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Annual Pure Bred Arabian Horse Race OPINION Emir calls for John Kerry and the Palestinian cause S President Barack Obama picked John unity among UKerry as his new secre- tary of state at the end of January to suc- Islamic states ceed Hillary Clinton. Clinton Terror top threat to peace, security left office after several Khalid Al Sayed CAIRO: The Emir H H Sheikh years of serv- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani OIC backs Doha ice, during yesterday called on Muslim which the Arab world wit- countries to form a unified vision pact on Syria oppn nessed many political changes to face the challenges of a world CAIRO: The 12th Islamic and shifts. where barriers were crumbling summit yesterday welcomed After announcing his and crises transcended interna- in its final statement the choice, Obama praised Kerry, tional boundaries. Syrian opposition’s agree- saying: “Few people such as Nihilist terrorism, which had ment on November 11 in Kerry know so many presi- no regard for communities and Doha under the auspices of The Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani giving the Golden Sword to H E Sheikh Hamad dents or prime ministers who nations and used religion as a the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Mishaal bin Hamad Al Thani, owner of ‘Al-Mujahaz’, the winner of the main seventh race of the Annual are familiar with the foreign cover, remained one of the biggest bin Khalifa Al Thani, which Pure Bred Arabian Horse Race at the Racing and Equestrian Club in Doha, yesterday. The Heir Apparent also policy as he does, and this challenges facing Islamic states resulted in the formation of makes him a suitable candi- handed two trophies of the fifth and sixth races to H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Personal as it threatened the peace and the Syrian National Coalition. date to lead the US diplomacy Adviser of H H the Emir, and the owner of both ‘Tabarak’ and ‘Very Nice Name’. security of Islamic people, he said. The summit thanked Qatar in the coming years.” The Emir was speaking at the for its efforts that culminated Israel’s annoyance and 12th summit of the Organisation in the agreement and urged concern over Kerry’s of Islamic Cooperation in Cairo. other opposition groups to appointment to this very He said these challenges called join the opposition umbrella, important position — which for four things, first being the while also offering solidar- Qatar’s budget surplus at $26bn in Q2 some analysts dubbed the need to adopt dialogue and other ity with Syria’s neighbours. position of US prime minis- peaceful means to resolve disputes QNA ter — was clear and obvious between states as well as between DOHA: Qatar’s state budget long-term investments to reduce analysts polled by it last January to one and all. conflicting parties within states. in the Middle East peace process turned a hefty surplus of its dependence on income from its forecast Qatar’s budget surplus Kerry’s stances are con- Also needed was attention to to compel Israel to comply with QR94.6bn ($26bn) in the second vast hydrocarbons resources. would be 9.1 percent of GDP in the trary to Israel’s policy, in human development and issues fac- UN resolutions, stop settlement quarter (July to September) of What is, however, a bit disturb- current fiscal year. some aspects, vis-a-vis the ing youth, who should be helped to activities that harm the peace the current fiscal year (2012-13). ing is the inflation data which show Expenditure rose nearly 14 per- Palestinian cause, particu- achieve their aspirations through process, remove its separation Preliminary data released by prices went up 2.6 percent in the cent from a year earlier to QR40.8bn larly on issues such as Jewish education and employment, and barrier and not jeopardise the the banking regulator, Qatar country in the third quarter of in July-September. Revenue was settlements in Jerusalem and involvement in decision-making, he status of Jerusalem. Central Bank (QCB), show the 2012 (the second quarter of fiscal QR135.3bn, up 74 percent. Oil- and the West Bank. He has also said. The Emir highlighted the need The Emir said the Syrian crisis fiscal surplus was 53.9 percent of 2012-13). According to Reuters, the gas-related revenue accounts for built good relations with to spread the correct teachings would end only if the Bashar Al gross domestic product (GDP) in budget surplus was more than dou- roughly 70 percent of Qatar’s budget Arab countries through his of Islam and deepen rapproche- Assad regime relinquished power the second quarter. Wire agency ble the QR42.2bn surplus recorded income. Under its budget plan frequent visits over the past ment and peaceful coexistence or was toppled, and there was an Reuters calculated the quarterly in the same quarter of the previous Qatar said it would boost spending two years since Arab Spring with others, as well as to achieve immediate cessation of violence, surplus at QR94.6bn. Qatar’s year, and compared with a QR18.5bn to QR178.6bn in the current fiscal revolutions began. unity among Islamic nations on the with the Syrian people getting the statistics agency, meanwhile, deficit in April-June, 2012. That put year, including wages, services and The Israeli newspaper basis of tolerance, the recognition right to self-determination so as put the GDP at current prices in the cumulative surplus at QR76.1bn projects, but expected a comfortable Yediot Aharonot carried state- of diversity as a source of strength to preserve the unity, stability and the third quarter of 2012 (second in April-September. surplus of QR27.8bn. ments of some Israeli offi- and richness, common interests, sovereignty of the country. The quarter of financial year 2012-13 Because of the timing of rev- Qatar plans to spend an average cials on Kerry. One of them people’s aspirations, and a common Emir called on the UN Security that began on April 1 last year) enue flows, Qatar’s budget usually of over 10 percent of GDP annu- said: “It is true that Kerry vision on international issues. Council to issue a binding ceasefire at 175.29bn. records deficits in the first quarter ally on infrastructure in the run- is a friend of Israel, but he On Israel’s decision to build new decision, send peacekeeping forces The central bank’s preliminary of its fiscal year, which begins in up to hosting the 2022 World Cup, is not like other Americans settlements, and the Judaisation and ensure a peaceful transition of data show that GDP growth in April, and then bounces back into Reuters said. Economy and Finance who show their supportive of Jerusalem, the Emir said these power in Syria. the quarter under review was 1.3 surplus for the rest of the year. Minister H E Yousuf Hussein Kamal attitudes and solidarity with measures constituted a challenge Meanwhile, a former Saudi percent. A hefty budget surplus Qatar booked a robust QR54.3bn told reporters informally recently Israel in the (US) Senate. His to the international community minister, Iyad Madani, was named is good news for Qatar which has surplus in the 2011/12 fiscal year, that the country would be allocat- stand on the Palestinian issue and a violation of international as the next head of OIC to succeed been spending hugely on infra- the biggest since at least 2005/06, ing more funds for public spending is clearly against Israel’s pol- law and human values. The Emir Turkey’s Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu. structure development and putting despite a surge in spending on in the next budget. icy and his criticism of the called on world powers involved QNA/AFP part of the surpluses in strategic public sector wages. Reuters said THE PENINSULA settlements is very acute.” Continued on page 3

Get vaccinated against influenza: HMC ‘Not easy for Qatar to change laws overnight’ DOHA: With a rise in seasonal influenza cases during winter, people who are vulnerable to the infection have been advised to BY FAZEENA SALEEM visit the primary health centres and get vaccinated. The influ- enza vaccine is available at primary health centres, outpatient DOHA: New York-based clinics at the Hamad Medical Corporation and vaccination unit Human Rights Watch has at the Mesaimeer health centre. “We are strongly advising the urged Qatar to announce a higher-risk categories such as children, pregnant women. the timeframe by which it hopes elderly and people with chronic diseases to have the vaccination to remove the sponsorship and as soon as possible,” Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, Head of Infectious exit permit system. Diseases Department at HMC, told The Peninsula yesterday. The rights watchdog said THE PENINSULA Qatar should follow interna- Full report on page 3 tional standards in safeguarding the rights of foreign workers as it prepares to host the coveted Oman likely to limit Clashes in Tunisia; 2022 FIFA event. Senior officials from Human Rights Watch told expats, hike wages strike today reporters: “All we ask the Qatari authorities is to announce a time- DUBAI: Oman’s government TUNIS: Tunisia was hit yes- frame to do away with sponsor- will limit the number of foreign terday by fresh protests, clashes ship and exit permit rules”. workers and sharply raise the and strikes sparked by the assas- “We know it’s not easy to do Jan Egeland (centre), Director for Europe, Human Rights Watch (HRW), addressing the media at a press conference minimum wage for locals in a sination of outspoken opposition away with a system that involves in Doha, yesterday. With him are, Nicholas McGheehan (left), Middle East Consultant, HRW; and Tamara Al Rifai, drive to increase employment leader Chokri Belaid, as the rul- over a million migrant workers. Advisory Director, Mena, HRW. SALIM MATRAMKOT of Omani citizens, state news ing Islamists broke ranks over It’s not easy to change the system agency ONA reported. how to defuse the crisis. overnight. But there should be a A statement by the Council of The country’s main trade union timetable for discontinuing the and lasting legacy,” he added. pay exorbitant and illegal recruit- on companies and individuals who Ministers said the government called a general strike today to coin- sponsorship law, and we want to Egeland and his colleagues ment fees, and prohibit companies violate laws designed to protect would aim to limit foreign work- cide with the funeral of Belaid, a see it as soon as practically pos- were addressing a news confer- from doing business with recruit- migrant workers’ rights. ers to 33 percent of Oman’s total lawyer and vocal critic of the ruling sible,” said Jan Egeland, Europe ence where they released the ment agencies and subcontrac- In a new initiative, Human population. Ennahda party who was shot dead Director and deputy executive World Report 2013 of Human tors, here as well as abroad. Rights Watch said they also The minimum monthly wage outside his home by a lone gunman. director of Human Rights watch. Rights Watch which also has a That imposes illegal charges plan to conduct a comprehensive for Omanis in the private sec- In the capital, police fired tear gas “The World Cup presents Qatar chapter on Qatar. on workers, the officials said, and study on housemaids, although tor will jump to 325 rials ($845) at demonstrators marching on the with an unprecedented opportu- The rights watchdog, in their urged Qatar to enforce prohibi- they said they saw it as a very this July from the current 200 interior ministry to protest Belaid’s nity to take the lead on the issue recommendations, has also urged tions against confiscation of work- difficult task. rials, ONA quoted the council assassination in broad daylight on of migrant workers’ rights in the Qatar to take practical steps to ers’ passports by their employers; THE PENINSULA as saying. Wednesday, witnesses said. Gulf region, and to leave a positive ensure migrant workers do not and impose meaningful sanctions Continued on page 3 Full report on page 4 Full report on page 4 FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Pirated software Over 2,000 students attend Hope workshop and CDs seized DOHA: More than 100 pirated personal computer The annual event holds inspirational sessions for children with special needs software, CDs and other elec- tronic devices were recently BY RAYNALD C RIVERA little bit hard,” said Naslene, which also attracted thousands of seized from outlets that sell a student of the International participants. computer accessories. DOHA: Five painters from the School of London. The participants had the In three raids by the Centre Mouth and Foot Painting Artists The eight-year-old partici- chance to interact with the art- for Intellectual Property Rights (MFPA) organisation inspired pant expressed great respect for ists, observing how they paint and at the Ministry of Justice, more than 2,000 students from the artists for what they have asking questions about their lives pirated CDs, hardware disks 18 schools during a Message of achieved despite the challenges and experiences in overcoming and a laptop that contained Hope workshop yesterday at the they had to face to realise their difficulties and living normal lives. unlicensed version of Windows Hamad Bin Khalifa University dreams because of limitations The artists also delivered a and Microsoft Office were (HBKU) Student Centre. brought about by their physical workshop to senior students impounded, the Centre said in Holding paintbrush with their condition. of Virginia Commonwealth a statement on its website. mouths, the artists painted stun- “They are very good artists. University Qatar, who created The raids were held on ning landscapes before thousands I learned a lot about them, how paintings using their mouths. The January 29. of students, some of whom were they paint which I found interest- paintings are displayed along with Some 69 pirated Microsoft given the opportunity to paint ing,” she said. 29 by MFPA painters at an exhibi- CDs were seized from the first with their mouths in a competi- With 2,105 students coming tion at the HBKU Gallery which shop, while 15 other CDs and tion organised as significant part to the event, the organisers said runs until February 14. a hard disk that had multiple of the two-day event. that it exceeded their expectations In its third edition, Message of pirated software installed on “They are lucky they are able and that they had to divide ses- Hope is an annual event organised it were seized from the second to paint brilliantly. It took a lot of sions into three to accommodate by Hope Qatar Centre for children outlet. patience for them to study paint- all participants, mostly at the with special needs to showcase Twenty-one CDs were seized ing, spending a lot of time to learn elementary level. role models and internationally along with a laptop from the how to paint,” said 10-year-old The student workshops were renowned individuals who have third shop. It was not clear from Mansoor Mansoor from Newton only one of the highlights of the challenged their disabilities to Students holding paintbrushes with their mouths at the Message of Hope the report weather any arrests International School. event. become a source of inspiration workshop at the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Student Centre, were made. He said he was inspired by the Similar inspirational sessions for others. yesterday. ABDUL BASIT The three cases have been event and would continue paint- were also held for other sections of While the 2010 edition of the referred to the Criminal ing although it was not his dream the community, including artists, event featured Sujeet Desai, an has Down’s syndrome, the fol- speaker who does not have hands Investigation Department for career. the business and corporate com- internationally acclaimed youth lowing year featured Nick Vujicic, or legs. further probe, the report said. “It was fun, though it was a munity and for the general public ambassador for disabilities who the globally famous motivational THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

Sangakkara in Doha Ill-fated nursery was a play area: Witnesses

DOHA: In the hearing of that Gympanzee was a play A co-owner of the ill- the court to present more the Villaggio Mall fire case, area for children and also a fated and illegal nurs- witnesses which the judges witnesses appearing for gym with facilities for chil- ery, a diplomat, did not agreed to and said they could defence told the court yes- dren’s sports, drawings, and attend yesterday’s court testify at the next hearings terday the ill-fated nursery, entertainment. proceedings. scheduled for February 14 Gympanzee, that was gut- At least one witness said And the lawyer for his wife, and 16. ted in the inferno was a play children aged one to 12 years who is also part owner of the Lawyers for parents whose area for children and not a could attend Gympanzee. nursery and an accused in children died in the nursery nursery. The prosecution objected the case, pleaded with the fire have, meanwhile, asked Some five witnesses tes- to the witnesses testifying in court again that his client that footages from a CCTV tified in the court yester- the court on the ground that be exempted from attending camera installed at the day, who included parents defence lawyers didn’t inti- hearings. entrance to the nursery be Mohammed Anwar Sadath (second left), General Manager, Al Zaman Exchange, present- of some children who went mate them about the fifth The court, however, ruled produced in the court to look ing a memento to former Sri Lankan cricket team captain Kumar Sangakkara, at the main to Gympanzee but were not witness in advance. This against the plea and said that up the events that unfolded office of the exchange in Doha, yesterday. Mohammed Fayaz (left), Business Development present there on the day of breaches provisions of article the accused must attend the on the unfortunate day, May Officer and other officials and guests were present at the reception. SALIM MATRAMKOT the devastating incident. 198 of the criminal procedure court. 28, 2012. The witnesses argued code, said the prosecution. Defence lawyers urged THE PENINSULA FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Residents urged to get flu shots Vaccines available at primary health centres, HMC outpatient clinics DOHA: With a rise in the who are at higher risk, such as viral infection of the respira- number of seasonal influenza elderly people, children, people tory tract. The influenza virus cases during winter, those vul- with chronic diseases such as spreads from person to person nerable to the infection have heart disease or lung disease (e.g. through the inhalation of respira- been advised to visit the pri- asthma), and pregnant women,” tory droplets from someone who mary health centres and get he said. is infected. To avoid transmitting vaccinated. “It is safe for pregnant women the virus, those who have influ- Substandard electrical goods seized from a warehouse in the Industrial Area. The influenza vaccine is avail- and children six months and enza are advised to avoid contact able at the primary health cen- onwards to be vaccinated. It is with other people, cover their tres, outpatient clinics of Hamad also very important for them to mouths and noses when they Low-quality electrical Medical Corporation and the vac- be vaccinated, because they can cough or sneeze, and maintain cination unit at the Mesaimeer become fatally ill from influ- proper hygiene such as washing health centre. enza if they do not get the vac- their hands very well and often. goods seized in crackdown “We are strongly advising high- cine. Children below five years Those who are exposed to people risk categories such as children, old, especially, can get very sick with influenza should also follow pregnant women, the elderly and because they have small airways.” hygienic practices. DOHA: In a major crack- violations of the law, he added. people with chronic diseases to Individuals not in these high- Influenza can be distinguished down, the Consumer Protection “We will not spare any efforts get vaccinated as soon as possi- winter will require fresh vac- risk groups can also ask for the from other viral illnesses like the Department (CPD) at the to stop such substandard prod- ble,” Dr Abdullatif Al Khal (pic- cination because the influenza vaccine from their primary health common cold in that influenza Ministry of Business and Trade ucts entering the local market, tured), head of the Infectious virus may have undergone slight centres. Those with severe aller- is usually accompanied by fever, seized about 50,000 substandard because they pose a serious threat Diseases Department at HMC, changes and the immunity weak- gies, however, should not get vac- shaking, chills and body ache. It electrical products from a ware- to public health and safety,” said told The Peninsula yesterday. ens with passage of time. cinated, and those who have fever is also associated with coughing house in the Industrial Area. Al Thani. It is better to get the vaccine “Getting infected with one should delay getting the vaccine that may come a few days into The seized products included He urged buyers to ensure the during the cold months, which influenza virus does not give until they are better. the illness, and sometimes a run- electric cables, exhaust fans, cir- quality of electrical products and are usually over by April or May, protection for next year or pro- Those who are travelling dur- ning nose, sore throat, nausea and cuit breakers and electric boards, other goods by looking at the con- because the influenza virus is more tection against other influenza ing winter are advised to get vomiting. Common cold is not among other items. tents of packages and the product active during winter, he added. types. This means people who vaccinated at least two weeks — usually accompanied by fever and The substandard and coun- specifications. “Fortunately, we have seen got vaccinated last year will still preferably a month — before they is not serious, unlike influenza. terfeit products were found at a He also urged people to keep few influenza cases at outpatient need to get the new vaccine this travel, especially if they are trav- People who get influenza should warehouse in the Industrial Area the purchase bills with them, to clinics this winter, because more year. Also, there are three types elling to countries with known immediately see their doctor. belonging to a leading company, be used as proof if any defects are people are now seeking treat- of influenza that one can get sick endemic diseases such as menin- Those who have not been vacci- during a raid conducted by the found in the products at a later ment at primary health centres, from, and the current vaccine will gitis and malaria. nated should seek medical care department recently. stage. the emergency departments and protect against all of these types,” He added that HMC had con- within one day of their illness so CPD director Sheikh Jassim bin The latest crackdown was one other facilities. Having less visi- said Al Khal, in a separate state- ducted a two-week-long campaign they can be given an anti-influ- Jabor Al Thani said the products of the biggest after the authorities tors at HMC clinics does not mean ment issued by HMC yesterday. to vaccinate all its clinical and enza drug, which is effective if were confiscated because they imposed stricter regulations for that the cases have declined,” said “We have requested physicians support staff. given within the first two days of didn’t meet Qatari standards and import and sale of several electri- Al Khal. to give the influenza vaccine to Influenza, commonly known as the illness. specifications. Necessary legal cal products. People who got the vaccine last certain categories of patients the “flu”, is a highly contagious THE PENINSULA action will be taken against such THE PENINSULA

Passengers advised to Regional centre to combat drug check in three hours before departure menace officially inaugurated DOHA: Due to the forth- BY ISABEL OVALLE coming school midterm holi- days beginning from Sunday Doha International Airport DOHA: The Gulf Drugs is expecting a large increase Prevention Information Centre in passenger traffic in the in Qatar, which opened its doors departure terminals from this in 2011, was officially inaugu- weekend and has advised pas- rated yesterday by H E Sheikh sengers to check-in online and Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa arrive at least three hours Al Thani, Minister of State for before their scheduled depar- Interior Affairs, and Dr Abdul ture time, a press statement Latif Al Zayani, Secretary said yesterday. General of the Cooperation The arrivals terminal at the Council for the Arab Gulf states. airport is also expected to be Due to cooperation between H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry, with extremely busy for holidaying the GCC countries, more than officials of Kahramaa, QEWC and Chubu Electric Power after the signing families returning to Doha 20 people have been arrested for of an amendment to a partnership agreement between the companies. from February 15 onwards. drug-related crimes, said Colonel The airport will deploy addi- Saqr Al Maraikhi, director of the tional staff in the departure centre, who toured the facilities The Minister of State for Interior Affairs H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin and arrival terminals and open with a large group of officials. Khalifa Al Thani (second right), touring the centre. ABDUL BASIT Kahramaa, QEWC and Chubu more check-in counters at the The collaboration has also departure lounges to reduce resulted in the seizure of drugs health.” The centre has reached expectations. The offices are now amend partnership agreement queues, ensuring that passen- such as heroine, hashish, cocaine agreements with the United coordinating and representing all gers continue to enjoy a pleas- and other substances. The total Nations office for drug and crime six member states and they are DOHA: Qatar General by Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, ant experience. Passengers can number of people nabbed in this to get technical support and achieving all the goals approved Electricity and Water President of Kahramaa; Fahed also use the web check-in facil- connection was 23, and several training. Memorandums have also and set by the centre,” he stated. Corporation (Kahramaa), bin Hamad Al Muhannadi, ity provided by Qatar Airways other investigations were on, been signed with Interpol and the Al Zayani added that a drug- Qatar Electricity and Water General Manager of QEWC; and and most other airlines. This Maraikhi said. Regional Office for Information free environment in the region Company (QEWC) and Chubu Akihisa Mizuno, President and service enables passengers to The centre has 40 employees Exchange in the Middle East. “will definitely support our econ- Electric Power of Japan yes- Director of Chubu Electric Power. check-in between 24 and 48 who work to implement statutes Dr Al Zayani told The Peninsula omy and the millennium develop- terday signed the third amend- The signing ceremony at the hours prior to their scheduled approved by the member coun- that “the main purpose of the ment goals, as well as the United ment to their agreement on a QP headquarters was attended by flight departure time depend- tries to fight the illegal trade in centre is to exchange informa- Nations development goals and partnership project. top officials of Kahramaa, QEWC, ing on the airline. Check-in drugs and reinforce joint efforts tion among the GCC member provide a healthy environment The amendment was signed Chubu, QP and Qatargas. can be done through their to curb such crimes. states and provide the environ- for our citizens.” in the presence of H E Dr The partnership project mobile devices. Passengers In regard to information ment to improve the procedures Ultimately, said an official of Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, includes mutual cooperation and can print their boarding passes exchange between Gulf states, the and cooperation to fight drugs in the Ministry of Interior at the Minister of Energy and Industry exchange of expertise in practi- before arriving at the airport to director said it was “fruitful and all respects.” event, “drug acquiring is still and Chairman and Managing cal and technical fields among the reduce their check-in time upon helped control many drug smug- “I’m very impressed with what strong in Qatar and other rich Director of Qatar Petroleum (QP). signing parties. arrival. THE PENINSULA gling operations and the impact I have seen, the progress is very countries, because there’s a lot of The amendment was signed THE PENINSULA of these substances on mental good and they have exceeded our liquid cash.” THE PENINSULA

Kerry likely to coordinate efforts Domestic workers too should get rights Continued from page 1 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last year. They have “The most vulnerable group we have is the small also spoken to 76 workers at labour camps in the to resume Mideast peace talks girl or woman working in a home somewhere and Industrial Area during several weeks. nobody is really able to control her working condi- Migrant workers reported extensive labour Continued from page 1 Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and internal disagreements - not only tions,” said Egeland. law violations. Common complaints included late The reason for Israel’s concern his meetings with their leaders in for the Palestinians themselves “Domestic workers too should get rights as any or unpaid wages. Some lived in over crowded and perhaps stemmed from its fear Cairo more than once have not but also for Israel in terms of other worker. All countries which send domestic unsanitary labour camps, which lacked access to that Kerry’s first assignment in only raised Israelis ire, but also security. workers should demand a minimum wage and one potable water, were not properly ventilated and the region would be to help res- prompted the (Jewish Press) web- We should not show much opti- day leave in a week,” he added. were not furnished with functioning air-conditioning ove Palestinians’ internal conflict site to describe him as “Obama’s mism about the role John Kerry The Supreme Committee for Qatar 2022 has units. These are crucial elements of adequately mini- and the peace process, and possi- envoy to Hamas and the Muslim could perform on the Palestinian acknowledged the problems of the sponsorship law mising the risk of heat stroke in a country where bly pressure Israel to restart the Brotherhood”. issue, the logical reason being the and agreed to make changes. Representative of the daytime temperatures can reach over 45 degrees deadlocked peace talks. Hamas and Israel had signed US foreign policy cannot be free HRW also have had discussions with the officials at Celsius. “You cannot hope to run a 21st century tour- There are expectations in a truce last November to end from the influence of the Zionist the Foreign Ministry and National Human Rights nament with a 19th century human rights (situa- some quarters that Kerry’s the war on the Gaza Strip, for lobby that controls it. Committee last year. tion),” said McGeehan. visit to Palestine and Israel which Egypt led by President However, other observers “Human Rights Watch had open and progres- “We’ve seen the beginning of political will but we this month after his phone Mohammed Mursi and the US see that the role Kerry played sive discussions with the Supreme Committee for need it to be more now. The problem is a serious one calls this week to Palestinian had exerted tremendous efforts. when he was head of the Foreign Qatar 2022, and we have been encouraged by their but not particularly complicated one. We need the President Mahmoud Abbas and Therefore, some observers Relations Committee in Congress, recognition of the problem and their commitment good laws to be enforced, we need the bad laws to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin expect that Kerry would keep and relations he developed with to reform,” said Nicholas McGeehan, Middle East be changed and we need violators to be sanctioned,” Netanyahu, will aim at coordi- up the pressure on the Hamas the entire spectrum of the oppo- consultant at Human Rights Watch. he added. nating efforts to resume the government through President sition in Arab Spring countries, “At the same time, we are disappointed by the lack Asked if they took permission from the Qatari stalled negotiations between Mursi, and in collaboration with in particular with the Muslim of reforms in key areas. In June last year, Human authorities to hold a media conference, McGeehan Palestinians and Israelis. Khaled Mesha’al, to force Hamas Brotherhood in Egypt, could Rights Watch issued a report containing an exten- told this newspaper later that “whenever they come In 2009, Hamas welcomed to change its policy and support probably help the US Department sive series of workers’ interviews and we have high- here they inform Qatar’s foreign ministry” and this Kerry’s visit to Gaza to determine the resumption of negotiations of State leave its mark as it strives lighted migrant workers’ problems. They are highly time was no different. the devastation caused by Israeli with Israel. to achieve stability and security in vulnerable to systematic exploitation in Qatar,” he “Whatever we do we do it publicly,” he said. “We attacks on the Gaza Strip and this In the coming period, footsteps the entire region. added. have never been prohibited in Qatar. We have had had angered the Jewish state. are likely to be heard to speed up THE PENINSULA McGeehan and his team have had discussions no problems,” added McGeehan. And Kerry’s stance towards the efforts to resolve the Palestinians’ with the National Human Rights Committee and THE PENINSULA FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST

