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Tuesday 26 March 2013 14 Jumada I 1434 - Volume 18 Number 5650 Price: QR2

Cyprus bags Fulton smashes €10bn second deal century

Business | 19 Sport | 28

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Restrictions on fishing in April and May DOHA: The Fisheries Department is putting curbs on fishing during the breeding season that lasts from April to May, but officials have allayed fears of shortages which might lead to a price rise. Fishing boats and trawlers will need written permission from the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Environment to ven- ture on fishing expeditions dur- ing the breeding period. The idea is to help protect fish reserves in the Qatari waters by introducing curbs on fishing. A boat or trawler The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani receiving Arab leaders at the Doha International Airport yesterday. From left: Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al Bashir, Omani Deputy Prime will not be allowed to go fishing Minister for Cabinet Affairs Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. more than thrice a month in April and May. Moreover, every trip by a boat or trawler, or stay in the waters, should not exceed four days, local Arabic daily Al Raya reported yesterday quoting head Summit may call for Syria ceasefire of the Fisheries Department, Mohamed Saeed Al Mohannadi. Al Mohannadi said that April and May are the breeding time for Arab leaders start two-day conclave in Doha today; Syria’s Alkhatib to address meeting Al Shafi and Hamour fish (both of which are in demand in the coun- DOHA: Arab leaders are set meet here on Sunday to set the The League instead provided opposition. Alkhatib has, how- all resolutions with regard to try) that account for some 40 per- to kick off their coveted con- agenda of the Summit, to allot recognition to Syria’s National ever, said that he will address Palestine are implemented. The cent of the fish stock found in the clave at the Doha Sheraton Syria’s vacant seat at the League Coalition, accepting it as the the Summit ‘in the name of question of the League’s reform region. The official, however, said this morning, and are likely to to the opposition was not without legal representative of the people the Syrian people’ and head is also expected to be debated at he did not see any shortage in fish press in their communiqué at controversies and disagreements, of Syria. the Syrian delegation to the the Summit. catch and supplies that could lead the end of the meet tomorrow aljazaeera.net said. However, ahead of the Arab Summit. Meanwhile, among the top to a price rise. If the weather is the United Nations Security Algeria and Iraq expressed Summit, there have been impor- The Arab Summit, 24th in a Arab leaders who are not attend- good, there would be enough catch Council to ensure a ceasefire in their reservations against the tant developments in Syria. The series, is being held under the ing the Summit are the presidents and supplies, he said. Syria and sponsor a dialogue for move while Lebanon chose to Syrian Free Army has refused to slogan ‘Arab Nation—Current of Algeria and Iraq, aljazeera.net THE PENINSULA peaceful transfer of power. remain aloof on the issue of invit- accept Ghassan Hitto, who was Situation and Future Perspective’. said. There are six Arab leaders The disagreement over allot- ing Syria’s opposition National elected by the National Coalition Although, important issues who will not be taking part in the Saudi heat on Skype ting Syria’s opposition the coun- Council to the Arab Summit. to head the Syrian provisional such as Palestine and the reform coveted conclave, the website said. try’s long-vacant seat at the Arab The Arab League, it may be government, as Syria’s first rebel of the Arab League currently However, a number of key Arab RIYADH: Internet applica- League is in the spotlight and it is recalled, suspended Syria’s mem- prime minister. remain overshadowed by the leaders and senior representa- tions such as Skype, Viber and feared it might sideline the main bership earlier after President The chairman of Syria’s drama that has been unfolding tives converged here yesterday WhatsApp face being banned issues, among them Palestine and Bashar Al Assad refused to imple- National Coalition, Ahmed involving the Syrian opposi- to take part in the Summit and in Saudi Arabia if operators fail the reform of the Arab League ment its peace plan, whereas sev- Alkhatib, who is here, announced tion, it is likely the Arab lead- they included the Tunisian and to allow authorities in the king- itself, reports aljazeera.net. eral member-countries (of the his resignation — a move that ers, in their final communiqué, Palestinian presidents. dom to censor them, industry The decision of Arab foreign League) continued diplomatic ties brings to surface the disarray would call upon the UN Security THE PENINSULA sources said yesterday. ministers at their preparatory with Damascus. within the ranks of the Syrian Council to make sure that More photographs on page 2 Full report on page 9 TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Emir, Heir Apparent receive Arab leaders

The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani led well-wishers to welcome Arab leaders arriving to take part in the Arab League Summit in Doha. TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Study calls for new HMC team to assess risk Annual Research Day observed

DOHA: A research sug- gests that Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) should take steps to enhance risk manage- ment in its hospitals. The risk management corporate com- After excessive mittee at HMC should create research of a risk assessment team to con- duct a proactive risk assessment proactive risk for patient safety, according to assessment it was the study. A proactive risk assessment at found that very few a healthcare facility would help tools were used at understand what could happen, HMC. how it could be prevented and try to identify contributing fac- tors before any accident happens. The Minister of Business and Trade H E Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz Al Thani and QCCI Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani with Barwa Chairman “After excessive research of Hitmi Ali Khalifa Al Hitmi, Al Kahleej Bank Chairman and Managing Director Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal bin Thani Al Thani and other officials during the proactive risk assessment it was proactive risk assessment tools launch of the Electronic System for Public Assemblies Management and Organisation at the St Regis in Doha yesterday. (SALIM MATRAMKOT) found that very few tools were to reduce the impact of incidents used at HMC,” says the research or other negative experiences conducted by Dr Moza Al Ishaq that have the risk of causing and Dr Jameela Alkhowaiter injury, accident or other loss to Company meetings to go electronic on ‘Using a Proactive Risk the patient, visitors or staff,” the Assessment at Hamad Medical research suggests. Corporation.’ “Its important to know that DOHA: The Ministry of Abdulaziz Al Thani, said the The panellist can answer the It was discussed at the Annual there is a little evidence show- Business and Trade, in asso- introduction of the new system questions as they see it. This Research Day held recently at the ing the effect of using proactive ciation Barwa Real Estate, will is part of the ministry’s ongoing can also be used to exercise their Hamad Medical City, where many risk assessment in the health care introduce an electronic system reforms to create a business- votes in the assembly. oral and poster presentations organisations. to manage the general assem- friendly environment in the coun- By using the new system, the were given, providing an oppor- “There were also no studies blies and boards of directors of try in line with QNV 2030. members who are unable to attend tunity for interactive discussions conducted to address which tool public and private companies in The new commercial law that is the meeting can also register their among local and international can be sued for improving and the country. The Department undergoing final touches contains opinion from outside the confer- researchers and experts. enhancing patient safety,” the of Companies Monitoring at the a specific article that mandates ence hall. The risk management corpo- study adds. ministry held a demonstration to harness the advancement in Salem Salem Al Mannai, rate committee is responsible to HMC has achieved a signifi- of the new system yesterday. technology to enhance the coun- Assistant Director, Companies determine a schedule for reassess- cant increase in research over The handheld device (pic- try’s business environment. This Monitoring Department, said the ment of identified risk to verify the last seven years since the tured) with a keyboard of the size e-system is in line with this deci- department officials are attend- whether risk reduction strategies introduction of Qatar National and shape of a mobile a hand set sion, he said. ing the general assemblies of over were implemented and are being Research Fund. can be used for voting and express Using the new gizmo, the 400 companies. The officials are followed. It was granted over QR45m for the board members and company attendees of a company annual spending a minimum three hours HMC should use more risk 13 research proposals last year. shareholders opinion online. The general assembly or board meet- in each meeting. The new system assessment tools to help improve HMC receives QR50m as inter- decision to introduce the e-system ing can text their comments and will reduce their stress. would use the new system at its patient safety, according to the nal funding for research from the is part of the new company law. in questions. The questions and Abdulla bin Abdul Azeez Al next general assembly scheduled research. Supreme Council of Health. The Minister of Business and comments will be shown to the Subai, Deputy Director, Barwa for next month. “The goal is to evaluate the THE PENINSULA Trade, H E Sheikh Jassim bin panel on a confidence monitor. Real Estate said that Barwa THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Poor response Pakistan National Day reception to evening fish market Many people prefer hypermarkets

DOHA: The evening shift intro- duced in the central fish market last Thursday has evoked a luke- warm response among customers, say vendors. The evening sales have been intro- Cold and windy duced on a trial basis for one month. weather could be a The Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning had said that a deci- factor deterring many sion whether to make the new sched- people from visiting ule permanent will be taken based on the market in the feedback from the fishermen, vendors and other sections concerned. evenings. Although the evening schedule is from 6pm to 11pm, the stalls are get- ting closed much earlier due to short- work for long hours. “We are working Pakistan Ambassador Muhammad Sarfraz A Khanzada (third left) and the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr Ghaith bin Mubarak bin age of customers, it is learnt. “There in the morning and evening shifts. Fish Imran Al Kuwari cutting a cake during a Pakistan National Day reception at Diplomatic club on Sunday. (ABDUL BASIT) is hardly any customer in the market market is not a place suitable to work at this time and we are preparing for so long,” lamented a salesman. to close,” a vendor told this daily at The market last week also intro- around 9pm yesterday. duced evening auction, in addition to He felt that the cold and windy the morning auction. Imported fish is weather could be a factor deterring auctioned in the morning while the Qatar tourism showcased at GIBTM many people from visiting the mar- evening auction is exclusively for the ket in the evenings. The turn out may local catch, say the vendors. DOHA: Qatar Tourism tomorrow at ADNEC in Abu leisure amenities can offer a country. Al Badr added: “Qatar increase in the days to come if the This means that to buy fresh Qatari Authority (QTA) is partici- Dhabi. unique tourism experience is getting a reputation as one of weather becomes pleasant and when fish, one will have to visit the market in pating at the Gulf Incentive “Qatar offers a perfect envi- that takes in traditional Qatari the latest new destinations for people get accustomed to the new the evening. In the absence of enough and Business Travel Market ronment for business travel and culture and heritage along- upscale meeting organizers with schedule, he added. customers in the evening, the traders (GIBTM), which runs until events and with its ultra-modern side super luxury hospitality its capacity to stage large-scale “Most people prefer the hypermar- would store the remaining stocks for options. Many of these tourism international events and trade kets to the central market to buy fish. the next day and sell it along with the partners are represented on our fairs.” The new system is not likely to change imported ones. Most traders said that stand at GIBTM as a tangible “Our new tourism strategy this practice,” said another vendor. the evening shifts have no significant reminder of Qatar’s successful is to diversify and enhance the Several salesmen in the market com- impact on the prices, which remain tourism drive and expansion,” range of tourism facilities for plained that with introduction of the stable these days. said Abdullah Al Badr, QTA’s business stopovers as well as evening shift, they have been forced to THE PENINSULA Director of Tourism. hotel accommodation across A regional hub for events, Qatar, focusing sharply on main- conferences and exhibitions, taining quality development to Qatar has huge number of its attract business visitors. Our visitors coming for business, and main focus at GIBTM is to meet is targeting an increase in the new event partners to whom we number of visitors over the next can offer existing and new ven- five years. ues such as sports amenities, Qatar has also begun to and convention, exhibition and develop local talent in the MICE meeting facilities to expand and sector, with the introduction of attract MICE sector business.” new hospitality training pro- GIBTM is the leading event grammes at Stenden University for the meetings, incentives and and Qatar MICE Development business travel industry in the Institute (QMDI) as tourism is GCC Region. Abdullah Al Badr speaking to the media at GIBTM. the fastest growing sector in the THE PENINSULA Prince Michael opens CIDS developments

DOHA: Prince Michael of Kent, first cousin of Queen Elizabeth campuses in Madinat Khalifa, Al Rayyan and Al Khor which cur- II and patron of World Class Learning Schools (WCLS), inau- rently has over 1,000 multinational students aged 3 to 15 years. gurated Compass International Doha School’s (CIDS) develop- CIDS is part of WCLS network of 1,500 schools in 65 countries. ments yesterday at Idam restaurant at the Museum of Islamic Robin Campbell, CIDS Headteacher, said: “At CIDS we invite our Art. The Prince also toured CIDS campuses at Al Rayyan and students to learn and thrive in a culture of international diversity Madinat Khalifa opened an art exhibition and was presented a and awareness on an unparalleled learning journey. Our teachers commemorative plaque. impart our philosophy of learning to students that makes connec- Hugh McPherson, CEO for WCLS, said: “It gives us great pleas- tions between new and existing knowledge, skills and understanding ure to welcome our Patron, HRH Prince Michael of Kent on a to adapt to our changing world.” flying visit to Doha to inaugurate our campuses. Sharing Qatar’s THE PENINSULA exceptional standards in education, CIDS personalises learning to enable remark- able progress for every student.” One of the school’s major developments, McPherson said, is the establishment of another branch in Doha in addition to the three

Prince Michael of Kent (right) cutting a ribbon to inaugurate Compass Doha’s new developments at the Museum of Islamic Art yesterday. (KAMMUTTY VP) TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Ministers discuss Industry leaders Doha meeting on Darfur relief hail growth in DOHA: The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani and French Foreign Minister Laurent hotel sector Fabius held a telephone conver- sation yesterday. They discussed bilateral rela- 1,500 additional rooms planned tions and means of enhancing them and issues of common inter- DOHA: Hotel industry leaders the government is showing great est. The latest preparations for lauded Qatar’s fast growing hos- commitment to date in building FROM LEFT: Edmund O’Sullivan, Chairman of Meed Events; Rudi Jagersbacher, President of Middle East and the International Conference on pitality sector during a regional a top class infrastructure and a Africa at Hilton Worldwide; Darrell Sheaffer, General Manager, Hotels & Resorts, Hospitality Development Company, Reconstruction and Development briefing hosted by organisers of primary model that caters to all and Tony Williams, Tourism Development Consultant at QTA, at the briefing. in Darfur, scheduled to be held in the Arabian Hotel Investment industries. Moreover, hosting a Doha next month, also featured in Conference (AHIC 2013) yester- mass tourism event such as the guest accommodation choice to a high as 33 percent year on year visitors with a total of 36,385 visi- the conversation. day at the Hilton Doha. World Cup means that Qatar will city.” in the upscale category, demand tors in the first quarter of 2012, The Prime Minister and Over 60 key industry leaders, have to diversify its hotel offer- “Qatar is one of the fastest increases are not too far behind followed by European tourists Foreign Minister discussed local investors, developers and ing,” said Edmund O’Sullivan, growing hotel markets in the Gulf at 28 percent year on year. It’s with a total of 10,456 tourists. the Darfur meeting also with financiers attended the briefing Chairman of Meed Events. and many of the GCC countries also interesting to note that Doha The presentation by Nehme German Foreign Minister Guido aimed to shed light on the per- Rudi Jagersbacher, President of will be looking over with interest maintains some of the strongest Ayoub, Manager — Transaction Westerwelle and Turkish Foreign formance of Qatar’s hotel indus- Middle East and Africa at Hilton as Qatar develops its infrastruc- Average Room Rates across the Real Estate, Hospitality and Minister Ahmet Davutoglu over try, foreseeable challenges and Worldwide, and host of the brief- ture as part of the $65bn invest- region and that coupled with the Leisure Advisory Services the phone. opportunities. ing, was of the same view, say- ment plan,” said Philip Wooller, large food and beverage contribu- Group, Ernst & Young Middle “Qatar’s hospitality market is ing “with almost 1,500 additional Area Director of Middle East and tion provides a healthy return at East, on the current state of Justice Minister set to witness a significant rise rooms in the pipeline, Hilton Africa at STR Global. GOP level.” Qatar’s hotel market for inves- in the coming years. It is indeed Worldwide appreciates and shares He added: “Initial reaction to Moreover, the latest buoy- tors and on the vision moving issues decision one of the key markets AHIC is Qatar’s vision to develop sustain- the hotel occupancies may appear ant tourist statistics in the 2012 forward showed that Qatar is set focusing on and registering its able marketplace and tourist lukewarm but when new supply Annual Report showed that, to witness a significant impact DOHA: The Minister of rapid developments. Hospitality and business destination. We are and demand numbers are taken Qatar witnessed 22 percent on its hospitality industry, driv- Justice H E Hassan bin and tourism are among many introducing a diverse range of into consideration its clear to see growth of GCC visitors during the ing a high growth of corporate Abdullah Al Ghanim issued other sectors that will be strongly hotel brands to Doha, including that Qatar is developing into a first quarter of 2012. The report business, transiting guests and a decision seconding employ- affected with the country’s prepa- the legendary Waldorf Astoria major force in the region. Despite also states Qatar registered the sporting tourists. ees to occupy other jobs in the rations for the World Cup, where and DoubleTree, to bring greater new supply numbers reaching as highest growth rate of Asian THE PENINSULA ministry. According to the decision, Khalid Abdullah Al Zarraa, head of initial cases section at the Department of Government Cases, will be seconded as Director of the Department of Advisory Council discusses budget allocations Government Cases and Fahd Ahmed Al Mohamedi, Legal DOHA: The Advisory Council in the draft budget which it had Al Mannai, Director of the financial allocations. draft budget of the fiscal year Adviser at the Fatwa (legal opin- yesterday discussed the allo- received from the State Cabinet, General Budget Department ‘’This all derives from H H the 2013/2014 and making the nec- ion) and Contracts Department, cations proposed for key to its economic and financial at the Ministry, Sheikh Saud Emir’s keenness on the welfare essary clarifications. will be seconded as Assistant infrastructure sectors in the committee. bin Nasser Al Thani, and head of the homeland and the inter- Kamal explained the viewpoint Director of the Fatwa and budgetary estimates for the The Council at its meeting yes- of the Public Works Authority ests of the citizens and exerting of the government on the draft Contracts Department. new fiscal year (2013-14) and terday discussed the report of the (Ashghal), Nasser Ali Mawlawi, whatever necessary to realise the budget. forwarded its recommendations committee on the allocations in attended the meeting. aspirations of the Qatari citizens Later, the Council discussed a Indian embassy to the State Cabinet, clearing the draft budget and decided to The Council’s Speaker praised for better future to our beloved report submitted by the Financial the deck for the budget to be refer its recommendations to the the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin country,” Mubarak Al Khulaifi and Economic Affairs Committee holiday unveiled soon as the new finan- Cabinet. Khalifa Al Thani for his directives said. on the draft budget and decided cial year begins from April 1. The Minister of Economy and and due attention accorded to the The Speaker welcomed Kamal to refer its recommendations to DOHA: The Indian Embassy The Council had earlier Finance, H E Yousuf Hussein sectors of education, health, hous- and others and explained the gov- the Cabinet, Qatar News Agency will remain closed tomorrow on referred the public spending Kamal, the Under-secretary at ing, infrastructure and energy ernment’s viewpoint as regard reported. the occasion of Holi. estimates for the new fiscal year the Ministry, Khalaf bin Ahmed through providing the necessary the major projects of the state’s THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA/QNA 2,000 patients at Psychiatry Department

DOHA: Some 2,000 patients are next month and the women’s sec- He also cited depression and being treated at the Psychiatry tion will be attached to it. schizophrenia as common prob- Department of Hamad Medical Speaking about some of the lems. “Having psychiatric special- Corporation (HMC), a local most prevalent psychological dis- ists in schools and universities will Arabic daily reported yesterday. eases, Dr Hashim said that a large have a strong impact on the over- The clinic has beds for only 65 number of children in the region all mental health of the people in patients, which is not enough for are affected because of family the country.” the increasing number of patients problems. The national health plans seeking psychiatric treatment in “Broken families are increas- related to psychiatry will be the country, Dr Hazim Hashim, ingly affecting the upbringing of implemented by the government acting director of Psychiatric children in the GCC,” he said. in three phases. While Phase 1 Department of HMC, told Al Arab. There is a need to integrate will be completed by the end of With some 20 doctors, the psychological support systems in this year, the other two phases clinic continues to receive new the schools and universities in the will be implemented with a gap cases with an average of 40 country, according to the acting of three years. patients visiting the department director. THE PENINSULA every week. “Many new cases trans- ferred to the clinic from the emergency department are sent back because of lack of space,” Dr Hashim said, adding that the clinic is not in a position to accept more cases. Because of the increas- ing number of cases, the Ministry of Health is also being pushed to adopt a policy to treat patients without admitting them to the clinic. “The ministry is working on new plans to expand the scope of psychiatric treat- ment in the country,” Dr Hashim said. The children’s psychia- try department will be transferred to a residential complex in the Maider area

Palestinian literature DOHA: The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage is planning to publish new literary work by Palestinian writ- ers who were jailed by Israel. It is also known as Palestinian resist- ance literature. Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari made the announcement on the sidelines of his meeting with coordina- tors of the Qatar-UK 2013 programme. QNA TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Experts attend Al Fazaa expands highway patrol fleet two-day Aspetar conference

44 new vehicles will be deployed on five highways linking different areas of the country DOHA: Aspetar Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports DOHA: The Rescue Police system for Al Fazaa police have Medicine Hospital’s Altitude Department (Al Fazaa) yester- been completed. This will facili- Training and Team Sports day launched a fleet of 44 new tate Al Fazaa personnel to man- Conference discussed about vehicles for highway patrol. age the incidents and the vehicle enhancing performance levels The launch ceremony at Al and personnel resources in a bet- in team-sport players through Fazaa headquarters was attended ter manner. altitude training reflects Doha’s by Director of the Al Fazaa, Col The ‘Najm’ security system position as the Middle East’s Abdul Azeez bin Faisal Al Thani, includes more than 16 services sport capital. Head of the transport and work- related with receiving complaints, The two day conference, which shop section under Logistics and statistics, data analysis and deci- brought together a multitude of Supply Department Col Ahmad Al sion making, he added. athletes, coaches, sport scien- Muhannadi, Director of Technical Col Ahmed Al Mohannadi, said tists, and a panel of international Affairs Department at National that the new fleet was painted as experts from around the globe, Command Centre Maj Ali Al per the Al Fazaa color theme with provided a platform to present Muhannadi, among other officials. special markings to separate it as and discuss cutting edge research The “highways section” at Al vehicles used for highway patrol. in the field of altitude training, Fazaa serves commuters on those The vehicles are equipped with as well as facilitate collaboration roads and the new vehicles will adequate lightings, warning lights, efforts. contribute to improve the level of front and rear warning flash lights, Dr Michel D’Hooghe, Chairman all services on all external roads loud speakers to use in necessary The new fleet of Al Fazaa vehicles. of the Medical Committee of that connect different areas of the conditions and front visors to pre- FIFA, addressed the audience country, said Col Al Thani in a vent accidents, he said. different areas of the country. highway patrols are assigned The patrols have authority to deal during the opening session on press conference. Head of highway section at They are Shamal road, Salwa with many duties in addition to with accident on the roads and Sunday, with an opening speech Maj Ali Al Muhannadi Al Fazaa Capt Naif bin Faleh Al road, Dukhan road, Mesaieed security responsibilities such as securing the area until concerned titled, “FIFA Medical Vision explained that, by the launch of Thani said that the vehicles will be road and Al Khor coastal road. various humanitarian tasks for authorities reach the spot. Concerning Playing Football and new fleets, all phases of ‘Najm’ deployed in five highways linking Capt Al Thani added that road users that need assistance. THE PENINSULA Altitude.” Alongside providing a brief introduction to FIFA and addressing the current altitude challenges of today, D’Hooghe The Peninsula Editorial expressed his delight at being able to attend the conference, “It is an absolute pleasure to be back in Advisory Committee Doha, and back at Aspetar. I am very grateful to be back at this world class hospital where such holds first meeting fantastic scientific work goes on.” He also discussed the 2022 DOHA: The Peninsula’s in Saudi Arabia, said one of the FIFA World Cup, praising the Editorial Advisory Committee goals of the committee should institution, “There is an enor- of prominent members from be to reach out to community mous amount of scientific knowl- various communities convened schools and organisations regis- edge at Aspetar. There are a for the first time yesterday. tered with their embassies. multitude of fantastic doctors It discussed issues related to “The committee will work as a who specialise in various fields of media freedom, local cultural team and I will coordinate with sports medicine, and this will be a traditions and the panel’s objec- everyone on various issues in the tremendous help to the 2022 FIFA tives and goals. coming meetings,” he said. World Cup – to both the 32 doctors The committee has been Mohammed Sabih Bokhari of the federations and the athletes. formed to advise the newspa- was elected Chairman of the Aspetar has all the expertise and per on editorial matters, espe- committee through secret ballot. the facilities necessary for the cor- cially with regard to coverage “Media organisations in Qatar rect treatment of football players.” of communities, The Peninsula are very sensitive about their A selection of topics were pre- Editor-in-Chief, Khalid Al structure and policies but The sented during the conference that Sayed, said. Peninsula has taken a very bold discussed the potential benefits “It will give us feedback on our step by forming this committee,” The Peninsula of team-sports adopting altitude stories from the reader’s point of member O J Millar said. Editor-in-Chief Khalid Al Sayed (centre) with some of the Editorial Advisory Committee members, training methods. These ranged view,” he said, He praised The Peninsula and O J Millar, Lenny Cramer, Dr Wandoor P Aboobacker, Mohammed Sabih Bokhari, Zafar Iqbal Khan and Acting from ‘Determinants of Team- He said no other media organi- said it reported on African issues Managing Editor Hussain Ahmad at The Peninsula offices yesterday. KAMMUTTY V P Sport Performance: Implications sation in the country has such even when the African commu- for Altitude Training of Team- a panel. nity was relatively small in the photographers cover. Peninsula for 15 years but now should be dedicated and have Sport Athletes’ and ‘Timing of Dr Wandoor P Aboobacker country. Members suggested that a as a member of this panel, I’ll some experience with media Competition after Return from raised questions about press free- Lenny Cramer raised con- vice-chairman should be elected look at issues raised in the organisations. Altitude Training’ to ‘Is Training dom and training of reporters. cerns about general criteria for to spearhead meetings in the newspaper more objectively,” Members will meet every Beneficial for Performance?’. Dr Aboobacker, who has served publishing stories and events absence of the chairman. said Zafar Iqbal Khan. He three months. In addition, the conference on advisory panels of newspapers the newspaper’s reporters and “I have been reading The suggested that elected members THE PENINSULA presented the Mobile Hypoxic Inflatable Simulation Equipment. THE PENINSULA Food festival offers floating BBQ Donut

