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Monday 5 January 2015 • 14 Rabial I 1436 • Volume 19 Number 6301 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Exit permit Attiyah wins first stage of Dakar Rally changes to be ‘simpler’ More Search and Follow-Up centres

DOHA: Changes in the exit per- “And to address this, the law has mit system proposed by the new set a clear mechanism,” he added, sponsorship law are clear and without elaborating. simple and no need for people to The official disclosed plans fear about it, says a senior offi- to open branches of the Search cial of the Ministry of Interior. and Follow Up Department in Al Brigadier Nasser Mohammed Zubara, Al Sheehania, Al Wakrah Al Sayed, Director of the Search and central Doha to provide eas- and Follow-Up Department at the ier access to the public. Ministry, said that the new sponsor- He said continuous inspections ship law has been completed fully and stricter punishments have and is in the final stage for issuance. reduced violations of the residency “Work on the new sponsorship and sponsorship law. However, the law started long ago. Qatar took up massive inspection campaigns this issue many years ago, because across Doha has prompted some Mini pilot Nasser Al Attiyah (right) of Qatar, and his navigator Michel Perin of France, arrive at the departure ceremony of the Dakar Rally 2015 in there is an international system run away workers to escape to front of the Casa Rosada Presidential Palace in Buenos Aires yesterday. Al Attiyah won the first stage of the rally. See also page 27 existing in most parts of the world. areas outside the city and work in We need to cope with this develop- farms thinking that they are safer. ment. The idea was under study Some winter camps set up out- even before Qatar won the FIFA side the city are employing such 2022 World Cup bid. The law is workers. By doing so the camp First Palestinian ICC case on Gaza war: Expert completed fully and is in the final owners are inviting problems stage for issuance,” Brigadier Al for themselves. If these workers Sayed said in an interview with Al commit some crimes like steal- RAMALLAH: The first case 1, 2002, when the court’s founding West Bank after the kidnapping territories in years, arresting Watan Arabic daily. ing, they (the owners) will not be the Palestinians will refer to the treaty, the Rome Statute, came and subsequent murder of three more than 2,000 Palestinians He said the new law has taken able to lodge complaints against International Criminal Court into force. Israeli teenagers, triggering a in the West Bank and east into account the interests of the them because they are employed will be the “crimes” Israel com- If the application process goes series of events which led to the Jerusalem. employees and the employers. illegally, said Al Sayed. mitted during summer 2014, as planned, the Palestinians seven-week Gaza war that killed On June 30, troops found the Regarding exit permits, the He encouraged people falling including the Gaza war, a legal should be able to refer a case in nearly 2,200 Palestinians and 73 bodies of the three, unleashing a official said the new law has laid victims to visa trade to lodge expert said yesterday. early April, with legal prepara- people in Israel. wave of national grief and anger down a clear mechanism. “People complaints with the Department. On January 2, the Palestinians tions to that end already well Cases referred to the ICC need that saw Jewish extremists mur- need not have to fear about this. “We will investigate into the presented a formal request to join under way. “a very specific geographic loca- der an east Jerusalem teenager It is simple, to be done according complaints and if we find that the Hague-based court in a move Shawan Jabarin, director of the tion and timeframe”, Jabarin in revenge, which itself triggered to rules and standards to main- there is abuse we allow the victims which opens the way for them to Ramallah-based rights group Al said, saying the same date had furious protests in the eastern tain a balance between the inter- to change sponsorship without file suit against Israeli officials for Haq, said the Palestinians had been selected by a UN commis- Arab sector of the city. ests of both sides (employees and consulting the employers (origi- alleged war crimes in the occupied decided to file suit over Israel’s sion probing alleged rights viola- Rocket fire from Gaza also employers),” he said. nal sponsors). Workers who lodge territories. actions in the West Bank and tions during the Gaza war and the increased as a result of the opera- He said that in most cases complaints against their employers The ICC can prosecute indi- Gaza Strip starting from June period leading up to it. tion, which quickly escalated into there is stable working relations will not be detained,” said Al Sayed. viduals accused of genocide, 13, 2014. Following the teens’ kidnap all-out war which lasted 50 days. between the two sides, although THE PENINSULA crimes against humanity and That was the date Israel began on June 12, Israel began its AFP there are problems in few cases. Continued on page 6 war crimes committed since July a massive crackdown in the biggest sweep of the occupied See also page 7

Navigating icy maze Statute change gives Bashir US, Russia in danger more power of renewing N-rivalry

KHARTOUM: Sudan’s par- liament yesterday passed LONDON: A widening rift Those submarines, which have constitutional amendments between Moscow and Washington been making forays across the allowing President Omar over cruise missiles and increas- Atlantic, routinely carry nuclear- Hassan Al Bashir to appoint ingly daring patrols by nuclear- capable cruise missiles. state governors directly and capable Russian submarines The rise in tension comes expanding the mandate of its threatens to end an era of arms at a time when the arms con- powerful security agency. control and bring back a danger- trol efforts of the post-cold-war “The amendments were ous rivalry between the world’s era are losing momentum. The approved unanimously,” national two dominant nuclear arsenals. number of strategic nuclear assembly speaker Al Fatih Tensions have been taken to a warheads deployed by the US Ezzedine Mansour said after par- new level by US threats of retalia- and Russia actually increased liament agreed to 18 changes. tory action for Russian development last year, and both countries are Elections for state governors of a new cruise missile. Washington spending many billions of dollars had also been due to take place in People visit a maze which was built by ice bricks and illuminated by coloured lights during a trial operation ahead alleges it violates one of the key a year modernising their arsenals. April along with presidential and of the 31st Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin city in China’s Heilongjiang province yesterday. arms control treaties of the cold Against the backdrop of the war parliamentary polls. The proposed war, and has raised the prospect of in Ukraine and a failing economy, amendments pushed the date of redeploying its own cruise missiles Vladimir Putin is putting increas- the elections back by 11 days, and in Europe after a 23-year absence. ing emphasis on nuclear weapons polling is now scheduled for April On Boxing Day, in one of the as guarantors and symbols of 13. Man killed in work site accident more visible signs of the unease, Russian influence. In a speech pri- Bashir, 71, is standing again in the the US military launched the marily about the Ukrainian con- election which is widely expected to first of two experimental “blimps” flict last summer, Putin pointedly extend his reign but that opposi- DOHA: An expatriate worker other two workers were rescued work on the site immediately and over Washington. The system, referred to his country’s nuclear tion parties have said they will was killed and two others from the mudslide and rushed to started an extensive investigation known as JLENS, is designed to arsenal and declared other coun- boycott. Another amendment injured when part of an excava- the Hamad General Hospital for from its side to know the reasons detect incoming cruise missiles. tries “should understand it’s best expanded the responsibilities of the tion site at Hamad Bin Khalifa treatment. of the accident and identify the The North American Aerospace not to mess with us”. powerful National Intelligence and Medical City collapsed yes- The Ministry of Interior is responsible parties. If any failure Command (Norad) did not specify The Russian press has taken Security Service. terday afternoon, the Public currently investigating the inci- from any parties is detected, they the nature of the threat, but the up the gung-ho tone. Pravda, The amendment means the Works Authority (Ashghal) dent, said a statement issued by will be held accountable, it added. deployment comes nine months the former mouthpiece of the NISS is now a “regular force said yesterday. Ashghal yesterday. All safety procedures imple- after the Norad commander, Soviet regime, published an arti- whose mission is to oversee inter- The accident happened on the The Civil Defence, Al Fazaa and mented on the site by the project General Charles Jacoby, admit- cle in November titled “Russian nal and external national secu- project site of the Simulation ambulance team rushed to the spot contractor and the project con- ted the Pentagon faced “some sig- prepares a nuclear surprise for rity”, Badria Suleiman, head of Centre building when a worker and launched a rescue operation. sultant will be reviewed and nec- nificant challenges” in countering Nato”, which boasted of Russian the committee that examined the was trapped under soil falling Ashghal officials and the project essary action will be taken, said cruise missiles, referring in par- superiority over the west, particu- amendments, said yesterday. from one side of the excavation consultant were also present. the statement. ticular to the threat of Russian larly in tactical nuclear weapons. AFP site leading to his death. The Ashghal said it had stopped THE PENINSULA attack submarines. THE GUARDIAN MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME QC makes huge Emir greets Tunisian strides in Gaza President DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani congratulated families’ support Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi during a telephone conversation yesterday. The Emir wished him every suc- Income-generating projects give hope cess and further progress and prosperity in bilateral DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) has “We were able to start a decent relations. implemented a series of income- life and strengthen our social and generating projects in Gaza. economic position after being The projects were part of QC’s deprived of the basic necessities Emir sends efforts to offer support to fami- of life for years,” she said. lies without a breadwinner, those Thirty-five year old Nada greetings to with widows and orphans, the Hamad and her family also ben- unemployed and those who can- efitted from the bakery project. Myanmar leader not work due to illness. Nada’s husband died, leaving her “We are now able to meet the alone with young sons and no way DOHA: The Emir H H needs of our children, in terms of to support them. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad food and clothing, without humili- “Through this project I have Al Thani sent a cable of ating ourselves by depending on been able to support my family greetings to President of others,” said Falastin Kafarneh, one independently,” Nada said. Myanmar Thein Sein on of the beneficiaries of the project. “Qatar Charity has saved us the eve of his country’s Thirty-three-year-old Kafarneh from a bleak future, thanks to Independence Day. became the main breadwinner you my family and I can now live A Gaza woman making bread as part of a bakery project implemented by Qatar Charity. The Deputy Emir H H Sheikh when her husband fell ill. During a dignified life,” she added. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani the recent conflict the family’s QC recently launched the the slogan “Hand in hand to an expected 1,147,000 people. its environs, the Gaza Strip and sent a similar cable of congratu- home was demolished, leaving ‘We build Palestine’ cam- build Palestine”. The cam- QC’s projects in Palestine the West Bank, in addition to lations. The Prime Minister and them homeless and without any paign, in order to offer sup- paign includes the financing cover shelter, education, the Palestinian refugees who are Interior Minister H E Sheikh source of income. QC’s bakery port to the development of and implementation of large health, economic empowerment in refugee camps in Lebanon and Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa project enabled Falastin to sup- the Palestinian people inside development projects, valued at and others, for the benefit of Jordan. Al Thani also sent a cable of port her family. and outside Palestine, under QR197,628,000, for the benefit of Palestinians in Jerusalem and THE PENINSULA congratulations to President of Myanmar. QNA Sixth Falcon and Hunting Festival opens today DOHA: Multiple high definition cam- with falconers and experts in raising should however keep in touch with the eras will be used to ensure better cov- falcons on their preparations for the committee to make sure of the timing. erage of the Sixth Qatar International festival. The Hadad Challenge, the most popu- Falcon and Hunting Festival 2015 Al Gannas Association and festival lar competition with the highest number which opens today in Sabkhat Marmi Chairman Ali bin Khatim Al Muhashadi of participants, will kick start the festival near Sealine in Mesaieed. said preparations for the festival have today. Out of the 1,406 who registered at The number of cameras to be used to already been completed including the this year’s festival, 535 are participating cover the daily competitions during the facilities required for the participants in in this category. month-long festival has been increased the competitions. Other categories include Al Mazain, Al to 12. Al Kass, which will broadcast the Sign boards have been placed to guide Tala’a, Al Da’o, Hadad Al Saluki, Young events two hours daily, already started people to the direction of the festival Saker and Old Saker. Held under the airing last night the preparations for the venue. Transportation is available to take patronage of H E Sheikh Joan bin Hamad festival. people from the main road to the venue. Al Thani, the month-long festival is con- The festival is being broadcast in The organising committee has sidered one of the largest festivals spe- Qatar and neighbouring states. Prior announced it will send SMS to partici- cialized in the field of falcons and hunting to the festival, the team travelled to pants to alert them of the competition in the region. some GCC states to conduct interviews date and time of their competition. They THE PENINSULA Festival venue near Sealine in Mesaieed.

Embassy urges Nepalese to HMC holds health apply for MRPs DOHA: Nepal citizens awareness expo holding hand written pass- ports should get their pass- DOHA: As part of its efforts to them physically, mentally and ports re-issued and obtain encourage Qatar’s young popu- socially to become a generation machine readable ones, the lation to lead a healthy lifestyle, of healthy people. embassy said in a statement Hamad Medical Corporation She stressed that HMC is com- yesterday. (HMC) recently organised a mitted to raising awareness and International Civil Aviation health awareness exhibition providing health education for Organisation has set a dead- at Tariq Bin Ziad Independent the public to ensure they take the line of November 24, 2015 School for Boys. preventative measures necessary for globally phasing out of Held under the theme ‘Health to prevent illnesses, accidents and all non-machine readable is the Greatest Blessing’, the exhi- injuries. passports. bition was inaugurated by Hamad She also said, the exhibition The Nepalese embassy has Mohamed Shabib Al Mannai, owner also served as a way to intro- also requested companies to and principal of the school and duce the students to scholar- facilitate their employees with Balqees Al Khazraji, Director of ship opportunities at HMC and hand written passports to get Health Professions Awareness and other organizations within Qatar machine readable passports. Volunteering Programmes at HMC. or abroad, as well as showcasing The mission accepts appli- Al Khazraji said that HMC is employment opportunities, volun- cations for machine read- organizing health exhibitions in tary work and training available able passports between 9am schools to educate young people in various sectors. Officials visiting the exhibition at Tariq Bin Ziad Independent School for Boys. to 1pm, from Sunday to about healthy living and prepare THE PENINSULA Thursday. An applicant should sub- mit two copies of duly filled in applications, which could be downloaded from the Embassy’s website (www. nembdoha.com), original College of Law makes progress in Qatarisation Nepalese citizenship cer- tificate and its copy, origi- nal current passport and its DOHA: Qatar University’s LAWC’s strategic plan, in line offers its students lab and practi- copy, Qatari ID card copy and (QU) ongoing commitment to with the goals of Qatar National cal courses, which enable them to QR300 as fees. foster its Qatarisation initia- Vision 2030, said Dr Al Khulaifi, gain additional skills and abilities A minimum period of two tives has resulted in graduating adding, “We, at LAWC, are proud they need to join the workplace. months would require from competent and skilled individu- of our excellence in attracting “We are also planning to estab- the date of application to als who joined its ranks as fac- Qatari students. Each semester, lish a Master’s degree in law at receive the new passport, ulty members and staff, and the the College enrolls at least 90 LAWC during the next academic therefore the Nepalese citi- labour market as professionals percent Qatari students, and this year, the first of its kind in Qatar,” zens are advised to apply for and leaders across sectors in year the national admission ratio said Dr Al Khulaifi. a machine readable passport Qatar. reached 92 percent.” The College is also organising without a delay. At the institution’s College Dr Al Khulaifi also highlighted a number of seminars, workshops Presently the Nepali of Law (LAWC), Qatar’s only the increased need of highly-qual- and training sessions especially embassy has received 400 law college, the process has ified Qataris in the legal sector, designed to foster the develop- applications for machine been implemented through as well as the various arrow of ment of national intellectual readable passports and till the College’s focus on human professions that law graduates capacities and promote research now 63,000 machine readable development, and attracting have in both the public and pri- initiatives. A series of seminars passport has been distributed well-qualified Qatari faculty vate sectors. The government has was conducted by postgraduates from Qatar, said the embassy. and students. Led by the Dean provided national post-doctorates for first-year students to help From November 25 Dr Mohammed Al Khulaifi, the in law with the privilege to be at them choose their discipline in onwards, countries may deny College has 1,093 (86.3 percent) the same time professors in law law, and gain better insight into visa or entry to any person Qatari students out of 1266, and and practicing lawyers, said Dr the academic life at the College, travelling on a non-machine 14 (27.4 percent ) Qatari faculty Al Khulaifi. Dr Mohammed Al Khulaifi, Dean, College of Law at Qatar University. the duties of faculty members, readable passport. members out of 51. He added that LAWC is achiev- and the benefits that law gradu- THE PENINSULA Qatarisation is one of the most ing ongoing progress by encourag- their postgraduate education, growth and development. ates receive, Dr Al Khulaifi said. important key components in ing national students to pursue and contribute to the country’s He also noted that the College THE PENINSULA MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Traffic snarl World’s largest IMAX screen at Mall of Qatar Mall to open by year-end DOHA: The Mall of Qatar, sched- is bringing these amazing puzzle uled to open at the end of this year, rooms to Qatar, offering analytical will be home to the largest IMAX challenges that can only be solved in screen in the world that would a team-building partnership. introduce a new ground-break- At the centre of the eight-story ing 3D laser technology, it was high entertainment area will be a announced yesterday. fully hydraulic and rotating stage, A19-screen cinema with over 3,000 enabling live performances through seats will be the main feature of a a wide range of genres. Guests will multifaceted family entertainment be able to enjoy daily shows from the centre of the mall. cafe terraces on all the levels sur- Constructed on multiple levels, the rounding it. theatre includes six exclusive VIP “The last mall to be delivered in screens, bowling lanes and new in- Qatar was the Villaggio in 2006 – theatre dining options. since this time, the national popula- Mall of Qatar has also revealed a tion has increased by over a million partnership with video game devel- so we believe there is certainly the oper Rovio, the company behind demand. We’ve gone to great efforts the highly successful ‘Angry Birds’ to make the Mall of Qatar stand franchise, to create the world’s first out for its emphasis on family and Doha roads witnessed heavy traffic yesterday as several schools reopened after winter vacation. ABDUL BASIT indoor Angry Birds Activity Park. entertainment. Even Carrefour will Another concept being developed be creating a specially designed store exclusively for the mall is Juniverse which will be unique to the Middle – a role-playing experience set in the East,” said UCC’s Executive Director future that offers up to 50 different Moutaz Al Khayyat. modules that allow children to expe- “We will of course still be providing WISH to showcase Qatari rience what working on a space sta- the usual luxury boutiques that have tion will be like. One of the modules become synonymous with shopping features a step back in time and an malls in the region, and I’m delighted encounter with life-size animatronic to confirm we’ve already signed leases dinosaurs. for 60 percent of the 500 shops avail- For those looking for thrill-based able,” said Al Khayyat. healthcare initiative entertainment, Virtuosity will pro- With over five million square feet vide a variety of virtual experiences, built up area, the mall will be home DOHA: The World including putting visitors in the cock- to some 80 F&B outlets, ranging Innovation Summit for Health pit of either Formula 1 race cars or from signature restaurants to open (WISH), an initiative of F16 Fighter jets. As part of a virtual kitchen venues and fast food fare. Qatar Foundation (QF), will concept, video gamers will also have There will be a five star fashion hotel showcase the Qatari ‘Sahtak the opportunity to compete globally featuring 210 rooms — part of the Awalan’ – ‘Your Health First’ in a giant gaming amphitheatre. Curio Collection by Hilton. The hotel programme among some of Following on the success of con- will have a direct connection to the the world’s most exciting cepts such as Hint Hunt and Clue mall’s exclusive Luxury Court. healthcare innovations at the Quest in London, the Mall of Qatar THE PENINSULA second WISH Summit taking place in February. Run by Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q), a member of QF, ‘Your Health First’ is a unique wellness pro- motion programme designed to encourage the Qatari popula- tion to lead healthy lifestyles. The five-year educational campaign targets all sections of society, with a particular focus on helping young people aged between 10 and 25 years to make positive, healthy life- style decisions. Following the success of last year’s handpicked Innovation Children during a promotion campaign. Showcases, this year WISH’s Showcases were opened up to The selection was made by the Public Health H E Abdullah bin healthier lifestyles among the entries from around the globe Innovation Showcases Curation Khalid Al Qahtani, with a plan population.” and received 80 applications Team, represented by Professor to raise awareness of the issue He added,” ’Your Health First’ Work progressing at the Mall of Qatar. from 26 countries in all areas the Lord Darzi of Denham, of obesity in Qatar where 70 per is a crucial initiative due to its of health innovation: Digital Executive Chair of WISH; Dr cent of adults are overweight leading role in promoting health health, healthcare products, Hanan Al Kuwari, Managing and 41 percent obese. awareness, and it is imperative design-solutions and innova- Director of Hamad Medical The minister underscored the that it is presented at the World tive health systems and services. Corporation; Tim Brown of importance of community-wide Innovation Summit for Health Selected entries, including ‘Your global ideas consultancy IDEO; health awareness initiatives, as an Innovation Showcase that Health First’, will be given the and Bright Simons, President of asserting that, “Health is not delegates could learn from, chance to present their ideas to mPedigree Network, social inno- limited to large-scale projects, alongside other unique global more than 1,000 leading global vator and entrepreneur. hospitals and health centers, healthcare innovations to be healthcare experts attending ‘Your Health First’ was but it is far more important to revealed at the Summit.” the 2015 Summit. launched in 2012 by Minister of promote health awareness and THE PENINSULA QRC winter campaign targets Palestinians

DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent target regions during which (QRC) has started its Warm blankets, electric heaters, gifts Wi nt er Ca mpa i g n i n L eba non for the elderly, heating oil cou- for the year 2014-2015, dis- pons, and winter clothing have tributing winter assistance been delivered to the recipients. to the Palestinian refugees By mid-January, the coats will in the poorest Lebanese be distributed to the students districts. of UNRWA schools and kinder- The campaign is being imple- gartens of Palestinian refugee mented in cooperation with camps. the Irshad and Islah Islamic A total of 16,610 Palestinians Beneficent Association and will be served in Beirut, Sidon, the United Nations Relief and Tyre, Tripoli, and Beqaa, as Works Agency for Palestine well as 54 UNRWA schools and Refugees in the Near East kindergartens throughout the (UNRWA). above governorates. With $200,000 (QR730,000) QRC’s Warm Winter cam- funding from QRC, the assist- paign for 2014-2015 targets ance included 600 pieces of QR5m of winter assistance winter clothes; 500 electric including blankets’ mattresses, heaters; 1,010 blankets; 1,500 pillows, heaters, heating oil, coats for kindergarten stu- and school jackets for the poor- dents at Palestinian refugee est families in Syria, Palestine, camps; 10,000 coats for UNRWA Afghanistan, and Kashmir, as schoolchildren; 500 gifts for the well as the refugee camps in elderly, and heating oil. Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, and Qatar Red Crescent volunteers distribute winter assistance to the The distribution has been northern Iraq. Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. going on for two weeks in all THE PENINSULA MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME FM meets Libyan counterpart Home-grown app ‘Evently’ launched New smartphone app features happenings in Qatar

DOHA: A group of young and trainings required through a and Facebook and other direct minded individuals have two year period messaging services like whatsapp. launched Qatar’s home grown With more than 500 events “While Qatar is fast emerging mobile application — Evently. including many global events as a family tourist destination Incubated and supported by happening in Qatar every year, with world class facilities and Digital Incubation Centre Evently aims to be the go to des- unique events, we strive to be a (DIC), Evently is a smartphone tination for people to discover the single source of information for application that features all events far in advance. all the events, conferences and the events, conferences, exhi- Events happening in Katara, happenings in the country. We bitions and other happenings Museums, MIA Park and other are glad that our beta version in Qatar. organisations like Doha Film was well received by the users The application is available and other venues will be listed in and we are excited to launch across all three platforms, iOS, Evently. our application.” said Nasser Al Android and Blackberry 10. Public lectures and events Naama, Head of Communications, “We are confident apps like inside the Universities in Evently. Evently would play a major role Education city can also be dis- “We keep our strategies closely in helping the global tourists covered and shared through the aligned to the country’s larger and local residents keep abreast application. Currently categorised vision. We believe our product with the happenings in Qatar” as Arts & Culture, Community, will add value and support the said Ahmed Laiali, Head of Entertainment, Sports and country’s efforts in positioning DIC. Fitness, Conference and Music Qatar as an exceptional family “At DIC, we are focused on Events, Evently focuses on eve- tourist destination” concluded supporting entrepreneurs, who rything except the nightlife and Al Naama. dare to build businesses through food events. Evently is currently available in solutions that would add value to Users will be able to access the English and will soon be released the society and our nation.” he details of the Events like Speakers in Arabic too. The application The Foreign Minister H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah with the visiting Libyan Foreign Minister Mohammed commented. and timings well in advance, elim- is also planning to integrate a Al Dairi and his accompanying delegation. The two sides discussed the latest developments in Libya and Guided by the Ministry of inating the need for printed pro- ticketing platform, providing an Information and Communication gram guides. opportunity for users to purchase ways to support its security and stability. They stressed the importance of giving high priority to dialogue to Technology, DIC identifies the The App users can also share tickets conveniently from their reach a political solution and resolve the current crisis. local Tech startups and incubates the events directly through social smartphones. them, providing various facilities media platforms such as Twitter THE PENINSULA Expatriates likely to gain from currency fluctuation

BY SACHIN KUMAR rencies are expected to weaken Rahman, Operations Manager, currencies, was up while currencies of Egypt and Al Zaman Exchange, told The 12 percent in 2014. DOHA: Most of the expatriates the Philippine are expected to Peninsula. All the major cur- in Qatar are likely to benefit remain stable. A depreciating currency augurs rencies around the from currency fluctuation in the “The trend of decline in most well for expatriates as a given globe including Euro, ongoing year as major currencies of the Asian currencies is likely to amount fetches more because of Pound Sterling, Yen remitted from Qatar are likely continue in the current year. The the decline. and other had weak- to depreciate further in 2015. weakening in these currencies is The dollar index, which meas- ened last year against Indian, Nepali, Sri Lankan, because of ongoing strengthen- ures the dollar’s performance greenback. Bangladeshi and Pakistani cur- ing of US Dollar,” Zuber Abdul against a basket of major trading Rise in dollar is coming from recovery in the United States. Recent data has reinforced the view that the US, which is the world’s largest economy, is improv- ing that may prompt its the central bank to consider raising interest rates in mid- 2015. Rising rates will attract money from global investors who are always looking to maximise returns. Other investment Expatriate workers waiting in queue to send money to their home country at a money options such as Gold exchange in Doha. and crude oil are also not doing well, leaving Dollar as means more remittance and India, Nepal, Bangladesh, the the only choice for them. healthy business of exchange house Philippines, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Last year Pakistan’s currency in Qatar. “The remittances are Egypt are among the countries bucked the trend by appreciat- likely to increase with deprecia- receiving major remittances from ing against Dollar but the rise tion in currencies. Expatriate tend expatriates in Qatar. Indian Rupee was result inflow of huge funds. to send more money home when is currently trading around 17.40 “Pakistani currency will only currencies declining. However this against Qatari Riyal, Egyptian strengthen if Pakistan sees major trend is visible in case of expatri- Pound at 7.14, Philippines Peso at fund inflows in 2015 like last year. ates with high or middle income. 12.25, Bangladeshi Taka at 21.60, The currency will depreciate in Limited income expatriates are Nepali Rupee at 27.90, Pakistani absence of fund inflow,” added indifferent to currency fluctua- Rupee at 27.60 and Sri Lankan Rahman. tions,” said a senior official working Rupee at 36. Depreciating currencies also in a currency exchange. THE PENINSULA

MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Trucks plying on Doha roads despite ban Motorists complain of traffic congestion

DOHA: Trucks are still a com- roads in the residential areas as launched to keep heavy trucks mon sight on most of Doha they tried to bypass the traffic on out of the city and that authority roads and they still block traffic main roads themselves. will book trucks plying the road a month after the opening of the Some truck drivers talked to without permission. The fine for Temporary Truck Route (TTR) The Peninsula said they didn’t this violation is QR500, he said. on the Salwa-Lusail Road. know about the new road that was Abdullah Saad Al Saad, the The road stretching 41km was opened for their vehicles and that Public relations and communi- opened on December 1 aimed at they have not been intercepted cation Manager of Ashghal, said improving the traffic flow in Doha by any traffic police officer to ask that several trucks had started and diverts incoming trucks tran- why they were on Doha roads. using the road but referred the sit traffic between the north and Trucks were also still operat- questions regarding the trucks south of the country out of the ing on Doha roads because most that continued to ply on Doha city. of them where having their work roads to the Ministry of Interior A number of motorists have in the city, like delivering build- and Traffic Department. complained that they are yet to ing materials on projects under “Ashghal was responsible for see any major changes with the construction inside the city while implementing the project in a traffic congestion and that the others carried goods for sale for proper way and it’s the traffic trucks are still visible almost on ware houses and shopping centres department responsible to ensur- every road. inside Doha. ing that truck drivers abide by the “Trucks are still everywhere “It would be impossible for us to rules and use the road or to give and can be seen doing all sorts do our job and stay in business if out fines for the case of violating of violations on the roads in the we didn’t use the roads in the city. drivers,” he said. city,” said Michael Mutebi a car The rules ought to be respected Trucks have always been a driver in Doha. and we try our best but this rule problem at most Doha roads “Last Thursday a truck deliver- has not been well explained to us,” and the Ministry of Interior had ing some products near National said a truck driver in Old Airport earlier allocated the Al Baraha Exchange in Old Al Ghanim closed area who preferred anonymity. truck park for all trucks, trail- down a full lane and blocked traf- Brigadier Mohammed ers and heavy machinery and Trucks on the busy Airport Road in Doha. fic for about 30 minutes in the AbdulRahman Marafia, Director banned them from parking in evening rush hours,” he said. of Traffic and Road Safety, said Doha. However, some trucks can Some residents also complained small as some companies will just the risks of going through the city Residents said that they could during the roads launch that an be seen parking in some areas like that even the stipulated QR500 factor the cost of the fine and the roads. still see trucks even on small awareness campaign had been Old Airport. fine for violating trucks was too cost of doing business and take THE PENINSULA

Ooredoo to sponsor Al Khor Fly-In Erring butchery, shops closed DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday pilots. The Al Khor Fly-In is an the youth of Qatar and their fami- announced sponsorship of the open event organised by owners lies can enjoy the event whilst at the DOHA: The Ministry of website that it had detected operating shops without a eighth annual Al Khor Fly-In of light aircrafts in Qatar with same time learning a lot more about Economy and Commerce has a wide range of violations of licence or with an expired which will take place at the the intention to introduce gen- aviation. We believe in enabling peo- closed down a butchery in Al the consumer protection law licence, using shops as place Al Khor Airport begin from 9 eral aviation to public. The event ple’s dreams and hope that this will Wakra for selling Australian during inspections conducted for accommodation, display- January. The two-day event will began in 2008 and has worked to inspire the next generation of pilots,” meat as a product from New in December at shops in Al ing goods outside the shops, enable guests and visitors to see a motivate and promote aviation as said Mustafa Jameel Al Qatami, Zealand. The closure is for Wakra, Frij bin Mahmoud, Al failure to comply with the range of light aircrafts on display a sport and hobby to the youth of Director Branding and Corporate one month starting from Aziziyah and issued 39 warn- permitted work hours, among up close and personal, as well as Qatar and across the GCC. Communications, Ooredoo. January 1. ings to the erring outlets. others. enable them to freely interact with “I am thrilled and excited that THE PENINSULA The Ministry said on its The violations varied from THE PENINSULA

