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Qatar Red Crescent has Al Bidda Switchgear Cricket’s version of signed an MoU with inaugurated the largest, gladiatorial street fight Unicef to support joint world-class facility at will play out today when humanitarian action for New Industrial Area India take on Pakistan women and children. in Qatar recently. at the Adelaide Oval.

SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 • 26 Rabial II 1436 • Volume 19 Number 6342 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 OPINION Qatar pulls out mission Countering Islamophobia employees from Yemen HE brutal murder of Deah Barakat, 23, his Twife Yusra Abu Salha, GCC foreign ministers seek UN Security Council action 21, and her sis- DOHA: Qatar has joined necessary support to the ter Razan two other GCC countries legitimate Yemeni authori- Abu Salha in pulling out their ambas- ties, to achieve the aspira- at Chapel sadors from the Yemeni tions of the Yemeni people. Hill was capital Sana’a due to the He called on the interna- not the deteriorating political tional community and the first and security situation in UN Security Council in par- attack on the country, the London- ticular to take all necessary Muslims based Al Araby Al Jadeed actions to carry out the will in US Dr Khalid Al Jaber reported yesterday. of the people based on the and the Saudi Arabia on Friday GCC initiative. West in general. Muslims withdrew its diplomatic In a final communique, have been victims of hate staff from the Yemeni the GCC ministers called crimes and racism since the capital, while the UAE and for immediate interna- Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser September 11 incident in Spain also announced yes- tional steps to “guarantee bin Khalifa Al Thani inaugurating the Specialised Care Centre (Enaya) of Hamad Medical Corporation. Minister of Public Health New York, and the attacks terday that they had sus- Foreign Minister H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al the safety of President soared after the Charlie pended operations at their Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi H E Abdullah bin Khalid Al Qahtani and HMC Managing Director Dr Hanan Attiyah chairing the GCC meeting in Riyadh yesterday. Hebdo shooting. Incidents of missions in Sana’a. and Prime Minister Khalid Al Kuwari were also present. Islamophobia have increased Doha in fact has with- Mahfoudh Bahah as well as 70 percent in France this drawn its diplomatic mission They also called for for an other officials” who have been year, compared to 2014. several months ago without urgent meeting of the Arab under de facto house arrest since Bids invited for Economic Islamophobia manifests issuing an official declaration, Al League and of the Organisation January. itself in newspapers and other Araby Al Jadeed reported yester- of Islamic Cooperation. The GCC also called on world media outlets, and takes the day quoting a unidentified Qatari The Foreign Minister H E powers to reject a “constitutional Zone I storage projects form of killings, slaughters sources. Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al declaration” by the Huthis a week and massacres. The ranks The US France, Germany, Italy, Attiyah chaired GCC Ministerial ago, under which they dissolved DOHA: Tenders have been for which tenders have been invited of Islamophobes are swelling Britain and the Netherlands have Council’s extraordinary meeting the government and parliament invited for four key warehous- will begin. every day and are joined by also closed their embassies and in Riyadh to discuss develop- and tightened their grip on power. ing projects that are to be built H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim political, social, cultural and withdrawn staff for security rea- ments in Yemen. They said they hope ongoing as part of an Economic Zone. bin Mohamed Al Thani said educational institutions in sons. And the Turkish foreign The Foreign Minister said UN efforts in Yemen will lead Qatar plans to have three Qatar is increasing its strategic the West, including govern- ministry “strongly” advised its that the developments of recent to an agreement by all parties Economic Zones and the first one food reserves and diversifying the ment and private organi- citizens to leave also, news agen- weeks puts more responsibility on there based on “preserving legiti- near Hamad International Airport sources of food supplies. zations. Schools and public cies reported yesterday. GCC countries to move swiftly macy” and “resuming the political (HIA) plans to have extensive He also talked of Tamween institutions have forbidden A meeting of the GCC foreign and prevent Yemen from falling process”. domestic logistic services. (the scheme whereby citi- girls from wearing hijab and ministers in Riyadh yesterday into chaos. All parties involved Failing that, and without elabo- The above-cited four storage zens are provided some basic extended the rule to mothers urged the “UN Security Council in Yemen must understand that rating, they said they would take projects are part of Economic food items at highly subsidised accompanying their children to take a decision under Chapter instability in Yemen will breed “measures that will enable them Zone I. The Minister of Economy prices) while detailing the ini- to schools, and students are Seven of the United Nations more violence, and ultimately to preserve their vital interests and Commerce said at an awards tiatives and achievements of his made to eat non-halal meat. Charter”, which allows the use of threaten the unity of the country. in Yemen’s security and stability”. function held for the ministry’s ministry in 2014. Continued on page 3 military force if there are threats He added all that all political THE PENINSULA employees yesterday that soon Continued on page 2 THE PENINSULA to peace. forces in Yemen must provide the See also page 7 work on the four logistic projects THE PENINSULA

One dead in Denmark shooting 17 more dismissed Unified curriculum at Shafallah Centre

DOHA: The state-backed for driving schools Shafallah Centre, which pro- vides specialist education and DOHA: Driving schools in Qatar send out its officers to all driving healthcare to children with will soon have a new unified cur- schools to explain to them details of special needs, has given march- riculum which is expected to be the new curriculum and its objec- ing orders to 17 more employees more scientific and rational. tives. He asked all driving schools who include Qataris as well. A senior official of the General to provide services of translators Many of the dismissed staffers Directorate of Traffic has dis- to new comers to familiarise them were long-term employees. The closed that the Directorate has with traffic rules and regulations. Centre sacked 13 staffers last prepared the curriculum which Awareness about traffic rules can September citing lack of proper will be distributed to the driving play an important role in reducing papers required for their jobs. The schools “in the near future” after accidents. Centre has some 850 employees. final approval. During discussions that fol- For the latest dismissals the Brig. Saqar Al Muraikhi, lowed, representatives of the driv- Centre has not cited any con- director of Traffic Licensing ing schools expressed their desire vincing reasons, reports Al Sharq Department said that the new cur- to raise the standards of training quoting some aggrieved staffers. riculum was prepared by experts and gave their recommendations. The dismissals have been ordered in the field and will address all the It was proposed that new com- with effect from January 17, drawbacks in the existing system. ers who want to transfer their according to the daily. Al Muraikhi was addressing a existing drivers’ licence to a THE PENINSULA Forensic experts investigate the scene in front of the cafe Krudttoenden in Copenhagen, Denmark, yesterday workshop held by the Directorate Qatari one must be trained in the where shots were reportedly fired during a cultural event called “Art, Blasphemy and Freedom of Expression”. A for driving school representatives standards and requirements of Oil price recovery civilian was killed and three police wounded when a masked gunman sprayed bullets into the meeting attended on Thursday on the role of effective the country they work and reside. training in reducing accidents. He Continued on page 5 by a Swedish artist Lars Vilks threatened to kill him for his cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The after 2017: Report said the Traffic Department will THE PENINSULA attacker escaped in a car that was found later on the outskirts of Copenhagen. Full report on page 11 DOHA: Oil prices are not expected to show any major recovery until after 2017, says a QNB Group analysis. The analysis forecasts that this year no substantial recovery is Woqod to deploy 20 mobile petrol stations soon likely. And even in 2016 and 2017 only marginal increases can be BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB The Central Municipal Council (CMC) told this newspaper. She said Woqod was stations in the country and lacked some expected. Oil prices are likely to recently discussed the issue and urged the facign shortage of land in some areas. crucial safety standards. average at $56 a barrel this year DOHA: Petroleum products distribu- Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning “They have, though, assured they will be “Port Petrol Station was the only fuel despite a recent 31 percent recov- tor, Qatar Fuel, has acquired some 20 to not demolish filling stations any more. pressing mobile fuel stations in service.” station on my way from West Bay to Abu ery that took the price to peak at specially-built fuel tankers to work Contcated for comment, lone woman Meanwhile, motorists using the Corniche Hamour via the recently opened F-Ring $59 a barrel. as mobile filling stations in areas that CMC member, Sheikha Al Jefairi, said that Street are facing a tough time in filling road. Because the fuel station is now closed, The average price expected urgently need their services. old petrol stations were being razed due to up their cars as the Port Petrol Station, I am compelled to take the E-Ring road, at in 2016 is $64 a barrel, while Many more such mobile fuel filling facili- safety requirements. She, however, added the only fuel station along the street, has least twice a week, to fill my car. This is not in 2017, $69 a barrel, said QNB ties are being acquired to be deployed in that there are alternative plans in place to stopped operations recently and going to only a longer route but also time consum- in a weekly analysis released localities that have no petrol stations, it is avoid chaos. be demolished soon. ing as I have to face three extra signals, in yesterday. understood. The move apparently follows “About three weeks ago we had a meet- The filling station owned by Al Mosallam addition to long waiting time at the filling The Brent crude oil price fell pressure from public representatives to ing with Woqod (Qatar Fuel) regarding the Trading Company is located near the station at Mesaimeer,” said Mohammed 57 percent between June 2014 provide petrol filling facilities in different issue, and they have assured that replace- General Authority of Customs. It was Tahir, a resident of Barwa City. and January 2015, to a low of $45 areas of the country where petrol stations ment plans are in place for those petrol closed a few weeks ago due to safety Continued on page 2 a barrel. THE PENINSULA have been demolished. stations that have been demolished,” she concerns as this is one of the oldest fuel THE PENINSULA Full report on page 17 SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME PM opens specialised long-term care centre Enaya is one-of-its-kind facility in Qatar

Prime Minister, Interior Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and other officials tour the facility after inaugurating it. (Right) The Premier and other top officials at the awards ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce for its employees.

DOHA: A specialised facility Modern patient rooms have of specialised professionals who Ministry to hold annual awards for staff of Hamad Medical Corporation with personal TV screens, local not only provide excellent medi- (HMC) for patients need- landline, smart lighting systems, cal care, but also look to enhance ing long-term care was offi- and state-of-the-art beds. our patients’ ability to function Continued from page 1 cially inaugurated by Prime Amenities include activity independently, engage more with The Minister said that now Minister, Interior Minister rooms, male and female gyms, family and friends and where pos- his ministry will hold an awards and Chairman of the Supreme therapy rooms, a sensory stimu- sible, help bring a sense of nor- function for its employees every Council of Health H E Sheikh lation room, hair salon, laundry, malcy into their lives,” said Dr Al year at which it will be talking Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa and a portable X-ray machine. Kuwari. of its achievements in the previ- Al Thani. A connecting bridge between One such patient is Ali Al ous year and its future plans as Enaya Specialised Care Centre the two buildings is a stand-out Qahtani, 16, with cerebral palsy a way to share information with operates as a long-term care feature of the updated facil- since birth. Following his move the public. complex for patients who require ity, which in 2014 won Best to Enaya, Ali’s mother, Seta The ministry’s interaction with round-the-clock monitoring and Hospital Design and Best Healing Masoud Al Hebabi, said: “Overall, the economy ministry is quite treatment from specialist nurses Environment awards at Hospital I am pleased with the care Ali is close, he said. Prime Minister and doctors. Build & Infrastructure Middle receiving here. The experience and Interior Minister H E Sheikh It is the one-of-its-kind facility East Awards in Dubai. has been very good, including the Abdullah Nasser bin Khalifa in the country and one of the first The centre also won a quality of clinical care, clarity of Al-Thani also graced the event in the Arab world. Community and Culture Project communication, courtesy of doc- at the ministry’s headquarters. Minister of Public Health H E award at Cityscape Qatar. tors and nurses and staff-patient The Minister highlighted the Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani Abdullah bin Khalid Al Qahtani, Following the official opening, relationships.” cooperation between different addressing the awards ceremony. and Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, the dignitaries toured the facility. Ali and his brother were state authorities to complete Al Managing Director, HMC, were “The centre’s focus is to pro- delighted to meet ministers and Farjan markets project. accordance with the country’s ministry’s hosting of a number present at the opening ceremony. vide an advanced care system for officials as were other patients. He said swift completion of the strategic plan to diversify the of forums helped attract foreign Operating as an 80-bed facil- long-term patients with chronic The Premier and the Minister project is something the minis- economy and highlighted the investments. ity, the centre has now increased and degenerative diseases that were invited to tour another try is looking to keep up with in importance of the private sector The ministry honoured 125 capacity to 156 inpatient beds restrict their ability to care for recently opened facility, Qatar future projects. as in important component of employees for their efforts in with extra beds in three isolation themselves. Biobank, at Hamad Bin Khalifa He stressed the importance development. 2014. units. “To do this, we utilise a team Medical City. THE PENINSULA of boosting the private sector in He highlighted how the THE PENINSULA Tributes paid to firefighter Al Ghobachi

Moroccan Tariq Al Ghobachi’s friends, relatives and members of his community with officials at the event.

DOHA: The General officers were present. Directorate of Civil Defence Brig. Hamad Al Dohaimi, organised a meeting to condole Director, Operations Department, with friends and relatives of Civil Defence, said Al Ghobachi its deceased firefighter, Tariq was dedicated, honest and sincere Al Ghobachi, and community in his duty and inspired his col- members. leagues to work hard, encouraged The Moroccan died after them to be patient and always attempting to fight a ware- focused on others’ safety. He said house blaze near the Industrial it was a shocking news to hear the Area Street No. 35 on February death of a rescuer on duty. 7. He left a striking example of Colleagues and friends recalled A file photo of Al Ghobachi in action. patience, dedication and sincerity that Al Ghobachi was brave and until he died at the scene. committed to his profession with moments and said he risked his The directors of departments heroic attitudes that showed his life to save colleagues during such of the Ministry of Interior and courage to tackle the toughest incidents. THE PENINSULA

New petrol station coming up near General Post Office

Continued from page 1 With many old fuel stations in the city already closed and demolished, such as Al Tadamun petrol station next to Naseem Al Rabeeh Polyclinic on D-Ring Road, and one adjacent to the old Mashreq Bank building, filling up cars at existing petrol stations are becoming increasingly difficult, especially during peak hours. Motorists complain that at any given time of the day a petrol station is crowded with vehicles and queues are sometimes frustratingly long. Woqod is, for instance, building a new petrol station near the General Post Office, which is expected to be opera- One of the petrol stations in Doha. tional in 2016. THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 55-year-old recovers Arab Police Day marked from MERS infection Public Security chief calls for more community partnerships DOHA: The 55-year-old collaboration with the Ministry expatriate who tested posi- of Environment has entered its tive for MERS (Middle East final phase. Respiratory Syndrome) virus Meanwhile, the SCH has has recovered, the Supreme launched a vaccination cam- Council of Health (SCH) said paign against tetanus, diphtheria yesterday. and pertussis (whooping cough) “Tests have confirmed that targeting secondary school the patient has recovered. Based students. on the report, quarantine has A total of 14,000 grade 1 (sec- been lifted,” the SCH said in a ondary) students of all private statement. and Independent schools will be The patient was transferred covered. to Hamad General Hospital The SCH recently held a following fever and joint pain. workshop for nurses and other Laboratory tests later confirmed medical staff for the annual vac- the MERS infection. cination drive from March 1 to This was the only MERS case 12. detected so far this year, added Dr Mohammed Al Thani, that statement. Director, Public Health Eleven people tested positive Department, SCH said Qatar for the virus earlier, the last one has become free from such dis- in last October. eases due to the high coverage of The SCH said it had issued a routine vaccination. circular to all healthcare facili- The last case of whopping ties to report any suspected cough was recorded in 2009, cases and follow required rules while there have been no cases and procedures. of diphtheria and tetanus for 10 A survey being conducted by years, said another official. the SCH on MERS in Qatar in THE PENINSULA Ministry of Interior officers, dignitaries and guests at the event.

DOHA: Under the auspices of five-year plan. He called for fur- Staff Maj. Gen. Saad bin Jassim ther cooperation and strengthen- Al Khulaifi, Director-General, ing community partnerships and Religion has become source Public Security, the Ministry networking with security agen- of Interior yesterday marked cies to achieve more security and Arab Police Day at Ritz-Carlton safety. He honoured the veterans of intimidation, violence Doha. from police and reserve forces, Continued from page 1 today to protest the Chapel Hill The directors of departments dignitaries, establishments, offi- Adherence to a specific religion massacres. The perpetrators of at the ministry, veteran police cials and toppers who graduated can prevent you from attaining the attack should be brought to officers, personnel, toppers from from Police College and other citizenship. Religion has become justice. Police College and institutions and institutes. a source of intimidation and The West should not only deal dignitaries from national agencies Brig. Saeed bin Hassan Al violence. firmly with this crime but also were present. Mazroui, who was among the Islamophobia prevalent today make legislations to address Staff Maj. Gen. Al Khulaifi said honoured, said the honouring is similar to the negative ideas Islamophobia and the spate of the ministry has been observing ceremony in recognition of serv- held about Islam and Muslims racist and hate crimes against the day since it began in 1972 and ices provided by personnel, shows in 1910 in academic and media Muslims, like it has done in the has made remarkable achieve- the ministry’s keenness to com- circles. case of anti-Semitism for Jews ments through social partnership municate with society and inspire But how can we counter these and to prevent racism against and strategic actions, providing the new generation to serve the negative perceptions and their African-Americans. safety and security services with nation and people in the best pos- consequences? First of all, we This is important for the pro- the most advanced technologies sible way. need to remind the West about tection of religious rights and and systems. The day commemorates the their double standards. cultures and to build a society He said the ministry’s security first meeting of Arab police and For this reason, we need to free from discrimination based successes and excellent services security leaders in Al Ain City in support the solidarity walk being on religion, race and ethnicity. are part of community partner- the UAE in 1972. One of the graduates honoured at the event. organized by Qatar Foundation THE PENINSULA ship in light of its strategy and THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Qatar Cycling Centre gets gold sponsor Qatargas backs team under Ministry of Youth and Sports

DOHA: Qatargas has to achieving the human devel- and promote a healthy and fit announced its support of Qatar opment goals of Qatar National society. Cycling Centre (Qatar cyclists) Vision 2030. The centre offers facilities and as gold sponsor in the form of Officially established last year, activities, including an indoor financial sponsorship of their the centre was set up by a group training facility, workshops, year-round activities. of young Qataris who shared a monthly rides on long routes, Qatargas made the announce- passion for cycling. They eventu- weekly rides within the city lim- ment on National Sport Day, ally grew to become the only offi- its, regular races and participa- reiterating its commitment to cially recognised cycling team in tion in charity cycling events in support sports as part of its Qatar, affiliated to the Ministry Europe and the rest of world. corporate social responsibility of Youth and Sports. It also organises a public and in line with its strategy of It aims to promote a healthy activity every month where supporting the development of lifestyle and help create a healthy people can get to know about its sports like cycling. generation capable of contribut- activities. The strategy aims to support ing to Qatar’s development. Upcoming events include the development and promotion Membership is open to any- Rowais to Doha; Fun Ride on the of sports and attract youngsters one interested in participating Pearl-Qatar; and mountain bike to engage in them, promoting a with the cycling community to races. Dates will be announced Some of the members of the centre. healthy lifestyle and contributing increase awareness about cycling soon. THE PENINSULA Ooredoo unveils new gaming portal Qatari ‘women critical for energy DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday launched the There are no data charges to Ooredoo Gaming portal as it expands enter- browse games from the portal tainment offerings for Qatar’s growing online at http://vas.ooredoo.qa/games, population. and the service is available in industry to meet challenges’ The portal to enable smartphone users to play English and Arabic content. games on-the-go offers subscribers the ability to “We believe our portal will DOHA: Building a diverse “It is vital that Qatari university students entering with. download and play unlimited games on a daily, be popular with gamers. Using workforce that includes women have an equal oppor- engineering programmes in “I see a trend in Qatar of weekly or monthly basis. Once subscribed, cus- Ooredoo’s bigger, faster net- more Qatari women is criti- tunity to pursue a diversity of the Gulf are young women. more and more women enter- tomers will be able to download games onto their work, people can enjoy very low cal for the energy industry to positions in the energy sec- “In our industry, experts ing the workforce, especially devices, or play online without having to pay for latency and will never have to meet future challenges, said tor, and that women are made predict that as economies at my organisation, and I am individual games. The portal includes over 500 worry about lost games. Our a statement issued by Qatari aware of what jobs are avail- and populations grow, global honoured to work with these games, including genres such as puzzles, sports, rac- portal enables them to enjoy Businesswomen Association able to them if they are inter- energy consumption will rise women as we contribute to ing, arcade and action and strategy. Subscriptions this enhanced performance on (QBWA) yesterday. ested in pursuing a career in by about 35 percent from 2010 Qatar National Vision 2030 by start at QR1 per day on a recurring daily subscrip- an incredible range of games,” Currently, women represent oil and gas. to 2040. Key energy players providing energy to support tion. Weekly and monthly recurring subscriptions said Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, a minority of the global oil and “Qatari women play an such as Qatar need to be pre- the thriving society.” are available at QR5 and QR20, respectively. Director, Community and gas workforce and fewer hold important role in contribut- pared to meet this increase in The summit will bring Public Relations, Ooredoo. engineering or technical roles. ing to the country’s economic demand, which means a corre- together Qatar’s energy indus- Other entertainment con- In the UK, women account activity and should play an sponding increase in demand try and female global energy tent from Ooredoo includes for 51 percent of the popula- equally central role in tackling for professionals, includ- leaders and local initiatives Mozaic TV, Qatar’s No. 1 TV tion, but only eight percent challenges faced by the energy ing women,” said Alistair such as QBWA which is keen network provider, and Mozaic of engineering profession- industry,” said Aisha Hussain Routledge, President and to work with professional GO App. “We are certain that als, according to a recent Alfardan, Vice Chairwoman, General Manager, ExxonMobil women working in male-dom- this association will be ben- analysis by Royal Academy of QBWA, and speaker at the Qatar. inated fields, create a platform eficial for both of us and the Engineering. summit. “There is a significant to discuss challenges they face, growing number of mobile The Gulf Intelligence Positive changes have number of women in key posi- find solutions to address them, gaming enthusiasts in the Women in Energy Summit on started. For example, in the tions at ExxonMobil and their and develop programmes country,” said Savio Saldanha, March 11, in partnership with US, 46 percent of all new jobs contributions are valued and to empower women to help CEO, Middle East & Africa, QBWA, will discuss the out- in the oil industry went to leveraged. Every day, I am them overcome challenges Nazara Technologies, which is look for women in the energy women in the first quarter of amazed by skills, energy and and pave the way for future working with Ooredoo on the industry and recommend 2013, the highest since 1991. dedication of Qatari women I generations. portal. THE PENINSULA changes to advance their role. The majority of new have had the pleasure to work THE PENINSULA NU-Q to host Fresh Global Media Players forum DOHA: Media schol- a one-of-a-kind symposium on leaders and scholars was the described industry forces trans- Speakers includes John ars and industry the reshaping of international brainchild of NU-Q faculty Joe forming the media landscape and Sinclair, global advertis- experts will convene media and communication. Khalil and John Downing, who are said, “Today people around the ing expert from University on February 21 for the Hosted by Northwestern experts on the Middle East and world watch content produced in of Melbourne; Tristan Fresh Global Media University in Qatar (NU-Q), the global media, respectively. or influenced by the Middle East. Mattelart, Professor of Players conference, forum will bring together media “It will be a forum for a produc- The Arab world has joined the Intellectual Property and players, researchers and execu- tive exchange of ideas on emerg- global conversation with a clear Piracy Trends, Université tives who bring new perspectives ing media trends,” said Everette and distinct voice, but research de Paris 8; and Annabelle on the revolutionary change tak- E Dennis, Dean and CEO, NU-Q. on global media has not kept up Sreberny, Co-author of ing over international news and “The new global media players with the times. Blogistan, the Internet entertainment. are looking beyond national bor- Conference co-organiser and and Politics in Iran and It is sponsored by Qatar ders and redefining the interplay Professor Downing said, “The Professor of Global Media National Research Fund as part of content, distribution and audi- conference will explore the redis- and Communication, of its vision to connect Qatar’s ence. It’s a dynamic industry that tribution of world communication SOAS Centre for Media researchers to their peers and is changing before our eyes.” power from fresh vantage points, Studies, University of colleagues at home and abroad. Khalil, Associate Professor examining new voices and innova- London. “The gathering of industry and conference co-organiser, tive players.” Yaser Bishr, Executive Director of Strategy and Development, Aljazeera Media Network, will deliver the capstone media industries address at a public lunch on February 21. He is leading the net- work’s transformation from a regional broad- caster to a global digital media player. His speech, ‘The Economics of the News Business and the Challenge of Innovation in the Age of the Digital Dimes, offers a snapshot of the news business today and a look ahead to where the industry is heading. This spring, NU-Q will release Media Use in the Middle East: A Six-Nation Survey that tracks habits and behaviour of news and media consumption in the region. It follows last year’s Entertainment Media Use in the Middle East: A Six Nation Survey that focused on the region’s entertain- ment media consumption, and Parsing “Arab Spring”: Media Coverage of the Arab Revolutions, an occa- sional paper by Ibrahim Abusharif, Associate Professor of Journalism. THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Advisory Council delegations Milestone in national museum work leave for Kuwait, Project consultancy Astad marks 20 million man-hours without lost time incident

Cairo meetings DOHA: Astad, a project man- make improvements.” DOHA: An Advisory Council agement consultancy for During the ceremony on delegation yesterday left for building and infrastructure February 9, Chief Operating Kuwait for the 21st meeting projects, presented a certifi- Officer, Mohammed Badran, of the Executive Committee cate of achievement to Hyundai presented the award to Kim Jong of the Union of Arab Engineering and Construction Sang, Hyundai’s Project Director Parliamentarians Scout which Contractors for accomplishing at National Museum of Qatar opens today. 20 million consecutive man- project. The delegation comprises hours worked without lost- They were joined by rep- council member Ahmed Khalifa time incident (LTI) on National resentatives from Qatar Al Rumaihi and legal specialist Museum of Qatar. Museums, Hyundai Contracting Nasser Ali Al Qahtani. Nasser Al Hajri, Chief Human and Engineering and Hill The two-day meeting will dis- Capital and Shared Services International. cuss financial regulations of the Officer, Astad, said, “It is with Kim said, “We are delighted to union and its action plan for the great pride that we celebrate the be receiving the certificate and next two years and other sug- milestone. The health and wellbe- pleased that our efforts to drive gestions and activities. ing of our professionals lie at the up health and safety standards Another council team left for heart of Astad’s core values. We are being recognised. During Cairo for meetings of the third take a proactive approach towards our work at National Museum and fourth sessions of the third workplace safety by having good of Qatar, we have invested in our sitting of the first legislative ses- communications with partners to workers by offering health and Officials and workers celebrate the achievement at National Museum of Qatar project site. sion of Arab Parliament. ensure they are constantly kept safety training and encouraging The four-day meetings which up-to-date with our stringent our workforce to highlight any high standards we have estab- Qatar’s rich heritage and histori- facilities. In addition to galleries, end on Tuesday will discuss health and safety requirements. risks they identify. lished at National Museum of cal narrative. the venue will have a 220-seat administrative and specialised “While we employ interna- “Our safety team has been Qatar and continuing to do all Visitors will be able to enjoy auditorium, two retail outlets, a committees’ reports and Arab tional best practices when it meeting daily to minimise poten- we can to prevent LTI.” exhibitions, history recitals and research centre with laboratories Parliament regulations. comes to safety, we constantly tial hazards across the site. We National Museum of Qatar will interactive presentations com- and a park of indigenous plants. The delegation comprises evaluate our performance and look forward to building on the host a collection representative of plemented by state-of-the-art THE PENINSULA council members Yusuf Rashid Al Khater, Mubarak Ali Ghanem and Nasser Al Jida and legal expert Mohamed Khaled Al Sada. QNA Qatar, Thailand Eight firms attend Gulfood 2015, thanks to QDB ties reviewed DOHA: As part of its efforts resulted in about QR10m in BANGKOK: Thailand’s to open new markets for Qatari orders booked and we are confi- Deputy Prime Minister and companies, Qatar Development dent this year’s edition will lead to Foreign Minister Tanasak Bank (QDB) supported eight new business for Qatari exporters. Patimapragorn met Qatar’s Qatari firms in the food pro- “QDB, through Tasdeer, Assistant Foreign Minister duction industry to take part in remains committed to expanding H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Gulfood 2015. Qatar’s private sector and sup- Al Rumaihi and his delegation. The region’s premier food and porting the companies driving Talks dealt with ways of hospitality exhibition is an initia- that growth. Today, we join our developing relations and mat- tive of QDB’s export arm, Tasdeer. clients on their journey towards ters of common interest. The firms praised the bank for success through international Qatari Ambassador Ali bin support at this flagship event, events, exhibitions, strategic mar- Jabr Al Dosari was present. which gave them the opportu- ket research and promotion for QNA nity to meet key companies in Qatari exporters,” he added. the food sector to increase exports Hassan Khalifa Al Mansouri, Workshop reviews regionally and globally. The event Executive Director, Tasdeer, said: was held at Dubai World Trade “We are pleased with the strong standards of Centre from February 8 to 12. participation from Qatari com- From organic vegetables to panies for the third consecutive driving schools dates, frozen meat and olive oil, year, at Gulfood 2015, the world’s the firms showcased best-in-class largest annual food and hospital- Continued from page 1 Qatari products. ity industry event. Our participa- The companies were Qatar tion promotes trade cooperation Capt Jabir Odhaiba, Head Food Factories, Qatar Tunisian between the Qatari, Gulf and glo- Traffic Information and Food Company, National food bal markets, helping companies Research Section; Ft Lt company (Doha Dates, Dandy identify opportunities and make Abdullah Salih Al Heval, Company Ltd, National food com- deals in new markets. Licence Section Officer, and Lt pany (ZAD Holding), Qatar Flour “QDB has contributed, through Abdul Wahid Al Anazi, Traffic Mills, Agrico Organic Farms and Tasdeer, to strengthening Qatari Awareness Officer, also attended Colosseum Gelato. industries and opening new mar- the workshop. Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al kets for them. Our participation The workshop aimed to Khalifa, CEO, QDB, said: “QDB at Gulfood complements these review the training standards of is a supporter of Qatari export- efforts. Attending such impor- driving schools and their com- ers who want to reach new glo- tant events is part of our strate- The QDB pavilion at Dubai World Trade Centre. patibility with the traffic laws bal markets. We regularly support gic approach to growing Made in and regulations in the state. It national firms at premier trade Qatar exports and strengthening location. It was packed with visi- industry event in the world. It an opportunity to learn about also aimed to identify the level events in strategic markets. This their presence in global markets.” tors eager to learn more about the is playing a vital role in linking latest trends and products. The of trainers to develop their skill is our third consecutive year at The Qatari pavilion was Qatari food sector. The Gulf Food food importers and exporters expo received over 85,000 indus- and abilities. THE PENINSULA Gulfood, following the success of marked by its design, modern Exhibition is the largest annual and suppliers and distributors try visitors from more than 170 last year’s participation, which interior, large area and strategic food, beverage and hospitality around the world, and providing countries. THE PENINSULA QRC, Unicef in deal to support women, children DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent include but not limited to the talks to explore and enhance helping the most disadvantaged (QRC) has signed a memo- lives, survival and development cooperation. groups with development or randum of understanding of young children; gender equal- Al Mohannadi said the relief activities, this translated with Unicef to support joint ity in basic education; HIV/Aids agreement was a further step into deeper forms of coopera- humanitarian action for in children; protection against, towards integration between tion, exchange of experiences, women and children. prevention of and response to international humanitarian and resource mobilisation. This The five-year renewable deal all forms of violence, exploita- players and overcoming barriers would work towards the com- will serve as a framework for tion and abuse; and promotion to humanitarian efforts, offer- mon goals of reaching out to coordinated relations through of applicable policy compliance ing access to assistance for the the largest number of children exchange of experiences, coop- and partnership building for the needy, particularly women and and their families and providing eration in projects and other protection of children’s rights, children, and facilitating imple- support more effectively.” joint actions. according to a QRC statement. mentation of programmes and QRC and Unicef have had It was signed by Saleh bin Ali Both sides will coordinate projects to alleviate their suf- partnerships in several areas, Al Mohannadi, QRC Secretary- with local and national govern- fering and advance them in all including urgent relief inter- General, and Dr Ibrahim Al ments in humanitarian action aspects. vention in the Yemeni city of Ziq, Gulf Area Representative, through exchange of experi- Dr Al Ziq said children are Amran to distribute $60,000 Unicef. ences, funding, studies, reports, the most affected group at times worth of food assistance and It covers all humanitarian and information; invitation to of crisis. “Improving their living hygiene kits to 700 poorest fam- development, protection and either party’s meetings, semi- condition is key to social devel- ilies and a polio vaccination pro- response actions in favour of nars, symposiums, workshops, opment. As QRC and Unicef gramme for Syrian children at a women and children. These will and conferences; and regular share the same mission of cost of $10m. THE PENINSULA QNB holds first 2015 induction programme for new staff DOHA: QNB has welcomed a batch of new employees within the group by holding a gradua- tion ceremony for participants of the Induction Programme that ended on January 29. QNB holds the programme for new employees to improve their capabilities and help them adapt and integrate faster into the group’s international network. QNB officials with new employees at the graduation ceremony. It also helps develop new employees’ skills so that they The latest programme from successful graduates will join to roles within the group opera- can excel and realise their full December 14 to January 29 QNB as tellers, customer service tions function. potential. comprised 11 modules. The agents in retail banking through THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME WCMC-Q researcher co-edits textbook on clinical neurology