DOHA: The only “floating sessions to serve traditional BBQ Donut” in Qatar will English ‘tea’ and cakes with a be one of the most impor- Qatari twist offering Arabic cof- tant attractions at the fourth fee and Qatari Desserts., Qatar International Food Meanwhile, Qatar Airways is Festival (QIFF) which opens flying two of its culinary ambas- on Thursday at the Museum sadors back to Doha for the fes- of Islamic Art (MIA) Park. tival. Award-winning celebrity The BBQ Donut, which is TV chefs Ramzi Choueiri from offered by the Diplomatic Club Lebanon and Vineet Bhatia from is a floating food barge, seat- India, were last year appointed ing up to eight people featuring as two of the airline’s four new a specially installed BBQ grill culinary ambassadors — creat- equipped with all the necessary ing the carrier’s’ new inflight rigging and safety features which The Diplomatic Club’s floating BBQ Donut. World Culinary Menu. allow those seated to enjoy the This weekend they return atmosphere while maintaining an umbrella,” said Adel Mahmoud of both countries. to cook up a storm at the spe- intimate group setting. Al Abdullah, Managing Director The Festival’s activities cial Qatar Airways’ Cooking “We appreciate the role that of the Diplomatic Club. include tasting food in the air, at Theatre, which will take centre Qatar Tourism Authority is QIFF 2013 is ‘Festival of the sea, and on the land, a con- stage at the festival grounds. playing in organising this annual All Senses’ organised by the cept that has been made possi- Joining them is German event and we are very pleased QTA and Qatar Airways from ble through activities combined Junior Master Chef, Valentin to be taking part in the festi- Thursday till Sunday at the between amusement parks and Krapf, known for his healthy val, which is playing an impor- MIA Park focusing on healthy a dinner on the floating BBQ snacks and treats for youngsters tant part in putting Qatar on food and healthy lifestyle, in Donut of the Diplomatic Club, interested in learning the art of the International map know- addition the Year of culture and which can be rented by peo- cookery, and a favourite on the ing that many of the specialists friendship between Qatar and ple during the festival. The local restaurant scene, Grand in the field of hospitality are the United Kingdom by high- Diplomatic Club has dedicated Hyatt Doha’s Chef David Okuda. all gathered under the same lighting the traditional dishes the BBQ Donut’s afternoon THE PENINSULA

Algerian PM visits Qatar Foundation

DOHA: The Qatar Foundation Ambassador to Qatar. Abdullah for Education, Science and bin Nasser Al Humaidi, Qatari Community Development Ambassador to Algeria, accom- hosted Algeria’s Premier panied the delegation. Abdelmalek Sellal yesterday. The Algerian representatives, A welcoming panel led by who are in Doha to attend the Rashed Al Qurese, Qatar 24th session of the Arab League Foundation’s Deputy Director of summit, listened to a presentation Communication, received Sellal on the vision and mission of Qatar and his delegation at the Qatar Foundation. Foundation Visitors Center. They were also introduced The delegation included to educational initiatives, com- Mourad Medelci, Minister of munity development plans and Foreign Affairs, Mustapha scientific research programmes Benbada, Minister of Commerce, undertaken by Qatar Foundation. Qatar Foundation’s Deputy Director of Communication Rashed Al and Abdul Fattah Ziani, THE PENINSULA Qurese (right), receiving Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal. TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

Saudi threatens to ban WhatsApp, Rebel mortar fire hits Damascus Viber and Skype RIYADH: Internet messen- US backs opposition despite chief Moaz Alkhatib’s resignation ger applications such as Skype, Viber and WhatsApp face DAMASCUS/BEIRUT: and build a disciplined command being banned in Saudi Arabia Syrian rebels lobbed mortar and control structure. It does not if operators fail to allow rounds into central Damascus include some Islamist militants authorities in the kingdom to yesterday, killing at least two such as the powerful Aal Qaeda- censor them, industry sources people and drawing a fierce linked Nusra Front. said yesterday. army response as bombardments Moaz Alkhatib, who resigned Local telecommunication shook the heart of the capital. on Sunday as head of the oppo- providers have been told to The state news agency said sition Syrian National Coalition, ask the operators of the serv- mortar bombs fired by “terror- said the attack on Asaad was part ices to furnish means of con- ists” had killed two people and of a drive to “assassinate the free trol, an official at the kingdom’s wounded others near the Opera leaders of Syria”. Communications and Information House on Ummayad Square, Despite stepping down, Technology Commission said, where Baath Party headquarters, Alkhatib said he would address requesting anonymity. Another Air Force Intelligence and state an Arab League summit in Qatar source at telecom operator Saudi television are also located. this week. “I have decided to give Telecommunications Co. (STC) The military retaliated with a speech in the name of the Syrian said the commission gave serv- artillery fire from Mount Qasioun, people at the Doha conference,” ice providers one week ending on overlooking the city. “I’ve heard he wrote on his Twitter account Saturday to respond, warning it dozens of regime shells so far, on Monday. would “take measures to ban them” pounding rebels,” one resident said. Alkhatib, named leader of the if they failed to comply. Photos posted by opposition coalition formed in November, is An industry source said tel- activists showed black smoke a Sunni Muslim cleric who had ecom operators were behind the rising from the square during been seen as a moderate bulwark move, accusing the STC, along what residents said was one of against the influence of al Qaeda- with Mobily and Zain, of asking the heaviest bombardments in linked jihadist forces. the commission to impose censor- central Damascus since a revolt He resigned after the coalition ship due to the “damage” caused against President Bashar Al berated him for offering Assad by the free-of-charge applications. Assad erupted two years ago. a negotiated deal and after the In neighbouring UAE, most Skype A Syrian firefighter dousing a car that caught fire following a blast in the Al Halbuni district of Damascus, yesterday. “The city is under attack,” said group went ahead, despite his applications and Viber are blocked one bewildered resident, adding objections, with steps to form but WhatsApp messenger remains that the explosions had begun at a provisional government that coalition’s vision for a tolerant, Russian diplomat said his coun- investigation into charges that accessible. 6:30am. would have diminished his inclusive Syria that respects the try wanted Russian and Chinese chemical arms were used in Syria The conflict in Syria has killed authority. rights of all Syrians. A senior experts to take part in a UN on March 19. AGENCIES Bahraini activists 70,000 people and forced a mil- The coalition is backed by lion to flee the country, the United Western powers and many Arab on hunger strike Nations says. Sustained fighting states, but Russia and China in Damascus could send thou- are critical of its insistence that Rebel commander loses leg in blast refusing fluids sands more into neighbouring Assad quit as a precondition for states, especially Lebanon, which negotiations. BEIRUT: Riad Al Asaad, Free Syrian Army commander A Turkish foreign ministry ABU DHABI: Two jailed activ- already hosts 370,000 of them. Ahmed Moaz Alkhatib’s abrupt commander of the rebel Free Riad Asaad, who was con- official confirmed Asaad was ists on hunger strike in Bahrain There were no immediate decision to step down from the Syrian Army, was wounded ducting a tour of the town of taken to Turkey yesterday via are also refusing fluids in pro- reports that the rebels, who have National Coalition has under- overnight in a blast that hit Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor prov- the Akcakale border crossing test at being denied visits from pushed into the Kfar Souseh scored divisions among the his car in eastern Syria, the ince,” Observatory director Rami and was being treated at a hos- their family, a rights organisa- district, a few hundred metres opposition, but US officials said Syrian Observatory for Human Abdel Rahman said. pital in Sanliurfa province near tion said yesterday. (yards) from Ummayad Square, Washington would not withdraw Rights watchdog said. Asaad’s deputy, Malik Al the border. But the Bahraini government were trying to advance further. its backing for the group. A government official in Kurdi, told Al Jazeera television “He lost one leg but in general said Zainab Al Khawaja was Assad’s forces have retained “We’re sorry to see him go,” Ankara confirmed Asaad had he believed the Syrian govern- his condition is good,” the official accepting fluids and denied that control of central Damascus and White House deputy press sec- been hurt, saying he had lost a ment had tried to assassinate said. her father, leading Shi’ite activist most other Syrian cities, while retary Josh Earnest told a press leg in the attack but that he was the FSA founder with a bomb Asaad was one of the first Abdulhadi Al Khawaja, was on any losing swathes of territory to conference. But he said that in “good condition” after being planted directly below his car officers to defect from the Syrian form of hunger strike. Zainab Al insurgents elsewhere, especially “Khatib’s announcement does not rushed across the Syrian border seat. He said Asaad had also suf- state military to the rebel forces, Khawaja was sentenced to three in the north and east. change the US policy of support into Turkey for treatment. fered face wounds. joining their ranks in 2011, not months in jail this month, accused Various rebel units fight under for the Syrian opposition and the “An explosive device exploded No group has claimed respon- long after the uprising began. of insulting a public official, after the banner of the FSA, which has Syrian opposition coalition.” last night near the car carrying sibility for the attack. AFP an appeal court overturned her struggled to find weapons supplies The United States backed “the earlier acquittal. AFP Egypt arrests five activists

CAIRO: Egypt’s prosecutor The warning followed vio- but he does nothing when his sup- general yesterday ordered the lent clashes last Friday in Cairo porters attack the opposition,” arrest of five young opposition between pro-opposition dem- according to Abdel Ghafar Shokr, activists on charges of incit- onstrators and Islamists from an NSF leader. ing violence, following clashes Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood Al Watan newspaper spoke of “a last week in Cairo, state news movement that left 160 people threat to the opposition,” while Al agency Mena reported. injured. Masry Al Youm accused the presi- The order came as a warn- The two sides have traded dent of preparing “exceptional ing from President Mohammed blame for the violence, against measures” against the opposi- Mursi that political figures could the backdrop of high political tion and of trying to intimidate be sanctioned if found to have tensions which divide Egypt the media. stirred up the unrest drew the ire two years after the revolution The Brotherhood’s lawyer of the opposition and newspapers. that ousted president Husni Abdelmoneim Abdel Maksud, Mena said the five — Alaa Mubarak. meanwhile, said he has filed suits Abdel Fattah, Ahmed Duma, “We can expect the worst. against 169 people, including Karim Al Shaer, Hazem Abdel Mursi’s threat signals the death known political figures, over last Azim et Ahmed Eid — also had of the state of law. They show week’s violence, without giving their names added to a black list that he is president only of the names. barring them from travel abroad. Muslim Brotherhood,” charged Yesterday, hundreds of On Sunday, Mursi warned:”If Khaled Daud, spokesman of the Islamists, mostly Salafists hard- investigations prove that certain National Salvation Front opposi- liners, kept up a protest action political figures are implicated, tion coalition. in front of Media City, a complex the necessary measures will be “President Mursi always swings of studios and private television taken against them, whatever into action when the Muslim stations on the outskirts of Cairo. their status.” Brotherhood is under pressure, AFP TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Syrian trouble Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

HE biggest threat to Syrian opposition realising its goal of winning freedom from the repressive regime of Bashar Al Assad comes not from the regime, but India’s Hero of Hate seeks Tfrom within itself. This is not to underestimate the brutality of Assad and his forces, which is not surprising given his determination to rule or die, but what is more surprising is the failure of the rebels to work single-mindedly to achieve to carve national role their objective. Disunity and infighting have been the bane of opposition from the beginning and continue unabated. Its BY RAMA LAKSHMI in, steadily dropping Modi’s former among Muslims. latest manifestation is the resignation of Moaz Alkhatib, the image as the “Hero of Hate” to recast “The country needs a dynamic, president of Syrian Opposition Coalition, which has plunged F INDIANS were to vote against him as the “Modernizer.” growth-oriented, decisive leader, but the opposition into disarray at a time when their Arab and corruption, a slowing economy and But the BJP leadership appears to be Modi also carries a stigma,” said Nama Western allies are stepping up support for them. Alkhatib’s Iweak leadership in the 2014 national delaying in putting him forward as the Nageswara Rao, a lawmaker with the elections — all that urban middle-class party’s candidate for prime minister. Telugu Desam Party in southern India. coalition was expected to play a key role in charting the Indians are roiled by — controversial In the absence of official party rallies, “His silence on the issue of riots does country’s future. Among others, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Hindu nationalist politician Narendra Modi, apparently unwilling to wait for not inspire confidence.” Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Modi could win the office of prime min- a green light, has begun an independent Widespread doubts aside, Modi has Al Thani expressed regret over the resignation and hoped ister hands down. speaking tour of sorts. already begun to construct a national that Alkhatib would reconsider his decision as it comes ‘at a He has won three back-to-back elec- The pro-Modi groundswell peaked image for himself. tions as chief minister of the western this month at a party meeting in New He rarely speaks publicly in the delicate time.’ state of Gujarat, delivered impressive Delhi. Every time Modi’s name was Gujarati language, choosing Hindi for There is no doubt that the resignation is the result of economic growth, boosted jobs and runs mentioned, thousands of party members larger audiences. He has stopped men- intense differences, from the appointment of an interim what is considered a squeaky-clean roared and cheered. Even as the party tioning Gujarat’s population of 60 mil- government to a proposal by Alkhatib to launch negotiations administration in a country where tried to showcase the achievements of lion in every speech, focusing instead with the Syrian regime. But as our Prime Minister pointed bribe-taking is a byword for power. other prominent members, it was clear on the aspirations of India’s 1.2 billion out, it comes at an inopportune But Modi’s political journey from who the party members wanted, one people. He compares the brimming sur- Gujarat to New Delhi faces hurdles from senior member said. plus in his state’s coffers with India’s time. Alkhatib should have given within his Bharatiya Janata Party and “A pan-India momentum is building bloating fiscal deficit. The resignation himself more time to work towards from its allies. around Modi. It would be unfair and In his stump speeches, Modi attacks his goals. Resignation is not an For the party, churlish not to recognize that,” said Singh’s government for excessive “dole of Syrian option that has to be considered the quandary political commentator Ashok Malik, distribution” and blames Singh for Opposition first. couldn’t be deeper referring to Modi’s popularity with the drowning the economy, which he says His departure will deal a blow, But when it comes — Modi is its most urban middle class. “Even those who are has led the world to “put a question Coalition head popular, vote-get- not in his favor in the party grudgingly mark on India.” He calls the ruling though temporary, to efforts to pile to the 2002 riots, ting face, but his accept that Modi is the best card they Congress party a termite eating away exposes the pressure on Assad. Doha is hosting Narendra Modi image is hardly can play.” at the nation. an Arab summit and preparations is silent. Media coalition-friendly. He said polls showing rising ratings But when it comes to the 2002 riots, disunity among have been going on to get the The stigma of his for Modi reflect Indians’ disappoint- Modi is silent. Media interviews are rebels. Syrian opposition represent their interviews are alleged complic- ment with the rule of Prime Minister granted on the condition that no riot- ity in bloody riots Manmohan Singh, a reticent economist related questions are asked. Other country in the summit. granted on the that left hun- who has failed to check runaway cor- times, Modi, who has never been con- The coalition issued a statement condition that dreds of Muslims ruption, spiraling inflation and plum- victed of a crime in connection with the saying its members had rejected Alkhatib’s resignation and no riot-related dead in Gujarat meting economic growth. killings, directs reporters to read the had asked him to continue in a “management” capacity, 11 years ago could “There is a sense of helplessness court records. leaving his status unclear. Though his suggestion earlier this questions are frighten away among Indians today — corruption, When asked about his desire to be year that the opposition should negotiate with Assad’s regime asked. smaller parties economy, leadership vacuum,” said BJP prime minister, he ducks. key to stitch- spokeswoman Nirmala Sitharaman. “I have a mantra in my life that I met with fierce opposition from other coalition members, Al ing up a national “Modi is able to effectively touch this share with others: ‘Don’t dream of Alkhatib, a moderate Sunni preacher, is widely liked by many coalition government. Many Indians nerve and ask, ‘Can India afford to feel becoming, dream of doing something,’ Syrians inside the country who desperately want to see an end vote along caste, religious and regional this helpless?’ “ “ Modi said at a recent event. to violence. lines but ignore corruption, giving small The BJP led a coalition government An avid blogger and tweeter, Modi Latest development shows that the allies of Syrian regional parties powerful leverage. from 1999 to 2004, when it lost power has forced opponents in the Congress opposition will have to first invest their time and energy “If the BJP projects him, we will leave amid waning support from the poorer party to take to social media. When the coalition in no time,” said Sabir Ali, classes that had previously backed it. Modi boasts of his achievements in in unifying opposition leaders before thinking of bringing spokesman for the Janata Dal United “We must demonstrate once again Gujarat, Congress party supporters down Assad. The trigger for Alkhatib’s departure was said party, a tiny but important ally that gov- that we are a winnable party, and Modi tweet a steady stream of statistics to to be the selection last week of Ghassan Hitto, a relatively erns the eastern state of Bihar. “The can take us closer to that goal than any punch holes in his rhetoric. unknown Syrian-born US citizen, to head a proposed interim prevailing sentiment is that Modi is a other leader today,” said a party mem- But the Congress party has yet to government. Alkhatib and his supporters had opposed the killer of Muslims.” ber who was not authorized to speak launch a campaign against him. Even so, since his third election vic- publicly on internal matters. “We have decided to leave him to the creation of an interim government at this time. tory in Gujarat in December, the clamor But even members of allied parties tender mercies of his party colleagues It seems that Syrians will have to go through a prolonged for Modi has grown among the party’s who admire Modi’s rule in Gujarat in the BJP,” a Congress lawmaker said. phase of bloodbath before their dreams are fulfilled • rank and file. Indian media have joined worry that he will cost them votes WP-BLOOMBERG Letters Quote of SEC must act to improve teachers’ salaries the day HIS is in reference to a report Maths and science teachers are in private tuitions is obvious. definitely go up and their focus will be in The Peninsula on Sunday demand compared with others teach- SEC should make a serious study shifted to the overall performance of (March 24) about Supreme ing other subjects. on these aspects. a child. TEducation Council’s (SEC) There is no scope for language and There are also serious concerns So to curb this inevitable social nui- Ending the new rules to curb private tuitions in social studies teachers to give tuitions. over salary structure for teachers. sance of private tuitions, SEC should the country. Across the board all schools, Increasing costs of living due to intervene and enact a law and instruct something for Private tuitions are a social evil fac- regardless of services and facilities skyrocketing prices of foodstuff and schools to pay decent salaries to their nothing culture ing parents and the student commu- they are providing for their students, services in the country are alarming teachers. nity. Rules SEC is proposing to curb the are imposing fees which are not only and beyond the reach of teachers of This is the only panacea to save our needs to apply to phenomenon should be appreciated. exorbitant but also unaffordable for private schools. children from running around the nook immigration as But SEC, being a government most parents. There is no option for them but to and corner of Doha looking for tuition agency, should consider what it can do But at the end of the day the faculty give private tuitions and make some centres. well as welfare. to enforce private schools to fix appro- of teachers available in most schools difference in their lives. It will also give working parents We’re going to give priate pay-scales for their teaching and is not up to the mark and children are Still the question is: What about breathing space from dropping and non-teaching staff. forced to take private tuitions. those teachers who don’t belong to picking their children in the heavy Doha migrants from the We should not forget that only a But the same teachers who are the maths-science club? traffic. EEA a very clear certain categories of teachers benefit not good at schools are excellent in If teachers are paid better salaries, Zubair AM, David Cameron financially from tuitions. their private tuitions. So the reason for their enthusiasm and sincerity will P B No 47, Doha message. British Prime Minister TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 ‘Wacko birds’ manifesto François Hollande is at an all-time for US foreign policy low with voters

Beyond military BY CHRISTINE OCKRENT may have to provide answers. Last week, the Paris flat of Christine intervention: rançois Hollande pro- Lagarde, his former finance min- fesses to be a perennial ister and current IMF chief, was Never mind John optimist. When he was raided by the police as part of an Felected to the Elysée, investigation into a huge compen- the economic and social crisis in sation deal granted a few years McCain’s jibe at France was already dire, but he ago to a controversial business bet publicly on an upturn by this tycoon. Sarkozy is rumoured to year. Bad luck. have favoured the deal. those who challenge For all his government ora- On the left, Jérôme Cahuzac, tory and new regulations, unem- the budget minister, one of the few the consensus on ployment keeps rising, the goal stars of the government — bril- to downsize public debt to 3 liant, eloquent and brutal as befit- percent of GDP has been aban- ted the man in charge of imposing American ‘might is doned, fiscal pressure has reached harsh cuts on his colleagues and unprecedented heights, and more higher taxes on the French — had right’, the US needs cuts have to be made in public to hand in his resignation. He has spending. been accused of having illegally this debate. The president’s most symbolic held bank accounts in Switzerland measure, the 75 percent tax on and in Singapore, allegedly to the very high salaries, has been hide money from the French tax BY STEPHEN KINZER cancelled as illegal, only to be authorities. Unbearable suspicion Massachusetts Senator John Kerry greets Senator John McCain, at Kerry’s confirmation hearing for replaced soon by a 66 percent tax, for anyone in public office. So, lowly but perceptibly, the stirrings Secretary of State, taking the place of Hillary Clinton (left). which irritates the rich without for the champion of fiscal duress, of a new debate are being heard in satisfying their enemies. the vilifier of tax exiles, the boot Washington and beyond. It is about For long the most depressed seems to be pretty much on the a principle that has not been open militarist establishment, gave us a delightful to reduce global tension — which is always in nation in Europe, the French are other foot. to serious debate for generations: name when he railed last week against “wacko the American interest. reluctantly bracing for worse. But For all his denials, he had to Swhether an interventionist, military-oriented birds on right and left”. We should embrace it. Another key to the Wacko Bird manifesto they don’t seem to think their quit when the public prosecu- foreign policy is the best way to guarantee Our next step would be to produce a Wacko would be a narrow definition of vital interests. president and his prime minis- tor’s office in Paris launched a America’s power and security, or whether Bird manifesto defining what we are for and Having interests that are truly vital implies ter are up to the job. Hollande’s formal investigation. The Elysée more modesty and humility would be wiser. against. a willingness to wage war to defend them. and Jean-Marc Ayrault’s approval was obviously prepared. Bernard Republicans and Democrats — albeit in Wacko Birds are not true isolationists. We Therefore, it behooves every country to keep rates have plummeted to an all- Cazeneuve, former minister for small numbers — are starting to question do not want the US to withdraw from the its list of vital interests as short as possible. time low after 10 months in office European affairs, was immedi- the existing paradigm. Senator Rand Paul, a world, but to intervene carefully and thought- It is truly vital for the US to assure that it — about 30 percent. ately put in charge. Republican who is said to be contemplating a fully, with military force as a last resort. is not attacked with weapons of mass destruc- At the same time, Nicolas For all its claims of moral presidential run in 2016, won national atten- We care passionately about what happens in tion; to prevent wars in other countries from Sarkozy’s star is rising again — integrity, the Socialist party has tion this month for his filibuster on questions the world and want to contribute seriously to spreading onto American soil; and to main- at least among conservatives. Not been harmed, and the president related to the use of drone aircraft. He has processes that truly benefit people far away. If tain access to global sea lanes on which our only does his wife, Carla Bruni, weakened. There is growing asserted that “a more restrained foreign policy women are being oppressed in Egypt or chil- economy depends. Beyond that, there is little sing his praises in a new album, criticism, even inside the Elysée, is the true conservative foreign policy” and dren are being forced to join armies in the or nothing in the world that should draw the but the former president has about Hollande’s indecisiveness, that “to involve our troops in further conflicts Congo, for example, it is not only acceptable US to war. taken advantage of the internal his tendency to listen to every- that hold no vital US interests is wrong.” but wonderful for Americans to be concerned, Wacko Birds take a long view of history. We fights within his own party to body without speaking his mind, A handful of Democrats have been say- outraged, and active. Wacko Birds, however, fully agree that the US should act in its own appear as the only possible can- his obsession — dating back to his ing much the same for years, but they have realise that the power of the American state, interest, but want our leaders to take more didate for the next presidential days as party boss — with trying always been dismissed as knaves or fools vast as it is, cannot smash cultural patterns care in defining what truly is in our interest. contest in 2017. to placate all sides rather than dwelling on the political fringe. Seeing even that have existed far longer than the US. Too often, the US takes radical steps that solve Unable to stick to his vow of impose a strategy. a few Republicans joining them is refreshing Nor are Wacko Birds anti-interventionist short-term problems, but in the end, create political abstinence, he has been A divided majority, the main and long-overdue. They are evidently driven absolutists. We recognise that it is neither far larger ones. We wish for a foreign policy criticising and mocking his suc- opposition party with no real by budget pressures as much as by concern desirable nor possible for the US to ignore the that carefully weighs the long-term effect of cessor in front of his many visi- leader, scandals hitting the over a bloated defence budget and the “blow- rest of the world and retreat behind its own our acts. tors as if there were not another political and financial elites in back” that often follows American interven- borders. For better or worse, the US is and Wacko Birds are humble, above all. We do four years to go. a time of economic and social tion. Whatever their motivation, they have will remain a global power. That implies and, not believe the US has discovered a magic for- Last week, two thunderstorms hardship: a year away from local good reason to wonder whether the US really indeed, requires global engagement. In choos- mula that can produce happiness and prosper- hit the French political landscape and European elections, Marine needs more than 700 military bases around ing how and where we intervene, however, ity everywhere, or that it can implant its ideals, right and left. Sarkozy was for- Le Pen’s extreme right Front the world, or 50,000 soldiers in Germany, or we want to be prudent and conservative, not values, and policies of the moment in vastly mally placed under investigation National is a clear winner. numbingly expensive weapons systems like the lustful and promiscuous. different social and cultural environments. on charges of exploiting the frailty The Elysée is worried. On F-35 fighter jet. We would also like to find more creative Rather than see the world as a problem to of the country’s richest woman to Thursday, Hollande will give a Every American president since the sec- ways to intervene abroad than the three the be solved, Wacko Birds approach it as a situa- finance his 2007 campaign. long television interview to try ond world war has embraced the muscular, US now uses: aid, bullying, and bombing. tion to be understood. From the history of the Contesting the independence and convince the French that, for interventionist security paradigm that holds Those cannot be the only options available to last century, we take the lesson that when the of the investigative judge, his all their doubts, he has a clear, Washington in its grip. Its results can be seen a great and much-admired nation. US seeks to shape the fate of other nations, friends and allies indignantly decisive vision of what to do for in the wreckage of wars and covert operations Wacko Birds recognise the need for diplo- it usually ends up harming them. Often, it railed against what they see as the country. A few weeks ago, the from Central America to Central Asia, from matic compromise. We do not insist on bring- weakens our own security, as well. a manoeuvre to prevent him concern among his advisers was Indochina to the Middle East. ing other countries to their knees or forcing A few Americans have begun to muse about from returning fully to politi- that the president was not speak- Americans who reject this paradigm are them to accept dictates from Washington. what a truly different US foreign policy would cal life. Sarkozy will appeal, but ing enough. rebelling against the “liberal internationalism” Often, these dictates bring grief not only to look like. Senator McCain has given us a could well be entangled in a legal Now that he does every other promoted by John F Kennedy and George H. the countries on the receiving end, but to the name. Our job now is to fill out the meaning process that might take years to day on all issues — like his pred- W. Bush, and also against the “neo-conserv- US itself. We do not demand that the US of our creed, to present a coherent alterna- unravel. ecessor, Sarkozy, but in a more atism” of Dick Cheney and George W. Bush. always have its way. tive. America needs Wacko Birds. So does the There are other matters in normal manner — the issue is What, then, do we call ourselves? Senator Instead, we are open to arrangements that world. which the former president, no that the French may no longer John McCain, a pillar of the long-reigning include concessions to other countries as a way THE GUARDIAN longer protected by immunity, want to listen. THE GUARDIAN Syria: The failure of so-called international community