Iran’s supreme Tunisia erupts as govt struggles leader baulks Islamists rebuff Prime Minister Jebali’s move to dissolve govt; trade union strike today at US talks offer DUBAI: Iran’s highest author- TUNIS: Tunisia’s govern- Constituent Assembly.” ity, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ing Islamists rebuffed yester- Belaid was shot as he left home yesterday slapped down an day a plan by their party chief for work on Wednesday by a gun- offer of direct talks made by and prime minister to replace man who fled on the back of a US Vice President Joe Biden the government after unrest motorcycle. Thousands of pro- last week, saying that would erupted over the killing of an testers took to the streets nation- not solve the problem between opposition leader, deepening the wide hurling rocks and fighting them. worst crisis since the country’s police. “Some naive people like the idea 2011 revolution. No one claimed responsibil- of negotiating with America, how- Turmoil flared in the North ity for the killing and the head ever, negotiations will not solve African state that launched the of Ennahda said the party had the problem,” Khamenei said in first of the Arab Spring upris- nothing to do with it. a speech to officials and members ings, with protesters torching the But a crowd set fire to the of Iran’s air force carried on his local headquarters of the Islamist Tunis headquarters of Ennahda, official website. Ennahda party and a police sta- which won the most seats in a “If some people want American tion in the provincial town of free election 16 months ago. rule to be established again in Kelibia. Protests also hit Sidi Bouzid, Iran, the nation will rise up to Police fired teargas to scat- fount of the Jasmine Revolution face them,” he said. ter protesters near the Interior that ousted dictator Zine Al “American policy in the Middle Ministry in Tunis and stone- Abidine Ben Ali in January East has been destroyed and throwing youths in the southern 2011. Americans now need to play a mining town of Gafsa, where at While Belaid had only a mod- new card. That card is dragging least seven were injured. Crowds est political following, his criti- Iran into negotiations.” ransacked electronics shops in cism of Ennahda policies spoke for Khamenei made his comments Sfax. many Tunisians who fear religious just days after Biden said the As night fell, protesters radicals are bent on snuffing out United States was prepared to attacked and ransacked a police freedoms won in the first of the meet bilaterally with the Iranian station in the capital, witnesses revolts that rippled through the leadership. said. Hundreds of youths threw Arab world. “That offer stands but it must furniture, equipment and files Pressured by Wednesday’s be real and tangible,” Biden said into the street before fleeing. explosion of unrest, Jebali declared in Munich on Saturday. More trouble loomed today that weeks of talks on reshaping With traditional fiery rheto- when labour unions plan a general the government had failed amid ric, Khamenei lambasted Biden’s strike in protest at the assassina- infighting within his coalition. offer, saying that since the 1979 Tunisian policemen fire tear gas to disperse demonstrators during a rally outside the Interior Ministry in Tunis, tion of secular politician Chokri One secular party threatened to revolution the United States had yesterday. Belaid. His funeral is also sched- bolt unless some Ennahda minis- gravely insulted Iran and con- uled for today. Islamist party in favour of a non- continue discussions with other liberty and women’s rights are ters were sacked. tinued to do so with its threat of An aide to Hussein Abassi, partisan cabinet until elections parties about forming a coalition in jeopardy just two years after Mehrzia Abidi, vice-president military action. leader of the UGTT union said could be held. But the idea met government.” the Western-backed dictatorship of the interim parliament that “You take up arms against the he had received a death threat swift resistance. Ennahda’s two secular coali- crumbled. has been struggling for months nation of Iran and say: ‘negotiate after announcing the first general A senior Ennahda official said tion partners as well as the main “In the likely event that there to draft a new constitution, said or we fire’. But you should know strike in Tunisia in 34 years. Jebali had not sought approval opposition parties also rejected is no agreement, civil unrest it would discuss Jebali’s proposal that pressure and negotiations Wary of further violence, many from his party, suggesting the any move to a government of will increase, reaching a level for a temporary government of are not compatible and our nation shops in Tunis closed at 2pm Islamist group was split over the technocrats, demanding as well that cannot be contained by the experts yesterday, but this had will not be intimidated by these (1300 GMT) while France, the old move to supplant the governing that they be consulted before any police,” said Firas Abi Ali of the not happened by nightfall. actions,” he added. colonial power in Tunisia, said it coalition. new cabinet is formed. London-based Exclusive Analysis Belaid, a constitutional law Relations between Iran and the would shut its schools in Tunis “The prime minister did not Political analysts said pro- think-tank. expert, said the assembly would United States were severed after today and tomorrow. ask the opinion of his party,” said tracted deadlock could aggravate “If unrest continued for more have to approve the cabinet over- the overthrow of Iran’s pro-West- Prime Minister Hamdi Jebali Abdelhamid Jelassi, Ennahda’s the unrest, which has underscored than two weeks, the army would haul. But the assembly’s dysfunc- ern monarchy in 1979 and diplo- of Ennahda announced late on vice-president. “We in Ennahda the chasm between Islamists and probably reluctantly step in and tional record raised the risk of matic meetings between officials Wednesday he would dismiss the believe Tunisia needs a politi- secular groups who fear that back a technocrat government, as drawn-out paralysis. have since been very rare. government led by his moderate cal government now. We will freedoms of expression, cultural well as fresh elections for a new REUTERS REUTERS

US to keep only Syria troops retake town one aircraft Egyptian cleric calls for carrier in Gulf as clashes continue death for Mursi’s rivals DAMASCUS: Troops overran army offensive the Observatory WASHINGTON: The US mili- a rebel town and were locked said had killed at least 64 people tary will maintain only one air- CAIRO: Egyptian police would get a death sentence under in a united front to confront this in a second day of fierce clashes on Wednesday. craft carrier in the Gulf instead deployed security at the homes Shariah (Islamic law). unacceptable language of incite- around Damascus yesterday, Mortar rounds killed six civil- of two due to potential deep of prominent liberal opponents He specifically mentioned ment.” Other Islamists and left- as Islamic states urged Syria’s ians in the northeastern district budget cuts that could kick in of the government yesterday ElBaradei, a Nobel Peace Prize ists across the political spectrum regime and its foes to hold “seri- of Qaboon, among at least 92 next month, Pentagon officials after a hardline cleric called laureate, and former presidential condemned Shaaban’s statement, ous” talks to end the bloodshed. people who died in nationwide said on Wednesday. for their deaths and a secular candidate Hamdeen Sabahy. as did the Muslim Brotherhood. Opposition leader Ahmed violence yesterday, according For several years, the United politician was gunned down in President Mohammed Mursi, “The Muslim Brotherhood Moaz Al Khatib has offered to to a preliminary toll from the States has kept two carriers Tunisia. a member of the Islamist Muslim condemns calls allowing blood- hold peace talks with Syria’s Vice watchdog. deployed in the Gulf due to ten- The killing on Wednesday Brotherhood which has domi- shed and inciting killing, what- President Faruq Al Sharaa, but “The army is determined to sions with Iran, but uncertainty of Chokri Belaid, an outspo- nated democratic elections since ever their source,” it said in a Damascus has so far ignored the crush terrorism around the cap- surrounding the Pentagon’s ken critic of Tunisia’s Islamist- mass protests ousted President statement on its website, quoting initiative and intensified attacks ital and big cities, and over the budget forced the decision, offi- led government, sent tremors Hosni Mubarak in 2011, con- spokesman Mahmoud Ghozlan. on rebel bastions. past several days it has launched cials said. through Egypt. demned such comments as tan- Prime Minister Hisham Kandil US Defence Secretary Leon a qualitative operation and The USS Harry S. Truman In both countries where “Arab tamount to “terrorism”. said on his Facebook page the cab- Panetta, meanwhile, admitted for killed dozens of terrorists who had been scheduled to head to Spring” uprisings swept away But he renewed accusations inet was looking into legal steps it the first time that the Pentagon dreamt of attacking and entering the Gulf today from its port in veteran authoritarian rulers, that the liberal opposition was could take against “all those who had backed proposals to arm Damascus,” pro-regime newspa- Norfolk, Virginia, but Defence two years of political turmoil inciting unrest. “It is strange that issue or spread edicts or fatwas the rebels, but the White House per Al-Watan wrote. Secretary Leon Panetta can- have exposed divisions between some (in Egypt) advocate political inciting violence”. rejected the idea on fears of the The Observatory, which relies celled the deployment after con- Islamists and their secular violence and incite it while others, Mursi has struggled to restore risks involved, the New York Times on a network of sources for its ferring with Navy commanders, opponents. who claim to speak in the name of security and mend the ailing reported. information, also reported regime officials said. On the same day, Egyptian religion, allow ‘killing’ on the basis economy in the Arab world’s After a 16-day onslaught, shelling and clashes along a Panetta has “delayed the liberal politician Mohamed of political differences, which is most populous country since he troops retook Karnaz on the southern highway of the capital. deployment” of the Truman and ElBaradei, former head of the terrorism itself,” a statement was elected in June. strategic Damascus-Aleppo high- On the outskirts of the city, the an accompanying guided missile International Atomic Energy from Mursi’s office said. At least 59 people died in more way, said Rami Abdel Rahman Observatory said troops pounded cruiser, the USS Gettysburg, press Agency, sounded the alarm over a “The presidency affirms its com- than a week of street protests of the Syrian Observatory for rebel positions across the east secretary George Little said in a hardline cleric’s call for his death. plete rejection of hate speech that starting late last month over Human Rights. and in the south, and that clashes statement. The cleric, Mahmoud Shaaban, falsely uses religion, and of which what demonstrators regarded as The outgunned rebel “fighters erupted to the northeast. AFP appeared on a religious televi- religion is innocent, and calls on Mursi’s attempts to monopolise withdrew from Karnaz, which These areas are among the sion channel and said leaders of national forces, religious institu- power. they seized in December last year, strongest bastions of the rebel- Egypt’s main opposition coalition tions and leading thinkers to stand REUTERS after heavy fighting and regular lion against President Bashar Bill for stateless forces regained control,” he told Al Assad’s regime, which is bat- AFP. Clashes and heavy shelling tling to suppress a revolt the UN Kuwaitis okayed rocked rebel strongholds around says has killed more than 60,000 Damascus on the second day of an people. AFP KUWAIT CITY: A bill to Oman to limit number of foreign workers grant Kuwaiti citizenship to at least 4,000 stateless people this DUBAI: Oman’s government fall in oil reserves, which could percent of the population of year passed the first stage of will limit the number of for- start later this decade. about 3.3 million are foreigners, approval in the state’s parlia- eign workers and sharply raise Since 2011, there have most of them workers brought in ment yesterday. the minimum wage for locals been sporadic street pro- to do skilled or strenuous jobs in The bill, approved by 33 MPs in a drive to increase employ- tests to demand more jobs. the oil, construction and services with 14 others including nine ment of Omani citizens, state The International Monetary industries, according to official cabinet ministers abstaining, will news agency ONA reported. Fund estimates unemployment data last year. Most are from become effective after it clears a A statement by the Council of among Omani citizens may have south or southeast Asia. second round of voting later this Ministers, carried by ONA and exceeded 20 percent in 2010, Oman’s ruler, H M Sultan month and after it is signed by seen by Reuters yesterday, said though government officials say Qaboos bin Said, has acknowl- the state’s ruler. the government would aim to that estimate was far too high edged that large numbers of Stateless, locally known as limit foreign workers to 33 per- and that the number of regis- foreign workers are needed for bidoons, were born and raised in cent of Oman’s total population. tered unemployed was reduced industrial development and con- Kuwait and claim they have the The minimum monthly wage by three-quarters to about 17,000 struction of a national railway. It right to Kuwaiti citizenship, but for Omanis in the private sec- last year. would be impossible to find local the government says only 34,000 tor will jump to 325 rials ($845) The new measures, which are replacements for many of these out of more than 106,000 qualify this July from the current 200 subject to review by the govern- workers in the foreseeable future. for consideration, while the rest rials, ONA quoted the council as ment’s Shura Council, could have So a sudden mass expulsion of hold other nationalities. saying. Despite its oil wealth, the a major impact on the economy, foreign workers looks unlikely. The Emirate alleges that government is keen to move more though in practice authorities The Council of Ministers did not bidoons or their ancestors, Omanis into private employment may implement them cautiously specify a deadline for the 33 per- destroyed their original passports to avert social unrest and pre- to avoid disruption. cent target to be hit. A Free Syrian Army fighter prepares to fire a B-10 recoilless gun in the to claim the right to citizenship. pare the economy for an eventual Around 1.3 million or 39 REUTERS Haresta neighbourhood of Damascus, yesterday. AFP FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 ISLAM www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 12 Prophetic methods of education BY DR ALI AL HALAWANI the companions of the Prophet got up, abstract concepts nearer to their minds returned and greeted the Prophet who slaughtered their sacrifices, and started on his way of getting them from the dark- said, ‘Go back and pray, for you have not t is reported in the biography of shaving the heads of one another, and “O you who have ness of ignorance into the light of faith prayed.’ Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon there was so much rush that there was believed, why do you and belief. The following famous hadith This happened thrice. The man said, him) that he sent messages to dif- a danger of killing each other.” (Bukhari) narrated by Abu Hurairah can be cited ‘By Him Who sent you with the Truth, Iferent kings and leaders in a way to say what you do not do. here as a good example on this. Allah’s I cannot offer the prayer in a better way spread the Word of Allah and dissemi- 2. EDUCATION THROUGH Q & A Apostle said, than this. Please, teach me how to pray.’ nate the message of Islam. Among the This can be attested to by recalling the Greatly hateful in the “My similitude in comparison with the The Prophet said, ‘When you stand for then world leaders who received such famous hadith in which the Archangel sight of Allah is that other prophets before me, is that of a man Prayer say Takbir and then recite from noble messages was Caesar, the Roman Jibril came to the Prophet asking him who has built a house nicely and beautifully, the Quran (of what you know by heart) Emperor. about faith, Islam, ihsan (i.e., perfection), you say what you do not except for a place of one brick in a corner. and then bow till you feel at ease. Then In that message, Prophet Muhammad and the Hour; the Prophet answered him The people go about it and wonder at its raise your head and stand up straight, (PBUH) addressed him as, “The Great in full detail and further commented do. (Quran 61: 2-3) beauty, but say, ‘Would that this brick be then prostrate till you feel at ease during Man of Byzantine”. This tribute of hon- that the questioner was Jibril who came The Prophet never put in its place!’ So I am that brick, and I your prostration, then sit with calmness our given to him contained a recognetion to teach the companions — using this am the last of the Prophets.” (Al Bukhari) till you feel at ease (do not hurry) and do of the emperor’s being great — though, method in cooperation with the Prophet preached anything the same in all your prayers.’” for the Romans, not for the Prophet. He — the matters of their religion. (This 9. EDUCATION THROUGH PRACTI- (Al Bukhari) also quoted in his message the following hadith can be found in Muslim) that he himself does CAL APPLICATION: words: not perform and he This can be shown in the story of the 11. EDUCATION THROUGH ACCOM- O People of the Book, come to a word com- 3. GIVING SPEECHES, SERMONS Bedouin who came to the Prophet asking PANYING THE EDUCATOR FOR SOME mon between us and you that we worship The Prophet used to constantly and taught all Muslims about the time of Salah and the following TIME: none but Allah. (Aal Imran 3: 64) regularly offer the Friday Sermon (khut- hadith shows how the Prophet responded. It was the habit of the Prophet that Here, the Prophet did a number of bat al Jumuah) in which he admonished to do the same in Sulaiman bin Buraidah narrated on the when he marched for battle all Muslims things. Firstly, he honoured the addressee the Companions and taught them about obedience to the authority of his father that a person capable of fighting would accompany him and accorded him the due respect. their religion. He earnestly addressed the asked the Apostle of Allah about the and no one was ever allowed to be left Secondly, he mentioned in his message needs of the then emerging Muslim com- above verse and time of prayer. Upon this he said: “Pray behind except with the Prophet’s per- a common factor between the addressee munity and the issues that would appear with us these two, meaning two days.” mission. Moreover, when he dispatched and himself. to them in their daily lives. He also paid many others as well. When the sun passed the meridian, he military expeditions, he would command The life of the Prophet is abundant great attention to the purification of their gave command to Bilal who uttered the a group of Muslims to remain with him in examples of this sort in which the souls and getting their hearts attached to call to prayer. to witness the revelation of the Quran in Prophet knew how to approach the the hereafter. draw their attention to the importance Then he commanded him and pro- order for them to convey these revealed invitee, attract his attention, draw his of something he intended to handle. In nounced Iqama for noon prayer (Then parts and teach them to those who set heart nearer to him, and then start to 4. GIVING TALKS OR SERMONS addition, he often used this way to revisit at the time of the afternoon prayer) he out for jihad upon their return. So they invite him to Islam or to educate him if EVERY NOW AND THEN the terminology adopted by people and again commanded and Iqama for the learn from them what Allah revealed to he was already a Muslim. The Prophet used to give short talks to incorporate new meanings in old afternoon prayer was pronounced when His Prophet in their absence, while the Marvelous are the techniques and every now and then in a way to draw terms. Abu Hurairah reported Allah’s the sun was high, white and clear. He Prophet sent some other men into mili- methods that were adopted by the the attention of Muslims to something Messenger (PBUH) as saying, then commanded and Iqama for the tary expeditions. This is understood from Prophet. These methods are to be emu- important, or ward off something hei- “Do you know who is the bankrupt?’ They evening prayer was pronounced, when Allah’s saying, lated by those who take the responsibility nous. He did not do that regularly as (the Companions) said, ‘A bankrupt man the sun had set. He then commanded him And it is not proper for the believers to go of following his honourable steps and task he did not like to bore them by stuffing amongst us is one who has neither dirham and the Iqama for the night prayer was out to fight Jihad all together. Of every troop themselves with that great burden. their minds with sermons and talks. The with him nor wealth.’ He said, ‘The bankrupt pronounced when the twilight had disap- of them, a party only should go forth, that Among the methods that were adopted Companions themselves used to emulate of my Ummah would be he who would come peared. He then commanded him and the they who are left behind may get instruc- by the Prophet are the following: this method of da’wah with their invitees on the Day of Resurrection with prayers Iqama for the morning prayer was pro- tions in Islamic religion, and that they may as reported by Shaqiq who said: and fasts and Zakah but (he would find nounced, when the dawn had appeared. warn their people when they return to them, 1. EDUCATION BY SETTING AN We were sitting at the door of Abdullah himself bankrupt on that day as he would When it was the next day, he com- so that they may beware of evil. EXAMPLE Ibn Mas’ud waiting for him to come out have exhausted his funds of virtues) since he manded him to delay the noon prayer till (Al Tawbah 9: 122) O you who have believed, why do you say and deliver a sermon to us. It was at this hurled abuses upon others, brought calumny the extreme heat had passed and he did what you do not do. Greatly hateful in the time that there happened to pass by us against others and unlawfully consumed the so, and he allowed it to be delayed till the 12. EDUCATION WITHOUT EMBAR- sight of Allah is that you say what you do not Yazid ibn Mu’awiyah Al Nakha’i. We said: wealth of others and shed the blood of oth- extreme heat had passed. He observed RASSING THE ADDRESSEE: do. (Assaff 61: 2-3) Inform him (Abdullah ibn Masud) of our ers and beat others, and his virtues would the afternoon prayer when the sun was The Prophet used to say in his public The Prophet never preached anything presence here. He went in and Abdullah be credited to the account of one who suf- high, delaying it beyond the time he had addresses, “What has happened to people that he himself does not perform and ibn Mas’ud lost no time in coming out fered at his hand. And if his good deeds fall previously observed it. He observed the that they do so?” Naturally, the person he taught all Muslims to do the same to us and said: I was informed of your short to clear the account, then sins would evening prayer before the twilight had who was supposed to hear it did hear it, in obedience to the above Quranic ayah presence here but nothing hindered me be transfered from the abused accounts’ vanished; he observed the night prayer was ashamed in his heart and went about (i.e. verse) and many others as well. to come out to you but the fact that I did and entered in his account and he would when a third of the night had passed; and getting rid of that shortcoming. Certainly, To recognise the importance of this not like to bore you as Allah’s Messenger be thrown in the Hell-Fire.” (Muslim) he observed the dawn prayer when there da’wah (Islamic preaching) means to call method, we can cite one example from (PBUH) did not deliver us sermon on was clear daylight. The Prophet then said: someone to come closer to the da`iyah the Hudaibiyah Treaty: When the writing certain days fearing that it might prove 7. EDUCATION THROUGH STORY ‘Where is the man who inquired about and, definitely, not to enumerate the per- of the peace treaty was concluded, Allah’s to be boring for us. (Muslim) TELLING: the time of prayer?’ The inquirer said: son’s shortcomings or drawbacks! Apostle said to his companions, ‘Get up The Prophet used to tell stories of ‘Messenger of Allah! Here I am.’ The Finally, these were some of the tech- and slaughter your sacrifices and get your 5. GIVING SHORT TALKS AFTER the past Prophets and their nations and Prophet said: “The time for your prayer is niques and methods of da’wah adopted head shaved.’ None of them got up, and SALAH sometimes of some individuals of such within the limits of what you have seen.” and applied by the Prophet by which he the Prophet repeated his order thrice. The Prophet used to give short talks nations in certain contexts in a way to (Muslim) earned the hearts of almost all those he When none of them got up, he left them immediately after Salah (i.e., prayer) in teach Muslims through using interesting invited to Islam. Unfortunately, in our and went to Um Salamah and told her of a way to clarify something to Muslims stories from which they can derive les- 10. EDUCATION THROUGH APPLIED present time, we suffer from lack of the people’s attitudes towards him. Um or comment on another. This can be sons and admonition. This can be clari- LESSONING: da’iyahs who take care of their address- Salamah said, ‘O the Prophet of Allah! Do attested to by various hadiths from the fied by referring the reader to the story of This can be seen in the following ees in such a noble manner and thus draw you want your order to be carried out? Go Prophetic Sunnah that go beyond the the People of the Ditch, the Magician, the hadith that is narrated by Abu Hurairah. them nearer to Allah and His straight out and don’t say a word to anybody till scope of this article. Monk and the slave (boy) as mentioned “Allah’s Apostle entered the mosque and path. Rather, some of those who are you have slaughtered your sacrifice and in Sahih Muslim. a person followed him. The man prayed deemed as da`iyahs and who see them- call your barber to shave your head.’ So, 6. EDUCATION THROUGH RAISING and went to the Prophet and greeted him. selves as doing a great service to Islam, the Prophet went out and did not talk QUESTIONS: 8. EDUCATION THROUGH SETTING The Prophet returned the greeting and they do nothing but making people scared to anyone of them till he did that, i.e. Sometimes, the Prophet used to raise PARABLES: said to him, ‘Go back and pray, for you of the religion of monotheism, mercy and slaughtered the sacrifice and called his questions in a way to raise the people’s The Prophet used to set parables for have not prayed.’ The man went back peace. barber who shaved his head. Seeing that, interest in the matter at hand or to the companions to teach them and draw and prayed in the same way as before, www.onislam.net Neutrality is often a virtue BY SHEIKH SALMAN AL OADAH “O Messenger of Allah! Which country is then waste huge amounts of time, energy, most beloved to Allah?” and resources in refuting each other, even eutrality is something we should The Prophet replied: “I will not know until though those who are so earnestly engaged cultivate as one of our good values. I ask Gabriel (peace be upon him).” Thereafter, in it have at best a superficial knowledge of It stems from a will for balance, Gabriel came to the Prophet and informed the issues. Nan acceptance of plurality, a prac- him: “The most beloved places to Allah are the The issues themselves come and go. Some tical spirit, and a desire to avoid taking sides mosques, and the most disliked are the mar- discussion gets started that you expect to with anyone without having all the facts. kets.” (Musnad Ahmad) pass by without much bother. Then you see Our pious predecessors had a special way of In stark contrast to this behaviour, we it being talked about everywhere. People expressing their neutrality. They would say: find most people today willing to speak glibly become obsessed with it, preoccupied with “I don’t know.” and prattle on about every issue, whether it as if it was the only issue of importance in Indeed, some of them went so far as to or not they have knowledge about it. They the world. They make friends and enemies declare: “Half of all knowledge is to say: ‘I seem to be aware that their opinions hold no of their acquaintances on account of it. Then don’t know’.” Or: “Whoever abandons saying real value, sometimes taking diametrically all of the sudden, you hear no more about ‘I don’t know’ has put his knowledge in peril.” opposite positions to others just for spite. it. Something else has come along to occupy Another way they expressed their neutral- Moreover, their understanding the issues their attention and that issue is completely ity was to say: “Allah knows best.” In this or having solid background knowledge is no forgotten. This leaves you to wonder what way, they defer knowledge to the One who prerequisite for speaking. They might com- they gained from all the time, effort, and truly knows all. pletely misconstrue the matter they are emotional investment they gave the matter. Scholars of Islamic theology and Islamic criticising, since they simply do not have the What is worse, when the issue is a reli- legal theory have a technical term for it: depth of understanding to grasp the matter gious one, people seek support from the tawaqquf (non-commitment). This is the precisely or to properly critique the evidence sacred texts to back up their opinions. Then stance taken when various lines of evidence and arguments that bear upon it. they convince themselves of their righteous- lead in equally compelling directions so that The current proliferation of the media ness of the unwavering correctness of their the scholar or jurist is unable — or too cau- encourages the general public to engage in stance. They mistake their interpretations tious — to determine which is more likely to such behaviour to an unprecedented level. to be the indisputable world of Allah. be correct. This stance of non-commitment People today regard a person’s silence or I once observed that some right-wing is not a final resolution, but a provisional “no comment” as a sign of weakness and low extremists in the West say: “You are either stance that can be abandoned in the face of self-esteem. The social pressure to have an with us or against us.” However, some further evidence. opinion is too great, regardless of the topic, Muslim extremists say what’s worse: “You The Caliph Umar, while preaching from whether it be a matter of practical religious are either with us or against Allah!” the pulpit, admitted he was unsure what teachings, theology, politics, economics, or When will we return to respecting our- the meaning of the word abb meant in the what have you. selves, others, and the values that we believe verse: “And fruits and abb (fodder)” (Surah In such a climate, it does not matter what in? We should not abuse everything we hold Abasa: 31). The same thing was related from opinion one holds today or tomorrow. No one dear by employing it to score in our argu- his predecessor Abu Bakr. Indeed, nearly is keeping track of all the hubbub, so no one ments. Even when we have a valid point to every scholar from every era has gone on is going to be able to point out anyone else’s make, there is no need to exaggerate our record with a stance of non-commitment on inconsistencies. At the same time, every issue argument to the level of a clash between ulti- a number of questions, or with simply refus- seems to polarise people for the duration of mate truth and falsehood. ing to express an opinion on certain matters. its popularity. Everybody is identified with This is a far cry from the cautious neu- Indeed, once a man approached Prophet one camp, or one faction, or another. You are trality favoured by our Pious Predecessors. Muhammad (peace be upon him) and said: either “with” them or “against” them. 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Cradle in crisis Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