City beautification

Doha Municipality has installed a cannon near Mall intersection in an effort to beautify open areas. KAMMUTTY V P Doha International Book Companies fined for visa trading Fair opens on Wednesday Continued from page 1 He said during 2013, the Department in collaboration with the Human DOHA: The Prime Minister which runs until January 17. Rights Department at the Ministry and Interior Minister H Celebrating its silver jubi- of Interior transferred sponsorship of E Sheikh Abdullah bin lee, the festival will have other 1,642 people who fell victims to visa Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani events and activities such as an trade. During 2014, 24 court ver- will open the 25th Doha art exhibition, cultural and chil- dicts were issued against companies International Book Fair on dren activities. involved in visa trade imposing fines Wednesday at the Qatar Addressing a press confer- worth QR50,000 on each of them. National Convention Centre ence yesterday, Minister of Another 28 verdicts were issued (QNCC). Culture, Arts and Heritage, Dr against individuals sentencing The book fair will witness 432 Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari them to six months to three years publishing houses representing said the fair will include Doha in jail besides 30 verdicts impos- 29 countries in addition to 72 Cultural Festival comprising ing fines ranging from QR10,000 to authorised companies of pub- many activities including a play QR50,000. lishing houses. titled “Saqr Quraish.” During 2014 the Department Thirty publishing houses are He said this edition will received 114 complaints related to participating for the first time be exceptional and will be visa trade. Of these 51 were referred at the fair which will see more held for the first time at the to the Public Prosecution and court than 12,000 Arabic titles and QNCC which hosts many verdicts were issued in 43 cases. All over 2,500 foreign titles. important events of interna- involved in visa trade were expatri- Brazil will be the guest of tional caliber. ates cheating people from their own honour at this year’s book fair THE PENINSULA nationality. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Israel raises the heat on Palestinians Netanyahu eyes confrontation

JERUSALEM: Israel was weigh- countersuits against top Palestinian ing its options yesterday for further officials, a source close to the govern- punishing the Palestinians after ment said on Friday. freezing millions in tax revenues as But, in an unusual development, a first response to their bid to join Israel was not planning to announce the International Criminal Court. any new settlement construction, a The Palestinian move to join the senior foreign ministry official said Hague-based court sets the scene for yesterday. potential legal action against Israel Speaking to Israeli diplomats serv- for war crimes, in a bid to put pres- ing in Europe, foreign ministry direc- sure on it to pull out of the territories. tor general Nissim Ben Sheetrit said But the request to join the court, Israel’s response would be “harsher formally presented on Friday, infuri- and more comprehensive” than just ated Israel which quickly moved to freezing the taxes, but would not freeze the transfer of half a billion include settlement announcements, shekels ($127m) in tax revenues to ministry spokesman Emmanuel the Palestinian Authority. Nahshon told AFP. “The Palestinian Authority has “Israel is about to switch from Palestinian boys ride a horse cart past the remains of houses, which witnesses said were destroyed by Israeli shelling during the July-August chosen to take a path of confronta- defence to attack mode,” Nahshon war between Israel and Hamas-led Gaza militants, in the east of Gaza City, yesterday. tion with Israel, and we will not sit quoted him as saying, confirming idly by,” Prime Minister Benjamin comments first published by the Netanyahu told cabinet ministers Haaretz website. yesterday, vowing to put up a vigor- After the Palestinians won the Abbas mulls reapplying for statehood at UN ous defence of Israel’s soldiers. upgraded UN rank of observer state Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb in November 2012, Israel froze the Erakat denounced the freezing of tax monies and also announced plans RAMALLAH: Palestinian President failed us. We’ll go again to the Security calling it one-sided and unproductive. the transfer as “piracy”, and Hamas for 3,000 homes in a highly sensitive Mahmoud Abbas said yesterday he was Council, why not? Perhaps after a week,” Abbas signed onto 20 international con- said it amounted to “the theft of area of the West Bank, as well as in discussing with Jordan plans to resubmit Abbas told officials at a cultural confer- ventions the next day, including the Rome Palestinian money”, urging the lead- annexed east Jerusalem, triggering to the United Nations Security Council a ence in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Statute of the International Criminal ership to cut all security cooperation a furious response from the interna- resolution calling for the establishment the Palestinian seat of self-rule government. Court, giving the court jurisdiction over with Israel. tional community. of a Palestinian state that failed to win “We are studying it, and we will study crimes committed on Palestinian lands and But Israeli officials warned it was A senior official quoted by Haaretz enough votes last week. this with our allies and especially Jordan ... opening up an unprecedented confronta- only the first in a series of punitive said the government had learned a Jordan remains a member of the Security to submit the resolution again, a third time tion between the veteran peace negotiator measures. lesson from that incident and would Council while several other countries with or even a fourth time.” and Israel. “If the Palestinian Authority not be taking any steps making Israel revolving membership were replaced over In the UN vote tomorrow, the Palestinian In retaliation for the move to the ICC, doesn’t take a step back, I think the focus of criticism rather than the the New Year. draft received eight votes in favour, includ- Israel announced on Saturday that it would we have to take much more severe Palestinians. The Palestinians hope these states will ing France, Russia and China, two against withhold 500 million shekels ($125m) in steps,” said Strategic Affairs Minister “We will not let Israel Defence be more sympathetic to their resolution and five abstentions, among them Britain. monthly tax funds that it collects on the Yuval Steinitz, a close associate of Forces soldiers and officers be dragged demanding an Israeli withdrawal from occu- Australia joined the United States in voting Palestinians’ behalf, in a blow to Abbas’s Netanyahu, referring to a “gradual to the International Criminal Court pied territories and independence by 2017, against the measure. cash-strapped government. dissolution” of the PA. in The Hague,” Netanyahu told min- although the veto-wielding United States But any resubmission would face almost “Now there are sanctions - that’s fine. “We should not aid the existence isters, vowing to defend them with would be all but certain to vote ‘No’ again, certain failure. The US has veto power as There’s an escalation - that’s fine ... but of this authority.” Israel may also file “determination”. AFP as it did on December 30. one of the council’s five permanent mem- we’re pushing forward,” Abbas said. “We didn’t fail, the UN Security Council bers and has pledged to block Abbas’s plan, REUTERS Holy day Egypt rejects Clooney’s arrest risk claim

CAIRO: Egypt disputed yesterday a report criticise the army, the judiciary, or claim by British human rights lawyer the government?’ We said: ‘Well, yes.’ They Amal Clooney that she had been warned said: ‘Well then, you’re risking arrest.’” she risked arrest last year if she released The report, based on a fact-finding a report in Cairo critical of the judiciary. mission made in mid-2013, warned about Clooney, a rights lawyer who married the wide powers that ministers had over Hollywood star George Clooney in a lav- judges and highlighted a record of selec- ish Venice ceremony last year, told Britain’s tive prosecutions, flaws that Clooney said Guardian newspaper that the warning later contributed to the convictions of three Muslims pray at the shrine of Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) grandson Hussein had stopped her going ahead with a Cairo Aljazeera journalists. ibn Ali at the Al Hussein mosque as they celebrate “Mawlid al-Nabawi”, or the launch for the February 2014 report for the Clooney, who is now on the defence team birth of Prophet Mohammad, in Al Azhar district, old Cairo. International Bar Association. for one of the three — Egyptian-Canadian But interior ministry spokesman Hani Mohamed Fahmy — said the same flaws in Abdel Latif questioned the source of the the judicial system meant she had little con- alleged warning. “She should say exactly fidence in the retrial ordered on Thursday who said that,” Abdel Latif told AFP. by Egypt’s top court. She said she was “Why not specify from the start who told focusing instead on lobbying for Fahmy to her that?” “We have nothing against her,” be deported under new powers decreed by he said. In the comments published by the President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in November. Guardian yesterday, Clooney did not detail Lawyers for Fahmy’s Australian colleague the source of the alleged warning. Peter Greste are pushing for the same out- “When I went to launch the report, come, while the wife of Egyptian Baher first of all they stopped us from doing it Mohamed has said she is looking at ways British human rights lawyer Amal Clooney in Cairo,” she said. “They said: ‘Does the to get her husband out of Egypt. AFP

Arab League to meet today over Libya CAIRO: Arab League ambassadors will meet today to discuss the deep- ening conflict in Libya, the bloc’s deputy secre- tary general Ahmed Ben Helli said. The meeting at the Cairo-based League was requested by Libya’s inter- nationally recognised gov- ernment, which is battling Islamist-backed militias, and supported by its two leading regional back- ers. “The meeting will be devoted to discussing the dangerous developments that Libya is experiencing, the increase in violence and acts of terrorism,” Ben Helli told reporters yesterday. These acts “are affecting not only individuals... but also vital economic infra- structure on which the wealth of the Libyan peo- ple depends, particularly oil storage tanks.” AFP MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Editorial Punishing Pyongyang Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

EW US sanctions against North Korea over the alleged hacking of Sony Pictures has Tunisia’s moment of peril infuriated the Pyongyang regime. On Friday, Nthe US imposed sanctions on ten North Korean government officials and three organisations, including the primary intelligence agency and a state-run arms dealer. deserves US attention Washington’s move is significant in that it is the first time it has imposed sanctions on another nation in retaliation BY VANCE SERCHUK according to democratic rules. But underscores this risk; just consider for hacking an American company. Obama had even in marked contrast to the Muslim the trajectory of post-Soviet Russia or warned that the US was considering whether to put the UNISIA is rightly hailed as Brotherhood in Egypt, Ennahda passed Georgia more recently. authoritarian regime back on its list of state sponsors of the lone success story of the that test with flying colors. Ultimately Tunisia’s destiny will be Arab Spring: the only coun- Rather than aggrandizing power, determined by Tunisians themselves. terrorism. Ttry that has threaded a path Ennahda shared it — forming a coali- But democratic powers have a vital The impact of the new sanctions will be limited from the uprisings of 2011 to genuine tion with two leading non-Islamist par- interest in reinforcing at least one toe- for a regime that has already been ostracized by the multiparty democracy today. Yet the ties. Rather than running roughshod hold of decent, pluralistic governance in international community. The impoverished North Korea future of freedom in Tunisia is far from over secular opponents in writing a the Arab Middle East and North Africa. is subject to US penalties for its pursuit of nuclear arms assured. With the election of a new par- new constitution, it compromised and If there is a legacy of hope and change liament and president in recent weeks, made concessions while respecting civil in the Arab world the Obama adminis- and is largely isolated from the rest of the world. But one the most important experiment in Arab society, free media and an independent tration can help secure, it will be here fallout will be a war of words, and Pyongyang has already democracy is entering a difficult and judiciary. Most important, Ennahda did — and the coming months will be key. reacted with strong words. At the same time, the regime is potentially perilous new phase — one in something no ruling Islamist party has First, top administration officials sticking to its stance that it has been wrongly accused. Its which greater US support and attention done: It peacefully left office. and members of Congress need to foreign ministry reiterated that it did not have any role in are urgently needed. At the root of Ennahda’s conduct prioritize Tunisia, despite competing the breach of tens of thousands of confidential Sony emails Tunisians are quick to cite a litany of was the conviction of its leader, Rachid crises. They can start by simply show- challenges that could still derail their Ghannouchi, that democracy means no ing up — visiting Tunis to make clear and business files and accused the US of “groundlessly” transition, including an unreformed single party — regardless of how popu- to the new government U.S. openness stirring up hostility. Some experts in the cyber community economy that generates too few jobs lar — has the right to dominate society for significantly expanded partnership too have expressed doubts about the extent of North and a persistent threat from terrorist and that it is necessary to find common in light of Tunisians’ unique achieve- Korea’s involvement in the groups such as Ansar al-Sharia. There’s ground with your political adversar- ments, provided the country stays on hacking. They are pointing also the failed state next door in Libya, a ies. The alternative is either civil war the democratic path. fingers at hackers or even volcano of Syria- or authoritarianism — which is sadly Equally important is to engage New US like potential where much of the rest of the region Ennahda and civil society, to reassure sanctions Sony insiders, who could be that threatens to has ended up. them that the United States recognizes settling scores against their kick up a cloud of But Ennahda now finds itself out of their historic contribution to Tunisia’s against North company. In this context, an The future of instability over its power, with a new anti-Islamist party, progress and will be watching closely investigation by an independent neighbors. Nidaa Tounes, having won the presi- how they are treated, as a litmus test Korea can agency would have been helpful. freedom in Yet easily the dency and relegated Ennahda to sec- for the new government. And we must most significant ond place in parliament. Will Tunisia’s press our European allies to deliver the North Korea has demanded Tunisia is far from be seen as a question facing secularists practice the restraint, toler- same message. a joint probe into the attack assured. With Tunisia concerns ance and inclusivity that its Islamists Finally, the United States needs to warning to and said that US rejection of the election of a its new elected demonstrated? put forward a multi-year package of the proposal was proof of its leadership and It remains to be seen. The concern economic, security, trade and govern- nations backing evil intentions. Sony too can new parliament its commitment is less about Tunisia’s new president, ance support for Tunisia — including launch an investigation into the and president in to democratic Béji Caïd Essebsi — who ably led the low-cost but potentially high-yield cyberattacks. principles, human country in the chaotic months after its investments in the workings of new incident, at least to disprove recent weeks, the rights and inclu- revolution and delivered a hopeful mes- democratic institutions such as the par- reports that its disgruntled most important sive, tolerant sage of national unity at his inaugura- liament. Although the United States staff, current or former, could governance. tion last this week — than about others has found creative ways to help Tunisia have been involved in the crime. experiment in These have around Nidaa Tounes whose democratic since 2011, the effort has been too small- Washington is also sending another message with the Arab democracy is been the hall- instincts may be less developed. scale and ad hoc. In the Obama admin- North Korean action -- a warning to other countries marks of Tunisian In addition, many Tunisians across istration’s budget request this past year, entering a difficult exceptionalism the political spectrum — including Tunisia ranked ninth among bilateral suspected of sponsoring cyberattacks. The attack on Sony and potentially since 2011, thanks staunch opponents of Ennahda — tell aid recipients in the Middle East and has proved that hackers are capable of carrying out high- in large part to me they are worried that Persian Gulf North Africa — exactly the same posi- profile attacks and they can target other big corporations perilous new the parties and countries that have been supporting tion as the year before its revolution. and organizations if they want. For the United States, phase. personalities that anti-Islamist campaigns in the region There is something fundamentally the case is different because it wasn’t simply an attempt have been at the may try to extend those efforts to wrong if this persists. helm of the tran- Tunisia — offering aid in exchange for a Over the past three years, Ennahda’s to disrupt traffic, spy or steal information, but to destroy sition. Special credit goes to Ennahda, democratic rollback, potentially includ- Islamists proved themselves to be data on a foreign network. the moderate Islamist party that cap- ing politicized prosecutions of Ennahda responsible stewards of a free society. It’s time for North Korea to emerge from its isolation tured the largest number of votes in members. Now it is the turn of Tunisia’s ascend- and improve the lives of its people. It’s one of the few the country’s first free election three Optimists counter that Tunisians, ant secularists to do the same — and countries in the world whose self-segregation is almost years ago. having recently overthrown a dicta- the responsibility of the United States, complete At the time, there were doubts tor, won’t tolerate authoritarian back- and our democratic allies, to help all . whether Islamists could really operate sliding. Yet the history of revolutions of Tunisia succeed. WP-BLOOMBERG The other side Quote of Dubai budget charts the way forward the day F EVER there was a sign that billion. This comes while also advocat- doing more in a more efficient man- capital expenditures and grants and Dubai has indeed fully rebounded ing for 2,530 new jobs. The budget ner and providing better services to subsidies accounted for a further 44 from the difficulties faced by the also reflects directives as set by Shaikh all of Dubai’s residents at the same per cent of total government spend- Ientire world as a result of the fiscal Mohammad to focus on a fiscal policy time. On the revenue side, the picture ing in 2015. crisis, look no further than the 2015 that provides the stimuli necessary for is rosy, with tax revenues increasing All of Dubai’s residents will benefit budget approved by His Highness economic growth in the emirate and by 12 per cent compared to fiscal from a commitment that 13 per cent Our political Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al raises the efficiency of government year 2014. of government spending will go to Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime agencies to provide the best health The budget also shows that infrastructure. In addition, expendi- life has shown Minister of the UAE and Ruler of and social care services for all citizens Dubai’s policies of economic diversifi- ture on health, education, housing Dubai. It represents the largest budget and residents. cation are working, with net estimates and community development totals we cannot have allocation since the global financial The budget statement shows that of oil revenues accounting for 4 per 35 per cent of government expendi- sustainable growth crisis at Dh41 billion, up 9 per cent officials in Dubai have managed to cent of government revenue, down ture. Overall, the budget strikes the from 2014. increase revenues by 11 per cent year by 5 per cent in fiscal 2014. While right balance between caring for all while we are Significantly, the budget contains over year, and the increased focus wages and salaries represent 37 per and capital spending on projects to a no-deficit clause, and provides for on smarter e-services also enhances cent of total government spending, ensure Dubai’s continued growth. isolated. a prudent operating surplus of Dh3.6 fiscal provisions. Departments are general and administrative expenses, Gulf News Hassan Rowhani Iranian President MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 A vacuum in British politics

where the centre of gravity of Today there is a Blair-shaped vacuum British politics truly lies. The financial crisis, and its aftermath, has driven voters to the left on in British politics. Both Ed Miliband some issues and to the right on others. But my hunch is that Blair is essentially correct when he and David Cameron agree that the contends that voters still “group around the centre”. Most people are not tribally Labour or trib- centre ground still exists, even if they ally Tory or tribally anything. They have a traditionally British dispute where it is. wariness of ideological zealotry – and often with good reason. The appeal and the animating idea BY ANDREW RAWNSLEY realm back in 1997 when schools of Blairism was that voters look had roofs that let in the rain and for a government that they can bout some things, Tony the hospital building stock was in trust with both the economy and Blair (pictured), might the advanced stages of decay. The with public services, which is both not be the ideal person current squeeze on public services fair to the underprivileged and a Ato approach for advice, would have been felt that much friend of aspiration. They also especially at the fee level he harder had the Blair governments look for a national leader, which charges. How to conduct wars in not invested heavily in improving Tony Blair was at his best, who the Middle East. How to control the social fabric. can invest the country with a bit your chancellor. How to burnish Of course, his original elec- of uplifting optimism and a sense your post prime-ministerial repu- tion-winning coalition shrank of unity rather than constantly tation. But on one subject he has over time. The laws of political telling everyone who they ought an excellent claim to be an expert. entropy and his own mistakes that they felt compelled to sign up to not one “in which a traditional right kind of voter” and be out of to hate and that everything is When it comes to how to win saw to that. When he left office Labour’s spending plans and David leftwing party competes with a power rather than win in order to awful. power, you’d think contemporary in 2007, pollsters nevertheless Cameron used to go round proclaim- traditional rightwing party, with be able to do things for the people Today there is a Blair-shaped leaders might think the former reported that a chunky majority ing himself “the heir to Blair”. the traditional result”. Asked if and causes you care about. vacuum in British politics. Both prime minister worth paying a of voters thought he had been a We would expect Conservatives that means a Tory victory, he As we get into a long, nasty Ed Miliband and David Cameron little heed to. good prime minister overall and to vilify the record of the last responded: “Yes, that is what hap- and brutish election campaign, agree that the centre ground still He was Labour’s most elec- most also regarded him as “lik- Labour government. What’s done pens.” When this was translated the key question is whether Mr exists, even if they dispute where torally successful leader and able”. Not a bad result for a man more damage to Labour’s cause is into headlines that he fears Ed Blair is right. Are elections still it is. Both will campaign claim- by a long way. He took a party who had been at the top for more that too many of its own people Miliband is too leftwing to win, won on the centre ground? And if ing that they represent the main- that had lost four elections in a than a decade and led his country have also treated their longest Blair protested that he had been they are, where is that turf these stream majority. Their dismal poll row and turned it into a winning into a highly divisive war in Iraq period in power as an aberra- “misinterpreted”. I am not sure days? This gets to the essential ratings tell us otherwise. Tony machine that secured three con- on a false prospectus and with a tion. Ed Miliband has given the what alternative conclusion he nub of the difference between Blair won his first election victory secutive terms. He is one of only calamitous aftermath. Whatever impression that he regards eve- thinks we should draw from his Mr Blair and Mr Miliband. The with 43 percent of the vote. He two people to have achieved triple he got wrong, he must have been rything about New Labour as an words, especially when he also latter believes that the financial secured his third with 35 percent. back-to-back election victories getting something right. embarrassment and Blair as the said: “I am convinced the Labour crisis changed the paradigm of That seemed an unimpressive way since the introduction of universal Once the most popular prime black sheep of the family that no party succeeds best when it is in politics. The Great Crash was also to win at the time. Now 35 per- suffrage. His fellow hat-tricker was minister ever, today you can reg- one speaks about. Miliband was the centre ground.” a Great Shift that opened up space cent represents the peak of the Margaret Thatcher and his aggre- ularly read that he is “the most bound to put distance between To that gently expressed advice, for Labour to offer a prospectus ambition of both parties. Neither gate parliamentary majorities were hated man in Britain”. While himself and some of the unpopu- the response from his party has that is more challenging to con- thinks they have a hope of attain- larger than hers. He won his party probably true if your only sample lar legacies, but suggesting that he been, from Blair’s perspective, centrations of wealth and power ing 43 percent. Whoever becomes 13 continuous years in office. That of opinion is postings on the inter- thinks the entire period was one rather depressing. Lucy Powell, than New Labour dared to be. Mr prime minister in a few months’ is not only the longest period of net, where frothers of the left and epic mistake has prevented him the vice-chair of Labour’s elec- Blair thinks that the centre hasn’t time, no one imagines it is going Labour government ever, it is the right briefly pause from gobbing from taking ownership of New tion campaign, dismissed him as really moved in the way his suc- to feel like that May Day in 1997 longest stretch of non-Tory govern- at each other to agree that they Labour’s achievements and what a politician “from another era”, cessor assumes. This also sets the when New Labour came to power. ment since 1762. I am aware that all loathe him, I suspect the wider, was admired about them. as if talking about some long- former prime minister apart from It could be that the Blair way of I’ve pointed this out before. I draw more apolitical public take a more As his record has been trashed dead Tudor monarch rather than the man who once claimed to be his winning is simply unrepeatable for it to your attention again because complicated and ambiguous atti- by Tories and repudiated by the her party’s most prodigious win- heir. The opening shots of the bat- the foreseeable future. The elec- it is such a jaw-dropper of a fact. tude towards him. leadership of his own party, Blair ner. Neal Lawson, chairman of the tle confirm that the Tories assume torate has become too fragmented, He presided over the most sus- Unconfident about how to have has bitten his tongue. So on the leftish pressure group Compass, that the country has shifted to the alienated and cynical. Times are tained economic growth in British a voice in domestic British politics, rare occasions when he does make opined that the problem with right and that it is now an election- too tough. There may be some- history and at a time when other the past master of communication an intervention, it is bound to be New Labour’s victories was that winning proposition to promise thing in that. But we should also major economies tipped into has largely stayed shtoom about it. news. His recent remarks to Anne they were “too big” and “the wrong unfunded tax cuts for the afflu- note that this is a mighty conven- recession. That was accompa- That has made it easier for others McElvoy of the Economist were people were voting Labour”. That is ent and a squeeze on public provi- ient excuse for the failure of the nied by stealthy but significant to rewrite his history and their own really very mild compared with the sort of tribal ghetto mentality sion so severe that even the most present generation of leaders to redistribution towards the less parts in it. Tories now dismiss the the way in which former lead- that Mr Blair set out to eradicate rightwing of their Lib Dem coali- appeal widely in every part of the well-off while record sums were prosperity and investment of the ers have often talked about their from his party. If he was about tion partners are condemning it as country. The more they badmouth poured into public services. It New Labour period as an illusion successors. He made the observa- one thing, it was challenging those ideologically driven savagery. Tony Blair, the more I suspect that is too easily forgotten how tat- built on debt. They conveniently for- tion that Labour had to be care- on the left who think it better to In the current volatile climate, they are jealous of him. tered was the state of the public get that they were so cowed by him ful that the next election was attract support only from “the it is harder than usual to discern GUARDIAN NEWS Who’s the enemy of Internet freedom? Christian clergy against anti-Islam protests North Korea saw its internet even connectivity itself. of their interests perfectly align Beijing and Moscow access blacked out temporarily Given that Russia and China with those of Washington. in the Interview brouhaha – with are not known for their commit- This explains why Silicon Valley BY ISHAAN THAROOR are rightly chastised for little evidence that the country ment to freedoms of expression has been so vocal in demanding restricting their citizens’ actually had anything to do with and assembly, it is tempting to that the Obama administration he famous Cologne cathedral planned to switch off its lights the massive hacking of Sony – the view their quest for information do something about internet pri- this evening as a sign of protest against “anti-Islam” marchers online access — but concept of technological sover- sovereignty as yet another stab vacy and surveillance: if internet assembling in the German city. Demonstrations staged by a eignty is poised to emerge as one at censorship and control. In fact, companies were seen as compro- Tpopulist movement dubbed Pegida — the German acronym it’s the US that is now of the most important and con- even when the far more benign mised parties here, their business for Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West — have tentious doctrines of 2015. government of Brazil toyed with would collapse. Just look at the shaken Germany for the past month, drawing big crowds in a handful of even more aggressive And it’s not just the Chinese: the idea of forcing American com- misfortunes of Verizon in 2014: cities and condemnation from the country’s Chancellor Angela Merkel. in asserting its digital the Russian government is pursu- panies to store user data locally uncertain of the extent of data- Critics say the movement is a vehicle for far-right hate and neo- ing a similar agenda. A new law — an idea it eventually abandoned sharing between Verizon and the fascism. The weekly marches are emulating pro-democracy protests sovereignty. that came into effect last summer — it was widely accused of draco- NSA, the German government that took place in East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall and obliges all internet companies to nian overreach. ditched its contract with the US Soviet Union. But they are animated by far different beliefs. store Russian citizens’ data on However, Russia, China and company in favour of Deutsche Pegida supporters claim to represent a considerable spectrum of BY EVGENY MOROZOV servers inside the country. This Brazil are simply responding to Telekom. A German government German society, fearful about the consequences of an influx of refu- has already prompted Google to the extremely aggressive tactics spokesman said at the time: “The gees and asylum seekers, many of whom are Muslim. They say they ecent reports that China close down its engineering opera- adopted by none other than the federal government wants to win are anti-extremist, but others point to the prevalence of hate groups has imposed further tions in Moscow. The Kremlin’s US. In typical fashion, though, back more technological sover- among Pegida’s ranks and say the movement is nothing more than restrictions on Gmail, recent success in getting Facebook America is completely oblivious eignty, and therefore prefers to dressed-up, “pinstriped Nazis.” RGoogle’s flagship email to block a page calling for protests to its own actions, believing that work with German companies.” In a New Year address, Merkel urged her compatriots to reject service, should not really come as in solidarity with the charged there is such a thing as a neutral, However, to grasp the full Pegida because “their hearts are cold and often full of prejudice.” The much of a surprise. While Chinese activist Alexey Navalny indicates cosmopolitan internet and that extent of America’s hypocrisy center-right leader’s comments have been largely backed by the rest of users have been unable to access that the government is rapidly any efforts to move away from it on the issue of information sov- the country’s political and business elites, who dislike the xenophobic Gmail’s site for several years now, re-establishing control over its would result in its “Balkanisation”. ereignty, one needs to look no image of Germany conveyed by Pegida’s marches. they were still able to use much of citizens’ digital activities. But for many countries, this is further than the ongoing squab- According to a Zeit Online-YouGov poll released last month, half of its functionality, thanks to third- But it’s hardly a global defeat not Balkanisation at all, merely ble between Microsoft and the Germany has sympathy for the anti-Islam protesters. A more recent party services such as Outlook or for Google: the company is still de-Americanisation. US government. It concerns Forsa poll for Germany’s Stern magazine indicates that 1 out of 8 Apple Mail. expanding elsewhere, building US companies have been play- some email content — relevant Germans would join the demonstrations if they were nearby. The This loophole has now been communications infrastructure ing an ambiguous role in this to an investigation — stored on largest gathering so far drew some 17,000 protesters on December 22 closed (albeit temporarily — some that extends far beyond simple project. On the one hand, they Microsoft’s servers in Ireland. in the eastern city of Dresden. of the new restrictions seem to email services. Thus, as South build efficient and highly func- American prosecutors insist that Christian clergy echoed Merkel’s repudiation of the protesters. have been mysteriously lifted American countries began explor- tional infrastructure that locks they can obtain such content from “Pegida is made up of an astonishingly broad mix of people, ranging already), which means deter- ing plans to counter NSA surveil- in other countries, creating long- Microsoft simply by serving it a from those in the middle of society to racists and the extreme right- mined Chinese users have had lance with a fibre optic network term dependencies that are very warrant — as if it makes no dif- wing,” Norbert Feldhoff, dean of the Cologne cathedral, told Reuters. “By to turn to more advanced cir- of their own that would reduce messy and costly to undo. They ference that the email is stored in switching off the floodlighting we want to make those on the march stop cumvention tools. Those unable their reliance on the US, Google are the true vehicles for what- a foreign country. and think. It is a challenge: consider who you are marching alongside.” or unwilling to perform any such opened its coffers to fund a $60m ever is left of America’s global In order to obtain it, In his New Year’s Eve sermon, Cologne’s Roman Catholic arch- acrobatics can simply switch to a undersea cable connecting Brazil modernisation agenda. On the Washington would normally bishop used the occasion to call for solidarity with refugees. Last service run by a domestic Chinese to Florida. The aim was to ensure other hand, the companies cannot need to go through a complex year, Germany absorbed a third of all asylum seekers heading to the company — which is precisely that Google’s own services run be seen as mere proxies for the legal process involving bilateral European Union — some 200,000 in total — but the figures pale in what the Chinese government better for users in Brazil, but it American empire. Especially after treaties between the governments comparison to the numbers still displaced by conflict and war in their wants them to do. is a potent reminder that extri- the Edward Snowden revelations involved. But now it wants to side- homelands. “It is not us in wealthy Europe who have a refugee prob- Such short-term and long-term cating oneself from the grasp of clearly demonstrated the cosy alli- step that completely and treat the lem, but the poor neighbouring countries of the crisis regions,” said disruptions of Gmail connections America’s tech empire requires ances between America’s business handling of such data as a purely Archbishop Rainer Maria Woelki. “This is a truth we declare too little, are part of China’s long-running a multidimensional strategy and state interests, these compa- local issue with no international too timidly, and too quietly.” efforts to protect its technological attuned to the fact that Google nies need to constantly assert implications. The data resides Pope Francis has been outspoken in his support for the plight of tens sovereignty by reducing its citi- today is not a mere search and their independence — occasionally in cyberspace — and cyberspace of thousands of migrants, struggling (and sometimes dying) to reach zens’ reliance on American-run email company — it also runs by taking their own government knows no borders! Europe. communication services. After devices, operating systems, and to court — even if, in reality, most GUARDIAN NEWS WP-BLOOMBERG MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 MIDDLE EAST 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Iran must end Bahrain clashes isolation, says Rowhani Nuclear talks resume on Jan 15