done so far. It is a moral failure How can the country be abandoned not to do so. How many more harrow- in its hour of need? Power plays ing scenes of exhausted families crossing the border into Jordan, Lebanon or Turkey must we bear have taken priority over the terrible witness to? For how long must we hear their tales of grief and dev- suffering of Syrians. astation before the ambulances are allowed to enter? BY DESMOND TUTU their homes to those fleeing the Ultimately it falls to the Syrian conflict, in wonderful acts of kind- authorities to give their blessing he massacre in Syria ness — but this is a huge burden if the UN is to organise humani- rages on and yet we to them. We cannot, and should tarian access for medicine, food stand idle. We must not, rely on such generosity. and blankets to reach all parts of Trealise that, to millions Help must be made available Syria. But our efforts to achieve of Syrians trapped in the country, inside the country to all who even this, and fulfil our deepest the virtual absence of humanitar- need it. It is shameful that the moral obligation to Syrians, have ian relief is nearly as arbitrary few brave organisations who can been half-hearted at best. and cruel as the war itself. provide relief must often do so As Elders we wish our colleague Bombs, even ballistic missiles, in hiding, or, if not, are severely Lakhdar Brahimi strength as he are tearing homes apart and impeded anyway. faces an unconscionable situation more than 70,000 people have The stories they tell are heart- as the UN-Arab League peace been killed. Weapons, not blan- breaking: Water tanks are riddled envoy to Syria. We pray he can kets, are pouring into the country. with bullet holes, neighbourhoods help reach a breakthrough in the The BBC asks a child if he misses are starved, hospitals are deliber- crisis very soon. playing with his friends and he ately shelled. These groups ask for But until then we must really replies, “they are all dead.” God nothing more than to aid Syrians Syrians walk past destroyed buildings in the northern city of Aleppo. The mainstream insurgent Free Syrian Army knock some heads together. For is weeping. on the right scale, in the open and each second that passes without does not recognise Ghassan Hitto, a rebel premier chosen by dissidents after hours of heated talks last week. Where are the shelters and the in safety. care for the people trapped in food? More than a million Syrians What on earth will it take for the crossfire, we undermine our are leaving the country and their this to finally happen? For two there, would you not be moved to humanitarian efforts to reach the Ahtisaari and Fernando Henrique own moral standards. We act lives behind. Half of them are years, our so-called international act? Would you care for politics millions who are suffering every- Cardoso, wrote last week, no-one as if their lives have less value children. community has allowed complex rather than safety in the face of where in the country. Surely it is with the power to change the than ours, as if we have written Across the border, the refugee power plays to take priority over such carnage? in the interest of anyone who cares situation, no human being, can them off already. We abandon camps, where help exists, are the terrible suffering of Syrians. In the absence of a political for the future of Syria to keep fam- in good conscience refuse to heed our brothers and sisters in their swelling in size and struggling It is so uncaring and cynical. If solution, there is simply no excuse ilies safe and children unscathed? this call. But we must be making greatest hour of need. to cope. Families are opening up your loved ones were trapped for the lack of concerted, neutral As my fellow Elders, Martti this call a lot louder than we have THE GUARDIAN TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL EU pulls most Zimbabwe sanctions Move comes after referendum

BRUSSELS: The European said it was “completely unaccept- Union suspended most sanc- able” for the European Union to tions on Zimbabwe yesterday partially lift sanctions. after voters there approved a “We want them unconditionally new constitution paving the way removed. There is no reason why for an election to decide whether some should be removed from the President Robert Mugabe list while some remain. There is extends his 33-year rule. nothing we have done to deserve The move is the most far- these illegal sanctions anyway,” he reaching step so far in the said in Harare. European Union’s strategy of In a referendum on March easing sanctions to encourage 16, nearly 95 percent of voters political and economic reform in approved a new constitution that Zimbabwe. curbs presidential powers and The southern African country paves the way for elections. has been governed by an uneasy Ashton said the “peaceful, suc- coalition since Mugabe and Prime cessful and credible” vote was a Minister Morgan Tsvangirai were significant step towards imple- forced into a power-sharing deal menting the 2008 power-sharing after disputed 2008 elections. agreement. “The EU has today agreed to She said however that the immediately suspend the appli- European Union was concerned Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and First Lady Peng Liyuan say goodbye as they board their aircraft to depart from the Julius Nyerere International cation of measures against 81 about recent reports of intimida- Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, yesterday. individuals and eight entities,” tion and harassment of political EU foreign policy chief Catherine activists. Monitoring by domes- Ashton said in a statement. tic and international observers Ten people, including Mugabe, would boost the elections’ credi- In Tanzania, Xi sings paeans for Africa and two companies, includ- bilty, Ashton said, adding that ing state-run diamond mining the European Union was ready to DAR ES SALAAM: China’s relationship and noting a com- China is the second-largest for- Africa came with the sea voyages company the Zimbabwe Mining provide any support for the elec- new President Xi Jinping hailed mittment to provide a $20bn eign investor in Tanzania, with of Zheng He, a Chinese Muslim Development Corporation tions that it was asked for. yesterday the strength of ties credit-line to African nations stakes in agriculture, coal, iron admiral who led expeditions to (ZMDC), remain on the sanctions At a meeting in Brussels last with African nations, in a key- over the next two years. ore and infrastructure. the east African coast in the list, restricted by asset freezes and month, EU foreign ministers note speech on his first trip as “Whenever I come to Africa “We have no doubt that the 1400s, but little followed for cen- travel bans, an EU source said. removed 21 people and one com- head of state to the continent. two things always strike me people of China will continue to turies. Xi, on his first foreign trip A number of “key decision pany from the sanctions list. Hailing resource-rich Africa the most, one is the continuous work with the people of Africa,” since being anointed president makers” would remain under EU They also hammered out as a “continent of hope and progress... I am deeply impressed Kikwete said, dismissing those 11 days ago, later left Tanzania sanctions until peaceful, trans- a compromise under which promise”, Xi addressed leaders at the new developments,” Xi said, who still feared Beijing’s role for South Africa, where he first parent and credible elections had ZMDC, which operates five dia- in Tanzania’s economic capital on his sixth visit to the continent. “despite the end of the Cold War.” visits Pretoria, before heading been held, Ashton said. mond mines in Zimbabwe’s rich as “my dear friends” and spoke “The other is your overwhelm- “So far, China has been a to Durban to join an emerging Zimbabwe is expected to hold Marange fields, would be freed of Beijing’s “sincere friendship” ing warmth, the sincere friend- dependable supporter and an ally economies summit. presidential and parliamentary from sanctions within a month with Africa. ship of the African people towards of African countries and other He wraps up the African tour elections in the second half of of peaceful and credible elections “Africa belongs to the African the Chinese people is as warm and Third World countries...in their with a visit to Congo-Brazzaville. the year in what will be seen as a being held in Zimbabwe. people,” Xi said, speaking in a new unforgettable as the sunshine in appeal for a just and equitable China, which has risen to showdown between political rivals The new constitution sets a conference hall built by China. Africa.” world economic order,” Kikwete become the world’s second-larg- Mugabe and Tsvangirai. maximum of two five-year terms “In developing relations with Xi and his Tanzanian coun- added. est economy, sources many of its The European Union first for the president. However, the Africa, all countries should terpart Jakaya Kikwete signed Tanzania, where Xi arrived raw materials from Africa. A new imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe limit will not apply retroactively, respect Africa’s dignity and 16 trade, cultural and develop- after a visit to Moscow, was Chinese diaspora has seen huge in 2002, in protest against human so Mugabe, 89, and in power independence.” ment accords after his arrival the first stop of a three-nation numbers of traders and small rights abuses and violations of since independence from Britain Trade between China and in Tanzania on Sunday, includ- Africa tour that underscores business operators establish democracy under Mugabe’s rule. in 1980, could still theoretically Africa reached some $200bn last ing improvements to hospitals Beijing’s growing presence on the themselves across the continent, Rugare Gumbo, a spokesman rule for the next decade. year, he said, adding that China and ports, and the building of a continent. which has higher growth rates for Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party, REUTERS would “intensify not weaken” its Chinese cultural centre. China’s first contacts with than Europe or the US. AFP

Plea to overturn Ousted CAR president Sarkozy denies Knox acquittal duping France’s

ROME: A state prosecutor flees to Cameroon richest woman urged Italy’s top court yester- day to overturn the acquittal of BANGUI, CENTRAL 13 of its soldiers were killed and PARIS: Former French American Amanda Knox and a AFRICAN REPUBLIC: 27 wounded in the weekend fight- President Nicolas Sarkozy made former boyfriend for the mur- Ousted Central African presi- ing in Bangui — the country’s his first public comments yes- der of British student Meredith dent Francois Bozize has fled to heaviest military loss since the terday over allegations he duped Kercher. Kercher’s half-naked Cameroon, Yaounde said yes- end of the apartheid era. the country’s richest woman to body, with more than 40 wounds terday, after rebels seized power “As a member of the African raise election funds, saying he and a deep gash in the throat, in a rapid weekend assault that Union, South Africa rejects any had never betrayed his pub- was found in the apartment she killed 13 South African soldiers. efforts to seize power by force,” lic duties and pledging to clear shared with Knox in Perugia in Rebel leader Michel Djotodia President Jacob Zuma told his name. Sarkozy was placed 2007. The Court of Cassation, said he planned to declare him- reporters, adding that there were under investigation last week Italy’s final court of appeal, is self president after his Seleka no immediate plans to withdraw for allegedly exploiting the men- due to decide today whether to coalition took control of Bangui troops deployed alongside the tal frailty of 90-year-old L’Oreal start the process for a retrial or in the wake of the collapse of a weak national army. heiress Liliane Bettencourt, to uphold the 2011 verdict and two-month-old peace deal with South Africa deployed 200 after she was declared in a state close the case definitively. Bozize’s regime. soldiers to the Central African of dementia, to help raise money “In this trial the judge lost his Following initial mystery Republic in January to support for his 2007 election campaign. way,” state prosecutor Luigi Riello over Bozize’s whereabouts, the government troops. His lawyer rejected the case as told the court, urging it to accept president’s office in Yaounde The African Union took swift flawed. the request for an appeal from announced in a radio broadcast action amid international concern The conservative ex-president Perugia prosecutors and Kercher that he had “sought refuge in about the deteriorating security took to Facebook to thank those family lawyers, who say the ver- Cameroon” and was “awaiting situation in the deeply unstable who had shown him support “at dict was flawed and left central Chief of South African National Defence Force, General Solly Shoke his departure to another host former French colony, a poor and a time when I must face up to the aspects of the case unexplained. addresses the media in Pretoria yesterday. South Africa has no immediate country”. landlocked nation with unex- ordeal of an unfair and unfounded REUTERS plans to pull out its troops from the Central Africa Republic. Meanwhile, South Africa said ploited mineral wealth. AFP investigation”. REUTERS Vaclav Havel prize unveiled in Prague Amnesty’s Moscow offices searched Italy needs a govt which PRAGUE: The international Vaclav Havel Prize for human rights, honouring the late Velvet MOSCOW: Russian pros- harassment. “This inspection was as “foreign agents” under the law. performs miracles: Bersani Revolution hero who steered ecutors searched Amnesty not planned,” said Sergei Nikitin, The penalties for failing to his country peacefully to inde- International’s Moscow offices Russia director of Amnesty comply include six months’ sus- ROME: Italian leftist leader government which performs mir- pendence from Soviet rule, was yesterday in what activists say International. pension without a court order Pier Luigi Bersani said yes- acles,” Bersani said after consul- unveiled yesterday in Prague. is a part of a state campaign to The London-based human and, for individuals, up to three terday that the recession-hit tations with trade unions which Worth ¤60,000 ($77,000), stifle dissent. rights advocacy group, one of sev- years in jail. country was in a “dramatic sit- precede talks with political par- the prize is co-funded by the Since returning to the Kremlin eral dozen NGOs to be searched Russia’s leading rights organi- uation” and needed “a govern- ties today. The former Communist Council of Europe, the Charter in May, President Vladimir Putin in recent weeks, said officials from sations, including the country’s ment which performs miracles”, and head of the Democratic Party 77 Foundation — named after has signed laws to tighten controls the Russian prosecutors’ and tax oldest rights group Memorial, as he raced to try and shore up (PD) is seeking to establish a an anti-communist movement on non-governmental organisa- offices declined to specify a rea- election-monitoring body Golos the support to govern. minority government reliant on in former Czechoslovakia — and tions, requiring those with foreign son for the search. “The subject of and the Moscow Helsinki Group, Bersani was given the official go- votes from other parties in par- Prague’s Vaclav Havel Library. funding to register as “foreign the searches is NGOs’ operations said they would refuse to register ahead on Friday to try and form a liament. Berlusconi’s People of “Vaclav Havel is an absolutely agents”, a term echoing Cold War compliance with statutory goals in defiance of the law and would government after February elec- Freedom party (PDL) and allies unique and charismatic per- era hostilities. and the Russian law,” RIA news challenge it at the European tions that left the country in politi- are insisting that Bersani accept sonality who deeply affected The Kremlin says the legisla- agency quoted the Russian Justice Court of Human Rights. cal gridlock — but the leftist has the idea of a “grand coalition” or European history, a symbol of tion is needed to prevent groups Ministry as saying. Pavel Chikov, the head of come under increasing pressure the country must return to the people fighting for human rights,” from spying for foreign govern- Rights campaigners say the Russian lawyers’ association from the centre right, led by rival vote. Any deal between Bersani Jean-Claude Mignon, head of the ments, but Putin’s critics see raids searches are probably aimed at AGORA, said 41 NGOs had Silvio Berlusconi, to share the task. and Berlusconi would anger sup- Parliamentary Assembly of the by state authorities ranging from gathering evidence of activities been searched so far, including “The truth is that there is a porters on the left and risk divid- Council of Europe, said. AFP tax officials to fire inspectors as that would oblige them to register Memorial. REUTERS dramatic situation... We need a ing the PD. AFP TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Boeing 787 takes to sky in UK to restrict first flight check NEW YORK: A Boeing Co 787 Dreamliner took to the sky yes- terday in the first of two flights welfare rights aimed at showing that the plane’s new lithium-ion battery system meets regulatory safety standards, a key step toward ending a two-month, worldwide grounding of the high-tech jet. of immigrants The Federal Aviation Administration and other regula- tors grounded the Dreamliner in PM under pressure from rival party mid-January after batteries over- heated on two separate aircraft. LONDON: Prime Minister David unemployment payments will stop Resuming flights would be a Cameron yesterday announced a after six months unless migrants can huge boost for Boeing, which is fresh clampdown on immigration prove they have a realistic chance of losing an estimated $50m a week to Britain with plans to restrict finding a job, including a requirement while the 787 is grounded, and for migrants’ rights to unemployment, that their English is good enough. airlines, which are barred from health and housing benefits. Cameron also targeted so-called flying the 787. People walk through heavy snow in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as wintry weather continued to cause havoc Cameron acknowledged the con- “health tourists” who abused Britain’s Boeing also is prevented from across the United Kingdom yesterday. Thousands of people in Scotland and Northern Ireland were still tribution made by generations of free-to-access NHS, insisting it was delivering the planes to customers without power yesterday after snow and high winds brought down electricity lines in some of the worst hard-working immigrants, but a “free National Health Service, not during the grounding, though it March weather for half a century. warned Britain had for too long been a free International Health Service”. continues to build them. regarded as a “soft touch”. The government would work Some Boeing officials have said Under the plans, migrants will harder to claim back money spent the jet could be back in service have their unemployment benefits on treating migrants from inside by May 1. But some experts cau- stopped after six months if they the EEA from their home countries, tioned it could take longer. Snowstorm grounds US flights have no prospect of finding work and which Cameron’s office put at around The first test flight took off non-Europeans may face charges for £10-£20m a year. at approximately 12.11pm Pacific WASHINGTON: A snow- West Virginia and Kentucky 32 cm inches of snow which fell healthcare. For those outside the EEA, minis- time from Paine Field in Everett, storm stretching from St could get as much as 40 cm. on Sunday and continued to The prime minister warned ters will look at introducing tougher Washington, on a two-hour mis- Louis to Washington yester- “Isolated power outages may accumulate yesterday. entitlement to public services was charges for treatment and a require- sion designed to validate that all day grounded hundreds of occur because of snow-laden The storm led to the city’s “something migrants earn, not an ment to have private health insur- systems on the plane are work- flights and left shivering resi- wires and tree limbs,” the horse racing track to delay its automatic right”, adding: “We want ance before receiving NHS care. ing as designed. Video of the event dents wondering when winter weather service warned. “Road season opener for the first time people who are interested in what The prime minister also addressed showed the jet, with LOT Polish would give way to spring. signs will be covered with wet in its nearly 100-year history they can offer to Britain.” a common feature of anti-immigra- Airlines livery, soaring in a clear Nearly a week after the spring snow. Snow removal may be after the snow left dangerous The speech marked the next step tion rhetoric, that migrants were sky with snow-capped mountains equinox, huge swaths of the dangerous for those with heart ruts in the track. in a drive by Cameron’s Conservative- given social housing at the expense in the distance. United States remained deep in conditions since it will be wet Roads in the New York area led coalition government to bring of British citizens. Once data from the flight has winter’s clutches. Temperatures and heavy.” were expected to be a slushy net migration down from hundreds Cameron said one in 10 new social been analyzed, Boeing said it hovered well below freezing and Indiana has already received mess as wet snow fell, even as of thousands to tens of thousands of lettings go to foreign nationals, but would prepare for a ground and snowploughs and shovels were as many as 23 cm in some areas temperatures remained just people per year. said new guidance introduced in the flight demonstration aimed at pulled back out of sheds. and another eight centimetres above freezing. But it was also an attempt to fend coming weeks would restrict hous- certifying the company’s proposed The National Weather were expected before the storm Some 536 US flights had been off a rising challenge from the anti- ing assistance to foreigners who have changes to the battery system, a Service forecast that 13 to 20 blew over in the afternoon. cancelled by midday yesterday, immigration UK Independence Party, lived in Britain for two years. key step toward getting permis- centimetres of snow could fall Lighter dustings were according to FlightAware.com, which pushed the Conservatives into The approach was all about “mak- sion from the FAA to resume on the nation’s capital, Ohio, expected in several other states. with New York, Philadelphia third place in a recent by-election. ing sure that the people who come flights of the grounded plane. Pennsylvania and New Jersey Meanwhile, St Louis was dig- and Washington topping the list. Immigration has shot up the polit- here, wherever they come from, are REUTERS while mountainous areas of ging out from a record-breaking AFP ical agenda as Britain braces for a coming here for the right reasons,” fresh influx of eastern Europeans the premier said. after the European Union lifts However, the opposition Labour work restrictions on Bulgarians and party questioned how many of Romanians in 2014. Cameron’s proposals were new, noting Cameron insisted that public con- that guidance for job centres already MI5 spy chief to step down next month cern would not go away until immi- suggested cutting EEA migrants’ ben- gration was brought under control. efits after six months if they were not LONDON: Britain’s MI5 an expansion in anti-terror- “I would like to pay tribute His successor’s first big test “If you get this balance right... it will genuinely seeking work. spy chief, who oversaw a safe ism operations. There were no to Sir Jonathan for the 33 years is likely to be the Group of fall away as a political issue,” he said. Jonathan Portes, director of the Olympics and helped trans- major attacks on his five-year he has dedicated to the service,” Eight meeting due to be held in Migrants from the European National Institute of Economic and form the Security Service’s watch. May told parliament. Northern Ireland in June. Economic Area — EU countries plus Social Research think tank, queried counterterrorism opera- “He has experienced the serv- A successor was not Separately yesterday, a Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway how much impact immigrants really tions in the wake of the 2005 ice evolving over the years and announced though local media militant nationalist group in — are entitled to £71 a week (about had on Britain’s huge welfare bills. All London bombings, will step as director general has led the have reported one of Evans’s Northern Ireland said the hotel €85, $110) in unemployment benefits the evidence pointed to EU migrants down next month. service through particularly deputies who commands coun- where G8 leaders are due to while they look for work. paying in “far more than they take Sir Jonathan Evans, challenging times of change terterrorism operations could meet was the intended target of But Cameron said the message this out”, he told the BBC, noting that the appointed director general of and unrest, including the after- be appointed. MI5 chiefs, who a bomb intercepted by Northern sent to new arrivals was “all wrong”, impact of health tourism was “minis- the domestic intelligence serv- math of the 7/7 bombings,” said were not publicly named until Irish police and defused last insisting there must be an end to the cule” when compared to the long- ice less than two years after the Theresa May, the home secre- the 1990s, typically serve for weekend. “something for nothing culture”. term cost of an ageing population. July 7 bombings, presided over tary or interior minister. about five years. REUTERS Under his proposals, AFP

Man jailed for plot to attack US military Berezovsky undergoing autopsy LONDON: British police body was found in the locked Windsor Castle. “(Police) are recruitment centre removed the body of exiled bathroom of his sprawling carrying out further forensic Russian tycoon Boris property west of London on examinations at the property LOS ANGELES: A man was Berezovsky from his mansion Saturday. Police say it remains and these are expected to last jailed for 18 years yesterday for near London yesterday before unclear how he had died. several days,” local police said planning to attack a military conducting an autopsy that Some of his associates have in a statement. recruiting centre with machine could shed some light on his hinted Berezovsky may have “We will not speculate on the guns and grenades. Prosecutors sudden unexplained death. killed himself because he had cause of death until the post- thanked the local Muslim com- Once known as the grey car- been severely depressed after mortem examination has been munity for helping foil the plot. dinal of Kremlin politics, the losing a $6bn court battle last carried out.” Abu Khalid Abdul-Latif, 34, former billionaire power broker year against another Russian Earlier, detectives searched was also sentenced to 10 years helped Vladimir Putin come to tycoon, Roman Abramovich. Berezovsky’s house for traces of supervised release following power before fleeing in 2000 for Yesterday, police car- of radiation and chemicals but his prison term after he pleaded Britain where he became one of ried out a forensic investiga- found none, and said there was guilty to the 2011 plot. the Russian government’s fierc- tion at Berezovsky’s house in no evidence anyone else was Abdul-Latif, also known as est critics. Ascot, an affluent town a few involved in his death. Joseph Anthony Davis, pleaded The 67-year-old Berezovsky’s miles from Queen Elizabeth’s REUTERS guilty in December to conspiracy to murder US federal employees and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction. He had faced up to 19 years in prison under a Prince Harry to plea deal. Setback for London mayor’s tour US in May LONDON: Britain’s Five jailed in Britain Prince Harry will tour premiership hopes the United States for six over movie tax scam LONDON: High-profile London and as his worst ever interview. days in May, his office LONDON: Five people were mayor Boris Johnson’s hopes of Instead of displaying his trade- said yesterday. jailed for more than 20 years in becoming Britain’s next prime mark self-assurance, Johnson The prince, the third-in- Britain yesterday for pretend- minister and leader of the rul- struggled to respond, stammered, line to the British throne, ing to make a Hollywood block- ing Conservative Party have and asked the presenter more will use his visit to show buster to secure millions of suffered a setback after a fal- than once whether they could talk support for both wounded pounds in tax breaks from the tering TV interview, allies and about something else. US and British military government. detractors said yesterday. “You’re a nasty piece of work, personnel and promote Bashar Al Issa, a 34-year-old Known for his blunt but col- aren’t you?” the presenter told his charities, as well as former Iraqi national who is now ourful language and unruly mop Johnson, after alleging that he undertake official duties on British, orchestrated the scam of blond hair, Johnson, 48, is widely had once made up a quote when behalf of the government. and was sentenced to six and a tipped as a front-runner to succeed working as a journalist, lied about “Although a prince, half years in jail for cheating the Prime Minister David Cameron at his personal life, and been com- Harry is also an opera- public revenue. Aoife Madden, 31, the helm of the Conservatives if plicit in plans to physically assault tional soldier — indeed a a British and Irish actress, was Cameron loses the next general a journalist. soldier’s soldier,” said his sentenced to four years and eight election in 2015 or is ousted as “Interpretations you’re putting private secretary Jamie months. Two other members of party leader before then. on those things aren’t wholly fair,” Lowther-Pinkerton said. the scam, Pakistani national But Johnson, who is famously a shell-shocked Johnson retorted. “A recurring theme is to Tariq Hassan and Iraqi national self-confident, lost his composure Voters “don’t care about phone help recognise and bring Osama Al Baghdady, were given in a BBC TV interview on Sunday conversations with my friends 20 the spotlight onto the four-year terms, while another, when faced with a series of dif- years ago, they don’t care about work being done to help Ian Sherwood, received three and ficult questions about his past. some ludicrous so-called made-up these outstanding men and a half years. Local media described the embar- quote,” he said. women.” AFP rassing exchange as a “car crash” REUTERS REUTERS TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES

