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Fed keeps rates It’s make or breakreak unchanged and to for in AFCFC mmonitor global cues U23 play-off

FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 • 19 Rabia II 1437 • Volume 20 • Number 6690 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Independent Emir meets Italian President in Rome schools to see major changes

ruled out the possibility of a down- sizing of employees following the The term restructuring. ‘Independent school’ The Specification and Stand- ardisation Authority — which was and the position of under the Ministry of Environment school operators and not mentioned in the new struc- ture of the Ministry of Municipality may be revoked and Environment — is expected to become an independent entity, said the daily. All new ministries will have The Peninsula an undersecretary and assistant undersecretaries. Nominations for the undersecretaries are expected to be forwarded to the Cabinet over DOHA: With the abolition of the the next two weeks. Supreme Education Council (SEC) The new Ministry of Public and the establishment of the Ministry Health, which has taken over the of Education and Higher Education, responsibilities of the Supreme the state-run Independent schools Council of Health (SCH), will also are expected to see major structural regulate the Primary Healthcare changes. Corporation (PHCC) that runs the The term ‘Independent school’ primary health centres across the may be cancelled and facilities may country and Hamad Medical Cor- remain as boys and girls schools, poration (HMC) that manages the according to Al Sharq. public hospitals. If this happens, the position This ministry will have an of school operators may also be undersecretary and three assistant revoked and the schools will be undersecretaries for public health. headed by directors/principals, said The new structure includes 18 the daily. departments under five administra- Quoting an official from the tive offices, including the Minister’s ministry, the daily said strategies Office. and work plans set by the SEC will The PHCC will continue provid- continue, including recruitment of ing integrated primary health care Emir H H Sheikh is welcomed by Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Presidential Quirinale Palace in teachers for the next academic year. services according to the ministry’s Rome yesterday. Both leaders held talks on relations between the two countries, means of enhancing them in various fields, especially the According to the plans, man- regulations and standards. economy and investment sectors, and regional and international developments. → See also page 2 power requirements will be reported by March and April. The official → Continued on page 2

AFC president renews support Sudanese President orders opening of border with South for FIFA 2022 Reuters The border was closed when relations dete- authorities to take all measures required to Darfur region and a separate but linked insur- riorated after the south seceded following a long implement this decision on the ground,” ’s gency in Blue Nile and South Kordofan. South civil war, taking with it three quarters of the state news agency SUNA said yesterday. Sudan denies the allegations. QNA country’s oil, estimated at five billion barrels Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s gov- South Sudanese President Salva Kiir had KHARTOUM: Sudan’s President Omar Hassan of proven reserves, according to the US Energy ernment spokesman, said: “This is a positive unilaterally announced a normalisation of Al Bashir ordered the opening of his country’s Information Administration. move in a right direction because this is what relations on Tuesday in response to Al Bashir border with South Sudan for the first time since “President Omar Al Bashir issued a decree will lead to the normalisation of our relations agreeing to cut the transit fees for South Suda- DOHA: Asian Football Confed- the south’s secession in 2011, paving the way for today ordering the opening of borders with the with Sudan.” Khartoum accuses Juba, the cap- nese oil crossing Sudan’s territory via pipelines eration (AFC) President Sheikh better economic links between both nations. state of South Sudan and ordered the relevant ital of South Sudan, of backing a rebellion in its to the Red Sea last week. Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khal- ifa renewed his full confidence in Qatar’s capability to organise the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals in accordance with the highest inter- Al Rayyan beat Umm Salal in QSL Abducted Al Jazeera national standards of regulation. He stressed that the whole Asian family stands alongside Qatar in its efforts towards bet- crew freed in ter organisation of the World Cup championship in the history of world football. The Peninsula & AFP conflict, journalists continue to be targeted. He was speaking during his Journalists should be able to do their work participation in activities which freely and without fear of harm, abduction held yesterday by the Supreme DOHA: Al Jazeera Media Network yester- or unlawful arrest,” he added. Committee for Delivery and day announced the release of Al Jazeera Fighters loyal to Yemen’s President Legacy (SC) to highlight latest news team kidnapped in the city of are battling - developments in preparations for in Yemen. allied Houthi militia and loyalists of the hosting the global event . Correspondent Hamdi Al Bokari and country’s former leader in a war that has Sheikh Salman expressed sat- his crew — cameramen Abdulaziz Al Sabri raged for nine months and in which some isfaction over the pace of work on and driver Moneer Al Sabai — were released 6,000 people have been killed. infrastructure projects and estab- yesterday after disappearing 10 days back. Al Jazeera, whose reporting of the 2011 lishment of football pitches for the The identity of the kidnappers is not clear, uprisings won it millions of event and said it reflected sound but the three were tortured psychologically viewers in the Middle East, has seen many planning adopted by Qatar since on four occasions. “We are relieved that our of its journalists detained and killed in it offered bid to host the tourna- colleagues Al Bokari, Al Sabri and Al Sabai recent years in conflicts across the region. ment until the present time. have been released. They were doing their Meanwhile, in the southern city of , He praised SC’s role in push- job of reporting the story from the besieged a suicide car bombing killed at least eight ing forward preparations for the city of Taiz and covering ongoing events people at a checkpoint outside the presi- World Cup and said the profes- Al Rayyan’s player Mohammed Juma scoring an attempt against the Umm Salal team during in Yemen,” said Dr Mostefa Souag, Act- dential palace. The dead included soldiers sionalism in its work represents a their Qatar Stars League match at Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. Al Rayyan won 2-0. ing Director-General, Al Jazeera Media and civilians and at least 12 were wounded. fertile ground for the completion Pic: Baher / The Peninsula → See also page 21 Network. of all arrangements for the event. “It is tragic to see that in times of → See also page 4 02 FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 HOME Emir holds talks with Italian President in Rome

