ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED NEWSPAPER

Wednesday 21 November 2012 7 Muharram 1434 - Volume 17 Number 5525 Price: QR2

Qtel signs Messi nets two $500m Islamic as Barca reach financing deal last sixteen

Business | 17 Sport | 28

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Emir opens new Qapco plant QR319,000 collected QR2.3bn facility can produce 300,000 metric tonnes of LDPE in fines from smokers

BY SATISH KANADY DOHA: Long criticised for During the latest anti-tobacco non-existent enforcement of campaign of the SCH, how- DOHA: Reinforcing Qatar’s anti-smoking law, Qatar’s pub- ever, what is surprising is that position as a major petrochemi- lic health authorities have no ‘sheesha’ outlet has been cals producer and exporter, swung into action and handed raided by its inspectors and no the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad out fines to some 829 people so fines have been handed out to bin Khalifa Al Thani launched far this year for lighting up in users to ‘sheesha’ addicts, who, Qatar Petrochemical Company’s public places. understandably, also include an (QAPCO) new state-of-the-art, And the fines the health increasing number of women and third low-density polyethyl- inspectors collected from the children. ene plant (LDPE 3), at a high- violators totalled an impressive The current anti-tobacco law profile ceremony in Mesaieed QR319,000 — which means that is described by anti-smoking Industrial City yesterday. on average a smoker caught paid activists as weak and lacking The opening ceremony was QR385 in fine. teeth as the punitive measures attended by ministers and other The places raided by the provided for are not deterring dignitaries, including the Minister inspectors included popular enough. of Energy and Industry H E Dr hangouts like the City Centre, Official figures suggest Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, The Mall, Villaggio, Hyatt Plaza, that some 16 percent of the Chairman of the Administrative Landmark and Royal Plaza, Qatari population is addicted Control and Transparency among others. to smoking, and that includes Authority H E Abdullah bin Interestingly, the health ‘sheesha’ as well. Hamad Al Attiyah and senior inspectors didn’t spare govern- School students aren’t immune. executives from QAPCO’s share- ment offices, including ministry A survey has recently been con- holders, Industries Qatar and buildings, and raided them as well ducted by public health authori- Total. and caught violators. ties to determine the extent to The QR2.3bn new facility puts Responsible for ensuring a which smoking is prevalent in the nation at the centre of the smoke-free Qatar, the Supreme schools. global petrochemicals industry. Council of Health (SCH) said in Its findings are expected to At peak capacity, the facility will The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani inaugurated yesterday the third low density polyethylene plant a release yesterday that inspec- help the SCH come up with be able to produce 300,000 metric (LDPE 3) of Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO) at the Mesaieed Industrial City. The opening ceremony tors from its anti-tobacco unit ways that are effective enough tonnes of low density polyethyl- was attended by the Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Chairman of the conducted 1,330 raids between in fighting this menace among ene per year. Combined with Administrative Control and Transparency Authority H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, and Speaker of the Advisory January and mid-November this youngsters. QAPCO’s existing LDPE facili- Council H E Mohammad bin Mubarak Al Khulaifi. year at public places where smok- The authorities have recently ties, this pushes up the country’s ing is banned. made it mandatory for cigarette output to 700,000 metric tonnes metric tonnes of LDPE per year; 12.7m man-hours with no loss everything from packaging films, The SCH has reiterated in its packets being sold in the local of LDPE per annum. thus increasing QAPCO’s annual time recorded. agricultural film, extrusion and release it would intensify moni- market to carry graphic images Currently, QAPCO’s manufac- production of LDPE to 700,000 Designed to exploit QAPCO’s coating lamination film, high clar- toring and conduct more raids, of deadly ailments smoking can turing facilities consist of an 800 metric tonnes per annum. available surplus feedstock com- ity film, injection molding, pipes, especially as many violators were cause, but its impact on the prev- KTPA (kilo-tonne per annum) LDPE 3 also meets the strin- ing from its other facilities, cables, wires, and other related caught in shops located closer to alence of smoking in the country ethylene plant, a 70 KTPA sul- gent environmental standards as LDPE 3’s products will be sold in products. schools. is yet to be assessed. fur processing facility, and two set forth by Qatar’s Ministry of international markets under the “With the launching of LDPE The SCH campaign assumes Some youngsters, instead of existing LDPE plants with total Environment. No run-off flows brand name ‘Lotrene’ – a name 3 and plans to develop other pet- significance as it comes ahead of kicking the habit, have begun production capacity of 400 KTPA. into the clear waters off the customer’s associate with quality rochemical plants, Qatar is set to a law that is reported to be on buying small steel — and some- And after LDPE 3 came fully coast of Mesaieed, and addition- and excellence. join the exclusive club of major the anvil, and, which many expect, times silver — boxes so they could online, that is designed to take ally, heat produced at the plant QAPCO’s industrial clients petrochemical producers and could see the mushrooming ‘shee- shift the cigarettes from what advantage of the company’s excess is recycled for heating and power. will benefit from the facilities’ exporters”, the energy minister sha’ joints, especially in residen- is a repulsive looking pack to a ethylene feedstock, it will be able Safety regulations were especially premium low density polyeth- said. THE PENINSULA tial localities and near schools, fancy case. to produce an additional 300,000 adhered to, with a milestone ylene, the raw material used in See also page 17 close down. THE PENINSULA

Rains lash parts of Qatar Gaza ceasefire hinges Anti-software piracy hotline on Israeli approval DOHA: The anti-software piracy department has set up a hotline to receive complaints JERUSALEM: Gaza mili- Izzat Al Rishq tweeted. of suspected violations of the tants said yesterday they were Egypt — its new Islamic law that bans piracy of compu- awaiting Israeli approval of government now seen as the ter and other software. People a Cairo-brokered truce to Palestinians’ main protector can contact 44842274 to pass their seven-day conflict as US — also initially said the Israeli on information about pirated Secretary of State Hillary “aggression” would end within computer software as well as Clinton arrived in the region to hours. pirated films and DVDs and make an urgent push for peace. But Egyptian President CDs for action. The number The emerging signs of a deal Mohammed Mursi’s spokes- belongs to Qatar’s Intellectual to end seven days of violence man later toned down that opti- Property Rights (IPR) Centre. that have claimed the lives of 136 mism by explaining that Cairo The hotline has been set up as Palestinians came as the Israeli “hopes there will be a settlement part of the Center’s concerted army confirmed its first two fatal- soon.” efforts to crackdown on soft- ities from rocket attacks while Israeli television also cited ware piracy, including sales of another missile landed harmlessly local diplomatic sources as say- pirated film and song DVDs and just south of Jerusalem. ing that a truce announcement CDs, among other things. Optimistic negotiators had would probably have to wait at THE PENINSULA initially said that a deal could be least until today. announced in Cairo later yester- The bloodshed meanwhile day following days of negotiations showed no signs of abating as 61 injured in brokered by an Egyptian govern- the military pressed on with its ment that is keen to make sure bombardment of northern Gaza Cairo clashes the unrest does not spill over to positions from which most of its volatile Sinai territory. the militants’ rockets have been A porta cabin stands on waterlogged ground off Wakra Road yesterday. Many parts of Qatar experienced CAIRO: At least 61 people have “There will be a joint press launched. showers accompanied by thunder and strong winds yesterday morning. The weather today is expected to been injured in skirmishes in conference between Hamas and The Israelis for their part lost be ‘fine to partly cloudy’, the Meteorology Department said. (SYED OMAR) central Cairo that extended Islamic Jihad and the Egyptian two soldiers to rocket attacks that See also page 2 into yesterday after police and mediators tonight to announce continued unabated for the sev- protesters clashed during the the truce,” an Islamic Jihad enth day. anniversary of lethal street source said in Gaza City. A Hamas The army said nearly 800 rock- violence between activists and source separately confirmed the ets have hit Israeli territory since security forces. announcement. the worst outbreak of Gaza vio- Friends of Syria to meet in Morocco on Dec 12 Activists called the protest But Hamas later said in a lence in four years broke out last on Monday to put pressure on statement that Israel had still not Wednesday. RABAT: The Friends of Syria Syrian people’ will take place on due to take place in October, fol- President Mohammed Mursi responded to the Palestinian pro- The incessant Israeli bombing group which supports the oppo- December 12 in Marrakesh,” the lows previous meetings of the to punish those responsible for posal as of 22:00pm (2000 GMT). killed another 26 Palestinians sition is to meet in the southern ministry said. group in Tunis, Istanbul and killings and abuses during the No agreement has been reached yesterday in attacks that also Moroccan city of Marrakesh on Diplomatic sources in Rabat Paris, bringing together senior rule of the generals who assumed until now and it might not hap- claimed the lives of two camera- December 12, the foreign minis- said US Secretary of State Hillary officials from countries support- power after Hosni Mubarak pen tonight. All options are open. men of the Hamas-owned Al-Aqsa try announced yesterday. Clinton would be among those ing the opposition to President was toppled by an uprising in Our people and the resistance are TV station. AFP “The fourth ministerial meet- attending. Bashar Al Assad. AFP February 2011. ready for anything,” Hamas leader See also page 7 ing of the ‘group of friends of the The meeting, which had been See also page 10 See also page 10 WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Emir, Heir Apparent send messages Rains lash of condolence to Egyptian president many parts No road closures for DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have sent cables of condolences to the Egyptian President Dr Mohammed Mursi of country on the death of his sister. climate change meet The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem DOHA: Thunderstorms bin Jabor Al Thani has also sent a similar cable to the Egyptian president. lashed some parts of Presidential spokesman Yasser Ali on Monday said that Mursi’s sister the country yesterday, Fatma passed away at the age of 58. The Egyptian president’s sister battled while many other areas Free shuttle service to operate from 32 hubs in Doha cancer for 10 years and her health deteriorated in the past few months. received scattered rains. She was hospitalised at the A-Zagazig University Hospital. QNA Heavy rains accompa- DOHA: No roads in the city nied by thunder and strong will be closed for the UN winds were reported from Climate Change Conference - areas including Al Sailiya, COP18/CMP8 - that begins here Al Murra, Mesaeed, Al on November 26, except those Wakra and Nasiriyah. No immediately within the vicinity further rains are expected of the venue, the Qatar National today, according to the Convention Center, organisers Meteorology Department. said yesterday. Scattered rains were Traffic in the city is expected reported from Al Shamal, to increase during the conference, Dukhan, Abu Hamour that would bring in about 17,000 and parts of the Industrial delegates from across the world. Area. Vehicles will need a special per- The showers that mit to drive to the venue and this started at around 10am permit will be given primarily to left many low-lying areas cars carrying ministerial level inundated. The Traffic delegations and limited to one car Department through its per delegation. Twitter account advised All other accredited partici- people visiting Sealine to pants must use the free shuttle drive cautiously due to service, which will operate from “heavy rains”. 32 hubs set up around the city. “This was the heaviest “The majority of participants rains I have seen this year. will travel around the city on a It started as a drizzle and fleet of buses, while the UN has gathered force turning to a permitted each delegation from torrent, accompanied with the 194 nations attending COP18/ thunder and strong winds. CMP8 the use of only one car to The showers continued for travel to the conference,” said cop18.qa/en-us/participantinfo/ QNCC, the Doha Exhibition nearly half an hour,” said a Alanoud Al Meghaisib, the head transport.aspx Centre and the Corniche, the resident of Sailiya. of the Accommodation, Transport Education City, located near committee said. A motorist driving and Volunteers department of the the QNCC, will be closed on The COP18/CMP8 team is through the Mesaieed- Al Organising Sub-Committee for November 26, the opening day working closely with Ashghal, Wakra road said he could COP18/CMP8. of the conference, to help ease Public Works Authority and see puddles of water in In place of cars, organisers congestion. Traffic Department to ensure many low-lying areas. A have put in place a system of People have been advised to that everything runs smoothly cloudy weather blanketed free, efficient buses throughout carefully plan their trips and try and to minimise traffic issues the city throughout the the city that will transport offi- to avoid the busiest areas, espe- should they arise. day. The weather today cial delegates, including the top cially in the peak hours - from The organising committee has is expected to be “fine to level organisers, to and from the 6.30am to 8am, 12.30pm to 2pm also advised people travelling partly cloudy”, accord- QNCC. and from 4pm to 6pm. around Doha to share cars as way ing to the Meteorology A map and details of the shut- Areas that could witness heavy to cut down traffic. Department. Temperature tle service can be viewed at www. traffic during the conference are THE PENINSULA in Doha would hover between 20 to 26 degrees Celsius. The northwesterly winds would blow at speeds ranging from five to 18km. THE PENINSULA SFS-Q hosts breast cancer fund-raiser DOHA: Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar (SFS-Q) recently hosted the second Breast Cancer Fund- raiser, in the SFS-Q Atrium organised by the Women’s Society and Development Club (WSDC) The breast cancer fund-raiser was held to support cancer patients, raise awareness and to engage the community in becom- ing part of this noble cause. In just four hours donations reached QR41,000 which was col- lected by a representative of the Qatar National Cancer Society (QNC). “We need more events Visitors at the SFS-Q Atrium during the breast cancer fund-raiser. like this to raise awareness of Breast Cancer in Qatar, and we hope this occasion will inspire participants were very happy to entrepreneurs participants. others to take action and for take part in the fund-raiser and Zarqa Parvez, Founder of women in Qatar to take prevent- responded quickly, making gener- WSDC concluded, “We hope that ative measures against Breast ous donations. WSDC in Georgetown will con- Cancer” said Ghada Al Subaey, The event was festive and tinue to commit to this cause Founder of WSDC. spread hope as students, friends, and become more effective each SFS-Q students and members families and faculty all took year. WSDC is planning more of WSDC, Ghada Al Subaey, Zarqa part and made donations. In a events and projects dedicated to Parvez, Khawla Al Derbasti, Al lovely coincidence the influential youth and women’s development. Maha Al Hammad and Mashael Arab media personality Muna We hope that people continue to Al Malki organised the event Abu Sulyman visited the fund- come to our events and help us in and reached out to different bou- raiser and praised the organisa- our goal to ‘Inspire, Dream and tiques and vendors in Doha. The tion and the number of women Achieve’.” THE PENINSULA

WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Ambassador hosts dinner Qatar Airways first 787 commercial service begins Doha - Dubai becomes Dreamliner’s debut route

DOHA: Qatar Airways yester- day began commercial services of its new Boeing 787 aircraft with Doha – Dubai becoming the Dreamliner’s debut route. The state-of-the-art aircraft is being deployed on four daily rotations between the two cities. Flight QR106 took off from Doha International Airport at 0800 hrs Ambassador of Pakistan, Muhammad Sarfraz A Khanzada, hosted a dinner at his residence in honour of Defence for the one hour journey to Dubai. Minister of Pakistan, Naveed Qamar, and Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee, Gen Khalid Shamim Wynne. The 787 services to and from Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani and Abdul Basit Al Shabi were also present. Naveed Qamar and Gen Khalid the UAE will target peak travel Shamim Wynne were in Doha in connection with the ‘Ferocious Falcon’ military exercise and a seminar for times in a combination of morn- Qatar Airways first 787 Dreamliner preparing to take off to Dubai. senior commanders and Chiefs of Staff. ing, afternoon and night flights to Dubai. The new operation comes less than a week after the aircraft’s delivery flight from Seattle to Doha–Dubai Boeing 787 Dreamliner schedule Combating software piracy will Doha, , where it has since spent a few days positioned at Doha Doha (DOH) to Dubai (DXB) – Daily International Airport giving staff help generate new jobs: Official an opportunity to tour the air- QR102 Depart Doha at 0110 hrs, arrive in Dubai at 0320 hrs craft before it enters commercial QR106 Depart Doha at 0800 hrs, arrive in Dubai at 1010 hrs service. QR116 Depart Doha at 1320 hrs, arrive in Dubai at 1530 hrs DOHA: Combating software Qatar Airways has orders for QR118 Depart Doha at 1840 hrs, arrive in Dubai at 2050 hrs piracy is crucial as steady 60 Dreamliners. The next four piracy reduction can immensely 787s are due to join the fleet by Dubai (DXB) to Doha (DOH) - Daily help generate new jobs by boost- the end of December. ing investment opportunities in Following the 787s welcome QR103 Depart Dubai at 0545 hrs, arrive in Doha at 0555 hrs the IT and related industries, into commercial service on the QR101 Depart Dubai at 1140 hrs, arrive in Doha at 1150 hrs studies suggest. Doha – Dubai route, it will then QR117 Depart Dubai at 1655 hrs, arrive in Doha at 1705 hrs Besides, software piracy has a spread its wings on one of the air- QR119 Depart Dubai at 2205 hrs, arrive in Doha at 2215 hrs negative impact on state revenues line’s five daily flights to London which can affect public spending Heathrow. on development projects, among As more 787s join the fleet over Zurich, Frankfurt and Delhi, the qatarairways.com, through any other things. the course of the next few weeks, airline said yesterday. Qatar Airways reservation office So, a steady reduction in the aircraft will be inducted on Seats on the 787 Doha – Dubai or local travel agent. software piracy can help gen- other long-haul routes including flights can be booked online at THE PENINSULA erate millions of riyals a year in additional revenues for the government. Qatar’s Ministry of Justice has intensified efforts to reduce soft- HMC’s snoring and sleep ware piracy and protect intellec- Abdullah Ahmed Qayed replying to a question at a news briefing in SDC, RAF join hands to train tual property rights (IPR). Doha yesterday with Naser Samaenah, head of Anti-Piracy and License The Ministry will continue to Compliance at Adobe Systems MENA. ABDUL BASIT apnea meet tomorrow non-profit professionals work closely with the software industry to achieve anti- software piracy rates over the past five closely with software companies DOHA: The Hamad Medical Corporation DOHA: piracy goals, officials told report- years. such as Adobe to jointly execute (HMC) will be holding its first Snoring and The Social ers here yesterday. Abdulla Ahmad Qayed, high-impact initiatives to max- Sleep Apnea Conference from November 22 Development The press briefing was held in Director, Intellectual Property, imise the use of genuine software to 24 in collaboration with Qatar Science and Center (SDC), collaboration with Adobe Systems Ministry of Justice, said: “Qatar and further reduce piracy in Technology Park (QSTP). member of Qatar Incorporated MENA, with whose has taken a firm stand against Qatar, especially at a time when The conference will discuss methods of Foundation cooperation the Ministry said it software piracy and violation of the country’s economy is witness- diagnosis and treatment for snoring and sleep for Education, was stepping up efforts to pro- intellectual property rights. The ing robust growth.” apnea, including robotic surgery and other Science, and tect Intellectual Property Rights Ministry of Justice in particular Naser Samaenah, Head of Anti- developments in the past few years. Community (IPR) and further reduce soft- has been strongly committed to Piracy and License Compliance, It will take place at HMC’s Education Center Development, ware piracy in the country. tackling this issue by underlining Adobe Systems MENA, said: during the first and third days, while the second and Sheikh Thani The Ministry said it will con- the legal implications of IPR vio- “The Ministry of Justice has day of the conference will be held at the QSTP. bin Abdullah’s Fahad Abdulqader Al Amri, tinue with its strategy of creating lations while also creating greater been leading the campaign against Dr Abdulla Al Ansari, Head of the Surgery Foundation for Administration and Finance Manager, greater awareness among resel- awareness about the detrimental IPR violation in Qatar, which has Department at HMC will inaugurate the con- Humanitarian SDC, and Dr Yahya bin Hamad Al lers and end-users about the neg- effects of using pirated software. reflected positively on the coun- ference that will be attended by internationally Services (RAF) Nuaimi, Chairman of Community ative social and economic effects Resellers and end-users in Qatar try’s software piracy rates over renowned surgeons from Italy, the Netherlands, – a key humani- Service Department at RAF, exchanging of piracy through a series of semi- need to realise that high levels the last five years. However, given Germany, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Egypt tarian relief and the documents. nars, roundtables and events in of software piracy and counter- the impact of software piracy on and GCC countries. social develop- association with software compa- feiting activity seriously harm a the economy, there is still much Dr Medhat Shams, Senior ENT Specialist at ment organisation in Qatar – signed an agreement nies such as Adobe. country’s innovation and ability that needs to be done through the HMC and Coordinator of the Conference said pledging the allocation of educational and training The strong government com- to continuously produce intellec- combined efforts of the govern- the first day will involve 12 lectures on spe- resources to the personal development of individuals mitment to protect IPR in Qatar tual property, which eventually ment, software industry, resellers cialised surgeries for the management of snor- working in the non-profit sector. over the years has contributed to reduces overall economic activ- and end users. ing and sleep disorders, particularly the latest The agreement was signed by Fahad Abdulqader Al a significant reduction in software ity. We look forward to working THE PENINSULA robotic surgery techniques. THE PENINSULA Amri, Administration and Finance Manager, SDC and Dr Yahya bin Hamad Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Community Service Department at RAF. The cooperation agreement stated that RAF’s Center of Training and Civil Society Studies will design personal development plans and training programmes based on needs of organisations engaged in humanitarian work in Qatar. The RAF centre will also be responsible of coordi- nating and managing the training courses. Based on the agreement, SDC will provide the venues for all training and development sessions. THE PENINSULA

Prime Lands’ senior executives with the award. Prime Lands’ Al Rayyan Village wins prestigious award DOHA: Prime Lands Real Estate Development LLC, a leading Qatari real estate development company, has won yet another prestigious award. The Prime Lands’ high end compound Al Rayyan Village has been awarded the Best Development Multiple Units Qatar prize with a 5-Star rating at the recent International Property Awards Arabia 2012 – 2013. The event, which was held in Dubai on October 18, gathered the most prominent names of the regional and international real estate industry. International Property Awards is the world’s largest and most prestigious property competition. The nomi- nation and selection processes rely on an independent panel of expert judges representing all areas of real estate development. This award constitutes, therefore, an inde- pendent endorsement of excellence, which celebrates once more the collective efforts invested unto turning Al Rayyan Village into a great community and an epic success story. THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Short films by NU-Q students premiere at fest

DOHA: Northwestern University-Qatar’s (NU-Q) student work was showcased remarkably at this year’s DTFF Made in Qatar series with three short films pre- miering at Katara’s Opera House The films were Sara Al Derham’s “Ghazil – The Story of Rashed and Jawaher,” a family drama taking place in the Gulf 100 years ago; “Bader,” a docu- mentary about a boy who uses poetry to overcome problems at his local school, by Sara Al Saadi, Latifa Abdulla Al Darwish and Maaria Assami; and Amna Al Khalaf’s animation about a woman following her heart, “Brains of Empowerment.” Al Khalaf commented that she drew on Qatar’s diversity for inspiration, saying “I try to combine folklore and traditions of different cultures to try and send a meaningful message.” The showcase of locally pro- duced films boasts a record 19 From left: Actor Anupam Kher, Avatar Panesar of Yash Raj Films and Director Ashutosh Gowariker on the red Actress Mariam Hassan on the red carpet for the screening of the Hindi films this year, four of which carpet for the screening of the Hindi film ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ at Souq Waqif yesterday. PICTURES BY SHAIVAL DALAL film ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ at Souq Waqif yesterday. were made by alumni and gradu- ates of Northwestern University in Qatar’s journalism and com- munication programmes. In an effort to project Qatar’s growing creative talent onto an Kazakhstan enters DTFF with epic film ever-bigger stage, Doha Film Institute and Northwestern University in Qatar co-hosted Director praises rave reviews and warm reception from audience at Cannes Film Festival the opening night of the series in style with a red carpet screening BY RAYNALD C RIVERA the reception was fantastic. It’s a there was a formula for the suc- 108 Media already got the rights and hip-hop concert at Katara’s pleasure to hear that people love cess of the movie but the most to distribute it worldwide. corniche on Sunday. DOHA: Kazakhstan is mak- the movie and regard it as a high important thing was we put our Another historical movie is in The sold-out screening fea- ing its first foray at the Doha quality movie,” he said. whole heart and sincerity into the development stage, according to tured the premiere of ‘Lyrics Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) Around 22,000 hopefuls audi- movie because we believed in it. Satayev, adding it has even a big- Revolt,’ a feature-length docu- with its biggest movie of the tioned for the lead role of Sartai, Our international and local team ger budget than Myn Bala. mentary about hip-hop and the decade entitled ‘Myn Bala: while a role was offered to Kevin were the best in what they do and “We are in the process of devel- Arab Spring. Warriors of the Steppe’, which Costner, though the producers that’s one of the reasons we got oping the movie and negotiating The film was produced by earned $1m on its opening deviated from the original plan successful.” with the government. The film NU-Q alumni Shannon Farhoud, weekend in Kazakhstan. considering the historical aspect Satayev is also keeping his fin- would be set in the 20th century Ashlene Ramadan, Rana Khaled, With a budget of $10m, the of the film. gers crossed as the state-funded and depict Kazakhstan during and Melanie Fridgant, and movie, which is being compared “He (Costner) was interested film is Kazakhstan’s official entry World War II. Nothing is certain received cheers from the audi- to ‘300’ and ‘Robinhood’, is an his- to work with us but while we were to the Academy Awards’ Foreign yet but it would be a state project,” ence throughout the night. torical epic set in the 18th cen- talking with the producers of the Language Film category. Toronto’s he said. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA tury Kazakhstan tells of a group film if it would make sense at the of teenage rebels fighting against historical point of view, I don’t the ferocious Mongols. know if it was good or bad, but we “It is a big honour for us to be decided it would not be relevant.” here and represent our country. Overall the movie took two We hope that the audience will years, with 90 days spent for the learn a bit about Kazakhstan as actual shooting of the film in the a country and its history,” said Tian Shan mountains. Akan Satayev, director of the film “The biggest challenge was the who was also behind Kazakh top- weather because 90 percent of the grossers such as Racketeer. movie was shot outdoors, that’s The director has been appre- why we were always dependent ciative of the rave reviews and on weather and the location was warm reception from audiences mainly in mountainous areas. It both from his home country and was a challenge,” he said. overseas like when it was shown It is rare for an historical film at the recent Cannes Festival. to achieve success amid the rise “The first time it was shown of highly commercialised movies internationally was at the Cannes shown in theatres every day and Festival. I wasn’t able to come asked what was the formula for Akan Satayev, the director of ‘Myn to the festival but based on the the success of Myn Bala, Satayev Bala: Warriors of the Steppe’ feedback I got from my colleagues, said: “I can’t really tell what if

HBKU to host youth meet ahead of COP18 DOHA: Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is set to host the Conference of Youth (COY) 8, an annual event held in advance of the Conference of the Parties (COP18) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The con- ference will provide youth from all over the world with the opportunity to meet, network and to dis- cuss the pressing environ- mental issues facing their generation. “COY8 will be the first of its kind to galvanise youth action for climate change in Qatar. The gathering of all youth for a single purpose is not only exciting, but astonishing as well. This conference will open doors for all of the youth to make a difference in their future and to set an example for the coming generations. As Mahatma Gandhi once said ‘Be the change you want to see in the world,’” said Rahma D Abu Swai, a Qatar University student and COY8 team member. The conference is aimed at helping young people share resources as well as develop their action plan for COP18. THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Experts discuss climate issues at QSTP event New round of TECHtalks held