Fishermen ‘shot Myanmar plea to end hostility by China vessel’ HANOI: Vietnam yester- day accused a Chinese vessel 32 people die, 9,000 rendered homeless in a week of terror and religious extremism of firing on one of its fish- ing boats in disputed waters, MEIKTILA: Myanmar’s extremism which can harm this tries to reform the country after calm has returned to Meiktila the weekend with violence on denouncing the incident as reformist government yes- work,” according to a government decades of iron-fisted military after several days of violence that Saturday night leaving more a “serious violation” of its terday called for an end to statement read out on the evening rule ended two years ago. saw houses and mosques torched than 40 houses and a mosque in territorial sovereignty. The “terrorist acts and religious news. It was the most serious reli- and charred bodies left on the ruins in Yamethin township near Vietnamese boat was fishing extremism” following a new The country’s quasi-civilian gious conflict since violence streets. Naypyidaw, according to a ward near the contested Paracel eruption of communal violence government, which has faced between Buddhists and Muslims “There’s no more arson or official. Islands last Wednesday when in the former military-ruled strong international pressure in the western state of Rakhine attacks,” local MP Win Htein said Unrest was also reported in it was “chased and shot at by nation. over the unrest, said it would last year left at least 180 peo- by telephone. several other villages in the area. a Chinese vessel, causing a At least 32 people have been “address all terrorist attacks ple dead and more than 110,000 He said the main challenge Communal tension, stifled fire in the cabin,” the Foreign killed and more than 9,000 dis- including incitements for racial displaced. now is to rebuild the relation- under half a century of army rule, Ministry said, compensation placed since the unrest broke out and religious attacks”. The bloodshed has raised fears ship between Buddhists and has resurfaced since President for fishermen for their loss. on Wednesday in Meiktila, 130km It said it would provide emer- that long-standing religious Muslims who had previously lived Thein Sein’s reformist govern- (80 miles) north of the capital gency food and shelter to the dis- tensions that were largely sup- side-by-side. ment took office in 2011. $5 trillion made Naypyidaw, according to officials. placed and resettle them as soon pressed during junta rule could “The security is getting bet- It has released dissidents and “As the government is work- as the situation becomes stable. now spread to other parts of the ter too. The shops have reopened relaxed media censorship, but from land grabs ing on moving ahead with demo- The clashes were a stark country. already and highway buses are was also criticised for failing cratic reforms and development, reminder of the challenge that After a state of emergency was running too,” he said. to quell last year’s violence in BEIJING: Chinese authori- people are urged to refrain from Muslim-Buddhist tensions pose declared on Friday and the army Elsewhere, however, there Rakhine State in the west. ties have earned 30 trillion terrorist acts and religious to Myanmar’s government as it was sent into the area, an uneasy were signs of fresh trouble over AGENCIES yuan ($5 trillion) in profit by selling land obtained from farmers to developers over the years, a top econo- mist said according to state media. Wu Jinglian, an econ- omist at the Development Thai court acquits Research Centre of the State Council, China’s cabinet, said: “Some (government) agen- cies have earned around 30 ‘Red Shirt’ pair trillion yuan, by conservative estimates, from land price BANGKOK: Two supporters of The Red Shirts, who are spreads in the urbanisa- Thailand’s “Red Shirt” protest broadly loyal to fugitive former tion campaign over the past movement were acquitted yes- premier Thaksin Shinawatra, decades.” terday of setting fire to a huge have always denied responsibility shopping mall during mass anti- for the fire. Immigration government rallies that rocked “Today’s ruling proves that Bangkok in 2010. Red Shirt protesters did not taken for a ride A court in Bangkok freed the burn down Central World,” pair because there were no wit- said one of their leaders, Weng PHILIPPINES: A South nesses to the arson attack on Tojirakarn. Korean wanted in his coun- Central World, Thailand’s biggest The two defendants were try for a $25m investment shopping mall which was gutted freed as they have already scam secured a working visa by the blaze. served jail terms for violating in the Philippines even after Saichon Paebua, one of the Red an emergency decree imposed by being detained here, and Shirts’ own security guards, and the authorities to deal with the left Manila despite a hold- co-defendant Pinit Chanarong protests, which paralysed parts departure order. Authorities both denied the charges. of Bangkok. at the Incheon International Central World shopping mall The trial of 24 Red Shirt lead- Airport arrested Park was one of dozens of buildings ers on terrorism charges began in Sung Jung on his arrival torched after a crackdown by December but five of them enjoy from Manila. South Korean armed troops firing live rounds immunity as they are now law- authorities said they were not and backed by armoured vehicles makers, so the case is expected alerted by Philippine officials brought an end to the two months to take years to complete during about Park’s departure from of demonstrations on May 19, breaks in the parliamentary ses- Ninoy Aquino International 2010. sion. AFP Airport on a Philippine Airlines flight to Incheon. Indonesian Migrant Workers' Union Chairperson Sringatin (centre) and other domestic helper groups hold ban- Diving camera ners during a protest outside the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong yesterday. owner traced Malaysia sets up TAIPEI: A Taiwanese airline Maid residency bid rejected said yesterday it had traced the American owner of a div- HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s top the two-year legal challenge maids, who are a backbone of soci- ing camera, lost in Hawaii in court yesterday rejected a bid to first brought by Filipina maid ety in richer Asian economies and Sabah safety zone 2007 and found last month give hundreds of thousands of Evangeline Banao Vallejos, a a financial lifeline to their home on a Taiwan beach more foreign maids the right to live 61-year-old mother of five who nations, notably the Philippines KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak than 6,000 miles (9,600km) in the city permanently, anger- has lived in Hong Kong since 1986. and Indonesia. yesterday announced the establishment of the Eastern Sabah Safety away. China Airlines said the ing activists who said the ruling “With the court’s ruling today, But the Court of Final Appeal Zone covering 10 districts to provide the legal basis for the Eastern owner of the Canon, identi- amounted to discrimination. it gave its judicial seal to unfair unanimously sided with argu- Sabah Security Command effective today. fied as Lindsay Crumbley In turning down the attempt treatment and the social exclu- ments from the Hong Kong gov- He named the districts as Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Scallan from Georgia, would to give maids the same resi- sion of foreign domestic work- ernment, which said it should Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau. be offered a free round-trip dency rights as other foreigners, ers in Hong Kong,” said Eman enjoy discretionary power to The districts will be administered by an Eastern Sabah Safety ticket to Taiwan to collect it. the Court of Final Appeal ruled Villanueva, spokesman for labour decide on residency. Zone Committee, set up under the Preservation of Public Security The memory card with pho- that there was no need to refer rights group Asian Migrants’ Pro-government figures had Regulations 2013, and chaired by the Sabah chief minister. tos of Scallan’s Hawaii visit the case to Beijing for a final say, Coordinating Body. He was joined warned that the city of seven The chief minister as chairman will be assisted by a chief executive are intact in the barnacle- which would have sparked new by other members of his group million would be swamped by up officer and members of the committee to be announced later, he said encrusted camera. Scallan controversy. chanting “No to discrimination” to half a million new immigrants, at the parade in conjunction with the 206th Police Day at the Police lost the waterproof camera in Officials in semi-autonomous and “We are not slaves”. including the maids’ children and Training Centre (Pulapol) in Jalan Semarak, here. August 2007 during a diving Hong Kong had suggested enlist- Vallejos won a High Court rul- spouses, if the appeal was allowed. Najib said the zone would safeguard the democratic rights and trip in Maui. ing the advice of the Chinese ing in 2011 granting her the right “The foreign domestic helper is the democratic process pertaining to the people of Sabah as well as central government on the immi- to request permanent residency obliged to return to the country of strengthen security, public order and prosperity in eastern Sabah, Khmer leader fit gration question, sparking warn- status, which most foreigners origin at the end of the contract, according to Bernama news agency. ings that they were jeopardising can seek after seven years’ stay and is told from the outset that The zone follows the Sulu terrorist intrusion in Lahad Datu on to stand trial the territory’s cherished judicial but which is denied to the city’s admission is not for the purposes Febraury 12. Terrorists killed eight policemen and a soldier. One sol- independence. 300,000 foreign domestic helpers. of settlement and that dependents dier was killed in a road accident. An ongoing government offensive, PHNOM PENH: Pol Pot’s But the top court drew a line Activists had hailed the ruling cannot be brought to live in Hong dubbed Ops Daulat launched on March 5 has resulted in the deaths of former deputy Nuon Chea under the matter by rejecting as a big step for equal rights for Kong,” the court said. AGENCIES 65 terrorists. AGENCIES is fit to continue standing trial for war crimes, medi- cal experts told Cambodia’s Military inspection Khmer Rouge court yester- day. Nuon Chea, the surviv- ing leader of the communist regime which oversaw the Freed hostage kin seek justice “Killing Fields” era in the late 1970s, is on trial along- MANILA: Relatives of an abducted Rodwell, from his home Rodwell’s family paid four mil- side former Rouge head of Australian man held hostage for in a coastal town of the southern lion pesos ($97,750) to secure his state Khieu Samphan, 81. The 15 months by Islamic militants Philippines in December, 2011, and release. However the Philippine court will rule on Friday if in a remote island of the south- demanded $2m for his safe release. and Australian governments have Chea is fit for trial. On March ern Philippines called yesterday The militants freed a deeply refused to confirm if any ransom 14, regime co-founder Ieng for his captors to be brought to emaciated Rodwell last Saturday, was paid. Sary, 87, died. justice. and he has since remained at a Cappello and Rodwell’s older Warren Rodwell’s elder sis- Philippine military base where he brother, Wayne, read statements Two Tibetans ter and brother also thanked is receiving medical care. at a hotel without taking ques- Philippine and Australian author- Authorities say the Abu tions from journalists, and did not burn selves ities for securing his release, Sayyaf, a small group of mili- speak about the ransom issue. although no mention was made of tants based in lawless islands Wayne Rodwell said the fam- BEIJING: Two Tibetans, a reported $100,000-ransom pay- of the southern Philippines and ily’s most immediate concern was including a mother of four, ment that ensured he walked free. designated by the US govern- for his brother’s health. set themselves on fire in “We would like to acknowl- ment as a terrorist organisation, “He is delighted to be free. He China in two days, rights edge in particular the Philippine was responsible for the kidnap- has however lost a lot of weight groups and media reports National Police for all their efforts, ping. The group is believed to and is exhausted,” he said. said yesterday. Kal Kyi, on Warren’s behalf,” Rodwell’s sis- be holding at least three other The head of the national police 33, burned herself to death ter, Denise Cappello, said. foreigners. force’s anti-kidnapping unit, in protest against Chinese “We wish the Philippine police Cappello singled out for thanks Senior Superintendent Renato authorities in southwestern every success in tracking down Al Rashid Sakalahul, the vice Gumban, said that Rodwell was China’s Sichuan province, in the group that took Warren from governor of the southern Basilan due to be flown to Manila on Aba. Lhamo Kyab, 43, set fire his home. We hope they will be island that is one of the Abu Monday afternoon. Gumban said to himself yesterday in the brought to justice so others won’t Sayyaf’s strongholds. he would receive more medical western Chinese province of North Korean leader Kim-Jong-Un (left) inspecting the Korean People’s have to experience what Warren Sakalahul was one of the main attention in Manila before being Gansu. Army Unit 1501 at an undisclosed location in North Korea. The inspection has just been through.” negotiators with the Abu Sayyaf asked to give a thorough debrief- AGENCIES came at a time of escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula, Armed men posing as police and said over the weekend that ing of his ordeal. AFP TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13

Sharif holds Caretaker PM election rally MANSEHRA: The front- runner in Pakistan’s elec- tion race, opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, attracted takes office thousands of people yester- day to a rally at which he promised development and economic success. He trav- elled to the northwestern before polls town of Mansehra, a strong- hold of his Pakistan Muslim League-N party, where sup- Khoso to handpick cabinet members porters packed a stadium. Police estimated the crowds ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Khoso was one of two candi- at up to 30,000, in contrast caretaker prime minister was dates nominated by the outgoing to the hundreds who greeted sworn into office yesterday, government. The main opposi- former military ruler Pervez drawing a line under protracted tion Pakistan Muslim League-N, Musharraf on his return political wrangling and putting frontrunner to win the elec- home on Sunday after four the country on course for an tion, also put forward two other years in exile to contest the historic election period. names. polls. The stadium was deco- Retired judge Mir Hazar Khan The vote is set to mark the first rated with large portraits of Khoso, 84, was selected by the time that an elected civilian gov- Sharif and banners reading election commission after a par- ernment hands over to another in “Tiger of Pakistan, we love liamentary committee and rival a country that has seen three mili- you” and “Welcome prime parties failed to agree on a can- tary coups and four military rulers minister of Pakistan, pride didate. He comes from the trou- since partition from India in 1947. of Pakistan”. The PML-N’s bled southwestern province of Militant attacks and record election symbol is a tiger and Baluchistan. At a short ceremony levels of violence directed against the rally featured a live tiger presided over by President Asif the Shiite Muslim minority have in a cage. Pakistan became a Ali Zardari and broadcast live on raised fears about security for the nuclear power in May 1998 television, Khoso took the oath polls in the nuclear-armed coun- during Sharif’s second term of office. Close Zardari associates try of 180 million. as prime minister. He was and members of the outgoing gov- On Sunday, former military ousted by Musharraf the fol- ernment attended the ceremony. ruler Pervez Musharraf returned lowing year. “Last time we Khoso is now expected to pick a from more than four years in self- carried out nuclear explo- paired-down interim cabinet that imposed exile, defying Taliban sions. Now we will carry out will preside with him over the death threats in a bid to contest economic explosions,” he said. country until the victor of the May the election, although it is thought Vendors sell tea mugs printed with pictures of politicians in Peshawar, yesterday, as Pakistan gears up for general 11 general election can form a coali- his impact will be minimal. election. Police refuse to tion government and take office. AFP secure ex-PMs RAWALPINDI: Police offic- ers selected to head the spe- cial squads for the security of former prime ministers Kerry arrives in Kabul for talks, skips Islamabad Yousuf Raza Gilani and Raja Pervez Ashraf have report- KABUL: US Secretary of State John superior Nato firepower in the war now He also said the United States believed times. Issues of sovereignty and security edly refused to join the duty Kerry paid an unannounced visit to in its 12th year. that the two nations had moved beyond an are always going to be difficult.” terming the move unlaw- Afghanistan yesterday for talks with Tensions between the US and incident in which Karzai recently accused The official said Kerry had wanted to ful. Just one day before the President Hamid Karzai, a US official Afghanistan have deepened in recent years Washington of colluding with the Taliban to visit Pakistan on this trip but had decided end of the term of the PPP said, with both sides hoping to stabilise over a range of issues, including civilian keep foreign forces in Afghanistan, marring not to, given the May 11 election, in part to government, the then prime the country before most foreign troops casualties during air strikes, night raids US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel’s first avoid any appearance of seeking to influ- minister Raja Pervez Ashraf leave by the end of 2014. and the transfer of prisoners. trip to Pakistan since taking on his new ence what would be Pakistan’s first civilian ordered a security protocol Kerry and Karzai will discuss issues, The official acknowledged the difficul- post. “There will always be bumps in the to civilian electoral handover. for himself and his predeces- including Afghan reconciliation, transfer of ties in the US-Afghan relationship but said road... It’s a relationship that can withstand The military has ruled Pakistan for more sor Yousuf Raza Gilani. “The security responsibility to Afghan forces and he believed they had resolved a number of those,” the official said. than half of its 66-year history through former prime ministers have Afghanistan’s elections, the official said. them, including an agreement to remove “The process of winding down our cur- coups or from behind the scenes. The US also asked for two police Karzai’s government is trying to open US forces from part of Wardak province rent position and role in Afghanistan and is a major donor to Pakistan and there is mobile squads and one mobile formal negotiations with the Taliban, who where they were accused of mistreating stepping into more of a support role... is suspicion among many Pakistanis over US squad of Rangers for the secu- have remained resilient in the face of local residents. not going to be a smooth process at all involvement in the country. AGENCIES rity of their wives,” an official said. “Such a large number of police personnel cannot be reserved for private persons and their wives.” Each squad comprises 75 policemen and Army seeks is led by a superintendent of Afghanistan takes back Bagram police, two deputy superin- security for tendents and four inspectors. BAGRAM: Afghanistan yes- in Kabul on an unannounced visit. was postponed at the last minute rallying cry for the Taliban and European school terday took full control of The drawn-out war in after Karzai indicated that “inno- an important issue for much of Musharraf Bagram prison from the US, Afghanistan is increasingly cent” prisoners would be freed. the Afghan public,” said Kate helps street kids healing a running sore in their unpopular in the US, and relations In September, the US gave Clark of the Afghanistan Analysts ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s relationship as US Secretary of between Kabul and Washington Kabul control over more than Network. “This looks like a victory KARACHI: In February, a top security establishment State John Kerry arrived unan- were badly shaken earlier this 3,000 detainees at Bagram, once for Karzai as he has got what he top-rated European business has demanded security for the nounced in Kabul. month when Karzai accused the dubbed the Guantanamo Bay wanted. Bagram was a huge stum- school provided 400 of its former military ruler General President Hamid Karzai had US of working in concert with of Afghanistan because some bling block before they get onto International MBA (IMBA) (retd) Pervez Musharraf, who made the fate of the detention Taliban militants. inmates are detained without a long list of other issues to sort students to Pakistan. They landed in the country yesterday. centre part of his push to regain Reacting to Karzai’s shock alle- trial or knowledge of any charges. out — and time is of the essence.” worked for five days on the A defence source said that the sovereignty over key matters gations, a US official travelling But the Americans continued to General Joseph Dunford, com- LettuceBee Kids project, an General Headquarters, the mili- from the Americans ahead of the with Kerry said the secretary of guard 50 foreigners not covered mander of the international Islamabad-based social enter- tary headquarters, had written scheduled withdrawal of foreign state was keen to move “beyond by the agreement, as well as hun- coalition, and Defence Minister prise to provide a self-suffi- to the Defence Ministry seeking combat troops next year. this incident” and to “continue dreds of Afghans arrested since a Bismillah Mohammadi signed a cient mechanism of survival security for its former chief. The US was l concerned that a to emphasise on how we work transfer deal was first signed in deal guaranteeing the treatment to street children. Students The source said the ministry total handover to Afghanistan’s together”. “He will make clear March 2012. of detainees and “to protect the brainstormed ideas on its forwarded the request to the inte- weak and corruption-prone secu- that the US will have an endur- Their extended control sparked people of Afghanistan and coali- sustainability, solving opera- rior ministry, which would ensure rity forces would allow suspected ing commitment in Afghanistan angry comments from Karzai and tion forces”. Mohammadi hailed tional challenges and find- proper security for the former Taliban and Al Qaeda militants that will last beyond transition a warning from Afghanistan’s top the transfer as “a crucial and pos- ing creative ways to raising president. housed at Bagram to return to and that there will always be Islamic body that the US mili- itive step towards the security and funds. The opportunity was Musharraf, who ended his the battlefield. But a final agree- bumps on the road,” the official tary was coming to be seen as an self-sufficiency of Afghanistan”, provided by the IE Business four-year self-imposed exile yes- ment was sealed on Saturday, and told reporters. “occupation” force as it battles a before 26 detainees, who were not School in Madrid, Spain. terday, has been threatened by a handover ceremony was held at Bagram was due to be turned long-running Taliban insurgency. present at the ceremony, were rel The programme exposed the the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban the jail hours before Kerry landed over on March 9, but the transfer “US control of Bagram was a eased. AFP entire IMBA class, made up Pakistan. of students from 75 nation- In a Taliban video, Adnan alities, to projects from devel- Rasheed, who took part in a Fear of drones oping and poverty-stricken previous attempt to assassinate countries. Musharraf, warned him of dire consequences upon his return. Homes scheme However, it is not clear if the National campaign to army sought enhanced security for Musharraf on its own or at eludes poor the request of the former mili- restore student unions ISLAMABAD: Initiated tary chief. When contacted, a by former prime minis- spokesperson for All Pakistan LAHORE: A campaign to restore student unions is underway in ter Shaukat Aziz in 2005, a Muslim League, Asia Ishaq said Lahore ahead of the general elections. The campaign, initiated by housing project for the poor that Musharraf, as a retired army the National Students Federation (NSF) last month, has so far in Sector I-15 is in limbo chief, was entitled to security obtained nearly 2,000 signatures. after eight years, plagued from the military. Elected student unions were banned in 1984. In 2008, then-prime with financial problems However, she claimed that the minister Yousaf Raza Gillani announced that he would lift the ban. and alleged corruption in Pakistan Army took the initiative NSF’s Punjab President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry said discussions contracts. An official from on its own and not at the request to revive student unions began soon after. “General Zia imposed this the Capital Development of Musharraf. ridiculous ban on educational campuses citing violence as one of the Authority (CDA) said land She expressed satisfaction over reasons,” said Chaudhry. had been purchased in the security measures put into place A 2008 discussion paper, Revival of Students Unions in Pakistan, late 1960s from its owners. for Musharraf’s arrival in Karachi prepared by the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and The problem, officials main- yesterday. She confirmed that the Transparency states that in 1984, it was believed that the ban was tain, has been finances. “How army personnel, along with police prompted by reports of anti-government student organisations gaining could the CDA kick-start a and other law enforcement agen- strength. The paper states that the government feared a students? project like this when it has no cies, were providing security to movement, similar to the one that led to the ouster of President Ayub money?” an officer from the Musharraf. Khan in 1969. Chaudhry, a University of Engineering and Technology Ministry of Finance asked. She said: “We face a real chal- A Pakistani doctor attending to a tribal patient at his clinic on the student says regrettably, the government had failed to fulfil its promise. He said the government also lenge in Islamabad and Lahore outskirts of the northwestern city of Peshawar. Scores of tribal people, He said, under the signature campaign, was engaging students at doesn’t have resources to sub- and we are analysing at the who suffer mental disorders due to fear of US drone strikes, visit the various educational institutes. So far the organisers have visited the sidise such projects. moment the level of security we clinic regularly. Government College University, the Punjab University and the Forman INTERNEWS may require.” INTERNEWS Christian College University. INTERNEWS TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Muslims sceptical Sunny Kashmir over special courts Community outfits question government’s sincerity

NEW DELHI: Muslims organ- Masihuddin Sanjari of Rihai then they should set an enquiry isations have expressed scepti- Manch said the government has commission to look into them. cism over the home ministry’s made no serious efforts to address Moreover, police is an institution proposal to set up special courts the issue. under them, so effectively the gov- for speedy trial of Muslim youth “There are fast-track courts ernment is aware of such cases falsely implicated in terror- functioning in several cities across and are equally responsible,” Badr related cases, terming the move the country, but so far they have said over telephone. a “lollipop” for the community. not yielded any results. We can “These statements are made to Gulzar Azmi of Jamiat Ulama-i- hope they act, but honestly there take credit but on ground there is Hind said the move has been made is no hope,” Sanjari said. nothing to support such claims. If with an eye to next year’s elections. Expressing disappointment that they want then they should take “It is a lollipop for Muslims no police officer has been prose- back all the false cases first,” ahead of the elections. They are cuted in manufacturing evidence he said. Abdul Rahim Qureshi, trying to prepare the ground for and implication Muslims falsely, spokesperson All India Muslim elections,” Azmi said. Sanjari said people in the country Personal Law Board, said: He accused the government of lack awareness about the issue. “The governments should have not being sincere about provid- “We live in a country where a mechanism to decipher between ing justice to Muslim youth falsely masses are not aware. If the reliable and unreliable ‘concocted’ implicated in such cases. “If the masses were aware they would evidence; and such a move will government is sincere and hon- rise up against such incidents, make no difference if Muslims est they should show that. It has and force the government to take continue to be implicated on often made such claims, but noth- action; but unfortunately aware- unreliable evidence.” A boatman rows a gondola across Dal Lake as the setting sun slowly dips below a cloud in Srinagar, the ing concrete has come up yet.” ness is not there.” “Many Muslims have been summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, yesterday. After two days of rainfall Kashmir witnessed a sunny day. Home Minister Sushilkumar Mehtab Alam of People’s Union kept under detention for years Shinde on Friday in a letter for Civil Liberties (PUCL) said the without being charge-sheeted. to Minority Affairs Minister home ministry proposal was not Government should ensure such K Rahman Khan said the min- very clear. cases should be dispensed imme- istry “strongly” backs the deci- “What the home ministry is diately. Also cases where youth sion for establishing such special talking about is still unclear — on who have been charge-sheeted on NIA to probe arrest of courts and promised strong action what kind of courts are going to be the basis of unreliable evidence against officers responsible for set up. We have seen in the case of should also be disposed off quickly, such cases. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) within 4-5 months,” he said. “The ministry strongly sup- Act, that even when there is a Rahman Khan also said the ports the proposal of special courts provision for special courts none government would soon introduce surrendered terrorist for the expeditious trial of these have been set up so far. “Speedy a bill on equal opportunity com- Muslim youth. I am also of the trials are a must. We have seen mission on the recommendations NEW DELHI: The home min- NIA probe into the issue. to launch a fidayeen (suicide) view that arresting and keep- innocent youth are acquitted by of thee Sachar Committee. istry yesterday sought a probe “The NIA has been asked to attack in the capital, Jammu and ing innocent persons in custody courts after they spend 14-15 “Equal Opportunity into the “controversial” arrest examine both the versions and Kashmir Police say he was on his knowingly, is indeed a serious years in jails,” Alam said. Commission (EOC) has been of Hizbul Mujahideen militant give its view,” a home ministry way back home from Pakistan to offence and our government is “Compensation is also needed approved by the Group of Sayyed Liyaqat Shah follow- official said. surrender under the rehabilita- committed to ensuring strong but it alone will not do. Apart Ministers (GoM) in the cabi- ing contradictions between Shah, a resident of Dardpora tion policy of the government. action against the officers respon- from compensation, rehabilita- net. There was an issue whether the claims of Delhi Police and village in Kashmir’s Kupwara Abdullah had Saturday dis- sible in all such cases and you tion of such people should also be the EOC should implement it Jammu and Kashmir Police, district, was arrested from Uttar cussed Shah’s arrest with Home have my assurance that this will made sure. Compensation is their for everyone or specifically for official sources said. Pradesh’s Gorakhpur when he Minister Sushilkumar Shinde happen,” Shinde said in his letter. right,” he asserted. the minorities. The GoM has The ministry has asked the entered India through the Sunauli and had emphasised that the case Azmi said the government Students Islamic Movement of decided it should be only minori- National Investigation Agency checkpost on the India-Nepal bor- should be probed by the NIA to should ensure action against India’s (SIMI) former president ties-related. Based on this recom- (NIA) to probe Shah’s arrest by der. He had flown to Kathmandu, establish the facts. officers who implicate innocent Shahid Badr said the central gov- mendation we going to introduce Delhi Police on March 20. Nepal, via Karachi in Pakistan. Shah’s family has also claimed Muslims. “If nothing is done about ernment should also take respon- a bill, which has been send for the The ministry’s decision meets There are two conflicting ver- he was returning home in the such officers, then these cases will sibility for such cases. concurrence to the law ministry,” the demand of Jammu and sions on Shah’s arrest. Kashmir Valley under the reha- continue to occur.” “If the government believes he added. Kashmir Chief Minister Omar While Delhi Police claim he was bilitation policy for surrendered Echoing similar views, that such cases do happen, IANS Abdullah who had asked for an part of a terrorist plot attempting militants. IANS

