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THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 • 6 Rabia I 1437 • Volume 20 Number 6647 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780

Father Emir visits Darb El-Saai Emir greets King of Bahrain, President Emir approves of Kazakhstan

DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday budget; focus sent a cable of congratulations to H M King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bah- rain on the occasion of his coun- try’s National Day. on welfare The Emir also sent a cable of congratulations to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nur- Expenditures put at QR202.2bn sultan Nazarbayev on the occa- sion of the anniversary of his DOHA: Giving an extra thrust representing 45.4 percent of the country’s Independence Day. to welfare schemes, Emir H H total expenditure in the 2016 Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al budget, reflecting the government’s Emir receives Thani, endorsed the state budget continued commitment to these for the new fiscal with a projected sectors, despite the decline in rev- phone call from revenue of QR156bn and expen- enues during the current period. ditures at QR202.2bn. The budget The new budget has dedicated Djibouti President for the new fiscal year will be QR20.4bn to education sector. effective from January 1, 2016. These funds are aimed to ensure DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh The 2016 budget is an exten- the implementation of the strategic Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sion of the prior year’s diversifi- plan in the sector, which includes received yesterday a telephone cation plan, which demonstrates expansions in the Qatar Founda- call from President Ismail the government’s ongoing efforts tion, Qatar University. The expan- Omar Guelleh of the Republic to boost long-term non-oil devel- sion plans include building new of Djibouti. Discussions during opment through focused invest- hostel, students’ affairs building the call dealt with bilateral Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday visited Darb El-Saai and was briefed on the ment programmes, with an added and campuses for the faculties of relations and ways of enhanc- various cultural and heritage events held as part of National Day celebrations. Father Emir also toured a focus on welfare. Focuses include engineering, education, law , medi- ing them and a number of issues education, health, infrastructure, cine and medical sciences. Other number of ministries, national institutions and pavilions and attended a parade by a group of school students of common concern. social service and housing sector. projects in the sector include the who are undergoing national military service training. Qatar’s projected QR156bn rev- establishment of 18 new schools enue compares with QR225.7bn in and 6 kindergartens. Emir names envoy the previous fiscal. The decline in The budget has set aside revenues is due to a reduction in QR20.9bn for health services. to Philippines the oil price assumption of $48 There will be special focus on Cabinet welcomes anti-terror alliance per barrel, compared with $65 in boosting health projects as funds DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh the previous fiscal. The projected have been earmarked for the DOHA: The State Cabinet yes- and justifications. The Cabinet held Riyadh on December 9 and 10 in Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yes- QR202.2bn expenditures is down Sidra Medical and Research terday welcomed the formation its meeting at the Emiri Diwan. It was which Emir H H Sheikh Tamim terday issued Emiri decision No. from QR218.4bn in the previous Center, along with the comple- of an Islamic military alliance to chaired by Prime Minister and Inte- bin Hamad Al Thani took part. 61 of 2015 appointing Ali Ibra- fiscal, leading to a budgeted defi- tion of Hamad General Hospital fight terrorism under the leader- rior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah The Cabinet confirmed that the him Ahmed Ibrahim Al Malki as cit of QR46.5bn, due to the sharp and Hamad Medical City. ship of Saudi Arabia. bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. Riyadh Declaration and decisions Ambassador Extraordinary and drop in oil and gas prices in global Continued on page 10 The alliance consists of 24 Deputy Prime Minister and in its final communique for the Plenipotentiary to the Republic energy markets, which are down Islamic countries, including Qatar. Minister of State for Cabinet support of the joint GCC action of the Philippines. The decision by over 50 percent compared with The Cabinet described the move as Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah in various fields. is effective starting from its date prevailing prices in 2014. a significant step towards fighting bin Zaid Al Mahmoud welcomed Continued on page 3 of issue and is to be published in Commenting on the new budget BUDGET terrorism in all its forms and mani- the outcome of the 36th session of the official gazette. proposals, Minister of Finance ALLOCATIONS festations whatever their sources the GCC Supreme Council held in THE PENINSULA QNA H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi said : “The 2016 budget builds on the MAJOR PROJECTS Qatar National Development QR 90.8bn Strategy 2011-2016, which is currently in its fifth year.” The HEALTH SERVICES Ministry following budget demonstrates the govern- QR20.9bn ment’s keenness to continue the INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS up Iraq kidnapping implementation of its sustainable QR50.6bn development programme with a DOHA: The Foreign Ministry said clear focus on major projects, in EDUCATION yesterday that it is following the addition to projects related to the QR20.4bn kidnapping of a number of Qatari hosting of World Cup 2022. citizens who entered southern Iraq SALARIES AND WAGES Allocations for ‘major projects’ on a hunting trip, immediately has increased by QR3.3bn to QR49.5bn after it received the news. The QR90.8bn. The new budget has CURRENT EXPENDITURES ministry started contacts with the set aside QR49.5bn for ‘salaries QR58.5bn Iraqi government and concerned and wages’. Current expenditures entities at the highest security and are QR58.5bn, down from the MINOR CAPEX political levels in Iraq. previous budget’s QR71.2bn. QR3.7bn Continued on page 3 Allocations for health, education and infrastructure are QR90.9bn, THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

DNA testing on show at Darb El-Saai

By Fazeena Saleem about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A booth has been set up for children to take part in a series of DOHA: Young visitors to the Qatar Foundation educational activities. For adults, there are various (QF)’s Darb El-Saai tent got a rare chance to learn health activities, including weight and fat measure- about DNA extraction. ments to help them identify and overcome health Experts from the Qatar Biomedical Research risks. Every evening, a special chef holds a cookery Institute (QBRI) hosted DNA extraction workshop demonstration on making healthy food. for students who were taught to undertake a basic Al Shaqab has organised a horse simulator to DNA test with saliva samples. Within 10 minutes, teach children and adults to ride in a relaxed envi- participants will know their DNA pattern. ronment. Horse grooming lessons and healthcare At Darb El-Saai, QF hosts a slew of inspirational tips are given outside the tent in an interactive and interactive activities to provide stimulating learning educational setting. This activity allows visitors to opportunities in five categories — Education and life- explore the world of horses, which is deep-rooted in long learning, research and innovation, health, sport Arab and Qatari heritage. and wellbeing, cultural development and heritage The Sidra Medical and Research Center will and preservation and Sustainability. host two activities. The first teaches children about QBRI’s workshops are held under health, sports healthy food habits and the second educates chil- and wellbeing category which has activities dedicated dren about various parts of the body. Texas A&M to creating a healthy population. The QF tent also University at Qatar’s ‘Lego Mindstorms’ activity features activities and events that encourage visitors teach children to build robotic cars and to pro- to lead a healthy lifestyle. Qatar Diabetes Associa- gramme them. tion (QDA) has designed a ‘Match-Up’ game that Reach Out To Asia’s activities reflect real-life situ- teaches children to identify different food groups. ations of needy countries, such as a damaged school There is also a visual education tool intended to structure with changeable elements like windows increase public awareness on diabetes. and doors, to inspire children’s imagination. Visitors Sahtak Awalan (Your Health First) is a five- are requested to write a letter to people in needy year campaign by Weill Cornell Medicine — Qatar countries to support them. (WCM-Q) that aims to educate the community THE PENINSULA

THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

PM meets Omani official Qatari FM calls Iraq minister Cabinet reviews climate deal Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 The Ministry started contacts in order to find out the The Cabinet said the Declaration enhances the Gulf Coop- details of Qatari citizens’ abduction and works on their eration Council drive and opens the door for it new prospects release as soon as possible, stressing that they entered for further cooperation, solidarity and integration for the the Iraqi territories on an official permit from the Iraqi realisation of GCC peoples’ aspirations and the confirmation Ministry of Interior and in coordination with the Iraqi of the joint keenness on the security, stability and prosperity embassy in Doha. of the region. The statement added that Assistant Foreign Minister The Cabinet reviewed the Paris climate deal adopted by H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi and Qatar’s representatives of 195 states at the close of the United Nations Ambassador to Baghdad Zayed bin Saeed Al Khayareen Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) that was were delegated to follow on procedures taken with the held in the French capital from November 30 to December 12 Iraqi government to ensure the safety of Qatari citi- and in whose opening session Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin zens. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister H E Dr Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani took part. Mohamed Al Attiyah spoke over the phone yesterday The Cabinet considered that the agreement helps mate- with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al Jaafari. rialise the will of states to confront global warming and the Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with The contact dealt with the follow-up of the abduction protection of the earth from climate change. Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information of Oman, Ali Khalfan Al Jabri, in Doha yesterday. of Qatari nationals in Iraq. QNA THE PENINSULA Neuroscientists to speak at QBRI meet

DOHA: The Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), one of Hamad bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) three specialised national research institutes, is hosting the IBRO-MENA-QBRI Annual Neuroscience Sympo- sium. Held in collaboration with the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), a union of neuroscience organisations that aim to promote and support neuro- science training and collaborative research around the world, the event speakers and panelists will this year concentrate on the topics of autism, neurode generation, and epilepsy. From Saturday to December 22, QBRI will host the IBRO-MENANeuroscience School, an event that com- plements the Neuroscience Symposium that will bring clinicians and researchers to Qatar for a four-day study course ‘Epilepsy: From Pathophysiology to Diagnosis and Therapy.’ At the ‘School’ experts from QBRI, Weill Cor- nell Medical College-Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation and participants in the symposium will share insight and analysis on the latest research on epilepsy with students from across the MENA region. This year’s speakers include a number of neuroscien- tists from the United States such as Bassel Abou Kha- lil, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Epilepsy Center at Vanderbilt Heart Vascular Institute, Sarah Jane Webb, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behav- ioral Sciences at Seattle Children’s Research Institute at the University of Washington, and Margaret Elizabeth Ross, Nathan Cummings Professor in Neurology and Chair of the Neuroscience Graduate Program at Weill Cornell Medical College. Also presenting their research will be FaycelHentati, Professor of Neurology and Head of Department at Mongi Ben Hamida National Institute of Neurology in Tunisia, and Saeed Abdulla Boholega, President of the Saudi Neurology Society and Professor at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center. Dr Hilal Lashuel, Executive Director of QBRI and Chair of IBRO MENA, said, “QBRI is committed to do its part in establishing Qatar as an emerging centre for healthcare innovation in support of Qatar National Vision 2030. Events like the neuroscience symposium fuel com- munity interest in the field and open doors for collabora- tive research.” To coincide with the IBRO MENA symposium and school, QBRI have been holding a Brain Awareness Week. Several events have been held at schools, pre-school cent- ers, and at Villaggio Mall. THE PENINSULA

QBRI is going to host a major symposium on neuroscience.

Doha Bank marks National Day DOHA: On Qatar National Day, Doha Bank yesterday held a special ceremony to commemorate the founding of the nation at the bank’s headquarters in West Bay, which was specially decorated in the national flag’s colours of white and maroon. The event was attended by Dr R Seetharaman, Group CEO of Doha Bank, along with members of the senior management and employees from the various branches across the country. The CEO distributed gifts to all Doha Bank employees and extended his sincere congratulations to Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to the government and to the people of Qatar for the past year’s achieve- ments and wished them continued peace and prosperity in the future. THE PENINSULA

THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME More Karwa buses and taxis on National Day Mowasalat displays old and new transport models

DOHA: Mowasalat (Karwa) greeted all Qataris on the National Day, and expressed its deepest gratitude to Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The company assured its commitment to embracing national values and principles that enhance the development towards the achievement of Qatar Vision 2030. On the occasion, Mowasalat will utilise all its resources in readiness to meet public needs nationwide. More PSV routes and buses will operate to cover urban and suburbs of Doha to ease mobility for the public and families wanting to visit celebra- tion venues. More taxis will be A National Day poster with pictures of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad available at temporary hubs and Al Thani and Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, on a deployment of efficient dispatch- Mowasalat bus. ing system. Mowasalat also displayed how Mowasalat, as national trans- the National Flag, showing soli- it provided a sustainable safe port provider, government com- darity, loyalty and pride, besides transport system by displaying pany and a major stakeholder special branding of public buses the oldest and latest transport under the Ministry of Trans- and taxis carrying the message models that shed light on legacy port also showed special ways of National Day. and the development it witnessed of celebrating the National Day in the last 11 years. by decorating its buildings with THE PENINSULA Katara awards contest winners DOHA: Cultural Village Founda- prizes at the event held in the In the photo contest, Shiras tion, Katara, yesterday awarded presence of Katara General Man- Abdullah bagged the top prize the winners of the plastic arts and ager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al winning QR50,000, followed by photography contest, organised Sulaiti. “We are really pleased to Ahmad Fahad Al Khulaifi who on the sidelines of fifth Katara witness the progressive leap of the won QR40,000 and Mohammad Traditional Dhow Festival held artistic movement that paves the Najib Nasser bagging QR30,000. last month. way for boosting the number of In the plastic art contest, Hazim The contests witnessed huge Qatari, Arabic and international Hijazi Ismail won first prize bag- participation of artists and pho- artists to display their creative ging QR100,000; Sagher Thodo tographers from different nation- works and best contributions Kayel ranked second winning alities and age categories. A total through distinctive paintings and QR50,000 while Ahmad Noh Al of 140 participants took part in photographs,” said Dr Al Sulaiti. Zahad placed third with QR30,000 the photography competition. He thanked all participating prize. Ten winners were awarded artists for their creative works. THE PENINSULA

THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Villas top building permits in Nov QC persuades radio listeners Al Rayyan Municipality ranks first in number of permits issued to sponsor 3,000 orphans DOHA: In a radio programme that from the listeners of radio programmes DOHA: Building permits issued for vil- The data show that the Municipal- 60 percent of the total, while the percent- lasted barely two hours, Qatar Char- and users of social sites, Qatar News las in November dominated the total ity of Al Rayyan (including Shahaniya) age of additional permits issued consti- ity (QC) successfully convinced people Agency (QNA) reports. number of building permits issued by all topped the list of municipalities in terms tuted 36 percent (or 231 permits), and with philanthropist leanings to sponsor “We urged people in Qatar (citizens the seven municipalities in the country, of building permits issued. It had a share finally fencing permits had a share of four 3,000 orphans all over the world. and expatriates) to participate in the official figures show. of 30 percent (or 193) in the total. percent (28 permits) in the total. The programme was named ‘Tafrij initiative that was launched on Tuesday The Ministry of Development Plan- Doha Municipality ranked sec- On the other hand, both commercial Kurba’ (Relieve Plight). on the occasion of National Day”, said ning and Statistics yesterday released ond with a share of 137 permits, or 21 and industrial buildings, that is, work- QC mobilises Islamic scholars and Yusuf Ahmad Al Kuwari, Chief Execu- the data of building permits issued by percent, in the total, followed by the shops and factories topped non-resi- social activates through radio pro- tive Officer of QC. the various municipalities in November Municipality of Al Wakra, with 103 per- dential building permits issued, with 33 grammes to explain the plight of QC has a target of helping sponsor this year. mits (16 percent). percent (17 permits) each, followed by orphans all over the world and urge 100,000 orphans. “We are very close to The permits for villas topped the list, Al Da’ayen Municipality ranked third mosques with 21 percent (11 permits), people to help them. our target”, said Al Kuwari. accounting for 73 percent, or 244 per- with 89 permits, or 14 percent of the government buildings with eight percent QC launched an initiative to help QC launched a humanitarian drive in mits, out of the total residential building total, while the Municipality of Umm Slal (or four permits) only. sponsor 100,000 orphans all over the December 2013 to address the woes of permits issued in the month. issued 54 permits (or eight percent), Al The Ministry of Development Planning world. So far, 90,000 orphans are being orphans all over the world. Houses to be built with loans and Khor (50 permits, or eight percent), and and Statistics has begun releasing build- sponsored with QC’s initiative. The drive aimed to improve the for which construction permits were Al Shamal issued 20 permits, or three ing permit details on a monthly basis, The initiative has been launched on social standing of orphans by provid- issued constituted 12 percent (or 40 percent of the total. which are an indicator of the perform- local media, social networking sites and ing them care like education and health permits) of the total, while apartment In terms of the type of permits issued, ance of the construction sector. Qatar Radio and the Radio of Qatar services, said Al Kuwari. buildings accounted for 10 percent (34) the data indicate that the new building Foundation. of the total. permits issued totaled 387 constituting THE PENINSULA The programmes get good response THE PENINSULA Msheireb Properties marks National Day

DOHA: As part of Qatar’s 41st heritage preservation, innovative National Day Celebrations, research and health, sports and Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary wellbeing. of Qatar Foundation and Qatar’s To accompany these activities, leading developer of sustainable a dedicated social media cam- and innovative projects, sup- paign was launched to encour- ports 41st National Day activi- age participation in the National ties, where the Qatari flag was Day celebrations, and to show carried by Msheireb Properties the world the pride that Qatari employees with construction residents have for their nation. workers from the company’s The campaign was launched on iconic Msheireb Downtown Doha December 15 and will run until project, one of the world’s December 31 on Facebook, Twit- largest urban regeneration ter and Instagram. developments. In order to participate, follow- Msheireb Properties is working ers are required to share images closely with the Qatar National on social media of what makes Day committee to support their them proud to be living in Qatar key National Day activities for using the hashtag #IAmQatar. communities. These include a Prizes worth QR400 each will be series of sports and cultural awarded to 5 participants. events that were sponsored by Abdulla Hassan Al Mehshadi, Msheireb, whose objective was CEO of Msheireb Properties to promote the spirit of collabo- said, “We are delighted to be sup- ration, community and multi- porting the Qatar National Day culturalism that has made Qatar committee on such an important the country it has become today. day in the country’s calendar. Msheireb Properties is also par- These celebrations vividly dem- ticipating in the Qatar Founda- onstrate what makes Qatar the tion Darb El-Saai tent. diverse and multicultural society The tent is focusing on five that it has become.” main areas: education, sustain- Msheireb Properties’ employees hold the National Flag. ability, cultural development and THE PENINSULA

Qatar Airways starts service to Durban today

DOHA: Qatar Airways will Airport. Visitors to Durban, companies recently building ban directly to Doha. With its launch new services between South Africa’s third largest city, their presence in the city. Qatar excellent aviation infrastruc- Doha and Durban from today, will appreciate its subtropical Airways’ new route will help to ture and the development of offering passengers the oppor- climate, culturally diverse popu- meet a growing demand from the Dube TradePort, we expect tunity to experience another lation and the variety of outdoor passengers seeking business and the number of business and idyllic subtropical destination. activities. Known for its beau- leisure trips to Durban and will employment opportunities in The four-times-weekly serv- tiful beaches and warm seas, better serve travellers from Durban to increase,” said Qatar ice to Durban further comple- the city enjoys 300-plus days of South Africa who are seeking Airways Group Chief Executive, ments the airline’s existing daily sunshine during the year, ideal greater connections to the Mid- Akbar Al Baker, who will travel flights to Cape Town and double for surfing and shopping at its dle East, Europe, United States, on board the inaugural Qatar daily flights to Johannesburg, various outdoor markets. Asia Pacific and South Asia. Airways Boeing 787-Dreamliner and is an expansion of the air- Qatar and South Africa have “Qatar is one of South Africa’s today. The new passenger serv- line’s operations in South Africa. a very strong trade relation- largest trading partners in the ice will complement Qatar Air- Travellers can now choose from ship, further strengthened by Middle East and we are proud ways’ existing freighter services a total of 21 flights a week to Durban’s significant economic to strengthen this business to Johannesburg. South Africa from Qatar Air- growth which has been bolstered relationship with the launch of ways’ hub Hamad International by a number of multinational our new route connecting Dur- THE PENINSULA

Ministry recalls Bentley models

DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Al Wajba Motors, local deal- ers of Bentley vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Bentley Continen- tal GT, GTC and Continen- tal Flying Spur models of 2011-2014 due to manufac- turing defects (loose con- nection) for some vehicles The Ministry said in a statement the recall cam- paign comes within the framework of its ongoing effort to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs. The Ministry said it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the main- tenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.

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THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

New bridge set to open today QR850m for CMC proposes five new health centres shopping days Continued from page 1 QR850m has been allocated for the establishment of 5 new health centres, in addition to funds for the establishment of the Cancer for families Treatment Center, Specialised Clinics Center and Biomedical Research Center. Move after complaints in Al Khor Allocations to infrastructure projects total QR50.6bn, repre- senting 25 percent of total expen- By Mohamed Osman families, said Al Muhannadi in his ditures. proposal. This forces the families The new budget will continue DOHA: The Services and Facili- to head to commercial centres to support nationals in all areas ties Committee of the Central in Doha causing problems like and includes funding for hous- Municipal Council (CMC) passed wasting people’s time and creat- ing loans worth QR2bn through two recommendations on Tues- ing traffic problems. Qatar Development Bank, reflect- day urging the chairman of the The committee’s recommenda- ing a 25 percent increase from Council to pass them on to the tion to the Council included ear- QR1.6bn in 2015. Ministry of Economy and Com- marking one day in a week for A bridge built to link F-Ring Road to Salwa Road via Woqod Roundabout in Abu Hamour is set to open today. There has been around 6,000 merce and the Public Works families at each of the commercial (ABDUL BASIT) beneficiaries of housing loans Authority (Ashghal). complexes and displaying notices since 2013. One recommendation is to ear- at the complexes mentioning the Funds have been allocated for mark special shopping days for day fixed for the families. The sec- the development of a large number families at major commercial cen- ond recommendation, which was of land plots, which includes the tres. The proposal was presented referred to the chairman of the establishment of the infrastruc- by Nasser Ibrahim Al Muhannadi, Council for his approval, was based Outlet at shopping mall fined tures and utilities for around member representing constitu- on a proposal made by Abdulrah- 3,700 land plots in different areas ency No. 25. The Council referred man Al Khulaifi, member repre- in the country to be distributed to the proposal to the services com- senting constituency 10. nationals. Construction is under- mittee for further discussions and The proposal is to establish QR18,000 for cheating buyers way for the development of a total to decide what should be done. service stations along the high- area of around 4.4msm, and it is The idea of the proposal came ways every 10km to help motorists DOHA: The Ministry of Econ- expected to be finalized during the based on complaints made by who face problems in the case of omy and Commerce has slapped first quarter of 2017. many families in Al Khor and accidents and damage of vehicles. a fine of QR18,000 on a famous The Minister of Finance said the surrounding areas where The services committee, after dis- outlet at Landmark Shopping Qatar will cover the budget defi- large numbers of single workers cussing the proposal, decided to Complex for cheating customers cit by issuing debt instruments rush to commercial centres eve- forward the recommendation to and charging them more than both in local and international ryday, specially during the week- Ashghal after final approval of the announced in its promotion offer. financial markets. end, leading to uneasiness for the Council. The recommendation to The errant outlet was caught in Qatar has accumulated strong Ashghal indicated establishment a massive crackdown launched by financial reserves at Qatar Cen- of service points in the highways the Ministry to check promotions tral Bank and has made sizeable for different type of vehicles and offered by shops in several shop- investment through the Qatar parking areas for ambulances, ping centres, including malls, in Investment Authority (QIA) dur- and service of public phones. the country. ing the period of high oil and gas Utilising the areas between Permits issued to these outlets revenues. petrol stations and the highway to run promotional offers have “The State of Qatar will main- The recommendation to use them for parking areas and been cancelled as punishment. tain these reserves and invest- to Ashghal indicated services and such facilities to be The outlet at Landmark had ments. The 2016 budget does establishment of included in all future designs of violated the rule of promotion A promotion at a mall. not include any income from the highways, said the committee. charging more than it was offer- reserves at QCB or investments of service points in the Meanwhile, the committee held ing to customers as per the provi- during promotional offers. Consumers can lodge com- QIA, as this is being reinvested to highways for different yesterday a meeting to discuss a sions of Ministerial Decision No The Ministry has urged con- plaints on toll free number of boost the country’s reserves and proposal to build wedding halls in 5 of 1984 regulating promotions sumers to check the prices of the Ministry at 16001 or email investments, in order to further type of vehicles. some constituencies by outlets. commodities before and after pro- [email protected]. enhance Qatar’s financial posi- Rules say that outlets should motion and inform the Ministry tion”. THE PENINSULA abide by the discounted price list in case of any violation. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Bangladeshis mark Victory Day

DOHA: The Bangladeshi com- munity observed the 44th anni- versary of the Bangladesh Victory Day with a daylong programme at the embassy. The programme started with the hoisting of the National Flag of Bangladesh by Ambassador Ashud Ahmed at the embassy in presence of embassy officials and Bangladeshi nationals. They then observed a minute’s silence in memory of the martyrs of the liberation War of Bangladesh. The messages from President, Prime Minister and Foreign Min- ister of Bangladesh were read out. Doa was offered for the salva- tion of the departed souls of the martyrs of the Liberation War Bangladesh Ambassador Ashud Ahmed (centre) hoisting the National Flag in 1971. to mark Victory Day of the country at the embassy in Doha yesterday. Later, a discussion on the sig- (KAMMUTTY VP) nificance of the glorious Victory Day was held, during which the fighters and Father of the Nation ing a prosperous Bangladesh. speakers highlighted the contri- of Bangladesh Bangabandhu bution of martyrs, the freedom Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in build- THE PENINSULA

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Editorial

Taliban gains Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

HE security situation in Afghanistan has again become a matter of concern. After the exit of the international troops and the election of a new Tgovernment after the tenure of Hamid Karzai, it was expected that the new government will take control and Debate reflects GOP race: improve security – gradually. But a Pentagon report released recently paints a different picture. It says the overall security situation in the country has deteriorated in the second half of this year, with a rapid rise in insurgent attacks and higher casualties among both Taliban and the national forces. Unruly but substantive The report wouldn’t come as a surprise for those who By Dan Balz Trump’s skin — but without a clear The exchanges between Bush and have been following the situation in Afghanistan. The Taliban outcome. Trump were particularly revealing as have remained active in their traditional strongholds like he final Republican debate Senators Ted Cruz (Texas) and Marco a measure of how the race has unfolded Helmand in the south and Logar and Wardak in the east, of the year featured sharp Rubio (Florida), who have been circling in ways the former governor never and created fear and instability for some time in other parts exchanges over national each other for weeks in anticipation of expected. Bush sought to cast himself of the country such as Kunduz in northern Afghanistan. security, personal insults a final showdown sometime next year, as the grown-up and Trump as an unse- and regular interruptions, argued over security, surveillance and rious candidate. He called Trump’s pro- The Taliban takeover of Kunduz was the worst blow to the Tbut in the end there were no outright the best strategy to defeat Islamic State posals “crazy” and “unhinged.” government, which was widely reported in the global media winners. In that sense, it was an almost terrorists. Cruz was thrown on the Trump, as has been his style all because of a deadly US air strike on a hospital that killed perfect reflection of the party’s unpre- defensive over security issues, and both year, swatted back by talking about his many people. Though Afghan forces were eventually able to dictable nomination campaign. had to defend their positions on immi- strength Vs what he said was Bush’s drive out the Taliban, the brief takeover had stunned the The two-hour session was as unruly gration. But neither candidate scored a weakness. In trying to dismiss Bush, Afghan forces and the international community which feared as it was substantive. It dealt with some truly telling blow on the other. he compared his front-running status of the most serious issues of the moment The debate was singularly focused in the polls with Bush’s single-digit sup- that the insurgents would soon build on their gains. but broke down in shouting and inter- on matters of war and terrorism, com- port. The Pentagon report shows that the government of ruptions that seemed to underscore the ing at a time of heightened security The back-and-forth between Cruz President Ashraf Ghani has failed to make enough headway determination of all the candidates to concerns and on a day when the Los and Rubio was far more substantive but in the fight against Taliban. The make their mark as the campaign heads Angeles schools were closed because of with a political edge. Rubio’s goal was resurgence of Taliban proves into the holidays and a short respite a threatened terrorist attack. to undermine Cruz’s effort to consoli- The security that the security forces are not before resuming The discussion enjoyed only one clear date conservatives of all stripes — tea in January. consensus: that President Obama and party, evangelical and libertarian — by situation in equipped or trained enough to Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton have left the country questioning whether he is as conserva- defeat the enemy. It was this who dominates less safe. The conversation also revealed tive as he claims. Cruz’s rebuttals were Afghanistan has realisation which prompted the the national significant divisions within the Repub- designed to paint Rubio as an establish- deteriorated. US to postpone the withdrawal of polls, came under lican Party on issues that GOP voters ment conservative, out of touch with its forces. US President Barack Whether the repeated fire now see as the most important for the an electorate that includes many voters for proposing to coming election. angry at the party’s leadership. It’s time for the Obama backtracked on a pledge debate was a bar the entry of Senator Rand Paul (Kentucky) The exchange everyone was expect- to pull out all but 1,000 troops government harbinger of Muslims into the staked out his position as the least ing — between Cruz and Trump — of Ghani to and in October announced that United States hawkish of the group. Carly Fiorina came and went with no points scored. 9,800 US forces would remain things to come or and for saying he sought to highlight her private-sector Cruz had criticized Trump at a private rethink its in Afghanistan until the end of would go after the experience. Ohio Governor John Kasich fund-raiser last week, suggesting that 2016. This is a wise move which a false indicator families of Islamic called for a candidate who could unify there were legitimate questions about strategy. State terrorists. the country. And retired neurosurgeon whether the billionaire businessman can check the advance of the of the state of the Though appear- Ben Carson sought to counter impres- had the judgment to be president. Taliban. According to a US report, ing flustered at sions that his inexperience in foreign When the issue was raised near the “Obama’s decision recognised Republican Party times, he held affairs makes him a poor candidate for end of the debate, a smiling Trump Afghan forces will require more time and assistance to is the question firm on his posi- the presidency. mockingly warned Cruz not to attack. develop into a capable, credible and independent force that tions and refused At some moments, the debate delved Cruz ducked the question, saying the can protect the Afghan people and contribute to regional and that will begin to to concede any into arcane, though important, details voters will have to make judgments ground, seemingly of how to combat terrorist threats — about all the candidates as to their qual- international security”. be answered in confident that his touching on Islamic State fighters ifications, temperament and judgment. The Pentagon report also highlights the gains made by harsh rhetoric abroad, the possibility of homegrown Once again, the two candidates — who the Afghan forces. It said the Afghan government remains in six weeks. continues to find terrorists becoming radicalised with- have avoided going after each other — control of all major population centers and continues to deny support. out family or neighbours knowing, the maintained their unusual alliance. the Taliban strategic ground throughout the country. Former Flor- proper vetting of Syrian refugees com- The debate marked the end of one of ida governor Jeb ing to the United States, and how best the most tumultuous and unpredictable It’s time for the government of Ashraf Ghani to devise Bush, whose support nationally has to secure the country’s borders. years in American politics. Whether a new strategy to defeat the Taliban. The country has got eroded steadily through the fall, led At other points, the frustrations of it was a harbinger of things to come enough support from the international community to rebuild the attacks against Trump, a sign of a campaign that has defied predictions or a false indicator of the state of the its armed forces but somehow this help hasn’t translated his resolve to make one more run at and expectations, in which governing Republican Party is the question that into action. The Taliban are no pushover and they are battle- turning around a candidacy that has experience has proved to be no asset and will begin to be answered in six weeks. hardened enough to give sleepless nights to the army. But struggled for visibility. More than outsiders have drawn significantly more any other candidate, he got under support, spilled onto the stage. THE WASHINGTON POST Ghani must realise that this is a battle he must win. The other side Quote of Tense ties with Dhaka the day T IS certainly a complicated date More than four decades on, the executing Bangladeshi political lead- to an AL government, Ms Wajed and in the history of the subcontinent. wounds caused by those wrenching ers who supported unity in 1971, and her government have opted to retaliate Pakistan and Bangladesh, having events ought to have healed, but they creating new and wholly unnecessary rather than seek reconciliation. achieved independence as a single are in fact being reopened by the Bang- hurdles in the issuance of visas for Paki- That, in the AL’s reckoning, involves The next time Ientity, were broken apart on Dec 16, ladeshi government. stanis, Ms Wajed and her supporters reiterating the party’s liberation creden- 1971. Known in present-day Pakistan Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh have run the gamut from dangerous tials — which in turn means escalating there is attack on as the Fall of Dhaka, it is celebrated in Hasina Wajed, daughter of Mujibur cynicism to state-sanctioned violence. Pakistan-bashing. It is dangerous stuff. - an attack on this Bangladesh as the culmination of the Rehman and leader of the Awami This needs to stop. Pakistan, for all Unhappily, the response by Pakistan War of Liberation. League, appears to have decided that the mistakes its leaders made between has been less than edifying. country (US), the Pakistan and Bangladesh need her domestic battles with the Bangla- 1947 and 1971, is supportive of Bang- Be it elements within the political first thing people never have been torn apart, but historic, desh National Party and sundry Islam- ladesh, respectful of its independence government or the Islamist parties or undeniable mistakes by West Pakistani ist opposition parties, headlined by and seeks closer, mutually beneficial sections of the military establishment, are going to want to leaders, the eagerness of India to help the Jamaat-i-Islami, is best fought by ties. But the Bangladeshi government the reaction to Bangladeshi provoca- know is, why didn’t dismantle the Pakistani project, and — dragging Pakistan into the controversy. only appears willing to see Pakistan tions has been to launch into incendiary Marco Rubio it must not be denied — the struggle Vilifying Pakistan, forcing through through the prism of domestic politics. rhetoric here. That is, to put it mildly, we know about it and of East Pakistan’s leaders contributed dubious trials in the International With the Khaleda Zia-led BNP and historically incongruous. US Republican to the creation of a new nation-state. Crimes Tribunal — a national court, its Islamist allies implacably opposed DAWN why didn’t we stop it? presidential candidate THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 OPINION www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 US giant profits as combination drugs flood India

