sukuk tend to be more complex criteria. It estimated this might The market will benefit from new than conventional bonds because happen for fewer than 5 percent sovereign issuers and the implemen- they use structures designed to of rated sukuk. tation of Basel III global banking avoid interest payments. They Sukuk defaults are rare, but standards, which are encouraging often involve special-purpose the revised criteria could help banks to boost their capital, S&P vehicles (SPVs) which issue the address market uncertainty about said. But it warned that episodes paper and lend the proceeds on to the contractual obligations of the of turbulence could cause issuance the ultimate entity raising money, various parties. Such uncertainty volumes to fall this year. which is known as the sponsor. can affect sukuk pricings, par- “The first will likely come from S&P’s new criteria describe the ticularly for issuers with ratings the current trend in oil prices, conditions under which it would rate below investment grade. which have dropped precipitously sukuk at the same level as the spon- For situations in which a spon- over the past few months,” the sor’s rating. For example, sukuk will sor is performing on its own obli- agency said in a research note. be rated on a par with the sponsor’s gations while sukuk payments by “The second episode of turbu- senior unsecured rating if they pro- an SPV are not full or timely, S&P lence may come from the expected vide contractual commitments by said such temporary deferrals increase in US Fed interest rates, the sponsor to make payments that would not be classified as defaults which is likely to reduce global ultimately cover periodic distribu- as long as the agency expected liquidity.” tion and principal amounts. payment within one year. REUTERS

300 Hondas added to Budget Rent-A-Car fleet

With the delivery of 300 Honda vehicles, Budget Rent-A-Car became Honda’s biggest fleet customer. To celebrate this milestone Faisal Sharif, Managing Director Domsaco and Greig Roffey, Head of Sales & Marketing for Honda in Qatar accompanied the latest delivery to the Budget office and presented Ayman Khaled, General Manager, Budget Rent-A-Car Qatar with a commemoration award. WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Alitalia SAI launched Indonesia Qatar bourse threatens action against index loses Freeport JAKARTA: Indonesia yes- terday threatened to suspend Freeport-McMoRan’s export 29.14 points licence, with the energy min- ister accusing the US min- ing giant of failing to uphold Most regional markets flat its end of a bargain with the government. DOHA: Qatar Exchange down net profit slumped 32.6 percent In return for promising to build 29.14 points, or 0.25 percent, as to SR2.44bn ($650m), miss- a smelter in Indonesia to support it closed yesterday at 11,862.32 ing analysts’ average forecast of the domestic economy, Jakarta points down from the previous SR3.32bn. in July exempted Freeport from closing of 11,891.46. Another stock in the sector, paying a new tax introduced on The volume of shares traded was Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) , fell 3.6 the export of some unprocessed up to 16,028,859 from 13,178,641 on percent while the third major local minerals. Monday, and the value of shares operator, Zain Saudi, was flat. But just days before that agree- increased to QR690,600,536.64 National Industrialisation Co ment is due to expire, Energy from QR626,326,197.26. (Tasnee) dropped 2.5 percent Minister Sudirman Said said Among the top losers were after it said fourth-quarter net progress on the smelter — a “big QNB whose share dropped 1.22 profit dropped 46.5 percent on item” in the negotiations — had percent to QR202 and Qatar lower petrochemical prices. The been slow and unsatisfactory. Islamic Bank which fell 1.44 company made SR160.7m, while “I am not pleased. I am disap- percent to QR102.70 per share. analysts at Saudi Fransi Capital pointed as there is no show of Islamic Insurance gained 1.27 per- had expected SR295m. seriousness,” he told reporters in cent to hit QR79.50 and Nakilat Most other Gulf markets pulled Alitalia’s Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo (centre), CEO Silvano Cassano (right) and Etihad Chairman and Jakarta. added 0.43 percent to reache QR back. Dubai’s index slipped 0.4 CEO James Hogan attend a news conference to present their new partner company Alitalia SAI in Rome yesterday. He said if there was no progress 23.54. percent as most stocks declined. by Sunday, the export permit The industries sector added However, low-cost carrier Air would be suspended. 0.13 percent to hit 3,735.63 points Arabia, which stands to benefit Indonesia introduced a raft of while banking and services sector from cheaper oil, gained 1.8 percent. policies in early 2014 to address was down 1.15 percent at 3,117.08 Logistics firm Aramex, which political concerns that foreign points. Real estate sector rose 1.53 could also see its fuel costs go Ryanair vows to fight Italy fine firms were allowed easy access to percent to reach 2,279.83 points down, added 1.0 percent. lucrative industries in Southeast while insurance sector gained 1.27 Abu Dhabi’s bourse fell 0.9 per- ROME: Ryanair said yester- in the event of cancellations and through its three-year Always Asia’s top economy. percent to hit 3,742.82 points. cent as large lenders Abu Dhabi day it would fight a ¤550,000 get detailed bills for tax/expenses Getting Better programme. The most controversial of these Meanwhile, most other Gulf Commercial Bank and First Gulf ($637,000) fine imposed by purposes. Launched last year, the ini- measures was a ban on the export stock markets closed either flat Bank lost 1.2 and 2.1 percent Italy’s anti-trust body for run- Customers also complained tiative has seen the airline act of some unprocessed minerals and or lower yesterday as oil prices respectively. ning customer service lines that it was difficult to change to reduce the ‘hassle’ factor higher taxes on other resources remained volatile and local Egypt’s bourse jumped 2.1 that charged premium rates bookings prior to flights and get involved in its flights by intro- shipped from the country. companies delivered no positive percent, largely on the back of but rarely resolved passengers’ information about arrangements ducing allocated seating, relax- Copper concentrates — one of fourth-quarter earnings surprises. property stocks such as Talaat problems. for passengers in wheelchairs. ing restrictions on cabin baggage Freeport’s major exports — was Brent crude oil fell in early trade Moustafa Holding , which added “We note the ruling and The competition authority and slashing charges for printing exempted from the ban, but the yesterday after the International 2.4 percent, and Palm Hills have instructed our lawyers to acknowledged that Ryanair had boarding cards at check-in desks. mining giant refused to pay the Monetary Fund cut its forecast for Development , up 3.2 percent. appeal,” the Irish airline said in partly addressed some of the The goal of such moves was hiked tax on shipments. global economic growth in 2015, Egypt’s central bank started a statement. issues raised by getting rid of a famously summed up by com- The agreement struck in July implying lower demand for fuel. allowing some depreciation of the The fine follows an investiga- premium phone number for pas- pany CEO Michael O’Leary when brokered a way forward for the However, the commodity’s price pound this week, a move which tion launched in June 2014 which sengers requiring assistance with he said the airline had to “stop two sides, with Freeport allowed rose above $49 per barrel later in analysts said aimed to stamp out a resulted in the budget airline boarding, reducing the cost of its unnecessarily pissing people off.” to resume concentrate exports the day, supporting Saudi Arabia’s thriving black currency market as being given 90 days to end the main customer service line and The strategy has appeared to after a six-month hiatus in return bourse which, unlike other Gulf inflation concerns eased following “extreme difficulty” and high introducing customer support via be working with Ryanair recently for committing cash to build a markets, was still open. the slump in oil prices. costs faced by passengers trying online chat. announcing a 32 percent increase domestic smelter. The memoran- The main Saudi index was “Conventionally under such to reach a Ryanair employee to These steps were not deemed in profit for the six month to dum of understanding for the deal nearly flat as petrochemicals situations, real estate stocks discuss their bookings. sufficient to avoid a fine although September 2014. expires on Saturday. giant Saudi Basic Industries, should continue performing The anti-trust body AGCM the authority said the amount O’Leary, who once described Said urged Freeport to find a whose earnings are correlated well, as investors would look to said most of the complaints it had imposed reflected Ryanair’s efforts customers who forgot to print way forward, saying he wanted the with oil prices, rose 0.9 percent. buffer their risks by investing in received were from people who to improve customer service. their own boarding cards as “idi- company to operate in Indonesia But shares in Saudi Telecom land and property,” Cairo-based had found it difficult and unrea- The fine is a setback for ots”, ascribed the improvement to because it was important for the Co (STC) tumbled 5.2 percent. Naeem brokerage said in a note. sonably expensive to obtain reim- Ryanair’s attempts to improve its “being nicer to people.” economy. The company’s fourth-quarter AGENCIES bursements or alternative flights reputation for customer service AFP AFP

ECB action no substitute for reforms: Merkel Japan core inflation to

ESCHBORN, Germany: Boerse. “It must be avoided that can replace the other,” Merkel is the bloc’s biggest economy, Germany’s chancellor made a any action taken by the ECB in warned. “That is certainly not its allies are few in number slow; stimulus likely rare public intervention in the any respect whatsoever could possible. The pressure to improve on the 25-strong Governing debate about money printing result in the impression that competitiveness in Europe must Council. by the European Central Bank, what needs to be done in the fis- remain or else nothing, and I The ECB’s six-strong TOKYO: Japan’s inflation any such expansion will come warning it was no substitute cal and competitive spheres could really mean nothing, can help us.” Executive Board, at the core of rate is expected to slow in the at the BoJ’s July meeting, while for economic reforms in the be pushed into the background.” German Bundesbank President its decision-making, was to meet next fiscal year, a Reuters poll four each picked the April 30 and eurozone. Her comments reflect German Jens Weidmann, who was in the yesterday to prepare recom- showed, which could proba- October 30 meetings, respectively. Speaking to an audience near fears that quantitative easing by audience, remains opposed to mendations for the wider group, bly force the Bank of Japan to Of the balance 3, one said the Frankfurt that included ECB the ECB would sponsor spend- QE, for fear that it would leave including central bankers from launch more stimulus later in BoJ will ease at its March meet- President Mario Draghi, Merkel thrift countries, allowing their Germany on the hook for any all 19 eurozone countries, who the year. ing, another expects April and the said any move by the ECB to governments to avoid needed losses. gather from today. Japan, which has been grappling third tipped sometime next year. buy government bonds with new reforms to labour and other The Bundesbank is still seek- Many in Merkel’s political with either outright deflation or Analysts also expect Japanese money should not be used as an markets. ing safeguards, including a likely camp are privately critical of pro- very low inflation for decades, is companies to increase base pay excuse to put such reforms on the Merkel was careful not to com- move to make national central posals for money printing, believ- facing an even greater challenge this year, seen as vital in Prime back burner. ment directly on whether the banks rather than the ECB bear ing it can do little to lift economic than some other economies given Minister Shinzo Abe’s push to fos- “I have only one plea ... and that ECB should announce a QE pro- much of the risk for buying the growth or encourage bank lend- the 60 percent plunge in oil prices ter durable economic growth and is aimed at all the representatives gramme, as it is widely expected bonds of euro zone states. ing, but her government would be over the past six months. spur sustainable inflation. of the ECB,” Angela Merkel said to announce to do on Thursday. Although the Bundesbank’s loath to attempt publicly to put a The BoJ surprised financial Fourteen of 16 economists in at the headquarters of German “It can quickly happen that position within the ECB carries brake on the ECB. markets last October by expand- the poll predict Japanese firms stock exchange operator Deutsche people believe that one (policy) huge weight because Germany REUTERS ing an already massive asset pur- will raise base pay at the same chase programme, but the effect on rate of 2014 or higher in the inflation has been