DOHA: Qatar Science & REGIONAL APPLICATIONS Technology Park (QSTP) Nilangshu Dey (centre), President, ISA, Qatar Section (ISAQ) and Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee, ISA Automation Conference 2012, at a held a new round of its flag- A panel of distinguished media briefing in Doha yesterday. Other members of ISAQ from left are, N Kutty, Shabu Varghese, Raddy Zid, Jamal Nakleh, K Bharadwaj and David Kirkwood. SALIM MATRAMKOT ship TECHtalks events experts explored the series recently, at its General Electric Advanced Technology advancement and regional Center, focusing on the topic of application of technologies sustainability. to address environmental A panel of distinguished challenges, in light of the Doha to host ISA conference in December experts explored the advance- ment and regional application of approaching COP18 event DOHA: Automation Conference system requirements, advance specialists from oil and gas and Around 200 local delegates from technologies to address environ- on climate change, 2 0 1 2 , i s s e t t o b e h e l d i n D e c e m b e r process control technologies and petrochemical operating compa- local companies too are expected mental challenges, in light of the to be held in Doha in Doha, organized by the Qatar process control system integra- nies, consultants, automation ven- to attend the event. ISA devel- approaching COP18 event on cli- later this month. chapter of International Society tion,” Nilangshu Dey, President, dors and service providers from ops industry standards, certifies mate change, to be held in Doha of Automation (ISA), a global ISA, Qatar Section, Vice mostly all European and GCC industry professionals; provides later this month. organisation involved in devel- Chairman, Conference Organising countries will present their latest education and training; publishes For more than five years now, oping of automation standards Committee said at press confer- technological developments in the books and technical articles and the QSTP TECHtalks series diverse aspects. Dr Alex Amato, for various industries. ence held yesterday at Radisson process automation field. hosts conferences and exhibi- has been opening windows of Head of Sustainability at Qatar The two-day conference will Blu Hotel. The conference will conduct tions for automation profession- opportunities to explore the lat- Foundation’s Qatar Green bring together 300 delegates The conference is a regional an exhibition by 12 automation als worldwide having more than est trends in technology devel- Building Council, an experienced within and out side Qatar on event of ISA of Europe, Middle vendors exhibiting their latest 30,000 members and 300,000 asso- opment in four themed areas: professional in the construction December 9, at the Radisson Blu East and Africa region being held technological developments in ciates worldwide since more than Energy, Environment, Health industry, spoke of the principles Hotel, Doha. for first time in a GCC country. automation. A large number of six decades. Sciences and Information and and best practices in green build- “The Conference will feature 16 This conference is jointly organ- overseas delegates from France, ISA with its headquarters at Communication Technology ing and their potential applica- technical presentations by various ised by 18 Country ISA Sections Belgium, Italy, Spain, Ireland, UK, North Carolina, USA, is supported (ICT). tions in the region. experts around the world on cyber from Europe, Middle East and USA, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, by over 75 sections in various Each event starts with an Wael Hmaidan, Director security of industrial control sys- Africa. Bahrain and a few African coun- countries worldwide. expert presentation by a guest at Climate Action Network - tem, plant safety and shutdown The various automation tries are expected to participate. THE PENINSULA speaker who introduces the audi- International, a seasoned activ- ence to the latest developments ist on sustainability in the Arab within a specific chosen topic. World, shared his experiences on The guest speaker at the the international and regional recent TECHtalks event was Dr coordination of non-governmental Qtel, Primedia launch revamped Yellow Pages website Patrick Linke, Chief Engineer organisations and their effective- of Qatar National Food Security ness in tackling the challenge of DOHA: Qtel and Primedia addresses, fax numbers, and to new-look Qatar Yellow Pages is accurate data of all online direc- Programme (QNFSP). Dr. Linke climate change. A/Prof, Dr h c, Qatar have announced the search for all the vital infor- also available on mobile devices tories, the Qatar Yellow Pages is informed the audience about Capt Chris Schroeder, Head of launch of the new version of mation that the Yellow Pages with a fully-dedicated version – the one-stop place to find any QNFSP initiatives, particularly Corporate Social Responsibility the Qatar Yellow Pages web- delivers. speedily handling search needs information in Qatar, about in developing models for sustain- - Environment & Fuel Projects site. Initially launched in 2005, Offering a brand-new user for customers who are on the Qatar or for Qatar, wherever able and environmentally friendly at Qatar Airways, discussed the www.yellowpages.qa is the experience, the newly launched move. Qatar Yellow Pages now customers are in the world. agriculture in arid regions. potential for rationalising fuel official website for the Qatar website now delivers many provides location maps of com- Call +974 4457 4888 for more The panel discussion included usage in the aviation industry, Yellow Pages, enabling cus- more features and is the fin- panies, and direct access to their information or email on info@ participants from the private including the implementation of tomers to find business infor- est example of a user-friendly websites, brochures, pictures and primedia-qatar.com. and public sectors, and civil fuels that come from renewable mation, telephone numbers, search website in the region. The even promotions. With the most THE PENINSULA society, tackling the topic from resources. THE PENINSULA Enterprise Qatar holds workshop for school Olympic programme

DOHA: Enterprise Qatar (EQ), Noor Al Mannai, CEO of which is the main sponsor of EQ said: “We are interested in the School Olympic Programme developing students’ mental that is organised by Qatar’s skills and prepare an educational Olympic Committee and Qatar’s environment to enable innova- Higher Education Council, held tive students participate in the a workshop entitled “Sports and entrepreneurial and investment Investment”. Over 40 teachers initiative. from 27 schools participated in “Therefore, developing the aca- the School Olympic Programme. demic framework is our first step Officials of Awsaj Academy at the The workshop took place in to support this programme. Qatar’s Olympic Committee in “This was the reason we part- annual conference. Lusail hall. nered with Foroige, the Irish com- The workshop composed of four pany that specialises in developing main segments, trade exhibits, innovative initiatives in schools. QF unit focuses on activity book, innovation chal- Foroige will be training teach- lenge contest and competition ers that represents a number of learning challenges work plan, which will involve stu- schools in Qatar on the basic skills dents’ participation in the School that support sport and invest- at annual conference Olympic Programme event enti- ment programmes. tled “Sports and Investment”. THE PENINSULA DOHA: Awsaj Academy, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, recently hosted its sec- ond Annual Conference on ‘Teaching Students with Learning Challenges’. The conference offered work- shops that highlighted the pro- grammes and approaches used at Awsaj Academy to help struggling learners in Grades 1 to 12 succeed academically and behaviourally. The workshops included over- views delivered by two US-based guest presenters who act as Awsaj consultants. Janet Fender spoke about ‘Explicit Direct Instruction’ techniques, while Tricia Berg discussed ‘Positive Behavioural Interventions and Supports’. In addition, various briefings, includ- ing one on ‘Inclusion and Tier Interventions’, were offered by Awsaj Academy Presenters. In his session entitled ‘Leading A QP employee gets his blood checked at the Dukhan Medical Center. Change in a School’, Awsaj Academy Elementary Principal Jason Smith emphasised the chal- lenges that many school leaders QP observes Diabetes Day face. During the ‘Strategies for DUKHAN: Qatar Petroleum’s in the event, which included basic Arabic Language’ workshop, Dukhan Operations recently medical check-ups like blood pres- Raja’a Shalabi, the Arabic held an open health fitness sure, blood sugar and heart rate, Curriculum Coordinator at Awsaj day with its community mem- in addition to First Aid instruc- Academy, presented her audience bers to mark World Diabetes tions. During the awareness ses- with a variety of frustrating and Day. The event was organised sion, the medical team answered difficult activities to mimic what by the Integrated Facilities the participants’ questions and students with learning challenges Department in coordina- concerns regarding proper nutri- face on a daily basis when they tion with the Dukhan Medical tion, sports exercises and other are presented with such activities. Center. health and lifestyle issues. THE PENINSULA Around 200 people participated THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Two scribes among 20 killed in Israeli air raids Two Israelis killed in rocket fire; Arab League foreign ministers visit Gaza Strip on solidarity mission

GAZA CITY/TEL AVIV: Two “That takes the total today to raid. Hamas officials and witnesses cameramen from Hamas-owned 20,” he said. An earlier strike on a also said that strikes hit the homes Al Aqsa TV were among six peo- car in the Sabra neighbourhood of of several leaders within its armed ple killed in Israeli air raids on central Gaza City killed six people wing, the Ezzedine Al Qassam the Gaza Strip, raising yester- and wounded two others, he said. Brigades. Monday was the bloodi- day’s death toll to 20, a Hamas Separately, the Hamas ambu- est day of the Israeli operation, spokesman said. lance service announced that two with 33 people killed. Health officials said a total of children had died in a strike on The head of the Arab League more than 125 people had been Gaza City’s Zeitun neighbour- said on a visit to Gaza yester- killed and over 1,000 wounded hood, with a statement saying day that the world should focus since Israel began its relentless they had arrived at the city’s Shifa on ending the Israeli occupation bombing campaign on November hospital “in pieces.” instead of finding a truce to the 14 in a bid to stamp out cross- During the morning, Israeli current violence. “The real prob- border rocket fire by militants. warplanes killed another six lem is not a truce,” Nabil Al Arabi “Two cameramen from Al Aqsa people, ending a night of relative told reporters as he led Arab TV have been killed: Mahmud calm in which no-one died for the nation foreign ministers to the Komi and Hossam Salama,” health first time since the start of the Gaza Strip on a solidarity mission. ministry spokesman Ashraf Al campaign six days ago. “The real problem that the Qudra said, saying the strike hit One was killed in Safina, just Arab and Islamic countries and a car in Gaza City’s Nasser area north of Gaza City, and another all friendly countries in the world that was clearly marked as a press in a strike on Deir al-Balah in must focus on is ending the occu- vehicle. The Israeli army had no central Gaza. Elsewhere, 15-year- pation,” the Arab League chief comment on the apparent target- old Yahya Mohammed Awad was said. The comments came as rep- ing of a press vehicle, confirming killed as he hunted birds near resentatives from more than 10 only that the air force had carried the beach when a missile hit the Arab nations came to Gaza from several attacks in the area. northern Sudaniya area, and Egypt to show their support for “We attacked two terrorist three men died in the nearby town Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Al Arabiy (second right) and Senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyah (second the Hamas government amid squads in northern Gaza: one was of Beit Lahiya and in Mughraqa, left) stand next to the bed of a Palestinian boy, who was wounded in an Israeli air strike, at a hospital in Gaza Israel’s seven-day air assault and adjacent to a weapons storage site just south of Gaza City. City, yesterday. discussions of a possible ground that was also a missile launching An Israeli civilian was killed invasion. Hamas official said the site; the other was just a terror by rocket fire from Gaza yester- desert. Earlier in the day, the number of Israelis killed in Gaza 100 targets, including “a financial group included representatives squad,” a spokeswoman said. day, shortly after the army said military confirmed a soldier was rocket fire since November 14. institution used by Hamas.” from countries including Egypt, Qudra said three more people a soldier died in a Palestinian killed by rocket fire from the Gaza Last Thursday, a rocket strike on Palestinian officials confirmed Iraq, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, were killed in Gaza City’s Shejaiya rocket attack. A defence minis- Strip, in Eshkol regional council, the Israeli town of Kiryat Malachi that the National Islamic Bank Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey, and the neighbourhood, and another per- try spokesman said the strike had flanking the southern part of the hit a house, killing two men and in Gaza City, which was set up by foreign minister of the West son died in an air strike on the killed Alayaan Salem Al Nabari, a Israel-Gaza border. a woman. Overnight, the Israeli the Islamist movement that runs Bank-based Palestinian Authority. northern town of Beit Hanun. Bedouin from the southern Negev The deaths raised to five the military said it attacked about Gaza, was severely damaged in a AGENCIES Conflict undermines Abbas

JERUSALEM: Palestinian directed at rockets fired from the President Mahmoud Abbas densely populated enclave, does not (pictured), has cut a lonely fig- mean pro-Hamas fervour is sweep- ure while his Islamist Hamas ing the Israeli-occupied West Bank, rivals in the Gaza Strip have where economic discontent has battled Israel, gaining kudos already hurt Abbas’ waning popu- in the West Bank and de facto larity. The mood in Ramallah was Arab recognition. subdued yesterday, with no pop Hamas leaders received Arab music blaring from shops or young and Turkish foreign ministers in men’s cars, as the Gaza death toll Gaza yesterday, following similar climbed beyond 115. “People don’t trips by Egypt’s prime minister feel increasing support for Hamas and Tunisia’s foreign minister, as per se, but when they heard well as one by the Emir of Qatar Hamas rockets had landed in Tel H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Aviv, they felt someone was finally Al Thani last month before the doing something to challenge the eruption of a week-old conflict United States, its main aid donor. Israelis,” said Ahmad Sliman, 24, that now seems to be heading Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, at a Ramallah coffee shop where into a ceasefire. “These diplo- unwelcome in Hosni Mubarak’s he works. “It gave people hope that matic gains strengthen Hamas’ Egypt, is now in favour in Cairo, we are not completely defenceless.” argument that it is an integral where he demanded that Israel Gaza militants have fired at part of the future of the region, make the first step if it wanted a least four rockets towards Tel while the Palestinian Authority is Gaza truce. “Whoever started the Aviv since the start of the seven- Palestinians inspect destroyed buildings after an Israeli air strike in Gaza City, yesterday. part of the past,” said Ghassan Al war must end it,” he told a news day conflict, but the missiles have Khatib, an academic and a former conference on Monday.President either missed their target or been spokesman for Abbas’ PA. Barack Obama, while shunning shot down by the Iron Dome inter- Western leaders still shun Hamas leaders deemed terrorists ceptor system, the Israeli military Israel army leaflet warns Hamas, which seized control of by Washington, spoke three times said. Shireen Yehiya, 26, a student Gaza from Abbas’ Fatah move- to Egypt’s President Mohamed working on her thesis, agreed that ment in 2007 after winning Mursi in the day leading to truce Hamas rocket-firing was seen as Palestinian parliamentary elec- move, the White House said. He more defiant than the quest for Gazans to leave homes tions a year earlier. Yet while a appeared not to have called Abbas “futile” negotiations pursued by visit to Ramallah, near Jerusalem, at all. The spotlight on Hamas’ Abbas’ Fatah movement. by US Secretary of State Hillary unequal military struggle with In the Gaza Strip, people were GAZA CITY: Israel’s air force Among the neighbourhoods the air as Hamas militants fired a Clinton today will acknowledge Israel has also upstaged a diplo- predictably more scathing about dropped leaflets across several named in the leaflet were Sheikh rocket towards Jerusalem which Abbas’ formal status, it can matic initiative that Abbas plans Abbas’ non-violent approach, districts of Gaza City yesterday Ajlin, Tel Al Hawa, Rimal, Zeitun, landed 15km south of the city, hardly disguise his near absence to take to the United Nations which has calmed the West Bank urging people to evacuate their Shejaiya-Turkman and Shejaiya- sparking panic in the city as resi- from the diplomacy that is going General Assembly this month. but brought Palestinians no closer homes “immediately” amid Jadida. The message gave no rea- dents ran for cover. in to halting the war in Gaza. And demonstrations in solidar- to their dream of statehood. fears of an imminent ground son for the order, but pledged that It comes as Israel weighs “It simply accentuates how ity with Gaza have broken out in “Talks and security cooperation invasion. everyone who complied would be whether to expand its aerial irrelevant Abu Mazen is in regard Abbas’ West Bank fiefdom in the with our enemy is always a failure “For your own safety, you are safe. campaign into a ground incursion to the Gaza Strip,” Israeli Deputy last few days, in which two people for the Palestinian people, but it required to immediately evacu- “This is a temporary confron- or agree to an Egyptian cease- Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon were reported killed, testing the is a greater shame when Israel is ate your homes and move toward tation. In the end, everyone will fire which is being put together said on Israel Radio, using Abbas’ PA’s security grip. “The Gaza con- slaughtering us in this way,” said Gaza City centre,” the one-page go home,” the leaflet said on the through indirect talks with Israel familiar name. frontation is having a radicalising Imad Abu Shaweesh, 40, a bank Arabic-language leaflet said. seventh-day of Israel’s fiercest and Hamas officials in Cairo. Mediation efforts have focused effect in the West Bank,” Khatib employee. Abbas himself has said The message pointed residents assault on the coastal enclave Earlier yesterday, a senior on Egypt, whose new Islamist said. “It is embarrassing the PA, the Gaza violence is designed to to specific roads they must use in four years. “In keeping with Israeli official said the leadership leaders are seeking a cease- which is having difficulty in pre- scupper his plan to ask the UN to move out of neighbourhoods in Israel Defence Force (army) reg- had decided to postpone a deci- fire, juggling their sympathy venting the growing protests. If General Assembly to grant the question which form a crescent ulations, all civilians will be kept sion on a ground operation “to for Hamas with the practical these expand, it will be at the Palestinians non-member observer around the southern half of the from harm’s way.” give diplomacy a chance to suc- need not to upset Cairo’s peace expense of law and order.” state status. But he has vowed to city centre. The leaflet was scattered from ceed.” AFP treaty with Israel or alienate the Anger at Israel’s assault on Gaza, press on. REUTERS Children pay high price for Gaza war GAZA CITY: Thirteen-year- injured. And for those children of men and boys. “Do children Israel, which leave white smoke old Tasneem Al Nahal lies who escape the physical toll of fire rockets?” screamed a man trails in the sky. in the morgue of Gaza City’s the war, there is a heavy psycho- through a loudspeaker. “No!” “We don’t want the war, it’s Shifa hospital, dressed in the logical price to be paid. the crowd chanted back. scary and awful,” says 12-year- pink-and-blue tracksuit she Many are traumatised by Inside the mosque, the bodies old Mohammed Radwan shyly. was wearing when an Israeli what they see and hear, terrified are laid out while prayers are “We want peace, we want a air raid killed her. of a relentless air campaign, and performed, and curious children truce. “When I hear the bomb- A few hours earlier, she was unable to process the violence try to squeeze between adults to ing I get onto the sofa and cover by the sea, playing with neigh- and death that surrounds them. see the corpses. myself with pillows to try to bours under a brilliantly blue In Gaza City’s Sheikh One wide-eyed boy is pushed be safe. I try to hide myself as sky. Radwan neighbourhood, just back by an adult, who tries to much as possible. But when the air strike hit, before noon, a funeral proces- keep him from the macabre “Sometimes I go over to my pieces of shrapnel pierced her sion moves towards a mosque, scene. On one body, relatives mum and hold onto her too,” he skull, spilling her bright red where prayers will be said over have pinned a photograph of adds, slapping another boy who blood onto the pavement in the bodies of the Dallu family. the smiling girl who used to be. teases him for the admission. front of her house. At least eight members of the Outside, gangs of children Thirteen-year-old Ezzedine The six-day conflict between family were killed in a single mill around, some holding green Hussein is full of bravado at Israel and Gaza militant groups strike on Sunday, the deadliest Hamas flags they have been first, talking over the other has claimed the lives of at least of the conflict so far. given to wave. boys, glaring with his green- 23 children, according to the The bodies of the Dallu chil- As they wait for the prayers blue eyes. Palestinian Centre for Human dren, wrapped in Palestinian to end, a sudden screech fills “We want to say to the Rights, innocents cut down in a flags, their greying faces the air, prompting both children Jews: We’re not scared, we are battle they barely understand. exposed, are carried by relatives and adults to duck. The sound defending our land and we want Hundreds more have been at the head of a chanting crowd is of two rockets fired towards our rights,” he says. AFP WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

Editorial

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN: SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI Gaza fallout EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: KHALID AL SAYED E-MAIL: [email protected] ACTING MANAGING EDITOR: HUSSAIN AHMAD E-MAIL: [email protected] Gaza conflict has a winner: Hamas. The EDITORIAL: TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 once untouchable group is being reinstated. FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR. E-MAIL: [email protected]

ADVERTISING: TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 ECTIC efforts were made yesterday to arrive at a truce to with Gazans. Once the war ends, Hamas-Arab relations will witness end Gaza fighting. There were conflicting reports about the a boost and US-Israeli efforts to isolate Hamas will suffer an irrevers- 44557857 [email protected] CLASSIFIED: E-MAIL: Hprogress of negotiations. A Hamas official said truce was very ible setback. What Qatar’s Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY near, but was denied by Egypt which was brokering the peace efforts. Al Thani did with a historic visit to Gaza recently is being followed Hamas later accused Israel of holding up truce saying the government by other Arab leaders and the visit of more Arab leaders gives the TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 of Benjamin Netanyahu is yet to respond to its proposals. stamp of approval to Qatar’s stance. E-MAIL: [email protected] Despite the uncertainty, a ceasefire seems to be a near possibility Once the war ends, Hamas will be free to boost relations with the as both Hamas and Israel are keen to end the fighting. More than rest of the Arab world and emerge from the isolation. Israel and the SUBSCRIPTION RATES the truce, what is more interesting about the current conflict is the US will be forced, if not today, to talk to the Hamas leadership, in the ANNUAL QR 675 attention which both Hamas and Palestinian President Mahmoud same way it was forced to talk to Brotherhood in Egypt. A relationship 6 MONTHS QR 340 Abbas are getting. with the Brotherhood was unthinkable before the Arab Spring and Hamas is basking in the glory of the international attention it has the same spring is contributing to the current changes. received after the war began and is enjoying a restart in relations with Another fallout of the current conflict has been the marginalisation Arab states which had shunned the group under pressure from Israel of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas saw his popularity and America. Whatever the terms of the ceasefire deal which will plummet like never before, and American media is talking about how be announced, experts and western media say one side has already President Barack Obama is talking to everyone for a truce except won the war: Hamas. And it seems true. Abbas. The Palestinian president is unlikely to survive the damage PUBLICATION Hamas is enjoying a surge in popularity on Arab streets as the only he has suffered. The spotlight on Hamas’s unequal military struggle group which can take on Israel, and more importantly, Arab and with Israel has also upstaged a diplomatic initiative that Abbas plans Turkish foreign ministers visited Gaza yesterday to express solidarity to take to the United Nations General Assembly this month.

The militarisation of the The other side conflict in Syria could turn the country into a Quote of “regional battleground. Time for Google to act Ban Ki-moon the day UN Secretary-General OOGLE is the world’s largest media company, though it looks radically different to other media companies. It has revenue of Gmore than $1bn a week and $50bn a year. Its earnings surged 45 percent in the past quarter, compared with the previous year. It has a profit margin of about 33 percent after costs and taxes. These big numbers are reflected in Google’s market value of $207bn. Google may be primarily a search engine but it is also an owner and creator of original content. As such, it is one of the largest publishers in the world, though not in the traditional sense. It owns two global publishing ventures, YouTube and Google Maps. This year it acquired Frommer’s Travel Guides. It owns a financial services publisher, a video producer, niche publishing ventures and last year acquired the Zagat restaurant guides. The global scale of Google’s operations - and the vast amount of material processed through its search engines - has led the company into a series of legal skirmishes over what it should and should not publish. In the past two years Google has lost five lawsuits in four countries after being sued by people who felt aggrieved by what was tossed up by the Google search algorithms. In each case Google argued it was not a publisher and therefore could not be held responsible for material it did not produce. In each case, the courts did not accept this argument. The latest adverse finding was in Australia and has potentially wide ramifications. Last month, a jury in Melbourne decided that a man had been defamed by images found via Google even though Google had nothing to do with the creation of the photos. The problem for Google was that it was unresponsive after the man complained in 2009 that Google’s search engine was causing damage to his reputation. Last week the man, Milorad (Michael) Trkulja, was awarded $200,000 in damages by the Victorian Supreme Court Justice David Beach. The judge said the defamation award was about ‘’nailing the lie’’ that Trkulja had links to a notorious figure linked to Melbourne’s criminal milieu. This guilt-by-association was caused by Google searches throw- ing up photos of Trkulja with the reputed crime figure. Google’s lawyers argued that the search engine was not the publisher of the damaging photos and used the ‘’innocent dissemination’’ defence. The jury, and the judge, found this defence did hold once Google was notified that its search links were creating injury to the plaintiff’s reputation. THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Historic hurdles to Catalonia’s independence

BY ENRIC JULIANA had the national consciousness states: Portugal and Spain. Catalonia is 6% of the area Scotland. The Spanish authori- Group, Gerald Brenan.) of an ancient nation. A nation Catalonia could have been the of Spain, 16% of the population, ties argue that the constitu- Consequently, Sunday’s HE Catalan question is with its own language, which third peninsular state – and it 19% of the GDP, 25% of indus- tional structure of Spain and regional elections are some- ancient. It dates back to stretched all the way down was for a short period in 1641 – trial production, 29% of exports. the UK are different, so that thing like the first phase of the Tthe 17th century, when the eastern side of the Iberian but history and geography said These are the current figures. British laws allow an independ- consultation. They are thrilling tensions first developed between Peninsula. Between the 8th and no. At that time, if Catalonia Catalonia is big enough to ence referendum and Spanish and have already created great Spain’s centre and its periphery. 15th century, this peninsular saw had not joined Spain it would imagine itself as an independent laws do not. For there to be anticipation. It is also modern: a singularly three expulsions of the Muslim have ended up in the hands of state, but it is in a very com- a referendum on Catalonia, Everyone knows that some- Iberian expression of the fears, population by the reconquistas France. plicated sociopolitical situation. Spain’s 1978 constitution would thing will change in Spain, but risks and contradictions accu- of the west, of the centre and This is the political origin of Without Catalonia, Spain would first have to be reformed and nobody knows exactly what that mulating across much of Europe of the east. The reconquistas of a region that could have been find itself in an even worse this change would have to be change will be. amid the current recession. the west spoke Portuguese and the Holland of the south, if it crisis. approved in a referendum for Spain’s twofold crisis – Many young people are emi- were the fastest of all. Those in had arisen before the peace of A month ago, in Barcelona, all Spain. With all certainty, the economic and territorial – grating from Spain in search of the centre spoke Castilian and Westphalia in 1648. Catalonia is the Spanish minister of justice, response would be negative: no, will become a key issue for new horizons. Many Catalans achieved the greatest territorial not an ethnicity, it is not a race, Alberto Ruiz Gallardón put it no and no. Europe. Before the peace of want to emigrate collectively. domain. And in the east they it is not a relic of the past. It is like this: “Without Catalonia, There are other possibili- Westphalia every European They have to take the first psy- spoke Catalan and achieved an a language with a wider demo- Spain would be obliged to aban- ties, however. A non-binding power was involved in the chological step – a significant important position of strength graphic reach than some official don the euro.” consultation could be held to war of the Spanish succession, part of the Catalan population in the Mediterranean, until EU languages. It is a culture. It Others go further: “Without determine the strength of feel- which put the entire conti- already considers itself to be Christopher Colombus reached is the stamp of the industrial Catalonia, Spain would no ing in the Catalan population. nent on the brink. At the time, outside Spain – which they now America and the peninsula revolution. It is an economy longer be Spain.” The Spanish government fears Catalonia was on the side of the hope to transform into a politi- shifted its focus towards the based on small- and medium- In economic and political losing such a consultation. Hapsburgs, and it lost. On that cal and institutional process. It Atlantic. Three movements of sized industry. It is a geographic terms, Catalonia is integral. The solutions are not easy. occasion, England at first sup- won’t be an easy job. Catalonia reconquest, three languages, proximity to old Europe. It is If it goes, España will become Spain returns to its labyrinth. ported the Catalans, and then is too important for Spain and one religion – Catholicism – and the Mediterranean. And it is Ex-paña. This helps explain the (The Spanish Labyrinth is the abandoned them. the EU, and it already has many the imposition of three medi- a city: Barcelona. Catalonia is political tension in the country title of a history of modern But we know that history problems. eval kingdoms which ended up more than Barcelona, but it is and Spain’s refusal to follow the Spain by the British historian, never repeats itself. Catalans have for centuries crystallising into two modern above all Barcelona. route the UK has chosen with and member of the Bloomsbury THE GUARDIAN WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Hollande has to speed up reforms US and Qatar: Working Hollande’s team together to support had nudged the entrepreneurs president to BY SUSAN L ZIADEH O MARK Global move sooner but Entrepreneurship Week Tthis month, millions of people in 195 countries partici- found that “he pated in more than 30,000 events worldwide to celebrate the power does not like to of individuals with ideas to drive economic growth. Here in Qatar, the US Embassy celebrated Global be rushed. Entrepreneurship Week with BY CATHERINE BREMER Qatar University (QU), where our Embassy staff joined with QU faculty and other experts to share fter six months keep- insight and expertise with young ing the world guess- QU business students. Events like Susan L Ziadeh ing about whether he these connect young people to their had a vision for fixing peers around the world and help US-Qatar Business Council signed France’s sickly econ- them explore their potential as the a Memorandum of Understanding Aomy, President Francois Hollande next generation of business leaders. to promote youth social enterprise has unveiled a battle plan “à la Encouraging entrepreneur- in Qatar. And Injaz Qatar, cel- française” to ease companies’ ship is an increasingly important ebrating five years in Qatar, has labour costs and trim public The skyline of La Defense is seen behind Paris’ landmark, the Arc de Triomphe, yesterday. Monday’s downgrade plank of US foreign policy, based worked with the US Department of spending. is a blow to Socialist President Francois Hollande as he tries to fix France’s finances and revive the euro zone’s upon our conviction that entre- State’s Middle Eastern Partnership But the softly-softly pace of second largest economy. preneurs drive progress toward Initiative and a host of US busi- adjustment may be too slow to global prosperity and security. As nesses to teach over 8,000 students, satisfy financial markets after “Hollande has not said where Mediterranean scenario.” Naysayers note that any trickle Secretary of State Clinton said aged 12-24, entrepreneurship, work Moody’s on Monday became the the ¤12bn will come from because Hollande is under growing of jobs created through the tax in a video address to encourage readiness and financial literacy second credit ratings agency to he doesn’t know. None of us pressure from foreign investors rebates will be outstripped by young entrepreneurs around the skills. strip Paris of its AAA rating, cit- knows. There would be a lot of concerned at France’s strained continuing job losses as long as globe: “We can’t afford to leave US-Qatari partnerships in ing both a loss of competitiveness resistance to public sector cuts,” public finances, flatlining economy economic growth remains below out anyone who has an idea, a entrepreneurship also extend and low growth. the source said. and industrial decline that has led one percent. dream, an invention or innova- across borders. By choosing to Hollande’s “competitiveness Most economists have to a ¤70bn trade deficit. A rule of thumb for France is tion, and the desire to work hard study in the United States, young pact” aims to create 300,000 jobs applauded Hollande’s move to Paris also faces new competi- that employment stabilises once to make that a reality.” Qataris can experience first- and lift output by half a percent embrace reform, despite mutter- tion for its exports from Spain growth reaches 1.5 percent, and The State of Qatar is also com- hand how entrepreneurship is a over five years by granting ¤20bn ing from Berlin that the measures and Italy, which have been forced it takes 2 percent expansion or mitted to fostering entrepreneur- cornerstone of educating future a year in corporate tax relief and should be bolder. by their debt crises to reform more to achieve a net increase in ship, a commitment reflected in business leaders. With over 4,000 pruning public spending by 1 But they say success, in the face their labour and product markets jobs. the 2030 Qatar National Vision accredited colleges and universi- percent. of stalled growth and rising 10 faster. “The tax rebate plan may ena- and the drive toward a knowl- ties and $55bn per year invested The measures will be funded by percent unemployment, depends Hollande’s November 6 ble us to absorb some of the reces- edge-based, diversified, and inno- in research, US educational insti- modest sales tax rises from 2014, on Hollande being able to imple- announcement of the tax rebates sion, by adding some jobs, but it vative economy. Qatar has taken tutions are incubators for global sparing households immediate ment all his plans — corporate tax was his response to an independ- won’t boost economic activity,” significant steps to streamline the entrepreneurs and new innova- pain. Tweaks to labour laws will relief, labour reform and spending ent review of competitiveness said Philippe Ansel, an econo- process of starting a new busi- tions that change our world. The follow next year to make hiring cuts — to the letter. that recommended ¤30bn in mist with Fondation Concorde, ness. The World Bank’s “Doing number of Qataris studying in the and firing somewhat more flexible That will hinge on acquiescence direct cuts to labour costs. a business-funded, economically Business 2012” study shows that US has more than tripled over the while extending the length of job from a disgruntled public, on the The rebates will be linked to liberal think-tank. since 2011, Qatar rose 32 places last five years, and we are pleased contracts. euro zone avoiding further crisis payroll size in a way that the gov- “France remains squashed in the “Getting Credit” ranking to welcome more promising stu- The plan is bold for a left-wing or a deeper lurch into recession, ernment says is equivalent to a 6 between Germany, with its high- and eight places in standings for dents each year. French government, yet it falls and on investors keeping French percent reduction in labour costs quality products, and Spain and the ease of “Starting a Business.” Qatar’s drive toward foster- short of what business leaders borrowing costs low. from 2013. Italy, which have made bigger Innovative programmes at Qatar ing entrepreneurship promises to wanted and critics say it may be “If he can meet all these com- Hollande’s economic advisers, efforts to reduce their labour Development Bank, Enterprise advance the Qatar National Vision too timid to pull the economy out mitments it would be remark- who include a US-educated aca- costs.” Qatar and other Qatari institu- 2030 goal of a diversified, dynamic of decline in time. able and he could really make demic and a former investment Like other critics, Ansel says tions have dramatically increased economy. A recent joint report by Moreover, a key plank — spend- a difference. If he only partially banker, expect the rebates to have the rebates are worth only a net access to capital for small- and the United States-based Gallup, ing cuts of ¤12bn a year - will meets them the results are harder a similar effect to an internal ¤10bn to companies since they medium-sized enterprises. Inc and the Qatar-based Silatech require sharp reductions in wel- to predict,” said Elie Cohen, an devaluation, raising profit mar- come on top of ¤10bn a year in Recognising our shared inter- found that one in three Qataris fare payments or local govern- economist who advised Hollande gins, especially for labour-inten- corporate tax rises in the 2013 est in promoting entrepreneurship, between the ages of 15 and 29 plans ment, hard to sell to a parliament during his election campaign. sive manufacturers and small budget. Qatari and US institutions have to start a business within the next full of mayors and civil servants, Cohen sees a risk of France firms, for a couple of years until His think-tank advocates a 50 forged important partnerships to year. As this new generation of and an electorate including more being sucked into the sort of prices adjust. percent cut in payroll contribu- provide mentorship and training. entrepreneurial Qataris rises, they than 5 million public sector downward spiral that has afflicted The government reckons this tions for companies exposed to For example, the Qatar Science will transform their country into a workers. Greece, Portugal, Spain and to an could boost exports by ¤10-15bn foreign competition. and Technology Park has part- regional hub for dynamic new busi- “We’ve taken a big step forward extent Italy. over two years, shaving the non- Hollande is also under fire for nered with Carnegie Mellon nesses. The United States will con- but we’ve lost time. We should “A euro zone recession could energy trade deficit. capital gains tax changes that will University in Qatar to create tinue to be a strong and committed have started two months ago,” be decisive,” he added. “If France “All other things being equal, penalise investors in start-ups as the Executive Entrepreneurship partner to the State of Qatar and said a government source. Some misses its growth targets and this will improve the current well as failing to make good on Certificate Program, which aims to its innovative entrepreneurs to in Hollande’s team had nudged then its deficit targets, he’ll account by quite a bit,” said a a promise to ease the tax bur- be an incubator for a new genera- realise this exciting vision. the president to move sooner but need to do a third austerity plan government adviser, whose posi- den on corporate profits that are tion of innovative Qatari executives The author is the US Ambassador found that “he does not like to be on top of these measures and tion bars him from being quoted reinvested. and managers. Just this month, to Qatar. rushed”. that would look seriously like a by name. REUTERS the Youth Company and the THE PENINSULA