DOHA: A medical textbook, patients, has become a pressing Handbook of Clinical Neurology to health issue for medical science serve as a comprehensive guide and society at large. for clinicians and researchers “While researchers have been dealing with complications of able to demonstrate the viabil- the nervous system arising from ity of experimental therapies in diabetes has been co-edited by the laboratory, all have fallen by Weill Cornell Medical College in the wayside as there is no FDA- Qatar (WCMC-Q) Researcher approved therapy for human dia- Dr Rayaz Malik. betic neuropathy. This highlights Dr Malik, Professor of the translational gap, which may Medicine, edited the 640-page be due to a lack of an ability to book, Diabetes and the Nervous demonstrate therapeutic efficacy System: Handbook of Clinical in humans, rather than a true Neurology with Dr Douglas lack of efficacy. FROM RIGHT: Dr Tej Bunnag, Thailand’s former foreign minister, Dr Joachim Gierlichs, QNL’s Associate Director, Zochodne, Professor of Neurology, Dr Rayaz Malik, Professor of “Overall the handbook shows Special Collections and Archives, Saadi A Al Said, Associate Director, Administration and Planning, and Piroon University of Alberta. Medicine, WCMC-Q, speaking at that there is a lot of research Laismit, Ambassador, looking at the Heritage Collection. The handbook, which took the event. going on in the field of diabetic three years to compile, comprises neuropathy, but also highlights 36 chapters written by the world’s for clinicians and researchers to the roadblocks and difficulties foremost experts in the field of help bridge the translational gap that researchers have encoun- diabetic neuropathy from elite towards earlier diagnosis and tered. This knowledge will Thai embassy presents institutions in North America, treatment with the best thera- hopefully be a useful guide to Europe, New Zealand, Japan and pies to improve patient outcomes. researchers working towards the Qatar. “Overall, the handbook shows development of an effective new It provides a comprehen- there is a lot of research going therapy for diabetic neuropathy.” sive update on experimental on in the field of diabetic neu- Dr Khaled Machaca, Associate books to national library and translational studies of the ropathy and highlights roadblocks Dean, Research, WCMC-Q, said, peripheral and central nervous and difficulties researchers have “The handbook is a wonderful DOHA: The Thai embassy of promoting better understand- Saadi A Al Said, and Dr Joachim system in children and adults encountered. piece of scholarship that will serve has presented Qatar National ing between Thailand and Qatar Gierlichs, Associate Director for with diabetes and pre-diabetes. “This knowledge will hopefully as a useful practical aid for physi- Library (QNL), a member of which have different cultures and Special Collections and Archives, Latest diagnostic techniques be a useful guide to researchers cians treating diabetic neuropa- Qatar Foundation for Education, ways of life. He said with this edu- highlighted the rare materials including peripheral and central working towards the development thy and investigators searching Science and Community cational cooperation, people-to- and manuscripts related to Arab- imaging and therapies for dia- of an effective new therapy for for viable new therapies for the Development (QF), with books people ties and understanding, Islamic civilisation and Heritage betic neuropathy are discussed diabetic neuropathy. condition, which can be distress- as part of Ambassador Piroon especially among younger genera- Collection’s most valuable items. in detail. “The global diabetes and obes- ing and debilitating for sufferers.” Laismit’s visit to promote cul- tions, can be strengthened Last month, QNL received Dr Malik said, “Our aim with ity epidemic means that diabetic The book is published by tural relations and exchange. Claudia Lux, Project Director, former Thai Foreign Minister, the handbook is to provide a com- neuropathy, which affects at Elsevier Science and Technology. Dr Claudia Lux, Project QNL, said, “Cultural ties between Dr Tej Bunnag, and Laismit at prehensive and up-to-date guide least 50 percent of all diabetic THE PENINSULA Director, QNL, and other officials Qatar and Thailand are strong its Heritage Collection Building. received the books. and distinguished and playing a The Heritage Collection Laismit said, “Books are a great role in promoting cultural received Thai Princess Maha medium of philosophy and ways and historical exchanges. Chakri Sirindhorn in January Al Rabeeh Dental Centre moves to new premises of thinking and civilisation of each “The books will enrich QNL’s 2012. Former ambassador country. collection and enhance opportuni- Panyarak Poolthup gifted a 200- “Donating books on Thainess ties for researchers to study Thai year-old copy of the Quran in is one of the ways of shaping culture,” she added. September 2013 which has ben- correct ideas about Thailand QNL’s Associate Director for efited local researchers. among foreigners and a medium Administration and Planning, THE PENINSULA Doha Bank attends Career Fair

Al Rabeeh Dental Centre has relocated from Musherib and started operations at new premises on Al Rawabi Road near new Salata Intersection. Sheikh Jabir Thamir Isa Thamir Al Thani inaugurated the premises in the presence of Managing Director, Miandad, CEO, Babushanavas, Administrative Manager, Mohammed Ashraf, and Medical Directors Dr Mohammed Kasim Harid and Dr Biju Joseph.

Visitors at the Doha Bank pavilion at Education City.

DOHA: Doha Bank participated Hosted at Education City, the fair Dr R Seetharaman, in a career fair organised by brought together campus students Group CEO of the bank, Education City featuring Qatar and employers to facilitate network- said, “As an organisation universities. ing and employment opportunities. that has always taken the lead in creating rewarding career opportunities for Qatari talents, the bank is excited to have joined forces with Education City for the fair that provided us with the opportunity to access and connect with a large pool of qualified candidates and served to underline the wealth of tal- ent we have in universities and colleges of Qatar.” The bank received over 90 applicants interested in becoming part of its workforce. “Doha Bank today is the first choice of candi- dates looking for excit- ing career opportunities among Qatari banks,” said Dr Seetharaman. Bank representatives at the fair provided career consultation to gradu- ate and undergraduate students. Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, Northwestern University in Qatar, HEC Paris in Qatar, and UCL Qatar also took part. THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Protests mark Bahrain uprising Iran’s Khamenei sends Amnesty International urges kingdom to rein in security forces letter to Obama WASHINGTON: Iran’s supreme leader has sent a secret but DUBAI: Bahraini police fired non-committal letter to US President Barack Obama in response tear gas to disperse hundreds of to American overtures, amid talks to strike a nuclear accord, Shia protesters who took to the The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. streets for yesterday’s fourth The newspaper cited an Iranian diplomat as saying Ayatollah anniversary of an uprising that Ali Khamenei had written to Obama in response to the president’s deeply divided the key US ally. letter sent in October. Amnesty International urged Obama’s correspondence had suggested potential US-Iranian Bahrain to “rein in” its security cooperation in fighting the Islamic State group if a deal on Iran’s forces and “seize the opportunity nuclear programme was struck, the diplomat told the Journal. of the fourth anniversary of the The supreme leader’s response was “respectful” but non-com- uprising to announce genuine and mittal, the diplomat was quoted as saying. Khamenei has the final long overdue reforms”. word on all matters of state in Iran. Police deployed heavily as men Current and former US officials who viewed the correspondence and women carrying Bahrain’s said Khamenei’s letter outlined a string of abuses he claimed the red and white flag alongside por- United States had committed against the Iranian people during traits of detained activists chanted the past 60 years. “Down Hamad”, referring to the Neither the White House nor the Iranian government has offi- Sunni king. cially confirmed any correspondence between the two leaders. Protesters burned tyres and Talks with Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and blocked roads. Germany — the so-called P5+1 group — seek to allay concerns that The police fired tear gas and Iran is covertly seeking to develop a nuclear bomb, in exchange for sound bombs after boosting secu- lifting punishing sanctions. rity around several villages and Two deadlines for a permanent nuclear agreement have already along major roads to prevent pro- been missed, since an interim accord was struck in November 2013. testers advancing towards central The P5+1 has now set a March 31 deadline for a political agreement. Manama, witnesses said. It would be followed by a final deal setting out all the technical The opposition said on Twitter points of what would be a complex accord by June 30. that the police also fired buckshot, Iran denies seeking an atomic bomb and says its nuclear pro- and posted pictures of wounded gramme is for peaceful energy purposes. AFP protesters, saying several activists were arrested. Bahraini protesters hold a banner reading in Arabic: “Bahrain, a revolution of the people that refuse to be silent”, The main opposition bloc Al Wefaq in a statement issued in as they chant slogans during a demonstration to mark the fourth anniversary of the country’s Arab Spring-inspired English urged protesters “to stick uprising, in Daih village, on the outskirts of the capital Manama, yesterday. to the non-violent movement and... Houthis disperse refrain from putting lives and pri- Major-General Tariq Al Hassan, with an elected prime minister United Services Institute for vate and public properties under issued a stern warning against any independent of the ruling royal Defence and Security Studies. threat”. protests. family, but the Al Khalifa dynasty The political rivals have strug- “The calls for violence acts do “Action will be taken against has refused to yield. gled to bury their differences Yemen protesters not relate to the Bahraini people’s those who spread terror among Al Wefaq leader Sheikh Ali through a “national dialogue” that peaceful movement for democ- citizens or residents, put the safety Salman has been behind bars since fell apart despite several rounds of racy,” it said, condemning “the of others at risk or try to disrupt December 28 for allegedly trying negotiations. excessive use of force by security the nation’s security and stability,” to overthrow the regime. In November, the opposition as clashes kill 26 forces and which has resulted he said. Attacks targeting the security boycotted parliamentary elections in serious casualties among the Amnesty said in a statement forces have increased. in which pro-government Sunnis SANA’A: Shia militiamen city of Daleh, where protesters peaceful citizens”. that “fundamental freedoms have “The movement has reached its won the most seats. behind a power grab fired live demanded political parties end It gave a toll of 13 people increasingly been curtailed” in four years with the situation only Al Wefaq has insisted “peace- rounds to disperse thousands their UN-brokered talks with the wounded. Bahrain. getting worse and deteriorating ful” protests must continue “until of protesters in central Yemen militia in Sana’a. Bahrain’s Saudi-backed Sunni The London-based rights with citizens threatened by losing a political solution is reached”. yesterday as clashes between In the capital, hundreds pro- authorities crushed protests led watchdog urged the kingdom to their nationalities any minute,” Al But a solution appears remote Houthis and Sunnis in a south- tested describing the militia as by its majority Shias shortly after release detained activists, allow Wefaq said. in the smallest Gulf Arab country, ern mountainous region left 26 “gangs that could not build a they erupted on February 14, 2011, demonstrations and “hold to Bahrain has revoked the citi- a neighbour of the absolute Sunni dead. state.” taking their cue from Arab Spring account all those responsible for zenships of scores of activists over monarchy and regional power- Home to Al Qaeda’s deadliest Heavy clashes between Houthi uprisings in the Middle East and human rights abuses”. the past few years. house Saudi Arabia. branch and a key US ally in the fighters and Sunni Muslim tribes- North Africa. The sectarian divide is deep- In October, a court banned Al “Despite an interest in intra- fight against the group, Yemen men fighting alongside Al Qaeda The radical February 14 ening in Bahrain with a growing Wefaq for three months for violat- Bahraini talks, the Saudi lead- has descended into chaos since the militants in the southern province Coalition, a cyber youth group, gap between the Sunni minority ing a law on associations. ership seems to be allowing militia, known as Houthis, seized of Al Bayda yesterday killed 16 had called for demonstrations government and its mainly Shia “There looks like little hope of harder-line elements in the Sana’a in September. Houthi rebels along with 10 Sunni and strikes across the kingdom opponents. progress in Bahrain. The oppo- Bahraini ruling family to dictate Matters worsened last week tribesmen and militants, security to mark the anniversary. The opposition is demanding sition is barely legal,” said Neil the political direction of the coun- when they ousted the government. officials and tribal sources said. But the public security chief, a “real” constitutional monarchy Partrick, analyst at the Royal try,” said Partrick. AFP UN Secretary-General Ban Meanwhile, the family of Ki-moon has warned that Yemen demonstrator Saleh Awadh Al is falling apart and called for Bashiri, detained by the Houthis Western-backed President on Wednesday at a protest against Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi, who their takeover said he had died resigned last month in protest from torture wounds suffered in at growing unrest sparked by the captivity. OIC concerned over rising Islamophobia in US Houthis, to be restored to power. Another two protesters who In the city of Ibb, which the were held with him have also been JEDDAH: A pan-Muslim body outrage among Muslims worldwide. In a statement on the official belong to Hicks showed dozens of militia have held since last year, hospitalised after they were found yesterday condemned the mur- Police said they are investigat- news agency of Saudi Arabia, anti-religious posts, including one protesters chanted: “Houthi, Iran: wounded and left on a street. ders of three Muslim students ing what may have been a parking where the OIC is based, he urged calling himself an “anti-theist,” Yemen is not Lebanon!”, in refer- The families posted pictures in the United States by a neigh- dispute gone wrong, but have not the US government to take meas- saying he has a “conscientious ence to predominantly Shia Iran’s on social media they said were of bour who espoused anti-reli- ruled out a hate-based crime. ures to protect society there from objection to religion,” and other alleged support for the militia. their sons showing parts of their gious views, voicing concerns Relatives of the victims say they “negative images, discrimination, memes denouncing Christianity, They also shouted slogans bodies bruised and swollen from over what it said was increased are convinced they were targeted and stereotyping that contradict Mormonism and Islam. against Russia, which is thought beatings. “Islamophobia” in the country. because of their faith. the core values of the American Muslim activists have called to be reluctant to take a hard line On Sunday, the Houthis Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23, his “This gruesome crime has left society.” for Hicks to be charged with hate against the Houthis at the UN announced a ban on all demon- wife Yusor Mohammad, 21, and Muslims worldwide in a state of Madani also called for inter- crimes. Security Council. strations against them unless her sister Razan, 19, were shot shock and has raised concerns national cooperation to fight “There is a high probability Witnesses said the Houthis they are authorised by the inte- dead on Tuesday in the North of the growing feelings of hatred “extremism, violence, and religious that the shooter targeted the fired warning shots to disperse rior ministry, which itself is now Carolina university town of Chapel towards Muslims and the increase intolerance, as well as hate crimes victims because of their religion the protest, wounding at least six under their control. Hill. of acts linked to Islamophobia and (acts) that incite them.” and national origin,” a statement people. The militiamen have been A 46-year-old neighbour, Craig in the United States,” said Iyad The Federal Bureau of from the American-Arab Anti- Similar demonstrations took accused of attacking and detain- Stephen Hicks, has been charged Madani, secretary general of Investigation has opened an Discrimination Committee has place in the Shia-populated city ing protesters as well as reporters with three counts of murder the 57-member Organisation of inquiry into the murders. said. of Dhammar, which is also under covering demonstrations against over the killings, which sparked Islamic cooperation. A Facebook page believed to AFP Houthi control, and the southern their seizure of power. AFP

South Sudan calls off elections

NAIROBI: South Sudan has called off elections due to be held in Kurds regain Syria June and its cabinet plans to ask parliament to extend President Salva Kiir’s term, a government spokesman said. villages from IS Government spokesman Michael Makuei said the proposal to extend Kiir and parliament’s terms in office will be presented to BEIRUT: Kurdish forces lawmakers on Tuesday and he was confident it will be approved. backed by US-led air strikes Makuei said the proposal was meant to avoid any power vacuum have regained control of at least in the event that the government fails to reach a permanent deal 163 villages around the Syrian with rebels it is fighting. town of Kobane after driving back Islamic State militants in Car bombs wound six in Sinai the past three weeks, a group monitoring the conflict said CAIRO: Two suicide car bombs wounded six people yesterday yesterday. when officers fired on the vehicles as they approached a police The Britain-based Syrian station in the restive Sinai Peninsula, officials said. Observatory for Human Rights The daytime attack occurred in the town of Sheikh Zuweid in said that although the Kurds had North Sinai where security forces are battling an Islamist insurgency. recaptured many villages since “The two cars were driven by suicide bombers who wanted to winning back Kobane in late blow up the Sheikh Zuweid police station,” a security official said January, their progress had been describing yesterday’s attack. “Security forces fired at the cars as slowed by renewed clashes to the they approached the police station. The vehicles exploded, killing west and southwest of the town, the two suicide bombers.” where Islamic State had redi- rected its fighters. Sudan probing UNAMID rape claim The Kurds were joined by sev- eral hundred rebel fighters in the KHARTOUM: The Sudanese police are investigating an officer battles for areas surrounding the from the UN-African Union mission in Darfur over allegations town, the Observatory’s founder he raped a woman in the western region, a foreign ministry Rami Abdulrahman said. spokesman said on Friday. The rebel groups included the “If there is evidence against the officer, he will be prosecuted” in Shams Al Shamal brigade and a Sudanese court because such crimes are not subject to diplomatic the Raqa Revolutionaries Brigade, immunity, foreign ministry spokesman Yousif Al Kordofani said. anti-Islamic State fighters who AGENCIES had battled alongside the Kurds to win back territory. REUTERS SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Nigeria in distress Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

OKO HARAM’S infiltration into Chad and its latest assault on Gombe show that the Nigerian militant group is sharply growing in strength and threatens Bregional stability. In the latest blitz, Boko Haram militants yesterday launched a vicious attack on the capital Paranoia creeping into US of the northeastern state of Gombe. Nigerian troops and an air force jet were successful in repelling the attack, forcing the Islamist militants to their lair in the state of Borno. The northeastern state has been the hub of the militants who child protection services gained international notoriety after they kidnapped more than 200 girls studying in schools where English was being taught. BY DANIELLE MEITIV When did Americans decide that police stopped to check on the children Boko Haram means ‘western education is sin’ in the local allowing our kids to be out of sight was involved; that’s what we want officers to Hausa language. E ALL WANT what is best a crime? do if they have concerns about a child’s The militants had been trying hard to sow chaos and for our children. We want Not everyone is comfortable with welfare. The problem is that, once it insecurity ahead of the postponed February 14 elections. Wthem to be happy and suc- the idea of young children being out- was determined that involved parents Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been trying cessful, and we want to protect them side without adult supervision. We’re had already judged their children to be from harm. But what if we are pro- not always comfortable with it, either. safe, the authorities didn’t move along. hard to secure another term, come what may. He launched tecting them from extremely remote We think, however, that giving them an Instead they turned to heavyhanded his election campaign with much fanfare a day after dozens of threats while ignoring the things that opportunity to learn to make their way legal and bureaucratic remedies that schoolchildren were killed in an attack by the Islamist group. most endanger their well-being? What in the world independently is the best did far more harm than good. Jonathan has been repeatedly accused by his citizens and if police and child welfare officials, the way to prepare them for adulthood — Nationwide, providers of social serv- world powers of doing little to contain the insurgency. experts whom we empower to protect and that it is safe for them to do so. ices are burdened with overflowing In the past, the Nigerian president has used the egregious our children, are pursuing phantom Although our fears may tell us one workloads and backlogs of hundreds problems while neglecting those who thing about the world, the facts say of cases. So why are they wasting time intentions of the Islamist group to divert attention from are truly at risk? something quite different. Crime rates with us? Even if CPS is mandated to administrative and development issues. The most populous One recent Saturday afternoon, across the United States are as low as follow up on every call, why aren’t there African state has huge oil reserves but debilitating poverty and six police officers and five patrol cars they’ve been in my lifetime. Stranger objective, rational criteria to determine a frail economy characterise what came to my home in Silver Spring. They abduction, the bogeyman of most paren- which situations warrant attention? Nigerian would otherwise be a flourishing demanded identification from my hus- tal fears, has always been exceedingly As long as the trigger for an investi- country. band and entered rare. Far more hazardous are the obes- gation is “child left unsupervised,” these President our home despite ity risks and idleness we subject chil- workers will run themselves ragged and In an interview to Wall Street not having a war- dren to if we do not allow them to run waste precious resources investigating Goodluck Journal, Jonathan yesterday asked rant to do so. The outside and play. families like ours while neglecting chil- Jonathan’s plea for US help to fight the threat reason for this Fear, too, takes a toll. I wasn’t there dren who really need their help. of Boko Haram. The embattled Crime rates show of force? when the police brought my children CPS’s work is vital and necessary, but for US help leader’s comments come at a We had allowed home in a patrol car, but my 10-year- the pendulum has swung too far. We across the United our children old called me, sobbing that “Daddy is need to take back the streets and parks time when elections have been to fight Boko to walk home getting arrested.” The incident gave my for our children. deferred to March 28 and the States are as Haram is an act from a neigh- daughter nightmares. My son told us We need to refuse to allow ourselves most formidable challenge to his low as they’ve borhood park by that the social worker who questioned to be ruled by fear or allow our govern- of desperation presidency — Boko Haram — themselves. him asked, “What would you do if some- ment to overrule decisions that parents ahead of key threatens his survival. been in my A few one grabbed you?,” and suggested that make about what is best for their chil- Years of insecurity sown by hours later, a he tell us that he doesn’t want to go off dren. Overpolicing parents in this way elections. lifetime. Stranger Montgomery on his own anymore because it’s danger- does not make children safer; it disrupts the militant group, which openly County Child ous and that there are “bad guys waiting families and makes our kids fearful, challenges to state authority, has abduction, the Protective to grab you.” This is how adults teach anxious and unhealthy. weakened state institutions. Jonathan has brazenly asked bogeyman of Services (CPS) children to be afraid even when they are We also need to support groups such Nigerians to elect him once more, saying he needs more time social worker not in danger. as the National Association of Parents, to fight the insurgency. The cornered Nigerian leader has most parental coerced my hus- We are not the only parents in this which fights for the constitutional tried to link Boko Haram with the Islamic State. Though band into sign- position. Last summer, Debra Harrell of rights of parents to raise their children fears, has ing a “temporary North Augusta, South Carolina, spent 17 as they see fit, as long as the children Boko Haram’s closeness to Al Qaeda is no secret, its ties with safety plan” for days in jail because she let her 9-year- are not harmed. And whether through Islamic State have been unheard of. always been our children by old daughter play at a park while she the legislatures or the courts, neglect Jonathan had earlier repeatedly rejected external help in exceedingly rare. threatening to was working. laws need to be redefined to safeguard fighting militancy. Though the Americans helped Nigerian take the children In Port St Lucie, Florida, Nicole parents’ discretion to make reasonable troops hunt for the missing schoolgirls, any offer of help from “right now” — a Gainey was arrested and charged risk-management judgments for their threat she backed with neglect because her 7-year-old children, including the decision to allow Europe in fighting the six-year-old insurgency was rebuffed by up with a call to the police. In the weeks was playing unsupervised at a nearby them the freedom and independence Abuja. that followed, another worker from the playground, and Ashley Richardson that was the norm a generation ago and The Nigerian president’s call for help to the US is an act agency appeared at our door with the of Winter Haven, Florida, was jailed is still essential to their development of desperation. Jonathan knows that Washington would not police and insisted that he did not need when she left her four kids, ages 6 to 8, and well-being. be easily drawn into the conflict. At the same time he aims at a warrant to enter our home. He also to play at a park while she shopped at The writer lives in Silver Spring, swinging a few more voters to his side with his comment• interviewed our children at school with- the local food bank. The problem with Maryland. out our knowledge or permission. these cases, and ours, was not that WP-BLOOMBERG The other side Quote of Sectarian attack the day