By Krista Mahr and Zeba Siddiqui

rabhu Dayal arrived at a clinic on the outskirts of Mumbai on Doctors and public health experts both a muggy afternoon in July to see the doctor about a cold in India and abroad say the proliferation and cough. The 75-year-old Phad been feeling unwell for a few days and misuse of antibiotic combinations and hoped to get something to treat his symptoms. He did. But the prescription here may be contributing to antibiotic Dayal left with that day wasn’t for any regular cold medicine. resistance, making India a potent incubator It was for a powerful antibiotic cocktail marketed in India by a unit of US phar- of so-called superbugs. maceutical giant Abbott Laboratories. It is not approved for sale in major mar- kets such as the United States, United administered as a treatment for a wide like Zimnic AZ may be contributing to Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan and variety of illnesses, including colds, fevers, antibiotic resistance. “It would be inappro- Australia. urinary tract infections, drug-resistant priate to comment in view of the pending Medical experts say it doesn’t make typhoid and sexually transmitted dis- evaluation,” said Chainani, referring to the sense to prescribe the cocktail for cold eases. The doctor who prescribed Zim- drug review currently being conducted symptoms. And a government-appointed nic AZ for Dayal said the elderly patient by the Drugs Controller General of India. panel in India recommended to the Health seemed to be suffering from a respiratory “Abbott will abide by the final outcome of Ministry last year that it not be approved tract infection. the proceedings in this regard.” for sale here, citing lack of safety and Combining cefixime and azithromy- efficacy data and a high potential for cin — the two antibiotics that make up COMBINATION FEVER The Food and Drug Administration office building is pictured in New Delhi. “misuse.” In fact, the drug has not been Zimnic AZ — is risky, said Ramanan Fixed-dose combination drugs like approved by the central government, as Laxminarayan, Director of the Centre Zimnic AZ aren’t unique to India. They DELHI TAKES ‘LONGER’ rently under review in New Delhi, a drug required by the Drugs Controller General for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Pol- are used worldwide to improve patients’ FDCs have grown rapidly in India, in regulatory official said. of India (DCGI), the regulator responsible icy, a think-tank with offices in Wash- compliance in complicated courses of part because over the years pharmaceu- Asked about the status of the cefixime- for approving new drugs. ington and New Delhi. By administering treatment for such conditions as HIV, tical companies have procured licences azithromycin combination, GN Singh, the Under India’s complex drug-approval these two drugs in a single dose, “you’d tuberculosis and malaria. It’s easier to get from a state to manufacture new drugs, drugs controller general, said he could regime, many pharmaceutical manufac- be creating strains (of bacteria) resistant patients to take one drug than a number without obtaining central government not comment on a specific case. But the turers have obtained permission from a to both these antibiotics,” said Laxmi- of different pills. approval. drug regulatory official said the combi- single state to make new fixed-dose com- narayan, who lectures on public health Combination drugs are also useful in The Abbott combination won approval nation was “under the scanner” because bination drugs, or FDCs, like the Abbott at Princeton University. increasing compliance among the many this way, according to Akums Drugs & pairing the two drugs that make up Zim- one — and are selling them in other parts “Drug resistant strains spread glo- Indian patients who can’t read, said Sanjay Pharmaceuticals Ltd, which manufactures nic AZ “is not appropriate.” of the country without the approval of bally,” he said. “They already have. It’s Sikaria, Director of drugmaker Suncare Zimnic AZ in Uttarakhand, a state known the central government. FDCs combine very hard to regulate the movement of Formulations Private Ltd in Uttarakhand for its Himalayan peaks and thriving drug ‘IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE’ two or more drugs in a single pill. people.” state. “FDCs are not bad,” he said. “Ram- manufacturing industry. In 2010, Utta- Pharmaceutical companies in India India’s top drug regulator is trying to The fact that Abbott and hundreds of pant misuse of these drugs is bad.” rakhand’s state drug licensing authority employ armies of medical representatives shut down this avenue. “The first clear- other companies in India are able to sell That’s the problem in India, where granted approval to Akums to manufac- to pitch a drug to doctors. ance of new drugs which anyone wants drugs like Zimnic AZ without the central there has been an explosion of combina- ture the combination of cefixime and azi- “We promoted it for typhoid and to market in India, that has to be given government’s approval is evidence of a tion drugs. They have become a way to thromycin, the components of Zimnic AZ, urinary tract infection mainly,” Jessy by the national regulatory authority,” G health system in disarray. boost sales and increase market share: according to the company. Each of those Prashanth, a former rep for Abbott in the N Singh, the Drugs Controller General Nearly half the drugs on the market in More and more companies have tacked drugs is individually approved by the gov- state of Andhra Pradesh, said of Zimnic of India, said. India last year were combinations. These on ingredients to existing drugs so they ernment. Akums said it also makes the AZ. “But we also asked doctors to use But inconsistent enforcement of the include medications consisting of three can peddle a new product to doctors and combination for an Indian drug company. it in cases of persistent cough, cold and drug laws means that hundreds of FDC different drugs apiece, doctors said. In chemists, say people in the country’s Asked why Akums was manufacturing fever.” Prashanth now works for Alkem drugs are being sold in India without the the United States, combinations made highly competitive pharmaceutical sector. a drug without the approval of the cen- Laboratories Ltd, an Indian company approval of the central government. Poli- up 13.9 percent of drugs on the market, Combination drugs are profitable tral government, former company chair- that sells the same combination under a cymakers have also now given pharmaceu- while in China the number was 14.4 per- because of high demand from doctors, man DC Jain said state authorities were different brand name. tical companies a chance to retroactively cent, according to IMS Health. Last year, who see them as a way to ensure patient as qualified as the central government A medical representative working for prove the safety and efficacy of these about 78 percent of combination drugs compliance, say people in the pharmaceu- to assess a drug, and that the process of Abbott in Maharashtra state, who spoke drugs, including the Abbott one. They in India were sold by local firms, with tical industry. Many doctors also see them applying for approval from a state and on condition of anonymity, said he only are currently under review in New Delhi. multinationals making up the rest, the as providing “quick-fix solutions” that the central government was similar. promoted the drug for respiratory tract Doctors and public health experts both health data provider said. cover multiple possible symptoms with a Since getting a state licence, Akums infections and typhoid. But from visits in India and abroad say the proliferation Abbott declined to answer questions single pill, said a physician employed by said it has filed an application to New to chemists and doctors, he was aware and misuse of antibiotic combinations about why it was selling a drug in India a pharmaceutical company. “The market Delhi for the combination. it was being prescribed for “everything here may be contributing to antibiotic without the approval of the central gov- needs it and demands it,” he said. Getting a green light from New Delhi from soft skin tissue infections, pneu- resistance, making India a potent incuba- ernment. Between 2011 and 2014, India’s fixed- takes “a little longer,” said Jain, who is monia, respiratory tract infection, to tor of so-called superbugs. Some of these The manufacture and marketing of dose combination market grew more than now a consultant at Akums. (urinary tract infection), severe fever, superbugs have been found in patients Zimnic AZ in India “is aligned with local 40 percent in rupee terms, according to One of several committees convened typhoid fever and sexually transmitted who travelled from India to the United regulations,” said Varsha Chainani, Direc- IMS Health. by the drug controller to review drug diseases,” he said. “It covers most things States, Britain and other countries. tor of Public Affairs for Abbott in India. A study published in the journal of cocktails in 2014 recommended that people go to a general practitioner for.” The drug prescribed to Dayal was Zim- Chainani noted that more than 15 other Public Library of Science (PLOS) in May the combination of these two antibiotics The two antibiotics that make up nic AZ, which combines two antibiotics companies in India are also manufactur- found that over 70 percent of non-ster- should not be approved. The panel found Zimnic AZ attack similar bugs in the in a single pill. Last year, the Illinois- ing and marketing the same combination oidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that the drug was “not a standard anti- body and have the same potential side based Abbott’s India units had sales of under different brand names. combinations, which are used as painkill- biotic combination” and that “the misuse effects, said Jonathan Zenilman, chief of more than $1bn. Its revenue in India from Abbott didn’t respond to questions ers, were being marketed in India without potential is very high,” according to the the infectious diseases division at Johns combination drugs in 2014 was Rs24.62bn about whether it was appropriate to central government approval. The authors committee’s recommendation, a copy of Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Bal- ($367m), according to IMS Health, a prescribe Zimnic AZ for patients like recommended that unapproved drug com- which was obtained through a freedom timore. By coupling cefixime and azithro- Connecticut-based firm that provides Dayal with cold symptoms. The company binations be banned immediately. of information request. mycin in one dose, he said, patients face data on the healthcare industry. wouldn’t say for which specific indications “We have fixed-dose combinations in After years of intermittent efforts a heightened risk of gastrointestinal side the drug had been approved in India and every category of drug,” said Anurag to limit the sale of state-licensed FDC effects, like nausea, vomiting and diar- RISK OF DRUG RESISTANCE what marketing instructions have been Bhargava, professor of medicine at drugs, the government is making another rhoea. “It doesn’t make sense,” he said. In interviews, former and current given to its medical representatives. Yenepoya Medical College in the southern attempt to weed out those it considers “The toxicity is duplicative.” medical representatives for Abbott Abbott declined to say what it was doing state of Karnataka. “The single ingredi- “irrational.” More than 3,000 different said Zimnic AZ has been promoted and to address concerns that combinations ent versions are harder to find.” brands of combination drugs are cur- REUTERS Brexit riddle: Cameron’s row with EU or Eurosceptics?

By William James and Guy servative lawmakers on his mail- union to save the euro. that a mass walkout would dam- Faulconbridge ing list, indicating that more than “I just don’t think its realis- age the government’s wider cred- a third of Cameron’s 331-strong tic for Britain to carry on with ibility, then his options are more hen David Cameron parliamentary party may be toy- A British exit would rock the Union a small fix when the European limited.” urges European Union ing with the idea of a ‘Brexit’. Union is so obviously transform- Cameron is demanding guar- Wleaders today to do a Senior Conservative Euroscep- by ripping away its second-largest ing itself in a very dramatic way antees to ensure London’s finan- deal to keep Britain in the bloc, he tics are waiting to see the final towards political union,” John cial dominance is not impeded by will face a riddle that has haunted results of Cameron’s high wire economy, one of its top two military Redwood, a Eurosceptic Con- the closer integration of the euro Conservative prime ministers for act before making their views servative lawmaker, said of the zone, and he wants a commitment three decades: a row with Europe explicit, though Defence Secre- powers and by far its richest city, renegotiation. that the goal of ever closer union or a row with Eurosceptics at tary Michael Fallon quipped in Redwood added that Cameron in the EU treaty’s preamble will home? October that “We’re all Euro- London. knew many Conservative law- not to apply to Britain. Cameron’s bid to renegotiate sceptics now”. makers wanted a complete re- “What David Cameron is ask- the terms of Britain’s member- Pro-Europeans fear Cameron write of EU treaties and that if ing for is trivial,” said Matthew ship of the bloc ahead of a ref- could edge Britain towards an that was not possible then “we Elliott, Chief Executive of Vote erendum he has promised by the accidental Brexit if he overplays for campaigning to leave, a step and played a major part in the need to leave the treaties”. Leave which is campaigning to end of 2017, has hit the rocks over his hand in talks to appease scep- that would make Brexit highly downfall of two of Cameron’s two Cameron has demanded a leave the bloc that Britain joined a demand to make working EU tics in his party and senior Con- likely. Conservative predecessors, Mar- promise than any deal he gets in 1973. “He knows that unless he migrants wait four years before servatives who are jockeying for a The timing of the referendum garet Thatcher and John Major. would be enshrined in a future can declare victory in February, getting some benefits. battle to succeed him due before is uncertain but Cameron has said Major, prime minister from EU treaty. many of his MPs and party mem- EU partners call that measure 2020. he would prefer it as soon as pos- 1990 to 1997, was undermined by Up to a third of Cameron’s cab- bers will be unlikely to back him impossible while Conservative A British exit would rock the sible. If he gets a deal in February, Eurosceptic Conservatives whom inet — including Home Secretary in the referendum. That’s why he opponents of membership have Union — already shaken by dif- as European Council President he famously called “bastards”. Theresa May, Foreign Secretary is now manufacturing a row to pounced on hints that he may ferences over migration and the Donald Tusk has said is possible, Cameron has a majority of 16 in Philip Hammond, Business Sec- make himself look tough,” he said. drop it as evidence that the rene- future of the eurozone — by rip- the vote could be as early as June. parliament, smaller than Major’s retary Sajid Javid and Work and Cameron is likely to eventu- gotiation is a choreographed sham ping away its second-largest econ- Opponents of EU membership after the 1992 election. Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan ally secure agreement on most that will end in a fudged deal early omy, one of its top two military say that if it took back full sov- The EU inflames such pas- Smith - have expressed Euro- of his demands, including a call next year. powers and by far its richest city, ereignty, Britain could prosper sions that Cameron warned in sceptic sentiments. for better regulation and more “If the prime minister is not London. as a global trading centre outside 2006 that the party had to stop “Will they all campaign openly open markets to promote growth, able to persuade the EU nation An exit from the EU could also a bloc they say has slipped far “banging on” about Europe. for ‘leave’ if Cameron is arguing though no deal is yet drafted, states to give us the four-year trigger the break-up of the United behind rivals. But less than seven years later, for ‘stay’?” asked Tim Bale, pro- partly due to the deadlock over wait on migrant benefits then it Kingdom by prompting another Opinion polls show British vot- under pressure from lawmakers fessor of politics at Queen Mary in-work benefits. really will be trivial,” Steve Baker, Scottish independence vote. The ers are evenly split over member- who feared the electoral success University of London and author His manifesto pledge to intro- a Conservative lawmaker who $2.9 trillion British economy would ship, with a significant number of of the anti-EU UK Independence of “The Conservative Party: From duce a four-year residency rule is said. “My expectation is that face years of uncertain negotia- people who have yet to makeup Party, Cameron promised a ref- Thatcher to Cameron”. for migrants seeking tax cred- by the time we get to February tions over the terms of a divorce. their mind, though perceptions erendum on membership. “Cameron’s room for manoeu- its and social housing has cre- something will be offered which Cameron says he will recom- that the EU has failed to deal So far his renegotiation has vre in cabinet really depends on ated the most concern because will be presented as a great suc- mend Britain stays in the EU if with the migrant crisis may be failed to impress Conservative him: if he thinks he can afford it would discriminate among EU cess, but that it will still be incon- he gets what he wants but has turning some towards a Brexit. Eurosceptics who believe the to lose a few people, then he can citizens and hence breach EU law sequential.” repeatedly warned that he rules Europe has divided the Con- leaders of the eurozone must take a stronger line; if he thinks and precedent. Baker said he has 136 Con- nothing out if he doesn’t — code servative Party for three decades forge a much deeper political there’s too many of them and REUTERS THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME / GULF / MIDDLE EAST QU National Day events Aspire Zone festooned for National Day bring alive traditions Celebrations include poetry recitations, dances, Qatari food

DOHA: Qatar University (QU) cele- competition and “Best National Pho- As part of the celebrations at QU, brated Qatar National Day with events tography” competition — was also part the male student dormitories organ- that reflected the country’s heritage, of the celebratory programme, as well ised an event which was attended culture, and traditions. as a live operetta themed “Education by Minister of Energy and Industry Under the theme “I am loyal to my builds Qatar”, and a video highlighting H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, country”, the organisation’s celebra- the Qatari leadership’s role in building QU President Dr Hassan Rashid Al tions on Monday and Tuesday included the country. Derham, and members of QU leader- two consecutive events on the male and The event on the female campus ship, faculty and staff. The programme female campuses, featuring booths was organised by the Female Stu- included Al Ardah dance performed highlighting Qatari traditions, a tra- dents Committee for National Day by Qatari students. International stu- ditional tent and Qatari food. in conjunction with the Ministry of dents showed solidarity with Qatari On the male campus, the celebra- Labour and Social Affairs, Ministry culture by presenting their countries’ tions featured live performances of Municipality and Urban Planning, traditions and folklores. including poetry recitations and and Lekhwiya. It featured an operetta At the female student dormitories, A lit-up balloon with pictures of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Father Emir hymns, as well as national and tra- that highlighted the success stories of the celebrations featured an operetta H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at Aspire Zone in Doha. Decorations for National Day ditional songs performed by Arabic Qatari women, and booths that show- under the title “Qatar, home of love”, have transformed the look of Aspire Zone. singer Abdulaziz Al Elewi. Two com- cased Qatari traditional food, cos- and Qatari traditional food and dance. petitions — “QU Narrator” poetry tumes, photography and medicine. The QU booth at Darb El-Saai is showcasing its programmes, courses, facilities, and students’ innovative projects to the visitors. More data allowance by Ooredoo QU President Dr Hassan Rashid Al Derham said: “On December 18, we DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday Ooredoo is providing the doo Shops and authorised celebrate our shared identity, and the announced a flash promotion extra data to enable people dealers. The Ooredoo App is history which shaped it, as well as the to celebrate Qatar National to share photos, images and available for free download on traditions and values that bring this Day, which will provide Hala messages during the Qatar the iTunes Store (iOS) and country together. As the country’s first and Shahry customers five National Day celebrations. Google Play (Android) now. national university, QU is committed times the data allowance The extra data will be Ooredoo is also providing to promoting national identity among when they activate a 6GB available for 30 days when customers with free calls to students and to shaping the country’s data recharge. activated during the promo- all local Ooredoo numbers ambassadors, leaders and strong role The flash promotion will tional dates. Customers can for three days. All Shahry models for the younger generation by give customers 30GB of data access the 6GB data recharge Smart and Hala Smart sub- equipping them with the values and for the price of 6GB, by sim- via Ooredoo’s Self-Service scribers will receive free ethics in keeping with the heritage and ply topping-up their account Machines, the Ooredoo App, unlimited local calls from legacy of our ancestors.” with 6GB data recharge. The on the Ooredoo Website or today until Saturday. offer will only be available they can purchase the card Qatar University students at National Day celebrations on the campus. THE PENINSULA from today until Saturday. and e-vouchers from Oore- THE PENINSULA Free unlimited Qatar Airways showcases traditional hospitality Ashghal’s Internet by DOHA: Qatar Airways employ- Qatar Airways Group Chief Heritage Village ees yesterday celebrated Qatar Executive Akbar Al Baker said: Vodafone National Day at the company “Pride in Qatar is one of the core hosts National headquarters in Doha. values at Qatar Airways. We are during holidays Nationals demonstrated Qatari very proud of our Qatari identity, authentic hospitality and tradi- and it is a pleasure to celebrate Day events DOHA: On the occasion of Qatar tions among their colleagues by Qatar National Day with our DOHA: The Public Works National Day, Vodafone Postpaid distributing gifts, Qatari scarves staff, and showcase our hospital- Authority celebrated yesterday and Prepaid customers will enjoy and traditional cakes. ity and culture jointly with the Qatar’s National Day in Ash- plenty of exciting offers and activ- The national airline also joined Ministry of Transport team.” ghal’s Heritage Village. Nasser ities from today to Saturday. the Ministry of Transport in cel- Qatar Airways will bring the bin Ali Al Mawlawi, President of During the Qatar National Day ebrating National Day at their celebration to social media as Ashghal and staff joined in the holidays, all existing Vodafone majlis tent in the Ministry Park, well, by posting a video of select celebrations. Red and Vodafone Falla Post- where local Qatari activities took staff member expressing in one Ashghal’s National Day cele- paid customers will automatically place to mark the occasion such word what Qatar means to them. bration this year showed the sig- receive unlimited internet. as the national ardah dance, tra- The video will be available tomor- nificance of loyalty to the country, Additionally, new Vodafone ditional games and food tasting. row on Qatar Airways dedicated and to reflect Ashghal’s beliefs Red Qatari customers can choose Visitors learned more about the Arabic twitter account @qatarai- in the importance of preserv- between 20 percent discount for history and traditions of Qatar rwaysar. ing Qatar’s heritage treasures, 12 months on the plan rental or with some local craftsmen, camels upholding the inherited customs, double the standard monthly data and falcons that were on display. THE PENINSULA Qatar Airways employees pose with the National Flag in a jet engine. and transmitting them to future allowance of 6GB to 12GB, for 6 generations. months. The heritage village set up Similarly, new customers opt- across the authority’s head- ing for a Vodafone Falla Postpaid Schools join celebrations quarters in West Bay welcomed L Plan will receive double their visitors including employees standard data allowance of 5GB and consultants and included a to 10GB at only QR140. number of activities such as a All Vodafone new and existing “Classical Cars Roadshow”, where Prepaid customers on recharge of employees and consultants par- Internet Monthly 100 will also be ticipated. rewarded with 5x data valid for The celebrations also com- 30 days in addition to the chance prised national folklore activi- to win cash prizes, free credit or ties like “Al Muradah” show local minutes. Free unlimited presented by Nasiba Bin Kaab internet provided during the Independent School and “Al promotion is subject to fair usage Arda Al Qatariyya” in addition policy of 20 GB for 3 days. to poetry passages and heritage Vodafone Qatar said: “On this contests. highly important and awaited By celebrating the National occasion of the year, we wanted Day, Ashghal aims to shed light to give every single one of our on the heritage handed down the customers the opportunity to generations. make stronger connections and The celebrations also aim to build plenty of memorable times highlight the authentic and rich with, not only our all-new net- customs which constitute a true work, but also with a special legacy and the link between the offer that is packed with data Bright Future International School celebrated Qatar National Day yesterday with a colourful programme. RIGHT: International School of London present and the past, ones that and, hence, the chance to enjoy a Qatar celebrated Qatar National Day yesterday with the school’s entire community coming together. The event was organised by Ahmed El Hadidi must be preserved for future gen- superb experience by connecting and began with Qatari cultural activities held around the school. erations. with friends and family, browsing THE PENINSULA their favourite sites, or uploading their national day celebrations on social media. At Vodafone, we’re all about offering great value and unmatched experiences all year round.” Furthermore, Vodafone is Jordan repatriates 800 Sudanese asylum seekers organising a series of activities and competitions to celebrate the AMMAN: Jordan yester- principle of nonrefoulement, Jordan, most from the war-torn million, equivalent to 20 percent Forty of the migrants were much awaited occasion. In addi- day repatriated 800 Sudanese which forbids governments from western region of Darfur. “There of its population. rescued by a patrol boat run by tion to giveaways and traditional who had sought asylum in the returning people to places where is no excuse for Jordan to deport Meanwhile, the bodies of five EU border agency Frontex, “and coffee served across its retail kingdom, Information Minister they risk being persecuted, tor- vulnerable asylum seekers back migrants, three of them children, according to preliminary informa- stores, the company is running a Mohammed Momani said, add- tured, or exposed to inhuman or to Sudan, regardless of how they were pulled from the sea between tion, around 80 by private boats”, Facebook competition where par- ing that they were not refugees degrading treatment or punish- entered the country,” said HRW’s Greece and Turkey yesterday a spokesman for the port police ticipants play The Pearl Hunter but in the country for medical ment”. deputy Middle East director Joe after they drowned trying to said, adding it was too early to game to celebrate #OurQatar treatment. For the past several days, doz- Stork. reach Europe. say whether others could still be National Day and get the chance Momani said the 800 were all ens of Sudanese held a sit-in in “Jordan should not punish these Greek port police said two of missing. to win one of 3 amazing smart- flown back to Sudan after they tents they had pitched outside Sudanese merely because they the victims — a man and a child — On the other end of the Aegean phones. Vodafone has set up a had applied for refugee status. the UNHCR offices in western protested for better conditions had died after their boat sank on Sea crossing risked by more than Cultural Tent that is packed with “The United Nations High Com- Amman. and for resettlement considera- its way from Turkey to the island 800,000 people this year, the Turk- entertainment that is suitable missioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Media said security forces broke tion.” of Lesbos. ish coastguard found the bodies for families of all ages at Katara in Amman does not consider them up the sit-in yesterday morning Jordan already hosts hundreds A rescue operation was contin- of three migrants, two of them where visitors can enjoy arts and to be refugees,” he added. and put everyone on buses for the of thousands of refugees from the uing in rough weather to search Iraqi children aged two and six, crafts and get free data cards. Human Rights Watch (HRW) airport. conflict in neighbouring Syria. In for more passengers from the the Dogan news agency reported said deporting refugees “violates The UNHCR says there are contrast to a UN figure of 600,000, stricken boat, which had been car- yesterday. THE PENINSULA the customary international law 3,500 Sudanese asylum seekers in it claims the actual figure is 1.4 rying more than a hundred people. AFP THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 GULF / MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

Award winner Lebanon fails to elect Libya peace president for 33rd time

BEIRUT: The Lebanese parliament failed for the 33rd time yesterday to elect a president, despite cautious expectations that a consensus deal delayed had formed around politician Suleiman Frangieh, a childhood friend of Syrian leader Bashar Al Assad. Lebanon has been without a president since May 2014, when the Signing to take place today: UN mandate of Michel Sleiman expired, because the country’s Christians, Sunni and Shias and Druze cannot agree on a candidate. TRIPOLI: The signing of a Abu Sahmein of the Tripoli-based Under a power-sharing agreement, the president is always drawn long-delayed peace deal between General National Congress, the from the Maronite Christian community, the prime minister is a Sunni Libya’s warring factions has report said. The Annaba channel and the parliament speaker a Shia. been pushed back again to today showed them meeting in Malta in Speaker Nabih Berri scheduled a new session for January 7 after because of logistical problems, a the presence of representatives the required two-thirds of MPs — 86 out of 128 — was not reached, UN spokesman said. of both chambers ahead of the the National News Agency reported. Only 45 lawmakers showed up. Representatives from Libya’s expected signing of the agreement A tentative consensus had seemed to emerge early this month on two rival factions were due to in Morocco today. Frangieh, but his chances dimmed after yesterday’s failed vote. agree the UN-backed accord yes- It followed a gathering in Rome Daily newspaper Al Akhbar, close to powerful Shia movement Hezbol- terday after months of wrangling of a US- and Italian-led group of lah, said the party would not accept any candidate other than Michel and opposition from hardliners world powers and regional players Aoun, head of the Free Patriotic Movement. in both camps. The pact called that urged Libya’s warring fac- The FPM is allied with Hezbollah in the March 8 coalition, opposed for a unity government to bring tions on Sunday to lay down their to the pro-West March 14 alliance. Ironically, Hezbollah militiamen are together two rival administra- arms and back the new unity gov- fighting in neighbouring Syria’s civil war on the side of Assad. tions and parliaments that have ernment. “We met to find a solu- Former prime minister Saad Al Hariri said he would continue to emerged four years after revolt tion of the Libyan crisis and to pursue a power-sharing solution to the country’s 18-month presidential ousted Muammar Gaddafi. let the world know that we are vacuum with politician Suleiman Franjieh, a Maronite Christian he “It (the signing) will be delayed able to work our problems by our- backs for the role. The proposal, widely discussed by politicians in Leba- for logically reasons until tomor- selves,” Aguila Saleh, president of non but not formally outlined in detail, would make Franjieh president row,” the UN spokesman said. the elected House of Representa- and Hariri, a Sunni Muslim, prime minister. Libya has one internationally- tives in the east, told reporters. Emirati Saeed Salmeen (centre), with Best Feature Prize at the end of AGENCIES recognised administration in Nuri Abu Sahmain, head of the the 12th Dubai international film festival in Dubai, yesterday. the east and a self-declared one rival General National Congress that took over the capital after in Tripoli, said they would con- fighting erupted last year. Each sider parts of the UN accord, but is backed by competing armed asked the international commu- factions. Western officials hope nity to consider their meeting as Arab League to discuss Turkish forces in Iraq that even if the agreement faces a way to a Libyan consensus. opposition, that war fatigue, wor- Some Western diplomats said ries over Libya’s economy, prom- the two parliament leaders are CAIRO: The Arab League said its territory. Turkish and Iraqi in its efforts to see the Turkish IS-held territory. ises of international aid and the the main block to getting support yesterday it will hold an extraor- officials said forces and equipment forces go home. “All four servicemen have since common threat of Islamic State and a vote on a UN deal and they dinary meeting of its foreign were withdrawn on Monday, but been evacuated and are currently (IS) militants will help bring crit- could be the target of sanctions if ministers next week to discuss the trainers apparently remained, FOUR SOLDIERS INJURED undergoing medical treatment. ics onboard. But questions remain an agreement is signed without Turkeys deployment of forces in and Ankara has other military Meanwhile, four Turkish sol- We are pleased to confirm that about how the myriad of armed them. IS militants have gained a Iraq condemned by Baghdad as sites within northern Iraq’s diers were wounded yesterday their condition is stable,” added factions on the ground will react, foothold inside Libya in the secu- an illegal incursion. autonomous Kurdish region. when IS militants fired mortars the official, asking not to be how the new unity government rity chaos, controlling Sirte city, Soldiers and tanks were sent Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet on a training camp near the Iraqi named. would be established in Tripoli drawing more foreign fighters to a military camp in northern Davutoglu said Monday that city of Mosul, a Turkish offi- According to CNN-Turk, IS and how much political sway those away from the group’s main Mid- Iraq earlier this month, a move “there has been a shifting of the cial said. The Turkish military militants fired up to 60 mortar accepting the deal have in Libya. dle East stronghold in Iraq and Ankara said was necessary to (military) forces, and that Ankara responded to the attack on the rounds over several hours. The The presidents of both rival Syria. The North African state protect forces carrying out train- did “what was necessary to do camp -- used to train Iraqi anti- Turkish forces stationed in the parliaments met on Tuesday has been mired in chaos since ing in the fight against the Islamic from a military point of view”. jihadist fighters with Turkish help camp responded with artillery for the first time since the lat- the 2011 overthrow and killing State (IS) group. But Foreign Minister Mevlut — with fire of their own, the CNN- fire. One of the Turkish troops est fighting started more than a of longtime dictator Muammar The meeting will be held on Cavusoglu indicated that forces Turk and NTV channels reported, was seriously wounded but his year ago — a move they said was Gaddafi. In Rome, US Secretary December 24 at the request of remained at the training site, say- citing military sources. life is not in danger, it added. The a sign of progress. But they both of State John Kerry dismissed Iraq, the Cairo-based body’s dep- ing the number of troops there “Four Turkish troops were official Anatolia news agency said dismissed the UN deal as a for- criticism that the proposed gov- uty chief, Ahmed Ben Heli, told and at other locations “may wounded in a mortar attack all four had been taken for treat- eign imposition. ernment was being imposed from reporters. increase or decrease as required”. against the military training ment in the Sirnak province on Aqila Salah, who heads the outside in the absence of consen- On Tuesday, Baghdad Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish camp near Mosul,” the Turkish the Turkish side of the border. internationally recognised parlia- sus on the ground. demanded the “complete with- region has close ties with Ankara official told AFP, emphasising ment sitting in the east, met Nuri AGENCIES drawal” of Turkish forces from and is unlikely to back Baghdad that the attack originated from AFP THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com GULF / MIDDLE EAST