Early explanation of drone strikes could have curbed dissent

an individual combatant without endan- killing of Anwar al-Awlaki, the American- may have concluded that if the program The debate over the use of drones gering American forces or bystanders born leader of al Qaida forces in Yemen, were declassified and openly discussed, (though there is an important debate Attorney General Eric Holder delivered Gen. Ashraf Kayani, Pakistan’s military has grown more acrimonious as the over how many civilians have been killed) a speech in which he defended the presi- chief of staff and de facto leader, would is not going away. dent’s right to target an American citizen finally make good on his endless threats Critics like Micah Zenko of the for killing; soon thereafter, John Brennan, to shut it down. administration of President Barack Obama Council on Foreign Relations, and the the president’s intelligence advisor, laid The CIA doesn’t have to care about former Obama official Vali Nasr accuse out in some detail the extensive review public opinion; but diplomats do. That has increased the number of strikes in the White House of falling in love with process which begins with the determi- was why Munter made his bid for greater the short-term fix of drone warfare nation that an al Qaida member poses transparency last year. Munter, who has and ignoring the long-term imperative a threat that warrants “lethal action.” since retired from public service, believes Pakistan and Afghanistan. of nation-building in weak states. But And that review process appears to be that the drone strikes have been and con- experience in Afghanistan and Somalia, extraordinarily rigorous. tinue to be effective, but argues that the BY JAMES TRAUB says Christine Fair, a South Asia scholar among other places, has taught us that Of course, the level of disclosure was secrecy has allowed Pakistanis to believe and an expert on counterterror warfare nation-building, if it can work at all, is a nothing compared to the exquisite detail the worst about America. “If we are able n the summer of 2011, Cameron in the region. generational endeavor. The United States which administration officials provided to lift the veil on the programme and Munter, the US ambassador to Today, Pakistanis know next to nothing can’t wait for the jihadist swamp to be on the killing of Osama bin Laden. And talk more openly about what our goals Pakistan, met with Secretary of about the drone program, and believe the drained. many fundamental questions remain are and how those goals coincide with IState Hillary Rodham Clinton in worst about it. The same may be said for At the same time, drones are not just unanswered. Brennan’s comments shed those of people of good will in Pakistan,” Washington and asked her to intercede many Americans. The debate over the another arrow in a battlefield command- no light on the rationale for signature Munter says, “I think it could have a very with the White House to give him greater use of drones has grown more acrimoni- er’s quiver. It is precisely the power of strikes. How are those decided? We don’t positive effect.” control over the CIA’s use of drones along ous as the administration of President drones, the immense temptation they know. And in Pakistan the CIA is target- But what about the danger to the Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan, and Barack Obama has increased the number pose, the certainty that they will become ing members of the Taliban, not al Qaida, program itself? “The impact of the pro- to let him speak openly to the Pakistani of strikes in Pakistan and Afghanistan, yet more central to American counter- including jihadists who menace Pakistan gramme,” Munter says, “has come to a people — who viewed drone warfare as a and expanded the programme to Yemen terror efforts in the future, which com- rather than Afghanistan. Does that fit point where it is time for the American gross violation of national sovereignty — and Somalia. Critics have denied the pels a much more open debate than we with the 2001 authorisation of force? Is it authorities and the Pakistani authorities about the rationale for the strikes. alleged pinpoint accuracy of drone have had to date. To take only a single a judicious use of this Faustian technol- to have a much more open discussion.” The stakes, in Munter’s mind, were strikes, arguing that hundreds of civil- example, although the Authorisation for ogy? Hard to say. That might be healthy. very high. A few months earlier, the ians have been killed as collateral dam- Use of Military Force voted by Congress Brennan announced that the president But in any case, the United States White House had dispatched Sen John age. Scholars of constitutional law have after 9/11 permits the president to use had de-classified the drone program in cannot hold itself hostage to Pakistani Kerry, D-Mass, to Pakistan in the hopes asserted that targeted assassinations “all necessary and appropriate force,” Yemen, thus permitting him to speak. politics, which runs on perpetually stoked of cooling the public fury over the kill- have no basis in American law. But there against the nations, organisations, and But the far larger programme in Pakistan anti-Americanism. The benefits from the ing of two Pakistanis by Raymond Davis, are many people — myself included — who individuals responsible for the terrorist remains covert, and classified. (Many of drone strikes, great though they may be, a CIA contract officer. Kerry had suc- defend the use of drones but decry the attacks, the Obama administration has the strikes in Afghanistan are carried out do not trump the imperative of demo- ceeded, in part by promising greater pervasive secrecy around them. There authorised so-called “signature strikes” by the military, and thus are not covert.) cratic debate. coordination on counterterror meas- is a real danger that around the world against targets whose individual identity Why the continuing secrecy in Pakistan? This post-election, pre-Inaugural ures — and then, soon after his plane left drone warfare will come to be seen as is unknown but whose pattern of behavior The White House declined to make any- period offers a moment for taking stock. Islamabad, the CIA launched another the dark arts of the Obama administra- matches that of al Qaida. Is that author- one available to address this question. Perhaps we could ask the president, as a drone strike. By the time Kerry landed tion, as torture and “rendition” were for ised? Is it morally acceptable? Maybe; I’m The widespread assumption, though, is New Year’s resolution, to level with the in Doha, Pakistan’s political and military President George W Bush. skeptical. that since Pakistan’s military and civilian American people about what it is that leaders were apoplectic, and Munter It seems blindingly obvious that the The Obama administration deserves leaders — unlike President Abdu Rabbu drones should and should not do, who had a new crisis on his hands. Clinton United States is not going to refrain from some credit for deciding — after intense Mansour Hadi of Yemen — publicly they do and do not target, where they brought the issue to the White House using unmanned vehicles — naval as well debate — to speak about the legal and oppose the programme, CIA officials have should and should not be used. It’s not — and got beat by the CIA. “The State as aerial_ for attack and surveillance. ethical rationale of this highly classi- deferred to their wishes and maintained too much to ask. Department threw him under the bus,” Any technology that can locate and kill fied programme. In the aftermath of the the cone of silence. The administration WP-BLOOMBERG WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Iran says Saudi Arabia exploring in banned border areas

DUBAI: Iran accused Saudi “Apparently Saudi Arabia has onto its territory near oil and gas navy boats had intercepted a Arabian fishing vessel that entered Iran has said its sovereignty Arabia yesterday of conducting taken action for exploration activ- fields in the Gulf. vessel belonging to state-owned its southern territorial waters, over the islands is non-negotiable. exploration activities in prohib- ities in prohibited border areas,” “We think that any differences oil giant Saudi Aramco, and that according to Iran’s official English- Mehmanparast was quoted last ited border areas, hitting back at Iranian Foreign Ministry spokes- can be solved in an environment Iranian helicopters flew several language Press TV. month as warning that Iran would its major rival for regional influ- man Ramin Mehmanparast said of cooperation and with a spirit of times over a gas field at Hasba. Last month, Saudi border consier downgrading ties with the ence after Riyadh complained of at his weekly news conference in partnership and understanding,” Mehmanparast said it was the guards arrested 15 Iranians who UAE if it continued to make the Iranian encroachments on its oil Tehran, according to the official Mehmanparast added. Saudis who were at fault. tried to enter Saudi Arabia by claims, although state television and gas fields in the Gulf. news agency Irna. The Saudi ambassador to the “The violation that has taken boat, Saudi media reported. later denied Tehran was consid- Separated by 250km of Gulf “The necessary notices were United Nations, Abdullah Al place was on the part of Saudi Iran has had disputes with ering such a move. US-backed waters, Shia power house Iran given, and our country’s point of Mualimi, was quoted in the daily companies and if this issue is to other Gulf neighbours as well. Saudi Arabia, the world’s No. 1 and Sunni Muslim-led Saudi view and our commitment to bor- newspaper Okaz last week as say- be followed up, they must be ques- Both Tehran and the United oil producer, supports the mainly Arabia have tense relations. der agreements were conveyed to ing he had sent a letter to UN tioned,” he said. “The discussion Arab Emirates claim as their own Sunni Muslim rebels fighting to Riyadh accuses Iran of foment- the Saudi ambassador in Tehran.” Secretary General Ban Ki-moon about water border limits between the three islands of Abu Musa and topple Syrian President Bashar ing unrest among Shias in its oil- Mehmanparast was respond- that “details Iran’s breaches of the Iran and Saudi Arabia is subject to Greater and Lesser Tunb, which Al Assad. Iran backs the Syrian rich Eastern Province, a charge ing to a question about a Saudi official conventions and treaties international laws and documents sit near vital oil shipping chan- leader, whose Alawite religion is Iran denies, and the two support complaint to the United Nations between it and Saudi Arabia”. between the two countries.” This nels at the mouth of the strategic derived from Shia sect. opposite sides in Syria’s civil war. last week saying that Iran strayed The letter said two Iranian month, Iran impounded a Saudi Strait of Hormuz. REUTERS

Syria rebels seize more bases Turkey to get Rebels win UK support; Syrian rebels have taken over several military bases in the last week, including a Special Forces base near Aleppo and an army battalion headquarters near Damas- Nato Patriot Tuesday Areas of conflict Stockpiles of explosives Army bases Bab al-Hawa Aleppo missiles soon and artillery taken from taken by rebels air defence base near battle rages in Damascus MAIN HIGHWAYS: ANKARA: Turkish Foreign 20 miles Darat Issa Linking Damascus Minister Ahmet Davutoglu 20 km Idlib Sunday to Aleppo said yesterday Nato states had Saraqeb Linking to Aleppo Rebels take special agreed to supply Turkey with Rebels set up own spy wing; 100 people killed Maarrat forces base that had WHO’S IN CONTROL an advanced Patriot missile al-Numan prevented them from Mostly government system to defend against Syrian Latakia Khan Sheikhoun moving to Aleppo Mostly rebel AMMAN: Syrian government supply problems, the rebels have challenge to Damascus. Contested attacks. troops backed by tanks bat- captured several army positions “He has to show that letting the Talks on its deployment are in tled to oust rebel forces from in outlying regions in the last bases fall in and round Damascus 50 miles TURKEY the final stage, he said. Only the an opposition stronghold in a week, including a Special Forces is only temporary while he begins 50 km Qamishli United States, the Netherlands Ras al-Ain Yarubiya Damascus suburb yesterday in base near Aleppo, Syria’s com- to consolidate resources and per- Jarablus have the appropriate system the heaviest fighting in the cap- mercial hub. sonnel and deals with the strug- Bab al-Salam Tel Abyad avaialble. ital for months. They are also trying to take gles in the east,” the diplomat In recent months artillery and In the country’s north, rebel the 20-month-old revolt to the said. mortar fire from Syria has landed fighters stormed an air defence heart of Damascus, Assad’s seat of Two mortar rounds hit the inside Turkey, increasing concern base that President Bashar Al power, and have dubbed this week Information Ministry building in Deir al-Zor IRAQ that the anti-Assad uprising could Assad’s military had used to “March to Damascus Week”. Damascus, causing damage but no Hama turn into a regional conflagration. bombard areas near the Turkish On Tuesday, elite Republican casualties, state televison said. It Rastan Turkey has often scrambled Tartus Talbisa SYRIA border. Guard troops attacked the rebel blamed “terrorists” for the attack, Homs fighter jets along the border in a On the international front, the stronghold of Daraya on the the usual government term for Qusayr Albu Kamal warning to Damascus as Syrian Turkish foreign minister said city’s southwestern edge but met anti-Assad forces. LEBANON war planes and helicopters bomb Nato states had agreed to sup- resistance from rebel fighters of In total, 100 people were killed rebel positions just a few kilome- Golan Zabadani Saturday ply Turkey with a Patriot missile the Free Syrian Army, opposi- in violence yesterday, 64 of them tres (miles) from Turkish soil. Heights Qaboun Rebels capture airport used by system to defend against Syrian tion sources said. Seven civilians civilians, the pro-opposition Damascus military. Several tanks are taken Dogan news agency reported cross-border shelling. and three rebels were killed in Syrian Observatory for Human that two anti-aircraft missiles Although any such deployment fighting and bombardments on Rights said. Monday fired from Syria had struck a veg- would be for defensive purposes Daraya, the sources said. In the north, opposition sources Deraa Air Defense Battalion base near etable market and a road in the Hajar al-Aswad taken and only, it nonetheless marked a Video footage showed the body said rebel fighters had captured Sweida JORDAN border district of Turkey’s Hatay ISRAEL ammunition and weapons stolen hardening stance in the foreign of a baby at a hospital. A young sections an air defence base province yesterday. effort to remove Assad. couple died from shrapnel when at Sheikh Suleiman, 18 km (11 Source: Reuters Turkey, Gulf Arab states and The rebels also received a dip- artillery hit the basement of a miles) from the Turkish border F. Chan/ RNGS, 20/11/2012 Western powers have all called lomatic lift with Britain officially building in which they were shel- and 30km northwest of Aleppo. for Assad - whose Alawite family recognising the opposition Syrian tering, activists said. The fighters seized three artil- security service to “defend the abuses, according to a video state- has ruled Sunni Muslim-majority National Coalition, set up this “The Republican Guards are lery pieces and large stocks of Syrian revolution” in a country ment by the rebels. The video, Syria in autocratic fashion for month to boost their chances of hitting the town with tanks, explosives but would withdraw that has been awash with feared posted to YouTube by Free Syrian four decades - to relinquish securing foreign aid and arms, artillery and rockets. Most civil- to avoid retaliatory air strikes, intelligence agencies for the past Army spokesman Fahad Al Masri, power. Assad counts on the sup- as the Syrian people’s legitimate ians had fled and those who have opposition source said. five decades. shows eight armed men wearing port of long-time ally Russia representative. stayed are trapped with no where “Assad’s forces use the base to Its objective is “to be a pow- masks over their faces. and Shi’ite Iran. Nato Secretary It was the ninth country to do to escape,” Abu Kinan, an activist shell many villages and towns in erful security shield to protect Despite strong censure of General Anders Fogh Rasmussen so following France, Turkey and in the Daraya, said by phone. the countryside. It is now neutral- the sons of the revolution from Assad, Western powers have said on Monday that any missile the Gulf Arab states. A Western diplomat follow- ised,” one said. attacks, arrests and killings,” and shied away from direct military deployment would be a defensive After months of slow progress ing the fighting said Assad had Meanwhile, rebels announced to hunt down members of the involvement. measure and not to enforce a no- marked by poor organisation and to show he could repel the rebel yesterday the creation of a opposition who have committed REUTERS fly zone over Syria. AFP

Bahrain arrests cell behind fake bomb attacks

DUBAI: Bahrain said yester- day it has arrested a cell sus- pected of planting mock bombs across the capital Manama, including on the main highways. The Sunni Muslim-dominated, US-allied Bahrain govern- ment has been struggling since early last year to suppress pro- democracy unrest led mainly by the Gulf Arab kingdom’s major- ity Shias. The Information Affairs Authority said the cell members Protesters throw stones towards riot police during a protest to mark the one-year anniversary of fatal were suspected of placing “fake clashes, near the Interior Ministry in Cairo, yesterday. bombs in several crowded areas throughout Bahrain”. “This included placing the objects on vital roads, which 61 injured in Cairo clashes caused traffic delays and spread fear among the public,” it said in CAIRO: At least 61 people petrol bombs at police guarding the early hours of Tuesday a statement in English. It said have been injured in skir- the ministry were repelled with morning. Some activists said police found a fake bomb when mishes in central Cairo that teargas. The public prosecutor the police had used force on they searched the home of one of extended into yesterday after has ordered an investigation, Monday to try to stop protest- the suspects yesterday. police and protesters clashed said the state news agency ers from taking down concrete during the anniversary of Mena, giving the figures for the barriers which have blocked off lethal street violence between arrested and injured. roads to the Interior Ministry Kuwait: 5 candidates activists and security forces. Last year’s street battles since last year. Activists called the protest started when police pulled Television footage on Tuesday withdraw from fray on Monday to put pressure down the tents of protesters showed different groups of peo- KUWAIT: The Public Elections on President Mohamed Mursi who had camped overnight in ple present in the area from the Department at the Kuwaiti to punish those responsible Tahrir Square - the heart of previous evening. Ministry of Interior, yesterday for killings and abuses during the uprising against Mubarak The footage showed children announced the withdrawal of the rule of the generals who - after a demonstration against and teenagers, some of them five candidates from contest- assumed power after Hosni the generals. carrying school backpacks, ing the upcoming National Mubarak was toppled by an That prompted thousands taking part. Some were shown Assembly elections, thus bring- uprising in February 2011. of protesters to return to the throwing rocks at buildings. ing the total candidates after the The skirmishes erupted at square and clashes erupted. The One youth was pictured using withdrawal to 306 candidates. the scene of clashes last year violence became known as the a fire extinguisher to smash a The department said in a press in which 42 people were killed “Mohamed Mahmoud events” window. Protests, which have statement released by the Kuwait during protests against the mil- after the street in which they become frequent in Egypt since news agency (Kuna) that the itary council that ran the coun- took place. The street is located Mubarak’s overthrow, often withdrawn candidates are from try before Mursi was elected off Tahrir Square. begin calmly before attracting the Third, Fourth and the Fifth in June. Nineteen people have In Monday’s protest, stones what some democracy activists constituencies. The last day to been arrested in the latest and empty bottles were hurled have described as delinquent withdraw from running for the round of violence, in which and 24 people were injured, youths looking for trouble. National Assembly elections is protesters hurling stones and including four policemen, by REUTERS November 23. AGENCIES WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Islands belong No kids’ play to Colombia, rules court Nicaragua gets surrounding waters

THE HAGUE: The the ruling gives the poor Central International Court of Justice American country “incred- ruled yesterday that a group ible potential wealth and future of tiny islands in the western exploitation of fisheries and other Caribbean belongs to Colombia, resources, such as minerals.” but also granted Nicaragua con- “We’ve been given very impor- trol of a large swath of the sur- tant maritime territory,” he said. rounding sea and seabed that Undersea oil exploration con- could hold oil reserves. cessions for the waters surround- Based on evidence presented ing the islands were approved in by lawyers for both nations, 2010 by the Colombian govern- “Colombia and not Nicaragua has ment of then-President Alvaro sovereignty over the islands,” the Uribe. court’s President Peter Tomka After taking office later that told delegations from both sides. year, Santos introduced legisla- But the decision not to grant tion to begin the exploration but, Colombia full sovereignty over the after complaints from environ- waters connecting all the archi- mentalists and local politicians, pelago’s islands drew a vehement reversed himself and said he objection from Colombia. would not allow the exploratory President Juan Manuel Santos drilling. told Colombians in a national The archipelago is home to one speech that the court had “com- of the largest barrier reefs in the Attorney James Swartz, director of World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.), holds a “N-Force Vendetta Double Sword” toy as he speaks at mitted grave errors” by ignoring Americas, the 255-square-kil- his annual news conference in Boston, Massachusetts, yesterday. the terms of the very treaty it had ometer old Providence reef. The declared valid and that the deci- rich marine habitat was declared sion would hurt the archipelago’s a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in fishermen. 2000. The decision effectively cut off Nicaragua first went to the four small islands from the rest of world court, the United Nations’ Ex-Croatian PM gets 10 years in jail for graft the archipelago and Santos said highest judicial organ, in 2001 he could not accept the court’s arguing that Colombia had no ZAGREB: Former Sanader, 59, guilty of Judge Ivan Turudic also said “This verdict will certainly be “omissions, errors, excesses and legal claim to the islands. Croatian prime min- agreeing in 2008 to Sanader had taken a fee from welcomed in the EU, and it sets a inconsistencies.” The two countries’ dispute ister Ivo Sanader accept a payment from Austrian Hypo Alpe Adria Bank benchmark for all EU candidate While Santos said he recog- over the region began in the late (pictured) was sen- Hungary’s energy in 1995, when he was deputy for- countries,” said Drazen Rajkovic, nized that the court’s decision is 1960s when Nicaragua granted oil tenced to 10 years in group MOL of ¤5m in eign minister, that prosecutors author of the book “How Sanader final and legally binding, he said exploration concessions for part prison yesterday for exchange for grant- had described as “war profiteer- Stole Croatia”. Colombia “emphatically rejects of the seabed, but so far no drill- taking bribes from ing it full management ing”. Croatia’s war of independ- Prime minister between 2004 this aspect of the decision” and ing has started. two foreign compa- rights over Croatia’s oil ence from Serbian-led federal and 2009, Sanader was the most “we don’t rule out any recourse The court partially rejected nies, becoming the concern INA. Yugoslavia was winding down at powerful man in Croatia, known or mechanism that international that argument in 2007, say- highest state official The ruling, against the time. for smart suits and expensive law gives us to defend our rights.” ing a 1928 treaty between the to be convicted of cor- which Sanader is likely Sanader, who looked drawn and watches, and his fall from grace He said he would fly to San two countries established that ruption in the future to appeal, sent MOL thoughtful in court, has strongly coincides with Croatia’s campaign Andres immediately. Colombia owned the English- European Union shares in Budapest denied wrongdoing and dismissed to root out corruption. Nicaragua hailed the ruling as speaking islands of San Andres, member state. down 3.7 percent by the the trial as politically moti- Sanader resigned in July an historic triumph. Providencia and Santa Catalina. Croatia is due to join the EU in close of business yesterday, com- vated. He will be detained until 2009, unexpectedly and without President Daniel Ortega called Those volcanic islands, 720 July 2013 and Sanader’s conviction pared with 1.5 percent fall in the the appeal. explanation. it a “day of national victory, vic- kilometers from Colombia’s is likely to be seen as evidence it main index. Market participants “You have damaged Croatia’s Jadranka Kosor, his hand- tory for all Nicaraguans,” and coast and 110 kilometers from is cracking down on corruption. said earlier in the day that MOL reputation. Because you were a picked successor, then launched called on Santos to respect the Nicaragua’s mainland, are popu- Its efforts to fight crime and graft was falling due to concerns that top state official, this verdict is an anti-graft drive that helped court’s ruling. lar among tourists for their pris- are being carefully monitored the court decision might prompt a message to those engaged in Zagreb complete European Union Nicaragua’s representative at tine white beaches and coral reefs. before it formally joins the bloc. Croatia to review MOL’s share- politics that crime does not pay,” entry talks in June 2011. the court, Carlos Arguello, said AP A Zagreb county court found holder agreement with INA. Turudic said. REUTERS