President Sergio Mattarella expresses Italy’s full support for FIFA World Cup 2022 to be hosted by Qatar

QNA

ROME: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Presidential Quirinale Palace in Rome yesterday. Talks dealt with relations between the two countries and means of enhancing them in vari- ous fields, especially the economy and investment sectors. Mattarella said Italy welcomes Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022, expressing full support for such an important global sporting event and praising Qatar’s worthiness to win right to host it. He also expressed his country’s keenness to cooperate in all that would lead to the success of the foot- ball tournament. Both leaders also discussed regional and international issues, Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani holds talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in the presence of their delegations at the Presidential Quirinale Palace in Rome including developments in the Mid- yesterday. dle East, especially the situation in Palestine, , and Yemen, and international efforts to combat arrival at the palace. President of Sardinia Region Franc- Several members of the Emir’s areas, especially economic, cultural, situation in the Middle East, and the phenomenon of terrorism. The Emir attended a luncheon esco Pigliaru and reviewed bilateral delegation attended the meetings. scientific and sports fields. ways to achieve security, stabil- The meeting was attended by banquet hosted by Mattarella in his relations and means of enhancing The Emir also met Senate Pres- Grasso also affirmed full support ity and peace, in addition to global members of the delegation accom- honour at the palace. The Emir’s del- them. ident Senator Pietro Grasso, at of Italy to Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 efforts to combat terrorism. panying the Emir and senior Italian egation and top Italian officials were The Emir also met Claudio Des- Giustiniani Palace. FIFA World Cup. The meeting was attended by officials. present. calzi, CEO of Eni, the energy and gas They reviewed prospects for Both sides exchanged views on several members of the Emir’s del- The Emir was accorded an offi- At his residence in the Italian company, and discussed issues in the strengthening cooperation between latest regional and international egation and members of the Italian cial welcoming ceremony on his capital of Rome, the Emir also met field of energy. the two friendly countries in all developments, particularly the Senate. Ministries begin consultations Qataris granted visa on for selection of top officials arrival in Azerbaijan

The Peninsula & QNA Continued from page 1 undersecretary’s office and offices for two assistant undersecretaries As per Emiri Decision No. 11 of for culture and sports, respectively. 2016 regulating HMC, the Minister Each will have separate departments DOHA: The Republic of Azerbaijan will begin granting of Public Health is fully responsible under them. Qatari nationals single entry visa starting from Mon- and has the power for running the The Ministry of Education will day. The visa to be issued at airports in the country will corporation. have five assistant undersecretaries, be valid for 30 days, said an official at the Department HMC’s director-general will be besides the undersecretary. of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. under the supervision of the Minister. It includes 26 administrative The officials of the merged min- offices for the Minister, undersec- Participants in one of the activities at Aspire Zone yesterday. Pic: Baher / The Peninsula istries have started preparations for retary and assistant undersecretaries Cold wave likely to continue the restructuring in a way that do not and a training and development affect work flow until the merger is centre. DOHA: The cold wave since last night is expected to fully accomplished. The Ministry of Transport and Run The World Festival begins prevail today, with chances of temperature dropping The ministries have also Communication will have four to 10 degrees Celsius in some areas. started consultations for selection assistant undersecretaries, besides The Meteorology Department has forecast strong of undersecretaries and assistant the undersecretary. dust winds today resulting in low visibility in some undersecretaries. The Ministry of Administrative The Peninsula as Dabkeh, Bhangra, Ardah and Bollywood places. It will be “relatively cold” by day and “very The Ministry of Culture and Development, Labour and Social dances, Youth Got Talent competition and a cold” by night, said a forecast issued by the depart- Sports has four administrative units, Affairs will have four assistant fashion show. ment yesterday. including the Minister’s Office and undersecretaries. An international bazaar, food booths, car The day would remain partly cloudy and dusty. DOHA: The fifth edition of Run The World Fes- show, healthy lifestyle booths, graffiti show- Temperature in Doha could dip to 12 degrees by tival, organised by The Youth Company, started case and workshops are among other features night while the maximum day temperature is expected yesterday at Aspire Zone. of the festival said to be the biggest of its kind to be 17 degrees, probably the lowest recorded this win- Participants aged 16-29 are taking part in in the region. ter. Mesaieed, Al Wakrah and Al Khor would be colder Ashghal opens part of Al Khor sport and cultural events and activities during Over 120,000 youth have taken part in with the minimum temperature at around 11 degrees the three-day event. It features fun activities the festival since it started in 2011. The festi- and the maximum at 17 degrees. Dukhan and Abu Samra Main Road and closes Old Road such as Sumo suit fighting, gladiator jousting, val revolves around sports and culture of all could experience the lowest temperature at between tug-of-war and extreme sports, scavenger hunt, mediums and serves as a platform for youth to 10 and 16 degrees. fun run, street basketball, volleyball and human celebrate their talents and capabilities, while Northwesterly-northerly winds inshore would blow The Peninsula The closure is required to Foosball. stressing the importance of healthy living and at speeds ranging from 18-28 knots to 38 knots in some facilitate construction of a new sig- There are cultural performances such leadership for a better society. places. nal-controlled intersection near Al Khor Compound of Independ- DOHA: The Public Works Authority ent Schools for Girls and works to (Ashghal) has announced the open- develop infrastructure, storm water ing of part of the new Al Khor Main drainage network