Ford India says sorry for indecent India should boycott Colombo meet: Jayalalithaa CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief “There is still time to consider Leaders’ Retreat proposed to be crimes to account,” she said. She referred to the reports advertisements Minister J Jayalalithaa yes- even an alternative venue to hold held in Colombo from November Jayalalithaa said the proposed of Canada indicating its likely terday urged Prime Minister the event. 15 to 17. Chogm is another opportunity for decision to boycott the Chogm MUMBAI: Ford India has Manmohan Singh to not “India should use this oppor- Jayalalithaa said that as an India to mount pressure on Sri in Colombo and the House of apologised for a series of adver- only ask for shifting of the tunity to ask that the venue emerging great power and an Lanka to ensure that “account- Commons Committee on Foreign tisements featuring caricatures Commonwealth Heads of for the Chogm be shifted to aspirant for a permanent seat ability is established under an Affairs in Britain urging the of bound and gagged women in Government Meeting (Chogm) another country. If India takes in the United Nations Security international framework for the prime minister to boycott the the boot of a Figo car driven by from Colombo this November this diplomatic initiative there is Council, India has a duty to ensure war crimes and genocide com- conference. former Italian prime minister but also boycott the meet and likely to be broad based support that the values of democracy and mitted in the closing stages of The DMK at its executive Silvio Berlusconi. the leaders’ retreat. amongst member countries of the respect for human rights are the civil war (against the Tamil council meeting resolved that The advertisements for the Her arch-rival DMK, which Commonwealth.” upheld anywhere in the world and Tigers in 2009) and the ongoing holding Chogm in Sri Lanka is best-selling hatchback, created by quit the central government last Stressing that any high level in particular in its neighbourhood. gross human rights abuses”. not acceptable and appropriate the Indian unit of global adver- week over the Sri Lankan issue, participation or engagement from “As a leader in South Asia, Jayalalithaa said many impor- and requested the organisers to tising giant JWT, appeared on has also made a similar demand the Indian side in the Chogm will India is uniquely positioned to tant countries across the world, change the venue. the website “Ads of the World” at its executive council meeting not only embolden the Sri Lankan exert the maximum influence including two G-8 nations pro- According to the resolution, although Ford says they were not held here. regime but also incense public on the Sri Lankans to accept pose to leverage the conference if the conference is held in Sri meant for commercial use. In a letter to Manmohan Singh, opinion and sentiment in Tamil an independent international and make substantial progress in Lanka, India should mind the They appeared online over the text of which was released Nadu, she urged the prime minis- mechanism to hold those who human rights issues in the island sentiments of Tamils world over the weekend, reportedly without to the media, Jayalalithaa said: ter not to attend the meet and the committed genocide and war nation. and boycott it. IANS Ford’s approval, at a time when India is under fire for its treat- ment and portrayal of women fol- lowing a series of sexual assaults. One advert showed three Cardboard cops to enforce scantily-clad women in the boot of the car with a smiling Berlusconi flashing a peace sign at the wheel, road rules in Bangalore above the tagline: “Leave your worries behind with Figo’s extra- BANGALORE: Police in the added. Such lifesize flatpack cut- large boot”. high-tech hub Bangalore are outs are frequently used in places Another featured a Paris trying a new way to reduce like Britain and North America Hilton-like caricature in the driv- traffic offences — using card- as a crime prevention measure er’s seat with US celebrity Kim board cops to scare drivers into but Saleem said he believed it Kardashian and two other women believing the long arm of the was the first time such an idea gagged in the boot. law is watching them. had been employed in Indian A third advert shows Michael Road deaths have surged in cities. Schumacher with F1 rivals India despite a low rate of car So far, three khaki-clad Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton ownership with a lethal combi- cardboard policemen have and Fernando Alonso gagged in nation of poor law enforcement, been deployed on major roads the back. “We deeply regret this untrained drivers and bad roads in the city, known as the home incident and agree with our making the country one of the of India’s flagship outsourcing agency partners that it should world’s leading centres of road industry. have never happened,” Ford said deaths. One cardboard policeman was in a statement. “The posters are Many Indian drivers will only stolen last week but that has contrary to the standards of pro- obey traffic rules if they think not discouraged Saleem who fessionalism and decency within law enforcers will reach out and said the fake policemen will now Ford and our agency partners.” apprehend them “and we can’t be removed when it is dark to The auto firm, a wholly owned be omnipresent”, additional reduce chances of theft. subsidiary of Ford Motor, said Bangalore police commissioner He said he plans to install it was “reviewing approval and M A Saleem said yesterday. 10 more cardboard police on oversight processes” to ensure “Drivers in Indian cities violate Bangalore’s roads. that “nothing like this ever hap- traffic rules when there are no “It’s good. From a distance pens again”. cops around — they jump traffic it looks like a real cop,” one The WPP Group, which owns lights and go the wrong way on Bangalore driver told NDTV, JWT, said the adverts were never one-way streets,” he said. while another told the TV net- meant for paid publication and Motorists stop next to a life-size cutout of a traffic policeman placed at a busy intersection in Bangalore. Local “These cutout cops are very work he had been fooled by the “should never have been cre- authorities have employed cutouts to dissuade motorists from violations. effective and they can be on the cutouts.. ated, let alone uploaded to the job seven days a week,” Saleem AFP Internet”. AFP TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Korean student Little monk molested on Kolkata bus One held, hunt on for other two

KOLKATA: Three men chased highlighted a lack of safe trans- and allegedly molested a South port for women in the country of Korean student on a bus in 1.2 billion people. eastern India, police said yes- Police said they were search- terday, in the latest incident to ing for the two other men accused raise fears over women’s safety of molesting the South Korean in the country. woman who is studying in the The 20-year-old college stu- city. dent was attempting to board a The arrested man later crowded bus in Kolkata early yes- appeared in court and was terday when three men tried to remanded in police custody until drag her out of the vehicle, police April 2, Kolkata deputy police official Subhendu Barik said. chief Sumanjit Roy said. “She managed to get into the Yesterday’s incident comes A young monk is redirected by a security officer as Buddhist monks and devotees gather during the inauguration of the 130-foot Buddha statue by bus. The youths also boarded the just days after a British tour- Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, at Buddha Park in Rabong in South Sikkim, yesterday. The park named ‘Tathagatatsal’ covers 23 acres and bus and stood behind her” and ist jumped off a hotel balcony was formally inaugurated by the Dalai Lama. then allegedly molested her, he in the Taj Mahal city of Agra said. in a bid to escape an alleged The computer science student sexual assault. jumped off the bus with the men Earlier this month, a Swiss in pursuit and she ran towards a cyclist was gang-raped in Madhya Shiv Sena opposes pardon for Dutt traffic official who helped catch Pradesh while a South Korean one of the three and brought him tourist was allegedly drugged MUMBAI: Amid the growing society,” said Shiv Sena legislator Her assertions came in the to initiate proceedings to enable to a nearby police station where and raped in the same state in clamour for considering a par- Neelan Gorhe, while speaking on wake of the Supreme Court ver- Dutt to get a pardon from the she filed a complaint. January by the son of the owner don for convicted Bollywood a debate in the legislative council dict on March 19 which upheld state governor. Female commuters in India of a hotel where she was staying. actor Sanjay Dutt, the Shiv on the law and order situation in Dutt’s conviction for illegal pos- Interestingly, the Dutts have face daily sexual harassment in Nationwide protests over the Sena yesterday opposed the Maharashtra. session of prohibited weapons been very close to the Thackeray the country’s congested buses and deadly attack in New Delhi put move on the grounds that it She said leaders from various like an AK-56 assault rifle and family. The late actor-turned trains, where men easily outnum- pressure on Indian authorities to would send “a wrong message” political parties have demanded a revolver and sentenced him to -politician Sunil Dutt and late ber women. pass a tough new anti-rape law to society. that Dutt be pardoned. “However, five years in jail. Sena supremo Bal Thackeray The fatal gang-rape of a last week which also includes a “There is no need for a rethink if leniency is shown to Dutt, it Following the judgment, vari- enjoyed a strong personal rap- 23-year-old student by six men maximum three-year jail term for on the Supreme Court judg- would be tantamount to provid- ous film personalities, politicians port despite differing political on a moving bus in the Indian sexual groping. ment. If Dutt is given a pardon, ing a political cover to convicts,” cutting across parties appealed backgrounds. capital New Delhi last December AFP it will send a wrong message to Gorhe argued. to the Maharashtra government IANS

Delhi gang-rape suspect taken Congress, BJP rebuff SP’s third front vision NEW DELHI: In a sharp The Congress was react- that a third or fourth front would elections through a common and the BJP — are not in a posi- to hospital rebuff to the Samajwadi Party ing to SP Chief Mulayam Singh continue to be in the news for the agenda. tion to form a government. (SP), the Congress and the BJP Yadav’s recent remarks that “wrong reasons” but it will be a Mulayam Singh, whose party Mulayam Singh’s son and Uttar NEW DELHI: A defendant in yesterday said that there was the Bharatiya Janata Party-led “non-starter”. rules Uttar Pradesh and supports Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh the New Delhi bus gang-rape no possibility of a third front National Democratic Alliance But the Nationalist Congress the UPA from outside, has been Yadav told a TV channel on trial was admitted to hospital central government after the (NDA) was better at handling Party (NCP), a UPA partner, flexing muscles of late saying the Sunday that the SP was ready yesterday with chest pains, a 2014 general elections. coalition partners than the said that the era of coalition had next Lok Sabha polls, sceduled for with a plan to withdraw support fortnight after his brother and “I don’t think there is any pos- Congress-led United Progressive begun. 2014, could be held this year. to the UPA government after the co-accused was found dead in a sibility of any third front. History Alliance. “Different parties with com- He has asked SP workers to parliament’s budget session ends prison cell, a report said. is witness that whenever a third Congress general secre- mon understandings and a pro- prepare for a general election. on May 10. Mukesh Singh was taken to front has come into existence, tary Digvijaya Singh dismissed gramme will come together to His calculation is to garner The SP’s support to the UPA Safdarjung hospital after he com- it has collapsed for the sake of Mulayam Singh’s view. “We form the government and the enough Lok Sabha seats from has become crucial after the exit plained of feeling unwell while in power,” Congress spokesper- work according to the situation.. political formation,” NCP general Uttar Pradesh to project himself of DMK last week over a United transit from Tihar jail to the court, son Rashid Alvi told reporters. Whatever he (Mulayam Singh) has secretary D P Tripathi said. as the head of a possible coalition Nations Human Right Council the Press Trust of India news agency “People do not trust such third said is not anything new,” he said. He also urged regional parties of regional parties in case both the (UNHRC) vote against Sri Lanka quoted public prosecutor Dayan fronts,” he said. BJP leader Balbir Punj said to group before the 2014 general national parties — the Congress in Geneva. IANS Krishnan as telling the trial judge. Proceedings at the court in Saket, in south Delhi, were adjourned in the afternoon as offi- Karunanidhi attends meeting cials waited for the hospital report. Mukesh Singh is one of four men on trial for the murder and gang-rape of a 23-year-old student who died in hospital in Singapore on December 29, 13 days after being attacked on a bus as she returned from a movie in the Indian capital. A 17-year-old defendant is being tried sepa- rately in a youth court. Mukesh Singh’s brother, Ram Singh, who was the driver of the bus used in the attack, was found hanging in his prison cell in Tihar on March 11. The Delhi Police yesterday opposed in a special court the bail plea of one of the four accused in the gang-rape case, saying he may abscond and tamper with the evi- dence if enlarged on bail. AFP The chief of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party M Karunanidhi wipes his face during the party’s executive meeting in Chennai, yesterday. DMK pulled out of the ruling coalition at the centre, last week. Abandoned widows break taboos

NEW DELHI: Abandoned the advent of spring, Sulabh, a relatives who see them as a tasked by the Supreme Court Hindu widows have broken civic charity, said. financial drain and consider last August to work with the taboos and are taking part for “It’s a Holi of hope for these even their shadows a curse, have women after reports of widows’ the first time in the exuberant women,” said Bindeshwar traditionally sung hymns and bodies being put in sacks and annual religious festival of col- Pathak, founder of Sulabh begged in the pilgrimage city on thrown in the river. ours, said a charity working to International, which works the banks of the Yamuna River. Sulabh has been providing end the stigma surrounding with the widows, adding that “The ‘shame’ of widowhood a monthly allowance of `2,000 the women. the women would take part in is still very strong in some ($40) a month to 700 widows Banished by families after more festival celebrations over traditional quarters -- they and teaching skills but is reach- their husbands’ deaths for sup- the next few days. On Sunday, aren’t allowed to celebrate, ing only a small number of the posedly bringing bad luck, des- hundreds of widows participated attend marriages, they’re sup- estimated 15,000 widows said to perately poor widows have for in the first day of the festivi- posed to live in seclusion, shave be living in Vrindavan. centuries travelled to the north- ties which culminate tomorrow, their heads and dress in white,” The women who took part in ern city of Vrindavan, where the pelting coloured powder at each Pathak explained. Holi celebrations on Sunday said Hindu deity Krishna is said to other, dancing to traditional “It is essentially a form of the day was special. have grown up, to pray and wait Holi songs and showering each life imprisonment for these “We used to watch men and to die. other with flowers. widows,” he said, whose plight women play Holi from the win- But this year, the widows in “In this Holi we are celebrat- was depicted in the 2005 Oscar- dows of our ashram (secluded Vrindavan, 135km south of the ing we are trying to free these nominated film Water. community). The celebrations capital New Delhi, are taking widows from the shackles of Sulabh, which has done pio- of the town are legendary,” part in the festival of colours tradition,” said Pathak. neering social work in India in Pushpa Adhikari told the Times known as Holi, which heralds The women, cast off by sanitation and other fields, was of India. AFP TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Tuesday 26 March 2013 14 Jumada I 1434 Volume 18 Number 5650 Price: QR2 Govt spending set to fuel growth of QNB Bank to get lion’s share of infrastructure project lending

BY SATISH KANADY to outperform its peers and record robust at CAGR of 45.8 percent sustainable growth. “The bank during the same period. DOHA: Qatar’s top banker has a low loan to deposit ratio, “We expect loan growth to QNB is expected to be the big- which provides it the headroom remain strong in 2013, given the gest beneficiary of the govern- to tap economic growth in Qatar. government’s focus on invest- ment’s substantial spending QNB has the second-highest ROE ments in large-sized infrastruc- on infrastructure projects, a among its peers, after Doha Bank. ture projects,” GIH report said. report has revealed. QNB’s capital base is more than Qatari banks’ net loan growth The expected increase in large three times larger than that of its in 2012 was strong at 25.9 y-o-Y infrastructure projects is likely to closest competitor”. to QR431.3bn, driven primarily by boost growth in QNB’s loan book The report noted Qatari banks the public sector corporate lend- in 2013, Global Investment House are exposed to lack of major trig- ing. Financing of large capital (GIH) 2013 Outlook on the Qatari ger in the domestic market in investments for Qatar’s infra- Banking sector has revealed. 2013 as public sector remains the structure development has been “We expect all banks to benefit major driver of loan growth. the key to the surge in overall from the increasing government Hence, the acquisitions are lending activities. focus and expenditure on infra- likely to be the key agenda for GIH said it believes that in the structure development in Qatar. Qatari banks to propel loan book run up to the 2022 World Cup, However, QNB is expected to be growth in 2013. Qatari banks wit- capital investment for Qatar’s the chief beneficiary of the strong nessed increase in M&A activi- infrastructure development will thrust in government spending in ties in 2012. Banks with a strong continue to drive lending growth. 2013, as it has been the preferred capital base have been the first “Qatar government plans to banking partner of the Qatari movers in the M&A market. spend $138bn on infrastructure government. Public sector lending has in 2011-16 in preparation to the We expect QNB to register a yielded strong growth in the world cup. We expect aggregate loan growth of 18.7 percent YoY in loan books of the Qatari banks lending by the Qatari banks to 2013. It is expected to account for over the last three years, as the increase in 2013, led by infra- 59.1 percent of the incremental government-led infrastructure structure development. Lending growth in banking sector lending spending gained momentum. The activities are expected to increase in 2013,” the report said. loan book of the banking sector at a CAGR 13.2 percent during The GIH, which upgraded QNB expanded at a compound annual 2013-16, driven by double digit to a ‘Strong Buy’ category, noted growth (CAGR) of 26.3 percent growth in lending to the public the bank’s high capital strength during 2009-12 as lending to the and real estate sectors”. and low cost of funding enable it government sector remained THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS $100 a barrel ‘reasonable’ Doha Bank rights issue price for oil: oversubscribed 1.8 times Saudi minister Response shows investors’ confidence KUWAIT CITY: Opec’s larg- est oil producing member Saudi DOHA: Doha optimism about that approved the first phase of Develop quality renewable Arabia yesterday said that $100 Bank said yes- its strong future increase of 25 percent of the cur- a barrel is a “reasonable” price terday its rights performance, rent paid-up share capital (that for oil while its Gulf neighbour issue is oversub- Sheikh Fahad bin is 206,697,802 shares) through energy projects: Experts Kuwait said the price is “fair” scribed 1.8 times Mohammed bin the issuance of 51,674,450 new and the market was stable. and added it would Jabor Al Thani (pic- shares to Doha Bank’s existing DOHA: The concluding day summit] have their own areas “In 1997, I thought 20 dollars soon be refunding tured), Chairman shareholders who were regis- of the 4th Annual Qatar of expertise, so now we just need was reasonable. In 2006, I though excess amounts of the bank’s board, tered at Qatar Exchange at the Alternative Energy Investors to work on bringing them all 27 dollars was reasonable,” Saudi to subscribers was quoted as saying close of business on February 19. Summit witnessed over 12 together. We have the necessary Oil Minister Ali bin Ibrahim Al after necessary in the statement. According to the chairman, international and regional financial resources and that is the Nuaimi told reporters in Kuwait approvals. Sheikh Fahad the proposed capital increase will industry experts underscoring first step, we just have to continue City on the sidelines of a Gulf oil The bank said in said Doha Bank enhance the shareholders’ equity the need for developing access working together,” explained El conference. a statement yes- will coordinate with base and support the bank’s pros- to quality renewable energy Garf. “Now, it is around $100 ... and I terday that the Ministry of Business pects for achieving its strategic projects and understanding the Rebecca Groening, Business say again ‘it is reasonable’.” oversubscription to the tune of and Trade, the Qatar Financial goals at the local, regional and economic case for alternative Development Manager at Energy Kuwait’s Oil Minister Hani QR2.8bn reflected encouraging Markets Authority and Qatar global levels. energy in Qatar. Research Centre of Netherlands Hussein said the “current oil response from the bank’s share- Exchange to list the shares allot- It will also strengthen the Heads of various financial insti- said she was very optimistic about price is fair.” holders who were eligible to sub- ted to the shareholders who sub- bank’s lending capacity and tutions from across the region the region’s development. “There is a little bit of over- scribe to the issue. scribed in the rights issue and improve its competitive edge gathered yesterday to discuss Omran Al Kuwari, CEO,Green supply but we think that the The issue, the size of which that the refund of excess amounts especially keeping in view the investment opportunities and Gulf and John Dewar, Partner market is stable at the moment,” was over 51.67 million shares, would be announced after taking anticipated boom in various challenges for alternative energy and Chair of the Islamic Finance he said. was priced at QR30 (QR10 being all necessary approvals from the economic sectors in the State of in the region. Practice, Milbank, Tweed, Hadley Oil prices rose in Asian trade the face value and QR20 being concerned regulatory authorities Qatar in the coming years. Participants also explored case &McCloy LLP were among other Monday after Cyprus and its premium) and aimed at raising for both the subscription and the The proposed capital increase studies on current and future experts who took part in yester- international creditors struck QR1.55bn. allotment processes. would also enhance the Bank’s projects in Egypt,a session led by day’s discussions. Dr Alex Amato, a 10 billion euro bailout deal, The cut-off date for sharehold- The chairman said the capability to achieve the targeted Dr Mahmoud El Garf, Chairman, Head of Sustainability, Qatar averting collapse of the country’s ers of the bank to be eligible to decision to raise the capital growth in the Balance Sheet and Industrial Development Authority Green Building Council, spoke banking system. subscribe was February 19. increase through a rights’ offer Income Statement and to attain (IDA) — Ministry of Trade and on the “Passivhaus Bridge” and New York’s main contract, The oversubscription clearly was based on the resolution the highest levels of performance Industry of Egypt. its applications within the Middle light sweet crude for delivery in shows the shareholders’ con- of the Extraordinary General in the coming years. “MENA has all the ingredi- East and North African context. May, added 52 cents to $94.23 fidence in the bank and their Assembly held on February 20 THE PENINSULA ents, and all attendees [at this THE PENINSULA a barrel and Brent North Sea crude for May delivery increased 62 cents to $108.30 in afternoon trade. Self-sufficient village “We are generally happy with the oil prices at the moment ... We think that the prices now reflect the market (situation) in general ... Basically, the market is balanced,” the Kuwaiti minister said. Hussein also said that Kuwait’s oil production at present is “a lit- tle bit below 3.0 million barrels Head of Origination and Asset Management at MASDAR Daniel Calderon per day because there are some (left) and Head of Development Cooperation, International Solar Energy maintenance work,” adding that Research Center Konstanz (ISC Konstanz), Tobias Klaus at the Qatar after the maintenance is com- pleted soon Kuwait will return Alternative Energy Investors Summit yesterday. SALIM MATRAMKOT to 3.0 million bpd. AFP

Wind turbines and a biogas plant at the German village of Feldheim yesterday. Feldheim, a 60-minute drive south of Berlin and home to about 125 people, is Germany’s first and only energy self-sufficient village. QFC, Bloomberg to hold asset Qatar, Algeria management conference ink $2bn steel

DOHA: Qatar Financial a comprehensive survey and complex deal Centre (QFC) Authority and research report that is a major Bloomberg will host the Second thought leadership contribution DOHA: Qatar and Algeria will Annual Conference on Asset to understanding the current enter into a joint venture, to Management here on April 8 asset management industry in construct a steel complex cost- and 9. the MENA region. ing $2bn in Algeria’s industrial The QFC Authority will also It is based on in-depth inter- area of Bellara (Jijel), a press launch its first Asset Management views with 45 prominent asset statement said yesterday. Barometer for the Middle East managers and government invest- The planned steel complex will and North Africa (MENA) region, ment entities operating in MENA, have a total production capacity a press statement said yesterday. including key Sovereign Wealth of 4 million tonnes per year, while The two-day financial event is Funds. The aim of this report is to it is designed to produce 2 million expected bring together over 300 enhance the transparency of the tones (MT) of steel rebars in its leading global and regional asset MENA asset management mar- first phase (including 1.5 MT of managers. ketplace and provide participants steel rebars and 0.5MT of wiring Delegates, including local, with an additional benchmark for rods) to meet the requirements regional and international fund decision-making. of the local market, on a prior- managers, key investors, execu- All attendees at the Bloomberg ity basis. tives of global banks, economists, Doha Conference will receive a The joint venture was signed chief executive officers, and prom- complimentary copy of the MENA by the two sides on January 7, inent Qatari decision makers will Asset Management Barometer. while the shareholders’ agree- discuss major themes such as glo- “We are pleased to present the ment was signed on March 24, bal issues affecting asset manage- first edition of the MENA Asset for the construction and opera- ment, opportunities in various Management Barometer,” said tion of the steel complex. Algeria asset classes and market condi- Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida, Chief (represented by Sider Co & tions in the Middle East. Strategic Development Officer, National Investment Fund) will The conference will feature QFC Authority. “This report hold 51 percent stake, while a special address by Minister offers a current and comprehen- Qatar Steel International will of Economy and Finance H E sive understanding of the asset hold the remaining 49 percent Yousuf Hussein Kamal, as well as management industry across the (represented by Qatar Steel 24.5 an update on the QFC Authority MENA region. We believe that percent, and Qatar Mining 24.5 from the Managing Director and it will contribute to the growth percent). Board Member Abdulrahman and transparency of the sec- The joint venture is scheduled Ahmad Al Shaibi. tor and offer participants vital to be established within a month, During the event, the QFC analysis and additional perform- and the project is expected to take Authority will launch its first ance metrics to help in their 42 months. The plant’s commer- MENA Asset Management decision-making.” cial production is expected to Barometer. The Barometer is THE PENINSULA start in 2017. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Qatar, Trinidad shipments ease Britain’s gas worries