AYS after Tunisia observed two years of the revolt that started the Arab Spring, it is in a state of dangerous flux. The gunning down of Leftist leader Chokri DBelaid on Wednesday, has roiled the polity of the Under diplomatic fire, Israel North African nation to the extent that Prime Minister Hamdi Jebali had to dissolve the government. The decision came after the country was drowned in street protests after the killing of the opposition leader who was seen as a critic of the Islamist faces settlement showdown government. Jebali’s administration has been at the receiving end BY CRISPIAN BALMER of criticism for muzzling the voice of freedom which Tunisians “Israel is walking blindly towards estimated 111,600 settlers in the terri- have fought so hard to gain. The cradle of the Arab Spring saw isolation and censure in the eyes of tory. There are now more than 325,000, Mohamed Bouazizi burn himself to death in the central town srael risks sleepwalking into a cri- the world,” said one of the most sen- with a further 200,000 living in East of Sidi Bouzid two years ago. The fruit vendor was protesting sis with its allies over relentless ior Western envoys in Jerusalem, who Jerusalem, which was annexed by Israel settlement-building in the occupied declined to be named given the enor- after 1967 in a move not recognised before government offices against police confiscating his goods. A IWest Bank and East Jerusalem mous sensitivities surrounding the issue. internationally and is claimed by the tsunami of protests led to the country erupting in demonstrations unless it realises that the international “What I don’t understand is if Palestinians as their capital city. that led to the country’s leader and strongman Zine Al Abidine anger is genuine and adjusts its course. Mr Netanyahu doesn’t realise what is “A Palestinian state has never been Ben Ali thrown out of power. The next few months may prove happening, or if he doesn’t give a damn.” further away than it is today,” Dani However, the state of the country down the road leaves a crucial if Israel is to avoid diplomatic In the past two months Israel has Dayan, outgoing head of the main set- disaster, with a new government form- received sometimes fierce criticism from tler council, was quoted as saying in the lot to be desired. The economy and the absence of freedoms ing around Prime Minister Benjamin the United Nations, European Union Jerusalem Post on Tuesday. brought about Ben Ali’s end. A similar situation presents itself Netanyahu and US President Barack and United States over its announce- “The settlements today are blossom- to the present dispensation. It is very hard to guess who was Obama set to make his first official visit ment of plans to build more than 11,000 ing ... There is almost no settlement behind the killing of the leader who stood against the policies of to the Holy Land in the spring. new houses on land Palestinians want without construction,” added Dayan, Jebali’s government. But it is not so difficult to predict that the Obama will not just be coming for a for a future state. who endorsed Netanyahu ahead of the forces of destruction are at work. In photo opportunity. He is expected to Last week, Israel boycotted the UN January 22 election, which was won by try to revive a push for peace in hopes Human Rights Council in Geneva as it the prime minister, albeit with a sharp the course of the Arab Spring, a lot of finding an Israeli coalition recep- was planning a routine review of the fall in support. The upheaval has happened on fronts which could tive to deepening Jewish state. Days later, UN investiga- Critics have long railed against the in Tunisia may hardly be imagined two years ago. Western concerns tors issued a strongly worded report settlements, but successive Israeli gov- Authoritarian regimes seen to be largely about the pros- that said the settlements could consti- ernments have pushed back with vigour. be a test for secular have been thrown out to usher pects of creating a tute a war crime. They were confident they had the in governments which are rightist. In Critics have long viable Palestinian Israeli leaders have largely shrugged support of mainstream America - the case for the state. off the opprobrium. They assert a right Washington has long been Israel’s most Libya, the overthrow of the maverick railed against the Arab Spring. “The two-state to build on territory seized in a 1967 steadfast ally - and dismissed EU com- Muammar Gaddafi was followed by settlements, but solution is not war and accused the Geneva council, plaints as largely irrelevant. chaos, which itself gobbled him— he successive Israeli dead, but it is which includes non-democratic states Internal Palestinian political divi- was lynched by his own people after being dragged out of a drain in mortal dan- like Cuba and Saudi Arabia, of bias and sions, coupled with regular bouts of vio- pipe. Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak is behind bars along with his sons. governments have ger,” said Daniel hypocrisy. lence, have also enabled Israel to argue Seidemann, an However, past and present Israeli dip- that they do not have any genuine part- The revolutions have been largely successful with the situation in pushed back Israeli lawyer lomats are nervous about the mounting ners for peace. Syria still unfolding. But is there a danger of revolutions devouring with vigour. and an expert friction as Israel faces a multitude of Diplomats insist the mood abroad is their own children? With Egyptian President Mursi facing the heat on settlement challenges piling up along its troubled hardening. They say that if the settle- from protesters and Tunisia’s Jebali in trouble, it is likely that the expansion. borders, with Islamists taking power ments get any bigger there will be no answer to the above question will not repudiate the famous saying. “We are hanging onto it by our fin- in Egypt and on the rise in Syria’s more room for a contiguous Palestinian With Tunisia erupting in a violent chorus, Tunisians may have ger nails. This is the last opportunity to civil war. “I am worried and so are many state, dashing the chance of an accord. save it for the foreseeable future. The other Israelis,” said Itamar Rabinovich, They also maintain that Palestinian drawn inspiration from Egyptians who have made Cairo’s Tahrir prospects are not great, but this is the a former Israeli ambassador to the President Mahmoud Abbas is the most Square a marquee of revolutions. After Belaid’s killing, Tunisia last best hope.” United States. moderate leader that the Israelis can has virtually come to a standstill. Belligerent trade unions have Should these hopes wither, Israel “Our legitimacy is being eroded and hope for. Noting this change of tone, the called for a general strike today. Embodying the state of affairs, can expect repercussions. These might the more isolated and delegitimised Institute for National Security Studies, the leader of the largest trade union is said to have received a range from tighter international regula- Israel is, the more difficult it will be to a respected Israeli think-tank, said this death threat after announcing the strike. The biggest setback tions on the export of Israeli goods made get public opinion on our side regarding week that for the first time, the coun- in the occupied territories to tacit for- Iran,” he added, referring to suspicions try faced the possibility of “concrete for Ennahda’s Jebali has been his own party leaders rebuffing his eign backing for the Palestinians should the Islamic Republic is seeking nuclear punishment measures” tied to its set- decision of dissolving the government. Great ideas sprout from they pursue Israel in the International weapons. tlement expansion. Israel’s solitude was small seeds. The Tunisian premier faces a challenge of reconciling Criminal Court over the settlements. Israelis started moving to the West seen most starkly in November when the demands of the ruling party with the aspirations of a people Obama himself, with no re-election to Bank soon after the 1967 conflict, and a mere eight countries, including the frustrated with a foundering economy — the unemployment rate is worry about, could review security and the numbers soared in the wake of the United States and four micro Pacific defence cooperation that Israeli officials 1993 Oslo Accords that granted limited nations, voted with the Jewish state in higher than it was at the beginning of the revolution. Jebali has to say reached new heights during his first self-rule to the Palestinian Authority a failed bid to prevent the Palestinians decide between the party and the people — with the latter choice, term, with annual US military aid from — but placed no limits on Jewish set- from gaining de-facto statehood at the he is more likely to go down well in history. Washington put at some $3bn. tlement growth. In 1993 there were an United Nations. REUTERS The other side Quote of Sanctions do not lead to nuke abolition in Asia the day

orth Korea’s response to “rebalance” policy toward Asia, which of economic subjugation by the West. signed a Declaration on a (ASEAN) the United Nations Security is increasingly seen in the region as a A looming confrontation with China Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality Council’s expanded security issue rather than an economic in Asia may be one of the major rea- (ZOPFAN) in Kuala Lumpur. The first I am proud to take Nsanctions recently by or political re-engagement. Since this sons why the three nuclear powered major component of the ZOPFAN pur- threatening to resume nuclear tests and policy announcement two years ago states Russia, France and Britain could sued by ASEAN was the establishment on this job because failure last November of the Association there has been increased tension in the not agree to sign the SEANWFZ as of a SEANWFZ. However, due to the of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to region with regard to China’s territo- planned at the 21st ASEAN Summit in unfavorable political environment in I want to work for persuade the five recalcitrant nuclear rial claims in the South China Sea that Cambodia in November 2012. France the region, the formal proposal for the peace and because the powers to sign the Southeast Asia has prompted some analysts in Asia voiced its reservations on the right of establishment of such a zone was tabled Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone Treaty to question whether the US is trying to self-defense, United Kingdom on “new only in the mid-1980s. After a decade values and ideals of (SEANWFZ) have focused attention provoke Asian countries like Japan, the threat and development”, and Russia of negotiating and drafting efforts by the our nation are really on the atomic threat facing the Asian Philippines and Vietnam into confronta- on the right of foreign ships and aircraft ASEAN Working Group on a ZOPFAN, region that is fast emerging as the tion with China. to pass into the nuclear free zone, a the SEANWFZ Treaty was signed by the what represents centre of the global economy. With North Korea’s recent posturing, concern similar to that of the US. heads of state of all 10 ASEAN member the best of the Posited very much in the midst of the threat of a nuclear confrontation — The notion of a SEANWFZ dates countries in Bangkok on December 15, these developments is the Obama though remote — is rather worrisome back to November 27, 1971, when 1995 and it took effect two years later. possibilities of life John Kerry Administration’s so-called US “pivot” or to Asia that is emerging from centuries the original five members of ASEAN ARAB NEWS here on earth. US Secretary of State FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Syria’s fate hinges on whom it hates most

once Assad falls. Iran’s leaders will try to The outcome will embrace the Sunni radicals, and if that fails they will work with the Shabiha to depend in part on prevent the formation of a stable, anti- Iranian order in Syria. What’s most important for Iran is not a simple question: the sectarian makeup of Syria’s future rulers, but a like-minded ideological Whom do diverse worldview premised on resistance to the US and Israel. As Iranian Supreme Leader Ali rebels hate more, Khamenei once said, “We will support and help any nations, any groups fight- the US or Iran? ing against the Zionist regime across the world.” Iran’s Sunni allies Hamas BY KARIM SADJADPOUR and and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are cases FIRAS MAKSAD in point. Despite sharing common enemies with s Syria’s President Bashar some Syrian rebels, there is no guarantee Al Assad clings mercilessly that Iran will be able to befriend the same to power, hopes that his forces it has helped to massacre over the regime will be replaced by a past two years. Anti-Shia, anti-Persian stable, tolerant democracy sentiment is rife among Syria’s rebels, Aare being dwarfed by fears of prolonged and the attraction of Iranian petro-lar- sectarian strife and Islamist radicalism. gesse is eclipsed by the deeper pockets of The outcome will hinge in part on a sim- Saudi Arabia. ple question: Whom do Syria’s diverse The question for the US and allies such rebels hate more, the US or Iran? as Turkey is what can they do to ensure The anomaly of power in modern Syria that moderate factions in the Syrian — where an Alawite minority rules over opposition come to dominate in a post- a Sunni Arab majority — was never sus- Assad Syria, and that they will prefer to tainable, and few countries stand to lose work with the US and its friends in the more from the regime’s collapse than the region, rather than with Iran. Islamic Republic of Iran. Syria has been That outcome isn’t guaranteed, either. Members of the Free Syrian Army stand with their weapons in the town of Nebel in Aleppo’s countryside. Iran’s only consistent ally since the 1979 Iranian influence tends to thrive in revolution, providing the leadership in countries suffering power vacuums and Tehran with a crucial thoroughfare to tumult, which they can attribute to US and desperation felt by many Syrians has they continue to be complicit in Iran’s coordinate operations and steer fighters Iran’s most important regional asset, the or Israeli policies. served to strengthen the most radical ele- operations. away from jihadi ideology, and could lay Lebanese Shia militant group Hezbollah. They helped create Hezbollah after ments of the rebel forces, some of whom Concurrently, the US and like-minded the foundation for a future national army. As a result, Iran has done its utmost the 1982 Israeli invasion of civil-war era are thought to be aligned with Al Qaeda. allies such as Turkey should strengthen Military assistance, direct from the US or to keep Assad afloat, providing billions of Lebanon. And in the aftermath of the Syria’s hemorrhaging will continue to the competence and cohesiveness through regional allies, must flow through dollars of support as well as strategic aid 2003 US invasion of Iraq, they helped fuel radicalism until there is a change of the National Coalition for Syrian this joint command. to crush dissent. entrench an Iraqi political class that is of political leadership in Damascus. In Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, Doing so will afford moderates a bet- To relieve pressure on the Syrian mili- closer to Iran than the US. As Israel’s order to expedite this process, the US the exiled body they helped shape. This ter chance to succeed against both the tary, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards minister of strategic affairs, Moshe administration must inhibit Iran’s ability might encourage reluctant fence sitters Iranian-backed militias and the growing Corps is reportedly training two paramil- Ya’alon, put it last year: “The Iranians to arm and finance Assad. to abandon Assad’s ship, shortening the numbers of Sunni jihadists who are fight- itary organisations, Jaysh Al Sha’abi and know how to exploit every area and coun- This requires coercing the Iraqi gov- duration of what will otherwise be an ing in Syria. the Shabiha, which boast 50,000 fighters try that isn’t properly governed.” ernment — the beneficiary of $2bn in increasingly sectarian conflict. A greater US role won’t render Syria and are modelled on the Bassij militia This sordid history has made the annual US military aid — to halt the Aid channelled through the opposi- an American-allied democracy. That pos- that violently quashed Iran’s 2009 popu- Barack Obama administration reluc- steady transit of Iranian military hard- tion council, in coordination with cred- sibility, if it ever existed, has long been lar uprisings. tant to decisively enter the Syria fray, ware and personnel to Syria. ible international nonprofit organisations, lost. But continued US inaction risks This support can only delay, not pre- fearful of being sucked into an Islamist It also means making clear to Lebanon should provide for millions who have leaving Syria at the mercy of Iran and vent, Assad’s demise. Thereafter Iran brier patch or another costly but fruitless that it must curtail Hezbollah’s cross- been displaced. Not doing so risks leav- Sunni extremists whose intolerance, and will face a strategic decision: whether exercise in nation-building. border operations into Syria, and ensure ing Iran and radical Sunni Islamists to hatred of the US, dwarfs any concerns to continue supporting a predomi- Benign neglect, however, hasn’t been that Iran can’t use Lebanese banks to exploit human suffering for recruitment they may have for the well- being of Syria nantly Alawite militia that represents so benign. Syria’s humanitarian crisis has evade international sanctions. purposes. and its people. Such an outcome would only a small fraction of Syrian society, reached epic proportions, with more than The US and its allies should expose the A nascent rebel joint military command, haunt Syria, the Middle East and the US or to engage the Sunni Islamists who 60,000 people killed and 2.5 million peo- governments of both countries as abet- working under the opposition council, for years to come. are poised to wield power in Damascus ple displaced. The sense of abandonment tors to Assad’s criminal regime, should would allow anti-regime forces to better WP-BLOOMBERG François Hollande should enjoy Obama’s war is on gun crime, not on gun control BY ANA MARIE COX The White House and other his Malian fillip while it lasts gun control advocates acknowl- bservers billed Obama’s edged that reality quickly: As nice speech on Monday as a mental health registry and France’s efficiency as the first stop for a background checks sound, the OWhite House roadshow real muscle of federal gun con- in Mali will boost the promoting gun control legislation, trol has always been in the assault but the event’s tone, its location, weapons ban and limits on ammu- and, yes, its content signal that nition … ideas that have embed- former army officer, the White House has chosen a ded in them the assumption that circuitous route in pursuit of its people will buy guns and shoot but he leaves behind goals. The goals themselves have them. No one likes to admit that changed, too, as the White House the best hope of federal gun con- shifts our attention away from the trol is harm reduction; in focusing an unstable region specific horror of Sandy Hook to on the success in Minneapolis, the the more mundane living night- White House has found a way to and a shape-shifting mare of daily gun violence. push the conversation. And that The White House told report- is, in part, because gun control ers that the visit would highlight has played almost no role in the enemy. the strides Minneapolis has made way the city has managed to cut in reducing youth violence — this youth violence — as measured by BY NABILA RAMDANI alone shows an unremarked-on, arrests and prison population — easy change of lanes, in terms of almost in half. f not triumphalist, there has at least goals. Minnesota has seen two There’s a reason that the city been something confidently matter-of- school shootings in the past dec- didn’t approach gun violence as fact about France’s intervention in Mali. Thousands of people greet French President Francois Hollande on his visits to Timbuktu and Bamako, ade, including one that ended a legislative issue: It can’t. In IWithin a month of President François Mali on Saturday. the lives of ten people, includ- Minnesota, as in most states, Hollande ordering his forces into the war-torn ing the shooter; but neither the municipalities can’t regulate African state because of a terrorist threat, the president nor the White House guns. And Minnesota — despite endgame has already begun: plans are well If you consider that France has deployed retreat. Yes, there were regular skirmishes, press team brought them into the whatever image you may have of underway for a gradual military withdrawal about 4,000 troops in Mali, you get an even but the envisaged death toll says everything: conversation. Garrison Keillor-lookalikes tot- following the massacre of “many hundreds” better idea of how clinical their campaign the number of terrorists dead is, in contrast This makes sense — you can do ing canvas shopping bags and not of Islamist radicals, according to the foreign has been. This is the same as the number to the one French airman killed on the first something about the violence that shotguns — loves its guns. We ministry in Paris, along with the destruction of French men and women who served at day of combat in mid-January, estimated at shook Minneapolis in the early have “concealed carry” laws (you of their weapons and ammunition dumps. the height of the war in Afghanistan, which well into three figures. 2000s. As terrified as we all were can possess a loaded gun on your The Al Qaeda backed enemy may have rep- has now been raging for more than 11 years. What comes next is a period of wait-and- by Sandy Hook, the fact is that person in public areas); and the resented a small force — maybe 6,000 men Beyond the single tragic death of a helicopter see, potentially followed by far dirtier fights. school shootings are not just a state legislature passed (though across the whole of Mali — but its potential pilot in Mali, there have been no mutilations The decimated enemy in Mali will fade into small part of the gun violence that the governor vetoed) a stand- to overrun Malian forces was never in doubt. among the French, and nobody captured. As the shadows before prosecuting the kind of takes place every day in America, your-ground law that would have A short, sharp Gallic offensive has averted the far as his foreign policy is concerned, Hollande guerrilla campaign that has been used so suc- but they are also almost impos- allowed gun owners to “protect danger, ensuring a genuine period of stability. has introduced the possibility of a roving world cessfully in Afghanistan by the Taliban, sup- sible to prevent. themselves” anywhere they stood, Hollande is facing serious economic prob- police officer role for his highly disciplined ported by their Al Qaeda allies. Improvised This is the one rhetorical not just in their homes. lems at home as he tries to impose his socialist military, especially in former spheres of influ- explosive devices, hostage-taking and a new point I am happy to grant the Outside the Twin Cities, agenda on an increasingly hostile electorate, ence such as north and central Africa. bombing campaign in mainland Europe are National Rifle Association (NRA): Democratic legislators com- but achieving so much in Mali in such a short But the stability in Mali may well prove the kind of tactics Hollande will fear most. Murderous, unstable criminals pete with Republicans for NRA time will do his popularity no harm at all. It is as short-lived as the time it took to win it. The French withdrawal will leave the Malian who want to commit violent acts endorsements, and the strength a little-known fact that the now portly 58-year- Hollande is as aware as any other astute tacti- and other African armies taking responsibil- probably will find a way to do so, of the state’s pro-gun ethos can old served with distinction as an army officer cian that modern terrorist threats are seldom, ity for the region’s security. These often irreg- no matter what laws you enact. I’m be measured not by how much the during a period of national service. Pictures if ever, defeated by conventional means. ular troops have nothing like the equipment not sure how you get to “and thus organisation participates in state of him posing with elite spearhead troops in On the contrary: groups such as Al Qaeda or airpower of Hollande’s military machine, gun laws aren’t worth passing” politics, but how little: they don’t Timbuktu last weekend as ordinary Malians in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) — which let alone the leadership. The French inter- from there — but you can move, have to agitate against gun control chanted “Vive la France!” show that he retains made up about half of the very international vention has established African states such more logically, to focusing on the because so few legislators want it a sense of martial pride. The modest head of terrorist force in Mali — were never likely as Mali as arguably the most important new kind of violence that government to begin with. The NRA spent just state resolutely refused to exploit this — espe- to engage head on with opposing units such arena for the “war on terror”, but as far as and civic action may prevent, and $5,240 in Minnesota last year. cially not in a former colony such as Mali — but as the Foreign Legion. With French airforce decisive battles are concerned, it is likely we what action can be taken to limit “If there is even one thing we he oozed the satisfaction of an efficient leader Rafale fighters pouring ordnance on their have so far witnessed little more than an the violence that inevitably stems can do — if there is even one life who was close to achieving a clearly explained positions day-in, day-out, the insurgents had opening salvo. from accepting guns as a part of we can save — we’ve got an obliga- objective with a minimum of fuss. little chance of anything except disorderly THE GUARDIAN society. tion to try.” THE GUARDIAN FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL

Landmine kills Outrage in South Africa over rape of teenage girl four Malian JOHANNESBURG: The rape and said in a statement. “This act is shocking, Public broadcaster reporter Nomawethu Government spokeswoman Pumza gruesome mutilation of a teenage girl in cruel and most inhumane. It has no place in Solwandle, who interviewed the girl’s mother, Williams said the “frequent occurrence South Africa has sparked a rare outburst our country,” he said. “We must never allow said Anine was so badly mutilated that had of these brutal acts is unacceptable and soldiers; France of anger in a country that often appears ourselves to get used to these acts of base it not been for her shoes, she wouldn’t have will not be tolerated. This has to stop”. numb to sexual violence. criminality to our women and children.” recognised her. She said on SAfm that the An “appalled and disgusted” Congress of mulls exit Anine Booysen, 17, was found disem- Official statistics show that around 65,000 mother told her “all her fingers were broken, South African Trade Unions, the main bowelled at a construction site in the sexual offences were committed in South her legs were broken, her stomach had been labour movement, has called for protests GAO, MALI: Four Malian southwestern town of Bredasdorp at the Africa last year alone. But police estimate cut open you could see her intestines ... her against rape. troops were killed by a land- weekend and later died in hospital. that only one in 36 rape cases get reported. throat was also slit.” “When a very similar incident occurred mine in territory reclaimed from She was reportedly lured away from her The teenager’s aunt, Pauline Harmse, Health Department spokeswoman Faiza in India recently, there was a massive Islamist rebels, police said yes- friends by a group of men while walking described some of the injuries as recounted Steyn could only describe the injuries as outbreak of protest and mass demonstra- terday as France mulled handing home from a club and it is suspected she to her by the victim’s mother. “They raped “horrific”. The Cape Argus newspaper cited tions in the streets,” COSATU spokes- over its four-week-old interven- was gang-raped, but police said yesterday her first and then cut her stomach through a witness saying that the teenager’s body man Patrick Craven said, referring to the tion to UN peacekeepers. that they were still investigating. to the legs. Both legs were broken and eve- was cut open from her stomach through to December gang-rape of a student on a bus The deadly explosion on The case has shocked the nation, which rything inside... was out, her intestines, her her genital area, and exposed her internal in New Delhi that shocked the world. Wednesday between the northern has one of the world’s highest rates of lungs, everything,” Harmse said. organs. Two suspects have been arrested “We must show the world that South towns of Douentza and Gao came reported rape and where tales of sexual “If they had wanted to rape her, why and one of them appeared in court this Africans are no less angry at such crimes six days after a similar blast in violence are commonplace. didn’t they just do it and leave her alive. I week on murder and rape charges. and make an equally loud statement of dis- the same area killed two Malian “The whole nation is outraged at this think there’s more to it (the attack).” Studies have found that more than one gust, and protest in the streets,” he said. soldiers, underlining the danger extreme violation and destruction of a One of the alleged attackers was a friend quarter of South African men admitted to The ruling ANC women’s league has also the Islamist fighters still pose young human life,” President Jacob Zuma to the girl and was known to the family. raping a woman or girl. voiced its disgust. AFP despite fleeing the towns under their control. “A Malian army vehicle was blown up by a mine placed by the Westlant Deployment Islamist criminals,” a paramili- tary police officer said. The Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), US military not one of the Islamist groups that seized control of northern Mali for 10 months, said it had “created a new combat zone” and claimed a 911 service, two recent attacks on the road to Gao, the largest city in the north. “MUJAO is behind the explo- sion of two Malian army cars,” the group’s spokesman Abu says Panetta Walid Sahraoui said. He called on Malians to stay away from main roads, which he said had been heavily mined. Benghazi attack lapses questioned Nearly a month after it sent in the first fighter jets and attack hel- WASHINGTON: The US mili- time, given the speed of the icopters, France’s intervention has tary is not a 911 service ready to attack, for armed military assets largely driven the Al Qaeda-linked rush to every emergency around to respond,” Panetta said. rebels into the remote mountains the world, Pentagon chief Leon However, he assured law- of the far northeast, stopping their Panetta told lawmakers yester- makers that the Defence threatened advance on the capi- day, defending the response to Department, working with the tal, Bamako. But French-led forces an attack on a mission in Libya. State Department, was putting in continue to come under attack He also urged a Senate com- place new measures in the wake in reclaimed territory, including mittee to help remove the threat of the attack, including plans to rocket fire directed against them of deep automatic budget cuts set base 1,000 more Marines at US Tuesday in Gao. to hit the Defence Department missions around the world. With fears of a prolonged insur- from March 1, calling them one But he warned of the threat to gency, Paris is keen to hand over of the greatest risks to America’s the Pentagon if lawmakers fail to the military burden of an opera- national security. reach a deal with President Barack tion the defence ministry said has The defence secretary and the Obama to avert automatic budget already cost France ¤70m, with chairman of the Joint Chiefs of cuts on March 1, which would slash the figure rising by ¤2.7m per day. Staff, General Martin Dempsey, the defence budget by $46bn. French Defence Minister Jean-Yves were grilled by senators probing The threat of what is called Le Drian said patrols in reclaimed what happened during the deadly sequestration is “one of the great- towns had encountered “residual September 11 militant attack on est security risks we are now fac- jihadist groups who are still fighting”. the US mission in Benghazi. ing as a nation,” Panetta said. In Gao, French-led forces have “I firmly believe that the Meanwhile, the hard-nosed beefed up security to prevent rebels Department of Defence and the architect of the US drone war infiltrating the city, according to US armed forces did all we could against Al Qaeda, John Brennan, a Malian army source. Witnesses do in the response to the attacks in will face difficult questions about reported large patrols by French, Benghazi,” Panetta told the Senate secret assassinations from sena- Malian and Nigerien troops. Armed Services Committee. tors weighing his nomination to French helicopters have been Despite having US bases in the lead the CIA. Brennan’s confir- patrolling the road between Gao Africa region and in Italy, Panetta mation hearing before the Senate and Douentza, 400km to the south- said there was not enough time to Intelligence Committee thrusts a Crew members carry supplies on board the German Navy’s U32 submarine at the navy harbour in Eckernfoerde, west. After announcing plans to scramble resources to Benghazi as rare public spotlight on President Germany, yesterday. The submarine is expected to sail on February 10 to join the four-month lasting interna- start withdrawing its 4,000 troops the mission and a nearby annex Barack Obama’s covert drone use tional maritime manoeuvre ‘Westlant Deployment’ on the east coast of the United States. A central exercise from Mali in March, France called came under fire. and associated missile strikes. for a United Nations peacekeeping during the manoeuvre will be a simulated maritime combat between the submarine and a US aircraft carrier An unmanned surveillance drone On Wednesday, Obama bowed force to take over. AFP battle group. did arrive on the scene an hour and to pressure from lawmakers and 11 minutes after the start of the handed over a secret memo that attack, but it would have taken a outlines the legal justification for fixed-wing aircraft between nine to killing Americans abroad if they 12 hours to get there. are suspected of plotting with Al “The United States military, as Qaeda. Some Senate Democrats and I’ve said, is not and frankly should Republicans have long demanded EU maps out new cyber-security plan not be a 911 service capable of the document and had threatened arriving on the scene within min- to delay confirming Brennan as utes to every possible contingency the next director of the Central BRUSSELS: The European resilience of information sys- worldwide lose around ¤290bn to the bloc’s wider political aims. around the world,” Panetta said. Intelligence Agency over the issue. Commission yesterday launched tems, on which all aspects of life each year. “For cyberspace to remain open “The US military has neither the The Obama administration a new cyber-security plan, aimed increasingly depend, and bolster “The more people rely on the and free, the same norms, princi- resources nor the responsibility to has sought to shroud the raids in at safeguarding vital informa- overall defences against crime. Internet the more people rely on ples and values that the EU upholds have a firehouse next to every US secrecy but the threat of lawsuits tion systems and bolstering the To highlight the scale of the it to be secure. A secure Internet offline, should also apply online. facility in the world.” Panetta also and frustration from Congress has bloc’s defences against a grow- problem, the Commission cited protects our freedoms and rights Fundamental rights, democracy stressed there had been “no spe- put pressure on officials to pub- ing criminal threat. World Economic Forum research and our ability to do business. and the rule of law need to be pro- cific intelligence” of an attack on licly defend the drone campaign. The plan calls on member estimating there is a 10 percent It’s time to take coordinated tected in cyberspace,” Ashton said. the mission in Benghazi, in which Although Brennan is expected to states to set up specialised agen- chance of a major critical infor- action,” said Neelie Kroes, EU Last week, Twitter said it was the US ambassador to Libya, be approved as the new head of cies to ensure the security of mation infrastructure breakdown Commissioner in charge of the hit by a “sophisticated” cyber attack Chris Stevens, and three other the CIA, some senators see the information networks and rapid in the coming decade, which could bloc’s Digital Agenda. similar to those that recently hit Americans were killed. hearing as a chance to question intervention units to counter cost $250bn. Cybercrime mean- EU foreign affairs head major Western news outlets and “Frankly, without an adequate him on the legality of drone use. any cyber attack. These bodies while costs even more, with secu- Catherine Ashton highlighted that the passwords of about 250,000 warning, there was not enough AGENCIES should cooperate to improve the rity firm Symantec saying victims the importance of cyber-security users were stolen. AFP Huhne’s ‘broken’ ex-wife plotted his downfall, court hears LONDON: The inside story of how political career that had seen him rise ran many salacious stories about taken the points, in line with a writ- agreed to get the story out by way of a long the “broken” wife of a British minister to the rank of energy secretary in the Trimingham. ten agreement between the two women profile of Pryce that would mention the plotted to destroy his career after he Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition “This was a broken woman,” Oakeshott reached after months of discussions. speeding points incident only in passing, left her for another woman came out in that took office in May 2010. told Southwark Crown Court, describing Transcripts of emails between Pryce as if it had come from another source and court yesterday when the journalist at Pryce has pleaded not guilty on the Pryce in 2010-2011, when Oakeshott got and Oakeshott before the story was pub- had not involved Pryce. the heart of the drama gave evidence. basis that she did take Huhne’s penalty to know her. “She was constantly on the lished showed that the pair had tried very Concerning the events of 2003 Isabel Oakeshott, political editor of the points back in 2003 but he had used verge of tears ... I got the impression that hard to find a way to expose Huhne’s role themselves, Oakeshott said Pryce Sunday Times, said high-flying economist “marital coercion” to make her do it. despite the way she had been treated by in the speeding points incident while had told her that the first she knew Vicky Pryce was constantly on the verge The prosecution reject that defence. her husband, she was still very much in protecting Pryce, who was fully aware of the speeding offence was when she of tears over the breakdown of her mar- They say the way that Pryce plotted in love with him.” that she too risked prosecution if the full received a note from police informing riage to politician Chris Huhne, whom 2011 to reveal the 2003 speeding points Oakeshott said that Pryce’s public per- details came out. her that Huhne had nominated her as she still loved, in the weeks when she incident in the press, with a view to sona as a high-flying professional “in suits “It sounds like you have a really good the driver when the car was flashed plotted his downfall. destroying Huhne’s career, shows that and high heels, beautifully presented” was chance of joining the MPC ... and in the by a speed camera. Pryce, 60, is on trial for perverting the she is a strong-minded, manipulative in fact an “armour” to hide her devasta- longer term even the House of Lords,” Oakeshott said Pryce said she had been course of justice over a 2003 incident in person and not one who could be easily tion. Oakeshott was giving evidence at Oakeshott wrote to Pryce in one email, furious about this and had felt Huhne which she took penalty points on her driv- bullied by her husband. Pryce’s trial because she broke the story referring to the Bank of England’s had put her “in an impossible position” ing licence for a speeding offence commit- The 26-year marriage broke down in in May 2011 that Huhne had got someone Monetary Policy Committee. Oakeshott where her only options were to go along ted by Huhne, then a Liberal Democrat June 2010, just weeks after he became else to take speeding penalty points on went on to tell Pryce it was not worth with his lie or expose him to the police as member of the European parliament. a minister, when Huhne left Pryce for his behalf in 2003. jeopardising all that if she could help it. having lied. Her feeling was that she had Huhne, 58, had been charged with the bisexual public relations adviser Carina Oakeshott’s original article did not The two women tried to obtain a taped been “pressurised” into accepting to take same offence over the same incident. Trimingham. These events were front- name Pryce either as the source for that admission from Huhne in secretly recorded his penalty points. The trial continues. He pleaded guilty on Monday, ending a page news in the British press which information or as the person who had phone calls, but when that didn’t work they REUTERS FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Aquino to visit Muslim rebel stronghold Milf spokesman says peace programme will strengthen relations between the government and extremists