NOTHER week, another that yet another front in the militancy community in recent years, is not on from which the state projects its power sectarian attack, yet another wars is once again being aggressively the verge of a full-blown sectarian civil in the immediate region. The troops attack in Peshawar. While pursued. war. But if fighting sectarianism is not fighting in Fata are commanded from Ano one expected the state While not all militant groups are made a priority now, the implosion in Peshawar. to shut down the militancy complex avowedly and determinedly sectarian, parts of the Middle East is a haunting The writ over KP and Fata is admin- and suppress terrorism in a matter it is nevertheless true that practically all reminder of how quickly and irreversibly istratively handled from Peshawar. As They are our of weeks, what yesterday’s attack in operating here have a sectarian strain. matters can get out of control. such, it is a city that has vast resources Peshawar seems to have underlined The failure of the state was in not The other aspect is Peshawar. and from where both the civil and mili- friends. If Nigeria is that the state strategy in the fight giving priority to stemming the growth Sitting pressed up against the tribal tary arms of the state have over the against militancy is inadequate and not of avowedly sectarian militant groups areas and a regional hub for so many years learned how to work in coopera- has a problem, wide-ranging enough. — the longer those particular groups trouble spots, the provincial capital of tion with each other to help secure it. then I expect the There are at least two points to be have been allowed to operate with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a front-line city In essence, then, why are such large made here. near impunity, the more it seems to in the fight against militancy. groups of militants, as in the case of the US to come and First, the sectarian equation. From have encouraged other militant outfits As such, it will always be a city mili- Army Public School attack and now the Shikarpur to Peshawar, militants have to focus on their sectarian agendas. tants look to stage attacks in. But it Shia mosque, still able to so easily pen- assist us. struck against Shias and their places It is still not too late. The country, cannot be forgotten that Peshawar is etrate high-security sites in Peshawar? Goodluck Jonathan of worship seemingly at will, indicating despite grievous blows to the Shia also the administrative and military hub DAWN Nigerian President SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Life in Gaza seems worse than ever Last month, the group’s military wing ran training camps for 17,000 youths, ages 15 to 21, to learn to shoot Kalashnikov rifles, jump through hoops of fire and perform basic first aid in preparation for the next battle Members of Al Khissi family sit around a fire inside their damaged home in the Shijaiyah neighbourhood of Gaza with Israel. City. RIGHT: Awad Habib climbs down a utility pole after fixing a street lamp among the rubble of homes in the same neighbourhood. BY WILLIAM BOOTH struck by Israel, the Palestinian from the UN, NGOs, the 5-month-old who died in his sleep and Abbas’s Fatah party fought a Bank machines in Gaza City Authority and the United Nations Palestinian Authority or Hamas,” in freezing temperatures in a gut- bloody and losing battle against have been repeatedly hit by after last summer’s war, families said Alwada’s executive manager, n almost every way, the Gaza ted home near the former front the Islamist group for control of explosives. Nobody knows who and their dwellings are assessed Manil Hassan. Strip is much worse off now lines. The family blamed the cold. Gaza in 2007. is setting off the devices. In the for damage by the United Nations, Company officials estimated than before last summer’s The 50-day war between Israel In the months since the sum- past month, at least three car lists are provided to the Israeli the damage at $24m. They tried Iwar between Israel and and Hamas, a group that Israel mer war, Hamas has rid itself bombs have exploded in Gaza, as military for clearance, and truck- to sue in Israeli courts but were Hamas. Scenes of misery are one and the United States consider a of many of the responsibilities Palestinians escalate hostilities loads of aggregate, steel bars and denied jurisdiction. Hassan said of the few things in abundance in terrorist organisation, left more of governing but not its grip on between vying factions. cement are allowed into Gaza. the company could rebuild, if the battered coastal enclave. than 2,100 Palestinians dead, power. A foreign diplomat whose gov- In December, the most recent Israel would allow spare parts Reconstruction of the tens of almost 70 percent of them civil- Last month, the group’s mili- ernment runs aid programmes month for which figures are avail- and a couple of Italian and Danish thousands of homes damaged or ians, according to the United tary wing ran training camps for in Gaza, who spoke on the condi- able, 2,259 truckloads of build- technicians to visit. destroyed in the hostilities has Nations. Israel says half of the 17,000 youths, ages 15 to 21, to tion of anonymity to discuss the ing materials entered Gaza. The “We need them to show us how barely begun, almost six months Palestinian dead were militants. learn to shoot Kalashnikov rifles, situation candidly, said Abbas and United Nations estimates that to to fix their stuff,” Hassan said, after the ceasefire. At current Seventy-two Israelis were killed, jump through hoops of fire and his government see the strip as cover housing reconstruction and referring to the factory’s foreign- rates, it will take decades to most of them soldiers. perform basic first aid in prepa- “a dirty diaper. No one wants to repair within three years, it would made equipment. rebuild what was destroyed. Cash assistance from the ration for the next battle with touch it.” take 735 truckloads per day, seven The factory has restarted two The economy is in deep reces- United Nations to displaced ref- Israel. The camps were staged East of the crowded Gaza city of days a week. assembly lines to make cookies sion; pledges of billions in aid ugee families has stopped. The even as Hamas municipal employ- Khan Younis, Adnan Abu Daqqa Israel restricts and monitors but is operating at a third of its have not been honoured; and programme ran out of money last ees went unpaid. and his extended family live in imports into Gaza because its capacity. the Islamist militant move- month. Hamas security forces still tents left over from a previous military fears that building mate- “Ice cream will have to wait,” ment Hamas, which controls the The leader of Israel’s Labor exert control on their side of the war. He can’t remember which rials — cement and plumbing pipe she said. enclave, refuses to loosen its grip Party, Isaac Herzog, told a global three trade and travel crossings one. “You never throw anything — will be used by Hamas to build Palestinians in Gaza say they and is preparing again for war. security conference in Munich last between Israel, Egypt and the away in Gaza,” said the 57-year- tunnels, bunkers and rockets. are trapped more than ever in Diplomats, aid workers and weekend that Gaza is “a powder Gaza Strip. Journalists arriving old farmer. “All this does is prevent civil- what they call an open-air prison. residents warn of a looming keg” that could “explode at any from Israel still must have their During the summer war, he ians in Gaza from rebuilding,” said Israel restricts exits, allowing humanitarian crisis and escala- minute.” In exchange for demilita- papers stamped and their permits said, Israeli tanks left trails across Sari Bashi, director of the Israeli medical patients, business traders tion of violence. risation, Herzog said Gaza needs a approved by Hamas cadres. his farm. The family’s home is in human rights group Gisha. “The and some special humanitarian “After every war, we say it kind of “mini-Marshall Plan” akin Abbas and his Palestinian ruins, levelled by Israeli explo- restrictions will have minimal to cases to cross. cannot get worse, but I will say to the US programme that rebuilt Authority, on the other hand, have sives, he said. “We had animals, zero impact on Hamas tunnelling. For Gazans, the main portal this time is the worst ever,” said the ravaged economies of Europe largely failed to assert themselves rabbits, goats, a horse.” They can rebuild using recycled to the greater world is the Rafah Omar Shaban, a respected Gaza after World War II. in any visible way. The prime He held up a bridle. Where is materials.” crossing into Egypt, which has economist. “There is no sign With great fanfare, donors minister of the unity government the horse? He pointed to the sky. An Israeli military intelligence been mostly closed since last sum- of life. Trade. Import. Export. promised in October at a confer- has visited Gaza just once since He and the relatives he lives officer said in an interview that mer’s war. Reconstruction. Aid? Dead. I’m ence in Cairo to give $5.4bn to the the war, for barely a day. with, including six grown sons Hamas is already manufacturing Mohammed Abu Anza, 19, was not exaggerating when I tell my Palestinians, much of it for recon- The strip is by turns moribund and their families, got $2,000 in rockets “as fast they can.” This trying last month to get to the friends abroad: Gaza could col- struction. But virtually none of and seething. Residents blame war reparations from Hamas. His week, the Israeli navy inter- Cairo airport. He was awarded a lapse, maybe soon.” the pledges have been honoured, their duelling governments for wife cooks food on an open fire. cepted three Hamas affiliates scholarship to study engineering At night, Gaza twinkles according to UN officials in Gaza. inaction, as well as the United The kids play in the rubble. trying to smuggle rocket-mak- at a university in Algeria. with thousands of campfires. One reason for the reluctance Nations, Egypt and Israel. “The border with Israel is right ing materials from Egypt by sea. At the end of January, the Electricity is often available only to deliver funds is Hamas, which Islamists who consider Hamas over there,” Abu Daqqa said, Since the war ended, militants crossing was open for three days. six hours a day. retains control of Gaza and its 1.8 too moderate tried to storm the pointing. “The Jews will be back.” in Gaza have fired three rockets Desperate travellers pressed About 10,000 Gaza residents million residents. French cultural centre in Gaza He said that after previous wars, at Israel. onto the buses to make it to the are still sleeping on the floors In joining a “unity government” City last month, enraged over he always expected life would get Gaza factories were hit espe- Egyptian side. On the third day, of UN-run schools. Many more last year, the militant organisa- the French satirical newspa- better, at least for a while. cially hard during the war. One Anza won a seat on the 10th bus are living in caravans or tents, tion agreed to allow President per Charlie Hebdo. Protesters, Now? “It won’t get better,” he of the largest private employers in line to leave. The Egyptians or huddling in their bombed-out Mahmoud Abbas and the probably encouraged by Hamas said. in Gaza is the Alwada ice cream, only allowed seven buses that day. apartments. All told, 100,000 peo- Palestinian Authority, the moder- and angered by the cessation of Israel has maintained a par- potato chip and cookie factory. Its Anza said he would try again, but ple remain displaced. ate government based in the West rebuilding aid, stormed a UN tial trade and travel blockade top two floors were gutted, dam- then he turned away, because it “He went blue,” said Moeen Bank, to return to Gaza. Hamas compound and threatened its against Gaza since Hamas took aged by Israeli shelling. looked as if he wanted to cry. Khassi, the grandfather of a won Palestinian elections in 2006, staff. over in 2007. These days, in a deal “We haven’t gotten a penny WP-BLOOMBERG France struggles to fight Boko Haram from afar PARIS: France has found itself stronghold will suffice to drive zone, the source said. continues striking out from Nigeria security assistance for Chadian soldiers the best positioned Western back its six-year insurgency that French resistance to directly Nigeria into southern Niger and nearly five years — which Abuja nation to assist in the regional has left over 13,000 people dead. entering the battle would wane western Cameroon — and perhaps has repeatedly rejected. provided fight against Boko Haram — Thus far, that challenge has further if experienced and for- even staged its first incursion into Specialist Marc-Antoine but also the most vulnerable been answered by the extrem- midable Chadian forces suf- Chad. Unlike its operation against Perouse de Montclos agreed that to being sucked into an open- ists increasing the frequency, fered serious losses, or otherwise jihadist militias in the Sahel, an the key to defeating Boko Haram irreplaceable ended war, experts say. violence and audacity of their proved incapable of beating the active French role in the fight must come from or through Despite the presence of 3,000 strikes. Should that collective extremist threat down. against Boko Haram would likely Nigeria’s government. ground help troops in the region under African effort fail, Paris would Chad boasts by far the mighti- require troops on the ground as “Resolution to the crisis has to France’s Barkhane operation bat- be hard-pressed to continue lim- est army in the region, and is well as the air. come from Abuja, (which) isn’t tling jihadist groups around the iting its involvement to logistical France’s main African military Paris is seeking to avoid such participating,” in the regional bat- chasing Islamist Sahel, Paris insists it will limit and intelligence support, air sur- ally. Chadian soldiers provided scenarios by urging international tle, Perouse de Monclos wrote in itself to “indirect support” of the veillance, and military coordina- irreplaceable ground help chasing partners to join France in help- an analysis published Thursday by militias that had widening African effort to combat tion — especially if Boko Haram Islamist militias that had taken ing affected African nations help the Jean Jaures Foundation. Boko Haram. began occupying wider territory control of northern Mali into the themselves against the extremists. In it, he suggests a greater role But as cross-border attacks outside Nigeria. “Our role is to aid desert, as French power struck “France cannot settle all should be played by Britain, since taken control of and atrocities by the Nigerian neighbouring countries facing a from the air. the world’s conflicts,” French the “former colonial power is extremist group force a growing mortal threat,” said a French dip- It is now urgent to provide President Francois Hollande maintaining a low profile, (while) northern Mali number of countries to respond, lomatic source, who nevertheless Chad “support very, very fast,” the said during a February 5 press France has little or no diplomatic France may find itself unable to acknowledges it would be difficult diplomat said, especially because conference. influence.” into the desert, merely provide assistance at a to refuse requests for air support fierce, war-hardened Chadian “It’s certain that Boko Haram But with Nigeria’s presidential safe distance. from Niger were Boko Haram to forces represent “the only ram- is creating a major crisis, and elections now postponed due to A key factor in that dilemma escalate attacks inside its border part” against Boko Haram in the that all (foreign countries) are the insecurity created by Boko as French will be whether the 8,700 troops with Nigeria. region. responding to it far too slowly,” Haram, one diplomat warns the that the governments of Niger, A spate of Boko Haram strikes In the meantime, Paris might agreed a European diplomat, who electoral stakes may now be too power struck Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and on the southern Niger town of well find it impossible to confine nevertheless rejected French high for central powers in Abuja Benin have committed to fight- Diffa this week has already led its 3,000-strong regional force to criticism that Europe is not try- to take on “an evil genie they cre- ing Boko Haram in and around France to dispatch a group of Chad, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso ing to help with reminders the ated themselves, and which has from the air. the group’s northern Nigerian military advisers to the panicked and Mauritania if Boko Haram European Union has offered escaped the bottle.” AFP SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Lebanese mourn slain ex-premier Hariri Sunni tribal BEIRUT: Lebanese paid their respects yesterday to the late former prime minister Rafiq Hariri, a decade after his assas- sination in a massive suicide bombing that destabilised the leader killed fragile country. In downtown Beirut, politi- cal leaders and ordinary citizens gathered to lay flowers at Hariri’s grave, and several television sta- tions carried rolling coverage of in Baghdad events commemorating his death. Hariri’s son Saad, himself a former premier, returned from Assassination may inflame tension his self-imposed exile for the occasion and was due to speak BAGHDAD: A Sunni tribal by some sides of the government”, later at a memorial service in the leader, his son and seven body- in an apparent reference to Shia capital. guards were killed in Baghdad, militias who have been helping Rafiq Hariri was killed by car a cousin said yesterday, in an Iraqi forces battle the Islamic bomb blast on February 14, 2005 attack that could inflame sec- State group. in Beirut’s seaside Ain Al Mreisse tarian tension in Iraq. “People who carry state-issued district. Sheikh Qassem Sweidan Al weapons... and wear state-issued The attack, which also killed 22 Janabi and most of his bodyguards uniforms are behind the assassina- other people, shook Lebanon and were shot in the head, while the tion,” he added. the wider region. son was killed by a bullet to the The murders are a “message It prompted massive anger at chest, said Abu Qusay, speaking to any Sunni who speaks out in neighbouring Syria, which had from the cemetery where they the defence of Sunnis or asks for long been the power-broker in were buried. the return” of people displaced by the country, with many accusing They were killed late on Friday fighting to their homes. Damascus of involvement. when unidentified gunmen Sheikh Janabi had recently The resulting outrage prompted attacked a three-vehicle convoy called for Sunni residents to Syria to pull its forces out of carrying Janabi and his nephew, return to Jurf Al Sakhr, an area Lebanon, ending a 30-year pres- lawmaker Zeid Al Janabi, late south of Baghdad which govern- ence that began during the 1975- Former Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri (centre), flanked by Lebanese PM Tammam Salam (left) and former on Friday, officials and security ment forces backed by Shia mili- 1990 civil war. sources said earlier. tias recaptured from jihadists in But the initial optimism that president Michel Sleiman, attends a gathering to mark the 10th anniversary of the assassination of his father and Janabi was later released but late October, he said. surrounded Syria’s departure former premier Rafiq Hariri, at the Biel Convention Centre in downtown Beirut, yesterday. the tribal leader, seen as a mod- The capture of Jurf Al Sakhr by dwindled in the face of renewed erate Sunni, as well as his son and IS fighters had posed a threat to bomb attacks against anti-Syrian to hand them over for trial. mandate expired last May. quo is not the Lebanon that prime at least six other people, mostly both Baghdad and the Shia shrine politicians, public figures and those Lebanon’s existing political and Syria’s conflict has also spilled minister Hariri envisioned,” he bodyguards, were killed, they had city of Karbala, which millions of investigating Hariri’s murder. sectarian fault lines have also over in the form of bomb attacks said. said. pilgrims visit each year. In a first for Lebanon, where been exacerbated by the conflict and border incursions by jihadist “Unless and until a president is “Gunmen manning a fake Sheikh Janabi, who was born in political killings have tended to that began in Syria in March 2011. groups, as well as the influx of 1.1 chosen, the erosion of Lebanon’s checkpoint stopped the convoy 1952, was arrested by US troops go uninvestigated or punished, an Hezbollah and its allies back million refugees. political institutions will only carrying MP Janabi and kid- in 2004, a year after the US-led international tribunal is prosecut- the Syrian government, while In a statement marking the become more pronounced.” napped all who were on board,” a invasion of Iraq, and served more ing five men accused of Hariri’s many Lebanese Sunnis support anniversary of Hariri’s murder, He said Washington, which was senior member of the lawmaker’s than two years in prison, said Abu murder. the Syrian uprising. US Secretary of State John Kerry a key supporter of Hariri, would staff said. Qusay. But the men belong to The disagreement has caused acknowledged Lebanon’s fragile back the country’s government “They moved them to Sadr City, Adnan Al Janabi, another MP Lebanon’s powerful Shia a stalemate in parliament, which situation, and urged the election and support the tribunal pros- where they released the MP, then from the same tribe, said the movement Hezbollah, a key has failed repeatedly to elect a new of a new president. ecuting his murder. took the others and killed them. assassinated tribal leader was a Syrian ally, which has refused president since Michel Sleiman’s “It’s fair to say that the status AFP Their bodies were found next to key player in efforts to combat Al Nida’a mosque in northern sectarianism. Baghdad,” he said. He said Sheikh Janabi, who was Sadr City is a vast Shia neigh- a particularly prominent figure in bourhood in the north of the cap- the religiously mixed areas south ital from which Iraq’s powerful of Baghdad, had “a known history Shia militias draw many of their of confronting terrorism, sectari- Bomb hits Libya oil pipeline, halting flow recruits. anism, and supporting national Abu Qusay said by telephone reconciliation.” TRIPOLI: A bomb exploded two rival governments operat- the bomb went off at around 5 am. Libya’s oil production has fallen that the convoy was ambushed as The lawmaker said Janabi’s only at an oil pipeline from Libya’s ing their own armed forces and “A bomb exploded at a pipeline to around 350,000 barrels a day, it made its way to Baghdad from son, Mohamed, who was killed in El Sarir field yesterday, halt- separate parliaments, nearly four carrying crude between El Sarir a fraction of the 1.6 million bpd Latifiyah, an area south of the the attack, had just returned after ing flows to Hariga port as the years after the civil war that led oilfield and Hariga port,” he said. Libya used to pump before the capital. completing a PhD in law at the country struggles to restore to the overthrow and killing of “The firefighters are still trying to Nato-backed 2011 uprising that Sheikh Janabi was found sitting University of Glasgow. crude exports battered by fac- leader Muammar Gaddafi. put out the fire. What happened ended Gaddafi’s rule. in the back seat of one of the cars, Parliament Speaker Selim Al tional fighting. The fighting also involves is sabotage.” Two gunmen attacked Tripoli’s his hands tied behind his back Juburi, also a Sunni, condemned In a separate incident, gunmen Islamist militant groups, former A spokesman for the National Corinthia hotel last month, killing with his own belt and shot in the the assassination and urged a full stormed government buildings in rebels, ex-Gaddafi troops and Oil Corporation said a tanker nine people, including five foreign- head, he said. investigation into the attack. the coastal city of Sirte, forcing tribal and federalist factions often had been loading up with crude ers, in an attack claimed by mili- His son was shot in the chest He said the interior and defence officials out at gunpoint and tak- pursuing local causes. at Hariga. He said it could take tants who said they were loyal to and his body was found near the ministers were summoned to ing over administrative offices No group claimed responsibility up to three days to restore the Islamic State. vehicle while most of the body- parliament tomorrow to provide and television and radio stations, for yesterday’s pipeline bombing. pipeline. Earlier this month, south of guards had been shot in the head, explanations. the state news agency said. Oil infrastructure, ports and pipe- Hariga had just reopened after a Sirte, gunmen killed 12 people, he added. “Parliament will not remain No more details were immedi- lines in the North African Opec strike by guards there. The coun- among them two Filipino and two There was no immediate claim silent in the face of acts that might ately available. Several Islamist member state are often targets try’s two main oil ports and nearby Ghanaian nationals, after storm- of responsibility for the killings. undermine the authority of the militant groups are active in of attack. fields are still closed after clashes ing a remote oilfield. Officials But Abu Qusay accused state,” said Janabi, at the start of a Sirte. Hariga oil terminal supervisor between rival armed groups try- said most of the victims were unnamed “armed militias backed televised parliament session. AFP Libya is riven by conflict, with Rajab Abdulrasoul said yesterday ing to gain control of them. beheaded or shot. REUTERS Freed Palestinian schoolgirl insists on her innocence BEITIN: A 14-year-old girl She served her time in a cell that of 200 Palestinian minors in who has become a symbol for with three older Palestinian girls. Israeli prisons, only four are female Palestinian minors arrested The Palestinian Prisoners’ Club and Khatib was the youngest. by Israel insisted yesterday said two weeks were deducted Her family repeatedly said that after serving a 45-day sentence from the sentence because of her none of its members had ever been that she had been unjustly age. arrested by the Israelis before, a imprisoned. Israel arrests around 1,000 chil- rarity in the occupied West Bank. “I do not admit to any crime: I dren every year in the West Bank, Her father Ali Al Khatib said was not throwing stones — I had often on charges of stone-throw- yesterday he was “very pleased no knife on me,” Malak Al Khatib ing, according to rights group and touched by the many visitors said. Defence for Children International who came to congratulate Malak”. She was arrested on her way Palestine. But his daughter was beginning home from school on December Khatib’s arrest attracted more to show the strain, whispering to 31, and a military court sentenced attention than most cases because her mother: “Do you think this her in late January to two months she is a girl. will go on for long? I’m tired of all as part of a plea bargain in which The Prisoners’ Club estimates these visits.” AFP she admitted to picking up a stone Turkish women shout slogans against the murder of a woman by three suspects in Mersin city, during a demonstration to throw at Israeli cars. in Istanbul yesterday. Khatib was convicted of being in possession of a knife with the intention of using it to stab secu- rity personnel if arrested. Outcry in Turkey over woman’s killing “After two hours of interroga- tion, a soldier forced me to sign ANKARA: Women’s rights the burned body of 20-year-old attempted to rape Aslan after she a paper in Hebrew,” said Khatib, activists in Turkey took to the Ozgecan Aslan in a riverbed in was left alone in the minibus. who does not understand the streets yesterday in protest at southern Turkey. She resisted by spraying pepper language. the murder of a young woman She had been missing since gas at the driver, who stabbed her A white and black Palestinian after she resisted an alleged Wednesday when she was to death, according to Dogan. The keffiyeh scarf draped across her attempt to rape her, local media reported to have boarded a mini- driver later sought help from two shoulders, Khatib sat among reported. bus to go home, the Hurriyet people — his father and a friend friends as relatives, Palestinian Hundreds of women gath- newspaper reported. — to hide the body. officials and journalists paraded ered in Istanbul’s Taksim square Three suspects, including Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of through the family home, as they chanting slogans such as “You will the driver of the minibus, were the main opposition CHP party, have since her release on Friday. never walk alone!”. detained and are said to have wrote on Twitter: “There is “I’ll definitely have plenty to tell The protesters also demanded admitted to having stabbed Aslan. no harassment, rape, violence my classmates when I go back to that family and social policies A motive for the alleged mur- in the nature of women! We school” in three days, she said at Malak Al Khatib (centre), a 14-year-old schoolgirl who was jailed in an Israeli minister Aysenur Islam, a woman, der was not immediately clear will all together say ‘no’ to this her house in Beitin near Ramallah prison for six weeks, sits with friends at her home in the West Bank village step down. but the private Dogan news mentality!” in the West Bank, such as “how of Beitin, yesterday. Police on Friday discovered agency reported that the driver AFP cold it is inside prison”. SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Shooting at Copenhagen centre hosting Islam debate, one dead COPENHAGEN: Unidentified anorak and a maroon hat carry- after having been hit by bullets” stocks of weapons and explosives. Without Borders secretary gen- gunmen killed at least one per- ing a black bag. They described in the strike, and three officers Those included January 17 raids eral Christophe Deloire said after son and wounded three police him as 25-30 years old, around were wounded in the shooting. in Belgium that thwarted what the Copenhagen assault. officers after opening fire yes- 185cm (six feet) tall, with an ath- Police also said the Volkswagen police called imminent “terror- “It’s something that we feared terday on a cultural centre in letic build. Polo the two suspected assailants ist attacks to kill police officers after Charlie Hebdo. We see that Copenhagen hosting a debate on French ambassador to Denmark fled the scene in was found aban- on public roads and in police sta- ultra-radical groups are leading Islam and free speech. Francois Zimeray, who had been doned around two hours after the tions.” Two suspects were killed a war against freedom of expres- Swedish artist Lars Vilks (pic- present at the debate but was not attack. Specialists commenting on fighting Belgian police in those sion, against the freedom to be tured) — the author of controver- hurt, said the shooting was an the attack in initial media reports sweeps. irreverent about religion and sial Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) attempt to replicate the Charlie said it was likely automatic rifles Charlie Hebdo raised the ire of against the simple freedom to cartoons that sparked worldwide Hebdo killings in Paris. were used in the strike in order Islamist extremists by republish- debate them,” Deloire said. protests in 2007 — was among “They shot from the outside to fire as many rounds in a short ing cartoons by Vilks and other French Foreign Minister those at the debate targeted by two (and) had the same intention as period of time. caricatures, and periodically sati- Laurent Fabius condemned what gunmen who then fled the scene. Charlie Hebdo, only they didn’t The assault comes at a time of rising Islam on its own in later he called a “terrorist attack tar- Danish Prime Minister Prime manage to get in,” he said by tele- heightened security and rising editions. geting a public meeting”, saying in Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt phone from the venue. “Intuitively fears of Islamist attacks, following Vilks has been under police pro- a statement that France “remains described the assault as “a ter- I would say there were at least 50 January 7 and 9 incidents in Paris tection since his earlier contro- by the side of the Danish authori- rorist attack” as Danish tele- gunshots, and the police here are that left 17 people dead. versial cartoons were published. ties and people in the fight against vion showed the windows of the saying 200,” he said. “Bullets went A series of anti-terror sweeps Concern of renewed attacks terrorism.” The French presi- Krudttonden cultural centre pock through the doors and everyone have been carried out across targeting symbols of press lib- dent’s office said Interior Minister marked by multiple bullet holes. threw themselves to the floor.” Europe since mid-January, result- erties and freedom of expres- Bernard Cazeneuve was headed to Police released a photo of the A statement by Danish police ing in the arrests of dozens of sus- sion have been growing since the the scene. suspect showing a man in a dark said “an unidentified man died pected jihadist and seizures of large Charlie Hebdo strike, Reporters AFP

Be humble and Pro-Russian rebels warn Kiev over truce work for justice, Fighting escalates around town Pope tells

KIEV: Pro-Russian rebels such a danger.” Kiev, however, new cardinals yesterday warned that any lashed out at the rebel leaders, attempts by Kiev forces to move accusing Zakharchenko of essen- VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis out of the battleground town tially announcing that his forces yesterday inducted new Roman Debaltseve after the start of a would not respect the ceasefire. Catholic cardinals to the group ceasefire would be considered “This is just more proof of the that will choose his successor, an aggression. undisguised attempts by Russia telling them their high rank Separatist forces have all but and the terrorists it controls was a call to be humble and encircled government troops to scuttle the agreements for a work for justice. inside the strategic railway ceasefire and peaceful resolution,” Francis elevated 20 prelates, hub, roughly mid-way between Ukraine’s national security coun- many of them from developing insurgent capital Donetsk and cil said in a statement. countries, at a ceremony in St. Lugansk. Fierce fighting raged The ceasefire, negotiated in Peter’s Basilica. around Debaltseve in the hours four-power talks last Thursday, It was attended by former before the 2200 GMT start of a forsees creation of a neutral Pope Benedict XVI, making only truce intended to be a first step “buffer zone” and withdrawal of his fifth public appearance at a in a peace plan to end 10 months heavy weapons responsible for church event since his resigna- of conflict. many of the 5,000 deaths in a con- tion in 2013. Kiev denies rebel claims that flict that has caused the worst cri- In his homily, Francis said being thousands of government troops sis in Russia-West relations since a cardinal “is not a kind of acces- have been trapped in the town. the Cold War a generation ago. sory, a decoration, like an hon- Donetsk rebel leader Alexander “Ahead of midnight, rebels orary title”. He warned against Zakharchenko — considered by are trying to complete tacti- being “puffed up with pride”, add- the West to be a Kremlin pup- cally important plans to enlarge ing: “Nor are church dignitaries pet — yesterday warned that any the territory under their con- immune from this temptation.” attempt by Ukraine to move its trol, primarily in the direction of Cardinals are the Pope’s high- troops out of Debaltseve after the Debaltseve,” spokesman Andriy est ranking aides in Rome and ceasefire would be seen as a viola- Lysenko said at a televised brief- around the world. Those under tion of the truce. ing in Kiev. Members of the Ukrainian armed forces ride on a military vehicle near Artemivsk yesterday. 80 can enter a secret conclave “These attempts will be stopped Debaltseve, a strategic trans- to elect the next pontiff after by us and the enemy will be port hub that lies in a pocket of Debaltseve. The checkpoint past the line of an earlier cease- “They’ll shoot at us and we have Francis’s death or resignation. destroyed,” Zakharchenko said. between the two main rebel- was manned by several dozen fire deal, agreed in September. to remain silent?” she asked, hold- Since his election, Francis has Ukraine and the West accused held regions, has been the focus professional-looking combatants. The new accord appears to envis- ing two grenades in her hands. often criticised careerism and Russia of piling in heavy weapons of some of the fiercest recent Tanks and armoured vehicles age them withdrawing their guns “Militias may receive the order privileges among the clergy, set- to spearhead the frantic separatist fighting. Four shells hit Donetsk, could also be seen. A rebel at around 75km, to take them back not to open fire, but what - we sit ting an example by living in a onslaught for the vital position. blasting craters in the streets. the checkpoint said local fighters behind it, while Ukrainian guns and die in shelling? If they don’t Vatican guest house instead of The threat highlights the fra- Witnesses saw one dead body were being supported by “guests would move 25km back. shoot, we won’t.” the large papal apartments used gility of the looming truce, and from the attacks. from Russia.” Thursday’s four-power accord Ukrainian President Petro by his predecessors. could be used by the separatists In Artemivsk, a polyclinic and Spokesman Lysenko said sepa- also prescribed constitutional Poroshenko said the country had Fifteen of those who received to justify a return to fighting. a school playground were hit, but ratist forces continued to be rein- reform to give more autonomy reached an important crossroads their red “biretta” hats on Kremlin spokesman Dmitry there were no casualties reported. forced by fighters and military to eastern Ukraine, where many between war and peace. “Either Saturday are under 80, bring- Peskov echoed the rebel warning. Heavy shelling could be heard at equipment crossing Ukraine’s Russian speakers live. Kiev the enemy stops shooting and ing the total number of “cardinal “Ukrainian army units that are a rebel checkpoint about 15km eastern border from Russia rejects independence for the “peo- embarks on de-escalation ... or electors” to 125. The five older surrounded even after the start west of Debaltseve, a witness over the past 24 hours. Moscow ple’s republics” the rebels have the enemy escalates the conflict men were honoured for their long of the ceasefire will naturally try said, reporting outgoing artillery denies bolstering the separatists declared. for us and for Europe and the service to the church. to break out and thus break the rounds almost every minute. with armour and troops although Tatyana Demchenko, deputy whole world,” he said at a cer- The new electors, whose names truce regime,” Peskov was quoted A column of new military vehi- Western officials cite overwhelm- commander of the rebel unit in emony for border guards shown were announced last month, are as saying by Russian news agency cles and artillery passed through ing evidence to the contrary. the town of Horlivka, had little on television. from Italy, France, Portugal, Interfax. “There is a potential for the checkpoint in the direction The rebels have advanced far faith the ceasefire would hold. AGENCIES Ethiopia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Mexico, Myanmar, Thailand, Uruguay, Spain, Panama, Cape Verde and Tonga. Nine are from the developing world. Greece pledges to It is the first time cardinals Jonathan seeks US help as from Myanmar, Tonga or Cape shut immigrant Verde have been appointed. “Those called to the service of detention centres Boko Haram invades city governance in the church need to have a strong sense of justice, so ATHENS: Greece’s new left- KANO: Nigeria’s President fighters invaded the northeastern that any form of injustice becomes wing government pledged yes- Goodluck Jonathan appealed for city of Gombe, firing heavy guns unacceptable,” said Francis. terday to close down detention more US help in fighting Boko and throwing leaflets calling for REUTERS centres for illegal immigrants Haram, as the Islamists struck locals to shun the elections. that have long been criticised by again yesterday and called for The attack, which began at Italian coast guard rights groups as inhumane. a boycott of upcoming general about 9am, saw residents flee A Pakistani man had died over- elections. and the authorities impose a goes to rescue of night at the Amygdaleza deten- The head of state for the first 24-hour lock-down in the city, tion centre in western Athens in time claimed direct links between which Boko Haram has repeat- over 600 migrants a suspected suicide. “Detention the Sunni radicals who have been edly targeted. centres — we’re finished with waging a six-year insurgency in Boko Haram has opened up ROME: Two merchant ships them,” Deputy Interior Minister Nigeria and the Islamic State two new fronts in its campaign and an Italian coast guard ves- Yannis Panousis, who is in charge group in Syria and Iraq. to create a hardline Islamic state sel went to the rescue of more of public order and civil protec- He told the Wall Street Journal in northeast Nigeria, pushing into than 600 migrants who sent tion, told reporters on Saturday in an interview: “Are they (the neighbouring Niger last week and emergency calls for help from when he visited the centre. United States) not fighting ISIS? for the first time on Friday, Chad. their packed rubber boats near “I’m here to express my shame, Why can’t they come to Nigeria? It has also increased the fre- the Libyan coast yesterday. not as a minister but as a human “They are our friends. If Nigeria quency and intensity of its attacks The rescue operation is the sec- being,” he said. “I couldn’t believe has a problem, then I expect the on northern Cameroon. The ond of its kind in two days, and what I saw. I really could not US to come and assist us.” increasing regional threat has closely follows the deaths last believe it. This must change and But Pentagon spokesman Rear led to the deployment of troops week of more than 300 people who it must change immediately.” Admiral John Kirby said there from all three countries, reflect- were trying to make the crossing The United Nations has accused are no plans to send US troops ing security fears. to Europe. Greece of holding migrants in shock- to Nigeria. “I can tell you that Jonathan and his government The Italian coast guard in ing conditions without heating or there are no plans as I speak have long sought to portray, the Rome said the rescue vessels had hot water. Panousis said the govern- here to send unilaterally, to send insurgency as being fuelled by out- located six boats drifting about ment would set up “open” reception or to add US troops into Nigeria. side forces and he has previously 50 miles from the coast of Libya, centres with better facilities. There are no US troops operating called Boko Haram “Al-Qaeda in after receiving calls for help by Greece is the route of choice in Nigeria,” he told reporters. west Africa”. satellite telephone. into the European Union for Kirby said the United States Critics have interpreted his The coast guard ship Peluso hundreds of thousands of mainly was in the early phases of help- attempt to blame foreigners for the has started the rescue operation, Asian and African migrants every ing establish a multi-national task violence that has left more than a spokesman for the coast guard year. Rising anti-foreigner senti- force of African nations to help 13,000 dead and displaced more said, a day after about 700 other ment during Greece’s economic People carrying their belongings flee the village of Ngouboua hours after Nigeria defeat Boko Haram. than one million since 2009 as a migrants were plucked from over- crisis made immigration a hot Jonathan’s comments were diversion from national failings. crowded boats. an attack by Boko Haram militants. political issue. REUTERS published as hundreds of Islamist AFP REUTERS SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Muslim population in England and Wales rises Muslims make up 20pc or more of the electorate in 26 constituencies, says report

LONDON: The Muslim popu- to a recent survey by Ipsos Mori. well as tackling social issues such Yet 80 percent of Muslims live Islamophobia need to be tack- within the 16 to 74 age band, 18 lation of England and Wales is Half the Muslims in England as homelessness, higher divorce in inner-city areas of Greater led. “Events such as the Trojan percent of Muslim women are growing faster than the overall and Wales were born there and rates and social inequality. London, the West Midlands, the horse affair have unfortunately “looking after home and family”, population, with a higher pro- almost three-quarters (73 per- Responding to the report, the north-west and Yorkshire and only served to dishearten Muslim compared with 6 percent in the portion of children and a lower cent) identify themselves as deputy prime minister, Nick the Humber. The study’s findings educationalists and community overall population. ratio of elderly people, according British. Two-thirds of Muslims Clegg, said: “I believe that every reflect “fast-changing immigra- organisers seeking the best for Half of all Muslims live in the to an analysis of official data. are ethnically Asian and 8 per- person, whatever their back- tion communities”, with a younger local children.” most deprived local authority dis- One in three Muslims is under cent are white. ground and circumstances, should and better educated Muslim pop- The proportion of Muslim tricts in England – an increase 15, compared with fewer than one The analysis, which aims to have an equal chance to thrive. ulation, said Maria Sobolewska, a adults with degree level and above since 2001, when the figure was in five overall. There are also fewer provide a comprehensive pic- What’s not in doubt is that politics lecturer at the University qualifications is similar to the one in three. A higher proportion elderly Muslims, with 4 percent ture of Muslim demographics in British Muslims can be proud of of Manchester. general population, at 24 percent of Muslims live in social housing aged over 65, compared with 16 England and Wales, is the first the contribution they make to our But, she added, Muslims still compared with 27 percent. In the than the overall populationThe percent of the overall population. of its kind. It was made possible country.” faced discrimination and disad- last census, there were 329,694 report points to a low takeup of In 2011, 2.71 million Muslims because 92 percent of respondents Clegg added: “Drawing on vantage. “We see this with the Muslim full-time students, of the help-to-buy scheme among lived in England and Wales, com- completed a voluntary question analysis like this, together we can number of people who are home- which 43 percent were women. Muslims, adding that the rea- pared with 1.55 million in 2001. on religion in the 2011 census. help create jobs, drive growth and less and live in deprived neigh- However, just 5.5 percent of sons should be investigated “to There were also 77,000 Muslims The MCB, which is affiliated enable more people to get on – bourhoods. This is where you grow Muslims have jobs defined as a see whether the avoidance of con- in Scotland and 3,800 in Northern with 500 institutions, said: “The building the stronger economy up, go to school.” Eight percent “higher professional occupation”, ventional mortgage-based house Ireland. report is the first comprehensive and fairer society we want for of all school-age children (five to compared with 7.6 percent of the purchase[s] is an issue”. The Muslim Council of and detailed report of its kind look- Britain’s future.” 15) are from Muslim households. overall population. Economic Fifteen percent of Muslim Britain’s (MCB) study of data ing at Muslims from a data per- The figures show that Muslims Some schools have a high pro- activity among Muslims is lower households own their property, from the 2011 census found spective.” The organisation said make up 20 percent or more of portion of Muslim pupils, such than the overall population as compared with the overall popu- that Muslims are still a small that there were a number of issues the electorate in 26 constituencies as those in Washwood Heath in a whole. In 2011, 19.8 percent lation, in which 31 percent are minority of the overall popula- in the report for government and and live in all local authority areas Birmingham, where 86 percent of of Muslims were in full-time homeowners. Thirty percent of tion – one in 20. This contrasts policy makers to consider. in England and Wales. “There has school-age children are Muslim. employment, compared with 34.9 Muslim households live in pri- with popular perceptions held by The report stresses Muslim been a spreading-out effect and The report says issues such as percent of the overall population. vately rented accommodation, Britons, who overstate the pro- civil society needs to better this has accelerated in the past 10 underachievement, low teacher Despite high numbers of compared with 18 percent of the portion of Muslims in the coun- appreciate “social realities” and years,” said Sundas Ali, a sociolo- expectations, high rates of stu- Muslim women in full-time edu- population as a whole. try by a factor of four, according provide good advice on health as gist at Oxford University. dent exclusions, racism and cation, the findings show that THE GUARDIAN