negligible so far. spring wage negotiations between The economy unexpectedly slipped labour union and companies. Two $10bn investment in Citic into recession in the third quarter said the hikes will be less than of last year, as consumption was last year’s rate. Kuwait’s NBK knocked by a sales tax hike in April. “Corporate profits are solid, “As the BoJ has said lower oil especially among big firms fourth quarter prices are positive for the economy thanks to a weak yen and there in a medium- to long-term, our is an understanding spreading in profit jumps main scenario is the central bank the corporate community that a will wait and see,” said Hidenobu wage increase is necessary for the DUBAI: National Bank of Tokuda, senior economist at economic recovery,” said Naoko Kuwait (NBK) reported a 46.4 Mizuho Research Institute. Ogata, senior economist at Japan percent rise in fourth-quarter “But the BoJ is expected to ease Research Institute. net profit yesterday, but fell again in the latter half of 2015 Abe is urging major firms to short of analyst forecasts after when it becomes clear core infla- raise wages in the fiscal year it failed to book a gain from its tion won’t accelerate,” said Tokuda. from April and BOJ Governor sale of a stake in International The core consumer price index, Haruhiko Kuroda also expects Bank of Qatar (IBQ). which includes oil products but wages to recover as firms benefit The Gulf Arab state’s largest excludes fresh food prices, will from a weak yen and falling com- commercial lender sold a 30 per- probably average an annual rise modity prices. cent stake in the Qatari bank at of 0.6 percent in the fiscal year Japanese business leaders have the beginning of October, saying starting April 1, a Reuters poll of promised Abe to do their “utmost” at the time it would book a gain 22 analysts taken Jan. 9-19 found. to raise wages and allow suppliers of KD25m ($85m) on the sale in The forecast excludes April’s tax- to pass on higher costs, while also its 2014 accounts. rise effect. urging the prime minister to push But NBK said in its financial That estimate is down from 1.1 through labour reforms. report the deal had yet to be rec- percent in a poll taken just last Last year, however, smaller ognised in its income statement. month and is less than half the companies were unable to match Net profit was KD57.9m in the rate the central bank is expected wage increases at blue-chip firms. three months ended December, to reveal in its own forecast for Japan’s real wages adjusted for compared with KD39.6m in fiscal 2015. inflation fell for the 17th straight the same period a year ear- Itochu Corp President and Chief Executive Officer Masahiro Okafuji (centre), Executive Vice-President Tadayuki Many in the survey expect the month in November and logged lier, according to the financial Seki (left) and Managing Executive Officer Yuji Fukuda attend a news conference in Tokyo yesterday. Itochu BoJ’s next policy move will be to the steepest drop since December statement. and Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Group said yesterday that they plan to jointly invest $10bn in Citic Ltd. expand monetary stimulus fur- 2009. REUTERS ther. Six of 17 analysts said that REUTERS WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,862.32 0.25 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 17,692.54 0.25 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,036.46 0.62 % RATE QE All Share Index 3,046.31 0.11 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,117.08 1.17 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5286.817 -2.18 -0.04 5447.6 5248.5 QE All Share Industrials 3,735.63 0.13 % QR151.3107 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 2,304.77 0.51 % Cac 40 Index/D 4457.1 62.17 1.41 4423.25 4076.16 QE All Share Real Estate 2,279.83 1.53 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.4930 QR 5.5634 QE All Share Insurance 3,742.82 1.27 % Dj Indu Average 17511.57 190.86 1.1 18103.4 15340.69 QR 2.0961 Euro ...... QR 4.1945 QR 4.2528 QE All Share Telecoms 1,387.67 0.53 % CA$ ...... QR 3.0081 QR 3.0674 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 7,023.51 1.21 % Hang Seng Inde/D 23951.16 212.67 0.9 24369 23312.5 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.1471 QR 3.2068 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 5332.19 1.37 0.03 5330.82 5072.7 Yen ...... QR 0.0304 QR 0.0310 Aus$ ...... QR 2.9602 QR 3.0194 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 34121.3 107.04 0.31 34120.92 32134.82 CRUDE OIL 20-01-2015 19-01-2015 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0585 QR 0.0596 Index 11,862.32 11,891.46 Nikkei 225 Index 17366.3 352.01 2.07 17540.92 16592.57 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0358 QR 0.0366 Change 29.14 24.96 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0809 QR 0.0825 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2093.55 1737.92 % 0.25 0.21 $ 48.38 SL Re ...... QR 0.0273 QR 0.0279 YTD% 3.45 3.21 Straits Times/D 3334.02 26.32 0.8 3375.13 3267.89 Taka ...... QR 0.0463 QR 0.0473 Volume 16,028,859 13,178,641 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0366 QR 0.0373 Value (QAR) 690,600,536.64 626,326,197.26 Straits Times/D 3290.99 -1.82 -0.06 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3107 QR 0.3170 Trades 7,555 6,209 $ 44.13 Up 24 | Down 15 | Unchanged 03 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 20-01-2015

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED A B G Infra-T/D 165.6 7.8 10221 Century Text-A/D 575.15 12.9 110433 Goodyear I -B/D 625.05 3.4 5217 Kalpat Power-B/D 233.75 0.4 65016 Orient.Carb.-T/D 483.7 18.3 48452 Imperial Tobac/D 2955 10 678531 A C C-A/D 1544.75 11.1 19626 Chambal Fert-B/D 61.5 0 75277 Hcl Infosys-B/D 49.55 -2 257478 Kalyani Stel-T/D 161.15 0.85 35994 Orient.Carb.-T/D 483.7 18.3 48452 Kingfisher/D 333.25 5.4 1194166 Aarti Drugs-B/D 1069.45 16.65 4750 Chola Invest-B/D 500.85 -15.85 21480 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 17.8 -1.5 5229758 Kanoria Chem-B/D 39.05 0.8 27633 Punjab Chem.-B/D 115.3 -0.9 3603 Land Secs Grou/D 1250.3348 12 367625 Aban Offs-A/D 506.4 28.85 959161 Chowgule St-T/D 27.7 -1.45 11295 Himat Seide-B/D 89.95 1.25 82738 Kg Denim-B/D 23.4 -0.4 123962 Radico Khait-B/D 91.65 -1.9 206275 Legal & Genera/D 253.8 0 1857647 Aegis Logis-B/D 442.75 13.9 16635 Cimmco-B/D 72 -2.2 7063 Hind Motors-T/D 7.85 -0.14 74258 Kilburnengg-T/D 48.7 1.05 89595 Rallis India-A/D 228.65 4.6 171904 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 75.74 1.09 33773918 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 346.65 5.05 120291 Cipla-A/D 658.6 1.2 189145 Hind Org Chem-/D 22 -0.55 58724 Kinetic Eng-B/D 47.25 -0.3 12000 Reliance Indus/D 471.5 0.6 65155 Marks & Sp./D 464.7103 1.5 1171021 Alembic-B/D 52.45 4.75 2283811 City Union Bk-/D 95.4 1.3 27707 Hind Unilever-/D 895.7 2.9 337240 Kopran-B/D 57.75 0.35 118469 Ruchi Soya-B/D 35.8 -0.2 30244 Next/D 6945 45 72385 Alok Indus-A/D 10.43 -0.02 1355402 Colgate-A/D 1916 -28.05 7767 Hind.Petrol-A/D 565.5 5.7 111049 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 444.8 1.8 3589 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 698 18.85 31985 Pearson/D 1239 11 885618 Apollo Tyre-A/D 235.2 6.35 357148 Container Cor-/D 1389.05 7.1 4475 Hindalco-A/D 144.4 4.2 1008332 Lgb Broth-B/D 641 -13 6998 Saur.Cem-B/D 42.4 0.25 182518 Prudential/D 1527 16.5 1246691 Asahi I Glass-/D 130.5 -2.45 10145 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 184.8 2.3 6672 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1250.5 69.05 266858 Lloyd Metal-B/D 9.73 0.02 5633 Tanfac Indust-/D 13.87 -0.01 3673 Rentokil Initi/D 124.7125 0.2 586626 Ashok Leyland-/D 60.95 0.45 1660362 Dcm Financia-B/D 1.12 0 10500 I F C I-A/D 37.45 0 406545 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 12.84 -0.35 108974 Thirumalai-B/D 95.3 0 10812 Rolls Royce Pl/D 878.3 9 1276286 Bajaj Hold-A/D 1418.3 0.6 4070 Dhampur Sugar-/D 43.35 -0.1 16709 Idbi-A/D 75.9 0.75 206700 Lupin-A/D 1475.8 13.1 43959 Til Ltd.-T/D 530 -11.55 10124 Rsa Insrance G/D 448.05 -0.1 663801 Ballarpur In-B/D 16.5 0.4 625889 Dr. Reddy-A/D 3293.35 -21.55 10090 Ifb Agro-B/D 396.65 8.2 7737 Lyka Labs-T/D 38.4 1.45 720392 Timexgroup-T/D 13.75 0.05 32035 Sainsbury(J)/D 262.342 4.9 2723395 Banaras Bead-B/D 46.75 1.4 2996 E I H-B/D 113.5 0.6 13228 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 503.3 18.6 53773 Mangalam Cem-B/D 341 0.6 13211 Tinplate-B/D 65.95 1.85 106009 Schroders/D 2683 28 74084 Bata India-A/D 1431.8 -9.85 4425 E.I.D Parry-A/D 189.6 -0.05 14160 India Cement-A/D 101.8 2 306129 Maral Overs-B/D 22.5 -0.35 6093 Ucal Fuel-B/D 153.65 -2.4 52862 Severn Trent/D 2140 13 117867 Bayer Crop-A/D 3667.1 -45.45 3540 Electrosteel-B/D 17.3 -0.85 268595 India Glycol-B/D 104.45 1.85 30866 Mastek-B/D 406.1 -0.85 47140 Ucal Fuel-B/D 153.65 -2.4 52862 Smith&Nephew/D 1183.4244 -8 747577 Beml Ltd-A/D 908.8 -16.45 129045 Emco-B/D 44 4.9 661864 Indian Card-B/D 126.35 0.35 2842 Max India L-A/D 417.75 13.35 113105 Unitech P -A/D 16.85 -0.05 5608314 Smiths Group/D 1085.1828 3 531894 Bh Electronic-/D 3165.65 -86.6 29070 Escorts Fin-B/D 7.16 -0.37 34983 Indian Hotel-A/D 117.2 0.9 54972 Mrpl-A/D 47.3 -0.35 33823 Standrd Chart /D 924.6 13.1 2608203 Bharat Bijle-B/D 709.5 3.35 10864 Escorts-A/D 133.1 0.75 347499 Indo-Tcount-T/D 368.7 17.1 44548 Nahar Spg.-B/D 94.05 -0.05 11433 LONDON Tate & Lyle/D 642.5 -2.5 391803 Bharatgears-B/D 96.4 16.05 899771 Essar Oil-T/D 111.45 3.1 171977 Indusind-A/D 840.3 10.1 87764 Nation Alum -A/D 47.7 0.6 334616 Tesco/D 226.02 4.8 11908855 Bhartiya Int-B/D 407.05 -1.55 10460 Eveready Indu-/D 197.05 6.6 280962 J.B.Chemical-B/D 202.25 6.2 25847 Navneet Edu-B/D 110.75 -1.5 30144 3I Group/D 443.7 4.7 391264 Unilever/D 2713 -16 2564898 Bhel-A/D 281.4 0.3 408665 F D C-B/D 156.4 -0.45 9631 Jagson Phar-B/D 36.7 0.15 46762 Nepc India-T/D 2.83 -0.09 50123 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3068.1 -45 150831 United Util Gr/D 962.4648 0.5 249560 Bhuwalka Stl-T/D 9.8 0.39 5105 Federal Bank-A/D 144.95 -1.65 350515 Jbf Indu-B/D 244.15 0.8 70989 Neuland Lab-B/D 520 11.1 2773 Barclays/D 236.55 6.55 24465747 Vodafone Group/D 230.75 1.3 13451517 Bom.Burmah-B/D 471.25 -12.35 102209 Ferro Alloys-B/D 6.29 -0.09 33940 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.66 0.01 68380 Nrb Bearings-B/D 135.2 -0.7 4813 Bg Group/D 870.8 15.7 2253960 Whitbread/D 4831 25 166541 Bombay Dyeing-/D 71.85 5.3 1612340 Finolex-A/D 295.75 -5.4 19854 Jct Ltd-B/D 3.45 -0.04 163278 O N G C-A/D 349.8 2.1 199762 Bp/D 416.915 7.95 9811479 Camph.& All-B/D 275.2 14.3 17501 Gail-A/D 432.05 -8.35 415229 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 6.3 -0.32 115490 Ocl India-B/D 513.9 6.75 20393 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3597.5 -0.5 733224 Canfin Homes-B/D 680.9 47.5 199684 Galada Power-T/D 16.09 0.11 3800 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 125.55 -1.4 271982 Oil Country-B/D 34.6 -0.05 5653 Bt Group/D 415.35 3.6 3692750 Caprihans-B/D 86.85 -0.5 9929 Gammon India-T/D 23.95 -0.65 80651 Jmc Projects-T/D 179.2 -1.8 2982 Onward Tech-B/D 54.65 0.1 4615 Centrica/D 266 1.2 3054404 Cast.Bo/D 499.75 -7.05 44837 Garden P -B/D 30.95 0.05 2615 Kabra Extr-B/D 95.25 -0.25 8684 Orchid Chem-B/D 67.95 1.4 684740 Gkn/D 365.2 -0.3 1160331 Century Enka-B/D 173.95 -1.25 8539 Goodricke-B/D 154.1 1.7 13978 Kajaria Cer-A/D 699.7 27.85 39796 Orient Hotel-T/D 24 0.1 3035 Hsbc Holdings/D 596.235 0 8724612 WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Vonn hoping Cavaliers stay strong in for stamp of approval at home CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, win over depleted Bulls Italy: Lindsey Vonn’s model looks and famous boyfriend have often gained her more spot- Golden State Warriors blow away Denver to extend home dominance light than her speed on two skis back in her home country but the American’s latest feat may CLEVELAND: LeBron James a 10-day contract after get- change all that. scored 26 points and Kyrie Irving NBA Results ting called up from the NBA Vonn, girlfriend to golfer Tiger added 18 points and 12 assists Charlotte 105 Minnesota 80 Development League. Woods, became the most success- on Monday as the Cleveland Washington 111 Philadelphia 76 The Warriors, who improved ful female athlete in Alpine ski- Cavaliers beat the short-handed Atlanta 93 Detroit 82 to 33-6, matched the franchise ing World Cup history on Monday Chicago Bulls 108-94. record for successive home wins, when she topped the podium for LA Clippers 102 Boston 93 All five Cleveland starters set by the then-Philadelphia the 63rd time. scored in double figures and Golden State 122 Denver 79 Warriors in 1959. The tight-knit ski circuit Irving, Kevin Love and Timofey Dallas 103 Memphis 95 They have scored at least 100 already knew what an excep- Mozgov had double-doubles for Houston 110 Indiana 98 points in 11 straight games and tional athlete and competitor the the Cavs, who won their third NY Knicks 99 New Orleans 92 are the only team in the NBA Minnesota-born Vonn was. straight after a six-game NBA Cleveland 108 Chicago 94 to win more than one game by But her victory in the super-G losing streak. 