and road network Road adjacent to the current road, in in the area. The closure of the old GU-Q graduate develops FitTastic the direction from Al Shamal Road road starts tomorrow and lasts six to Water Filling Station Roundabout months. Motorists can use alterna- and vice versa. tive local roads in the area. The new road is 600-metre long Ashghal will install signs to The Peninsula “FitTastic merges this concept with fitness to and includes one lane in each direc- advise motorists of the diversion get people off the couch and become more active,” tion. The existing road will be closed and has urged road users to abide said Rifai. He began his career in Qatar working as part of Al Haidan Street which by speed limits and follow signs to at a local cafe striving to support his bid to enrol leads to Al Khor Coastal Roundabout. ensure their and others’ safety. DOHA: To address obesity in the Arab world and at one of world-class universities. In 2008, GU-Q improve public health in the region, Nadim Rifai, a recognised his potential and offered him a schol- Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) graduate, arship to begin his academic career majoring in has developed FitTastic, a device that innovatively international politics. blends technology, gaming and health to encourage On how studying at GU-Q has enabled him people to become more active and healthy. to succeed, Rifai said: “Georgetown offers much Rifai’s invention secured him a spot as one of more than a high-calibre academic programme. In the 12 final contestants on the Middle East’s lead- addition to learning about global issues and world ing scientific reality TV show Stars of Science. The affairs, it instils within you the desire to be a pro- show, sponsored by Qatar Foundation, provides ductive member of your community and contribute support and mentorship to participants through a to the development of society.” network of experienced engineers, designers and Rifai works at Silatech, a social initiative ded- business leaders. icated to addressing the youth unemployment Comprising a portable motion tracking sensor challenge in the region. “Having learned about and an interactive smartphone application, FitTastic how talented young men and women in the region allows users to go beyond recording their workout have difficulty securing meaningful employment, progress with features such as live games, chal- I decided to dedicate my career to provide them lenges, rewards, and real-time online multiplayer with similar opportunities I benefited from while competitions. “People like to be challenged. This living in Qatar.” He intends to continue developing Nadim Rifai, a graduate from Georgetown is why we enjoy games, we want to compete with FitTastic, an invention he says has the potential to University in Qatar, speaking during the Star ourselves and others and be our best at something. revolutionise the fitness culture in the Arab world. of Science show. On the valuable trust placed by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Emir of the State of Qatar upon

Her Excellency Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari, PhD on her appointment as The Minister of Public Health

Hamad Medical Corporation would like to congratulate Her Excellency and wish her all the best in her new role. 04 FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 HOME / MIDDLE EAST Korean artist Lee Nam to showcase selected works

By Raynald C Rivera Kim said an agreement on exhibition through exhibitions in famous art The Peninsula exchange was signed between Asan events around the world such as in Gallery and KAC. Venice, Paris and London. “In November 2015 Asan Gal- “We hope this will be a chance lery hosted an exhibition which to show Qatar that Korean art is DOHA: Art enthusiasts in Doha are introduced famous Qatari artists in very experimental and conceptual in for a new experience as prominent Korea. Through the exhibition many and many people here will view and South Korean media artist Lee Lee people came to know about Qatari remember it,” he added. Nam makes his Doha debut with a art, praised the artworks and respect Thanking Asan Gallery, Katara selection of his works on display from them and even loved them,” said Kim. Art Centre CEO Tariq Al Jaidah, said Monday to February 14 at the Katara Bringing Korean artists to Qatar, “I hope this will be a start of a fruit- Art Centre (KAC). he said , is part of the 14-year-old gal- ful collaboration and cooperation. Using digital technology, Lee lery’s strategy to introduce them to We hope to take more Qatari art- breathes new life into art master- one of the world’s largest art collect- ists to Korea in the future to further pieces from his home country and ing countries. enhance this relationship and I hope around the world. “One of the main reasons why we this exhibition will be successful Lee’s exhibition is brought to decided to host an exhibition in Qatar commercially and artistically.” Doha through a partnership between is because there is not much chances South Korean Ambassador Heung Korean based Asan Gallery and KAC for Korean artists to exhibit in Qatar Kyeong Park also attended yester- with support from Korean Embassy even though Qatar is very influential day’s press conference, during which and Korean Trade-Investment Pro- in the world of art globally,” he said. the artist introduced some of his FROM LEFT: The Ambassador of South Korea Heung–Kyeong Park, Korean artist Lee Lee Nam, Founder motion Agency (KOTRA). He said Lee is an artist who rep- works and his artistic journey from Speaking at a press conference resents Korea who has created high visual to media art. of Katara Art Centre, Tariq Al Jaidah, and CEO of Asan Gallery, Soo Yeol Kim addressing the media at the yesterday, Asan Gallery CEO Soo Yeol level of international awareness Katara Art Centre in Doha yesterday. Salim Matrmkot/The Peninsula

Pakistani singer visits MIA to hold Syria peace talks parliamentary derailed as oppn polls on Oct 7 stays away Reuters & AFP RABAT: Morocco will hold a par- liamentary election on October 7, the second ballot since the representative said the delegation kingdom adopted constitutional might turn up if their demands were reforms designed to calm pro- An opposition council met in a day or two, but the chances tests during the Arab Spring in said its of that appeared vanishingly slim. uprisings. The turn of events is a bitter blow The Islamist Justice and Devel- delegation would to De Mistura, whose office had opment party, known by its French “certainly” not be in issued a video message that he had acronym PJD, won elections in Geneva today, saying sent to the Syrian people, in which he 2011 and has led the government said the talks were expected to hap- since then. It was the first time it had not received pen “in the next few days”. King Mohammed had allowed an convincing answers A spokeswoman for his office, Islamist group to take power. to its demands speaking before the opposition state- The reformed constitution