ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED NEWSPAPER

Monday 18 March 2013 6 Jumada I 1434 - Volume 18 Number 5642 Price: QR2

‘Valley City’ Qatar edge project bags past Thailand top award in friendly

Business | 17 Sport | 28

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780

Heir Apparent meets Egypt minister Ten airlines Minister: No special moving to ties with Brotherhood new airport DOHA: Hamad International Qatar’s stance ‘neutral’ in the Arab world Airport (HIA) announced that 10 airlines will begin opera- DOHA: Qatar has denied it After the revolution in Egypt, Similarly, Qatar was backing tions from the new airport from has any leanings towards the Doha extended its support to the the people of Libya during the April 1. The airlines, which Muslim Brotherhood and said it Egyptian people and struck a deal uprising and after a government will move to the new facil- has to deal with the organisation for cooperation with the military was installed, it is dealing with ity on its soft opening day are because it is in power in Egypt. council that was in power at the the latter. Air Arabia, Air India Express, “Qatar maintains a neutral time. “Qatar’s policy in the region vis- Biman Bangladesh Airlines, fly- stand vis-à-vis governments in Qatar’s relations with all politi- à-vis its neighbours, including Iran, dubai, Iran Air, Nepal Airlines, the Arab world and has no par- cal groupings in Egypt are cor- is that of zero-problem. We are part Pakistan International Airlines, ticular inclination towards any dial. “But protocol demands that of the solution not the problem.” RAK Airways, Syrian Air and political force or government,” we deal at the official level with Al Attiyah said that Qatar enjoys Yemen Airways. said the Minister of State for the government and since the good relations with its neighbors, Qatar Airways’ flights will move Foreign Affairs, H E Khalid bin Islamic Movement (read: Muslim including Iran, despite the differ- its entire operations from the Mohammad Al Attiyah. Brotherhood) is in the govern- ences over the Syrian issue Doha International Airport (DIA) He was a panelist at a discussion ment we must deal with them.” Qatar wants to see a strong to HIA by the end of the year. on ‘Rising Powers in the Region: The support Doha is extending Iran because that will be strate- The 10 airlines will no longer Challenges and International to Cairo is a result of the coopera- gically important for the region. have a presence at DIA and will Engagement’ at Al Jazeera Forum tion agreement that was signed Refuting accusations that Qatar operate exclusively from HIA here yesterday. He said: “Qatar with the military council before sings its own tune in the region, from April 1. THE PENINSULA doesn’t believe in supporting a the election. “After the elec- the minister said it was not true. The Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with Egypt’s Full report on page 2 particular political force or gov- tion, the Islamic Movement (the THE PENINSULA Minister of Information Saleh Abdul Maqsood at the Emiri Diwan Continued on page 4 ernment and offending another”. Brotherhood) rode to power.” yesterday. QIA seeks partners for £8bn M&S bid LONDON: Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund is seeking partners to launch an £8bn ($12.10bn) Panel to protect rights of workers soon bid for British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S), the Sunday DOHA: Reiterating its commitment to work-related injuries and deaths. having suffered injuries are provided legal Times reported, citing senior international labour rules, Qatar hopes The State Cabinet has given its nod to assistance to seek compensation. Free health cover to City sources. to set up an independent, high-profile form the committee, which will be work- “The idea of setting up the panel is to QIA has approached several large committee to protect the rights of pri- ing in accordance with Qatar’s labour ensure an ideal work environment in the be made mandatory private equity houses including CVC, vate sector workers, a vast majority of law, principles of human rights and country,” said the Undersecretary of the DOHA: Once the health insurance law the owner of Formula One, about whom are foreigners. regulations of the International Labour Ministry of Labour, Hussein Al Mulla. comes into force, all private companies participating in a consortium to bid To be known as labour committee, it will Organisation (ILO). Talking about housemaids, he defended will be required to compulsorily provide for the retailer, the Sunday Times function independently of the Ministry of The panel will have a minimum of 50 the demand that they be given a day off free health insurance to their workers, said. Marks & Spencer, a FTSE 100 Labour. members from among private sector and in a week, but said fixing their working while the government will be responsi- company and a mainstay of British The panel will fight for the rights of government employees, seven of whom will hours to eight in a day was not justified. ble for providing free medical cover to all town centres, declined to comment. workers and help them get justice from be elected to a board of directors. “Maids don’t work for eight hours a day,” Qatari citizens, said the Undersecretary Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) their sponsors in disputes, as well as The aim will be to ensure that private he said point-blank. at the Ministry of Labour, Hussein Al could not be reached for comment. provide legal aid to workers or their sector workers’ rights are protected and THE PENINSULA Mulla. THE PENINSULA REUTERS dependents to seek compensation for those in dispute with their employers or Continued on page 6 Full report on page 19 MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

PM meets Azerbaijan minister Emir invites Saudi King to Arab 10 airlines to League summit RIYADH: Custodian of the Two Holly Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud operate from of Saudi Arabia received yes- terday an invitation from the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to participate in Arab League Council’s 24th summit, which will be held at new airport the end of this month in Doha. Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Qatar Airways to move by year-end bin Abdulaziz received the invi- tation from Qatari Ambassador DOHA: Hamad International in Riyadh Ali bin Abdullah Al Airport (HIA) announced that Mahmoud. 10 airlines will begin opera- tions from the new airport from Emir and Heir April 1. The airlines, which The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani met Azerbaijan’s will move to the new facil- Qatar Airways’ Minister of Economic Development Shahin Mustafayev yesterday. They discussed bilateral relations and issues Apparent greet ity on its soft opening day are of common concern. Air Arabia, Air India Express, flights will move its Irish president Biman Bangladesh Airlines, fly- entire operations dubai, Iran Air, Nepal Airlines, DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Pakistan International Airlines, from the Doha Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani RAK Airways, Syrian Air and International sent a cable of greetings to the Yemen Airways. Airport to Hamad Calorie-count app launched President of Ireland Michael D. Qatar Airways’ flights will move Higgins on the occasion of his its entire operations from the International Airport DOHA: The Weill Cornell a person whether they aren’t of typical Arabic foods, such as country’s National Day. The Doha International Airport (DIA) by the end of the Medical College in Qatar getting enough of a specific thureed or machboos, which until Heir Apparent H H Sheikh to HIA by the end of the year. year. (WCMC-Q) has launched a five-a-day. now have never featured in popu- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani The 10 airlines will no longer mobile phone application that Khalifa Saleh Al Haroon, head lar dietary databases. Anyone who and the Prime Minister and have a presence at DIA and uses a system similar to traf- of the Interactive & Innovation downloads the app will be able to Foreign Minister H E Sheikh will operate exclusively from eastern side of the short-term car fic lights to warn users against Department at Vodafone Qatar, use their phone to suggest other Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al HIA from April 1. There will park in front of the passenger ter- the consumption of high-calorie led the team who developed the Arabic foods to add to the data- Thani also sent greetings to the be around 32 passenger flights minal complex. food. application. He said that a key base, meaning the app will become president. departing daily from HIA equat- From the car park, passengers ‘Your Health First: Calorie design element was to make the more comprehensive over time. ing to about 222 per week. will be able to enter the passen- Counter’ will allow its users to app as user-friendly as possible. “With this new application PM invites GCC Concourse B at HIA will be ger terminal complex through the count the number of calories they It is available on Android and WCMC-Q is embracing oppor- fully operational on April 1 for eastern link bridge connected to consume each day, drawing on iOS devices in English and Arabic. tunities offered by mobile phone Secretary-General passengers travelling with these the parking facility. a vast database of common food “Because a good diet is impor- technologies to deliver our mes- 10 airlines. Travellers will enter Taxis will be available to and items, including Arabic food. Based tant to people of all age groups sage about healthy lifestyles to an RIYADH: GCC Secretary- the passenger terminal complex from HIA as well as a limousine on the kind of food item logged in it was important that the app ever larger audience,” Dr Javaid General Dr Abdul Latif bin from the east side entrance and go service from April 1. the system, a user will get red light should be fun and easy to use,” Sheikh, Dean of WCMC-Q, said. Rashid Al Zayani received yester- directly to the check-in counters. The taxi pick-up point is located for a meal of burger and fries and said Haroon. Another useful feature of the day an invitation from the Prime After check-in, immigration and on the arrivals floor at the left side a green light for choosing salad or “Based on what you tell it that app is that each user’s progress will Minister and Foreign Minister security, passengers will be directed when exiting the terminal and the a dessert of fruit. you’re eating, it has some smart be stored on a remote server so H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem to concourse B. At HIA, passen- limousine service on the arrivals The application is part of features that visually show you they can easily switch or upgrade bin Jabor Al Thani to attend the gers departing and arriving will be floor at the right side when exit- WCMC-Q’s Sahtak Awalan: Your the proportion of healthy food phones without losing their data. Arab League Council’s 24th sum- boarding and exiting aircraft via an ing the terminal. Across the road Health First campaign, which compared to the junk food you’ve “Users can calculate their mit to be held in Doha later this air bridge to the terminal. from arrivals there will be a pick-up was developed and powered by eaten, how much you’ll potentially optimum calorie intake by just month. Qatar’s Ambassador to Along with concourse B open- point for private cars. For trans- Vodafone Qatar in conjunction weigh if you keep eating in a cer- sharing a few details and their Saudi Arabia Ali bin Abdullah ing on April 1, the eastern run- port between airports, arriving and with the college. tain way, and it’ll even advise you personal goal. Users will be able Al Mahmoud handed over the way, which is the longest of the departing passengers will be able to Opting for too many unhealthy what you need to eat more of. If to track their progress and even invitation to Al Zayani during a two runways at HIA, and the use shuttle bus service which will be foods will cause the app to sug- you’re getting the right amount of rely on it to tell them whether meeting at the GCC headquarters uniquely designed, crescent- operating from HIA to DIA depar- gest healthy alternatives for the calories but not enough fruit and their choice of food is healthy or in Riyadh. They also discussed shaped air traffic control tower, tures terminal and DIA to HIA as next meal. Even when eating vegetables, it’ll tell you,” he said. not,” John Saad, Chief Marketing progress of joint GCC action and will also be in operation. of April 1. within the recommended daily A unique feature of the app Officer at Vodafone Qatar, said. means to enhance it. Parking will be available at the THE PENINSULA calorie intake, it will also notify is a completely new database THE PENINSULA QNA MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Egypt gives free hand to media, says minister Huge investments in private channels

DOHA: A whopping 6bn He said even in public media, Egyptian pounds was invested majority of the shares — 65 per- in private television channels in cent — have been held by the the post-revolution Egypt last opposition, while pro-govern- year and many of these have ment shares account for only 35 been controlled by remnants of percent. the old regime, the Al Jazeera Reacting to complaints from Forum at Sheraton Doha was the audience about the counter- told yesterday. revolutionary stance of many Addressing a session on ‘trans- Egyptian TV channels, Masqoud formation of media in emerg- said the government had no plans ing democracies in the region,” to control them. Egyptian Minister of Information “Let the world see how the Salah Abdel Maqsoud said that Islamists are treating their oppo- the Islamist-led government had nents,” he said, while admitting given a free hand to the media that “many people are hurt by which has resulted in the estab- press freedom in Egypt which lishment of several new television they believe has crossed the channels that are not favourable limits.” FROM LEFT: Khadija Bengana, Presenter, Al Jazeera Arabic; Salah Abdel Maqsoud, Information Minister of Egypt; Mustafa Al Khalfi, Communication Guardian to the ruling party. He added that a new media Minister of Morocco; Mostafa Souag, Managing Director, Al Jazeera Channel; David Hearst, Chief Foreign Leader Writer, the ; and Abdel Wahab “Most of the new channels are law will be enacted soon “that Badrakhan, Lebanese Journalist and Political Commentator during the Al Jazeera Forum yesterday. (SALIM MATRAMKOT) controlled by private business- will guarantee free flow of men or remnants of the previous information.” the media?” he asked, adding stable government. government was working on a The government has also pro- regime. Some journalists working Mostafa Souag, Managing this is an issue that needs to be He said despite the Arab new press law as part of political posed the establishment of an with Egyptian television channels Director of Al Jazeera Arabic, studied. Spring, serious human rights vio- reforms in the country. independent council to monitor are now earning more than what wondered why the official media David Hearst of the Guardian lations in some Gulf countries still “Our view is that there should the media. Al Jazeera journalists are getting. in Egypt were taking positions said that the revolutionary camp go unreported. not be censorship on the media He said currently there are There are journalists who earn against the government. in Egypt remains split and two Moroccan Minister of but violations of the law should 500 electronic media outlets in more than 1m Egyptian pounds “Is this because the remnants years after the revolution, the Information Mustafa Al be handled through courts,” said Morocco and no journalist is in a year,” said Maqsoud. of the old regime are controlling country was not able to form a Khalfi said that the Moroccan Al Khalfi. prison. THE PENINSULA

Qatar an ideal place to build sports journalism career: Expert BY FAZEENA SALEEM ‘Media, Sport and Society’ at told The Peninsula yesterday. about sport as a social institu- sport as Qatar’s identity. I have NU-Q for 15 communication and “Politics of sport or business tion. It teaches about how sport never been to any country where DOHA: Qatar is an ideal place journalism students and busi- of sport are stories that typically as an institution has a say about sport is part of the national iden- to build a sports journalism ness students from the Carnegie don’t get coverage anywhere (in things like belonging to a com- tity, it’s mentioned in the Qatar career, but journalists reporting Mellon University in Qatar. the world). munity, how sport makes identity National Vision 2030,” said on the subject should also write In journalism, sport is an “It’s done by investigative, in a larger group. LaMay. about various issues related to important institution because political or business journalists,” “It particular speak about THE PENINSULA games, says an expert. sport and media always had a he added. “Qatar is a good place to make symbiotic relationship; they have Sport is the way in which media your career with the growth of gone together from the begin- corporation now build audiences, sport media and there is a need ning. However, LaMay said that because it is the only one that still for sport writers who can look for sport journalism historically has addresses many audiences and more than the game,” said Craig been the weakest part of jour- some scholars speak about media LaMay (pictured), a visiting pro- nalism as it’s taken merely as sport as one institution. fessor at Northwestern University entertainment. “So it’s an important sub- in Qatar (NU-Q). “There is another part of sport ject for academics. In Qatar it’s He also emphasised that collab- that we can talk about, so journal- important because sport is part of oration between sport and media ists don’t typically cover sport as Qatar’s national and international is important because sport is part a serious social institution… Sport identity,” said LaMay. of Qatar’s identity. journalism always needs to treat Explaining the class on ‘Media LaMay is taking a class on it as a serious subject,” LaMay Sport and Society’ he said it’s

Journalists attend a session at the ‘Train the Trainers’ programme organised by Doha Centre for Media Freedom. DCMF launches second phase of ‘Train the Trainers’ programme DOHA: The Doha Centre for the Trainers’ is not a traditional the impact of these programmes. Media Freedom (DCMF) yes- capacity-building programme, Delivering the workshop is terday launched the second but a framework for continuous Yasser Abdelaziz, an Egyptian phase of its ‘Train the Trainers’ thinking about means to improve writer and media expert. programme inaugurated last the practice of journalism.” Previously, he served as a regional December as part of its compre- Keulen said: “The problem consultant for the BBC World hensive capacity-building strat- facing media outlets and media Service Trust. Abdelaziz also egy for media in the Arab world. support organisations in the Arab conducted training and consulted The second phase includes two region is the scarcity of qualified, for UNDP, the British Council,the five-day training workshops, with Arabic-speaking media trainers.” Westminster Foundation for the first starting yesterday, and The centre, he notes, “is work- Democracy, Free Voice, the the second on Sunday. Eighteen ing to address this issue through Egyptian Radio and Television veteran journalists from media its comprehensive ‘Train the Union, Saba News Agency, and the outlets in 11 Arab countries will Trainers’ project built on a care- Omani Ministry of Information participate. ful selection of participants and and Council of State. Abdelaziz is DCMF Director General Jan rigorous training on expertise a co-founder and spokesperson of Keulen said that “the ‘Train the sharing.” ‘The Egyptian Initiative for Media Trainers’ workshop is of special The workshops will cover prin- Development.’ He is also a Unesco importance due to its reliance on ciples of media training, including consultant for a comprehensive sharing expertise and adoption training needs assessment, design project that seeks to improve of best professional practices.” and implementation of training Egyptian media, both public and As such, Keulen added, ‘Train programmes, as well as measuring private. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Culture Minister Arab women meets Asean officials DOHA: The Minister of Culture Arts and Heritage urged to come H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari met yesterday heads of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Committee (Thailand, out of ‘cage’ Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore). QIBWF on November 11 and 12 They discussed ways of enhanc- ing cooperation in cultural field BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB annual session of the Qatar with Qatar. Cultural agreements International Businesswomen’s to be signed with some of these DOHA: Qatari women entre- Forum (QIBWF) to be held here countries were also figured in the preneurs must come forward to on November 11 and 12 at St talks. become a “role model for oth- Regis Hotel, after the major suc- They also discussed the appro- ers”, who are willing to make cess of the previous three sessions priate tables and dates for cul- contribution to the process of in 2010, 2011 and 2012. tural events to be held. Dr Al transforming the country into There are over 1,000 women Kuwari welcomed the submitted a knowledge-based society, but entrepreneurs in Qatar, accord- ideas that would develop relations they, due to tradition and cul- ing to Aisha, but only 60 of them between Asian countries and ture, prefer to remain in “cages”, are members of the association Qatar, which pays special atten- a senior official of Qatari as most of them, being shy, pre- tion to relations with the Asean Businesswomen’s Association fer to work without coming into countries. (QBWA) said yesterday. limelight. Aisha Alfardan and Raed Chehaib at the press conference yesterday. “Arab women, including She added: “Due to our tradi- Condolences sent Qataris, have immense leader- tion and culture, many successful and facilitate women entrepre- and other related topics. The Present at the conference were ship potential, they can play an women entrepreneurs prefer to neurship. “Our door is open to all forum will be accompanied by Raed Chehaib, CEO of Interactive to Saudi Arabia equally important role in the work without coming into public those willing to seek assistance in the Qatar Businesswomen Award Business Network in Qatar, and process of nation-building by eyes, and I urged them to come for- establishing a business.” 2013 ceremony on the first day of a host of representatives of the DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh leading businesses and organisa- ward for the inspiration of others.” The two-day event with the the event. Qatari, Gulf, Arab and interna- Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani tions. But tradition and culture “We are out and working with theme “Arab Businesswomen as The award has been offered tional press and media. has sent a cable of condolences keep them in cages. They are shy, men side by side to become a role Change-Makers”, will discuss since 2008 and aims at recognis- The QIBWF is organised in to Custodian of the Two Holly they need role models to come model for others without break- leadership potential and style, ing and celebrating the contribu- cooperation with Interactive Mosques King Abdullah bin forward,” Aisha Alfardan, Vice- ing or compromising our religious removing barriers preventing tion of business and professional Business Network, and has Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Chairwoman of the QBWA told and cultural tradition. We are no women from exercising leader- women in Qatar, while inspiring become a major annual event Arabia on the death of Prince The Peninsula on the sidelines of less Muslims.” ship in business, growing and future generations of women to in the Gulf and the Arab world; Miteb bin Abdullah bin a press conference. She added that QBWA organ- funding entrepreneurship and achieve their full potential and widely recognised for the rele- Abdulaziz bin Musaed bin Jalawi Aisha was speaking at a press ises workshops and training pro- innovation among women, emo- maximise their contribution to vance of its topics and discussions. Al Saud. The Heir Apparent meeting to announce the fourth grammes to impart knowledge tional intelligence in leadership the Qatari economy. THE PENINSULA H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani sent condo- lences to Saudi Arabia. Gulf represents a living linguistic laboratory: Expert GCC stands united Business and Technology, on Syrian issue, University of York, Birkbeck, University of London, University says Minister of Iowa, Mansoura University, American University of Sharjah, Continued from page 1 University of Newcastle, “All the GCC states have a University of Sharjah, New York united stand on the Syrian issue University, New York University and are coordinating with one – Abu Dhabi, University of Texas another. So where is the question at Austin, UAE University, King of Qatar toeing an independent Abdulaziz University, Sultan line,” asked Al Attiyah. Qaboos University, Hyderabad Meanwhile, the visiting infor- University, and University of mation minister of Egypt told Montreal. Al Sharq in an interview that The papers presented deal with members of the ousted regime both structural and social aspects in his country were respon- of language in the Gulf including sible for spreading rumours Standard Arabic, Gulf dialects, against Qatar because they felt and Pidgin Arabic, and discuss resentful about Al Jazeera TV empirical linguistic data that channel. Professor Jeffrey Heath (right) giving a presentation at the conference yesterday. inform and advance theoretical Al Jazeera, said Saleh Abdul understanding of language and its Maqsood, is considered an epit- DOHA: Qatar University’s conference is to gather research- facing linguistics researchers of Historical Linguistics, social, cognitive, and neurological ome of free media in the Arab Department of English ers from the region and abroad and share experiences with col- Morphology, Arabic and Linguistic representations. world and its contribution to the Literature & Linguistics in for an exchange of ideas and leagues from institutions in the Anthropology, presented his study Department member Mariam Arab Spring by giving an oppor- the College of Arts & Sciences reflections on current and future region and beyond to advance the on “Early Moroccan Arabic as a Gammaz presented “Cultural tunity to the opposition forces (CAS) yesterday opened its developments in the study of lan- ongoing dialogue on this impor- pidgin/creole language”. and linguistic challenges in to put across their viewpoint, is fourth Linguistics in the Gulf guage, organisers said. tant area of study,” CAS Dean Dr “This is an excellent platform translation” in the session titled undeniable. conference. “During these two days, dele- Eiman Mustafawi, said. for linguists in the region and “Translation and Beyond” as part The minister who is here to The purpose of the two-day gates will address new challenges “Findings and recommenda- abroad to engage in the exchange of her master’s programme at the attend Al Jazeera Forum said tions coming out of these of ideas about the study of lan- University of Portsmouth, UK. that even the late Muammar discussions will serve to guage in the region. The Gulf in The second day’s keynote Gadafi was critical of Qatar update upcoming research- general and Qatar in particular speaker, Georgetown University and Al Jazeera because of its ers and students in the represent a living “linguistic lab- Associate Professor of Arabic fair coverage of the uprising in region on developments oratory” for linguists of all spe- linguistics, Dr Reem Bassiouney, Libya. in Arabic linguistics,” cialisations,” Department Chair will give a presentation on “Some people don’t like the Mustafawi said. Dr Rizwan Ahmad said. “Arabic Indexes amidst a Nation rising political influence of Qatar The first day’s key- The conference included pres- and a Nation-State: Ideologies, in the region as it is a champion note speaker Professor entations by linguistics experts Attitudes and Linguistic of free media,” the minister said Jeffrey Heath, University and researchers from University Realities”. referring to Al Jazeera. of Michigan Professor of Bucharest, University of THE PENINSULA Talking of criticism of Qatar by sections of the Egyptian media, Abdul Maqsood said it should not be taken seri- ously because it is part of a malicious campaign waged by members of the ousted regime. Rumours were spread that Suez Canal was being sold out to Qatar and then the talk of selling radio and TV stations began. “These are baseless rumours,” said the Minister. “We are proud of Qatar. Most Egyptians view Qatar as a brotherly coun- try. They know Qatar is a true friend. Some ele- ments don’t like this so they spread rumours,” said Abdul Maqsood. He said not only Qatar but other GCC states like the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were also extending assistance to Egypt, so why target Qatar alone. Asked why President Mohammed Mursi has not visited Qatar and whether he is afraid of media criticism, the infor- mation minister said he is expected to be here on March 26 to attend the Arab Summit. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Expatriates honoured on Arab Human Rights Day Seminar on developing culture of dialogue today

DOHA: Arab Human Rights Qatar,” said Colonel Abdulla Saqr General Secretary of Day activities began yesterday Al Muhandi, Director of Human International Union of Muslim in Doha with a large participa- Rights Department of Ministry Scholars Dr Ali Quradaghi pre- tion of expatriate communities. of Interior. sented a lecture on ‘Dialogue and Leaders of Arab and non- He also pointed that the par- values of tolerance in Islam,’ in Arab expatriate communities ticipation of expatriates shows which he said that the founda- were honoured and presented the level of the state’s inter- tion of dialogue and tolerance with mementos by the Minister est in human rights and minis- deep routed in Islamic belief and of State for Interior Affairs H E try’s keenness on strengthening principles and the salute of Islam Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin respect for human rights and to itself is Salam that means peace. Khalifa Al Thani. provide the necessary safeguards A seminar will be held today The three-day event is held on the political, economic, social for the female staff of the minis- under the theme ‘Dialogue and and cultural levels. try under the theme developing tolerance to promote and protect Community leaders appreci- culture of dialogue is respect for human rights,’ is organised by ated the initiative by Ministry human rights. A scholarly forum the Human Rights Department of Interior and stressed that will be held tomorrow on dialogue of the Ministry of Interior at the this honour shows the leadership and tolerance for supporting Crowne Plaza hotel. role played by Qatar with all its security and social safety, at the “Anniversary of Arab Human authorities and ministries in sup- main auditorium of the Criminal Rights Day is organised under porting human rights. They also Investigation Department. The the slogan Dialogue and toler- said that there is great coopera- program is held in collaboration ance to promote and protect tion between the ministry and its with Human Rights Department human rights to honour the various departments and officials and Law College of Qatar The Minister of State for Interior Affairs H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani presenting a memento leaders and representatives of and the Arab and non-Arab expa- University. to one of the Human Rights Committee members during the Arab Human Rights Day at Crowne Plaza Hotel the expatriate communities in triate communities. THE PENINSULA yesterday. Dr Ali Al Qaradaghi is also seen. (KAMMUTTY VP)

Radio-controlled car race Savings depleted this year, say 43pc respondents to survey

DOHA: About 44 percent of villas, townhouses or bungalows. outlook for the months to come, respondents to a survey in Desktop or laptop computers (25 with 44 percent expecting their Qatar said that there has been percent), furniture (20 percent) financial situation to improve in no change in their current and LCD or plasma televisions (21 the next six months. financial situation for the past percent) will be the top purchases Only 18 percent of respondents six months, while 27 percent made in the coming six months. across the Mena region claim claim things are now better and And 44 percent of profession- that they are in a better finan- 43 percent say that their sav- als in the Middle East and North cial position now than they were ings have depleted in compari- Africa (Mena) expect their per- six months ago. Only 15 percent son to last year, according to sonal finances to improve in the across the region say that their Bayt.com and YouGov survey. next six months, while 55 percent savings have increased in the However, 57 percent believe of residents in the region believe last year, with 25 percent saying that things will be better in the business conditions will also they have remained the same. next six months. Despite this become better. However, hope for the future is optimism, 68 percent believe that The latest Consumer high, with 44 percent expect- the cost of living in the country Confidence Index (CCI) Survey ing their financial situation to will increase in the same period. for the Mena region shows improve in the next six months. The majority of Qatar residents that residents in the region are Conversely, 78 percent believe (44 percent) are considering buy- anticipating the cost of living that the cost of living in their ing a personal vehicle in the next to increase in the coming year, country will increase. Only 32 12 months. Those who claim they although their financial positions percent will look to buy a vehicle are looking to make a purchase, 42 have not improved. in the next 12 months (of which percent will choose to buy a new In Qatar, only 27 percent of the majority (48 percent) will opt Twenty-five radio-controlled car (RC) enthusiasts from across the country recently took part in the first RC vehicle, while 48 percent will opt respondents claim that they are for a used vehicle), and only 20 car race at Aspire Zone’s off-road track. Rewell Englis finished first, while Johann Fortaleza came in a close for a used one. In terms of prop- in a better position now compared percent are looking to buy prop- second followed by Victor Castro. erty, only 29 percent are looking to to six months ago. However, Mena erty within the same time frame. invest; interests lie in buying new respondents have an optimistic THE PENINSULA HMC holds internal medicine meet

DOHA: The First Internal status epilepticus and many other among patients at HMC. The case Medicine Conference held in conditions. studies were chosen by a scientific Qatar discussed the latest prac- Participants, through a number committee from 46 submissions and tices on prevention, diagnosis of workshops, also had the oppor- were being reported for the first and treatment of a wide range tunity to learn from the experts on time at the conference. of medical conditions. how to produce quality research, THE PENINSULA The event, organised by the how to convert Hamad Medical Corporation’s their ideas into General Internal Medicine research and Division, gathered about 500 how to get their physicians and featured speak- papers published ers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, in high-impact Egypt, Libya, Italy, France, United medical journals. Kingdom and the US. A poster exhi- “The conference is in line bition was held with the vision of HMC for our concurrently with transformation into an Academic the event, where Health System, through the inte- 34 hospital-based gration of healthcare with educa- case studies were tion and research,” said Dr Abdel displayed, some Naser Elzouki, Chairman of the of which featured Organising Committee and Head rare conditions of HMC’s General Internal Medicine Division. “It brings together phy- sicians and experts from different parts of the world and facilitates the exchange of knowledge that will have a beneficial impact on patient care,” he added. The three-day event included plenary lectures, mini-symposia, meet- the-expert sessions, case discussions, a debate ses- sion and 11 workshops and a one-day postgraduate course on what clinicians should know about gastro- enterology and liver disease in 2013. Topics revolved around the management of infectious diseases, hyper- tension and cardiovascular disease, liver and gastroin- testinal problems, obesity, diabetes, asthma, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, joint diseases, tuberculosis, kidney diseases, dementia, MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME / MIDDLE EAST