Giant food steamer Lebanon rejects Yemen’s rivals agree Syria request to return Hannibal on mass prisoner swap Gaddafi BEIRUT: Lebanon yesterday rejected a request by Damascus Some 360 Houthis, 265 southern civilians to be freed to return a son of the late Lib- yan dictator Muammar Gaddafi ADEN/GENEVA: Yemen’s war- officials from the warring sides. with the Houthis, said a “serious to Syria, which considers him a ring parties agreed yesterday to Despite the truce, Saudi-led air escalation by land, sea and air is “political refugee”. exchange hundreds of prisoners strikes hit positions of the Houthi taking place by the alliance in Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi in a move aimed at supporting group in two conflict zones yester- various areas,” according to the said he was denying the request UN-sponsored peace talks which day, residents and tribal sources Houthi-controlled Saba news because Hannibal Gaddafi was a resumed for a second day in Swit- said. agency. wanted man in Lebanon. zerland, as reported fighting and “Coalition planes launched Luqman said strikes from the The businessman son was air strikes appeared to violate a an air strike on the positions of sea were taking place on the Red charged on Monday with with- ceasefire. the Houthis and Saleh forces in Sea port city of Hodaida, while holding information about the A seven-day truce, timed to the Najd area of Sirwah district ground forces carried out attacks disappearance of Lebanese Shia coincide with the peace talks, after they repeatedly violated the on Taiz city in southwestern cleric Mussa Sadr. began at mid-day on Tuesday ceasefire,” a tribal source said by Yemen and air strikes by the Arab Sadr went missing in 1978 dur- to halt fighting in nine months telephone from the central prov- coalition had not stopped. ing an official visit to Libya, along of civil war between the Iran- ince of Mareb. “We will not stay hand-tied but with an aide and a journalist. allied Houthi movement based in Residents in the southwestern we will respond strongly towards Gaddafi was kidnapped on Yemen’s north and Saudi-backed city of Taiz also reported an air the breaches that are taking place Friday in Lebanon’s Bekaa valley southern and eastern fighters strike there after Houthi forces by the alliance and their merce- near the Syrian border in myste- loyal to President Abdrabuh launched rockets on the area. naries,” Luqman said. rious circumstances. Mansur Hadi. Saudi state news agency SPA The Hadi-run sabanew.net He was freed by police hours The prisoner swap would be said the Houthis killed one of its news agency said five loyalist later and taken in for questioning, one of the most positive signs yet officers in a border area after the fighters and three civilians were security sources said. in the civil war, which has killed ceasefire began. killed in Houthi shelling in the Syria’s judiciary asked that he almost 6,000 people and drawn in The Saudi-led coalition’s central city of Taiz shortly after be handed back because he was foreign powers. spokesman, Brigadier General the ceasefire began. “a political refugee and legal resi- Some 360 members of the Ahmed Al Asseri, could not be Asseri said earlier the alliance dent of Syrian territories,” Rifi Houthi movement held in Aden immediately reached for com- was committed to the ceasefire said. would be exchanged for 265 ment. but was ready to respond to any But a decades-old judicial southern civilians and fighters, Brigadier General Sharaf Luq- violation by the Houthis, accord- agreement between Syria and and both groups were en route by man, a spokesman for Yemeni ing to the Saudi Al Riyadh daily. A giant copper couscoussier, placed on a roundabout in Kairouan, Lebanon did not apply to Gadd- bus towards the exchange venue forces loyal to former president some 160km south of Tunis, yesterday. A couscoussier is a traditional afi, who was wanted by Beirut and in central Yemen according to Ali Abdullah Saleh, who is allied REUTERS double-chambered food steamer used in Berber and Arabic cuisines therefore should not have been to cook couscous. granted refugee status in Syria, he said. It is unknown how long Gaddafi had been in Syria. The lavish lifestyles of the Gaddafi family and entourage Turkey steps up operations in southeast, nine killed helped fuel the anger in Libya that sparked the protests that DIYARBAKIR, TURKEY: imposing control in towns, like “In Silopi, soldiers and police urban areas to obstruct the move- ern province of Diyarbakir. led eventually to the strongman’s Turkish security forces stepped the army has done in mountain- have started to break down doors ment of security forces. HDP co-leader Figen Yuk- ouster and killing in 2011. up operations targeting Kurd- ous areas where the militants are and conduct raids on houses,” “Today’s operation and the ones sekdag told deputies from the That year, as the dictator was ish militants in southeastern active. One person was killed in HDP Sirnak deputy Aycan Irmez that will follow are essential,” party in Diyarbakir on Tuesday battling the uprising against him, towns yesterday, security sources a clash in Cizre near the Syrian wrote on Twitter alongside a Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet that 200,000 people had been dis- a private jet carrying Hannibal said, as pro-government media border, which was placed under photo showing dozens of soldiers Simsek said in an interview with placed in the southeast in recent Gaddafi’s Lebanese wife Aline detailed plans for a 10,000-strong curfew on Monday evening, state gathered on a pavement. broadcaster Bloomberg HT. “How months as a result of conflict hit- Skaf was refused permission to force to restore state control in officials said. Kurdish Firat news “Throughout the night and can you have bandits going down ting areas under curfew where land at Beirut airport. the region. agency described an 11-year-old particularly around 2-3:30 a.m, we into the towns? We will conduct some 1.3 million people live. An official said at the time that The mainly Kurdish southeast boy as being shot dead. Turkish heard the noise of intense shell- this struggle in a powerful way “The Turkish Republic is acting transport minister Ghazi has been beset by conflict between military also said eight Kurdish ing,” one resident who declined to and continue to do so.” conducting a special law and Aridi had asked for a detailed the police and armed forces and militants were killed in Cizre on be named said. Another HDP deputy, Ferhat special war against one part of passenger manifest and that his Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) Tuesday after they shot at the “It is impossible for us to go Encu, wrote on Twitter that society: the Kurds. If the people request was rejected by the Liby- fighters since July, when a cease- soldiers during an operation. outside and look. Even going out security forces, backed by tanks, of Turkey turn their backs to ans. fire collapsed and left in tatters Residents of Silopi, 30km away on the balcony is risky,” he added. had launched attacks in Silopi this reality everyone will lose,” Two other sons of the late dic- a peace process launched three near the Iraqi border, said explo- Haberturk newspaper said and that the town’s state hospi- she said. tator, Saadi and one-time heir years ago. sions rocked the town early on some 10,000 police and gendar- tal was being used as a base for The PKK launched its insur- apparent Seif Al Islam, are in Prime Minister Ahmet Davu- Wednesday and deputies from the merie troops were to be deployed soldiers and police. On Tuesday, gency in 1984 and more than detention in Libya. toglu pledged on Tuesday to pre- pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic in a major operation against PKK a roadside bomb ripped through 40,000 people have been killed in Three more were killed during vent the PKK “spreading the fire” Party (HDP) said security forces militants, removing ditches and an armoured vehicle and killed the conflict. the Libyan revolt. from Syria and Iraq to Turkey by had begun raiding houses. barricades erected by them in three policemen in the southeast- REUTERS AFP

US citizen gets 10-years jail for Syrian army retakes key guard’s death in Yemen hilltop in coastal province DUBAI: A court in the Yemeni DAMASCUS: Syrian troops and booby-trapped devices”, the mili- According to Syria analyst capital Sana’a sentenced a US allied militia pushed rebel fight- tary source said. Fabrice Balanche, Jabal Nuba man detained as a terrorism sus- ers back yesterday from a hilltop He said the army would con- is between 500 and 800 metres pect in 2010 to 10 years in prison overlooking a strategic highway tinue to “tighten the noose” (1,650 and 2,640 feet) high. yesterday, judicial sources said, in President Bashar Al Assad’s around rebel positions, including “Its capture allows the regime for allegedly killing a guard while coastal heartland, state media in the village of Salma which has to control the access to Salma trying to escape from a hospital said. been in anti-government hands from the west, as the army where he was being held. Citing a military source, state since 2012 and has been the tar- already controls the access point “The court sentenced US news agency Sana said army units get of heavy Russian bombard- from the east,” Balanche said. national Sharif Mobley to 10 and pro-government militia “took ment. “Taking Jabal Nuba is ringing years in prison after he was con- full control of the strategic Jabal Groups including Al Qaeda in the upcoming fall of Salma, victed of killing an officer in the Nuba after killing a number of affiliate Al Nusra Front have which will be celebrated as a Yemeni intelligence,” a judicial terrorists”. taken up positions around the major victory.” source added, saying the sentence Rami Abdel Rahman, head village, according to the Observa- On November 24, anti-govern- was subject to an appeal. of the Syrian Observatory for tory. ment factions destroyed a Rus- Mobley, 31, worked at a nuclear Human Rights monitor, said- The Britain-based monitor sian helicopter after firing on it power plant in New Jersey before the hill overlooks the main rebel confirmed that Syrian army units and forcing it to make an emer- moving to Sana’a with his family supply line between Latakia — a were backed by Lebanese Shia gency landing near Jabal Nuba. to strengthen their Islamic faith, bastion of Assad support — and group Hezbollah in the offensive. Russia began its air war in according to interviews with his second city Aleppo. “The clashes also came with Syria in September and has said it wife Nzinga Islam. He and his The government intensified its dozens of air strikes, rocket is fighting the Islamic State group family has denied any ties to mili- offensive to retake Jabal Nuba in fire, and heavy shelling on the and other “terrorist” organisa- tants. He was accused of killing a recent weeks and Russian war- Jabal Akrad and Jabal Turkman tions. Tensions have skyrocketed guard and wounding seven other planes had carried out raids in the regions,” the Observatory said. in recent weeks since Turkey people as he tried to shoot his way area in support of the army. Fierce fighting has rocked shot down a Russian aircraft over out of a hospital where he was Yesterday, army units fought those areas in recent months as Latakia and rebels killed one of being treated after he was shot Members of the Kurdish internal security forces, known as the Asayish, through dense brush and moun- the regime seeks to recapture the two crew as he parachuted to during his arrest. check vehicles in the northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli as tensions rose tainous terrain, and were “comb- opposition-held territory in Lata- earth after ejecting. between regime forces and Kurdish fighters in the city. ing through the area to clear any kia. AFP Israel arrests three Palestinian brothers RAMALLAH: Israeli occupa- Saudi King orders to boost aid, investment to Egypt tion forces today arrested three brothers after beating them severely on a military checkpoint RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has ing Egypt with its needs for pet- income from oil, which makes each offered $4bn in investment urged all Muslim countries to join they mounted on the western pledged a total of $8bn in invest- rol,” said a statement published up over 90 percent of public and aid. the new coalition. entry of Salwad town, east of ment and aid to Egypt over the by the Saudi Press Agency. revenues, due to the global Egypt is taking part in a Saudi- Cairo is fighting a swelling Ramallah. next five years, as Riyadh looks In addition, Saudi ships decline in crude prices since led coalition that has been bat- insurgency led by the Islamic Palestinian sources said Israeli to boost military and economic would “support” traffic in the June last year. tling Iran-backed rebels in Yemen State group in the Sinai Penin- soldiers arrested the three broth- ties with its ally. Suez Canal, Saudi defence Opec kingpin Saudi Arabia has since March. sula. But it has been criticised ers and took them to Benjamin The Custodian of the Two minister and Deputy Crown offered billions of dollars in aid It is also participating in a by rights group for carrying out detention centre after keeping Holy Mosques King Salman bin Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Egypt since the 2013 ouster 34-member alliance to fight “ter- a crackdown on Morsi’s Mus- them for more than one hour at Abdulaziz ordered that Saudi announced on Tuesday during a of Islamist president Mohamed rorism”, which was announced on lim Brotherhood that left hun- the military checkpoint and beat- investments in Egypt exceed visit to Egypt. Mursi. Tuesday by Prince Mohammed. dreds dead and tens of thousands ing them severely. SR30bn ($8bn)” and that the The pledges come despite In March, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait During his visit, Sunni Islam’s imprisoned. AGENCIES kingdom “contribute in provid- a sharp fall in Saudi Arabia’s and the United Arab Emirates leading seat of learning, Al Azhar, AFP THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 ASIA / PAKISTAN / AFRICA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17

Three Philippine Pakistan vows revenge soldiers killed in assault on year after school attack extremist camp

MANILA: Three Philippine Victims’ families, politicians attend emotional ceremony soldiers were killed in a major assault on a Muslim extremist PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s leader, blood,” Prime Minister Nawaz the siege, said the loss was “some- camp in the southern Philippines, speaking beneath portraits of Sharif said, addressing the vic- thing that cannot be described”. the military said yesterday. children killed by Taliban bullets, tims directly. But angry and Groups in other major cities The battle, involving as many called yesterday for vengeance distraught parents said nothing organised their own vigils, while as 150 members of the Abu Sayyaf as the country marked the first could bring back their children, on social media, many Pakistanis People on motorcycles commute through floodwaters in suburban Manila group, was continuing for a third anniversary of a school massacre with many reiterating calls for a changed their profile pictures to yesterday. day yesterday, according to the that killed 151 people in its worst- judicial inquiry into the security an image depicting an APS uni- military, which also reported sev- ever extremist attack. failings that led to the attack. form with a bloody bullet hole and eral militant deaths that could Families of the victims along “They can’t stop the tears of a caption reading, “Some stains not be verified. with military and political leaders my wife,” said Jamal Abdul Nasir, don’t wash out”. The Taliban have The operation began after a attended an emotional ceremony breaking down into tears himself said they carried out the attack, Philippine typhoon large number of armed men were at the army-run school in the as he remembered his son Awais. in which all nine gunmen died, in seen in a suspected Abu Sayyaf northwestern city of Peshawar to “We want nothing, only justice.” retaliation for an army offensive stronghold in a forested part of mark the assault, which mostly At least a dozen families boy- on extremists in the tribal areas. Basilan island, about 885km from claimed the lives of schoolchildren cotted yesterday’s ceremony in But the attack hardened pub- toll rises to 11 amid Manila, said Major Filemon Tan, and has been termed a “mini- protest. lic opinion against extremism and the regional military spokesman. 9/11” for the country. Army chief Raheel Sharif and prompted a military-led crack- “We are using artillery bom- Relatives were accompanied by opposition leader Imran Khan down that has improved security. extensive flooding bardment, rocket barrages students bearing images of their also attended the ceremony. A Sharif said he hoped the day from MG-520 helicopters and loved ones as they spoke one by military official said there were was “not very far when these ter- armoured vehicles,” Tan said. one of children with bright smiles some 2,500 guests including celeb- rorists will be eliminated forever MANILA: Rescuers on speed- Umali said on DZMM radio. “The enemy is using booby who worried about their hair and rities and sports stars. and every corner of Pakistan will boats hauled rain-soaked Coast guard personnel on traps so our troops have to be handwriting but had dreams of “We think a lot about the stu- be a place of peace and prosper- residents off rooftops in the speed boats hauled 21 peo- very careful.” being artists and engineers. dents who lost their lives,” Abu ity”. However critics say there are Philippine countryside yester- ple, including 14 children and Up to 350 soldiers, includ- “My children, today I make this Bakar, a teacher who was shot no long-term steps to eradicate day after Typhoon Melor killed a three-month-old baby, from ing rangers, marines and spe- promise to you, that I will take three times as he threw himself extremism. at least 11 people and cut power rooftops in Calapan, the capital cial forces, were involved in the revenge for every drop of your in front of fleeing children during AFP to millions. of Oriental Mindoro, on Tuesday assault, Tan said. Reports from The typhoon, which tore in night. villagers and frontline troops indi- off the Pacific Ocean on Monday “They were drenched from the cated about 15 members of Abu afternoon, caused widespread rain and crying for help. The res- Sayyaf had been slain and seven flooding across central islands cue was difficult because of the wounded, Tan said, although he and also dumped heavy rain on strong currents,” according to a said no bodies had been retrieved. the sprawling capital of Manila. coast guard report, which said He said three soldiers had died Afghan forces seize two tonnes The worst appeared to be rescue work continued. and were 11 wounded. over yesterday with the typhoon Intense rain in Manila on Tan said the military was still drifting into the South China Tuesday night submerged some trying to capture the camp, but Sea. But farming and fishing roads and caused traffic chaos, declined to give further details to of explosives in Kabul communities on Mindoro island although flooding in the megac- avoid compromising their opera- south of Manila were still endur- ity of 12 million had subsided by tions. Basilan, an impoverished KABUL: Afghan security forces and suicide bombings and this in Kabul. The attack last Friday, ing heavy flooding. yesterday morning. island of about 400,000 people, have seized and destroyed two discovery will prevent dozens of involving four Taliban suicide Floodwaters rose sharply The death toll climbed to 11 has long been a stronghold of tonnes of ammonium nitrate, an bomb attacks,” said an intelli- bombers, lasted for more than 10 across parts of Mindoro on yesterday after local authorities the Abu Sayyaf, a group founded ingredient of improvised explo- gence agency official, who spoke hours during which two Spanish Tuesday night, forcing residents in Mindoro and neighbouring in the 1990s with the help of Al sives, foiling dozens of potential on condition of anonymity. The security officers, and four Afghan to climb onto the roofs of their Romblon, a chain of three small Qaeda founder Osama Bin Laden. bomb attacks, the intelligence National Directorate of Security, policemen, were killed. homes, according to Alfonso islands known for its marble Abu Sayyaf is infamous for kid- agency said yesterday. the country’s main intelligence The government of President Umali, governor of Oriental Min- reserves, reported six deaths. napping people, including foreign- The discovery in the Budkhak agency, said the material was Ashraf Ghani has come under doro province on the eastern half The national disaster council ers and demanding huge ransoms area in the east of Kabul last hidden in 20 bags sent by the increasing pressure as the Tali- of the island which has a total also reported one more death for their release. Security forces Monday evening came two days Haqqani network from neigh- ban insurgency, aimed at expelling population of 1.2 million. due to drowning on Samar, an fear that a Norwegian, two Cana- after Taliban insurgents attacked bouring Pakistan. foreign forces and bringing down “The floods have begun to impoverished island of 1.5 million dians and an Italian kidnapped a guest house attached to the A hardline militant group the Western-backed government, subside but there are still peo- people in the eastern Philippines in separate incidents in the south Spanish embassy in a heavily aligned with the Taliban, the has spread since Nato ended its ple on their roofs. Many homes where Melor first made landfall. earlier this year may have been protected neighbourhood in the Haqqanis are blamed for some combat mission last year. were damaged. We are going to Five people have now been con- taken by various Abu Sayyaf fac- Afghan capital. of recent spate of large attacks the areas on board the coast firmed killed on Samar. tions. “The material is used for car across the country, particularly REUTERS guard’s rubber boats today,” AFP AFP

Sydney storm China tightens Beijing warns Taiwan over rules on maps planned US arms deal amid disputes BEIJING: China has tightened BEIJING: China told Taiwan hardware or technology to Tai- won’t threaten the mainland.” its rules on the distribution of yesterday not to jeopardise cross- wan by any country in any form Lo added, “Nor have we the maps that violate the govern- strait relations after a report that or under any pretext”. intention of engaging in an arms ment’s stance on territorial Washington expects to agree the “We hope Taiwan cherishes race with the mainland.” disputes, state television said sale of two warships to the island. the hard-earned good situation Lo declined to confirm the yesterday. Beijing said it “firmly opposed” for the peaceful development of arms sales but said the Taiwan- The new rules come amid all foreign arms sales to its neigh- bilateral relations and do more ese military has “presented shop- heightened tension with neigh- bour, which it regards as part of to help improve and develop ties ping lists” to the US, including bours over territorial disputes in its territory awaiting reunifica- between the two sides,” the state- two Perry-class frigates, “which the South China Sea and a sensi- tion -- by force if necessary. ment added. have been discussed by the US tive election in democratic, self- Taipei said the planned arms Taiwan’s defence ministry Congress”. China’s foreign min- ruled Taiwan. Chinese officials sales covered “defensive weap- spokesman David Lo said Beijing istry warned the US yesterday have long confiscated maps that A storm is seen over a deserted Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, yes- ons” and would not threaten the had nothing to worry about. that arms sales to Taiwan would violate the country’s positions on terday, as a severe thunderstorm swept through the city. A tornado with mainland. The White House is “We’ve noticed the reac- damage Sino-US relations. issues such as Taiwan, islands in wind speeds of more than 200km per hour hit Sydney, ripping off roofs set to authorise the sale of two tions from mainland authori- “China strongly urges the US the South China Sea or territory in southern coastal suburbs, causing flash flooding and pelting the city guided-missile frigates to Taiwan ties regarding the planned arms side to seriously realise the high in dispute with India. It also keeps with hail the size of golf balls. as early as this week, said, citing sales,” he said. sensitivity and severe harmful- tight controls on maps deemed US congressional sources. “It was unnecessary as they ness of arms sales to Taiwan, live to reveal sensitive geographic In a joint statement, the Chi- are all defensive weapons up to its commitments and stop or security information. China nese Communist Party’s Taiwan which are aimed for increas- arms sales to Taiwan,” said for- says it faces serious threat from Affairs Office and the State Coun- ing our self-defence capa- eign ministry spokesman Hong separatists in Xinjiang region and Four killed as Nigeria cil, or cabinet, said Beijing “firmly bilities and helping maintain Lei. Tibet. opposes sales of weapons, military peace in the Taiwan Strait and AFP REUTERS cops fire at protesters Monk’s cremation KANO: At least four people “The whole area was filled were killed on Tuesday when with gunshots and tear gas fired N Korea jails Canadian riot police opened fire on Shias by the police on the Shia follow- demanding the release of their ers, who were carrying the por- leader in Nigerian city of Kaduna, traits of Zakzaky and calling for a sect spokesman and residents his release,” said local resident pastor for life said. Hundreds of supporters of Rukayya Rabiu. the pro-Iranian Islamic Move- “I saw people shot being taken SEOUL: A North Korean court Court to hand down a death sen- ment of Nigeria (IMN) had been away by the Shias as I was fleeing sentenced a Canadian pastor tence, arguing that the pastor’s marching through the streets of the area but I can’t say if they to life imprisonment with hard crimes merited “the sternest Kaduna’s Unguwar Nupawa area, were dead,” she said. Another labour, while rejecting a prosecu- punishment”. calling for the release of Sheikh resident, Isa Babangida, gave a tion call for the death penalty after Ottawa hit out at the punish- Ibrahim Zakzaky, who has been similar account. his conviction on sedition charges, ment. detained by the military since last The protest was part of a series the North’s official KCNA news “Canada is dismayed at the Sunday. of demonstrations staged on agency reported yesterday. unduly harsh sentence given to “Armed policemen ambushed Tuesday in various parts of north- South Korean-born Hyeon Soo Mr Lim by a North Korean court, the procession unprovoked and ern Nigeria calling for the release Lim, 60, is a pastor at the Light particularly given his age and threw tear gas into the crowd of Zakzaky, who was detained fol- Korean Presbyterian Church in fragile health,” Canada’s foreign before opening fire, killing four lowing a military crackdown on Toronto. ministry said in a statement. people and injuring 25,” IMN his followers in the city of Zaria. “The defendant Lim admit- Lim was detained by North spokesman Ibrahim Musa said. The violence in Zaria was ted all the charges against him, Korean authorities in January Men in ceremonial uniforms walk in a procession in Bangkok, trans- “Despite the unwarranted sparked when Shia faithful on including viciously defaming our after arriving from China. porting the royal urn containing the remains of Thailand’s most senior attack, the march forged ahead,” Saturday blocked the main road system and our supreme dignity The specific actions that Buddhist monk, the late Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, he said. outside their prayer centre, where as well as plotting to overthrow resulted in the sedition allega- who died in 2013 at the age of 100. Thousands of people lined the streets Residents said they were forced hundreds had gathered for a cer- our state,” KCNA said. tions have never been detailed. as the carriage transported the urn ahead of the cremation ceremony to flee their homes following the emony. According to KCNA, the pros- yesterday. attack. AFP ecutor had asked the Supreme AFP THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / INDIA

AAP tells Jaitley Modi to focus on social to quit; CBI denies seizing schemes in next budget any material

NEW DELHI: The AAP yes- May launch crop insurance scheme coming summer terday asked Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to resign, saying the NEW DELHI: Prime Minister sources say, will be earmarked for ity to pay, the first source said. CBI raided the Delhi Secretariat Narendra Modi will recalibrate the social sector - especially rural To attract more growers, the to derail a probe into the affairs budget priorities in 2016 to focus districts that house three-fifths government could lower the share of Delhi’s cricket club, which he on social initiatives, such as the of voters. of the premium farmers pay to once headed. country’s first major crop insur- The renewed focus on social- up to 30 percent from 50 percent Aam Aadmi Party leader San- ance scheme, while capping pre- welfare programmes precedes earlier, the agriculture ministry jay Singh told the media that the viously prioritised infrastructure crucial state elections in heart- source said. The proposed plan An effigy symbolising a juvenile rapist is seen during a protest to mark the allegations of corruption in the spending, officials say. land farming states such as West would also limit government third anniversary of the Delhi gang rape, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi Delhi and District Cricket Asso- Modi splurged on roads and Bengal next year and Uttar support to insurers so that the yesterday. ciation (DDCA) cannot be probed railways this year in a strategy Pradesh in 2017. overall hit to the budget stays low. as long as Jaitley remains in the to spur economic growth. But it In what could be the first major State and federal governments cabinet. came partly at the expense of fed- scheme for farmers since Modi spend about $373m a year on pre- Jaitley is the former chairman eral programmes for farmers and took office in 2014, the govern- miums, while total payouts have Nirbhaya’s parents upset of the DDCA, which has control- the poor, suffering through back- ment is planning to launch a fresh been less than $700m in recent led the affairs of cricket in the to-back drought years. version of the national crop insur- years. The farm ministry source Indian capital. Ex-cricketers In the first confirmation of a ance programme next summer. It expects only a marginal increase have hurled major corruption shift in strategy, a senior govern- would cover the majority of India’s in the total premiums the govern- over juvenile’s release charges at its office bearers, Jait- ment source with knowledge of 263 million farmers, a farm min- ment pays. ley included. deliberations for Modi’s second istry source said on condition of “The prime minister is con- NEW DELHI: The parents of ment. We will keep fighting. It “He (Jaitley) should resign from full budget said New Delhi would anonymity. stantly trying to find new schemes Nirbhaya, who was brutally gang- will help my daughter’s soul rest the government. The searches by focus more on the social sector Indian farmers rarely take out and formulate policies to help the raped here on December 16, 2012, in peace,” he added. the Central Bureau of Investiga- following what he described as a crop insurance unless it’s needed villagers,” said a Modi aide who were upset yesterday and opposed Ranjana Kumari, director, Cen- tion (CBI) last Tuesday at Chief “shocking” defeat in last month’s to secure a bank loan. Existing declined to be named. “But the the release of the convict who was tre for Social Research said, “We Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s office state elections in largely rural insurance plans, based mainly on truth is that we are still trying to found to be a juvenile at the time need to involve schools, colleges, were aimed at scuttling a probe Bihar. It was unlikely more money crop yields, cover 10 percent of identify the right strategy ... it’s a of the crime. universities, police and other by the Delhi government into the would be freed up for infrastruc- farmers. Many farmers barely work in progress.” “If a juvenile commits a heinous stakeholders to taking on the DDCA affairs,” Singh told the ture when the budget is unveiled make a living from small and Funding for roads and bridges crime, he must be kept with wild menace of crime against women.” media here. in February, he said, because the marginal plots and cannot afford more than doubled in this year’s animals. We must not set them She pointed out that the Nir- “We are not afraid of such cow- government is trying to keep the premiums. The premiums budget and is now higher than the free. Our laws are flawed. The bhaya fund, unused since it was ardly acts and false threats. This spending on track to lower the tend to be based on the crop yields sum allocated to education. At the juvenile laws should be made announced in 2013, needed to be voice against corruption is not fiscal deficit. of more prosperous farmers who same time, funding was halved applicable only for the people utilised to provide a safer environ- going to be stopped. Arvind Kejri- Commitments to raise govern- use higher quality seeds, fertiliz- for a scheme that gives millions committing petty crimes, not ment for women. She cited official wal is committed to take action ment salaries, military pensions ers and equipment. of poor children free food, and for heinous crimes,” Nirbhaya’s statistics and said an increase of against corruption in DDCA,” and to infuse capital into state Under the plan being con- allocations to make clean water father Badrinath said here. 9.2 percent was reported in crime Singh asserted. banks reeling under bad loans sidered, a portion of premi- available in rural areas were dras- “It is quite agonising. Do not against women during 2014 as Meanwhile, the CBI yesterday have left little room for additional ums to be paid by farmers tically cut. know if Indian women will ever compared to 2013. denied seizing any material irrel- spending. What money is left, would be linked to their capac- REUTERS have a safe and secure environ- IANS evant to the probe against the Delhi chief minister’s principal secretary Rajendra Kumar dur- ing a raid at the Delhi secretariat. Winter blankets A CBI spokesperson said it had already clarified that the Delhi chief minister’s office was neither SC doubles green tax on searched nor sealed the raid. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal yesterday said the CBI had seized documents that had commercial vehicles in Delhi “no relation” to the allegations being probed against Rajendra NEW DELHI: The Supreme `700 and `1,300, respectively. 2016. Having doubled the ECC for Kumar. Court yesterday doubled the Banning the registration of the loaded commercial vehicles, IANS environment compensation SUVs and private cars of the the court said commercial vehi- charge (ECC) for loaded commer- capacity of 2,000 CC and above cles “registered in 2005 or earlier cial vehicles entering Delhi and using diesel as fuel up to March shall not qualify for such entry” imposed a blanket ban on regis- 31, the court said, “We are of the and asked state governments tration of diesel vehicles of 2,000 view that the new commercial and union territories to ensure cc and above in the National light duty diesel vehicles can for that vehicles bearing registration President to Capital Region (NCR). the present continue being regis- numbers of 2005 or earlier do not A bench of Chief Justice T S tered in Delhi on account of the enter Delhi. visit Karnataka Thakur, Justice A K Sikri and dependence of the public on such The court noted that its Octo- Justice R Banumathi said no com- vehicles for supply of essentials.” ber 7 order imposing the ECC was from Dec 22 mercial vehicle registered prior The judges noted that diesel intended to restrain non-Delhi to 2005 would enter Delhi and all vehicles with engine capacity of bound vehicles from entering the BENGALURU: President taxis would have to switch over to 2,000 cc and above are prone to national capital. Pranab Mukherjee will be on a CNG by March 1, 2016. causing higher pollution level and But it appears to have been two-day visit to Karnataka from A 100 percent increase in ECC were used by the more affluent. understood to mean that vehi- December 22 for official engage- would mean that light com- “A ban on registration of such cles not bound for Delhi could also ments, a statement said yester- mercial vehicles with two axles vehicles will not therefore affect enter by paying ECC. day. loaded with goods will pay `1,400 the common man or the average The judges said traffic from According to his itinerary, and loaded commercial vehicles citizen in Delhi,” the court said. Kundli and Rajokri border shall Mukherjee will fly to Bidar in the with three and four axles will pay The court also directed that be diverted to bypass Delhi. state’s northern region on Decem- `2,600 to enter Delhi. all taxis including those operat- These account for the maximum ber 22 and proceed to Kalaburgi, However, empty commercial ing under aggregators like OLA number of vehicles entering about 650km from here, to par- vehicles in both categories would and UBER in the NCT shall move Delhi. ticipate in the second annual con- Blanket makers stuff cotton in blankets, ahead of the onset of winter continue to pay the old ECC of to CNG not later than March 1, IANS vocation of the Central University season in Guwahati, yesterday. of which he is the chancellor. “Later, Mukherjee will arrive in Bengaluru to unveil magneto encephalography equipment and dedicate the heritage building of the state-run National Institute SC directs testing of Maggi samples by Mysuru lab of Mental Health and Neuro- science (Nimhans) in the city,” NEW DELHI: The Supreme The bench of Justice Dipak The court order came as it noted by Central Food Technological Mysuru following a consensus, the statement said. On December Court yesterday said the test- Misra and Justice Prafulla C Pant counsel Harish Salve’s grievance Research Institute lab in Mysuru. the court said counsel for both 23, he will grace the 150th anni- ing of Maggi noodles samples said the local commissioner shall submission on behalf of Nestle Nestle India had challenged Nestle India and the central gov- versary of Bishop Cotton Boys’ as directed by the National collect samples of Maggi noodles India that “there was no neces- the NCDRC December 9-10 ernment have agreed that the pri- School in the city and participate Consumer Disputes Redressal from Nestle India’s Lucknow- sity or warrant to issue a further order directing the testing of mary concern was health and the in the foundation day celebrations Commission (NCDRC) will now based warehouse and send them direction” for testing of samples Maggi noodles sample by a Chen- test has to meet the parameters of the state-run Kidwai Institute be undertaken by the Mysuru- to the lab. of Maggi noodles by a laboratory nai lab. of the Food Safety and Standards of Oncology, adjacent to Nimhans. based Central Food Technological The court said the test report in Chennai when it had on Octo- Noting that the samples were Act, 2006. Research Institute lab. would be submitted before it. ber 15 sent samples for testing being sent to the laboratory in IANS IANS