has for goodwill steps ment, said the talks would begin on shifted some powers to the elected Friday as scheduled. George Sabra, Popular Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan visits Museum of Islamic Art yesterday. The singer is in government but King Mohammed including an end to air a member of the opposition High still retains ultimate authority. town to perform at Asian Town tonight. Abdul Basit/The Peninsula strikes and blockades Negotiations Committee (HNC), “The next parliamentary said: “For certain we will not head to elections will take place on Oct. Geneva and there will not be a del- 7, 2016,” a government statement AFP egation from the High Negotiations issued after the weekly cabinet Committee tomorrow in Geneva.” meeting said. Before agreeing to talks, the HNC Russian raids kill 54 Syrian civilians Analysts believe the PJD could had been seeking UN guarantees of win a second term in the 2016 elc- AMMAN/BEIRUT/GENEVA: The steps including a halt to attacks on tion although austerity measures said it will not civilian areas, a release of detain- that the government launched to attend peace talks due to begin ees, and a lifting of blockades. The AFP seven children, were killed in Rus- eight kilometres (five miles) of Al Bab. revive public finances have started in Geneva today, derailing the measures were mentioned in a Secu- sian strikes in Ghanto, a town held It was the closest pro-govern- to weigh on Prime Minister Abde- first attempt in two years to hold rity Council resolution approved last by Islamist rebels in the central prov- ment forces had been to the city, a lilah Benkirane’s popularity. negotiations aimed at ending the month that endorsed the peace proc- ince of Homs, it said. key IS stronghold in Aleppo, since Benkirane’s government may five-year-long war. ess for Syria. Sabra said a response BEIRUT: Suspected Russian air The Britain-based monitor 2012, it said. Al Bab, about 30km face even further pressure this An opposition council conven- from de Mistura was “unfortunately strikes killed at least 54 civilians relies on a network of activists on south of the Turkish border, fell to year as weak growth is expected, ing in Riyadh said its delegation still ink on paper”. “We are not cer- in rebel- and jihadist-held areas of the ground and says it distinguishes rebel forces in July 2012 and was with a drought looming after an would “certainly” not be in Geneva tain that the opportunity is historic,” Syria in the past 24 hours, a moni- between Syrian, Russian and US-led taken over by IS in November 2013. exceptional cereal harvest in 2015. on Friday, saying it had not received he told Arabic news channel Arabiya toring group said yesterday. coalition aircraft based on flight pat- Regime forces are seeking to sever Agricultue accounts for more convincing answers to its demands Al Hadath. Another HNC official said The Syrian Observatory for terns, as well as the type of planes IS-held territory in Aleppo province than 15 percent of the Moroccan for goodwill steps including an end the opposition could attend if their Human Rights said strikes on and ordnance used. from that held by the group in neigh- economy. to air strikes and blockades. demands were met “within two, Wednesday had killed 29 civilians, Russia launched air strikes in bouring Raqa. The government sees gross The failure to get talks off the three or four days.” including nine women and three chil- Syria in September in support of The Observatory said last week domestic product (GDP) growing ground on time reflects the chal- “Tomorrow will probably the dren, in villages controlled by the President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, that Russian strikes in Syria had by only 3 percent in 2016, down lenges facing peace-making as start will be with those who attend Islamic State group in the eastern a key ally. The US-led coalition has killed more than 1,000 civilians, from 5 percent last year, as agri- the conflict rages unabated on the but it has no value,” Deir Ezzor province and its provin- been carrying out strikes against IS including around 200 children, since cultural output is expected to drop ground. The Syrian government is told Al Hadath. The talks were meant cial capital of the same name. targets in Syria and since the September. Russia has denounced sharply. The central bank is fore- clawing back territory from rebels to start in Geneva on Monday but the The strikes killed another 15 summer of 2014. accusations that its raids have casting only 2.6 percent this year. with military help from Iran and has pushed them civilians, including five young broth- Russian backing has helped killed large numbers of civilians Russia. It has said it is ready to attend back to Friday to allow more time to ers, in and around the city of Al Bab, Assad’s forces make significant as “absurd”. The Observatory says the negotiations, which UN envoy resolve problems including a dispute an IS bastion in the northern prov- advances in recent months and the the US-led strikes have killed 322 Suicide bombing Staffan de Mistura plans to hold in an over which groups should be invited ince of Aleppo, the Observatory said. Observatory said Thursday that civilians, including more than 90 indirect format. Another opposition to negotiate with the government. Ten more civilians, including regime troops had moved to within children. near Yemen palace kills 8 France delivers 3 more ADEN: A suicide car bombing Israel arrests 7th Palestinian MP claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group killed at least eight people Rafale fighters to yesterday outside Yemen’s Presi- dential Palace in the city of Aden, AFP & QNA Six other members of the 132 the pretext of construction with- security and medical officials said. member Palestinian Legislative out a permit, according to Wafa AFP & Reuters IS said that one of its militants, JERUSALEM: Israel arrested a Pal- Council are currently detained by correspondent. apparently a Dutch national, car- estinian parliamentarian from the Israel, according to the Palestinian Meanwhile, Israeli police demol- ried out the attack on a checkpoint Islamist group Hamas, the army human rights organisation Add- ished the foundations of a house outside the palace in the main city said yesterday, raising the number of ameer. According to Addameer, three under construction in Jabal Al Muk- CAIRO: Egypt received three Rafale fighters from France yesterday, the of southern Yemen. detained Palestinian lawmakers to of them are Hamas members, one abir area in Jerusalem, under the military said, six months after Paris delivered the first three of a consign- Both soldiers and civilians seven. is from Fatah and two others from pretext of construction without a ment of 24 of the warplanes. The delivery is part of a ¤5.2bn ($5.6bn) deal were among those killed, while at Mohammed Abu Tir was taken the leftist for the Lib- permit. The house belongs to Ibra- Cairo signed with Paris in February 2015 to purchase 24 Rafale