Minister opens French Cultural Centre Library Maldives president arrives Egypt warns against hoarding diesel at home

CAIRO: The Egyptian govern- ment warned citizens of the dangers of hoarding large quan- tities of diesel at home yesterday — a symptom of the shortages afflicting an economy in crisis. Shortages of subsidised diesel have paralysed transport in parts of Egypt, as the government faces pressure to curb energy subsi- dies that swallow up a fifth of its budget. Bassem Ouda, minister of supply and internal trade, urged citizens to avoid actions exac- erbating fuel supply problems, including what he described as a current trend for “storing mas- sive quantities” of diesel indoors. Maldives President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan arrived in Doha yes- “I warn that this is very dan- The Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, inaugurated the French terday. He was greeted at Doha international airport by Minister of State gerous. If, God forbid, a problem Cultural Centre’s new library in the presence of Ambassador of France in Doha Jean-Christophe Peaucelle H E Sheikh Hamad bin Nasser bin Jassim Al Thani, and Qatar’s non- happened in a home, or a fire, the and a number of diplomats. resident Ambassador to Maldives Saeed Abdulla Al Mansouri. results will be bad. We appeal to citizens to avoid this,” he said dur- ing an interview with state-run Radio Masr. Dwindling supplies of state-subsidised diesel have led to long queues at petrol stations still getting fuel deliveries. Women face Egypt must commit to reform- ing the subsidy system if it is to secure a $4.8bn loan from the International Monetary Fund. An IMF delegation began talks discrimination: in Cairo yesterday. The govern- ment plans to implement a subsi- dised fuel rationing system at the Qatari artist beginning of July. Alert over people Amal Al Aathem holds expo at Katara posing as army BY RAYNALD C RIVERA different talents and woman deserves to be treated as a human officers in Egypt DOHA: Despite advances being, she added dispelling the CAIRO: Egypt’s armed forces they have made in various man and woman dichotomy. yesterday warned citizens to fields, women in this region She stressed the difficulties remain vigilant to people posing and around the world still suf- women have to suffer outside as army officers after fabrics fer discrimination, said Qatari their homes and at work in her used to make military uniforms artist Amal Al Aathem who struggle to build her identity and were seized en route to the opened a solo exhibition yester- rightful position in the society neighbouring Gaza Strip. day in Katara. as she performs various roles Army spokesman Ahmed In her over 20 artworks dis- as mother, daughter, sister and Mohammed Ali said army troops played at the exhibition entitled worker. had confiscated the khaki and ‘A Bridge to the Moon’, Amal For nearly a decade, the prolific white fabrics “similar to those explores the old philosophies Qatari artist considered one of used for uniforms” as they were that link the moon and woman, the strongest voices in the coun- about to be smuggled into Gaza the moon being the centre of the try’s art scene has reflected in her Amal Al Aathem with some of her paintings. via tunnels in the Sinai peninsula. universe and the woman as the works a strong desire to elevate The army “urges Egyptian citi- centre of the society. the status of women in the society expo to feature a number of moon. Transparent fabric and silk and Los Angeles, California. zens to be cautious and increase “Why did I choose the subject with her series of exhibitions both installations. and thread are common media A photography exhibition security awareness in the com- of moon and woman? Because I here and overseas. “I have always been inspired by used while black, white, red and featuring Magnum photogra- ing period in anticipation of the don’t find a space for women here From 2004 till 2102, Amal held the artistic resistance of women, deep blue are dominant colours pher Martim Parr opens tonight possibility of (people) posing as on Earth, the idea of the power four exhibitions on the subject trying to create an artistic iden- which create the intended effect at Katara Building 19 as part military officers,” Ali said. of women is not accepted here, ‘woman’s journey’ and for this tity,” she said. to drive the message. of Qatar UK 2013 in addition Recent press reports have sug- not only for Arabic women but year, she starts her ‘woman and For this exhibition, she com- The expo, which runs until to other exhibitions including gested that Palestinians entered women in general,” said Amal moon’ series with this expo to bines materials and colours that April 27 in Building 19, will travel ‘Alighiero Boetti’ (Bldg 13) and Egypt with plans to destabilise during a media preview yesterday. be followed by two more includ- reflect the delicate relationship to other countries. Amal cur- ‘Designed to Win’ (Bldg 3). security, something Gaza’s Hamas God gave man and woman ing ‘Moon Dialogue’ and another between the woman and the rently has exhibitions in Sharjah THE PENINSULA rulers have vehemently denied. Senior Hamas official Mahmud Zahar stressed that Hamas “is keen on Egypt’s security and does not want to engage in any clash with anyone,” in a recent inter- Former army view with the state-owned Mena chief named Ministry takes job nationalisation seriously news agency. Continued from page 1 issued directives that efforts be A monitoring committee at the sector the issue of salary and Gas leak near Israel’s defence There is no need for a law for intensified to provide jobs to ministry he heads has been hold- perks for Qatari employees and housemaids, Al Mulla said, dash- nationals in public and private ing meetings with private compa- told them that wages must be on Kuwait’s Burgan oil ing all hopes of seeing a legislation sectors. nies to steamroll the Qatarisation a par with those in the govern- minister to regulate the domestic labour The post of human resource plan. The official said it was a ment sector. field controlled sector. “Since there is a contract director in all companies (includ- matter of concern that despite the “The private sector has no TEL AVIV: Former chief of signed between a maid and her ing banks and insurance firms), State Cabinet having ruled several excuse now. They used to ear- DUBAI: Kuwait Oil Company staff Moshe Yaalon was named employer, a law isn’t needed,” he in which either the government years ago that 20 percent of jobs lier say that Qataris didn’t know (KOC) has controlled a small Israel’s new defence minis- argued. or Qatari citizens have a share, in the private sector be reserved English. That excuse can’t work leak on a gas pipeline near to ter yesterday to succeed Ehud About weekly rest, he said it must be given to citizens. for citizens, some companies were anymore because Qataris do know the Burgan oilfield, the state- Barak, a statement from the was a maid’s right but added that Al Mulla said that his minis- ignoring the directive. English.” run company said on Saturday. ruling rightwing Likud party the choice of the day should be try was taking the issue of job “We will take stringent action His ministry, he said, was hold- A “simple leak” was discov- said. “In a period so critical left to be decided mutually by her nationalisation in the private against these companies. They ing meetings with high school stu- ered on Saturday afternoon on an to the security of the state of and her employers. sector seriously and had asked will have to face the music for dents and urging them to opt for isolation valve on a gas pipeline Israel, with all the region around He said the Emir H H Sheikh private companies to provide the defying the Cabinet decision.” scientific and technical education running near the security fence us in turmoil, it is important Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and ministry with their manpower The ministry, Al Mulla told Al and pursue studies up to the uni- around Burgan, one of the world’s that this position be filled by the Heir Apparent H H Sheikh requirements with all details over Sharq in an interview yesterday, versity level. biggest oil fields, KOC said on its a man so rich in experience as Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have the next five years. had discussed with the private THE PENINSULA official Twitter feed. Nobody was Moshe Yaalon,” Prime Minister injured by the small gas leak and Benjamin Netanyahu said in a the problem valve has been iso- statement released by the party. lated, KOC said. In October last “In the name of all the citizens year, KOC set fire to an oil well on of Israel, I wish him success.” the Rawdatain field to get rid of “I am determined to drive the gas leaking from that site. Israeli army... and the security Islamist fighters retake Somali town forces to new heights in facing the challenges of the future,” Yaalon Homeless man held wrote on his Facebook page after MOGADISHU: Somalia’s feared what would happen after troops also went along with the Shebab remain a potent threat, his nomination. Islamist fighters retook the key their pull-out, locals said. Ethiopian soldiers, as well as still controlling rural areas as well over tourist murder He listed the most notable southern town of Hudur yester- “The city is now firmly in the some civilians who feared for as carrying out guerrilla attacks of those “challenges,” including day, residents and the militants hands of the mujahedeen,” the their lives”, said resident Hudow in areas apparently under govern- ANKARA: Police in Turkey “Iran’s nuclear programme, which said, in the first territorial fight- Shebab said in a message on Mohamed. ment control. yesterday said they had arrested continues to be a threat to Israel; back by the Al Qaeda-linked their Twitter account, boasting Hudur lies some 180km west Some, retreating ahead of a homeless man wanted on sus- unrest in the Arab world; the Shebab for several months. of how the “Ethiopian invaders of the Ethiopia’s main base in AU-led assaults, have relocated picion of murdering a 33-year- threats from the north (Lebanon) Heavily armed Shebab fighters fled the city”. The recapture of Somalia, the city of Baidoa. to the northern Golis mountains old American tourist in Istanbul and from the Gaza Strip.” swept into the regional capital of Hudur marks a sharp turna- Ethiopian troops crossed the in Somalia’s semi-autonomous last month. Mother-of-two On Saturday evening, the Bakool region early yesterday, round for the Shebab, who have border into southwestern Somalia Puntland region. Sarai Sierra was found bludg- Netanyahu formally notified taking the town peacefully just lost a string of towns in recent in late 2011 to attack Shebab Somalia has been ravaged eoned to death near Istanbul’s President Shimon Peres that hours after Ethiopian troops who months to the 17,000-strong bases, shortly after Kenyan troops by conflict since 1991 but a ancient city walls on February after 40 days of tortuous nego- had held it since late 2011 left, African Union force, which fights invaded Somalia from the far new UN-backed government 2 — ten days after her family tiations he had formed a new gov- said resident Hussein Madker. alongside Somali government south. took power in September, end- said they lost contact with the ernment, just as a legal deadline “Hudur is now under the con- forces. While Kenyan troops have since ing eight years of transitional lone tourist. “The suspect, Ziya for him to do so expired. trol of the Shebab fighters again However, it was not immedi- joined the AU force, Ethiopian rule by a corruption-riddled T, wanted for the murder of the Other nominees included after the Ethiopian soldiers moved ately clear whether Ethiopian troops have remained separate. administration. American citizen Sarai Sierra Likud’s young hawkish Danny out late last night,” Madker said. forces had pulled out due to pres- Somali military commanders in Many have said the new gov- was arrested today, Sunday, in Danon as deputy defence The Ethiopian troops left the sure by the Shebab, or for how Baidoa confirmed the Shebab had ernment offers the most serious Reyhanli,” read a statement minister, according to media town late on Saturday with their long the Islamists intended to taken Hudur but would not give hope for stability since the fall of from the Hatay authorities in reports. heavy weaponry, alongside allied hold the town. further details. dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in southeastern Turkey, near the AFP Somali forces and residents who “The Somali government Despite recent losses the 1991. AFP border with Syria. AGENCIES MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Rebels seize compound near Golan Syrian opposition to choose PM; pro-govt daily warns Jordan and Lebanon are playing with ‘fire’

DAMASCUS/AMMAN: headquarters to be tortured and it premier, who will choose a cabinet people and addresses their most between the top two candidates. Lebanon and Jordan are play- Syrian rebels yesterday seized has a strategic importance. With to be approved by the Coalition, pressing needs,” added Ahmed “It would be good if there is ing with fire by allowing jihadists a Syrian military intelligence its fall we have completed our lib- the opposition is hoping to show Ramadan, a member of the Syrian consensus on one name, but if and weapons to pass across their compound in the southern eration of the town of Shagara,” it can administer large swathes of National Coalition. not it will be decided in a demo- borders into Syria, the Syrian Hauran Plain near the Israeli- he added. captured territory where there is Kadi, born in Aleppo in 1968, is cratic fashion.” The decision to government daily Al Thawra occupied Golan Heights, rebel Another rebel commander said now a power vacuum. founder of the Syrian Centre for name a prime minister and form warned yesterday. commanders said. the aim of the attacks in Western “There is a real need in the Political and Strategic Studies in an interim government is opposed “The fire of terrorism will con- The frontier, quiet since Hauran is to open a new front in liberated areas for better admin- Washington and favoured for his by some opposition figures, who sume not only Syria, but could Israel and Syria agreed on a the fight against President Bashar istration of daily life,” Damascus- technocratic background. favour the creation of an execu- spread to Lebanon and Jordan, US-brokered ceasefire in 1974, has Al Assad that would stretch based activist Matar Ismail said. Mustapha, born in Idlib in 1947, tive body with limited powers to particularly if these two coun- turned volatile in recent weeks, troops deployed in Hauran, cra- “There should be a civil- brings experience as a minister administer rebel-held territory. tries intervene in the situation in after opposition brigades stepped dle of the two-year revolt, and ian authority that acts as an under Syria’s former president Council members speaking on Syria, ignoring the flow of armed up attacks against army and to secure a supply route to the alternative power to the Assad Hafez Al Assad for eight years. condition of anonymity said those men and weapons from their ter- intelligence compounds dotting western approaches of Damascus. government.” “If what’s wanted is a techno- opposed to creating an interim ritory, or by participating directly the agricultural plain stretching A former agriculture minis- Opposition members said they crat then perhaps Osama Kadi government want dialogue with in the conspiracy against Syria,” from the border with Jordan to ter and an economist are lead- wanted a good administrator with will win. And if the choice is based the regime and the formation of the newspaper said. the Damascus outskirts. ing candidates to be named long-standing ties to the upris- on who has experience and is the a government composed of regime “Jordan has opened its borders The compound near the Syria’s first rebel prime minis- ing, although nations backing the most capable politically, it will be and opposition members. in recent days (allowing) passage Yarmouk River in the town of ter when the opposition Syrian rebels, including Qatar and Saudi Asaad Mustapha,” Ramadan said. That is believed to be of jihadists... whereas before it Shagara, 8km from a ceasefire National Coalition meets to vote Arabia, are also likely to influence “The latter has good experi- Washington’s preference, was satisfied with just facilitat- line with Israel, fell after a five- in Turkey this week. The two the choice. “The prime minister ence... and he has been close to although Turkey and much of the ing the movement of elements day siege, the sources said. men are among around 10 oppo- must be a man who is completely the revolution from its beginning Arab League favour an interim trained on its territory by US “We have completely taken sition figures Coalition members with the revolution, and it is bet- and is respected.” government. For opposition sup- intelligence,” it added. over this security compound this are expected to consider during ter that it be someone who was in At least one potential candi- porters on the ground, the vote is “As for Lebanon, it is closing its morning. It’s a command cen- their gathering in Istanbul today Syria until recently, not someone date, Christian dissident Michel an important opportunity to cre- eyes to the trafficking of weapons tre for the shabbiha (pro-Assad and tomorrow. The list includes who has lived abroad for a long Kilo, has already made clear he ate a real alternative to the Assad to Syria, led by elements that are militia). They retreated after virtual unknowns, as well as time,” opposition figure Haytham will not be standing, and neither government. not part of the government.” strong blows dealt to them dur- some prominent members of the Al Maleh said. former Syrian National Council “An interim government will On Friday, a security source ing a five day siege,” said Abu opposition to President Assad’s “The next prime minister won’t head Burhan Ghalioun nor also bring the exiled opposition in Damascus criticised Jordan, Iyas Al Haurani, a member of the regime, with former agriculture be chosen on the basis of whose defected ex-premier Riad Hijab into direct contact with the peo- saying the kingdom has “opened Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade. minister Asaad Mustapha and name is most circulated in the appear on the current list. ple. So even if we haven’t elected its borders and is allowing to “Anyone who was arrested in economist Osama Kadi believed media, but on the basis of who Ramadan said the Coalition them, we can hold them account- cross over (into Syria) jihadists the Yarmouk Valley was sent to be leading the pack. is best able to lead a government was expected to hold an ini- able for their errors. Overall, I am and Croatian weapons bought by to this military intelligence In moving to select a rebel that takes care of the Syrian tial vote, followed by a run-off hopeful,” Ismail said. Saudi Arabia.” AFP Assad’s wife, children make rare Damascus appearance DAMASCUS: Syrian President Bashar reportedly left the war-torn country for Dubai to Al Assad’s wife and his children have join her daughter Bushra, according to Syrian expa- made a rare public appearance at a char- triates and an activist in the United Arab Emirates. ity fund-raiser in Damascus for mothers Bushra’s husband General Assef Shawkat, an of soldiers killed in the two-year conflict, army deputy chief of staff, was killed along with his office said on Facebook yesterday. three other high-ranking Syrian officials in a July The office said that Asma Al Assad, her 18, 2012 bombing at the National Security head- three children as well as their cousins “took quarters in Damascus. part on Saturday in a charity event called... The following September, Syrian residents in the at the Damascus Opera House on the occa- Gulf emirate said that Bushra had enrolled her five sion of Mother’s Day.” children at a private school in Dubai where she had The event, dubbed ‘Mothers Rally’, was moved. aimed at raising funds for the mothers of Meanwhile, Arab League Secretary General Dr Syrian soldiers killed in fighting with rebels Nabil El Arabi will meet today with Joint UN-Arab through the sale of crafts, the office said in a League Envoy on Syria Lakhdar Brahimi, the Arab statement. Assad’s stylish British-born and League said. They will discuss the developments in British-educated wife is rarely seen in pub- Syria as well as the latest efforts to find a politi- lic, let alone with her three children — two cal solution to the conflict. The National Coalition sons and a daughter. In June last year Russia for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces dismissed as “rumours” speculation on the is currently attempting to form a interim govern- Internet she had taken refuge in the country ment according to the resolution of the Arab League Asma Al Assad, wife of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, is greeted by people during an event to remember the “Mothers amid the escalating violence in Syria. Council at the Ministerial level. of Martyrs” at the Opera House in Damascus, yesterday. In January Assad’s mother, Anisa Makhluf, AGENCIES

Bahrain court Abbas visits hospital jails 17 Shias on Car bomb kills bombing charges DUBAI: A Bahrain court sentenced 17 Shia activists 10 in south Iraq to 15 years in prison yester- day after convicting them of BAGHDAD: A car bomb translated by the SITE monitor- the attempted murder of four exploded near the outskirts ing service yesterday. policemen in a bomb attack in of the south Iraq city of Basra In addition to the casualties in April last year, a judicial source yesterday, killing 10 people and the predominantly Shia city, the said. The defendants were found wounding 16, the head of the blast turned several nearby vehi- guilty of detonating a roadside Basra provincial council secu- cles into mangled wrecks. bomb in the Shiite village of Aker rity committee said. A suicide bomber also wounded that wounded four members The bombing at a bus station three police north of Baghdad, a of a passing police patrol, the came soon after another went off police officer and a medical source source said. Meanwhile, state in the centre of Basra, Iraq’s main said. news agency BNA reported that port city, at about 11am, causing Britain-based Iraq Body Count an Asian worker was wounded no casualties, Ali Al Maliki said. (IBC), meanwhile, published a in an “act of terrorism” when An Al Qaeda-linked group study which concluded that at a home-made explosive device claimed the attack yesterday as least 112,000 civilians were killed went off at a bike repair shop a study said at least 112,000 civil- in the 10 years since the invasion. outside a boys’ school near the ians were killed since the 2003 It said that, including combat- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visits a woman wounded in a bus accident, in a hospital in Amman, eastern village of Muharraq. US-led invasion. ants on all sides of the decade-long yesterday. Fifteen Palestinians were killed and many injured when the bus carrying them to the West Bank “The blast resulted in hand Ahead of the anniversary of conflict as well as yet-undocu- from Saudi Arabia, overturned on Saturday near the Allenby Bridge crossing the Jordan River. injuries to an Asian worker who the invasion that ousted Saddam mented fatalities, the figure could was rushed to hospital,” said the Hussein, the latest violence raises rise as high as 174,000. police statement on BNA. fresh questions about the security “This conflict is not yet his- forces’ ability to prevent attacks tory,” it said in its report, which such as the March 14 assault on put the number of civilian deaths South Sudan pulls troops from border Man shot, guard the justice ministry claimed by since March 20, 2003 at between the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI). 112,017 and 122,438. knifed outside The attack involved a series “It remains entrenched and JAU, SOUTH SUDAN: South rocket-propelled grenade launch- of the South Sudanese army’s of mid-day bombings in central pervasive, with a clear beginning Sudan began pulling its army ers, chairs, buckets, radios, chick- (SPLA) 4th division, Koang Chol, Sudan palace Baghdad’s Allawi neighbourhood, but no foreseeable end, and very out of a buffer zone with its old ens and ammunition marched out addressed thousands of troops in adjacent to the Green Zone which much a part of the present in civil war foe Sudan yesterday and of the town, a cluster of straw Jau, a garrison town South Sudan KHARTOUM: A Sudanese is home to several government Iraq.” thousands of troops streamed huts in the dusty earth by Lake took from Sudanese troops last presidential guard shot and buildings and the American and IBC said that, over the years, out of this border garrison town. Jau. year. “We are implementing the wounded a man who knifed British embassies. Baghdad had been, and still is, The creation of a demilitarised South Sudan broke away from orders of our government to with- another guard yesterday outside As the bombs went off, mili- the deadliest region, accounting buffer zone is seen as a crucial Sudan in July 2011 but the two draw our forces 10km south,” he the palace where President Omar tants stormed the ministry com- for 48 percent of all deaths, while first step in resuming landlocked remained mired in disputes over said. Hasan Al Bashir works, the plex, clashing with security forces. the conflict was bloodiest between South Sudan’s oil exports through the border, oil, debt and accusa- Tanks and pickup trucks presidential press secretary said. Accounts differed as to the suc- 2006 and 2008. Sudan, which Juba shut off in tions of support for rebels in one mounted with machine guns The attacker crossed Nile Street cess of the attack, but one official It noted that violence remained January last year during a row another’s territory. accompanied the troops. Philip to stab the military police sentry, said two insurgents managed to high, with annual civilian deaths with Khartoum over fees. After months of tangled Aguer, the SPLA’s spokesman, Emad Sayed Ahmed said. “Then detonate suicide vests inside the of between four and five thousand On Thursday, South Sudan’s African Union-brokered talks, the said 3,000 soldiers pulled out, and another guard shot the attacker, ministry building. roughly equivalent to the total petroleum minister said the oil two agreed this month to a time the rest would leave today. wounding him in the leg. Both of Overall, 18 people were killed number of coalition forces killed firms had been given orders to frame to carry out deals signed in A few score soldiers remained them were taken to the military and more than 30 wounded, secu- from 2003 up to the US military resume production, which he September to set up a demilitarised behind after the main group left. hospital in Omdurman where rity and medical officials said. withdrawal in December 2011, at estimated would take two to border zone and restart southern Broken bicycles, playing cards and they are being treated,” he said. The ISI claimed to have killed 60 4,804. three weeks. Two columns of oil exports through Sudan. blackened teapots lay scattered on AFP people, according to a statement AFP infantry carrying guns, mortars, Yesterday, the commander the ground. REUTERS MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KHALID AL SAYED [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR E-MAIL: [email protected]

ADVERTISING: TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION RATES: ANNUAL QR 675 6 MONTHS QR 340 Editorial

Tension in Guantanamo Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

T’S SAD and deplorable that Guantanamo Bay is receding both from the public and media attention. The plight of detainees at the infamous facility in Cuba is Britain needs a budget with Iseldom discussed in the global media, and if done so, it’s done fleetingly and fails to evoke any reaction. The plight of scores of detainees who are languishing without trial and justice has become a lost cause. US President Barack Obama, housebuilding at its heart who made grandiose promises while taking office about delivering justice, has blissfully forgotten those promises. He BY ED BALLS and JACK is as culpable as George W Bush, and even worse, in pushing DROMEY 400,000 additional homes. In the fol- workers out of work and construction the detainees to a life of hopelessness and absolute injustice. lowing 12 months, both housing starts output has fallen by 8.2pc. The latest reports coming out of Guantanamo are and completions fell. Far from building Britain out of worrying. Tensions have spiked between the detainees OUSEBUILDING is crucial One year later, Cameron unveiled recession, their failed economic plan to economic recovery. From what he termed “a radical and una- is digging the country into a deeper and the military at the prison, with detainees resorting Hthe Depression of the 1930s, shamedly ambitious strategy” to give hole. Without investment, the econ- to a mass hunger strike demanding justice. Lawyers and through the rebuilding of Britain after the housing industry a “shot in the omy can’t grow. human rights activists have been quoted as saying that some the second world war, to every reces- arm”. At the heart of that strategy, Without growth, we can’t get the detainees have lost weight and at least two dozen men lost sion since, politicians of all parties we were told, was the NewBuy scheme deficit down. And in every one of this consciousness due to low sugar levels. Some are being force- have recognised the need to build our which he claimed would assist 100,000 government’s housebuilding announce- way out of economic crisis. people to buy their own homes. To ments the key missing ingredient has fed. The International Committee of the Red Cross, the The coalition government’s commit- date, the government has helped just been significant investment. only outside organization allowed unrestricted visits to the ment to talking about getting Britain 1,500 people to realise their dreams, What Britain needs next week is not camps, said it visited Guantanamo from Feb. 18 to 23 and building can hardly be denied but its 1.5% of the target. more tinkering of the same old polices “is aware of the tensions at the detention facility. The ICRC success in delivery has been nothing Less than 12 months later, yet rebranded, repacked and relaunched. believes past and current tensions at Guantanamo to be the short of disastrous. another “major” housing package was Instead, we need a bold and radical direct result of the uncertainty faced Despite three housing launches by announced as Cameron declared that budget to kickstart our stagnant econ- the prime minister, David Cameron, his “government is serious about roll- omy with housebuilding at its heart. by detainees. and the chancellor, George Osborne, ing its sleeves up and doing it all it In the past week, the Confederation The Obama The US authorities are known who have donned can.” of British Industry and the business administration for setting the bar high on human wellies and high- This included a £10bn guarantee secretary, Vince Cable, have joined rights and take pride in defending vis jackets to scheme which, while welcome, has yet Labour’s calls to get the economy is trampling human rights all over the world. go on building to deliver a single penny of support for growing through housebuilding. It is But the Obama administration has sites, and hun- housebuilding. time the government listened. on the David Cameron dreds of housing It took the government six months Last autumn we called on the chan- rights of been trampling on the rights of announcements, to release details of the scheme and it cellor to use the money raised from the Guantanamo detainees with impunity and George housebuilding won’t open to receive bids until April 4G mobile spectrum auction to build Guantanamo and has scoffed at international Osborne is at its lowest this year. And last year housing starts 100,000 affordable homes to stimulate detainees. outcry over the issue. peacetime level fell by 11% to below 100,000, less than the economy and help tackle the hous- The Obama administration has since the 1920s. half the number required to meet ing crisis. promised to No wonder the housing need. We should look at ways to help abandoned efforts to repatriate grow us out country faces the Six months on, we’re preparing for young people who want to get on the prisoners cleared for release. Of the remaining detainees, slowest economic the fourth launch and yet more empty property ladder and are trying to save more than 80 have been cleared for release if they can of recession. recovery in a promises of building homes and creat- for a deposit – for example, by looking be returned to their home country or resettled in a third century and the ing jobs. The truth is, Cameron and at proposals for a Housing ISA pro- country. But the US Congress has imposed a series of Instead they’ve biggest housing Osborne haven’t given housebuilding posed by the CBI this week – and give restrictions on transfers out of Guantanamo, which have crisis in a gen- a shot in the arm, they’ve cut it off at first-time buyers a stamp duty holiday dug the country eration. While the knees. on properties up to £250,000. ground to a halt. In January, the administration closed some measures Three years ago, Labour warned the Let’s bring forward long-term infra- the State Department office charged with negotiating the into a deeper have the poten- government that by recklessly rais- structure investment in schools, roads transfer of detainees and accelerating the closure of the tial to help, there ing taxes and cutting spending too far and transport to get construction facility. The army is also said to be resorting to deliberate hole. has been little and too fast, they risked putting the workers back to work and strengthen acts of provocation at the facility. One trigger for the by way of new recovery at risk. We warned that cut- our economy for the future. And to protests was a series of searches in Camp 6 in which investment. The ting the housing budget by 60 percent improve existing housing stock, VAT government has simply failed to learn would not only be a devastating blow on home repairs, maintenance and detainees alleged that copies of Quran were desecrated by the lessons of history. to housebuilding, the construction improvements should be cut to 5%. guards who looked through them. Pentagon has denied such Now reports suggest that Cameron industry and the wider economy, but These measures would boost growth, allegations, but in the absence of independent probes, the and Osborne are planning yet another also to the millions of families in need get builders back to work building denial is unlikely to be taken seriously by all. housing package. But many people will of a home. But they failed to listen the homes we need for the future and The current hunger strike in Guantanamo is a result of be asking: haven’t we been here before? and as a result Cameron and Osborne create apprenticeships for the young. In 2010, the government announced have overseen the lowest level of hous- Britain needs a radical budget for the desperation and hopelessness of the detainees. It’s also their flagship housebuilding policy ing completions compared with any homes, jobs and growth, not another surprising that global human rights bodies are not treating the “New Homes Bonus”, promising other peacetime government since the false dawn. the issue with the seriousness it deserves • to unleash growth and build at least 1920s. They’ve put 80,000 construction THE GUARDIAN The other side Quote of Thimphu spirit dead? India-Pakistan tensions the day