TEHRAN: Iran’s President comes to Iran, our independence will Hassan Rowhani said yesterday be in danger,” he added. that foreign investors should no The president’s comments alluded longer be viewed as a threat and to a checkered history of foreign signalled his country’s decades- involvement in Iran’s economic long isolation from the world econ- affairs, chiefly from Russia and omy could soon end. Britain in the oil industry. Speaking at an economic confer- In 1953, British and US intelligence ence in Tehran, he said the Islamic services orchestrated the ouster of republic would not give up its princi- democratically elected prime minis- ples but it would be better placed to ter Mohammad Mossadeq, in a coup conclusively emerge from recession d’etat after he announced plans for if it opened up. oil nationalisation. Iran is engaged in long-running His overthrow remains a toxic negotiations with world powers issue and a rallying point for hardline aimed at a comprehensive deal over sceptics of the West. its disputed nuclear programme The nuclear talks between Iran A protester throws back a tear gas canister fired by riot police during clashes in the village of Bilad Al Qadeem, south of Bahraini capital which, if successful, will likely result and the P5+1 group (Britain, China, Manama yesterday. in an investment boom. France, Russia and the United States A key point in any agreement plus Germany) resume in Geneva on would be the lifting of wide-ranging January 15, and are aimed at a politi- sanctions — imposed on Iran as pun- cal agreement by March and a com- ishment for its atomic activities — prehensive accord by June 30. State TV shows Assad praying at mosque blamed for neutering its oil — and During the negotiations Iran has gas-rich economy. limited its enrichment of uranium, a Rowhani said Iran wanted “lasting process that creates nuclear fuel but BEIRUT: Syrian President birthday, according to the foot- a morale-boosting trip at the same mosque last year for and sustainable development” and if which at high purities can produce Bashar Al Assad prayed age broadcast. New Year. the celebration, according to it was to escape the recent years of fissile material for an atomic weapon. at a mosque in the capital He has made only occasional Damascus city remains under Syrian media reports. “constriction” caused by its foreign Iran denies seeking the bomb, Damascus yesterday, state public appearances since Syria’s government control but pro- In October he took part in policy then change was necessary. insisting its nuclear programme is television reported, the lat- uprising erupted in 2011 and government forces regularly prayers marking the Eid holi- “Our political life has shown we for peaceful energy purposes. est of several recent public spiralled into a civil war. clash with anti-Assad fighters day in the capital and in July cannot have sustainable growth while Although a nuclear deal is seen appearances. Assad has appeared several on the outskirts. he appeared at the presidential we are isolated,” he told an audience as the key to unlocking a dormant Assad, dressed in a dark suit times recently, however, includ- After yesterday’s prayers, palace when sworn in for a new of 1,500 economic experts and guests, economy, Rowhani said the current and sitting in the front row, ing on December 31 when he was Assad shook hands and term and gave a defiant speech, including the economy minister and curtailment of Iran’s nuclear activi- joined men praying at Al-Afram reported to have visited Syrian embraced clerics and other vowing to recover all of the head of the central bank. ties should not be considered as mosque to celebrate the troops northeast of Damascus worshippers at the mosque, the country from insurgents. “The time is past when it used weakness. Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) in what was presented as footage showed. He prayed at REUTERS to be said that if a foreign investor AFP Senior army officer shot dead in Yemen

ADEN: A senior army officer house in the city of Ataq in the was shot dead in southeast- southeastern Shabwa province. ern Yemen and four fighters Yemeni authorities also from a Houthi-led militia that blame Al Qaeda for a campaign controls much of Yemen died of targetted killings in which in a bomb attack on a guest between up to 350 senior army house south of the capital officers have died in the past Sanaa yesterday, state media three years. reported. Last week, an intelligence Yemen has been in turmoil officer identified as Colonel Iranian President Hassan Rowhani speaking during the opening ceremony of the since 2011 when an uprising Nasser Ahmed was shot dead economic conference in Tehran yesterday. toppled long-time president, Ali while driving in the southern Abdullah Saleh. The new gov- city of Al Bayda, and a gen- ernment has been struggling eral escaped a bomb attack on against violence from Al Qaeda a road his convoy was trav- and the rise of Shia Muslim elling on near the city of Al Houthi fighters, who seized Qatan in eastern Hadramout Sanaa in September. province. State news agency Saba said Also yesterday, the Bulgarian 25 others from the Popular Foreign Ministry in Sofia denied Committees, a force compris- that a Bulgarian man had been ing mainly Houthis tribesmen, arrested in Sanaa along with were wounded in the explosion other foreigners. in the city of Dhamar, some The Yemeni Interior Ministry 100km south of Sana’a. had said on Saturday that police “Terrorist elements are likely had arrested three foreign- to have planted the bomb at the Shia Houthi fighters ride a truck in Sana’a yesterday. ers, one of them a Bulgarian entrance of the guesthouse,” the national, in Sanaa after one of agency said, employing a term as Al Qaeda in Yemen. latest victim, Colonel Hamoud them was found to have al Qaeda often used by the authorities to The Yemeni Defence Ministry Hussein Al Dharhani, was shot material in his possession. denote Islamist militants such said on its website that the dead yesterday when he left his REUTERS

Politicians to blame for Car bomb kills four civilians in Mogadishu sectarianism, says Maliki MOGADISHU: A car bomb targetting security officials killed four civilians in the Somali capital Mogadishu yesterday, a gov- BAGHDAD: Iraqi Vice-President the largest protest camp, located near ernment official said. Nouri Al Maliki, who was widely criti- Anbar provincial capital Ramadi, was Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab claimed respon- cised for sectarian policies during his demolished. sibility for the blast, saying it was targeting time as premier, said yesterday that The destruction of the camp, which “pro-US forces” and that it had killed a number politicians are to blame for the coun- Maliki asserted was serving as a jihadist of government soldiers. try’s Sunni-Shia strife. headquarters, sparked clashes and set off “The suicide car bomb killed four civilians “There is no problem between the a series of events that saw parts of Ramadi and injured several others,” Mohamed Yusuf, Sunnis and the Shias as communities, but and all of Fallujah, to its east, seized by the spokesman for the security ministry, was rather between us the politicians — we anti-government fighters. quoted as saying on state-run radio. think as Sunnis and Shias, and we are Then last June, the Islamic State jihad- “The intelligence forces got the information driving people toward this doom, for which ist group — which benefitted from Sunni in advance and they were about to capture the we will bear responsibility before God,” disenchantment with Baghdad — spear- car bomb. However, as they pursued, the suicide he said. headed a sweeping militant offensive that car bomb hit a civilian car.” Maliki himself pursued policies that overran large parts of the country north Residents said shooting followed the blast marginalised and angered members of and west of Baghdad. and they could see smoke and dust rising into Iraq’s Sunni Arab minority, especially dur- Maliki’s government turned to Shia the air after the explosion. ing his second term as premier. militias, members of which were responsi- Al Shabaab is seeking to topple the Western- Sunni suspicion of the Shia-led govern- ble for sectarian killings in past years, for backed Mogadishu government and impose its ment was heightened by heavy-handed support against IS, before he was replaced own strict version of Islamic law in the coun- security operations in Sunni areas, and as prime minister. try. Yesterday’s attack showed the group was the arrest of senior Sunni politicians or Pro-government forces, now backed by still capable of carrying out raids in the capi- their employees. a US-led campaign of air strikes, have tal even as it is losing territory in rural areas Sunni anger led to anti-government regained some ground, but significant to AU peacekeepers who launched two major protests, which were targetted by secu- territory, including three major cities, offensives in 2014. “We were behind the attack,” rity forces on multiple occasions, most remains under IS control. Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, Al Shabaab’s mili- disastrously in late December 2013 when AFP tary operations spokesman said. REUTERS MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Rome bombing Victory against French mayor Ebola ‘within our reach’: UN denies refusing mission chief

ACCRA: Ending the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history is a burial of baby difficult task, but it is “within our reach”, the UN’s new mis- sion chief on the disease said, warning that the world has Fury over denial of Roma baby burial no choice but to beat back the infection. CHAMPLAN, France: A families in the region. “This is a global crisis. We French mayor accused of refus- Maria Francesca was rushed definitely have a difficult time ing to bury the baby of a Roma to hospital in nearby Corbeil- ahead of us, but we can achieve family in the municipal cem- Essonnes, where she was pro- it,” Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, etery denied the claims yester- nounced dead from sudden infant the new head of the UN Mission day, as fury mounted in France death syndrome. for Ebola Emergency Response over the case. The family asked a burial firm (UNMEER), said on arrival in Christian Leclerc, the conserv- in Corbeil-Essonnes to request Ghana on Saturday. ative mayor of Champlan, about permission from the authori- “We have no plan B, we have 23km south of Paris, sparked ties to lay the infant to rest but, to get rid of this virus. This is uproar by reportedly denying according to the firm’s manager within our reach, but we should the family a burial plot on the Julien Guenzi, the mayor refused not be complacent,” said Ahmed, grounds the cemetery has “few “without explanation”. A view of the damaged office of Italian Democratic Party member Mirko Coratti, following an overnight bomb a Mauritanian, who had arrived available plots”. “He doesn’t have to justify him- attack, in Rome, Italy, yesterday. Coratti, ex-president of the Rome Council assembly, stepped down after he in Accra to officially assume “Priority is given to those who self, but responses like that are came under investigation in the so-called ‘Mafia Capitale’ case. duty, taking over from American pay their local taxes,” Leclerc was very rare,” Guenzi said. Anthony Banbury. quoted as saying by Le Parisien Leclerc said: “There was UNMEER, based in the daily on Saturday. a choice between Corbeil Ghanaian capital, is leading However, Leclerc said yes- and Champlan. I agreed on international efforts in the bat- terday his words had been Wednesday morning to either ‘Captain’ of migrant ghost ship tle against Ebola. “taken out of context” and he scenario. I have a text message According to the latest World had been a victim of the “wrong proving this.” Health Organization figures, interpretation”. The mayor of Wissous, a few there are more than 20,200 con- “At no stage was I opposed to kilometres away, has since offered recounts trafficking journey firmed, probable or suspected this burial. It’s been blown out of to host the burial, saying it was a cases of Ebola and just over 7,900 proportion,” he said. “a question of humanity”. reported deaths. The three worst- Leclerc said he was “really “The pain of a mother ROME: The man who piloted the bridge to hide among the At no time, Rani insists, did the affected countries are Sierra sorry” that the story had become who carried a child for nine nearly 770 illegal Syrian migrant passengers once he had Turkish authorities undertake Leone, Liberia and Guinea. such big news and said he would months, and lost her after two migrants aboard the Blue Sky set the ship’s autopilot toward any inspection of the Blue Sky M “We need to keep going until we offer his condolences to the and a half months must not M cargo ship towards Italy has Italy’s southern shore. before he took it out to sea. don’t have even one case, because family. be worsened,” mayor Richard described how he became the Italian naval officers later “I set the route to Italy myself,” even one case is too many,” he But his denial failed to stem Trinquier said. “captain” of the human traffick- boarded the Moldovan-registered Rani said. said. “The work ahead remains the anger, with Prime Minister ASEFRR said it would cover ing vessel, according to Italian Blue Sky M just five miles (eight Bad weather forced Rani to very hard but we really have no Manuel Valls taking to Twitter the costs of the funeral, expected media. kilometres) before it would have approach the Greek coast and ask other choice,” the Ebola mission to say: “Refusing a child a burial on Monday. The family has Sarkas Rani, a 36-year-old run aground in what would have authorities for permission to take chief added, according to the because of its roots is an insult already paid for a coffin. Syrian was quoted yesterday likely been a violent crash. protective harbour in a bay until statement. to its memory, an insult to The child’s parents are by Italian daily La Repubblica Rani said his participation in the sea calmed. Ahmed will be visiting Liberia France.” Romanian natives in their mid- as saying he was contacted in the people smuggling venture Though that request was and Sierra Leone this week, and Earlier Sunday, Laurence 30s who have lived in France for Turkey by human traffickers who began when he left Lebanon, granted, Rani said Greek offi- Guinea shortly after, “to rein- Rossignol, a junior government at least eight years, according to had posted notices on Facebook where he had sought refuge from cials also did not check the con- force UNMEER’s strategic priori- minister for the family, said on supporters. offering clandestine passage to the brutal war ravaging Syria, to tents of the trafficking vessel — a ties and see first-hand the Ebola Twitter the refusal was “an inhu- They have two boys, aged five Europe for $5,000 for individuals, spend time in Turkey. failure to board the ship Greek response.” the text said. mane humiliation” for the fam- and nine, who are attending or $4,500 per person in groups of Once there, Rani was con- coastguard sources previously He will be accompanied by UN ily, adding the hashtag #honte or school in Champlan. 25 or more. tacted by an acquaintance who confirmed. Special Envoy on Ebola, David “shame”. The family lives on the out- “They promised me $15,000 knew the Syrian had worked as a After the ship was escorted out Nabarro, it added. And France’s defender of skirts of Champlan in a makeshift and the possibility of sending ship captain. After the pair met of Greek waters by a navy frig- Before his new appoint- human rights, Jacques Toubon, settlement without electricity or my entire family over,” Rani was in Istanbul to conclude their deal, ate, Rani set course for Italy, tak- ment, Ahmed served as Deputy said he was “shocked, stunned by running water, near a factory and quoted as saying by La Repubblica, Rani was taken with three other ing refuge in the hold with the Special Representative and the news”. very close to Paris’s Orly Airport. which used transcripts of a police men aboard the Blue Sky M, migrant passengers once he had Deputy Head of the United The baby, identified only as Most of France’s roughly 20,000 interrogation after the Syrian which then travelled to Turkey’s engaged the autopilot. Nations Support Mission in Maria Francesca, was born on Roma have little or no access to was arrested December 31 in the Mersin port close to the Syrian After detecting the Blue Sky Libya (UNSMIL). October 14 and died in the early basic amenities. Italian port of Gallipoli. border. M and getting no response to At a press conference last hours of December 26. Successive governments have The Blue Sky M was inter- After waiting in Mersin two radio messages, Italian naval week in Ghana on the eve of his “The mother tried to breast- drawn fire for demolishing cepted on Wednesday by Italian days for his “cargo”, Rani says the officers were lowered on to the departure for New York, Banbury feed her at 5:00 am and the lit- numerous camps and evicting authorities as it was locked on a ship took on an initial group of 30 ship by helicopter, then brought had said he was confident that tle girl was cold. She was dead,” families with children, although course towards Italy’s coast with people the third day, followed by it under control and and towed the number of Ebola cases would said Marie-Helene Brelaud, a some in France have cheered the 768 migrants aboard. a succession of new arrivals that the vessel and its passengers into start to fall in the early part of member of the ASEFRR asso- tough approach. According to La Repubblica, totalled nearly 800 by December Gallipoli. 2015. ciation, which supports Roma AFP Rani acknowledged having left 25. AFP AFP Pope favours developing world in cardinal selection

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis yesterday which Francis has pledged to overhaul. Last Uruguay, Spain, Panama, Cape Verde and named new cardinals to the group that month, the pope said the Curia was infected Tonga. Nine of them come from the devel- will choose his successor, with appoint- with careerism, scheming, greed and “spir- oping world. It was the first time cardinals ments that strengthened the Catholic itual Alzheimer’s”. from Myanmar, Tonga and Cape Verde had Church in Asia, Africa and Latin America Francis’ nominees now make up a quarter been appointed, Vatican spokesman Father and further shifted its power centre away of the 125 “cardinal electors” under 80 years Federico Lombardi said. from the developed world. old — easily enough to sway the election of Francis “does not feel chained to the It was the second time the 78-year-old a new pope when Francis dies or resigns. tradition” that some major cities in Italy, Francis has used the appointment of cardi- Francis read out the names of the 20 elsewhere in Europe or in the US, should nals to put his stamp on the 1.2 billion-mem- new cardinals, 15 of them electors, to tens automatically have cardinals to lead them, ber church. The two sets of appointments of thousands of people in St Peter’s Square Lombardi said. increase the chances that the next pontiff for his Sunday address. No new cardinals from North America will, like Francis, be a non-European. The new electors come from Italy, were chosen because their number “is Only one of the new electors is from the France, Portugal, Ethiopia, New Zealand, already sizeable”, Lombardi said. Curia, the Vatican’s central administration, Vietnam, Mexico, Myanmar, Thailand, REUTERS

‘Revival of Ukraine’ Boko Haram seizes army base in northeast Nigeria MAIDUGURI, Nigeria: Islamist militants have over- run an army base in the remote northeast Nigerian town of Baga, two security sources said yesterday. Baga is the headquarters of a multinational force comprising troops from Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon, although only Nigerian troops are actually sta- tioned there. Troops eventually fled the remote station on the semi- desert shores of Lake Chad after it was attacked on Saturday by Boko Haram fighters in mili- tary vehicles, both sources said. The military did not immedi- ately respond to a request for comment. The insurgency has killed over Local residents and tourists visit a flea market in front of a mural symbolising the ‘Revival of Ukraine’ 10,000 people this year, accord- created by French painter Julien Mallan and his Ukrainian colleague Alexey Kislov, on a building in ing to a count by the Council on the Andriyivskyy Descent street in downtown Kiev, Ukraine, yesterday. Foreign Relations in November. AFP MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Cameron to Ship runs aground bring EU vote forward Leader to hold talks with Merkel

LONDON: Prime Minister in modern British history. While David Cameron said yesterday the Conservatives are narrowly he would like to bring forward a trailing the opposition Labour planned referendum on Britain’s party in most opinion polls, many membership of the European analysts predict neither will win Union from 2017 if possible. a majority, possibly resulting in Under pressure from another coalition of two or more Eurosceptic members of his own parties. party and the rise in popularity Cameron, whose centre-right of the anti-EU UK Independence Conservatives have governed Party (UKIP), Cameron has Britain in coalition with the cen- pledged to renegotiate Britain’s tre-left Liberal Democrats since ties with the 28-nation bloc 2010, traded blows with Labour and try to claw back powers to on Sunday over the economy and London. healthcare. He has said he will hold a refer- Labour says the Conservatives endum in 2017 if his Conservatives have borrowed much more than A tug illuminates the cargo ship Hoegh Osaka as it lies on its side after running aground on Saturday evening in the Solent estuary, near Southampton win a national election on May 7. planned and now aim to cut in southern England, yesterday. “If I think we could do that the budget deficit too fast and earlier I would be delighted. The too deeply for purely ideological sooner I can deliver on this com- reasons. mitment of a renegotiation and a Cameron’s supporters note that referendum ... the better,” he told Britain’s $2.5 trillion economy has Ebola-infected British nurse fighting for life the BBC. emerged from its deepest down- Cameron is set to discuss his turn since World War Two to reform plans, which include enjoy now the fastest growth rate LONDON: A British nurse had been working with the char- Cafferkey was volunteering at a In the United States, a US restricting EU migrants’ access to of any major advanced economy. with Ebola was fighting for her ity Save the Children in Sierra British-built treatment centre in healthcare worker who also spent welfare payments, with German “The real concern I have is if life yesterday as two health Leone, was sitting up in bed, Kerry Town, not far from Sierra time in Sierra Leone, was to be Chancellor Angela Merkel in we turn back now, if we go back workers, who also spent time reading and talking to staff from Leone’s capital Freetown, when placed under observation at a London on Wednesday. He has to the bad ways of more borrow- in Sierra Leone, were placed inside her isolation tent in the she contracted the deadly virus. Nebraska hospital after high- said they will require treaty ing, more spending, more debt under observation in the US hospital. She was diagnosed in Glasgow risk exposure to the Ebola virus, change but Merkel has made clear ... we will go right back to start and Germany. British Prime Minister David on December 29, a day after fly- health officials said. she will not allow the EU’s rules and really threaten the economic On Saturday, the London hospi- Cameron told BBC television ing home, and transferred to the In Germany, a South Korean on workers’ freedom of movement recovery,” said Cameron. tal where nurse Pauline Cafferkey Ebola was “uppermost” in his Royal Free, which has the only medical worker recently working to be diluted. He said further planned pub- is being treated, said her health mind given Cafferkey’s condition isolation ward in Britain equipped with patients in Sierra Leone was UKIP leader Nigel Farage told lic spending cuts were “moder- had taken a turn for the worse. and said he was “thinking of her for Ebola patients. hospitalised and placed in an iso- Sky News that under Cameron’s ate, sensible, reasonable” while “The condition of Pauline and her family”. Expert microbiologist Professor lation unit, according to Berlin’s plans the referendum had been Labour’s proposals would mean Cafferkey has gradually deterio- Cafferkey’s doctors said she had Hugh Pennington said she would Charite hospital. “kicked into the long grass” and more borrowing and an extra rated over the past two days and agreed to be treated with blood need luck to survive the disease, The patient was displaying said his renegotiation looked £13.5bn ($20.7bn) in debt inter- is now critical,” the Royal Free plasma from an Ebola survivor which experts still do not fully no symptoms, but sustained a “highly improbable”. est payments by the end of the Hospital said. containing virus-fighting anti- understand. “slight” cut to the finger while The May election looks set to next parliament. On Wednesday, doctors had bodies as well as an experimental “The plasma is probably her taking the blood of a patient on be one of the most closely fought REUTERS said the 39-year-old Scot, who anti-viral drug. best chance of treatment,” he said. December 29. AFP

Republicans look to challenge Thousands bid farewell to murdered NY cop Obama on NEW YORK: Thousands of man, a humane man. He was a police from across the United New York City cop,” he said. States gathered in New York “We cannot flag. We will move energy, Cuba yesterday to bid farewell to a forward, for we carry the pos- murdered officer where a small sibility of all those dead and all WASHINGTON/ number used the funeral to pro- those who have worn the uniform HONOLULU: Republicans take test against mayor Bill de Blasio before us,” he added. Liu’s cas- full control of the US Congress once again. ket, wrapped in the NYPD flag, this week with an agenda of A sea of blue uniformed offic- was laid in a hearse by pallbear- trying to force approval of the ers lined the streets outside a ers, they then folded the flag and Keystone XL oil pipeline and Brooklyn funeral home to honour handed it to his sobbing widow. push back on President Barack Wenjian Liu, 32, shot in the head NYPD officers on motorbikes Obama’s sweeping policy shifts with partner Rafael Ramos, 40, stretching as far as the eye could on Cuba and immigration. on December 20 as the pair sat see drove past, following a flyover After years of battles over the in their patrol car. from three police helicopters. budget and other issues, further The brutal double-murder at FBI director James Comey, the clashes loom as Republicans the hands of a black gunman most senior official to attend the who already control the House claiming to be avenging the deaths funeral, said 115 police officers of Representatives take over the of African-Americans during con- were killed in the United States Senate majority tomorrow after frontations with police shocked last year, “a shocking increase wins against Obama’s Democrats the nation’s largest city. from 2013.” in November’s midterm elections. The build-up to Liu’s funeral Liu and Ramos were shot dead Angry over the president’s moves had been dominated by specula- by Ismaaiyl Brinsley who also shot last year to bypass Congress on tion over whether officers would his ex-girlfriend on December 20 issues such as immigration, stage a repeat of their protest at before carrying out the double Republicans have promised to Ramos’s service last week, when murder. fight him on a range of issues. hundreds turned their back on de Hours before, Brinsley boasted Obama has vowed to use his Blasio. NYPD Police officers at the funeral of New York Police Officer Wenjian Liu at Aievoli Funeral Home in New York on Instagram that he intended veto pen if Republicans pass leg- Yesterday, the vast majority of to attack officers and referenced City yesterday. islation he opposes, but he has police outside the Aievoli Funeral two unarmed black men killed said he believes he may be able Home respected a call not to parents to New York from China so that relatives could arrive from parents have been left heartbro- by police. De Blasio has ridden to forge common ground with protest from New York Police as a child, embodied the fabled China to pay their respects. His ken by his loss. a firestorm of criticism in the them in some areas, including Commissioner Bill Bratton. American dream. devastated father, wife and cous- His father broke down as he wake of the shootings from politi- free trade, overhauling the tax However, photographs clearly “Detective Liu’s story is such ins paid tribute to the man who described how his devoted son cal opponents and police union code and boosting infrastructure showed dozens of officers again a powerful American story. It is used to call himself Joe. would telephone after every shift members. spending. turning away from a giant screen such a classic New York story,” In tears, his young widow Pei during his seven years in the force The resentment flared at Reaching deals won’t be easy that showed de Blasio addressing he said. Xia Chen, who married Liu just to reassure his parents that he Ramos’s funeral when officers amid deep mistrust on both sides. mourners. “A young man who came here months earlier, said she had lost was safe. turned their backs as de Blasio “To suddenly claim you’re “All of our city is heartbroken from China with his parents at her “soul mate” and a “wonderful “You are the best son, you are spoke. Bratton had urged officers going to work with members of today,” de Blasio said, paying trib- the age of 12 in search of the husband.” the best husband,” he said. “We not to repeat the protest at Liu’s Congress after years of ignor- ute to Liu’s “courage, sacrifice and American dream, in search of “Wenjian will always be in my are very proud of you, we love you service, arguing that it deflected ing them is rather ludicrous,” kindness.” the dream that generations have heart. I love you, I love you for- forever,” he said. attention away from the focus of said Kevin Smith, a spokes- The mayor said Liu, an only come to New York to find.” ever,” she said. Bratton paid tribute to Liu’s the funeral. man for Republican House of child who had moved with his Liu’s funeral had been delayed Liu was an only child and his service. “He was, after all, a good AFP Representatives Speaker John Boehner. Republican Mitch McConnell, who will become the Senate majority leader, said the American people expect compromise on key issues despite divided government. Cuban migrant drowns after makeshift vessel capsizes “They want us to look for things to agree on and see if we can make GEORGE TOWN: A Cuban migrant Marino, believed to be in his 50s, Cayman by sea and then making a long journey no mention about any changes to immigra- some progress for the country,” he drowned after a makeshift vessel with officials said. The three survivors were iden- overland to reach the United States. tion policies. US officials say more than said in a pre-recorded interview four passengers overturned in rough tified as Dailer Perez Arresoitia, 27, Diosul Cuba blames Washington’s “wet foot, dry 16,000 Cubans arrived without visas at the aired on CNN’s State of the Union seas off the Cayman Islands on Saturday Alarcon Barrero, 37, and Lety Sanchez foot policy” for encouraging migrants to border with Mexico last year, the highest program yesterday. afternoon, local officials said. Fonseca, 33, all from Santa Cruz del Sur risk their lives. Under the policy, Cuban number in a decade. But issues facing Congress will The three other Cubans, all in their 20s in the eastern province of Camaguey. migrants who make it onto US soil are The Cayman Islands government likely be contentious. and 30s, made it to shore clinging to two Local police had been watching the allowed to remain. Those intercepted at recently met with Cuban authorities to McConnell has said the inner tubes with the help of local surfers 18-foot wooden sailboat off the coast of sea are turned back. review an existing migration accord, under first item on his agenda will and were taken into custody, local officials Grand Cayman during the day. Cubans Cuba and the US made a historic which Cubans who land in the Cayman TransCanada Corp’s Keystone said yesterday. fleeing their country have been heading in announcement December 17 to renew dip- Islands are usually repatriated. XL pipeline. REUTERS The dead man was identified as Manuel increasing numbers to Central America lomatic relations, but the agreement made REUTERS MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Bad weather frustrates AirAsia search divers ‘Worrying weather on crash day’: Meteorological bureau

PANGKALAN BUN/ is about 90 nautical miles off the “Based on the finding of SURABAYA: Bad weather coast of Borneo island, where pieces of debris it looks like forced divers trying to iden- five large objects believed to be the body of the aircraft split tify sunken wreckage from a parts of the plane — the larg- or cracked and was separated crashed AirAsia passenger jet est about 18 metres long — have from its tail,” said Air Force to abort their mission yester- been pinpointed by ships using Lieutenant Colonel Johnson day and Indonesian officials said sonar. Supriyadi, a search and rescue they had not yet picked up any “Based on past experience, the official co-ordinating the opera- signals from the lost plane’s black box is not far from the plane tion from the southern Borneo “black box”. debris we have found,” Soelistyo town of Pangkalan Bun. Indonesia’s meteorological said. But he added that none of The suspected wreckage is agency has said seasonal tropi- the searching ships had detected lying in water around 30 metres cal storms probably contributed any “pings”, the locator signals deep, which experts say should to last Sunday’s crash and the the black box should transmit make it relatively straightforward weather has persistently ham- after a crash. to recover. pered efforts to recover bodies Until investigators can exam- Nine ships from four countries and find the cockpit voice and ine the black box recorders the have converged on the area, with flight data recorders that may cause of the crash remains a mys- teams of divers including seven explain why the Airbus A320-200 tery, but the area is known for Russian experts standing ready, A group of divers prepares their gear on the deck of the Search and Rescue (SAR) ship KN Purworejo during a plunged into the sea. intense seasonal storms. BMKG, but strong winds and four-metre search operation for passengers of AirAsia Flight QZ8501 in the Java Sea yesterday. “Conditions did not allow Indonesia’s meteorological agency, high waves have kept progress diving operations,” the head of has said bad weather may have agonisingly slow. conditions. “The wind makes you plane,” said Soelistiyo, adding had a licence to fly the route on Indonesia’s search and rescue caused ice to form on the air- “There’s a storm ... Earlier, spin and I’m quite light, so I get that he was referring to one of Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays agency, Fransiskus Bambang craft’s engines. four divers were transferred blown left and right, swinging,” the five objects found. and Saturdays. Soelistyo, told a news conference “The flight document provided to (Indonesian navy ship) KRI he said. The crash was the first fatal Indonesia AirAsia said it would in Jakarta. “Our priority is to dive by the BMKG office shows fairly Banda Aceh but they cancelled Thirty-four bodies of the accident suffered by the AirAsia co-operate with the transport in the location we suspect parts worrying weather conditions for the diving because the sea cur- mostly Indonesian passengers and budget group, whose Indonesian ministry while it investigates the of the plane to be.” the aircraft at cruising level on rents were too strong,” said a crew have so far been recovered, affiliate flies from at least 15 des- licence. A joint statement from Flight QZ8501 crashed into the chosen route,” the agency said Reuters photographer on board including some still strapped in tinations across the sprawling Singapore’s civil aviation author- the Java Sea about 40 minutes in a report. one vessel. their seats. Many more may be archipelago. ity (CAAS) and Changi Airport after taking off last Sunday from Both flight recorders are Second Sergeant Akhyar of still trapped in the fuselage of the The airline has come under Group said that AirAsia had the Indonesia’s second-largest city located near the tail of the Airbus, the search and rescue agency aircraft. pressure from Indonesian necessary approvals to operate a Surabaya en route for Singapore. but it was unclear whether that described what it was like “This big part of the plane, authorities, who have suspended daily flight between Surabaya and There were no survivors. part of the aircraft was among being winched onto the deck of we still have hope that victims its Surabaya to Singapore opera- Singapore. The main focus of the search the debris found on the seabed. a ship to collect bodies in such are still inside the body of the tions saying the carrier only REUTERS

