ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED NEWSPAPER

Friday 1 March 2013 19 Rabial II 1434 - Volume 17 Number 5625 Price: QR2

Al-Karaana Motocross: project to Qatar set to cost $6.5bn make history

Business | 13 Sport | 19

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Sheikha Moza visits UNHCR Syria talks turning point: PM Washington pledges first direct aid to opposition; weapons denied

DOHA/ROME: The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, took part in the Friends of Syria meeting in Rome yesterday, saying the event marked a major turning point for developments in Syria. Western powers pledged aid for Syrian rebels at the meeting but stopped short of offering them weapons. The United States said it would for the first time give non-lethal aid to the rebels and would more than double its support to Syria’s civilian opposition, casting it as a way to bolster the rebels’ popular support The Prime Minister had ear- lier expressed optimism about the outcome of the meeting, saying things were “on the right track”. The US help will include medi- H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser with United Nations High Commissioner cal supplies, food for rebel fight- ers and $60m to help the civilian for Refugees (UNHCR) Antonio Guterres at the UNHCR headquarters opposition provide basic serv- The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani with US Secretary of in Geneva, yesterday. In 2012, Sheikha Moza launched the ‘Educate ices like security, education and State John Kerry, Syrian National Coalition President Moaz Al Khatib and other officials posing for a group photo A Child’ initiative, which is working with partners, including UNHCR, sanitation. during meetings in Rome, yesterday. to bring education to children in difficult circumstances. The partner- Washington has given $385m ship between EAC and UNHCR benefited over 176,000 school chil- in humanitarian aid for Syria Coalition, who stood beside high-calibre weapons. If that is support the Supreme Military dren in 2012, in camps across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. but US President Barack Obama Kerry as he made the announce- what you want, then stop provid- Command of the (rebel) Free Full report on page 3 MAHER ATTAR has so far refused to give arms, ment, expressed disappoint- ing the regime with these types of Syrian Army in its efforts to help arguing it is difficult to prevent ment, suggesting the West was weapons, which continue to arrive them exercise self-defence”. them from falling into the hands overly focused on the presence of under the pretext of honouring The European Union, acting of militants who could use them Islamists among rebels. existing contracts.” on a decision this month to send on Western targets. “A lot people, particularly the A Western diplomat who took direct aid to the rebels, said it Qatar Airways to feature US Secretary of State John media, pay more attention to the part said the opposition had seen had amended sanctions on Syria Kerry announced the new steps length of fighters’ beards than to the announcement of new US to permit the supply of armoured after a meeting of 11 mostly the shedding of children’s blood money as a step forward. vehicles, non-lethal military European and Arab nations within and regime bombardments. A final communique said equipment and technical aid, on FC Barcelona jerseys the “Friends of Syria” group. “Indications are that there has participants would “coordinate provided they were intended to Ahmed Moaz Al Khatib, been an international decision not their efforts closely so as to best protect civilians. AGENCIES DOHA: The agreement that initiatives based on their shared President of Syrian National to arm the Syria resistance with empower the Syrian people and See also page 4 will see Qatar Airways fea- values. ture as the main sponsor on It’s the first time a corpora- FC Barcelona’s jerseys will be tion rather than a charity will unveiled on Monday, the club feature on the club’s jerseys, has announced on its website. which have carried the names of Qatar’s flag carrier landed the UNICEF (since 2006) and Qatar Banks closed opportunity to become the first Foundation (since 2011) in recent Advanced food lab urged corporate sponsor to appear on years. Before these two non-profit Barca’s shirts last year. organisations, the club’s players on Sunday The presentation will take sported a ‘sponsor-clean’ shirt. DOHA: The horsemeat scandal technology. The committee issued “We are not taking hasty deci- place in Barcelona in the presence The airline will replace Qatar in Europe has triggered calls a statement on Tuesday saying sions because of the complexities DOHA: Qatar Central Bank of the club’s president, Sandro Foundation, the main sponsor on for setting up an advanced cen- it had made a quality certificate in the food industry, where things (QCB) has announced that Rosell, and the airline’s CEO, the jerseys since July 2011. The tral laboratory in the country mandatory for all meat and meat continue to change,” Al Baker told Sunday, March 3, 2013 will be a Akbar Al Baker. contract with the Foundation that can carry out all types of products imported into Qatar from the daily. The national food labo- holiday for all banks and finan- In November 2012, FC was for €30m (over QR149m) tests on food items. European countries. Many citizens, ratory at SCH conducts tests on cial institutions under the con- Barcelona and Qatar Sports to be paid in five seasons, until Many citizens are asking why however, feel such announcements about 20,000 food samples every trol of QCB. A press release Investments (QSI) announced June 2016. In addition, the club Qatar should wait for other GCC usually come late. year, she said. issued by the Central Bank said that Qatar Airways would appear was to pocket €15m (QR71m) countries to take a decision on “Why do we wait for a decision No single laboratory can conduct the closure is pursuant to the on the team’s equipment for the through commercial rights, with food-related issues and scandals in from the neighbouring countries all types of tests. Such facilities are Council of Ministers Decision 2013/14 season as the club’s prin- the total amount reaching €170m different parts of the world. The or results from international lab- available only in some referral labo- of 2009 that stipulated that the cipal global partner. (QR809m). existing national food laboratory at oratories to act on such issues? ratories in Europe, she noted. The first Sunday of March each year The contract between QSI and Relations between FC the Supreme Council of Health does Why can’t we have a national tests in Qatar are mainly meant to shall be an official holiday for all FC Barcelona stipulated that a Barcelona and Qatari companies not have the technology to detect laboratory capable of conduct- identify pesticide residues in food as banks in Qatar. new sponsor could be included in have deepened recently with the adulteration in meat products, a ing such tests?”, the daily quoted well as the presence of heavy met- THE PENINSULA the third year of the agreement. Qtel Group choosing the club’s local Arabic daily reported yester- a citizen as saying. Asked about als and minerals, and to prevent Also in November, QSI, in star player, Lionel Messi, as its day, quoting a senior official of the this, Wassan Al Baker, director food poisoning. She said there was Tunisia president agreement with the club, desig- new brand ambassador. The com- Joint Food Monitoring Committee. of the Environmental Health and a plan to set up a national health nated Qatar Foundation as the pany announced its rebranding as The official, however, added that Safety Department at the Supreme laboratory in Qatar, and the food testifies; Belaid official Human Development Ooredoo in Barcelona during the the existing facility was being con- Council of Health, said Qatar was laboratory was being continuously Partner of FC Barcelona, in GSMA Mobile World Congress. stantly upgraded with the acqui- not taking decisions on its own upgraded and renovated. assassin named order to enable the continuity of THE PENINSULA sition of advanced equipment and because the issue is complex. THE PENINSULA TUNIS: Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki testified yes- terday in the murder probe of Chokri Belaid, as a judicial source named the Salafist suspected of Bangla death verdict sparks riots, 34 die the assassination that plunged the country into turmoil. “President Moncef Marzouki DHAKA: At least 34 people were The latest unrest brought the convicted for setting ablaze 25 homes in received this morning the judge of killed in Bangladesh in a wave of vio- overall death toll to 50 since the first a Hindu village and abetting the mur- the Tunis first instance tribunal lence yesterday as Islamists reacted verdict on January 21. Among yester- ders of two people including a Hindu who heard his testimony as a wit- furiously to a ruling that one of their day’s dead were four policemen, two of man. He led a pro-Pakistani militia who ness in the assassination of Chokri leaders must hang for war crimes whom were beaten to death after pro- abducted three Hindu sisters and raped Belaid,” said a brief statement. during the 1971 independence conflict. testers hurled small homemade bombs them for three days at a Pakistani camp, Belaid was gunned down out- At least 23 of them were shot in at a police station in Gaibandha in said the verdict. He also forced at least side his Tunis home on February clashes between police and protest- the north and attacked it with sticks. 100 Hindus to convert and made them 6. A judicial source with access to ers after Delwar Hossain Sayedee, About 300 people, including scores of say Islamic prayers. the murder file said the suspected the Jamaat-e-Islami party’s Vice- policemen, were injured. His lawyer Tajul Islam said Sayedee assassin was Kamel Gathgathi, President, was found guilty of war Police also reported attacks on sev- did not live in the town at the time from the northwestern Jendouba crimes, including murder, arson eral Hindu homes and temples in the when the alleged crimes took place. region, who had lived in America. and rape. southern Noakhali and Chittagong dis- “We’re going to appeal the verdict,” His father Taieb confirmed that Sayedee is the third person to tricts. Security forces had been braced he said. Under a newly amended war his son had studied in America be convicted by the controversial for trouble ahead of the verdict against crimes law, the appeal process must and now lived in Tunis, while domestic tribunal whose previous Sayedee, who reacted to the judgement be completed within 90 days, mean- insisting he was innocent. “He is verdicts have also been met with by saying it had been influenced by ing Sayedee would be hanged later a good type, an angel on earth, but outrage from Islamists who say the “atheists” and pro-government pro- this year if the country’s highest court A policeman uses a baton on a Jamaat-e-Islami activist if he has committed a crime then process is more about score settling testers seeking his execution. upholds the verdict. during a clash in Dhaka. I pray to God that justice is done.” than delivering justice. Sayedee, a firebrand preacher, was AFP Full report on page 4 FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 HOME 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

One of the experts addressing participants at the event, organised by the Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR), in partnership with Qatar University and Qatar Debate, at Qatar University, yesterday. www.swiss-belhotel.com Tel Fax ictQATAR marks Safer Internet Day

Tel Fax Experts highlight online risks, rights and responsibilities

DOHA: The Supreme year’s theme of online rights responsibilities and behaviours enhance their confidence while Council of Information and and responsibilities also aims the youth should observe while online and also help protect Communication Technology to engage diverse stakehold- communicating with others them from the online risks,” Tel (ictQATAR) marked the 10th ers groups including chil- through the Internet. said Sabah Al Kawari, Qatar Fax annual Safer Internet Day dren, young adults, parents, Buzaboon recommended a University student, and Al through a public event about educators, and service provid- set of guidelines for the youth Rayyan TV presenter. online rights and responsi- ers in Qatar. We need to be to keep themselves safe online, Over the years, Safer Internet bilities organised in partner- aware that we have a shared namely enabling the secure Day (SID) has become a land- Tollfree ship with Qatar University responsibility to make the browsing functionality in the mark event in the online safety and Qatar Debate yesterday, Internet a safer and better social networks, not to befriend calendar. Fax at Qatar University. Titled place for all,” said Fatma Al any unknown persons, commu- Starting as an initiative of ‘Connect With Respect’, the Nuaimi, Cyber Safety Section nicate responsibly and to not the EU Safe Borders project event featured two panel dis- Manager, ICT & Society violate the others’ privacy. She in 2004 and taken up by the Tel cussions and a debate moder- Division, ictQATAR. emphasised the importance Insafe network (www.saf- Fax ated by Qatar Debate. In her opening remarks, Dr of respecting others’ opinion erinternet.org) as one of its “We would like the world Bana Buzaboon, a psycholo- during discussions on a topic earliest actions in 2005, Safer to celebrate Safer Internet gist, highlighted the challenges or even adding comments on Internet Day has grown beyond Day through ‘Connect With today’s youth faces while in posts. its traditional geographic zone Tel Respect’ organised jointly cyber space. “It is very important to raise and is now celebrated in more Fax with Qatar University and She also addressed the psy- awareness about cyber safety, than 90 countries worldwide, Qatar Debate to raise aware- chological and social risks safety measures and how to and across six of the world’s ness about the challenges resulting from irresponsible use implement them consciously seven continents. faced by Internet users. This of the Internet as well as the to Internet users. This will THE PENINSULA Tel Fax www.doha.hilton.com Tel +974 44233333 UC-Q, Rumailah Hospital Fax +974 44233000 in nursing research DOHA: The University of and HMC,” states Nazila Calgary-Qatar (UC-Q) has Afghani, Rumailah Director joined forces with Rumailah of Nursing. Hospital for a research Nurses from the Rumailah project to gauge nursing job Research Committee came to satisfaction. UCQ for a literature review and “Nursing job satisfaction has electronic databases workshop. Tel been found in research to affect The Rumailah Research Fax many patient and nurse out- Committee, headed by comes. Higher levels of satisfac- Afghani, and approved by Ms. tion have been shown to improve Ruby Santander, the Assistant quality of care for patients, and Executive Director of Nursing Tel patient satisfaction with care, at Rumailah Hospital, consists Fax decrease patient mortality, and of 8 nurses and University of improve nursing retention. So, Calgary-Qatar faculty mem- if we can find out how nurses bers Ou and Dr Brad Johnson. are feeling about their job, we In attendance at the litera- University of Calgary-Qatar and Rumailah Hopital officials. Tel will know if we need to work on ture review workshop: Jerome nurses’ work environment in Mzia, a Charge Nurse in the Fax order to improve patient out- Psychiatry Unit; Saadiya “I felt that we made great Committee is currently exam- comes,” explains Christine Ou, Alhebail, Head Nurse in Day progress today in our under- ining nurse job satisfaction and a UCQ nursing instructor. Care Surgery; Johncy Paulose, standing of what job satis- its outcomes. They are planning “Establishing a Nursing Staff Nurse in Burns Unit; Jessy faction consists of, different to design a research project for Tel Research Committee has George, a Quality Management ways to measure it, and how Rumailah Hospital, which staffs Fax been one of our goals for a Reviewer, and Dorina Oprea, to go about conducting our more than 1500 nurses. long time, and now with this Staff Nurse from Children’s research into job satisfaction. Nursing job satisfaction is partnership with University Rehabilitation Unit. Our work together is a great an important area of study as of Calgary-Qatar, this is “The enthusiasm of the example of how we can work it has been linked with patient Tel coming into fruition. The nurses was clearly evident, and together to develop an evi- outcomes, patient satisfaction, Nursing Research committee they came prepared to build dence-based project aimed at quality of care, and influences Fax is committed to pioneering in their understanding of carry- answering questions relevant the rates of burnout and sick research and evidence based ing out research,” observed Ou. to Rumailah, HMC, and Qatar.” leaves. Practice at Rumailah Hospital Dr Brad Johnson agreed, The Rumailah Research THE PENINSULA

Tel Fax Villa sold for QR29.7m, says Ezdan report

DOHA: A villa located at Al 15 percent in the number of real in the last week compared Department in the Ministry Ghanim Al Ateeq under Doha estate deals singed during the to 104 deals in the previous of Justice yesterday. And the Municipality was sold at the second week of February, the week affected by the season of value of daily rate of transac- Tel mammoth price of QR29.7m number declined by 33 percent midyear holydays, which usu- tions of real estate was about Fax ($8.16m) which was the high- in the third week (February ally witness traveling of a big QR78.3m compared to QR147m est value of all the deals made 17-21) as compared to the sec- number of investors and main in the previous week. during the third week of ond week due to winter holidays. players in the real estate sector In return to the transactions February. However, the Report expected abroad, which have impacted of the week, Doha Municipality Tel The villa, spread in an area of that with the real estate inves- the level of transactions which ranked first in terms of trading Fax 2,302 square metres, was sold at tors and developers start imple- were weak comparing to the value, reaching QR221.1m com- the rate of QR12, 900 per square menting new projects, the real previous week,” the report said. pared to QR406.7m in the previ- www.renaissancedoha.com meter, Ezdan Holding Group’s estate transactions will recover Ezdan’s weekly report ous week, with a decline of about weekly report said yesterday. strength in the coming weeks referred to that the trans- 45.6 percent through the imple- Tel +974 44195000 While a residential building after the holidays. actions of the second week mentation of 49 deals compared located at Al Salata Al Jadidah “During last week, the of February, extended from to 23 in the previous week with Fax +974 44195100 with an area of 1,180 sq metres real estate sector witnessed February 17-21, witnessed a an increase ratio of 113 percent, was sold at QR18m at the rate a remarkable decline in the decline in the total value of real but this increase in number of of QR12,300 per a square meter. transaction on the levels of sell- estate traded, either by selling deals has not been mentioned And a plot in Fereej bin ing and mortgage regarding the or mortgages at a rate of 33 per- in the growth of transactions’ Mahmoud with an area of 1,443 total value of transactions for cent with a value of QR391.3m value due to absence of grand sq metres was sold at QR14m at the second sequent week despite compared to QR587.9m in the deals. Doha acquired a ratio of the rate of QR9,700 per a square the slight increase of the deals previous week, according to 56.5 percent of the total trans- meter. implemented by 15 percent, the weekly Bulletin issued by actions of the week. Having registered a growth of since they increased to 120 deals the Real Estate Registration THE PENINSULA FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

PM in Friends of Syria Meeting Sheikha Moza discusses EAC projects in Geneva Initiative launched in November 2012

GENEVA: H H Sheikha Moza The partnership between EAC bint Nasser yesterday visited and UNHCR benefited over the headquarters of the United 176,000 school children in 2012 in Nations High Commission for camps across Africa, Asia and the Refugees (UNHCR) to discuss Middle East region. EAC support the progress in the education has helped with construction of projects being undertaken by classrooms and teacher accom- UNHCR with the support of modation, increased enrollment, Sheikha Moza’s Educate A Child teacher training and provision of (EAC) initiative. textbooks and desks. In her first visit to the UNHCR In addition, EAC support to headquarters, Sheikha Moza was UNHCR has provided a plat- welcomed by High Commissioner form to discuss the situation of Antonio Guterres. Sheikha Moza refugees in some countries and to discussed with UNHCR repre- advocate for quality education as sentatives some of the positive a necessity along with food, hous- results of the initiative to support ing, and health care. UNHCR’s education activities in Children affected by conflict refugee camps. and crisis are a long-standing The initiative, launched in priority for Sheikha Moza, who November 2012, resulted signifi- is a Unesco’s Special Envoy for cant progress in helping children Basic and Higher Education, in difficult circumstances, includ- UN Advocate for the second ing poverty and conflict, gain Millennium Development Goal to access to education. EAC is work- achieve universal primary educa- ing with a number of partners, tion, and a member of steering including UN agencies and local committee of Education First, set The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani attending the Friends of Syria meeting in Rome, Italy, NGOs, and has already supported up by UN Secretary-General in yesterday. over half a million children. September 2012. QNA

QNRF selects winners Firms honoured for excellence in sustainability reporting of undergraduate DOHA: The Minister of Energy and Industry and Chairman research programme & Managing Director of DOHA: Qatar National Research Qatar Petroleum (QP), H E Fund (QNRF) announced winners Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al of its 13th Undergraduate Research Sada, awarded seven compa- Experience Programme (UREP), with nies yesterday for excellence participation from 68 Qatari students, in sustainability reporting and the highest number to date. also presented Certificates The latest cycle of UREP saw a total of of Appreciation to 33 compa- 134 proposals submitted and, following a nies for their participation in stringent peer review process, 45 of those the energy and industry sec- projects were awarded. The participat- tor’s Sustainable Development ing institutions include Qatar University, Industry Reporting (SDIR) with the highest number of proposals programme. awarded, Texas A&M University at Implemented for the past Qatar, Weill Cornell Medical College in two years thus far, the SDIR Qatar, Ahmed Bin Mohamed Military Programme has become a key College and Georgetown University mechanism for supporting the School of Foreign Service in Qatar. sector’s implementation of sus- “What makes this cycle unique is the tainability and for showcasing its fact that 15 proposals were awarded in commitment to the State of Qatar social sciences, making it the biggest towards achieving the Qatar share — 38 percent — among all fields of National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) The Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammad bin Saleh Al Sada with award winners. ABDUL BASIT sciences,” said Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, and the National Development Executive Director of QNRF. Strategy (NDS) 2011-2016. “Through UREP, we have been able to The awards ceremony was Certificates of Appreciation to the 33 par- Sustainable Development Awards scheme Qatar Petroleum received a special recog- place students in Qatar in a discovery- attended by QP directors and cor- ticipating companies. for Excellence in Sustainability Reporting nition award for its outstanding leadership oriented environment and give them porate managers, the CEOs and In his keynote address, Dr. Al Sada has been launched”. and commitment to sustainable develop- intellectual and problem-solving skills other top officials of participating remarked that the awards ceremony is There were seven winners of the Award ment and corporate social responsibility. that will prepare them for leadership roles companies, as well as by senior a source of pride for Qatar’s energy and for Excellence in Sustainability Reporting. Commenting on the future of the SDIR in business, government, the arts, and delegates from ministries and dif- industry sector as the event highlights its RasGas Company Limited was the win- programme, Saif Al Naimi, Director of other sectors of life in Qatar,” he added. ferent government agencies. commitment towards sustainable develop- ner under the “Large-Scale Organisations QP’s HSE Regulations and Enforcement Over the past six years, UREP has Dr Al Sada, who envisioned ment and QNV 2030 besides acknowledging Category” and the two joint runner-ups Directorate, said: “The SDIR programme provided more than 2,000 undergradu- and guided the development the positive contribution of the sector to were Dolphin Energy Limited and Qatar strives to deliver continuous improvement ate students in Qatar with the oppor- of the SDIR scheme, person- Qatar’s continued development. Steel. in reporting by all companies involved. All tunity to gain significant experience in ally congratulated the company “Since it began in the year 2010, the In the “Medium-Scale Organizations companies continue to advance from the team-based research collaboration with representatives as he presented SDIR programme has improved and the the winner was Mesaieed Power Company previous years as evidenced by the value of faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate trophies to the seven winners level of participation from the industry has Limited (MPower) and the two joint runner- their company reports and the sector-wide students, and other undergraduates or of the Award for Excellence in increased substantially. To acknowledge ups were Qatar Fuel Additives Company sustainability report.” research staff. Sustainability Reporting and and encourage the level of engagement, the (QAFAC) and Qatar Vinyl Company (QVC). THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

Experts to attend ICT in Education meet Family Affairs Council aims to

DOHA: International and local vital that educa- experts will gather in Doha tors keep abreast reduce divorce rate by 15pc between tomorrow and Monday of the innovations to explore how technology can be that are available,” DOHA: Many youngsters in Qatar are not responsibility is to create awareness. adopted and applied in classrooms he stated. educated about married life, because fami- The rate of divorce is also affecting the to enhance teaching practices and Faisal Al lies fail to pass over this knowledge to their Qatari population and national policies in learning. The occasion is the 6th Medaihki, Social young members, a seminar here was told. several ways. annual Exploring Information and Investment To address this issue, there is a need to “The issue of marriage affects population Communications Technology (ICT) Manager at introduce courses about marriage and family policies and plans of the community,” Hamad in Education Conference at College Maersk Oil relations in high schools and universities in bin Mohammad Feheed Al Hajri, secretary of the North Atlantic Qatar in part- Qatar, said: “We Qatar, says Turfa Al Naimi, chairwoman of general of the Supreme Council of Family nership with Maersk Oil Qatar. are delighted to the development programme at the Family Affairs, said. The meeting will offer over 70 Dr Ethan Danahy be partners with Consultation Centre. The only way to reduce rate of late mar- hands-on workshop sessions from the College of the Speaking at a conference organised by the riages is by focusing on young minds so that 22 specialists, with the theme this North Atlantic— Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Al we can find early solutions. year being ‘Robotics in Education’. Qatar for this event. The Exploring Naimi said that many young people who “There is also a need to reduce the rate of Keynote speakers include Dr Ethan ICT in Education Conference is a fan- want to get married need support and con- late marriages,” Al Hajri said. Danahy of Tufts University, USA tastic opportunity for school teach- sultation. She said one of the problems in the The tradition of ‘maher’ (money given by and world renowned robotics expert ers and administrators to build their current family setup is that families don’t the groom to the bride) has also been a matter Daniel Benedettelli from Italy, who knowledge and skills in technology act as a ‘unit’. of serious concern to many young men who will discuss the exciting educational and enhance the learning environ- “There is a culture of lack of attachment want to get married. possibilities presented by LEGO robot- ment in schools.” He added that among family members, which is why families “Because of the rapid growth of population, ics and how these can be integrated “through our comprehensive social are not a strong unit,” Al Naimi said, adding high rate of expatriate workers and the eco- into the classroom. Workshops avail- investment programme, Maersk Oil that the society is not preparing young men nomic boom is affecting the composition of the able at the conference will cover a range Robotics expert Daniel Benedettelli is committed to supporting education and women on how to live a married life. population,” Dr Jamal Abdullah Al Yafae said. of topics including sessions on introduc- and learning in Qatar and doing so There is also an increasing dependence on He said Qatari families comprise of some tory and advanced robotics, Web 2.0 Dr Theodore Chiasson, Dean of the in innovative and engaging ways. The house-maids, which Al Naimi says is a serious 27 percent of the total population. tools for the classroom, and authoring School of Information Technology at ICT conference continues to deliver problems Qatari families are struggling with. “Many studies have raised the issue of digital content. CNA-Q. “Information and communi- cutting edge content and we hope Since 2009, one third of the divorces among imbalance in Qatari population compared to “We’re excited to be able to provide cations technology is breaking down this year the robotics theme will drive Qataris have taken place on the very first expatriates and one of the causes is late mar- such an important learning experi- barriers in classrooms, creating new interest in science, technology and day of marriage. The general strategy of the riage among Qataris, which is hindering our ence for teachers and administrators and exciting ways for students to engineering in schools across Qatar.” Family Affairs Council is to reduce the divorce population growth,” Al Yafae said. from schools around Qatar,” said learn and prepare for the future. It is THE PENINSULA rate by 15 percent, and part of the council’s THE PENINSULA FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Hollande, Putin Kuwait celebrations discuss Syria amid strain Leaders say differences remain

MOSCOW: French President to get there. We still differ, but we Francois Hollande said new can find a common way.” partners were needed to broker On his debut trip to Moscow talks on ending the Syria crisis as president, Socialist Hollande and Vladimir Putin promised to hoped to strike a balance between consider the proposal. a firm defence of human rights Hollande, speaking at a and the desire to increase trade Kremlin summit, said a more with Russia, as well as win its open dialogue was the only way support for Western efforts to to break the deadlock over Syria, end the fighting in Syria. where 70,000 people have been Unlike the cosy meetings killed in a nearly two-year-old between Putin and Hollande’s conflict that began with a crack- conservative predecessors, Nicolas down on protests against Assad. Sarkozy and Jacques Chirac, the “We think that this dialogue atmosphere appeared little better must find a new form so that than at a difficult first meeting in it speaks to all parties,” said Paris last June that bristled with Hollande, giving few details of tension. his proposal. “We had active discussions “We need to imagine a political and I think we argued over some dialogue that allows the opposi- things,” Putin told the news con- tion to negotiate with a party it ference in a glittering Kremlin finds acceptable. We will see in reception room, with the Russian, A Kuwaiti girl with a fan displaying the colours of the national flag during Independence Day celebrations and the 22nd anniversary of the end of the coming days how to make that French and European Union flags the Gulf war with the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, in Kuwait City, yesterday. happen,” he said. behind the two presidents. Hollande was rebuffed by the Making clear disagreements on Russian president after raising Syria remained, he said: “We will concerns about Russia’s human have to sit down and think a bit rights record during a 24-hour more.” visit intended to put trade ties But the two leaders had more Marzouki testifies in Belaid killing probe with Moscow on a new footing, than four hours of talks, at least and relations between the two two hours more than expected. TUNIS: Tunisian President since the revolution. His family Belaid’s relatives have dis- my brother.” A judicial source leaders appeared frosty. Russia has been one of Assad’s Moncef Marzouki testified yes- say the president knew of death missed the Tunisian government’s with access to the murder file But Putin gave a cautious wel- staunchest allies in the almost terday in the murder probe threats against Belaid, who was a assertion that radical Salafist told AFP the suspected assassin come to Hollande’s proposal that two-year-old crisis and, with of Chokri Belaid, as a judicial vocal critic of the ruling Islamist Muslims carried out Belaid’s was Kamel Gathgathi, from the dialogue on Syria be broadened China, has blocked three UN source named the Salafist sus- party Ennahda, before he was murder, insisting instead that northwestern Jendouba region, to bring in parties that could act Security Council resolutions pected of the assassination murdered, claims presidential Ennahda was responsible, a claim who had lived in America. as negotiators between President aimed at mounting pressure on that plunged the country into spokesman Adnene Mancer has the party strongly denies. Speaking from Jendouba, Bashar Al Assad and opposition him to end the violence. turmoil. denied. The killing has exposed the Gathgathi’s father Taieb con- rebels. France, along with Washington, “President Moncef Marzouki Yesterday, Belaid’s brother widening fissures between firmed that his son had studied in “During the discussion, the has sided with the Syrian opposi- received this morning the judge Abdelmajid repeated the claims Tunisian Islamists and liberals, in America and now lived in Tunis, French president made some new tion in seeking Assad’s removal of the Tunis first instance tri- to AFP. the once proudly secular nation. while insisting he was innocent. proposals which I think we could from power. Russia says his bunal who heard his testimony “My brother had told me, and Interior Minister Ali Larayedh, “From what I know of my son, I consider with all our partners departure must not be a precon- as a witness in the assassination I quote him: ‘The presidency has who is also prime-minister des- can say he is incapable of hurting and try to carry out,” Putin told dition for talks and a political of Chokri Belaid,” said a brief contacted me to tell me that I am ignate, said on Tuesday that the a fly,” he told private radio station a news conference at which the solution. statement. threatened with death. And the killer, who remains at large, had Mosaique FM. two sat stiffly side by side, hardly Russia called on the United The opposition leader was president offered me protection been identified and that four “He is a good type, an angel looking at each other. States this week to press the gunned down outside his Tunis but I refused because it would be suspected accomplices had been on earth, but if he has com- Hollande acknowledged the two Syrian opposition to hold direct home on February 6, with the tantamount to controlling me.’” arrested, without giving their mitted a crime then I pray to veto wielding members of the UN talks with Damascus and drop broad daylight killing sparking Abdelmajid added: “As far as names. God that justice is done.” Taieb Security Council were still divided calls for Assad to step down first, clashes between protesters and I am concerned, the president On the same day, Abdelmajid Gathgathi said his son’s studies in on Syria, but said: “We have the saying the rebels should appoint police and prompting the largest knows who ordered the murder, Belaid told AFP: “It is Ennahda America had been paid for by the same aim even if we differ on how negotiators. REUTERS anti-government demonstrations those who decided to kill Chokri.” that gave the green light to kill Tunisian state. AFP

Harlem Shake Syria rebels take control of Iran has stepped Aleppo mosque up executions: UN