XPRESSING her “deep parliament to desist from “interfering for which Pakistan, which condemned drain on the two exchequers. A will- disappointment” over New in India’s internal affairs”. The National the incident, was held responsible. The ingness to solve these disputes would Delhi’s response to skirmishes Assembly had indeed passed a net effect is that Pakistan and India are not only create a propitious atmosphere Ealong the Line of Control, resolution calling for an end to atrocities almost back to the post-Mumbai stage for talks on the core issue of Kashmir, the outgoing foreign minister, Hina against Kashmiris protesting Afzal when the ‘composite dialogue’ that had it would also sustain whatever CBMs Rabbani Khar, rightly called for a Guru’s controversial hanging. But begun so hopefully in 2004 was frozen. have been agreed upon. Ms Khar’s lessening of the mistrust that exists with India-held Kashmir recognised The spirit of the 2010 Saarc summit in farewell speech on Thursday reflected between India and Pakistan. Lately, internationally as a disputed territory, Thimphu now seems to be in the ICU. a keenness to pursue normal ties with I still believe the non-implementation of some key this was not an illegitimate move. The truth is that such CBMs are India, especially where she mentioned confidence-building measures has The recent setback to the peace bound to fail if India and Pakistan are Islamabad had pursued trade with it was right blocked the process of normalisation. process began in January following unable to solve even less conten- India even though such interaction New Delhi has stalled a more liberal clashes between the two armies along tious bilateral disputes. Sir Creek and was not welcomed domestically. The to remove visa regime and on Friday, Hockey the LoC with voices in India accusing Siachen are often mentioned as issues prelude to a Kashmir solution, she India scrapped its series with Pakistan. Pakistani troops of beheading an Indian the two sides could resolve, especially said, demanded trust-building. Both Saddam. In addition a resolution has been soldier. This was followed by Mr Guru’s because in the latter case it is the India and Pakistan will have to keep Tony Blair passed by the lower house of the execution and the recent attack on an harsh polar weather that is the com- this in mind. Former British Indian parliament, asking Pakistan’s Indian paramilitary camp by militants, mon enemy. Besides, Siachen is a huge DAWN Prime Minister MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Ten years on, myths about Iraq security forces. He also has pre- of US troops throughout much of Since he first sided over the dismantling of the the war. He spent years living in Sons of Iraq, the Sunni tribal Iran, burnishing his religious cre- won election militia that was instrumental in dentials and rebuilding his politi- the fight against Al Qaeda. The cal movement. Since his return militia was supported by the US to Iraq, though, he has sought in 2006, Maliki military, which urged Maliki to to fashion himself as more of an integrate its members into the Iraqi nationalist, reaching out to has moved to army and police force. Although Sunni and Kurdish political fac- he pledged to do so, only a frac- tions that are Maliki rivals. When tion of Sunni militiamen have Sunnis convened large protests consolidate been given positions in the secu- late last year to demand that rity services. Maliki amend terrorism and de- control over Baathification laws, Sadr bucked 4. Iraq is in Iran’s pocket Tehran’s dictates by meeting with Forget about all the blood and Sunni leaders and espousing polit- security forces. treasure the United States has ical compromise. poured into Iraq. Iran is Iraq’s Iran is still bigger and more He also had most strategically significant ally. powerful. But Iraq’s collaboration Maliki owes his second term in with Tehran is as often driven by the Sunni tribal large part to the pressure that its own interests as those of its Tehran exerted on rival Shia neighbor. political parties in Iraq, many of militia Sons of which received substantial finan- 5. The Americans have all left cial support from the Iranian There are still about 220 US Iraq dismantled. government. And there’s plenty military personnel in Iraq. They of evidence to indicate quid for work for the Office of Security BY RAJIV the quo: Despite objections from Cooperation-Iraq, which handles CHANDRASEKARAN Washington, Maliki’s govern- the sale of military equipment to ment has allowed Iranian cargo the Iraqi army and coordinates en years ago, on the aeroplanes, allegedly filled with training. Those personnel work eve of the US invasion munitions, to fly to Syria through in an annexe of the US Embassy of Iraq, the assump- Iraqi airspace, enabling Tehran to in central Baghdad, the largest tions many Americans prop up Syrian dictator Bashar American diplomatic mission in T Iraqi emergency personnel and civilians gather around the site of a car bomb explosion near the outskirts of held about the coming war, fed Al Assad. the world. The massive complex, by rhetoric from the George Basra, yesterday. But it would be wrong to built on the grounds of the former W Bush White House, turned out assume that Maliki is permitting Green Zone in the capital, houses to be wildly inaccurate. Saddam the flights only because of Iranian hundreds of State Department Hussein, as we now know, did not leaders to oppose Al Qaeda fight- rebellion. Sunni leaders accuse bloodshed and fear. “The war is pressure. Even though Assad officers, US development spe- possess weapons of mass destruc- ers in Iraq also played a major the Shia-dominated security not over,” a friend in Baghdad shares much of the Baathist ideol- cialists and representatives from tion. The conflict would not end role. So, too, did Iraqi behaviour; forces of persecuting them in the wrote to me recently. “There is ogy that Hussein espoused, he and other federal agencies. Legions of quickly. And the cost of the war as mixed Sunni-Shia neighbour- name of combating terrorism and still killing and bombing. We are his fellow Alawites are Shias. It’s private security contractors guard — in lives and dollars — would far hoods in Baghdad became more purging old members of Saddam still scared.” more than kinship, however, that the compound. eclipse expectations. Today, a new homogeneous and fortified, oppor- Hussein’s Baath Party. drives Maliki to favour the status Concerns that the fighting in set of beliefs defines many discus- tunities for sectarian violence 3. Iraq is a democracy quo in Syria. He and other lead- Syria could spill over into Iraq sions about the war and its after- decreased. When it came to polit- 2. Iraq today is relatively It is — on paper. It has held suc- ers of Iraq’s Shia majority worry recently prompted the CIA to math. Are they just as wrong? ical compromise, however, the peaceful cessive national elections; it has a that if the Free Syrian Army increase its support to Iraqi surge was a flop. Majority Shias Levels of violence are far lower parliament and a modestly func- overthrows Assad, the rebels will counterterrorism forces, accord- 1. The troop surge succeeded did not want to give the Sunnis than they were in 2006, at the tional court system. In practice, establish a radical Sunni govern- ing to a report in The Wall Street The surge of 26,000 troops and Kurds a greater role in the height of the civil war, when hun- however, Prime Minister Nouri Al ment that will collaborate with Journal. Although the agency into Baghdad in 2007 had two government and security forces, dreds of people were being killed Maliki is exercising authority and Iraq’s Sunni minority to topple still intends to reduce its pres- objectives: tamp down the bloody and the hopes of striking a grand every week. But Iraq is far from centralising power in ways that the Baghdad government. “If the ence to about 300 personnel in sectarian civil war and forge a bargain in the waning days of the stable. Last Monday, a suicide remind many Iraqis of Saddam opposition is victorious, there will Iraq, its station in Baghdad will political compromise among the Bush administration fizzled. As bomber drove his explosives-laden Hussein. His security agencies be a civil war in Lebanon, divi- remain one of the largest in the three principal groups in Iraqi a consequence, red-hot embers car into a police station, killing have rounded up numerous Sunni sions in Jordan and a sectarian world. society — Shia Arabs, Sunni remain in the tinderbox that is five people; the same day, six more leaders in recent months, accus- war in Iraq,” Maliki warned in Rajiv Chandrasekaran, a senior Arabs and ethnic Kurds — that Iraq. Disputes over land and oil people were killed in various mili- ing them of supporting the insur- an interview with the Associated correspondent and associate edi- would set the country on a path could spark another Kurd-Arab tant attacks in Baghdad. Three gency. Sunni officials contend that Press last month. tor at The Washington Post, is the to stability. civil war in the north. Sunnis days earlier, 19 people died in a Maliki is using terrorism as a pre- Nor do Tehran’s money and author of “Little America: The War The surge helped accomplish in the central part of the coun- string of attacks targeting secu- text to neutralise political foes. love guarantee that Iraqi Shias Within the War for Afghanistan” the first goal, but it was not the try, who have been holding anti- rity personnel. Since he first won election in will do its bidding. Consider and “Imperial Life in the Emerald only reason for the reduced vio- government protests for the past For the Iraqis who have no 2006, Maliki has moved to con- Muqtada Al Sadr, whose Mahdi City: Inside Iraq’s Green Zone.” lence. A decision by Sunni tribal three months, now openly talk of ticket out, life is still defined by solidate control over the country’s Army militia was the bete noire WP-BLOOMBERG Parma mayor sheds light on Free press hurt mystery of Italy’s 5-Star party in Latin America BY STEVE SCHERER and the citizens of Parma have liked of central Parma’s most popu- VALENTINA ACCARDO what they have seen, with 5-Star lar delis in a city famous for its ugo Chavez may be dead, been trying to silence critical winning 28 percent of the vote in Parmesan cheese, told Reuters. but the offensive he led media, including leading news- he neophyte 5-Star the city, higher than its showing “Pizzarotti will make himself Hagainst democratic insti- papers such as La Nacin, Clarn Movement’s lawmakers nationally. unpopular by putting the city’s tutions in Venezuela and across and Perfil. Last month her com- Twere, among other things, By the time Pizzarotti took accounts in order,” said Carlo Latin America has not slackened. merce minister ordered private housewives, students or job- office, previous city governments Pavesi, a shop owner. “The politi- In fact, it may be accelerating, supermarkets and appliance less before they took their seats had racked up ¤840m in debt, or cians who came before him were especially with regard to inde- retailers, including Wal-Mart in Italy’s parliament on Friday, about ¤4,500 for every resident, very popular, and now we have pendent media. and Carrefour, to stop their media and it remains a mystery how the mayor said. ¤800m in debt to pay off.” Last week the beleaguered advertising for two months. they will handle their newly By comparison, Italy has a debt Pizzarotti said he had already owner of the last Venezuelan tel- The measure was nominally won power. worth 127 percent of gross domes- cut debt by 10-15 percent since evision station not subservient to intended to complement a govern- A look at the movement’s most tic product, the second-largest in he took office, and that he would the government announced that ment price freeze, but the biggest experienced politician, elected Europe after Greece, and it was lower the tax rates before the end he was selling his shares to a busi- victims were the three newspapers, mayor of Parma 10 months ago, saved from a Greek-style debt of his five-year mandate. He has nessman close to the ruling party. which are known throughout Latin suggests the deputies will be sur- Federico Pizzarotti crisis in 2011 by caretaker Prime not convinced everyone. Guillermo Zuloaga, the majority America for their hard-hitting prisingly different from its leader, Minister Mario Monti’s auster- “We expected more concrete owner of the Globovision network, reporting and professionalism. Beppe Grillo, whose fiery anti- years ago is not absolute. ity programme. Pizzarotti, fac- results after 10 months,” said was forced into exile in the United Clarn’s advertising from these pri- establishment rhetoric has made Last year, Grillo was criticised ing his city’s enormous debt, has Marina Lazzini, owner of several States in 2010 by the Chavez vate firms fell from 264 pages in 5-Star the country’s biggest party. for running the movement with cut spending but not taxes after perfume stores around the city. regime; now his network faces January to 61 in February, while The silver-maned Grillo is both a heavy hand when he expelled promising to lower them during Post-election polls show that financial ruin because of repeated, the other papers lost 15 to 20 per- the voice and face of the 5-Star two members who defied his dik- his campaign. He kept local levies support for the 5-Star Movement multimillion-dollar fines levied on cent of their income. The govern- Movement, while its 163 rep- tat to shun television talk shows. at the maximum levels permitted has grown since the election, and its news coverage. “We are in a ment long ago withdrew all of its resentatives are unknown and On Saturday, centre-right leader by law, and he has raised the costs Grillo appears to be pushing for completely polarised country on own advertising from the papers; unproven, with an average age of Silvio Berlusconi likened him to of city-run daycare and pre-school another vote soon to capitalise the opposite end of an all-power- its intent is to force them to adopt 33 in the Lower House and 46 in being a cult leader. for some, prompting vocal protests on it. ful government that wants to see the self-censorship that has already the Senate. “It’s a sect that reminds me of from parents. It remains to be seen if us fail,” Zuloaga explained. overtaken most Argentine media. Until last May, the 39-year- Scientology,” Berlusconi said. About 150 city employees President Giorgio Napolitano The silencing of Globovision The pressure on free press is old Federico Pizzarotti managed Grillo’s party attracted almost protested outside town hall on will be able to fill the power vac- will leave Venezuela with nine one reason why the most valuable computer systems for a bank, and 9 million votes in a passionate Thursday, shouting “buffoon” and uum during consultations for the television networks, including institution of the Organization of now he runs the northern city bid to get rid of the old guard, to “shame on you” because they face formation of a government that five that are state owned and American States is its independ- of Parma, with almost 190,000 fight corruption and waste, and pay cuts of up to 10 percent. start on Wednesday, but a new broadcast nearly incessant gov- ent Inter-American Commission inhabitants and 1,400 employees. to reverse the austerity measures “We have inherited a huge round of elections could be just ernment propaganda that the on Human Rights and its rappor- Pizzarotti and his twenty that have worsened recession debt,” Pizzarotti said. “The issue months away. four privately-owned channels teur on press freedom. The rap- 5-Star councillors have a solid in the euro zone’s third-biggest is not lowering taxes so I can say Nicola Dall’Olio, a PD council won’t dare to challenge. The porteur’s office has been fearless majority in city hall, but in the economy. I did it. It is what is possible to member in Parma, said it would story of Globovision explains why. in reporting on abuses of media national parliament no one In Parma, the baby-faced mayor do, economically, without cutting be “very risky” if 5-Star’s rep- The network was charged with freedom by governments in the emerged from last month’s vote has made policy that clashes with services.” resentatives were thrust into “sowing panic” for reporting on Western hemisphere, while the with enough seats to govern, and Grillo’s anti-austerity message, As a symbolic gesture, government because of their an earthquake, fined $2.2m for its commission has issued protec- Grillo has rebuffed offers from the and he said he did it without talk- Pizzarotti cut his own salary by inexperience. coverage of a bloody prison riot tive orders to shield threat- Democratic Party (PD) to form ing to the movement’s founder or 10 percent, and 5-Star lawmakers “One of Grillo and the 5-Star and, most recently, accused again ened journalists. Now, however, an alliance. to Gianroberto Casaleggio, the have promised they will reduce Movement’s key points is that of spreading panic for question- the commission and rappor- But on Saturday a handful of Internet guru who is seen as its theirs by even more as part of anyone can be in public service, ing whether the delay of Chavez’s teur are themselves under 5-Star senators appeared to have strategist. their bid to cut the privileges but it is complex and it requires presidential inauguration during assault. Ecuadorian President backed the centre-left to elect “We have each other’s tele- of what they call the political administrative experience which his final illness violated the con- Rafael Correa, who aspires to Pietro Grasso, a former anti- phone numbers,” Pizzarotti told “caste”. cannot be improvised,” he said. stitution — which it clearly did. replace Chavez at the head of mafia magistrate, to the influen- Reuters in his office. “But there “The city council has found But for Pizzarotti, it is the dis- The assault on the free press is the region’s anti-democratic tial position of Senate speaker, are no consultations before we itself blocked by debt, just like the credited experience of the politi- by no means limited to Venezuela. left, has been campaigning to showing that Grillo’s control over make decisions.” national government,” Ernesto cal classes that makes 5-Star fit In Argentina, President Cristina defund the rapporteur’s office. the movement he created four Judging by the national election, Grisenti, 66, one of the owners to replace them. REUTERS Fernández de Kirchner also has WP-BLOOMBERG MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL New party Protest in Budapest takes aim at Merkel ‘Alternative for Germany’ gearing up

FRANKFURT: With only six abroad and is supported by Hans- months to go until German elec- Olaf Henkel, a former head of the tions, a new anti-euro party is BDI, the country’s leading indus- hoping to tap into growing euro- try federation. scepticism in Europe’s top econ- They are encouraged by a recent omy and may take votes away survey in Focus magazine showing from Chancellor Angela Merkel. that 26 percent of Germans would With more than one in four consider voting for an anti-euro Germans in a recent poll saying party. This figure rises to 40 per- they would consider voting for an cent among those aged between 40 anti-euro party, the new group, and 49. The majority of the sup- Hungarians carry banners and national flags during a demonstration after a call of the ‘One million people for the freedom of press’ organisation at “Alternative for Germany”, is porters would currently vote for Calvin square in Budapest, yesterday. They protested against the right-wing government and its economic, financial and interior policy. gearing up for a major push ahead Merkel’s Christian Democratic of elections on September 22. Union (CDU) or junior coalition “We are constantly getting calls, partners, the pro-business Free letters or emails from people who Democrats (FDP), explained Petry. want to join or want to support And the “Alternative for us,” said businesswoman Frauke Germany” has not gone unnoticed Pope wins hearts with first Angelus Petry, head of communications at at the senior echelons of the CDU. the party, which campaigns for “I take all political competitors VATICA N CIT Y: Pope Francis The former Buenos Aires arch- had tense relations with Bergoglio, Germany to leave the euro. The seriously,” said the head of the (pictured) yesterday underscored bishop, whose parents emigrated the former archbishop of Buenos party counts “more than 2,000 CDU parliamentary group Volker his man-of-the-people approach from Italy to Argentina, said he Aires. The two will hold a face-to- members and donors”, a drop in Kauder. “We need to explain to with his first Angelus prayer as chose to name himself after St face meeting today, the Vatican the ocean compared to the nearly people that Germany’s prosper- pontiff, taking a folksy tone in Francis of Assisi “to reinforce my said. US Vice President Joe Biden half a million Germans who are ity depends in large part on that front of 150,000 enthusiastic pil- spiritual tie with this land”. was also due to arrive soon. members of the two biggest par- of Europe ... any alternative to grims in St Peter’s Square. Earlier, the Pope grabbed A Zimbabwean official said ties, Merkel’s conservatives and the having the euro would be consid- “Brothers and sisters, hello,” an opportunity to shake hands President Robert Mugabe — who opposition Social Democrats. erably worse for Germany,” said said the Argentine Pope, using with well-wishers, plunging into is under EU travel sanctions — Its main aim now is to form Kauder. He judged the new party the same formula as when he crowds pushing against barri- planned to attend the inauguration, regional groups in Germany’s 16 to be “institutionalised fear of the greeted the faithful for the first cades outside a Vatican gate as noting that “the Vatican is a state states before holding a founding future.” time after his surprise election on security men and Swiss Guards on its own”. Mugabe, a staunch congress on April 14 in Berlin Andreas Busch, a political Wednesday. “Thank you for your stood nervously by. Catholic who has been widely con- to elect its candidates for the science professor at Goettingen welcome, and for your prayers,” many Catholics weary of Vatican Chanting “Viva Il Papa” and call- demned for human rights abuses, vote in September. Their first University said there was a “void” the first pope from Latin America scandal and dysfunction. “With ing his name, the well-wishers jos- visited the Vatican in May 2011 for public meeting, in a well-to-do when it came to eurosceptic said from a window of the papal words and gestures he has already tled to greet the new pontiff, who the beatification of the late pope suburb of Frankfurt, the euro- politicians in the German sys- apartment high above the square. succeeded in winning the faith- has projected a common touch by John Paul II — whose funeral in zone’s financial capital and home tem with all major parties being “Pray for me,” he urged. ful’s hearts,” said 52-year-old breaking with many formal tradi- 2005 he also attended. to the European Central Bank, strongly pro-euro. Many pilgrims in the square Francesco Baldan, from Venice. tions since he began leading the Francis has already spoken to attracted some 1,200 people to However, he said that “all those waved the flag of Argentina as Gabriel Solis, 33, an world’s 1.2 billion Catholics. Catholic leaders about the need for listen to speeches about the dis- who have attempted to fill this the former cardinal Jorge Mario Argentinian, said he felt “inde- The 76-year-old Pope’s informal spiritual renewal and evangelisa- advantages of the euro. void have failed”, recalling the rise Bergoglio recited the traditional scribable emotion”. “He will bring style is in marked contrast to that tion and cautioned them against In the crowd were a large and fall of a “pro Deutschmark” Sunday Angelus prayer. Flags much peace because he seems of his more austere 85-year-old worldly glories. He warned car- number of pensioners in their party at the end of the 1990s. from other Latin American more humble, more spontaneous,” predecessor Benedict XVI, who dinals that the Church would fall Sunday best, greying professors According to the latest polls, nations including Colombia, Peru, he said. “He seems closer to the stunned the world last month by apart “like a sand castle” if it did and liberal professionals, united the CDU would win 40 percent of Paraguay and Mexico could also people. We didn’t feel that with resigning citing his advanced age. A not have a solid spiritual founda- in their belief that Germany the vote if elections were held now be seen in the crowd. the pope we had before.” million people may attend Francis’s tion and urged them to share their has paid too much to keep the but the FDP would scrape only five One banner read: “Francis, The Angelus has traditionally inauguration mass tomorrow, wisdom with young people. Francis 17-nation eurozone afloat. percent, meaning a grand coalition You Are the Springtime of the been a moment to comment on including world leaders who are will meet next Saturday with The party’s creation has roused between the CDU and the SPD is Church”, reflecting a ground- international issues, but Francis set to begin flying into Rome soon. Benedict, the first pope to stand a great deal of interest in the still a possible outcome. swell of hope that the choice of instead used the occasion to Among them is Argentine down since the Middle Ages. media both within Germany and AFP a humble outsider has inspired emphasise his Italian roots. President Cristina Kirchner who AFP

Fifth French soldier killed in Mali campaign Zimbabwe heading to polls Italy’s ‘political NORTON: Zimbabweans look After a violent and disputed puzzle without set to endorse a new constitu- vote in 2008, Mugabe was pushed tion curbing the presidency, early into a power-sharing deal with a solution’ results showed yesterday, in a Tsvangirai, who made the refer- step toward elections to deter- endum a condition of that deal. ROME: Surprise victories for mine whether Robert Mugabe The new charter would set a Italy’s centre-left in securing the adds to three decades in power. maximum of two five-year terms posts of speaker in both houses While the vote on the constitu- for the president. The limit will of parliament have done little to tion, which will limit the number not apply retroactively, so Mugabe unblock a political impasse which of times a president can serve, was could rule for another two terms. threatens to create renewed largely free from violence, police Presidential decrees will also instability in the eurozone. raided an office of Mugabe arch- require majority backing in the “The main issue — the exist- rival Prime Minister Morgan cabinet, and declaring emergency ence of a governing majority Tsvangirai and arrested five people. rule or dissolving parliament will — remains a puzzle without a Early results posted outside need the approval of two-thirds solution,” said left-wing daily polling stations showed voters had of lawmakers, changes that will La Repubblica. Italy’s new par- overwhelmingly backed the new take effect after the next election. liament on Saturday elected a document as expected, although More than two million people former UN human rights official, polls were marked by low turn- voted, compared to six million eli- Laura Boldrini, as Speaker of the out. Both Mugabe and Tsvangirai, gible, said electoral official Rita lower house. Boldrini, 51, entered rivals in the election expected in Makarau. Results were being ver- parliament for the small Left, the second half of this year, had ified and officials have five days to Ecology and Freedom party in a A French soldier guards the entrance of the 1st Marine Infantry Regiment barracks, in Angouleme, southwestern backed the new constitution. announce them. REUTERS centre-left coalition that failed to France, where Corporal Alexandre Van Dooren, 24, the fifth soldier killed in northern Mali yesterday, was based. win an overall majority in elec- tions on February 24-25. While Boldrini’s election was widely expected, the upper house made a surprise decision to elect Hollande turns to ‘good cop, bad cop’ for prison shake-up Pietro Grasso, the former head of Italy’s anti-mafia agency who put hundreds of mafia members in jail PARIS: She is the darling of France’s are four and six times the national averages “We are two sides of the same power,” of suggested reforms aimed at making as a judge before joining parliament progressive left and recites poetry in respectively. said Valls, who last week underlined his prison a “last resort” by using fines, pro- this year as a senator for the main parliament. He cultivates a tough-guy But reforms to be debated in parliament tough credentials by sending out riot police bation, treatment and training for less seri- centre-left Democratic Party (PD). image and boxes to keep fit. from tomorrow will still expose Hollande to to tackle a crime wave in the southern port ous crimes. Taubira’s formal prison reform Since Grasso attracted 12 votes Justice Minister Christiane Taubira and attacks from right-wing critics just as his city Marseilles. “Christiane Taubira and package, which is expected to include at more than there are lawmak- Interior Minister Manuel Valls are the ratings have hit record lows, weighed down I are shaping the same policy: to ensure least parts of those proposals, should be ers in the centre-left coalition, unlikely “good cop, bad cop” team tasked by by his failure to stem rising unemployment. the security of the French and ensure that presented to parliament in the spring. he had to have picked up votes Socialist President Francois Hollande with In February he braved marches by hun- decisions taken by the law are efficient,” A 2009 justice ministry poll made pub- from the new force in Italian poli- pushing through his latest sensitive reform: dreds of thousands of conservative French Valls told French television. lic late last year found 77 percent of the tics, the anti-austerity Five Star Overhauling France’s teeming prisons. to push a same-sex marriage bill through The reforms are set to reverse a dec- French believed prison policy was not help- Movement, which finished third Criminal justice experts agree something the lower house of parliament. That and ade of “zero tolerance” crime policy under ing to cut crime - suggesting Hollande can behind former premier Silvio must be done to tackle chronic overcrowd- the prison reform are vital to keeping his Nicolas Sarkozy, who made his name as count on substantial public support. Berlusconi’s centre-right coali- ing that prompted the Council of Europe left-wing coalition happy as he carries Jacques Chirac’s hardline interior minister But conservatives and France’s far-right tion in the election. rights body to describe conditions at one on with deeply unpopular moves to cut before becoming president. National Front see a chance to attack The leader of the centre-left large French jail as “repugnant”. France’s high public deficit. Sarkozy’s approach contributed to a 34 Hollande for being soft on crime. Valls’ close coalition, Pier Luigi Bersani, has France’s 191 prisons — some of them dat- But after communications gaffes by his percent rise in the prison population to association with Taubira is intended to coun- for days been wooing the Five ing back to the Middle Ages — are among 10-month-old government on everything nearly 70,000 over the past decade - five ter such attacks. A regular on the evening Star Movement, whose support the most run-down in Europe. Rats and from taxes to rescuing industrial sites, times the rate of growth in the overall news with his high-profile dashes to crime he needs to form a government, cockroaches, blocked drains and piles of Hollande can ill afford a new controversy population. Inmates often sleep on mats scenes, the 50-year-old is regularly named in but whose leader Beppe Grillo rubbish are common. One in 10 inmates flaring. That is where the Valls-Taubira on the floor in overcrowded cells. polls as France’s most-liked politician. has bluntly refused to do business injects drugs and HIV and suicide rates double act comes in. Tomorrow, parliament will debate a list AFP with him. AFP MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Dublin festival British PM says Iraq invasion Queen keeps him on his toes