MANILA: Philippine President achieved,” he said. “The launch of homeland in exchange for signifi- Benigno Aquino will next week the social programmes will show cant power and wealth-sharing in make a historic visit to the concrete benefits of peace.” a new autonomous region. stronghold of the country’s At the launch, health insur- Negotiators from both sides main Muslim rebel force in an ance cards will be distributed to have been meeting in neighbour- effort to push forward peace residents, emergency jobs offered ing Malaysia to thrash out what talks, his office said yesterday. to adults and scholarships given they described as contentious Aquino’s trip on Monday to the to their children, Aquino’s office items in the plan. outskirts of the 12,000-member said. Cabinet secretary Jose Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s The Milf has been fighting Almendras said Monday’s event (Milf) main base in the country’s since the 1970s for independence would be held at an Milf-run south will be the first peace mis- in Mindanao, the southern third school that residents say is about sion there by a president since the of the mainly Catholic Philippines half a kilometre from the main insurgency began in the 1970s. that the country’s Muslim minor- gate of the rebels’ headquarters, Aquino and Milf chairman ity claim as their ancestral Camp Darapanan. Murad Ebrahim will meet as homeland. “It’s very close to the Milf they witness the launch of a An estimated 150,000 people camp,” Almendras said. social welfare project for mainly have died in the conflict. Milf spokesman Mike Pasigan Muslim residents of communities The Milf signed a “framework welcomed the imminent launch of where the rebels exert an influ- agreement” with Aquino’s govern- the social welfare project. ence, Aquino spokesman Ricky ment in October last year com- “The programme will further Carandang said. mitting both sides to form a new strengthen the collaboration “It’s not a formal meeting, but autonomous entity on Mindanao between the government and the their presence will underscore the by 2016, when the president ends Milf as we build on the gains of commitment and optimism that his six-year term. the peace process,” he said in a President Benigno Aquino (right) and German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle (second left) during a meeting both sides have that a final resolu- The Milf vowed to give up statement. at the presidential palace in Manila, yesterday. tion to the peace process will be its quest for an independent AFP

NPA rebels torch Congress approves Crane ship set to rescue US equipment after expanded law to minesweeper in coral reefs ransom rejected MANILA: Communist rebels in Agusan del Norte torched MANILA: Salvaging opera- will be lowered to a depth of 800 last January 17 and is estimated two construction equipment curb dirty money tions for the USS Guardian metres, which will hit sandy bot- to have so far damaged 4,000sqm owned by a local official who began yesterday after the tom, and the two at the stern will of coral. refused to pay revolutionary MANILA: Philippine lawmak- the FATF. The expanded law cov- Tubbataha Protected Area hit a depth of 300 metres. US authorities reported remov- tax, the military said. ers have approved amendments ers not just banks, but also foreign Management Board (TPAMB) Its crane can carry up to 500 ing the 15,000 litres of diesel oil First Lieutenant Joe Martinez, that expanded the coverage of exchange dealers, money chang- allowed a crane ship to lower tons. and other hazardous materials on chief of the 42nd civil-military a law on illegal movement of ers, pawnshops and precious met- its four anchors some 10 metres Evangelista said fair weather the ship. operations company, said the money as the country sought to als and jewellery dealers, among away from the protected area. was needed to ensure little move- Meanwhile, the militant group rebels burned one dump truck escape sanctions from an inter- others. Coast Guard Palawan district ment in the water that could Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang and one mixer in Barangay Curva national watchdog. These sectors are required chief Commodore Enrico Efren cause the minesweeper to drift. Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas in Santiago town at about 1am. A bicameral Congress com- to report to the Anti-Money Evangelista said the Smit Borneo The salvage team will use power (Pamalakaya) slammed President Martinez said the atrocity mittee gave its approval late Laundering Council all financial arrived at the site at 6pm on tools and other equipment to cut Aquino for agreeing to the pro- occurred after the owner of the on Wednesday to the measure transactions in excess of P500,000 Tuesday. the vessel into pieces. A generator posal to tap US troops to guard equipment, Misamis Occidental strengthening the Anti-Money ($12,300). The crane ship is needed to will be on hand if needed. Tubbataha to prevent another Vice Governor Henry Oaminal, Laundering Act, ahead of a But the committee, which chop off the 68-metre US Navy Evangelista said the TPAMB accident. refused to yield to the extortion February 18 meeting of the Paris- merged the two versions of the minesweeper into smaller parts. set several conditions before Pamalakaya Vice Chairman demands of the rebels. based Financial Action Task measure passed separately by The sections would be transferred agreeing to allow the ship to drop Salvador France said the Local policemen and mem- Force (FATF). the lower and upper chambers of to another ship. anchor. President’s proposal is “patently bers of the 3rd Special Forces “On February, 18 we will know Congress, dropped the proposed Evangelista said the Smit These include a joint initial unpatriotic.” Battalion are now probing the whether what we have passed is inclusion of casinos. Guingona Borneo had started rigging its ecological assessment before and He said Aquino should instead incident and are now running enough for us to get out of the said there was no more time to anchor, which takes time because after the salvaging operations, to pursue “criminal and other appro- after the suspects. dark grey list upwards or go down discuss the issue. it must be lowered deep into the be conducted by the Coast Guard priate charges” against US Navy “The damage could have been to the blacklist,” Senator Teofisto The measure was one of the Sulu Sea. “There has to be preci- and park rangers. officials and the 79 crew members worse if not (for) the informa- Guingona was quoted as saying by last bills to be approved before sion in anchoring to make sure Two representatives from the of the Guardian. tion from the residents who sent a news website. Congress closes to start a three- that the anchor would land at the Tubbataha Management Office Last Tuesday, Aquino welcomed text to us regarding the pres- Inclusion on the FATF blacklist month campaign period ahead of correct spot,” he said, will also join the Smit Borneo as the idea of deploying a US Navy- ence of the said armed group in would undermine the Philippines’ a congressional election in May. Evangelista, who also heads the observers. led, Peace Corps-type volunteer their community,” said Lt Col ability to attract foreign invest- “We have produced enough Task Force Tubbataha, said the The TPAMB also required nets team to help guard Tubbataha, a Potenciano Camba, chief of the ment and make it difficult for compliance with the requirements TPAMB issued a manifestation or containment barriers to pre- Unesco World Heritage Site. 3rd Special Forces Battalion. Filipinos abroad to send money of the FATF,” Senate President agreeing to have the anchors low- vent further damage to the reef Aquino said the volunteers “The heavy equipment were home and for local banks to Juan Ponce Enrile told reporters, ered far from the damaged reef. as the salvaging gets underway. under the command of the US slightly damaged after we have transact business overseas. adding the amended version of “Ten metres (from the edge of Those engaged in the salvag- Navy would not only guard the immediately extinguished the fire. The Philippines is among the law could still be revised fur- the reef) is already a very safe ing operations are also required reef but also help in rehabilitation This only shows that the New countries that need to address ther if the FATF sought stricter distance,” he said. to abide by Tubbataha park rules efforts and ensure that no ship People’s Army no longer has the “deficiencies” in the fight against provisions. The Smit Borneo will drop and regulations. would aground in the area again. support of the people in the area,” money laundering, according to REUTERS four anchors. The two at the bow The Guardian ran aground THE PHILIPPINE STAR he added. Army to hold bidding Femme fatale for protection gear MANILA: The Department of Police face murder charges National Defence (DND) will acquire P1.76bn ($40m) worth of protection equipment for the over Atimonan shootings military to ensure the safety of soldiers in combat zones. MANILA: The killing was pre- some more annexes,” he said as he Defence Assistant Secretary meditated, and members of a refused to discuss their findings Efren Fernandez, Chairman of police-military team will face with reporters. the Bids and Awards Committee, 13 counts of murder. De Lima said she expects the said the Army and the Marines This is the gist of the report sub- President to discuss the NBI find- would be provided with mitted yesterday by the National ings with her for clarifications 44,080 sets of new protection Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to or clearance before making the equipment. Justice Secretary Lilia de Lima on report public. The force protection equipment the deaths of 13 men in Atimonan, Meanwhile, doctors at the will be acquired through open Quezon on January 6. PNP-General Hospital observed competitive bidding in accord- The team was led by police that Marantan’s recovery from ance with the provisions of the Superintendent Hansel the wound he sustained during procurement law. Marantan, who is still recuper- the incident was slow. The DND is now inviting inter- ating from a wound in a hospital. Dr Martin Sison recommended ested companies to join the bid- Newly recruited female marines take a break before an assault drill inside the marine headquarters in the town It was not clear if murder that Marantan undergo electro- ding to be held on February 28 in of Ternate, Cavite city, south of Manila. There are an estimated 350 women combatants in the 10,000-strong charges were also recommended myogram nerve conduction veloc- Camp Aguinaldo. marines who go through the same rigid physical and mental training as their male counterparts. against Chief Superintendent ity to determine if he has suffered The military welcomed the James Melad, who was sacked nerve damage. development, saying this would as regional police commander of Rojas said they would resubmit ensure the safety of soldiers in the Calabarzon after the shooting. the report this morning before it the field. Freedom at last after bungled arrests Malacañang has said Melad gave is forwarded to the Palace for offi- “We put so much premium on the green light for the operation cial announcement. the foot soldiers so our thrust is to MANILA: Eighteen Philippine of six members of Jehovah’s separately in several southern that ostensibly targeted one of the A source privy to the inves- minimize our casualties. We value Muslims wrongly accused of kid- Witnesses on August 20, 2002,” islands between September 2010 13 victimes, alleged jueteng lord tigation, however, confirmed human resources,” Armed Forces napping and beheading Christian Ong said in a written report. and July 2012 for the abductions Vic Siman. that there was ample basis to spokesman Col Arnulfo Burgos Jr missionaries are to be freed from “However, we note the indis- of the six Filipino missionaries, De Lima returned the report file 13 counts of murder against said in an interview. prison, where some have lan- criminate arrests of alleged mem- two of whom were later beheaded. to the NBI yesterday for addi- Marantan and his team. “We would like to make sure guished for over two years, the bers of the (Abu Sayyaf), even State witnesses including one tional attachments. NBI Director The source said the probers that our troops are safe so they government said yesterday. those who did not participate in of the former hostages identified Nonnatus Rojas submitted the were able to establish that the can be more effective in perform- They include five possible mem- the kidnapping.” three of the 21 suspects as having report to the justice chief behind killings were premeditated. ing theirs mission of protecting bers of the Islamic militant group Chief government prosecu- taken part in either the kidnap- closed doors. However, the insider refused the people,” he added. Abu Sayyaf who had not apparently tor Claro Arellano endorsed the pings or the beheadings, he said. Around 30 minutes later, Rojas to confirm whether the level To be qualified, a prospective taken any part in the grisly crimes, report and ordered 18 of the 21 Ong said five of the 18 others stepped out of De Lima’s office of liability would reach the bidder should have completed said Peter Ong, Vice-Chairman of detained suspects in the case to “may” be Abu Sayyaf members still carrying the five-inch-thick Presidential Anti-Organised within 10 years from the date of the justice department’s counter- be freed, Ong said. but there was not enough evi- report. Crime Commission. submission and receipt of bids a terrorism task force. Law enforcers who took part dence to show they took part in He clarified De Lima did not “The report is just recommenda- contract similar to the project. “There is no denying that mem- in the bungled arrests are to be the crimes, while for the rest it return the report for revisions. tory. The Palace has discretion to Bids that exceed P1.76bn ($40m) bers of the Abu Sayyaf Group are investigated, he added. was a case of mistaken identity. “The main report is already accept or reject it,” the source said. will be rejected. responsible for the kidnapping Ong said the men were arrested AFP completed. We just need to attach THE PHILIPPINE STAR THE PHILIPPINE STAR FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA Maoists set terms to end political deadlock Propose chief justice as new PM of Nepal KATHMANDU: Nepal’s Nepal is still recovering from power,” Badu was quoted as say- Maoist party yesterday set out a decade of civil war that killed ing of the proposal. for the first time the conditions more than 16,000 people before it “The proposal goes against the under which its prime minister ended in 2006. Its politics remain norms of party politics and there would resign, an offer it said fractious, and recent squab- are some constitutional problems was aimed at ending a political bles over Bhattarai’s staying in as well,” Pradeep Gwayali, a sen- deadlock with opposition par- power have sparked violent street ior leader of the second biggest ties that has paralysed one of protests. opposition party, the Communist the world’s poorest countries. The hope is that elections UML, told the Kantipur TV But hours after the offer was in May this year will end the channel.Opposition parties have made, leaders from two major deadlock and pave the way for a demanded Bhattarai resign after opposition parties said they saw national assembly to draft a new he failed to hold elections he it as a ploy for the government constitution, after the 239-year- ordered for November last year. to remain in power, rather than old monarchy was abolished and The ongoing uncertainty of when being a serious attempt to break Nepal became a republic. elections will be held has fuelled the political impasse. “Our party has proposed the unrest. The political stalemate Prime Minister Baburam chief justice of the Supreme Court has led many industries to close Bhattarai agreed to step aside to lead the new government to and frightened investors in the South Korean and US marines attend a winter military drill in Pyeongchang, about 180km east of Seoul, yesterday. provided that opposition par- hold elections in May as a formula Himalayan nation, which relies on North Korea has vowed to conduct more rocket and nuclear tests in response to a UN censure for its launch of ties accept the chief justice of to end the deadlock,” delegate foreign aid and tourism to prop a long-range missile in December. the Supreme Court as the head Surya Rimal said from Hetauda, up its economy. of a unity government to oversee 80km southeast of Kathmandu, The Maoists won elections in national elections, Maoist del- where the Maoists are holding 2008 after joining a peace process egates to a party conference said. their first national congress in 21 two years earlier and are leading South Korea imposes UN A former rebel leader, Bhattarai years. a rickety coalition with regional has led a caretaker government Dilendra Prasad Badu, a parties based on the southern since May last year, when parlia- spokesman of the main opposi- plains. “We have no other option ment was dissolved after failing tion Nepali Congress party, told than this and this is the last one sanctions against North to reach a consensus on drafting the Kantipur news channel the to solve the crisis,” said the Maoist a new constitution seen as key to Maoists were insincere. “It is only party spokesman, Agni Sapkota. Nepal’s long-term stability. a ploy to lengthen their stay in REUTERS SEOUL: South Korea yester- said it would impose the neces- condemned as a declaration of day confirmed it would imple- sary restrictions on the same par- war. ment the latest UN sanctions ties named in the resolution from Meanwhile, South Korean imposed on North Korea, despite next week. president-elect Park Geun-Hye dire warnings from Pyongyang There was never any doubt that warned North Korea yesterday Thousands of bureaucrats snared in Myanmar about the consequences. Seoul, which had pushed for much that it faced nothing but deeper The sanctions were ordered harsher sanctions, would imple- isolation if it pushes ahead with YANGON: Some 17,000 the document, which was sent the punishments range from jail in response to the North’s long- ment the UN measures. a nuclear test. Myanmar civil servants have by the government to parlia- terms and dismissals, to demo- range rocket launch in December But with the Korean peninsula “There is nothing North Korea been punished — with 380 ment this week. tion, written warnings and pay and prompted Pyongyang into — and much of the world — on can gain with nuclear weapons,” among them jailed — follow- President Thein Sein has cuts. threatening an imminent nuclear edge over the expected nuclear said Park, as she held special ing a “good governance and vowed to stamp down on graft “Due to the requirement test. test, the ministry’s statement will security talks with the leaders of clean government” campaign, as part of reforms that promise for good governance and clean The UN Security Council res- do nothing to defuse tensions. the country’s two main political according to a government greater democracy and meas- government, ministries were olution added six North Korean Last month, the North specifi- parties. report. ures to establish the rule of law investigated... and action has entities and four individuals to an cally threatened “physical coun- “It will rather face a strong Action was taken against after decades of corrupt military been taken,” said the report, existing list for an assets freeze ter-measures” if South Korea response... and will bring further 16,952 workers, including scores rule which ended in April 2011. which was commissioned after and travel ban. “directly” participated in the isolation on itself,” she said. of police officers, between April None of the alleged offences a motion brought by an MP for The South’s Finance Ministry UN sanctions, which Pyongyang AFP 2011 and December 2012, said are detailed in the report, but the ruling USDP party. AFP

China sentences 16 for violent agitation Two Russian fighters breach airspace, says Japan against pollution TOKYO: Two Russian fight- to a decades-old territorial row territorial waters off Hokkaido’s “Flights by the air force of the Southern Kurils, known as the ers violated Japanese airspace between the two. Rishiri island,” the foreign min- Pacific Fleet take place regularly Northern Territories in Japan. SHANGHAI: China has sen- yesterday, Tokyo’s defence min- The foreign ministry lodged istry said. in this region, in strict adherence Abe’s tone was in marked tenced 16 people to up to a istry said, prompting Japan to a formal protest over what it If confirmed, it would be the to the international rules, without contrast to his uncompromising year-and-a-half in prison for scramble its own warplanes in said was an incursion by a pair first breach of Japanese airspace violation of state borders,” it said. stance on a dispute with Beijing involvement in an environmental what was reported to be the of Russian Su-27 fighters. Four by Russia since February 2008, The alleged incident came over the sovereignty of a different protest last July when a crowd first such incident in five years. Japanese F-2 fighters were sent according to Japanese media hours after hawkish Japanese set of disputed islands. of thousands ransacked govern- The planes were detected off up to visually confirm the Russian reports. However, Moscow denied premier Shinzo Abe — who “There is no change in my ment offices, the official Xinhua the northern island of Hokkaido planes, according to Kyodo news. any incursion had taken place, in swept to power in December with resolve to do everything I can news agency reported. A court for just over a minute, shortly “Today, around 3pm (0600 a statement by the spokesman for pledges to get tough on diplomacy towards sealing a peace treaty in Qidong city, 65km north of after Japan’s new prime min- GMT), military fighters belonging the military command’s eastern — offered apparently concilia- with Russia after resolving the Shanghai, charged the group of ister said he wanted to find a to Russian Federation breached district, Roman Martov, given to tory comments toward Moscow issue of the Northern Territories,” demonstrators with “gathering “mutually acceptable solution” our nation’s airspace above Russian news agencies. over the Russian-administered Abe said. AFP to assault state organs, damaging property and theft” during the July 28 demonstration against a pipeline for waste from a paper Lunar New Year factory. The protest exemplified a growing environmental aware- China detains 70 in bid ness and willingness of urban people to voice concern about industrial pollution. At the same time, the ruling Communist to crack down on Tibet Party worries that protests can undermine social order. Throngs of people marched through the self-immolation protests streets before pouring into a government compound where BEIJING: Chinese authorities “The Dalai Lama clique mas- they turned over cars, ransacked have detained 70 people in a terminded and incited the self- offices and tossed documents out crackdown on self-immolations immolations,” Lu said. “Personal of windows. in ethnic Tibetan regions, state information, such as photos of media said yesterday, the larg- the victims, were sent overseas est single reported sweep of to promote the self-immolations.” Protests rage for third suspects to date as the govern- “A few individuals with a strong ment tries to stop the unrest. sense of extreme nationalism day over Bangladeshi Nearly 100 Tibetans have set showed sympathy with the self- themselves on fire to protest immolators and followed their war crimes verdict against Chinese rule since 2009 example,” Lu said. “The self- across a large swathe of ethni- immolation cases were influenced DHAKA: Tens of thousands cally Tibetan regions, with most by the separatism of the Dalai of protesters rallied in cities People gather at a Taoist temple in Hong Kong yesterday, ahead of the first day of the Lunar New Year of them dying from their injuries. Lama clique, as the Dalai Lama across Bangladesh for a third across the region on Sunday. In the past few months, the gov- has prayed for self-immolators day yesterday to demand the ernment has begun a new tactic and Tibetan separatists overseas execution of an Islamist leader to discourage the protests, detain- flaunt them as ‘heroes’.” sentenced to life in prison for ing and jailing people it deems to Beijing considers Nobel peace war crimes committed during have incited the burnings. laureate the Dalai Lama, who the 1971 independence conflict. Almost 6,000 Rohingyas arrive in Thailand The latest detentions took place fled from China in 1959 after an The sentencing of Abdul in the northwestern province of abortive uprising against Chinese Quader Mollah by a war crimes Qinghai, where police detained 70 rule, a violent separatist. The tribunal on Tuesday for charges BANGKOK: Nearly 6,000 promised humane treatment for Myanmar’s reformist govern- “criminal suspects”, 12 of whom Dalai Lama says he is merely was the second verdict in trials Rohingya Muslims have arrived the 5,899 who have arrived on its ment has been criticised for its were formally arrested, mean- seeking greater autonomy for his that have reopened the wounds in Thailand since October, shores. “Those detained will con- treatment of Rohingyas and its ing they will be charged, the offi- Himalayan homeland. of Bangladesh’s struggle to break when sectarian violence flared tinue to be treated as illegal and poor handling of clashes with eth- cial Xinhua said. “Police will exert He has called on China to away from Pakistan. Most in Myanmar’s western Rakhine given only basic care in line with nic Rakhine Buddhists in June more efforts to thoroughly investi- investigate the self-immolations. Bangladeshis had expected a state and displaced tens of humanitarian practices,” said and October. The Rohingyas came gate the cases and seriously punish He has said he is not encourag- death sentence to be handed to thousands of people, a top Thai Dittaporn Sasamit, a spokesman off worst in a statewide spree of those who incite innocent people to ing them but has called them Mollah, 64, assistant secretary- security agency said yesterday. for Thailand’s Internal Security machete and arson attacks. commit self-immolation,” it quoted “understandable”. general of Jamaate-Islami - the Entire communities of Operations Command (ISOC). Many Rohingyas arrived in pre- Lu Benqian, Qinghai’s deputy police China has defended its iron- country’s biggest Islamist party. Rohingyas are languishing in “The Foreign Ministry is dominantly Buddhist Myanmar chief, as saying. fisted rule in Tibet, saying the Public outrage was fuelled by blog- makeshift camps in Myanmar, negotiating with other countries as labourers from what is now China has repeatedly remote region suffered from dire gers and activists using Facebook without access to healthcare or to take them on and is seeking Bangladesh under British rule denounced exiled Tibetan spir- poverty, brutal exploitation and and other social media websites clean water, according to the (Myanmar) citizenship papers in the 19th century, grounds the itual leader the Dalai Lama economic stagnation until 1950, who called for mass protests. Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) for them so they can move on,” government uses to deny them and overseas Tibetan groups for when Communist troops “peace- AGENCIES aid group, while Thailand has he said. citizenship. REUTERS fomenting the self-immolations. fully liberated” it. REUTERS FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Half of Afghans Practice paid bribes in 2012, says UN Corruption cases involved $3.9bn

KABUL: The cost of corrup- corruption appears to be increas- tion in Afghanistan has risen ingly tolerated by ordinary people. sharply and half of all citizens More than 68 percent of those paid a bribe to public officials surveyed considered it acceptable last year, a new United Nations for a civil servant to top up a low study said yesterday. salary by accepting small bribes — More than 11 years after a up from 42 percent in 2009, the US-led invasion led to billions report noted. of dollars in aid flowing into one And 67 percent considered of the world’s poorest countries, it “sometimes acceptable” for a Afghanistan ranks among the civil servant to be recruited on most corrupt nations on earth. the basis of family ties and friend- And Western nations due to ship networks — also up from 42 pull their troops out next year percent four years ago, the report have linked future financial sup- added. port to the aid-dependent nation While the cost of corruption to a crackdown on graft. had risen, the total number of The report by the UN office people paying bribes had dropped on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) from 58 percent in 2009 to 50 per- and Afghanistan’s anti-corruption cent last year — but they were unit says that while there has paying more often. been “some tangible progress”, the The survey was based on a total cost of corruption increased representative sample of 6,700 Afghan policemen perform a drill during a graduation ceremony at a police training centre in Jalalabad, yesterday. to $3.9bn in 2012 — 40 percent up citizens interviewed across the on 2009. country. “The bribes that Afghan citi- President Hamid Karzai in zens paid in 2012 equals double December blamed foreigners Afghanistan’s domestic rev- for most of the corruption in enue or one-fourth of the Tokyo Afghanistan and said the with- Nato helicopter crashes, Taliban claims role pledge,” the report says, refer- drawal of Nato troops in 2014 ring to the $16bn promised by would help rid the country of KABUL: A Nato helicopter Afghanistan today,” the ISAF number of troops aboard, saying Afghanistan, regularly exaggerate donors at a conference in Japan graft. crashed in eastern Afghanistan spokesman said. the crash was under investigation. their battlefield activities. last year. The Afghan government has yesterday but there were no “The cause is under investiga- A Taliban spokesman said in a Kapisa Provincial Governor “Nobody doubts the seriousness previously pointed the finger casualties, an ISAF spokesman tion but initial reporting indicates text message that the helicopter Mehrabuddin Safi said “the inci- of the issue, the art is to design at the contract systems of the said, while the Taliban claimed there was no enemy activity in the was shot down by rocket fire in dent happened in an area where the correct strategy to rem- international community for to have shot it down and killed area at the time. The reporting the Tagab district of Kapisa prov- a clearance operation was ongoing edy the situation,” said UNODC spreading corruption, although all on board. we have at this time is that there ince and burst into flames. against the enemy”. regional representative Jean-Luc it admits graft is rife within its “I can confirm an International were no casualties.” He said all aboard were “We are investigating what Lemahieu. own ranks. Security Assistance Force He would not give details of the killed. The Taliban, who have caused the crash and possible The report shows that AFP helicopter crashed in eastern type of helicopter involved or the waged an 11-year insurgency in casualties,” he said. AFP