LONDON: British wholesale 11 percent. A late blast of win- arrive in the Britain by April 3 unloading supplies. “The mar- Traders re-injected gas into Sources said the Trinidad LNG gas prices fell by up to 20 per- ter weather has drained Britain’s has dented sentiment. ket is less worried by low storage storage sites over the weekend, cargo was likely heading into the cent yesterday, undermined by already modest gas stocks to Two shipments from Qatar levels right now given the arrival preventing stock levels dropping Dragon terminal. major gas shipments due from around a 10th of their capacity, are due to unload at UK import of new LNG tankers this week... below 10 percent full, although Imports from Belgium steadied Qatar and Trinidad to help sparking fears of supply restric- terminals this week, arriving there’s plenty of gas around is the withdrawals continued at the at around 60 mcm. Norway flowed replenish stored gas reserves tions with the cold weather fore- yesterday and on Friday, while a feeling,” one gas trader said. start of the working week. about 113 mcm in total. depleted by weeks of abnor- cast to continue into early April. shipment from Trinidad should Britain’s gas market was over- Britain’s biggest such facility, “Total imports are up from mally cold weather. Low inventories combined with arrive on April 3, ship-tracking supplied by around 10 million Rough, flowed 24 mcm while the Friday’s average due to increases The price of gas for weekend cold weather forecasts spurred data shows. cubic metres (mcm) on Monday long dormant Dragon LNG ter- in flows from Belgium and the delivery fell about 20 percent to gas prices towards record highs A cargo from Qatar aboard morning, with demand at 373 minal in Wales resumed pumping Netherlands and LNG send 84 pence per therm, while the last week, but the announce- the Mekaines arrived at the Isle mcm running nearly 40 percent gas at rates of 12 mcm, boosting outs from Dragon,” analysts at day-ahead gas contract slumped ment that three liquid natural of Grain terminal in Kent over above average levels, data from supplies and relieving strain on Thomson Reuters Point Carbon to 93.50 pence, a drop of around gas (LNG) deliveries are due to the weekend and is currently National Grid showed. other infrastructure. said. REUTERS

Region’s bourses mixed as Cyprus bags €10bn deal investors await Q1 results DUBAI: Kuwait’s bourse tum- YESTERDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS bled to a two-week low yester- QATAR: The index ticked up 0.01 Nicosia was in danger of crashing out of European single currency union day as investors sold shares in percent to 8,580 points. small-cap companies ahead of SAUDI ARABIA: The index gained BRUSSELS/NICOSIA: a deadline to report corporate 0.4 percent to 7,163 points. Cyprus reached a last-ditch earnings, while other regional BAHRAIN: The index fell 2.7 per- deal with international lend- markets were mixed in thin ers on a ¤10bn ($13bn) rescue trade as investors await first- cent to 1,085 points. plan to avoid economic melt- quarter earnings. DUBAI: The index gained 0.2 per- down, agreeing to close down its Kuwait firms must publish cent to 1,901 points. second-largest bank and inflict fourth-quarter results by March ABU DHABI: The index climbed heavy losses on big depositors. 31 and many have yet to do so. 0.2 percent to 2,999 points. The agreement came hours Failure to meet this deadline KUWAIT: The index dropped 2.1 before a deadline to avert a col- could lead to their shares being percent to 6,690 points. lapse of the banking system in suspended, sparking yesterday’s OMAN: The index advanced 0.01 fraught negotiations between sell-off. percent to 6,170 points. President Nicos Anastasiades and More than 50 companies face EGYPT: The index slipped 0.5 per- heads of the European Union, the this possible sanction, accord- cent to 5,231 points. European Central Bank and the ing to Fouad Darwish, head of International Monetary Fund. brokerage at Global Investment Without a deal, Cyprus’s bank- House. extending 2013 gains to 14 per- ing system would have collapsed Gulf Investment House and cent. In Saudi Arabia, real estate and the country could have Abyaar Real Estate dropped 7 stocks extended gains on bets the become the first to crash out of and 2.9 percent respectively. sector will benefit from a new the European single currency. The main index lost 2.1 per- mortgage law being introduced. Backed by eurozone finance cent, its biggest daily drop in five The sector’s index rose 1.5 percent ministers, the plan will spare the months and lowest close since to a fresh 10-month high. Mediterranean island a financial March 11. The market is still up Banking and petrochemical catastrophe by winding down 12.7 percent year-to-date. stocks also supported the main the largely state-owned Popular In the UAE, Dubai’s bourse index, which climbed 0.4 percent Bank of Cyprus, also known as climbed 0.2 percent in muted to its highest since Jan. 12. Laiki, and shifting deposits below trade. Many investors are wary Al Rajhi Bank and Yanbu ¤100,000 to the Bank of Cyprus to of increasing their exposure due National Petrochemical Co. added create a “good bank”. to fears a sharp correction may 0.8 and 1.9 percent respectively. Deposits above ¤100,000 in both A Bank of Cyprus branch in Bucharest yesterday. be imminent following an early- Elsewhere, Egypt’s main banks, which are not guaranteed year surge. benchmark slipped 0.5 percent in under EU law, will be frozen and unforeseeable consequences.” there was a mood of wariness threatened to resign at one stage The index has been trapped in thin trading as investors hesitate used to resolve Laiki’s debts and Asked about the level of losses about the deal. “How long will it on Sunday if pushed too far. a 100-point range since hitting a to increase exposure as a weak recapitalise Bank of Cyprus, on uninsured depositors in Bank last?” asked Georgia Xenophontos, The Conservative leader, barely 39-month peak in late February, political and economic backdrop the island’s biggest, through a of Cyprus, he told state radio: 23, a hotel receptionist in Nicosia. a month in office and wrestling raising worries of a sharp sell-off. weighs on sentiment. deposit/equity conversion. “The assessment is that it will be “Why should anyone believe any- with Cyprus’s worst crisis since Trading volumes have dipped in National Societe Generale Bank The raid on uninsured Laiki under or around 30 percent.” thing this government says?” a 1974 invasion by Turkish forces recent sessions as investors wait jumped 10 percent with 16,591 depositors is expected to raise The Cyprus central bank said But many in the capital split the island in two, was forced for first-quarter earnings. shares bring trades, which ana- ¤4.2bn, Eurogroup chairman the agreement had also avoided appeared intent on enjoying a to abandon his efforts to shield big Abu Dhabi’s bench- lysts say may be an error trade. Jeroen Dijssebloem said. the disorderly default of Laiki sunny holiday morning, drink- account holders. Diplomats said mark advanced 0.2 percent, REUTERS Laiki will effectively be shut- Bank. ing coffee at pavement cafes and the president had fought hard to tered, with thousands of job losses. Russia signalled it would back watching camera crews filming preserve the country’s business Officials said senior bondholders the bailout even though it would people drawing money from bank model as an offshore financial QATARI MARKET in Laiki would be wiped out and impose big losses on Russian machines. German Chancellor centre drawing huge sums from Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P those in Bank of Cyprus would depositors, who have billions in Angela Merkel said the deal wealthy Russians and Britons but Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 104.56 0.70 % Aa2 AA have to make a contribution. Cyprus banks. President Vladimir was right for Cyprus because it had lost. Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.94 1.52 % Aa2 AA An EU spokesman said no Putin ordered officials to restruc- ensured that those who contrib- The EU and IMF required across-the-board levy or tax would ture a loan Moscow granted to uted to the crisis were required to that Cyprus raise ¤5.8bn from its Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 124.13 2.25 % Aa2 AA be imposed on deposits in Cypriot Cyprus in 2011 — having rejected pay towards its resolution. banks towards its own rescue in Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 117.00 2.52 % Aa2 AA banks, although the hit on large Nicosia’s request for easier terms Lefteris Christoforou, vice- return for ¤10bn in international Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 111.88 2.96 % Aa2 AA account holders in the two biggest in crisis talks last week. chairman of the ruling Democratic loans. The head of the EU rescue Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 169.50 4.09 % Aa2 AA banks is likely to be far greater Prime Minister Dmitry Rally party, said it was important fund said Cyprus should receive Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 128.25 4.56 % Aa2 AA than initially planned. Medvedev — who ranks below that Cyprus had avoided a chaotic the first emergency funds in May. Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 118.50 4.59 % Aa2 AA Cyprus government spokesman Putin — earlier criticised the bail- bankruptcy. “It is a bad deal, but IMF chief Christine Lagarde Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.13 1.25 % Aa2 AA Christos Stylianides said: “We out, voiced the anger expressed by the extreme scenario we had to said the agreement was “a com- averted a disorderly bankruptcy Russian depositors, saying: “The contend with was worse.” prehensive and credible plan” that Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 114.50 2.80 % Aa2 AA which would have led to an exit stealing of what has already been A senior source in the addresses the core problem of the Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 105.75 1.45 % A1 A- of Cyprus from the eurozone with stolen continues.” Among Cypriots, Brussels talks said Anastasiades banking system. REUTERS Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.63 2.17 % A1 A- QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.50 2.02 % NR NR QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.50 1.76 % Aa3 A+ QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.63 2.13 % Aa3 A+ Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.75 2.24 % A2 A- ibq goodies for salary transfers Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.63 1.73 % A2 A Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 131.00 2.46 % A2 A DOHA: The International Bank partners. Travel and purchase pro- Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 111.88 3.04 % A2 A of Qatar (ibq) in its efforts to tection are also standard features Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 110.75 3.91 % A2 A enhance retail banking has on all of its credit cards adding to Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 106.63 1.05 % Aa3 A announced offering a line-up of the product offering and further Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 108.13 3.36 % Aa3 A benefits and perks to prospects reinforcing client’s choice to bank Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 111.38 3.56 % Aa3 A choosing to transfer their sal- with ibq. 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This prestigious • Bullion - Mumbai *Periodic Distribution Amount ‘Widam’ recently recognized accolade strongly accentuates the Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 29680 IMPORTANT NOTE: bagged an international quality relentless efforts and steadfast Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which award in Geneva, a press state- commitment of our entire team Silver (1 kg) Rs. 55020 is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services ment said yesterday. at Widam who firmly believes in • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.77 Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary Deputy Supply Chain Manager the role we play as a premium • Sensex data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or part of this material. 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QE Indices Summary QE Index 8,580.01 0.01 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 12,113.73 0.01 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,559.09 0.12 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,154.73 0.08 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,045.82 0.07 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5001.509 20.725 0.42 5174.4 4664.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 5,179.25 0.13 % QR187.1981 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 3816.99 46.7 1.24 3871.58 3600.81 UK ...... QR 5.5017 QR 5.5788 QE All Share Industrials 2,942.98 0.30 % SILVER QE All Share Insurance 1,931.27 0.73 % Dj Indu Average 14512.03 0 0 14546.8 12035.1 QR 3.3660 Euro ...... QR 4.6901 QR 4.7552 QE All Share Real Estate 1,509.7 0.51 % CA$ ...... QR 3.5403 QR 3.6100 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Telecoms 1,180.89 0.26 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.8384 QR 3.8927 QE All Share Transportation 1,468.68 0.13 % Hang Seng Inde/D 22251.15 135.85 0.61 23944.74 21975.9 Yen ...... QR 0.0381 QR 0.0388 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7789 QR 3.8541 Iseq Overall/D 3978.22 52.68 1.34 3993.49 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0666 QR 0.0679 25-03-2013 24-03-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 17961.91 -1.2 -0.01 18312.65 16036.31 Index 8,580.01 8,578.74 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0367 QR 0.0375 Change 1.27 26.86 Nikkei 225 Index 12546.46 207.93 1.69 12650.26 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0883 QR 0.0901 % 0.01 0.31 $109.14 SL Re ...... QR 0.0285 QR 0.0292 YTD% 2.64 2.63 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1563.62 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0461 QR 0.0470 Volume 5,280,587 4,613,549 Straits Times/D 3267.48 8.91 0.27 3319.19 3160.83 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0419 QR 0.0427 Value (QAR) 325,502,542.44 148,540,309.18 $107.18 Trades 2,789 2,797 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3893 QR 0.3969 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 23 | Down 13 | Unchanged 02

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 25-03-2013

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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

A B G Infra-B/D 46 0.5 6221 Century Enka-B/D 99.3 -0.65 6344 Hind Motors-B/D 8.86 0.1 200541 Lgb Broth-B/D 194.45 -2.6 10581 Patspin India-/D 4.1 -0.4 7121 Kingfisher/D 283.2 -4.3 3570484 A C C-A/D 1156.15 8.85 19924 Century Text-A/D 281.2 -6.55 77158 Hind Org Chem-/D 10.05 -0.77 54231 Lloyd Metal-B/D 12.17 -0.46 8452 Punjab Chem.-B/D 46.8 -1.05 2139 Land Secs Grou/D 820.01 7 332220 Aarti Drugs-B/D 167.45 -18.6 3926 Chambal Fert-B/D 51 1.05 170680 Hind Unilever-/D 462.5 3.3 141825 Lloyd Steel-B/D 9.43 -0.75 139781 Radico Khait-B/D 124.35 -3.1 82730 Legal & Genera/D 171.3 2.2 3309869 Aban Offs-B/D 257.3 -4.6 57875 Chola Invest-B/D 270.45 1.5 3417 Hind.Petrol-A/D 282.05 -1.7 115746 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 14.85 -0.65 32993 Rallis India-B/D 114.65 -3.95 44485 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 49.358 0.73 41332234 Ador Welding-B/D 111 -0.75 2623 Chowgule St-B/D 11 0 4479 Hindalco-A/D 88 -1.65 948212 Lumax Ind-B/D 337.9 -1.35 1257 Rallis India-B/D 114.65 -3.95 44485 Marks & Sp./D 396.3 -1.5 1549014 Aegis Logis-B/D 121.7 0 15486 Cimmco-B/D 24.2 -2.15 4918 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 805.2 9.2 157720 Lupin-A/D 629.15 1.3 87083 Reliance Indus/D 312.15 -5.1 47161 Next/D 4347 -14 123219 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 106.7 -3.25 2054 Cipla-A/D 380.5 -1.75 79809 I F C I-A/D 26.5 -0.1 2065201 Lyka Labs-B/D 8.75 0 8768 Ruchi Soya-B/D 64 1.55 23316 Pearson/D 1181.97 5 495513 Alembic-B/D 16 0.05 32607 City Union Bk-/D 53.15 1.1 380047 Idbi-A/D 81.15 -1 245460 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 95.45 -3.65 27171 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 421.5 8.8 8696 Prudential/D 1104 3 1125042 Alok Indus-B/D 7.97 0.15 2273442 Colgate-A/D 1281.2 -28.1 17282 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 77.45 1 14565 Maha Scooter-B/D 379.3 -20.1 10909 Salora Inter-B/D 13.9 -0.09 2738 Rank Group/D 172.3917 -3.5 29014 Andhra Paper-B/D 187.8 -2.45 13203 Dhampur Sugar-/D 41.2 -0.9 10968 India Cement-B/D 81.9 -0.35 424891 Mangalam Cem-B/D 130.8 0.3 1976 Saur.Cem-B/D 20.95 -0.85 5577 Rentokil Initi/D 101.336 2.85 995673 Apollo Tyre-A/D 82.6 0.3 162942 Dr. Reddy-A/D 1766.65 14.7 12103 India Glycol-B/D 124.4 0.85 11793 Maral Overs-B/D 10.36 -0.14 1657 Sterling Tool-/D 93 0 1451 Rolls Royce Pl/D 1119 22 1011129 Asahi I Glass-/D 48.3 1.8 67192 E I H-B/D 55.7 -0.8 79465 Indian Hotel-A/D 53.75 0.3 122469 Mastek-B/D 119.6 -1.7 2933 Thirumalai-B/D 90.6 -3.8 6657 Rsa Insrance G/D 118 0.4 4073249 Ashok Leyland-/D 22.5 -0.45 275415 E.I.D Parry-B/D 151.3 -0.35 20130 Indusind-A/D 391.85 -8.9 183275 Max India L-A/D 228.4 2.4 14292 Timexgroup-B/D 12.8 -0.45 103397 Sainsbury(J)/D 380.132 4.6 1635357 Bajaj Hold-A/D 897.5 1.1 1176 Eimco Elecon-B/D 149.15 -1 20403 J.B.Chemical-B/D 72.5 -1.65 51936 Mrpl-A/D 49.4 -0.75 95908 Ultramarine-B/D 59.3 -0.8 7135 Schroders/D 2126 33 183810 Ballarpur In-B/D 17.15 -0.2 1186609 Electrosteel-B/D 15.8 -0.2 175795 Jbf Indu-B/D 98.75 -1.95 14221 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 17.45 -1.05 1510 Unitech P -A/D 22.95 -1 3407755 Severn Trent/D 1673 -10 139317 Bata India-A/D 719.5 0.75 22911 Emco-B/D 17.9 -0.55 48399 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.39 0 23662 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 17.45 -1.05 1510 Smith&Nephew/D 753.5 4.5 392304 Bayer Crop-A/D 1144.95 32.25 5763 Escorts-B/D 50.2 -1.3 165186 Jct Ltd-B/D 0.78 -0.14 185241 Nahar Spg.-B/D 72.85 3.9 12733 LONDON Smiths Group/D 1276 5 201620 Beml Ltd-B/D 142.7 -5.8 36403 Essar Oil-A/D 77.05 6 3199025 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 2.8 -0.14 22574 Nath Seeds-B/D 3.84 -0.31 17043 Standrd Chart /D 1721.5 20 977447 Bhansali Eng-B/D 14.01 -0.99 10500 Eveready Indu-/D 16.55 0 103212 Jik Indust-B/D 0.96 -0.04 30554 Nation Alum -A/D 35.45 -0.8 792272 3I Group/D 318.4 6 664772 Tate & Lyle/D 844 -0.5 314460 Bharat Bijle-B/D 418.35 -8.9 8821 F D C-B/D 90.05 -2.8 19248 Jindal Drill-B/D 194.7 -5.3 2562 Navneet Pub.-B/D 57.95 1.25 288948 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 1886 25 180701 Tesco/D 374.738 2.85 3481157 Bharatgears-B/D 37.7 0.3 1279 Federal Bank-A/D 483 0.8 21861 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 95.35 -4.9 12387 Nepc India-B/D 1.89 -0.11 215837 B Sky B/D 903.18 9 748052 Tomkins/D 0 0 0 Bhartiya Int-B/D 204.8 1.65 2697 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.11 0.06 56781 Kajaria Cer-B/D 184.7 4.6 52876 Neuland Lab-B/D 93.2 2.45 6373 Barclays/D 299.0155 7 18495104 Unilever/D 2770.7 15 674798 Bhel-A/D 179.45 -0.55 407746 Finolex-B/D 93.7 0.65 31906 Kalpat Power-B/D 77.3 -1.7 12262 Nrb Bearings-B/D 31.25 0 5490 Bg Group/D 1161.537 3.5 1240699 United Util Gr/D 698.938 -10.5 1036220 Bom.Burmah-B/D 107.65 3.8 19307 Forbes-B/D 634.5 1.9 121780 Kalyani Stel-B/D 33.35 -2.3 27095 O N G C-A/D 304.6 8.75 649031 Bp/D 461.443 3.8 5345775 Vodafone Group/D 189.6711 6.2 68735901 Bombay Dyeing-/D 83.95 -0.7 85965 Gail-A/D 313.95 -6.2 37159 Kanoria Chem-B/D 30.35 1.65 1824 Oil Country-B/D 41.05 2.15 14333 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3522 34 686042 Whitbread/D 2566 49 221258 Cable Corp.-B/D 18.25 -0.55 2950 Gammon India-B/D 22.15 -0.65 39127 Kg Denim-B/D 13.16 -0.21 11798 Onward Tech-T/D 41 -1.5 8023 Bt Group/D 279.4 2.7 5192490 Camph.& All-B/D 153.7 -3.15 1611 Goodyear I -B/D 253.6 5.3 9392 Kilburnengg-B/D 11.91 0.82 75261 Orchid Chem-B/D 62.15 -0.75 295553 Centrica/D 362.728 5 2984121 Canfin Homes-B/D 139.3 1.2 9225 Hcl Infosys-B/D 37.75 0.3 74678 Klg Systel-B/D 10.88 -0.55 45625 Orient.Carb.-B/D 91.2 -3.8 5441 Gkn/D 267.63 1.9 1360425 Caprihans-B/D 35 -2.4 5645 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 7.68 -0.09 882706 Kopran-B/D 12.4 -0.58 56869 Orient.Carb.-B/D 91.2 -3.8 5441 Hsbc Holdings/D 708.6 8.8 5983176 Castrol Ind-A/D 297.1 -4.2 46002 Himat Seide-B/D 30.25 -1.35 19731 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 26.8 -1.2 1176 Oudh Sugar-B/D 16.5 0.3 6599 Imperial Tobac/D 2292 1 857183 TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

WTA and ATP Djokovic cruises Masters Miami Results MIAMI: Results yester- day from the sixth day of the $8.5m WTA and ATP Masters Miami hardcourt tournament into fourth round (x denotes seeding): Men’s Third Round: Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Somdev Devvarman (IND) 6-2, 6-4; India’s Devvarman loses to the top seed Tommy Haas (GER x15) bt Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR MIAMI: World No. 1 Novak “Considering the wind, it was a win over Ukrainian Alexandr x19) 6-3, 6-2; Gilles Simon (FRA Djokovic cruised into the nice day,” Djokovic said. Dolgopolov. x11) bt Grega Zemlja (SLO) 6-4, fourth round of the Miami ATP In other men’s action, third- Seventh-seeded Serbian Janko 6-4; Janko Tipsarevic (SRB x7) Masters and WTA tournament seeded David Ferrer of Spain con- Tipsarevic also advanced, beating bt Kevin Anderson (RSA x26) 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-0; David Ferrer yesterday with a 6-2, 6-4 victory tinued his dominance of Italian Kevin Anderson of South Africa (ESP x3) bt Fabio Fognini (ITA over India’s Somdev Devvarman. Fabio Fognini with a 6-1, 7-5 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-0. Tipsarevic will x32) 6-1, 7-5; Kei Nishikori (JPN Djokovic remained on course victory. face France’s 11th-seeded Gilles x13) bt Xavier Malisse (BEL) for a third straight title on the In the late match, Austria’s Simon, a 6-4, 6-4 winner over 6-2, 7-5; Jurgen Melzer (AUT) bt hard courts of Key Biscayne -- a Jurgen Melzer rallied to beat Slovenia’s Grega Zemlja, for a Tobias Kamke (GER) 6-7 (3/7), fourth overall -- and will battle Tobias Kamke 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-4. quarter-final slot. 6-3, 6-4; Albert Ramos (ESP) bt German veteran Tommy Haas for Ferrer broke Fognini four Women’s third seed Maria James Blake (USA) 6-4, 2-6, 7-5. a place in the quarter-finals. times en route to the victory in Sharapova, seeking a first Miami Women’s Third Round: Jelena The 25-year-old Serbian, who 79 minutes. It was his third win title after four runner-up finishes, Jankovic (SRB x22) bt Nadia won the title in 2007, 2011 and over the Italian this season and defeated fellow Russian Elena Petrova (RUS x11) 7-6 (9/7), 2012, had little trouble against his sixth in six career meetings. Vesnina 6-4, 6-2. 6-4; Alize Cornet (FRA x32) bt Devvarman, who has fallen to Ferrer, winner of two titles In the late women’s matches, Lauren Davis (USA) 2-6, 6-3, 254th in the world after a near- already this season, was play- Ana Ivanovic, of Serbia, surprised 6-2; Klara Zakopalova (CZE seven month absence last season ing his first match of the tour- Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova x21) bt Maria Kirilenko (RUS with a shoulder injury. nament after advancing to the 6-3, 6-3 and eighth seeded Sara x14) 6-2, 7-6 (7/4); Sorana Cirstea (ROM x28) bt Angelique Djokovic, who saw a 22-match third round on a walkover when Errani, of Italy, steamrolled Kerber (GER x6) 6-4, 6-0; Maria winning streak halted in the his scheduled opponent Dmitry Simona Halep 6-1, 6-0. Sharapova (RUS x3) bt Elena semi-finals at Indian Wells last Tursunov of Russia withdrew. In other women’s matches, Vesnina (RUS x29) 6-4, 6-2; week, hasn’t lost to a player out- The 30-year-old Spaniard will Romania’s Soran Cirstea upset Roberta Vinci (ITA x15) bt Carla side the top 100 since 2010. battle for a quarter-final berth sixth-seeded German Angelique Suarez Navarro (ESP x20) 5-7 Devvarman never looked like against 13th-seeded Nishikori, Kerber 6-4, 6-0, and Serbia’s 6-4, 6-4; Sara Errani (ITA x8) reversing that trend against the a 6-2, 7-5 winner over Belgian Jelena Jankovic, a former world bt Simona Halep (ROU) 6-1, Serbian, who has reached the final Xavier Malisse. No. 1, ousted 11th-seeded Russian World number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia hugs the the Miami Heat 6-0; Ana Ivanovic (SRB x12) bt in Miami every time he has made Haas, the 15th seed, set up his Nadia Petrova 7-6 (9/7), 6-4. mascot Burnie, during a time out during the Heat’s NBA basketball game Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 6-3, it past the second round. shot at Djokovic with a 6-3, 6-2 AFP against the Charlotte Bobcats in Miami, Florida, yesterday. 6-3. NBA: Heat extend winning streak to 26 matches