BEIRUT: Rebels seized control GENEVA: Iran has stepped up violations of human rights”, of the historic Umayyad Mosque executions of prisoners includ- Shaheed’s report said. in Syria’s second city of Aleppo ing juveniles as well as arrests He called for the “immediate yesterday after several days of of dissidents who are often and unconditional release” of fierce clashes that damaged the tortured in jail, sometimes detained human rights advocates, building, a watchdog reported. to death, the United Nations journalists and lawyers. State news agency SANA, reported yesterday. Shaheed said opposition leaders meanwhile, said a car bomb In twin reports issued in Mehdi Karoubi and Mir Hossein exploded in a regime-held sub- Geneva, UN Secretary-General Mousavi, who are under house urb of the central city of Homs, Ban Ki-moon and the UN spe- arrest, are among hundreds of killing a number of people and cial investigator on human rights political prisoners held for exer- wounding others. in Iran, Ahmed Shaheed, voiced cising their right to freedom of In Aleppo, regime troops concern at what they called an expression during protests over were forced to withdraw from apparent rise in the frequency alleged fraud in the re-election of the mosque at dawn, taking up and gravity of abuses in Iran. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad positions in buildings around “The Secretary-General in 2009. the landmark structure, said remains deeply troubled by The next presidential election the Syrian Observatory for reports of increasing numbers of is set for June. Human Rights. The mosque’s executions, including of juvenile Dozens of journalists, bloggers museum caught fire during the offenders and in public; continuing and activists have been arrested battle, causing its ceiling to col- amputations and flogging; arbi- in the past few months, Shaheed lapse, adding to damage done in Egyptian actvists and youth perform the “Harlem Shake”, an Internet craze, in front of the Muslim Brotherhood trary arrest and detention; unfair said. Lawyers defending such fig- October when one of its intri- headquarters in Cairo, yesterday. trials, torture and ill-treatment; ures had been targeted, includ- cately sculpted colonnades was and severe restrictions targeting ing Abdolfatah Soltani who was charred in clashes. media professionals, human rights arrested in 2011 and is now serv- Aleppo’s director of Islamic defenders, lawyers and opposi- ing a 13-year sentence. endowments said the mosque’s tion activities, as well as religious In a case that stirred inter- library, which contains “valuable minorities,” Ban reported. national outrage, blogger Sattar Islamic relics and Quranic manu- 22 killed in Iraq bomb blasts The Islamic Republic, which Beheshti was arrested last scripts dating back to pre-Mam- is under economic sanctions for October after receiving death luk times”, had been ransacked BAGHDAD: At least 22 peo- Violence in Iraq is increasing area following the attacks. its disputed nuclear programme, threats and died some days later and destroyed. ple were killed in a series of as Sunni opposition swells against Tens of thousands of Iraqi has failed to investigate “wide- in prison. “Armed terrorist groups have blasts in Shia neighbourhoods Shia Prime Minister Nouri Sunnis have staged protests spread, systemic and systematic REUTERS looted and completely destroyed of Baghdad yesterday, police Al Maliki, whose power-sharing against Prime Minister Nouri Al the Islamic library, which is one sources said, as Iraq’s precari- government has been all but para- Maliki’s Shia-led government in of the most valuable in the region ous sectarian balance comes lysed since US troops withdrew in their western stronghold of Anbar with an estimated value of hun- under growing strain. December 2011. on the border with Syria, and Pilot error behind Libya 2010 air crash dreds of thousands of Syrian No one immediately claimed Another car bomb and six Al Qaeda has urged them to take pounds,” Abdel Qader Al Shihabi responsibility for the attacks, but roadside explosive devices planted up arms. TRIPOLI: The crash of a minimum descent altitude, told AFP. Sunni Muslim insurgents have at a market killed four other peo- Al Qaeda-linked militants Libyan airliner at Tripoli air- the Libyan authority said in The site has been a place of been redoubling their efforts to ple in mainly Shi’ite Mahmoudiya, appear to be regrouping in port in 2010, in which 103 peo- its report. Realising that the worship since the 8th century, but undermine the Shia-led govern- also in the south of Baghdad. Anbar’s caves and valleys, with ple died, was due to pilot error approach had been misjudged, the original building was razed by ment and spark deeper intercom- “I was inside my shop when the some moving into Syria to join and a lack of coordination the co-pilot, who was in com- the Mongols in the 13th century, munal fighting since the start of explosion happened,” said photog- the fight against Assad, whose between the pilot and co-pilot, mand, attempted to pull the from when the current structure the year. rapher Ibrahim Jassam. “There Alawite sect springs from Shia Libya’s civil aviation authority plane up in order to perform a dates. Elsewhere in Aleppo’s Two car bombs, one parked were a groom and his bride pre- Islam. Iraq is calmer than in the said yesterday. new landing, which disabled the Unesco-listed Old City, fighting near a crowded restaurant and paring to have their wedding pic- communal bloodletting of 2006- The two failed to coordinate auto pilot. But the captain had raged around the Justice Palace. the other close to a football sta- ture taken. They left everything 2007, but Shia leaders fear the their actions during the ini- retaken control of the aircraft Warplanes also carried out sev- dium, exploded around sunset and ran away after the blast. I hid war in neighbouring Syria could tial approach, with the final without informing his co-pilot, eral raids in the northern prov- and killed at least 18 people in in my shop.” push the country back towards approach attempted below the leading to the crash. AFP ince of Raqa. AFP Baghdad’s southern Shula district. A curfew was imposed on the sectarian strife. REUTERS FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 ISLAM www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Why do we need Islam?

BY DAUD MATTHEWS mankind and spirits to worship Him. He cre- nor a kept woman. The woman has her status ated Man in the best possible mould to do this. and respect. an first came to earth with He also tells us, We will return to Him. As for wars, this is always difficult but knowledge. He was not ignorant. So, we should prepare ourselves for that I will simply say: “Where are the Muslims He had been taught by God. It meeting. Only then will we know if we have fighting wars of aggression? Where are the Mwas only when Man lost contact been successful or not in this life. We trust in Muslims fighting for something that has not with God that he became primitive and took the mercy of Allah that we will be successful… been promised to them? Where is the justice?” to worshipping idols. It is up to each one of After all, Allah promises us that if we follow You must know the situation with the us to find our way back to the One True God. the guidance that is coming from Him — in the Uighurs and what has happened to them. Let us look around us. What do we see; form of the Quran and the practice of Prophet The Philippines promised an autonomous we see cars, buildings, planes, boats, bridges Muhammad (peace be upon him) — we shall region for the Muslims with the 1960 Tripoli railways and so on. All of which have been con- have no fear nor shall we grieve, meaning that Accord, only it was never implemented. The structed by mankind. In other words, Man can we will be successful in the next life. Middle East is racked by the Palestinians utilise the resources available but he cannot being displaced by Israeli’s. Yet, at the time make the resources. Then, if we look again we SOLUTIONS TO WORLD’S PROBLEMS of the establishment of the State of Israel, the can see animals, vegetation, birds, mountains In the Chapter 5 verse 3 of the Quran we League of Nations called for a State of Israel and valleys, the sky, stars, moon and the sun, read: Today have I perfected My favour upon you, alongside the State of Palestine. Where is the along with mankind. and completed your religion for you, and chosen State of Palestine today? Where did they all come from? These are Islam as your way of life. In Afghanistan it was the Russians who the things that man did not make. Do they just Complete and perfect: No omission no com- caused the war. In Yugoslavia it wasn’t the happen to be there? Can man create an egg or mission, no addition no subtraction, no modi- Muslims who caused the war and they had a seed? Even the woman comes into the world fication and no editing… no weapons to fight with due to an embargo. with her life-time supply of eggs. So, Man is Islam has the solutions to the world’s prob- We could go on… Even in China I think you not a creator, he can only utilise the resources, lems for all time. Make a list of the problems would agree there have been wars which have which are already provided. you think are prevalent in the world, then not involved religion. It is not the religion, it Let us look again, this time at the desert compare those with Islam and see if Islam is Man’s greed. either sand or ice. We may see tracks or bones. does have the solution? For example: I might I sometimes think people assume amputa- Do we have to see the creatures that made the suggest the following: drugs and alcohol; sex, tions of hands for stealing is an automatic tracks or left the bones to know what they prostitution and illegitimate children; wars; punishment. The fact China used to cut the were? In general, we can tell a lot from the crime; interest and usury etc. hand suggests there may be good things in tracks or the bones as to what type of animal For drugs, Islam totally forbids them. For Chinese culture if only the wisdom was under- it was, without even seeing it. In the Empty alcohol, there is some benefit and some harm, stood today. To suggest “good things are inter- Quarter, the big desert in the south of Saudi the harm outweighs the benefit, do not come mixed with religion” is not quite right. Arabia, the desert Arabs can tell the age of near to alcohol — totally prohibited. In any way of life there will be some things the camel, the sex of the camel, whether the As for sex and prostitution, the four wives that are ‘disliked’ by some. Some things will camels were lightly loaded or more heavily is a solution for those men who are not satis- seem harsher than others, but would it be a good loaded and to what tribe the camels belonged, fied with one woman. There is also control for system if there was no or next to no punish- simply from the tracks left in the desert. So, those who aren’t married. “Marry as soon as ment? It would be best if people believed in the we do not have to actually see something to you can afford it,” Muslims are advised, and if system they lived by, then everyone would sim- believe in it. you cannot afford it and have trouble control- ply do their best. They would not be interested This is true for God. Man cannot see God. ling yourself then fast. in doing their best at the expense of others. We see Him by His signs. His signs are His A young man told the prophet (PBUH) that In fact, Islam is not simply a religion but a creation. A mountain reflects the glory of its he wanted to fornicate. The companions of the total way of life. There will be some things we Creator, it cannot do anything other than be prophet (may Allah be pleased with them) will find harsh. Some punishments have been a mountain. This is similar for every aspect were aghast and tried to stop him talking. decreed by Allah. These are fixed. Man can- of God’s creation. While our own tongue may The prophet (PBUH) said: not change them. However, to assume a hand be denying God, our bodies are functioning “Let him speak.” will be cut automatically for theft is wrong. ineffective, in my opinion! In Islam both men and women are told to exactly as He created them. In our own life- Then the prophet (PBUH) said: Shariah (Islamic law) is only applied to the cover certain parts of their body when they go out. For example there times our heart will pump about 40 railway “Would you like someone to do it to your sis- maximum if there are no extenuating circum- is a specific type of swimming costume for men and another one for wagons of blood in each month, and a river ter, your mother, your daughter or your wife?” stances. If I were to tell you that there were women — when women are swimming with women. Men are supposed of blood in our life-time, generally with no Here, the young man promised he would not only four amputations in Saudi Arabia in the to wear long shorts to their knees when they play football for example. help from ourselves. This is an example of the indulge in fornication. With societies following past decade you will have some idea of how Women are told to cover their hair and to pull their jilbab (wide signs of God! such guidelines, I think there would be a drop flexible, rather than rigid, the system really is. long dresses) around them when they go out. They are also told only to The ‘dawn chorus’ of birds may be their in the number of births outside marriage. This writer spent 23 years in Saudi Arabia show their hands and their feet. As for covering the face, it is optional. form of worship of God. Any part of creation There are probably more women than men and I only saw one severed hand. This was for Since Muslims believe that total knowledge is with Allah, that noth- is reflecting its Creator simply by being itself. in the world. In New York there are more a policeman who had been on duty outside a ing exists outside of His knowledge, and the future is already known A monkey cannot be other than a monkey. It than a million women than men. However, bank when Saudi Arabia was using cash. People to Him; if He tells us something is bad for us, or forbids us to eat it functions as a monkey because it was created during the war between former USSR and would take bundles of notes to and from the that is perfectly acceptable as He knows and we don’t know. On this to be a monkey. In India, there are monkeys Afghanistan there were many Afghan men bank in their pockets or in brief cases. This basis, I believe we should not try to rationalise what Allah specifically which if they eat a plant which is poisonous to killed. Similarly, in the Iraq/Iran war there policeman had watched some 37 people put forbids us. It is not a question of Prophet Mhammad (PBUH) liking them, they know to eat some other plant which were many men killed on both sides. At times brief-cases full of notes into their cars and then or disliking, it is a question of Allah forbidding. is the antidote to the poison. How do they know like these there is an imbalance in the popula- go off shopping. He broke into the cars and stole Another point worth mentioning is usury. We only have to look at that? Who taught it to them? I would suggest tion, what are the women to do? the brief cases. Since he was considered beyond the third world and developing countries to see the impact of debt and their Creator. There are many such examples, Islam safeguards them by allowing a man, rehabilitation his hand was cut. usury. The World Bank and the IMF are quite happy lending money which we take for granted simply because we provided he can afford it and can treat them Now, look at the impact on the society. The but they want more back than they lend, which is the case for every don’t want to believe in a Creator… equitably to marry up to four wives. It is whole area, Dhahran, was quiet for weeks bank. Is this guaranteed unearned practically risk free income fair to I went away from Christianity and became conditional on the man treating all his wives afterwards. Every one was remembering the the borrower? Muslim some eight years later. I, too, was a equally, something which is very difficult in amputation when they went to the Mosque. Look at the number of people in debt and at the countries also and little skeptical. However, I didn’t believe we real life. So, you see there are times when such Contrast this atmosphere with the Great one can only wonder why such a system is allowed to continue. We are were like birds coming from where we knew an allowance would need to be applied more Train Robbery in the UK where the amount told by UN reports, the world’s richest 200 people own more wealth not, through a window and into a room lit like than at other times. involved would be about the same as the total than the world’s poorest 1.5 billion people. Does this suggest capitalism daylight, where we spend some time and then Not only for the reason already given, but amount the policeman stole in Saudi Arabia. is working? If you ask 200 people the answer will be, Yes! But if you exit by another window into total darkness to some men are simply not satisfied with one People were openly speculating as to whether ask 1.5 billion the answer is, No! where we know not. I felt there had to be more woman, they have affairs. Who suffers: The the criminals would be caught and what would Islam seeks to redistribute wealth over about three generations by to life than that. children and the wife? Islam allows for this be their punishment. the laws of inheritance and by the obligatory wealth payment (zakat) of Islam answers questions like: Where did situation by insisting on the second woman In fact, they even made a film about it. 2.5 percent of any annual accrued wealth (above a certain minimum). I come from? Why am I here? Where am I being a wife. This way she has rights and Wasn’t this a way of glorifying crime? What Zakat can only be paid to some eight categories of people as their right. going? Allah tells us in the Quran, He created obligations and so do the children. In Islam, was the impact of this crime and the crimi- This also helps us to remember that whatever we have is not ours, we Man from sounding clay and breathed into the woman is a sister, a wife, a mother or a nal’s punishment on society compared to the hold it in trust from Allah, for as long as He wills. him the soul. Allah also tells us, He created daughter. She is not a mistress, a concubine incident in Dhahran? Vastly different and very www.onislam.net

The first and foremost quality of Islam is that it is fully compatible with the nature Virtues of Islamic faith of humanity and its mission in this world because it is God-given. BY SHAHUL HAMEED God has given humans not only This creed of Islam provides of Islam reminds the believ- freedom, but also capabilities to its faithful followers (i.e. the ers of God’s central position in the Quran, those who have even a see that Islam has done immense slam (an Arabic word use that freedom. In the Quran, Muslims) a strong philosophical their lives. The second pillar is mustard seed’s weight of belief in services for which all of human- derived from the root s-l-m) which Muslims believe is God’s foundation for unity of vision. ritual Prayer, or salah. Muslims God will eventually be admitted ity should be thankful. “When encompasses the concepts of word, God the Almighty says Indeed Muslims are bound by are required to perform ritual into Heaven. Islam teaches that Christian Europe sank into the Ipeace and submission. The that He has appointed humans their faith to respect and honor Prayers formally five times a the Quran is the most authorita- so-called Dark Ages for about 600 virtues of Islam as a faith and as His vicegerent (khalifah) on all the prophets of God includ- day. The third pillar is fasting, tive guide to proper living, along years starting in the late 5th cen- way of life can be summarised as earth. This means that humans ing Abraham, Moses and Jesus or sawm, during the lunar month with the Sunnah, namely the tra- tury, Islamic scholars elsewhere follows: are answerable before God for (peace be upon them all). of Ramadan. During Ramadan, ditions of Prophet Muhammad maintained high standards of The first and foremost quality their willful choices and actions. In Islam there is no baptism; Muslims refrain from eating, (PBUH). academic study, mathematics of Islam is that it is fully compat- Islam also teaches that God is and for anyone, entry to the com- drinking, smoking, and sexual It is to the credit of Islam that and scientific research. ible with the nature of human- All-Merciful; and out of His infi- munity of Muslims is possible by intercourse from dawn to sunset. it takes proper measures to keep Islamic libraries in Baghdad, ity and its mission in this world nite Mercy He has sent prophets a simple and conscious act of will The fourth pillar is obligatory Muslims safe from evil practices Cairo and Damascus preserved because it is God-given. with His guidance to help man- on their part — the act of sub- charity, or zakah. Muslims set that are patently harmful. For the writings of ancient Greek, That is to say, the way of life kind along the straight path. mission to the One and Only God apart a specified portion of their instance, Islam prohibits the Roman and Indian scholars outlined by Islam is natural, and The prophets were humans and of the universe. income and wealth to support use of all kinds of intoxicating even as Europe’s leaders rejected it is based on principles laid down appointed to this world from the There is no priesthood in their less fortunate brothers in beverages and drugs that may them….When the Renaissance in what Muslims believe to be the very beginning of humanity on Islam, as there is no need of any society as well as for other good impair one’s reason, good sense blossomed in Western Europe final testament of God, namely earth. They came to mankind at mediator between God and His purposes. and morality. in the 14th, 15th and 16th centu- the Quran. different stages in history and creation. The Quran says what The fifth pillar is pilgrimage to Similarly, all kinds of obscenity ries, it found a trove of ancient Islam teaches that God is One. they were all models to be fol- means: It was We Who created Makkah, or Haj. Islam requires and sexual promiscuity are for- knowledge and new discoveries Therefore the set of laws govern- lowed by their people. And finally, man, and We know what dark sug- that every believer should do it bidden. Not only the evil habits in translations from the Arabic.” ing the universe is one. The one- when the time was ripe, God sent gestions his soul makes to him: for at least once in his or her life of individuals, but also all social (Carolyn Ruff, Exploring Islam, ness of the Creator, also, means His final prophet with His final We are nearer to him than (his) time, if he or she is physically evils are strongly discouraged in last accessed July 14, 2009) that everything — whether living testament, who completed the jugular vein. (50:16) and financially able to do it. Islam. For all of us, life is a test, This was possible because of or non-living — is God’s creation. Divine guidance as well as the No other religion has anything The Haj commemorates the and the result will be determined the Quran’s strong advocacy for So they are bound to function divinely revealed religion of God, like the five pillars of Islam that sacrifices, faith and obedience on a Day of Judgment. Therefore, the acquisition and dissemination in accordance with the nature namely Islam. enable a human to be constantly of Abraham and his family. The all the humans who have ever of knowledge. Consequently, the assigned to them by God. The foregoing means that in touch with God. Haj is the largest, regularly-held lived on earth will be resurrected religious scholars of Islam were Of all the creation of God, Islam was the religion of all the The first pillar is the pro- gathering on earth. and brought before Allah (God). also keen on mastering secular only humans are given a certain prophets from the first to the fession of faith known as the In Islam, there is no original Then, all who have lived in obedi- knowledge as well. In short, the amount of freedom of will and last. In other words, according Shahadah, namely: “There is no sin, as all humans are born inno- ence to His guidance will be sent teachings of Islam are optimally choice; the corollary of which to the teachings of Islam, God is one worthy of worship but God; cent. God is Just, and He does not to live a life of eternal happiness suited for human welfare in this is that they have a degree of one, the universe is one, mankind and Muhammad (PBUH) is the hold anyone sinful for any aber- in Paradise; and those who did world as well as for enabling him responsibility proportionate to is one and the religion of man- Messenger of Allah”. The decla- ration on the part of his or her not care to do so will be sent to to attain eternal happiness in the the freedom they enjoy. kind also is one. ration of this fundamental creed ancestors. Indeed, according to Hell. Any student of history can Hereafter. www.onislam.net FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 06 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

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

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

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

The Tunisia challenge Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate UNISIAN President Moncef Marzouki yesterday testified in the murder probe of Chokri Belaid, the Leftist leader who was gunned down outside his house Tin Tunis on February 6. The killing of the liberal In US voting-rights case, liberal leader shook the nascent polity of the country, triggering huge protests. Belaid’s supporters clashed with police in the worse violence to have hit the country since the Arab Spring protests. justices pitch to Kennedy Reports yesterday said that the killer of the charismatic leader has been identified. The finger of suspicion points to one BY JOAN BISKUPIC Kamel Gathgathi, who is reported to have studied in the United up on their line of inquiry, asking Rein the decision is not likely to be handed States. Belaid’s family says that Marzouki knew about the how a county with a record of bias would down until June. threat to his life. Belaid’s brother said that he was told by Belaid arely a minute into a US be “injured” by the 1965 provision that Voting rights remain a prominent that the president’s office had warned him of a threat to his life. Supreme Court hearing, lib- was intended to prevent discrimination. issue. During the 2012 presidential elec- This, the family claims, is proof enough that Marzouki knows eral justices began a strate- One of the most closely watched dis- tion campaign, judges nationwide heard gic barrage of questions that putes of the term, the case centres on challenges to new voter identification who ordered the killing. The leftist leader’s relatives say that B came down to this: Why should a time- the civil rights-era law that broadly laws and redrawn voting districts. The Ennahda is behind the killing, while the ruling party maintains honoured plank of the 1965 Voting prohibited poll taxes, literacy tests and most restrictive moves, including those that Salafist Muslims carried out the assassination. The liberal Rights Act be invalidated in a case other measures that prevented blacks from places covered by the screening leader was a strong critic of the ruling Islamist party Ennahda. from Alabama with its history of racial from voting. In the 1960s, such laws provision in Section 5, ended up being Reports of Gathgathi being the killer are revealing but discrimination? existed throughout the country but blocked before the November elections. What followed constituted a clas- were more prevalent in the South with In Shelby County over the years, sketchy. Politics in the country that is fiddling with new-found sic example of how justices can try to its legacy of slavery. Specifically at issue Sotomayor asserted, Section 5 had pre- democracy after a revolution threw out long-time dictator use oral arguments to dramatic effect is a provision — designed to be tempo- vented “240 discriminatory voting laws” Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has been roiled by the assassination and influence a swing vote justice. Key rary and that Congress has continued from taking effect. In a 2008 incident, to the extent that the government headed by Hamadi Jebali players were Elena Kagan and Sonia to renew — that requires certain states, the city of Calera in Shelby County put had to resign. Interior Minister Ali Sotomayor, appointees of President mainly in the South, to show that any in place a redistricting plan that led Larayedh, an Ennahda member, Barack Obama and the newest members proposed election-law change does not the one African American on the city of the bench. The likely target of their discriminate against African-American, council to lose his seat. After the Justice With an unstable has been named as the new prime remarks: Anthony Latino or other minority voters. Department forced Calera to redraw the polity and rising minister. Kennedy, a con- The Shelby County challengers say map, the council member regained his Since the birthplace of the servative who is the kind of systematic obstruction that seat. Rein did not challenge Sotomayor’s public discontent, Arab Spring saw fruit vendor often the deci- once warranted treating the South dif- numbers, but he said black-voter reg- leaders of the Mohamed Bouazizi burn himself to Voting rights sive fifth vote on ferently is over and the screening provi- istration and turnout in Alabama were death in the central town of Sidi racial dilemmas. sion should be struck down. “very high.” He said evidence on the cradle of the remain a “Think about Convincing Kennedy of lingering ground was irrelevant when officials are Bouzid two years ago, Tunisia has this state that problems in Alabama may be liberals’ lodging a broad-based challenge to a law. Arab Spring face charted a dangerous course. Its prominent issue. you’re repre- best hope of stopping the conservative His main argument was that the crite- a tough challenge. attempts to bring in representative During the 2012 senting,” Elena majority from invalidating what’s known ria by which states fall under Section 5 government for experimenting presidential Kagan told the as Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. are outdated. The formula can be traced with democracy after a long stint lawyer arguing The Obama administration, backed to electoral practices in the late 1960s election against the law by civil rights advocates, says the pro- and ’70s. The nine fully covered states of authoritarian rule have not met with success. However, this on Wednesday. vision is still needed to deter voter are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, is not unprecedented. There is a price to pay for democracy campaign, judges “It’s about a quar- discrimination. Kennedy’s comments Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and all societies that pass through revolution have to undergo nationwide ter black, but during the 75-minute session suggested Texas and Virginia. momentous changes in order to bring a semblance of maturity Alabama has no he was sympathetic to Shelby County’s US Solicitor General Donald Verrilli to the political process. heard challenges black statewide claim that in modern times different argued that Congress compiled a suf- Bouazizi, who sparked the Arab Spring in the north African elected officials.” states should not be treated differently. ficient record to demonstrate that the to new voter Focusing on Yet the liberals’ assertions clearly gave decades-old formula continues to target country, paid with his life. The present dispensation has to identification Shelby County, him some pause. the places with the most serious prob- see that the cause for which he died is not wronged. The Alabama, the The onslaught, particularly from lems of voting discrimination. aftermath of Bouazizi’s death saw a slew of protests demanding laws and redrawn southern locale Sotomayor, the first Hispanic justice, Much of the give-and-take on the resignation of strongman Ben Ali, who finally had to go voting districts. that brought the and Kagan, known for asking pierc- Wednesday echoed arguments in a 2009 despite trying to buy time in the initial states of the revolt. case, Sotomayor ing questions, served as a reminder of challenge to Section 5. In that case from Tunisia’s polity is being rocked like that of Egypt. The asked, “Why how the justices often use oral argu- Texas, the five most conservative jus- would we vote in favour of a county whose ments to try to make their cases. These tices, including Kennedy, voiced doubts assassination is a hurdle on the path to democracy and shows record is the epitome of what caused the sessions, which let duelling attorneys about whether Congress had valid that tolerance for diverse political thought will take some passage of this law to start with?” present their claims at the lectern, give grounds to continue singling out the time to develop. Tunisia’s leaders have to show a great deal of Those liberals were addressing lawyer the justices their first chance to lay the South. Both times Kennedy questioned political maturity to deal with the changes affecting politics Bert Rein, but their comments seemed groundwork for their ultimate discus- whether a separate provision of the and society in the country. Stabilising the economy and taking aimed more at Kennedy, often the sion and vote on a case. The nine jus- Voting Rights Act, known as Section swing vote on the nine-member court. tices are due to meet in private today 2 and covering intentional acts of dis- steps to promote rights and providing security to the citizens While appearing overall open to Shelby to discuss the merits of the case. An crimination, did not sufficiently protect will be a challenge for president Marzouki and prime minister- County’s claims, Kennedy quickly picked opinion can take months to write, and minorities. REUTERS designate Larayedh • The other side Quote of Protecting children under Hague treaty the day HE government must establish European countries. Japan, the only under 16 years old out of the child’s the child or people close to them. This proper legal and support Group of Eight nation that has not country of habitual residence without condition has been included in consider- systems to protect the interests joined the convention, should step up the other parent’s permission, the child ation for those who are cautious regard- Tof children involved in custody its efforts to sign onto it. should be returned to the country upon ing participation in the Hague Convention For more than a battles as a result of failed international The ruling Liberal Democratic Party the latter parent’s request. out of concern that a Japanese parent year, the United marriages. When Prime Minister Shinzo and its coalition partner, New Komeito, The related bill covers matters from and their child could be exposed to Abe met with U.S. President Barack have agreed to submit a bill seeking domestic judiciary proceedings for issu- domestic violence by the other parent States and our Obama during his recent visit to the Diet approval for Japan to join the treaty ing orders to return children in custody when they return to the country of the United States, Abe promised that and a related bill. The main opposition disputes to the country of their habitual child’s habitual residence. partners have Japan would soon join the Hague Democratic Party of Japan advocated residence, to the role of the Foreign However, it is not easy for Japanese Convention on the Civil Aspects of joining the convention while it was in Ministry, which will be in charge of the parents to prove they have been called on Assad to International Child Abduction, which power. We hope the ruling and opposi- convention. A main point in Diet delibera- abused by their spouses or former heed the voice of establishes rules regarding international tion camps will work hard to achieve Diet tions will be the conditions under which spouses while living in the country of child custody disputes. approval and pass the related bill by the a parent can refuse to return a child. The original residence. We hope Diet mem- the Syrian people The convention is now regarded as end of the current ordinary Diet session. bill proposes that a child should not be bers will hold extensive discussions on and to halt his war international law with 89 signatories, The convention stipulates, in prin- returned if the petitioner might commit whether this is an adequate precaution. John Kerry including the United States and many ciple, that if one parent takes a child violence against his or her former spouse, THE WASHINGTON POST machine ... US Secretary of State FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Is US maintaining death squads in Kabul?