BRIEFLY 326 new Aids cases in Pakistan Bomb kills four policemen MAZAR-I-SHARIF: A Razaq Qaderi said. KARACHI: There has been around 80 per cent of the cases that the fears and misconceptions remote-controlled bomb ripped Three others were wounded in an alarming increase in the are registered in Karachi. Only people have about the disease pre- through a police pick-up truck the attack, Balkh provincial gov- number of people suffering from 198 were reported from 2004 to vent them from asking for help. in northern Afghanistan yes- ernor’s spokesman Farhad Munir Acquired Immune Deficiency 2012, it adds. He added that the government terday, killing a district police said. Roadside bombs, either Syndrome (Aids) in Pakistan’s The provincial head of the pro- should do more to trace and chief and his three bodyguards. remotely-controlled or weight- southern Sindh province and gramme, Dr Arshad Mehmood, assist the people suffering from Police are increasingly targeted detonated, are favourite weapons 326 new cases were registered said that more Aids cases were the disease. by Taliban insurgents as Afghan of the Taliban who have waged an Drone attack claims in the past three months, said a showing up because there was an A representative from an security forces take greater 11-year war against the Western- report issued by the Sindh Aids increase in government surveil- NGO, who requested anonym- responsibility for security before backed government of Afghanistan. five, damages two Control Programme. lance of the disease. ity, explained that little could be Nato troops withdraw next year. Suicide attacks are also fre- houses in Waziristan According to the report, 16 peo- “The highest incidence of the hoped from the government as it The attack came as the men quently used, and 10 policemen ple, including a woman, have lost disease is found among addicts had not been able to curb human were travelling from Kishindih were killed in the northeast city ISLAMABAD: At least their lives due to the disease in who inject drugs using syringes,” immunodeficiency virus in spite of district of Balkh province to the of Kunduz on January 26 when a five people were killed and the past three months. he lamented. having spent millions on it. capital Mazar-i-Sharif, Deputy bomber blew himself up. many injured on Wednesday The report also says that The doctor also pointed out INTERNEWS Provincial Police chief Abdul AFP in a US drone attack in Pakistan’s tribal region of North Waziristan, official Colourful balloons sources said. According to sources, the pilotless predator plane tar- Islamabad urged to set geted a house in the Spin Wam area of the North Waziristan bordering Afghanistan. Sources said that the drone employment strategy fired two missiles at a house that was allegedly being used by LAHORE: The government of poverty, while at the same time suspected militants and killed Pakistan needs to develop new reaping a public benefit in the five people in the compound, strategies to create productive form of infrastructure like ports, and injured many living in a and well-paid employment as dams, bridges and cleaner roads. neighbouring house. a large number of workers are Public sector development Local people rushed to the underemployed poor, with jobs funds have never been fully uti- site for rescue work as there that allow them to survive but lised in the past five years because was no official or private rescue not to grow. of scarce resources. service available in the restive Economists point out that He said that public works region. employment is important for the are a kind of safety net with an People took out the bodies poor as the ability to work is their economic activity behind them. and injured from the debris of only real asset and they have lim- When looking at social-protection the houses and shifted them ited safety nets. While having a options, prudent governments to the tehsil hospital in Spin job can be a way out of poverty, it often prefer public works pro- Wam. is not a guarantee. grammes to cash grants because Yunus Kamran, a chartered there is a perception that public Refugees granted accountant, regretted that despite works are less likely to lead to the obvious connection between dependency, he added. new extension jobs and poverty, employment usu- He said that the amount An Afghan boy walks with balloons for sale on a cold winter’s day in Kabul, yesterday. LAHORE: The federal gov- ally has never been top priority in wasted on the Benazir Income ernment of Pakistan has offi- the poverty reduction strategies Support Programme could have cially announced a six-month of Pakistan. He said the planners created infrastructure for eco- extension for Afghan refugees assume that growth will create nomic development. Tax collection target missed by $663m to legally stay in the country. employment. During past five A former official, Mohsin According to an official cir- years, more jobs have been lost Syed, said that public works ISLAMABAD: The Federal Despite downward revision, lag behind their targets for the cular, the government has also than what have been created, he programmes provide on-the-job Board of Revenue of Pakistan the board is facing a huge short- current fiscal year excluding cus- extended a tripartite agree- said. training for workers to help them witnessed a shortfall of around fall because of drastic reduction toms duties. ment on voluntary repatriation Senior economist Naveed get a foothold in the larger job Rs65bn ($663.29m) in the first in collection of income tax and With the shortfall in revenue of Afghan refugees, between Anwar Khan said that in all market. Some programmes pro- seven months of this fiscal year sales tax. collection, the tax-to-GDP ratio is Islamabad, Kabul and the developing countries when poli- vide experience to participants against the target due to a slow- This means that tax officials now estimated at 9.4 percent for UNCHR for six months up to cymakers need to create employ- to find permanent jobs, and oth- down in economic growth and will have to collect Rs1, 211bn in 2012-13 from the earlier projected June 30, 2013. ment in the short term, they ers successfully link training and poor tax compliance. the next five months (February- 10 percent. Last year, the ratio There are around 1.56 mil- often look to public works pro- skills development with public Collections fell to Rs1,020bn June) to reach closer to the was 9.1 percent. lion registered Afghan refugees grammes, a popular response to works. He warned that public in seven months ended on revised target. As the government is believed in the country. economic shocks like increases works programmes, if not planned January 31 against the target of If political situation remains to drop the tax amnesty bill Of thesse, about one million in food prices, currency crises, or and executed transparently as Rs1,085bn, showing a decline of unstable during a caretaker set- because of refusal by its two coa- are in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. seasonal unemployment. have been done in recent years, six per cent. up and post-election period, the lition partners to support it, the In the past few years, nearly He said that in public works could create a heavy financial The board had revised down- revenue collection is expected to board has evolved plan B to issue seven million refugees have programmes, the government burden on government budgets ward the target to Rs2, 231bn for deteriorate further in the second notices to the people who have not returned to their homeland. hires and pays workers in cash while not always meeting their 2012-13 from a budgetary target half of the fiscal year. filed tax returns. INTERNEWS or kind (food) as a way to address objectives. INTERNEWS of Rs2, 381bn. Collections of all federal taxes INTERNEWS FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 INDIA FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Karnataka told Women dumped in field after sterilisation KOLKATA: Scores of women The scandal came to light move each of them to the adjacent sterilisation camp, said some of QE trading volume jumps were dumped unconscious in a after news channel NDTV aired field,” Biswa Ranjan Satpathi, the women were shoved on rick- field after a mass sterilisation in amateur footage of unconscious West Bengal’s director of health shaws after surgery even though West Bengal because there was women being carried out of the services, said in Kolkata. they were clearly in no fit state to Qatari bourse index gains a marginal 32.82 points last week to release no room in hospital for them hospital on Tuesday by men and “This is inhuman and we have make any kind of journey. to recuperate, medical officials then placed on open land. ordered a probe into the incident,” “A woman sterilised in the DOHA: Qatari stocks improved The heavyweight banking was concerned, with a 29.74 per- volume of shares traded fell to said yesterday. Local health officials acknowl- he added. hospital fell off the rickshaw on marginally in the week that and financial services sector led cent share in the total. 6.9 million, from 7.3 million the The women had all undergone edged that the patients’ treatment Medical experts also voiced the way to her home and she had ended yesterday with the main trading value, accounting for The industrial sector ended previous day. Cauvery water surgical procedures at a hospital was unacceptable and promised shock over conditions at the hos- to be hospitalised with severe benchmark index of the bourse 32.27 percent of the total, fol- second, with a 20.02 percent share The trading value also took a in the Malda district of the state, an inquiry. pital, where four doctors carried injuries,” said Roy, who works gaining a marginal 32.82 points, lowed by the industrial counters in the total. The real estate sec- beating and dipped QR201.7m, around 360 kilometres north of “Over 100 women, mostly poor, out a total of 106 sterilisations in at Debalaya Trust, a voluntary or 0.38 percent, to 8757.59 points. that had a 22.67 percent share in tor ranked third, accounting for from QR241.6m on Thursday. State will try to get SC order rescinded Kolkata, which officials admitted came to the camp for the surgery. one day. organisation providing free medi- Liquidity measures showed the total. The real estate sector 18 percent, followed by the trans- Major losers included National was not equipped to accommodate Immediately after the procedure, Uday Roy, a health cam- cal services. mixed results with the trading ranked third, with a share of 14.99 portation sector (13.11 percent). Leasing, whose share dropped Qatar’s core sector court to withdraw or modify NEW DELHI/ a large number of patients. the doctors asked the helpers to paigner who was present at the AFP value dipping 4.28 percent to percent. Of the 42 listed companies, 16 1.13 percent to QR39.30, Al Kaleej BANGALORE: The Supreme its directive as Karnataka was QR1.01bn, from QR1.05bn the But the latter (real estate sec- ended higher, while 24 fell and Takaful, which lost 1.10 percent Court yesterday directed facing severe water shortage. previous week, but trading vol- tor) led trading volume during two remained unchanged. In terns to QR44.80, United Development spending a fillip Karnataka to “forthwith” Shettar and Bommai told ume improved 47.26 percent to the week, with a 30.16 percent of individual listed entities, the Company (UDC) that fell 1.66 release 2.44 tmc (thousand mil- the house that in the past the Three held over hate campaign against band 30.21 million shares, from 20.5 share in the total, followed by Gulf International Services led percent to QR17.80 and General lion cubic feet) of Cauvery river Supreme Court’s directives were SRINAGAR: Police in Kashmir arrested three suspects yesterday million the previous week. the banking and financial services the trading value, accounting for Insurance that was down 3.19 per- water to Tamil Nadu for irri- accompanied by a schedule to New Delhi keen to sign for posting abusive comments and threats during an online hate The number of transactions counters whose share in the total 10.03 percent of the total, followed cent to QR44.00. to tourism sector gating its standing crops, but release the water over a period campaign against an all-girl rock band. concluded on the bourse (Qatar was 26.17 percent. The transpor- by fundamentally formidable The banking and financial serv- the state said it would explore of time. “We tracked them down through Internet Protocol addresses and Exchange) surged 14.94 percent tation counters accounted for Industries Qatar (8.74 percent,) ices sector lost 0.50 points, while DOHA: Qatar’s $65bn commit- strong presence at this year’s all options. “This time the order is for Rafale deal by mid-2013 there are many more out there we are looking for,” Afadul Mujtaba, to 16,007, as against the previous 16.67 percent of the total. and Qatar Telecom (8.01 percent). the insurance counters dropped ment to infrastructure develop- Arabian Travel Market (ATM) A bench of Justice R M forthwith release and this is of deputy inspector general of police, said. week’s figure of 13,927. Market The lending and financial Yesterday, the QE’s main index 0.98 points. The industrial sector ment has proved to be a major show with major organisations Lodha, Justice J Chelameswar grave concern,” Bommai said as BANGALORE: India hopes next week when France’s They have been booked under the Information Technology Act and capitalisation rose 0.07 percent to services counters led as far as shed 11.61 points, or 0.13 percent, rose 0.07 points while the services incentive for long term invest- such as Qatar Tourism Authority, and Justice Madan B Lokur said opposition Congress and Janata to sign a $12-billion deal to President Francois Hollande a provision of the state’s own law for criminal intimidation. QR475.71bn compared to QR475.36 the number of transactions con- to 8,757.59 points from the previ- sector fell 0.57 points. ment by leading hospitality Katara Hospitality and Qatar Karnataka would release the Dal-Secular members demanded buy Rafale jets from France’s makes his first visit to India The three-member band Pragaash (First light) was forced to split at the end of the previous week. cluded on the bourse last week ous close of 8,727.83 points. The THE PENINSULA providers, according to market Airways all participating. water forthwith. that the state government take Dassault Aviation by the mid- since being elected last May. up on Monday following a string of abusive and threatening posts on analysts. “Katara Hospitality alone has However, Karnataka was not all steps to get the directive dle of the year, the country’s “We want it to happen as social media and a fatwa by the region’s most senior cleric calling the The country is entering a more than 4,000 hotel rooms moved. rescinded. air force chief said yesterday. early as possible for induction girls’ singing “un-Islamic”. sustained decade-long period of already operational or under “We will not release the water Both Shettar and Bommai Air Chief Marshall NAK soon,” Browne said, speaking on development and growth, with construction and with the intro- in a hurry and will explore refuted the opposition’s charge Browne told reporters at India’s the sidelines of Aero India in over 85,000 new hotel rooms set duction of more and more budget all options,” Water Resources that the Bharatiya Janata Party biggest air show that the deal the southern city of Bangalore. Four arrested over alleged gang rape in Delhi Dlala Brokerage to bolster current inventory by properties, Qatar is committed Minister Basavaraj Bommai government had failed to provide was “very much on track”. The Rafale beat off com- NEW DELHI: Delhi police have arrested four men for allegedly Yemen slashes interest rates 2022. Alpen Capital’s October to the development of a well- told the Karnataka assembly in to the Supreme Court all details “If all goes well, we will be petition from six rivals from gang-raping a 24-year-old mother after chasing down the car the profit up in 2012 2012 GCC Hospitality Industry rounded tourism product in line Bangalore soon after the apex of the grave shortage of water the in a position to sign the con- Russia, the US and Europe last attackers used to transport their victim, an official said yesterday. DOHA: Dlala Brokerage and SANA’A: Yemen’s central bank inflation which fell from a peak of there were frequent attacks on Report highlighted the ‘slow with the 2030 national vision for court order. state was facing following failure tract before middle of the year,” year when India selected the The four men were driving through the city on Wednesday night Investment Holding has recorded slashed its main interest rate by 3 25 percent in October 2011 to 5.5 oil pipelines. but steady’ growth in tourism a sustainable economy,” he added. Chief Minister Jagadish of the monsoon. Browne added. French fighter to replace its after raping the woman, but failed to stop their car at one at one of a net profits of QR26.1m in 2012, percentage points to a three-year percent last November, the latest The International Monetary receipts, which saw a compound Hotel room capacity in Qatar Shettar told the house that The apex court’s order came The project will involve the ageing fleet. the many new checkpoints set up after the December 16 attack. It is as compared to QR22.6m for pre- low yesterday following a sharp available data. Fund, which sees the economy annual growth rate (CAGR)of is expected to grow at a CAGR “it (directive to release water after it received an expert com- production of 126 state-of- Under the proposed deal, the unclear where the men were taking her. vious year, up 15.55 percent. In decline in inflation as it seeks to Yesterday’s rate cut was the growing 4 percent this year, said 15.9 percent in the period 2002 of 9.1 percent over the next five forthwith) is a matter of serious mittee’s report, following the the-art fighters in France and first 18 aircraft are to be made “The accused refused to stop at the checkpoint and when the driver an interim financial statement consolidate economic recovery in first since October, when the cen- last month that Yemen had room to 2011. years, hitting $1.1bn by 2016, up concern”. panel’s visit to the Cauvery basin India over a 15-20 year period, in France with the remainder swerved past, the officers alerted the nearest police vans, which chased reported to the Qatar Exchange the volatile Arab state. tral bank began an easing cycle, to gradually reduce interest rates “Tourist arrivals in Qatar are from $0.6bnin 2011. The country’s Later, Shettar and Bommai in Tamil Nadu, that 2.44 tmc of with an option to add an addi- to be produced under licence the car and nabbed the men,” Assistant Police Commissioner Sanjay (QE), the company revealed that The poorest country on the and should support the economy, to support economic growth. It expected to rise at a CAGR of 1.9 national carrier, Qatar Airways flew to New Delhi to consult water be released for standing tional 63 jets to the order by Hindustan Aeronautics Sehrawat said. its earnings per share (EPS) Arabian Peninsula and torn by which stabilised last year after warned however that the politi- percent between now and 2022, will launch six new routes in H1 legal experts on whether the crops. under a separate contract. Limited. AFP amounted to QR1.31 in 2012 unrest and clashes with Islamic shrinking 10.5 percent in 2011 cal transition posed risks to the and the government’s $65 billion 2013, growing its current network state could approach the apex IANS Negotiations will continue AFP against QR1.13 in 2011. insurgents linked to Al Qaeda, when political unrest caused fuel economic outlook. commitment to infrastructure to 123 key destinations. Ground THE PENINSULA Yemen has overcome high and electricity shortages and REUTERS development has proved to be has also been broken on the new a major incentive for long term $14m Doha metro network. investment by leading hospital- “As world-class infrastructure ity providers,” said Mark Walsh, projects gives rise to new eco- Portfolio Director, Reed Travel nomic opportunity, with tourist Key European Exhibitions. arrivals expected to reach as a In 2012, the capital added to many as 3.7m by 2022, Qatar will its upscale inventory, with the see a transition from a predomi- opening of the St Regis Doha nantly business-led visitor pro- stocks fall and new InterContinental Doha file to a stronger business-leisure The City, as well as the country’s mix with the football World Cup LONDON: European stocks fell and the first Hilton hotel. A second Four a milestone marker for the hospi- euro plunged against the dollar yester- Seasons hotel is currently under tality and tourism industry,” com- day after the ECB held its key rate steady development and budget brands mented Walsh. despite calls by France and others for are making an appearance with The line-up for this year’s looser monetary policy. the popular Premier Inn chain Arabian Travel Market will once The European single currency plunged debuting on the city outskirts again bring together the UNWTO moments after ECB President Mario Draghi later this year. Currently the lux- regional tourism ministers’ con- said that a strong rise in the euro in recent ury segment accounts for between ference and the WTM Vision weeks was a sign of market confidence. It 66 and 78 percent of supply while, forum, which will focus on Middle ended the session at $1.3386, down from mid-scale and economy supply is East travel trends and the online $1.3519 late on Wednesday in New York. between 22 and 34 percent. travel market. In London, where the Bank of England Qatar has an exceptionally THE PENINSULA also maintained its key rates, equities on the FTSE 100 index of top companies fell 1.06 percent to 6,228.42 points. In Paris, the CAC 40 fell 1.15 percent to 3,601.05 points, while in Frankfurt the DAX 30 edged up 0.13 percent to 7,590.85 points, HSBC drops some Middle East kept in positive territory by another raft of rosy economic data. customers on compliance costs Also, EU leaders began difficult talks on the bloc’s 2014-20 budget under the watch- DUBAI: HSBC will close the accounts of some customers in the ful eye of a newly assertive European parlia- Spanish bourse index the Ibex 35 seen at the Middle East and North Africa with links to sanction-targeted ment hostile to any major spending cuts. In Spanish Stock Market in Madrid, yesterday. nations, the bank said yesterday, as the lender looks to cut the November, EU leaders failed to narrow sharp heavy compliance costs associated with them. differences and while most expect a compro- announced the departure of chief financial HSBC was fined $1.9bn in December — the largest such punishment mise to emerge this time, there is no certainty officer Stacey Cartwright. ever imposed on a bank — after a scathing report by U.S. lawmakers other than that the budget talks will be long. In Paris, Sanofi slumped 3.99 percent to accused the bank of lax controls relating to cash coming from Mexican In the meantime, gold prices edged up to ¤66.60 after the French drug maker said the drug cartels and countries under US sanctions including Iran and Syria. $1,668 an ounce from $1,674.25 on the London group’s annual net profits slid 12.8 percent The lender confirmed it would be closing accounts belonging to some Bullion Market on Wednesday. to ¤4.97bn ($6.7bn). But Daimler rallied 2.78 customers in the Mena region with citizenship, residency or business As widely predicted by analysts and ECB percent to ¤44.21 after the German carmaker links to nations affected by sanctions applied by the United States, the watchers, the central bank’s policy-setting said its after-tax profit rose by 8 percent to European Union, or both. The list of countries included Iran and Syria, governing council voted to leave the main refi- ¤6.495bn in 2012/ as well as other nations around the world. A spokeswoman said the list nancing rate at a historic low of 0.75 percent, US stocks also fell as Wall Street took a did not include any country in which HSBC operates a branch network. where it has been since July. breather from the aggressive buying that has However, the change would only affect those who were not Advance or In London, the BoE also voted to freeze its characterised most of 2013 so far. Midday into Premier class customers. Those accounts require a minimum monthly sal- key interest rate at a record-low 0.50 per- trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was ary of Dh15,000 ($4,100) or the maintaining of Dh100,000 in the account cent. In company activity, shares in Burberry down 0.77 percent, the S&P 500 dropped 0.59 at all times. HSBC said the action was due to the need for “enhanced tumbled 6.5 percent to 1,337 pence after the percent and the Nasdaq Composite Index lost oversight on any customer with connections to sanctioned countries. British luxury clothing and accessories group 0.64 percent. AFP REUTERS

World food prices stable, but risks remain: FAO

ROME: World food prices stabilised Organisation (FAO) said its food price support from the energy prices and good weather. However the outlook is in January after falling in the previ- index, which measures monthly price less favourable in the US due to dry economic growth could lead to higher ous three months, the United Nations changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, conditions in some areas. It said that animal feed use,” he said. food agency said yesterday, but it dairy, meat and sugar, averaged 210 prospects were also good for the maize In January, FAO said a rise in oils and warned that adverse crop weather points in January, unchanged from crop in South America’s main produc- fats prices was offset by falling cereals could cause violent price spikes due December. ing countries. and sugar prices. Dairy and meat prices to tight grains stocks. The Rome-based agency raised its were roughly stable. Global food prices surged in mid- view of world cereal output in 2012 to RISING DEMAND A separate report by G20 food mar- 2012 following the worst US drought 2.302bn tonnes, up 20m tonnes from An increase in production is crucial ket body, the Agricultural Market in more than half a century and dry its previous forecast, but still 2 percent for markets, Abbassian said, because Information System (AMIS), noted yes- weather in other key grains exporters, lower than the bumper crop in 2011. demand is also likely to rise as econo- terday that maize prices had started to raising fears of a food crisis similar Its outlook for world cereal stocks mies start to recover in 2013. pick up in mid-January on expectations to the one in 2008. But prices eased by end of season in 2013 remained FAO raised its estimate for world of higher feed use and concerns about in the last three months of 2012 due unchanged at 495m tonnes, down 3 cereal use in 2012/13 by 0.6 percent to weather in South America. to expectations that large South percent from their opening level. 2.326 billion tonnes, up nearly 13 million The FAO’s index is below a peak of American production will replenish “We should be expecting excellent tonnes from the 2011/12 season. 238 points hit in February 2011, when tight global cereals supplies. crops in 2013,” said FAO senior economist A weaker dollar is boosting demand high food prices helped drive the Arab Yesterday, Brazil said it would pro- Abdolreza Abbassian. “But the weather for dollar-denominated commodities, Spring uprisings in the Middle East and duce a record 83.4 million tonnes of soy- could turn negative, and because we are Abbassian said, and rising oil prices will North Africa. beans this season due to unprecedented in a tight situation, prices could react underpin food prices in coming months, In the summer of 2012 it began surg- expansion in area planted after a dis- violently and rise,” he said. he said. Higher energy prices increase ing to levels close to those seen in 2008, appointing harvest last year, and also FAO expects wheat output to increase transport costs which farmers pass on when riots, some deadly, broke out in forecast a record corn crop. in 2013, due to a 4-5 percent increase in to consumers. several poor countries. The Food and Agriculture the winter wheat area in the EU and “There could eventually be some REUTERS FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Telstra profits rise Ireland hails debt deal with ECB Deal cuts borrowing needs by €20bn

DUBLIN: Ireland struck a long- the policy strictures of an EU-IMF awaited deal yesterday to ease the bailout package on schedule this year. burden of debts it took on to rescue Dublin’s borrowing requirements its banking system in a way that will will be cut by ¤20bn over the next cut its budget deficit and borrowing decade and ¤1bn will be shaved off needs and put it on track to end its its annual budget deficit, still propor- reliance on EU-IMF loans this year. tionately among the highest in Europe Prime Minister Enda Kenny won despite years of tax rises and spending European Central Bank (ECB) cuts. “The new plan will likely materi- approval to stretch the cost of bailing ally improve perceptions of our debt out Anglo Irish Bank over 40 years, sustainability in the eyes of potential ending a high stakes saga that has investors in Ireland,” Kenny said. preoccupied the nation for nearly two “A successful Irish exit from the years. It was due to pay it off in 10 bailout by the end of this year would A view of the global operations centre of Telstra in Melbourne, yesterday. Leading Australian carrier Telstra Corp lifted first-half net profits years, straining the state’s finances prove that a combination of intensive by 9 percent to A$1.6bn ($1.7bn) on revenue of A$12.5bn by taking share from competitors in the mobile market. and hobbling the economy. national reform efforts and European “Today’s outcome is an historic solidarity can deliver results.” step on the road to economic recov- Yields on benchmark Irish 2020 ery,” Kenny told a packed parliament bonds, which rose to a high of almost in Dublin. “It secures the future 15 percent 18 months ago when the financial position of the state.” euro zone debt crisis was at its height, No more skeletons in closet: Italian bank Kenny’s jubilant speech met with fell 10 basis points to 4.041 percent sustained applause from government after Kenny’s speech. “It certainly is supporters in the chamber and stony unusual in the history of the crisis MILAN: Italy’s troubled Monte dei Paschi services and university and sporting events, Accusations range from conspiracy to silence from the opposition. There was that we are actually being surprised di Siena bank insisted there were no more including the famous “palio” horse race. fraud, including the provision of false infor- an unemotional reception to the deal in a positive way by the scale of the skeletons in its closets yesterday, a day Viola denied recent rumours that BMPS mation and preventing proper oversight by in Frankfurt, where ECB President response,” said Austin Hughes, chief after admitting that losses linked to risky could merge with one of its peers — both banking authorities. Mario Draghi said simply that the economist at KBC Bank. investments could total ¤730m ($989m). Deutsche Bank and BNP Paribas had been The media revelations emerged just as Governing Council had unanimously Under the terms of the deal, “We have wound up our financial portfo- tipped as possible partners. “I am not allow- Italy’s government granted a ¤3.9bn bailout “taken note” of Dublin’s plan. Anglo’s promissory notes, with an lio review. There are no other ‘Santorini’,” ing myself to be distracted by articles talk- to BMPS, which was hit hard by the euro- The low-key assent marked one average maturity of between seven Fabrizio Viola, director general of the ing of marriage. Today, there is nothing at zone debt crisis and reported a net loss of of the greatest triumphs for Kenny’s and eight years will be exchanged for world’s oldest bank, said in a conference all” planned, he said. ¤1.664bn in the first nine months of 2012. government, which had staked its government bonds with an average call in reference to one of three derivative The scandal, which broke after reports A request from consumer association credibility on a deal. Technical nego- maturity of over 34 years. The first trades which have plunged the institution in the media last month, sparked a probe Codacons to block the loan as a preventive tiations between the ECB and Irish principal repayment will be made in into scandal. into former top officials of the bank, Italy’s measure was rejected by Rome’s adminis- officials have dragged on for nearly 2038 and the last in 2053. The group announced on Wednesday that third-biggest, which also raised questions trative tribunal on Saturday in a provisional two years, with the central bank con- Kenny rushed through emergency an investigation had uncovered account- over the relationship between politicians decision. Codacons, which has also called scious that any deal given to Dublin laws to liquidate Anglo Irish yester- ing errors in three derivatives: a 2006 trade and financial institutions in the run up to for Bank of Italy Governor Ignazio Visco to ease the crunch in debt repay- day morning, the first part of a plan with J P Morgan nicknamed “Nota Italia”, a February’s 24 and 25 general elections. to step down, claims the Bank of Italy was ments could set a precedent for other to avoid having to keep paying ¤3.1bn “Santorini” trade with Deutsche Bank two Prosecutors launched legal proceedings not transparent in granting the bailout and countries, such as Spain, which are annually on the Anglo Irish prom- years later, and one in 2009 with Nomura into the bank after media revealed that has said it will lodge a complaint that the also dealing with large bank debts. issory notes. That annual payment known as “Alexandria”. The losses, which hundreds of millions of euros were missing central bank violated EU rules on state aid. However, European leaders were was equivalent to more than ¤670 for would weigh on the bank’s 2012 results, from BMPS’s accounts after risky invest- The Bank of Italy has, in turn, called also keen to offer a success story from every single person in the country. could total ¤730m, it said. ments in complex financial products. Codacons’ complaint “unfounded” and has the region’s debt crisis to encourage Anglo Irish and its profligate “Right now, I hope the attention (focused According to local media, BMPS directors asked for TAR to fine it. A new hearing both voters and potential investors. lending policies were at the heart of on the bank) drops back to zero,” said Viola, tried to conceal the losses. The investigation has been set for February 20. Also in the Replacing promissory notes, or IOUs, Ireland’s financial crisis. The bank’s as the 540-year old institution tries to also centres on the bank’s 2007 acquisition legal case linked to BMPS, Rome prosecu- given by Ireland to the former Anglo near-collapse in 2008 pressured the shake off a drama which has rocked the of Antonveneta from Spanish banking group tors have opened an investigation regarding Irish with longer-term government government into guaranteeing the Tuscan town of Siena, where the bank is Santander for ¤10bn, at least ¤2bn more than market manipulation and obstructing the bonds will help Dublin emerge from entire financial sector. REUTERS the primary sponsor for many social welfare the small bank’s estimated value at the time. work of banking watchdogs. AFP

