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Home | 3 Business | 17 Sport | 28 The inaugural Saudi Arabia’s oil 2011 AFC Champions edition of Qumra, an minister said yesterday League winners Al event by Doha Film he expected oil prices Sadd secured a 1-0 Institute (DFI), opens to stabilise, signalling win over last year’s tomorrow at Katara. cautious optimism. runners-up Al Hilal.

THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 • 14 Jumada I 1436 • Volume 19 Number 6360 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Emir awards camel race winners Locate your New cyber law family via Ooredoo to protect safety service DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday launched a personal safety serv- personal data ice that will allow customers to locate their family members. This personal safety service will be the first-of-its-kind in Qatar. Curbs on promotional messages iMobileMagic, which creates innovative products dedicated to DOHA: Qatar is developing an committee for cyber security family and child safety, has cus- effective cyber security system will be to enhance cyber secu- tomised PhoneNear specifically to and the onus of preventing cyber rity in the country and directing cater to the needs of parents and attacks on government entities the national effort in the field of families in the country, based on and a befitting response will be cyber security, implementing the research provided by Ooredoo. on the Ministry of Interior. objectives of national cyber secu- Through the agreement, Also, the State Cabinet yes- rity strategy and cooperating with Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the closing ceremony of the Annual Purebred Arabian Ooredoo will work with iMobile- terday approved a draft law that the agencies concerned with cyber Camel Races for H H The Emir’s Sword, at Al Shahaniya race track yesterday. The Emir honoured the winners Magic to offer the new “Ooredoo would ban sending electronic security. of the eight major final parts of the race as well as the sponsors of the festival. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Family Safety” service based on communication to individuals for The Prime Minister and bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Prince Turki bin Mohammad bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz iMobileMagic’s PhoneNear cloud marketing purposes without their Interior Minister H E Sheikh Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Committee for camel races, took part in the honouring ceremony. platform, which will enable people permission. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa in Qatar to track, alert and com- The draft also talks of the need Al Thani yesterday chaired the municate with their loved ones to protect the privacy of personal cabinet’s regular meeting at the in real time over smartphones, data when processed electroni- Emiri Diwan. tablets or computers. cally or if it is obtained in any The cabinet took necessary Wives snooping on husbands’ phones Ooredoo yesterday announced a other way before being processed measures to issue a draft law new partnership with Portuguese electronically. to regulate sports clubs, after mobile application develop- The draft law includes pro- reviewing the Advisory Council’s DOHA: Spying by wives on a close track on their phones and holding a glass of water and he ment company iMobileMagic at visions related to the rights of recommendations. their husbands is one of the even check their email messages, sees a call on his cell phone from the Mobile World Congress in individuals to protect the privacy According to the draft, no main reasons of marital discord Salem told a local Arabic daily in such a woman, his hand begins to Barcelona. of their personal data and the sports club can be established and the high rate of divorce comments published yesterday. shake and that becomes so awk- Continued on page 6 commitments of the monitor and or shifted without obtaining a in Qatar. But if men think they are ward for the wife to notice and THE PENINSULA processor, Qatar News Agency licence. The minister of youth and Sociologists say it all begins smart, women are smarter. “They suspect,” she added. (QNA) reports. sports affairs will issue the licence with wives checking their hus- have got their own way of finding Many a time the wife makes A draft Emiri decision was to the club and once procedures bands’ mobile phone calls and out what their husbands are up a mental note of the time when INSIDE approved by the Cabinet as well, are completed the club’s adminis- messages on the sly to see who to,” said Rashid Mohanna. such a call is received and after which tasks the Ministry of tration must publish its founding he has been interacting with. A woman who gave her name as patiently waiting for hours when Page 9 Interior with the responsibility contract, statute, and registration This gradually becomes a habit Noora Al Afai said that there are she finally gets a chance she would America’s destructive of responding to cyber threats on data in the official gazette for free with women and that is how sus- husbands who feel uneasy when check see the number. She would government entities. and this rule will apply to every picion takes root. This leads to they get a call from a woman they then make her own enquiry. policy in the region. According to the draft decision, amendment to the statute of frequent fights and marital dis- are friendly with, and that shows Another woman who gave her By Khalid Al a national centre for cyber secu- the club. The club is to have a cord, say sociologists. in their body language. name as Umm Hamad (mother Dakheel rity and a national committee for chairman and vice chairman to “It is a habit with many hus- “The body language of such a of Hamad) narrated how she lost Why there is so much information security are to be set be elected by the general assembly bands to delete messages and husband changes immediately her husband for a year and pushed up for the purpose. of its members for a renewable phone calls from their mobile after he gets a call from a woman him into marrying a woman he corruption in Kuwait Both committees are to func- four-year term. handsets before they get home,” he is friendly with and his wife is was friendly with. By Dr Shamlan tion under the Interior Ministry. Continued on page 6 says Khalil Salem. with him,” Al Afai said. Continued on page 6 Yousef Al Issa The job of the national THE PENINSULA This is because their wives keep “For instance, if a husband is THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

31st GCC Traffic Week from Deputy Emir meets GCC ministers of youth and sports Sunday at Darb Al Saai DOHA: The 31st GCC Traffic Al Hajri. Cultural activities will Week begins on Sunday at Darb carry this message directly and Al Saai under the theme ‘Your indirectly, he added. decision will decide your fate’. There will be visits to schools It is expected to attract more and complexes to conduct lectures participation from government and workshops on the theme. and non-governmental organisa- Activities will focus on youth tions and institutions. because they are more exposed to The Traffic Department has traffic accidents, Al Hajri added. prepared cultural and aware- Departments at the Ministry ness programmes with a focus of Interior and other govern- on students and youth, said ment agencies will also partici- Col Mohammed Radi Al Hajri, pate in the activities, along with Director, Media and Awareness, delegations from other GCC Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani met the GCC Ministers of Youth and Sports and heads of Olympic committees and their delega- at the department. countries. tions, at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. Talks dealt with means of enhancing fraternal relations between GCC states in the field of sports and youth. The “The annual event aims to raise Lectures will focus on ways to Deputy Emir honoured GCC executive leaders and outstanding young people for their role in the field of youth action and sports. traffic awareness among citizens reduce traffic violations, the role and expatriates to ensure compli- of family in reducing accidents ance with rules and protect peo- and common traffic mistakes. ple’s lives and properties,” said THE PENINSULA Deputy Emir meets Qatar, Turkey review programmes Chubu chairman Baby cheetah caught DOHA: Deputy Emir H H to mark 2015 Year of Culture Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani met Chubu Electric DOHA: Minister of Culture, they enjoy the support of Emir Dr Al Kuwari said, adding Celik Power Company Chairman Arts and Heritage H E Dr H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad proposed that the Turkish delega- Toshio Mita, and his delegation Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari Al Thani and Turkish President tion meet the Qatari side today at the Emiri Diwan yesterday yesterday met Turkish Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. to study details and finalise pro- and discussed cooperation. of Culture and Tourism, Omer “We, as ministers of culture, grammes for the year. Celik, and his delegation. are working to implement this Dr Al Kuwari said Qatar Luxembourg They discussed arrangements political will to make cultural ties Turkey 2015 Year of Culture being made for activities of Qatar keep up with political relations,” programmes and events will also ties reviewed Turkey 2015 Year of Culture and he said. include other fields, including fine the proposed schedule for events The decision on Qatar Turkey arts, theatre and folklore, among DOHA: Deputy Emir H H in both countries. 2015 Year of Culture was taken others. Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al The meeting also reviewed too late, but both sides have a Celik thanked the Minister for Thani met Prince Guillaume means of strengthening cultural strong and shared will to ensure hospitality and warm reception Jean Joseph Marie, Crown ties between both sides to live up its success, he said, adding details accorded to his and his delegation Prince of the Grand Duchy of to the level of the distinctive bilat- of the programmes and events and stressed that Turkey places Luxembourg, and his delegation eral political relations. will be announced later. Qatar in a special position, add- at Emiri Diwan yesterday. They Following the meeting, the “Today we held a prolonged ing that Qatar was the third leg discussed bilateral relations and Minister described Qatari- meeting attended by both parties of visits by the Turkish Prime ways of enhancing them. Turkish relations as strong and and discussed aspects of Qatar Minister and Turkish President. Prince Guillaume and his del- excellent in all fields and said Turkey 2015 Year of Culture,” QNA egation arrived on a two-day visit and were welcomed by Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari and other officials. Prince Guillaume and wife Princess QFC stops licences for foreign law firms Stephanie Marie Claudine of Luxembourg visited Qatar DOHA: Qatar Financial Centre and its stand on licensing could QFC law and QFC-licensed law Foundation for Education, Science (QFC) has stopped issuing fresh change in future depending on firms. The meeting, according to and Community Development. licences to foreign law firms. the market and other factors. the source, was held last week. The move, QFC said was tem- According to QFC, it took the According to QLA sources, the S Korean president porary, apparently follows accu- decision on its own. association complained to QFC sations made for long by Qatari Twenty-three law firms are that some licensed firms were arrives on Friday law companies that some QFC registered with QFC, it said and breaching rules and working out- licensees were flouting rules. praised them for playing a vital side of QFC DOHA: South Korean A QFC source described the role in developing the market for In media interviews last month, President Park Geun-hye will allegations as baseless. legal advice. QLA officials had said foreign law begin on Friday an official visit QFC said in a statement yes- QFC also indirectly praised its firms weren’t needed here as local to Qatar. Emir H H Sheikh terday that it had taken a policy licensing criteria for law firms, law companies were capable of Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will decision that there were sufficient saying they were strict and as meeting legal demand. But QFC, hold talks with her on Sunday A patrol team of the Ministry of Environment went chasing a baby chee- law firms registered with it to stipulated by QFC “law, regula- in its statement, praised itself and on ways of developing relations tah and caught it yesterday after it escaped from a cage in a house in meet the current market demand. tions and rules”. said: “We have continually taken and issues of common concern. Al Sakhama in Al Shamal, north of Qatar. Al Shamal Police alerted the It said it had taken the decision QFC said it held a meeting a leadership position on meeting ministry’s control room about the beast on the prowl. The ministry handed after careful consideration of the with Qatari Lawyers’ Association the future needs of Qatar’s grow- CMC poll: 29 more over the cheetah to the zoo and launched an investigation to trace its local legal market. QFC, however, (QLA) to address concerns and ing legal, financial and business added there could be exceptions remove misconceptions regarding landscape.” THE PENINSULA owner and how the animal escaped. file nomination DOHA: Twenty-nine citizens, including a woman, filed nomina- tions for the Central Municipal Council (CMC) election yester- day, taking the total number of Qatar ranked fifth in Global Muslim Travel Index candidates to 71, Qatar News Agency reported yesterday. DOHA: Qatar ranked fifth also saw Thailand, the UK, South travellers representing 10 percent all stakeholders with insight into Saudi Arabia saw the highest Nominations for the 29 con- in the Global Muslim Travel Africa and France make the top of the travel economy. In 2014, how the halal-friendly tourism number of Muslim arrivals in stituencies started on Tuesday, Index, the most comprehensive five. GMTI looks at data cover- Qatar saw 348,000 Muslim arriv- sector is growing and developing 2014 with 10.2 million, followed with 42, including a woman, research on the sector, released ing 100 destinations, creating an als or 27 percent of the total. from a global perspective.” by Turkey (7.6 million). filing papers on the first day. yesterday. overall index, based on criteria. The Muslim travel market is “We are pleased to partner All 100 destinations in GMTI Registration ends on March 11. The MasterCard- This is the first time such insights forecast to grow to 150 million with CrescentRating to develop were scored against a backdrop CrescentRating Global Muslim have been provided into one of the visitors by 2020 and 11 percent GMTI as we see it as an extension of criteria, including suitability as Air India Express Travel Index (GMTI) 2015 saw fastest-growing tourism sectors in of the segment with a value pro- of our efforts in giving consum- a family holiday destination, the Qatar behind Saudi Arabia, the the world. It will provide travel- jected to grow to $200bn. ers ease of mind when travelling level of services and facilities it baggage weight up UAE, Turkey and Malaysia who lers, governments, travel services “GMTI has today set a prec- through our seamless payment provides, accommodation options, took the top spots for Organisation and investors with benchmarks edent for the tourism industry,” solutions. Travel continues to marketing initiatives and visi- DOHA: Air India Express of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) des- across criteria to enable them to said Fazal Bahardeen, CEO, be a core passion for consumers tor arrivals. Each criterion was yesterday announced that it tinations. It was one of five des- track the health and growth of CrescentRating and HalalTrip. and we are confident GMTI will weighted to make up the overall has enhanced Free Baggage tinations in the top 10 from the this travel segment. “Not only is it the most in-depth prove a trusted resource for this index score. Malaysia had a GMTI Allowance (FBA) from 20kg to Middle East. The study also revealed that research we have undertaken so fast-growing traveller segment,” score of 83.8, followed by Turkey 30kg until March 31 on all nine Singapore came first for the in 2014, this segment was worth far on the fast-growing Muslim said Matthew Driver, President, (73.8) and Qatar (68.2). flights on Doha-India routes. non-OIC destinations, which $145bn with 108 million Muslim travel market, but has provided Southeast Asia, MasterCard. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA/QNA No ‘iodine deficiency in Qatar’ BY FAZEENA SALEEM Although it was among young decrease salt usage and find ways children, it’s considered a reflec- to stabilise lower salt usage. DOHA: A new survey has tion of the population. “We will soon come out with found that Qatar is free of “Iodine deficiency can cause a strategy on how to educate iodine deficiency, said Supreme abortions. It also has an imme- people through healthcare pro- Council of Health (SCH) offi- diate effect on a child’s learn- viders on reducing salt usage,” cials yesterday. ing capacity,” said Dr Sheikh said Dr Alanoud bint Mohamed The finding is a positive indi- Mohammed. Al Thani, Manager, SCH cation of children and women’ The survey was conducted as Public Health Department’s health in the country, Dr Sheikh a follow-up to a study in 1996 in Health Promotion and Non- Mohammed bin Hamad Al Qatar that found 30 to 40 per- communicable Diseases. Thani, Director, Public Health, cent iodine deficiency. Students of both gender from the SCH, told a press conference “To control the situation, it selected classes in Independent held to announce the findings. was made compulsory that all primary schools were screened. Iodine deficiency is of partic- imported salt should contain Spot urine specimens were FROM RIGHT: Dr Alanoud bint Mohamed Al Thani, Manager, SCH Public Health Department’s Health Promotion ular relevance to public health iodine and it has made a posi- collected to measure iodine con- and Non-communicable Diseases, Dr Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Director, Public Health, Dr Salah because it is a preventable cause tive impact,” he added. centration. On the following day, Al Yafie, Head, Health Education Section, and Dr Mohammed Ali Al Hajaj, Head, Occupational Health Services, at of intellectual disability. However, the recent survey urine specimens were collected the press conference yesterday. BAHER AMIN The survey, based upon stand- has also found that consumption from a subsample of the sur- ards specified by World Health of salt has increased. On average veyed students from 16 schools salt samples used at their homes an internal laboratory accredited iodised salt. But the daily average Organisation (WHO), tested 5mg should be consumed per day, to measure their urinary iodine and more than 1,200 spot urine by WHO. Results also showed salt intake was 13mg, more than 1,200 schoolchildren aged six to but people in Qatar take 13mg. concentration. samples were analysed along that about 75 percent of stu- WHO’s recommended level. 14. “Now our challenge is to Over 1,000 students provided with over 1000 salt samples in dents’ households used adequate THE PENINSULA HOME THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Katara to host DFI’s Qumra for filmmakers DOHA: The inaugural edition Institute. The event is promoted of Qumra, an event by Doha by official media partners Al Film Institute (DFI) dedicated Jazeera Media Network, Festival to the development of emerging Scope, I Love Qatar and Screen filmmakers, opens tomorrow at International. Katara. Qumra will hold public screen- Leading business entities, ing of films by Qumra Masters cultural organisations and edu- who represent some of the lead- cational entities have stepped for- ing names in world cinema — Gael ward to partner with Qumra to be García Bernal, Leila Hatami, held from March 6 to 11. Cristian Mungiu, Abderrahmane Fatma Al Remaihi (pictured), Sissako and Danis Tanovic, CEO, DFI said: “The partnership alongside new voices in cinema the business, cultural commu- selected from films supported nity and other stakeholders has by DFI grants and co-financing extended to Qumra plays an inte- programmes. gral role in hosting a quality event Reinforcing its commitment More than 100 delegates from for our participants — emerging to promote the Qatari cultural all facets of the film industry will talents and industry veterans who scene, Katara Cultural Village is participate in the industry pro- will share insights on filmmak- the ‘Cultural Partner’ of Qumra, gramme, including representa- ing and help pave the way for a serving as the venue of the event. tives from international film strong culture of filmmaking in Supported by Al Jazeera festivals, funding bodies, sales, the country. Perfumes, Qumra has on board production and distribution com- “We are delighted that several Sony and Fifty One East as offi- panies, development specialists partners have consistently asso- cial electronics partners while and script consultants. ciated with our events, and see MAC Cosmetics is official makeup Industry professionals will be value in supporting DFI’s initia- sponsor; and St. Regis Doha offi- connected to filmmakers involved tives that engage the filmmaking cial hotel partner. in 29 projects at various stages of community and the public. Their Other supporters include production in bespoke mentorship patronage enables us to make a Northwestern University in labs and meetings to propel their difference and we are thankful to Qatar, Sarajevo Film Festival projects to the next stage. them for support.” and Translation & Interpreting THE PENINSULA

New car of Traffic Department The picture shows a Chevrolet Camaro sport car with advanced features being intro- duced by the Traffic Department. Captured in a public parking area, the picture has been cir- culating on social media with comments sug- gesting that cars will be displayed at GCC Traffic Week which begins on Sunday. No independent confirmation was avail- able yesterday. THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Sustainability integral to 80pc projects until 2022

DOHA: Eighty percent of con- GORD is a not-for-profit 2022 projects, new cities and all sustainability standards. These promote sustainability in gov- is needed, including materials struction projects in Qatar from subsidiary of Qatari Diar Real new government projects, includ- were Lusail Sports Arena and ernment and private buildings and systems to support our sus- now until 2022 will be based on Estate Investment Company. It ing schools and hospitals,” he Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena, in Kuwait and has started talks tainability plans,” he added. the principles of sustainabil- promotes healthy, energy and said. which achieved four-star rating. on similar projects in Bahrain, The conference brings together ity, a senior Gulf Organisation resource- efficient and environ- Dr Alhorr said Qatar is already He said GORD is preparing to he said. government representatives, key for Research and Development mentally responsible building demonstrating how it can suc- undertake sustainability projects Dr Alhorr is a keynote speaker project owners, developers, con- (GORD) official has said. practices in Qatar and the Gulf. cessfully develop sustainable in Saudi Arabia. on day one of the MEED Qatar sultants and financiers to address Qatar is on track to ensure “We have been talking about large-scale sports venues. “We have started training on Projects conference, organised evolving challenges of Qatar’s the majority of the projects to sustainability and our vision. The 2015 World Men’s the ground in the kingdom and in association with Ashghal, at project delivery market and be used in 2022 FIFA World Cup These dreams are being put into Handball Championship in Doha are doing capacity-building to Grand Hyatt Doha on March 10. highlight future project oppor- achieve world-class sustainability action where we are implement- from January 15 to February 1 move to implementation this “My presentation will help tunities, strategic priorities and standards, said Dr Yousef Alhorr, ing sustainability practices. This was hosted at two of the new year,” he added. business understand what oppor- master plans. Founder and Chairman, GORD. includes in QRail, all World Cup venues built to meet demanding GORD has an agreement to tunities are in this area and what THE PENINSULA Challenge 22 receives Organ Donation Academy to open this year BY FAZEENA SALEEM

400 entries for first DOHA: A facility for research and training related to organ donation is to open in Doha later cycle of applications this year, said a senior official yesterday. Doha Academy for Organ DOHA: Challenge 22 has “Challenge 22 provides an Donation, an initiative of Hamad closed submissions for the first opportunity for innovators in Medical Corporation (HMC) is cycle of applications, having Qatar and the region to show- under the planning phase and received over 400 entries fol- case talents, while contributing would start functioning after sum- lowing a four-week road show solutions to the success of the mer, said Dr Abdullah Al Ansari, in the GCC. region’s first FIFA World Cup Deputy Chief, Medical, Academic The Challenge 22 Team will games. We’ve been overwhelmed and Research Affairs for Surgical screen proposals in collaboration by the quality and quantity of Services, HMC. with industry experts in each applications we’ve received from The world-class academy will Dr Abdullah Al Ansari, Deputy Chief, Medical, Academic and Research Affairs for Surgical Services, HMC, Dr theme and focus area. the region’s next generation of conduct research based on organ Riadh Fadhil, Director, Qatar Organ Donation Centre, Dr Yousef Al Maslamani, Director, Qatar Center for Organ The road show began on innovators.” donation and train professionals. Transplantation, and Dr Hatem Khalaf, Senior Consultant, Transplant Surgeon, with some of the patients who January 25 in Kuwait and ended Fatma Al Nuaimi, Social and “The academy will be a hub in underwent transplants within the past two months and some of their donors. on February 17 in Abu Dhabi, Human Legacy Manager, the Doha for training, research and passing through Qatar, Saudi SC, added, “The road show was a education… It will bring together principles of equality in access to programme. In the first year, we Within three years, the Organ Arabia, Oman and Bahrain. great success and it was reward- the winners in organ donation,” transplant services, distribution of would get very few deceased dona- Donation Registry has grown, with More than 3,000 people ing to receive feedback that the said Dr Al Ansari. “It will initially donated organs and high ethical tion consents. However, with sup- the number of donors increasing attended 25 information ses- initiative is giving people in the serve Qatar’s needs and then help standards of healthcare services. port and commitment of HMC from 5,000 to 43,000 spanning 108 sions which featured talks from region the motivation and outlet Third World countries,” he told a The discrimination-free system leaders and staff, deceased and nationalities, including Qataris. the initiative’s ambassadors they need to think about solu- press conference. has, in a short time, gained inter- living-related donations have The number of patients waiting for Sami Al Jaber, former football tions that can potentially have Qatar Organ Donation Centre national recognition and support. increased which is testament to kidney transplants has decreased player; Mohammed Saadon a global impact. We wish all (Hiba) has an exchange pro- HMC’s organ donation and the programme’s success. This to 81, and only eight are waiting Al Kuwari, popular sports TV those who have applied the best gramme with Oxford University. transplant team has completed change of attitude proves that we liver transplants. “Our aim is to presenter; Mohammed Saeed of luck.” It is presently implemented to seven life-saving surgeries com- have succeeded in developing peo- become self-sufficient with organ Harib, Director, Animation, Initiated by the SC, Silatech enhance knowledge and experi- prising three liver and four kidney ple’s trust,” he said. donors, to have more organs ready and Founder, Lammtara and QNRF, Challenge 22 calls ence of professionals involved in transplants in February, said Dr The number of living and than the required number. Also Productions; and Areej Al on applicants in the GCC with organ donation and transplant in Riadh Fadhil, Director, Hiba. decease organ donors has we would reach a zero waiting list Kharafi, Kuwaiti entrepreneur. solution-based proposals related Qatar. The organ donation and “We have come a long way since increased, bringing down the wait- soon,” said Dr Fadhil. “We have been overwhelmed to three key themes that address transplant system is built on the the launch of the organ donation ing list for transplants. THE PENINSULA by the enthusiastic response challenges faced by Qatar and of applicants across the region the world when hosting major at the sessions. Challenge 22 is sports events: Sustainability, a unique opportunity to think Event Experience, and Sports big and come up with inventive and Health. TV personality Lojain Omran ROTA Goodwill Envoy solutions to challenges associ- Challenge 22 application dead- ated with the hosting of FIFA lines for phase 1 are split into DOHA: TV personality Lojain World Cup in the Middle East two rounds. Results of first will Omran has been appointed as a in 2022,” said Mahmoud Qutub, be announced on April 2. Goodwill Ambassador of Reach Executive Director, Strategic The Round two deadline is Out to Asia (ROTA). Development & Assurance, May 5. Successful applicants Lojain is known for her phil- the Supreme Committee for have the opportunity to win a anthropic campaigns support- Delivery & Legacy (SC). cash prize of $20,000 during ing young refugees in Syria, and Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, phase 1 of the competition and children affected by wars, political Executive Director, Qatar a grant to further develop their conflicts and natural disasters in National Research Fund idea into a proof of concept dur- Somalia and north Kenya. (QNRF), one of Challenge ing phase 2. Her efforts are aligned with 22’s strategic partners, said: THE PENINSULA Rota’s core mission which extends

Lojain Omran with school students during her visit to Indonesia.

assistance to people affected by events. She will be on volunteers’ said Essa Al Mannai, Executive crises around the world through educational tours to Asian and Director, ROTA. “ROTA is work- initiatives and educational vol- Arab countries where ROTA ing to consolidate efforts of all unteers’ trips. Rota’s social and operates. Her inaugural trip as those who can support its mis- educational endeavours support Goodwill Ambassador was Rota sion through which we are looking Qatar Foundation’s mission to Volunteer tour to Indonesia. She forward to delivering education to develop human potential region- joined volunteers in their volun- all children unwillingly deprived ally and internationally through a tary and educational activities for of its blessing.” network of centres for progressive beneficiary children. Lojain said: “Education is the education, research and commu- “ROTA is honoured to have most important step forward in nity welfare. Lojain Omran as a Goodwill changing societies for the better, Omran will represent ROTA in Ambassador who is renowned and we all must work together to local, regional and international for her charitable campaigns,” promote it.” THE PENINSULA HOME THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Officials cut a cake to celebrate the milestone achieved across the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia. Ooredoo: Customer base over 100 million DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday travelled over the past decade and million and reaching more than announced that its customer reinforces the incredible impact 3.5 million 3G customers in base has exceeded 100 mil- Ooredoo services are having Algeria within one year of the lion across its footprint in the around the world.” launch of 3G services. Middle East, North Africa and Ooredoo operates in markets Ooredoo is showcasing smart Southeast Asia. with an addressable population of technologies, including smart Ooredoo achieved the milestone more than 700 million and sees education, smart city and M2M in Q4 2014 according to figures strong potential for growth across solutions, at its pavilion at Mobile released yesterday, following a its footprint. World Congress this week and year that saw the company grow Myanmar has a population of highlighting some of its activi- its customer base in key markets around 53 million and a relatively ties that support human growth like Qatar, Algeria and Oman and low mobile penetration rate of across its footprint. launch operations in new markets 27 percent, according to the “We are confident that like Myanmar. Ministry of Telecommunications Ooredoo’s investment in these Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed and Information Technology. solutions and bigger, faster net- bin Saud Al Thani, Chairman, Within its first month of works across our global footprint Ooredoo Group, said: “The Group commercial operations in 2014, will enable the company to sus- has always had a clear vision for Ooredoo reached more than one tain its ongoing growth and bet- growth, supported by our pru- million customers in the country. ter serve its customers,” Sheikh dent investment and development The Group also achieved mile- Abdulla added. strategy. stones in many of its core mar- The Ooredoo Pavilion is at Hall “Reaching the milestone kets last year, growing customer 2 at Mobile World Congress which reminds us how far we have base in Qatar to more than three ends today. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Palestinian selected Qatar Airways celebrates a for Arab Writer’s Residency Programme ‘year of the fleet’ at ITB Berlin DOHA: Qatar Airways’ (QA) DOHA: Atef Abu Saif, a Group Chief Executive Akbar Palestinian writer and journal- Al Baker yesterday announced ist living in the Gaza Strip, has the extension of the A350 XWB been selected as the winner of service throughout 2015. the Arab Writer’s Residency He was addressing the airline’s Programme in London this press conference, the first on the summer held by Bloomsbury opening day of the world’s largest Qatar Foundation Publishing tourism fair, ITB Berlin. (BQFP), a member of Qatar The press conference, attended Foundation for Education, by more than 100 interna- and Delfina Foundation have tional media, also celebrated announced. QA’s strong connections with After careful consideration of Germany and highlighted the more than 150 applications, the 10-year anniversary of QA’s first panel of judges chose Abu Saif, flight to Berlin in 2005 with an whose most recent novel made A319 aircraft, a route now oper- it on the International Prize ated with an A330 wide-body for Arabic Fiction (IPAF) 2015 Atef Abu Saif, Palestinian writer aircraft. shortlist. and journalist who lives in Gaza. Further expansion was The eight-week residency announced with the new routes will provide Abu Saif with the creative practice for artists, of Durban via Johannesburg in Akbar Al Baker (centre), Chief Executive, Qatar Airways Group, with Jonathan Harding (left), Senior Vice-President, opportunity to research, write curators, writers, musicians and South Africa, which will debut in North South and Western Europe, QA, and Günter Saurwein, Country Manager, Germany and Austria, QA, at the and engage with cultural prac- thinkers. December, alongside the inaugu- airline’s press conference at ITB 2015. titioners and creative thinkers. Born in Jabalia refugee camp ral flight to Amsterdam in June. He will develop work, which in Gaza in 1973, Abu Saif teaches Pakistan was also cited as a the A350 XWB on the Frankfurt Multan. QA operates 45 flights Thursdays, Saturdays and will be considered for publica- political science at University of key growth market for the air- route and the fact that this des- a week — double daily flights to Sundays: Departs from Doha tion by BQFP in Arabic and Al Azhar, Gaza, and regularly line, with the launch of three tination will soon be the recipi- Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, QR626 at 01:10, arrives in Sialkot English. writes articles from Gaza for the new routes this summer to ent of the world’s second A350 and three flights a week to at 06:50 and departs from Sialkot BQFP, a collaboration between New York Times, Slate and other Faisalabad, Sialkot and Multan, XWB, but also acknowledging Peshawar. QA will operate an QR627 at 08:35, arrives in Doha QF and Bloomsbury Publishing major publications. complementing QA’s four exist- the 10-year anniversary of our Airbus A320 in a two-class con- at 10:15 in London, supports QF on its He has also authored five nov- ing gateways of Karachi, Lahore, Berlin route,” he added. figuration of up to 12 seats in The Doha-Faisalabad sched- mission to preserve and develop els, the most recent of which, A Islamabad and Peshawar. Business Class and up to 132 in ules from July 17th July 2015 the Arabic language, promot- Suspended Life, was shortlisted “The last 12 months have been NEW FLIGHTS TO Economy Class on all the new — Mondays, Wednesdays and ing education and a culture of for the IPAF award in 2015. characterised by significant fleet PAKISTAN routes to Pakistan. Fridays: Departs from Doha knowledge-seeking. The winner of the award will expansion for the airline, which is Beginning July 16, QA will With five new destinations QR624 at 01:10, arrives in The UK-based Delfina be announced at Abu Dhabi set to continue throughout 2015. begin four weekly passenger on the horizon (Amsterdam, Faisalabad at 06:35 and departs Foundation provides residency International Book Fair in May. “This year we are pleased to services to Sialkot where it Durban, Faisalabad, Sialkot and from Faisalabad QR625 at 09:45 space in London to develop THE PENINSULA be able to offer our passengers operates freighter services three Multan), QA will increase its and arrives in Doha at 11:15 additional innovative new prod- times a week. Sialkot also marks global portfolio to 151 destina- The Doha-Multan schedules ucts within our broad destination QA’s first new passenger route to tions across Europe, Asia Pacific, August 1 — Wednesdays, Fridays network, most notably with the Pakistan since 2004. the Middle East, Africa, North and Sundays: Departs from introduction of the world’s new- On July 17, QA will add America and South America. Doha QR618 at 01:10, arrives ibq sponsors QBWA’s est aircraft, A350 XWB,” said Al Faisalabad to its Pakistan net- It currently operates a modern in Multan at 06:25 and departs Baker. “It is fitting that we are work with three flights a week, fleet of 149 aircraft. from Multan QR619 at 09:35, back in Germany today, celebrat- and on August 1 the airline will The Doha-Sialkot sched- arrives in Doha at 11:05. Mentoring Walk ing not only the recent launch of launch three flights a week to ules from July 16 — Tuesdays, THE PENINSULA Ooredoo’s service for customers’ peace of mind Continued from page 1 believe in using mobile technology experiences through consumer will deliver the message to all fam- Ooredoo’s service has been to enhance people’s digital lifestyles focus, and this Ooredoo service ily members connected to Ooredoo designed to provide peace of mind and know that safety and security will offer new levels of security and Family Safety. to customers with young children, are key issues for every parent.” peace-of mind in Qatar.” Additional safety features include vulnerable people in their care, or Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Ooredoo Family Safety will be the facility to protect smartphones old relatives. The service provides bin Nasser Al Thani, Chief New the only service in Qatar that connected to the service in case a location feed direct to mobile Business Officer, Ooredoo, said: offers all its features in one easy- they are lost or stolen. It will allow devices and is equipped with a “We have been working with iMo- to-use product. With Ooredoo customers to remotely ring their panic button feature so that the bileMagic for almost a year since Family Safety, customers will be devices, lock them with a custom child or dependent can alert their we first sat with them at Mobile able to visit a website and connect message and delete all information family immediately if there is a World Congress 2014. We recog- their family phones to a shared on the phone. To activate and man- problem. nised that this was a solution that platform and begin protecting age their accounts, Ooredoo will Jabra Ghandour, Managing Director, ibq, and Aisha Alfardan, Vice-Chairman, Waleed Al Sayed, Chief would appeal to families across their loved ones immediately. provide a website and smartphone QBWA. Operating Officer, Ooredoo Qatar, Qatar and have strived to ensure Features include real-time loca- application for iPhone, Android and said: “Ooredoo is striving to intro- that the new service fully meets tion and pre-set safety areas so Windows phones. DOHA: International Bank walk, as it links mentoring young duce ‘Smart Services’ in Qatar the needs of Ooredoo customers.” that people with young children The application, together with of Qatar (ibq) has spon- women to leaders through healthy and this family-focused service Marco Leal, CEO, iMobileMagic, can define safe spaces such as their the service’s website, will offer a sored Qatari Businesswomen exercise. We recognise women’s fulfils an important need for the said: “The theme of this year’s home, school and grandparents’ complete family location and pro- Association’s (QBWA) second growing interest in financial lit- community. The Ooredoo Family GSMA Mobile World Congress home. If a child moves outside of tection solution. To ensure personal annual Mentoring Walk on eracy and support them through Safety service has been designed to is ‘The Edge of Innovation’ and the safe spaces, the service triggers security and privacy is available at March 7. educational and business-focused safeguard children and vulnerable the Ooredoo service will demon- an alert to the parents’ phones. all times, the phones can only be Part of a global initiative, the initiatives as part of our commu- citizens, using mobile technology strate how mobile technology can The service will also enable fam- part of the service with the permis- ‘Walk and Talk’ brings together nity programme.” to offer round-the-clock moni- improve families’ lives. Our mission ily members to send help requests sion of each individual owner. women leaders and rising stars for Aisha Alfardan, Vice- toring and contact facilities. We is to deliver high-quality mobile through the panic button, which THE PENINSULA a two-hour walk around Aspire Chairman, QBWA, said: “The Park to discuss professional chal- initiative is one of 75 walks tak- lenges and successes and establish ing place simultaneously in 53 a mentoring relationship. countries.” Jabra Ghandour, Managing The walk aims to encourage Qatar Steel backs disaster control camp Mutual respect Director, ibq said: “In line with collaboration and networking our CSR programme supporting among emerging and established DOHA: Qatar Steel has pre- must in marriage, sports and educational initiatives, women leaders in the business sented a financial contribution ibq endorses the goals behind the community. THE PENINSULA to Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) say sociologists

