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Thursday 11 April 2013 1 Jumada II 1434 - Volume 18 Number 5666 Price: QR2

Qatar bourse GCC Athletics: earnings flat Qatar’s Barshim last year picks up gold

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Tenants devise new ways to cheat landlords CMC calls for changes in rent law

DOHA: A racket has come to they must pay the above fee. A light whereby some tenants tenant is not legally authorised to deliberately pick a fight with get a rent contract attested. Also, their landlords and lodge a com- for attestation he needs property plaint with a rent dispute reso- documents which he doesn’t have lution committee to avoid paying access to. rent for months — during which By amending the rent law, the time they change their residence CMC wants to make sure that an and repeat the fraud. attested rent agreement is treated In this way, unscrupulous ten- as proof of the rent amount by the ants manage to live in rented court. “This would mean that a homes with their families for tenant or landlord could directly The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani and his Egyptian counterpart Dr Hisham Qandil at a joint years and pay rent for only go to a court in the case of a dis- press conference at Emiri Diwan yesterday. The Minister of Finance and Economy H E Yousuf Hussein Kamal is also seen. three to four months in a year, pute and the matter is resolved sources in the Central Municipal immediately,” said a CMC source. Council (CMC) told The Peninsula According to him, rent dispute yesterday. committees take a long time — Qatar gives Egypt $3bn Premier at his According to sources, the rent between three and six months — law lacks provisions to stop such to resolve a dispute. In this time, fraud. The legal committee of an unscrupulous tenant who has DOHA: Qatar yesterday announced fur- briefing with his Egyptian counterpart, Dr humorous best the CMC discussed the issue last filed the complaint to delay paying ther financial backing for Egypt and said Hisham Qandil, at the Emiri Diwan. Tuesday and its recommendations the rent shifts his residence. negative comments on its relations with According to Qatar News Agency (QNA), it DOHA: The subtle sense of humour for to ensure that such rackets cease The number of such tenants Cairo in the Egyptian media wouldn’t make was decided at a meeting between the Emir, which the Prime Minister and Foreign will be debated in the council soon. has been on the rise. Their modus it change its stance on its support for the H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and Minister, H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem After discussion, the CMC is operandi is that they rent a house fellow Arab country. Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi, on the bin Jabor Al Thani, is known, was in wit- expected to forward the recom- by paying a month’s rent. Then “We will continue to back Egypt and stand sidelines of the recent Arab Summit here, to ness briefly at the news briefing when he mendations to the Ministry of they cook up a dispute and file beside our brethren,” declared the Prime study the issue of Qatar providing further replied to a question if criticisms of Qatar Municipality and Urban Planning a complaint with a rent dispute Minister and Foreign Minister, H E Sheikh financial backing to “brotherly” Egypt. by sections of the Egyptian media would to amend the rent law and make resolution committee. Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, after The Premier said Qatar would also provide affect Doha’s support for Cairo. it compulsory for all tenancy Since the rent amount is dis- announcing that Qatar would provide Egypt gas to Egypt to help it meet shortages during Taking a dig at the Qatar-bashing media in contracts to be attested by the puted, the rent is to be deposited another $3bn. the summer months. “We will help meet the Cairo, he said in a lighter vein that sections government. with the committee until the “The Qatari government would add to its shortfall until Egypt is able to circumvent of the Egyptian media had reported that Dr Rent agreements are now dispute is resolved. But unscru- Egyptian counterpart bonds $3bn… Within the problem.” Hisham Qandil was carrying a file of docu- attested by a municipality (under pulous tenants avoid deposit- the coming days the concerned parties in the He said his talks with Qandil also dealt ments to close some sale deals with Qatar. whose jurisdiction the property is ing the rent and move from the two countries would work out details of such with joint ventures already based in Sharm Journalists at the briefing that included located) only if the property own- rented home after a few months bonds or deposits,” he said. El Sheikh and Hurghada. They were launched many Egyptian TV and electronic media ers agree to it and are willing to and shift to another residence, In response to a question at a news con- four to five years ago and are under develop- persons, burst into laughter when the pay the attestation fee — which where they repeat the fraud, the ference here, he added: “We didn’t ask the ment. Future projects in the iron and steel Premier said: “When I met Dr Qandil I is one percent of the annual rent. CMC source said. Egyptian government something in return for sector and in the industrial area were also asked him where that file was”. Landlords, according to CMC THE PENINSULA Qatari support”. discussed. THE PENINSULA Continued on page 5 sources, avoid attestation since Continued on page 5 The Prime Minister was addressing the Continued on page 5 Two die in gruesome accident Syria’s Al Nusra Libya gives Egypt $2bn loan rebels pledge CAIRO: Libya will give Egypt a $2bn five-year, interest-free loan BY FAZEENA SALEEM under an agreement signed yesterday, the Egyptian state news support to Qaeda agency Mena reported. It quoted a finance ministry official as say- DOHA: At least two people ing the loan would have a three-year grace period and was intended were killed and many seriously DAMASCUS: The head of “to support the Egyptian economy and the state budget and foreign injured in a head-on collision Syria’s jihadist Al Nusra Front currency reserves”. The official said the money was expected to involving two minibuses and a pledged allegiance to Al Qaeda arrive next week. Mena quoted the official as saying that the Libyan four-wheeler at the intersection chief Ayman Al Zawahiri yes- deal would strengthen Cairo’s hand in the IMF talks. below the Ras Abu Aboud flyo- terday, but distanced his group ver on the Corniche yesterday from claims it has merged with Barcelona survive scare to reach semis afternoon. Al Qaeda in Iraq. Both the deceased were Sri Al Nusra’s announcement is BARCELONA: Barcelona survived a huge scare from Paris Saint- Lankans, Sri Lankan embassy likely to bolster assertions by Germain yesterday to qualify for the Champions League semi-finals sources said. President Bashar Al Assad’s for the sixth successive season on away goals after a 1-1 draw at the Two other Sri Lankans were regime that it is fighting “ter- Camp Nou. The 2-2 draw between the pair in last week’s quarter- seriously injured and remain rorists” who want to impose an final first leg had handed the advantage to the Catalans, but with at the emergency unit of the Islamic state. “The sons of Al star player Lionel Messi only starting the return as a substitute Hamad General Hospital, said Nusra Front pledge allegiance to due to a hamstring injury, they seemed nervous throughout and an embassy official. Sheikh Ayman Al Zawahiri,” Abu PSG deservedly went in front just after half-time through Javier The accident occurred at Mohammed Al Jawlani said in a Pastore. However, with Messi summoned from the bench, Pedro around 3.30pm. The rented mini- recording. fired home 19 minutes from time to send Barca into the last four. buses were ferrying employees of But, he added, “we were not Barca join Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich in the Doha Marriott Hotel in Ras consulted” on a claim by Al tomorrow’s semi-final draw. Full report on page 32 Abu Aboud to their accommoda- Qaeda in Iraq chief Abu Bakr Al tion in the city. Baghdadi on Tuesday of a merger Iran plans to build more N-reactors In a statement from Dubai, a with Al-Nusra. “We inform you senior official of the hotel said that neither the Al-Nusra com- DUBAI: Iran plans to build more nuclear power reactors in an “two buses carrying employees A Nissan Patrol car in flames following a head-on collision with a minibus mand nor its consultative coun- earthquake-prone coastal area, Iranian media said yesterday, a day of the hotel were involved in an at the intersection below the Ras Abu Aboud flyover yesterday afternoon. cil, nor its general manager were after a strong tremor struck the region close to its only existing Al Sharq accident resulting in the death of The picture was sent to newspaper by an onlooker. aware of this announcement. It such plant. Tuesday’s 6.3-magnitude quake hit 89km southeast of at least one employee.” reached them via the media and the port of Bushehr, killing 37 people and injuring more than 900 The buses were involved in a Medical Corporation (HMC). The to a source at the hotel. if the speech is authentic, we were as it flattened small villages. The head of the Islamic state’s Atomic forceful collision with a Nissan Corniche area witnessed heavy The embassy has asked for doc- not consulted.” Energy Organisation said hours after the earthquake that more Patrol car, apparently coming traffic jam following the accident, uments to complete formalities to Jawlani stressed his group reactors would be built there. “This earthquake had no impact on from the Corniche side. The car as police, the HMC ambulance repatriate the bodies. would not change. “Al-Nusra the Bushehr nuclear power plant installation,” Fereydoun Abbasi- caught fire. team and civil defence personnel Affidavits from the spouses or Front will not change its flag, Davani said. See also page 12 The front side of the car and launched rescue and firefighting close relatives certified by the though we will continue to be the buses were badly damaged, operations. It took more than Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry proud of the flag of the Islamic PC sales see worst drop ever leading to fears that casualties one hour for traffic to return to are required to take a decision State of Iraq, of those who carry could be more. normal. The HMC air ambulance on sending the bodies home, said it and those who sacrifice them- NEW YORK: Worldwide sales of personal computers slid 13.9 per- More than a dozen people in also took part in the operation, the source. Details about other selves and shed their blood for cent in the first quarter of 2013, research firm IDC said yesterday, the buses were injured, some seri- witnesses said. victims were not available until it,” said Jawlani, acknowledging the worst contraction since it began tracking the market in 1994. ously, according to unconfirmed The deceased hailed from the time of going to press. he had fought in Iraq alongside IDC said global PC shipments totaled 76.3 million units in the first reports. All victims were taken Anuradhapura and Kurunakala THE PENINSULA the ISI, Al Qaeda’s Iraqi offshoot. quarter, the fourth consecutive quarter of year-on-year declines. to the emergency unit at Hamad districts of Sri Lanka, according More pictures on page 7 AFP AGENCIES

THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Sotheby’s to raise $11m Qatar, Ethiopia sign agreements

ADDIS ABABA: The Emir H from art auction in Doha H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Prime Minister of DOHA: Sotheby’s is organising an Gupta, each of which is richly infused Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn evening auction of contemporary with the cultural heritage of these yesterday witnessed the signing art in Doha featuring 40 mod- respective artists. of several agreements memo- ern and contemporary works of A work of monumental scale, randums of understanding Middle Eastern origin and seven yet displaying remarkable detailing (MoU). international contemporary pieces, is Chant Avedissian’s Icons of the The agreements and MoU expected to raise over $11m. Nile. Created in 2010, this gouache, were signed in the filed of cul- The public exhibition and auc- hand coloured stencil, gold and sil- ture, education, higher educa- tion will be held on April 22, 7pm at ver acrylic paint on cardboard, in tion and Scientific Research, Building 5 in Katara and will show- one hundred and twenty parts, is the Qatar Airways flights services, case top-calibre works by a selection largest piece the artist has created the encouragement and recip- of leading Arab and Iranian artists as to date (est.$1,000,000 – $1,500,000). rocal protection of investments, well as international contemporary Prominent among the group of avoidance of double taxation and artists. works to be offered is a supreme prevention of fiscal evasion with Outstanding examples of paint- series of paintings by the influen- respect to taxes on income. ing, installation art, photography tial Iranian artist Mohammed Ehsai The Emir also held talks at and sculpture will be offered for sale, entitled ‘Eshgh’ or ‘Love’ and dated the Presidential Palace with prior to which an 2012 (est. Ethiopean premier. elegantly curated $300,000– The meeting was attended highlights exhi- 400,000). by Prime Minister and Foreign bition will be Ya’illahi Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin open to the pub- (Dear Lord) Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani and lic from April 17 is one of the members of the official delegation to 22. most impor- accompanying the Emir. Commenting tant paintings On the Ethiopian side, the on the sale, to ever come The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is received by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam meeting was attended by a Lina Lazaar to auction Desalegn in Addis Ababa. number of Ministers. QNA Jameel, Sotheby’s by Ayman International Baalbaki (est. Contemporary $100,000- Art Specialist, 150,000). said: “Doha is a Depicting hugely exciting the shrouded Ya’illahi (Dear Lord) by Ayman Baalbaki (est. art hub of the face of a lone, $100,000-$150,000) MENA Region heroic figure and a fitting gazing up to Filipinos gear up for poll location in which to showcase and the skies, the work was created in offer for sale the range of exceptional 2008 in acrylic and gold leaf on panel art we have sourced for this carefully with brass frame and light bulbs. curated auction. The sale presents Other works by Contemporary 23,260 to take part in overseas voting from Saturday only exemplary works by extremely Arab & Iranian artists to be offered important artists. We have toured a in this sale include superb works by, BY RAYNALD C RIVERA voters who were not able to vote number of highlights to both Jeddah among others, Ahmed Alsoudani, in the 2007 and 2010 elections. and Dubai in order to enable our cli- Batoul S’himi, Mona Hatoum and DOHA: The Philippine The Embassy is also await- ents across the region to preview the Rachid Koraïchi. embassy is all set to receive ing approval from the Comelec works, and it is also a priority for us Among the International 23,260 Filipinos in Qatar who to conduct elections in Al to now publicly showcase the works Contemporary works to be offered will cast their votes starting Khor, Dukhan and the Catholic and offer a range of educational is Pink Chimta, a magnificent exam- Saturday for the Philippine Church during Fridays to events in Doha prior to the auction.” ple of Subodh Gupta’s celebration general elections, says an ensure maximum turnout, said Among the Modern and and elevation of everyday domes- embassy official. Almonguera. Contemporary Arab and Iranian tic objects to an artistic plane (est. “Some embassy personnel “The Embassy hopes for a art highlights are works by Ayman $400,000-600,000). have already been assigned smoother elections and huge Baalbaki, Julie Mehretu and Chant The auction also includes inter- the roles of Special Board of turnout of voters,” he said, Avedissian, while the extremely national contemporary works of art Election Inspectors (SBEI), expressing optimism of the appealing offering of International by Rudolf Stingel, Donald Judd and Special Ballot Reception and success of this year’s election as Contemporary art includes impor- Damien Hirst. Custody Group (SBRCG) and the embassy has exhausted all tant works by Ai Weiwei and Subodh THE PENINSULA Special Board of Canvassers possible means of information (SBOC), for the month-long dissemination for the elections, overseas voting which starts from various media entities to this Saturday,” Vice Consul Filipino organisations here. Melvin C Almonguera told The Almonguera called on all the Peninsula yesterday. registered voters here to cast Following the recently their votes this election. concluded Overseas Voting “Even though we are away Training held in Abu Dhabi in Members of the Philippine Embassy’s Special Board of Election from the Philippines we have which Ambassador Crescente Inspectors (SBEI) during the training at the Embassy in Doha. the chance to ensure a better R Relacion along with other future for our country through personnel joined officials of Commission on Elections website www.philembassy-qatar. our participation in the upcom- other Philippine Missions, the (Comelec) reveals a total of 23, org,” he said, adding voters must ing elections. Let’s not waste Embassy conducted train- 260 Filipinos in Qatar are eligi- bring their Qatar ID or passport this chance,” he said. ing for officials and person- ble to vote for 12 senators and a in casting their votes. Casting of votes will be held nel of the Embassy, Philippine Party List representative at the Compared to the last election, daily at the Embassy from Overseas Labour Office and midterm elections. there was an increase in the 8.30am to 4.30pm from this Overseas Workers Welfare “Before going to the Embassy, number of voters for this elec- Saturday till May 13. Voting will Administration on Tuesday. it is important for voters to tion with over 3,000 new regis- close on the last day at exactly The Certified List of Overseas check if their names are in trants and with the Comelec’s 2pm. Voters in Qatar sent by the the certified list posted at our reinstatement of thousands of THE PENINSULA

Nasser Al Khanji, Business Development and Strategy Director at Mowasalat, inaugurating the plant. Sewage treatment plant opens at Karwa City

DOHA: Mowasalat yesterday officially opened a wastewater treatment station at Karwa City. Nasser Al Khanji, business development and strategy director at Mowasalat and its acting executive director inaugurated the facility. The plant consists of two units, the buffer tank and the sewage treatment plant. The total dailycapacity of the plant is 200 cubic meters of treated water. The main objective of the plant is to treat sewage water and reuse it for irrigation of green areas in Karwa City, which is consequently eliminating the cost of transportation of sewage water to municipal treatment stations and the cost of fresh water used in irrigation. Karwa City uses 24,000 gallons of water daily for irri- gation. The total savings due to the use of treated water, instead of fresh water, for irrigation in Karwa City are worth QR7,603,200, the company said yesterday. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Egypt looks at more Qatari investments Continued from page 1 this investment increases.” Egyptian companies qualified On the latest financial backing to take up any project could come announced by Qatar, he said the and work here independently. “additional deposit to the value They do not need to be under the of $3bn in the form of bonds will sponsorship of any local firm. Or support the Egyptian economy”. if they wish so, they can partner He said both sides agreed to with local companies. solve the problem of multi-billion Qandil said Qatari investment in dollar projects that are stalled. his country was not as voluminous “Qatar has shown interest in as rumoured. Qatar ranked 18th making additional investments or 20th among foreign investors in in Egypt,” he said. Egypt. “We want to make sure that THE PENINSULA Qatar respects serious journalism, says PM Continued from page 1 He then said in a serious tone: “We respect the serious media. But some, unfortunately, are painting our support (for their country) in a negative way. “But our position in this regard is clear. We will continue to back Egypt and stand beside our brethren,” he said emphatically. Answering the question but avoiding to name fellow Egyptian and TV host and satirist Bassem Youssef (who criticised Qatar in his last Friday’s show), Qandil said an individual’s stand wouldn’t in anyway affect warm government-to-government and people-to-people contacts between Egypt and Qatar. The Deputy Emir and Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with Egypt’s Prime Minister Hisham Qandil at Emiri Diwan, yesterday. and THE PENINSULA the delegation accompanying him. The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani attended the meeting. Western media propagates lies on Iraq: Scholar Two-day conference marking 10 years of Baghdad’s fall discusses country’s future

BY AZMAT HAROON of certain groups from Iran was affecting the sovereignty of Iraq, DOHA: The Western media which should also be a serious had a major role in the events concern for the GCC. that led to the invasion of Iraq, Although the pro-Iranian Azmi Bishara, director of the groups will oppose intervention Arab Centre for Research and from GCC states, a majority of Policy Studies (ACRPS), and Iraqis still sought support from a former Arab member of the countries such as Saudi Arabia, Israeli Knesset, said. Qatar and the UAE, Hashemi “The media in the US and said. UK published lies to mobilise The conference, that ends public opinion in favour of mili- today, is discussing leading stud- tary intervention in Iraq,” Azmi ies on Iraq during its academic said while speaking at a two-day sessions. THE PENINSULA conference marking 10 years of Baghdad’s fall, yesterday. He said the same media organi- Speakers at the first session of the conference on ‘The Invasion and sations were now contradicting Occupation of Iraq, A Decade Later’, in Doha yesterday. ABDUL BASIT themselves by publishing pieces against the intervention. The issue was a concern for Arab the policies of the government active in Iraq. Initially, the Shia researchers and intellectuals, who and what the people sought to militias were recruited to combat had yet to raise critical questions resolve disputes in Iraq. Al Qaeda, but that provoked sec- about the role of the media that Speaking at a panel discussion tarianism,” Steele said. had helped propagate ‘lies’. on the eyewitness accounts of Stability in the GCC may soon “How do we continue to wel- the war, Naji Sabri Al Hadeethy, be ‘badly hurt’ by the conflict in come people like George Bush, an Iraqi legal scholar on human Iraq, especially if they do not Tony Blair, Donald Rumsfeld and rights affairs, said the attack step in to mediate, according to Dennis Ross — who are in fact, on Iraq was planned 20 years in Tareq Al Hashemi, a former Vice the criminals of the Iraq war? advance. President of Iraq. How can we call on the interna- Jonathan Steele, chief for- “The GCC countries will be tional war criminals to interfere eign correspondent of the The the first to be affected by the and even mediate on our issues?” Guardian, pointed out that sec- situation in Iraq, especially if he asked. tarian disputes within Iraq had Iraq decided to go for a division,” Within the Arab world, there come to affect the entire region. Hashemi said. was a stark difference between “The extremist forces are very He said the growing influence

Kenyan President greeted

DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has sent a cable of greet- ings to President Uhuru Kenyatta on the occa- sion of taking the oath as the new President of the Republic of Kenya.

Abbas leaves Doha DOHA: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas left Doha yester- day after a several-days visit to Qatar. He was seen off upon departure at Doha International Airport by the Minister of State, H E Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, and the Palestinian Ambassador to Qatar Munir Ghannam. QNA

Dubious way continued from page 1

“We have been getting complaints from a large number of property own- ers. These are the owners who do not insist on ten- ants depositing post-dated cheques as guarantee of regular rent payment,” the source said. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Kahramaa Ashghal opens research centre extends QR20m facility will focus on studies related to road infrastructure and other projects office hours

DOHA: The Public Works DOHA: Qatar General Authority (AshghalP yester- Electricity and Water day inaugurated a Centre for Corporation has intro- Research and Development. duced new working hours The centre will focus on for its main Customer research related to road infra- Service Centre located at structure and other work such as ‘D’ Ring road. healthcare and education facili- The centre will remain ties built by the Ashghal. open from 6.30am to It will do chemical and micro- 8.30pm, between Sunday and biological tests to ensure that out Thursday. puts of Ashghal’s projects meet The working hours has local and international quality been increased because standards. of the growing number The research facility worth of Kahramaa’s customers more than QR20m was inau- and to help the organi- gurated by Nasser Al Mawlawi, sation define its theme President, Ashghal. of ‘Customer- Oriented The research centre has sev- Utility’ ensuring satisfac- eral laboratories to do differ- tions for its subscribers. ent kinds of tests. A centre for In view of surging econ- environmental tests, chemical omy of Qatar and in order laboratory and microbiological to improve Kahramaa’s laboratory are housed in the responsiveness to its cus- research centre. tomers and subscribers, “The research centre will focus new working hours will be on more than roads. It will do will benefit the customers research on environmental issues as they would get extra and focus on everything related time to communicate with to Ashghal,” said Al Mawlawi, Nasser Al Mawlawi, President of Ashghal, during a visit to the Centre for Research and Development at Najma, yesterday. SALIM MATRAMKOT the customer care repre- opening on the sidelines of a cer- sentatives and get their emony held at the Ashghal office water testing and everything students and faculty too will be “Many projects at the Qatar faculty will work for projects of requirements fulfilled. in Najma area. related to construction work,” involved with Ashghal’s Centre University will be benefited by Ashghal,” he further said. THE PENINSULA “It has facilities for soil testing, he added. Qatar University’s for Research and Development. this centre. Also our students and THE PENINSULA Ministries, departments attend emergency mock drill

DOHA: Various ministries Defence (GDCD), Logistics bin Hilal Al Kuwari said that this and authorities took part in an Department of the Ministry of exercise was carried out as part emergency mock drill conducted Interior, Traffic Department of periodical preparedness assess- by the Permanent Committee and National Command Centre ment for the Committee for any for Emergency (PCE) at Mashaf (NCC). emergency situation. area in Wukair yesterday to Director General of Public He said the Committee has assess the preparedness of the Security and Chairman of the separate emergency plans for different authorities for emer- PCE H E Staff Maj Gen Saad bin each type of incidents and gency plan. Jassim Al Khulaifi supervised emergencies and these exer- Among those that par- the drill and followed its opera- cises evaluate the efficiency of ticipated in the mock drill tion along with the PCE members those plans. were Qatar Armed Forces, in coordination with different The Kahramaa Chairman Ministry of Environment, departments. added the exercise was made on Ministry of Municipalities and PCE secretary Brig Hamad Al an imaginary accident related with Urban Planning, Ministry of Duhaimi said the Committee rep- Kahramaa and it was dealt as per Labour, Supreme Council of resents 22 different authorities in the plan devised for these types of Education, Internal Security the country and the drill was con- the emergencies. Force (Lekhwiya), Qatar Media ducted in collaboration with these The drill started at 4.30am and Foundation, Hamad Medical authorities. all the teams moved accordingly as Corporation (HMC), Qatar The Civil Defence coordinated planned ending on the scheduled General Electricity and Water with Education Ministry in evac- time. Corporation (Kahramaa), Qatar uating one of the schools in the The director of Operations Officials holding a meeting after the operations. Red Crescent (QRC), Public area. Department at Civil Defence and Works Authority (Ashghal), The Chairman of Kahrmaa and PCE secretary Brig. drills would be conducted in the pre-rehearsal before field exercise in the field drill and it achieve goals. General Directorate of Civil member of the PCE Eng. Eissa Hamad Al Duhaimi said more near future and there will be is carried out to avoid any mistakes THE PENINSULA

Qatar Foundation to publicise FC Barcelona tie-up DOHA: Qatar Foundation (QF) yesterday announced the launch of a high-profile commu- nication campaign to publicise its ongoing partnership with FC Barcelona (FCB). All across Doha the message of ‘Passion Drives Us All’, saluting teamwork, determination, and achievement, has begun. QF and FCB have a shared vision of inspiring young people to QatarDebate officials during the press conference. make the most of their inherent potential. With their new com- munication campaign, QF aims 43 universities to take part in to bring this vision to life through multiple channels. “Our partnership with FC Barcelona is intended to inspire Arabic Debating Championship our global community to be pas- sionate in its pursuit of excel- lence,” said Rashed Al Qurese, DOHA: The second Al Muftah, Communications leaves envisage the participat- Qatar Foundation’s Deputy International Universities Manager, and Dr. Abed Al ing countries in a distinctive Director of Communication. Arabic Debating Sameai, Head of Arabic form to reflect the difference For both organisations, the Championship, organised by Program. in opinions and viewpoints, campaign represents a call to QatarDebate (QD), is set to “The motto for this year’s but eventually all rooted in the action to take the world forward kick off on April 21 at QNCC. championship is ‘an Arabic cer- same trunk, Dr Maarfi said. by working effectively together. Some 43 universities from emony of debate and dialogue’, “There is a debater in every This sentiment is shared by each 21 Arab countries, in addition which reflects the central sig- individual that needs to be institution as a means to achieve to teams from universities in nificance of this championship developed and nurtured (hence their goals. The campaign brings Australia, Turkey, UK, US, as a meeting point for self- the seed on the soil), and this sports, education and science Canada and Malaysia, are par- discovery, establishing connec- is the role of the Championship together. “With this campaign our ticipating in the championship. tions, exchanging opinions, and that QatarDebate has organ- shared mission will be explained QD recently held a press having new acquaintances in ized,” Ali Sultan Al Muftah said to a worldwide audience and fur- conference to announce the debate and dialogue,” Dr Hayat while explaining the idea of the ther encourage the unlocking of contest, which was attended Abdullah Maarafi said. tree-shaped theme. human potential,” Al Qurese said. by Dr Hayat Abdullah Teams from all Arab coun- Answering a question about Its visuals of the campaign take Maarafi, Executive Director tries will be participating in the qualification of the partici- inspiration from everyday objects of QatarDebate, Salem Al the contest with the exception pating teams in the champion- that denote both organisations, Halbadi, Government Affairs of Syria. Dr Maarafi said QD ship, Dr Abed Al Sameai said: such as footballs, books, micro- Director, ConocoPhillips Qatar, seeks to better establish the art “Early preparations have been scopes and musical instruments, the Championship’s gold spon- of debate in Arabic language, taking place, whereby we had to create a powerful visual experi- sor, Dr Abdullatif Sellami, and promote it in the region. organised the debate acad- ence. FCB’s star players, including Educational Programs Manager She also revealed the cham- emy for training of trainers in Messi, Xavi and Iniesta, feature at the Center, Jamal Al Baker, pionship’s theme this year, Arabic, 2012. prominently in the campaign. Events Manager, Ali Sultan which is a tree shaped logo. The THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

Accident scene

The scene of an accident involving a Nissan Patrol car and two minibuses at the intersection under the Ras Abu Aboud flyover around 3:30pm yesterday. At least two people died and several were injured. SALIM MATRAMKOT Two robotic surgeries at Women’s Hospital Surgeons remove ovarian cysts using robotic techniques

DOHA: Women’s Hospital suc- gynecology, in addition to a spe- benefit to patients as they reduce cessfully conducted its first cialized nursing and anesthetic the recovery times and enable two surgeries last week using team in robotic surgery. surgeons to perform delicate robotic techniques. Dr Bossmar is an expert in procedures. The procedures — both to obstetrics and gynecology and has Women’s Hospital is one of the remove ovarian cysts — were been one of the pioneers of the use busiest hospitals of its kind in the the first of its kind in the coun- of robotic and minimally invasive region and its surgical depart- The surgical team at the Women’s Hospital. try in which the minimally inva- surgery in these specialties. ment sees about 450 major gyne- sive robotic techniques have been Each surgery took only 20 min- cological procedures and more used. utes to complete which is just half than 1,000 minor procedures a A team of surgeons led by the time needed using traditional year, said a statement issued by Dr Thomas Bossmar, Head of techniques. the Hamad Medical Corporation Gynecology and Dr Moayyad Robotically-assisted surgery (HMC) yesterday. Younis, consultant in Minimally was developed to overcome the There are plans to extend Invasive Surgery at Women’s limitations of minimally-invasive the robotic surgery programme Hospital conducted the surgeries. surgery and to enhance the capa- to encompass other procedures The surgical team also included bilities of surgeons performing including infertility treatments, Dr Afaf Al Ansari, consultant in open surgery. fibroids, endometriosis and gynecology/oncology, Dr Kholoud Minimally invasive techniques hysterectomies. Al Messalamani, consultant in like robotic surgery are a great THE PENINSULA

Cabinet reviews draft law on stores

DOHA: The cabinet yes- terday reviewed the fol- lowing issues: A - A draft law concerning the com- mercial, industrial and general stores. It includes basic rules providing that it is not allowed to open or managae any store under their rules except via a licence from the concerned department of the ministry of business and trade . The aforesaid draft law comes within the due keenness on updating the legislations for shortening time and faciliating the measures of licencing the opening and management of stores and attract capitals. B- A draft law amend- ing some provisions of law No.(25) of 2005 concerning the commercial register. Accoring to such amend- ment, the department con- cerned is to consider the licence request and inform the applicant of the depart- ment’s decision in the same day and registration in the commercial register will be for a one-year period renew- able for a period or other similar periods. C- A draft law amending some provi- sions of the law No.(7) of 2007 concerning settlement in administrative disputes. D- An Emiri draft deci- sion amending some provi- sions of the Emiri decision No.(23) of 2006 on the for- mation of the permanent committee for naturalisation affairs, setting its functions and the procedures to be followed. QNA THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Wakra mangroves in grave danger Unesco expert raises concern as he unveils floating mangroves trial