multi-role least 17 others were wounded, a to custody on suspicion of being eration of Palestine (PFLP), which him Sarri. Issuance of construction combat jets, a frigate and missiles. “Egyptian armed forces have received medical source said. “involved in terrorist activities”, an Israel considers to be a “terrorist permits by Israeli authorities for Pal- the second batch of three Rafale fighter jets,” the country’s military spokes- A security source said the army spokeswoman said. He was organisation”. The Hamas-domi- estinians in Jerusalem, unlike for man said on his Facebook page. The sale of Rafales to Egypt was the first attack appeared to target the arrested in an overnight raid in the nated parliament has not met since Jewish settlers, requires unreason- such export order for French manufacturer Dassault Aviation. In July, France convoy of a local businessman east Jerusalem village of Kafr Aqeb, the Islamist movement took over able fees that most families cannot also delivered a 6,000-tonne multi-mission frigate to Cairo as Egypt seeks who was entering the presiden- just south of the West Bank city Ram- the Gaza Strip in June 2007, ousting afford to pay, Wafa said. to boost its military capability in the face of instability in Libya and a jihad- tial complex. allah. Abu Tir is a Hamas member of Fatah forces loyal to Palestinian pres- Hamas said yesterday that seven ist insurgency in its Sinai Peninsula. Sources had initially said the the Palestinian Legislative Council ident . members of the organisation were convoy was carrying Aden’s gov- from east Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities found dead after a tunnel collapsed ernor, Aidarus al-Zubaidi, but he He was previously held by Israel demolished a home and the foun- in Gaza on Wednesday, Al Qassam Bomb hoax at Cairo airport later told AFP he was not in the for a year without charge, eventu- dations of another in Jerusalem, Brigades, Hamas’s military wing area at the time of the attack. ally being released in 2012. Hamas Palestinian sources said. An Israeli announced. Palestinian sources said CAIRO: Egyptian security has found nothing suspicious on board a passen- Zubaidi survived a car bomb- confirmed on the Twitter account of police contingent, accompanied by that civil defense crews were able to ger plane that was held up for searches at Cairo airport yesterday afternoon ing earlier this month, after being its armed wing, Ezzedine Al-Qassam bulldozers, broke into Shuafaat, a lift some of the bodies of those killed following a bomb threat, security sources said. The EgyptAir plane had been appointed in December following Brigades, that Israeli forces “re-kid- neighbourhood of Jerusalem, and in the east of Gaza City tunnel, point- due to depart for Istanbul at 1355 but was halted after the threat was passed the murder of his predecessor, nap Palestinian Legislative Council demolished the house of ing out that work is underway to dig on to Egyptian authorities by a foreign embassy, the sources said. The passen- Jaafar Saad, in an Aden bombing member” Abu Tir. Resheq, a local Palestinian, under out the rest. gers were evacuated and the plane isolated while the search was conducted. claimed by IS. ISLAM FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 05 Why do we fall into sin?

By Luzita Ball is, and what He is like, how can we know him, Say: “O my Servants who have love him, or want to become closer to Him by transgressed against their souls! Despair pleasing Him? f you have experienced and observed P Forgetting our short time on this Earth various countries, it will be clear to you not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah Forgetting that we cannot live forever, and that many of the major and minor sins that we might very easily die tomorrow and are rife now especially in America, Aus- forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving stand before God to account for how we used Itralia, and Europe, causing a very high crime our life, means that people can put off repent- rate and many broken families. Also, to a Most Merciful. ance, and doing what is right. lesser extent this is starting to happen in some Muslim communities, in which learning and Holy Quran 39: 53 P Not encouraging good and forbidding teaching about Islam is not a high priority in evil their lives. In addition, it is becoming abun- If we do not as a community encourage dantly clear that organisations claiming to act what is just and good and forbid what is unjust in the name of Islam, such as Boko Haram, Al- and evil, and do not behave according to the Shabab, Al Qaeda, Daesh (ISIS/ISIL) and others morals of Islam, then we are not and will not with similar tactics are all flagrantly and bla- be the ‘best of peoples’. Race, class, or even tantly disobeying Allah (God) in almost every religion- being a Muslim who practises the way. They seem to have little knowledge or five pillars and saying ‘La illahi il-Allah’, are care about Islamic morality. There is no way not enough to save us from punishment. Mus- that these groups can claim to represent Islam. lim parents, teachers, and the community in Many governments also seem to flout Islamic general need to fulfil their duty to try to be standards of morality and justice especially the best of examples of Islam in action, and when dealing with their own populations, or to teach each other and especially children building empires. what Islam is all about, if we are to see any Muslims need to be fully aware that there improvements. are many people trying to stir up suspicion, Huthaifah (may God be pleased with him) blame, anger, despair, radicalisation and injus- reported: ‘The Prophet (PBUH) said, “By Him in tice between us, and by us against others, so Whose Hand my life is, you either enjoin good that they can morally justify to their public, and forbid evil, or Allah will certainly soon through the media, that these terrible extrem- send His punishment to you. Then you will ists must be stopped by all means. Also, many make supplication and it will not be accepted’. are trying to undermine the faith of Muslims believing that Jesus died on the cross as pay- of sins and all the benefits of not sinning wrong, as we start to experience the negative (Hadith collection of At-Tirmithi) and to get them to abandon their beliefs and ment for their sins, then they have already Sometimes we cannot fully understand consequences! Quran, Surah Al Imran (3) Ayat 104:‘Be a way of life, or to change them to a different been redeemed and forgiven, and will have why or how much a minor sin is bad for us, and community that calls for what is good, urges religion. Teaching each other in depth about eternal life in Paradise, and some believe that so sometimes this lack of conviction that Islam P Getting distracted or led by our emotions what is right, and forbids what is wrong: those the beliefs of Islam, and the Major and Minor Hellfire does not exist, only purgatory. These is the correct guidance perhaps can lead us to Some sins are