Continued from page 1 “I got a recording device installed in the living room and waited for long and eventually caught my husband. He used to talk to a woman. “I confronted him with this solid evidence and the result was that he deserted me and married that woman he used to talk to,” said Umm Hamad. Officials at the event. “But he returned to me only after a year. It was my mistake. I in support of its Sixth Disaster Manager, Sales Department, forced him into that relationship,” Management Camp. Qatar Steel, presented a cheque to Umm Hamad said ruefully. The camp will be held from Ahmed Al Khulaifi, Head, Public Sociologists say women must March 31 to April 9 at Al Khor Relations, QRC. “Qatar Steel’s respect their husbands’ privacy Marine Scout Camp under the support of the camp emerges from and must not check their mobile patronage of Prime Minister and our conviction to support humani- phones and emails. Interior Minister H E Sheikh tarian activities that serve the “Mutual respect is needed to Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa community and contribute to its keep a marriage solid and suc- Al Thani. growth and development. cessful,” Susan Hussein told the Saud Mohammed Al Marri, THE PENINSULA daily. THE PENINSULA

Chairman to be responsible for running sports club Continued from page 1 performance. The vice-chairman the club’s executive body and run The chairman is responsible will act as chairman in case of the its activities. The Cabinet ratified for running the club in line with latter’s absence for any reason. a draft Emiri decision amending the strategic plan adopted by the The club will have a general some provisions of Emiri Decision Ministry of Youth and Sports. manager to be appointed by the No 16 of 2014 on the specification He will be accountable to the chairman and will be account- of ministries’ responsibilities. general assembly for the club’s able to the chairman and head THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Challenges remain in Iran nuclear talks: US Any deal must withstand world’s scrutiny, says Kerry

MONTREUX, nuclear proliferation would intentions behind Iran’s peaceful SWITZERLAND: The United instead spark a nuclear arms race nuclear programme”. States said yesterday tough in the most dangerous part of the The growing rapprochement challenges remained to seal a planet.” between the United States and its nuclear deal with Iran, vowing Israel itself is widely believed old foe after more than three dec- not to be distracted by exter- to have atomic weapons, making ades of enmity has raised alarm nal politics in its quest to stop it the only nuclear-armed state not just in Israel, but also among Tehran acquiring the atomic in the Middle East, but its offi- US allies in the Gulf who remain bomb. cial policy is to neither confirm wary of Shia Iran’s bid to spread Secretary of State John Kerry nor deny the existence of such an its influence in the Middle East. and his Iranian counterpart arsenal. In a rare admission on Tuesday, Mohammad Javad Zarif wrapped Kerry said that “any deal we the US military’s top officer up three days of “intense” nuclear reach would give us the intrusive General Martin Dempsey said negotiations in the Swiss lakeside access and verification measures Iran’s help in an Iraqi offensive to town of Montreux with still no necessary to confirm that Iran’s recapture the town of Tikrit could deal, as a March 31 deadline for a nuclear facilities are indeed on a be “a positive thing” providing it Bedouin leaders gather and drink coffee in a tent outside the community centre after listening to Isaac framework agreement looms. peaceful path. did not fuel added sectarianism. Herzog, co-leader of the left-of-center Zionist Union party, address them in an election campaign in the “We’ve made some progress “That would allow us to But US officials insist that even Negev Desert, yesterday. from where we were and impor- promptly detect any attempt to if there is a nuclear deal with Iran, tant choices need to be made,” cheat or break out and then to that does not mean they will turn Kerry told reporters after respond appropriately.” a blind eye to the other activities the talks, with a senior State But he cautioned that the so- of the country, still branded by Department official adding that called P5+1 countries — the five Washington as the number one Netanyahu’s popularity rises “tough challenges” had yet to be permanent members of the UN state sponsor of terrorism. resolved. Security Council and Germany — “Regardless of what happens JERUSALEM: Israeli opin- candidate’s individual popular- mandate to form a government. Speaking a day after Israeli negotiating with Iran would not with the nuclear file, we will con- ion polls yesterday showed ity, Netanyahu was favoured by Israeli critics said that Prime Minister Benjamin “be distracted by external factors tinue to confront aggressively Prime Minister Benjamin 44 percent for the job of prime Netanyahu, seeking a fourth Netanyahu stridently criticised or politics”. Iranian expansion in the region, Netanyahu got a slight boost minister, up two percentage term in office, risked damaging an agreement he said would not Kerry flew to Riyadh later yes- Iranian aggressiveness in the in popularity after his US points from a week ago. Herzog’s Israel’s strategic alliance with stop Iran from getting a nuclear terday to brief US Gulf allies on region,” a State Department offi- speech slamming an emerg- number declined by two percent- Washington by speaking in the bomb, Kerry stressed that the the emerging deal and plans to cial said. ing nuclear deal with Iran, age points to 35 percent, results U.S. Congress on Tuesday, for purpose of negotiations was to meet in Paris on Saturday with US officials said there would but he is still running neck by Channel 10 showed. the sake of wooing voters before “get the right deal, one that can his British, French and German now be a “robust schedule” of and neck with his leading But Netanyahu was further the closely contested election. withstand scrutiny”. counterparts. meetings ahead of the March 31 rival in a March 17 election. ahead of his rival in a Channel 2 Netanyahu came under strong Kerry said any final deal to And despite the political drama deadline. A survey published by popularity poll, with 47 percent criticism from the Obama curb Tehran’s nuclear programme around Netanyahu’s speech, The next two-way talks Channel 10 television indicated choosing him and 28 percent opt- administration for his speech, would have to withstand global US President Barack Obama between Iran and the United Netanyahu’s Likud party would ing for Herzog. All the surveys which Washington said had scrutiny. “The purpose is not to shrugged off the address, saying States will be held on March 15, gaining two seats to 23 com- indicated Netanyahu had more injected destructive partisanship get any deal, it’s to get the right it was nothing new. most likely in Geneva, although pared with what he had a week potential political allies with into US-Israeli ties. deal, one that can withstand scru- Iranian President Hassan the venue has not been confirmed. ago. That would still leave him in whom to build a new governing Republicans, who control tiny,” he told reporters. Rowhani, meanwhile, responded P5+1 negotiations at political a tie with Isaac Herzog’s Zionist coalition after the election. Congress, had invited Netanyahu that Israel creates the “greatest director level will continue in Union. The country’s Channel In Israel’s parliamentary to speak without consulting IRAN HITS BACK AT ISRAEL danger” in the region. Montreux on Thursday, and a 2 television had Netanyahu’s election system, the public President Barack Obama or Netanyahu warned in his dra- The Iranian foreign minis- team from the UN atomic watch- right-wing party up by one seat chooses parties rather than other leading Democrats. As matic speech to the US Congress try denounced what it called dog led by its chief inspector will to 23, just behind Herzog’s left- individual candidates, and the many as 60 of the 232 Democratic on Tuesday that an agreement Netanyahu’s “continuous lie- hold talks in Tehran next week. of-centre list. head of the party with the most members of Congress boycotted that was “supposed to prevent spreading about the goals and AFP In separate surveys con- political allies is the one who the address. ducted by the channels on each usually wins a presidential REUTERS Palestinian president Talks with Israel still on table: Abbas RAMALLAH: Palestinian Palestinians and Israeli Prime unable to pay tens of thousands of elections, Abbas urged rivals from Gaza during bitter fighting President Mahmoud Abbas said Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s employees. Hamas, the Islamist movement the following year. calls Israel yesterday talks with Israel are government collapsed in April “This is the third month in a that controls the Gaza Strip, to Under last year’s unity deal, still on the table, despite moves after nine months of fruitless row that we’re taking loans from coordinate with the PA in making an independent consensus gov- a ‘gangster’ against the Jewish state at the meetings amid bitter recrimina- the banks,” Abbas said, adding sure a long-overdue Palestinian ernment agreed on by Hamas UN and numerous failed rounds tions and mutual blame. that a “political solution” was the vote goes ahead. and the PLO was to take over RAMALLAH: Palestinian of negotiations. Relations have since further best way to end the deadlock. “As soon as Hamas sends me administrative and security con- President Mahmoud Abbas Abbas was addressing the deteriorated, after a devastating Abbas said the Palestinians written official approval, I will trol of Gaza, but with continuing accused Israel of “gangster- Palestinian leadership at the war between Israel and Hamas were ready to deal and talk with immediately issue a decree call- disputes, including over the pay- ism” yesterday over its deci- opening of a two-day confer- in Gaza during the summer, and “whoever” wins an Israeli general ing for elections,” he said. ment of Hamas security forces, sion to withhold the transfer of ence in the West Bank to dis- with Palestinian moves against election on March 17. Hamas signed a reconciliation the Islamist movement remains more than $100m a month in cuss the future of the Palestinian the Israelis in the international “We are not interfering, or say- agreement with the Palestine in de facto control. tax revenues it collects on the Authority (PA), whose existence arena. ing who we’d like to see or who Liberation Organisation in April The United States and Europe Palestinians’ behalf. is under threat after Israel cut off The Palestinians submitted we’d not like to see” win the vote, which was to pave the way for refuse to deal with Hamas, brand- Opening a two-day meeting of a key source of funds. a UN Security Council resolu- he said. “Whoever that man is, a general election by the end of ing it a terrorist group, and see- senior Palestinian officials, when “We ask all countries of the tion in December — which was or whatever his politics... the 2014, but the Gaza war and a fail- ing the PLO as the sole legitimate overall ties with Israel and the world to recognise the state of voted down — calling for an end (Israeli) people will elect who they ure to implement the unity deal representative of the Palestinians. possibility of suspending security Palestine,” he said. to Israel’s occupation of the West want, and we will deal with him.” has caused delays. Abbas reiterated his commit- coordination with the Israelis will “But we want to say to the Bank within two years, and in Netanyahu, whose right- The last Palestinian general ment to non-violence. be discussed, Abbas described the Israeli side, these recognitions January joined the International wing coalition includes mem- election was in 2006, when Hamas “We won’t use violence. tax move as a provocation. do not mean in any way that Criminal Court, where they plan bers who oppose the creation of won a parliamentary majority, but Peaceful, popular resistance is the “How are they allowed to take we do not want to negotiate, or to press for war crimes against a Palestinian state, is likely to then ejected Abbas’s Fatah party only way for us,” he said. AFP away our money? Are we dealing that we’re running away from Israel. return for a fourth term with a state or with a gangster?” negotiations.” Israel has in response frozen in office, making a return he asked a gathering of the PLO There was no immediate Israeli $127m per month in tax rev- to peace talks unlikely. central council, its second-highest reaction to Abbas’s speech. enues due the PA, depriving it of Referring to the decision-making body. US-backed talks between the most of its funds and rendering it Palestinians’ own Israel announced in January it was halting transfers, say- ing it was in retaliation for a Palestinian decision to sign up to the International Criminal Court, where it plans to pur- sue war crimes charges against Israel. It is not the first time the payments, covering around two- thirds of the Palestinian budget, have been suspended, but in the past it has usually lasted only a few weeks. This time, the policy is unlikely to change until well after Israel’s March 17 election, once a new government is in place. European and American dip- lomats are worried such a long suspension would push the Palestinian Authority to the brink of collapse, affecting stability across the occupied West Bank. Already many of the PA’s 140,000 civil servants have had their pay cut by around 40 per- cent and there have been bouts of unrest in Ramallah, Bethlehem and other West Bank cities. Security coordination with Israel, a critical agreement dating back to the Oslo peace accords of the mid-1990s, may end up sus- pended simply because police and other personnel cannot be paid, Israeli women hold banners during a march outside the Knesset (Parliament) in Jerusalem as part of Palestinian officials have said. an initiative called “Women wage Peace” urging lawmakers to act for a political agreement with the REUTERS Palestinians. THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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HO has the most power to decide the outcome Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate of the ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations? Barack Obama? Benjamin Netanyahu? Choosing WNetanyahu over Obama would be an affront to America’s power, democracy, its independence, and the unparalleled power of its president. But to say that Obama has the most influence would be underestimating the importance of Fixing the US baby bust Israel and Benjamin Netanyahu. The outcome of Netanyahu’s visit to US has convinced at least a few that the Israeli leader is more powerful than US president. BY NOAH SMITH Netanyahu’s controversial visit to US, where he addressed fail. Exhorting people to have more France, by helping parents with the children has little effect, and paying costs of child rearing, may be reaping the Congress, conveys many lessons. First, if Obama chooses a RECENTLY suggested that the them doesn’t seem to do much better. the benefit both in higher fertility and path and it crosses Netanyahu’s, the latter can throw hurdles US should help the millennial These policies also smack of govern- in increased female labor force partici- and force Obama into a rethink. generation make the transition ment interference in people’s personal pation. In a 2012 white paper, Marie- The Israeli PM delivered an excellent speech to the Iout of youthful poverty by forgiv- lives, which Americans are not alone Laure des Brosses, president of Make Congress. Obviously, the speech was prepared by some seasoned ing some of their mountainous student in despising. Mothers Matter France, explained the debt. One positive effect of that bailout, But a few rich countries have man- situation. Huffington Post writer Emily professionals. His arguments were packed with emotion, and I argued, would be to boost American aged to buck the trend, and have Peck summarizes the paper’s findings: were persuasive and forceful. He answered his critics and cast fertility rates, which have fallen since achieved fertility rates that are very “The French government has just himself as the saviour of Israel and Jews all over the world. 2007. I think that the difficulty of rais- close to replacement level. The most been much more aggressive about Ordinary people in both Israel and US will connect with his ing a family in the US is a problem that important of these countries is France. enacting policies that help families and skillful rhetoric, and the fiery posturing of Obama and John needs a more comprehensive solution. According to the World Bank, French support women who want to have chil- Kerry was blunted by the rapturous applause Netanyahu In general, having a fertility rate of fertility rates are now at 2.01, compared dren and keep working. And the poli- around 2.1 is optimal. That’s because 2.1 with 1.88 for the US. cies work. Not only do a huge majority received throughout his speech. But that’s how the world of children per woman is the level where What is France’s secret sauce? of French women work, France also politics and one-upmanship work. If Obama wants to outsmart a population sustains itself. The closer It helps to think about the reasons has the second-highest birth rate in the Israeli leader, he needs to come up with something better. you get to replacement fertility, the less that it’s so hard to raise a family in Europe, after Ireland. ... Nearly one- But his options are limited. you have to worry about either a popu- a developed country. Raising a kid third of the gap between the US and In his defence, Obama told lation explosion or a collapse. Right now, costs huge amounts of money. First of the other countries, when it comes to Who is more reporters that on the core issue of most developed all, you probably have to get a bigger the percentage of women who work, can countries are house. Food and transportation are big be traced to the United States’ pitiful powerful? preventing Iran from obtaining a dealing with the expenses. Health care, including extras work-family policies.” nuclear weapon, the Israeli leader “did latter problem, like braces, takes a big bite. And then For one thing, French parents get Barack not offer any viable alternatives” and a development there’s college, which is becoming out paid parental leave from work. The there was nothing new in his speech. But to really that threatens of reach for more and more families. amount of paid leave actually increases Obama or But Netanyahu has indeed achieved their pension sys- But the biggest cost of raising a child as you have more children. The law gives tems and raises may simply be time. Time that you women more leave than men (defying something new – he has thrown make life easier Benjamin the number of spend taking care of the kids is time France’s stereotype as a gender-neutral new hurdles in a prospective nuclear for American dependents that that you don’t spend at work earn- country), but paternal leave is substan- Netanyahu? agreement with Iran. each worker has ing money. In the ideal situation, both tial as well. Secondly, to say that the visit families, we might to support. parents would have flexible work situ- The US, in contrast, has no paid has strained US-Israel relations is want to look to The U.S., until ations, and both would take time off to parental leave, only unpaid. as fallacious as saying a sandstorm can topple a steel tower. recently, bucked share child-care duties. Unfortunately, France also has abundant child care. the French model. this trend, for most of us don’t live that dream. Many The government has sponsored a large The US-Israeli relations are rock-firm. Netanyahu’s visit has two main rea- have rigid work schedules, and often number of options for child-care serv- caused only another dent in his relations with the Obama sons. The first is put in many extra hours at home or ices, including public day care, sub- administration, which haven’t been rosy anyway. As senior that we had very at the office -- Americans work longer sidized private day care, part- time officials on either side reiterated, Washington-Tel Aviv high fertility rates among Hispanic hours than almost anyone in the devel- nannies and company day care. In the relations are earthquake-proof. immigrants. The second is that we had oped world. And many are single par- US, in contrast, child-care services are Third, Netanyahu’s arrogance and insouciance speak of very high teen pregnancy for a rich ents. What that means is that a lot of very sporadic. country. Both of these factors are now American parents are forced to make Real pro-family policies will raise the stranglehold of the Israeli lobby on US politics. Obama disappearing -- fertility has plummeted an all-or-nothing choice between the both the fertility rate and the female and Netanyahu share an acrimonious relationship, but the among Hispanics, and teen pregnancy workplace and child care. labor force participation rate. President latter hasn’t winked even once. That the Israeli PM undertook is way down. So now we seem to be fac- The demanding U.S. workplace may Barack Obama’s plan, which he this trip despite fierce opposition from some quarters, and ing the same aging issue that is bedev- also be preventing women from fully sketched out in his recent State of the when an election is just days away, shows that he has done iling the rest of the developed world. joining the workforce. French women Union address, is a start. But to really It’s worth noting that, since the 2007- don’t just have more babies than make life easier for American families, his calculations right. An opinion poll in Israel yesterday 09 recession, the fertility rates of rich American women, they also are more we might want to look to the French showed that Netanyahu’s popularity has gone up slightly countries such as France, Germany, likely to get a job. The U.S., which was model. after the speech. The US-Iran negotiations are at a delicate Japan and the U.K. have actually risen, a leader in female labor force partici- (Noah Smith is an assistant pro- stage and it’s difficult for any side to set new terms. This while that of the U.S. has fallen by more pation in the 1990s, has fallen behind. fessor of finance at Stony Brook makes the ongoing negotiations extremely tough. The Obama than 11 percent. These days, even Japanesewomen University and a freelance writer for administration and Iranian government will need plenty of What can we do about it? are more likely to work than their finance and business publications.) Most policies that try to raise fertility American counterparts. WP-BLOOMBERG resolve to make a deal possible and prove Netanyahu wrong. The other side Quote of Polio narrative the day HE challenges Pakistan is allowed to grow so that now it has people who refuse to allow the drops of vaccination, need to be explored. facing in its struggle to ensure attained formidable proportions, ie the to be administered must be seen. As However, the most obvious avenue that all children in the country extremist right-wing propaganda initi- the first day of the second round of of all is for political and religious lead- Tare vaccinated against polio are ated by Mullah Fazlullah in the north- the KP government’s Sehat Ka Insaaf ers across the country, but particu- well known, as is its lack of success in eastern parts of the country, and then programme got under way on Monday, larly KP, to become involved beyond the endeavour. adopted by the Taliban, that the drops some 470 people were arrested for this what they have so far done — using How are they The single fact that Pakistan stands are harmful. With the passage of so reason in Peshawar. Though the threat the polio vaccination campaign as a poised to compromise the herd immu- many years, this narrative has taken seems to be having some effect — peo- cynical photo-op and making empty (Israel) allowed nity of the world population ought to hold among communities, in particu- ple similarly arrested in Nowshera and promises of continued involvement. have sparked a frenzy of effort. And yet, lar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and some Kohat last week were freed after they Consider the case of Imran Khan, to take away our the number of cases continues to rise, parts of Karachi, and spun out of the gave in — it is appalling that matters who leads the party in power in KP, with last year’s figures being the highest control of the centre and the provincial have been allowed to reach such a pass. and Maulana Samiul Haq, head of the money? Are we in nearly a decade and a half, and the governments. Parents or guardians of The need for the state to retake Darul Uloom Haqqania. Both promised dealing with a violence against polio workers and the children refusing to let the OPV drops control of the polio narrative could not personal involvement in the campaign security teams with which they must be administered has become a seem- be more urgent, and other avenues of but then faded away to attend to mat- state or with a travel showing no signs of abating. ingly intractable problem. inducement, such as linking the issu- ters that they considered had higher Meanwhile, mischief that ought to It is against this backdrop that the ance or renewal of essential documents priority. gangster? Mahmoud Abbas have been nipped in the bud has been KP administration’s decision to arrest including national identity cards to proof DAWN Palestinian President THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 ARAB VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 America’s destructive policy in the region that may fuel the sectarian strife in the country.” (Washington Post, same issue) What both Kerry and Kirby said confirms that the Obama administration knows very well that the war against IS will have destructive sectarian dimensions if it is not handled carefully. So, is the American administra- tion taking any action to address this fear? Is it taking any step to correct the course of the war? BY KHALID AL DAKHEEL Until now, the US administration has done the opposite. The American administration n November 2014, US wants to build a coalition with President Barack Obama Iran in its war against IS, but sent a message to Iranian it wants it to be an undeclared Ileader Ali Khamenei stress- coalition built before reaching a ing the common interests of the nuclear agreement with Tehran. US and Iran. The relations between these two As stated by a US official, countries will be normalised on Obama assured the Iranian lead- the basis of these two factors. ership that the US presence in Obama believes that there are Iraq was just for fighting Islamic many benefits from this war. For State and the Iranian regime one, it assures Iran that America should facilitate this mission as it wants to finish off its third enemy, benefits it as well. (The New York after it got rid of the Taliban and Times, November 7, 2014) Saddam Hussein. It appears that the Iranians The Iraqi administration refused this American request, headed by Haider Al Abadi, which according to Washington Post is correcting the course of the gov- (December 3, 2014). ernment after it was guided by a US Secretary of State John Kerry speaks with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as they prepare to take their seats for a new round of It also reported that the victo- sectarian agenda under Nouri Al nuclear negotiations in Montreux, Switzerland. The talks will define America’s relations with Iran. ries that Iraq had achieved against Maliki, is involving both America IS last autumn were facilitated by and Iran in developments in Iraq. opportunity to announce their This will only increase the sec- what will come after that? Shias. Will America be Iran’s part- Iran through air strikes against IS This government accepts independence; the Shias refuse tarian strife, and that is what the It is possible to defeat IS, ner in fighting Sunnis in Yemen, forces. Also, Hezbollah had sent American and Iranian interven- to share power, citing democratic Iranians want as it will boost their but doing that with the help of as it is doing in Iraq and Syria? fighters to Iraq. tion in its war against IS, but at principles; and the Americans and regime’s legitimacy in the eyes of the Americans, Shia militias This is most likely what has According to this newspaper, all the same time it completely and Iranians are waiting for the out- its followers and strengthen its and Iranian fighters will lead prompted the GCC countries to these facts indicate that Iran has publicly rejects any Arab interven- come of their nuclear talks. role as the protector of Shias in to a sectarian war across the start taking decisions and meas- its own military influence in Iraq. tion or support. The Iranian regime is fully the region. region. That will be a situation ures against the Houthis, but they US Secretary of State John This indicates that Arabs, in the aware of the challenges and oppor- What is strange is that the worse than the IS threat. The are pretty late. Kerry, commenting on the mili- eyes of the current Iraqi govern- tunism of the Obama administra- Arab role in Iraq has been mar- American and Arab experiences There is no reason to remain tary activity of Iran, said: “If it ment, are “Sunni”, while “Iranian” tion. America is allied with many ginalised. That is because of the with Al Qaeda in Afghanistan are silent on American politics in the is basically limited to fight IS, its are “Shia allies”. The Iraqi govern- Arab states that are against Iran, Iraqis, Americans and Iranians, the best proof of this. What has region. It was the sole reason for final result will be positive.” ment is partnering America, the and at the same time it wants to but also because of the Arab coun- happened lately in Yemen also terrorism in Afghanistan, which What did Kerry mean by “lim- non-Muslim actor, as it brought ally with Iran but it cannot draw tries, especially Saudi Arabia. confirms these fears. led to the US invasion of Iraq. ited”, which was preceded by an it to power. It has to accept an an official framework for this Stranger still is the marginal The takeover of Yemen by the Later, silence on America’s “if”; does it mean that Iranian Iranian role as Iran is the only partnership. Arab role in the political strategy Iranian-backed Houthis can estab- actions led to the Syrian holocaust, military activity outside its bor- regional support for Iraq politi- The US administration is com- to fight terrorism, despite the fact lish another partnership between with the regime under the protec- ders is negative? cally and ideologically. mitted to the Iraqi government, that all Arab states are America’s Washington and Tehran for tion of Russia and Iran. Analysing this statement, John After the US invasion of Iraq, which cannot survive without partners in fighting IS and ter- fighting Al Qaeda in the Arabian There should not be silence on Kirby, the Pentagon spokesman, that country has become an issue support from America and Iran. rorism, as are the backbone of Peninsula, especially on the south- a policy that pushes the whole said: “Our stand on Iran is the on which American and Iranian The Iranians are trying to lever- the coalition against the terrorist ern borders of Saudi Arabia. region towards religious wars and same as before. It is the same interests meet. age this in their negotiations with group. Foreign Policy, an American destruction just because Obama stand we have for any neighbour- The current situation in Iraq the Americans. They want Obama Everybody is busy fighting IS; magazine, has predicted that the wants a deal with Iran. ing country that fights against IS; is more or less transitional. to get more involved in the Iraqi they rarely ask themselves how Houthi takeover of Yemen will lead The author is an academic, a we do not want to do anything The Kurds are waiting for an conflict. they will achieve this goal and to another war between Sunnis and columnist and a political analyst Why there is so much corruption in Kuwait Saudi-Qatar ties fight it to improve our image abroad? large sum of money but it didn’t do so is that the organisations that are meant There are some indicators of corrup- on time, so he, like others, was forced to fight corruption are themselves cor- on strong footing tion that we can mention here: to bribe officials to get his dues from rupt and not impartial. 1. The disuse of laws that prevent the state. The Transparency Organization is BY SALAH AL DEBBAS the spread of corruption in municipali- 3. The state representatives’ cor- dominated by the Muslim Brotherhood, ties. For example, there are six-storey ruption, in the sense that citizens go so it publishes positive reports about here are many factors that prevent the residential complexes built along small to them to finalise their work, which is organisations run by the Muslim development of the GCC, because there is roads. Who gave licences for these delayed due to mismanagement by the Brotherhood’s members, like the Ta social ideology that is greater than any buildings? Were they penalised for that? bureaucracy. The clever representative Ministry of Religious Endowments. political one affecting the values and principles of Regarding education, how come high manages to get all paperwork done in The Deputy Prime Minister and the Council. school students get high scores but can- a short span of time. This is how he Minister of Interior, Sheikh Muhammad Any dispute between any two parties is an excep- not write proper Arabic. Seventy per- benefits from the electors, while the Al Khalid, uncovered corruption at the tion to the norm. This is clear when it comes to cent of the students who applied for the government benefits as he votes for any Religious Endowments Ministry. The the Saudi-Qatari relationship as they have wisely engineering college failed in preparatory laws it wants to implement. These rep- minister revealed what was hidden in managed to overcome temporary problems, which BY DR SHAMLAN YOUSEF exams in Arabic and English languages resentatives play a major role in spread- organisations that claim to be religious. confirms that their ties transcend the issues of the AL ISSA and mathematics, despite the fact that ing corruption as they accept bribes. But, to be fair, we must say that it is day. they had A grades in high school. 4. Ministers also play a role in spread- not only the Muslim Brotherhood that Both Saudi Arabia and Qatar have proved that ocal newspapers recently pub- This means that those students must ing corruption by favouring their rela- favours its members, as Salafis, nation- politics does not take precedence over social values, lished a report by Transparency have cheated or paid money to get their tives, neighbours or members of their alists and liberals also do the same and ethics, principles and norms, as these two countries LInternational in which Kuwait grades. They may have benefited from tribes and sects and employing them in contribute to corruption. share the same blood. At the end of the day, politics was ranked 67th globally in its nepotism or favouritism based on tribal, government jobs. They get high official It is said that whoever does not fear is more or less an arrangement of human activi- Corruption Perceptions Index 2014. sectarian or family ties. positions without having any admin- punishment acts recklessly. It is time ties where it derives its strength from deep social The year before, Kuwait was ranked 2. The bureaucracy also plays a major istrative or educational skills. Their to activate laws and stop nepotism. It is foundations. 64th, and it occupied a low rank among role. Bureaucrats constantly postpone qualification is their link with a certain time to put the state’s administration in These values and principles define the general Gulf countries, as it was seventh among their decisions and actions, so citizens sheikh who represents one of the elites. private hands in the hope of eliminating framework of their relationship, which in turn Arab countries and the eighth in the and residents bribe them to speed up How can we fight corruption if our corruption. serves the common interests of these two countries. Middle East. their work. A businessman told me once people, their representatives and minis- The author is a researcher and polit- I am taking the case of the Saudi-Qatari ties in This prompts us to ask the people that the government had to pay him a ters are involved in it? The worst thing ical analyst the light of their weight in the GCC. Both states and the government: Why is there are highly effective in any Arab, Gulf or regional so much corruption in our country issue. They have strong social ties. although it was the first country in the The two countries have become regional powers Gulf to have an elected national council that have a strong say on international platforms, which is effective in investigating the which makes them work together for the benefit performance of the executive authority? of their people and the entire Arab, Islamic and Our country enjoys media freedom Gulf region. that other Arabs envy, we have regu- The proof of their strength is reflected in how latory authorities looking into public they do not allow politics to affect their relations funds, such as an audit bureau and an even in the worst circumstances, when they disa- anti-corruption body, and we also have gree on some issues. an independent, impartial judiciary. It is necessary and important that these two Our society is an open-minded, edu- countries stay in a state of harmony and agree- cated community that freely discusses ment, which is for everyone’s benefit. issues in gatherings and on intellectual This has been truly proven in the past, and its forums. Finally, we have diverse groups fruits will be harvested in the coming days as we like the Islamic and liberal parties. So, pass through a complicated political phase that why does our country occupy the last requires continuous efforts from our leaders to rank in the Gulf? overcome challenges, cross bridges and build a wise Comparing Kuwait with the other political framework that transcends any disputes. Gulf countries is not fair. We have regu- These two countries have qualified skills that can latory bodies that have the authority be invested for the benefit of the whole region. They to request any information concerning have huge influence that enables them to achieve public funds. The other Gulf countries successes for themselves and the entire region. do not have such bodies, and I do not Nothing can disturb the relationship between think their governments easily give these two countries after they overcame one of the information in this regard. hardest phases at the end of King Abdullah’s rule While there is widespread cor- and the beginning of the new Custodian of the Holy ruption all over the world, including Mosques’ rule. in Kuwait and the other Gulf coun- They have the wisdom to understand new chal- tries, what concerns me is the reason lenges with an open mind, which guarantees the behind corruption in our country. Who security of these two countries. is responsible for it? And how can we The nearly empty Kuwaiti Parliament during a session in Kuwait City. Corrupt lawmakers also play a role in spreading graft. The author is a columnist THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 MIDDLE EAST 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Concern over civilians as forces encircle Tikrit Around 30,000 fighters for biggest anti-IS operation