MIAMI: The Miami Heat won and Ray Allen had 14 for Miami, at the Indian Wells tournament. where your number will be called their 26th straight game by who were without Wade because NBA Results Djokovic even had some fun and we needed it tonight. It was crushing the lowly Charlotte of a sore right knee. Atlanta 104 Milwaukee 99 with the crowd Sunday by using a great team win,” said Heat Bobcats 109-77 despite play- The victory puts the Heat Miami 109 Charlotte 77 an oversized tennis racquet to hit coach Erik Spoelstra. Miami has ing without their all-star guard within seven wins of matching the Houston 96 San Antonio 95 a similar-sized giant tennis ball now won 11 straight against the Dwyane Wade yesterday at 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers’ all- into the seats during a break in Bobcats, including three games Oklahoma City 103 Portland 83 American Airlines Arena. time record for consecutive vic- the game. Charlotte tied the game this season. The Bobcats, who LeBron James shot 11-of-14 tories. The Heat play at Orlando Chicago 104 Minnesota 97 early in the second quarter, but own the NBA’s worst record this from the field en route to a game- today. Dallas 113 Utah 108 Miami pulled ahead for good with season, have beaten the Heat in high 32 points as the Heat contin- Kemba Walker scored a Brooklyn 102 Phoenix 100 a 10-0 run for a 33-23 lead. Miami just twice since coming ued their march towards making team-high 20 points and Gerald Philadelphia 117 Sacramento 103 Allen hit a pair of three-point- into the league eight years ago. National Basketball Association Henderson finished with 18 for ers and scored the final eight The Heat were coming off a history. The reigning league MVP the Bobcats, who have dropped weren’t in (NBA) so the competi- points during the run. The Heat 103-89 win over Detroit on Friday. also had 10 assists and eight 14 of their last 17 games. tion wasn’t as strong as it is now.” led by as much as 14 in the second The Pistons compiled a six-point rebounds. James said this streak is The Heat are the hottest sports quarter and seized an eight point, lead in the second quarter and “I think it is on everyone else’s already more impressive than the ticket in town as they inch closer 47-39, lead at halftime. also led at halftime before Miami radar now with just where we are ‘71-’72 Lakers. to NBA history. Tennis super- Charlotte cut the deficit to came storming back in the second being in second place all time in “Look at how competitive the star Novak Djokovic took time 54-49 with just over eight min- half. Mike Miller started in place most consecutive wins,” James game is today,” James said. “Back out from the ATP Tour’s Miami utes to go in the third quarter, but of Wade finished with six points Oklahoma City Thunder’s forward said of the streak. “For us, we then the leagues were separate. Masters tournament to sit court- were outscored 19-8 the remain- in 21:38 minutes of action. Wade is Kevin Durant walks off the court want to just continue to play our It wasn’t a full league. You had side at Sunday’s game. Djokovic der of the third. Miami opened one of the Heat’s offensive weap- against the Portland Trailblazers in game and continue to play the the ABA (American Basketball knows a thing or two about the fourth quarter on a 12-2 run ons this season and is averaging their NBA game in Oklahoma City, opponents on our schedule.” Association) and the NBA and streaks as he had a 22-match win and cruised to the final buzzer. 21.5 points, five rebounds and five Oklahoma, yesterday. Chris Bosh chipped in 15 points some of the greatest players streak halted earlier this month “You never know when and assists per game. AFP

Horizon Automobiles inks platinum sponsorship deal with QVA

Officials of Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) and Horizon Automobiles, the dealer of Aston Martin cars in Qatar, pose for a picture during an agreement signing ceremony in Doha on Sunday. Horizon Automobiles will be the Platinum Sponsor for the Emir Cup and the Heir Apparent Cups. QVA President Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi and Aston Martin Qatar CEO Alaa Abbas signed the deal in the presence of Mohammed Ali Al Mohannadi, QVA Secretary General, Yousuf Ahmed Kano, Assistant Secretary General; Ahmed Shaibani, QVA Executive Director and Hussein Imam, QVA Technical Expert. Wings top Ducks; Flames fight off Blues

ANAHEIM, California: Another quirk highlighted that was the best in franchise history. They in an already strange NHL schedule had NHL Results by Justin also had back-to-back shootout losses on Detroit playing the Anaheim Ducks on NY Islanders 3 Florida 0 Abdelkader’s the road against the Phoenix Coyotes ear- the road twice in a span of three days. Washington 3 NY Rangers 2 first NHL hat lier this month. Meanwhile, a great second And the Red Wings handed the team with Pittsburgh 2 Philadelphia 1 trick. effort by Jarome Iginla earned some praise the second-best record in the league back- The Ducks, from an opponent and helped the Calgary Winnipeg 3 Tampa Bay 2 to-back losses in regulation for the first who trail idle Flames snap a three-game slide. Iginla time this season. Vancouver 3 Colorado 2 Chicago by scored the game-winning goal in the third Jimmy Howard made 33 saves, Dan Cleary Calgary 3 St Louis 2 three points period of Calgary’s 3-2 victory over the St and Drew Miller scored first-period goals, Detroit 2 Anaheim 1 for the league’s Louis Blues. Thanks to a nice pass from Alex and the Red Wings won a 2-1 nail-biter best record, Tanguay, the Flames captain found himself yesterday after Friday’s 5-1 rout - a game have stumbled a bit following a 22-3-4 start on a partial breakaway. AGENCIES TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Storm halts Woods’ march A record eighth win in Florida would see American regaining the top rank

ORLANDO, Florida: Tiger Tour vice president of rules and Woods’s bid to regain the world Arnold Palmer competition Mark Russell. No. 1 ranking with an eighth Woods took a two-shot lead Bay Hill title was put on hold Invitational Scores into the final round after a six- when a severe thunder storm Scores from the US PGA Tour under par 66 on Saturday. forced the final round finish to Arnold Palmer Invitational at Woods, who has won 50 times be pushed today. the par-72 course yesterday in in 54 tries when holding the lead Woods and playing partner Orlando, Florida holes played entering the final round, seeks Rickie Fowler had just completed rounds his 77th career PGA triumph -- Beatriz Recari of Spain reacts to the second hole when the horns five shy of matching Sam Snead’s -12 Tiger Woods (US) 2 69 70 66 receiving the winner’s trophy at the blew to stop play. Woods’s birdie all-time record -- in his final Kia Classic tournament yesterday. at the par-three second put him -9 Keegan Bradley (US) 4 74 69 66 tuneup event for next month’s 12-under for the tournament and Ken Duke (US) 4 70 68 70 Masters. stretched his lead to three strokes John Huh (US) 2 67 69 71 Woods has won five titles in the over Fowler, Keegan Bradley, Ken Rickie Fowler (US) 2 73 67 67 past 12 months, a run that began Recari edges Duke and John Huh. -8 Mark Wilson (US) 5 71 68 70 at Palmer’s event last year when Woods won his seventh Arnold Brian Stuard (US) 5 74 69 67 he won his first PGA title since Kim for second Palmer Invitational title here last Thorbjorn Olesen (Denmark) 3 69 73 66 the sex scandal. This year, Woods year. A record eighth triumph in Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (Spain) 3 69 has already collected triumphs at the event would see him supplant 71 68 Torrey Pines and Doral. Tour victory Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy Justin Rose (Britain) 2 65 70 72 With a win, Woods would atop the world rankings. -7 Jimmy Walker (US) 4 69 69 70 become the first player to win CARLSBAD, California: The 14-time major champion -6 William McGirt (US) 12 74 70 70 the same PGA event eight times. Spain’s Beatriz Recari rolled in has spent a record 623 weeks on John Rollins (US) 7 68 72 71 He is already the first to win a birdie on her second playoff top of the world. Hunter Mahan (US) 6 71 70 70 eight times at the same course hole to edge Kim In-kyung and But he has not paced the rank- Henrik Stenson (Sweden) 5 71 71 69 after seven PGA titles and the capture the Kia Classic yester- ings since October of 2010 after Bill Haas (US) 4 69 66 73 2008 US Open crown at Torrey day for her second career LPGA injuries and an infamous sex -5 Ben Curtis (US) 8 72 70 70 Pines. Tour victory. scandal saw him tumble from the Ben Kohles (US) 7 69 73 70 Thirty-three players com- The 25-year-old Recari, who top 50. -4 Bubba Watson (US) 18 74 71 72 67 pleted their rounds yesterday. started playing golf at age 11, Yesterday’s storm swept across John Senden (Australia) 10 71 72 70 They included Masters champion earned her only previous LPGA the course in dramatic fashion, -3 Chris Kirk (US) 16 71 72 72 Bubba Watson, who carded a five- Tour title at the 2010 CVS LPGA with gusting winds toppling a Camilo Villegas (Colombia) 14 71 74 70 under 67 for a four-under total Challenge. television tower behind the 10th Scott Brown (US) 10 74 71 69 of 284. “It was hard down the stretch,” green. Cameron Tringale (US) 9 72 73 68 Sergio Garcia said he wouldn’t Recari said. NBC broadcaster Dan Hicks Matt Every (US) 8 72 75 66 be back today, withdrawing after “I had a birdie on 16, then after tweeted that five camera towers Brad Fritsch (Canada) 5 68 72 70 play was suspended. that this (18th) green was tough. were blown over. Spectators were -2 Retief Goosen (South Africa) 16 73 69 73 Before the storm hit Garcia “I really, really have to thank evacuated from the course and enlivened the day by playing a my family and my coach. It’s reporters from the media tent announced that the round would shot out of a tree near the fairway really special to get my second as the storm spawned a tornado resume at 10 am (14:00 GMT) of the par-four 10th. win.” Tiger Woods of the US watches his shot from a sand trap to the 16th warning in the area and briefly today. Garcia was five-over for the day Both players made bogey on the green during completion of the rain-delayed final round in the Arnold cut power in the clubhouse. “Golf course is gone, bunkers after a quadruple-bogey, a double- final hole of regulation Sunday to Palmer Invitational PGA golf tournament in Orlando, Florida, yesterday. After play had been stopped for are gone. We’re going to need time bogey and a bogey along with two set the stage for the playoff which about an hour and a half, officials for the course to drain,” said PGA birdies in 12 holes. AFP was equally mistake-prone. AFP London Games star ready to fire at gymnastics event at Aspire The Emir Cup DOHA: Arthur Nabarette trophy designed Zanneti, the London 2012 by Iraqi sculp- gold medallist, is keen to hit tor Ahmed Al the ground running when the Bahrani is seen 6th FIG World Challenge Cup in this file pic- kicks-off at Aspire Academy ture of March 15 tomorrow. in Doha. The 22-year-old arrived in The 14th sea- Doha along with the Brazilian del- son of the Emir egation for the three-day artistic Cup basket- gymnastics event. More than 150 gymnasts from ball will begin 37 countries will take part in the today at the Al Doha event. Gharafa Indoor “My form is not 100 percent Arena. because it is the beginning of the year, but I am prepared for this competition,” said Zanneti yesterday. Zanetti, who won the gold medal on rings exercise at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, is getting a positive vibe ahead of his debut performance in Doha “It is very clean and it is very beautiful and the training facility is really good,” said the Olympic champion. Basketball: Emir The Tunisian and the Iraqi delegations have been running Romania’s Catalina Ponor is seen in action during her beam routine during the 5th FIG Artistic Gymnastics extensive training camps in Doha Championships in this file picture of March 31, 2012. for the past 10 days to get accus- Cup begins today tomed to the place before the collected from Landmark, City Al Himti said there was a When asked about how the start of the competition. Center or Aspire, Ali Al Hitmi, unanimous decision to re-brand competition will be like for the Six Qatari gymnasts will join President, Qatar Gymnastics the event now hugely popular on six Qatari gymnasts who will be BY DANOTZKI SANTOS cross-over knock-out matches, dozens of other athletes for Federation (QGF), said yesterday. the international calendar. participating, Al Hitmi minced one pairing the second ranked podium training scheduled to be “This is your chance to watch “There are International cham- no words on what he is expecting DOHA: The 14th season of the team in Group 1 with the third held today. International champions compet- pions competing in this champi- from his team. Emir Cup basketball reels off placed team in Group 2 and the Tickets for the event can be ing in Doha,” he said. onship so we had to change the “Our gymnasts need to train tonight at the Al Gharafa Indoor other having the second ranked name of the event to give it more at least six hours a day if they Arena, with Al Arabi taking on team in Group 2 meet the third- value,” said Al-Hitmi. want to be good but they don’t Al Gharafa in the opener fol- best in Group 1. Regarding the value of have time for that because they lowed by the match between Al The penultimate stage will be the event, the FIG Artistic all go to university but we try to Wakra and Qatar Sports Club. a pair of best-of-three tussles, Gymnastics World Challenge adapt their studying with their This year’s Emir Cup starts between the top finishers in the Brazilian Cup is now more than just an training but hopefully they will with the preliminary round with preliminaries and the survivors Arthur International competition. do good,” said Al Hitmi. the nine clubs divided into two in the quarter-final showdowns, Nabarette “The tournament is now more The QGF president said Qatar groups. to determine the final contenders Zanneti, important than the previous will be represented by four male Group 1 consisting of defend- to the most prestigious basketball ones because gymnasts can score athletes - Mahmoud Saadi, ing champions Al Sadd, Heir title in the kingdom. the London points that help them qualify for Nasser Al Hamad, Malik Al Apparent Cup runners-up Eljaish, The current Heir Apparent 2012 gold the Olympics,” said Al Hitmi. Yahri and Ahmed Dayyani and Al Ahli and league new comers Cup champions Al Rayyan, have medallist, Top Dutch gymnast Yuri van two female gymnasts - Shaden Al Shamal, while in Group 2 are figured in all but one of the past who will Gelder is set to return to Doha Wohdan and Al Jazi Al Habshi - newly-crowned Heir Apparent thirteen Emir Basketball Cup be seen after a gap of five years to take at the event. Cup winners Al Rayyan, hosts Al championships, winning seven in action part in the FIG World Challenge “For the first time, we will Gharafa, Al Arabi, Al Wakra and of them and getting runners-up at the 6th Cup. stage the floor exercises at this Qatar Sports Club. honours five times in the history FIG World Van Gelder, a former world event which is now into its sixth The teams in each group play of the tournament. Challenge champion on the rings, will join edition,” Mohamed Al Jaber, each other in a single-round Like former Emir Cup champi- Cup. a host of top gymnasts includ- Secretary General, QGF, said. round-robin, with the top team ons Al Gharafa and Qatar Club, ing London Olympic Games star Al Hitmi said the Doha leg advancing to the semi-final stage defending champions Al Sadd Krisztian Berki of Hungary and will be broadcast live by Al Kass outright, while the second and have won the title twice, their Larisa Andreea of Romania at the Sports Channel with television third-ranked teams go through first was garnered in 2004 against three-day event to be hosted by signals set to be beamed in many the quarter-final stage. Al Rayyan whom they also beat QGF from March 27 to 29. countries. THE PENINSULA The quarter-finals will be last year. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Woodward’s recipe for success A player must have huge drive and obsession to become a champion: Coaching legend

BY ARMSTRONG VAS Woodward said an individual who a specific start off age for chil- handles the pressure at crucial dren to be introduced to sports DOHA: Thinking correctly stages is one who emerges as a in order to become champions. under pressure is what makes champion. Woodward said Spain has a a champion athlete, says rugby “The dividing line between a large pool of qualified coaches at legend Clive Woodward. champion team and good teams the top which explains for their The 57-year-old, who man- is very thin,” said Woodward, who success in football in recent aged England team to victory in is currently the British Olympic years. the 2003 World Cup, was speak- Association’s Director of Elite “I love football. I do not see any Clive Woodward, ing during a presentation ‘DNA: Performance. reason the principles of the pro- the Director of Elite Talent alone is not sufficient’ at “Everyone cannot be a cham- gramme cannot be implemented Aspire Academy here yesterday. pion, you need both ‘warriors’ and in football especially during the Performance at the British Terming ‘Thinking correctly ‘champions’ in your team,” he said penalty kick conversions, espe- Olympic Association under pressure’ as T-CUP, in his address to the gathering cially T-CUP,” added Woodward, speaking at Aspire which consisted of coaches and who served for a brief period Academy yesterday. Clive Woodward factfile coaching support staff attached at Southampton Football Club Woodward was speaking Full name: Clive Ronald Woodward to the Aspire Academy besides as Performance Director and on the topic ‘DNA: Talent Date of birth: 6 January 1956 (age 57) school students. Director of Football. alone is not sufficient’. Occupation: Director of Elite Performance Going back to the 2003 World Woodward was happy with The 57-year-old was man- for the British Olympic Association Cup winning unit, Woodward said the performance of the current ager of the England rugby Playing career, Position: Centre the team had ‘four champions rugby team and expressed con- team which won the and 11 warriors’. fidence that England will bounce Clubs played for World Cup in 2003. “Talent alone is not enough. from their latest defeat against Years Club / team Hard work, passion, and under- Wales. 1974 Harlequins standing are the other ingredi- “It is a young team and it 1977-1979 Loughborough Students ents which go into the making of will come back strongly in the the champion,” said Woodward, next matches. It has performed 1979-1985 Leicester Tigers who served as coach of the according to the expectations,” 1985-1990 Manly England rugby team from 1997 said Woodward, while talking to National team caps to 2004. The Peninsula. Years Team Caps “A player needs to have huge England were ripped apart drive and obsession to become a 30-3 by a rampant Wales on 19 8 0 -19 8 4 E ngland 21 champion,” said Woodward in his the March 16 at the Millennium allowing or not allowing jour- by Wales. “The working environ- video room, your private conver- 1980-1983 British and Irish Lions 2 45-minute presentation. Stadium in the Six Nations nalists to be present for a team ment of an international rugby sations,” Woodward wrote in his Coaching career He said the principles of the Championship training session. team should be absolutely secret Daily Mail column. programme devised by him can Head coach Stuart Lancaster’s “Some coaches are comfort- — and never more so than in a “As a professional coach it Years Club / team be applied to both individu- side went to Cardiff with dreams able allowing the cameras in the Test week. International rugby is should never have been allowed 1990-1994 Henley als and teams to attain success of a Grand Slam but suffered dressing room, while others are a very serious business — indeed, to happen,” he wrote. 1994-1997 London Irish but warned that results cannot their worst ever defeat in 132 not,” he added. it is hard to think of any business For Woodward this was his be achieved overnight. “It is a years of rugby matches between Woodward, who was inducted that would allow such access,” he third visit to Qatar. 1994-1997 England U21 long-term programme. It can be the two nations. into the IRB Hall of Fame on said. “As a professional coach I “I have been here earlier for the 1997 Bath applied to football teams too and “Every coach has his own October 24, 2011, had criticised find it difficult to understand why Aspire4Sport business and sport 1997-2004 England not just for rugby,” he said dur- ways of dealing with the press,” BBC’s move to record behind-the- you would allow microphones to conference for the past couple of ing the question-answer session. Woodward said when asked scenes action in the England’s record your training sessions, years,” informed Woodward. 2005 British and Irish Lions He, however, did not pinpoint where he would draw a line on camp, before the crushing defeat your private team meetings, your THE PENINSULA Iran win International Friendly Tournament

DOHA: Playing an attractive brand of football, Iran yesterday edged past Turkey 3-2 in a hotly-con- tested game to win the 11th International Friendly Tournament. Turkey scored the first goal in the match in the 2nd minute through Cenk Tosun at Grand Hamad Stadium. Ridvan Simsek scored the second goal for Turkey in the 84th minute. Payam Sadeghian struck twice for Iran, scoring in the 5th and 26th minutes of the first half. Iran’s Mohsen Mosalman later fired what turned out to be the championship winning strike in the 74th minute. Mosalman won the Best Player Award while Ali Reza Beiranvand picked up the Best Goalkeeper title. Sadeghian won the Top Scorer Award. Iran emerged as the Best Team in the tournament. Meanwhile, hosts Qatar beat Morocco 2-1 to secure the third spot. Morocco, who finished last, opened the scoring through Walid El Karti in the 34th minute at Grand Hamad Stadium. However, a resilient Qatar side hit back with two goals to seal their impressive win. Saleh Badr Yazidi equalised for Qatar in the 58th minute and later in the match, Hilal Mohd Al Sayed fired home the winner with a minute to go in the regu- lation time. The event was organised by Qatar Football Association. Action from the match between Qatar and Morocco at the International Friendly Tournament at Grand Hamad Stadium yesterday. Qatar won 2-1 to secure the third THE PENINSULA place. RIGHT: A Qatari player celebrates after scoring a goal against Morocco. Iran topped in the four-nation tournament, while Turkey finished second.

Qatar Close squash championship Emir Cup Shooting and Archery Championship

Yousef Al Kubaisi (right) and Abdulrahman Al Khalaf in action at the Qatar Close squash championship of Qatar The podium winners at the Emir Cup Shooting and Archery Championship pose for a picture at the Losail Squash Federation at Khalifa International Squash and Tennis Complex, yesterday. Qatar Close action closes Shooting Complex yesterday. on Sunday, while there will be no matches on Friday and Saturday. TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Sprinter Lewis says Asians need ‘heroes’ TOKYO: US sprint and long jump legend Carl Lewis said yesterday that Asians badly needed “heroes” in track and field in their coun- tries to become a world-class force in the high-profile sport. “We had heroes (in the United States) when I was growing up. I saw athletes I wanted to emulate. I think that’s important,” Lewis told reporters in Tokyo after attending a clinic for junior athletes in Japan’s tsunami-hit northeast. “Look how many Asians there are (in the world). You can’t get one fast one? There are almost two billion. It defies logic,” the 51-year-old said. “When you have great athletes... you can actually use them as role models to have better athletes.” Lewis, who won nine Olympic and eight world championship gold medals in the sprints, relay and long jump from 1983 to 1996, staged the clinic with two other black American athletic greats -- Willie Banks and Mike Powell. The trio were asked if historical and racial differences made it hard for Asians to make the last eight in athletics at last year’s London Olympics. Asia accounted for only two out of 47 athletics gold medallists. “I believe a lot of this is cultural,” said Banks, 57, whose world triple- FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Bronze medallists Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim, Robert Grabarz of Britain, Canada’s Derek Drouin, Russia’s gold medallist Ivan jump record of 17.97 metres stood for 10 years from 1985. Ukhov, and US silver medallist Erik Kynard pose on the podium after competing in the 2012 Olympic Men’s high jump final at the Olympic Stadium in “I believe there is not an event that discriminates against a certain London in this August 7, 2012, file photo. PICTURE BY: SHAHJAHAN MOIDIN type of people,” said the 1983 world silver medallist, adding that there must be an Asian “that can run as fast as Carl Lewis.” But the person may be playing basketball, golf, badminton and base- ball right now, Banks said. “I have a lot of African in me. I have a lot of European in me and I have a little bit of Asian in my DNA,” he said. “I’m mixed. And I know these guys (Lewis and Powell) are mixed somewhere.” Barshim to lead medals Powell, 49, whose world long-jump record of 8.95m set in Tokyo in 1991 still stands, said that one of the white athletes he coaches in the United States has told him he cannot beat a certain competitor because he is black. “I said, ‘Don’t say that. The colour doesn’t matter,’” said Powell, who won the world gold medal in 1991 and 1993 and the Olympic silver in charge at home event 1988 and 1992. “Every black person can’t run fast. Every black person can’t jump high. Every black person can’t dance well. But some can.” “It depends on what you’re striving for,” he said. QAF to stage 14th GCC Athletics Championships in April The clinic was tied in with Tokyo’s bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics against Madrid and Istanbul. “We saw the kids yesterday. We saw hope and dreams in their eyes,” DOHA: Qatar’s London Games Lewis said. “We just saw the energy in those kids saying, ‘Gosh, the star Mutaz Barshim will lead Olympics will come to our country and we have something to work for’.” the charge for medals for the REUTERS hosts at the 14th GCC Athletics Championships to be held in Doha next month. Dahlan Al Hamad, President, Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF), yesterday confirmed the presence of the country’s bronze- winning athlete at the three-day event. “Mutaz will be the biggest name for the hosts at the GCC Athletics Championships,” Al Hamad said in a press conference. Barshim, 21, was one of three bronze winning athletes in the men’s high jump final at the imposing Olympic Stadium on August 7 last year. The young Qatari won the bronze in front of 80,000 fans at the Olympic Dahlan Jamaan Al Hamad, (center) President of Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF), is seen with Mohammad US track and field legends (from left) Mike Powell, Carl Lewis and Willie Stadium. Suleiman, acting director of local organising committee (left), and Fahad Al Hajri, head of television and media Banks in Tokyo yesterday. The trio discussed a campaign to help support Mohamed Suleiman was the committee, during a press conference at Al Bidda Tower in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: ADBUL BASIT young athletes in Japan’s tsunami-hit Tohoku region. first Qatari to win a medal at the Olympic Games, bagging a bronze in the men’s 1500m final in 1992 Al Hamad said. This will be the bronze to finish in second place Al Hamad said QAF refrains (Barcelona) second time that Qatar would be behind hosts Saudi Arabia. from putting pressure on their Cross legend Korir and Last year, Barshim became hosting the regional showpiece Abu Baker Ali Kamal clinched athletes to win medals. the second Qatari to win a medal athletics championships after gold medal in 3000m steeplechase “Our federation tries to sup- Ngugi decries Chebet secure in track and field events at the 1986. while Barshim grabbed the high port them, prepare them for the Olympic Games. Qatar secured second place jump gold. big events and bring the athletes lack of Kenyan Kenya cross “Qatar will have more than 50 in the 13th GCC Athletics Later next month, QAF will to the starting blocks, so as to athletes competing in different Championship for men and also organise Heir Apparent say,” Al Hamad said. events,” Al Hamad said yesterday. fourth in the GCC Athletics Athletics Cup and the Emir “We don’t put them under pres- teamwork country double The QAF president said more Championship for juniors staged Athletics Cup. sure. We give them every support than 200 athletes from neigh- in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in 2011. On May 10, the QAF will and then let them be on their own NAIROBI: Kenya cross-coun- NAIROBI: Kenya enjoyed a bouring Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Some 350 athletes from six assemble top names like Yohan in competition so they are able to try legend John Ngugi believes sweep of the world cross country Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman will GCC nations competed in vari- Blake of Jamaica and David give their best,” he added. the country’s failure to win the senior titles on Sunday with vic- join Qatari track and field names ous disciplines during the four- Rudhisha of Kenya for the one- Junior athletes from the region team title in the men’s senior tories for Japhet Kipyegon Korir at the April 8-10 event. day championships. day Samsung Diamond League will also compete in various disci- race at the world championships and Emily Chebet in snowy con- The three-day championships Qatar bagged eight medals season-opener at Qatar Sports plines, Al Hamad said. in Poland was due to an overall ditions in Bydgoszcz, Poland. will be held at Khalifa Stadium, including 5 golds, 1 silver and 2 Club Stadium. THE PENINSULA lack of teamwork. Korir, 19, won the men’s event Unheralded Japhet Korir held in 32 minutes and 45 seconds, off a strong challenge to win the comfortably clear of Ethiopian 12km race, but he was the only Imane Merga (32:51), the 2011 Kenyan to finish in the top 10, as winner and defending cham- QAF to honour athletes, officials the east Africans dropped out of pion, and Eritrea’s Teklemariam the top two in the team standings Medhin (32:54). DOHA: Dahlan Al Hamad, to make proposals at a meeting of for the first time since 1984. “Despite difficult condi- President, Qatar Athletics regional chiefs (athletics) during “It is very sad to see the tions I managed to achieve this Federation (QAF) yesterday the three-day championships. Kenyans did not stay together. great success,” Korir told the said Qatar will honour the He said prior to the meeting of There seems to be an element International Association of region’s top athletes at a ‘spe- the presidents of athletics bod- of individualism in their running Athletics Federations (IAAF) cial’ ceremony next month. ies across the region, a separate nowadays,” said former five-time website (www.iaaf.org). The QAF will assemble meeting of other top officials will world champion Ngugi. “Not long ago I was promoted names like Roqaya Al-Gassra, also be held in Doha. “Even the United States have to senior and this, being one of my Bahrain’s top female sprinter, “The leadership in Qatar is realised the importance of team- first starts make this achievement and Mohamed Salman Al keen to bring nations together work, and they were able to sur- ever more sweet. Khuwalidi, the Saudi long jumper through sports,” Al Hamad said. prisingly pip Kenya, and finish “It needs to be mentioned that and present them with ‘lifetime “This will be first step for second behind Ethiopia.” all the mud and cold weather achievement awards’. the regional athletics family to Ngugi added that the decision didn’t make this run easier. Now Prince Nawaf bin Mohammed come closer in this fashion. We to move the world champion- my plan is to prepare for the bin Abdullah Al Saud, President, will hold discussions and make ships from annual to biennial two world championships in Moscow.” Saudi Arabian Amateur Athletics Bahrain’s Roqaya Al-Gassra as she looks at her score after competing in proposals,” Al Hamad said. “The years had been detrimental to the Chebet, 27, again showed her Federation, and former QAF the women’s second round 200m heat 2 at the National Stadium during successful agreements would be development of the sport in the liking for the Myslecinek Park chief Abdullah Al Zaini will also the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in this August 19, 2008 file photo. taken to the National Olympic country. course by regaining the women’s be honoured with medallions. Committees in the region and “Athletes like Paul Tergat and title she won in Poland in 2010 “We are also going to present part in the women’s 100m sprint In a historic performance, then possibly to the Asian body myself were able to progress well after reeling in Ethiopia’s Hiwot Mutaz Barshim with a special at the 2004 Summer Olympics Qatar’s Barshim became one of and the IAAF,” he said. and win medals on the track after Ayalew to take her event in 24:24. award. We know he is an active in Athens. three bronze-winning athletes in Qatar will be making proposals competing in the cross country. Ayalew looked set to triumph athlete but he still deserves to be She won medals at the 2006 the men’s high jump final at the on creating a ‘kids festival’ for “The event acted as a stepping when establishing a clear lead respected for what he has done so Asian Games and went on to run London Games on August 7 last young athletes from across the stone to our domination in the going into the final steep uphill far,” Al Hamad said. at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and year. The young Qatari won the Middle East. The QAF is also long distance events at the world stretch but she tired and was Roqaya was one of the first the 2009 World Championships bronze in front of 80,000 fans at keen to stage a championships championships and the Olympics,” overhauled by Chebet. women to represent Bahrain at in Athletics. She announced her the Olympic Stadium. designed for female athletes. said Ngugi, who won a 5000m gold Ayalew finished three seconds the Olympic Games by taking international retirement in 2009. Al Hamad said QAF has plans THE PENINSULA at the 1988 Seoul Olympic games. behind with compatriot Belaynesh REUTERS Oljira third in 24:33. REUTERS TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Preparing for battle in Seoul