40-or-more points this season. at Cortina d’Appezzo on Monday Toronto 92 Milwaukee 89 Love, back after a one-game Monday’s win topped their in front of the admiring Woods, absence because of back spasms, Portland 98 Sacramento 94 126-86 victory over Philadelphia who made the trip especially, scored 16 points and pulled down Phoenix 115 LA Lakers 100 on December 30 for the largest and her parents Alan and Linda 12 rebounds, while Mozgov, a Jimmy Butler scored 20 points margin of victory in the league Kildow, should make her nation Russian center acquired this and Derrick Rose had 18 points to this season. stand up and take notice. month from Denver, added 15 lead the Bulls, who have dropped Ty Lawson netted 19 points and “America is definitely ‘record points and 15 rebounds. six of their last eight. six rebounds for the Nuggets, who centric’. Hopefully, it will bring J.R. Smith chipped in 20 points Chicago’s Joakim Noah missed had 14 points and five assists from more attention to the sport,” the for Cleveland. his fourth straight game with an Jameer Nelson. former world and Olympic cham- The Cavaliers, who endured an ankle injury, but the Bulls got But the Nuggets barely made a pion told reporters. erratic start to the season adjust- some good news on that front on dent in the Warriors. “It would be good, going into ing to the return of four-time Monday as coach Tom Thibodeau Curry scored nine points in the the world championships, that NBA Most Valuable Player James said an MRI on the French cent- first quarter and Golden State led it creates more TV interest and after four seasons in Miami, never er’s ankle came back “clean.” 25-15, then wrapped up the game more interest with the general trailed. “He’s making progress, so by outscoring Denver 30-13 in the public. Anyway I try to promote They led 24-19 after the first we’ll see where he is when we get second quarter to take a 27-point the sport. quarter and 54-39 at halftime. back,” Thibodeau said, indicating halftime lead. “I think it’s an amazing sport.” Cleveland stretched the advan- he expected Noah to be back on Nelson hit a triple to begin the Vonn’s record-busting victory tage to as many as 25 points in the court soon. third quarter but the Nuggets could not have come at a better third quarter. Cleveland, with James back didn’t score again until a Lawson moment. The Bulls managed to narrow in the fold, and Chicago, with basket with 5:31 left in the period. The world championships are the gap to 12 early in the fourth, former NBA MVP Rose healthy, In between, the Warriors reeled at home in Vail and Beaver Creek but Chicago’s miscues doomed any were expected to be the top two off 15 straight points. next month when Vonn and her hopes of a rally. teams in the Eastern Conference The Warriors weren’t the only fellow Americans should receive In addition to a dismal 37.5 this season. lopsided winners, as the NBA cel- the kind of support usually shooting percentage, the Bulls In Oakland, the NBA-leading ebrated the Martin Luther King reserved for the Winter Olympics. saw Spanish center Pau Gasol Golden State Warriors equalled a jnr holiday with a 12-game slate It was apt that Vonn broke the drop a rebound out of bounds and club record on Monday with their weighted with day games. record of Austrian Annemarie backup guard Tony Snell throw 16th straight home win, a crush- In Washington, the Wizards Moser-Proell in Italy. a pass with no clear recipient ing 122-79 triumph over Denver. defeated the Philadelphia 76ers As a 14-year-old Lindsey that ended up hitting Cavs coach Klay Thompson led five 111-76. The Wizards led the final Kildow (she has retained her David Blatt. Warriors players in double fig- 42 minutes of the contest and married name despite divorcing With the win, the Cavaliers ures with 22. Stephen Curry were up by double digits over Thomas Vonn) she made her first improved to 3-1 since James added 20 points and eight assists the final 38 1/2 minutes. Marcin impression by winning the Trofeo returned from a two-week for the Warriors while Shaun Gortat paced Washington with 20 Topolino in Italy, a contest for absence with knee and back Livingston and Leandro Barbosa points, one of seven Wizards play- young ski hopefuls. REUTERS injuries. each contributed 12 points and ers in double figures. LeBron James (left) of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Taj Gibson of “I feel good,” James said. “It’s James Michael McAdoo had 11 in The Charlotte Hornets rode the Chicago Bulls during the first-half of their NBA game at the Quicken the best I’ve felt all year. I just the rout. a dominant second quarter to Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on Monday night. want it to continue and keep rid- McAdoo’s performance came a 105-80 rout of the Minnesota ing this wave.” on the same day that he signed Timberwolves. AGENCIES NFL probes Patriots’ alleged use of deflated balls

NEW YORK: The NFL is to throw and catch in inclement acceptable pressure and weight whatever the league wants us to this post-season. Harbaugh investigating whether the New weather. of the balls. do, whatever questions they have accused the team of using “decep- England Patriots intentionally The television station said that The rules also stipulate that for us, whatever they want us to tive” formations in New England’s deflated balls during Sunday’s officials during the game took the offensive team’s center can do,” Belichick said on a confer- second-round win over the victory over Indianapolis that a ball out of play at one point request a “playable ball” in the ence call. Ravens. Tiger Woods walks towards the sent the Patriots to the Super and weighed it. It was unknown case of a “wet, muddy or slippery The coach said he first heard The NFL, however, said the finish area during the women’s Bowl. whether the ball was underweight. field.” about the report on Monday Patriots “did everything legal World Cup Super G event of the NFL spokesman Michael If the Patriots deflated footballs Patriots quarterback Tom morning, and on his weekly inter- from a formation and reporting FIS Ski World Cup in Cortina Signora confirmed the NFL is intentionally they could lose draft Brady, making his usual view on sports radio WEEI later standpoint in that contest.” D’Ampezzo on Monday. USA’s looking into the matter and said selections. Monday appearance on a Boston in the day was at a loss when The Patriots were sanctioned, Lindsey Vonn won the race ahead on Monday afternoon there was According to the NFL rule radio show, called the charge asked again about the matter. however, over the 2007 “spy-gate” of Austrian Anna Fenninger and no further update. book, in a game played outdoors, “ridiculous.” “I really don’t know what to affair, in which the NFL found Liechtenstein’s Tina Weirather. The Patriots routed the Colts the home team has 36 balls “avail- “That’s the last of my worries,” say or know anything about they illegally filmed another 45-7 at the Gillette Stadium in able for testing with a pressure he said. “I don’t even respond to what we’re talking about here,” team’s hand signals during a a game that was played in often gauge by the referee two hours stuff like this.” he said. “Whatever it is, we’ll game. driving rain. prior to the starting time of However, Patriots coach Bill cooperate with them the best we The team was fined $250,000 Toothless Tiger WTHR-TV in Indianapolis the game to meet with league Belichick said the team would can.” and lost a first-round draft pick first reported the story, noting a requirements.” cooperate with the investigation. The Patriots had already irked while coach Belichick was fined cheers Vonn at deflated football could be easier NFL rules specify the “We’ll cooperate fully with Baltimore coach John Harbaugh $500,000. AFP World Cup CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy: Tiger Woods lost a front Earlier start for tooth after being hit in the face Schwartz powers Qatargas badminton by a video camera while watch- F1 races after ing girlfriend Lindsey Vonn take a record 63rd World Cup Alpine Bianchi crash contest starts today ski win in Italy on Monday, Blues to victory according to his agent. PARIS: Formula One organ- The former world number one ST LOUIS: Jaden Schwartz penalty for cross-checking. isers the FIA yesterday DOHA: The Qatargas Open their development — thereby con- surprised Vonn when he turned scored one goal and assisted Perreault left the ice and did announced earlier starts for Badminton Championship tributing to achieving the human up in the resort of Cortina on another to lead the St Louis not return and missed Winnipeg’s five Grand Prix this season, the 2015, organised by the Qatar development goals of the Qatar d’Ampezzo for the Super-G race Blues to a 3-1 victory over the game on Sunday. move introduced as one of the Badminton Association with National Vision 2030. but caused more of a stir when Colorado Avalanche on Monday. Carcillo has previously been recommendations after Jules Qatargas as the title sponsor, Expressing his appreciation for photographs showed a gap where Alexander Steen earned two suspended eight times and fined Bianchi’s near-fatal crash. will be held at the Qatar Table Qatargas’ support to the tourna- his tooth had been. assists for the Blues to extend his on three occasions during his 421- The 25-year-old Frenchman Tennis Association Center from ment, Talal Al Mawlawi, Board “During a crush of photogra- consecutive games point streak to game career. was left fighting for his life when January 21 to 28. Member of the Qatar Badminton phers at the awards’ podium at 10 as St Louis raised their record Canucks 2, Panthers 1 his Marussia car ploughed into a As many as 500 players are Association, said: “We thank the World Cup event in Italy, a to 7-0-1 in their last eight games. The Vancouver Canucks won recovery vehicle at the Japanese expected to compete in more than Qatargas for its commendable media member with a shoulder- Meanwhile, Chicago their third consecutive game, Grand Prix last October. 25 events, held for various age- support to this championship, mounted video camera pushed Blackhawks forward Daniel beating Florida 2-1 on the road The accident in wet condi- groups for both male and female which, we expect, will help pro- and surged towards the stage, Carcillo has been suspended for as the Panthers lost their fourth tions with the light fading led to players. The tournament brings pel Qatar onto the world map of turned and hit Tiger Woods in six games without pay for cross- straight. REUTERS a major safety review. together a large number of bad- yet another increasingly popular the mouth,” the golfer’s agent told checking Winnipeg Jets forward Races in Australia, Malaysia, minton players in Qatar, right sporting event. USA Today. Mathieu Perreault, the National China, Japan and Russia have all from schoolchildren under the “This initiative from Qatargas “Woods’s tooth was knocked Hockey League announced on NHL Results been brought forward with organ- age of 11 up to veterans. clearly demonstrates its commit- out by the incident,” added Mark Monday. NY Islanders 7 Philadelphia 4 isers ruling that no Grand Prix Qatargas’ support to the game ment to the local community and Steinberg. The incident occurred late Carolina 4 Toronto 1 should start within four hours comes as part of the company’s helps promote the ‘Sport for Life’ Woods, who was limited to nine in the second period of the Vancouver 2 Florida 1 of sunset to avoid the kind of strategy in helping the develop- values we have adopted at the tournaments last year due to back Blackhawks’ 4-2 loss to the Jets St Louis 3 Colorado 1 conditions that Bianchi faced at ment of a group of sports that are Qatar Olympic Committee with issues, said earlier this month when Carcillo used his stick to Columbus 3 Minnesota 1 Suzuka. fast gaining popularity in Qatar. the aim of providing opportuni- that he will make his season hit Perreault from behind after The three floodlit evening races This strategy mainly aims at ties for all in the community to debut at the Jan.29-Feb. 1 Waste Calgary 2 Los Angeles 1 the whistle had blown to stop play. in Bahrain, Singapore and Abu attracting youngsters to engage participate in sports and sports- Management Phoenix Open. He was assessed a minor New Jersey 5 San Jose 2 Dhabi remain unchanged. AFP in different sports and supporting related activities.” QNA REUTERS WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Australian Open Results Djokovic leads trail of top Collated results from day two of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park yesterday: Men’s Singles First Round: Steve Johnson (USA) bt Kyle Edmund (GBR) 6-4, 6-4, 6-3; Santiago Giraldo (COL x30) bt Jan Herntch (CZE) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2; Donald Young (USA) bt men into second round Tim Puetz (GER) 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2; Feliciano Lopez (ESP x12) bt Denis Kudla (USA) 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 10-8; Stan Wawrinka (SUI x4) bt Marsel Ilhan (TUR) 6-1, 6-4, 6-2; Alejandro Defending champion Wawrinka, Nishikori advance at Australian Open Gonzalez (COL) bt Fabio Fognini (ITA x16) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4; Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) bt Peter Gojowczyk (GER) 6-7 (1/7), 7-5, 6-4, 1-0 MELBOURNE: Novak retired; Adrian Mannarino (FRA) bt Blaz Rola Djokovic led a trail of the top (SLO) 7-6 (9/7), 6-3, 6-2; Kei Nishikori (JPN men’s seeds into the second x6) bt Nicolas Almagro (ESP) 6-4, 7-6 (7/1), round at the Australian Open 6-2; Ivan Dodig (CRO) bt Joao Souza (BRA) 6-4, yesterday as Stan Wawrinka 7-5, 6-4; Gilles Muller (LUX) bt Pablo Carreno made a successful return to his Busta (ESP) 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3); Andreas life-changing court. Haider-Maurer (AUT) bt Laurent Lokoli (FRA) World number one Djokovic, 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3; Fernando Verdasco (ESP fighting off the effects of a virus, x31) bt James Ward (GBR) 2-6, 6-0, 7-6 (8/6), put paid to Aljaz Bedene in 6-3; Gilles Simon (FRA x18) bt Robin Hasse straight sets as he begun his quest (NED) 6-1, 6-3, 6-4; John Isner (USA x19) bt for a fifth title at Melbourne Park. Jimmy Wang (TPE) 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 6-4; David The Serb top seed ousted the Ferrer (ESP x9) bt Thomaz Bellucci (BRA) 116th-ranked Slovenian 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (2/7), 6-2, 6-0, 6-3; Matthias Bachinger 6-4 in 1hr 49min on Rod Laver (GER) bt Pablo Cuevas (URU x27) 7-6 (7/1), Arena and will next play Russian 6-3, 6-1; Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x13) bt Andrey Kuznetsov. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5); Djokovic, who crashed out to Marcel Granollers (ESP) bt Stephane Robert eventual winner Wawrinka in the (FRA) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4; Milos Raonic (CAN x8) bt quarter-finals of last year’s event, Illya Marchenko (UKR) 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3; has been dogged by illness in the Donald Young (USA) bt Tim Puetz (GER) 6-4, lead-up to the year’s first major 4-6, 6-3, 6-2; Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) bt Audrey tournament. Golubev (KAZ) 6-1, 6-2, 7-6 (8/6); Marius Copil But after encountering early (ROU) bt Pablo Andujar (ESP) 6-2, 6-2, 7-5; problems from the 116th-ranked Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR) bt Dusna Lajovic (SRB) Bedene he went on to secure pas- 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (3/7), 6-4; Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) sage into the next round. bt Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR x21) 6-4, 6-3, 6-2; “It’s fading away. It hasn’t Go Soeda (JPN) bt Elias Ymer (SWE) 1-6, 6-4, been an ideal couple of weeks in 4-6, 6-3, 6-3; Andrey Kuznetsov (RUS) bt Albert terms of health and preparation,” Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3); Djokovic said. Benjamin Becker (GER) bt Julien Benneteau “But I fought my way through. (FRA x25) 7-5, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4; Jerzy Janowicz Now it’s behind me. I’m only look- (POL) bt Hiroki Moriya (JPN) 7-6 (7/5), 2-6, 6-3, ing forward.” 7-5; Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) bt Zhang Ze (CHN) The seven-time Grand Slam 6-3, 1-6, 6-0, 6-4; Vasek Pospisil (CAN) bt Sam champion broke Bedene’s serv- Querrey (USA) 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 2-6, 6-4, 6-4; Gael Monfils (FRA x17) bt Lucas Pouille (FRA) ice four times and only had three Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his first round match against Aljaz Bedene of Slovenia at the Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday. CENTRE: break points against his serve in 6-7 (3/7), 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4. Japan’s Kei Nishikori celebrates after winning his match against Spain’s Nicolas Almagro. RIGHT: Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka plays a shot during Women’s Singles First Round: Garbine the match. his match against Turkey’s Marsel Ilhan. “For a first round performance Muguruza (ESP x24) bt Marina Erakovic (NZL) it was pretty good, obviously I still breaking the 100th-ranked Ilhan’s excited to start again,” the Swiss won a 2hr and 7min dogfight with third set, and I played a much bet- 7-5, 6-0; Victoria Azarenka (BLR) bt Sloane need to work on a few things, serve five times and will play said. the former world number nine ter third set.” Stephens (USA) 6-3, 6-2; Samantha Stosur I’m still developing my game,” Romanian Marius Copil next up. But Wawrinka said he was before prevailing, 6-4, 7-6 (7/1), Another of the new breed, (AUS x20) bt Monica Niculescu (ROU) 6-4, 6-1; Djokovic said. The big-serving Swiss has now not getting too far ahead of him- 6-2 at the Margaret Court Arena. Canada’s boom-serving Milos Chang Kai-Chen (TPE) bt Zheng Jie (CHN) 6-1, Wawrinka returned to Rod not lost in the first round in 10 self with a potential quarter- The fifth seed had a battle with Raonic, was taken to two tie-break 6-2; Denisa Allertova (CZE) bt Romina Oprandi Laver Arena where his life appearances at the Australian final against Japanese star Kei Almagro before winning a pivotal sets before overcoming Ukraine (SUI) 6-0, 6-2; Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE changed completely last year to Open. Nishikori and beyond that a semi- second-set tiebreaker and sweep- qualifier Illya Marchaneko. x25) bt Timea Babos (HUN) 6-4, 6-4; Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) bt Zheng Saisai (CHN) 6-4, get his title defence off to the “It was great to be back on final with Djokovic. ing through the third and final set Other seeded winners included 6-4; Alize Cornet (FRA x19) bt Zhang Shuai right start. Rod Laver Arena again, it brings Nishikori took the first steps for passage into the second round. Spanish pair David Ferrer and (CHN) 6-3, 6-2; Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) bt The Swiss fourth seed, who back so many memories from last he hopes will lead to Grand Slam “I’m getting close to next level. Feliciano Lopez and Frenchman Heather Watson (GBR) 6-4, 6-0; Dominika upset Rafael Nadal in the 2014 year,” Wawrinka said. glory with a hard-fought open- Obviously, it was a really tough Gilles Simon, while Australian Cibulkova (SVK x11) bt Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) final, ripped through Turkey’s “It was such an amazing two ing win over Spaniard Nicolas first match,” he said. Lleyton Hewitt, playing in his 3-6, 6-3, 6-1; Irina Falconi (USA) bt Kaia Kanepi Marsel Ilhan 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 to safely weeks so it was great to come Almagro. “Nicolas could be seeded player, 19th straight national open, beat (EST) 2-6, 6-4, 7-5; Coco Vandeweghe (USA) negotiate the first hurdle. back here and I am pleased with Nishikori, who lost to Marin and I know he was injured, but I China’s Zhang Ze in four sets. bt Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 6-2, 6-2; Caroline Wawrinka had few problems my game in general and I’m Cilic in last year’s US Open final, was getting more balls, especially AFP Woziacki (DEN x8) bt Taylor Townsend (USA) 7-6 (7/1), 6-2; Tereza Smitkova (CZE) bt Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO) 6-1, 6-1; Elina Svitolina Serena cruises as friends Shyness doesn’t help (UKR x26) bt Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) 6-3, 7-5; Madison Brengle (USA) bt Andrea Petkovic (GER x13) 5-7, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3; Vera Zvonareva (RUS) bt Ons Jabeur (TUN) 6-2, 6-3; Nicole Wozniacki-Azarenka face off game, says Federer Gibbs (USA) bt Olivia Rogowska (AUS) 6-4, 6-1; ; Casey Dellacqua (AUS x29) bt Yvonne MELBOURNE: Roger but then again he might be very Meusburger (AUT) 6-4, 6-0; Petra Kvitova (CZE MELBOURNE: Australian “It’s never easy to be the Federer yesterday said there is thoughtful and play very well- x4) bt Richel Hogenkamp (NED) 6-1, 6-4; Venus Open top seed Serena Williams favourite on the court with eve- no room for shyness on court if constructed points, won’t go for Williams (USA x18) bt Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor showed she was back to her ryone expecting that you’re going you want to make it big on the the silly shot. (ESP) 6-2, 6-2; Madison Keys (USA) bt Lesia Grand Slam best yesterday, as to win easily,” she said. professional tennis tour. “So I guess it really depends Tsurenko (UKR) 6-3, 7-5; Timea Bacsinszky the former world number ones Poland’s Radwanska cruised Swiss great Federer is one of what kind of game you have. (SUI) bt Jelena Jankovic (SRB x15) 6-1, 6-4; Caroline Wozniacki and Victoria past Kurumi Nara of Japan 6-3, the most accomplished players to “But I like the idea when Mona Barthel (GER) bt Donna Vekic (CRO) 3-6, Azarenka set up an enticing 6-0 and Venus Williams dis- pick up a racquet and feels that you’re young and you’re fearless, 6-4, 6-2; Lauren Davis (USA) bt Aleksandra second-round clash. patched Spain’s Maria-Teresa being an extrovert has helped you give it a shot and just go big Krunic (SRB) 6-1, 7-5; Camila Giorgi (ITA) bt Eighteen-time Grand Slam Torro-Flor 6-2, 6-2, building on him achieve his goals — winning and take it away from your oppo- Flavia Pennetta (ITA x12) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3; Varvava champion Williams shook off her win at the Auckland Open more than 1,000 tour games and nent. That’s kind of how I felt, Lepchenko (USA x30) bt Vitalia Diatchenko her erratic early season form last week. 17 Grand Slams. how I did it sometimes.” (RUS) 6-3, 6-3; Agnieszka Radwanska (POL to sweep into the second round “I love the game, I love the He said being outgoing on The approach has worked well x6) bt Kurumi Nara (JPN) 6-3, 6-0; Johanna at Melbourne Park, demolishing thrill, I love the ‘Go Venus’,” said court helped make it easier to for Federer , although he pointed Larsson (SWE) bt Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) 6-4, Alison Van Uytvanck of Belgium Venus Williams. AFP face the pressure points. to his old rival Lleyton Hewitt as 6-3; Serena Williams (USA x1) bt Alison Van 6-0, 6-4. “It is a good question,” he said. a more introverted player who Uytvanck (BEL) 6-0, 6-4; Anna Tatishvili (USA) Petra Kvitova, seeded four, “You would think an introvert also succeeded, winning two bt Kimiko Date-Krumm (JPN) 7-5, 6-4; Alja Agnieszka Radwanska (six), Australian Open is not ready to take huge risks, Grand Slams. AFP Tomljanovic (AUS) bt Shelby Rogers (USA) 4-6, Wozniacki (eight), last year’s 6-4, 6-0. finalist Dominika Cibulkova (11), Serena Williams of the USA returns Order Of Play and Venus Williams (18) were the ball to Alison Van Uytvanck of Order of play on the main among the other seeds to advance. Belgium during their first round showcourts on day three of the But the upsets that marked day Australian Open today (prefix Rafa still a contender: Djokovic match at the Australian Open in one of the season-opening Grand Melbourne Park yesterday. denotes seeding; play begins at Slam continued with first-round 0000 GMT on all courts). MELBOURNE: Rafa Nadal The 27-year- he had a couple of break points,” exits for former world number But most attention in the sec- Rod Laver Arena (pictured) has been shrugging old Serb is Djokovic said. one Jelena Jankovic (15), Andrea ond round will be on the mouth- Roberta Vinci (Italy) vs 10-Ekaterina Makarova his shoulders and suggesting definitively “He’s a good player, he felt Petkovic (13) and Flavia Pennetta watering showdown between (Russia); Alexandra Panova (Russia) vs 2-Maria he may not be ready mentally among the confident (and) he had nothing (12). Wozniacki and Azarenka, a Sharapova (Russia); Simone Bolleli (Italy) vs or physically to win this year’s favourites for to lose. Serena Williams, 33, is chasing two-time Australian champion 2-Roger Federer (Switzerland). Australian Open after an injury- his fifth title “On the other hand, I man- a fifth Australian title that would unseeded this year after suffer- riddled 2014, but top seed Novak at Melbourne aged to stay tough and overcome (Not before 0800) take her Grand Slam tally to 19, ing major injury problems. Djokovic is having none of it. Park with his some challenges that I faced in placing her outright second on Wozniacki, who downed US Tim Smyczek (US) vs 3-Rafa Nadal (Spain); “Well, I don’t know what his main rivals the beginning of the match and the all-time Open Era list behind teenager Taylor Townsend 7-6 Jarmila Gajdosova (Australia) vs 3-Simona intentions are, how he feels, but Nadal and played much more comfortably in Steffi Graf’s 22. (7-1), 6-2, said she and Azarenka Halep (Spain). he is definitely always one of the Roger Federer the rest.” “If I could get to 19 in Australia were good friends on tour Margaret Court Arena top favourites in every tourna- suggesting Djokovic, who has been bat- that would be beyond amazing, so although the Belarussian was Klara Koukalova (Czech) vs Julia Goerges; ment that he plays,” said Djokovic, as such, having won his second tling illness for much of January, we’ll see,” she said. “I have a lot of more focused on beating her rival. 