Andhra orders probe into call money racket Not clear why I was left VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra allegations of sex scandal, it was house, vehicles and other movable said they were taken into custody Pradesh government yester- decided to constitute a judicial and immovable properties of the for examination, day ordered a judicial probe by commission for a thorough probe. borrowers who failed to pay the He told reporters that he has out: Chandy to Modi a retired high court judge into The main opposition YSR Con- loans. The lenders even sexually requested the government to can- the call money scandal that has gress has alleged that many lead- exploit women. A woman lodged cel his leave. “I will stay back to THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: after inviting me and including shocked the state even as over ers of the ruling Telugu Desam a complaint with police last week continue the investigations in the Kerala Chief Minister Oommen my name in the notice and plaque 100 people allegedly involved have Party (TDP) were involved in the that she and her daughter were case,” he said while denying that Chandy yesterday said he didn’t of the programme, Natesan was been arrested. scandal, which surfaced in Vijaya- pushed into the flesh trade. there is any political pressure on know why he first invited him to forced to withdraw the invitation The decision to order the probe wada and Guntur. The call money scandal is esti- him. Raids were also conducted an event which Prime Minister due to unknown reasons. was taken here at the state cabi- Under call money arrangement, mated to be over `60m in Vijaya- in other parts of Krishna dis- Narendra Modi attended and “All political parties except the net meeting chaired by Chief one can obtain loans by making wada alone. trict, Guntur, Prakasam, Visa- then the invite was taken back. BJP have said this is an insult to Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. a phone call to the lender, who Meanwhile, in a state-wide khapatnam, Srikakulam, East On Tuesday, Modi unveiled the people of Kerala. Usually I The probe was ordered in view comes home with the money and crackdown, police have arrested Godavari, West Godavari and the statue of former chief min- keep away from controversies, of the demand from various quar- takes the loan seeker’s signature 118 money lenders allegedly Kadapa districts. Police said that ister R Sankar at Kollam in the and it is surprising that the PMO ters following sensational disclo- on documents. involved in the scandal. As many during raids on the money lend- presence of state BJP president hasn’t intervened to avoid con- sures by some women victims that The interest rate usually ranges 123 cases were booked against ers, promissory notes, property V Muraleedharan and Hindu troversies. they were sexually exploited for from 120 percent to 200 percent. them. Those arrested include documents, cheques and other Ezhava leader Vellapalli Natesan. “I wish to know what would failing to repay the loans. The lender also lays down the leaders of TDP, YSR Congress documents were seized. In some In a letter to Modi, Chandy have been your reaction if such Briefing reporters on the deci- condition that he can demand and Congress. cases, police found signatures of said, “The organisers said it is a an incident happened in Gujarat sions taken at the meeting, state return of the money over a call In Vijayawada alone, 75 people borrowers on plain promissory private function and they have the while you were the chief minis- Finance Minister Y Ramakrish- anytime and anywhere. were arrested. Vijayawada Police notes. right to invite or not invite guests. ter?” nudu said the scam also involved In many cases, financiers seized Commissioner Gautam Swang IANS “I fully agree with that. But IANS THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 EUROPE / AMERICAS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

US Congress Wind farm blow: Trump strikes deal on Visa Waiver clashes with Scots Programme

WASHINGTON: The US Con- Scottish government ‘foolish’, says US tycoon gress struck a huge spending deal overnight including a measure LONDON: US Republican pres- build a wind farm off Blackdog project was “nothing more than that will tighten the Visa Waiver idential front runner Donald in Aberdeenshire on Scotland’s delusional posturing” that would Programme (VWP) by exclud- Trump clashed with Scotland’s northeastern coast, which Trump destroy “the bucolic Aberdeen ing certain travellers deemed by political leaders yesterday after believes will spoil the view from Bay” and cause great damage to Washington to be a risk. Britain’s supreme court threw his golf complex just 3.5km away. local tourism and Scotland’s eco- Republican and Democratic out his bid to stop a wind farm Scotland’s SNP-run govern- nomic future. negotiators included the meas- being built near his luxury Scot- ment overturned environmen- However, the comments drew ure in a catchall spending pack- tish golf course. tal and other local objections a sharp response from Salmond, age agreed to late on Tuesday A day after battling with to approve the golf course in Scotland’s former First Minister, in and unveiled in the dead of night rival candidates in a Republi- 2010, the first phase of a £750m office when the decision was made that sets federal expenditures at can national security debate, the ($1.13bn) project. and a campaigner for Scotland’s $1.149bn through September 30, business tycoon entered a war But three years later it independence from the United 2016, the end of the fiscal year. of words with lawmakers in his approved the turbines, saying the Kingdom for more than 30 years. The text, which is expected to mother’s homeland after losing $350m scheme would boost the “His behaviour and comments be voted on by today, includes the his fight to block the building of 11 local economy and power thou- are unlikely to attract the votes legislation adopted by the House offshore turbines near his multi- sands of homes. of many Mexican Americans or of Representatives last week million dollar resort. Since then, the once-harmo- Muslim Americans,” Salmond which excludes citizens from In a statement, the Trump nious relations between Trump, said. “Given his treatment of VWP countries who are also dual Organisation denounced the Scot- who speaks proudly of being Scotland, Scots American are nationals from Iran, Iraq, Syria tish government as “foolish, small half-Scottish and whose Gaelic- likely to join the ever growing and Sudan. minded and parochial”, while the speaking mother hailed from list of people alienated by Trump.” It would also exclude anyone Scottish National Party’s (SNP) Stornoway on the northern Isle Describing Trump as “three from the 38 participating nations foreign affairs spokesman Alex of Lewis, and Scotland’s political times a loser”, Salmond said the — including 30 in Europe — who Salmond replied that Trump was elite have turned sour. business tycoon had failed to has travelled to those four coun- “three times a loser”. The tycoon could barely dis- deliver on the jobs and billions tries, or to a country Washington The spat comes after a week guise his contempt after Brit- of dollars of investment his golf has listed as supporting terror- when Trump’s call to deny Mus- ain’s Supreme Court unanimously complex had promised. ism, since March 2011. lims entry to the United States rejected his lawyers’ argument He also said outspoken com- Such foreign nationals will not was major news across the Atlan- that the decision to approve ments on Muslims and Mexican be barred from travelling to the tic, and led to his being stripped the wind farm scheme had been immigrants would mean Turn- United States, but they will be of two Scottish honorary positions flawed. berry, another Scottish golf course required to obtain a visa prior and prompted a record petition “History will judge those which Trump has bought and is to their visit through standard calling for him to be banned from involved unfavourably and the refurbishing at a cost of £200m, means, which includes a face-to- Britain. outcome demonstrates the fool- would never be considered to host face interview at a US consulate. Yesterday, Prime Minis- ish, small minded and parochial the British Open tournament. About 20 million people each ter David Cameron called the mentality which dominates the As the argument grew increas- year come to the United States remarks “stupid”. “If he came current Scottish Government’s ingly personal, Trump’s group without a visa for stays of less to visit our country, I think he’d dangerous experiment with wind retorted that Salmond was a than 90 days, including about 13 unite us all against him,” the Brit- energy,” the Trump Organisation “has-been and totally irrelevant”. US tycoon Donald Trump posing with Scottish pipers during a visit to the million Europeans. ish leader told parliament. said in a statement. construction site of his golf course on the Menie Estate near Aberdeen, European diplomats, led by The row centres on plans to The statement said the turbine AFP Scotland. European Union ambassador to Washington David O’Sullivan, have warned of potential retali- ation against the United States, arguing the program is based on reciprocity. Germany ready to help ‘natural ally’ UK with EU reform bid Non-profit groups have called the measure discriminatory since it punishes certain European citi- BERLIN: Germany signalled membership of the European lor Angela Merkel called Britain she said. “With Europe facing Pressed on the benefits issue, the zens based on their national origin its readiness yesterday to be Union. a “natural ally” and described demands like never before, that official said: “We have clear politi- from Muslim-majority countries. “extremely helpful” to Prime Speaking before EU leaders the benefits British membership is of enormous importance.” cal guidance. We want Britain to “Once again, members of Minister David Cameron in his debate Cameron’s EU reform brings to the bloc’s 28 members. Reaching a deal on the British stay in the EU. We can’t accept Congress are using the govern- quest to renegotiate Britain’s demands on Thursday, Chancel- Cameron has promised to rene- question would be “very challeng- everything but we will do what we ment funding bill to pursue their gotiate Britain’s EU ties ahead of ing”, Merkel added. But she said can to accommodate Mr Cameron.” extremist agendas,” said Anthony a membership referendum by the EU had in the past addressed A poll yesterday showed that Romero, executive director of civil the end of 2017. While he favours other countries’ issues in the bloc British support for remaining in liberties group ACLU. staying in a reformed EU, he has “and I am therefore confident we the EU would fall significantly if “Sneaking damaging and dis- said he rules out nothing if he can do it this time”. Cameron was unable to achieve criminatory riders into a must- does not get the changes he wants. She said the core EU princi- safeguards for non-euro zone pass bill usurps the democratic “Great Britain is, for me, a ples of free movement of people countries and curbs to welfare process and is irresponsible.” country that in many European and non-discrimination between payments for migrants. Some US lawmakers had sought policy areas pursues similar goals citizens could not be questioned. Some German government offi- to kill or amend the measure, to us in Germany,” Merkel told “These principles are not up for cials have stressed they cannot expressing concerns that Euro- the Bundestag lower house of par- negotiation,” Merkel declared to convince other European states, pean nations would offer reciprocal liament. “It is on many questions loud applause in the Bundestag, mainly eastern, to drop their treatment against US travellers. a natural ally.” stressing that the details of the opposition to Britain’s push for But supporters of the measure She stressed Britain’s contri- talks would be critical. Limiting a four-year curb on welfare pay- in Congress argued it is vital to bution to strengthening Europe’s benefits available to EU migrants ments for EU migrants. tighten the program in the wake internal market and promoting to Britain is the most contentious But they said they wanted of deadly terror strikes in Paris, economic growth. of Cameron’s demands. Britain to play an active role in where some of the attackers were “As a permanent member of A senior German official told a the EU. “The UK must sit in the French and Belgian nationals the United Nations Security pre-summit briefing Berlin was driver’s seat, and not next to it,” who likely could have boarded a Council, Great Britain contrib- ready to be “extremely helpful” said another German official. plane to the United States with- German Chancellor Angela Merkel talks with German Foreign Minister Frank- utes significantly to the European to Cameron, but it was up to him out a visa. Walter Steinmeier during a session of the Bundestag in Berlin yesterday. Union’s importance in the world,” to present his case. REUTERS AFP

Le Pen under Frenchmen with possible Paris attack links held in Austria fire for tweeting VIENNA: Austrian police have to the Paris attacks are currently people. The newspaper said they dium, who appear to have used came from an unspecified foreign grisly IS images arrested two people with sus- being investigated.” had been posing as refugees and fake passports to sneak into intelligence agency, and that the pected links to the Paris attacks, He said the two were arrested had fake Syrian passports, hav- Europe. two men had Algerian and Paki- PARIS: French far-right leader prosecutors said yesterday, with in a centre for refugees in Salz- ing travelled up from Greece Holzleitner declined to com- stani roots. Marine Le Pen faced sharp criti- an Austrian newspaper reporting burg “on suspicion of belonging to through the Balkans into Austria ment on the nationalities of the News of the Austrian arrests cism yesterday after tweeting the two are French citizens pos- a terrorist organisation”. along with hundreds of thousands two arrested in Austria or give came a day after a 29-year-old a graphic image of an Islamic ing as refugees. The Kronen-Zeitung reported of migrants arriving in recent any more details. man with suspected links to the State beheading in response “Two people coming from the online that the two men are months. The Austrian interior ministry Paris attacks claimed by the to a TV journalist who likened Middle East were arrested at the French and entered Austria in Three of the nine Paris attack- and police also declined to com- Islamic State (IS) group was her National Front party to the weekend,” Robert Holzleitner, a October together with mem- ers have yet to be identified, ment. arrested in a housing estate in the jihadist group. spokesman for prosecutors in the bers of the cell who carried out including two of the three suicide The Kronen-Zeitung, with- eastern Paris suburb of Villiers- “This is Daesh (an Arabic acro- western city of Salzburg, said. the November 13 attacks in the bombers who blew themselves up out citing sources, said that the sur-Marne. nym for the Islamic State group),” “Indications of a possible link French capital that killed 130 outside the Stade de France sta- information leading to the arrests AFP Le Pen fired back in a series of tweets picturing grisly IS atroci- ties. European Council meeting In one image a bloodied body lay with his decapitated head on his chest, another depicted a man Number of trafficked people rises in UK on fire in a cage, while a third showed a victim being driven over by a tank. LONDON: The number of people at risk of being enslaved — amid force, coercion and fraud for the Prime Minister Manuel Valls identified as potential victims of concerns not enough was being purpose of exploitation. described the photos as “mon- human trafficking in Britain rose done to stop modern day slavery, a One of the problems to ending strous”. “Madame Le Pen: inflam- by 21 percent last year, as police scourge affecting tens of millions slavery in Britain, where an esti- ing public debate, political and and other professionals have got of people worldwide. mated 13,000 people are enslaved, moral failing, non-respect for better at spotting signs of the Victims reported to the police was that many victims did not victims,” he wrote on his Twitter hidden crime, the National Crime were being forced to work in pri- consider themselves to have been account. Agency (NCA) said yesterday. vate houses and in hospitality, exploited, the NRC said. Le Pen was reacting to com- A total of 3,309 people were farming, manufacturing and con- “Human trafficking is an insidi- ments by BFM journalist Jean- identified, compared with 2,744 struction industries - with traf- ous and complex crime where Jacques Bourdin whom she in 2013, the NCA said. About one fickers using threats and violence much of the exploitation is hid- accused of drawing parallels in five of them were children. to ensure compliance. den from view,” Caroline Young, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov (left) and Serbian President between her National Front In March, Britain passed a According to a 2003 UN pro- deputy director of the NCA’s Tomislav Nikolic (right) are welcomed by EU Council President Donald (FN) party and Islamic State in law to crack down on traffickers, tocol, trafficking is defined as the Organised Crime Command, said Tusk (centre) during a meeting at the European Council in Brussels, an “unacceptable bungle”. clean up supply chains and intro- recruitment, transport or trans- in a statement. Belgium, yesterday. AFP duce measures to protect people fer of people through the use of REUTERS THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com FEATURES In Japan, seven years of labour bear fruit with avocado crop By Yumi Miyaki larger than those familiar to Japanese Of 6,000 seedlings that the city govern- consumers. ment provided to farms, only one-third even years of hard work spent “Most imported avocados are of the survived to grow into a tree, the city said. trying to cultivate avocados Hass variety, the skins of which become Seventy farming households working to finally bore results this year in darker as they mature,” said Shiba. grow avocados have been experimenting SMatsuyama, Japan. The city has “Matsuyama produces a different variety by trial and error, making such efforts as seized upon an opportunity to diversify called Pinkerton, which does not change wrapping the seedlings with straw and and become the nation’s leading avocado colour much when ripe.” planting grass to protect them from the production centre. In 2008, the municipal government wind. While avocados have become regular recommended farmers grow avocados to Shigeki Mori, 63, a local pioneer who food items in Japanese households, most replace mikan, whose demand has been started farming avocados 23 years ago, of them are imported to Japan from tapering off. The city started offering provided seedlings to the city. He now has Mexico and other countries, with domes- farmers avocado seedlings at a low price his avocado business on the right track, tically produced varieties seldom seen in that same year. expecting to harvest about 1,000 fruits supermarkets. The demand for avocados has been from five trees this year. His avocados are In Matsuyama in early November, increasing nationwide, with the volume sold at about 600 yen (about $4.87) each mikan citrus nearly ready to harvest of imports reaching 60,000 tons in 2013, at a department store in Tokyo. ripened on the side of a mountain with about 13 times larger than the volume 20 “I believe that [avocados] will become a a distant view of the Seto Inland Sea. years ago, according to Tokyo Customs. local specialty in Matsuyama in the near The warm climate that nurtures the The unit price of an avocado is higher future,” Mori said. mikan trees is also suitable for growing than that of mikan, and avocado growers Most farms in the city plan to make avocados. can forgo the hard work of thinning out their first shipment seven years after “Those over there are avocado trees,” and sanitising fruits required in mikan receiving the seedlings, since it takes said Tatsumi Shiba, an official of the production. In addition, avocado trees about seven years to harvest avocado Matsuyama municipal government’s grow easily once the seedling takes root. fruits after the trees are planted. Agricultural Guidance Centre. When The production of avocados is expected About 600 kilogrammes (about 1,322 we approached the thickly leafed trees, to bring steady income to farming house- pounds) of avocado are expected to be emerald green fruits dangling here and holds, which comprise aging workers and harvested in the city this year, which Shigeki Mori shows an avocado at his farm in Matsuyama, Japan. there came suddenly into view. few successors. However, avocado seed- would increase the likelihood of consum- Almost ready for the December lings are easily affected by cold and dry ers finding them in shops in the Tokyo fresh. The fruit apparently goes well with avocados from Matsuyama at their harvest, the avocados exhibited a conditions that prevent them taking root, metropolitan area. Japanese food. neighborhood supermarket. creamy, rich texture due to the fat and many of those planted in Matsuyama That’s good news for avocado lov- Hopefully, it won’t take long before they have stored. They looked slightly have dried up. ers. Mori’s produce tasted creamy and people are able to find affordable THE WASHINGTON POST

Forbes honours Nissan Middle East official

n recognition of his leadership result. Receiving this affirmation achievements in the region, of Nissan’s hard work and success ISamir Cherfan (pictured), in the Middle East is testament Managing Director of Nissan to it becoming the fastest growing Middle East was honoured with automotive brand in the region a coveted ‘Global Meets Local’ for three years in a row.” Award, by Forbes Middle East. The ranking recognises busi- The event, which recently took ness leaders such as Cherfan who place at Waldorf Astoria – Palm are not only driving their organi- Jumeirah, celebrated the top 100 sations forward but steering econ- senior executives heading global omies at a national, regional and corporate powerhouses in the global level towards prosperity. MENA region. Samir Cherfan Nissan has also recently cel- was awarded the 22nd position in ebrated receiving the Silver Effie Elan Group supports National Day celebrations the overall ranking, and the 1st award for its popular sub-com- place in the automotive category, pact crossover Nissan Juke in the lan Group management and employees have and loyalty to our nation that has confidently made celebrating the leadership that is automotive segment for the “Take Eannounced that the group is supporting Qatar its mark within the global community. It also allows driving Nissan to be the fasted a Stand” campaign. The total National Day celebrations as Silver Sponsor, and will us to renew our pledge of allegiance to our visionary growing automotive brand in this number of points eared from the contribute to the various special activities planned leaders for guiding the country towards continued region. shortlists and the silver award are for the day. growth and advancement. Commenting on this award, 26, giving Nissan the lead in the Jaber Al Ansari, Elan Group CEO said: “Elan As part of the celebrations, Arabic coffee, dates Cherfan said: “It is with great automotive segment and making Group is considered one of the main pillars in Qatar, and traditional Oud scents will be served all-day honour that we accept this pres- it the Most Effective Automotive and we consider ourselves privileged to be able to following traditional format at Elan Group head- tigious award from Forbes Middle Brand in the MENA region for contribute to the development and prosperity of our quarters, with employees warmly welcoming the East in recognition of securing Awards. The award’s criteria were the fourth year in a row. beloved nation. We are honoured to be the Silver guests partaking on December 18. No.1 spot in the automotive cat- a lot tougher this year so we are Sponsors for Qatar National Day celebrations, as it egory at its ‘Global Meets Local’ thrilled to have achieved this THE PENINSULA gives us an opportunity to highlight our commitment THE PENINSULA Skateboard fever sweeps Tokyo

kateboarding has been get- A recent lesson for beginners at the ting more attention since it facility saw more than 30 people take Swas included among the five part, aged from 5 to 45. They learned Why does your kid sports that the Tokyo Olympic and basic skills from professionals, such Paralympic organising committee pro- as how to ride boards, skate and turn. posed as additions to the 2020 Games. More and more people have applied This year’s Japan Amateur for lessons or made inquiries since cry for chocolates Skateboard Championships, held on the Tokyo 2020 organising committee October 24 and 25 in Tokyo, drew decided on the additional sports to be about 500 spectators — about 200 more proposed to the International Olympic all the time? than the previous year. They were fas- Committee, according to Murasaki cinated as the athletes flew high into Sports Co., which runs the park. hildren love sweets, but have you ever won- the air while performing impressive Colourful skateboards were also dered why some kids want more sugary food? tricks. lined up at the park. Mao Sakata of CIt could be because they need more sugar to The championships included com- Koto Ward, Tokyo, visited the facil- get that same sweet taste, suggests new research. petitions in two styles: The park style ity with his father to buy a new one. “Some children are twenty times better at detect- features slopes, stairs and rails, while “I’ll work a lot and hopefully compete ing sugar than others,” said study author Danielle the vertical style uses a 4.2-metre-high in the Olympics,” said the 9-year-old Reed from Monell Chemical Senses Centre, a non- half-pipe. boy, holding a shiny skateboard in his profit independent scientific institute in the US. “I want to be chosen for an athlete hands. “As sugar becomes more restricted and even regu- development programme so I can com- “In the past, skateboarding was lated in children’s diets, the less sugar-sensitive chil- pete in the (2020) Games,” said Taiyo regarded as a sport for rebellious dren may get less of a ‘sweet signal’ and, therefore, Ogino, 15, of Chuo Ward, Tokyo, who young people, but it can be enjoyed by have a harder time dealing with sugar reduction,” finished second in the vertical-style families today,” said Jun Yokoyama, Reed said. competition. executive director of the All Japan In the study, the researchers determined the About 2,000 skateboarders take part Skateboard Association. “Now, chil- sweet taste threshold, defined as the lowest detect- in skateboard competitions around the dren can have the goal (of competing able level of sucrose, of 216 healthy children between nation, and dozens of them are pro- at the Olympics). With (the proposed the ages seven and 14. fessionals. Murasaki Park Tokyo, the addition of skateboarding to) the Each child was given two cups, one containing dis- venue for the October championships, Games, I hope people will be able to tilled water and the other containing a sugar solu- is one of the largest among about 50 enjoy skateboards for many years. tion and asked to indicate which contained a taste. training sites - called “parks” - in Taiyo Ogino performs a jump on the halfpipe during the vertical skateboarding The most sensitive child required only 0.005 tea- Tokyo. THE WASHINGTON POST competition at the Japan Amateur Skateboard Championships. spoon of sugar dissolved in a cup of water to detect sweetness, whereas the least sensitive needed three teaspoons to get the same sensation. Genotype analyses revealed that sucrose thresh- olds and sensitivity were related to variation in the bitter receptor gene, but not in the two sweet recep- tor genes. Dietary records revealed that children having this same bitter-sensitive gene variant consume a higher percentage of their daily calories as added sugar. “We were surprised to find that sweet taste sen- sitivity and sugar consumption were related to a bitter receptor gene,” Reed noted. The researchers also found that increased body fat was associated with greater sensitivity to sweet taste. The study was published online in the journal Nursing Research. IANS

THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BREAK

Prayer Timings

Fajr 04.51 am Zuhr 11.30 am Maghrib 04.49 pm Shorook 06.13 am Asr 02.27 pm Isha 06.19 pm

Weather Moderate tem- perature and some Minimum: 16o C Maximum: 23o C clouds becomes cold HIGH TIDE 09:00 - 21:30LOW TIDE 01:15 - 16:45 and hazy to misty by night.

Star Wars rediscovers Force, say fans as film opens

PARIS: Worth the wait. That was equally effusive. “This is the force. “I woke at 4am this morn- was the overriding sentiment film fans were hoping for, and it’s ing and I have tickets to see it yesterday as Star Wars: The Force an indisputable improvement on twice today,” said Antoine Gerber, Awakens, one of the most hyped the abhorred prequels... who made a five-hour trip from films of all time, finally opened, “The Force Awakens oozes the his home in Alsace to Paris to see with some lovers of the franchise style and composition of the first the film. flying thousands of kilometres to trilogy, and will not look awkward More than half a million people be present. stood next to your well-worn have pre-booked tickets in France After months of teaser trailers Return of the Jedi DVD.” for director J J Abrams’ two-and- that raised more questions than Expectations had been para- a-quarter-hour epic. answers — and a Hollywood pre- mount as the seventh episode in The Force Awakens picks up the miere on Monday from which the the space saga opened in France, intergalactic story of good versus celebrity audience emerged smil- Germany, Sweden, South Africa evil 30 years on from The Return ing but sworn to secrecy — some and several other countries, a day of the Jedi, the finale of the origi- of the franchise’s millions of fans before it hits screens in the US. nal trilogy. finally got to see it for themselves. Trey Delap, 37, spent “sev- Luke Skywalker, the last Jedi The first reactions were over- eral thousand dollars” on a flight master, has disappeared and Prin- whelmingly positive. “The Force from Las Vegas to see the film in cess Leia, now a general, sends Awakens re-awoke my love of a high-tech EuropaCorp theatre fighter pilot Poe Dameron to save the first movie and turned my near Charles de Gaulle airport in him from the evil First Order. inner fanboy into my outer fan- Paris. Dameron fails to find Luke but boy,” wrote The Guardian’s critic “Either you think we’re crazy gives his robot BB-8 a map show- Peter Bradshaw. “There are very or you think it’s brilliant. I’m not ing how to reach him. The film few films which leave me facially sure myself,” he said. turns on the robot’s adventures as exhausted after grinning for 135 “When I saw the price I he tries to get back to Leia, helped minutes, but this is one.” thought ‘No way!’ But then I real- by Finn, a Stormtrooper who has Another British critic, Christo- ised I would be the first in North turned his back on the Dark Side, pher Hooton of The Independent, America to see it and we would and young scavenger Rey. also be seeing it on screens and The trio of heroes who appeared with technology that we don’t in the first of the blockbusters in have at home yet.” 1977 — smuggler Han Solo (Har- Delap was accompanied by a rison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie friend Tim Mersch, 44, who said Fisher), leader of the rebel alli- he had never left the US before. ance, and her twin brother Luke “We’ve got everything in Las Skywalker (Mark Hamill) — are Vegas, even (a replica of) the Eif- all back and played by the actors fel Tower... but it’ll be good to see that Star Wars first made famous. the real thing,” he joked. French fans were also out in AFP Thursday 17 December 2015 6 Rabia I 1437 Volume 20 Number 6647 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatar’s GDP projected to grow at 3.7pc in 2015 Ministry’s updated outlook sees solid growth in non oil & gas economy

DOHA: Qatar foresees a solid expansion, its growth will begin to of 1.5 percent in 2015 will hold rent account balance payment growth in the non oil & gas drift lower, taking GDP growth in steady through 2016. An uptick is expected to remain in surplus economy, but anticipates that 2017 to 3.9 percent, the Ministry might occur in 2017, but this will in 2015, but modest deficits seem the expansion will moderate as of Development Planning and Sta- depend more on a recovery of likely in 2016 and 2017. project activity plateaus, popula- tistics (MDPS) document noted. demand in the global economy The key factor is Qatar’s tion growth tapers and the gov- Minister of Development Plan- than on domestic economic con- dependence on hydrocarbon ernment looks to improve the ning and Statistics H E Dr Saleh ditions. exports and the lower prices cur- efficiency of public spending and Al Nabit, said: “Capital spending A small fiscal surplus is pro- rently expected. to find savings on that spending. programmes will continue to sup- jected in 2015, but modest deficits Import demand might see some The country’s updated ‘Qatar port demand, but as project activ- may be seen in 2016 and 2017. Dr reduction as projects’ capital- Economic Outlook 2015-2017’ ity intensifies, its rate of growth Saleh emphasised that, “means equipment needs are scaled down, forecast Qatar’s real GDP will will naturally slow, and with it the to rationalise spending are being but it should stay supported by grow at 3.7 percent in 2015. overall rate of expansion of the accelerated and that new sources demand for materials and by con- The dip from 2014, when real non-oil and gas economy”. of revenue to support the budget sumption demand of a larger pop- GDP growth was 4.1 percent, is While the population is con- are being considered”. ulation. With the retreat in the largely the result of a contraction tinuing to grow, he expects that The Minister also explained current account surplus, capital in the hydrocarbon sector, due to the expansion will slow over the that while Qatar has not witnessed outflows will also be pared back. falling oil production and shut- outlook period. a budget deficit for 15 years, the On the risk side of the outlook, downs for operations and main- With global commodity and state has ample means to finance the ministry document noted the tenance. manufactured goods prices weak- it and that adjustments are now risk stem mainly from oil prices, Fewer interruptions to supply ening, US dollar strength contin- being considered that would build which have dropped dramatically are expected in 2016, and Barzan uing and growth in the non-oil on Qatar’s solid financial position over the year. Their prognosis production will come on stream, and gas economy softening, the to help more firmly anchor its remains highly uncertain. If oil external balances, will see better deteriorate more sharply and lifting overall GDP growth to 4.3 Update sees little inflation on the long-term fiscal sustainability. prices rise more quickly than the outcomes. But if they fall short of larger external-payment deficits percent. While the non-oil and gas horizon. It anticipates that annual According to the ministry ministry forecast, nominal income projections, income growth will be might occur. sector will continue to post solid average consumer price inflation document, the country’s cur- growth, as well as fiscal and restrained, fiscal balances could THE PENINSULA

