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Home | 2 Business | 17 Sport | 25 Qatar Red Qatar National Losing Irfan Crescent Cement Company huge setback completes Gaza to raise production for Pakistan, college project. by 12 percent. says Misbah.

WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 • 27 Jumada I 1436 • Volume 20 Number 6373 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780

Awareness campaign CMC poll pits Single counter brothers against each other

DOHA: Two siblings might soon for all face each other in one of the 29 constituencies in the upcoming Central Municipal Council poll due on May 13. A preliminary list of nominees issued by elec- MoI services toral authorities yesterday show that five women figure on it among a total of 103 candidates. Number of online services to go up And interesting as it might seem, three of these women DOHA: Soon, a single counter nationals and wives of Qataris. have their first name as Fatima. at government services centres Al Ansari said that recently his The five women include the lone will begin providing all visa and department has opened a serv- woman CMC member, Sheikha Al related services, says a top inte- ices centre at The Pearl-Qatar Jefairi, from Old Airport ward. rior ministry official. Currently, and one in the towers area of the She is seeking re-election for the there are 19 services centres West Bay to cater to the rising fourth term from her bastion con- across the country, and they population in those areas. stituency and is among 17 sitting have separate counters for dif- The centres are besides the members of the civic representa- ferent services. online services of the interior tive body whose names appear on These services include issuance ministry which serve large num- the tentative list of nominees who and renewal of different types of bers of people. “The Metrash 2 are seeking another term. Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari and British Ambassador Nicholas visas, ID cards and residency per- service is particularly very popu- The two brothers who have Hopton planting trees inside the embassy garden. Olive, pomegranate and fig saplings were planted as part mit (RP), among other things. lar and has contributed to eas- filed their nomination and whose “We are gradually working to ing pressure on our centres,” the of the awareness campaign ‘Ghars’ initiated by the Quranic Botanic Garden, a member of Qatar Foundation. names appear in the tentative list make sure that a visitor goes to a official told Al Sharq. (Report on page 4) SALIM MATRAMKOT which will be finalised early next single counter at a services centre The ministry is planning to month, will be locked in a tussle and gets his work done. The sys- expand the online services for with each other if none of them tem of separate counters for dif- the benefit of people and eventu- withdraws due to family or com- ferent services will be removed,” ally plans to go paperless sooner Private hospitals seek right to munity pressure or the nomina- said Brigadier Abdullah Ahmed rather than later. These services tion of both or either is cancelled Al Ansari. He is the head of the will be available in both, Arabic due to technical or other reasons. Unified Services Department and English. Meshal Hassan Al Dhahnem which runs the 19 services cen- The official said his depart- import life-saving medicines and Ali Hassan Al Dhahnem might tres that provide many govern- ment was set up in 2007 and has see facing each other in the Old ment services, including issuance emerged as very popular ever DOHA: Faced with a con- and clinics say that they have the national health insurance Airport constituency in Doha in and cancellation and renewal of since. “We have added a new serv- tinuing shortage of several life been forced to rely on the HMC scheme (Seha). A number of a triangular contest with the sit- visas, RPs and traffic-related ice recently for companies. They -saving medicines in the local for several life saving medicines citizens now prefer the private ting member, Sheikha Al Jefairi, works, under one roof. can do the visa work for their market, leading private hos- since the private dealers are not facilities to the public hospitals comfortably perched. No one has The Department is part of the employees at our centres.” pitals are seeking permission interested to import them in bulk and health centers since they so far defeated her since she first General Directorate of Borders, In December 2014, for example, from the authorities to import due to the relatively low demand. can avail of their services under fought the civic election in 2003. A Passports and Expatriate Affairs Al Rayyan Services Centre handled medicines directly. Private hospitals are allowed to insurance cover. lawyer by profession, she had won at the Ministry of Interior, popu- some 90,000 visitors. “Everyone, Currently supply of medicines bring some medicines for emer- “Suppliers don’t have enough unopposed then. larly known as the immigration irrespective of where he or she in the country is channelised gency but the procedures are stocks of some medicines because The three Fatimas appearing department. stays, can visit any services cen- through the licensed dealers lengthy and complicated, they say. they don’t import them in bulk. on the preliminary list of nomi- The service centres issue dif- tre and avail our services,” said Al under supervision of the Supreme They are calling on the authori- HMC occasionally provides nees are Fatima Al Kuwari, who ferent types of entry and stay Ansari. Al Ansari said that the visa Council of Health (SCH). Hamad ties to review the entire system medicines to private hospitals challenged Sheikha in the last visas, including work, business clearance committee (for clearing Medical Corporation (HMC) also for importing medicines to sup- but not in sufficient quantities,” election in 2011, Fatima Yusuf and tourist, family and visit. They family visas, for instance) at the imports medicines for the pub- port the private sector. a local Arabic daily quoted Dr Al Ghazal (from constituency renew visas as well as transfer immigration department has now lic healthcare facilities and has The issue has now cropped Mohammed Al Emadi, director number 10, and Fatima Salem and cancel RPs. They also issue begun interviewing people through exclusive rights to bring some up with a surge in the number of Al Emadi Hospital as saying. Jesaiman, from the 15th ward. ID cards for expatriates and exit video conferencing as well. rare medicines. of patients at private clinics and Continued on page 6 Continued on page 6 permits, including to under-age THE PENINSULA Officials of several hospitals hospitals with implementation of THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

INSIDE Protest against settlements Page 9 Exit polls: Likud, Zionist It’s time for Gulf states to wake up By Dr Mohammad Union neck and neck Saleh Al Misfer JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime the ruling party taking 28 seats. Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Netanyahu’s Likud which was rightwing Likud party was seen trailing the Zionist Union of How long must we neck-and-neck with the centre- Isaac Herzog by up to four seats in wait for the HR law left Zionist Union in yesterday’s the final polls published last week, general election, exit polls said. outperformed all expectations by By Dr Rabia bin Analysts said the polls indi- staying in step with its centre-left Sabah Al Kuwari cated Netanyahu had managed rival. And in the coalition horse close the gap with his centre-left trading that will begin in earnest rival, and would be much better today, Netanyahu retains much placed to pull together a majority more room for manouevre than Solar storm may of 61-seats. Herzog given the backing he has Figures published by public from an array of smaller right- disrupt power Channel 1 and private Channel wing and religious parties. 10 television both gave Likud and “Netanyahu has managed to MIAMI: A pair of solar erup- the Zionist Union 27 seats each catch up in the final lap,” said tions over the weekend have in the 120-member Knesset, or Claude Klein, a specialist in con- unleashed a severe geomagnetic parliament. A third poll by private stitutional law at Jerusalem’s storm that could disrupt power Channel 2 gave Likud a one-seat Hebrew University. AFP and communications on Earth, A Palestinian returns a tear gas canister fired by Israeli troops during a protest against land confiscation by Israel lead on the Zionist Union, with See also page 7 US officials said yesterday. for settlements, near the West Bank town of Abu Dis near Jerusalem, yesterday. The storm ranks as a G4 on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scale of one to five, with five being the worst. “Today we are experiencing a Falling euro brings cheer to Europe-bound tourists severe geomagnetic storm,” said Thomas Berger, director of the BY SACHIN KUMAR trading at 3.92 Qatar riyal while in May last hotels and shopping will be cheaper for tour- of the US, is likely to raise its interest rates Space Weather Prediction Center. year a euro was fetching 5.07 riyals. ists. The fall in euro has coincidentally timed this year. This hike will make dollar further Residents of Alaska, Minnesota, DOHA: Tourists going to Europe from “Europe is a major tourist destination for well with the tourist season in Qatar which will strong as global investors will invest money Wisconsin, Washington, North Qatar this year will enjoy a welcome visitors from Qatar. London, Paris, Milan begin with the onset of summer. The deprecia- in US bonds to get higher returns. On the and South Dakota have already benefit due to depreciating euro — the and Rome are among the most visited cit- tion is likely to continue coming months due contrary, the ECB recently announced reported seeing the Northern official currency of Eurozone. They will ies by tourists there,” said a senior official to multiple reasons, believe experts. $1.2 trillion bond buying programme or Lights, and Europe is expected to be able to buy more euros compared to of Doha-based tours and travel company. “Euro has fallen 12pc against dollar so Quantitative Easing which will flush the be able to witness aurora from the a year ago due to sharp fall in its value “Those who are planning to visit Europe far in 2015 and almost 25 percent since European economy with additional liquid- storm by nightfall, officials said. against the US dollar. will definitely benefit from depreciation last May. The fall is likely to continue in ity that has pulled the interest rates down. The geomagnetic storm The euro has fallen around 25 percent of euro as they will be able to buy more coming months because of the bond buy- Currently a German 10-year bond is paying resulted from two significant against the American currency since May European currency. It means they will be ing programme initiated by the European 0.25 percent whereas a US 10-year bond is eruptions of the sun’s corona on last year. The Qatari riyal has also gained able to shop more in European city or will be Central Bank (ECB),” said a senior official paying 2.1 percent, showing that money will March 15. The storm is expected against euro in the same proportion as it is able to stay for more days,” he added. working in currency exchange. be flowing to US to chase higher returns to last for 24 to 36 hours. AFP pegged to the dollar. Currently, one euro is Buying tickets to European cities, staying in The Federal Reserve — the central bank and not in Eurozone. THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Emir reviews national Somalia Premier arrives Leaders greet Irish president investment strategy DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Minister and Interior Minister yesterday sent a cable of con- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser gratulations to Irish President yesterday reviewed Qatar’s bin Khalifa Al Thani, Executive Michael Higgins on his coun- investment strategy and lat- Member of the council. try’s National Day. est developments with regard Later, the council’s Secretary- Deputy Emir H H Sheikh to infrastructure and other General and Minister of Finance Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani projects and initiatives aimed to H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi told sent a similar cable to Higgins. bolster the national economy. QNA that the council followed up Prime Minister and Interior Qatar News Agency reported on implementation of its previous Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah that the Emir, chairing a meet- decisions. The Premier presented bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani ing of the Supreme Council for a report on “practical and legal also sent a cable to Higgins. Economic Affairs and Investment steps” being taken to implement which is directly under him, also the Emir’s directives to merge Sheikha Moza to reviewed latest developments Enterprise Qatar (EQ) with related to Qatar Petroleum (QP) Qatar Development Bank (QDB). open new QFIS and the petrochemicals industry. QDB is a state-backed entity This was the council’s first providing, among other things, building on Friday meeting of the year, at the Emiri financial backing to small and Diwan. Deputy Emir H H Sheikh medium enterprises (SMEs), DOHA: H H Sheikha Moza Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, while EQ was set up to specifi- bint Nasser, Chairperson, Qatar Vice-Chairman of the council, cally promote SMEs. Foundation for Education, was present, along with Prime THE PENINSULA Somalian Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke yesterday arrived in Doha on a several days visit. Science and Community Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi and Somalian Development (QF), will pat- Charge d’Affaires Mokhtar Ali Youssef welcomed Sharmarke at Hamad International Airport. ronise the official opening of the new Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies (QFIS) build- ing on Friday and the new QFIS mosque at Education City, where guests will perform mid- QRC completes Gaza college project day prayer. This was announced by Dr DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) the building was completed in record Aisha Al Mannai, Dean, QFIS, at has finished construction and fur- time. This will help us add classrooms a press conference at the QFIS nishing of a new building for College and enrol more students. The college premises yesterday. Dr Al Mannai of Ability Development in Khan will work hard to develop programmes said the faculty began in 2007 Younis, southern Gaza. and services towards its mission of as an ambitious idea of Sheikha The project is part of QRC’s pro- providing the local community with Moza, who wanted to establish gramme to develop and rehabilitate well-trained graduates specialised in a centre for Islamic studies that Gaza’s higher education institu- disabilities.” offers a moderate and ambitious tions with $5m from Al Fakhoora Engineer Abdullah Al Madhoun, image of Islam. Campaign and the GCC Programme QRC’s supervisor of the project, said QFIS started offering an exclu- for Reconstruction of Gaza, under the the $340,000 initiative involved build- sive range of high-value pro- supervision of Islamic Development ing and furnishing two additional grammes in graduate studies. Bank. floors, with special facilities for dis- There is an ongoing assessment Dr Jean Calder, Dean of the college, ability-convenient access. of the programmes to develop described the launch of the expansion The project, he said, will hopefully and update them in line with the project in 2013 as a distinct event, as achieve its goals of offering new edu- requirements of the era while it helped improve the college’s envi- cational tools for the management and maintaining values where the col- ronmental and educational settings. students, helping them do any activi- lege began programmes in con- “We had great difficulties in the ties and events on a larger scale. temporary Fiqh and Public Policy past. The old building was too small “I feel happy for the inauguration of in Islam. The new building will and not fit for disabled students. the building, which is very beneficial also accommodate the Education The new one is bigger and allows the for me as a student. The QRC-built City campus mosque. QFIS, a management to hold student activi- premises creates a student-friendly college of Hamad Bin Khalifa ties,” she added. She said the college atmosphere and connects classrooms,” University which is a member of seeks to introduce disability serv- said Afrah Al Garow, a Palestinian QF, supports QF’s mission to fos- The new building of College of Ability Development in Khan Younis is learning-friendly. ices instructors. “Both academic and student. ter a progressive society. administrative staff are happy that THE PENINSULA QNA WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 QC opens bakery, kitchen for displaced Syrians Qatar Charity to lay foundation stone for housing village

DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) opportunities and food support and QC for support for the dis- has opened a bakery and a for refugees in Turkey. placed Syrians and refugees. kitchen for displaced Syrians Al Kuwari stressed that the “We found QC with us side by on the Turkish-Syrian border. relief of the Syrian people is at side to serve this segment, espe- The launch was held on the the forefront of QC’s priorities cially when we are adjacent to final day of a QC delegation’s in light of the size and magni- the Syrian borders.” trip, in the presence of Kilis City tude of their suffering and said Bulent Yildirim, Head, the Governor Suleiman Tubbsz, QC was recently named the first Humanitarian Relief, IHH, said: local officials, Yusuf bin Ahmed in the world in support for the “I am grateful to the people and Al Kuwari, CEO, QC, and Sheikh Syrian people over the last three government of Qatar and QC Abdul Aziz bin Jassim Al Thani. years, according to a report from because they have spared no The delegation also visited the the UN’s OCHA. effort in the rescue and relief of Oncupinar camp on the border QC spent QR205m until this the Syrians, focusing on Syrians and distributed stationery to January-end, benefitting around displaced inside the country, who 6,000 students in the School of 4,218,000 people. are particularly vulnerable.” Peace in the camp. He also spoke of QC’s deter- In a statement, Ibrahim The cost of establishing the mination to lay the foundation Ali Abdullah Abbel, Director, bakery and kitchen in the city stone for a housing village for Relief Department, QC, said of Kilis was over QR2m. The the displaced in the city of Al the current projects were “the kitchen has a production capac- Rayyan in the coming days, first fruits of the ‘Competitors’ ity of 50,000 meals a day, while which will include 1,000 units, initiative. the bakery will produce 100,000 comprising furniture and shel- The initiative was established loaves a day. tering services, at a cost of by QC to involve Qatari youth in The bakery was funded by QR44m, in cooperation with charity work and allow people the ‘Competitors 2’ team which Turkish relief organisation, IHH. to benefit from their skills and over the last few months had Tubbsz, expressed thanks abilities in marketing projects collected QR12m in donations. and gratitude on behalf of the for the benefit of the affected in Both establishments will be Turkish government to the Syria.” Officials open the bakery and kitchen on the Turkish-Syrian border. run by Syrians, providing job Qatari government and people THE PENINSULA Consumer price inflation was Hala Egypt Key now permanent DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday and businesses looking to connect one of the best rates in Qatar. announced the Hala Egypt Key, to partners in the country. With the latest key, customers under control in February which offers customers the low- Since its launch, subscribers can save 15 dirhams per minute est calling rate of 30 dirhams in Qatar have enjoyed the lowest with the new 30 dirhams per DOHA: Consumer price 0.1 percent in February. The applicable from this year, four per minute for calls to Egypt, is calling rates to Egypt and were minute rate. inflation was under control data suggested that the cost of expenditure categories have now permanent. able to call local Ooredoo numbers Customers wishing to subscribe in February although price transport and restaurants and been either added after bifur- The hey, which was originally at 10 dirhams per minute. to service can activate Hala Egypt movements showed an almost hotels slid, albeit slightly in the cating the previous heads and available for three months from This is the latest of Hala prod- Key for QR2 per week by send- negligible upward curve over month over January. their weights readjusted. December 3, 2014 to March 3, ucts to help the expatriate com- ing SMS ‘EGY’ (English) and the previous month. Tobacco, medical services, For example, the ‘Rent, Fuel 2015), was made permanent from munity talk more for less as they (Arabic) to 121. But, if at all, that points to a recreation and culture (which and Energy’ category has been March 4 as part of the company’s stay connected with friends and The subscription will automati- trend in the months to come, include overseas trips for lei- renamed ‘Housing, Water, portfolio of international calling family in the region on Ooredoo’s cally renew every week, so that house rents must be carefully sure), communications (phones) Electricity and Gas’ and its services after an unprecedented bigger and faster network. customers can continue to enjoy watched. and education showed no weight has been reduced to 21.89 take-up of the offer. Previously, customers wishing benefits of great international Essentials like food, housing, changes in their pricing in the percent in the CPI basket from The key was originally devel- to call Egypt could subscribe to calling rates. To cancel the serv- utilities and clothing became month under review. the previous 32.2 percent. oped after strong demand from Hala International Saver Key and ice, customers can SMS ‘STOP negligibly expensive in February House rents continue to drive The reduction is because the the Egyptian community in Qatar make calls for QR0.45 per minute, EGY’ to 121. THE PENINSULA over the previous month, infla- price rise as evidenced from the earlier data used to be based tion figures released by the gov- fact that the CPI of February on assumed rents for Qataris ernment show. showed the rate of inflation who lived in their own houses. Housing, which implies rent down 0.1 percent over the pre- Current CPI figures are based and is clubbed in the consumer vious month (after housing, on actual rents paid by people. price index (CPI) basket with water and electricity as a cat- Eating out (as suggested by water, electricity and gas, egory of people’s expenditure restaurants and hotels), recrea- became 0.74 percent dearer was excluded). tion and culture (foreign trips month-on-month. This is the second month the for leisure) and usage of phones Clothing and footwear costs ministry has issued CPI with (cell phones?) by people have went up by 0.49 percent com- the base year 2013. The earlier been assigned more weight in pared to January, while furnish- figures were based on 2007 as the CPI basket, suggesting that ing and home appliances became base year. people’s expenses on these heads 0.38 percent dearer. The base year is changed are rising. The prices of food and bever- every five years to reflect chang- The weight of tobacco is ages went up by a negligible 0.2 ing social and economic reali- slightly down in the CPI bas- percent month-on-month, CPI ties and patterns of people’s ket, from 0.30 percent in 20027 data released by the Ministry spending. to 0.27 in 2013, suggesting that of Development Planning and The CPI basically tracks the people are spending less on Statistics for February show. prices of goods and services to smoking, apparently due to The overall month-on-month reflect consumer price inflation. increasing awareness. price rise was negligible — merely In the new CPI basket THE PENINSULA Georgian envoy visits Katara DOHA: Georgian Ambassador Ekaterine Meiering-Mikadze yes- terday visited Katara and praised activities which bring peoples and cul- tures closer and extend bridges of communication among them. She suggested a cultural event about her country and its culture and civili- sation, underlining the link between Georgia and the Arab and Islamic world throughout decades. She said the Arab and Georgian cultures are closely connected and that the Georgian language includes many Arab terms. She also praised deep ties between her country and Qatar on all fronts. Dr Khalid Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Director-General, Katara, said Katara always strives to find new ways of cultural cooperation to serve its cultural message. Qatar, Saudi ties reviewed RIYADH: The President of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, met Qatari Ambassador Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer Al Thani and reviewed bilat- eral ties. QNA WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME British embassy joins Quranic Botanic Garden campaign Three fruit-bearing plants mentioned in Quran planted at embassy garden

DOHA: Three plants which grow fruits mentioned in the holy Quran were planted yes- terday at the garden of the British embassy in Doha. Olive, pomegranate and fig plants were planted as part of the planting campaign ‘Ghars’ initiated by Quranic Botanic Garden, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF). Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, British Ambassador Nicholas Hopton and Fatima Al Khulaifi, Project Qatari Chef Aisha Al Tamimi (right) with her Turkish counterpart Baran Yucel. Manager, Quranic Botanic Garden, planted the trees. Ghars aims to preserve nat- ural resources, especially trees Festival to host first Qatari within their natural habitats. Quranic Botanic Garden is taking this opportunity to raise awareness about the value of culinary training course trees. “I hope the olive tree we plant DOHA: The sixth Qatar and the garden we create will be International Food Festival witness to success and impact Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr H E Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, British Ambassador Nicholas (QIFF), organised by Qatar of the embassy’s work. And will Hopton and Fatima Al Khulaifi, Project Manager, Quranic Botanic Garden, during the tree planting ceremony Tourism Authority (QTA) and provide welcome respite for as part of the planting campaign ‘Ghars’. SALIM MATRAMKOT Qatar Airways (QA), will host those working in or visiting the its first Qatari culinary training embassy for years to come,” said course. Hopton. knowledge of plants, botanical persistently urges people to blessings”. The Live Cooking Theatre at the The event coincides with this terms, and conservation prin- look after, care for and preserve The reference to fig in the festival will feature a course on how year’s British festival being held ciples mentioned in the Holy plants. first verse of Surat at-Tin is a to prepare local dishes, providing vis- to highlight social, cultural and Quran and Sunnah. The Sunnah considers plant- most wise one in terms of ben- itors a chance to experience authen- scientific links between the two Al Khulaifi said the Holy ing a good deed and one way efits imparted by the fruit. tic examples of Qatar’s rich cultural countries. Quran mentions plants in a of worshipping Allah. Planting The princely pomegranate, heritage. “This event is very symbolic metaphorical way to encourage could even be regarded as a ar-Rumm in Arabic, is men- The course will provide profes- to show respect to culture in the ethical conduct and good behav- form of charity. tioned in the Holy Quran as one sional hotel chefs in Qatar with best way,” said Al Kuwari. iour and to illustrate certain The Holy Quran describes of the many delicious rewards information and guidelines on how The mission of Quranic concepts such as life and death. olive as being “plentiful, sacred, awaiting in Paradise. to prepare traditional and innovative Botanic Garden is to promote Similarly, the Sunnah auspicious, providing countless THE PENINSULA Qatari and Gulf dishes. Kuwaiti Chef Fawwaz Al Omim. It will be held under the supervi- sion of Qatari cuisine expert Chef provide tourists a taste of delicious Aisha Al Tamimi and renowned local dishes. Kuwaiti Chef Fawwaz Al Omim at Al Tamimi is a celebrity in the field Museum of Islamic Art Park from of Qatari, Gulf and international culi- 2pm to 4pm from March 25 to 28. nary arts. She has published a series HIA holds blood donation campaign By organising the course, QTA of cookbooks, Mawaed (Banquets). seeks to diversify options provided An etiquette and hospitality expert, DOHA: As part of its con- for visitors by the tourism and hos- she is the host of cooking shows and stant support for the com- pitality sector. programmes on Qatar Radio and munity, Hamad International QTA will develop its hotel clas- Qatar TV and a writer of culinary Airport (HIA) organised sification system to ensure that all articles in Qatari newspapers. a blood donation campaign hotels in the country include tradi- She has attended culinary and eti- in collaboration with the tional Qatari dishes on their menus. quette courses in the UK and Saudi Ministry of Interior and Each hotel will be able to send Arabia and was the host of ‘Mawaed’ Hamad Medical Corporation one chef as its representative to the programme on Qatar TV aired for (HMC). course, and any of its chefs on any four years in a row. A fully equipped mobile other day of the festival. It is hoped Al Omim’s passion for cooking blood donation unit provided that this will allow as many chefs started during his university studies by HMC was deployed to HIA, in Qatar to become familiar with in Miami, Florida, where he gained along with a team of medical the local cuisine. Chefs will also be experience thanks to the city’s ethnic specialists. The campaign began required to wear their hotel-branded diversity. at 8am and continued through- uniform throughout the training. He started work by seeking to out the day, witnessing a huge The course is part of activities invent his recipes for the Khaleeji turnout of HIA and ministry to be hosted by QTA to encourage cuisine every day and providing staff. hotels to incorporate domestic culi- catering services to customers. Badr Al Meer, Chief nary culture into their menus to THE PENINSULA Operating Officer, HIA, said: “The campaign is HIA’s way of showing support for the medi- cal community and society. “It is an opportunity for HIA staff to participate in commu- nity service. Efforts like this are in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to con- tribute to social development and ensure a healthy society for the future of the country.” Officials at the event. Abdulaziz Al Mass, Vice- President, Commercial, HIA, impact on society as a whole.” Brigadier Essa Arar Al Al Mazrouei, Director, Airport said: “We are happy to be part Sadiqa Ismail, Medical Rumaihi, Director, Airport Immigration Department, said of this event, which gives us Manager, Blood Donor Centre, Security Management, said the he was very pleased with the an opportunity to give back to HMC, said: “Every drop of main objective of the ministry participation of HIA and its the community and help save blood is an important contri- to use this event as a platform staff, which shows its commit- the lives of many who have bution to saving one’s health in is to raise awareness about the ment towards social responsi- emergency blood requirements emergency and we are grateful importance of blood donation bility. Donors were screened to and suffer from blood disor- to our staff and every donor which helps increase blood ensure they met HMC stand- ders. Blood donation takes a for volunteering to help us save reserves and saves lives. ards of fitness to donate blood. few minutes but has a lasting lives.” Colonel Mohamed Rashid THE PENINSULA

Qatar Airways Holidays contest for GCC residents DOHA: Qatar Airways March 22 with winners being Greg Epps, Senior Manager, Hotels participating in the Holidays (QAH) has launched selected every month until June. QAH, said: “QAH specialises sweepstakes include Crowne a ‘Sign Up to Win’ competi- QAH works in partnership in holiday packages to destina- Plaza Doha, InterContinental tion for GCC residents. with transfer operators, tour tions across the globe. Our aim Dubai Festival City, Crowne Winners will have the oppor- organisers and some of the best is to create memorable holidays Plaza Dubai Festival City, tunity to claim one of 172 prize hotels in the world, providing by providing customer-focused Al Badia Golf Club by packages, including luxury city exceptional customer service service and quality customer InterContinental, JW Marriott breaks to Beijing, Larnaca and and a seamless, hassle-free care. Hotel Kuwait City, Courtyard Manila through to iPad Minis, travel experience. “Whether travellers are by Marriott Hotel Kuwait City, iPhones, five-star hotel dining, Four winners will have the looking for beach holidays, city Residence Inn by Marriott Qatar Duty Free (QDF) vouch- chance to enjoy QAH package, breaks or safari tours in Qatar, Kuwait City, Intercontinental ers and fabulous travel goody each including flights, a three- our team is on hand to help them Muscat, Riyadh Marriott Hotel bags. night stay in a five-star hotel and make their leisure time and Intercontinental Al Khobar. Residents can sign up to and hotel transfers. hassle-free to ensure a seam- The competition is valid for win by visiting QAH website Other prizes include 10 iPad less travel experience marking all residents of Qatar, the UAE, between March 16 and June 30. Mini 3s, 10 iPhone 6s, 48 res- an unforgettable journey. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Visit www.qatarairwaysholi- taurant vouchers for five-star “Join our competition for a Saudi Arabia, aged 18 and above. days.com or www.facebook.com/ hotels in the GCC, 100 goody chance to win one of QAH’s For full terms and conditions qatarairwaysholidays to enter. bags, including a leather pass- prizes and let us inspire your visit www.qatarairwaysholidays. The prize draw will begin on port holder, and QDF vouchers. next vacation.” com THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Schools Olympic finals begin today Hundreds of students from 221 schools will compete in 14 disciplines over three days

DOHA: The finals of the eighth The sporting action on Friday competitions in Olympic and it began in 2008. This shows its development of young talent is a memorandum of understand- edition of Schools Olympic begins at 9am with the top stu- Paralympic sports among stu- success and popularity and this key objective. ing signed between Georgian Programme will take place dent athletes in football, taek- dents aged 5 to 18. year’s finals will be bigger and Former participants include Olympic Committee and QOC. from today until Friday, with wondo, goalball and shooting Sports include tennis, shoot- more exciting. World Indoor High Jump This year’s programme also more students participating competing to become Schools ing, athletics, handball, volleyball, “It is our aim that the pro- Champion Mutaz Barshim, witnessed the nation’s biggest this year. Olympic Champion. table tennis, basketball, football, gramme spreads Olympic val- Rahma Al Dulaimi, who repre- Paralympic Day earlier this Hundreds from 221 schools Taekwondo athlete Ibrahim gymnastics, fencing, swimming, ues, educates through sports and sented Qatar in last year’s Youth month, with over 800 student will compete in the finals of 14 Al Oulan, 15, from Doha para-athletics and para-table develops healthy and responsible Olympic Games, and Mariam athletes from 66 schools taking disciplines, with the tennis finals Independent Preparatory School, tennis. members of society. Farid, the young hurdler who part in para-athletics, para-table today at the Khalifa International said: “This will be the third This year saw taekwondo “We hope to see more students this week won silver in the GCC tennis and goalball competitions. Tennis and Squash Complex, Schools Olympic Programme I’ve added, bringing the number of taking part next year and reap Women’s Games. Paralympic Day celebrated which recently hosted World competed in and they are always sports to 14. benefits of the programme.” For this year’s programme Doha’s hosting of IPC Athletics Schools Tennis Championships so much fun. I love taekwondo Mohamed Al Fadala, Executive The programme has grown to tie in with the theme ‘Sport World Championships by giving and WTA Qatar Open, and finals and still have my whole career Director of the programme, said: from 7,000 participants from 300 and Peace’ and as part of its students the chance to compete in all other sports at Aspire ahead of me. The programme “We wish all finalists the best of schools in its inaugural edition commitment to develop sports on the same track the world’s Dome. gives me an opportunity to test luck. We hope they will benefit in 2007-2008 to 26,454 from 461 worldwide, QOC has invited 20 best Paralympic athletes will The finals for best female my skills against the best ath- from experience in competing schools last year. students from Georgia for an all- compete in October, in the last student athletes will be held on letes of my age and this will pre- against top student athletes, It aims to introduce students expenses paid trip to attend the major event before Rio 2016 Thursday and those for male stu- pare me for coming competitions make new friends from across to sport at the grassroots level, finals, meet Qatari students and Paralympic Games. dents on Friday and will be open as I hope one day to be a member Qatar and enjoy the celebration educating them through Olympic share sporting experiences. The finals on Friday will also to the public. of the national team.” of school sport, creating mem- values and ensuring that sport They will have the chance to feature family-friendly activities The Qatar Olympic Committee Established in 2007 follow- ories that will live with them become an integral part of their tour state-of-the-art facilities by theme partners Reach Out To (QOC) is encouraging everyone ing the successful 15th Asian forever. lives. It also serves as the first and cultural landmarks, ensuring Asia (ROTA), a member of Qatar to show support for talented Games in Doha in 2006, the pro- “We are pleased with the level on Qatar’s sporting path- an interesting and educational Foundation and the programme’s young athletes. gramme comprises multi-sport growth of the programme since way and the identification and experience. This is in light of a partners. THE PENINSULA Qatari artist’s expo opens Minister meets Swedish envoy

DOHA: Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani met Swedish Ambassador Ewa Polano. He praised the Swedish embas- sy’s promotion of innovation. Polano invited the Minister to visit Sweden, its Symbio City, Hammarby Sjostad, and meet engineers to discuss the future Smart City in Qatar where Sweden can help. The Minister said the door is always open for Swedish engi- neers and construction com- Qatari artist Maryam Al Sada explains one of her artworks to Dr Khalid Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager, panies who would like to come Katara, Yusuf Al Sada, Chairman, Qatar Fine Arts Society, and other guests during the opening of her ‘Tale of a and give a presentation. Both Door’ exhibition at Katara Cultural Village yesterday. SALIM MATRAMKOT also discussed Swedish innova- tion and entrepreneurship and the initiative to open a Swedish Innovation Centre for Research & Development at Education City or Qatar University. The ministry would like to get involved in the centre as a start to get involved in projects. Swedish company Ericsson’s ‘Networked Society’ was also dis- cussed as part of a pilot project for future smart cities to be devel- Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin oped in Qatar. Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani with Swedish Ambassador Ewa Polano. THE PENINSULA