6-Andy Murray (Britain) vs Marinko Matosevic who beat Slovenian qualifier Aljaz Wimbledon and fourth ATP Tour said he felt the worst of it had work to do but I’m just going to “I know she’s very dangerous (Australia); 14-Sara Errani (Italy) vs Silvia Soler- Bedene 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to join the Finals title last year. now passed and he would be fine enjoy myself.” and we always had some tough Espinosa (Spain). Spaniard in the second round Djokovic also now holds a 44-6 to face either Russia’s Andrey The American could lose the matches. I’d like to just focus (Not before 0800) yesterday. record on Melbourne Park’s hard Kuznetsov or Spain’s Albert top ranking she has held for 100 on myself and what I can do to 7-Eugenie Bouchard (Canada) vs Kiki Bertens; “There is no question about it. courts, having reached at least the Ramos-Vinolas in the next round. consecutive weeks if she falters in build my game and prepare,” said Philipp Kohlschreiber (Germany) vs Bernard “We always talk prior to the quarter-finals every year since his “It hasn’t been an ideal cou- Melbourne but, with character- the 25-year-old, who defeated Tomic (Australia). big tournaments, during the first first grand slam title here in 2008. ple of weeks in terms of health istic confidence made a “number America’s Sloane Stephens 6-3, Hisense Arena days of the Grand Slams, about He barely raised a sweat in and preparation,” he said. “But I one” gesture after her win, send- 6-2. Magdalena Rybarikova (Slovakia) vs 21-Peng who the potential players are for his victory over the 25-year-old fought my way through (and) now ing a message to her rivals. Kvitova ground out a 6-1, 6-4 Shuai (China); 22-Karolina Pliskova (Czech) vs winning the trophy (and) more Bedene and won the match in a it’s behind me. I’m only looking She faces a potentially tricky win over Dutch qualifier Richel Oceane Dodin (France); Lukas Lacko (Slovakia) or less the same names have been shade under two hours, though forward. second round tie against Russia’s Hogenkamp but admitted she vs 10-Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria). going around for the last seven or he was less impressed with his “I think I did well in terms of Vera Zvonareva, a former world had to overcome a bout of nerves eight years. performance. responding to the slow start today, (Not before 0700) number two with two career wins caused by memories of last year’s “So I don’t think there is any “Obviously the start was a feeling a little bit rusty on the over Williams, who is returning humiliating first-round exit at the Sam Groth (Australia) vs Thanasi Kokkinakis difference in terms of main bit slower performance, weaker court. “So hopefully the next one from shoulder surgery. same venue. (Australia). favourites for this tournament.” performance, from my side (and) will be even better.” REUTERS WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Finn stars as England crush India on bouncy Gabba pitch Pacer takes five-wicket haul as India suffer batting collapse in Brisbane Steven Smith Smith to lead BRISBANE: Resurgent pace- for India with 44 in his return to man Steven Finn produced a the side, claimed the only wicket career-best performance in One to fall, that of opener Moeen Ali England’s hosts against Day Internationals as England for eight. bowler thrashed India in the Triangular Despite the heavy defeat Indian Steven England One-Day Series in Brisbane captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni Finn yesterday. said he had not lost confidence in (second India’s decision to bat first his players, although he conceded MELBOURNE: Steven Smith left) backfired when they were dis- they may be feeling the effects of will lead Australia in Friday’s celebrates missed for just 153 in 39.3 overs, the preceding series in Australia. Tri Series match against with Finn exploiting the Gabba’s “When we don’t do well, there the England in absence of sus- pace and bounce to claim five is a lot of criticism,” said the dismissal pended George Bailey, Cricket wickets for 33. Indian captain. of India’s Australia said yesterday. England cruised to victory “I feel that is part and parcel batsman Opening batsman David in just 27.3 overs, giving them a but not to forget it was the same Ajinkya Warner has also been rested much-needed confidence boost batting line-up that won us the Rahane, from the One Day International before the World Cup in Australia Champions Trophy, and that was caught by at Hobart to recover from a and New Zealand that kicks off in England that we played. England’s sore hamstring, CA added in a next month. “It is important to have confi- James statement. Their recent one-day form has dence, not to forget it’s the same Taylor Shaun Marsh and Cameron been very poor, but they were players who have put in a lot of (second White will replace Bailey and never stretched with the bat as effort in the Test series.” right), Warner in the squad for Friday’s they finished on 156 for one, with After losing to Australia on during match, when Australia will target opener Ian Bell unbeaten on 88 Sunday, the Indian batsmen their ODI in their third consecutive victory in and James Taylor on 56. It was struggled to cope with the lively Brisbane. the Tri Series. their first win under new one-day wicket yesterday. The International Cricket captain Eoin Morgan. Finn made the most of it to Council banned Bailey, who was Stuart Binny, who top-scored claim his first five-wicket haul in leading the side in place of injured regular skipper Michael Clarke, Scoreboard 49 one-day internationals, includ- He did most of his damage to who managed just four, as India after Sunday’s match against ing a number of prized Indian the top order, as India lost their slumped to 67 for five. Captain India for a second over-rate INDIA 6-137, 7-137, 8-143, 9-153, 10-153. scalps. way after being in a sound posi- Mahendra Singh Dhoni and the offence in 12 months. A Rahane c Taylor b Finn ...... 33 Bowling: Anderson 8.3-2-18-4; Woakes 7-0- The paceman was thrilled with tion at 57-1. recalled Binny put on 70 to revive “Steven’s appointment was a S Dhawan c Buttler b Anderson ...... 1 35-0; Broad 7-0-33-0; Finn 8-0-33-5; Ali the performance, having at times Seamer James Anderson, India’s hopes briefly, before Finn straightforward decision given A Rayudu c Buttler b Finn ...... 23 9-0-31-1. feared for his international future returning to the English side again struck twice in quick suc- the excellent impression he made V Kohli c Buttler b Finn ...... 4 ENGLAND “It’s just nice to help England after injury, claimed the first cession to turn the match. in charge of the side during the S Raina st Buttler b Ali ...... 1 I Bell (not out) ...... 88 win a game of cricket,” said the wicket, removing the struggling He had Dhoni caught behind by ... test series when he stepped in M S Dhoni c Buttler b Finn ...... 34 M Ali c Kohli b Binny ...... 8 pacer. Shikhar Dhawan for one, before Jos Buttler on 34, the wicketkeep- for the injured Michael Clarke,” S Binny c Morgan b Anderson ...... 44 J Taylor (not out) ...... 56 “A lot has happened in the last Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati er’s fifth dismissal of the innings, national selector Rodney Marsh A Patel b Finn ...... 0 Extras (W-3, NB-1) ...... 4 12 months, it’s pretty much a year Rayudu steadied the Indian cause and India folded – losing their last said. B Kumar b Anderson ...... 5 Total (for 1 wkt in 27.3 overs) ...... 156 to the day where I went home with a 56-run stand. five wickets for just 16 runs. “It is unfortunate for George M Shami c Ali b Anderson ...... 1 Fall of wicket: 1-25. from that tour of Australia. The fall of Rahane, caught by Finn picked up his fifth scalp Bailey that he will miss the match U Yadav (not out) ...... 0 Bowling: Binny 7-0-34-1; Kumar 2-0-18-0; “But that corner has been Taylor off Finn for 33, sparked the when he bowled Axar Patel for in his home state but in Steven we Extras (LB-3, W-3, NB-1) ...... 7 Yadav 6-0-42-0; Shami 4-0-23-0; Patel 7.3-0- turned – I felt like I turned it a first of two collapses during the nought. have a dynamic player who leads Total (all out in 39.3 overs) ...... 153 32-0; Raina 1-0-7-0. little while ago – and all of that innings. Anderson ran through the tail from the front, by example, and Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-57, 3-64, 4-65, 5-67, Result: England won by nine wickets. stuff’s in the past and I’m really Finn then claimed Rayudu, to finish with impressive figures we look forward to him doing so just looking forward.” who scored 23, and Virat Kohli, of four for 18 from 8.3 overs.AFP again on Friday.” REUTERS Williamson gives Kiwis 2-1 lead Misbah’s men embark

NELSON: Kane Williamson field soon after. McCullum, on on World Cup mission made a welcome return to whom New Zealand rely heavily the New Zealand side with to get off to a good start, failed to LAHORE: Pakistan cricket and defending champions India an elegant century to set up a oblige this time with a gentle poke team left on a World Cup mis- at Adelaide on February 15. four-wicket victory over Sri at a Nuwan Kulasekera delivery sion yesterday with their first Misbah said all matches are Lanka in the fourth One Day and was caught at mid on for just destination New Zealand where important but his team will do International yesterday. 11. they play two one-day interna- its best to break the jinx against Backed by lusty hitting from Guptill failed to back up from tionals before taking part in the India whom Pakistan have never Corey Anderson and Luke his unbeaten 66 in the washed mega event. beaten in any of their five previ- Ronchi, New Zealand overtook out third match in Auckland on Paceman Junaid Khan had to ous World Cup matches. Sri Lanka’s 276 with 11 balls to Saturday as he was caught behind New pull out hours before departure “All matches are important but spare and move 2-1 ahead in the for 20 while Taylor went cheaply Zealand’s because of a leg injury and was the desire is to beat India and we seven-match series. for eight as New Zealand slumped Kane replaced by another fast bowler want to play it with full heart and In a tense finish New Zealand to 63-3 after 15 overs. Williamson Bilawal Bhatti who passion and break needed 47 off 36 balls when the Elliott, who scored 44, was plays a will depart in the that trend,” said 24-year-old Williamson was happy to accumulate singles shot during next couple of days. Misbah. removed for 103, his fifth ODI in a patient 88-run stand with the fourth Bhatti will play Manager Naveed century. Williamson which ensured there ODI against the two ODIs but Cheema said the Anderson was run out for 47 were wickets in hand for the final Sri Lanka the team remains team will do its best with New Zealand needing 32 run chase. hopeful that Junaid to win the Cup. in Nelson runs with 26 balls left. Sri Lanka’s innings was the will recover in time “This team is a at Saxton Up stepped Luke Ronchi to product of finely constructed to take part in the blend of youth and blast a rapid 32 including three performances by their two elder Oval, World Cup. In the experience and has sixes and Daniel Vettori hit a four statesmen Kumar Sangakkara yesterday. event that he doesn’t, prepared well for the as New Zealand finished with a and Mahela Jayawardene. Bhatti is likely to event and are going flourish. Between them the 37-year- replace him. with high spirits and After losing the early wickets olds contributed all but 106 of Sri Skipper Misbah-ul will to win,” said of Brendon McCullum, Martin Lanka’s 276 with Jayawardene Haq (pictured) said his team will Cheema. Guptill and Ross Taylor cheaply, scoring 94 off 82 deliveries and do its best to win the World Cup. Pakistan is placed in group B of an unflustered Williamson led the Sangakkara, who moved up to “We will do our best,” said the 14-team event which kicks off rescue mission, first in partner- third on the list of top ODI run Misbah at the send-off ceremony in Australia and New Zealand on ship with Grant Elliott and then scorers, making 76 off 83 in his at the national cricket academy. February 14. with Anderson. innings. “We should not think of results, Pakistan will also face the He brought up his century with Sangakkara now has 13,490 win or lose: the focus should be to West Indies, Zimbabwe, United a steady accumulation of singles, runs, 214 behind Australian Ricky play at our best.” Arab Emirates, South Africa and only reaching the boundary seven Ponting on a list headed by Indian with Sangakkara for the second In the space of 30 deliveries, six Pakistan will play two one- Ireland in the first round. times with six fours and a six. great Sachin Tendulkar who wicket, was the only other Sri wickets fell for just 31 runs with day internationals against New India, Australia, New Zealand, But having attained the mile- amassed 18,426 runs. Lankan batsman to top 20 as the the Sri Lankan innings folding Zealand on January 31 and Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Scotland stone he was bowled by Thisara Tillakaratne Dilshan, who New Zealand bowlers carved up three balls from the scheduled February 3 before playing their and Bangladesh comprise group Perera and Anderson vacated the made 44 in a 102-run stand the lower order. end. AFP first match against arch-rivals A. AFP Scoreboard SRI LANKA tori 10-0-41-0; Williamson 7-0-50-1. Indian media slams ‘talkative’ Warner D Karunaratne lbw Southee ...... 5 NEW ZEALAND NEW DELHI: T Dilshan c Guptill b Williamson ...... 44 M Guptill c Sangakkara b Mathews ...... 20 India’s media in the past he does not seem to went for a single off an overthrow “Australia have made ‘playing K Sangakkara c Guptill b Milne ...... 76 B McCullum c Perera b Kulasekara ...... 11 yesterday lashed out at David learn,” The Times of India wrote, which they wrongly believed was hard but fair’ one of the most M Jayawardene c Ronchi b Anderson ...... 94 K Williamson b Perera ...... 