Qatar coach Fahad Thani talks to his players during a team training session at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul yesterday. Qatar take on hosts Korea in their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match today. The Group A, Asian Zone, match kicks-off at 2:00pm Qatar time. BELOW, RIGHT: Coach Fahad has a chat with Qatar Football Association (QFA) President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani at the same venue in Seoul. Confident Qatar eye rare win against hosts Korea 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Seoul today

SEOUL, Korea: Qatar today will be eyeing a rare win against hosts Korea when the two Asian teams clash in their 2014 FIFA Qatar striker Qatar capable Quotable quotes World Cup qualifying game. Khalfan A victorious Qatar can go top Ibrahim of Group A and ‘Al Anabi’ coach from Seoul (right) goes of dealing with Fahad Thani is well aware of the Qatar midfielder Wisam for a kick possibilities that could boost their ‘big-game’ Rizq: progress as this stage. during “Now we will play an impor- “We are all aware of the impor- a team tant World Cup qualify- tance of this game,” Fahad said in training pressure: QFA ing game. The players are a press conference yesterday. session required to be ready for this “There is a possibility for us to at Seoul President game. Just after four days, qualify for the World Cup and for World Cup we are playing an important that we will do our utmost to get Stadium SEOUL: Qatar is capable of game against Korea. The a result. I am satisfied with our in Seoul dealing with ‘big-game’ pressure, Bahrain game is over. We preparations for this game,” he yesterday. the Qatar Football Association were not destined to win. I said. PICTURES: (QFA) chief said yesterday. ask all of our fans to support “It will be a very hard game,” Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin FADI EL the team as we prepare for said the coach ahead of his sixth ASSAD Ahmed Al Thani was talking to game in charge of Qatar. Qatar media ahead of ‘Al Anabi’s’ the Korea clash. Each match Fahad said he was not under- key 2014 FIFA World Cup quali- has its own requirements. We estimating the home team fying game against hosts Korea went to Bahrain not to lose struggling with injuries and sus- today. but we did not want to exert pensions going into today’s clash. “We have to look at this match too much as we have a very “The status of Korea Republic’s whereas Korea, Iran and Qatar hover around the 8-degree mark “If we can get the three in an appropriate manner. If we important. There is an impor- football is high as is the standard are tied at 7 points. Korea have today. points then that puts us in a win this match, then that will tant game waiting for us.” of the football, not just in Asia but played one game less. Lebanon are In the rival camp, coach Choi good position for the rest of the help us make a positive impact on Team Director in the world,” Fahd said of the at the bottom of the group with 4 Kang-hee is aiming to put Korea’s qualification campaign. I am con- our remaining matches,” Sheikh Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud 2002 World Cup semi-finalists. points from 5 matches. stuttering qualification campaign fident that we can put on a good Hamad said. “Our team is capable of “But we will play without Qatar landed in the Korean for the 2014 FIFA World Cup back performance.” “So I feel Qatar is capable of returning with three points regard to that reputation and do capital Seoul on the back of a on track in today’s clash. Korea defeated Qatar 4-1 in dealing with the pressure of a big from this match. Yes, it is a our best for the win. defeat by Bahrain on Friday when After starting Group A in the Doha in the away fixture in June game like this. The Bahrain game difficult task but not impos- “I am confident we can do it,” the two Gulf states battled in a final round in the AFC zone of 2012 and a similar result would be (on Friday) is in the past,” he said. sible. Qatar has the chance he added. 2015 Asian Cup qualifying game. qualification with two wins, the most welcome for the hosts. “We learnt some valuable les- to advance from this stage to Today’s clash against Korea On Sunday, the Qatari squad 2002 semi-finalists have picked up “We know that this is going to sons and it is time to apply what will be Qatar’s first World Cup was greeted by chilly weather as just one point from the last two be a tough game but we have been we picked up from that game (in the next. It is essential that we qualifying fixture since their 1-0 temperatures in the Korean capi- games and currently sit in sec- working hard in training and are Bahrain),” the QFA chief said. pick up points (in the remain- win over Lebanon in Doha on tal showed 5 degree Celsius. ond place, a point behind leaders fully focused on this game and “We have to take advantage of ing three matches). We have November 14. ‘Al Anabi’ later trained in the Uzbekistan and ahead of Iran and we know what’s at stake,” added our situation. We are playing a to get points from home and Qatar have seven points from evening ahead of their Group A, Qatar only on goal difference. Choi. strong team,” he added. away matches. We picked five matches with two wins. Asian Zone clash to be played at “This game is one we have to There have been injuries for “We are ready for this match. up a valuable point against In Group A, Uzbekistan Seoul World Cup Stadium. win,” said Choi at a press confer- Choi to contend with. Midfielder Everyone (in the Qatari camp) Iran (when Qatar managed lead the pack with eight points Temperatures are expected to ence yesterday. Kim Doo-hyun, full-back Kim has contributed in the prepara- a goalless draw in Tehran last Chang-soo and reserve goalkeeper tion for this game. June). Kim Young-kwang have pulled “It is important to focus on the Qatar striker Hamid Ismail: out through injury to be replaced plan put in place by the coach “We always go in to a match by Pohang’s Hwang Ji-soo, Choi (Fahad Thani),” the QFA chief thinking of all possibilities - Chul-soon of Sangju and FC Seoul said. win or lose or a draw. I hope goalkeeper Kim Yong-dae. The QFA chief thanked the Qatar coach there is a positive reaction There was some good news for Qatari embassy in Seoul for host- Fahad Thani the home team, however. Captain ing the team over dinner and for from the Bahrain loss in our explains team Kwak Tae-hwi picked up a thigh ‘their support’ ahead of the game. game against Korea.” tactics during injury in training last week but “I wish the team good luck,” he Korean coach Choi a training has recovered more quickly than said. Kang-hee: session at expected and is fit to start in cen- Sheikh Hamad later joined “You will see an entirely dif- Seoul World tral defence. Team Director Abdulrehman Al ferent team. The players are Cup Stadium “The players are in very good Mahmoud and coach Fahad for all feeling great. We will do in Seoul condition and we are hoping we the team’s training session in the our best to win tomorrow. It yesterday. can get on top early on and if we evening yesterday. is a must-win game and the can settle than we have the play- The match today will be played result will set the tone for the ers with ability in attack,” said at Seoul World Cup Stadium. remainder of the qualification Choi. Kick-off has been set for round.” The match starts at 2pm Qatar 2:00pm Qatar time. time. TH E PENINSULA THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Top coaches Spain, England seek wins talk to media World champions take on France; Steven Gerrard expects tough game

PARIS: World champions Spain European Zone and perennial underachieving title contenders England face qualifying matches tough 2014 World Cup qualify- ing away trips to their respec- PARIS: European zone 2014 tive group leaders France and World Cup fixtures today Montenegro today. (kick-offs all GMT): Defeats for both would see them trail by five points with only Group A three games remaining for France At Novi Sad, Serbia (1930) and Spain while Montenegro and Serbia vs Scotland England would have four each to Russia’s Italian manager Fabio play. Capello gives a press conference At Swansea, Wales (1945) For Spain it is uncharted at Stamford Bridge yesterday. Wales vs Croatia waters to be in such a position in At Brussels (1945) their qualifiers and coach Vicente Belgium vs Macedonia Del Bosque will be looking for a much sharper performance than Group B the one which saw them held by At Yerevan (1600) unfancied Finland last Friday. Armenia vs Czech Republic However, Del Bosque’s team will face a France side that looks At Copenhagen (1915) to be a vastly improved version Denmark vs Bulgaria under Didier Deschamps from the one that produced a limp At Valetta (1945) performance in a 2-0 defeat then Malta vs Italy coached by his fellow 1998 World French national soccer team players warm up during their team’s training session at Stade de France in Saint- Group C Cup winner Laurent Blanc in last Denis, near Paris, yesterday. France, world champions in 1998, will face Spain in their 2014 FIFA World Cup year’s Euro 2012 quarter-finals. qualifying match today. At Dublin (1945) But Del Bosque, who has now Republic of Ireland vs Austria passed Laszlo Kubala’s record of At Nuremberg, Germany 68 matches at the helm, is noth- Xabi Alonso return after missing was heckled by the home crowd (1945) ing if not a reassuring presence the Finnish match. last Friday. Messi wary Germany vs Kazakhstan and is not about to push the panic While Finland relied on England travel to Montenegro button just yet. putting every man behind the in better heart than the Spanish Group D “There are still four games to ball in a sterling defensive effort having demolished San Marino of Bolivian French national team head coach At Tallinn (1700) go and it is still in our hands,” he Deschamps - whose side beat 8-0 while the hosts also retained Didier Deschamps during a press Estonia vs Andorra said. “We must not be pessimistic. Georgia 3-1 on Friday - will not their unbeaten record with a 1-0 conference in Paris yesterday. We will be going to France to try repeat those tactics. win away over Moldova. highlands At Istanbul (1830) and win.” “The fact we are top will not However, England captain PARIS: Argentina may be Turkey vs Hungary Spain defender Sergio Ramos change my intentions because Steven Gerrard - who sat out cruising towards the 2014 World At Amsterdam (1930) was also looking for a more it will certainly not alter the the San Marino win - has warned Cup in Brazil, but world player Netherlands vs Romania memorable 101st appearance for Spanish attitude, which is to his team-mates not to react to of the year Lionel Messi is still his country than the draw with monopolise the ball and to win what will be an intimidating nervous ahead of today’s trip to Group F Finland in which he scored his the match,” said Deschamps. atmosphere. Bolivia. side’s goal. “It is not Friday’s results that It cost England dearly last time The South American heavy- At Baku (1500) Azerbaijan vs Portugal “We will be facing a great team are going to modify my main line they were there as volatile striker weights are four points clear at on Tuesday but we can beat them of strategy. Wayne Rooney was sent off dur- the top of the qualifying table and At Belfast (1945) and it’s that mentality we’ll take “I do not see myself prepar- ing the Euro 2012 qualifier - the enjoy an 11-point gap to the first Northern Ireland vs Israel there,” said Ramos, who at 26 ing my team by telling them: match ending 2-2 - leading to him team outside the four automatic became the youngest Spaniard “’Defend, defend’”. being suspended for the first two qualifying positions with just six Group H to reach a century of caps. For Deschamps the one con- games at the finals. games left. At Odessa, Ukraine (1900) Spain will be without Jordi cern is striker Karim Benzema, “It is a massive game and we’ve Yet the trip to La Paz brings Ukraine vs Moldova Alba but will be hoping that key who has failed to score for the got to make sure we take the with it some bad memories for midfield duo Xavi Hernandez and French since June last year and three points to take control of this Messi and his team-mates. At Warsaw (1945) group,” said Gerrard. “You saw Last time Argentina played Poland vs San Marino from the Manchester United ver- there in 2009 they were humili- At Podgorica (2000) sus Real Madrid game when Nani ated 6-1 and the Barcelona Montenegro vs England was sent off that it only takes magician has not forgotten the one challenge, or something a ref uncomfortable feelings he had Group I doesn’t like, and it can change the high up in the Andes that day. Brazil’s manager Luiz Felipe At Paris (2000) Portuguese whole course of a game.” “Bolivia is going to be very diffi- Scolari in London ahead of his France vs Spain national Fellow European heavyweights cult because of the altitude. I have team’s friendly against Russia. soccer Germany and Italy face less tax- very bad memories from the last team striker ing tussles with the Germans - time,” he admitted. Asian Zone five points clear of Sweden though “It’s hard to judge the bounce Cristiano having played a game more - host- of the ball and I remember feeling Ronaldo qualifying matches ing a Kazakhstan side they beat very short of breath.” warms up 3-0 away on Friday. Despite a side boasting the SINGAPORE: Asian zone with his team- Italy - who lead Bulgaria by likes of Messi, Carlos Tevez, Javier World Cup qualifying fixtures mates during a point and also have a game in Mascherano and Javier Zanetti, to be played today: their training hand on the Bulgarians - travel to under the chaotic guidance of leg- Group A session pointless Malta. end Diego Maradona, Argentina in Baku, The Dutch have recovered from suffered their biggest defeat in 16 At Tashkent Azerbaijan, their humiliating first round exit years when they last visited La Uzbekistan vs Lebanon at 6:00 yesterday. at Euro 2012 and bid for their Paz. pm (1300 GMT) Portugal sixth win in six qualifiers at So distressing was the result At Seoul will face home to Romania, who along with that Maradona was moved to say South Korea vs Qatar at 8:00 Azerbaijan Hungary - who travel to Turkey - at the time: “I suffered with them. pm (1100 GMT) in the 2014 trail them by five points. Every Bolivia goal was a stab in Group A is one of the tighter my heart. If we had dreamed this Group B FIFA World Cup qualifying groups which sees Belgium and was going to happen before the At Sydney match today. Croatia tied on 13 points, the game, we would have thought it Australia vs Oman at 7:30 pm Belgians will host Macedonia was impossible.” (0830 GMT) today while the Croats face a Fixtures: Louis van Gaal, the Dutch head potentially tricky trip to Swansea Ecuador vs Paraguay, coach, during a press conference At Amman to play Wales, who beat 10-man Bolivia vs Argentina, in Noordwijk yesterday. Jordan vs Japan at 5:00 pm Scotland 2-1 on Friday. Venezuela vs Colombia, (1500 GMT) REUTERS Chile vs Uruguay REUTERS England ‘scared of Montenegro’

PODGORICA, MONTENEGRO: the England team but more so for our own Brnovic also claimed that England’s Montenegro coach Branko Brnovic has qualities.” defensive injury problems would play into raised the stakes ahead of his side’s World Brnovic dismissed suggestions that Montenegro’s hands. Injuries to centre- England’s Cup qualifying showdown with England by Montenegro’s players would target England backs Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill and Michael forward Wayne claiming that Roy Hodgson’s team are anx- striker Wayne Rooney, who was sent off for Dawson, coupled with the withdrawal of Rio Rooney is ious about the game. kicking out at a defender on his last visit to Ferdinand, means that Hodgson will have to pictured at the Montenegro approach today’s match two Podgorica in October 2011. put his faith in the untested duo of Joleon arrival of the points above England at the top of Group H The match finished 2-2 and sealed England’ Lescott and Chris Smalling today. England national and could seriously compromise English hopes qualification for Euro 2012 but the subsequent “I certainly do see that as a weakness,” football team of automatic qualification if they win. ban picked up by the Manchester United star Brnovic said. “If they do not play for their in Podgorica Brnovic claimed England were worried meant he missed the first two matches of the own clubs, I do not see why the coach invited yesterday. about the state of the pitch at the Podgorica tournament in Ukraine and Poland. them to play.” England play City Stadium but said an unfavourable playing “As far as I know, Rooney was the one who Meanwhile, the president of the Football surface would be more damaging for his team. kicked our player, not vice-versa and I know Association of Montenegro, former AC Milan Montenegro in “I’m reading statements from the English both Jovetic and Vucinic always suffer strong forward Dejan Savicevic, urged the country’s the 2014 FIFA players about the way the pitch will look,” kicks but they never complain,” he said. supporters to behave themselves during the World Cup Brnovic told a press conference yesterday. “I can say such English legends and also Group H clash. qualifying match “As far as I know, the English have always their journalists are trying to resort for “I would like our journalists in Montenegro today. favoured long passes and I can’t see why they excuses for what will happen tomorrow to appeal to our fans to cheer on the team in are complaining about this. (Tuesday). Everything seems to bother them.” a sporting manner,” Savicevic said. “During “We, with Stevan Jovetic and Mirko Vucinic, Captain Mirko Vucinic echoed Brnovic’s the last year and a half, our association has to or England? It supports the fact they are more sentiments about Rooney. pay penalties for up to 90,000 euros ($116,000) scared of this game than we are. They are “It will not be our tactics to make him lose for the behaviour of our supporters in this also intimidated by our fans and I don’t see his temper,” said the Juventus striker. ground.” Vucinic, who was presented with the reason why. “It will be in our favour if he is given a red the Montenegro Player of the Year Award by “We do not under-estimate or over-esti- card but we will not be doing anything to pro- Savicevic, said there was far more riding on mate any team. We have a high regard for voke him or make him lose his temper.” the game for England. REUTERS Tuesday 26 March 2013 14 Jumada I 1434 Volume 18 Number 5650 Sport Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Fulton smashes second century Black Caps opener powers to his second successive hundred in third and final Test

AUCKLAND: Black Caps 34-year-old Fulton has now raised Scoreboard opener Peter Fulton celebrated his average to 33.05, from the his recall from the cricket scra- mediocre 20.93 when he was cast New Zealand (I innings): ...... 443 54-2; Finn 13-1-57-1; Panesar 9.2-4-53-2; pheap yesterday by becoming into the wilderness four years ago England (I innings): ...... 204 Trott 1-0-4-0. only the fourth New Zealander after 10 Tests. New Zealand (II innings): England (II innings): Peter to score back-to-back centuries The Canterbury opener, who P Fulton c Root b Finn ...... 110 A Cook c Brownlie b Williamson ...... 43 Fulton in a Test. has a first class 301 not out to his H Rutherford c Bell b Broad ...... 0 N Compton c Watling b Southee ...... 2 The at times ungainly opener name in domestic cricket, said he of New K Williamson b Anderson ...... 1 J Trott c Watling b Wagner ...... 37 belted the prime of English bowl- always backed himself as a bats- Zealand R Taylor lbw Broad ...... 3 I Bell (batting) ...... 8 ing to all corners of the ground in man with a range of shots in his celebrates D Brownlie c Bell b Panesar ...... 28 S Finn c Southee b Williamson ...... 0 a rollicking second innings 110 to repertoire. B McCullum (not out) ...... 67 Total (for 4 wkts) ...... 90 scoring give New Zealand a stranglehold “But it’s not often in a Test his second B Watling c Compton b Panesar ...... 18 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-60, 3-90, 4-90. on the third and deciding Test in match you get the chance to swing Extras (B-4, LB-10) ...... 9 Bowling: Boult 11-5-20-0; Southee 10-3-24- successive the series. the bat with no consequence of Total (for 6 wkts decl) ...... 241 1; Martin 17-6-35-0; Wagner 8-6-6-1; Wil- century At stumps yesterday, with one getting out so it was nice,” he said. Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-5, 3-8, 4-82, 5-199, liamson 6.1-4-5-2. against day to play, England were fighting Fulton and Dean Brownlie 6-241. Series: The three-Test series is nil-nil after two England on for survival at 90 for four with a worked hard to pull the New Bowling: Anderson 17-6-59-1; Broad 17-5- draws. day four of target of 481 to win. Zealand second innings around their final Fulton, who toiled hard to and put on 74 for the fourth Test at resurrect New Zealand’s second wicket. After Brownlie’s removal “I guess at the end of that ses- scored back-to-back centuries in Eden Park innings after they were three he belted 117 off 101 balls in part- sion Baz (McCullum) and I had a a Test and it was the first time in Auckland down for eight, brought up his nership with Brendon McCullum. little bit of fun.” the feat had been achieved since yesterday. boundary-laden 110 in 165 balls. “We did a lot of hard work last Fulton brought up his 100 Andrew Jones produced a double In the first innings, when New night, myself and Dean, getting by nonchalantly driving Stuart against Sri Lanka 22 years ago. Zealand were intent on building through to stumps, and the game Broad over the bowler’s head for The other New Zealanders to a competitive total, he made 136 was right in the balance there this six but said reaching his second complete the double are Glenn off 346 balls. morning when we came out so we century was not weighing on Turner and Geoff Howarth who After scoring 55, 1 and 45 early had to some more hard work,” his mind. It was only the fourth both made the list in the 1970s. in the first two England Tests, the said Fulton. time a New Zealand batsman has REUTERS Rampant Japan poised to seal World Cup berth

SINGAPORE: Asian champi- ons Japan are poised to become the first country to join hosts Brazil at the 2014 World Cup Qatar midfielder when they take their unbeaten Wisam Rizq record in the final qualifying steps out of the round to Jordan today. dressing room The tournament may still be 15 to attend a team months away but Japan’s blister- training session ing form in the Asian qualifiers has put them almost out of sight at Seoul World of their four Group B rivals and Cup Stadium in on the verge of a fifth consecutive Seoul yesterday. World Cup appearance. Qatar take on With four wins and a draw in hosts Korea their first five games, the Blue in their 2014 Samurai have an eight-point lead FIFA World in their group and they will book Cup, Group their ticket to Brazil with another A, Asian Zone victory at the King Abdullah qualifying match Stadium. at the same Even a draw might be enough venue today. if today’s other Group B match PICTURE: FADI between Australia and Oman EL ASSAD in Sydney ends in a stalemate. Japan were also the first country to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, with hosts South Africa given the customary bye. Japan trounced Jordan 6-0 at October, when goals in the final 10 on eight points, just one ahead the Saitama Stadium last June minutes by Tim Cahill and Archie of South Korea, Iran and Qatar but forward Keisuke Honda, who Thompson boosted their bid for heading into today’s games. scored a hat-trick in that match a third consecutive World Cup After managing only two points and has recently been linked with appearance. The top two in the from their first three games, the English Premier League side group will automatically qualify Uzbeks have powered their way Everton, was declared unfit by for Brazil with the third-placed into first place after 1-0 away wins his Russian club CSKA Moscow. side earning a chance for an over Qatar and Iran. Coach Alberto Zaccheroni will intercontinental play-off. However, the Central Asian also be missing Inter Milan full- While the Socceroos have side coached by Mirjalal Kasimov back Yuto Nagatomo, who has a played a game less than Iraq and will need to raise their game for knee injury. Oman, who are also on five points, the visit of unfancied Lebanon, But the Italian is confident in and will be hosting three of their who are bottom with four points the strength of his squad, which final four matches, veteran goal- but warmed up for the match includes Manchester United’s keeper Mark Schwarzer knows with a stunning 5-2 victory over Shinji Kagawa and Stuttgart his team cannot afford to drop Thailand in Asian Cup qualifying forward Shinji Okazaki, who has points against Oman. on Friday. scored four goals in Japan’s last “Anything less than three The other Group A game will three games. points will be a disaster for us,” see South Korea host Qatar in “Everyone knows how highly I said the 40-year-old, who played chilly conditions at the Seoul value (Honda and Nagatomo) but in the goalless draw between the World Cup Stadium. After a it’s not the first time we have been two sides in Muscat last June. bright start to the final round, without them,” Zaccheroni said. “Now with the four remaining in which they trounced Qatar “The players who have replaced games, every one of them is obvi- 4-1 last June, Choi Kang-Hee’s them have always done a good ously vitally important, particu- side have stumbled in their last job.” larly the three home games.” two qualifiers, drawing 2-2 with Australia are currently second The battle for the two qualifica- Uzbekistan before going down in Group B on goal difference tion berths from Group A is still 1-0 to 10-man Iran in Tehran. after a 2-1 victory over Iraq last very much open with Uzbekistan REUTERS