Paktia Province, after surrounding a home Afghan President where a celebration of a new birth was taking place, shot dead two male civil- Hamid Karzai and ians (government officials) who exited the house in order to inquire why they had been surrounded, and then shot and residents insist that killed three female relatives (a pregnant mother of 10, a pregnant mother of six, the answer is yes and a teenager). When local villagers loudly complained, BY GLENN GREENWALD the Pentagon lied about what happened, claiming that the dead males were “insur- n 2010, as WikiLeaks published gents” or terrorists; the bodies of the three hundreds of thousands of clas- women had been found by US forces bound sified documents relating to the and gagged inside the home, and suggested conduct of the US government, that the women had already been killed officials dismissively claimed that by the time the US had arrived, likely the Ithey revealed nothing new. Among the victim of “honour killings” by the Taliban many documents disproving that claim militants killed in the attack. were ones relating to a US policy in Iraq US media outlets mindlessly recited the set forth in “Frago 242”, which ordered US government’s claims (CNN: “Bodies coalition troops not to stop or even inves- found gagged, bound after Afghan ‘honor tigate torture and other war crimes by killing’”), but the Pentagon was finally the Iraqi forces they were training, but forced to admit that its Special Forces simply to “note” them. had killed the women and then covered-up And note them they did: The logs and lied about what happened. record thousands of cases of Iraqi forces Whatever is true about these latest severely beating, brutalising and tortur- human rights abuses, the perception is ing Iraqi civilians while US forces, with widespread in Afghanistan that the US rare exception, did nothing to stop it is responsible and that the militias it is (when the documents were released, the training are no better than the Taliban. Guardian detailed some of the illustra- From Rosenberg: “The action also tive cases). reflected a deep distrust of interna- As the Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder tional forces that is now widespread in wrote at the time, the documents contain Afghanistan, and the view held by many “incredibly awful reports of systematised US President Barack Obama listens as Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaks during a joint news conference in the East Room of the Afghans, President Karzai among them, detainee abuse by Iraqi soldiers and secu- White House in Washington during Karzai’s visit in January. that the coalition shares responsibility rity forces right under the noses of the with the Taliban for the violence that American-led coalition, which appears continues to afflict the country to have had virtually no incentive to put it became clear that armed individuals a bridge,” the spokesman said.” He noted beyond the authority of the Afghan “But Afghan officials cited as even more a stop to them” (as usual, these docu- named as US special forces stationed in that the student was actually beheaded. government, on which the US intends troubling American Special Operations ments were classified not to safeguard US Wardak province engage in harassing, Motevalli noted that “US military to rely if and when it “withdraws” from units’ use of Afghan proxy forces that national security but rather to conceal annoying, torturing and even murdering officials have rejected the allegations”. that country. are not under the government’s control. bad and embarrassing acts on the part innocent people. Rosenberg also notes that military offi- It may very well be that US military Afghan civilians and local officials have of the US government: That is why it is “’A recent example in the province is cials express bewilderment over the officials are telling the truth when they complained that some irregular forces not hard to understand why the US is an incident in which nine people were allegation that these abuses are being claim they are not involved with these have looked little different from Taliban so aggressive about punishing Bradley disappeared in an operation by this suspi- “committed by Afghan irregulars who specific units, but that the Afghan griev- fighters or bandits and behaved little Manning, WikiLeaks, and other whistle- cious force and in a separate incident a worked with elite American forces” ances are completely accurate. That is differently.” blowers and journalists who expose these student was taken away at night from his and that “some Afghan officials believe because, as Rosenberg explains: So that’s where the US is after almost secrets). home, whose tortured body with throat the suspects are part of a force whose “One possibility that would match the 12 years of waging war in that country, In Afghanistan on Sunday, President cut was found two days later under a existence has been kept secret by the descriptions of attackers offered by local the longest war in its history. The US is Hamid Karzai alleged that the US is bridge,’ the statement added.” Americans.” Afghan officials and, at the same time, blamed on equal terms with the Taliban, doing something much worse: Not merely “Aimal Faizi, spokesman for Karzai, And a Nato spokesman said that it was exclude American military forces would at least. standing by and watching their trained said the decision came after of months unable to confirm past claims of torture be that the suspects were working with It maintains and supports (if not forces torture and kill, but actively and of reports of abuse. on the part of their Afghan forces. the CIA, whose operatives run militias in directs) non-government militias which systematically participating. “People have been complaining about US But there’s no question, as Rosenberg a number of provinces. A spokesman for are perceived, with ample evidence, as As the Guardian’s Golnar Motevalli special forces units torturing people, killing notes, that “throughout the war, the the CIA refused to comment on the issue. being death squads and torture units. reported: “The Afghan government has people in that province, and nine individu- US military and the CIA have organ- “One senior Afghan official said it was Thus do we find, yet again, that the fruits ordered US special forces to leave one als were taken from their homes recently ised and trained clandestine militias. A possible: Afghans, he said, make no dis- of US humanitarian interventions — lib- of Afghanistan’s most restive provinces, and they have just disappeared and no one number still operate, and remain beyond tinction between military-type outfits. erating the oppressed and bringing free- Maidan Wardak, after receiving reports knows where they have gone,’ Faizi said.” the knowledge or control of the Afghan Americans with weapons, high-end gear dom and democracy to the world — are from local officials claiming that the elite Since Sunday, the New York Times’ government.” and facial hair were ‘all special forces. It’s little more than replicating the abuses units had been involved in the torture Matthew Rosenberg has written two Recall that the CIA got caught making a phrase that catches all.’” of the tyrannical regime it targeted, just and disappearance of Afghan civilians... detailed articles on these events. On payments for years to Karzai’s suspected What is absolutely certain is that what under a different owner. “The provincial governor and other Monday, he noted that the Karzai spokes- drug-running brother, Ahmed, “for a Rosenberg calls the “aggressive tactics” Most amazing of all, the next time a officials from Maidan Wardak pre- man specifically cited “a raid on a village variety of services, including helping to of US special forces have previously new “Good War” is proposed, none of this sented evidence against US forces at the on February 13, when American troops recruit an Afghan paramilitary force that “resulted in abuses, and attempted cover- will stop large numbers of Americans national security council meeting. The and Afghans working with them detained operates at the CIA’s direction in and ups” of exactly the type being alleged now. from believing that both the goals and presidential palace later issued a state- a veterinary student. “His dead body was around the southern city of Kandahar”. As but one illustrative example: in 2010, the likely outcome will be beneficent. ment saying: ‘After a thorough discussion, found three days later in the area under These are the US-controlled militias, as I wrote at the time, US forces in the THE GUARDIAN How Bush sold the Iraq war — and we bought it use the claim because the CIA and manipulate sources of public We knew WMD intelligence was believed it to be false. approval to our advantage.” The now infamous 16 words That it was so successful is an flawed, but there was a larger made it into the state of the union indictment of a corrupt adminis- speech only by agreement between tration. But it is also emblematic the White House and the CIA to of the failure of the checks and bal- failure of officials, media and public attribute the charge to the British ances that are the hallmark of our government, which had pub- democracy. As Obama appointees to halt the neocon juggernaut lished such a claim in its “White John Kerry and Chuck Hagel can Paper” on Iraq, in September 2002. attest, the US Congress was inef- BY VALERIE PLAME senior government officials from Unfortunately, as then Foreign fective, to say the least, in the exer- WILSON and JOE WILSON repeating them incessantly; nor Secretary Jack Straw testified to cise of its oversight responsibilities did it prevent the powerful neo- the House of Commons foreign (The same applies to the British t has been 10 long years conservative ideologues who were affairs select committee in June parliament). since “Shock and Awe” — the war’s most fervent supporters 2003, the British claim had been The Washington press corps was the opening bombardment of from parroting them with menac- based on separate intelligence from dilatory in its investigative report- IBaghdad — lit up the skies ingly jingoistic passion. the forged documents, and that the ing — valuing access and cozy rela- above the Tigris. A decade later, Who can forget the trademark British had not shared their intel- tionships with senior officials above we know far more about the case line, delivered by Condoleezza ligence with the US government. the search for truth; ultimately, the The-then US Secretary of State Colin Powell addresses the UN Security the Bush administration made Rice. In sum, we are left to believe media served as lapdogs rather to the world to justify its war “We don’t want the smoking Council in New York on February 6, 2003. He presented evidence of Iraq’s that a significant part of Bush’s than watchdogs. of choice to overthrow Saddam gun to be a mushroom cloud.” weapons of mass destruction that turned out not to exist. case for war was based on intel- And the public, still reeling Hussein. Books like Hubris by As a covert CIA operations ligence that neither he nor his from 911 and whipped up by the David Corn and Michael Isikoff, officer working frantically in on daily for months. significant quantities of uranium intelligence officials had even fear-mongering since, instinctively and British commission and US the months before the war to Powell’s claim from a dis- from Africa.” At the request of seen. The declassification of sev- trusted its leaders. Given the full Senate reports have catalogued find and verify hard intelligence credited defector code-named the CIA, Joe had investigated that eral documents in recent years, force and power of the administra- the extent to which intelligence about Iraq’s presumed WMD “Curveball” on Iraq’s biological claim in February 2002, as it per- and a US Senate investigation tion’s efforts to sell the war, it is was misused to mislead the public. programme, Valerie was keenly weapons capability was particu- tained to Niger and had reported report published in 2008 con- no wonder that nearly 60 percent Yet, even as the intervening interested in watching Secretary larly alarming. Valerie knew that back to the agency that there was clude that there was far closer of Americans were in favour of the period has brought profound of State Colin Powell address the “Curveball” had been deemed a no evidence to support the charge. collusion between the Bush and invasion in the early part of 2003. change for the US and its role in UN on February 6, 2003. His rep- “fabricator” by the agency, mean- Tellingly, Powell made no mention Blair administrations than the Not surprisingly, that figure has the world, have we learned the utation and service to the US was ing that none of his intelligence at the UN of any Iraqi effort to Straw testimony suggests. Yet, flipped, with nearly 60 percent of lessons of that disastrous period? stellar, and he was viewed as the could be believed. seek uranium, either from Niger the British government to this Americans now saying that the And what were those lessons? lone moderate inside what many The implications suddenly or anywhere else in Africa. day continues to stand behind its Iraq war was a mistake; more For nearly a year prior to the others considered to be a hawkish become obvious: We were watch- Rumours of a Niger-Iraq ura- “separate intelligence” — which it than 70 percent of the British invasion, President Bush and his cabinet. ing a kabuki play and the outcome nium deal had first surfaced in has yet to make public. public agree. We owe it to our- administration peppered the air- As Valerie watched the speech was predetermined. The Bush Rome in 2001, as documents pur- The Powell address to the UN selves and to our partners in the waves with serious accusations unfold on TV from CIA head- administration was determined to porting to be related to the sale of and the Niger-Iraq saga are but “coalition of the willing” to con- against Saddam, including claims quarters that morning, she go to war, however bad the intel- 500 metric tonnes of yellowcake two examples of the efforts of the front the fact that, when it mat- of aluminium tubes that could experienced what can only be ligence, and not even Powell was circulated in intelligence circles Bush administration to manipu- tered a decade ago, our Congress, be used in centrifuges to enrich described as “cognitive disso- going to stand in the way. and among journalists. Those doc- late intelligence to support its our press, and we as citizens were uranium, and of Iraqi efforts to nance”. It became clear, as Powell Joe, too, watched Powell’s uments were later found to be for- political objectives and the lengths not vigilant enough in holding our purchase uranium yellowcake (a laid out the case for war (with speech, wondering whether the geries, but by the time the charge to which it went to secure support government to account for its lightly refined uranium ore) from CIA Director George Tenet sit- secretary would repeat the state- made its way into the president’s for its war. statements and actions. Africa. ting conspicuously just behind the ment, first made by President Bush speech, it had already been largely As former White House press We did not do nearly enough The intelligence supporting the secretary’s right shoulder), that in his state of the union address discounted by both the State secretary Scott McClellan put to prevent this tragedy perpe- claims was either not believed his robust claims about the state several days earlier , that “the Department and the CIA. it: “Bush and his White House trated on Iraq, on the world, and or was highly disputed by the of Iraqi WMD did not match the British government has learned The agency’s director told the were engaging in a carefully on ourselves. experts. But that did not stop intelligence which she had worked that Saddam recently sought White House three times not to orchestrated campaign to shape THE GUARDIAN FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL

US soldier pleads Pope quits; promises guilty to misusing classified data in to obey successor WikiLeaks case FORT MEADE: The US Army private accused of pro- viding diplomatic cables and Pontiff urges Roman Catholic Church to remain united other secret documents to the WikiLeaks website pleaded VATICAN CITY: Pope “As you know, today is differ- reigning pope and a former pope guilty yesterday to misusing Benedict ended his difficult ent to previous ones,” he told an living side by side in the Vatican. classified material, but denied reign yesterday pledging uncon- emotional, cheering crowd hold- Some Church scholars worry the most serious charge in the ditional obedience to who- ing balloons and banners after that if the next pope undoes some case, aiding the enemy. ever succeeds him to guide the he arrived in the small town of of Benedict’s policies while his Private First Class Bradley Roman Catholic Church at one Castel Gandolfo, where the sum- predecessor is still alive, Benedict Manning, 25, entered the pleas of the most crisis-ridden peri- mer residence is located. could act as a lightning rod for prior to his court martial, which ods in its 2,000-year history. He told the crowd, many of conservatives and polarise the 1.2 is set to begin on June 3, in a case The papacy became vacant at whom were crying, that he would billion-member Church. that centers on the biggest leak of 8pm, marking the first time in soon become “simply be a pilgrim Before boarding the helicop- government secrets in US history. six centuries a pope has resigned who is starting the last phase of ter, Pope Benedict said goodbye “I believe that if the gen- instead of ruling for life. his pilgrimage on this earth”. to monsignors, nuns, Vatican eral public ... had access to the In a symbolic gesture, the Swiss He then turned and went inside staff and Swiss guards in the San information ... this could spark a Guards who stood sentry at the the villa, never to be seen again Damaso courtyard of the Holy domestic debate as to the role of papal summer residence south as pope. See’s apostolic palace. Many of the military and foreign policy in of Rome, where the pope flew by In an emotional farewell his staff had tears in their eyes general,” Manning, dressed in full helicopter less than three hours to cardinals last morning in as the helicopter left. military uniform, testified calmly. earlier, quit their posts and the the Vatican’s frescoed Sala Benedict will spend the first Reading from a 35-page state- massive wooden doors of the hill- Clementina, Benedict appeared few months of his retirement in ment as he remained seated next top residence were closed. to send a strong message to the the papal summer residence, a to his lawyers, the short, slight At the same time, the papal top echelons of the Church as well complex of villas boasting lush private described his feelings apartments in the Vatican were as the faithful to unite behind his gardens, a farm and stunning after he submitted the secret locked and will not be opened successor, whoever he is. views over Lake Albano in the information to WikiLeaks. until a new pope is elected. “I will continue to be close to volcanic crater below the town. “I felt I accomplished some- As he left the Vatican several you in prayer, especially in the Benedict will stay until April thing that would allow me to have hours earlier by helicopter, he next few days, so that you are when renovations are completed Pope Benedict XVI blesses the faithful for the last time upon arrival in the a clear conscience,” said Manning, sent his last Twitter message: fully accepting of the action of the on a convent in the Vatican that papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo yesterday. who spoke under oath for more “Thank you for your love and sup- Holy Spirit in the election of the will be his new home. than an hour. port. May you always experience new pope,” he said. “May the Lord Once the chair of St Peter first meeting today but a decision will hold daily consultations at At the hearing, Manning the joy that comes from putting show you what he wants. Among is vacant, cardinals who have may not come until next week. the Vatican at which they dis- pleaded not guilty to the most Christ at the centre of your lives.” you there is the future pope, to assembled from around the world The Vatican seems to be aim- cuss issues facing the Church, serious charge, aiding the enemy. Bells rang out from St Peter’s whom I today declare my uncon- will begin planning the conclave ing for an election by mid-March get to know each other better and Manning, who has been jailed at Basilica and churches all over ditional reverence and obedience.” that will elect his successor. so the new pope can be installed size up potential leaders for the Quantico Marine Base in Virginia Rome as the helicopter circled The pledge, made ahead of the One of the first questions fac- in office before Palm Sunday on 2,000-year-old Church. for more than 1,000 days, could Vatican City and flew over the closed-doors conclave where car- ing these “princes of the Church” March 24 and lead the Holy Week There are no official candi- face life imprisonment if con- Colosseum and other landmarks dinals will elect his successor, was is when the 115 cardinal electors services that culminate in Easter dates, no open campaigning and victed of that charge. to give the pontiff one last view of significant because for the first should enter the Sistine Chapel on the following Sunday. no clear front-runner for the job. He pleaded guilty to a series the city where he is also bishop. time in history, there will be a for the voting. They will hold a In the meantime, the cardinals REUTERS of 10 lesser charges that he mis- used classified information at the hearing before military judge Colonel Denise Lind. He faces a Spain court overturns city’s ban on veils maximum of 20 years in prison MADRID: Spain’s Supreme Court has overturned the city of for those charges. Lleida’s ban on women wearing full-face veils — such as burqas or Under a ruling last month by niqabs — in public buildings, citing religious freedom and saying 36 killed in DR Congo battles Lind, Manning would have any the city’s argument of security concerns was unfounded. sentence reduced by 112 days to In its ruling, dated February 14 and made public yesterday, the UNITED NATIONS: Battles in the region on Wednesday. its name battling the late dictator compensate for the markedly court said the ban could increase discrimination, rather than help between the army and a militia Del Buey said at least 36 peo- Sese Seko Mobuto in the 1990s harsh treatment he received eliminate it, as it may force some women to stay at home and there- in eastern Democratic Republic ple, including 10 civilians, have when widespread wars in DR during his confinement. While at fore not integrate at all into Spanish society. of Congo have left at least 36 been reported killed in the bat- Congo and neighbouring countries Quantico, Manning was placed in Lleida banned the wearing of full-face veils in public buildings people dead and thousands have tles. One peacekeeper from the left millions dead. solitary confinement for up to 23 three years ago, about the same time that rules against veils in sought refuge at a UN base, a UN force, MONUSCO, has also Kitchanga is in the Masisi hours a day with guards checking France and Belgium set off controversy. Spain has no national law spokesman said yesterday. been wounded. region of North Kivu, close to on him every few minutes. on religious garb. People descended on the “This morning MONUSCO where the army and UN peace- Manning admitted to unau- small UN peacekeeping base at reported gunshots in the area. keepers are in a showdown with thorised possession and wilful Kitchanga in mineral-rich North The mission says that between the M23 group. Deadly fighting communication of information Bulgaria president calls May election Kivu province as new gunfire was 3,000 and 4,000 Congolese have has also been reported this week from military databases. He also SOFIA: Bulgaria’s president yesterday called for a new political heard across the region, UN dep- now taken refuge around its base between M23 factions. admitted to misuse of documents culture that would prevent citizens being “robbed” and “lied to” uty spokesman Eduardo del Buey in Kitchanga,” the spokesman The unrest is an early challenge from the US Southern Command as he named an election date of May 12 to try to stem a surge of told reporters. said. to a UN-brokered peace accord pertaining to Guantanamo Bay, a popular discontent. Clashes between the DR Congo “MONUSCO is closely moni- signed on Sunday by 11 African memo from an unnamed intelli- Prime Minister Boiko Borisov quit last week after nationwide army and the the Alliance of toring the area, including with its nations, including DR Congo, gence agency, and records from a protests against high electricity prices — the final straw to many Patriots for a Free and Sovereign combat helicopter,” del Buey said. intending to bring peace to the military operation in Farah prov- citizens in the European Union’s poorest country, who have begun Congo, better known under its The APCLS is a longstanding region. ince in Afghanistan. to despair of any improvement in living standards or governance. French acronym APCLS, erupted militia in the region which made AFP REUTERS President Rosen Plevneliev told parliament an interim govern- ment, which will probably be appointed next week, would aim for stability by sticking to the 2013 budget, which foresees a deficit of 1.3 percent of GDP, and implementing previous commitments such as a 9 percent increase in pensions from April. Ex-Yugoslav army chief acquitted of war crimes Argentine lawmakers approve Iran deal THE HAGUE: The former head of the Meron, president of the appeals chamber at The acquittal means the International BUENOS AIRES: Argentine lawmakers yesterday approved a Yugoslav army was acquitted yesterday of the tribunal in The Hague. Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia deal struck with Iran to set up a “truth commission” to inves- charges of aiding and abetting atrocities Perisic, 68, showed no emotion as Meron has not convicted a single Belgrade official for tigate a deadly 1994 bombing of a Jewish centre that killed 85 committed in Bosnia and Croatia during ordered his immediate release. involvement in crimes in Bosnia and Croatia, people and wounded 300. the 1990s, in a ruling that was condemned Rebel Serbs fought to carve out an ethnically which claimed tens of thousands of lives. Argentina, home to Latin America’s largest Jewish community, by victims but welcomed by Serb officials. Serb state in Bosnia between 1992 and 1995 The court put Slobodan Milosevic, the long- says Iran was behind the attack. United Nations war crimes judges said after its Muslims and Croats voted for inde- serving Yugoslav president who appointed The agreement has been sharply criticized by Israel, Argentina’s Momcilo Perisic had provided legitimate pendence from Serbian-led federal Yugoslavia. Perisic and presided over the break-up of Jewish community and opposition politicians. military support to the ethnic Serb Army of Judges said he also was innocent of ordering multi-ethnic Yugoslavia, on trial but he died The pro-government bloc backing President Cristina Kirchner Republika Srpska (VRS) forces in Bosnia, Serbian forces to shell the Croatian capital in detention in 2006 before its conclusion. in the Chamber of Deputies secured passage with 131 votes to 113 but ruled he had not ordered them to com- Zagreb. Serbian officials welcomed the verdict, opposition votes against. The Senate gave its green light last week. mit war crimes. Serb forces committed some of the gravest which follows the acquittal on appeal last year The deal sets up an independent “truth commission” to probe the “While Mr Perisic may have known of VRS crimes during Yugoslavia’s break-up, including of Ante Gotovina, the Croatian general who bombing, which the Argentine government says will pave the way crimes, the Yugoslav Army aid he facilitated the massacre of 8,000 Muslim men and boys in led the counter-attack that took the Croatian for eight Iranian suspects to be questioned by an Argentine judge. was directed towards the VRS’s general war Srebrenica, and the siege of Sarajevo in which region of Krajina back from Serb forces. effort rather than VRS crimes,” said Theodor more than 10,000 civilians died. REUTERS Swiss factory shooting toll rises to four MENZNAU: One of seven people wounded when a gunman opened fire at a Swiss factory on Wednesday has died, police said Romanian protest yesterday — bringing the death toll to four, including the shooter. Police in the central region of Lucerne declined to give details Somali pirates on the latest fatality and did not elaborate on the condition of six others injured. offered amnesty Police have confirmed that the 42-year-old gunman was a long- standing employee of a wood panel plant in Menznau, a community MOGADISHU: Somalia’s pres- of some 2,600 people near Lucerne. ident has offered an amnesty He had no record of making trouble, police and factory officials to young pirates in a bid to end said, but workmates quoted by Swiss media said he may have been attacks off the Horn of Africa suffering from mental problems since last year. nation’s coast, he said. “We have been negotiating with the pirates indirectly through the S.Africa to probe donkey meat scandal elders,” said President Hassan CAPE TOWN: South Africa has launched an “urgent” inves- Sheikh Mohamud. “Piracy has to tigation into how unlabelled donkey, water buffalo and goat got end”. into meat products sold in supermarkets. Mohamud, elected by lawmak- The cabinet requested the probe after reports had created “alarm ers six months ago, said that he and panic” after the irregular ingredients were revealed in an uni- wanted to offer an “alternative versity study. “We will probably begin with the retailers themselves,” means of earning a living” to acting National Consumer Commission commissioner Ebrahim young Somalis who have taken Mohamed told journalists. up the gun to join pirate gangs. Stellenbosch University found that up to 68 percent of 139 meat However, Mohamud said that samples from shops and butcheries had irregular ingredients, with the amnesty was not open to pork and chicken most often substituted for other meat. pirate kingpins — those who take Plant matter was also found in the minced meat, burger patties, the vast majority of the profits sausages and deli and dried meat. from the attacks — some of whom Postal workers wear masks during a protest against their treatment by the management, in front of the head- AFP & REUTERS are wanted by Interpol. quarters of state-owned postal service in Bucharest yesterday. AFP FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Online drive to Manila, rebels eye peace deal boost Philippine Bid could end eagle numbers decades-old MANILA: Two captive Philippine eagles are being broadcast live over the Internet to rally global support for saving the world’s rar- insurgency est and biggest raptors, conservationists said yesterday. KUALA LUMPUR: The Livestreaming the pair gives a global Internet Philippines and a Muslim sepa- audience a rare insight into the courtship and ratist group hope to finalise a chick-rearing habits of the birds, which could peace agreement ending a dec- soon become extinct, said Philippine Eagle ades-old insurgency by April, Foundation spokesman Rolando Pinsoy. a government negotiator said “This will give everyone a chance to learn more yesterday. about this species and understand why we have Manila and the Moro Islamic to save them,” Pinsoy said. Liberation Front (Milf) are work- Customarily, the female lays a single egg in ing to put the finishing touches November or December and the chick hatches a to plans for disarmament and month later, he said. wealth- and power-sharing by In a programme backed by the US-based March, and deliver a final “com- Raptor Resource Project and the Internet vid- prehensive agreement” in April, eosharing site Ustream.tv, the pair can now be Miriam Coronel Ferrer said. viewed 24 hours a day over the next 12 months at “We are confident. There are http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/29615691 only a few issues left. We will “Even for biologists, there is so much more they find a resolution. There is no need to learn about this species,” Pinsoy added. deal-breaker here,” said Coronel The Philippine eagle, or Pithecophaga jefferyi, Ferrer, the Philippines’ lead is the world’s largest in terms of length. negotiator. It is found only in the country’s vanishing for- She spoke at the conclusion ests, where hunting, logging and land conversion of the latest round of three-day threaten its survival. talks between the two sides in the The bird, with a distinctive shaggy and cream- Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. coloured crest, grows to up to 3.35 feet (one Philippine President Benigno metre) in length with a wing span of up to seven Aquino’s government agreed in A Philippine Navy patrol boat leaves the port of the island province of Tawi-Tawi, near the border approaching Sabah, yesterday. Leaders feet. October on a roadmap with the of a Filipino armed group remain holed up in the Malaysian state of Sabah and asserted their historical claim to the territory. According to the foundation and the Milf that aims towards a final International Union for the Conservation of peace deal by 2016, following Nature, there are about between 180 and 500 years of talks hosted by Muslim- Dozens of Filipinos, some report- in October. “The talks are driven by the mainly Catholic Philippines that the pairs in the wild. majority Malaysia. edly armed, were dispatched there two two parties. The talks pertain to issues country’s Muslim minority claim as their The two eagles involved in the livestreaming Coronel Ferrer said a stand- weeks ago by the self-proclaimed heir to that have to be settled between the Milf ancestral homeland. project have been rescued from hunters, reha- off between Malaysian security a former southern Philippine sultanate and the Philippine government,” Coronel An estimated 150,000 people have died bilitated and paired, Pinsoy said. forces and a group of Filipinos to press its traditional claim to Sabah. Ferrer said. in the unrest in the southern Philippines, They have regularly been producing chicks for in the eastern Malaysian state of Jamalul Kiram III has refused to call The 12,000-strong Milf has been fight- though a ceasefire in place since 2003 has the foundation’s captive breeding programme Sabah would not affect the peace back his men, complaining that he was ing since the 1970s for independence in largely held. near the southern city of Davao, he added. process. left out of the peace road map agreed Mindanao, the southern third of the AFP AFP

Commission tells mock poll Three massacre 6,296 to benefit from land doles suspects enter participants to get serious MANILA: The Department of of agricultural infrastructure not the construction of the SCTEx Agrarian Reform (DAR) yes- covered by the Comprehensive (Subic-Clark-Tarlac expressway) not guilty pleas MANILA: The Commission machine will read it,” Tolentino terday posted the final master Agrarian Reform law such as road network. on Elections is reluctant to hold said. He also added that the list of beneficiaries who will be roads, canals, and similar struc- DAR also denied allegations MANILA: Three more accused another mock elections to test commissioners are still divided awarded parcels of land from tures is in full compliance with it is railroading the processes in the Maguindanao massacre, the integrity of the Precinct whether the poll body should more than 4,000 hectares of the SC ruling on the case. related to the SC ruling. including a police colonel, last Count Optical Scan (PCOS) have another mock polls before Hacienda Luisita. Once titles are distributed, the The DAR said it has been Wednesday afternoon pleaded machines because participants the May elections. Agrarian Reform Secretary DA and the Sugar Regulatory transparent in all aspects, even not guilty to multiple murder are not taking the initiative Tolentino noted that even when Virgilio de los Reyes led the post- Administration (SRA) will help conducting consultations with all charges filed against them dur- seriously, an official told the the Comelec conducted simula- ing of the master list in Barangay deliver support services to the parties involved in the Hacienda ing their arraignment before joint congressional oversight tion exercises in the House of Mapalacsiao in Tarlac City where beneficiaries, De los Reyes said. Luisita case, including the process the Quezon City Regional Trial committee on automated elec- Representatives, the participants a total of 6,296 farm workers were He said the farmworker benefi- of selecting the accounting firm to Court. tions yesterday. tested how the PCOS machines included. The list will be posted in ciaries cannot sell the land within conduct the special purpose audit The arraignment was held at Responding to a query posed would determine ovals which are 10 barangays in Hacienda Luisita. 10 years after the distribution of on HLI and Centenary Holdings, the courtroom created by the by Bayan Muna Rep. Neri not fully shaded. De los Reyes said the DAR Certificate of Land Ownership Inc. “The fact that all parties are Quezon City Regional Trial Court Colmenares whether the agency During the hearing, Senator used as basis the list of Hacienda Awards. being consulted to agree on both Branch 221 under Judge Jocelyn will have another mock elections, Alan Peter Cayetano reiterated Luisita Inc (HLI), which con- The SC also ordered HLI to pay the criteria for the selection of and Solis-Reyes inside the Quezon Comelec executive director Jose his call to the Comelec to ensure tained the names of farmers the beneficiaries P1,330,511,500 the terms of reference for the work City Jail Annex of the Metro Tolentino Jr explained that the the integrity of the counting and repeatedly mentioned in the to include the P500m received by to be rendered by the accounting Manila District Jail at the Camp agency has not made a deci- canvassing of votes following Supreme Court decision on the HLI for the sale of 200 hectares firm show that no railroading is Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. sion because participants “make reports of errors during the mock case; the list referred to by farm- out of the 500 hectares covered taking place,” De los Reyes. Accused Police Superintendent a mockery” out of the mock elections last month. ers’ groups in a memorandum of by an August 14, 1996 conversion The deal for all parties to Bahnarin Kamaong, Police Officer elections. Tolentino revealed that the agreement, and other documents. order; P750m received by HLI’s approve both the criteria and the 1 Sandy Sabang and Theng Sali “The discussion is, why should Comelec will still test the integ- De los Reyes said 6,212 in subsidiary, Centenary Holdings, terms of reference was arrived at alias Abdullah Hamid entered we conduct another simulation rity of the PCOS machines “not the list were the ones who had Inc for the sale of the remaining during the last meeting attended their not guilty pleas when the when the participants only make earlier seven days before elec- approached the DAR and were 300 hectares from the 500-hec- by representatives of the parties charges against them were read a mockery out of it? Like putting tions, and not later than three verified to be employees in tare land; and P80,511,500 paid last January 25, shown by the by the clerk of court. a smiley, putting one big line out years before (the polls). Hacienda Luisita since 1989. by the government for the sale minutes taken of the proceedings. The arraignment of three of the ovals just to find out if the THE PHILIPPINE STAR “DAR added the segregation of the 80.51-hectare lot used for THE PHILIPPINE STAR more accused: Ahmidin Alameda, Dekson Sapatula and Norhato Camino did not push through as they remain in the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in its regional China discrimination an isolated case Coalition ‘has no office in Region XII. MANILA: The Department DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez happening between the Philippines of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said said the government is aware of and China,” Hernandez said in a Police proposes yesterday it viewed the refusal the report that the Houhai res- press briefing. of a restaurant in Beijing to taurant refuses to serve Japanese, “We hope it is not a state policy control on surveys’ total gun ban serve Filipinos and citizens of Vietnamese, and Filipinos. “We not to allow Filipinos to dine in countries with territorial dis- think the notice that was posted on restaurants in Beijing China,” He MANILA: A spokesman for latest poll, UNA is protesting during holidays putes with China as an isolated that shop in Beijing is a private view added. Team PNoy said yesterday that and making unfounded innuen- incident. about the whole situation that is THE PHILIPPINE STAR the administration coalition does,” he added MANILA: Police will ask doesn’t control surveys on vot- “UNA’s claim that the result Congress to pass a law impos- ers’ senatorial preferences. of the SWS survey is part of a ing a total gun ban during Eastern Samar Rep Ben grand design to manipulate the the Christmas and New Year Evardone made the statement results of the election is totally holidays. after the leaders of the opposi- absurd and childish,” he said. Superintendent Rogelio Simon tion United Nationalist Alliance He said UNA’s innuendoes are of the Philippine National Police (UNA) expressed disbelief over also an insult to professional poll- (PNP) Firearms and Explosives the result of the latest Social sters, particularly to SWS and the Management Division said a Weather Stations (SWS) survey. newspaper BusinessWorld, which total gun ban during the holi- The SWS poll showed that regularly commissions it to gauge days will prevent another death nine administration senatorial voter preferences as part of its similar to the case of seven-year- candidates were potential win- public service. old Stephanie Nicole Ella, who ners, while the number of UNA “UNA should be consistent for died after a stray bullet hit her candidates likely to make it went it to be credible. The reason why in the head during the last New down from five or six in previous voters are favouring Team PNoy Year revelry. In the absence of a surveys to three. is because UNA lacks credibility law, the PNP on its own may still Vice President Jejomar Binay, and coherence. Whereas Team enforce a total gun ban policy dur- one of UNA’s “three kings,” ques- PNoy has a clear message to ing the holidays, he added. tioned the result but not the the people: We are a partner of Simon said only police officers inclusion of his daughter Nancy President Aquino in his reform are presently prohibited from firing in the Magic 12. agenda,” Evardone stressed. their firearms during the holidays. “We have nothing to do Senator Franklin Drilon, “But what about those people with the latest SWS survey. Team PNoy campaign manager, who possess unlicensed firearms, We respect it as a scientific also hit UNA and asked if the they can still fire their guns, so we method of gauging voter pref- Vice President is questioning his believe it would be better if total erences,” Evardone said. “UNA daughter’s ranking in the survey. gun ban would be enforced at least is a crybaby. When UNA was Drilon said they are very sat- on December 24 and 25 as well A Chinese cook working in a restaurant behind a sign that says "This shop does not receive the Japanese, The making a good showing, it did isfied with the 9-3 results of the as December 31 and January 1,” not question the surveys. Now latest SWS survey. he said. Philippines, The Vietnamese and Dogs" at the historic tourist district of Houhai in Beijing. that Team PNoy dominated the THE PHILIPPINE STAR AGENCIES FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA Malaysia to host Thailand peace talks Thai PM Yingluck seeks lasting solution in the southern border provinces where a revolt has claimed 5,500 lives

KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand soon as possible,” she told a news secretary general of Thailand’s causes of the problem,” Yingluck same as always — to connect with aimed at burying a decades-long and one of several rebel groups conference in the Malaysian National Security Council, and said. the fighting insurgents, not just insurgency there. in the country’s Muslim south government headquarters of Hassan Taib, a representative of Neither leader gave a date for the talkers,” he said. Thailand annexed its Muslim- will open talks in Kuala Lumpur Putrajaya. the BRN. the talks. A Malaysian official said Leeds University researcher majority border region in 1902. in two weeks to try to end a Yingluck is in neighbouring However, analysts poured the meetings would deal initially Duncan McCargo said past back- Since then, rebellion has flared bloody insurgency, Malaysia’s Muslim-majority Malaysia for water on suggestions the news with determining “terms of refer- channel talks have been held sporadically, with the current prime minister said yesterday. annual talks with Najib on bilat- marked a breakthrough, noting ence” for going forward, adding between Thai authorities and phase nine years old. Najib Razak disclosed the eral issues. They have centred this the splintered nature of the insur- it was hoped other groups would various rebel representatives, Analysts say successive Thai news after talks with visiting year on the stubborn insurgency gents, lack of concrete demands, join in later. with little coherence or progress. governments have comprehen- Thai Prime Minister Yingluck along the two countries’ border. and Thailand’s difficulty finding “Let us all hope and pray that “Under the circumstances, the sively failed to address the insur- Shinawatra, and following a Many residents of Thailand’s people who speak for fighters on this series of dialogues that will latest news needs to be viewed gency’s root causes. deal signed earlier in the day southernmost provinces are the ground. begin in two weeks’ time in Kuala with considerable caution,” he Thailand says about 9,000 mili- by Thailand and the Barisan Muslim ethnic Malays who resent The BRN, whose Malay name Lumpur will bring the desired said. tants operate from highly auton- Revolusi Nasional (BRN) rebel being governed by the Buddhist means “National Revolutionary results,” Najib said. Paradorn had acknowledged omous village-level cells. The group to launch a peace process. Thais. The region sees near-daily Front”, is one of the larger groups Marc Askew, an expert on Wednesday that Thailand was militants have improved their Yingluck said Thailand “wished gun and bomb attacks by insur- blamed by Thailand for the vio- on southern Thailand at the still working on identifying mili- capacity to launch major attacks to see a lasting solution in the gents seeking greater autonomy, lence, but it remains to be seen University of Melbourne, said tant leaders to negotiate with. and are increasingly well organ- southern border provinces”, which Thailand rejects. whether others will fall in line. there was little evidence that Malaysia already hosts negotia- ised, aggressive and ruthless. where the nine-year revolt by a The agreement to launch peace Thailand is “willing to engage in “self-appointed” representatives tions between the Philippines and There is, however, scant evi- number of shadowy groups has talks was signed in Kuala Lumpur the process of inclusive dialogue of various groups exercise control Muslim separatists in the south dence of any links to wider claimed more than 5,500 lives. early yesterday by Lieutenant- with all relevant stakeholders and over militants waging the revolt. of that country. These resulted in Jihadist networks. “We need to move forward as General Paradorn Pattanathabutr, groups concerned to address root “The challenge remains the October in a landmark agreement AFP Anniversary celebration Japan fighters rush to meet China plane US hackers attacked TOKYO: Japan scrambled fighter jets yesterday to head off a Chinese government army websites: China plane flying towards disputed islands in the East China Sea, BEIJING: Hackers mainly based in the US attacked two Chinese the defence ministry said. It military websites including the Defence Ministry page an average said the Y-12 propeller plane of 144,000 times a month last year, the ministry said yesterday. did not enter airspace around China’s first report of attacks on its websites steps up a war of words the Tokyo-controlled islands between the powers, after a US security company said last week that known as the Senkakus, which a Chinese military unit was behind a series of hacking attacks on US Beijing claims as the Diaoyus. firms. The aircraft headed back “The Defence Ministry and China Military Online websites were towards China after Japan’s hacked from overseas on average 144,000 times a month in 2012,” military planes became air- ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng said on the ministry’s website. borne, defence officials said, China Military Online is a People’s Liberation Army news website. declining to give further Some 62 percent of the attacks came from the US, he said, adding details. The incident came as that the number of hacking assaults on military websites “has risen three Chinese government steadily in recent years”. He did not specify any entities from which ships sailed into territorial the alleged attacks originated. waters around the islands, A report from US security firm Mandiant said a unit of China’s Japan’s coastguard said. The People’s Liberation Army had stolen hundreds of terabytes of data from marine surveillance ships at least 141 organisations, mostly based in the United States. entered the 12-nautical-mile China’s defence ministry had said the report had “no factual basis”. territorial zone off Uotsuri Geng called on US officials to “explain and clarify” what he said island shortly after 7am were recent US media reports that Washington would carry out “pre- (2200 GMT Wednesday), the emptive” cyber attacks and expand its online warfare capabilities. coastguard said, adding they Such efforts are “not conducive to the joint efforts of the interna- left the zone after just over tional community to enhance network security”, he said. two hours. Geng also said that while China’s military forces were working hard to push ahead with what he called “informatisation”, they still had Appeal against rape some distance to go. “There is still a certain gap between the building up of China’s mili- South Koreans in traditional costumes hold up burning torches with the national flag to celebrate the victim’s flogging tary informatisation and the advanced global military level,” he said. MALE: The Maldivian gov- “At present, China’s military has no cyber warfare units.” AFP March 1 Independence Movement Anniversary in Cheonan, 90km south of Seoul yesterday. The country ernment yesterday said it celebrates the day to mark the 1919 civilian uprising against Japanese colonial rule from 1910-1945. would seek to overturn a court decision to publicly flog a 15-year-old rape victim convicted of having premari- tal sex. The girl was charged Indonesia FM says no political pressure to oust him after police investigating a complaint that she was raped JAKARTA: Indonesia’s finance from his current job, nor who as central bank governor.” index is set to close at a record of his very public opposition to by her step-father found that minister denied yesterday that would be the new finance minis- Earlier, Vice President high for the second consecutive two major issues involving influ- she had been having consen- he was being pushed out his ter if Martowardojo is approved Boediono, himself a former cen- day, up 1.3 percent at 4,777.86 in ential businessmen. sual sex with a man. A spokes- job, dismissing speculation by parliament to head Bank tral bank governor, said that late trading yesterday. One relates to his insistence man for President Mohamed that he was being shifted to Indonesia. Bank Indonesia needed a safe pair A parliamentary commission that the central government buy Waheed said he was shocked the post of central bank gov- Members of parliament will of hands to replace the outgoing has the final say over who heads a stake in a gold mining company, by the sentence by a juvenile ernor because he had crossed debate Martowardojo’s candidacy governor. the central bank. One commis- an issue which involves the Bakrie court, meaning the teenager swords with politically powerful later next month, and some have The 57-year-old Martowardojo sion member said Martowardojo, family. would receive 100 lashes when businessmen. questioned his suitability for the took over as finance minister in a career banker, lacked macro- One of the Bakrie brothers is she reaches 18. “The presi- President Susilo Bambang job. 2010 to oversee one of the world’s economic expertise and another the Golkar Party’s presidential dent has asked the attorney Yudhoyono last week unexpect- Asked if he had been the vic- fastest growing economies and that there were doubts over his candidate. general to appeal against the edly nominated Finance Minister tim of vested political or business before that headed the biggest integrity. Another concerns a project to decision,” the spokesman said. Agus Martowardojo to replace interests, the finance minister state-controlled bank, Bank But the chairman of the com- build a bridge linking the islands “The girl will also be provided Darmin Nasution, whose term as said “No”. Mandiri. mission, Emir Moeis, has said he of Java and Sumatra. with necessary legal counsel Bank Indonesia governor ends in “(There was) no political The uncertainty over who will was in favour of the finance min- Martowardojo has opposed and we hope the case will be May. pressure,” Martowardojo told lead Bank Indonesia has caused ister’s switch to the central bank. the project, which is headed by concluded in about a month.” There has been no clear expla- reporters on the sidelines of a little concern in the financial There has been speculation wealthy businessman Tommy nation from the presidential pal- conference. markets. that Martowardojo was being Winata, in its current form. Boss orders staff to ace why either man is moving “It is an honour to be nominated Indonesia’s benchmark stock pushed from the cabinet because REUTERS do kid’s homework SHANGHAI: A Chinese boss ordered nine employees to do his 12-year-old daughter’s homework, a report said, as Former general charged Kim, Rodman watch basketball game office tyranny meshed with a parent’s desire to see his child BEIJING: North Korean leader Korea, the North’s official name. meeting Kim, that North Koreans score well in the competitive with spying for Beijing Kim Jong Un watched a basket- Nicknamed “The Worm” and love basketball and that he was school system. “The leader ball game with former Chicago famed for his changing hair col- “honoured” to represent the said, ‘Do some homework, it TAIPEI: A retired Taiwanese serviceman was implicated in Bulls’ star Dennis Rodman our, off-court antics and dating United States. North Korea and will be like practising’,” one lieutenant general has been the case. yesterday, Chinese state media Madonna, Rodman landed in the the United States, an ally of South of the suffering subordinates charged with spying for China Taiwan and China have spied reported. isolated state this week with ten- Korea, have never had diplomatic told the Qianjiang Evening in the latest of a string of espio- on each other ever since they split In a dispatch from Pyongyang, sions high following the North’s relations. News. The boss in the eastern nage cases to shock the island, in 1949 at the end of a civil war. China’s official Xinhua news third nuclear test earlier in Xinhua said yesterday’s game city of Jinhua, regularly asked according to media reports Beijing still regards the island agency said that Kim and February. consisted of 12 players from North workers to do maths prob- yesterday. as part of its territory awaiting Rodman watched a game consist- Rodman wore dark glasses and Korea and four Globetrotters lems and build small models, Chen Chu-fan, a former vice reunification, by force if necessary. ing of players from North Korea a hat, Xinhua said, and sat to the divided up into two teams. typically requiring two people chief at the Military Police Taiwan has been hit by a string and the Harlem Globetrotters, left of Kim. They spoke to each The game, attended by college to work overtime to finish the Command allegedly collected of spying scandals in recent years, a famed goodwill team from the other without any interpretation, students, citizens of Pyongyang assignments. But over the intelligence on Taiwan’s military reflecting the fact that intelli- United States. according to the report. and foreign diplomats, among Chinese New Year holiday, an and political situation and handed gence gathering has continued Xinhua, which has a bureau in He arrived in Pyongyang on others, ended in a 110-110 tie, assignment to show changes his findings to Beijing, accord- despite warming ties with China. the North Korean capital, cited Tuesday with members of the Xinhua said. in one’s home town required ing to the country’s FTV news Earlier this month, a former unidentified witnesses for its Globetrotters on a goodwill visit to North Korean cheerleaders in nine people to paint pictures, channel. Taiwanese air force lieutenant account. engage in “basketball diplomacy”. traditional dress and miniskirts take photos, produce a video Chen is also alleged to have colonel received 12 life sentences Rodman, a 51-year-old Hall of Kim is the son of late North performed during the break. and write an essay. One of recruited a retired military intel- for spying for China for a reported Famer, was quoted as calling rela- Korean leader Kim Jong-Il and Separately, North Korea’s state them, Wang, 35, said he put ligence officer to help him gather payment of Tw$7.8m ($269,000). tions between the United States the grandson of the country’s news agency reported yesterday himself in the mind of the information for China, the chan- In 2011, an army general and and North Korea “regrettable”, founder Kim Il-Sung. He is that Rodman and his entourage young girl to write the essay. nel said, citing indictment papers. chief of an intelligence unit was though added “personally I am a reported to be a huge fan of bas- visited the landmark Pyongyang “I forced myself into an imag- Prosecutors were not imme- sentenced to life for spying for friend of Marshal Kim Jong Un ketball and the Chicago Bulls. building where the bodies of inary state,” he said. diately available for comment, China in one of the island’s worst and the DPRK people”. Rodman has been actively Kim’s father and grandfather lie AGENCIES while a defence ministry spokes- espionage scandals. DPRK stands for the tweeting during the visit, say- in state. man confirmed that no active AFP Democratic People’s Republic of ing he was looking forward to AFP FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 US ordered to hand over Afghan militia President Karzai issues three-month ultimatum

KABUL: President Hamid said Karzai had appointed a del- yesterday’s move was precipitated Karzai yesterday gave US-led egation assigned “to ask coali- by the allegations of abuses. foreign forces three months to tion forces to hand over within “Today’s order was definitely transfer control over armed three months the mentioned influenced and expedited by Afghan militias to his govern- armed groups to Afghan security the allegations and accusations ment, following allegations of institutions”. that these coalition-made armed abuses by the militiamen. It said security chiefs decided groups have been involved in tor- The move appeared to be a fur- on February 17 “to identify and ture and mistreating Afghans, ther sign of Kabul’s determina- merge those armed groups which in particular in Wardak,” the tion to take control of the 11-year have been established by inter- official said. war against the Taliban, and in national coalition forces and are US officials have said they were particular of militias report- operating out of the structure of unaware of any incident that edly trained by the Americans Afghanistan’s national security could have precipitated the order. and operating without Kabul’s institutions”. A spokesman for the US-led Nato control. On Sunday, Karzai ordered mission said that while the allega- With the bulk of Nato’s 100,000 US special forces to pull out of tions were being investigated, no combat soldiers due to leave next Wardak, a strategic province on evidence had yet been found. year, Karzai has several times the doorstep of Kabul troubled On February 16 Karzai sought to set the pace of the tran- by Taliban violence, in two weeks restricted Afghan forces from sition to full Afghan government after accusing the Afghan militias calling in Nato air strikes — an control, scheduled by the end of they work with of torture and important weapon in the fight 2014. murder. against insurgents — amid con- A presidential order released An Afghan official, speaking cern over civilian casualties. Pakistani journalists shout slogans during a protest against the killing of their colleague Malik Mumtaz by the Afghan council of ministers on condition of anonymity, said AFP who worked for private television channel Geo news, in Karachi, Pakistan, yesterday. Unknown gunmen on Wednesday killed Mumtaz in the northwestern tribal region along the Afghan border.

Eight cops among 10 Hazaras take up arms to defend themselves die in Afghan blast QUETTA: Ismatullah holds an Pakistan’s Supreme Court and part of the Baluchistan Scouts rely on government security when outside Quetta. So we’re plan- KABUL: A roadside bomb AK-47 and checks vehicles on rights groups accuse the authori- Association, an affiliate of the the first of two suicide bombers ning to set up our own perma- yesterday killed 10 people, the road. “Enough is enough. ties of failing to protect Hazaras worldwide scouting movement. struck at the snooker hall in the nent posts inside our areas,” said including eight policemen, We have no trust in the security and now young men like 18-year- For years, young men like Alamdar Road neighbourhood. Haider. in the northeastern Afghan forces any more and we’ll pro- old Ismatullah are taking up arms Ismatullah have volunteered to “It resulted in another bomb The police, however, have their province of Kunar, officials tect our community ourselves,” to defend themselves and their protect sensitive events, such as blast minutes after the first one doubts. said. The blast in Dangam says the teenage Shia student. families. religious processions during the and we lost many more people,” “If we start private policing by district bordering Pakistan Extremist Sunni bombers killed Ismatullah’s best friend was holy month of Muharram. Haider said. arming one particular community, hit a vehicle carrying four nearly 200 people in Pakistan’s shot dead last June near Hazara But their chairman says the “We didn’t want that to happen it will set the wrong precedent,” police officers who were southwestern city of Quetta in the Town. He lost more friends threat is now so great that they again, so immediately after the said Fiaz Ahmed Sunbal, head of injured in an earlier road- two worst bomb attacks to strike when suicide bombers flattened should be paid full time as an blast on February 16, we armed Quetta police operations. side bomb and being taken Shias from the minority Hazara a snooker hall on January 10 and auxiliary to government security our youth to man the streets and He claimed police were plan- to a hospital, Dangam dis- community, just weeks apart on a massive bomb hidden in a water forces. entry points, which helped to ning to close entrances to Hazara trict Governor Hamish Gulab January 10 and February 16. tanker destroyed a market on “We have around 200 young prevent the chances of a second Town, and would recruit 200 Shinwari said. “Theywere After each attack, thousands February 16. men who perform security duties attack,” he claimed. young Hazaras to patrol their put on a passing civilian vehi- of Hazaras, including women and “I couldn’t control myself when on specific occasions, but most of Hazara Town, where the mar- own areas. cle by colleagues, but the vehi- children, camped out in the bit- I saw scattered pieces of so many them are students and workers, ket was bombed, is very exposed, Haider says closing off roads cle struck another landmine ter cold demanding that the army children and women of our com- and can’t work full-time,” said in the shadow of the Chiltan will isolate the community but laid by the Taliban.” The two step in to protect them. munity,” said the first year college Syed Zaman, Chairman of the mountains and near the bypass welcomed the recruitment of civilians were also inside the The government brokered an student. Hazara Scouts. which links the Afghan border Hazara Scouts as a long-term vehicle. A woman in the vehi- end to the protests, but refused “Our community is only inter- “We are trying to make a sys- town of Chaman to Pakistan’s solution. Others warn that time cle was seriously injured. No to mobilise the troops. ested in education and business, tem to start their salaries for financial capital Karachi. is running out. group or individual claimed Outlawed extremist group but terrorists have forced us to permanent deployment and also While paramilitary Frontier “If they don’t do anything and responsibility. Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed take up whatever arms we have coordinate with the security agen- Corps and police patrol the main something happens again, we will responsibility and has threat- and take to the streets for our cies. Hopefully, we will be able to approaches, they are not visible take up guns and go out and kill Taliban bomb four ened to exterminate all Shias. own security.” form a regular force... and salaries inside the neighbourhood. our opponents. There will be open Few believe that dozens of men At the moment they operate as in a month,” he said. “Security agencies can’t pro- war,” said 26-year-old shopkeeper schools in tribal belt rounded up after the bomb attacks volunteers under the name, Syed- Scouts president Ghulam tect us. They don’t know the area Zahid Ali. PESHAWAR: Suspected will ever be brought to justice. ul-Shohada Scouts, registered as Haider said it was a mistake to because most of them come from AFP Taliban militants bombed four boys’ schools in Pakistan’s northwestern Pakistan-Iran talks tribal belt yesterday, offi- cials said, in the Islamists’ latest attack on government educational institutions. No Annual child deaths one was injured in the blasts in Mohmand tribal district, where officials said Taliban one of the highest attacks have destroyed more than 100 schools. “Militants from Tehreek-e-Taliban Mohmand (TTM) blew up in Pakistan: Report the four schools at around 2.30am (2130 GMT),” an intelligence official said. “The ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has to ensure that more babies sur- militants planted locally one of highest number of annual vive their first hour — “with your made explosives to dynamite child deaths in the world and help we can save more lives,” the the buildings. The schools more children under five die report said. were completely destroyed.” each year in the country than in “The constitution protects the Militants opposed to co-edu- the World Health Organisation’s right to health for all citizens who cation have destroyed hun- Americas and Europe regions are unable to fend for themselves, dreds of schools, mostly for combined, says a new Save the yet it doesn’t specify children’s girls, in recent years. Children report. right to health and other social According to the report, services. Pakistan ratified the 80pc rise in cases Pakistan has made insufficient Convention on the Rights of the progress towards achieving its Child in 1990, yet little tangible of measles Millennium Development Goal progress has been made to pro- ISLAMABAD: An increase No. 4 over the past two decades, tect their rights over the last two of 80 percent was recorded and at its current pace, the coun- decades.” Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari (left) speaks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (right) at the in measles cases across try is projected to meet it by 2035 The report said that several presidential palace in Tehran, Iran, on Wednesday. Pakistan. In November 2012, at the earliest. national and international agen- 247 cases were reported in 17 “Over 100,000 children under cies, including Save the Children, districts compared with 137 five die each year in Pakistan from had made concerted efforts to in 16 districts in the preced- diarrhoea and pneumonia alone improve national policies on chil- Over 7,000 on death row await execution ing month, said an official. — illnesses that are completely dren’s rights, but progress had been The research group Fafen vis- preventable and treatable. Yet halted since the devolution of social ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Justice Tariq Parvez and Justice also seized with 21 appeals. ited 91 district health offices only 41 percent of children with services to the provinces in 2011. Court of Pakistan has been Ejaz Afzal directed the govern- According to reports, the presi- to collect data for November. diarrhoea, and half of those with “The State of Pakistan’s informed that 7,046 people on ment to submit details of prison- dent has halted implementation It said the Karachi district pneumonia, receive the appropri- Children 2012 report identifies death row are awaiting execu- ers on death row after Zafarullah of capital punishment in 78 cases, reported most cases (149), ate treatment,” the report says. inadequate budgetary allocation tion in jails across the country, Khan of the Watan Party claimed while appeals of six military per- followed by Loralai (17) and “There’s gross heterogeneity in and dissolution of the Ministry officials said yesterday. that 6,355 inmates were await- sonnel are pending with the mili- Dera Bugti (16). access to care between rural and of Health as the two key chal- The Interior Ministry, through ing execution in Punjab province tary authorities. urban areas, as well as across prov- lenges to children’s health. With the Attorney General’s office, alone. The Pakistan People’s Party gov- Kidnapped trio found inces, with children in Baluchistan only 27 percent of the population submitted details of a petition of According to the ministry, ernment, which placed a morato- lagging far behind those from the entitled to free healthcare, mil- barrister Zafarullah Khan who 5,378 appeals against the death rium on executions in November dead in Baluchistan rest of the country.” lions of Pakistanis pay for even briefed the court on the ordeal penalty are pending before high 2008, carried out its first execu- ISLAMABAD: The bodies The report also said that mal- basic health services. and mental tribulation inmates courts and 1,031 in the Supreme tion in November last year when of three people kidnapped nutrition contributed to over one- “Children under five are one had to undergo. Court. Mohammed Hussain, a soldier, was about a month ago were third of all under-five deaths in of the most vulnerable segments He pleaded that a number of Of the 7,046 prisoners, 4,981 hanged in Mianwali jail. found in the capital, police Pakistan, yet only 29 percent of of society and there’s a pressing prisoners were suffering in jails are counting their days in It is not the first time that the said yesterday. The victims babies were breastfed within the need to prioritise their right to because the government was Punjab, 266 in Sindh, 102 in ordeal of inmates on death row were abducted in a militants’ first hour of birth and 37 percent health and survival in national sitting on a decision to com- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 29 has been highlighted before the attack in the southwestern during first six months and conse- and provincial policies by ensur- mute death sentences to life in Baluchistan, while 532 mercy apex court. In 2008, the court had province of Baluchistan and quently, almost half of all children ing universal access to free, essen- imprisonment. petitions are pending with the taken notice of a report that 7,000 shot dead in the ‘Bugra’ area. under five were stunted. tial healthcare,” it said. On December 11 last year, a president. inmates were awaiting execution. AGENCIES Save the Children is working INTERNEWS bench of Justice Zaheer Jamali, The Federal Shariat Court is INTERNEWS FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Budget raises spending, taxes the rich one-year surcharge on wealthy people, large firms; 21 percent increase in defence spending

NEW DELHI: India unveiled higher-than-expected spend- ing for fiscal 2013-14 yesterday, women-only bank, fund for aiming to fund it with higher revenues — including new taxes safety after gang rape case on the rich and large companies — in a budget aimed at reviv- NEW DELHI: A new fund to ensure women’s safety, a women- ing growth amid the country’s only bank and an overall nine percent increase in spending for worst slowdown in a decade. gender were among measures proposed by finance minister in The budget caps an intensive his budget, yesterday. Gender rights featured prominently in this campaign by Finance Minister year’s budget speech, partly due to pressure to address women’s P Chidambaram since he was issues after the gang rape and murder of an Indian student in appointed last August to turn December. The case sparked protests and fuelled national debate around the fortunes of Asia’s about women’s rights. third-largest economy after years “We have a collective responsibility to ensure the dignity and safety of policy drift and global economic of women. Recent incidents have cast a long, dark shadow on our turmoil. liberal and progressive credentials,” Chidambaram told parliament. Total budget expenditure will “As more women enter public spaces - for education or work or rise by an unexpectedly high 16 access to services or leisure - there are more reports of violence percent in the fiscal year that against them. We stand in solidarity with our girl children and begins on April 1 to 16.65 trillion women and we pledge to do everything possible to empower them rupees ($309bn), even as the fiscal and to keep them safe and secure.” deficit for the current year will He proposed setting up a fund with an initial investment of `10bn, fall to 5.2 percent of gross domes- which would be called Nirbhaya (meaning fearless) — a Hindi name tic product, besting a revised tar- given by the media to the December gang rape victim who reportedly get of 5.3 percent. fought her six attackers as they beat and raped her on a moving bus. Next year’s deficit will be 4.8 Experts say the fund could be used for shelters, compensation and percent of GDP, he said, in line medical support for victims of rape, helplines, or public campaigns with expectations. to change age-old patriarchal attitudes which promote violence An added surcharge on local against women. The National Crime Records Bureau says more firms with incomes of over 100 than 24,200 rapes were reported in India in 2011 — one every 20 million rupees and a 10 percent minutes. Women also face other forms of violence including dowry surcharge on individuals with and ‘honour killings’, domestic abuse and trafficking. taxable incomes of more than 10 Another highlight of the budget was Chidambaram’s proposal to million rupees — a group that now establish the country’s first-ever women’s bank. includes just 42,800 people — will “Can we have a bank that lends mostly to women and women- be put in place for one year, moves run businesses, that supports women SHGs (Self Help Groups) and that sent prices of Indian stocks Finance Minister P Chidambaram (centre) with ministers of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena (left) and S S women’s livelihood, that employs predominantly women, and that falling. Palanimanickam, as he arrives at parliament to present the Union Budget in New Delhi, yesterday. addresses gender-related aspects of empowerment and financial The budget hiked defence inclusion?” asked the finance minister. spending by 21 percent to $42.7bn The figure is up a fifth from as “capital expenditure” in line India and Russia in 2010 agreed “I think we can. I therefore propose to set up India’s first women’s and promised that strains on the 2012-13 when the defence budget with India’s ambitious moves to to jointly build 250 advanced bank as a public sector bank and I shall provide `10bn as initial public finances would not hamper stood at 1.9 trillion rupees. acquire the latest hardware. stealth fighter jets worth $25bn. capital.” He said he hoped to receive a banking licence by October. moves to modernise the million- “I assure the house that con- India is on the brink of buying New Delhi is also locally build- Experts say millions of women lack access to finance across India plus military. The government, straints will not come in the 126 French Rafale fighter jets for ing a nuclear-powered submarine — partly due to illiteracy, remote locations, lack of documentation, one of the world’s largest arms way of providing any additional $12bn and is shopping for some as well as a range of nuclear- but also because men still often control family budgets. REUTERS buyers, will raise defence spend- requirement for the security of 400 combat helicopters worth tipped ballistic missiles which can ing to 2.3 trillion rupees ($42.7bn) the nation,” Chidambaram told tens of millions of dollars, as well strike deep inside China. for the financial year to March 31, parliament. as artillery, drones and electronic The two Asian giants fought a 1962 and despite several rounds of resolve their territorial disputes. 2014, Finance Minister said. The minister earmarked $16bn warfare systems. brief but a bitter border war in talks the two sides have failed to REUTERS Limits up for bringing in duty-free jewellery

NEW DELHI: Indians who have lived residence to India. This increase in baggage rate of eight percent, the winner will be the abroad for at least an year can now bring allowance comes after 22 years and brings people of India, especially our youth, who need in with them more jewellery than before cheer to Indians residing abroad for over an desperately new productive job opportunities,” without any levy as the union budget 2013- year. “I’m feeling lucky,” said Anoop Devraj, a the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh com- 14 raised the duty-free limits. Finance non-resident of India living in Dubai for the mented about the budget. Minister P Chidambaram allowed a duty- past three years. But Samajwadi Party Chief Mulayam free limit for jewellery to `50,000 for men “This is a great news, as it will help me get Singh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party and `100,000 for women. more jewellery for my sister and relatives,” President Mayawati have slammed the “The baggage rules permitting eligible pas- he said. budget proposals: sengers to bring jewellery were last amended Deepika Goel, a Delhi-based MNC employ- “This budget has completely ignored the in 1991. Gold prices have risen since and eee, said: “The government could have allowed farmers. It is meant for only 10 percent of passengers have complained of harassment. all Indians who travel frequently to use the the population, while the interests of 65 per- Hence, I propose to raise the duty-free limit duty-free limit.” cent engaged in farming has been ignored. to `50,000 in case of male passengers and Jewel designer Geetika Ahuja was not The SP will oppose the budget in parliament,” `100,000 for female passengers, subject to the happy. “It will help only a certain section of Mulayam said. usual conditions.” people who return from abroad or those who “The economic condition is bad, yet the Since 1991, the limit for bringing in jewel- have friends and family based in a foreign government has made so many announce- lery from abroad has been `10,000 for men land,” she said. ments for the SCs and minorities. But the and `20,000 for women. “The finance minister has done a com- announcements are misleading, as there is The rule has been amended for Indian pas- mendable job in containing the deficit while nothing new in this budget and nothing for sengers who have been residing abroad for simultaneously addressing the growth imper- the poor,” commented Mayawati. A man carries a sack containing the 2013-14 federal budget papers as over an year or those who are shifting their atives. If India succeeds in getting to a growth IANS security personnel stand guard at parliament, yesterday.