Vodafone staff join CMU-Q Language Bridges Programme for workers

DOHA: Over 10 Vodafone employees have volunteered for Carnegie Mellon’s Language Bridges Programme and are teaching English to 30 migrant workers at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) campus. The employee charity outreach initiative is part of Vodafone Qatar’s ‘Better World’ pro- gramme, the company’s corpo- rate social responsibility (CSR) programme, to contribute to community development through initiatives, such as World of Difference and AmanTECH, Vodafone’s online child safety pro- gramme, among others. In collaboration with Qatar Foundation’s Reach Out to Asia A Vodafone employee conducts an English language class. (ROTA) programme, Language Bridges provides free basic English language classes for communication issues, decreases help contribute to, at the least, migrant workers. With a two- self-confidence and hinders the the basics of language learnings.” hour session a week, the pro- opportunity to socialise. Volunteering teachers are gramme is designed to teach Dana Haidan, Head, CSR & expected to follow a detailed cur- functional English to enable Sustainability, Vodafone Qatar, riculum designed by Professor workers to communicate at work said: “One of the aims of Vodafone Silvia Pessoa from CMU-Q. The sites in case of an emergency, at Better World is to enable passion- curriculum aims to make the the exchange counter when send- ate selfless people to do good in lives of teachers easier because ing money home and other every- the community and connect them it requires very minimal teacher day basic communication. to opportunities where they can preparation. Volunteer teachers include reach out and help in any way The progress of the initiative students from CMU-Q and com- possible. This also includes our is reported at http://languagebri- munity volunteers from cor- employees to empower them to dges.wordpress.com/ and the pro- porate and academic entities. invest time to help others in need gramme’s Facebook page invites Over 300 volunteers have taught through connecting them to char- volunteers, fans and students to under Language Bridges and 700 ities and giving them a certain post comments. learners participated in the pro- number of leave days to support The community can support gramme since 2010. their charity of choice. the programme by giving funds There are over 1 million “Language barrier can some- for training teachers, providing migrant workers, mostly poorly times pause a considerable chal- an equipped training space for skilled and employed in the serv- lenge to many, especially in a students and donating educa- ice and construction industry. The country where there are over tional materials. language barrier triggers daily 63 nationalities. It is essential to THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME New policies soon to Al Ahli Hospital to open develop work culture

DOHA: The state is keen to develop work culture among polyclinic in Al Wakra its Qatari employees and for this purpose extensive policies are being put in place for skills DOHA: Al Ahli Hospital has the number of sections, beds, year. He said the Group has a development and training. announced plans to open a doctors, nurses, surgery and strategy to cover all parts of the The Ministry of Administrative polyclinic in Al Wakra as its obstetrics rooms and installa- country and further improve Development is busy developing first branch during the third tion of latest medical equipment. quality of services. benchmarks to assess the per- quarter of the year. Inclusion of the hospital in the A new polyclinic as a branch formance of public sector workers. The general assembly of national health insurance net- of the hospital will be opened in Extensive guidelines are being Medicare Group that owns the work and a subsequent increase Al Wakra in the third quarter of framed to ensure Qatar follows hospital on Monday approved 50 in the number of patients made this year. The Group is going to uniform rules of employment percent cash dividend for 2014, the hospital under pressure invest QR135m in the establish- across the public sector, including amounting to QR5 per share. but we overcame that through ment of a specialised bone cen- ministries, authorities and other Al Ahli Hospital Company, advance preparation reflected tre to be completed next year. agencies. now renamed Medicare Group in the expansions in different Al Emadi said the Group also These policies are being devel- Minister of Administrative QSC as a public shareholding sectors, he added. has plans to introduce new sec- oped by the ministry as part of a Development H E Dr Issa Saad Al company, realised significant The chairman explained that tions for the first time in Qatar broader and focused programme Jafali Al Nuaimi growth in five years in a row, a unified insurance agreement such as brain rehabilitation for human resource development Chairman Sheikh Abdullah bin signed with health insurance Sheikh Abdullah bin Thani Al centre (phobias treatment) and and job nationalisation. The ministry is coordinating Thani Al Thani told the gen- companies played a significant Thani, Chairman, Medicare Group upgrade the emergency section This was stated by Minister H E with other ministries and govern- eral assembly meeting at Ezdan role in collecting entitled dues Q.S.C., addresses the general and some clinics this year. Dr Issa Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi ment agencies to help implement Tower. for the hospital and this helped assembly. Jamal Hammad, Deputy CEO at a function at Georgetown Qatar National Vision 2030. The strong performance of realise the current profit. of the group, said the current University, reports Qatar News According to the Minister, edu- the hospital last year raised He disclosed that the hos- share of Al Ahli hospital in the Agency. cation should be linked to the job the net operational profits by pital has set a strategic plan Emadi, CEO, Al Ahli Hospital local market ranges between “We are framing a human market, including the public sec- 103 percent, from QR89.5m in to cover all parts of Doha and (Medicare group), said the 30 and 35 percent and this will resource development policy one tor, so in this regard the ministry 2013 to 181.5m in 2014 and this accordingly the number of beds company has doubled its prof- increase in the coming period. of whose aims is to upgrade public will cooperate with the education reflected positively on the divi- has been raised this year to 40, its for two years in a row and The general assembly services by focusing on training sector. dend distribution, he added. and some top specialists will be the hospital’s share in National approved the budget and the and employment,” he said. A leadership programme is The impressive results were recruited to add more value to Health Insurance Scheme board members for another He said under the leadership being launched to train heads achieved due to expansion of the its quality services. (Seha) reached 33 percent of three years. of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin of departments, their depu- hospital’s capacity by increasing Khalid Mohammed Al the scheme’s beneficiaries last THE PENINSULA Hamad Al Thani, the ministry ties and section chiefs to handle is keen to develop Qatari soci- their work, its pressure and their ety by ensuring an environment subordinates. that encourages hard work and Students of secondary schools creativity. and universities will be regularly He talked of the concept of told of what jobs the government ‘Mowatna’ (being a citizen) and sector has for citizens and what said it entails shouldering huge jobs are likely to be generated in responsibilities as a citizen and the near future and advise them contributing to social cohesion and to choose courses accordingly. development. THE PENINSULA Report: Facebook, WhatsApp most popular in Arab world Officials attend the general assembly at Ezdan Towers. DOHA: Facebook and WhatsApp lowest (4 percent) with the high- remain as the most popular social est preference in Saudi Arabia and media networking sites across the the UAE (12 percent and 8 percent, Arab world, reveals a new report. respectively) and lowest in Egypt (1 The report ‘Social Media in the percent). Arab World’ was unveiled on the Only 6 percent of total users SCH urged to sidelines of the Arab Social Media said they prefer Instagram. It has 701 benefit from QRC training Influencers Summit in Dubai. the highest preference rates in the resolve According to it, Facebook was UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain (11 per- DOHA: ‘I Am a Paramedic’ favoured by 39 percent of the cent each). Users in Syria and Libya programme of Qatar Red respondents. Two out of every least preferred it (1 percent of total Crescent’s (QRC) Al Khor medicine crisis five users in the Arab world said users). branch has so far served Continued from page 1 Facebook is their favourite. YouTube also has low preference 701 beneficiaries in schools, “The problem has been exist- Jordan tops in the preference for rate with an average 5 percent say- cultural centres, and social ing for long and we have been Facebook, where users accounted for ing they prefer it, the highest being organisations in Al Shamal. asking the Supreme Council of 63 percent, followed by Libya and in Qatar and Bahrain (11 percent and Launched in September, Health to intervene and find a Palestine (50 percent each). 9 percent, respectively). YouTube is the community training pro- solution,” he added. It was least favoured in Saudi not the preferred means for users in gramme plans to cover 19 Dr Abdul Azeem Abdul Arabia and Lebanon (24 percent Syria. Supreme Education Council Wahab, Medical Director, Al each) followed by Bahrain (26 The preference for Google+ is very (SEC) schools in Al Shamal Ahli Hospital, said there is a percent). low with (2 percent) of the total users during the academic year, shortage of some life-saving About 89 percent of Facebook saying they prefer it, and the high- with QR1m funding from Ras medicines in the market. “We users checked in daily, with the high- est rates in Morocco and Lebanon Laffan Community Outreach rely on HMC for such medicines est usage rate in Palestine and Iraq (4 percent each). Respondents in Programme (COP). but it won’t have enough stocks. (99 percent each) and the lowest in Palestine did not site it as a preferred The programme targets Mostly it says stocks are barely Bahrain and Saudi Arabia (79 per- means to them. students from the sixth pri- enough for HMC hospitals,” he cent and 81 percent, respectively). The report says LinkedIn is also mary grade through the third Al Khor KG teachers attend a first aid course. said. WhatsApp was favoured by 41 one of the low-preference means for secondary grade, teachers, Dr Osman Al Sayed, Medical percent. Nearly two out of five users users (1 percent of total users saying administrative staff and bus Primary School, and 22 at Al Preparatory School for Boys, 21 Director, Doha Clinic, said there in the Arab world said WhatsApp it is their preferred means). supervisors. Lectures and Khor Model School. students at Al Thakhira Model has been a shortage of some is their most preferred, with the LinkedIn has the highest rates of training are held on first aid Fifteen first aid trainers School for Boys, 42 students at children’s medicines and those highest acceptance in Lebanon and preference in the UAE and Bahrain basics and how to deal with were qualified to work under Abdullah bin Ali Al-Musnad used for anaesthesia. “Parents Sudan (58 percent and 50 percent, (2 percent each), while users in injuries. QRC organised two the programme. Secondary School for Boys, and are annoyed when we tell them respectively). Users in Jordan least Sudan, Libya, Egypt, Algeria, Syria, four-day training courses for The programme trained 30 64 students in sixth grade at Al medicines are out of stock. But preferred it (18 percent) and nearly Palestine, Iraq and Yemen do not per- 18 teachers of Al Khor Model students in the sixth grade at Khor Model School for Boys. this is not our mistake. 84 percent have access to WhatsApp. ceive it as a preferred means of social Kindergarten for Boys. They Al Khor Model School for Boys, The programme covered “There should be an easy Preference for Twitter is the networking. THE PENINSULA received theoretical and prac- 75 at Al Zubarah Primary, 19 students of Al Thakhira mechanism to open the door for tical training in first aid tech- Preparatory and Secondary Primary School for Girls and private sector to import medi- niques for different injuries School for Boys, 14 at Al 25 of Al Khor Primary School cines directly so that they don’t of young students and how Ghashamiya Primary School for Girls. Eight bus supervisors have to go to HMC or dealers to provide psychological sup- for Boys, 25 at Al Jumaliyah were trained at Al Thakhira or wait for approvals to bring port for the injured and their Independent School for Boys, Model School for Boys. Forty- medicines from abroad,” said Al Definitely Able forum and families. 75 at Smaismah Independent nine members of Al Khor Girl Sayed. It also trained 54 teachers Primary School for Boys, 49 Centre and 15 of Scout and THE PENINSULA at Al Khor Primary School for students and four QRC school Guide Association of Qatar Ilham Art Exhibition open today Girls, 16 at Al Thakhira Model programme members at were also trained. School for Boys, 32 at Al Khor Abdullah bin Ali Al Musnad THE PENINSULA Five women file DOHA: The Definitely Able find an engaging presentation of Conference and Ilham Art new works by local and UK artists, nominations for Exhibition open today at Museum inspired by MIA collection. Augmented Reality research deal of Islamic Art (MIA). “Through their eyes, it is possible CMC election Organised by Sasol and British to get a new perspective on being dis- Council, in partnership with Qatar abled, but also to see what is achiev- Continued from page 1 Museums, the events bring interna- able when given opportunity and a The fifth woman nominee, tional and local experts and artists platform to excel,” said Martin Hope, Amal Isa Al Mohannadi, will be together to discuss ways of increasing Director, British Council Qatar. pitched in ward No. 17. Fatima Al inclusion of people of all abilities. Minister of Labour and Social Kuwari is this time seeking elec- “The first day of the conference Affairs H E Abdullah Saleh Mubarak tion from constituency No. 9. will start with a discussion on legis- Al Khulaifi will deliver the open- All the five tentative women lation and how policy can help ensure ing speech while Lord Holmes of candidates have filed their nomi- opportunities and rights for all. Qatar Richmond, Paralympic Champion, nation from separate wards. has demonstrated leadership in eAc- will give the keynote speech. In two wards (5th and 28th), cessibility policy, and discussion dur- This will be followed by sessions on there is one candidate each (both ing the first session will explore other disability legislation, employability, men) and if they make it to the avenues to move towards inclusion inclusive learning technologies and final list of contestants, they may via international best practice,” said attitudes and disability terminology. be declared elected unopposed. Marjo Louw, President, Sasol Qatar. The conference continues tomor- Qatar Petrochemical Company and College of the North Atlantic – Qatar have agreed to undertake research The CMC poll committee at Members of the public are wel- row with sessions on access to edu- on the use of Augmented Reality (AR) for training oil and gas sector students. AR allows multiple types of the Ministry of Interior will hear come to the exhibition open during cation, art as a vehicle to change information to be superimposed over what we see in the real world through tablets, phones or glasses. grievances until March 25 and MIA hours from today until March perceptions, accessible museums and With AR, instructions or processes to perform tasks can be displayed visually, rather than having to read announce the final list of contest- 27. galleries and accessibility in Doha. through a manual and can reduce human error and time needed for task completion. ants on April 3. “In the exhibition, the public will THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 ‘Chlorine gas’ Arab Israelis vote to end Netanyahu era HAIFA: Arab Israelis formed long lines outside polling sta- tions yesterday as they turned attack by Syria out to cast their ballots hop- ing to end the six-year reign of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “This is the first time that kills six in Idlib I’ve seen so many people here to vote,” said Ehab Hamam, 37, as he waited with some 50 people at a Evidence of war crimes: Amnesty polling station in Haifa, a mixed Jewish-Arab city. BEIRUT: Six people, including attack. “This is the first time we’ve “For the Arabs, voting in this three young children, were killed experienced a poison gas attack,” election is saying to the right: We in an alleged regime gas attack paramedic Motea Jalal said. “We are here,” he said. in northwestern Syria late on grabbed the masks we had. They Israel’s Arabs, who account for Monday, a monitoring group and are for fires, not for gas attacks, just over 20 percent of the popu- opposition activists said. but that’s what is available.” lation, have long complained of The attack prompted out- He said that paramedics feeling disenfranchised. But this rage from rights group Amnesty retrieved the wounded and tried year, after the main Arab parties International, which said it was to wash the chemicals from the joined forces in a list tipped win as further evidence of regime “war bodies, adding that more than 100 many as 13 mandates in the 120- crimes”. “Three children, their people were in need of treatment. seat parliament, voters have been mother and father, and their Activists have accused the Syrian infused with a new sense of hope. grandmother suffocated to death regime of using chlorine — a toxic “I voted for the Arab list,” after regime barrel bomb attacks” agent that can be considered a said Nareen Tibi, 22. “We believe on their village in Idlib province, chemical weapon — on civilian that unity is a chance to make a said the Syrian Observatory for areas in the past. change.” Human Rights. In January, the Organisation The head of the Joint List that The Britain-based group said for the Prohibition of Chemical includes nationalists, Islamists doctors in the village of Sarmin, Weapons said chlorine gas had been and the Jewish-Arab Communist Isaac Herzog (centre) and Tzipi Livni (left), co-leaders of the centre-left Zionist Union party, speak to the media southeast of the city of Idlib, con- used in attacks on three Syrian vil- party described it “a historic day in Tel Aviv yesterday. cluded that the manner of death lages in 2014. The watchdog said it for the Arabs”. “Today we are giv- indicated a gas, possibly chlo- had a “high degree of confidence” ing our answer to racism and to turnover 10 percentage points to he said. “I’m voting based on the proportional representation rine, had emitted from the bar- that the gas had been used and those who want to exclude us,” 66 percent. “Today we are chang- issue that’s closest to my heart system. rel bombs. reported that at least 13 people had said Ayman Odeh. ing the rules of the game,” Hamdi — the Palestinian issue.” It’s time With smaller rightwing and Activists in Sarmin said chlo- been killed in the attacks. “When we have 15 MPs we will grinned. for change, he says. “The right religious parties likely to win more rine gas had been used and pub- Syria’s opposition National be able to influence the decision- Even among Jewish Israelis wing has taken over, so I’m hoping seats than the left, experts say lished videos of a chaotic field Coalition said the regime’s use of making, no-one will be able to there are those who are casting the Arabs can be part of a bloc Netanyahu has a better chance hospital where disoriented vic- chlorine violated a UN Security act without the third largest their ballots for the Joint List. formed against Netanyahu.” of piecing together a majority of tims coughed and held gas masks Council resolution adopted in party in parliament.” Three “People should vote either for If the slate manages to reach at least 61 seats needed to win over their faces as children cried March after the OPCW’s report. hours into the voting, turnout Meretz, the only socialist party 13 seats or more, it could end up backing for a coalition. in the background. The resolution condemned use of within the Arab sector stood at in Israel, or the Joint List,” said being the third largest bloc in It is Israel’s third election since They also published videos chlorine in the conflict and threat- about 10 percent, compared with Professor Yoram Barak who parliament — with Odeh very pos- 2009 and the biggest challenge yet of people trying to revive three ened action if it was used again. 3.0 percent in 2013. works as a psychiatrist. sibly the next opposition leader: A for Netanyahu, who is seeking a young children who lay motion- Opposition chief Khaled Khoja The news quickly reached “Only by connecting to the first for an Arab MP. Until now, third consecutive term but has less in the field hospital. The vic- condemned the attack on Twitter, Netanyahu. “The rule of the right- other — in this case our Arab he has ruled out joining a coalition seen polls giving Isaac Herzog’s tims appeared pale and covered writing: “The psychopathic dicta- wing is in danger. Arab voters are neighbours — can we find a way government. But he is keeping his Zionist Union a three-to-four seat in sweat, with dark circles around tor (Bashar Al Assad) continues going in droves to the polls,” said to start making true social change cards close to his chest. lead. But even if Herzog wins the their eyes and a clear liquid com- to kill by chemicals and challenges the Israeli leader whose Likud is in Israel,” he said. Israel’s 1.3 The last opinion polls published most votes, he will face an almost ing out of their noses and mouths. the international laws”. expected to come second to the million Arabs are the descend- on Friday indicated a narrow win impossible task to cobble together The three children, who all Ibrahim Al Idlibi, an activist centre-left Zionist Union. “Go to ents of 160,000 Palestinians who for the centre-left Zionist Union. a majority without forming a unity appeared to be no older than from the area, said two rounds of the voting stations, bring your remained on their land when the Some 5.8 million people were eli- government with Likud — an three, were pronounced dead. barrel bombs were dropped on the friends and families, vote Likud!” country was established in 1948. gible to vote, with 25 parties in option Netanyahu has ruled out. Pictures of their tiny bodies village. “In the second round, civil In Shefa Amr, another Arab In Jerusalem, 65-year-old the race for the Knesset’s 120 So far, the centrist Yesh Atid wrapped in white cloth were defence volunteers were trying to town near Haifa, political activist Jihad Ghanim is hoping to get seats. and the leftwing Meretz have shared widely on social media. protect the civilians by splashing Ahmed Hamdi said that by mid- rid of Netanyahu. “As an Arab But even if Netanyahu’s right- agreed to back him, but the Joint A video journalist on the ground water on them. But this is when day turnout was about 27 percent. who took Israeli nationality, wing Likud party does end up List of Arab Israeli parties has filmed the wounded receiving oxy- they started suffocating,” he said. Experts have said that by unit- there’s no other choice for me, losing, he could return to power ruled out joining a Herzog-led gen at a field hospital after the AFP ing into a single list could hike so I’m voting for the Arab List,” by virtue of Israel’s complex coalition. AFP WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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S Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko welcomed his Romanian counterpart Klaus Iohannis in Kiev Obama critics jumping the yesterday, the symbolism of the meeting was not lost Aon the world. Before the Soviet edifice came down after decades of Cold War, Romania was a strong Eastern Bloc ally of the USSR. Today, Russia stands isolated because of its actions in Ukraine, a former Soviet Republic. gun on talks with Iran Poroshenko is an extremely busy statesman these days. The confectionery tycoon has to run a nation with a flagging BY WALTER PINCUS Iran has been successful in freezing and plan approved by the Knesset, Israel’s economy and a volatile polity. reversing some elements of Tehran’s parliament. Ukraine has been for more than an year in the throes of a e’re witnessing a nasty nuclear programme. Later, the new Obama administration debate over the negotiations That agreement — extended beyond questioned the expansion of Israeli set- Russia-backed insurgency in its east. Wwith Iran over its nuclear its original six months and adhered to tlements. In June 2009, Hillary Rodham The Ukrainian parliament passed a key law yesterday programme. by Iran — paved the way for the cur- Clinton, then secretary of state, was giving special status to rebel-held areas in the east. The The framework for an agreement rent talks. asked about adhering to “previous measure is a vital step by Kiev in its attempt to restore peace between Iran and the United States No one today believes Iran would president George Bush’s letters, private and stability to violence-ravaged eastern Ukraine. and its “P5+1” partners is not expected accede to Cotton’s goal of ending all its letters to the Israeli government” dur- before March 24. The details — if an capability to enrich uranium. ing a joint news conference with Israeli Ukraine has become a test case of Russian hegemony pitted agreement emerges — are due by June Nonetheless, the freshman senator Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. against western attempts at breaking the neo-imperialistic 30. “Nothing is agreed to until every- got 46 other Republican senators to Clinton responded that, “looking at designs of a Moscow led by President Vladimir Putin,who on thing is agreed to,” Secretary of State sign his March 9 open letter to Iran’s the history of the Bush administration, Monday emerged in public after ten days of purportedly self- John Kerry said on Sunday on “Face the leaders. By now folks know the letter there were no informal or oral enforce- imposed isolation, which triggered a firestorm of rumours. Nation.” “We have to finish our negotia- said that any arrangement with Iran able agreements.” The offer of limited self-rule to rebels in eastern Ukraine tion, and we deserve the right to do so.” “that is not approved by the Congress Cotton believes “any common under- Critics, however, are not bothering (would be) nothing more than an exec- standing between two chief executives of aims at granting autonomy to a region that has been torn to wait. utive agreement between President different countries is, for all intents and between Russian influence and loyalty to Kiev. The move Senate Majority Leader Mitch Obama and Ayatollah Khamenei. The purposes, an executive agreement until by the Ukrainian parliament takes shape after the Minsk McConnell, next president could revoke such an Congress can play a role in approving agreement between Kiev and R-Ky, tagged the executive agreement with the stroke it,” Caroline Rabbitt, his communica- Ukrainian Moscow that came into force effort as a “very of a pen and future Congresses could tions director, wrote in an email. on February 15. The peace deal bad deal” on modify the terms of the agreement at And while Congress in 2004 passed a Cotton believes “CNN Sunday.” any time.” joint resolution supporting the letters, parliament’s mandates cessation of hostilities McConnell said Cotton, a 37-year-old Harvard and “the Senate never formally ratified it nod to a law and withdrawal of heavy any common the idea that Harvard Law School graduate who because of the type of agreement it was. weapons by both sides. the Iranians are served nearly five years as an Army As such, President Barack Obama was granting self- Offer of autonomy and self- understanding going to “keep officer, has instantly become a leading able to dissolve the agreement when he rule seems to be a promising their nuclear voice against an agreement. Yet, some took office,” Rabbitt wrote. between two infrastructure in of his claims require examination. Cotton sees the Bush-Sharon letter rule to rebel-held step in bringing to an end chief executives place,” as he put For example, on Greta Van Susteren’s exchange as representing “the same areas is aimed months of armed conflict that it, is unacceptable. Fox News programme on March 11, kind of deal the president is mak- has claimed more than 6,000 of different In fact, Sen Cotton said, “President Obama him- ing with Iran,” according to Rabbitt. at countering Tom Cotton, self has rescinded previous executive Therefore, she wrote, “absent congres- lives. Russia was however quick countries is, Russian to attribute motives to the R-Ark, told agreements, such as the agreement sional review or approval,” it “risks revi- Ukrainian move. MSNBC’s that (then-President) George Bush sion, rejection, or ignorance when the for all intents “Morning Joe” and (then-Israeli Prime Minister) Ariel officeholder changes.” influence. The law granting self-rule and purposes, last week that Sharon reached in 2004 — because it Two points are worth noting. says that it will only come into an accept- didn’t have binding congressional The current negotiations involve force when elections are held an executive able deal would approval.” more than two countries; seven nations in the rebel-held areas under the jurisdiction of Ukraine. mean “complete There was no executive agreement per are directly involved, plus the United Moscow took exception to this provision saying it violated the agreement until nuclear disar- se between Bush and Sharon. Rather, in Nations and the International Atomic Minsk agreement. Separatist leaders also came out against the mament by Iran. April 2004, there was an exchange of Energy Agency, which will conduct the Congress can They can sim- letters in which Bush agreed to change inspections. law saying it is against the ceasefire deal. play a role. ply disarm their US policy about the lines of demarcation Second, Cotton talks of congres- Pro-western groups throwing their weight behind Kiev in nuclear weapons between Israel and any new Palestinian sional approval but sees the lack of the protracted standoff with rebels supported by an unequal programme and state. Sharon agreed to withdraw Israeli a formal Senate vote as putting any enemy said the law gives de-facto recognition to the Russian allow complete and true inspections.” troops and settlements from Gaza and international executive agreement at occupation in the industrial east. That was the George W Bush admin- impose a freeze on new West Bank set- risk of revision or rejection by the next istration’s position beginning more than tlements. And both leaders reaffirmed administration. Ukraine has been raising the heat on Russia despite a decade ago. But despite multiple sanc- commitment to a “road map” to a two- The Obama administration has Moscow unsuccessfully trying to thwart the effects of tions, Iran steadily built up its nuclear state solution. clearly decided to gamble on the execu- sanctions that came after Putin’s Crimea misadventure. infrastructure and its uranium enrich- The House and Senate overwhelm- tive agreement route to avoid any imme- Ukraine has tried to weaken Russia’s hold on the east of ment capabilities. ingly passed a joint resolution sup- diate vote in Congress, probably because the country with the autonomy law. The provision of Kiev- Only the November 24, 2013, Geneva porting the substance of the exchange. an agreement would not be approved supervised elections in the law is a bold step that will ensure temporary joint agreement between the Sharon, in turn, included the Bush let- quickly by the GOP-controlled body. United States, its P5+1 partners and ter as part of the Gaza disengagement WP-BLOOMBERG pro-Russian rebels don’t get a long rope. The other side Quote of Energy security the day ITH the days now longer the firms using generators at peak in power. Fidel Ramos quickly brought significant dent in the problem dur- and temperatures rising, consumption hours during the sum- back steady electricity, although at a ing what’s left of his term. The main some areas have started mer months. The Senate and House high price – and the cost has not gone power plants are aging or inadequate Wexperiencing power of Representatives failed to agree down since then. to meet an ever-growing demand, The American people outages, in what is seen as a prelude on whether or not the added cost Today the cost of energy in the and it takes at least five years to build to the rotating blackouts expected incurred by the companies should Philippines is said to be the highest new ones. deserve all the facts this summer. The two chambers of be passed on to consumers. The in Asia, and is one of the biggest But the President can lay the about what happened Congress, unable to agree on details two chambers also disagreed on the disincentives to foreign direct invest- groundwork for attracting more of the special powers sought by duration of the special powers, with ments particularly in manufacturing. investments in the power industry. He in Benghazi. That’s President Aquino to deal with the the House wanting only five months In the past few years, regardless of can also provide incentives for boost- why it’s so important problem, will reportedly end their through July and the Senate aiming the season, parts of Mindanao have ing alternative energy such as wind second regular session without for the remainder of the President’s suffered from regular blackouts lasting and solar power. Within the remain- for Secretary Clinton approving the measure. term and beyond, until July 2016. several hours a day. Recently, rotating der of his term, there are still certain This leaves mitigation efforts at the So the President’s last two minutes blackouts started in Luzon. measures that the President can do to to turn over her hands of private companies participat- will likely be remembered for regular Even if President Aquino gets his lay the foundations for national energy personal server to a ing in a voluntary power curtailment blackouts – a scenario reminiscent of special powers from Congress, it security. John Boehner or interruptible load program, with his late mother Corazon’s final months seems unlikely that he can make a The Philippine Star neutral third party. US House Speaker WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 QATAR PERSPECTIVE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 It’s time for Gulf states to wake up Iran aims to convince the West that only it can protect Western interests in the Middle East, and BY DR MOHAMMAD SALEH AL MISFER that it will be ran doesn’t look for ways to the biggest and coexist with Arabs; instead it chooses confrontation. It strongest ally of the Iis surrounding you from all sides, its revolutionary cells eating West in the region. away at your home front cultur- ally, financially and in other ways. It is working to protect the Iraq that represents historic con- families and members of those flict between Arabs and Persians. cells while you are busy quarrel- All this is happening while you ling with each other. stand and watch. This is clear from the way you Saudi Foreign Minister Prince hunt down anyone who expresses Saud Al Faisal said last week his opinion or calls for comprehen- at a press conference with US sive reform, even through peaceful Secretary of State John Kerry: means. “Iran is occupying Iraq.” However, Look at your communities; how he didn’t mention what’s coming many detainees from the opposi- next. tion are in your prisons? Compare How about the borders of that with the number of those Anbar, which touch Saudi Arabia? detained for corruption, crimes, The deep trenches, barbed wire theft of public funds or wasting and minefields at the border will public money. You will definitely not hinder the Persians, who Members of the Iraqi security forces and Shia fighters celebrate after taking control of Saadiya in Diyala province from Islamist State militants. In broad find that the number of detainees gained lots of experience during from the opposition is double that the eight-year war between Iran daylight, Iranian Revolutionary Guards are roaming the land of Iraq. of others. and Iraq. Our great leaders, allow me as In Syria, they are working Oman, the pace of events is accel- supports them from within and Reports indicate that all records programme. Iran would seek from a citizen who loves this part of the alongside Hezbollah, which is erating. Iranian planes land in the outside. of talks between the Yemeni now till the end of June to expand Arab world, especially the GCC trained for wars in cities, moun- airports in Sana’a and the question It is not enough to arm tribes political parties, including the geographically at the cost of the countries, to alert you to the dan- tains and even deserts. They are is what do they carry? and support them financially to team of Ali Abdullah Saleh and Arab world. ger the coming days carry for you. preparing for a confrontation that The answer is clear: They carry take on the leaders of the coup in the Houthis, with the other Iran aims to convince the West You must hear my cry when I tell will happen very soon, I believe, soldiers and volunteers to sur- Sana’a. We have done this in the Yemeni parties move every day at that only it can protect Western you that “you are wasting oppor- in the Gulf. That is if we do not round Yemen. They carry weap- past and it wasn’t fruitful. sunset to return with directives interests in the Middle East, and tunities.” Iraq, Syria and Lebanon take the required measures to stop onry and military equipment of all It is worthwhile to pay attention to a Gulf counterpart, who in that it will be the biggest and were lost, and now Yemen is in the the Iranians from advancing from types to support the Houthis in to the youth of Yemen, who were turn conveys them to Saada and strongest ally of the West in the same track, and I think Manama Anbar to Saudi Arabia and oppose their mission, which is to control able to bring down the regime of then to Sana’a. This is a betrayal region. will be next after Sana’a. their plan to control Iraq. Ma’rib, Shabwah, Al Jawf and all Ali Abdullah Saleh, cancel the the Yemeni people will not forgive The Obama administration In broad daylight, Iranian tanks, Anbar also touches the borders mineral resources in the south and Gulf initiative and strengthen this GCC party for. wants to boost the chances of the troop carriers, rocket launch- of Jordan, a strong GCC ally if we east of Yemen. what remains of the government It is the duty of all GCC coun- Democratic Party in the next elec- ers, heavy artillery and Iranian deal rightly with it. Allowing the Houthis to receive that moved to Aden. tries not to let their hostility tions by telling American voters Revolutionary Guards are roam- Iran’s dominance of this part of more Iranian volunteers and sol- This does not mean we should towards the Muslim Brotherhood that it did not wage wars and kill ing the land of Iraq under the Iraq definitely poses a threat to diers will complicate the situation neglect the tribes, but we should to extend to the Reform Party in American youth. Also, it was able leadership of Iranian General Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Kuwait. in Yemen and stoke a long war in not bet on them. Yemen. The latter is a political to eliminate terrorist leaders such Qasam Soleimani, the real ruler So, is there a plan to stop the the country. Yemeni tribes suffer from pov- Islamic party whose project is to as Osama bin Laden and destroy of Iraq. Iranian drones protect military and sectarian expansion Yemen’s streets are surging erty. From past experience, I reform Yemen. I invite all parties Syria’s chemical weapons without these troops, and the planes of the of Iran in the heart of Iraq and with masses who reject the Houthi fear that the tribes will be with to cooperate with this force, which a war. And it is serious about pre- international coalition fighting the into neighbouring countries, and coup, even in Sana’a, the home of you during the day and with the is a political entity with tribal sta- venting Iran from getting nuclear Islamic State (IS) support them; to prevent the mass extermina- the Yazidis. The masses need to Houthis and Iranians at night, tus. Ignoring it as a force against weapons. and you are part of this coalition! tion of the inhabitants of Anbar manage this human flood objecting because both sides will pay them the Houthis and their expansion is In conclusion, if you want to Their first goal is to destroy in revenge against Arabs, in par- to the Houthi-Iranian dominance. money. a terrible strategic mistake. eliminate Al Qaeda in Yemen, Tikrit and whoever lives in ticular Iraqis? The GCC countries must agree on Leaders of the GCC, let me There are two weeks left to then destroy the reasons behind it. This will be followed by the In Yemen, to the south of Saudi a strategic and swift plan to bring tell you that your divisions give sign the “general framework its presence, namely the Houthis destruction of Anbar, a place in Arabia and on the borders of down the Houthis and whoever victory to Iran and the Houthis. agreement” of Iran’s nuclear and Ali Abdullah Saleh. How long must we wait for the HR law and retirement benefits?