Barzan gas Opec producers see recovery in second half of 2016 project expected DUBAI/LONDON: Opec pro- delegates in the producer group in mind that today Brent is below ting oversupply from high-cost also hopeful of a stronger market ducers see little chance of sig- are pushing back their expecta- $39 a barrel,” said a second Opec producers,” a third Opec source after the first half of next year. to start in 2016 nificantly higher oil prices in tions of a stronger market. In delegate, from a non-Gulf member. said. “2017 is more promising to One said Brent may rise to above 2016 as extra Iranian production August, Gulf delegates were hop- “I believe that 2016 is not going to give some support to the market.” $60 a barrel in early 2017, when DUBAI: Qatar expects to start could add to surplus supplies and ing for oil at $60 a barrel by this be any better than 2015 with an “But we need to monitor Iranian the market would start to balance. operations at its Barzan gas the prospect of voluntary output month. average of $50 at the most unless exports too. When will they be able And the other said he expected project in 2016 with full output restraint remains remote. “In the first half of next year, Opec takes action to decrease pro- to pump more,” this source said, prices to remain weak next year the following year, the Ministry Opec delegates, including those prices will be under pressure duction, which is unlikely.” adding that he sees prices rising to with Brent at around $40-$45 a of Development Planning and from Gulf Opec members, say from supply being above demand The world is awash in oil — the range of $50s a barrel by 2017. barrel and rising toward the $50s Statistics said yesterday. higher oil prices are not around and concern about Iranian sup- more than 2 million barrels per Opec expects global demand to range by the end of 2016. “Hydrocarbon output will get a the corner yet, despite further ply,” said an Opec delegate from a day in excess supply is implied grow by 1.25 million bpd in 2016 “I think the market is mov- boost from Barzan, a new pipeline growth in global demand and as major producer. “With the current by Opec’s numbers — before any and non-Opec supply to decline by ing toward reaching the lower gas production facility scheduled a rise in non-Opec supply is tem- low prices, I find it very hard to extra barrels that reach the mar- about 400,000 bpd as the price col- end which is probably $35 range to come on stream in 2016 and pered by prices that have more predict prices at more than $40- ket from Iran once Western sanc- lapse hurts rival producers, more and then the market will bounce reach full capacity in 2017,” the than halved in 18 months. $45 for Brent in the whole year. I tions are lifted. But these sources than halving the supply glut com- back slowly but remaining weak ... ministry said. “Output from Bar- Some see a more balanced don’t think it will reach $60.” also expect global inventories to pared to this year to about 900,000 You can’t expect the $35 for long, zan and an expected recovery in market by 2017 even though they Brent fell to $36.33 a barrel on start declining by the second half bpd. But a rise in Iranian supplies because fundamentally nothing condensate production in 2017 expect further pressure on oil Monday, its lowest since the finan- of 2016, supporting prices more could offset this decline as Tehran has changed in the market,” this should help to lift aggregate GDP which could send prices to test the cial crisis in December 2008, fol- toward the year-end. aims to boost its output by at least delegate said. “By the second half growth above 2015’s in both 2016 mid-$30 a barrel range on market lowing Opec’s December 4 meeting Supplies from high-cost pro- 1 million bpd, about one percent of next year it will show the real and 2017,” it said. sentiment rather than fundamen- where the group rolled over its ducers such as US shale drillers of global supply, after sanctions recovery. Then by 2017 you will have The ministry also said the Ras tals, before slowly rebounding by year-long strategy of pumping are also set to fall more quickly against it are lifted next year, a more stable market,” the delegate Laffan 2 condensate refinery is the second half of next year. at will in order to defend market into next year, despite being despite scepticism on how much added. “But this is subject to the expected to come on stream in the The comments, days after Opec share against higher-cost rivals. resilient until now, as many have Iran could actually produce and Iranian crude, when it will come fourth quarter of 2016. failed to agree a production ceiling “You cannot be optimistic in been already operating at losses, by when. and by how much.” “The refinery will produce jet for the first time in decades, show such market conditions, keeping they say. “We are betting on cut- Two more Opec delegates are REUTERS fuel and gas oil to be sold domesti- cally, and export other products, including diesel, to Asian mar- kets,” the ministry said. Qatar Petroleum signed an agreement with a consortium led by France’s Total in 2013 to build Every country should govern the $1.5bn refinery. It will have a production capac- ity of 146,000 barrels per day (bpd) including 60,000 bpd of naphtha, its own Internet: China’s Xi 53,000 bpd of jet fuel, 24,000 bpd of gasoil and 9,000 bpd of liquefied WUZHEN: China’s President Xi which the Communist Party sees profits,” Roseann Rife, East Asia petroleum gas. The ministry said Jinping laid out his vision for the as a direct threat to its rule. research director at Amnesty it expects crude oil production Internet yesterday, calling for a China infamously operates a International, said in a release. in 2015 to fall by about 6 percent new status quo where Internet “Great Firewall”, the world’s most Others, including press freedom and condensates output to fall by sovereignty rests in the hands sophisticated online censorship group Reporters Without Borders about 8 percent. of nations controlling the flow of system. Its workers scour and and China censorship watchdog REUTERS information. scrub edgy and unwanted commen- GreatFire.org, called for a boycott “Each country should join tary from domestic web services. of China’s World Internet Confer- hands and together curb the Hacking has been a sore spot ence, which attracted executives Qatar index gains abuse of information technol- in US-China relations. On Sep- from Chinese and US tech giants. ogy, oppose network surveillance tember 25, President Barack From the United States, the 72.23 points and hacking, and fight against a Obama said he and Xi had agreed roll call of companies at the cyberspace arms race,” Xi told that neither government would conference in the eastern city DOHA: Qatar Exchange (QE) China’s second World Internet knowingly support cyber theft of Wuzhen included Facebook index gained 72.23 points, or 0.74 Conference. of corporate secrets to support Inc, Microsoft Corp, IBM Corp, percent, when the bourse closed “Cyberspace is similar to the domestic businesses. LinkedIn Corp and Netflix Inc. trading at 9,862.03 points on yes- real world in that both free- The agreement stopped short China’s Alibaba Group Holding terday. dom and order are necessary,” of restricting spying to obtain Ltd, Tencent Holdings Ltd, Baidu The daily turnover increased Xi added, saying Internet users’ government secrets, including Inc, JD.com Inc and Xiaomi Inc to QR2.3bn with a volume of rights to exchange views must those held by private contractors. were also in attendance. 7,044,666 shares from 2,995 deals be respected while maintaining Critics of China’s Internet gov- While Facebook and Twitter, compared with QR2.2bn with a order in accordance with the law. ernance have said foreign tech among others, are blocked in volume of 5,481,666 shares from Since Xi took China’s helm companies should not lend Beijing China, that was not the case in 3,846 deals on Tuesday. in early 2013, he has presided credibility by agreeing to comply Wuzhen where attendees enjoyed Indices of all sectors ended in over a centralisation of domestic with its policies. unfettered access to websites. the green yesterday, while Real Internet governance and broader “Tech companies, including “This is the place with the best Estate index sector gained 1.18 efforts to control, and often cen- Apple, Google, Facebook, Linke- Internet connection in China,” percent to 2,230.05 points. Indus- sor, the flow of information online, dIn and Microsoft, must be Kaspersky Lab chief executive tries sector index also increased Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech during the World Internet experts say. prepared to say ‘no’ to China’s Eugene Kaspersky said during a 0.89 percent to 2,940.55 points. Those efforts are aimed at repressive Internet regime and conference forum. Conference in Wuzhen, east China’s Zhejiang province, yesterday. maintaining stability, a lack of put people and principles before REUTERS QNA THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

EU court Qatar revises natural gas overturns huge fines for air prices forecast down cargo ‘cartel’

Revision mainly due to expansion of production in US BRUSSELS: An EU court over- turned €790m ($868m) in fines By Satish Kanady growth has put pressure on prices, separating US and Japanese nat- imposed by Brussels on airlines as illustrated by one-month ahead ural gas prices has narrowed in including Air France-KLM, Brit- DOHA: Qatar has revised down gas futures briefly slipping below 2015, with a spread of less than $7 ish Airways and Japan Airlines sharply its forecast for average $2 per million BTU (mmbtu) in per million BTU in October 2015. for running a global cargo cartel. natural gas prices — a weighted the US in October 2015. The US has lower prices, where The General Court of the Euro- average of European, Japanese Prices in Europe and Japan most gas sales are made spot, and pean Union, the second highest and US prices — from its April have also trended down. There is Japan higher prices, where gas is court in the 28-nation bloc, said 2015 projection. The revision is some dissonance about the out- sold under long-term contracts. in a ruling that the 2010 decision due to continuing expansion of look in these markets, with the In Europe, gas trades under by the European Commission’s production in the US, record glo- World Bank predicting prices ris- a raft of arrangements and has competition watchdog was “con- bal inventories and weaker crude ing by 1.6 percent on average next been priced between the other tradictory”. oil prices to which some natural year but with the International two regions for the last five years. The airlines affected spanned gas contracts are indexed. Monetary Fund taking a more Whereas the IMF expects average sectors in other parts of the world, Asian LNG projects are sched- the globe, from Singapore Airlines Qatar’s updated economic out- negative view and forecasting a global gas prices to bottom in 2016 will benefit from the Texas-based uled to come online and supply and Cathay Pacific in Asia, to Air look for 2015-17 released yesterday decline of 14.5 percent. and rise thereafter, the World export-oriented Cheniere’s Sabine Japanese and Korean consumers, Canada and LAN Chile in the by the Ministry of Development Since mid-2009, natural gas has Bank sees gas prices in all major Pass LNG facility. This facility will probably softening prices in that Americas, Qantas in Australia, Planning and Statistics (MDPS) been sold at prices that are sub- regions increasing marginally. start export operations in Janu- region. and Scandinavia’s SAS, Luxem- noted US natural gas production stantially less than their energy US inventories are expected to ary 2016, with eventual export In Europe, the outlook for bourg’s Cargolux and Martinair hit a new record in August 2015, equivalent parity with oil. Though be drawn on heavily in the winter capacity of 31.5 million tons per prices is uncertain: they could be Holland. as producers continued to supply since oil prices began to fall from ahead, while industrial consump- year, once all seven trains are restrained by moderate economic Germany’s Lufthansa escaped larger volumes despite low prices. mid-2014 this discount has con- tion is forecast to grow sharply in completed. growth, more aggressive market- fines under the commission’s leni- By increasing operational effi- tinued to narrow. Oil and gas 2016 as new plants fire up. Nev- Several other export-oriented ing by Russia of its gas and an ency programme for being the ciency and concentrating on remain imperfect substitutes for ertheless, US gas supplies are LNG projects are under devel- interest in diversifying sources of first to provide information about proven production areas, spe- one another, the Ministry docu- projected to continue outpacing opment in the US, with a slated supply to the US—or bolstered by the alleged cartel. cifically the Marcellus and Utica ment said. domestic demand. combined capacity of 33.5 million an increased reliance on gas as a “The General Court annuls the formations in the US, shale gas Although markets for natural US export opportunities are tons per year, excluding Cheniere. source of energy reflecting drops decision by which the Commis- producers have defied expectations. gas remain highly geographically expected to expand markedly. Eventually, gas exports should in subsidies for renewable. sion imposed fines amounting to The disconnect between expand- segmented, prices are moving Demand from Mexico’s power sec- support Henry Hub prices. approximately €790m on several ing supply and moderate demand closer to convergence. The band tor, and for power and non-power In Asia, however, numerous THE PENINSULA airlines for their participation in a cartel on the airfreight market,” the Luxembourg-based court said in a statement. The decision can still go to appeal in the EU’s top court, the European Court of Justice. Qatar-China trade volume hits QR38.6bn in 2014 Brussels had accused the carri- ers of coordinating their action on DOHA: The bilateral trade vol- opment for its citizens. and energy vehicles. Hongzhan surcharges for fuel and security ume between Qatar and China China is friendly to Arab coun- noted that the city has excellent without discounts over a six-year has increased from $400m tries and to Qatar, he said, assur- business environment and com- period between December 1999 (QR1.46bn) in 2004 to $10.6bn ing that this expo reflects the plete urban facilities. It provides and February 2006. (about QR38.6bn)in 2014, witness- Chamber’s keenness on developing a platform of 500 companies and The alleged cartel covered ing a significant jump of over 26 further communication channels slew of international companies. flights from, to and within the times over the last decade. among Qatari businessmen and Cui Bin praised the Chamber’s European Economic Area. With the successful conclusion their Chinese counterparts. initiative to organise the exhibi- But the court said that the of the ‘Made in China’ expo, at the It’s a good opportunity for dis- tion affirming it will contribute Commission’s decision contained Doha Exhibition & Conventions cussion and exchange experience to creating mutual cooperation a confusion about whether there Center(DECC) yesterday, the in technology, infrastructure and between Qatari and Chinese had been four separate offences trade between the two countries is construction spheres. companies. Qatar has become or one continuous offence coordi- expected to witness faster growth Hongzhan paid tribute to Qatar one of China’s most important nated as a whole by a cartel, giv- in the years to come. Chamber efforts in organising business partners in the Middle ing the airlines justification for On the sidelines of the Expo, this expo . He gave a presenta- East and Gulf region, he said, add- challenging it. which was opened on Tuesday by tion about Foshan’s investment ing: “Qatar is still expanding the It said there were “internal Minister of Energy and Industry environment, business opportu- project investment to fulfil the inconsistencies” in the Commis- H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al nities and economic development National Vision 2030 and to host sion’s ruling case and that the Sada, the Qatari-Chinese trade situation. FIFA 2022 World Cup, there will grounds of the case were “difficult forum was held at the DECC. Foshan is the epicentre of be more opportunities for China- to reconcile with the existence of Saleh Hamad Al Sharqi, Qatar Guangdong’s high-end manufac- Qatar cooperation.” a single cartel covering all of the Chamber Acting General Man- turing industries. It is known as Tian Guofeng invited Qataris to routes”. ager and Head of Expo organising the city of ceramics capital of the visit China to explore business and Air France-KLM, which suf- committee, presided over the sem- Officials at the event. world. It facilitates the upgrading investment opportunities and to fered the biggest fine of around inar with Chen Hongzhan ,Vice- of the traditional manufacturing tour Chinese factories . 300 million euros, welcomed the Chairman of the China Council the Economic and Commercial Expressing his gratitude to and supports the development of Al Sharqi welcomed this invita- move and said it abided by com- for the Promotion of International Office of the Embassy of China to all exhibitors, he said : “We are emerging industries, equipment tion saying that Qatar Chamber petition laws. Trade Foshan Committee, Foshan Qatar were also present. honoured in Qatar Chamber to and machinery manufacturing, will coordinate with the Embassy “The group hails the decision of Chamber of International Com- Addressing the forum, Al organise this exhibition for the home appliances, advanced ceram- for organising a Qatari busi- the court, which has completely merce. Sharqi said that the Qatari busi- first time in Qatar.” ics and new material, material nessmen delegation to China for annulled the European Commis- Tian Guofeng, China Interna- ness community and business- Al Sharqi praised open and sta- processing and products, textiles attracting Chinese investments to sion’s decision and the fines,” the tional Centre for Economic and men are astonishingly impressed ble economic actions pursued by and apparel, electronic infor- Qatar and to explore the available Luxembourg-based court said in Technical Exchanges Ministry of by the economic growth and hub the Government for achieving the mation, food and beverage, fine ones there. a statement. Commerce, and Cui Bin , Head of achieved by China. comprehensive sustainable devel- chemicals and pharmaceuticals THE PENINSULA AFP Doha trade talks unfinished business: S Africa

JOHANNESBURG: Developing African group, is that there is unfin- utes to actively disadvantage many poor body formally accepting the accession nations want to work through their ished business from Doha.” farmers in developing countries,” Dav- of the rubber-producing West African differences with rich countries and The Doha talks in 2001 are aimed at ies said. Trade officials from developed nation. continue World Trade Organisation adding billions of dollars to global trade nations, such as Germany and Aus- It “marks another turning point in (WTO) negotiations on opening mar- by spurring cross-border commerce. tralia, called for results to the Doha our history as we continue the journey kets, especially in agriculture, South Negotiations have been stuck since process in statements at the meetings of economic transformation for inclu- African Trade and Industry Minister 2009 because of differences between in Nairobi. “Fourteen years after the sive growth,” Liberian President Ellen Rob Davies said. wealthy and poor nations, chiefly over launch of the Doha round, we cannot Johnson Sirleaf said at a ceremony in “There are a number of developed subsidised farming in the developed continue with business as usual,” Mat- Nairobi during the WTO’s 10th minis- McLaren appoints new countries who basically want to say world. A WTO ministerial-level meet- thias Machnig, state secretary with terial conference. The production and Doha has run its course, it’s been there ing in Nairobi this week is meant to Germany’s economic affairs ministry, shipment of rubber, Liberia’s biggest for 14 years and it hasn’t delivered, so move the talks forward. said in a statement published on the export product, was affected by the MD for Mideast, Africa it’s time to move on,” Davies said in an “The unfinished business includes WTO’s website. “We need results for quarantines and curfews implemented DOHA: McLaren Automotive has appointed interview in the Kenyan capital, Nai- the reform of agriculture that remains the Doha issues.” because of the Ebola outbreak. Andreas Bareis (pictured) to the role of Manag- robi, yesterday. “The other paradigm one of the biggest single systemic issues Meanwhile, Liberia will become the ing Director, Middle East and Africa. Andreas was for the vast majority, including the in the global trade system that contrib- 163rd member of the WTO, with the BLOOMBERG previously Executive Director of Quality at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England and replaces Ian Gorsuch who will take the posi- tion of Sales and Marketing Director for McLaren Special Operations. Andreas, who has worked for McLaren Automo- tive for three years, joined originally as Director of Troubled Rolls-Royce cuts top management Quality from Mercedes-Benz. He was promoted to the decision-making Executive Committee a year TOULOUSE: Rolls-Royce Holdings highest profile victim of the clear-out, engineering director Colin Smith, who ramp up in production of the Trent XWB later and became Executive Director of Quality. Plc Chief Executive Officer Warren and will leave in the new year. Lawrie will head government and regulatory engine that powers the latest Airbus Since then he has been part of the company’s lead- East culled senior managers including Haynes, president of the troubled land affairs, and is seeking to add both a A350 wide-body, and the introduction ing group responsible for steering future product the heads of the engine maker’s top and sea unit and aged 62, will retire. chief operating officer — via an outside of a revamped power plant for the A330. and brand strategy including the establishment this two divisions, which will disappear East is betting that the shake-up will appointment — and a head of strate- Under the five-unit structure, Eric year of a three-tier product line-up which take the in a shake-up intended to streamline help him gain control of an engineering gic marketing to help determine which Schulz, who ran the commercial large- company forward to its next decade and beyond. decision-making following two profit behemoth whose market value fell by sectors to focus on. engine business, becomes president for As a key member of the Executive Committee, warnings since he took over in July. £2.5bn ($3.8bn) on November 12 as the East is seeking to shave at least civil aerospace, also taking in regional Andreas has also been inherent to the setting of East will split London-based Rolls stock tumbled 20 percent following the £150m from costs after saying last and business engines, and Chris Choler- the company’s year-over-year sales growth targets. into five units, each reporting directly latest in a succession of profit revisions month that Rolls had been too slow to ton remains in charge of defense aero- The Middle East and Africa region currently has to him, in the first moves of a whole- that have dogged the UK company in cut its cloth to changing market con- space. Strategy director Harry Holt will retailers in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, sale reorganisation and cost-cutting recent years. ditions, including a collapse in sales run the nuclear arm, which has been UAE and South Africa and grew by nine percent programme that will be extended in Analyst Harry Breach at Raymond of engines for vessels used by the off- overseen by Chief Financial Officer in 2014. In his new role, he will be tasked with February, the supplier of turbines for James in London said that while Wood’s shore oil industry, slumping demand David Smith since its last head left, the continued development of the region, includ- Boeing Co and Airbus Group SE jets departure was a surprise, Rolls hadn’t from business and regional jets, and while Mikael Makinen and Ulrich Dohle ing maximising the opportunity presented by the said in a statement yesterday. been able to justify a model with a high- the retirement of some bigger planes will remain in the charge of the marine recent launch of the new Sports Series. Tony Wood, 49, who has led the aero- level structure between its main units as new models enter services. and power-systems units respectively. space division for 2 1/2 years and had and CEO. The company will create a Wood, who has worked at the com- THE PENINSULA been tipped as a future chief, is the post of group president, to be filled by pany for 15 years, had been focused on a BLOOMBERG THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Qatar, Turkey discuss business cooperation QBA hosts trade delegation from Turkey; both sides review opportunities

DOHA: Qatari and Turkish busi- able in both Qatar and Turkey. key, stressing on the readiness of countries, to serve the economy of nessmen delegation discussed At the beginning of the meet- Qatari Businessmen Association both Qatar and Turkey. ways to enhance cooperation. The ing, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim to deepen cooperation between Ethem Sancak, the Council Qatari Businessmen Association welcomed the Turkish delegation, the two parties and highlighted Chairman praised the strong ties (QBA) hosted the Turkish Qatari stating that the relations between the need to focus on young busi- between Qatar and Turkey and Business Council delegation yes- Qatar and Turkey is witnessing nessmen as the next generation said that these relations should terday at QBA Premises. a great development at various of investors , suggesting that be reflected on the cooperation The delegation was headed levels under the auspices of the regular joint meetings should between businessmen in the two by Ethem Sancak, the Chairman leaders of the two countries,. be organised between the young countries, hoping to establish of the council, SeydaSaglamlar, He pointed out that the businessmen from both Qatar and more cooperation and mutual Vice Chairman, and Ercan Ata, Qatari private sector witnessed Turkey to discuss cooperation and investment. vice chairman, in the presence of a remarkable development in the possibility of joint investment Sancak also talked about the Ahmet Demirok, Turkish Ambas- recent years, allowing Qatari not only in Qatar and Turkey but strategic cooperation that the sador to Doha. businessmen to take off globally also around the world . leaders of the two countries have From the Qatari Business- through Investments in viable Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim also inaugurated at their last meet- men Association, the meeting projects in various countries of talked about the importance of ing, which was held in Doha. He was headed by Sheikh Faisal bin the world the European conti- cooperation in the tourism sector said that the results of the official Qassim Al Thani, QBA Chairman. nent and the United States, and between the two parties, noting talks between the two countries The meeting was also attended he also added, Turkey is now con- that the Qataris prefer Turkey as will be reflected positively on the QBA Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani honouring members of by QBA Members Nasser Rashid sidered an ideal destination for a destination for tourism and that large economic and trade coop- Turkish trade delegation. Al Kaaby, Nabil Abu Issa, Maq- Qatari businessmen because of this sector should be considered eration between them. He also bool Khalfan and Sarah Abdullah, the close relationships between to further develop; so that Turkey stressed on the willingness of the Qatari businessmen associa- between them, pointing out that QBA Deputy General Manager. the two countries and geographi- becomes the top destination for the Turkish side to develop the tion to visit Istanbul and see the his country offers many facilities During the meeting, the par- cal proximity as well as the simi- Qatari tourists relations with Qatari business- investment opportunities to Qatari investors. ties the possibility of establish- larity of customs and traditions, He also confirmed on the men, expressing his hope that In a press statement, Ahmet He also pointed out that trade ing partnerships and alliances adding that Turkey has an attrac- importance of cooperation in the this meeting will be a gateway for Demirok, the Turkish Ambassa- between Qatar and Turkey between the two parties for the tive investment climate and many industry sector, noting that Tur- further cooperation in the com- dor stated that Qatar and Turkey amounted to about $1.3bn in 2014. benefit of the two economies and viable investment opportunities key has a long history in industry, ing period and confirmed that are considered the closest coun- He expects the trade to increase also enhance the trade exchange. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim also especially fabrics, and therefore Turkish businessmen are ready tries in the world, thus opening by 50 percent in the current year. in addition, they reviewed the said that the Qatari businessmen cooperation in industrial fields to visit Qatar on a monthly basis, the way for the promotion of investment opportunities avail- are interested in investing in Tur- should take place between the two and he directed the invitation for economic and trade cooperation THE PENINSULA Woqod held ICAEW, PwC Academy unveil Real estate weekly meeting to discuss 2016 accounting, finance course deals up marginally DOHA: Real estate transactions multipurpose open plot worth DOHA: Accountancy body is essential for sustainable eco- has already been highly welcomed in Qatar registered marginal QR410.4m. Doha Municipality budget ICAEW (Institute of Chartered nomic growth - and this has to by top Qatari companies such as rise last week. Total number of led the real estate the transac- DOHA: Qatar Fuel (Woqod) yes- Accountants in England and be supported by top talent. How- RasGas. Amanda Line, Partner at transactions reached 83 during tion during the week in terms terday held its ordinary meeting Wales) and PwC’s Academy have ever, Qatar does not currently PwC, said: “The ASC provides indi- December 6-10, up 3.8 percent of value acquiring 48.1 percent to discuss 2016 budget of the com- launched their newly developed have enough skilled accounting viduals with a unique opportunity compared to 80 transactions in of the total transactions during pany. Sheikh Saoud bin Abdul- accounting and finance course and finance professionals to sup- to enter the global finance commu- the previous week, said Ezdan week. The total value of transac- rahman Al Thani, Chairman of - ICAEW Accounting Skills port the economic growth. The nity with a certificate from one of Weekly Real Estate report tions in the municipality reached the Board of Directors of Woqod Certificate (ASC) — in Qatar to ASC qualification is a great step- the main global professional bodies. released yesterday. QR696.6m. Al Wakra witnessed chaired the meeting. develop the finance and account- ping-stone into a full professional Organisations that have The value of transactions also 31 transactions worth QR639.2m Ibrahim Jaham Al Kuwari, ing sector in the country. chartered accountancy qualifica- offered this to their staff have showed a marginal increase of 2.9 representing 34.4 percent of the Chief Executive Officer, stated The bilingual course is designed tion, providing students with the seen immediate improvement in percent with value of transactions total transactions. The highest that the Board discussed the to cover the foundation knowl- knowledge they need to embark their finance functions. We are reached QR1.45bn against 1.4bn deal in Al Wakra was for QR27m 2016 Budget which include edge and skills in accounting and on their careers and gain essential delighted to extend the availability in the previous week. The larg- for a open land plot with area of OPEX&CAPEX and approved finance and to allow participants practical experience.” of this certification to Qatar. This est deal of the week was executed 7130 sqm. Al Rayyan registered it. Total Expenditure for capital to develop and practice core Exclusively delivered by PwC’s foundation certificate is the only in Doha Municipality which was 17 transactions worth QR63.3m projects which Woqod is commit- accounting and finance tech- Academy, the ASC course equips one of its kind in the region and is sale of a tower in The Pearl for with largest transaction of QR7m ted for the next year was esti- niques. The six-month structured participants with the skills in both Arabic and English, ena- QR570m having area of 6,504 sqm. for a open land plot in Umm Al mated at about QR1.03bn. training programme serves as a required to work effectively bling individuals to improve not Ready to move buildings con- Sanim of 1280sqm. The value of The budget has focused on platform for various professional within the accounting function only their technical abilities but tinued to dominate real estate deals in Al Daayen Municipality accelerating the construction qualifications. of an organisation. It is targeted also their communication skills. transactions with 71.6 percent fell 21 percent to QR23.3m dur- process of petrol stations. The Michael Armstrong, FCA towards a range of participants We are very proud to contribute share in the total sale. ing the week representing 1.6 per- expected number of new fuel and ICAEW Regional Director from young graduates to finance to the development of the Qatari Total 53 deals for ready to cent. The largest transaction in stations in 2016 will be around 15 for the Middle East, Africa and professionals looking to prepare finance and accounting sector.” move buildings were executed Al Daayen was of 4.8m. to 18, in addition to new expan- South Asia, said: “A robust and adequately for the demands of with a value of QR1.04bn dur- sions for existing stations, new well-functioning financial sector the workplace. The programme THE PENINSULA ing the week against 30 deals for THE PENINSULA Sidra Store and 5 FAHES Cent- ers including Al Mazrua’a project for Vehicle inspection. Al Mazrua’a main centre will replace the industrial head- quarters which will be closed as Leather manufacturers target $6bn market in GCC inspection center and renovated as commercial offices. The Board also perused the DOHA: International leather ral show in May 2015. and footwear were produced in All will build on the show’s sharing, and insights into the lat- amendments to be enteredin to makers are eyeing on the Gulf More than 125 exhibitors are the Gulf region in 2014, with breakout debut success, where est global leather trends, Leath- the Articles of associations to region’s $6bn leather industry, expected at the three-day event Saudi Arabia ($1.1bn), the UAE nearly 2,400 trade buyers from 66 erworld Middle East 2015 firmly cope with the current activities with several big names confirm- in 2016, all eager to capitalise ($468m), and Qatar ($250m) the countries passed through, while made its mark on the regional and of the company and the new com- ing their participation at the on the GCC’s leather trade that region’s big three leather produc- 86 exhibitors from 16 countries international leather market.” pany’s law no. 11 for the year 2015. Middle East’s only trade show according to analysts Eurom- ers. Many exhibitors are return- showcased their latest wares, “The GCC’s $4.09bn worth of The Board decided that the covering the global leather indus- onitor, was valued at $4.09bn in ing to Leatherworld Middle East from hundreds of variations of leather imports and exports in meeting of the Ordinary and try’s entire value chain. 2014. That figure includes the 2016 after successful debuts in animal hides, production machin- 2014, along with $1.9bn of manu- Extra Ordinary General Assem- The Second edition of Leather- import and export of semi-fin- 2015, headed by Dani, the Italian ery and chemicals, to leather facturing capabilities reinforces bly will be held on March 6, 2016, world Middle East will take place ished and finished leather, acces- supplier of sustainable leathers, handbags, footwear, accessories, an ideal backdrop for Leather- and the first reserve meeting on from April 26 to 28 next year at sories, travel goods, handbags Indian companies Hidesign, and and garments. world Middle East to become one April 6, 2016 and third reserve the Dubai International Conven- and footwear. The GCC is also a C&E; and UAE-based leather sup- Ahmed Pauwels, CEO Messe of the world’s premier trade and meetings on June 6, 2016. tion and Exhibition Centre, and leather manufacturing hub $1.9bn plier Afriwest. Conceria Superior Frankfurt Middle East, the networking platforms.” will return following a rousing worth of dressed leather, luggage, from Italy headlines the first-time organiser, said: “After three days THE PENINSULA industry response to the inaugu- handbags, saddlery, harnesses exhibitors taking part in 2016. of busy networking, knowledge THE PENINSULA Google CEO touts India as key testing ground for new products

NEW DELHI: New Google leader from around 300 million today. But There are likely to be more users Sundar Pichai pledged to use India as Pichai said that with most new users of Google’s Android software in India a testing ground for its products as accessing the internet via cheap smart- than in the United States next year, the US tech giant targets hundreds of phones instead of desktops, poor mobile Google said in a statement. Pichai cited millions of consumers in the develop- connectivity is forcing the company to user-generated maps, as well as a ver- ing world set to move online in the adapt how it structures and sells its sion of YouTube that allows consumers next few years. software. with limited internet access to store “We think that what we build in Google’s CEO said the company videos offline, as two recent examples India will apply to many global places,” would train two million Indian devel- of products developed in India that Indian-born Pichai, appointed chief opers for its Android operating system have since been rolled out to other executive officer in August, told report- by 2019, promote internet use among countries. ers at an event in New Delhi. rural women in thousands of villages, Google is also working with Indian With internet penetration already and expand its campus in the southern Railways to bring wireless inter- topping more than 90 percent in many city of Hyderabad to get more people net service to 100 train stations, developed markets, Google is increas- online. with Mumbai Central the first to go ingly betting on large developing coun- “It’s about making sure that as the online in January. It’s also working on tries like India as a future source of next one billion come online, they have increasing the number of local lan- growth. The company does not disclose access,” he said during a visit to the guages available on its virtual key- Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google Inc, gestures as he addresses a press conference in New Delhi how much it has invested in India. Indian capital, where he is also sched- board to target non-English speakers. yesterday. Google expects more than 500 mil- uled to meet Prime Minister Narendra lion Indians to be online by 2018, up Modi. REUTERS THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS VIEWS It looks like global carbon Fed leaves China with emissions have hit a peak