Two Filipinos dead, 16 Bangladesh bans protests, locks leader in office DHAKA: Bangladesh police they did not let her out,” Zia’s aide Buses and ferries heading to the denied that Zia was being forci- walkover victory to her bitter rival missing in ship banned all protests in the capi- S R Shimul Biswas said. capital were halted, virtually cut- bly detained in her office. “We’ve Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. tal from yesterday and locked Police banned all protests, ral- ting the city from the rest of the not detained her, only her secu- Zia was confined to her home in main opposition leader Khaleda lies and demonstrations in the country, operators said, amid fears rity has been enhanced. She is not the build-up to last year’s election sinking: Govt Zia in her office in Dhaka as capital from 5pm (1100 GMT) tens of thousands of opposition leaving her office,” he said. but was released after the polls. clashes broke out before the yesterday until further notice to activists would march to Dhaka. BNP officials said at least 400 Zia and her allies had alleged MANILA: Two Filipino sail- first anniversary of an election prevent violence after the ruling The main opposition headquar- party supporters were arrested, Hasina would rig last year’s vote ors have died and 16 others are her party boycotted. party announced rival rallies. ters in central Dhaka was pad- including two other senior party with the help of a biased election missing after their cargo ship Zia had threatened to hold “We imposed the ban as rival locked by police at midnight on figures, ahead of the poll anniver- commission and “partisan” civil sank in waters near Vietnam, mass rallies in Dhaka to mark rallies by the political parties Saturday, according to local tel- sary. Police also stormed the home and security agencies. the Philippine foreign depart- “Democracy Killing Day” today raised fears of clashes,” Dhaka evision channels, with police vans of the BNP deputy leader Fakhrul The United States has said the ment said yesterday. — the first anniversary of the polls police spokesman Masudur barricading nearby roads. Islam Alamgir, Somoy Television polls did not credibly reflect the The cargo vessel Bulk Jupiter that her Bangladesh Nationalist Rahman said. Zia was forced to spend said, but it was unclear whether will of the people. went down on January 2 off the Party (BNP) and its allies refused But clashes erupted anyway the night in her office despite he was at home at the time. Since the controversial election, coast of Vung Tau City and so far, to join on the grounds they would in several towns as police fired attempting to leave by car, her Tension has been rising since Hasina has consolidated her power only one Filipino crewman has be rigged by the ruling party. rubber bullets and tear gas at aide said. January 1, when Zia demanded by arresting opposition officials, been rescued alive, the depart- “She has been confined in her hundreds of opposition activists, Police detained several people fresh polls under a neutral care- prosecuting hundreds of thou- ment said in a statement, without office. Police have cordoned off the leaving at least 10 people injured, who tried to break through the taker government and threatened sands for violence in the run-up, specifying why the ship sank. area and barricaded (the) road. officials said. security cordon to meet Zia in her to bring the country to a halt. and launching the trials of Zia and Vietnamese authorities are She wanted to see a sick party In Dhaka more than a dozen office, live TV footage showed. Zia’s decision to boycott the her eldest son on graft charges. leading the rescue operations and colleague around midnight, but vehicles were torched and damaged. Police Inspector Firoz Kabir “farcical” election handed a AFP have recovered two bodies and are still searching for the other 16 crew, the statement said quoting the embassy in Hanoi. Monitors fear voter intimidation “So far, one crew member, reported to be the chief cook, has been rescued while two bodies have been recovered. The search for before Sri Lanka election the 16 other crew embers contin- ues,” Foreign Affairs spokesman COLOMBO: International observers said yes- their word.” The monitors have been invited by Charles Jose said in a statement. terday they had received complaints of voter Sri Lanka’s election chief Mahinda Deshapriya, Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign intimidation before this week’s Sri Lankan who told them he was confident of conducting a Affairs officially confirmed to presidential election, in which the incumbent fair election. the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi faces a tough battle to win an unprecedented Even as they arrived in the island, gunmen the sinking of cargo vessel Bulk third term. opened fire at a meeting of the main opposition Jupiter off the coast of Vung Tau The 55-member panel of monitors told report- candidate Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday City. The ship, which was manned ers they had already received complaints that the night and wounded one person. by an all-Filipino crew of 19, was military had set up 400 roadblocks to discourage On Friday at least 20 supporters of Sirisena on its way to China when it sank. minority Tamils from voting freely in former were wounded when stones and rocks were “The embassy is coordi- war zones. thrown as he addressed crowds at Pelmadulla nating with the Vietnam “According to the opposition these roadblocks outside the capital. Maritime Research and Rescue are to keep away the voters... (but) we are told Private local election monitors have said they Coordinating Centre and the (by the authorities) that the military has no role received nearly 1,100 complaints since campaign- Philippine Honorary Consul to play in these election,” said the monitoring ing got underway in early December. General in Ho Chi Minh City in team leader S Y Quraishi. “We are yet to see Police said they had received a much smaller gathering updates and making that.” number of complaints, but that 130 arrests had arrangements for the repatria- He said international observers would Monday been made. The private monitors, the Campaign tion of the rescued seafarer and begin fanning out to the 22 electoral districts for Free and Fair Elections, said the increas- the retrieved remains,” Jose said. across the island to check out the final rallies. ing violence was well organised and targeted the About 10 percent of Filipinos They will also be present at polling booths on opposition, which is mounting a serious challenge work overseas — with many work- Thursday during a nine-hour period when some against two-term incumbent Rajapaksa. ing on cargo ships — attracted by 15 million people are eligible to vote. Previous elections have been marred by vio- the higher salaries than they can “The police have assured us that they will lence, particularly against Tamil and Muslim vot- earn at home. guarantee that the election is free and fair,” ers who are the opposition’s major support base. AGENCIES Quraishi said. “At the moment, we have to take AFP

North Korea slams ‘hostile’ US sanctions

SEOUL: North Korea yesterday lashed conclusions of the FBI probe. spokesman told the state-run KCNA news out at fresh sanctions imposed by the The North repeatedly denied involvement agency. The impoverished but nuclear- United States in retaliation for its alleged and demanded a joint investigation into the armed state is already heavily sanctioned cyber attack on Sony Pictures, criticising attack — a proposal the US has ignored. following a series of nuclear and missile Washington for refusing a proposed joint The North’s foreign ministry said tests staged in violation of UN resolutions. investigation. Washington’s rejection of the proposal The spokesman also said the new sanc- US President Barack Obama last week revealed its “guilty conscience”. It said the tions would further push the North to authorised a new layer of sanctions on sev- US was using the attack to further isolate strengthen its military-first policy known eral Pyongyang institutions and officials, in the North in the international community. as Songgun. The cyber attack on Sony’s the wake of the crippling hacking attack on “The persistent and unilateral action computers in late November led to the the Hollywood movie studio. taken by the White House to slap ‘sanc- release over the Internet of information on US investigators have said the North tions’... patently proves that it is still not employees and unreleased films, as well as was behind the attack in November, but away from inveterate repugnancy and hos- embarrassing in-house emails. some experts have raised doubts about the tility toward the (North),” the ministry AFP MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN Experts fear compromise in right to fair trial Military courts may lead to lenient standards of prosecution, wrong to say judiciary failed: Lawyers

ISLAMABAD: Legal experts army, said that the army forma- have been strengthened. special prosecutors to try the themselves before the special external aggression or the threat fear that the military courts, tion commander of an area will Former vice-chairman of the accused in the special courts courts. of war, he said, was in fact a legal which will be set up once par- determine who is a ‘jet black ter- Pakistan Bar Council Mohammad by redefining the Army Act. But there is also an alternative intimation for the commence- liament passes the amendments rorist‘ and will give the final nod Ramzan Chaudhry fears that This is why Article 175 of the view. ment of a conflict and within that introduced yesterday, will lead for trying the accused in the pro- through these amendments, the Constitution was being amended, ‘Currently, we are in a war-like context, war crimes committed to lenient standards of prosecu- posed special courts. federal government intended to give the impression that it environment where a non-state by the non-state actor warranted tion, contrary to what is envi- Thus, military authorities will to shift the onus of proving the was a judicial decision so that actor has declared a war on the a special military tribunal under sioned in the Constitution by arrest, investigate, try and then charge to the accused himself. nobody could raise questions state and where the state is left the army act. side lining the right to a fair sit in appeal against their own It has hitherto been the duty of against the determination of the with no choice but to respond, Asked who will determine who trial and due process. verdict before the final appeal can the prosecution to prove that the special courts headed by military especially in the aftermath of the is a ‘jet-black terrorist‘, the coun- Some have even gone as far as be made to the Supreme Court, accused being charged was guilty officers. December 16 Peshawar attack,‘ sel explained that those waging to suggest that this will shake the he said, adding that this would be of the offence and that courts Similarly, Counsel Faisal said Ahmer Bilal Soofi, an expert war on the state and claiming very foundations of the legal sys- the most dangerous aspect of the usually acquit the accused by giv- Hussain Chaudhry said that on international law. responsibility for terrorist atta- tem and may render an accused entire exercise. ing them the benefit of the doubt through the proposed amend- Laws of peacetime, such as the cles will fall under that particu- ‘guilty until proven innocent’. “It’s like instituting an appeal when faced with weak evidence, ment, the military courts would Pakistan Penal Code, Criminal lar category, as suggested under A law officer said that the lat- against Caesar before Caesar’s he explained. be provided a constitutional role Procedure Code, Anti-Terrorism Article 256 of the Constitution est amendment being made in wife,” he deplored. Now what they intended to do, though the sunset clause of two Act of 1997 or the Qanun-i- that prohibits the maintenance the constitution may not be ques- It was wrong to suggest that he said, was to confer evidentiary years could be extended depend- Shahadat Order of 1984 may not of a private army. tioned in any court of law, but the the judiciary had failed because value to the opinion of the inves- ing upon the circumstances. be applicable for the prosecution Depending upon the structure constitutional guarantees of a fair they had handed down convic- tigating agency or the confessions He was of the view that cases of terrorists. Instead, he said, of the final amendment, he said, trial under Article 10A as intro- tions to nearly 8,000 death row of the accused, thus binding trial pending before courts estab- the law of the war, meaning the the charge against the accused duced in the Constitution through prisoners, he said, adding that courts to consider these evidence, lished under the Protection Pakistan Army Act of 1952, may may be framed primarily for wag- the 18th amendment, may not be it was not the judiciary’s fault if which in the normal scheme of of Pakistan Act, 2014, may be be invoked, he said. ing war under the Protection of strictly adhered to. these sentences were not carried things, may not necessarily be shifted to the special courts. But Article 245 of the Constitution, Pakistan Act and perhaps sections Advocate Inamur Rehiem, out. He maintained that instead admissible in a court of law. nearly everyone agreed that the which requires the armed forces 6 and 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, a former member of the Judge of creating a parallel judiciary, the He said that it was likely that accused would have the right to to defend Pakistan on the orders which define the term ‘terrorist’ Advocate General branch of the civil prosecution branch should the JAG branch will appoint engage private counsel to defend of the federal government against INTERNEWS

Religious fervour Polio drive put off due to security concerns

ISLAMABAD: The first polio departments of KP and Fata were campaign of the year 2015 in not satisfied with the decision of Pakistan, which was scheduled the federal government to call off to be held from January 5, has the campaign. been cancelled due to security ‘After the 18th amendment, it concerns. is the responsibility of the prov- The anti-polio drive was inces to make such a decision. We to begin in some areas of the had made all the arrangements Rawalpindi district, the entire and were ready to hold the cam- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the paign. Moreover, it is easy for us Federally Administered Tribal to arrange the campaigns in cities Areas (Fata) and parts of Punjab, such as Peshawar because instead of Sindh and Balochistan. three days we have introduced one- The target of the Short day drives, ‘ he said. ‘However, as Internal Activity Days (SIAD) the decision has been taken by the campaign, which had to be held Prime Minister‘s Polio Cell, we have in the high-risk union councils of decided to implement it,‘ he said. 54 districts, was to vaccinate 8.5 Dr Rana Safdar, the head million children. However, Rana of the EOC for polio, who is Safdar, the head of the Emergency also the national manager for Operation Centre (EOC) for polio, the Expanded Programme on said the targeted children would Immunisation (EPI), said that now be covered in the National the campaign had been cancelled Immunisation Days (NIDs) cam- because some districts were paign from January 19. overburdened. An official of the Ministry of ‘The districts have been advised National Health Services request- tomake preparations for the ing not to be identified said that nationwide campaign. Though holding polio campaigns with there was no direct threat to short intervals was necessary to the polio campaigns, security eradicate the crippling disease. arrangements are also part of the ‘Unfortunately, since the ter- micro planning, ‘ he said. ror attack on the Army Public It would be ensured that the Pakistani Muslims participate in a rally celebrating the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) in Lahore yesterday. School Peshawar on December 16, 8.5 million children, who were the whole country has been facing supposed to be vaccinated, are severe security threats. Not only covered in the nationwide cam- educational institutions have been paign, he said. In reply to a ques- closed but also security in most tion, Dr Safdar said it had been Musharraf to unite Muslim League factions of the cities has been put on high decided to hold a campaign in FR alert,‘ he said. Bannu, Quetta and Qilla Abdullah The Prime Minister‘s Polio Cell on January 5. ISLAMABAD: Former presi- Amjad claimed that many him not to disclose their names, courts. “The APML wants not decided to cancel the campaign, Meanwhile, an official state- dent General (Retd) Pervez stalwarts of PML-N and PPP Amjad said. He said that the nation only to see that the terrorists are claiming that it wanted more ment issued by the health min- Musharraf will soon form a have also held meetings with the would soon see a UML in the coun- punished, but action is also taken time for the preparations. istry said the polio campaign had United Muslim League (UML), former military ruler and showed try, which would have a greater role against those who support, finance The official said the provincial been called off to allow for better the political platform from where their confidence in his leadership. in the next general elections. and assist them in one way or the teams had been advised to give preparations for the upcoming he intends to contest the next Many senior leaders of PML-N He particularly mentioned other,” he stated. He said that the more attention on the prepara- national immunisation days. general elections, a senior leader from central and southern Punjab some key names including PPP APML has decided to reactivate the tions, pre-campaign monitoring The decision has been taken in of the All Pakistan Muslim have also contacted the former senior leader Amin Fahim, party at district, tehsil and union and improving the readiness sta- view of the insufficient time avail- League (APML) said yesterday. president. “These leaders think that PML-Q leadership and Functional council levels across the country to tus of the nationwide polio cam- able with the districts to prepare The announcement was made Pervez Musharraf has the leadership league Chief Pir Sahib Pagara. play an active role in the Pakistani paign planned from January 19 for the campaign since many were by APML secretary general Dr qualities and charisma to bring the Moreover, he said, the APML politics amid what he described as to 21. still engaged with their December Muhammad Amjad in Islamabad country out of this crisis,” he stated. expresses its confidence over the “a failure of the traditional politi- An official of the KP health campaigns. following the party’s central exec- However, some of the leaders decision of the political and mili- cal leaders to handle the situation.” ministry said the health INTERNEWS utive committee meeting. meeting Musharraf had requested tary leadership to constitute special INTERNEWS

Anti-Taliban firing Clerics divided over US drone strike kills 6 militants

ban on loudspeakers PESHAWAR: A US drone strike targeting a Taliban- ISLAMABAD: Clerics belong- in maintaining peace in the city. linked warlord killed at least six ing to different schools of thought However, the Barelvi school of militants in Pakistan’s restive in Pakistan are divided over the thought clerics were against the tribal region near the Afghan ban on the use of loudspeakers move and said the government border yesterday morning, except for Azan and Arabic ser- should relax the ban and allow Pakistani security officials said. mons during Friday prayers. the recitation of Naats on the The strike was aimed the Maulana Ashraf Ali of the speakers. stronghold of prominent warlord Deobandi school of thought, who “We are not against the ban but Hafiz Gul Bahadur, as well as the is also the custodian of Taleemul the government should accept the nearby base of an Uzbek com- Quran seminary in Raja Bazaar, request of the majority of people,” mander in North Waziristan, one said he was in favour of the ban. said Maulana Nasir Ahmed of a of seven semi-autonomous tribal “It will stop people from propa- mosque in Saddar. districts that border Afghanistan. gating their thoughts and creat- He said mostly mosques did not “A US drone fired two mis- ing problems for others,” he said. hurt the feelings of others and the siles which hit a compound and Hasnain Zaidi, a spokesman for ban should be imposed on those a vehicle in Alwara Mandi of Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen, also who delivered hate speeches. He North Waziristan... killing six supported the government’s move said only children recited Naats terrorists,” a senior security offi- and said loudspeakers should be from the mosque speakers. cial said, speaking on condition of used for Azan only. He said all Tehreek Nifaz Fiqa-i-Jaffariya anonymity. the imam bargahs in the city had (TNFJ) spokesman Qamar Zaidi The area has been a hub for Al Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers fire a 120mm mortar round during an ongoing anti-Taliban operation in been implementing the ban for said the TNFJ was against the Qaeda and Taliban militants since Dangam district near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the eastern Kunar province. the last about one year. He was of misuse of loudspeakers. the early 2000s. the view that the ban would help INTERNEWS AFP MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Prophet’s birth anniversary BJP, Congress clash over ‘terror boat’ Opposition wants govt to clear the air

NEW DELHI: The ruling BJP the 1999 Kandahar hijacking incident yesterday hit out at the Congress to say that the BJP leadership had for seeking a probe into the alleged escorted known terrorists to free- Pakistani “terror boat” incident dom and the party would do well to and said its questioning the matter remember it. showed the opposition party had He said his party acknowledged touched a “new low” in politics. that Pakistan had been waging a “A new low in Indian politics has “proxy war” against India but said been touched, and who has been the BJP’s reaction was a blow to the responsible for this? It’s the Congress, bipartisanship required for national the principal opposition party of security. India. It has touched a new abysmal “The government needs to put all low as far as politics is concerned,” the facts in the case in the public Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson space,” Tewari told Times Now. Sambit Patra told reporters here. Also attacking the Congress, BJP “The Congress has time and again national secretary Shrikant Sharma spoken in the same language that said there was “nothing new in the Pakistan has spoken. Today, we can- Congress speaking the language of not differentiate between a Congress terrorists” and accused it of being spokesperson and a Pakistani spokes- “soft on terror due to its vote-bank A young Muslim shoots firecrackers during celebrations to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Mumbai yesterday. person,” he said at a press conference. politics”. Patra said if the Congress “Congress has supplied oxygen to wanted details about the incident, Pakistan time and again,” he said. it could have asked for them but it Congress leader Ajoy Kumar, chose to speak out of turn and raised accusing the National Democratic doubt over a serious national issue. Alliance government of sensationaliz- “The Congress chose not to stand Five held over rape of Japanese tourist ing the issue, yesterday said it should with the Indian government. The come clean on the matter by nam- Congress chose not to stand with the KOLKATA: Five men have been arrested Kolkata joint police commissioner Pallab us. (We have) to take care of the security of ing the terror organisation involved Indian Coast Guard. The Congress over the alleged gang-rape and extortion Kanti Ghosh said the other three men were travellers,” he told CNN-IBN news network. in the incident as different versions chose not to speak in favour of the of a Japanese tourist held as a sex slave being held on suspicion of extorting money Samina Khatoon, sister of the men were coming out. Indian intelligence agencies,” he for nearly a month in a basement near a from the victim and then handing her over arrested in Gaya, denied the charge of gang “The government should come said adding that this has helped famous Buddhist shrine in India, officials to the alleged rapists. rape and demanded a thorough probe into clean on it. There is no evidence. Pakistan to have “last laugh”. An said yesterday. “We have arrested three people who the incident. How can you say that a terror- alleged Pakistani fishing boat was The 22-year-old’s ordeal began in Kolkata, befriended the victim in Kolkata. They have “We also want a medical examination of ist attack was prevented?” he told intercepted by the Coast Guard off capital of West Bengal state, where she was been charged with common conspiracy and the victim. It will prove that my brothers reporters here. Gujarat coast when it attempted to befriended by three local men shortly after intention to kidnap and rape,” the commis- are innocent,” she told AFP by phone. Congress leader Manish Tewari escape early January 1. The boat sank arriving on November 20, one of the city’s sioner said. India has faced intense scrutiny over its said that the party did not need les- after its crew allegedly set fire to it top police officers told AFP. “The men managed to extort Rs76,000 efforts to curb violence against women fol- sons on nationalism from the “chap- and there were no survivors. The men, one of whom spoke Japanese, ($1,200) from her and convinced her to lowing the fatal gang rape of a medical stu- erones of terrorists” and referred to IANS first managed to persuade her to withdraw travel to Bodh Gaya with them in their car.” dent in New Delhi in December 2012, which around $1,200 in cash before travelling with The woman managed to escape from Gaya sparked a global outcry. her to the holy shrine of Bodh Gaya in the and reached the Hindu holy city of Varanasi, Sex attacks against women from Western Strains show within Kerala Congress neighbouring state of Bihar. where she met some Japanese tourists who countries, including the US and Britain, There she was then handed over to two helped her contact the consulate in Kolkata. have received major media coverage and KOCHI: The faction-ridden legislators, tweaked the state’s liq- brothers who allegedly locked her in a Although it was not immediately clear tourism bosses are wary of their nega- Congress party in Kerala is brac- uor policy. Sudheeran had opposed secluded underground room and repeatedly when her ordeal ended, police said she tive impact. In January 2014, a 51-year-old ing for another round of tiff as the any change in the policy. The party- raped her for nearly a month. filed the police report in the last week of Danish tourist was robbed and gang-raped party-government coordination government coordination commit- The case is the latest in a string of high- December. at knifepoint in Delhi in a case that grabbed committee meeting will be held tee was set up a few years back to profile sex attacks that have highlighted the “(When) we came to know of the inci- national and international headlines. here tomorrow. facilitate a better liaison between frightening levels of violence against women dent... we assisted her in registering the In 2013 a Swiss cyclist holidaying in the The tiff between Chief Minister the Congress and the government it in the world’s second most populous country. complaint with the police,” Japan’s consul- central state of Madhya Pradesh was robbed Oommen Chandy and the party’s leads. Its decision was often consid- The two brothers, who were working as general in Kolkata, Kazumi Endo, told AFP. and raped by five men, all of whom were state unit president V M Sudheeran ered the last word on policy matters. tourist guides, were arrested on Friday and Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma con- later jailed for life. worsened after Chandy, getting Chandy had got the uncondi- taken to Kolkata where they appeared in ceded that the incident would dent India’s However, crimes against women from the full support of the state’s rul- tional support of the ruling United court late Saturday. A magistrate ordered image further. Asian countries have received noticeably ing United Democratic Front and Democratic Front in tweaking the that they be remanded in custody until “We are only getting 6.9 million tourists less attention. the party’s all but one of the 40 new liquor policy. IANS January 9 for an identification parade. in a year so that’s a matter of concern for AFP Intelligence Tevar promotional alert at Delhi airport

NEW DELHI: Security was yesterday tightened at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport here following an intelligence alert that ter- rorists may target Air India flights going to Afghanistan, officials said. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which looks after the airport’s internal security, has been asked to be on alert and keep a tab on the activities of every person. Besides, Delhi Police, which is in charge of security outside the airport, was also put on alert. Bollywood actors, from left, Sonakshi Sinha, Arjun Kapoor and producer Sanjay Kapoor at a promo- “Security has been extended tional event for the upcoming Hindi film ‘Tevar’ in New Delhi yesterday. and policemen have been increased,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI) M I Haider told IANS. CISF spokesperson Hemendra Singh said security has been tight Youth slaps Mamata’s nephew since the last two months. “Flights going to Afghanistan KOLKATA: An unidenti- went on rampage, targeting leaders on the dais sprung are being monitored carefully,” he fied youth slapped Trinamool policemen and media person- into action, caught hold of the said. Air India spokesperson G P Congress MP Abhishek nel at the meeting convened by youth and started beating him Rao told IANS that their con- Banerjee, the nephew of the Trinamool Youth Congress up after pinning him on to the trol room in Kolkata Saturday West Bengal Chief Minister (TYC) in Chandipur. ground. received a call from an unknown Mamata Banerjee, when he Taking security personnel He was then taken below the person who said the Kolkata- was addressing a public meet- and party workers unawares, stage and thrashed mercilessly Kabul flight will be hijacked but ing in East Midnapore dis- the youth mounted the dais by the enraged party workers. it later turned out to be a hoax. trict yesterday. while seemingly clicking photos The seriously-injured youth has “We have not received any official The party claimed it could on his mobile phone and came been hospitalised. input from intelligence agencies be a planned attack on the life close to Banerjee. Abhishek, MP from Diamond about a threat on Delhi-Kabul of Banerjee, widely perceived Before anyone could react, Harbour, heads the TYC. flights. But checks are on,” Rao as his aunt’s political heir. The the attacker — donning a cap Trinamool spokesperson and said. In 1999, Indian Airlines flight opposition condemned the inci- — slapped the leader in the face Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien IC 814 was hijacked by terror- dent, but said it pointed to the soon after he had started his later trmed the incident as ists who took it to Kandahar in poor state of law and order in speech. Taken aback, Banerjee “unfortunate”, but claimed it Afghanistan and demanded the the state. moved back, and the youth’s “may have been a plan to attack release of three terrorists from The incident led to chaos as second attempt to hit him did our MP Abhishek Banerjee & Indian prisons in return for the party workers thrashed the not succeed. threaten his life”. passengers. IANS attacker severely and later The TYC workers and IANS MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Spanish carnival

Fajr (Dawn) 4:59 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:20 Zuhr (Noon) 11:39 Asr (Afternoon) 2:38 Maghrib (Sunset) 4:59 Isha (Night) 6:29

WEATHER

Today Tuesday Wednesday Weather Conditions: Clear Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Misty to foggy at places at first becomes moderate High: 26° High: 25° High: 26° temperature Low: 16° Low: 18° Low: 18° daytime with some clouds and relatively cold by night.

DOHA - SUN & SEA SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 06:20 16:59 05:30 & 16:15 12:30 & 22:15 05-15 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Masked men (right) or “Vijanera” attack another dressed as a bear during the carnival in Silio, northern Spanish province of Cantabria, yesterday. MUSCAT 27/19 Clear 28/19 Clear “La Vijanera” is the first carnival on the calendar in Europe. It is a colourful masquerade involving approximately 60 characters (all male) that groups MAKKAH 29/19 Partly cloudy 30/19 Mostly cloudy diffierent acts with a desire to banish the last year and pave the way to the next year. KUWAIT 21/07 Clear 23/11 Clear BAHRAIN 23/16 Clear 25/15 Clear SANAA 22/05 Partly cloudy 22/05 Clear RIYADH 23/09 Clear 26/12 Clear Tomb of unknown pharaonic queen found in Egypt DUBAI 27/16 Clear 26/19 Clear BAGHDAD 16/07 Partly cloudy 20/08 Partly cloudy CAIRO: Czech archaeologists The name of his wife had not Her name and rank had been the tomb was found in Neferefre’s THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW have unearthed the tomb of been known before the find, inscribed on the inner walls of the funeral complex. HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER a previously unknown queen Antiquities Minister Mamdouh tomb, probably by the builders, “This makes us believe that the believed to have been the wife Al Damaty said in a statement. Damaty said. queen was his wife,” Barta said, ATHENS 07/02 Chance of showers 06/01 Chance of showers of Pharaoh Neferefre who ruled He identified her as “This discovery will help us according to the statement. WASHINGTON 06/-2 Partly cloudy 05/-2 Chance of snow 4,500 years ago, officials in Khentakawess, saying that for the shed light on certain unknown An official at the antiquities Egypt said yesterday. “first time we have discovered the aspects of the Fifth Dynasty, ministry said the tomb dated from SYDNEY 28/20 Partly cloudy 30/19 Partly cloudy The tomb was discovered name of this queen who had been which along with the Fourth the middle of the Fifth Dynasty LONDON 10/07 Cloudy 11/03 Cloudy in Abu Sir, an Old Kingdom unknown before the discovery of Dynasty, witnessed the con- (2994-2345 BC). PARIS 06/01 Partly cloudy 06/05 Mostly cloudy necropolis southwest of Cairo her tomb”. struction of the first pyramids,” Archaeologists also found ISTANBUL 04/01 Partly cloudy 03/-2 Snow where there are several pyra- That would make her he added. around 30 utensils, 24 made of MANILA 29/22 Partly cloudy 29/23 Partly cloudy mids dedicated to pharaohs of Khentakawess III, as two previ- Miroslav Barta, who heads the limestone and four of copper, the DHAKA 23/15 Thunderstorm 22/14 Clear the Fifth Dynasty, including ous queens with the same name Czech Institute of Egyptology mis- statement added. DELHI 20/10 Clear 19/09 Partly cloudy Neferefre. have already been identified. sion who made the discovery, said AFP ISLAMABAD 17/05 Partly cloudy 18/06 Partly cloudy White House press hangout in Hawaii has ‘jungle shower’ KAILUA, HAWAII: Much writer, photographers and — called a “press hold”— that is paid for Asian flair that mixes elements of Japan frames and door archways that are has been written about the television camera crews by the news organisations that accom- and southeast Asia design. Apparently equally ornate. fantastic beach-side villas the wait for him at a house in pany the president to Hawaii. one of the previous owners of the prop- Out back, to the side of the pool, is a US First Family rents out for the same neighbourhood of This year, the press corps is staying erty had spent time in Indonesia. There tiki bar. Sadly, there was no bartender. the winter holidays here on the Kailua. When Obama leaves at a house that boasts some remarkable is a koi pond outside, complete with a tiny There was even a rainbow visible across eastern side of Oahu. Although to play golf, workout at a gym features, including the “jungle shower,” footbridge. Four orange-and-white koi the street on Friday morning as the press far more modest, the press on a nearby military base, as some reporters have dubbed it, that swim back and forth in the pond, which is waited for the Obama motorcade. corps digs down the street go to the beach or eat with opens into the bedroom and is accented next to the pool and a pair of palm trees. All in all, the digs were more than are kind of amazing in their his family at a restaurant in by decorative pebbles and live vegetation, At the front foyer is a small space comfortable, but the truth is that the own way. Waikiki the press follows in and has floor to ceiling frosted windows. that introduces guests to the Asian feel reporters, who filed stories while wait- When President Barack a van near the rear of the The property was sold last October for of the home, with a Japanese-style lan- ing in the house, would have preferred Obama (pictured) is in his rental prop- presidential motorcade. $1.75m, said Vicki Yu, a local real estate tern, a pebble and rock garden and a wall for Obama to do something newsworthy erty, a group of about a dozen reporters, But otherwise the reporters are agent for Sotheby’s. print featuring white cranes. There are a so they had more to write about. including wire reporters, a newspaper camped out at their own rental property The house’s overall decor takes on as number of large mirrors with decorative WP-BLOOMBERG