KIRKUK, IRAQ: Concern successfully completed — and in described the operation as an mounted yesterday over the record time — by clearing the opportunity to avenge last June’s fate of civilians in Tikrit where areas in the east of the province,” IS massacre of hundreds of new, Iraqi forces were trying to trap he said. mostly Shia, recruits from the Islamic State (IS) group on the The government advance has nearby base of Speicher. third day of a huge offensive to been slowed by car bombs, road- Some Sunni tribes have been retake the city. side bombs and sniper fire, as IS accused of taking part in the mas- Around 30,000 security forces fighters retreated to urban posi- sacre, considered the worst of its and allied fighters launched tions but seemed unable to fight kind since IS swept through Iraq’s on Monday the biggest anti-IS back in open areas. Sunni heartland and beyond the ground operation yet in Iraq, same month. closing in on Tikrit from at least REVENGE KILLINGS Prime Minister Haider Al three directions. Government forces, Shia mili- Abadi said on Sunday when he A senior commander said tias and volunteer units have been announced the Tikrit operation operations were focused on cut- supported by Iraqi jets and heli- that residents should turn on IS. ting supply lines of weapons and copters, as well as Iran. Speaking to parliament the reinforcements to the jihadists, “This is the most overt con- next day, he said that “in this who seized the city since June. duct of Iranian support,” General battle, there is no neutral party,” The next step will be to “sur- Martin Dempsey, chairman of the arguing that anyone choosing round the towns completely, suf- US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said. neutrality was effectively siding Major General Emad Al Zahiri, commander of the Samara military operation, speaking to soldiers on the frontlines focate them and then pounce on “Frankly, it would only be with IS. near Tikrit, Iraq, yesterday. them,” Lieutenant General Abdel a problem if it resulted in “Abadi’s statement that there Amir Al Zaidi said. sectarianism.” can be no neutrality is worrying,” “We left with a ‘guide’, a guy and back,” he joked, referring to said Tikrit is a stepping stone Troops have still not retaken But sectarian-fuelled revenge said Joe Stork, deputy Middle who knows the roads. We were the annual Muslim pilgrimage to towards an even more ambitious Ad-Dawr to the south and Al killings have been a feature of East and North Africa director five families, and paid him $1,000 Makkah in Saudi Arabia. operation of retaking second city Alam to the north, but some units past operations and rights groups at Human Rights Watch. (¤900) each,” he said by telephone Tikrit, a Sunni city 160km Mosul to the north, which has were already on the edge of the expressed concern yesterday. Many civilians fled the cities from Kirkuk. north of Baghdad on the Tigris been IS’s main Iraqi hub. city, military sources said. “We are concerned about conquered by IS last year but the The Kurdish-controlled city of River, is of both strategic and Defence Minister Khaled Zaidi said the operation had the possible recurrence and group has recently prevent resi- Kirkuk is only 100km away but symbolic importance in Baghdad’s Al Obeidi said after meet- already secured areas further increase of such attacks in the dent from leaving in some recent the route they took was a huge fight against IS. ing his Turkish counterpart, out in Salaheddin province and ongoing operations,” Amnesty cases. A former army officer who loop through the desert that It is the hometown of former Ismet Yilmaz, that Ankara had forcing IS fighters to regroup in International’s senior cri- gave his name as Abu Ahmad fled saw them cover eight times that the late president Saddam expressed “total willingness to urban areas. sis response adviser Donatella the town of Al Alam with his wife distance. Hussein, the remnants of whose help Iraq in all fields, whether in “The first phase of the bat- Rovera said. and five children Sunday and said “In the time it took us to get Baath party have collaborated training, arming or equipment.” tle to liberate Salaheddin was Some leaders and fighters have he had to pay a smuggler. here, I could have gone to Haj with IS. Commanders have also AFP Libyan rival forces strike airports Turkish court fines Erdogan BENGHAZI: Forces from the conflict is steadily tipping the “Two MiG warplanes had tar- caused no major damage. for rubbishing sculpture Libya’s internationally recog- North African state into chaos. geted the runway but they missed “We have conducted air strikes ANKARA: A Turkish court has ordered President Tayyip Erdogan nised government carried out Two unidentified warplanes the target. But they bombed the on Maitiga airport. We will not to pay compensation to a sculptor whose work he described as a air strikes on a Tripoli airport yesterday bombed the airport lighting system, which will force stop bombing Maitiga because monstrosity, turning the tables on the leader after members of the after unidentified warplanes of the western Libyan town of us to suspend all flights after sun- it is illegal and allows warplanes public have repeatedly faced legal action for insulting him. attacked one of its allied towns, Zintan, which is allied with the set,” said Zintan aviation official to take off and bomb Zintan,” a Among them were a 13-year-old boy who was questioned this week in escalating violence a day internationally recognised gov- Omar Matoog, without saying spokesman for Haftar’s forces for a Facebook post and a former Miss Turkey beauty queen facing before United Nations peace ernment. Electricity systems who was responsible. “The airport said. Fighting and air strikes possible jail for alleged derogatory tweets. talks. were damaged but not the run- is still working normally.” have escalated even as the United Erdogan’s 2011 remarks about the imposing statue — entitled Libya is caught in fighting way, a local official said. Hours later, jets from the rec- Nations prepares to restart nego- Humanity Monument and perched on a hill above the eastern city of between two rival governments, Zintan has been hit before by ognised government’s forces, com- tiations today between the two Kars — went down badly with its creator Mehmet Aksoy, who launched their local allies and their armed forces from Libya Dawn, which manded by Gen Khalifa Haftar, hit factions in an attempt to broker legal proceedings against him. A court in Istanbul ruled in favour of forces. All are battling for con- took over Tripoli during fighting Maitiga airport in Tripoli. A source a ceasefire, form a unity govern- Aksoy, ordering Erdogan to pay 10,000 lira ($3,906) in damages for the trol, four years after a civil war in the summer and set up its own at the airport said the bombs hit an ment and put Libya back on track comments, made during an official visit. ousted Muammar Gaddafi, and self-declared government. area near the airport runway but to stability. REUTERS “Everyone is entitled to their opinion... but a prime minister address- ing people at a major square in a city as if this is a state view is unac- ceptable,” Aksoy said. Erdogan’s lawyers argued that he was simply offering a critique of the sculpture, which depicted two figures facing each other and has subsequently been dismantled, according to the Hurriyet Daily News. Sixteen injured Aksoy said he believed Erdogan’s lawyers would appeal, but vowed in Cairo fire a party for his artist friends if he receives the money. CAIRO: At least 16 people were injured yesterday when a large Egypt confirms jail terms for fire broke out at a convention centre in a northeastern Cairo policemen over activist death neighbourhood, medical and security sources said. CAIRO: An Egyptian court upheld yesterday 10-year jail terms The cause of the fire was not against two policemen convicted of killing an activist whose death immediately clear. Firefighters rallied protesters in the 2011 revolt that toppled ex-strongman spent more than two hours bat- Hosni Mubarak. tling the blaze, which state media In March 2014, a lower court handed the two policemen the jail said earlier had reached the terms after a retrial for the manslaughter and torture of Khalid Saeed main hall of the centre. Health in 2010 at an Internet cafe in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria. Ministry spokesman Hossam The Court of Cassation rejected the policemen’s appeal against that Abdel Ghaffar said 16 people verdict, a judicial official said, adding that yesterday’s ruling was final. were wounded in the fire. Saeed’s death galvanised protests against Mubarak after pictures Interior Ministry spokesman emerged online of the 28-year-old’s mangled face. Hani Abdellatif told state television The then government further enraged Mubarak’s opponents when the initial investigation showed the it tried to cover up the killing by alleging he choked on a bag of drugs. fire may have started in a closed A forensic report issued later said he died of asphyxiation after being office and spread through central beaten, and that the packet of drugs was thrust in his mouth when air-conditioning vents. he was unconscious. The fire sent dark plumes of A Facebook group entitled “We are all Khaled Saeed” helped organise smoke rising above the building the 18-day protests that drove Mubarak’s police force from the streets near a busy highway in the Nasr and forced him to resign in February 2011. City district. The convention cen- But Saeed’s sister, Zahra, said the 10-year jail term was insufficient. tre regularly hosts conferences, “Justice will be served only when they receive a death sentence as expositions and concerts . An Egyptian firefighter tries to extinguish a fire at Cairo International Convention Centre in Nasr City district they killed my brother,” she said. AFP REUTERS yesterday. Egypt warns women against 34 dead as Syria rebels attack intelligence HQ marrying IS fighters online BEIRUT: Syrian rebels separate rebel shelling of regime- a network of sources inside Syria. the air force intelligence offices launched a fierce attack yes- controlled areas, he said. The rebels faced heavy resist- and surrounding buildings”. CAIRO: Egypt’s state-sponsored Islamic authority warned women terday on an intelligence head- The attack began with a huge ence from government troops sup- The attack was the worst yesterday against marrying fighters from the Islamic State (IS) quarters in Aleppo, leaving at blast from explosives in a tunnel ported by fighters from Lebanese reported violence in Aleppo since group online, saying such unions would push them into a “circle of least 34 dead, days after the near the intelligence building, the Shia militant group Hezbollah, a the rebels on Sunday rejected a terrorism”.Dar Al Ifta, the body that issues rulings on Shariah law, opposition rejected a UN cease- Observatory and a Syrian mili- key backer of Syrian President UN plan to freeze fighting in the said it made the warning after noticing several IS calls on social fire plan for the city. tary source said. Bashar Al Assad, it said. northern city. UN envoy Staffan networks for girls to marry its jihadists “through video conferences”. At least 20 members of regime “Gunmen blew up a tunnel that The assault was repelled with de Mistura has made the plan for “Dar Al Ifta warns girls from adhering to these calls that go against security forces and 14 rebels they dug (into the regime-con- the help of regime air strikes on a temporary ceasefire in Aleppo sharia,” a statement said. Such actions would push them into “the were killed in a powerful blast trolled sector) and then attacked rebel positions and the clashes the centrepiece of his efforts to circle of extremism and terrorism through illegitimate marriages that and attack targeting air force the area surrounding the air force eventually subsided. bring any kind of halt to the con- neither please Allah or his Prophet.” intelligence offices in the west of intelligence headquarters,” the mil- “Dozens of (rebel) gunmen flict in Syria, where more than The London-based Institute for Strategic Dialogue said in a recent Aleppo, the Syrian Observatory itary source said. A journalist in were killed in artillery and air 220,000 people have been killed report that women joining the extremist group in Iraq and Syria are for Human Rights. eastern Aleppo said the blast was strikes. The situation is quiet now since it erupted in March 2011. expected to marry its fighters, keep house and bear children. “The goal was to storm the loud enough to be heard across the in the area. There are minor spo- De Mistura in October unveiled Since December, Egypt has imposed restrictions on male citizens building and to control it, but city. Rebels from several factions radic clashes,” the Syrian military the proposal to suspend fighting between the ages of 18 and 40 travelling to Turkey and Libya to stop they failed,” Rami Abdel Rahman, then launched on assault on the source said. Al Qaeda’s affiliate in Aleppo to allow humanitarian them from joining organisations like the Islamic State, which has cap- the director of the Britain-based building, part of which had col- in Syria, Al Nusra Front, said on aid deliveries and make a first tured swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria and is now present in Libya. monitoring group, said. lapsed from the explosion, said Twitter that its forces, along with step towards a broader political AFP Six civilians were also killed in the Observatory, which relies on other rebel factions, had “stormed deal. REUTERS THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 EUROPE / AMERICAS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 SC divided over Obamacare challenge Throwing out subsidies could cause an insurance ‘death spiral’, says Kennedy; decision due by end of June

WASHINGTON: The US against the government, it could Affordable Care Act, narrowly Supreme Court appeared give states time to prepare for the passed by Congress in 2010 divided on ideological lines impact by saying the ruling would over unified Republican opposi- yesterday as it heard a second only go into effect at the end of tion, aimed to help millions of major challenge to President the year. Americans who lacked any health Barack Obama’s healthcare law, Kennedy’s concerns focused on insurance afford coverage. targeting tax subsidies intended the possibility that if the law allows The case does not affect peo- to help people afford insurance, subsidies only for states that set ple who obtain health insurance with Justice Anthony Kennedy up their own insurance exchanges, through their employer. The appearing to be the possible it would raise a new, more serious legal question, hinging on just swing vote in a decision. question about whether the law a few words in the expansive Kennedy, a conservative on the is unconstitutionally coercive by law, is whether only people who nine-member court who often essentially punishing states that have bought insurance on state casts the deciding vote in close fail to establish exchanges. exchanges qualify for the tax- cases, raised concerns to lawyers “There’s a serious constitu- credit subsidies. on both sides about the possible tional problem if we adopt your Thirteen states and the District negative impact on states if the argument,” he said to the chal- of Columbia have set up such government loses the case, sug- lengers’ lawyer, Michael Carvin. exchanges, with another 34 run by gesting he could back the Obama Kennedy said throwing out the federal government and three administration. But he did not subsidies would unlawfully pres- operating as state-federal hybrids. commit to supporting either side. sure states and cause an insur- The first time Obamacare came Chief Justice John Roberts, ance “death spiral.” Kennedy before the nine justices three who was the key vote in 2012 in added that the challengers may years ago, the court was split upholding the healthcare law in win anyway based on the plain 5-4. Chief Justice John Roberts, the previous challenge, said lit- meaning of the provision at issue. a conservative appointed by presi- tle during the argument to signal A decision is due by the end of dent George W Bush, was the key Demonstrators in favour of Obamacare gather at the Supreme Court building in Washington yesterday. how he might vote. The court’s June. If the court rules against the swing vote, siding with the court’s four liberals all appeared sup- Obama administration, up to 7.5 four liberals to uphold the law on That provision says subsidies based on the plain meaning of getting struck down has dimin- portive of the government, while million people in at least 34 states constitutional grounds. are available to those buying that phrase. ished significantly. ... All you need conservatives Antonin Scalia and would lose the subsidies that help The court will be focusing on insurance on exchanges “estab- Kennedy’s comments gave the really is one of the question-mark Samuel Alito asked questions low- and moderate-income peo- whether a four-word phrase in lished by the state.” The chal- impression he would side with the justices to signal how they’re sympathetic to the challengers. ple buy private health insurance, the law has been correctly inter- lengers, financed by a libertarian government, several analysts said. leaning and I think we got that At one point during the according to the consulting firm preted by the administration to Washington group called the “I think people are reading that as today,” said Brian Tanquilut, hos- 85-minute oral argument, Alito Avalere Health. allow subsidies to be available Competitive Enterprise Institute, this is a de-risking event for the pital sector analyst for Jefferies. suggested that if the court rules The Democratic-backed nationwide. say the government should lose hospitals, that the likelihood of it REUTERS Ferguson police officer Dozen drone sightings baffle Paris not to be prosecuted

PARIS: Paris police yester- and around the Paris ring road. arrested last month in the Bois were made near the US embassy, WASHINGTON: The US Justice Department said yesterday it day said that the public had French authorities are still de Boulogne park on the western the Eiffel Tower and several won’t prosecute the Ferguson, Missouri police officer who shot reported around a dozen drone scratching their heads to find edge of the French capital along major thoroughfares leading in and killed unarmed black teenager Michael Brown last August, sightings over sensitive areas of a motive for the drone flights, with two other journalists. and out of the French capital, touching off nationwide outrage. Its decision not to prosecute the French capital — the latest as Interior Minister Bernard The two others were released police said. Darren Wilson on federal civil rights charges was issued along- in a baffling series of overflights. Cazeneuve announced late on and Redman pleaded guilty to Police have been unable to side a report that faulted the police department in the St Louis Authorities are now scrambling Tuesday that there had been flying a drone over the capital, catch any of the operators of the suburb for systematically targeting African-Americans. “Because to work out “if all the reports around 60 incidents over nuclear which is illegal under French law. night-time flights and it is unclear Wilson did not act with the requisite criminal intent, it cannot were really drone flights”, said a plants or over Paris since October. Their arrest followed two nights whether they were the work of be proven beyond reasonable doubt to a jury that he violated police source. On Tuesday, a court fined a of unexplained drone sightings pranksters, tourists or something (Brown’s civil rights) when he fired his weapon at Brown,” it said. No arrests were made over the British journalist $1,100 for fly- over the French capital, although more malicious. France remains “For the reasons set forth above, this matter lacks prosecutive flights, which reportedly took ing a drone over central Paris and a source with knowledge of the on high alert after jihadist attacks merit and should be closed.” place overnight near the River confiscated his machine. Tristan case said the journalists were not in and around the French capital Seine, the Place de la Concorde, Redman, 34, from the Qatar- involved in the earlier incidents. in January left 17 people dead. the Invalides military museum based network Al Jazeera, was Those mysterious sightings AFP Elderly are not aliens: Pope

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis urged his followers at his weekly prayer yesterday to show affection and respect for the elderly, 17 killed in Donetsk coal mine blast saying they must not be treated as “aliens”. “It’s a mortal sin to discard our elderly,” said the Pope, seen by his supporters as UKIP pledges a champion of the poor and marginalised. “The elderly are not aliens, we are them, in a short or in a long while; we are inevitably them, although we choose not to think about it,” he told 12,000 to end mass followers gathered on Saint Peter’s Square. “A society where the elderly are discarded carries within it the virus of death,” said immigration the 78-year-old Argentinian pontiff. The Pope said that while life expectancy has increased in recent decades, old age is treated LONDON: Britain’s anti-EU like “an illness to be kept at arm’s length”. He warned his follow- UK Independence Party prom- ers: “If we do not learn to look after and to respect our elderly, ised yesterday to stop “mass we will be treated in the same way.” immigration” if it has any influ- ence in the next government, Ireland tells diaspora to come home saying it thought less than 50,000 net immigrants a year DUBLIN: Ireland’s government this week launched a new pro- was about the right figure. gramme called “Global Irish” designed to attract thousands of emi- Eyeing a possible break- grants who left during the financial crisis to return. The new policy through at a national election on includes support services for Irish emigrants who have returned May 7, UKIP hopes to tap into and practical information about moving back. “Some of these peo- public frustration about rising ple left hoping to return to Ireland if the economy got better and immigration, now running at there were jobs available for them,” Ireland’s Diaspora Minister around 300,000 people net per Jimmy Deenihan said. “We hope to create the environment and the year despite a promise by Prime economic climate to give them an incentive to come back,” he said, Minister David Cameron to bring hinting at possible tax reform. An estimated 240,000 Irish citizens it down to the “tens of thousands.” left the country since the onset of the crisis in 2008 that ravaged UKIP, with just two of 650 Valentina Dzuba, 72, mother of a miner, cries outside the Zasyadko coal mine in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, after the Irish economy, with most leaving to find work abroad. seats in the lower house of parlia- the mine was rocked by an explosion yesterday. Seventeen died and the fate of 16 more remains unknown. ment but threatening Cameron’s 280,000 migrants entered EU in 2014 chances of being re-elected by splitting the right-wing vote, last WARSAW: Nearly triple the number of migrants entered the year said it wanted to cut work- European Union in 2014 compared to the previous year, mainly due related migration down to a net to refugees fleeing war in Syria, the bloc’s border agency said yester- 50,000 people a year. day. “Around 280,000 migrants entered the EU in 2014 compared to But, outlining the party’s immi- Boston bombings terror trial begins just over 100,000 in the previous year. It’s a huge increase,” Frontex gration policy on Wednesday, spokeswoman Ewa Moncure said. Hundreds of people have died in UKIP leader Nigel Farage did BOSTON: Gruesome details client had planted the bombs, tell- to shred flesh, shatter bones, set recent months as waves of migrants from North Africa and Middle not cite a specific cap, saying of injuries sustained by victims ing jurors bluntly: “It was him.” people on fire,” Weinreb told the East conflict zones try to reach Europe, fuelling criticism of rescue that Cameron’s broken pledge of the Boston Marathon bomb- “We do not and will not at any court. “The purpose was to kill and efforts. Italian authorities said yesterday that at least 10 more peo- had “devalued” the concept. “We ings were recounted to jurors point sidestep or attempt to side- maim as many people as possible.” ple died after a boat capsized off Sicily when the migrants aboard want sensible, controlled numbers yesterday as lawyers for the step Dzhokhar’s responsibility for Tsarnaev showed no emo- rushed to meet rescuers. “The reasons for the dramatic increase of people who come to this country, Muslim student on trial for the his actions,” she said. She said the tion as the details of his alleged in migration are many: The dramatic situation in Syria, Eritrea, but people who have got skills and attack admitted he carried out defence would agree with the gov- crimes were read out. Tsarnaev, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq combined trades that will benefit this nation the bloody assault. ernment about much of the evi- who became a US citizen in 2012, with the fact that Libya is de facto a failed state without function- ... We don’t want mass immigration Nearly two years after what was dence and instead appealed on the has pleaded not guilty to 30 charges ing law enforcement,” Moncure said. to continue on its current rate,” he the worst attack on US soil since jury to keep their hearts and minds over the attacks, the subsequent told party supporters. 9/11, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s trial got open for the second half of the trial killing of a police officer, a car jack- Mexico nabs Zetas drug cartel leader UKIP’s policy would hinge on under way in a federal court packed focused on the sentencing. ing and shootout with police while its stated desire for Britain to with victims, survivors and the Government prosecutors, on the run. MEXICO CITY: Mexican federal forces captured Zetas drug leave the EU with its freedom media. Prosecutors said Tsarnaev, meanwhile, painted the picture of Seventeen of the 30 charges cartel leader Omar Trevino in an upper-class suburb of the of movement rules that give EU 21, had carried out the attacks to a cold, callous killer who calmy against him carry the possibility northern industrial city of Monterrey yesterday, dealing a new nationals the right to work any- avenge the deaths of Muslims over- shopped for milk just 20 minutes of a death penalty under federal blow to the feared gang. The suspect known as “Z-42” was where in the bloc. seas after learning how to build later as paramedics battled in law. Massachusetts abolished the detained by federal police and soldiers in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Cameron has committed, if pressure-cooker bombs through vain to save a mortally wounded death penalty in 1984 and no one Nuevo Leon state, two federal officials said. Trevino, 41, took the re-elected, to re-negotiating Al Qaeda propaganda. eight-year-old boy. has been executed in the state since helm of the Zetas after his brother, Miguel Angel Trevino, or Britain’s ties with the EU and The Kyrgyzstan-born US citi- Assistant US attorney William 1947. The jury of eight men and 10 “Z-40,” was captured by marines in the northeastern state of has vowed a membership refer- zen faces the death penalty if Weinreb used much of his women was sworn in on Tuesday Tamaulipas in July 2013. The US State Department had offered endum by the end of 2017. convicted of the bombings which 50-minute address to empha- after a two-month selection proc- a $5m reward for information leading to Omar Trevino’s arrest. Farage’s comments sparked killed three people and wounded sise the horror unleashed when ess delayed by historic snowfall Mexican authorities offered a $2m bounty. His arrest comes on accusations from some British 264, on April 15, 2013. Tsarnaev and his 26-year-old and repeated attempts to move the heels of another major coup for the government, the capture media and his political rivals that In a dramatic opening state- brother Tamerlan allegedly planted the trial elsewhere, rejected by last Friday of Mexico’s most wanted man, Knights Templar car- he had performed a U-turn. ment by Tsarnaev’s defence team, two bombs near the race finish line. District Judge George O’Toole. tel leader Servando “La Tuta” Gomez. AGENCIES REUTERS attorney Judy Clarke admitted the “The purpose of this bomb was AFP THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / AFRICA China’s defence budget to rise 10pc Increase in military spending could unnerve neighbouring nations as Japan says figures lack transparency

BEIJING: China’s defence budget this the US-Japan alliance.” percent rise over the allocation for 2014- year will rise about 10 percent com- The US Army’s commander in Asia 15. Defence analysts said it may not be pared with 2014, a top government told Reuters China’s rapidly increasing enough to acquire fighter planes, subma- official said yesterday, outpacing the defence spending would only be a cause rines and warships all at once. slowing economy as the country ramps for alarm if Beijing used its resources to In addition to the Obama administra- up investment in high-tech equipment be provocative — as had happened in some tion’s proposed $534bn base budget, it such as submarines and stealth jets. parts of Asia. General Vincent Brooks also wants to spend $51bn in war funds Parliament spokeswoman Fu Ying cited “bullying behaviours that happen as it urged Congress to end cuts it says told reporters the actual figure would in the sea and in the air,” or “pressuring erode US military power. be released today, when the annual ses- that’s being done in bilateral dialogues Fu said China faced greater challenges sion of the largely rubber-stamp National with countries to be prepared to make in modernising its military than “great People’s Congress opens. a choice between the relationship with powers”. “We have to rely on ourselves Last year, defence spending was budg- the US and the relationship with China.” for most of our military equipment and eted to rise 12.2 percent to $130bn, sec- Other examples include “extraordinary research and development,” Fu said. ond only to the US Pentagon’s proposed maritime reclamation work” by China “Fundamentally speaking, China’s $534bn base budget. in the South China Sea, he said in an defence policy is defensive in nature. This is The official Xinhua news agency said interview. clearly defined in the constitution. We will the 2015 target — which would put Brooks said China was investing in not easily change this direction and princi- defence outlays at around $145bn — defence at a pace “that really no one ple.” Serving and retired military officers would represent the slowest growth in can keep parallel with” and this showed have said pervasive graft has undermined military spending in five years. the need for closer US interaction with the armed forces’ prowess and morale China has logged a nearly unbroken Beijing’s military. among the rank and file, a problem robust two-decade run of double-digit budget India is working to narrow the military spending may help alleviate. increases, though many experts think the gap with China, which has unnerved New Former top military officers have country’s real defence outlays are larger Delhi with forays into the Indian Ocean. been among the most powerful people than stated. An Indian defence official looking at ensnared as Chinese President Xi Jinping The military build-up has rattled Chinese military officers arrive at the Great Hall of the People for the annual session of regional security issues said the double- has pursued corrupt officials in all walks nerves around the region, particularly digit rise was no surprise. of life. While Beijing keeps the details of China’s parliament in Beijing yesterday. as China has taken an increasingly robust “There was some talk it could slow its military spending secret, experts have line on its territorial disputes in the East down in view of the economic slowdown, said additional funding would likely go and South China Seas. the figure “lacks transparency.” for various reasons,” he added. but our sense was modernisation will towards beefing up the navy with anti- Asked about China’s defence spend- “It is true, regardless of China’s defence “On top of our own efforts in the field remain on track,” the official said. submarine ships and developing aircraft ing, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary spending, that the security situation in of diplomacy and defence, it is extremely India has announced a $40bn defence carriers beyond a sole vessel in operation. Yoshihide Suga said Japan was concerned the region surrounding Japan is severe important for our country to strengthen budget for 2015-16, representing a 7.9 REUTERS

WWII Japanese ship found in Diplomats want end to Bangladesh political violence DHAKA: Diplomats called for wanted to see “confidence-building of today’s resumption of hearings Philippines, an end to the violent unrest in measures, including de-escalation in a corruption trial against Zia Bangladesh as tensions rose of Bangladesh’s political conflict”. in the capital. further yesterday when opposi- The unrest began at the begin- Zia failed to appear, even says US tycoon tion leader Khaleda Zia again ning of the year when two-time though a court last week issued failed to appear at a corruption former leader Zia called her sup- an arrest warrant against her for MANILA: Microsoft co- trial despite facing the threat porters to try to enforce a nation- not attending earlier hearings. founder Paul Allen said yester- of arrest. wide transport blockade in an Authorities have so far made no day he had found one of Japan’s Mission heads from nine coun- effort to topple current Prime attempt to execute the warrant. biggest and most famous bat- tries, including the United States Minister Sheikh Hasina and pave Lawyers of the BNP leader say tleships on a Philippine seabed, and several European countries, the way for new polls. she cannot attend as she is being some 70 years after American met Zia at her office late Tuesday Violence unleashed by the pro- confined to her office by security forces sank it during World where the Bangladesh Nationalist tests has so far left at least 108 forces who are posted outside, and War II. Party leader has been holed up people dead, many of them vic- also say she has no confidence in Excited historians likened the since early January. tims of firebomb attacks on buses the court. “How do you expect discovery, if verified, to finding “Recalling previous statements and trucks carried out by opposi- that she would appear at the the Titanic, as they hailed the on recent events in Bangladesh, tion hardliners in a bid to enforce hearing? Her convoy was attacked American billionaire for his high- and those by the United the blockade. when she last came here,” her tech mission that apparently suc- Nations, we called for an end to The United Nations and the lawyer Sanaullah Miah said out- ceeded after so many failed search Bangladesh’s continuing violence,” European Union, Dhaka’s top side the court. Khandker Mahbub attempts by others. Australian High Commissioner export destination, have called Hossain, Zia’s chief counsel, said Allen posted photos and video Greg Wilcock said, reading for a dialogue to resolve the cri- the 69-year-old would come to the online of parts of what he said out a statement on behalf of sis. But Hasina has ruled out talks court only if she receives guaran- was the battleship Musashi, found the diplomats. He said the envoys, with Zia, saying polls will not be tees that the government will not Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel yesterday stand guard at a by his M/Y Octopus exploration who also met Foreign Minister held before 2019. The statement shut down her office as soon as special court in Dhaka where the trial of former Bangladesh prime minister vessel one kilometre deep on the A H Mahmood Ali on Sunday, from the diplomats came ahead she leaves. AFP Khaleda Zia is on. floor of the Sibuyan Sea. “World War II battleship Musashi sank 1944 is found,” Allen announced in a Twitter post Close shave at Kathmandu airport that has been re-tweeted close to 19,000 times. Boko Haram bomb The discovery was the end of an eight-year search for the Musashi, backed by historical data from four countries and kills two in Niger using “advanced technology” that surveyed the seabed, Allen said in NIAMEY: A bomb planted a bridge over the Kamadougou a statement on his website. and remotely detonated by river, an officer from Niger said. “I am honoured to play a part Boko Haram militants near In a separate attack, armed in finding this key vessel in naval the southeastern Niger town men on a motorbike killed at history and honouring the mem- of Diffa killed two soldiers and least two people in Kerawa, in the ory of the incredible bravery of wounded a third yesterday, mil- Far North region of Cameroon, the men who served aboard her,” itary sources said. on Tuesday around 2pm (1300 Allen said. It was the first time Niger’s GMT), according to a Cameroon Undersea footage on Allen’s army has reported being attacked army officer who declined to be website showed what were with such a device since it identified. described as a valve, a catapult launched a campaign with Chad, “We think it was a revenge kill- for planes, a gun turret and a Cameroon and Nigeria this year ing. We suspect that a deal went starboard anchor. against the Islamist group. wrong between the two people It also showed the space on the Boko Haram has killed thou- who were killed and Boko Haram. bow for the Japanese empire’s Airline workers unload luggage from a Turkish Airlines plane that skidded off the runway at Kathmandu interna- sands in its bid to set up an That’s the only way to explain Chrysanthemum seal. tional airport yesterday. None of the 224 passengers, who had to be evacuated, was injured. Islamist state in its heartland their presence in that frontier This is a unique feature of of northeast Nigeria. It has also zone,” the officer said. Chad’s the three biggest warships that launched a series of cross-border army, considered one of the best Japan built during World War II, incursions in recent months into in the region and backed by a according to Kazushige Todaka, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. strong air force, first deployed director of the Kure Maritime “We had two soldiers killed to help Cameroon fend off Boko Museum in Japan. Malaysia most preferred by on Wednesday in a remote-con- Haram and is now pressing south- “I’m almost certain that what trolled explosion. We took up the west into Nigerian territory after was discovered is the battleship chase and killed the two militants re-capturing the border town of Musashi,” he said, adding the find Muslim travellers: Survey responsible for the attack” near Gambaru last month. REUTERS had huge historical importance. “There have been so many SINGAPORE: Malaysia is accessibility of “halal” restaurants Fazal Bahardeen. “This includes efforts over the years to locate the most preferred global des- with food prepared to Islamic everything from excellent attrac- Musashi, but they all failed. I feel tination in the fast-growing standards, and the provision of tions, halal food, accommodation, like the warship might have been Muslim travel market, despite prayer rooms at airports, shop- shopping to places for prayers. Former Tamil rebel arrested destined to show itself this year — two catastrophic air disasters ping malls and hotels. Malaysia has one of the best COLOMBO: A former police spokesman Ajith Rohana. the 70th anniversary of the end of that hit the country’s flag-car- Scores in these and other vari- infrastructures for the Muslim Tamil rebel was arrested He said the woman was being World War II,” Todaka said. rier in 2014, a survey showed ables were tabulated into a Global traveller,” he told AFP. at Sri Lanka’s main inter- held at the police Terrorist “With the memory of war slip- yesterday. Muslim Travel Index in which Fazal said 5.9 million Muslim national airport as she was Investigation Department and ping further and further from Turkey, the United Arab Muslim-majority Malaysia came visitors visited Malaysia in 2014, returning to her home in her daughter was allowed to stay people’s minds, I hope this dis- Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar on top with a score of 83.8, fol- up from 5.7 million in 2013. France, along with her eight- with her. covery will help make the public and Indonesia followed Malaysia lowed by Turkey (73.8), UAE The report, the first carried year-old daughter who is a “If the mother agrees, the think about history.” in the ranking of choice holiday (72.1), Saudi Arabia (71.3), Qatar out jointly by Crescentrating and French national, police said daughter can be handed over to Manolo Quezon, a prominent destinations for Muslim trav- (68.2) and Indonesia (67.5). MasterCard, involved 81 non- yesterday. a guardian,” Rohana told AFP. historian in the Philippines ellers, said a report by Islamic “For Muslim travellers, Muslim country destinations and Murugesu Jayaganesh “The daughter is not a suspect and the presidential commu- travel specialist Crescentrating Malaysia still remains the top 29 Muslim nations. Pakeerathy, 41, was arrested nor has she been arrested.” nications undersecretary, also and payments giant MasterCard. choice simply because it is a great Its release came just days ahead on Monday before a magis- The French embassy was pro- said the Musashi wreck would The report evaluates countries holiday destination for families of the first anniversary of the trate ordered her detained for viding consular assistance but be a “major” historical find if in terms of their attentiveness while offering a very Muslim still-unsolved disappearance of 72 hours pending investigations gave no further details. verified. to the needs of Muslim travel- friendly environment,” said Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 by an anti-terrorism unit, said AFP AFP lers, including the presence and Crescentrating chief executive on March 8, 2014. AFP THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 River protection day Afghan forces kill gunmen in battle to free hostages Operation continues to free 30 kidnapped passengers