DOHA: The mangroves in Al are irrigated exclusively with sea Wakra could be in serious dan- water. They were planted as a ger, according to the Ecological result of a project by Unesco Doha, Sciences Adviser for Unesco in partnership with Mourjan Arab Region, Benno Boer. Marinas IGY and Lusail Real The mangroves — one of the Estate Development Company eight to 10 notable natural man- (LREDC). groves sites in Qatar — are suf- Results of the experiment will fering the impact of construction help understand if climate change work of the port, he said. can be mitigated with floating “I went there a couple of days mangroves. ago and there were fences all The plants can contribute around, the only way to see the to environmental wellbeing by condition of the mangroves would reducing land-based marine pol- be with a satellite,” Boer said. lution by taking up potassium, The Unesco expert was speak- nitrogen and phosphates. Globally, ing as he unveiled an experiment mangroves are rapidly declining of floating mangroves to the pub- in quantity, ramping up ongoing lic yesterday. attempts to better conserve them. The first experiment of floating “Floating mangroves can be mangroves for carbon sequestra- developed into large-scale cash tion has been continuing at Lusail crop systems in the sub-tropical Marina since March last year. and tropical coastal oceans of For this project to move for- the world, such as biofuel and ward and be effectively useful livestock fodder, generating jobs, for carbon sequestration, Unesco income and profit,” said Boer. aims to recruit at least five stu- “We welcome the opportunity dents that can work on it for five to partner with Unesco Doha in years. “The project also needs an realising our vision for this iconic investment of $500,000,” Boer new city that is set to become added. a beacon for sustainable mega The idea is to develop the con- developments around the region,” cept in Qatar and plant man- said Engineer Essa Mohammed A man waters the mangroves plants with sea water at Lusail Marina yesterday. SHAIVAL DALAL groves in more suitable locations Ali Kaldari, CEO, LREDC. like Thailand, the Philippines or “Conservation of the local envi- Malaysia. To develop a full proto- ronment and being as eco-friendly are built and maintained with Mourjan Marinas IGY. Alf Ziegler, Environmental and contribute to global research in type, Unesco needs about $2.5m, as we can is extremely important the greatest sensitivity to the “Lusail City’s involvement in Sustainability Manager, LREDC. an area of significant scientific added the expert. to Mourjan Marinas IGY. “We local environment,” said Wayne environmental initiatives is a “As Qatar’s premier lifestyle interest.” The plants at Lusail Marina ensure that all of our marinas Sheperd, General Manager at big priority for us,” added Alf destination, we are excited to THE PENINSULA Doha second lowest risky city for employers DOHA: Qatar’s capital has employment and relocation in international business hubs such Arab Awakening means employ- Arab youth see been identified as the second 138 cities worldwide by analysing as Paris (36th), Manchester ers are facing deeper challenges lowest risky city for employers factors as demographics, access (37th) and Frankfurt (37th) — and need to adjust as the eco- in the Middle East and North to education, talent and devel- and alongside those cities such nomic and business environ- Africa region (Mena). opment, employment practices as Brussels, Denver and Sydney ment changes,” said Markus Doha jumped 11 places com- and government regulations. who ranked equally at 27th. Wiesner, CEO of Aon Hewitt best days ahead pared to last year’s Index to Doha ranks 31st among the Among the major cities of Middle East. occupy 31st position among 138 cities covered in the Index, the Middle East, Doha ranked “The region’s employable DOHA: Representing a As part of the survey, interna- 138 cities, well ahead of Paris rising 11 places compared to the well ahead of Muscat (50th), population is expected to almost resounding vote of confidence tional polling firm Penn Schoen (36th), Manchester (37th) and 2012 People Risk Index, and is Riyadh (53rd) and Manama double by 2050, to reach 278 mil- in the Middle East and North Berland (PSB) interviewed 3,000 Frankfurt (37th), according to the second highest ranked city (57th) on the list, while Sana’a lion from the current 145 mil- Africa’s (Mena) future out- Arab nationals aged between 18 the findings of ‘2013 People Risk in the Middle East after Dubai and Damascus were ranked the lion and with increasing amount look, three-quarters of Arab and 24 in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Index, by Aon Hewitt, a global (19th). lowest of all cities involved in the of young people entering the youth, the region’s largest Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, human resources business of Significantly, the Index sup- survey. work force and integration of demographic, say their best Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, US-based Aon plc. ports Doha’s growing reputa- “The Mena region provides women, this will have a signifi- days are ahead of them in the Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria The ‘People Risk Index’ meas- tion as a major business hub, plenty of opportunities for local cant impact on how employers fifth annual ASDA’A Burson- and Yemen. The survey was con- ures the risks that organisa- with the Qatari capital rank- and foreign companies, however, obtain talent,” he said. Marsteller Arab Youth Survey, ducted between December 2012 tions face with recruitment, ing higher than many leading significant changes due to the THE PENINSULA released yesterday. and January 2013. An overwhelming 74 percent In each of the 15 countries sur- of all Arab youth surveyed in 15 veyed, the majority are optimistic countries across Mena agree with about the future, with a nearly the statement: “Our best days are equal percentage of youth in the TAMU-Q wins accolades ahead of us”. Arab youth have a Gulf and non-Gulf states (76 per- greater sense of national identity cent and 72 percent, respectively) DOHA: Texas A&M at Qatar (TAMU-Q) after the Arab Spring, with 87 saying “our best days are ahead has been awarded an Exceptional Proposal percent saying they are “more of us”. recognition by the Qatar National Research proud to be an Arab”. More than half (58 percent) Fund (QNRF) National Priorities Research And being paid a fair wage and believe their country is “heading Program (NPRP) for a project that aims to home ownership remain their in the right direction” considering improve solar power conversion. highest priorities, and rising liv- the last 12 months, while 55 per- The awarded proposal presented and led by ing costs their top concern. cent say their national economy is Dr Haitham Abu-Rub (pictured), professor in Nearly a third of the respond- also heading in the right direction. electrical engineering at TAMU-Q, will attempt ents expressed concern about In the wake of the Arab Spring, to solve problems with integrating up to one megawatt of power inflation, saying the rising cost of regional youth are prouder than from photovoltaic power conversion systems into the national living is a bigger worry than ter- ever of their national identity – utility grid using a silicon carbide-based inverter. The project has rorism or any other issues. and they increasingly embrace been granted $4.6m, as power electronic converters are expected The survey, conducted by modern values and beliefs. Nearly to play a major role in the conversion of alternative energy sources ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller, a nine out of 10 young Arabs (87 and the interfacing of this energy with power grids. leading public relations consul- percent) feel “more proud to be “The exceptional proposals awarded by QNRF are an exten- tancy in Mena, aimed at providing an Arab” following the uprisings, sion of our flagship National Priorities Research Experience reliable data and insights about and 59 percent believe recent Programme, and are granted exclusively for research of excep- the attitudes and aspirations of changes in their country will have tional scientific merit and benefit to Qatar,” said Dr Abdul Sattar the region’s 200 million youth a positive impact on them and Al Taie, executive director at QNRF. THE PENINSULA population to the decision makers. their family. THE PENINSULA

QSA surveys demand for building materials

DOHA: Qatar Statistics Authority (QSA) has launched a ‘survey for the demand of primary building materials’, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Business and Trade, the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, and the Central Planning Office. Officials yesterday held a meeting at the QSA in the presence of the key developers engaged in mega projects. Participants included rep- resentatives of the Ministry of Business and Trade, the Central Planning Office, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar Foundation, Msheireb, Ashghal, Diar/Lusail, Barwa, Civil Aviation Authority, Officials of Qatar Statistics Authority and key developers of mega projects during the meeting yesterday. and New Port Project. The survey is being carried out at the request of the Committee related to the infrastructure information to enable planners needed for the timely completion created to monitor the supply projects and the FIFA World Cup. and decision makers ensure the of all the mega project. and demand of primary materials The results will constitute useful regular supply of these materials THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Syrian rebels BRIEFLY urge Kerry Saudi Arabia for weapons frees Jordanian reform activist Rebel-Al Qaeda ties worry West AMMAN: Amnesty International yesterday LONDON: Syrian opposition “We are always considering a said Saudi authorities have leaders renewed their appeals variety of options, we are going released a Jordanian reform for arms at a meeting with US to continue to aid the opposition, activist who had been held Secretary of State John Kerry working with them in terms of since the beginning of the yesterday, but a top jihadist what they need, in terms of what year in a case that drew con- group’s pledge of loyalty to Al we’re willing to provide,” the US cern over his rights. Qaeda deepened Western con- official said. “Khalid Al Natur, who had cerns that weapons could fall Yesterday’s talks had focused been held incommunicado in into the wrong hands. on ways of changing Assad’s Saudi Arabia since 6 January Kerry and other G8 foreign calculations about the outcome was released on 7 April,” ministers held talks with mem- of the conflict which is now in Amnesty said. bers of the Syrian National its third year and has cost some UAE Red Crescent members receive Syrian refugees at the new Mrigeb Al Fuhud refugee camp, 20km east of “Throughout his detention, Coalition, including opposition 70,000 lives, according to the UN. he was denied access to fam- the city of Zarqa, yesterday. prime minister Ghassan Hitto, “We need to have this continu- ily and lawyers, and was not on the sidelines of a two-day ing conversation which is why we charged with any offence.” ministerial meeting in London. are going back to Istanbul,” the Natur, a website developer, The US said it was mulling official said. was detained after he and four ways to step up help for Syria’s But he said the lunch with six UAE pays $9.8m for Syrian associates arrived at Riyadh rebels, while Kerry also met with Syrian opposition leaders was “a airport on a business trip, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei good, substantive discussion”. according to Amnesty. Lavrov in a bid to find common All sides emphasised “the The other four “were told ground on ending the conflict importance of working together, they would risk a similar fate between the rebels and President the importance of them getting refugee camp in Jordan if they did not leave the air- Bashar Al Assad. themselves more organised, port immediately,” the London- Kerry will, meanwhile, attend which they said they were in the AMMAN/ANKARA: Jordan sought refuge in Jordan, includ- civil war in their homeland have based watchdog said. a “Friends of Syria” core group process of doing”. opened a second camp for ing nearly a quarter of a million registered in Turkey, most of meeting on April 20 in the Hague said the Syria conflict Syrian refugees yesterday after children. A UN spokeswoman whom stay in 17 camps along the Turkish city of Istanbul, a US would be “top of the agenda” the United Nations said the said last week that UN agencies 900km border, although Turkish Palestinian hunger official said. when the G8 foreign ministers number seeking shelter in the expect the number to surge to leaders say the total number But a statement yesterday meet for dinner last night and kingdom is expected to triple by around 1.2 million by December of refugees is closer to 400,000. striker rearrested by the head of Syria’s jihadist again for formal talks today. the end of the year. — equivalent to about one-fifth of Those who have fled are predomi- RAMALLAH, Palestinian Al Nusra Front pledging alle- The spiralling North Korean A first group of 106 refugees, Jordan’s total population. The UN nantly ethnic Arabs from Syria’s Territories: The Israeli army giance to Al Qaeda chief Ayman nuclear crisis and Iran’s atomic who were among 1,306 who children’s agency Uniced, which Sunni Muslim majority, most of rearrested a Palestinian Al Zawahiri will only increase ambitions were also discussed at crossed the border during the provides safe water, sanitation, whom largely support the rebels former prison hunger striker Western doubts about arming the meeting. night, were moved to the new vaccines and education in the fighting to overthrow President in the West Bank yester- the rebels. On Iran — Syria’s main ally Mrigeb Al Fuhud camp, govern- Zaatari camp, says it is facing a Bashar Al Assad, who himself day, nearly a year after his A top State Department offi- in addition to Russia — the ment spokesman for Syrian refu- massive funding shortfall which belongs to the Alawite minority release, a Palestinian official cial confirmed that, during a US reacted with concern after gee affairs, Anmar Hmud said. may force it to cut back on des- of Shia Islam. said. lunch hosted by British Foreign Tehran this week unveiled a new The 13,000-acre (5,200-hec- perately needed services. Apart from housing refugees, Thaer Halahla, 35, who was Secretary William Hague, uranium production facility and tare) camp, some 80km northeast The agency says it has received Turkey, which also has a Sunni held without charge by Israel the Syrian opposition lead- two extraction mines only days of Amman, has 750 caravans, a just $12m of the $57m it had majority, has thrown its weight for almost two years until ers renewed appeals for lethal after talks with world powers on hospital and a school and can take appealed for to fund its Jordan behind the rebels, giving them June 2012, was rearrested in aid but Kerry “didn’t promise its disputed nuclear programme up to 5,500 people. operations this year. sanctuary, although it denies arm- Ramallah, an official in the anything”. ended in deadlock. The Jordan Dinar 7m ($9.8m) ing them. This has drawn accusa- Palestinian Authority’s minis- The US and EU are currently “They have continued to move camp was paid for by the UAE. TURKEY BUILDING CAMPS tions of sectarianism levelled at try for prisoners’ affairs said. providing non-lethal aid such as forward, we are very concerned “It will mainly receive widows, FOR CHRISTIANS, KURDS the government from Assad as Since his rearrest, Halahla communications equipment, and about what they are doing,” a orphans and families who do not well as Turkish minority groups has been beaten by soldiers, are beginning to distribute food senior State Department offi- have single men,” Hmud said. Meanwhile, Turkey is building and opposition parties. “suffering injuries to his face and medical supplies to the Free cial said, asking to remain “There are plans to expand the two camps along its far southeast- The two tented camps, to be and feet,” a prisoners’ rights Syrian Army, but have stopped anonymous. camp to house 30,000 people.” ern border with Syria to house a completed in less than a month, group quoted his lawyer as short of providing weaponry. “We weren’t blindsided about Jordan opened a first camp at growing number of refugees from are being built in Midyat, a town saying. Halahla’s lawyer said The announcement by the Al it, because we are rarely blind- Zaatari in the desert north of the Syrian minority groups, mainly in southeastern Mardin province he would appeal the court’s Nusra front is likely to bolster sided about the things that they kingdom in July last year. It now Assyrian Christians as well as some 50km from the Syrian bor- decision. The Israeli army assertions by Assad’s regime that are considering. But they did not houses more than 150,000 Syrian ethnic Kurds, a government offi- der, the official from Turkey’s for- confirmed Halahla’s arrest, but it is fighting “terrorists” who specify that they were going to refugees. The UN estimates that cial said yesterday. eign ministry said. gave no further details. want to impose an Islamic state. do this,” the official said. AFP around 385,500 Syrians have More 250,000 Syrians fleeing AFP/REUTERS US to revive Turkish, Israeli defence ties ANKARA: US Defence Yemeni president Secretary Chuck Hagel will try to rekindle military cooperation between Turkey and its former close ally removes Saleh’s son Israel in his first visit to the two countries since taking office, a Turkish official said yesterday. in army shake-up Hagel, whose visit to Turkey will take place close to his SANA’A: Yemen’s president had been deputy chief of national Israel trip set for April 21-23, removed the commander of security were given the embassies will also discuss regional issues, the elite Republican Guard, a in Germany and Ethiopia, respec- the official said. Turkey has key political foe, from the mili- tively. The appointments come borders with war-ravaged tary yesterday, state television as the ex-president is in Saudi Syria, as well as with Iran reported, in an apparent move Arabia for medical treatment. and Iraq. The US Embassy in to unify the divided armed He spent time recovering in a Ankara said it would not com- forces under his own control. Riyadh hospital in June 2011 after ment on any potential visits. Yemeni television read out a a bomb attack on his compound Relations between Israel and series of orders by President Abd- seriously wounded him. Turkey, once the Jewish state’s Rabbu Mansour Hadi appointing Hadi has vowed to unify the closest Muslim ally, fell apart Brigadier General Ahmed Ali army, which is divided between in 2010 after Israeli marines Abdullah Saleh, who is the son allies and opponents of Ali killed nine Turkish activists of Hadi’s predecessor, former Abdullah Saleh, who stepped aboard an aid ship trying to president Ali Abdullah Saleh, as down in a Gulf-brokered deal break Israel’s naval blockade of ambassador to the UAE. in 2012 after a year of protests the Palestinian-run Gaza Strip. In December, Hadi dramati- against his rule, but still looms A masked protester kisses the Holy Quran during a demonstration in Salmabad village, south of Manama, yesterday. cally restructured the military to large in Yemen. curb the influence of those linked Gulf neighbours and Western Four killed in Iraq to the toppled strongman. nations fear the wily leader’s He scrapped the elite continuing influence, not least attacks on troops Bahrain arrests 20 without warrants: HRW Republican Guard that Ahmed through his powerful son, could BAGHDAD: Attacks on Abdullah Saleh had commanded tip a delicate political transition security forces north of DUBAI: Human Rights Watch world, the Grand Prix is the big- Nobody could be arrested with- and removed Saleh’s nephew, into chaos. Restoring stability in Baghdad killed three soldiers yesterday said that police had gest sporting event hosted by the out a warrant, he said. Yehya, from his powerful post as Yemen has become a priority for and a policeman yesterday, arrested 20 opposition activ- US-allied country and the govern- “This doesn’t happen in deputy chief of central security. the US and its Gulf allies, con- police and medics said, the ists in towns near Bahrain’s ment is hoping for a big turnout Bahrain. If there is any action Hadi took the reins of power cerned about Al Qaeda-linked latest in an uptick in violence Formula One circuit in a sign at this year’s event despite con- against peace and security, it last year, after the elder Saleh militants operating in a country less than two weeks ahead of of rising political tension before tinuing violent unrest. must be dealt with according to stepped down under a power that adjoins top oil exporter Saudi elections. the Grand Prix on April 21. An HRW statement said the law.” transition agreement mediated Arabia and overlooks major global In the main northern city The Bahrain government detentions were made without a The race at the Sakhir desert by the Gulf Cooperation Council, shipping lanes. of Mosul, gunmen attacked a denied any arrests had taken warrant and with the apparent circuit was cancelled in 2011 following a year-long upris- The television said Hadi had military checkpoint, killing the place. intention of preventing a repeat when the protests were crushed ing against his rule. Yesterday’s also appointed General Ali soldiers. In the Diyala provin- The Gulf Arab state, where the of protests during last year’s and at least 35 people were killed. appointments were part of the Mohsen Al Ahmar, commander cial town of Muqdadiya, a road- US Navy’s Fifth Fleet is based, race, which went ahead against Activists put the tally far higher. restructuring process. Two other of the First Armoured Division, as side bomb killed the policeman. has been hit by unrest since pro- a backdrop of burning tyres and Almost daily demonstrations influential members of the Saleh a presidential adviser for military Violence left 271 Iraqis democracy protests broke out riot police firing teargas at petrol- have taken place in Bahrain since family were also appointed to dip- affairs. Ahmar is a rival of Ahmed dead last month, the highest in early 2011, putting it in the bomb throwing protesters in Shia the end of martial law in June lomatic posts, the television said. Saleh’s and sided with his father’s monthly figure since August, frontline of the region-wide tussle villages. 2011, often ending in confronta- General Tareq Mohammed opponents in the political crisis of according to a tally, and comes between Shi’ite Muslim Iran and But Information Minister tions as youths throw stones or Abdullah Saleh, who had com- 2011, backing activists who took ahead of provincial elections Sunni Arab states such as Saudi Sameera Rajab said: “We dis- petrol bombs and police fire bird- manded the ex-president’s to the streets demanding that due on April 20. Arabia. credit any news of such arrests shot pellets and tear gas. personal guard, and Ammar President Saleh step down. AGENCIES Watched by millions around the in recent days or even months,” REUTERS Mohammed Abdallah Saleh, who AFP/REUTERS THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 10 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Flux in Syria Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

ore than two years into the Syrian crisis, as the revolt against President Bashar Al Assad grows more strident, new combinations are emerging. Capriles needs late surge to MThe recently held Arab League Summit in Doha lent a semblance of legitimacy to the opposition by giving Syria’s seat in the 22-member organisation to rebel leader Moaz Al Khatib. Though Al Khatib had quit his position as win Venezuela election the head of the opposition days earlier, he did not desist from taking the seat at the Doha Summit, indicating that he may BY ANDREW CAWTHORNE have relented. drawn huge crowds, lost weight, gone company PDVSA fuelling a well-orches- There have been murmurs about Al Qaeda being among hoarse and swapped last year’s cautious trated campaign, Sunday’s ballot should the fighters for quite some time now. Yesterday, the theory fter beating Venezuelan respect for Chavez with gleefully irrev- be a mere formality.” that the most feared terror group’s backers were present in opposition leader Henrique erent attacks on Maduro. Capriles in last year’s presi- Lambasting him daily as a “liar,” SURPRISE POSSIBLE? the conflict-torn nation was proved right when the Al-Nusra Adential election, Hugo Chavez “incompetent” and member of a “cor- To pull off a surprise win, Capriles Front pledged allegiance to Al Qaeda chief Ayman Al telephoned him and courteously quipped: rupt” elite, Capriles has mocked the first needs to ensure as many as possible Zawahiri. Though it is one of the most prominent groups “You made me get out and work hard!” acting president for calling an ancient of his 6.6 million supporters in October fighting the regime, Al-Nusra Front’s direct support for the Now in his second campaign for the curse on the heads of opposition voters back him again. Last year’s record over- Syrian National Coalition is not known. It has been part of OPEC nation’s top job, the tireless and claiming Chavez had appeared to all 80 percent turnout is unlikely, how- Capriles has again pushed himself to the him in the form of a bird. ever, to be replicated. the rebellion against Assad in its own way. Known largely for limit to ensure his new rival and elec- From wearing the red colours of the He would also need a significant its suicide bombings, it is considered a force to reckon with tion favourite, Chavez’s protege Nicolas ruling Socialist Party or logo of the number of “Chavistas” to decide that among the rebel groups. Maduro, does not have an easy path to state oil company, to saying his little Maduro, a former bus driver who rose The announcement of allegiance to Al Qaeda by a victory. finger had more revolutionary fibre than to be vice president and is vowing to prominent rebel group has come at a time when the conflict in “I’m shedding my skin for Venezuela,” Maduro’s whole body, Capriles’ new continue his mentor’s hardline socialism Syria is getting more complicated. Capriles, 40, roared this week at the aggression has delighted supporters. in Venezuela, is not up to the job. final rallies of a passionate campaign Yet all local polls still show him That is extremely hard just a The Al-Nusra Amid pleadings to the West for where he has re-energised opposi- behind, albeit with a gap shrinking to month after Chavez’s death, with his supply of arms to opposition tion backers still below 10 points in some weekly surveys. endorsement of Maduro literally ring- Front, a rebel fighters, and the chorus for foreign upset about his Overturning the popular Chavez’s ing in Venezuelans’ ears from speak- group fighting military intervention gaining louder loss against the dying wish, the naming of Maduro as ers at every government rally and in international forums, the Syrian socialist Chavez his successor in his last public speech, campaign spot. the Assad crisis has opened myriad fronts. last October. may be a step too far. “Give us another month or two, for “My body and Capriles won 44 percent of the vote in people to start comparing Henrique regime, has Hillary Clinton, who recently bones may be October, the opposition’s best showing with Maduro as candidates head-to- declared retired as the US Secretary of Capriles has drawn hurting, but my against Chavez in a presidential elec- head, instead of Henrique having to State went on record saying that huge crowds, heart is bursting tion, and he is predicting a late surge go up against the ghost of Chavez, and allegiance to Al with emotion — this week. we would win this easily,” said Nelly her advice to US President Barack lost weight, Qaeda. Obama about arming the rebels was this isn’t eupho- “The polls are only a snapshot of a few Rodriguez, resting with friends at a gone hoarse and ria, it’s hysteria weeks ago, and things are moving fast. Caracas cafe after attending a Capriles struck down. Even the European for change!” he We are winning,” Capriles said. “They rally. Union is loath to supply weapons to the fighters, sticking to swapped last said at a rally in know this election will be decided on “It’s pretty obvious that Maduro is its stand of “non-lethal aid”. However, Britain and France are year’s cautious eastern Venezuela April 14th, the game’s not over.” a terrible candidate. If it weren’t for comfortable being the dissenters. They want an arms embargo during an almost His camp, cheekily called the “Simon the Chavez factor, there’d be no con- lifted on Syria, so that they can provide weapons to the rebels. respect for Chavez manic criss- Bolivar Command” in a reclaiming of test here.” How will Al-Nusra Front’s declaring allegiance to Al Qaeda with gleefully crossing of the Chavez’s idol and Venezuela’s independ- If Capriles loses again on Sunday, the country in search ence hero Simon Bolivar, is far more opposition coalition faces another six sit with Western powers? irreverent attacks of votes. upbeat than just two weeks ago. years in the political wilderness and the Western nations, especially those opposed to arming on Maduro. After beat- Capriles and his aides believe hard-won unity of the last few years the rebels, will likely pat themselves on the back after the ing Capriles in Maduro’s poll numbers are moving could splinter. announcement by the Al-Nusra Front. They would not have October for his lower as the sympathy over Chavez’s The Democratic Unity movement’s wanted that the weapons supplied by them fall into the hands fourth presi- death wears off. diverse mix of right- and left-wing of a group that was behind the 9/11 attacks, an event that dential election But their rising self-belief is not yet groups was already under huge strain victory, the can- widely shared. earlier this year before Capriles galva- dramatically reshaped international relations. cer-stricken Chavez’s health deterio- “The opposition’s optimism is prob- nised them and buried disagreements, The leaders of the Syrian National Coalition are at the rated quickly and he died on March 5. ably misplaced,” the LatinNews think- at least temporarily, for the sake of a G8 meeting in London where the conflict will come up for He had named Maduro as his chosen tank said in what is a near-consensus united push on Sunday. discussion. There is another meeting lined up in Istanbul on heir before undergoing his last cancer view of non-partisan observers tracking Capriles is clearly the best and most April 20 where Western and Middle Eastern leaders will meet operation in December, and a surge the race. popular opposition leader in years, but of emotion over his death has given “Despite Maduro’s obvious lack of another defeat would put him in a dif- to discuss the conflict. The international community needs to Maduro a huge boost ahead of the elec- charisma in comparison to Chavez, ficult position. There are others wait- show considerable maturity in dealing with the flux through tion on Sunday. he is the only option on the table for ing in the wings to polish potential rival which the revolt is passing • Fighting to counter that, Capriles has ‘Chavistas’ and with the state oil candidacies for the future. REUTERS Letters Quote of Short-sighted planning will lead to more traffic chaos the day urrent growth in urban volume of traffic in the coming years. located in the busiest and crowded settlements are distributed evenly infrastructure and architecture Wider lanes and interchanges are areas in Doha are still being built upon through the country. seems to be frail in terms of an immediate requirement in Doha. (e.g. Najma, Mansoura, Muntazah). Creation of multiple Doha-like sat- Cfunctional approach. The idea Construction managers have blindly Common sense says that construction ellite townships with highway access of developing an ‘instant city’ is going prepared new road construction plans/ should not be allowed in such places should be the primary aim rather than So the priority to be a harmful one. strategies without taking into account and the remaining empty plots of land building dense infrastructure and build- In a country where the population efficient alternatives for current and should be utilised as parking lots and ings in and around already congested must be to continue of locals and expatriates is increas- future traffic volumes. In the coming for providing breathing space, parks parts of the city. to clean up the ing, and so is the number of vehicles, years, the roads in Doha are going to and other leisure areas for pedestrians. Overall, Qatar should not be focused Doha’s road network is still being be inevitably jam-packed with vehicles, The building of housing colonies, on just building infrastructure to support banking system planned with three-four lane roads and residents will be frustrated with new malls and other architectural won- a world cup. by recapitalising, and flyovers. Dedicated lanes, bus road blockages caused by inefficient ders in Doha will not make up for the This hasty, spur-of-the-moment stops and other suitable provisions for road planning. city’s poor urban planning. approach to getting things accom- restructuring, or — public transport are still being ignored. I am forced to question the feasibility All future developments must be plished is not going to benefit the coun- where necessary — This lack of foresight will leave us of the master plan devised for Doha, moved to the outer parts of Doha try or its residents in any way. unable to manage the increasing as the few remaining empty plots so that the volume of traffic and Romi Sebastian, Doha shutting down banks. Christine Lagarde IMF Chief THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 QATAR PERSPECTIVE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Media freedom and code of ethics

reedom of speech and the challenges and hardships jour- This makes it necessary for the some Arab countries do not have journalistic codes of nalists face, the denial of their RABIA BIN SABAH AL KAWARI boards of media institutions to such unions or associations. ethics in Arab societies rights, the fact that the media now focus not just on financial profit at Third, codes of ethics are writ- were at the centre of has no role in enlightening society the expense of professionalism and ten but rarely followed in Arab a discussion organised and that media codes of ethics are pressures that hinder high-quality, freedoms dreamed of here, and this the need to fulfil the real journal- countries, and this is why these Frecently by the Cultural Salon of merely ink on paper. professional journalistic work. is the bitter reality we need to face istic mission. codes of ethics must be changed in the Ministry of Culture, Arts and I began my intervention in the Private media houses must be without any self-deception. Press institutions have to adopt the best interests of the press. Heritage. discussion as follows: A number given a chance to gain a foothold, What about journalistic codes of the best criteria in selecting edi- Fourth, we need to learn a lesson The chief editors of local news- of questions arise in this regard. thrive and compete in order to help ethics in Arab societies? tors-in-chief. This can be done in from international experiences in papers did not participate in the Where we are from freedom of realise the goals of these revolu- Perhaps one of the problems all Arab countries. Our press will the field of press freedom. discussion, which involved media speech. tions of purging Arab societies of facing some Arab countries is that not progress unless we change rules Fifth, some attention must be persons and writers from Qatar Is code of ethics supported our graft and exploitation and bringing these countries lack press unions related to the selection of newspa- paid to college graduates in the and other Arab countries, includ- media institutions as required, or about democracy, even as attempts or associations. This raise the fol- pers’ chief editors. Our newspapers field of mass media. These gradu- ing myself, along with Faisal Al it is simply ink on paper? to abort these revolutions are being lowing question: How can we talk cannot compete with other news- ates must be well prepared, at the Marzouqi, Dr Huda Al Naimi, and Have Arab Spring revolutions made. about freedom of speech and codes papers unless they serve the society theoretical and practical levels, to Kaltham Gabr. Several research- changed the concept of freedom of The question we need to ask is: of ethics in such a discussion when with full moral responsibility. serve their societies in ways that ers and writers attended the event, speech or the ways people in power Why do Western countries — in some Arab societies do not enjoy address the needs of the present while Saad Mohamed Al Rumeihi got around media put more restric- particular Europe and the United freedom of speech? Of course, I Codes of ethics rarely followed times. Sixth, the press must keep apologised at the last moment for tions on it? States — not talk about having mean some, not all equally. I made several recommenda- up with the changes taking place not coming. We do not have the freedom of problems with freedom of speech Criteria for choosing tions in the discussion including at the technical, economic, political I thank the management of the speech we aspire to despite leg- while we keep talking about this editors-in-chief the following: and cultural levels. Salon for organising the event islation and media laws that are and waste our time in seminars This is an important issue we First, media laws must be Seventh, even with the Arab well and making a good selection enforced only to serve those in and discussions although our Arab need to tackle in this discussion amended in the interest of free- Spring revolutions and the demo- of guests for the discussion, which power and the state. societies have nothing of this free- as the criteria have nothing to dom of speech. cratic transformations taking place enriched the dialogue in ways that This is why I think we are badly dom of speech? We do not have do with efficiency or experience. Second, journalists’ associations in the Arab world, our newspapers serve intellectuals in general and in need of freeing the media from journalistic freedoms, or parlia- Their assignment is the result of and unions must be given a chance still search for advertisements as a the profession of journalism in all fetters in the light of the changes ments elected by the people. The favouritism, nepotism and personal to work effectively to defend free- source of funding even before they particular. and revolutions that are happen- present parliaments have nothing relations in most cases. This is a dom of speech and help journalists search for news. This is why most The participants touched on ing in Arab societies. The media to do with democracy. They do catastrophe befalling many Arab who are subjected to oppression press institutions fail to use free- many concerns of the Arab media: must be freed from commercial nothing compared to the extent of societies. and harsh court verdicts, although dom of speech properly.