103 Warner over his repeated verbal referring to his constant run-ins in breach of cricket etiquette. laughable cliches in cricket world. A Mathews c Ronchi b Milne ...... 0 R Taylor c Sangakkara b Herath ...... 8 clashes with Mahendra Singh with the Indians during the pre- The reporter for the Wisden By their estimation, everything L Thirimanne b McClenaghan ...... 19 G Elliott c Thirimanne b Mendis ...... 44 Dhoni’s touring team, demand- ceding Test series. India website covering the series they do is ‘hard but fair’, but eve- T Perera c McCullum b Southee ...... 5 G Anderson (run out-Dilshan) ...... 47 ing the aggressive Australian The Hindustan Times said said Warner’s behaviour was rything opposition does is unfair.” J Mendis c Vettori b Southee ...... 12 L Ronchi (not out) ...... 32 opener be reined in. Indian team managers had unwarranted and would one day Warner admitted he should N Kulasekara (run out) ...... 4 D Vettori (not out) ...... 7 “Brakes on motormouth decided to ignore Warner rather “come back to bite him very badly not have confronted Sharma but S Senanayake (not out)...... 1 Extras (LB-1, W-7) ...... 8 Warner” and “Talkative Warner than react to the sledging. where it hurts”. said the pair had been engaging R Herath c Williamson b McClenaghan ...... 0 Total (for 6 wkts in 48.1 overs) ...... 280 crosses the line” read two head- “The Indian team management, “Warner is also the perfect in “friendly banter” during the Extras (LB-2, W-14) ...... 16 Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-41, 3-63, 4-151, lines in Indian newspapers after despite all the verbal volleys that example of a man fighting for all match, which Australia won with Total (all out in 49.3 overs) ...... 276 5-230, 6-245. Warner was fined 50 percent flew from the Aussie camp, con- the wrong causes, however strong six balls to spare despite a cen- Fall of Wickets: 1-11, 2-113, 3-180, 4-180, Bowling: Kulasekara 9-0-51-1 (3w); Mathews of his match fee for demanding firmed that the team had decided his conviction might be that he is tury by Sharma, and he didn’t feel 5-245, 6-253, 7-268, 8-270, 9-273, 10-276. 4-1-16-1 (1w); Herath 9-1-39-1 (2w); Perera Rohit Sharma “speak English” to not react and concentrate in doing the right thing,” he wrote. the need to apologise. Bowling: Southee 10-1-59-3 (4w); Milne 7-0- 8-0-58-1; Senanayake 9.1-0-57-0; Mendis during Sunday’s one-dayer in getting back to winning ways,” the “He does not suffer from white India are currently engaged 28-2 (1w); McClenaghan 9.3-0-58-2 (4w); 7-0-40-1 (1w); Dilshan 2-0-18-0. Melbourne. paper wrote. line fever so much as define it. with England and hosts Australia Anderson 3-0-19-1; Elliott 3-0-19-0 (1w); Vet- Series: New Zealand lead 2-1. “Warner has a knack of getting The Australian fielders had One day, it will come back to bite in a tri-series to prepare for the into trouble. Despite warnings taken offence when the Indians him very badly where it hurts. World Cup. AFP WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 ‘Prince of Dakar’ returns home Dakar Rally champion Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah targets more glory in years to come

BY RIZWAN REHMAT Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, the DOHA: Dakar Rally cham- 2015 Dakar Rally pion Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, champion, is recently dubbed the ‘Prince all smiles as he of Dakar’ in Argentina, has arrives at Hamad no plans to stop after nail- International ing his second triumph in the world’s most gruelling off-road Airport in Doha competition. late on Monday Four days ago, Qatar Rally night. Team driver Al Attiyah and co- driver Matthieu Baumel won the 2015 Dakar Rally after leading from day two all the way to the finish and going fastest on six stages. On Monday night, the Qatari rally star was warmly received at the airport by the Minister of Youth and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali, Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary General Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and QMMF President Nasser bin ABOVE: The 2015 Dakar Khalifa Al Attiyah at Hamad Rally champion Nasser International Airport. Saleh Al Attiyah is joined by In a stunning performance, Al Minister of Youth and Sports Attiyah and co-driver recorded a H E Salah bin Ghanem bin 35-minute lead in the 9,000-kilo- metre rally that attracted the Nasser Al Ali, Qatar Olympic world’s top drivers and riders over Committee Secretary 14 days of competition. General Sheikh Saoud bin It was Nasser’s second win on Abdulrahman Al Thani and the Dakar following his triumph QMMF President Nasser in 2011. This is also a fourth con- bin Khalifa Al Attiyah at a secutive triumph for MINI. cake-cutting ceremony at “Yes, yes, people in Argentina Hamad International Airport started calling me ‘Prince of late on Monday night. LEFT: Dakar,” Al Attiyah said with Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah a huge smile on his face at the and co-driver Matthieu Ministerial Lounge of Hamad Baumel celebrate their win in International Airport late on Argentina. Monday night. “But you know our target is to break the win record at Dakar words felt so great to me. It was Argentina started calling me Question: Were you confi- Rally,” Al Attiyah said with a a great moment for me. Also, my ‘Prince of Dakar (laughs). But you dent of winning when you went firm tone. fellow Qataris have wished me know our target is to break the there? Excerpts from a chat with the well. It was a fantastic day for me. win record at Dakar Rally. Answer: I promised last year champion rally driver: Question: How do you com- Question: How do you feel at when I was on the podium that Question: What does this win pare the two Dakar Rally wins? this reception that you have got I’d be back to win, and now I’m mean to you, to Qatar and for Answer: This is a special win here? here. It was very hard to lead the the motor sport scene in the for me because I received a lot of Answer: It was great to see race from the very beginning and region? calls from fans in Qatar and the so many people turn up at the to continue keeping this position Answer: It means everything rest of the world. I got support airport. I am thankful to them on the long distance. It is not an for me because our target was to from QMMF, the Qatar Olympic for being here. H E the Sports easy race by any means. I’m very go there and win the world’s big- Committee and my sponsors Minister was here as well as happy about this great result and gest race in the world. I am so Ooredoo. Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman I want to thank and congratulate happy to win this difficult race. To Question: Now you are called Al Thani from Qatar Olympic all mechanics and the team for receive a call from His Highness the ‘Prince of Dakar’. Is that Committee. President of QMMF the great job they have done dur- the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin how you were addressed at the Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah was ing the two weeks. The MINI Hamad Al Thani was a great. The rally? present as well. My sponsors were ALL4 Racing is an incredible car. Emir said ‘well done’ and those Answer: Yes, yes, people in also present. THE PENINSULA Smart strategy behind Nasser’s triumph: QMMF chief

DOHA: Nasser Saleh Al “I think between the gravel Attiyah’s ‘smart strategy’ and the dunes, he was playing helped the Qatari win the Dakar good strategy - not allowing the Rally for the second time in his car to overheat in the sand dunes. career, QMMF President said He did not spin too many tires yesterday. and allowed little heat into the Three days ago, Qatar Rally engine. He was thinking about the Team driver Al Attiyah and co- car more than winning the stages. driver Matthieu Baumel won the “He struck a great balance. He 2015 Dakar Rally after leading kept the car in good shape and he from day two all the way to the kept himself also in good (physi- finish. cal) condition. He ran a great QMMF President Nasser bin marathon. He had a very good Khalifa Al Attiyah was joined by car. That gave him a great incen- the Minister of Youth and Sports tive to go all the way,” Al Attiyah, H E Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser who is the Vice President at FIA, Al Ali and QOC Secretary General explained. Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman “We are proud of him. This Al Thani to welcome Nasser Saleh achievement is for all Qatar in a rapturous welcome at Hamad motor sport fans. It (the win) International Airport on Monday shows that Qatar is very strong in night. motor sport in the entire region. “Nasser is a hero. For us, he is I think it will motivate more peo- a motor sport ambassador for the ple to take up motor sport. The region. From day one he gave the future looks bright. message that he was heading for “Nasser is doing wonderful the win. He showed his intent of things to promote the motor sport winning from the outset. There is culture. He is providing good lead- a technique on how to drive and ership to the young drivers,” Al win and he showed us how to do Attiyah said. it. He showed the rest of the com- “I have received maybe more petitors that he belongs to this than 100 phone calls from the “He corrected that situation stage. He showed his passion,” Al motor sport family around the and now he just drives because ABOVE: Nasser bin Attiyah said. world. There were messages and he has a proper team and a per- Khalifa Al Attiyah, FIM “I think he had a good strategy. e-mails on the great win. He has fect car. Deputy President and He used his brains smartly. He done a great thing for himself. He “Now he just trains and focuses FIA Vice President, wasn’t into any crazy maneuver- can develop himself further. His on the rallies. He has data from Sheikh Ahmad Mansour ing during the rally. He knew he co-driver did a good job. They had last many years. He is getting Al Ahmad Al Sabah, did not want to create any prob- a great combination. They make more experience since it is more Chairman and General lems and he did not want to waste us happy,” he added. or less the same terrain and most Manager, Public any time on recovery (if he lost Al Attiyah said the 2015 win did of the route is also same. Authority for Youth & his way),” Al Attiyah added. not come as a surprise. “We hope he has starts the Sport, are seen with “He was cool. He was driving in “No, I am not that surprise at season here on a similar note,” Dakar Rally champion a good style. He finds himself con- Nasser winning the Dakar Rally,” Al Attiyah said. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah fident. Now he knows he can enjoy Al Attiyah said. “All of this has been possible in Doha on Monday. the race and win. He knows he “We started planning for such because of the absolute support RIGHT: Nasser Saleh Al doesn’t have to be over-confident. events since 2005. Nasser has of His Highness the Emir, Sheikh He didn’t do any accidents or any been achieving great results. He Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Attiyah is garlanded on mess. He had a good strategy. He has been working on his strat- “The Emir has supported the his arrival on Monday. was observing on the second, egies. He went for MINI and motor sport programes in a mas- PICTURES: ABDUL third and fourth-placed drivers they gave him the best support. sive way and we are looking at the BASIT and AYOOB and seeing how they were doing. Previously he had to organize his rewards now,” Al Attiyah said. ABDULLAH And he paced himself accordingly. team and drive at the same time. THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Garcia the player to beat in Doha, says Stenson BY RIZWAN REHMAT and the three seconds. I guess I’ve figured out a decent way to DOHA: Defending champion Dubai-based play the course, and I’ve done and world number six Sergio Henrik Stenson some good scores over the years Garcia could be the player to (right) sees a in windy conditions as well,” the beat at this week’s Commercial tough opponent popular Swede said. Bank Qatar Masters, Dubai- in World No.6 “Of course it’s down to how well based Henrik Stenson said Sergio Garcia I can play here this week. The yesterday. ahead of the day before the tournament, it’s Last year, Garcia edged Commercial going to be some final practise Finland’s Mikko Ilonen in a play- Bank Qatar and preparations and I’m going off to win the event and move into to head out there and see what Masters which the world top-10 after an intense we can do,’ he said. tees off today at battle at the picturesque Doha “ (I) got a strong pairing with Golf Club (DGC). the picturesque Ernie (Els), second week now “Yeah, it would be hard not Doha Golf Club. playing with Ernie, and Sergio is to put him in that situation,” back in action, so we’ll have good Stenson, the 2006 Qatar Masters fun out there. It’s a good group, champion, said ahead of today’s so looking forward to it,” added opening action. can kick-start his season in Doha, is (in Doha), but normally we get the golfer. “He’s played really well around where strong winds are forecast our fair share of wind here, which Stenson said despite missing here and played this tourna- for the opening round. is part of the course defence and the cut, time spent in Abu Dhabi ment a lot of times as well,” the “At least I played better the makes it play better,” said the was a relief. 