Viking festival Canadian police foil Britain plans welfare cuts shooting-spree plot for addicts,

MONTREAL: Canadian police significant loss of life would have overweight said they had foiled a plot that been possible, but declined to would have seen an armed duo name an exact location. The CBC LONDON: Britain might carry out a shooting spree in reported that police had warned reduce welfare benefits for the city of Halifax on Valentine’s one venue of the threat. people who refuse treatment Day before killing themselves. “We believe we have appre- for obesity or drug and alco- The Royal Canadian Mounted hended all known individuals in hol problems, Prime Minister Police in Nova Scotia said a this matter and eliminated the David Cameron said yesterday. 19-year-old man from the rural threat,” the RCMP statement He said that if his Conservative town of Timberlea had plotted read. “We are not seeking any Party wins national elections in with a 23-year-old woman from further suspects at this time in May, he would set up a review the US city of Geneva, Illinois to relation to this investigation.” into whether withholding sickness open fire somewhere in Halifax The RCMP indicated that benefit payments was the right on Saturday. Two others were firearms had been seized as well approach. “Too many people are also allegedly involved. It was not as money. Police said they first stuck on sickness benefits because thought to be terror related. received word of a “potential sig- of issues that could be addressed They “had access to firearms nificant weapons-related threat” People dressed as Vikings take part in the ‘Jorvik Viking Festival’ at an encampment in central York, northern but instead are not,” he said. and it was their intention to go on Thursday morning. England, yesterday. The nine-day festival is a city-wide celebration of York’s Viking heritage and is recognised “Some have drug or alcohol to a public venue in the Halifax “We became aware, we acted as the largest of its kind in Europe, with approximately 40,000 visitors expected. problems, but refuse treatment. region on February 14 with a goal quickly and intercepted a threat,” In other cases, people have prob- of opening fire to kill citizens, and the RCMP said. The region’s lems with their weight that could then themselves,” the RCMP said Serious Incident Response Team be addressed, but instead a life in a statement. was investigating the death of on benefits rather than work Police said the Timberlea man the Timberlea man. Timberlea is becomes the choice.” was found dead in a home early a small town on the outskirts of UN raps Mexico over ‘disappearances’ Cameron said 100,000 people yesterday morning. The American Halifax in the rugged and remote were claiming sickness benefits woman was arrested shortly after Atlantic province of Nova Scotia. GENEVA: A United Nations In their findings, the commit- six persons put to trial and sen- on the grounds of treatable con- — along with a 20-year-old man Steven Blaney, the minister for watchdog called on Mexico to tee’s 10 independent experts said tenced for this crime,” committee ditions such as drug or alcohol — without incident at the Halifax public safety, praised the police probe and prosecute alleged they had received information member Rainer Huhle said. The addiction or obesity, and there Stanfield International Airport. operation to thwart the attack. complicity of state forces in that “illustrates a context of gen- panel urged Mexico to establish a was no requirement they under- Police arrested a fourth suspect, “These arrests are a great thousands of “disappearances”, eralised disappearances in a great special prosecutor’s office to lead take treatment. a 17-year-old boy from nearby example of the fine work they including a notorious case of part of the territory (of Mexico), investigations and prosecutions. Britain’s Finance Minister Cole Harbour, at a home later on do on a daily basis to help keep 43 students believed murdered many of which could be qualified It said Mexican authorities George Osborne has said he Friday. “It’s a group of individu- Canadians safe,” he said in last year. as enforced disappearances”. should step up searches for all plans to make cuts of £12bn a als that were of the same... mind remarks reported by the CBC. Mexico’s delegation told the “Enforced disappearances” missing, including migrants from year in welfare payments if the to commit a heinous event and “We support our law enforce- UN Committee on Enforced are those linked to detention or Central America who have van- Conservatives are re-elected then take their own lives,” RCMP ment agencies who work tirelessly Disappearances at a review abduction by state agents such ished on their way to the United as part of a push to wipe out Assistant Commissioner Brian to ensure our communities are last week that 11,300 people as police or security forces, or States, and share DNA samples Britain’s still wide budget deficit. Brennan told a news conference. safe places to live, work and raise were unaccounted for. Amnesty their allies, who conceal the vic- from unidentified bodies. A group which seeks to help Brennan told the press that families,” he said. All three suspects International said in a state- tim’s fate. In a statement, Mexico’s gov- people lose weight said the plan the plot was not considered to be were being kept in police custody. ment that more than 22,600 had “The state has informed us ernment said it was fully com- would be a waste of money, given related to terrorism. Police called on Canadians to be gone missing in the past eight that in contrast to the thousands mitted to improving the way the the complexities of analysing He added that the attack was vigilant and report anything sus- years amid “a huge problem of of enforced disappearances that country handles disappearances. individuals’ weight problems and planned for a venue where a pect to authorities. AFP impunity”. we assume ... there are exactly AFP checking up on their progress. Instead the government should focus on weight-gain prevention. “Threatening people isn’t the Houston Islamic institute gutted way forward,” said Susannah Officials close rank Gilbert, a co-founder of Big Matters, an obesity support around Argentina’s Oregon governor resigns organisation. “We need to put in place a structure to help anybody president who wants to lose weight and that amid ethics scandal just isn’t there.” REUTERS BUENOS AIRES: Top gov- ernment officials rallied behind PORTLAND: Oregon Governor allegations that fiancée Cylvia Argentina’s President Cristina John Kitzhaber resigned yester- Hayes used her role in his office Storm threatens Fernandez yesterday after a day amid influence-peddling alle- for personal gain. state prosecutor said he would gations involving his fiancée that Those allegations snowballed New England keep investigating accusations have triggered a criminal corrup- last week amid media reports that she tried to cover up Iran’s tion probe and led to a frenzy of that Hayes received $118,000 in NEW YORK: Another winter alleged involvement in a 1994 criticism from prominent fellow previously undisclosed consult- storm was taking aim at the bombing. Democrats, once strong allies. ing fees in 2011 and 2012 from winter-weary US Northeast, The allegations have plunged Kitzhaber said his resignation the Washington-based Clean threatening blizzard conditions Fernandez’s last year in office would take effect next Wednesday, Economy Development Centre and severe cold in parts of New into turmoil at a time her leftist when Secretary of State Kate while also advising the governor England already buried under government is already grappling Brown would take over at the on energy policy. six feet of snow, forecasters said. with an economy teetering on the helm of the strongly Democratic Kitzhaber did not reveal those The storm was tracking east brink of recession. Pacific Northwest state until an consulting fees in annual disclo- across the Great Lakes and was On Friday, state investigator election can be held next year. sure filings. He said the couple did expected to gather strength as Gerardo Pollicita formally reit- She will become the nation’s first not see it as a potential conflict of it approaches the Atlantic coast, erated the accusations leveled openly bisexual governor. interest and therefore did not feel spreading a blast of arctic air and against Fernandez a month ago “I understand that I have become it had to be reported. snow from Virginia to southern by his colleague Alberto Nisman. a liability to the very institutions In the aftermath of those Canada, the National Weather Nisman was found dead, with and policies to which I have dedi- revelations, Kitzhaber prom- Service said. a single bullet in his head, on cated my career and, indeed, my ised that Hayes would no longer Boston, which has received January 18, a day before he was entire adult life,” Kitzhaber said have a policy role in his office. about 6 feet of snow over the to detail further evidence for his A fire department arson investigator inspects the scene following a fire announcing his resignation. He has Nevertheless, calls mounted from past three weeks, is bracing for as accusations to Congress. at the Quba Islamic Institute in Houston, Texas, late on Friday. A large denied any wrongdoing. both sides of the political aisle for much as 14 inches of new accumu- Fernandez has denounced the fire destroyed the building and US police suspect arson. It comes just Elected to an unprecedented him to resign, as well as from the lation. Blizzard conditions are also accusations she conspired to fourth term in November after state’s flagship newspaper, the expected in Rhode Island, eastern days after three Muslim students were shot dead in a North Carolina whitewash Nisman’s findings in a political career spanning more Oregonian, which endorsed his Connecticut, New Hampshire and university town in what the victims’ families say was a hate crime. return for economic favours from than three decades, Kitzhaber re-election bid last year. coastal Maine, AccuWeather pre- Iran as “absurd”. REUTERS has been dogged for months by REUTERS dicted. REUTERS SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Myanmar in fresh air Qing Dynasty ceremony strikes against rebels Dozens of soldiers killed in resurgence of conflict

MANDALAY: Myanmar rebels week in a series of assaults that continued to battle the govern- yesterday said the national have left at least 50 soldiers dead ment’s forces in other areas of army had launched fresh air and dozens more wounded. Shan and nearby Kachin states. strikes following the govern- It said the army had used air But he said he was unaware of ment’s rare admission that doz- strikes to repel the attacks, which involvement by China, which has ens of its soldiers had died in a have come as a blow to the quasi- called for a peaceful resolution to dramatic resurgence of conflict civilian regime as it looks to ink the conflict. in a remote region bordering a historic nationwide ceasefire to It is unclear what provoked the China. end the country’s myriad ethnic latest round of violence, which Unrest in Kokang, Shan State, minority conflicts. coincided with the country’s cel- which erupted on February 9 Myanmar’s information min- ebrations of its symbolic Union after six years of relative calm, ister Ye Htut has blamed local Day Thursday. continued with severe clashes Kokang rebel leader Phone Kya The government, the military between fighters from several Shin for the fighting and called and a handful of ethnic armed ethnic groups and the Myanmar on Beijing to reign in any local groups signed a commitment to army, according to Captain Tar officials who might be helping the continue talks, laying out an aim Parn La, a spokesman for the group on their side of the border. to build a union with “federal Ta’ang National Liberation Army An unknown number of peo- principles”, but a long hoped for (TNLA). “There were gunships, ple have fled the Kokang unrest, nationwide ceasefire deal remains Chinese performers re-enact a traditional Qing Dynasty ceremony in which emperors prayed for good fortune two jets and two helicopters yes- with most crossing the border elusive. at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing yesterday, as part of Chinese Lunar New Year festivities. terday,” he said, adding that he into China, while some have made Fighting in resource-rich had not yet received reports of their way to the northern Shan Kachin, which erupted in 2011 fighting yesterday. city of Lashio, according to Tar when a 17-year ceasefire crum- Myanmar state media on Friday Parn La. bled, is seen as a significant bar- reported that ethnic minority He said the Kokang rebels have rier to reaching an agreement. Singapore fighters armed with heavy weap- been joined by the TNLA and the It has seen some 100,000 people Sri Lanka minister, ons had attempted to capture the powerful Kachin Independence forced into displacement camps. rights lawyer Kokang’s main city earlier in the Army (KIA), which have both AFP UN chief talk issues protests against

UNITED NATIONS: Sri doors with Ban on Friday, stressing Lanka’s foreign minister met the importance of a delay, UN dip- suspension with UN Secretary-General Ban lomatic sources said on condition Foreign birdwatchers nearly Ki-moon, and UN diplomatic of anonymity. For his part Ban, SINGAPORE: A promi- sources said he pressed his gov- the sources said, made clear this nent human rights lawyer in ernment’s desire to delay the was an issue for Zeid, the Geneva- Singapore staged a protest release of a UN report on alleged based UN human rights boss. yesterday, taking to a city park caught in Philippine gun battle war crimes during his country’s Diplomats said that to denounce what he called civil war. Samaraweera has used his trip to unfair treatment by the Law In their meeting at UN head- the United States to persuade US Society which has suspended MANILA: A group of bird- birdwatching party, said Major travelling in parts of the southern quarters in New York, Sri Lankan and UN officials of the importance him from practising for medi- watchers from Britain, Denmark Christian Uy of the local military Philippines where various armed Foreign Minister Mangala of delaying the report. cal reasons. and Australia narrowly avoided command. “They heard gunshots groups are active. Samaraweera and Ban discussed The UN Human Rights Council The lawyer, known as M Ravi, getting caught in a gun battle and unfortunately, one of their Mount Kitanglad is a protected “critical priorities for Sri Lanka, voted last March to look into has defended several critics of between the Philippine military guides was hit in his right arm,” area that has long attracted including especially human rights, reports of abuses during the civil the government and has fought and insurgents that left their he said. “Initially, the foreigners nature lovers due to its diverse accountability and reconciliation,” war that ended in 2009, saying the for gay rights and against capital guide wounded, officials said scampered away,” but were able wildlife, especially birds. the United Nations press office Sri Lankan government had failed punishment. yesterday. to regroup hours later in the out- In 2012, two European bird- said in a statement. to investigate properly. “I would like to protest against Three Britons, three Danes and skirts of the Malaybalay city, he watchers from the Netherlands The UN readout of the meet- The United Nations estimated the Law Society’s oppressive, an Australian were visiting the said. and Switzerland, were abducted ing said nothing about Colombo’s in 2011 that about 40,000 ethnic arbitrary, discriminatory and Mount Kitanglad natural park in The guide was hospitalised while on an expedition to photo- desire for UN High Commissioner Tamil civilians were killed in the inappropriate manner in which the southern island of Mindanao while the foreigners are all safe, graph rare birds in the remote for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al final weeks of the war, most of they have suspended me,” Ravi on Friday when the fighting broke said Uy and police spokeswoman Tawi-tawi island group in the Hussein to delay the March 25 them by the army, according to an said. out between soldiers and commu- Inspector Jiselle Longakit. Uy said south. The Swiss man, Lorenzo release of the war crimes report. inquiry set up by Ban. The gov- The Law Society of Singapore nist insurgents, police and mili- the military was surprised by the Vinciguerra escaped from the Al Samaraweera said in Washington ernment of the majority Sinhalese said it was concerned about the tary spokespersons said. presence of the foreigners as they Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf mili- earlier that the situation at home country rejected that assertion. Sri state of Ravi’s mental health The military were pursuing a had been pursuing the same NPA tants who were holding them in was fragile and is therefore seek- Lanka’s new government, which which it said impaired his fit- group of rebels from the commu- band since Wednesday after they December but the Dutchman, ing to delay the scheduled release took power last month, says it is ness to practise law. The society nist New People’s Army (NPA) killed a soldier in the area. Ewold Horn, has not been res- of the UN Human Rights Council planning a new domestic inquiry has asked him to have a medical when the shoot out began less Many Western nations advise cued, and there was no informa- report until “August ... or so.” that would bring in some foreign test or evaluation. than 200 metres away from the their nationals to be careful in tion yet about him. AFP He raised the issue behind closed experts if necessary. REUTERS Ravi dismissed any worries about his health. The Law Society said the decision had nothing to do with Ravi’s political views, the cli- ents he has represented or his stated intention to stand for Sri Lankan leader courts India on first foreign trip parliament in the next general election. Protests are not common in COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s new biggest foreign financier and Sirisena, whose administration pearls” strategy to counter the deep enough to take over China’s prosperous Singapore where president heads to India on his enjoying significant political and last week reversed approval for rise of its Asian rival India and role as Sri Lanka’s chief financier. most media is state-linked, dis- first foreign trip in office, seek- even military influence on the a controversial $1.4bn Chinese secure its own economic interests. “India does not have the eco- sent is actively discouraged and ing to rebuild ties hit by tensions island under Rajapakse. project, would aim to allay Indian Sirisena is also expected to try to nomic might to steer China away political gatherings require a over growing Chinese influ- India has long considered Sri fears when he meets Prime secure greater Indian investment from Sri Lanka,” Rajeswari Pillai permit regardless of how many ence on the strategically located Lanka to be within its strategic Minister Modi tomorrow. in Sri Lanka, which said this week Rajagopalan of India’s Observer people are involved. island. Maithripala Sirisena sphere of influence, sending troops “Our relations with India had it was seeking an international Research Foundation said. “The Law Society of Singapore swept to power last month, end- to the island in 1987 to enforce a nosedived,” said Plantations bail-out of more than $4bn. “Basically, Sri Lanka’s policy with have not been enamoured of Ravi ing a decade of rule by former New Delhi-brokered peace accord Minister Lakshman Kiriella. “We The new government has India is a tightrope walk. It will for quite some time and have president Mahinda Rajapakse, between Colombo and separatist want to have a new beginning with accused Rajapakse’s administra- be quite difficult to keep everyone sought opportunities to knock whose close alliance with Beijing Tamil rebels. India. If we have any relations with tion of understating the coun- happy and balance everything out.” him down, and because of Ravi’s had sparked serious concerns in New Delhi was reported to have China, that will not be to the det- try’s debts and is also seeking to China provided $141.9m in loans medical condition, they have had New Delhi. been furious at the brief appear- riment of India.” restructure expensive Chinese in the first four months of 2014 — this latest chance to do so,” said China ploughed huge sums ance last year of two Chinese sub- Beijing has been accused of loans. However, one foreign policy the latest official figures available Phil Robertson, deputy director into Sri Lankan infrastructure marines in Sri Lankan waters. seeking to develop facilities around expert sounded a note of caution, — making it the island’s largest fin- of Human Rights Watch’s Asia projects, becoming the country’s Sri Lankan officials said the Indian Ocean in a “string of saying India’s pockets were not ancier. India loaned $53.7m. AFP division. REUTERS

Battle of Manila commemoration Jackie Chan’s son, freed from jail, apologises to the public

BEIJING: Jaycee Chan, son of worked with me,” said Chan, who ketamine use have risen across movie star Jackie Chan, began extended a deep bow of apology the country in recent years, and the process of rehabilitating his before and after his remarks. the government continues to image yesterday as he appeared Chan was detained in August prosecute marijuana use heavily. in public for the first time fol- after he tested positive for Chan’s saga has captivated the lowing a six-month jail sentence marijuana and police found 100 Chinese public partly because on drug charges and apologised grams of the drug in his Beijing his father — named an anti-drug for his actions. home. He was formally charged ambassador by China in 2009 — is Speaking softly and wearing a in December with “the crime of considered to have political con- dark-coloured suit and collarless sheltering others to take drugs.” nections in the capital. shirt, the 32-year-old entertainer The case has been heavily The younger Chan said he did told reporters in Beijing he would publicised by state media amid a not receive preferential treatment dedicate his energy toward film country-wide crackdown on drug in jail, nor did his father attempt and music projects and spend use that has netted several other to use his influence to lessen his more time with his distraught B-list celebrities. State media sentence. mother. “As a public figure, this have reported that Jackie Chan He described a contemplative Former Philippine President Fidel V Ramos (right) talks to US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip S Goldberg incident has had a negative felt ashamed about his son’s drug life behind bars consisting of his- (left) and Spain’s Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Manuel Domecq Fernandez de Bobadilla (centre) during impact on society, disappointed use and hopes he will speak out tory discussions with a cell mate the ‘Battle of Manila’, 70th World War II commemoration in Manila, yesterday. people who supported me, and about its dangers one day. and reading about Buddhism. caused losses for people who have Methamphetamine and REUTERS SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN Pakistan forms Protest against Valentine’s Day first ever rights commission Retired judge to head NCHR

ISLAMABAD: The govern- interviewed the chairman-select as ment of Pakistan has finally cre- well as other proposed members of ated the much-awaited National the commission nearly two months Commission on Human Rights ago. Since the nominated chairman (NCHR) for the first time in was abroad, he was interviewed via the country’s history and has video link. He said the Ministry of nominated a full-time chair- Law and Justice had been tasked to man and members for the com- advertise the unfilled position of a mission. The NCHR will begin member from Fata to seek proba- functioning as soon as President bles for the vacant slot. Mamnoon Hussain gives his He said that after receiving Pakistani activists of the Women Wing of Tahafuz-e-Namoos-e-Resalat organisation protest against Valentine’s Day in Lahore yesterday. Valentine’s approval. the names the ministry would Day is increasingly popular among Pakistanis, many of whom have taken up the custom of giving cards, chocolates and gifts to celebrate the occasion. The parliamentary commit- send them to Prime Minister tee on NCHR met yesterday and Nawaz Sharif and the Leader of approved the name of retired the Opposition in the National Justice Ali Nawaz Chohan to head Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah the commission and one member and both of them would finalise at Pakistan from each province and minorities. least three names, of which one Death toll in Peshawar Shia The members are: Kishwar would be selected by the parlia- Shaheen Awan (Punjab), Anees mentary committee. judge survives Haroon (Sindh), Dr Yahiya Ahmed Being signatory to the United (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Fazila Nations charter, it was obliga- mosque attack rises to 22 Alyani (Balochistan), Chaudhry tory for Pakistan to establish the bomb attack Mohammed Shafiq (Islamabad), NCHR. Efforts were being made and Ishaq Masih Naz (Minority). to form the commission for over PESHAWAR: The death toll are still under treatment in dif- the success of the operation, QUETTA: A top high court One member from the Federally seven years. in a militant attack on a Shia ferent hospitals,” Peshawar’s which it says has killed more judge in southwest Pakistan Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) The NCHR will have vast powers mosque in northwest Pakistan Lady Reading Hospital said in a than 2,000 militants, though the survived a bomb attack on his is yet to be nominated. of holding investigations and trials. rose to 22 yesterday after statement. precise number and identity of convoy yesterday, officials said. The committee announced that Its functions will include inquiring another injured person died of The attack came two weeks those killed cannot be verified The incident happened in the chairperson of the National into violations of human rights at his wounds, officials said. after a suicide bombing at a Shia independently. Naushki district of southwest- Commission on the Status of its own initiative or on a complaint, Three heavily armed mosque in southern Pakistan The country has stepped up ern Baluchistan province as the Women (NCSW) will be an ex- interventions into court proceed- Taliban militants stormed the killed 61 people, the deadliest sec- its fight against militants since chief justice of the Baluchistan officio member of the commission. ings to investigate allegations of Imamia mosque with grenades, tarian incident to hit the country Taliban gunmen massacred more high court Noor Muhammad The head of the committee violations by someone seeking to Kalashnikovs and explosive sui- in nearly two years. The Tehreek- than 150 people, most of them Muskanzai was travelling back Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah said: become a party to the case, visiting cide vests in Peshawar, the main e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed children, at a school in Peshawar to provincial capital Quetta from “All the names, including that of jails or other places of detention, city in Pakistan’s restive north- responsibility for Friday’s attack in December. Following the mas- his home town in Kharan district. the chairman and commission reviewing factors including acts west, around the time of the in an email statement, saying it sacre, Prime Minister Nawaz “An improvised explosive members have been unanimously of terrorism that inhibit human main Friday prayers. “Another was revenge for a militant known Sharif ended a six-year morato- device planted underneath a approved by the four-member par- rights, as well as creating aware- injured person, Ali Hassan has as Doctor Usman, who was hanged rium on the death penalty and bridge in Naushki exploded after liamentary committee.” ness on human rights, submitting succumbed to his injuries in the in December. Since June last year Doctor Usman, also known as chief justice’s convoy crossed it,” He said the committee had sent independent reports on the state hospital, raising the death toll to the army has been waging a major Aqil, was one of the first to go to provincial home secretary Akbar the names to President Mamnoon of human rights in Pakistan and 22,” Hayatabad Medical Complex campaign against strongholds of the gallows. Durrani said. Hussain for his final nod. “We hope developing a “national plan of official Tqauheed Zulfiqar said. TTP and other militants in the He was convicted for an attack He said the chief justice the president will notify the com- action for the promotion and pro- Hassan’s father, Kalb-e-Hassan North Waziristan tribal area, on the army headquarters in escaped unhurt, but one of the mission soon,” he said. tection of human rights”. was also killed in Friday’s attack. which lies close to Peshawar. Rawalpindi in 2009 and was paramilitary Frontier Corps Shah said the committee had INTERNEWS “Around 41 injured people The military has heralded arrested after being injured. AFP vehicles that was escorting his car was slightly damaged. The top local administration official Qambar Dashti also confirmed the incident. Nobody has claimed respon- Cyber criminals Doctors asked to update for licence renewal sibility from the attack but the area where is occurred is one of the most unstable parts of the wanted by FBI, ISLAMABAD: Medical prac- anonymity, recalled that the year asking medical practition- renewal of the licence are told to violence-torn province. titioners in Pakistan who fail to PMDC (Amendment) Act 2012 ers to do refresher courses but it do the refresher course by June Bordering Iran and Interpol held bring themselves up to date with had made “continuing medical, didn’t work,” the official said. 30,” he said. Afghanistan, Baluchistan is the advances made in their cho- dental education” mandatory for Unlike other countries, where Non-renewal of licence will cre- Pakistan’s largest but least devel- sen field by June 30 will almost the practitioners of medicine, new the same condition is strictly fol- ate problems for any doctor to get oped and most sparsely populated in Karachi lose their licence to practice. and old alike. lowed by the doctors, in Pakistan job, go abroad for further educa- province and has been racked for It was learnt that the Pakistan All medical practitioners have it was being more ignored than tion or do surgery. decades by a separatist insur- KARACHI: Pakistani offi- Medical and Dental Council to renew their licence every five followed. Doctors who work in Meanwhile, Deputy Registrar gency that was revived in 2004. cials yesterday arrested two (PMDC) has decided that after years. And the 2012 law requires government hospitals in the PMDC Dr Shaista Faisal has said The separatists believe locals men wanted for cyber crimes that date it would renew the a general practitioner to earn five morning and in private hospitals in a statement that doctors who do not receive a fair share of the by Interpol and the FBI for licences of only those doctors credit hours — and specialist 10 in the evening are most hit by the graduated, or did postgraduation, province’s energy and mineral defrauding several companies who have done refresher courses credit hours — of such “continu- condition as they don’t find time during the past five years, or are wealth, which is diverted to the and individuals of over $50m. to keep themselves abreast with ing education” for each year of his to do refresher courses. “Now, above 70, shall be exempt from rest of the country. Rights groups Mir Mazhar Jabbar, a senior the latest developments in medi- or her practice for the renewal the PMDC has decided to stop producing the “continuing medi- regularly accuse the government official with Pakistan’s Federal cal care and procedures. of the licence. “Accordingly, the renewing licence of the recalci- cal education” certificate. of extra-judicial detentions and Investigation Agency, said his A PMDC official, requesting PMDC put advertisements every trant. Those coming to PMDC for INTERNEWS killing of activists. AFP team had arrested Noor Aziz and Farhan Arshad from the north- ern part Karachi, the country’s largest city and commerical hub. Afghans celebrate Valentine’s Day “They were on the most Gunmen kill polio team driver wanted list of the FBI and we have successfully arrested them,” PESHAWAR: Gunmen yesterday killed the driver of a van car- Jabbar said. rying a two-member polio team in a restive Pakistani tribal region The FIA team also arrested near the Afghan border, officials said. The two attackers fired shots three others who are all part of from a nearby mountain on the van in Shalman area of Khyber the same extended family, the region where the military is battling Taliban and Al Qaeda linked senior official added. militants. “The two-member team was busy making preparations for The FBI on its website said the three-day polio campaign starting in the region from Monday that Arshad and Uddin were when the two gunmen opened fire on their vehicle killing its driver wanted for their alleged involve- on the spot,” a senior local administration official Tayyab Abdullah ment in an international com- said. The polio workers, however, escaped unhurt. The militants munication scheme and hacking claim that the polio vaccination drive is a front for espionage or a venture that defrauded individu- conspiracy to sterilise Muslims. AFP als, telecom companies and gov- ernment entities in the United States and elsewhere in the world. Colombia detains 16 Pakistanis They cost their targets more BOGOTA: Colombian authorities detained 16 Pakistani nation- than $50m. als who illegally entered the country and were trying to reach Arshad and Uddin gained the United States, immigration officials said. Initial investigations access to business telephones found the Pakistanis had come from Brazil and planned to travel systems and used the systems more than 3,200km to the US via Panama and then through Central to place long distance telephone America, immigration spokesman Juan Caicedo said. calls to premium rate numbers The group, picked up in the Colombian city of Medellin as they were as part of a scheme known as boarding a bus to another town, were being led by a “guide” who had international revenue share been paid to get them through the country. AFP fraud, according to the US agency. “Arshad and Uddin are part of an international criminal ring Pakistani killed in Kashmir firing that the FBI believes extends ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani civilian was killed yesterday after into Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Indian troops opened fire prompting Pakistan to retaliate in the Arabia, Switzerland, Spain, Kashmir region, the Pakistan military said, the latest in a series Singapore, Italy, Malaysia and of deadly clashes. The incident happened in Rawlakot sector where other locations,” the FBI said in 60-year old Muhammad Aslam was cutting grass on the Pakistan late 2013. side of the Line of Control (LoC). “Aslam received three bullets in The FBI — which had the pair abdomen” as Indian troops fired across the de facto border, the mili- on their “cyber most wanted” list Afghan residents Khujesta (centre) and Sama Sadat shop for flowers as gifts to celebrate Valentine’s Day in tary said in a statement, adding that Pakistani troops responded — had also offered a reward of up the Shar-e-Naw area of Kabul yesterday. In conservative Afghanistan, many Afghans are unaware of or don’t with fire. Pakistan and India have fought two wars over Muslim- to $50,000 each for information mark Valentine’s Day, but younger generations in urban areas are celebrating the day despite restrictions. majority Kashmir, which both countries administer in part but that led to their arrest. AFP claim in full. AFP SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Common Man takes office in Delhi New chief minister vows to wipe out corruption; to fight divisive politics and end VIP culture

FROM LEFT: AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal (right) takes the oath as Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najib Jung officiates during the swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi yesterday. Supporters wave flags and banners supporting Kejriwal as they attend the ceremony at Ramlila Ground. RIGHT: Kejriwal’s family members watching the swearing-in ceremony.