LONDON: British Prime Minister David Cameron said was right, Queen Elizabeth II keeps him on his toes with some sharp questions during their weekly meetings. Cameron said he found the Wednesday evening audiences insists Blair “therapeutic” as the 86-year-old sovereign puts the country’s prob- lems in perspective. Cameron’s No regrets on decision to go to war comments came in a documentary called Our Queen, to be broadcast LONDON: Tony Blair formed now than in Saddam’s time?’ on ITV television. The documen- an unlikely alliance with George there really is only one sensible tary follows the story of the 2012 W Bush to send British forces answer: Of course. All I know is diamond jubilee year, the queen’s into Iraq, and 10 years on, the I did what I thought was right.” 60th on the throne. former prime minister is ada- Britain committed 45,000 As a constitutional monarch, mant he took the right decision. troops to the invasion and after- Queen Elizabeth is politically neutral The Labour premier and the wards took military control of but has a right and duty to express Republican US president were the southern provinces, costing her view on government matters. both convinced of the need to act the lives of 179 British service The sovereign has the right to be against Iraqi dictator Saddam personnel. Since the invasion, at consulted, to encourage and to warn. Hussein and his alleged weapons least 112,000 Iraqi civilians and The meetings with her prime min- of mass destruction (WMD). several thousand more policemen isters are strictly confidental — no However, these weapons never and soldiers have died in the car- notes are taken and nobody else is materialised and although Saddam nage, according to British NGO present. Cameron is the 12th British was ousted within weeks of the Iraq Body Count. prime minister to serve under March 2003 invasion, Iraq soon Blair insists poor post-invasion Queen Elizabeth. descended into chaos at the hands planning was not responsible for Revellers attend St Patrick’s Day festivities in Dublin, yesterday. More than 100 parades are being held across “There’s a very therapeutic of insurgents and militia groups. Iraq’s descent into sectarian blood- Ireland to mark the feast day of the patron saint of Ireland, with up to 650,000 spectators expected to attend. side to it, because as you explain “I still believe it was right shed. “That’s an easy way for peo- the particular problem that the to remove Saddam,” Blair told ple to park the argument in a place government has, or a particu- Britain’s ITV television. “We they feel comfortable,” he told ITV. lar challenge the country’s fac- sometimes forget now what the The pre-invasion fears of humani- ing, sometimes you find it is all regime was actually like and the tarian and ecological disaster did becoming clearer as you explain it devastation it caused. Hundreds not materialise, he said, pinning Maduro urges Obama to to this one incredibly experienced of thousands of people died in his the chaos on terror groups seek- person,” Cameron said. wars. He used chemical weapons ing to destabilise the state. A dec- The Conservative leader said against his own people.” ade on, Blair admits there are still he was “very conscious” that he Blair’s name will be forever “big challenges” in Iraq. But while halt CIA ‘plot’ against rival was the 12th British prime min- linked to the war in Iraq, and his he accepts responsibility for his ister that the queen has dealt rare public appearances in Britain decisions, he stresses the price of with. “She’s been listening to this are routinely dogged by protesters inaction, saying Iraq today “would CARACAS: Venezuela’s acting administration officials Roger “revolution.” Critics dismissed stuff for 60 years... and you get who want him tried for war crimes. at least arguably be much worse” president urged US President Noriega and Otto Reich. Both those claims as a smokescreen some pretty good questions which Joining the US-led invasion split if Saddam and his family still Barack Obama to stop what he rejected the allegations as untrue, to keep voters focused on a sense you need to think of some good his centre-left party and the coun- ruled. “People never ask to atone called a plot by the Pentagon outrageous and defamatory. of “imperialist” threat. Capriles, answers to,” he said. AFP try, sparking Britain’s largest-ever for the acts of omission,” he said. and the Central Intelligence “I call on President Obama, who kicked off the opposition’s public demonstration by up to two Meanwhile a YouGov poll of Agency to kill his opposition Roger Noriega, Otto Reich, officials campaign with big rallies in the Poll shows rise of million people. Blair admits con- 1,684 British adults on March rival and trigger a coup ahead at the Pentagon and at the CIA are provinces over the weekend, said ventional wisdom has now solidified 10-11 found that 53 percent of an April 14 election. behind a plan to assassinate the Maduro would be to blame if UKIP in Britain on the invasion being a mistake. thought the decision to go to Nicolas Maduro said the plan right-wing presidential candidate anything happened to him. The In his 2010 autobiography, A war was wrong, while 27 percent was to blame his opponent’s mur- to create chaos,” Maduro said in election campaign has had a par- LONDON: A new poll out yester- Journey, he accepted he will never thought it was right. Half thought der on the Opec nation’s govern- a TV interview broadcast yester- ticularly acrimonious start, with day confirmed a surge in support change some people’s minds — Blair deliberately set out to mis- ment and to “fill Venezuelans with day. Maduro, who is Chavez’s pre- both sides accusing each other of for Britain’s UK Independence while most do not want to listen lead the public over WMD, while hate” as they prepare to vote fol- ferred successor as president, said dirty tricks and both candidates Party, as Prime Minister David any more. “I have often reflected 31 percent reckon he genuinely lowing the death of socialist leader the purpose of the plot was to set landing very personalized blows. Cameron’s Conservatives fell as to whether I was wrong. I ask believed Saddam had a stockpile. Hugo Chavez. The United States off a coup and that his information Capriles accuses Maduro of further behind the Labour oppo- you to reflect as to whether I may However, some 41 percent denied the claim. “We categori- came from “a very good source.” being a poor imitation of Chavez sition. Right-wingers UKIP hit have been right,” he urged readers think Iraqis are better off now cally reject allegations of US gov- The acting president hopes to and of using his boss’s death as a 17 percent — a record high in before presenting his case. than they would have been under ernment involvement in any plot win next month’s vote partly by mawkish campaign tool ahead of a ComRes poll — in the survey “Many supporters will acknowl- Saddam, while 21 percent say to harm anyone in Venezuela,” riding a wave of grief from sup- the vote. “Nicolas, I know you’re conducted for The Independent edge I did it for the correct the reverse. Blair says he cannot State Department spokesman porters over the death of the watching me ... Listen, I’m going to on Sunday and the Sunday motives, but still regard it as ‘the regret the decision to go to war. Patrick Ventrell said. charismatic but divisive Chavez, destroy you with votes. Here are Mirror newspapers. The poll put stain’ on an otherwise impressive “I can’t say sorry in words; I can Maduro, a 50-year-old former who died on March 5 aged 58 after the people!” he told a crowd in the centre-left Labour on 37 percent, record,” he wrote. “And of course only hope to redeem something bus driver and union leader, first a two-year battle with cancer. western city of Merida. “You don’t the centre-right Conservatives those who aren’t supporters from the tragedy of death, in the mentioned a plot against his rival, During his 14 years in power, the have any people, kid, because they on 28 percent and the Liberal regard it as final proof of villainy. actions of a life, my life, that con- Henrique Capriles, last week. former soldier often denounced were followers of the president.” Democrats on just nine percent. To the question ‘Is Iraq better tinues still,” he wrote. AFP He blamed it on former Bush U.S. plots against him and his REUTERS AFP

UK vote on press regulation today

LONDON: British MPs are set to take a crunch vote today on press regulation, with Prime Minister David Cameron bringing the issue to a head after cross- party talks broke down. The Conservative Party leader on Thursday abandoned discussions with Deputy PM Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrat junior coalition partners, and opposition Labour leader Ed Miliband. Bringing the matter to a head, Cameron said lawmakers would vote Monday on his proposals for a new newspaper watchdog. But Labour and the Lib Dems want stat- utory regulation as recommended by the Newspapers for sale in central London, yesterday. Leveson Inquiry, which Cameron commis- sioned in 2011 after the voicemail hacking proposed statutory underpinning was not bad for press freedom, bad for individual scandal at Rupert Murdoch’s now defunct “a big issue of principle”. freedom—that’s off the table.” News of the World tabloid. Cameron believes “I think we’re in a much better place Cameron said he is asking lawmakers to vote underpinning the system in legislation and I’m confident about the future,” he for his plans for a royal charter. The move is would pose a risk to press freedom. said. “We’re now in sight of getting that a big gamble as he will find it hard to get it Cameron said that he was “delighted” at regulator with million-pound (dollar, euro) through parliament in today’s vote, an outcome how close together the two sides had come fines and proper regulation in our country. that would deal a further blow for a prime min- before he dramatically pulled the plug on “The idea of a law, a great big all singing, ister struggling with a weak economy and divi- talks. And he said the Lib Dem-Labour all dancing media law that would have been sions within his party. AFP US conservatives pick Rand Paul as nominee OXON HILL, MARYLAND: US con- He used the blocking tactic to press for country,” said Al Cardenas, chairman of The servative activists have picked Tea Party answers from President Barack Obama’s American Conservative Union. favourite Senator Rand Paul as their choice Democratic administration on the scope of “It’s been a longstanding and fun tradition to become the 2016 Republican presidential its drone policy. at CPAC national as well as our regional nominee as they wrapped up a major strat- Former senator Rick Santorum, a 2012 CPACs to poll the attendees and get their egy gathering outside Washington. hopeful, received eight percent of the vote, opinion on a number of important issues.” Paul, popular among the younger con- closely followed by rising Republican star At the meeting, Paul emerged as a lead- servatives who thronged to the Conservative Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey ing critic of Republican establishment as Political Action Conference, on Saturday with seven percent and Representative Paul he looked for ways to re-invent the party narrowly beat Senator Marco Rubio — also Ryan, Mitt Romney’s running mate to try following last year’s election defeat. tipped to seek the White House — 25 to to oust Obama from the White House, with “The GOP of old has grown stale and moss- 23 percent in the CPAC Straw Poll. The six percent. Some 2,930 CPAC participants covered,” he said. “Our party is encumbered Kentucky lawmaker saw his profile raised participated in the straw poll. by an inconsistent approach to freedom. The after mounting a 13-hour, non-stop filibus- “We convened thousands of energized new GOP will need to embrace liberty in the ter in the Senate earlier this month to block conservatives today at this 40th annual economic and the personal sphere.” John Brennan’s nomination to head the CIA. national CPAC 2013 from across the entire AFP MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES China effects once-a-decade power transfer Call to increase power of military

BEIJING: China’s new 7.5 percent over the coming dec- President Xi Jinping said yester- ade, would be his administration’s day he will fight for a “great ren- top priority. But ensuring such a aissance of the Chinese nation”, performance would be difficult, as the world’s most populous he said. China recorded its slow- country completed its once-in-a- est growth for more than a decade decade power transition. last year amid weakened demand In his first speech as head of in key export markets. “What the state, Xi called for “the continued market can do, we should release realisation of the great renais- more to the market”, he said with- sance of the Chinese nation and out giving details of specific eco- the Chinese dream”, laying out a nomic reforms. vision of a stronger military and ever-higher living standards. FIGHT CORRUPTION The 25-minute address closed a Both leaders reiterated the parliament meeting which named party’s repeated pledges to fight Xi as head of state and Li Keqiang corruption, with Li saying that as premier, four months after the the government had an “unshak- pair took the top two posts in the able resolve” to do so. ruling Communist Party — the real “Since we have chosen pub- Philippine President Benigno Aquino with Philippine Military Academy Superintendent Lieutenant General Irineo Espino (right), receives a guard of honour source of their power. lic service we should give up in Baguio City as he attends a graduation for military cadets, yesterday. Both Xi and Li stuck to the all thought of making money,” party’s long-held consensus on the premier said. Speaking in the need for economic reforms to Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, ensure growth, while increasing Xi stressed continuity with previ- military power and avoiding politi- ous Chinese leaders and thanked Talks only way to solve Sabah issue: Aquino cal change that could threaten its outgoing president Hu Jintao, who grip on power. Analysts said Xi’s stood and bowed as China com- MANILA: President Benigno Jamalul Kiram III, whose incur- entered Sabah to reassert the III, was not among those detained. concept of a “great renaissance” pleted the transition of its top Aquino yesterday said that sion into Sabah has led to dozens sultanate’s centuries-old claim Aquino hinted that the Kirams was a slogan designed to have leaders. negotiations were the only way of deaths. to the area. Fighting with had hidden backers, saying the broad appeal, without any firm Neither Xi nor Li mentioned to resolve a Philippine sultan- “There are problems that just Malaysian security forces broke incursion in Sabah must have cost commitments to specific reforms. systematic political reform. But ate’s claim to Sabah as he criti- beget more problems if you try to out on March 5 and according to a large sum of money. Li said China would release a plan cised an armed incursion into solve them with haste or force. We Malaysian police figures, 61 of the The spokesman for the Kiram EXPANDING MILITARY for unspecified changes to its con- the Malaysian state. need sincere and deep discussion if intruders as well as eight police family, Abraham Idjirani, said that Xi has close ties to China’s troversial “re-education” labour Aquino also lashed out at uni- we are to arrive at a correct solu- officers and a soldier have died. the sultanate was forced to take expanding military — which put camp system, in which people dentified conspirators whom he tion,” he told graduating military Authorities have arrested more action because the Philippine gov- its first aircraft carrier into service can be incarcerated for up to four accused of sending the sultanate’s cadets. than 100 people in Sabah on sus- ernment would not act on their last year — and he called for the years without trial. followers to Sabah last month, “We already know how com- picion of having links to the claim. armed forces to strengthen their He also promised to reduce the saying they had endangered some plicated this issue is. Could any militants. The Philippine Navy He also denied anyone had ability to “win battles”. number of government employ- 800,000 Filipinos living and work- Malaysian prime minister so eas- last week detained 35 suspected financed the trip, saying the sul- Beijing is embroiled in a bitter ees as part of an anti-waste drive, ing in the area. ily agree to let go of a land that for Filipino intruders as they tried to tan’s followers did so on their own. territorial row with Japan over again without giving details. Speaking at the elite Philippine so long has been subject to their sail home. Idjirani said he had spoken to islands in the East China Sea, “The tone is definitely conserv- Military Academy, the president laws?” Aquino asked. However, Agbimuddin Kiram, Agbimuddin Kiram by phone late and with neighbouring nations ative,” Joseph Cheng, a China poli- criticised anew the followers of More than 200 followers of the leader of the intruders and the Saturday and he was still in Sabah over claims to the South China tics expert at Hong Kong’s City the self-declared Sultan of Sulu, Kiram, some of them armed, younger brother of Jamalul Kiram and unharmed. AFP Sea. Tensions with the US have University, said of Xi’s speech. increased over reports of army- “It is difficult to anticipate seri- organised hacking. ous political reforms in the near Newly appointed Premier Li future. What we see here is a very Keqiang sought to play down such balanced approach not to alienate conflicts in a press conference, say- any vested interests and to con- Taiwan president angers ing that Beijing would not “seek tinue to do something popular hegemony” as it became stronger like combat corruption, combat and denying allegations that China lavishness and pomp and so on, China with Vatican visit engages in hacking. and appeal to patriotism.” Li called the accusations Jean-Pierre Cabestan, profes- TAIPEI: Taiwan’s President which has ruled itself since the “groundless”, days after US sor of political science at Hong Ma Ying-jeou was due to leave end of a civil war in 1949. President Barack Obama weighed Kong Baptist University, said for the Vatican yesterday to Although cross-strait ties have in on the issue. He said China’s Xi’s comments were open to attend the inauguration mass of warmed up in recent years, China relationship with Washington was widely differing interpretations. Pope Francis in a move that has bitterly opposes any steps that vital and their mutual interests “We haven’t seen many detailed stoked tensions with China. imply recognition of Taiwan by outweighed their differences. analyses of what the China dream The Vatican is one of the 23 other countries, including their “Conflicts between big powers might be,” he said. states that recognise Taipei as hosting visits by senior govern- are not inevitable,” Li said. China’s leaders have come independent of Beijing and is ment leaders from the island. Li, now in charge of the day-to- under fire in the last year after Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in The Vatican has said it would day running of the government, reports, suppressed within the Europe. China still refuses to welcome Ma joining other for- said that “maintaining sustain- country, that the families of top renounce the possible use of force eign dignitaries who will attend able economic growth”, with an politicians — including Xi — had against the island in its long- the installation of Pope Francis annual GDP increase of around amassed huge wealth. AFP stated goal of re-taking Taiwan, tomorrow. AFP

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe chants slogans with his colleagues at Amphibious buses make a splash in Tokyo a Liberal Democratic Party convention in Tokyo, yesterday.

TOKYO: Tokyo’s first the western city of Osaka and a amphibious tourist buses few other tourist spots in Japan. Abe to meet China, were put into service yester- Tokyo finally joined other day, carrying 40 passengers major cities of the world to through the city’s low east- operate them, 10 months after ern side by road before tak- the Skytree was opened to the S Korea leaders ing to the Naka river during public. a 100-minute “Tokyo Splash Tickets are priced at 2,800 TOKYO: Japan’s Prime “I want to say that Japan’s door Tour.” yen ($30) apiece for an adult Minister Shinzo Abe said yes- is always open toward China,” said The two buses, dubbed “Sky and 1,400 yen for a child under terday he hoped to meet the Abe, who was previously premier Ducks”, departed from Tokyo’s 12. Chinese and South Korean from 2006-2007. new landmark Skytree, the The bus, 12 metres long and leaders soon to improve rela- But earlier in the day, the world’s tallest communications 2.5 metres wide, moves up to tions strained by separate ter- premier urged graduates of the tower at 634 metres (2,080 feet). 100 kilometres per hour on the ritorial rows. National Defence Academy to A bus takes to the Naka river during a ‘Tokyo Splash Tour’. Similar amphibious sightsee- ground and up to 13 kilometres But his ruling party also guard the country against “prov- ing buses have been in service in per hour in the water. AFP pledged the same day to push ocations”, an apparent reference for changes to Japan’s pacifist to the row with Beijing over sov- constitution — a move likely to ereignty of a Tokyo-controlled stir unease in both the countries, island chain. which were among victims of Chinese ships have routinely Tokyo’s 20th century militarism. circled the Senkaku islands, Sri Lanka offers tax-free zone at new airport “I am in the same generation which Beijing claims as the as the two new leaders,” Abe Diaoyus, since Tokyo nationalised MATTALA, Sri Lanka: Sri the district of Hambantota, the up warehouses, maintenance sea port opened for commercial told an annual convention of his some of them in September. Lanka is turning its newest home constituency of President hangars and other industries, shipping in Hambantota last year. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Abe, in his speech to gradu- international airport opening Mahinda Rajapakse, into the new Wickremasuriya said. The first foreign carrier to fly referring to Chinese President ates, emphasised that the security today into a tax-free zone to commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Work began in 2011 for the to MRIA will be Air Arabia which Xi Jinping, 59, and South Korean situation had changed since they attract aviation-related indus- “We can be a regional hub Mattala International air- has announced twice weekly President Park Geun-Hye, 61. started their course four years tries, a top official said. for aircraft maintenance. port (MIA), located within flights to Sharjah from Mattala, The 58-year-old Abe became ago. “Unlike four years ago... prov- Talks were under way to set up Negotiations are on with a Hambantota district, but it is about 270km south of Colombo prime minister in December for ocations are continuing against aircraft maintenance, repair and big European operator to being re-named after the presi- by road. Fly Dubai, the low-cost a second time when his conserv- our country’s territorial land, sea overhaul operations at the $209m set up a facility at Mattala,” dent as Mahinda Rajapakse carrier of Emirates, is also due to ative party secured a landslide and air,” he told the graduation airport located near wildlife Wickremasuriya said. “We have International Airport (MRIA). start operations in a few months. election victory, while Tokyo was ceremony. sanctuaries in the island’s south- huge potential for cargo and tour- The first flight is to be operated The airport is initially aiming locked in disputes with Beijing The LDP convention adopted a east, airport chairman Prasanna ist traffic as well.” by the national carrier, SriLankan at migrant workers employed in and Seoul over island chains. wide-ranging action plan, includ- Wickremasuriya said. The airport and its immedi- Airlines. the Middle East as nearly 30 per- “For prosperity and stability ing efforts to create an “inde- The airport can accommodate ate surroundings, about 1,000 China’s Export-Import Bank cent of those who travel abroad in the region, it is necessary for pendent constitution” to replace Airbus A-380, the biggest pas- hectares (2,471 acres), are being funded the airport which can for employment from Sri Lanka the three of us to build mutual the US-imposed post-war charter senger liner in service, and is designated a free zone for for- handle a million passengers a are from districts neighbouring understanding,” Abe told the which bans the use of force in set- part of ambitious plans to turn eign and local investors to set year. China also funded the $1.5bn the airport. AFP convention. tling international disputes. AFP MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Deal likely to Soldiers mourn colleagues keep US men in Wardak Pact in return for Bagram handover

KABUL: Afghan and US offi- be released back into the battle- cials are working on a compro- field, but Karzai has raised alarms mise deal to allow American by warning that any “innocent” special forces to stay in a stra- prisoners being held at the facility tegically key province near the will be released. capital in return for full Afghan The prison transfer, along with control of a controversial jail, a the Wardak order, has strained top Kabul official said. ties as Washington begins to wind President Hamid Karzai’s deci- down operations before an end- sion to expel special forces from 2014 deadline to withdraw most Wardak province has angered combat troops. US defence officials who worry Karzai ordered US special their exit could allow insurgents forces to leave Wardak province to strengthen their presence the after residents complained that area and use it as a base to attack they, and Afghans working with Kabul, only 25km away. them, were torturing and killing US special forces tasked with civilians, an allegation strongly fighting the Taliban were sched- denied by the Americans. uled to leave the restive province A Nato official said that oper- a week ago, but US and Afghan ations continue in Wardak, and Pakistani Army soldiers attend the funeral ceremony of their comrades who were killed in a bus accident, in Gilgit, yesterday. Twenty-three soldiers officials have said they are still stressed that they are “helpful died when their bus plunged into a ravine in the remote Kohistan district in northern region. operating there. both to the coalition and to the “There might be a compromise Afghans”. on Wardak when the Afghan “It’s unfortunate ... that strong side is given full control of security steps have become an Bagram prison, which would help unnecessary lightning rod that’s President Karzai who views the directed energy to the wrong Deadlock over caretaker govt continues issue as a matter of sovereignty,” a places politically,” the official said. senior government official said at Opposition politicians say ISLAMABAD: While the full Dr Ishrat Hussain and Dr Abdul intentionally forwarded such interim premier lest the prime the weekend, speaking on condi- Karzai’s order to expel the US term of the National Assembly Hafeez Sheikh. The party has names for caretaker prime min- minister and opposition leader tion of anonymity because he was special forces was a political move (the lower house) of Pakistan claimed the opposition’s nominees ister. That is why we have called fail to do so. not authorised to speak about the intended to bolster his party’s came to an end yesterday, the are biased towards it. it a mockery,” said Kaira. Under Article 224 of the matter. support base ahead of a presiden- deadlock over choosing an “Both of them are appar- However, he expressed opti- Constitution, the prime minister The US partly handed over the tial election next year. Karzai is interim executive of the coun- ently against the PPP, and they mism that there would be a con- and opposition leader have three high-security prison and around not allowed to stand again. try persists with the govern- would not be neutral nomi- sensus between the government days after the dissolution of the 3,000 suspected Taliban fighters The expulsion order has ment and opposition failing to nees,” said Information Minister and opposition parties for a care- National Assembly to reach an to Afghan control last year, but raised fears that insurgents will agree on a mutually acceptable Qamar Zaman Kaira, speaking taker prime minster in the next agreement. In case of an impasse, has not transferred hundreds of be emboldened to move into nominee. to the media here yesterday. three days. Law Minister Farooq the eight-member parliamentary Taliban fighters to Afghan cus- Wardak, just a 40-minute drive The Pakistan People’s Party has He explained that Justice Nasir H Naek confirmed that the gov- committee is entitled to do the tody over concerns they will be from Kabul, and use the area to scoffed at the ‘ridiculous choices’ Aslam Zahid is the brother-in- ernment has no plan to submit needful. If the committee too fails, released. stage attacks on the capital. of the opposition leader in the law of Justice Nizamuddin, who fresh nominations. “We will not the election commission takes up During a phone call on Some in Wardak however are National Assembly, Chaudhry was assassinated during the PPP’s float new names for an interim the task. Saturday Karzai and US Defence furious US special forces are Nisar Ali Khan. On the other second tenure. prime minister,” he said. Sources said that two PPP Secretary Chuck Hagel “agreed still operating in the province, hand, the opposition, led by the President Asif Ali Zardari was Addressing the media after a members, along with one mem- to use the next week to conduct and about 1,000 residents con- Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz implicated in the murder case, party meeting chaired by Punjab ber each from Awami National intensive work with a view to verged on the capital on Saturday (PML-N), refused to back down. hence, he will not be neutral Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Party and Pakistan Muslim concluding an agreement”, the demanding they leave. Hitting back, it has rejected the towards the PPP if he is nomi- PML-N’s Information Secretary League-Quaid have been recom- Pentagon said. US special forces are expected government’s nominees. nated for caretaker prime minis- Mushahidullah Khan said that his mended by the PPP for the treas- The transfer of control of the to play a major role in Afghanistan Initially, Nisar proposed three ter, said Kaira. party has decided to stick with ury benches of the committee, in detention centre at Bagram air after most Nato combat troops names — Justice (Rtd) Nasir The minister added that Palijo the name of Justice (Rtd) Nasir order to exert ?moral pressure? base is a persistent source of ten- withdraw by the end of next year, Aslam Zahid, Justice (Rtd) has his own political party led by Aslam Zahid for the office of care- on the opposition. sion, with Karzai’s office warn- and Karzai’s decision to expel Shakirullah Jan and nationalist his son in Sindh, where he has taker prime minister. These include Chaudhry ing in a statement on Wednesday them was seen as complicating leader Rasool Bux Palijo — for the formed an anti-PPP election alli- However, as the stalemate Shujaat Hussain of PML-Q , Haji that “any more delays could harm talks between the United States top slot. However, he later with- ance, thereby destroying his neu- continues, the ruling party has Ghulam Ahmed Bilour of the bilateral relations”. and Afghanistan over the scope of drew Justice (Rtd) Jan’s name. trality towards the PPP. intimated names for the eight- ANP and PPP leaders Naek and US commanders want to ensure US operations after the pull-out. The PPP’s nominees are Justice “The PML-N was well aware member parliamentary commit- Syed Khurshid Shah, said sources. that dangerous prisoners will not REUTERS (Rtd) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso, of these facts, and even then it tee which will decide upon the INTERNEWS Anti-corruption body raps 18 ambassadors resign ISLAMABAD: With the exit of the govern- are likely to get fresh instructions from the head- court ruling on ment, Pakistan’s eighteen ambassadors/high quarters next week, the sources said. commissioners including high commissioner Ambassador to the United States Sherry Kabul Bank to the United Kingdom, India, Sri Lanka, Rehman who has already returned Pakistan Brunei and ambassadors to the United Arab wouldn’t proceed to Washington in the immedi- KABUL: An Afghan anti- Emirates (UAE), United Nations (UN), Oman ate future since she has planned to work for her corruption watchdog yesterday and Mexico have resigned as they were either erstwhile party. criticised court verdicts handed contractual and non-career diplomats. Sherry was close friend of late Benazir down for a $900m fraud that Diplomatic sources said yesterday that High Bhutto. Benazir Bhutto was taken to the caused Kabul Bank, the coun- Commissioner in the UK, Wajid Shamsul Hasan; hospital after fatal attack in Liaquat Bagh try’s largest bank, to collapse in India, Salman Bashir; Brunei, Major General Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007 in the car 2010. Ejaz Hussain; Sri Lanka, Major General Qasim of Sherry. Sherry Rehman was with Bhutto The foreign-funded Monitoring Qureshi; Ambassador to UAE Jamil Ahmad Khan till her last breath. and Evaluation Committee (former police officer); UN Ambassador Masood Sherry Rehman has planned to work for the (MEC) said the court’s action was Khan; Oman, Nawabzada Aminullah Khan Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) election campaign. inadequate in light of the scale of Raisani, and Mexico, Lieutenant General Masood The resigned envoys in the UK, UAE and Oman the scandal. Aslam and 10 others have resigned according to are very close to the Presidency. Judges this month jailed two their terms of conditions of appointment. The sources said that the most of the bank executives for five years and Foreign Secretary Syed Jalil Abbas Jailani will political parties opposed to the PPP demand delivered 18 other guilty verdicts, submit comprehensive report to the caretaker that the ambassadors posted on account of but the MEC said that they had administration in a couple of days for the next political consideration should be withdrawn failed to consider much of the orders regarding their future. In the meanwhile immediately. complex financial evidence at the the ambassadors who have been deemed to resign INTERNEWS heart of the case. It added that millions of dollars of missing cash would likely never be found as MEC recommenda- tions calling for reform of govern- ment bodies and legal authorities Punjab House may not be dissolved had been ignored. The collapse of Kabul Bank exposed massive high-level cor- LAHORE: Chief Minister of Pakistan’s and chief ministers, who enjoyed the nation’s ruption in Afghanistan. Punjab province Shahbaz Sharif said yes- trust. He added that he also expressed concern “Almost a billion dollars disap- terday that the Punjab Assembly would not over the government’s desire to appoint care- peared from Kabul Bank,” Drago be dissolved along with the other assemblies taker chief ministers of its own choice in Sindh Kos, Chairman of the MEC, told unless the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s and Balochistan. reporters. “This was an organised demands on the caretaker set-up were met by Furthermore, Shahbaz said he has handed a criminal group who intentionally the prime minister. list of demands to the premier. These included stole money. Following a meeting with Prime Minister Raja asking the government to hold talks with the “Kabul Bank represents Pervaiz Ashraf and the three other provincial PML-Functional-led opposition parties for much of what is wrong in chief ministers, Shahbaz announced at a news caretaker chief minister in Sindh, instead Afghanistan and its fight conference that he did not agree to dissolve the of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, which against corruption.” Punjab Assembly on March 19. The provincial recently joined the opposition in the province The fraud saw fake companies legislature is scheduled to complete its term on — a move that elicited scepticism within the given loans and lenders’ cash spir- April 9. PML-N. ited abroad — sometimes in air- However, he added that the premier and the The Punjab CM’s second demand was for the line food trays — to buy homes in chief ministers, including him, had agreed to hold government to consult the PML-N and Baloch Britain, Dubai, Switzerland and the upcoming general elections on time. nationalists for a caretaker chief minister in the United States. Shahbaz said he asked the prime minister to Balochistan. AFP appoint a unanimous caretaker prime minister INTERNEWS MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Ramesh urges Praying for the Pope halt to mining in tribal areas Goa CM blasts apex court on ban