38-year-old Swede added. second day than the first day,” Swede who has won 13 titles “Well, I was just practising and “That (putting Garcia as Stenson said of his miserable around the world. working on technical stuff before favourite) takes all the pressure show in Abu Dhabi. “Yeah, a lit- “I feel okay. I certainly have the (Abu Dhabi) event and I away from me so let’s do that,” the tle bit of a slow start,” he added. played better than I am doing but couldn’t really incorporate that world number two added. “I hope to improve on last I’m sure we can probably find a and take that on to the course. Spain’s Sergio Garcia takes a selfie along with fans ahead of the Garcia, 35, will be attempt- week’s performance this week few times where we played worse, We’re spending some time try- Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at the Doha Golf Club in Doha, yesterday. ing to become the first player to here,” the Dubai-based golfer said. as well,” Stenson added. ing to make things simpler while Garcia has been dubbed as favourite to retain his title. defend his title at DGC where “It’s early in the year and a Stenson who has one title, three still getting the important bits in Stenson will be seeking to re- work-in-progress but I felt like I runners-up and a seventh-place there,” he said. discover form after missing the played half decent at least 18 out finish over the years, knows the “You’ve always got to do the “It was nothing that was par- means. At least I kept the ball in cut in Abu Dhabi last week. there. It was slow and fairly hot. course well and expects to regain work at some point in the sea- ticularly good but I played a the fairway and hit most of the Stenson recovered from an Not as bad as it was yesterday, lost touch this week. son and normally that happens decent round, the second round, greens, unlike what I did the first opening 76 in Abu Dhabi to shoot still a bit of wind. “It has been (a) good hunting early on and I just didn’t get it shot 4-under in the afternoon day,” Stenson added. a four-under 68 and now hopes he “I don’t know what the forecast ground, and like you say, the win together,” Stenson said. which wasn’t a bad score by any THE PENINSULA Qatar Masters, QAFCO World’s best target glory extend partnership

DOHA: Qatar Fertiliser These are exciting times for both Company (QAFCO) has of us.” extended its partnership with QAFCO integrates Corporate as Qatar Masters begins the Commercial Bank Qatar Social Responsibility into all Masters, Qatar’s flagship golf aspects of its operations and is event. keen to actively strengthen the QAFCO will again sponsor the relationship between the company Garcia aims to create history by retaining title in Doha popular Family Zone during the and the community. four-day European Tour event, QAFCO assumes significant which starts today at the Doha roles in sponsoring social, cul- DOHA: Spanish star Sergio Golf Club. tural, environmental, educational Garcia will aim to become the QAFCO’s continued spon- and sporting events held in Qatar. first player to win back-to- sorship of the Family Zone on This year’s Commercial Bank back titles in Doha when the the lawn beside the clubhouse Qatar Masters features many of $2.5m Commercial Bank Qatar strengthens the event’s family the world’s leading golfers, includ- Masters begins at the wind-bat- offerings, encouraging kids of all ing World No. 2 Henrik Stenson, tered Doha Golf Club today. ages to have fun trying out golf World No. 5 Justin Rose, World The 35-year-old took the and other sports. No. 6 Sergio Garcia and four-time Mother of Pearl trophy last year Hamed Al Marwani, Chief Major winner Ernie Els. following a thrilling play-off Administration Officer, QAFCO, Watched by an audience of mil- against Finn Mikko Ilonen, and and Abdulla Al Raisi, CEO of lions around the world and tens the Spaniard made no secret of Commercial Bank, signed the of thousands of event specta- his ambition to do an encore in new agreement as QAFCO tors each year, the Commercial what is his first tournament of extended its first venture into golf Bank Qatar Masters is one of the the year. sponsorship. Middle East’s most prestigious “I came close to winning a few “We are delighted to be involved sporting events. times, so it was nice to get over with this event,” Al Marwani said. Commercial Bank Qatar the line last year,” Garcia said. “We have strong roots in Qatar Masters tickets are avail- “I played really well on the last and a long history of sporting able to purchase now at Virgin day to get into the play-off, then sponsorship here, so it is a sincere Megastores (in stores in Doha had to play really well all over partnership between us and one and online), Doha Golf Club, and again to beat Mikko. of the Middle East’s most prestig- the Doha Rugby FC. “So I have some good memories ious sporting events.” Each ticket purchased entitles and hopefully they can inspire me Al Raisi said: We look forward the holder to one free return drive to have another successful week. to working together further to to the event at Doha Golf Club by “I want to play as well as I can continue to raise Qatar’s profile event partner UBER. and put up a good defence of my on the world’s sporting stage. THE PENINSULA title,” added Garcia, who will play the first two rounds in an all-star Doha Golf Club is all set to play host to Commercial Bank Qatar Masters which tees off today. Abdulla Saleh Al group with Henrik Stenson and Raisi (left), CEO Ernie Els. of Commercial Garcia is playing in the tour- later in the week, so I’m looking has won the tournament before He has 15 European Tour titles Bank; Hamed nament for the 10th time, having forward to playing in my short and both guys finished last year under his belt, and carries tre- made his debut at the age of 19 sleeves with the sun on my back really well, while there are many mendous experience of playing on Al Marwani in 1999. and hopefully a smile on my face,” other players who can win this desert courses. (centre), Chief From 2007 onwards, he has he added. tournament.” “I’m a big fan of the Qatar Administration played in every edition of the The Spaniard, however, will Stenson is competing in Doha Masters,” Bjorn said. Officer, QAFCO event, which he considers one of face a tough challenge from a host for the 15th straight time, while “I played really well in 2011 and Hassan his favourites. of stars. Ryder Cup heroes Thomas Bjorn when I won it and it’s always an Al Nuaimi, “I’ve started my season in “This year it’s a really strong and Stephen Gallacher will also event I enjoy, with great weather, President of Qatar for the last few years, and field with players like Henrik take part. a fantastic course, excellent fans the Qatar Golf I always enjoy coming back. I [Stenson] and Justin [Rose], who Bjorn, 43, the 2011 champion and just good all-round hospi- Association pose just feel very comfortable here,” have been among the world’s best in Qatar, was part of the winning tality. With so many Ryder Cup for a picture after Garcia said. “The weather’s usu- players in recent years. European Ryder Cup team last winners this year, it looks like a renewing the ally great. “They’ll obviously be among the September, and is a three-time strong field and that’s great for contract. “But it’s meant to warm up players to watch out for. Henrik runner-up in the majors. all of us.” AFP Wattel’s team wins Pro-Am

Defending DOHA: European Tour Stenson finished sixth with his in Simon Khan’s team. Sergio champion star Romain Wattel led the Turkey team, which included Garcia, the 2014 Commercial Sergio Garcia Byrne 1 team to victory in Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkey’s Bank Qatar Masters champion, (extreme left) the Commercial Bank Qatar Minister of Foreign Affairs, and headed a team featuring Andrew Hassan Al Masters Pro-Am yesterday. Ahmet Agaoglu, President of the Stevens, Advisor to the Board, Nuaimi (second The 24-year-old French pro led Turkish Golf Federation. Commercial Bank, and Hassan Al right), President his team featuring amateurs Steve The Pro-Am featured 40 pros, Nuaimi, President of the Qatar Qatar Golf Caygill, Simon Gabelle and Pierre each teamed up with three ama- Golf Association, while Yasmain Association and Jean Paumard to a medal score of teurs that included a range of Al Sharshani, Qatar’s top female Andrew Stevens -23, which secured victory in the local and international celebrities golfer, played in Thomas Aiken’s (extreme right), traditional curtain-raiser to the from around the world. group. long-standing Commercial Bank Title sponsor Commercial Rising golf stars also took part, Adviser to Qatar Masters. Bank fielded seven teams in the with YE Yang’s team including the Board, Gary Stal, another young competition. 13-year-old Christine Scholten- Commercial French star, led his NeoCasa 3 Famous footballers featured, Kool, who was playing in her third Bank pose with team to second place on -17, with with former Scotland striker Commercial Bank Qatar Masters the Commercial the 22-year-old himself show- Andy Gray playing for the second Pro-Am and has been playing golf Bank Qatar ing the form that earned him a straight year. at Doha Golf Club since she was Masters trophy. maiden European Tour victory in Glenn Hoddle, the former six. Abu Dhabi on Sunday. England midfielder and man- Prizes were awarded at a Thai pro Kiradech Aphibarnrat, ager, and Andrew Cole, the Pro-Am Dinner hosted by The 25, led the ProSports team to former Manchester United and St Regis Doha, the tournament’s third place. World No. 2 Henrik England striker, joined Gray Official Hotel.THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Qatar’s Meshal retires after Asian Cup failure Iraq’s Salam Shakir is lifted SYDNEY: Qatari footballer said, adding: “But at this moment by team-mates Meshal Abdullah (pictured) and officially I decided to retire.” at the end of has announced his retirement He voiced his sadness at the way their Asian Cup from international foot- the national team exited Group D match ball, citing the national the tournament failing against Palestine team’s lack of need for to score any point. in Canberra, his services as the rea- “Gulf champions yesterday. son for his decision. should have made a RIGHT: Abdullah made the better appearance and Japanese fans announcement after the compete for the title cheer prior to Maroon’s 2-1 loss against rather than being the Bahrain in the team’s last last-placed in its group,” match between group stage game at the he said. Japan and Asian Cup in Australia. Al Ahli forward was Jordan at the However, he hinted introduced in the last Melbourne that he may return for national five minutes of today’s game Rectangular duty. against Bahrain. The Maroon Stadium in “I can’t hesitate in serving my lost their first two games; 4-1 Melbourne. national team and if they call me against UAE and 1-0 against Iran. up, I won’t hesitate,” Abdullah QNA Doumbia goal secures draw for Ivory Coast

MALABO, Equatorial and Seydouba Soumah, their top Guinea: Substitute Seydou scorer in qualifying, through Japan, Iraq storm into Doumbia rescued a point for suspension. 10-man Ivory Coast as the They were lucky to remain on Elephants drew 1-1 with Guinea level terms in an opening half in their opening game at the hour in which the Ivory Coast Africa Cup of Nations in Malabo had the best of the chances, with yesterday. Roma winger Gervinho breaking CSKA Moscow forward into the box and then seeing his Asian Cup quarters Doumbia finished low into the shot turned against the bar by bottom left-hand corner of the goalkeeper Naby Yattara after net after linking up excellently Bony failed with an initial effort with Wilfried Bony 18 minutes in the game. Japan outwit Jordan, Iraq down Palestine in identical wins from the end of a dramatic Group Gervinho burst into the area D encounter between the west again following a pass from African neighbours in Equatorial Eric Bailly, only for Yattara to MELBOURNE: Golden boys spot-kick but Ahmeed Yaseen Guinea’s capital. stop what was this time a weak Keisuke Honda and Shinji sealed a 2-0 victory with a pow- Herve Renard’s team, cap- attempt. Kagawa fired holders Japan into erful low drive two minutes from tained by African player of the Instead it was Guinea, with the Asian Cup quarter-finals time. year Yaya Toure, were widely con- Keita and Ibrahima Conte look- yesterday as Iraq again owed a Iraq next take on neighbours sidered favourites to get the bet- ing particularly enterprising in debt of gratitude to evergreen and three-time champions Iran in ter of the group outsiders but fell midfield, who got their noses in striker Younis Mahmoud. Canberra in a quarter-final which behind when Mohamed Yattara front on 37 minutes. AC Milan’s Honda ran riot in pitches together two of Asian struck eight minutes before the The Elephants’ defence failed the 2-0 win over Jordan, scoring football’s fiercest rivals. interval. to deal with a hanging cross the opener and hitting the post “Younis is such an experienced And their hopes of taking from Guinea’s stand-in cap- late on, while Kagawa got his player and so positive for the anything from the game were tain Ibrahima Traore, and Lyon first of the tournament late in team,” said Iraq’s caretaker boss