IBRAHIM ABDEL RAZIQ AL IBRAHIM Importance of When Arab friends turn enemies he condition of the Arab does not have the qualifications to rule world over the past few MOHAMMED IBRAHIM AL MOHANNADI them. It is a matter of a few years (the fighting graft years cannot please either span of a presidential term) and this Tfriend or foe. Our problems ruler will be gone. still remain the same, even after the The economy of this country is col- n open discussion between H E Dr Ali bin Arab Spring and the overthrow of ties of kinship and sometimes mar- suitable for them. lapsing. A country without an economy Fetais Al Marri, the Attorney General of some troublemakers and symbols of riage, rushes to use. Meanwhile, some good leaders is like a man suffering rachitis. This AQatar, and students of the College of Law corruption. These entities even share hopes, tried to fix the aforementioned enti- man cannot walk or work because at Qatar University was a good event. Students Unfortunately, religion, common aspirations and ways of thinking. They ties, including, of course, the decaying the disease disables all his limbs. By are an important segment of society, and can destiny, language and customs are are entities that came into existence Arab entity, which still reels from its the same token, if a country has a convey the importance of fighting corruption. proving incapable of unifying us. We years ago to integrate their members, wounds of the past, which have been devastated economy and its people’s This is a beautiful thing indeed, because these seem to have agreed not to agree and bolster joint work and also harness made worse by fresh wounds. demands are too big and need enor- students will hold positions in different fields of doubt each other’s intentions. their enormous resources for the wel- These leaders did a lot, achieved a mous budgets to fulfil, this country work in the near future. It has become hard to differenti- fare and progress of Arab peoples. lot, stood by helpless people and rebuilt will inevitably be brought down to its Here I will dwell on some of the points raised ate between friend and enemy in The meetings of these entities have their ship in order to sail it to safety. knees. in the meeting, which was positive and gave today’s Arab world. One might have become ceremonial, with the flags They still give here and there, defend But when the people who love this us indications that we are passing through a close friendship and common inter- of member states fluttering all over the historic rights of the Arabs and country made an attempt to help it practical and serious phase in the fight against ests with somebody, but all of a sud- the place and spirited songs aired in reconcile rivals so they can start a new financially, liars said they were doing corruption. den this friendship turns into bitter the background on state channels. chapter to prevent more bloodshed it only to take advantage of the Suez This is what many people here hope for. These enmity. It is normal, then, in such an Seminars are organised for intellectu- and destruction. Canal and other resources in the coun- people hope that Qatar leads the way in the fight atmosphere, to find the people you als to tell lies and speak about the false The envious, however, could not see try, even as they knew that the state against corruption. had helped and sacrificed and shoul- achievements of these entities, even this project of great leaders unfold- that was extending its hand to help Here I quote Al Marri, from a report in the dered heavy burdens for forgetting all though even fools do not believe them. ing. These envious ones attempted their nation was one of the richest Arabic daily Al Sharq: “The fight against corrup- that. They even tell lies about you and After the eruption of the Arab to belittle the contributions of these in the world and wanted nothing in tion must start at home through upbringing and accuse you of treason and disloyalty. Spring revolutions, people can discuss great leaders. But when they failed to return for its generosity. the mechanisms related to it. This fight must They might be the same people who issues that were impossible to raise do this, they used their dirty pens to These people stand to lose every- then be taken up the different stages of educa- had implored you to extend your hand earlier. Some people believed that distort the image of these great lead- thing. The people who brought their tion, to the university.” to help them earlier, talking exten- minds had changed. This gave rise to ers and the stance of their countries. tyrant down are blocking the road to Al Marri added: “Our country will flourish sively about your merits and virtues. a growing number of demands as com- The great leaders, however, rarely pay their own well-being and prosperity. more as the fight against corruption gets more Some of the accusations we used to munications thrived. Shock, however, attention, believing that the dogs may These troublemakers who only serve intense. But our country will go down if this fight hear in the Arab world have become was soon to come to Arab citizens who bark, but the caravan will move on. foreign political agendas that do not against corruption subsides. You can find pov- excuses that everybody, even in small had hoped to wear a democratic suit The people who managed to bring want anything good for their country erty and unemployment in some rich countries entities where people share similar that turned out to be too big for them. their tyrant down should stand by or its people must be brought down because there is corruption in these countries. customs, traditions, dialects, wealth, Perhaps the Arabs’ old suit was more their new ruler, even if this new ruler like the tyrant and his regime. “We do not think that we have reached per- fection yet. We still have a long way to go in the fight against corruption.” This is correct. Positive attitudes and opti- mism are badly needed. We need to have per- severance. We hope that we will remain on the Delayed payments by foreign companies right track, which will help us uproot all forms of corruption. “In Qatar, we have Emiri directives to mer- he thread of my prayer beads their ability to upgrade their business cilessly punish corrupt people,” Al Marri said. broke suddenly during my or even make new investments. More “Nations can take steps forward when wise visit to one of the ministries, MOHAMED ALI AL KUBAISI dangerous still is the fact that this management and the will to fight corruption Tand because the ministry situation downgrades the real value join hands,” he added. official’s office had a granite floor, the of salaries, leading to a shrinkage of “The Arab Spring was mainly triggered by beads ran in all directions. Everybody Sometimes, these foreign com- because of the lack of money and the the middle class and growth in the mismanagement, lack of justice, and corruption,” present collected the dispersed beads, panies are kind enough to give the failure of the government to pay them. cycle of poverty. he said. and after a while the search for the local companies half of their dues. It The failure of the foreign companies Constant failure on the part of for- “Egypt is the pulsating heart of the Arab beads stopped. The result was that is important to note that some local to pay local companies brings a catas- eign companies to pay local firms will world and the rest of this Arab world will be in most of the beads were brought back companies are committed to regular trophe on these companies and causes inevitably lead to bankruptcy and dis- good condition as long as this heart is in good to me. loan installments to certain agencies. a lot of harm. This failure means that appearance of some companies, or at health”, he continued. I told the ministry official that what I asked one of the foreign compa- less finance goes to these local com- least reduction in the profits of these You are right, Attorney General. Those who happened to my prayer beads was sim- nies about the reasons why they do panies, which raises costs for them, companies. This will force these com- want good for Egypt and back Egypt at this stage ilar to what happens between foreign not pay the local companies on time. making them prone to accumulation panies to give up some of their labour are proving themselves grateful to this country companies that get the principal con- The company replied that the Qatar of debts, which affects their ability to (even the closure of a small bakery can and its Arab and Muslim people, the safety valve tracts and local companies working government, represented by the Public continue offering commodities and affect society). The inevitable result and front line of the Arab nation. under a subcontracting system. Works Authority, failed to pay it on services to society. will be the widening of gaps between The Attorney General referred to the impor- The ministry official, however, said time and this was why the company Irregular payments also result social classes, meaning that there will tance of the role of the press in fighting corrup- he did not understand what I meant failed to pay the local company work- in uncertainty, which obliges local be the class of the rich, which contains tion, which is one of the most serious challenges by my analogy. ing with it on time. companies to rein in their expendi- a limited number of people, and the facing society. I told him that the minaret of the I took my query to the Public Works ture, and this in turn affects overall class of the poor, which contains the During the meeting, an anti-corruption pro- prayer beads, though it has nothing Authority, which said that after it had demand in the national economy. This majority of the people. fessorship in the Attorney General’s name was to do with remembrance of God, for made sure that a specific stage in the affects smaller supplying companies To sum this up, delayed or irregu- launched. Qatar University will introduce a new which the beads are used, was the project had been completed, it sent a whose financial standing is weakened lar payments affect not only the local anti-corruption course for all students. most prominent part of the rosary. request to the Ministry of Economy in ways that influence their ability to economy but also all segments of soci- This is a positive initiative and I suggest that This is why the minaret attracts the and Finance for payment of part of offer commodities and services. ety. Qatari companies are vulnerable the new course include information about the most attention. In many respects, the the dues of the foreign companies The failure of the foreign companies to bankruptcy if they are not paid. correct, Islamic way of fighting corruption, with minaret resembles the position of for- involved. – regardless of the reasons – to pay Adding to the difficulties, these com- examples of how this was done from the time of eign companies, I told the ministry This encouraged me to call the the local companies or finish projects panies face a downturn in the volume the Prophet to the time of the caliphs and those official. As for the beads, I added, they Ministry of Economy and Finance, but has serious ramifications. Here, I list of work and a rise in labour costs. who followed in their footsteps. An explanation are important and are moved here and I was told that the person in charge some of these ramifications. I do not think the government is in of the ethical values and moral system governing there according to the desire of one’s was out of Qatar. Production will come to screech- the dark about what is happening to the fight against corruption is necessary here fingers. These beads represent local What I noted was that everybody ing halt because local companies will the local companies. Despite this, the besides the relevant legislation and laws. I hope companies, I said. wanted to deflect responsibility for fail to pay shop and company owners government does nothing to solve this the new course is taught from the next term I added that the thin thread that delaying payments and thereby caus- and workers. This will reduce overall problem. I think a change of meth- onwards. links the minaret and the beads is ing delay in completion of projects. demand, which stifles production and odology and the economic philosophy Fighting all forms of corruption goes hand in like financial relations between the The Public Works Authority has profits. This will, in turn, suspend or of the government is badly needed. I hand with the rules of the Islamic religion and foreign and local companies. If this suffered a lot in the past few years at least slow down the economic cycle. think the government needs to find a is a way of getting closer to Allah. Those who thread is cut for any reason, a problem from foreign companies failing to The failure of workers to receive mechanism through which it commits work in this field will be generously rewarded, will occur. honour their commitment to finish their salaries in time weakens their the companies concerned to paying particularly if they have good intentions and The thread that binds the prayer projects at an agreed time, even though purchasing power and overall spend- the local companies their dues. do the right deeds. God will surely bless any beads together is always cut in these companies had demanded huge ing because these workers start to work aimed at spreading a culture of honesty Qatar because of administrative sums of money for the work. One of reschedule their spending in ways that in all segments of society, fighting corruption procedures and local companies the companies had demanded as much affect commercial activities and the The views expressed in the articles on this page do and uprooting it. suffer due to the failure of foreign as QR600m. Many of these companies local market in general. This reduces not reflect the viewpoint of the newspaper. companies to pay them their dues. had also suspended work on projects the profits of traders and weakens THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Iran ups aid effort after deadly quake 90 villages hit hard; search for survivors wraps up

TEHRAN: Iran stepped up International Atomic Energy worldwide, ranked the quake at relief efforts yesterday for sur- Agency that there had been no a more powerful 6.3 magnitude. vivors of a powerful earthquake damage to the plant. Tuesday’s quake coincided with that killed 37 people and dam- The UN watchdog said its Iran’s unveiling of two uranium aged dozens of villages but left incident and emergency centre mines and an ore processing facil- its sole nuclear power station was “not currently seeking addi- ity in the centre of the country. unscathed. tional information from Iran” Iran is at loggerheads with More than 90 villages in the following analysis of the “earth- world powers over its controver- southern province of Bushehr quake’s magnitude and other sial nuclear programme, which were hit hard by Tuesday’s quake, seismic parameters, as well as Israel and many Western gov- with two completely destroyed, its location.” ernments suspect is cover for a the head of Iran’s Red Crescent Iran’s atomic energy chief weapons drive despite repeated rescue corps, Mahmoud Mozafar, Fereydoon Abbasi Davani said denials by Tehran. told state television. the plant was not operational Iran sits astride several major More than 850 people were when the quake struck as it was fault lines and is prone to fre- injured and some 800 houses “under maintenance,” Iranian quent earthquakes, some of which razed to the ground. media reported. have been devastating. Mozafar said the priority was The Russian-built plant was Twin quakes, measuring 6.2 to get aid to stricken villages designed to withstand an earth- and 6.0, struck northwestern after the search for survivors was quake of a magnitude greater Iran in August last year, killing wrapped up yesterday morning. than 8, Abbasi Davani added. more than 300 people and injur- Ali Alipour, who owns a cul- The plant’s chief engineer, ing 3,000. tural centre in the village of Mahmoud Jafari, said “no opera- In December 2010, a large Khormoj, some 35km from the tional or security protocols were quake struck the southern city quake’s epicentre, said he had breached.” of Bam. It killed 31,000 people run for cover when it hit and “the First Vice President — about a quarter of the city’s sound of death filled the fields”. Mohammed Reza Rahimi and population — and destroyed its Iranians collect their belongings from the rubble of a damaged house in Shonbeh, southeast of Bushehr, yesterday. “Water and food are being Interior Minister Mostafa ancient mud-built citadel. AFP distributed among survivors. Mohammed Najar travelled Portable toilets are also being set to the quake zone to check on up,” Alipour said. relief operations, state television Authorities said the relief reported. Tehran to build more reactors in quake-prone area operation got underway a few A resident, who asked not to be hours after the 6.1-magnitude identified, said power and water DUBAI: Iran plans to build seismic area on Iran’s Gulf coast power plant installation,” power plant has been designed to quake struck at 4:22pm (1152 supplies were “gradually being more nuclear power reactors and began operations in 2011 Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani told withstand earthquakes of more GMT) on Tuesday. restored”. in an earthquake-prone coastal after decades of delays. state television late on Tuesday than 8.0 on the Richter scale,” Some 2,100 tents have been set In Dubai, hundreds of kilome- area, Iranian media said yes- The head of the Islamic state’s in comments published by the he said. up in the quake zone, emergency tres down the Gulf from Bushehr terday, a day after a strong Atomic Energy Organisation said semi-official Mehr News Agency The Bushehr site is capable of officials said. and home to the world’s tallest tremor struck the region close hours after the earthquake that yesterday. holding six power reactors and The epicentre was barely building, Burj Khalifa, local media to its only existing such plant. more reactors would be built “Not only was the power plant construction of two more units 90km southeast of the port city reported that several high-rise Tehran has repeatedly rejected there. not producing electricity or send- of at least 1,000 megawatts will of Bushehr, home to Iran’s only buildings were briefly evacuated. safety concerns about Bushehr, “This earthquake had no ing it to the grid at the time, but start in the “near future” there, nuclear power plant. The US Geological Survey, which is located in a highly impact on the Bushehr nuclear even while operating the Bushehr he said. REUTERS Iran said it had informed the which monitors seismic activity

Death of peacekeepers Tunisian school Qaeda’s ‘dead’ leader stormed after veiled student posts audio message denied entry against Saudi Arabia TUNIS: Radical Muslims burst into a Tunisian school yes- terday and assaulted its chief DUBAI: Al Qaeda in the after he barred entry to a teen- Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has age girl wearing a face veil, or posted online an audio message niqab, teachers said, an incident from its second-in-command, that underlined rising Islamist- Saeed Al Shehri, whose death secularist tensions. was announced by Yemen in Most of the Since secular dictator Zine El January, a monitoring group message is Abidine Ben Ali was toppled in reported yesterday. the first “Arab Spring” upris- The 14-minute audio pro- directed against ing two years ago, Tunisia has duced by AQAP’s media arm Al Saudi Arabia, seen mounting strife between Malahem Foundation is accompa- which Shehri says secularists who long held power nied by what the US-based SITE and Islamists whose influence is Monitoring Service said was a allows the US to increasing. new photograph of the Saudi launch attacks Moderate Ennahda Islamists militant. who won a free election now Shehri’s death has been from its soil on ‘the head the Tunis government. But announced several times by the faithful of Yemen’. hardline Salafists are pushing Yemeni authorities, most recently for Islam to be made the law of United Nations peacekeepers unload coffins of five peacekeepers killed in Jonglei, at the Juba Airport, yesterday. on January 24. The claim was the land, raising secularist fears Five Indian peacekeepers and seven civilian staff were killed on Tuesday when some 200 attackers — some neither confirmed nor denied by for a loss of individual freedoms, armed with rocket-propelled grenades — ambushed their convoy. AQAP. November 28. women’s rights and democracy. It was unclear when the latest Last October, he denied a Murad Ben Hamouda of audio message, posted on jihad- September announcement by the teachers’ union at Manzel ist forms on Tuesday, had been Yemen’s defence ministry that he Bouzelfa secondary school said recorded, but in it Shehri speaks had been killed in an army raid, Salafists stormed into the com- of events that took place after the in an audio message posted on pound, smashed a few cars and Sudan defence minister sees announcement of his death. extremist Internet forums. “tried to kill the director for He denounces an anti-terror- SITE had also quoted a radical refusing the entry of a school- ism conference held in Riyadh Islamist as reporting on Twitter girl dressed in niqab into the in February as well as a meeting that Shehri had died “after a long classroom”. end to rebellion in Darfur mid-March of Arab interior min- journey in fighting the Zionist- School superintendent isters, also in Saudi Arabia. Crusader campaign.” Abdelwahed Sentati was beaten KHARTOUM: Sudan’s defence against rebels who have made a “We are preparing for our bat- Most of the message is directed The militant leader was with sticks and stones, suffering minister, who is wanted for rare occupation of two towns in tle with the rebels.” against Saudi Arabia, which released from Guantanamo Bay several broken bones, Hamouda alleged war crimes in Darfur, South Darfur. Abdullah Moursal, spokesman Shehri says allows the US to in Cuba in 2007 and was flown said, and the assailants then fled. yesterday said that improv- The African Union-United for the Sudan Liberation Army’s launch attacks from its soil on to Saudi Arabia, where he was There have been no arrests, and ing relations with South Sudan Nations Mission in Darfur Minni Minnawi faction, confirmed “the faithful of Yemen”. put through a rehabilitation interior ministry police had no will help to “end” a decade-old (UNAMID) has confirmed that his forces still held the towns yes- He was clearly referring to US programme. immediate comment. rebellion in the western region. insurgents on Saturday “attacked terday. He called it a “strategic drone strikes against Al Qaeda After completing the pro- How many Salafists were “The implementation of the and seized” Muhagiriya and area” and said the rebels were targets in Yemen which jihadists gramme, he disappeared and later involved in the attack was not cooperation agreements with Labado, about 100km east of the preparing for “the second step” claim are launched from bases in resurfaced as AQAP’s number immediately clear. But teachers South Sudan will affect security South Darfur state capital Nyala. which he did not specify. neighbouring Saudi Arabia. two. said dozens of radicals lingered on in Darfur,” Defence Minister Peacekeepers also reported The defence minister said He also mentions protests AQAP is led by Nasser Al the premises afterwards, chant- Abdelrahim Mohammed Hussein “several possible air strikes” in rebels were able to take over by Islamists in Saudi Arabia Wuhayshi, who in July 2011 reaf- ing anti-secular slogans. said in a national security briefing the area and said thousands of Muhagiriya and Labado because demanding the release of Al firmed the group’s allegiance to Khalifa Dhif, another teacher, to parliament. civilians had sought protection the military has since February Qaeda-linked prisoners, without Ayman Al Zawahiri, head of the said classes at the school and “It will give us a chance to sur- around UNAMID bases. been securing convoys of fuel and specifying a date. Such demon- worldwide Al Qaeda network others in Manzel Bouzelfa had round the insurgents and help us In February, a United Nations goods to the state capital. strations have been taking place since the killing in May of its been suspended in protest at the to end the rebellion.” panel of experts reported that, “Yesterday the last convoy sporadically in the kingdom over founder, Osama bin Laden. assault and the union was consid- Ethnic minority rebels in despite government denials, arrived in Nyala,” he said. the past year. The US has stepped up its sup- ering a strike. Darfur rose up against the Arab- “aerial bombardment contin- There have been fuel short- The most recent protest took port for Yemen’s battle against After fierce and extended dominated Khartoum govern- ues to be used on civilian areas ages in the town for about three place in March. The authentic- AQAP, which it regards as the debate, the education ministry ment in 2003. and/or to indiscriminately affect weeks, and prices of food are high, ity of the audio message could not most active and deadliest fran- decided last year to preserve a While the worst of the violence civilians” in Darfur, violating UN a Nyala resident said. immediately be verified. chise of the global Al Qaeda classroom ban on women wear- has long passed, rebel-government resolutions. The Hague-based International Shehri has long been hounded network. US drones strikes in ing the full face veil. battles continue but instability An extended rebel occupation Criminal Court issued a warrant by Yemen’s security forces and has Yemen nearly tripled in 2012 In another sign of growing has been complicated by inter- of an area is unusual as they nor- for Hussein’s arrest in March survived a number of attempts on compared to 2011, according to Islamist-secularist friction, Habib Arab fighting, kidnappings, car- mally stage hit-and-run attacks. last year on 13 counts of crimes his life. the New America Foundation, a Kozdhogli, head of the arts fac- jackings and other crimes, many “Now our troops are 25 kilo- against humanity and war crimes. Yemen’s Supreme National Washington-based think tank. ulty at Tunis university, will go of them suspected to be the work metres from Muhagiriya and in South Sudan became independ- Security Committee had in In October 2000, Al Qaeda mili- on trial later this month charged of government-linked militia and the coming days there will be good ent from the north two years ago January reported that Shehri suc- tants attacked US Navy destroyer with slapping a veiled student paramilitary groups. news. I expect today or tomorrow following a near-unanimous ref- cumbed to wounds received in a the USS Cole in Yemen’s port who insisted on entering a class Hussein said government there will be contact between our erendum vote for separation after counter-terrorism operation in of Aden, killing 17 sailors and last year. REUTERS troops expect to move soon troops and theirs,” Hussein said. a 1983-2005 civil war. AFP the northern Saada province on wounding 40 more. AFP THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Hollande vows Exhibition of inventions crackdown on tax cheats Moralisation drive in France

PARIS: French President will also be created to lead the Francois Hollande yesterday fight against corruption and tax vowed to “eradicate” tax havens, evasion, and punishments for increase checks on officials’ fiscal crimes will be increased, finances and crack down on Hollande said. tax cheats as he grappled with His Socialist government is a scandal over an ex-minister’s scrambling to contain the scan- secret Swiss bank account. dal surrounding Cahuzac, who The new measures, laid out was charged with tax fraud after a week after his former budget admitting to having an undeclared minister Jerome Cahuzac was foreign bank account containing charged with tax fraud, were part some ¤600,000 ($770,000). of what Hollande promised would Critics have called for a cabi- be “a relentless battle against net reshuffle over the scandal and the excesses of money, greed and said on Wednesday that the new secret finance”. measures did not go far enough The new “moralisation” drive to restore confidence in the will include steps to limit the use government. of tax havens by forcing banks “We’re still as much in the to expose their foreign activities, dark,” said the head of the main Hollande told a post-cabinet press opposition right-wing UMP party, conference. “Tax havens must be Jean-Francois Cope. “None of the Exhibitors displaying their inventions at the 41st International Exhibition of Inventions, New Techniques and Products, in Geneva, Switzerland, eradicated in Europe and the measures proposed would have yesterday. LEFT: Chen Hsing-Feng of Taipei displays a weight-alert backpack which warns students if the load is too heavy and a luminous alert world,” Hollande said. prevented the Cahuzac scandal.” to protect them at night. Charging devices for mobile devices are included. RIGHT: Marie Adrienne Guide of France displays shoes with removable “French banks will be required “The attempts at distraction heels and interchangeable elements. They are divided into three multi-height parts and allow the height to be adjusted in one movement. They can every year to make public the list continue. The president has still also be personalised thanks to its interchangeable elements (bracelets). of all their subsidiaries every- not taken the full measure of the where in the world, country by scandal, of what’s happening with country,” and will be required to Cahuzac,” said Christian Jacob, the “declare the nature of their activi- head of the UMP faction in the ties,” he said. lower house National Assembly. Hollande said he wanted the But the head of Hollande’s Brazen theft from Parisian bridge baffles city requirement extended to banks Socialist Party, which expelled across the European Union and Cahuzac over the scandal, wel- PARIS: The gilded Pont they were taken for their metal or left targeting public monuments. The name inscribed on the eventually to major corporations. comed the measures and said they Alexandre III bridge in Paris by collectors,” a town hall spokes- Thieves routinely hack bits plaques was a nod to contempo- Hollande also announced ini- should be implemented as quickly has lost some of its sparkle woman said. of steel off the pedestrian Pont rary Franco-Russian friendship, tiatives to restore confidence in as possible. after thieves made off with the She said they would be replaced des Arts bridge further down the cemented by Alexander III’s son public officials and boost the fight “The president today displayed historic monument’s bronze as soon as possible with identi- river, city officials say. Tsar Nicolas II’s role in laying the against tax evasion, with a new an unwavering political will to plaques in the latest theft from cal copies. “It’s not a question Several bronze busts — includ- bridge’s foundation stone. Historic law to be presented by April 24. strengthen the control and trans- a Parisian landmark. of metallic value but of historic ing one of composer Bizet — were weight is proving no protection A new “completely independ- parency of political life,” Harlem Despite the watchful eye of value,” she said. looted in 2006 from Pere-Lachaise, however from thieves looking to ent” government authority will be Desir said in a statement. its elaborate statues of nymphs French police have struggled the oldest cemetery in Paris and pilfer materials or curios. created to monitor the assets and Hollande said he felt “wounded” and winged horses high above with metal theft in the years since last resting place of luminaries The skeleton of an elephant potential conflicts of interests of and “bruised” by the scandal, the Seine River, two plaques pro- the global economic crisis hit, including poet Oscar Wilde and once owned by King Louis XIV ministers, parliamentarians and insisting that Cahuzac’s behaviour claiming the name of the monu- with 5,800 hours of train delays Doors singer Jim Morrison. was attacked in the Paris Natural other senior elected officials, he “goes against all of my personal ment were seized by thieves this caused in 2010 by the removal of Described by the French capi- History Museum in March when said. The government has already views”. Cahuzac resigned on March month, officials said. copper from railways. tal as its ‘most elegant bridge’, a man removed a tusk with a ordered ministers to declare 19 after prosecutors opened a probe While the bronze used to make General metal theft in Paris the ornate Pont Alexandre III chainsaw and then attempted to their assets publicly by Monday into the account, whose existence the two stolen plaques sells at dropped by about a quarter was unveiled for the 1900 World flee. The tusk and the man were and other officials will face the he had repeatedly denied to the about ¤10 ($13.06) per kg, the city between 2011 and 2012, a police Fair in the Belle Époque period both found soon after. “The ani- same requirement once the law president, on the floor of parlia- of Paris declined to comment on official said, meaning that who- that saw the construction of the mal fortunately suffered little in is adopted. ment and in media interviews. the value of the ornamental pieces ever removed the plaques from the Eiffel Tower change the Parisian the attack,” the Museum said. A special prosecutor’s office AFP stolen. “We have no idea whether bridge were part of a die-hard few skyline forever. REUTERS

Blue Planet aquarium Louvre Museum Russia to lend Serbia $500m, closes after pledges support on Kosovo GORKI: Russia granted Serbia a $500m loan yesterday and prom- staff walkout ised to back Belgrade in its dispute with Kosovo but warned it must broker a deal with its former province on its own. Prime Minister PARIS: Paris’s Louvre Museum Dmitry Medvedev told his Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic in was closed yesterday due to a Moscow that Russia would “always support our Serbian friends” walkout by some staff over a but said the push for a deal with majority Albanian Kosovo must rise in aggressive pickpockets come from Belgrade itself. Serbia on Monday rejected the principles including children sometimes of an accord that emerged from six months of EU-mediated nego- working in gangs of up to 30, tiations, saying they fell short of the broad autonomy it seeks for a staff and management said. small ethnic Serb pocket inside Kosovo. Disappointed tourists waited in vain in front of the famed Poll gives Merkel govt majority museum, home to works of art such as the Mona Lisa and Venus BERLIN: The coalition government of Germany’s Angela Merkel de Milo, which receives some 10 scored its best poll results in more than three years, less than six million visitors a year. Christelle months before elections, in a survey published yesterday. If a vote Guyader of the SUD union said were held now, her conservative Christian Democratic Union staff had staged the walkout as (CDU) and its junior partner, the pro-business Free Democrats An exterior view of the Taarnby Blue Planet aquarium in Copenhagen. The new aquarium is north Europe’s they were fed up with dealing (FDP), would win a clear governing majority, said the Forsa insti- largest and is built on Amager coast in Taarnby, Denmark. With its 10,000 interior square metres and 2,000 with the often-violent thieves. tute poll. The gap has widened mainly because of the weakness of square metres outdoors, the aquarium houses over 20,000 fish and other sea creatures in 53 tanks, filled with “Sometimes they come to work the centre-left Social Democratic Union (SPD), whose chancellor all together seven million litres of water. afraid because they find them- candidate Peer Steinbrueck has had a poor campaign start, hob- selves confronted with organ- bled by a series of gaffes and missteps. Asked which candidate ised groups of pickpockets who they preferred as chancellor, 57 percent of respondents opted for are increasingly aggressive and Merkel against just 19 percent for Steinbrueck. which include children, who get Austerity putting children at risk: UN into the museum free and even 50,000 tonnes of beef recalled when taken in for questioning by police, come back a few days AMSTERDAM: Dutch food safety authorities have ordered the GENEVA: The UN warned Iceland, Finland and Sweden were better than others at protecting later,” she said. withdrawal of about 50,000 tonnes of beef from sale over concerns yesterday that austerity meas- listed as the best wealthy coun- their most vulnerable children.” Numerous staff had reported it might contain horsemeat. The Netherlands Food and Consumer ures are hitting children hard, tries for children to live in, while Amid increasing pressure on “spitting, insults, threats and Product Safety Authority (NVWA) said in a statement yesterday as it published a ranking of kids’ Romania ranked last out of the 29 many governments to imple- being struck”, by the pickpockets that it had told more than 130 Dutch meat-processing firms to trace well-being in rich countries nations in the comparison. ment austerity measures, it is and had repeatedly reported the the meat, all of which had come to them from two Dutch wholesal- topped by northern European The United States meanwhile important that they realise the incidents, Guyader said. ers, and withdraw it. The wholesalers involved were Wiljo Import countries and showing Britain came in at a dismal 26th place impact their decisions on where The museum — one of the en Export B V and Vleesgroothandel Willy Selten BV. About 370 climbing out of the bottom tier. in the report, landing among the to cut will have on kids and their world’s largest and most-visited companies in other European countries have also bought the meat, As governments turn to aus- bottom third in all five catego- futures, de Neubourg said. — said it lodged a complaint with and the Dutch food authority has warned foreign counterparts terity to avoid passing on huge ries measured: children’s mate- Due to the difficulty digging up prosecutors late last year over the about the recall via a European rapid alert system, it said. debt loads to the next genera- rial well-being, health and safety, comparable statistics, he pointed problem and demanded a greater tion, they must reflect on how education, behaviour and risks out that most of the data used police presence. Pork found in halal-marked salami their cuts are affecting children and housing and environment. in the so-called 2011 report card Monika Kreuzig, an Austrian today, said Chris de Neubourg, Britain, whose last place in the is actually from 2009-2010, and teacher accompanying a group STOCKHOLM: Pork meat from Slovenia has been found in who heads social and economic previous 2007 version of the com- therefore does not accurately of pupils on a visit to the gallery, halal-marked salami sold in Sweden, the Swedish National Food policy research at the UN’s chil- parison caused much soul-search- reflect the impact the past couple said they had waited in front of Agency said yesterday. “We are now going to inform the EU dren’s agency. ing, showed the best progress, years’ focus on austerity is having the Louvre’s glass pyramid for about our analyses and follow up with the company that sold this Instead of sparing today’s chil- climbing to the middle of the pack on children. over an hour. wrongly labelled salami in Sweden,” agency spokeswoman Louise dren of a future burden, they are with a respectable 16th place. Among southern Europe’s She said she was “very disap- Nyholm said. Pork consumption is prohibited under Islam. The in many cases “presenting the Such improvements, as well as most austerity-hit countries, for pointed” as her group might not agency did not disclose how much falsely marked meat had been bill to the children now,” risk- clear differences between coun- instance, only Greece and Italy be able to return as they had to sold or for how long it had been on the market. The Islamic halal ing “letting them pay now and tries with similar economies, figure among the bottom third leave the city within days. Staff method of killing an animal requires its throat to be slit and the in the future,” he told reporters shows that child poverty “is not of countries, while Portugal and said the pickpockets were often blood to be drained. The method is forbidden in Sweden because in Geneva ahead of Wednesday’s inevitable, but policy susceptible,” Spain still hovered near the mid- children from eastern Europe the animals are not anaesthetised before slaughter. launch of Unicef’s report. Unicef said, pointing out that dle of the pack. operating in gangs of up to 30. AGENCIES The Netherlands, Norway, “some countries are doing much AFP AFP THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL

Pentagon eyes Obama proposes $3.77tr budget up to 50,000 cut in workforce Package combines cuts to social safety net programmes with tax increases on the wealthy over five years WASHINGTON: US President the $4 trillion reduction both par- Barack Obama proposed a $3.77 ties have said would be an accept- WASHINGTON: The Pentagon trillion budget yesterday that able goal. The ratio of deficits to plans to reduce the size of its civil- combines controversial cuts to GDP would fall to 2.8 percent in ian workforce over the next five social safety net programmes 2016, below the 3 percent level years as part of an effort to cut with tax increases on the wealthy. economists say is necessary to put costs by $34 billion over the next The package is meant to lure debt on a path to shrinking as a five years, Defence Secretary Republicans to negotiate a broad share of the economy. Chuck Hagel said after unveiling deficit-reduction plan, but the Republicans largely dismissed the Pentagon’s $526.6bn budget details mirror a proposal Obama Obama’s proposal. John Boehner, for the 2014 fiscal year. laid out last year that was rejected the Republican Speaker of the The Pentagon is looking to by Republican leaders. House of Representatives and reduce the size of its nearly Obama’s budget for fiscal year Obama’s main opponent for deficit 800,000 civilian workforce by 2014, which begins on October 1, talks, said Obama’s proposed cuts 40,000 to 50,000 employees, would trim the deficit over three to entitlement programs such as mainly through attrition as it years by requiring people mak- Social Security were praiseworthy closes bases and consolidates ing more than $1m annually to but not sufficient. healthcare facilities, the depart- pay more in taxes while enacting “I would hope that he would ment’s comptroller said yesterday. spending cuts that would replace not hold hostage these mod- “I would hope that given the the “sequester” reductions that est reforms for his demand for time to prepare, we could do this went into place last month. bigger tax hikes,” Boehner said. through attrition, but we aren’t It has little chance of becom- “The president got his tax hikes in far enough along to really know ing law. Many Republicans reject January, we don’t need to be rais- for sure as to how we do it,” said Obama’s push for tax increases ing taxes on the American peo- Undersecretary of Defence Robert and many Democrats oppose cuts ple. So I’m hopeful in the coming Hale, the Pentagon’s comptroller. to the popular Social Security weeks we’ll have an opportunity, Hale said the employee reduc- retirement programme. through the budget process, to tions were tied to Pentagon But both sides want to lower come to some agreement,” he said. plans to close excess bases and the deficit, which Obama’s budget Obama’s hope is to build a consolidate healthcare facilities, projected would fall to $744bn coalition of lawmakers willing which were proposed yesterday in 2014, or 4.4 percent of gross to move toward his position, and would have to be accepted by domestic product, from an esti- although most observers see Congress before going into effect. mated $973bn in 2013. that as unlikely. He has invited While seeking ways to reduce The president said his pro- 12 Republicans to dinner at the spending in the current tight fis- posal — particularly the health- White House. Both sides were cal environment, the Pentagon care and pension programme unable to prevent some $85bn budget would continue to fund cuts painful to his fellow in across-the-board “sequestra- high-priority programmes and Democrats — meant he had tion” spending cuts from going initiatives, including the stra- moved in Republicans’ direc- into effect on March 1. US President Barack Obama speaks about his proposed Fiscal 2014 budget in the Rose Garden of the White tegic pivot to the Asia-Pacific tion. “When it comes to defi- Obama’s budget proposal would House in Washington, DC, yesterday. At left is Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Jeffrey Zients. announced last year. cit reduction, I’ve already met replace those cuts with his origi- The budget includes $8.4bn Republicans more than halfway,” nal deficit-reduction proposal from cost-of-living benefit increases for In line with proposals from credit for small businesses that for continued development of Obama said at the White House. December. That offer included the beneficiaries of some federal his State of the Union address, raise wages or hire new workers. the three variants of Lockheed “So, in the coming days and $930bn in spending reductions and programs. This change would Obama’s budget includes spend- The Obama budget envisions a Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike weeks, I hope that Republicans some $580bn in tax revenues. have the effect of shrinking pay- ing on policy priorities such as steady pickup in economic growth Fighter, the Pentagon’s most will come forward and demon- Obama’s budget revives his call ments to some who receive the infrastructure and expanded pre- but only a gradual decline in the expensive procurement pro- strate that they’re really as seri- that wealthier people help more popular Social Security retire- school programs. unemployment rate. The White gramme. It also includes $10.9bn ous ... about the deficits and debt with deficit reduction. It would ment programmes. A proposal for $77bn in spend- House sees growth rising to 3.4 for new ship construction, $9.2bn as they claim to be.” require those making $1m a year Although Obama has pledged ing to expand early childhood percent in 2014 from 2.6 percent for missile defenses, $379m for Obama’s budget aims to achieve or more to pay at least 30 percent to shield some of the most vul- education would be financed this year, while the jobless rate development of a new long-range $1.8 trillion in deficit reduction of their income in taxes, after gifts nerable beneficiaries, the pro- by nearly doubling the federal would drop to 7 percent at the bomber, $4.7bn for cyberspace over 10 years. Added to the $2.5 to charity. Controversially, it also posal has drawn strong opposition tobacco tax to $1.95 from $1.01 end of 2014 from 7.5 percent in operations and $10.1bn for space trillion in deficit cuts from past proposes using a less generous from some fellow Democrats and per pack of cigarettes. The budget the last three months of 2013. technologies. efforts, the total would be above measure of inflation to calculate groups representing labour. also includes a 10 percent tax REUTERS REUTERS

Cameron pays tribute to Thatcher Fake Rockefeller guilty of murder UK ‘test tube LOS ANGELES: A German man who posed as a member of the Rockefeller family after allegedly killing his landlord in California was found guilty of first degree murder yesterday. Christian baby’ pioneer Gerhartsreiter, 52, was convicted in the death of John Sohus, who went missing in 1985 but whose remains were found nine years Edwards dies later in the backyard of his home in the upscale LA neighborhood of San Marino. Gerhartsreiter — who was born in Germany in 1961, LONDON: Robert Edwards, and also pretended to be a Hollywood producer and an English a British Nobel prize-winning aristocrat during his years evading arrest after the killing — faces scientist known as the father of a possible prison sentence of 26 years to life.When John and Linda IVF for pioneering the develop- Sohus vanished in February 1985, Gerhartsreiter was living in a ment of “test tube babies”, died guest house owned by John Sohus’ mother. Prosecutors believe the yesterday aged 87 after a long German also killed Linda Sohus, but he was only charged with illness, his university said. the one murder. After the alleged crime, Gerhartsreiter moved to Edwards, who won the Nobel Connecticut and changed his name a number of times, eventually prize for medicine in 2010, started becoming Clark Rockefeller and getting married, fooling even his work on developing in-vitro fer- wife for 12 years. The impostor was sentenced to a five-year prison tilisation (IVF) in the 1950s, and term in 2009 for kidnapping his seven-year-old daughter, a trial the first so-called test tube baby, that ultimately led investigators in Los Angeles to connect the dots Louise Brown, was born in 1978 in the Sohus murder case. as a result of his research. Since then, more than five Senators close to immigration deal million babies have been born around the world as a result WASHINGTON: A bipartisan group of US senators is very of the techniques Edwards close to reaching a deal on immigration reform and a bill could developed together with his be introduced in Congress within days, sources said. The reform, Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron (centre) speaks during a special session of parliament in London late colleague, Patrick Steptoe. a key focus of US President Barack Obama’s second term, could yesterday. Cameron led tributes to Margaret Thatcher, remembering a divisive and combative leader who Edwards, who has five daugh- contain a long-term path to citizenship for the country’s more transformed the country and set a political course still followed today. ters and 11 grandchildren, said than 11 million illegal immigrants, as well as an expansion of he was motivated in his work by quotas of foreign workers and tighter border security. “We are a desire to help families. optimistic that we will be able to introduce legislation soon,” “Nothing is more special than a Senate aide said. The four Democrats and four Republicans, a child,” he was quoted by his who have held negotiations since February, could introduce their clinic as saying when he won his measure as early as today or in the coming week, sources said. Key US senators reach deal on Nobel prize. Edwards began his work on fertilisation in 1955, and Student stabs 14 in Texas attack by 1968 had managed to fertilise gun sale background checks a human egg in a laboratory. He WASHINGTON: A US college student stabbed 14 people, leav- then started to collaborate with ing two victims critically wounded, late on Tuesday in a ram- Steptoe. page that ended when he was wrestled to the ground and taken WASHINGTON: A Democratic The senators said their meas- tough road to approval in the In 1980, the two founded Bourn into custody, police said. Television images showed a red-headed and a Republican senator said ure would expand criminal back- Republican-controlled House of Hall, the world’s first IVF clinic, white youth with a goatee being led off in handcuffs after the yesterday that they had struck ground checks for prospective gun Representatives. in Cambridge, eastern England, incident at the sprawling Lone Star College’s Cyfair campus, a deal to expand background buyers to include sales made at “Today is just the start of a where gynaecologists and cell about 60 miles north of Houston. checks for gun buyers, boost- gun shows and online, although healthy debate that must end biologists around the world have ing prospects for passage in the sales among friends or family with the Senate and House hope- since come to train. Couple held after taking sons to Cuba US Senate of at least some of members would still be exempt fully passing these common sense Mike Macnamee, chief execu- President Barack Obama’s gun- from the requirement. measures and the president sign- tive of the clinic, said Edwards MIAMI: A US couple who fled to Cuba after snatching their control proposals. The agreement, which the ing them into law,” Manchin said. was “one of our greatest scien- two young sons from the care of their grandmother are behind The deal by Democrat Joe senators said would help keep He said Democratic leaders tists”, whose inspirational work bars in Tampa, Florida, local law enforcement said. A US aer- Manchin of West Virginia and Pat guns out of the hands of danger- have promised the background had led to a breakthrough that oplane carrying Joshua Hakken, his wife Sharyn Patricia and Toomey of Pennsylvania set the ous criminals and the mentally ill, checks agreement will be the first had enhanced the lives of millions their sons, aged two and four, landed in Tampa from Cuba early stage for a likely Senate debate would close one major loophole in amendment offered to the gun- of people worldwide. yesterday, local media reported. Hakken was attempting to flee on the gun-control package start- a system that analysts say allows control bill on the Senate floor. IVF is a process by which an US authorities when he took his wife and boys to Cuba aboard his ing today, when the Senate is as many as 40 percent of gun buy- Obama’s proposals to curb gun egg is fertilised by sperm outside sailboat on Monday. TV footage showed the couple arriving in the expected to defeat an attempt by ers to avoid background checks. violence have been opposed by the the body in a test tube, giving United States in handcuffs. conservative Republicans to block More controversial parts of the National Rifle Association, which did rise to the term “in vitro” or “in the bill from reaching the floor. president’s plan — such as a ban not respond to the agreement. The glass”. Experts say that today, as US Posts to keep Saturday delivery The proposal for expanded on rapid-firing “assault” weapons plan has been the focus of intense many as 1 to 2 percent of babies in background checks appears to like the one used in Connecticut lobbying by gun-rights support- the Western world are conceived WASHINGTON: The Postal Service has abandoned its cost- be Obama’s best hope for mean- and limits on the capacity of ers such as the NRA and by gun- through IVF, a method designed cutting plan to end Saturday delivery of first-class mail, the ingful gun-control legislation in ammunition magazines — appear control advocates such as Mayors to help infertile couples or those agency’s board of governors said yesterday, citing congressional the aftermath of the December to have a slim chance of clearing Against Illegal Guns, a group backed who have trouble conceiving natu- opposition. The retreat demonstrates how difficult it will be for massacre of 20 children and six the US Senate. Even if the Senate by Michael Bloomberg, the media rally but who want to have chil- the financially strapped Postal Service to tame its costs and adults at an elementary school in passes a package of gun-control magnate and New York City mayor. dren of their own. modernise its operations. AGENCIES Newtown, Connecticut. measures, it would still face a REUTERS REUTERS THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

Bus plunge: 30 S Korea, US on ‘vital threat’ alert feared drowned DHAKA: About 30 people were feared drowned after Pyongyang warns of ‘thermo-nuclear’ war, advises foreigners to consider leaving Seoul an overcrowded bus plunged into a deep river in southern SEOUL: South Korean and Yun Byung-Se told parliament the threat”, Yonhap news agency said, UN Secretary General Ban toughened UN sanctions. Bangladesh yesterday, police US forces raised their alert launch could take place “anytime” citing a senior military official. Ki-moon said during a visit to Incensed by ongoing South said. The accident occurred status to “vital threat” yes- and warned Pyongyang it risked Watchcon 4 is in effect dur- Rome that he had spoken to the Korean-US military exer- as the bus was about to be terday ahead of an expected triggering a fresh round of UN ing normal peacetime, while Chinese leadership to try to calm cises, Pyongyang has accused driven onto a ferry in the North Korean missile test, sanctions. Watchcon 3 reflects indications tensions, and would discuss the Washington and Seoul of prepar- district of Barisal. “We’ve with tensions wound tight dur- South Korean intelligence of an important threat. Watchcon issue with US President Obama. ing an invasion and threatened dire found eight people who man- ing a five-day build up to a key says the North has prepared two 1 is used in wartime. “The current level of tension is military actions ranging from artil- aged to swim to the bank anniversary. mid-range missiles for imminent In a separate report, Yonhap very dangerous, a small incident lery barrages to nuclear strikes. from the submerged bus. The North last week told for- launch from its east coast, despite quoted a government source as caused by miscalculation or mis- South Korea last went to They said the 32-seater bus eign diplomats in Pyongyang they warnings from ally China to avoid saying Pyongyang might be pre- judgment may create an uncon- Watchcon 2 around the time of the was overcrowded and car- had until April 10 to consider provocative moves at a time of paring “multiple” launches, after trollable situation,” Ban said. North’s nuclear test, and its long- rying more than 40 peo- evacuation, fuelling speculation of soaring military tensions. other launch vehicles were report- North Korea has wielded the range rocket launch last December. ple. About 30 people are a launch between yesterday and The North earlier reiterated a edly detected carrying shorter- “thermo-nuclear war” threat The Watchcon system solely still unaccounted for,” local April 15 birthday celebrations for warning that the peninsula was range SCUD and Rodong missiles. several times in recent months relates to surveillance levels and police chief Nurul Islam said. late founder Kim Il-Sung. headed for “thermo-nuclear” war Although the North’s warnings despite expert opinion that it is is separate from the Defcon sys- Divers were trying to recover It could also coincide with high- and advised foreigners to consider to embassies in Pyongyang and nowhere near developing such an tem of military preparedness. the victims from the river, he profile visits by US Secretary of leaving South Korea. foreigners in the South were both advanced nuclear device. The mid-range missiles mobi- added. Road accidents are State John Kerry and NATO chief The South Korea-US Combined largely shrugged off, there is grow- The crisis on the Korean penin- lised by the North are reported to common in Bangladesh and Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who will Forces Command raised its ing global concern that sky-high sula has been intensifying almost be untested Musudan models with kill thousands of people each both be in Seoul on Friday. “Watchcon” status from 3 to 2 tensions might trigger an incident daily since the North’s nuclear an estimated range of anywhere year, with badly maintained South Korean Foreign Minister to reflect indications of a “vital that could swiftly escalate. test in February, which drew up to 4,000km. AFP vehicles and rash driving blamed for many deaths. In February, a bus carrying Biting the bullet pilgrims to the beach resort town of Cox’s Bazaar plunged into a dry river bed, killing 17 Japan-Taiwan fishing people. 22 Cambodian accord on the way workers rescued PHNOM PENH: Twenty- TOKYO: Japan and Taiwan are afternoon, if we reach an agree- two Cambodians trafficked close to an agreement on fishing ment we will hold a press confer- onto Thai fishing boats have rights in waters near islands at ence in Taipei,” he said. been rescued near the Indian the centre of a territorial row The joint fishing-control zone Ocean island of Mauritius, a that has soured ties between will include waters near the dis- Cambodian official said yes- Beijing and Tokyo, an official puted islands “but will exclude terday. The men, working on said yesterday. Japan’s territorial waters”, he said. Thai boats fishing illegally in The two sides have agreed in Talks over fishing rights started Mauritian waters, were res- principle to establish a jointly in 1996 but were suspended in cued in cooperation with the managed zone in waters off 2009, before being resumed in island and the International islands controlled by Japan under November last year, he said. Organisation for Migration, the name Senkakus, but claimed Japan and China have squab- interior ministry official Chiv by China and Taiwan as the bled bitterly over the sovereignty Phally said. “We are investi- Diaoyus, the Asahi Shimbun said. of the islands, with frequent con- gating to see how they ended Under the accord, trawlers frontations between state vessels up on Thai fishing boats,” he from both sides will be permit- from the two sides since Tokyo said, adding that 11 of the men ted to fish an area that includes nationalised some of the chain in were flown home on Tuesday parts of the overlapping 200-nau- September last year. while the remaining 11 will tical-mile exclusive economic zone Commentators say a fishing arrive today. Rights cam- claimed by both capitals. rights deal with Taipei is impor- paigners believe thousands Michihiko Komatsu of tant for Japan because it would of Myanmar and Cambodian Interexchange Association Japan remove a source of bitterness men have been trafficked into (IAJ), which handles relations on Taiwan and help prevent it Thailand’s multi- million dol- with Taiwan in the absence of for- from joining hands with Beijing lar fishing industry, which mal diplomatic ties, said they may to jointly press Tokyo. Taiwan’s provides seafood for res- announce an accord later in the President Ma Ying-jeou has said taurants and supermarkets day. “We are in the final stages “although we cannot divide sov- around the world. of fishing rights negotiations, and ereignty rights, we can divide A Philippine marine bites the primer of 155mm Howitzer round, a US marine ritual for soldiers firing the Howitzer after a meeting in Taipei this resources”, Asahi reported. AFP Malaysia poll for the first time, during a joint exercise dubbed ‘Balikatan’ (Shoulder to Shoulder) at a military reservation camp in the Crow Valley in Capas, Tarlac, yesterday. set for May 5 KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s general election Myanmar activist will be held on May 5, an elec- China fishermen face Manila court toral official said yesterday, told to return setting a long-awaited date MANILA: President Benigno The President, meanwhile, Naval Forces West chief that the Chinese fishing vessel for highly anticipated polls prison uniform Aquino III yesterday assured clarified that the government will Commander Joseph Rustom Peña remained stuck in the reef. tipped to be the closest in the that appropriate charges will be not ask China take responsibility said the Chinese fishermen could Balilo said that they will drain country’s history. Speaking YANGON: More than four filed against the Chinese fisher- of the incident. have been poaching in the area all the fuel oil from the boat to a week after Prime Minister years after he was freed by the men, whose boat ran aground “I think the law states that those when their boat hit the atoll in prevent the possibility of fuel Najib Razak dissolved parlia- junta, Myanmar’s longest-serv- in Tubbataha Reef on Monday who were caught [poaching] should the southern portion of the North spilling, which may pollute the ment, Election Commission ing political prisoner has been night. be held liable. And it’s a fishing ves- Islet in Tubbataha. marine sanctuary. chairman Aziz Yusof also ordered to return the uniform “The bottom line is that we sel, so it will be the owners of the Protected Areas and Wildlife He said the removal of the fuel said balloting would be pre- he was wearing on the day of his have a law, Republic Act 10067, fishing vessel amongst others will Bureau (PAWB) Director from the Chinese vessel will be ceded by a two-week offi- release. that states everything that needs be charged,” he said. Mundita Lim said the Chinese done before the vessel itself is cial campaign period kicking Veteran democracy activist to be known. If you enter within Aquino added that investiga- fishermen could be charged with removed from the reef. off on April 20. The United Win Tin, who spend almost two this zone, there is a presumption tions are also ongoing to deter- illegal harvesting of resources. The Tubbataha Management Malays National Organisation decades in jail for his political that you are poaching. There are mine the liabilities of those tasked “Fishing paraphernalia as well Office (TMO) said that bribery (UMNO), which has control- activities, said that he no longer appropriate penalties: imprison- to secure the reef from intruders. as wildlife such as turtles found charges will also be filed against led Malaysia through coalition had the blue shirt and sarong-like ment and fine. Our job at the exec- The PCG had said that the on the boat are evidence that the 12 Chinese nationals, who governments since independ- longyi, and was refusing to repay utive departments is to execute the Chinese vessel’s grounding was can be used against them,” she allegedly gave $2,400 to their ence in 1957, faces a formida- the cost of about $2. law,” Aquino said after the ground- far from the site where US Navy said. marine park ranger to avoid ble opposition that has gained “I told them that I cannot reim- breaking ceremonies of the Capiz minesweeper USS Guardian got Meanwhile, PCG spokesper- arrest. ground with promises to end burse them because I didn’t steal Airport development project. stuck last January 17. son Lt Cmdr Armand Balilo said THE PHILIPPINE STAR corruption, cronyism and it,” said the former journalist, who authoritarian rule. The oppo- is a close aide of pro-democracy sition surged to its best show- leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Premier Key in China ing in the 2008 vote. Win Tin, who has worn blue- coloured shirts since his release Official jailed for in solidarity with fellow dissidents still in jail, said he had refused an 12 detained over home demolition offer by a court official to reim- burse the cost on his behalf. “It HANOI: A Vietnamese local doesn’t matter if I die in prison.” government official was jailed bird flu rumours for two-and-a-half years yesterday for the destruc- $500,000 payout SHANGHAI: China has who spread it more widely over tion of the home of a farmer detained at least 12 people for the Internet would be held for 10 who became a national hero for death row trio spreading false rumours about days, the statement said. for resisting eviction, state TAIPEI: Taiwan will pay a H7N9 bird flu, government The H7N9 flu outbreak has so media said. Doan Van Vuon total of Tw$15m ($500,000) statements showed yesterday, far been confined to China’s devel- become a symbol of rising compensation to three men who as authorities sought to control oped eastern region, including public dissatisfaction over spent more than 11 years on “panic” with cases mounting. commercial hub Shanghai, China, land rights after arming his death row before their acquittal China announced on March 31 where five people have died. family with homemade shot- in one of the island’s most con- that the H7N9 avian influenza Police have also detained three guns in an attempt to keep troversial murder trials, a court had been found in humans for the people in Zhejiang province, two their fish farm east of Hanoi. said yesterday. first time. The number of people in Jiangsu and two in Anhui for The rare act of defiance by the Su Chien-ho, Liu Bin-lang and confirmed to have been infected spreading “false information” 50-year-old former soldier Chuang Lin-hsun will each receive rose to 31 yesterday, with nine about bird flu, according to sepa- left seven policemen injured, about Tw$5m for wrongful impris- deaths. rate statements. but triggered a nationwide onment, the High Court said. Police in China’s southwest city The southeastern province outpouring of support, with The trio, who said they were of Guiyang detained three people of Fujian and Shaanxi in the even Prime Minister Nguyen tortured into making confessions, for claiming H7N9 flu had been north, which have yet to confirm Tan Dung branding the evic- were first sentenced to death 21 found in a poultry market, said human cases, have each detained tion “illegal”. Nguyen Van years ago for the murder of a cou- a police statement released yes- one person for similar offences, Khanh, who was deputy chair- ple in Taipei. Their legal plight terday. “This caused panic among police statements said. The man of the district where the began after a soldier who con- netizens and citizens,” it said. World Health Organisation has incident happened, was given fessed in 1991 to killing the couple Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (left) with New Zealand's Prime Minister John The two who posted the origi- praised China for its transpar- 30 months in jail for destroy- claimed that they were his accom- Key during a welcome ceremony outside the Great Hall of the People in nal rumour were each being ency towards the H7N9 outbreak. ing the property. AGENCIES plices. AGENCIES Beijing, yesterday. detained for five days, but one AFP THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN

Obama, Karzai Politicians switch sides to win poll hold talks WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama Parties court powerful candidates to secure majority in Pakistan National Assembly spoke to Afghan President Hamid Karzai, for what offi- PESHAWAR: For politicians PML-N, Nawaz rang me and parties court powerful individu- Nabeel Gabol, elected to the province who switched from the cials said were regular consul- in most countries, switching joked: ‘How long are you staying als in areas where the person’s assembly in the troubled Lyari PPP to PML-N last month. tations, three days after a Nato parties is a once-in-a-career with us this time?’” said Hayat, name and influence can secure neighbourhood of Karachi, According to a recent Gallup air strike killed 11 Afghan move made only after care- 38, with an infectious grin. more votes than any party. switched to the Muttahida Qaumi poll, PML-N will win the most children. The White House ful thought. But in Pakistan, The phenomenon of politicians “We have two types of politi- Movement (MQM), the south- number of seats at the ballot box said they discussed secu- changing sides to gain advan- jumping ship is so familiar that cians. Half are loyal to parties, so ern metropolis’ dominant party, next month, but like the PPP in rity transition from Nato to tage is standard practice. Pakistanis have a nickname for if they are right wing or progres- shortly before parliament dis- 2008, not enough to secure an Afghan forces and Afghan-led Since entering politics in 1996, them — “lota”, the Urdu word for sive, left wing, they are very loyal solved in March. outright majority. peace and recognition efforts. Arbab Khizer Hayat has switched a round-bottomed water jug that to the ideology, but the other half He will contest Lyari and an Those who cannot get their Karzai affirmed support for an allegiance 14 times. Dozens of oth- can rock in all directions without is opportunist,” said analyst Raza MQM seat. It is common for poli- hands on a ticket from one of the inclusive process of preparing ers have done so and as the May falling over. Rumi. “Rich people who makes ticians in Pakistan to contest mul- big parties run as independents for Afghanistan’s 2014 elec- 11 general election approaches, Hayat is candid. “Politics is lots of money, people who own tiple seats. There have also been or try to sidle up to one of the tion, and both noted that free, the trend is increasing. not about ideas, but about power. land or who are influential, they moves by some MPs from the emerging parties such as PTI. fair and credible poll would Hayat, a member of a landown- When politicians see a party choose the party, a ticket where outgoing PPP to join the PML-N Arbab says he does not have be critical to Afghanistan’s ing family, has gone from Pakistan becoming popular they want to they are likely to win.” as its stock has risen. “We had a the money to pay campaign future and continued inter- Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party of join it.” In a stratified, semi-feu- This back-and-forth movement lot of expectations that the PPP expenses. But he hopes to become national support, the White former cricketer Imran Khan dal society, patronage and kinship between parties has accelerated in will be able to address the prob- am adviser if his party is elected. House said in a statement. to Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s play a huge role and dominate recent weeks as the party lead- lems being faced by Baluchistan “It’s my last party, I won’t leave Obama praised Karzai’s talks Party (PPP) to Sharif’s Pakistan over ideology in politics. erships hand out electoral “tick- but despite our repeated requests and I’ll even stand in elections for with the emir of Qatar on the Muslim League-N (PML-N). He Candidates choose the banner ets”, naming their candidates for they did not take it seriously,” them next time,” Arbab said, hop- possibility of opening a Taliban has managed to stick to PML-N. under which they have the best the national assembly, the lower said Lashkari Raisani, an MP ing to have finally picked the right office in Doha to push recon- “When I went back to the chance of being elected, while house of parliament. from southwestern Baluchistan party. AGENCIES ciliation efforts. British MPs urge peace deal LONDON: The start of J o u r n a l i s t w i n s p l e a an Afghan-led peace deal Missile launch successful with the Taliban is needed to secure the future of ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Afghanistan after British to contest election yesterday conducted a troops leave, a group of successful launch of the British MPs have said in a ISLAMABAD: One of Pakistan’s most prominent public intellec- Intermediate Range report. The Defence Select tuals and columnists won an appeal yesterday allowing him to seek Ballistic Missile (IRBM) Committee warned that fail- re-election after being barred for the contents of his newspaper Hatf IV Shaheen-1 Weapon ure could lead to civil war in articles. System, said a hand- Afghanistan, according to the Ayaz Amir was last week prevented from contesting his seat in out issued by the Inter BBC. The UK had a respon- central Punjab province for the main opposition PML-N party, but Services Public Relation. sibility to use its influence appealed to an election tribunal chaired by two high court judges. The missile incorporates to “make Afghanistan work” An election official initially took offence to elements in his columns series of improvements after 2014, the MPs added. thought to talk about drinking alcohol, which is officially banned in in range and technical Defence Secretary Philip Pakistan, and an amendment to the constitution classifying the country parameters of the existing Hammond said the UK would as an Islamic state. missile. It is capable of car- help Afghans reach “a sus- Amir told reporters it was the first time in Pakistan’s history that rying nuclear and conven- tainable political settlement”. “views in a column” were made the basis of such objections and wel- tional warheads to a range The report focused on the comed the appeal decision as a victory for freedom of expression. of 900km, according to planned withdrawal of UK “Imagine if the verdict... had been upheld, then the outside world Pakistan’s Geo News. troops at the end of 2014 and would have taken a very strange view of Pakistan,” he said, adding The launch, whose the transfer of responsibili- that the next parliament should “review” articles 62 and 63 of the impact point was at sea, ties to the Afghan National constitution. was witnessed by Director Security Forces. Those articles, among other things, stipulate that candidates for General Strategic Plans parliament should not violate “Islamic Injunctions” and not act “in Division Lieutenant General Gas pipeline any manner prejudicial to the ideology of Pakistan”. (Retired) Khalid Ahmed “The law needs to be reviewed. It should be more clearly explained. It Kidwai, other senior mili- blown up should not be left to the people to determine the criteria of a Muslim,” tary officers, scientists and Amir said. His lawyer Salman Akram Raja also welcomed the judges’ engineers. ISLAMABAD: Unidentified decision. “The judiciary has refused to restrict freedom of speech or Kidwai congratulated all Pakistan’s Hatf IV Shaheen-1 missile, an intermediate-range ballistic missile miscreants blew up an 18-inch place any curb on press freedom in Pakistan,” he said, interpreting it scientists and engineers on capable of delivering a nuclear warhead, taking off during a test-firing from an diameter gas pipeline in as a message to Pakistanis “not to indulge in mud-slinging” or raising the successful launch. undisclosed location, yesterday. Shikarpur, suspending the gas flimsy objections to candidates. AFP AGENCIES supply to various areas includ- ing Karachi and other part of the province. Gas supply was suspended to Uch power plant, causing a reduction more than 525MW. Many Roadside bomb areas of the country were Policeman killed in anti-polio attack deprived of power, accord- injures 10 ing to Dunya News. A Sui Southern Gas Company team in Helmand PESHAWAR: A Pakistani police official, Tahir Ayub told reached the site. policeman was shot dead and journalist. AFGHANISTAN: At least another was wounded yester- He said that the members of Soldier death 10 people were injured fol- day while escorting a polio vac- polio team remained unhurt in lowing a roadside impro- cination team in the country’s the attack. toll reaches 23 vised explosive device blast in northwest, local officials said. A senior local administration southern Helmand province of No one has claimed respon- Zakaullah Khattak also confirmed PESHAWAR: Twenty- Afghanistan, local authorities sibility for the killings, but the the incident. three Pakistani soldiers and said yesterday. Pakistani Taliban last year Pakistan, Afghanistan and scores of militants have been The officials noted that the banned polio vaccinations in the Nigeria are the only countries killed in fighting at a flash- incident took place on Tuesday tribal region of Waziristan, alleg- where polio is endemic. Polio point near the Afghan border in Marjah district, killing at ing the campaign was a cover for cases in Pakistan hit 198 in 2011, in the past three days, offi- least five people and injuring espionage. the highest figure for more than cials said. The clashes sig- five others. No group has so far Rumours about vaccines being a decade and the most of any nalled a fresh military push claimed responsibility behind the a plot to sterilise Muslims have country in the world, according in the Tirah valley of Khyber incident. also dogged efforts to tackle the to the UN. district, where the military Local authorities blamed highly infectious disease. In January two polio vac- has been targeting Taliban Taliban group for the incident as Yesterday’s killing happened cination workers, a policeman and militia Lashkar-e-Islam the Taliban fighters frequently in the Parhoti neighbourhood of and seven members of a char- who threaten the northwest- use improvised explosive device the town of Mardan on the second ity involved in polio vaccinations ern city of Peshawar. Ground to target Afghan and coalition day of a three-day local anti-polio were also shot dead in three forces have intensified oper- security forces which normally campaign. separate incidents across the ations against militants. leads to civilian casualties. “One policeman was killed northwest. Helicopters and jets partici- This follows a similar blast in The policeman who was escorting a polio vaccination team in Mardan city and other was wounded when In December gunmen killed pated in operations. Wardak province on Monday, is taken to hospital in Peshawar after the attack in the militancy-hit Khyber- two armed men riding a motor- nine health workers carrying out which killed nine civilians and Pakhtunkhwa province, yesterday. bike opened fire on the team polio vaccinations in Karachi and Forces attacked injured 20. comprising two females and the northwest. QNA one male member,” senior local AFP in Afghanistan KABUL: An Afghan soldier Refugee opened fire on a group of US-led Lithuanian forces in central Afghanistan, Press TV said. Local officials said Call to review poll lists at least two troops were seri- ously wounded. The attacker PESHAWAR: Office-bearers Election Commission of Pakistan. is reportedly in the custody of former prime minister They said supporters of of foreign forces. Last month, Pakistan Muslim League-N’s PML-N Provincial President three soldiers were killed. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Women’s Sabir Shah were replaced by Wing chapter has asked party those of Amir Muqam although Eight rebels die leadership to review the lists of three were recommended by party’s nominees for the women former chief minister Mehtab in northwest reserved seats to end growing Ahmed. resentment among workers. Senior PML-N leaders Shahnaz ISLAMABAD: At least Sources in the party said Daulat, Divisional President eight militants were killed here Tuesday that nomination Rahila Suhail, Peshawar dis- and two security person- for women reserved seats in the trict President Salima Ikram, nel injured in clashes in the National Assembly and Khyber Najma Nausherwan and Nasreen Dabori area of Orakzai tribal Pakhtunkhwa Assembly had cre- Khattak reposed confidence in region in northwest Pakistan. ated unrest among the candidates parliamentary boards, central According to reports, the mil- whose names were placed at the and provincial leaders, but won- An Afghan child gestures from behind a window pane at a mud hut at a camp for returning refugees in Qala-e itants were killed in retalia- top in the earlier list but were dered how the previous lists were Qul Mohammad on the outskirts of Mazar-e-Sharif, capital of Balkh province, in Afghanistan. tory action. AGENCIES changed before submitting it to the changed. INTERNEWS THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17