HYDERABAD: Union State-owned Andhra Rural Development Minister Pradesh Mineral Development Jairam Ramesh yesterday Corporation proposes to take up mooted a 20-year moratorium bauxite mining in tribal areas on mining in tribal areas of of the district under the MoUs Andhra Pradesh. signed with Anrak Alumina and Addressing a public meeting Jindal companies. at G K Veedhi, an interior tribal Chintapalli, G K Veedhi and area in Visakhapatnam district, Araku ‘mandals’ of the district he suggested to Andhra Pradesh have huge bauxite reserves. Under Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar the MoUs, the ore from Jerrela Reddy to impose the ban on deposits would be supplied to mining as it gives rise to Maoist Anrak Alumina and the ore from activity. Araku deposits to Jindal company. “Wherever we have mining we Maoists, various people’s organ- have Maoists. We have to have a isations and environmentalists different approach to mining,” have been supporting the ongo- he said at the meeting which was ing movement by tribals against also addressed by the chief min- bauxite mining. ister and Union Tribal Welfare They allege that the project Minister V Kishore Chnadra Deo. would displace the tribals, affect The public meeting was their livelihood and harm the organised to launch ‘Rajiv Bala environment. Sanjeevani’, a scheme to provide Meanwhile, Goa Chief Minister medical care to tribal children. Manohar Parrikar, taking on the “Nowhere has mining bene- Supreme Court, has said it was Christians hold pictures of Pope Francis during a special prayer at a church in Kolkata, yesterday. Pope Francis is the 266th Pope of the Roman fited tribals in the country. Only not adhering to the judicial doc- Catholic Church, and comes from Argentina. few outsiders became rich while trine of “justice delayed is justice the locals remained poor,” said denied” when it came to Goa. Ramesh “How can the Supreme Court G K Veedhi, which has consid- stop a major activity for six erable Maoist presence, has been months, when justice delayed is witnessing public resistance to justice denied,” Parrikar asked, Kerala has lowest school dropout rate proposed bauxite mining for the while speaking to a gathering of last few years. top industrialists at a function on KOCHI: Kerala, which stands government-run, 7,161 are aided 1,66,939 in 2011-12. Another fea- school education sector in the Reiterating his opposition to Saturday to mark the annual day out from the rest of India with schools and 863 are non-aided ture highlighted by the report state rose from Rs1.89bn during bauxite mining, Deo said a deci- of the Confederation of Indian 94 percent literacy rate, has schools. The thickly populated that remained unchanged in the the 10th Plan period to Rs7.12bn sion to not allow the mining in Industry (CII). achieved another distinction of Muslim district of Malappuram state is that 71.5 percent of all the during the 11th plan, the report tribal area was taken at a meeting “I will put it across to them having the lowest dropout rate with 1,427 schools had the most teachers are women. said. in the presence of Prime Minister (Supreme Court) bluntly if I get of school students in the coun- number of schools in any district. The pass percentage of stu- In the state budget presented Manmohan Singh. a chance. I will say you are living try at just 0.53 percent. However, enrolment of students dents in the higher second- by Finance Minister K M Mani He called for cancelling the in ivory towers,” Parrikar said. The hilly district of Wayanad in the current fiscal decreased by ary courses was 88 percent in on Friday, he made a proposal to Memorandum of Understanding Mining in Goa has been banned with a sizeable scheduled tribes six percent over the previous year 2011-12, up from 82 percent in set aside Rs5.8bn for improving (MoU) the state government by the Supreme Court since population had the highest over- and touched 3.9 million. The SPB 2010-11. the quality of school infrastruc- signed with private companies. October last year. all dropout rate of more than one report attributed this decline to With regard to facilities in ture, and academic and student- Deo had already written to both The apex court is hearing a percent, while in all the other the changes in the demographic schools, it was found that 99 per- centric programmes. the chief minister and the gov- public interest litigation (PIL) on 13 districts the rate was less pattern owing to low birth rate cent of the government schools The State Planning Board, ernor, urging them to cancel the illegal mining filed by noted law- than 0.5 percent, shows an eco- in the state. have access to drinking water however, cautioned that the state MoUs. yer Prashant Bhushan along with nomic review report by the State While the national birth rate facility and 99.7 percent have uri- needs to focus on second genera- The chief minister, however, did local green NGOs. The petition Planning Board (SPB) released figure stands at 22.1 per 1,000, in nal/latrine facilities. tion reforms to ensure that higher not directly respond to the sug- followed closely on the heels of a here on Thursday. Kerala it is 14.8 per 1,000. It has also been found that 162 education is attuned to the global gestions made by the two central finding of a judicial commission, The latest report shows that The total number of teach- government schools in the state employment opportunities and ministers. He merely said the gov- led by Justice M B Shah. currently there are 12,644 schools ers in schools dropped margin- do not have their own building. not be complacent of the state’s ernment would do nothing illegal. IANS in the state of which 4,620 are ally from 1,68,062 in 2010-11 to The fund allocation in the achievements. IANS

Mass marriage Rescued sailors arrive today Nitish wants special

NEW DELHI: A total of status for Bihar 28 rescued Indian seafarers aboard MT Royal Grace and MT NEW DELHI: In a show of partner in Bihar. “Do we not have Smyrni, which were hijacked by strength of his Janata Dal- the right to develop, to gener- Somali pirates last year, are set United party, Bihar Chief ate employment in Bihar? We to return to India today. Minister Nitish Kumar yes- have the right to development, Some of the rescued Indian terday brought his political we have been ignored,” Nitish seafarers from merchant tanker fight to the national capital and Kumar said, playing on regional MT Royal Grace are waiting for demanded special status for his identity. the arrival of a replacement crew backward state. He demanded the criteria for before they can fly back to their “Change the criteria to give giving special status to states families in India, said official special status to Bihar. We have should be changed so that Bihar sources yesterday. been told that we do not meet can develop. The 17 Indian seafarers on all qualifications for getting spe- “If we get special status, we can board MT Royal Grace were in cap- cial status,” Nitish Kumar urged also become one of the developed tivity since March 2, 2012, while the federal government while states,” he said. 11 Indian seafarers on board MT addressing a massive crowd of Reacting to the chief minister’s Smyrni, a crude oil tanker, were around 100,000 at his “Adhikar claim of Bihar being neglected, in captivity since May 10 last year. Rally” at Ramlila Maidan here. the Congress said the federal gov- Smyrni was loaded with 135,000 “Only those who understand ernment “goes out of the way” to MT of Azerbaijan crude oil worth the pain of the poor and the back- support all backward states and about $130m, destined for refiner- ward must rule Delhi,” he said Bihar is not the only one. ies in Balikpapan, Indonesia. in a veiled attack on the United “There are so many states that Union Shipping Minister G K Progressive Alliance government are backward. Bihar is not the Vasan had announced last week which also couched his ambition only backward state, there are a that the two ships had been freed for a national role. number of states that are more of pirates. IANS Hindu couples at a mass marriage ceremony in Kolkata, yesterday. Fifty-one underprivileged couples mostly “Bihar has been neglected. We backward,” Congress spokesper- from the Sunderbans tied the knot at the event organised by a charitable trust. are not begging for grants, it is son Rashid Alvi told IANS. our right. If you don’t give it now, “The government of India goes you will have to give it in 2014,” out of the way to support all back- Nitish Kumar said. ward states,” he added. He is to meet Prime Minister The mammoth gathering at the Kashmir youth despair as joblessness grows Manmohan Singh today as well rally was due to the hard work of as Planning Commission Deputy over 100 legislators and local lead- Chairperson Montek Singh ers of the JD-U from Bihar who SRINAGAR/NEW DELHI: (SKWEPY) was introduced in state governments are responsi- Stating that big corporates Ahluwalia and Finance Minister had been camping in Delhi and Lack of significant employment 2009 to generate job opportunities ble for the current socio-economic are “disinterested” in investing P Chidambaram, an official its neighbouring areas for nearly opportunities among the youth for 500,000 youths but till now has situation. in the state, Dabla said “what- source said. a month to mobilise people. of Jammu and Kashmir is fuel- benefitted only 150,000. “If we look at the current eco- ever engagement is promised by Nitish Kumar is to push his “Leaders stayed for more than ling their sense of alienation “Look at the sorry state of nomic scenario of the Valley in them is done only for political demand for special status to his a month. They interacted with and compounds their mistrust affairs in J&K. More than half a perspective, it is almost in a vir- purposes.” state, which he maintains will the families from Bihar living and anger against the govern- million educated youths are work- tual state of paralysis. With no Emphasising on the need for not only benefit Bihar but also here and told them the impor- ment and New Delhi. ing like daily wagers,” Irfan Dar, serious educational and employ- revamping governance in the other backward regions of the tance of the demand,” a JD-U As per Census 2001, 71 percent 25 , a filmmaker in Srinagar, told ment opportunities to avail, the state, former interlocutor on country. volunteer told IANS. of Jammu and Kashmir’s popula- IANS, adding: “There is hardly anger and mistrust is evident Kashmir Radha Kumar said there Though it was his second rally The rally saw thousands of tion is under the age of 31. The any scope for even the higly-edu- on the ground. The government is an increased risk of Kashmiri over the special status issue, this buses and four-wheelers as well as number of registered unemployed cated people to avail any employ- claims to provide special schemes, youth losing confidence in the sys- was the first show of strength hundreds of auto-rickshaws and youth is at a staggering 602,979 — ment opportunities. Many are scholarships and economic pack- tem. She felt that business houses by the Janata Dal-United leader cycle-rickshaws parked near the 5.3 percent, double the national eventually forced to move out.” ages, but in reality only a hand- will eventually start engaging in Delhi. venue. The vehicles were used to average of 2.6 percent. B A Dabla, eminent sociologist ful of chosen get such benefits,” more youth from the Valley and The rally was a solo JD-U show ferry the crowd and many of the The Sher-e-Kashmir Welfare at the University of Kashmir, Dabla told IANS on phone from make big investments in the state. with no traces of the Bharatiya drivers hailing from the state also Employment Programme believes that both the federal and Srinagar. IANS Janata Party, its ruling coalition joined in. IANS MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Jumbos in gold Five confess to gang-raping Swiss tourist Police searching for sixth culprit

NEW DELHI: Five villagers have about the case. confessed to gang-raping a Swiss The Swiss Foreign Ministry tourist in central India, police said in Bern released a statement on yesterday, in an incident that has Saturday expressing deep shock at renewed focus on the rampant vio- the “tragic incident”. lence against women in the country. The couple arrived in Mumbai last The woman was on a cycling holi- month after visiting Iran and began day with her husband in the impover- a cycling holiday across India, mak- ished Madhya Pradesh state when six ing their way to Orchha, a popular men attacked the couple on Friday foreign tourist haunt in Madhya night, sexually assaulting the woman Pradesh on Thursday, Shadangi said. in front of her husband and robbing The attack comes just three the pair, police said. months after thousands took to the “We have detained five men and streets in nationwide protests follow- they have confessed to gang-raping ing the fatal gang-rape of a 23-year- the woman and attacking her hus- old student on a bus in New Delhi. band,” local police official M S Dhodee The victim, a physiotherapy stu- told AFP. dent, died from internal injuries after An employee displays gold models of elephants at the “Gem and Jewellery India International Exhibition 2013” in Chennai, yesterday. The five men, who eke out a liv- being savagely assaulted by six men. ing as small-scale farmers, have been One of her alleged attackers was arrested on charges of rape and rob- found dead in his prison cell in New bery, Dhodee said. Delhi on Monday. Police are searching for a sixth Police suspect he hanged himself, Worker, mechanic man, who was also involved in the but his family says he was murdered. Fireworks expected at crime, he said. The government has since opened an arrested for rapes The alleged rapists live in a village investigation into his death. near the forested area where the India’s government is facing heavy in Delhi, Gurgaon couple had stopped to camp for the pressure to step up efforts to protect meeting on anti-rape bill night, while on a cycling trip to the women after the deadly gang-rape in NEW DELHI: A 50-year-old popular tourist destination of Agra in the capital last December. worker was arrested here for NEW DELHI: A day before 18 is a juvenile and is given of consent from 18 to 16 years northern India, Dhodee said. Under a new bill approved by raping a minor neighbour, police an all-party meet to debate relaxed punishments because and the definition of voyeurism “They were passing by, noticed the India’s cabinet last week, rapists face said yesterday. the controversial anti-rape he is not mature enough to and stalking, punishable under couple putting up their tent and saw a minimum 20-year jail term and the “Surender Singh was arrested bill, the UPA government yes- know the consequences of what the bill. an opportunity to attack and rape the death penalty if the victim dies from Saturday night for raping the girl terday said it would evolve a he is doing, how is a child of 16 The bill also proposes the woman,” he said. Her husband was injuries or is left in a persistent veg- who lives in his neighbourhood consensus on the issue. mature enough to consent to death penalty in the rarest tied up during the attack. etative state. in Rajouri Garden area in west The Bharatiya Janata Party sexual activity?” of rare cases for rape and for They also stole a laptop, a mobile Meanwhile, IANS reported Delhi,” said police officer. (BJP) and the Samajwadi Party However, the Bahujan repeat offenders. phone and Rs10,000 ($185) from the Madhya Pradesh Home Minister The 11-year-old girl told police (SP) have expressed reserva- Samaj Party (BSP) supported It also incorporated sugges- couple, which the police are trying to Uma Shankar Gupta as saying yes- that Singh had been raping her tions over the legislation. the government and said the tions of the Justice J S Verma recover, added Dhodee. terday that foreign tourists were not for the past few months and “We hope there will be a controversial provisions of Committee formed to give After the attack, the rape vic- keeping local authorities informed threatened her not to reveal it to consensus (on the issue) at the the bill could be discussed in views to make anti-rape laws tim, aged about 40, and her hus- about their movements in keeping anyone, police said. all-party meet,” a Congress parliament. stronger. band, reported to be around 30, with rules. The victim’s parents lodged a minister said. “Our party will support the The issue has been in sharp stopped a motorcyclist who took Gupta termed as “unfortunate” police complaint Saturday and a The SP is opposed to the bill, anti-rape bill being brought focus after the brutal assault them to the nearest police station, the gang-rape of the Swiss woman medical examination confirmed particularly the clause on low- by the central government in and gang rape of a 23-year-old said SonntagsBlick, a Swiss German- in Madhya Pradesh’s Datia district. rape, said an officer. ering the age for consensual sex any form and shape,” BSP chief woman in Delhi on December language newspaper. “What happened is unfor- Meanwhile, a motor mechanic from 18 to 16 years. Mayawati had told reporters on 16 last year. She succumbed She underwent a medical examina- tunate. When foreign tourists was arrested in Gurgaon for rap- “We will oppose the bill at Friday. to her injuries on December tion at a local hospital before leaving come, they should inform the SP ing a married woman, police said. the all-party meeting. If it is Last week the government 29 in a Singapore hospital for the Indian capital Delhi, police (Superintendent of Police) about Jagdeep Singh, 42, a resident brought for voting in parlia- managed to resolve the differ- where she had been taken for said. “The victim and her husband their movement and plans. This is of Khandsa near sector 37 of ment, the SP will vote against ences over the bill within the treatment. have left for Delhi, since there was not being followed,” he said. Gurgaon, was arrested for sexu- it,” party leader Ram Gopal cabinet with a group of minis- The Criminal Law no need for her to stay in hospital Gupta said the government would ally assaulting a 21-year-old mar- Yadav had said on Friday. ters debating the controversial (Amendment) Bill, 2013, will here,” another local police official take steps to ensure that such inci- ried woman. The victim, who hails The BJP is also concerned clauses threadbare. replace the ordinance prom- U C Shadangi told AFP. dents do not recur. “They had pitched from Uttar Pradesh, lived with over the clause. The ministers differed on the ulgated by President Pranab Shadangi said that police were in their tent in the outer area of the her husband in a rented house at BJP leader Najma Heptulla use of word “rape” in place of Mukherjee on February 3. touch with Swiss embassy officials, city.... but such incidents should not Khandsa, police said. IANS had said: “If a person below “sexual assault”, lowering of age IANS who declined to comment to AFP happen,” he said. AGENCIES Egyptian president arrives today NEW DELHI: Egyptian requested India to set up a centre investment in Egypt is $2.5bn, During his short visit to President Mohammed Mursi of excellence in IT at the famed and it is also the seventh largest Pakistan, Mursi is expected to arrives here today on a three- Al Azhar University in Cairo. trading partner of Egypt. hold talks with his Pakistani day visit, after a short stopo- It is also seeking India’s help in Mursi is slated to hold del- counterpart Asif Ali Zardari, ver in Islamabad, to boost launching a nano satellite. egation level talks with Prime Prime Minister Raja Pervez bilateral ties with India, espe- Economic engagement Minister Manmohan Singh Ashraf, and other promi- cially in trade. between the two sides has been tomorrow. Vice President nent politicians and parties in Mursi is arriving at the head growing despite the political Hamid Ansari, External Affairs Islamabad. of a high-level delegation of tumult in Egypt. Minister Salman Khurshid, Mursi is likely to sign several ministers and business leaders. Bilateral trade has notched UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi agreements with Zardari during The ministers in the entourage up a “record increase” of 30 and Leader of Opposition in his one-day visit. include the ministers of com- percent to $4.5bn from $3.2bn the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj “President Mursi’s deci- munications and information earlier. Calculated in the Indian are to call on Mursi. President sion to choose Pakistan as the technology, trade and com- fiscal year terms, it works out to Pranab Mukherjee will host a first south Asian country for a merce, and investment. $5.2bn, said an official. banquet in his honour. bilateral visit manifests Egypt’s The visit comes at a time Around 50 Indian compa- Both countries are keen to desire to add a new chapter to when trade between India and nies, including Aditya Birla, further deepen and diversify the its bilateral ties with Pakistan,” Egypt has witnessed a record Kirloskar and Dabur, have growing bilateral engagement Pakistani Foreign Ministry 30 percent jump. Egypt has also a presence in Egypt. Indian during the president’s visit. spokesperson said. IANS

Tibetan cause Alstom head freed from kidnappers NEW DELHI: The India head of French multinational engi- neering group Alstom was res- cued over the weekend hours after he was kidnapped near New Delhi, police said yester- day. Police said Rathin Basu was abducted by a group of five men, at least one of whom was armed, late on Friday. The kidnappers forced him to stop his car and pushed him into their white Camry in Delhi’s satellite city of Noida before driving to the northern town of Meerut, said Meerut senior superintendent of police Deepak Kumar. “We sent out 70 policemen to map the area from Noida Tibetans-in-exile carry a picture of the Dalai Lama (right) on their way to stage a candlelight vigil to mourn to Meerut and after a firefight the death of Lobsang Thokmay, a monk of Kirti monastery in Tibet’s Amdo region, after he set himself with the kidnappers, we finally ablaze on Saturday in protest against Chinese rule in Tibet, in Macleod Ganj, yesterday. found Mr Basu around 4am on Saturday,” Kumar said. AFP MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Rembrandt’s News in Numbers MORTALITY RATE self-portrait Fajr (Dawn) 4:25 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:41 identified, Zuhr (Noon) 11:42 Asr (Afternoon) 3:08 worth £20m Maghrib (Sunset) 5:45 Isha (Night) 7:15 LONDON: A portrait of a man with a wry expression and an absurd hat, bequeathed to the UK National Trust as a good WEATHER but anonymous and relatively low-value 17th century paint- Today Tuesday Wednesday Weather ing, has been identified as a Conditions: self-portrait by Rembrandt In accordance with the fourth goal of reducing child mortality, Clear Partly cloudy Clear van Rijn worth up to £20m — Qatar is aiming to reduce the mortality rate of children under Misty to foggy though the trust said it would at places at never be sold. the age of five by two-thirds in the period between 1990 first with some High: 31° High:31° High: 28° Despite being signed by and 2015. Monitoring the progress in achieving this target is Low: 20° Low: 22° Low: 20° clouds and Rembrandt and dated 1635, slightly dusty to when he was 29, the paint- absolutely necessary. Children (below 5 years of age) death dusty at places ing was thought to be a later later. copy, or at best the work of a rate witnessed an essential decline in recent years – falling from Rembrandt pupil. nearly 17 per thousand live births in 1990 to approximately DOHA - SUN & SEA If the identification — con- fidently made by Ernst van de    SUN TIDE SEA Wetering, a Dutch art historian SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND and chair of the Rembrandt        05:41 17:45 07:45&22:00 03:30&14:15 10-18 KT Research project — is upheld, the painting now hanging in the din- ing room of Sir Francis Drake’s       THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW old home, Buckland Abbey in HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Devon, south-west England, will be the only Rembrandt among the MUSCAT 34/23 Mostly cloudy 33/23 Partly cloudy 13,500 paintings the trust owns Mortality rate of children under 5 per MAKKAH 31/20 Partly cloudy 31/22 Partly cloudy or cares for. KUWAIT 26/18 Chance of rain 26/17 Partly cloudy In 2010 the trust was given thousand (2005 to 2011) BAHRAIN 28/21 Partly cloudy 24/20 Mostly cloudy the painting from the estate of SANAA 27/10 Partly cloudy 27/11 Partly cloudy the late Edna, Lady Samuel of  11.1 RIYADH 30/15 Chance of rain 27/14 Partly cloudy Wych Cross, widow of a south- 10.7 10.9 10.5 10.4 DUBAI 33/21 Mostly cloudy 32/21 Partly cloudy west property developer who was 10.4 10.3 also a renowned art collector,  9.5 9.5 BAGHDAD 21/10 Clear 21/10 Mostly cloudy 9.1 9.3 8.7 8.7 8.8 but it spent almost two years in 8.5 8.7 8.7 8.5 8.1 THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW store.  7.7 8.1 It was not seen as a painting HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER of such importance that it should ATHENS 13/11 Rain 17/12 Partly cloudy go on instant display, although it  had an illustrious pedigree, with WASHINGTON 05/08 Chance of rain 13/03 Clear previous owners including some SYDNEY 23/15 Chance of rain 24/17 Partly cloudy epic art collectors, the princes of  LONDON 06/02 Rain 07/02 Chance of rain Liechtenstein. PARIS 08/04 Chance of rain 09/05 Chance of rain David Taylor, curator of  ISTANBUL 15/06 Partly cloudy 19/11 Partly cloudy paintings and sculpture at the MANILA 34/23 Chance of storms 34/23 Partly cloudy National Trust, said the new DHAKA 34/19 Clear 35/19 Clear identification was “incredibly  DELHI 31/18 Clear 33/19 Clear exciting”, adding: “This portrait 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 ISLAMABAD 25/13 Partly cloudy 29/16 Clear is now one of our most impor- Source : http://www.qsa.gov.qa/ Qataris Non-Qataris Total tant works of art.” GUARDIAN NEWS

Gold deposits Microbes feasting in deepest ocean spot inside Earth OSLO: Microbes are thriv- trench also shows how the green- much bacterial activity,” said Mariana Trench often slide to the bottom of the trench. “It’s most ing in surprising numbers at house gas carbon dioxide, vital for Ronnie Glud, of the University bottom to form a “hot spot” for likely that more carbon is depos- during quakes, the deepest spot in the oceans, the growth of tiny marine plants of Southern Denmark and lead microbes. Earthquakes also trig- ited” in the hadal depths than the 11,000-metre (36,000 ft) at the ocean surface, can even- author of the study in today’s ger mudslides that carry debris previously believed, Glud said. says study Mariana Trench in the Pacific, tually get buried in the depths edition of the journal Nature down. “We have a small exotic piece despite crushing pressures in in a natural process that slows Geoscience. The Mariana Trench is five of the puzzle which has never PARIS: Solid gold can be sunless waters, scientists said. climate change. “Normally life gets scarcer the times longer than the Grand been studied before,” Glud said deposited in Earth’s crust Dead plants and fish were A Danish-led team of scientists, deeper you go. But when you go Canyon and could easily swal- of the way that the oceans recy- “almost instantaneously” falling as food for microscopic using a robot to take samples, very deep, more things start hap- low the world’s highest mountain cle or bury carbon. Only about 2 during earthquakes, said bugs even to the little-known found double the amount of bacte- pening again,” he told Reuters Mount Everest, which stands percent of the world’s oceans are a study published in the hadal depths, parts of the seabed ria and other microbes munching of the report that also involved 8,848 metres tall. deeper than 6,000 metres. Until journal Nature Geoscience deeper than 6,000 metres and away on debris at the bottom of research institutes in Scotland, Life has been detected at the now, scientists had suspected that yesterday. named after Hades, the god of the the Mariana Trench in the west- Greenland, Germany and Japan. bottom before, but its extent life in most of the ocean depths, The gold is formed when underworld in Greek mythology, ern Pacific than at a nearby site The finding backed up a theory is little known. The scientists’ where waters are just above freez- a tremor splits open a fluid- they said. 6,000 metres deep. that dead plants and fish fall- video cameras also spotted a few ing, was severely limited by a lack filled cavity in the Earth’s The presence of life in the “It’s surprising there was so ing onto the steep sides of the shrimp-like crustaceans at the of food. REUTERS crust, causing a sudden drop in pressure, accord- ing to a team of Australian researchers. Northern Lights in Sweden This, in turn, causes the fluid to expand rapidly and UK minister to evaporate, and any gold par- ticles that had been dissolved release debut in it to “precipitate almost immediately”, said a Nature press release. rock album “Repeated earthquakes could therefore lead to the LONDON: Britain’s junior build up of economic-grade transport minister Norman gold deposits.” Baker is releasing his debut The researchers said much rock album at the age of 55, of the world’s known gold was The Sunday Times newspaper derived from quarts veins reported. that were formed during The Liberal Democrat law- geological periods of moun- maker is the lead singer and main tain building as long as three lyricist with the Reform Club, a billion years ago. group he originally formed dec- The veins formed during ades earlier. earthquakes, but the magni- He had thought about cutting tude of pressure fluctuations an album for 30 years but finally or how they drove gold min- got round to it after writing a list eralisation were not known. of things he wanted to achieve For this study, research- before he dies. ers used a numerical model “I’ve done it now because I to simulate the drop in pres- thought I should get round to it sure experienced in a fluid- before I’m too clapped out. That’ll filled fault cavity during an be about 10 years hence,” he said. earthquake. He said the album, entitled In so doing, they answered “Always Tomorrow”, was not a long-standing ques- political. tion about the world’s gold “I wouldn’t write a song slag- resources -- how the metal ging the prime minister. But I becomes so concentrated was never going to write about from a highly dissolved state politics. That would be naff,” to a solid, mineable one. he said. The study said single trem- Baker’s day-to-day duties ors would not generate eco- in the coalition government nomically viable gold deposits, include responsibility for the which were built up one thin railways, buses, taxis and traffic coating at a time. AFP The Aurora Borealis lights up the sky at twilight between the towns of Are and Ostersund in Sweden, yesterday. management. AFP Monday 18 March 2013 6 Jumada I 1434 Volume 18 Number 5642 Price: QR2

UAE opens CSP solar power plant

Business | 18

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 ‘Valley City’ project bags prestigious award Unusual proposition for city-making in the Gulf: Judges

DOHA: Qatar’s “Valley City” project, a unique “live-work- play” city being developed by SAK Holding Group has won an international award at the pres- tigious MIPIM Future Project Award Ceremony in Cannes, France. The project was chosen as the best project in the “Regeneration & Masterplanning” category, which is one of the most impor- tant international architectural awards recognised regionally and globally, said a statement. The event was organised by Architectural Review, a renowned Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Thani bin Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani engineering magazine. Abdullah Al Thani Qatar Olympic Committee project, the “Doha City Tennis desert plot between Doha and Al stadiums where the sporting Stadium”, topped the “Sport & Khor, Valley City is intended as events of the World Cup 2022 will Stadiums” category at the awards. a live-work-play city for middle- be held, said the statement. Valley City project received a income expatriates and Qatari The judges commented: ‘An special mention from the judges, citizens. unusual proposition for Gulf who considered the project as a Its urban grid is built perpen- city-making is provided without “consolidated architectural mile- dicular to the hot desert wind recourse to the ubiquitous glass stone” and said the designs are whose path, generated by the tower. The analysis of how con- highly creative showcasing ele- wind turbulences, leads to the ventional urban forms are the gant engineering and architec- development of a linear city with consequence of inheritance and tural details that respond to the a catalytic green valley crossing it subdivision provides the basis for growing population’s basic and between residential fingers. an intriguing alternative.’ future needs, the statement said. The concept of the project is THE PENINSULA An artist’s impression of an aerial view of the hotel at the ‘Valley City’. Located on a 3m sq metre to build a city near one of the Continued on page 18 MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

An artist’s impressions of the Cultural Village (left) and a residential cluster at the ‘Valley City’. Sheikh Thani dedicates award to Emir, Heir Apparent Continued from page 17 the Heir Apparent H H Sheikh global launch. The Forum attracts aspiring to become one of the comprises three major areas ded- apartments and offices featuring a SAK Holding Group Chairman Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. top decision makers, real estate leading real estate companies icated to sports, entertainment hotel, resort and entertainment, Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Sheikh Thani added: “SAK developers, investors and creative both locally and globally.” and culture. sports and cultural facilities, in Thani dedicated the international Holding Group chose MIPIM Real engineers from across the world; Elaborating on the master con- “Each area includes a chain of addition, to restaurants and com- award to the Emir H H Sheikh Estate Forum and Exhibition as a I am proud to represent a Qatari cept design engineer Marwan neighbourhoods with specially mercial shops.” Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and platform to announce its official company which is confidently Zaghib said: “The Valley City designed houses, VIP villas, luxury THE PENINSULA

UK’s Osborne may stick to Banks lift UAE austerity plan bourses; Qatar’s in budget