Colombia, Farc US govt proposes new DRC rebels say talks going they control well, says rebel rules for health cover city, airport HAVANA: Peace talks between WASHINGTON: US President benefits and costs that must be the Colombian government and Barack Obama’s administration covered through new state-based GOMA, DR CONGO: Rebels leftist Farc rebels are progress- yesterday formally proposed online healthcare exchanges, and in the Democratic Republic of ing at a “good pace,” a guerrilla new rules requiring insurers through small-group and indi- Congo yesterday claimed con- delegate said on the second day to cover people with preexist- vidual plans that are outside the trol of the main city of Goma of closed-door talks yesterday ing conditions and set mini- exchanges but not grandfathered and its airport, in the mineral- in Cuba. mum health benefits to millions under the law. rich east, as President Joseph The Revolutionary Armed of others under US healthcare Taking aim at critics who say Kabila urged people to defend Forces of Colombia (Farc) reform law. reforms amount to a rigid, “one- the nation’s sovereignty. declared a two-month ceasefire Two weeks after Obama’s re- size-fits-all” bureaucratic system, M23 rebel troops marched on the first day of the Havana election ensured the survival of the Department of Health and silently in single file into the talks on Monday in an optimistic the 2010 law that Republicans Human Services proposed giving deserted city meeting with little sign for the latest effort to end have vowed to repeal, the proposal states the discretion to choose resistance. Latin America’s longest-running is the first in an expected deluge essential benefit benchmarks In a radio broadcast, rebel insurgency. of rulemaking to implement the from typical private or public spokesman Vianney Kazarama “We are progressing at a good law in time for its January 1, 2014, plans already operating within appealed to the population to stay pace, on a good path, making sure start date. their borders. calm and ordered all police and that the people are fully partici- Defining essential benefits, Health insurance companies government soldiers to surrender pating in this process of building guaranteeing sick people access to would be prohibited from denying today morning at Goma’s football peace,” Farc commander Jesus coverage and promoting healthy coverage because of a pre-exist- stadium. Santrich said as he arrived at living are well-known goals of the ing condition, or from charging The UN has around 1,500 the talks. Patient Protection and Affordable higher premiums because of cur- “quick reaction” peacekeepers in The Colombian government Care Act. But the proposed rules rent or past health problems, Goma, part of some 6,700 troops delegation, led by former vice set down in writing how each gender, or occupation. The rules in North Kivu province, backing president Humberto de la Calle, would be accomplished while giv- would ensure access to cata- government forces against the entered the convention centre Commander Jesus Santrich (right), helped by a member of the FARC-EP ing stakeholders and the public an strophic coverage plans for young rebels. They were yesterday at where the talks are being held guerrilla arrives at the Convention Palace in Havana with Dutch guerrilla opportunity for comment. adults and others who could not their base, according to AFP. without talking to reporters. member Tanja Nijmeijer (centre) to attend the peace talks with the Colombian The benefits rule provides afford coverage otherwise. Gunfire was heard from the AFP government, yesterday. states and insurers guidance on REUTERS west of Goma and from another area leading to a key road, an AFP reporter on the scene said. Two vehicles full of rebels drove around the city centre to applause from locals while the body of a DR Cameron’s aide, Brooks to be Congo government soldier could End to Aids epidemic in sight: UN be seen at a major crossroad. Witnesses also reported that charged with conspiracy LONDON: An end to the embarked on an historic quest to blood and by semen during sex, rebel chief Sultani Makenga had LONDON: UK Prime Minister But the prosecutor’s decision worldwide Aids epidemic is in lay the foundation for the even- is also falling. At 2.5 million, arrived in the city. David Cameron’s former is a blow to the reputation of sight, the United Nations says, tual end of the Aids epidemic. the number of new infections in Most locals stayed inside yes- media chief Andy Coulson and Cameron, who has been forced to mainly due to better access to This effort is more than merely 2011 was 20 percent lower than terday with only a few venturing Rebekah Brooks, the former defend his hiring of Coulson since drugs that can both treat and visionary. It is entirely feasible,” in 2001. Although Aids remains outside. boss of Rupert Murdoch’s a phone-hacking scandal exploded prevent the incurable human Unaids said. one of the world’s most serious “What country are we in?” one British newspaper business, last year at the now-closed News immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Some 34 million people were health challenges, global solidarity bewildered woman, who gave her will be charged with conspir- of the World. that causes the disease. living with HIV at the end of 2011, in the Aids response during the name as Suzanne Bita, said, add- ing to pay officials for private Critics say that Cameron — Progress over the past decade the report said. Deaths from Aids past decade continues to generate ing: “The people who have just information on the royal family, who meets Queen Elizabeth once has cut the death toll and helped fell to 1.7 million in 2011, down extraordinary health gains,” the arrived come from Rwanda.” prosecutors said yesterday. a week — ignored warnings about stabilise the number of people from a peak of 2.3 million in 2005 report said. Earlier, the rebel spokesman The charges against Coulson Coulson’s reputation to appoint infected with HIV, the UN Aids and from 1.8 million in 2010. It said this was due to “his- said the group was in control of relate to his time as editor of the him to shape his media strategy programme said in its annual Worldwide, the number of toric success” in bringing HIV Goma and the airport and was Murdoch-owned News of the World to connect better with ordinary report yesterday. people newly infected with HIV, programmes to scale. “pursuing the enemy” who he said tabloid. voters. REUTERS The global community has which can be transmitted via REUTERS were fleeing. AFP WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES Obama urges restraint in South China Sea row No reason to risk any potential escalation: US President

PHNOM PENH: US President Cambodia, in a visit that under- Nations (Asean) met on Monday. Barack Obama urged Asian lines Washington’s expanding Yesterday, China defended its leaders yesterday to rein in ten- military and economic interests stand to not discuss the South sions in the South China Sea in Asia under last year’s so- China Sea issue at multilateral and other disputed territory, but called “pivot” from conflicts in forums. Beijing prefers to deal stopped short of firmly backing the Middle East and Afghanistan. with other claimants on a bilat- allies Japan, the Philippines and Obama’s attention was divided eral basis. Vietnam in their disputes with as he tried to stay on top of the “We do not want to bring the China. unfolding crisis in Gaza. He disputes to an occasion like this,” The comments illustrate the dispatched Secretary of State Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told challenge facing newly re-elected Hillary Clinton from the summit the summit, according to Chinese Obama in managing Sino-US ties to the Middle East for a round Deputy Foreign Minister Fu Ying. that have become more fraught of troubleshooting talks in Israel, “We do not want to give over across a range of issues, including the West Bank and Egypt. emphasis to the territorial dis- trade, commercial espionage and A decades-old territorial putes and differences, and we US President Barack Obama (left) with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on the sidelines of the East Asian Summit at the territorial disputes between squabble over the South China don’t think it’s a good idea to the Peace Palace, in Phnom Penh, yesterday. Beijing and Washington’s Asian Sea is entering a new and more spread a sense of tension in this allies. contentious chapter, as claimant region,” Wen added. “President Obama’s message is nations search deeper into dis- Several leaders at the sum- there needs to be a reduction of puted waters for energy supplies mit raised the South China Obama, Wen hold talks amid tensions the tensions,” Deputy National while building up their navies Sea issue, including a dispute Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said and military alliances with other over Scarborough Shoal, where PHNOM PENH: US President by reporters about South China Wen congratulated Obama on after the East Asia Summit in the nations, particularly with the Philippine and Chinese ships Barack Obama met Chinese Sea showdowns which have centre his re-election this month and Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. United States. faced off in April. That prompted Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday, stage at the summit. sent the regards of the man he “There is no reason to risk any Beijing claims almost the entire a firm response from China, Fu in the highest-level exchange Obama said that, as the world’s referred to as China’s “newly- potential escalation, particularly sea as its territory based on his- told the reporters. between the two sides since the two largest economies, China and elected” leader, Xi Jinping. when you have two of the world’s torical records, setting it directly “Huangyan Island US election and an engineered the United States had a “special Xi was installed as the head of largest economies - China and against US allies Vietnam and the (Scarborough Shoal) is China’s power transfer in China. responsibility” to work together the ruling Communist Party after Japan - associated with some of Philippines, while Brunei, Taiwan territory,” Fu quoted Wen as tell- Wen and Obama met at the to ensure sustained and balanced a tightly scripted party congress those disputes.” and Malaysia also lay claim to ing the summit. “China’s act of East Asia Summit in Cambodia, growth and to establish “clear which culminated this month in The comments appeared care- parts. defending its sovereignty is neces- as tensions rise over maritime rules of the road” on trade. Beijing, and he is expected to suc- fully calibrated not to offend The Philippines lodged a for- sary and legitimate.” territorial disputes in the region His comments were a veiled ceed Hu Jintao as national presi- either side. mal protest yesterday against the The South China Sea failed which are nagging the always reference to the trade and cur- dent next March. They follow a three-day trip summit host Cambodia, accus- to earn a single mention in an friction-prone relations between rency disputes, and issues such as Washington has become by Obama to three strategically ing the Chinese ally of trying to 11-page concluding summit state- Washington and Beijing. intellectual property piracy and increasingly frustrated with important Southeast Asian coun- stifle discussions on the South ment read by Cambodian Prime Both men stuck to familiar commercial duties over which his, Beijing over its refusal to back tries: old US ally Thailand, new China Sea when leaders of the Minister Hun Sen. talking points in a short photo- and previous, US administrations stronger measures against the friend Myanmar and China ally Association of Southeast Asian REUTERS op, and ignored questions shouted have haggled with the Chinese. Syrian regime. AFP

Ex-Tokyo governor calls for nuclear-armed Japan China names new leaders

TOKYO: Firebrand former previously expressed the same Restoration Party (JRP) a lead- served as an LDP lawmaker and for Shanghai, Chongqing Tokyo governor Shintaro thoughts on Japan -- the only ing contender for a post-election minister, is widely known for the Ishihara, a potential kingmaker country on which a nuclear attack political marriage. colourful, often abrasive remarks BEIJING: China yesterday forefront of leaders slated to rule in next month’s general elec- has ever taken place -- getting Ishihara said he was “too old” he daubs on the otherwise grey named new leaders for its com- China following the next power tion, said yesterday Japan must atomic weapons. for a ministerial brief and stressed world of Japanese politics. mercial hub Shanghai and the transition in 2022, analysts said. acquire nuclear weapons if it But his comments yester- that his views were personal, Speaking to reporters at the southwestern mega-city of Han is credited with guiding wants to be taken seriously. day come just days after he was rather than those of his party. Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Chongqing, where the disgraced Shanghai through the successful At very least, avowedly pacifist declared leader of a populist party His comments are also at odds Japan, the novelist-turned politi- former official Bo Xilai ruled World Expo in 2010 and he sur- Japan should examine what it forged ahead of the December 16 with public opinion, which over- cian took aim at China, a favour- until his downfall earlier this vived a 2006 corruption scandal would need to do to join the club general election with the express whelmingly backs Japan’s pacifist ite bogeyman of the right. year. which sent former Shanghai party of declared nuclear powers, the aim of challenging the two major constitution and, since the disas- “In theory it would be good Business-friendly Shanghai chief Chen Liangyu to jail for 18 80-year-old arch conservative told forces in Japanese politics. ter at Fukushima, has developed if Japan and China could foster Mayor Han Zheng, 58, was pro- years. foreign journalists in Tokyo. Next month’s poll is expected a pervasive distrust of nuclear friendship, but Chinese policy is moted to the city’s top post as A native of Zhejiang province “I think Japan should at least to end without a clear result, with power. that of a hegemony,” he said. Communist Party chief after which neighbours Shanghai, Han carry out an analysis on going prime minister Yoshihiko Noda’s However, they may strike a “The Tibetan situation invites serving as mayor since 2003, was educated in Shanghai and nuclear,” Ishihara said. Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) chord with a section of the public tremendous sympathy. Japan the official Xinhua news agency served his entire political career “The diplomatic voice of coun- and the main opposition Liberal frustrated with what they see as must not become like Tibet, vio- reported. in the city. tries without nuclear weapons is Democratic Party seen likely to Japan’s diplomatic missteps in the lated by China’s high-handed Up-and-coming politician Sun Several candidates were overwhelmingly weak,” he said. fall short of a majority. face of an assertive China, par- approach,” he said, adding Tokyo Zhengcai, 49, a former minis- rumoured to be in line for the Ishihara has a long track record Commentators expect a period ticularly on the issue of disputed should look to form alliances with ter of agriculture was named Shanghai party chief job, but of saying controversial things and of horse trading as a coalition is islands in the East China Sea. other countries in the region. top Communist Party official in local government officials were breaking cultural taboos. He has forged, with Ishihara’s Japan Ishihara, who decades ago AFP Chongqing, Xinhua said in a sepa- keen to have one of their own take rate report. the post instead of an outsider, a Bo is at the centre of the big- Shanghai-based political journal- gest political scandal in China ist said. in years, which saw his wife Gu Sun’s promotion is largely Kailai given a suspended death based on his expertise in agricul- South Korea Nepal govt calls for 2013 polls to end crisis sentence in August for murder- ture -- a key sector in a country ing British businessman Neil that needs to feed 1.3bn people. KATHMANDU: Nepal’s elections between mid-April and meant there were no legal provi- Heywood. He graduated from Beijing gears up for Maoist-led government yester- mid-May 2013. We will fix the sions for holding a vote. He was formally expelled from Agriculture University in 1987 day called polls to elect a new exact date after consultation with “The government wanted to the ruling Communist Party late and later spent a year as a visiting parliament for April or May the parties,” information minister conduct elections in November last month and is in custody scholar at Britain’s Rothamsted rocket launch next year, offering hope for an Rajkishore Yadav said. 22 but it was not possible because awaiting trial for corruption and Experimental Station, an agri- SEOUL: South Korea is set end to the political deadlock Nepal has been run by a care- of the special circumstance,” said abuse of power. cultural research centre based at to go ahead next week with a crippling the deeply-divided taker Maoist government since Yadav. Bo had been tipped for promo- a manor house in Hertfordshire. delayed rocket launch as it aims nation. the collapse in May of an interim “It requires political consensus tion to the top ranks of the party Later he served as minister of to join the elite club of nations Elections had originally been assembly that had failed in its to conduct elections, hence the at the once-in-a-decade leader- agriculture for three years. capable of putting a satellite into earmarked for this week but main task of drawing up a new government will now start seri- ship transition that saw President Following Bo’s dismissal from orbit, an official said yesterday. legal problems and the failure of constitution following a 10-year ous dialogue with parties and fix Hu Jintao hand the top party post Chongqing in April, the sprawling The project has been plagued the country’s main political par- civil war that ended in 2006. a date for the polls.” to Vice President Xi Jinping last city of 30m people has been run with problems, with failed ties to agree on how and when it Maoist Prime Minister An estimated 16,000 people died week. by Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang, attempts in 2009 and 2010, and a should take place had led to the Baburam Bhattarai had called for in the “people’s war” fought by the During the reshuffle, Sun was who was last week promoted to successful launch this time is con- plan being dropped. November polls, but the country’s Maoists against the state before one of the youngest politicians the elite seven-member Politburo sidered crucial to South Korea’s “The government today decided election commission insisted the the rebels turned to politics. promoted to the 25-member party Standing Committee. commercial space ambitions. to conduct Constituent Assembly lack of a workable constitution AFP Politburo, placing him at the AFP A 140-tonne rocket, the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV- 1), will deploy a small satellite New patrol gunboats that will mainly collect data on space radiation. The latest launch had been scheduled for October Philippines probes foreign link in ambush 26, but was cancelled at the last minute after engineers detected a MANILA: The Philippine mili- well as the motives of the women the official figures. broken rubber seal in a connector tary is investigating the alleged were not yet clear, the colonel The insurgents have an inter- between the launch pad and the role of three foreign women in said. national office in the Netherlands first stage of the carrier rocket. a communist guerrilla ambush Local radio stations quot- and have previously boasted of Kim Yeon-Hak, a deputy direc- that left seven soldiers dead last ing civilians on the scene have having supporters among leftist tor at the Science Ministry, said weekend, an army spokesman reported one of the three women groups abroad. a replacement for the defective said yesterday. was wounded in the clash, and However there have been no part had finally been shipped from Three white women were that all three were armed, but previous reports of foreigners Russia, allowing the launch to go seen in the company of a New Magundayao said he could not fighting alongside the NPA. ahead. “Engineers from Russia People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla confirm those details. Both sides announced in and South Korea met on Monday unit that clashed with soldiers in Seven army soldiers were killed February last year, following talks and agreed it would be technically the northern province of Isabela in the skirmish, which also left in Norway, that they had set a appropriate to carry out the launch on Saturday, said regional mili- eight other soldiers wounded, deadline of June 2012 to sign a on November 29,” Kim said. tary spokesman Colonel Loreto according to the government. final peace deal, but negotiations The KSLV-1 has a first stage Magundayao. The allegations come as the went nowhere due to the issue of manufactured by Russia, with a “The chief of our intelligence military continues its decades- the detained guerrillas. solid-fuel second stage built in confirmed that there were three long struggle against the coun- The military estimates the South Korea. The 100kg satellite white women. Our intelligence is try’s Maoist insurgent movement. NPA’s current strength at about it will carry has a one-year opera- Guided missile patrol gunboats, Hongdaeseon, Hongsiuk and Lim protecting their source but we The communist guerillas have 4,000 fighters nationwide, signifi- tional lifespan and was developed Byeongnae, are berthed at a quay of STX Offshore and Shipbuilding have confirmed it and they have been waging a rebellion since 1969, cantly down from over 26,000 at by the Korea Advanced Institute Co in Jinhae, southeast of Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. evidence,” he said. and more than 30,000 people have its peak in the 1980s. of Science and Technology. AFP The identities, nationalities as died in the conflict, according to AFP WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 France ends combat mission in Afghanistan Troops withdrawn from strategic province; French soldiers to leave the country next month

AFGHANISTAN: France The attacks have led to calls in ended its combat mission in other Western countries, where Afghanistan yesterday, with- the long war is increasingly drawing troops from a strategic unpopular, for early troop with- province northeast of Kabul as drawals. But Nato has insisted it part of a quickened departure will follow the agreed programme from the war-torn country. of pulling out all combat troops by Paris said all French combat the end of 2014. soldiers will leave the country Despite 11 years of fighting, a next month, two years before resilient insurgency has led to allied nations contributing to warnings of a return to civil war the 100,000-strong International or the Taliban coming back to Security Assistance Force (ISAF) power. led by the United States are due But France is not the first to depart. country to end its combat mission. Taliban insurgents called on Canada did so in July 2011 and other foreign forces to follow the Netherlands in August 2010. France’s example. The United States has pulled “We urge the others to follow out its 33,000 “surge” troops, France and leave Afghanistan, although it still has some 68,000 end the occupation of Afghanistan soldiers in Afghanistan. and leave the fate of the country Around 1,500 French soldiers to Afghans themselves,” spokes- will stay into 2013 to take respon- man Zabihullah Mujahed said. sibility for repatriating equipment France has lost 88 soldiers in and training the Afghan army to Afghanistan and has been the take over. fifth largest contributor to ISAF, The last 400 French soldiers behind the United States, Britain, deployed in Kapisa province left Germany and Italy. Nijrab, the last French base out- Paris decided to accelerate side Kabul, after a departure cer- its withdrawal after a string of emony Tuesday. deadly attacks in 2011 and 2012, Kapisa, which straddles key including a January assault in transit routes from Pakistan Afghan soldiers walk before the handover ceremony between the French army and the ANA (Afghan National Army) at the forward operational base of which an Afghan soldier shot to the Afghan capital, has been Nijrab, as part of the withdrawal of French troops, yesterday. dead five French troops as they the deadliest French mission in were jogging at their Kapisa base. Afghanistan, accounting for 60 of Then president Nicolas Sarkozy the total French fatalities. commanders say Kapisa has sta- American soldiers from Helmand in Kapisa and nearby district Around 50 trainers will remain announced that the combat mis- France joined the Nato coali- bilised but they have been unable in two months. No one tells me Surobi. in Wardak province, west of sion would end in 2013, but his tion in late 2001 defending the to provide supporting statistics the insurgency has recaptured He says he is optimistic about Kabul, and 1,500 in the Afghan successor Francois Hollande new government from Taliban and attacks have continued. ground.” the capacity of Afghan troops. capital, where most will be tasked brought that forward to the end insurgents. A US-led invasion had “I have not seen terrain recap- Two out of six Kapisa districts “The insurgency is 10 times with organising the final depar- of 2012, initially to veiled criticism toppled the Taliban government tured by the insurgency in this are thought to be at least partly less than the (Afghan) security ture of French troops. from US officials. earlier that year for giving refuge zone,” said General Olivier de controlled by insurgents. forces. Therefore, they cannot be After the summer of 2013, So-called insider attacks have to Osama bin Laden and his al Bavinchove, the French com- Kapisa’s security will now be beaten,” he said. only several hundred French spiralled this year, with a total Qaeda network. mander in Afghanistan. the responsibility of 4,700 Afghan Of the 2,200 French soldiers soldiers involved in cooperation of 61 Nato soldiers killed by French troops moved into “I don’t share the view of police and soldiers, supported by left in Afghanistan, a military or training missions will remain Afghan security personnel, fuel- Kapisa in 2008 and clashes with those who predict an apocalypse 250 American soldiers, accord- official said that about 700 would in the country, the military offi- ling distrust in the war against the the Taliban and militia increased. and the inevitable return of the ing to General Eric Hautecloque- return to France by the end of cial said. Taliban. French and Afghan Taliban. We withdrew 13,000 Raysz, the French commander the year. AFP

Pakistan quashes UN voices alarm over Afghan opium poppy growth Christian girl

KABUL: Opium poppy cultiva- for the rise in opium cultivation,” The report shows that culti- ‘blasphemy’ case tion in Afghanistan increased Afghanistan’s counter-narcotics vation increased despite “a sig- ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan by 18 percent this year, sending minister Zarar Ahmad Moqbel nificant 154 percent increase in court yesterday threw out all a “serious alarm signal” from told a news conference in Kabul. government eradication efforts,” charges against a Christian girl the world’s biggest opium pro- More than a hundred members with nearly 10,000 hectares accused of blasphemy for alleg- ducer, the United Nations said of the Afghan security forces were (24,700 acres) of poppy wiped out. edly burning pages of the Koran yesterday. killed in the process of destroying Most poppy cultivation -- 95 in a case that drew interna- Estimated opium production poppy fields this year, he said. percent -- was concentrated in tional condemnation. in the war-torn country fell 36 “An increase of 18 percent the southern and western prov- Rimsha Masih, who could have percent because of blight and bad is a serious alarm signal, it’s inces hardest hit by insecurity faced life in prison if convicted of weather. But the area under pop- a wake-up call,” said UNDOC and organised crime. the charges, spent three weeks pies rose despite tougher eradi- Afghanistan representative Jean The Taliban make at least on remand in jail after being cation efforts, the UN Office on Luc Leahieu. “The gains made in $100m a year from taxing arrested on August 16. Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said the last years have been undone.” Afghanistan’s opium trade, offi- She was released on bail in in its annual report. High opium prices were cials say. September but she and her family While farm-gate prices for blamed for playing a major role Wiping out the crop has have been in hiding under govern- opium remained relatively high in the increased area under been part of efforts to stabilise ment protection, fearful for their at $196 per kilogram, the value cultivation. Afghanistan since the Islamists’ lives. of opium produced was halved to High prices would also “provide regime was ousted by a US-led Although the decision to $700m, dropping from the equiva- a strong incentive for farmers to invasion in 2001. drop the case was welcomed, it lent of seven percent of GDP in start or resume poppy cultivation The poppies, which pro- is unlikely to pave the way for 2011 to four percent in 2012. in the coming season”, the survey vide rich pickings in one of the Afghan men harvest and collect opium sap from the bulb of the plant in imminent reform of Pakistan’s Afghanistan produces about said. UNODC executive director world’s poorest countries, also Mamoond Spin Ghar area in Nangarhar province. blasphemy legislation, which 90 percent of the world’s opium, Yury Fedotov called for “sustained play a large part in the corruption activists say is too often used to and poppy farmers are taxed by effort by the Afghan government that plagues Afghan life at every settle personal disputes. Taliban militants who use the and international stakeholders level, from district to national a crop that gives them an income combat troops out of the coun- The prosecution said it would cash to help fund their insurgency to address illicit cultivation with government. several times higher than main- try by the end of 2014, there are appeal the decision in the against the government and Nato a balanced approach of devel- With so many people profiting stream produce have proved concerns that opium production Supreme Court. Blasphemy is forces. opment and law enforcement from poppies on both sides of the difficult. could rise even further. an extremely sensitive issue in “Insecurity is the main cause measures”. war, efforts to wean farmers off And with Nato due to pull its AFP Pakistan, where 97 percent of the population are Muslims, and under the country’s penal code Winter heater insulting the Prophet Mohammed can be punished by death. Even unproven allegations can Islamists to issue fatwa against Malala provoke a violent public response. In a 15-page judgement, ISLAMABAD: A new Tears for Malala Yousufzai”, is American and Pakistani involve- Islamabad high court chief justice British-based Islamist group associated with some of Britain’s ment in maintaining the British Iqbal Hameed ur Rahman threw plans to meet in Islamabad to most hardline Islamists. and American interests ...,” out the case registered against issue a religious decree against Anjem Choudary, a promi- Choudary said. Rimsha and urged Muslims to a Pakistani schoolgirl shot by nent radical cleric in Britain, “Malala is one of the issues be “extraordinary careful” while the Taliban, accusing her of said the fatwa could be issued we are going to be addressing levelling such allegations. supporting “occupying” US on November 30 at Lal Masjid, because she is being used as a He said putting Rimsha on trial forces. one of Pakistan’s most notorious propaganda tool by the enemies would have seen the courts “used The move against Malala mosques, where a 2007 army raid of Muslims to say: ‘Look, Muslims as a tool for ulterior motive” and Yousufzai, 15, is likely to provoke crushed a Taliban-style move- don’t believe in education’ which “to abuse the process of law”. outrage. ment controlling the compound is absurd.” Defence lawyer Tahir Naveed In the days following her shoot- and nearby area. Tens of thousands of Britons Chaudhry said that the family ing in October, she became an The mosque’s deputy head, have called on the government to was “delighted” the case had been international icon and world lead- Maulana Amir Siddique, denied nominate Yousufzai for a Nobel dropped, but said they “still live ers pledged to support her cam- the group would hold such a con- Peace Prize for her work promot- in fear”. Rimsha and her family paign for girls’ education. ference but organisers insisted ing girls’ education. were moved to an undisclosed “There will be a fatwa issued they did not need permission Her shooting was the culmina- location after her release on regarding Malala Yousufzai tak- to gather in a public place of tion of years of campaigning that bail on September 8. An official ing into account the full story worship. had pitted the young girl against medical report classified her as of her injury including her pub- Yousufzai is recovering in a one of Pakistan’s most ruthless “uneducated” and 14 years old, but lic statements in support of the British hospital. Taliban commanders, Maulana with a mental age younger than occupying US army in the region Neither Baraa nor Choudary Fazlullah. her years. Others have said she and mocking of key symbols of would say what punishment Fazlullah and his men had is as young as 11 and suffers from Islam such as hijab and jihad,” Yousufzai might face if the taken over Yusufzai’s native Swat Down’s Syndrome. said Abu Baraa, a senior member group found her guilty of violat- Valley and have blown up girls’ Paul Bhatti, the only Christian of Shariah4Pakistan. ing Islam. schools and publicly executed member of Pakistan’s federal The group, whose website fea- “Nobody is saying we are going those they deem immoral. An cabinet, welcomed the “historic” An Afghan man prepares traditional heater at a shop in Herat, tures a blog below a photograph of to get out our swords and go army offensive in Swat forced move, saying justice had been Afghanistan, yesterday. Yousufzai in a hospital bed titled and look for Malala... The point many Taliban fighters to flee. done. “Don’t Believe The Crocodile is a wider issue: it is about the REUTERS AFP WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Govt prepared to face opposition in House NDA joins CPI-M in seeking vote on FDI in retail

ON BOARD AIR INDIA support her no-confidence move ONE: The government is “fully AIADMK to vote against the government. The prepared” to counter the oppo- Trinamool chief, whose party sition onslaught in parliament against government routed the Left bastion in West over the FDI issue and is confi- Bengal last year and rules that dent of the support of its allies, CHENNAI: AIADMK gen- state, has also said that her party including those who supported eral secretary J Jayalalithaa was willing to support the Left in UPA-I. yesterday said her party will case it decides to bring a no con- Stating this to journalists vote against the union gov- fidence move against the govern- returning with Prime Minister ernment’s decision to allow ment, but the Left parties have Manmohan Singh from his visit foreign direct investment not responded so far. to Phnom Penh, Commerce and (FDI) in multi-brand retail However, he acknowledged Industry Minister Anand Sharma if a motion is brought in that there could be differences said: “Stability is an imperative parliament. in perceptions and approach to and all the allies of the UPA are Speaking to reporters here, the contentious issue of FDI in clear on that issue.” Jayalalithaa, the Tamil Nadu multi-brand retail, over which Sounding confident about coun- chief minister, said her party the Tinamool walked out of the tering the opposition, especially would vote against any motion government in September. with Trinamool Congress chief that sought to bring FDI in “We remain confident that Mamata Banerjee threatening to retail since it was against the UPA will hold strong. Yes, there move a no-confidence motion in country’s interests. could be differences in perception the parliament session beginning She reiterated her govern- and different approach. Stability tomorrow, Sharma said: “It is the ment’s stance of not allowing is an imperative and there is no job of the opposition to oppose... FDI in retail in Tamil Nadu. doubt that all our allies are clear Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda at a meeting on the sidelines of Let them bring the issue to par- IANS on that issue,” he said. the 10th Asean-India Summit in Phnom Penh, yesterday. liament, the government is fully He said the decision on FDI was prepared to counter it.” taken after talks with all stake- that entail voting and Trinamool It also countered opposition yesterday to discuss the agenda Asked if the UPA would manage continue to support the govern- holders and though a consulta- Congress insisting that it will go plans to demand voting on foreign for the winter session, said the to bring around some of its allies, ment when it comes to larger tive process. “We will effectively ahead with a no confidence motion direct investment (FDI) in retail government had violated its sol- like the DMK and Samajwadi interest and to keep at bay those answer our opponents,” he said. against the UPA government. and said there was no precedent emn assurance to the two houses Party which have voiced open forces who have a clearly a parti- The winter session of parlia- The Congress-led United of a policy decision being chal- of parliament to keep the decision reservations against the economic san agenda on this critical issue”. ment is slated for a stormy start Progressive Alliance (UPA) gov- lenged in the Lok Sabha. of FDI in retail in abeyance till a move, Sharma said the govern- The Left parties were sup- with the NDA joining CPI-M ernment, however, said it had The Bharatiya Janata Party consensus is arrived after consul- ment was confident that allies porting the UPA-I and have not in seeking discussion on FDI in majority and would establish this (BJP) led-National Democratic tations with political parties and of the UPA-I and UPA-II “will responded to Banerjee’s call to multi-brand retail under rules on the floor of the house if needed. Alliance (NDA), which met here state governments. IANS