merely doing a normally who do this are the successful ones.’ sins seems to me to be a good way to prevent beliefs do not leave people with a clear incen- be tempted to be too relaxed and fall into at quite good thing at the wrong time, or in the Muslims from succumbing to these pressures, tive to strictly stick to the morals that Jesus least the minor sins. We may also lack under- wrong place, or to the wrong extent, such that P The need to repent and reform and could contribute towards preventing (peace be upon him) lived by. standing of the true benefits to ourselves and we forget more important duties and responsi- In any case if we are not careful about extremist violence, and further bloodshed and In Islam it is well known from the Quran others, if we would stay away from the sin. bilities, which means we have been distracted minor sins, if committed ever more fre- destruction of Muslim countries in particular. and the Sunnah that beliefs alone cannot or have got wrong or imbalanced priorities. quently, these can develop into bad habits that save us, and that it is through the grace and P Not listening to our conscience, but are quite hard to get rid of, such as smoking, P Lack of knowledge about sins mercy of God that He forgives us and purifies instead other voices P Being labelled as bad eating excessively or backbiting. Step by step Nowadays many people in the West are us enough to enter Paradise. We will how- Sinning is made possible by not listening Some people while still young, get called these bad habits can lead to a major sin being finding it hard to believe in ‘sins’, good and ever be mercifully and justly judged, but only to the voice of our conscience or intuition, or ‘naughty’ and even worse things by their committed. evil, angels and Satans, Paradise and Hell- upon our own intentions, words and deeds in God’s commands. Often we are denying the parents and others, until these negative However, the extremist, Khawarij-like fire. In the absence of any religion in some the life that we lived, and we are not account- truth that we know, and instead prefer to listen descriptions become part of their identity, idea that a Muslim becomes a ‘Disbeliever’ if people’s upbringing, decisions are based upon able for the sins of anyone else, except the to and obey something or someone else that is and they feel they have not got the ability to they sin, is not true- who can be perfect and whether something seems or feels good or bad children that we are bringing up. Before the fallible and limited in knowledge and wisdom, change. Sometimes they may think that they sinless, even if they are a Muslim? Nobody for them, influenced by the current commonly Day of Judgement, Muslims are told to have including our own desires. Many are pushed already have such a bad reputation that noth- should expect this- we cannot be angels. held views of what is immoral or indecent, or faith that God will have forgiven everything towards a sin by peer pressure, by fearing the ing they do can change this. So they just decide Even the sin of worshipping and obeying upon their parents’ advice as they were bring- that we sincerely repented from and asked loss of something or someone. Sometimes it they will carry on with their wrong behaviour, other than God can be forgiven if people ing them up. forgiveness for, or were justly punished for is just that we have strong desires that we are feeling even that the alternative good path is repent and change before dying. God’s for- Sometimes we do something wrong out during our lives. not in the habit of restraining, possibly due to too difficult for them. These people have a lack giveness and mercy are always open to us of ignorance, despite having good intention, being spoiled by people who never said ‘no’ to of hope in God and His forgiveness. while we are alive, making it easy for us to which may be due to our parents and oth- P Lack of certainty that something is sinful us. Conversely we may act out of a feeling of repent and reform. ers not teaching us about what is right and or bad for us, or that we will be held to account angry resentment and rebelliousness against P Being complacent and deluded that you Quran Az-Zumar (39): Ayat 53: ‘Say, ‘[God wrong. This type of sin is partly our fault that For a Muslim, at the moment of actually the oppressive and domineering behaviour of are so good and special that you cannot sin, says], My servants who have harmed your- we should have tried to use our God-given knowingly going against God’s commands, we someone towards us,in a bid for freedom, or are automatically forgiven, or do not need to selves by your own excess, do not despair of faculties including our conscience, and our are actually in a state of either not fully believing out of an act of arrogance that we know bet- follow certain rules God’s mercy. God forgives all sins: He is truly opportunities, to try to find out the right way that we are sinning, or we think that God is not ter than our family, Islam or God. Conversely, some people think that they the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.’ to live. Parents according to Islam,will be fully aware of what we are doing, or we have the are already so good and spiritual, innately accountable to God for sins committed by idea that He will forgive us automatically. Often P Considering sins to be insignificant or guided, automatically forgiven, or pure that NEXT WEEK: How to stay away from sin their children before adolescence. we are not believing with certainty that we are actually good they don’t need to worry about certain rules, accountable to God, or that we will receive any In most cases the wrong action seems at and so they fall into sins due to their compla- Luzita Ball is an English revert sister P Lack of knowledge about accountability negative consequence for doing a sin- perhaps the time to somehow to be justified or belit- cency and lack of carefulness and fear of God. who has studied, researched, written and Christianity teaches its followers to love doubting that God has power over, or that He tled in our minds, or even made to seem cool spoken about Islam for most of her life, since God, love Jesus, obey the Ten Commandments controls everything in our lives. and good. It is usually only afterwards that P Not knowing God, or the blessings of 1991. To contact the writer mail to: L.ball. from Moses, and to love your neighbour as we start to realise or acknowledge that per- closeness to God [email protected] yourself. However it also tells them that by P Not understanding all the consequences haps our ideas and those of our friends were If we do not have a clear idea of who God When you see a wrong, change it with your hand…