NEW DELHI: Sounding more Ramlila Maidan speech of 2013, understand the message.” mature and pragmatic in his Kejriwal urged people to covertly Like last time, Kejriwal second innings, AAP leader and record on their mobile phones announced a ban on what he called Kejriwal has no portfolio, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal demands for bribes by officials and VIP culture, including red beacon yesterday pledged to make Delhi send the recording to him. “We will lights on official vehicles and strut- India’s first corruption-free city take the strictest action,” he said, ting around in public places with a to focus on power, water and end “VIP culture” even as triggering another approving roar. phalanx of security. He said Indians he warned his colleagues against Kejriwal said a Helpline number wanted a society where political NEW DELHI: The AAP government said after taking office “arrogance” after his party’s he had announced in his first stint leaders would also travel in buses yesterday that it will focus on curbing corruption, controlling thumping election win. would be restarted — for people to like in many European countries. price rise and providing uninterrupted power and water supply. Addressing some 100,000 cheer- complain about corruption. His gov- The former income tax officer The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Manish ing supporters at the Ramlila ernment would also pass the Jan and a Magsaysay award winner Sisodia, who also said that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a first Maidan after being sworn in, Lokpal bill. It was a sea of caps at decried statements by AAP col- of its kind in the country, won’t hold any portfolio but oversee all Kejriwal, 46, also sought the sta- the sprawling ground in the heart of leagues that after the Delhi vic- the ministers. In the process, the largest number of departments tus of a full state for Delhi, saying the capital. Hundreds who couldn’t tory, the party would expand will be with Sisodia, a long-time confidant of Kejriwal, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi had get in packed the roads as well as to other states. This, he said, those of finance and power which were to have been held by the too many issues to take care of and balconies and rooftops of nearby smacked of arrogance. “God has chief minister. Delhi must be left to Delhiites. And buildings. There was unending slo- ordered us, the people of Delhi “Our top priority will be to serve the people in the best possible the Aam Aadmi Party leader — gan shouting. People came not only have ordered us to serve them... manner,” Sisodia said, soon after Kejriwal and his ministers drove sporting his party’s white cap with from Delhi but other states too. All the coming five years I will to the Delhi Secretariat after taking oath at the Ramlila Maidan. the words “Main hoon aam aadmi” The huge gathering went wild as serve only the people of Delhi.” Sisodia will now hold finance and planning, services, education, (I am a common man) — reached Kejriwal took the oath of office from He said he told Modi that the IT, technical education, administrative reforms, urban development, out to his vanquished rivals, Kiran Lt Governor Najeeb Jung —followed AAP stood for “constructive coop- A young supporter dressed up as revenue, land and building, and vigilance besides departments not Bedi of the BJP and Ajay Maken of by six ministers — and then spoke eration” with the central govern- Kejriwal during the swearing-in with any minister. “Kejriwal will not hold any portfolio,” Sisodia said. the Congress, saying he would con- in Hindi. ment, and it was time the capital ceremony at Ramlila Ground in New “Kejriwal will oversee all ministries through modern technology. sult both on how to develop Delhi. Kejriwal admitted that the AAP’s Delhi was granted full statehood. Delhi yesterday. He will try to bring systemic changes,” Sisodia said. Kejriwal will He called Bedi his “elder sister”. decision to contest the 2014 Lok “As prime minister, he is very connect with the people, Sisodia said. “He will meet people to know A few hours later, Kejriwal — Sabha election — he himself took busy. He has to think about the what their problems are. He will also oversee the MLAs.” sounding and looking unwell — on Modi in Varanasi and lost —was country, he has to go abroad... institutions, Kejriwal said Delhi had Satyendra Jain, who like Sisodia was in the earlier 49-day Kejriwal drove to the Delhi Secretariat. He a blunder. He urged his ministers, Please leave Delhi to the people of never seen troubles of this sort for government, would be the health minister and be in charge of indus- came to the venue after taking legislators and AAP colleagues Delhi... I am confident Modi will 35 long years. “People of Delhi want tries, irrigation and flood control, public works department. medicine. “After our (earlier) 49 never to show arrogance saying this think about this positively.” peace. They won’t tolerate this.” Gopal Rai, one of the four new faces in the Kejriwal ministry, will days in office, we have the confi- had derailed the Congress and the He said that although Delhi He ended his 30-minute address look after the departments of employment, development, labour and dence that we will finish off cor- BJP. “If arrogance creeps in, we will Police didn’t come under his con- by singing a song on brotherhood transport. Jitender Singh Tomar has been given law and justice, ruption in Delhi,” the 46-year-old not be able to fulfil our mission.” trol, his government would make and communal amity, which he tourism, art and culture, as well as home. Kejriwal said to loud cheers at the “I know people of Delhi love Delhi a secure city for people of all asked the crowd to sing with him, Asim Ahmed Khan gets food and supply, environment and forest, ground. “We have to make Delhi the us. But I didn’t know they love religions and communities. demonstrating yet again how this and election. Sandeep Kumar will take charge of the departments first corruption-free city in India. us so much.” Calling the result a Referring to the Hindu-Muslim unusual and in some ways maverick of women and child, social welfare, language, and Scheduled Caste We can do it.” “miracle”, he said God was trying riots in east Delhi and the recent stood out from the rest of the politi- and Scheduled Tribe. IANS And repeating the lines from his to convey a message. “We have to attacks on churches and Christian cal flock. IANS

Banerjee clips Mukul Roy’s wings in Trinamool reshuffle Delhi poll KOLKATA: Trinamool Banerjee, who presided over a from the party and shied away Hakim and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar organisational activities in Assam, timing was Congress supremo Mamata meeting of presidents of various from attacking the Bharatiya as its members. with O’Brien looking after the Banerjee yesterday effected a district committees and heads of Janata Party over the past few On Roy’s absence, Chatterjee party organisation in the other series of organisational reshuf- frontal organisations as also senior weeks. Credited as the archi- said he was busy with political northeastern states and Kerala. wrong: Naidu fles in what is being termed as leaders, appointed party state unit tect of Trinamool’s stunning activities and had taken prior In a bid to placate Dinesh a move to clip the wings of her chief Subrata Bakshi as an addi- electoral victories in recent permission. While Roy so long Trivedi, who recently went out of one-time second in command tional national general secretary. years, he played a minor role in supervised the party affairs in his way to profusely praise Prime KOLKATA: Acknowledging Mukul Roy. Roy was so far the only Trinamool Friday’s by-poll to Bongaon Lok other states, Banerjee appointed Minister Narendra Modi, Banerjee the AAP’s landslide victory in Roy, a former railway min- national general secretary and Sabha and Krishnaganj assembly various leaders to oversee party appointed him as one of the vice the Delhi assembly polls, union ister, has seemingly fallen out wielded enormous power in the constituencies. organisations in other parts of the presidents. Urban Development Minister with Banerjee after his interro- party organisation. Party secretary general Partha country. O’Brien and Kalyan Banerjee M Venkaiah Naidu yesterday gation by the Central Bureau of Roy was absent from the meet- Chatterjee, who briefed the media Veteran leader Subrata have been entrusted with the admitted that the timing of the Investigation (CBI) in connec- ing at Banerjee’s office-cum-resi- after the meeting, announced the Mukherjee has been given the responsibility to keep in touch election was a “tactical” mistake tion with the multi-crore rupee dence at Kalighat. formation of a national secretariat charge of Tripura, Suvendu with like-minded parties and over- and the BJP must prepare itself Saradha ponzi scam. Roy has distanced himself and named Derek O’Brien, Firhad Adhikari would oversee see parliamentary functions. IANS for other parties coming together. It was a “tactical” mistake to have the polls so late after the Comforting Sureshbhai Patel’s family Lok Sabha election in May 2014, Naidu said at the launch of singer and Minister of State for Urban PM’s Pune menu mixes Development Babul Supriyo’s music album “Because I Love You”. “Definitely it is a setback, undoubtedly. BJP’s place is intact business and politics in Delhi. In 2013 and 2015 assem- bly elections, BJP’s vote bank PUNE: Prime Minister vision to take agriculture to “great remained intact. What happened Narendra Modi combined busi- heights”. is, other parties which were there ness, development and a political “He is a very senior and experi- lost maximum of their base and agenda as he went about vari- enced leader. Not a single month vote. They were transferred to ous functions, topping off with passes when we don’t speak over local parties,” Naidu said here. a private lunch with NCP leader the phone. I have a lot to learn “We made a tactical mistake. Sharad Pawar at his home, here from his wisdom. We may hail I have no hesitation in accepting yesterday. from different parties, but our it. After the Lok Sabha election, The prime minister inaugu- national interests are common,” if we would have gone for the rated US giant General Electrics’ Modi said. assembly polls immediately, we first multi-modal integrated man- Later, Modi halted for an exclu- would have won hands down. A ufacturing unit that would create sive private lunch at the Pawars’ lot of time has passed,” he said. around 1,500 jobs and target half residence in Baramati, the family’s Naidu, however, said the defeat its production for exports. Modi political stronghold since over five has not affected the BJP leadership. also visited the Krishi Vigyan decades in the prosperous western “There is no question of any set- Kendra in Baramati. Referring to Maharashtra region. back to Prime Minister Narendra NCP president Sharad Pawar, who Besides Modi, Governor CV Modi and the leadership,” he said. also shared the dais at the inau- Rao, Chief Minister Devendra “We must be ready to fight Shakuntlaben Sureshbhai Patel (centre), 57, speaks with relatives at her home near Nadiad, some 65km from guration of the Appasaheb Pawar Fadnavis, Praful Patel, Pawar’s against other challenges. If other Ahmedabad, yesterday, after her husband Sureshbhai Patel was assaulted while visiting relatives in the United Hall — named after Pawar’s elder daughter and MP Supriya Pawar, parties come together then we must States. A police officer has been arrested and charged with assault in the incident. brother — Modi said though they and his nephew Ajit Pawar were be in a position to face them effec- may be political rivals, both had a present at the luncheon. IANS tively and win the polls.” IANS SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Couples dance their way to world record PATTAYA: Nine couples danced in 2008 who danced for 35 hours. few minutes when they were given a their way to victory yesterday, Thailand’s dance marathon began on 30-second break to stretch their limbs. Fajr (Dawn) 4:52 breaking the record for the longest Friday with ten couples, including one They were also given a five-minute Shorook (Sunrise) 6:09 dance marathon in the world in the couple from Canada. break every hour to go to go to the toi- seaside town of Pattaya, southeast of Only one pair left the competition let, said organisers. Zuhr (Noon) 11:48 Thailand’s capital Bangkok. before it ended. The world-record win took place at Asr (Afternoon) 3:02 The couples broke the World’s Under the contest’s rules, partici- the Ripley’s Believe it or Not! entertain- Longest Dance Marathon record pants, wearing pink T-shirts and flow- ment complex in the town of Pattaya. Maghrib (Sunset) 6:28 by dancing for 35 hours, one minute ers in their hair, had to move their feet The winners will share a 200,000 baht Isha (Night) 6:58 and one second, gaining a spot in the continuously in three different dance cash prize and were each awarded a Guinness World Records. The previous rhythms - the waltz, cha cha and certificate from the Guinness Book of record was set by a Mexican couple rumba - until a change of song every World Records. REUTERS WEATHER Weather Today Monday Tuesday Conditions: Clear Clear Clear Moderate temperature High: 27° High: 25° High: 27° daytime with Low: 19° Low: 19° Low: 20° some clouds and hazy at places by night.

DOHA - SUN & SEA

SUN TIDE SEA

SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 06:08 17:27 02:30 & 12:30 9:45 & 19:15 05-15/18 KT

THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW

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MUSCAT 28/24 Clear 27/24 Clear MAKKAH 33/22 Clear 34/21 Clear KUWAIT 24/13 Clear 26/13 Partly cloudy BAHRAIN 23/14 Clear 26/18 Clear SANAA 27/09 Clear 26/09 Clear RIYADH 27/15 Clear 29/18 Clear DUBAI 31/18 Clear 31/17 Clear BAGHDAD 20/11 Clear 16/06 Chance of rain

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ATHENS 12/04 Partly cloudy 11/06 Partly cloudy WASHINGTON -6/-13 Clear -3/-9 Chance of snow SYDNEY 30/21 Clear 30/20 Clear LONDON 09/02 Partly cloudy 09/03 Cloudy PARIS 08/00 Chance of showers 09/04 Cloudy ISTANBUL 08/04 Mostly cloudy 08/02 Cloudy MANILA 30/23 T-storms 29/23 Partly cloudy DHAKA 26/17 Partly cloudy 27/17 Clear DELHI 28/15 Clear 28/16 Clear ISLAMABAD 25/13 Partly cloudy 20/12 Chance of rain Sunday 15 February 2015 26 Rabial II 1436 Volume 19 Number 6342 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Major oil recovery unlikely soon: QNB analysis Marginal recovery likely in 2016 and 2017; average price expected in 2016 is $64 a barrel

DOHA: Oil prices are not January 2015, to a low of $45/b. The curve was steepest This unwinding and reversal companies have announced cut- minimal relationship with US expected to show any major However, over the past three when spot prices bottomed out of speculative positions may have backs in investment, but many of crude oil production. recovery until after 2017, says a weeks there has been a recovery in “January oil for delivery in played a significant role in the them still expect an increase in A falling rig count during 2012 QNB Group analysis. of 31 percent, to $59/b, but any December 2017” was over $20/b recent oil price recovery, but this production in 2015, especially the had no visible impact on US oil The analysis forecasts that this further rise is not likely this year. above the spot price. is unrelated to fundamental shifts US shale oil producers. production, which continued ris- year no substantial recovery is The technical factors that This may have pushed oil trad- in oil supply. International Energy Agency ing steadily. Once a well is drilled, likely. And even in 2016 and 2017 drove the recent rebound in oil ers to profit from buying oil on The futures curve has flattened (IEA) stated in a recent report it can take some time for it to be only marginal increases can be prices may be linked to the shape the spot market and storing it, with the recovery in oil prices, that it expects the pullback in developed and become operational. expected. of the futures oil rate relative to while selling it at higher prices making it harder to profit from shale oil production to be “lim- Oil companies tend to have a Oil prices are likely to average the spot price. on futures market. buying oil on spot markets and ited in scope”. stock of oil wells that are drilled at $56 a barrel this year despite As spot prices dipped below It also encouraged hoarding and selling it in the future. Investment cutbacks are lead- but wait to go into full operation. a recent 31 percent recovery that $70/b in January 2015, expecta- stockpiling of oil. Reports suggest Most speculative short posi- ing to lower numbers of opera- Moreover, the average produc- took the price to peak at $59/ tions that supply and demand that major oil traders and Chinese tions have been unwound, result- tional drilling rigs in the US, but tivity of oil wells has been rising barrel. would adjust led to futures prices oil companies have booked super ing in less speculative downward this is likely to impact production in recent years and is expected to The average price expected in higher than the spot price. tankers to stockpile oil as prices or upward pressures on oil prices. only in 2016-17. continue increasing. 2016 is $64/b, while in 2017, $69/b, The lower the spot prices plunged and US inventories Having said that, supply and The number of operational US As a result, the decline in oper- said QNB in a weekly analysis became, the greater the expected reached all-time highs. demand adjustments are unlikely drilling rigs has fallen by 21 per- ational drilling rigs is only likely released yesterday. increase in futures prices, As oil prices dropped, net short to have an impact on prices until cent to 1,456 so far in 2015. to impact oil prices from 2016-17, The Brent crude oil price fell resulting in the futures curve positions on futures market also 2016-17. Historical data on US rig according to the QNB Group. 57 percent between June 2014 and steepening. declined, said the analysis. A number of major oil counts, though, appear to have THE PENINSULA

Chicago Auto Show Greek, EU officials meet Middle East Turbomachinery ahead of showdown Symposium BRUSSELS: Greek and EU “The Greeks have sky-high officials met for talks yesterday ambitions. The possibilities, given begins today ahead of a high-stakes show- the state of the Greek economy, down over Athens’ demands for are limited,” Dijsselbloem said in DOHA: The third edition of the a radical restructuring of its describing the difficulties in find- Middle East Turbomachinery massive international bailout ing common ground. Symposium (METS 2015) will programme. “I don’t know if we’ll get there be held here from February 15 “It is not a negotiation but by Monday,” he added. to 18. The symposium will be an exchange of views to better The EU and the International organised under the patronage understand each other’s position,” Monetary Fund bailed Greece out of H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh an EU official said of the final in 2010, and then again in 2012 to Al Sada, Minister of Energy huddle before next week’s crunch the tune of some ¤240bn, plus a and Industry and Chairman of meeting. “The talks are ongoing debt write-down worth more than Qatar Petroleum (QP), said a and the institutions are expected ¤100bn ($113bn). statement yesterday. to report at the Eurogroup on The rescue may have kept It will also witness short Monday,” the official said, without Greece in the eurozone, but it courses running in conjunction giving further details. also left Athens with a mountain with the event. No discussions are scheduled of debt worth about ¤315bn that QP will once again serve as for Sunday, with the parties most analysts do not believe will the event’s titanium sponsor. reporting back to their govern- ever be fully repaid. The Turbomachinery Laboratory ments to complete preparations In return for the bailouts, the (Turbo Lab) of the Texas A&M for Monday’s meeting of the 19 then centre-right Greek govern- Guests look over the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car at the Chicago Auto Show during the media preview Engineering Experiment Station eurozone finance ministers at ment agreed to a series of sting- in Chicago, Illinois. The auto show will run until February 22. (TEES) in College Station, Texas, 1400 GMT. ing austerity measures, and the USA, is organizing the bien- The consultations began on much-resented oversight by the nial event, which will be held Friday after new hard-left Greek EU, IMF and European Central at the Sheraton Doha. METS Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras laid Bank ‘troika’ to make sure Greece 2015 is also supported by Texas out his plans to his peers, includ- stuck to the terms. Greece to review airport privatisation A&M University at Qatar and ing Europe’s sceptical paymas- Tsipras campaigned and won by major sponsors: RasGas ter German Chancellor Angela elections last month on promises Company Limited, Qatargas, and Merkel, at his first European to ditch the programme, which ATHENS: Greece intends to airport operator Fraport, one of the Thessaloniki, the second largest ExxonMobil. The Symposium will Union summit. he said had wrecked the economy, review a ¤1.2bn ($1.36bn) deal country’s biggest privatisation deals, city in the country, and those of officially begin with the Opening Merkel recognised the need for not helped it, and sent the jobless with Germany’s Fraport to would be reviewed to make sure it tourist hotspots Corfu, Rhodes, Ceremony on February 16. compromise on all sides, but also rate soaring. run 14 Greek airports, with a “best serves the public interest.” Mykonos and Santorini. METS 2015 will feature a world- called for Greece to respect the In a more conciliatory move, how- government minister saying A press officer for Fraport said The privatisation effort has class educational forum for turboma- conditions of the bailout—a posi- ever, Athens also said it could live yesterday the contract would that until its partner, owned by been a frequent source of tension chinery engineers with a total of tion that neatly encapsulated both with 70 percent of the current pro- be put on ice. “The contract the Greek group Copelouzos, sig- between Greece and its interna- eight discussion groups, 10 tutorials, sides in the stand-off. gramme, but that Greece must be hasn’t been ratified yet, and we nalled otherwise, “we will con- tional creditors, who have insisted 12 lectures, and 18 case studies on Dutch Finance Minister allowed leeway on the rest so it can have asked it be frozen in order tinue as normal with our plans.” that Athens implement unpopu- various topics such as liquefied natu- and Eurogroup head Jeroen do more to boost the economy, includ- to review its content,” Alekos The airports, put up for lar money-saving measures in ral gas (LNG), wet gas, vibration, gas Dijsselbloem said Friday he was ing through additional spending. Flambouraris told Mega TV. lease in 2014 to boost Athens’ exchange for a ¤240bn bailout. turbines, surge, and cavitation. “pessimistic” of any quick deal. AFP He said the accord with German depleted cash reserves, include AFP THE PENINSULA

Former HSBC chief in trouble WTO upholds complaints against China

GENEVA: A World Trade this today asking China to bring China, which could appeal Organisation dispute panel its customs duties in line with against the ruling, said it had upheld most parts of a com- the WTO obligations,” EU Trade several objections to the findings plaint against China on Friday Commissioner Cecilia Malmström but did not immediately say what in a case brought by Japan and said in a statement. it would do next. the European Union challenging “I hope to see China reacting “We will earnestly assess the Chinese anti-dumping duties to this ruling immediately and report and consider possible on high performance seamless restoring fair trading conditions future steps,” China’s Ministry stainless steel tubes. for EU producers.” of Commerce said in a statement Japan brought the complaint in The EU said the ruling was of sys- on Saturday. December 2012 to object to China temic importance because it high- China is also under new pres- hampering firms such as Nippon lighted “recurrent shortcomings” in sure from the United States, Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp China’s application of the trade rules, which launched a new complaint from selling the tubes, which are following another dispute where the at the WTO on Wednesday to used in coal-fired power plants. EU challenged Chinese anti-dump- challenge Chinese subsidies The European Union, home to ing duties on x-ray scanners. supporting billions of dollars of exporters such as Tubacex SA WTO rules allow countries to exports. Canada has also esca- in Spain and Salzgitter AG in apply anti-dumping duties against lated a trade row with China by Former Group Chairman of HSBC Holdings Stephen Green speaks at the Institute of Directors (IOD) annual Germany, joined the case against unfairly priced imports, but there asking the WTO to adjudicate convention at the Albert Hall in London on April 28, 2010. Green has stepped down yesterday from his posi- China in June 2013. are strict conditions about apply- in a dispute about China’s anti- tion with a financial services lobby group after allegations that the bank helped hundreds of people dodge “In international trade we all ing the rules and calculating dumping duties on cellulose pulp, taxes during his time in charge. need to play by the rules. I am whether the goods are actually used to make rayon. glad that the WTO panel confirms being dumped. REUTERS SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Commercial Ukraine likely Bank chooses MSCI solutions to get $15bn DOHA: Commercial Bank has selected MSCI Inc, a leading provider of investment decision support tools worldwide, as the provider of risk management tools for the bank’s investment in bailout deal portfolio. Commercial Bank will uti- lize MSCI’s RiskMetrics US, EU and World Bank pledge $2bn RiskManager to analyse market risk on its investment portfo- KIEV: Ukraine’s Finance on Wednesday, just off an all-time lio, which includes exposure to Ministry expects to receive up low. fixed income and equity assets to $15bn from debt talks with Further international loans through direct and derivative- creditors, who will have to take under the bailout scheme are based securities. on some of the burden of a new contingent on Ukraine imple- Rana A Salatt, EGM & Chief bigger international bailout menting reforms as part of a Risk Officer, for Commercial package aimed at shoring up its broader austerity drive. Populist Bank, said: “One of Commercial war-torn economy. factions in parliament have spo- Bank’s core objectives is to safe- The ex-Soviet republic, which ken out against some planned guard our multiple stakeholder is on the brink of bankruptcy steps. interests. We are committed to after a year of political upheaval Former Economy Minister enhancing our existing robust and bitter conflict with pro- Pavlo Sheremeta, who quit risk management framework, Russian separatists, said in the role last year over frustra- The Minister of Energy & Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada and other dignitaries during the inauguration. which serves to encourage January it planned to consult tion at the slow pace of reform, measured risk-taking activi- with all holders of its sovereign told Reuters the dire state of ties whilst ensuring risk dis- debt. Ukraine’s finances should incen- Al Bidda Switchgear begins operation cipline is properly exercised. A new $40bn four-year fund- tivise parliament to pass the nec- Our activities are designed to ing package was unveiled on essary laws. build a world-class market Wednesday for Ukraine, whose “Ukraine has promised reforms DOHA: Al Bidda Switchgear, CO2 laser cutter; fully-automated & Industry for his support and for risk function at the bank, and foreign currency reserves stood many times and never missed the part of the Al Bidda Group — a turret punch; automated CNC honouring us today with his pres- MSCI RiskManager will facili- at just $6.4bn on February 1, chance not to deliver, but this conglomerate with a wide vari- press brakes; CNC copper cutting, ence. Indeed, through their help tate Commercial Bank’s Risk having plummeted 63 percent in time I’m slightly more hopeful,” ety of business activities and punching and bending systems; as and guidance, this facility has now Management vision”. 2014. Sheremeta said. “This is a ques- Chaired by Sheikh Suhaim well as testing, verification, serv- become a reality. Roveen Bhansali, Managing The International Monetary tion of mere survival for Ukraine, bin Abdul Aziz bin Suhaim ice and repair equipment. “With a Management team Director and Head of Risk Fund stumped up $17.5bn for it’s quite a different ballgame.” Al Thani, has inaugurated Al Bidda Switchgear has that boasts over 40 years of expe- Management Analytics for the new financing scheme, but Large parts of Ukraine’s econ- the largest, world-class facil- partnered with MP&E Services rience in switchgear, fabrication MSCI, said: “We are delighted even with other pledges from omy have been effectively wiped ity in Qatar for total electri- Australia Pty Ltd, NATUS GmbH engineering and manufacturing, to add such a prestigious client international donors it is not out by fighting in industrial east- cal switchgear manufacturing, Germany, Terasaki Electric Co. we are confident of delivering the as Commercial Bank of Qatar to clear how the full $40bn will be ern territories, and it is forecast general sheet metal engineering Japan and Ryowo Hong Kong highest standards of product and our client list. Commercial Bank’s covered. to shrink five percent this year, and fabrication, powder coating in bringing a combined 250 service excellence across the mar- aim is to strengthen and accel- “Debt negotiations should following a seven percent con- services and general trading . years of management, technical ket and are extremely optimistic erate their investment portfolio lead to up to $15bn,” a Finance traction last year. Its struggling Under the patronage of Sheikh collaboration. of our market leadership in this analysis, and we are confident Ministry spokeswoman told hryvnia currency is at an all-time Hamad bin Suhaim bin Hamad Among the business sectors field,” he added. that the range of products and Reuters in an email. low against the dollar. Al Thani and in the presence of and projects targeted by Al Bidda The high and low-voltage services we possess supported by The United States, European The new IMF-led programme Minister of Energy & Industry Switchgear are oil & gas, power products that the new facility the rigor of our research will sup- Union and the World Bank have is enough to stave off bankruptcy H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh distribution, Qatar Rail, stadi- will be manufacturing include port their goals”. each pledged an additional $2bn. for Ukraine, but growth will only Al Sada and Angelika Renate ums, and industrial /commercial HV and MV Switchboards, MSCI RiskManager provides The Finance Ministry has not be achieved through investment, Storz-Chakarji, Ambassador of infrastructure. LV Main Distribution Boards, market exposures and sensitivities said what it plans to ask of hold- which is unlikely to be forthcom- Germany, the facility was inau- “We are truly honored and LV Motor Control Centres, across a broad range of instru- ers of its debt during talks, which ing while war rages, Sheremeta gurated at the New Industrial thankful for all the support pro- LV Sub-Distribution Boards, ments including, Commodities, many have interpreted as a call to said. Area, recently. vided to us by the Government Motor Starters, and Feeder and Equities, Fixed Income, FX, restructure. It expects negotia- Under a new peace deal The 14,000sqm manufactur- of Qatar and H E Sheikh Hamad Distribution Pillars. Additionally, Mortgages and Structured Credit, tions to start in early March. between Kiev and rebels, a cease- ing plant is fully equipped with bin Suhaim bin Hamad Al Thani,” Al Bidda Switchgear will also pro- using multiple Value at Risk Ukraine’s dollar bond matur- fire is meant to come into force state-of-the-art technology that Sheikh Suhaim said. “I also wish vide after-sales service & support (VaR) methodologies and flexible ing in 2017 dropped three cents today. includes 7-stage automatic powder to thank H E Dr Mohammed Bin as well as maintenance services. stress-testing. to trade at 54 cents in the dollar REUTERS coating system; fully-automated Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Illegal mining EU states agree Investors step on final deal to regulate back from benchmarks LONDON: European Union states agreed a common posi- tion to regulate market bench- marks, opening the door to Treasuries negotiations on a final agree- ment with lawmakers on new rules to avoid more damaging Improving global growth cited market rigging scandals. The draft law was proposed by NEW YORK: Treasury yields Poor’s 500 Index of stocks reached a the bloc’s European Commission rose as investors’ demand for record high. German gross domestic after banks were fined for trying the safest of assets eased amid product grew 0.7 percent in the final to rig interest rate benchmarks. optimism Greek and European three months of 2014, more than Since then lenders have also been Union leaders will find a com- twice as much as estimated. fined for trying to manipulate promise on debt negotiations There’s “an improving sen- currency benchmarks, prompt- and as global economic pros- timent on global growth, and ing lawmakers to toughen up the pects improved. Treasuries have been sensitive draft law. Prices are lower for a second as much to that as domestic “Doubts about the integrity consecutive week as Greece seeks news,” said Vincent Chaigneau, of indices used as benchmarks to continue its bailout programme, global head of fixed-income and can undermine market confi- with talks resuming and both sides foreign-exchange strategy at dence, cause losses to consum- signalling willingness to compro- Societe Generale in Paris, whose ers and investors and distort the mise. Crude oil climbed above $60 SG Americas Securities unit is real economy,” EU presidency a barrel for the first time this year one of the 22 primary dealers that A view shows ecological damage caused by illegal gold mining in a rural area of Santander de Latvia, which brokered the deal after a slump that damped inflation. trade with the Fed. “This is all Quilichao, in the department of Cauca. Sergio Hernando Suarez, Commander of Air Combat Command among member states, said in a “Greece headlines continue to weighing on Treasuries.” Set No. 7, which oversees the region, said the mines are controlled by illegal armed groups. statement. lean to the positive side, and oil Brent crude gained after EU states have amended the is shooting higher,” said Michael dropping 60 percent since June original draft to widen the net Lorizio, senior trader at Manulife in a slide that pushed down on so that more benchmarks are Asset Management in Boston. consumer prices, supporting deemed to be “critical” and thus “These are the factors that mat- Treasuries as they rallied. subject to the toughest level of ter more right now. The Treasury US government debt has United Airlines to slash about supervision and requirements. market seems to be less depend- fallen 1.9 percent in February, “The scope of the regulation ent on the fundamentals of the US headed for the biggest monthly is broad, although benchmarks economy and more dependent on loss since May 2013, according to 1,150 jobs at 16 US airports deemed to be critical will be sub- those kind of peripheral issues.” Bloomberg World Bond Indexes. ject to stricter rules, including the The benchmark 10-year yield US mortgage rates increased this power for the relevant competent jumped six basis points, or 0.06 week by the most in almost five NEW YORK: United Airlines Thursday in a post on its website. how much money United would authority to mandate contribu- percentage point, to 2.04 percent, months, while 10-year Treasury will outsource about 1,150 posi- Before taking effect, the save, or how many workers would tions of input data,” the statement according to Bloomberg Bond yields have climbed for the six of tions at 16 airports across the agreement must be approved by leave the company. added. Trader data. The two percent debt the past seven days. country, but reached tentative a vote of the affected workers, The airline said last month that The EU’s markets watchdog, due in February 2025 fell 1/2, or $5 Treasury yields have pushed agreements with its union to who are located in or near Tulsa; it would offer affected employees the European Securities and per $1,000 face amount, to 99 5/8. higher as a labour market report keep another 800 jobs in-house San Antonio; Indianapolis; San the option of transferring to jobs Markets Authority (ESMA), will A measure of volatility slipped for job conditions in January showed that also had been under scru- Jose, California; Reno, Nevada; at other airports, based on sen- coordinate supervision of bench- after reaching a four-month high employers added more than 200,000 tiny, a company spokesman said. and Billings, Montana, the union iority. Furloughs or layoffs could mark administrators by national this week. Bank of America Merrill new positions and wages rose. That The Chicago-based carrier said. result if workers decline the regulators. Lynch’s MOVE Index was at 91.4 has lifted expectations that the began a review of jobs at 28 US Ramp workers will be out- offers. For the most important bench- on Friday, from 95.4 on Tuesday. Federal Reserve will raise interest airports in January, working sourced at another six airports, “We were pleased to reach a marks, a college of national super- The average last year was 62. rates later this year. Investors may toward a goal from 2013 to reduce while customer service employees tentative agreement to keep a visors, including ESMA, will be Yields have climbed 40 basis get more clues on the Fed’s outlook costs by $2bn annually. The air- there will retain their jobs, also substantial portion of this work set up and take key decisions points since falling to a 1 1/2-year when Chair Janet Yellen delivers line said it needed to curtail its pending a vote. These airports are in-house,” company spokesman under the deal endorsed by EU low in January. They’re still less her semi-annual policy report to spending to stay in line with its in or near Atlanta; Sacramento; Luke Punzenberger said. “Where states. EU states will use their than the average of 3.29 percent Congress on February 24-25. less-unionised competitors. St. Louis; Kansas City; Raleigh, it makes financial sense, we prefer agreement as a basis for negotiat- for the past decade. Treasuries Whether the Treasuries selloff After weeks of negotia- North Carolina; and Fort Myers, to have United employees do the ing a final version of the new law accelerated their drop after a “continues in the very near-term tion with the International Florida. work.” with the European Parliament, report on February 6 showed the will depend on a number of moving Association of Machinists and “It is truly unfortunate that Concessions, if any, made by the which has joint say. US labour market capped its big- parts, the most important being Aerospace Workers, United the gap between vendors propos- union for workers who will keep Britain, home to the interest gest three-month gain in 17 years can the broader US data-flow agreed to keep the jobs of ramp als and United’s contractual costs their jobs were not immediately rate and currency benchmarks in January and wages climbed. begin to match the strength of the workers and customer service could not be bridged in all sta- clear. The date of the voting will that banks tried to rig, is already Signs of improvement in labor market?” said John Davies, a employees at six of these air- tions,” union official Rich Delaney be determined shortly, the union introducing tougher rules and European growth also sent investors US interest-rate strategist. ports in exchange for “contract said in the website post. said. sanctions. out of bonds, and the Standard & WP-BLOOMBERG modifications,” the union said on It was not immediately clear REUTERS REUTERS