Anti-Israel protest Probe ordered Use stocks of banned after stampede kills 18 in Patna endosulfan, panel PATNA: India yesterday launched an inquiry into a tells Supreme Court stampede which killed 18 women and children when a makeshift bridge collapsed at NEW DELHI: The Supreme Consent was committed to dis- a Hindu festival, as devotees Court-appointed joint expert continue the use of endosulfan returned to pray at the scene of committee (JEC) on the dis- over the next five years. the tragedy. posal of existing stocks of Almost all the countries which The incident in the eastern banned pesticide endosulfan have banned endosulfan had a city of Patna, near the Ganges wants using it over two years, phase out plan ranging from two river, occurred late on Monday as as part of a phaseout plan, as years to six years, it said. tens of thousands of worshippers its disposal would be costly and The JEC said that “to exhaust rushed to offer prayers to the time-consuming. the available stocks of raw mate- setting sun as part of the Hindu The JEC in its recommenda- rial, manufacture and use of ritual of Chhath. tion to the apex court bench of endosulfan may be permitted for Despite the disaster, thousands Kashmiri Muslims shout anti-Israel slogans during a protest in Srinagar yesterday against Israel’s military Justice Swatanter Kumar and a total period of two years”. of worshippers returned to the action in Gaza. Justice Madan B Lokur yester- The manufacturing and mar- site before sunrise to pray as part day said that the “phasing out of keting companies should be asked of the festival schedule, offering endosulfan appears to be the most to ensure complete use of the fruits to the gods, lighting candles viable plan”. available raw material during the and bathing in the sacred water. “Disposals of the stocks of period, the committee said. Relatives of victims gathered at a endosulfan in existing incinera- The states which permitted mass cremation on the riverbank, Sinha demands Gadkari’s exit tors may take long duration due the use of endosulfan should keep with many survivors saying poor to the limited capacity and the detailed inventory control and organisation of the event caused NEW DELHI: The BJP disap- “inappropirate”. Prasad said the that the issue was not whether cost of the disposals would be ensure strict monitoring of the the stampede. Sunil Mahto said proved of the remarks made by party had taken notice of the reports Gadkari was guilty but all party exorbitant and also prohibitive,” people and places where endosul- he was lucky to escape the crush party leader Yashwant Sinha in the media about Sinha’s remarks. leaders being above reproach. the JEC told the court. fan may be used, it said. of human bodies tumbling from yesterday seeking the resigna- “He is a very senior leader of Gadkari is facing probe over The report said that incinera- The JEC gave its recommen- the collapsed bridge. tion of party president Nitin the party. He has given a public financial dealings of investor com- tion would require a dedicated dation to the apex court dur- “I blame the police and officials Gadkari, saying he should statement today. Being a senior panies in a firm linked to him. operation for several years and ing a hearing on a plea by the for failing to control the large reconsider his comments. leader, all party forums were The BJP has virtually given cost Rs1,189 crore. Democratic Youth Federation crowds which were expected at Coming out of a meeting of available to him. Instead, he chose Gadkari a clean chit following The committee noted that India of India, the youth wing of the this time,” Mahto said. “I thank National Democratic Alliance to go public. The party did not probe by a financial analyst S. was a signatory to the Stockholm Communist Party of India-Marxist, the almighty that I am alive.” leaders, Bharatiya Janata Party deem it appropriate. We urge Gurumurthy, considered close Convention on Persistent Organic seeking total ban on the use, manu- Along the muddy riverbank, the (BJP) spokesman Ravi Shankar him to reconsider his remarks,” to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Pollutants and the Rotterdam facture and marketing of endosul- remains of the rope and bamboo Prasad said Sinha’s remarks were Prasad said. Sinha said yesterday Sangh. IANS Convention for Prior-Informed fan. IANS bridge were still in place and the ground was scattered with dis- carded clothes, home-made sweet offerings and abandoned shoes. Court slams Tamil Nadu’s lethargy on Social media reacts over arrest of Facebook users nuclear plant issue MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: fury over police high-handedness. about why there should be a now? Are we in democracy or dic- “illegal and arbitrary arrests”, the NEW DELHI: Observing that Oppressive, deplorable, arbi- The topic was hotly discussed in bandh? Did anyone notify the tatorship,” asked a young man. groups Communalism Combat and there could be no compromise trary… the adjectives flew freely college and school classrooms, in police that this is actually a Terming it the “the death of SAHMAT said the incident was on safety, the Supreme Court yesterday as Indians across offices, on social networking sites democracy?” Mumbai-based democracy”, another woman “one more instance of the growing lashed out at the Tamil Nadu all sectors verbalised their and was also the top trending author Jerry Pinto wrote angrily professional said: “What irks me politics of intimidation threat and government for being lethar- outrage at the arrest of two topic on Twitter. on his Facebook wall. In Mumbai- is how the alleged Shiv Sainiks violence that are not firmly dealt gic in putting in place a plan young women who questioned From corporates and students based communications profes- reacted in the most intolerant with by the authorities”. for the evacuation of people in on Facebook the shutdown in to politicians and academics, the sional Kumar Manish’s view, the and cowardly manner. We are Signed by artists, academics, the event of an accident at the Mumbai after Shiv Sena chief voices of protest, young and old, arrests were an “oppressive way living in mob culture and this is media professionals and legal Kudankulam Nuclear Power Bal Thackeray’s death. rose in unison. of muzzling voices”. just not acceptable.” experts, the statement said the Plant (KNPP). A day after 21-year-old This was the message posted by “It is unfortunate and deplor- The ire spilled over to every arrests were the “most recent in Saying that there could be no Shaheen Dabha was arrested Shaheen: “With all respect, every able that Maharashtra Police, a sector. Minister of State for a long list of actions undertaken compromise on the issue of safety with her friend, who had ‘liked’ day, thousands of people die, but state functionary, acts and reacts Communications and IT Milind by the police under the IT Act of the plant, the apex court bench the post on Facebook, and her still the world moves on... Today, within couple of hours for an Deora said: “Question isn’t about which are questionable”. Most of Justice K S Radhakrishnan uncle’s clinic in Thane was van- Mumbai shuts down due to fear, action which is within the laws amending 66A of the IT Act, it’s people felt the only way to rein- and Justice Dipak Misra asked dalised, police arrested nine peo- not due to respect.” enshrined in the Constitution of about preventing misuse by the force faith in the establishment the state government “how and ple believed to be from the Shiv “I am so scared to write on India… We are living in a democ- police, who clearly acted in haste was to suspend the policemen who where they (people) will be evac- Sena. Both the women were facebook... My freedom of expres- racy, let us not make it ‘demo- and applied wrong sections of IPC arrested the girls. uated” in the event of an accident. arrested on Sunday - for “hurting sion is killed by the arrest of two crazy’,” he added. and IT Act.” The ripples were felt globally as “Your (Tamil Nadu govern- religious sentiments” and under young ladies in Mumbai,” wrote Many others IANS spoke to “Also, vandals of Dhada well. Linking the Mumbai arrests ment’s) attitude seems to be the Information Technology Act, Guwahati-based wildlife activist in Mumbai preferred not to be Hospital must be booked! Hope to the shooting of Pakistani teen lethargic... we want seriousness 2000 - and released on bail on Firoz Ahmed on his Facebook identified though they condemned Maharashtra government takes Malala Yousafazai, contactmusic. from you,” the court said. The Monday. wall. outright the arrests and the van- immediate corrective action,” he com reported that the prohibition court frowned at the attitude Police also launched an inquiry “Police officers who arrested dalism that followed. A telling tweeted. The CPI-M asked for of what’s allowed on the Internet of the Tamil Nadu government against the arrests and the van- the two girls in Mumbai shud be comment perhaps on the forces Maharashtra’s Congress-NCP and the decreasing amount of while hearing a petition seeking dalism in Thane, near India’s immediately dismissed. That’s at play in India’s busy commercial government to “take immediate free speech available on social to restrain the government from financial and entertainment hub minimum that the govt ought capital and its neighbourhoods. action and stop pandering to the networks such as Twitter and operationalising KNPP-I and II in Mumbai. But that did little to to do,” tweeted activist-turned- “Dictatorship is what we wit- whims and fancies of the Shiv Facebook is becoming more and Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district. curb the democracy vs dictator- politician Arvind Kejriwal. nessed over last weekend… Can Sena”. more apparent. AGENCIES ship debate and the mounting “Now you can’t ask questions one not even express their feelings In a statement against the IANS

WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME News in Numbers FINANCIAL INDICATORS CHART: 3 Fajr (Dawn) 4:30 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:55 Zuhr (Noon) 11:20 FIRST TIME Asr (Afternoon) 2:23 IN QATAR Maghrib (Sunset) 4:44 Isha (Night) 6:14 READ MOBILE WEATHER EDITION Monetary Survey of the Banking System Today Thursday Friday Weather Conditions: Billion QR Mostly sunny Clear Mostly sunny Fine to partly 350 cloudy. 300 High: 26° High: 27° High: 27° 250 Low: 20° Low: 21° Low: 22° 200

150 DOHA - SUN & SEA 100 SUN TIDE SEA 50 SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 0 05:55 | 16:44 10:30 02:45 & 18:30 05-15/18 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW Dec 2011 Jan 2012 Feb 2012 Mar 2012 HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER

MUSCAT 29/21 Mostly sunny 28/20 Mostly sunny Monetary Survey of the Banking System MAKKAH 36/23 Clear 35/23 Mostly sunny KUWAIT 24/17 Partly sunny 24/18 Cloudy in Millions of QR BAHRAIN 24/20 Clear 25/21 Mostly sunny www.penmob.com SANAA 25/08 Mostly sunny 24/07 Mostly sunny Net Foreign Assets Net Domestic Assets RIYADH 23/11 Mostly sunny 24/13 Mostly sunny Log on to www.penmob.com DUBAI 27/22 Chance of rain 27/21 Chance of rain to read The Peninsula BAGHDAD 21/12 Clear 21/13 Clear newspaper through End of Period QCB Commercial Banks Claims on Government Domestic Claims U‚‡hy2 your mobile Domestic Total Other Total Gv„ˆvqv‡’ THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW Financial  Items H! BlackBerry users can Assets Liabilities Net Assets Liabilities Net Claims Deposits Net Credit Securities Total (Net) HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER download The peninsula icon 35,499.9 752.5 34,747.4 88,960.7 62,264.6 26,696.1 61,443.5 13,822.0 14,028.7 -206.7 137,178.2 10,661.3 147,839.5 -55,340.9 92,291.9 153,735.4 ATHENS 19/13 Rain 17/13 Mostly sunny WASHINGTON 13/05 Mostly sunny 13/03 Clear Send your BlackBerry 35,808.1 18.4 35,789.7 99,168.5 86,089.2 13,079.3 48,869.0 18,169.2 20,428.6 -2,259.4 207,601.4 12,221.5 219,822.9 -82,427.4 135,136.1 184,005.1 SYDNEY 18/14 Partly sunny 20/13 Mostly sunny pincode to 21A8A4A8 LONDON 10/05 Rain 11/09 Partly sunny to get the latest news 68,570.1 1,451.9 67,118.2 88,494.7 108,459.9 -19,965.2 47,153.0 62,738.2 15,879.6 46,858.6 217,193.5 7,111.2 224,304.7 -103,234.5 167,928.8 215,081.8 PARIS 10/06 Chance of rain 09/06 Partly sunny on your BlackBerry mobile ISTANBUL 17/12 Chance of rain 15/11 Chance of rain 113,611.4 1,441.2 112,170.2 91,124.8 139,309.3 -48,184.5 63,985.7 75,003.6 19,154.2 55,849.4 257,616.9 13,339.6 270,956.5 -126,075.8 200,730.1 264,715.8 MANILA 33/24 Mostly sunny 33/22 Mostly sunny DHAKA 28/17 Mostly sunny 27/15 Clear 61,152.8 1,455.1 59,697.7 119,439.4 161,532.0 -42,092.6 17,605.1 145,785.8 54,738.6 91,047.2 335,894.0 16,436.2 352,330.2 -151,016.7 292,360.7 309,965.8 DELHI 25/13 Clear 24/13 Clear ISLAMABAD 23/11 Cloudy 24/10 Mostly sunny Source : http://www.qcb.gov.qa/ Financial Stability & Statistics Department Wednesday 21 November 2012 7 Muharram 1434 Volume 17 Number 5525 Price: QR2

Xstrata votes France to answer for Glencore downgrade with deal reforms

Business | 18 Business | 19

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780

Vodafone Rayyan Bank Industries NakilatQatar Islamic Barwa Gulf HoldingComm. Bank Int. Islamic Qatar Bank of Qatar Bank

179,432 8.57 513,071 26.05 207,762 149.70359,141 15.10 48,160 76.00 125,166 27.65 7,302 23.59 266,815 72.90 22,859 52.10 $7bn QP-Qapco JV to go on stream in ’18 Global crisis no threat to prices

DOHA: The Qatar Petroleum will have world class cracker and Qatar Petrochemical project to produce number one Company (Qapco) joint venture polyethylene, polypropylene and project in Ras Laffan Industry ethylene”, he said. City is scheduled for comple- Qatar is set to join the exclu- tion in 2018. With the launch of sive club of major petrochemical the $7bn project, Qatar would producers and exporters. Today’s emerge as one of the top glo- launch of LDPE 3 is an important bal exporters of petrochemical milestone ahead of the completion products, Minister of Energy of several major projects. Some of and Industry and Chairman them are already in the engineer- and Managing Director of QP H ing phase. E Dr Mohammeed bin Saleh Al Dr Al Sada said the prolong- Sada, said here yesterday. ing global economic slowdown has Talking on the sidelines not weighed down on the market of the opening ceremony of price of the petrochemical prod- HE Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, the Minister of Energy and Industry, Chairman and Managing Director of QP (second right) addressing the media Qapco’s low-density polyeth- ucts. “Currently, the market is as (from left) Patrick Pouyanne, member of the Executive Committee of Total, Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi, Chairman of Qapco and Dr Mohammed ylene plant -3 (LDPE 3), the healthy. The future seems to be Yousef Al Mulla, Vice-Chairman and CEO of Qapco, look on. (SYED OMAR) Minister said the QP-Qapco promising and the demand is joint project would be a key increasing …. The price of LDP is the increase in production, Qapco of Chemicals and member of the of low density polyethylene symbolises a key step for Total’s milestone in Qatar’s long jour- picking up. Until August, its price is looking to expand its market to Executive Committee of Total manufacturing. refining and chemicals strategy ney to become a significant has been very fair.” the US, South Africa and Eastern said: “This inauguration marks Total remains committed to to strengthen our position in the global petrochemicals producer For nearly three decades, Europe, said Qapco Chairman a milestone in the development support the growth of Qapco, as growing markets in the Middle from the region. Qapco has been at the forefront Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi. of Qapco that becomes one of the well as the State of Qatar. The East and Asia.” “It is a major project and of Qatar’s industrial output. With Patrick Pouyanne, President biggest single sites worldwide start-up of our LDPE 3 plant also THE PENINSULA

Qtel signs $500m Islamic Oil slips to $111 as supply outweighs financing deal with QIB Mideast worries LONDON: Oil fell to $111 a DOHA: Qatar Telecom (Qtel) said: “This deal is the first barrel yesterday as ample sup- has signed its debut Islamic financing arrangement to be plies outweighed worries over financing facility worth $500m entered into with Qtel, open- fighting between Israel and with QIB, the leading Islamic ing doors for further avenues of Palestinians in the Middle East. bank in Qatar. collaboration between the two Concern over the well-being of QIB assumed the role of Sole organisations. The transaction Europe’s economy also pressured Mandated Lead Arranger and is another demonstration of the oil and other commodities after Investment Agent for the deal. maturity of the Islamic finance ratings agency Moody’s stripped The financing is an 18 month industry in general, and QIB in France of its prized triple-A Shariah-compliant “Revolving particular, in the provision of badge due to an uncertain fiscal Murabaha”. credible financial solutions that and economic outlook. Dr Nasser Marafih, Chief meet the increasingly complex Brent crude was down 70 cents Executive Officer of the Qtel needs of large corporations to $111.00 per barrel by 1430 GMT. Group commented: “We are such as Qtel.” US crude fell 95 cents to $88.33. delighted to be part of the “This financing deal confirms “The market has not over- developing Islamic financ- the leading role the Bank plays reacted to the situation as there ing market in Qatar. QIB has in supporting large companies is no shortage of oil anyplace in done a great job in offering operating in Qatar and we are the world and the area of the Qtel attractive terms, and this keen to continue to play a pivotal Middle East under question is deal further strengthens the role which sees us making a pos- not the oil producing region relationship between Qtel and itive contribution to the ongo- of the Middle East,” Dominick QIB.” ing development of this country,” Chirichella, senior partner at Dr Nasser Marafih (right), CEO of Qtel Group, and Ahmad Meshari, Acting CEO of QIB, during the signing Ahmad Meshari, Acting added Meshari. Energy Management Institute in ceremony. Chief Executive Officer of QIB, THE PENINSULA New York said in a research note. “Thus at the moment there is no imminent threat for an inter- ruption in the supply of oil.” Investors are waiting to see if fighting subsides as world pres- GCC considers economic aid for Jordan, says UAE minister sure intensifies for a ceasefire in the Gaza strip. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton headed to DUBAI: Gulf states are looking Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahayan Jordan has so far largely aid-dependent kingdom to the cash injection to stop the economy the region with a message that at ways to help Jordan’s ailing said yesterday Jordan was fac- avoided the kind of unrest that brink of economic crisis. Its heading to the brink of collapse. escalation of the week-long conflict economy after a government ing an economic deficit due to has toppled four Arab heads of budget deficit is now $3bn, or 11 Last December, Gulf Arab was in nobody’s interest. Some 110 decision to cut fuel subsidies its dependence on importing state over the past two years. But percent of GDP. countries decided at a summit in Palestinians have died in a week of sent energy prices soaring and heavy fuel. “We, in the UAE and the decision to lift fuel subsidies “The cut in the Egyptian gas to Riyadh to set up a five-year, $5 fighting, including 27 children. led to street protests. the Gulf Cooperation Council, caused scattered protests which Jordan for two years is the main billion fund to help development Jefferies Bache analysts estimate The kingdom has struggled are studying ways to close or turned violent in many places. reason for these situations which projects in aspiring GCC mem- oil has a $2.50 to $3 per barrel pre- to reduce its budget deficit and minimise this deficit,” the state Mindful of the public fury that made us depend on heavy fuel bers Morocco and Jordan. mium due to the Israel-Gaza con- secure a $2bn loan from the news agency WAM quoted exploded into street clashes in the which cost us more than $4bn,” The Gulf monarchies are flict. “As far as the geopolitical issue International Monetary Fund. Sheikh Abdullah as telling a depressed south after price hikes Judeh said. seeking closer ties with Arab is concerned, we feel that odds tilt It has also suffered gas dis- news conference in Abu Dhabi in 1989 and 1996, Jordan had been The bombing of the pipe- kingdoms outside the Gulf like in favour of some type of ceasefire ruptions from regular supplier with Jordan’s Foreign Minister reluctant to raise fuel prices. line bringing Egyptian gas has Jordan as part of efforts to con- or truce that could quickly force Egypt following several sabotage Nasser Judeh. The rising energy bill after the forced Jordan to switch to cost- tain pro-democracy unrest that is as much as $1-$.50 of security pre- attacks on a pipeline since last Talks to come up with a solu- disruption of cheap gas supplies lier fuels for power generation. buffeting autocratic ruling elites mium out of the market,” they said year’s Egyptian uprising. tion to Jordan’s funding gap from Egypt and a steep drop in Saudi Arabia declined this year throughout the Arab world. in a research note. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh could take some time, he said. foreign grants have pushed the to repeat its payment of a $1.4bn REUTERS REUTERS WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS LME chief gives Shareholders of presentation at ARABAL Xstrata vote for conference

DOHA: The 16th ARABAL Conference kicked off yester- Glencore deal day, and the delegates from around the world were taken on two separate tours: a virtual Veto against executive pay plan tour through a storied corner of the City of London – the London LONDON/ZUG, Switzerland: Hours after Glencore’s share- Metal Exchange – as well as a Shareholders of Xstrata dealt holders overwhelmingly backed physical tour of the Qatalum a blow to their board yester- the deal, almost 79 percent of plant at Mesaieed Industrial day, ushering through a long- Xstrata’s voting shareholders gave City. awaited $31bn takeover by their support — but without a The day began with a work- trader Glencore but vetoing a “golden handcuffs” deal the board shop presentation in front of 200 controversial executive pay plan had insisted was key to keeping ARABAL delegates by Martin that had been backed by the key managers. Abbott – CEO of the London miner’s directors. The plan had been publicly lam- Metal Exchange (LME). However, The snub prompted Xstrata’s basted by institutional investors. the conference is scheduled to for- current Chairman John Bond, Qatar, which became king- mally begin today with the open- who will be chairman of the maker in the deal as Xstrata’s ing speech by Minister of Energy combined group, to announce he second-largest shareholder, had and Industry H E Dr Mohammed would step down once a replace- said it would back the main reso- bin Saleh Al Sada. ment is found. lutions on the deal but would Xstrata Chairman John Bond (left) accompanied by unidentified staff arrives for an extraordinary shareholder Abbott highlighted the mech- Yesterday’s complex series of abstain on the retention, making meeting in the Swiss town of Zug yesterday. anisms and techniques used in votes in the Swiss lakeside town it likely that vote would fail. the LME, gave his review on of Zug, taking over more than two In the event, 78.4 percent of threw out the pay plan. His resig- a deal machine in frugal times. Berwin Leighton Paisner said. market reality and presented hours, brought to an end years shareholders voted against pay nation announcement came soon Xstrata, whose growth over the last Glencore and Xstrata have market analysis from a histori- of on-off merger talks between awards described by one criti- afterwards. decade has been fuelled by deals, was already proved a bright spot for cal point of view as well as future Xstrata and its largest share- cal investor, activist fund Knight The deal is a victory for active set up with a $2.5bn acquisition of the nine banks, law firms and prospects. holder and almost a year of often Vinke, as “egregious”. investors, who secured change on Glencore coal assets. Glencore, for countless other advisers, who As well as detailing the cru- tense negotiations, creating what “Right now, there is $20bn both the terms of the deal, thanks its part, joined the stock market last will share some $200 million as a cial hedging role the LME pays, both sides hope will be a mining of your money invested in 20 to Qatar, and on the retention year with the intention of funding result of one of the sector’s largest he discussed controversies sur- and trading powerhouse. projects and extensions. It is the plan, initially a key condition for larger deals, including the bid for deals since Rio Tinto’s acquisition rounding aluminium storage The tie-up, on the cards Xstrata management team that is the deal. control of Xstrata. of Alcan in 2007. and he updated delegates on the after Glencore listed last year, responsible for making sure these Analysts and advisers have “These companies have looked Depending on the combined current ownership status of the still needs to receive antitrust investments are made safely, already begun focusing on the next at doing significant acquisitions group’s final weighting, Glencore LME. approval from European and soundly and profitably,” Bond told steps for the miner and trader over the last year - the question is Xstrata could be the 13th largest After the LME workshop, Chinese regulators, but now looks investors gathered for the votes. that, with its spread of assets whether they buck the trend and company in Britain’s FTSE 100 , ARABAL delegates were taken set to become the largest deal in But Bond, formerly chair- from mines, to oil wells to farms provide more buoyancy in the indus- representing more than 2 percent to Mesaieed Industrial City, the the sector since Rio Tinto’s acqui- man of Vodafone and HSBC, was and more ships than Britain’s try,” Alexander Keepin, partner of the blue-chip index. smelter of Qatalum – the host of sition of Alcan in 2007. brushed aside as shareholders Royal Navy, is expected to be and co-head of mining at law firm REUTERS ARABAL 2012. During the evening, delegates attended a welcome reception at the Grand Hyatt, sponsored by Qatar Petroleum, and at which a welcome speech was Ericsson helps Iran telecoms; letter reveals long-term deal given by Ibrahim J Fakhri, Qatalum Communications Manager. LONDON: The Swedish firm business in Iran because of inter- equipment makers, including Ericsson signed in 2008. “We have weapons; Iran says its nuclear Today the event will wit- Ericsson is working with Iran’s national sanctions or concerns Ericsson, have all said they plan not extended any agreements ... programme is aimed purely at ness panel discussions on largest mobile telecom opera- about damage to their reputa- to reduce their Iranian business. with MCCI and we have no plans producing domestic energy. ‘the Future Prospects of tor to expand its network tions. While Ericsson argues in They have said they will not seek to do so either,” he said. Finnish-German venture Nokia the Aluminium Industry in and has promised to support the internal document that tel- new contracts, though they will He declined to discuss the Siemens Networks, which had the GCC’, ‘the Economic another Iranian mobile carrier ecommunications are a “basic honour existing ones. nature of the work Ericsson is worked previously with MCCI, is Impacts of the Arab Spring’; until 2021, according to inter- humanitarian service,” Iranian Fredrik Hallstan, a spokes- undertaking, its value or how the not participating in the expansion ‘The Future Prospects of views and an internal company human rights groups say Iran’s man for Ericsson, confirmed the company will be paid. Foreign project, the company said. A spokes- Expanding Local Use and document. regime has used the country’s company is currently working firms have had difficulty tak- man for China’s ZTE Corp, another Creating Local Demand’; and The involvement of Ericsson, mobile-phone networks to track on a new expansion project for ing funds out of Iran because of telecom equipment maker that does presentations on ‘Reshaping the world’s largest mobile net- and monitor dissidents. Mobile Communication Co of Iran tightening economic sanctions on business in Iran, said: “As far as I the World Aluminium Balance’ work equipment maker, comes Though standard telecommu- (MCCI), but said the venture, Iranian financial institutions. The know, ZTE is not involved in the and ‘Power Plant - Challenges, at a time when many Western nications equipment does not which the carrier calls Phase sanctions are designed to deter MCCI network expansion project.” Difficulties and Experiences’. companies have stopped doing fall under sanctions, four major V, is covered under a contract Iran from developing nuclear REUTERS THE PENINSULA