KANDAHAR: Afghan secu- their hard-line rule in the late fighters. Hazaras, who largely rity forces have killed dozens of 1990s. follow the Shia sect, were perse- militants in a military opera- A team of Afghan army, police cuted under the Taliban’s Sunni tion aimed at freeing a group and intelligence agents had iden- Islamist rule, but outbreaks of of civilian hostages in southern tified several locations where the sectarian violence have been Afghanistan, an army official civilians were being held, but had rare since the Taliban were said yesterday. yet to free any hostages. driven from power by the US-led Masked gunmen kidnapped “The rescue operation is ongo- invasion in 2001. around 30 passengers from two ing,” General Abdul Hameed, The hostages were forced to get buses in the southern province of commander of the 205th Afghan out of the Kabul-bound buses on Zabul last week while they were army corps operating in the south February 23 after producing doc- travelling late at night to the of the country, said. “We have uments showing they belonged to capital, Kabul. killed 48 insurgents and 21 of the Shia group, according to one Eyewitnesses said most pas- them are foreign fighters.” of the bus company’s managers. sengers belonged to the ethnic He identified some militants as The Taliban have not claimed Hazara minority, a group that was local Taliban, but did not indicate responsibility for the kidnapping. persecuted by the Taliban during the nationalities of the foreign REUTERS

A supporter of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forume (PFF) walks next to a camel as she carries an earthen pot filled with rose petals and sweet water offering to perform a ritual, ahead of the international day of action for rivers and against dams, along Karachi’s Clifton beach yesterday. Ghani orders graft review Gates concerned over polio cases for all army supply contracts ISLAMABAD: Bill Gates, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the for the KP government’s Sehat KABUL: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has comment. The probe comes after officials with the founder of Microsoft, tel- central government of PML-N Ka Insaf (Justice for Health) pro- ordered a review of all military logistics con- the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan ephoned Pakistan Tehreek-i- had ignored their differences to gramme. The film is currently tracts after cancelling a $280m fuel supply deal Reconstruction — which monitors the more than Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran jointly launch the Sehat ka Ittehad being premiered across the world. over allegations the bidding process was rigged, $100 billion spent on Afghanistan reconstruction Khan and discussed with him programme for the eradication of Launched by the KP govern- officials said. - met Ghani to discuss concerns about reports of Pakistan’s efforts for eradica- polio from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ment last year, the Sehat Ka Ghani, who was sworn in as president last year bid rigging during the fuel tender process. tion of polio from the country. and Fata. He also appreciated the Insaf programme had success- to replace long-time leader Hamid Karzai, has During his U.S. visit from March 22-25, Ghani is According to sources, Gates role Pakistan Army was playing fully cleared the sewage water vowed to root out endemic graft. Afghanistan expected to lobby Washington to slow the planned who is also the co-founder of Bill for the success of the programme. in Peshawar from the poliovirus. was ranked as the world’s fourth most corrupt withdrawal of troops from the country through and Melinda Gates Foundation He informed the PTI chief However, the virus has returned country last year by the watchdog Transparency 2016. was concerned about the increas- about efforts being taken in to the city with the influx of dis- International. Since taking office in September, Ghani has ing cases of polio in Pakistan. Africa against the crippling dis- placed people into the province The move to tackle corruption comes ahead worked hard to rebuild ties with its greatest He said 80 percent of polio ease and stressed the need for from Fata due to ongoing mili- of Ghani’s visit to the United States later this benefactor, after relations with his predecessor cases found all over the world Pakistan to learn from the conti- tary operations there. The PTI month as the president seeks to reassure aid soured. were reported from Pakistan. nent’s experiences. He said Africa chief said a delegation of World donors that cash will be more carefully spent An Afghan government official confirmed the He, however, hoped the country would hopefully be declared polio- Health Organisation told him than in the past. fuel contracts had been cancelled because of the would expedite its efforts against free this year. that Pakistan needed a joint Twelve logistics contracts — from uniforms to US investigation. the crippling disease and would Imran Khan thanked Gates for campaign by the KP and central rice for the troops - are being scrutinized, accord- “The president has appointed a delegation to soon become a polio-free country. producing an international docu- governments for the eradication ing to Hamidullah Farooqi, an economist appointed investigate all logistics contracts, including fuel,” Gates appreciated that the mentary film, Every Last Child, of polio from the country. to lead the inquiry. said the official, who asked not to be identified due PTI-led provincial government which is trying to win support INTERNEWS “We expect to have the first stage done in the to the sensitivity of the matter. next week or two,” Farooqi said, declining further REUTERS

Pakistan probes From AK47s to drones, ‘war $65m transaction from Malaysia ISLAMABAD: The Federal rugs’ reflect bloody decades Board of Revenue (FBR) of Pakistan has asked the State KABUL: More than three reminder of the 9/11 attacks that kind of country they have been Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to decades of war have damaged prompted the invasion, showing to,” he said. share details of account hold- Afghanistan’s once-thriving the World Trade Center’s twin Foreign soldiers used to be the ers who made $65m suspicious carpet industry, but weavers are towers with planes nearly hitting main buyers, he said, but now transaction from Malaysia to tapping into the bloody past to them, overlaid with Afghan and very few of them remain after Pakistan in order to apprehend boost their fortunes with “war US flags and a peace dove. Nato’s drawdown of forces. potential tax dodgers, it was rugs” depicting guns, tanks and Carpets with pictures of Nato ended its combat mission learnt yesterday. warplanes. Soviet troops withdrawing from on December 31 after 13 years of According to official commu- On Chicken Street, the most Afghanistan leaving behind tanks fighting the Taliban insurgency nication sent to Governor SBP famous street in Afghanistan and Kalashnikovs also feature. in Afghanistan and downsized Ashraf Mahmood Wathra by the during the “hippie trail” tour- The US-led war in Afghanistan its forces from a peak of 130,000 FBR, the tax authorities have ist days of the late 60s and 70s brought with it a flood of expats — in 2012 to about 17,000, who will required details of bank accounts and still the place to come for aid workers, diplomats and secu- focus on training the Afghan police in which $65m were transferred souvenirs, some of the carpets in rity contractors — bringing boom and army and conducting a limited from Malaysia to Pakistan so the shops look like pages of the times for carpet sellers. counter-terrorism mission. that aspect of tax evasion could country’s wartorn history.Since Now the expat population is Haref Fazli, another Chicken be investigated thoroughly. the Soviet Union invaded in 1979 falling fast, the rug industry is Street rug seller, said that just The SBP had blocked a trans- Afghanistan has been in a state struggling and the transformation as traditional weavers depicted action of $65m originating from of near-constant conflict, and this in styles is an attempt to attract the natural world of flowers and Malaysia after a foreign bank strife is woven into the fabric — more business from a dwindling animals that surrounded them, generated Suspicious Transaction literally — of the woollen rugs. band of foreigners. so weavers now are showing war, Report (STR).The official com- Helicopters, tanks, A carpet showing the map because war is what has sur- munication sent out by the FBR’s Kalashnikovs, grenades, the of Afghanistan with US fighter rounded them for more than Intelligence and Investigation (I Americans’ distinctive B-52 planes around it and the words three decades. and I) Inland Revenues (IR) to bombers and even drones form “terrorism”, “Pakistan”, “China”, “From long ago the carpet SBP states that the I and 1, IR the designs, in place of the tradi- “USA” and “Britain” costs weavers would weave the map of A carpet bearing images of weaponry, military vehicles and aircraft inside a is empowered by the government tional patterns of landscapes and between $30 and $300 depending Afghanistan on rugs as a sym- shop in Kabul. More than three decades of war have damaged Afghanistan’s to take stern action against those flowers. on its quality. bol of the country, but when war once-thriving carpet industry, but weavers are tapping into the bloody past tax evaders and fraudsters who One has a map of Afghanistan Mohammad Anwar, 62, who has began, the war elements such as to boost their fortunes with “war rugs” depicting guns, tanks and warplanes. are causing huge losses of rev- with “Tora Bora” marked — the been in the business for over 40 guns, tanks and so on were added enues to national exchequer. suspected mountain hideout years, says designs have to keep on the rugs,” he said. dropped drastically as foreigners daunting problems, including a For this purpose, the fed- of Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin up with demand. “These rugs with Carpets have been a main have left. resilient Taliban insurgency and eral government has specifi- Laden, from where he fled the pictures of war in them are for source of income for millions Political uncertainty following widespread corruption, have also cally assigned this task to I and US-led invasion in late 2001. gifts. Foreigners buy them and of Afghans during the years of a disputed presidential election badly hit the carpet business. I, IR through SRO. 115 (1) 2015 Another carries a solemn keep them as a reminder of what war, but business and sales have last year and an array of other . AFP dated 09-2-2015 to investigate STRs and tax amount involved as per provision of Income Tax Ordinance 2001. The FBR has recently handed over powers to Intelligence and Investigation wing of Inland Revenues (IR) to Dual nationality puts civil servants’ jobs at risk investigate STRs with the pur- pose to detect tax evaders. ISLAMABAD: Some four dozen senior Around 16 senior officers hold Canadian as the case may be,” states the proposed of Pakistan Irfan Elahi is a British national, In view of foregoing facts, the government officers of Pakistan may lose citizenship, 11 are British citizens, six amendment bill. official data continued to reveal. FBR has requested the SBP to their jobs if parliament endorses a pro- hold American nationalities, three are The proposed bill seeks to amend arti- Senior officers named Muhammad share the details of beneficiar- posed piece of legislation barring dual Australian nationals, two German, two are cles 177, 193 and 240 for providing a bar on Khalid, Inamullah, Mehboob Alam Khan ies including details of bank citizenship holders from the civil service. citizens of New Zealand and one officer is judges of superior courts and all persons Humaira and Khurram Riaz, who are accounts in which $65m were Presenting its report to the upper Turkish citizen, according to official data in the service of Pakistan from holding Canadian nationals, are working with transferred from Malaysia to house of parliament, the Senate Standing prepared by the Establishment Division. dual nationality or citizenship of a foreign Pakistan Public Works Department. Pakistan to ascertain culprits Committee on Law and Justice proposed PPP Senator Sughra Imam, the mover of country. Both Auditor General of Pakistan in this regard. amendments in the Constitution that for- the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2013, Six officers, who deal with sensitive data Akhtar Buland Rana and Director General Now the government has tabled bid foreigners from serving in the public says government servants must not hold in the National Database Registration Iqbal Mahmood hold Canadian citizenships amendments in AMLA 2010 into sector. dual nationality. “Sensitive data could not Authority, are Director General Fiza while Director Asghar Khan in grade-19 the Parliament with the inten- “The committee held extensive discus- be handed over to dual nationals, passage Shahid holds Australian citizenship, holds British nationality. tion to give more powers to this sions and members were of the view that of this bill will protect our state secrets,” directors Sohail Jahangir and Adnan Syed Pervez Bokhari, chief engineer, Prof law and to bring it in line with [since] persons in the civil service, armed she said. Qureshi are American nationals, direc- Dost Muhammad and Prof Dr Maqsood Financial Action Task Force forces or the judiciary hold positions of “If this bill is passed by parliament then tor Ahmad Kamal Gillani is Canadian and Ahmad are Canadian nationals. Another (FATF), a global network for power, privilege and trust so it must be there will be a time period - 60 days - for deputy directors Waryam Shafqat and officer of Balochistan government Khalida tracking down countries to com- ensured that their stakes are within the the government servants, who are dual Imran Ahmad possess Australian citizen. Durrani is a UK national. ply with international standards. country,” reads the report. nationals to renounce their citizenships, Interestingly Chief Manager of State Bank INTERNEWS INTERNEWS THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA AAP ousts Yadav Holi festival and Bhushan from top body Kejriwal to remain national convenor

NEW DELHI: In a move rejected Kejriwal’s offer to resign that brought into the open the as the party’s national con- schism within, Delhi’s ruling venor. Unlike the larger National AAP yesterday ousted senior Executive, the nine-member PAC leaders Prashant Bhushan and is the last word on AAP policies. Yogendra Yadav from its top The meeting was called after decision-making body, after Bhushan and Yadav were accused weeks of infighting that pitted by Kejriwal supporters of leading the two against Chief Minister a virtual rebellion against the Arvind Kejriwal. AAP leader, sparking an ugly With 19 of the 21 members exchange of words in the media. attending the Aam Aadmi Party’s Earlier, Bhushan and Yadav National Executive, 11 voted to separately told the media that drop Bhushan and Yadav from they were out of the PAC. the Political Affairs Committee Bhushan said: “We have been (PAC) while eight voted against, told that for the time being we party sources said. are no more in the PAC.” He did The two absentees included not elaborate and walked away, Kejriwal, who flew to Bengaluru looking somewhat dejected. to seek 10 days of naturopathy Yadav said he was no more treatment for his persistent cold authorised to make announce- and high blood sugar. ments on behalf of the party. He A PAC member said that there added: “The AAP has been formed Children pose with coloured powder known as gulal used during the Holi festival in Siliguri yesterday. were “dignified exchanges of views” with the sweat and labour of peo- for nearly six hours at the National ple. It should never dash people’s Executive meeting that was held in hopes.” AAP sources said Yadav, a farm house on Delhi’s outskirts who used to extensively take part owned by a party activist. in television debates on behalf of “Fortunately, there were no acri- the party and act as its spokes- CBI raids Trinamool MP’s residence, 2G case: Raja, monious exchanges at the meeting,” man, might be made the head of the source said. “This is our suc- the party’s farmers wing. cess. We had dignified exchanges of Although a clear victory for others to be views. In all, everyone spoke what Kejriwal, the decision exposed 42 locations of Rose Valley Group they wanted to say.” the schism within the party that questioned Emerging from the meeting, was formed only in 2012 and won KOLKATA/AGARTALA: Assam, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Tripura during the raids. A top Yadav, a known political pundit, a thumping 67 of the 70 assembly The CBI yesterday raided the Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, police officer said that the CBI NEW DELHI: A special told the media: “As a disciplined seats last month. Ahead of the meet- Kolkata residence of Trinamool Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu. was scrutinising official docu- court yesterday supplied a worker of the AAP, I will try to ing, AAP supporters gathered at the Congress actor-MP Tapas Paul “Apart from offices, searches are ments of the company. “They draft copy of the questionnaire fulfil whatever role is assigned to site holding placards urging its lead- and 42 other locations of the being conducted at the residential interrogated 12 employees of Rose of 400 questions to former tel- me to the best of my capacity.” ers to stop bickering. “I have come Rose Valley Group across India premises of Rose Valley Group Valley Group.” ecom minister A Raja, DMK AAP spokesman Kumar Vishwas from Shamli (in Uttar Pradesh) to in connection with a multi- chairman Gautam Kundu, manag- In Kolkata, Shibamoy Dutta MP Kanimozhi and others in a said the National Executive had request our leaders not to squabble crore-rupee chit fund scam. ing director Shibamoy Dutta and said the company would cooperate money laundering case related decided that Bhushan, a Supreme like we see in other parties but to Paul, who represents then directors of the group, includ- with the CBI, but assured inves- to 2G spectrum allocation. Court lawyer and a founder mem- remain united,” a man said. Others Krishnanagar in the Lok Sabha, ing Abir Kundu, Ramlal Goswami, tors “there is nothing wrong”. CBI Special Judge O P Saini ber of the AAP, and Yadav won’t held placards that read: “It is bet- was a former director of the group Ashok Kumar Saha and present “At a time when some compa- supplied the draft question- serve in the PAC any more, and ter to be united.” which has been under the scanner Lok Sabha MP Tapas Paul,” said nies have not been able to retain naire — that runs into about they would get new responsibilities. On Tuesday, Kejriwal said he of various central agencies, includ- an official of the Central Bureau people’s faith and have closed 225 pages — to the accused He underlined that the was “deeply hurt and pained” and ing market regulator SEBI, the of Investigation (CBI). down, we have managed to keep which they have to answer as AAP remained a united force. said the open spat was a betrayal Serious Fraud Investigation Office A team of CBI sleuths searched open all our offices and function part of their statement in the “Everyone (in the party) will of the trust that the people of (SFIO) and the Enforcement Paul’s residence for several hours. normally,” Dutta said. case. “The process of drafting together take it forward,” he said. Delhi had put in the AAP. “I Directorate (ED). Kundu, who was grilled by the The corporate affairs ministry of questionnaire is completed “We will do all we can to meet the refuse to be drawn in this ugly The raids were conducted in ED on February 3, had said Paul in 2013 had named Rose Valley as by today itself,” the court said. aspirations of the people of Delhi battle. (I) will concentrate only on 27 locations of the Rose Valley was a director of the group’s one of the 73 companies involved The court fixed the matter and the country.” Delhi’s governance. I won’t let the in West Bengal, seven in Tripura films division. Special CBI teams in ponzi schemes in Bengal. for March 16 for recording The National Executive also people’s trust break at all.” IANS and one location each in Odisha, seized many official documents in IANS the statements of 19 accused including Raja. It had on Oct ober 31, 2014 framed charges of money laundering against Migratory birds Raja, Kanimozhi and others. Insurance bill Spectrum auction elicits Europe lifts ban passed by Rs60,000 crore on Day 1 on mangoes NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha NEW DELHI: A total of six They have together submitted European Commission has rounds of bidding took place earnest money of Rs20,435 crore, lifted the ban on the import of NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Day One of the auctions of which is two-and-a-half times Indian mangoes but not vege- yesterday passed the insurance radio frequency spectrum, or what had been called for. tables, Union Commerce and sector amendment bill, which airwaves, for telecom operators The Department of Telecom Industry Minister Nirmala seeks to hike the foreign equity with a total offer for Rs60,000 (DoT) has selected Kolkata- Sitharaman said. He said the cap on domestic companies crore, sources said yesterday. based mjunction services — an ban on mangoes from India from 26 percent to 49 percent, “We have received bids in all information technology and was lifted through a notifica- despite opposition protests. bands. There was some good bid- Internet company promoted 14 tion by EC on February 12. Formally called the Insurance ding in the 800 MHz and 1,800 years ago as a 50:50 venture by Laws (Amendment) Bill, it seeks MHz bands, whereas 2,100 MHz is Steel Authority of India Ltd and LS passes coal to replace an ordinance that was yet see some traction. Auction will Tata Steel — for conducting the promulgated earlier. The bill now continue tomorrow (Thursday),” spectrum auction. allocation bill faces a crucial test in the Rajya a source said. The bid amount is The matter of auction was Sabha where the ruling BJP does already 50 percent more than what under litigation even before it NEW DELHI: The Lok not enjoy a majority. the government had budgeted for. started. But the Supreme Court Sabha passed the coal alloca- The legislation seeks to raise The total spectrum put to auc- has permitted the government to tion bill providing for vesting foreign investment cap to 49 tion is 103.75 MHz in 800 MHz go ahead with the process from mining leases to successful percent in the sector, while up band, 177.8 MHz in 900 MHz band yesterday but await its directions bidders through a transpar- to 26 percent foreign capital will and 99.2 MHz in 1,800 MHz band before finalisation of the bids. ent bidding process. Coal be under the automatic route. for second generation (2G) teleph- The reserve price approved Minister Piyush Goyal said The balance 23 percent has to ony. The government has also put is Rs3,646 crore pan-India per there was no provision for get the approval of the Foreign up 5 MHz in the 2,100 MHz band MhZ in 800 MHz, Rs3,980 crore denationalisation and work- Investment Promotion Board. third generation (3G) telephony. for 900 MHz band pan-India, and ers interests will not be com- Members of the Left parties The eight telecom service pro- Rs2,191 crore pan-India in 1,800 promised. He said the bill questioned the need for a hike in viders participating in the auctions MHz band. The government has been brought to ensure the FDI limit. Members oppos- are — Reliance Communications, also approved a reserve price of continuity in coal mining ing the bill also pointed out the Migratory bar-headed geese land in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, in Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Rs3,705 crore per megahertz for operations and for promoting minuscule claims rejection rate Assam, yesterday. The birds will stay in the sanctuary for two more Vodafone India, Tata Teleservices, 3G spectrum. optimum utilisation of coal of the Life Insurance Corporation months before they leave for Tibet. Uninor, Idea Cellular and Aircel. IANS resources. of India (LIC) while the rejection rate was around eight percent for Aviation City to be private life insurers. The opposition members said developed in Andhra LIC and the four government- HYDERABAD: The US owned general insurers were like has come forward to develop ducks laying golden eggs and they Kerala HC nixes action in ISRO spy case the Aviation City in Andhra should not be killed by bringing in Pradesh, the state government FDI. Defending the need for hik- KOCHI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: as I am confident that ultimately the truth the division bench and got a favourable ver- said. This was discussed dur- ing the FDI cap, Minister of State The Kerala High Court yesterday dis- will triumph,” Narayanan told reporters in dict yesterday. The Oommen Chandy govern- ing a meeting between Henry for Finance Jayant Sinha said 49 missed a single-bench order directing the the capital city soon after the verdict came ment in 2011 had decided against taking action Steingass, regional director percent was much lesser than in state government to take action against from Kochi. against the three police officers. Narayanan for south and south east Asia many other countries. three police officers, now retired, who had The three police officers are Siby Mathews, had moved the court against the decision and at the US Trade Development The key salient features of the falsely implicated and arrested ISRO offi- K K Joshua and S Vijayan. Narayanan had got this quashed. Agency, and Chief Minister N bill include, among others: cial S Nambi Narayanan in a non-existent sought action against them for falsely impli- The ISRO spy case surfaced in 1994 when Chandrababu Naidu here. An • The bill when passed by Rajya espionage case. cating him in the case. Narayanan, along with another top ISRO offi- airport and Aviation City will Sabha would allow public sector gen- Narayanan said he will now move the After the single-bench verdict last year cial, two Maldivian women and a businessman be developed over 1,000 acres eral insurance companies to raise Supreme Court. quashing the state government’s order to drop was arrested on espionage charges. of land. A 1,000 MW micro funds from the capital market. “This is not a problem at all. I will now charges against the trio, the Kerala govern- The CBI cleared him in 1995 and since then power grid will also be set up • Foreign reinsurers allowed to approach the Supreme Court. The Kerala ment decided against an appeal. he has been fighting a legal battle against the for the proposed project. open branch offices in India. High Court division bench verdict was unex- Thereafter, Mathews, presently the state three police officers. IANS IANS pected. I see this as a temporary setback only chief information commissioner, approached IANS THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

Hyderabad has Muslim chamber best quality of living: Report hails ban on NEW DELHI: Hyderabad has emerged as the city with the best quality of living in India, better than Mumbai and New Delhi. The city is cow slaughter ranked 135 globally in the Mercer’s Quality of Living Report 2015. It is followed VHP shuts abattoirs in Maharashtra by Pune, ranked globally at 145, while other cities rank ALIGARH: The Muslim Court order,” said Mohammad much lower down the order. Chamber of Commerce and Ali Qureshi, president of the Both Hyderabad and Pune Industry (MCCI) here has wel- Bombay Suburban Beef Dealers rank higher for quality of comed the ban on cow slaugh- Association. living than the country’s ter in Maharashtra and urged Deonar, on the outskirts of more traditional business Prime Minister Narendra Modi Mumbai, is India’s largest abat- centres, Mumbai and New to clamp a nationwide ban. toir. The beef trade is mainly Delhi, ranked at 152 and The chamber said the controlled by minority Muslims, 154 respectively. Hyderabad Maharashtra government’s move raising concern that the ban is has emerged as a city of will effectively help improve cat- driven by Modi loyalists pursuing choice due to factors such as tle wealth and increase milk pro- a Hindu agenda. improved options for inter- duction. MCCI Director Jasim President Pranab Mukherjee national schools and a fine Mohammad said: “Earlier also last week gave his assent to choice of reputable English there was a law in the state but the Maharashtra Animal Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) activists hold placards during a protest demanding death penalty for convicted speaking schools. The it was not properly implemented. Preservation Bill, which had been gang-rapist, in Kolkata, yesterday. Rajiv Gandhi International In the fresh law, slaughter of calfs pending for 20 years, extending a Airport, which offers a good and oxens have also been banned ban on the killing of cows, con- range of international flights, along with cow. sidered sacred by Hindus, to bulls and public services helped “This is very justified. This is and bullocks. The law calls for up Documentary on rapist banned the city improve its ranking. a historic step. Some people are to five-years jail for anyone found saying that due to the ban, a large in possession of beef, according to NEW DELHI: Amid uproar was given I have asked for full on Tuesday night to restrain the Parliament okays number of people will lose their media reports. in parliament over a docu- information on that. In future, broadcast of the documentary. A livelihood. But this is a miscon- But the state government said mentary which featured one no one will be given permission Delhi court yesterday directed citizenship ception because buffalo slaughter it could take a week to implement of the December 16 gang rape to interview rapists,” the home continuation of the ban on the has not been banned. the law, prompting the VHP to convicts, the home ministry minister said, as both houses telecast of the documentary. Amendment Bill “Due to unchecked slaughter of petition the Bombay High Court yesterday went into damage saw members protest against the Rajnath Singh said he was per- NEW DELHI: Parliament animals, which also include cow, on Tuesday for an immediate ban. control mode, saying orders documentary. sonally hurt when he got to know yesterday passed the the country is facing shortage of Meat centres across the state, were obtained from court to Rajnath Singh said the per- about the documentary. “I would Citizenship Amendment Bill milk and milk-based products.” including Deonar, have stopped restrain the broadcast of the mission for the documentary was like to make it clear. As soon as I which seeks to merge the Mohammad said the ban on cow operating, said Sagheer Khan, a documentary and promising to granted in 2013, adding that the got to know about this incident, Person of Indian Origin (PIO) slaughter should be extended lawyer for All Maharashtra Cattle investigate how permission was documentary maker violated the I was personally hurt. I imme- and Overseas Citizenship of to the whole country. MCCI is Merchant Association. Up to 95 given to interview the rapist. conditions on which the permis- diately talked to the concerned India (OCI) schemes. The launching a national signature percent of the large-sized cattle The issue was raised in both sion was granted. authorities and gave instructions bill, which was passed by the campaign to request Modi to ban slaughtered in Deonar were bulls houses of parliament, as mem- Sushilkumar Shinde, who was that it should not be telecast in Lok Sabha on Monday, was cow slaughter in the country with or bullocks, with the rest being bers across party lines asked the the home minister in 2013, how- any condition, and (restraining) cleared by the Rajya Sabha a central legislation. water buffaloes, whose killing is government to stop the telecast ever, said he was not responsible orders were taken from court last yesterday. It seeks to amend Members of Vishwa Hindu legal. Beef dealer Qureshi said of the documentary saying it for it. “I had not given any per- night (Tuesday) that whatever the Citizenship Act, 1955 Parishad have forced several the ban would cost many jobs and insulted women. mission to make a documentary has been telecast should not be which regulates the acqui- abattoirs in Maharashtra to shut push up prices of buffalo meat. “Our government condemns the on the Nirbhaya case. It was not released,” he said. sition and determination of after a law was passed banning Meanwhile, beef is in short sup- incident of December 16, 2012 in given by me. I observed the con- As the home minister promised citizenship and details reg- the beef trade there, a leader of ply in Goa too with shops selling the strongest possible terms and versation in parliament, Rajnath responsibility will be fixed, offi- istration of overseas citizens the group and a lawyer for meat it closed for the third day yester- will not allow any attempt by any Singh has not mentioned my cial sources said Tihar jail direc- of India and their rights. traders said. The VHP acted after day. A spokesperson for the Goa individual, group or organisation name. It must have been given by tor general Alok Verma met him The bill provides additional winning a court order to stop the Meat Sellers Association said to leverage such unfortunate inci- somebody, I do not know,” Shinde on the issue. Parliament members grounds for registering for killing of bulls and bullocks. the shops were closed because of dents for commercial benefits,” told reporters. across party lines condemned the an OCI card. It also says the “Members of the VHP came issues related to short supply of Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Making similar statements interview of the convict, while government may shift a PIO to Deonar abattoir late at night the meat and harassment by ani- in a statement in both houses of in both Lok Sabha and Rajya some said it reflected the mental- card-holder, who enjoys fewer and asked us to stop the slaugh- mal rights activists. parliament yesterday. Sabha, the home minister said ity of several other men in society. benefits, to be an OCI card- ter, showing the copy of the High AGENCIES “In what condition this order orders were obtained from court IANS holder from a specified date.. American woman Passing out parade assaulted VRINDAVAN: An Centre assisting states American woman missing here since February 27 has been hospitalised after she on swine flu; toll rises was found lying on a road in a state of shock with bruises NEW DELHI: The central medical tests free for people suf- all over the body, police said government yesterday told the fering from symptoms of swine yesterday. The unnamed Delhi High Court that it has flu. The maximum 56 deaths 43-year-old woman, from been assisting state govern- have been reported from Jaipur California, was shouting ments affected by swine flu, by followed by Ajmer with 32 and that she had been raped, a providing logistic support for Jodhpur with 30. police officer said after her drugs and masks. WEST BENGAL: A total of 21 hospitalisation in Mathura A division bench of Chief fresh cases of swine flu have been on Tuesday. “She appeared Justice G Rohini and Justice R S detected in West Bengal, tak- to be heavily intoxicated,” Endlaw was also informed by the ing the total number of positive the officer said. The woman Centre that it has been regularly cases to 167, an official said. So far, came to Vrindavan on advising the state governments the H1N1 influenza has claimed February 26 for Holi. She to deal with the viral disease. It, eight lives in the state. Most of was staying in a guest house. however, said that health being the cases are being reported from She told the police that her a state subject, the state gov- the North 24 Parganas district valuables had been stolen. ernments are expected to take and from Kolkata while some The police recovered her prompt measures. were reported from Howrah and belongings from a beggar. The Centre’s response came Hooghly districts. after the high court last week TELANGANA: The toll due to Doctors remove asked it to inform it about the swine flu in Telangana has risen to New recruits of the Jammu Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment (JKLIR) march during a passing out parade at an steps taken to deal with the 59. Hyderabad and neighbouring 17kg tumour NEW DELHI: army base on the outskirts of Srinagar yesterday. The 179 recruits from Jammu and Kashmir were formally spreading swine flu disease. Ranga Reddy district accounted In a proce- inducted into the Indian Army’s JKLIR after training. The Centre has established a for the majority of deaths as well dure that lasted over eight network of 21 laboratories equipped as positive cases. . hours, doctors at the All India to conduct tests for the virus. UTTAR PRADESH: With Institute of Medical Sciences Three of these labs are in Delhi, it the death of a contract worker at here have successfully said, adding that Oseltamivir, the the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate removed a 17kg tumour from drug recommended by the WHO, Institute of Medical Sciences, the the abdomen of a woman. N is manufactured in India. toll due to the H1N1 virus rose to Devi, a resident of Bihar, had Smartphone shoppers increase RAJASTHAN: The death toll 14 in Uttar Pradesh. Since Tuesday, a “rapidly progressive huge in swine flu is inching towards 35 more cases of H1N1 infections mass abdomen” for the past NEW DELHI: Online pur- as the most compelling reasons made at least one purchase in the the 300 mark in Rajasthan as have also been reported from nine months and even after chases made through mobile for driving smartphone shopping. last three months, has increased nine more deaths were reported across the state capital. Of the new the patient underwent ovar- phones in India have grown Mobile phones/mobile gadget from 70.9 percent in 2012 to 94 yesterday. An official said that cases reported, seven are children ian cystectomy and chemo- by more than 100 percent over apps (28.8 percent) topped the list percent in 2014. the death toll stands at 295. and four are senior citizens. therapy in March, 2014, the the past two years, indicating a of items purchased through smart- “Digital payment solutions Rajasthan has already made IANS tumour kept on growing, the steep upward trend in e-com- phones, followed by tickets for cin- like mobile banking apps and hospital said. IANS merce propelled by expediency, ema/movie theatres (26.7 percent) digital wallets will go a long way reveals the MasterCard Online and clothing/fashion accessories to further enrich the purchasing Shopping Survey 2014 released (24 percent), the report said. experience for the ever-evolving here yesterday. “For online transactions, the consumer,” said Vikas Varma, area The survey covers 14 countries most common payment methods head, South Asia, MasterCard. Test flight of reusable rocket soon across Asia Pacific. China con- used are debit cards and cash. “The survey shows that there tinues to lead the chart among New mobile technologies are also is a strong need to provide not NEW DELHI: India will conduct (RLV-TD) will descend by gliding down the cost of satellite launches. mobile shoppers with 70.1 percent gaining traction among consum- only secure, but also convenient a test flight of a reusable launch and splashing down into the sea. “Developing reusable rockets is a of the respondents polled having ers in the region, with mobile payments solutions as consumers vehicle by the second quarter of The test flight will demonstrate challenge, as it involves many cut- used the device to make online banking apps having the highest move to a more digital and sophis- this year to reduce the cost of the hypersonic aerodynamics ting-edge technologies,” he added. purchases. India (62.9 percent) awareness-familiarity levels (38.3 ticated lifestyle. MasterCard is satellite launches, union minister characteristics, avionics system, ISRO had conducted the and Taiwan (62.6 percent) follow percent) followed by in-app shop- committed to providing consum- Jitendra Singh said yesterday. thermal protection system, con- maiden test flight of GSLV MkIII next with Thailand (58.8 percent) ping (28.7 percent) and digital ers with expedient online pay- Replying to a question in the trol system and mission manage- on December 18, 2014 with a crew and Indonesia (54.9 percent) wallets (24.4 percent),” it added. ment solutions that enable a more Lok Sabha, the minister of state ment,” Singh told the lawmakers. module from its spaceport at rounding off the top five. The report for the Asia/Pacific seamless shopping experience in for department of space said the The Indian Space Research Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. In India, the ability to shop on region included interviews with a secure manner,” he added. The rocket’s 1.5-tonne technology dem- Organisation has taken steps Five minutes after the launch, the the go is 47.7 percent, the study 7,000 respondents from 14 mar- MasterCard Online Shopping onstrator would be lofted to a height to develop the next generation heavy rocket ejected the 3.7-tonne revealed. The growing availabil- kets aged 18-64 years, who were Behaviour Survey was conducted of 70km using solid booster to attain launch vehicle GSLV MkIII for crew module at a height of 126km ity of apps that makes it easier to asked questions about their online across 25 markets between five times the speed of sound. placing four-tonne class commu- for its re-entry into the earth’s shop (45.3 percent) and conven- shopping habits. The number of October and December 2014. “The reusable launch vehi- nication satellites into geo-syn- atmosphere and descent in the ience (38.1 percent) have emerged Indian respondents, who have IANS cle’s technology demonstrator chronous transfer orbit and bring Bay of Bengal. IANS THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Snowy slopes

Fajr (Dawn) 4:38 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:54 Zuhr (Noon) 11:45 Asr (Afternoon) 3:07 Maghrib (Sunset) 5:39 Isha (Night) 7:09

WEATHER

Today Friday Saturday Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy Clear Clear Hazy at at places at first becomes moderate

High: 28° High: 25° High: 26° temperature Low: 18° Low: 17° Low: 16° during the day with some clouds and slight dust, relatively cold by night. DOHA - SUN & SEA

SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 05:54 17:39 05:00 & 17:00 11:45 & 22:45 15-25/30 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW A skier enjoys the slopes of the Pirin Mountains. Bulgaria receives more than 13 percent of its GDP from low-cost tourism in its three major ski resorts HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER and resorts along the Black Sea.