Palm Springs film fest Goodbye to Language gets best film award

NEW YORK: The National Society of Film Critics has named Jean-Luc Godard’s 3-D film “Goodbye to Language” the best picture of the year, narrowly choosing it over Richard Linklater’s acclaimed “Boyhood,” for which Linklater won best director. The group, made up of 59 prom- inent movie critics from newspa- pers, magazines and other media outlets, chose Timothy Spall as best actor for “Mr Turner,” about 19th-century British artist J M W Turner. Marion Cotillard won best actress for “Two Days, One Night,” a Belgian drama about a factory worker who must lobby co-workers in order to keep her job. Best supporting actress went to Patricia Arquette for “Boyhood,” which chronicles 12 years in the life of a boy and which was filmed with the same actor over 12 years. REUTERS

Actor David Oyelowo and his wife actress Jessica Oyelowo attend the 26th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival awards gala at Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, California, late on Saturday. RIGHT: Actor Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter at the festival. Monday 5 January 2015 14 Rabial I 1436 Volume 19 Number 6301 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 France’s 75pc High rents push inflation to 3.5pc ‘supertax’

forecast to accelerate from an Rentals, fuel, energy prices up 7.9pc expected annual average of 3.1 quietly dies percent in 2014 to 3.4 percent BY MOHAMED SHOEB clothing and footwear’ group and 4.1 percent in 2015 and 2016, with few became costlier by 2.8 percent respectively. DOHA: Qatar’s inflation rose compared to a year ago. Services Steady rise in rentals, which to 3.5 percent in the third under transport and commu- stood at 8.2 percent year-on- mourners quarter of 2014 on year-on- nications category rose by 2.3 year last October, are expected year basis triggered by rentals, percent. to remain the main driving force PARIS: Once a flagship data released by the Ministry Quarter-on-quarter compari- of inflation. policy of French President of Development Planning and sons show rentals and prices of Industry sources say that Francois Hollande, the Statistics reveal. fuel and energy topped the list, housing rents are likely to fea- 75-percent “supertax” on According to the Consumer which increased by 1.6 percent in ture significantly as an inflation- top earners limps into its Price Index (CPI) report for Q3, Q3, 2014, compared to the prices ary impulse during the next two final weeks this month hav- 2014, increases were recorded in in Q2, 2014 followed by the index years as a result of limited supply ing sparked plenty of con- all major groups of commodities of ‘transport and communica- of residential housing units and troversy but few economic and services in varying degrees. tion’, that became 1.1 percent burgeoning population growth, results. The highest increase was costlier in Q3, 2014 against the which is expected to be close to It was no surprise that recorded in ‘rentals, fuel and index of Q2, 2014. 10 percent year-on-year by year- the policy, which expires on energy’ group, of 7.9 percent. On quarter-on-quarter basis end 2014. February 1, would be quietly The group represents 32 percent comparisons, the CPI in Q3, 2014, Data suggest the country’s dropped: it was only ever weight in the consumer price touched 118.6 compared to 117.6 real estate price index, which slated to last two years and index. The prices of items in in the previous quarter Q2, show- tracks the price of land, villas the Socialist government has the ‘furniture, textile and home ing an increase of 0.9 percent. and apartments in the country, for months declared it would appliances’category rose by 5.2 The index number of ‘food, increased by a record 42 percent not be renewed. percent in Q3, 2014, compared beverage and tobacco’ group y-o-y last September. The tax had also been to a year ago. topped the list in Q3 which stood with an index of 135.9 and cloth- that measure changes in the Prices are expected to continue watered down until it was The rentals have been driv- at 137.7, showing a 0.3 percent ing and footwear with an index of prices of goods and services pur- to rise given the premium com- barely a shadow of the “excep- ing up the overall price infla- quarter-on-quarter rise and a 120.1. At the bottom were medi- chased or otherwise acquired by manded by land in the context tional contribution to solidar- tion based on CPI, the Ministry 0.4 percent rise on annual basis. cal care and health services with households to satisfy their own of the country’s ambitious infra- ity” proclaimed by Hollande report said yesterday. It was followed by miscella- an index of 117.9. needs and wants. structure development plan. when he came to power in Goods that come under the neous goods and services group The CPIs are index numbers Qatar’s headline inflation is THE PENINSULA 2012. France’s top court had declared as unconstitutional the original plan to levy the tax on all individuals earning €1m. The government came back with a version that made German govt companies pay the 75-percent QE index opens year on negative note rate only for the portion of employees’ salaries above the confident DOHA: Qatari stocks opened We are expecting a healthy million-euro ceiling. the New Year on a negative note. correction is due before any rally Bourse begins daily disclosures But by then, it had already Greece will The benchmark index closed 56 ahead of the dividend season. The become a symbol of France’s points or 0.46 percent down in fundamentals are still strong in DOHA: Qatar Exchange (QE) has started disclosing details of opposition to big business and the first trading session of 2015, the region, year-end earnings and major shareholders who own 5 percent or more of listed com- attracted high-profile derision. stick to reforms yesterday. dividend season, the analysts said. panies’ capital. The data is being issued by the Qatar Central Actor Gerard Depardieu The market opened higher to Five sector indices ended red Securities Depository (QCSD) and will be available on QE’s offi- stormed out of the country in BERLIN: The German govern- cross 12, 350 mark, but the index as two finished flat. Banking cial website. The daily disclosure data reflects the investors’ total a huff over the tax and took up ment expects Greece to stick to later lost ground to slip to 12,200 stocks were down by 0.73 per- percentage of ownership, their names and total value of shares Russian citizenship in 2013. It the terms of its EU/IMF bailout levels. The volume was very cent. Telecoms slid 2.06 percent owned by the shareholder. THE PENINSULA was reported he only paid six- agreement after a January 25 low in the wake of an extended and Insurance sector edged 1.45 percent tax in his new home. election and a possible change holiday. Over six million shares percent down. “I am leaving because you of government in Athens, a worth a total of QR194m Property stocks UDC and Saudi Arabia announced late last were either absent or unwilling consider that success, creation, spokesman for Chancellor exchanged hands. Barwa were down by 1.27 percent month a 2015 state budget which to open new positions. talent — anything different — Angela Merkel said yesterday. Market watchers said the and 1.43 percent, respectively. maintains spending at a high Abu Dhabi’s bourse fell 1.7 per- must be punished,” he wrote However, spokesman Georg GCC markets, including Qatar, Ooredoo plunged 2.34 percent. level, many buyers may choose cent as Abu Dhabi Commercial at the time. Streiter declined to comment are expected to shed their pre- Commercial Bank lost 2.34 per- to stay on the sidelines until oil Bank and Aldar Properties French football clubs were on a report in Der Spiegel maga- vious gains in the aftermath of cent and Masraf Al Rayan slipped prices find a floor. tumbled 5.4 and 6.4 percent also horrified, saying the tax zine that said Merkel’s chancel- slump in oil prices. QNB’s invest- 1.92 percent. Banking major QNB Saudi Arabia’s main equities respectively. made it difficult to attract top- lery had shifted its view and now ment outlook released yesterday was down by 0.42 percent. index edged down 0.6 percent Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s index flight talent. Clubs in Ligue 1 believed the eurozone would be noted sharp decline in the crude Most Gulf stock markets fell with most sectors in the red. added 0.2 percent on the back of and 2 threatened to strike in able to cope with a Greek exit if oil prices would put pressure on on Sunday after Brent crude oil Dubai’s index dropped 2.3 percent. Commercial International Bank, late 2013 although they found necessary. “Greece has fulfilled the equity market in the region closed down nearly a dollar a bar- Heavyweight developer Emaar which rose 1.7 percent. The stock it hard to rally much sympa- its obligations in the past. The and cause major three markets, rel at $56.42 on Friday and many Properties fell 1.8 percent, while has gained 5.3 percent since Dec. thy for the multi-millionaires German government assumes it including Qatar, to shed lot of investors remained absent from builder Arabtec Holding, the most 23, when Fitch upgraded the at clubs like Paris Saint- will continue to fulfil its contrac- their previous gains. The senti- the markets for extended holiday traded stock, tumbled 3.8 percent. bank’s credit rating to “B” from Germain, where more than 10 tual obligations to the troika,” ment is that the investors will breaks, reported Reuters. Trading volume more than “B-” following an Egyptian sover- players qualified for the tax. Streiter said. reduce their positions in big sec- Although markets have become halved from the previous session, eign rating upgrade. AFP “Every new government has to tors like petrochemicals. less prone to panic sell-offs since indicating that many investors THE PENINSULA abide by the contractual obliga- tions of the previous government.” The ‘troika’ overseeing Greece’s €240bn bailout comprises the European Central Bank, the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund. Xiaomi revenue doubled to $12bn in 2014: CEO As the eurozone’s paymaster, Germany insists that Greece SHANGHAI: Fast-growing rapidly expands. A part of the must stick to a course of auster- Chinese tech firm Xiaomi business made around 347.5m ity and not backtrack on its com- Technology Ltd Co booked yuan net profit last year on mitments — especially because it 74.3bn yuan ($12bn) in pre- revenue of 26.6bn yuan and does not want to open the door tax sales last year, up 135 an operating margin of just for other strugglers to relax their percent from 2013, the firm’s 1.8 percent. Lei added that reform efforts. chief executive Lei Jun said growth in China’s smart- Greece’s woes have also created on his official microblog phone market would ease in a political headache for Merkel account yesterday. 2015 and that the firm would by helping to boost support for a The figures helps shine light look to focus on innovating new right-wing party, Alternative on the rapid growth of the new products and pushing into fuer Deutschland, which taps into privately-held tech firm which more overseas markets. German voters’ unease over the has risen to become the world’s Lei, who is both chairman costs of eurozone bailouts. No.3 smartphone maker and and chief executive, claims Der Spiegel reported on is challenging Apple Inc and 77.8 percent ownership of the Saturday that both Merkel and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd company he co-founded in Finance Minister Wolfgang as well as domestic rivals such 2010, while unnamed share- Schaeuble now believe the euro- as Huawei Technology Co Ltd. holders split the remainder, zone has implemented enough Xiaomi sold a total of just according to a recent filing. reforms since the height of the over 61 million phones in 2014, Last week Xiaomi raised crisis in 2012 to make a poten- up 227 percent from a year $1.1bn in a round of fund- tial Greek exit, or “Grexit”, earlier, Lei added in a post ing that valued the firm at manageable. on his Sina Weibo microblog $45bn, from investors includ- In addition, the euro zone now account. ing All-Stars Investment, has an “effective” bailout fund, the The post did not give a DST Global, Hopu Investment European Stability Mechanism related profit figure, although Management, and Yunfeng (ESM), another source added. a filing last month showed Capital, as well as Singapore Major banks would be protected that the firm was grappling sovereign wealth fund GIC. Lei Jun, founder and chief executive officer of China’s mobile company Xiaomi Inc, in Beijing. by the banking union. REUTERS with razor thin margins as it REUTERS MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Henkel mulls big expansion Australia lending Wants to expand business growing in hair care, fast, at six-year high

plans M&A SYDNEY: Australian lend- last year, after sliding 14.2 percent ing to business growing at the in 2013 as the economy adjusted FRANKFURT: German con- fastest pace in almost six years to waning mining investment sumer goods and industrial may herald the stirring of “ani- that has driven almost 24 years of glue maker Henkel wants to mal spirits” that central bank uninterrupted growth. Stimulus expand in the area of con- Governor Glenn Stevens has to consumers has arrived at gas sumer branded goods and been seeking. stations after the oil price tum- hair care and could consider a Loans to companies increased bled 46 percent in 2014. large acquisition, the compa- 4.6 percent in November from a “Aussie consumers and busi- ny’s chairwoman told German year earlier, the Reserve Bank nesses are borrowing — but in a newspaper Welt am Sonntag. of Australia announced on New measured way,” said Craig James, “In the future I will not rule Year’s Eve. That was the most a senior economist at the securi- out small mid sized or even large since March 2009, when the rate ties unit of Commonwealth Bank. acquisitions,” Simone Bagel- was boosted by comparison with “Still, that means the Reserve Trah, who heads the company’s a darkening world economy as the Bank has no reason to be either supervisory board, is quoted as global financial crisis loomed. lifting or cutting interest rates at saying. Business lending growth “will present. The weaker Aussie dol- “We want to improve our posi- be an important marker of pros- lar and lower petrol prices are tion in consumer goods in areas pects for a non-mining capital providing solid stimulus to the where we are already good. We expenditure and hiring recovery economy.” are leading in the area of hair in 2015,” said Ben Jarman, an Seven economists, including care, styling and hair dye,” economist at JPMorgan Chase & Westpac’s Bill Evans, who cor- according to comments attrib- Co in Sydney. “RBA officials have rectly predicted the previous eas- uted to Bagel-Trah by the paper. bemoaned a lack of ‘animal spir- ing cycle, are calling for further “In the area of adhesives we Simone Bagel-Trah (right), supervisory board member of Henkel and CEO Kasper Rorsted in Duesseldorf. its,’ which is restraining appetite rate cuts this year as unemploy- want to secure and expand our for corporate expansion and real ment increases. Another nine technology leadership,” Bagel- A spokeswoman for Henkel on November that US rival Procter business that could be worth investment.” analysts see the RBA raising bor- Trah is further quoted as saying Saturday declined to comment & Gamble Co is working with around $7bn, sources familiar The revival in credit growth, rowing costs, while 11 expect them in an advance copy of yesterday’s on potential acquisition targets. Goldman Sachs to explore with the matter said. and a weakening currency that to be unchanged. The benchmark Welt am Sonntag. Reuters reported in late the sale of its Wella hair care REUTERS improves the competitiveness of 10-year government bond yield manufacturers, may allow the fell 1.5 percentage points last year central bank to stand pat for to 2.74 percent. It closed at 2.87 longer after cutting its benchmark percent last week. interest rate to a record-low 2.5 Traders were pricing in 37 percent. The pickup in business basis points of rate cuts this year, Mumtalakat RasGas delivers 1000th LNG cargo lending also opens a new growth according to swaps data compiled channel for Commonwealth by Credit Suisse Group AG as Bank of Australia and National of 5pm in Sydney on January 2. signs $500m DOHA: RasGas Company Australia Bank Ltd, which have The central bank’s board said in Limited (RasGas) last week been relying on a housing boom minutes of its December policy delivered the 1000th lique- for profits. meeting that members noted the fied natural gas (LNG) cargo Mortgage growth has provided market’s outlook “and discussed loan deal to Petronet LNG Limited succor to Australian lenders in the factors that might be produc- (Petronet) under the Long Term the past two years, growing at ing such an expectation.” It reit- DUBAI: Bahraini sovereign Sales and Purchase Agreement more than double the pace of erated the outlook for a period of fund Mumtalakat has signed (SPA) with RasGas. business credit, RBA data show. rate stability. a $500m, five-year loan with a The 1000th LNG cargo deliv- Outstanding home loans averaged Economic growth slowed to group of banks, sources aware ered to Petronet was loaded on a 5.4 percent increase in the two 0.3 percent in the third quarter, of the matter said yesterday, board the LNG vessel “Disha” years to November 30, compared the weakest in 18 months, the with the cash to be used for at Ras Laffan Port on December with a 2.4 gain in corporate credit, government said. Expansion was general business purposes and 22, 2014. Coincidentally, the the data show. supported by property price gains to refinance existing debt. same ship also loaded the inau- “Business confidence seems to in Sydney and Melbourne that The loan is being provided gural LNG cargo on January 25, be coming back, which is a good spurred a building boom. The heat by the same banks which 2004 under the same SPA on her The crew of the vessel. sign for the banks this year,” said is coming out of the market as arranged a sukuk issue by the maiden voyage to Petronet LNG T.S. Lim, a banking analyst at Bell data showed the annual increase fund in November: Bank of Dahej Terminal, QNA reported. Petronet for the Indian market. RasGas hosted a special cer- Potter Securities Ltd. in Sydney. in nationwide home prices was Tokyo-Mitsubishi, BNP Paribas, “This successful delivery of As an important supplier of LNG emony onboard and presented “They have been far too reliant the lowest in 14 months. Deutsche Bank and Standard the 1000th LNG cargo marks to India, RasGas will continue the Master of the vessel Captain on home-loan growth in recent “The growth rate of home Chartered, as well as local insti- a significant milestone in our to provide its support in meet- Rakesh Jhang and his crew with years. Business loans bring with prices is easing to more sustain- tutions Arab Banking Corp and long-standing relationship with ing India’s growing economy and a memento to mark the special them higher margins and clearly able levels — not a boom and not National Bank of Bahrain. Petronet and comes as a fur- demand for cleaner energy in the occasion. The event was attended diversifies earnings.” a bust,” Commonwealth Bank’s Signed just before the end ther testimony of RasGas being form of LNG”, said Khalid Sultan by Capt. Khaled Djebbar, and The Australian dollar’s weak- James said. “The doomsayers of 2014, the loan is structured a safe and reliable supplier of R Al Kuwari, RasGas’ Chief Capt. Sreenivas Penumarti, from ness is assisting some companies. will need to find something else as a revolving credit facility. LNG jointly with our partner Marketing and Shipping Officer. RasGas. THE PENINSULA The Aussie slumped 8.3 percent to worry about.” BLOOMBERG Mumtalakat didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The sources declined to be named as they were not authorised to speak to media. The state-owned fund was last in the loan market in UAE’s Tabreed September 2013, when it completed UK for allowing retirees to sell pension rights a $250m revolving credit facility through five Bahraini and regional LONDON: Older Britons who edition of the Sunday Telegraph enthusiastic about the prospect making them unpopular with raises loan banks. It sold a $600m, seven-year currently receive a monthly late on Saturday, pensions min- of being able to offer cash to buy many of the 400,000 people who Islamic bond in November at 205 pension from an annuity may ister Steve Webb said he was back annuities, he added. are coming up to retirement basis points over midswaps. be able to sell their right to considering something similar Historically Britain has each year. facility worth One of the smaller sovereign a regular income for upfront for existing pensioners. required people who have The government has also wealth funds in the Gulf region, cash, under proposals being “I want to see if we can get taken advantage of generous shifted the state pension Dh2.6bn Mumtalakat had $7.1bn of assets considered by the government. these freedoms extended to tax breaks to build up private towards a flat rate from a pre- under management at the end Last year Britain announced those who are receiving an pension savings to buy an annu- vious system that paid poorer of September. It holds stakes in plans to ease requirements on annuity but who might prefer ity on retirement, so that they pensioners more, reducing the DUBAI: United Arab Emirates 40 firms in the kingdom’s non- new retirees to use any private a cash lump sum,” Webb said. do not end up a burden on the incentive for moderately rich utility Tabreed has raised a oil sector, including Bahrain pension savings to buy an annu- “I want to see people trusted state. pensioners to spend all their Dh2.6bn ($707.9m) seven-year Telecommunications Co (Batelco) ity, which offers a guaranteed with their own money wherever But low global interest rates own money early in retirement loan facility from three banks, and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba). income for life. possible.” mean annuities offer lower and rely on the state later. two banking sources familiar REUTERS In an article in an early Insurance companies were incomes than in the past, REUTERS with the matter said yesterday. National Central Cooling Co, Tabreed’s formal name, has split the loan into two parts: Dh1.6bn is Tourism boosts Thai economy a term loan which will be repaid at the end of the loan’s life, with Summers offers cautious the rest structured as an amortis- ing facility, which means repay- ments will be made during the seven years. view of US economy The Dubai-listed firm will pay a margin of 1.4 percent on the BOSTON: As the Fed winds Meanwhile, at the same con- amortising part of the loan and down its economic stimulus, ference, Boston Federal Reserve 1.9 percent on the remaining former US Treasury Secretary President Eric Rosengren said chunk, one of the sources said. Lawrence Summers says low inflation rates across the Tabreed, which has 67 district the country’s next economic world and only small amounts of cooling plants across the Gulf, booster could be exporting its wage and price pressure in the did not respond to requests for fossil fuels around the globe, a United States should force the comment. The sources spoke on move that could make America Federal Reserve to move slowly condition of anonymity as they the next Saudi Arabia. as it pulls back on its accommo- are not authorised to speak to “The United States has the dative monetary policy. the media. chance to be to the energy econ- Rosengren repeated his call for The loan was arranged by Abu omy of the next decade what the US central bank to take its Dhabi Commercial Bank , First Saudi Arabia has been for the last time in establishing more normal Gulf Bank and Mashreq, the two to three decades,” Summers policy after years of stimulus to sources said, adding the fund- said on Saturday. “The effect boost the economy. ing was completed at the very of allowing oil exports ... would “I believe the continued very end of 2014. Abu Dhabi fund reduce rather than increase low core inflation and wage growth Mubadala holds a 13.4 percent American gasoline prices.” numbers provide ample justifica- stake in Tabreed, with a further Summers, known for his out- tion for patience,” Rosengren said. 19.9 percent owned by its subsid- spoken views about what he “A patient approach to policy is iary General Investments FZE, describes as a disappointing prudent until we can more con- according to bourse data. US economic recovery, made fidently expect that inflation will Tabreed’s share price fell 1.8 Chinese tourists release birds from a cage in Bangkok. The number of Chinese visitors rose by 67 percent in his remarks at the annual return to the Fed’s 2 percent tar- percent on its first day of trading 2014 which accounts for 23 percent of total tourist arrival. Tourism is a key factor of Thai economy. American Economics Association get over the next several years.” in 2015. It slumped by around 55 conference. REUTERS percent last year. REUTERS MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 New hope, old woes as Detroit exits bankruptcy City sheds almost $7bn of its roughly $18bn debt DETROIT: After the largest the work being done to improve principal thoroughfare. municipal bankruptcy in US his- education, neighborhoods and city There is a new three-mile rail tory, Detroit hopes outsiders see services,” she said. line along Woodward, which is its potential and not its history “People always ask me about lined with several new office, med- of racial conflict, financial crisis what’s going on in Detroit,” said ical and residential developments and dramatic population loss. Ania Eaton of the Library Street up into the bustling midtown area. The city, founded as a small Collective, who said she had But some of the old problems have French fort on the Detroit River recently been in Miami for an art not gone away. that grew to be a hub of the global show and found a lot of interest Detroit’s housing stock, mostly auto industry, emerged from bank- in Detroit. built during the first half of the ruptcy last month after shedding More galleries are now opening 20th century, continues to melt almost $7bn of its roughly $18bn in the city. “You have more peo- away under the pressure of de- debt. ple walking by the gallery. When population. The city’s population Under the bankruptcy provi- I moved here five years ago, I only has dropped from 1.6 million in sions, city workers made conces- expected to stay a year, but I think 1960 to around 800,000 today, sions and the healthcare coverage there is a lot of potential” said and most of the jobs created by of pensioners was reduced — but Eaton, who came to the US from a recovery of auto sales are in the pensions themselves remained Romania. In the Russell Street Detroit’s suburbs. largely intact. And in a boost to Delicatessen in the 124-year-old The outward migration has left remaining civic pride, the Detroit Eastern Market, the center of the thousands of houses vacant and Institute of Arts’ famous collec- Detroit’s whole sale food business open to vandals and “scrappers”, tion, with paintings by Vincent and one of the city’s major attrac- who tear out the plumbing and van Gogh and Brueghel, remained tions, patrons line up for tables. electrical wiring and sell it. intact thanks to donations by foun- “We’re packed like this every Detroit’s city government now dations and private individuals. Saturday,” said waiter Kamaul has plans to demolish more than “Working together, we can trans- Prendergrass. 20,000 vacant houses over the next High-rise building stand at a location that used to be Fort in Detroit, Michigan. form the city,” said Mary Barra, Work is also progressing on several months with assistance chief executive of General Motors, other fronts. Rock Ventures, one from the federal government. the city’s most famous corporate of the companies spawned the bil- The city’s public transit system, The sprawling west side, now declined to give his name because rate of any city with a population resident, after a judge approved lionaire landowner Dan Gilbert, despite the construction of the home to the majority of city resi- he wasn’t authorised to speak to of over 100,000, according to the the exit from bankruptcy. has commissioned one of New new rail line, is generally consid- dents, continues to deteriorate, the press. Federal Bureau of Investigation. “And you can see clear progress York’s most popular architects, ered one of the worst of any major with well-kept homes sitting side- Detroit’s well-deserved repu- With budget cuts reducing the in the restoration of downtown, SHoP, for new development on city in the United States. by-side with abandoned property. tation for violence hasn’t been police force to just 2,300 officers, the entrepreneurs who are flock- the long-vacant site of the van- Residents can take hours to “Not all that much has changed,” curbed. While the crime rate has Detroit Police Chief James Craig ing here, the massive building ished Hudson’s Department Store commute by bus from one part of noted one city firefighter stationed dropped, the city still has the high- has suggested the best thing resi- projects getting underway and on Woodward Avenue, the city’s the city to another. at Engine 29 on Jefferson, who est murder rate and violent crime dents can do is buy a gun. AFP India inflation forecast cuts down to 6.1pc Turkey seeks to curb

NEW DELHI: Economists cut on Indian debt, with the 10-year lowest since the CPI index was quarters. “It’s not that the RBI is India inflation forecasts by more yield now 350 basis points higher created in January 2012. against growth, it is for sustain- than a percentage point last than the CPI rate, up from zero Reserve Bank of India Governor able growth,” the Press Trust of banks’ short-term quarter, underpinning a rally in in February. “We should see a Raghuram Rajan, who left the India quoted Rajan as saying in the best performing emerging- sustained slowing trend in infla- repurchase rate unchanged at 8 an interview to local television market debt after Turkey. tion numbers,” Shubhada Rao, percent for a fifth straight meet- channel NDTV last week. “Our The median forecast for average chief economist at Yes Bank Ltd ing on December 2, signalled horizon is sometimes longer than dollar debt binge consumer-price index increases in in Mumbai, said. “The question is on the day that a reduction is those who want us to cut.” the year through March 2015 slid not if but when the central bank possible early next year should Global funds poured $6.7bn ANKARA: Turkey’s central The central bank said the average 110 basis points to 6.7 percent, a would cut interest rates.” improvements in inflation and into local government and cor- bank is acting to curb short- will rise to 12.8 percent. survey showed. The rate will slow Ten-year sovereign bonds had India’s fiscal health continue. porate debt in the quarter ended term foreign-exchange bor- The measures, which will take to 6.1 percent next fiscal year, it their biggest annual advance since A survey of 15 fixed-income December 31, taking their total rowing before Federal Reserve effect from February 13, would predicts. Indian sovereign bonds 2008 last year, pushing the yield fund managers and dealers this 2014 inflow to a record $26.3bn. Chair Janet Yellen begins rais- add approximately $3.2bn to the gained 6.3 percent in the past down 97 basis points. The rupee week predicted Rajan will cut the “Inflation should continue to be ing US interest rates. central bank’s foreign currency three months, lagging only the weakened 2 percent in its fourth repo rate by 75 basis points in benign,” Lakshmi Iyer, Mumbai- Lenders will need to keep 18 reserves, the central bank said. 8.4 percent increase in Turkey, annual loss, the longest such run 2015 in the biggest annual reduc- based chief investment officer for percent of their total foreign- To make it up for banks, policy according to 31 developing-nation since 2001, as Russia’s currency tion since 2009. fixed income at Kotak Mahindra exchange debt maturing within a makers announced changes to one indexes compiled by Bloomberg. crisis triggered an emerging-mar- Calls for easing have intensi- Asset Management Co., which year as part of reserves, instead of its liquidity management tools Brent crude sank almost 40 ket selloff. fied as the inflation rate slid below manages Rs377.6bn ($6bn), said of 13 percent currently, Turkey’s that will inject about $2.4bn back percent last quarter, the most Gains in consumer prices slowed the central bank’s January-2016 in a Jan. 2 phone interview. central bank said in a statement into the banking industry. since 2008, reducing costs for to 4.38 percent in November from target of 6 percent and growth “Monetary easing is going to set on Saturday. The ratio for debt The central bank’s gross for- India that imports more than as high as 11.2 percent a year ear- in Asia’s third-largest economy the pitch for Indian government maturing in three years was eign-currency reserves fell by three-fourths of its oil. That lier, latest official data show. The slowed in the July-September bonds in 2015.” reduced by three percentage $7.3bn during the four weeks to boosted inflation-adjusted returns November reading was also the period for the first time in three BLOOMBERG points to 8 percent, it said. December 26, according to offi- Turkish banks’ foreign-cur- cial data. Of the total, about $5bn rency debts have more than were withdrawn by banks amid a doubled between 2009 and the surge in demand for dollars last Winter sales rush first quarter of last year to month, Mahfi Egilmez, a former $137bn as they took advantage undersecretary at the Treasury, Tesco plans of cheaper borrowing costs in said in his economy blog. The lira dollars to expand domestic lend- weakened 6.6 percent against the ing in liras. Of the total, $85bn dollar during the first half of last supplier deal is at short maturity, according month. to International Monetary Fund The new rules could prompt data. The central bank’s rules aim banks to extend the maturity rejig, more to encourage lenders to reduce of their loans to non-financial their reliance on short-term debt companies, eventually boosting as the Federal Reserve gears up Turkey’s sluggish private invest- job cuts to raise interest rates this year, ment, according to Bora Tamer Odeabank AS chief economist Yilmaz, an Istanbul-based econo- LONDON: British super- Inanc Sozer said. “The amount mist at Ziraat Yatirim. market chain Tesco will on of FX that commercial banks “Private investments have Thursday announce drastic will hold at the central bank will recently been poor, dragging changes to supplier contracts increase sharply,” Istanbul-based down economic growth,” Yilmaz and job cuts to help rebuild its Sozer said. “How much long- said. “Long-term FX borrowing reputation after an accounting term debt they can find will be from banks may increase their scandal and four profit warn- determined by global liquidity and investments and also insulate ings last year, the Sunday Times investors’ appetite for risk.” them from the dangers of a vola- reported. The IMF urged Turkey in a tile dollar” before the Fed’s first Chief Executive Dave Lewis, report on December 5 to reduce rate increase, he said. who joined the supermarket in banks’ incentives to borrow in Private investments were September from consumer goods foreign currency as part of a plan unchanged in the third quarter company Unilever, plans to scrap to contain the nation’s current of 2014 from a year earlier, after a complicated system of supplier account deficit. contracting in the previous two contracts based on rebates and Turkey could raise the average quarters, according to the most- penalty fees, the paper said, citing reserve requirement ratio to as recent official data. Turkey’s senior sources. high as 30 percent from the cur- economy grew 1.7 percent in the Tesco declined to comment. rent effective level of 12 percent three months ending September Incorrectly booking payments without a “significant loss in prof- 30, the slowest pace since 2012. from suppliers was at the centre itability” for banks, the IMF said. BLOOMBERG of Tesco’s 2014 accounting deba- People walk in central Rome during the winter sales that began on Saturday. cle that led to a £263m ($403m) overstatement in profits. The accounting errors compounded a succession of profit warnings as low-cost rivals ate into its business. Brazil minister in trouble on minimum-wage plan Tesco’s share price fell 43 per- cent in the year to December RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazilian President Barbosa was forced to backtrack after impact more than the wage of low-income as one of a group of supposedly market- 2014, compared with the London Dilma Rousseff’s promise to cut spend- Rousseff received complaints from unions workers. Since pensions and some govern- friendly finance, economics and central FTSE 100 index’s 2.7 percent ing during a second term that began on and ordered the retraction, newspaper O ment salaries are based on multiples of the bank officials who would be able to control decline. Thursday got off to a rocky start, as her Globo reported. minimum wage, increases of the latter can spending and regain investor confidence as Lewis is set to revamp supplier new planning minister recanted a pledge Calls to the planning ministry outside cascade through the government’s budget, Brazil’s economic growth slows to a crawl. contracts by focusing on sales vol- to change how the country’s minimum normal business hours were not answered. boosting mandatory entitlement spending Using the current formula, Rousseff umes, with higher sales leading to wage is calculated. The ministry press office did not immedi- and stoking inflation. is expected to announce an 8.8 percent cuts in supplier prices, the news- Minister Nelson Barbosa had told report- ately respond to an e-mailed request for With the vast majority of Brazilian increase in the minimum wage for 2015 to paper said. ers on Friday, his first day in the post, that comment. spending going on government salaries and 788 reais a month from 724 in 2014. The In Thursday’s third-quarter he planned to send Congress a bill chang- The minimum wage formula, based on mandatory entitlements such as pensions, new wage is equivalent to an annual sal- trading update Lewis is also ing the formula to be used to adjust the the increase in consumer prices plus the many economists say controlling minimum ary of 10,480 reais a year when mandatory expected to announce deep job minimum wage starting in 2016. But a day increase in gross domestic product for the wage increases, or changing the way they annual and holiday bonuses are included. cuts at Tesco’s headquarters and later he published a note on the ministry last two years, has sought to grant low- impact pensions, are essential to any effort All Brazilian workers also have the right regional offices, the newspaper web site saying the current formula will wage earners an economic boost that out- to reign in spending. to a month of paid vacation. added. REUTERS be maintained. strips inflation. Those adjustments, though, Barbosa was brought in by Rousseff REUTERS MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS American Club Med set to back Chinese bid Airlines hikes Italian bidder declines to raise offer pilot pay 23pc