QATARI MARKET Qatargas’ JBOG project crosses Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P HTC J Butterfly Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 106.06 0.69 % Aa2 AA 10m man-hours safely Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 106.13 1.60 % Aa2 AA DOHA: The Qatargas Jetty Boil-off Gas Recovery (JBOG) Project Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 126.38 2.11 % Aa2 AA achieved a major safety milestone of completing ten million man- Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 120.00 2.22 % Aa2 AA hours without any lost time injury (LTI), the company announced Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 115.19 2.62 % Aa2 AA here yesterday. Qatargas Chief Executive Officer Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani said: “Safety is a core value at Qatargas and an Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 182.00 3.47 % Aa2 AA integral part of our culture at every level. I commend all those who Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 140.50 3.95 % Aa2 AA were involved in this achievement which is a true testament to the Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 130.13 3.99 % Aa2 AA commitment and dedication of the project team and the contractors Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.63 1.35 % Aa2 AA to embrace the strong safety culture spread across our organisation.” Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 117.38 2.50 % Aa2 AA “Our aim is to ensure that everyone goes home safely, every day. We Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 106.75 1.52 % A1 A- will continue our focus on safety and ensure that all our operations and projects are executed to the highest safety standards, Sheikh Khalid Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.50 2.29 % A1 A- bin Khalifa added yesterday. It is worth to mention that around 3,000 QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.88 2.10 % NR NR people from around the world are working on the project which aims QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.75 1.83 % Aa3 A+ to recover gas currently being flared during Liquefied Natural Gas QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 105.00 2.14 % Aa3 A+ (LNG) ship loading at the Port of Ras Laffan. Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.00 2.52 % A2 A- Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 104.75 2.10 % A2 A QPM to take part in District Cooling meet Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 130.25 2.79 % A2 A DOHA: Qatar’s project management company in the field of dis- Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 112.63 3.01 % A2 A trict cooling — QPM has announced its participation in the upcom- Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 114.00 3.63 % A2 A ing Fourth Annual Middle East District Cooling Summit, which Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 108.38 0.91 % Aa3 A will take place from November 25 to 27 here at Grand Hyatt Hotel, Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 110.75 2.86 % Aa3 A a release said yesterday. QPM’s involvement in the event is signifi- cant, with its Director of Sustainability, Salah Nezar (LEED, APits, Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 113.38 3.35 % Aa3 A QSAS GCP) as co-chairman of the event, will be giving a chief advi- SOVEREIGNS sory speech. While Fahad Rashid Mohamed Ajlan Al Kaabi, QPM Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Chief Executive Officer, will be taking part in the executive panel on Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 107.06 0.32 % Aa2 AA the first day of the forum. There will be a range of discussions on current country regulations HTC President Peter Chou (left) and Japan’s KDDI President jointly Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 128.13 2.03 % Aa2 AA and opportunities. launch HTC J Butterfly smartphone. HTC J Butterfly, made for the Japan Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 110.69 2.78 % NR NR THE PENINSULA/QNA market, is waterproof and has 5-inch full HD LCD screen. Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 106.06 3.42 % NR NR Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 121.63 4.46 % NR NR Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 111.88 4.87 % NR NR Qatar banking sector to undergo Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 106.06 1.16 % Aa2 AA Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 112.31 3.95 % NR BBB modernisation, says REED Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 106.50 4.45 % NR BBB • Bullion - Mumbai DOHA/DUBAI: Qatar’s banking sector is set to undergo signifi- Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 103.25 5.22 % B2 B Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 31695.00 cant modernisation and a spike in recruitment over the next three Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 99.75 4.54 % NR BBB- Silver (1 kg) Rs. 61760.00 years as the nation develops a diversified economy and looks to *Periodic Distribution Amount • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.95 solidify its position as a global economic powerhouse, a press state- IMPORTANT NOTE: ment issued by REED said yesterday. • Sensex Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which REED Global has recently bolstered its finance division in Qatar in is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services BSE 18329.92 response to the sharp increase in levels of international hiring currently Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary NSE 5571.55 data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising being experienced in the banking and finance industries. out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not • LIC (International) launches New Gold Investment Plan ‘GOLD PLUS’ – Industry experts at the company suggest Qatar requires ‘thousands’ take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds which provides an opportunity to invest in GOLD ETF & GOLD SPOT, PAN of experienced finance and banking professionals to keep up with the can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant Card/Demat Account not required. country’s development. liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return Fintan Lawler, Executive Consultant, Finance and Accountancy a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and at REED Global in Qatar, said: “Finance and banking is still fairly consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. p.a. (in dollar) archaic in Qatar, and moves to bring systems and processes into the • Housing loan from HDFC LTD 21st century are not before time. We have noticed a significant increase • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, in the appetite among the big local banks especially to bring experi- Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. enced banking and finance professionals from overseas over the last Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] six months.” THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Qatar Exchange index adds 15.13 points Egypt recovers on IMF loan

DOHA: Qatar Exchange pur- there’s nothing encouraging in sued its upswing trend yester- the overall picture either.” day, adding 15.13 points or 0.18 The UN chief called for an percent to advance to 8,396.05 immediate ceasefire in the Gaza points from 8,380.92 on Monday. Strip yesterday and US Secretary The volume of the shares traded of State Hillary Clinton headed to up to 3,305,854 from 2,587,130 on the region with a message that Monday and the value of shares escalation of the week-long con- increased to QR142,074,540.67 flict was in nobody’s interest. from QR127,899,640.31 on Saudi’s petrochemical index Monday. shed 0.3 percent. Yanbu National Among the top gainers were Petrochemical fell 1.6 percent, Industries Qatar which was up 0.60 Saudi Arabian Fertilisers slipped percent to QR150.20, Commercial 0.8 percent and Saudi Kayan Bank of Qatar rose 0.55 percent Petrochemical declined 0.8 percent. to QR72.90, International Islamic European shares fell and the Bank gained 0.57 percent to euro dipped yesterday after QR52.50 and Doha Bank was up France lost its top-notch credit by 0.39 percent to QR51.50. rating from Moody’s, reminding The banking and financial sec- investors of the risks from the tor index up 4.03 points while euro zone debt crisis. consumer goods and services In the United Arab Emirates, sector index added 2.33 points. Dubai’s index picked up from The industrial sector gained 5.66 Monday’s seven-week low on bar- points while insurance sector gain hunting. The index gained French Junior Minister for Budget Jerome Cahuzac speaks during a press conference in Paris yesterday dropped 21.63 points. 0.8 percent. Meanwhile, other Gulf mar- Emaar Properties, the larg- kets also steadied yesterday even est developer, rose 2.2 per- France to answer ratings downgrade with reforms as investors remained cautious cent, National Central Cooling amid a prolonged Israeli air raid (Tabreed) gained 3.4 percent on the Gaza Strip, while Egypt and mortgage lender Tamweel PARIS: France said yesterday cut to Aa1 with a negative outlook competitiveness” in the country, did not take the pressure off recovered after reaching a pre- climbed 4.3 percent. Abu Dhabi’s it would respond to a Moody’s did not affect the perceived status where business leaders blame high Hollande to show he will pursue liminary loan deal for $4.8bn benchmark ended flat, while credit downgrade by pushing of French bonds which, along with labour charges for flagging exports. more reforms, with an overhaul of with the International Monetary Qatar’s measure gained 0.2 per- on with reforms but complained German debt, are seen as a safe It also cited “sizeable exposures” of rigid hiring and firing rules seen Fund. cent, up for a second session since the ratings agency had over- haven from the crisis in southern its banks to weak, southern euro as the most pressing. Saudi Arabia’s index, the Sunday’s three-month low. looked steps already taken to Europe. zone countries. “Public opinion in France - as largest Gulf market, ended at a In Egypt, the bourse recovered revamp the euro zone’s second- “Moody’s raised concerns about “The first driver ... is the risk well as the market ultimately - five-week low, although bourse sharp early-session losses after largest economy. France’s capacity to reform and to economic growth, and there- will expect a reaction from the selling pressure eased following a the country reached a preliminary France lost its prized triple-A so it is up to us to show that this fore to the government’s finances, executive,” Moec said. “The mar- sustained slump. The kingdom’s agreement with the International badge from the Standard & Poor’s time we are going to carry out posed by the country’s persistent ket ... is giving France the ben- index eased 0.07 percent, its ninth Monetary Fund for a $4.8bn loan, in January and so Monday’s move reforms,” Finance Minister Pierre structural economic challenges,” efit of the doubt, but a further straight decline. a step seen as vital to shoring up by Moody’s was not surprising Moscovici, leading a government Moody’s said. The downgrade clarification of the policy stance Insurance stocks rallied, the nation’s finances. but it underlined doubts about offensive to play down the move, sent the euro 0.30 percent lower is becoming urgent.” with the sector’s index closing The index eased 0.07 percent Socialist President Francois told journalists. to 1.2770 against the dollar late Moody’s said it could down- 1.1 percent higher. The sector, to its lowest close since August Hollande’s ability to fix France’s “The rating change does not call on Monday but the currency grade France again if efforts to which constitutes only a small 30, recovering 112 points from an public finances. into question either the economic recovered some ground to trade free up the rigid labour market part of total market capitalisa- early-session drop. The downgrade also highlighted fundamentals of our country, the at 1.2810 at 1230 GMT yesterday. and overhaul an economy where tion, dominates trade, signalling Elsewhere, Kuwait’s measure the divergence with the top-rated efforts undertaken by the govern- The benchmark French 10-year public spending accounts for 57 nervous investors are look- gained 0.5 percent to a one-week regional powerhouse Germany ment or our creditworthiness.” government bond yield — which percent of output ran into trouble. ing beyond bluechip stocks for high as investors’ risk appetite whose finance minister called The government is planning the has been trading at historic lows “We would downgrade the rating short-term gains. returned. “The market is absorb- it a “small warning” to its most toughest belt-tightening effort in and offering Hollande crucial further in the event of an additional “There is no catalyst in the ing the political instability...there important euro zone partner. 30 years in 2013 but must also try access to cheap borrowing — was material deterioration in France’s market and people are going is continued support from the Moody’s said yesterday that and halt a growth slow-down that little changed at 2.12 percent economic prospects or in a scenario into speculative names,” said emir’s comments on improv- it would assess the triple-A rat- has seen unemployment surge to versus 2.08 percent before the in which there were difficulties Mahmoud Akbar, a banking ana- ing the economy,” said Fouad ings of the euro zone’s EFSF and 13-year highs. downgrade. in implementing the announced lyst at NCB Capital in Riyadh. Darwish, head of brokerage at ESM bailout funds in light of the Moody’s said it kept a negative Deutsche Bank economist reforms,” Moody’s lead France ana- “Most of the sentiment is driven Global Investment House. French downgrade. outlook on France due to structural Gilles Moec said the fact the lyst Dietmar Hornung said. by the conflict in Gaza and AGENCIES However, its one-notch rating challenges and a “sustained loss of downgrade was largely priced-in REUTERS

Qatar construction projects valued at $250bn Saudi firms fear new

DOHA: Qatar’s ongoing con- hosting the World Cup; the use positive industry developments of Structural Concrete (fib) struction projects are valued at of concrete in nuclear structures; across key regional markets. and Professor at Budapest year gas price rise more than $250bn, with infra- the importance of concrete in Undersecretary and Chairman University of Technology and structure attracting 34 per- Qatar Vision 2030 opened here of Qatar Standards, Ministry Economics, Hungary; Eng. Khaled RIYADH: Some Saudi petro- blamed internationally low gas cent of the total investments. yesterday, a press release said of Environment, Dr Mohamed Awad, Chairman of Advanced chemical producers fear a possi- prices of $0.75 a million British In addition, $100bn are planned yesterday. Seif Al Kuwari, gave a keynote Construction Technology Services ble rise in the price they pay for thermal units (MMBTU) for to be spent on development Organised by Advanced speech where he talked about (ACTS) and others. gas will impact profits starting ethane and methane for discour- projects in anticipation for the Construction and Technology Sustainability in Qatar and Green Today’s agenda includes talks early next year, Saudi Industrial aging both gas production and FIFA World Cup in 2022, which Services (ACTS), a consult- Building, and its importance in by David Ball, Director of the Investment Group (SIIG) efficient consumption. is likely to translate into higher ing organisation in the field of Qatar Vision 2030. Concrete Society and chairman Managing Director Suliman Al Butane, propane and liquid gas demand for properties and con- construction materials and geo- The conference also aims to of David Ball Group, UK; Nick Mandeel said yesterday. prices are set at a discount of 27 struction materials between technical engineering, the third shed light on the latest advance- Ecart, Senior Director at ASTM, The domestic price at which percent below the international 2012 and 2016. international Future Concrete ments in cement and admixture USA; Philip Owens, Technical Saudi Arabian Oil Co (Saudi trading prices on the Tokyo stock This was revealed in a two-day conference will conclude today technologies. Director at Nestone, UK; Ahmad Aramco) sells its gas was set in exchange, Mandeel said. conference featuring in-depth dis- at Ritz Carlton Hotel. The event The opening day also fea- Sabra, Branch Manager of ACTS, 2001 and expires early next year Mandeel said all prices are due cussions on various aspects of con- has been eagerly awaited by the tured presentations by: Dr KSA; Farro Radjy, Chairman of after being rolled over at the end to come under review except the struction with an aim to revolve region’s concrete and construc- Gyrgy L Balzs, President of Quadrel, USA. of 2011, Mandeel said, prompting ethane price. A 2008 prospectus around the role of concrete in tion industry, given the recent the International Federation THE PENINSULA speculation from customers of an for Aramco affiliate Petro Rabigh increase. said ethane prices had been set Saudi petrochemical compa- until December 2015. nies, whose development the Mandeel added that SIIG and Mazda 6 unveiled government encouraged as part similar producers could live with Al Meera signs of its long-term strategy to diver- prices of $1.50 per MMBTU for sify away from oil revenue, enjoy ethane and methane, and a dis- deal to acquire a big competitive advantage over count on the other gas products some foreign rivals due to low gas of 20 percent. prices. “We are ready for ethane at Oman’s Safeer “We are due to have a new pric- $1.50. Less than 20 percent dis- DOHA: Al Meera Holding, ing policy from the government... count (on the other products) a subsidiary of Al Meera we are expecting this to increase would be detrimental to the Consumer Goods Company, and so it’s going to affect the margins industry,” he said. “I’m opti- Al Meera Development Company somewhat but hopefully it will be mistic the government will be have signed a Sale and Purchase reasonable enough to still make reasonable.” Agreement (SPA) to buy assets the industry competitive versus A lack of readily available gas of the Oman-based Safeer stores, the rest of the world,” Mandeel supplies has constricted expan- according to a Qatar stock said at the Reuters Middle East sion plans by petrochemical pro- exchange (QE) yesterday. Investment Summit. ducers and industries that rely The SPA entails Al Meera An industry source familiar on low-cost energy generated by Holding acquiring hypermarket with the matter said no decision gas-fuelled power plants, includ- and supermarket assets under had yet been taken on whether ing cement manufacturers. the Safeer brand name and oper- to change the gas price or by how “It’s a reality that there is no ated by its entities at Al Falaj, much. more gas. You can’t expand if you Al Khuwair, Athaiba, Sohar and The world’s top oil exporter don’t have gas,” said Mandeel. Barka in Oman. faces gas supply constrictions Some other petrochemical Al Meera Holding and Al at a time when the product is producers have also complained Meera Development along with needed to fuel rapidly growing to the World Trade Organisation the National Investment Funds domestic electricity consump- (WTO) that low Saudi gas prices Company (NIFCO) are in the tion and a petrochemical sector constitute an illegal government process of incorporating two sub- Mazda Motor Corp Chief Executive Officer Takashi Yamanouchi with the company’s new Atenza mid-sized the government sees as strategi- subsidy, a charge the government sidiary companies in of Oman. car, known as Mazda 6, at its unveiling in Tokyo yesterday,. cally important. contests. QNA Analysts and economists have REUTERS WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS VIEWS

US consumer stocks cheer Weak data point to bigger investors ahead of holidays BY CAROLINE VALETKEVITCH economic drag from Sandy ye-catching quarterly results by Target, Home Depot and other big US consumer names were among the bright BY LUCIA MUTIKANI jobless aid early this month by the most pushed into early next year. In the end, spots in a third quarter that was disappointing for many since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. economists largely agree the negative Eother companies. recent string of weak economic It also chased would-be buyers out of impact on the economy will be temporary. Major sellers of discretionary goods posted upside earnings data suggests the recovery may automobile showrooms, putting a brake on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo surprises at the tail-end of the earnings season. This helped the take a much bigger hit from automobile purchases and depressing over- estimated the storm caused $50bn in S&P 500 stock index end the quarter about even from a year superstorm Sandy than first all retail sales -- one of the key measures of damage and economic losses in his state. earlier. Analysts had expected companies in the index to post the thought, but economists have economic activity. Neighbouring state New Jersey suffered the first quarterly earnings decline in three years. Ayet to abandon hopes for a quick rebound. On Friday, the Federal Reserve said the worst damage in the storm. Consumer discretionary stocks show signs of strength that Data covering retail sales, industrial monster storm knocked nearly a percent- Economists at BNP Paribas in New York, much of the S&P 500 does not - double-digit year-over-year production and first-time applications for age point off industrial output last month, who forecast the damage at $75bn to $100bn growth, a high percentage of companies beating analyst forecasts, unemployment benefits have shown unex- catching economists off guard. for the East Coast, shaved their fourth- and strong growth projections for coming quarters. pected weakness, raising concerns among Given the extensive damage, economists quarter GDP growth estimate to a 1.0 per- “Consumer sentiment has been improving steadily and this is analysts that they might have underesti- said it was almost certain to have a pro- cent annual pace from 1.2 percent to take affecting retailers to some extent, and retailers are also getting a mated the damage from the storm. found negative effect on November’s indus- into account the hit from the storm. boost from consumers getting their own fiscal matters in order,” “We still don’t have enough numbers, but trial production data as well. They see a 0.75 percentage point boost to said Bryant Evans, investment advisor and portfolio manager at if you look at (jobless) claims and the indus- All else being equal, such an outcome GDP over the next year or two as the East Cozad Asset Management, in Champaign, Illinois. trial production numbers, it’s certainly a would lead economists to revise already low Coast rebuilds. The sector’s strength is a hopeful sign for the US economy much bigger impact on economic activity projections for fourth-quarter GDP lower. What is clear is that economic data is although it does not mean US growth is roaring. Uncertainty than what people are currently anticipat- However, forecasters look to see if there are unlikely to provide a clear picture of the about Washington’s wrangling over the fiscal cliff, and weak ing,” said Millan Mulraine, senior macro rebounds in other areas, like retail sales and economy’s underlying health for weeks. demand worldwide, could change the US outlook in a hurry. strategist at TD Securities in New York. construction, to offset the drag. Retail sales, which fell in October for the Still, reduced exposure to Europe and other weak overseas For now, many economists are sticking According to a Reuters survey of econo- first time in three months, could bounce markets helped sellers of electronics and home improvement to their forecast of between a 0.2 and 0.5 mists published on Thursday, fourth-quarter back in November as some people start goods outperform the rest of the equity market. percentage point dent to fourth-quarter growth is seen at an annual pace of 1.6 per- replacing autos and other property dam- With results in from most companies, S&P consumer discre- gross domestic product, but they see risks cent, down from 1.8 percent in an October aged during the storm. tionary sector earnings are up 12.1 percent from a year ago, the of a bigger bite -- especially after the weak poll. The economy is expected to grow at However, with some shops in the only sector boasting double-digit growth. industrial production report. a similarly subdued 1.5 percent rate in the Northeast still closed early this month, fur- Strong consumer sentiment in recent months has boosted retail Data distortions caused by the storm, first three months of 2013. ther sales declines cannot be ruled out. In sales. US consumer confidence rose last month to its highest level which lashed the densely populated East addition, uncertainty over how much dis- since February 2008, according to data from the Conference Board. Coast in the last few days of October, are RISING ECONOMIC COST counting retailers are prepared to offer this The household debt service ratio - an estimate of the share of making it hard to get a good feel of the “It’s safe to say the economic cost of Sandy coming Friday, the traditional start of the debt payments to disposable personal income - fell to 10.69 percent economy’s pulse. is rising (but) there are still a number of holiday-shopping season, will also muddy in the second quarter, the most recent data available, according The turbulence comes at a time when question marks,” said Ryan Sweet, a senior the signal from the data. to the Federal Reserve. It was the strongest ratio since the fourth the recovery is already being restrained by economist at Moody’s Analytics in West The storm likely affected homebuilding quarter of 1993. worries of sharp cuts in government spend- Chester, Pennsylvania. in October, but the impact on national sta- By contrast, CEO confidence remains weak. A Business ing and higher taxes next year, known as He said the main question was how much tistics could be marginal as the Northeast Roundtable survey released in September showed its index of CEO the fiscal cliff. of the rebuilding would take place in the accounts for only about 10 percent of overall confidence fell to its lowest point since the third quarter of 2009. The storm pushed up new claims for state fourth quarter and how much would get housing starts. REUTERS A Thomson Reuters analysis shows earnings growth for 10 of the biggest consumer discretionary companies, including Home Depot and Target, is at 10.3 percent. This is much stronger than 10 S&P 500 companies with heavy international exposure such as Coca Cola Enterprises and Cisco Systems. These show earnings growth declining 2.9 percent from a year ago. The eurozone’s debt crisis has dragged the bloc into its second recession since 2009 in the third quarter. S&P 500 earnings for the third quarter are flat from a year ago, even though a majority of companies have missed revenue expectations. Of companies that have reported, 61 percent have missed revenue expectations for the third quarter. Without consumer discretionary stocks, S&P 500 quarterly earnings would be down 1.1 percent, Thomson Reuters data shows. Analysts had predicted the first decline in earnings since 2009. The percentage of companies beating expectations in the sector, at 75 percent, far surpasses the 65 percent for the entire S&P 500, according to Thomson Reuters data. Shares have outperformed as well. The S&P consumer discre- tionary index .GSPD is up 14.6 percent for the year, while the S&P 500 .SPX is up 7.3 percent. On Thursday, US retailer Target - one of the 10 largest con- sumer discretionary names by market value - posted profit that beat analysts’ expectations. Wal-Mart, the world’s biggest retailer, posted disappointing sales and said store traffic in China declined again. Wal-Mart, a consumer staples stock, derives 28 percent of its sales from overseas. Surprisingly strong results also came this week from clothing retailers Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch, both of which also raised their full-year outlooks. Gap’s stock had already surged this year, up 81 percent since the end of 2011, while Abercrombie’s stock surged 30 percent this week. Many analysts say the mostly stronger-than-expected results from retailers signal that holiday sales could be strong this season despite a sluggish US economy. “The housing market has been posting some really really encouraging data. That should send nice ripple effects across the economy, a multiplier effect through the consumer,” said Natalie Trunow, chief investment officer of equities at Calvert Investment Management in Bethesda, Maryland, whose firm manages about $13bn in assets. REUTERS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

Foreign investors in Australian farms — rash or prescient?

BY MAGGIE LU YUEYANG Investments suggest. has seen more volatility in agri- operation in Tasmania and a big than 30 years, all states and all Australia as having some of the AND COLIN PACKHAM Although farm returns are cultural farm output than other irrigation project in Western industries are expected to record lowest land costs for wheat pro- volatile anyway - owing to the major agricultural producers,” Australia. positive farm business profits and duction in the world and highlights or all the willing buy- vagaries of the weather - the said Michael Creed, agribusiness US firm Archer Daniels rates of return,” ABARES said in the appreciation in farmland val- ers seeking tracts of unpredictability of Australian economist at National Australia Midland last month made a its 2011/12 annual crop and live- ues since 2002. Australian farm land, earnings is much greater than in Bank. “In the past 20 years alone, $2.8bn bid for Australia’s last stock farm performance report. Shandong Ruyi Group, which Flocal investors are not the United States. we’ve had a drought that lasted major independent grain handling Average farm cash income bought Cubbie Station, is taking among them. They wonder what In the past 30 years, Australia’s a decade and when the drought company, GrainCorp, spurring a jumped to A$117,3000 in 2010/11 the long view, company adviser all the fuss is about. net farm income has experienced broke, it broke in massive way.” 40 percent jump in its share price. from just A$59,470 the previous Ian Smith said. Years of weak and volatile annual drops of more than 40 per- Despite the weak and volatile Australia lacks comprehensive year, it said. This year is forecast “They are not dictated by the returns and some of the harshest cent on five occasions compared returns, the explosion of the mid- data on foreign ownership but the to remain a strong A$116,000 - short term and they also have a weather on earth suggest a wave to just once in the United States, dle classes in Asia is attracting government says the vast major- almost 40 percent above its real, proud track record of maximising of foreign interest in Australia’s data from ABARES and the US more offshore investors looking ity of farms are locally owned and long-term average. the assets over the longer term,” farms and agricultural assets is Department of Agriculture shows. beyond immediate returns to that has not changed much over GrainCorp, the target of Archer he said. on a fool’s errand. Including capital appreciation, an expected long-term surge in the past 30 years. But spurred Daniels, last week posted a record Underscoring the gap between “Overseas investors are too Australian farm returns have demand for high-quality food. by a number of high-profile for- profit of A$205m, boosted by a the short and the long view, dumb to realise that they are been outstripped by Africa and The UN Food and Agriculture eign deals, the issue has become bumper crop. It said the takeover Laguna Bay Pastoral Co, an agri- not going to make money out of Brazil. Australian farm debt has Organisation says the world needs politically sensitive as the sector bid failed to reflect the promise of cultural investment fund advised Australia agriculture,” said David risen some 8 percent a year since to boost food output by 70 percent struggles to attract much-needed the business. by US commodities trader Jim Leyonhjelm, an Australia-based 2001, almost double the pace of by 2050 to meet demand, a sober- investment at home. Some analysts say a global Rogers, was forced to seek inves- agriculture consultant at Baron US farm debt. ing statistic for highly populated Despite local scepticism at the rush for agricultural land is just tors offshore because of a lack of Strategic Services. Even when it comes to the countries such as China, where prospects for Australia’s farming beginning, driven by increasing interest in Australia. He may have a point. weather, Australia seems worse a major tenet of the Communist sector, the increase in offshore concerns over long-term food “We were presented to most Australian farms’ return on off. Party is guaranteeing food secu- interest comes at a time when and water security. With the local funds. Most Australian capital has seldom exceeded It has the lowest and most rity for its 1.3bn people. returns have seldom been better availability of suitable farmland local pension funds don’t have more than 2 percent in a year on variable rainfall patterns of any Chinese investors have been and adds to other evidence sug- shrinking and productivity gains agriculture assets allocation,” average during the past decade, inhabited continent, due largely to involved in a number of high- gesting the foreign investment slowing when populations are Laguna founder Tim McGavin excluding changes in land values, the El Nino-Southern Oscillation profile farm deals, including the may not be mistimed after all. growing and diets changing, sup- told reporters. according to government research climate pattern that periodically purchase of the country’s biggest Helped by generous rains and ply/demand dynamics are likely “We have been forced to mar- bureau ABARES. That is less bakes much of the country in hot, cotton farm, the 1,000 sq km (390 strong global prices, Australian to be favourable over the next 40 ket to overseas just because the than half the return on stocks dry weather and intersperses it sq miles) Cubbie Station. farmers may have enjoyed the years, an ANZ report says. general lack of understanding and and less than a third compared with flooding rains. Chinese entities are also in best year in decades in 2011/12. Another study, by real estate interest in agriculture.” with bonds, figures from Russell “In recent history, Australia the running for a large dairy “For the first time in more company Savills, identifies REUTERS WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

QE Indices Summary QE Index 8,396.05 15.13 WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 11,362.88 20.47 QE All Share Index 2,023.48 1.81 RATE INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 1,991.25 4.03 GOLD Buying Selling QE All Share Industrials 2,584.39 5.66 All Ordinaries 4382.617 22.478 0.52 4602.5 4033.4 QR202.4107 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 1,332.72 6.05 Cac 40 Index/D 3397.54 56.02 1.68 3600.48 2922.26 QE All Share Real Estate 1,612.5 3.98 SILVER UK ...... QR 5.7558 QR 5.8364 QE All Share Insurance 1,893.42 21.63 Dj Indu Average 0 0 0 13661.87 11231.56 QR 3.8390 Euro ...... QR 4.6220 QR 4.6862 QE All Share Telecoms 1,067.13 1.82 CA$ ...... QR 3.6143 QR 3.6855 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 4,747.91 2.33 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.8360 QR 3.8902 Hang Seng Inde/D 21262.06 103.05 0.49 22149.7 18056.4 Yen ...... QR 0.0448 QR 0.0454 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7519 QR 3.8254 Iseq Overall/D 3204.93 26.86 0.85 3382.77 2882.71 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0656 QR 0.0668 20-11-2012 19-11-2012 Karachi 100 In/D 16251.38 53.64 0.33 16292.45 10771.13 Index 8,396.05 8,380.92 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0375 QR 0.0383 Change 15.13 3.60 Nikkei 225 Index 9153.2 129.04 1.43 10255.15 8238.96 Peso ...... QR 0.0876 QR 0.0894 % 0.18 0.04 $ 109.58 SL Re ...... QR 0.0277 QR 0.0283 YTD% 4.36 4.53 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1474.51 1158.66 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0444 QR 0.0453 Volume 3,305,854 2,587,130 Straits Times/D 2950.93 5.3 0.18 3110.86 2657.77 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0412 QR 0.0420 Value (QAR) 142,074,540.67 127,899,640.31 $ 107.72 Trades 2,060 2,250 SA Rand ...... QR 0.4073 QR 0.4168 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 19 | Down 18 | Unchanged 01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 20-11-2012

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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