MUSCAT 30/22 Clear 28/22 Partly cloudy MAKKAH 37/24 Clear 38/24 Clear KUWAIT 25/12 Clear 24/10 Partly cloudy BAHRAIN 26/17 Clear 23/16 Partly cloudy Cut sugar intake to fight obesity: WHO SANAA 28/11 Clear 28/09 Clear RIYADH 27/13 Clear 24/13 Partly cloudy GENEVA: The World Health sugars, in the form of table sugar, WHO has for more than a dec- WHO said, also urging “dialogue DUBAI 27/18 Clear 26/18 Partly cloudy Organisation yesterday urged fructose or glucose for instance, ade recommended keeping sugar with food manufacturers to reduce BAGHDAD 23/07 Clear 24/08 Clear the recommended daily intake are added to foods and drinks by consumption below 10 percent of a free sugars in processed foods.” of hidden sugar be halved, as it manufacturers, cooks and con- person’s total daily energy intake The non-binding guidelines are THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW steps up the fight against obesity. sumers themselves, and are nat- — a target it considers clearly sup- part of WHO’s battle against obes- The UN health agency had urally present in substances like ported by scientific evidence which ity, tooth decay and other diseases, HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER previously issued guidelines that honey and fruit juices. countries should adopt as policy. like diabetes, cardiovascular con- ATHENS 16/13 Partly cloudy 14/07 Rain sugars should make up less than The guidelines do not refer to But the UN health agency ditions and some cancers. AFP WASHINGTON 01/-13 Snow -2/-11 Clear 10 percent of a person’s total daily sugars in fresh fruits, vegetables decided to halve the previous rec- energy intake, but in a new twist and milk, since there is no evi- ommended level following discus- SYDNEY 28/10 Clear 27/18 Clear urged countries to strive for half dence they are harmful, WHO sions among WHO member states. LONDON 13/02 Clear 13/05 Partly cloudy that amount. said. Concretely, WHO would like PARIS 12/01 Partly cloudy 12/02 Clear Setting the bar at five percent The UN agency pointed out that to see better labelling to clearly ISTANBUL 14/08 Mostly cloudy 15/08 Cloudy would mean people should con- much of the so-called free sugars show how much sugar is hidden MANILA 33/22 Partly cloudy 32/22 Partly cloudy sume no more than 25 grams, or we consume today are “hidden” in in food and drink products to help DHAKA 29/17 Clear 29/17 Clear the equivalent of six teaspoons of processed foods that are not usu- consumers make healthier choices. DELHI 25/13 Clear 26/13 Clear sugar a day — less than the 10 tea- ally seen as sweet, like ketchup, Countries should also restrict ISLAMABAD 14/07 Rain 21/07 Clear spoons in your average can of soda. which contains a full teaspoon of marketing of food and drinks with Health-hazardous “free” sugar in each tablespoon. high sugar content to children, Thursday 5 March 2015 14 Jumada I 1436 Volume 19 Number 6360 Price: QR2

Qatari-Russian joint committee holds first meet

Business | 18

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatar Airways interested in more buyouts Pleased to buy stake in IndiGo: CEO

BERLIN: Qatar Airways would like to raise its stake in the owner of British Airways and Iberia at some point and may invest in other well-run airlines, its chief executive said yesterday. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with industry leaders yesterday. Qatar Airways bought a 9.99 percent stake in International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) in January, aiming to forge closer ties to a company with two Prime Minister lauds role of private sector major European hubs and strong transatlantic networks. DOHA: Prime Minister and bin Hamad Al Thani’s directives Minister was briefed on the lat- businessmen extended their Asked whether Qatar Airways Interior Minister H E Sheikh that instructed the government est developments in economic thanks and appreciation to the would like to buy more of its one- Abdullah bin Nasser bin to support and strengthen private projects in the country and efforts Prime Minister on this oppor- world partner, Chief Executive Khalifa Al Thani has stressed sector’s partnership to provide undertaken to further develop tunity, which allowed them to Akbar Al Baker (pictured) said: the need to stimulate, support better services to citizens and them, in addition to a presenta- advance cooperation between the “Yes, we would like to increase our conference during ITB Berlin, the and encourage Qatari private residents. tion for the Qatari private sector two sides, stressing that the unifi- stake in IAG at a later date. We world’s largest tourism fair. sector to contribute effectively The Prime Minister lauded the on a number of strategic projects cation of efforts would contribute have just taken a shareholding: we The fast growth of Qatar to the country’s economic boom. role of Qatari businessmen and and government initiatives. This effectively to the development and could add value to them and they Airways and two UAE carri- The Prime Minister laid the their efforts in the development will allow the private sector to progress of the country. will add value to us.” ers, Emirates and Etihad, has emphasis on strengthening the field and the growth of national prepare and take part in these The meeting was attended Qatar Airways will also keep redrawn the aviation map around country’s private sector dur- economy, stressing in this regard projects in an attempt to ensure by the Minister of Municipality investing in other well-managed the Gulf, putting those carriers at ing a meeting with members of the government’s pursuit of the application of the principle of and Urban Planning H E Sheikh carriers to diversify its income odds with some Western rivals. Qatar Chamber (QC) and Qatari achieving a strong economy capa- equal opportunities and transpar- Abdulrahman bin Khalifa Al from the main airline. Three major US airlines claim Businessmen Association (QBA) ble to grow and compete at the ency in these projects as well as Thani, the Minister of Finance “We will look at other acquisi- in a recent 55-page dossier sent yesterday. regional and international levels. the continuous and permanent H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi and tions of airlines but we look at air- to US government officials and The government’s decision to He pointed out that the country efforts of the government to coor- the Minister of Economy and lines that don’t take the resources lawmakers that Gulf carriers support the private sector is part will witness a lot of achievements dinate between the public and pri- Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed of Qatar, or attention of Qatar received $40bn in subsidies and of its commitment to implement in the coming days. vate sectors. bin Jassim Al Thani. management, to fix issues. We want the Obama administration the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim QNA reported that the Prime For their part, the Qatari THE PENINSULA will always go after goldsmiths, to renegotiate Open Skies agree- not scrap dealers.” ments. Gulf carriers deny receiv- That could include India’s ing subsidies. IndiGo, if any of the privately- Al Baker challenged the US owned budget carrier became airlines to publish their allega- available to buy. “I think domestic tions and accused them of receiv- Saudi expects oil price to stabilise Eurozone airlines in India are inefficiently ing “backdoor subsidies” through run. The only one efficiently run Chapter 11 bankruptcy protec- is IndiGo. If we have the opportu- tion. “They want to serve their BERLIN: Saudi Arabia’s oil Naimi signalled satisfaction with continue to lobby for output cuts rebuffs Spanish nity to acquire a stake in IndiGo alliance partners at the cost of us minister said yesterday he developments, saying he saw oil and an emergency Opec meet- we shall be very pleased to do so,” three Gulf carriers. We are not expected oil prices, which hit demand growing and that mar- ing, and last month Igor Sechin, talk of new Al Baker said. going to go away,” he said. a near six-year low in January, kets were “calm”. the head of Kremlin-controlled He was speaking at a news REUTERS to stabilise, signalling cautious Oil was trading just above $60 a energy giant Rosneft, criticised Greek bailout optimistism about the market barrel yesterday, up more than 30 Opec for destabilising the oil outlook. percent from a near six-year low market. BARCELONA/ Giving a speech in the German close to $45 on January 13. But Naimi yesterday said Saudi BRUSSELS: Germany and capital, Ali Al Naimi also urged US crude settled up $1.01 at would not act alone and he was the European Commission Qatar index drops 161.65 points non-Opec producers to help bal- $51.53 a barrel, reversing a near not aware of any plans for a spe- slapped down talk of a third DOHA: Qatar Exchange index closed 161.65 points, or -1.32 per- ance the oil market, saying it was $1 drop from earlier in the day. cial Opec meeting. The next Opec financial rescue for Greece as cent, lower when it closed yesterday at 12,130.25 points from not up to Saudi Arabia to sub- Brent was down 57 cents at meeting is not until June. premature, after Spain once Tuesday’s position of 12,291.90 points. sidise higher-cost producers and $60.45 a barrel at 1941 GMT, off “In cooperation with many again suggested yesterday The traded value decreased to QR335.36m with a volume of that circumstances required non- the day’s low of $59.47. countries we have moderated that a new aid package for 5,182,912 shares from 3,756 transactions compared with QR406.49m Opec to cooperate. Officials from Russia and some production levels to improve the Athens was almost inevitable. with a volume of 8,557,766 shares from 5,472 transactions on Tuesday. “Going forward, I hope and other non-Opec nations held market situation. But now the Athens, which says it does Indices of all sectors ended in the red zone barring insurance expect supply and demand to bal- talks with Opec ministers on situation is different. We need not need a new aid programme, which gained slightly by 0.02 percent to 4,126.35 points. Banks and ance and for prices to stabilise,” the sidelines of the meeting. But every major producer to cooper- averted a new crisis yesterday financial services index declined the most with 2.09 percent fall Naimi said. “Global economic no agreement on cutting supply ate,” he said. by successfully raising over to 3,227.46 points followed by telecoms with a 1.26 percent fall to growth seems more robust.” was reached, Opec left its output “It makes absolutely no sense €1bn in short-term debt as 1,415.35 points. The comments are a fur- steady and prices fell further. for the most efficient producers planned but its long-term fund- Shares of 32 companies closed lower today, ten gained while one ther sign Opec’s top producer is Oil’s drop has hurt smaller to be the ones to cut production ing outlook appears increas- remained unchanged. QNA sticking to its policy to defend Opec members and hit Russia’s when we are only 30 percent of ingly uncertain. market share. Last month, economy hard. Some in Opec the producers.” REUTERS The country has secured a four-month extension to its bailout programme until the Mercedes-Maybach S600 Pullman on display end of June but remains shut out of debt markets and its new leftwing government has angered eurozone partners with its sharp anti-bailout rhetoric. For the second time this week, Spanish Economy Minister Luis de Guindos said Athens was unlikely to be able to return to capital markets by June, and that a package of between $33- 56bn would be needed. “If Greece does not recover market access by June ... we will have to establish some other type of agreement with Greece, call it a pact, a deal, a program,” de Guindos told a conference in Barcelona. “We have given ourselves these four months to, one, see what the real situ- ation is, to see how Greece has met conditions and to try and establish what happens next The new Mercedes-Maybach S600 Pullman (left) is on display at the 85th Geneva International Motor Show. A person takes picture inside the new 6.5 metre-long Pullman. The new (...), which is fundamentally a 12-cylinder car will cost upwards of half a million euros ($570,000) and aim to set a new standard for chauffeur-driven limousines when it goes on sale in 2016. third rescue.” REUTERS THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Ooredoo and Qatari-Russian Telefonica sign new deal joint committee DOHA: TelefHnica and Ooredoo jointly announced the sign- ing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement. The partnership will allow Ooredoo to become holds first meet H part of the Telefnica’s Partners Program, which enables tel- ecommunications operators Talk on trade, bilateral cooperation to work together and to ben- efit from TelefHnica’s scale and DOHA: Qatari -Russian joint session and business forum in knowledge. committee for trade, economic, Moscow in 2016, QNA reported. Under the terms of the scientific and technical cooper- A group of experts and Agreement, both companies have ation held its first meeting here researchers from the Ministry agreed to work together to cap- yesterday. of Energy and Industry, the ture synergies in Procurement, Chaired by H E Dr Mohammed Ministry of Finance, the Ministry the main area of cooperation. bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of of Economy and Commerce, Both Groups will focus on lever- Energy and Industry and Russian Qatar Chamber , Qatar Holding, aging the economies of scale and Energy Minister Alexander the Ministry of Environment, H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada (third left), Minister of Energy and Industry, with other officials at the meet. the broad experience in central- Novak, the meeting discussed Hassad Food, Qatar Museums ised procurement of Telefnica.H bilateral cooperation in the areas Authority, General Authority of The aim of this collabora- of trade, joint investment, energy, Civil Aviation, Qatar Petroleum representatives from the Ministry Federal Service for Veterinary Sukhoi Civil Aircraft company. tion will be the optimisation of industry, science, education, cul- and Ministry of Culture, Arts of Energy, Ministry of Economic and Phytosanitary Surveillance The joint committee is sched- Ooredoo’s affiliates purchasing ture and finance. and Heritage participated in the Development, the Ministry and a number of Russian compa- uled to continue its two-day meet- costs in selected types of net- The two sides agreed to con- meeting. of Transport, the Ministry of nies such as Gazprom, Russian ing to discuss issues related to work and customer equipment. tinue the successful cooperation From the Russian side, Industry and Trade, the Ministry Railways company, Russian Direct trade and joint investment. Both groups will work towards and to prepare for holding next the meeting was attended by of Education and Science and the Investment Fund and Russia’s THE PENINSULA coordinating selected purchases “end to end”, including technical alignment of specifications, selec- tion of vendors and synchronized negotiations. Ooredoo and TelefnicaH will also engage in other business areas QP’s redevelopment plans to stabilise oil output under the scope of the Partners Program such as alignment in DOHA: Qatar Petroleum (QP) global demand. The stagnant months. Population growth has of QR18.5bn in Janaury 2015, cover remains more than adequate key technology projects, common is implementing a redevelopment Eurozone economy, the reces- been driven up by the large ramp down from QR35.8bn in January at 7.5months of prospective imports approach to multinational clients programme to steady produc- sion in Japan and the slowdown up in major investment spending 2014. This was mainly a result at end-January 2015, well above the for M2M, managed mobility and tion at its oil fields. This heavy in Emerging Markets, especially that is creating an estimated 120, of lower international crude oil IMF-recommended level of three data services, staff development investment in maturing oil fields China, are contributing to the 000 new jobs each year. prices . Total exports fell by 36.7 months for pegged exchange rates. and training programs, interna- should limit further declines in weakness in hydrocarbon demand Qatar’s population is projected percent year-on-year. At the same More broadly, Qatar’s interna- tional wholesale and various oth- oil production. and an oil supply glut, which is to grow by 7.0 percent in 2015, time, imports rose robustly (10.2 tional reserves have been stead- ers. The partnership is expected The country’s crude oil pro- putting downward pressure on oil reflecting continued large inflows percent year-on-year), reflecting ily rising over the years on large to reinforce both Groups positions duction fell in January to 674000 prices. of expatriate workers. In turn this the growing population and large current account surpluses. Going in the areas agreed, as well fur- barrels per day, although redevel- According to the report, Qatar’s larger population will feed into investment spending. forward, QNB Group expects inter- ther accelerate Ooredoo consoli- opment plans should stabilise out- population grew by 10.3 percent higher economic growth by boost- The country’s international national reserves to remain broadly dation as an international group put going forward, QNB Group’s year-on-year in February 2015 ing aggregate demand and invest- reserves fell slightly to $41.1bn at stable at eight months of prospec- by sharing Telefonica’s proven Monthly Monitor noted yesterday. to reach 2.33m. This equates to ment in housing and services. end-January 2015. This compares tive import cover over the medium experience on cross-country coor- The report said Qatari oil prices an increase in the population Qatar’s foreign merchandise to $41.9bn at end-January 2014. term, notwithstanding the lower dination and synergies generation. fell in January owing to weaker of 218,000 over the last twelve trade balance registered a surplus Despite the slight fall, the import trade surplus. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

Qatar Chamber first SMEs meet ExxonMobil cuts to be held next spending, predicts Tuesday

DOHA: Qatar Chamber of higher output Commerce and Industry (QCCI) will host on next Tuesday its NEW YORK: US oil giant “We have unparalleled flexibility first conference for Small and ExxonMobil said it would reduce to select and invest in only the most Medium Enterprises (SMEs), investment spending by nearly 12 attractive development projects.” with the aim to promote entre- Officials at the Doha Bank extraordinary general assembly. percent this year in response to ExxonMobil said it expected to preneurship and to stimulate lower crude-oil prices, but pro- increase daily production to 4.1 mil- services for SMEs. jected higher production. lion barrels in 2015, an increase of “As part of our mission to Exxon Mobil Corp. told analysts 2.5 percent from the prior year, and empower SMEs, we are planning Doha Bank meet approves issuance in New York that it planned capital to 4.3 million barrels by 2017. to host an annual conference in spending of about $34bn in 2015, Tillerson said the projections Doha with the aim to promote down from $38.5bn in 2014. were based on a Brent crude price entrepreneurship, to stimulate For 2016 and 2017, investments, of $55 a barrel. Brent was fetching services for SMEs, to support of QR2bn Tier 1 capital instruments including on exploration for oil $60.58 a barrel in afternoon trade diversification and to create and gas, were projected at around in London. employment opportunities for the DOHA: The extraordinary gen- financial position with a view to and advances rose by 18.1 percent, $34bn annually, said the world’s The Irving, Texas-based com- national work force,” Chairman eral assembly (EGM) of Doha achieving the highest level of effec- total customers’ deposits rose by 8.1 largest publicly traded oil and gas pany said the improved production of QCCI and ICC Qatar Sheikh Bank yesterday gave approval to tive operational performance,” said percent and the total shareholders’ company. That was $3bn less per would be supported by a ramp-up Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani said the bank to issue Tier 1 capital Fahad bin Mohammad bin Jabor equity reached to QR11.3bn. “We year than in previous forecasts. of several projects completed last in a press release. instruments worth QR2bn. The Al Thani, Chairman, Doha Bank also achieved a growth rate of 3.5 Crude oil prices have dropped year and new projects in 2015. The Conference is jointly issuance of these instruments in the general assembly meeting percent in net profit whereas the more than 50 percent since last Seven new major developments organised by Qatar Chamber, will enhance bank’s Tier 1 capital held yesterday. net profit achieved by the end of June, pushing energy companies planned this year include Hadrian Qatar Stock Exchange (QE), ICC base and strengthen its Capital The chairman announced that the year was QR1,359m compared and their contractors to cut back South in the Gulf of Mexico, expan- Qatar and German Emirati Joint Adequacy Ratio. The sharehold- the Ordinary General Assembly to QR1,313m in 2013 in addition spending. sion of the Kearl oil-sands project Council for Industry & Commerce ers of the bank also gave nod to of the Shareholders in its meeting to a growth rate of 12.5 percent Rex Tillerson, ExxonMobil in Canada, Banyu Urip in Indonesia (AHK). The event is sponsored by issue debt bonds using Doha Bank endorsed the Board of Directors’ in total operational income. These chairman and chief executive, and deepwater expansion projects Qatar Development Bank (QDB), EMTN programme. corporate Governance report for robust results were reflected in noted the cyclical nature of the at Erha in Nigeria and Kizomba which is also Strategic Partner “The future plan of the bank year 2014 and the balance sheet strong performance ratios particu- oil and gas industry. “We remain in Angola. and Qatar National Bank (QNB). includes implementation of an and profit & loss account for the larly the return on average share- focused on the fundamentals,” he According to analysts, The main aim of the conference effective Risk Management strat- financial year ended December 31, holders’ equity and the return on told analysts. “We’ve been here ExxonMobil is the oil company is to provide aspiring entrepre- egy both at local and international 2014 and also endorsed the Board’s average assets which were 16.5 per- before.” best-positioned to weather the neurs with the tools and knowl- fronts, recruiting Qatari nation- recommendation to distribute cent and 1.93 percent respectively.” ExxonMobil said it expects to decline in crude prices. edge they need by linking them als, enhancing the levels of staff cash dividends of QR4 per share “In the same year, we approved start up 16 major oil and natural ExxonMobil raised $8bn in the with relevant organisations. performance by recruiting highly to the shareholders. bank’s three-year strategic plan and gas projects during the next three largest bond offering in the com- “The backbone of German’s experienced and qualified human The chairman said by the end incorporated some amendments to years. “ExxonMobil has a deep pany’s history, Bloomberg News economy is its highly innovative resources, improving banking serv- of 2014, bank achieved extraor- bank’s business strategy especially and diverse portfolio of oppor- reported. small and medium-sized enter- ices delivery channels, upgrading dinary growth rates in all finan- with regards to the activities of tunities around the world and a Shares in ExxonMobil, a Dow prises sector and we believe this the level of Corporate Governance cial indicators. The total assets overseas branches and representa- total resource base of more than component, fell 0.4 percent to conference represents an oppor- in the bank, diversifying its income rose by 12.8 percent reaching to tive offices across the world,” said 92 billion oil-equivalent barrels,” $87.26 in morning trade on the tunity to share best practice and sources and strengthening the QR75.5bn, total portfolio of loans the chairman. THE PENINSULA Tillerson said in a statement. New York Stock Exchange. AFP to enable local SMEs to compete for the business opportunities Qatar has to offer by connect- ing them with key stakeholders” noted Director General of QCCI and Secretary General of ICC Falcon Private Bank eyes buyouts as industry consolidates Qatar Remy Rowhani. Sigmar Gabriel, Vice- Chancellor and Minister of DUBAI: Falcon Private Bank It would be interested in banks The last major acquisition by said. Private banking transpar- double-digit numbers, nice dou- Economy and Energy of the is open to buying rivals as it managing between 200m francs Falcon, which manages around 16 ency has again been in focus in ble digit numbers,” Pfister said, Federal Republic of Germany, will expects a wave of consolida- and 2bn francs ($208m-$2.08bn) billion francs of assets, was the recent weeks, with HSBC admit- declining to elaborate. join the event with a delegation of tion in the industry due to more in assets, he added. October 2012 deal for a London- ting failings at its Swiss private Pfister said Falcon set up over 120 German business leaders. onerous regulations, its global “It needs to serve our focus, based unit of boutique Clariden bank after allegations it helped a Dubai-based team to target CEO of Qatar Stock Exchange head of private banking said meaning we wouldn’t compro- Leu from Credit Suisse, including clients conceal millions of dollars Eastern European clients just Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori said yesterday. mise on our strategy and any some 2bn francs in assets. of assets from tax authorities. over a year ago to take advantage that QSE has developed QE Swiss-based but Abu Dhabi- target would need to fit our core Driving acquisitions now would Eastern Europe is one focus of Russians already doing busi- Venture Market with the objec- owned Falcon would be open to markets. If that’s the case, we’re be the need for consolidation in for the bank, and Pfister noted ness with the Gulf, which is only tive of supporting the growth deals covering its core target interested,” Pfister told Reuters the private banking industry, as there had been a pick-up in fund an hour ahead of Moscow and is of SMEs and positioning Qatar markets of the Gulf, Eastern in an interview in Dubai, declin- higher compliance costs and pres- flows into its Dubai office from perceived as a safe place, but that Stock Exchange at the centre of Europe, Africa and South East ing to comment on whether the sure on margins from increased the region which would have pre- it had benefited from additional the government’s ongoing support Asia, according to Erich Pfister, bank was working on anything transparency over prices would be viously gone to Western Europe. fund flows due to the crisis in for this important sector. QNA who took up the role in January. currently. too much for some players, Pfister “They have risen last year Ukraine. REUTERS THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Pay gap widens most in North America, Asia than in Europe LONDON: The pay gap managers had increased in every diverged, in part due to local cut jobs more often and raised Within Europe, the gap in lower-pay countries. Such cost- between senior managers and region worldwide since the start employment practices,” Hay senior management pay to reflect Britain increased 5.3 percent to cutting resulted in increased lower-level employees has wid- of the global recession. Group consultant Ben Frost said. increased duties, the Hay report 3.3 times but by only 0.3 percent competition for remaining jobs, ened much more sharply in In North America the pay gap The International Monetary showed. in Germany to 2.8 times. keeping pay down. North America and Asia than rose by 7.2 percent between 2008 Fund warned last year that The pay gap in the United In Asia, the gap in China grew In contrast, senior manage- in Europe since the financial and 2014, while the gap in Asia income inequality could lead to States widened by 10.6 percent by 7.8 percent to 12.7 times and ment pay has risen to reflect crisis, a study showed yesterday. increased by 12.5 percent. Europe slower or less sustainable eco- between 2008 and 2014, with in Japan it rose by 2.1 percent to increased responsibilities and The report by Hay Group, experienced the smallest widen- nomic growth. workers in senior management 3.3 times. more complex work, it said. a global management consul- ing at 2.2 percent. Many companies in Europe roles paid an average of four Hay Group said the increase Hay Group said the data used tancy, showed that pay disparity “Despite an average global introduced across-the-board times the amount earned by in the pay gap was driven by the for the study was drawn from between the likes of clerical or increase in the job-level pay pay cuts to avoid job losses while workers in lower-level jobs last increasing automation of low- more than 16 million employees in graduate-entry jobs and senior gap, Europe and America have businesses in the United States year. level jobs or their transfer to 24,000 organisations. REUTERS

Avaya wins RBI surprises Mall of Qatar Infrastructure Technology RFP again with DOHA: Mall of Qatar yes- terday awarded Avaya a mega deal to build and support the mall’s end-to-end technology infrastructure. new rate cut Avaya won the Mall of Qatar infrastructure RFP, in coop- eration with Libatel, an Avaya Platinum partner in Qatar. The Cuts made outside of regular reviews company said that system inte- grators and technology provid- MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank its deficit goals. The budget laid ers in Qatar also have a choice of India unexpectedly lowered out plans to reduce the fiscal defi- to work with different vendors in its policy rate for the second cit to 3.9 percent of gross domestic order to build diversity and out- time this year yesterday, back- product, in the 2015-16 financial comes-based projects into their ing a government that is push- year, and bring it down to 3.0 per- customers’ environments. ing to revive economic growth cent by 2017-18 — a year later than The project includes designing, as inflation cools. an earlier road map had targeted. building and supporting the mall’s Although markets had broadly “This is a good beginning and we next generation network infra- expected the RBI to reduce rates are going to be watchful,” Rajan structure, high definition wireless again after a cut in January, few told analysts in a conference call. indoor and outdoor connectivity, had expected a move just days “There are lots of plans and a lot An exterior view of the Bombay Stock Exchange in Mumbai yesterday as the RBI lowered the repurchase rate on as well as the mall’s CCTV net- after the government unveiled a of intent (in the budget), so we loans to commercial banks. The announcement came just ahead of the opening bell for the markets. work, to deliver the smartest and budget that took a slower path to are going to see how it rolls out.” most secure retailing and shop- lowering the fiscal deficit. Describing the deficit reduction ping experience in the region. After cutting the policy repo plan as “very prudent”, Minister The project will also enable Mall rate by 25 basis points to 7.50 of State for Finance Jayant Sinha of Qatar to effortlessly innovate percent, RBI Governor Raghuram said the government was striking Indian markets hit record highs, and provision new services to its Rajan issued a statement citing a balance between making more tenants and visitors in the future. his reasons for making the move gradual reductions in the deficit Ziad Halwani, Avaya country a month before a scheduled policy and investing in infrastructure manager in Qatar, said: “As Qatar review. “Given low capacity utili- and key sectors. “It’s that bal- Sensex crosses 30,000-mark transforms the experience of resi- sation and still-weak indicators ance that the RBI has appreci- dents and visitors by investing in of production and credit off-take, ated,” Sinha said, responding to MUMBAI: A benchmark index next generation infrastructure it is appropriate for the Reserve the interest rate cut. of Indian equities markets, the SBI’s $2.4bn share sale likely by April technology, it is an honour for us Bank to be pre-emptive in its pol- The boost for the govern- 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex), and our technology partners to icy action,” he said. ment also comes a week after it yesterday touched a new record MUMBAI: State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s biggest be accelerate this transformation The RBI embarked on an easing endorsed an RBI-led change to high of 30,024.74 points but closed lender by assets, plans to raise between Rs110bn and Rs150bn with proven technology combined cycle on January 15 with a quar- monetary policy, formally adopt- the day’s trade at 213 points, or ($1.8bn-$2.4bn) via share sale by next month end, two sources with superior consultancy and ter percentage point reduction ing inflation targeting. India is 0.72 percent, down. directly involved in the process said. project management skills. Qatar that had also caught market off expected to establish a monetary The market was initially upbeat The marketing roadshows for the share sale will begin next week. businesses today have a choice to guard by taking place outside of policy committee, which could give after the Reserve Bank of India Senior SBI officials were not immediately available for comment. invest in an effortless transforma- a scheduled review. The benefits the government more influence cut its key lending rates by 25 State-run SBI received shareholders approval to raise up to tion supported by a large number have still to pass through to bor- over decisions like interest rate basis points, expecting inflation to Rs150bn last week, as part of its efforts to strengthen its balance of experienced and trusted part- rowers, however, as commercial moves, but its size and composi- soften further in the coming fis- sheet on hopes of a pick up in loan demand in Asia’s third-largest ners. We are working around the banks have been hesitant about tion remain a matter of heated cal. However, profit-booking during economy. clock to bring choice, enhance lowering their lending rates. debate on both sides. the fag-end of the trading session The share sale would happen via the “fast track” follow-on offering competition and consequently, While seeing improvement Indian bonds rose sharply after wiped out the day’s gains. route, said the sources. Under the fast track process, select large advance the value and outcomes in the economy, Rajan doubted the cut. The benchmark 10-year The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the companies are exempted from complying with the market regula- of technology investments in the whether it was doing as well as bond yield dropped to as much as National Stock Exchange (NSE) tor’s disclosure and filing requirements. REUTERS country.” official gross domestic prod- 7.61 percent, its lowest level since also touched an intra-day record Mall of Qatar will be the first in uct data suggested, after recent July 2013. Yet while Rajan sig- high of 9,119.20 points. It closed the Sensex to swing nearly 400 points long time in expectation and hope the region to commercially deploy changes to methodology showed nalled he was optimistic inflation day’s trade down 73.60 points, or both ways in the day’s volatile trade (which has actually come true in smart retailing services such as India outpacing China by grow- would remain contained and ana- 0.82 percent, at 8,922.65 points. session. Analysts said the markets terms of news and action), it is fair Digital Signage, and omni-channel ing 7.5 percent in the last quarter. lysts said they continued to expect The Sensex of the S&P Bombay opened at a new high on the back to consolidate in the trajectory till retailing in the first phase of the “Nevertheless,” he said, “the further monetary easing, most Stock Exchange (BSE), which of the surprise move by the cen- earnings show growth,” said Vinod project. In the future, the mall’s picture of a steadily recovering cautioned that the prospect of opened at 29,937.27 points, closed tral bank. However, higher level Nair, head - fundamental research, technology infrastructure will economy appears right.” deep, fast cuts was now reduced. the day’s trade at 29,380.73 points of profit-booking was seen in the Geojit BNP Paribas Financial enable it to effortlessly introduce Analysts said the latest rate “We expect one more rate cut from the previous day’s close at markets in the second half which Services. new smart services to its tenants reduction showed the RBI’s trust (this year) but it looks as though 29,593.73 points. The Sensex had made the market pare all its gains. In the trade, bank, metal, oil and and visitors such as crowd man- in the 10-month-old government the bias is towards more easing,” touched a high of 30,024.74 points Profit-booking was partly due to gas, automobile, IT, capital goods agement, to enhance the retailing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Frederic Neumann, Co-Head and a low of 29,289.05 points in the over-bought situation and decline and consumer durables stocks experience while building exciting to maintain fiscal discipline even Of Asian Economics at HSBC in intra-day trade. in the Asian markets. came under selling pressure. new business opportunities. though it will take longer to reach Singapore. REUTERS The choppy session led the “As the market has moved for a IANS THE PENINSULA