By Noah Smith

T seems like every day we read a new story with dire news only tough choices about climate change. Experts now warn that it will be impos- sible to hold global warming below 2 degrees Celsius, even By Christopher Balding joined the IMF’s elite club of reserve cur- replaced. Authorities would speed China’s Iwith the carbon-emissions limits required by the recent Paris rencies — a victory of great symbolic impor- economic transformation with a compas- round of climate talks. Some environmentalists warn darkly that O one will blink if the Fed tance to Chinese leaders. If they imposed sionate economic euthanasia. Protecting we must choose between saving the planet or capitalism. raises US interest rates 50 capital controls to halt the yuan’s downward doomed companies and industries instead But I have some very good news to report. In 2015, global carbon basis points today, signalling slide, they’d suffer massive embarrassment, is not just futile, but foolhardy. emissions actually fell. an end to the cheap-money not to mention hard questions about their Second, China needs more dynamic lead- This isn’t an occasion for complacency. The fall might be a era. The US central bank has economic management skills. ership. The fact is, the Chinese economic temporary blip. Even if it’s not, emissions represent the amount Ntelegraphed its move for months and while China has little option but to continue miracle benefited enormously from a robust of additional carbon that is added to the atmosphere every year pockets of lingering weakness will spur muddling through, then, allowing the yuan global economy and undervalued currency, — that carbon builds up, so to really halt climate change we will some Fed watchers to challenge the deci- to decline in value while working to mod- which prompted large capital inflows and need to decrease emissions drastically, not just halt their growth. sion, there’s little reason to believe such a erate its pace. The dilemma highlights an investment. While Chinese leaders can be But I feel that some climate writers are being too quick to small move will nudge the world’s biggest uncomfortable truth: Unlike the Fed, whose credited with hard work and solid man- dismiss the decline in emissions. Brad Plumer, one of the best in economy back into recession. rate hike is a classic low-risk decision, Chi- agement during the boom years, they also the business, writes that we should regard the drop as a tempo- A relatively easy decision for the Fed, nese leaders today face only high-risk policy enjoyed strong tailwinds. Now, they seem rary pause rather than a true peak. He notes that much of the however, is making life much harder for choices. And the best they can hope for in stuck on the same methods that created emissions pause came from slowing economic growth in China, policymakers on the other side of the world. return is a degree of stability, not the go-go China’s existing problems — rapidly expand- which reduced coal use. Since China is now the planet’s biggest The People’s Bank of China has recently growth of earlier decades. ing credit, rolling over bad loans, propping carbon emitter by far, that made a huge difference. But China’s been burning through its $3.4 trillion stash Previously, when China’s debt levels were up effectively bankrupt firms, making min- growth will probably rebound, and many other developing coun- of foreign-exchange reserves, spending low and the government was running large imal output cuts and continuing to pour tries such as India and Indonesia are waiting to take up the baton nearly $100bn a month to prop up the value surpluses, investment opportunities were money into fixed-asset investment. Group- of rapid industrialisation. When they do, they probably will fuel of the yuan. Higher US interest rates and plentiful. Now credit is stretched. Fixed- think and a lack of intellectual creativity their development the same way all other countries have — by a stronger dollar are sure to spur further asset overinvestment has left a capacity helped get China into this mess. burning coal. capital outflows, especially given continued glut. Migration to cities is slowing, even as That said, other countries should rec- So we’re not out of the woods yet. But there are reasons to worries about the Chinese economy. the working-age population has begun to ognise the difficulty of transforming the think that Plumer is being too pessimistic. There are three Chinese leaders seem willing to accept decline. There are no more easy reforms. world’s second-largest economy. While major factors that will conspire to hold down carbon emissions some mild depreciation while preparing for The changes China needs to implement all China must face up to its bad-loan prob- in the decades ahead. One is technological, one is economic and full liberalisation of the yuan; in the future, require wrenching sacrifices. lem, leaders understandably want to avoid one is political. the currency’s value may be determined Despite much talk about champion- widespread unemployment and bankrupt- The technological force is, of course, the rapid progress in against a basket of 13 currencies includ- ing market discipline, the regime doesn’t cies that might fuel worker protests. While solar energy and battery storage technologies. Both appear to ing the euro and yen, which would increase appear ready to make those calls. Commu- the country needs to liberalise its currency, be decreasing in cost along smooth exponential paths. This sug- downward pressures. If the PBOC were to nist planners still struggle to recognise two it must be granted the leeway to do so in gests that there’s some kind of self-replicating process going pull back now, however, the currency’s gen- important foundations of modern economic a manner that minimises the chances for on. In the case of solar and batteries, that process is probably tle glide could quickly turn into a nosedive. policymaking. First, dynamic, thriving econ- large disruptions, which could have global a learning curve — making more solar panels and batteries Given the dollar’s strength against emerging omies demand death and obsolescence. In ramifications. The world should be rooting helps manufacturers discover how to make them ever more market currencies, a true free float could this process of creative destruction, new for China to succeed. Otherwise the Fed’s efficiently. spark a devaluation of more than 30 percent. skills are developed. New firms evolve. Inno- next decision isn’t going to be so easy. That process has already made solar a cost-effective option In that event, China would have few weap- vation leads to new products. And the com- in many areas, even without government subsidies. And if cur- ons at its disposal. In November, the yuan panies, products and skills of yesterday are BLOOMBERG rent trends continue, it will be cheaper than building new fossil- fuel plants in most regions of the world. Batteries, meanwhile, will help solar replace fossil fuels at night as well as when the sun isn’t shining. They will eventually also allow electric cars to replace gasoline-burning ones, further cutting into carbon emissions. The second force is an economic one — peak coal. Although the world isn’t in danger of running out of coal any time soon, much of the highest quality and most accessible coal has already been mined in countries such as China. As the remaining coal becomes lower quality and harder to reach, the costs of getting it from the ground to power plants and factories soars. This is probably a big reason why Chinese coal production has already plateaued, and why the country now imports a substantial amount of coal despite being endowed with ample domestic reserves. Even when cheap coal is still available, it takes huge amounts of infrastructure investment to extract, transport and process it. India, for example, has large domestic coal reserves — the world’s fourth largest — but it isn’t very efficient at building infrastruc- ture to extract that coal. Already, this is causing supply bottle- necks, which will raise the price of coal and slow the growth in carbon emissions. Meanwhile, many developing countries lack large domestic coal reserves, and will be forced to import the fuel. Importing is very costly as well, and this expense will also put a damper on emissions. The final force is political. The increasing alarm over climate change has caused even growth-obsessed China to be worried. The country implemented a unilateral cap-and-trade program this year. Meanwhile, the Paris climate agreement imposes more stringent emissions requirements than any earlier deal, showing that the potential for global coordination is real. Meanwhile, emis- sions in the US have kept falling even as the country has resumed a fairly normal rate of economic growth. So climate writers and activists shouldn’t dismiss the pos- sibility that we are really turning a corner. But they are right to caution against excess optimism. We shouldn’t see the 2015 emissions drop as a sign that our problems are solved and that we can stop putting our energy into the struggle against car- bon. On the contrary, it is precisely our continued efforts on the technological and political fronts that give us hope that the tide may finally be turning.

BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Black presence on US boards slowly shrinks By Ross Kerber board members is partly to blame. among the top 200 companies, dence that big activist funds tend the Hedge Fund Association trade pany Kellogg Co and retailer “We’re left out of these most only four, or two percent, were to run slates of mainly white men group, said activist funds may be Costco Wholesale Corp, where he FRICAN-AMERI- lucrative parts of the economy,” led by blacks, according to the when they are fighting for board more focused on shaking up cor- had served since the 1990s. Since CANS have become a said John Rogers, chief executive Spencer Stuart data. Among seats. Among the ten campaigns porate boards to improve share- then, each company named two shrinking presence in of Ariel Investments, which man- partners at big US law firms, only against the largest companies that holder returns than on diversity, new directors each, all of whom Athe boardrooms of the ages $9.6bn, and who sits on the 1.8 percent are black, according have gone to a shareholder vote perhaps because the hedge fund are white, including one woman biggest US companies in recent boards of fast-food giant McDon- to a study released last month by since 2013 identified by financial industry is largely white and each. Costco Chairman Jeff years, setting back a push by pen- ald’s Corp and electricity and nat- the National Association for Law services group Houlihan Lokey, male. But things are changing, as Brotman said both of the direc- sion funds for greater diversity. ural gas utility Exelon Corp. Placement. And just 5.9 percent activists nominated 50 directors bigger institutional investors like tors were tapped before Carson African-Americans, who Rogers, 57, who is also a co- of US college presidents were for board seats. pension funds that invest with stepped down. He said via e-mail make up about 13 percent of the founder of the Black Corporate African American in 2011, the Among the nominees was just hedge funds press for more diver- that the company has and is “tak- US population, account for 8.6 Directors Conference said he is most recent year studied by the one African-American, Lionel sity, he said. The decline in black ing steps to recruit under-repre- percent of the directors on the frustrated by the lack of minority American Council on Education. Nowell, part of the Starboard representation stands in contrast sented minorities to our Board.” boards of the largest 200 compa- representation in some industries Some counter there is still plenty Value slate that won seats at to the gains made by other under- Kellogg named directors with nies by revenue in the S&P 500 such as at big technology firms, in of talent available. Darden Restaurants last year. represented groups over the same international experience in con- in 2015, down from 9.6 percent contrast to other companies like Schmoke said he has urged Nowell, now a Darden direc- period, including women, Latinos sumer goods, Carolyn Tastad, in 2010, according to the annual McDonald’s itself, which counts executive search firms to add tor and a former PepsiCo Inc and Asians. The drive for some group president of Procter & Board Index study by Spencer three African-Americans among minorities to their databases. executive, is also a director at forms of diversity, such as add- Gamble North America, and Noel Stuart, one of the largest execu- its fourteen directors. Technology leaders Apple Inc, HP Bank of America Corp, where a ing women to boards, can hold Wallace, president of Colgate-Pal- tive search firms. The figure was The dip in black boardroom Inc and Hewlett Packard Enter- representative did not wish to back gains for other groups, said molive Latin America. 9 percent in 2006, the first year representation comes at a time prise have each named new black comment. Representatives for Ronald Parker, president of The Kellogg Chairman and CEO the firm reported the measure. when many US cities and college directors recently. None are cur- Starboard Value did not respond Executive Leadership Council, John Bryant said in an e-mailed Reasons for the decline include campuses have been split apart by rently CEOs at other big com- to questions about its slate, which which advocates for the promo- statement that the company has the desire of boards to appoint protests over alleged discrimina- panies, a traditional criteria for also accounted for four of the six tion of black leaders. An example “a very diverse board with African members with particular quali- tion and the deaths of black peo- board recruiters that may have women in the group. Among other of how the various pressures on American, Hispanic and Interna- fications such as cybersecurity ple in clashes with the police. limited the number of minority big activists that brought the boards can play out is the case of tional representation.” The com- expertise or a background in US boardrooms are not the board candidates available, said proxy contests, representatives Ben Carson, an African-American pany’s 14-member board does international business, headhunt- only setting that remains largely Mary Bush, an African-American for Trian Fund Management and and retired neurosurgeon who’s include six women. One of them ers said. Some African-American white and male, which could limit director at companies including Jana Partners declined to com- also running for US president. is also the board’s only African- investors also said they worry the talent pool recruiters might Discover Financial Services and ment. Representatives for Elliott To focus on his presidential American, La June Montgomery the increasing influence of activ- draw from. While sitting CEOs T Rowe Price Group. Management did not return mes- campaign, earlier this year Car- Tabron. ist hedge funds in appointing are a popular choice for boards, However, there is some evi- sages Mitch Ackles, president of son quit the boards of food com- REUTERS THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29

QE Indices Summary QE Index 9,862.03 0.74 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 15,329.11 0.74 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,631.77 1.41 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,631.5 0.76 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,657.31 0.59 % GOLD Services Buying Selling QE All Share Industrials 2,940.55 0.89 % All Ordinaries 5078.742 114.88 2.31 5963.5 4936.3 QR124.8805 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 2,390.24 0.26 % Cac 40 Index/D 4645.2 30.8 0.67 5283.71 4076.16 QE All Share Real Estate 2,230.05 1.18 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.4358 QR 5.5120 QE All Share Insurance 4,064.78 0.28 % Dj Indu Average 17524.91 156.41 0.9 18351.4 15370.3 QR 1.6231 Euro ...... QR 3.9530 QR 4.0087 QE All Share Telecoms 902.33 0.18 % CA$ ...... QR 2.6253 QR 2.6764 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 5,702.34 0.82 % Hang Seng Inde/D 21701.21 426.84 2.01 28588.52 20368.12 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.6532 QR 3.7052 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 6667.63 11.31 0.17 6921.44 5072.7 Yen ...... QR 0.0296 QR 0.0302 Aus$ ...... QR 2.5956 QR 2.6478 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 32714.6 247.56 0.76 36471.59 28648.23 CRUDE OIL 16-12-2015 15-12-2015 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0541 QR 0.0552 Index 9,862.03 9,789.80 Nikkei 225 Index 19049.91 484.01 2.61 20952.71 16592.57 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0344 QR 0.0351 Change 72.23 47.02 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0763 QR 0.0778 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2134.72 1867.01 % 0.74 0.48 $ 37.95 SL Re ...... QR 0.0251 QR 0.0256 YTD% 19.73 20.32 Straits Times/D 2895.81 27.07 0.94 3549.85 2808.31 Taka ...... QR 0.0461 QR 0.0464 Volume 7,044,666 5,481,666 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0338 QR 0.0345 Value (QAR) 2,280,451,352.46 2,199,344,129.26 Straits Times/D 3324.09 0.44 0.01 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.2396 QR 0.2443 Trades 3,846 2,995 $ 33.10 Up 26 | Down 09 | Unchanged 09 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 16-12-2015

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED A B G Infra-Xc/D 151.8 -6.8 9545 Cimmco-B/D 81 0.3 2359 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 17.45 -0.1 1063217 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 144.1 -1.5 4491 Oil Country-B/D 27.2 -0.9 3848 Bp/D 342.3 4.6 10044680 A C C-A/D 1350.05 14.2 8304 Cipla-A/D 637.45 -0.2 44123 Himat Seide-B/D 206 2.8 153697 Kalpat Power-B/D 247 -2.6 5411 Onward Tech-B/D 96.85 -4.05 16804 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3703 17 604930 Aarti Drugs-B/D 535.8 -6 6106 City Union Bk-/D 90.6 -0.3 113993 Hind Motors-T/D 7.3 -0.05 48545 Kalyani Stel-T/D 165.3 0.6 46055 Orchid Chem-B/D 51.95 0.9 322625 Bt Group/D 470.55 1.05 5460634 Aban Offs-A/D 211.1 2.6 511685 Colgate-A/D 994.75 -6.25 17960 Hind Org Chem-/D 14.9 -0.4 11902 Kanoria Chem-B/D 76.3 -0.65 42126 Orient Hotel-T/D 25.55 -1.35 50941 Centrica/D 211.6 2.3 2829128 Ador Welding-B/D 326 -9.3 1839 Container Cor-/D 1299.6 -17.1 7813 Hind Unilever-/D 853.75 -2.55 111294 Kg Denim-B/D 58 -1.2 13405 Orient.Carb.-T/D 530 -6.25 2055 Gkn/D 294.6 1.6 814820 Aegis Logis-B/D 101.4 -1.6 58801 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 483 1.8 3289 Hind.Petrol-A/D 829.1 18.5 93584 Kilburnengg-Xd/D 78 1.5 6296 Oudh Sugar-B/D 39.9 0 31815 Hsbc Holdings/D 526.8 15.2 10959581 Alembic-B/D 42.35 -0.55 67998 Dcm Financia-T/D 0.99 -0.05 1200 Hindalco-A/D 78.55 -0.25 822633 Kinetic Eng-B/D 102.3 4.8 2898 Patspin India-/D 7.99 0.01 11157 Imperial Tobac/D 3489 1 371268 Alok Indus-A/D 7.02 0.09 1117513 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 88.55 -4.7 1776 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1219 12.25 114688 Kopran-B/D 75.6 -1.65 261308 Punjab Chem.-B/D 175 -2.9 2221 Kingfisher/D 323.8 -1.7 1386327 Apollo Tyre-A/D 150.25 0.9 182226 Dhampur Sugar-/D 63.75 -1.35 102866 I F C I-A/D 25.3 0.15 607476 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 417 -4.8 1579 Radico Khait-B/D 110.45 2.6 85136 Land Secs Grou/D 1177 17 532967 Asahi I Glass-/D 158.25 -1.1 8774 Dr. Reddy-A/D 3001.45 9.8 31402 Idbi-A/D 82.4 0.1 408795 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 51.1 8.5 55988 Rallis India-A/D 174.95 10.1 127345 Legal & Genera/D 261.4 1.2 2589676 Ashok Leyland-/D 87.95 0.6 1147146 E I H-B/D 121.7 -1.4 14280 Ifb Agro-B/D 415 -0.3 2525 Lgb Broth-B/D 518.9 2.8 3415 Reliance Indus/D 331.45 1.15 49928 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 70.26 -0.08 39434663 Ballarpur In-B/D 16.9 -0.1 323399 E.I.D Parry-A/D 182.2 -2.95 77317 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 400 -12.45 1242 Lloyd Metal-B/D 6.98 0.06 5931 Ruchi Soya-B/D 27.85 -0.1 76360 Marks & Sp./D 459.2 -3.4 5144004 Banaras Bead-B/D 48.95 4.45 1682 Eicher Motor-A/D 16048.4 254.75 3328 India Cement-A/D 84.4 -0.8 353108 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 6.94 0.15 67034 Salora Inter-B/D 42.5 0.55 2591 Next/D 7428.25 -80 129694 Bata India-A/D 479.45 -5.2 29611 Eimco Elecon-T/D 455.4 21.6 4522 India Glycol-B/D 99.6 2.3 34841 Lumax Ind-B/D 456.8 8.3 4321 Saur.Cem-B/D 66.2 -0.85 42799 Pearson/D 739 32 2359186 Beml Ltd-A/D 1120.5 30.2 45413 Electrosteel-B/D 20.3 0.15 106325 Indian Card-B/D 218.7 9.4 6823 Lupin-A/D 1825 34.95 54730 Tanfac Indust-/D 42.4 7.05 42563 Pearson/D 739 32 2359186 Bh Electronic-/D 1190.95 13.85 20781 Emco-B/D 31 -0.5 33748 Indian Hotel-A/D 107.5 -2.15 38076 Lyka Labs-T/D 119.1 6.8 429668 Tanfac Indust-/D 42.4 7.05 42563 Prudential/D 1491 9 1055949 Bhansali Eng-T/D 25 0.15 380318 Escorts Fin-B/D 4.07 0.05 67638 Indo-Tcount-T/D 1005.25 -1.75 3275 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 283.4 38.5 45107 Thirumalai-B/D 217 1.4 17975 Rank Group/D 278.4 -0.6 70795 Bharat Bijle-B/D 787 77 15508 Escorts-A/D 154.5 -1.7 115818 Indusind-A/D 932.55 13.05 68268 Mah.Seamless-B/D159.85 0 2397 Til Ltd.-T/D 487 -4.6 14484 Rentokil Initi/D 155.1 0.6 490669 Bharatgears-B/D 87 0.4 1366 Essar Oil-T/D 219.35 1.4 485390 J.B.Chemical-B/D 266.4 -2.5 27171 Maha Scooter-B/D 1446 19.75 1037 Timexgroup-T/D 32.3 0.15 41967 Rolls Royce Pl/D 550.5 10.5 3837262 Bhartiya Int-B/D 529.75 -17.75 14236 Eveready Indu-/D 284.4 4.25 87448 Jagatjit Ind-X/D 54.8 0.15 1953 Mangalam Cem-B/D 209 -4.6 8062 Tinplate-B/D 66.3 0.7 15016 Rsa Insrance G/D 422.2 1.2 669435 Bhel-A/D 168.05 1.95 277083 F D C-B/D 230 -3.3 10382 Jagson Phar-B/D 45.85 1.45 69733 Maral Overs-B/D 33 -0.3 10248 Ucal Fuel-B/D 116.9 0.6 10307 Sainsbury(J)/D 247.7 -1.6 4741422 Bom.Burmah-B/D 443.85 -0.3 11393 Federal Bank-A/D 54.2 0.6 174337 Jamnaauto-B/D 125.8 0.6 548936 Mastek-B/D 182.3 -2.1 67576 Ultramarine-B/D 109 -3 84390 Schroders/D 2827.6 -6 47811 Bombay Dyeing-/D 63.5 1.45 126217 Ferro Alloys-B/D 4.85 -0.15 14045 Jbf Indu-B/D 212.8 -3.7 24315 Max India L-A/D 483.8 -1.7 27384 Unitech P -A/D 6.44 0.07 5435572 Severn Trent/D 2138.125 -4 93949 Camph.& All-B/D 486.5 6.25 3827 Finolex-A/D 294.25 0.8 14129 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.41 0.01 42697 Mrpl-A/D 65.45 1.75 207652 Univcable-T/D 77.35 3.65 26600 Smith&Nephew/D 1088 2 364830 Canfin Homes-B/D 989.35 -2.9 3379 Gail-A/D 344.05 4.55 152149 Jct Ltd-B/D 7.61 0.55 2851722 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 31.45 1.75 1900 Uppergsugar-T/D 70.2 -4.45 2318 Smiths Group/D 941.5 14.5 281903 Caprihans-Xc/D 86.05 1.4 3666 Galada Power-B/D 17.3 -0.2 3151 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 9.01 0.18 118554 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 31.45 1.75 1900 Standrd Chart /D 492.4 10.4 5916266 Castrol India-/D 428.5 -3 18361 Gammon India-T/D 15.2 -0.05 48196 Jik Indust-T/D 0.99 0.04 9581 Nahar Spg.-B/D 114 0.9 11736 LONDON Tate & Lyle/D 587.5 1 238530 Century Enka-B/D 183 2 9020 Garden P -B/D 27.85 -0.7 21178 Jindal Drill-B/D 131.3 4 4030 Nation Alum -A/D 39.8 0.55 95228 Tesco/D 147.15 -2.15 7738465 Century Text-A/D 562.6 17.7 161735 Godfrey Phil-B/D 1396.65 11.05 36139 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 107.75 -1.1 280253 Navneet Edu-B/D 80.9 -0.05 7395 3I Group/D 468 4.1 336301 Unilever/D 2816 17 596237 Chambal Fert-B/D 59.2 0 56722 Goodricke-B/D 182.1 3 38040 Jmc Projects-T/D 235.8 1.6 3822 Neuland Lab-B/D 692.5 -1.5 3704 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3401 3 871180 United Util Gr/D 937.875 0.5 293464 Chola Invest-B/D 634 -10 3768 Goodyear I -B/D 561 -2.25 3326 Kabra Extr-B/D 96 2 1986 Nrb Bearings-B/D 145.4 -3.4 4126 Barclays/D 215.5 0.7 7326962 Vodafone Group/D 213.55 4.05 18579420 Chowgule St-T/D 19.4 0.85 3637 Hcl Infosys-B/D 58.8 -0.35 843704 Kajaria Cer-A/D 966 3.25 1556 O N G C-A/D 226.55 8.7 564814 Bg Group/D 958.8 2.8 2784082 Whitbread/D 4460 -9 101868 THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BREAK TIME

EASY SUDOKU CROSSWORD 123456789 1011121314 SATCHMO AMRADIO

15 16 INAHEAP NAIROBI NOTONCE G I BLUES 17 18 EXEC ARPEL ERTE 19 20 21 ORWEL L I AN JOHNSTEINBECK 22 23 24 25 26 REPOS TAN ADANO 27 28 29 30 ETAL MADAM AFAR

31 32 33 34 CEL I CA IMHERE ECONO I SOLA 35 36 37 ARS WI S NAN USB 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 SACAGAWEADOLLAR AMER I CANPALEALE 45 46 47 48 49 MINERALDEPOSI TS 50 51 52 53 ISTILLDONTGETIT Yesterday’s answer 54 55 56 57 58 ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE 59 60 61 59 Egyptian god of war 25 Output of Thomas Gray 60 Kick back while watching 28 It’s just for fun Easy Sudoku Puzzles: Place a digit from 1 to 62 63 the ball game, say 9 in each empty cell so every row, every column 30 Luke Skywalker and and every 3x3 box contains all the digits 1 to 9. 64 65 62 Zeroes Princess Leia, e.g. 63 Hostess offering 32 Capital of Australia’s 64 Panache Northern Territory ACROSS 31 Introductory course? 65 Social media debut of 2010 34 Echoing sound in a cave 1 Be successful, well-liked, etc. 33 Like “hostess” and DOWN 36 Area of study? 10 Brienne of ___, “Game of “comedienne” 38 Capital of Antigua and Thrones” protagonist 35 Country created by the Treaty of 1 “How’s it goin’?” Barbuda 15 Glutamine, e.g. Sèvres, 1920 2 Is obtrusive 39 Depart in a cloud of dust, HYPER SUDOKU 37 Tesla, e.g. 3 Falls on the border 16 Informed perhaps 38 It produces a flavorful crust on 4 ___ Wilson, lead singer for 17 Architectural features above 40 On tenterhooks arches some meat Heart 41 2013 World Series M.V.P., to 42 Interest, e.g. 5 Brouhaha 18 Common pie flavor fans 45 Old Crayola color akin to 6 Woolly bear, e.g. 19 Lose crunchiness, as breakfast 43 Stop troubling cereal Tropical Rain Forest 7 Scaling tool 44 Jack ___ 20 Speed-skating venue 46 Cry 8 Aid in restoring a crown 47 Lighten up 21 Gently enter 48 Bargains for time? 9 Some deadline setters, in 49 Confidence 22 Service begun in 1947, for 50 Binge brief 51 Chicago-born choreographer short 51 Have ants in one’s pants 10 With 61-Down, grazing locale 52 ___ Dilfer, Super Bowl 24 Truths 53 Untouched? 11 Throws for a loop XXXV-winning QB 26 B-school grad, perhaps 54 Subject of the campaign slogan 12 Pit sight 55 Dock figure 27 Rising sea levels, e.g. “Fifty-four forty, or fight!” 13 Wander 57 Feminist author Millett 29 Medical prefix with -scope 56 Place in New York City? 14 Like some tattooed hands 60 Short flight 30 Level, to a Brit 58 Man’s nickname composed of 21 Bitcoin, e.g. 61 See 10-Down three Roman numerals 23 Son- or daughter-related

Yesterday’s answer

How to play Hyper Sudoku: A Hyper Sudoku Puzzle is solved by filling the numbers from 1 to 9 into the blank cells. A Hyper Sudoku has unlike Sudoku 13 regions (four regions overlap with the nine standard regions). In all regions the numbers from 1 to 9 can appear only once. Otherwise, a Hyper Sudoku is solved like a normal Sudoku. BABY BLUES BABY

NOVO How to play Kakuro: SCREEN 1 Dilwale (2D/Hindi) 11:20am, 2:30, 5:40, 8:50 & 11:55pm SHOWING AT The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any KAKURO SCREEN 2 Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2D/Action) VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells 10:00am, 3:40 & 9:20pm 3D 12:50, 6:30pm & 12:10am TEL: 444933989 / 444517001 like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, SCREEN 3 Dilwale (2D/Hindi) 10:20, 1:30, 4:40, 7:50 & 11:00pm some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some SCREEN 4 The Good Dinosaur (2D/Animation) cells will contain two numbers. 10:00am, 12:00, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8:00, 10:00pm However, in a crossword the numbers reference Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2D/Action) 11:50pm clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! SCREEN 5 Bajirao Mastani (2D/Hindi) 11:00am, 2:10, 5:20, 8:30 & 11:40pm They denote the total of the digits in the row or SCREEN 6 Bridge of Spies (2D/Drama) 1:00, 6:30 & 11:55pm column referenced by the number. Creed (2D/Drama) 10:15am, 3:45 & 9:15pm Within each SCREEN 7 Morning Star (2D) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8:00, 10:00 & 11:50pm collection of cells SCREEN 8 Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2D/Action) - called a run - any 10:00am, 12:40, 3:20, 6:00, 8:45 & 11:30pm of the numbers 1 SCREEN 9 Star Wars: The Force Awakens (3D IMAX/Action) to 9 may be used 10:40am, 1:30, 4:20, 7:10, 10:00pm & 12:50am but, like sudoku, SCREEN 10 Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2D/Action) each number may 10:30am, 1:15, 4:00, 6:45, 9:30pm & 12:15am only be used once. MALL Yesterday’s answer SCREEN 1 The Good Dinosaur (2D/Animation) 2:30 & 4:15pm When Marine Was There (2D/Animation) 6:00pm Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens (2D/Action) 8:00pm Dilwale (2D/Hindi) 10:30pm SCREEN 2 The Doraemon Movie (2D/Animation) 2:15pm Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens (2D/Action) 4:00, 6:30, 9:00 & 11:15pm SCREEN 3 Dilwale (2D/Hindi) 2:30pm ALL IN THE MIND Bajirao Mastani (2D/Hindi) 5:15 & 10:30pm Loafer (2D/Telugu) 8:00pm Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards. LANDMARK SCREEN 1 Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens (2D/Action) 2:00pm When Marine Was There (2D/Animation) 4:15pm The Good Dinosaur (2D/Animation) 6:15pm Dilwale (2D/Hindi) 8:00pm Bajirao Mastani (2D/Hindi) 10:45pm SCREEN 2 The Doraemon Movie (2D/Animation) 2:15pm Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens (2D/Action) 4:00, 6:15, 8:45 & 11:00pm SCREEN 3 Loafer (2D/Telugu) 2:30pm Hoy en la Historia Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens (2D/Action) 5:00pm Bajirao Mastani (2D/Hindi) December 17, 1830 7:30pm Dilwale (2D/Hindi) 10:30pm Simon Bolivar, instrumental in liberating Colombia, Venezuela, ROYAL PLAZA Ecuador and Peru from Spanish rule, and known as El Libertador, SCREEN 1 Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens (2D/Action) 2:00pm died from tuberculosis The Doraemon Movie (2D/Animation) 4:30pm The Good Dinosaur (2D/Animation) 6:15pm 1957:         Bajirao Mastani (2D/Hindi) 8:00pm       Dilwale (2D/Hindi) 11:00pm 1996: China’s last imperial eunuch, SCREEN 2 When Marine Was There (2D/Animation) 2:15pm Sun Yaoting, died in Beijing at the Bajirao Mastani (2D/Hindi) 4:00pm age of 93 Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens (2D/Action) 6:45, 9:15 & 11:30pm 2010:      CIRCLE, CONE, CUBE, CUBOID, CYLINDER,               ASIAN TOWN DECAGON, DODECAHEDRON, ELLIPSE, HEPTAGON,         £  Dilwale (Hindi) 1:00, 2:30, 4:00, 5:30 & 7:00pm HEXAGON, NONAGON, OCTAGON, OCTAHEDRON,    !   Dilwale (Hindi) 8:30, 10:00, 11:30pm & 01:00am Pathemari (Malayalam) PARALLELOGRAM, PENTAGON, POLYGON, 2014: The U.S. and Cuba began the 6:30 & 11:15pm Salt Mango Tree (Malayalam) 8:45pm POLYHEDRON, PRISM, PYRAMID, QUADRILATERAL, process of re-establishing Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 10:00pm & 01:00am RECTANGLE, RHOMBUS, SEMICIRCLE, SPHERE, diplomatic relations Loafer (Telugu) 1:00 & 3:15pm SQUARE, TETRAHEDRON, TRAPEZIUM, TRIANGLE. "  #$!  '&'"()*$+, THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 31 LeBron, Love help Cavaliers beat Celtics Cavaliers rip hosts Boston to register third successive win, Bradley top scores with 17 points for the losers