Gang rape: Juvenile’s hearing to begin Left retains Tripura; Congress Iran seeks strategic ties on Wednesday NEW DELHI: Iran has said it looks forward to a strategic and long-term partnership with India and that talks in New Delhi over NEW DELHI: The Juvenile largest party in Meghalaya payment for Iranian oil had yielded “good results”. Justice Board here yester- Iranian parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, during his meeting with day decided to start from AGARTALA/SHILLONG: of India (CPI) won one seat. It district headquarters of West President Pranab Mukherjee, said that his country “looks forward Wednesday an inquiry against The Left Front yesterday was the best result for the Left Garo Hills. Sangma retained to a strategic and long-term partnership with India. India and Iran a minor accused in the Delhi retained power in Tripura since 1978, when it won a record his Ampati constituency for the come from same roots and their destinies are the same. A large area gang-rape under charges of for the fifth consecutive time, 56 seats. It increased its 2008 fifth successive term, defeating of cooperation is possible between the two countries”. murder, gang-rape, kidnap- sweeping 50 of the 60 seats tally by one seat. The Congress his nearest National People’s President Mukherjee, while welcoming the Iranian parliamentary ping and robbery. Principal and leaving the Congress badly emerged as the single largest Party (NPP) rival by more than delegation, said: “India and Iran have a strong bilateral economic Magistrate Geetanjali Goel bruised with just 10 seats. party in Meghalaya by securing 9,000 votes. His wife Dikkachi relationship and it needs to further deepen for the benefit of peoples ordered an inquiry against the Hundreds of Left activists, 29 seats in the 60-member assem- D Shira and his brother Zenith of both the countries.” 17-year-old minor who claimed mainly from the Communist bly, with Chief Minister Mukul M Sangma were victorious from “We must work together to promote trade and economic links and innocence and opted to contest Party of India-Marxist (CPI- Sangma set for a second term. Mahendraganj and Rangsakona increased people-to-people contacts between us and within the region,” the charges. M), celebrated across Tripura as “The people have responded constituency. he said. The president added that the “excellent” bilateral relations The juvenile faces charges election results left the Congress to us for good governance and The Congress won four more between both the countries have been strengthened through high level under the same 13 sections of in gloom. The CPI-M bagged 49 development,” a jubilant Sangma, seats than in 2008. “I am glad that exchanges and regular engagement through various dialogue mecha- the Indian Penal Code that were seats while the Communist Party 47, said by phone from Tura, the the people of Meghalaya reposed nisms. Iran remains an important source of crude for India and Indian slapped on the other five accused faith in the Congress,” Sangma markets are open to Iranian exports. India hopes that Iran would source whose trial is being held in a fast said. “This is a verdict in favour more goods from the country, said Mukherjee. track court at Saket in south Naga Peoples’ Front sweeps polls of development, peace and sta- Later, answering a question at a press conference on the issue of Delhi. A 23-year-old trainee bility besides good governance,” payment for Iranian crude following western sanctions, Larijani said physiotherapist was brutally KOHIMA: The Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) swept back to power a beaming Chief Minister Manik Thursday: “There have been people in my delegation who have been gang-raped by the six men on a in Nagaland for the third consecutive time with an absolute Sarkar said. “People voted and talking to their Indian friends, and this has had good results.” moving bus on December 16, 2012. majority. The Congress has got a drubbing, winning just 8 seats supported the Left Front for tak- However, he declined to reveal details of the talks. She died in a Singapore hospital in the 60-member Assembly. ing up development work and for On Pakistan and Afghanistan, he said: “It is important for Pakistan on December 29, 2012. The state party won 38 seats, 12 more than the 26 it had won last curbing militancy,” Sarkar said. to have a secure Afghanistan and we have held talks with Pakistani The five accused, other than time. The Congress could manage to win only eight seats compared Sarkar, 64, who retained his politicians and it seems they have come to understand this, it is good.” the juvenile who cannot be named with the 18 it won last time. NPF allies Janata Dal (U) and the Dhanpur seat in west Tripura, is To a question if he would be the next president of Iran, he smil- for legal reasons, are: bus driver Bharatiya Janata Party won a seat each. The Nationalist Congress the only political leader to be chief ingly said: “You seem to be in too much of a rush.” On the progress of Ram Singh, his brother Mukesh, Party contested in 15 constituencies but won in only four seats, while minister for a record fourth term nuclear talks, held in Kazakhstan between Iran and six global powers, fruit seller Pawan Gupta, gym the Rashtriya Janata Dal failed to open its account. Independents in Tripura, a Marxist bastion. It the speaker of the Majlis said: “There is no secret dimension to Iran’s instructor Vinay Sharma, and have won 8 seats. was Sarkar’s sixth electoral win. nuclear programme, and it can be resolved through dialogue.” bus cleaner Akshay Thakur. The Elections were held in 59 of the total 60 seats. Election to the While the Congress managed “Iran is not worried about sanctions,” Larijani said, adding that charges were framed against the Teunsang Sadar constituency was countermanded following the to retain its 2008 tally of 10 seats, Iran has “good capacity to resist... Iran has skilled manpower, from five on February 2 in the fast death of Congress candidate P Chuba Chang a day before the its ally the Indigenous Nationalist biotechnologists, nanotechnologists, IT, to experts in stem cells… A track court. They are currently February 23 polls. AGENCIES Party of Tripura (INPT) drew country with $1,000bn can find its own solutions. We want to be self in judicial custody. IANS blank. IANS reliant..we will survive this.” IANS FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Al-Karaana project to cost $6.5bn Petrochemicals complex to be operational by 2018, says Dr Al Sada; FEED contract goes to Fluor BY SATISH KANADY

DOHA: H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, the Minister of Energy and Industry, yesterday disclosed that the total cost of the recently launched Al-Karaana Petrochemicals Complex is an estimated $6.5bn. The complex will be operational by 2018. “At this stage we cannot provide an exact figure. As we go further we may be able to provide the accu- rate cost. Now the rough estimate is around $6.5bn”, Dr Al Sada told the media after announcing the awarding of front-end engineer- ing and design (FEED) contract for the plant to Fluor, a global engineering construction company, here yesterday. In the QP-Shell joint venture Al-Karaana, QP has 80 percent stake and 20 percent by Shell. “The Al-Karaana Petrochemicals Complex project has been envi- sioned to further boost Qatar’s ABOVE: The Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh rapidly growing stature in the Al Sada and Wael Sawan, Managing Director and Chairman of Qatar Shell global petrochemicals industry. I Companies, pose for a picture with the team involved in Al-Karaana project am very pleased to see the project after the signing ceremony at Four Seasons Hotel yesterday. RIGHT: Rob taking a significant step forward,” Kretzers (front left), Executive Vice-President of Projects at Shell Global the Minister added. Solutions, and Taco De Hann, Fluor SVP Energy and Chemicals, exchange Graham van’t Hoff, Executive agreements in presence of (back row from left) Mohammed Al Hajri, QP Vice President for Shell Chemicals, Director Downstream Ventures and Chairman of Al Karaana Executive said: “The proposed Al-Karaana Committee, Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Wael Sawan and Stijn Van Petrochemicals Complex project Els, CEO of Al Karaana during the signing ceremony. SHAIVAL DALAL underlines Shell’s growth aspira- tions in the Middle East, and our contribution towards support- is also QP’s Downstream Ventures Complex project includes a ing Qatar’s strategy to diversify Director, said: “QP and Shell world-scale steam cracker, with its energy industry and produce worked closely together to reach feedstock coming from natu- cost-competitive products. I am this important project milestone. ral gas projects in Qatar; a 1.5m delighted with the achievement of The focus of the project team is tons per annum mono-ethylene yet another significant milestone in on the delivery of a quality FEED glycol plant using Shell’s pro- the project’s development.” that will be a major step towards prietary OMEGA (Only MEG Wael Sawan, Managing successfully delivering this project Advantaged) technology; a 300 Director and Chairman of Qatar which is an important part of thousand tons per annum lin- Shell, said: “The positive develop- our overall petrochemical devel- ear alpha olefin unit using the ment of the Al-Karaana project opment plan. We are delighted proprietary Shell Higher Olefins clearly indicates the depth of to have awarded the integrated Process; and a 250 thousand tons our partnership with the State FEED contract to Fluor, a world per annum OXO products. of Qatar. We are confident the class engineering company with The Minister also unveiled the project will help to support the a proven track record and expect official logo of the Al-Karaana country’s energy diversification Fluor of delivering FEED work of Petrochemicals Complex project. strategy.” the highest quality and standards The logo was designed by a Qatari The chairman of the in industry.” artist and graphic designer Manar project’s Executive Committee, The scope under consideration Al Muftah. Mohammed Nasser Al-Hajri, who for the Al-Karaana Petrochemical THE PENINSULA

Qatar Exchange down QNCC net profit at QR425.3m 2.25pc in February; DOHA: Qatar National Cement Company (QNCC) yester- day announced the financial market cap declines statements for the year ended December 31, 2012. The finan- DOHA: Selling pressures The total value of Industries cials revealed a net profit of dragged Qatari bourse down in Qatar rose to 18.01 percent dur- QR425.3m in 2012 as against February 2013, as the index lost ing the month. QR456m in 2011. The company’s 196.19 points or 2.25 percent The Banks and Financial earnings per share (EPS) in 2012 during the month compared to Services sector led trading volume amounted to QR8.66 compared the previous month. Yesterday, during February 2013, account- to QR9.29 in 2011. The board of the last day of trading in ing for 32.55 percent of the total directors recommended a divi- February, the index closed at trading volume, followed by Real dend payout per share of QR6, 8528.58 points. Estate sector, which accounted representing 60 percent of nomi- Market capitalization fell for 22.76 percent. The Industrials nal value. Qatar National Cement by 1.49 percent at the end of sector accounted for 15.16 per- Co is a major producer of ordi- February 2013 to reach QR466bn cent. The Transportation sector nary portland cement, sulphate compared to QR475bn in January. and Consumer Goods & Services resistant cement, hydrated lime, Trading days during February sector accounted for 15.16 percent calcined lime and washed sand in were 19, against 22 trading days and 5.33 percent respectively. Qatar. The manufacturing units in January. Of the 42 listed com- The index lost 2.36 percent or of company are situated at Umm panies, 23 fell during the month, 205.98 points this week to close Bab, close to rich raw material while 18 ended higher as one at 8,528.58 points Trading value deposits, and Al Boaadiat for the remain unchanged. during the final week of February washed sand. QNA FROM LEFT: Sheikh Thani bin Thamer Al Thani, Deputy Director General, Shell; Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Trading value during February decreased by 6.05 percent to reach Thani, Chairman, Qatari Businessmen Association; Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohamed bin Jabor Al Thani, Foreign increased by 12.47 percent to QR1.38bn compared to QR1.47bn Mannai Corp profit Minster’s Assistant for International Cooperation Affairs and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Organising reach QR5.186bn compared to during the previous week. Trading January’s QR4.6bn. Trading vol- volume decreased by 17.94 percent Conferences; Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, Director, Oil and Gas Ventures, Qatar Petroleum; and Saleh Al Mana, up 43.36pc in 2012 ume increased by 37.39 percent , while the number of transactions Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, ExxonMobil Qatar at a press conference in Doha, yesterday. to reach over 124m shares, as rose by 0.32 percent during the DOHA: Mannai Corporation’s SALIM MATRAMKOT against 90.7m shares, while the week. net profit for the financial number of transactions rose by The last week of February saw year ended December 31, 2012, 0.91 percent to reach 65,533 trans- QE’s market capitalization falling increased by 43.36 percent Business and Investment in Qatar actions as compared to 64,943 by 1.58 percent to reach QR466bn to QR400m compared with transactions during January. as compared to QR473bn at the QR279m in 2011, according to a The Banks and Financial end of previous week. The Banks QE notification yesterday. The Services sector led trading value and Financial Services sector led group’s turnover increased by Forum to be held in Berlin in April during February 2013, accounting trading value during the week, 108 percent to QR4.77bn as com- for 34.74 percent of the total trad- accounting for 38.24 percent. pared to QR2.29bn during the DOHA: The Business and Industry and Commerce Office, their counterparts in Germany. ing value, followed by Industrials The Trading volume during the same period of 2011. The earn- Investment in Qatar Forum is and the German-Arab Chamber Speaking at a press conference sector, which accounted for 30.17 week was also led by the Banks ings per share (EPS) was up by set to be convened this year in of Industry and Commerce. yesterday, the Assistant Foreign percent. and Financial Services sector, 16 percent to QR10.43 compared Berlin from April 15-16 under The Foreign Minister’s Minister said the forum’s agenda The trading value of Consumer accounting for 41.25 percent of to QR9.01 in 2011. The board of the patronage of the Prime Assistant for International includes penal discussions on all Goods and Services sector stood the total volume. A total of 27 directors has recommended the Minister and Foreign Minister Cooperation Affairs Sheikh joint economic sectors between 10.07 percent during the month. companies fell this week, as 13 distribution of cash dividend of H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem Ahmed bin Mohammed bin the two countries, adding that the The Real Estate sector accounted ended higher. 47.5 percent (QR4.75 per share) bin Jabor Al Thani. German Jabor Al Thani, who heads the sessions focus on a number of sec- for 9.92 percent. While the value of Yesterday, the bourse gained on the increased share capital of Chancellor Angela Merkel will permanent committee for con- tors and aspects, including future Transportation sector accounted 0.44 percent or 37.02 points to QR456.19m. The group attrib- attend the forum along with sen- ferences, said the forum, which investments, Qatar National for 7.21 percent, the Telecoms close at 8,528.58. The volume of uted the 43.36 percent increase ior government officials, decision will be held for the seventh year Vision 2030, the industrial sec- sector‘s value stood 5.75 percent the shares traded fell to 4,694,338 in profit to the acquisition of a makers, representatives of the in a row, aims to promote busi- tor, infrastructure projects, the followed by the Insurance sector, from Wednesday’s 5,444,388 and stake in Damas in the second public and private sectors from ness and investment opportuni- energy sector, Qatari-German which accounted for 2.15 percent. the value of shares decreased to quarter of 2012, Mannai Corp the Qatari and German sides. ties in Qatar and shed the light investments, the financial and Industries Qatar, Gulf QR215m from QR233m. Qatar CEO and Director Alekh Grewal The forum is organised by the on the country’s achievements banking sectors, small and International Services, The National Bank, Commercial said. The group’s annual gen- Foreign Ministry and the Qatari on the economic, social, political medium enterprises, in addition Commercial Bank, Doha Bank Bank of Qatar, Industries Qatar eral assembly will be held at the Businessmen Association in and cultural fronts, while at the to a session on culture, tourism and QNB were the top five com- and Doha Bank were among the Al Silia Ballroom, Grand Hyatt cooperation with the Ministry of same time provides a platform for and sports. panies whose share value rose top gainers. Hotel Doha, at 6pm on March 20. Business and Trade, the German Qatari businessmen to meet with QNA during the month of February. THE PENINSULA QNA FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Nissan sales in China fall European stocks higher amid mixed US data Euro falls to $1.3083; gold loses shine

LONDON: European equity mar- the Dow soared on Wednesday to kets rose yesterday as dealers a five-year high, as the Commerce brushed aside lower-than-expected Department revised the final-quarter growth in the United States to focus growth rate to a positive 0.1 percent on upbeat jobs data in the world’s from a contraction of 0.1 percent. Nissan’s new Teana model in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. Nissan Motor Co Ltd’s January-February sales in China may have fallen 20 biggest economy, dealers said. Economists had forecast a revision percent year-on-year, its top executive in China said, highlighting the carmaker’s struggle to recover in the world’s largest market. London’s benchmark FTSE 100 to 0.5 percent, however. index ended the day up 0.55 percent Separate government data showed to 6,360.81 points, while Frankfurt’s new claims for US unemployment DAX 30 grew 0.86 percent to 7,741.7 benefits fell last week to 344,000, in points — aided also by official data line with the recent trend after the which showed that Germany’s job- previous week’s spike higher. less total fell to its lowest level in five The Dow Jones Industrial Average EU to cap banker bonuses, tighten rules months in February. rose 0.08 percent to 14,086.47 points in The Paris CAC 40 won 0.85 percent midday trade. The broad-based S&P BRUSSELS: The European Union has Earlier this month for example, Barclays economy, that of small- and medium-sized to 3,723.00 points and Milan’s FTSE 500 gained 0.16 percent to 1,518.48, agreed new rules that will cap bankers’ chief Antony Jenkins said he would give up enterprises and jobs,” Karas insisted. Mib index climbed 0.60 percent to while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite bonuses, blamed by critics for helping to his 2012 bonus — estimated at £1m (1.2m) British Prime Minister David Cameron 15,921 points amid ongoing political Index rose 0.24 percent to 3,169.76. drive the global financial crisis but also — after the bank was fined for helping said Thursday he would “look carefully” at deadlock in Italy after inconclusive But concerns were mounting that defended as crucial for the smooth work- rig money market interest rates. In June, the deal, staunchly defending London’s role elections that had sparked a fierce the “sequester” federal spending cuts ing of the banking system. Stephen Hester, the head of Royal Bank and arguing that his own plans for bank sell-off earlier in the week. expected to come into effect would The European Parliament and the EU’s of Scotland which was nationalised by the reform were in some respects tougher than In foreign exchange deals, the euro cause a spike in layoffs by government current Irish presidency agreed yesterday British government to prevent its collapse, those in the EU. fell to $1.3083 from $1.3136 late in contractors and temporary govern- how to implement Basel III, an internation- waived his bonus for a second year. “We have major international banks that New York on Wednesday. Gold prices ment employees. The IMF meanwhile ally-agreed set of regulations which tighten Basel III was supposed to have been are based in the UK but have branches declined to $1,588.50 an ounce on said that the broad cuts would slow capital requirements in the hope of prevent- implemented from January this year but the and activities all over the world. We need the London Bullion Market from growth in the world’s biggest economy ing any repeat of the 2008 banking collapse. timetable slipped steadily as the banks and to make sure regulation put in place in $1,604.25 Wednesday. and hit the global economy. The accord means that “for the first time some EU member states, especially Britain, Brussels is flexible enough to allow those European Central Bank chief Back in Europe, investors pored in the history of EU financial market regu- baulked at the new rules, saying they would banks to be competing and succeeding while Mario Draghi on Wednesday sought over a raft of company results. Royal lation, we will cap bankers’ bonuses,” said undercut management incentives and make being located in the UK,” he warned. to soothe concerns over the eurozone Bank of Scotland shares sank 6.6 per- MEP Othmar Karas, the negotiator for the the banks reluctant to lend. More bluntly, London Mayor Boris Johnson outlook. “We are committed to pre- cent to 323.9 pence after the group parliament. Basel III notably requires the banks to lambasted the accord, saying that Britons serving the integrity of our currency, logged its fifth successive annual loss. Parliament had wanted to limit any bonus build up their capital buffers and reserves would wonder “why we stay in the EU if it in the interests of all people of the Losses after tax widened to £5.97bn. to not more than a banker’s fixed annual but in doing so, they argue, they have less persists in such transparently self-defeating euro area,” Draghi said, reasserting Asian markets rose, with Tokyo salary but agreed it could be twice the size, money left to lend to businesses now strug- policies”. “Brussels cannot set pay for bank- its commitment to buy up bonds of climbing 2.71 percent as the yen sank on the condition that shareholders formally gling in a deep economic slump. ers” and if it attempts to do so, it will only debt-ridden countries. on confirmation that Japan’s gov- approved such a payment. In this case, a Karas played down the importance of the see them take their business elsewhere, to The comments, which came after ernment had put forward Haruhiko quarter of the bonus would also be deferred bonus issue but it attracts most of the head- New York, Singapore or Zurich, Johnson said. US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Kuroda, an advocate of a looser mon- for at least five years. lines and is particularly sensitive for Britain, Irish Finance Minister Michael Noonan Bernanke declared that Fed easing etary policy to overcome slow growth, Bonuses, paid either as cash, shares or home to one of the world’s biggest financial said the accord—applicable to all EU banks measures would stay in place, came to take over at the Bank of Japan. both, are very volatile but can be many markets in London. and their employees wherever they work— as relief to markets after Italy’s poll Sydney added 1.34 percent, Seoul times a banker’s fixed annual salary, leading The key issue is “that from 2014, European will bolster the banking system and financial deadlock raised fears of a return to rose 1.12 percent, Hong Kong shares to charges they encouraged the risk taking banks will have to set aside more money to stability as a whole while the restrictions Europe’s debt crisis. advanced 1.96 percent, and Shanghai that left the banks over-extended and des- be more stable and concentrate on their on bonuses will curb excessive risk-taking. US stocks edged higher, after jumped 2.26 percent. AFP perately short of funds in 2008. core business, namely financing the real AFP

QATARI MARKET Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid Price Yield Moodys S&P Asia has world’s most billionaires: Survey Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 104.63 0.89 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.94 1.55 % Aa2 AA BEIJING: Asia has more bil- America and 310 in Europe. a huge urbanisation boom and wealth, it added. Moscow has more Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 124.63 2.22 % Aa2 AA lionaires than any other conti- Among individual countries, the that has created a lot of wealth billionaires than any other city in Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 117.63 2.45 % Aa2 AA nent, a survey by a China-based United States and China domi- in property,” Rupert Hoogewerf, the world with 76, it said, edging Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 113.00 2.84 % Aa2 AA wealth magazine showed yes- nated the Hurun list, with 408 chairman and chief researcher out New York, Hong Kong, Beijing Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 172.50 3.93 % Aa2 AA terday, apparently overtaking and 317 billionaires respectively, of the Hurun Report, said. Zong and London. North America for the first time. followed by Russia, Germany and Qinghou, who heads soft-drink Hoogewerf said the true Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 131.50 4.39 % Aa2 AA There were 1,453 people around India. producer Wahaha, and Wang number of billionaires in the world Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 121.75 4.41 % Aa2 AA the world with a personal wealth Mexican telecoms czar Carlos Jianlin of property developer could be three times higher as Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.13 1.32 % Aa2 AA of $1 billion or more as of January, Slim, 73, was ranked as the Wanda were the only two from some super-rich hid their worth. Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 115.50 2.68 % Aa2 AA said the Hurun Report, a luxury “Richest Man on the Planet” with mainland China to make it into “Some people deliberately make Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 105.88 1.49 % A1 A- magazine publisher that compiled a personal fortune of $66 billion. the top 100. their wealth a secret because... the list. Asia had 608 billionaires, Slim also topped last year’s Forbes The Hurun Report estimated the they gained it through illegal Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.63 2.19 % A1 A- North America 440 and Europe global list. US investor Warren total wealth of the world’s dollar ways,” he told reporters at a press QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.75 1.98 % NR NR 324, it said in a statement. Buffett and Amancio Ortega of billionaires at $5.5 trillion, roughly conference. “Some others simply QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.38 1.84 % Aa3 A+ It is believed to be the first time Spain, founder of fashion brand the size of the Japanese economy prefer to keep a low profile.” QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.56 2.17 % Aa3 A+ Asia has been named as home of Zara, were second and third in last year. “This past year has seen Hoogewerf, an accountant by Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.31 2.38 % A2 A- the largest proportion of super- the Hurun Report rankings, with a rebound in the wealth of the pri- training, previously compiled the rich on any global list. a net worth of $58bn and $55bn vate sector,” it said, adding the net Forbes rich list. He said the sur- Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.63 1.77 % A2 A US business magazine Forbes respectively. assets of the 10 richest people on vey methods included examining Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 130.56 2.58 % A2 A said in its most recent inter- Hong Kong investor Li the list rose 22 percent over the public information such as stock Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 111.63 3.09 % A2 A national rich list, published in Ka-shing kept his title of Asia’s year, or $250m a day. market reports, scouring artwork Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 111.00 3.89 % A2 A March last year, that the Asia- richest man with $32bn, the Real estate, telecommunications, purchase records and tracking Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 106.88 1.07 % Aa3 A Pacific region had 315 billionaires, seventh wealthiest person in media and technology and retail down philanthropical activities. compared to 450 from North the world. “In China we’ve seen were the most common sources of AFP Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 108.13 3.41 % Aa3 A Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 111.75 3.52 % Aa3 A SOVEREIGNS Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid Price Yield Moodys S&P Qatar Oman Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 105.50 0.44 % Aa2 AA Bailed-out Bankia posts €19bn loss Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 126.50 2.11 % Aa2 AA Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 110.63 2.43 % NR NR MADRID: Bailed-out Spanish The current year would be “a provisions of ¤26.8bn overall in Investment Co Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 107.50 2.98 % NR NR banking giant Bankia suffered difficult year, a year of challenges 2012. It offloaded ¤22.3bn’ worth a loss of ¤19bn ($25bn) in 2012, due to the complex economic cli- of property-linked assets to a Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 125.13 3.90 % NR NR it said in an earnings statement mate,” he added. “The big aim is “bad bank” set up to purge the profit rises Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 118.06 4.07 % NR NR yesterday. to make this company not only bad loans of Spain’s banks. Of this DOHA: Qatar Oman Investment Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 105.63 0.97 % Aa2 AA It said the losses were as solid but profitable.” figure, ¤19.5bn were from Bankia. Company announced the finan- Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 115.25 3.33 % NR BBB expected after the Spanish gov- BFA-Bankia, the financial group BFA-Bankia’s net losses over- cial statements for the year Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 109.75 3.91 % NR BBB ernment nationalised Bankia in that includes the troubled lender, all were ¤21.24bn, the earnings ended December 31, 2012. The May, turning it into a symbol said it aimed to turn a profit in statement said. After the Spanish financials revealed a net profit Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 92.50 7.10 % B3 /*- B- of Spain’s banking collapse. In 2013 and targeted net profit of government stepped in to rescue of QR18.8m in 2012 as against Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 105.63 3.64 % NR BBB-

December it received ¤18bn in ¤1.2bn in 2015 after completing its Bankia by nationalising it, Spain QR14.8m in 2011. The company’s *Periodic Distribution Amount eurozone aid for restructuring, restructuring. Its earnings state- had to seek a broader bailout for earnings per share (EPS) in 2012 IMPORTANT NOTE: fuelling popular anger among ment noted liquidity of ¤40bn, its whole banking sector from the amounted to QR0.596 compared Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which protestors who blame the banks including ¤27bn for Bankia, enough eurozone. Its eurozone partners with QR0.469 in 2011. The board is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services for Spain’s financial crisis. to cover its needs until 2018. offered a credit line of up to ¤100bn, of directors recommended a divi- Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary Bankia’s fate prompted a The bank has announced it of which Spanish banks have taken dend payout per share of QR0.50, data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising broader rescue for the sector will close a third of its branches about ¤40bn. The government representing 5 percent of nomi- out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds that raised fears Spain would and cut 4,500 jobs as part of resisted reaching out for a full nal value. The firm aims at can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant need a full sovereign bail- the restructuring required by sovereign bailout and Spain’s bor- investing its funds in all types of liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not out. Its Chairman Jose Ignacio European authorities. A long rowing costs have since eased back investment opportunities avail- a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and Goirigolzarri said that despite the recession in Spain brought on by from the danger levels reached in able in Qatar and the Sultanate consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. net losses of ¤19.193bn, Bankia’s the collapse of a building boom mid-2012. Goirigolzarri’s predeces- of Oman based on a sound busi- financial situation was in line with in 2008 left Bankia saddled with sor as Bankia boss, Rodrigo Rato, ness ground in order to maxim- its aims. “We have a very solvent unpaid loans. The recession has appeared in court in December in ise the shareholders’ returns and balance sheet. We are a tremen- driven Spain’s unemployment a judicial probe of alleged fraud in to contribute to the economic, dously solvent and solid entity,” he rate to 26 percent. the running of the bank. commercial and social develop- told a news conference. BFA-Bankia said it made AFP ment in both countries. QNA FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

QE Indices Summary QE Index 8,491.56 0.94 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 11,811.43 0.30 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,548.42 0.19 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,102.07 0.16 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,014.92 0.14 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5120.378 67.282 1.33 5123 4664.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 4,989.4 0.03 % QR186.6910 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 3706.35 14.86 0.4 3793.26 3600.81 UK ...... QR 5.5042 QR 5.5813 QE All Share Industrials 2,770.64 0.78 % SILVER QE All Share Insurance 1,945.79 1.36 % Dj Indu Average 14075.37 175.24 1.26 14104.9 12035.1 QR 3.3965 Euro ...... QR 4.7487 QR 4.8154 QE All Share Real Estate 1,602.7 0.11 % CA$ ...... QR 3.5161 QR 3.5909 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Telecoms 1,164.72 0.48 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.8891 QR 3.9450 QE All Share Transportation 1,428.2 0.12 % Hang Seng Inde/D 23020.27 443.26 1.96 23944.74 22445.34 Yen ...... QR 0.0392 QR 0.0399 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7046 QR 3.7772 Iseq Overall/D 3747.96 26.32 0.71 3748.15 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0664 QR 0.0677 28-02-2013 27-02-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 18173.67 92.77 0.51 18175.65 16036.31 Index 8,491.56 8,572.37 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0368 QR 0.0375 Change 80.81 80.70 Nikkei 225 Index 11559.36 305.39 2.71 11662.52 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0887 QR 0.0905 % 0.94 0.93 $112.21 SL Re ...... QR 0.0283 QR 0.0289 YTD% 1.59 2.55 S&P 500 Index/D 1515.99 19.05 1.27 1530.94 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0458 QR 0.0467 Volume 5,444,388 8,084,358 Straits Times/D 3269.95 8.83 0.27 3319.19 3160.83 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0420 QR 0.0428 Value (QAR) 233,141,911.54 275,190,487.31 $111.08 Trades 3,140 4,059 SA Rand ...... QR 0.4076 QR 0.4160 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 11 | Down 20 | Unchanged 07