QATARI MARKET India’s annual Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid Price Yield Moodys S&P BoE, ECB keep rates unchanged Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 104.88 0.91 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.50 1.68 % Aa2 AA LONDON: The Bank of Across in Frankfurt, the the near-term and could remain GDP growth to Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 124.38 2.29 % Aa2 AA England voted yesterday to European Central Bank also above its 2.0-percent target for Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 117.63 2.47 % Aa2 AA freeze its key interest rate at opted to maintain its main inter- the next two years. However, it slide to 5pc Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 113.31 2.81 % Aa2 AA a record-low 0.50 percent and est rate at a record-low level of was then forecast to return to Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 175.00 3.81 % Aa2 AA maintain the level of its quan- 0.75 percent, amid ongoing debt “around” the target as price pres- MUMBAI: India’s government titative easing cash stimulus, strains in the crisis-hit eurozone. sures fade. said that the economy will likely Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 133.75 4.28 % Aa2 AA despite the threat of a triple-dip “Over the past year, there has Policymakers also mulled with- register its slowest annual Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 123.50 4.32 % Aa2 AA recession in Britain. been considerable volatility in drawing QE stimulus, in order to growth in a decade and expand Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.00 1.42 % Aa2 AA The central bank said in an quarterly output growth,” the pull inflation lower, but decided just 5 percent in the fiscal year Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 115.38 2.71 % Aa2 AA unexpectedly long statement that Bank of England said. that it would risk endangering ending in March, citing official Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 105.38 1.89 % A1 A- its Monetary Policy Committee “Looking through the influence any recovery. QE can risk stok- estimates released yesterday. (MPC) had voted to maintain of temporary factors, overall out- ing inflation as it is tantamount This is lower than an earlier Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 103.94 2.38 % A1 A- its emergency QE stimulus at put appears to have been broadly to printing money. forecast of 6.2 percent for the year, QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.75 2.02 % NR NR £375bn. The BoE added that over- flat. In large part that reflects “The Committee discussed the as the economy continues to be hit QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.38 1.87 % Aa3 A+ all economic activity in Britain sharp falls in particular sectors appropriate policy response to the by weaknesses in the manufactur- QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.31 2.25 % Aa3 A+ had been “broadly flat” over the of the economy that are unlikely combination of the weakness in ing, farming and services sectors, Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 103.75 2.53 % A2 A- past year, despite worries that the to be repeated in 2013. the economy and the prospect of a data from the Central Statistical economy could be heading for the “In contrast, the combined further prolonged period of above- Organisation (CSO) showed. Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.13 1.93 % A2 A third recession in five years. output of the manufacturing and target inflation,” it said, adding it The projection comes a day Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 130.25 2.66 % A2 A The stimulus has been used to services sectors has grown mod- was necessary to look beyond the after a report by the International Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 110.75 3.22 % A2 A try and help boost economic out- estly. Business surveys suggest period of above-target inflation. Monetary Fund forecast India’s Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 110.75 3.92 % A2 A put, which unexpectedly shrank the pace of expansion is likely to The BoE’s main lending rate annual growth declining from 6.5 Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 106.63 1.38 % Aa3 A by 0.3 percent in the final quar- remain muted in the near term,” has stood at the record-low 0.50 percent in 2011/12 to 5.4 percent ter of 2012. However, the economy the BoE added. percent since March 2009, when in the 2012/13 financial year. Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 108.25 3.41 % Aa3 A flatlined over the entire year with The central bank said 12-month it also embarked upon its radical Analysts said the government Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 112.13 3.48 % Aa3 A zero growth. inflation would rise further in stimulus policy. AFP estimate — which may undergo a SOVEREIGNS revision by time the fiscal year ends — underscores the urgent need for Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid Price Yield Moodys S&P more reforms to boost growth. Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 106.00 0.29 % Aa2 AA India’s finance ministry previously Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 127.38 2.01 % Aa2 AA forecast the economy expanding by Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 110.44 2.59 % NR NR 5.7-5.9 percent for the current fiscal ECB to monitor impact of euro strength Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 107.38 3.03 % NR NR year while the Reserve Bank of India FRANKFURT: The European to a one-week low against the dol- economic indicators. But since then projected growth at 5.5 percent. Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 125.50 3.87 % NR NR Central Bank will monitor the lar and sank against the yen after the euro has appreciated further. “The numbers are disappointing,” Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 118.38 4.04 % NR NR economic impact of a strength- Draghi’s comments. The ECB’s room for manoeuvre is the Prime Minister’s top economic Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 105.13 1.33 % Aa2 AA ening euro, ECB President French President Francois limited, however. Even if it wanted adviser C Rangarajan said. Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 114.88 3.42 % NR BBB Mario Draghi said yesterday, Hollande said the euro zone must to, the bank’s statutes mean it is ill- “But I believe that when the Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 109.88 3.90 % NR BBB feeding expectations the climb- develop an exchange rate policy to equipped to join a currency “race year is completed and more data ing currency could open the protect the currency from “irra- to the bottom”. available, the growth will be Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 95.50 6.54 % B2 /*- B- door to an interest rate cut. tional movements”. Germany has Furthermore, the world’s other higher than what has now been Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 104.13 3.87 % NR BBB-

Draghi said the exchange rate been cooler to any thoughts of top central banks are expanding estimated,” he added. The gov- *Periodic Distribution Amount was near to its long-term average exchange rate action. their balance sheets by printing ernment expects manufacturing IMPORTANT NOTE: but went further than many ana- By linking the euro’s exchange money, or at least not reversing output to grow 1.9 percent this Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which lysts had expected. “The apprecia- rate to growth and price stability, course, while the ECB’s balance year against a 2.7 percent rise last is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services tion is, in a sense, a sign of return Draghi achieved a deft piece of sheet is tightening, partly due to year, the CSO data showed. Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary of confidence in the euro,” Draghi verbal intervention, analysts said. banks paying back early cheap India’s economy has slowed data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising told a news conference. “This hints that euro strength money the central bank doled sharply due to high interest out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds “The exchange rate is not a — if sustained — could eventu- out last year. A by-product of rates, Europe’s debt crisis and can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant policy target, but it is important ally trigger a rate cut,” said Nick that could be to drive the euro sluggish investment caused by liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not for growth and price stability and Kounis at ABN Amro. Carsten yet higher. domestic and overseas concerns a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and we certainly want to see whether Brezeski at ING added: “Draghi Draghi gave a view on the state of about policy-making and corrup- consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. the appreciation is sustained and successfully tried to talk down the the euro zone economy to the one he tion. The government has intro- will alter our risk assessment as euro exchange rate and opened the gave in January. Economic weakness duced a series of measures since far as price stability is concerned.” door for possible policy action.” was “expected to prevail in the early September to encourage foreign The euro hit a 15-month peak Last month, Draghi unwound part of 2013” but later in the year, investment in key sectors and of $1.3711 on February 1. It traded earlier expectations of a rate cut activity should gradually recover. reduce subsidies, which have led below that level yesterday and fell by citing a batch of improving REUTERS to a ballooning fiscal deficit. AFP FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

QE Indices Summary WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Index 8,757.59 0.13 % QE Total Return Index 11,928.93 0.13 % RATE QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,565.76 0.03 % QE All Share Index 2,110.01 0.23 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,024.78 0.50 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 4940.517 37.93 0.77 4971.4 4664.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 4,842.69 0.62 % QR196.0731 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 3673.41 -21.29 -0.58 3793.26 3654.32 UK ...... QR 5.6863 QR 5.7663 QE All Share Industrials 2,802.78 0.07 % SILVER QE All Share Insurance 1,903.74 0.98 % Dj Indu Average 13979.3 99.22 0.71 14019.8 12035.1 QR 3.7204 Euro ...... QR 4.9102 QR 4.9787 QE All Share Real Estate 1,624.61 0.94 % CA$ ...... QR 3.6289 QR 3.7015 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Telecoms 1,183.9 0.82 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.9850 QR 4.0414 QE All Share Transportation 1,397.35 0.57 % Hang Seng Inde/D 23256.93 108.4 0.47 23944.74 22860.25 Yen ...... QR 0.0384 QR 0.0392 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7284 QR 3.8025 Iseq Overall/D 3587.78 57.78 1.64 3615.73 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0678 QR 0.0691 07-02-2013 06-02-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 17408.52 120.45 0.7 17312.15 16036.31 Index 8,757.59 8,769.20 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0369 QR 0.0377 Change 11.61 21.69 Nikkei 225 Index 11463.75 416.83 3.77 11285.49 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0887 QR 0.0905 % 0.13 0.25 $ 116.78 SL Re ...... QR 0.0285 QR 0.0291 YTD% 4.77 4.91 S&P 500 Index/D 1511.29 15.58 1.04 1514.96 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0458 QR 0.0470 Volume 6,988,984 7,365,098 Straits Times/D 3276.53 3.87 0.12 3319.19 3160.83 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0426 QR 0.0434 Value (QAR) 201,706,733.56 241,605,318.15 $ 114.36 Trades 3,458 3,882 SA Rand ...... QR 0.4040 QR 0.4142 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 15 | Down 21 | Unchanged 04

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 07-02-2013

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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

A C C-A/D 1330.1 6.8 19191 Chola Invest-B/D 289.65 5.35 525373 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 9.28 0.02 328621 Kalyani Stel-B/D 52.05 -0.4 24934 Oil Country-B/D 48.05 0.65 5406 Hsbc Holdings/D 710 0.6 3257473 Aarti Drugs-T/D 223.75 1.25 2534 Chowgule St-B/D 15.75 -0.3 7464 Himat Seide-B/D 37.7 0.3 139119 Kanoria Chem-B/D 39.2 0.2 32961 Orchid Chem-B/D 82.9 -0.15 72589 Imperial Tobac/D 2372 17 338945 Aban Offs-B/D 336.15 -3.45 58041 Cimmco-B/D 42.65 1.95 1441 Hind Motors-B/D 10.33 0.2 57884 Kg Denim-T/D 13.93 -0.41 28364 Orient Hotel-B/D 20.8 -0.2 1872 Kingfisher/D 276 1.7 1552094 Ador Welding-B/D 126.5 -1.3 1490 Cipla-A/D 404.6 -2.9 396636 Hind Org Chem-/D 16.9 0 21845 Kilburnengg-B/D 17.25 0 1962 Orient.Carb.-B/D 107.25 -0.45 15912 Land Secs Grou/D 811.2333 2.5 282840 Aegis Logis-B/D 157.1 -2.55 5971 City Union Bk-/D 61.65 -0.6 39266 Hind Unilever-/D 454.9 -7.4 149571 Kin.Motor-B/D 10.21 0.16 23085 Orient.Carb.-B/D 107.25 -0.45 15912 Legal & Genera/D 148.8 0.4 2931437 Alembic-B/D 17.6 0.15 15689 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1311.75 -39.8 5789 Hind.Petrol-A/D 330.95 -0.2 132959 Kinetic Eng-T/D 118.6 3.85 3460 Pacific Indu-B/D 146.55 -8.2 1988 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 52.07 0.59 51667921 Alok Indus-B/D 10.69 0.03 791364 Colgate-A/D 1363.85 8.6 15328 Hindalco-A/D 114.5 0.9 632332 Klg Systel-T/D 16.15 -0.3 9517 Patspin India-/D 7.99 -0.14 1821 Marks & Sp./D 378 1.8 407108 Andhra Paper-B/D 223.6 2.65 15384 Dcm Financia-B/D 1.41 -0.07 3156 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 807.8 10 139176 Kopran-B/D 17.95 -0.3 6465 Radico Khait-B/D 146.05 1.4 26880 Next/D 4128 24 75903 Apollo Tyre-A/D 84.85 -0.3 1098055 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 45.8 1.55 4045 I F C I-A/D 34.8 -0.25 2602238 Lloyd Metal-B/D 13.75 0 2621 Rallis India-B/D 127.2 0.1 206454 Pearson/D 1226 29 2005786 Asahi I Glass-/D 51.05 0.8 9822 Dhampur Sugar-/D 45.75 0.25 203981 Idbi-A/D 101.3 -0.55 150632 Lloyd Steel-B/D 14.15 0.05 79979 Rallis India-B/D 127.2 0.1 206454 Prudential/D 938.5 4 687250 Ashok Leyland-/D 25.1 -0.05 3391570 Dr. Reddy-A/D 1898.25 2.65 3976 Ifb Agro-B/D 196.15 -3.8 1337 Lloydsfin.-T/D 1.03 0.02 33100 Reliance Indus/D 425.75 1 52999 Rentokil Initi/D 91.15 0.15 355470 Bajaj Hold-A/D 971.1 4.7 5424 E I H-B/D 69.15 -0.4 16132 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 99.95 0.8 3547 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 20.35 -0.4 48355 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 462.05 2 12601 Rolls Royce Pl/D 980.08 4.5 811661 Ballarpur In-B/D 22.3 -0.15 114482 E.I.D Parry-B/D 170.1 -1.6 27317 India Cement-B/D 88 2 82065 Lupin-A/D 597.35 2.35 21148 Sterling Tool-/D 101 1.15 2360 Rsa Insrance G/D 130.526 1.1 2304617 Bata India-A/D 758 -4.7 46939 Eimco Elecon-T/D 164 -5.4 1949 India Glycol-B/D 158.55 2.45 26186 Lyka Labs-B/D 10.65 0.1 5115 Timexgroup-T/D 19 0.2 91799 Sainsbury(J)/D 333 2 1705913 Bayer Crop-A/D 1162.35 -21.05 1102 Electrosteel-B/D 25 0.05 38235 Indian Hotel-A/D 61.7 0.5 66765 Maha Scooter-B/D 438.75 12.95 3604 Tinplate-B/D 49 0.15 25516 Schroders/D 2007.1404 67 337348 Beml Ltd-B/D 259.45 0.4 6703 Emco-B/D 26.1 0.15 18758 Indusind-A/D 429.85 -4.1 42713 Mangalam Cem-B/D 154.4 1.65 5834 Ub Engineer-B/D 28.2 -0.65 22203 Severn Trent/D 1633.2899 14 80398 Bharat Bijle-B/D 521.55 -0.85 1578 Escorts Fin-B/D 4.37 0.37 6254 J.B.Chemical-B/D 87.7 1.1 184870 Maral Overs-B/D 13.35 -0.17 2563 Ultramarine-B/D 50.15 0.15 1468 Smith&Nephew/D 713.5 6 441293 Bharatgears-B/D 45.75 -0.05 4749 Escorts-B/D 67.55 -2.4 232547 Jagatjit Ind-B/D 64.85 -1.15 1223 Mastek-B/D 152.5 -1.7 2996 Unitech P -A/D 36.55 1.4 4378680 Smiths Group/D 1220 -1 242822 Bhartiya Int-T/D 175.8 -1.35 17451 Essar Oil-A/D 92.05 0.8 894918 Jagson Phar-B/D 12.07 -0.21 1907 Max India L-A/D 249.1 5.65 14468 Standrd Chart /D 1685.5 13.5 929904 LONDON Bhel-A/D 208.55 -3.65 662983 Eveready Indu-/D 21.25 0.05 90281 Jamnaauto-B/D 84.1 -0.5 1150 Mrpl-A/D 61.75 1.4 90197 Tate & Lyle/D 807.5 12.5 429710 Bhuwalka Stl-B/D 15.1 0.6 1486 F D C-B/D 92.8 -0.65 525599 Jbf Indu-B/D 120 0.1 5162 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 22.75 0.1 6863 Tesco/D 363.606 4.45 3658732 Bom.Burmah-B/D 124.75 -0.7 21261 Federal Bank-A/D 512.9 4.6 10560 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.59 -0.05 94321 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 22.75 0.1 6863 3I Group/D 274.4 8.8 1403701 Unilever/D 2559.7424 -37 734073 Bombay Dyeing-/D 106.6 0.5 336546 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.6 -0.2 69706 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.32 -0.02 41211 Nahar Spg.-B/D 80.95 0.15 19934 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 1785 25 292257 United Util Gr/D 738 5 570576 Cable Corp.-B/D 20.2 -0.25 3265 Fgp Ltd-B/D 2.15 -0.2 1637 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 3.61 0.03 3275 Nath Seeds-B/D 5.9 0.29 4715 B Sky B/D 813.65 5 1918126 Vodafone Group/D 170.85 -0.45 18763069 Camph.& All-B/D 160.35 -3.9 6851 Finolex-B/D 79.1 0.25 107266 Jik Indust-B/D 1.8 -0.06 18228 Nation Alum -A/D 48 0.15 43468 Barclays/D 295.169 -0.25 8233201 Whitbread/D 2679 31 69083 Canfin Homes-T/D 159.45 -1.1 14215 Gail-A/D 343.5 -0.95 45196 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 114.4 0.75 20013 Navneet Pub.-B/D 64.7 0.45 52306 Bg Group/D 1140.6324 -1.5 2936820 Caprihans-B/D 48.25 -0.4 3049 Gammon India-B/D 35 0.05 9565 Jmc Projects-B/D 96.5 -3.5 11269 Nepc India-B/D 2.45 0.06 19453 Bp/D 465.35 -3.35 9898640 Castrol Ind-A/D 312.9 -0.7 24097 Godfrey Phil-B/D 3196.4 -85.05 3100 Kabra Extr-B/D 30.4 -1.05 2975 Neuland Lab-B/D 124.7 -5.4 6308 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3303.331 14 437360 Century Enka-B/D 119.8 0 7887 Goodricke-B/D 143.9 0.35 12472 Kajaria Cer-B/D 208.65 -0.95 2558 Nrb Bearings-B/D 34.75 -0.45 1428 Bt Group/D 274.3512 5.4 5578333 Century Text-A/D 384.8 1.55 93129 Goodyear I -B/D 314.05 -2.85 2639 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 83.05 2.05 8709 O N G C-A/D 321.85 -3.2 164660 Centrica/D 346 0.9 2047971 Chambal Fert-B/D 65.45 0.25 57504 Hcl Infosys-B/D 37.1 0.7 96331 Kalpat Power-B/D 92.95 1.5 87932 Ocl India-B/D 151.15 -5 8442 Gkn/D 248 1.4 1320657 FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 CLASSIFIEDS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17

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ACCOUNTING SOFTWARES COMPUTER TRAINING CENTRE GIFTS MOVERS

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Convertino powers Tabarak to the H H Heir Apparent Trophy win at the QREC