be upon him) said: “The parable of myself and campaigns that actual achieve something, This is an important hadith the people is that of a man who lit a fire. When rather than those that hit brick walls. it illuminated its surroundings, the moths and Finally, if you are powerless to act on any because it shows that other creatures which are attracted to light of the two methods above, then you must Muslims should not be began to fall into it. He began to pull them out oppose it in your heart. As Muslims, we do not innocent bystanders — we of the fire, but they overwhelmed him and con- accept wrongdoings nor resign ourselves to tinued to fall into it. I am the one pulling you living out lives where there is no opposition are obliged to do something away from the fire, but you keep going head- to wrongdoings. to stop wrongdoing. It long into it.” (Bukhârî ) We do not lie and let the wrongdoers roll over us, step over us and spread their mischief also outlines to us the It is not enough for us to keep ourselves to others. Wrong is wrong and the moment you order in which we must do away from wrongdoing, we must help oth- let go of this in your heart, then you lose sight ers as well, and stop them from falling into of what is good and what is wrong. You stop something. wrongdoing, and sins which could lead to the seeing wrong as wrong and good as good – Hellfire. This part of the hadith also refers to the lines become blurred and what is wrong stopping people from doing wrong to others becomes allowable. or to yourself. If you hate the wrongdoing in your heart, n the authority of Abu Saeed Al Nowadays, there are many people who will then perhaps an opportunity will come in the Khudree (may Allah be pleased with not raise a finger to stop anti-social behaviour future, where you can speak out or physically him) who said: I heard the Messen- — this is not the characteristic of the righteous stop the wrong. ger of Allah (peace and blessings of Muslim. If we have the ability to stop a crime As Allah Says in the Quran:“Verily, with OAllah be upon him) say, “Whosoever of you sees or offence, then we must, no matter how small hardship there is relief” (Quran 94:6) an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if the action. The point is that evil must be removed, he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] If you are not physically able to change whether by your hand or the hand of some- with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, things or stop wrongdoings, then you must one else. If that is not possible then it must be then with his heart — and that is the weakest speak out against it, or advise against it, or done by your tongue (by your speaking out), of faith.” (Muslim) advise a better way, or even call for help (“… and you should not worry whether they listen This is an important hadith because it let him change it with his tongue…”). to you or turn away from you; all you have to shows that Muslims should not be innocent We shouldn’t remain silent when we have do is convey the message. bystanders — we are obliged to do something the ability to speak up. You can warn someone Allah may sow the seeds of guidance in the to stop wrongdoing. It also outlines to us the against doing wrong, advise them to change heart of one of them because of your words, order in which we must do something. their ways. but the satan may also suggest to you that If you see something wrong, the first point Communication is not a pointless action you should forget about denouncing them on of call is to physically stop it (“…change it with – it can lead to bigger things. Campaigning the basis that they will not listen to you – so his hand…”). For example, the Prophet (peace can help but people do need to be focused on beware of that. 06 FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 ASIA / PHILIPPINES Philippine Students greet Japanese royal couple growth accelerates

Bajoria, regional economist at Bar- Nearly $40bn worth clays Bank in Singapore. The resilient performance of inflows from appeared to support the central business outsourcing bank’s conviction that the economy does not need additional stimulus at contracts and the moment. millions of Filipinos Main growth drivers in the fourth quarter were services, where growth working overseas accelerated to 7.4 percent on-year, and flood into the government spending, which surged 17.4 percent. Consumption also grew Philippines every at its fastest annual rate in at least two year, lifting incomes years at 6.4 percent. and spurring demand “We remain bullish. We are maintaining our expansion plans, for property, cars, opening new supermarkets, expand- consumer goods and ing our convenience stores and putting up new malls,” said Leonardo services Dayao, president of Cosco Capital, the parent firm of the Philippines’ second largest supermarket chain Puregold. Reuters Nearly $40bn worth of inflows Japanese Emperor Akihito (left) and Empress Michiko (second left) being greeted by Filipino students who previously studied in pan,Ja at from business outsourcing contracts the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila yesterday. The Japanese royal couple are in Manila for a visit that coincides with the 60th and millions of Filipinos working anniversary of the normalisation of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines after World War II. overseas flood into the Philippines MANILA: Growth in the Philippine every year, lifting incomes and spur- economy picked up late in 2015 as ring demand for property, cars, strong domestic demand and gov- consumer goods and services. ernment spending cushioned the “We continue to see no need to Ceiling collapse impact of weak exports which are adjust policy settings at the moment, Images suggest North Korea may hurting many of its larger, trade-reli- given the healthy Q4 GDP...and an ant Asian neighbours. inflation outlook of a slow creep to at Manila airport Even the severe El Nino dry within target over the policy hori- spell, which hit farm output, failed zon,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas be preparing missile launch injures passenger to dampen the country’s momentum Governor Amando Tetangco said. much. Southeast Asia’s fifth-largest But in a sign that the consump- AFP economy grew 6.3 percent in the tion-led economy is not totally AFP North Korea is banned under UN experts have largely dismissed the fourth quarter from a year earlier, immune to the slowdown in China, Security Council resolutions from claim. Washington is pushing for faster than the 5.9 percent econ- economic planning secretary Arse- carrying out any launch using bal- a strong United Nations response, MANILA: Part of a ceiling col- omists had predicted and picking nio Balisacan said the Philippines listic missile technology, although including enhanced sanctions. lapsed in the Philippines’ biggest up from a revised 6.1 percent in the would likely miss the top end of its TOKYO: North Korea may be pre- repeated small-range missile tests But China, North Korea’s chief airport yesterday, slightly injuring third quarter. 