that they are just meant to pacify The Authority is drawing up the public and lift people’s hopes rules to achieve social, human and for a better future through false economic development in line with promises. the 2030 vision. This is evident from the increase in the number Contradictory statements of of employers subjected to Law No the Ministry of Economy 24 of 2002 over the years. Yousef Hussain Kamal, the former minister of economy and Another contradictory finance, declared in the Arab News statement newspaper of January 11, 2013: In Al Sharq newspaper of ordinary year for the Authority I have heard — trusting the of pensioners, and noted that the “The newly drafted law prepared April 26, 2012, Turki Al Khater, and retirees in particular, as a speaker — that the military takes proposals were based on studies BY DR RABIA BIN SABAH by the General Retirement and Chairman of the General result of the well-intended Emiri keen interest in ensuring that its on expected economic and social AL KUWARI Social Security Authority, which Authority for Retirement and decision No. 50 for 2011 issued on retirees get their dues, while the changes in the coming years. is in progress, addresses many of Social Security, revealed the 6/9 of the same year that there civil retirement commission is less the issues faced in the implemen- content of proposals for the new will be an increase in pensions concerned about helping civilians What more does the citizen ataris often talk about the tation of the current law, there- pension law, which, he said, would for all without distinction or get their benefits on retirement. want? unconvincing reasons given fore maintaining the continuity be completed in a few days. He exception, in addition to deter- Differentiating between mili- Over the past few years, there Qfor the delay in announcing and sustainability of such funds said that the end of service and mining the minimum pension tary and civilian employers will have been inconsistencies in the the human resources and pension for future generations.” work-related injuries benefits before applying the raise, which cause a lot of confusion and raise statements of the former minister law, and the failure to approve He noted that the work aimed would be granted to the eligible answered many anticipated ques- legitimate questions, which I hope of economy and the chairman of “end of service” benefits, with the to create the best social security beneficiaries. tions and aspirations from this will be addressed when the new the retirement authority and the law said to be still under study. system in the world. He indicated He said in an exclusive state- fund because of the steady rise in law is published. current pension and retirement If anyone enquires about these, in a speech while presenting ment to Al Sharq that the propos- the cost of living.” commissioner. the common reply is: “It will see the annual report of the activi- als did not suggest reducing the He stressed that the body was The laws are on the Cabinet’s The question is who will bear the light of day soon.” This makes ties of the General Authority for years of service or the retirement doing its utmost to improve com- table since 2012 the consequences of this unex- a lot of employees and retirees Retirement and Pensions for the age; the age of 60 was suitable and munication with employers and The web page of the Ministry of plained delay and procrastination in the state complain about the year 2011 that it was carrying out would remain unchanged. increase its visibility for the sake of Justice published a news item on regarding the retirement and delay as they do not know what analytical and empirical studies to Regarding the new pension law, maintaining the fund’s resources. April 26, 2012 which indicates that human resources law? is blocking the issuance of these improve the law in order to ensure there was a project to modify the Al Khater stressed that the the law has been on the Cabinet’s The other important question laws, which are critical to every a good standard of living for the current law, but the amendments authority always looked for the table for about three years. is, isn’t it the citizen’s right to employee and retiree. beneficiaries and their dependents, number 40 and the authorities felt betterment of the country and its Responding to reporters’ ques- enjoy their benefits while alive? These delays could get longer and equal and fair benefits to all. that a new law would not be pos- citizens. tions at a press conference about What is the use of receiving such due to the recent drop in oil prices, He said that the best example sible because there were too many This is what I have to say in issues raised by newspapers, benefits after death? but that factor should not stop was the pension hike based on a amendments. this regard: The betterment of including citizens accusing the This is what Qatar National quick issuance of the law, which flat rate for all retirees from the With regard to end of serv- the country and its citizens must Authority of inability to improve Vision 2030 calls for; to improve is long overdue. government and non-government ice benefits, Al Khater said that be done sincerely and logically, not the life of retirees, and it not hav- the life of citizens by providing A few years ago, some state sectors. He said the report was a the human resources law stipu- through empty talk that is fit only ing a role in proposals put forward them all means to live a decent officials said that the pension law means of communication between lated that it was not permissible for media reports. for amending the new social secu- life in this rich country, whose first would be announced in the near the Authority and the community, to give a bonus to the employee rity law, Al Khater said that the concern is to serve all segments future and it would be the best and it was everyone’s right to that had been deducted from his Military retirement law better new law for retirement and social of society and future generations. social security system in the world. know what was happening. salary. Therefore, the retirement than the civil one security was in its final stages. “It Employees and retired citi- “It would be the best, it is in the He said the body was moving body would work with the human Perhaps one of the points to will be presented, once and for all, zens want speedy issuance of the process of being approved, and it towards achieving the goals of resources amendment committee mention concerning the pension to the General Secretariat of the aforementioned law and don’t will soon be established,” said a Qatar National Vision 2030 by on this matter and address this law is that the military retirement Council of Ministers next month.” want to hear any more promises statement issued years ago. expanding social security coverage discrepancy. commission is better and provides He said that the Authority had and explanations of the law being Similar statements have been to all citizens working in various In the same context, Al Khater more care than the civil retire- made sure that the bill’s propos- under study, which are causing made repeatedly, which indicates sectors in the country. had said earlier: “2011 was no ment commission. als would improve the condition despair. WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 MIDDLE EAST 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

West Bank clashes Houthis replace Libya general air force chief in power struggle

SANA’A: The Shia Houthis, who control much of Yemen, have vows to seize removed the Air Force chief for refusing to provide them with air support and replaced him with a general who is closer to their group, military officials said. Benghazi The move shines a light on the divisions in Yemen’s shat- tered military as the Iran-backed Houthis and embattled President Wider foreign support urged AbdRabuh Mansur Hadi vie for control. Hadi fled Houthi house AL MARJ: Libya’s new army not and would not interfere in arrest last month and re-estab- chief Khalifa Haftar yesterday the political process because it lished his presidency in the promised his forces would seize is the guardian and protector southern port of Aden, while the Benghazi from Islamist militias against anyone trying to disrupt Houthis control Sana’a. within a month and called for the democratic process by force.” Major General Rashid Al Jund wider support from the inter- Haftar added he plans to along with the Air Force’s chief of national community. rebuild his military’s infrastruc- staff was dismissed on Monday and In an interview at his military ture to match “modern” stand- placed under investigation by the compound, about 100km north- ards, while fighting Islamist A Palestinian man is detained by members of the Israeli security forces during clashes following a march Supreme Security Council, a body east of here, he said his forces militias at the same time. Since attended by Palestinian, Israeli and foreign demonstrators against what the Palestinians say is land confisca- formed by the Houthis, the military would press to take the city by the 2011 overthrow of Gaddafi, tion by Israel for the building of Jewish settlements, near the West Bank town of Abu Dis, yesterday. sources said. He was replaced by the middle of April and urged Libya has been wracked by con- Brigadier General Khader Salem, the international community to flict, with rival governments and whom the officials said was more “stand with the Libyan army”. powerful militias battling for con- sympathetic to the Houthis. “We will end in very little trol of key cities and the coun- The advance of the group into time the presence of the enemy try’s oil riches. The North African the capital in September and to and terrorists in the region. country has two parliaments and other regions, mainly in central Operations in the city of Benghazi two governments. Egyptian policeman charged and eastern Yemen, has been met will end before the middle of next The internationally recog- with resistance from armed Sunni month,” Haftar said. nised legislature was elected in tribes, some of whom are backed “No doubt the international June and is based in the eastern by Al Qaeda militants. community knows the depth of city of Tobruk, while the rival over shooting of protester REUTERS the crisis Libya is experiencing Islamist-backed General National since the overthrow of Muammar Congress is in the capital, Tripoli. Gaddafi, with the absence of law, The Tobruk government has CAIRO: An Egyptian police and a witness to the moment she have made a comeback and now Top Tunisian public order and the rise of mili- repeatedly asked the UN Security officer was charged yesterday was murdered, I say that Shaimaa act with impunity, a charge the tant groups” linked to the Islamic Council sanctions committee to over the shooting of a young was killed again today with the Interior Ministry denies. Nearly militant killed State organisation, he said. lift an arms embargo imposed fol- mother at a protest in central prosecution’s decision.” all the 100 policemen tried for Haftar, 72, was sworn in on lowing the 2011 uprising. Cairo, weeks after a photograph But state news agency MENA killing protesters in the 2011 TUNIS: One of Tunisia’s most March 9 as the new army chief Britain, France and the United of her bleeding to death went quoted Prime Minister Ibrahim revolt were acquitted. wanted men, a senior com- in conflict-ridden Libya and pro- States oppose scrapping the viral and caused an interna- Mehleb as saying the decision The public prosecutor also mander of Islamic State mili- moted to general, a week after his embargo, arguing that it would tional outcry. proved no one was above the law. charged 16 people, including tants in Libya, has been killed nomination by the elected parlia- fuel violence, but diplomats have Shaimaa Sabbagh, 32, was shot “We will not allow anybody, who- members of the now outlawed fighting with Libyan forces near ment. He said that Islamist mili- stressed that arms contracts can in January at a march marking ever he is, to escape punishment, Brotherhood, with killing and the city of Sirte, Tunisian secu- tias have flourished in the absence be approved by the sanctions com- the anniversary of the uprising as long as he was proven guilty by inciting violence in connection rity sources said yesterday. of public institutions, “pushing mittee on a case-by-case basis. that ousted veteran ruler Hosni the fair judiciary,” he added. with the deaths of 19 soccer fans The death of Ahmed Rouissi the country further towards Earlier this month the United Mubarak in 2011. The public pros- Lawyers said that depending on who clashed with security forces confirms the growing importance extremism and terrorism” and Nations put on hold its approval ecutor said in a statement she was which article of the penal code is last month. In another case, the of foreign fighters in the Libyan “stripping Libyans of life, security to allow the internationally backed killed by an officer who fired bird- applied to the unidentified officer, prosecutor said an investigation conflict. “According to the infor- and development”. government in Libya to buy fighter shot to try to disperse the protest. the sentence could range from into the death of an activist in mation we have, we can say Rouissi He said the offensive in jets. Last week EU foreign minis- The prosecutor sent the case three to 10 years. 2013 showed he died as a result has been killed in the most recent Benghazi, which he has dubbed ters gave the green light for the for trial in a criminal court, a President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi of a car accident, contradicting fighting in Sirte,” a Tunisian secu- Operation Dignity, was to “answer bloc to prepare a possible security rare action against a member of had responded to the fury over accounts by two security sources rity source said. Rouissi was a top the repeated calls of the Libyan mission in Libya once the country’s the security forces, on a charge of Sabbagh’s killing by referring to at the time that he was beaten member of Tunisia’s Ansar Al people for the return of the warring factions agree a national action that “led to the death of” her as “my daughter” and “the unconscious in detention. Sharia extremist group branded army to combat terrorism in unity government, as talks between Sabbagh — a lesser charge than daughter of Egypt”, and promised Critics say Sisi has returned as terrorists by Washington. the region”. Last May, Haftar them continue. Talks between murder. Supporters said that was to bring her killers to justice. The Egypt to authoritarian rule on the Tunisia also said that it had launched an offensive against the rival parliaments on form- too lenient. interior minister at the time of pretext of clamping down on mili- dismantled a recruiting cell send- Islamists in the country’s east ing a unity government are due Fellow activist and lawyer Sayed Sabbagh’s death was sacked this tants who have killed hundreds ing jihadis to fight in Libya and focused on Benghazi but has so to resume tomorrow in Morocco, Abu El-Ila, who was photographed month for unspecified reasons. of soldiers and policemen since arrested dozens in part of tighter far failed to take the city. the United Nations has said. with Sabbagh dying in his arms, Critics say the police, whose Mohamed Mursi’s ouster. security and border controls to He said “the Libyan army does AFP said: “As a friend, a party colleague power waned as Mubarak fell, REUTERS counter Islamist militants. AFP

UN investigators US Air Force vet charged to share names with Syria jihad conspiracy

of Syria war NEW YORK: A US Air Force veteran has been charged on two counts for trying to join Islamic State jihadists in Syria after being crimes suspects sacked as a plane mechanic, prosecutors announced yesterday. Tairod Pugh, 47, from New Jersey, travelled from Egypt to Turkey GENEVA: UN investiga- in January in an attempt to cross the border into Syria to join IS, tors offered yesterday to share but was intercepted and sent back to Egypt, prosecutors said. After information from secret lists he was deported back to the United States, US agents impounded of alleged Syria war criminals his laptop and allegedly discovered he had been watching IS propa- with prosecutors, to help bring ganda and browsing the Internet on how to infiltrate Syria. He was perpetrators to justice. arrested on January 16 and faces a maximum 35 years in prison if The commission of inquiry on convicted of attempting to provide material support to a foreign the human rights situation in terrorist organisation and obstruction of justice. Syria has been compiling lists of people suspected of committing war crimes in the brutal Syrian Egypt to end on-arrival visas conflict for the past four years, but CAIRO: Egypt will stop issuing on-arrival visas to tourists travel- kept them secret for use in future ling alone, officials said, in a move aimed at bolstering border security prosecution. The investigators have but prompting fears that tourism revenues could be harmed. Groups A Shia fighter from Hashid Shaabi inspects the demolished tomb of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein in the repeatedly appealed to a blocked travelling with tour operators will be exempted from the measure, Iraqi town of Ouja, near Tikrit, yesterday. UN Security Council to refer the which goes into effect on May 15, but others will have to apply at con- cases to the International Criminal sulates abroad, tourism and foreign ministry officials said. The coun- Court, but in vain. try is trying to woo back tourists after almost four years of unrest. Frustrated with the standstill, Between five and seven percent of them arrived alone, tourism min- Iraq’s Tikrit offensive stalled the head of the commission Paulo istry spokeswoman Rasha Al Azayzi said. “It is certainly a decision Pinheiro said the investigators related to security,” she said, confirming that only groups that have SAMARRA: Iraq’s offensive to The assault on Tikrit, capital the middle. Adnan Yunis, spokes- would share information from booked with tour operators may still receive the visas at airports. retake Tikrit from the Islamic of Salaheddin province, began on man for the Red Crescent in the lists with prosecutors in any State group was stalled yes- March 2. Loyalists had already Salaheddin, said only a maximum country preparing cases. terday because of streets and failed three times retake the 20 percent of Tikrit’s pre-conflict Presenting the commission’s lat- Progress in nuclear talks: Iran buildings rigged with booby city, the hometown of Saddam population is believed to remain est report on the situation in Syria LAUSANNE: Uncertainty reigned at crunch US-Iran nuclear talks trap bombs and by the several Hussein, which was captured by in the city. There are “no more to the UN Human Rights Council, yesterday as US officials warned that key differences remained but hundred jihadists still holding IS last summer. than 30,000, probably quite a bit Pinheiro urged national authorities Tehran said that almost all technical issues were resolved ahead of out there. Interior Minister Mohammed less”, he said. preparing to try cases linked to the a March 31 deadline for the outlines of a deal. “We have agreed on Troops, police and militia fairly Ghabban said the operation had “They are people who stayed Syria conflict to get in touch. 90 percent of the technical issues,” Iran’s nuclear chief Ali Akbar easily boxed the jihadists in over been halted to avoid casualties because they do not have enough But the investigators stressed Salehi said from the marathon negotiations at the Swiss lakeside city recent days, but mopping them up and to protect infrastructure. But money to leave, they don’t have to reporters they would only share here. “In most of the issues we have come to mutual agreements — we is proving to be far harder. it is unclear how anything other a car, they have a disability or information from the lists with have differences only in one major issue which we will try to solve in “The battle to retake Tikrit will than an extended siege would because they chose to cooperate” “competent authorities” about this evening’s meeting” between Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad be difficult because of the prepa- achieve either of those objectives, with IS, Yunis said. “very specific” suspected perpetra- Javad Zarif and US Secretary of State John Kerry, Salehi said. rations (IS) made,” said Jawwad unless there is additional external Iraq has formed paramili- tors. This “cannot be considered a Al Etlebawi, spokesman for Asaib support, such as air strikes. tary units dubbed the Popular fishing expedition,” Pinheiro said. Ahl Al Haq, a Shia militia playing Staff Lieutenant General Mobilisation forces to fight along- The investigators have refused UN, Sudan in talks on Darfur force a major role in the operation. Abdulwahab Al Saadi, commander side security forces. to say whether Syrian President UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations and Sudan began talks in “They planted bombs on all the for Salaheddin, said his forces in IS posted pictures yesterday Bashar Al Assad or any of his Khartoum yesterday to prepare for an eventual orderly withdrawal streets, buildings, bridges, every- Tikrit needed air support from of the beheading of four men close aides are on the list, but of UN/African Union peacekeepers from Darfur, a senior UN offi- thing... Our forces were stopped the US-led coalition. He said he it said were recruiters for the former UN rights chief Navi cial said. Herve Ladsous, head of UN peacekeeping, said the team in by these defensive preparations,” had asked the defence ministry to units. The images show the men Pillay, who was safeguarding the Khartoum would set up a working group that would “look at the proc- he said. “We need forces trained request air support, but that none dressed in black kneeling in an names, said more than a year ess for the exit of UNAMID (UN-African Union Mission in Darfur) in urban warfare to break in,” had yet been forthcoming. empty street with knife-wielding ago that “the evidence indicates eventually”. Deployed since 2007, UNAMID currently numbers some he said, adding that the jihadists The longer the operation drags militants standing behind them, responsibility at the highest level 15,000 police and military personnel and 5,000 civilians, making it one are surrounded and that “any on, the longer civilians remain- after which they are pictured of government, including the of the largest peacekeeping missions in the world. besieged person fights fiercely”. ing in Tikrit twill be caught in being beheaded. AFP head of state”. AFP AGENCIES WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 EUROPE / AMERICAS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Russia rules out handing back Crimea Moscow stages Ukraine offers limited huge military exercises self-rule for rebel east KIEV: Ukraine’s parliament the Minsk agreements,” a separa- MOSCOW: Russia ruled voted yesterday to offer limited tist official, Alexei Karyakin, was out handing Crimea back self-rule to pro-Russian rebels quoted as saying by the Russian to Ukraine yesterday and a in the east to try to preserve news agency RIA Novosti. He said Defence Ministry official said Western support for peace Kiev planned “new bloodshed”. nuclear-capable long-range efforts, despite some deputies The pro-Western leadership bombers were being sent to the saying it would give separatists bulldozed the law through par- Black Sea peninsula as part of more scope to tighten their grip liament to show its good faith to war games. on the region. the West — whose financial and The huge military exercises, The law granting “special sta- political backing it needs to pre- in which the Northern Fleet was tus” to “people’s republics” pro- vent Ukraine breaking up — even put on full alert on Monday and claimed by the separatists was a at the risk of shaking the consen- will range from the Arctic to the follow-up to a peace agreement sus in the assembly. Black Sea, appear to be a show of worked out in Belarus last month. “We are adopting these laws force and defiance on the anniver- Western governments say the not for Putin or the occupiers. sary of the annexation of Crimea. Minsk agreement is still the best The position of Europe towards Russia’s parliament approved opportunity for a lasting settle- Ukraine will be defined in terms the annexation on March 21 last ment to a conflict in which more of its readiness to fulfil the Minsk year after Russian forces took than 6,000 people have been killed. agreements,” Andriy Parubiy, par- control of the peninsula, which But Kiev’s insistence that liament’s vice-speaker and an ally is home to Russia’s Black Sea the law should come into force of President Petro Poroshenko, Fleet, and residents backed join- Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall to attend a meeting of the Russian Pobeda (Victory) Organising only when elections are held in told journalists. ing the Russian Federation in a Committee in the Kremlin in Moscow yesterday. the eastern territories under But other pro-Western factions, referendum. Ukrainian jurisdiction drew including that of former prime Dismissing a US pledge to exercises would include the of the crisis in Ukraine, where military build-up on NATO’s immediate criticism from Russia, minister Yulia Tymoshenko, keep economic sanctions in place deployment of Tu-22M3 bomb- Russia backs separatists fighting doorstep in Kaliningrad is also a whose forces Kiev says are arming spoke out against the law. “This on Russia over the annexation, ers in Crimea. The official also Kiev’s forces. concern for the Western alliance, and backing the rebels. law is a vote for de-facto recogni- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry said long-range Iskander ballistic General Valery Gerasimov, while the Arctic’s mineral riches Russian Foreign Minister tion of the Russian occupation in Peskov said: “Crimea is a region missiles were being sent to the chief of the General Staff of the and energy reserves ensure that Sergei Lavrov, speaking in Donbass,” said Oleg Lyashko of of the Russian Federation and of Kaliningrad exclave bordering Armed Forces, said in January territory there is contested by Moscow, said the law was a “sharp the Radical Party, using a com- course the subject of our regions NATO members Lithuania and that Crimea, Kaliningrad and several nations. departure from the Minsk agree- mon term for describing the is not up for discussion.” Poland for the war games, which the Arctic would be priority areas Russian forces seized control ments” because it tied “special industrial east. Russia announced the start of also involve the Baltic Fleet and this year as the military strength- of Crimea after the overthrow status” to elections in which the The parliamentary session took military drills on Monday involv- the Southern Military District. ens its combat capabilities. of a Ukrainian president backed self-declared rebel leaders would place as a ceasefire, agreed at the ing more than 45,000 troops The military exercises — after NATO’s top military com- by Moscow, a move described by not take part. Minsk summit of Ukrainian, as well as war planes and sub- President Vladimir Putin’s first mander, General Philip Breedlove, Russian officials as a coup which Separatist leaders also criti- Russian, German and French marines. Interfax news agency public appearance since March has said Russia’s “militarisation” threatened the safety of Crimea’s cised the law. “All the questions leaders last month, continued to quoted an unidentified Defence 5 — are the latest sign of Russia of Crimea could be used to exert mainly Russian-speaking popula- which the Kiev parliament consid- hold — though tenuously. Ministry official as saying the flexing its muscles since the start control over the Black Sea. Any tion. REUTERS ered today completely contradict REUTERS

Cameron agrees to pre-election TV debate Castro: Venezuela ready LONDON: Prime Minister debates and ruled out a head- election. “The broadcasters, led party leaders in early April as to confront US sanctions David Cameron said yesterday to-head debate with opposition by the BBC, have come forward part of a package of pre-election he had agreed with broadcast- leader Ed Miliband. with a new offer of television pro- television programmes. ers to join a seven-way televised Cameron’s reluctance to take grammes for the general election Tuesday’s deal, if agreed by HAVANA: Cuba’s Fidel Castro debate with other political lead- part in multiple debates, including including a televised debate, and the other participants, repre- warned yesterday that Venezuela ers ahead of the May 7 election. a head-to-head, had been widely I accepted that deal on Saturday,” sents a significant concession by was prepared to confront US Months of bitter wrangling interpreted as an effort to pro- Cameron said in a BBC interview. broadcasters who had wanted “threats and impositions,” and culminated earlier this month in tect his own high personal ratings A senior source in Cameron’s to host two seven-way debates said Washington could no longer Cameron being labelled a cow- while depriving his rivals of pub- Conservative party said he had and a direct contest between count on the Venezuelan mili- ard by rivals after he issued an licity before what is shaping up as taken up an offer to participate Cameron and Labour Party leader tary to do its bidding. ultimatum on the format of the a closely fought and unpredictable in a single debate with six other Miliband. REUTERS Venezuela “will never allow a return to the shameful pre-rev- olutionary past,” Castro said in a letter to Venezuela’s President St Patrick’s Day on Capitol Hill Nicolas Maduro published in Tuberculosis Cuba’s state-run media. Castro’s letter comes just two still raging in days after Maduro gained decree- making powers in matters of secu- Front pages of Cuban newspapers Eastern Europe rity that the opposition fears will Juventud Rebelde (left) and Granma be used to crack down on dissent. with Fidel Castro’s message. STOCKHOLM: About a The confrontation with thousand people still con- Washington follows the imposi- tract tuberculosis daily in tion of US sanctions March 9 on Times demanding that Obama Europe and Central Asia, seven Venezuelan officials that the abolish his executive order and despite an overall decline United States alleges have been “immediately cease hostile actions of the disease, a report involved in human rights abuses against Venezuelan people and by the Europe Centre for against opponents of the leftist democracy.” Disease Prevention and regime in Caracas. The 88-year-old Fidel resigned Control(ECDC) revealed The measure signed by US as president in 2006 for health yesterday. President Barack Obama cites reasons but retains enormous The report, co-authored Venezuela as “an extraordinary influence as the leader of Cuba’s with the World Health threat to the national security” of 1959 revolution. Organization (WHO), said the the United States, which Caracas Fidel praised the “attitude” of continent would not be free of in turn has interpreted as a US the Venezuelan people and the the disease until the next cen- threat. Venezuela’s foreign min- “exemplary discipline and spirit” tury at the current low rate of Representative Steve King, Speaker of the House John Boehner, US President Barack Obama and Irish istry took out a full page ad in of the country’s armed forces in eradication, particularly due to Taoiseach Enda Kenny walk down the step of the House of Representatives after having lunch to celebrate Tuesday editions of the New York the face of the US sanctions. AFP prevalence in countries to the St Patrick’s Day on Capitol Hill in Washington yesterday. east of the region. “Multi-resistance tubercu- losis (MDR-TB) is still rav- aging the European region, making it the most affected area of the entire world,” Secret Service wants $8m White House replica for training Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO regional director for Europe, WASHINGTON: The US fencing, Clancy said. The lack of rooms before he was finally said in a statement. Secret Service has requested realistic training facilities is in apprehended. She noted that 50 percent of $8m to build a replica of the marked contrast to US military Last month, President Barack Service has ‘alcohol’ problem cases are reported and only half White House for use in train- operations, which have used such Obama appointed Clancy as the of those are successfully cured. ing agents to prevent incidents replicas for years. new head of the Secret Service WASHINGTON: The director of the US Secret Service faced a Overall cases of the disease in like last year’s mansion intru- The US Navy’s elite SEAL after a critical report into the grilling yesterday from US lawmakers upset by its failure to rein the vast region —stretching sion, the agency’s director said Team 6 constructed and trained incident. But the storied agency in embarrassing security lapses, and by his acknowledgement that from Ireland to Russia — fell yesterday. in a replica of the Pakistan com- which protects the president, agents use alcohol to reduce stress. by 5.6 percent between 2012 and Joseph Clancy said the agency’s pound where terror mastermind his family and other dignitaries Lawmakers appeared flabbergasted at Clancy’s suggestion that 2013. In 2013, there were about current rudimentary training Osama bin Laden was holed up suffered another blow last week changing Secret Service “culture” would take time, as he seeks to 360,000 reported tuberculosis facility, in Beltsville, Maryland, and eventually killed in 2011, when it was revealed that two earn agents’ trust as their new director. cases with 85 percent occurring is not to scale, and has “no struc- according to a Navy SEAL who agents allegedly crashed a car “Dude, you don’t have to earn their trust. You’re their boss!” House in 18 “high priority” countries tures, vehicle gates, lighting, or wrote a book on the operation. into White House security barri- Republican Chris Stewart charged. “They’re supposed to earn your in Eastern Europe and Central other aides to enhance the train- Other military units are known ers and drove through an ongoing trust and they haven’t earned your trust. And the way you earn their Asia, including Romania, ing simulations.” to have built mock-ups of Iraqi bomb investigation scene after a trust is you hold them accountable.” Georgia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, He told a House of and Afghan villages. boozy night out. “There’s an element within our agency that does cope with stresses... Kazakhstan and Russia. Representatives panel reviewing The Secret Service has been Clancy told lawmakers that the by using alcohol,” Clancy said, noting that the agency recently launched Most of the 38,000 deaths 2016 funding that his agency’s under intense scrutiny in recent incident was under investigation, an initiative to address stress. “We’ve got to find a way to help some of from the disease were also in budget “includes $8m for the years for a series of security the two agents have been reas- these people that are going toward alcohol as a coping mechanism,” he Eastern Europe and in former design and initial construction lapses and breaches in behav- signed to “non-supervisory” jobs said. The revelations proved too much for some members of Congress, Soviet republics. “TB disease of a White House mock-up” in ioural protocol. outside the White House and that already deeply frustrated by Secret Service shortcomings including is closely associated with the Maryland that will provide for a Last September, in an incident the pair could end up being fired. hard-partying oversees incidents like the one in Cartagena, Colombia socio-economic conditions in “more realistic environment con- that triggered alarm in Congress But he also startled lawmak- in 2012, when a dozen agents were caught soliciting prostitutes. a country, eg, nutrition, living ducive to scenario-based training and across government, an ers when he told them that while “You can’t run an agency like this, for God’s sakes,” committee standards, health systems,” exercises.” intruder carrying a knife scaled the latest White House incident chairman Hal Rogers boomed, regarding the latest White House inci- ECDC spokeswoman Marieke At the current facility, for the outer fence of the grounds, occurred on a Wednesday, Clancy dent, which includes accusations that supervisors may be protecting van der Werf said. AFP example, “bike barricades” are made his way into the White did not learn of it until the follow- agents involved. AFP stand-ins for White House House, and ran through several ing Monday. AFP WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / AFRICA US played big role in botched Philippine raid: Senate Thai PM to MANILA: US forces played a The raid sought to capture or Three unidentified Americans under the terms of an agreement of March, from 59 percent last limit use of “substantial” role in a botched kill two men on the US govern- were brought into the local army between the allies — a deal Poe November, polling firm Pulse anti-terrorism raid in the ment’s list of “most wanted ter- brigade headquarters during the said there was no evidence to sug- Asia said. Aquino’s term ends in Philippines that left 44 local rorists” who were living among operation, creating tensions with gest had been breached. the middle of next year and the martial law police commandos dead, accord- rebels in southern Philippine the Filipino military commander But, citing US training, equip- constitution does not allow him ing to a Senate report released farming communities. One of the at a crucial time, the Senate ment and intelligence, she to run for re-election. BANGKOK: Thai Prime yesterday. men, Malaysian national Zulkifli report said. “One of the Americans said there were concerns that But his plunging popularity Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha The raid, known locally as bin Hir who had a $5m bounty ordered Maj. Gen. Edmundo Washington’s influence on the could weaken his ability to secure yesterday called for a reduction Oplan Exodus, has plunged on his head, was reported killed. Pangilinan to fire the artillery,” the Philippine National Police (PNP) congressional support for his most in the use of martial law, which President Benigno Aquino’s But the other, Filipino Abdul report stated. “However Pangilinan was too strong. “This raises a important remaining initiatives, as has been in place nationwide administration into crisis and Basit Usman, escaped as rebels refused and told him: ‘Do not dic- question of whether the PNP well as damage the election chances since he took power in a May jeopardised efforts to end a dec- surrounded the police comman- tate to me what to do. I am the leadership would have entered of his hoped-for successor. coup, but made no mention of ades-long separatist insurgency. dos and killed 44 of them. A police commander here’.” into such a risky and hazardous Aquino is also hoping to finalise plans to scrap it. “US personnel played a role in inquiry earlier outlined a multitude Responding to the Senate operation without the support of a peace pact with the nation’s big- The army imposed martial law the training before, and monitor- of tactical errors that led to the report, a US government official the United States and the five- gest rebel group, the Moro Islamic days before the coup, which it said ing, of the... operation,” Senator slaughter of the commandos. The said: “This operation was planned million (dollar) reward offered for Liberation Front (MILF), and was necessary to prevent further Grace Poe said as she released the Senate report said Aquino must and executed by Philippine Marwan’s capture.” end a conflict that has claimed bloodshed after months of protests findings of a committee inquiry “bear responsibility” for the deaths. authorities. We refer you to them Aquino’s public support has tens of thousands of lives since that left nearly 30 people dead. into the January 25 raid. But it also raised questions for details of the operation.” plummeted to its lowest level since the 1970s. But the raid has left the The prime minister’s comments “The committee found that about the accountability of the The United States provides he took office in 2010 because of peace process in jeopardy, with follow mounting pressure on the the United States substantially United States, a longtime military military training and intelligence the botched raid, according to a Congress suspending hearings military government to abandon invested in the entirety of Oplan ally of the Philippines that has so to the Philippines in its counter- survey released on Tuesday. on the proposed law that would the law, which bans all political Exodus. It provided equipment, far declined to outline its role in terrorism efforts. US forces are His public approval ratings fell implement the pact. protests and gives the military training and intelligence.” the operation. not allowed to engage in combat to 38 percent in the first week AFP sweeping powers of arrest and detention. “We have substantially decreased the use of martial law, except in the case of urgent investigations and we have focused on using civil- ian courts and normal laws,” said Prayuth, who is also the leader of Fears of food the ruling junta. “I have urged for a decrease in the use of military courts and martial law.” The junta’s actions contra- dict its promises to respect civil and political rights, rights group shortage Human Rights Watch said. “The rolling crackdown on civil and political rights in Thailand continues without letup,” Brad Adams, the group’s Asia director, in Vanuatu said in a statement. REUTERS Huge damage revealed Minister quits PORT VILA: Vanuatu warned coming days, to respond to the Sri Lanka govt yesterday that it faces immi- urgency of the situation”. nent food shortages as accounts The scale of the disaster became COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s new emerged of huge damage to a clearer with the first teams of aid government suffered its first large outer island, days after workers reaching Tanna island, defection yesterday when the one of the fiercest cyclones on home to 30,000 people. It is some higher education minister quit, record pummelled the Pacific 200km south of the capital Port saying political reforms had not archipelago. Vila, itself badly damaged. gone far enough. Relief agencies say conditions Australian Foreign Minister Rajiva Wijesinghe said pro- are among the most challenging Julie Bishop said reconnaissance posed constitutional changes fell they have faced, with concerns by the country’s military “con- Residents clean up their homes in Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila yesterday. short of the promises made by mounting that disease and a lack firmed significant damage in the President Maithripala Sirisena of clean water could add to the cur- southern islands”. on the fact that the food crops the leftovers now,” she said. In were spread out on the ground before he was elected in January. rent toll of 24 confirmed fatalities. Natuman said while initial and the gardens are still edible Port Vila, access to water and and hung on washing lines as peo- “I do not wish to sit among min- Communications were still assessors had been able to enter and they can be used for the first electricity was partially restored ple dried them out, as the cyclone isters any longer,” Wijesinghe said down to many of Vanuatu’s 80 the eastern and western parts of week, but after the first week we’ll after the storm brought down an slowly weakened. in parliament, calling the gov- other islands, most only accessible the island chain, northern and need to get some rations on the estimated 80 percent of power The United Nations said there ernment’s reform efforts so far by boat, and Prime Minister Joe southern areas were still largely ground,” he told the Australian lines and damaged most homes. were at least 3,300 people shelter- “disgraceful”. “I think it is only Natuman said it would be at least unaccessible. Broadcasting Corporation. Stores also began reopening, but ing in 37 evacuation centres around correct that I cross the floor of a week before authorities had a “It’ll be at least a week or two. With crops wiped out, Shing entire neighbourhoods remained the country. Unicef has estimated the house,” said Wijesinghe, who better sense of the destruction. Right now we are sending teams feared the worst for a country without power as locals struggled that 60,000 children have been was not in the cabinet. President Baldwin Lonsdale to do ground assessments to see that largely relies on subsistence to rebuild their homes. affected by the cyclone and virtu- Sirisena came to power prom- has appealed for the world to help how many people are homeless,” farming, warning “there might be In the capital, leaves and ally all schools were closed. ising to scrap the executive pres- after Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam he told reporters at Port Vila air- a lot of fatalities”. branches lined the streets while Emergency specialist Mioh idency and return the country to roared ashore on Friday night. port, where he welcomed home Local woman Sale Chilia said residents began clearing metal roof Nemoto expressed concern about a parliamentary democracy. The World leaders, including from Lonsdale as he returned from residents living in Mele, a vil- sheeting from the roads around what they would eat. “Food secu- new government has drafted Australia, Britain and the EU Japan. Benjamin Shing, from lage two kilometres south of their houses and used machetes to rity is likely to be a continual a constitutional provision to have pledged aid. French President Lonsdale’s office, said survivors Port Vila, were starting to worry hack through fallen trees. problem and we need to start reduce some of the president’s Francois Hollande pledged to step would quickly run out of food. about where they could find Personal belongings, household thinking now about how children executive powers. up France’s relief efforts in “the “The first week we are relying their next meal. “We only have items, mattresses and clothes will stay well fed.” AFP AFP