Sun Pharma Canadian grain sales to US, Mexico plunge by 35 percent founder to WINNIPEG: After Eric Canadian grain sales to the journeys to some US destina- and Montana, John Duvenaud, the biggest impact on farmers in Fridfinnson’s record harvest a US and Mexico have plunged tions, Wade Sobkowich, execu- the publisher of Wild Oats Grain Saskatchewan who are “caught invest $290m year ago, some grain was stuck 35 percent following a govern- tive director of the Western Grain Market Advisory in Winnipeg, in the middle” and furthest away on his Arborg, Manitoba, farm ment order designed to relieve Elevator Association in Winnipeg, said in a February 4 confer- from eastern and western deliv- in Suzlon for six months waiting for rail- the backlog that piled up in 2014, said. The group represents com- ence call. “There’s a lot of wheat ery points, he said. cars. Even with a wheat crop according to the Ag Transport panies including Richardson and other crops being moved, US oat buyers stockpiled as a third smaller, he’s still got a Coalition, which represents grain, International and Cargill Ltd. being trucked to North Dakota, much grain as they could before MUMBAI: The founder of three month backlog to ship it oilseeds and pulse crop- shippers. Western Canadian produc- Montana,” he said. winter after millers struggled India’s Sun Pharmaceutical south to the US. Canadian National Railway and ers stand to lose more than US buyers are sourcing grain to get supplies from Canada Industries Inc, Dilip Sanghvi, “They just haven’t had the Canadian Pacific Railway must C$2bn ($1.6bn) this year because from other suppliers as Canadian last year, Dan Anderson, a com- has agreed to buy a 23 percent cars and we have to sit and wait,” move as much as 465,000 tonnes of continued export delays, companies are not confident they modities broker with ED&F Man stake in Indian wind turbine Fridfinnson, who farms 8,000 a week through at least March to the Saskatchewan Wheat will get enough rail cars to deliver Capital Markets in Chicago, said maker Suzlon Energy Ltd for acres of wheat, flax and oats about avoid fines. Development Commission said on southern rail corridors, Ralph in an interview. While most about $290m, the company said 75 miles north of Winnipeg, said They’ve chosen to increase in a statement. Goodale, deputy leader of the imported oats still come from late on Friday. in an interview. “It’s no differ- two-week trips from the prairies Prices for wheat at grain ele- opposition Liberal Party, said in Canada, shipments from Finland Sanghvi, India’s second- ent than any person waiting two to Vancouver or Thunder Bay, vators are more than a dollar a a January 26 telephone interview have increased, he said. richest man, will pay Rs18bn months for their paycheck.” Ontario, rather than monthlong bushel higher in North Dakota from Ottawa. The shortage has WP-BLOOMBERG through Dilip Sanghvi Family and Associates (DSA) for one billion new shares in Suzlon, issued by way of a preferential allotment. Sanghvi’s investment firm and Suzlon will also form a wind farm joint venture for the development Cayman GT4 joins of 450 megawatt (MW) of wind farms, the statement said. Loss-making Suzlon has been under pressure over the last few Porsche family years due to a slowdown in glo- bal turbine sales and a growing DOHA: The new member of flat-six engine with 385 hp, which debt pile. It was forced to restruc- the Porsche GT family is the is derived from the 911 Carrera S ture $1.8bn of debt after default- Cayman GT4. This is the first engine. Its power is transmitted by ing on a $200m convertible bond time Porsche is introducing a GT a six-speed manual gearbox with redemption in 2012. sports car based on the Cayman dynamic gearbox mounts. The The deal will provide Suzlon which has components of the Cayman GT4 accelerates from with much needed liquidity and 911 GT3. A lap time of seven zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds; the company said it would also minutes and 40 seconds on the its top speed is 295 km/h. The use the cash to tap opportunities North Loop of the Nurburgring car’s NEDC fuel consumption is in India and growth markets like positions the Cayman GT4 as the 10.3 l/100 km. The chassis – which the United States, China, Brazil, new benchmark at the top of its features a 30 mm lower body posi- South Africa, Turkey and Mexico. market segment. It also makes tion and a generously sized brake Suzlon shares have risen 15 a clear statement that Porsche system – consists nearly entirely percent in the past week on media will continue to promote radi- of components from the 911 GT3. reports of Sanghvi’s interest in cal two-door sports cars in the From its exterior, the Cayman investing in the company in a future — sports cars that are GT4 is clearly differentiated from personal capacity. The company developed at the Motorsport other mid-engine coupes. Three last week denied having received department in Weissach. distinctive inlet openings at the a proposal from Sanghvi. The engine, chassis, brakes front and a large fixed rear wing The Porsche Cayman GT4 Suzlon sold its German unit and aerodynamic design of the are part of an aerodynamic package Senvion SE to buyout firm Cayman GT4 are configured for which is systematically designed seats made of carbon fibre rein- GT4 is designed so that the driver are distinguished by lateral sup- Centerbridge Partners last month maximum driving dynamics; yet for downforce. Upon request, the forced plastic (CFRP), a custom and front passenger can experi- ports. The new GT4 sport steer- for 1 billion euros in an all-cash the top model still retains the ver- Cayman GT4 can be equipped even Sport Chrono Package with the ence unfiltered driving enjoy- ing wheel guarantees ideal control deal, part of the company’s plans satility and everyday utility that more comprehensively for sporty unique Track Precision app and a ment. They sit on sport seats, and direct steering feedback due to halve rupee debt by March 31. are typical of a two-seat Porsche use. Options include the PCCB Club Sport Package. upholstered in a combination of to its compact dimensions. REUTERS coupe. It is powered by a 3.8-litre ceramic brake system, full shell The interior of the Cayman leather and Alcantara, which THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Falling oil prices Mutual funds reopen doors to new investors shrink India Several funds look for new cash to invest; more than quarter focus on small-cap stocks trade deficit to

NEW YORK: The velvet rope plunging, at least 46 mutual funds it. Stock pickers can run out of 2010, 2012 and 2013. Then in 2014, Value fund. Since reopening in 11-month low is dropping in front of more reopened to new investors. ideas they feel strongly about if small-cap stocks stalled due to 2008, it has produced an annual- mutual funds. The funds that have reopened they have too much cash. Another worries they’d become too expen- ised return of roughly 5.5 percent. NEW DELHI: Trade deficit Some smaller corners of the over the last year cover a grab danger for small-cap stock funds sive relative to their earnings. Over the same time, the average narrowed to an 11-month low market have stalled recently, bag of categories, including natu- in particular is that a fund could In mid-2014 the fund began foreign, large-cap value stock in January, helped by a plunge even as the Standard & Poor’s ral resources and dividend-paying build up too big a stake in a single considering reopening, says co- fund has lost 0.1 percent annually. in global oil prices, bolstering 500 index closes in on its record stocks. But more than a quarter stock, which makes selling later manager Justin Tugman. The But it’s close to a flip of a coin the outlook for India’s current high. That means some fund man- of them focus on small-cap stocks, on more difficult. slowdown for small-cap stocks as to whether the fund will out- account balance as well as the agers are once again welcoming which hit a wall last year. Small- One of the latest funds to reo- meant that valuations were perform its peers. Among 226 rupee. new investors, after they had caps had their worst performance pen is the Perkins Small Cap looking more attractive, and the mutual funds that have reopened But in a worrying sign, weak closed their funds years ago to in 16 years relative to large-cap Value fund, which has a silver fund’s managers saw more poten- to new investors since 2000, 112 global demand led to a second new money. stocks. analyst rating from Morningstar. tial buying opportunities. have gone on to do better than straight annual fall in merchan- More than a dozen mutual “You look at the market as The fund closed to new investors Another co-manager of the the average fund in their category. dise exports. Exports account for funds have reopened their doors a cycle, and there tend to be in 2010 when a rush of interest fund, Tom Reynolds, says that in That’s almost exactly 50 percent. nearly a fifth of India’s $2 trillion over the last year, according to times to sow and times to reap,” was pushing its asset level higher. the past six to nine months, the Another consideration is that a economy. The trade deficit shrank data compiled by Morningstar. says Buzz Zaino. He’s the lead That’s because the fund eas- team has been analysing 10 to 15 newly reopened fund could close to $8.32bn in January, its lowest The number doesn’t include funds portfolio manager of the Royce ily beat competitors for three new stocks a week as potential if it gets hot and assets run up since February 2014, from $9.43bn that have partially re-opened — Opportunity fund, which has straight years through 2009 by purchases. The fund reopened to again. It may seem like an odd a month earlier. those that still bar new entrants closed twice since 2003 when the focusing on high-quality, small- new investors at the start of last bit of altruism for a fund to close Falling global crude prices but allow longtime investors to small-cap market was hot and cap stocks that hold up better month. down when it could reap more brought down the cost of oil add more money. buying opportunities were scarce. during downturns. So, does it pay to invest in a fees by staying open. But don’t imports to $8.25bn, down 17 per- Funds reopen to investors when It has also reopened twice, when Since closing, assets for the newly reopened fund? One con- think that it is. cent from December. Year-on- they’re looking for new cash to the market was down and cheap Perkins Small Cap Value fund sideration is that it’s typically a “There is no such thing as altru- year oil imports fell by nearly 38 invest. That usually comes after stocks were easier to find. have shrunk to roughly $1.7bn contrarian investment. Funds ism,” says Royce Opportunity’s percent. assets have shrunk because their Analysts generally see it as from a peak of close to $3.5bn. usually reopen only after strug- Zaino. “You’re doing it for your Oil accounts for nearly a third corner of the market has broadly a sign of good stewardship if a Its investing style held it back in gling, whether that’s due to the own health over a longer period of India’s imports. Global crude struggled or because the fund’s fund closes before growing too the years following the financial market they focus on or their own of time. You want to maximise prices have plunged more than managers have made poor invest- large. A bigger pile of assets can crisis, when low-quality stocks missteps. your returns, and that’s part of half since last June, promising ment choices. In 2008, when the mean more fees for fund manag- surged. The fund lagged the The best-case scenario may the process.” windfall gains for Asia’s third- financial crisis sent global markets ers, but it also forces them to use average return for its category in be the Tweedy, Browne Global AP largest economy. Analysts reckon every $10 fall in the price of a barrel of oil nar- rows India’s current account gap Naira crashes against dollar by 0.5 percent of GDP and reduces the fiscal deficit by 0.1 percent. HDFC Bank A lower external deficit would also buoy the rupee, amid signs of Q3 profit up increasing volatility in emerging- market currencies in anticipation of higher interest rates in the 20.2pc as loan United States. The oil rout has led to a sharp demand rises fall in pump prices for petrol and diesel, helping cool inflation and MUMBAI: India’s HDFC Bank boost personal disposable income. Ltd said yesterday its quar- India’s retail inflation acceler- terly net profit grew by a fifth, ated to 5.11 percent in January helped by a surge in corporate after shifting to a new base and retail credit demand amid year for calculating prices, data hopes of a pick-up in Asia’s showed on Wednesday, but stayed third-largest economy. well below the central bank’s New Delhi expects the economy medium-term target of 6 percent, to grow an annual 7.4 percent in bolstering prospects for further the year ending in March, faster interest rate cuts. than a revised 6.9 percent a year “The smaller trade deficit pro- earlier. vides the central bank with fur- Banks in India have been hurt ther scope to loosen policy again by an economic slowdown in the over the coming months,” said past two years that has weighed Shilan Shah, India Economist at on credit growth and led to a Capital Economics. spike in bad loans, though pri- The Reserve Bank of India is vate lenders such as HDFC Bank widely expected to resume its have been relatively less impacted monetary easing after Finance by bad loan problems than their Minister Arun Jaitley presents state rivals. his annual budget on Feb. 28. HDFC Bank’s Deputy It kept its policy repo rate Managing Director Paresh unchanged at 7.75 percent early Sukthankar said demand for this month after surprising inves- corporate loans should continue tors in January with the first to improve in coming quarters interest rate cut in 20 months. as small and mid-sized firms also Traders work at the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Lagos. The naira has crashed through the key level of 200 to the dollar this week in a rout sparked REUTERS start investing to boost capacity. by weak oil prices and escalating tension over the postponement of a presidential election in Africa’s biggest economy. The second-biggest Indian private sector lender by assets said net profit rose to Rs27.95bn ($450.33m) in its fiscal third quarter to December 31, from Honda backing away from 6m a year car sales goal: CEO Rs23.26bn in the same period a year earlier. Analysts on average had ASAHIKAWA, Japan: Honda Friday in northern Japan. Honda’s quality problems worldwide since 2008. delaying delivery of parts to our expected the bank to post a profit Motor Co is backing away from “In a way, we have shelved the 6 have been compounded by Honda, which has a small stake customers, so we’ll provide the of Rs27.8bn, according to data its goal of selling six million cars million-car sales target,” he said, multi-million-vehicle recalls in Takata, accounts for more than necessary support for that,” he compiled by Thomson Reuters. a year by March 2017, its chief adding that the company was in to replace potentially faulty half those vehicles, and last month said. The bank’s advances grew executive said, conceding that the middle of drawing up a new air bags made by top supplier issued a profit warning as it set Honda has already sought help 17 percent in the quarter to 3.5 recent quality woes may have business plan. Takata Corp (7312.T) in the aside more cash for the recalls. from Takata rivals Daicel Corp trillion rupees, while net non- had something to do with pres- Ito and 12 other executives past few years. Even as Takata’s losses mount, and Autoliv to provide replace- performing loans as a percent- sure to meet the lofty target. agreed in October to take pay cuts Takata’s air bag inflators, which Ito said he was not interested ment inflators, and Ito said he age of net loans was 0.3 percent, “There is definitely a sense that for three months after Honda can explode with too much force in offering financial assistance, expected its orders to them would unchanged from the September there was a tremendous burden announced a fifth recall on the Fit and spray shrapnel inside cars, though he suggested Honda could be “quite large” since Takata was quarter. on the development team,” CEO hybrid subcompact in less than a have forced a dozen automakers provide other kinds of help. struggling with capacity. REUTERS Takanobu Ito told journalists on year since its launch. to recall about 25 million vehicles “What we want to avoid is REUTERS

Indian refiners report big Third Point ups stake in Alibaba Q3 inventory losses to 10m shares NEW DELHI: Indian state refin- However, the government’s swift NEW YORK: Third Point, one ers reported large losses on inven- payments to cover enforced low of the hedge fund industry’s tory for the third quarter, hit by retail fuel prices offset losses on most closely watched funds, the rapid decline in global oil inventory for two junior refiners, increased its stake in Chinese prices, though some were helped officials said. Such payments are e-commerce site Alibaba during by swift payment of government usually made months in arrears. the fourth quarter, according to subsidies to compensate for its Despite the higher inventory a regulatory filing. Third Point, regulation of retail fuel prices. hit and squeezed profit margins, run by Daniel Loeb, increased Indian Oil Corp Ltd, the coun- Hindustan Petroleum Corp reported its stake in Alibaba by 38.9 per- try’s largest refiner, was hit hard- a narrower net loss of Rs3.25bn, cent to 10 million shares. est and reported a net loss of while Bharat Petroleum Corp man- Alibaba’s record $25bn initial Rs26.37bn ($425m) in the three aged to post a profit of Rs5.51bn. public offering was met with great months to December 31, against The three companies together fanfare last year, attracting big a loss of Rs9.61bn a year earlier. lost 159.81 billion rupees in the purchases from hedge funds man- Its loss on inventory, referring quarter because of the price cap agers eager for exposure to a com- to the price impact in the time on retail fuel sales, against 397.25 pany frequently referred to as the it takes to process crude and billion rupees a year earlier, ‘Amazon of China.’ Third Point also market the refined product, was Reuters reported on Thursday. added a new position in Citigroup Rs128.42bn ($2.07bn) compared The drop in those losses was by buying five million shares. In with a gain of Rs6.53bn a year because the government ended another regulatory filing, David earlier, Chairman B Ashok said. controls on pricing for diesel, which Tepper’s Appaloosa Management Brent crude dived to less than makes up about 40 percent of the hedge fund revealed that it had $60 a barrel in December from a country’s demand for refined fuel. dissolved its share stake in Alibaba. An employee fills diesel in a public bus at a fuel station in Kolkata. peak above $115 last June. REUTERS REUTERS SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Can Ferrari really cut it in Can the world weather luxury beyond supercars?

BY AGNIESZKA FLAK

ERRARI faces a battle to persuade investors that it should a Fed rate rise? be priced as a high-flying luxury goods stock, given a car- maker’s margins and the heavy investment required to make F BY MATTHEW BOESLER its prancing horse logo a big attraction on other exclusive lines. “Liquidity conditions globally different, because this could set differentials provided a strong Few would question the business acumen of Sergio Marchionne, will start to tighten,” said Paul off a chain of very rapid, volatile incentive to borrow in dollars redoubtable chief executive of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), HEN Group Sheard, chief global economist at moves downward in currencies instead of local currencies. but his strategy for squeezing every last drop of value from the list- of 20 finance Standard & Poor’s in New York. that have inflation implications China accounts for the biggest ing of the group’s illustrious Italian sports car brand has certainly ministers this “Emerging markets won’t be the which are not as desirable.” share of borrowings, amounting raised a few eyebrows. week urged only game in town. You will have The MSCI Emerging Markets to $1.1 trillion, while the stock “Ferrari is capable of being a fully-fledged luxury brand,” the Federal a US economy that is growing Index of stocks has fallen about of dollar credit in Brazil totals Marchionne declared last month, setting his stall out to target WReserve to “minimise negative more strongly and also offer- one percent since February 5, the more than $300bn, according to the kind of high-end valuation multiples enjoyed by the likes of spillovers” from potential inter- ing rising interest rates and a day before a report showed US the BIS report. LVMH and Richemont. est-rate increases, they omitted return on capital that is starting payrolls rose more than antici- As US interest rates go up, it The 62-year-old said Ferrari is worth up to ¤10bn, eyeing an a key figure: $9 trillion. to vie for new investment oppor- pated in January, adding to spec- would become more expensive initial public offering (IPO) slated for the first half of this year That’s the amount owed in tunities around the world.” ulation that the Fed will raise to borrow dollars. A stronger and hoping for a chunky windfall to boost FCA’s own ambitious dollars by non-bank borrowers The broad trade-weighted dol- interest rates as early as June. greenback means a company or five-year investment plan. outside the US, up 50 percent lar has strengthened 12.3 percent Most central bank officials are government needs even more But for all Ferrari’s Formula One racing pedigree, exclusivity since the financial crisis, accord- since June, and it’s forecast to forecasting that they will raise local currency to repay debt if exemplified by the LaFerrari supercar’s ¤1m price tag and a pro- ing to the Bank for International advance further as the Fed tight- the benchmark federal funds it lacks revenues in dollars. duction cap that maintains a healthy customer waiting list, the Settlements. Should the Fed ens while the European Central rate this year from near zero, The expected increase in US company has its work cut out if it is to join a sector that trades raise interest rates as antici- Bank starts buying sovereign debt where it’s been since December interest rates makes the dollar- at about 20 times future earnings. That’s more than double the pated this year for the first time and Japan extends record stimu- 2008. The probability of a Fed denominated debt of emerging average for carmakers. It has to be acknowledged that Ferrari is since 2006, higher borrowing lus. The stronger greenback will liftoff by June, based on trad- markets “a source of concern,” no laggard in the money-making stakes, with profit nearly tripling costs for companies and gov- be the main channel through ing in futures and options, was World Bank Managing Director over the past decade and its margins of 14 percent unmatched by ernments, along with a stronger which the rest of the world feels about 23 percent on Thursday, Sri Mulyani Indrawati said on any carmaker bar Porsche. greenback, may add risks to an the effects of a tighter Fed policy, with the odds of an increase by Tuesday. Developing nations “are But those margins are well below Prada’s 26 percent and have already-weak global recovery. according to Joseph Lupton, a sen- September at 56 percent, data going to have to face this new been under pressure from rising costs. The dollar debt is just one ior global economist at JPMorgan compiled by Bloomberg show. reality” of higher rates, Indrawati, Revenue growth has been more gentle than that of most example of how the Fed’s tighten- Chase & Co in New York. A study on dollar-denomi- a former Indonesian finance min- European luxury stocks and its capital expenditure and research ing would ripple through the world “For the developed economies nated debt by the BIS in Basel, ister, said in an interview. and development requirements are more than double, depressing economy. From the housing mar- like Europe and Japan, I think Switzerland, found that overseas Fed tightening could be espe- its return on capital. kets in Canada and Hong Kong to it’s a positive — it’s getting their borrowers increased issuance of cially problematic for China, where While the multiples investors will pay depend on Ferrari’s abil- capital flows into and out of China currency down and it’s sup- dollar liabilities more in countries policy makers are already battling ity to grow, it is hard to see what the company has beyond its cars and Turkey, the question isn’t porting their economies,” said where interest rates were higher capital outflows and may exacer- that would fit the luxury mould. whether there will be spillovers Lupton, who previously worked than US yields. With American bate them with easing measures, Ferrari has the capacity to raise annual production to 10,000 — it’s how big they will be, and as a Fed economist. “For the yields at historic lows for much resulting in a “circular trap”. vehicles a year from 7,000, but Marchionne has made clear that where they will hit the hardest. emerging markets, it’s a little bit of the last several years, the WP-BLOOMBERG output will be kept below demand to protect the brand’s exclusiv- ity and told analysts in a post-results conference call last month that further detail on his strategy would not be forthcoming until nearer the IPO. Ferrari’s merchandising division might seem an obvious starting point, but Marchionne has denied this. In any case, the elevated prices of T-shirts, bags and shoes bearing the prancing horse are well below those commanded by luxury goods. Its theme park in Abu Dhabi is also accessible to anyone willing to fork out Dh250 ($70) for a one-day pass. “If you’re already available to everyone, then making your way back up to the luxury level is nearly impossible,” said Manfred Abraham at brand-building consultancy BrandCap. “They would have to stop doing a lot of things and start again, which is a massive investment ... how attractive is that to share- holders?” Investors have also been left scratching their heads over Marchionne’s statement that carmaking, which accounts for the bulk of sales and profit, is “incidental” to Ferrari. As shown by Porsche Design, tyre maker Pirelli’s PZero and Bugatti’s move into apparel, previous attempts by automotive groups to stretch beyond their core products have not provided a major revenue boost. Then there’s the Ferrari logo and colours, which analysts have said make it a difficult sell in the fashion and design world. There was talk of a luxury alliance with other opulent Italian brands to rival conglomerates such as Kering, but the concept has been dismissed by two bankers close to the company. Analysts, meanwhile, have pointed to the potential for exclusive clubs and hotels for the super-rich or Ferrari moving into high- value motorcycles and boats. However, Bernstein analyst Max Warburton remains sceptical, suggesting that the Ferrari brand could be extended at a luxury premium only to watches, perfumes and eyewear. “A sports car maker has little competitive advantage when it comes to producing and selling personal luxury goods,” he said. Regardless of its prospects as a true luxury goods business, the spinning off of Ferrari is far from a car crash. The divorce will unlock the value of a business that made 12 percent of FCA’s profit last year. It could also pave the way for FCA to attempt a tie-up with another carmaker, perhaps focussing on the Asian market, bankers have said. Yet how investors interpret Marchionne’s bold statements remains unclear, with analysts’ estimates for Ferrari’s worth rang- ing anywhere between ¤5bn and ¤10bn. REUTERS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Venezuela currency devaluation set to hurt US firms

BY TIM MCLAUGHLIN and and tissue maker Kimberly-Clark Halliburton Co, and drug compa- “For the most part, the market’s in January that it was removing Ford consulted the US Securities RICHARD VALDMANIS Corp, had recently taken big nies Pfizer Inc and Merck & Co view is that things will be horren- the results of Venezuelan sub- and Exchange Commission before charges after valuing their assets Inc. The drug companies may have dous in Venezuela for quite a while,” sidiaries from its core operating making the accounting change. MASSIVE effec- at a third exchange rate of about a better argument for using this said David Whiston, a senior equity results. Others may just pull out A spokeswoman for the SEC tive devaluation of 50 bolivars to the dollar, rather rate than most because Venezuela analyst at Morningstar Inc. altogether, as consumer products declined comment. Venezuela’s bolivar than the 6 or 12. does allow it to be used for the The new Simadi exchange rate company Clorox did last year. Toy Another major US company, currency will likely However, that part of the purchases of some critical goods, is close to Venezuela’s black mar- maker Mattel Co has said it will industrial and consumer prod- badly dent 2015 system has now been replaced such as medicines. ket rate of 188 bolivars per dollar, consider doing the same if condi- ucts maker 3M, said this week Aearnings at a swath of major US with the new free-floating rate, Others use the 12 rate. PepsiCo which finance industry leaders tions worsen. that it may need to remove its companies. which was last quoted on Friday recently started valuing some of described as a sign the govern- Morningstar’s Whiston said he Venezuelan operations from its The decision, announced late on at 174 (even weaker than 170 on its assets in Venezuela at that rate, ment is willing to allow supply and expects other companies to dis- operating results because of boli- Thursday, would almost wipe out Thursday). That puts even the after being unable to repatriate demand to set prices. tance themselves from Venezuela’s var exchange problems “coupled the $7.1bn of Venezuelan monetary companies who had started to money at the 6.3 rate for years. PepsiCo has one of the largest troubles to avoid frequent cur- with an acute degradation in the assets currently held on the books use 50 in a position where they But with this week’s further stated exposures to Venezuela rency hits to their earnings. ability to make key operational of 10 large American companies. may have to take another hit. devaluation of Venezuela’s cur- with assets there valued at $1.13bn A rarely used accounting rule decisions due to government regu- At the new exchange rate of about The move represents an effec- rency, even the 12 rate seems using the 12 bolivars exchange allows companies to remove the lations in Venezuela.” 170 bolivars to the dollar, the value tive devaluation of more than 70 increasingly imaginary. rate, company filings show. Those results of a business if they have The benefit of removing bad of those assets would drop by 93 percent. “6.3 is ludicrous in my view for assets would be worth only $79.1m effectively lost control of it. They numbers from operating results at percent to just $421m, according The currency move is part most companies,” said Ali Dibadji, at the 170 rate. have to mark the assets concerned the stroke of a pen is that it means to a Reuters analysis of regula- of President Nicolas Maduro’s an analyst at Sanford C Bernstein The company said earlier this to “fair value” and take a one- a company avoids the drip-drip tory filings. efforts to shore up the Opec & Co Inc. week in its annual results filing time charge against earnings if of hits to earnings that happens Currently those assets are val- (Organisation of the Petroleum The introduction of the new that re-measuring its Venezuela necessary. when a currency like the bolivar is ued based on the main official Exporting Countries) member’s rate may help ease market con- assets at a 50 bolivars rate would In Ford’s case, it took a pre-tax slumping over an extended period. rate of 6.3 bolivars to the dollar, coffers amid tumbling crude oil cerns about a possible debt default trigger a net charge against earn- charge of $800m for the fourth “You anticipate the future losses or a second rate at 12 bolivars. prices, an annual inflation rate of and boost supplies of dollars to a ings of about $400m. It did not quarter of 2014, declaring that and take it all in one year because However, the Venezuelan authori- around 64 percent, and a shortage currency-starved economy. But respond to requests for comment foreign exchange and other regu- the market will ignore that sort ties only allow a limited amount of many goods in the shops. some investors see the effective on Friday. lations “have constrained parts of thing,” said Robert Willens, of business to be done at those Among the companies still devaluation as cosmetic. There The devaluation could encour- availability and are now signifi- an independent corporate tax rates as the country suffers from using the 6.3 rate still are house- continues to be the reality of runa- age more major American com- cantly limiting our Venezuelan and accounting adviser. “Ongoing a shortage of available dollars. hold products maker Procter way inflation and swelling super- panies to follow in the footsteps of operations ability to maintain losses will not be ignored.” Some companies, such as diapers & Gamble, oil services group market lines. Ford Motor Co, which announced normal production.” REUTERS SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Wiggins leads Snedeker and Jones Team World to Rising Stars win Qatari golfer Yasmian Al NEW YORK: Canadian share halfway lead Sharshani in Andrew Wiggins scored 22 action at a points and earned Most Valuable golf tourna- Player honours yesterday in ment in this leading Team World to a 121-112 Australian fires eight birdies in California win over Team USA in the NBA file picture. Rising Stars Challenge. PEBBLE BEACH, United Utah’s French center Rudy States: Australia’s Matt Jones Gobert totaled 18 points and 12 fired eight birdies in a six- rebounds for the international under-par 66 yesterday to share team of NBA rookies and sopho- the halfway lead with former mores, who took on a team of their champion Brandt Snedeker at US counterparts on the opening the $6.8m Pebble Beach National night of All-Star weekend. Pro-Am in California. The USA v The World was a Snedeker and Jones finished new format for the game, which 36 holes at 12-under-par 131, one Regency Group Holding was originally a contest between stroke ahead of overnight co- teams of rookies and later fea- leader Justin Hicks. tured rookies against second-year John Daly, who started the day players. one off the lead, couldn’t find a ties up with Yasmian As in prior editions of the exhi- birdie over his last 11 holes and bition, defense was at a minimum, fell six shots adrift. First-round DOHA: Driven by an insatia- enthusiasts who want to start although Gobert came up with a co-leader JB Holmes also strug- ble passion for golf, Yasmian playing golf or, if they already solid stop of Nets center Mason gled and found himself six back Al Sharshani and Regency play, to get better,” said Yasmian Plumlee late in the contest as the and in danger of missing the cut. Group Holding have teamed who has also set up the Qatar Golf World was nursing a slim lead. up to take the game forward, for Women club. Chicago’s Montenegrin for- especially among women, in the “Nothing is impossible in this ward Nikola Mirotic and Bojan Pebble Beach National Arab world as part of a five-year world if you have the desire to Bogdanovic, a Croatian who Pro-Am Scores Matt Jones speaks to media following second round play at Pebble sponsorship agreement. succeed. I have that in spades. I plays for the Brooklyn Nets, each Beach Golf Links yesterday. The only lady golfer from am grateful to Regency Group scored 16 points, Bogdanovic mak- PEBBLE BEACH, United Qatar, Yasmian is no stranger Holding for coming forward ing his mark on his home court at States: Leading second-round to the fairways and greens, hav- and supporting my initiatives. the Barclays Center. scores on Friday in the $6.8m The field will be reduced after The 34-year-old American won ing represented her country in a Corporate support is the lifeline Brooklyn will host All-Star Pebble Beach National Pro-Am today’s third round, after every the Pebble Beach crown in 2013 number of domestic and regional to the success of any sporting Saturday events including the on the par-72 Pebble Beach player has tested each of the three and went on to win the Canadian tournaments with aplomb since venture,” who has also featured Slam Dunk Contest before Golf Links, par-71 Monterey courses in use over the first three Open the same year, but hasn’t joining the national team in 2009. in many pro ams, including the Sunday’s All-Star game is held Peninsula, par-72 Spyglass rounds -- the par-72 Pebble Beach added to his six US tour titles Spurred on by the support from Omega Dubai Ladies Masters and across town in Manhattan at Hill (USA unless noted): Golf Links, par-72 Spyglass Hill since then. the Qatar Golf Association, she the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Madison Square Garden. 12-under par and par-71 Monterey Peninsula. Jones is seeking to add a sec- has taken up the task of reaching “Together we will strive to Greek forward Giannis 131 - Matt Jones (AUS) 65-66, Brandt Snedeker Australian Jason Day, who ond US title to the Houston Open out to young people and enticing improve the game at the grass- Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee 64-67 vaulted to fourth in the world with crown he captured last year. them to become part of the sport- roots level and ensure it takes Bucks chipped in 12 points, 10 11-under par his playoff win at Torrey Pines on Hicks fired a three-under 68 ing culture. Golf, she says, is still the flight in Qatar and beyond. rebounds, five assists and four Sunday, made a big move toward at Monterey Peninsula and was alien to the social fabric of the Once we have a good pool of steals for the World. 132 - Justin Hicks 64-68 the top, carding a nine-under 62 alone in third on 11-under 132. Arab world and needs an ambi- young enthusiasts, we will take Minnesota’s Gorgui Dieng of 10-under par at Monterey Peninsula to join a Ten players were tied at tious drive to promote the game. the game to the next level,” says Senegal chipped in 14 points. 133 - Charlie Beljan 70-63, Michael Putnam group tied for 14th on nine-under 10-under. Day’s move into conten- “You can play golf and we are Yasmian, who fell in love with the Dieng’s dunk midway through 69-64, Chez Reavie 67-66, Daniel Berger par despite being unwell. tion was all the more impressive there to help you,” is her sim- game during a casual visit to a the final period widened the 67-66, Will Wilcox 66-67, David Hearn (CAN) Snedeker had five birdies with- since the 27-year-old thought a ple message as Yasmian plans golf course in Egypt with her rela- World lead to 105-96. 67-66, Billy Horschel 68-65, Chesson Hadley out a bogey in his five-under 67 at stomach ailment might prevent to organise a series of mini- tives in 2003. Orlando’s Victor Oladipo and 64-69, Jon Curran 69-64 Spyglass Hill. him from teeing off. AFP golf events to encourage young THE PENINSULA the Timberwolves’ Zach LaVine scored 22 points apiece for Team USA. A layup by Trey Burke pulled Team USA within 112-109 before Wiggins, the top pick in Hend leapfrogs Jimenez at Thailand Classic the 2014 NBA draft, responded with a reverse layup with 1:33 BANGKOK: An impressive six- -- Australian trio Andrew Dodt, remaining to rebuild the lead. under-par 66 fired Australia’s Thailand Classic Richard Green and Wade Ormsby Wiggins, when asked if he’d Scott Hend into the lead at day as well as Sweden’s Alex Noren. like to play for Canada against a three of the Thailand Classic Scores Hend had no illusions his long real Team USA in international yesterday, leap-frogging Miguel BANGKOK: Leading scores drives could be what seals victory competition, answered with an Miguel Angel Angel Jimenez who struggled after the third round of the -- if he can repeat the kind of emphatic “yes.” Jimenez of to repeat his stellar day two $2m Thailand Classic at the showing he made on the 13th hole. “Definitely,” he said. “That’s a performance. “It was a nice long drive on 13,” game I dream of. And hopefully Spain hitting Black Mountain Golf Club in Hend, a renowned long hitter he said after the match accord- we can play in the Olympics.” a shot dur- Hua Hin yesterday: with six Asian Tour wins under ing to a report released by the As for this exhibition contest, 201 Scott Hend (AUS) 67-68-66 ing round his belt, will begin Sunday’s final organisers. Team USA coach Alvin Gentry, three of the round on 201 thanks to five bird- 202 Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 69-66-67, “It hit a wet patch from the a Golden State assistant, was in Thailand ies and an impressive eagle on the Miguel Angel Jimenez (ESP) 67-66-69 rain and picked up a bit of speed favor of a little adjustment to Classic golf 609-yard 13th at the $2 million 204 Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 67-67-70 down the hill. I hit a nice little the format. “I think we’ve got tournament tournament in Hua Hin. 205 Andrew Dodt (AUS) 71-67-67, Richard five iron in there and got a good to rearrange this game,” Gentry at the Black But with just a one-shot lead Green (AUS) 71-67-67, Alex Noren bounce on the fringe of the green.” said. “I think it should be North Mountain there is still plenty to play for. (SWE) 67-70-68, Wade Ormsby (AUS) Jimenez remained confident he America against the World. And Golf Club Snapping at Hend’s heels is 72-65-68 could still come out on top by the then that way we get Canada. If in the Thai 51-year-old Jimenez, the oldest 206 Javier Colomo (ESP) 74-67-65, Jyoti end of Sunday. we get Canada, we have Wiggins town of player in the field, alongside local Randhawa (IND) 71-70-65, Johan “I only had three birdies but it on our team.” AFP Hua Hin hero Thongchai Jaidee, both on Carlsson (SWE) 69-67-70, Tom Lewis was a bogey-free round. The last yesterday. 201. (ENG) 69-67-70 hole was close to being a birdie, but NHL Results A day earlier the Spaniard had dominated by somewhat disap- just missed. I’m playing well and Columbus 4 Philadelphia 3 jumped to the top of the pack pointing par shots. hitting it well,” he said. Northern Chicago 3 New Jersey 1 thanks to a remarkable round of Thongchai’s compatriot Ireland’s Michael Hoey, who fired Dallas 2 Florida 0 11 birdies. But this time Jimenez Kiradech Aphibarnrat begins the a blistering course record 64 on had to content himself with just final day in third on 204, chased the opening day, slipped even fur- San Jose 4 Arizona 2 three on a day that was otherwise by four players a shot behind ther yesterday. AFP Vancouver 5 Boston 2 ICSS promotes sports values across Ibero-American countries