LOS ANGELES: LeBron James from 3-point range. Andrew rebounds and center Roy Hibbert scored 24 points and grabbed NBA RESULTS Wiggins led Minnesota with 23 added 12 points and a season- seven rebounds while Kevin Cleveland 89 Boston 77 points on 9-of-17 shooting while high 11 rebounds for Los Angeles Love added 20 points and eight Denver 112 Minnesota 100 Zach LaVine added 20 points (4-21), which won for only the rebounds as the NBA’s Cleveland Sacramento 107 Houston 97 and five assists off the bench and second time at home this season. Cavaliers ripped host Boston LA Lakers 113 Milwaukee 95 rookie Karl-Anthony Towns had Reserve guard Michael Carter- 89-77 on Tuesday. 18 points. Williams had 19 points and guard Russian centre Timofey Wasn’t as aggressive, but we still The Nuggets (11-14) have won Khris Middleton chipped in 16 to Mozgov added nine points and 10 played very well. five of their past six games after lead Milwaukee (10-16), which rebounds while Iman Shumpert “But in the second half, we just suffering an eight-game losing has dropped three of its last four came off the bench to score 10 locked down and then we started streak. games. points before suffering a groin moving the ball. We just kind of Denver guard Emmanuel Forward Giannis Antetok- injury as the Cavaliers won their kept them off base.” Mudiay, from the Democratic ounmpo contributed 15 points, six third game in a row and improved With Kyrie Irving on the verge Republic of Congo, did not play rebounds and five assists. the best record in the Eastern of returning from an injury that because of a right ankle sprain. The Bucks did not play any- Conference to 16-7. has kept him out since June’s The 19-year-old, who played thing close to their performance Avery Bradley scored 17 points NBA Finals, the Cavaliers could last season in China, could return in Saturday’s 108-95 win over to top the Celtics, who led 46-40 be on the brink of finding their tomorrow in Utah. Golden State that ended the War- at half-time but shot only 26 per- top form and surging ahead of a At Sacramento, DeMarcus riors’ perfect 24-0 start to the cent in the second half and man- close pack of rivals. Cousins had 26 points and 12 season. Against the Lakers, the aged only 31 points after half-time “We just want to continue to rebounds to power the host Kings Bucks fell into an early hole and in a physical contest. get better no matter who is in the over Houston 107-97. never recovered. “It’s fun to have that type of lineup,” James said. Israeli Omri Casspi added 19 Milwaukee also was hurt play- competition,” James said. “We have to continue to push points while Rudy Gay had 17 ing without center Greg Monroe, “We had to take the fight to our game, to push our envelope points and 13 rebounds for Sacra- who was a late scratch with a sore them and we were ready for it. and if we continue to do that we mento, which improved to 10-15. left knee. We love physical games. We can will be successful.” James Harden had a game-high Monroe apparently bumped play any type of game. We knew Shumpert’s injury gave Cavs 33 points in a losing cause. knees with a team mate dur- it was going to be physical and we coach Dave Blatt some worries. Meanwhile, forward Kobe ing the team’s shoot-around on answered the call.” “A little bit concerned,” Blatt Bryant scored 22 points in three Tuesday morning. He will be re- The Celtics, who slid to seventh said. “I have no idea what the quarters, allowing the Los Ange- evaluated today. in the East at 14-11, fell behind extent, is but given what our les Lakers to snap a six-game The Lakers dictated the first during a 12-0 Cavaliers run in recent history is, I’m concerned.” losing streak by defeating the half en route to a 55-46 lead at the the third quarter that included a At Minneapolis, Kenneth Milwaukee Bucks 113-95 at Sta- break and continued their domi- spectacular reverse slam dunk by Faried had 19 points and 10 ples Center on Tuesday. nance in the second half. James and smothering defensive rebounds while reserve guard Rookie point guard D’Angelo Los Angeles opened the third work. Randy Foye added 19 points off Russell came off the bench to quarter with a 10-2 surge, includ- “That’s one of our staples we the bench as the Denver Nuggets score 19 points and record seven ing a crowd-pleasing dunk by for- stress every single day -- defending defeated Minnesota 112-100. assists as seven Lakers reached ward Larry Nance Jr over Bucks at a high level and trying to move Danilo Gallinari and Will Bar- double figures in scoring. center John Henson, for a 17-point Roy Hibbert (17) of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over John Henson the ball offensively,” James said. ton each had 14 points for the Guard Lou Williams scored advantage after a Bryant fadea- (31) of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of their game at Staples “In the first half, we allowed Nuggets, who shot 56.2 percent 16 points, forward Julius Randle way at 8:47. Center in Los Angeles, California, yesterday. them to get to some of their spots. from the floor and 55.6 percent finished with 14 points and 14 AGENCIES

China on track Cuba stars return home on MLB goodwill trip to top medals HAVANA: Cuban baseball also along for the trip, includ- The Cuban government has stars Yasiel Puig and Jose Abreu ing Miguel Cabrera of Venezuela, reportedly agreed to allow both table at Rio returned home on Tuesday for the Nelson Cruz of the Dominican men to visit with family members first time since defecting to play Republic and American Clayton at their hotel. in America, as part of an unprec- Kershaw. The homecoming will be Games: Study edented Major League Baseball The delegation is led by Hall almost as sweet for Cuban fans, tour made possible by the thaw of Famers Joe Torre, the MLB’s who saw the players develop as SYDNEY: China is on track to in US-Cuban relations. chief baseball officer, and Dave young talents but have not been return to the top of the medals Baseball is a shared passion in Winfield, of the MLB Players’ able to watch them since. table at the Rio de Janeiro Olym- the United States and Cuba -- but Association. “To be able to see these stars pics next year ahead of the United also a source of acrimony in their “Major League Baseball is very again who came up in our coun- States and Russia, according to a decades-long estrangement. fortunate to have an opportunity try and are now shining at the benchmark study released by the To play under the bright lights to play a constructive role in the highest level of baseball in the Australian Olympic Committee of a Major League Baseball sta- improvement of our country’s world, like Abreu and Puig, will yesterday. dium, Cuban stars have to flee relations with Cuba,” MLB Com- be magnificent,” local fan Pedro The annual study, which analy- their homeland, as did Los Ange- missioner Robert Manfred said in David said. ses the results in Olympic events les Dodgers outfielder Puig in a statement. Cuba’s national baseball com- at world championships and other 2012 and Chicago White Sox first “Baseball represents a pivotal missioner, Heriberto Suarez, has elite events, gave China 39 gold baseman Abreu in 2013. common bond in our cultures, and said the game is being “lacerated” medals based on the perform- Both are returning home with the impact that Cuban ballplayers on the island by defections and ances of its athletes in 2015. an MLB delegation that will host From left: MLB players, Cuban Alexei Ramirez, Venezuelan Miguel have made on our game is undeni- attempted defections. The United States, table-top- workshops and meet with Cuban Cabrera, Cuban Jose Dariel Abreu, US Clayton Kershaw, Cuban Brian able. I am hopeful that this tour More than 100 players have pers in London in 2012, would baseball officials on a four-day Pena, Cuban Yasiel Puig and Dominican Nelson Cruz pose for a picture will represent the beginning of a defected this year or found a way have won 35 gold medals ahead of tour of the communist-run island. at the National Hotel in Havana, on Tuesday. Cuban baseball stars Abreu longstanding relationship.” to leave legally. Russia (25) with Japan the best of “I feel very happy to be in Cuba, and Puig are returning home for the first time since defecting to join the MLB has said it hopes to organ- Castro’s government began the rest behind the three sporting and that they gave me the oppor- American big leagues, part of an unprecedented Major League Baseball ize pre-season games in Cuba next allowing athletes to sign with superpowers on 18. tunity to return to my country,” tour made possible by the thaw in US-Cuban relations. year, as it used to do until 1960, foreign teams outside the United Rio hosts Brazil, meanwhile, Puig, 25, said. the year after the Cuban Revolu- States in 2013, for the first time would have finished outside the The trip comes as Washington tion. since 1961. top 20 on the medals table with and Havana mark the first anni- animosity. But Cuban ballplayers players who defected have been It is an emotionally charged About a dozen baseball play- just three golds. versary of the historic rapproche- still cannot play in the United allowed to return. homecoming for both Puig and ers have signed with teams in Britain, which benefited from ment announced by Presidents States without fleeing their coun- The delegation also includes Abreu. Mexico, Japan, Canada and the traditional host nation bump Barack Obama and Raul Castro try, which then bans them from Cuban-born player Alexei Rami- Puig fled by boat via the Bay of Colombia. to finish third in London, would last December 17. returning. rez, a free agent who left Cuba Pigs, a harrowing journey in the But the trade and financial have been joint fifth with neigh- Since then, the two countries MLB has organised events legally by marrying a Dominican hands of people-smugglers. embargo the US has imposed bouring France on 15 golds, while have restored diplomatic ties, in Cuba in the past, including a in 2007. Abreu, who signed a $68m, six- on Cuba since 1962 still means Australia and Germany tied for reopened embassies in each oth- 1999 exhibition game between the Some 20 Cuban-born players year contract with the White Sox Cubans cannot play in the United seventh on 13 in the study. er’s capitals and taken the first Baltimore Orioles and the Cuban are currently active in the Major in 2013, has a five-year-old son in States without fleeing. That tally would nearly double steps to patch up their relation- national team. Leagues. Cuba he has not seen since defect- Australia’s tally of seven golds ship after decades of Cold War But this is the first time that Several non-Cuban stars are ing. AFP in London, where a 10th place finish on the medals table gave the sports-mad country one of its most disappointing Games of recent years. Kitty Chiller, Australia’s Chef Kane’s streak NHL Results de Mission for Rio, was encour- New Jersey 2 Buffalo 0 Wiggins could ride on in 2017 aged by the data and said the ends as Florida 5 NY Islanders 1 AOC’s target of a top five finish NY Rangers 4 Edmonton 2 LONDON: Former Tour de France champion Bra- next year was a viable, if tough, Avalanche blank Philadelphia 4 Carolina 3 dley Wiggins wants to keep riding after next year’s goal.“We have moved from a total Tampa Bay 5 Toronto 4 Rio Olympics but said he was unlikely to try and of seven gold in London in 2012 San Jose 3 Montreal 1 extend his Hour record. to 13 gold this year,” she said in a Blackhawks Wiggins, who became the first Briton to win the news release. Calgary 2 Nashville 1 Tour in 2012, when he also claimed Olympic time “Overall we’ve had a better CHICAGO: Semyon Varlamov Minnesota 6 Vancouver 2 trial gold, initially planned to make Rio the swansong year, the gold medal tally is a tre- and the Colorado Avalanche found St Louis 4 Winnipeg 3 of his career. mendous improvement and the a perfect way to snap Blackhawks Colorado 3 Chicago 0 But now the 35-yer-old former Team Sky rider signs are good for Rio. Fifth to star Patrick Kane’s franchise Dallas 5 Columbus 1 is not so sure. eighth position on the medal tally record points streak. “I will see how I feel this time next year,” Wiggins is extremely tight and we are still Varlamov stopped 29 shots for streak), we focused on winning was quoted as saying in the Guardian yesterday. aiming for that fifth spot in Rio if his first shutout of the season, the hockey game,” Colorado coach “There might be other opportunities. If I haven’t everything goes our way.” leading the Colorado Avalanche Patrick Roy said. got a job by this time next year I will keep racing.” The study showed Australia’s to a 3-0 victory over Chicago on “I thought we did a good job Four-times Olympic gold medallist Wiggins traditionally strong swimming Tuesday and ending Kane’s streak offensively, defensively in the neu- smashed the UCI world Hour record in June at the team, which produced just one at 26 games. tral zone. London Olympic velodrome, covering 54.526 km. gold medal in a chaotic London Matt Duchene had a goal and “I liked our game tonight, and He said he still regretted not reaching the 55 km Bradley Wiggins celebrates after breaking cycling’s campaign, would have won seven an assist for the Avalanche, who our goalie was really solid in key milestone, but was unlikely to try again. hour record at the Olympic Velodrome in East golds. Russia’s tally included won their third straight to cap moments in the game.” “Now, it’s all about the focus for Rio, so it’s look- two golds from track and field. London, Britain, in this June 9, 2015 file picture. a perfect four-day road trip to Varlamov was sharp when ing like never again,” he said. “The time to do it The Russian Athletics Federa- Nashville, St Louis and Chicago. needed in earning his 19th career would be now but my body shape is changing for the tion (ARAF) was suspended last Zach Redmond scored in the sec- shutout and third against Chicago. team pursuit and it’s gone further away from what beatable and will be beaten but another 700m would month following a report that ond period and Gabriel Landeskog But for most of the game, Colo- it should be for the Hour. have made people think twice.” exposed widespread, system- added an empty-netter with 1:57 rado limited Chicago’s chances — “I have to accept the Hour record was what it was, Wiggins launched his own cycling team this year atic state-sponsored doping and left. and Kane. a record of its time. There is a tinge of disappoint- comprising young home-grown riders. related corruption. “We didn’t focus on (Kane’s AGENCIES ment as I wanted to go past 55km. The record is REUTERS AFP THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 32 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Tennis: Bravo hits out at West Indies officials Bjorkman no The star all-rounder says Caribbean cricket set-up ‘not working in the interest of the sport’ longer part of

MELBOURNE: Out-of-favour is one of our problems, we tend proper academy. All these things my position is,” said 32-year-old Murray’s team all-rounder Dwayne Bravo (pic- to hold on too much to the past are a part of our downfall. Bravo, who has played 40 Tests. tured) yesterday lamented the and not focus on the future. That “The relationship between “I just decided it’s time to move LONDON: World number two sorry state of West Indian cricket has been our downfall,” he said. players, board members and man- on with my life and try to channel Andy Murray will not be work- and said those running the game “It’s painful to see the state of our agement staff -- it needs to get my energy in different places. ing with Swede Jonas Bjorkman needed to take a long hard look cricket.” stronger and tighter. They (the “I would have loved the oppor- next year after his French coach at themselves. His comments come amid board) need to have a lot more tunity to play Test cricket again Amelie Mauresmo resumed her Bravo was stripped of the one- stinging criticism about the tour- honesty.” but since being dropped back in role following the birth of her son. day captaincy a year ago then left ists’ inept performance in the His remarks follow pace great 2010 I never got the chance and I Bjorkman joined Briton Mur- out of the West Indies’ World Cup first Test of their current series Michael Holding on Tuesday say- just decided to call it a day.” ray’s team in March. squad after the team he skippered against Australia, who won in ing the West Indies Cricket Board Despite this and his row with “Nice to have Amelie back in walked out of their tour of India Hobart by an innings inside three was “dysfunctional, untrustwor- the West Indian board, he has the team out in Dubai,” Murray, last year in a row over contracts. days on Saturday. Bravo joined a thy and not liked by the employ- not given up hope of again play- who is competing in the Inter- He has not been picked for one- host of fellow former greats in ees”, while Brian Lara blasted its ing the shorter forms of the game national Premier Tennis League, dayers since and quit Test cricket blaming the West Indies Cricket “bad governance”. at international level. said on his Facebook page yester- this year after being ignored by Board for the current malaise. Bravo said despite wanting to “I’m not shutting down my day. selectors. In Australia to play for “We’ve got the players to be up play Test cricket again earlier opportunities to represent the “Thanks to Jonas for helping the Melbourne Renegades in the there with the best in the world this year, he was now no longer West Indies, I still 100 percent out this year. I enjoyed working Twenty20 Big Bash League, Bravo but there’s a lot of things going interested. “Until earlier this want to play for the West Indies with one of the nicest guys on the said it was painful to see what had on,” he said. year I was still interested to play in one-day internationals and tour, bring on 2016.” happened to the once-formidable “Those in charge have to look Test cricket but I have yet to T20s,” he said. Former world number one West Indian team. into themselves. We don’t have hear anything from any selector, Mauresmo gave birth in August “Times change and I think that proper grounds, proper nets or a what their plans are for me, what REUTERS but will return to work with Murray for 22 to 24 weeks next year. New Zealand mull two “Amelie did come in at a dif- ficult time, when I had just come T20 Cup: Sriram, Hussey back from back surgery, which spinners for second Test was tough,” Murray, who will become a father in February, told WELLINGTON: New Zealand are toying with the possibility of play- the BBC. ing an extra spinner in the second Test against Sri Lanka starting in “When I started working with to help out the Aussies Hamilton tomorrow, despite their commanding victory in the series her officially I was ranked 11 in opener. the world -- I had just dropped SYDNEY: Australia have and his advice and support in this Bowling coach Dmitri Mascarenhas (pictured) spiced up competi- out of the top 10 for the first time recruited former India player area will be of great benefit to the tion in the bowling ranks by suggesting the line-up could be shaken in eight years -- and I’m now back Sridharan Sriram to help their players who have played a large up at the expense of either Neil Wagner or Doug Bracewell, both of up to number 2, which is my high- team prepare for the condi- amount of test and ODI cricket whom were impressive in the first Test in Dunedin which New Zealand est ranking.” tions they will face in the World in the last 12 months.” won by 122 runs. REUTERS Twenty20 in India early next year, Australia have played just one “The boys bowled exceptionally well on Cricket Australia said yesterday. Twenty20 international in 2015, a really flat wicket and it’s about time Sriram, an all-rounder who with the triumphant 50-over we took 20 wickets,” Mascarenhas said played eight ODIs for India World Cup campaign and test yesterday, as the squad began prepara- Murray could between 2000 and 2004, worked cricket taking priority. tions for the second Test at Seddon Park. with Australia A on their tour of The World Twenty20 is the one “I think we just showed what we are skip Open for India earlier this year and was major international prize that has capable of doing, but now it’s time to slated to travel with the test side eluded Australia, whose players in keep that consistency up and move for- child’s birth to Bangladesh in October before the past have struggled to combat ward.” the trip was postponed. spin bowling on the slow decks of Mascarenhas rated Bracewell as LONDON: Andy Murray could The 39-year-old will work with the subcontinent. “probably the best bowler” in the first leave the Australian Open early in the Australia side during their “As a proud Australian crick- Test but without having the same suc- order to be present for the birth three warm-up matches against eter I am delighted to be involved cess as Wagner who, on his recall after of his first child, he revealed in a South Africa prior to their arrival in Australia’s campaign for the a year out of Test cricket, bagged the British newspaper interview pub- in India for the March 8-April 3 World T20 title,” said Hussey. key wicket of Sri Lankan captain Angelo lished yesterday. tournament. “I’m really looking forward to Mathews in the second innings. The Australian Open runs from Former Australia batsman working with the boys and assist- Wagner took five for 143 from 42 overs January 18-31, with Murray’s first Mike Hussey (pictured) will also ing in any way possible with their in the match while the more miserly child not due until February. work with the side for two weeks possible for what they will face in preparation and match day plans,” Bracewell bowled 10 fewer deliveries and But the world number two of the tournament, bringing to India,” Cricket Hussey added. finished with one for 88. said that he will leave Melbourne bear his experience of playing on Australia’s Pat Howard said in Australia play New Zealand in Mascarenhas said a pitch inspection and return to Britain if his wife, the subcontinent in the India Pre- a news release. Dharamsala on March 18 in their would determine whether New Zealand Kim, goes into labour earlier than mier League competition. “Mike has been one of our most opening match of the tournament. keep both seamers or replace one with Mark Craig as a second spin expected. “Sriram’s focus will be on get- successful players at transition- option to back up Mitchell Santner. “I’d go home. For sure, yes,” ting the players as prepared as ing between the different formats REUTERS “We could,” he said of the possibility of playing two spinners. “But Murray told the Daily Mail. we haven’t seen the wicket yet. From my point of view you pick the “It’s obviously important. I best team to get a win in the conditions.” want to make sure at the begin- Captain Brendon McCullum said the bowling options remained ning I am there as much as I wide open. can be to try and help out, just Minister defends Perera “When (Wagner) is in your team you know that you’ve got those be there for whatever is really overs when you are going to be able to create some opportunities,” he required of me.” COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s sports “We are won- had spoken to Perera who was said. Murray, who inspired Great minister defended yesterday dering if this abruptly pulled from the series “Mark Craig comes back into calculations as well but Doug Bracewell, Britain to Davis Cup glory against wicketkeeper Kusal Perera (pic- allegation is a in New Zealand involving two I thought he bowled absolutely brilliantly throughout the Test match Belgium last month, has been a tured) who was suspended from conspiracy to Tests, five ODI games and two and all through Australia as well and just hasn’t got the rewards at beaten finalist at the Australian the ongoing New Zealand tour keep him out of T20 matches. the moment. Open on four occasions. after failing a drugs test, hint- next year’s T20 Perera is Sri Lanka’s second “We’ll look at the surface and work out the combination and the ing at a conspiracy against the World Cup.” international player to fail a dop- dynamic we are after and then we’ll make a decision,” McCullum said REUTERS cricketer. Defend- ing test. Left-hander Upul Tha- yesterday. Dayasiri Jayasekera told parlia- ing champions ranga was suspended for three Mascarenhas expected a more resolute performance from Sri Lanka ment that authorities will send a Sri Lanka are months after testing positive dur- who are still bedding in a clutch of newcomers after the retirement “B” sample for testing after the contenders to ing the 2011 World Cup. of several seasoned players in the past 18 months, notably Mahela Pennetta hints International Cricket Council retake the title Tharanga blamed a “herbal Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. announced last week that Perera when the World T20 takes place remedy” that he had taken for a “We saw some really good signs from their batters. They’ve got some at Rio return, tested positive for a banned ster- from March to April in India next long-standing shoulder injury for really talented and skilful players,” he said. oid during a random check. year. failing the doping test. “We know they’ve lost a couple of big players but the ones coming minus Fognini “We are doing all we can to Jayasekera said Sri Lankan in are having opportunities and taking them.” defend him,” the minister said. President Maithripala Sirisena REUTERS REUTERS MILAN: US Open champion Fla- via Pennetta could delay retire- ment from tennis by playing at the 2016 Rio Olympics, but says she won’t “risk” partnering boy- friend Fabio Fognini in the mixed doubles. Nicklaus sees big challenge awaiting Woods Pennetta defeated Roberta Vinci earlier this year in the first ever all-Italian Grand Slam final NEW YORK: Jack Nicklaus less than two months on his lower to claim the biggest win of her believes Tiger Woods (pictured) back and third in 18 months and Asian Tour in board shake-up career, and then announced her will resume his chase of the did not know when he would be retirement from the sport. Golden Bear’s all-time record of able to return to practice. amid Europe merger talks The 33-year-old right-hander 18 major professional golf titles “He’s such a great athlete and supposedly ended her career two but believes he may have trouble such a good competitor. I think HONG KONG: The Asian Tour announced a major shake-up of its months ago with defeat to Maria with the emerging young guns. he’ll come back, but don’t hurt board of directors yesterday, hard on the heels of its CEO’s resignation Sharapova at the WTA Finals in Nicklaus, in New York to accept yourself. Be patient. He’s got a after deep divisions emerged over a proposed tie-up with Europe’s Singapore. the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award lot of good golf left in him,” said golf body. But although she has been presented to him by Sports Illus- Nicklaus. Former European Tour chief executive Ken Schofield was among enjoying some time off in recent trated magazine on Tuesday, said That said, Nicklaus believes those to lose his seat as four prominent Asian businessmen were months, Pennetta hinted at partic- he thought Woods should make Woods will find the competition named as non-playing directors of the region’s main golf organisa- ipating at next summer’s Olympics. sure he is healed from his back stiff upon his return. tion. “Right now I’m taking some woes before returning to compe- “We’ve got a bunch of young In a statement seen by news services, three player members were time for myself, and if the desire tition. players that are really good. They also removed and Asian Tour chairman Kyi Hla Han was named as to play returns then I will always “I don’t know how much he’ll have benefitted from Tiger’s mis- “interim Tour Commissioner”. have time to go back on my deci- return next year. I don’t know fortune,” Nicklaus said of the likes No reasons were given for the sweeping changes, which follow fierce sion,” Pennetta said on the fringes whether his health will allow of Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and debate over plans to merge the Asian and European Tours’ business of an Italian Olympic Committee him to return next year,” Nick- Rory McIlroy. dealings and memberships and create a mega-tour straddling the (CONI) awards ceremony. laus said before being given the “Instead of Tiger just dominat- two continents. “I’m not setting any time lim- award for embodying the ideals ing the game, they’ve had the abil- Some Asian pros have voiced concerns that they will lose opportuni- its, whether I go to Rio or not of sportsmanship, leadership and ity to learn how to win without ties to play and make a living as they are squeezed out of tournament depends on how I feel. At the top philanthropy. having somebody dominate over spots by European rivals. Of the four new non-playing directors, two level, if you’re not in the mood to “I know he’ll want to, but I them. I firmly believe Tiger will be are from companies -- Yeangder and ICTSI -- who hold title sponsor- compete the younger players will think he needs to be patient. back and when he does, he’s going ships for Asian Tour tournaments. walk all over you.” Don’t come back too soon, let him to have a bunch of guys that are “The quartet are prominent businessmen and industry leaders in Pennetta, who turned profes- get healthy.” pretty hungry and trying to win their respective countries, avid golfers and have the desire and vision sional in 2000, has 11 singles and Woods, who will turn 40 this and know how to do it.” to grow the Asian Tour,” said the statement, which did not refer to 17 doubles titles to her name. month, recently revealed he had the merger. undergone a second procedure in REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 33 Guardiola refuses to disclose plans Bayern Munich’s popular coach is preparing to make a key announcement before Christmas