Barcelona gets ready for Mobile World Congress Gulf Air honours Ford dealers gearing top employees up to launch Expedition DOHA: Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier, DOHA: Ford dealers across in one impressive package, and earlier this month saw its CEO. the region are gearing up to the new 2015 Expedition deliv- Maher Salman Al Musallam launch the 2015 model of Ford ers just that,” he added. “We are alongside the airline’s execu- Expedition, one of the brand’s confident the new Expedition will tive management team hon- best-selling SUVs in the Middle hit it right with our customers ouring approximately 20 Gulf East, the company said in a from the first test-drive, as they Air Worldwide Contact Centre statement yesterday. experience for themselves the team members, for their com- The new model, already arriv- outstanding power and perform- mitment to superior perform- ing in Ford dealerships across ance this full-size SUV offers.” ance, exemplary teamwork and the region, is the most powerful, The 2015 Expedition also comes service to the airline’s custom- fuel-efficient Ford Expedition with a refreshed new look inside ers in 2014, the company said in ever, with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost out and a quieter cabin with more a statement yesterday. V6 enginethat delvers 365HP and technology than previous-genera- During the ceremony, both best-in-class torque of 420lbs.-ft., tion vehicles. It will be the latest individual and team achieve- and more technology than ever. Ford nameplate to offer a high- ments were acknowledged and “We are thrilled to bring the end Platinum series. celebrated across the airline’s newly-refreshed Expedition to our The new Expedition features senior and newly joining agents in customers, and we believe it will some of the latest Ford technolo- a number of categories including make its mark in the full-size SUV gies, including available SYNC top sales, top Falconflyer loyalty segment thanks to its impressive with MyFord Touch, passive entry programme enrollments, consist- capabilities, lineup of technolo- with push-button start and Blind ent and reliable efforts, best call gies, and of course comfort,”said Spot Information System with centre agent and best team leader. Kalyana Sivagnanam, Marketing, cross-traffic alert. The new 3.5- Gulf Air Senior Manager Sales and Service director for liter EcoBoost V6 engine, using Customer Experience, Kavita Ford Middle East & North Africa. direct injection and twin turbo- S Al Jassim, said: “We are truly “Customers in the Middle East chargers, provides more power, embracing a customer service appreciate the capabilities of a efficiency and performance than People visit an Android stand at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona yesterday. Ninety thousand mindset and our success in 2014 traditional full-size utility vehi- the 5.4-liter V8 in the previous executives, marketers and reporters gather in Barcelona this week for the telecom operators Mobile is proof of your dedication and cle — they want space, perform- model. World Congress, the largest annual trade show for the global wireless industry. commitment.” THE PENINSULA ance, comfort and capability all THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS StanChart profits dip 25pc in 2014 Asia-focused bank rules out share issue after plunge

LONDON: Standard Chartered “You can’t sit there waiting for India and among commodities has no plans to tap sharehold- the cavalry to arrive and you’ve firms, the bank admitted: “With ers for cash, it said yesterday, got to get on and run the busi- hindsight, there were clients despite reporting a 25 percent ness ... but he (Winters) is going and situations we should have drop in profits last year on the to go through business unit by avoided.” back of soaring bad loans. business unit and decide which That dragged down underlying The Asia-focused bank said ones to keep, what to grow and pretax profit last year to $5.2bn, it would not take “knee-jerk what to sell.” the second successive annual fall actions” and vowed instead to cut The bank’s share price was after a decade-long run of record costs and shrink its loan book in up 3.7 percent at 1010 pence by profits came to a screeching halt an effort to quell concerns about 12.45 p.m., still down by 25 per- in 2013 as Asia’s credit binge FROMLEFT: Standard Chartered Regional Executive Officer Benjamin Hung, Group Executive Director and Asia its capital strength, the main task cent since the start of last year. turned sour. CEO Jaspal Bindra and Asia Chief Financial Officer Julian Fong attend a news conference announcing the bank’s facing its new chief executive Bill However, the price has rallied by Sands described 2014 as a per- annual results in Hong Kong yesterday. Winters. 9 percent since Winters’ appoint- fect storm of falling commodity The bank is already braced for ment was announced last week, prices, persistent low interest a fundamental overhaul when part of an investor-led purge of rates and negative sentiment include Finance Director Andy percentage the bank had previ- of its loss-making Korea business the former investment banker top brass including veteran chief towards emerging markets. Halford, who joined in July. ously sought, and a core capital by $726m, following a $1bn write- takes over as chief executive in executive Peter Sands, three non- It was premature to call the Sands, who more than doubled adequacy ratio of 11-12 percent down in 2013. It is closing branches June, with analysts and inves- executive directors and the bank’s peak on bad debts but the bank the size of the bank since tak- of risk-adjusted assets from this and reshaping operations there. tors expecting him to launch a head of Asia, Jaspal Bindra. said it had seen no sign of fur- ing over the helm in 2006, said year onwards, having fallen to 10.7 “2014 was clearly disappointing,” multi-billion pound rights issue Chairman John Peace will also ther deterioration this year and the bank would now aim to save percent at the end of 2014 from Sands said. “I am confident the to reboot capital after a prolonged step down amid disquiet at man- had cut its loans to commodities $1.8bn from 2015 to 2017, mak- 11.2 percent at the end of 2013. way we are reshaping the bank slump in profits. agement’s failure to deal quickly firms by $6bn to $55bn. It also cut ing small disposals and cutting The cost savings will come from will get us back to a trajectory of “It’s the million-dollar ques- with concerns about strategy and its staff bonus payments pool by 9 between $25bn and $30bn in risk- $400-500m of efficiency improve- profitable, sustainable growth. “We tion: has Bill Winters signed up rising bad loans. percent to £667m and said none weighted assets from its balance ments a year and $300-600m from acknowledge that investors have for these targets?” said Mike After a one-third rise in losses of the directors who was at the sheet. The bank is now aiming selling or closing more underper- been concerned about capital, risk, Trippitt, analyst at brokerage from bad loans last year to $2.1bn, bank all year will get a bonus for for a return on equity of above 10 forming businesses. costs and income growth,” he said. Numis Securities. mainly due to problems in China, last year, although that did not percent, lower than the mid-teens The bank wrote down the value REUTERS

Apple to fix new UK hardens line against oligarch buying North Sea fields uncovered Freak LONDON: Britain will not drop would go ahead. But the British UK energy assets is politically matter,” the source said, adding denies backing the rebels. “There security bug its opposition to Russian billion- government has said that it is unpalatable at a time of deepen- that the deal had been discussed are wider diplomatic issues here, aire Mikhail Fridman’s pur- concerned that production at the ing concern over Putin’s Ukraine at the National Security Council including the sanctions,” said a BOSTON: An Apple Inc spokes- chase of North Sea oil and gas fields could be halted if the West policy and the direction of Russia, “in recent weeks.” separate British source familiar man said that the company fields after cementing its objec- imposes more sanctions on Russia where leading opposition figure Britain, which styles itself as with the case. “These are difficult plans to release a fix next week tions at a meeting chaired by over Ukraine, and it therefore Boris Nemtsov was shot dead last a champion of free markets and conversations but the politics with to mitigate the newly uncovered Prime Minister David Cameron, wants them sold to a third party. week within sight of the Kremlin boasts it has one of the world’s Russia are very difficult.” ‘Freak’ security flaw affect- a government source said. The dispute shows how a walls. The oil and gas deal “was most open economies, rarely Britain’s position — which ing Safari browsers on its iOS German utility RWE on sanctions policy designed to put discussed at the highest level, a intervenes in such cases and its places one of Russia’s most suc- and OS X operating systems for Monday finalised the sale of its pressure on President Vladimir sign of how seriously we take the stance reflects deep unease in cessful oligarchs on a collision mobile devices and Macs. oil and gas production unit DEA Putin is also creating headaches matter,” said the British govern- London with Putin’s actions in course with the rulers of the The vulnerability in web UK RWEDE.UL to Fridman’s for Western companies and gov- ment source, who spoke on condi- Ukraine, where more than 6,000 world’s sixth largest economy — encryption technology could ena- investment vehicle LetterOne, ernments. Two months before a tion of anonymity. people have been killed in fighting may also indicate that Britain is ble attackers to spy on communi- ending months of uncertainty British general election, the pros- “The government is not going between government forces and cooling towards Russian invest- cations of users with vulnerable over whether the €5.1bn deal pect of a Russian tycoon buying to change its position on the pro-Russian separatists. Moscow ments. REUTERS software, including Apple’s Safari browser and Google Inc’s Android browser, according to researchers who uncovered the flaw. A representative for Google said Court upholds he had no immediate comment. British property ‘safe haven’ for corrupt cash The Washington Post reported that the bug left users of Apple British challenge and Google devices vulnerable to LONDON: British property is a The group said the use of British require transparency over who take years. We would welcome any cyberattack when visiting hun- safe haven for money stolen from property to store stolen wealth owners of companies are, in order regulation which makes it harder to ECB policy on dreds of thousands of websites, around the world, with tens of may have helped inflate prices to ensure Britain is not “the for corrupt officials to hide money including Whitehouse.gov, NSA. thousands of London properties — an explosive political issue due destination of choice for global that has been stolen from civil- gov and FBI.gov.. owned by secretive companies, to near-record prices and a lack corruption”. ians across the world, in our own clearing houses Whitehouse.gov and FBI.gov according to a corruption report of affordable housing ahead of The report examined data from neighbourhoods.” have been fixed, but NSA.gov released yesterday. Britain’s May election. the Land Registry along with the The campaigners said that LONDON: The European remains vulnerable, the paper Campaign group Transparency “There is growing evidence Metropolitan Police Proceeds of £180m of property in Britain Union’s second-highest court cited Johns Hopkins cryptogra- International found 36,342 proper- that the UK property market has Corruption Unit. has been brought under crimi- has ruled the European Central pher Matthew D Green as saying. ties in London covering 3.6 sq km become a safe haven for corrupt The police force said it had nal investigation since 2004 — Bank (ECB) was wrong to insist A group of nine researchers are held by companies registered capital stolen from around the helped with the investigation as described as the tip of the iceberg. that euro clearing houses should discovered that they could force in offshore secrecy havens such as world, facilitated by the laws which such cooperation was important Three out of four properties be based in the single currency web browsers to use an form of the British Virgin Islands, Jersey allow UK property to be owned by to improving understanding of that had been brought under crim- area, a policy Britain had chal- encryption that was intention- and the Isle of Man. secret offshore companies,” said corruption and how to address it. inal investigation were registered lenged to defend its financial ally weakened to comply with Almost one in ten properties in Transparency International exec- “It can take years to unpick the in an offshore secrecy haven, the sector. US government regulations that the district of Westminster, where utive director Robert Barrington. layers of corruption and secrecy group said. Lawyers had said a failure of ban American companies from the British government is based, “This has a devastating effect which ultimately result in the pur- The campaigners published a Britain’s challenge could force the exporting the strongest encryption are owned by a company regis- on the countries from which the chase of UK properties,” a police map showing the location of the London Stock Exchange’s LCH. standards, according to the paper. tered in an offshore haven, the money has been stolen, and it’s spokesman said. “Such properties properties per borough online at Clearnet clearing house to shift Once they caused the site to use report found. hard to see how welcoming in the are often owned by companies reg- ukunmaskthecorrupt.org as part large chunks of its euro-denom- the weaker encryption standard, In 2011 alone, the report said, world’s corrupt elite is beneficial istered in foreign jurisdictions and of the report, called “Corruption inated operations to continental they were then able to break the £3.8bn worth of UK property was to communities in the UK.” while secrecy jurisdictions have on your Doorstep: How corrupt Europe. encryption within a few hours. bought by companies registered The group urged the govern- been co-operative with our inves- capital is used to buy property in Defeat could also have seen REUTERS in the British Virgin Islands. ment to make the Land Registry tigations, obtaining evidence can the UK”. AFP London’s financial centre losing influence to the eurozone, while giving ammunition to anti-EU HSBC turns 150 campaigners ahead of May national elections in which the role of the bloc will be an important issue. No number set for bank The General Court said yesterday it annulled the policy published by the ECB, which required clearing houses to be located in the 19 coun- job cuts: RBS boss try eurozone. “The ECB does not have the competence necessary to LONDON: Royal Bank of would be lost. RBS is shrinking impose such a requirement,” the Scotland has yet to decide its investment banking opera- Luxembourg-based court said. how many jobs it will cut at its tions dramatically, pulling out of Britain’s Chancellor George investment bank after announc- 25 countries in Europe, Asia and Osborne welcomed the ruling. ing a major downsizing of the the Middle East while cutting “This is a major win for Britain business last week, its Chief jobs at its US trading business in and a major win for all those who Executive Ross McEwan said. Connecticut. want to see a European economy The Financial Times reported Its investment bank expanded that is both open and successful,” on Tuesday that up to 14,000 of dramatically under former CEO he said. 18,000 jobs at RBS’s investment Fred Goodwin, culminating in The ECB said it will carefully bank could be cut, citing two peo- the disastrous acquisition of examine the judgement and decide ple familiar with the matter. ABN Amro in 2007, which nearly on its future actions. The Bank of “Until we’ve gone through and destroyed the bank prior to its England, which supervises clear- worked through the sale or run- £45bn bailout. ing houses in Britain, said central down of these businesses, and also McEwan, who took over as chief banks can already swap curren- had good consultation with our executive in 2013 from Goodwin’s cies when needed. Clearing houses unions and our staff, there is no predecessor Stephen Hester, has stand between the two sides of number,” McEwan told Sky News refocused the bank on lending to stock and bond trades, ensuring on Tuesday. British businesses and households. smooth completion of transactions However, McEwan acknowl- Announcing the restructuring even if one side goes bust. Britain, a FROM LEFT: HSBC Asia Pacific CEO Peter Wong, Hong Kong Monetary Authority CEO Norman Chan, Hong edged that the number would be last week, he told reporters: “This member of the EU but not the euro Kong Financial Secretary John Tsang and HSBC Group CEO Stuart Gulliver in front of the image of a com- significant and sources familiar marks the end of a standalone glo- zone, had challenged the ECB’s memorative 150th anniversary banknote during a launching ceremony in Hong Kong yesterday. with the matter confirmed to bal investment bank model for policy, saying it went against the Reuters that thousands of jobs RBS.” REUTERS single market. REUTERS THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

US mutual funds cut expenses Can private equity help by shifting billions to trusts BY TIM MCLAUGHLIN

UTUAL fund companies, including No 2 Fidelity Silicon Valley’s startups? Investments, have slashed fees on their most popu- lar funds by shifting billions of dollars into collective BY KATIE BENNER Mtrusts not regulated by the US Securities and Exchange this second-stage privatization (of an already it raised two funding rounds. Commission. The growing shift to collective trusts could prove a private business), the PE firm saves a com- “The deal with Strattam was too good [for weapon for actively managed mutual funds losing out to low cost NVESTORS have driven up the pany from a complicated investing structure. the venture investors] to pass up,” Nelson passive investment products such as the exchange-traded funds shares of the hottest tech startups It also saves it from VCs that can eventu- says. “If I raised a C-round, it would be offered by rivals such as Vanguard Group, the biggest mutual fund in the land and sent their valua- ally have narrow and self-centered financial under another layer of preferences.” company. For investors, one drawback is less transparency about tions — on paper, at least — into the interests if the company has remained pri- Nelson estimates that the market for what the risks and performances of their holdings. stratosphere. Uber is now valued vate for a long period. his company does — gathering and scrubbing “CITs are more opaque to the outside world because reporting at $41bn! Airbnb could be worth A handful of companies and PE firms in huge amounts of data for big companies — is requirements are not as stringent,” said Michael Rawson, man- I$20bn! Snapchat is pushing for $19bn! California say that they’ve discussed the buy- $54 trillion but that it’s hard for smaller com- ager of research at Morningstar Inc. Retirement plans sponsored Palantir and SpaceX are already worth out option, but the practice is still relatively panies to scale. One way to scale is to have a by Delta Air Lines Inc cut fees by 23 percent last year when more than $10bn each! rare. That’s usually because founders are company like Trax roll up other players in the they shifted an estimated $1bn in assets managed by Fidelity’s Headline-grabbing valuations are usually reluctant to give up majority control, and same or in adjacent areas — a strategy that’s a Contrafund into a collective investment trust (CIT). an illusion, of course. Investors who buy late an unwieldy group of venture investors all core part of the private equity playbook. That’s “The lower the expense of a fund, the less money taken out of in the venture game generally demand pre- have to jointly agree to the buyout. one reason why Nelson thinks that Strattam overall earnings, which can translate into better returns for inves- ferred shares that, as the name suggests, This week, however, a software company is an interesting partner. tors,” Delta said in a letter to employees. The airline declined fur- come with perks and protections that lessen called Trax Technologies announced such Strattam did a similar deal last September ther comment. The $107bn Contrafund, a staple offering in 401(k) (or eliminate) the risk of losing money on a deal with a private equity firm, Strattam with a business software company called and other US retirement plans, still manages the money, but the expensive shares. If the company is sold for Capital. Trax Chief Executive Scott Nelson Doxim. Trax and Doxim are located out- Delta assets are no longer regulated by the SEC. Instead, the pri- a modest sum rather than a windfall, later told me that at first it was hard for him to side of the whirl of Silicon Valley, in Arizona mary regulator is the state banking commissioner of Massachusetts, stage investors get more, earlier investors accept the idea of giving up control. and Ontario, respectively. The thunder of where the Fidelity Management Trust Company is chartered. get less, and employees — who have common Aligning founders and investors’ inter- huge funding rounds is more muted in those As with other CITs, investors do not receive an SEC-required stock, not preferred — get comparatively ests is far more important and, in some locales, even if the idea of preferred stock prospectus, a lengthy document that spells out investment objectives little or nothing at all. ways, more honest than a relationship and downside protection among late-stage and risk. Ticker symbols and ratings from independent research That gagillion-dollar valuation that every- based on battling over who has the most investors is still a reality. firms such as Morningstar also are not generally available, according body in the startup was hoping for goes poof shares, Nelson said. He liked the idea Strattam notes that Trax and Doxim are to analysts. And the regulator for one CIT can differ from another, when the preferred holders cash in. of being aligned with one private equity growing fast enough to make a private equity depending on where the trust is chartered, meaning they could be Venture investor Bill Gurley wrote about player versus a VC collective that could investor happy, which is typically a growth subject to different law. Invesco’s is the Texas banking commission, some of this last week: “The only way to have different opinions about when and rate in the teens, rather than fast enough to for example, and BlackRock’s is the Office of the Comptroller of the escape this capitalization chart calcification how to exit via a sale or an IPO. make a venture investor happy, which can Currency, a bureau of the US Treasury Department. is to actually go public… All preferred shares Strattam’s co-founder, Robert Morse, says mean a track record of doubling users or Assets in CITs are surging because they can have significantly are converted to common shares, and the he invests in companies that have a specific revenue every year. lower overhead costs than the average mutual fund. CITs can only pile of liquidation preferences goes away.” set of traits: Growing businesses with happy Private equity won’t be a solution for every be offered to qualified retirement plans such as 401(k)s and analysts Gurley is pretty much correct, and an IPO customers, a functioning business model not in company that’s raising money right now. say their less stringent reporting requirements translate into lower is often the only way that all stakeholders — need of repair, and an ability to continue intro- And it may not catch on in Silicon Valley, operating expenses for fund companies. Meanwhile, there has been from employees to late-stagers — in a startup ducing new, potentially high-profile products. where big valuations, along with founder a rash of lawsuits in which employees accuse their employers of get treated fairly. But a few private companies Trax, which makes logistics software for control, are sacrosanct principles. charging excessive fees in their 401(k) retirement plans. have found alternatives to selling late-stage, big, Fortune 100 companies, is ancient at Still, it’s a good idea to find new mecha- Late last month, for example, the US Supreme Court appeared preferred stock: private equity investors. 22-years old. For the first dozen years of nisms that might unbundle layers of often set to revive certain claims in a class-action lawsuit against Edison The idea is to let a private equity firm buy its existence it was a self-funded lab that conflicting financial interests that can stunt International by employees who accused the utility of favoring higher- out the VCs, wipe out all of the preferred earned money through contract software a startup’s prospects in Ventureland. cost mutual funds over-lower cost ones in its retirement plan. “These stock and convert all shares to common. In development work. During the last decade WP-BLOOMBERG excessive fee cases will drive more retirement plan sponsors to look at collective investment trusts,” said Kevin Lyman, assistant general counsel at Invesco Ltd, which manages about $61bn in CIT assets. In recent years, research firms have estimated that CIT assets would top $2 trillion in 2015. But a Reuters analysis of disclosures by trust banks, including ones operated by BlackRock Inc, State Street Inc and Wellington Management, reveal that figure was easily surpassed in 2014. BlackRock and State Street’s trust banks alone reported a combined $2.22 trillion in CIT-related assets at the end of 2014, according to banking disclosures. Fidelity’s latest disclosure, the end of March 2014, showed $43.3bn in CIT assets, up nearly $8bn from the end of 2013. Indeed, 60 percent of defined contribution plans offered collec- tive trusts in 2014, up from 52 percent the previous year, according to a study by Callan Associates Inc, a consultant to institutional investors. To be sure, mutual funds remain the staple investment in defined contribution retirement plans such as 401(k)s. Invesco’s Lyman said regulation of collective trusts may get a slightly lighter touch because retirement plan sponsors serve as fiduciaries, offering a layer of oversight to participants. “Like SEC regulation of a hedge fund, there’s an element of a sophisticated investor being involved, the retirement plan,” Lyman said. The US Department of Labour and the Internal Revenue Service also provide oversight, he said. CITs have been around since the 1920s, but actively managed mutual funds have a renewed sense of urgency in using them because each year for the past several years they have lost tens of billions of dollars in assets to passive index funds. In 2014, for example, investors made net withdrawals of $98bn from actively managed stock funds while pumping $167bn into pas- sive stock investments such as exchange-traded funds, according to Morningstar Inc. Fidelity’s Contrafund had net withdrawals of $11bn in 2014, though about $6b of that amount went into CIT accounts, according to Lipper Inc data and Contrafund disclosures. About a year ago, Fidelity began offering collective trusts to cli- ents with a $50m minimum initial investment. The offer included moving assets from the lowest cost shares of Contrafund, the $44bn Low-Priced Stock Fund and the $42bn Growth Company Fund into collective investment trusts, according to the State Universities Retirement System of Illinois. REUTERS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

M&S breaks with tradition to get more agile on style

BY JAMES DAVEY and M&S keep prices down and build after a mild winter and delivery big shift for M&S, which until manage the supply chain, how to 60 percent by 2017 from 25 per- EMMA THOMASSON a reputation for quality. problems at the new online dis- recently ordered most of its stock manage third-party logistics pro- cent last year. He recently poached But as its most loyal custom- tribution centre hit Christmas through so-called full service ven- viders, how to manage freight, Next’s head of menswear design HOPPERS usually blame ers — women aged 50-plus — have trading, leading to a 14th consecu- dors — companies that designed, how to manage working capital Simon Hawksworth and last year dowdy clothes and tired become more fashion-conscious, tive quarterly sales decline in the made, shipped and warehoused on a much earlier purchase than hired two top buyers from Next. stores for the pain- the middlemen have hampered clothing side of the business. products before sending them to previously,” said Zen Yaworsky, The first garments sourced by ful decline of Britain’s M&S’s ability to quickly refresh But investors seem prepared to M&S for sale. head of supply chain operations the Lindsey brothers are coming former retail power- supplies of fast-selling items give Bolland more time after his Relationships with those suppli- at M&S until 2010. into stores for the spring/summer Shouse Marks & Spencer. But the before shopper interest tails off. revamp of the supply chain started ers often went back decades, and “M&S now have to develop season: “Spring/summer is bought parts of the business that custom- “There’s a killing to be made to bear fruit. M&S’s gross margin — with one, Dewhirst, to the found- negotiation capability to go into a at the moment with at least a lot ers never see could hold the key if they can serve older women gross profit as a percentage of sales ing of the company: Michael Marks factory and negotiate from a posi- more flexibility than it was done to its revival. better,” said Patsy Perry, a lec- — rose 150 basis points to 53.7 per- borrowed £5 from wholesaler Isaac tion of intelligence,” said Yaworsky, last year,” Bolland said in January. After hiring new designers, turer in fashion marketing at the cent in the first half of 2014, helped Dewhirst to launch a chain of penny who runs his own consultancy. A bigger proportion of orders overhauling its online offering University of Manchester. “Unless by sourcing gains, but still lags an bazaars in the northern city of That is easier said than done, will be left “open to buy” depend- and giving a facelift to stores, you have money to buy designer estimated 64 percent at Next and Leeds. Dewhirst also introduced according to experts who used to ing on demand and M&S is mov- M&S still needs to push home its clothes, it’s hard to find what you 59 percent at Inditex. Marks to Tom Spencer. help M&S do just that. “At a board ing to deliver new products in 12 most ambitious project: overturn- want on the high street unless you While taking tighter control of As competition mounted in level, it makes a lot of sense. At the phases a year, up from six to eight, ing more than a century of retail want to look like your daughter.” the company’s supply chain started recent decades, M&S pushed operational level, it is a lot more with some coming on a three- history by taking full control of its Even as new M&S womenswear several years ago, the final push is partners like Dewhirst to move difficult,” said Bill Mills, a textile weekly basis - closer to Zara-style supply chain. collections won praise from the being marshalled by Hong Kong- production overseas: 78 percent industry consultant who used to “fast fashion”. The drive to design more prod- fashion press, shoppers often found based brothers Neal and Mark of its general merchandise now manage factories for M&S suppli- But that is unlikely to be enough ucts in-house and then source the clothes were sold out in their Lindsey, whom Bolland appointed comes from Asia compared to just ers Courtaulds and Coats Viyella. to regain the role of Britain’s them faster and more flexibly is a size or were not appropriate for the as joint sourcing directors last year. 22 percent from Europe, including M&S says it is already mak- omnipotent, omnipresent retailer. radical departure for a company weather. In contrast, nimble retail- The pair previously worked at Turkey, Italy and Britain. M&S ing big progress. It has halved “They recognise the need to be dif- that, since its founding in 1884, ers like Zara-owner Inditex, H&M Next, where they pioneered “vir- has already taken control in the the number of fabric suppliers in ferent, more flexible. But there is a has relied on third-party suppliers and Next, which have more direct tual manufacturing”, a process last few years of most logistics for the last couple of years, so it can new trading environment and they to create, manufacture and ship control over factories, replenish that enables designers to produce the 40,000-odd shipping contain- secure better prices at higher vol- will probably end up stabilising the most of its garments. Long-term their stores faster and offer a more patterns and layout plans for cut- ers it fills a year, leaving detailed umes from preferred mills. business rather than recapturing relationships with those mostly frequent turnover of styles. ting fabric so they can give precise product design and factory liaison Bolland, in the job since 2010, what it once was,” said one former British-based firms, based on big Pressure mounted on M&S instructions to distant factories. as the last jobs to come in-house. wants to increase the proportion M&S manager who now works as orders and long lead times, helped Chief Executive Marc Bolland Adopting the Next model is a “All of us had to learn how to of products designed in-house to a consultant. REUTERS THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 12,130.25 1.32 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 18,509.59 1.32 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,376.25 1.00 % RATE QE All Share Index 3,198.71 1.23 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,227.46 2.09 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5871.488 -31.384 -0.53 5962 5248.5 QE All Share Industrials 4,001.67 0.42 % QR141.3465 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 2,475.65 0.58 % Cac 40 Index/D 4873.15 3.9 0.08 4951.48 4076.16 QE All Share Real Estate 2,393.07 0.99 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.5527 QR 5.6301 QE All Share Insurance 4,126.35 0.02 % Dj Indu Average 18203.37 -85.26 -0.47 18288.6 15855.12 QR 1.9118 Euro ...... QR 4.0265 QR 4.0832 QE All Share Telecoms 1,415.35 1.26 % CA$ ...... QR 2.8827 QR 2.9393 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 7,200.98 0.93 % Hang Seng Inde/D 24465.38 -237.4 -0.96 25101.96 23312.5 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.7630 QR 3.8162 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 5890.6 -2.57 -0.04 5993.92 5072.7 Yen ...... QR 0.0302 QR 0.0308 Aus$ ...... QR 2.8259 QR 2.8814 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 33242.94 54.17 0.16 35055.94 32134.82 CRUDE OIL 04-03-2015 03-03-2015 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0580 QR 0.0591 Index 12,130.25 12,291.90 Nikkei 225 Index 18703.6 -111.56 -0.59 18939.17 16592.57 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0354 QR 0.0363 Change 161.65 158.44 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0817 QR 0.0834 S&P 500 Index/D 2107.78 -9.61 -0.45 2119.59 1814.36 % 1.32 1.27 $ 59.56 SL Re ...... QR 0.0271 QR 0.0277 YTD% 1.27 0.05 Straits Times/D 3415.53 -6.58 -0.19 3458.14 3267.89 Taka ...... QR 0.0464 QR 0.0473 Volume 5,182,912 8,557,766 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0362 QR 0.0369 Value (QAR) 335,360,060.19 406,496,404.43 Straits Times/D 3290.99 -1.82 -0.06 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3058 QR 0.3119 Trades 3,756 5,472 $ 58.08 Up 10 | Down 32 | Unchanged 01 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 04-03-2015

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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352004 Jbf Indu-B/D 223 -7 72340 Navneet Edu-B/D 112.8 1.3 25366 Tesco/D 242.25 -2.7 4579386 Camph.& All-B/D 285.8 15.5 14256 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.33 0.17 80265 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.53 0.03 13278 Nepc India-T/D 2.63 -0.07 80779 3I Group/D 484.5 -6.5 398114 Unilever/D 2857.25 -14 561278 Canfin Homes-B/D 615 -14.25 21966 Finolex-A/D 281 -4.35 9859 Jct Ltd-B/D 3.36 -0.06 143208 Neuland Lab-B/D 334.1 -9.9 18320 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3071 -23 171400 United Util Gr/D 912 -8.5 637979 Caprihans-B/D 78.25 -1.1 4737 Gail-A/D 406.5 -2.05 60648 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 4.95 -0.07 23010 Nrb Bearings-B/D 141 -0.6 9410 Barclays/D 255.25 0.95 13243557 Vodafone Group/D 227.45 2.45 14011704 Bg Group/D 928.25 -6.5 4464484 Whitbread/D 5230 -20 74617 Castrol India-/D 498.45 13.8 144120 Gammon India-T/D 22.35 -0.85 147130 Jindal Drill-B/D 183.3 -5.1 7421 O N G C-A/D 320.35 -0.55 532272 Bp/D 448 -0.65 14937484 Century Enka-B/D 160.9 -4.3 7911 Garden P -B/D 28.6 0.1 5595 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 117.25 -0.75 262656 Ocl India-B/D 450 -25.4 25869 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3752 -15 438390 Century Text-A/D 546.6 -10.45 211429 Godfrey Phil-B/D 475.65 -6.8 5181 Jmc Projects-T/D 182.6 -1.4 96535 Oil Country-B/D 34 -0.25 5914 Bt Group/D 455.4 2.7 3032801 Chambal Fert-B/D 64.75 0.7 104261 Goodricke-B/D 150.7 2.5 22023 Kajaria Cer-A/D 803.05 -19.4 4657 Orchid Chem-B/D 63.25 -1.05 129477 Centrica/D 248.135 0.7 5780281 Chola Invest-B/D 594.5 -3.3 10767 Goodyear I -B/D 584 -0.75 7082 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 131.7 -4 5736 Orient Hotel-T/D 20.8 0.5 6656 Gkn/D 353.7 -1.5 1522423 Chowgule St-T/D 26.7 1.25 96535 Hcl Infosys-B/D 51.35 -2.55 684183 Kalpat Power-B/D 225.45 -16.9 53671 Oudh Sugar-B/D 18 -0.05 5839 Hsbc Holdings/D 582.9599 2.1 5622957 THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Poret fastest in Doha practice Grand Prix Of Qatar: Frenchman tops unofficial practice times in Ski Division GP1