PARIS: French holiday com- The board of Club Med has said pany Club Mediterrannee is in the past it would only respond in new deal expected to back an offer from to the last standing offer for the a consortium led by Chinese bil- company. It is expected to make DALLAS: American Airlines lionaire Guo Guangchang this a statement on the Chinese bid in Group Inc.’s pilots union week after Italian rival bidder the next few days, a spokesman accepted a sweetened tentative Andrea Bonomi declined to for the Paris-listed company said agreement that would provide raise his offer on Friday. yesterday. an immediate 23 percent pay Bonomi’s decision puts an end French market watchdog AMF increase to pilots, followed by to the longest-running bid bat- for its part, will vet the offer led additional raises in each year of tle in recent French corporate by China’s richest man, valuing the contract. history and removes uncertainty Club Med at €939m ($1.13bn), and The five-year agreement was over the future of struggling Club set out a timetable. accepted by leaders of the Allied Med, which is fighting weaker Guo’s €24.60 a share offer was Pilots Association and must be demand in Europe and heavy 0.60 euro higher than Bonomi’s voted on by members after all of restructuring costs. last bid and was the eighth offer the language in the accord is final- Investors are hoping Club for Club Med since May 2013 ized, the union said in a statement Med’s new owners will invest when Guo first offered €17. on its website late yesterday. in the operator’s upscale repo- The Chinese offer values Club American wants to quickly sitioning and expansion in mar- Med at more than 15 times the A logo is seen on a Club Med travel agency in Paris. reach new contracts so employees kets such as China, which should company’s current estimated in each labour group have com- widen a client base historically underlying earnings, putting it at mon pay scales and work rules, dominated by Europeans. a premium to the sector’s aver- take note with satisfaction of this expect it will recommend his offer. Med with 2.9 percent and Chinese increasing efficiency. American Guo, whom Forbes estimates age of around 13 times. Club Med decision,” a spokesman for Gaillon Gaillon Invest II is majority travel agency U-Tour with 8.7 had left open its final contract has a net worth of about $4.3bn, shares closed at €25.09 on Friday. Invest II said at the weekend in controlled by Guo’s Fosun con- percent. offer, including an added 4 per- has described Club Med as an Bonomi’s vehicle Global Resorts reaction to Bonomi’s announce- glomerate. It now comprises Brazilian group Nelson Tanure, cent initial pay raise, after send- ideal investment to tap booming said on Friday that shares it cur- ment it would not counterbid. Fosun with a 62.6 percent stake, with which Club Med will build its ing the dispute to arbitration. The demand among China’s increas- rently holds in Club Med would Club Med management, led Portuguese insurer Fidelidade fourth resort in Brazil, could also agreement followed two days of ingly affluent city dwellers for the either be sold in conjunction with by chief executive Henri Giscard with 20 percent, French private take a stake of up to 20 percent meetings by the union board. kind of leisure resorts the French the bid by Guo’s Gaillon Invest II d’Estaing, has consistently backed equity partner Ardian with 5.8 in Gaillon II once the offer goes “Our goal was to conclude nego- company offers. vehicle or on the market. “We Guo’s offer which is why investors percent, the management of Club through. REUTERS tiations promptly and deliver the best possible result for our pilots,” the union said in a website mes- sage to members. American said it was “pleased” pilots would get to vote on a con- tract that recognises their contri- Private sector to benefit Jordan halts talks on accord butions to the airline. If it’s accepted by union mem- bers, pilots would get a 23 per- as Pakistan govt plans cent pay raise retroactive to to import Israeli natural gas December 2, and a 3 percent raise on January 1, 2015, followed by AMMAN: Jordan suspended are differences between Israel have provided Israel with enough subsequent 3 percent increases on to curb borrowing talks to import natural gas and Noble Energy and we cannot fuel for decades of energy self- Jan. 1 of 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. from Israel from Noble Energy proceed with talks until we know sufficiency and export. The contract would cover about KARACHI: Pakistan govern- large space for the State Banl to Inc and will sign an agreement which side will develop the gas Jordan, which imports almost 15,000 pilots from American and ment’s plan to curb borrowing relax its tight monetary policy with BG Group Plc to buy Gaza field in Israel,” Qammouh said in all its energy needs, wants to merger partner US Airways. will create fiscal space for the with a bigger cut in the interest Strip gas. a phone interview from Amman. secure supply after repeated The airline is trying to secure private sector to access more rate, which could help boost eco- The kingdom halted nego- Partners in Israel’s Leviathan disruptions to gas imports from joint contract agreements with bank lending. Moreover, the low nomic growth. tiations “recently” after Israeli field, including Houston-based Egypt as a result of pipeline its major unions as it moves to inflation supports expectation “The country is in an ideal authorities said they may move Noble, and units of Delek Group bombings in Sinai. complete the integration of the for cheaper credit in the coming state as the falling oil prices have to prevent a regional “monopoly” Ltd and Ratio Oil Exploration Jordan, the Middle East’s two carriers. weeks. created vast opportunity to allow for Noble, according to Jamal 1992 LP signed a preliminary smallest economy after Bahrain, A contract for American flight The government has announced credit to function as a growth Qammouh, head of Jordan’s deal on September 3 to sell gas to is one of two Arab countries that attendants was resolved by arbi- it would borrow less than Rs1 tril- driver,” said a senior banker, add- Lower House energy commit- Jordan’s National Electric Power have signed a peace agreement tration on December 13, after lion — Rs825bn through short- ing that the State Bank should tee. Israel’s antitrust regulator is Co over 15 years. Noble had signed with Israel. workers rejected a tentative con- term treasury bills and Rs150bn lower the interest rate. reconsidering a decision to let a a $771m agreement in February Jordan will sign an agreement tract agreement with the car- through long-term Pakistan Inflation was record low in group led by Noble develop the to supply Jordan-based Arab with BG Group Plc in the first rier. While the arbitrated accord Investment Bonds (PIBs) — dur- November at 3.9 percent, but country’s two biggest natural Potash Co with gas starting 2016. quarter to buy gas from fields off- reduced pay by $81m a year com- ing the January-March quarter. slightly increased to 4.3 percent gas fields. Inbar Dovev, a spokes- Leviathan and neighbouring shore the Gaza Strip, Mohammad pared with the rejected version, The borrowing for budgetary in December. However, growth woman for the company, declined Tamar in the Mediterranean Hamed, Jordan’s Minister of American decided to restore the support is so far about 40 per cent in money supply, a key factor in to comment by phone. Sea are among the biggest natu- Energy and Mineral Resources, lost wages on December 18. of the government borrowing dur- determining economic growth, “We were informed that there ral gas finds in recent years and said. BLOOMBERG BLOOMBERG ing the same period last year. was less than half in the previ- A shift to short-term borrow- ous six months compared to the ing is significant as the govern- same period of last year. ment siphoned off huge liquidity, Monetary expansion was 12.53 Rs1.7 trillion, from the banking percent in FY14 and the economy sector through PIBs during the could hardly reach a growth of first 11 months of 2014. 4.2 percent. OAS to sell assets to boost liquidity ‘The recent inflows from the Although private sector‘s bor- foreign donors and creditors, and rowing from banking system was NEW YORK: Brazilian con- liquidity and continue operations.” period to make the interest pay- with several debtholders,” Fitch the sukuk and Eurobond issues higher, at Rs371bn, in FY14 than struction company OAS SA said OAS had its credit grade cut ment, the company is likely to analysts led by Alexandre Garcia have also brought down borrow- the past several years, it was still it will sell assets to boost liquid- seven levels to C by Fitch Ratings miss principal and interest due on said in a report. “Disappointments ing needs, while massive decline small and played a role in lower ity after missing a bond payment after missing a $16m interest pay- Brazilian bonds next week, which in negotiating with creditors could in oil prices and subsequent cut in economic growth. and getting a ratings cut. ment yesterday on dollar-denomi- may lead to default, according lead the company to file for bank- power subsidies have created fis- The sector‘s participation “Because of the difficulties in nated bonds. to Fitch. OAS, which is having ruptcy protection. OAS also men- cal space,‘ said Khurram Shazad, has been even lower this year. accessing credit markets, OAS is in The company’s $400m of securi- trouble accessing credit lines and tioned its intention to explore chief investment officer at Lakson According to the central bank, the discussions with some of its main ties due 2021 have plunged to 33 receiving payments from clients, the sale of certain assets in its Investments. private sector borrowed Rs76bn creditors for an organized financial cents on the dollar from more than has chosen to preserve cash as it portfolio.” He said this was good for finan- in nearly first six months of this restructuring,” the company said 90 cents in November amid a probe seeks to remain operational, the OAS has hired G5 Evercore as a cial markets as the private sec- fiscal year, a considerably smaller today in an e-mailed response to into builders that allegedly bribed rating company said. financial adviser and Mattos Filho tor will no longer be crowded figure than Rs175bn borrowing in questions. “OAS Finance Ltd, a state- run oil producer Petroleo “The company will have the Advogados and White & Case LLP out. Market experts and bankers the comparable period of FY14. subsidiary of OAS SA, didn’t make Brasileiro SA to obtain contracts. challenge to renegotiate new terms as legal advisers to help with the said low inflation has also created INTERNEWS the bond payment to preserve While OAS has a 30-day grace and conditions of the payments restructuring. BLOOMBERG

Audi Qatar records 46.7 percent growth in 2014 KKR tripling money in DOHA: Q-Auto, the offi- year, due to a number of exciting Alliance-Walgreen merger cial dealer for Audi in Qatar, product launches and an all new announces a 46.7 percent growth after sales service centre set to increase in 2014. The incre- open in the first quarter of 2015. NEW YORK: KKR & Co. buyout on record. KKR’s profit is ment represents the strongest “We look back on the best year almost tripled its money in a bright spot for the firm, which growth for Audi in the region, of the Audi brand in Qatar,” Ala Europe’s biggest leveraged buy- has posted mixed results on its supporting local trends for an Makey, Audi sales manager said, out after British drug retailer boom-era deals. increasing preference for the “The record sales accomplishment Alliance Boots Holdings GmbH Most of the $3bn investment brand and popularity amongst is solely attributed to our inno- completed its $26.6bn merger KKR and its clients sank in a the local community. vative product introductions and with Walgreen Co. $48bn buyout of Texas power pro- The brand has experienced a excellent pre and post purchase KKR this week swapped its ducer TXU Corp. in 2007 stands significant amount of growth over services. We strive to provide remaining stake in Alliance Boots to be wiped out in bankruptcy. the year, achieving high rankings each and every one of our custom- for $4.7bn in cash and Walgreen Another 2007 takeover, of retailer across the Audi range. ers with a memorable brand expe- shares when Deerfield, Illinois- Dollar General Corp., yielded a The top achiever for Audi rience, one that reflects Audi’s key based Walgreen completed the $10.4bn gain, making it KKR’s Qatar so far has been the A5 brand traits of sophistication and deal, according to a person most lucrative deal ever. Coupe with an increase of 71 progressiveness. As a premium familiar with the matter, who KKR still owns 49.4 mil- percent compared to the previ- dealer in Qatar, we are continu- asked not to be named because lion Walgreen shares, valued at ous year. Following closely is the ously aiming for new benchmarks the information is private. That $3.75bn, meaning its return on A4 and the spacious A8 saloon in the automobile market and boosted KKR’s return on paper the deal can still rise or shrink with an increment of 69 percent are already looking forward to to about $7bn, or almost three with the share price. Walgreen and 60 percent, respectively. In achieving higher statistics in the times the amount the buyout firm took a 45 percent stake in addition, Audi’s world renowned upcoming year.” invested in the 2007 deal. Alliance Boots in 2012 in an effort SUV models have also experi- The brand has accomplished a KKR, led by Henry Kravis to build a global pharmacy chain, enced year over year gains, with number of achievements in 2014. and George Roberts, put $2.45bn paying $4bn in cash and giving an overall achievement of a 36 Of those would be the premium into the $22bn buyout of Alliance Alliance Boots shareholders 83.4 percent increase for the crosso- sedan and SUV packages being Boots, which was financed with million of its own shares. KKR ver Q7, 32 percent for the mid- offered to customers as well as cash and debt. Struck at the pocketed $1.8bn and took 6.4 mil- sized Q5 and 35 percent for the the recent introduction of the height of a debt-fuelled buyout lion Walgreen shares, keeping Q3. Audi Qatar foresees an even ‘Customer Delight’ after service wave before the financial crisis, about a 25 percent interest in The crossover Q7 model posts 36 percent increase in sales. higher growth achievement next programme. THE PENINSULA the deal was the largest European Alliance Boots. BLOOMBERG MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Crowd heads to Las Vegas Euro forecasters see show where hits run dry

BY IAN KING

ltra-high definition television sets that don’t have much pain after a bad year content available. Wireless chargers that don’t work together because they’re built on competing industry Ustandards. Wearable devices that few consumers have BY DAVID GOODMAN “The euro-bearish consensus zero for the first time on record, stimulus be seen as insufficient shown interest in buying. was struggling hard for the first began a programme of targeted when it’s assessed in early 2015. Technology companies will once again be using the Consumer idway through half of the year, but it has come loans, and started purchasing He said on December 4 that in Electronics Show that starts this week to unveil must-have new European good as the ECB has driven rates asset-backed securities and cov- order to add as much as €1 tril- gadgets. The odds are stacked against them. Central Bank down,” Kit Juckes, a global strat- ered bonds. At the same time, lion to the institution’s balance CES, the world’s largest trade show, is far from a hit-making President Mario egist at Societe General SA in the dollar is strengthening as the sheet, “all assets but gold” are machine. While the technology show is a leading indicator of trends Draghi’s May London, said in a December 30 Federal Reserve moves closer to under consideration for purchase. and attracted 160,000 attendees last year, many products debuting Mpress conference in Brussels, the phone interview. “The best thing raising interest rates. “I want to see how this plays at the event take years to get into consumers’ living rooms — if at euro rose to its strongest level the ECB can try to engineer is At the end of last year, 44 of out, certainly through January, all. The last time the event had a true stand-alone sensation was during his tenure. Then he said still a weaker euro.” 59 analysts in a survey said the before drawing strong conclu- when Microsoft Corp debuted the Xbox game console at CES in 2001. the ECB was ready to introduce Juckes forecasts the euro will euro would drop against the dol- sions,” Jane Foley, senior foreign- “It seems that every year there’s a central theme to the technology more stimulus measures, send- weaken to $1.14 by year-end, a lar, with the median projection exchange strategist at Rabobank introduced and a lot of those have just whiffed,” said Jordan Selburn, ing it into a slide that strategists level last seen in 2003. looking for a 2.5 percent decline International in London, said. an analyst for market researcher IHS Inc. say will extend into 2015. With inflation languishing through December 31. That’s a Foley predicts the euro will This year, CES will be packed with a wide array of splashy gadg- Europe’s common currency, below the ECB’s goal of just less-bearish forecast than at the end 2015 at $1.20 and sees ets. Drones are being heavily featured, as are connected cars and which appreciated to $1.3993 under 2 percent and the mar- same point the previous year. “downside risks” to her forecast, a range of smart home technology designed to make everyday life that May day, ended last year ket’s outlook for consumer “It’s the ECB where we’ve she said. “It’s very difficult to more convenient. Quantum dot televisions, which promise better down 12 percent against the dol- prices crumbling as crude oil seen the biggest evolution,” draw firm conclusions as to how color and lower electricity use in giant screens, are also debuting. lar, its biggest loss since 2005. declines, more than 90 percent Michael Sneyd, a currency much the quantitative easing That’s spurring crowds to flock to CES. Attendance at the event Strategists, who were too timid of respondents in a monthly strategist at BNP Paribas SA will succeed in depressing the last year reached a record 160,498, up 15 percent from 140,000 in 2011, with their call for a decline in survey in December predicted in London, said. “Over the past euro further because if so much according to the Consumer Electronics Association. The number of 2014 to $1.28, now see a slump that the ECB would expand the 12 months, Draghi has been is already in the price, how much exhibitors totalled 52,326 last year, rising from 51,236 in 2011. The to $1.18 by the end of this year. supply of euros by beginning to a bolder leader. Our view for further down can the euro go?” group, which runs the event, declined to comment on the number of A weaker euro is key for purchase sovereign bonds in the next year is for continued Options traders are paying attendees and exhibitors registered for the show next week. Draghi as he tries to spur the 2015. That’s up from 57 percent declines in euro-dollar.” more than at any time in over a “It’s so big that if you skip it’s ‘Why aren’t you going?’” said Brian region’s struggling economy and the previous month. “The risk BNP expects the euro to year to protect against further Blau, an analyst at Gartner Inc. “A lot of these companies have to ward off deflation. He started that we don’t fulfil our mandate decline to $1.15 by the end of losses for the euro, whose mem- be there whether they want to or not.” this year by telling German of price stability is higher than 2015, he said. Some strategists bership expanded to 19 nations Yet CES’s history is littered with products that have flopped or newspaper Handelsblatt that it was six months ago,” Draghi aren’t convinced the ECB will be at the start of 2015. been slow to take off. While high-def TV debuted at CES in 1998, it the risk of deflation in the region said. While limited, the risk of able to push the currency lower, The premium for one-year took seven years before 10 percent of the market used it. More than cannot be excluded, bolstering deflation “cannot be entirely even if it begins purchases of options to sell the euro over five years after 3-D HD televisions debuted at CES, few consumers speculation policy makers will excluded,” he said, and “we have sovereign bonds in a programme those to buy it is 155 basis points. are watching movies through the 3-D glasses required to make it soon start actions such as buy- to act against such risk.” of quantitative easing. It touched 159.5 basis points on appear that something is jumping out of their screens. Last year, ing bonds that tend to weigh on Since the May meeting, the Draghi reiterated that offi- December 18, the most since one of the more memorable parts of CES wasn’t a product but a a currency. ECB cut its deposit rate below cials would act should current October 2013. BLOOMBERG viral moment when director Michael Bay cut short a presentation about Samsung Electronics Co.’s TVs after a teleprompter failure. “CES’s relevance grows as technology is now woven into our daily lives and is helping to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, from health and transportation to agriculture and beyond,” said Karen Chupka, vice president of business strategy for the Consumer Electronics Association. This year, companies including Sony Corp and LG Electronics are renewing their drive to convert everyone to ultra-high definition tel- evision, or 4K. Many of them will show off the organic light-emitting diode technology that promises even thinner TV sets capable of producing a more vivid picture, according to Selburn. Still, Selburn said he’s seen little evidence that media companies and content distributors have firm plans to provide movies and TV programs on 4K-resolution discs. What’s more, there’s debate as to whether 4K screens offer consumers many benefits. Viewed up close in stores, a giant 4K screen will look better than current high-def sets. Yet at normal viewing ranges, some analysts have argued human eyes aren’t capable of telling the difference. Las Vegas will this year also feature a fight over wireless-charging technology that threatens the introduction of new devices. Worse than even the debut of home video, where VHS duked it out with Betamax in the 1970s, wireless charging already has three rival groups — the Wireless Power Consortium, the Power Matters Alliance and the Alliance for Wireless Power — trying to make their version the industry standard. “The rate of growth is being hampered by the standards battle,” said John Perzow, vice president of market development for WPC. Even without the conflict, 2015 probably won’t be the year of wireless charging, according to Sujata Neidig, a marketing manager at Freescale Semiconductor Ltd. She said her company’s chips are going into wireless-charging systems that won’t make it into consumer hands until at least the second half of 2015 and probably in greater numbers in 2016. Some companies have scaled back their participation in CES. Microsoft no longer does the eve-of-the-show keynote presenta- tion or a giant booth to show off products. It now rents more than 20,000-square-feet of space to use on an invite-only basis for cus- tomers and partners. “CES brings together many of our important partners and customers and so, as we do every year, we are taking advantage of this natural opportunity to connect,” said Tony Imperati, a spokesman for Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft. Other companies don’t bother showing up. Apple Inc, which had a CES flop with the Pippin game machine in 1996, doesn’t exhibit or have speakers at the event. BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate All eyes on Berlin as ECB readies new scheme

BY NOAH BARKIN on the verge of launching mass at the ECB. “Support from both didn’t exist back in 2012. After Odendahl, chief economist at the Court. And the ECB is also taking purchases of government bonds Merkel and (Finance Minister sweeping into three regional par- Centre for European Reform in it very seriously, otherwise they n August 2012, during a visit with new money — also known as Wolfgang) Schaeuble will be abso- liaments in eastern Germany last London. The other cloud hanging could have moved in December.” to Canada, German Chancellor quantitative easing (QE) — in the lutely vital.” year, the AfD will try to win its first over QE is the risk of a legal chal- The ECB may feel the need to Angela Merkel swept aside hopes of jolting Europe’s economy What has changed since 2012? seats in a western assembly when lenge in Germany’s Constitutional tread carefully pending a final Idoubts about her support for into life. But this time, it is unclear For one thing, fears of a euro Hamburg votes in mid-February. Court. In February last year, the ruling, increasing the chances of a Mario Draghi and his promise, whether he can count on the same breakup have subsided. That has A QE programme, which the court in Karlsruhe expressed con- QE programme in which the credit weeks before, to do whatever it clear support from Berlin. made it easier for German officials markets expect to be unveiled cerns that the OMT bond-buying risks tied to purchased bonds takes to preserve the euro. Without it, the effectiveness to push back against policies they as soon as the ECB’s next policy scheme Draghi unveiled in the remain with national central banks The pledge by the Italian presi- of any QE programme could be disagree with. The worry in Berlin meeting on January 22, could play months after his 2012 “whatever — an idea floated by Bundesbank dent of the European Central undermined. More fundamentally, is QE will reduce pressure on into the AfD’s hands. it takes” speech, which has never President Jens Weidmann last Bank met a storm of criticism in a rift between Germany and the struggling southern euro countries Uncertainty surrounding a been used, violated a ban on fund- month. “This is a solution that Germany. Yet Merkel told report- ECB would herald a dangerous to reform. Some think pumping January 25 election in Greece, ing governments. could work for Germany,” said the ers gathered in the Canadian par- new phase for Europe in which the new money into the system would which could vault the left-wing It referred the case to the senior German official. liament in Ottawa that Draghi’s bloc’s two most important shapers sow the seeds of a future crisis. Syriza party into power, has mud- European Court of Justice (ECJ) If the ECB goes down this path, remarks were “completely in line” of policy are at odds. “If the ECB isn’t careful about died the waters further by raising in Strasbourg, whose adviser is Merkel could feel more comfort- with her own approach to the cri- In a rare four-page interview how it does QE the reaction in the risk of a sovereign default and due to give a preliminary assess- able endorsing it but by limiting sis. Her comments helped convince with German daily Handelsblatt on Germany will be fierce,” said a sen- severe losses for the ECB on any ment on January 14 and a final rul- the scope of the programme it may markets that Draghi had the politi- Friday, Draghi appeared to go out ior German official who requested Greek bonds it holds. ing in mid-2015. That could have underwhelm financial markets and cal support to back up his bold of his way to reach out and avert anonymity due to sensitivities over Should the ECB unveil a QE big implications for how the ECB fail to revive the euro economy. “If words with action, calming fears such a clash, saying the risk of the ECB independence. programme that includes Greece approaches QE. you limit this along national lines, of a catastrophic euro breakup. ECB failing to preserve price sta- “If QE does happen, as it cer- before the political outcome in “The consensus view in the mar- it would clearly be a disappoint- Two and a half years on, the cri- bility had risen and it may need to tainly looks like it will, it should Athens is clear, it would be impos- ket is that the ECJ won’t find any- ment because it would show quite sis in Europe’s single currency bloc act to meet its mandate. happen in a way that doesn’t see it sible for the German government thing wrong with the bond-buying starkly that the ECB is running up has shifted from acute to chronic “Germany’s position on the QE undermined by German politicians. to remain silent, several officials scheme, but there is a risk,” said against its limits,” Odendahl said. and once again it has fallen to programme is arguably the single Draghi needs to know what the red said. Elga Bartsch, chief European econ- “Draghi knows that the announce- Draghi to come to the rescue. most important issue for the ECB lines are.” “The Greek situation makes it omist at Morgan Stanley. ment itself will be the most impor- As Europe stumbles into 2015, right now,” said Marcel Fratzscher, Complicating the debate is the much more difficult to announce “Berlin is clearly worried about tant thing. I hope he is bold.” dogged by weak growth and the head of the DIW economic insti- rise of the Alternative for Germany a QE programme where the risks the implications of the ECJ rul- If he is, the silence from Merkel prospect of deflation, Draghi is tute in Berlin and a former official (AfD), a eurosceptic party that are shared out,” said Christian ing for the German Constitutional may be deafening. REUTERS MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 12,229.08 0.46 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 18,239.56 0.46 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,087.61 0.34 % RATE QE All Share Index 3,135.71 0.49 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,180.75 0.73 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5388.601 -3.727 -0.07 5672.3 5072.7 QE All Share Industrials 4,040.51 0.02 % QR140.6013 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 2,311.83 0.29 % Cac 40 Index/D 4270.5 24.96 0.59 4598.65 3789.11 QE All Share Real Estate 2,245.49 0.04 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.6447 QR 5.7237 QE All Share Insurance 3,901.06 1.45 % Dj Indu Average 17983.07 -55.16 -0.31 18103.4 15340.69 QR 1.8942 Euro ...... QR 4.3990 QR 4.4613 QE All Share Telecoms 1,455.01 2.06 % CA$ ...... QR 3.1164 QR 3.1771 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,896.93 0.15 % Hang Seng Inde/D 23605.04 103.94 0.44 25362.98 21137.61 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.6588 QR 3.7097 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 5237.1 24.47 0.47 5325.15 4275.26 Yen ...... QR 0.0302 QR 0.0308 Aus$ ...... QR 2.9595 QR 3.0172 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 32131.28 177.38 0.56 32315.56 25273.11 CRUDE OIL 04-01-2014 31-12-2014 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0573 QR 0.0584 Index 12,229.08 12,285.78 Nikkei 225 Index 17450.77 -279.07 -1.57 18030.83 13885.11 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0359 QR 0.0366 Change 56.70 41.84 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0805 QR 0.0823 S&P 500 Index/D 2080.35 -10.22 -0.49 2093.55 1737.92 % 0.46 0.34 $ 56.38 SL Re ...... QR 0.0275 QR 0.0281 YTD% 0.46 18.36 Straits Times/D 3365.15 -0.96 -0.03 3387.84 2953.01 Taka ...... QR 0.0463 QR 0.0473 Volume 6,077,895 13,368,051 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0358 QR 0.0365 Value (QAR) 194,454,718.45 528,284,348.13 Straits Times/D 3290.99 -1.82 -0.06 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3118 QR 0.3179 Trades 3,995 6,884 $ 52.62 Up 11 | Down 25 | Unchanged 03 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 04-01-2015

Treasuries rally as yield at highest since 1999

BY DANIEL KRUGER & Co. US 10-year yields sank Supply Management’s factory will stay flatter longer than people major peers, reaching $1.2001 per purchases by the ECB and the 14 basis points, or 0.14 percent- index for December sank to a six- would have anticipated.” euro, the strongest since June Bank of Japan are likely to fuel reasuries rose for age point, to 2.11 percent this month low of 55.5, from 58.7 in FTN, which was the most accu- 2010. Treasuries gained as their demand for fixed income this the first time in week in New York, according to November, data from the Tempe, rate forecaster of the 10-year note relative value versus European year that may exceed issuance three weeks as US Bloomberg Bond Trader data. Arizona-based group showed. in 2014, is calling for the security’s peers bolstered demand. The US by $600bn, more than previously manufacturing fell They touched 2.10 percent, the Figures greater than 50 indicate yield to reach 2.75 percent by the 10-year note’s yield advantage estimated, bolstering bond prices, more than forecast least since Dec. 127. The price of growth. A Bloomberg survey pro- end of this year, versus a 3.01 per- over Group of Seven peers’ aver- according to JPMorgan Chase & Tand European Central Bank the 2.25 percent securities due jected a reading of 57.5. cent median prediction of 76 firms age touched 103 basis points yes- Co. ECB and BOJ buying will off- President Mario Draghi signaled November 2024 gained 1 7/32, or “The market was ready for surveyed by Bloomberg. terday, the most on a closing basis set the end of a purchase program policy makers are likely to start $12.19 per $1,000 face amount, to ISM orders to show some weak- Yields may face pressure to rise in eight years, before slipping to by the Fed last year, the bank said. large-scale government-bond 101 7/32. ness, but probably not right out this month because January “is 98. The average over the past year The US unemployment rate fell purchases. Thirty-year bond yields of the gate,” said Jim Vogel, head a point when people put on risk, is 69 basis points. to 5.7 percent in December, the US 10-year note yields dropped 13 basis points to 2.69 of agency-debt research at FTN which in this environment would German 10-year bund yields lowest since June 2008, econo- approached the highest level in 15 percent and touched 2.68 percent, Financial in Memphis, Tennessee. mean adding risk assets rather slid to a record 0.49 percent mists surveyed by Bloomberg fore- years against their German peers, the least since December 16. “Perhaps the initial backwards than adding significant weight yesterday. The spread between cast before the Labor Department stoking demand. The yield curve, Treasuries gained 6.2 percent in step related to lower oil prices to Treasuries,” said Ian Lyngen, German and US 10-year yields reports the data on January 9. the difference between Treasury 2014, according to the Bloomberg and production here in the US a government-bond strategist was 1.61 percentage points, after Employers added 240,000 jobs, two- and 30-year yields, flattened US Treasury Bond Index, buoyed is coming sooner than people at CRT Capital Group LLC in reaching 1.67 percentage points economists projected. to almost the least since January by a global slowdown and low anticipated.” Stamford, Connecticut. “There on December 24, the widest since The Fed has maintained the 2009 amid a slump in oil and spec- inflation, after losing 3.4 percent Crude oil dropped to the lowest are a lot of potential headwinds June 1999. Draghi, in an inter- benchmark interest-rate target ulation the Federal Reserve will the previous year. since May 2009, damping the out- facing the global economy, and view published yesterday in the in a range of zero to 0.25 per- raise interest rates this year. A The yield curve flattened to look for inflation. Crude reached the fact that we’re a high-yield- German newspaper Handelsblatt, cent since 2008 to support the report next week may show U.S. 202 basis points yesterday after $52.03 a barrel in New York. ing currency compared to other sent his strongest signal yet that economy. Policy makers have unemployment fell to a 6 1/2-year touching 201 basis points on “In the first quarter, there will major sovereign-bond markets the central bank is likely to start been supported by persistently low. “We could continue to see December 23. Shorter-term debt be a far more serious discussion is meaningful and will provide a large-scale government-bond low inflation. The Fed’s preferred demand from Europe as well as is more sensitive to Fed policy, about where oil is going to end bit of a cap if we see any signifi- purchases by saying there’s a price gauge, a measure tied to domestically in terms of safety, while longer-term securities are up,” Vogel said. “To the extent cant back-up in rates,” Lyngen risk of deflation in the euro area. personal consumption expendi- quality and relative value,” said more sensitive to inflation. there is less demand for lower- said. CRT forecasts the 10-year Policy makers “have to act against tures, has stayed below the cen- Larry Milstein, managing direc- The 10-year yield dropped six priced oil than people thought, Treasury yield will rise to 2.55 such risk,” even if the risk is lim- tral bank’s 2 percent inflation tor in New York of government- basis points, the most in three then we’re in for another difficult percent this year. The dollar ited, Draghi said. The ECB next target for more than 2 1/2 years. debt trading at R.W. Pressprich weeks, after the Institute for four-to-five months. The back end climbed this week against all 16 meets January 22. Sovereign-bond BLOOMBERG MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Qatar Olympic team gears up for twin challenges of Rio Olympics qualifiers and Under-23 Gulf Cup

Qatar Olympic team players training in Doha yesterday ahead of the Under-23 Gulf Cup. Six teams will participate in the tournament which will be held from January 16 to 26 in Bahrain. Qatar are in Group A along with, Kuwait, and United Arab Emirates. Group B includes hosts Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Qatar play Kuwait in their first match on January 18. The Qatar Under-23 team is hoping to make it for the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. Qatar have played a number of friendlies in the past few months against teams like Brazil, Senegal, Macedonia, Algeria, Ghana, Sweden and Slovakia to build a competitive side for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers, which start in March this year. RIGHT: Coach Fahad Thani.