A C C-A/D 1382.3 1.25 14904 City Union Bk-/D 59 0 198301 Hindalco-A/D 107.8 -1.1 722165 Kopran-B/D 21.95 -0.7 51535 Thirumalai-B/D 108.1 0.45 27133 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 45.02 1.055 84475938 Aarti Drugs-B/D 212.95 -2.75 8772 Colgate-A/D 1318.35 -11.55 11013 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 765.15 -9.5 42359 Lloyd Steel-B/D 13.64 1.52 1169463 Timexgroup-B/D 17.75 -0.2 19583 Marks & Sp./D 371.003 4.8 1013466 Aban Offs-B/D 377.9 -6.15 64784 Container Cor-/D 955 -23.95 4002 I F C I-A/D 28.85 -0.35 1275795 Lloydsfin.-B/D 0.72 0.06 8220 Tinplate-B/D 52.55 1.9 113059 Next/D 3591 49 75373 Aegis Logis-B/D 176.7 -1.35 32450 Dhampur Sugar-/D 58.9 -4.9 25392 Idbi-A/D 101.4 -1.8 230343 Lumax Ind-B/D 379.75 -0.15 19848 Ub Engineer-B/D 38.7 -0.4 16192 Pearson/D 1193 20 325290 Alembic-B/D 15.65 0.05 7277 Dr. Reddy-A/D 1738.2 -19.15 17225 Ifb Agro-B/D 170.1 -9.4 3349 Lupin-A/D 562.1 -13.05 69132 Ub Engineer-B/D 38.7 -0.4 16192 Prudential/D 860 20.5 931526 Alok Indus-B/D 11.41 -0.03 872090 E I H-B/D 70.25 -0.05 14839 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 99.75 -3.45 39110 Lyka Labs-B/D 10.16 0.07 5198 Ultramarine-B/D 48.2 -1 10710 Rank Group/D 147.3 1.4 4212 Rentokil Andhra Paper-B/D 285.95 -4 6065 E.I.D Parry-B/D 232.85 0.4 5554 India Cement-B/D 84.3 -1.7 101897 Mafatlal Ind-T/D 122.45 -1.3 43080 Unitech P -A/D 27.15 0.4 3181601 Initi/D 85.5 0.5 556727 Apollo Tyre-A/D 80.15 -0.1 344252 Electrosteel-B/D 24.7 -0.8 114925 India Glycol-B/D 181.15 -4.55 21794 Mangalam Cem-B/D 176.6 -8.45 26759 Univcable-B/D 42.5 -1.55 2986 Rolls Royce Pl/D 858.6711 14.5 953643 Asahi I Glass-/D 58.75 -1.05 9718 Emco-B/D 29.15 -0.7 30573 Indian Hotel-A/D 61.3 -0.9 48068 Max India L-A/D 242.2 1.7 26904 Rsa Insrance G/D 110.9 1.3 2036763 LONDON Ashok Leyland-/D 26.4 -1 1007795 Escorts-B/D 61.4 -1.15 131619 Indo-Tcount-B/D 15.35 -0.32 3328 Mrpl-A/D 62.05 -0.4 47005 Sainsbury(J)/D 336.243 4.3 992105 Bajaj Hold-A/D 856.5 10.45 7839 Essar Oil-A/D 63.7 0 353720 Indusind-A/D 373.7 -4 23770 Nahar Spg.-B/D 69.3 0 3347 Schroders/D 1540 22 54348 Ballarpur In-B/D 21.75 -0.25 42888 Eveready Indu-/D 22.45 -0.25 102469 J.B.Chemical-B/D 81.7 -4.45 66603 Nath Seeds-B/D 7 -0.02 3083 3I Group/D 206.2 0.4 1111223 Severn Trent/D 1529 5 142024 Bata India-A/D 870.2 6.6 24444 F D C-B/D 88 -0.75 18263 Jagatjit Ind-T/D 70 2.85 9029 Nation Alum -A/D 44.85 -0.1 60756 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 1426 32 642347 B Smith&Nephew/D 645 4.5 378014 Bayer Crop-A/D 1171.5 -0.1 27600 Federal Bank-A/D 456.15 -2.6 7290 Jagson Phar-B/D 13.3 -0.48 5510 Navneet Pub.-B/D 56.3 0.6 13353 Sky B/D 746.75 1.5 1299172 Smiths Group/D 1028 10 246363 Beml Ltd-B/D 275.45 -0.9 5615 Ferro Alloys-B/D 7.39 -0.04 7207 Jbf Indu-B/D 127.95 -1.9 38895 Nrb Bearings-B/D 36.2 -0.6 3904 Barclays/D 244.66829 10.5 26434416 Standrd Chart /D 1436 21.5 512552 Bhartiya Int-B/D 138.4 -0.9 7638 Finolex-B/D 61.25 -1.25 34132 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.6 -0.03 202598 O N G C-A/D 254.1 -1.35 170991 Bg Group/D 998.14 -2.3 7715971 Tate & Lyle/D 756.5 2 236311 Bhel-A/D 229.3 -0.65 169413 Gail-A/D 342.25 -4.1 45469 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.33 -0.06 295450 Onward Tech-T/D 44.45 0.35 8686 Bp/D 428.15 11.55 12869060 Tesco/D 316.25 1.25 4151437 Bhuwalka Stl-B/D 17 0 2950 Gammon India-B/D 38.6 -0.9 115915 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 3.78 -0.09 5610 Orchid Chem-B/D 101.5 2.05 593524 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3162.5 33.5 456949 Tomkins/D 0 0 0 Bom.Burmah-B/D 123.55 -1.35 165691 Garden P -B/D 57.5 0 3527 Jik Indust-B/D 3.5 0.03 16785 Orient Hotel-B/D 21.9 0.1 11074 British Airway/D 276.4574 0 0 Unilever/D 2322 32 418903 Bombay Dyeing-/D 112.45 -0.65 46989 Goodricke-B/D 152.35 -5.35 29254 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 111.25 -2.4 15640 Radico Khait-B/D 135.55 -2 33913 Bt Group/D 220.18 1.2 3474894 United Util Gr/D 648.5 1.5 906618 Canfin Homes-B/D 137.25 -3.9 25442 Hcl Infosys-B/D 37.75 -0.35 43448 Kabra Extr-B/D 33.3 -0.35 5213 Rallis India-B/D 156.75 -1.1 56615 Centrica/D 315.063 1.4 1899635 Vodafone Group/D 158.95 1.15 34040113 Castrol Ind-A/D 298.2 -6.7 20862 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 10.47 -0.15 431482 Kajaria Cer-B/D 238.9 2.15 15963 Rallis India-B/D 156.75 -1.1 56615 Gkn/D 206.3 5.3 1075735 Whitbread/D 2336 22 129121 Century Enka-B/D 139.55 8 160967 Himat Seide-B/D 38.05 0.5 74844 Kalpat Power-B/D 83.2 0.1 12018 Reliance Indus/D 400.85 1.55 70661 Hsbc Holdings/D 611.1 15.3 6299596 Century Text-A/D 386.75 -7.05 117743 Hind Motors-B/D 9.67 -0.24 57082 Kalyani Stel-B/D 52.7 1.1 32218 Ruchi Soya-B/D 62.6 -1.4 42405 Imperial Tobac/D 2419 24 319180 Chambal Fert-B/D 65.5 -0.5 89777 Hind Org Chem-/D 20.25 1.75 232950 Kg Denim-B/D 15.26 -0.09 34566 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 394.7 -5.2 5352 Kingfisher/D 277.7 3.5 1038217 Chola Invest-B/D 232.9 -3.5 3322 Hind Unilever-/D 517.15 -4.2 101111 Kilburnengg-B/D 21 0 24418 Samtel-B/D 5.67 0.27 6705 Land Secs Grou/D 767.45 5 533624 Cipla-A/D 382.6 2.5 107370 Hind.Petrol-A/D 286.9 -8 60306 Kin.Motor-B/D 9.6 -0.22 10233 Saur.Cem-B/D 27.15 -1.85 18521 Legal & Genera/D 141.8 2.2 2576165

WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Nuggets snap Grizzlies’ eight-game win streak Gallinari top-scores with 26 points; Randolph receives fine

MEMPHIS: Denver snapped and I think confidence comes by the Memphis Grizzlies’ eight- winning.” game winning streak with a After losing their season 97-92 victory over the NBA’s opener, Memphis (8-2) had run hottest team yesterday. through their competition until In a battle that raged from start facing Denver. to finish, home team Memphis led Rudy Gay led the way for the Chicago Bears quarterback Jason Campbell (2) is sacked by San Francisco 92-88 with about two minutes Grizzles with 22 points, while 49ers Aldon Smith (99) and Justin Smith (94) during the first quarter of their remaining but failed to close the Zach Randolph put up 12 points NFL football game in San Francisco, California, yesterday. game out, going scoreless and and 13 rebounds. making critical mistakes in the Memphis coughed up two final moments. straight turnovers in the final “We got what we deserved,” the minute, and kept putting Denver Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol told report- on the foul line as the game Kaepernick powers ers. “The last game we didn’t play slipped away. that well, but the other team Despite the loss, the Grizzlies wasn’t as talented as (Denver). stayed a half-game ahead of When you play with fire, some- San Antonio for the Southwest 49ers past Bears times you get burned.” Division lead after the Spurs lost Momentum switched back to the Los Angeles Clippers. SAN FRANCISCO: San yards passing and no turnovers and forth the whole game as the Meanwhile, Memphis Grizzlies Francisco’s Colin Kaepernick and San Francisco (7-2-1) added Grizzlies went up by five in the forward Randolph has been tamed the fierce Chicago 123 yards on the ground to extend third quarter on the back of a fined $25,000 for “confront- defence and dominated the bat- their lead in the NFC West. 14-4 run, before Denver returned ing” Oklahoma City Thunder’s tle of back-up quarterbacks as 49ers tight end Vernon Davis the favor with an 8-0 stretch that Kendrick Perkins following the 49ers scored a command- caught a touchdown pass in the put them ahead 77-70 early in the their ejections from a game last ing 32-7 win over the Bears first half while Kendall Hunter fourth. week, the National Basketball yesterday. ran in a 14-yard score. The Nuggets outrebounded Association said yesterday. With both Alex Smith (49ers) Michael Crabtree caught a Memphis 47-33, with Kenneth The players were hit with and Jay Cutler (Bears) sitting 10-yard touchdown pass in the Faried grabbing 13 to go with his technical fouls and ejected last out due to concussions, the sec- third before San Francisco bur- 13 points. Wednesday after a verbal alter- ond-year Kaepernick rose to the ied the Bears in the fourth with a Nuggets forward Danilo cation with 2:05 remaining in the occasion in his first NFL start by second David Akers field goal and Gallinari made three free throws fourth quarter of the Grizzlies’ tossing two touchdown passes. then forced a safety. and, after JaVale McGee put vis- 107-97 win in Oklahoma City. The young quarterback led the Kaepernick’s performance at iting Denver on top 93-92, he Former All-Star Randolph, who 49ers to a 20-0 lead at half-time quarterback may have created drained a three-pointer in the last had 20 points and 11 rebounds in and never took his foot off the gas. a dilemma for the 49ers when seconds to seal the win. the game, then challenged Perkins “We didn’t know if it was going Smith returns. Gallinari finished with a game- near the locker room, the NBA to be (Smith) or me (starting), “We’ll make that decision as high 26 points, McGee added 15 said. it’s just great to be on the field,” we go forward,” said 49ers coach and eight rebounds off the bench According to local reporters, Kaepernick told reporters. The Jim Harbaugh. “I tend to go with as the Nuggets (5-6) brought a Randolph and Perkins had to be Josh Smith (5) of the Atlanta Hawks shoots against Nikola Vucevic (9) of the decision on who was starting was the guy that’s got a hot hand and run of three straight defeats to separated by other players follow- Orlando Magic at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, yesterday. not officially announced until we’ve got two quarterbacks that an end. ing a second altercation in a hall- early yesterday.“I wasn’t really have got a hot hand.” “This is the first game on the way near the locker rooms. nervous, I’ve had a lot of time Chicago was badly in need of road where I think we executed Elsewhere, the comeback in this offense. It’s everything I a hot hand as they finished with at a high level,” said Denver by former Rookie of the Year Irving out for four weeks could’ve wished for.” just 143 total yards. Campbell coach George Karl. “We’ve got to Brandon Roy hit a snag yes- Things did not go smoothly for threw for only 107. get better at making shots and I terday when the Minnesota Bears’ back-up Jason Campbell, “It’s tough. This definitely think we will once we win games, Timberwolves guard had arthro- CLEVELAND: The Cleveland It is another blow for the who was sacked six times and wasn’t the way we prepared all scopic surgery on his right knee. Cavaliers have lost Kyrie Irving 20-year-old, who also worked his intercepted twice in the game at week to come out and give this Roy was expected to miss about for at least the next four weeks way through a broken hand suf- San Francisco’s Candlestick Park. type of performance,” Campbell NBA Results a month. He had been sidelined after the guard was found to fered during the off-season. The Bears trailed 27-0 before said. “Give their defense credit, Indiana 96 Washington 89 due to discomfort with his knee. have a fracture in his left index He had enjoyed a strong start Brandon Marshall caught a but it definitely wasn’t our best Charlotte 102 Milwaukee 98 “I think he feels like it’s worth finger, the team said yesterday. to the new season, averaging 22.9 13-yard touchdown pass in the effort.” Atlanta 81 Orlando 72 doing,” coach Rick Adelman said. Irving, last season’s NBA points per game, sixth in the third quarter for the team’s only Meanwhile, the NFL has sus- Denver 97 Memphis 92 “Making sure everything’s all Rookie of the Year, originally NBA, as well as 5.6 assists. score. Chicago’s (7-3) second pended Baltimore Ravens safety Golden State 105 Dallas 101 right, so you have to just go with it injured the finger on Saturday but The Cavaliers, who have one of straight loss dropped them into Ed Reed for one game for an and hopefully when it’s over with played the next day before having the youngest rosters in the NBA, a tie with Green Bay for first in illegal hit against the Pittsburgh LA Clippers 92 San Antonio 87 he’ll be able to come back.” X-rays and discovering the extent are struggling at 2-8 this season. the NFC North. Steelers, the league said yesterday. Utah 102 Houston 91 AGENCIES of the injury. REUTERS Kaepernick finished with 243 REUTERS QTF InterContinental Doha Tennis Open NHL: No progress in lockout talks

NEW YORK: The National Hockey League (NHL) and players’ association returned to the bargaining table in New York yesterday but a 90-minute meeting failed to produce a breakthrough. Discussions involving NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, four owners, NHLPA Executive Director Donald Fehr and 18 players offered no hope of brok- ering a new collective bargaining agreement. “No progress to report,” Daly said. “I would expect we will meet again sometime this week, although that has not been confirmed.” Fehr, representing players who have been locked out by the owners since September 15, told reporters the union had been Young children pose for a picture keen to discuss player contract- after receiving their certificates for ing issues with the league but that ‘Most Outstanding Student’, part the NHL had been “unwilling” to of Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF)- do so during yesterday’s meeting. InterContinental Doha Tennis Daly said the league wanted the union to submit a detailed Open 2012 tennis tournament that economic proposal, covering all were held from November 5 to 19. issues, before the subject of player BOTTOM: Sultan Khalfan (left), contracting could be addressed. Tournament Director of the (QTF) “I understand there is a lot of InterContinental Doha 2012, and frustration in the process,” said an official pose for a picture with Daly. “I’m frustrated in terms of two winners. being where we are and not play- ing hockey.” The 15-day tournament consisted Yesterday’s round of negotia- of 19 different categories, which tions was the first between the included Mixed Doubles, Men’s two groups in eight days and Veteran Singles, Girl’s Doubles came amidst mounting specula- Under-18 and Boy’s Singles tion that the league could cancel Under-18. more games later this week if no progress was made. REUTERS WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Pistorius McIlroy eyes rich pickings and Spitz to speak at The world number one aiming to win two trophies in season-finale Doha GOALS DUBAI: World number one couple of times, and you know, it just to get my confidence back Rory McIlroy says he has was great to be able to do it this again and get it back on track. Forum enough motivation to do well at year. “Felt like I did that in Akron this week’s Dubai World Tour “It’s been a phenomenal year, this year at the Bridgestone, and DOHA: Oscar Pistorius, the Championship, even though and I’ve still got one more tour- then obviously going on to win first ever Paralympian to com- he has already secured the nament left and I want to try to my second major the week after pete at an Olympic Games and European Tour’s Race to Dubai finish the season strong. I really and to play great during the play- multiple Olympic gold medallist, crown. want to play well this week. This offs in the States, as well,” said World Number swimmer Mark Spitz are among The 23-year-old from is definitely a great way to end McIlroy, who won four times dur- One Rory the high-profile names that Holywood, Northern Ireland, what has been a great season. ing the year. will speak at the Doha GOALS McIlroy (left) emulated the ground-breaking “I would like to pick up two “But it is very nice knowing “Gathering of All Leaders in is seen with feat of Luke Donald from last trophies at the end of the week. that if I am having a few struggles Sports’ Forum next month. year when he won the Money List I think that’s the big thing. here and there, and that it can UAE’s Ahmed The event will be held from on both US PGA and European Obviously, you have to stay right turn around very quickly and if Al Musharrekh December 10 to 12, with the par- Tours. till the end, so I might as well I ever have those struggles again, at Jumeirah ticipation of pioneers and famous While Donald had to wait till make it matter.” there’s no need to panic,” he said Golf Estates figures in the world of sport. the very last event on both sides McIlroy, who missed the cut yesterday. in Dubai Also, among the athletes to of the Atlantic for his achieve- last week at the Hong Kong He added: “Just keep working yesterday. speak are Olympic gold medallist ment, McIlroy wrapped up the Open where he was the defend- hard and things will turn your The Northern Carl Lewis and South African PGA Tour honour without play- ing champion, said one of the way.” Irishman will Rugby World Cup-winning cap- ing a single Fall Series event, and best things about the 2012 sea- McIlroy leads a stellar field of take part in tain Francois Pienaar. clinched the European Money son was the way he came out of 57 players this week in Dubai. the $8m Dubai Doha GOALS Forum, launched List when he finished third in the slump in form he experienced There have been three dropouts World Tour by an initiative of the Aspire Zone the Singapore Open a couple of mid-way through the year when - Thomas Bjorn, Ross Fisher and which starts Foundation as an annual forum, is weeks ago. he missed three cuts, including Retief Goosen. tomorrow. the world’s premier platform for Ahead of the $8m season- the US Open and the BMW PGA Bjorn has had a recurrence of world leaders to create initiatives ending tournament at the Earth Championship. his neck injury, Fisher decided to for global progress through sport. course of Jumeirah Golf Estates “The slump...you know, it stay back in the US where he has The Forum will be the first- here, McIlroy said: “I am obvi- wasn’t as bad as people were mak- made it to the final stage of the ever platform that will gather all ously very proud and very hon- ing out, and I was just trying to qualifying school. parties from the world of sports. oured to have won the Race to tell everyone that at the time. Goosen has still not started Among the people to attend are Dubai this year. I’ve had four go’s “I knew it was close. I just playing after his back surgery in athletes, businessmen, academ- at it since 2009. I came close a needed a couple of good rounds August. AFP ics, non-goverment organisations and government bodies who will assess and discuss the impact the world of sport has on all aspects Tour must avoid another Dubai anti-climax: Donald of the society. Every year, global leaders DUBAI: Luke Donald (pictured) has the wire. I think that would make it more and it only took Rory a few months to pull will gather in Doha with top urged the European Tour to consider rec- exciting.” it off. stakeholders, to create partner- alibrating the money-list to avoid the sense Donald no doubt had in mind the way the “It takes a lot to do that. It’s very hard when ships and initiatives in trying to of anti-climax that will be apparent at US PGA Tour recalibrate their money-list you play both tours because you spread your- tackle the most pressing social this week’s season-ending DP World Tour ahead of the FedExCup to ensure that every- self quite thin. issues through plenary sessions, Championship, Dubai. thing is up for grabs in their season-ending “You have to play well in the right events debates, as well as focused task- Nine days ago, world number one Rory playoff series. and Rory has done that. What he’s done is an forces that will enable construc- McIlroy guaranteed he would end the year in Twelve months ago, Donald finished third amazing achievement and hats off to him.” tive brainstorming and focused top spot on the European money-list and in in Dubai to become the first player to win the McIlroy already has two major victories to collaboration. doing so, the 23-year-old Northern Irishman order of merits on both sides of the Atlantic. his credit, having also won the US Open in Doha GOALS will conclude by took much of the gloss off the showcase event “I remember last year I felt like I had a 2011, and Donald said his European Ryder Cup outlining a road map of initiatives in Dubai. target on my back, that was quite a lot of pres- team mate could be ready to dominate world capable of addressing issues like Donald, up to second in the world rankings sure on my shoulders and I think it reflected golf in the manner of Tiger Woods. economic development through after his wire-to-wire victory in last week’s within the tournament,” the 34-year-old said. “Rory certainly has that ability to go away sport, the welfare of athletes, fed- Dunlop Phoenix tournament in Japan, believes “It had more story lines and certainly it’s from the rest of us,” he said. “He has the talent eration governance, sport as a tool officials need to find a way to ensure there is something the European Tour should at least to create a pretty big lead (in the rankings). for education of youth, integration a blockbuster finish to the season. consider.” “He’s a very consistent player, he’s one of of women’s minority in sport, and “This week is a little bit more of an anti- Donald hailed US PGA champion McIlroy’s the best drivers of the golf ball, he hits it long cross-culture co-operation. climax than the European Tour would prob- achievement in matching his double money- and straight and he’s improved his short game QNA ably want,” he told reporters yesterday. list triumph in 2012. a lot this year. “The tour may want to think about add- “There is no doubt in my mind he’s had the “I’ll be working hard to try and make sure ing a scenario where that doesn’t happen and best year of anyone,” the Englishman said. “A he doesn’t go away from us. A few of us will Gatland makes incorporate either a play-off system or some lot of people said that winning both money be trying to chase him down and that’s good other way to make sure that it goes down to titles wouldn’t happen again for a long time for the sport.” REUTERS changes for All Blacks clash