DOHA: Race officials at the Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF) revised the timeta- ble for the UIM-ABP Aquabike Grand Prix of Qatar on Doha Frenchman Bay yesterday and the pole posi- Cyrille Lemoine tion qualifying sessions were in Runabout put back today and will now run immediately before the first of action of UIM- the World Championship heats. ABP Aquabike This meant that yesterday was Grand Prix of a quiet day by Aquabike standards Qatar organised and included five free practice by Qatar Marine sessions for the various categories Sports Federation and pre-qualifying for one group (QMSF) on Doha of Runabout racers. Bay yesterday. Twenty-nine competitors fea- RIGHT: Jeremy tured on the registration list for Poret in action in the competitive Runabout GP1 the Ski Division category and the list included GP1. Qatari entrants, Mohammed Al Haidus, Waleed Al Sharshani, 2015 Aquabike

Grand Prix of Qatar Rashid Al Mannai and Thamer Almur Bin Herais was the sole Jennifer Menard of France morning. The talented Slovenian Freestyle display. Pole position Today’s Schedule Al Darwish. Arab entry on the list that was joined by Estelle Poret, the Freestyle artist Rok Florjancic qualifying now replaces further 9.30-12.00noon Pole Position A quartet of Kuwaiti racers included the likes of Jeremy, Swedish duo of Jonna Borgström tops four other competitors in the free practice on the Doha Bay were headed by former cham- Mikael and Morgan Poret of and Emma-Nellie Örtendahl, Freestyle category that included course today morning and the 9.30-10.00am Ski Division GP1 pion Youssef Al Abdulrazzaq while France and the American Brock Japan’s Yuki Kurahashi, Russia’s his brother Nac, Italy’s Roberto first of the World Championship 10.10-10.40am Sky Ladies GP1 Khalifa Belsekah and Mohammed Austin. Kylie Ellmers, the experienced Mariani and the Qatari duo of heats starts with Ski Division GP1 10.50-11.20am Runabout GP1 Mohsen represented the UAE on Results were unofficial as we Italian Marta Sorrentino and the Fahad Thani Al Hamli and Bader between 2pm and 2.30pm. 11.30-12.00noon Freestyle the entry list, which was domi- closed for press, but Jeremy Poret Spaniard Sandra Fernandez. Al Abdullah. Freestyle entrants take centre 2.00-3.45pm World Championship – 1st heats nated by French, Swedish and carded the fastest of the unofficial Menard continued where she They had their own opportu- stage for 30 minutes from 3.15pm 2.00-2.30pm Ski Division GP1 Polish racers. They will all be hop- practice laps – a hot tour of the left off last year and an unoffi- nity to test out the salty waters and the Runabout GP1 heats start 2.30-3.00pm Ski Ladies GP1 ing for a useful qualifying posi- Doha Bay course in 1min 46.85sec. cial fast lap of 1min 52.67sec left of Doha Bay, but the real com- at 4pm. tion when the official green flag Nacho Armillas and Mickael her well clear of Ellmers and petition begins in earnest on There will be a spectacular 3.15-3.45pm Freestyle is raised on Thursday. Poret were his closest challengers. Örtendahl. Borgström, Poret Thursday with Rok Florjancic floodlit parallel slalom ski, runa- 4.00-4.30pm Runabout GP1 Sixteen aquabike entrants Eight girls were entered in and Sorrentino trailed in their hoping to continue his awesome bout and freestyle show for spec- 7.00-9.00pm Parallel Slalom Ski & Runabout were registered for the men’s Ski the Ski Division Ladies GP1 sec- wake, but the all-important pole run of form to entertain the tators between 7pm and 9pm and Freestyle Show Division GP1 section. Emirati tion. Defending Qatar champion position action takes place today Qatar crowds with a spectacular today evening. THE PENINSULA

Little-known Hamilton Kulichkova seeks greater advances in dominance

Malaysia LONDON: Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton is KUALA LUMPUR: Little- hoping his Mercedes team will known Elizaveta Kulichkova be even more dominant this sea- cruised through to the quarter- son even if he also wants rivals final stage after knocking out to give him more of a challenge. Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva “I think 2014 was definitely one yesterday at the WTA Malaysian of the best, if not the best year of Open. my career,” the Briton told lau- The Russian, ranked 171th in reus.com yesterday. the world and who defeated sev- “Even though we were at the enth-seeded Bojana Jovanovski front of the field the majority of Atlanta Hawks’ forward Mike Scott (left) and Atlanta Hawks’ guard Jeff on Monday, beat Putintseva in the time, the leader of the pack Teague (right) play tight defense against Houston Rockets’ forward straight sets 6-0, 6-2. and ahead of others, it was still Josh Smith during the second half of their NBA basketball game at “During the first set things a challenge within us to try and Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, yesterday. The Hawks defeated were fine. But when it came to improve all the time. the Rockets. the second set I began to tire, “But we want to be better this so I went to the rest room and year, we want to try and dominate I managed to compose myself even more.” for the remainder of the match Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia in action against Anna Schmiedlova Mercedes won both titles last as it was very tough towards of Slovakia during their match of the Monterrey Open tennis tournament year, with Hamilton winning 11 Rockets grounded the end of the match,” said in Monterrey, Mexico, yesterday. races and German team mate Kulichkova. Nico Rosberg five of the 19. “This is my first time making straight sets 7-5, 6-2. The match ball as much as she wanted, and Hamilton, who was fighting a it to the quarter-finals, and apart which lasted slightly over one and I managed to outplay her by bug in testing last week, said he by Hawks late rally from being happy, I am confident I a half hours, saw the Thai player, making her run up and down the felt very relaxed, fit and ready to can go all the way in this tourna- ranked 128th in the world, put up court.” race. ATLANTA: Rallying from a Jason Terry led Houston ment as I am playing some of my a good challenge at the start of Meanwhile, sixth-seeded “I will plan to drive as good as 15-point deficit in the final 10 with 21 points while Terrence best tennis now,” she said. the match. Kurumi Nara defeated Poland’s I did last year but I want to be minutes, the Atlanta Hawks Jones added 18 points and eight Fourth-seeded Jarmila “In the first set, I struggled a Magda Linette in a tightly con- better,” he said. beat Houston 104-96, retaining rebounds in a losing cause. Gajdosova also went through to bit as I found it hard to read her tested match. “I really like to race. the NBA’s best record with their Houston led 87-72 after Josh the next round after dispatching game,” said Gajdosova. The Japanese player won 7-5,5- Particularly with the challenge fifth victory in a row. Smith and Pablo Prigioni opened Thailand’s Luksika KumKhum in “But I did not let her hit the 7, 7-6. AFP of other teams. REUTERS Taking advantage of a Rockets’ the fourth quarter with 3-point- squad playing without suspended ers, but the Rockets managed only NBA scoring leader James one field goal over the next seven Harden, the Hawks had 25 points minutes.The Hawks took advan- Malakhova, Collin emerge on top at Total Cup from Jeff Teague, 18 points from tage for a 21-3 run, grabbing their Al Horford and 16 points and 14 first lead since midway into the rebounds from Paul Millsap. opening quarter, and Horford The Rockets outplayed Atlanta broke a 96-96 deadlock with a for most of the first three quar- baseline jumper then blocked a ters, leading by as many as 18 shot from Jones to help secure points despite lacking Harden’s Atlanta’s edge. Dennis Schroeder, scoring touch as he served a one- who scored 16 points off the game ban for kicking Cleveland Atlanta bench, joined Millsap and superstar LeBron James in the Teague in hitting two free throws groin in a Houston victory on down the stretch to secure the Sunday. comeback triumph. But in the pivotal final min- Meanwhile, LeBron James utes, the Rockets misfired all-too bounced back from a sub-par NBA often, shooting only 3-of-17 (17.6 effort and Kyrie Irving returned percent) from the floor over the after a two-game absence yester- last 10 minutes. day as the Cleveland Cavaliers The Hawks improved the defeated the Boston Celtics NBA’s best record to 48-12, two 110-79. wins ahead of the Golden State James scored 27 points on 12-of- Warriors, while Houston slipped 23 shooting while Australian- to 41-19, third-best in the Western born guard Irving added 18 to Conference. lead seven double-figure Cavalier scorers in Cleveland’s 12th home NBA Results triumph in a row. Sacramento 124 NY Knicks 86 Two days earlier, James criti- Charlotte 104 LA Lakers 103 cized himself after missing two Gildas Collin and Svetlana Malakhova, winners in the men’s and women’s section of the Total Cup, pose for a picture along with Casey Dellacqua, the Cleveland 110 Boston 79 pivotal free throws in the final World No.35 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha during the recently concluded Qatar Total Open 2015, which was spon- seconds of over-time in a two- Atlanta 104 Houston 96 sored by Total E&P Qatar. Malakhova defeated Fanny Depierrefeu in the women’s final. Collin overcame Jean-Christophe Diris to win the men’s title. point loss to Houston, one in In the children section, Jean Bigot won 11 to 13 age group category, and Kira Malakhova won in the aged 7 to 10 section, while Mathilde Vindevoghel Chicago 97 Washington 92 which he missed 20 shots from and Tristan Perpoint were finalists for in aged 11 to 13), and aged 7 to 10 respectively. Utah 93 Memphis 82 the field and went 3-for-11 from Denver 106 Milwaukee 95 the free throw line. AGENCIES THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Bangladesh sense their Shehzad leads Pakistan to time has come NELSON, New Zealand: Fired up Bangladesh sense a World Cup quarter-final berth will be one match away by close of play in Nelson today as they prepare morale-boosting victory to play a disconsolate Scotland. Both sides are coming off a seven-day break following losses Afridi joins 8,000 one-day runs club as bowlers strangle UAE batsmen but their attitudes are polar opposites heading into the Pool A encounter. NAPIER, New Zealand: While Bangladesh are talk- Pakistan continued their revival Scoreboard ing up the future despite being in the World Cup with a pro- thrashed by Sri Lanka, Scotland fessional batting and bowling PAKISTAN A Berenger c Akmal b Khan ...... 2 are weighed down by the past performance in a 129-run win Nasir Jamshed c Khan b Guruge ...... 4 K Chandran c Akmal b Khan ...... 0 where their loss to Afghanistan against United Arab Emirates Ahmed Shehzad (run out) ...... 93 Khurram Khan c Riaz b Maqsood ...... 43 a week ago made them the worst (UAE) in Napier yesterday. Haris Sohail c Anwar b Naveed ...... 70 Shaiman Anwar c Jamshed b Afridi ...... 62 performing side in World Cup Opener Ahmed Shehzad fell Sohaib Maqsood c Mustafa b Guruge ...... 45 S Patil b Riaz ...... 36 history. seven short of his maiden World Misbah-ul-Haq c Mustafa b Guruge ...... 65 Rohan Mustafa c Shehzad b Afridi ...... 0 They were devastated to lose Cup hundred while Haris Sohail Umar Akmal c Ali b Guruge ...... 19 Amjad Javed c Khan b Riaz ...... 40 to the tournament newcomers (70) and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq Shahid Afridi (not out) ...... 21 Mohammad Naveed (not out) ...... 0 after having Afghanistan on the chipped in with 65 which helped Wahab Riaz (not out) ...... 6 Mohammed Tauqir (not out) ...... 0 ropes at 97-7 chasing 211 and let- Pakistan to post a big 339-6 on a Extras (LB-3, NB-1, W-12) ...... 16 Extras (LB-1, W-12) ...... 13 ting them steal victory with three flat McLean Park pitch. Total (for six wkts in 50 overs) ...... 339 Total (for 8 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 210 balls to spare. They then restricted the UAE Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-170, 3-176, 4-251, Did not bat: M Guruge. “It’s going to be a huge chal- to 210-8 in their 50 overs with 5-312, 6-312. Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-19, 3-25, 4-108, lenge for us to respond to this,” Shaiman Anwar continuing his Bowling: Naveed 10-0-50-1 (1nb; 1w); Gu- 5-140, 6-140, 7-208, 8-210. said skipper Preston Mommsen brilliant form with the bat by ruge 8-0-56-4 (2w); Javed 9-0-76-0 (2w); Bowling: Irfan 3-1-2-0; Khan 9-2-54-2 (3w); as he considered the erratic per- scoring 62. Tauqir 10-0-52-0 (1w); Khan 3-0-21-0; Chan- Rahat 10-0-30-1 (2w); Riaz 10-1-54-2 (3w); formances from his side. The win gives Pakistan four dran 8-0-58-0; Mustafa 2-0-23-0 (6w). Afridi 10-1-35-2 (3w); Maqsood 5-0-16-1 “We know Bangladesh are a points in as many games as they UAE (1w); Sohail 3-0-18-0. side we’re capable of beating. continued their fight for a place Amjad Ali b Rahat Ali ...... 14 Result: Pakistan win by 129 runs. We’ve played good cricket in parts in the quarter-finals. in the first three games, but not The top four teams from each became the top run-getter in the Maqsood helped Misbah add for long enough.” of the two pools of seven will tournament. Khan hit three fours another rapid 75 for the fourth Losing to Afghanistan left reach the quarter-finals. and a six off 54 deliveries. wicket, hitting four boundaries the Scots with the unwelcome “That was a much needed win Pakistan’s bowling was ham- and two towering sixes during record of having been beaten in for us. We won by a margin so pered by the absence of spearhead his 31-ball 45. all 11 matches they have played we can relax now. We have a Mohammad Irfan who hurt his Misbah reached his 41st ODI in three World Cups, overtaking good net run rate now also,” said hip during a fall in the field and half-century off just 39 balls. He the Netherlands who suffered 10 Misbah. could bowl only three overs. hit four boundaries and two sixes consecutive defeats. UAE captain Mohammad The team said Irfan’s injury before holing out off Guruge. The future does not look too Tauqir admitted chasing such a was not serious and he was held Shahid Afridi hit two sixes and bright for Scotland either for huge score was always going to be back as precaution. a four in his seven-ball 21 not out if they fail to beat Bangladesh beyond them. Wahab Riaz, Khan and Shahid and when on two became the then they have Sri Lanka and “340 was a big total for us, but Afridi took two wickets apiece. fourth Pakistani, and 27th bats- Australia to come and the record we batted 50 overs and we are Shehzad and Sohail restored man, in the world to cross 8,000 could balloon out to 0-14. happy with this effort. Anwar is Pakistan during their second runs. Bangladesh, meanwhile, are very confident and in great form,” wicket stand of 160 after they This was Afridi’s 395th match. upbeat despite losing to Sri Lanka said Tauqir. lost out of form Nasir Jamshed Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad by 92 runs. A required rate of six-plus an for four in the fourth over. Yousuf and Saeed Anwar are the Having been eliminated in over was always beyond UAE’s Guruge could have had Shehzad other Pakistan players to make pool play in three of the previous reach but after losing their first in his fourth over but Khurram 8,000 ODI runs. World Cups they have contested, three wickets with just 25 on the dropped a sharp chance when the Guruge was the pick of UAE they now believe they can emulate board — two to paceman Sohail batsman was on eight and three bowlers with a career best 4-56. their 2007 achievement of making Khan — Anwar and Khurram runs later Shehzad got another Pakistan next play South the last eight when they finished Khan took the fight to the life off Mohammad Naveed. Africa in Auckland (March 7) the group stage ahead of India. Pakistan bowlers adding 83 for Shehzad hit eight boundaries and Ireland in Adelaide (March They lie third in the Pool A Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad leaves the field after being dismissed for 93 the fourth wicket. and a six off 105 balls but ran 15) while UAE face South Africa table, ahead of Australia on run runs during a Pool B World Cup match against the United Arab Emirates Anwar hit four boundaries and himself out while taking a sharp in Wellington (March 12) and the rate, and know they are assured (UAE) at McLean Park in Napier yesterday. two sixes during his 88-ball knock single. Sohail clubbed five bounda- West Indies in Napier (March 15). of a quarter-final berth if they and with 270 runs in four matches ries and a six. AFP win two of their last three games against winless Scotland, misfir- ing England and unbeaten New Richardson feels for Zealand. Let us play at home to improve “I think they are desper- ate to play a very big game for Bangladesh,” fielding coach our game, says coach Waqar Pakistani cricket Richard Halsall said. AFP NAPIER, New Zealand: Richardson. “We felt for our NAPIER: Pakistan coach is not being played in Pakistan the confidence his batsmen got Former opener Mark hosts, it wasn’t like a daily occur- FACTBOX Waqar Younis has urged the and of course you can see the on Wednesday would help pick Richardson, part of the New rence. They were as shocked and International Cricket Council symptoms. the team up for their remaining Zealand squad which abandoned as freaked out as we were. You Bangladesh vs and other cricketing countries “That’s the help we can ask for matches against South Africa their tour of Pakistan after a feel for Pakistan.” to return to playing matches in from the cricketing world.” and Ireland. bomb blast in 2002, yesterday Richardson remembered the the strife-torn nation. Pakistan have struggled at the “I still feel that Pakistan need said he felt sorry that the coun- destruction and the panic the Scotland Pakistan have not played a World Cup, with their only vic- an extra batsmen in the lineup try has become a cricket no-go bomb caused. Factbox on today’s World series at home since February tories coming against Zimbabwe, but our batsmen are out of form zone. “It was very dusty, the glass Cup Pool A match between 2009 when the Sri Lanka team which was only by 20 runs, and and we are not getting what we New Zealand flew back home at doors in my room caved in. Bangladesh and Scotland at bus was attacked in Lahore and then UAE yesterday. are looking for from them,” he the start of the second and final Luckily I was in the bathroom Saxton Oval, Nelson. six policemen and a van driver Their batsmen have all strug- said. Test in Karachi on May 8, 2002, and I had another wall protecting BANGLADESH were killed. Several members of gled, though yesterday, four of “If you look around the differ- after a blast close to their hotel me so I didn’t get hurt by glass. Captain: Mashrafe Mortaza the Sri Lanka team were also the top five all scored above 40 ent teams, they are picking up. killed 13 French naval staff. There was damage to the hotel Coach: Chandika Hathurusingha injured in the attack. with Ahmed Shehzad top-scoring You can see India picking up very “The over-riding memories are even though we were some way Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza (captain), Tamim Since then Pakistan have with 93 before he was run out. late. sad ones when the bomb went off away from the blast. People lost Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Soumya Sarkar, played all of their ‘home’ series The only concern was Nasir “Teams like South Africa lost in Karachi on the morning of the their lives which was tragic. Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur in the UAE. Jamshed, who scored just four badly and are picking up. game,” Richardson, 43, said. “Our bus was due to go in about Rahim, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Nasir “Pakistan need teams to come runs, taking his World Cup total “That’s what we are hoping, “We had security concerns but five minutes and had the blast Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, to Pakistan,” the 43-year-old to five runs in three innings, that all these boys who got runs we had started very comfortably. been five minutes later, our bus Rubel Hossain, Arafat Sunny, Taijul Islam, former fast bowler told report- and his performance was heav- today can carry on with it.” We had visited a fast food res- would have gone straight through Shafiul Islam ers. “That’s what the ICC and ily criticised by Pakistani media The Pakistani coach also taurant in Karachi and we were that zone. We were lucky with the Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Beat world cricket can do to help us yesterday. erased doubts over the fitness of feeling very comfortable and then timing,” Richardson said. Afghanistan by 105 runs; match abandoned out by restarting cricket back in Waqar, however, refused to vil- spearhead Mohammad Irfan who ‘kaboom’ and it was frightening That was the beginning of the vs Australia; lost to Sri Lanka by 92 runs. Pakistan. ify Jamshed, whose fielding was was injured during yesterday’s and unfortunately we were on the end for international cricket in “It is a huge loss that cricket also atrocious, and said he hoped match. AFP plane back home later that day. Pakistan as security in the coun- Matches remaining at 2015 World Cup: “It was a sad end,” remembered try deteriorated. AFP vs England, Adelaide (March 9); vs New Zealand, Hamilton (March 13) Best performers: Shakib Al Hasan (109 runs), Mashrafe Mortaza (three wickets) Kohli in verbal bust-up with wrong reporter SCOTLAND Captain: Preston Mommsen MUMBAI: Virat Kohli has daily reporter over a story about learn how to behave,” Jasvinder Coach: Grant Bradburn delighted Indian fans with him and his girlfriend, Bollywood Sidhu told the intermediary to Squad: Preston Mommsen, Richie his exploits in the middle but actress Anushka Sharma, accord- inform Kohli after receiving the Berrington, Kyle Coetzer, Freddie Coleman, reports of an ugly spat with a ing to reports from journalists apology. Matthew Cross, Josh Davey, Alasdair Evans, journalist at the World Cup will covering the World Cup. “How can he abuse and intimi- Hamish Gardiner, Majid Haq, Michael Leask, only enhance his reputation Kohli, currently India’s best date someone? I would like to add Matt Machan, Calum MacLeod, Safyaan within the press corps of being batsman across all formats, later that Kohli did not apologise to me Sharif, Rob Taylor, Iain Wardlaw volatile and tetchy. realised it was a case of mistaken directly.” As the team’s media man- identity and apologised to the tar- Kohli has often polarised opin- Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Lost ager moved quickly to limit the get of his abuse through another ion over his regular run-ins with to New Zealand by three wickets; lost to damage of an embarrassing journalist. opposition players and was fined England by 119 runs; lost to Afghanistan by encounter involving India’s Test “There was a misunderstanding half of his match fee in 2012 for one wicket. skipper, a contradictory view and no abusive language was used, responding to barracking from Matches remaining at 2015 World Cup: of events in Perth was emerg- Virat has spoken to the concerned the crowd by gesturing at them vs Sri Lanka, Hobart (March 11); vs Australia, ing from the nation’s cricket gentlemen immediately and that with his middle finger during a Hobart (March 14). journalists. ends the matter,” the team’s Sydney Test. Best performers: Kyle Coetzer (97 runs); The incident took place at the media manager R.N. Baba said There were also multiple Josh Davey (nine wickets) Murdoch Oval, where India were in a statement yesterday. reports of him having a dress- Bangladesh vs Scotland head to head training ahead of Friday’s Pool B In a column published in the ing-room spat with team-mate Played: 3 match against the West Indies at Hindustan Times, the journalist Shikhar Dhawan during the Bangladesh won three the WACA. subjected to Kohli’s tirade said recent Test series in Australia Last match After finishing his net session, he was still in “shock”. after he had to bat at short notice Dec. 17, 2006: Bangladesh won by 146 runs Anushka Sharma with Virat Kohli. the 26-year-old batsman started “Go and tell him that he is an following an injury to the opener. swearing at an Indian national international player and he should REUTERS in Dhaka. THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Indian legend Tendulkar calls for 25-team World Cup SYDNEY: Indian superstar and Ireland. “I found out the go and visit these countries and World Cup under the current sys- Sachin Sachin Tendulkar yester- next World Cup would only be play them on a regular basis. tem because they are not exposed Tendulkar day blasted proposals to slash ten teams which is disappoint- “And see, not just 14 teams, to top-level experience in the four talks to the 2019 World Cup to just ing because as a cricketer I want but how can we get to 25 teams years between tournaments. reporters 10 nations, describing it as “a the game to be globalised as participating in the next World From the 2011 World Cup to after holding backward step” and suggesting much as possible and, according Cup?” the current event, Ireland played a training the tournament be expanded to to me, this is a backwards step,” “It is not just about the top six only 11 ODIs against Full Member session 25 teams. Tendulkar told a private dinner or seven sides. If we are to glo- nations. “Right now, they get up for young Tendulkar, an ambassador for in Sydney in remarks reported balise this game we have to get after four years on the cricket players at the the World Cup on behalf of the by www.espncricinfo.com. “We’ve more and more people excited world’s biggest platform and Singapore International Cricket Council got to find ways of encouraging about cricket and the fan follow- they’re expected to play and com- Cricket Club, said the ICC should be expand- the lesser teams.” ing only follows the result.” pete with the likes of Australia, in this June ing the frontiers of the game with He added: “Why not get Tendulkar argued that it South Africa, India, New Zealand, 2014 file Test teams encouraged to pit Australia A, England A, New was impossible for second-tier West Indies, Sri Lanka, so many photo. their ‘A’ sides against Associate Zealand A, South Africa A, New Associate nations to be consist- top sides. It’s unfair to them,” said nations such as Afghanistan Zealand A, India A, everyone, to ently competitive throughout a Tendulkar. AFP

Scoreboard

AUSTRALIA Usman Ghani c Faulkner b Johnson ...... 12 Aussies give Afghanistan D Warner c Nabi b Shapoor ...... 178 Nawroz Mangal c Finch b Johnson ...... 33 A Finch c Nawroz b Dawlat ...... 4 Asghar Stanikzai c Smith b Johnson ...... 4 S Smith c Najib b Shapoor ...... 95 Samiullah Shenwari c Johnson b Clarke .....17 G Maxwell c Nabi b Dawlat ...... 88 Mohammad Nabi c Clarke b Maxwell ...... 2 J Faulkner b Hassan ...... 7 Najib Zadran b Starc ...... 24 M Marsh c Najib b Nawroz ...... 8 Afsar Zazai c Haddin b Hazlewood ...... 10 record thrashing in Perth B Haddin (not out) ...... 20 Dawlat Zadran b Starc...... 0 Extras (B-2, LB-5, W-7, NB-3) ...... 17 Hamid Hassan c Warner b Johnson ...... 7 Total (for 6 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 417 Shapoor Zadran (not out) ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-274, 3-339, 4-382, Extras (B-4, LB-5, W-10, NB-1) ...... 20 Opener Warner hits career-best 178 in 275-run drubbing 5-390, 6-417. Total (all out in 37.3 overs) ...... 142 Bowling: Dawlat 10-1-101-2 (2nb; 3w); Fall of wickets: 1-30, 2-32, 3-46, 4-94, 5-94, Shapoor 10-0-89-2 (1nb; 2w); Hassan 10-0- 6-103, 7-131, 8-131, 9-140, 10-142. PERTH: Australia flexed their 70-1 (1w); Nabi 10-0-84-0 (1w); Samiullah Bowling: Starc 6-0-18-2; Hazlewood 8-1-25- batting muscles to rack up the 5-0-34-0; Javed 4-0-18-0; Nawroz 1-0-14-1. 2 (3w); Johnson 7.3-0-22-4 (5w); Clarke 5-0- highest ever World Cup total AFGHANISTAN 14-1; Marsh 3-0-25-0 (1w); Faulkner 4-0-8-0 as they crushed Afghanistan Javed Ahmadi c Clarke b Hazlewood ...... 13 (1nb; 1w); Maxwell 4-1-21-1. by a tournament record margin to revive their stuttering cam- paign yesterday. Opener David Warner’s career- No choice but to drop best 178 and middle order bats- man Glenn Maxwell’s 88 from a 39-ball blitz powered the four- Australia’s time champions to 417 for six Watson, says selector wickets at the WACA ground. David Warner Michael Clarke’s men returned plays a shot PERTH: Australia’s chairman “He’s a fine, fine player, he’s to bowl out Afghanistan for 142 in during the of selectors Rod Marsh said averaging 40 in one-day cricket the 38th over for a 275-run vic- 2015 World yesterday that Shane Watson’s and it was a tough decision. He’s tory in a mismatch between the Cup Pool A poor form with the bat meant in the 15 still, that’s the thing, and most successful World Cup team match against they had little choice but to drop hopefully he’ll find himself back in and the tournament debutants. Afghanistan the experienced all-rounder. the team at some stage. India’s 413-5 against Bermuda in Perth, The 33-year-old, who averages “If hard decisions have to be in 2007 was the previous highest yesterday. 50.89 with the bat in career World made we have to make them.” World Cup total with their 257- Cup matches, was axed from the Meanwhile, Afghanistan cap- run win the biggest margin. side to face Afghanistan at the tain Mohammad Nabi won the Nawroz Mangal (33) top scored WACA and replaced by fellow all- toss opted to field in the World for Afghanistan before Mitchell rounder James Faulkner, return- Cup Pool A match against Johnson (4-22) and his fellow ing from a side strain. Australia at Perth, a decision that bowlers got them out. “(It) is a big decision but it’s delighted his counterpart Michael Having shared the points with one we thought we had to make Clarke. Bangladesh after a washout in because in Shane’s last 10 one- “There is a little bit moisture Brisbane and been pipped by day games he’s got 220 runs at an in the pitch, we want to use that New Zealand in Saturday’s low- average of 22 and unfortunately condition,” said Nabi whose team scoring thriller, Australia needed he’s been getting starts but he made one change into the team, a big win to revive their campaign hasn’t been going on with it,” said bringing in teenaged batsman and Afghanistan were easy meat and his team tasted early success 10th over to race to his 50 in 40 was no respite for the Afghans as Marsh. Usman Ghani for all-rounder for the world’s number one team. when Dawlat Zadran forced an balls. Maxwell unfurled his wide range “We had to fit James in and Gulbadin Naib. Warner forged a 260-run part- outside edge to dismiss Aaron Warner broke loose after reg- of shots, including cheeky as well someone had to go. I’m not say- Australia, smarting from nership with Steve Smith (95), an Finch (four) in the third over. istering his fourth ODI century as conventional slogging, to hit ing it was a choice between any Saturday’s narrow defeat by Australian record for any wicket, The Afghan bowlers began in 92 balls and hit Dawlat for seven sixes and six boundaries. players but just happened to be New Zealand, made two changes, and Maxwell dazzled down the tightly but whenever they got car- back-to-back sixes, a treatment Maxwell made a mockery of it was Shane’s time to go for this replacing injured bowler Pat order in an amazing display of ried away by the WACA bounce he would hand out to Shapoor as the field setting, playing reverse particular match.” Cummins with Josh Hazlewood batting pyrotechnics by the tour- and bowled short, despite lack- well, as his next 50 came off 24 shots – sweep, flick and scoop – However, Marsh said it was and welcoming James Faulkner nament co-hosts. ing the pace to make the ploy balls. and hitting genuine fast bowlers far from the end of Watson’s ODI at the cost of fellow all-rounder Warner hit five sixes and 19 work, Warner pulled them with Smith also helped himself to his behind the wicket with ridiculous career. Shane Watson. fours in his belligerent knock impunity. first fifty of the tournament but ease. “It doesn’t mean anything going “Wicket looks fantastic, the before being dismissed in the 38th The 28-year-old southpaw hit such was Warner’s domination at This was the third 400-plus forward except that he’s not in ground is in great nick. If I had over. Encouraged by the moisture Hamid Hassan, wearing a head- the other end that hardly anyone total of this year’s World Cup the XI at the moment,” he said. won the toss, I would have bat- on the pitch, Afghanistan captain band and with war paint on his noticed. after South Africa posted the first “If things change then there’s no ted,” Clarke said at the toss in Mohammad Nabi decided to field face, for three boundaries in the Even after Warner’s exit, there two. REUTERS reason he won’t be back in the XI. Perth. AGENCIES Captain Clarke predicts England likely to lose Ballance triple century in ODIs

PERTH: Australian captain in the World Cup for the West Michael Clarke says it is pos- Indies. in search of equilibrium at Cup sible a batsman will crack the All the individual scores of 300-run barrier in One Day 200 have been made since 2010 MELBOURNE: Misfiring Holding’s observation came Internationals. and Clarke said it was no longer batsman Gary Ballance is after England had suffered a sec- Clarke was speaking after his unthinkable that a batsman could likely to be the sacrificial lamb ond consecutive World Cup humil- side demolished Afghanistan by make 300 in a 50-over game. when England’s harried selec- iation with their defeat against a World Cup record 275 runs He said there were a handful tors decide on the lineup for New Zealand in Wellington. England yesterday at the WACA Ground, of batsman who were capable of next week’s World Cup crunch Ballance had been caught for a batsman Gary led by a punishing David Warner reaching what was once an unim- match against Bangladesh. leaden-footed 10 after changing Ballance walks century. aginable milestone. Disgruntled former players his mind too late about playing off after being The left-handed opener “Someone like Davey, or Chris and raging media pundits are at a short ball by seamer Trent dismissed belted 178 from 133 balls in the Gayle or AB de Villiers ... on a demanding changes to a team Boult. by Sri Lanka Australian innings of 417 for six, smaller ground I think they pos- that has won only one game from “I think he is a fantastic Test spinner falling when the chance to become sibly could,” he said. their opening four and stand on batsman... I am not sure he Tillakaratne the fifth batsman to score an ODI “You probably have to open the brink of an ignominious exit has the right attitude for ODI Dilshan during double century beckoned. the batting so you have the full from the global showpiece. cricket,” Holding added. their 2015 There were still 12.3 overs 50 overs. Though England cannot boast a Though England have strug- World Cup remaining in the Australian “In this game at the moment single consistent performer in the gled on the field, selectors have Group A match innings at the time. who knows, we are seeing so many tournament, Ballance’s four con- been criticised for doing too much Indian Rohit Sharma holds different shots, different deliver- secutive failures at number three at the wrong time and too little in Wellington the record for the highest indi- ies, so much power. with the bat provide ample motive when times demand it. in this March vidual with 264 against Sri Lanka “There is handful of players for selectors to swing the axe or For Ballance, the former com- 1, 2015 file at Kolkata last November, while round the world who probably demote the 25-year-old down to plaint would seem valid. photo. Chris Gayle scored 215 earlier could do it.” AFP the middle order. The left-hander broke a finger Thirty-six runs in four matches on his right hand three weeks is an ugly statistic for any spe- before the tournament, harming Australian cialist batsman but damning for his preparation for the stiffest batsman a player expected to anchor an examination of his short one- Glenn Maxwell innings. day career. But he was a surprise England’s lineup was settled and in pretty much all forms of the plays a shot More strident critics will inclusion for England’s World Cup unlikely to change. Bopara has game for the future” by selector during their continue to question why the opener against Australia at the long failed to cement his place, James Whitaker on the release of World Cup Zimbabwe-born batsman was expense of Ravi Bopara. while highly-fancied reserve bats- the World Cup squad. match against even picked in the first place. Bopara had been struggling for man Alex Hales has to convince Ballance impressed with county “I am not sure Ballance is a one- form during the preceding one- he can convert his Twenty20 form side Yorkshire before making a Afghanistan day cricketer,” former West Indies day tournament against Australia into the 50-over game. quiet test debut in the fifth match in Perth, bowler and TV pundit Michael and India but days before the Ballance was in and out of of England’s ill-fated Ashes white- yesterday. Holding told ESPNcricinfo.com World Cup opener, Peter Moores the one-day team last year but wash by Australia in January last last month. backed him and suggested that described as a “world-class player year. REUTERS THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