LONDON: Britain’s finance minister is set to stick to his measure slips guns on austerity in next week’s budget, despite increasing calls DUBAI: Banks helped lift the YESTERDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS for a change of course, as he bets Abu Dhabi and Dubai bourses QATAR: The index slipped 0.1 per- that growth will get back on yesterday as investors bet on cent to 8,575 points. track before an election in 2015. a fundamental improvement SAUDI ARABIA: The index rose 0.4 Monetary policy — not tax and in the sector, while most other spending - may see the biggest regional markets also gained. percent to 7,082 points. shift in George Osborne’s budget The UAE capital’s index BAHRAIN: The index advanced 0.2 statement on Wednesday, amid Journalists visit the Shams 1 solar power plant in Al Gharibiyah district on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi yesterday. climbed 0.6 percent, up for a sixth percent to 1,128 points. signs he plans to tweak the Bank straight session. DUBAI: The index gained 0.1 per- of England’s inflation-fighting National Bank of Abu Dhabi cent to 1,919 points. remit to spur an economy once and First Gulf Bank rose 0.4 and ABU DHABI: The index climbed again threatened with recession. 2.2 percent respectively. 0.6 percent to 3,050 points. Near-zero growth and slow Adou said foreign investors Abu Dhabi gets world’s KUWAIT: The index gained 0.2 per- progress on deficit reduction have usually select top-tier banks such battered Osborne’s reputation as FGB and then move to other cent to 6,744 points. since he helped the Conservatives sectors. OMAN: The index advanced 0.8 to power in 2010 with promises biggest solar power plant Dubai’s benchmark advanced percent to 6,153 points. of bold change. He now ranks as 0.1 percent, having dropped in the EGYPT: The index ticked up 0.04 Britain’s least popular finance last two sessions. percent to 5,209 points. minister in almost 20 years. MADINAT ZAYED, UAE: produced in the Gulf region, bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his Shares in Emirates NBD rose Once viewed as his party’s Oil-rich Abu Dhabi yesterday where clean energy remains at vice president, Prime Minister 2.3 percent, resuming gains as percent respectively. foremost tactician, Osborne will officially opened the world’s an infancy stage. and ruler of Dubai, H H Sheikh bargain hunters returned. The Shares in Saudi Telecom Co be glad if he can avoid the politi- largest Concentrated Solar The solar park features long Mohammed bin Rashid Al stock fell on Thursday in post- (STC) fell 2 percent, extending cal blunders of last year’s budget Power (CSP) plant, which cost lines of parabolic mirrors spread Maktoum. “The UAE today is dividend selling. 2013 losses to 7.6 percent, after when a series of U-turns pushed $600m to build and will provide over an area equivalent to 285 the first in the Middle East and Shuaa Capital ended 1.2 per- the former monopoly’s chief the Labour party’s lead over the electricity to 20,000 homes. football pitches in the desert of Opec to begin producing renew- cent higher in volatile trading. executive, Khaled al-Ghoneim, Conservatives to more than 10 The 100-megawatt Shams 1 is the Western Region, some 120km able energy, in addition to having The stock jumped 7.2 percent resigned after less than a year in percentage points. “the world’s largest concentrated southwest of Abu Dhabi. hydrocarbon exports,” said Jaber. initially on reports it planned to the job. Polling firm Ipsos MORI said solar power plant in operation” The 192 rows of loops col- Total’s head of New Energies, pay a cash dividend of 6 fils per Elsewhere, Qatar’s meas- this week the Conservatives had said Sultan Al Jaber, the head of lect heat that drives turbines to Phillipe Boisseau, said the Shams share, before giving back most of ure slipped 0.1 percent, down their lowest share of voter support Abu Dhabi’s Masdar, which over- generate power that would save venture is a natural outcome of those gains after Shuaa denied from Thursday’s two-week high. in a decade at 27 percent. sees the emirate’s plan to gener- 175,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide the established relation with Abu the reports. Qatar National Bank and Qatar Osborne said yesterday there ate seven percent of its energy every year, equivalent to taking Dhabi in the energy sector. In Saudi Arabia, the market International Islamic Bank was no alternative to austerity, needs from renewable sources by 15,000 cars off the road. “We share the vision of the climbed 0.4 percent to a four- declined 0.9 and 2.5 percent and that slowing deficit reduc- 2020. Automatic trucks are deployed need to diversify energy sources,” week high but the index remains respectively. tion would put Britain at risk of “Today, Shams 1 is the larg- to dust the mirrors in this desert he said. Abu Dhabi has vied over trapped in the tight trading In Egypt, the main benchmark the same fate as Cyprus which est CSP plant in all terms,” said location where sand poses a the past years to establish a name range it has inhabited since ended near-flat. Non-Arab for- has announced a levy on bank Santiago Seage, chief executive serious challenge to the effi- as a centre for renewable energy, mid-January. eigners continued to be net sellers accounts to help fund an interna- officer of Abengoa Solar, one of ciency of heat collectors. Masdar starting with forming Masdar and The heavyweight sectors of on the bourse amid a worsening tional bail-out. the partners in the project. owns 60 percent of the project, then becoming the host of the banks and petrochemicals were economic outlook. “In the end this country has CSP uses a system of mirrors while France’s Total and Spain’s newly-formed IRENA renewable the main support. Saudi Arabian Meanwhile, Oman’s bench- got to pay its way. We can’t just or lenses, whereas many other Abengoa Solar own 20 percent energy organisation. Fertilizers added 1.8 percent and mark rose 0.8 percent, its sixth keep on thinking the answer to solar plants around the world use each. Abu Dhabi sits on proven “This is an extraordinary Al Rajhi Bank gained 0.4 percent. consecutive gain, as banks sup- our problem is more borrowing,” photovoltaic technology to har- oil reserves totalling 98.2 billion moment for us,” said IRENA’s Small-caps dominated trading, ported. Bank Muscat and Bank he told BBC television. ness solar power. barrels — 95 percent of UAE’s chief Adnan Amin following the signalling investors were looking Dhofar advanced 1.6 and 1.5 per- The opposition Labour Party Masdar now produces 10 per- reserves, which are the world’s inauguration. for quick gains in the absence of cent respectively. wants a slower pace of cuts, and cent of the world’s concentrated seventh largest. It also has a large He said Shams 1 is the “first other drivers. Property developer Kuwait’s index resumed its pos- yesterday its finance spokesman solar power, Seage said during the wealth of gas. massive step” towards having Dar Al Arkan and telecom firm itive trend, gaining 0.2 percent, Ed Balls damned the government’s official inauguration. The compa- UAE’s leaders were on site for the oil-rich Middle East becom- Zain Saudi were the two most after declining on Thursday for policies as “the economics of the ny’s energy portfolio represents the ceremonial opening, led by ing also a centre for renewable heavily traded stocks on the the first time in 14 sessions. lunatic farm”. REUTERS 68 percent of renewable energy President H H Sheikh Khalifa energy. AFP exchange, advancing 2.5 and 1.8 REUTERS

Qatari, Turkish businessmen cement ties

DOHA: The Qatari Abdul Salam Abu Issa, Board of by convening the first Business Businessmen Association Directors member Sheikh Hamad Council where both sides (QBA) in cooperation with the bin Faisal Al Thani, and members exchanged opinions and sug- Turkish Foreign Economic Salah Al Jaidah, Nasser Suleiman gestions on how to enhance the Relations Board — Deik held Haidar, Maqbool Habeeb Khalfan economic cooperation and trade the first meeting of the Qatari- and Nabil Abu Issa. exchange in addition to propos- Turkish Business Council in The Turkish delegation ing to organise a seminar in Doha Istanbul aiming to enhance included Chairman of Qatar- that focuses on the development economic cooperation and bilat- Turkish Business Council, Mithat of industrial cooperation between eral trade. Yenigun and members of the the two sides and facilitating the The meeting was held at the council along with businessmen entry of medium and small size Ciragan Kempinski Hotel, a press from various economic sectors Turkish industries to Qatar. statement said yesterday. including real estate and con- On the sidelines of the Business The delegation was headed by struction, infrastructure and Council, the Qatari delega- QBA Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin engineering, banking and tour- tion met with Zafer Caglayan, The Chairman of the Qatari Businessmen Association Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani and Turkey’s Minister of Qassim Al Thani and included ism sectors. Minister of Economy of Turkey. Economy Zafer Caglayan, exchange mementoes in Istanbul. QBA Secretary General Issa The meeting was initiated THE PENINSULA MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Al Sada meets Azerbaijan’s Minister QCB: Assets of Spotlight falls Islamic banks reach QR195bn DOHA: The assets of Islamic on M&S over banks in Qatar were QR195bn at the end of 2012 compared to QR8.8bn 10 years ago, Governor of the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Sheikh Abdullah bin Soud Al Qatari interest Thani said yesterday. Speaking at Oman’s Second Islamic Banking and Finance Conference the governor of QCB QIA in £8bn takeover bid: Report said the assets of Islamic bank- ing represent 23.8 percent of the assets of the entire banking sector, LONDON: British retailer percent holder Standard Life, have up from 14 percent back in 2002. Marks & Spencer was at the said Bolland has to get this range Deposits in Islamic banks repre- centre of fresh bid speculation right to placate shareholders. sent 26.6 percent of the deposits yesterday, with takeover talk Earlier this month analysts at in the banking sector. Islamic resurfacing after a year of weak Credit Suisse questioned Bolland’s banks have a total of QR121.6bn in trading and a flat share price. ability to deliver a speedy turna- deposits. Profits of Islamic banks According to The Sunday Times, round in clothing, arguing M&S jumped to QR3.8bn during the the Qatar Investment Authority was hamstrung by the complex- same period. (QIA) wants to assemble a consor- ity of changes to management, One of the results of the tium to mount an £8bn ($12.1bn) the slow introduction of IT sys- increased demand for Islamic takeover of Britain’s biggest cloth- tems and a logistics platform that banking services, the governor ing retailer, which also sells home- would not improve significantly said, were that commercial banks wares and food. before 2016. asked in 2005 for offering their The newspaper cited senior City With M&S shares closing own Islamic banking services. sources as saying the QIA, which is Friday at 372.5 pence, giving it a The Central bank granted the already a 26 percent shareholder in market capitalisation of £6.01bn, request to increase competitive- Britain’s No. 3 grocer J Sainsbury, a bid of £8bn would mean a takeo- ness of the Islamic banking sec- has approached several large pri- ver premium of over 30 percent. tor. The assets of Islamic banking vate equity houses, including CVC In 2004, M&S fought off a services offered by commercial Capital Partners, to gauge their £9.1bn bid approach from Philip The Minister of Energy and Industry and Chairman and Managing Director of Qatar Petroleum (QP) H E Dr banks are QR45.7bn, representing interest in participating, and has Green, the owner of the Topshop- Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada with the Economic Development Minister of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev in 31 percent of the total assets of the spoken to lenders about financing to-Bhs Arcadia stores group. Doha yesterday. Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Qatar Tofig Abdullayev and senior executives from QP and Qatar banking sector, he noted. QNA an offer. There remain many obstacles Petroleum International also took part in the meeting. Qatar Holding, the investment to any deal. arm of QIA, and CVC declined M&S was arguably in a worse to comment. A spokeswoman for state in 2004 than it is now and M&S said the firm would not com- the environment was less compet- ment on “rumour and speculation”. itive with, for example, Primark Persistent speculation that private yet to become the force it is now. Asset management industry growing equity could be getting ready to Green was able to put together swoop for M&S surrounded the a funding package in weeks. But company last August in the post-financial crisis era DOHA: Assets under man- inflows of $564m. Equity fund Resource Investments (BNRI) is GDP of about $1.4 trillion,” said M&S, a mainstay of British town debt finance for a deal of this agement in Qatar, sponsored assets fell by 2.9 percent, with an indication. More recently, the Al Jaida. centres and best known for mid- magnitude would be much harder by entities based in Qatar, net outflows of $590m. The creation of Aventicum Capital, Shashank Srivastava, CEO of priced high-quality staples such as to come by, while the equity com- increased 0.1 percent in 2012 survey noted that the largest the asset management joint ven- the QFC Authority, said: “The socks and underwear, could be a ponent would require several pri- H1, noted a Qatar Financial 4 funds in MENA were money ture between Credit Suisse and MENA Asset Management trophy asset to a sovereign wealth vate equity companies to combine Centre (QFC) Authority- markets. Qatar Holding, is another mile- Survey 2012 is an invaluable fund and a bid may be timely as their fire power. sponsored Asset Management On the Fund trends in Qatar, stone that illustrates the oppor- and comprehensive source of M&S faces strong headwinds. As of the end of September Survey. the MENA Asset Management tunities prevalent in the region. current opinion and information In May, Marc Bolland, chief 2012 M&S already had net debt Net outflows from these funds Survey 2012 said in 2011, assets He said it will have one divi- on the mutual fund industry in executive since 2010, slashed the of £1.86bn, and as of March 2012 are estimated at $6m. In 2011, under management in selected sion based in Doha which will be our region and demonstrates the company’s three-year sales growth had a pension deficit of £290m. assets under management in funds, including those domiciled licensed by the QFC Authority significant development poten- target, blaming the recession. Then Though M&S’s property, last these funds rose by 11.5 percent. abroad, rose by 11.5 percent. Net and focus on investment strate- tial of the industry for all market in January M&S reported a bigger- valued in 2004 at £3.6bn, could Net flows to these funds are inflows to these funds are esti- gies in the Middle East, Turkey participants. than-expected drop in non-food be attractive, the situation is estimated at $59.3m, the survey mated at $59.3m. and other frontier market. “We at the QFC Authority are like-for-like sales in the Christmas complicated by the retailer’s pen- revealed. Yousuf Al Jaida, Director of “Geographically, Qatar ben- strongly supporting this devel- quarter. sion scheme being part funded by In 2012 H1, MENA domiciled strategic Development, Asset efits from its location between opment and, in particular, the Bolland said he was confident income from a portion of its prop- fund assets increased by 3 per- Management QFCA said Qatar’s the mature markets of the west, growth of Qatar and the QFC steps being taken by a new gen- erty portfolio. cent from end-2011 to $89.6bn. asset management industry is the emerging markets of the east as a regional hub for asset man- eral merchandise management Also Green failed in 2004 in There was an estimated set to grow in the coming years. and the increasing trade and agement, offering firms one of team, led by former food boss John part because M&S’s army of $2.47bn in net inflows to these The attractiveness of Qatar’s capital flows between SAAAME the most business friendly tax Dixon, would address this, though private shareholders, who own funds. The increase was prima- asset management platform is (South America, Africa, Asia, environments, a legal system the impact would not be felt until a quarter of the equity, were rily attributable to a $3.33bn increasingly growing. The deci- Middle East) markets. Qatar is based on English common law, autumn/winter collections hit the implacably opposed to him. They increase in money market fund sion to co-invest $250m by the well positioned for firms look- efficient administration and a shops in July. may feel the same about the assets. Qatar Investment Authority ing to tap into the wider GCC robust regulatory regime.” M&S investors, such as 1.5 Qataris. REUTERS Trade finance funds saw net (QIA) with Barclays Natural region, which has a combined THE PENINSULA

FIFA 2022 may cause inflationary pressures

DOHA: In the run up to raw materials are beginning to inflation-primarily via food is slight spread pick-up over quasi FIFA 2022, Qatari economy rise; domestic transport and also rising, in line with a global sovereigns. Qatar remains the is expected face numerous logistics costs are also likely to recovery in commodity prices. fastest growing economy in the challenges that are likely to feel the pressure,” the research Standard Chartered main- region. be translated into inflation- note said. tain its view of moderate 2013 From a fundamental point ary pressures, a report says. Qatar’s inflation trended inflation of 3.8 percent for of view, Qatari banks have As the country will need to higher in 2012. January infla- Qatar; however, from 2014 the strongest balance sheets source significant amounts of tion rose 3.4 percent y/y, with onwards it expects to see infla- in terms of asset quality and goods, primarily building mate- the majority of the CPI compo- tion trend higher as rising capital adequacy. rials and construction equip- nents moving higher. imports related to construction But from a valuation point ment, the logistical challenges The housing component has activity drive up other compo- of view, Qatari banks are is likely to be converted into an the largest weighting in the nents, such as transport. To underperformed. increased pressure on the local inflation basket; while hous- date these have been subdued. The report noted that there economy. Standard Chartered’s ing has largely weighted down The bank’s quarterly might be an increased debt Quarterly Economic reported the inflation basket over the research note is constructive issuance by Qatari banks to released yesterday noted infla- last two years, this trend is on the Qatari credit space. The fund the infrastructure-build- tion is beginning to climb in changing. sovereign’s financial metrics ing requirements related to the Qatar. In January, housing inflation remain robust, although exter- FIFA 2022 World Cup. As projects related to Qatar’s rose 4.4 percent y/y and 1.1 per- nal public-sector indebtedness Some Qatari banks are decade-long project pipeline cent m/m. With more non-oil has increased in recent years. growing rapidly, potentially begin to materialise, policy projects coming on stream, The sovereign curve remains storing up problems further makers will need to address the housing market is likely to the most liquid means to gain out and there is higher M&A inflation before it becomes an stabilise as demand for units exposure to Qatar across vari- risk, as Qatari banks appear to issue, the report said. builds up on the back of job ous maturities be interested in overseas acqui- “We expect the prices of creation. Banks’ fundamentals are sitions, the report said. building materials and certain Second, imported robust and banks still offer a THE PENINSULA

All forms of energy critical to

Qatar’s growth, says official • Bullion - Mumbai Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 29305 DOHA: ExxonMobil has emphasised that all forms of energy will be critical to economic growth, development, and social Silver (1 kg) Rs. 54865 welfare of Qatar. • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.73 Sharing ExxonMobil’s views on long-term energy trends, Roland • Sensex Moreau, Safety, Security, Health and Environment Manager for BSE 19427.56 ExxonMobil’s Upstream Research Company in Houston, Texas NSE 5872.60 presented the company’s Outlook for Energy: A View to 2040 to • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return more than 100 members of Qatar’s Society of Petroleum Engineers p.a. (in dollar) in Doha this week. Highlighting changes in global demand, which is expected to increase by approximately 35 percent in 2040, Moreau • Housing loan from HDFC LTD said that demand will be met by various energy sources. Oil will • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, continue to be the most widely used fuel, but natural gas — the Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. fastest growing major fuel — is expected to overtake coal by 2025 Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] as the second most used fuel. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Index 8,574.71 0.11 % QE Total Return Index 11,976.08 0.11 % RATE QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,564.85 0.23 % QE All Share Index 2,133.96 0.01 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,030.64 0.39 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5043.772 -60.632 -1.19 5174.4 4664.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 5,113.57 2.57 % QR185.6172 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 3859.24 23.2 0.6 3855.07 3600.81 UK ...... QR 5.4712 QR 5.5512 QE All Share Industrials 2,884.75 0.04 % SILVER QE All Share Insurance 1,945.29 0.80 % Dj Indu Average 14455.28 5.22 0.04 14413.2 12035.1 QR 3.3707 Euro ...... QR 4.7195 QR 4.8150 QE All Share Real Estate 1,536.81 0.30 % CA$ ...... QR 3.5372 QR 3.6124 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Telecoms 1,157.3 0.02 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.8398 QR 3.9273 QE All Share Transportation 1,470.01 0.82 % Hang Seng Inde/D 22619.18 62.53 0.28 23944.74 22445.34 Yen ...... QR 0.0377 QR 0.0384 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7479 QR 3.8431 Iseq Overall/D 3887.87 29.24 0.76 3885.68 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0664 QR 0.0679 17-03-2013 14-03-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 17740.69 -19.75 -0.11 18312.65 16036.31 Index 8,574.71 8,583.78 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0369 QR 0.0376 Change 9.07 50.46 Nikkei 225 Index 12381.19 141.53 1.16 12461.97 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0883 QR 0.0910 % 0.11 0.59 $109.98 SL Re ...... QR 0.0286 QR 0.0292 YTD% 2.58 2.69 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1552.48 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0459 QR 0.0468 Volume 4,893,309 6,031,362 Straits Times/D 3279.5 -9.02 -0.27 3319.19 3160.83 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0417 QR 0.0426 Value (QAR) 204,375,044.80 200,051,670.85 $108.22 Trades 2,967 2,763 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3912 QR 0.3990 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 13 | Down 17 | Unchanged 08

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 17-03-2013

Investors ignore tax hikes, spending cuts and the sequester

HE US Dollar lost some have been moving higher with on track and job for job openings the upgrades in GDP growth that Spain’s mortgage laws were momentum by the end of the 10 years yield at 2.03 percent prospects are and the fewest expectations that we have seen too harsh for borrowers strug- Tthe week after recording while German 10 year yields are helping consum- workers on lately from many analysts. gling to pay their loans. According the highest level in few months at 1.71 percent ers’ sentiment. record were fired Europe & UK to Reuters, the European Court against the Euro, Pound and the On the foreign exchange side, Indeed, February in January. The Europe Torn Between of Justice decreed that Spanish Yen. Indeed, the looming FOMC Markets closed the week with a retail sales sig- Weekly Money Market Review survey showed Austerity Measures and the judges should be allowed to halt meeting on March 20, the record stronger Sterling Pound. Profit nificantly topped 73 percent plan Need For Growth evictions when homeowners con- level of the equity markets in the taking pushed the dollar lower expectations, rising 1.1 percent in no hiring changes in Q2 this While the French, Spanish test abusive clauses in their con- US and the better data coming while a short squeeze pushed the headline following an upward year. Another 18 percent look to and the Italian economies con- tracts, such as excessively high from Asia, have turned global GBPUSD through multiple lev- revision to January (+0.2 percent add staff, up from 17 percent last tinue to struggle, and popular interest rates when a loan falls markets into a risk on mode, els. After reaching a low of 1.4832 vs. +0.1 percent as previously time while 5 percent expect to cut discontent spreads across Europe, into default. The government putting some weight on the US on Tuesday, the Pound ended the reported). Although the data hiring, down from 8 percent. The Angela Merkel is likely to be con- said it would incorporate the rul- Dollar. Globally, Australia posted week at 1.5113. Euro on the other showed large declines occurred in hiring outlooks were positive in fronted this week end to end the ing of the European court into a much better than expected jobs side behaved in a more subdued the furniture/furnishings, sport- nearly all 13 industries in the US. Austerity approach that seems new law that is currently being number, Kuroda won a majority manner. After dropping to a low ing goods and department stores, In another report, Business to be hurting Europe instead of debated in parliament. of votes in the upper house in the of 1.2911 after the stronger retail the declines were offset by large Roundtable’s CEO Economic generating growth. The French Asia Japanese parliament and Norges sales in the US, the currency gains in autos, building materials Outlook Index rose to 81.0 in president Hollande is battling to Japan Parliament Approves bank decided to leave interest closed the week at 1.3076. and gas stations sales. March, up from 65.6 in Dec. The appease voters, while the German the New Central Bank rates unchanged for longer than In the commodity complex, While the retail sales gains increase in confidence reflected economy continues to outperform Governor anticipated. Gold continued to impress climb- are impressive, it is even more so improved expectations for sales its counterparts. Japan Parliament approved The positive US data continued ing to a high of $1,599.10 as the in light of the rise in gas prices, and plans to boost US capital Facing a re-election in October, Haruhiko Kuroda over the posi- to dominate markets this week unwinding process that was in increase in taxes, delayed tax spending over the next six months Angela Merkel is also under tion of the governor of the Bank with much stronger than expected place for couple of weeks may refunds and widespread inclem- despite just 29 percent were plan- domestic pressure to maintain of Japan. The BOJ’s first regular retail sales figures, weaker jobless have ended. The looming FOMC ent weather in February. These ning to boost US employment Germany’s insistence that long- Policy Board meeting under the claims and continued strong busi- meeting on Wednesday has pro- numbers are likely to significantly over the next six months, the term growth can only be “bought” new leadership team is scheduled ness optimism. vided new reason for investors to lift analysts’ GDP growth expec- same percentage as in December. by austerities and financial from April 3 to 4, however there It is worth noting that equity re-enter the market. tations for the quarter. The US CFO survey climbed to reforms. She is expected, however, has been market speculation that markets in the US continue Strong Retail Sales in the US Small Business Confidence 55.3, the best level seen last June. to agree to a form of words to sat- an emergency policy meeting will marching higher with record low Suggest Consumers Ignoring Rising to Healthy Levels CFOs however only expect a 1.8 isfy France and Spain and help to also be held soon to consider addi- volatility. The Dow is leading the Tax Hikes. Small business confidence percent real GDP growth this ease the political deadlock in Italy. tional easing measures, such as others gaining almost 11 percent Retails sales in the US climbed rose slightly to 90.8 and employ- year. In summary, these reports Spain Attempting to Help its boosting purchases of govern- year to date so far, while the S&P twice as much as economists had ment improved. The National project a better economic situ- distressed Housing Market ment bonds with longer-term trails close behind gaining almost forecasted in February, show- Federation of Independent busi- ation in the US than we see in In a bid to help the housing mar- maturities. 10 percent. Bond yields in the US ing that the recovery remains ness report showed a better tone many global regions, explaining ket, Europe highest court ruled THE PENINSULA MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Blackhawks score eight Del Potro stuns Djokovic, goals to throttle Stars

DALLAS: Flashing the form that propelled them on their to take on Nadal in final record streak, the Chicago Blackhawks got rolling early and never looked back. The Serbian’s 22-match winning streak ends; Nadal crushes Berdych Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa each scored twice in lead- ing the Blackhawks to an 8-1 rout INDIAN WELLS, California: of the Dallas Stars yesterday. While Rafa Nadal continued his Indian Wells ATP Nick Leddy and Patrick Kane impressive comeback to reach each had a goal and two assists as the BNP Paribas Open final, Masters and WTA eight Blackhawks scored two or Novak Djokovic made a shock more points and Chicago boosted exit in yesterday’s semi-finals Men’s Semi-finals its road record to 12-1-2 with a as his winning streak of 22 Juan Martin del Potro (ARG x7) bt Novak dominant win on the second stop matches came to an end. Djokovic (SRB x1) 4-6, 6-4, 6-4; Rafael Nadal of a four-game road trip. The top-seeded Serb squan- (ESP x5) bt Tomas Berdych (CZE x6) 6-4, 7-5 “A great effort all-around by dered a 3-0 lead in the final the team,” said Kane, whose 15th set before losing concentration very happy about all what hap- goal of the season was a highlight- and the match, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to pened the last month, especially reel beauty in the third period. Argentina’s Juan Martin Del the last three weeks. “It was a game that we probably Potro, on a sweltering after- “Not easy coming back after needed, since we’ve been in so noon at the Indian Wells Tennis an important injury after seven many close games, to get some Garden. months without playing a tour- guys some confidence scoring Djokovic, a twice champion nament and be back and win- some goals. It was good to see a here, was broken twice in that ning against three top 10s like lot of guys step up.” third set as Del Potro booked his David Ferrer, like today against Corey Crawford made 18 saves place in today’s final against world Berdych, the other day against for his 13th victory, and Johnny number five Nadal, who overcame Roger (Federer).” Oduya and Duncan Keith had the Czech Tomas Berdych 6-4, 7-5 in Nadal swept aside Spanish Blackhawks’ other goals. a semi-final of high quality. world number four Ferrer 6-0 “We had all areas of our game “It happens,” a gracious 6-2 in the final of the Mexican with us, puck possession, play- Djokovic told reporters after los- Open two weeks ago and crushed ing a sound-game system-wise. ing for the first time since his long-time rival Federer 6-4 6-2 in Everybody contributed,” Chicago defeat last October to big-serving the Indian Wells quarter-finals on coach Joel Quenneville said. American Sam Querrey in the Thursday. The Blackhawks are 2-2-0 since second round of the ATP Masters “So coming back is certainly their record 21-0-3 streak to start 1000 event in Paris. something amazing for me,” the the season. “All the credit to my oppo- Spaniard said. “I feel very com- Defenseman Trevor Daley nent today. He deserved to win fortable in this tournament. I feel scored for the Stars, who have because he was more composed Juan Martin Del Potro (right) of Argentina reacts to his victory against Novak Djokovic of Serbia in their men’s very happy when I am here.” been outscored 16-3 in losing four in the important moments and singles semi-final match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, yesterday. RIGHT: Mike and Twice Indian Wells champion straight (0-3-1). Three games into he played the right shots. Bob Bryan celebrate match point against Treat Huey of the Philippines and Jerzy Janowicz of Poland during Nadal, who has beaten Del Potro a stretch in which the Stars play “I didn’t deserve to win today. their doubles final of the BNP Paribas Open, yesterday. The Bryan brothers won 6-3, 3-6, 10-6 to clinch their seven times in their 10 career nine of 11 at home, they have lost You know, whenever I had first BNP Paribas Open crown. meetings, including the last three all three and are 2-5-1 in their chances, in the second or third matches, played down any sugges- last nine in Dallas. sets, I throw them away with tion he would be a firm favourite “If this wasn’t an alarm clock, I some unforced errors. My move- moments, very important points being broken in the 10th game. Czech. The Spanish left-hander, in today’s final. don’t know what is,” Stars coach ment was poor, and I congratulate when I made fantastic winners on Though he lost serve twice who returned to the ATP circuit “Del Potro is coming in fantasti- Glen Gulutzan said. to my opponent.” my forehands,” said the 24-year- more in the second set, he broke only last month, broke his oppo- cally well, winning in Rotterdam, The return of offensive cata- Seventh seed Del Potro, who old from Tandil. the Serb three times to level the nent once to take the opening set, playing a very good tournament lyst Jamie Benn, who missed two won his first and only grand slam “It was my best match in this match and then twice more in the then won a tense second set to in Dubai, and now being in final games with a wrist injury, wasn’t title at the 2009 U.S. Open before tournament, for sure,” added Del third as he played steadier ten- improve his record this year to a here,” said Nadal. enough to help the Stars, although being sidelined for eight months Potro, who upset third-seeded nis from the baseline, his running career-best 16-1. “So it’s going to be a very dif- he assisted on Dallas’ only goal, the following year after having Scotsman Andy Murray 6-7 6-3 forehand often making a telling “For me this is totally unex- ficult final for me. But I don’t feeding Daley for a one-timer on wrist surgery, beat Djokovic for 6-1 in the quarter-finals. difference. pected to be in the final,” smiled have nothing to lose after seven a power play at 6:30 of the third only the third time in 11 meetings. The towering Argentine with Earlier, twice champion Nadal Nadal after winning the last four months. I did much more than period to spoil Crawford’s shutout “I was so close to lose because the big serve and booming fore- made light of his seven months games to come from 3-5 down in what I dreamed. Any result will bid. Kari Lehtonen took the loss he got the chance to beat me but hand lost a closely contested first out last year due to a knee injury that second set. be a fantastic week for me, a fan- in goal for Dallas, surrendering I got lucky in very important set in just under an hour after as he outplayed the sixth-seeded “But here we are today, and I’m tastic tournament.” REUTERS four goals on 17 shots before he was pulled midway through the second period. Richard Bachman made 13 saves in relief. “We dumped on our first goalie Battle between former world number ones and we dumped on our second goalie,” Benn said. INDIAN WELLS, California: hard on the court and gets a lot I should have been. I was forcing really high and they all kept going AGENCIES Plenty of lobs, subtle changes of of balls back and has a lot of dif- a few of my errors.” in. I was like, ‘That’s a really good pace, marathon baseline rallies ferent variety. Sharapova, champion here in effort.’ I don’t think I can do that.” - Maria Sharapova (pictured) “I certainly don’t want to give 2006, booked her place in the final Asked what adjustments were NHL Results is preparing for all of that and her that time or those opportu- with a 6-4 6-3 victory over fellow needed to cope with the “moon- Boston 4 Washington 1 more when she faces Caroline nities, because she’s a really good Russian Maria Kirilenko while ball strategy”, Sharapova replied: Pittsburgh 3 NY Rangers 0 Wozniacki in today’s final at the player. She’s dangerous when she eighth seed Wozniacki advanced “Usually when your opponent has Ottawa 4 Buffalo 3 BNP Paribas Open. has the opportunities to open up with a battling 2-6 6-4 7-5 win time to hit higher balls or a lit- Minnesota 6 Colorado 4 Denmark’s Wozniacki, like court and she wants you running over fourth-seeded German tle bit of spin, that means you’re Sharapova a former world side to side.” Angelique Kerber. Wozniacki giving them a bit more time to Winnipeg 5 Toronto 4 number one and an ex-champion Asked how much it could help effectively turned the tide against do that.” Montreal 2 New Jersey 1 at Indian Wells, is known for her having played several ‘grinders’ Kerber with a barrage of accurate Wozniacki, who won the 2011 Tampa Bay 4 Carolina 1 baseline grit and the variety she so far at this year’s tournament, lobs, or moonballs, on the slow- Indian Wells title with a 6-1 2-6 Columbus 1 Phoenix 0 draws upon, ingredients which Sharapova replied: “I have had to paced hardcourt surface at Indian 6-3 victory over Frenchwoman NY Islanders 4 Florida 3 make her a tough opponent. work for all the points here, that’s Wells and Sharapova took note. Marion Bartoli in the final, trails St Louis 2 Anaheim 1 “She’s a grinder,” second- for sure. “I saw some of those points,” Sharapova 2-4 in career meetings Chicago 8 Dallas 1 seeded Russian Sharapova told “I also feel like, in a way, in a the 25-year-old Russian smiled. and knows she will have to con- reporters about the 22-year-old couple of those matches I made “That was quite interesting. tend with the Russian’s powerful Detroit 5 Vancouver 2 Dane. “She makes you work really my life a little more difficult than “They looked like they were ground strokes. REUTERS Los Angeles 5 San Jose 2 Holiday is the hero for 76ers