Father of woman Reopen case against Tytler: Court killed due to negligence gets Ray of hope for Sikh riot victims after court order in case from 1984 compensation

NEW DELHI: In a setback to Nehru, where Indira Gandhi’s NEW DELHI: The father of Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, body was laid, at the time of the a pregnant woman, who died a Delhi court yesterday ordered Pul Bangash incident. after a negligent doctor treated the reopening of a case against It added that the agency has her for cancer that she did not him related to the 1984 anti- already reinvestigated the case on suffer from, has been awarded Sikh riots. the order of trial court but there compensation of Rs500,000 by Additional Sessions Judge was no sufficient evidence against the apex consumer court. Anuradha Shukla Bajaj also Tytler. The National Consumer set aside the Central Bureau Tytler was given a clean chit by Disputes Redressal Commission of Investigation’s (CBI) closure the CBI on April 2, 2009, which held Chennai-based doctor Kurien report which had given Tytler a claimed that the agency had no Joseph and Joseph Nursing Home clean chit, claiming there was no evidence against him. in the city guilty of medical neg- evidence against him. For Lakhvinder Kaur, the judg- ligence and upheld the Tamil The court’s order came on a ment has given hope of justice, Nadu Consumer Commission’s plea filed by a riot victim, who though after more than 28 years. decision that “there was medical sought further probe in the killing “I died the day my husband negligence on their part in giv- of three people near Gurdwara was killed in the riots,” said ing wrong and irrational medi- Pul Bangash in central Delhi. Lakhvinder Kaur. cal treatment to the patient for Tytler is accused of instigating “In our 28 years long fight for a disease which she did not have”. a mob that led to the murder of justice, we could not get any posi- “The rounds of chemotherapy three men who had taken shelter tive decision in our favour, but the given to her caused untold damage at the Pul Bangash Gurdwara in district court’s order to reopen to her and were also responsible north Delhi on November 1, 1984. the case is like a ray of hope and for her death,” said commission The mob attack was part of happiness for us,” she said. president Ashok Bhan and mem- violence against Sikhs after the Her husband Badal Singh was ber Vineeta Rai recently, dismiss- assassination of then prime min- killed in the riots. Phoolka later ing an appeal filed by the doctor ister Indira Gandhi on October told reporters that the prime wit- and the nursing home. 31, 1984. ness in the riots case had died but Joseph and the nursing home The court directed the CBI to three other witnesses are alive in were directed to pay by June 2 a examine eye-witnesses and people the US, and that the court has sum of Rs500,000 as compensa- who claimed they have informa- directed the CBI to record their tion to victim G Ushanandhini’s tion about the riots. statements. father Govindarajan, failing The court, setting aside the The conspiracy angle has not which the amount would carry an magisterial court order that In this photograph taken on June 7, 1984, an Indian Sikh throws a tear gas canister back at the police during been probed at all, the counsel interest of 9 percent per annum, accepted the CBI’s closure report, violence around the Golden Temple, for the second day, as the news of the death of Sikh leader Jarnail Singh said, adding that the CBI should together with Rs3,000 as costs, said: “The order of the trial court Bhindranwale spread in Amritsar, Punjab. investigate the riots and the the commission said. accepting the closure report is set accused should be punished The doctor and the nursing aside. The CBI is directed to con- made it clear that Tytler was not CBI had ignored and evidence was His role in the killing of the Amid demands for Tytler’s home have the option of challeng- duct the investigation and exam- present on November 1, 1984, at also there before the trial court three men was reinvestigated removal from the party, Congress ing the decision in the Supreme ine the claimants/eye witnesses Gurudwara Pul Bangash where against Tytler. by the CBI after a court in spokesperson Renuka Chowdury Court. Govindarajan, a resident in the case.” three people were killed during Three men — Badal Singh, December 2007 refused to accept said: “Once the court comes out of Jothi Ramalingam Nagar in Opposing the victim’s plea the riots. However, senior advo- Thakur Singh and Gurcharan its closure report. The CBI had with something conclusive, it will Perambakkam, sought compen- against the CBI closure report, cate H S Phoolka, appearing for Singh — were killed near claimed Tytler was at Teen Murti be examined and we will take a sation of Rs1m in his complaint, the agency had sought its dis- petitioner Lakhwinder Kaur had Gurudwara Pul Bangash, alleg- Bhavan, the residence of the then call on that.” which stated that the cancer missal, saying the probe has said there was material which the edly on Tytler’s instigation. late prime minister Jawaharlal IANS treatment given to his daughter was not correct since she was not suffering from the disease. Ushanandhini was admitted with complaints of stomach pain and menstural discharge despite being pregnant. The commission held Son sent to police custody Sahara Group brass the doctor and the nursing home guilty of ignoring a pathologist’s advice to conduct tests for cancer before starting the treatment. over BSP leader’s killing questioned by SEBI “Despite specific advice of the MUMBAI: Sahara Group had deposited Rs51.2bn of inves- pathologist to correlate the pro- NEW DELHI: A Delhi court money involved in the case has to The prosecution also told the head Subrata Roy and three tors’ money with SEBI and that visional finding of carcinoma with yesterday sent realtor Nitesh be recovered...and motive of the court that police were still to top company executives were while the group had already the clinical picture and conduct Bhardwaj, son of billionaire accused has to be investigated vis- establish the motive behind the quizzed about their assets and refunded a bulk of the money, the biological test in dilutions of the BSP leader Deepak Bhardwaj, a-vis their criminal conspiracy in crime and trace the source of investments by Indian markets only outstanding liability was the patient, the appellants failed to to six days’ police custody for the offence in question.” money allegedly paid for the con- regulator SEBI here yester- amount lying with SEBI. heed this and did not conduct the allegedly killing his father even Police said in their application tract killing. day in connection with refunds The meeting followed a required tests nor did they con- while the defence opposed the that they needed the custody of Nitesh destroyed his mobile of Rs240bn to over 30 million Supreme Court order on August sult an oncologist or get biopsy judicial questioning. the accused to conduct raids on phone which he was using during investors. 31, 2012, in which SEBI was done, which is the common pro- A lawyer co-accused was also the possible hideouts of co-accused the time of conspiracy and com- Appearing before SEBI’s full- directed to facilitate the refund cedure undertaken in cases of sent to police custody for inter- in Dehradun and Haridwar in mission of crime, the prosecution time member Prashant Saran fol- of over Rs240bn to over 30 million suspected cancer of this nature rogation for six days till April 16. Uttarakhand, Solan in Himachal said. lowing his summons on March 26, investors of Sahara Group within involving mass in the abdomen Metropolitan Magistrate Pradesh and Vrindavan in Uttar The prosecution said Baljeet Roy was accompanied by Sahara three months after verying their and growths,” Bhan said. IANS Prashant Sharma granted police Pradesh. Singh’s custodial interrogation Group executives Ashok Roy credentials. remand of the two accused, say- The public prosecutor said the was needed to know the wherea- Choudhary, Ravi Shankar Dubey In December, the apex court ing allegations against them were custody of accused was needed bouts of co-accused Pratibhanand, and Vandana Bhargava. granted more time to Sahara Protesters serious in nature and investiga- to establish the chain of events who is untraceable and on the Roy said later that he was ques- Group and directed it to make an tion was still at an initial stage. which led to Bharadwaj’s killing. run. Senior advocate Ramesh tioned about his personal assets. immediate payment of Rs51.2bn, storm home Nitesh, 36, Bhardwaj’s younger The magistrate said: “These Gupta, appearing for Nitesh, “My personal assets appear to followed by Rs100bn by the first son, was arrested on Tuesday for aspects of the case need detailed opposed the police remand of the have troubled SEBI. I was asked week of January. The balance minister’s house his father’s March 26 murder investigation. Therefore, present accused, saying there was no evi- about them and I informed them was to be paid in the first week at a Delhi farmhouse. Nitesh’s application moved by IO (inves- dence against his client and the that I have declared all my assets,” of February. NEW DELHI: Thirteen police aide and advocate-cum-property tigation officer) is allowed. arrest was not justified. Roy said. The Supreme Court also said officer were suspended after dealer Baljeet Singh Sehrawat, 51, Accused Nitesh Bhardwaj and “They have to justify in the He added that most of the that SEBI could freeze accounts protesters barged into the was also arrested the same day. Baljeet Singh are sent to six days’ court that they have material investors had been given refunds and attach properties if Sahara residence of Home Minister Both accused were produced police custody. They be medically to arrest Nitesh,” the advocate and the remaining refunds had Group did not deposit the inves- Sushilkumar Shinde here last before the magistrate by police. examined before and after police added. Gupta said that accused been deposited with the SEBI. tors’ money, following which evening, police said. The court said: “It is specified custody.” had been cooperating with the Roy said that Sahara Group market regulator froze the “At least 13 police officers have in the application that co-accused The court also directed police investigators and there was no was concerned about the refund accounts and attached its assets been suspended for dereliction of have to be traced, SIM cards used to get the accused medically need to arrest him. delays by SEBI. on February 13. duty,” police said. by accused have to be unearthed, examined after every 48 hours. IANS He added that Sahara Group IANS Around 200 Jat protesters gathered outside Shinde’s bunga- low No 2 at Krishna Menon Marg around 4.30pm and raised slogans One killed in train crash for reservations. “About three to four protesters barged into the minister’s house. Govt to make it easy They also damaged the front gate,” said a police officer. The protesters fled when police for foreign filmmakers arrived. Over 50 police personnel have been deputed at the spot. Police detained some protestors NEW DELHI: Foreign film- of such an empowered commit- for breach of security. IANS makers wishing to shoot in tee would provide the platform India would find the going has- and impetus to promote India sle-free with the government as a filming destination across Man arrested for planning to provide them a sin- the world. This initiative is an gle window clearance for their important step in view of the making hoax call ventures. country celebrating 100 years Announcing this here yester- of Indian cinema,” said Tewari. NEW DELHI: A 23-year- day at an event, Information and He said that the Justice Mudgal old man has been arrested for Broadcasting Minister Manish Committee, set up to review making a hoax bomb call to Tewari said the ministry would the mandate and functioning the Police Control Room (PCR) issue a notification soon on setting of the Central Board of Film here, police said yesterday. up an inter-ministerial empow- Certification (CBFC) and rec- Subodh Singh was arrested ered committee that would pro- ommend measures, including from Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad vide single window clearance for statutory changes to enable town, adjoining Delhi, on Tuesday shooting of foreign films in India. board to deal with contemporary for making a hoax bomb call to The proposed panel would requirements of certification and the police around 10.40pm on include representatives of the increased transparency and effi- Sunday. He claimed that a bomb state governments and key ciency, was expected to submit would explode in the Jama Masjid central government ministries, its recommendations shortly. area in the capital. said Tewari while delivering the The recommendations would “After a search was carried out keynote address at the release help the ministry to review the in the area, it was found to be a of the Limca Book of Records legal architecture for film certi- A rescue worker at the site of a train accident near Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu, yesterday. One person was hoax call,” Deputy Commissioner 2013 dedicated to 100 years of fication process. killed and dozens injured after the passenger train derailed. of Police Alok Kumar said. Indian cinema. “The creation IANS IANS THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA University attacked, students beaten up Union members try to avenge assault on politician

KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad Mamata admitted to hospital (TMCP) members stormed the Presidency University campus KOLKATA: West Bengal Sacral region and left knee joint. and beat up its students here Chief Minister Mamata She also complains of breathing yesterday, an official said. Banerjee was admitted to a problem and palpitation,” the The incident occurred a day private nursing home in the statement said. after West Bengal Chief Minister city yesterday after she com- Banerjee was earlier exam- Mamata Banerjee faced a pro- plained of breathing problems, ined by doctors at AIIMS, New test in New Delhi organised by palpitation and body pain. Delhi, who advised her to get the Students Federation of India Banerjee, who was taken to admitted for observation. (SFI), the students wing of the the Belle Vue Clinic shortly “She underwent tests like Communist Party of India- after she landed in the city from MRI,” said a doctor. Marxist (CPI-M). Delhi, has “low blood pressure “Our chief minister is men- “They were carrying TMCP and low pulse rate”. tally very down. She also has flags and shouting slogans. They “She needs rest and analge- sustained physical injuries. We broke the gates and entered the sics... Needs close monitoring,” have admitted her to the nurs- campus. They beat up our stu- said a bulletin issued by the ing home,” Trinamool Congress dents,” Presidency University Vice clinic. The chief minister was secretary general and state Chancellor Malabika Sarkar told admitted around 4.35pm. “She Parliamentary Affairs Minister a media conference here. complained of pain in both Partha Chatterjee told report- TMCP activists had organised shoulder joints, neck and back, ers here. a rally from College Street junc- mainly over the left Lumbo IANS German Chancellor Angela Merkel (right) welcomes Prime Minister Manmohan Singh upon his arrival for a dinner tion near the university to protest at the Chancellery in Berlin, yesterday. Monday’s incident in New Delhi. Mamata Banerjee. They were “We condemn it. The miscreants When it reached the university carrying sticks, rods and spears. must be identified and punished. gates, some of the participants They pinned me down and The administration will not go by allegedly turned violent and for- shouted, ‘How dare you beat up any political colour. If Trinamool Delhi eyes deals with Germany cibly entered the campus. Amit Mitra?’” Congress Chhatra Parishad sup- Sarkar said that police “did not After the mob left, students porters are involved, they are ene- BERLIN: Indian Prime percent,” said the prime minister. seeking a permanent seat in the take any action. It is absolutely supporting SFI and Independent mies of the Trinamool Congress.” Minister Manmohan Singh, “Germany is also a key part- United Nations Security Council unacceptable. They vandalised Consolidation (IC) held a meet- Left Front chairman and accompanied by a high-level ner for us in areas like infrastruc- and cooperating with each other the physics department. This is ing and called a strike today to CPI-M state secretary Biman delegation that includes five ture, manufacturing, science and in the G-20 process. an unprovoked attack on peaceful protest the violence by the TMCP. Bose said people even remotely cabinet ministers, arrived here technology, higher education, The prime minister will co- students in a university campus”. “Teachers also were not spared. interested in education could yesterday on a three-day offi- vocational training and clean and chair the second round of inter- She said the mob returned to We have requested them to lend not have vandalised such an cial visit during which bilateral renewable energy. We expect to governmental consultations with vandalise the physics department. their support,” said an IC leader. institution. trade and investment and coop- sign a number of agreements and Chancellor Angela Merkel and The heritage Baker’s Building, Banerjee, Finance Minister “Why didn’t police prevent eration in education, science Memorandums of Understanding witness the signing of a series of which celebrated its centenary Amit Mitra and others were hooligans from breaking the and technology, and renewable in these areas,” he said in a accords aimed at driving bilateral recently, also faced the wrath of heckled by members of the SFI century-old laboratory, which is energy would fugure high on statement just before leaving cooperation in the fileds of educa- the vandals. outside the Planning Commission one of the famous physics lab of the agenda at the inter-govern- New Delhi. tion, science and technology, and “We had apprehended dis- office building in New Delhi’s Bengal? We cannot accept this,” mental talks that kick off today. India was one of the first coun- renewable energy. turbance. But police said there Parliament Street on Tuesday. Bose said. “I intend to seek greater tries to recognise the Federal Under the agreements to be was no cause of worry. Despite The SFI was protesting the The university’s alumni include trade and investment ties with Republic of Germany and had inked, Germany will provide India that, we were attacked twice,” death of its activist Sudipta Gupta Nobel laureate Rabindranath Germany as we continue to take strongly supported German a soft loan of ¤1bn for strength- Debashruti Roychowdhury, dean in Kolkata Police’s custody on Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, steps to boost domestic invest- Reunification in 1990. Both coun- ening the transmission system of students, told the media. April 2. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, ments, attract foreign investors tries agree on several policy areas of renewable energy in several An SFI supporter, who was Trinamool Congress Secretary Satyajit Ray, Marxist leader Jyoti and spur the economy back to its of international diplomacy. states. beaten up, said: “They were General Partha Chatterjee said Basu and India’s first president long term growth potential of 8 The two nations are also IANS shouting slogans eulogising about the attack on the university: Rajendra Prasad. IANS

Artist forced to remove paintings after complaints MUMBAI: An artist said yesterday she feared for her safety after Hindu extremists forced her to remove two paint- ings from a Mumbai exhibition because they showed scantily clad idols. Eleena Banik’s paintings, dis- played at the city’s well-estab- lished Jehangir Art Gallery, included the Hindu deity Kali without the garland of skulls that normally covers her bosom. Another depicted a deity-like woman with strawberries placed on her body like fig leaves, which Ten-year-old twins Sabah (left) and Farah. Banik said she created in pro- test at the fatal gang rape of a medical student in New Delhi in December that shocked India. “I wanted to express that the SC not for splitting goddess is there in all women, so why do you rape her?” Banik, 41, who has exibited her works throughout India as well as in conjoined twins London, told AFP. She said a couple of angry NEW DELHI: The Supreme “Seldom does society care or Hindus had approached her and Court yesterday ruled out any know the mental and psycho- objected to the lack of clothing immediate surgery to separate logical trauma... (that) judges in the two paintings and said a 17-year-old twin sisters joined undergo, especially when they woman “can’t be compared with at the head, citing the need for are called upon to decide an issue a deity”. more expert medical opinion. touching human life, either to After receiving complaints, A division bench of the court save or take away,” the order read. Mumbai police and the gallery said they had taken note of the Saba and Farah Saleem, who insisted Banik remove the paint- fact the twins shared a vital blood are mostly bed-ridden, hail from ings from public view, said the vessel in the brain and that only a poor family in Bihar with their artist. one of them had kidneys. father running a small roadside “It’s insulting for any art- “No positive direction can be eatery in the capital city of Patna. ist,” she said of being obliged to given in the absence of an expert Their condition has drawn the remove her works. “I express my medical opinion indicating either attention of global medical spe- freedom of expression through of them can be saved due to a sur- cialists, with US neurosurgeon my paintings.” Since her exhibi- gical operation,” the bench said. Benjamin Carson travelling to tion closed on Monday, the artist The court, however, ordered Bihar to study their case in 2011. from eastern India said she had the government of the eastern Carson had warned that sur- received threats over the phone, state of Bihar to pay Rs5,000 gery to separate the twins could including one death threat, and ($92) a month to the parents to be risky, following which the par- had been given police protection. meet the twins’ medical expenses. ents decided against any opera- “I don’t know if it’s safe for me The twins welcomed the court’s tion. Local media reports said to go out,” she said. Among the ruling. they had even rejected a reported complainants was Varsha Thakar “The court’s verdict will pro- offer from the crown prince of of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti vide us time to live together — like Abu Dhabi to pay for surgery. group (meaning “forum for Hindu we have since birth,” Saba told The ruling was the outcome of public awakening”). “We are not AFP in Patna. a public interest suit filed by a law against artistic freedom but would Justice K S Radhakrishnan and student seeking financial support like to know what connection can Dipak Mishra revealed in their for the maintenance of the twins be drawn between the gang-rape ruling that they had spent “sleep- and to provide them proper medi- victim and a goddess,” Thakar less nights” in seeking to arrive cal care. told the Times of India newspaper. at a solution for the twin sisters. AFP AFP

Thursday 11 April 2013 1 Jumada II 1434 Volume 18 Number 5666 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatar bourse earnings GM to invest $5.2bn in Opel remained flat last year Real estate sector declined 56 percent

DOHA: Qatar Exchange’s (QE) and National Leasing Holding Co, 21.2 percent and 18.7 percent earnings remained relatively down 11.8 percent. respectively. flat in 2012, falling 0.3 percent Industrial sector, representing Qatar and Bahrain were the year-on-year. The real estate 32.1 percent of the QE’s earnings only countries to witness a decline sector earnings declined 56 per- rose 10.1 percent to $3.3bn sup- in earnings in 2012. Bahrain was cent and consumer goods sector ported by government spending. the worst performer in the GCC dropped 9.7 percent offsetting Industries Qatar (IQ) and Qatar region, declining 34.6 percent gains posted by heavyweights Electricity & Water Co consti- YoY in 2012 owing to deteriora- banks & financial services and tuting 81.5 percent of the sector’s tion across majority sectors. On industrials sectors. Consumer earnings grew 6.4 percent and the other hand, Qatar saw a mar- goods and real estate sector 10.5 percent, respectively. ginal decline of 0.3 percent YoY were the only losing sectors in The performance of the real led by decline in real estate sector 2012. estate sector was dragged by de- earnings. The Global Investment House’s growth in earnings of the indus- UAE continued to lead the race “GCC Earnings-2012” released try leasers Barwa Real estate in 2012, rising 28.8 percent. UAE’s yesterday noted Qatar’s banks Co, down 6.6 percent and United real estate sector recovered in and financial services sector development Company (UDC), 2012, which boosted the earn- continued its strong perform- down 80.5 percent. ings during the year. Meanwhile, ance, growing 6.6 percent YoY in The combined corporate the Banking sector continued to 2012. Loan books of banks surged earnings of the GCC contin- grow despite tighter regulatory with increasing demand from ued to rise in 2012, albeit at a environment. public sector companies as well slower pace when compared to Saudi Arabia’s earnings growth as from real estate and construc- 2011. Overall corporate earnings remained flat in 2012 after Karl Thomas Neumann, Chief Executive of Adam Opel AG and President of General Motors Europe, giving a tion companies in the private sec- grew 4.5 percent YoY to $55.4bn recording a robust growth in 2011, speech at the Adam Opel AG headquarters in Ruesselsheim, Germany, yesterday. General Motors pledged tor. Growth in the sector was led in 2012, after posting stronger despite huge government driven to invest $5.2bn in Opel by the end of 2016 to support new model launches, renewing its commitment to its by heavyweights Qatar National growth in 2011. large expenditure witnessed dur- loss-making European brand. Bank, up 10.5 percent and Saudi Arabia remained the ing the year. Oman’s earnings Commercial Bank of Qatar, up biggest contributor to over- rose by 14.3 percent as a result 6.7 percent. The sector’s growth all GCC earnings, constituting of buoyant performance across was largely unscathed by Qatar 46.0 percent in 2012, followed major sectors. Islamic Bank, down 9.2 percent by UAE and Qatar contributing THE PENINSULA

Opec trims oil Qatar investment forum demand growth forecast in Berlin from Monday LONDON: Opec yesterday DOHA: The two-day “Business Many government officials, trimmed its forecast for glo- and Investment in Qatar high net investors, and repre- bal growth in oil demand in Forum” is set to open in Berlin, sentatives from the public and 2013, becoming the second of Germany on Monday. private sector will attend the the world’s closely watched oil Organised by Qatar’s Ministry forum. The forum will discuss forecasters this week to predict of Foreign Affairs, the forum aims through interactive panels, the weaker consumption. at promoting the role of Qatar in latest business and investment The move by the Organisation business and investment domains opportunities and tendencies in of the Petroleum Exporting and highlighting the opportuni- the Qatari economy. Al khaliji Countries in a monthly report ties it offers. Qatar is emerging Group Chief Executive Officer, follows a similar downward revi- as political, economic and cultural Robin McCall said, sion to oil demand growth in 2013 centre of the Middle East and “The forum is a perfect plat- by the U S Energy Information intends to pursue its ambitions form for European companies and Administration on Tuesday. to be a knowledge based economy investors to take a closer look at Opec now expects world oil through a well-planned strategy the different aspects of the Qatar demand will rise by 800,000 bar- as laid out in the Qatar National economy and the growing oppor- rels per day (bpd) this year, a cut Vision 2030. tunities available in the coming of 40,000bpd from the previous esti- Al khaliji is the gold sponsor years. Qatar is a stable country mate. It cited weaker-than-expected of the forum. Sheikh Hamad bin that is growing rapidly and has oil use in developed economies, par- Faisal bin Thani Al Thani, Al a conducive investment environ- ticularly Europe and Japan. khaliji’s Chairman and Managing ment that copes with investors’ “Monthly data that is starting Director said: “ Our commitment ambition”. to emerge for the first quarter of to support this forum stems from Qatar’s ongoing projects are 2013 suggests that OECD demand our appreciation for Qatar, which valued at more than $250bn, with may be disappointing compared is setting an example of eco- infrastructure attracting 34 per- with our previous assessment,” said nomic excellence regionally and cent of total investments. Out of the report by economists at Opec’s internationally. Qatar’s strategic the $250bn, an astonishing $100bn Vienna headquarters. Opec, the vision aims to develop a competi- is going to be allocated on devel- source of more than a third of the tive and open economy by rely- opment projects relating to the world’s oil, has been flagging the ing on the surplus from oil, gas FIFA World Cup in 2022. There prospect that demand may prove and foreign investment. This will are unrivalled opportunities for weaker than expected due to the provide unique opportunities investment and involvement in euro zone’s economic problems and for the private sector and will Qatar in many of its sectors. uncertainties about U S economy. encourage progress for the com- THE PENINSULA REUTERS ing generations.”