Action from the H H Heir Apparent Trophy win at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, yesterday. RIGHT: Jockey P Convertino powers Tabarak to the H H Heir Apparent Trophy win at the QREC. The A de Mieulle-trained horse beat 12 other entries for the top prize of QR 240,000. The turf race was run over a distance of 2000m. Aziz ASF was second while Rathowan secured the third place. Jockey Darren Williams rode Aziz ASF while C P Lemaire was the jockey to guide Rathowan to the third spot. PICTURES BY: JUHAIM Blatter says Fluminense reign supreme impossible to stop cheats Brazilian club triumphs over PSG in penalty drama at Aspire Academy NOUAKCHOTT: The head of world soccer governing body DOHA: Fluminense were went close through a series of FIFA said yesterday that cheats yesterday crowned Al Kass free-kicks and corner whipped would always exist in the sport International Cup champions as in by Kenedy. and it would be impossible to stop they beat Paris Saint-Germain But in the final minute, PSG them, after revelations of a global on penalties. missed possibly the chance of match-fixing scandal this week. Gabriel Silva tucked away the the game when Augustin failed European police revealed on vital spot-kick to claim a 4-2 win to connect with an in-swinging Monday that about 680 suspi- after the game had finished 0-0 free-kick just yards out. cious matches, including qualifiers after 90 minutes, sparking wild The last drama came when Flu for the World Cup and European scenes of celebration at the Aspire keeper Marcos Felipe brilliantly championship and the Champions Academy in Qatar. tipped over a Bomback corner League, had been identified in a It was heartbreak for PSG cap- that could have dipped under the match-fixing inquiry. tain Franck Bomback who missed bar – but the clock ticked over “We are in a game and in a his side’s penalty when he clipped and only penalties could separate game there are always cheats. the outside of the post. the teams. The cheats will never be stopped,” But it was a deserved vic- An emotional Marcos Sepp Blatter, the FIFA presi- tory for the Brazilian side after Valadares, head coach of dent, told a news conference in they had impressed during the Fluminese said: “This is such Nouakchott, Mauritania. game and gone close on several an amazing moment for the Blatter is on a four-nation tour occasions. whole team. I am so proud of of Africa before Sunday’s African PSG were unlucky right at the all the players - I am overjoyed. Nations Cup final in South Africa. end of the game when they had This was a very difficult game. He said the allegation of match- a goal disallowed, but overall ‘O PSG are a strong side and we fixing and manipulation of soccer Tricolor’ have improved through- knew we would have to be at results were not new. out the competition and ulti- our best to win the trophy. The The players of Brazilian club Fluminense celebrate their win in the Al Kass International Cup at Aspire Academy, “We know that there are games mately held their nerve to take boys did so well. Today was our yesterday. Fluminense beat Paris Saint-Germain on penalties. that are manipulated and we also home the Golden Cup. day, it was a fair result. We know that it is very, very difficult Yakou Meite should have really deserved it. We want to Fluminense on winning the title.I winners of tonight’s final. But I excellence. “We look forward to to get the organisations (behind opened the scoring in the fifth thank all our supporters, all am really proud of my players. offer my commiserations to PSG welcoming them back to Doha in them) and especially the cheats,” minute, but nodded wide from just our technical people and our They played very well. I believed who played a fantastic game and the future and I have no doubt Blatter said in French. six yards out when left unmarked president. we would do it and it was unfor- were unlucky not to retain their we will see some of them repre- “This is a serious danger. If from a corner. “The players have enjoyed their tunately we had a goal disallowed. title. senting their nations in the FIFA games are rigged, there is no more The influential Robert Santos time in the tournament so much. Penalties is always lottery.” “I have been overwhelmed by World Cup in 2022.” interest in watching football,” was forced to leave the game on Qatar is an amazing place. A very Essa Al Hetmi, Chairman the standard of football that has The tournament was hosted by he said.However, Blatter added 66 minutes after picking up a nice country. A great stadium. of the Tournament Organising been on display at the Aspire The Qatar Football Association, that most of the matches cited in knock, and was replaced by the Great people,” he added. Committee said: “Congratulations Academy during the last two Al Kass Sport Channels and the the European investigation had lively Daniel Simoes. Laurent Bonadei, head coach to Fluminense, the new champi- weeks as teams from around the Aspire Zone Foundation. Twelve already been uncovered and some As the clock ticked down, Flu of Paris Saint-Germain com- ons of the Al Kass International world have come together in a teams took part in the event. of the cases were in court. again increased the pressure and mented: “We have to congratulate Cup. They are very worthy spectacular display of sporting THE PENINSULA REUTERS Asif hopeful after CAS Hughes pivotal for Aussie spot-fixing success in India: Siddle ban appeal SYDNEY: Rejuvenated bats- the West Indies in Canberra on Tendulkar in the Test series, man Phillip Hughes can be a Wednesday. beginning in Chennai on February LAUSANNE: Pakistan fast key player for Australia in their While admitting that tak- 22. bowler Mohammad Asif is hope- four-Test series in India start- ing wickets through pace will be “He’s finished up one-day ful the Court of Arbitration for ing later this month, team-mate hard on the dry and spin-friendly cricket and Twenty20 to concen- Sport (CAS) will ovedrturn his Peter Siddle said yesterday. Indian pitches, Siddle said the trate on Tests so he’ll be looking ban for spot-fixing in one of the Siddle, who left in an advance Australian team needed to stick to come out hard,” Siddle said. biggest cricket scandals in years, party of eight players to help with what had produced results “The last series over in he said yesterday. acclimatise to Indian playing con- in the past. Australia we got on top of him “Today was quite busy,” Asif ditions, pinpointed the diminutive “The way we’ve won Test a bit but he’ll be looking to fire said after the end of a day-long left-hander as a player to have a matches for years now has been back. hearing behind closed doors at the major role in setting India big tar- with our pace,” Siddle said. “He’s going to be a tough con- CAS’s Swiss headquarters. gets to chase. “That’s going to play a big role test but hopefully one we can get “They will give us their decision Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Asif arrives for a hearing at the Court of “If we look at Phillip Hughes, but (off-spinner) Nate (Lyon) is early enough more times than in the next three weeks.” Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, yesterday. the form he’s had since he came probably going to play a big role not.” He added: “Hopefully I am back into the Australian side, he at the other end and I think that’s Siddle said the Australians had going to win this case. I’d like to “It may be easy for some people November 2011. All three were showed he’d changed his game where his game will flourish even a point to prove after losing five play cricket again.” to say that a five-year ban from released last year after complet- for the best,” Siddle told report- more. of their past seven Tests in India. Today, Pakistan captain Salman cricket is all right but what they ing half of their sentences. ers at Melbourne Airport before “He’ll get a lot of assistance They have not won a series in Butt is due to attend a CAS appeal don’t realise is that for a sports- Aamer, now 20, decided not departure. over there so I think combined India since 2004. hearing on his own ban. man like me this is like a lifetime to pursue his appeal at the CAS, “His form in the one-dayers has the line-up will do well.” “It’s been a tough stomp- Butt yesterday pleaded for a ban,” he said in a statement issued after pleading guilty to the been outstanding. Siddle said the side h ing ground so I guess this is a revival of his cricket career, fro- by his lawyer. charges in Britain. “If he can translate that over ad a basic plan but would time with a new-look team and zen by a long ban for spot-fixing in “My whole family and my life “It’s a high-profile case of two to the Indian conditions, which emphasise patience in India. hopefully we can go over there the infamous Lord’s Test against is disturbed.” world-class players with the will be a little bit different, he’s “We have to bowl as straight and stamp our authority and go England in 2010. Butt, Asif and fellow fast bowler whole cricket world focused on it the one. as we can and be as patient as we from ball one and get stuck in,” The 28-year-old was banned Mohammad Aamer were banned and we will fight to get the ban “If he can get going and sup- can be,” he said. he said. for 10 years, with the possibility by the International Cricket overturned,” Asif’s lawyer Ravi port Pup (Michael Clarke) and “It’s always been the case, even The second group nine players of five suspended, for his role in Council (ICC) . Sukul said from London earlier Davy (David Warner) and Watto for a spinner, to have patience. flies to India tomorrow and will arranging no balls to order in the Butt was banned for 10 years, this week. (Shane Watson) we can get those Indian wickets are hard work, be followed by the remainder of match, but will appeal against the with five suspended, Asif for seven “Asif was a terrific bowler and big totals.” the games go a little bit slower the group on Monday, the day sentence at the CAS. years, with two suspended, and it was terribly unfortunate that a Hughes missed the opportu- because the wickets are hard to after the final ODI against West Butt, who was jailed by a British the then teenager Aamer for five bowler of his class suffered this, nity to score his third ODI cen- score on.” Indies. court over the scandal, said the years. but we will try our best to get this tury this season when he was out Siddle said the Australians Australia would play four Test suspension was a career-ending The trio were also jailed by a ban overturned and Asif is in high for 86 off 93 balls in Australia’s would be wary of Test crick- matches against India, starting punishment. British court over the scandal in spirits.” AGENCIES 39-run series-deciding win over et’s greatest run-scorer Sachin with the Chennai Test. AFP FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Australia to crack Cavendish tops field down on match fixing and crime in sport CANBERRA: The Australian government promised yesterday to crack down on match fixing and the growing influence of organised for third stage win crime on sports after a major investigation found links between dop- ing and crime may have led to manipulated results. A report by Australia’s top criminal intelligence body, the Australian Tour of Qatar: The Briton retains leader’s yellow jersey Crime Commission (ACC), found one potential case of match fixing. It warned that organised crime gangs would increasingly seek to exploit players and manipulate results. BY RIZWAN REHMAT “They will exploit people, they will exploit players in the codes and Results from stage corrupt them, seek inside information, and ultimately fix matches,” DOHA: Gathering momentum ACC chief executive John Lawler told reporters. like a steam engine, British 5 at Tour of Qatar: The commission gave no details of the match or sport involved, and cyclist Mark Cavendish yester- 1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Omega Pharma- said its findings were not linked to the global scandal surrounding soc- day won stage five of the Tour of Quick-Step Cycling Team 3:11:11 cer after European police found hundreds of matches had been fixed Qatar to retain the leader’s yel- by criminal gangs based in Singapore. low jersey. 2 Yauheni Hutarovich (Blr) Ag2R La Football Federation of Australia chief David Gallop reaffirmed that It was Cavendish’s third suc- Mondiale Australian soccer was not implicated in the global match fixing scan- cessive stage win in Qatar where dal, and said there was nothing specific to soccer in the ACC report. 3 Aidis Kruopis (Ltu) Orica-GreenEdge he his overall tally now stands at “But we must maintain vigilance,” he told reporters. “Where things seven. 4 Adam Blythe (GBr) BMC Racing Team are difficult to detect, the level of deterrence must be high. That’s what The 27-year-old, who now rides we’re dealing with both with the doping issues, and match fixing.” for Omega Pharma Quick-Step, 5 Luke Rowe (GBr) Sky Procycling The crime commission’s findings resulted from a 12-month investi- utilised his past experience of 6 John Degenkolb (Ger) Team Argos- gation, including 30 secret hearings where witnesses were compelled racing in the desert to win the Shimano to give evidence. penultimate stage - which started It found organised crime was involved in trafficking illicit perform- from Al Zubara Fort to Madinat 7 Alexander Kristoff (Nor) Katusha ance enhancing drugs and had infiltrated some legitimate sports Al Shamal. 8 Nacer Bouhanni (Fra) FDJ businesses. It was the same spot where The crime commission has briefed the heads of Australia’s major Cavendish won his first stage in 9 Heinrich Haussler (Aus) IAM Cycling sporting codes, including soccer, cricket, rugby league and Australian Qatar four years ago in 2009. 10 Roger Kluge (Ger) Team NetApp- rules football, who presented a united front yesterday to vow to elimi- Cavendish, who grabbed the yel- nate drugs and corruption in sport. Endura low jersey from Brent Bookwalter “As CEOs of our individual sports, we were shocked this week to of the US on Wednesday, leads General classification hear confidential briefings about the risks from the crime world,” said over the BMR Racing Team rival British cyclist Mark Cavendish wears the yellow jersey watched by James Sutherland, Cricket Australia’s chief executive. by a massive 15 seconds. Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Thani, President, Qatar Cycling Federation, 1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Omega Pharma- Evidence has also been given to police and authorities, and Lawler The Briton, who has picked yesterday. BELOW: Cavendish with retired cycling star Eddy Merckx. Quick-Step Cycling Team 13:30:59 said he was hopeful criminal charges would eventually be laid against up 23 stage wins on the Tour de those responsible, including coaches, players and doctors. France, a record for a sprinter 2 Brent Bookwalter (USA) BMC Racing Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said the ACC investigation and fourth all-time best, edged Team 0:00:15 focussed mainly on the use of drugs and covered many athletes and out Yauheni Hutarovich (Ag2R 3 Taylor Phinney (USA) BMC Racing Team teams across a number of sports. La Mondiale) and Aidis Kruopis 0:00:20 “The findings are shocking and they will disgust Australian sports (Orica-GreenEdge) to the top fans,” he told reporters, adding the links to organised crime were par- spot. 4 Adam Blythe (GBr) BMC Racing Team ticularly serious as it opened opportunities for match fixing. After an eventful day with 0:00:22 “It is cheating, but it is worse than that. It is cheating with the help several breakaway attempts, of criminals,” he said. 5 Bernhard Eisel (Aut) Sky Procycling Cavendish was beautifully led National Rugby League (NRL) chief executive David Smith said out by his Omega Pharma team- 0:00:24 the ACC had raised specific concerns with his sport, involving several mates on the final straight, where 6 Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) BMC Racing players and clubs, but he would not comment on details. he out-sprinted Hutarovich and Team 00:00:25 However, he said the allegations were not linked to a 2011 incident Kruopis for his third win of the where player Ryan Tandy was convicted of attempting to manipulate event. 7 Michael Schär (Swi) BMC Racing Team a match by giving away a penalty in the opening moments of a game. Relying on his explosive speed 8 Mathew Hayman (Aus) Sky Procycling “We’ve worked with the crime commission in the last week or so, near the finish line in Madinat Al 0:00:27 and information has come forward for the NRL specifically that affects Shamal, Cavendish was provided more than one player and more than one club,” Smith said. a perfect leadout push with team- 9 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Sports Minister Kate Lundy said the government would encourage mate Niki Terpstra dropping the Procycling 0:00:29 sports to establish “integrity units” and engage the Australian Sports sprinter off inside the final 250 Anti-Doping Authority and law enforcement agencies to root out the 10 Geraint Thomas (GBr) Sky Procycling meters. problems. “If you want to cheat, we will catch you, if you want to fix a Terpstra, the 28-year-old 0:00:30 match, we will catch you,” Lundy said. REUTERS Dutch, orchestrated an ear- lier break along Bernhard Eisel a mild wind but as you know, The Briton was quick to thank kilometres. He was rapidly caught (Team Sky) and Taylor Phinney I saved my best for the last,” his team-mates for their support. by Marco Haller (KAT) and their (Team BMC) but with 16 kilome- Cavendish said. “From start to end & the sense lead reached a maximum 1’20 at tres to go, Cavendish and his team “There were some problems of pride I felt, as they rode & rode, km 28 before both were finally moved in for the kill. since we knew it was going to can’t be described. Another win. caught at km 45. Inside the closing 7 kilometres, be stressful today. In the final Thanks guys,” Cavendish said on After having covered an BMC - the leaders on the first two stretch we clicked together and his Twitter page later in the day. impressive distance of 49.2 kms stages - took charge of the pelo- got our confidence going together. By the splendid castle of Al during the first hour, it was ton, with GreenEdge, FDJ and I am really, really happy for that. Zubarah on the western coast of then Bernhard Eisel (SKY) and Liquigas all attempting to assert When reminded of his 15-sec- Qatar, the 136 remaining riders of Phinney’s (BMC) turn to give it a their dominance as well. ond lead, Cavendish ruled out any the Tour took off for the penulti- go but their attacking effort was However QuickStep were in premature celebrations. mate stage of this 12th edition: a vain. complete control again with just “I don’t know. We are through 154-km ride, ending by two laps At kilometre 64, five men man- three kilometres to go. today. It is a big day as well. I of a circuit around Madinat Al aged to pull away from the pack: “It was tough riding the whole had everything there you know. I Shamal. Martin Elmiger (IAM), Sergey day. The last two days have been think this win is just enough for After a very fast start, Edvald Lagutin (VCD), Pengda Jiao very taxing. The way we rode us going into the last stage,” he Boasson Hagen (SKY) was the (CSS), Andrea Di Corrado (BAR) today was incredible. There was said. first to break away after 21 and Kohei Uchima (JPN). At the first intermediate sprint Armstrong case can ‘clean (km 88.5) won by Elmiger, ahead of Di Corrado and Lagutin, the front men could only enjoy a max- up’ sport, says Wiggins imum 2’50 lead. The pace remained extremely MADRID: Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins (top, left) fast, 49.85 km/h after two hours, says he thinks Lance Armstrong’s (top, right) doping confession is as the peloton moved closer to the catastrophic but will serve to make the sport cleaner in the future. escapees. Armstrong, a seven-time winner of the Tour de France himself, was After heading north to the stripped of his titles after the International Cycling Union accepted final circuit, the pack broke a United States Anti-Doping Agency report that he had doped when up into several groups with winning his seven Tours between 1999 and 2005. Cavendish (OPQ), Bookwalter The American then confessed that he had taken performance- and Phinney (BMC) in a first enhancing drugs in an interview with TV host Oprah Winfrey. bunch of 52 men and Boasson But despite the scandal being just the latest doping issue to affect Hagen, Andrea Guardini (AST) the sport, Wiggins said he is hopeful the future of cycling will be clean and Barry Markus (VCD) in a in an interview published yesterday in Spanish in sports daily Marca. chasing group. “In the short term the sensation is that it is catastrophic and gener- After the front riders were ates bad press. Moreover, with every scandal a lot of people who don’t finally caught by the golden jer- know about cycling chip in with their opinions,” he told the paper after sey group at km 105, the pack his first four days of competitive action this season in the Mallorca bunched up together again five Challenge. kilometres later. “However, in the long-term it is good. If my son decides to become a At the second bonus sprint at cyclist when he turns professional the sport will be cleaner,” he added. Mark Cavendish celebrates after crossing the finish line to win stage five of the Tour of Qatar in Madinat Al the first crossing of the line on the “Actions speak louder than words. We have to keep doing things as Shamal yesterday. BELOW: A pack of riders makes it way towards the finish line. PICTURES: SYED OMAR final circuit (km 127.5), Cavendish we are just now and believe that in the future things will be better.” conquered more precious seconds Wiggins had an extraordinary 2012. On top of becoming the first beating Eisel and Phinney to the Briton to win the Tour, he also won his fourth Olympic gold medal in line. the time-trial at London 2012. This year, though, he has set himself Shortly after, Phinney, EIsel new targets, including the implausible double of winning the Tour and and Terpstra (OPQ) powered the Giro de Italia back-to-back. away from the pack. With the “Why not? Every day I am more convinced that it is possible. To Omega Pharma Quickstep riders win the Giro and the Tour in the same season is an incentive that chasing, they were to be caught motivates me. I can’t think about what I have achieved as a profes- at km 137 after having had a 30” sional but rather I have to give myself new targets that inspire me to lead. work harder every day. Under the control of the sprint- “The objectives are different and I will do other races that I didn’t ers’ teams, the pack remained last year, but the motivation and the will to win remain the same and bunched all the way to the fin- that’s what matters.” ish. Perfectly led out by Terpstra, At 32 Wiggins isn’t exactly a rising star of the cycling circuit, but he Cavendish claimed yet another still believes he has plenty of years left at the top of the sport. success, his third of the race. “Physically, I have still not reached my peak, but the question now, Today’s final stage starts from at 32 years of age, is more mental than physical. Sealine Beach Resort and ends on “What matters is knowing what you most want to do and how much Doha Corniche around 3:15pm. you want to work to achieve it. Luckily, I have many years ahead of me.” THE PENINSULA REUTERS FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Football Fixtures ( All times in GMT) English Premier League England edge Brazil; Tomorrow Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United (1245) Chelsea vs Wigan Athletic (1500) Norwich City vs Fulham (1500) Germany sink France Stoke City vs Reading (1500) Sunderland vs Arsenal (1500) Swansea City vs Late goal earns Italy draw against Dutch in friendly Queens Park Rangers (1500) Southampton vs Manchester City (1730) LONDON: Luiz Felipe Scolari February 10 got an indication of the work ahead of him to turn Brazil into Aston Villa vs West Ham United (1330) World Cup winners when his Manchester United v Everton (1600) second stint in charge began February 11 with a 2-1 defeat by England at Wembley on Wednesday night. Liverpool vs West Bromwich Albion (2000) Brazil were sunk by Frank Scottish Premier League Lampard’s winner on the hour which gave England a first vic- Today tory over the South Americans Dundee vs Ross County (1945) since 1990. Barcelona’s Argentinian forward In other high-profile interna- Lionel Messi arrives at the Camp Tomorrow tional friendlies, Germany earned Nou stadium in Barcelona to sign Inverness Caledonian Thistle vs Celtic (1200) a first victory over France in 26 a new contract, yesterday. Messi Aberdeen vs St. Mirren (1500) years with a 2-1 win in Paris, a signed a new contract today tying stoppage-time goal from substi- him to the Catalan club until 2018. Dundee United vs Hearts (1500) tute Marco Verratti rescued a 1-1 Kilmarnock vs Motherwell (1500) draw for Italy against Netherlands and Argentina continued their February 11 impressive form under coach Messi extends Hibernian vs St Johnstone (1930) Alejandro Sabella with a 3-2 win over Sweden in Stockholm. Barcelona deal Ligue 1 Brazil hope to satisfy their Today expectant fans hungry for a first Paris St Germain v Bastia (1930) world title since 2002 when they till 2018 host the World Cup in 2014 but Tomorrow MADRID: only showed glimpses of their Lionel Messi has St Etienne vs Montpellier HSC (1600) potential on a chilly night in signed a new contract that will London. England’s Steven Gerrard (right) vies for the bal with Brazil’s Neymar during an international friendly match at tie him to Barcelona until 2018, Ajaccio vs Girondins Bordeaux (1900) Wembley Stadium in London on Wednesday night. The recalled Ronaldinho had a the club announced yesterday. AS Nancy v Stade de Reims (1900) penalty saved by Joe Hart before Barca had already signalled Wayne Rooney fired England halftime to Mathieu Valbuena’s Ezequeil Garay and Federico “The expectations of Balotelli Messi’s intent to sign a new deal, ES Troyes AC vs Sochaux (1900) ahead on 27 minutes. Fred’s fine close-range header but battled Fernandez. and El Shaarawy were high see- along with teammates Carles Nice vs FC Lorient (1900) finish soon after halftime levelled back after the break to equalise A Mikael Lustig own goal gave ing their status at their club but Puyol and Xavi Hernandez, back Valenciennes vs Stade Brest (1900) matters before Lampard curled a through Thomas Mueller before the South Americans an early now it is time that they take their in December and the four-time fine winner beyond Julio Cesar. Sami Khedira wrapped it up from lead, and although Jonas Olsson responsibility in the national team World Player of the Year has now February 10 “I’m not disappointed, there’s Mesut Ozil’s pass with 17 minutes levelled, Sergio Aguero and and deliver,” he said. put pen to paper. Evian Thonon Gaillard FC vs Olympique no reason to say it was bad...we left. Gonzalo Higuain put Argentina Ecuador showed their rise up “After Puyol and Xavi, this Marseille (1300) have seven, eight, nine players “We were the best team in control at the break. Rasmus to a best-ever 12th in the world afternoon it has been Leo Messi’s who have just started their sea- tonight,” coach Joachim Loew Elm pulled a goal back in the final rankings was well merited by turn. The Argentinean star, Stade Rennes vs Toulouse (1600) son, England are in full swing,” said. minute. stunning Portugal 3-2 in Lisbon accompanied by his father, has Olympique Lyon vs Lille (2000) said Scolari, the man known as Argentina’s clash with Sweden In Amsterdam, Verratti’s last- thanks to a 70th-minute win- signed an extension to his con- “Big Phil” who was re-appointed pitted two world-class strik- gasp goal saved Italy from defeat ner from Felipe Caicedo. Dries tract with the club until June 30, La Liga in November. ers in Lionel Messi and Zlatan after the Dutch had led through Mertens scored in the last minute 2018,” said a statement on the Tomorrow Germany showed with their Ibrahimovic. Neither scored but a first-half Jeremain Lens goal. to earn Belgium a 2-1 win over club’s website. Real Mallorca vs Osasuna (1500) comeback win over France that it was Messi who had the greater Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was Slovakia and Russia eased past “The contract was signed in the they have strength in depth to impact as Argentina outplayed far from impressed with his strike Iceland 2-0 to stretch their Barcelona offices with president Celta Vigo vs Valencia (1700) offset injuries to key players. the hosts with Ibrahimovic well- partnership of Mario Balotelli and unbeaten run under coach Fabio Sandro Rosell, vice-president Levante vs Malaga (1900) They fell behind just before shackled by central defenders Stephan El Shaarawy. Capello to seven games. AFP Josep Maria Bartomeu and sport- ing director Andoni Zubizarreta Deportivo Coruna vs Granada CF (2100) International friendly all present.” Real Madrid vs Sevilla (2100) The contract retains the same February 10 results 250m euros ($335m) buy-out In Guimaraes, Portugal clause as his previous deal and Barcelona vs Getafe (1100) Messi will reportedly earn a net Portugal 2 (Ronaldo 23, Postiga 60) Real Zaragoza vs Real Sociedad (1600) salary of 11m euros ($14.75m). Ecuador 3 (Valencia 3, Pereira 62-og, It is the sixth time in eight Athletic Bilbao vs Espanyol (1800) Caicedo 70) seasons that the Argentine has Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid (2000) In Paris negotiated a new deal with Barca France 1 (Valbuena 44) with the Spanish league leaders February 11 Germany 2 (Mueller 51, Khedira 74) understandably keen to tie their Real Betis vs Real Valladolid (2030) talismanic forward down to a In Dublin Serie A Republic of Ireland 2 long-term deal. (Clark 35, Hoolahan 76) Poland 0 Messi broke an all-time Tomorrow In Swansea, Wales European record on his way to Juventus vs Fiorentina (1700) scoring 91 goals in 2012, surpass- Wales 2 (Bale 21, Vokes 52) ing the previous record of 85 Lazio vs Napoli (1945) Austria 1 (Janko 75) scored by German Gerd Muller February 10 In Aberdeen, Scotland in 1972. Scotland 1 (Mulgrew 39) Estonia 0 And the 25-year-old has shown Parma vs Genoa (1130) In Bruges, Belgium no signs of slowing down, with 10 Atalanta Bergamo vs Catania (1400) goals in eight outings since the Belgium 2 (Hazard 11-pen, Mertens 90) Bologna vs Siena (1400) Slovakia 1 (Lasik 87) turn of the year as Barca have opened up a nine-point gap at the Cagliari vs AC Milan (1400) In Solna, Sweden Spanish coach Vicente Del Bosque puts his signature on the wall of the Aspire Academy in Doha on Wednesday. top of La Liga. AFP Sweden 2 (J. Olsson 17, Elm 90+4) The Spanish national team coach was surprised by the sporting facilities in Doha. Palermo vs Pescara (1400) Argentina (Higuain 3, 23, Aguero 19) Sampdoria vs AS Roma (1400) In London Rooney insists Udinese vs Torino (1400) England 2 (Rooney 27, Lampard 60) Brazil Inter Milan vs Chievo Verona (1945) 1 (Fred 48) Bosque ‘pleasantly surprised’ title race far In Amsterdam Bundesliga matches Netherlands 1 (Lens 33) from over Tomorrow Italy 1 (Verratti 90+1) by Doha’s impressive facilities Borussia Dortmund vs Hamburg SV (1430) In Athens LONDON: Manchester United Borussia Moenchengladbach vs Bayer Greece 0 Switzerland 0 DOHA: After taking charge for due to their attractive playing World Cup.” With just nine years striker Wayne Rooney believes it Leverkusen (1430) At Attard, Malta the 68th time on Wednesday - style, the former Real Madrid and to go until Qatar host the 2022 is too soon to talk of the Premier Malta 0 Northern Ireland 0 an equalling record tally for a Besiktas coach also praised the FIFA World Cup, the high-pro- League trophy heading back to Eintracht Frankfurt vs Nuremberg (1430) In Skopje national team coach, Vicente groundsmen for a pitch which he file match provided an oppor- Old Trafford. Greuther Fuerth vs VfL Wolfsburg (1430) Del Bosque admitted Spain described as ‘perfect’. tunity for international football United, who lost out on the final Macedonia 3 (Pandev 8, Ibraimi 17, Noveski Hanover 96 vs Hoffenheim (1430) 24) Denmark 0 ‘were pleasantly surprised’ with “When talking about the field journalists to learn more about day of last season to cross-town the sporting facilities in Qatar. conditions (on Wednesday), it was Qatar. rivals Manchester City, are cur- VfB Stuttgart vs Werder Bremen (1430) In Manisa, Turkey Speaking during a post-match perfect,” said the Spaniard. Journalists from as far as Kenya rently nine points in front of the Bayern Munich vs Schalke 04 (1730) Turkey 0 Czech Republic 2 press conference after Spain Del Bosque’s comments came attended the match, which saw reigning champions and 16 clear (Krejci 4, Lafata 28) beat the South American cham- just hours after German leg- Cesc Febregas, Pedro Rodriguez of third-placed Chelsea. February 10 In Netanya, Israel pions Uruguay 3-1 in a thrilling end Karl-Heinze Rummenigge, (2) and Cristian Rodriguez on the However, the fact that last FC Augsburg vs Mainz (1430) Israel 2 (Ben Passat 2, Refaelov 90) Finland friendly at Khalifa International President of the European Club scoresheet. season saw United blow an eight- 1 (Forsell 86) Stadium, Del Bosque said: “We Association (ECA), said the Before the match had started, point lead in the space of a mere Freiburg vs Fortuna Duesseldorf (1630) In Tirana are impressed with what we saw Khalifa International Stadium one journalist, who covered the four games to give City a huge Dutch championship Albania 1 (Bogdani 25) Georgia 2 (Vatsadze in Qatar. We were pleasantly sur- pitch was the best he has seen Euro 2008 championships for the boost, means Rooney is refusing prised with the condition of the during his football career. Spanish Football Federation web- to get carried away by the situa- Tomorrow 41, Dzholchiev 82) facilities and technical staff, and “After seeing the presentation site said he is very much inter- tion Alex Ferguson’s men are in ADO Den Haag vs NAC Breda (1745) In Belek, Turkey that’s an important thing.” yesterday (Tuesday), and what’s ested to move to Qatar, after at the moment. Groningen vs RKC Waalwijk (1845) Hungary 1 (Szabics 33) Prior to Wednesday’s match, probably the best pitch I’ve ever being impressed with the sport- “Results are the most impor- Belarus 1 (Volodko 59) the Spanish squad visited Aspire seen in my life, the pitch on ing ambitious the tiny Gulf nation tant thing now,” Rooney said Heracles Almelo vs Willem II Tilburg (1845) In London Academy to see the state-of-the- which the match between Spain has. ahead of United’s match against Heerenveen vs VVV-Venlo (1845) Croatia 4 (Mandzukic 31, Srna 40, Jelavic art facilities in Doha. and Uruguay will be held tonight After Wednesday’s spectacle, his former club Everton at Old Vitesse Arnhem vs PSV Eindhoven (1945) 57, Petric 86) South Korea 0 The world and European cham- (Wednesday),” said Rummenigge Qatar football officials will have Trafford on Sunday. In Ljubljana pions also met some young Aspire during a press conference at the been encouraged by Del Bosque’s “Look at Manchester City February 10 Academy students during their ECA General Assembly in Doha and Rummenigge’s comments of against QPR. They should have Bosnia-Herzegovina 3 (Ibisevic 33, Pjanic Utrecht vs NEC Nijmegen (1130) tour, with former Spanish players on Wednesday afternoon. the facilities in Doha and World got the win, had a lot of chances 41, Svraka 80) Slovenia 0 Raul and Fernando Hierro also in The 1986 World Cup finalist Cup plans, which have been widely but ended up dropping two Ajax Amsterdam vs Roda JC Kerkrade (1330) In Sevilla attendance. added: “We’ve a very good feel- reported in Spain and media points,” added Rooney, who scored Feyenoord vs AZ Alkmaar (1330) Norway 0 Ukraine 2 (Morozyuk 17, Spain, who many have hailed as ing about the organisation and agencies across the world. England’s first goal in their 2-1 Yarmolenko 42) the greatest national team ever the infrastructure for the 2022 THE PENINSULA friendly win over Brazil. AFP PEC Zwolle vs Twente Enschede (1530 FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT NBA: Clippers take down Powerboats set lowly Magic