Anwar’s daughter freed on bail Beijing, Tokyo South Korea accuses North and Seoul plan of cyber-attacks on N-plants

first FM talks SEOUL: South Korea’s gov- personal information about work- ernment accused North Korea ers at their operating company, TOKYO: China, Japan and yesterday of carrying out cyber- Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power South Korea will this week hold attacks last December on its (KHNP). the first meeting of their for- nuclear power plant operator, The leaks prompted the South eign ministers for three years, describing them as a provoca- to heighten cyber-security and Tokyo said yesterday, the latest tion which threatened people’s form an investigation team involv- sign of a gradual thaw in East lives and safety. ing experts, government offi- Asian relations. “We condemn North Korea’s cials and state prosecutors. The The three men will meet in persistent cyber-terror targeting team yesterday said the hackers Seoul on Saturday, a Japanese for- our country and the international intended to cause a malfunction eign ministry official said, the first community,” the unification min- at atomic reactors, but failed to time the countries’ top diplomats istry said after investigators con- break into their control system. have held talks since April 2012. cluded the North was behind the It said malicious codes used in “Cooperation among the three attacks. “It’s a clear provocation the cyber-attacks were similar to countries is important for Japan against our security,” the minis- those which North Korean hack- and we naturally hope this foreign try said in a statement, accusing ers have employed before. Nurul Izzah Anwar (right), daughter of imprisoned opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, leads a chant after she ministers’ meeting will lead to a Pyongyang of “taking the life and “We’ve reached the conclusion is released on bail from a police station in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Nurul Izzah was detained on Monday for summit in the future,” the official safety of our people as a hostage”. that the crime was committed by sedition, prompting the US State Department to express concern over the freedom of expression in Malaysia. said. No date had been set yet for Tensions between the neigh- a group of North Korean hackers a three-way summit, he added. bours are running high after the seeking to stir up social unrest Leaders from the three countries South this month held joint mili- and agitation in our country,” the last met in May 2012. tary drills with the United States, investigators said in a statement. Chinese foreign ministry spokes- which the North has condemned as They said the hackers used mul- man Hong Lei confirmed the meet- provocative rehearsals for invasion. tiple Internet protocol addresses Zuma survives no-confidence vote ing. “Foreign ministers of the three Last December hackers pub- based in China to send some 6,000 countries will review the progress lished designs, manuals and other “phishing” emails to over 3,570 CAPE TOWN: South African as a man who “stole the people’s all but destroyed,” Maimane said. made during trilateral cooperation information about South Korean former and current KHNP work- President Jacob Zuma survived money” to spend $24m dollars on He accused Zuma of emas- and exchange views on the princi- reactors on Twitter, along with ers to steal the data. AFP a vote of no confidence in par- “security upgrades” to his private culating state institutions as he ples that should be held and the liament yesterday after being rural residence. attempts to evade the reinstate- future direction of trilateral coop- reviled by opposition parties He compared Zuma unfavour- ment of “783 counts of fraud, cor- eration,” he said in Beijing. Condition of Singapore’s Lee worsens as a thief who was destroying ably with the late Mandela, the ruption and racketeering” which While relations between China Nelson Mandela’s legacy. liberation hero who became first were dropped shortly before he and South Korea are strong, both SINGAPORE: The health of Singapore’s founding leader Lee Kuan In a rambunctious session the president of a democratic South became president in 2009. have strained ties with Japan, Yew has “worsened” due to an infection after nearly six weeks in parliamentary leader of the main Africa in 1994. “(Mandela) gave “Here’s a president who is will- chiefly because of historical and hospital, the government said yesterday. The 91-year-old former opposition Democratic Party, us a glimpse of what a non- ing to break every rule to stay out territorial disputes. Japan and prime minister has been in Singapore General Hospital since Mmusi Maimane, was forced to racial and united South Africa of jail,” Maimane said. Speakers China have long been at odds February 5, on life support at the intensive care unit and receiving withdraw his description of Zuma would look like. He was a selfless from several other opposition over the sovereignty of uninhab- treatment for severe pneumonia. “Lee Kuan Yew’s condition has as a “thief” after it was ruled to leader who embodied the demo- parties made similar accusations, ited islands in the East China Sea, worsened due to an infection. He is on antibiotics. The doctors are be unparliamentary language. cratic dream. “In the six years listing a series of scandals the which Japan administers and calls closely monitoring his condition,” said a statement from the office But Maimane returned to the President Zuma has presided, president has been involved in. the Senkakus, but which China of his son, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. AFP attack, later describing Zuma the dream of Mandela has been AFP claims as the Diaoyus. AFP WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Pakistan executes 12 death-row prisoners Largest execution since moratorium lifted; Over 8,000 prisoners on death-row across the country

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan yes- The partial lifting of the morato- adding that further executions Jail officials said last week the Pakistan has more than 8,000 criminal justice system, which terday hanged 12 convicted rium, which began in 2008, initially would be carried out for those interior ministry had rejected the prisoners on death row, most of they say is replete with police murderers in prisons across the only applied to those convicted “whose mercy petitions have been plea and a fresh death warrant whom have exhausted the appeals torture and unfair trials. country, the highest number in of terrorism offences, but was rejected”. had been issued, but yesterday his process. Only one person was “This shameful retreat to a single day since the govern- last week extended to all capital Among those due to be hanged family and lawyers were still try- executed during the period of the the gallows is no way to resolve ment lifted a six-year morato- offences. is Shafqat Hussain, who was con- ing to persuade the authorities to moratorium — a soldier convicted Pakistan’s pressing security and rium on capital punishment, In Punjab, three murder con- demned to death as a teenager for stop the execution. by a court martial and sent to the law and order problems,” Rupert officials said. victs were executed from the killing a seven-year-old boy in Maya Foa, director of the gallows in 2012. Abbott, Amnesty International’s Ten of the convicts were hanged central town of Jhang, two from 2004. Authorities said he would be death penalty team of Reprieve, a Supporters of the death penalty deputy Asia-Pacific director, said in the populous Punjab province, Rawalpindi near the capital, two executed tomorrow after a court British legal charity that is work- in Pakistan argue that it is the last week. European Union dip- while two others were executed from Mianwali, one from Multan, dismissed his appeal. ing with Hussain’s lawyers, said only effective way to deal with the lomats have also raised the issue in the southern metropolis of one from Faisalabad, and one Hussain’s case has triggered time to save him was “running scourge of militancy. of capital punishment — and the Karachi, according to prison offi- from Gujranwala. outrage from rights campaigners, out”. Interior Minister Chaudhry They say the courts are noto- case of Hussain in particular — cials who spoke on condition of Two other executions planned who complain he did not get a fair Nisar Ali Khan “has the oppor- riously slow, rely heavily on wit- in meetings with Pakistani offi- anonymity. yesterday were stayed by courts. trial and say he was only 15 at the tunity to save the life of some- ness testimony rather than crime cials focused on trade and human The latest hangings bring to 39 Shuja Khanzada, home min- time of the killing. one tortured into ‘confessing’ to scene evidence, and provide lit- rights. The EU granted Pakistan the number sent to the gallows ister for Punjab, confirmed the He had been due to face the a crime when he was just a child, tle protection for judges or wit- the much coveted “GSP+” sta- since Pakistan resumed execu- executions in his province and noose on January 14, but the gov- and to conduct the full inquiry nesses who are often intimidated tus in 2014, giving it access to tions in December after Taliban said that more were scheduled in ernment halted the execution into his case that he promised,” or bribed into dropping cases. highly favourable trade tariffs, militants gunned down more than coming days. “Today 10 convicts amid protests about his age and she said. But rights campaigners have conditional on Pakistan enacting 150 people, most of them children, were hanged in different jails of ordered a new investigation to Human rights group Amnesty been highly critical, citing prob- certain commitments on human at a school in the restive northwest. the province,” Khanzada said, determine how old he was. International estimates that lematic convictions in Pakistan’s rights. AFP

Gunmen kill two women Christians hold funerals of church attacks victims LAHORE: Pakistani Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Christians held funerals amidst Ali Khan told parliament yester- polio workers, tight security yesterday for the day, revising an earlier figure of victims of twin Taliban suicide one death in the incident. Around cop in Pakistan attacks that targeted churches a dozen people were also injured. two days earlier in the worst In the low-income Youhanabad PESHAWAR: Gunmen yes- attack on the minority group in neighbourhood, home to more terday killed two female polio over a year. than 100,000 Christians, police workers and a police guard in Seventeen people died as and paramilitary rangers were northwest Pakistan, the latest a result of the suicide bomb- out in force preventing outsiders in a spate of deadly attacks on ings in the Youhanabad district from entering. the immunisation teams. of Lahore, with more than 70 “We have deployed more than Police said two attackers fired wounded. 5,000 policemen and paramilitary at the workers as they gave polio Two men were later lynched by rangers,” senior police official drops to children in the moun- an angry mob who suspected they Haider Ashraf said. tainous Sheikhabad area, 60km were militants, though authorities Shops were closed as grieving northeast of the city of Mansehra. yesterday announced they were residents made their way towards “The two-member team was investigating claims by relatives the burial grounds, while sen- administering polio drops in an of one of the men that he was an ior cleric Bishop Irfan Jameel Afghan refugee camp and its sur- innocent shopkeeper caught up appealed for calm. rounding areas when two gunmen in the fracas. “Please remain peaceful and opened fire on them, killing one The attack also sparked two carry on the struggle against lady worker and a policeman and days of rioting by thousands of terrorism by forging unity as a wounding another lady worker Christians who clashed with nation among ourselves,” Jameel and a passer-by,” local police chief water canon-wielding police, said, adding that a memorial Muslim, Christian and Hindu community members hold candles during a vigil in Islamabad yesterday for the victims Muhammad Ejaz Khan said. blocked roads and forced a par- would be built to honour the of suicide bomb attacks on churches by Taliban militants in Lahore. He said the second woman polio tial shutdown of the city’s public “martyrs of Youhanabad”. worker later died of her wounds. bus system. Punjab home minister Shuja Muslim family of one of the Taliban attack. role whatsoever in the attacks,” Another senior local police offi- At least two Christians were Khanzada meanwhile said the men killed by a Christian mob “The family of the man, identi- city police chief Amin Wains said, cial, Akhtar Hayat, confirmed the also killed on Monday when a government was hunting the cul- had reported his death and said fied as Muhammad Naeem, said adding his force was investigating incident and casualties. panicked female motorist drove prits of the attack. he was the owner of a glasscut- in an application that he was the matter. Pakistan is one of only three through a crowd of protesters, Also yesterday, police said the ting shop and had no ties to the innocent and he had no link or a AFP countries where polio remains endemic. Attempts to eradicate it have been badly hit by militant attacks on immunisation teams that have claimed 77 lives since December 2012. Pakistan, China sign deals The militants claim the polio vaccination drive is a front for espionage or a conspiracy to for hydropower project sterilise Muslims. Last year the number of polio cases recorded in LAHORE: In a significant development for implementation of Pakistan soared to 306, the high- the first stage of the 2,160-megawatt Dasu Hydropower Project, the est in 14 years. AFP Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Pakistan yes- terday signed two agreements for relocation of Karakoram Highway (KKH) and construction of Right Bank Access Road in the project area. Illegal SIMs According to a press release, the contracts were signed between Wapda and China Civil Engineering Construction Company. The first used by Afghan Rs14.538bn contract relates to relocation of 25km long stretch of KKH and is scheduled to be implemented in 546 days. nationals blocked The second Rs2.713bn contract is scheduled to be implemented in a year. This 12km road will be constructed on the right bank of the ISLAMABAD: After plac- Indus from Komila to Seo Dam site. The district administration is ing mechanism of verification currently in the process of acquiring land for the first stage of Dasu through Biometric Verification Hydropower Project. System (BVS), thousands of illegal SIMs being used by Afghan nationals but issued on Islamabad to have anti-riot force soon Pakistani identity cards have been blocked in order to wage ISLAMABAD: A strong anti-riot unit comprising 2,000 men effective war against terrorists. is being raised to enhance the capacity of the Islamabad police, Before placing BVS, Afghan A soldier keeps watch as members of the Hazara community rally to protest against the kidnapping of 31 men Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said. nationals had obtained illegal allegedly by the Islamic State (IS), in Ghazni, Afghanistan, yesterday. Briefing a National Assembly panel on the performance of his minis- SIMs, which were initially acti- try, he said Islamabad police would be equipped with two water cannons vated on Pakistan’s national by the end of the current month. identity cards across the country. This probably marked his first appearance before any parliamentary These SIMs have been blocked Fear stalks Afghan Hazaras committee since assumption of office in June 2013. because no one had come forward He informed participants that a survey had been initiated by to undertake biometric verifica- KABUL: Afghanistan has attacks have sent shockwaves “We had never witnessed such National Database Registration Authority (Nadra) to compile data of tion of these SI endured more than 30 years through both communities who an attack on Sufis in the past, this households, including domestic workers, to check the rising number of After blocking of illegal SIMs of warfare, but recent attacks see them as chilling reminders is the very first time,” the soft- unregistered people in the capital. The project was conceptualised and being used by Afghan nationals, on minority Muslim sects have of the Taliban’s rule from 1996 to spoken 28 year-old Bahaduri said. started in May 2014 and now the survey of all sectors of Islamabad has pace of getting legal SIMs for raised fears that sectarian 2001, when minorities were heav- “My father was a spiritual been completed. The process of surveying slum areas was underway Afghan refugees on the basis of unrest could add yet another ily persecuted. leader, he was a Sufi, he was not and would be completed in a few months, he said. INTERNEWS Proof of Registration (PoR) has layer of bloodshed. The number of civilians killed involved in politics, he had no increased in the last couple of On March 7, gunmen stormed and wounded in Afghanistan enemies” he said, adding that his months. “In recent weeks, over a Sufi mosque in Kabul, killing at jumped 22 percent in 2014, the father had around 5,000 followers Bomb in toy kills father, two children 9,000 SIMs have been issued by least six people in an attack on UN said last month, as Nato in two main centres in Kabul. PESHAWAR: A father and two of his children were killed in all cellular operators on Afghan the mystic order of Muslims that troops withdrew from combat Afghanistan is thought to be northwest Pakistan yesterday after a bomb concealed inside a toy refugees’ cards all over the coun- is seen as heretical by hardline leaving government forces to bat- home to thousands of Sufis, whose went off inside their home. The incident happened in the village of try,” said the official.” Sunni factions. tle a raging Taliban insurgency. teachings emphasise inner peace. Bishigram in the Swat Valley. A total of 32,400 SIMs have And in late February, a group At the Bahaduria Sufi mosque Though no group claimed Salim Khan Marwat, the area’s police chief, said the 35-year-old been issued by all mobile opera- of 30 people from the Hazara in the west of Kabul, worshippers responsibility for the attack, man’s three children and their cousin had found the toy in the streets tors on the basis of 28,800 PoR,” minority group who were trav- gather around their new leader authorities swiftly announced and brought it home to play with. Once home, the toy exploded. “The official sources in Pakistan elling by bus through southern Abdul Waheed Bahaduri, the son they had arrested five people sus- father, his nine-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son died on the Telecommunication Authority Zabul province of Afghanistan of slain leader Agha Jan Bahaduri, pected of involvement. spot while two other children were wounded,” Marwat said, adding (PTA) confirmed on Tuesday. were snatched by gunmen after who founded the order and who “We don’t know who did it, we those injured were the man’s other son and his nephew. There was a system in place for returning from Iran. was killed along with his other have no enemies. I don’t know Afzal Khan, a police official in Bishigram village, confirmed the inci- Afghan refugees to obtain legal The Taliban, who are waging son in the recent attack. the motive behind this attack, dent. The origin of the bomb was unclear. Dozens of children, mostly SIMs on the basis of PoR under an insurgency against the govern- The building is now both a but as the followers of God we in insurgency-hit northwest Pakistan, have lost their lives in the past which the franchises and retail- ment of Kabul, distanced them- mosque and a shrine with the will stand firm. The followers when playing with “toys” that turned out to be bombs. ers of mobile operators were not selves from both incidents, which bodies of the two men buried are determined to stay alert and “Toy” bombs were airdropped in neighbouring Afghanistan by Soviet allowed to sell SIMs to them. are more commonplace across the in the front yard, with several continue the path of their leader,” forces during the 1980s as weapons against those who opposed their INTERNEWS border in Pakistan. But the rare policemen standing guard. said Bahaduri. AFP invasion. AFP WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA

1.22 lakh Delhi Opposition unites to defeat land bill lady riders fined Sonia leads march by MPs from 14 for no helmets NEW DELHI: A staggering parties towards Rashtrapati Bhavan 1,22,523 women two-wheeler riders in the national capital have been fined by the Delhi NEW DELHI: A united opposi- and Congress’ Ghulam Nabi Azad traffic police in the last six tion yesterday sounded its battle and Ambika Soni, with Sharad months for not wearing hel- cry over the land acquisition bill Yadav and leaders of other par- mets. “Wearing of helmets as leaders of 14 political parties, ties, marched the around one km by women riders and pillion led by Congress Ppresident Sonia distance from Parliament House to riders is compulsory in NCT Gandhi, marched to Rashtrapati Rashtrapati Bhavan. (National Capital Territory) Bhavan to urge President Pranab Around 20 of them went in to of Delhi. Delhi Police is Mukherjee not to let the govern- submit the memorandum — signed strictly enforcing the man- ment go ahead with the “anti- by 28 leaders — to the president. datory use of helmets for farmer bill”. The two-page memorandum said women riders and pillion “This is the beginning of a “all the progressive, secular, demo- riders,” Minister of State major battle that will be waged cratic forward-looking forces are for Home Affairs Haribhai in every nook and corner of the determined to defeat the Modi gov- Parathibhai Chaudhary said country,” said Janata Dal-United ernment’s design to promote divi- in the Lok Sabha. chief Sharad Yadav at Rashtrapati sion and social disharmony. In a written reply, Bhavan where the MPs assembled. “We request Rashtrapatiji to Chaudhary said regular The march saw an energised intervene to protect the interests of road safety campaigns were Congress take on the Narendra the kisans (farmers), and impress undertaken by Delhi Police Modi government over the bill, upon the Modi sarkar, not to go to promote mandatory use which they allege would allow ahead with the amendment in the of helmets by women. Press corporates to gobble up agricul- Rajya Sabha.” advertisements have also been tural land. The ruling BJP-led National released in leading newspapers Sonia Gandhi, with former Democratic Alliance which is in for guiding women riders and prime minister Manmohan Singh majority in the Lok Sabha passed Congress President Sonia Gandhi with other leaders walk towards Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi yesterday. pillion riders, he added. IANS standing next to her, declared that the Right to Fair Compensation and the opposition was determined to Transparency in Land Acquisition, defeat the land acquisition bill. Rehabilitation and Resettlement memorandum, the bill does away The march saw sworn enemies, Party among others. “This is a Hazare cancels Gandhi said “democratic, secular (Amendment) bill, 2015, with nine with the crucial Social Impact the Trinamool Congress and the historic march. All parties are and forward-looking forces are amendments. However, it looks Assessment (SIA) clause which is Left, come together to be part in it together and we hope the Delhi march determined to defeat the Modi destined for tough times in the essential to safeguard the inter- of the 14 party combine. The Modi government is watching this government’s designs” to promote Rajya Sabha where the opposition ests of farmers and land owners Bahujan Samaj Party of Mayawati march,” Trinamool leader Derek RALEGAN-SIDDHI: corporate interests at the cost of holds the upper hand. and to ensure that multi-cropped was not present. O’Brien told reporters. Social activist Anna Hazare farmers by taking away their land. The united opposition is land would be only acquired as a Besides the Congress, the 14 The bill was passed in the Lok has cancelled his proposed Shouting slogans like “Narendra demanding that the amendments last resort. The memorandum says political parties included the Sabha earlier this month amid ‘padyatra’ from Wardha Modi hosh me aao (come to your should have been considered by a the amendments do away with the Samajwadi Party, JD-U, Janata stiff protest. However, the gov- to Delhi to oppose the land senses)” and “Modi sarkar hai hai standing committee before being requirement of consent of land Dal-Secular, the DMK, the ernment is yet to present it in acquisition bill, an aide said. (Modi government down, down)”, taken up in parliament. owners for a number of key pri- Communists, Trinamool Congress the Rajya Sabha, where it lacks “Anna has cancelled the the around 100 MPs, led by Gandhi, According to the opposition vate projects. and the Nationalist Congress majority. IANS padyatra that was to start on March 30. One reason for the cancellation is the unsea- sonal rains and hailstorm in many parts of the country,” aide Suresh Pathare said. Hazare, 77, had planned the Karnataka CID to probe IAS officer’s death 1,100-km long march passing through a dozen states. It was to start on March 30 from BENGALURU: The Karnataka An Indian Administrative wife or others’ calls and did not Gandhi Ashram in Wardha Police’s Criminal Investigation Service (IAS) officer of the 2009 go to office. Mysterious death rocks assembly and conclude at Delhi’s Department (CID) will inves- batch, Ravi was additional com- Meanwhile, hundreds of people Ramlila ground around April tigate the death of IAS officer missioner in the commercial bid a tearful farewell to Ravi, as BENGALURU: The Karnataka assembly was yesterday 30. Earlier, he was to visit DK Ravi who was found hang- tax department since December his last rites were performed at adjourned twice after opposition parties sought a CBI probe into revolutionary leader Bhagat ing in his apartment here, Chief after his transfer in November his native village Doddakoppalu the mysterious death of young IAS officer DK Ravi which police Singh’s village in Punjab on the Minister Siddaramaiah said. as deputy commissioner of Kolar in Tumakuru district, about 80 say was a suicide. Moving an adjournment motion for an immedi- anniversary of his martyrdom Rejecting a demand by the oppo- district, about 100 km from here, km from here. ate discussion over Ravi’s death, BJP and JD-S members stalled on March 23. IANS sition parties for a probe by the where he exposed illegal deals Ravi’s body was taken in a cor- the proceedings after the ruling Congress rejected their demand Central Bureau of Investigation in sand mining and state-owned tege by road from the state-run but agreed to a probe by the CID. A police investigation is already (CBI) into the mysterious death, lands. Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru on. When the BJP and JD-S members refused to budge and rushed Cabinet nod for Siddaramaiah said that Ravi’s The body of the 36-year-old after an autopsy was conducted to the well of the house, speaker Kagodu Thimappa adjourned the death prime facie was a case of sui- Ravi was found hanging from a on Monday to ascertain the cause session before lunch and, later, for the day. “We suspect foul play black money bill cide due to personal reasons. “We ceiling fan in his apartment in and time of death. Thousands of in Ravi’s tragic death. It’s hard to believe such an upright and bold will, however, get the case inves- Koramangala area by his wife people staged protests in Kolar officer committed suicide though he may have been under pressure NEW DELHI: Giving con- tigated impartially by the state Kusuma on Monday evening, and Tumakuru against the gov- after he took on the real estate mafia in the city for evading taxes,” crete shape to the announce- CID to unravel the mystery behind when police opened the door ernment and sought a CBI probe opposition leader Jagdish Shettar said. IANS ment on recovering black Ravi’s untimely death,” he said. after he did not respond to his into Ravi’s death. IANS money stashed away abroad by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his budget last month, the union cabinet yes- terday approved a new law to track the hidden wealth. With auctions, Spectrum auction: Bids surpass Rs107,000cr Ministry sources said that the cabinet approved the Foriegn Income and Undisclosed corruption is NEW DELHI: The money in all bands. Brisk bidding was provisional amount committed by that India Inc has already bid Assets (Imposition of New committed so far in the latest seen on 12th day of bidding, with bidders at the end of 74th round under the two phases of auctions Tax) Bill, 2015, for tabling in e-auctions of telecom spectrum activity requirement set at 100 is over Rs107,000 crore,” it said. for award of coal blocks. But the the Lok Sabha. disappearing, crossed Rs107,000 crore on Day percent. There is robust bid- “Majority of service areas are proceeds from this auction will “On black money, a new 12 after 74 rounds of bidding, ding going on in 1800 MHz, 900 going at a premium over reserve go to the respective state govern- structure including e-filing says Jaitley surpassing the previous high of MHz and 800 MHz bands,” the price. The competitive bidding is ments over 30 years. and tracking down is our Rs106,200 crore in 2010, official Department of Telecom (DoT) expected to continue. There is The central government has abiding commitment,” Jaitley NEW DELHI: Corruption is data showed here yesterday. said in a statement here. still spectrum, which is yet to be budgeted for Rs43,161.72 crore had said in his first full budget disappering owing to the way The government got commit- Seven fresh rounds of bidding sold. Bidding would recommence from e-auctions of spectrum speech on February 28. He said the government is managing the ments of Rs106,200 crore in 2010 were seen on Day 12. “At the end tomorrow, that is, March 18, 2015 for the current fiscal while the there will be rigorous impris- allocation of the country’s natu- telecom spectrum auction after of 74th round, about 88 percent at 9 am,” the statement added. reserve price for the entire spec- onment of 10 years under the ral resources, Finance Minister 183 rounds of bidding in 34 days. of the spectrum has been provi- The commitments come over trum on offer in the four bands black money law. IANS Arun Jaitley said citing the on- “The bidding is taking place sionally allocated to bidders. The and above the Rs200,000 crore was around Rs80,000 crore. IANS going auctions of spectrum and coal mines whose earlier allot- ments were cancelled by the Supreme Court. Theyyam ritual “Corruption is disappearing from the Indian dictionary, if you After Delhi success, see spectrum, coal,” Jaitley told the Lok Sabha in his reply to the debate on the budget. Addressing an intervention by AAP to go national a Congress member, the finance minister said: “In spectrum, you GHAZIABAD: A month and high blood sugar. brought in a host of cases, in coal... after it took power in Delhi The AAP, India’s youngest all the corruption was caught by after crushing the BJP and political party, would also decide the Supreme Court, the CAG.” the Congress, the Aam Aadmi in which states it should contest Referring to the former prime Party (AAP) announced yes- elections, Sanjay Singh said. minister in this connection, terday that it has decided to go He added that the crisis in Jaitley said that “Manmohan national. the party would soon end, and Singh in his first two months in “After our spectacular victory party leaders would reach out office in 2004 had said coal blocks in Delhi and seeing the love of the to Prashant Bhushan, one of the should be auctioned, but till 2014, people, we have decided to expand two senior figures who was ousted nothing had been done”. at the national level,” party leader from the PAC this month. “Today because of this faulty Sanjay Singh told the media here. Those who took part in the decision, we have a situation in The AAP’s Political Affairs meeting included Kejriwal, his which the former PM has been Committee (PAC), its highest deputy Manish Sisodia, Delhi caught. In future, there should decision making body, also decided minister Gopal Rai, Sanjay Singh not be a situation in which an to enrol “active volunteers” and to and Ashutosh. Ashish Khetan and ex-PM is summoned by court,” form a committee to decide their Dilip Pandey also attended. Two the minister said. role in different states. PAC members were not in town. In fact, in a move designed to be Five of the PAC’s seven mem- The announcement marks the doubly sure about coal allocations bers met at the residence of most significant decisions taken this time around, the government Delhi Chief Minister Arvind by the AAP following the return is re-examining the e-auction of Kejriwal, who returned to the to Delhi of Kejriwal, who had ear- coal blocks won by Balco, Jindal An artist dressed as Kandakarnan performs a ceremonial dance with fire during the Theyyam ritual in Somwarpet capital late on Monday after 10 lier expressed his reservations Steel and Power and BS Ispat. town in Karnataka yesterday. Theyyam is a form of worship and is celebrated mostly in southern India. days of naturopathy treatment in about fighting elections in other IANS Bengaluru for his nagging cough parts of the country. IANS WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Supreme Court quashes quotas for Jats Court says inclusion of politically organised class such as Jats can’t be affirmed; community to seek review

NEW DELHI: Disagreeing “Inclusion of politically organ- backwardness, the court said “the in the Central List of Other up the government for “negative decision. Only then we will be able with the central government’s ised class such as Jats... can’t be gates would be opened only to per- Backward Classes for the states of governance”. to say something,” said Finance view that Jats are a backward affirmed,” said Justice Gogoi, pro- mit entry of the most distressed. Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Jat community leaders and Minister Captain Abhimanyu, community, the Supreme Court nouncing the judgment. Any other inclusion would be a Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, NCT of other political figures reacted to who presented his maiden budget yesterday quashed the March While the UPA government serious abdication of the consti- Delhi, Bharatpur and Dholpur dis- the court’s decision immediately in the assembly yesterday. 4, 2014, notification by the then extended reservation benefits tutional duty of the state”. tricts of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh given the high political stakes He said the ruling Bharatiya UPA government extending res- in education and government Holding the March 4, 2014 and Uttarakhand is set aside and involved with the Jat community Janata Party (BJP) believed in ervation to community mem- employment to the Jat commu- notification as not justified, the quashed.” votes in various states. allowing reservation for those bers in nine states. nity, ignoring the recommenda- court said: “The view taken by The court decision came while Leaders in Haryana, where Jats who were socially and economi- A bench of Justice Ranjan tion of the National Commission the NCBC to the contrary is deciding a batch of petitions chal- are the politically dominant com- cally lagging. Gogoi and Justice Rohinton Fali for Backward Classes (NCBC) to adequately supported by good lenging the notification. munity and account for nearly 25 Haryana BJP President Nariman said: “We cannot agree the contrary, the decision was also and acceptable reasons which Pointing out that the date on percent of the state’s population, Subhash Barala said he would with the view taken by the union endorsed by the Narendra Modi furnished a sound and reasonable which the exercise of extending treaded cautiously after the apex comment only after studying government that Jats in the nine government, which brushed aside basis for further consequential reservation is undertaken “has to court order, saying they would first the court order. Jat leaders in states in question are a backward the suggestion that it was rooted action on the part of the union be contemporaneous”, the court examine the apex court judgment Rajasthan, where the commu- community so as to be entitled to in electoral exigencies of the pre- government.” said that most of the data, except before making any observation. nity accounts for 14-15 percent of inclusion in the Central List of vious government. “Accordingly... the aforesaid in the case of Haryana, was at “Our government (in Haryana) the state’s population, expressed Other Backward Classes.” On determination of notification... including the Jats least a decade old and hauled will examine the Supreme Court shock after the order. IANS