Oil eases below $106 on US stockpile

LONDON: Oil eased below The U S Energy Information strategist Andrey Kryuchenkov. $106 a barrel yesterday after Administration (EIA) later yes- “After a few days of short cov- U S crude oil stocks swelled to terday could show a rise of 1.4 ering the oil complex is starting the highest level in more than million barrels, according to a today’s session on the defensive two decades and dented the out- Reuters poll of analysts. after a bearish API fundamen- look for demand in the world’s Brent crude futures slid 61 tal snapshot along with a weak top consumer. cents to $105.62 a barrel by 1221 demand projection by the EIA,” Data from industry group the GMT, while U S crude fell 55 said Dominick Chirichella of American Petroleum Institute cents to $93.65. Energy Management Institute. showed a sharp rise of 5.1 million “The actual physical demand, “The fundamentals are becom- barrels in crude inventories last as evident from the wet barrels ing more bearish but the techni- week, far higher than forecasts of market, remains subdued,” said cals are improving slightly.” a 1.5 million-barrel rise. VTB Capital oil and commodities REUTERS THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Spain, Slovenia pose biggest risk, warns EU France’s debt ‘major challenge’

BRUSSELS: The European employment, public finances and Commission warned yesterday financial stability,” it said. that Spain and Slovenia pose the Rajoy argued that the lat- biggest economic risks and must est data painted a more favour- quickly tackle excessive imbal- able picture, citing for example ances while France’s growing renewed growth in inward invest- debt was turning into the euro- ment even as he admitted the zone’s “major challenge.” outlook for the jobless remained Spanish Prime Minister bleak. “We have to keep up the Mariano Rajoy said he had taken reform effort,” he said. the Brussels “reprimand” on The report comes as Eurozone the chin but insisted that con- and EU finance ministers prepare crete results would feed through for informal weekend talks in from further reforms due to be Dublin, likely to touch on every- announced April 26. thing from a tweak to the Cyprus Spain, where the banking sys- bailout deal to a popular drive to tem has already been bailed out, clamp down on tax evasion. and Slovenia, favourite to become Speculation about another the sixth eurozone country to need eurozone bailout for Slovenia a rescue, had “built up excessive will be particularly hard to shake, macroeconomic imbalances,” the especially as it struggles to stabi- worst rating of 13 EU countries lise a banking system. Potential customers look at Tata cars at a showroom in New Delhi yesterday. reviewed, the Commission said. For Slovenia, “urgent policy With more bleak data out action is needed to halt the rapid of Spain, the Commission said build-up of these imbalances and imbalances in debt, unemploy- to manage their unwinding,” the India car sales shrink first time in decade ment and growth were doing Commission report said. long-term damage, with more The Slovenian finance minis- NEW DELHI: India’s once in 2010-11, SIAM said. “The basic analysts say. interest-free repayments and than 50 percent of under-25’s try said in a statement that the red-hot car market shrank for problem has been the big down- The figures came as more double-digit discounts as sellers unable to find a job. government “agrees” with the the first time in a decade in the turn in the economy and high bad news for the left-leaning battle to perk up demand. “Our citizens are still paying the Commission’s analysis and that a last financial year, data showed interest rates,” SIAM deputy government of Prime Minister But consumers are being “cau- price for the unchecked develop- fresh budget revision was planned yesterday, underlining the scale director general Sugato Sen said. Manmohan Singh which faces tious, postponing purchases, ment of imbalances in the past,” and steps were being taken to deal of the slowdown in Asia’s third- March sales alone contracted voters in national elections next hoping for much lower interest said a Commission statement, not- with the banks. biggest economy. 22.5 percent year-on-year, raising year with the economy growing at rates and for the general mood to ing especially “very high domestic New Slovenian Prime Minister Domestic passenger car sales, questions about large investments its slowest pace in a decade. improve”, Fortune Equity Brokers and external debt levels” in Spain. Alenka Bratusek insisted seen as a pointer to overall eco- by foreign auto giants, which are Meanwhile, China’s sales have analyst Mahantesh Sabaradsaid. Spain needed to deliver a “deci- on Tuesday after meeting nomic health, fell by 6.7 percent in building new plant capacity. moved back into the fast lane The economy is estimated to sive” reform programme, it said. Commission head Jose Manuel the year to March 2013 from a year US giant Ford, for instance, has with total sales of passenger cars, have grown by five percent last A “further contraction in eco- Barroso that her government earlier to 1.89 million units, said earmarked nearly $1bn to build sport-utility vehicles, multi-pur- year, hit by high interest rates nomic activity, rising unemploy- was already working “day and the Society of Indian Automobile a plant in the western state of pose vehicles and minivans up 15 that have slowed investment ment and the need for public night” to save a banking system Manufacturers (SIAM). Gujarat that will have capacity to percent in March, according to and demand and weak exports, support for the recapitalisation the Organisation for Economic Sales are expected to grow in make 240,000 cars a year by 2014. state media. and the Congress-led govern- of a number of banks... exposed Co-operation and Development the next 12 months but only by GM, Toyota Motor Corp and India’s annual car sales per- ment expects around six percent the vulnerabilities represented says is in urgent need of repair. three-to-five percent, a far cry Maruti Suzuki have also been formance was a sharp reversal growth this year. Passenger vehi- by those imbalances for growth, AFP from the record 30-percent rise boosting capacity to meet what from SIAM’s 10-to-12 percent cle sales of Suzuki Maruti rose they hoped would be big growth in growth forecast at the outset of 4.4 percent to 1.05 million units a market that could equal China’s last year. “These figures have in the last financial year. and would offset weakness in the disappointed all our earlier fore- Many foreign carmakers had a developed world. casts—there has been a reversal in bad year with passenger vehicle But India’s top carmaker, buying behaviour,” Sen said. The sales of Italy’s Fiat sliding by 57 Japanese-controlled Maruti, has last time annual car sales shrank percent, Germany’s Volkswagen been forced to temporarily shut was in 2002-03 when sales con- India slipping by 16 percent, Ford some production to cut their bal- tracted 7.7 percent. declining by 17 percent and General looning inventories, while new Car buyers are being bom- Motors dropping by 20 percent investment is already slowing, barded with “buy now, pay later” AFP

QATARI MARKET Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Kuwait weighs Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 104.50 0.55 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 106.19 1.44 % Aa2 AA plan to extract Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 125.00 2.09 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 117.75 2.40 % Aa2 AA shale gas Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 113.75 2.73 % Aa2 AA KUWAIT: Kuwait is investi- Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 173.50 3.86 % Aa2 AA gating a plan to extract shale Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 135.50 4.18 % Aa2 AA gas from its northern fields, a Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 127.00 4.14 % Aa2 AA Kuwaiti oil sector official said yesterday, estimating that the Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.38 1.10 % Aa2 AA Gulf Arab state could pro- Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 115.00 2.71 % Aa2 AA duce 150-200 million cubic Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 105.75 1.34 % A1 A- feet per day under the right Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.75 2.13 % A1 A- conditions. QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.75 1.90 % NR NR Opec member Kuwait is a QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.75 1.65 % Aa3 A+ major oil producer, with a capac- QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.63 2.12 % Aa3 A+ ity of 3 million barrels of oil per day. However its gas production Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.75 2.23 % A2 A- is relatively low and it depends in Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.75 1.68 % A2 A part on gas imports to serve its Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 131.00 2.43 % A2 A energy needs. Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 112.25 2.99 % A2 A The official, who spoke on the Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 111.63 3.82 % A2 A condition of anonymity, said that Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 106.25 1.16 % Aa3 A if Kuwait goes ahead with the Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 108.00 3.37 % Aa3 A plan it would work with a com- Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 110.75 3.64 % Aa3 A pany specialised in shale gas pro- duction, without giving further SOVEREIGNS details. Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Kuwait’s state-owned oil com- Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 104.88 0.51 % Aa2 AA pany Kuwait Petroleum Corp Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 126.38 2.05 % Aa2 AA was not immediately available for comment. Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 110.13 2.45 % NR NR Production will depend on the Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 107.38 2.96 % NR NR technology available “because our Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 125.13 3.85 % NR NR main problem is that the (gas) Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 117.88 4.07 % NR NR reservoir is complex... and this Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 105.56 0.82 % Aa2 AA layer is the most complex,” the Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 116.50 3.05 % NR BBB official said, referring to the part Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 110.38 3.79 % NR BBB containing shale gas. The official declined to give a Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 92.50 7.12 % Caa1 B- time frame for when production Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 106.50 3.51 % NR BBB- could start, saying that there have *Periodic Distribution Amount IMPORTANT NOTE: only been discussions so far. Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which Neighbour Saudi Arabia, the is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services world’s biggest oil exporter, has Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary begun investigating its large data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising unconventional deposits and out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds their potential for fuelling long- can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant term growth for its booming liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not population. a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and It has been inspired by a shale consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. gas surge in the United States, which has transformed the country from the world’s larg- est gas importer into a budding exporter. REUTERS THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Saudi solar field Germany voices Turkey open support for EU-India free to energy ties trade deal BERLIN: Germany and India both voiced hope yesterday that the South Asian power can soon strike a free trade deal with the European Union, during a with Israel meeting of foreign ministers in Berlin. The ministers met ahead of Tel Aviv eyes emerging exports dinner talks between German Chancellor Angela Merkel ANKARA: A tentative rap- Israel’s apology was not energy and Indian Prime Minister prochement between Turkey projects. But the consequence could Manmohan Singh and Thursday’s and Israel could eventually pave be energy projects,” Yildiz told second Indo-German intergovern- the way for joint energy projects reporters at an energy conference mental consultations, launched in but it is still too early to talk of in Ankara. “We have said we are 2011 in New Delhi. specifics, Turkey’s energy min- not closed to these in the future. German Foreign Minister ister said yesterday. But at this stage ... it is early to Guido Westerwelle praised India, A US-brokered thaw between talk about energy projects.” with its 1.2 billion people, as a Turkey and Israel could alter the Because Israel’s domestic energy “great nation,” “a power centre energy equation in the eastern market is so small, exports are key on the rise” and an “economic Mediterranean, in theory allow- to the development of the find. It success story that has shifted the ing newly discovered Israeli gas would be cheaper to export gas via A Saudi man walks on a street past a field of solar panels at the King Abdulaziz City of Sciences and weight in the world.” to be piped to import-dependent a pipeline to Turkey than convert- Technology, Al Oyeynah Research Station. In 2012, Saudi Arabia set minimum efficiency standards for air He added: “We have many part- Turkey and on to other markets. ing it to liquefied natural gas to conditioners and windows, and launched a campaign to educate primary schoolchildren and housewives ners in the world, but India is a Israel, once energy poor, is reach export markets by ship. on energy efficiency. democracy, the biggest democracy expected to become a gas exporter Turkey could become a large in the world.” by the end of the decade. Its huge consumer of Israeli gas and serve Westerwelle said Germany sup- offshore Leviathan field contains an as a transit route to other export ports an India-European Union estimated 17 trillion cubic feet (tcf) markets, but there are concerns, trade and investment pact, which of gas, making it the world’s larg- behind the conciliatory rhetoric, would remove most tariff and est offshore discovery of the past about how quickly Turkish-Israeli QFBC holds networking event non-tariff barriers. Talks for the decade when it was found in 2010. relations will be restored. deal were first launched in 2007. Seventeen trillion cubic feet US Secretary of State John Kerry DOHA: The Qatari-French private sector, the initiative is team to the Qatari authorities. “We believe that a free trade is equivalent to almost a year’s urged the two nations to restore full Business Club (QFBC) yester- structured around sector-based The French Ambassador to agreement between the EU and worth of European gas demand relations during a trip to Istanbul day held its monthly network- clusters, such as construction and Qatar, Jean-Christophe Peaucelle India would point the way toward and enough to cover Israel’s gas on Sunday, saying such a move was ing event with an objective to environment. encouraged and congratulated this more growth and prosperity” in needs for generations. vital to regional stability. make use of the French exper- Additional clusters are expected initiative as well as highlighted both countries, he said. U S President Barack Obama Despite Obama having pulled tise in the implementation of to be created in other fields such how the French “savoir-faire” can Some stumbling blocks have last month brokered a first step off a diplomatic coup — a three- FIFA World Cup 2022 related as security, consultancy. It aims to support Qatar’s development. included foreign access to India’s in reconciliation between the two way telephone call with the Israeli projects, a press statement said offer integrated solutions on the QFBC is an active networking automobile and alcoholic bever- former allies, whose relations and Turkish prime ministers, who yesterday. whole sport event value chain and platform for Qatari and French age sectors and its insurance were frozen after the 2010 killing had not spoken since 2011 — some During the event M Christian provide innovative responses to businessmen willing to meet market. by Israeli marines of nine Turks officials in Washington are wor- Dumond, CEO of Bouygues address Qatar challenges. together in order to promote and India’s Foreign Minister aboard a Gaza-bound aid ship. ried Turkey might be backtrack- Construction Qatar, presented The “French Team for Sport” consolidate business ties between Salman Khurshid said the trade Israeli Prime Minister ing on the deal. a new initiative called “French is supported by QFBC, along with France and Qatar. To facilitate talks should now move from the Benjamin Netanyahu apologised An Israeli delegation had been Team for Sport”. the French Olympic Committee, information sharing between its level of technocrats to statesmen. to his Turkish counterpart Recp due in Turkey this week to begin The “French Team for Sport” the French Embassy in Qatar, the members, coming from a broad He thanked Germany for its Tayyip Erdogan over the killings discussing details of the compen- objectives are to promote the CCEF Group, the French Bank of range of business sectors, QFBC support on the negotiations, and pledged compensation to the sation agreement, but Turkey French know-how in the Qatari Public Investment and Ubifrance. holds regular networking events which he said “will be concluded bereaved, meeting a long-stand- postponed the meeting due to a market and make use of the Moreover, “French Team for such as its monthly gathering, hopefully soon”, and called the ing Turkish demand. Turkey, for foreign trip by a senior govern- French expertise to participate in Sport” will soon nominate a called “QFBC Tuesday evening” EU’s biggest economy a “con- its part, appeared to back off a ment official who is involved in the implementation of the World French ambassador for sports, and some special events exclusive stant companion, friend, strategic separate demand that Israel stop talks with Israel. Cup related projects. Initiated by an athlete or a former athlete, for the members. partner.” blockading Gaza. “The reason for REUTERS the French government and the to officially represent the French THE PENINSULA AFP New Turkish regulations to allow wider use of Islamic bonds

ISTANBUL: Turkey is work- the short term,” a senior official political system, Turkey issued ing on new regulations to allow in the sector said, asking not to its first sovereign sukuk last wider use of Islamic bonds, a be named because the plans are September. It has now issued closely watched move which not yet public. three sukuk, two of them lira- could see sukuk issues employed “The regulation will include denominated totalling 3.14bn lira by the government and corpo- both the Treasury and corporates, ($1.75bn) and one dollar-denom- rations for project finance and and will allow any company or the inated worth $1.5bn. infrastructure development. Treasury to issue them whenever Turkish banks have issued Turkish institutions and the there’s demand for such an issue. several sukuk, and the Treasury Treasury currently only issue That way, we’ll be able to meet the has announced it will issue lira- the ijara type of sukuk, which global demand whenever we need to.” denominated sukuk twice a year. is among the most widely used The development of Turkey’s The new regulations will give internationally; the new regula- sukuk market is of interest to Turkish issuers more flexibil- tions would approve the use of countries around the world, ity to take advantage of inves- istisna, murabaha, mudaraba, since the fast-growing economy tor demand for various types of musharaka and wakala bonds. could become a major issuer of sukuk at certain times. Banking sources said the Islamic debt and influence trends Bankers cited the case of a Capital Markets Board would throughout the industry. perpetual sukuk, one without a complete its work on the regula- Turkey’s experience is also seen maturity date, issued by Dubai tions within a couple of months, as a test for Islamic finance in a Islamic Bank in March; the $1 bil- and was seeking to ensure the secularist legal environment; it lion hybrid instrument was almost new types were in line with inter- could serve as a benchmark for 15 times subscribed. “It was one nationally accepted standards for Western markets which want to of the most demanded issues in Islamic finance. encourage the industry. sukuk history, but it’s hard to “Turkey’s preparing the legal After proceeding only slowly know when there will be demand framework for the sector to use with the development of Islamic for different types of issues,” an whenever it needs. These issues finance for years, partly because Istanbul-based banker said. will not become widespread in of the sensitivities of its secular REUTERS

WTO forecast

A container ship being loaded at a terminal at the harbour in Hamburg. The World Trade Organization slashed its forecast for global trade growth in 2013 to 3.3 percent from 4.5 percent yesterday. THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Cargo piles up Greece-IMF talks as Hong Kong strike drags on Dock workers fail to reach deal

HONG KONG: Striking dock Kong’s free market economy, has workers at a port operator caused delays of up to 60 hours at backed by Hong Kong’s richest the port and is costing HIT about man Li Ka-shing failed to reach $640,000 a day, according to local a deal for higher pay yesterday, media. prolonging a dispute that could Port operator officials were not cost the city its position as the immediately available to comment world’s third-largest container after the first round of talks yes- port. terday. Contractors involved in Roughly 500 workers, who say the dispute could not be reached they have not had a pay rise in for comment. 10 years even as the cost of living At one of the berths operated has soared, are demanding a hike by HIT, workers waved banners of around 20 percent and better denouncing Li, who controls 70 work conditions. percent of Hong Kong’s container The strike has hit a nerve port traffic, depicting him as an in Hong Kong, where a grow- octopus snatching money from ing wealth gap and some of the people. world’s highest property prices “It’s his fault that the strike have piled pressure on leader has dragged on for so long,” said Leung Chun-ying and brought container dock worker Ng Mei- International Monetary Fund’s Deputy Director and Mission Chief to Greece Poul Thomsen (centre) arrives for a meeting at the finance ministry in the city’s tycoons head-to-head tak, 46. “As the richest man, with Athens yesterday. with the government, which was all those businesses, I hold him sworn in last July amid a raft of accountable for not stepping in populist promises. and for the impact of this strike “We raised some treatment on the Hong Kong economy.” issues, including meals, overtime Workers say HIT has given and leave but hadn’t got to the extra money to its five major con- Qatar Exchange index loses 7.06 points issue of salaries before they said tractors in the past few years, but they needed to go for lunch,” said that this has not filtered through DOHA: Qatar Exchange has high yesterday, while other climbed 0.7 percent to its highest percent, trimming 2013 gains to Wong Shiu-cheung, representa- to frontline dock workers. lost 7.06 points or 0.08 percent regional markets were mixed. since May 2012. 20.4 percent. It is down 69 percent tive from the Union of Hong Kong “They’ve cheated us for many ysterday to hit 8,511.28 points Heavyweight Al Rajhi Bank “Today’s break validates our from a 2008 peak. Dockers, referring to talks with years,” said Tam Chung-ming, from the previous closing of advanced 0.8 percent. It posted a bullish call on the Saudi market “UAE markets are overall very contractors for the port operator a crane operator for Global 8,518.34 points. 2 percent rise in quarterly profit, and sets the stage for further cheap - there might be some cor- and labour department officials. Stevedoring Service, one of the The volume of shares traded marginally beating forecasts. gains,” said Adel Merheb, man- rection but if you have a long-term “We told them... we would contractors embroiled in the dis- fell to 3,472,022 from 3,847,918 on Shares in SABB climbed 4.1 aging partner at online advisory view, we are at very low levels his- always be willing to talk to them, pute. “We are overworked, not Tuesday, and the value of shares percent and Saudi Hollandi Bank firm TradeYourMarket.com. “At torically, so any correction is an whenever they want, even at mid- given enough rest time, and we decreased to QR132,747,855.43 adds 3.7 percent. Both the lenders the moment, 7,500 is looking like a opportunity to accumulate,” said night. But there’s no response yet don’t have proper toilet breaks. from QR159,922,397.60 on beat estimates for first-quarter net probable and conservative target.” Zeki Muderrisoglu, fund manager as to when the next meeting will We have to shit in newspapers in Tuesday. profit, attributing the growth in Elsewhere, Dubai’s Emaar and senior technical analyst at be.” our cranes.” Among the top losers were earnings to higher operating income. Properties slipped 1.8 percent, NBAD Asset Management. Local media reported late Contractors and port operator Qatar National Bank whose share “We believe that the most dragging the emirate’s index from The Dubai benchmark’s next yesterday that the talks would officials could also not immedi- dropped 0.37 percent to QR133.00, positive results were from Saudi a 40-month high. targets are 2,050 and 2,100, he resume today. ately be reached for comment on Industries Qatar lost 0.13 percent Hollandi and SABB which Shareholders approved its pro- adds. Abu Dhabi’s measure ral- Port operator Hongkong work conditions. to QR159.50, Commercial Bank of reported strong results and posed 10 percent cash dividend lied for a fourth day, rising 0.9 International Terminals (HIT) Hong Kong’s public has become Qatar fell 0.31 percent to QR64.70 were better than expected,” said for 2012, maintaining the same percent to its highest close since has distanced itself from the dis- increasingly vocal over the city’s and Vodafone Qatar lost 0.79 per- NCB Capital in a research note. level as the previous two years October 2009. pute, saying it should be resolved yawning wealth gap, taking to the cent to QR8.78. “SABB’s was particularly posi- and dashing investors’ hopes the In Kuwait, aircraft leasing by contractors who supply work- streets to protest against the gov- The banking and financial tive given the improvement in net payout could be increased. company Alafco gained 3 percent ers to the berths it operates. ernment and the city’s wealthy sector lost 0.25 points while the interest margins, which we did The developer triggers selling after sources told Reuters the The Hong Kong Association of tycoons. Li’s businesses span insurance sector fell 0.09 points not expect. We believe this bodes in other stocks that had rallied firm had hired Deutsche Bank to Freight Forwarding and Logistics nearly every facet of life in Hong and the services sector dropped well for Samba which still did not in recent sessions. Dubai Islamic advise it on a potential sale of glo- estimates 120,000 twenty-foot Kong - ports to property, telecoms 0.21 points. report its first-quarter results.” Bank fell 3.1 percent, snapping a bal depositary receipts in London. equivalent units (TEUs) have to food and health and beauty - Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Petrochemical shares also rose four-session rise. Arabtec shed Egypt’s bourse halted a four- stacked up during the strike, making it hard to get by without banks rose on positive earnings with the sector’s index adding 0.4 1.4 percent and Emirates NBD session gain as investors booked which is now in its 14th day. contributing to his empire. surprise, helping lift the king- percent. dipped 0.7 percent. gains in bluechips. The dispute, a rarity in Hong REUTERS dom’s bourse to a fresh 11-month The kingdom’s benchmark Dubai’s index slipped 0.4 AGENCIES Etihad’s Jet stake purchase seen delayed until August

ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways’ failed forays by Gulf investors into terms, an investment protection purchase of a stake in India’s India and the Abu Dhabi firm’s assurance sought by Abu Dhabi Jet Airways could be delayed demands to protect its poten- has caused a pause in talks. until at least August as the Abu tial investment, the sources said, “The deal has been delayed due Dhabi carrier seeks assurances speaking on condition of anonym- to various considerations - pric- following setbacks for several ity as the matter is not public. ing, management control and a Gulf investors in India, two “It’s going to take some time; Bilateral Investment Protection sources familiar with the talks at least until August,” said one Agreement (BIPA) between both said. source, who is aware of the countries,” said another source Etihad, which is expand- discussions. close to Jet Airways. ing globally, has been in talks “There are issues relating to Top executives from Etihad over an equity stake in Jet since what happened to some other and Jet met Indian ministers in September after India relaxed UAE entities like Etisalat and February, but the deal faced a set- ownership rules and allowed for- Emaar in India. So nothing is back later when the Gulf carrier’s eign airlines to buy up to 49 per- going to happen soon.” chairman told Reuters it needed cent in local carriers. Etisalat, the UAE’s biggest to be revised. The Gulf airline is eyeing a 24 telecom operator, shut down its Etihad said later it remained percent stake, valued at about Indian mobile operations after a in talks with Jet and has been $330m, according to sources court ordered the revocation of strengthening its business relations aware of the matter. cellular permits — including those with the Indian airline. The Gulf The deal, which would inject granted to Etisalat’s local affili- carrier paid Jet $70m for its slots much-needed funds into Jet and ate — following a scandal-tainted at London’s Heathrow airport ear- help Etihad expand its reach into 2008 sale. lier this month and the two already James Hogan (centre), Etihad’s Chief Executive, and International Airlines Group CEO Willie Walsh (right) at the the vast Indian aviation market, Sources have said that apart have a codeshare agreement. Global Summit meeting at Etihad towers in Abu Dhabi, yesterday. has slowed over concerns of past from disagreements on commercial REUTERS Cyprus Airways to keep flying – for now

• Bullion - Mumbai NICOSIA: Near-bankrupt devastating terms of a eurozone as possible.” Stylianides said the 500 and its 11 Airbus fleet reduced national carrier Cyprus Airways debt bailout that crippled its once cabinet decision was conditional to six plus one in reserve. Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 29300 will be kept operational for lucrative financial sector and ush- on management and trade unions It said that a potential Lebanese Silver (1 kg) Rs. 52500 now but it must undergo dras- ered in years of austerity and a swiftly agreeing on the “neces- strategic investor was expected to • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.84 tic restructuring to ensure its sharp recession, tourism is the sary restructuring and downsiz- arrive for talks next week. • Sensex immediate future, the govern- island’s main hope of light at the ing” of the airline. The spokesman The cabinet decision came as BSE 18414.45 ment said yesterday. end of the tunnel. described the airline’s current some 300 Cyprus Airways staff NSE 5558.70 Government spokesman “The cabinet today decided, plight as “very difficult and fragile”. protested outside the presidential • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return Christos Stylianides said the for very specific reasons, mainly According to trade union esti- palace chanting: “No unemploy- p.a. (in dollar) state-owned airline would be kept relating to the summer tourism mates, the company has pre-sold ment,” and: “Don’t destroy Cyprus • Housing loan from HDFC LTD going through the summer so as season, that it would be desir- 400,000 seats for the summer Airways.” The struggling airline • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, not to leave tens of thousands of able to keep the company alive,” holiday season. posted a loss of ¤55.8m after tax Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. tourists who have pre-booked hol- Stylianides told reporters. State radio said the preferred for 2012, more than double the • Advise on Indian Income Tax matters for NRIs. idays on the Mediterranean island “So as to complete the summer downsizing scenario was for the net loss of ¤23.88 for the previ- Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] in the lurch. season with the aim of finding a 1,030-strong workforce to be ous year. With Cyprus reeling from the buyer-strategic investor as soon reduced by at least half to around AFP THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

QE Indices Summary QE Index 8,511.28 0.08 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 12,156.5 0.08 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,574.02 0.10 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,166.1 0.11 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,020.92 0.25 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 4973.685 -6.535 -0.13 5174.4 4664.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 5,291.78 0.21 % QR185.2850 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 3714.86 44.14 1.2 3871.58 3600.81 UK ...... QR 5.5433 QR 5.6210 QE All Share Industrials 3,014.74 0.00 % SILVER QE All Share Insurance 1,964.84 0.09 % Dj Indu Average 14673.46 59.98 0.41 14716.5 12035.1 QR 3.2521 Euro ...... QR 4.7400 QR 4.8059 QE All Share Real Estate 1,557.82 0.64 % CA$ ...... QR 3.5563 QR 3.6263 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Telecoms 1,192.94 0.12 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.8887 QR 3.9437 QE All Share Transportation 1,445.39 0.40 % Hang Seng Inde/D 22034.56 164.22 0.75 23944.74 21612.05 Yen ...... QR 0.0364 QR 0.0371 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.8028 QR 3.8769 Iseq Overall/D 3853.3 32.34 0.85 4009.59 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0662 QR 0.0675 10-04-2013 09-04-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 18723.35 9.74 0.05 18732.94 16036.31 Index 8,511.28 8,518.34 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0367 QR 0.0375 Change 7.06 2.37 Nikkei 225 Index 13288.13 95.78 0.73 13331.39 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0881 QR 0.0898 % 0.08 0.03 $105.43 SL Re ...... QR 0.0288 QR 0.0293 YTD% 1.82 1.91 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1573.89 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0462 QR 0.0471 Volume 3,472,022 3,847,918 Straits Times/D 3293.25 -3.32 -0.1 3331.26 3160.83 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0416 QR 0.0424 Value (QAR) 132,747,855.43 159,922,397.60 $103.35 Trades 2,078 2,693 SA Rand ...... QR 0.4029 QR 0.4130 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 11 | Down 21 | Unchanged 05

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 10-04-2013

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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

A C C-A/D 1151.8 20.15 15460 City Union Bk-/D 54 -0.3 253540 Hind Unilever-/D 467.6 -3.85 68433 Lloyd Steel-B/D 9.7 0.06 56397 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 410.15 6.1 9431 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 48.12 0.94 53218287 Aarti Drugs-B/D 159.25 -0.1 4076 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1393.5 -32.5 3027 Hind.Petrol-A/D 292.5 1.5 53398 Lloydsfin.-B/D 0.74 0.03 28949 Thirumalai-B/D 96.7 -2.45 8265 Marks & Sp./D 382.6 3.7 1011319 Aban Offs-B/D 263.25 -1.9 46558 Colgate-A/D 1320.6 3.95 9903 Hindalco-A/D 91 0.15 912182 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 15.25 -0.24 13108 Timexgroup-B/D 13.24 -0.2 23771 Next/D 4210 13 124164 Aegis Logis-B/D 123.9 -0.75 4220 Dhampur Sugar-/D 46.1 -1.7 23647 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 780.65 27.4 107339 Lupin-A/D 623.45 13 34551 Tinplate-B/D 42 0.4 5765 Pearson/D 1143 5 511848 Alembic-B/D 16.95 0.45 12541 Dr. Reddy-A/D 1898.95 -10.45 9065 I F C I-A/D 27.25 0.55 2013300 Lyka Labs-B/D 9.51 0.56 18033 Ub Engineer-T/D 21.45 -0.25 4534 Prudential/D 1061 32 1150219 Alok Indus-B/D 9.25 0.25 2227968 E I H-B/D 55.25 -0.3 7555 Idbi-A/D 80.75 0.9 160050 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 88 -7 5052 Ub Engineer-T/D 21.45 -0.25 4534 Rank Group/D 155.4 0.4 13730 Andhra Paper-B/D 189.65 -0.4 8281 E.I.D Parry-B/D 152.65 -0.4 7898 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 86.3 1.3 2786 Mah.Seamless-B/D 225.3 -6.6 60349 Ultramarine-B/D 63.25 -0.5 60651 Rentokil Initi/D 98.05 2.25 1072153 Apollo Tyre-A/D 83.65 0.6 68246 Eicher Motor-A/D 2780.05 60.95 1501 India Cement-B/D 83.8 2.5 193856 Mangalam Cem-B/D 127.35 0.35 6337 Unitech P -A/D 23.55 0 2971344 Rolls Royce Pl/D 1096 12 1040866 Asahi I Glass-/D 47.15 -0.85 4380 Electrosteel-B/D 16.55 0.2 28408 India Glycol-B/D 130 -1.65 5808 Max India L-A/D 222.5 7.85 7753 Rsa Insrance G/D 110.1 0.7 8623439 Ashok Leyland-/D 21.85 0 220417 Emco-B/D 18.95 -0.35 16891 Indian Hotel-A/D 55.45 1.4 89504 Mrpl-A/D 48.75 -0.8 41582 LONDON Sainsbury(J)/D 378.6 3.6 1169767 Bajaj Hold-A/D 906.15 -4 1264 Escorts-B/D 53.8 -0.45 69620 Indo-Bcount-B/D 11 0.4 1980 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 16.15 -0.85 1471 Schroders/D 2140 38 104791 Ballarpur In-B/D 17.5 0.05 28938 Essar Oil-A/D 77.95 0.4 558210 Indusind-A/D 388.15 -2.2 75908 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 16.15 -0.85 1471 Severn Trent/D 1689.5 13 89172 Bata India-A/D 717.95 -0.75 11450 Eveready Indu-/D 18.6 0.45 267944 J.B.Chemical-B/D 82 0.95 5520 Nahar Spg.-B/D 70 -0.2 16278 3I Group/D 318.9 8.1 599204 Smith&Nephew/D 748 8.5 318734 Bayer Crop-A/D 1119.5 19.45 3262 F D C-B/D 89.4 -0.3 3996 Jagson Phar-B/D 9.91 -0.43 3141 Nation Alum -A/D 33.45 0.15 151184 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 1840 -9 323491 Smiths Group/D 1249 24 229231 Beml Ltd-B/D 161.45 3.95 36535 Federal Bank-A/D 447.95 3.95 246643 Jbf Indu-B/D 103.85 -1 12577 Navneet Pub.-B/D 57.4 -1.1 2724 B Sky B/D 862.5 -0.5 623965 Standrd Chart /D 1648.5 0.5 1421444 Tate Bhansali Eng-B/D 14.6 0.07 2926 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.93 0.05 9558 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.43 -0.02 12468 Nepc India-B/D 2 -0.01 1546 Barclays/D 297.15 11.15 20660351 & Lyle/D 837.975 -0.5 547026 Bhartiya Int-B/D 200.75 1.3 5945 Fgp Ltd-B/D 2.58 -0.13 2068 Jct Ltd-B/D 0.92 -0.04 71416 Nrb Bearings-B/D 32 0 5129 Bg Group/D 1125.3434 -5 2380854 Tesco/D 377.1 -1.4 5429902 Bhel-A/D 177.8 -0.85 461730 Finolex-B/D 97.2 2.15 16057 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 2.99 0.11 3231 O N G C-A/D 302.15 -1.2 252043 Bp/D 454.494 3.7 6753201 Tomkins/D 0 0 0 Bom.Burmah-B/D 111.85 0.55 10663 Gail-A/D 315.05 1.7 28088 Jik Indust-B/D 0.95 -0.04 11355 Ocl India-B/D 150.85 0.35 11150 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3554.5 24 683661 Unilever/D 2751 18 862375 Bombay Dyeing-/D 83.7 -0.3 63664 Gammon India-B/D 22.3 -0.35 13690 Jindal Drill-B/D 201.55 -5.15 1973 Oil Country-B/D 41.6 -0.9 11643 Bt Group/D 274.6 6.5 3972667 United Util Gr/D 714.1754 5.5 800653 Cable Corp.-B/D 18.05 -0.1 1350 Goodricke-B/D 129.65 -2.55 3265 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 96.4 -0.9 7978 Orchid Chem-B/D 63 0.65 150997 Centrica/D 378.155 4.5 2728780 Vodafone Group/D 188.079 0.6 17285165 Castrol Ind-A/D 310 -1.85 15032 Goodyear I -B/D 262.5 3.5 2714 Kalpat Power-B/D 75.65 0.1 7340 Oudh Sugar-B/D 19.1 -1.15 6593 Gkn/D 264.4 7.2 3298871 Whitbread/D 2393 1 199601 Century Text-A/D 280.1 5.85 130334 Hcl Infosys-B/D 39.15 0.2 10702 Kalyani Stel-B/D 37.7 0.35 7487 Radico Khait-B/D 126.4 1.15 8075 Hsbc Holdings/D 690.3 6.4 8126426 Chambal Fert-B/D 51.9 0.75 86454 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 8.53 0.06 127543 Kg Denim-B/D 14.73 -0.26 4310 Rallis India-B/D 118.15 0.45 8302 Imperial Tobac/D 2318 13 741450 Chola Invest-B/D 261.4 1.5 2562 Himat Seide-B/D 31.9 0.2 15053 Kilburnengg-B/D 12.26 0.12 4965 Rallis India-B/D 118.15 0.45 8302 Kingfisher/D 289.9 0.2 1194472 Chowgule St-B/D 11.5 -0.28 1265 Hind Motors-B/D 8.8 -0.03 32651 Klg Systel-B/D 11 0 1450 Reliance Indus/D 379.6 9.75 249825 Land Secs Grou/D 841.612 12.5 272326 Cipla-A/D 397.85 7.2 85787 Hind Org Chem-/D 12.13 0.31 7898 Kopran-B/D 14.03 -0.06 17020 Ruchi Soya-B/D 67.65 -0.05 6345 Legal & Genera/D 169.4 1.4 3781648 THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Lakers keep play-off bid alive Kobe Bryant scores 30 points and Paul Gasol pumps in 22 as Lakers beat Hornets