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico: young athletes and youth at large, globally-renowned and respected As Ibero-American nations as well as promoting the use of voice in promoting the importance prepare to host some of the sport as a tool for social inclusion. of sport and its social and educa- largest major sport events, The ICSS also extended an offer tional values to young people. On including the Rio 2016 Olympic to the Ibero-American countries behalf of the CID, I am welcome and Paralympic Games and the to join the interregional platform their commitment to enhance the 2018 Youth Olympic Games established by the ICSS to protect safety, security and integrity of in Buenos Aires, the Ibero- the integrity of sport. sport across the region.” American Sports Council (CID) The XXI CID Annual Assembly Mohammed Hanzab, President invited the International Centre featured statements from of the ICSS, said: “The Ibero- for Sport Security (ICSS) to Mohammed Hanzab of ICSS American Sport Council (CID) is participate at its 21st Assembly President, Massimiliano Montanari a key organisation and represents in Puerto Rico. of Save the Dream Executive some of the most influential coun- In front of sport ministers and Director and Pedro Velazquez of tries in the world of sport. On government bodies from 20 coun- Director for Social Innovation. behalf of the ICSS and our Save tries in Latin America as well as The presentation showcased the Dream programme, we are Spain and Portugal, the brief of the ICSS’s ongoing efforts to delighted to work with the CID the ICSS intended to assist its engage leading international for what will be an important step members untap the potential of organisations and policy-makers forward for both organisations sport as an educational tool and to introduce stronger measures and the future of Ibero-American support positive social change to help safeguard sport, as well sport. through sport across the region as encouraging sports bodies “Like the CID, we believe in was welcomed by CID members. and governments to promote the the power of sport to enhance the To achieve this aim, a values and integrity of sport to lives of young people, its positive Declaration was adopted by the young people. contribution to society, as well as CID Assembly welcoming the Ramón E. Orta Rodríguez, the need for greater collaboration work developed by the ICSS, President of the Ibero-American between sports organisations and through its Save the Dream Sports Council (CID), said: governments in the area of sport Mohammed Hanzab (Left), President of the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), during the Ibero- initiative, to promote and pro- “Through its Save the Dream pro- safety, security and integrity. American Sports Council (CID) in Puerto Rico. tect sport values for the good of gramme, the ICSS has become a THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Joseph stars as Struchayev springs a surprise England crush Italy in Six Qatari shooters excel as Abusharib bags bronze; Al Kuwari tops in juniors Nations

DOHA: Rookie Vasiliy event at the Losail shooting LONDON: Centre Jonathan Struchayev of Kazakhstan over- Complex, thus proving that he Joseph grabbed a brace of tries came tough weather conditions has come of age. as England gained their sec- to pull off a major surprise Struchayev, who won a bronze ond win in the Six Nations at the Qatar Open Shotgun medal at the Asian Shooting Championship and swept aside championship. Championship, at the same venue a brave Italian side 47-17 with a Henrik Jansson of Sweden fin- three years back in a junior event, dominant second half display at ished second while Qatar’s Saeed thus clinched his first gold in the Twickenham. Abusharib clinched the bronze. senior category. Swede Jansson No.8 Billy Vunipola, scrum-half Qatar’s ace shooter Nasser said the conditions were tough Ben Youngs and replacements Saleh Al Attiyah was among the and give full credit to Struchayev Danny Cipriani and Nick Easter six shooters who qualified from for his brilliant show. also went over for England, who the preliminary stage for the final “It was tough conditions here again fell behind in a game before rounds. and the field had some top shoot- rallying and then surging clear. Nasser lost the race to qualify ers. Vassiliy was shooting superbly, They had been stunned by a for the bronze medal shoot-out but I am not disappointed with fine early try from Italy captain eventually finishing fifth, while my performance also,” Jansson Sergio Parisse while centre Luca compatriot Hamad Rashid Saleh said. Morisi also crossed twice for the came fourth. Meanwhile Qatar’s Mohammed visitors in the second half. The iconic star from Qatar, Al Kuwari won in the junior England full-back Mike Brown who is also an accomplished raly category. David Pochivalov of became rugby’s latest concussion driver having won the Dakar Kazakhstan came second while victim as he was knocked cold Rally twice was happy with his Niyaz Aghazada of Azerbaijan and out of the match after just scores after picking hte gun after clinched bronze. 12 minutes. His head collided along absence. Al Kuwari, who trains under with the shoulder of Italy centre “I am quite happy shooting 120- his father Ahmed Al Kuwari, was Andrea Masi and he was treated 125 targets without any training. I delighted with his first gold medal on the field before being taken off am taking part in the event after in a major event. on a stretcher. a long time and considering the “I tried to do my best and I’m But he soon recovered and was championship is being played with very delighted to win the title Vasiliy Struchayev of not taken to hospital but took a new rules I think I performed well here. I’d to fight hard with other Kazakhstan, winner in the seat in the dugout to watch the today,” Nasser said. shooters from not only from Qatar Open Shotgun cham- rest of the match. For the London Games bronze Qatar, but also from Kazakhstan, pionship Skeet event, receiv- “It’s going great. It’s great to get medallist the last shooting event Azerbaijan and the Great Britain. ing his cheque from Abdullah the win today. The boys showed he took part was the Asian Games I had a good start of 50 out of 50 Al Mutawa Al Hammadi great spirit to come back and get in Incheon South Korea last year, and then I just hung on to make the win,” Joseph, who ended up (right), General Secretary of where he drew a blank. sure I have the best total,” Al on the wing after Brown went off, Qatar Shooting and Archery “The conditions were very Kuwari, a first year student at told the BBC. windy, but it was ok as it was the Qatar University first year said. Association at Losail Shooting England eventually ran out same for everybody. I will soon On Friday in the Women’s Range yesterday. Henrik easy winners with a strong sec- start training for world cup which Skeet event, the Russians made Jansson (left) of Sweden fin- ond half display against a tir- will be held next month in Al Ain it one-two as Albina Shakirova ished second while Qatar’s ing Italian side, which had been and the world championship in topped followed by Olga Panarina. Saeed Abusharib clinched the beaten 26-3 by the Irish in Rome September in Italy,” he said. Sutiya Jiewchaloemmit of bronze. the week before. Shooting down the clay targets Thailand bagged the bronze BOTTOM: Mohammed Al The visitors had not scored a was not easy on a windy day but medal. In the Junior section, Kuwari of Qatar (centre), gold Test try for 254 minutes. Yet they Struchayev rode his luck to clinch Hajar Mohammed of Qatar medal winner in the junior stunned England after just three gold. came out with flying colours to Skeet, poses for a picture along minutes as the powerful Parisse, “I am thrilled to win gold win the gold followed by Sevda with who grabbed the previous one here. This is first major win Mustafayeva of Azerbaijan, while David Pochivalov of against Samoa in November, bull- of my career,” said an excited Olga Khailova of Kazakhstan Kazakhstan, silver medal win- dozed his way over. Struchayev. came third. The championship ner and Niyaz Aghazada of “It was a soft try we conceded The 22-year-old, hereto a ends on February 19. Around 250 Azerbaijan, third place winner. first up. At half-time we give regular competitor on the jun- shooters from 33 countries are them a rev up, said we needed to ior circuit, yesterday stamped taking part in the championship. up the intensity, and I think we his superiority to win the Skeet THE PENINSULA did that in the second half,” said England coach Stuart Lancaster. “Slightly disappointed that we didn’t do a bit better but I’m really pleased for Jonathan Joseph. He’s Qatar Basketball League having a great season so far and I’m delighted for him.” Nishikori reaches England lost Brown with con- cussion in a painful collision as the Harlequins man attempted to intercept fly-half Kelly Haimona’s Memphis semis chip through as Italy went back on the attack. But, as he went to catch the MEMPHIS: Top seed Kei saved all three break points he ball, Masi got to it first and the Nishikori kept his bid for a faced in the 65-minute contest. Italian’s right shoulder clattered third straight ATP Memphis He’ll take on American Donald into the side of Brown’s head. title alive yesterday with a 4-6, Young, who defeated Australian Brown was left flat out on the 6-3, 6-4 quarter-final win over Bernard Tomic 7-6 (10/8), 4-6, 7-5 grass unmoving and with blood Austin Krajicek. to reach the semi-finals. dripping from his nose. The 25-year-old Japanese star, “I got a little nervous there George Ford’s boot put the ranked fifth in the world, needed at the end, but I was happy to hosts on the scoreboard and two hours and 10 minutes to come through,” said Young, who England managed to put their subdue the American qualifier, reached the fourth ATP Tour noses in front with a slightly con- ranked 156th. semi-final of his career. troversial try from Vunipola. Nishikori seized control in the “Anytime you make the week- It appeared the Saracens for- third set with an early break for end, you’re playing well. I made ward had been forced into touch a 2-0 lead. the weekend. It hasn’t happened in the left-hand corner by des- Krajicek broke to level the set too often in my career, so when it perate late Italian tackling from at 4-4, but Nishikori immediately happens I’m very excited.” captain Parisse and scrum-half broke back to avert the danger Meanwhile in Rotterdam, Edoardo Gori. and served out the match. Netherlands, Stan Wawrinka Vunipola surged forward and, “Obviously I didn’t play my best was untouchable on serve in the after watching a series of replays, tennis, but I won today, that’s opening set as the Swiss powered referee John Lacey awarded meaningful,” said Nishikori, last into the semi-finals of the ATP the try even though it seemed year’s US Open runner-up and Rotterdam World Tennis event inconclusive. a quarter-finalist at this year’s yesterday with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 win England’s next attack saw the Australian open. over Gilles Muller. impressive Joseph show off his “I think it’s a very good win Fourth seed Wawrinka will pace and skill to burst through today because he was playing Saturday face second seed Milos a hole in the Italian defence and Macklin Vermo Leon of El Jaish (left) and Singleton Donald Rashaad of Al Wakra in action during their Qatar good tennis... He was hitting a Raonic, whose big serve accounted the Bath youngster crossed the Basketball League match at Al Gharafa Stadium. RIGHT: Davon James Dominic of Al Rayyan (left) and Monroe lot of aces that I wasn’t really for a mere six aces in a 2-6, 6-3, visitors’ line for Ford to convert. Samuel of Al Gharafa vie for ball possession. PICTURES BY: ABDUL BASIT expecting.” 6-4 defeat of Ukrainian Sergiy Ford kicked another penalty at Nishikori, who saved eight of Stakhovsky. the start of the second-half but the 10 break points he faced, next The Canadian winner has lost Morisi showed a fine turn of speed faces American Sam Querrey, in all three previous matches to to defy tacklers before scrambling who toppled third-seeded com- Wawrinka. “It’s a short stay so far across the England line for his PYC2 Travelex Exchange AGLS patriot John Isner 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 in Rotterdam, but I am glad to be side’s second try. (7/2). in the semi-finals,” said Raonic, The England response was Krajicek said Nishikori played making his Dutch debut. swift with scrum-half Youngs reaches semi-finals of PIBAQ better on the important points. Wawrinka started out on fire in darting over from the back of a “Kei, obviously he’s one of the the opening set as he committed scrum. best players in the sport, so he one error and fired at 100 per- England were dominant as DOHA: PYC2 Travelex comes up with it when it matters,” cent on first serves on his way first Joseph raced through a Exchange AGLS and Supreme said the 24-year-old American, to defeating Muller for the sec- large Italian hole for his second. Technology-Young CEG who saved two match points in ond time this season. Wawrinka Cipriani came off the bench to Action International eased thier way a first-round win over Mikhail matched Muller on serve, with replace Ford and with his first into the semi-final of the U18 from Kukushkin then downed fifth- nine apiece; he finished with 21 touch in a Test since 2008, the Season 1 of Pinoy Basketball the U18 seeded Ivo Karlovic in the second. winners. “It was a really close first Sale Sharks fly-half took Jonny Qatar (PIBAQ). Season 1 “I gave myself an opportunity set, but it was a very good match May’s pass to stroll across the line At Al Gharafa Training Gym of Pinoy and thought I played well. It for me,” said Wawrinka, who last for a try. A dream international on Friday, Supreme Technology- Basketball was a really fun match and the played here in 2005. “I’m get- return. Young CEG International reg- Qatar atmosphere was great -- I enjoyed ting better and better with each Nick Easter went over next istered a narrow win over (PIBAQ) at myself.” match. There was nothing really as the 36-year-old became the PYC1 Travelex Exchange Diana Al Gharafa Second-seeded South African wrong with my game, I think I did oldest player to score a try for Jewellery, 78-74. In the other Stadium. Kevin Anderson also advanced, everything pretty well. I’m very England. He sunk to the bottom match, PCY2 defeated QMMF downing American Steve Johnson pleased with how it went. Gilles of an England rolling maul which Pinoy Expats Ram 73-59. 6-4, 6-4. has such a big serve that there is pushed Italy back over their line. THE PENINSULA Anderson fired 16 aces and little chance to break him.” AFP AFP SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Bayern thrash Hamburg; Wolfsburg win thriller Bavarians register biggest Bundesliga win in 30 years

BERLIN: Bayern Munich The Bayern Munich Josh King of the Blackburn Rovers celebrates after scoring a goal against claimed the biggest Bundesliga mascot and players Stoke City during their FA Cup fifth round match at Ewood Park yesterday. win for 30 years to warm up for celebrate their their Champions League away 8-0 victory over match to Shakhtar Donetsk Hamburg in Munich with yesterday’s 8-0 thrashing yesterday. of Hamburg. Stoke lose 4-1; Ideye Stars Arjen Robben, Thomas Mueller and Mario Goetze all netted twice as Bayern ran riot powers West Brom at Munich’s Allianz Arena before Tuesday’s last-16, first-leg clash against Shakhtar in Lviv. LONDON: Norway striker Brom’s progress to the quarter- Just over two years after their Josh King scored a hat-trick as finals for the first time since 2008. 9-2 drubbing at Munich’s Allianz second-tier Blackburn Rovers “It was a good performance and Arena, Hamburg were again reached the FA Cup quarter- we’re very pleased, but there’s still made to suffer having also been finals by coming from behind a long way to go in the league and drubbed 3-1, 5-0 and 6-0 on their to beat 10-man Stoke City 4-1 we need that bit of luck with the last four visits to Bavaria. yesterday. next draw,” West Brom manager Bayern stay eight points clear Stoke manager Mark Hughes Tony Pulis told BT Sport. after racing into a 2-0 lead with saw his side take a 10th-minute “Brown Ideye was fantastic. He 23 minutes gone as Mueller slot- lead against his former club at is scoring goals and that takes the ted a penalty, then his Germany Ewood Park when Peter Crouch weight off your shoulders, and he team-mate Goetze added a volleyed home at a corner, only looks a good player.” second. for King to head in an equaliser Five-time winners West Brom Arjen Robben danced through in the 36th minute. have now won five of the eight their defence, then curled home After Geoff Cameron was sent matches since Alan Irvine was a 36th-minute goal to claim their off for holding King back, Rudy succeeded as manager by Pulis, third. Gestede put Blackburn in front who is bidding to emulate his Hamburg’s luck had clearly with a penalty on the stroke of achievement of guiding Stoke City deserted them as replays showed half-time before King completed to the final in 2011. Goetze had briefly touched the his treble with quick-fire goals Blackburn and West Brom ball at the start of the move. early in the second period. were joined in the quarter-finals Earlier, Brown Ideye continued by Reading, who won 2-1 at fellow Robben grabbed his sec- came off the bench to add to With Wolves 3-0 up, the match his fine recent form by scoring Championship side Derby County Bundesliga Results ond after 47 minutes as the Jaroslav Drobny’s misery in the exploded in ten crazy second-half twice as West Bromwich Albion courtesy of a late strike by former Bayern Munich 8 (Mueller 21-pen, 55, Goetze game became little more than a Hamburg goal on 69 minutes minutes as Son claimed a hat- beat a woeful West Ham United Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and 23, 88, Robben 36, 47, Lewandowski 56, shooting session as the hosts ran before Goetze claimed his side’s trick to make it 4-3 with 67 min- 4-0 at The Hawthorns to also Everton striker Yakubu. Ribery 69) Hamburg 0 riot. eighth two minute from time. utes gone just after Dost had also reach the last eight. Liverpool were scheduled Mueller then curled home a Having gone 3-0 up away, hit his third. The Nigeria striker, West to tackle Crystal Palace later Bayer Leverkusen 4 (Son 57, 62, 67, Bellarabi superb shot after a run by his Wolfsburg survived a spirited Germany winger Karim Bellarai Brom’s $15.2m record signing, yesterday. 72)) VfL Wolfsburg 5 (Dost 6, 29, 63, 90+4, captain Bastian Schweinsteiger fight-back to win 5-4 at Bayer then put hosts Leverkusen level at scored either side of a 25-yard Holders Arsenal host Naldo 17) on 55 minutes. Leverkusen, for whom Son 4-4 at the BayArena before Dost strike from James Morrison to Middlesbrough today while Bor. Moenchengladbach 1 (Xhaka 90+1) Lewandowski got on the Heung-Min scored a hat-trick grabbed the 94th-minute winner. take his tally to four goals in three Bradford City take on Sunderland Cologne 0 scoresheet to make it 6-0 barely a while Wolves’ Bas Dost claimed The result leaves Wolfsburg games. at Valley Parade. Manchester Hoffenheim 2 (Roberto Firmino 30, Rudy minute later when Robben’s pass four goals. both eight points ahead West Ham substitute Morgan United face a third consecutive 90+3) VfB Stuttgart 1 (Sakai 39) found Mueller, who had all the Leverkusen finished with ten of third-placed Borussia Amalfitano was sent off after tie against lower-league opposi- Werder Bremen 3 (Lukimya 16, Di Santo time in the world to roll his pass men after Bosnia defender Emir Moenchengladbach and eight shoving Chris Brunt in the face tion on Monday when they visit 24-pen, Gebre Selassie 45) Augsburg 2 to the Polish striker’s feet. Spahic was sent off late on for a points behind leaders Bayern. and Saido Berahino added a third-division Preston North End. (Klavan 22, Werner 79) France winger Franck Ribery second yellow card. AFP fourth to rubber-stamp West AFP NBK named official transport partner for QIEF

DOHA: Nasser Bin Khaled ceremony which took place at the strongly invested to promote (NBK), one of Qatar’s leading QREC in the presence of NBK national sports happenings and NBK Chairman business conglomerates, will be Chairman and CEO Sheikh Nawaf home-grown initiatives since its and CEO the official car transport for Nasser bin Khaled AI Thani inception. Sheikh Nawaf the 24th Qatar International and QREC President Sheikh Sheikh Mohammed said: “The Nasser bin Equestrian Festival (QIEF), Mohammed bin Faleh AI Thani. QREC has played a significant Khaled Al Thani which will be held at the Qatar Sheikh Nawaf said: “Our part- role in promoting a first-rate (second from Racing an Equestrian Club nership with the QREC has professional equestrian culture left) presents (QREC) in Doha from February spanned more than a decade in Qatar and has staged unpar- a memento to 19-26 under the patronage of the through which we have seen the alleled events which saw the QREC Chairman Emir, H H Sheikh Tamim bin club saving no effort to promote attendance of scores of highly- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. the sports heritage of our coun- recognized equestrian figures NBK will have 60 dazzling try. Equestrian sports are deeply from across the globe. There’s Mohammed bin Mercedes Benz S-Class vehicles rooted in the fabric of our culture no doubt that our partnership Faleh Al Thani lined up for the star-studded and we are, therefore, extremely with one of the largest business after signing event, adding comfort and class proud to be associated with such organization in the country, such the sponsorship to the transportation solutions for an event. We’re confident that as NBK, will be key to maintain- agreement at the entire event and its high-pro- this year’s edition will prove to be ing the success of this esteemed the Qatar Racing file guests in addition to granting just as memorable and fantastic.” event particularly when NBK has and Equestrian 10 Mitsubishi cars to the QREC. This sponsorship is in line with been considered the club’s sports Club (QREC) The sponsorship announce- NBK’s effort to be at the van- partner for years.” yesterday. ment was marked with a signing guard of sports in Qatar, having THE PENINSULA Successful first test of season for West, Simón

DOHA: QMMF Racing Team but I feel ok because I did a lot which we still have to learn. Even conditions in order to get some riders Anthony West and Julián of riding in Australia and I did though the conditions were cold experience and some data with Simón completed their first pre- two Superbike races in Qatar,” and difficult, it was good to real- the new suspension, which was season test for this year’s Moto2 West said. “The Moto2 bike is ise this and it will help us in the very positive. The bike is good in world championship with strong quite different but I am happy future when we have to race in these conditions, with good grip lap times and valuable set-up with what we achieved in a short the rain. It was not a nice day, but and good feedback from the tyres. conclusions in Valencia, Spain. time. We were here for the first we learned something,” he said. But I am not at the limit yet, With new WP suspension sys- time with the new suspension and because this bike feels more rigid tems, both riders had the right I was immediately up to speed, West’s team-mate Simón said: than the one I had last year and I feeling for the latest version of even though it was were very cold “I am very happy about my return am still trying to understand how the Speed Up prototype straight and I felt stiff and a little bit sick to the race track after a long win- hard you can push and open the away and clocked 12th and 13th coming straight from Australia ter without any racing motorcy- throttle. fastest times on the first day of with temperatures of 30 degrees... cles. On the first day, my goal was “On day three, it rained again testing. When rain set in for Despite the difficult conditions, I to get into the swing again with and I just did eleven laps to con- the second and third day, the was matching my best times on the Speed Up and to adapt myself firm our settings for the wet. 33-year-old Australian and his this circuit consistently.” to this bike as much as possible. Yesterday, I used the standard 27-year-old Spanish team-mate “On day two I tried to improve I managed to put in a fast lap in, suspension settings for the rain. continued their work despite and put in a few fast laps but which made me happy, but the Today, we developed our rain cold and treacherous conditions, then the weather turned bad. most important thing was that I set-up further. I did reason- establishing a solid set-up base for We started with a dry setting and had a good feeling with the bike ably good times with this set- possible wet races to come. when it got wet, the spring was straight away. It’s only the second up, which I am happy about. Of Simón was as high up as third obviously too hard, so I came in time for the team with WP sus- course I would have preferred and West as high up as eighth in and we changed to another shock pension, so we started off trying a nicer weather in order to improve some of the wet sessions, confirm- with a softer spring but there still lot of different suspension set-ups our dry settings. At least we ing the team’s high potential for was a problem,” West said. in order to learn and to establish had a good first day on which I the 2015 season. The next three- “We fixed our issues on the a good base.” was fast and had the right feeling day test will take place at Jerez, third day of testing and I went “On day two, we tried to build with the bike. I hope we will have QMMF Racing Team rider Anthony West in action during a pre-season Spain, next week. faster immediately. But it turned on that, but rainy weather set better conditions at the next test test in Valencia, Spain. “It was a bit strange to get on out that we need a specific rain in and made it impossible to in Jerez,” he said. the bike after a couple of months, setting with this suspension, improve. I still went out in wet THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Fans gear up for India-Pakistan battle in Adelaide

ISLAMABAD: Big screens are some cheer today. Ajab Khan, 60, going up, TV sales are booming was forced to abandon his flat- and even the Taliban are getting screen TV when he fled North their transistor radios ready Waziristan, but said he had used for the biggest grudge match in government aid to get a replace- cricket: Pakistan against India. ment. “We saved from our relief From the beaches of Kerala to package money and bought a the snowy Himalayas, from the 17 inch television for the World deserts of Baluchistan to the tea Cup,” said Khan. “We want Afridi plantations of Assam, hundreds to score sixes against India as it A Pakistani of millions of fans will be glued to is most thrilling and entertain- the action as the two sides clash ing part of any match.” The ongo- fan reacts in the World Cup today. ing military operation has also during the The time difference with disrupted the Taliban’s plans to performance Australia (Adelaide) means the watch the match, but the mili- of Rhythm of match will start around breakfast tants ‘would still try to tune in.’ Pakistan at time in the subcontinent, but that “In the past commanders used the opening is unlikely to deter legions of sup- to watch the Pakistan-India ceremony porters for whom a win over the match together and we used to ahead of the old enemy is almost as important slaughter sheep and socialise Fans of India’s cricket team show their support for their team during the ICC 2015 as winning the tournament. with each other, but now things ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 opening event at the Sidney Myer Music World Cup In the northwestern Pakistani are different and there will be no Bowl in Melbourne on Thursday. at the Myer city of Peshawar, big screen TVs such meetings over cricket,” one Music Bowl in are selling fast, with many res- commander said. Melbourne on taurants installing the latest LED “However, we will listen to cricket matches thrives through lunches. At the Underdogs Sports Thursday. screens to lure in punters today. commentary on radio.” networks of underground bookies. Bar and Grill in Delhi, manager Hundreds of thousands of In Karachi, Pakistan’s largest “Yes it is true that book- Digamber Singh said a whopping people are living in temporary city, big screens are going up in ies have disappeared,” Mumbai 24 televisions were going up to accommodation around north- posh malls to keep shoppers up police spokesperson, said make sure diners did not miss a west Pakistan after being forced to date with the match. Deputy Commissioner of Police ball of the match. to flee the restive tribal areas on Across the border in India, Dhananjay Kulkarni. “We are But fans in Indian-administered the Afghan border by a major Mumbai police have launched a cracking down on illegal cricket Kashmir, the disputed territory anti-Taliban military operation. crackdown on illegal bookmak- betting in Mumbai before the where many support Pakistan Many of the displaced are hop- ers who are set to take a windfall World Cup begins this weekend,” over India, will not be allowed ing their big-hitting hero Shahid from thousands of gambling-mad he said. Restaurants are also to gather for public screenings, Afridi, who hails from Khyber punters. Although gambling is gearing up for the event, hosting banned by police for fear of unrest tribal district, will bring them mostly banned in India, betting on cricket-themed breakfasts and in the volatile region. AFP Pakistan’s Younus rejoins Favourites SA eye flying Yorkshire

LONDON: Pakistan vet- eran Younus Khan will return to Yorkshire for the opening weeks of the 2015 season, the start against Zimbabwe English county side announced yesterday. The 37-year-old first played for Team has the self-belief to win the World Cup, says De Villiers Yorkshire in 2007 and will return to Headingley after representing Pakistan in the World Cup in HAMILTON, New Zealand: Australia and New Zealand. South Africa will look to justify FACTBOX “It is a great honour to be their status as one of the favour- returning to Headingley and ites to win the World Cup with a South Africa vs playing for Yorkshire. This is one potentially tricky Pool B opener of the finest cricket clubs in the against minnows Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe world,” said Younus in a state- Hamilton today. ment released by Yorkshire. Led by the swashbuckling AB Factbox today’s World Cup Pool “I hope my experiences in the de Villiers, South Africa appear to B match between South Africa first-class game will help them have all bases covered, with depth and Zimbabwe at Hamilton’s maintain their position at the top in batting, guile in bowling and Sneddon Park: of the County Championship. The excellence in the field. SOUTH AFRICA County Championship is regarded In Hashim Amla, they have the Captain: AB de Villiers as one of the best domestic com- most prolific batsman in the world Coach: Russell Domingo petitions in the world and to test who will open the innings with Squad: AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Kyle myself in English conditions can the fast-improving Quinton de Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de only enhance my game. Kock followed by Faf du Plessis, Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, “I’m looking forward to meet- de Villiers and Jean-Paul Duminy. David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, ing my new team-mates and South Africa will heavily rely Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee also reuniting myself with Dizzy on skipper de Villiers who has Rossouw, Dale Steyn (Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie), earned the reputation of being Results so far at 2015 World Cup: First who I played alongside in 2007. He the cleanest hitter in the game, match is a great coach and I can’t wait enhanced by his world record to work with him.” ZIMBABWE 31-ball hundred against the West Younus scored 824 runs at an Indies last month. Captain: Elton Chigumbura average of 48.47 in his first stint The pace attack led by the Coach: Dav Whatmore with Yorkshire, who are the vibrant Dale Steyn and backed by Squad: Elton Chigumbura, Sikandar reigning county champions. Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander Raza, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Captain of the Pakistan and Kyle Abbott is one of the Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa team that won the 2009 World best in the world and, with two South Africa’s Dale Steyn (left) talks to bowling coach Allan Donald during training at Seddon Park, Hamilton Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Twenty20 title, he has scored quality spinners in Imran Tahir yesterday ahead of their first Pool B 2015 Cricket World Cup match against Zimbabwe. Matsikenyeri, Solomon Mire, Tawanda 8,327 runs in Tests, including a and Aaron Phangiso, they pose a Mupariwa, Tinashe Panyangara, Brendan national-record 28 hundreds, and threat to class batsmen. Taylor, Prosper Utseya, Sean Williams was the third-highest run-scorer De Villiers did not shy away evident when Zimbabwe caught “Our team has improved, different plans for different guys, South Africa vs Zimbabwe head to in Test cricket in 2014. from saying South Africa had the New Zealand napping in their especially in the bowling,” said which is really working.” head “We have been looking for self-belief to win this tournament. first World Cup warm-up game Masakadza, who will be playing in If they can maintain their Total played: 37 a world-class batsman to “We’re certainly one of the at 157 for seven before rain inter- his first World Cup despite being form, Zimbabwe will look to emu- South Africa won 34, Zimbabwe won two, no strengthen our batting depart- favourites,” said the captain. vened. They went one step fur- on the international scene for 13 late their shock win over South result 1 ment at the start of the season,” “There’s no hiding from that fact. ther when they upset Sri Lanka years. Africa at the 1999 World Cup in said Yorkshire director of cricket Last match We enjoy being one of the best in their second practice match “Our bowlers have found a way England, when Neil Johnson hit Martyn Moxon. “Younus fits the teams in the world. by seven wickets, with Hamilton to work around strengths of the 76 and took three key wickets at Sept 4, 2014: South Africa won by 63 runs bill and will add real quality to our “We have that kind of con- Masakadza hitting a century. batsmen, and we’ve developed Chelmsford. AFP in Harare top-order.” AFP fidence that we can be the best team in the world, and at the tournament we’ve got the oppor- tunity to prove it.” Only title will end ‘chokers’ tag: De Villiers South Africa will also look to rid themselves of the tag of “chok- ers”, having faltered at crucial HAMILTON: A meticulous planner, the South African Africa could shed their chokers’ tag is by winning the junctures of the World Cup since captain AB de Villiers has prepared himself for every- World Cup, he also said it was important they don’t get their re-admission in interna- thing at the World Cup. too fixated on the title. tional cricket in 1991. Like every South African, de Villiers needs no reminding “We’re not getting ahead of ourselves, we’re not thinking They have never gone beyond that the Proteas have never won the World Cup and carry about the trophy at the moment,” he said. the semi-final stage but their the label of chokers courtesy of their previous near misses. “We know we can win, there’s no doubt about it, but we recent form and maturity sug- South Africa will open their latest World Cup campaign know there are lots of obstacles along the way that we’re gest they are capable of breaking against Zimbabwe at Hamilton. going to have to overcome.” that jinx. On the eve of the match, de Villiers attended the man- South Africa are again one of the favourites to win the By contrast Zimbabwe, have datory pre-match news conference and was prepared for World Cup and for good reason. They have a strong bowling struggled off and on the field in when the inevitable question came up about his country’s attack and a powerful batting lineup, led but de Villiers, the recent past, with turmoil World Cup record. who is ranked as the world’s best One Day International among their administrators “Those past happenings and the chokers and all of that, batsman. and a 5-0 one-day thrashing in that’s still very much part of our system,” he told reporters. Zimbabwe are one of the tournament longshots, though Bangladesh last year. “There’s no doubt about it. We’re going to have to win an improving team capable of testing anyone on their day, But a change of coach, which to take that away, and we know that. and de Villiers was sticking to the sportsman’s mantra of saw Dav Whatmore took over “But like I said before, it’s a great opportunity for all of talking up his opponents. at the turn of the year, seems to us. The guys being here can make history, and just want “They beat Australia not long ago. They’re a dangerous have given Zimbabwe a new lease to slow things down. That’s the main message for this side,” he said. of life. tournament.” “They’ve come a long way and think they’re under good Whatmore guided Sri Lanka to South Africa have been among the favourites to win leadership at the moment from the captain and the coach, the World Cup title in 1996 and every World Cup they’ve contested since 1992 but have so definitely a side to be reckoned with. South Africa’s captain AB de Villiers holds a press conference coached Bangladesh to the Super come up short each time, losing in the semi-finals in 1992, “We’ve got our plans in place, but we know we’ll have to after training at Seddon Park, Hamilton, yesterday ahead of Eights in 2007. 1999 and 2007 and the quarter-finals in 1996 and 2011. take them up seriously tomorrow. It’s a big start for both their World Cup match against Zimbabwe. The signs of progress were While de Villiers conceded that the only thing way South teams.” REUTERS SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Malinga fails to spur Fiery McCullum powers Sri Lanka on return