‘Deeply concerned’ PM Pakistan ready to extend MFN seeks report on rape status to India of nun as protests flare KOLKATA: Asserting that Pakistan would confer India the status of most favoured nation NEW DELHI: Prime Minister disturbance blocking the con- (MFN) once the dialogue proc- Narendra Modi said yester- voy of Chief Minister Mamata ess resumed, Pakistan High day he was “deeply concerned” Banerjee for almost an hour. Commissioner to India Abdul about the rape of an elderly nun Banerjee, a self-styled cham- Basit yesterday claimed that his and the demolition of a church pion of the poor, was prevented country had almost extended the as protests for the better pro- from travelling along a motor- facility in March 2014 before it tection of women and religious way after she visited the nun in was informally conveyed to wait. minorities erupted across the hospital. “Pakistan was about to extend country. The crowd surrounded her the MFN status to India in March Modi has asked for an imme- car with protesters demanding 2014, but it was informally told, diate report on the violence on to know why the man suspected since it was an election year, it the weekend, according to a of raping the nun had not been would be better if Pakistan waited statement. There were angry caught. and extended the facility after the scenes in parliament as legisla- Law and order in India is pri- polls,” Basit said during a Calcutta Roman Catholics attend a special prayer service at a church in Kolkata yesterday. tors demanded to know why the marily the responsibility of state Chamber of Commerce organised man accused of rape had not been governments. event here. arrested. Police detained nine men after Asserting that Pakistan was Over the last few months, Modi the attack on the 75-year-old nun Shops, schools keen to multiply its trade volume has been criticised for being slow in a convent school but no arrests with India, he said the MFN status, to condemn a series of attacks have been made. A group of men now rechristened as non-discrim- on Christian institutions, fuel- broke into the school and stole close in protest inatory market access (NDMA), ling concern his Hindu national- some items. One of them then will be extended to India once the ist government is failing to rein raped the nun. KOLKATA: Shops and talks between the two countries in Hindu zealots. Even after national soul search- schools in Ranaghat, where resumed. Outrage over the rape of the ing caused by the gang rape and an elderly nun was gang- “As soon as India and Pakistan nun has reignited an angry debate murder of a student in Delhi two raped closed yesterday in resume the dialogue process, about the safety of women. years ago and tougher penalties protest over perceived police Pakistan will extend the facil- “We all feel ashamed, never for men who attack women, India inaction, as anger mounts ity. Its just a matter of time.. In before could this have been imag- is struggling to tame chauvinistic over the “inhuman” crime. fact Pakistan is almost decide to ined, we have never heard of such attitudes that leave women vul- “We have called for the shut- extend the MFN after the dia- things,” said Mohammed Salim, nerable to rape. down of businesses and shops in logues begin,” he said. a member of the lower house of In the past, Banerjee and mem- this town to support the nun Despite India according the parliament. “And despite that, bers of her Trinamool Congress ... and the immediate arrest MFN status to Pakistan in 1996, after 70 hours no arrests have party have attracted criticism for of the culprits,” said Samiran Basit said his country had been been made.” comments on rape deemed insen- Paul, a spokesman for the reluctant to reciprocate owing to During a debate, members of sitive. Two years ago, Banerjee local business association. “We the “massive” adverse balance of parliament shouted: “We demand accused a rape victim of making can’t imagine such inhuman trade with India. justice.” up the incident and one of her torture on an elderly nun who “Bilateral trade now stands Hundreds of protesters clashed ministers questioned why she was devoted her life to the service at $2.7bn with Pakistan export with police in West Bengal out late drinking at a night club. of humanity,” he said. AFP Hindu nuns take part in a solidarity rally in Kolkata yesterday. to India accounting just $0.4bn. on Monday evening with the REUTERS While we would certainly like to see the bilateral trade to grow, there are practical problems that need to be sorted out. There’s visa problems, connectivity is very poor, and then there are the non-tariff In rare speech, Sonia accuses NDA of apathy towards Andhra barriers. So, if there is a political will, then all these can be sorted out. That is why it is imperative NEW DELHI: Congress Lok Sabha. “We had provided for a shown to them by this government. is the successor state of the undi- been provided. “For this too, we for the dialogue process to resume President Sonia Gandhi yester- comprehensive package for Andhra I have written to the prime min- vided Andhra Pradesh following had committed financial resources and continue,” he said. day made a rare speech in par- Pradesh in the Act itself. Former ister twice in June and February formation of Telangana. from the centre. But sadly here too, Lamenting poor connectivity, liament, accusing the Narendra prime minister Manmohan Singh this year, requesting him to speed Gandhi said the Polavaram irri- nothing substantial has happened.” Basit also called for enhancing Modi government of “apathy” had committed on the floor of the up the implementation of the com- gation project, which was crucial The Congress president said investment opportunities in both towards the people of Andhra Rajya Sabha that the successor mitment we collectively made to the for the future of Andhra Pradesh, many other commitments like the countries. “It’s not only trade, Pradesh. state will be granted special cat- people of Andhra Pradesh, when has also not been implemented. sanction to the steel factory in what is imperative is we need to Promises made to the people egory status,” Gandhi said. parliament reapproved the bill in “It has been declared a national Kadappa have not been fulfilled. create investment opportunities of Andhra Pradesh have not been “It is disappointing that the 2014,” she said. project. It must take off immedi- Responding to her statement, in both the countries. At present fulfilled and the state was suf- Modi-NDA government has not Modi, who was present in the ately. After all, it is a government Parliamentary Affairs Minister such opportunities are almost neg- fering from revenue deficit, she shown any inclination towards ful- house, listened to the Congress of India project,” she said. M. Venkaiah Naidu said: “There ligible. I would also urge Indian said initiating a discussion on the filling these,” she said. “The peo- chief intently. She said the 14th She said Andhra Pradesh is no question of going back on government and private airlines Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation ple of Andhra Pradesh are deeply Finance Commission has also not should have its own grand capi- the commitments made. Let me to resume and start operations to (Amendment) Bill, 2015, in the anguished over the apathy being done full justice to the state, which tal but “nothing substantial” has assure you.” IANS and from Pakistan.” IANS

Solar Impulse 2 flying to Varanasi Kerala woman MLA defends biting Congress legislator as self defence

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Left legisla- right in front of the chief minister. He was a witness tor Jameela Prakasham yesterday said she bit to the physical attack on me,” she said. Congress member K Sivadasan Nair because he “He says we can sit together and watch the record- grabbed her from behind during the turmoil in the ing. I ask him to bring his wife and children also to assembly last week. watch the recording,” said Prakasham. Nair told the Prakasham defended her aggression. “If people media that the lady legislator was not speaking the see the visuals (of the house proceedings) carefully, truth. “It’s only now they talk about misbehaviour. I they will know it was Nair who came behind me and will also now come out and show the entire visuals attacked me,” she said. “He first hit me with his knee, because I want to challenge the allegations,” he said. then he wriggled closer to me and used his hands to Yesterday, former chief minister VS Achuthanandan grab me. I told him, ‘Please leave me. Otherwise I will paraded the five women Left leaders who he said had a bite (you). He said you can bite, and I bit him,” said tough time last week at the hands of Congress mem- Prakasham. bers. The Marxist leader said the decision to suspend A person works on Solar Impulse 2 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad yesterday. She accused Nair and two other senior Congress five Left legislators for the trouble in the house was Pilot Andre Borschberg is scheduled to leave for Varanasi today as the plane continues its round-the-world legislators, Dominic Presentation and Benny Behanan, one sided. He said a few legislators from the ruling journey. The attempt to fly around the world using only solar power was launched on March 9 in Abu Dhabi. of attacking her. This, she said, was done to “please” front had been left off though they misbehaved with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. “This was happening women members. IANS WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

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WEATHER

Today Wednesday Thursday Weather Conditions: Clear Clear Clear Slight dust to dusty at places

High: 28° High: 27° High: 26° and partly cloudy Low: 20° Low: 22° Low: 23° to cloudy at times with a chance of light rain at places by evening.

DOHA - SUN & SEA

SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 05:42 17:44 02:30 & 14:30 09:45 & 20:00 05-15 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Dancers from Ailey II perform a scene from “Breakthrough” during the New York season dress rehearsal before opening night at the Joyce Theater in MUSCAT 31/24 Clear 31/25 Clear New York, yesterday. MAKKAH 37/23 Clear 36/24 Partly cloudy KUWAIT 25/17 Rain 22/16 Thunderstom BAHRAIN 28/21 Partly cloudy 26/19 Partly cloudy SANAA 28/12 Clear 28/12 Clear Top chefs tout RIYADH 31/18 Partly cloudy 28/18 Mostly cloudy Spain finds remains of DUBAI 33/24 Clear 33/23 Clear small fish to BAGHDAD 25/12 Clear 28/13 Clear

TODAY TOMORROW save the oceans THE WORLD Quixote writer Cervantes HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER SAN SEBASTIAN: Top world ATHENS 13/07 Partly cloudy 13/06 Partly cloudy MADRID: Spain said yester- chefs launched a campaign yes- WASHINGTON 19/01 Partly cloudy 09/-1 Clear day it had unearthed the appar- terday to protect over-exploited ent remains of a literary giant, fish species by promoting alter- SYDNEY 31/19 Partly cloudy 29/18 Sunny Don Quixote author Miguel de natives such as the humble LONDON 14/04 Showers 13/03 Partly cloudy Cervantes, in a Madrid convent anchovy, sardine and herring in PARIS 18/06 Sunny 19/07 Partly cloudy almost 400 years after his death. their restaurants. ISTANBUL 09/02 Mostly sunny 06/02 Mostly sunny Researchers said they were A score of gourmet celebrities MANILA 33/21 Mostly sunny 33/23 Mostly sunny “convinced” that among crumbling said they would serve sustainable DHAKA 34/23 Partly cloudy 34/20 Sunny remains in a crypt they had found fish options from June 8 in a cam- DELHI 26/14 Sunny 28/14 Sunny Cervantes, hailed by academics as paign titled “Save the Oceans and ISLAMABAD 24/11 Sunny 26/11 Partly cloudy the father of the modern novel. Feed the World”. Forensic anthropologist The star chefs included Spanish Francisco Etxeberria said that chef Ferran Adria and Britain’s after a year-long search his team Ashley Palmer Watts, head chef had positively identified “some of London restaurant Dinner by Facebook rolling out fragments” of the author who died Heston Blumenthal. in April 1616, the same month as Responding to a call by the William Shakespeare. marine environmental campaign Experts using an endoscope to look inside a niche at the beginning of Don Quixote — the delusional group Oceana, they launched payments to friends country gentleman who sets out forensic and anthropological work to search for Spanish writer Miguel de the initiative in San Sebastian, a to right wrongs as a self-styled Cervantes’ remains at Trinitarias Convent’s crypt, in Madrid. major culinary hub in the north- WASHINGTON: Facebook announced yesterday it was launch- knight — had a far-reaching ern Spanish Basque region. ing a system to send money to friends for US customers using its impact on world literature, aca- been buried at the convent’s chapel windmills” — a well-meaning, mis- The campaign aims to promote Messenger mobile app. demics say. a day after his recorded death guided bid to vanquish imaginary the culinary use of fish such as The free service will be offered “in the coming months,” according Though there is no genetic on April 22, 1616, but the exact enemies — also originated from herring, anchovies and mackerel to a Facebook statement, and will put the huge social network in com- proof of the find at this stage, whereabouts of his grave were Don Quixote’s adventures. to protect other species threat- petition with services such as Square Cash and Venmo. Etxeberria’s team of anthropolo- unknown. Cervantes spent his last years ened by overfishing and stimu- The money transfer will use bank debit cards of members for a gists and archaeologists said they Etxeberria’s team launched in in a Madrid neighbourhood now late production of these smaller quick cash transfer, which may take up to three days depending on were confident of the claim on the April 2014 the first significant called the Literary District in species. the banks used, Facebook said. basis of documentary research. search for the remains of the memory of him and his 17th cen- Oceana says that better Facebook already handles a considerable amount of payments They based their findings greatest writer of the Spanish tury rivals Lope de Vega, Francis exploiting such species could also through its platform for advertisers and for games on its network. on fragments found under- Golden Age. de Quevedo and Luis de Gongora. provide a cheap source of protein “Facebook processes more than one million transactions daily on ground in the crypt of a church Born near Madrid in 1547, Born into a modest family, for tens of millions of people suf- the site and also handles all the payments processed on Messenger,” in the Convent of the Barefoot Cervantes has been dubbed the Cervantes served in the navy fering from hunger. the statement said. Trinitarians in central Madrid, father of the modern novel for The and worked in the Church and in Such so-called “forage fish” are “We use secure systems that encrypt the connection between you Etxeberria said. Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of finance before his writing career plentiful but are typically made and Facebook as well as your card information when you ask us to Archeologist Almudena Garcia- La Mancha, published in two parts took off. into powder or oil to feed other store it for you.” Rubio said there was “no con- in 1605 and 1615. He lost the use of his left hand fish species or animals in farms, It was not immediately clear if Facebook would be able to generate firmed genetic identification” of His influence has been so great after he was shot at sea in the 1571 Oceana says. revenue from peer-to-peer money transfers, but the feature could the human remains. that Spanish is often referred to as Battle of Lepanto, in which the More than a third of all fish be the start of a more extensive payment network which could be But Etxeberria said: “We are “the language of Cervantes”. Holy League led by Spain defeated catches worldwide are used to profitable. convinced that we have among But his impact went beyond the Ottoman fleet. He later spent make such secondary products, The messaging service Snapchat also offers a similar feature, in these fragments something of Spanish, particularly in the devel- several years as a prisoner after according to the UN Food and partnership with Square Cash. Cervantes.” opment of the novel as an art form. being captured by pirates. Agriculture Organisation. AFP Cervantes is recorded as having The proverbial phrase “tilting at AFP AFP Awe and fear: Russian cosmonaut recalls man’s first spacewalk MOSCOW: Fifty years after Alexei Almaz-2) were rocketed almost 500 kilo- the euphoria of making man’s first space- kilometres from Kazakhstan, where they Leonov (pictured) carried out the first metres into orbit. walk quickly gave way to anxiety. were supposed to end up, in deep snow in spacewalk he still vividly recalls the Back on the surface, millions followed With their orbit quickly taking them a taiga forest in the Ural Mountains, home moment he emerged from the capsule to the mission as it was beamed live on radio away from the sun and into darkness, it to wolves and bears. become the only human to have floated and television. was soon time to get back into the ves- “We waited three days in the forest to in the cosmos. As the minutes passed outside the sel, but Leonov realised his spacesuit had be rescued, and Soviet radio reported we “I gently pulled myself out and kicked spacecraft Leonov heard his pilot report inflated and become deformed due to the were on holiday after the flight,” Leonov off from the vessel,” former cosmonaut back to Earth: “This is Almaz-1: Man has lack of atmospheric pressure, which could said, laughing. Leonov, now a sprightly 80-year-old work- gone out into space.” prevent him from slipping back inside the Rescuers lowered a large cauldron in ing for a Moscow bank, said. Then he heard Yuri Levitan, a famous airlock. a helicopter to be filled with snow and “(There was) an inky black, stars eve- Soviet radio presenter, saying the same Leonov didn’t wait to discuss the prob- heated to provide a hot bath for the space rywhere and the sun so bright I could thing. “But who are they talking about?” lem with the control centre, but decided adventurers. barely stand it.” he thought to himself. highly and I could paint, which is rare to reduce pressure by bleeding off some Welcomed back as heroes, Leonov and Tethered to the craft with a five-metre- Leonov’s 12 minutes in space were the among cosmonauts,” smiled the man who of the oxygen in his suit, risking oxygen Belyayev completed man’s first spacewalk long cord, he gazed in wonder at Earth’s result of years of frantic work as the would go on to draw sought-after works starvation. 10 weeks before the United States. geography laid out sweepingly below him, USSR struggled feverishly to keep ahead of art depicting outer space. With great difficulty he managed to pull A decade later, in 1975, Leonov com- his motherland perfectly visible. of America in the contest for outer space. After 18 months of intensive training himself into the airlock head first, instead manded the Soyuz 19 in the first joint “I filmed the Earth, perfectly round, In 1962, some 12 months after cosmo- Leonov was finally ready to become the of feet first. The complicated manoeuvres space mission between the Soviet Union the Caucasus, Crimea, the Volga. It was naut Yuri Gagarin became the first per- first man to drift through space. left him drenched in sweat and he lost six and the United States. beautiful.” son to orbit Earth, the Soviets had set However the Voskhod 2 spacecraft that kilos in the 12-minute outing. As ties between Moscow and The historic moment on March 18, themselves a new objective: “Swimming was to take him there was not. But it was only the start of the daunting Washington have again frayed over the 1965 came as the Soviet Union and in space like a sailor in the ocean”. “The spacecraft had no ejection sys- challenges that awaited them. Ukraine conflict, Leonov offered a few United States, Cold War foes on Earth, Eventually space chief Sergei Korolyov tem,” he said. “We would either have to Back in the cabin the team realised the words of wisdom. were locked in a frantic race to conquer saw in Leonov the qualities he wanted and wait nine months to revamp it or use this automatic guidance system for reentry “There have never been frontiers space. handpicked the cosmonaut to carry out model. We chose the second option.” was not working properly and they would between astronauts. The day that this With the Americans preparing for the historic mission. But after the initial triumph nearly have to manually guide the spacecraft notion sinks into the minds of politicians, their own spacewalk, Leonov and pilot “Korolyov chose me because I had came disaster. back to Earth. our planet will be different.” Pavel Belyayev (codenames Almaz-1 and already piloted several aircraft, I scored As he floated in the cosmos, Leonov said They landed safely but they were 2,000 AFP Wednesday 18 March 2015 27 Jumada I 1436 Volume 20 Number 6373 Price: QR2

Barwa Bank wins STP award

Business | 19

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Aamal to replace QNCC to raise production by 12 percent Medicare in QE main index Two new mills to begin operation by year-end; chairman sees growth in local cement demand DOHA:Aamal will replace Medicare in Qatar Exchange BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB (QE) main index effective from April1 2015. The National DOHA: Qatar’s main cement Leasing will be removed from maker, which claims cater- QE Al Rayan Islamic Index. All ing to over 70 percent of the 43 listed companies will remain local demand, is gearing up to in QE All Share Index, the meet the growing appetite for bourse announced yesterday this primary building material after its periodic index review. fuelled by the infrastructure THE PENINSULA projects. With the operation of two Savola gets nod new mills by the end of this year, the total cement produc- for unit sale tion capacity of Qatar National Cement Company (QNCC) will DUBAI: Saudi’s Savola Group be increased to over four million has obtained all necessary tonnes per annum, which will approvals for the sale of its pack- witness a nearly 12 percent jump aging unit and its subsidiaries to from the existing capacity of the Salem Butti Al Naimi, Chairman and Managing Director of Qatar National Cement Company, with other board members during the Annual General Meeting Takween Advanced Industries, company. in Doha yesterday. (ABDUL BASIT) it said yesterday. Savola will book The company’s total produc- a capital gain in the first quarter tion (in all categories of cement) Al Naimi, speaking to this rate will largely depend on the construction of QNCC’s Cement the Company’s duration, which is of 2015 of SR265m ($70.7m) from increased to 3.5 million tonnes newspaper on the sidelines of number of new projects awarded Plant Line 5. expiring on October 8, 2015, for the sale of Savola Packaging Co, in 2014, up nearly three percent QNCC’s Annual General Meeting and the progress of the ongoing Meanwhile, earlier in the AGM, additional 50 years. according to the bourse filing. compared to 3.4 million tonnes (AGM) yesterday, said: “We are projects.” shareholders approved all the The company had reported a Takween in December agreed produced during the previous expecting the demand for cement He added that the demand for agenda of the meeting, including net profit of QR420.3m for the to buy the packaging unit of the year. in Qatar will continue to grow cement in Qatar is also influenced the Board’s recommendation to year ended December 31, 2014, region’s largest food firm for 910 “Our two new mills are sched- in the coming years, and we at by many other factors, such as the distribute dividends of QR4 per which was down by nearly 3 per- million riyals ($242.5m), which uled to begin operation this year. QNCC are ready to meet any weather conditions, Ramadan and share (40 percent of the nominal cent compared to QR433.3m in included assuming the unit’s debt. The first will commence pro- surge in demand. If the market summer working timings, when value of the share) and a distribu- 2013. The Earnings per Share It signed a SR1.3bn loan last week duction from October 15, 2015, needs more than our full capac- the demand for cement drops tion of 10 percent bonus shares. (EPS) amounted to QR8.56 in to help finance the acquisition and while, the second one is expected ity, we are ready to import from significantly. The shareholders of QNCC also 2014 compared to QR8.82 in 2013. to provide working capital. to start by the year-end,” said outside.” Keeping in view the rising gave the nod for the extension of THE PENINSULA REUTERS Salem Butti Al Naimi, Chairman However, he restrained from demand for cement, the com- and Managing Director of QNCC, giving any estimated peak pany, last year, had signed a adding, “the whole plant will start demand for cent in the run-up- letter of intent with a French running at full capacity by early to 2022, saying: “We are not the company to further boost next year producing about 23,000 only supplier in the market. The its production capacity. The tonnes per day.” quantum of demand and growth contract was signed for the

QNB Group closes syndication of $3bn loan facility DOHA: QNB Group has suc- used for general corporate pur- Mitsui Banking Corporation cessfully closed syndication of poses. The interest rate is Libor were mandated as Initial its $3bn three-year senior unse- plus 60bps per annum. Mandated Lead Arrangers and cured term loan facility. The Barclays Bank PLC and Bookrunners. syndication was well supported HSBC (the “Coordinators”), The Group also announced that by 20 International lenders and together with The Bank of it had already prepaid in full the was over-subscribed, the Bank Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Deutsche earlier existing loan of $1.8bn prior announced here yesterday. Bank, Mizuho Bank, Standard to issuing the new loan facility. The new loan facility will be Chartered Bank and Sumitomo THE PENINSULA Qatar-based banks post strongest growth in total assets in Q4, 2014

several developmental initiatives rate. Kuwait led the pack with BY SATISH KANADY taken by the government. 24 percent increase. UAE and Among Qatar-based banks, Saudi Arabia banks’ non-interest DOHA: Qatar-based banks Masraf Al Rayan, Qatar Islamic income rose by 13.5 percent and witnessed the strongest growth Bank (QIB) and Doha Bank reg- 2.8 percent , respectively. in terms of total assets in the istered higher lending growth of In Qatar, Commercial Bank region during the fourth quar- 39.7 percent, 26.6 percent and of Qatar and Masraf Al Rayan ter of 2014. The collective assets 18.1 percent YoY, respectively. witnessed a fall in non-interest of Qatar’s major banks grew Economic expansion and huge income. Among Qatar based by 11.2 percent during the quar- capital investments, particularly banks, QIB reported a 30.5 per- ter from a year ago. Expansion in the infrastructure, SME and cent YoY bottom-line growth in in asset base was supported by manufacturing sectors, remain Q4 2014 mainly due to improve- growth in loan book. growth drivers for the loan book ment in non-financing income. Qatar Central Bank (QCB) of Saudi Arabia banks. Masraf Al Rayan reported 27.4 Governor H E Sheikh Abdullah The collective loans disbursed by percent growth in net profit due bin Saud Al Thani recently dis- GCC banks under Global Research’s to significant decline in provi- closed that for the first time the coverage increased by 9.1 percent sions. Commercial Bank of combined assets of Qatar banks YoY to $727.1bn in Q4, 2014 which Qatar reported a strong 23.5 have crossed the one trillion was the main driver behind the net percent growth in its bottom- Qatari riyal threshold (in full- interest income which grew by 4.8 line mainly due to lower operat- year 2014). percent YoY during the quarter. ing Expenses. The latest “GCC banking sec- However, margins remained under The net earnings of GCC banks tor” research note by the Global pressure on YoY basis. under coverage increased 21.2 Research, which covered 24 major The provision expenses of the percent YoY to $5.0bn in 4Q14,, banks in the GCC, including five region’s 24 major banks declined mostly due to higher non-interest banks in Qatar, noted Qatar 15.7 percent year-on-year during income and a 15.7 percent drop in Islamic Bank (QIB) and Masraf Q4, last year. Provision expenses provisions. Al Rayan topped the chart in of Saudi Arabia and UAE declined Net profit of banks in the terms of asset growth in the GCC. 46.3 percent and 22.8 percent. In Kuwait increased the most (52.9 The assets of QIB grew by 24.2 contrast provision expenses of percent YoY), followed by percent year-on-year and Masraf Qatar and Kuwait rose 6.8 per- UAE (32.7 percent), KSA (17.5 Al Rayan’s assets rose by 20.4 cent and 5.7 percent, respectively, percent) and Qatar based banks percent. partially offsetting the growth (9.8 percent). Loan book growth continues to of the aggregate bottom-line. However, on QoQ basis, net remain strong across GCC mar- However, compared to the previ- profit of the GCC aggregate kets, with banks in Qatar witness- ous quarter provisions of the GCC declined by 6.8 percent, with ing the highest increase of 13.7 banks grew 34.4 percent. Qatar leading the fall (13.0 per- percent YoY. Qatar-based banks Qatar banks ranked second cent), followed by Saudi Arabia, maintained their loan growth in terms of the non-interest and UAE, while Kuwait witnessed momentum due to an increase in income of GCC banks recorded a 5.3 percent rise in net profit. public sector spending backed by 13.6 percent year-on-year growth THE PENINSULA

WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 America’s EU Iran passes budget with reduced oil revenue

TEHRAN: Iran has approved President Hassan Rowhani said allies to join its budget for the next fiscal yesterday as he opened a new year with oil accounting for development phase at the world’s just a quarter of revenue after a largest gas field. global fall in crude prices, local “Today, our gas production is media said yesterday. 100 million cubic metres greater China bank The text was approved on than the same time last year,” Monday by the Guardians Council Rouhani said on live television. and sent to parliament, just days “This has been achieved under the before the March 21 deadline, the conditions imposed by sanctions.” Germany, France and Italy to join AIIB Iranian New Year. Rouhani was speaking at the The final budget is around 8,500 inauguration of the Phase 12 BERLIN/WASHINGTON: Beijing last year to spur invest- trillion rials ($297bn) according development of the South Pars Germany, France and Italy said ment in Asia in transportation, to Tasnim news agency, which gas field. yesterday they would join a new energy, telecommunications published the outline of the text It could boost Iran’s gas out- China-led Asian investment and other infrastructure. It was without providing details on oil put capacity by 3 billion cubic feet bank after close ally Britain seen as a rival to the Western- revenues. (about 85 million cubic metres) defied US pressure to become dominated World Bank and the “The weight of oil in the budget a day, an increase of 16 percent, a founder member of a venture Asian Development Bank. has dropped significantly and now according to Shana. The oil min- seen in Washington as a rival to A spokeswoman for the exec- reaches 25 percent while it was 50 istry’s website. the World Bank. utive European Commission percent over the last three years,” Phase 12 will also add 120,000 The concerted move to partici- endorsed member states’ partici- parliament speaker Ali Larijani barrels per day of gas condensate, pate in Beijing’s flagship economic pation in the AIIB as a way of tack- said on Monday. raising Iran’s production of the outreach project was a diplomatic ling global investment needs and as He added that the budget was ultra-light oil output by 22 per- blow to the United States, reflect- an opportunity for EU companies. “disconnected” to oil prices. cent, Shana said. ing European eagerness to partner Washington has questioned Larijani said the oil price per The US Energy Information with China’s fast-growing econ- whether the AIIB will have high barrel was calculated at a mini- Administration said it could omy, the world’s second largest. standards of governance and envi- mum of $40, against a govern- take until 2016-17 to reach those It comes amid prickly trade ronmental and social safeguards. ment forecast in December of $72 targets. negotiations between Brussels The new bank is seen as a key per barrel. “We think it will be two more and Washington, and at a time vector to spread Chinese “soft If prices rise above $40 per years at least until they hit that when EU and Asian govern- power” in the region, possibly at the barrel in the second half of the target... it depends on whether ments are frustrated that the US expense of the United States. The year, the surplus revenue would be they get a sanctions deal and can Congress has held up a reform of World Bank is traditionally run by Bank officials with the award. invested in infrastructure projects, bring in foreign investment”, said voting rights in the International a US nominee and Washington also he said. Iran’s Oil Ministry said Moses Rahnama, an analyst at Monetary Fund due to give China has the most influence at the IMF. crude has averaged $44 a barrel Energy Aspects in London. and other emerging powers more US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew Barwa Bank wins STP award since the start of the year. About $7bn has been invested say in global economic governance. warned the Republican-dominated Iranian crude exports have in the project so far, Iran’s IRNA German Finance Minister Congress that China and other DOHA: Barwa Bank, a Qatar- General Manager International, fallen from more than 2.2 million official news agency reported on Wolfgang Schaeuble made the rising powers were challenging based Shariah-compliant service accepted the award on behalf of barrels per day (bpd) in 2011 to Monday. announcement at a joint news American leadership in global provider, received a prestig- the bank. about 1.3 million bpd because of The United States and Iran conference with visiting Chinese financial institutions and he urged ious award from Standard They said in a statement on an oil embargo imposed by the have inched closer to a political Vice Premier Ma Kai, at which lawmakers to swiftly ratify stalled Chartered Bank for Straight the occassion: “We are proud and United States and the European deal that would set the stage for no questions were allowed. He reform of the IMF to help preserve through Processing (STP) for thankful to have been recognized Union in response to Tehran’s a landmark nuclear agreement, said Germany, Europe’s big- US influence. The adjustment of dollar clearing in 2014. by such a credible International nuclear ambitions. Iran has the but a US official warned that gest economy and a major trade shares and voting rights in the IMF Each year, the STP Awards are Financial institution and one of world’s fourth largest oil reserves Iran must make tough choices partner of Beijing, would be a was brokered by Britain at a Group presented to a few select banks the top players in the banking and crude is its main source of to allay fears about its nuclear founding member of the Asian of 20 summit in 2010. European that meet very strict selection cri- industry. This award clearly dem- foreign exchange earnings. ambitions. Infrastructure Investment Bank. countries ratified it long ago. teria and transaction monitoring onstrates Barwa Bank’s capabil- The country says its nuclear Re-injected gas, has more than A joint statement by the for- Lew said the US delay “is mechanisms. Barwa Bank’s award ity to be Qatar’s most progressive programme is aimed at reduc- doubled to 160.5 billion cubic eign and finance ministers of causing other countries, includ- was handed in recognition of its Shari’ah compliant service pro- ing its reliance on oil. It has been metres (bcm) in 2012 from 75bcm Germany, France and Italy said ing some of our allies, to question outstanding levels of automation vider. We are keen to maintain accused of seeking atomic weap- in 2002. they would work to ensure the our commitment to the IMF and in dollar payment platform. this performance by improving ons under the cover of a civilian Iran has huge gas reserves. new institution “follows the best other multilateral institutions ... The bank received the hon- our payment platforms to keep nuclear program, a charge which It exports small quantities to standards and practices in terms Our international credibility and our during a ceremony held facilitating our customer experi- Tehran denies. Turkey but has been unable of governance, safeguards, debt influence are being threatened,” at its headquarters in Doha ence and supporting growing busi- Meanwhile, Iran has expanded to increase production quickly and procurement policies”. he said in prepared testimony. recently. Keith Bradley, Group ness needs through technology”. natural gas output over the past enough to meet its own demand. The AIIB was launched in REUTERS Chief Operating Officer and THE PENINSULA year despite Western sanctions, AGENCIES WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

German steel industry Turkish Oil price slump central bank leaves rates an opportunity unchanged