Qatar to play NFL: Ravens flatten Portugal in Doha friendly

DOHA: Qatar’s handball team Steelers to advance will face Portugal in a friendly international match at Lusail Hall today. The match is part of the Newton stars as Panthers down Cards Qatari team preparation for the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship due to be held CHARLOTTE: Quarterback their next opponent. Reigning in Doha from January 15 to Cam Newton’s two touchdown NFL Play-off Results Super Bowl champions Seattle February 1. passes and a stellar effort from WASHINGTON: Results yesterday in the first and Green Bay await this week- Qatar participated in the eighth the Carolina defence lifted the round of the National Football League playoffs: end’s NFC winners. Newton international friendly tournament Panthers to a 27-16 NFL play-off National Football Conference connected on touchdown passes that was held in Doha a week ago, victory over Arizona yesterday. at Charlotte with Fozzy Whittaker and Mike where it beat Serbia 27-26 and In the first game of the post- Carolina 27 Arizona 16 Tolbert in the third quarter as the Russia 33-22. season, the Panthers advanced in American Football Conference Panthers erased a 14-13 halftime Qatar will face Brazil, Chile, the National Football Conference, deficit. Carolina’s defense made Slovenia, Belarus, and Spain in the at Pittsburgh dashing the Cardinals’ hopes of sure the lead held up, limiting the preliminary group stage matches reaching the February 1 Super Baltimore 30 Pittsburgh 17 injury-depleted Arizona offense to of the 24th Men’s Handball World Bowl in their home stadium. the end zone to seal the outcome. 12 yards and two first downs in Championship QNA In American Football The Steelers had won four the second half. With third-string Conference action, the Baltimore straight home play-off games, quarterback Ryan Lindley at the Ravens, who just sneaked into the but the injury absence of running helm, the Cardinals notched a Jagr becomes play-offs, marched into Pittsburgh back LeVeon Bell left them with mere 78 net yards for the game and beat the Steelers 30-17. no real ground attack. -- the fewest by one team in a oldest to score Although both teams put up Ben Tate, signed just this week, playoff game in NFL history. club-record numbers in points and rookie Josh Harris combined The previous record low was NHL hat-trick and yardage this season, yester- for 44 yards on the ground in the 86 yards amassed by Cleveland day’s game was a classic Ravens- place of Bell, who hyperextended in a loss to the Giants in 1958. Steelers clash, with defense his right knee in a win over “Wow,” Panthers safety Roman NEWARK, United States: playing a pivotal role. Cincinnati in their regular-sea- Harper said of the stat. “It’s kind Jaromir Jagr’s first hat-trick in Baltimore sacked Steelers son finale. The Ravens will have of crazy to think we did that.” almost nine years gave him a quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to win on the road again next Both of Arizona’s touchdowns record he joked he wasn’t sure five times and forced two inter- week to advance, when they travel came on short drives in the wake he wanted: oldest player in NHL ceptions in the fourth quarter. to New England to take on the of Carolina turnovers. Lindley history to net three goals in one Ravens quarterback Joe Patriots in the second round. threw a touchdown pass to game. Flacco threw two touchdown The Denver Broncos, who like Darren Fells in the second quar- The Czech pulled off the feat passes, including one to Crockett the Pats enjoyed a first-round bye, ter, but was intercepted twice at 42 years, 322 days -- he’ll be Gillmore that gave the Ravens a will face the winners of Sunday’s and finished with just 82 yards. 43 on February 15 -- leading the 30-15 lead with less than eight game between Cincinnati and Newton, still feeling the effects New Jersey Devils to a 5-2 win minutes to play. Indianapolis. of the back injury he suffered in a Baltimore Ravens’ tight end Crockett Gillmore (80) pulls in a reception over the Philadelphia Flyers A holding penalty cost the In the NFC, the Panthers must December 9 car crash, completed and runs 21 yards into the endzone for a touchdown in the fourth quarter yesterday. Steelers a touchdown on the wait for the outcome of yester- 18 of his 32 passing attempts for of the 30-17 win during an AFC Wild Card game over the Pittsburgh NHL icon Gordie Howe held ensuing drive, and a pass from day’s first-round game between 198 yards with one interception. Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, yesterday. the prior mark with a hat-trick Roethlisberger was picked off in Detroit and Dallas to confirm AFP at the age of 41. Jagr also crept closer to Phil Esposito (717) on the league’s all- time goals list, finishing the night with 714 career tallies. “I like to score a hat-trick but I don’t like to be the oldest guy. Spurs stop rot with win over Wizards I don’t want to be the oldest,” quipped Jagr, a 1998 Olympic SAN ANTONIO: NBA cham- included a running reverse layup gold medallist who announced in pions San Antonio, still depleted NBA Results that put the Spurs up 98-88 May he was calling time on his by injury but hoping to put a Charlotte 98 Orlando 90 with 2:33 remaining, a lead they international career after the disappointing December behind Chicago 109 Boston 104 wouldn’t relinquish. Czechs fell 3-0 to Sweden in the them, defeated Washington 101- Houston 115 Miami 79 Meanwhile, Lakers’ super- bronze medal match of the World Boston 92 yesterday in their first game Utah 101 Minnesota 89 star Kobe Bryant says European Championships. Celtics’ of 2015. San Antonio 101 Washington 92 youth basketball coaches are Jagr recorded his 15th NHL Canadian point guard Cory doing a better job of teaching the hat-trick and first since March guard Evan Denver 114 Memphis 85 Turner Joseph scored 17 of his 19 points game’s fundamentals than their 22, 2006, when he scored all three in the first half and French big Atlanta 115 Portland 107 US counterparts, and the results goals for the Rangers in a 6-3 loss (right) man Boris Diaw scored 12 of his LA Clippers 127 Philadelphia 91 show in the NBA. to the Flyers at Madison Square shoots over 14 in the second as the Spurs ral- Washington built their first- Bryant, speaking after the Garden. Chicago lied for the win. half lead to 51-41 after French Lakers’ 109-106 loss to the Yesterday, Scott Gomez added Bulls’ cen- Brazil’s Tiago Splitter added center Kevin Seraphin’s three- Memphis Grizzlies on Friday a goal and two assists and Patrick tre Joakim 16 points and Aussie Patty Mills point play with 6:50 left in the night, said that players such as Elias scored the other goal for the Noah in chipped in 15 for the Spurs, whose second quarter. the Grizzlies’ Spanish big man Devils, who won for only the third the sec- 8-10 record in December marked But a 6-0 scoring run helped Marc Gasol -- and his brother time in their last 13 games. ond half of the club’s first losing month since San Antonio make it 58-58 at Pau -- have been given a better AFP their NBA February 1999. halftime, with Joseph beating background in basketball basics. game at San Antonio got January off to the buzzer to end the half with a “In America, it’s a big prob- NHL Results the United a better start despite still miss- turn-around jump shot. lem for us,” Bryant said, in Ottawa 3 Boston 2 Center in ing small forward Kawhi Leonard The third quarter followed a comments reported by the Los Nashville 7 Los Angeles 6 with a hand injury and French similar pattern to the second, Angeles Times. “We’re not teach- Chicago, New Jersey 5 Philadelphia 2 point guard Tony Parker with a with the Wizards building a lead ing players how to play all-around Illinois, NY Rangers 6 Buffalo 1 USA, sore hamstring. and the Spurs fighting back. basketball. Montreal 4 Pittsburgh 1 yesterday. John Wall and Bradley Beal led The Wizards had taken a 73-66 “That’s why you have Pau six Wizards players in double fig- lead when Diaw caught fire, mak- and you have Marc and the Winnipeg 5 Toronto 1 ures with 15 points each. ing three straight baskets and reason why 90 percent of the Dallas 7 Minnesota 1 But Washington fell to 1-3 assisting on a shot by Marco (San Antonio) Spurs roster are Arizona 6 Columbus 3 on their five-game Western Belinelli that put the Spurs ahead. European players, because they Vancouver 4 Detroit 1 Conference road trip which con- Diaw stayed strong in the have more skills.” St Louis 7 San Jose 2 cludes at New Orleans on Monday. fourth, when his six points AGENCIES MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Bradman record Kohli’s Sangakkara double ton has Sangakarra aggression reconsidering adds spice to retirement WELLINGTON: Sri Lankan final Test gives Sri Lanka control great Kumar Sangakkara is reconsidering retirement SYDNEY: Virat Kohli’s press- plans after his 203 against ing task as the new Test skip- Visitors recover to finish second day with 135-run lead New Zealand yesterday put per is to arrest India’s woeful him one behind Australian away record, starting with legend Don Bradman for the tomorrow’s final Test against WELLINGTON: Kumar most double centuries. Australia in Sydney. Sangakkara provided a cricket The 37-year-old had indi- Kohli assumed the mantle as master class yesterday with an cated the second Test in India’s new captain following exquisite 203 to lift Sri Lanka Wellington could be his last the sudden Test retirement of off the ropes and put them in with the intention of retiring Mahendra Singh Dhoni after last command of the second Test from all international cricket week’s Melbourne Test, opening against New Zealand. after the World Cup which debate on whether his aggressive It was the 10th highest score starts next month. approach will energise the team. of Sangakkara’s illustrious Test But after scoring his 11th India have already lost the career and the 11th time he has double hundred yesterday, Border-Gavaskar Trophy with reached 200, putting him one Sangakkara said the lure of Australia holding an unassailable behind Australian legend Don overtaking Bradman’s record 2-0 lead heading into the fourth Bradman for the most double of 12 double tons meant he may Test, but there is much interest in tons. extend his career. how Kohli’s volatility will impact Sri Lanka were all out for 356, “I would love to,” he said, on the team’s fortunes. a 135-run lead, and at stumps in reflecting on the impact his India have won only one of their second innings New Zealand seven-hour innings had on a their last 22 Tests overseas and were 22 without loss with Hamish match where he engineered have been successful in only one Rutherford on 12 and Tom Sri Lanka’s recovery from 78 of their 10 Tests at the Sydney Latham on nine. for five to 356 all out and a first Cricket Ground, that sole victory The prolific knock was enough innings lead of 135. coming 37 years ago. to make Sangakkara reconsider “It just depends on how eve- Kohli has been tagged a fire- retirement plans, saying the rything pans out after this brand, a “spoilt brat” but has been idea of overtaking Bradman was World Cup. It’s really hard to long viewed as the natural succes- attractive. predict what will happen and sor of Dhoni, who was the most “I would love to,” he said, add- what my thoughts will be at the successful Test-match skipper in ing a final decision on his future end of the World Cup about my India’s history. would be made after the World future. Now that Dhoni has moved on, Cup starting in New Zealand and “I’ve had a chat with the (Sri India’s immediate Test future lies Australia next month. Lanka) selectors and promised in Kohli’s hands and it will be a “It’s nice to get big ones espe- them I will really have a chat fascinating sub-plot to this week’s cially in a game situation like this, and reconsider to see whether Sydney Test. to come back into the game from there is a few more months of Australia will be weakened by being 78-5. cricket in me Test-wise.” the loss of ICC Cricketer of the Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara (left) is congratulated by New Zealand’s Ross Taylor as he walks off the field after Sangakkara, the most pro- Year and pace spearhead Mitchell being dismissed on day two of the second Test match, at the Basin Reserve in Wellington yesterday. Scoreboard lific Test batsman in the world Johnson (pictured) with ham- “The idea was to punish the Sangakkara, who unusually Sangakkara had an admirable last year with 1,493 runs, began string trouble, opening the way New Zealand (I innings): ...... 221 loose bowling. When they are failed twice in the first Test, partner in Dinesh Chandimal. this year by becoming the fifth for Kohli and his other in-form Sri Lanka (I innings): constantly put under pressure who appeared determined not Determined not to waste his player, and the fastest, to reach team-mates Murali Vijay and D Karunaratne c Neesham b Boult ...... 16 to keep bowling those good balls to go cheaply again as Sri Lanka recall to the side, Chandimal 12,000 Test runs. Ajinkya Rahane to get among the K Silva b Bracewell ...... 5 and the moment when they resumed at 78 for five, 143 in shared a 130-run partnership He crossed that threshold runs again. K Sangakkara c Boult b Neesham ...... 203 make a mistake if that ball goes arrears. with Sangakkara for the sixth when he reached five against All are averaging above 58 in L Thirimanne c McCullum b Bracewell ...... 0 for a boundary that changes Sangakkara put away his wicket. New Zealand on Saturday in this series, A Mathews c Watling b Southee ...... 15 momentum.” attacking instinct as he patiently He posted 1,000 runs in Tests his 129th Test, and went on to with Kohli P Jayawardene c Neesham b Bracewell .....6 New Zealand wicketkeeper B J led his side out of trouble taking on his way to 67, his sixth Test half score another 198 runs before match- D Chandimal c Watling b Neesham ...... 67 Watling, who had a close up view 191 balls to reach his 38th Test century, his innings ending when he was the ninth wicket to fall. ing his D Prasad c Watling b Neesham ...... 11 of Sangakkara’s innings described century cutting Mark Craig for he edged a full Neesham delivery Of his 200-plus innings, five Australian R Herath c Watling b Boult ...... 15 it as “a demonstration of how to three. and was caught by Watling. have been away from home counter- S Lakmal st Watling b Craig ...... 5 play by a world class player”. With a three off Neesham in Neesham and Watling com- to equal the record held by part Steve N Pradeep (not out) ...... 0 “He showed how good he is.” the next over he led Sri Lanka bined again to remove Dhammika Bradman, Len Hutton and Smith with Extras (LB-4, W-6, NB-3) ...... 13 Sangakkara, who early in his past New Zealand’s 221 with four Prasad for 11 to have Sri Lanka Brian Lara. three cen- Total (all out) ...... 356 innings became the fifth and fast- wickets to spare and then dra- 242 for 7. He is now fourth on the turies, and Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-25, 3-29, 4-58, est player to reach 12,000 Test matically lifted the tempo as the Rangana Herath added 15 list of century-makers with only brit- 5-78, 6-208, 7-242, 8-189, 9-356, 10-356. runs, batted for nearly seven bowlers tired in the final session. before was caught by Watling off 38, behind India’s Sachin tle tail-end Bowling: Boult 24-3-75-2 (2w); Southee hours and faced 306 deliveries. As Sri Lanka put their nose in Boult. Suranga Lakmal scored Tendulkar (51), South Africa’s batting has 26-3-87-1; Bracewell 24-2-93-3 (3nb, 3w); It took a stunning catch by front after 74 overs Sangakkara five of the 67 runs for the ninth Jacques Kallis (45) and been the Neesham 11-0-42-3 (1w); Craig 17.1-3-55- Trent Boult diving high to his left had a century including seven wicket posted with Sangakkara. Australia’s Ricky Ponting (41). key differ- 1. at point to send Sangakkara back boundaries to his name. The innings closed with Among the top echelon of ence between the two sides. New Zealand (II innings): to the shed after he slashed at a When he was dismissed just 28 Lakmal’s stumping to give Test batsmen, Sangakkara’s “Captains have their own per- T Latham (batting) ...... 9 loose Jimmy Neesham delivery. overs later, he had contributed Watling a hand in five dismissals. average of 58.92 is second only sonalities and the best ones make H Rutherford (batting) ...... 12 After New Zealand dominated 103 of the next 134 runs, add- For New Zealand, Neesham was to Bradman. players adapt to their thinking Extras (W-1) ...... 1 the first day when 15 wickets fell, ing a further 11 fours and three the most successful bowler on day “The desire is always there,” and methods,” India team direc- Total (for no loss) ...... 22 their frontline seamers Boult, sixes as he despatched the New two with three for 42 while Doug Sangakkara said as he weighed tor Ravi Shastri said. Bowling: Lakmal 4-0-9-0 (1w); Pradeep Tim Southee and Doug Bracewell Zealand bowlers to all points of Bracewell finished with three for up the statistics against “That’s his personality. He is 2-0-5-0; Herath 3-0-6-0; Prasad 2-0-2-0. never looked strong on day two. the ground. 93 without adding to the trio of thoughts of retirement. AFP aggressive, passionate and wears It was master batsman For much of the day wickets he took Saturday. AFP his heart on his sleeve. But he’s also prepared to walk the talk. “Remember also, he’s only 26 Bangladesh pick and still getting used to captaincy. De Villiers gives South Africa the edge With a little luck, the (series) Sarkar in World scoreline could well have been CAPE TOWN: A century by reverse sweep in an over from off- different. This is a young team Cup squad AB de Villiers and two early spinner Marlon Samuels which that has acquitted itself very strikes by the bowlers gave yielded 14 runs. creditably.” DHAKA: All-rounder Soumya South Africa the edge on the His 21st Test century — and Johnson believes Kohli will Sarkar, who made his debut third day of the third and final his sixth against the West Indies bring a fresh, aggressive approach against Zimbabwe last month, Test against the West Indies at — was made off 144 balls with 11 to the way India plays cricket. has been rewarded for his strong Newlands yesterday. fours. “It could be quite interest- domestic performance with a De Villiers was last man out for As he ran out of partners, with ing because they’re not known spot in Bangladesh’s 15-man 148 as South Africa were bowled two men run out, he hit a six off for that aggressive type of play,” World Cup squad. out for 421, a lead of 92. Samuels before being caught at Johnson said. The 21-year-old Sarkar played South Africa then dismissed wide long-on attempting to clear “He’ll definitely be an aggres- his only one-day international both West Indian openers before the boundary again. His innings sive type of captain I think in the in the final match of the five- Leon Johnson and Marlon lasted for 194 balls and he hit 15 way he sets fields, and I think ODI series against Zimbabwe in Samuels took the tourists to 88 fours and a six. you’ll see a lot different to what Dhaka, which the hosts won 5-0. for two at the close, four runs De Villiers was involved in MS (Dhoni) did. Besides Sarkar, who has scored behind. two significant partnerships, 97 “He’s an interesting character. heavily in the ongoing Dhaka De Villiers started the day with for the fourth wicket with cap- He is a fierce competitor and he Premier Division competition, an array of attacking strokes, but tain Hashim Amla, who made 63, really does like to get involved in left-arm spinner Taijul Islam he was forced to change gears and 96 for the sixth wicket with it all.” and attacking batsman Sabbir when captain Hashim Amla Stiaan van Zyl (33). Kohli skippered India for the Rahman also made their debuts was caught behind and Temba Amla was dismissed by the first time in the first Test in against Zimbabwe and were Bavuma followed soon after the first delivery sent down after a Adelaide when Dhoni was recov- named in the World Cup party. second new ball was taken. ball change in the 76th over, with South Africa’s AB de Villiers ering from a fractured thumb. “We have tried to select a bal- He accelerated again on either Jason Holder getting extra bounce plays a shot during the third Australia’s vice-captain Brad anced team,” Bangladesh chief side of lunch as South Africa with the replacement ball to have day of the third Test against Haddin said there might be some selector Faruque Ahmed told moved closer and then passed the Amla caught behind. the West Indies in Cape Town pointers from the Adelaide Test reporters yesterday. West Indian total and reached his It was a day of toil for the yesterday. as to how Kohli will handle things “So, we have enrolled a few all- hundred with his third audacious West Indian bowlers in front of a at the SCG. rounders into the squad.” capacity crowd but they bowled Off-spinner Simon Harmer “I think what happened in Bangladesh will be led by fast Scoreboard with discipline and kept the also struck in his first over, bowl- Adelaide was we won the big bowler Mashrafe Mortaza while scoring under control for the ing Brathwaite with a ball which moments,” Haddin said. all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has West Indies (I innings): ...... 329 Fall of wickets: 1-48, 2-112, 3-157, 4-254, most part with defensive field turned back sharply as the bats- “It was a good game and there been named vice-captain. South Africa (I innings): 5-288, 6-384, 7-385, 8-404, 9-408. placing. man went back on his stumps, were some outstanding perform- The Cricket World Cup will A Petersen (run out-Blackwood) ...... 42 Bowling: Taylor 20-2-80-1 (1nb; 1w); Gabriel Holder and Samuels took two reducing the West Indies to 27 ances from Kohli and a few of the be staged in Australia and New D Elgar lbw Holder ...... 8 17-2-64-1 (7nb, 3w); Holder 24-4-87-2 (2nb; wickets each, while there were for two. Indian batsmen.” Zealand from Feb. 14 to March 29. F du Plessis st Ramdin b Benn ...... 68 1w); Samuels 16.4-0-68-2; Benn 45-9-115-1. three run-outs, two of them direct Brathwaite survived a chance The Sydney Test will also REUTERS H Amla c Ramdin b Holder ...... 63 West Indies (II innings): hits by Jermaine Blackwood and three balls earlier when De be played against the poignant A de Villiers c Gabriel b Samuels ...... 148 K Brathwaite b Harmer ...... 16 Leon Johnson. Villiers could not hold a sharp backdrop of the Phillip Hughes T Bavuma b Gabriel ...... 15 D Smith c De Villiers b Morkel ...... 7 As they had in the first innings, edge off the spinner. tragedy. Squad S van Zyl lbw b Samuels ...... 33 L Johnson (batting) ...... 37 West Indian opening batsmen Samuels and Johnson survived Test batsman Hughes was V Philander (run out-Holder)...... 0 M Samuels (batting) ...... 26 Kraigg Brathwaite and Devon to the close, adding an unbeaten fatally struck by a short-pitched Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Soumya Sarkar, S Harmer lbw Taylor ...... 10 Extras (LB-2) ...... 2 Smith saw off the first spells of 61 for the third wicket. ball in a domestic game at the Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander. Samuels gave a difficult chance SCG in late November and sev- Rahim, Mahmudullah, Nasir Hossain, Sabbir D Steyn (run out-Johnson) ...... 0 Total (for 2 wkts) ...... 88 M Morkel (not out) ...... 4 Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-27. But the tall Morne Morkel pro- when he had 13, clipping Steyn to eral of his close cricketing friends Rahman, Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Taskin duced a breakthrough in his first mid-on where Morkel dived full on the field that fateful day will Ahmed, Al-Amin Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Extras (LB-7, NB-10, W-13) ...... 30 Bowling: Steyn 10-2-31-0; Philander 9-3-17- Total (all out) ...... 421 0; Morkel 6-3-10-1; Harmer 9-4-28-1. over when Smith gloved a legside length to his right but could not be returning to the scene during Arafat Sunny, Taijul Islam catch to wicketkeeper De Villiers. hold on. AFP this week’s Test. AFP MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Lille out of French Cup at first hurdle

PARIS: Lille suffered more go to fourth-tier Grenoble on disappointment in a frustrat- Sunday night, while Lyon are ing season on Saturday as they at Lens, Monaco go to Ligue 2 were knocked out of the French Nimes and holders Guingamp Cup at the first hurdle by Ligue take on Brittany neighbours 1 rivals Bastia. Dinan-Lehon. A first-half brace by Floyd PSG are in action on Monday Ayite gave the hosts a 2-0 victory away to Montpellier, who won 2-1 in Corsica and sent Lille, already when the teams met at the Parc eliminated from Europe and lan- des Princes in the last 32 a year guishing in the bottom half in the ago. AFP league, packing. Rene Girard’s side were not the only top-flight team to be French Cup knocked out in the round of 64 on Saturday, with Nice being beaten Results 2-0 at Ligue 2 Valenciennes on the Round of 64 day they announced an agreement to sign France winger Hatem Ben Epinal 1 (Touati 11) Metz 2 (Milan 15, N’Daw 50) Arfa. Meanwhile, Lorient were Bordeaux 2 (Toure 10-pen, Traore 71) beaten 1-0 away at third-tier Toulouse 1 (Ben Yedder 84-pen) side Avranches in Normandy, Lens 2 (El-Jadeyaoui 76-pen, Coulibaly 90) Lyon 3 (Fekir 5, Lacazette 14-pen, Dabo 30) Real Madrid’s Welsh forward Gareth Bale lies in the goal during a La Liga match against Valencia CF at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia yesterday. but Evian, Reims and Nantes all won against opponents from the Saint-Etienne 1 (Tabanou 97) Nancy 0 sixth tier. Nimes 0 Monaco 2 (Silva 33, Germain 90+5) Nantes emerged 4-0 winners at Dinan-Lehon 0 Guingamp 3 (Beauvue 51, 64, home against Club Franciscain, Pied 81) who were attempting to become Dunkirk 1 (Aabiza 3) Rennes 2 (Doucoure 2, the first side from the French 27) Valencia break Real’s Caribbean island of Martinique Playing later to reach the last 32. 22-match winning run Ligue 1 leaders Marseille Grenoble vs Marseille Barragan and Otamendi score as Ronaldo nails penalty