ORLANDO, Florida: Eric Bledsoe had 27 points, six rebounds and six steals as the short-manned Los Angeles for Qatar action Clippers defeated the Orlando Magic 86-76 yesterday. DeAndre Jordan added 13 points and 14 rebounds for Hydroplane Championship begins today the Clippers, who snapped a three-game National Basketball DOHA: The fastest power- result as possible. With the sup- Association losing streak. boats on the planet will take to Oryx Cup UIM World port of Sheikh Hassan and the Los Angeles were forced to use the waters of Doha Bay today Championship Elam (Ellstrom Racing) team their reserves due to injuries to as the 2013 Air National Guard mechanics, we are well-placed for Blake Griffin and Chris Paul. Today’s Schedule Hydroplane Championship roars the weekend.” Griffin missed his second con- into life with testing and quali- 9.30–12.00 Unlimited testing Brown has been to each of the secutive contest with a strained fying for this week’s fifth Oryx 1.00–2.30 Unlimited qualifying previous Oryx Cup race meetings left hamstring and Paul sat out Cup UIM World Championship. 2.45hrs Podium for top three and has useful experience of the his ninth straight game with a Racing is being organised by the qualifiers and pairings’ Doha Bay course, but nothing can bruised right kneecap. Qatar Marine Sports Federation draw for heats prepare a driver for the thrill of “Once we get the whole team (QMSF) in conjunction with H1 3.30hrs Unlimited Heat 1A racing in the world’s fastest power back, hopefully after the all- Unlimited. 4.00hrs Unlimited Heat 1B boating discipline. star break, we can mesh and The QMSF runs under the “If I had to explain racing one get ourselves ready for the 4.15hrs Podium for Heat 1 presidency of Sheikh Hassan bin of these it would be ‘pure adrena- post-season,” said Clippers for- winners and Heat 2 draw Jabor Al Thani. line from start-to-finish’. You hit ward Grant Hill. Florida’s Steve David will Kip Brown has stepped into the terminal velocity down a straight Jameer Nelson led Orlando start the defence of his National breach to represent the Spirit of and then almost hold on through with 18 points and five rebounds, High Points’ championship title Qatar Team for the first time in the corners. The rush of adrena- while Nikola Vucevic finished in U-1 Oh Boy! Oberto and rival the re-liveried U-17 Miss Red line is indescribable. with 15 points and 14 rebounds Jimmy Shane (U-5 Graham Dot, which will run as U-95 Spirit “Acceleration is phenomenal. for the Magic, who lost their 11th Trucking) will be hoping to retain of Qatar in Doha. We won’t necessarily see our straight game. the 2012 Oryx Cup UIM World A three-time E Racing Runabout maximum speed on the Doha Bay Orlando have just two wins and Championship he secured in Doha champion and a five-time 5-Liter course, but the G forces in the 22 defeats since December 21. in January. Hydro champion, Brown was the turns are incredible. You are look- “It’s tough for us right now,” The series will then return 2008 H1 Unlimited Rookie of the ing at 2G rising to around 5G in a Nelson said. “It’s something that to the United States for further Year and earned six heat wins with turn. In Detroit, I posted a maxi- we have to stick together through rounds in Sacramento (May Miss Red Dot in 2011. mum speed of 196mph (315.42 and get out of together.” 31-June 2), Madison (July 5-7), “I am delighted and privileged Km/h) and an average lap speed Meanwhile, Kevin Garnett Detroit (July 12-14), Kennewick to be representing Qatar at the of 158mph (254.27km/h). It’s a recorded a season-high 27 points (July 26-28), Seattle (August 2-4), Oryx Cup,” enthused Brown. matter of maintaining maximum as the Boston Celtics continued to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho (August “It is humbling for me to be focus and total concentration. prosper in the absence of Rajon 31-Sept 2) and San Diego (Sept in this position and I will do my Things can get out of hand pretty Kip and Nate Brown prepare U-95 Spirit of Qatar for the weekend’s racing. Rondo by holding off the Toronto 13-15). best to give the team as good a quickly.” THE PENINSULA PICTURE BY: BILL OSBORNE Raptors 99-95 to secure a fifth successive win yesterday. The Celtics, who were expected to fade from the post-season pic- ture when Rondo went down with a season-ending knee injury, have EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour set instead gone on a storming run, with all five of their victories com- ing since the All-Star guard was to kick off on February 10 in Bahrain hurt. AGENCIES NBA Results DOHA: A host of world-class crews and led by world famous single handed round the “This season promises to be the best yet, Boston 99 Toronto 95 regional sailing elite are gearing up for the world sailor Dee Caffari. Dee outlines how the with some of the world’s best sailors com- physical and mental challenges of the EFG team has come together. peting in the ideal sailing conditions of the Indiana 88 Philadelphia 69 Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour, which “We have all been training hard in the last Gulf. EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour Washington 106 NY Knicks 96 kicks off on February 10 from Bahrain. months, but now is the time that the team 2013 represents the culmination of three LA Clippers 86 Orlando 76 At Amwaj Marina, one of Bahrain’s premier needs to really come together and iron out years’ development in offshore racing in the Cleveland 122 Charlotte 95 locations for yachting, the nine teams compet- any creases in our performance. The girls are region, and the roster of competitors reflects Atlanta 103 Memphis 92 ing in EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour all ready to go, but we need to practice the the adoption and recognition of this unique Miami 114 Houston 108 are preparing for the start of what will be a drills in particularly for the starts and on the event by the international sailing community,” grueling 15-day race ending in Muscat, Oman. spinnaker – if the weather picks up we will Graham said. Brooklyn 93 Detroit 90 It is only three days until the start of the need to be twice as efficient as the heavier The nine crews are now in the peak of New Orleans 93 Phoenix 84 Gulf region’s only long distance offshore sail- crews,” said Dee. their physical condition, and their boats are Oklahoma City 119 Golden State 98 ing race, which will take the crews on a two- The wind for the opening leg is forecast to all ready to face the elements. Dallas 105 Portland 99 week journey covering 760 nautical miles. be between 11-14KmH, which may give Dee, From February 10 the crew of nine boats San Antonio 104 Minnesota 94 In the last few days, the expert teams have her female crew and her light boat a competi- will be challenged by sea rations and fatigue Utah 100 Milwaukee 86 come together and familiarised themselves tive advantage against the other eight teams. as they travel together from Manama to Doha London event with Farr 30 yacht that all teams will compete The battle will take place across four coun- and finally arriving in Muscat on February 25. in as they pit themselves against the offshore tries and along an eight port route, competing Qatar will host the second leg of the event. conditions of the Gulf as well as challenging in off shore and in port racing over the course EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour will Fasth stars in drops taxes inshore courses at four of the ports. of 15 days. take place in four countries and in eight ports Amongst the leading teams arrived and David Graham, Oman Sail CEO said the of call. For more information on the race one Ducks’ victory to lure Bolt in the final phase of their preparation is Al season promises to be a closely contested can visit: www.sailingarabiathetour.com. Thuraya Bank Muscat, the all-female crew affair. THE PENINSULA NEW YORK: Swedish goalie for July meet Viktor Fasth extended the per- fect start to his NHL career LONDON: Olympic sprint with a 31-save shutout to help champion Usain Bolt (pictured) the surging Anaheim Ducks and other overseas athletes will Maldonado puts ease to a 3-0 victory over the be able to compete tax-free in Colorado Avalanche yesterday. this year’s London Diamond Fasth’s first shutout took him League event at the Olympic to four wins from as many starts Stadium after the British honeymoon on hold as the 30-year-old continues to finance minister agreed to a make a seamless transition from “one-off” exemption. JEREZ, SPAIN: The hon- driver can sometimes make the the Swedish Elite League to the Jamaican Bolt, who won three eymoon is on hold for Pastor difference.” NHL since he was signed as a free golds at last year’s London Games, Maldonado as the Williams Former champions Williams, agent in the close season. had not previously raced in the driver prepares for his third whose last title came in 1997, fin- “I’m really enjoying playing United Kingdom since 2009 season in Formula One with ished eighth overall last season behind these guys,” Fasth told because of tax rules which would a determination to win more with Maldonado scoring 45 of reporters. have left him out of pocket. races and steer well clear of the their 76 points after winning in “They’re incredible in front “The Government is deter- stewards. Spain for the team’s first victory of me. (The shutout) is a little mined to do everything possible to “One day. Eventually,” grinned in nearly eight years. bonus. The most important thing secure the Olympic legacy and I the Venezuelan, who married fian- There would have been more is we got the win and started off am delighted to grant this exemp- cee Gabriela in the close season, points had the Venezuelan not this trip really good.” tion,” Finance Minister George after his first test of the campaign racked up so many trips to the Sheldon Souray and Saku Koivu Osborne was quoted as saying in at the Jerez circuit. stewards that it sometimes each scored in the first period today’s Daily Telegraph newspaper. Maldonado has had no time for seemed as if they had his number while Francois Beauchemin added The London meeting, switched the usual post-nuptial holiday. He on speed dial. a goal in the second to give the from its traditional Crystal Palace is fully focused on the year ahead Maldonado even managed to Ducks a fourth straight win. home to the Olympic Stadium to and trying to establish a new rep- collect three punishments at the Koivu and Souray also notched mark the first anniversary of the utation as a driver who is quick, Belgian Grand Prix weekend at assists with Anaheim (7-1-1) con- Games on July 27, is expected to confident and consistent rather Spa that left him with a 10-place tinuing to build on their best start be a 80,000 sellout and would have than quick with controversies and grid penalty for the following race since winning the Stanley Cup in been damaged by the absence of crashes. in Italy. the 2006-07 season by moving into athletes such as Bolt. “I am more confident. Confident He made it a priority over the a tie with San Jose for the Pacific British tax rules mean that with the team and the car as closing races of last year to stay Division lead. visiting overseas athletes would well,” the 27-year-old told Reuters out of trouble and it remains right The Avalanche (4-6-0), by have paid tax on their earnings over a cup of coffee in the team up there on his list for 2013, even contrast, have now lost three in from the meeting but also on part hospitality when asked how he if he still chafes at the sanctions a row. of their global income including felt about the year ahead. meted out. “We have to figure out a way to sponsorship deals. “In my first year we were suf- “I made some mistakes last score, that’s the bottom line,” said Despite Osborne’s interven- fering a lot with the car, the next year but at the same time I was Colorado center Matt Duchene. tion, Bolt has yet to confirm his year was a question mark and this being killed by the stewards. It “Give them credit. Their goalie attendance. year must be progress, a step up. was a combination, 50-50, not all played outstanding and made “I think it’s about two weeks “I will try to do my best, to win down to me and everybody knows some good saves.” REUTERS before the World Championships not only one (race),” he added. “I that,” said Maldonado. (in Moscow), which is quite think and I hope the level will be “I am more experienced now. I NHL Results late, but it’s London and it’s the more or less the same as last year will try to be away from the trou- Boston 2 Montreal 1 Olympic Stadium again so it obvi- because the rules haven’t changed bles,” he added. Anaheim 3 Colorado 0 ously has an attraction,” his agent a lot. So everything will be very The season starts in Australia Ferrari Formula One driver Felipe Massa of Brazil drives the new F138 dur- Ricky Simms said. REUTERS tight and I enjoy that because the on March 17. REUTERS ing a training session at the Jerez racetrack in southern Spain, yesterday. Dallas 3 Edmonton 2 FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 BREAK TIME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 CINEMA LISTINGS TV LISTINGS Rise Of The Guardians SHOWING AT VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER (Animation) – 2.30 & 4.30pm TEL: 444933989 444517001 1 Lucky One (Drama) – 6.30pm 13:40 How We 13:20 Wildlife SOS Invented The 13:50 Michaela’s Jack Reacher – 8.30 & 11.00pm World Animal Road Trip The Guilt Trip (2D/Comedy) 14:35 Border Security 14:45 Animal Precinct 15:30 Auction Kings 15:40 Wildest Africa – 2.30pm 16:00 The Will: 16:30 Animal ABCD (Any Body Can Dance) Family Secrets Battlegrounds MALL (Hindi) 2 – 4.15 & 7.00pm Revealed 17:00 Really Wild Show CINEMA The Final (2D/Horror) – 9.45pm 16:55 Finding Bigfoot 17:30 Dogs 101: 17:50 Mythbusters 18:25 Baby Planet Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters 18:45 American Guns 19:20 Bad Dog (3D/Horror) – 11.30pm 19:40 How Do They 20:15 Bondi Vet Aala Gosety (2D/Arabic) Do It? 20:40 Safari Vet – 2.30 & 7.15pm 21:00 Auction Kings School 3 Broken City (2D/Crime) – 5.00pm 21:30 Fast N’ Loud 21:35 Escape To 22:25 Jesse James: Chimp Eden Bullet To The Head (2D/Action) Outlaw Garage 22:05 Wildest Africa – 9.30 & 11.30pm 23:20 American 23:00 Shark Feeding Aala Gosety (2D/Arabic) Chopper Frenzy – 2.30pm Broken City (2D/Crime) – 5.00pm 1 Cockneys Vs Zombies (2D/Comedy) – 7.15pm Bullet To The Head (2D/Action) 12:00 Monster Fish 13:15 Foster’s Home 13:00 Restless Planet For... – 9.15 & 11.30pm Mirror Mirror (Adventure) 14:00 Bears Of Fear 15:20 Angelo Rules ROYAL Island 16:10 Batman: The – 3.00 & 5.00pm 15:00 Tiger Man Brave And The One For Money (Comedy) PLAZA 16:00 Secret Brazil Bold – 7.00pm 17:00 Desert Seas 18:00 Level Up 2 What To Expect When You’re 18:00 Monster Fish 18:50 Adventure Time Expecting (Comedy) – 9.00pm 19:00 Ultimate Animal 20:05 Total Drama Devil’s Double (Action) – 11.00pm Countdown World Tour 06:30 Basketball Nba 08:00 News 20:00 Bears Of Fear 20:30 Total Drama Ice Age 4: Continental Drift Chicago @ Denver 09:00 Al Jazeera World Island World Tour 3 (Animation)– 2.30 & 4.30pm 09:00 Omni Sport 10:00 News 21:00 Tiger Man 21:20 Hero 108 The Bangbang Club (Drama) 09:30 Football Friendly 10:30 Inside Story 22:00 Secret Brazil 22:10 Grim Adventures – 6.30, 8.30 & 11.00pm England V Brazil 11:00 News 23:00 World’s Weirdest Of... Special 26 (2D/Hindi) 11:30 Twenty20 Cricket 11:30 The Stream 23:00 Ben 10 – 2.30 & 7.00pm Bangladesh Premier 12:00 News Bullet To The Head (2D/Action) 1 League Khulna V 12:30 101 East – 5.15 & 9.45pm Duronto 13:00 NEWSHOUR The Final (2D/Horror) – 11.30pm 14:30 English Sports News 14:00 News 15:00 Total Italian Football 14:30 Inside Story Cockneys Vs Zombies 15:30 Twenty20 Cricket 15:00 Revolution Through 10:00 Zookeeper 13:00 Scooby-Doo! (2D/Comedy) – 3.00pm Bangladesh Premier Arab Eyes 12:00 Just Crazy Legend Of The Broken City (2D/Crime) League Chittagong 16:00 NEWSHOUR Enough Phantosaur LANDMARK 2 – 5.00 & 9.15pm V Sylhet 17:00 News 14:00 Scooby-Doo 14:30 The Fairy Tale Bullet To The Head (2D/Action) 18:30 English Sports News 17:30 The Stream 16:00 Zookeeper Tree-FAM – 7.15pm 18:45 Football Friendly 18:00 NEWSHOUR 18:00 Cars 2 16:00 The Muppets Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters Portugal V Ecuador 19:00 News 20:00 High Fidelity- 18:00 The Tooth Fairy 2 (3D/Horror) – 11.30pm 20:30 George Weah: Stars 19:30 Earthrise PG15 20:00 Quest For A The Guilt Trip (2D/Comedy) 21:30 Uefa Chapions 20:00 News 22:00 Love And Other Heart – 2.30 & 9.15pm League Magazine 20:30 Inside Story Drug 22:00 Scooby-Doo! Aala Gosety (2D/Arabic) 3 22:00 The Global Game 21:00 NEWSHOUR 00:00 The Life Aquatic Legend Of The – 4.30 & 7.00pm 23:00 Football Asia 22:00 News With Steve Phantosaur Cockneys Vs Zombies 23:30 Magazine Tba 22:30 South2North Zissou 23:30 Toyz Goin’ Wild (2D/Comedy) – 11.15pm 23:00 Indian Hospital

HYPER C RSO S W O RD

1234 5678 9101112131415161718 DOWN 56 “To Catch a Thief” setting

19 20 21 22 1 Gentle touches 58 Sharpie tip 2 Turkish title 60 Author Malraux 23 24 25 3 One whose music is easy to 61 Flagged vehicle 26 27 28 29 follow? 64 St. Clare’s home 30 31 32 33 34 35 4 What intersecting lines create 67 Consumer reports? 5 Maker of the Roadrunner 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 68 ___ Gay supercomputer 69 Renders reluctant 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 6 “What nonsense!” 70 “The Sandbox” playwright 51 52 53 54 55 56 7 Wing-shaped 71 Central point 57 58 59 60 61 62 8 Novelist Bret Easton ___ 72 Hip 1960s teen 9 1969 literary heroine who 63 64 65 66 73 “New and Improved!” might says “I like the words appear on one 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 damozel, eglantine, elegant. 74 Song syllables 75 76 77 I love when you kiss my elongated white hand” 79 Carlisle Cullen’s wife in 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 “Twilight” 10 Intelligent swimmer 80 Boisterous laugh 87 88 89 90 91 11 Founder of an Oahu plantation 81 Mention Yesterday’s answer 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 12 Tommy of ESPN 82 ___ volatile 13 Papal office How to play Hyper Sudoku: 99 100 101 102 103 84 Swallowing of food, e.g. 14 Acknowledge A Hyper Sudoku Puzzle is solved by filling the numbers from 1 to 9 into the blank cells. A Hyper 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 85 Hustle 15 ___ oil (perfumery Sudoku has unlike Sudoku 13 regions (four regions overlap with the nine standard regions). In all 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 ingredient) 86 Paper slip? regions the numbers from 1 to 9 can appear only once. Otherwise, a Hyper Sudoku is solved like 90 Personal quirk 120 121 122 123 16 Bomb detector? a normal Sudoku. 94 English churchyard sight 124 125 126 17 Name in 2000 newspapers 18 Country singer Shelby 95 Plants with stinging hairs 127 128 129 130 96 Indian mulberry product How to play Kakuro: 20 Fellas 97 Sailor’s sword The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any 24 “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” composer 100 Hand brakes, e.g. size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells ACROSS 65 Part of N.F.L.: Abbr. 66 Base 29 Bygone Toyota 103 Conifer leaf like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, 1 “Come to ___!” 67 … decorative furniture elements 104 Unqualified some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some 5 Of wrath, in a Latin hymn being blown off with dynamite? 31 Hybrid farm animal 105 Registering a pulse cells will contain two numbers. 9 Throws in 75 Army division 33 Afternoon meal, across the pond 107 Electronic game fad of the However, in a crossword the numbers reference 13 “La Resurrezione” composer 76 “Lying thief,” e.g. 36 Count ___ (2004 Jim Carrey role) 1980s clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! 19 Film about a corrida participant put to 77 ___ Dame 37 Singer/songwriter Amos 109 Gives deep massage therapy They denote the total of the digits in the row or pasture? 78 Actress Perez 39 Ad ___ 111 Web site for cinephiles column referenced by the number. 21 Mount ___ (volcano in Mordor) 80 Speaks nonsense 42 Exam for would-be attys. 113 What lotus-eaters enjoy Within each 22 Too 83 Record keeper 44 Univ. overseers 114 “I’d be glad to!” collection of cells 23 … a candy-sharing confederate? 87 Practices, as a trade 116 Russian figure skater Kulik - called a run - any 25 Lake Erie city west of Cleveland 88 Helpfulness 45 Part of a TV dial 118 Major publisher of romance 26 As bad luck would have it 89 Lunch, e.g. 46 “What he said” of the numbers 1 novels 27 Vivacity 91 “Rainbow Six” author 47 Where Excalibur was forged to 9 may be used 119 Helen of Troy’s mother but, like sudoku, 28 … a small-minded lady? 92 California city name starter 49 Make watertight 50 Beasts of burden 122 Wanting to be near one’s each number may 30 “Casino” actor Joe 93 … a demonic horse? fans? only be used once. 32 TV producer MacFarlane 98 Continuity problem 52 Upscale restaurant requirement, maybe 123 Last in a series 34 1942 Harry James hit “___ My Guy” 99 Western star Lee Van ___ Yesterday’s 35 Bowler’s assignment 101 Center of a daisy, e.g. COMBS EGGY RUSH answer 36 ___ Day & the Knights (band in 102 Shuffleboard stick “Animal House”) 103 Pixar title character ONTAP XTRA I NCA 38 The mythical tree Yggdrasil, for one 104 Recitation by Scheherazade TEASE WORKOFART 40 Finback whale 106 “Time ___ …” R I CC I WEBER Sherman’s Lagoon by Jim Toomey 41 Museum piece 108 Yukon, e.g.: Abbr. CRACKOFDAWN LEE 43 Cut off 110 Makes an effort OUR DEORO BEND 44 … an embarrassingly one-sided 112 … drink garnishes? CHARM GNOME tennis match? 115 Work like a dog ARTICLESOFFAITH 48 David Sarnoff’s company 117 Rhenium or rhodium 51 Political theorist Hannah 120 Inability to appreciate music EQUAL ANN I E 53 “Evita” narrator 121 … a seedy Hollywood bar? CO I L AREAS AND 54 The Beatles’ “___ Got a Feeling” 124 Antipathetic ARC BUNDLEOF JOY 55 Some solos 125 ___ Cakesters (Nabisco offering) SIEGE LEROI 57 One who keeps things from going up? 126 … skinned knuckles? BOARDOFED ADFEE 59 Geometric shape whose perimeter 127 Tenant has infinite length ALGA AURA LOFTY 128 Home in the sticks? 62 The Colosseum was completed during HEED FRAY BRYCE 129 Weather-stripped item his reign 130 Sicilian province 63 Paramecium’s propellers ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Heart and craft

Fajr (Dawn) 4:56 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:14 Zuhr (Noon) 11:48 Asr (Afternoon) 2:59 Maghrib (Sunset) 5:24 Isha (Night) 6:54

WEATHER

Today Saturday Sunday Weather Conditions: Mostly sunny Clear Clear Misty to foggy at places at High: 26° High: 26° High: 26° first becomes Low: 16° Low: 16° Low: 17° hazy with some clouds.

DOHA - SUN & SEA

SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 06:14 17:24 03:45 14:45 & 11:00 21:00 3-12 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER

MUSCAT 26/18 Mostly sunny 25/18 Mostly sunny MAKKAH 31/22 Mostly sunny 31/22 Clear KUWAIT 22/16 Clear 23/17 Partly sunny BAHRAIN 26/12 Mostly sunny 27/15 Clear SANAA 22/06 Mostly sunny 23/07 Mostly sunny Strollers walk past a heart carved into the snow on the Baltic Sea beach of Sellin, northeastern Germany, yesterday. RIYADH 25/09 Clear 26/10 Clear DUBAI 24/17 Mostly sunny 24/17 Clear BAGHDAD 21/11 Mostly sunny 22/11 Mostly sunny

THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW ‘Sugar-free’ sodas more unhealthy: Study HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER PARIS: Artificially sweetened Research (Inserm) said. The evi- Sugar-sweetened sodas have those who drank only unsweet- ATHENS 14/09 Chance of T-storms 15/09 Chance of rain sodas have been linked to a dence comes from a wide-scale, previously been linked to an ened fruit juice. WASHINGTON 06/00 Rain 03/-4 Mostly sunny higher risk of Type 2 diabetes long-term study, it said in a increased risk of diabetes, but Compared with juice-drinkers, for women than sodas sweet- press release. less is known about their arti- women who drank both types of SYDNEY 29/20 Clear 29/20 Chance of storms ened with ordinary sugar, a More than 66,000 French ficially sweetened counterparts soda had a higher incidence of LONDON 07/01 Mostly sunny 10/05 Chance of rain French study unveiled yester- women volunteers were quizzed — often promoted as a healthier diabetes. PARIS 06/-1 Snow 04/02 Snow day found. about their dietary habits and substitute. The increased risk was about ISTANBUL 14/08 Chance of rain 13/06 Chance of rain “Contrary to conventional their health was then monitored Researchers led by Inserm’s a third for those who drank up MANILA 31/23 Mostly sunny 31/23 Mostly sunny thinking, the risk of diabe- over 14 years from 1993 to 2007. Francoise Clavel-Chapelon and to 359 millilitres (12 US ounces) DHAKA 31/18 Mostly sunny 29/16 Clear tes is higher with ‘light’ bever- The women were middle- Guy Fagherazzi dug into the data of soda per week, and more than DELHI 21/09 Clear 20/08 Clear ages compared with ‘regular’ aged or older when they joined mine to look at the prevalence double among those who drank up ISLAMABAD 20/06 Clear 21/07 Clear sweetened drinks,” the National the study — born between 1925 of diabetes among women who to 603ml per week. Institute of Health and Medical and 1950. drank either type of soda, and AFP Cat in, iron out Martial arts drama kicks off Berlin film festival as Monopoly BERLIN: The 2013 Berlin film festival changes kicked off yesterday with the red car- pet premiere of “The Grandmaster”, Hong Kong director Wong Kar Wai’s game pieces martial arts period drama set in China WASHINGTON: It is the at the time of the Japanese invasion in world-famous game on which the 1930s. many a player shined as a prop- Starring regular collaborator Tony erty tycoon and where luckless Leung Chiu Wai as kung fu master Ip Man strugglers went to jail, but after and Zhang Ziyi as his rival and friend Gong a public vote one of Monopoly’s Er, the heavily stylised picture is a story of tokens will never again pass go. honour, principle, betrayal and forbidden Of the handful of metal pieces love all set in a time of turmoil. whose journey around the board Wong, also president of the jury at the depended on a throw of a dice, a cinema showcase this year, said he was month-long ballot conducted on determined to get beneath the surface of Facebook will result in the iron martial arts in a way most films in the being consigned to history, the genre had not. game’s maker, Hasbro, said on “’Grandmaster’ is a film about kung fu. Wednesday. It tells you more than the skill,” he told A cat will take its place on reporters after a press screening and ahead the board, setting up showdowns of the opening night gala. with the much-loved Scottie dog, “It tells you more about these people, which was the first token that martial artists, the world of martial arts. online voters chose to save from What is their code of honour? What is extinction. The wheelbarrow and their value? What is their philosophy? shoe tokens also survived. “I hope this film can bring the audience “We know that cat lovers a new perspective about martial arts, kung around the world will be happy fu and also Chinese,” he added, wearing to welcome the new cat token his trademark dark glasses and speaking FROM LEFT: Actor Tony Leung Chiu Wai, director Wong Kar Wai and actress Zhang Ziyi pose after a news conference to promote the film, The into the Monopoly game,” said in English. Grandmaster Eric Nyman, senior vice presi- The idea for “The Grandmaster” was at the 63rd Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, yesterday. RIGHT: The Berlinale Palast, the venue for films in competition, dent and global brand leader for first announced more than a decade ago is seen before the opening of the film festival. Hasbro Gaming. and it took the notoriously slow filmmaker “While we’re a bit sad to see four years to make, involving rigorous Leung, 50, said he started training for accompanies the Berlinale. it will be his final big screen feature film, the iron go, the cat token is a fan- training for both Leung and Zhang which the part four years ago, and reportedly In the main competition of 19 movies at least for the foreseeable future. tastic choice by the fans and we both actors said changed them profoundly. broke his arm early in the process. eligible for awards is “Promised Land”, One of the most eagerly awaited pic- have no doubt it will become just Leung’s character, which dominates the “There is a spiritual side of kung fu and about the controversial drilling technique tures at the festival is “Closed Curtain”, as iconic as the original tokens.” first part of the film, is based on a real-life that side cannot be learned from books or for extracting gas known as “fracking” co-directed by acclaimed Iranian director Fans from 185 countries took master of the same name who developed by fact-finding,” he said. “It grows spon- and starring Matt Damon directed by his Jafar Panahi who made it in defiance of a part in the Internet vote, Hasbro the Wing Chun school of martial arts and taneously. So that’s why I had to practise “Good Will Hunting” collaborator Gus 20-year ban on film making imposed by said. The cat, with a 31 percent counted Bruce Lee among his students. four years. You can only achieve that thing Van Sant. authorities at home. share, proved more popular than Gong Er’s character gradually takes a through practice.” Steven Soderbergh’s “Side Effects” is Out of competition is 3D prehistoric a toy robot, guitar, helicopter and central role, and her repressed longing for “The Grandmaster” marks the offi- in part a critique of the pharmaceutical animation comedy “The Croods”, featur- a diamond ring, which were also Ip Man brings to the fore Wong’s mastery cial start of 11 days of screenings, photo- industry and boasts Law, Channing Tatum ing the voices of Cage and Ryan Reynolds, vying to pass go and collect some of melancholy, which he showed so memo- calls, interviews and parties across Berlin and Catherine Zeta-Jones in the cast. and “Dark Blood”, which River Phoenix money for the first time. rably in his best known film to date “In the where hundreds of movies will be screened, Soderbergh, an Oscar winner for his 2000 was filming when he died aged 23 in 1993. Monopoly revolves around the Mood for Love” also starring Leung. reviewed and traded at a film market that narcotics drama “Traffic”, has announced REUTERS players’ quest to make money from a host of properties, streets, railway stations and utility com- panies, which combine with “Chance” and “Community Chest” cards on a four-sided board. Music group’s member charged with murder as band eyes Grammy The most-keenly avoided space is “Go to Jail,” which takes a PRAGUE: A Prague court “It has been adjourned until floor during a concert at a Prague pushed the young man off the Blythe’s lawyer Tomas Grivna as player out of action. The game’s yesterday adjourned the trial March 4-5,” Prague municipal club in May 2010. stage, but said he then saw him saying the singer had pledged to format has seen countless vari- of Randy Blythe, frontman for court judge Libor Vavra told AFP, The fan, who repeatedly tried stand up in the crowd. return in March, although the ations over the years, but US US heavy metal group Lamb of adding that the court needed to to climb on to the stage accord- He could face up to 10 years court would allow a trial in absen- and British editions pay trib- God, who has pleaded not guilty gather more evidence. ing to news reports, died of head behind bars if convicted. The fan’s tia. Lamb of God are vying for a ute to pricey real estate such as to involuntary manslaugh- Blythe, 41, went on trial on injuries two weeks later. family is asking for 10m koruna 2013 Grammy for best hard rock/ Boardwalk and Mayfair. ter over the 2010 death of a Monday for pushing a 19-year-old Blythe pleaded not guilty on ($527,000) in damages. metal performance with their AFP Czech fan. fan off the stage on to a concrete Monday. He admitted to having The CTK news agency quoted song “Ghost Walking”. AFP