PHILADELPHIA, sizzling run to and five assists the Western Conference. Wayne Pennsylvania: Jrue Holiday take the largest NBA Results as the Celtics Ellington had 21 points and fel- scored 27 points and added 12 lead either team beat the Bobcats low reserve Marreese Speights Washington 127 Phoenix 105 assists while centre Spencer had enjoyed to for the first time added 19 for Cleveland (22-44). Hawes had a rare starring role that point at Boston 105 Charlotte 88 in three meet- Shaun Livingston had 16 points, as the Philadelphia 76ers beat 90-76 on an Evan Philadelphia 98 Indiana 91 ings this season. and Alonzo Gee and Dion Waiters Indiana 98-91 in an NBA game Turner layup. San Antonio 119 Cleveland 113 Two of the added 15 apiece. yesterday. The Pacers Utah 90 Memphis 84 Bobcats’ NBA- Martell Webster scored a The 76ers began the fourth missed their first Portland 112 Detroit 101 low 14 wins career-high 34 points and became quarter with a 19-4 run and seven shots from came against the Washington’s first 30-point never trailed again in improving the field in the Celtics, includ- scorer this season. John Wall to 25-40, still last in the Atlantic fourth quarter before West hit a ing a 100-74 blowout in Charlotte added 17 points and 11 assists division, while the Central divi- jumper to snap the drought. In yesterday. as Washington won its fourth sion-leading Pacers fell to 40-26 all, Indiana went 1-for-9 with four Kevin Garnett sat out with a straight at home. with their third loss in four turnovers in the first six minutes strained left thigh muscle, but the Emeka Okafor added 17 points games. of the fourth period. Celtics put all five starters were and 10 rebounds as Washington Hawes, a sixth-year NBA cen- George sank a 3-pointer with 34 in double figures. snapped a 10-game losing streak tre, scored 18 points and added seconds remaining to pull Indiana Jannero Pargo led Charlotte to Phoenix, dating to 2006. eight assists as well as contribut- within 96-91 but Turner and with 18 points. Gerald Henderson Michael Beasley scored 21 ing career highs of 16 rebounds Thaddeus Young each sank 1-of-2 had 16 points, Kemba Walker points and Goran Dragic added 12 and seven blocked shots. free throws to seal Philadelphia’s scored 14 and Josh McRoberts points and 11 assists as the Suns Indiana’s Roy Hibbert scored 25 victory. pulled down 10 rebounds for the lost their fourth straight and fell points and grabbed 10 rebounds Meanwhile, Paul Pierce had Bobcats, who lost for the 12th into last place in the Western while Paul George contributed 14 points, eight assists and six time in 13 games. Conference. 18 points, 14 rebounds and eight rebounds before sitting out the Meanwhile, Manu Ginobili LaMarcus Aldridge had 31 assists and David West added 18 fourth quarter, and Boston won added 14 points and 10 assists, points and 12 rebounds, and the points for the Pacers. its 11th straight at home — a Nando De Colo had 11 points and Portland Trail Blazers handed Indian Pacers’ Paul George (centre) battles for a rebound with the Indiana led 72-71 entering 105-88 victory over the Charlotte Tiago Splitter had 10 for San the Detroit Pistons their eighth Philadelphia 76ers’ Evan Turner (left) and Spencer Hawes during their the fourth quarter but the 76ers Bobcats. Avery Bradley scored 13 Antonio (51-16), which is 1 1/2 straight loss with a victory. NBA game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, yesterday. opened the final period with their and Courtney Lee had 12 points games ahead of Oklahoma City in AGENCIES MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Baseball: Dominicans Teams ready for Emir Cup defeat Puerto Rico for WBC Basketball giants Al Rayyan and Eljaish placed in separate groups top seeding

DOHA: Basketball giants Al MIAMI: The Dominican Rayyan, the Heir Apparent Republic edged Caribbean Cup champions last week, could neighbours Puerto Rico 2-0 in meet fast-improving Eljaish Miami yesterday to complete an in yet another final if both the unbeaten run to the semi-finals teams weave their way through of the World Baseball Classic as the early and knockout rounds top seeds. of the Emir Cup starting later The victory gave the this month. Dominicans (6-0) a day off before Al Rayyan and HA Cup run- they meet the Netherlands in the ners-up Eljaish yesterday were semi-finals today at AT&T Park drawn in separate groups at the in San Francisco, venue for the draw ceremony of the Emir Cup, final round of the 16-team inter- the country’s top basketball event. national tournament. Brian Rowsom-coached Al Puerto Rico will return to the Rayyan were placed in group II diamond today in San Francisco along with Al Arabi, Al Wakrah, to face defending champions Qatar SC and Al Gharafa. Japan, winners of the first two Eljaish, who reached the final WBC titles in 2006 and 2009. of the HA Cup unbeaten, were The championship game will be drawn along side Al Sadd, Al Ahli tomorrow at AT&T Park, home of and Al Shamal. the World Series champion San In the first game of this year’s Francisco Giants. Emir Cup, Al Arabi will take on Catcher Carlos Santana of Al Gharafa whereas Al Wakrah Saadoun Al Kuwari (third left), Executive Director of Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF), during the draw ceremony the Cleveland Indians, crushed a play Qatar SC on March 26, the of the Emir Cup at St Regis Hotel in Doha. Also in the picture is captain of Eljaish team Bakar Mohammed (left) long home run to lead off the fifth opening day of the championship. and Al Rayyan forward Yasseen Moussa (second left). PICTURES: SHAIVAL DALAL inning and Pittsburgh Pirates The final will be stage on April lefty Wandy Rodriguez pitched six 19 after 24 games are held by innings of two-hit ball to earn the the Qatar Basketball Federation DOHA: Here are the groups 5:00 Qatar SC vs Al Gharafa, win for the Dominican Republic. (QBF). All games will be played and the playing schedule of the The Emir Cup Group I Puerto Rico squandered a Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. teams taking part in the 2012- 7:00 Al Rayyan vs Al Arabi, good chance to score in the third “The draw is somewhat equal 13 Emir Cup basketball cham- playing schedule Group I when Irving Falu was thrown out for most teams,” Sheikh Saoud pionship. The event will be held April 9 at the plate on a fielder’s choice bin Abdulrehman Al Thani (pic- at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. March 31 5:00 2nd Gr I vs 3rd Gr II, grounder to Dominican shortstop tured top right), President of 5:00 Al Shamal vs Eljaish, QF Erick Aybar of the Los Angeles Qatar Basketball Federation Group I – Al Sadd, Eljaish, Al Group I 7:00 2nd Gr II vs 3rd Gr I, Angels. Aybar also made a heads- (QBF) said. Ahli, Al Shamal 7:00 Al Ahli vs Al Sadd, QF up play in the eighth on a fielder’s “Eljaish is with Al Sadd, Al Group II – Al Rayyan, Al Arabi, Group I April 12 choice grounder, helping to quell Ahli and Al Shamal. That’s a fair Al Wakrah, Qatar SC, Al Gharafa April 1 5:00 1st Gr I vs Winner 17, a Puerto Rico threat by getting distribution of the teams. We are want help of all segments of March 26 5:00 Al Gharafa vs Al Semis Martin Maldonado at third base hoping to see a keenly-contested the society to achieve this goal 5:00 Al Arabi vs Gharafa, Wakrah, Group II 7:00 1st Gr II vs Winner 18, to short-circuit a rally. tournament,” Sheikh Saoud said - media, sponsor, fans - we need Group II 7:00 Qatar SC vs Al Rayyan, Semis The shortstop was in the mid- after the draw ceremony was con- their support. 7:00 Al Wakrah vs Qatar SC, Group II April 14 dle of the action in bottom of the April 3 ducted at St Regis Hotel. “We seek improvement in the Group II 5:00 Winner 18 vs 1st Gr II, eighth as well, singling with one Sheikh Saoud said QBF skills of the local players. We March 27 5:00 Al Ahli vs Al Shamal, Semis out, reaching third on Robinson would be organising events right have strategies in mind that we 5:00 Al Sadd vs Al Shamal, Group I 7:00 Winner 17 vs 1st Gr I, Cano’s single and scoring on a throughout the season in an intend to implement to help play- Group I 7:00 Al Saad vs Eljaish, Semis two-out single by Francisco Pena attempt to attract the younger ers improve their skills. Quality 7:00 Eljaish vs Al Ahli, Group Group I April 16 (if necessary) for an insurance run. Fernando April 4 generation to the sport. will only improve if the players I 5:00 1st Gr I vs Winner 17, Rodney, the Tampa Bay closer, March 27 “The reason we are organising improve their skills on the court,” 5:00 Al Wakrah vs Al Semis pitched the ninth for his fifth save so many events so that we cre- Sheikh Saoud said. 5:00 Al Rayyan vs Al Rayyan, Group II 7:00 1st Gr II vs Winner 18, of the Classic. ate an infrastructure of excel- The quarter-finals of the Emir Gharafa, Group II 7:00 Al Arabi vs Qatar SC, Semis The game drew over 25,000 Group II April 19 lence that leads us to produce an Cup will begin on April 9 whereas 7:00 Al Arabi vs Al Wakrah, fans to Marlins Park for a total April 7 Olympic Games squad. the semi-finals will be held on Group II 6:00 Final of more than 153,000 for the six “It is a collective effort. We April 14. THE PENINSULA games. REUTERS

Avantha Masters Home hero Plucky Aiken holds firm for Scores Prayad wins GREATER NOIDA, India: Leading finishers in the $2.3m Thailand Open Avantha Masters golf at BANGKOK: Prayad the par-72 Jaypee Greens in three-stroke victory in India Marksaeng became only the Greater Noida yesterday: third Thai to win his country’s NEW DELHI: South African some putts, and I played some 265 Thomas Aiken (RSA) 67-69-62-67 national championship with a Thomas Aiken held firm against phenomenal golf.” India’s Bhullar, 268 Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 68-69-67-64 two-stroke victory in the $1m a spirited challenge by local 24, came out all guns blazing with 270 Liang Wenchong (CHN) 66-66-69-69 Thailand Open at the Thana favourite Gaganjeet Bhullar to birdies on the first three holes and 271 Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 68-68-66-69 City Golf and Sports Club win his second European Tour an eagle on the fifth and kept the 272 Baek Seuk-Hyun (KOR) 68-68-70-66. yesterday. title at the Avantha Masters in pressure up on Aiken till the 273 David Horsey (ENG) 72-68-66-67, Prayad’s rounds of 68, 67, 65 New Delhi yesterday. close. Scott Hend (AUS) 67-68-68-70, David and 64 left him with a 24 under- The 29-year-old from Aiken’s playing partner Liang Drysdale (SCO) 67-67-68-71. par total of 264 to claim the win- Johannesburg, who took a three- was also quick off the blocks with ner’s purse of $180,000 and the 274 Himmat Rai (IND) 70-71-68-65, Victor stroke lead into the final round, birdies on the second, fourth and King’s Trophy donated by the Dubuisson (FRA) 69-68-70-67, Julien won by the same margin with a fifth holes but the highlight of his country’s monarch. Quesne (FRA) 69-66-69-70, Tommy four-day 23-under-par total of round came with a hole-in-one at “This means so much to me,” Fleetwood (ENG) 69-65-69-71. 265 at the Jaypee Greens Golf & the seventh. Prayad said moments after sign- Spa Resort. The South African, however, 275 Emiliano Grillo (ARG) 68-71-71-65, ing his scorecard. Bhullar’s eight-under-par 64 kept his nerve and maintained the Magnus Carlsson (SWE) 66-73-67- “Yes I cried a bit... I am happy 69, Kim Gi-whan (KOR) 71-70-65-69, ensured he finished a creditable gap to the chasers with a bogey- the King’s Trophy will stay in Joonas Granberg (FIN) 67-67-69-72. second while Liang Wenchong of free card of five-under-par 67 at Thailand,” according to a state- China finished five shots behind the co-sanctioned event with the 276 Peter Whiteford (SCO) 68-69-71-68, ment by organisers. the leader. Asian Tour. Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 68-68-71-69, Prayad took a celebratory jump “I’ve been playing very nicely “These guys kept coming at me Adilson Da Silva (BRA) 70-65-72-69, into the lake adjoining the 18th the last four months, not mak- today... Liang on the front nine Berry Henson (USA) 69-71-67-69, David green after the prize presentation. ing a lot of mistakes, but just not and then Bhullar made some Howell (ENG) 68-72-65-71, Chapchai Australian Scott Strange (67), sinking enough putts,” Aiken, amazing birdies coming in,” Aiken Nirat (THA) 66-66-72-72. who had pushed Prayad all the whose 10-under-par 62 in the added. “It was by no means a walk 277 Ricardo Gonzalez (ARG) 69-72-70-66, way, bogeyed on the last to leave third round, set up his victory, in the park. Andy Sullivan (ENG) 71-68-69-69, him two strokes adrift. told the European Tour website “I want to dedicate this to my Chinnarat Phadungsil (THA) 61-74- Countryman Nick Cullen (65) (www.europeantour.com). wife Kate... being the wife of a 72-70, Maximilian Kieffer (GER) was a shot further behind while “This week a few went in, I sportsman is not easy and she 68-68-70-71, Jeev Milkha Singh (IND) six players shared fourth place Thomas Aiken of South Africa poses with the trophy after winning the 69-68-69-71, Rikard Karlberg (SWE) hit some better iron shots which supports me so much, so this one’s Avantha Masters in Greater Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi, yesterday. -- including defending champion gave me a better chance to sink for you Kate.” REUTERS 67-69-69-72. Chris Wood (70). REUTERS LPGA Founders Cup Scores Leonard has share of lead at Tampa Bay

PHOENIX, Arizona: PALM HARBOR, Florida: Justin leading the golf tournament.” Americans “Being in the fairways all day allowed to move up. The 34-year-old opened with a Leading scores yesterday Leonard, the 1997 British Open winner Jim Furyk, Ben Kohles and Tag Ridings me to be more aggressive with my shots.” birdie, added another at the sixth and then after the third round of the who last won a US PGA event in 2008, share fourth with Australian Greg Leonard birdied the par-4 second, then began the back nine with three birdies in $1.5m LPGA Founders Cup fired a four-under par 67 yesterday to Chalmers on 208 with England’s Luke closed the front nine with back-to-back four holes, including the par-4 10th, par-5 (par 72, USA unless noted): share the 54-hole lead at the Tampa Bay Donald and Americans Bryce Molder, birdies. He added short birdie putts at the 11th and par-3 13th. He added a birdie at Championship. Jordan Spieth, Brian Harman and Shawn par-5 11th and par-4 12th holes before tak- the par-3 17th. 197 Ai Miyazato (JPN) 63-67-67 The 40-year-old American stood along- Stefani on 209. ing his lone bogey of the day at the par-3 “I believe in the work I have done and 201 Jee Young Lee (KOR) 65-64-72, Stacy side countryman Kevin Streelman and Leonard, who seeks his 13th tour title 15th. I’m getting more comfortable out here,” Lewis 68-65-68 South African George Coetzee on six-under overall and his first since the 2008 St Jude “There’s not a whole lot I would change Streelman said. 207 after three rounds, the highest 54-hole Classic, hit all 13 fairways off the tee and about it,” Leonard said. “Very pleased with “I’ll give it my best and see what 203 Angela Stanford 68-70-65, Lizette leader score on the US PGA Tour this sea- credited that accuracy with his jump to the way I hit the ball. I put myself into nice happens.” Salas 69-68-66, Anna Nordqvist (SWE) son, at the $5.5m event. the top. position.” Coetzee, 26, is playing his first US PGA 70-66-67, Gerina Piller 66-69-68 “I was pretty focused on controlling what “That’s a big thing on this golf course,” Streelman is in his 153rd US PGA event event that is not a major tournament or 204 Inbee Park (KOR) 69-71-64, Nicole I could, which wasn’t much. It was pretty Leonard said. “There’s not a whole lot of with his career-best finishes being shares World Golf Championships event. He had Castrale 71-67-66, Giulia Sergas (ITA) tough out there,” Leonard said. rough but if you are in the rough, you are of third in 2011 at Puerto Rico and Mexico. not seen the course before this week and 69-69-66, Sydnee Michaels 70-67-67, “I hit a lot of great drives, made a few near some trees and have to manufacture He began the round sharing 31st place, played only nine holes of practice due to Jimin Kang (KOR) 68-69-67 greens and hit a few putts and suddenly I’m something. seven strokes off the pace, but fired a 65 bad weather. REUTERS MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Qatar set to field ‘strong’ team More than two dozen Qatari riders to take part in first edition of CHI Al Shaqab

DOHA: More than two dozen Qatari riders will take part in the first edition of CHI Al Shaqab, this was announced by a top official yesterday. Several riders and horses from all over the world will participate in show jumping, dressage and endurance competitions over a span of four days starting from March 27. Fahad Al Qahtani, Director, Al Shaqab Arena, yesterday said: “I don’t have the exact number but it’s above 25 riders in two events. It’s a great opportunity for them to be a part of such a competition.” Al Qahtani added: “There is no doubt that this is a big event. We are working together with the Qatar Olympic Committee and Qatar Equestrian Federation. We were planning for an event like this for long, taking our time on the venue and composition of Fahad Al Qahtani (left), Director, Al Shaqab Arena, addresses a press conference in Doha yesterday. Media director Fahad Al Harjir is also seen. RIGHT: A view of the state-of-the-art Al our teams.” Shaqab Arena which will host the first edition of CHI Al Shaqab from March 27 to 31. PICTURES: ABDUL BASIT Al Qahtani said it was ‘a dream come true to bring the world of equine to Al Shaqab Arena. in itself is a challenge. We are “There is no doubt about the ahead and place Qatar on the face keep going from generation to or we are a part of the planning. “(It is) a dream come true, I trying to promote our name as a fact that Al Shaqab is famous for of the equine world,” he added. generation. This event is enormous ... it is a will be honest with you. First of commercialised entity,” he added. its purebred Arabian horses. Al “This is where the whole idea “Also, horses and our heritage big event. It is elegant and we are all, for me, as a Qatari I am very “In terms of planning, there Shaqab was founded in the early came from. When you have such always come together. So it is expecting the elite riders to be proud that such an event is taking were a few challenges in terms 90s but the fact is that it’s a part a prestigious event here at Al going to play a vital part in pre- here at Al Shaqab Arena. place here. As a director, that is of operational requirements but of our culture and our heritage. Shaqab, it will emphasize a lot on serving our identity. “The confirmations we’ve had a privilege, I have to admit,” Al they have been overcome as my It’s a historical site ... it has sen- the equine philosophies of Qatar. “In terms of preparations, it so far are great .. we are very Qahtani said. team is vastly experienced,” the timental value for the people of “And this is not something has been really hectic and we have happy with it. We are very opti- “It’s challenging that you are Al Shaqab director explained. Qatar,” he said. which we are thinking of doing been under a lot of pressure, but mistic about the outcome of this hosting such an event. This type Al Qahtani said the four-day “At Al Shaqab, you can see that just once. This is something which we are getting used to it. event. And we know it is going to of event has never been staged gathering would be the first step we have a wonderful facility, so we we want to pass over to our chil- “We are always on the call, leave a buzz in the city for a long in Qatar. And Al Shaqab is not a towards bringing more events to thought, and the board thought, dren and grand children. It’s a irrespective of whether we are time after it’s over,” Al Qahtani commercialised entity yet. That the country: that this is the right time to move heritage thing which we want to participating in the competition said. THE PENINSULA Need to work together to protect sport: Minister

DOHA: Qatar has urged crea- This programme aims to pro- standpoint, to ensure participa- tion of a regional platform to vide technical assistance and tion irrespective of age, gender, protect major sporting events advisory services to policy-makers race, religion and ability. and sport competitions at large and practitioners planning major “Furthermore, for sport to con- in the Middle East and North events, with a specific focus on the tinue to be considered as a positive Africa. dissemination of best practices learning experience and teach fair H E Sheikh Abdullah bin and development of coordination play values, it is important that Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, mechanisms and standards. all stakeholders work together Minister of State for Interior The meeting was opened by to combat corruption and illegal Affairs, said: “While the ultimate Sheikh Abdullah, and attended activities targeting sport in order responsibility for security belongs by high-level representatives of to uphold its integrity.” to the host country, we should all the United Nations, the League Speaking about the meeting, work together to assist each other of Arab States, the European Mohammed Hanzab, President H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of State for Interior Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin for the protection of the common Commission, the Organization of the ICSS, added: “We are Abdulrahman Al Thani, Secretary General, Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), and other speakers attend a meeting good: sport,” the Minister said. of American States, and several very proud that our initiative called by the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) in cooperation with the United Nations Interregional The International Centre for governmental authorities from with UNICRI has received such Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) in Doha yesterday. Sport Security (ICSS) in coop- countries around the world. attention within the interna- eration with the United Nations Wilfried Lemke, Special tional community. Countries in Interregional Crime and Justice Adviser to the Secretary-General the region should lead the proc- need to bring to the attention Nations and the 2022 FIFA World “We are ready to share Research Institute (UNICRI) on Sport for Development and ess; they possess all the neces- of all Ministers of the Interior Cup are clear examples that the information on the models yesterday invited the Ministry of Peace, United Nations, urged all sary human resources and skills around the region the issue of Middle East and North-Africa are we have successfully imple- Interior to speak on the issue. countries to be committed in pro- to develop their sport systems sport protection in order to considering sport as an opportu- mented in the Americas and The meeting was jointly organ- tecting sport. and infrastructures in an envi- address it in a more coordinated nity for socioeconomic develop- Europe, in cooperation with the ised by UNICRI and the ICSS, the “The United Nations is well ronment of safety, security and and comprehensive way by devel- ment,” Lucas said Organization of American States not-for-profit organisation spe- aware of the role that sport can integrity.” oping a common platform. “UNICRI operates within the and the European Commission cialising in sport safety, security play to promote peace and devel- He added: “We are available to Jonathan Lucas, UNICRI framework of the unique mandate respectively. and integrity. opment. Through sporting activi- support such a process by devel- Director said: “We are witness- to provide assistance to countries “However, we believe a model Launched in 2002 and backed ties we can teach positive social oping the necessary mechanisms ing incredibly rapid development preparing for the security of major can only be effective once it is by the UN ECOSOC Resolution values that can benefit local com- and tools to help them work as well as an increase of expertise events. We are keen to make our adapted and expanded with the 2006/28, UNICRI is the United munities as a whole,” Lemke said. together and to mobilise addi- in the region with regard to the expertise available and work in concerned parties. That is why Nations Institute implementing a “Therefore, it is of the upmost tional support from different security of major sporting events. cooperation with the ICSS for the the future of sport in the MENA worldwide programme on Major importance that we address sectors.” The Pan-Arab Games, the African protection of sport competitions region is, first of all, in its own Events Security. sport from a safety and security The meeting underlined the Cup of Nations, the Gulf Cup of in the MENA Region. hands.” THE PENINSULA