seriously compromised when striker Yattara lashed the ball the game. Radhi Shenaishil. Gervinho was shown a straight high into the roof of the net Japan, who have won four of the “He is the player that every- red card early in the second half much to the delight of the Syli last six Asian Cup titles, reached one in the team thinks is a star. following a clash in the Guinea Nationale’s fans. the last eight without conceding I think tonight was the most penalty area that left Naby Keita The Ivorian side were then a goal and they will face Mahdi time he’s spent on the pitch this down requiring treatment. reduced to 10 men just before the Ali’s stylish UAE side in Sydney tournament.” In a section that also contains hour mark following a moment on Friday. In Melbourne, Japan domi- Cameroon and Mali, both sides of madness from Gervinho, and “It was an intense game,” Japan nated the first half and Takashi will leave disappointed with the they almost fell further behind coach Javier Aguirre told report- Inui seemed to have blasted them final outcome, with Guinea unable moments later when Traore’s ers. “We had to give maximum ahead early on, but the ball was to make the most of their numeri- shot from range crashed off the effort but we deserved to win. ruled to have gone into touch cal superiority and the Ivory bar. Now everything starts from zero moments earlier. Coast left with a lot of work still Renard was forced to look again. All the eight teams in the But the Blue Samurai went to do to win their first continental to his bench for inspiration quarter-finals have equal oppor- ahead on 24 minutes when Shinji crown since 1992. and Doumbia took the place of tunity to win the tournament.” Okazaki’s venomous shot was par- Guinea’s hopes of winning Salomon Kalou as part of a double Iraq, meanwhile, found ried to Honda and the blond talis- this game, played in tempera- change on 65 minutes. Palestine a tough nut to crack man snapped up the rebound for tures creeping above 30 degrees The 27-year-old did not require but Mahmoud revived memories his third in three games. and high humidity, were not long to make his mark, and both of his famous winner in the 2007 Okazaki blasted into the side- helped by the absence of skip- sides had to settle for a share of final when he climbed to nod the netting as Aguirre’s men pressed, Iraq’s Younis Mahmoud (left) celebrates after scoring the 1-0 lead during per Kamil Zayatte due to injury the spoils. AFP opener from a corner. but Jordan came out a side the Asian Cup match against Palestine in Canberra, yesterday. The club-less veteran disap- refreshed after the break, push- pointingly missed a second-half ing Japan back in their best spell of the game. Honda came just inches from were unable to find a way past However, the reigning champi- his fourth of the tournament, Palestine. The match came to life Asian Cup ons soon regained the upper hand which would have made him joint at the start of the second half and and Yasuhito Endo nearly marked top-scorer, when he rattled the Mahmoud leapt high to bury his Quarter-final his 151st cap with a goal, but his upright in the dying seconds. header from a corner and give fierce drive fizzed over. “We didn’t have too many Iraq the lead. Line-Ups Honda had the ball in the net opportunities,” said Jordan coach The referee then pointed Quarter-final line-ups at the in the 58th minute, before it was Ray Wilkins. to the spot for a shove on Asian Cup after the last matches chalked off for offside, and he “It was very difficult to get the American-based Justin Meram, of the group stage yesterday: then tested the busy goalkeeper ball off them. My head’s still spin- but Mahmoud’s tame spot-kick Tomorrow: South Korea vs Uzbekistan at Amer Shafi from the edge of the ning, their football is of a very, was within range for stand-in 6:30pm (0730 GMT) in Melbourne; Australia box. very high standard.” goalkeeper Tawfiq Abudhammad vs China at 8:30pm (1030 GMT) in Brisbane. But it was Kagawa who had Iraq dominated possession who dived correctly to his left. the last word for Japan when he against Palestine in a boister- It was a full-blooded affair, but Friday side-footed substitute Yoshinori ous first half, which saw some Iraq’s number nine Yaseen put Iran vs Iraq at 5:30pm (0630 GMT) in Canberra; Yaya Toure (right) of Ivory Coast is challenged by Guinea’s Kevin Constant Muto’s cross with enough power tough tackling and a bloody nose the result beyond doubt with an during their 2015 African Cup of Nations match in Malabo yesterday. Japan vs UAE at 8:30pm (0930 GMT) in Sydney. to go in off goalkeeper Shafi. for Iraqi Saad Abdulamaeer, but unerring finish. AFP Palestine boss upbeat Goals will come for Suarez: Enrique about team’s future MADRID: Barcelona coach performance of the campaign to Luis Enrique has backed Luis Deportivo’s beat the Spanish champions 3-1. CANBERRA: Palestine coach winning the AFC Challenge Cup Suarez to come good in front goalkeeper Fabri The pressure had been mount- Ahmad Alhasan hailed his last year. of goal despite the Uruguayan’s (right) catches ing on Enrique prior to that game players’ spirit yesterday after Palestine suffer from travel paltry record of two league goals the ball next with reports of Messi leading a they exited the Asian Cup and restrictions put in place by Israeli since becoming the most expen- dressing room coup against the to Barcelona’s declared their first appearance authorities, meaning they are sive signing in the club’s history. former Barca captain. Uruguayan forward at the tournament was just “the often missing players and strug- Suarez has only made 15 However, he shrugged off sug- beginning”. gle to hold training sessions and appearances in all competitions Luis Suarez during gestions that his position could be The Palestinians fought tooth friendlies. since his reported £75m ($114m, the Spanish League back under the spotlight should and nail against Iraq, going down They finished bottom of Group 98m euros) move from Liverpool at the Municipal the Catalans fail to produce a 2-0 in their best performance in D with zero points, but leave with in July after serving a four-month de Riazor Stadium repeat performance against Diego Australia. They also lost 4-0 to their heads held high. ban for biting Italian defender in La Coruna on Simeone’s men. defending champions Japan and “You have to understand that Giorgio Chiellini at the World Sunday. “I don’t have the feeling that 5-1 to Jordan. for most of our players this is the Cup. However, since his return he tomorrow my job is on the line. “We have gained a lot of experi- first time in a big tournament,” has failed to show the same form All we are playing for is to get ence and a huge lesson by partici- said Alhasan. that saw him register 31 Premier his class will ensure a return to and helping us a lot both in attack through a tie against an opponent pating. It will have a deep impact “We know that they lack the League goals last season. goalscoring form sooner rather and defence. that will demand we play at our on our future planning and strat- sufficient fear factor to deal with Suarez missed two glorious than later. “The goals will come for sure best level. egy for the team,” Alhasan told the pressure currently.” chances as Lionel Messi stole “Luis Suarez looks fine to me,” because he is a goalscorer and “On an emotional level it helps reporters. “But they’ve had a wonderful the headlines with his 30th hat- Enrique said ahead of his side’s has shown that throughout his us that we were able to beat them The Palestinians, ranked 115th game tonight and we reached trick for the club as Barca eased Copa del Rey quarter-final, first career.” One of Suarez’s two La after not doing so six times last in the world, overcame compli- Iraq’s goal area nine times,” he past Deportivo la Coruna 4-0 leg against Atletico Madrid on Liga goals came against Atletico season, but I don’t think it will cations of an Israeli blockade to added. “This is the beginning, this on Sunday, but Enrique praised Wednesday. just over a week ago when Barca influence too much what happens reach their first Asian Cup by is not the end.” AFP Suarez’s work rate and insisted “He is working incredibly hard turned in arguably their best on the pitch.” AFP Wednesday 21 January 2015 1 Rabial II 1436 Volume 19 Number 6317 Sport Price: QR2 Leading newspaper from Nepal Finn helps ‘Prince of England thrash Dakar’ returns

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A Polish player in action against Russia during a group stage match of the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship, at Lusail Multipurpose Hall near Doha yesterday. CENTRE: Nikola Karabatic of France tries to score against Iceland during a group stage match of the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship at the Duhail Handball Sports Hall in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: Argentina’s Sergio Crevatin (right) in action against Saudi Arabia during their group stage match at Duhail Handball Sports Hall. PICTURES: SALIM MATRAMKOT AND AGENCIES Aggressive Egypt outplay Czechs Handawy shines as Jicha fails to inspire

DOHA: Even the return of one of the world’s best players, Filip Today’s Order of Play Jicha, to their side didn’t help the Czech Republic’s cause yes- Group A: Belarus, Brazil, Chile, Qatar, Slovenia, Spain terday as Egypt took them down Day Time Match Venue 27-24 at the Ali Bin Hamad Al 5.00pm Chile vs Belarus Lusail Attiyah Arena here to creep January 21 7.00pm Qatar vs Spain Lusail closer to a knockout-stage berth 5.00pm Slovenia vs Brazil Duhail of the 24th Men’s Handball Group B: Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Iran, Tunisia World Championship. Initially the presence of Jicha — 7.00pm Macedonia vs Croatia Duhail who was sidelined for two matches January 21 5.00pm Iran vs Austria Al Attiyah due to illness — seemed to lift the 7.00pm Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Tunisia Al Attiyah Czech team and they dominated the opening seven minutes of the easily found their rhythm again credited a better defensive display match. But it soon became clear — thanks to goals by another left- for the win. that he hadn’t recovered fully. hander, Mohamed Amer — and “We played a much better Cheered on by a large Egyptian went ahead 18-15. defence than we did in the two contingent in crowd, the North With 10 minutes remaining, previous games against France Africans took a four-goal lead the Czech defence couldn’t find an and Algeria. Defence is always after 14 minutes, which drew a answer to their rivals’ aggressive the key to win games and to go quick reaction from the Czech play and Egypt were ahead 23-19. high,” he said while thanking the bench. The North Africans maintained Egyptian fans for their support. The European squad scored the pressure for the rest of the “It has been fantastic. We are three unanswered goals to nar- time to win their second group all thankful to our fans and we row the gap to 7-6, a clear sign stage match, while the Europeans promise to do everything possible that Jicha and his team-mates slipped to their third-consecutive to bring them more pride.” weren’t afraid of the vociferous defeat. In other group-stage matches Egyptian support. Elahmar top-scored for the yesterday, the Argentinians However, the Czechs couldn’t Egyptians, netting five goals, swept aside Saudi Arabia 32-20 find an answer to the outstand- while Jicha was the best the and France took on Iceland in ing offensive skills of right-back Czechs had to offer, scoring four. a rematch of the 2008 Beijing Ahmed Elahmar, who put his A disappointed Jicha blamed Olympics final. There were quite team three goals ahead at the end missed opportunities for the loss. a few players on both teams who of the first-half (13-10). “We didn’t finish the chances we had battled for Olympic glory The Egyptian bench was forced had to score. This is the key to six years ago and the tempo was to call a time-out after a furious the loss, which hurt us, since we extremely fast and furious. second-half start by the Czechs didn’t win a game so far in this The Icelandic team showed that left the scores level at 13-13. world championship.” tremendous skills and were very But the bronze medal team from When asked about his con- efficient with their fast breaks. the last African Championship dition, he replied: “I am feeling The back court with Palmarsson, much better now. Since I have Gudjonsson and Hallgrimsson 24th Men’s Handball been here I have spent all my time tore apart the French defence. in my hotel room lying in bed. I However, the French were equal Championship also had high fever and when it to the challenge. Nikola Karabatic went down, I had stomach ache. and line-player Sorhaindo led the Results I lost a lot of weight. I am very attack with imagination and cool Egypt beat Czech Republic 27-24 weak but also happy I could play confidence. Sweden beat Algeria 27-19 today.” In one of the most exciting He also lauded Egyptian goal- games of the tournament so far, France drew Iceland 26-26 keeper Karim Handawy. “The no team managed to get the bet- Argentina beat Saudi Arabia 32-20 goalkeeper of Egypt was brilliant,” ter of the other and the match Poland beat Russia 26-25 Jicha said. ended in a 26-26 draw. Denmark drew Germany 30-30 Man-of-the-match Handawy THE PENINSULA