BERLIN: England’s top clubs sign his name and fill in “what- on the Champions League trophy will pay particular attention to ever amount of money he thought again in the May 28 final. a certain Spaniard in Bavaria was appropriate”. It would be his third European this festive season with Bayern Although he laughed it off, crown after his 2009 and 2011 Munich coach Pep Guardiola Guardiola has become increas- success with Barca and would due to announce his future plans ingly annoyed by the constant only enhance his pristine repu- before Christmas. rounds of rumours, which has tation. He has repeatedly said Guardiola, 44, is halfway even seen him linked to the Eng- that at a club like Munich, only through the third and final year land national team. the Champions League matters, of his current contract and says Marti Perarnau, the Spanish which he insists he is okay with, he will announce his decision to journalist who shadowed Guar- even if his irritated expression stay or go before December 25. diola through his first season in suggests otherwise. Chairman Karl-Heinz Rum- Munich, has insisted England will Both of his two previous menigge is ready to make Guar- be Pep’s next stop. attempts to win the European diola a generous offer to extend Various sources claim Guar- crown with Bayern ended at his stay by laying out “many posi- diola has already signed a deal to the semi-final stage when found Suspended tive reasons to stay at Bayern”. join Manchester City, at the start wanting, first by Real Madrid, Club captain Philipp Lahm has of 2015, to take charge of the Citi- then Barcelona. Platini to told the coach the squad want him zens for the 2016/17 season. The lack of pace out wide, which to stay. City’s rivals Manchester United Barcelona cruelly exposed in their boycott FIFA “The team’s position is clear, have entered the fray as possible 3-0 thumping of Bayern in May at we enjoy working with our coach future employers to replace Louis the Camp Nou was quickly rem- and we really, really want to keep van Gaal following poor results edied as wingers Douglas Costa hearing doing so,” said Lahm. and their Champions League exit. and Kingsley Coman were signed Spain international Xabi And with Chelsea close to the up for this season. Bayern Munich’s coach Pep Guardiola during the DFB Cup match against PARIS: Michel Platini (pic- Alonso is reported to want to Premier League relegation places, As they have done in each of Darmstadt 98 at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on Tuesday. tured) has decided not to attend extend his contract, which also Guardiola’s name has been men- the last three seasons, Bayern his hearing before FIFA’s ethics expires in June, should Guardiola tioned as a possible replacement hold a commanding lead in the committee in Zurich, scheduled stay. And even Bayern fans got in for Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bundesliga and are bidding to titles, but Guardiola has added an the final half an hour. That’s why for tomorrow, his lawyers said on the act. Bridge. become the first team to win four unprecedented level of flexibility Bayern reportedly want to up his yesterday. On Guardiola’s pre-Christmas Yet Guardiola has given no consecutive German league titles. to his team. Guardiola’s Bayern estimated salary of €14m euros A statement from the legal visit to a Bayern fan club ear- indication of where his future lies. But Guardiola’s tenure in Bay- can change their formation dur- and plenty of clubs would pay for representatives of the suspended lier this month, one supporter, His reputation for success, hav- ern will be judged on whether or ing a game if necessary. the privilege. UEFA President said he chose dressed as Father Christmas, ing won 19 titles as either coach not he falls again at the semi-final For example, with the scores But as Lahm told Kicker: “If to boycott the hearing after “the cheekily handed him an elabo- of Barcelona or Bayern, leaves hurdle. goalless at home to Ingolstadt on Guardiola leaves one day, for verdict was already announced to rate scroll. Europe’ top clubs clamouring for Guardiola has build on the Saturday, Guardiola moved Lahm sure another excellent coach will the press by a spokesman...going It was a spoof contract to his services. work done by predecessor Jupp into midfield, Coman switched come along, but first we have to against the presumption of inno- remain Bayern’s coach for the Regardless of whether he stays Heynckes. Heynckes delivered the wings and Javi Martinez dropped see what happens.” cence.” rest of his life. or goes at the end of the season, 2013 treble of Champions League, into defence. Platini and FIFA President All Guardiola had to do was Guardiola wants to get his hands Bundesliga and German Cup The result was two goals in REUTERS Sepp Blatter are currently serv- ing 90-day bans from all foot- balling activities after Swiss Chelsea board considers prosecutors opened a criminal investigation looking partly into a two million Swiss franc (€1.8m; Mourinho future: Reports $2m) payment Blatter authorised to Platini in 2011, reportedly for LONDON: Jose Mourinho’s future as Chelsea manager is in suspense work done a decade earlier. over his failure to lift the team out of their alarming slump, according The provisional ban is due to to British press reports yesterday. expire on January 5 but both men The Daily Mail said that the Chelsea board was due to meet to risk being banned for life by the discuss Mourinho’s position, while the Daily Telegraph claimed the tribunal, with a verdict expected club’s hierarchy was drawing up a list of potential replacements. on Monday. Premier League champions last season, Chelsea are currently just According to Platini’s lawyers, a point above the relegation zone after losing nine of their 16 matches who will attend the hearing, pros- to date. They have, however, reached the Champions League last 16. ecutors are seeking a lifetime ban Reports suggest it would cost Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich against the Frenchman. The pen- between £10m ($15m, €13.7m euros) and £40m to sack Mourinho for alty sought against Blatter is not a second time, having previously dismissed the Portuguese in 2007. known. Andreas Bantel, spokes- Mourinho signed a new four-year contract in August. Chelsea man for FIFA’s ethics committee, gave him a public vote of confidence in October, but there has been was quoted by French sports daily no official communication from the club on his position since then. L’Equipe as saying that Platini Mourinho, whose side host Sunderland in the league on Saturday, would be sidelined for “several yesterday headed a training as usual at the club’s training ground in years”. Cobham, 17 miles (27 kilometres) southwest of London. “Suppose even the charge of Several newspapers, including The Sun, reported that Chelsea’s corruption is not accepted by players were angered by Mourinho’s claim that they had “betrayed” the chamber, there are many his work following Monday’s 2-1 defeat at league leaders Leicester other offences such as a conflict Barcelona’s forward Lionel Messi (second right) and Jeremy Mathieu (third right) attend a training session in City. of interest, mismanagement or Yokohama, suburban Tokyo yesterday. Barcelona play against China’s Guangzhou Evergrande in the semi-final But midfielder Cesc Fabregas says that it is the players’ responsi- falsification of accounts,” Ban- of the Club World Cup today. bility to haul the club out of their current predicament. tel was also quoted as saying by “We all have to take responsibility,” Fabregas said in a Facebook L’Equipe before its website story interview. “If you are a big player and you are paid like a big player, was altered. you must play like a big player and behave like a big player. Bantel, who has highlighted “We can bounce back, 100 percent. There is enough time to achieve that he represents only the pros- it, but we must start now. It is up to us.” ecutors in FIFA’s in-house court, Pique unrepentant REUTERS not the judges, said that the French newspaper had published “an unauthorised interview” and his comments had been made in Scolari backs Evergrande a personal capacity. over Twitter row Platini’s lawyers responded, against Barca’s ‘25 Neymars’ saying: “By this decision, Michel YOKOHAMA: Barcelona lifted the trophy in 2009 and 2011 Platini wishes to express his defender Gerard Pique yesterday CLUB WORLD CUP -- would be all business as they YOKOHAMA: Guangzhou Evergrande coach Luiz Felipe Scolari (pic- indignation at the proceedings refused to apologise for igniting chase a record third Club World tured) has warned Barcelona to expect a battle in today’s Club World that he considers to be purely a Twitter row with Real Madrid RESULTS Cup title. Cup semi-final in Yokohama. political and intended to prevent rivals Alvaro Arbeloa and Sergio “We can’t use jet lag as an “Barcelona are one of the best teams on the planet, everybody knows him running for the FIFA presi- Ramos. OSAKA: Result from the Club World excuse, although it does have a that,” the Brazilian told reporters yesterday. “But my players have the dency.” No stranger to public spats with Cup in Osaka, Japan, yesterday: strong impact,” said the former heart and the desire to make a game of it and I expect them to show The Frenchman’s campaign for Real players, Pique incurred the Fifth-place play-off Manchester United centre-back. that tomorrow.” Barca forward Neymar is likely to miss the clash with a the leadership of world football’s wrath of his Spain team-mates “We still notice it and we have to groin strain but Scolari insisted the Brazilian’s governing body has been halted by calling Arbeloa “an acquaint- Club America (MEX) 2 (Benedetto bear that in mind for the game absence would make little difference. by the ban and he was unable to ance,” making clear reference to 19, Zuniga 28) TP Mazembe (COD) tomorrow. “Neymar is one of the top three players attend last weekend’s Euro 2016 the term “cono” -- referencing a 1 (Kalaba 43) He said the competition gave in the world,” said the former Brazil coach, draw in Paris. traffic cone -- an apparent dig at his team a good chance to con- whose Evergrande side upset Mexico’s Club FIFA’s ethics court had reaf- the full-back’s mobility. Semi-final tinue winning titles. America 2-1 in the quarter-finals at the week- firmed its integrity earlier yes- Despite flying 10,700 kilometres Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) 0 River “We are Barcelona so we must end. terday after a report appeared in (6,600 miles) to contest the Club Plate (ARG) 1 (Alario 72) win,” he added. “We are play- “He has the potential to be the best player L’Equipe saying that Platini had World Cup in Japan, Pique was ing against a different kind of in the world in the next five years but Bar- not yet decided whether to attend immediately quizzed about the team, in a different environment celona have 25 Neymars. They have quality his hearing. spat by Spanish journalists on the ENGLISH FA CUP from usual. Guangzhou are Asian in every position. They have (Lionel) Messi, A statement from the judge- eve of Barca’s semi-final against RESULTS champions and we know they are (Luis) Suarez, (Andres) Iniesta, the list goes ment branch of the FIFA court China’s Guangzhou Evergrande. a dynamic team and it’s a great on -- players who can hurt you everywhere,” said “the Ethics Committee will “That’s not a question about LONDON: English FA Cup results challenge.” he added. “It will be a huge challenge but one deal with the present case in the sport,” he said with a sheep- on Tuesday: Barcelona coach Luis Enrique we relish.” same way as with any other pro- ish grin. “Look, I said (Arbeloa) refused to rule Brazilian forward Scolari, known as “Big Phil” in his native cedure independently and in an wasn’t a friend. Make of it what Second round out of playing in Sunday’s final in Brazil, has fond memories of Yokohama, hav- unbiased manner.” you want. I don’t have anything Yokohama if he recovers from a ing led this country to their fifth World Cup Hartlepool 2 Salford City 0 The statement from the com- to add.” groin strain in time. triumph here in 2002 when they beat Germany 2-0 in the final. mittee’s judges added that a boy- A war of words erupted after Scunthorpe 3 Leyton Orient 0 “Neymar continues with his “When we arrived on the bus today I had some nice flashbacks to cott of the hearing by Platini Pique recently posted a tweet recovery process,” he said. “Just that time,” said Scolari. “It’s a place which has great significance for would see him “miss the oppor- appearing to mock Real’s recent Shrewsbury 1 Grimsby 0 because you don’t see him train- Brazil. But that chapter of my life is over so let’s see what happens.” tunity to present his points of expulsion from the Copa del Rey ing, doesn’t mean he is not train- Scolari compared Barca’s devastating ‘MSN’ strike-force of Messi, Walsall 0 Chesterfield 0 after extra view vis-à-vis the adjudicatory for fielding an ineligible player, time; Walsall win 5-3 on penalties ing. I am not one in favour of Suarez and Neymar to his 2002 trio Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho. chamber in person.” prompting Arbeloa to accuse him taking risks with injured players. “It’s hard to say which attack was better,” said the 67-year-old. In a letter released on Tuesday, of being obsessed with Real. We will see, but not before getting “But Barcelona’s MSN is absolutely world-class. Clearly we will have Blatter said that he would appear When Pique responded in kind, “The role of Sergio Ramos is to the final.” our hands full.” at his hearing set for today. Ramos waded in by calling on him normal for a captain. He is the Enrique insisted the Catalan Scolari will hope Brazilians Paulinho, scorer of a dramatic late win- But he also cast doubt on the to show respect, but Pique opted Real Madrid captain and a great giants would not underestimate ner to break Mexican hearts, and Robinho, the former Real Madrid process, citing the Bantel com- not to inflame the situation ahead captain. He came out to defend Evergrande, who stunned Mexi- striker, can spark against a Barca side who have drawn their last ments as evidence that the proc- of today’s Yokohama clash. his team-mate and I honestly can side Club America 2-1 in the three games. ess would not be fair. “There has been a lot of fuss admire him for that.” quarter-finals last weekend. Evergrande captain Zheng Zhi promised that the Chinese would about my tweets but feel free to Turning to today’s game, Pique not be intimidated by their illustrious opponents. REUTERS interpret how you want,” he said. insisted that Barcelona -- who REUTERS REUTERS THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 34 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Espanyol, Betis, Alario strike keeps River afloat in Japan Deportivo into South Americans edge the local side 1-0, Hiroshima coach pleads for new football culture Cup last 16

OSAKA: South American cham- played for Argentina, did well to River, who are estimated to MADRID: Sevilla, Espanyol, pions River Plate overcame their block Yusuke Minagawa’s shot have brought 15,000 fans to the Real Betis and Deportivo La anxiety to reach the Club World after the Hiroshima forward got tournament, won 1-0 to reach Coruna all advanced to the last Cup final with a jittery 1-0 win clear of the River defence. Sunday’s final where they will face 16 of the Copa Del Rey on Tues- over Sanfrecce Hiroshima yester- Minagawa, always a threat, either Barcelona or Guangzhou day to join already-qualified Bar- day, keeping alive the dream of a failed to connect with a Douglas Evergrande. celona and Cadiz. meeting with Barcelona. pass from another counter attack “In terms of football culture, I Deportivo held on for a 1-1 draw River did not really look like and then saw an effort brilliantly have found a very big difference against second division Llagostera scoring until Hiroshima goal- turned away by Barovero after between us and them,” Moriyasu in their fourth round, second leg keeper Takuto Hayashi failed to getting free of two defenders. told reporters through an inter- tie in Galicia for a 3-2 aggregate clear Leonardo Ponzio’s free kick In between, Barovero also preter. victory. and Alario headed home the loose tipped over Yusuke Chajima’s “The atmosphere, and those Real Betis, 2-0 winners at ball in the 72nd minute. effort after he cut inside a fans came all the way to Japan home, were 3-1 down at Sporting But goalkeeper Marcelo defender to make space for the from Argentina, really made me Gijon in northern Spain before Barovero was the real hero as he shot. feel like we were the away team, coming back to draw 3-3, and go kept the Argentine side in the River had their first real chance although, of course, our team was through 5-3 on aggregate. game with a flurry of first-half just after halftime but Rodrigo only founded 20 years ago.” Sevilla already had one foot saves. Mora skied his shot over from “Our players were always cou- into the last 16 after their 3-0 River, backed by 15,000 fans close range. rageous and did their best, but the away win and easily advanced on who made the marathon trip in The Argentines did not really atmosphere that the River Plate front of their home crowd with a the hope of seeing their side meet River Plate defender Leonel Vangioni (right) and Sanfrecce Hiroshima look like scoring until Alario fans created should encourage 2-0 success over Logrones. Barcelona in the final, must now midfielder Mihael Mikic fight for the ball during the Club World Cup popped up with the winner late in Japan to change our football cul- Espanyol, meanwhile, got off to rely on the European champions semi-final football match in Osaka yesterday. the second half, sending the huge ture by learning from other coun- a winning start under new Roma- to avoid a shock defeat against River contingent in the stadium tries which have more history in nian coach Constantin Galca, Asian counterparts Guangzhou supposedly lesser opponents in sation and they could have caused wild with delight. football.” coming back from a goal down Evergrande on Thursday. the semi-final when the prize of us a lot of damage.” Meanwhile, Sanfrecce Hiro- Sanfrecce, considered a mid- to win 2-1, and advance 3-2 on Hiroshima, who qualified for meeting a top European side is River, whose supporters out- shima coach Hajime Moriyasu dle-ranking team in Japan in aggregate. the tournament thanks to a tantalisingly close. numbered the home fans by at pleaded for better support after terms of support and budget, Holders Barcelona have already rule which awards a place to the River coach Marcelo Gallardo’s least four to one, had plenty of the Japanese side’s fans were out- qualified for the tournament as assured their place in the last 16 champions of the host nation, had relief was palpable after the game. early possession but struggled to numbered by those of opponents champions of the host nation with a 6-1 thrashing of Villano- knocked out Auckland City from “We needed a lot of patience create openings and looked very River Plate who had travelled after winning the J-League title vense. Oceania and African champions and intelligence and it was vulnerable to Hiroshima’s quick more than 18,000 km. two weeks ago. Real Madrid’s expulsion from TP Mazembe in a surprise run to decided on the small details,” he counter attacks led by Brazilian Sanfrecce’s supporters, who Two years ago in Morocco, Raja the competition for fielding an the last four. told reporters. striker Douglas. needed to travel 300 km to the Casablanca reached the final, ineligible player against Cadiz, Although the Club World Cup “It was not easy to carry this The Argentines completely lost game, occupied just a small sec- beating South American cham- allowed the third division side to is given scant regard in Europe, huge responsibility but we didn’t their shape midway through the tion behind one of the goals while pions Atletico Mineiro on the way, advance. teams from South America allow it to make us lose our first half but Baravero, one of sev- those of their Argentine rivals with the help of fanatical support Gary Neville has a great chance regard it as the pinnacle of club heads.” eral journeymen professionals in took up nearly half the stadium before losing to Bayern Munich. to seal his first win as Valencia football. “There were 10 minutes in the their team, came to the rescue. during yesterday’s Club World boss at the third attempt when They often struggle to beat first half when we lost our organi- The 31-year-old, who has never Cup semi-final. AGENCIES Los Che host third tier Barakaldo at the Mestalla. Valencia already lead the Basques 3-1 from the first leg before Neville’s appointment a Two soccer officials plead not guilty in FIFA bribe case fortnight ago. Meanwhile, Lille continued NEW YORK: Two soccer bosses world governing body FIFA into position as a FIFA vice president. their resurgence under new including a former president of an unprecedented crisis. Napout is charged with solic- boss Frederic Antonetti as they Honduras pleaded not guilty on The 72-year-old Callejas, who iting bribe payments from two reached the quarter-finals of the Tuesday to US charges they took has served on a FIFA committee, sports marketing firms to secure French League Cup with a 1-0 win bribes in exchange for media and did not immediately seek release his support for awarding commer- over second-tier Laval. marketing contracts in a scandal on bail. He has said he bore no cial rights to soccer tournaments Djibril Sidibe struck 11 minutes that has rocked the business of responsibility for the accusations including the popular Copa Lib- from time at the Stade Pierre- global soccer. and was ready to defend himself. ertadores. Mauroy to send the Ligue 1 side Rafael Callejas, who was presi- Callejas is charged with tak- In parallel investigations, Swiss through and extend Lille’s win- dent of Honduras from 1990 to ing bribes from Media World, an and US authorities are focusing ning run to four matches in all 1994 and later became president affiliate of Spain’s Imagina Group, on whether business contracts competitions. Guingamp twice of its soccer federation, flashed so that the company could obtain and the World Cup hosting rights recovered from a goal down at a thumbs-up to someone in the media and marketing rights for for 2018 in Russia and 2022 in home to Nice as Yannis Salibur audience as he left a hearing in qualifier matches ahead of the Qatar were won by unfair means. netted at the end of normal time federal court in Brooklyn, New 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cup The schemes described in the and again in extra time, cancel- Yo rk . tournaments. December 3 indictment involved ling out a pair of strikes from Juan Angel Napout, a Para- Imagina has said it would coop- over $200m in bribes and kick- Alexandre Mendy, before convert- guayan and former president of erate fully with US authorities. backs sought for marketing and ing the decisive penalty in a 4-3 the South American confedera- It suspended the chief execu- broadcast rights to tournaments shootout victory following a 2-2 tion CONMEBOL, pleaded not tive of Media World and another and matches. draw after 120 minutes. Wissam guilty at a separate hearing. employee. Of the 41 defendants, 14 have Ben Yedder grabbed a brace for The two came to the United A magistrate judge approved a pleaded guilty. Toulouse in a 3-1 win at 10-man States voluntarily after their $20m bond package that cleared At least four others including Rennes, while Lorient eased past indictment on bribery charges the way for Napout’s release to Callejas and Napout are in the Former Brazilian Football Confederation president Jose Maria Marin Ligue 2 leaders Dijon 3-0 with was unsealed on December 3. home detention with 24-hour United States. The rest are in (left) arrives at the Federal District Court in Brooklyn, in New York, goals from Benjamin Jeannot, They are among 41 people and security and video surveillance. various stages of extradition pro yesterday. Marin has pleaded not guilty in connection with the massive Romain Philippoteaux and Walid entities charged in a US corrup- Napout, 57, quit CONMEBOL last FIFA corruption scandal and has agreed to a $15m bond. Mesloub. tion sweep that has sent soccer’s week and was suspended from his REUTERS AGENCIES Barca’s Montoya free to go, says Mancini Spezia stun Roma to MILAN: On-loan Barcelona out recuiting during the January defender Martin Montoya is free transfer window. script more Cup shocks to leave Inter Milan but the Ner- “The squad is complete,” added azzurri won’t be making any new the Italian, who won seven titles MILAN: Serie A title hopefuls Roma were knocked out of the Ital- signings in January, coach Rob- including three consecutive league ian Cup yesterday as second division Spezia caused a last 16 upset to erto Mancini said. trophies in his previous spell in advance to the quarter-finals on penalties. Montoya admitted his reluc- charge at the club from 2004 to Fiorentina, second in Serie A right now, went down 1-0 at home in a tance at joining Inter on a two- 2008. later upset to second-bottom Carpi, for who Antonio Di Gaudio scored year loan deal in July, when he “I don’t think we need to do a 76th minute clincher. said he was “sad to be leaving” anything but we do need to con- At Roma after two periods of extra-time failed to produce goals, the Spanish giants after it became sider if there are players who home midfielder Miralem Pjanic and then striker Edin Dzeko fired clear his first-team opportunities want to move on so they can play over the crossbar as the Serie B visitors took a 2-0 lead from the spot. would be limited. more. Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi then French left-back Lucas Digne And six months on, the Barca “At the moment there’s a very made amends by slotting their spot-kicks past Leandro Chichizola in right-back is stuck in an impasse. good balance within the squad.” the Spezia goal. The 24-year-old had hoped to Inter host Lazio, who are 16 But it was too little too late as the second division side advanced 4-2 relaunch his career but has made points off the pace in 12th, in their to set up a quarter-final tie with Lega Pro side Alessandria. only two appearances for the Ner- final league game of the year on A fortnight after ending Palermo’s interest in the competition with azzurri so far. Sunday. a shock 3-2 win in Sicily, Alessandria stopped Genoa’s progress on Having made his only other Meanwhile, Bulgarian football Tuesday thanks to a 113th-minute winner that gave the third division appearance in a pre-season defeat side Litex Lovech were expelled club a 2-1 win over the Serie A strugglers. to Sassuolo, Montoya played on yeserday from the country’s top Inter Milan progressed to the quarters on Tuesday with a 3-0 home Tuesday as Inter secured their league after players walked off the win over Cagliari and will now meet the winner of Napoli v Verona, place in the Italian Cup quarter- pitch during a match last week- played when defending champions Juventus host city rivals Torino. finals with a 3-0 win over Cagliari end in protest against the referee- Today sees Lazio, last season’s beaten finalists, host Udinese and AC at the San Siro. ing, the Bulgarian Football Union Milan visit Sampdoria. Asked about the player’s future (BFU) said. Meanwhile, the 82,000-seat stadium of American football’s New York at the club, Mancini said: “I don’t Ten-man Litex were leading Giants and New York Jets will be the site of next year’s Copa America know if Montoya will leave in Jan- Levski Sofia 1-0 at the end of Centenario final, the US Soccer Federation announced yesterday. uary. He’s played and shown he the first half of their game in the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey will host the cham- can do the job. championship’s 20th round, when pionship game of the unique showdown between North and South “Things can change very referee Georgy Yordanov sent off American national teams on June 26. quickly in football. He’s a good a second Litex player and gave The special edition of the South American championship, the first to footballer and a good lad. It’s up Levski a penalty. be played beyond the continent, will include 10 South American sides to him if he wants to accept this The decision prompted an plus six from North America in an event to pay tribute to a century of situation or look somewhere else angry response from Litex’s South American football with some of the world’s top talent on display. where he might play more regu- sporting manager Stoycho Stoilov The event will be staged in US venues from June 3-26, 2016. The larly.” and president Trifon Popov, who format of the Copa American Centenario schedule, including match Inter are top of Serie A with a ordered the players to leave the dates for each venue, will be revealed Thursday, US Soccer said. four-point lead over Fiorentina pitch. Other venues include: Foxborough, Massachusetts (Gillette Sta- and Napoli, while champions Popov was handed a 15,000-leva dium), Chicago (Soldier Field), Houston (NRG Stadium), Pasadena Barcelona player Neymar runs with the club’s coach during a training Juventus and Roma are six and (7,600-euro, $8,300) fine and the (Rose Bowl), Orlando (Citrus Bowl Stadium), Philadelphia (Lincoln session ahead of their Club World Cup semi-final soccer match against seven points adrift respectively. club must also pay another 20,000 Financial Field), Phoenix (University of Phoenix Stadium), the San China’s Guangzhou Evergrande in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, Japan, Juve’s four-year grip on the leva, but the players themselves Francisco Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium) and Seattle (CenturyLink Field). yesterday. league title is under threat this were not sanctioned. Most venues will host at least three matches. season, but Mancini has ruled AGENCIES AGENCIES THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 35

H E Sports Minister at REC Jockey Hamel celebrates win

Jockey Jean Baptiste Hamel is seen celebrating the Qatar National Day Trophy win after he guided TM Thunder Struck past the winning post at Racing and Equestrian Club (REC) Minister of Youth and Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali and Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, President of Qatar in Doha yesterday. Nashmi, ridden by Gaetan Faucon, finished second while Raddad, who Equestrian Federation, are seen with top riders following the Maseela competition at Racing and Equestrian Club in Doha. had Asad Al Seyabi, in the saddle, ended the 2,000m turf race in third spot. Tipper upstages rivals to top prologue field 2015 Tour of Zubarah: British rookie grabs yellow jersey on opening day of the four-day cycling extravaganza

DOHA: British rookie Jacob onds), Naser Rezavi (13 seconds), here. I am used to bad weather Tour of Zubarah Tipper yesterday won the 3.3km Mohamoud Rajabikaboodchesh- in England. As long as it is not Top-10 results on day one of prologue at the third edition of meh (14 seconds) and Meher raining, I am happy,” Tipper said Tour of Zubarah Tour of Zubarah following a well- Hasnaoui (16 seconds) completed with a smile. 1 Jacob Tipper, TGR Team Giant - RBS, timed ride around iconic Aspire the top 10. “Everything from here on end 0:04:18 Academy. “Yes, I am very surprised,” Tip- is a bonus. We didn’t come here Tipper, riding for Team Giant per said yesterday. expecting to win the first day of 2 Hamid Beikkhormizi, PKY Pisghaman RBS, clocked a time of 4 minutes “In theory this is a course that racing. We are here to poach a Giant Team, 0:04:26, +8 18 seconds to grab the yellow should suit me. Back in England, few top-10s. I did good in Sharjah 3 Koos Jeroen Kers, WIL Wilton Cycling jersey on the opening day of the there are lots of races like this on a few days ago. Team, 0:04:26, +8 four-day cycling extravaganza. such surfaces,” he added. “In terms of rest of the days, 4 Andrea Palini, SKD Skydive Dubai, Hamid Beikkhormizi of Pishga- “A lot depends how you kick out we will try to hold it (the yellow 0:04:28, +10 man Giant Team was 8 seconds of corners. This is a course a that jersey) for as long as possible,” 5 Charlie Tanfield, ACH Achieve Northside adrift of Tipper as windy condi- should suited me and it did. But Tipper said. Skinnergate, 0:04:29, +11 tions tested the group of 68 riders. I didn’t expect this (the win) to “Ideally, we would like to keep 6 Abderrahmane Mansouri, SHA Sharjah Koos Jeroen Kers, riding for happen,” Tipper said. it till the finish. Whatever we get, Team, 0:04:30, +12 Wilton Cycling Team, finished “There are lots of good riders would be a bonus for us,” he said. 7 Eugen KCP Wacker, Kuwait Cycling in third spot after a photo-finish here that Iranian chap and then “If I get top-10s, that would be Project, 0:04:30, +12 with Beikkhormizi. the Skydive team is here. Really great. If not, then we’d ride for 8 Naser Rezavi, PKY Pisghaman Giant Italian Andrea Palini, riding for good teams here. I couldn’t have experience sake,” Tipper said. Team, 0:04:31, +13 Skydive Dubai Pro Cycling Team, predicted but I am really happy “There are lots of good teams impressed with his fourth-placed that I won,” Tipper said. who would be looking to win. As a 9 Mahdi Rajabikaboodcheshmeh, PKY finish. Palini was 10 seconds “I am overwhelmed,” he said. (member of a) small team, there’s Pisghaman Giant Team, 0:04:32, +14 slower than Tipper. When asked about the strong no pressure on us. We will try to 10 Meher Hasnaoui, SKD Skydive Dubai, Charlie Tanfield (11 seconds), winds causing problems to the keep this,” Tipper said. 0:04:34,+16 Abderrahmane Mansouri, (12 riders, Tipper said: “I never knew “I am in yellow. I will every- Stages seconds), Eugen Wacker (12 sec- what to expect. This is my time thing to keep it. I will die fight- Jacob Tipper, Hamid Beikkhormizi and Koos Jeroen Kers, podium Stage 1 - Al Thakhira to Madinat Al ing,” Tipper said. winners at the 3.3km prologue of the third edition of Tour of Zubarah, Shamal, 129.9kms Palini, who clocked 4:10s to pose for a picture along with Qatar Cycling Federation (QCF) President Stage 2 - Dukhan to Camel Race Track, finish fourth, said: “I was hoping Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Thani in Doha yesterday. Tipper won the race 119.8kms for a better result today. I have followed by Beikkhormizi and Kers. Bottom: Tipper with QCF President. Stage 3 - Simaisma to Al Zubarah Fort, some problem at the start with SALIM MATRAMKOT 119.8kms my shoes, but overall it was a good outing for me.” Track before closing out the “I finished overall second in the stage at Dukhan beach front in Jelajah Malaysia tour last week the west of Qatar. The third stage and hoping to for a podium finish will cover a distance of 119,8kms. here also,” the 26-year-old, riding The fourth and final day of the for the first time in Qatar, said. event will see cyclists pedalling Qatar’s Moosa Said finished in from starting point in Simaisma 29th spot, the fastest for his coun- Youth Centre before they finish try. Said’s compatriots Abdel- the Tour at Zubarah Fort. The rahman Jarboua (54th), Khalil last stage will cover a distance of Abduljanan (59th) and Abdullah 119,8kms. Afif (68) completed the 3.3km National teams of Bahrain, ride. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Kaza- Today’s second stage will see khstan have joined riders of Team riders starting at Al Thakira Giant RBS, Pisghaman Giant Youth Centre before winding Team, Wilton Cycling Team, Velo- down at Madinat Al Shamal in club Sovac, Achieve Northside the north of the country. The sec- Skinnergate, Team NRW, Skydive ond stage will have a total dis- Dubai and Sharjah Team at the tance of 129,9kms. four-day event. Action from the 3.3km prologue of the third edition of Tour of Zubarah. The third stage will riders taking off from the Camel Race THE PENINSULA

QVA League: Wins for Al Gharafa, Qatar SC Squash: Qatar Circuit 2 qualifying rounds begin from Saturday

DOHA: Two Qatar players will The 26-year-old negotiated be seen in action in the Qatar Cir- a tough five-game-thriller with cuit 2 squash tournament main home favourite Al Tamimi in the draw which begins tomorrow at semi-final while Schoor eased the Khalifa International Tennis past Ammar Altamimi to reach and Squash Complex. the final. Sixth-seed Abdullah Mohd Al THE PENINSULA Tamimi and Syed Azlan Amjad will be the two Qatari players who Qatar Circuit 2 will be seen in action in the main Entry List for Qatar Circuit 2 draw of the $15,000. Main Draw The two are the 12 players who Omar Abdel Meguid (EGY), Ivan Yuen (MAS), will feature in the main draw and Danish Atlas Khan (PAK), Martin Knight will be joined by four players from Qatar’s Abdullah Mohd Al Tamimi (NZL), Jens Schoor (GER), Abdulla Mohd Al the qualifying rounds, to be played Tamimi (QAT), George Parker (ENG) Mazen on Saturday and Sunday. Martin Knight of New Zealand, Gamal (EGY), Khawaja Adil Maqbool (PAK), Three more Qatar players Khawaja Adil Maqbool of Paki- Addeen Idrakie (MAS) Ammar Altamimi Abdulrahman Al Malki, Abdul- stan, Jens Schoor of Germany, (KUW) and Syed Azlan Amjad (QAT) wahab Al Ishaq and Umair Umar Mazen Gamal of Egypt, Addeen Zaman will be vying for a place in Idrakie of Malaysia and Ivan Yuen Qualifying rounds the main draw and will see action of Malaysia. Robert Downer (ENG), Edmon Lopez Moller in the qualifying rounds The quarter-finals will be (ESP), Abdullah Al Muzayen (KUW), Iker Main round matches of the played on Monday and will be Pajares Bernabeu (ESP), Youssef Soliman tournament begins from Decem- followed by the semi-finals the (EGY), Asim Khan (PAK), Abbas Maniar ber 20. next day. (USA), Moses Durosinmi (NGR), Brian Byrne The other players in the main The final will be held on (IRL), Muhammad Farhan (PAK), Belal draw are Omar Abdel Meguid of Wednesday. Nawar (EGY) Mohammad Jafari (IRI) Jamal Action from the Qatar Volleyball League match between Al Gharafa and Al Wakra at Al Arabi Indoor Hall in Doha Egypt, George Parker of England, In November, Mohamed Reda Al-Barwani (OMA), Abdulrahman Al Malki yesterday. Al Gharafa won 3-2 (25-21, 26-24, 17-25, 17-25 & 13-15). Right: Action from the match between Ammar Altamimi of Kuwait, of Egypt defeated Jens Schoor of (QAT), Abdulwahab Al Ishaq (QAT) and Qatar SC and Al Khor. Qatar SC won 3-2 (21-25, 25-15, 17-25, 25-23 & 8-15). Danish Atlas Khan of Pakistan, Germany to win Qatar Circuit I. Umair Umar Zaman (QAT) Thursday 17 December 2015 6 Rabia I1437 Volume 20 Number 6647 Sport Price: QR2

LeBron, Love Pep Guardiola help Cavaliers refuses to beat Celtics disclose plans

Sport 31 Sport 33

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Football experts deliver key lectures in Doha Hugely popular ‘Aspire in the World Fellows’ coaching symposium begins at Qatar’s iconic Aspire Academy

DOHA: The “Aspire in the World emy provides to its students as Fellows” coaching symposium well as an overview of the signifi- opened yesterday, featuring a cant success and progress that group of world leading football has been achieved in the fields of experts that have travelled to sports education and science. Qatar to share best practice and During the afternoon ses- expertise, develop recommenda- sion, prominent sports psycholo- tions for training methodologies gist Dr Gloria Balague from the and support the management of University of Illinois in Chicago young players. presented a lecture on “The Role Representatives from 20 of the of the Coach in Training Psycho- world’s leading clubs, federations logical Skills”, which explored and leagues that belong to the the effects of psychology on ath- Aspire Fellows community are letic performance. A number of taking part in the two-day event. additional workshops sessions These include experts from focused on training plans, match clubs including Chelsea, Paris and training recovery, integrated Saint-Germain, Arsenal and training methodologies and pre- many more. venting soft tissue injuries. The symposium began with an Day two of the symposium open discussion session with the (today) will feature a visit to visiting experts and the Acad- Aspire Academy’s Laboratories emy’s student-athletes during along with a number of other which the students shared their workshops, discussions and train- experiences of training and com- Professor Valter Di Salvo speaking ing sessions. Dr Donna O’Connor peting at the Academy. at Aspire Academy. from the University of Sydney in Students were also given the Australia is expected to give a opportunity to direct questions gies, nurturing footballing talent presentation on developing learn- to the experts about how best to and supporting young players in ing opportunities for players. A view of the first day at the “2nd Aspire in the World Fellows” gathering held at the iconic Aspire Academy improve their performance. achieving sporting success. Aspire Academy first opened in Doha yesterday. The session provided a range of Following the session, partici- its doors in 2004 and is considered valuable insights for participants, pants were then given a tour of to be one of the leading sports helping to support the develop- Aspire Academy’s facilities and institutes in the Middle East. of sports development, sports develops well-educated sports emy for young athletes by 2020. ment of innovative approaches to briefed about the educational and The Academy offers an inte- science and academic learning champions and aims to become improving training methodolo- training programmes the Acad- grated educational programme to boys aged 12 to 18. The school the world’s leading sports acad- THE PENINSULA