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 28-02-2013

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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

A B G Infra-B/D 87 2.85 2715 City Union Bk-/D 55.1 -2.7 147021 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 760.4 -18.1 168024 Lloydsfin.-T/D 1 0.04 2705 Ruchi Soya-B/D 61.05 -1.95 23902 Kingfisher/D 276.8 0 1631188 A C C-A/D 1271.1 -30.2 23899 Colgate-A/D 1275.65 -23.9 13311 I F C I-A/D 29.15 -2.9 7285658 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 19.15 -0.35 247533 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 427.75 -10.4 11057 Land Secs Grou/D 831.5 16 548362 Aban Offs-B/D 280.55 -4.95 89333 Container Cor-/D 1027.8 -8.6 9429 Idbi-A/D 88.7 -5.55 379518 Lupin-A/D 585.2 -12.45 48768 Salora Inter-B/D 14.95 -1.3 8398 Legal & Genera/D 158.465 0.8 2143843 Ador Welding-B/D 120.15 -1.9 2194 Dai-Bichi Kar-/D 40.85 3 7139 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 91.75 -1.35 2959 Lyka Labs-B/D 9.87 -0.17 12702 Tanfac Indust-/D 14.35 -0.15 2180 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 54.505 0.83 48433909 Aegis Logis-B/D 129 -6 8262 Dhampur Sugar-/D 44.6 -1.15 29144 India Cement-B/D 84.35 -1.65 110005 Mafatlal Ind-T/D 109.65 -0.5 1719 Tanfac Indust-/D 14.35 -0.15 2180 Marks & Sp./D 370.965 1.4 1044896 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 116.35 -5.65 1849 Dr. Reddy-A/D 1760.5 5.3 11356 India Glycol-B/D 130.25 -4.7 7750 Mah.Seamless-B/D 221.95 10 260288 Timexgroup-T/D 17.55 0.1 12957 Next/D 4196.595 21 84689 Alembic-B/D 15.85 -0.45 14360 E I H-B/D 63.45 -1.65 29632 Indian Hotel-A/D 54.25 -3.65 126566 Mangalam Cem-B/D 141.95 0.6 9115 Tinplate-B/D 42.25 -2.4 19658 Pearson/D 1150 5 790121 Alok Indus-B/D 8.56 -0.38 1827503 E.I.D Parry-B/D 145.05 -3.35 14157 Indo-Tcount-T/D 13.05 -0.66 1911 Maral Overs-B/D 11.4 -0.16 4249 Ub Engineer-B/D 19.6 -0.2 8465 Prudential/D 979.5 6.5 770577 Andhra Paper-B/D 199.15 -9.5 5387 Electrosteel-B/D 19.85 0.25 73057 Indusind-A/D 414 -12.65 82637 Mastek-B/D 129 -2.5 4279 Ub Engineer-B/D 19.6 -0.2 8465 Rank Group/D 163 -0.1 8700 Apollo Tyre-A/D 82.95 -3.25 525545 Emco-B/D 22.55 -0.65 14953 J.B.Chemical-B/D 81.7 -0.35 23316 Max India L-A/D 242.85 0.6 34913 Ucal Fuel-B/D 60.55 0.55 2267 Rentokil Initi/D 92.5 0.05 158289 Asahi I Glass-/D 49.6 -1.35 6861 Escorts Fin-B/D 3.76 0.01 3311 Jamnaauto-B/D 73.95 -6.95 1911 Mrpl-A/D 59.05 1.35 113043 Ucal Fuel-B/D 60.55 0.55 2267 Rolls Royce Pl/D 1028 8 1371014 Ashok Leyland-/D 22.2 -0.55 748300 Escorts-B/D 60.6 -1.6 150492 Jbf Indu-B/D 105.8 -1.45 20070 Nahar Spg.-B/D 74.5 0.55 13294 Unitech P -A/D 27.2 -2.35 5210903 Rsa Insrance G/D 120.1 -0.4 4383717 Ballarpur In-B/D 18.5 -0.3 30053 Essar Oil-A/D 83.6 -0.75 382591 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.49 -0.04 16621 Nath Seeds-B/D 5.02 -0.17 2150 Univcable-B/D 34.1 -1.05 45970 Sainsbury(J)/D 345.455 1.5 1007167 Bata India-A/D 747.3 -26.65 65932 Eveready Indu-/D 18.55 -0.55 60487 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.18 -0.12 89849 Nation Alum -A/D 44.15 -1.05 24362 Schroders/D 1990 13 118883 Bayer Crop-A/D 1096.15 -26.7 1842 F D C-B/D 91.45 -1.1 21228 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 3.3 0 5852 Navneet Pub.-B/D 61.7 -0.55 43456 LONDON Severn Trent/D 1612 -8 115464 Beml Ltd-B/D 225.2 -11.5 15944 Federal Bank-A/D 493.6 -6.5 32654 Jik Indust-B/D 1.53 -0.08 4599 Nepc India-B/D 2.19 -0.01 21664 Smith&Nephew/D 704.7953 2 284650 Bharat Bijle-B/D 492.2 10.55 4469 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.68 -0.1 11444 Jindal Drill-B/D 215.3 3.85 2206 Nrb Bearings-B/D 30.35 -1.45 3935 Smiths Group/D 1256 -2 219421 Bhartiya Int-T/D 175 -1.55 3259 Finolex-B/D 87 -0.3 84460 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 103.8 -2.8 3554 O N G C-A/D 313.35 -1.85 843202 3I Group/D 317.3 -0.6 760540 Standrd Chart /D 1800 25 1687960 Bhel-A/D 201.2 -5.25 649831 Gail-A/D 332.6 -1.1 72426 Kajaria Cer-B/D 199.65 2.25 6924 Ocl India-B/D 150.4 0.7 34115 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 1845.28 15 182425 Tate & Lyle/D 809 3 189452 Bom.Burmah-B/D 105.3 -7.6 19747 Gammon India-B/D 25.65 -1.85 79558 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 81.55 0 5953 Oil Country-B/D 40.6 0 3313 B Sky B/D 853.5 13.5 1078512 Tesco/D 366.7015 3 3138115 Bombay Dyeing-/D 91.85 -3 144667 Garden P -B/D 55.7 0.65 3674 Kalpat Power-B/D 73.7 -1.45 22860 Orchid Chem-B/D 61.45 -2.55 100665 Barclays/D 305.1463 3.35 12679333 Tomkins/D 0 0 0 Canfin Homes-T/D 148.95 -2.5 7164 Goodricke-B/D 135.2 -5.3 8517 Kalyani Stel-B/D 44.4 -1.45 17833 Orient Hotel-B/D 19.6 -0.4 3936 Bg Group/D 1163.5 0 1047490 Unilever/D 2618 9 459011 Caprihans-B/D 47.65 -0.35 12000 Hcl Infosys-B/D 31.55 -1.1 51488 Kanoria Chem-B/D 37.45 -0.05 106808 Orient.Carb.-B/D 96.15 -1.45 4982 Bp/D 444.9 -2.05 3908088 United Util Gr/D 737.18 0.5 369163 Castrol Ind-A/D 318.95 0.1 23581 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 8.27 -0.12 190704 Kg Denim-T/D 14 0.02 9945 Orient.Carb.-B/D 96.15 -1.45 4982 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3424 8 641981 Vodafone Group/D 165.076 -0.05 21804621 Century Enka-B/D 107.25 -1.8 7475 Himat Seide-B/D 32.05 -0.75 21121 Kilburnengg-B/D 13 -0.9 2720 Oudh Sugar-B/D 22.5 -0.7 6132 British Airway/D 276.4574 0 0 Whitbread/D 2498 44 275254 Century Text-A/D 324.95 -11.3 338616 Hind Motors-B/D 9 0.1 86931 Kin.Motor-B/D 8.9 0.09 16598 Patspin India-/D 6.94 -0.26 4878 Bt Group/D 267.653 -2.4 5378954 Chambal Fert-B/D 56 -4.6 468550 Hind Org Chem-/D 13.25 -0.65 38240 Klg Systel-T/D 14.95 -0.15 6679 Radico Khait-B/D 136.5 -1.45 21987 Centrica/D 349.5 1.6 1869275 Chola Invest-B/D 303.8 10.3 16803 Hind Unilever-/D 443.9 -9.85 151995 Kopran-B/D 14.8 -0.7 45262 Rallis India-B/D 113.4 -2.55 34458 Gkn/D 269.5 5.3 1670061 Chowgule St-B/D 13 -0.45 8612 Hind.Petrol-A/D 289.8 -14.25 355938 Lakshmi Mach-B/D 1988.95 -49.9 2136 Rallis India-B/D 113.4 -2.55 34458 Hsbc Holdings/D 734.6 9.6 8194837 Cipla-A/D 360.75 -3.5 158987 Hindalco-A/D 99.35 -3.1 3061997 Lloyd Steel-B/D 11.5 -0.55 83128 Reliance Indus/D 367.9 -12.2 88083 Imperial Tobac/D 2380 0 885460 FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 CLASSIFIEDS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17

SERVICES

ACCOUNTING SOFTWARES COMPUTER TRAINING CENTRE FLORIST MOVERS

ARTECH FAMILY COMPUTER CENTRE QATAR INTERNATIONAL NURSERY Sage Accounting, Peachtree, QuickBooks, Dynacom, PARAGON SHIPPING & LOGISTIC W.L.L. Al Rayyan Complex, Rayyan Road. Garden Services, Irrigation Systems, Soft & Hard Landscaping, Indoor & Outdoor For International/Local Relocation. DacEasy, Tally, POS, Bar Code, Fixed Assets Software’s. Tel: 44435361/44370779 Fax: 44449130 Tel: +974 44375654 E-mail: [email protected] Plants, Water Fountains, Fresh Cut Flowers & Garden Maintenance. Tel: 44212630 Doha - Qatar. Fax: 44213619 www.qinagriqatar.com E-mail: [email protected] Mobile: 55803404 Tel: 44299555 ADVERTISING OVERSEAS COMPUTERS & NETWORKING GLASS COATING NEWSPAPER E2E GLOBAL PACKERS & MOVERS W.L.L. NATIONAL COMPUTER CENTER Professional’s in Int’l & Domestic Relocations & Removals APOLLO ENTERPRISES Office Shifting & Industrial Packing. E: [email protected] GEM ADVERTISING & PUBLICATIONS Desktops, Laptops, Printers, Scanners, UPS, Softwares, ERP, Crystal Bond Glass Coating Against The Sun’s Harmful Rays, Tel: 4451 6688, Mobile: 5599 0644, Fax: 4468 8631 (Overseas Newspaper Advertisements) Accessories, Networking & Cabling 44426664 Tel: 44442001 GSM: 55783303 Tel: 44351200 Fax: 44315058 - [email protected] Heat Resistance. Salwa Road. Tel: GSM: 55830870/33599574 E-mail: [email protected] GOLDEN-WING & LOGISTIC W.L.L. ADVENTURE IN QATAR For International/Local Relocation of Domestic and Office CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE GIFTS Shifting & Industrial Packing. Doha - Qatar. QATAR INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES GSM: 33319683/77699128 Tel: 44553954, 44677406 GSM: 55527225 AL MUTWASSIT CLEANING & PEST CONTROL ARTIFACTS OF ARABIA E-mail: [email protected] - Website: www.qia-qatar.com Kharaba Street, Behind White Mosque, Arabian Style Gifts and Souvenirs See. Also Corporate HOMEPAC INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS Tel: 44367555 Fax: 44367999 GSM: 55875920/55860432 Contracts and Tenders. www.artifactsofarabia.com Local & International Relocation. Professional Packing. 24 Hrs Service. GSM: 55614573 - David Qatar - Tel: 44181800/30082345, Dubai - 042399883, Bahrain - ATTESTATION 17710250, Dammam- 038330044 E-mail- [email protected] CAPITAL CLEANING COMPANY W.L.L. Complete General Cleaning Services for Old and New Villas HOME CONTROL SYSTEM Tel: 44582257/44582546 Fax: 44582529 Mobile: 33189899/ MOBILE PHONES & 55565328 E-mail: [email protected] ENHANCEMENTS

PRESTIGE GENERAL SERVICES General Cleaning for Villas, Flats, Sofa, Carpets, Floor Tiles, Marble Polish. Daily, Weekly, Monthly & Yearly Contracts. GSM: 66752291 Tel: 44323040 Fax: 44131012 E-mail: [email protected] - www.prestigegeneralservices.com

FIDELITY SERVICES COMPANY Part-Time Maid Service. Reliable maids for cleaning and generalhousekeeping duties. Flexible packages at low rates For booking : 66144629, 44186738

AL SADEQ TRAD. & MAINTENANCE CO. General Cleaning for Villa, Flat, Building, Carpet Shampooing, Sofa Sets, Marble Polish, Manpower Supply & Pest Control - Daily, Weekly, Monthly & Yearly Contracts (24 Hours Service). GSM: 33020107/33020108 INVEST IN QATAR Tel: 4436068 Fax: 44353336 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] LEADER MIDDLE EAST W.L.L. AL ALLAM CLEANING CO. W.L.L. For fast & reliable BUSINESS SET-UP, LOCAL SPONSORS, Trade For all kinds of Cleaning & Pest Control Services. Part-time Maid Service, Licences, Joint Ventures, Public Relations, Visas & Real Estate Services. Reliable maid’s for cleaning and general housekeeping duties. Flexible Tel: +974 55745147 E-mail: [email protected] packages. For Bookings: 44120441 Fax: 44120029 GSM: 30050955 HELPLINE GROUP OF COMPANIES CURTAINS We provide A to Z support for the Company Formation, Commercial Registration, PRO Services & Real Estate Services. Call Now: 77711129/44351974/44919213 - www.helplinegroups.com AL SHARK EXHIBITION Bin Mehmoud - IT SOLUTION HELPLINE GROUP OF COMPANIES Tel./Fax: 44422906 MASSAGE Certificate attestation from India, UK, USA, Australia, Gulf Countries and Canada. We have 15 years experience & approved Agency. AL JAWHAR CURTAINS & FURNITURE GSM: 77711129 Tel: 44351974/44919213 - www.helplinegroups.com Salwa Road, Qatar Decoration Roundabout. Software Lab Qatar THAI LADY MASSAGE & BEAUTY SALON Tel: 44689897 P.O. Box : 31400, Doha, Qatar For Ladies. Thai Massage, Oil Massage, Steam Bath

Software Labs Tel: +974 44622703, 44622705 GSM: 66836037 Home Visit. Villa No.4, Al Kinana St., Al Sadd Road. NEW INDIA ATTESTATION E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.softlabqatar.com Tel: 44350143 Toll Free: 8001516, Express Attestation in days, Document Insured. Affordable Rate. Payment after delivery. Free collection & delivery. Track your document. From India/UK/USA/GCC. We arrange Pancard. T: 44430824 DENTAL HR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM KOTTAKKAL AYURVEDIC MASSAGE CENTRE M: 66166884/30092444 Powered by Ametek www.newindiaattestation.com (DEVELOPED SPECIFICALLY FOR QATAR) Oil Massage, Hotel & Home Visit. AL MASA DENTAL COMPLEX • Document Management System • Inventory Management System • Plant Management System DR. Saeed Mohammed Abdelkhalek, MS, Prosthodontics. Opposite Hamad Hospital. Al Rayyan Street. 44360061 33453697 AL BAHIYA DOCUMENT CLEARING Opposite Villagio. Expertise and capability to develop any kind of Software to suit your specific business needs!!! Tel.: GSM: Certificate Attestation in 4 Working Days from India/UK/USA/ Tel: 44513289 Fax: 44693086 Canada and GCC. Tracking Facility. Free Pick-Up & Delivery. INTN’L TRDG. & TECHNICAL SVCS. CO. (INTER-TECH) INTERNATIONAL MASSAGE CENTER (AYURVEDIC) GSM: 55540420/66602980 www.attestation.qa AL MASA DENTAL COMPLEX Hardware, Software, Networking, ERP, Cabling, Servers, UPS, Rejuvanation, Back & Joints Pain, Paralysis, Rheumatic Network Operation, Maintenance, etc. Diseases. Home Services. Opposite: Al Jazeera TV, Bin A/C MAINTENANCE & DR. Sami Khalil Elmorsi Elsharoud, MS, Restorative Dentisty Tel: 44416556 Fax: 44416410 - [email protected] Omran. Tel.: 44218166 GSM: 77702421 SERVICES & Endodontics. Opposite Villagio. Tel: 44513289 Fax: 44693086 GLOBAL NETWORK TELECOM CENTER BURHA TRADING iRest Massage Chair All kinds of A/C Maintenance & Services Data & Telephone Calling, PABX, Telephones, Firewall, Antivirus AL MASA DENTAL COMPLEX and Software Solutions, Sales & Services. Buy Online www.qbuy.qa A/C Tech. from Philippines. Waranty after maintenance 2nd Floor, Quality Hyper Market Something different at moderate prices. Tel: 33202138 / 77619899 DR. Mohammed Naveed Yawar Contact: 66244007/66153219/44863622 GB, General Scope Dentist (Rajiv Gandhi University of Health GSM: 55684777 Sciences). Opposite Villagio. Tel: 44513289 Fax: 44693086 IMMIGRATION SERVICES FIDELITY SERVICES COMPANY MEDIHERB A/C. Maintenance, Cleaning, Relocation, Repair for all types of ‘WE GET THE JOB DONE’ Separate Section for Gents & Ladies. Back, Neck & Joint Care, Indian AC’s 7/7 - Office: 44186738, GSM: 66144629 ENTERPRISE TELEPHONY AND Ayurvedic Massage, Holistic Rejuvenating Massage. Fareej Al Nasar, Near Specialised in Governmental work, Work Visa, Family Visa, SECURITY SOLUTIONS Midmac R/A.Tel.: 44690363 GSM: 66167700 www.mediherbqatar.com Resident Permits and many more. Email: [email protected] BLINDS Tel: 44675502, Fax: 4467-5503 Website: deltaqatar.com AL SHARK EXHIBITION LIVE, WORK & STUDY IN CANADA/AUSTRALIA MUSIC Vertical-Venitian Blinds. Work Permit Visas for: Hotel Staff, Administrators, Sales Associates, Bin Mehmoud. Tel./Fax: 44422906 Male & Female Cooks, Light & Heavy Drivers + Mechanics and more.. E-mail: [email protected] - www.dubaimcs.com MUSIC HOUSE Courses Offered: Guitar, Drums, Keyboard, Violin, Voice, Piano, Piano AL JAWHAR CURTAINS & FURNITURE Tuning + Rentals, Band Rehearsal Studio. Call: 44550203/ Vertical-Venitian Blinds. MISSION SERVICES 77469047/66022769 - Salwa Road, Qatar Decoration R/A. Tel: 44689897 Specialised in govermental services processess: establishing new companies, immigration E-mail: [email protected] services, traffic and labor departments and other authorities. Our mission is to get your job done. Tel: 44131358 Fax: 44131359 E-mail: [email protected] BLASTING AND PAINTING METAL REPAIRS INTN’L TRDG. & TECHNICAL SVCS. CO. (INTER-TECH) IMPORT SERVICES M. PALLONJI QATAR Planning, Design, Engineering, Supply, Installation, Testing, Commissioning, Multi System APOLLO ENTERPRISES P.O. BOX: 23933. E-mail: [email protected] Integration, Maintenance in Telecommunication, Electronics, Power, Security & Cabling. IMPORT FROM CHINA/INDIA Belzona Polymerics - Tel: 44426664 Tel: 44606822 Fax: 44606977 GSM:55879234 Tel: 44416556 Fax: 44416410 - [email protected] Building Materials/Industrial Items/Steel/Aluminium Sections/ GSM: 55871914/55524897 E-mail: [email protected] Panels, etc. 18 year old Indian Company having China Office. [email protected] GSM: 33391248, [email protected] BICYCLES & WATER SPORTS ERP SOFTWARE MANPOWER SUPPLY SKATE SHACK JEWELLERY Al Ain # 3, Salwa Road, AL HAWAL GROUP For Direction call: Tel: 446-92532 Job Card, Job Order, Job Bill, Project Costing, Sales, Inventory, CANARA JEWELLERY GSM: 552-47885/779-36152 - www.skate-shack.com Purchase, Sales, Payroll & Accounts, Only QR.2,500. Al Mansoura, Bin Dirham Street. Tel: 44311705 GSM: 55231633 Tel: 44422071, 44357283 E-mail: [email protected] BUYING & SELLING [email protected] - www.4422071.com FURNITURE BUYING HOUSEHOLD ITEMS LIMOUSINE SERVICES We buy all kinds of used household items & electronics. We do local mooving household items. APOLLO FURNITURE Please contact: 55878123 Salwa Road. Tel: 44689522 (3 Lines) BUYING SECONDHAND ITEMS www.apollofurnitureonline.com A/Cs, Bedroom Sets, Scrap A/Cs, Refrigerators. Bedroom Fixing and House Shifting. ARTIFACTS OF ARABIA Please contact: Samim - 33281360/70615159 Solid Wood Furniture, Antiques, Art & Decor. Call David: 55614573 www.artifactsofarabia.com NURSERY CARPET

KASHMIR HANDICRAFT EMPORIUM For advertisements, call: THE LITTLE HANDS NURSERY Handmade Cartpets, Handicrafts & Furniture. Age group 2 months to 4 years. Separate classes for babies, toddlers & students Al Mirgab Street, Al Naser. with spacious play area. British Management & Camera Protection. Location: New Tel: 44432761 GSM: 55553407 44557857 Salata, 137 Al Maahed Street, (at the back of Birla Public School) GSM: 55312803 FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com CLASSIFIEDS

SERVICES FOR RENT SITUATIONS VACANT

OPTICS RENT A CAR APOLLO REAL ESTATE REQUIRED Doha’s leading Real Estate Agency can offer you a wide selection of available • Salesman MODERN GULF OPTICS properties. Apartment to compounds and office space. Give us your requirements and let us find (Indian preferred) for Ceramic and Construction Please visit for all types of Eye Glasses, Sun Glasses, Contact Lenses, Eye Test for Driving License and Industrial Safety you a place that fits. With over 30 years experience in Doha, we know the market. Materials. With minimum 5 years experience. Glasses. Near Crazy Signal. Tel: 44310768 Qatar’s first Real Estate Company under British Management Sponsorship change or letter is a must. Call: Office: 44689522, Maureen 55864352 • Female Secretary PORTABLE/CHEMICAL TOILETS Abubakar 55850815, Peter 55506803, Dexter 55872145 Fluent in Arabic and English & computer literate. www.apollopropertiesonline.com Please send your CV at: BEAM CONSTRUCTION E-mail: [email protected] Near Al Saliya Sports Stadium. Fax: 44883489 Tel: 44901760 Fax: 44901566 SERVICES GSM: 33138018 E-mail: [email protected] SITUATION WANTED PARTY ITEMS & TOURS IN QATAR BALLOON DECORATION REGENCY FLEETS (A Regency Group Co.) Special Corporate leasing and Rental rates. Price includes Comprehensive Insurance, QATAR INTERNATIONAL TOURS PARTY KINGDOM Maintenance, Replacement Vehicle etc. Driven by Values. E-mail: info@regencyfleets. Tel: 44551141/44552242 GSM: 55010137/55864568 A FILIPINO Near Jaidah Flyover, Nasrallah Centre. com Tel: 44433822/44554046 Fax: 44554047 Branches: Airport - Tel.: 44153086 Fax: 44653461 E-mail: [email protected] With extensive job experience in Electrical Engineering, Tel: 44353501/ 44366431 Beverly Hills - Tel.: 44122131 Movenpick Tower & Suites: Tel.: 44966107/30122300 Website: www.qittour.com E-mail: [email protected] is looking for a job as Site Electrical Engineer. Please contact: 66652441 GO RENT A CAR E-mail: [email protected] PEST CONTROL & CLEANING Competitive Rates for Car Rental & Leasing. TRANPORTATION PRODUCTS Tel: 44325500 Fax: 44375753 GSM: 33697075/66983107 E-mail: [email protected] TRADE CHEM LTD. YALLA TRANSPORTATION SRI LANKAN MALE Comprehensive transport services affording rental of busses P O Box: 21748 IATA qualified, completed Diploma in IT & Diploma in English, Tel: +974 44278006 Fax: +974 44278007 AL DAR CAR RENTAL and vans with drivers. Tel: 777.92552 E-mail: [email protected] 24 Hours. Bin Omran, Ahmed Bin Ali St., PO Box 24816 Web: www.yallatransportation.com fluent in English, is looking for a suitable placement. Tel: 44877789 GSM: 55599972/55732070, Fax: 44866637 Please contact: 66884672 [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] PEST CONTROL & CLEANING WEBSITE COUNTRY RENT A CAR - BARWA AL WAKRA A FILIPINO DOHA PEST CONTROL & CLEANING CO. W.L.L. A car has a choice of vehicles to suit your needs. Special cost provide nice service to our customer. With six years experience (one year GCC), in building construc- For Pest Control & Cleaning Services - Fax: 44360838. What’s more? Comprehensive, Maintenances & Replacement Vehicle. Come to you at affordable Email: [email protected] GSM: 55513862/55814832/ rates, etc. Tel.: 44154467 GSM: 55440424 E-mail: [email protected] tion and site management, solutionss oriented and has a good 55514709 Tel:44360901/902 Web: www.dohapest.com team management, coordinate with managers, contrators and engineers, with technical knowledge in Architectural drafting QATAR PEST CONTROL COMPANY W.L.L. SAFETY TRAINING and designs, is looking for a job. Email: [email protected] Please contact: 33828533 web: www.qatarpest.com GSM: 55517254/66590617 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 44222888 Fax: 44368727

REAL ESTATE A FILIPINO With ample job experience in the field of civil engineering, konwledgeable in basic installation of Windows Operating AL MUFTAH SERVICES & RENT A CAR WLL System and Installation of Programme, also knowledgeable on C Ring Road Main Office Tel: 44328100/44442003, Fax: 44414339 - Musherib Branch Office: Tel: 44326840/ 44426649, Primavera, Autocad and Staad, is looking for a job. Fax: 44312899 E Mail: [email protected] Website: www.racqatar.com AL HAWAL GROUP E-mail: [email protected] Website Designing, Statics & Dynamic, Web Portal, Online Store Online Booking, Online Appointment, Starting only ADAM REAL ESTATE COMPANY QR.1,000. Tel: 44311705 GSM: 55231633 Al Kuwari Blgd., 8th Floor, Al Sadd, Near Sebstain Rest. ANNOUNCEMENTS Tel: 44366932 Fax: 44366931 GSM: 55500789 / 55803731 WATER TANK CLEANING

APOLLO REAL ESTATE AL MUTWASSIT CLEANING & PEST CONTROL BUYING Salwa Road. GSM: 55864352/55506803/ 55872145 Kharaba st, Behind white Mosque. We buy all kinds of used household Fax: 443679 99 GSM. 55875920/55860432 Tel: 44689522 www.apollopropertiesonline.com items. Office Furniture, Electric and E-mail: [email protected] electronics items.. Fridge, A/Cs, CAPITAL CLEANING COMPANY COREO Cleaning Water Tanks & Pest Control. Fax: 44582529 Freezer, TV & Computers. Rent, Buy & Sell Real Estate. Property Photos, Prices, and GSM: 55565328/33189899 Tel: 44582257/44582546 Call: 55505773 more can be found online. E-mail: [email protected]/[email protected] Tel: 446.99950 Web: www.mycoreo.com

RENT A CAR

AVIS RENT A CAR Main Office at Daihatsu Showroom Complex on ‘C’ Ring Road. Tel: 44667744 / 44622180 Fax: 44657626

BUDGET RENT A CAR The Best Car Rental Service in Qatar. Head Office - 44310411 Airport Arrival - 44153048 Airport Departure - 44622678/55808638 (24 Hrs)

AL MUFTAH RENT A CAR WLL HO, D’ Ring Road -Tel: 44328100, 44634444 - Branches: Airport 44634433, C’ Ring Road -Tel: 44442003, Grand Hamad Avenue - 44326840, Ras Lafffan: Tel.: 44748840 E Mail: [email protected] Website: www.rentacardoha.com STATIONERY & OFFICE SUPPLIES AL SULAIMAN RENT A CAR Main Office D’ Ring Road. Tel: 44911711/44911710 Fax: 44911699. TRIOS - OFFICE & PROJECT SUPPLIES E-mail: [email protected] Musherib: 44355477/44440702/44315616 Stationary, Computer Supplies, Gift Items, Cad Plotting & Fax: 44355466. Al Wakra: 44646775/44649153 Fax: 44646773 Digital Printing. Tel: 44919114-15 Fax: 44919116 Al Khor: 44796677/44725378 Fax: 44796633 E-mail: [email protected] - www.triosqatar.com EUROPCAR You rent A lot more than a car. SCAFFOLDING Airport: 44621188 - Tel: 44660677 Fax: 44662677

BASE RENT A CAR APOLLO ENTERPRISES SCAFFOLDING DIVISION Cars that fits your Needs & Budget. Contract/Hire/Sale - Salwa Road. Tel: 44693334 We Deliver & Pickup. Call for a quote 24 Hours @ 55206569 Fax: 44416274 GSM: 55521089/55560246/55536285 www.apollo-qatar.net - E-mail: [email protected] OASiS RENT A CAR AND TRANSPORTATION YOU RENT MORE THAN A CAR WITH OASiS. Fax: 44130033 COSMOS TOOLS & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES CO. W.L.L Tel: 44130011/44130022 GSM: 55157587 (Rental)/ 55129615 Scaffolding & Ladders. Tel: 44151824 (3 Lines), 44315500 Fax: 44151825/ (Transportation) [email protected] - OasisCars.com 44214809 GSM: 55898593 E-mail: [email protected] Main Showroom: Beside Doha Stadium, near to Clock R/A. Branch: Barwa Village, Bldg. No.2, Shop 8 & 10 NICE RENT A CAR Solution for Transport & Leasing all types of vehicle & Heavy Equiment. TRANSLATION SERVICES Tel: 44413392 GSM: 55514223 Fax: 44317896 Website: niceqatar.com E-mail: [email protected]/ [email protected]

THE OWNERS RENT A CAR + LIMOUSINE SERVICE 24 Hrs Service! Tel: 44515515 GSM: 55149555 Fax: 44515155 Contact Mr. Anjum Malik E-mail: [email protected]

JABRCO RENT A CAR We have many vehicles like 2009, 2010 & 2011 models for rent with a comfortable price on daily/weekly and monthly. Main office: 44663933 GSM: 33131241 - Branch Barwa Village: 44152020 GSM: 33640652 E-mail: [email protected]

E2E FLEETS 15/26/30/55/60/65 Seated Buses with or without Driver Excellent Service & Competitive rates - Tel: 4460 5291 Email: fl[email protected] - Mobile: 3307 4056 FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, President of QMMF, and Guiseppe Luongo, President of Youthstream, pose for a picture with motocross riders at Losail MX Track inside the Losail International Circuit (LIC) yesterday. CENTRE: FIM MX2 Champion Jeffrey Herlings with a falcon at the same gathering. RIGHT: The QMMF President is seen with Kawasaki Racing Team MX1 rider Gautier Paulin during a press conference at LIC.