QFA’s Asian Last-gasp Benteke Communities Football Tournament to gives Villa 2-1 win kick off today

EPL: Poyet off as Sunderland draw at Hull DOHA: As part of its commit- ment to providing platforms for the communities to play foot- LONDON: Christian Benteke revitalised their faltering push ball in a fun and competitive scored a nerveless stoppage- English Premier for a Champions League place environment, Qatar Football time penalty as Aston Villa League by beating Crystal Palace 1-0 to Association (QFA) announced edged West Bromwich Albion climb to fifth place in the table, a that it is organising the 3rd London: English Premier League results on 2-1 on Tuesday night to earn point below the top four. Asian Communities Football Tuesday night: new manager Tim Sherwood a Sadio Mane settled the game Tournament which will kick-off precious first Premier League Aston Villa 2 (Agbonlahor 22, Benteke 90- in the 83rd minute, chipping today and will see twelve teams victory. pen) West Brom 1 (Berahino 66) home after visiting goalkeeper competing for the championship The Belgian striker’s goal gave Hull 1 (N’Doye 15) Sunderland 1 (Rodwell 77) Julian Speroni failed to gather title. Villa their first league win since Southampton 1 (Mane 83) Crystal Palace 0 a cross from substitute James The action-packed tourna- December 7, shooting the club Ward-Prowse. ment is set to take place at QFA’s three points clear of the relega- West Brom equalised in The Senegalese forward’s Football Development pitches tion zone and ending a run of the 66th minute when Chris goal ended a run of three league from today until May 8. seven consecutive defeats. Brunt’s deep right-wing corner games without victory for Ronald The opening matches will com- Sherwood, who succeeded the was headed back across goal by Koeman’s side. mence at 8pm with Jordan fac- sacked Paul Lambert last month, Lescott and Saido Berahino nod- Meanwhile, Sunderland man- ing Lebanon and Indonesia facing celebrated jubilantly at the final ded in his 18th goal of the season. ager Gus Poyet was sent to the Nepal. whistle after what could prove a But Villa snatched victory in stands as his side drew 1-1 at Hull The opening matches will be turning point in his bid to prevent the 94th minute, with Benteke City. attended by a number of Asian Villa succumbing to a first relega- rolling home from 12 yards after a The Uruguayan was given his ambassadors to show their con- tion in 28 years. moment to forget for Foster, who marching orders for protesting tinued support to their communi- Gabriel Agbonlahor put the spilled a loose ball and then wiped after Jack Rodwell was booked ties and the tournament. hosts in front in the 15th minute out Matthew Lowton as he tried for diving and became involved The twelve ambassadors of the at Villa Park, running onto to retrieve it. in an angry exchange with Hull participating teams will attend Benteke’s flick-on and sliding the Villa now sit three points manager Steve Bruce before leav- the opening matches. ball past Ben Foster. above third-bottom Queens Park ing the touchline. QFA is committed to encourage Foster had previously almost Rangers, having played two games By then Dame N’Doye had put the community to participate in allowed a tame shot from more, while Tony Pulis’s West Hull ahead with a 15th-minute the football tournaments it organ- Agbonlahor to squirm beneath Brom remain 13th. back-heel, but Rodwell earned ises, thus, allowing the commu- him and over the line, while Joleon In a quirk of fate, the teams Sunderland a share of the spoils nity members to adopt a healthy Lescott was forced to clear off the resume hostilities at Villa Park in the 77th minute when he Aston Villa’s Fabian Delph (right) in action against West Brom’s James lifestyle. The tournament has line from Agbonlahor and Villa on Saturday in the FA Cup headed in a cross from Patrick Morrison during their English Premier League match on Tuesday night. become a well-established plat- midfielder Fabian Delph hit the quarter-finals. van Aanholt. Aston villa won 2-1. form amongst the communities. post in first-half stoppage time. Elsewhere, Southampton AFP THE PENINSULA Sheikh Salman set to win AFC Zeng head injury overshadows presidency unopposed Guangzhou victory in AFC CL

SINGAPORE: Asia’s football SYDNEY: A sickening head forward. “But it’s only his second chief is set for a new, four-year injury to Guangzhou Evergrande Champions League match so he term and a powerful FIFA vice goalkeeper Zeng Cheng took the will continue to improve.” presidency after officials said gloss off a 3-2 win over hold- The game in Sydney was yesterday that he will stand ers Western Sydney Wanderers Guangzhou’s first of the post- unopposed in elections next in the AFC Champions League Marcello Lippi era after their month. (CL) yesterday. highly successful former coach Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Play was halted for nearly 15 quit his post as technical direc- Al Khalifa (pictured) will minutes after Zeng’s collision tor last week. extend his stay as Asian Football with team-mate Kim Young- Wanderers coach Tony Popovic Confederation (AFC) president Gwon in the second half before was watching from the stands as at the vote in his native Bahrain, he was stretchered off in a neck he serves a two-match ban over two years after winning power by brace and taken to hospital. an altercation during last year’s a landslide. Reports said the 28-year-old bad-tempered quarter-final. Influential Kuwaiti Sheikh suffered a broken jaw in the Goulart drilled Guangzhou Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah will incident, which resulted in a Evergrande ahead in the 19th also seek a seat on world body 17-minute period of stoppage time minute after fellow Brazilian FIFA’s executive committee at the at Parramatta Stadium. Elkeson’s back header and Gao April 30 congress, an AFC state- Record signing Ricardo Lin’s pass in a neat build-up. ment said. to tighten his grip on Asian foot- Goulart’s hat-trick had put Iacopo La Rocca equalised 12 Shaikh Salman became AFC ball, while his ally Sheikh Ahmad Guangzhou 3-1 ahead, although minutes after the break with a president in 2013, promising to could also win an important new the reigning champions threat- near-post header from a cor- wipe the slate clean after his dis- post at the heart of FIFA. ened a comeback when Romeo ner, but within a minute Goulart graced predecessor Mohammed The Kuwaiti already wields Castelen pulled one back in injury scored again with a slick finish bin Hammam was banned from considerable power as the head time. from Gao’s cross. Piao Cheng (left) of China’s Beijing Guoan tussles for the ball against football mid-term over bribery of the Olympic Council of Asia, Despite Zeng’s injury, it was The Wanderers paid for more Kwon Changhoon of South Korea’s Suwon Samsung FC during their AFC claims. the region’s “apex sporting body” an important win for the wealthy slack defending when Gao’s cross Champions League group G first round match at the Beijing Workers The Bahraini royal overcame which controls events such as the Chinese club who, as defend- was only played into the path of Stadium, in Beijing, yesterday. allegations that he was involved Asian Games. ing champions, were shocked Goulart, who rammed home for in a crackdown on pro-democracy He is also a member of the by the Wanderers in last year’s his hat-trick and fourth in two activists to easily win a three- International Olympic Committee quarter-finals. games on 65 minutes. home supporters and provide a FC Seoul, 1-0 losers to Guangzhou way election in the first round of and heads the worldwide Rookie coach Fabio Cannavaro Zeng caused concern after his tense finish. in their opener last week, over- voting. Association of National Olympic hailed 15-million-euro signing clash with Korean team-mate But Guangzhou held firm to came Kashima Antlers by the Last year he won an inter- Committees. Goulart as the second win of his Kim. Australia was rocked by the hand the Wanderers only their same scoreline. And in Group nal battle to add Asia’s FIFA The AFC congress comes just fledgling managerial career put death of cricketer Phillip Hughes second home loss in the compe- G, a second-minute goal from vice presidency, currently held weeks before Prince Ali, Michael Guangzhou top of Group H with after an on-pitch head injury in tition, after their 3-1 defeat to 19-year-old Brandon Borrello was by FIFA presidential candidate van Praag and Luis Figo challenge a maximum six points. Sydney in November. Ulsan Hyundai in their debut enough to give A-League champi- Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, to the Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presi- “He had a very good perform- In the extended stoppage time, campaign last year. ons Brisbane Roar a 1-0 away win position of AFC leader. dency as the veteran Swiss seeks ance today scoring three goals,” Dutch substitute Castelen scored Elsewhere in Group H, Kim Jin- over Urawa Red Diamonds. Shaikh Salman is now poised a fifth term on May 29. AFP Cannavaro said of the Brazilian with a free header to fire up the Kyu struck in the 66th minute as AFP Muhammad, Israr to clash in Doha Junior Open semis

DOHA: Top seed Muhammad Wang Peng Asim Khan will take on Israr Doha Junior Open Results Soon (left) of Ahmad in an all-Pakistan semi- Under-19 Malaysia and final clash in the Under-19 section Muhammad Asim Khan [1] bt Marcus Sim Wei Jie [8] 8-11, 11-6, 11-6, 12-10; Israr Ahmad bt Ismail Rauf [6] Mohammaad of the Doha Junior Open while 11-7, 11-3, 11-8; Sandeep Ramachandran [4]bt Abdulwahab Al-Ishaq 11-3, 11-4 11-6; Sajad Zareian [2] bt Ahsan Jafarzadeh Sandeep Ramachandran of India Ayaz Khan [9] 11-8, 5-11, 10-12, 13-11, 11-4; Syed Anas Ghazanfar bt Mujtaba Raza Changezi [10] 5-11, 12-10, of Iran are in will fight with Sajad Zareian of 13-11, 7-11 11-6; Muhammad Farhan bt Muhammad Maaz Khurram [7] 11-4, 11-3, 11-4; Umair Zaman [5) bt action during Iran for a place in the final. Abdul Basit 11-9, 11-6, 11-9; Muhammad Asim Khan [1] bt Syed Anas Ghazanfar 11-4, 11-8, 11-7; Marcus Sim Wei Jie [8] bt Mujtaba Raza Changezi [10] 11-2, 11-5, 11-3; Ismail Rauf [6] bt Muhammad Bilal Khan Walkover; Yesterday at the Khalifa the quarter- Israr Ahmad bt Syed Azlan Amjad [3] 11-7, 11-6, 11-6; Sandeep Ramachandran [4] bt Muhammad Farhan 11-7, final match International Tennis and Squash 11-9, 11-8; Abdulwahab Al-Ishaq bt Muhammad Maaz Khurram [7] 11-9, 11-1, 11-7; Ahsan Ayaz Khan [9] bt Complex, Muhammad defeated Umair Zaman [5] 11-5, 11-7, 11-8; Sajad Zareian [2] bt Abdul Basit 11-3, 11-4, 11-8; Syed Anas Ghazanfar bt of the Under Marcus Sim Wei Jie of Malaysia Amrit Thapa Magar 6-11, 13-11, 14-12, 9-11, 11-9. 15 category 8-11, 11-6, 11-6, 12-10 to keep Under-17 of the Doha himself in the hunt for a title Nima Jedari Mohammadzadeh [12] bt Krish Kapur [6] Walkover; Alireza Shameli [1] bt Sudesh A/L Mohan [8] 11-7, Junior Open in Qatar. In the other quarter- 8-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-2 ; Cheuk Nam Matthew Lai [4] bt Sunil Kumar Sivanesan [9] 11-5, 15-13, 12-10 ; Kashif Squash tourna- final matches, Israr defeated Asif [13] bt Vikas Mehra [14] 11-3, 8-11, 11-3, 6-11, 11-3 ; Yat Ting Harley Lam [2] bt Abdelaziz Omeira [16] ment at Khalifa Ismail Rauf of Armenia 11-7, 11-3, 11-5, 11-2, 11-10; Sergey Gregorian [11] bt Kabeer Alam [15] 12-10, 9-11, 11-6, 6-11 11-9 ; Darren Pragasam [3] bt Mohamad Ali Farahat [5] 11-7, 5-11, 11-2, 11-3 ; Khan Momin Nasir bt Moein Najib Molaei [7] 11-6, 11-5, International 11-8, while Sandeep overcame 11-10; Alireza Shameli [1] bt Sergey Gregorian [11] 11-7, 11-8, 11-3 ; Sudesh A/L Mohan [8] bt Kabeer Alam Tennis and Abdulwahab Al Ishaq of Qatar [15] 11-7, 11-8, 12-10 ; Sunil Kumar Sivanesan [9] bt Krish Kapur [6] 8-11, 11-6, 5-11, 11-9, 11-6 ; Cheuk Nam Squash 11-3, 11-4 11-6 and Zareian of Matthew Lai [4] bt Nima Jedari Mohammadzadeh [12] 11-5, 11-6, 11-6 ; Kashif Asif [13] bt Darren Pragasam Complex [3] 15-13, 11-4, 11-6 ; Vikas Mehra [14] bt Mohamad Ali Farahat [5] 5-11, 9-11, 12-10, 11-6, 11-7 ; Abdelaziz Iran beat Ahsan Ayaz Khan of yesterday. Pakistan 11-8, 5-11, 10-12, 13-11, Omeira [16] bt Moein Najib Molaei [7] 11-2, 1-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9 ; Yat Ting Harley Lam [2] bt Khan Momin Nasir 11-5, 15-13, 8-11, 10-12, 11-3 ; Sergey Gregorian [11] bt Saad Abdullah Walkover ; Kabeer Alam [15] bt PICTURE 11-4. The semi-finals and finals Hamad Al-Amri Walkover ; Nima Jedari Mohammadzadeh [12] bt Ahsan Ali Kashif 11-7, 11-8, 5-11, 11-7 ; Kashif BY: SALIM of all the five age groups will be Asif [13] bt Mojtaba Kafili Vijouyeh 11-4, 11-5, 11-7 ; Vikas Mehra [14] bt Ahmad Ali Walkover ; Abdelaziz Omeira MATRAMKOT played today. THE PENINSULA [16] bt Muhammad Abdul Qadir Walkover ; Khan Momin Nasir bt Pranay Jain [10] 12-10, 5-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-3; THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

International Brusewitz, Eccles achieve Vaulting Competition - CVI3* Results Pas de Deux - Freestyle Test (2nd Round) (Read under as horse, team and score) Bram, Jasmin Lindner & Lukas Wacha, 8.671 individual vaulting glory W H Bentley, Hannah Eccles & Joanne Eccles, 8.557 Bram, Theresa Thiel & Stefan Csandl, 8.463 Delestre and Deusser impress in show jumping at CHI Al Shaqab Individual Female - Freestyle W H Bentley, Joanne Eccles, 8.661 BY RIZWAN REHMAT Harley, Anna Cavallaro, 8.644 For Ever du Chalet, Simone Jaiser, 8.243 DOHA: German star Thomas Individual Male - Freestyle Test Brusewitz yesterday dominated Airbus, Thomas Brüsewitz, 8.629 the freestyle test to emerge the Down Under, Erik Oese, 7,451 overall champion in the individ- Nolan, Stefan Csandl, 7, 432 ual contest of the vaulting com- petition at CHI Al Shaqab. Squad - Freestyle 2 The 20-year-old, who was in Will Be Good, Team SUI / Lütisburg, 8.570 unbeatable form in Monday’s Achim, Team Svea Vaulting, 7.715 compulsory test and Tuesday’s Andokan, Team C.I.M. Italy, 7,308 technical competition, yesterday Class S-1 - Jumping topped the freestyle field also to International Jumping Competition seal the deal in his favour as he - CSI3* produced another clinical per- (Read under as horse, rider and time) formance with his ride, Airbus 1. Ungarin, Ali Al Khorafi, 28.13 seconds Germany’s Erik Oese finished Kannada, Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri, 28.82 second with 7.451 points while Vlacido, Rakan Al Hasawi, 29.47 Austria’s Stefan Csandl, on 7.732 Class S-2 - Jumping points, was third overall. Brusewitz was delighted with International Jumping Competition his win. “I’m quite excited with - CSI3* this win. The final routine was Sidoline van de Centaur, Abdul Rahman Mohammed M A Al Marri, 60.22 seconds much better than yesterday and Siec Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z, Salman much better than last year’s. It Mohammed A S Al Emadi, 62.51 was very important for me that I Ventje, Ali Al Khorafi, 66.32 topped all the three tests,” he said. Class S-3 - Jumping “Yeah…it is indeed a good start French rider Simon Delestre on Stardust Quinhon after winning the CSI5* Class S-3 jumping competition at CHI Al Shaqab in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: International Jumping Competition to my whole season. I’m looking Nasser Al Ghazali from Qatar in action at CHI Al Shaqab yesterday. PICTURE: ABDUL BASIT forward to the events that are - CSI5* lined up. I hope to come back and “We wanted to experience the Joaane (8.557). In third spot Rembrandt Blue, ridden by “It was superb. It’s possible to Stardust Quinhon, Simon Delestre, 36.69 win it next year,” Brusewitz said. feeling in this amazing arena, were Austrians Theresa Thiel Laura Renwick, finished in second go faster but it was good to win seconds In the individual female com- which is out of this world. To top and Csandl, who bagged an over- spot with a time of 36.76 seconds, with confidence. It’s a fantastic Rembrandt Blue, Laura Renwick, 36.76 petition, Great Britain’s Joanne it with a win in this prestigious all tally of 8.314. while Ho Go van de Padenborr, arena and I take pleasure to ride Ho Go van de Padenborr, Denis Lynch, 37.00 Eccles proved peerless with her event is simply amazing. So com- In the squad competition, Team with Denis Lynch in the saddle, here,” he said. Class S-4 - Jumping ride W H Bentley, winning the ing here I was not really under SUI/Lutisburg of Switzerland clocked a time of 37.00 seconds Delestre was full of praise for International Jumping Competition contest with an overall tally of any pressure and I am glad that it retained their overnight position, to finish third. Qatari equestrian squad that - CSI5* 8.045 points after scoring 8.661 all came together,” she said. finishing on top for the third suc- Delestre clocked the best time qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympic Espyrante, Daniel Deusser, 56.67 seconds points in the freestyle competi- “The whole competition was cessive day. of 36.69 seconds as Stardust Games. Egano van het Slogenhof, Gregory Wathelet, tion yesterday. very strong here. Having won two The Swiss side owed thanks Quinhon produced a routine “Yes, I would like to congratu- 57.43 Eccles finished ahead of Italian medals at the World Equestrian to its ride Will Be Good to score that delighted the 33-year-old late them,” Delestre said. For Sale 6, Henrik von Eckermann, 58.95 veteran Anna Cavallaro (7.954) Games, I came into the competi- an impressive 7.929 points after Frenchman. “They had a super score to and Switzerland’s Simone Jaiser tion to enjoy the vaulting. It has securing 8.570 in yesterday’s free- “I don’t think I could have qualify. They are now very good (58.95) was third. “I know it (7.620). been a great start for me here and style 2 competition. gone any better with Stardust riders. They finish well at Grands was a fast competition. If I had “It’s been an incredible win I hope to be back next year.” Team C I M Italy finished sec- Quinhon,” Delestre said. “She is Prix. Bassam and Ali are really done a few more strides, I would and the one I wanted to achieve,” In the free test of Pas de Duex ond with an overall score of 7.018 nine years old. She has done well good,” he said. “At every Grand have been faster,’ Deusser said Eccles said. “It was unfortunate competition, popular Austrian points while Team Svea Vaulting in a few 5-star Grands Prix,” he Prix these riders remain with the yesterday. that I could not come to Doha last pair Jasmin Linder and Lukas from Sweden sealed the third spot added. “Today it was not crazy top bunch,” he said. “She has a very active stride. year. I watched the proceedings Wacha yesterday completed their with a score of 6.611. fast but fast enough. Also yesterday, German A lot of the horses did it in eight on live stream back home. We win with an overall tally of 8.746 French rider Simon Delestre “I don’t take any crazy risks. Daniel Deusser clinched the strides. She was thinking forward. missed being here and when we points over the last two days. laid down the marker on the first She won the task really well. It issue in Class S-4 (1m 50) with a She knew what to do,” he said. got the opportunity, we grabbled Linder and Wacha rode Bram day of show jumping competition was a nice round. I didn’t do any- time of 56.67 seconds while “Then I thought I had a chance it because we were very keen to to top of the charts ahead of yesterday, winning the CSI5* thing crazy in the jump-off so it Gregory Wathelet (57.43) finished (to win),” Deusser said. be a part of this championship. Hannah Eccles and her sister Class S-3 — over 1m45. was a great run,” Delestre added. second. Henrik von Eckermann THE PENINSULA Horse Racing Results Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate Distance: 1,200m Running Time: 1:13:58 (Read as horse, trainer and jockey) My Way, Majid Seifddeni, P. Convertino Katara IV, Abdullah Al Jaber, T. O’Shea Al Naif Never Mind, Y. Bentaher, Marvin Suerland P/A Maiden Plate Distance: 1,200m Running Time: 1:18:39 Zameer, M. Salama, Gerald Avranche Al Sardal, Jassim Al Ghazali, Stephan Ladjadj Al Waab, Mohammed Jassim, GhazaliR. Mullen Thoroughbred Maiden Plate Distance: 1,200m Running Time: 1:10:76 Al Wajeeh, Jassim Al Ghazali, Yanis Aouabed Nu Form Fire, Jassim Al Ghazali, Marvin Suerland Rome, Al Qathiri, Marco Monteriso P/A Handicap Rated 50 - 80 Distance: 1,200m Running Time: 1:18:77 Jockey Yanis Aoubed receives a trophy after winning the Rowdat Rasheed Cup race yesterday. RIGHT: Jockey Yanis Aouabed rides Sejalaat to victory in the Rowdat Rasheed Cup race at Khafouqi, Jassim Al Ghazali, Stephan Ladjadj the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) in Doha yesterday. Muhim, Jassim Al Ghazali, Yanis Aouabed Giude Al Khal, H. Al Marri, Almotasem Al Balush Thoroughbred Handicap Rated 0 - 60 Sejalaat gallops to Rowdat Rasheed Cup victory Distance: 1,200m Running Time: 1:12:46 DOHA: Sejalaat, owned by Kalahari Kingdom raced Mind and Gaza VI completed the Al Wajeeh was in fluctuating Pier Convertino, scored a convinc- Queenie’s Home, Majid Seifddeni, P. Convertino Hamad bin Abdulrahman bin upfront till entering the straight frame. in third or fourth as the field ing victory in the Thoroughbred Chess Valley, M. Hussain, Declan Cannon Hamad Al Attiya, posted a com- and started to improve inside the Zakhir Stud’s Zameer ran on straightened out for the home Handicap for horses rated 50 and Count Curlin, Mohammed Jassim Ghazali, manding victory over its stable- last 300m. The Ghazali-trained strongly inside the last 200m to stretch. Once put into top gear, below. Stephan Ladjadj mate Rock Up to come out on steed then stretched away to win win the Pure Arabian Maiden Al Wajeeh stretched away nicely The Majid Safedeen trained Thoroughbred Handicap Rated 50 - 70 top in the Rowdat Rasheed Cup quite comfortably and clinch his Plate, the day’s second race. and won by one-and-three-fourth Queenie’s Home was well in race at the Qatar Racing and first career win in four starts. Zameer was somewhere in the lengths. touch with the front runners till Distance: 1,800m Equestrian Club (QREC) here Makinson Lane and Marked middle as the pack rounded the Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari- the bend and started to move up Running Time: 1:55:56 yesterday. Card finished second and third final turn and he improved gradu- owned Khafouqi, ridden by steadily. With about 200m left Kalahari Kingdom, Jassim Al Ghazali, J.P The Jassim Al Ghazali-trained respectively. ally to come into contention. With Stephan Ladjadj, made every post from home, Queenie’s Home took Guillambert horse was ridden to victory in the My Way, owned by Mubarak jockey Gerald Avranche riding a winning one as he maintained charge and kicked on well till the premier race of the day by jockey Saeed Aljafai Al Naimi, put in a hard, the Mohammed Salama- the lead from start to finish in the finish to win in fine fashion. Makinson Lane, H Al Jehani, Anas Al Seyabi Yanis Aouabed. gallant display with a fluent vic- trained Zameer galloped well Pure Arabian Handicap for horses Hamad Abdulhadi Salah Al Marked Card, Al Dhafa, Declan Cannon Alsefra and Northern Water tory in the Local Thoroughbred to surge past the front runners rated 50 to 80. Marri owned Mowhoubat Al Rowdat Rasheed Cup - Thoroughbreds finished third and fourth Maiden Plate race, the first of and win by two lengths from Al Though Muhim posed a seri- Zaidy swept aside the challenge Rated 75 - 95 respectively. yesterday’s eight races. Sardal. ous threat in the dying stages of of Qaa’ed and Ras Al Qimmah Distance: 1,100m Earlier, Jean Pierre Guillambert Starting from a handy third Dr Fahad bin Abdullah Al the race, Khafouqi held on gamely prevailed by a head to win the brilliantly rode Injaaz Stud’s place at the turn, jockey Pier Attiyah and Son-owned Al Wajeeh to win by a head. Giude Al Khal Pure Arabian Handicap for horses Running Time: 1:04:37 Kalahari Kingdom to victory Convertino urged My Way was brilliantly ridden by Aouabed and AJS Admiral completed the rated 60 and below. Sejalaat, Jassim Al Ghazali, Yanis Aouabed in day’s penultimate race — the into the lead and stretched to victory in the Thoroughbred frame. Jockey Gaetan Faucon was Rock Up, Jassim Al Ghazali, R. Mullen Thoroughbred Handicap for away to win by six lengths over Maiden Plate. Mubarak Saeed Aljafai Al astride the winner. horses rated 50 to 70. Katara IV, while Al Naif Never The Jassim al Ghazali trained Naimi’s Queenie’s Home, ridden by THE PENINSULA Alsefra, Debbie Mountain, Evert Pheiffer Thursday 5 March 2015 14 Jumada I 1436 Volume 19 Number 6360 Sport Price: QR2

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Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah Al Attiyah heads to Kuwait for

Qatar’s Youth and Sports Minister H E Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali (fourth from left) poses for a group photo along with representatives of National Olympic Committees of other GCC MENA meet countries in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: Qatar’s Youth and Sports Minister addressing the meeting. DOHA: The President of Qatar Motor and Motor Cycle Federation (QMMF) and FIA Vice-President, Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah will reach GCC nations vow to empower Kuwait today to attend the FIA- MENA meeting starting this weekend. The three-day meeting that will start tomorrow will be attended by the top officials of 20 countries region’s youth through sports along with FIA President Jean Todt. Al Attiyah termed the par- ticipation of FIA president vital Sports dignitaries lend full support to Qatar 2022 as GCC meet ends saying Todt’s presence will give ‘special importance’ to the meet- ing. The FIA vice-president also DOHA: The Middle East is meeting. We also agreed to work “We made a presentation on appreciated Kuwait’s role in pro- committed to empowering the on the plans we talked about at the activities of Jusoor Institute. motion of motor sports. youth of the region through length previously,” Al Dosari said Sports management is serious “Kuwait is considered as one sports activities, this was said “Basically we talked about business and we showed our list of the most important nations as in the closing remarks on the programmes that would help of programme to our guests. the country has a special culture final day of a special meeting empower the youth of the region “As you know Saudi Arabia to promote motor sports among attended by heads of the GCC through sports,” he added. will host this very meeting next youth as per the recently-intro- National Olympic Committees “The region believes in the AFC year in February. We have not duced additional safety rules and in Doha. changes that can be brought President decided on the dates but prob- regulations,” said Al Attiyah. Qatar’s Youth and Sports about through sports activities. Sheikh ably in February or March,” Al About the upcoming meeting, Minister H E Salah bin Ghanem We believe in our youngsters,” Al Salman Dosari said. he said the plans, strategies and bin Nasser Al Ali attended the Dosari added. representing On Sunday, Sheikh Saoud bin last updates of the sport will be final day’s proceedings which “The GCC officials have given a Bahrain Abdulrahman Al Thani, Secretary discussed during the next three also saw the attendance of deputy rally call on the 2022 FIFA World General of the Qatar Olympic days. “We will cooperate together during the ministers of the five other GCC Cup to be held in Qatar. The GCC Committee (QOC), welcomed to have more success in the field meeting. nations Abdulrahman Al Matieri countries fully support the event participating delegates at the of motor sport in MENA region, (Kuwait), Suleiman Al Misnad taking place in Qatar,” Al Dosari summit taking place at Sheraton which is considered the most (Saudi Arabia), Khaled Issa (the said. Doha Hotel. important region after Europe in UAE), Hisham bin Mohammed “The GCC officials feel that a Sheikh Saoud on Sunday said respect of the events organised”. (Bahrain) and Rashad bin Ahmed World Cup in Qatar actually pro- the meeting attended by the Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammad (Oman). motes the region. It is not just our Secretaries General of the GCC Al Khaled- Head of Circuits Abdulrahman Al Dosari and World Cup. It is a World Cup that Olympic Committees will be mak- Commission at Basel Al Sabah Abdulrahman Al Hajri, repre- belongs to the entire region,” Al ing recommendations on how to said Kuwait fully support the top senting the Youth and Sports Dosari said. get more young people interested Al Attiyah as top FIA official. Minister’s office, said the GCC Qatar will become the first the entire region. The Sports part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in sports. “Kuwait has a supportive role officials overwhelmingly ‘sup- country in the Middle East to Minister H E Salah bin Ghanem and contribute in a major way. Also on Monday, Mohammed to Nasser Al Attiyah to find a ported Qatar hosting the 2022 host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. bin Nasser Al Ali also endorsed The youth will take the football Ali Al Kamali, Secretary General new philosophy of motor sport in FIFA World Cup. “Like H H the Emir Sheikh the same view point,” Al Dosari movement forward when they of the UAE Olympic Committee MENA based on exchange of Arab “We discussed what was ini- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said said. become part of the sports indus- praised Qatar’s National Sports and foreign experiences,” he said. tially agreed in the previous that 2022 FIFA World Cup is for “We would like our youth to be try in the country,” he said. Day. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Khalfan gives Al Sadd valuable victory over Al Hilal

DOHA: Khalfan Ibrahim was the hero in Doha over from eight yards out after an inch-perfect cross as his goal helped 2011 AFC Champions League from Thiago Neves in first half stoppage time. winners Al Sadd secure a valuable 1-0 win over The Saudis brought on Greece international Khalfan last year’s runners-up Al Hilal at the Jassim Bin Georgios Samaras at half time, but it was the home Ibrahim Hamad Stadium yesterday. side who started the second period the stronger and (right) of The Qataris took the lead when former AFC they almost doubled their advantage in the 47th Al Sadd Player of the Year Ibrahim scored in the 30th minute minute when Ibrahim’s powerful shot from the edge celebrates with a powerful finish after being played through by of the area was parried wide by Al Hilal custodian after forward Hasan Al Haydos. Al Sdairy. Although Al Sadd looked dangerous on scoring a And even though newly appointed coach Giorgios the break, it was the visitors who were controlling goal against Donis’s Al Hilal dominated the majority of the sec- most of the possession in the second period, and Saudi ond period they were unable to build on their 3-1 Kwak had another chance in the 70th minute but Arabia’s Al victory against Lokomotiv of Uzbekistan in Machday this time he headed wide. Hilal during One as the hosts held out to jump to the top of Group Then with 15 minutes left on the clock Samaras their AFC C on four points from two games. played in Otayf, but his control let him down at Champions After a slow start the game burst into life on the the vital moment and the ball rolled softly into the half hour mark, when Al Hilal forward Yousef Al grateful Al Sheeb’s hands. League Salem was dispossessed in the centre of the park by Two minutes later Al Hilal had their best chance match at Al Haydos and he played a wonderfully weighted ball to level the tie when the creative Thiago Neves Sheikh through to Ibrahim, who skipped past two defend- crossed into forward Khalid Kaabi, but he was unfor- Jassim Bin ers and fired an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper tunate to see his header from eight yards strike the Hamad Abdullah Al Sdairy. outside of the post. Stadium But the away side nearly equalised three minutes The away side continued to push for the equaliser in Doha, later when Brazilian midfielder Thiago Neves played with the game being played out almost entirely in yesterday. in Abdullah Otayf, but he shot straight at goalkeeper the Al Sadd half, but the hosts were able to hold Saad Al Sheeb from a narrow angle. And Al Hilal out to move to the top of Group C after Foolad and could have gone in to the break on even terms had Lokomotiv played out a 1-1 draw in the group’s ear- Korea Republic defender Kwak Tae-hwi not headed lier game. THE PENINSULA