ISTANBUL: Turkey’s cen- tral bank left interest rates on for Gulf: Experts hold yetserday as the lira’s slide to record lows risked stoking inflation, resisting pressure from President Tayyip Erdogan Doha Energy Forum concludes to cut rates ahead of a June election. DOHA: The 5th edition of Doha Erdogan’s demands for sharply Energy Forum concluded with lower rates to boost growth before the energy leaders reaching on the parliamentary election have a consensus that the outlook for rattled markets, contributing to the energy markets presented the lira’s losses and raising con- an opportunity for Gulf States cern about the independence of to make economic returns. the central bank. The top-100 national and inter- The bank left the one-week national executives tasked with repo rate at 7.50 percent and the steering Qatar’s energy indus- overnight borrowing rate at 7.25 try toward a sustainable future percent. The overnight lending gathered at the fifth Doha Energy An employee walks among steel rolls at the plant of German steel company Salzgitter AG in Salzgitter, Lower rate remained at 10.75 percent Forum discussed the accelerat- Saxony, yesterday. and the primary dealers’ over- ing pace of change and compe- night borrowing rate at 10.25 tition in the industry after the percent. recent 50 percent decline in oil “Future monetary policy deci- prices. The forum featured glo- sions will be conditional on the bal thought leaders from the Qatari bourse loses 73.94 points; improvements in the inflation International Energy Agency, the outlook,” the bank said in a state- Russian Academy of Sciences, the liquefied natural gas, is seeking to ment after the monetary policy International Gas Union and the diversify its economy away from committee meeting. World Energy Council amongst oil and gas exports and is building oil weighs on regional market Tensions between Erdogan and others, alongside the leadership of factories to make petrochemicals, the bank appeared to ease some- the Qatar energy industry. aluminum and steel. DOHA: Qatar Exchange index per barrel to trade at its low- Kuwait’s wider index ended near- what last week after Governor “We can live with oil at $60 Alistair Routledge (pictured), dropped 73.94 points, or 0.63 est level since early February as flat, but the blue-chip benchmark Erdem Basci gave him a briefing. per barrel, even below it, and we President & General Manger of percent, when the bourse closed concerns mountedover a growing fell 0.9 percent after Commerce and Erdogan subsequently said the can live well, but the condition is ExxonMobil Qatar, led the interna- at 11,687.17 points yesterday. supply glut. Industry Minister Abdulmohsen Al talks had been positive, but his that we cut cost and reform the tional energy industry’s represen- The traded value decreased Saudi Arabia’s stock index Madaj said the cabinet was coop- adviser, Cemil Ertem, was quoted national budget,” H E Abdullah tation at the commemorative fifth to QR322m with a volume of dropped 1.4 percent as petro- erating with the International on Monday as saying the presen- bin Hamad Al Attiyah, former edition of the Doha Energy Forum. 7,329,923 shares from 4,785 trans- chemicals giant Saudi Basic Monetary Fund to discuss intro- tation was at odds with Erdogan’s Minister of Energy & Industry “These are certainly interesting actions compared to QR380.51m Industries (Sabic) slid 4.1 percent ducing a corporate tax for local vision for high growth. told the audience of energy indus- times to be in our industry. I have with a volume of 7,613,824 shares to 87.25 riyals in heavy trade. The companies. He gave no details. “We think the central bank try leaders at the Doha forum. been in the industry for nearly 25 from 5,138 transactions on stock came under strong selling Launching a corporate tax did the right thing and restored “There are some positives of low years now, and anyone who has Monday. pressure after falling below 90 would be a major, politically sen- some of its lost credibility with oil prices as inflation will come been around as long as I have has Barring telecoms, which was riyals; it had traded above that sitive policy shift for Kuwait, and that decision,” said BGC Partners down, and drilling costs and con- seen such times in the past, and up 0.36 percent to 1,326.67 points, mark since the start of February. for the wealthy Gulf oil export- chief economist Ozgur Altug. struction costs will come down,” we will certainly see such times indices of all other sectors ended Another major drag was Arab ing nations in general. So far He forecast March annual CPI he said. again,” said Routledge. “Over the in the red for the third consecutive National Bank, which fell 3.1 per- they have relied on oil revenues inflation would fall and may pave The budget is based on a price next few decades, population and day. Insurance dropped 1.17 per- cent after it no longer carried its to mostly avoid direct taxation the way for a 25-50 basis point of $65 a barrel for the current income growth — and an unprec- cent (4,075.17 points), banks and SR1 dividend for 2014. of corporate profits. Dubai’s rate cut. But political reaction fiscal year, and will have a lower edented expansion of the global financial services lost 0.99 percent PetroRabigh jumped 3.3 per- bourse was the only Gulf gainer, to Tuesday’s decision, the out- underlying price for the next fiscal middle class — are expected to (3,152.42 points), consumer goods cent after saying it signed loans rebounding after tumbling 5.1 come of the FOMC meeting on year starting in April, according create new demands for energy. and services slipped 0.82 percent worth around SR19.4bn ($5.2bn) percent over the preceding two Wednesday, and a Fitch Ratings to Qatar’s Ministry of Economy Meeting this demand will require (6,991.37 points), industries shed for the expansion of its petro- days. The index rose 0.4 percent. assessment on Friday would and Commerce. Surplus revenue more than resources and access to 0.77 percent (3,830.53 points). chemical complex, nearly two- Dubai Investments was the determine whether a more opti- in recent years, when crude sold resources. It will depend on vision, Transport fell 0.60 percent thirds of the total cost. main support, jumping 2.2 per- mistic market tone continues. for about $100 a barrel on aver- innovation and sound policy, and (2,450.27 points) and real estate Technical indicators supported cent, a day after it revealed plans In a Reuters poll last week, only age, generated reserves that allow we need to look no further than sector dropped by 0.03 percent to property developer Knowledge to float shares in at least one sub- one economist out of 21 forecast Qatar to maintain large projects, Qatar for an exemplary model of 2,360.69 points Economic City, which surged 4.9 sidiary next year and said it could a 25 basis-point cut in the repo including infrastructure to host what will be needed to meet this Meanwhile, most other regional percent in its heaviest trading in divest other holdings. The news rate, with the others forecasting the soccer World Cup in 2022. demand,” he said. stock markets slumped yesterday three years. It rose above 2014’s was largely ignored in Monday’s it would remain unchanged. Qatar, a member of the Maersk Oil Qatar and as oil extended its slide, while peak of SR27.80, hitting an all- sell-off, but buying demand The lira firmed to 2.6070 Organisation of Petroleum ConocoPhillips participated as Egypt stabilised after a profit- time intraday high of 28.30 riy- returned as market sentiment against the dollar after the deci- Exporting Countries (Opec) and Premier Partners at the forum. taking bout. als although it subsequently strengthened. sion, from 2.6185 beforehand. the world’s biggest exporter of THE PENINSULA Brent crude fell towards $53 retreated to end at SR27.20. QNA/REUTERS REUTERS

Libya set to export 1.2m barrels Gulf, US airlines clash at aviation summit of oil from eastern ports WASHINGTON: Top execu- drive down prices and begin push- Bill Shuster told reporters the his company, saying the govern- tives of US airlines and their ing US airlines out of key mar- panel has asked the adminis- ment of Abu Dhabi did provide BENGHAZI: Libya is set to export more than 1.2 million barrels of Middle East competitors clashed kets. Executives are expected to tration to look into the subsidy startup capital and loans, but did crude oil from the eastern ports of Hariga and Zueitina in coming in Washington yesterday over air their concerns at a conference allegations, which he said appear so as a rational shareholder, and days, officials said. whether “open skies” deals are sponsored by the US Chamber of valid. is expecting and getting returns A tanker will load 600,000 barrels of crude from the Hariga port in fair, and each side ramped up Commerce Foundation. “They’re state-owned compa- on its investments. Tobruk today or tomorrow, the official said. efforts to sway US regulators at Emirates Airline, Qatar nies, and they’re getting what “I don’t apologise for any- A tanker has just loaded the same volume at the port of Zueitina a high-profile forum. Airways and Etihad Airways have we believe are infusions of cash, thing,” Hogan told attendees and a second is expected there next week. US carriers charge the Gulf denied receiving improper subsi- which is not fair,” Shuster said. at a conference sponsored by The eastern Libyan state firm Arabian Gulf Oil Co (AGOCO) is airlines are benefiting unfairly dies, saying US airlines have lost According to prepared remarks the US Chamber of Commerce. producing around 270,000 barrels a day, a company spokesman said. from government subsidies. A market share in part because of reviewed by reporters, American “Shareholder loans and equity? The firm’s assets include the Sarir and Messla oilfields feeding the coalition of Delta Air Lines Inc, inferior service. Airlines Chief Executive Doug That’s business.” Hariga port. United Continental Holdings Inc, Delta, United, and American Parker plans to tell the confer- US airlines complain that the Libya has managed to recover some oil production despite chaos as American Airlines Group Inc and have called on the Obama admin- ence that subsidies for the Gulf Gulf airlines are taking away pas- two governments compete for control four years after the ousting of their labour unions accused Gulf istration to address whether to airlines “distort the competitive sengers and putting U.S. jobs at Muammar Gaddafi. rivals of receiving more than renegotiate open skies agree- marketplace,” and unless some- As for whether the Gulf airlines On Monday, an industry source put national output at about $40bn in government subsidies. ments with Qatar and the United thing is done, US airlines, the US are violating the open skies agree- 490,000bpd a day, a fraction of the up to 1.6m bpd Libya pumped prior US carriers say the Gulf air- Arab Emirates. economy, and US jobs will pay a ments, “that’s an issue for the two to the 2011 uprising. lines benefit unfairly from more Yesterday, US House very expensive price.” governments to discuss,” Hogan Major facilities have stopped working due to the struggle between than $40bn in government sub- Committee on Transportation Etihad CEO James Hogan said. the recognised government in the east and a rival administration that sidies that have allowed them to and Infrastructure Chairman delivered a spirited defence of REUTERS took control of the capital Tripoli in August 2014. The emergence of militants aligned with Islamic State have further hit the sector. Up to 10 foreign workers are missing after an attack on the Al Ghani oilfield by militants loyal to Islamic State this month. Gulf Air hosts Moscow media team Militants have also stormed and damaged several oilfields around al-Ghani, forcing the government to declare force majeure, pull out workers and shut down production at 11 oilfields in the central Sirte basin. Air Arabia launches Airewards loyalty programme

DOHA: Air Arabia yesterday launched ‘Airewards’, the first low cost carrier rewards programme in the Mena region, a press release issued by the airline said yesterday. Airewards is designed to offer the same simple, transparent and value-packed experience that customers associate with Air Arabia. Points are based on money spent rather than distance flown, and can be earned on any product or service purchased from the airline. This online loyalty programme also offers unparalleled flexibility when redeeming points, with the availably of a variety of payment and reward options, without any blackout dates or limitations on availability. “Air Arabia is proud to unveil Airewards, the region’s first ever low costcarrier loyalty programand a major step forward in how we engage with our customers”said Adel A Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia. Joining Airewardsis free and open for everyone. Members can earn Following the launch of its direct Moscow service in the second half of 2014, Gulf Air recently hosted a number of Russian media members in and redeem their points while traveling with Air Arabia via its hubs Bahrain. They were taken on a familiarisation trip by the airline and The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa. They visited various local attractions in the UAE and Morocco. Members will also be the first to learn about around the kingdom and visited the airline’s headquarters to meet with the carrier’s executive management team. promotions and new routes, schedules and launches. THE PENINSULA/REUTERS WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21 Egypt, Arabtec Turkey launches near agreement on $40bn work on $10bn housing project

CAIRO/DUBAI: Egypt’s housing ministry and Dubai’s Azeri pipeline Arabtec have agreed some of the terms for a $40bn project to build one million homes across the country, and they will sign 1,850km TANAP to supply gas to EU a final contract within 10 days, a ministry spokeswoman said ANKARA: Turkey and would not only carry Shah Deniz yesterday. Azerbaijan yesterday formally gas to Europe but also “carry Earlier this month, the hous- began construction on a new peace”. “Oil and natural gas ing minister said he hoped to gas pipeline costing $10bn which projects are unfortunately asso- conclude a deal for the mega will pump gas from the vast ciated in the world with conflicts, development — seen as part Azerbaijani Shah Deniz 2 field competitions, fights, wars and of economic and political sup- across Anatolia to Turkish and exploitation. I believe that this port to the country by the EU consumers. project will be remembered with United Arab Emirates — before Turkish President Recep Tayyip peace and welfare,” he said. a March 13-15 investment Erdogan, Azerbaijani counter- He confirmed the project would conference. part Ilham Aliyev and Georgian cost $10bn, far more than when it No announcement was made, President Giorgi Margvelashvili was originally conceived in 2012. however. The two parties differed simultaneously pushed three but- According to the partner- over the percentage of completed tons to launch work at the eastern ship agreement signed last week, units that Arabtec should deliver end of the pipeline in the ceremony Azerbaijan’s state energy firm International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde (right) speaks as Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram to Egypt in lieu of payment for in the Kars region of eastern Turkey. SOCAR and Turkey’s Botas will hold Rajan looks on during a panel discussion at the RBI head office in Mumbai yesterday. land used in the project, a source “In the name of God!” said the 58 percent and 30 percent stakes said on March 3. pious Erdogan as he pushed the respectively while British energy “There is no percentage that button to the booming sound of giant BP has a 12 percent share. Emerging economies should be has been agreed on with Arabtec,” the theme music from the film “Without TANAP you can- Wafaa Bakri, media advisor Pirates of the Caribbean in the not get Azerbaijani gas across for the housing minister, said televised ceremony. Turkey,” said Laurent Ruseckas, yesterday. The EU, whose energy commis- senior advisor in global gas at IHS ready for US rate rise: Lagarde Asked if the government would sioner Maros Sefcovic was at the Energy in London. “The develop- take the same percentage agreed ceremony, is backing the project ment of Shah Deniz 2 depends on with Talaat Mostafa for the as part of its Southern Corridor getting all the pipelines from the MUMBAI: Emerging markets vulnerabilities that build up during the point where, for the first time Egyptian developer’s Madinaty policy to bring gas from new east- Caspian Sea to Italy built and a must prepare for the impact of a period of very accommodative since 2006, the United States will housing project, which was 7 ern markets and reduce depend- big part of that is TANAP.” US interest rate rises, whose monetary policy can unwind sud- raise short-term interest rates percent, she said: “It will be more ence on Russia for supplies. The total investment in Shah timing could surprise markets, denly when such policy is reversed, later this year, as the first country than that.” The 1,850km Trans-Anatolian Deniz 2, including the cost of the International Monetary Fund creating substantial market vola- to start the process of normalising Arabtec executives will visit Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) pipeline infrastructure, is $40-45bn. chief Christine Lagarde warned tility,” Lagarde said in prepared its monetary policy,” she said. Cairo within 10 days to sign the — which is due to be completed The field will have 16 billion in India yesterday. remarks in Mumbai at the end of a “Even if this process is well final contract, she added without in 2018 — is to link up to the cubic metres (bcm) of gas produc- Speaking alongside India’s cen- two-day visit to India. “We already managed, the likely volatility in elaborating. existing South Caucasus Pipeline tion per year with 6bcm pumped tral bank governor Raghuram got a taste of it during the taper financial markets could give rise Such a short time frame (SCP) which links Turkey to to Turkish consumers and 10bcm Rajan, Lagarde said the so-called tantrum episode in May and June to potential stability risks.” may indicate the two sides the Azerbaijani gas fields in the sent to Europe. “This is a small “taper tantrum” that hit emerging of 2013, when most emerging mar- Emerging economies could are confident a deal is near, Caspian Sea through Georgia. share of the overall market,” com- economies hard in 2013 could be ket economies suffered indiscrimi- prepare for future swings includ- and a source familiar with The backers of the project mented Ruseckas, who projects repeated. The US Federal Reserve nate capital outflows. ing through higher GDP growth, the matter played down their expect that the TANAP will then total consumption this year in the caused panic in 2013 when it first “I am afraid this may not be a one- stronger external current account differences. He said the main link up with the planned Trans- EU at 444bcm. signalled a reduction in its multi- off episode. This is so, because the positions and lower inflation. obstacles had been overcome Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) that Erdogan said annual volumes billion dollar asset purchases to timing of interest rate lift-off and Central banks must also be and only a few relatively minor will bring the gas from western would eventually increase to a stimulate the economy. the pace of subsequent rate increases ready to act, with aggressive and issues remained. Turkey to Greece, Albania and capacity of shipping 22bcm and sub- India and other emerging econ- can still surprise markets. Emerging temporary liquidity support and Under a preliminary plan across the Adriatic to Italy. sequently 31bcm. However Turkey, omies were slammed as investors markets need to prepare in advance targeted foreign exchange inter- announced last year, construction The pipelines avoid Armenia, whose relations with Moscow have pulled out of their markets, in to deal with this uncertainty.” ventions, she advised. of the housing had originally been with whom Azerbaijan and Turkey warmed considerably in recent years, what came to be termed a “taper Lagarde said developed econ- She praised Rajan, a former IMF due to start in the third quarter have frozen ties due to the Nagorny- is also talking with Russia on a new tantrum”, amid speculation about omies could help avoid future chief economist, and the Indian of 2014, with the first homes to Karabakh conflict and the dispute over Turkish Stream pipeline that will the winding down of the stimu- volatility with “clear and effec- government for their economic be delivered in early 2017 and the the mass killings of Armenians in the pump Russian gas under the Black lus programme that had rallied tive communication of policy reform efforts which should be project to be completed before First World War. Sea to its territory and Europe. emerging markets. intentions”. pursued “with the utmost speed”. 2020. But Erdogan said the pipeline AFP “The danger is that “We are perhaps approaching AFP REUTERS

RSA considers BoJ chief downplays deflation risk, sticks to inflation target sale of Latin TOKYO: Bank of Japan will hover around zero for the time coming months, they see no need inflation accelerate so quickly. inflation would turn up in the lat- American unit Governor Haruhiko Kuroda being. “Depending on oil price to respond unless the price weak- “Given that Japanese stocks are ter half of the year as companies said lower energy costs may moves, we can’t rule out the pos- ness hits inflation expectations. doing well, there’s no need to ease raise wages and the effects of last LONDON: British general push consumer prices into nega- sibility that core consumer prices “There’s absolutely no change policy now,” said Hiroaki Muto, year’s oil price falls fade. insurer RSA is weighing a pos- tive territory but it won’t derail will fall slightly year-on-year,” to our stance of aiming to achieve senior economist at Sumitomo “I don’t think achievement of sible sale of its Latin American a pick-up in inflation as the Kuroda told a news conference. our 2 percent inflation target at Mitsui Asset Management. the price target has become par- business, a source familiar with economy recovers, signalling But he said prospects of the earliest date possible with a “However, the BOJ will proba- ticularly difficult,” he said. the matter said yesterday, in that he sees no immediate need improving wages and economic timeframe of roughly two years,” bly have to push back its two-year On Wednesday, Japan’s biggest what would be the group’s big- to expand stimulus. growth will underpin inflation said Kuroda, who will mark two timeframe when it updates its fore- firms will announce wage plans gest in a long-running series of Nearly two years into his tenure, expectations. years in office on Friday. casts in October, which will raise following annual talks with labour disposals. Kuroda continues to wrestle with “For now, I don’t think the The BOJ has stood pat on pol- questions about monetary easing.” unions, the results of which will That followed media reports weak prices that have kept alive underlying slowdown in inflation, icy since expanding its massive At the news conference, Kuroda be key to the success of premier on Monday that the general expectations the central bank will driven largely by sharp falls in oil stimulus programme in October faced tough questions about the Shinzo Abe’s push to drive Japan insurer was considering a sale of ease again this year to reach its prices, will immediately affect the last year to prevent slumping oil BOJ’s pledge - made in April 2013 sustainably out of deflation. The the operations, which are spread two percent inflation target. broad price trend,” he said. prices, and a subsequent slowdown - that it will hit the price target in BOJ hopes companies that reaped across Argentina, Chile, Brazil, The BOJ maintained its massive His remarks echo a concerted in inflation, from delaying a sus- two years. One reporter urged him huge profits from a weak yen will Mexico, Colombia and Uruguay. stimulus programme on Tuesday signal BOJ policymakers have sent tained end to deflation. to admit the deadline has become boost regular pay and help lift RSA declined to comment. but offered a slightly more down- to investors that while they expect Many analysts, however, remain impossible to achieve. consumption. RSA has been retreating from beat view on prices, saying inflation inflation to grind to a halt in unconvinced that Japan will see Kuroda emphasised that REUTERS secondary markets to help shore up its balance sheet and refocus its strategy after an accounting scandal at its Irish unit fuelled Indonesia holds rate a series of profit warnings and bumper cash call. Alfa Telecom bids $2.8bn At its most recent results, the company said it still considered itself to have leadership posi- tions in parts of Latin America to double Turkcell stake as well as Scandinavia, the UK and Ireland, and Canada. ISTANBUL: Russia’s Alfa Holding financed the purchase While it has shed a number Telecom offered $2.8bn yester- with a loan from state-owned of assets, including a minority day to buy back a 13.8 percent Turkish lender Ziraat Bank it has stake in its Indian joint ven- stake in Turkcell, a move that yet to repay. ture and operations in China, would give billionaire Mikhail Now, Alfa has offered to buy the they were all much smaller than Fridman’s group control of shares — still held by Ziraat as its Latin American operations, Turkey’s top mobile operator. collateral. Alfa already indirectly which are valued at £500-650m But even at a hefty 94 per- owns 13.22 percent of Turkcell, ($740-$960m). cent premium, the bid is likely meaning the additional 13.76 Ben Cohen, analyst at to meet stiff resistance from percent would be enough to gain Canaccord Genuity said, strate- Turkish regulators, analysts said, control, given Turkcell’s complex gically, a sale would leave RSA given Ankara’s opposition to the ownership structure. with a reliance on very mature market leader falling into foreign The offer would likely be markets, “which is not a prob- hands after a long battle between blocked by Turkish regulatory lem as long as you do it well” he the Russians and one of Turkcell’s authorities, analysts said. said, citing the example of Direct founders. “It is therefore highly unlikely, Line. Alfa has been fighting with its for strategic and national secu- Cohen said the deal would likely equity partner, Turkcell founder rity reasons, that the government be at a healthy premium to its Mehmet Emin Karamehmet, over would let the Turkish control- book value and the best scenario control of the operator for nearly ling shareholder sell its stake to would be if cash was returned to a decade, a tussle that has also a Russian (or any other foreign) shareholders, although the firm prevented some dividends from entity,” said Ondrej Cabejsek, an had not flagged any impending being paid. analyst at Czech firm Wood & windfall and proceeds could be Last year an international arbi- Company Financial Services, in used to build RSA’s capital posi- A man counts Indonesian rupiah notes at a money changer in Jakarta yesterday. Indonesia’s central bank, trator ordered Alfa to return the a note. tion, which came out weaker than which last month surprisingly cut its benchmark rate, yesterday held it steady at 7.50 percent. Bank Indonesia stake to Karamehmet’s holding Alfa could be using its bid to put expected at results. said the level of the rate is consistent with efforts to contain inflation and the current account deficit. company for $1.6bn. Strapped renewed pressure on Cukurova. REUTERS for cash, Karamehmet’s Cukurova REUTERS WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,687.17 0.63 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 17,957.65 0.59 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,256.41 0.36 % RATE QE All Share Index 3,110.31 0.70 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,152.41 0.99 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5810.953 41.269 0.72 5962 5248.5 QE All Share Industrials 3,830.53 0.77 % QR135.0183 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 2,450.27 0.60 % Cac 40 Index/D 5022.88 -38.28 -0.76 5071.68 4076.16 QE All Share Real Estate 2,360.69 0.03 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.3442 QR 5.4199 QE All Share Insurance 4,075.17 1.17 % Dj Indu Average 17977.42 0 0 18288.6 15855.12 QR 1.8227 Euro ...... QR 3.8441 QR 3.8975 QE All Share Telecoms 1,326.67 0.36 % CA$ ...... QR 2.8227 QR 2.8784 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,991.37 0.82 % Hang Seng Inde/D 23901.49 -48.06 -0.2 25101.96 23312.5 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.6103 QR 3.6616 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 5997.36 -117.06 -1.91 6212.11 5072.7 Yen ...... QR 0.0298 QR 0.0304 Aus$ ...... QR 2.7598 QR 2.8145 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 32342.26 -112.65 -0.35 35055.94 32134.82 CRUDE OIL 17-03-2015 16-03-2015 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0576 QR 0.0587 Index 11,687.17 11,761.11 Nikkei 225 Index 19437 190.94 0.99 19349.2 16592.57 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0355 QR 0.0362 Change 73.94 203.04 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0809 QR 0.0825 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2119.59 1814.36 % 0.63 1.70 $ 53.80 SL Re ...... QR 0.0271 QR 0.0277 YTD% 4.87 4.27 Straits Times/D 3369.95 -6.09 -0.18 3458.14 3267.89 Taka ...... QR 0.0463 QR 0.0474 Volume 7,329,923 7,613,824 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0362 QR 0.0369 Value (QAR) 322,016,613.60 380,510,850.73 Straits Times/D 3290.99 -1.82 -0.06 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.2913 QR 0.2970 Trades 4,785 5,138 $ 51.78 Up 10 | Down 27 | Unchanged 02 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 17-03-2015

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED A B G Infra-T/D 182 30.3 46726 Chowgule St-T/D 26.1 1 19004 Goodyear I -B/D 548 -3.5 2956 Kalyani Stel-T/D 142.2 -1.4 32594 Orient.Carb.-T/D 423 -9.3 3399 Kingfisher/D 366.9 -0.1 2277459 A C C-A/D 1608.9 21.3 22025 Cimmco-B/D 112.25 -5.9 45519 Hcl Infosys-B/D 54.5 -1.4 669075 Kanoria Chem-B/D 36.3 -0.3 10225 Oudh Sugar-B/D 20.15 -0.3 57849 Land Secs Grou/D 1230 -3 693142 Aarti Drugs-B/D 1558.75 31.25 22509 Cipla-A/D 710.05 14.7 146436 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 16.4 -0.45 1306911 Kg Denim-B/D 22.7 0.25 8954 Radico Khait-B/D 88.85 -2.05 79994 Legal & Genera/D 287.5 -3.4 4081585 Aban Offs-A/D 462.1 4.45 204064 City Union Bk-/D 96 -0.4 44303 Himat Seide-B/D 81.35 0.05 22292 Kilburnengg-T/D 45 -0.75 4491 Rallis India-A/D 236.9 -5.35 26254 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 79.41 0.06 48403394 Aegis Logis-B/D 540 7 11786 Cmc Ltd-A/D 1935.7 19.15 3897 Hind Motors-T/D 6.8 -0.13 47493 Kinetic Eng-B/D 47 0 6720 Rallis India-A/D 236.9 -5.35 26254 Marks & Sp./D 502.5 -3.5 1808649 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 271.05 -3.2 32899 Colgate-A/D 2064 27.3 10603 Hind Org Chem-/D 14.65 0.05 28587 Kopran-B/D 50.3 7.25 743450 Reliance Indus/D 430.4 0.3 42428 Next/D 7495 -60 137135 Alembic-B/D 38.7 1.05 448394 Container Cor-/D 1678.85 11.45 4527 Hind Unilever-/D 931.9 -0.4 70244 Lloyd Metal-B/D 8.2 -0.68 5600 Ruchi Soya-B/D 44.35 0.1 126860 Pearson/D 1483 2 1190944 Alkyl Amines-B/D 306 -4.1 5354 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 179.4 18.4 18995 Hind.Petrol-A/D 633.8 5.9 259900 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 10.27 -0.23 876830 Saur.Cem-B/D 43.2 1.35 118906 Prudential/D 1691.5 -10 1606771 Alok Indus-A/D 8.16 -0.05 6959687 Dhampur Sugar-/D 36.4 -1.15 15182 Hindalco-A/D 134.2 7.3 1165035 Lumax Ind-B/D 337.7 0.7 5553 Thirumalai-B/D 83 -1 3277 Rank Group/D 189.8 0.2 34904 Apollo Tyre-A/D 168.95 -0.3 199707 Dr. Reddy-A/D 3435.3 121.35 17513 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1339.95 34.25 70616 Lupin-A/D 1876.4 12.85 22612 Timexgroup-T/D 17 0.05 28596 Rentokil Initi/D 139.8 -1.1 409482 Asahi I Glass-/D 150 -6 71690 E I H-B/D 101.9 -0.8 9482 I F C I-A/D 35.45 0.05 720807 Lyka Labs-T/D 49.25 4.45 145290 Tinplate-B/D 58.35 0.05 46527 Rolls Royce Pl/D 963.5 -7 2605603 Ashok Leyland-/D 71.9 -1.4 1562770 E.I.D Parry-A/D 177.2 -1.7 21262 Idbi-A/D 75.6 0.3 303122 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 157.7 -2.1 2458 Ucal Fuel-B/D 110.5 4.8 26100 Rsa Insrance G/D 421 1.5 1226321 Ballarpur In-B/D 14.28 0.03 132413 Eicher Motor-A/D 15900.1 96.85 3242 Ifb Agro-B/D 291 2.5 17252 Maha Scooter-B/D 930 33.75 2724 Ucal Fuel-B/D 110.5 4.8 26100 Sainsbury(J)/D 267 -1.6 8489454 Banaras Bead-B/D 39.95 -0.05 3232 Eimco Elecon-T/D 412 -2.1 2468 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 585.25 0.75 24969 Mangalam Cem-B/D 275.4 -1.4 9258 Ultramarine-B/D 65.2 1 6635 Schroders/D 3198 -70 254185 Bata India-A/D 1180.5 3.05 11168 Electrosteel-B/D 19.4 -0.15 166231 India Cement-A/D 93.65 -0.5 198084 Maral Overs-B/D 27 -0.35 6190 Unitech P -A/D 19.55 0.25 4555358 Severn Trent/D 1993 31 310442 Beml Ltd-A/D 1101.7 81.95 380710 Emco-B/D 35.55 0.15 18439 India Glycol-B/D 85.15 0.05 20863 Mastek-B/D 421.9 -5.9 141672 Uppergsugar-T/D 42 1.2 19166 Smith&Nephew/D 1138.85 -8 944575 Bh Electronic-/D 3360 95.5 42815 Escorts Fin-B/D 4.71 -0.08 4295 Indian Hotel-A/D 104.5 1.4 54657 Max India L-A/D 459 1.55 84817 Smiths Group/D 1197 18 544194 LONDON Bhansali Eng-T/D 22.4 0.5 116014 Escorts-A/D 138.05 0.65 128489 Indo-Tcount-T/D 412 -2.4 4410 Mrpl-A/D 64.25 0.65 58863 Standrd Chart /D 959.7 3.4 2505843 Bharat Bijle-B/D 654 3.5 3232 Essar Oil-T/D 102.25 -0.45 183579 Indusind-A/D 900.7 23.2 45472 Nahar Spg.-B/D 93.55 1.75 15722 Tate & Lyle/D 615 2.5 543082 Bharatgears-B/D 74.1 -0.25 4822 Eveready Indu-/D 266.9 -6.9 43033 J.B.Chemical-B/D 216.9 9.95 212110 Nation Alum -A/D 47.6 0.95 91098 3I Group/D 485.5 0.7 546326 Tesco/D 235.8 -5.55 9430337 Bhel-A/D 264.1 5.8 306078 F D C-B/D 158.4 1.6 19346 Jagson Phar-B/D 30.4 0.25 43447 Nepc India-T/D 2.45 -0.04 19005 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3024 -24 176251 Unilever/D 2881 -5 1033971 Bom.Burmah-B/D 472.1 8.1 95547 Federal Bank-A/D 140.5 3.85 99121 Jbf Indu-B/D 220.7 -1.9 58690 Neuland Lab-B/D 363.8 5.5 17500 Barclays/D 249.55 -2.3 13021417 United Util Gr/D 903 6.5 908002 Bombay Dyeing-/D 70.8 -0.4 449863 Ferro Alloys-B/D 4.9 -0.15 16687 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.5 0.01 18200 Nrb Bearings-B/D 135.3 -0.7 2306 Bg Group/D 842.5 20.5 5919466 Vodafone Group/D 221.05 -1.55 16715764 Camph.& All-B/D 262 -12.7 4664 Fgp Ltd-B/D 2.75 0.11 3000 Jct Ltd-B/D 3.18 0.06 142760 O N G C-A/D 313.9 1.8 331829 Bp/D 423.9 6.3 14215076 Whitbread/D 5385 0 83228 Canfin Homes-B/D 588 2.5 7559 Finolex-A/D 269.4 2.7 7039 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 8.66 0.6 593345 Ocl India-B/D 433 -2 22064 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3697.5 -11 1217950 Castrol India-/D 487.4 16.3 46043 Gail-A/D 379.85 -1.4 42760 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 110.6 2.4 172834 Oil Country-B/D 31.35 -0.75 7411 Bt Group/D 448.2 -3.4 7514229 Century Enka-B/D 155.3 -0.2 20115 Galada Power-T/D 22 -0.1 7336 Jmc Projects-T/D 177 3.7 3337 Onward Tech-B/D 50.35 -0.6 7535 Centrica/D 246.8 7.5 11892704 Century Text-A/D 577.65 -20.4 358725 Gammon India-T/D 20.5 0.8 111477 Kajaria Cer-A/D 768 6.4 3662 Orchid Chem-B/D 60.55 0.55 211189 Gkn/D 371.3 -2.9 3189849 Chambal Fert-B/D 66.45 0.75 86472 Garden P -B/D 27.35 -0.15 4515 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 119.5 -1.1 3429 Orient Hotel-T/D 21.4 0.3 20631 Hsbc Holdings/D 567.4 5.4 8284010 Chola Invest-B/D 582.5 -4.5 2340 Goodricke-B/D 158.2 -1.2 20478 Kalpat Power-B/D 220 5.65 15920 Orient.Carb.-T/D 423 -9.3 3399 Imperial Tobac/D 3131 -38 540636 WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Sharapova, Djokovic advance at Indian Wells, Wozniacki out Swiss teenager stuns former champion Wozniacki; Murray wins McIlroy replaces