LOS ANGELES: Kobe Bryant looked around, drew in a breath and gathered himself. Time for one of the game’s best closers to LEFT: Los Angeles get to work with the score tied Lakers’ Kobe Bryant to start the fourth quarter. (right) passes the He fueled a desperate rally with ball while guarded 23 of his 30 points in the last 12 by New Orleans minutes, and the Los Angeles Hornets’ Ryan Lakers beat the New Orleans Anderson during the Hornets 104-96 last night to keep second half action their play-off hopes alive. of their NBA game ‘’Aw ... I got to go in again and I really didn’t want to,’’ Bryant in Los Angeles, said he was thinking. ‘’It’s about California,yesterday. conserving energy. The more I RIGHT: Robin Lopez can kind of lag in the weeds the of the New Orleans better.’’ Hornets waits for But that depends on his play against the team-mates. Los Angeles Lakers ‘’If you’re making shots, I can at Staples Center. sit back,’’ Bryant said. ‘’If you’re RIGHT, BELOW: playing (bad), I can’t.’’ American actress No Laker but Bryant made a Cara Santana (left) shot in the first seven minutes of and Hollywood actor the fourth. He had just four points Jesse Metcalfe attend at halftime. the New Orleans ‘’It is really just about me Hornets-Angeles making shots. It is not really Lakers game. The the defence,’’ said Bryant, who Lakers won 104-96. had ice on his left shoulder and both knees after the game. ‘’They keyed in on my penetration, but I know I could range over the defence and get the shot. So, with games like this, when the jumper wearing down their bigs, espe- making 10 of 11 free throws, a row at home. Bryant put on his jumpers before Davis’ basket is falling, you have fourth quarters cially late in the game,’’ Howard before fouling out in the final usual show in the fourth quarter tied the game for the last time NBA Results like I had.’’ said. ‘’We just needed this game. seconds to lead five Hornets in that began with the teams tied at 84-all. Indiana 99 Cleveland 94 Pau Gasol had 22 points and 11 It was intense. We got four games double figures. Anthony Davis at 70-all. From there, the Hornets were Brooklyn 104 Philadelphia 83 rebounds, and Dwight Howard left. We control our own destiny.’’ added 18 points and 14 rebounds, He scored the Lakers’ first outscored 20-12. NY Knicks 120 Washington 99 added 19 points to help the Lakers Bryant urged Gasol to position Ryan Anderson had 14 points, and seven points for a 77-70 lead, ‘’We had multiple guys dou- Miami 94 Milwaukee 83 move a half-game ahead of Utah himself down low where he’s most Greivis Vasquez had 11 points and drawing chants of ‘’Kobe! Kobe!’’ bling him and he just made smart Toronto 101 Chicago 98 for the eighth and final Western effective and stay put. 11 assists. ‘’I knew I needed to be aggres- plays,’’ Anderson said of Bryant. Memphis 94 Charlotte 75 Conference play-off spot. The Jazz ‘’I haven’t gotten to the post Metta World Peace returned sive,’’ he said. ‘’Our energy had Hornets coach Monty Williams Houston 101 Phoenix 98 lost to Oklahoma City 90-80 ear- as much as I did tonight all year for the Lakers less than two been down all game.’’ said, ‘’You could put Saran Wrap Oklahoma City 90 Utah 80 lier in the evening, but they hold long,’’ he said. ‘’My team-mates weeks after undergoing left knee The Hornets ran off six in a on Kobe and I don’t know if that’s the tiebreaker over the Lakers. looked for me.’’ surgery and had four points in 15 row to take an 82-80 lead. Bryant going to change anything,” he said. LA Lakers 104 New Orleans 96 ‘’We were pretty effective Eric Gordon scored 22 points, minutes as they won their third in answered with two straight AP Golden State 105 Minnesota 89

Baseball: Athletics overcome Williams are France’s stutter to beat hosts Angels aiming for Longo back in LOS ANEGLES: John Jaso yesterday belted a pinch-hit, three-run significant step anti-doping homer and Brandon Moss added a two-run shot later in the seventh inning as visiting Oakland overcame two defensive lapses to down Los Angeles 9-5 for their sixth straight victory. at Spanish GP spotlight Coco Crisp finished 2-for-5 and homered for a career-high fourth consecutive game. LONDON: Former world PARIS: Veteran French female Los Angeles trailed 4-2 entering the sixth, but plated three runs champions Williams have tar- cyclist Jeannie Longo is back in after Athletics right fielder Chris Young dropped Brendan Harris’ fly geted next month’s Spanish the crosshairs of national anti- ball and later Albert Pujols reached on a fielding error from shortstop Grand Prix for a significant step doping authorities for failing to Jed Lowrie. But Oakland struck back when Crisp led off the seventh forward with their car after comply with procedures aimed where Jaso hit a towering fly ball to right and Moss added his first failing to score a point in the at catching drug cheats. homer of the season two batters later. first two races of the Formula The head of the French anti- In another game, Adam LaRoche broke out of a slump with a pair One season. doping agency, the ALFD, said of home runs and Ian Desmond and Jayson Werth also went deep as Williams won at Barcelona’s Longo was again “obliged to pro- hosts Washington won 8-7 after a late push from Chicago in the opener Circuit de Catalunya, the first vide details of her whereabouts” of a three-game series. race of the European season, so that she could be subjected to Paul Konerko hit a three-run homer and finished with four RBIs for last year with Venezuelan Pastor surprise tests. the White Sox, who had a two-game win streak snapped. Washington Maldonado. This year’s race is on ALFD president Bruno led 8-5 in the ninth where Rafael Soriano gave up a two-run blast to May 12. Genevois said the measure was Alex Rios but still earned his third save. In a preview of Sunday’s ordered “in the light of previous Also yesterday, Nick Tepesch pitched into the eighth inning in his Chinese Grand Prix, which is fol- failings” by the cyclist. Longo, major-league debut and Lance Berkman had three hits as visiting lowed next week by the Bahrain aged 54 and still racing, had Texas made it two straight wins over Tampa Bay with a 6-1 result. Grand Prix, technical director received three warnings from the The 24-year-old Tepesch, who earned the No. 5 spot in the rotation Mike Coughlan said: “We feel we French Anti-Doping Agency for during spring training, allowed one run, four hits, walked three and have a better understanding of breaking the whereabouts rule. struck out five in 7 1/3 innings. where we are and the whole team Longo is a sporting icon in Berkman and Elvis Andrus drove in two runs apiece for Texas, who has been working hard to improve France, having won 59 national have won three in a row and six of their last seven. our competitiveness going into titles, 13 world titles and four Robinson Cano led an 18-hit assault with a 4-for-6 effort and five the next few races.” Olympic medals including a gold RBIs as visiting New York cruised past Cleveland 14-1 for the sec- He added: “Ultimately we are Boxer Laila Ali, daughter of boxing legend Mohammed Ali, arrives for in road racing in 1996. ond straight game. The outburst was more than enough for Andy looking at a significant upgrade the premiere of movie ‘42’ at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, She has however seen her repu- Pettitte (2-0), who allowed five hits - including a solo homer to Asdrubal for the Spanish GP.” Coughlan California, US, yesterday. Movie ‘42’ is about African-American baseball tation tainted by a string of dop- Cabrera - in seven innings. said the conditions in China, with great Jackie Robinson whose jersey number was 42. Laila is a retired ing allegations. Her husband and Carlos Carrasco (0-1), making his first appearance since 2011 after cooler temperatures, should suit American professional boxer. She is the daughter of retired heavyweight coach, Patrice Ciprelli, admitted injuries interrupted his six-game suspension for throwing at the head the Williams team better than in boxing legend Ali of his third wife, Veronica Porsche Ali. Laila is the second last year that he had been buy- of Kansas City’s’ Billy Butler, was ejected yesterday after hitting Kevin Australia and Malaysia although to last of her father’s nine children and his youngest daughter. She entered ing the banned blood booster EPO Youkilis in the shoulder one pitch after Cano’s homer. REUTERS the circuit surface was quite hard the ring 24 times and won all her bouts with 21 KOs. since 2007, but insisted it was for on tyres. REUTERS his own, personal use. AFP Baseball Results Detroit 7 Toronto 3 Chicago Cubs 6 Milwaukee 3 San Diego 9 LA Dodgers 3 Kansas City 7 Minnesota 4 NY Yankees 14 Cleveland 1 St Louis 5 Cincinnati 1 Washington 8 Chicago White Sox 7 Pittsburgh 6 Arizona 5 Philadelphia 8 NY Mets 3 Oakland 9 LA Angels 5 Hansen promises more changes Atlanta 3 Miami 2 Houston 16 Seattle 9 Texas 6 Tampa Bay 1 San Francisco 9 Colorado 6 WELLINGTON: Steve Hansen has signed performing on the field. “It’s well publicised we As such, Hansen said he would re-examine a contract to take the All Blacks through have an aging leadership group and ... there the leadership group within the side and intro- to the 2015 World Cup but several of the are a lot of people in the group who want to duce younger players so they were ready to players who won the Webb Ellis trophy in be in the World Cup squad and some of them take responsibility. “We need to be really bold. 2011 may not be in England to defend it, the aren’t going to make it,” Hansen told reporters It would be too easy to go with some of the coach said yesterday. in Wellington. older guys, but we have to look to the future Hansen, who was appointed to the job in “We have to get our balance right in the at some of the younger guys,” Hansen said. 2011, received a massive boost of support from next two or three years so that if they don’t “Without naming names now because we the New Zealand Rugby Union yesterday when make it we have the right people in place to haven’t named the team, that’s the approach they extended his initial two-year contract take their place and produce the rugby per- we are looking at. People who may not have through until the global showpiece in England formance we are after.” necessarily played 50 or 60 tests. It could be in 2015. The core group of the 2011 World Cup win- someone who has played four or five, or under The former Wales coach and long-time ning team are now all over 30 or have left 20 but by the time they get to the World Cup assistant to Graham Henry introduced nine to play abroad, while three stalwarts Ma’a that’s what they would have played.” new caps into the All Blacks last year as he Nonu, Tony Woodcock and Andrew Hore are Hansen added the transition would be balanced the team’s expectation of winning all underperforming in Super Rugby this year. sparked by form alone. consistently with introducing new blood for Flyhalf Daniel Carter, who Hansen said was “That’s the million dollar question. When Los Angeles Angels’ left fielder Josh Hamilton (32) makes a diving catch the defence of the Webb Ellis trophy. a “red flag athlete” last year in terms of how do you do it? And when do you shut the dream against the Oakland Athletics in the 5th inning in the home opener at Angel The 53-year-old, however, said he would his game time was managed looking towards off for some of those older guys? Some of Stadium in Anaheim, California, yesterday. Athletics won 9-5. increase the pace of rejuvenation of the squad the 2015 World Cup, has also suffered several those guys will make it, some won’t,” he said. this year if several of his stalwarts were not long-term, and persistent, injuries. REUTERS THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Guan to meet with Nicklaus Woods resumes before Masters debut pursuit of record AUGUSTA,Georgia: Six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus, who won his first green jacket 50 years ago, will World No.1 seeks to end major drought give 14-year-old Chinese new- comer Guan Tianlang some advice on the eve of his Masters AUGUSTA, Georgia: Tiger had he simply putted better shape, particularly his swing. A debut. Woods, favored to win this over the undulating greens of second-place effort at last week’s “I don’t know what I’m going week’s 77th Masters and take Augusta National, Woods replied, Texas Open boosted McIlroy’s to say to him,” Nicklaus said his first major title since 2008, “Absolutely.” confidence. on Tuesday. “I don’t have many says he would have won a couple “I was there ball-striking-wise “When I don’t play my best, it’s 14-year-olds ask for golf advice.” more Masters crowns the past a few years through that stretch when I get into bad habits in my Guan is set to become the few years had he putted better. where I hit it pretty well, but just swing,” McIlroy said. “Whenever youngest player in Masters his- World No. 1 Woods, a 14-time didn’t make enough putts. I was my golf swing is where I want to tory when he tees off Thursday major champion chasing the all- there on Sundays with a chance, be, that’s when I produce results afternoon alongside two-time time record of 18 major titles won and unfortunately just didn’t get and that’s what I’ve seen has Masters champion Ben Crenshaw, by Jack Nicklaus, has not won the it done. started to happen over the past with whom he shared a Monday Masters since taking his fourth in “You have to make your putts. few weeks.” morning practice round, and 2005 and has not won any major You have to make the majority of The Northern Irishman, who Italy’s Matteo Manassero. since the 2008 US Open. the putts inside 10 feet and you’ve saw Woods vault past him to Manassero had been the young- But Woods has won three times got to be just a great lag putter.” take the World No. 1 ranking est Masters starter at age 16 from this year, his 77 career titles only Woods said his 2005 triumph, last month for the first time his 2010 appearance, but he will five shy of Sam Snead’s all-time which came when he beat Chris since October 2010, hopes to add be erased from the spot by Guan, record, and has displayed clutch DiMarco with a birdie on the first a green jacket to a major haul that who qualified for the Masters by putting skill in triumphs at hole of a playoff, felt like a long includes the 2011 US Open and winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur Torrey Pines and last month at time ago. 2012 PGA Championship. Championship last November. Doral and Bay Hill. “I put myself in the mix every He’s not worried that Woods “I don’t know anything about “I feel comfortable with every year but last year,” Woods said. is showing his best form in years. him, other than he’s got a great aspect of my game,” Woods said. “It’s not like I’ve been out of there “Doesn’t make a difference to future ahead of him,” Nicklaus “I feel that I’ve improved and I’ve with no chance of winning this me at all,” McIlroy said. said. Their conversation figures got more consistent and I think championship. “I’m here to concentrate on to be a generational passing of the wins show that.” “Not real happy with the fact myself and play my game and try the torch as Nicklaus recalled Except for last year when he that I haven’t won more. I’ve been to shoot the best score that I can. his early days at Augusta National shared 40th, Woods has been a in the mix and just haven’t gotten It really doesn’t matter what any- and conversations as a young contender at Augusta National it done. one else does. player with tournament founder since he last won a green jacket, “But the whole idea is to give “If I can do that, I know I’ll and amateur golf legend Bobby finishing sharing third in 2006, myself opportunities and as of have a good chance.” Jones. second in 2007 and 2008, sharing right now I’m tied for second on Defending champion Bubba “I’ll be a little like Jones was to sixth in 2009 and sharing fourth the all-time win list here, so that’s Watson, who has not won since me,” Nicklaus said. “Anything I in 2010 and 2011 when his infa- not too bad, either.” taking last year’s Masters, consid- Tiger Woods of the US gestures on the first hole during the second can impart to him, I will be glad mous sex scandal and injuries There’s a sense that his top ers Woods the man to beat. practice round of the 2013 Masters Tournament at the Augusta National to help. I’m honored anyone would hampered his bid. rival this year will be Rory “If you’re No. 1 in the world, I Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, USA, yesterday. The Masters tournament ask me for advice.” Asked if he would have had a McIlroy, who played the past two think you should be the favorite,” will be held from today to April 14. Guan will be the second-young- a couple more Masters victories weeks to round his game into Watson said. AFP est starter in major golf history, only a month older than “Young” Tom Morris when the Scot made his British Open debut at age 14 in 1865. Tiger revamps his game for older body Nicklaus, 73, was impressed that Guan would make personal AUGUSTA, Georgia: Tiger punishment on his surgically as leading the 1992 US Olympic breakaway speed of younger days and then the next thing you know e-mail requests for a chance to Woods sees himself much like repaired knees, and said what “Dream Team” of NBA stars to a but was deadly with a fadea- he’s got a fadeaway,” Woods said. chat once lines of communica- pal and retired NBA legend he has lost in elasticity of swing gold medal at Barcelona. way jump shot and incorporated “You have to adapt and you have tion had been opened between the Michael Jordan and if his second he makes up for with greater Jordan won three NBA titles more of his teammates, from to play and you have to adjust. Asian novice and the holder of a act in golf rivals that of Jordan strength and power. in a row with the Bulls with a sharpsooting guard Steve Kerr That’s what we do as players as record 18 major titles. with the Chicago Bulls, it prom- “Well, certainly at 37, I’m not fast-paced, high-leaping, slam and playmaker Scottie Pippen to we mature through the game.” “I thought that was pretty ises to be spectacular. what I was when I was 19 as far dunking style that inspired the Australian big man Luc Longley. Woods has reworked his swing sharp,” Nicklaus said. World number one Woods is as flexibility,” Woods said. “I’m far “Jumpman” logo which is still Woods is incorporating much to devastating results, winning six Guan has sought and received considered the man to beat this stronger and far more explosive among the most popular brands the same strategy, replacing times in the past 12 months and advice from a host of golf legends week at the 77th Masters, where than I was then. Just certainly in sport marketing. Jordan’s team-mates with his key three times this year, including at over the past few days, start- he will try to win his 15th major don’t have the elasticity, and But after a two-year retire- supporters -- caddie Joe LaCava, Torrey Pines, Doral and Bay Hill. ing with Crenshaw. He played a title as he chases the all-time that’s a function of age.” ment and a failed flirtation with swing coach Sean Foley and new But Woods has not won a major practice round over the back nine record of 18 majors won by Jack That’s when Woods invoked baseball, Jordan returned and had girlfriend Lindsey Vonn, a US ski title since the 2008 US Open and with 14-time major champion Nicklaus. the memory of basketball icon another NBA title “Three-peat” star and reigning Olympic down- he has not won at Augusta National Tiger Woods on Monday, earning Woods has revamped his Jordan, who won six NBA titles with the Bulls. hill champion. since capturing his fourth Masters high praise from the four-time swing, in part to avoid stress and in the 1990s with the Bulls as well An older Jordan lacked the “It’s MJ jumping over everybody crown in 2005. AFP Masters champion. AFP

The 2013 season so far SHANGHAI: The 2013 Formula One season so far, All eyes on Red Bull ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday: Australian Grand Prix - March 17 Kimi Raikkonen upstaged after Sepang bust-up the established order to claim a resounding victory for SHANGHAI: Sebastian Vettel and Mark Lotus in the season-opener in Webber will be under fierce scrutiny as they Melbourne. return to the Red Bull team garage at this The taciturn Finn roared week’s Chinese Grand Prix following a furious off from seventh on the start- team orders row in Malaysia. ing grid and employed only a The reigning world champion and his aggrieved two-stop strategy to take the Australian team-mate are said to have called a race from Ferrari’s Fernando truce after Vettel’s controversial late pass for Alonso and Red Bull world victory at Sepang, but relations are likely to be champion Sebastian Vettel. uneasy at best. Alonso’s team-mate Felipe Webber admitted he considered his future Massa of Brazil was fourth in the sport after Vettel ignored orders to stay with Lewis Hamilton, mak- behind his front-running stablemate, who was ing his Mercedes debut after on deteriorating tyres, to snatch one of the most his high-profile defection from contentious wins of recent years. McLaren, fifth. Vettel’s team- Webber was seen giving the middle finger to mate Mark Webber came home Vettel after his risky overtaking manoeuvre, and in sixth. following an angry exchange in the garage and an Standings: Raikkonen 25 pts, awkward podium ceremony, the German apolo- Alonso 18, Vettel 15 gised profusely. Malaysian Grand Prix - But whether that has cut any ice with the A handout picture provided by the Power of March 24 feisty Webber, and whether Vettel is prepared Sport Images shows Formula One Triple World Vettel incensed Webber and to make amends by returning the favour, could Champion Sebastian Vettel taking a lesson in ignited a team orders row as become clear in Shanghai, act three in what has Chinese cooking from top Shanghai chef Tzu-i he ignored Red Bull’s strict already been an intriguing campaign. Chuang Mullinax during his day with Infiniti instructions and pulled off Kimi Raikkonen was the surprise winner ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix at the Yongfoo a risky overtaking move to at the season-opener in Australia, and Lewis Elite Chinese restaurant in Shanghai, China, snatch victory. Hamilton was also tipped into a team orders row The German ace went in Malaysia when Mercedes told Nico Rosberg yesterday. wheel-to-wheel with Webber not to challenge his team-mate for third. late in the race, earning a Red Bull will face further questions about until being ordered off by team boss Ross Brawn, stern rebuke from team prin- possible punishment for Vettel, even after team deserved to take his place on the podium. cipal Christian Horner, before principal Christian Horner insisted Webber was And Hamilton also had to apologise to the emerging in front and taking not about to quit and that the affair had been Mercedes technicians after he mistakenly pulled his 27th win, putting him on put to rest. into the McLaren bay during a pitstop. top of the early championship “He (Webber) is in a car capable of winning “My first two races with my new team have standings. grands prix and hopefully going for a champion- been a great experience and everyone has made Third-placed Hamilton’s ship so I’ve no doubt Mark will see out the season me feel so welcome,” said Hamilton, a crowd first podium for Mercedes was with us,” Horner said. favourite in Shanghai, particularly among female also tainted after team orders Hamilton, the 2008 world champion, will also spectators. reining in team-mate Nico be keen to show solidarity with Rosberg and the “We’ve had a better start than we expected and Rosberg. rest of his new team, which he has joined from to have finished in fifth and third places so far Standings: Vettel 40, long-term employer McLaren. is really positive. I know there is much more to Raikkonen 31, Webber 26. In Malaysia, the Briton sheepishly admitted come so we will keep working hard and pushing that Rosberg, all over his back wheels in fourth the development of the car.” AFP THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29 Bickering delays India’s return Officials from Indian Olympic Association argue over controversial sports code

MUMBAI: India appears no closer to would restrict age and term limits for gone ahead and constituted a committee a senior IOA post during the December “They have vested interests. If we leave a return to the Olympic fold as officials sports administrators. to re-draft the controversial sports bill, elections despite the IOC deeming it “null out cricket, Malhotra’s archery is the from the country’s Olympic association In a letter to the IOC last week, V K which is in total breach of the Olympic and void”. only NSF objecting to the sports code. He and sports ministry bicker over a con- Malhotra, acting chief of India’s Olympic charter.” Among other clauses, the government knows he becomes ineligible,” the source troversial government sports code. association and head of the country’s The IOC encourages a free hand in the sports code would bar officials from hold- close to the negotiations said yesterday. The IOC banned the country after archery association, accused the sports running of National Olympic Committees ing key positions after the age of 70. “Randhir Singh has antagonised refusing to recognise the results of Indian ministry of railroading national federa- and has banned countries from the move- That clause has met with resistance enough NSFs and knows he will lose the Olympic Association (IOA) elections held tions into accepting the sports bill. ment due to government interference. from the 81-year-old Malhotra, who has elections when they are held. on December 5, 2012, due to government The government says the sports code is The IOA’s long history of corruption led the Archery Association of India for “But we are hopeful that this mess will interference, which led to a tainted aimed at encouraging fair and transpar- and controversy almost made govern- four decades. In a letter addressed to IOC be cleared by the middle of May.” official being named its new secretary ent governance. ment interference inevitable. President Jacques Rogge, Clean Sports The IOC had given enough indications general. “We appreciate your concern for an IOA chief Suresh Kalmadi was arrested India, a movement for corruption-free that it had no issues with the sports code The IOC offered a lifeline in January, early solution to the problem but we are in 2011 and released from prison on bail sports in the country, accused Malhotra and it just wanted the clauses to be incor- inviting stakeholders to a meeting at its rather constrained to say that Ministry after nine months on charges of inflat- of delaying the process of getting the ban porated into the IOA constitution, the Lausanne headquarters to discuss ways of Sports ... is bent on destroying the ing tenders worth millions of dollars for rescinded due to his “vested interest”. source added. of getting India back on track, but that autonomy of the IOA and the National equipment used at the 2010 New Delhi A top-level source said that 53 of 55 For their part, the IOC is keeping a meeting has already been postponed Sports Federations,” Malhotra wrote in Commonwealth Games which he was national sports federations (NSF) had close eye on the developments. twice. the letter seen yesterday. “The same is heading. agreed to the code and it was Malhotra “The IOC is in contact with all par- The IOA and sports ministry blame not acceptable to us. Kalmadi’s aide Lalit Bhanot, who also and IOC member Randhir Singh who ties and are hopeful discussions will take each other for failing to arrive at a con- “While we endorsed your move for a spent 11 months in custody and is on were resisting it, thus delaying India’s place in due course,” the IOC said in an sensus over the controversial code, which dialogue involving the government, it has bail pending further investigations, won return to the Olympic family. email. REUTERS Maracana meets Olympic standards, says Brazil

An aerial view RIO DE JANEIRO: Rio de Janeiro’s state government has denied shows the final that the Maracana Stadium will be shut for more redevelopment touches of the work following next year’s FIFA World Cup. In a statement released yesterday, local officials said the stadium’s roof installation current refurbishment would leave it ready for both the World Cup at the Maracana and 2016 Olympic Games, reports Xinhua. Stadium, which “The state government maintains constant contact with Rio 2016 is undergoing and we are working together to ensure the preparations are adequate renovation for the Olympic Games. It must be made clear that the requirements for the 2014 and standards are being observed at every stage of work, although there World Cup, in are requests that are negotiated between the parties in a harmonious Rio de Janeiro fashion,” the statement said. yesterday The The comments followed media reports claiming the International stadium will Olympic Committee (IOC) had identified 39 points that did not meet also host games its strict stadium standards. for the 2013 Among them was the Maracana’s roof, which is understood to be Confederations able to withstand 81 tons, 40 short of IOC requirements. Cup and the Rio Reports also said the venue’s pitch access points had not met 2016 Olympic minimum specifications while parking and shopping projects at the Games. Maracana Complex were “unviable before 2016”. The iconic stadium, built for the 1950 World Cup, has been shut for refurbishment work since 2010. Originally budgeted at $200m, the cost of works has blown out to an estimated $500m. The Maracana will host matches at this year’s Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup, including the final of both events, the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Olympics as well as the Olympic and Paralympic football tournaments. REUTERS