Qatar ready to welcome CARDIFF: Warren Gatland wasted little time in mak- QBL: Al Rayyan made to ing his presence felt upon his return as Wales coach, mak- Asian ‘giants’ for ARRC ing five changes for Saturday’s clash against world champions New Zealand at the Millennium work for win over Eljaish leg at Losail this week Stadium. The New Zealander is back in BY DANOTZKI SANTOS charge for Wales’s final two Tests DOHA: The Losail manufacturers in the field in the of the European autumn series, DOHA: Defending champions International Circuit, the six-leg championship. against the All Blacks and the Al Rayyan notched their fifth Eljaish’s region’s only MotoGP racing In the Supersports 600cc, the Wallabies, after starting his pre- win this season against Eljaish, Ibrahima track, will host the sixth and last points leader and the defending paratory work as head coach for who proved to be a hard nut to Mamadoo round of the 2013 Petronas Asia champion is Katsuaki Fujiwara next year’s British and Irish Lions crack in the Qatar Basketball (24) tries to Road Racing Championship from Japan. The Kawasaki rider tour of Australia. League (QBL) at Al Gharafa block his (ARRC) this weekend. has a total of 202 points. In his absence, Six Nations Sports Stadium yesterday. opponent’s The three-day leg will be held Behind him is fellow Japanese Grand Slam champions Wales Al Rayyan were up against a attempts from tomorrow to November 24. rider Ryuichi Kiyonari with 186 have lost both their opening determined Eljaish in the early to score The previous five rounds points on a Honda bike. autumn Tests, against Argentina quarter and banked on a strong during have been held The 2012 and Samoa, to make it five defeats push in the pay-off period to win his side’s in Malaysia, champion in the in a row against all opponents. 61-47. Indonesia, China, 600cc class will Changes from last week’s 26-19 Qatar Fadi Abilmonawas missed his Japan and Taiwan. be crowned at loss to Samoa see starts for cen- Basketball shots but Mohammad Baker and Losail - the Losail Circuit this tre Jonathan Davies, outside- the rest of his team-mates hit League venue of the only weekend. half Rhys Priestland, back-row their stride early as they kept (QBL) MotoGP race held In the Underbone and captain Sam Warburton, the defending champions within match under lights every 115cc class, the 2010 lock Luke Charteris and hooker reach, 16-17, at the close of the against Al season - will host champion Hadi Matthew Rees. first period. Rayyan at the ARRC leg for Wijaya has sealed Davies has recovered from a Eljaish upped their tempo and Al Gharafa the third time, his the title after groin problem to make his first pounded the boards at the start Sports the Qatar Motor accumulating an appearance of the autumn series, of the second quarter to rollout Stadium and Motorcycling insurmountable replacing Ashley Beck. an 8-0 run and snatch the upper yesterday. Federation tally of 208 points Meanwhile Priestland comes hand, to lead 24-17. (QMMF) in from five rounds. in for Dan Biggar, not consid- Boney Harold Watson broke a statement The second- ered because of a shoulder injury, Al Rayyan’s long silence with a PICTURE BY: yesterday. placed rider in the Warburton replaces Justin basket but Ziad Guled replied ABDUL BASIT This champi- Underbone 115cc Tipuric, Charteris takes over back with a trey as the defending onship - which class has 135 points. from the injured Ian Evans (knee) champions stayed in command at began in 1996 - has evolved over Losail Circuit will also crown and former Wales captain Rees 27-19. the years and is now contested the champion in the Asia Dream packs down alongside Paul James Al Rayyan took advantage and in three categories: SuperSports Cup this week. and Aaron Jarvis. stepped on the gas to come back over the scoring chores, and grabbed 34 points at 64-30 dur- 600cc, Underbone 115cc and Asia Only nine points separate Wales have lost 24 successive with an 8-2 surge to wrest the pegged a 55-45 advantage, with ing the game. Dream Cup. Hikari Okubo and Hiroki Ono, Tests against the All Blacks -- lead, 29-27, at half time. three minutes left to play. Nothing went Al Ahli’s way “The championship provides a the top two riders. who are unbeaten in 19 Tests. Al Rayyan was dominant at the In the other QBL game, Al from the start as they helplessly stepping stone for young riders to For the Qatari round, there will “No-one is more disappointed on set of the third and led 33-31 . Gharafa won 81-45 victory against let their foes to pull away outright get experience and acquire skills be a wild card in the Supersport than the players and the coaches However, Abilmonawas kept Al Ahli. 11-28 in the first period before on way to becoming MotoGP 600 category, Nasser Al Malki with how things have gone in the the fire burning for Eljaish who The white shirts, led by Omar getting buried further at 19-44 riders,” Nasser bin Khalifa Al (pictured). last two weeks,” Gatland said paced to a 9-2 uprising to put his Salem, hardly flexed their mus- at the half. Attiyah, President of QMMF, said Al Malki arrived from Spain yesterday. team ahead 40-35. cles to claim their third win in Salem contributed with 23 yesterday. earlier this week after com- “But those supporters who Brian Rowsom’s charges five outings. points and 9 rebounds. “This series for young riders is pleting his participation in the have been with us over the last 18 brought the game to another Salem’s side got into their Al Sadd will try to snatch their very important as it helps them 2012 Spanish Championship in months know, just as we do, that deadlock at 40-all. playing rhythm against Al Ahli’s fifth win today as they face Qatar learn many things at this stage of Valencia. we are a better side than we have Al Rayyan played better defence token resistance to get the game SC, while Al Arabi lock horns their careers,” he said. Al Malki was also a wild card displayed so far, and we will be in the fourth period and Targuy in the bag as early as the end against Al Wakrah. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki entry during last year’s leg of looking to show that on Saturday,” Ngombo and Yaseen Mousa took of the third period when they THE PENINSULA and Yamaha are the four ARRC. THE PENINSULA he said. AFP WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Champions League Fixtures Crunch match for Man City PARIS: Champions League fixtures today (kick-offs 1945GMT unless stated): Group A Champions League: Mancini’s side needs win against Real to qualify Porto (POR) vs Dinamo Zagreb (CRO), in Porto Portugal PARIS: Manchester City’s first to do a good job,” said the Italian. Olympiakos are only a point tilt at Champions League glory Striker Sergio Aguero, on a hot further back after beating Dynamo Kiev (UKR) vs Paris Saint Germain ended in a heartbreaking group streak with four goals in three Montpellier. (FRA), in Kiev, Ukraine stage exit a year ago having been games, says the team have to be If the Londoners drop points Group B drawn in a tough group - though single-minded as their mission is and the Greeks spring a surprise Arsenal (ENG) vs Montpellier (FRA), in the club then went on to lift the crystal clear. or even draw in Germany the London, England Premier League crown. “The truth is we have to win group would be thrown wide open. Schalke (GER) vs Olympiakos (GRE), in Many observers will feel light- so we are going to go out and Arsenal have a curiously poor ning is likely to strike twice as the win however we can,” said the home record in the competition Gelsenkirchen, Germany signs are this season could prove Argentine forward. against French sides, with no Group C a virtual re-run of last. Losing in Spain was bad enough wins in four previous encounters. Anderlecht (BEL) vs AC Milan (ITA), in City pipped neighbours United but failing to beat Dortmund But they do have the momen- Brussels, Belgium to the Premier League post in and then dropping four points tum of a weekend derby win over Zenit St Petersburg (RUS) vs Malaga (ESP), May and now lead their local over two games against Ajax has Spurs which pleased Wenger, in St Petersburg, Russia (at 1700) rivals by a point after a weekend all but pushed City through the who said: “We have shown qual- steamrollering of Aston Villa. trapdoor leading to the Europa ity, spirit and a lot of movement, Group D Sadly for Roberto Mancini’s League. and that is what we want from Manchester City (ENG) vs Real Madrid men, today’s opponents Real If the Dutch can beat the our team. We won many balls (ESP), in Manchester, England Madrid are not Villa. Germans - and should Real (against Tottenham) as a team Ajax (NED) vs Borussia Dortmund (GER), in Jose Mourinho’s side come to lose - then Ajax would draw and we want to continue to work Amsterdam, Netherlands Manchester knowing they cannot level on points with Mourinho’s on that.” risk leaving empty-handed as the ‘meringues’. Visiting AC Milan will mean- nine-time champions seek to close The Portuguese, hoping to end while look to hold off Belgium’s English Premier the Group D door firmly shut on a barren decade for Real and Anderlecht and avoid falling at a City side who have taken just become the first man to lead the group stage for the first time League Results two points from their opening three clubs to glory after wins in 13 seasons. West Ham 1 (O’Brien 48) Stoke 1 (Walters four fixtures. with Porto and then Inter Milan, Massimiliano Allegri’s men 13) It could have been so different reaches a milestone today as he only lead the Belgians by one Played on Sunday for Mancini’s side - they were will become at 49 the youngest point with Malaga having already Fulham 1 (Petric 62) Sunderland 3 (Fletcher on the brink of victory in the coach to sit in the dugout for 100 wrapped up qualification after 50, Cuellar 65, Sessegnon 70) Bernabeu before Karim Benzema Champions League matches. drawing in Italy. Played on Saturday and Ronaldo overturned a 2-1 def- Otheres to reach the ton-up Zenit St Petersburg will hope icit in the last five minutes. mark are Carlo Ancelotti - aged to stay in the mix by beating Arsenal 5 (Mertesacker 24, Podolski Instead of pulling off a win 51 - Arsene Wenger (58), Ottmar Malaga, who have piled up 10 42, Giroud 45, Cazorla 60, Walcott 90) which would have left them a Hitzfeld (58) and Alex Ferguson points already in this their debut Tottenham 2 (Adebayor 10, Bale 71) point clear of the Spaniards, (62). season. Liverpool 3 (Suarez 47, 58, Enrique 65) City instead trail Mourinho’s As City teeter on the brink, Two-time European champions Wigan 0 side by five points and group Arsenal will hope to join Porto have already qualified from Man City 5 (Silva 43, Aguero 54-pen, 67, leaders Dortmund by six to stare Manchester United as English Group A, likewise with 10 points Tevez 65-pen, 74) Aston Villa 0 another premature elimination participants in the knockout on the board even before they Newcastle 1 (Ba 90) Swansea 2 (Michu 58, in the face. stages but the Gunners will at host a Dinamo Zagreb side who De Guzman 87) Mancini concedes that the odds least need to beat French cham- have lost all four of their contests Norwich 1 (Pilkington 60) Man Utd 0 are stacked against City but after pions Montpellier at the Emirates to date. QPR 1 (Hoilett 49) Southampton 3 (Lambert wiping the floor with Villa he while hoping that Schalke put Paris Saint Germain should 23, Puncheon 45, Ferdinand 83-og) knows the club are in the global Greek outfit Olympiakos in their accompany the Portuguese to the Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (right) and Real spotlight today and should make place. last 16 as they have a five-point Reading 2 (Le Fondre 51, 79-pen) Everton 1 Madrid’s Portuguese defender Pepe (left) take part in a training session at the most of the occasion. Schalke took four points off advantage over hosts Dynamo (Naismith 10) the Real Madrid Sport City in Madrid on the eve of their UEFA Champions “I think we have few chances Wenger’s side and lead Group Kiev ahead of today’s encounter. West Brom 2 (Long 10, Odemwingie 50) League match against Manchester City. to go through but it is important B by a point from Arsenal - but AFP Chelsea 1 (Hazard 39) Managers want handball O’Brien ends goal drought to rescue Hammers LONDON: West Ham rescued a “We could have finished them Carroll’s attempt to clear off the 1-1 draw against Stoke at Upton off with more clinical finishing, line. rule clarified, Park on Monday night thanks to but there is another point on the That was Walters’ third goal Joey O’Brien’s first ever Premier board for us and we have to settle of the season and Stoke could says survey League goal. for that,” Allardyce said. have been further in front Republic of Ireland right- “I liked the way we sustained before half-time when midfielder West Ham PARIS: European football man- back O’Brien had never scored the pressure on Stoke, the belief Steven Nzonzi lashed a fierce United’s Irish agers overwhelmingly favour in the English top-flight despite and the spirit was not dented by strike against the crossbar from defender clarification of the handball rule a long career at that level with the early goal.” long-range. Joey O’Brien and the majority want to see Bolton and now West Ham, but Pulis added: “We worked on the Just before that referee Chris (centre) cel- video technology introduced to the 26-year-old chose the perfect routine that produced our goal Foy had turned down West ebrates after the game, according to a survey moment to end his drought. for two or three days and never Ham’s penalty appeals after Geoff scoring a released yesterday. Sam Allardyce’s side trailed to scored once in training! Cameron’s push on Carroll. goal during The League Managers a goal early in the first half from “But it was a great ball in and But the hosts came out with the English Association European Managers Stoke striker Jonathan Walters a great finish by Jon Walters. I’m more energy in the second half Premier and Coaches Survey quizzed 110 until O’Brien slotted home from not supposed to say this, but we and Kevin Nolan should have League foot- managers working in 14 countries close-range three minutes after obstructed a player.” equalised almost immediately ball match on a range of issues affecting the the interval to earn his moment After all the pre-match talk when the midfielder’s close-range game and found 83 percent of as the unlikely hero. that this would be a bruising header from George McCartney’s against managers feel the handball law O’Brien’s intervention main- battle between two sides who cross was straight at goalkeeper Stoke City at requires further clarification. tained West Ham’s impressive prefer the aggressive route-one Asmir Begovic. the Boleyn Previous research carried start to the season and they approach, it was fitting that Nolan didn’t have worry for Ground, out by the League Managers remain seventh in the table, level Stoke’s early opener arrived via a long though as West Ham equal- Upton Park, Association (LMA) found that on points with Arsenal, and above set piece rather than a intricate ised in the 48th minute when in East coaches favoured a rule that the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool passing move. Gary O’Neil crossed from the London, meant that if a player was hit and Newcastle. Pulis’s side took the lead in right for O’Brien to flick home. England, on with their hand or arm in a nat- Stoke’s seventh draw from 12 the 12th minute when Glenn Allardyce’s men came closest to Monday. ural position, they should not be league matches this season kept Whelan’s corner was met by winning it when Carroll flicked on penalised. Tony Pulis’s team clear of the Walters, who timed his run Mark Noble’s corner and Modibo If the movement was deliberate relegation zone, although it also perfectly to drive his shot past Maiga pounced to fire in a shot they should be penalised, but the extended their winless run on Hammers goalkeeper Jussi that Begovic saved well. referee had to be sure the inter- their travels to 16 matches. Jaaskelainen and beyond Andy AFP ference was on purpose. The introduction of video and Domenech’s book release today goal-line technology received a Boateng signs Hughes to 62 percent backing while 63 per- cent said football should consider for Malaysian a decision referral system such as be allowed in cricket and tennis. Just four percent opposed the football club use of any technology. more time The International Football KUALA LUMPUR: A Association Board approved goal- Malaysian football club has LONDON: Poor results after line technology earlier this year made a rare signing of an ex- heavy investment usually ends which will be used at the Club English Premier League star by in the manager being fired, World Cup next month before snapping up Dutch midfielder but Queens Park Rangers boss a possible introduction to the George Boateng, an official said Mark Hughes is set to be given Premier League in 2013. yesterday. more time to improve the for- The survey was backed by Real The Titans, based in the east- tunes of the Premier League’s Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, ern state of Terengganu, sealed bottom club. who said it deals with the issues the deal with the 37-year-old Hughes met with QPR chief that affected managers every day former Middlesbrough captain executive Philip Beard for two including rules, technology, trans- ahead of next year’s campaign, hours on Monday after missing fers and finances. said Rozi Mamat, youth and training, the BBC and Sky Sports “It brings together managers sports minister for the state, reported, although the club, said and coaches across Europe, dem- which funds the club. it was business as usual at ‘Loftus onstrating the subjects we feel Rozi said the signing was part Road’. strongly about and provides real of an overhaul of the team. Heavy speculation surfaced insights from managers based on “Signing players like Boateng, that Hughes was to be sacked our combined experience.” who are of international cali- after their 3-1 home loss to Managers identified refereeing bre, is in line with our long- Southampton which left some sec- as the main area that could help term plan to compete not just tions of the fans chanting ‘Hughes improve the standard of the game in Malaysia but at the Asian out’ only for an official to deny the and backed a professional referee level,” he said. claim.“Rumours suggesting Mark training academy. New coach Peter Butler was Former French national football team head coach Raymond Domenech poses with his book “Tout Seul” (All Hughes has been sacked as QPR Next season referees will be quoted by local newspapers that alone), in Paris, yesterday. Domenech’s book, which will be released in France today, is based on his diary and manager tonight are NOT true,” invited to English clubs to take the former Dutch international provides for the first time his version of the famous insults launched by player Nicolas Anelka at the half-time QPR’s head of media Ian Taylor part in training sessions. would “be very influential in the of a 2010 World Cup football match. said on his Twitter account. REUTERS middle of the park”. AFP REUTERS WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 QOSM launches unique book DOHA: The Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM) yesterday launched the first edition of an extensively researched volume on horse sports titled ‘Horse Games - Horse Sport: From Traditional Oriental Games to Modern and Olympic Sport’. The launch ceremony was attended by Fahad Al Qahtani, Director, Al Shaqab, Dr Christian Wacker, Director, QSOM, and Andreas Amendt, Head of Library, QOSM, at the state-of-the-art Al Shaqab. The book - an extensively researched volume of informa- tion - has been launched under the patronage of H E Sheikha AI Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa AI Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museum Authority (QMA). Edited by Dr Wacker and Amendt, the ‘Horse Games - Horse Sport’ book highlights old horse game traditions in the Orient like the Djerid games, equestrian competitions in ancient times such as horse events during the Ancient Olympic Games, the development of horse sports in modern times, as well as modern equestrian disciplines like show jumping, evening, and dressage, Dr Christian Wacker (centre), Director of Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QSOM), speaking during the launch of a new book at AI Shaqab Equestrian Center, yesterday. QOSM launched which are part of the Modern Olympic Games. the first edition of an extensively researched volume on horse sports titled ‘Horse Games - Horse Sport: From Traditional Oriental Games to Modern and Olympic Sport’. Fahad Al Qahtani The book launch held at Al (left), Director, Al Shaqab, and Andreas Amendt, Head of Library, QOSM attended the launch ceremony. Shaqab Equestrian Center was accompanied with horse per- would like to thank all the authors Al Qahtani said: “It is very sig- early civilisation would not have an exhibition on the same subject Amendt said: “It took us a little formances including Arabian for their generous contribution to nificant that this book is being developed as rapidly or to such highlighting a broad range of top- over two and half years of work horses in hand show, traditional this book, the QOSM members for launched at Al Shaqab. This is the an extent. Hence, it is not sur- ics, from Oriental horse games to to produce this huge volume of horse games, and a traditional their support throughout the pub- place where we celebrate the sport prising that because of the beauty, high-tech Olympic performances information. I would say this book horse performance at the awe- lication process, and the Al Shaqab of equestrianism. Al Shaqab pays strength, speed and endurance of and other international eques- would help university students who inspiring Al Shaqab, a member team for collaborating with us on great attention to every detail to the horse, they became well suited trian festivals. have a profound interest in eques- of Qatar Foundation (QF). this event.” this sport. This is an important for leisure pursuits of races and The opening of the exhibi- trianism. This book is definitely Commenting on the signifi- Wacker added: “This is quite book. It is well documented and games. How a horse was viewed tion included a traditional passes as a good academic tool to cance of this book, Dr Wacker a unique production. This book extensively researched. It makes depended on its use in any par- Qatari horse-rider show and the understand horse and horse sports. said: “Through a number of papers has everything that you wanted for an insightful reading.” ticular culture, but a fast animal Revival of Djerid, a centuries- We have traced the history of the and articles, this publication to know about horse games. I am Dr Wacker said: “Horses and was usually very highly prized old oriental horse game from the topic in discussion really well.” raises awareness of the impor- sure this book would be become mankind have coexisted and co- and reflected the status and pres- 16th century where two teams Amendt said more books are in tance of horses and horse sport a reliable source of information evolved since pre-history, each tige of its owner.” of horsemen try to score points the ‘pipeline’ and would be com- activities for the cultural history that fans of equestrian would like having a profound influence on Dr Wacker said two years ago by throwing wooden javelins at pleted in due course of time. of the Middle East and beyond. I to read about.” the other. Without the horse the QOSM hosted a seminar and each other. THE PENINSULA

Ponting aims to Australia, South Africa bounce back

ADELAIDE, Australia: Ricky Ponting is hoping a return to the Adelaide Oval, his favoured gear up for Adelaide Test hunting ground, will kill his run of ducks against South Africa in SYDNEY: Australia were and become number one nation in leave their bowling unit similarly tomorrow’s second Test. charged with confidence by the world.” exposed in Adelaide. The former Test skipper was their performance in the open- Australia’s main selection Paceman Rory Kleinveldt, who out for nought in Australia’s mas- ing Test against South Africa quandary is whether all rounder ended up with figures of 0-97 on sive first innings of 565 for five and are determined to ride Shane Watson will have recovered debut at the Gabba, looks set to declared in last week’s drawn first the momentum to victory in sufficiently from the calf strain make way for Tahir’s return with Brisbane Test -- his third duck this week’s second clash at the which saw him miss the Brisbane Faf du Plessis coming in for the in four Test innings against the Adelaide Oval. Test to take his place in the top unfortunate Duminy, who will be Proteas. South Africa’s number one order. sidelined for six months. “I don’t shy away from it,” Test ranking is on the line in the Watson has already ruled him- That will leave Dale Steyn, Ponting told reporters yesterday. three-match series and it lived self out of bowling in the match Vernon Philander - the top two “I’ve been around enough and up to its billing as a heavyweight and left-hander Rob Quiney looks in the ICC bowling rankings - to played in enough high pressure contest at the Gabba, where the more and more likely to retain his lead the pace attack with back- situations, whether it’s a big game tourists took the early initiative spot at number three in the bat- up from Morne Morkel and all or a game where you’re under but Australia finished on a high. ting line-up in his place. rounder Jacques Kallis. pressure because you haven’t A brilliant unbeaten 259 Spinner Nathan Lyon is cer- There was nothing much scored runs yourself.” from skipper Michael Clarke tain to remain in the side at a wrong with South Africa’s South Africa celebrated a big combined with centuries from ground where he was an assistant batting when they took early wicket when they had Ponting out Ed Cowan and Mike Hussey groundsman only two years ago, charge of the Brisbane Test edging to the slips early off Morne defused the celebrated South while left-armer Mitchell Starc with Kallis and Hashim Amla Morkel at the Gabba. African bowling attack and left is pushing Ben Hilfenhaus for his both grabbing centuries in the “I was disappointed last week the Proteas to bat out the final place in the likely three-pronged first innings. with all the work I put in pre- day for a draw. pace attack. “In Brisbane, we had them season and to make a little error “We think we came out of that South Africa’s bowlers have under pressure but just let them like that and have your game over test on top and thought there been left in no doubt that better go. Hopefully this time we can and done with in five balls was were a couple of big blows we is expected of them in Adelaide really squeeze them and break disappointing,” he said. landed,” Australia spinner Nathan after they toiled on a wicket that the momentum,” opener Alviro “But it’s a fresh start this week. Lyon said this week. offered them little in Brisbane. Petersen said. When it’s my turn to bat I must “We have to come out and start Having left specialist spinner “In the last year or two we have make sure I’m one of the guys who well tomorrow morning and take Imran Tahir out of the Gabba played good cricket, that is why West Indies’ captain Darren Sammy plays football during a training ses- contributes.” that momentum from the first Test only to then lose all rounder we’re the number one Test team sion at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna, yesterday. West Indies Ponting, who turns 38 next Test into the second and third JP Duminy to a ruptured Achilles, in the world and that will count take on Bangladesh in the second Test match of the series from today in month and is playing his 167th Tests and hopefully win this series South Africa are unlikely to for a lot.” AFP Khulna. West Indies won the first Test match. Test match this week. AFP Bangladesh boosted by Tamim for second Test

KHULNA, Bangladesh: two day break he is feeling good,” Nazimuddin is also likely maintain that plan.” West Indian has fully recovered after falling Bangladesh’s bid to level the Rahim told reporters on Tuesday. replace opener Junaid Siddique captain Darren Sammy believed ill during the second innings in series in the second Test against “I think we all have an impor- who failed in the first Test. Rahim Iqbal’s injury was concerning for which he batted at number eleven, the West Indies starting in tant game. It’s not just Tamim,” said Bangladesh fought well in the Bangladesh. ending any chance of a change in Khulna from today received said Rahim of the opener who was first Test, but alluded to the dif- “He’s one of the best players, the line-up. a welcome boost when dash- passed fit by team physiotherapist ference in the two sides’ bowling so they’ll probably be on the back Squads: Bangladesh (possi- ing opener Tamim Iqbal was Vibhav Singh after a session in attacks. foot. But it is another opportunity ble): Tamim Iqbal, Nazimuddin/ declared fit. the nets. “I won’t say the gap (between for someone else to play for the Anamul Haque, Shahriar Nafees, The 23-year-old hurt a ten- The left-handed opener hit a the two teams) is too much or too country and it should motivate Naeem Islam, Mushfiqur Rahim don in his left elbow during brisk 72 to bolster Bangladesh little. Obviously, their attack is the team to work,” said Sammy. (capt & wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s 77-run defeat in the to an imposing 556 in reply to more balanced than us. And they Sammy said his team was Mahmudullah (vice-capt), Nasir first Test in Dhaka but passed a the West Indian total of 527-4 are a very good side. I said before determined to win the series. Hossain, Sohag Gazi, Shahadat fitness test ahead of the match the declared but managed only five the series that it will not be very “Most of the guys are little bit Hossain, Rubel Hossain. home team need to win to take a in the second innings when easy for them to beat us in our relaxed but determined. We are West Indies (possible): share of the two-Test series. Bangladesh were bowled out for home conditions. here to do better than what we Chris Gayle, Kieran Powell, Captain Mushfiqur Rahim 167, chasing 245 to win. “We have this in our mind, our did in the last game. We have one Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, stressed that Iqbal, who has four As a precaution, Bangladesh plan was to play well session by more Test to go and we’d do eve- Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Denesh West Indies’ Tino Best preapres Test centuries to his name, had had called up rookie batsman session without looking at the rything to win this Test match. Ramdin (wk), Darren Sammy to catch the ball during a training an important game ahead of him. Anamul Haque who impressed result. We played good cricket We want to win the series 2-0,” (capt), Sunil Narine, Ravi session at the Sheikh Abu Naser “Iqbal batted with that injury during the recent ICC Junior in five days and lost the game in said Sammy. Experienced bats- Rampaul, Veerasammy Permaul, Stadium in Khulna, yesterday. in the second innings and after a World Cup held in Australia. just one session. Our goal is to man Shivnarine Chanderpaul Tino Best. AFP Wednesday 21 November 2012 7 Muharram 1434 Volume 17 Number 5525 Sport Price: QR2

LARGEST SELLING NEPALI WEEKLY SRI LANKA’S WEEKLY NEWS UPDATES NEWSPAPER IN QATAR Nuggets snap McIlroy eyes PUBLISHED Grizzlies’ rich pickings in EVERY RAJDHANI INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY WEDNESDAY BY LANKADEEPA MIDDLE EAST WEEKLY winning streak season-finale LANKADEEPA WEEKLY DAR AL SHARQ AVAILABLE AT ALL LEADING BOOK STORES / PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY BY DAR AL SHARQ SUPERMARKETS IN QATAR FOR ADVERTISEMENTS CONTACT: TEL: 4455 7623 EMAIL: [email protected] !"#$%&'()#*#+,'-*,)# Sport | 24 Sport | 25

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Nadal back Magical Messi nets two as in training after injury

MANACOR, SPAIN: Rafa Nadal returned to the practice court and started hitting balls Barca reach last sixteen again yesterday for the first time since the latest in a series of knee injuries forced his with- The Catalans thrash Spartak Moscow; Valencia through to next stage drawal from the US Open at the end of August. The 11-times grand slam singles MOSCOW: Lionel Messi con- was hampered by a number of champion, who has not competed tinued his prodigious goals- injuries including Artem Dzyuba since a shock defeat to Czech coring form with a brace as and Aiden McGeady while Nicolas Lukas Rosol in the second round Barcelona qualified for the Last Pareja was suspended. at Wimbledon in June, completed 16 of the Champions League with Carles Puyol returned to the a session under the supervision a 3-0 win over Spartak Moscow Barca defence in the weekend vic- of coach and uncle Toni Nadal on who have been eliminated. tory over Zaragoza for the first an indoor hard court in his home After Dani Alves had put them time since he dislocated his elbow town of Manacor on the island of ahead after 16 minutes, Messi in the Champions League clash Majorca. bagged his doulbe before half time with Benfica early in October, but The 26-year-old Spaniard, to extend Barca’s lead at the top Tito Vilanova chose to rest him the current world number four, of Group G although Celtic can with Javier Mascherano partner- hopes to be back to full fitness in still overtake them if they win ing Gerard Pique at the heart of time for the Australian Open in their last two games and Barca the defence. January. slip-up. Barca forged the first oppor- “I think I am feeling better, the Messi, who was top scorer tunity when Pedro Rodriguez knee is improving the right way in the competition for a record chested down a Xavi Hernandez and I am happy to be on court fourth time last season, now has pass but his volley was saved well another time after a few months five goals from five games and he by keeper Andrey Dikan. outside,” Nadal told reporters. has 80 for the calendar year as he Spartak may be struggling in “I am just enjoying the feeling pursues Gerd Muller’s 85 playing Europe but they have been play- to be playing tennis another time for Bayern Munich and Germany ing well domestically and are and, well, it will be another period in 1972. the top scorers in the Russian of my recovery,” he added. And he moved level with Ruud top flight. A well worked corner “I start very slow and I go day van Nistelrooy on 56 Champions routine could have seen them go by day. I will work hard in my League goals behind Raul, the ahead but Dmitriy Kombarov side comeback and hopefully the knee competition’s all time scorer with footed over from 12 yards. will be ready soon. 71. Barca though were less forgiv- “Always you have to be careful. Spartak coach Unai Emery ing as Alves fired home a loose A few months outside of compe- ball on the edge of the area min- tition the body has to re-adapt utes later. everything on court and all the Champions League The visitors had control of the Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Spartak Moscow during their Champions League Group muscles need to start very slow.” midfield but Spartak were dan- G match at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, yesterday. Nadal’s athletic, aggressive Results gerous on the break and Marek playing style places huge demands European Champions League Suchy failed to hit the target from on his muscles and joints and has results yesterday: an Emmanuel Emenike cross forced into making a serious save. Messi gave them a commanding Cesc Fabregas linked up with been sidelined several times by Group F after being left unmarked. Jose Jurado crossed for Emenike 3-0 lead before the break. Iniesta but after receiving the ball knee problems during his 11-year At Borisov, Belarus Barca were fully exposing but stretching he also failed to hit Latching onto a Pedro pass he back he was denied by another career. BATE Borisov (BLR) 0 Lille (FRA) 2 Spartak’s weakness at the back the target. went round the keeper and slot- good save from Dikan and then His latest injury was diagnosed (Sidibe 14, Bruno 31) with Messi getting his first of the Emery said Spartak’s aim was ted home. Pedro headed over. as a partial tear of the patella ten- night. to copy Celtic’s achievement, After the restart Barca eased Meanwhile, Valencia marched don and an inflammation of the Group G Spartak were also stretching where they beat Barca 2-1 at off and Spartak had more of the into the Champions League last Hoffa’s fat pad in his left knee. At Moscow Barca’s defence but they contin- home in their last match, but they ball but with the quality they have 16 before kicking a ball as Group He was unable to defend his Spartak Moscow (RUS) 0 Barcelona ued to waste their openings with were leaving wide spaces at the in attack they continued to create F rivals BATE Borisov lost 2-0 at Olympic title at the London (ESP) 3 (Alves 16, Messi 27, 39) keeper Victor Valdes not even back for a charged up Barca and chances. home to Lille. AGENCIES Games. REUTERS Where next for Beckham set for final LA Galaxy match Beckham? LOS ANGELES: Football leg- future,” he said. Beckham did A photo taken on August Australia end David Beckham says he not go into specifics about what 2, 2012, shows British The A-League are desper- will play his final game with the he meant by “one last challenge” football star David ate for more high-profile sign- Los Angeles Galaxy when the or what he plans to do next. Beckham acknowledging ings to follow the likes of Emile Major League Soccer club hosts There have been reports out of fans prior to kick-off in an Heskey and Alessandro Del Houston in the MLS Cup match Australia that their professional Piero. Seven of the 10 top-flight exhibition game against next month, but where he goes league was trying to woo him to clubs have been linked with the Real Madrid in Carson, from there remains a mystery. make a move down under and midfielder. The 37-year-old former there was an immediate state- California. Beckham England captain and veteran of ment of intent from Melbourne said yesterday he will Brazil three World Cups notably did not Heat with chief executive Scott play his final game with The Beckham factor would mention anything about retiring Munn saying the club would make the Los Angeles Galaxy be a massive PR boost in the from the sport. an offer. when the Major League run-up to the 2014 World Cup “I’ve had an incredibly special Beckham’s name has also been Soccer club hosts the finals and the 2016 Olympic time playing for the LA Galaxy. linked to the Western Sydney MLS Cup final early next Games. However, I wanted to experience Wanderers while the Central month. The 37-year-old one last challenge before the end Coast Mariners, based north of former England captain China of my playing career,” Beckham Sydney, are similarly thought to has spent the past six Another country looking to said in a news release yesterday. be keen. seasons with the Galaxy, promote their domestic compe- The football superstar has There has also been some leading Los Angeles to an tition. The signings of Nicolas spent the past six seasons with interest from European clubs MLS Cup title last season Anelka and Didier Drogba the Galaxy, leading Los Angeles with Qatari-backed Paris Saint when they defeated the show they mean business. to an MLS Cup title last season Germain having come close to Houston Dynamo 1-0. when they defeated the Houston signing Beckham earlier this year PSG Dynamo 1-0. and he spent two short loan spells The Qatar-owned French Beckham and the Galaxy go for at AC Milan in 2009 and 2010. competitive game with the Manchester United that also saw been an honour and privilege to club thought they had signed their second consecutive crown A return to the Premier League Galaxy,” said Galaxy spokesman him win the FA Cup twice and be a part of his world, and more Beckham 12 months ago after when they face the Dynamo in in England, however, appeared to Justin Pearson yesterday. the 1999 Champions League title. importantly, to have him be a part agreeing to pay him £670,000 a a repeat of last year’s final on be highly unlikely. Pearson said he didn’t know In July 2003, Beckham signed of ours.” month but the deal was never December 1 at the Home Depot “In my time here I have seen what Beckham would say in with Real Madrid, helping them Beckham helped grow the sport signed. PSG boss Ancelotti said Center. the popularity of the game grow today’s news conference. “He said to the 2006-07 La Liga title. He in the United States, but his time yesterday: “We haven’t made Beckham said in a statement every year,” Beckham said of his what he said,” Pearson replied. joined the Galaxy the next year, in southern California has not an offer, good luck to him.” released by the team that the stint in Los Angeles. “It will be discussed tomorrow. debuting in a friendly against been without controversy. game would be his last for the “I’ve been fortunate to win Whether or not answers are Chelsea at the Home Depot He has had run-ins with fans England Galaxy, as he hopes to move on trophies, but more important to there is unknown.” Center. before. Beckham has never said and eventually become a part- me has been the fantastic recep- Beckham has been capped 115 “Seldom does an athlete rede- His loans to European teams, goodbye to the game in his owner of an MLS team in the tion I’ve had from fans in LA and times for England, scoring 17 fine a sport,” said Tim Leiweke, which caused him to miss parts of homeland - injury cost him a future. across the states. Soccer’s poten- goals while captaining the side the president of Galaxy owners MLS seasons, angered some Los place in the 2010 World Cup “I don’t see this as the end of tial has no limits in this wonderful on more than 50 occasions. Anschutz Entertainment Group. Angeles fans who displayed their finals for England and was my relationship with the league country, and I want to always be He captured a half dozen “David not only took our fran- dislike with signs at games that disappointed not to be picked as my ambition is to be part of part of growing it.” Premier League titles during chise to another level, but he took said “Go home fraud,” and “Part for the Olympic team this year. the ownership structure in the This is Beckham’s “final a sensational 12-year career at our sport to another level It has time player.” AFP