INDIAN WELLS, United in the eighth game of the second Tiger as face of States: Second seed Maria ATP and WTA Indian set but two-time Australian Open Sharapova and defending champ winner Azarenka decided she video game Novak Djokovic eased through Wells Results wasn’t going down without a fight. to the third round of Indian INDIAN WELLS, United Azarenka saved four match Wells matchups but fourth States: Results at the ATP points in the eighth game of the LOS ANGELES: Rory McIlroy seeded Caroline Wozniacki bit and WTA BNP Paribas Open final set and another in the ninth (pictured), who has replaced the dust in the California desert tennis tournament on Monday: before finally succumbing on a Tiger Woods as golf’s world yesterday. Sharapova cross-court backhand number one, will also supplant Women’s Third Round: Eugenie Bouchard Five-time Grand Slam win- that she clobbered into the net. the 14-time major champion (CAN x6) bt CoCo Vandeweghe (USA x30) ner Maria Sharapova needed six “She played right to the on EA Sports’ PGA Tour video 6-3, 6-2; Lesya Tsurenko (UKR) bt Alize match points to grind out a 6-4, last point,” Sharapova said of game. Cornet (FRA x20) 7-5, 1-6, 6-2; Jelena 6-3 win over Victoria Azarenka Azarenka. EA announced yesterday that Jankovic (SRB x18) bt Madison Keys (USA in a rare early round marquee Sharapova moves through to the game, to be released in June, x16) 5-7, 6-4, 6-3; Belinda Bencic (SUI matchup. the round of 16 where she will will be called “Rory McIlroy PGA x31) bt Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x4) 6-4, Djokovic also had to fend off square off against defending Tour” and feature the 25-year- 6-4; Maria Sharapova (RUS x2) bt Victoria a spirited opponent in Albert women’s champ Flavia Pennetta old from Northern Ireland on its Azarenka (BLR x32) 6-4, 6-3; Caroline Ramos-Vinolas in a centre court of Italy. cover. Garcia (FRA x25) bt Ana Ivanovic (SRB x5) night match but eventually pre- Plucky Swiss teenager Belinda It will mark the first time since 6-2, 5-7, 6-2; Flavia Pennetta (ITA x15) bt vailed 7-5, 6-3 to reach the round Bencic pulled off the biggest win 1998, the year after Woods won his Samantha Stosur (AUS x21) 6-4, 6-2; Sabine of 16. of her young career with the Novak Djokovic of Serbia acknowledges the crowd following his victory first major crown at the Masters, Lisicki (GER x24) bt Sara Errani (ITA x11) 6-4, “I managed to play the right straight set upset of fourth seeded against Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain during their third round match that Woods has not been featured 6-2. shots at the right time and in Wozniacki of Denmark 6-4, 6-4. at the BNP Paribas Tennis Open in Indian Wells, California yesterday. on the cover. A Woods-EA con- the important moments to sneak Men’s Third Round: Adrian Mannarino The 18-year-old Bencic had Djokovic defeated Ramos-Vinolas 7-5, 6-3. tract expired in 2013. through in straight sets,” Djokovic (FRA) bt Ernests Gulbis (LAT x14) 6-4, 6-4; never beaten a top-five player “I’m very proud and humbled said. John Isner (USA x18) bt Kevin Anderson before. “I am very happy. I’m The two-time Grand Slam win- reaching the Australian Open to see my face and name on EA Djokovic moves through to the (RSA x16) 7-6 (8/6), 6-2; Thanasi Kokkinakis really excited,” Bencic said. “I ner Murray clinched the victory final where he lost to Djokovic. Sports Rory McIlroy PGA Tour,” round of 16 where he will face (AUS) bt Juan Monaco (ARG) 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 always watched her on TV when on his first match point when the World number five Kei McIlroy said in a statement. the hard-hitting American John (7/5); Andy Murray (GBR x4) bt Philipp I was a small girl. She was my idol German hit a forehand wide. Nishikori rallied to beat Spain’s “This is a great honor and Isner, who beat Djokovic in the Kohlschreiber (GER x26) 6-1, 3-6, 6-1; Kei and a role model for me.” “He played better in the sec- Fernando Verdasco in a scrappy something I couldn’t even dream semi-finals of the 2012 Indian Nishikori (JPN x5) bt Fernando Verdasco Wozniacki, a former Indian ond set and I felt like I served match that went three sets. of growing up playing the sport. I Wells tournament. They have met (ESP x28) 6-7 (6/8), 6-1, 6-4; Bernard Tomic Wells champion, appeared to better in the third set. I did Japan’s Nishikori beat the really hope people enjoy the game seven times with Djokovic win- (AUS x32) bt David Ferrer (ESP x8) 7-5, 6-4; have her game in order coming well at the end to keep it going,” Spaniard 6-7 (6/8), 6-1, 6-4 to and I’m very glad I can be a part ning five. Feliciano Lopez (ESP x12) bt Pablo Cuevas into Indian Wells as she won her Murray said. move through to the fourth of it.” “He is one of the best servers in (URU x20) 6-2, 4-6, 6-3; Novak Djokovic 23rd career singles title just two Murray now has 495 wins and round. EA figures to seek a new group the history of the game,” Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) 7-5, weeks ago in Kuala Lumpur. is just two shy of passing Tim Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard, of young gamers and golf fans said of Isner. 6-3. In other maches Monday, Henman for the most career sin- who is looking to regain her form with the switch, using the hash- “He’s six-foot-10 so he can hit to figure out a way win when she Andy Murray, who is trying to gles wins in the Open Era. He also after missing some time on the tag NextGenGolf with a Twitter any angle. I am expecting a tough wasn’t at her best. The 27-year old become Britain’s most winning needs just five more victories to WTA Tour with an arm injury, posting announcing McIlroy’s new match.” Russian appeared to be ready to player ever, defeated Philipp join the 500 wins club. cruised past CoCo Vandeweghe status. Like Djokovic, Sharapova had close out her third round match Kohlschreiber 6-1, 3-6, 6-1. Murray opened his season by 6-3, 6-2. AFP “New name. New cover. Looking good @McIlroyRory!” the video game maker tweeted. McIlroy will try to complete a career Grand Slam by win- ning his first Masters title next Wade shines as Heat down Cavaliers month at Augusta National. He will also be trying for his third MIAMI: Another return embrace in the Slovenian the Eastern Conference with 16 major title in a row after wins at to Miami for LeBron James seconds after NBA Results guard Goran games remaining. “For this team last year’s British Open and PGA brought another thumping for the final buzzer, Toronto 117 Indiana 98 Dragic added right here, it’s about fighting Championship. his Cleveland Cavaliers at the following which Washington 105 Portland 97 20 points and for the playoffs, so we needed In all, McIlroy has won four hands of his former club as the Wade said Boston 108 Philadelphia 89 nine assists this win,” Wade said. majors, his first coming at the Heat ripped their ex-team-mate the Heat rel- Memphis 92 Denver 81 for the Heat Kyrie Irving added 21 points 2011 US Open at Congressional 106-92 yesterday. ish beating the while Hassan and a team-high six assists for the and his second coming at the 2012 Brooklyn 122 Minnesota 106 Dwyane Wade produced game Cavaliers in a Whiteside and Cavaliers, who were playing with- PGA Championship at Kiawah highs of 32 points and five steals special way. Miami 106 Cleveland 92 reserve Mario out star big man Kevin Love, who Island. to spark the Heat, who won two “We do. They Dallas 119 Oklahoma City 115 Chalmers was rested by Cleveland coach Woods, 39, is chasing the record NBA titles and reached four are one of the Utah 94 Charlotte 66 each scored Dave Blatt. 18 career major titles won by Jack consecutive NBA Finals before better teams in Atlanta 110 Sacramento 103 16 points, James had treatment on his Nicklaus but has not won a major Stage set for James left last July to return to the NBA,” Wade Golden State 108 LA Lakers 105 Whiteside also right knee before the game, hav- crown since the 2008 US Open. his home-region club. said. contributing a ing tweaked it in a Sunday tri- In recent years he has been James scored 26 points to lead “We know game-high 11 umph at Orlando. nagged by leg and back injuries 3x3 Doha the Cavaliers, but they were when we play the way we played rebounds. Miami’s 56-38 half-time lead and is currently struggling with beaten just as in his first return to tonight, we can beat anybody. It’s The Heat shot 55 percent from marked the largest half-time defi- his game, his participation in Miami for a game, a 101-91 Heat about getting to that game con- the floor in improving to 30-36, cit of the season for the Cavaliers, doubt for the Masters, on a course Challenger triumph last December 25. sistency. We haven’t played that matching Boston and Indiana who shot only 38 percent from the where he has won four times -- Wade and James shared an way as much as we did today.” for the last two playoff berths in court for the game. AFP but not since 2005. AFP DOHA: Sixteen teams will fea- ture in the 3x3 Doha Challenger, Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) announced yesterday. The tournament - which kicks off today - will end tomorrow, QBF said yesterday. Al Rashid and Kazi win The games will be played at Al Gharafa Training Hall, the venue of the event. The champions will also qualify for World Tour Masters to be held DGC Pairs Challenge in Manila. The first game starts at 2pm today while the games DOHA: Hisham Al Rashid and start at 4pm tomorrow. partner Fazal Kazi won the THE PENINSULA recent Doha Golf Club (DGC) Pairs Challenge with an excel- lent score of nett 67 to win by Doha Challenger one shot from Stephen Swan Starting date: March 18 Toronto Maple Leafs’ right winger Richard Panik (18) collides with and Danny Waiter and Jacky Venue – Al Gharafa Training Hall Edmonton Oilers’ right winger Nail Yakupov (10) after Yakupv tripped Tan and Jeff Jernigan. Number of teams Participating - 16 Panik in the third period at Rexall Place in their NHL game yesterday. The event format was two members playing together and Prize money – $4,000 for the 1st place recording the lowest score. Low and $1,000 for 2nd place. scores were needed on the day to win a prize and the top three Stamkos dazzles in teams won vouchers to spend at Doha Golf Club. The event con- sisted of two shotgun starts and a total of 94 players competed. Lightning’s victory In second place, winning on countback were Stephen Swan TAMPA, FLORIDA: The Montreal has played one fewer and Danny Waiter Cullen with a Tampa Bay Lightning continued game. nett score of 68.Third place went their season-long dominance “It’s definitely a confidence to Jacky Tan and Jeff Jernigan. Doha Golf Club member Jeff Glover (right), winner in Flight A in the over the Montreal Canadiens. booster when you get the offense The event was also a qualifier recent Pretect Monthly Mug, is seen with runner-up Ian Rippey. Soud Steven Stamkos had two goals going in a game like this, espe- for the Mens Doubles Matchplay Al Mohannadi won in Flight B. and added an assist and the cially down the stretch,’’ Stamkos with the top 31 teams qualifying Lightning beat the Canadiens 4-2 said. for the knock out stages of the Monday night in a matchup of the Valtteri Filppula and Victor matchplay. Mug with a steady score of 36 sta- score of 41 points with the high- Atlantic Division’s top teams. Hedman also scored for the The matchplay event will be bleford points in extremely test- light being a gross birdie on hole Both have 93 points, but Lightning, who have outscored staged over the year and will ing conditions. 10. Garry Looker was runner up Montreal 16-5 in winning all result in one pair being crowned With the strong wind making with 40 points. four games between the teams Doubles Matchplay champions scoring tough, highlights of Jeffs Abdulla Waheed Al Abdulla NHL Results this season. for 2015. Teams with a nett score round included gross birdies on won Flight C on countback from Hoopsters thrill fans during a 3x3 Washington 4 Buffalo 3 Montreal, which lost for the of 75 or better qualified for the holes 4, 12 and 17. Finishing run- Yanis Cherif after both play- basketball tournament at Doha’s Tampa Bay 4 Montreal 2 sixth time in eight games (2-4- Doubles Matchplay. ner up in Flight A was Ian Rippey ers scored 39 points. The Ladies 2), got goals from Tomas Plekanec Meanwhile, Doha Golf Club with a score of 34 points. Division was won by junior golfer Katara Beach in this file picture Edmonton 4 Toronto 1 of December 2014. and Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau. member Jeff Glover won Flight Flight B was won by Soud Al Nada Mir with a total of 34 points. Los Angeles 1 Arizona 0 AGENCIES A in the recent Pretect Monthly Mohannadi with an excellent THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

FACTBOX: South It’s simple, we won’t Africa vs Sri Lanka SYDNEY: Facts on the World Cup quarter-final between South Africa and Sri Lanka being played at the Sydney Cricket Ground today. choke, vows De Villiers SOUTH AFRICA Captain: AB de Villiers Coach: Russell Domingo Knockout stage of the World Cup gets under way today Squad: AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, SYDNEY: South African cap- everything as simple as possible. David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Sri Lankan spin great Muttiah tain AB de Villiers yesterday “We’re a bunch of good guys, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Muralitharan insisted his side will not choke South we really enjoy each other’s com- Rossouw, Dale Steyn. when they try to end their African pany,” he added. Results so far at 2015 World Cup (P6 W4 World Cup knockout misery in captain AB “There’s enough laughing, L2): Beat Zimbabwe by 62 runs. (David Miller Bat first, don’t a Sydney quarter-final with Sri de Villiers there’s enough stress, there’s and JP Duminy starred in a record 256-run Lanka today. speaks at enough nerves, there’s enough fifth wicket stand to sink Zimbabwe); lost to Wrapping up his news con- good cricket, there’s enough bad a press India by 130 runs. (Could not contain India’s obsess over ference on the eve of the quar- cricket, we’ve got a mixture of conference top order and imploded while chasing); beat ter-final against Sri Lanka, the everything in this team. at the West Indies by 257 runs. (De Villiers blasted De Villiers, Proteas captain was finally asked “We’ve just got to find a way to a 66-ball 162 not out and they shot out West Sydney the question about his team’s win tomorrow, that’s my message Indies in 34th over); beat Ireland by 201 Cricket says Murali mental strength. to the guys. I believe we’re ready runs. (Centuries by Amla and Du Plessis “All I can say is we’re not going Ground for that.” set the tone for another huge win); lost to SYDNEY: Spin great to choke tomorrow,” he said. yesterday. After South Africa suffered Pakistan by 29 runs (D/L method). (Bowled Muttiah Muralitharan “We’re going to play a good game both of their defeats at this World out Pakistan in 47th over but faltered in told Sri Lanka to bat first of cricket and come out on top. Cup when batting second, some chase); beat UAE by 146 runs. (Solid middle against South Africa and Simple.” He suggested, however, that to find a way to win the game pundits believe the toss will be order batting laid foundation for easy win). not obsess over the destruc- Just how good that perform- he did not care whether victory tomorrow.” crucial to deciding which team Best performances: AB de Villiers (417 tive batting power of AB de ance would be was not too much came from another of his destruc- South Africa have never won reaches the semi-finals. runs): Enhanced his 360-degree batting Villiers in today’s World Cup of a concern for the 31-year-old tive innings or a rushed single a knockout match in their six De Villiers disagreed. “I’m not reputation with scintillating shot-making. quarter-final. either. from a tail-ender. World Cups and De Villiers said too worried about that,” he said. Third in the run-getters’ list with a mind- Muralitharan, a veteran He has been in brilliant form “We have to win tomorrow,” he from his experience in two earlier “Whatever happens tomorrow, boggling 144-plus strike rate. of Sri Lanka’s defeated sides and hit a magnificent unbeaten said. “That’s what it comes down tournaments, Proteas sides have we’ll try to adjust as quickly as Morne Morkel (13 wickets): Outshone in the 2007 and 2011 finals, 162 from just 66 balls at the to, no one is going to ask us if we tended to over-analyse ahead of possible and whether we bat or pace colleague Dale Steyn, generating believes all the pressure will be Sydney Cricket Ground to lead played exceptional cricket when big matches. bowl first, try to find a way to run disconcerting bounce from lively pitches to on the team batting second at South Africa to a victory over we win the World Cup. De Villiers gave his team the through them if we bowl first and trouble opponents. the Sydney Cricket Ground and West Indies earlier in the “We are just going to say that day off training yesterday and if we don’t, try to find a way to that Angelo Mathews’s men tournament. ‘we won the Cup’. So we just want said they were trying to keep post a big total.” REUTERS Key to beating Sri Lanka: Will need to can capitalise on South Africa’s negate Kumar Sangakkara’s red-hot form poor record when chasing. and see through Lasith Malinga’s tricky “I have two messages — win New Zealand overs. the toss and do not get too South Africa turn to Amazon SRI LANKA hung up thinking about AB coach predicts Captain: Angelo Mathews de Villiers,” the off-spin great Coach: Marvan Atapattu wrote in his latest ICC column. Sri Lanka win Squad: Mathews, Tillakaratne Dilshan, “The side batting first in and North Pole adventurer Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, one-day internationals at the WELLINGTON: New Zealand Kusal Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thisara Sydney Cricket Ground wins SYDNEY: South Africa have coach Mike Hesson suspects Perera, Upul Tharanga, Sachithra 58 per cent of the time accord- turned to a grizzled adventurer, Sri Lanka could be too good A file Senanayake, Rangana Herath, Lasith ing to the statistics but, in the who has explored the Amazon for South Africa in the open- Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga pressure of a knock-out match and trekked to the North Pole, picture ing World Cup quarter-final taken Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Seekkuge as this one is, I reckon the to help them navigate their path in Sydney today, but much will Prasanna. advantage of runs on the board to a maiden World Cup. on July depend on the toss. 21, 2008 Results so far at 2015 World Cup (P6 counts for even more than that Coach Russell Domingo drafted There is intense interest in the W4 L2): Lost to New Zealand by 98 runs. shows figure suggests.” in South Africa-born adventurer outcome as the winner will play (Blown away by breezy knocks from Brendon South South Africa’s four group Mike Horn, whose feats of endur- the victor of the New Zealand- McCullum and Corey Anderson); beat game victories all came batting ance include reaching the North African West Indies quarter-final in Afghanistan by four wickets. (Jayawardene first — piling up 411 against Pole without the aid of dogs to adventurer- Wellington on Saturday. century helps them escape a potential upset); Ireland, 408 facing the West carry sleds and swimming the explorer South Africa were one of the beat Bangladesh by 92 runs. (Centuries by Indies, 341 to beat the UAE Amazon River on a riverboard, Mike Horn World Cup favourites, but have a Dilshan and Sangakkara set up big win); beat and 339 in the win against to help put today’s quarter-final sitting on reputation as chokers. England by nine wickets. (Sangakkara and Zimbabwe. against Sri Lanka in perspective. his vessel, Sri Lanka, meanwhile, were Thirimanne hit tons to chase down a 300- But batting second, de Horn has plenty of experience “Pangaea”, beaten 4-2 by New Zealand before plus target with ease); lost to Australia by 64 Villiers’s team made just 177 working with sports teams, hav- in London. the tournament but have worked runs. (Glenn Maxwell’s 53-ball 102 trumps chasing India’s 307 and a dis- ing been invited by then India their way into commanding form Sangakkara ton); beat Scotland by 148 runs. appointing 202 in pursuit of coach Gary Kirsten to speak to since. (Sangakkara and Dilshan hit tons in facile Pakistan’s modest 222. the squad during their victorious been in that situation a lot of “We’ve done it before, and “That’s a massive game,” win). “A total in excess of 300 2011 World Cup campaign. times with real-life experiences, there’s no reason why we can’t do Hesson said. “We are on the same Best performance: Kumar Sangakkara batting first means the side He previously worked with not just facing a cricket ball.” it tomorrow, and it’s a matter for side of the draw, so it’ll be inter- (496 runs): Became the first batsman to hit needing to get those runs has the Proteas when they took the South Africa captain AB de the rest of them to follow.” esting at Sydney. I think winning four successive World Cup centuries and to go at a run a ball from the world number one Test ranking Villiers added: “He (Horn) brings Horn, explaining his philoso- the toss and batting over there’s looks unstoppable. outset and, if wickets go down off England in 2012 and advised great energy to the team. He’ll phy, recently told a South African generally pretty important if it’s and the run-rate increases, and the Germany team before they have a bit of a chat to us. He had a radio station: “I don’t lose a going to turn. Lasith Malinga (11 wickets): Getting better in the knowledge of it being a won football’s World Cup in Brazil chat to the Germans who won the match, I lose a life and my com- “I think Sri Lanka are danger- with every match while sending down toe- win or bust encounter, bats- last year. World Cup not long ago, things mitment is completely different. ous in those conditions and South crushing yorkers and slow bouncers with men’s brains can get scram- “He’s done a lot scarier things that worked for them. We can I don’t just play, I play to win, I Africa are going to have to play characteristic regularity. bled very easily,” added in the world than facing Dale maybe a learn a little bit from have to win. well.” Key to beating South Africa: Need Muralitharan. Steyn or Morne Morkel, he’s that.” “If you have that mindset where New Zealand assembled in to contain AB de Villiers and bat around “South Africa have a repu- done some extreme things,” said But de Villiers insisted Horn’s losing is no longer an option and Wellington with Hesson stress- Sangakkara. tation for buckling at the Domingo of Horn ahead of today’s involvement was not a sign the whole team believes in it and ing there was more to the West South Africa vs Sri Lanka head-to-head business end of major tourna- match at the Sydney Cricket the Proteas lacked a winning you can create the team that Indies than charismatic slugger Total Played: 59 (South Africa won 28, Sri ments. Sri Lanka have no such Ground. mentality. helps each other to move forward Chris Gayle. Lanka won 29, tied 1, no result 1) hang-up having won the World “He will put it all into perspec- “I really believe that myself and and everybody is willing to give “We won’t be spending our time Never faced each other at the SCG Twenty20 last year and reach- tive for us about what pressure a few of the senior players know more than what’s asked for, then on just one player. We’ll be mak- Last match: South Africa beat Sri Lanka by ing the World Cup final in each and fear’s like and being out of how to play these kind of games in you can create a dynamic that the ing sure we prepare as well as we 82 runs at Hambantota on July 12, 2014. of the past two editions.” your comfort zone, because he’s the pressure situations,” he said. Germans have,” he added. AFP can for everyone.” AFP Muralitharan advised Sri Lanka not to get distracted by de Villiers who has made 417 runs at the tournament with his best score a blistering Sri Lanka banking on ‘home’ support 162 not out against the West Indies at the same SCG where SYDNEY: Sri Lankan skipper fifth one tomorrow,” he said. Wednesday’s quarter-final will Angelo Mathews is looking to “I’m sure Mahela is a big take place. overwhelming support from the match player and the top four Instead, Sri Lanka have crowd and a fifth successive cen- has to score runs for us to be in their own game-changers in tury from Kumar Sangakkara to contention. Kumar Sangakkara, the lead- keep his side on track for a third “So hopefully we can make it an ing run-maker with 496 and consecutive World Cup final. historical one winning tomorrow four successive centuries, as Sri Lanka supporters remark- and go into the semis again and well as Tillakaratne Dilshan on ably made up 70 percent of the hopefully go to the finals and win 395 runs and boasting a best crowd, and were responsible for there and make it historical for of 161 undefeated against most of the noise, when the island- two legends.” Bangladesh. ers took on co-hosts Australia at While South Africa wear the “Sri Lanka need to focus on the Sydney Cricket Ground in a tag “chokers” for their failure to getting de Villiers in as quickly pool match two weeks ago. win a single knockout match in as possible. If he comes in with Mathews is looking for more of six World Cups, 1996 champions a platform laid, wickets in the same when they face South Sri Lanka have proved themselves hand and the field spread then Africa in today’s quarter-final at masters of winning in the latter that is a licence for mayhem, the same ground. stages of tournaments. especially against a Sri Lanka “If you play at the SCG it’s like “I think as a team we shouldn’t attack that has struggled to playing at home,” he told report- put a lot of pressure on ourselves,” contain opponents throughout ers yesterday. Mathews explained. “We just have this World Cup. “Most of the Sri Lankans to approach it positively and “But if de Villiers comes in at across Australia or across the aggressively just as we did early 80-3, especially in a big chase, world, they fly into Sydney with in the last first round games. then that could be a different immense support for us, and we Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara bats in the nets during a training session “I think that when you come to story entirely.” really enjoy playing in Sydney. at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday. the knockout stages most of the He added: “If I was in charge “It’s going to be a tough game things, most of the teams will of the Sri Lanka team meet- for both teams. As we all know, score four successive one-day in 2007 against Australia and think that you can’t afford to do ing then that would be a we’ve come to the business end international centuries. against India four years later, mistakes or you’ll be out of the major theme of mine: forget of the tournament, and whoever Like fellow top order batsman and Mathews said the squad were tournament. how much they can hurt us Sri Lankan captain Angelo makes less mistakes will obviously Mahela Jayawardene, Sangakkara determined to send them off as “That kind of attitude is hard with the bat; we can hurt them Mathews arrives to bat in the nets go on to win.” is playing in his final tournament winners on March 29. to get rid of. You have to play good just as much, or even more.” during a training session at the Sangakkara has made few before retiring from the 50-over “We’ve seen Kumar Sangakkara cricket, back ourselves and go out AFP Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday. mistakes in his last four innings, format. hitting four centuries in a row, there and enjoy ourselves.” becoming the first batsman to Both were losing finalists and I hope and pray he gets the REUTERS WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Indians relaxed before Losing Irfan ‘huge setback’: Misbah