MADRID: Valencia came from However, they couldn’t convert and the visitors were fortunate to Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti behind to snap Real Madrid’s that enthusiasm into chances see Andre Gomes’s deflected shot reacted by withdrawing Bale winning streak at 22 games and and instead went behind on 19 come back off the post in the last and the ineffective James blow the La Liga title race wide minutes when Alvaro Negredo action of the opening period. Rodriguez for Sami Khedira open with a 2-1 win at Mestalla handled Gareth Bale’s flick on Valencia also started the sec- and Jese Rodriguez, while Javier yesterday. from Toni Kroos’s free-kick and ond-half in the ascendency as Hernandez replaced Karim Cristiano Ronaldo’s first-half Ronaldo duly stepped up to fire Gomes sent another shot flying Benzema shortly afterwards. penalty had the visitors on course home his 33rd goal of the season inches wide, but they were finally The European champions ral- for a four-point lead at the top, from the penalty spot. rewarded when Pepe this time lied in the final 15 minutes, but but Valencia roared back after the The World Player of the Year turned a low drive from Barragan couldn’t find an equaliser as break with goals from Antonio should have doubled his tally and past the helpless Iker Casillas. Ramos sent a header inches wide Barragan and Nicolas Otamendi his side’s lead 12 minutes later Bale had a great chance to before Alves denied Isco with a Atletico Madrid’s Fernando Torres poses during his presentation ceremony to move back above Sevilla into when Bale’s deflected cross fell restore Madrid’s lead when he brilliant save from point-blank at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid yesterday. fourth. perfectly into his path, but after galloped in behind the Valencia range and Otamendi cleared the Madrid now lead Barcelona rounding Diego Alves, Ronaldo defence seven minutes later, how- danger before a Madrid player by just a point with both sides could only turn the ball into the ever the Welshman was denied could pounce on the rebound. having played 16 games, but the side-netting with the goal gaping. by a fine saving challenge from AFP Catalans could move to the top A slew of yellow cards then Otamendi. Torres keen for titles with victory over Real Sociedad in followed as referee Jesus Gil And just moments later, the a match that was scheduled later Manzano dished out seven book- Argentine centre-back was the La Liga Results yesterday. ings inside the opening 45 min- star at the other end of the pitch Getafe 1 (Vazquez 3) Rayo Vallecano 2 after hero’s welcome Roared on by a vociferous home utes, but the lack of flow seemed as he towered above Ramos to (Jozabed 39, Baena 64) support, Valencia started with the to benefit Valencia as they ended power a header high past Casillas. Valencia 2 (Barragan 52, Otamendi 65) Real same intensity that had rocked the half the stronger. Barragan should have given the MADRID: Fernando Torres have changed too. At 24 I real- Madrid 1 (Ronaldo 14-pen) Atletico Madrid and Barcelona on Barragan should have done bet- hosts a two-goal cushion when has targeted trophies to add to ised something very hard, that I their visits to Mestalla previously ter when he fired straight at Pepe he shot wide with just Casillas to Playing later the love of the Atletico Madrid needed to leave so that the club this season. when well-placed inside the area beat at the end of a lovely move. Espanyol vs Eibar, Real Sociedad vs Barcelona faithful after he was presented and I could grow. in front of 45,000 fans at the “It was the most difficult Vicente Calderon yesterday. moment of my career. The club Torres was forced to watch has grown and time has proved PSG punish absent Lavezzi and Cavani from the stands as Atletico beat us right. I have also won trophies, Levante 3-1 on Saturday as his but I want to win trophies here.” PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain’s A furious Blanc, however, and support of the club” to sanc- culminated in a 1-0 friendly win move from AC Milan cannot Ironically as Atletico’s status attacking duo Ezequiel Lavezzi declined to give details of the tion the players. over Inter Milan and neither be officially completed until the has soared in recent years, the and Edinson Cavani, who missed financial punishments meted out “I find it inadmissible and player appeared at the club’s Italian transfer window opened Spanish international has suf- the Ligue 1 side’s recent training on the pair. unacceptable,” said Blanc. “When first training session of the new today. fered a long-term slump. camp in Morocco, have received “We could have done without you’re in a sports club, a collective year at the club’s base in the Paris However, El Nino, who cap- The 30-year-old failed to live financial and sporting sanctions this, it comes at a bad time,” said project, once you put a personal suburbs. tained Atletico before leaving for up to his price tag as the most from the club, coach Laurent Blanc. project before the group, it puts They both claimed they Liverpool in 2007, is set to make expensive signing in British foot- Blanc said yesterday. “We summonsed, Olivier the group in danger. I detest that. had been delayed by family his second debut for the club ball history when he swapped The South American duo will (Letang, PSG’s sporting director) Once you meddle with the group commitments. against arch rivals Real Madrid in Liverpool for Chelsea in 2011 train away from the group until and myself, Cavani and Lavezzi. and the team, I can become nasty Blanc has vowed to toughen the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. for £50 million despite adding next Saturday and will miss We had explanations and follow- and unforgiving.” “discipline” within the squad “Off the pitch I have been the Champions League, Europa the next two games — a French ing that the club took financial Uruguayan Cavani and with PSG sitting in third place in through many things. On a per- League and FA Cup to the two Cup tie against Montpellier and sporting sanctions.” Argentine Lavezzi were notable Ligue 1, behind Lyon and leaders sonal level I am more mature and European Championships and on Monday and a Ligue 1 clash Former France international absentees from a winter train- Marseille, at the season’s halfway very happy to be here,” he said. World Cup he won with Spain. against Bastia on January 10. Blanc said he had “the backing ing camp in Morocco which stage. AFP “On the sporting level things AFP Big guns go through, Blades cut down QPR

LONDON: Chelsea, Manchester scare by second-tier Sheffield “I had expected this,” Van Gaal United and Manchester City Wednesday before coming through said. “It is always difficult to play English FA Cup reached the FA Cup fourth 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium thanks against a team like this, who play round yesterday, but third-tier to a 91st-minute winner from long balls. You have to fight and Results Sheffield United confirmed their James Milner. they gave us a lot of pressure,” the cup pedigree by winning 3-0 at Wednesday had lost 7-0 at City Dutchman said. Aston Villa 1 (Benteke Queens Park Rangers. in the League Cup in September, Chelsea enjoyed a rather more 88) Blackpool 0; Chelsea Nigel Clough’s League One but they took a 14th-minute straightforward victory, winning 3 (Willian 58, Remy 70, side, who reached last season’s lead through Atdhe Nuhiu, only 3-0 at home to second-division Zouma 72) Watford 0; Dover semi-finals and face Tottenham for Milner, on his 29th birthday, Watford courtesy of second-half Athletic 0 Crystal Palace Hotspur in the last four of this to equalise in the 66th minute strikes by Willian, Loic Remy and 4 (Dann 10, 34, Gayle 68, season’s League Cup, won via before snatching a last-gasp Kurt Zouma. Doyle 87); Manchester a Marc McNulty goal and a winner. It could prove a positive omen City 2 (Milner 66, 90+1) second-half brace from Jamal City’s cross-town rivals for Jose Mourinho’s side, as Sheffield Wednesday 1 Campbell-Ryce. Manchester United also recorded Chelsea beat Watford en route to (Nuhiu 14); Queens Park QPR, whose manager, Harry a hard-fought victory over lower- glory in the competition in 1970, Rangers 0 Sheffield United Redknapp, made seven changes league opposition, winning 2-0 at 2009 and 2010. 3 (McNulty 36, Campbell- to his starting XI, became the sec- third-tier Yeovil Town. Southampton were taken to Ryce 49, 90+4); Southampton ond top-flight team to be knocked United manager Louis van a replay by Championship side 1 (Schneiderlin 33) Ipswich out in the third round following Gaal named a strong side featur- Ipswich Town after a 1-1 draw Town 1 (Ambrose 19); Stoke Newcastle United’s 1-0 loss at ing Wayne Rooney and Radamel at St Mary’s, while it took a City 3 (Arnautovic 80, Leicester City on Saturday. Falcao for his first FA Cup tie, stunning late strike by Christian Ireland 88, 90+4) Wrexham 1 “We know we can come and but had to wait until the 64th Benteke for Aston Villa to (Carrington 73); Sunderland compete with top teams,” said minute for Ander Herrera to put overcome second-tier Blackpool 1 (Van Aanholt 33) Leeds Sheffield United first-team coach the visitors in front with a looping 1-0. United 0; Yeovil Town Chris Morgan. 20-yard shot. Holders Arsenal were sched- 0 Manchester United 2 “It’s great to have a run in the Yeovil continued to press, but uled to enter the competition (Herrera 64, Di Maria 90) cup — great for supporters and United killed the game off in the later yesterday against Hull City Chelsea’s Didier Drogba complains to referee Kevin Friend that his shirt Playing later has been pulled during an English FA Cup match at White Hart Lane in for the revenue of the club.” last minute when Rooney freed at home in a repeat of last sea- London yesterday. Premier League joint-leaders substitute Angel di Maria to run son’s final, which Arsene Wenger’s Manchester City were given a through and chip home. side won 3-2. AFP Arsenal vs Hull City MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Nadal seeking wins ahead of Australian Open

BY RIZWAN REHMAT “If I’m able to win (a) couple of to be back playing against the competitive, but if the opponents matches, (it) will be fantastic for best players; to compete well feels that I’m not competitive and DOHA: For world number me. And then a week of practice from beginning is something they beat me, (they will feel) I’m three Rafael Nadal, prepara- before Australia can help me,” that almost never happened,” he not ready yet. tions for the season’s first Grand Nadal said. explained. “So we will see. Every match Slam in Australia begin in Doha “But if not, I am ready to accept “So I will try to make it as will be a test for me. Every this week. everything, to accept that I need quick as possible, but it’s normal moment will help, as I said Nadal launches the 2015 ATP time and I need to play with my that I’m going to need some time. before. I have the mental spirit Tour season at the $1.2m Qatar best attitude possible to be com- But I’m happy I’m practicing well (that) I always had. So now I need ExxonMobil Open, an event he petitive,” the second seed said. and working very hard. I’m doing to recover the tennis, I need to won exactly 12 months ago. “In general I think I am not the right things with the right recover the movements. All these The 28-year-old played lit- that bad. I hope to be competi- attitude. kind of things that only the com- tle tennis after Wimbledon last tive soon,” Nadal warned. “I hope to be ready to compete petition can give, you know. year and eventually missed the “With hard work every day, (I here (in Doha), and then if I am “I think I’m ready mentally to American hard-court season in will) try to improve a little bit able to spend some time on court, work for it, and I am doing (it). August and September due to every day to find the rhythm, to every moment on court will help And seriously I think the work injuries and health concerns. find the way that you really want me. (It) will be positive for my I did in Majorca was important. After regaining fitness, Nadal to play,” Nadal said in his pre- future, and for sure I will try to The work I am doing here will be appeared at an exhibition series event press conference yesterday. play the best tournament possi- important for the future, too. I in Abu Dhabi that ended on Nadal, who has won more than ble,” the popular Spaniard said. happy how I am. Saturday. $71m in career prize money, said For Nadal, it is important how “I play doubles tomorrow. “For me, as many matches as I his goal for 2015 is to regain top the opponent feels about the Every moment that I spend on can play,” Nadal said when asked form. 14-time Grand Slam champion court will be important, and then if Qatar results mattered in his “My goal is try to be competi- during a match. singles on Tuesday. We will see,” World number three Rafael Nadal gestures during the press conference build-up to the Australian Open. tive in every tournament that I “Doesn’t matter what I am feel- he conclued. Nadal opens his on the eve of the opening day of Qatar ExxonMobil Open, at the Khalifa “Every match (I play) means play,” Nadal said. ing, no? What the opponents feels Qatar ExxonMobil Open cam- Tennis Complex in Doha, yesterday. PICTURE BY: SALIM MATRAMKOT a lot and (playing in Doha) will “But I need small period of (is important),” Nadal explained. paign with a clash against a quali- be very important,” Nadal added. time. As I said before, it’s difficult “At the end, I can feel myself fier. THE PENINSULA Top three promise another gripping season of tennis Djokovic, Nadal eye title in Doha, Federer targets Brisbane triumph Switzerland’s Roger Federer, DOHA: Rafael Nadal and adopted a couple of years ago, and Martina Hingis laugh at a Novak Djokovic lead the Qatar something which has helped promotional event ahead of the ExxonMobil Open field from him, at 33, to remain a serious start of Brisbane International today while, 12,000km away in contender. tennis tournament, in Brisbane, Brisbane, Roger Federer starts Preserving his physical condi- yesterday. his 18th year on the tour as ten- tion is a precondition for Nadal nis heads for another gripping preserving his career as well, season. though he has mental repair work Today’s Order of The details of Nadal’s plan to as well. preserve his hopes of one day After missing the whole of the Play in Doha becoming the most successful 2014 American hard court season CENTER COURT start 3:30 pm player of all time may become and not competing since October clearer when he starts his title 24, the effect of these absences is S Bolelli (ITA) vs B Becker (GER) defence at Qatar. important. Not Before 5:30 pm Although the Spaniard is “It wasn’t a negative season in [6] R Gasquet (FRA) vs P Andujar (ESP) almost five years younger than terms of all results, it was nega- T Gabashvili (RUS) vs F Verdasco (ESP) Federer, and is only three Grand tive in terms of mentality because L Rosol (CZE) vs [7] I Karlovic (CRO) Slams behind his all-time record it was hard to accept that I wasn’t COURT 1 start 3:30 pm of 17, changing his goals and his able to compete for the whole schedule will be vital if he is to year,” nine-time French Open Qualifying - B Kavcic (SLO) vs R Ram (USA) surpass the Swiss genius. champion Nadal conceded. Not Before 5:30 pm After an appendectomy cut “There are only two or three I Dodig (CRO) vs [WC] M Safwat (EGY) short a 2014 season which also weeks left for the Australian After Suitable Rest - S Bolelli (ITA)/L Mayer brought problems with his back Open and I hope to arrive there (ARG) vs J Monaco (ARG)/R Nadal (ESP) and wrist, Nadal has accepted feeling well, but I’m aware two COURT 2 start 3:30 pm that stringent compromises are weeks might not be enough to be Qualifying - A Beck (GER) or M Bachinger required. back at a hundred percent.” (GER) vs M Berrer (GER) The wear and tear of more The Doha seedings suggest he D Brown (GER) vs P Lorenzi (ITA) than 850 matches has left Nadal should face world number one unable to sustain intense physical Djokovic in Saturday’s final, but After Suitable Rest - [WC] N Djokovic (SRB)/F pressure for long periods, and has a fever caused the world number Krajinovic (SRB) vs [WC] J Ali Mutawa (QAT)/M Jaziri (TUN) caused him to give up ambitions one’s withdrawal from the final An aerial view of the main court of Khalifa Tennis Complex in Doha which will play host to the Qatar ExxonMobil COURT 3 start 3:30 pm of ever again being world number of the weekend exhibition event Open starting from today. World number one Novak Djokovic and world number three Rafael Nadal are the top one. in Abu Dhabi. contenders to win the coveted tournament. The final of the tournament will be played on Saturday. Qualifying - F Krajinovic (SRB) vs N “That won’t be a goal in my It remains to be seen whether Basilashvili (GEO) career any more,” says Nadal, who he recovers enough to make his D Inglot (GBR)/F Mergea (ROU) vs D Istomin is currently ranked three behind first appearance in Doha. time both Djokovic’s state of mind compiled an ATP World Tour- which probably left him a small (UZB)/M Youzhny (RUS) Djokovic and Federer. Djokovic, who picked up his and Nadal’s physical fitness may best 73-12 match record in 2014, but crucial percentage short of After Suitable Rest - [3] J Cabal (COL)/R “If I become number one seventh major at Wimbledon in be better understood. Federer, including five titles, and helped physical strength. Farah (COL) vs S Lipsky (USA)/R Ram (USA) because of my results, then great. 2014, became a father only three meanwhile, continues to confound Switzerland win a first Davis Cup The signs were good at Abu COURT 4 start 3:30 pm But I’m not going to pursue this months ago and has been taking the doubters. crown. Dhabi where Murray won the objective. Instead I will follow my advice from Federer on how best The Swiss great was runner-up “I was consistent and I was title, having beaten Feliciano Qualifying - J Huta Galung (NED) or T de schedule.” to cope with having a family on to Lleyton Hewitt in last year’s playing positive, attacking ten- Lopez and trouncing Nadal for Bakker (NED) vs F Dustov (UZB) That is because, well into his tour. The only thing which has final in Brisbane and should he nis, the exact way I want to play. only two games. 29th year, Nadal is making one of prevented the 27-year-old Serb win four more matches this week I gave myself quite a few chances Murray has dispensed with two his greatest goals to play as many from joining Federer and Nadal and lift his 74th tour-level title, at the Slams. I want to go one long-time allies, hitting partner Factbox remaining years as possible. in the career Grand Slam club is he would become just the third step further, because being close Dani Valverdu and fitness trainer Name: Qatar ExxonMobil Open “What I won’t do is put at the absence of the French Open player in the Open Era to reach is not quite good enough,” said Jez Green, kept Amelie Mauresmo Category: ATP World Tour 250 risk the best years of my career title, the rectifying of which has the 1,000 match wins milestone the Swiss player. Andy Murray as coach when some predicted her Place: Doha, Qatar to get the number one spot,” he become his biggest career goal. after Jimmy Connors (1,253) and has slid to world number six since dismissal, and seems about to add Date: 05.01.2015-10.01.2015 emphasised. He will try again at Roland Ivan Lendl (1,071). winning the 2013 Wimbledon title more French back-up in the per- This was a policy Federer Garros in May and June by which World number two Federer and undergoing a back operation son of Loic Courteau. AFP Draw Size: S-32 D-16 Surface: Hard Prize money: $ 1,221,320 Past Champions in Doha Seeded players in Doha Djokovic to test his fitness in 1 Novak Djokovic (SRB) 0-0 Year Singles Doubles 2014 Rafael Nadal Tomas Berdych/Jan Hajek 2 Rafael Nadal (ESP) 19-5 W-’14 2013 Richard Gasquet Christopher Kas/Philipp Kohlschreiber 3 Tomas Berdych (CZE) 0-1 R32-’14 2012 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Filip Polasek/Lukas Rosol Qatar ExxonMobil Open doubles 4 David Ferrer (ESP) 5-4 S-’13 2011 Roger Federer Marc Lopez/Rafael Nadal 5 Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 7-7 Q-’09,08 2010 Nikolay Davydenko Guillermo Garcia-Lopez/Albert Montanes DOHA: Novak Djokovic will would begin an attempt to suc- Djokovic and if he were to win a 6 Richard Gasquet (FRA) 6-2 W-’13 2009 Andy Murray Marc Lopez/Rafael Nadal start the 2015 ATP World tour ceed title-holder Rafael Nadal final next Saturday against Nadal, 7 Ivo Karlovic (CRO) 6-6 Q-’11,10 2008 Andy Murray Philipp Kohlschreiber/David Skoch season by playing doubles to with a debut match in the Qatar even on a different hard court 8 Leonardo Mayer (ARG) determine whether he is fit Open against another fellow Serb surface, it would do no harm to 2007 Ivan Ljubicic Mikhail Youzhny/Nenad Zimonjic Points/Prize Money (Singles) enough to begin the new year Dusan Lajovic tomorrow. his hopes of beating nine-times Points Prize $ 2006 Roger Federer Jonas Bjorkman/Max Mirnyi with a bid for a 49th career title. If he competes it will be only champion on Roland Garros clay. 2005 Roger Federer Albert Costa/Rafael Nadal Doubts were cast over the world the third time that Djokovic has However the chances of W 250 195,000 2004 Nicolas Escude Martin Damm/Cyril Suk number one’s ability to make a competed in the opening week of Djokovic actually meeting Nadal F 150 102,675 2003 Stefan Koubek Martin Damm/Cyril Suk prompt start to what could be a a season. And there are signifi- on Saturday may not be as strong SF 90 55,615 2002 Younes El Aynaoui Donald Johnson/Jared Palmer history-making year by the fever cant advantages for the seven- as they appear. QF 45 31,690 2001 Marcelo Rios Mark Knowles/Daniel Nestor which caused his withdrawal from time Grand Slam winner to try Nadal looked rusty as he fell R16 20 18,670 the final of the Abu Dhabi exhibi- to do this. 6-2, 6-0 to Andy Murray in the 2000 Fabrice Santoro Mark Knowles/Max Mirnyi R32 0 11,060 tion on Saturday. Not only might it aid his prep- Abu Dhabi semi-finals on Friday 1999 Rainer Schuettler Alex O’Brien/Jared Palmer Djokovic was nevertheless well aration for a bid to regain the before beating Australian Open Points/Prize Money (Doubles) 1998 Petr Korda Mahesh Bhupathi/Leander Paes enough to travel to Doha, and Australian Open title starting in champion Stan Wawrinka in the Points Prize $ 1997 Jim Courier Jacco Eltingh/Paul Haarhuis although he declined to do a press Melbourne in two weeks’ time, third-place play-off. W 250 62,430 1996 Petr Korda Mark Knowles/Daniel Nestor conference yesterday, he expects it might even boost a belief that Djokovic and Krajinovic will F 150 32,820 1995 Stefan Edberg Stefan Edberg/Magnus Larsson to make an exploratory start he can complete a career Grand play their first round doubles SF 90 17,790 today, in partnership with young Slam in Paris in June. match on Monday against Jabor 1994 Stefan Edberg Olivier Delaitre/Stephane Simian QF 45 10,180 compatriot Filip Krajinovic. The French Open is the only Ali Mutawa of Qatar and Melak R16 5,960 1993 Boris Becker Boris Becker/Patrik Kuhnen If that goes well, Djokovic Grand Slam title to have eluded Jaziri of Tunisia. AFP SRI LANKA’S WEEKLY NEWS UPDATES    MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

LANKADEEPA MIDDLE EAST WEEKLY PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY BY DAR AL SHARQ                  !"#$%&'()#*#+,'-*,)# Dakar Rally: Winning start for Nasser Qatari driver storms to victory in first stage between Buenos Aires and Villa Carlos Paz

VILLA CARLOS PAZ, Argentina: Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah in a Mini won the first stage of the Dakar Rally yester- day between Buenos Aires and Villa Carlos Paz as the annual race got underway in front of huge crowds. Nasser, who won the title in 2011, clocked 1 hour 12 minutes for the 170 kilometre timed sec- tion of 833 kilometre stage. That was 22 secs faster than Argentina’s Orlando Terranova, also in a Mini, and 1min 04secs ahead of American Robby Gordon. Qatar’s driver Veteran Peugeot drivers Carlos Nasser Al Attiyah Sainz and Stephane Peterhansel (top) holds an placed sixth and seventh respec- Argentinian flag tively at 2 mins 06secs and 2 mins on his Mini during 35secs, but last year’s winner, the symbolic start Nani Roma, struggled in his Mini of the 2015 Dakar to end the day some 20 minutes Rally in downtown behind the leaders. Buenos Aires, In the motorbike section, Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah of Mini team in action during the first stage of the 2015 Dakar Rally yesterday. Britain’s Sam Sunderland on a KTM was fastest in 1hr 18min 57secs, five seconds faster than to be happy. The bike didn’t miss the Peugeot campaign as the South America since its enforced Paulo Goncalves of Portugal on a beat, it was very fast and I French car-makers returned to transfer for security reasons from a Honda and 1min 12secs ahead probably posted a good time. I’m the Dakar Rally for the first time Africa, is the 37th of all time. of last year’s winner Marc Coma a contender... for the first day. I in 25 years. Their ultimate goal The 2014 race takes the Dakar on a KTM. hope I’m also a contender at the was to win but at the very least caravan from the Atacama, the “It’s difficult to judge your end, but we’ve only covered 175 they were expected to prevent the driest spot on the planet, to the strategy based on the first day kilometres and there’s still a long Minis from completing another Iquique dunes and crossing the because you still don’t know road before us.” clean sweep of the auto podium. Andes at the highest point on who’s pulled out all the stops,” This year’s rally features a Peterhansel took second place last Argentina’s Route 40, the 4,970m said Sunderland. gruelling 9,000 kilometres trek year for Mini behind then team- mountain pass of Abra del Acay. “It’s also important not to go all through Argentina, Chile and mate Roma. In all, there will be 4,600km of in, you’ve got to leave something Bolivia before arriving back in Peugeot won the Dakar for four special stages including a 781km for the other stages. Buenos Aires for a January 17 successive years from 1987-1990 time trial from the Bolivian city “However, I think I had a good finish. Former winners Sainz and when it was still staged in Africa. of Uyuni to Chile’s Pacific Coast. special and that’s always a reason Peterhansel were spearheading This year’s event, the seventh in AFP Seeds tumble Wawrinka tunes on opening day Roger Federer (third right) and Martina in Brisbane Hingis (right) of Switzerland pose for up for Aussie Open pictures with other BRISBANE, Australia: The players, Milos Raonic CHENNAI, India: Australian playing a consistent game on all Brisbane International lost two (left) of Canada, Open champion Stanislas surfaces. of its top seeds yesterday when Victoria Azarenka Wawrinka kickstarts prepara- “I want to play well and win Germany’s Andrea Petkovic and (second left) of tions for the year’s first Grand titles at all levels,” he said. Jelena Jankovic of Serbia both Belarus, Bethanie Slam with his now customary In Chennai, Wawrinka faces a crashed out of the season-open- Mattek-Sands (third stop-over in India to play in the strong challenge from a predomi- ing tournament. ATP Chennai Open starting nantly Spanish field that includes left) of the US and Former champion Kaia Kanepi today. world number 14 Feliciano Lopez, Bulgaria’s Grigor of Estonia downed fifth seed The Swiss world number four number 15 Roberto Bautista- Petkovic in three tense games 6-4, Dimitrov on day makes his seventh appearance Agut, Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 5-7, 6-4. In the first match of the one of the Brisbane in the southern Indian city, this and Marcel Granollers. tournament, Croatian wildcard International tourna- time as the defending champion Other leading contenders Ajla Tomljanovic sent the sixth- ment in Brisbane of the $450,000 tournament at the are Belgium’s David Goffin, seeded Jankovic packing 7-6 (8-6), yesterday. Nungambakkam tennis stadium. Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller, 6-0. Wawrinka’s victory in Chennai Taiwanese veteran Yen-Hsun Lu The tall and powerful Kanepi, last year sparked an incredible and 2014 runners-up Edouard who won in Brisbane in 2012, sur- run when he defeated Novak Roger-Vasselin of France. vived an attack of nerves when Djokovic in the quarter-finals of The big-serving Lopez made serving for the match at 5-2 in the Australia, repaid the organisers and just trying to get in form and Brisbane the Australian Open and then a huge impression in 2014 when third set to overcome Petkovic in who gave her a wildcard as she get in shape -- I lost my muscles upset top seed Rafael Nadal in he reached the fourth round two hours, 26 minutes at the Pat finished far too strong for former and I looked like jelly. You know, International Results the final to clinch his first Grand at Wimbledon where he lost to Rafter Arena. world number one Jankovic. there was nothing there.” BRISBANE, Australia: Results of matches Slam title. Wawrinka. Lopez also made the Petkovic, the world number 13, The 21-year-old Tomljanovic Jankovic said she thought at played on the first day of the Brisbane The 29-year-old ended the year third round of the US Open for a struggled to find any rhythm in won a tough first set then raced one stage her career might be International tennis tournament yesterday (X by leading Switzerland to their fifth straight year and beat Nadal the opening set but fought hard away with the second in just 25 over. maiden Davis Cup crown, hav- at the Shanghai Masters. denotes seed): in the second to take the match minutes as Jankovic struggled. “When you are injured and ing beaten French number one Bautista-Agut won the ATP’s into a decider. Jankovic said she had still to you have a bad back injury, you’re Women Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on the open- most improved player of the year However, Kanepi stepped up regain full fitness after suffering thinking maybe you’re never First Round ing day before partnering Roger award by rising from number 59 a notch in the third to gain two a back injury towards the end of going to be able to play again at a Ajla Tomljanovic (CRO) bt Jelena Jankovic Federer to victory in the doubles. to 15 in the rankings in 2014. He vital breaks and open up a 5-2 2014. high level,” she said. (SRB X6) 7-6 (8-6), 6-0 “I like Chennai very much,” also scalped world number five lead. Petkovic fought back to “I was not playing or doing any Australia’s Samantha Stosur Elina Svitolina (UKR) bt Magdalena Wawrinka was quoted as saying in Juan Martin del Potro in the sec- break Kanepi, then held her own activities for two months, so it suffered yet more heartbreak in Rybarikova (SVK) 6-0, 6-2 a news release by the organisers. ond round of the Australian Open. serve to get to 5-4, only for the took me a little bit of time to just her home town when she let slip Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP X7) bt Tsvetana “The atmosphere is always great Goffin, 24, was voted the ATP’s Estonian to hold her nerve with get active and kind of start doing a 5-1 lead in the third set, even- Pironkova (BUL) 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 and the fans are amazing, that’s comeback player of 2014 after a powerful service game to take just normal things, and then kind tually going down to Varvara why I keep coming back. returning from a wrist injury to Kaia Kanepi (EST) by Andrea Petkovic (GER an enthralling match. of getting to the tennis and train- Lepchenko of the USA. “The tournament was a great gallop from 110 to world number Earlier Tomljanovic, who relo- ing properly,” she said. Lepchenko won the last six X5) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 start to an amazing year in 2014 22 by the end of the year, in which cated to Brisbane in November “It’s not easy. And after not games to beat Stosur 4-6, 6-4, 7-5. Varvara Lepchenko (USA) bt Samantha and I hope that it will be the same he won his first two titles. and intends to represent competing, after just practising AFP Stosur (AUS) 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 in the new year.” The top four seeds -- Wawrinka, Wawrinka, who will defend Lopez, Bautista-Agut and Goffin his Australian Open title in -- have received a bye in the first Melbourne from January 19, said round of the 32-man field. The Poles off to perfect start at Hopman he had not set specific goals for champion will pocket $73,400 and 2015 other than staying fit and 250 ranking points. AFP PERTH, Australia: The the tie when he dominated the 2014 into the new year to guide the world number seven was WTA Shenzhen Open Results Poland pairing of Agnieszka early proceedings against a jet- the Czech Republic to an upset no match for the 16th-ranked Radwanska and Jerzy Janowicz lagged Janowicz. 2-1 win over Canada. Safarova and was beaten 6-0, 6-4 BEIJING: Results from the WTA Shenzhen Open on Sunday (x denotes seed): made a perfect start to the The world number 231 took Safarova, who turns 28 next in just 68 minutes. Women’s singles: 1st round mixed teams Hopman Cup in the first set against the 43rd- month, climbed to a career-high The Canadian won the first Natalia Vikhlyantseva (RUS) bt Anna-Lena Friedsam (GER) 2-6 6-3 6-3; Zarina Diyas (KAZ x4) Perth yesterday. ranked Janowicz and served for ranking of 14th last September, three points of the match to reach bt Donna Vekic (CRO) 6-3 6-1; Timea Babos (HUN) bt Wang Qiang (CHN) 6-7 (4/7) 6-1 Up against the host nation, the the match at 5-4 in the second set making the second week of three of 0-40 on the Safarova serve, but 6-4; Zheng Saisai (CHN) bt Alexandra Dulgheru (ROU) 7-5 5-7 6-1; Timea Bacsinszky Poles lived up to their status as as a major upset loomed. the Grand Slams including a semi- the Czech then took total control (SUI x8) bt Stefanie Voegele (SUI) 6-1 4-6 6-4 one of the tournament favourites However, Janowicz broke back final appearance at Wimbledon. to hold on her way to winning the when they made a clean sweep and rattled off the last nine games The cagey left-hander opened her first eight games of the match. Hopman Cup of their tie to beat Australia 3-0, of the match to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-0. new campaign in the best pos- The Safarova forehand provided PERTH, Australia: Results from the mixed teams Hopman Cup at the Perth Arena on Sunday. helped by an unfortunate injury Ebden was troubled by a left sible fashion, with a command- regular winners, while Bouchard Group B tie: Poland bt Australia 3-0 to local Matthew Ebden. calf injury in the deciding set, ing straight sets win over rising was plagued by unforced errors Women’s singles: Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) by Casey Dellacqua (AUS) 6-2, 6-3; Men’s Radwanska, ranked sixth in the having sought medical attention Canadian star Eugenie Bouchard. and struggled to win points on her singles: Jerzy Janowicz (POL) by Matthew Ebden (AUS) 3-6, 7-5, 6-0; Mixed doubles: world, started her new season in at the end of the second set. Bouchard was a revelation at serve, which she held only twice. Radwanska/Janowicz (POL) bt Dellacqua/Ebden (AUS) 6-0, 6-0 (walkover) trademark fashion, blunting the The injury forced the last year’s Hopman Cup on her Bouchard showed some fight Group A tie: Czech Republic bt Canada 2-1 shotmaking of the 29th-ranked Australians to forfeit the dead way to a breakthrough year that to break Safarova when she Casey Dellacqua to win their clash mixed doubles rubber. saw the 20-year-old reach the served for the match at 5-3, but Women’s singles: Lucie Safarova (CZE) bt Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) 6-0, 6-4; Men’s singles: in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. Earlier, veteran Lucie Safarova Wimbledon final, where she was the Czech broke straight back to Vasek Pospisil (CAN) bt Adam Pavlasek (CZE) 7-6 (7/5), 6-2; Mixed doubles: Safarova/ Ebden then looked set to level carried her career-best form of beaten by Petra Kvitova. However, secure the win. AFP Pavlasek (CZE) bt Bouchard/Pospisil (CAN) 6-4, 6-2