CHRISTCHURCH: The set- over, one in which McCullum took ting for Lasith Malinga’s official 22 runs from four boundaries and comeback to international one- a six from a free hit, he had fig- Kiwis to big win over SL day cricket from ankle surgery ures of 0-42 and was a beaten last year could not have been man. any better. Malinga ended the game with Sri Lanka captain Angelo 0-84 from 10 overs, the third Captain smashes 65 to lay platform for 98-run victory Mathews had won the toss at most expensive return in career Hagley Oval and chosen to give and even his own team mates CHRISTCHURCH: New pre World Cup performances, his bowlers the first crack at New acknowledged he had not bowled Zealand made the perfect start reappeared. Zealand in the World Cup’s open- well. to the World Cup when swash- Sangakkara had the consola- ing match. “I don’t think it was Malinga’s buckling Brendon McCullum tion of passing former Australian Standing at the other end was best bowling,” batsman Lahiru led his side to a 98-run win over captain Ricky Ponting as the sec- the explosive Brendon McCullum, Thirimanne told reporters. “(But) Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval in ond highest run-maker in one-day bristling with assured swagger we believe he will come back Christchurch yesterday. international history. and with the eye and hand speed strongly in the next few matches. McCullum’s quickfire 65 set Adam Milne then removed New that has torn apart pace attacks “I thought he bowled well in the New Zealand up for an imposing Dimuth Karunaratne (14) and Zealand’s all around the world, especially in death overs and that’s a positive 331-6, with Kane Williamson add- Jeevan Mendis (4) to have Sri captain the last 12 months. for us.” ing 57 in the middle of the innings Lanka at 168-6, facing a run rate Brendon Malinga, who had already con- Malinga did not play at all dur- and Corey Anderson blasting 75 of nearly 10, and New Zealand McCullum ceded five runs in the first four ing Sri Lanka’s one-day series off 46 at the tail. firmly in command. (right) plays balls in a wayward over, the sec- against the World Cup co-hosts Sri Lanka made a steady start New Zealand’s dominance a shot as ond of the innings, charged in in January and only played in the in reply and were 124-1 in the underscored their rising status Sri Lanka’s and then watched as McCullum side’s final two warmup games 22nd over, setting themselves up as serious contenders in a tour- wicketkeeper scythed the delivery to the cover this week. His return, however, for a big finish. nament where they have never Kumar boundary for his second four of was expected to have provided But on a grey Christchurch day, previously gone further than the Sangakkara the day. It was the first shot in a a point of difference to a Sri where the temperature hovered semi-finals. looking battle that went New Zealand’s Lankan pace attack that had around 13 degrees Celsius, they In heavily overcast conditions way from then on. barely threatened New Zealand on during were soon to feel the heat as New and with a little drizzle in the air By the end of Malinga’s fourth in January. REUTERS their Pool A Zealand mounted a triple strike that delayed the start by a few and they were all out for 233 with minutes, Sri Lanka won the toss 2015 World nearly four overs remaining. and put New Zealand into bat in Cup match In the space of 12 balls Trent conditions ripe for swing bowling. at Hagley Boult and Daniel Vettori com- But it was the New Zealand Oval in bined to take three wickets for batsmen who took control with Christchurch, five runs to reduce Sri Lanka to McCullum setting the tourna- yesterday. 129-4. ment alight in a 111-run opening Premier batsmen Lahiru partnership off 95 deliveries with Thirimanne (65), Kumar Martin Guptill. Sangakkara (39) and Mahela McCullum, at his destructive Jayawardene (0) were back in best in a 49-ball stay, smacked one the hutch as the batting collapse, six and 10 fours, including three a familiar part of Sri Lanka’s boundaries off the first four balls

he faced, to the delight of the par- Elliott and then Luke Ronchi pro- Scoreboard tisan New Zealand crowd. duced 102 runs in the last 10 overs NEW ZEALAND T Dilshan c&b Vettori ...... 24 He was particularly harsh on Mendis took two wickets for M Guptill c Sangakkara b Lakmal ...... 49 K Sangakkara lbw Boult ...... 39 Sri Lanka’s bowling ace Lasith five for Sri Lanka, but only bowled B McCullum c Mendis b Herath ...... 65 M Jayawardene c Ronchi b Vettori ...... 0 Malinga who was quickly removed two overs while Suranga Lakmal K Williamson c Karunaratne b Mendis ...... 57 D Karunaratne b Milne ...... 14 from the attack when McCullum took two for 62 off 10. R Taylor st Sangakkara b Mendis ...... 14 A Mathews c Vettori b Southee ...... 46 peppered the boundary for a lusty Tillakaratne Dilshan and G Elliott c Thirimanne b Lakmal ...... 29 J Mendis c Ronchi b Milne ...... 4 22 off his fourth over. Thirimanne put on 67 for the first C Anderson c Lakmal b Kulasekara ...... 75 N Kulasekara c Elliott b Anderson ...... 10 McCullum, Guptill (49) and wicket in Sri Lanka’s reply before L Ronchi (not out) ...... 29 R Herath c Milne b Anderson ...... 13 Williamson led New Zealand being parted by Vettori. Extras (LB-2, W-8, NB-3) ...... 13 S Malinga c Ronchi b Southee ...... 0 to 183-2 in the 34th over when The 36-year-old, who relies Total (for 6 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 331 S Lakmal (not out) ...... 7 Mendis dismissed Williamson and more on guile than spin, baf- Fall of wickets: 1-111, 2-136, 3-193, 4-193, Extras (W-10, NB-1) ...... 11 Ross Taylor in consecutive balls. fled Dilshan on 24 with a subtle 5-258, 6-331. Total (all out in 46.1 overs) ...... 233 But any hopes Sri Lanka had change of pace and was rewarded Bowling: Kulasekara 8-0-78-1 (3w); Malinga Fall of wickets: 1-67, 2-124, 3-125, 4-129, that the tide was turning were with a simple return catch. 10-0-84-0 (3w; 3nb); Mathews 6-0-28-0; Her- 5-163, 6-168, 7-196, 8-216, 9-217, 10-233. quickly dashed with the arrival Thirimanne and Sangakkara ath 9-0-37-1 (1w); Dilshan 5-0-35-0 (1w); Bowling: Southee 10-1-43-2 (2w); Boult 10- of Anderson at the crease and added 57 for the second wicket Lakmal 10-0-62-2; Mendis 2-0-5-2. 0-64-2; Milne 10-0-57-2 (3w; 1nb); Vettori the former holder of the fastest before the innings fell apart. For SRI LANKA 10-0-34-2 (2w); Elliott 2-0-11-0; Williamson ODI century record mercilessly New Zealand, Vettori, Southee, Sri Lankan bowler Lasith Malinga (left) reacts after a delivery to New L Thirimanne b Boult ...... 65 1-0-7-0; Anderson 3.1-0-18-2 (2w). launched into the bowling. Boult, Milne and Anderson took Zealand captain Brendon McCullum during their World Cup match in His partnerships with Grant two wickets each. AFP Christchurch, yesterday. ‘Courtsiders’ Sangakkara passes Ponting on ODI-run list McCullum, Vettori key to evicted from Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara NZ juggernaut: Anderson yesterday became the second Cup venue highest run-maker in ODI CHRISTCHURCH: history during the World Cup Brendon and Mahela Jaywardene as New CHRISTCHURCH: McCullum’s leadership and the Zealand rolled Sri Lanka for 233. clash against New Zealand Officials evicted several peo- canny skills of Daniel Vettori “We had a had a few nerves in Christchurch. Sangakkara ple from the opening match were credited with driving the before the game, being the first of the cricket World Cup at started the day on 13,693 New Zealand juggernaut to a World Cup game, but they they Hagley Oval yesterday after runs and needing just 12 huge win in their opening World settled pretty quickly when they were suspected of being more to pass Australia’s Ricky Cup match against Sri Lanka. Brendon and Guppy (Guptill) involved in illicit gambling. Ponting who made 13,704 Kiwi all-rounder Corey went about their work,” Anderson The people were all evicted runs before he retired. The Sri Anderson was named Man of the said. After an impressive build up for the practice known as Lankan left-hander reached Match for his 75 and two for 18 to cricket’s showpiece ODI tour- ‘courtsiding’, New Zealand the milestone when he flicked double in New Zealand’s 98-run nament the New Zealanders have Police said in a statement. Adam Milne down the leg side win, but the 24-year-old passed been installed among the favour- Courtsiding involves people for a four in the 16th over of his the credit to the two veterans in ites, but Anderson said McCullum at a game relaying informa- team’s reply to New Zealand’s the side. made sure the players did not suc- tion via smartphones or mobile imposing 331 for six. India McCullum, he said, erased any cumb to public pressure. communications devices to legend Sachin Tendulkar tops nerves in the side when he blasted “He said to treat it as another gambling syndicates to take the list for most ODI runs with a a rapid 65 in a quickfire 111-run game of cricket and go about your advantage of broadcasting time mammoth 18,426. opening partnership with Martin work and keep what began as a delays. Guptill to set up New Zealand’s juggernaut rolling forward and The practice is different impressive 331-6 in their 50 overs. that’s what we did. Brendon’s so from match-fixing, which Vettori then snared the key inspirational it’s always nice to was made illegal under New wickets of Tillakaratne Dilshan have him on our side.” AFP Zealand’s Crimes Act last year. Local media had reported witnessing several people being escorted out of the ground in Christchurch and police later Vettori gives master class in left arm spin said they had been in breach of the ticketing regulations under CHRISTCHURCH: Daniel left-armer again, aware that He’s just a clever bowler. It’s one suspicion of the practice. Vettori, whose battered body Vettori had notched notable tri- of those things, you’d like him to “We know what to look has endured a series of inju- umphs over the classy Sri Lanka bowl more than 10 but he can’t.” for,” the New Zealand Police’s ries which would have ended in the past. Jaywardene, one of Vettori’s 10 overs against an officer in charge of the World the career of a less determined a trio along with Dilshan and Asian side brought up on a diet Cup, Superintendent Sandy cricketer long ago, gave a mas- Kumar Sangakkara with the of spin cost only 34 runs and Manderson said in a statement. ter class in orthodox left-arm class and ability to play a match- ensured, if there had been any “We’re aware that people are spin on the opening day of the winning innings, was noticeably doubt, that he will now be an attempting to operate at ven- cricket World Cup yesterday. wary against Vettori’s guile and automatic choice ahead of Nathan ues and they will be detected, Vettori, 36, was handed the ball variations of pace. McCullum for the spinner’s spot. evicted and trespassed from all in the 11th over after Sri Lanka But after lasting only four McCullum, like his brother, venues.” New Zealand beat Sri had made a promising start in balls without scoring he pushed is a brilliant fielder but Vettori Lanka by 98 runs in the game, pursuit of New Zealand’s 331 for forward at another good length showed he can still play a full part which was largely incident free, six at Hagley Oval. delivery, the ball caught the edge, in the field with a fine, tumbling though two naked men, known In his second over, with Sri and Luke Ronchi behind the catch to dismiss Sri Lanka cap- as ‘streakers’ in New Zealand Lanka on 67 for no wicket, Vettori stumps leaped in triumph. The tain Angelo Mathews. and Australia, had stormed the deceived Tillakaratne Dilshan into dismissal of Sangakkara in the He accepted the congratula- field in the final moments of the lobbing a simple return catch. He next over for 39 effectively spelt tions of his team mates without event. Both were brought down bowled one more over before cap- the end of Sri Lanka’s hopes. a flicker of emotion and Anderson by security staff before they got tain Brendon McCullum decided “It was a plan,” man-of-the- was effusive in his praise after- close to any of the players and to take him out of the attack. match Corey Anderson told a wards. “He is just so good. He’s New Zealand’s bowler Daniel Vettori (second right) celebrates the wicket were escorted out of the venue. With the arrival of Mahela news conference. “Dan’s got him played a lot of cricket,” Anderson of Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan with team-mates, in Christchurch, REUTERS Jayawardene at the crease, out numerous times and it obvi- said. “He’s smart and he knows yesterday McCullum called on his tall ously paid off for us today again. how to get guys out.” REUTERS SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

England’s Stuart Broad is bowled for a duck by Australia’s Mitchell Starc (not pictured) during their World Cup match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) yesterday. CENTRE: Australia’s Mitchell Marsh (right) celebrates the dismissal of England’s captain Eoin Morgan for a duck. RIGHT: Australia’s Aaron Finch (left) hits a six as England’s wicketkeeper Jos Buttler looks on during the match. Australia crush England in opener Finch, Marsh star in 111-run drubbing, Finn grabs first hat-trick of 2015 World Cup

MELBOURNE: Mitchell well but we had opportunities to Marsh proved the unlikely bowl- take the game to them and we ing star and Aaron Finch blasted didn’t,” Morgan said. the first ton of the World Cup “They certainly were the bet- as Australia crushed England ter team and they outplayed us by 111 runs at the Melbourne in every department right from Cricket Ground yesterday. the start which is disappointing,” The tournament favourites he said. ruthlessly swept to victory in James Taylor’s face-saving their opening Pool A match by unbeaten knock of 98 not out was posting their highest-ever One- the lone bright spot, with England Day International total against now having won just two of their England of 342 for nine. last 16 ODI encounters Down They then dismissed their hap- Under. less arch-rivals for 231 with more Opener Finch punished than eight overs to spare. England for Chris Woakes putting All-rounder Marsh, making him down at mid-wicket on the his World Cup debut, claimed five fifth ball of the innings off James for 33 as Australia latched on to Anderson before the batsman had their catches with Steve Smith’s scored. mid-air screamer to dismiss Jos Finch thrilled his massive Buttler the best of the highlight 84,336 home-town crowd with A policeman tackles a protester after he ran onto the field during the Pool reel. three sixes and 12 fours before he A match between Australia and England at the MCG, yesterday. It was a comprehensive victory was finally run out by Morgan’s that signalled Australia as the brilliant direct hit in the 37th team to beat as they bid to win over. World Cup Hat-tricks their fifth World Cup and their Finch’s knock was the second List of players who have claimed hat-tricks in the Cricket World first at home since going out in highest against England at the Cup after England’s Steven Finn achieved the feat against Australia the semi-finals to England when World Cup after West Indies yesterday. they last hosted the event back great Vivian Richards’s 138 not Chetan Sharma (India) vs New Zealand (Ken Rutherford, Ian Smith, Ewen 1987 in 1992. out in the 1979 final. Chatfield) “I don’t think we’ve made any All-rounder Glenn Maxwell Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan) vs Zimbabwe (Henry Olonga, Adam Huckle, Pommie secret about it, we’re here to win showed off his improvised shot- 1999 Mbangwa) the World Cup like 13 other teams making in his all-action knock of Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) vs Bangladesh (Hannan Sarkar, Mohammad Ashraful, are,” Finch said. 66 off 40 balls and skipper George 2003 “I suppose what was great was Bailey contributed 55. Ehsanul Haque) that everyone contributed either England made early inroads 2003 Brett Lee (Australia) vs Kenya (Kennedy Otieno, Brijal Patel, David Obuya) with bat, ball or in the field, so before Finch and Bailey restored Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) vs South Africa (Shaun Pollock, Andrew Hall, Jacques 2007 from a team point of view it’s the home side’s position from 70 Kallis, Makhaya Ntini)* really good to see everyone play- for three to put on a stand of 146 Kemar Roach (West Indies) vs Netherlands (Pieter Seelaar, Bernard Loots, Berend 2011 ing well and peaking at the right runs off 156 balls after Stuart Westdijk) time.” Broad took two wickets in two Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) vs Kenya (Tanmay Mishra, Peter Ongondo, Shem 2011 It was a grim night for England, balls to remove the dangerous Australia’s players celebrate the dismissal of England’s batsman Moeen Ngoche) who only narrowly avoided their David Warner (22) and Shane Ali (not pictured) during their Pool A 2015 World Cup match at the 2015 Steven Finn (England) vs Australia (Brad Haddin, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson) heaviest World Cup defeat – in Watson, caught behind for a first- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), yesterday. * Malinga got four wickets in four balls terms of runs – following a 122 ball duck. run-thrashing by South Africa at Woakes followed up with the The Oval in 1999. prized wicket of Smith for five to first hat-trick with the last three Morgan’s woes continued a 92-run stand for the seventh Taylor was adjudged lbw but And apart from their bowl- have the Aussies wobbling at 70 balls of the innings but Australia when he tried to pull Marsh but wicket. Mitchell Starc bowled overturned the decision on review. ers getting flogged and dropped for three. had already compiled a huge total. instead got an under-edge that Broad for a duck, Finn was caught However, Anderson was given catches, England skipper Eoin England’s fielding became rag- England, who had never before was superbly held, one-handed, and bowled by Mitchell Johnson run out for eight as he went for a Morgan was out for his fourth ged and Maxwell smashed seamer chased down more than 306 to by diving wicketkeeper Haddin. for one. single with Taylor’s protestations duck in his last seven innings. Steven Finn for four consecutive win an ODI, soon crumbled under Buttler fell to a sensational air- England didn’t even have the that the ball was dead when he “Probably the most frustrating fours to bring up his 50 off just 30 aggressive bowling and tight field- borne catch by Smith for 10 at consolation of seeing the gutsy was initially given out failing to thing was that we were making balls on his way to 66 while Brad ing with Marsh on a hat-trick short cover. Taylor get to a maiden ODI hun- impress the umpires. Officials errors that we haven’t made this Haddin slammed 31 off 14 balls. after dismissing Ian Bell (36) and Woakes and Taylor held up dred when the match ended in later admitted that the umpires trip and again Australia played Finn took the 2015 World Cup’s Joe Root (5) with successive balls. Australia’s victory charge for with confusion. got the decision wrong. AFP Scoreboard AUSTRALIA I Bell c Starc b Marsh ...... 36 We have a unique blend, says Finch D Warner b Broad ...... 22 G Ballance c Finch b Marsh ...... 10 A Finch (run out-Morgan) ...... 135 J Root c Haddin b Marsh ...... 5 MELBOURNE: S Watson c Buttler b Broad ...... 0 E Morgan c Haddin b Marsh ...... 0 Australia have their claims for a fifth “And that’s such a contributed really well over the S Smith b Woakes ...... 5 J Taylor (not out) ...... 98 a unique blend among their World Cup title. pleasing thing in the past three or four weeks. The G Bailey b Finn ...... 55 J Buttler c Smith b Marsh ...... 10 playing group that make them a “When you look side. In any circum- belief in each other is a huge G Maxwell c Root b Finn ...... 66 C Woakes c Smith b Johnson ...... 37 World Cup-winning team, man- down at our team stances you’ve got thing.” of-the-match opener Aaron that’s a real strength confidence in every Australia were dazzling in M Marsh c Root b Finn ...... 23 S Broad b Starc ...... 0 (pictured) B Haddin c Broad b Finn ...... 31 S Finn c&b Johnson ...... 1 Finch said after of ours that we’ve got guy that they can play the field with several stunning M Johnson c Anderson b Finn ...... 0 J Anderson (run out-Maxwell) ...... 8 thumping win over England. guys who can play in every scenario. catches and Finch said that came M Starc (not out) ...... 0 Extras (LB-5, W-11) ...... 16 Finch, playing in front of his all different types of “To have that is from hard work on the training Extras (LB-2, W-3) ...... 5 Total (all out in 41.5 overs) ...... 231 home crowd which swelled to roles,” Finch said. pretty unique in a team field. Total (for 9 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 342 Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-49, 3-66, 4-66, 5-73, almost 85,000 people, smashed 135 “You got (Davey) I think. And I think “If you’re bowling well, and Fall of wickets: 1-57, 2-57, 3-70, 4-216, 6-92, 7-184, 8-194, 9-195, 10-231. after being dropped on nought as Warner at the top who that’s what makes us you’re getting supported in the 5-228, 6-281, 7-342, 8-342, 9-342. Bowling: Starc 9-1-47-2; Hazlewood 6.5-0- Australia piled up 342 for nine in can be a manipulator a quality team at the field, you’re saving so may runs,” Bowling: Anderson 10-0-67-0 (1w); Broad 45-0 (3w); Johnson 8-0-36-2 (7w); Marsh their 50 overs and bowled England of the ball or a brute force. moment. We have played some he said. 10-0-66-2 (1w); Woakes 10-0-65-1; Finn 10- 9-0-33-5; Watson 3-0-13-0; Maxwell 4-0-33- out for 231 with 49 balls to spare. “Then you’ve got guys in the really good cricket and that’s why “Everyone trains so hard on 0-71-5 (1w); Ali 9-0-60-0; Root 1-0-11-0. 0 (1w); Smith 2-0-19-0. The Australians looked impres- middle – George Bailey, Glenn we’re able to have confidence in their fielding. I think the big thing ENGLAND Result: Australia won by 111 runs. sive in all departments and out- Maxwell, Mitch Marsh, Brad our ability. for us is we’re not worried about M Ali c Bailey b Starc ...... 10 Man-of-the-Match: Aaron Finch (AUS). played England at the Melbourne Haddin – they can all play so “I think when you have a look making mistakes,” said the Aussie Cricket Ground to underline many different roles. at everyone’s records, everyone’s batsman. AFP Sunday 15 February 2015 26 Rabial II 1436 Volume 19 Number 6342 Sport Price: QR2

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FACTBOX India vs Pakistan India, Pakistan set for Factbox today’s World Cup match between India and Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval: INDIA Captain: Mahendra Singh Dhoni Coach: Duncan Fletcher Squad: Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, World Cup blockbuster Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Stuart Binny, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Ambati Rayudu, Akshar Patel, Ravichandran Defending champs will look to keep perfect Cup record against rivals Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma. Results so far at 2015 World Cup: First ADELAIDE: Cricket’s version match of a gladiatorial streetfight will PAKISTAN play out today when defending Captain: Misbah-ul-Haq champions India take on arch- rivals Pakistan in a high-voltage Coach: Waqar Younis World Cup clash at the Adelaide Squad: Nasir Jamshed, Ahmed Shehzad, Oval. Younus Khan, Misbah, Harris Sohail, Umar Millions of passionate fans Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood, Sarfaraz Ahmed, across the world will follow the Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Irfan, Sohail Khan, Pool B match which organisers Wahab Riaz, Ehsan Adil, Rahat Ali, Yasir said was sold out in 20 minutes Shah. despite an uninspiring build up Results so far at 2015 World Cup: First by both teams. match Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s India India vs Pakistan head to head start their campaign desperate Total played: 126 to bounce back after a miserable India won 50, Pakistan won 72; no result 4 bilateral tour of Australia where they were beaten 2-0 in the Tests Played at the Adelaide Oval and did not win a match in the Jan 25, 2000: India won by 48 runs subsequent tri-series. Last match Pakistan have had their bowl- March 2, 2014: Pakistan won by one wicket ing attack decimated due to inju- in Dhaka ries and the reluctance to rush back one-day cricket’s number But the nucleus of the side is the one bowler Saeed Ajmal despite same which won the Champions the off-spinner being cleared of a Trophy one-day tournament in suspect action. England in 2013 and finished With seamers Umar Gul and runners-up to Sri Lanka in the Junaid Khan sidelined with Pakistani player Sohail Khan (centre) poses with young Pakistani and Indian fans after a training session in Adelaide yesterday. RIGHT: Indian captain World Twenty20 in Bangladesh injuries, Pakistan suffered a Mahendra Singh Dhoni (left) and coach Duncan Fletcher talk during a training session yesterday. last year. severe blow when the seasoned In Rohit Sharma, the only Mohammad Hafeez was ruled defeats since 1992 — with renewed Misbah, playing only his second one of the four quarter-final spots birth of his first child, a baby girl, batsman with two 200s in out of the tournament with a calf hope. World Cup, said he was deter- from the pool which also includes in a New Delhi hospital a week one-day internationals, Kohli, injury. Skipper Misbah-ul Haq, who mined to change his team’s for- mighty South Africa, the West before the tournament. Ajinkya Rahane, Raina and Lanky paceman Mohammad like Afridi will quit ODIs after tunes against India. Indies, Ireland, Zimbabwe and India will rely on their free- Dhoni, India have the firepower Irfan — the tallest man to ever the tournament, will be inspired “What happened in the past the United Arab Emirates. stroking batsmen to make up for to demolish the best attacks in play international cricket at by Pakistan’s title under Imran will not count. There is no reason In their last one-day meet- a relatively modest bowling attack the tournament. 7 feet, one inch — will lead the Khan when the World Cup was why we can’t win,” he said. ing a year ago in the Asia Cup to put it across Pakistan in what But having lost their most bowling attack that includes leg- played Down Under in 1992. Pakistan go into the game in Dhaka, Pakistan snatched a is expected to be a run-laden experienced seamer Ishant spinners Yasir Shah and Shahid “If we play as well as we can, under a cloud, however, after dramatic one-wicket win with pitch at the Adelaide Oval. Sharma with a knee injury, Dhoni Afridi. there is no reason why we can’t eight players — including Afridi two balls to spare after Afridi The current squad has just four may turn towards all-rounder With India in disarray, win again,” Misbah, 40, said when — were fined for breaking a team smashed Ravichandran Ashwin players — Virat Kohli, Suresh Stuart Binny to balance at attack Pakistan will seek to end their asked if his team can repeat the curfew. for two sixes in the final over. Raina, Ashwin and Dhoni himself that has three frontline spinners, winless World Cup streak against magic of 1992. “Where there is a A winning start for either Dhoni, 33, will hope his and his — who were part of the winning Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and the neighbours — five successive will, there is a way.” team will boost hopes of taking team’s luck changes following the combination four years ago. Akshar Patel. AFP Al Arabi whip Shamal; Kharaitiyat win Injury-hit PSG denied

DOHA: Al Arabi recorded a big victory 5-1 against Al Shamal in top spot by Caen the 17th round of Qatar Stars League (QSL) yesterday. Eighth-placed Al Arabi were PARIS: Paris St Germain con- goals by Emiliano Sala and Herve in total control of the match and ceded two late goals to draw Bazile in the 89th minute and sec- opened the scoring as early as the 2-2 at home to Caen yesterday ond minute of stoppage time. seventh minute through Sergio as injuries forced them to fin- Ibrahimovic, who has been far Paulinho. Seyed Ashkan ish the match with nine men from his brilliant best this sea- Ahmed Khalfan added a second Mohammad in a testing warmup for their son, showed a glimpse of his tal- in the 35th minute. Paulinho then (right) of Al Champions League clash with ent when he tapped home from added his second of the match Arabi fights for Chelsea. Aurier’s cross in the second and Al Arabi’s third in the 62nd possession of The French champions, who minute. minute. It was four seven minutes the ball against take on the London club at the The Sweden striker was handed later when Seyed Dejagah’s shot an Al Shamal Parc des Princes in the first leg of a yellow card for celebrating by was driven beyond the keeper and player during their much-awaited last-16 tie on taking off his shirt. into the far corner. a Qatar Stars Tuesday, missed out on top spot It was Ibrahimovic’s third yel- Al Arabi kept their foot on the League (QSL) and are third in the table with 49 low card in 10 matches, meaning pedal and scored the fifth in the match at Al points from 25 games. that he will be suspended for the 82nd minute when Boualam vol- Shamal Stadium They trail leaders Olympique Ligue 1 clash against Monaco on leyed home but Dagano scored a yesterday. Lyonnais, who travel to Lorient March 1. consolation in the 90th minute. BELOW: An on Sunday, by one point. Adrien Rabiot replaced Cabaye Al Arabi are now eighth in the Al Kharaitiyat PSG coach Laurent Blanc in the 16th minute after the latter QSL table with 21 points, ahead will have injury concerns for the sustained a possible thigh injury. player heads of Al Sailiya on goal difference. Al Champions League game, how- Lavezzi made it 2-0 six minutes the ball during Shamal on the other hand are in ever, as midfielder Yohan Cabaye before the break, firing home a last place with seven points from a QSL match and centre back Marquinhos were low shot from the edge of the box seven matches. against Al both substituted. past Remy Vercoutre after being Meanwhile in yesterday’s Wakrah at Al Fullback Serge Aurier could not perfectly teed up by Lucas. other match, a brace of goals Khor Stadium finish the game either, limping off David Luiz replaced fellow by A. Hassan in the second half yesterday. the pitch in the 71st minute, eight Brazilian Marquinhos at halftime powered Al Kharaitiyat over Al PICTURES BY: minutes before Lucas also left the after he also picked up a possible Wakrah at Al Khor Stadium. ABDUL BASIT AND field with a groin problem. thigh injury. THE PENINSULA SALIM MATRAMKOT With Blanc having already PSG came close to a third but made three substitutions, it Vercoutre made a superb save to meant that PSG finished the deny Lavezzi’s header. QSL Results game with nine men. After Aurier and Lucas sus- Al Shamal 1 ( M. Dagano 90’) Al Arabi 5 Caen, who were 2-0 down tained injuries, Caen continued (Paulinho 8’, A. Saleh 36’, A. Quinela 63’, A after first-half goals by Zlatan to push and reduced the arrears Dejagah 70’, B. Khoukhi 83’) Ibrahimovic and Ezequiel Lavezzi, through Sala, three minutes Al Kharaitiyat 2 ( A. Hassan 56’, 62’) Al made the most of their numeri- before Bazile curled a superb shot Wakrah 0 cal advantage and levelled with into the top corner. REUTERS