Qatar Timetable DOHA: Here’s the timetable for motocross qualifying (today) and races (tomorrow) at Losail MX Track situated inside Losail Qatar set to make history International Circuit. Today: 5:00pm MX2 Free Practice Motocross World Championship: Losail MX Track to host first night race 5:45pm MX1 Free Practice 7:15pm MX2 Pre-Qualifying Practice DOHA: The 2013 MX1 FIM “But my team made everything 8:00pm MX1-Pre Qualifying Practice Motocross World Championship possible and we took care of this 10:00pm MX2 Qualifying Race commences today with a bit of challenge. QMMF President 11:00pm MX1 Qualifying Race history in the making - the first “We were the first country to Nasser bin ever night race which will be stage a night race in MotoGP Khalifa Al Attiyah Tomorrow: held tomorrow at the newly- and now we are going to the first is flanked by 5:00pm MX2 Warm up built Losail MX Track. destination with a night race in Youthstream Many expectations have been motocross,” Al Attiyah, who is the 5:30pm MX1 Warm up President generated around this event, not FIM Vice President, added. 7:10pm MX2 Grand Prix Race 1 only because it will be the first Another highlight of the week- Giuseppe race of the 2013 season, but also end is the fact that Livia Lancelot, Luongo (left), 8:10pm MX1 Grand Prix Race 1 because it will be the first ever 2008 FIM Women’s Motocross and FIM/ 9:30pm MX1/2 Last Chance Race MXGP in the Middle East and World Champion, will be taking CMS Director the maiden motocross race to be part in the MX2 class during the Dr Wolfgang 11:30pm MX1/2 Super Final held under floodlights and with MXGP in Qatar. Srb, at a press the new Super Final format. Lancelot will become the second conference Losail MX Track, the coun- woman to take part in the FIM at Losail try’s only motocross track, is now Motocross World Championship, International set to host a round of the world after Mariana Balbi, who took Circuit championship for the first time. part in the Brazilian Grand Prix yesterday. However, the facilities of Losail in 2009. PICTURES: are well known worldwide since MX1 defending Champion SHAIVAL the same venue stages the open- Antonio Cairoli recently said in DALAL ing round of the MotoGP calen- an interview: “I am excited to race dar every season. in Qatar under lights and I am The cooperation between also looking forward to visiting Youthstream and QMMF has the country and getting involved been outstanding and together with a different culture.” favourites to stop the Italian from season due to a knee injury. The Besides, the Red Bull KTM JM Racing KTM’s Jake Nicholls with Musco Lighting System, the The Red Bull KTM Factory claiming another MX1 title. French rider finished second in Factory rider is also looking for- had a very consistent season last same company that illuminates Racing rider, who has six FIM Desalle also took part in some 2011 in his rookie year in the FIM ward to racing against the MX1 year and he finished fourth in the Losail International Circuit for motocross world titles under international off-season races and MX1 World Championship. He is rider in the Super Final although FIM MX2 World Championship. MotoGP, they will write their his belt, took part in the Italian obtained excellent results. another rider to be looked at not he knows it is going to be difficult Another rider who could be names in the history of the sport National Championship a few This year Desalle will have his only for this Grand Prix, but also for him to finish among the top fighting for an overall win in for having celebrated the first weeks ago and proved that he is compatriot Kevin Strijbos in the during the whole season. three riders. the MX2 class is the Monster ever Grand Prix under lights. fully fit to defend the title at the team, so the Rockstar Energy Joel Roelants will be the new Most of Herlings’ 2012 rivals Energy Yamaha rider, Christophe “We have worked tirelessly to opening race of the season. Suzuki World squad expects to MX1 teammate of Frossard and have moved up to the MX1 class, Charlier. create this set-up,” Nasser bin Rockstar Energy Suzuki be fighting for a double podium the Belgian is looking forward to so there is a big question mark as The French rider had a tough Khalifa Al Attiyah, President of World’s Clement Desalle, who position in several Grands Prix. starting his rookie season in the to who will stop the Dutch rider time in 2012 as he struggled with QMMF, said. finished second last year, is deter- Another candidate to be fight- FIM MX1 World Championship. from claiming his second MX2 injuries, but he has regained peak “Within three months we got mined to start the 2013 season ing for the top three positions Meanwhile, the 2012 FIM MX2 World Tile. health and seems more motivated soil, lights, stands, rollers to reach fighting for the top spot on the is the Monster Energy Yamaha World Champion Jeffrey Herlings However, his teammate Jordi than ever to be fighting for the this stage. Initially we thought it podium. rider Steven Frossard. has landed in Qatar fully moti- Tixier has experienced significant first step of the podium. Rockstar would be easy but soon we real- The Belgian rider was the only Frossard is coming back vated to race the first Grand Prix improvements during the off-sea- Energy Suzuki Europe team rider ised that we have a massive chal- one who led the MX1 standings to the FIM Motocross World of the season and he will be keen son, so he could be the one fighting Max Anstie is another clear can- lenge in front of us,” Al Attiyah last year apart from Cairoli. Championship after having to start the new season with the for the MX2 World Championship didate to be among the top three. said with a smile on his face. He remains one of the clear missed almost the entire 2012 red plate on his KTM. against Herlings. Wilvo Nestaan THE PENINSULA Youthstream applauds QMMF role

DOHA: The Qatar Motor than 70 countries with highlights and Motorcycle Federation package going to some 157 coun- (QMMF) yesterday won rave tries around the world,” Luongo reviews for setting up the said. region’s first ever dirt track cir- “What I want to say is that Mr cuit for the opening round of Nasser is not only promoting this the 2013 MX1 FIM Motocross sport in Qatar but showing it to World Championship. the world also. His position in the The world’s best riders will be FIM is obvious. He has a love for seen in action today and tomor- motor sport and he wants to pro- row at a venue that was built mote this around the world. A view of the Losail MX Track inside Losail International Circuit. from scratch by QMMF within a “We have reached an agree- period of just three months. ment with Al Jazeera Sports “When you have somebody which will broadcast motocross like Mr Nasser (in charge), then races. We have a long-term deal. MX1 calendar 2013 Date Grand Prix Venue things become that much easier “This new (broadcast deal) (to handle). We have brought will help us increase the number 02 Mar 2013 Qatar Losail our sport to the region. We know of fans around the world. We 10 Mar 2013 Thailand Si Racha that Mr Nasser is the man who FROM LEFT: Guiseppe Luongo, President of Youthstream, Nasser bin have other television channels 01 Apr 2013 The Netherlands Valkenswaard has developed motor sport in Khalifa Al Attiyah, President of QMMF, and Dr Wolfgang Srb, President like FoxTV in South America,” 14 Apr 2013 Trentino Arco di Trento this country,” Giuseppe Luongo, of Motocross Commission FIM, during a press conference at Losail Luongo added. 21 Apr 2013 TBA TBA President of Youthstream, said at International Circuit yesterday. “We are here for the develop- 05 May 2013 Portugal Agueda a press conference yesterday ment of our sport. We had a lot of 19 May 2013 Brazil Beto Carrero “This is really a special Grand possibilities to go around the globe 26 May 2013 Mexico Guadalajara Prix for us. We are in the Middle (QMMF) have put out a great cir- and the fans,” the Youthstream but we have come here. 09 Jun 2013 France Ernee East for the first time and we are cuit. This will be a great weekend. chief said. “Qatar is the bridge between 16 Jun 2013 Italy Maggiora going to race in the night for the We see a great motocross track Luongo said the Grand Prix of Europe, Africa and the US. Being 30 Jun 2013 Sweden Uddevalla first time,” Luongo. and you will also see that. Qatar and the subsequent rounds here will be a good opportunity 07 Jul 2013 Latvia Kegums “The weather conditions right “They have got many differ- in 2013 will be watched over by a to spread our sport in Asia also. 14 Jul 2013 Russia Semigorje now in Qatar can allow us to ent types of soil and mixed them billion fans on television. “Our aim and our will, for a stage the race during daytime as together for the layout. The riders “Last year, we had a television long time, was to get here. I think 28 Jul 2013 Germany Lausitzring the temperatures are perfect for enjoy this kind of a track,” Luongo audience of more than one billion our TV coverage will increase. 04 Aug 2013 Czech Republic Loket racing. said. viewers worldwide. We covered Ours is a growing sport and you 18 Aug 2013 Belgium Bastogne “But Mr Nasser wanted to do “I am sure this will be a very about 70 countries previously and can see that,” he added. 25 Aug 2013 Great Britain Matterley Basin, Winchester really something special. They attractive set-up for the riders this year we will go live in more THE PENINSULA 08 Sep 2013 TBA TBA FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Football Fixtures (all times in GMT) English Premier League Angry Benitez confirms exit Tomorrow Chelsea vs West Bromwich Albion (1500) Everton vs Reading (1500) Manchester United vs Norwich City (1500) Interim manager says he will quit Chelsea at end of the season Southampton vs Queens Park Rangers (1500) Stoke City vs West Ham United (1500) LONDON: Interim manager League, won the FIFA Club World “If we cannot achieve what Sunderland vs Fulham (1500) Rafael Benitez’s patience with Cup, the FA Cup, the Italian we expect to achieve, that is to Swansea City vs Newcastle United (1500) the Chelsea fans finally snapped Super Cup, the Spanish league be in the top four and be in the Wigan Athletic vs Liverpool (1730) on Wednesday as he confirmed twice, nine trophies, all the tro- Champions League for next year, he will leave the club at the end phies you can win at club level. I will leave. They will stay in the March 3 of the season. “A group of fans, they are not Europa League and they have to Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal (1600) Benitez has been targeted by doing any favours for the team take responsibility too. March 4 sections of the club’s support ever when they are singing and wast- “I am the manager and I will Aston Villa vs Manchester City (2000) since he was appointed as the suc- ing time preparing banners.” be managing the team. I pick my Chelsea’s new cessor to Roberto Di Matteo last Benitez also appeared to take team and I will make decisions. Scottish Cup interim coach November. issue with the Chelsea manage- And then I will leave anyway -- 6th Round Rafael Benitez Chelsea beat Middlesbrough ment for insisting on the tempo- because I’m interim, as they say Tomorrow speaks during a 2-0 on Wednesday to reach the rary nature of his employment. -- so they’re wasting their time.” St Mirren vs Celtic (1245) press conference FA Cup quarter-finals and they “It’s because someone made Chelsea insisted yesterday Hamilton Academical(II) vs Falkirk(II) (1500) are also in the last 16 of the a mistake. They put my title would be just another day at the of the English March 3 Europa League, but they have ‘interim manager’, and I will leave office despite interim manager Premier League Dundee vs Dundee United (1245) club in London, slipped to fourth place in the at the end of the season, so they Rafael Benitez hitting out at the Premier League. (the fans) don’t need to waste club’s fans and management the Kilmarnock vs Hibernian (1500) Britain, in this Benitez was only appointed on a time with me,” he said. day before. Scottish Premier League November 23, temporary basis but he confirmed “They have to concentrate on Benitez outburst sparked spec- Today 2012 file picture. in an angry press conference supporting the team, that’s what ulation on social media that his Hearts vs Motherwell (1500) that the abuse he has received they have to do. In the end, they position was in immediate danger, from some of Chelsea’s fans had are not doing any favours to the but a spokesperson for the club Ross County vs prompted him to abandon his club, to the rest of the fans and said: “It’s business as usual.” Inverness Caledonian Thistle (1500 ambition to coach the team on a to the players. Benitez is expected to take Ligue 1 permanent basis. “Every game they continue training as scheduled as the Today “I have been in charge in foot- singing and they continue pre- European champions began Montpellier HSC vs Stade Rennes (1930) ball for 26 years,” he said after the paring banners, they are wasting preparations for Saturday’s Tomorrow victory at Middlesbrough. time. What they have to do is sup- league game with West Bromwich “I have won the Champions port the team. Albion. AGENCIES Stade de Reims vs Paris St Germain (1600) FC Lorient vs Valenciennes (1900) Sochaux vs AS Nancy (1900) Atletico set Ibra brace Chelsea sink St Etienne vs Nice (1900) Caretaker AFC chief in Bastia vs Ajaccio (1900) up all-Madrid helps PSG Boro to set up Toulouse vs Evian Thonon Gaillard FC (1900) Spanish Cup shock election pull-out beat Marseille March 3 Man United Stade Brest vs Olympique Lyon (1300) SINGAPORE: Asia’s care- former Chinese boss and previ- Olympique Marseille vs ES Troyes AC (1600) final clash taker football chief and pre- ous election favourite lacked the in French Cup quarter-final Lille vs Girondins Bordeaux (2000) sumed next president has support to win the job full-time. MADRID: Atletico Madrid pulled out of upcoming lead- But he said Zhang simply felt La Liga matches striker Radamel Falcao was ership elections, a source said unable to unite the Asian body PARIS: Zlatan Ibrahimovic MIDDLESBROUGH, United Today delighted with his side’s effort as yesterday, in a shock move over a shortened two-year term. scored twice to help Paris Saint- Kingdom: Holders Chelsea Getafe vs Real Zaragoza (2000) they set up a Spanish Cup final which threatens further tur- The next president of the Germain to a 2-0 win against ground out a 2-0 win at second- Tomorrow with Real Madrid after a 2-2 moil at the troubled body. 46-member confederation, the Marseille in the last 16 of the tier Middlesbrough yesterday Real Madrid vs Barcelona (1500) draw away at Sevilla saw them China’s Zhang Jilong will not world’s biggest, will be decided French Cup yesterday as David to set up an FA Cup quarter- progress 4-3 on aggregate. contest elections in early May at an AFC Congress in Kuala Beckham made his full debut for final glamour tie at Manchester Deportivo Coruna vs Rayo Vallecano (1700) “To be in the final is very for either the Asian Football Lumpur in May. The winner his new club. United. Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao (1900) important for Atletico. We are Confederation (AFC) presi- will complete bin Hammam’s Beckham had an efficient game, Second-half goals from Ramires Valencia vs Levante (2100) happy and proud. I am very happy dency, vacated by Mohamed bin current term, which runs until and at times excelled, but Swedish and Victor Moses secured vic- March 3 for the work and effort shown by Hammam after bribery claims, 2015. Thai football chief Worawi striker Ibrahimovic made the dif- tory at the Riverside Stadium Granada CF vs Real Mallorca (1100) the whole team,” he told Telecinco. or the available FIFA executive Makudi, a bin Hammam ally, ference as he opened the scoring as Chelsea bounced back from Espanyol vs Real Valladolid (1600) Goals from Diego Costa and committee seat. has already thrown his hat into 11 minutes before half time and Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Manchester Falcao himself in the opening half “He’s not running. He has the ring, along with Bahrain’s then netted the second from the City, which had seen them slip Malaga vs Atletico Madrid (1800) an hour all but killed the tie off decided after long and careful Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim penalty spot after being brought to fourth place in the Premier Real Sociedad vs Real Betis (2000) as a contest and the Colombian thought,” said the source close al-Khalifa. Two more hopefuls down inside the area just past the League. March 4 said they knew the hosts, trail- to Zhang. may also be announced when hour mark. Victory in the fifth-round tie Sevilla vs Celta Vigo (2030) ing 2-1 from the first-leg, would “He doesn’t want the AFC to the candidates are unveiled on It was PSG’s second win against means Chelsea remain on course leave space into which they could be split for the next two years.” Monday. their great rivals in four days for what would be a fifth FA Cup La Liga matches counter-attack. The source, who did not want “The member associations are and was achieved by the same title in seven seasons. Today “We knew how to handle the to be identified, said Zhang made split not in half, but in several scoreline. Interim manager Rafael Getafe vs Real Zaragoza (2000) game very well. We knew they the decision “a couple of days” parts,” the source said. However, unlike Sunday’s Benitez has complained about fix- Tomorrow would come out to try and look ago, before yesterday’s meet- “It’s his (Zhang’s) wish that league clash, there could be no ture congestion in recent weeks, Real Madrid vs Barcelona (1500) for the goal and that would gen- ing in Seoul of the East Asian the football family can get question as to which was the but with his side also still in con- Deportivo Coruna vs Rayo Vallecano (1700) erate spaces and chances for us Football Federation’s execu- together, back to unity and soli- superior side as PSG dominated tention in the Europa League, the which we knew we could take tive committee. He denied the darity.” AFP from start to finish at the Parc European champions look set for Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao (1900) advantage of.” AFP des Princes. AFP a busy few weeks. AFP Valencia vs Levante (2100) March 3 Granada CF vs Real Mallorca (1100) Espanyol vs Real Valladolid (1600) Fichardt leads Malaga vs Atletico Madrid (1800) Djokovic, Federer Real Sociedad vs Real Betis (2000) Tshwane Open March 4 Sevilla vs Celta Vigo (2030) reach Dubai semis after eight Greek championship Tomorrow DUBAI: World number one first two matches and that I’m birdies Kerkyra vs Platanias (1515) Novak Djokovic and defending elevating my level. Hopefully I can Panthrakikos vs Atromitos Athinon (1515) champion Roger Federer moved sustain that,” he said of Friday’s PRETORIA: South African OFI Crete vs Olympiakos Piraeus (1730) closer to a mouth-watering semi-final with Juan Martin Del Darren Fichardt birdied eight March 3 Levadiakos vs Xanthi (1300) Dubai Open final showdown Potro, the former US Open cham- holes en route to a seven- when they cruised into the last pion, who beat Daniel Brands, a under-par 65 and a one-shot PAOK Salonika vs Panionios (1515) four yesterday. German qualifier, by 6-4, 6-2. first round lead in the maiden PAS Giannena vs Asteras Tripolis (1515) Australian Open winner It was a big-serving battle of Tshwane Open golf champion- AEK Athens vs Panathinaikos (1730) Djokovic extended his unbeaten the two tallest men in the tourna- ship yesterday. March 4 2013 sequence to eleven with a ment, and for a while, until 4-4 in The 37-year-old from Pretoria Veria vs Aris Salonika (1730) trampling 6-0, 6-3 success over the first set it seemed that Brands was continuing good recent form Andreas Seppi which suggested might be capable of creating fur- which saw him surive late final- Bundesliga that he will be very hard to stop. ther upsets in the Gulf. round jitters to win the Africa Today Federer was equally impressive, He beat two leading Frenchmen, Open by two strokes in East Eintracht Frankfurt vs Borussia needing just 54 minutes to beat Gael Monfils and Jeremy Chardy, London two weeks ago. Moenchengladbach (1930) Yani Tseng of Taiwan hits a shot during round one of the HSBC Women’s Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko 6-2, while reaching the semi-finals in A bogey five on the seventh -- Tomorrow 6-2, firing five aces in the process. Doha last month, but once Del Champions LPGA golf tournament at the Serapong Course in Singapore, the third last hole for Fichardt as Nuremberg vs Freiburg (1430) Djokovic’s dashing court cov- Potro broke serve to snatch the yesterday. he started at the 10th -- was the erage and imposingly aggressive first set, his chances of a third sole blemish over the par-72 7,791- Borussia Dortmund vs Hanover 96 (1430) service returns so much intimi- notable success evaporated. yard (7,124-metre) Copperleaf Hamburg SV vs Greuther Fuerth (1430) dated Seppi, a talented ground- Afterwards Del Potro revealed Tseng leads in Singapore Golf and Country Estate course VfL Wolfsburg vs Schalke 04 (1430) stroker, that the seventh-seeded some of the obstacles to return- south-west of here. Werder Bremen vs FC Augsburg (1430) Italian won only three points on ing to his former prominence in He had five birdies on his front Bayer Leverkusen vs VfB Stuttgart (1730) his service in a morale-eroding a career which was damaged by a SINGAPORE: World number on the way back. The Spaniard nine of a course designed by South March 3 24-minute first set. wrist injury which sidelined him one Tseng Yani eagled her last also pulled out a big par save on African golf legend Ernie Els and The second set offered only a for most of 2010. hole at Singapore’s star-studded 16 and lipped out a birdie attempt a further three on his second nine Hoffenheim vs Bayern Munich (1430) little more comfort. “The good thing is it’s not HSBC Women’s Champions on 17, as she finished bogey-free before he came to grief at the 390- Fortuna Duesseldorf vs Mainz (1630) “I’m pleased that it was an even getting worse,” he said rather yesterday as she shot up the and ahead of five players tied for yard (357-metre) seventh hole. Turkish championship better performance than in my ambiguously. leaderboard and put pressure second, including American world “What a funny game,” said Today Federer will tackle Tomas on first-round leader Azahara number four Stacy Lewis. four-time European Tour win- Berdych, the world number six Munoz. Tseng, another shot back and ner Fichardt. Genclerbirligi vs Buyuksehir Bld. Spor (1700) Dubai Open from the Czech Republic who Tseng’s 25-foot downhill putt hunting her first win in nearly “I birdied all of the tough holes March 2 DUBAI: Results from day four of the Dubai has continued to cope well with a across the 18th green, a contender a year, was among four players on this great course and then I Orduspor vs Karabukspor (1400) Open yesterday (x denotes seeding): schedule requiring him to travel for shot of the day, drew broad on 68 including America’s Paula bogey the easiest one. That is how Akhisar Belediyespor vs Elazigspor (1700) Quarter-finals 3,000 miles from Marseille where smiles and an arms-aloft celebra- Creamer, who made light of whip- this game is ”I got a bad bounce Eskisehirspor vs Galatasaray (1700) he contested the final on Sunday. tion from the Taiwanese ace as lash sustained in a car crash after off the tee and it went into a bun- Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Andreas Seppi March 3 (ITA) 6-0, 6-3 There he beat Dmitry Tursunov she rocketed up the standings to last week’s event in Thailand. ker. Despite a horrendous lie, I Antalyaspor vs Gaziantepspor (1130) Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG x4) bt Daniel 6-2, 6-1 in the semis. lie three shots behind Munoz with Japan’s Ai Miyazato was forced managed to get my second to the Kayserispor vs Mersin Idmanyurdu (1130) Brands (GER) 6-4, 6-2 Yesterday, he beat the Russian a 68. to pull out of the Singapore event front edge of the green, chipped it wild card entry again, just as sol- Munoz ended a hot first day at as she recovers from similar inju- close and missed the short putt.” Bursaspor vs Sivasspor (1400) Tomas Berdych (CZE x3) bt Dmitry Tursunov idly, by 6-3, 6-2. the par-72 Sentosa Golf Club two ries from the five-car smash in Fichardt is one stroke ahead of (RUS) 6-3, 6-2 Besiktas vs Fenerbahce (1700) Berdych also looked more com- shots clear on seven-under-par Bangkok, which also involved Bjorn Akesson of Sweden in the March 4 Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Nikolay fortable than earlier during this 65 after dropping four birdies on Norway’s Suzann Pettersen. 1.5-million-euro tournament. Davydenko (RUS) 6-2, 6-2 week. AFP her front nine and another three AFP AFP Kasimpasa vs Trabzonspor (1800 FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Doha to host All Filipino Cup Nadal eases into Championship

DOHA: Four all-star Filipino basketball teams in the Gulf region will slug it out for quarter-finals supremacy in the hardcourt in the 4th GCC All Filipino Cup Championship which will be held here at Al Gharafa Sports Mexican Open: Ferrer, Almagro advance Club on April 18-19 this year. It would be another exciting event for thousands of Filipino Mexican Open results ACAPULCO, Mexico: Rafael strong without any errors. In basketball enthusiasts in the Men 2nd round Nadal eased into the quarter- the second set Martin played at region as the participating teams David Ferrer (ESP x1) bt Wayne Odesnik (USA) finals of the Mexican Open yes- a high level and made it hard to will parade the cream of the crops 6-2, 6-1 terday, continuing his comeback close it out. from their respective leagues who Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) bt Pablo Andujar (ESP) 6-4, 6-3 from the knee injury that side- “I’m happy to be in the once shone from collegiate and Fabio Fognini (ITA) bt Aljaz Bedene (SLO) 2-6, lined the 11-time Grand Slam quarter-finals.” commercial tournaments in the 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) champion for seven months. At both Vina del Mar and Sao Philippines before they became Horacio Zeballos (ARG x8) bt Daniel Gimeno (ESP) Nadal, playing in his third Paulo, Nadal was the top seed but OFWs. 6-2, 6-3 tournament in four weeks after in Acapulco he is seeded second Pinoy Basketball of Qatar Leonardo Mayer (ARG) bt Andrey Kuznetsov (RUS) his lengthy layoff, needed one behind fellow Spaniard David (PIBAQ) with an all-out support 6-2, 6-2 hour and 16 minutes to get past Ferrer. extended by Qatar Basketball Santiago Giraldo (COL) bt Joao Sousa (POR) 7-6 Argentine qualifier Martin Alund At number four in the world, Federation (QBF) will host the (10/8), 7-5 6-0, 6-4. Ferrer is currently ranked one two-day basketball tournament Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) bt Martin Alund (ARG) 6-0, 6-4 Nadal pocketed the first set in spot higher than former number which will be participated by the Nicolas Almagro (ESP x3) bt Tommy Robredo less than half an hour, saving all one Nadal and is the three-time all-star selection Filipino teams (ESP) 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) three of the break points he faced defending champion in Acapulco. from Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai Women Second round in the contest and winning 26 of Ferrer and defending wom- and host Qatar. Sara Errani (ITA x1) bt Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) his 33 first service points. en’s champion Sara Errani also Delegates from participating 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 Silvia Soler (ESP) bt Irina Begu (ROM x4) 6-1, 2-1, ret The convincing victory came booked their quarter-final berths countries have reached an agree- a fortnight after Nadal needed in this combined ATP and WTA ment to pursue the big event dur- Kiki Bertens (NED x5) bt Maria Jose Martinez Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return to Martin Alund of Argentina during Sanchez (ESP) 6-1, 6-2 three sets to get past Alund in event on Wednesday. ing a meeting at the Maharlika the semi-finals of the clay court Thirty-year-old Ferrer defeated their men’s singles match at the Acapulco International tennis tourna- President Hotel in Dubai where Francesca Schiavone (ITA x6) bt Sesil ment, yesterday. Karatantcheva (KAZ) 6-3, 6-4 tournament in Sao Paulo, where US qualifier Wayne Odesnik 6-2, the launch was held. Lourdes Dominguez Lino (ESP x7) bt Maria-Teresa Nadal went on to win his first title 6-1, while Italy’s Errani defeated Danny Vera hosted the meet- Torro (ESP) 6-4, 3-0, ret since last year’s French Open. Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard 7-6 compatriot Tommy Robredo. titles to kick-start a season that ing which were attended by the Alize Cornet (FRA x3) bt Estrella Cabeza (ESP) A week before that he fell in (7/4), 6-2. Ferrer arrived in Acapulco fresh included an ATP tour-leading participating team coaches Jhun 6-4, 6-4 the final at Vina del Mar in Chile Men’s third seed Nicolas from a victory on Sunday at seven titles. Paule (Dubai), Alex James Harrow K Knapp (ITA) bt R Oprandi (SUI x8) 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) to Horacio Zeballos. Almagro of Spain also advanced, Buenos Aires. Ferrer next faces Italian Paolo (Abu Dhabi), Dong Silastre Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP x2) bt Stephanie Foretz “The first set I played at a very rallying in the second set to finish Last season he won both the Lorenzi, a 6-4, 6-3 winner over and Rod Cleofas (Bahrain), Pat Gacon (FRA) 6-1, 6-2 high level,” Nadal said. “I started off a 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Buenos Aires and Acapulco Spain’s Pablo Andujar. AFP Carido, PIBAQ President and founding member and local spon- sor Ms Rosie Punzalan Aquino of Philippine Tailoring. Formula One Carido, who is also one of the pioneering members of Samahan Pedrosa tops final lineups Force India confirm ng Basketboll ng Pilipinas (SBP) Formula One lineups for the 2013 season in the GCC said the two-day event starting on March 17 after Force India will be an invitational tourna- Sepang MotoGP test announced Germany’s Adrian Sutil as their ment among the best Filipino Sutil for 2013 season basketball players working in the second driver yesterday: GCC region that would serve as RED BULL SEPANG, Malaysia: Honda’s despite crashing twice in the day. LONDON: Force India have team I know so well,” Sutil said an offshoot to bigger upcoming Sebastian Vettel (Germany); Dani Pedrosa set the pace yes- He was unhurt.Lorenzo’s team- chosen Adrian Sutil as one of in a statement on the Force India leagues that would be organised Mark Webber (Australia) terday, the final day of the sec- mate, nine-times world champion their main drivers for the new website. by the proposed establishment of ond MotoGP test at Sepang in Valentino Rossi, was fourth at two FERRARI Formula One season, signalling “I’m very happy and I want to Philippine Basketball Middle East Malaysia, while his new team- minutes 01.062 seconds. Fernando Alonso (Spain); a return for the German after a thank Sahara Force India for giv- (PBME). mate Marc Marquez took sec- Spain’s Alvaro Bautista on a Felipe Massa (Brazil) 12-month absence, the British- ing me a second chance. Having Already, Filipino star players ond on a slippery circuit. Honda was fifth while British MCLAREN based team confirmed yesterday. been away from the sport, I’m Roy Lura of Team Abu Dhabi and The gap between the two Yamaha rider Cal Crutchlow took Jenson Button (Britain) ; Sutil and Scotland’s Paul di even more determined to achieve Rolly Basilides of Team Dubai Spanish riders was just 0.081 sec- sixth. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Resta will now be the team’s driv- my goals in Formula One. have already led their respective onds and the pair edged out their Pedrosa, 27, who is in top form LOTUS ers for the 2013 Grand Prix sea- “Things went really well at the teams to intensive practice with traditional Yamaha rivals, Jorge and hungry for a MotoGP title, Kimi Raikkonen (Finland); son, as they were in 2011. Barcelona test last week and it less than two months left before Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi. topped the timesheets during Romain Grosjean (France) Confirmation of the driver almost feels as though I’ve never the big basketball tournament. After heavy overnight down- both test sessions this month, MERCEDES line-up came after Sutil saw been away. Team Dubai will meet Bahrain pours, top riders including apart from on Wednesday when off competition for the second “Now my focus is on making in the first match while local Nico Rosberg (Germany); Lorenzo, Pedrosa, Marquez and Lorenzo took the honours. Force India berth from reserve the most of the final test ses- host Qatar will play against Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Rossi earlier in the day had a While track conditions this driver Jules Bianchi, with the sion this week, working with the Abu Dhabi in the second match, SAUBER chance to test their bikes’ han- week were a little worse than French rookie’s agent saying in team in the simulator and get- Dubai Head Coach Jhun Paule dling on a damp track on wet- early this month, he said they Nico Hulkenberg (Germany); Paris on Wednesday his client ting myself in the best possible said: “Bahrain may have four weather tyres. allowed him to learn more about Esteban Gutierrez (Mexico) had lost out. shape for Melbourne,” added Sutil imports led by former DLSU Conditions vastly improved in the bike’s performance. FORCE INDIA Sutil, 30, drove for Spyker, as ahead of the Australian GP, next Bader Malabes but we will make the afternoon, and Pedrosa took “We did a good test overall. The Paul Di Resta (Britain); the team was then known, and month’s opening race of the new sure that it will not be an easy advantage by pushing his bike basics of the bike is quite good,” Adrian Sutil (Germany) Force India from 2007 to 2011. He season. fight and I am confident that we hard for a total of 57 laps to notch Pedrosa said. WILLIAMS competed in 90 grands prix and Force India team principal Vijay will take the championship tro- the fastest time of two minutes Pedrosa made his debut in 2006 Pastor Maldonado (Venezuela); achieved a best place of fourth Mallya said it had been tough to phy”. THE PENINSULA 00.562 seconds. but has never won a world cham- Valtteri Bottas (Finland) fourth at the Italian Grand Prix opt for Sutil over Bianchi. Lorenzo, a double MotoGP pionship for Honda, largely due TORO ROSSO in Monza in 2009. “It was a close call, but ulti- NHL results champion, came in third 0.430 to injuries. He has been runner- Daniel Ricciardo (Australia); But he lost his Force India mately we felt that Adrian’s expe- seconds off the pace. up for the MotoGP title on three Jean-Eric Vergne (France) drive last season after a convic- rience and historic links to the Montreal 5 Toronto 2 Marquez has been consistently occasions. tion for assaulting the co-owner team gave him the edge, and will CATERHAM fast since the first pre-season test Lorenzo acknowledged he of the Lotus team, Eric Lux, in a provide us with the best possible Philadelphia 4 Washington 1 Charles Pic (France); sessions at Sepang three weeks needed to improve his perform- Shanghai bar following the 2011 chance of realising our ambitions Giedo Van der Garde (Netherlands) ago. ance. “We had a problem in the Chinese GP. for the coming season,” Indian liq- Anaheim 5 Nashville 1 MARUSSIA The MotoGP rookie contin- front tyre. I had to slow down a “I’m delighted to be back in uor baron Mallya explained. Los Angeles 2 Detroit 1 ued to make impressive progress bit my pace,” he said. AFP Max Chilton (Britain); Luiz Razia (Brazil) Formula One, especially with a AFP Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee in United States Thunder roll Bangladesh CC, Al Khor on with victory over Hornets CC register close wins DOHA: Bangladesh Cricket big 201 in 25 overs. Adnan and NEW YORK: Kevin Durant Club and Al Khor Community Mohsin were the star performers landed a triple double as the Club pulled off pulsating three- for them. Adnan hammered 71, Oklahoma City Thunder run victories against their while Mohsin compiled 42. recorded a 119-74 blowout vic- respective rivals in the Qatar Mannai Club were in hot pur- tory over the outclassed New Airways Cricket Tournament suit but fumbled at the end, losing Orleans Hornets yesterday. 2013. Qatar Airways is the spon- the match by three runs. Indika, The Thunder improved to 42-15 sor of the cricket tournament Aasif and Asif all blasted half- with the win, keeping their hold which is being organised by the century each but failed to see on the second best record in the Qatar Cricket Association at off the Al Khor team’s challenge. National Basketball Association’s the West Bay Grounds. Majeed and Huga both shared (NBA) Western Conference as Batting first in the B Division four wickets. they try to chase down the lead- match, Bangladesh CC posted a Commercial Bank ‘B’ bowled ing San Antonio Spurs, who lost fighting 160 in 24 overs against and fielded well to defend their 105-101 in overtime to Phoenix to United Challengers as Shamsu modest 156 runs against Shiver drop to 45-14. Russell Westbrook (40 runs) and Misbah (36 runs) Kids Club and won the match by was the main destroyer for the played with responsibility and 15 runs. Abdul Aziz did the star Thunder with 29 points. AFP aggression. Biplov bowled a bril- turn, picking four scalps. Qasim liant spell to pick five wickets also bowled well to return two NBA results and played a big role in restrict- wickets. Christopher of the bank Detroit 96 Washington 95 ing United Challengers to 157 in team was the highest scorer of Sacramento 125 Orlando 101 24 overs to clinch the match in a the match with 36. Cleveland 103 Toronto 92 thrilling end. In other B Division matches, NY Knicks 109 Golden State 105 David (42) and Vikas (34) Iftikhar struck a superb 82 to lead Qatar Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel Team Manager Alan Johnson (centre), presents a winner’s circle hat to Memphis 90 Dallas 84 scored the highest runs for the Taj United to a big 74-run victory Hassan Al Thawadi (left), the Secretary General of the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, as Ambassador Milwaukee 110 Houston 107 losing side. Arman supported against Galfar Al Misnad Club, Patrick Theros, President of the US-Qatar Business Council, and Khalid alBalooshi, (far right), driver of the Oklahoma City 119 New Orleans 74 Biplov and grabbed three wickets. Punishers Club easily defeated Al Khor CC were involved in an More Club by three wickets and gold Qatar Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel Team, look on. Representatives of the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee Phoenix 105 San Antonio 101 even more roller-coaster match Kerala Eleven downed Q-Chem are in the United States to engage with American companies. Atlanta 102 Utah 91 against Mannai Club. Batting Club by four wickets. Denver 111 Portland 109 first, Al Khor put together a THE PENINSULA FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Peslier rides Tabarak to victory The Emir Sword Race: Mieulle-trained horse picks up the top prize of QR1.14m