Players and officials pose for a picture following an event organised by Doha Golf Lovers a the Doha Golf Club. David Fowler and Anil Chacko emerged victorious in Flight A & B respectively. Sanjay Jain won the second prize in flight A while Pierre Phillipe was runner-up in Flight B of the competition participated by 60 golfers. PK Mathew (closest to pin), Pierre Phillipe (closest to rope), Ivor D’cunha (longest putt) and Johan Joubert (longest drive) picked up other prizes on offer. QGL later Aspire Academy players celebrate winning the Aspire Academy’s Triangular Tournament organised a prize after beating European teams of Gheorghe Hagi Football Academy and Schalke 04. The distribution function. event was held at Aspire Academy. MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Afridi fireworks in vain as India pick up key South Africa win by 34 runs wickets in Mohali JOHANNESBURG: Centuries by Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers set up a 34-run victory for South Africa despite a thrill- Aussies are 75 for 3 in the second innings ing innings by Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi in the third one-day international at the Wanderers MOHALI: With Australia Kumar rattled the top order with process and second of the series. Stadium yesterday. reeling at 75 for three in their his swinging deliveries, taking all His innings included 19 splendid Amla (122) and De Villiers second innings and trailing by the three wickets. boundaries and three huge sixes. (128) shared a world record 16 runs at stumps on day four Resuming the day at 283/0, Batting great Sachin Tendulkar third wicket partnership of 238 yesterday, India were sniffing India’s debutant Shikhar Dhawan (37) provided good support to as South Africa made 343 for five at a chance of a win going into (187) could add only two more Vijay before falling to leg spinner after being sent in. the final day’s play in the third runs in the morning to his record Steven Smith. Pakistan, who were bowled out cricket Test here. breaking knock, falling 13 short of After the exit of Vijay and for 309 to slip 2-1 down in the After India were bowled out for a double century. Tendulkar, the lower order series, had been in deep trouble 499 in their first innings replying His 187 is the highest by an did not contribute much bar- when Afridi walked in at 132 for to Australia’s 408, India skipper Indian debutant and sixth high- ring Virat Kohli, who remained five but he gave his side hope as Mahendra Singh Dhoni pressed est in the world. unbeaten on 67. he thrashed 88 off 48 balls with the attack button from the word Murali Vijay (152), who played Fast bowler Peter Siddle seven sixes and five fours. go as Australia came out to bat in a mere support role to Dhawan was the pick of the bowlers for Afridi’s innings included some the last session. on the third day, anchored the Australia as he clinched the of the biggest sixes seen at the Dhoni’s trick worked as Indian innings yesterday scor- seventh five-wicket haul of his Wanderers. medium pacer Bhuvneshwar ing his third Test century in the career. One, after he had been bowled In reply, Bhuvneshwar provided off a no-ball, was a mighty hit Scoreboard another superb spell of swing onto the roof of the four-tier bowling on a dry and flat fourth Centenary stand which was last Australia (I innings): ...... 408 Bowling: Mitchell Starc 23-5-74-2; Peter Sid- day wicket to dismiss the three seen bouncing towards an adja- India (I innings): dle 29.1-9-71-5; Moises Henriques 15-1-62- Australian wickets to fall, the first cent golf course. M Vijay lbw Starc ...... 153 1; Nathan Lyon 31-4-124-1; Xavier Doherty one coming on the third ball of Afridi was yorked by Ryan S Dhawan c Cowan b Lyon ...... 187 24-8-87-0; Steven Smith 10-0-63-1. the second innings. McLaren when he had 73 but a C Pujara lbw Siddle ...... 1 Australia (II innings): Only Phillip Hughes stood out check requested by umpire Billy S Tendulkar c Cowan b Smith ...... 37 D Warner c Dhoni b Kumar ...... 2 among the Australian batsmen as Bowden showed the bowler had Virat Kohli (not out) ...... 67 Ed Cowan lbw Kumar ...... 8 David Warner (2), Ed Cowan (8) over-stepped. M S Dhoni lbw Starc ...... 4 Phil Hughes (batting) ...... 53 and Smith (5) walked back to the McLaren then bowled a wide, R Jadeja c Haddin b Siddle ...... 8 Steven Smith b Kumar...... 5 pavilion almost as quickly as they which meant Afridi still had a R Ashwin c Haddin b Siddle ...... 4 Nathan Lyon (batting) ...... 4 came out of it. free hit to which he committed B Kumar c Haddin b Henriques ...... 18 Extras (LB-2, NB-1) ...... 3 At stumps, Hughes and night- all his power. I Sharma c Haddin b Siddle ...... 0 Total (for 3 wkts) ...... 75 watchman Lyon were batting at There was one more six P Ojha b Siddle ...... 1 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-35, 3-55. 53 and 4, respectively. before he hit a full toss from Extras (B-5, LB-13, NB-1) ...... 19 Bowling: Bhuvneshwar Kumar 8-1-25-3; Is- Australia’s in-form skipper South Africa’s batsman Hashim Amla celebrates his century dur- Lonwabo Tsotsobe to McLaren Total (all out) ...... 499 hant Sharma .2-0-11-0; Ravichandran Ashwin Michael Clarke, who batted at ing their third One Day International (ODI) match against Pakistan in at long-off. Fall of wickets: 1-289, 2-292, 3-384, 4-412, 7-2-25-0; Ravindra Jadeja 2-1-11-0; Pragyan No.3 in the first innings, had a Johannesburg, yesterday. The South Africa team wore pink in support There was still a possibility of a 5-416, 6-427, 7-431, 8-492, 9-493, 10-499. Ojha 2-1-1-0. sore back and did not come out of breast cancer awareness, according to Cricket South Africa. reprieve as the umpires checked to bat. IANS whether the full toss was above waist height, which would have meant another no-ball, before Sangakkara, Chandimal rally Sri Lanka confirming the dismissal. AFP Scoreboard COLOMBO:Kumar about Sangakkara is that he gives SOUTH AFRICA Sangakkara again relished Scoreboard very few chances,” said Rubel. G Smith b Mohd Irfan ...... 3 Bangladesh’s attack as he “We are still not out of the con- H Amla c Misbah b Wahab Riaz ...... 122 cracked his third successive Bangladesh (I innings): ...... 240 test. If we can take a few early C Ingram c K Akmal b Mohd Irfan ...... 17 century against them to pull Sri Sri Lanka (I innings): wickets tomorrow we can still be A de Villiers c Shoaib Malik b S Ajmal .... 128 Lanka out of trouble in the sec- D Karunaratne c Rahim b Hasan ...... 17 back in it.” F du Plessis c Y Khan b Wahab Riaz ...... 45 ond and final Test yesterday. T Dilshan c Rahim b Robiul ...... 0 Bangladesh, who struck three F Behardien (not out) ...... 6 Dinesh Chandimal (102) also K Sangakkara (batting) ...... 127 times in the morning session in R McLaren (not out) ...... 0 made merry, scoring his second L Thirimanne c Rahim b Robiul ...... 0 the space of 30 runs to put Sri Extras (LB-8, NB-1, W-13) ...... 22 consecutive Test hundred against A Mathews c Mahmudullah b Gazi ...... 16 Lanka under pressure, got just Total (for 5 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 343 the tourists as Sri Lanka recov- D Chandimal b Rubel ...... 102 two more wickets in the last Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-42, 3-280, 4-301, ered from 69-4 to reach 294-6 K Vithanage c Mominul b Rubel ...... 12 two sessions as Sangakkara and 5-342. in their first innings at stumps N Kulasekara (batting) ...... 2 Chandimal applied themselves Bowling: Mohammad Irfan 7-1-34-2 (1w); on the second day in reply to Extras (B-2, W-6 NB 10) ...... 18 effectively. Junaid Khan 10-2-42-0 (1nb); Wahab Riaz Bangladesh’s 240. Total (for 6 wkts) ...... 294 The hosts had added 276 runs 10-0-93-2 (7w); Shahid Afridi 7-0-55-0; Left-hander Sangakkara (127 Still to bat: S Eranga, R Herath, S Lakmal. to their overnight total of 18-1 by Mohammad Hafeez 6-0-49-0 (2w); Saeed not out), who made a century in Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-39, 3-43, 4-69, the end of the day. Ajmal 10-0-62-1 (2w). each innings of the drawn first 5-264, 6-280. Bangladesh dominated the PAKISTAN Test in Galle, reached the 33rd Bowling: Robiul 15-1-52-2(nb-7); Sohag first session as Abul Hasan, Nasir Jamshed c Amla b Tsotsobe ...... 10 hundred of his career when he Gazi 30-4-84-1; Hasan 18-4-62-1 (w-1); Robiul Islam and Gazi each took Mohd Hafeez c Steyn b Peterson...... 57 straight-drove off-spinner Sohag Rubel 14-3-41-2 (w-1 nb-3); Mahmudullah one wicket.Dimuth Karunaratne Kamran Akmal c De Villiers b McLaren .....30 Gazi for two in the final session. 10-1-36-0; Mominul Haque 2-0-6-0; Ashra- added five to his overnight score Younis Khan b Peterson ...... 19 It was the second time that ful 2-0-9-0; Nasir 2-0-2-0. of 12 before he was caught by Misbah-ul-Haq c De Villiers b McLaren .....28 Sangakkara had made three suc- wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim Shoaib Malik c Kleinveldt b Tsotsobe ...... 4 cessive Test tons, the previous reached his century with three off Abul. Lahiru Thirimanne was Shahid Afridi c McLaren b Tsotsobe ...... 88 occasion being against India in runs off spinner Mohammad also caught behind, off paceman Wahab Riaz b Kleinveldt ...... 45 2009-10. He also completed 6,000 Mahmudullah. Robiul. Saeed Ajmal c Kleinveldt b McLaren ...... 8 Test runs at home during his solid He put on 195 for the fifth Thirimanne, who scored a cen- Junaid Khan c&b Steyn ...... 9 271-ball knock, which contained wicket with Sangakkara before tury in the last match, failed to Mohammad Irfan (not out) ...... 0 10 fours. being bowled by paceman Rubel. open his account this time. Extras (LB-3, NB-1, W-7) ...... 11 “We are looking for a lead close He hit eight fours, including Gazi put more pressure on Total (all out in 48.1 overs) ...... 309 to 120 runs. Sangakkara is still three in an over from Gazi, in his Sri Lanka when he had skipper Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-97, 3-111, 4-123, batting, so I think we can go for impressive 176-ball knock. Angelo Mathews (16) caught by 5-132, 6-203, 7-244, 8-282, 9-304. it,” said Chandimal. Rubel got another wicket with Mahmudullah in the slips. Bowling: Steyn 10-1-48-1; Tsotsobe 10-0- “They bowled really well, espe- the second new ball when he Sri Lanka’s left-arm spinner 74-3; Kleinveldt 9.1-1-77-1 (4w); Peterson cially Gazi and Rubel (Hossain), had Kithuruwan Vithanage (12) Rangana Herath on Saturday 10-0-51-2; McLaren 9-0-56-3 (1nb, 3w). Sri Lankan cricketers Kumar Sangakkara (left) and Dinesh Chandimal but we also batted well to put the caught by Mominul Haque at deep finished with 5-68 as Bangladesh Result: South Africa won by 34 runs run between wickets during the second day of the second Test match pressure back on them.” point. were bowled out in the final ses- Series: South Africa lead the five-match se- at the R Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo, yesterday. Chandimal, who made an “We were not surprised by the sion. Mominul Haque top-scored ries 2-1. unbeaten 116 in the last match, partnership. The biggest thing for the tourists with 64. AFP Williamson, Taylor frustrate England in Wellington WELLINGTON: Kane of making sure came in the first Their partnership became well Williamson, Ross Taylor and we don’t lose the Scoreboard session when established as they inched closer persistent light rain yesterday game it (the rain) Fulton prodded to lunch and Williamson brought ensured that New Zealand’s sec- has helped,” New England (I innings): ...... 465 at a full-length up his sixth test half century ond test against England at the Zealand batsmen New Zealand (I innings): ...... 254 James Anderson with his seventh boundary when Basin Reserve is most likely to Peter Fulton told New Zealand (II innings): delivery and he pulled a short Joe Root deliv- end in a damp draw today. reporters. P Fulton c Cook b Anderson ...... 45 the ball flew to ery to midwicket shortly before The hosts were on 162 for two “There was a H Rutherford c Bell b Panesar ...... 15 Alastair Cook at the break. Light rain then began An English fan after the rain had disrupted much slight chance we K Williamson (batting)...... 55 first slip. falling at lunch and groundstaff waits for the of the fourth day’s play with 39 could have bat- R Taylor (batting) ...... 41 Fulton’s dis- placed covers over the wicket rain to stop overs lost after lunch and 16 overs ted well today Extras (LB-1, W-5) ...... 6 missal for 45 left block at the start of the break, but during day Total (for 2 wkts) ...... 162 at the end of day due to more rain and piled on New Zealand intermittent, persistent showers four of the Test Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-81. after play had resumed at 1710 some runs and 81-2 and with throughout the afternoon meant match between local (0410 GMT). put some pres- Bowling: Anderson 12-4-27-1; Broad 14-6- Monty Panesar only a further six overs were 32-0 (1w); Finn 11-2-36-0; Panesar 26-12- New Zealand Williamson (55) and Taylor sure on England extracting turn able to be bowled. New Zealand and England (41) had combined for an unbro- later tomorrow.” 44-1; Trott 3-0-10-0; Root 2-0-12-0. from the pitch, added nine runs before they were played at the ken 81-run partnership in New New Zealand’s the hosts were forced off again for the final time, Basin Reserve Zealand’s second innings after MetService has nervously facing with Fulton praising his young being forced to follow on, though forecast a southerly change and the prospect of losing the match. colleagues. in Wellington, they were still 49 runs from mak- persistent rain for the Wellington Taylor, who was on a king pair, “Ross and Kane put in a solid yesterday. ing England bat again, before they region throughout today and a negotiated his first delivery and effort there in what play we did were forced off again at 1730 and draw is now the most likely result. got off the mark when Kevin have to leave us reasonably confi- despite attempts to restart, play “We just have to turn up tomor- Pietersen misfielded at mid-on, dent we can negotiate tomorrow,” was abandoned at 1755. row and wait and see how the day gradually growing in confidence Fulton said. “There was still a lot of time turns out. If the weather is good as he fought off urges to attack “But it’s a funny old game and left in the game when we arrived we still have a lot of work to do.” Panesar, who was giving the ball we have to turn up with the right here this morning, but in terms England’s only breakthrough more air. attitude.” REUTERS MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

St Mirren break Hearts to win Lampard goal lifts Chelsea League Cup

GLASGOW: St Mirren came EPL: Midfielder nets 200th goal for the Blues; Spurs lose to Fulham from behind to create history as they clinched the Scottish LONDON: Frank Lampard English Premier goal put Roberto Martinez’s men League Cup for the first time scored his 200th Chelsea goal as ahead in the 19th minute, but following a 3-2 win over Hearts his side beat West Ham United League Italian full-back Davide Santon at Hampden. 2-0 yesterday to snatch third LONDON: English Premier League results drilled home an equaliser in the Hearts took the lead through a place in the Premier League yesterday: 72nd minute. deflected Ryan Stevenson shot in from faltering London rivals Chelsea 2 (Lampard 19, Hazard 50) Then, in the 90th minute, the 10th minute.But they failed to Tottenham Hotspur. Ivorian striker Kone lashed the take their chances and St Mirren West Ham 0 Tottenham’s 1-0 loss at home to ball into the roof of the net follow- equalised against the run of play Fulham had opened the door for Sunderland 1 (Gardner 40-pen) ing a goalmouth scramble to leave in the 37th minute through on- Chelsea and they took full advan- Norwich 1 (Hoolahan 26) Wigan three points from safety loan Esmael Goncalves. tage by recording a victory that Tottenham 0 Fulham 1 (Berbatov 52) with a game in hand on fourth- Steven Thompson fired St lifted them to within four points Wigan 2 (Beausejour 18, Kone 90) bottom Aston Villa. Mirren into the lead 50 seconds of second-place Manchester City. Newcastle 1 (Santon 72) The game had threatened to be after the restart before Conor Lampard broke the deadlock overshadowed by a horrendous, Newton made it 3-1 with a fierce against his former club West Ham line by Sascha Riether. knee-high challenge from Wigan 66th minute strike. Stevenson hit in the 19th minute at Stamford However, the hosts lost Michael midfielder Callum McManaman the bar before grabbing his second Bridge, springing to head Eden Dawson to injury at half-time and on visiting defender Massadio of the game in the 85th minute to Hazard’s dinked cross into the then saw former striker Dimitar Haidara in the first half. give Hearts hope. top-right corner. The England Berbatov claim the game’s only McManaman escaped punish- But the Tynecastle club, who midfielder, 34, now stands only goal in the 52nd minute when he ment for the foul, but Haidara had hoped to give their fans two goals behind Bobby Tambling converted Riether’s low right- had to be stretchered off and something to cheer following a in the list of Chelsea’s all-time top wing cross. Newcastle coach John Carver was turbulent season involving finan- goal-scorers. Spurs’ best chance fell to sent to the stands after losing his cial difficulties off the pitch and Hazard added a delightful sec- Jermain Defoe in the dying stages, temper at the half-time whistle. poor displays on it, were unable ond goal five minutes into the but his effort from Bale’s cut-back Earlier, relegation-threatened to force extra time. second half, exchanging passes met its match in a superb reflex Sunderland failed to capitalise The result makes up for the with Juan Mata on the right and save from Mark Schwarzer. on the dismissal of Norwich City heartache suffered by St Mirren drifting past Winston Reid before Coming in the wake of last goalkeeper Mark Bunn as they in the 2010 final when they were drilling a left-foot shot into the weekend’s 3-2 loss at Liverpool, were held to a 1-1 draw at the defeated by nine-man Rangers bottom-right corner. Spurs’ defeat left them a point Stadium of Light. and sees them collect their first Fulham dealt Spurs’ challenge below Chelsea and four points After Wes Hoolahan headed trophy since their 1987 Scottish for a Champions League place above fifth-place north London Norwich in front in the 26th Cup win. another setback by condemning rivals Arsenal, both of whom have minute, the visitors lost Bunn to Hearts had all the pressure in Andre Villas-Boas’ side to a sec- a game in hand. a straight red card when he han- the opening stages and Stevenson ond consecutive Premier League At the other end of the table, dled the ball outside his area. handed Hearts the lead with a defeat. Arouna Kone struck in the final Craig Gardner levelled fine finish. Having eliminated Inter Milan minute to give Wigan Athletic for Sunderland with a 40th- The ball broke to the midfielder from the Europa League on a 2-1 win at home to Newcastle minute penalty after a hand- at the edge of the box and he took Thursday, Spurs were bidding to United that injected fresh ball by Sebastien Bassong, but Chelsea’s English midfielder Frank Lampard celebrates scoring the his time before firing an angled tighten their grip on third place momentum into their quest to Sunderland could find no way past opening goal against West Ham United during the English Premier shot beyond Craig Samson with in the table and Gareth Bale had escape relegation. the visitors’ 10 men in the second League match at Stamford Bridge in London, yesterday. the help of a deflection off Paul an early header cleared off the Jean Beausejour’s first Wigan half. AFP Dummett. Hearts were left to rue their missed chances when St Mirren equalised in the 37th minute. Thompson fed Gary Teale down Five-star Real Madrid rally to beat Mallorca the right wing and he raced into the box and squared for Goncalves MADRID: Real Madrid assist- Karim Benzema at half-time again when Giovani produced And that miss was to prove to side foot home the equaliser. ant manager Aitor Karanka turned the game around as Spanish League another fine cross from a corner crucial as a rapid three-goal salvo It took just St Mirren just 50 said they must stop conceding three goals in six minutes from Spanish League Results on Saturday that was flicked on by Pedro Bigas decisively swung the game in the seconds after the restart to take poor goals from set-pieces as the Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric Real Sociedad 4 (Griezmann 33, 44, and headed in at the back post hosts’ favour. the lead for the first time in the Spanish champions twice had to and Higuain gave them a comfort- Agirretxe 39, Prieto 48) Valladolid 1 by Alfaro. Firstly, Ronaldo leapt highest final through Thompson. come from a goal down to beat able lead before Benzema rounded (Guerra 87) And things could have been to nod in an Ozil corner from the Dummett sent in a low cross Mallorca 5-2 at the Bernabeu off the scoring in stoppage time. Getafe 1 (Borja 7) Athletic Bilbao 0 even worse for Madrid at the right before Modric volleyed in from the left and Thompson, who Stadium yesterday. Although still in the bottom break as Hutton then glanced a a wonderful strike from fully 30 scored the winner in the semi- The visitors went into half- three, Mallorca had won their Real Madrid 5 (Higuain 15, 57, Cristiano header just wide as the hosts con- yards three minutes later. final against Celtic, got in front time 2-1 ahead as Emilio Nsue two previous games and went in Ronaldo 52, Modric 54, Benzema 90+2) tinued to struggle from set-pieces. Ozil’s impact was felt once more of Danny Wilson to lift the ball and Alejandro Alfaro scored from front after just six minutes as Real Mallorca 2 (Nsue 6, Alfaro 21) Jose Mourinho reacted by intro- moments later as he showed great high into the net at the front post. free headers either side of Gonzalo Giovani Dos Santos burst down Valencia 3 (Soldado 16-pen, Paulao 85-og, ducing Ozil and Benzema at the composure to lay the ball across St Mirren dealt another blow Higuain’s reply for Madrid, and the left and his cross was bril- Jonas 90+2) Real Betis 0 break, but it was again Mallorca the face of goal for Higuain to fire to Hearts’ chances when Newton Mallorca could easily have gone liantly headed into the bottom who had the first opportunity of in his second of the evening. made it 3-1 in the 66th minute. 3-1 up when Alan Hutton headed corner by Nsue. for Higuain to roll home the the second-half as Bigas spooned And Madrid finished with a Stevenson gave Hearts hope a just wide. The lead only lasted eight min- equaliser. an overhead kick over the bar flourish as Higuain crossed for minute later when he made it 3-2 Luckily for Los Blancos the utes though as Modric released However, Mallorca were still when completely unmarked just Benzema to round off the scoring. with a low angled strike from just introduction of Mesut Ozil and Pepe clear on goal and he squared posing a threat and went in front six yards out. AFP inside the box. AFP

Action from the semi-final match of the QSL Qatar Nations Cup at Al Wakra Sports Club. RIGHT: The players of France team pose for a picture before their match against Tunisia. France won 2-1, while in the second semi-final Sudan defeated Spain 3-0. Sudan to clash against France in final of QSL Qatar Nations Cup

DOHA: The final of the QSL Qatar programmes to capture the imagination communities. This has been very encour- Nations Cup has been decided after an of both current and potential football fans aging to see. exciting weekend of football. throughout Qatar. “Football is about respect, commitment Sudan sprung the shock of the tour- Speaking about the success and popu- and having the courage to develop as com- nament with a 3-0 win over Spain while larity of the tournament, Abdulrahman Al munities and individuals. We have a respon- France defeated Tunisia 2-1 to set up a Dosari – Chief of Commerical for the QSL sibility to help everyone in Qatar fulfil these great final. – admitted every aspect of the competition qualities through football. The semi-finals – which were held at Al had lived up to his expectations. “The residents of Qatar are passionate Wakra Sports Club – were the latest install- He said: “When we launched our about football. Our aim is to satisfy their ment in what has been a great tournament Community Programme recently, one of the needs – which is why we decided to use Al so far. key aims was to engage with people and Wakra Sports club for the Qatar Nations Last month the Qatar Stars League inspire them to become more interested in Cup. launched the tournament as part of a new football. “Now we look forward to the semi-finals community football programme aimed at “I am glad to say the Qatar Nations Cup and the continued excitement and high- engaging all communities in Qatar. has done that. We have seen many people standard that has been on show up until In an exciting partnership with Qsports, take part and enjoy the tournament, which this point.” experts in recreational sports and events, has been wonderful to witness. There has The final between Sudan and France and and supported by the Qatar 2022 Supreme been no shortage of passion and desire in 3rd and 4th play-offs will now be held on Committee, the QSL unveiled four new the games played between the different March 30. THE PENINSULA Monday 18 March 2013 6 Jumada I 1434 Volume 18 Number 5642 Sport Price: QR2 %-%!%&.-"&/0"/,#"%-1&,23!"!,*!04-%35,# *.$")"*6 LATEST NEWS UPDATES IN TAMIL Qatar to field South Africa TAMIL TIMES WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Middle East Edition ‘strong’ team edge Pakistan

at home event in third ODI Available every Wednesdays in all leading supermarkets and shops in Qatar & Bahrain Tel. : +974 44557622 / 44557623          Fax. : +974 44557759           !"#$%&'(")"*+&,)+(" Sport | 25 Sport | 26 email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Raikkonen tops Melbourne field 20th career win for the Finnish star in the opening Grand Prix of the 2013 season

MELBOURNE: Kimi and I thought at some point we Australian Grand Raikkonen won the Australian would need a little extra if the Grand Prix for Lotus with a rain came again. Prix Results at brilliantly executed race strat- “We are happy with the win but Albert Circuit egy as the new Formula One there’s an awful lot of work to do season opened with a thriller at to win the championship.” MELBOURNE, Australia: Albert Park yesterday. It was the first season-opening Results from Australian Formula One Grand Prix Finland’s 2007 world cham- win by a team called Lotus since yesterday: pion made the most of having to American Mario Andretti won make just two pit stops and was the 1978 Argentine Grand Prix. 1. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Lotus) pulling away from his rivals, hav- Alonso’s Brazilian team mate 1h30:03.225 ing just set the fastest lap time Felipe Massa finished fourth 2. Fernando Alonso (ESP/ of the race, when he crossed the ahead of 2008 champion Lewis Ferrari) at 12.451 line 12.4 seconds clear of Ferrari’s Hamilton who had an encourag- 3. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Fernando Alonso. ing first race for Mercedes after Bull) at 22.346 “It was probably one of my easi- leaving McLaren. 4. Felipe Massa (BRA/Ferrari) est wins,” said the ‘Iceman’, cool Red Bull’s Mark Webber made at 33.577 as ever after a 20th career win a terrible start from the front 5. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/ that equalled the tally of retired row, suffering telemetry problems Mercedes) at 45.561 double champion and compatriot on the grid and losing KERS for 6. Mark Webber (AUS/Red Bull) Mika Hakkinen. the first part of the race, and fin- at 46.800 Sebastian Vettel, seeking to ished sixth in his 12th attempt to 7. Adrian Sutil (GER/Force win his fourth successive world win his home grand prix. India) at 1:05.068 title this year, rounded out the The Australian said the team, 8. Paul di Resta (GBR/Force podium in third place for Red Bull constructors’ champions for the India) at 1:08.449 after struggling with tyre wear last three years, were not in throughout the race. as good a position as they had 9. Jenson Button (GBR/ Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen of Finland takes a bend on his way to winning the Australian Grand Prix at the The 25-year-old German had thought. McLaren) at 1:21.630 Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne yesterday. got away cleanly from pole posi- Vettel was more sanguine about 10. Romain Grosjean (FRA/ tion but the variety of strategies his results even if he had hoped Lotus) at 1:22.759 forced on the teams by the tyres for more after dominating quali- 11. Sergio Perez (MEX/ and the pace shown by Red Bull’s fying, which had been completed McLaren) at 1:23.367 rivals ensured this was never yesterday morning after torren- 12. Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA/Toro going to be a procession. tial rain on Saturday. Rosso) at 1:23.857 A few light showers contrib- “Of course we wanted more, 13. Esteban Gutierrez (MEX/ uted to an intriguing race but when you start from pole you Sauber) at 1 lap never threatened to disfigure it expect to win,” he said. 14. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/ as top drivers engaged in fierce “But we could see from the first Williams) at 1 lap battles around the circuit and the few laps that the tyres were fall- 15. Jules Bianchi (FRA/ lead changed hands with surpris- ing apart. Sometimes we have to Marussia) at 1 lap ing frequency. admit that other people are faster Seven cars led the race at than us. 16. Charles Pic (FRA/Caterham) at 2 laps one stage or other but after “I think the naked pace was Raikkonen hit the front for the there ... (but) we couldn’t keep it 17. Max Chilton (GBR/Marussia) second time on lap 43, it looked up and the times set at the front at 2 laps like only mechanical failure would by Fernando and especially Kimi 18. Giedo van der Garde (NED/ stop him. were very impressive and obvi- Caterham) at 2 laps “I had a very good car all week- ously we couldn’t do that.” Retirements end,” said Raikkonen, the former Alonso afterwards about being McLaren and Ferrari driver who held up by backmarkers as he Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Sauber): made his comeback last season attempted to chase Raikkonen Didn’t start after two years in rallying, on a down but was unable to disguise Pastor Maldonado (VEN/ podium of champions. his delight at his car’s pace. Williams): 24th lap “You just have to get through “We are very happy, we had a Nico Rosberg (GER/Mercedes): the early laps in the first race difficult start two years ago and Finnish Formula One driver Kimi Raikkonen (centre) of the Lotus F1 Team holds his trophy on the podium after 26th lap of the season. Near the end, I again last year but this year it’s winning the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday. Spanish driver Fernando Alonso (left) of Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Toro was still pushing because I knew different,” said the twice cham- Scuderia Ferrari was second while German driver Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull Racing finished third. Rosso): 39th lap Fernando was catching up a bit pion. REUTERS Qatar edge past Thailand in friendly

DOHA: A second-half goal yes- 2015 Asian Cup qualifier at the terday helped Qatar edge past a same venue last month. spirited display by Thailand in On March 7, Qatar thrashed their international friendly at Bob Bradley’s Egypt, 3-1, at Al Al Sadd Stadium. Gharafa Stadium. Diminutive striker Khalfan The game yesterday was part of Ibrahim found the net in the 56th Qatar’s preparation for two away minute as the home team walked World Cup and Asian Cup quali- off the pitch with a 1-0 win. fiers in the next seven days. Ibrahim picked up a pass from The Qatari squad will now Mohammed Elsayed and then travel to Manama to play Bahrain went for top of the Thai net with next Friday for the 2015 Asian a shot from inside the visitor’s Cup qualifiers. After that game, box. Qatar head to South Korea for a Both teams missed numerous 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying chances to score but Qatar striker fixture on March 26. Sebastian Soria was the closest to In a winning start to the Asian netting one with a deft deflection qualifiers last month, the boys that narrowly missed the goalpost in maroon overcame Malaysia of the Thai backline. 2-0 to top their group alongside This was Qatar’s fourth suc- Bahrain, who beat Yemen in the cessive win under coach Fahad Al corresponding fixture. Thani, who took over the reigns Qatar sit fourth in their Asian in late January. Zone World Cup qualifiers’ group Fahad replaced Brazilian Paulo with seven points behind leaders Autuori who was removed as Uzbekistan, South Korea and coach after Qatar failed to go past Iran. the group phase at 2013 Gulf Cup Also known as ‘Al Anabi’, Qatar in Bahrain. trail South Korea and Iran on Qatar’s Talal Al Baloushi and Thailand’s Teerasil Dangda vie for the ball during their international friendly match at Al Sadd Stadium in Doha yesterday. In late January, Qatar beat goal difference, with the Koreans Qatar won 1-0. RIGHT: Thailand’s Jakkraphan Pornsai controls the ball during the same game. PICTURES: SHAIVAL DALAL Lebanon in a friendly before playing one game less. crushing Malaysia 2-0 in their THE PENINSULA