Kohli took Captains Misbah, Hafeez away the game from us, says quick to deny rift reports Perera Royal Challengers Bangalore LAHORE: Pakistan’s Test BANGALORE: A hurricane (RCB)’s Virat and one-day captain Misbah- knock of 93 runs in 47 balls by Kohli in action ul-Haq and Twenty20 skip- Royal Challengers Bangalore during his per Mohammad Hafeez again (RCB) captain Virat Kohli in denied reports of a rift yester- the Indian Premier League team’s IPL day, saying the rumours were match took away the game from match against damaging the team. Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Sunrisers Misbah had already denied Chinnaswamy Stadium here Hyderabad similar reports on the team’s late Tuesday. at the return from South Africa where “Virat batted really well. He is Chinnaswamy Pakistan were routed 3-0 in the best batsman in RCB. He took Stadium, Tests and were edged out 3-2 in away the game from us and that’s Bangalore on the one-day series, defeats which why we lost,” admitted Sunrisers’ Tuesday. Kohli local media blamed on differences all-rounder Thisara Perera at a scored 93 off within the side. post-match press conference 47 balls as But former chairman of the here. RCB won by 7 Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chasing a 162-run target, man wickets. Ijaz Butt reignited the contro- of the match Kholi carried the versy, alleging Hafeez and team’s RCB’s innings from sixth over head coach Dav Whatmore had when he came to bat after the fall formed a nexus that left Misbah of opener Mayank Agarwal (29) sidelined. Pakistan’s Test and one-day captain Misbah-ul-Haq (right) is flanked to finish off the match on a win- “Both Hafeez and Whatmore by Twenty20 skipper Mohammad Hafeez as he speaks during a news ning note in the 18th over with 1.2 support and back each other and conference in Lahore on Tuesday. Misbah and Hafeez again denied overs to spare. that has put great pressure on “We planned to first get Gayle reports of a rift, saying the rumours were damaging the team. Misbah Misbah, affecting his perform- out and we got him luckily. But had already denied similar reports on the team’s return from South ance,” Butt told local media. Virat batted so well and was Pakistani cricket has a long and Africa where Pakistan were routed 3-0 in Tests and were edged out 3-2 in good touch. That’s why we defend. We had a target of 180 but it so well and finished it in style. sorry history of infighting and in the one-day series, defeats which local media blamed on differences couldn’t get him out,” Perara when I got out in 18th over, we I rate it highly as he could do Hafeez said Butt’s accusations within the side. recalled. couldn’t get to that figure,” Perera with an over to spare,” Singh told were bad for Pakistan. Playing back-to-back games, lamented. reporters at a post-match press “Ijaz Butt is a respected per- RCB won by seven wickets by Asked why speedster Dale conference. son and he should have thought Now watch out for animated scoring 162 for three wickets in Steyn was brought in midway to “When people think of RCB, that such a statement affects a response to 161 for six wickets bowl than in slog overs, the Sri they generally think of Chris country’s image,” Hafeez, sitting Tendulkar in ‘Master Blasters’ by Sunrisers and avenged their Lankan player said the plan was Gayle though we have plenty of alongside Misbah, told a press defeat in Hyderabad late Sunday to get Virat’s wicket early though batsmen like Virat Kohli, AB de conference. NEW DELHI: Indian cricket’s master blaster Sachin Tendulkar in a super over after both the they couldn’t succeed. Villiers and Arun Karthick to Misbah said Pakistan lost now has an animated avatar. It will be seen in ‘Master Blasters’, a teams were tied at 130 runs in “As we needed Virat’s wicket, play equally well and win games,” because South Africa played 3D action, comedy and adventure TV animation series. an exciting contest. Dale was asked to bowl early but Singh asserted. better. In the show, the animated Sachin is appointed by the Programme for Besides being involved in two we couldn’t get him out as he Clarifying that Gayle alone “I said this in South Africa, I International Training of Cricket Heroes (PITCH) to head a cricket partnerships - 49 runs with AB de was in full flow, although Dale could not win all the matches repeated this on the team’s return camp and mentor 12 young cricketers from around the world. Villiers for the third wicket and bowled very well and conceded while batting first or chasing and now I say this again -- we A dog will accompany them too. Another cricket camp will be headed 66-run with Moises Henriques only 16 runs in four overs,” Perera later, Singh said Virat had also lost because South Africa were by an animtaed version of cricketer Peter Taylor, who will compete for the fourth wicket - Kohli hit pointed out. been in form and contributed a better team and the reason of with Sachin’s team members. four mighty sixes and smashed 11 “It is disappointing to lose the valuable runs in the last two our defeat was not differences,” “I have always been fascinated with the world of animation and have boundaries in his breezy knock. game as a team,” Perera added. games against Mumbai Indians said Misbah. enjoyed watching it with my children. The challenge for the produc- Noting that his team was short Lauding Kohli for carrying the here (April 4) and Sunrisers in Hafeez, who replaced Misbah as tion team will be to ensure that some human values and learnings are of 20-25 runs to put up a defend- match single-handedly and finish- Hyderabad late Sunday (April 7). one-day skipper in May last year, imparted while continuing to entertain the viewers through the series,” able target, Perera said 162 was ing off on a winning note in style, “So, we can’t say Gayle alone said the Pakistan team needed Tendulkar said in a statement. “It will indeed be a different experience a gettable total on a good batting RCB speedster R P Singh said the will win all the matches, while better and more positive support. to see one’s own rendition on the animated screen, performing larger- wicket like here. captain had demonstrated that chasing or batting first. As I said, “Such baseless reports of dif- than-life action much beyond the limitation of the real world,” he added. “We should have done bet- the hosts had plenty of batsmen we have plenty of batting strength ferences do not help,” said Hafeez, The show, co-produced by Shemaroo Entertainment and Moonscoop ter than that (161). I think we to rise to the occasion. and am sure each player will con- who flopped with the bat in both LLC, will feature 26 episodes. But it is yet to be decided where the were short of 20-25 runs and 180 “I think it is his best innings in tribute as the occasion requires,” Tests and one-dayers. REUTERS show will be telecast. IANS would have been a good score to the IPL tournament. He planned Singh asserted. IANS THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Ibrahim Ali bin Owairan (centre), and other officials of Saudi Arabia team pose with their winner’s trophy during the 14th GCC Athletics Championships at Khalifa Stadium, yesterday. Saudi Arabia top the medals tally followed by hosts Qatar. RIGHT: Muhammed Sulaiman (left ), an official of Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF), receiving the second place Trophy from Dahlan Al Hamad (centre), President of QAF during the prize distribution ceremony at Khalifa Stadium, yesterday. Dr Ibrahim Al Sakkar ( right), President of GCC Athletics Organising Committee is also seen. PICTURES BY: KAMMUTTY VP Qatar’s Barshim picks up gold 14th GCC Athletics Championships: Saudi Arabia top medals table; Qatar finish second

BY RIZWAN REHMAT 14th GCC Athletics DOHA: Qatar’s London Games Championship star Mutaz Essa Barshim yes- terday won the gold medal in Medals table the high jump event on the final Saudi Arabia 8 3 3 day of the 14th GCC Athletics Qatar 7 7 6 Championships. Kuwait 3 6 6 In the same event, Barshim Oman 3 5 1 junior Moamar made it a fam- UAE 1 5 5 ily 1-2 when he finished second Bahrain 0 0 1 behind his senior sibling follow- ing an error-prone performance Points table in the juniors at Khalifa Stadium. competitions: However, Barshim senior gave Qatar 216 points a glimpse of his bronze-winning Saudi Arabia 202 show at the London Olympics Kuwait 174 last August by walking through Oman 46 his turns yesterday. The 21-year-old attempted only UAE 36 two jumps, notching an unbeata- Bahrain 35 ble 2.25m height. In his first jump, Barshim reached 2.19m. High jumps men’s first place winner Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim (left) and second place winner Qatar’s Moamar Barshim during the 14th GCC Athletics Championships at Khalifa Stadium Moamar won the silver medal in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: First place winner in 1,500m, Qatar’s Mohammed Al Karni. with his best jump of 2.16m. The younger sibling missed two of his were at the bottom of the medals when asked about his two jumps. goal for the season. Hopefully, I Al Rashidi clocked 4:11.18. Arabia’s Abdullah Al Jawad won five attempts. table. “I have a busy season ahead so will be able to see out the season Saudi Arabia’s Ammad Hamid the gold with a time of 14:07.98. The bronze medal was picked In the junior competitions, I didn’t want to injure myself in (without injuries),” Barshim said. Noor (4:11.36) picked up the Qatar’s Mohammed Al Karni up by Syed Ali Abbas of the UAE Qatar topped the table with 216 any way,” the tall Qatari added. “I am going to stay here. I will bronze medal. picked up the silver with a time with a jump of 2.13m. points. “I knew I would win it. The train here and get ready for the It was 1-2 for the hosts as of 14:28.34. Overall, Saudi Arabia topped Saudi Arabia finished second main concern was (the) gold Samung Diamond-League opener Qatar’s Saleh Nasir and Hussain The bronze medal was secured the medals table with an over- with a tally of 202 points while medal which I won. It is begin- (on May 10 in Doha),” Barshim Al Khairi won the gold and the by Moaz Abdulrehman Balla of all tally of 8 gold, 3 silver and 3 Kuwait ended the event with 174 ning of the season so I want to said when asked about his next silver medals respectively in the Qatar who clocked 14:41.19. bronze. points. take care of myself,” he added. assignment. 10,000m final. The three-day championships Hosts Qatar finished second Barshim - preparing for a busy “It was nothing ... I was looking “I will go to Europe in June,” Nasser won the race with a attracted more than 200 athletes with 7 gold, 7 silver and 6 bronze. season that includes the Moscow at the gold medal and I got it,” Barshim said. time of 45:10.43 while his com- from around the GCC countries. Kuwait were third with 3 gold, IAAF World Championships in Barshim said. In the 1,500m final, Qatar’s patriot Al Khairi was timed at Hosts Qatar fielded more than 6 silver and 6 bronze. August - said he was never in any “I am feeling my preparation. Mohammed Al Karni won the 51:26.72. 50 athletes in the junior and sen- Oman finished fourth, UAE doubt about a solid performance. I still have many events and gold with a time of 4:10.40. UAE’s Hassan Jassim (54:36.15) ior categories. ended the three-day champion- “I was more interested in stay- months to go before the Moscow The silver medal was secured bagged the bronze medal. THE PENINSULA ships in fifth place while Bahrain ing injury-free,” Barshim said World Championships. That’s my by Umar Al Rashidi of Kuwait. In the 5,000m final, Saudi Felix set to enthral Doha fans at Diamond League

DOHA: When Allyson Felix attached to Doha’s Grand Prix first landed in Qatar in 2005 history with so many victories for her maiden Doha Grand and meeting records to her tally. Prix appearance, she was just I couldn’t imagine Doha Diamond another Olympic medallist fill- League without Allyson Felix ing in the event’s impressive being named among the par- international roster. ticipants” said Qatar Athletics Eight years after her debut Federation (QAF) President race in Qatar, the 27-year-old Dahlan Jumaan Al Hamad. US sprinter won’t be just another At the London Olympic Games entrant in the 400m race but the Felix captured her first ever gold main female attraction in Doha’s medal in an individual 200m Diamond League competition event, after three gold medals programme. as a member of US relay squads. Felix is not only the first reign- Some might say she has now ful- ing IAAF World Female Athlete filled her childhood dream, but of the Year competing in Doha, her hunger is not yet satisfied: but she also holds the unprece- “Finally achieving my goal of dented record of having won ten Olympic Gold has been a sur- races in as many entries in Doha, real feeling, I have been chasing in an eight-year run. that goal for so long that I had “It is always nice to compete to regroup and look at my goals in Doha. I feel very comfortable for the future. Since I have been in Qatar and in many ways it has back to training I have realised started to feel like a home away that I love the feeling of Gold FROM LEFT. Mohammed Sulaiman, Doha 2013 Diamond League Spectators Committee Manager, Dahlan Al Hamad, President of QAF and Fahd Al from home. The people are so and I am even more hungry to Hajri, Doha 2013 Diamond League Media and Broadcast Director, during a press conference at Khalifa Stadium Doha yesterday. RIGHT: Allyson Felix, friendly, they are really support- achieve it again” claimed Felix, London Olympic Games gold medal winner in the 200m event. ing me and I can feel their love who also stands in second place in surrounding me. the World Championships multi- Olympics silver medallist, Briton The 21-year old high jumper is and by working hard, I know I push myself to the limit“, says “I am very proud of my ten-win medallist all-time list, having won Christine Ohuruogu, Beijing carrying Qatari hopes for a rare can jump higher and hopefully Mutaz who will fight for victory streak; I guess I am getting old… eight gold medals, one silver and 2008 Olympics silver medallist Diamond League win. After last I will win a medal in Moscow at against World Champion Jesse Training is going well and I am one bronze. Shericka Williams from Jamaica season’s Olympic bronze medal, the World Championships,” said Williams from the USA, Olympic excited to go after another victory Felix’s main rivals on the road and US 4X400m team-mate Mutaz’s reputation spread like Mutaz. bronze medallist and reigning in Doha” stated Felix after her to her eleventh Doha victory Francena McCorory. wildfire around the world and “In all competitions I enter, European Champion, Briton name was announced by the Doha will be reigning 400m World Meanwhile, local hero Mutaz everybody expects a 2.40 jump I aim for victory. From what I Robbie Grabarz, Russia’s 2013 2013 Diamond League Organising Champion Amantle Montsho has high expectations from the from him sooner or later. can see, the world’s best athletes European Indoor Championships Committee at a press conference from Botswana, who just missed Doha event. “Last season was pretty suc- will come to Doha and I want to winner Sergey Mudrov and yesterday in Doha. out on a podium place in London Barshim couldn’t have been cessful for me since I won an thank the organisers for setting current Vice World Champion “Allyson Felix is always most (4th), as well as former Olympic left out of Doha’s 2013 Diamond Olympic medal and I equalled up such a high standard compe- Aleksey Dmitrik. welcome in Doha. Her name is and World Champion and London League line-up. the Asian record. If I stay healthy tition because it will really help THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 31 Al Gharafa trounce Al Nasr AFC Champions League: Qatar Eljaish and Al Jazira share spoils

DOHA: Al Nasr became the the top corner via a slight deflec- this defeat we lost our chance to first club to exit the 2013 AFC tion off the shoulder of Giuseppe advance from the group,” said Champions League when the Mascara. Zenga. Dubai-based club succumbed to Despite the early goal, the “We lost the match tonight a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Al home’s side plans were disrupted because we made several individ- Gharafa that moved the Qatari almost immediately as captain ual mistakes and gave the chance side a step closer to the knock- Bilal Mohammed was taken off to Al Gharafa to score goals out stages. due to injury and was replaced by because the first two goals clearly Lawrence Quaye and Nene Majdi Siddiq. came from individual mistakes. scored for the home side either By the 16th minute, Al Nasr “We are taking part in the side of a goal from Japanese inter- had pulled level. Morimoto’s competition for only the second national Takayuki Morimoto run through the middle caused time and we still lack experience Vijay, Hussey Qatar’s Al before Fahd Al Shammari added consternation in the Al Gharfa and that, in addition to the heavy a third 10 minutes from time as defence before the former Catania schedule, affected the players as Gharafa play- Walter Zenga’s side lost for the striker laid the ball off to Bruno we were playing a match every fashion big ers celebrate fourth time in a row in Group C. Cesar, whose return pass gave three days. We need to learn the after scor- Victory moves Al Gharafa on Morimoto the space to slot the lessons and hopefully have bet- ing a goal to nine points from their four ball to Qasem Burhan’s left. ter performances in the last two victory for against UAE’s games and just one win away from Djibril Cisse and Alex both had matches.” Al Nasr dur- a place in the Round of 16. efforts to restore Al Gharafa’s In Abu Dhabi, Al Jazira’s win- Chennai ing their AFC “The win will give us a big push lead as the half wore on but it was less run continued yesterday as the Champions in order to compete for one of not until 10 minutes into the sec- UAE Pro League side were held to League the two tickets for the knockout ond 45 minutes that the Qataris a 1-1 draw by Qatar’s El Jaish. With Super Kings match at the stage,” Al Gharafa coach Habib reclaimed their advantage. a third defeat in Group A poten- Al Gharafa Tounsi. Nene stormed down the inside tially ending Al Jazira’s campaign Stadium “The players performed well left channel before rolling the ball after they reached the Round of 16 MOHALI: In one of the most in Doha, and scored the chances that they across the edge of the penalty for the first time last year, Sultan dominant wins of the Indian yesterday. created. area to Cisse and, although the Barghash opened the scoring for Premier League (IPL), Murali “The match was hard and I former Marseille striker’s shot home side midway through the Vijay (pictured) and Michael was a little bit worried when we was saved, Nene was on hand to first half. Hussey helped Chennai Super took the lead as I thought that the side-foot home the rebound. But Brazilian striker Adriano Kings (CSK) thrash Kings XI players will sit back and defend, Cisse almost claimed a third for equalised for the visitors before Punjab (KXIP) by 10-wick- which happened for a short time. Al Gharafa 17 minutes from time half-time at Mohammed bin ets here at the Punjab Cricket However, we got back into the when his mid-air flick with his Zayed Stadium, and with Saudi Association Stadium yesterday. game and scored more goals right foot went narrowly wide of champions Al Shabab secur- After losing their open- which gave us an important win.” Shambiah’s left post but, with 10 ing qualification with a 1-0 win ing game against the Mumbai Al Gharafa went in front after minutes remaining, Al Shammari over Iran’s Tractorsazi Tabriz, Indians Saturday, the Mahendra just eight minutes when Qatar put the result beyond any doubt Al Jazira find themselves three Singh Dhoni-led side won their international midfielder Quaye with an unstoppable header from points adrift of second place El first match of the sixth edition of thundered a long range drive an Alex corner. Jaish with two games remaining. the IPL after Australian Hussey beyond Ahmad Shambih and into “I’m disappointed because with AGENCIES (86 not out) and Vijay (50 not out) struck an unbeaten opening AFC Champions League wicket partnership of 139, chas- UEFA proposes ing down the home side’s total of SINGAPORE: Results from the AFC Champions Fahad to announce squad for 138 with 16 balls and all wickets League yesterday: 10-match to spare. Group A The CSK openers whipped the At Abu Dhabi Punjab bowlers all over the sta- racism ban Cup qualifiers at end of QSL dium with three deliveries flying Al Jazira (UAE) 1 (Menhali 24) Eljaish (QAT) into the stands, much to the dis- 1 (Adriano 33) LONDON: European football’s DOHA: Coach Fahad Thani will appointment of the crowd, who governing body on Wednesday At Tabriz announce his squad for Qatar’s had hoped for a consecutive win outlined tough new sanctions Tractorsazi Tabriz (IRI) 0 Al Shabab (KSA) 1 remaining two 2014 FIFA World for KXIP. against racism both on and off (Camacho 84) Cup qualifying games at the Hussey’s knock came in 54 balls the pitch, as part of efforts to Group C end of the Qatar Stars League Qatar national which included 11 fours and two rid the game of the scourge of (QSL) that concludes later this team football sixes and with a strike rate of discrimination and abuse. At Doha month. coach Fahad 159.25. Vijay made a run-a-ball UEFA general secretary Gianni Al Gharafa (QAT) 3 (Mubarak 9, Nene 60, Qatar take on Iran on June Thani during half-century which was studded Infantino warned that players Al-Shammari 79) Al Nasr (UAE) 1 (Morimoto 16) 4 and then Uzbekistan on June a training ses- by three boundaries and a six. found guilty of racial abuse would At Jeddah 18 in two Group A, Asian Zone sion at Seoul None of the home bowlers man- face a minimum 10-match ban, matches. aged to break through the part- Al Ahli (KSA) 4 (Bassas 44, 50, Cesar World Cup while clubs could expect to play Qatar lost to Korea in an away Stadium in nership and all but leg spinner behind closed doors in the event 67-pen, Khames 90) Foolad Mobarakeh game on March 26 when the Piyush Chawla went over more Sepahan (IRI) 1 (Djalovic 82) Seoul, in this of proven racism by fans. home side edged past ‘Al Anabi’ than six per over. file picture Infantino’s proposals came as Group E 2-1 in Seoul. After put into bat, KXIP lost of March 26, UEFA ordered Ukrainian giants At Sendai Fahad’s side is trailing behind their openers -- Mandeep Singh Dynamo Kiev to play their next leaders Uzbekistan (11), Korea 2013. (9) and Adam Gilchirist (9) -- Vegalta Sendai (JPN) 1 (Atsushi Yanagisawa two European games behind (10) and Iran (7) in Group A. cheaply but Michael’s brother, 16) FC Seoul (KOR) 0 closed doors because of “incidents Lebanon are the fifth side with David Hussey, and Gurkeerat of racist behaviour” by their fans At Buriram 4 points from 6 matches. Singh stabilised the innings with in recent matches. The Scottish Buriram United (THA) 2 (Suchao Nutnum 39, The next edition of FIFA World a 56-run fourth wicket partner- Football Association (SFA), Charyl Chappuis 60) Jiangsu Sainty (CHN) 0 Cup will be held in Brazil next Thai capital and make prepara- Qatar are preparing for the ship and were cruising until the meanwhile, charged Rangers June tions for the Olympic side’s train- Asian Cup qualifiers to be held in 15th over when Hussey fell to offie Group G chief executive Charles Green for Meanwhile, football officials ing camp to be held in Bangkok winter and to win a berth at the Ravichandran Ashwin, leading to bringing the game into disrepute At Pohang Hassan Ibrahim Al Obaidli and and Kuala Lumpur. Rio Olympic Games to be held in slide as the team collapsed from for comments an anti-racism body Pohang Steelers (KOR) 1 (Hwang Jin-Sung Abdallah Arder, members of the The Qatar Olympic squad will 2016. 106/3 to 138 all out in 19.5 overs. deemed “racist and offensive”. In 67) Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) 1 (Naoki Qatar Olympic squad, have left prepare for the Islamic Solidarity The boys in maroon are also West Indian Dwayne Bravo was a further indication of the scale of Ishihara 62) for Bangkok, Thailand and Kuala Games to be played from June 1 trying to qualify for the Asian the pick of the bowlers picking up the problem, police said they were At Beijing Lampur, Malaysia it emerged to 15 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Qatar Games to be held in Incheon, three wickets for 27 runs in his studying claims that Manchester yesterday. Football Association (QFA) said Korea, in September to October quota of four overs. Pacer Dirk City captain Vincent Kompany Beijing Guoan (CHN) 0 Bunyodkor (UZB) 1 The two officials will arrive in yesterday. 2014. THE PENINSULA Nannes and Chris Morris took was racially abused. AFP (Fozil Musaev 32) two apiece. Michael Hussey’s knock led him to being announced as the InterContinental Squash tournament begins today man-of-the-match. IANS Qureshi to fight Scoreboard KINGS XI PUNJAB Mandeep Singh c Bravo b Nannes ...... 9 A C Gilchrist c Hussey b Nannes...... 9 M Vohra c Hussey b Jadeja ...... 16 Davis Cup case D J Hussey c Bravo b Ashwin ...... 41 Gurkeerat Singh c Nannes b Bravo ...... 31 LAHORE, Pakistan: Pakistan the team’s case.“I am leaving Azhar Mahmood c Ashwin b Morris ...... 8 tennis star Aisam-ul Haq for London and will meet Davis R Sathish c Morris b Bravo ...... 8 Qureshi yesterday said he would Cup officials on Friday to put P P Chawla c Vijay b Bravo ...... 4 fight Pakistan’s case after a ref- Pakistan’s case before them and I R J Harris c Bravo b Morris ...... 0 eree’s decision to award a Davis am positive of a solution as the tie P Kumar (run ou-Dhoni) ...... 3 Cup tie to New Zealand because was unfairly awarded against us,” P Awana (not out) ...... 1 of an unplayable court surface Qureshi told a press conference. Extras (LB-6, W-2) ...... 8 at a neutral venue. “It seemed the referee was not Total (all out in 19.5 overs) ...... 138 Qureshi, 33, the country’s first working for the ITF but for New Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-20, 3-50, 4-106, player to reach a Grand Slam Zealand and he was clearly partial 5-116, 6-127, 7-133, 8-133, 9-134, 10- doubles final, was part of the and unjust.” 138. squad that faced New Zealand The area declared unplayable Bowling: D P Nannes 3.5-0-17-2; A S Ra- in an Asia Oceania group II tie, was outside the lines of the court, jpoot 1-0-10-0; C H Morris 4-0-27-2; R A which was shifted to Myanmar he added. Meanwhile, seventh- Jadeja 4-0-29-1; D J Bravo 4-0-27-3 (2w); R over security fears in Pakistan. seeded Paolo Lorenzi overpowered Ashwin 3-0-22-1. Pakistan were leading 1-0 on Austrian qualifier Gerald Melzer CHENNAI SUPER KINGS Friday and Qureshi was ahead 6-2, 6-2 in the opening round of M Vijay (not out) ...... 50 in the second singles match the ATP Tour’s US Clay Court M Hussey (not out) ...... 86 when Sri Lankan referee Ashita Championships on Tuesday. Extras (LB-1, W-2) ...... 3 Ajigala stopped the match and The 31-year-old Italian Lorenzi, Total (for no loss in 17.2 overs) ...... 139 Qatar Squash Federation (QSF) Assistant Secretary-General Talal Ali Al Mawlawi is flanked by InterContinental awarded the tie to New Zealand, who won the doubles title at Vina Did not bat: S K Raina, S Badrinath, M S Doha Recreation Manager Asela Jayawera (left) and QSF Technical Secretary Gamal Rasmi during a press as the courts were Pakistan’s del Mar earlier this year, blasted Dhoni, R A Jadeja, D J Bravo, R Ashwin, D P conference, in Doha, on Tuesday. The 11th InterContinental Squash Tournament will start at the Bay Club, responsibility. The Pakistan three aces, had two double faults Nannes, C H Morris, A S Rajpoot. InterContinental Doha, and the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex today. As many as 132 play- Tennis Federation had already and won 68 percent of his first- Bowling: P Kumar 2.2-0-18-0 (1w); R J Harris 4-0-30-0; Azhar Mahmood 4-0-34-0 ers will contest in 10 categories for the five-day tournament, which will conclude on April 15, the organisers announced it was lodging a pro- serve points. (1w); P Awana 2-0-20-0; P P Chawla 4-0-21- said. Gifts worth about QR100,000 will be given to the winners in the form of memberships and vouchers. The test with the International Tennis It was the first career match Federation (ITF), but Qureshi between world No. 62 Lorenzi 0; R Sathish 1-0-15-0. tournament will be played in Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Men’s level A and B, Pro-class, said he would meet Davis Cup and the 22-year-old Melzer. Player-of-the-Match: M Hussey (CSK). Veteran over-45 and Ladies. PICTURE BY: IBRAHIM KUTTY officials in London to present AGENCIES Thursday 11 April 2013 1 Jumada II 1434 Volume 18 Number 5666 Sport Price: QR2 LATEST NEWS UPDATES LATEST NEWS UPDATES IN TAMIL FROM PHILIPPINESPHILIPPIN Lakers keep Misbah, TAMIL TIMES WEEKLY NEWSPAPER AVAILABLE play-off bid Hafeez deny AT ALL LEADING BOOK STORES / SUPERMARKETS alive rift reports Available every Wednesdays in all leading IN QATAR supermarkets and shops in Qatar & Bahrain FOR ADVERTISEMENTS CONTACT: FOR ADVERTISEMENTS CONTACT: TEL: 4465 0600 TEL: 4465 0600 EMAIL: [email protected] Sport | 27 Sport | 29 EMAIL: [email protected]

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Pedro fires Barca into semis Striker’s equaliser 19 minutes from time shatters PSG’s dream; Bayern qualify

BARCELONA: Barcelona European chance up to that point of the survived a huge scare from evening as he blasted over when Paris Saint-Germain yesterday Champions League unmarked at the back post before to qualify for the Champions Messi replaced Fabregas to a huge League semi-finals for the sixth PARIS: European Champions ovation. successive season on away goals League quarter-final second- Messi’s arrival instantly forced after a 1-1 draw at the Camp leg results yesterday: Barca onto the front foot and, Nou. At Barcelona, Spain after Pique had a shot blocked, The 2-2 draw between the pair Barcelona (ESP) 1 (Pedro 71) Paris Saint- Iniesta forced Sirigu into his first in last week’s quarter-final first Germain (FRA) 1 (Pastore 50) serious save with Messi unable to leg had handed the advantage 3-3 on aggregate; Barcelona win on away control the rebound. to the Catalans, but with star goals Pastore dragged another shot player Lionel Messi only starting At Turin, Italy wide at the other end as PSG the return as a substitute due to Juventus (ITA) 0 Bayern Munich (GER) 2 maintained a threat on the break, a hamstring injury, they seemed (Mandzukic 64, Pizarro 90+1) but the Parisians were made to nervous throughout and PSG Bayern Munich win 4-0 on aggregate rue their wastefulness in front deservedly went in front just after Tuesday of goal as Barca equalised on 71 half-time through Javier Pastore. At Dortmund, Germany minutes. However, with Messi sum- Inevitably, Messi was involved Borussia Dortmund (GER) 3 (Lewandowski moned from the bench, Pedro 40, Reus 90+1, Santana 90+3) Malaga as he jinked past a couple of fired home 19 minutes from time (ESP) 2 (Joaquin 25, Eliseu 82) defenders and rolled the ball into to send Barca into the last four. Dortmund win 3-2 on aggregate Villa who laid it back for Pedro to Even without their talisman smash home. At Istanbul, Turkey Barca came within inches of the And despite a nervy final Galatasaray (TUR) 3 (Eboue 57, Sneijder 70, perfect start when Cesc Fabregas 15 minutes for the hosts, PSG Drogba 72) Real Madrid (ESP) 2 (Ronaldo was brought down 25 yards from 7, 90+2) couldn’t create another clear goal a minute in and Xavi’s result- opening as Barca join Real Real Madrid win 5-3 on aggregate FC Barcelona’s striker Pedro Rodriguez celebrates after scoring the 1-1 equaliser during the Champions ant free-kick scraped the post on Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Semi-final draw - Friday, April 12 League quarter-final second leg match at Camp Nou in Barcelona, yesterday. its way past. Bayern Munich in Friday’s semi- Thereafter though the first- Semi-finals: April 23/24; April 30/May 1 final draw. period belonged to the visi- Final: Wembley, May 25 In Turin, Italy, Bayern Munich tors who capitalised on Barca’s weathered an early Juventus uncharacteristic slackness in pos- with his feet. Ibrahimovic was storm before Mario Mandzukic session to take a stranglehold of the provider again as Lucas saw headed a second-half goal to the game. a headed effort at the back post help the Germans to a 2-0 win Ezequiel Lavezzi was first to turned over by Valdes as the pres- at Juventus yesterday and send test Victor Valdes in what was to sure from the French league lead- them into the Champions League be a busy 45 minutes for the Barca ers continued. semi-finals. ‘keeper with a shot straight down The hosts did manage to wres- Juventus, chasing a 2-0 deficit his throat and Gerard Pique had tle some control of the game back from the first leg of the quarter- to show good pace and strength in the final 15 minutes of the half final tie and backed by a raucous to prevent Lavezzi a clear run on as David Villa curled over from crowd, huffed and puffed but were goal moments later. a rare opening inside the area, not quite creative enough to cause Andres Iniesta saw an auda- but Barca were lucky to head the newly-crowned Bundesliga cious effort from 45 yards sail just into half-time with 11 men when champions more than the odd over with Salvatore Sirigu off his Adriano’s rash lunge on Lucas scare. line as the game roared from end produced only a yellow card from Both teams hit the post before to end in the early stages. referee Bj orn Kuipers. Croatia forward Mandzukic, who However, as the half wore on The goal that PSG had been was booked early in the game and PSG posed the greater threat threatening all night finally will miss the last four first leg, with Lucas Moura’s pace in par- arrived five minutes after the headed in following a free kick in ticular causing problems for a break as an excellent one-two the 64th minute. makeshift Barca defence. between Pastore and Ibrahimovic That left Juventus with the The Brazilian saw a fierce sent the Argentine in behind the impossible task of scoring four strike from outside the area well Barca defence and this time there goals and turned the rest of the handled by Valdes, before he and was nothing Valdes could do to game into a formality, with sub- Lavezzi both wastefully shot over keep out his left-footed finish. stitute Claudio Pizarro netting when well-positioned. Pastore missed a great chance again for Bayern in injury time. Lavezzi then had the biggest to register his second of the “It was decisive that we played chance of the first-half as he evening eight minutes later from like we did in Munich. It was a latched onto Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s another lightning PSG break, but great atmosphere. It was not through ball, but his prodded this time he scuffed wide from 12 easy and we had to stay patient,” effort lacked the power to beat yards. Mandzukic told Germany’s ZDF Valdes who comfortably blocked Alves then had Barca’s best television. AGENCIES

Juventus’ defender Andrea Barzagli (right) fights for the ball with Bayern Munich’s French midfielder Franck Ribery during their Champions League quarter-final second-leg match at the Juventus Stadium in Turin, yesterday.