DOHA: Jockey O Peslier rode Tabarak to victory in The Emir Sword Race at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) here yesterday. The A De Mieulle trained horse owned by Umm Qarn picked up the top prize of QR1.14m. Two of J Smart trained ponies, owned by H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, Rathowan and Mkeefa finished second and third in the QR2,000,000 event. For Jockey Peslier this was his fourth win of the season having finished second and third in two other races. For Peslier the biggest chal- lenge came from jockey C P Lemaire, who rode Rathowan to a place behind the leader, while jockey B Doyle riding on Mkeefa had to be contend with the third place. Lemaire’s finish yesterday was the first one of the season in the second place. He already has three third–place positions this season and one race win. For Doyle it was the third time this season he came third, he already has one win this season. The second place winner pock- eted QR44,0000, while the third The podium winners at The Emir Sword Race pose for a picture along with H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Special Adviser to the Emir, at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian place winner got QR22,0000. Club (QREC), yesterday. RIGHT: A toddler watches the action during the race. PICTURES BY: JUHAIM THE PENINSULA

Action from one of the races at Qatar Racing and Equestrian event. RIGHT: H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Special Adviser to the Emir and QREC Chairman, Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh Al Thani are seen with ActionA guestsview fromof and the otherone Grand of dignitaries the Stand the racesat theQatar prizeat Qatar Racing distribution. Racing and Equestrian and Equestrian event. event. Basketball: Eljaish edge past Al Gharafa in Heir Apparent Cup BY DANOTZKI SANTOS

DOHA: Eljaish came back strong in the home- stretch to register their second straight win in the Heir Apparent Cup Basketball at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall yesterday. The Army men registered an 76-67 win over Al Gharafa squad, who defeated Al Sadd in their first assignment a couple days back. Al Gharafa’s lead was chopped to a single bas- ket at 51-49 by the end of the third quarter from a comfortable 35-26 advantage at halftime. Coach Milan Minic’s wards went on a 12-5 ram- page in the fourth and held on to the driver’s seat until the final buzzer. Al Gharafa’s A Mohammed Bakir and Ali Turki led Army with Wako emanuel Qatar’s Abdullah Al Tamimi (left) who will compete in the Under-19 category 19 points apiece, ironically the same output as (right) and of the Qatar Junior Open is seen in this file picture of March 1, 2012. The with Gharafa’s scoring duo of Earl Calvin Cage El Jaish’s Qatar Junior Open begins today at the Khalifa International Tennis and and Robin OmondiAmoke. Mohammed Squash Complex. Al Gharafa, who went down to a 1-1 card, are Bakir in action expected to bounce back against Al Ahli in their during their Heir next outing while Eljaish should gun for their Apparent Cup third win versus Al Sadd to avoid complica- Squash: Qatar Junior match at the Al tions of a three-way tie going into the cross-over Gharafa Indoor semi-finals. Hall yesterday. In the second match, Al Sadd notched their first win in the league as they clobbered a hapless Open begins today Al Ahli, 90-75, and are on a make-or-break situ- ation when they battle Army in their last assign- PICTURE BY: ABDUL DOHA: The five-day Qatar categories. The Qatar Junior ment in the single round-robin eliminations. BASIT Junior Open squash tournament Open will be followed by Doha The reigning Qatar Men’s League champions will commence from today, the Junior Open which will be held drew a balanced performance from its first five Qatar Squash Federation (QSF) from March 6 to 10. this time, who all came out with double digit informed here yesterday. Competitions will be held in the scores led by Saad Abdulrahman with 19 points. The event to be held at the Under-19, U-17, U-15, U-13 and Alpha Bangura led Ahli’s losing cause with 29 Khalifa International Squash U-11 categories in both events. points. Complex will end on March 5. A player can enter in only one Matches in Group continue today at the Al The event is an Asian Squash age category. Qatar’s Abdullah Al Gharafa Indoor Arena with Al Rayyan seeing Federation Junior Super Series Tamimi, who will compete in both action against Wakra in the first game at 5:00 Silver event and a World Squash the events, leads the hosts chal- pm. Federation (WSF) World Junior lenge in the events. Heir Apparent Cup defending champions Al Circuit event organized by QSF. Players from Pakistan, Iraq, Sri Arabi and Qatar Sports Club, who are tied at 1-0, Participants will receive WSF Lanka and Malaysia will be seen go separate ways after their main game battle ranking points in Under-19 and in action in the U-19 category. which starts at 7:00 pm. THE PENINSULA ASF ranking points in all other THE PENINSULA FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 BREAK TIME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 CINEMA LISTINGS TV LISTINGS Zila Ghaziabad (Hindi) SHOWING AT VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER 1 – 2.30, 5.15, 8.00 & 10.45pm TEL: 444933989 444517001 Mohema Fi Film Kadeem 13:40 One Man Army 13:15 Ray Mears’ (2D/Arabic) – 3.00pm 14:35 Border Security Wild Britain Aadhi Bhagavan (2D/Tamil) 15:05 Auction Kings 14:10 Animal Cops 2 16:00 Will: Family Houston – 5.00 & 10.30pm Secrets Revealed 15:05 Animal Precinct MALL Identity Thief (2D/Crime) 16:55 Wheeler 16:00 Really Wild Show CINEMA – 8.00pm Dealers 16:30 Dogs 101 Top Cat: The Movie 17:50 Mythbusters 17:25 Pandamonium (3D/Animation) – 2.30pm 18:45 American Guns 18:20 Bad Dog Parker (2D/Action) 19:40 Factory Line 19:15 Monkey Life 3 20:05 How It’s Made 19:40 Wild Africa – 4.30 & 9.00pm 20:35 Auction Kings Rescue Silent Hill Revelation 21:00 Auction 20:35 Escape To (3D/Horror) – 7.00 & 11.15pm Hunters Chimp Eden Top Cat: The Movie 21:30 Fast N’ Loud 21:05 Wildest Latin (3D/Animation) – 2.15pm 22:25 Jesse James America Identity Thief (2D/Crime) Outlaw Garage 22:00 Deadly Waters 23:20 American 22:55 Whale Wars: – 4.00pm Chopper Viking Shores 1 Parker (2D/Action) – 5.45 & 9.30pm ROYAL Silent Hill Revelation (3D/Horror) – 7.45 & 11.30pm PLAZA Lokpal (Malayalam) 13:00 Monster Fish 13:20 Austin And Ally 2 – 2.30, 5.15, 8.00 & 10.45pm 14:00 The Living Edens 13:45 Art Attack Ghost Rider: Spirit of 16:00 Shell Shocked 14:10 A.N.T. Farm 17:00 Kingdom of The 14:35 Suite Life On Vengeance (3D/Fantasy) Oceans Deck 3 – 3.00 & 5.00pm 19:00 Ultimate Animal 15:25 Shake It Up My Boss (Malayalam) Countdown 16:40 A.N.T Farm – 7.30 & 10.30pm 20:00 The Living Edens 17:00 Avalon High Mohema Fi Film Kadeem 21:00 Dive To Tiger 18:25 Prank Stars (2D/Arabic) – 3.00 & 5.00pm Central 20:00 Jessie 09:00 Total Italian Football 08:00 News 22:00 Jaguar: Catching 20:30 That’s So Raven Identity Thief (2D/Crime) 10:00 Fa Cup Everton V 09:00 Al Jazeera World the Cat (aka 21:40 Hannah Montana 1 – 7.00pm Oldham 10:00 News Hunt for the 22:30 Good Luck Argo (2D/Drama) – 9.00pm 11:45 Rugby 6 Nations 10:30 Inside Story Shadow Charlie Scotland V Ireland 11:00 News 23:00 The Unlikely 23:20 Wizards Of Parker (2D/Action) – 11.00pm 13:30 Atp Tennis Magazine 11:30 The Stream Leopard Waverly Place Top Cat: The Movie 14:00 English Sports News 12:00 News 14:15 Copa Libertadores 12:30 101 East (3D/Animation) – 2.30 & 4.30pm Corinthians V 13:00 NEWSHOUR Parker (2D/Action) – 6.30pm Millionairios 14:00 News 2 Identity Thief (2D/Crime) 16:00 Basketball Nba 14:30 Inside Story LANDMARK Minnesota V La 15:00 Revolution Through 12:00 The Winning 13:15 Olentzero And – 9.00pm Lakers Arab Eyes Season The Magic Log Silent Hill Revelation 18:00 English Sports News 16:00 NEWSHOUR 14:00 Below The 14:45 Cher Ami (3D/Horror) – 11.15pm 18:15 Special – The Movis 17:00 News Beltway 16:15 The Apple & The I, Me aur Main (2D/Hindi) 19:15 Total Italian Football 17:30 The Stream 16:00 The Marc Pease Worm – 2.30pm 19:45 German Cup 18:00 NEWSHOUR Experience- 18:00 Barnyard The Attacks of 26/11 (2D/Hindi) Offenbacher V 19:00 News PG15 20:00 Looney Tunes: Wolfsburg 19:30 Earthrise 18:00 Smooch Back In Action – 4.30 & 11.15pm 3 21:30 Uefa Champions 20:00 News 20:00 Take Me Home 22:00 Olentzero And Romans (2D/Malayalam) League Magazine 20:30 Inside Story Tonight The Magic Log – 6.45pm 22:00 The Global Game 21:00 NEWSHOUR 22:00 Paul 23:30 The Apple & The Silent Hill Revelation 23:00 Football Asia 22:00 News Worm (3D/Horror) – 9.30pm 23:30 Cesc Fabregas 22:30 South2North Special 23:00 The Cafe

HYPER C RSO S W O RD

12345 6789101112131415161718 2 ___ toad 52 Sharpener residue

19 20 21 22 3 Cold look 56 Sun Devils’ sch. 4 Grab bag 58 Screw up 23 24 25 5 Moved on wheels, as a 59 Actually 26 27 28 movie 64 Words said with a shrug 29 30 31 32 33 34 camera 67 Tiki bar order

35 36 37 38 39 40 6 Afraid 68 Medit. state 7 Et ___ 69 Suffix with robot 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 8 Regal letters 70 Grp. concerned with 49 50 51 52 53 54 9 Opposite of sans courses 55 56 57 58 59 60 10 Practical school, for short 71 Playground retort

61 62 63 64 11 Uncle ___ 72 Volunteer 12 Pennies are small ones 74 Cabinet member: Abbr. 65 66 67 68 69 13 Staples of action scenes 76 Parisian business partner, 70 71 72 73 74 14 Poetic contraction maybe 75 76 77 78 79 15 Humorless 77 Squeeze (in)

80 81 82 83 84 85 16 Decorative piece of George 78 “___ Nagila” (Hebrew folk Yesterday’s answer Harrison tour equipment? song) 86 87 88 89 90 17 Ball’s partner 81 Site of the College World How to play Hyper Sudoku: 91 92 93 94 95 18 Spring, summer, fall and Series 84 Cornea neighbor A Hyper Sudoku Puzzle is solved by filling the numbers from 1 to 9 into the blank cells. A Hyper 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 winter, e.g. 21 Big suit 88 RR stop Sudoku has unlike Sudoku 13 regions (four regions overlap with the nine standard regions). In all 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 regions the numbers from 1 to 9 can appear only once. Otherwise, a Hyper Sudoku is solved like 24 Stale 90 Didn’t shrink from the 111 112 113 114 challenge a normal Sudoku. 28 Eyes 115 116 117 31 Grade school subj. 92 1990s war site 94 Member of the prosecutor’s 118 119 120 121 33 Play opener office: Abbr. How to play Kakuro: 34 Wishing undone 95 Fyodor Karamazov, for one The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any 35 Restrains 96 Advil rival size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells ACROSS 69 Her: Ger. 36 Boo ___, recluse in “To Kill like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, 1 “This can’t be happening!” 70 “Independence Day” fleet a Mockingbird” 97 U.S.S. ___, first battleship to become a state shrine some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some 6 Apple’s instant-messaging program 71 Singer DiFranco 37 Forster’s “___ With a 98 ZaSu of film cells will contain two numbers. 11 Headquartered 72 Brewery sights View” 100 Peewee slugger’s sport However, in a crossword the numbers reference 16 Anatomical pouch 73 South American shrubs with potent 38 Crucifix letters 101 Tree-lined walk clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! 19 Spanish fowl leaves 39 Unlikely response to 102 Kooky They denote the total of the digits in the row or 20 Headquarters 75 T-shirt sizes, in short “Sprechen Sie Deutsch?” 105 Permanently mark column referenced by the number. 22 Inquire about private matters 76 Destroyers of les forêts? 41 Actress Drescher 106 Japanese drama Within each 23 Lewis and Clark expedition, for the 79 Glide 42 Chart showing highs and lows 107 Gists collection of cells 1800s? 80 Aplenty 43 Paintings of Marilyn 108 Rights org. - called a run - any 25 “Monsters, ___” 82 Surgeon’s procedure 26 Student 83 Super ___ (game console) Monroe, Che Guevara and 110 Year Boris Godunov was of the numbers 1 the like? 27 Elite group, with “the” 85 Minute fraction of a min. born to 9 may be used 45 Rests 28 Like some exams 86 Cave dwellers 112 Broadband letters but, like sudoku, 47 Shoe insert 29 Turn red, say 87 Menu option 113 Be behind each number may 48 Grown-up eft 30 “___ you!” (“Just try it!”) 89 Upbeat 114 Witch only be used once. 51 Anesthetic gas 32 Search the heavens 91 Chocolate substitute Yesterday’s 35 Spoiler of a parade for Ahmadinejad? 93 What a family court judge enforces? answer 40 Racing boat 96 Where sharks are in their food chain UPDRAFTS AP I CAL 41 Charlie Brown’s curly-haired pal 99 Plant ___ of doubt SEEABOVE POCONO 44 January birthstone 100 Glimpsed à la Tweety Bird ATMCARDS POET IC 46 Attaches with string 103 Luke’s princess sister BRU I SERS THRESH Sherman’s Lagoon by Jim Toomey 49 Like most city blocks: Abbr. 104 Yellowish-brown LORNE A ID S I REN 50 Parisian possessive 109 Convert, as metal into a melt? ELSE AMORE NI TE 53 Andrea ___ (lost ship) 111 Prefix with skeleton 54 Like some kicks 112 Admonishment at a Surrealist JEANJACKETS 55 “___ From Hawaii,” 1973 Elvis museum? SPADES TOSSES album 115 Delivery means THEODOREREX 57 Top butcher’s title? 116 “West Side Story” fight scene prop EARN PAL IN ABCS 60 Pull 117 More awesome, to a rapper PLOTS GMT EGRET 61 WXY buttons 118 Slalom figure FASCES BATPHONE 62 Sultan’s group 119 Lab holder? 63 Santa Barbara-to-Las Vegas dir. 120 Darling ONTAPE AL I CANTE 64 Blemish 121 Like many mosaics UGARTE R I POSTED 65 Hosiery shade REREAD KNOTTERS 66 “Climb ___ Mountain” DOWN ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE 67 ___ en scène (stage setting) 1 Went (for) FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Quarries of lights

Fajr (Dawn) 4:41 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:57 Zuhr (Noon) 11:46 Asr (Afternoon) 3:05 Maghrib (Sunset) 5:35 Isha (Night) 7:07

WEATHER

Today Saturday Sunday Weather Conditions: Clear Clear Partly cloudy Slightly cloudy with dust. High: 27° High: 27° High: 29° Low: 17° Low: 21° Low: 20°

DOHA - SUN & SEA SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 05:58 17:33 07:00 19:45 00:45 13:15 05-15/20 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER

MUSCAT 26/20 Partly cloudy 27/20 Partly cloudy MAKKAH 31/22 Clear 32/21 Clear KUWAIT 25/17 Chance of rain 24/18 Chance of rain BAHRAIN 25/20 Clear 26/21 Clear People look at an audio-visual show projected on the walls of the “Carrieres de Lumieres” site (Quarries of lights) in the southern French city of SANAA 28/10 Clear 29/10 Clear Les Baux-de-Provence, yesterday. RIYADH 31/18 Partly cloudy 31/18 Partly cloudy DUBAI 29/20 Partly cloudy 30/20 Clear BAGHDAD 22/11 Partly cloudy 23/12 Partly cloudy

THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW Pessimists live longer than optimists: Study HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER BERLIN: Older people who look mortality risk or are more likely future lead longer and healthier where the same people belonging ATHENS 12/08 Clear 14/09 Partly cloudy on the darker side of life tend to to develop physical health prob- lives than those who believe their to three different age groups were WASHINGTON 08/00 Chance of rain 05/-1 Partly cloudy live longer than optimists, who lems, the DIW think-tank said. future is rosy,” DIW said. asked every year to assess their SYDNEY 22/18 Rain 20/19 Chance of rain in turn face an increased risk “It is possible that a pessimis- The study was conducted current level of life satisfaction LONDON 07/-2 Chance of rain 07/00 Partly cloudy of illness and mortality, a new tic outlook leads elderly people to by a team from the Friedrich and how contented they expected PARIS 06/00 Mostly cloudy 05/00 Mostly cloudy study by a German research look after themselves and their Alexander University of Erlangen- to be in five years. ISTANBUL 08/02 Partly cloudy 10/03 Partly cloudy institute found yesterday. health better and take greater Nuernberg, the Berlin-based DIW Over the 10-year period the MANILA 34/22 Partly cloudy 34/23 Partly cloudy Researchers in Germany and precautions against risks,” said as well as Humboldt University researchers checked with each DHAKA 32/17 Clear 33/18 Clear Switzerland found that older one of the researchers, Frieder in Berlin and the University of participant six times whether DELHI 24/12 Clear 25/12 Clear people who believe their life sat- Lang. “It seems that older peo- Zurich. their expected level of satisfaction isfaction will be above average in ple who have a low expectation They analysed long-term data tallied with reality five years on. ISLAMABAD 21/09 Clear 24/12 Clear future face a 10-percent higher of how contented they will be in compiled between 1993 and 2003 AFP

US singer to test survival Steven Spielberg to head Cannes jury HOLLYWOOD: Steven However, he won his last Oscar the risky shark thriller Jaws, List, based on a true story about Spielberg (pictured), named for best director 14 years ago for which entered into pop culture a German businessman who pro- skills in Arctic head of the Cannes Film Saving Private Ryan, and despite lore and launched the tradition of tected Jews during the Holocaust. Festival jury on Wednesday, is repeated nominations, he has the summer blockbuster. After some less successful NASHVILLE: American a Hollywood legend and one of fallen short of his earlier award- A string of mega-successes projects, Spielberg co-founded country singer Craig Morgan modern cinema’s most influen- winning success. followed: Close Encounters of the the DreamWorks SKG studio in calls himself a survivalist, and tial filmmakers — even if his Born in the eastern US state of Third Kind (1977); Raiders of the 1994 along with former Disney he is in for a frigid challenge at awards glory has faded of late. Ohio in December 1946 and raised Lost Ark (1981), with Harrison president Jeffrey Katzenberg and an upcoming sled dog expedi- The 66-year-old was named to in Arizona, Spielberg is the oldest Ford as Indiana Jones; Poltergeist music producer David Geffen, a tion in the Scandinavian arctic. the prestigious post days after of four children born to a Jewish and E.T. in 1982; and the dinosaur move that reversed his fortunes Morgan, a Tennessee native his second disappointing awards engineer and a musician mother. epic Jurassic Park (1993). with a string of hits. who is best known for hits That’s season in two years, with his top- By the age of 12, he had made He began producing movies His 2011 comic book adaptation What I Love About Sunday and tipped drama Lincoln going home his first movie, an eight-minute with E.T. but came into his own Tintin won an Oscar nomination Redneck Yacht Club, said he with only two Oscars out of 12 Western called The Last Gun, in the field after he produced for its music. could not pass up an invitation nominations last weekend. which the future mogul financed the 1985 blockbuster Back to He followed that with Wa r to test his survival skills in the So it will come as a welcome with proceeds from a tree-plant- the Future, soon becoming one Horse — which was nominated annual Fjaellraeven Polar sled dog honour to be selected to help ing business. of Hollywood’s richest and most for six Oscars but won zero — expedition. choose this year’s Palme d’Or at Two years later, he had made who taught cinematic techniques, powerful movie moguls. and then Lincoln, which lost to “I’ve jumped out of airplanes, the world’s top film festival, to be two more films, a war movie and and when he was 22, Universal His estimated net worth is Ben Affleck’s Argo for best film been on scuba trips, and I was held on the French Rivieria from another in which he spliced World gave him a seven-year contract $3.2bn, according to Forbes and Ang Lee for best director at just in the Bahamas in a cage with May 15 to 26. War II newsreel footage of planes making television shows after his magazine. the 85th Academy Awards last sharks,” Morgan, 48, told Reuters. Spielberg has directed more together with film he had taken at short film, Amblin, won a prize. But alongside his action-packed Sunday. “Still, this is pretty extreme in my than 50 films in his five-decade his local airport — his first special He made the classic TV sus- blockbusters, Spielberg has also His upcoming projects include book.” career, including pop culture effects. pense movie Duel in 1971, the made several movies that were teaming up with Ford again on The harrowing 330-km dog- touchstones such as Jaws, E.T., After leaving school, story of a travelling salesman close to his heart, including Indiana Jones 5, said already to led adventure from the frozen Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park. Spielberg went to university being pursued by a psychopath Schindler’s List; The Color Purple be in the works, according to the mountains of Norway to Sweden His movies — a canny mix of near Los Angeles but dropped in a truck, which was so well (1985), with Whoopi Goldberg IMDb industry website. takes place from April 9 to 13 big-budget, effects-laden block- out and began hanging around received that it was released in and Oprah Winfrey; Amistad Spielberg is married to actress and promises to teach ordinary busters and intensely personal Hollywood’s Universal Studios, theatres. (1997), about the slave trade; and Kate Capshaw, with whom he people how to last through sub- projects — have raked in over where he became a tour guide. His career took off and he 2005’s Munich. has five children, and he also has zero temperatures and lashing $4bn at the box office, according After sneaking onto sets, he became a household name in 1975 Spielberg secured his first best another child with his first wife, Arctic winds. to Boxofficemojo. was spotted by a screenwriter with his second big-screen movie, director Oscar for Schindler’s Amy Irving. AFP Morgan, who will learn how to handle sled dogs along with 20 other participants, will also bring along the camera crew Paris fashion from his reality show Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors on the Outdoors Channel to chronicle the ‘Great Train Robbery’ mastermind dies expedition. “I had not heard about this LONDON: The mastermind behind equivalent to about 25 years in prison for the event before I was asked to par- Britain’s “Great Train Robbery”, a £40m in today’s money. train heist, of which he ticipate,” said Morgan, who will 1963 heist that turned its perpetrators Train driver Jack served just 10. bring along his son, Kyle. into celebrities, has died aged 81, local Mills was struck over Reynolds later found “Once they asked me I said, media reported yesterday. the head during the fame as an author after ‘Absolutely,’” he added. “I’m a sur- Bruce Reynolds (pictured) died in robbery. He died seven penning his memoirs titled vivalist; anytime I get the oppor- his sleep at his home in London after a years later and many Autobiography of a Thief tunity to test my survival skills I period of ill health, reports from news people believed the inju- and became a consultant jump at it.” media which included the BBC said, cit- ries he sustained during on a crime film. On his TV show, Morgan tests ing comments from Reynolds’s son, Nick. the heist contributed to His accomplice Ronnie his survival instincts in situations His death comes just months before his death. Biggs achieved similar such as skydiving and aerial bow the 50th anniversary of the “Great Train Most of the gang were notoriety after he escaped fishing. Robbery”, that was at the time Britain’s caught and given prison from the prison where he Morgan, a US Army veteran largest robbery. sentences totalling more was serving a 30-year jail whose only prior sub-zero expe- In August 1963, Reynolds, along with than 300 years but sentence for his part in the riences include stays in Korea an 11-member gang, tampered with rail- Reynolds evaded cap- robbery. and blustery Iowa, said he looks way track signals and stopped a Royal ture, fleeing Britain with Biggs spent 36 years forward to learning how to work Mail night train travelling from Glasgow his wife and son. He spent five years as a on the run, leading a playboy life- with the sled dogs. “I love dogs, A model presents a creation for Balmain dur- to London carrying letters parcels and fugitive in places as far afield as Canada style in South America, before finally have dogs of my own, but these ing the Fall/Winter 2013-2014 ready-to-wear large amounts of cash. and Mexico. surrendering to British police in dogs are completely different,” collection show, in Paris, yesterday. Reynolds and his men stormed the On his return to Britain, Reynolds 2001. Biggs was freed in 2009 on he said. REUTERS train and made off with £2.6m ($3.93m), was caught by police and sentenced to health grounds. REUTERS