ADELAIDE: Giant Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan Bangladesh quarter-final was ruled out of the World Cup yesterday because of a stress fracture to his pelvis, an injury which captain Misbah-ul-Haq Ghost of 2007 defeat won’t haunt this side, says Srinath described as a “huge setback”. The 32-year-old first felt the MELBOURNE: If India, the hip injury in the 129-run win over most watched and heavily scru- the United Arab Emirates two tinised team in world cricket, weeks ago when he bowled just are under any pressure ahead of three overs. tomorrow’s World Cup quarter- The seven-foot one-inch fast final against Bangladesh, they bowler played in the crucial vic- are doing well to hide it. tory against South Africa, tak- Misbah-ul-Haq (above) and With the weight of expectation ing three wickets, before missing Mohammad Irfan of the world’s second most popu- Sunday’s game against Ireland lated country on their shoulders, which Pakistan won to secure India’s players could hardly be any their place in the last-eight. more relaxed. The injury is a major blow to Yesterday, less than 48 hours the 1992 champions’ chances before the start of the match, of defeating four-time winners the players ventured to the Australia in the quarter-final at Melbourne Cricket Ground. the Adelaide Oval on Friday. Rather than hitting the nets to “Irfan was one bowler who was practise their batting and bowl- different to all the others in the ing, the players took it easy, with competition,” Misbah told AFP. a light-hearted game of soccer on “It is a huge setback for us but we the stadium’s sprawling outfield. have to live with it.” Despite being followed by a Irfan, at seven-feet one inch, massive Indian media contingent, the tallest man to play interna- If Pakistan wins the quarter- the team did not make themselves tional cricket, took eight wickets final, it’s understood that Junaid available for media interaction, in the five matches he played at will be called up as a replacement maintaining a cloak of silence the World Cup. for Irfan. until today’s mandatory pre-game His injury is the latest in a Before Irfan was ruled out news conference. series of devastating setbacks suf- of the rest of the tournament, As the defending World fered by Pakistan who have been former captain Wasim Akram Cup champions and one of two stripped of an entire first-choice told AFP that the player needed unbeaten teams in the tourna- attack. to work on his fitness. ment — the other is New Zealand “It’s difficult because we lost “Irfan is different,” said Wasim. — India will go into tomorrow’s two bowlers to suspension before “His body stretches more and match as overwhelming favourites the World Cup,” said Misbah of needs careful handling. to win but still wary about their Bhuvneshwar Kumar (left) and Suresh Raina hug Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (centre) during a light- ace spinner Saeed Ajmal and The Pakistan Cricket Board opponents. hearted game of soccer, which the defending champions indulged in during a training session at the Melbourne spinning all-rounder Mohammad (PCB) earlier confirmed Irfan’s Bangladesh famously beat India Cricket Ground yesterday. Hafeez. injury. at the 2007 World Cup but have “We also lost two good quality “Irfan underwent an MRI beaten their great rivals just the start of the competition,” he like rockstars at every match they “Irrespective of which team pacemen — Umar Gul and Junaid scan on Monday afternoon and once since then and retired India wrote in a column that appeared have played during the tourna- we play or which tournament we Khan — also to injury. Now just the radiologist’s report showed a bowler Javagal Srinath said his- in yesterday’s Hindustan Times ment and a crowd of 80,000 is play, we are under pressure,” he when we have started to perform stress injury of the pelvis but was tory would not repeat itself this newspaper. expected to flock to the MCG said after his team’s final pool well this injury hits us badly. inconclusive,” said a PCB release. week. “Even though Bangladesh are for tomorrow’s sudden-death game win. “It’s a worrying sign for a cap- Brad Robinson, the Pakistan “I know that every time India playing their best cricket, this is encounter. “The good thing, the boys are tain but we have to find a way to team’s physiotherapist, ordered meet Bangladesh in the World a happy Indian side that has mas- Complacency may have loomed quite used to it. Once a few times handle this.” a more detailed scan, which was Cup, everyone goes back to 2007 tered the art of winning crunch as the biggest danger but India there have been instances where Junaid was announced in the carried out Tuesday afternoon, and what happened in Port of games.” captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni we are down, but from that posi- 15-man squad for the World Cup and it reconfirmed a stress frac- Spain. This Indian side bears no For India, the weight of expec- has said the pressure to succeed tion, also, we have come back but injured his leg at a training ture in the pelvis. “This injury resemblance to that team whose tation can sometimes be over- was enough to ensure they never strongly and we have done well.” camp and was replaced by Rahat rules Irfan out of the World Cup,” morale was so low right from bearing. They have been feted let their guard down. REUTERS Ali. said Robinson. AFP Watson wary of danger from Left is just right for Starc fan Wasim ADELAIDE: Wasim Akram (eight wickets) was forced out of Corey Anderson bowled for the a good attitude towards taking ‘incredible’ (pictured) can’t wait to see five the tournament yesterday with a Black Caps while Pakistan had wickets,” said Wasim of the New left-arm seamers in action when stress fracture of the pelvis. Sohail Tanvir, Irfan and Riaz in Zealand paceman. Australia and Pakistan clash Left-arm fast bowling legend their line-up. As far as the Pakistan team Pakistan Friday for a World Cup semi- Wasim, part of the Pakistan team Wasim said left-arm fast bowl- is concerned, Wasim said Irfan final spot, but admits Mitchell which won the country’s only ing has evolved in the last few needs to work on his fitness. ADELAIDE: Australian all- Starc is his favourite exponent. World Cup title years, with Starc his “Irfan is different,” said Wasim rounder Shane Watson expects The Adelaide showdown prom- in 1992, said he is favourite exponent. of the seven-foot-one-inch pace- Pakistan to come out firing in ises a feast of left-arm pacemen anxiously waiting “To me Starc is man — the tallest man to play Friday’s World Cup quarter- with Australian spearhead Starc for the showdown the best. He has international cricket — before his final, saying a knock-out situa- the leading wicket-taker in the of lefties. height and he swings compatriot was forced out of the tion usually brought out the best World Cup with 16 victims in five “It excites me no the ball and that is competition. in them. matches. end,” Wasim told why he is so success- “His body stretches more and “They can play some incredible Feared for his pace and bounce, AFP. “When I used ful,” said Wasim, of needs careful handling. cricket, as they have in times I’ve Mitchell Johnson has taken nine to play there were the 25-year-old who “Riaz has impressed me played against them, but they also wickets while James Faulkner very few left-arm- took a career best the way he bowled against can self-destruct quite quickly as has three in three games since ers, it was a sort of 6-28 in the nar- Zimbabwe, then Soth Africa and well,” Watson told reporters at returning from a side strain on novelty but now.... row one-wicket loss Ireland, fast and with resolve,” the Adelaide Oval yesterday. March 4. I will be the most to New Zealand said Wasim. “That’s the reason why Pakistan’s left-armers are led excited person at in Auckland last “The only problem he had was Pakistan are so dangerous espe- by Wahab Riaz (14 wickets) and Adelaide Oval.” month. with his wrist, which seemed to Australia’s Mitchell Starc appeals cially in a knock-out game like Rahat Ali (seven). Five left-arm pacemen played Wasim praised New Zealand’s get locked (at the point of deliv- during a World Cup match this quarter-final. They were on course to have in Sharjah last December when Trent Boult who has 15 wickets ery) and that’s why he was not against Scotland at the Bellerive “They have certainly got three in Friday’s game before Pakistan faced New Zealand. in six games. bringing the ball in. Now it has Oval in Hobart on March 14. some match-winners. Once this giant seamer Mohammad Irfan Mitchell McClenaghan and “Boult is also very good and has improved.” AFP Pakistan team gets on a roll, they are able to use that momentum to be able to shut down teams very quickly.” Watson, at 33 one of the senior- most Australian players, hoped Number’s up for World Cup superstitions his team can see off Pakistan in front of their home support- ADELAIDE: Cricket is a game incidentally — has thrived in his Dhoni, who led India to the 2011 the number ten as does Pakistan’s ers and move into the semi-final of numbers, of runs and wick- two games, scoring 49 against World Cup, wears the number Shahid Afridi at this World Cup. against either defending cham- ets, averages and strike rates, South Africa, and taking six seven because he was born on Numerologists associate 10 pions India or Bangladesh in all examined in mind-boggling catches, before hitting an unde- the seventh of July — the seventh with energy. Sydney on March 26. detail. feated 101 opening the innings in month. “There is no reason why I wear “We know this is a danger But for Pakistan’s Umar Akmal the crucial win over Ireland on “It’s just that I always felt seven number 10,” said Afridi. “I just game for us because they and Haris Sohail, the crucial fig- Sunday. was very special for me. So it is like this number.” (Pakistan) can come on and just ure is the one on their backs. Surprise call-up Haris Sohail not superstition. I just love the Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, turn it on like they have through- They are just two players whose changed his number to 89 instead number seven,” said Dhoni. who became the first batsman out the times I’ve played them in superstitions have influenced of 80 and has enjoyed knocks of “It is a very neutral number to score four consecutive hun- the past. their choice of shirt numbers at 70 against the UAE and 36 in the according to astrologers. It dreds in one-day cricket at this “We know we have to be at our the tournament. game against India. doesn’t have a very positive side World Cup, wears the number 11 absolute best and not give them Akmal wears the number three He was also out for nought or a negative side. It is all about which numerology associates with a chance to be able to get that jersey rather than his regular against West Indies and man- yourself. If you have a positive wisdom. momentum. We know if they’re squad of number of 96. aged only three on Sunday in the mind and if you are working hard South Africa captain AB de able to get that they can run away The 24-year-old wicketkeeper/ Ireland game. Pakistan’s Umar Akmal wears the then the results will be in your Villiers wears 17 — he was born with it very quickly.” batsman, who has handed over the His change of shirt number number three jersey rather than favour,” said Dhoni. on February 17 and made his Test The unpredictable Pakistanis gloves at the World Cup to Sarfraz did little for his composure after his regular squad number of 96. He has also named his own debut on December 17. bounced back after losing the first Ahmed after a poor stretch of claiming he had seen a ghost in brand of fragrance 7 by MS Dhoni. Indian numerologist Sanjay two games against India and the form behind the stumps, said he his Christchurch hotel on the eve Another Pakistan stal- Australia introduced shirt Jumaani said most cricketers are West Indies in the league to win acted on the advice of his Pir or of the competition’s two-match wart, Mohammad Hafeez was numbers in international cricket aware of what they consider to be the next four. spiritual adviser. warm-up series against New reported by local media as hav- in the 1995/96 season while the their lucky numbers when they Pakistan, champions in However, he didn’t get off to the Zealand. ing “run from pillar to post” to first World Cup to feature num- choose shirt numbers. 1992 when the World Cup was best of starts with the bat at the Team manager Naveed Akram get the shirt number eight used bered jerseys was the 1999 edition “All cricketers wear their last played Down Under, beat World Cup, dismissed for nought Cheema said Sohail was “visibly by former Pakistan captain, in England. respective lucky numbers on Australia by four wickets in against old rivals India before shaken” and spent the rest of the Inzamam-ul-Haq. The number 10 is a hugely their jerseys, barring a few,” said Colombo during the last edition making a tournament best of 59 night in the coach’s room. Maybe Hafeez should have symbolic shirt in football, worn Jummani, on whose advice former in 2011, a match Watson did not against the West Indies. One of his Twitter follow- walked rather than run as an by greats such as Pele, Diego Indian batsman Virender Sehwag want to be reminded of. Oddly, Sarfraz, who is not ers wrote: “You’ve faced down ankle injury forced his withdrawal Maradona and Lionel Messi. once decided to sport a number- “I try to forget that one because known to have sweated too much Shaitaan (the devil), the Kiwis from the World Cup. In cricket, legendary Indian less shirt to overcome poor form. we lost it,” he said. AFP over his shirt number — 54 should be easy. Best wishes.” Meanwhile, Mahendra Singh batsman Sachin Tendulkar wore AFP WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Hamburg Stefan Bradl of Athinà Forward promises Racing points out to the wet ‘sustainable, tarmac after rains forced the cancella- compact’ tion of the third and last day of the pre-season Olympics MotoGP test- BERLIN: Hamburg is set to ing at Losail launch its bid to host the 2024 International Olympic and Paralympic Games Circuit on with the city’s mayor promising Sunday. RIGHT: “a compact, sustainable” games The stop light -- without a white elephant in is on at Losail sight. Circuit. The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DSOB) announced yesterday that Hamburg is their preferred candidate and was cho- sen ahead of a rival bid by Berlin. The decision to back Hamburg must still be rubber-stamped at the DSOB’s Extraordinary Ducati ends Qatar test on top General Meeting in Frankfurt on Saturday. There will also be a local refer- Torrential downpour brings an abrupt end to teams’ testing schedules endum, likely to be held in autumn 2015, to be won in Hamburg before the bid can progress. DOHA: Ducati left Qatar the evening on Sunday. Cal Crutchlow A recent poll suggested that happiest team after torrential was the leading satellite rider 64 percent of Hamburg’s 1.7 mil- rain ended any chance of track throughout the test on his factory lion citizens would welcome the action on the last day of the final spec CWM LCR Honda RC213V. Olympics being held in their city pre-season test for the MotoGP The British rider escaping and at least 50 percent would class. unharmed form a small crash need to vote in favour for the ref- It was disappointing end to the on Sunday to finish in 7th, just erendum to be successful. test at the Losail International seven-tenths back from Dovizioso, Organisers claim support for Circuit on Sunday, as torrential and went on to say he was happy the bid’s sustainable concept rain meant that race direction Rider Maverick with the progress made by his seems to be growing in Germany’s had to issue a red flag early on Vinales of Team team, although there was still second largest city. as conditions proved hazardous. Suzuki Ecstar in the room for improvement. His team- Hamburg’s Mayor Olaf Scholz Although the green flag did paddock at Losail mate Jack Miller continued his is promising “a compact, sustain- appear with over three hours left Circuit. adjustment to the premier class able games that are free from any to go, by that point most of the on his Open spec RC213V-RS, gigantism and will be an excellent teams had packed up and were in and he managed to finish within fit in the urban development”. the process of leaving the circuit, two-seconds of the leader in 22nd In short, the bid wants to avoid meaning that no riders made it place. Team Suzuki Ecstar had a the white-elephant phenomenon onto the track today to set a lap mixed test in Qatar, with Aleix which has seen venues from pre- time. Espargaro impressing for the vious Olympics, such as Montreal, With Sunday’s action curtailed, returning factory team on the Beijing and Athens, left largely Ducati will leave the test the hap- first day when he finished 4th unused once the games are over. piest of the manufacturers, after fastest. Unfortunately he was one “We want to bring the Olympics dominating proceedings during of only two riders not to improve to the middle of the city,” Scholz the first two days. bike during Sunday, with the fins Marquez, who was focusing on than the leading Ducati. Jorge his time on the second day, and added. The Italian manufacturer com- designed to enhance the aerody- finding his perfect race setup, was Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi both ended up in 10th place overall. “This is very special, because pleted a 1-2 on Saturday and only namics of the bike. the only rider to get within a half admitted heir frustrations over Class rookie Maverick Viñales it is not possible to do just missed out on achieving the same Dovizioso stated that he was a second of the Ducati’s, although the first two days, as they could also had some issues as he had to anywhere.” feat on the second day by 0.013s. happy with the GP15’s pace, which he stated that he does not see the not get within 0.5s of Dovizioso’s end his testing early on day one This is the second time Andrea Dovizioso led the way was even more even more impres- GP15 as serious competition come fastest time on their Movistar after two minor crashes meant Hamburg has prepared a bid to on the overall timesheet’s as the sive considering he said that they the start of the season, instead Yamaha YZR-M1’s. he had damaged both of his bikes. host the Olympics having lost only rider to get under the 1’55 had not used the softer tyre avail- focusing on the Yamaha’s and his Lorenzo improved over the Unlike Espargaro he did manage out in April 2003 when Leipzig mark, setting a 1’54.907 and beat- able to them, as part of their con- own teammate as his main rivals. course of the test, shaving three- to improve his time on Sunday, was chosen to bid for the 2012 ing Casey Stoner’s circuit record cessions as a factory team without Dani Pedrosa on the other tenths off his best time from finishing the three days in 14th Olympic and Paralympic Games, by over two-hundredths of a a race win since 2013. Repsol Honda finished the Saturday, and finishing ahead of place, just over two-tenths behind which eventually went to London. second in the process, while his Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez test down in 6th, having never his teammate in 4th. his teammate. Cities have until September 15 team-mate Iannone finished in was the only rider to threaten the really threatened the top of the Rossi was a further 0.081s back, The MotoGP paddock will to formally enter the race and so 3rd 0.197s back. The test also saw domination of the Ducati’s and timesheet’s as he tried out a but managed to improve by over return to Qatar on March 29 for far Boston and Rome have offi- the revival of Ducati’s “winglets” ended the three day test in 2nd different set of front forks on half a second over the two days as the first race of the 2015 season. cially declared, although Paris is as they appeared on Dovizioso’s place, just 0.184s off Dovizioso. Sunday, and was 0.675s slower he put in his fastest lap late in the THE PENINSULA also expected to announce a bid. The IOC are due to vote on the host city in 2017 in Lima, Peru. Meanwhile, mixed-gender cycling events could form part of Qatar’s Nasser and Issa the 2020 Tokyo Olympics if exper- iments prove successful, Brian Cookson, president of the sport’s governing body, said yesterday. With IOC president Thomas target wins in Abu Dhabi Bach pushing sports federa- tions to improve gender equal- ABU DHABI, UAE: Qatar’s ity, Cookson said trials would Nasser Al Attiyah and Mercedes Formula One driver Nico Rosberg of Germany celebrates win- begin behind closed doors in Mohammed Abu Issa will both Switzerland on Friday. ning the German F1 Grand Prix at the Hockenheim Racing Circuit in this be targeting their second vic- Men and women could compete July 20, 2014 file picture. tories in the Abu Dhabi Desert against each other in sports such Challenge powered by Nissan as Alpine skiing and bobsleigh as which returns for its 25th anni- soon as the Pyeongchang Winter versary edition later this month. Hockenheim boss rules Games in 2018. The event has attracted one Cookson said that safeguard- of the most powerful interna- ing the amount of medal events tional competitor line-ups in its in track and road cycling was his history, including three reign- out German GP this year priority, but was open to Bach’s ing world champions, Russian proposals. driver Vladimir Vasilyev, bril- BERLIN: There will be no under an alternation agreement. “When the president of the liant Spanish rider Mark Coma German Grand Prix this year, Hockenheim hosted last year’s IOC raises something you all take and Polish quads star Rafal Sonik Hockenheim circuit boss Georg grand prix, and is also due to it seriously of course,” Cookson They head an entry list of Seiler said yesterday in a deci- host it in 2016, but the circuit told reporters at a sports business 162 competitors from 36 coun- sion that ended months of has made heavy losses due to poor breakfast forum. tries announced today by the uncertainty over the country’s attendances and is unwilling to “We have no history of (mixed- Automobile and Touring Club of Formula One race. shoulder the burden for three gender events) in our sport so the UAE, the Desert Challenge The absence of Germany, home years in a row. we would have to look at how we organisers. Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah won the Desert Challenge in 2008. of reigning world champions The Nuerburgring, one of the could make those things work. Vasilyev, who scored victory in Mercedes, for the first time since sport’s most historic venues with “We have to be open-minded so Abu Dhabi last year on his way 1960 leaves the calendar with 19 the original track dating from the what we are going to do is have to winning the FIA World Cup succeeded as Desert Challenge encouraging each other. I’m proud races. pre-World War Two years, also some test events at our velodrome for Cross Country Rallies, returns champion last year. that the rally has developed in “We have no hope any more of has financial troubles and has where the UCI is based on Friday, to defend his title alongside co- Coma, who secured the FIM this way.” having a Formula One race here changed ownership since it last behind closed doors.” driver Konstantin Zhilstov in one Cross Country Rallies World The Nissan Patrol, the “Hero of (this year),” Seiler told Bild news- appeared on the calendar. Asked to provide more details, of eight X-Raid-entered minis. Championship for a sixth time All terrain in Life”, is positioned paper. “We did everything in the German drivers have been Cookson said several national They are among 50 car crews last year and in January scored for the 12th year as the official last few years to keep the fans among the most successful in federations had been invited to going into action in the 25th his fifth Dakar Rally triumph, will vehicle of the Desert Challenge. happy.” Formula One, with Michael send young riders to the trial, Desert Challenge, which gets be looking to take his KTM to an While the super special stage Formula One supremo Bernie Schumacher winning a record with the madison and team under way with an afternoon eighth Desert Challenge success. on Saturday week will be a big Ecclestone had kept the door ajar- seven world titles and 91 races sprint disciplines being looked super special spectator stage at “We’re delighted to have a total draw for spectators, the main but Seiler said time had run out while Sebastian Vettel is a four at as well as a possible road team Yas Marina Circuit on March 28. of 162 drivers, co-drivers, bike action takes place over five spec- because “quality would now suf- times champion. time trial. Among those aiming to beat and quad riders from around the tacular desert stages that follow, fer” if they went ahead with the However attendances dwindled “It will have to be very carefully defending champion Vasilyev to world for the 25th edition of the cutting through the intimidating 10th round of the championship. after Schumacher, who won five managed,” he said. “Coaches and the cars title is 2008 winner Al Desert Challenge, and the over- dunes and sabkha plains of the “We had declared ourselves will- of his titles for Ferrari, retired in sports scientists tell me men are Attiyah, who scored his second all quality of entries underlines Western Region of Al Garbia. ing to step in for Nuerburgring, 2012 after an unsuccesful come- between 10 to 15 percent faster Dakar Rally success in January the status the event enjoys,” said Aiming to become the fourth something we were contractually back with Mercedes. than women in any given cycling and has since notched successive ATCUAE President Mohammed Arab driver to find victory in the not obliged to do,” he said. Only 52,000 fans turned up on event so we would have to find Middle East Rally Championship Ben Sulayem, the rally founder. event is Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed “There were talks with third race day at Hockenheim last year ways to moderate that difference wins on home territory and in “So many of these competitors Al Rajhi, who must hold seri- parties over taking over the risk to see Germany’s Nico Rosberg if they are going to be competing Kuwait. return to the UAE year after year, ous hopes of a big result in the but they were not successful.” win the race for Mercedes. The at the same time.” In the battle of the quads, the and there is a great spirit between UAE after his superb Dakar Rally Ecclestone said yesterday that victory was the first by a German Cookson’s immediate Olympic biggest threat to world champion all of them, with world champions debut when he held third place Hockenheim was the only option driver in a German car on home concern is the state of the velo- Sonik could be posed by Qatari and local private entrants shar- before retiring two stages from for the July 19 race despite it soil since the 1930s. drome being built for the 2016 Rio Abu Issa, the rider the Pole ing the stage, and supporting and the end. THE PENINSULA being the Nuerburgring’s turn REUTERS Olympics. AGENCIES WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Historic task awaits Man City in Barcelona Improving defence to boost Dortmund against Juventus

BARCELONA: Manchester intent in the first in the summer have recovered after a dismal City face a huge challenge if they leg, which allowed Champions League as last sea- first half to the domestic season are to reach the last eight of the Barca’s star front son’s Premier that saw them anchored in last Champions League for the first three of Messi, Luis Fixtures League Player place as recently as last month time ever by overturning a 2-1 Suarez and Neymar of the Year in the Bundesliga, have kept a Fixtures from the Champions first leg deficit when they travel to prosper. has struck six clean sheet in their last three League Last 16 second leg to an in-form Barcelona today. However, he times in his league games, including a 0-0 matches The English champions were believes that phi- last five games, draw against Cologne on the outplayed at home for the second losophy is what Today (all times in GMT) including both weekend. season in a row at this stage of still gives them a Borussia Dortmund (Germany) vs Juventus his side’s goals With Neven Subotic and Mats the competition three weeks ago chance despite the (Italy) (1945); Barcelona (Spain) vs in the first leg. Hummels back fit in central and could have been even further daunting prospect Manchester City (England) (1945) “It is pleas- defence, along with fullbacks behind travelling to the Catalan of having to win at ing to help the Marcel Schmelzer and Lukasz capital had Joe Hart not saved a the Camp Nou. team with important goals in a Piszczek, Dortmund’s defence Lionel Messi penalty in stoppage “The starting point is that it Champions League knockout has been as solid as it has been time at the Etihad. is possible to go to Barcelona and game and of course to return to all season. Both sides also come into win. We have to have that mental- England and beat a team you’re “(Against Cologne) we played the game at the Camp Nou in ity, our mentality. always motivated to face,” Suarez another game without letting contrasting form domestically. “Our identity is to have a big- told Uefa.com. in a goal and that is something City’s title challenge appears team mentality, to go to win. “Players like me get inspired we can build on,” coach Juergen all but over after a shock 1-0 And now losing 2-1, we have to when fans boo them - it helps Klopp told reporters. “We want defeat at relegation threatened attack.” motivate you a bit more.” to advance to the quarter-finals Burnley on Saturday, whilst By contrast, Barcelona now Barca will be without the and we can do this.” Barca have soared to the top have a treble in their sights with a injured Sergio Busquets, so Dortmund boast a fine record of La Liga in recent weeks on a potentially decisive La Liga clash Jeremy Mathieu is expected to at home in Europe having won 11 run of 16 victories in their last with eternal rivals Real Madrid to deputise in central defence with of their last 14 Champions League Barcelona’s forwards Uruguayan Luis Suarez (right) and Argentine Leo 17 games. come on Sunday and a Copa del Javier Mascherano moving into games at the Westfalenstadion. Messi attend the team’s training at the sports city Joan Gamper in Yet, City boss Manuel Pellegrini Rey final against Athletic Bilbao midfield. Gael Clichy is City’s only But in order to book a spot in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday. Barcelona will be facing Manchester City is insistent that his job is not on to look forward to at the end of absentee, the French defender is the last eight they have to snap for a Champions League round of 16 second leg match today at the the line should elimination at the the campaign. suspended after being sent-off in a losing run at home against Camp Nou Stadium. Camp Nou all but seal a trophy- The backbone of the upturn in the first leg. Juventus, having lost all three less season. form from Luis Enrique’s men has Meanwhile, Borussia previous encounters against the “I have no sense whatsoever been Messi’s incredible form as Dortmund’s must score at least Italians in Dortmund. Serie A, edging closer to the knowing he will now need to shift that my job’s at risk,” the Chilean the Argentine took his tally for once to overturn a 2-1 Champions Klopp will be counting on Italian title with their first tri- his focus to Dortmund and their told The Guardian. the season to 43 goals in just 39 League last 16 first leg defi- goals from Pierre-Emerick umph away from home in over attacking game. “The Champions League is very games with a double against Eibar cit against Juventus today but Aubameyang, who has scored five two months at Palermo, opening “We will need to take the lead important but it can’t distort at the weekend. are confident their watertight in his last seven outings and in- up a 14-point lead. there, maybe score more than one everything.” However, Suarez has also begun defence can hold firm and keep form Marco Reus, who has struck “One less win needed to win goal,” said the coach. Pellegrini was criticised by to make his presence felt after a the Italians at bay. five times in eight games. the league,” Juventus man- AGENCIES many for his over-eager attacking club record move from Liverpool The improving Germans, who Juventus are flying high in ager Massimiliano Allegri said,

Rock-bottom Dortmund’s Reading down players warm Bhutan pull off up during a Bradford to seal training ses- Cup shock in sion on the Arsenal semi eve of the Round of qualifiers 16, second- showdown leg UEFA THIMPHU, Bhutan: Cheering Champions READING, United Kingdom: fans poured onto the streets of League foot- Reading booked an FA Cup Thimphu yesterday as Bhutan, semi-final clash against holders ball match the world’s lowest-ranked foot- Arsenal after romping to a 3-0 agaisnt ball team, pulled off a major victory over 10-man Bradford shock to reach the second round Juventus in in their quarter-final replay on of World Cup qualifiers. Dortmund, Monday night. Joyous supporters banged western Steve Clarke’s Championship drums and chanted “Now we’re Germany, side had been held to a goalless draw not the worst team!” after the yesterday. by their third tier opponents in the tiny Himalayan nation, rock-bot- first meeting at Valley Parade. But tom at 209th in the FIFA rank- Reading avoided the same fate as ings, stunned Sri Lanka 3-1 on Chelsea and Sunderland, the two aggregate. Premier League teams dumped out The “Ronaldo of Bhutan”, of the competition by Bradford this Chencho Gyeltshen, struck twice Liverpool edge past Swansea season, as they easily moved into in Tuesday’s 2-1 win at a packed their first FA Cup semi-final since Changlimithang Stadium, a week SWANSEA, United Kingdom: the energy are important. In the Another typically slick Swans off Adam Lallana and away for 1927. after Chokey Nima’s men beat Sri Jordan Henderson’s fortuitous second half we went to a diamond move soon followed with Ki Sung- another corner. This was as Bradford have made a name Lanka 1-0 in Colombo. goal earned Liverpool a 1-0 win formation and started to create yueng’s raking ball out wide to sharp as the Swans had looked for themselves as giant killers in Gyeltshen opened the scor- at Swansea on Monday night as problems for them.” Neil Taylor controlled superbly by all season - their diamond mid- recent years, reaching the League ing on five minutes and he was they moved within two points There was no place for Mario the left-back as he got the better field formation effective in stifling Cup final in 2013, but they could mobbed by his team-mates when of fourth-placed Manchester Balotelli in the Liverpool squad of Emre Can. Henderson and Allen’s attempts not work their way back into the he coolly struck the winner in United ahead of an eagerly- due to illness, while Steven Taylor fed the ball inside to to gain a grip on proceedings. game after Reading scored twice the 90th minute, sealing Bhutan’s anticipated showdown against Gerrard - available for the first Gylfi Sigurdsson who, with back But the half-time whis- in the first nine minutes and will progression. their bitter rivals. time since February 10 following to goal, rolled former Swansea tle came at the wrong time for now return to fighting for promo- Although Sri Lanka are only Henderson scored for a third a hamstring problem - had to set- star Joe Allen with a sharp turn Garry Monk’s team, halting their tion from League One. ranked 174th, Bhutan, attempt- successive Premier League tle for coming on as a second-half only to bend his shot beyond the momentum. The kick-off time was almost ing to qualify for a World Cup for game to make it five successive substitute. right-angle of the post. The warning signs were there altered as Bradford supporters the first time, were such outsiders top-flight victories for Brendan One player who did make the The midfielder found that very for the home side when Daniel were delayed by heavy traffic that ex-Sri Lanka skipper Ashok Rodgers’ team as their charge for starting line-ups, however, was corner perfectly minutes later Sturridge’s intelligent reverse around the Madejski Stadium, but Nawgalage even questioned the the Champions League continues Swansea forward Bafetimbi with a brilliant instinctive effort pass played Raheem Sterling into those away fans who did get in on point of playing the tie. to gather pace. Gomis, who was declared fit 12 which Simon Mignolet, at full space down the Reds’ right. time only witnessed their team But in the event it was the Yet there was more than a days after collapsing on the pitch stretch, superbly tipped around His cross was met with a struggle to get out of first gear. Bhutanese -- given the afternoon stroke of luck about Henderson’s during the loss at Tottenham. his post. first-time strike from Philippe Clarke made 11 changes from off by Prime Minister Tshering second-half winner after Swansea The France international The danger was far from Coutinho which would have crept the side that lost 4-1 to Watford Tobgay to support the national defender Jordi Amat’s attempted showed no signs of any ill- averted, though, as Jonjo Shelvey inside the near upright but for the in the Championship on Saturday team -- who were celebrating clearance ricocheted off the affects from his recent scare was picked out from a short- fine reflexes of Fabianski, who and his revamped line-up tore a memorable win. Bhutan, bet- onrushing Liverpool midfielder and he was denied a 21st-minute corner routine and, connecting turned it around the post. into Bradford. ter known for its Gross National and looped over goalkeeper opener when he headed Wayne cleanly with his first-time strike, Then, in the 68th minute, the Hal Robson-Kanu’s header Happiness Index and archery, Lukasz Fabianski. Routledge’s cross goalwards only he looked set to be celebrating goal Rodgers had been craving put the Royals in front with the will now take its place among 40 That will be of little concern for Martin Skrtel to clear off the against his former club until came, albeit with a large slice of game’s first chance in the sixth Asian teams in the group qualify- to Liverpool’s former Swansea line. his shot inadvertently deflected good fortune. AFP minute and the impressive Garath ing stage starting in June. manager Rodgers on what was McCleary saw a shot deflected in Although Bhutan’s chances of a happy return to the Liberty on nine minutes. reaching the 2018 World Cup in Stadium that means his team can Any hopes the Bantams had Russia remain extremely small, leapfrog old foes United should of completing a remarkable they have provided the first upset they defeat them at Anfield on comeback were shattered when at the start of a marathon, global Sunday. winger Felipe Morais was shown qualifying campaign. They certainly have momen- a straight red card for a high foot It was not the only fairytale tum following what has been a Liverpool’s Jordan on Nathaniel Chalobah just after result as East Timor, one of the remarkable turnaround in recent Henderson cel- the hour. world’s youngest and poorest months following a sluggish start ebrates scoring their And it was on-loan Chelsea nations, sent Mongolia crashing and that this was a sixth succes- first goal against youngster Chalobah who set-up out 5-1 on aggregate in chilly Ulan sive away clean sheet for the first Swansea City during the third Reading goal which Bator. Sleeping giant India made time since 1972 merely added the English Premier truly put the game beyond doubt it through thanks to a 0-0 draw gloss. League at Liberty as he fed Jamie Mackie, who ham- with Nepal in Kathmandu, follow- “I thought we were outstand- mered it in the 68th minute. AFP Stadium on Monday ing last week’s 2-0 victory in the ing in the second half. In the first night. east Indian city of Guwahati. half we were nowhere near the English FA Cup But Pakistan’s home leg against level we expect. We weren’t press- Yemen in Lahore was postponed ing enough, and when we got the and shifted to an as-yet-unnamed ball, we gave it away too cheaply,” Results neutral venue after a deadly Rodgers said. Quarter-final replay Taliban attack on churches in the “It doesn’t matter what sys- Reading 3 (Robson-Kanu 6, McCleary 9, city. AFP tem you play, the attitude and Mackie 68) Bradford 0 Wednesday 18 March 2015 27 Jumada I 1436 Volume 20 Number 6373 Sport Price: QR2

Proteas won’t Historic task choke, says awaits City in De Villiers Barcelona

Sport | 24 Sport | 27

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 ISF convention kicks off in Doha today DOHA: The Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), H E Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, will inaugurate the convention of International School Sport Federation (ISF) at the Doha Marriott Hotel here today. ISF President Laurent Petrynka will attend the open- ing and the convention will go on till Friday. Altogether 83 officials representing 51 nations will take part in the event. Abdulrahman Al Moftah, Executive Director of the Qatar School Sport Association (QSA) and Member of the ISF Executive Committee, said numerous work- shops and sessions have been planned for the convention on themes relating to sport develop- Lekhwiya’s players celebrate Nam Tae-hee’s goal against Bunyodkor during an AFC Champions League match in Tashkent yesterday. RIGHT: Al Sadd’s striker Khalfan Ibrahim reacts after ment in schools across the world. scoring a goal against Lokomotiv during an AFC Champions League match at the Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha yesterday. “The ISF Convention will focus on a number of issues, including marketing and media as the ISF aims at develop a new vision for the future” Al Moftah said. He also confirmed that the ISF officials would attend the final competitions of the Schools Lekhwiya grind out away Olympic Program to be held at Aspire Academy of Sport Excellence on Friday. Al Moftah also announced that Qatar will bid to host the ISF World Football Championship in 2017 or 2019. The Czech Republic win as Sadd turn on style is keen on hosting the 2017 edi- tion, so Qatar will mainly focus on getting the 2019 edition, he added. Khalfan Ibrahim’s brace powers the ‘Wolves’ to the top of Group C Another reason for choosing 2019 is that the FIFA World Cup will be held in Qatar just three TASKHKENT/DOHA: It was three points that moved them caught the visitors on the coun- years later, in 2022, so the tourna- good day for Qatari clubs in the into second place in Group A, two ter-attack with Muriqui playing ment will help prepare the coun- AFC Champions League yes- points behind leaders Persepolis in Al Haydos who rifled the ball try for the big event, Al Moftah terday as both Lekhwiya and of Iran. past Irkamov from the right edge said. Al Sadd registered important Al Sadd raced to a three-goal of the box. The Qatari delegation at the victories. lead at the Sheikh Jassim Bin Belhadj then made it 3-0 in the convention will be chaired by In Taskhkent, a first-half pen- Hamad Stadium. Ibrahim con- 40th minute when he received the QSA Secretary General Ali Al alty by Nam Tae-hee proved deci- verted a 27th minute penalty ball from Ibrahim on the left of Hitmi and will include the QSA sive as the Qatar Stars League before Hasan Al Haydos and the Lokomotiv box and curled Executive Director Abdulrahman champions secured a hard-fought Nadir Belhadj scored on counter- a delightful effort into the far Al Muftah and QSA Assistant 1-0 away win over Uzbek quali- attacks late in the first half. corner. Secretary General Nasser Al fiers Bunyodkor to move back Ibrahim headed in his second Lokomotiv were denied again Malki. THE PENINSULA into contention for a spot in the of the game early in the second when Hassan blocked a goal- knockout phase. half and Abdelkarim Hassan and bound effort by Temurkhuja However, in Doha, former Grafite also got on the scoresheet Abdukholikov on the goalline AFC Player of the Year Khalfan for the 2011 champions while right at the start of the second Ibrahim scored twice as Al Sadd Damir Kojasevic and Jasur J. half and their misery was com- Lisbon hosts turned on the style and surged Hasanov netted consolation goals pounded when Al Sadd extended three points clear at the top of for the Uzbek side. Al Sadd’s Abdelkarim Hassan (left) celebrates with a team-mate after their lead in the 50th minute after pioneering Group C after romping to a 6-2 Al Sadd now have seven points scoring a goal against Lokomotiv during an AFC Champions League Muriqui cut the ball back from win over Uzbek Cup holders from three games and a three- match in Doha yesterday. the left byline for Ibrahim to head ICSS summit Lokomotiv. point advantage over second- in his second goal of the game and Tae-hee scored the only goal placed Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, the 12th minute when Nemanja Shavkatjon Mulladjanov scythed third of the Group Stage. LISBON: International sports of the game in the 28th minute who drew 0-0 with Foolad Janicic rose high in the six-yard down Hassan on the left edge Lokomotiv would pull a goal policy leaders gathered in at the Bunyodkor Stadium after Khouzestan in Iran earlier box to meet an inviting cross from of the Lokomotiv box. Ibrahim back in the 57th minute when Lisbon yesterday to engage Muhammad Razaq had been yesterday. the right but could only send his made no mistake from the spot, substitute Damir Kojasevic curled in high-level, discussions at brought down in the corner of the Lokomotiv began the match header straight at goalkeeper firing down the middle as goal- in a delightful free-kick from 20 the Inter Regional Sports box by goalkeeper Akbar Turaev. with just a single point from Saad Al Sheeb. keeper Mamur Irkamov dived to metres but two quick goals by the Policy Summit hosted by the The visitors withstood intense their first two games but they That miss would prove costly his right. hosts would put the match well International Centre for Sport pressure from the home side in made much of the early running when Al Sadd were awarded a Al Sadd extended their lead out of their reach. Security (ICSS). the second half to hold on for the and could have taken the lead in penalty in the 27th minute after in the 34th minute when they THE PENINSULA The Inter Regional Sports Policy Summit is a pioneering initiative to bring together key decision-makers from major lin- Laudrup delighted with his players’ performance guistic blocks, sports ministers and leading international institu- TASHKENT, Uzbekistan: The Dane felt that his side last game against Persepolis due tions to develop solutions to chal- Lekhwiya coach Michael coped well with the home side’s to a penalty and coach Sergey lenges facing the integrity, good Laudrup was delighted with the pressure despite losing captain Lushchan was frustrated with at governance and sound develop- effort of his players, who edged Luiz Junior to injury in the open- his side’s lack of a cutting edge. ment of sports. out Bunyodkor 1-0 at home yes- ing half. “I don’t know what to say after Emidio Guerreiro, Portugal’s terday to register their first win “I think that the opponents such a game. The main problem Secretary of State for Sport and in the AFC Champions League played well and they tried to cre- is you have to make use of your Youth and Vice President of the this season. ate many chances,” he said. “We chances and we had several dan- Conference of Ministers of Sport Nam Tae-hee’s 28th minute had some problems with our squad gerous attacks but no goal,” he of the CPLP, said: “The realisa- penalty proved decisive as the and our captain (Luiz Junior) said. tion of the Inter Regional Sports Qatari champions battled back had to come off in the first-half “The players tried until the Policy Summit, in Lisbon, is an into contention for a spot in the tonight because of injury. This is final minutes, but we couldn’t extraordinary opportunity to last 16 after managing just a why we tried to control the ball score. We made a mistake strengthen international coopera- single point from their first two more during the game. and conceded a penalty again at tion in sports and public policies, games. “Bunyodkor began the match home. The defenders and goal- particularly in the area of integ- “It was a good game and I very well but they made mistakes keeper wanted to help the team rity, finance, good governance and am happy with this result,” said in the second half because maybe but they made a mistake this the protection of minors.” Laudrup. “We played well in the they wanted to score an early time. “Moreover, it constitutes an first half on the tactical side and goal. They played such a match “Lekhwiya played well in important recognition of the lead- we didn’t give any chances to against Persepolis and lost at defence but my team tried to ing role that Portugal has had in Bunyodkor. home for a second time but I still play too quickly anyway. I really these matters at national level, “It has been a very impor- respect them and I think they still can’t say how many chances we through the implementation of Lekhwiya’s coach Michael Laudrup watches the action from the sidelines tant win for my team and I am have a chance of qualifying for the will need to score in our next the National Plan on Ethics in at the Bunyodkor Stadium in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent yesterday. pleased with how my team played next round.” matches,” Lushchan added. Sport (PNED), and the interna- tonight,” he said. Bunyodkor had also lost their THE PENINSULA tional level.” THE PENINSULA