7-8 percent target for 2016. paring a long-range ballistic missile have gone unpunished. diplomatic protector and economic a foreign passenger, the latest in a That brought full-year growth to Philippine exports were down launch, Japanese media said yes- The development parallels events benefactor, is reluctant, despite ties series of incidents at a facility seen 5.8 percent, national statistician Lisa 5.8 percent in the 11 months to terday, following a nuclear test this in December 2012, when Pyongyang becoming strained in recent years as among the worst in the world. Grace Bersales told a news confer- November last year due to sluggish month that raised international put a satellite into orbit with its as Beijing’s patience wears thin with The collapse at a restaurant ence, which could mark one of the demand from top trading partners alarm and sparked a diplomatic clash Unha-3 carrier. Eight days before its neighbour’s ambitions for nuclear at Terminal 3 of Manila airport strongest expansions in the world in Japan, United States and China. between Washington and Beijing. the 2012 launch, the North also put weapons. “slightly scratched” a male foreign turbulent 2015. China has reported Growth also should be boosted Imagery collected over the past up a covering over the facility to hide US Secretary of State passenger, according to airport 2015 growth of 6.9 percent and Viet- this year from campaign spend- several days suggested the launch the work from the view of satellites, met with his Chinese counterpart spokesman David de Castro. nam 6.7 percent. On a quarterly ing ahead of presidential elections from the western Dongchang-ri site NHK said. Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday He was treated for the injury basis, the economy once known as in early May, though investors are could come in about a week, Kyodo The international community and said they had agreed to mount an but insisted on leaving on his flight “the sick man of Asia” grew 2 percent likely to be cautious until the new News said, citing a Japanese govern- condemned the 2012 launch as a “accelerated effort” to try to resolve for Japan hours later, de Castro in the fourth quarter from the previ- leader’s policies are clear. ment source it did not identify. disguised ballistic missile test, result- their differences on a new resolution. said, declining to give more infor- ous three months, slightly less than Under outgoing President Increased movements of people ing in a tightening of UN sanctions, But Kerry, who said nuclear- mation on the passenger. markets had expected but eclipsing Benigno Aquino, the economy grew and vehicles were seen around the despite Pyongyang’s claim that it was armed North Korea poses an “overt De Castro said the collapse China’s 1.6 percent. an average of 6.3 percent annually, launch site, which has now appar- a scientific mission. threat, a declared threat to the did not involve the building’s con- “The Philippines is not as heav- helping cut the once stubbornly high ently been covered over, national The reported preparation of a world”, acknowledged that the two crete ceiling but rather a facade on ily leveraged to external growth as jobless rate to a record low of 5.6 broadcaster NHK said, citing a source missile launch came amid a flurry had not agreed on the “parameters which the restaurant had affixed some other countries in the region, percent. His efforts to collect more familiar with Japan-South Korea of diplomatic activity over possible of exactly what it would do or say”. overhead lights. “They are allowed and domestic demand, predomi- revenue by intensifying a campaign relations. further sanctions against Pyongyang South Korean defence ministry to make their own construction nantly government spending and against tax evasion, as well as pri- The United States regularly mon- for conducting its fourth nuclear test spokesman Kim Min-Seok declined inside these restaurants,” he said, investment spending, is what really oritising infrastructure, helped win itors North Korea from space while earlier this month. to confirm or deny the Japanese adding that airport authorities pushed up the growth numbers the country investment grade ratings Japan itself began its own satellite Pyongyang said the blast was a reports, saying the ministry did not would investigate if substandard in the fourth quarter,” said Rahul from major credit agencies. monitoring of the country in 2003. miniaturised hydrogen bomb, though comment on intelligence matters. materials were used. While Terminal 3 has not suf- fered any major incidents since it underwent a major rehabilitation in 2013-14, according to de Castro, Japan unveils first stealth fighter jet 857 ‘fugitives’ returned Manila airport’s 34-year-old Termi- nal 1 has a much more unfavourable reputation. Passengers have com- plained of leaking ceilings, collapsed to China: Government floors, malfunctioning equipment, congestion, dilapidated facilities and rude or corrupt personnel. AFP returned from 66 countries and regions, the ministry said, includ- ing the United States, Spain and Italy, Frenchman and and over 70 percent had lived out- BEIJING: China’s controversial side China for five years or more. family found campaign to hunt down alleged white- The ministry also announced the collar criminals living abroad netted creation of a department of overseas dead in Palawan 857 fugitives last year, the country’s fugitives affairs to oversee Operation public security ministry said. Fox Hunt this year. Last August, the Beijing’s secretive “Operation New York Times reported that Chi- AFP Fox Hunt” has ruffled feathers in nese agents were entering the United some countries that say Chinese States on tourism or trade visas and law enforcement agents have been using “strong-arm tactics” to com- MANILA: A Frenchman, his Fili- operating covertly on their soil with- pel their targets to return. pina wife and their four-year-old out the approval or consent of local Concerns over extra-territo- son were found dead inside a pick- authorities. Few details of what rial Chinese activities have been up truck on the popular Philippine extradition procedures are involved, heightened in recent weeks by the tourist island of Palawan, police if any, were given. disappearance of five Hong Kong said yesterday. The drive largely focuses on booksellers known for salacious The French embassy in Manila suspected economic criminals, titles critical of Beijing leaders. said it was in contact with the local including corrupt officials, who have Among them Lee Bo, a British authorities over the death of Jean also been targeted by President Xi passport holder, disappeared from a Marc Messina, 54, his wife and Jinping’s much-publicised anti-graft book warehouse in Hong Kong and their son, but the cause of death A prototype of the first Japan-made stealth fighter jet seen at a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ factory campaign. Of those repatriated last resurfaced in China weeks later say- had yet to be confirmed. in Toyoyama town, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, yesterday. Officials said the maiden test flight is year, 366 turned themselves in, the ing he was “assisting an investigation”. The bodies of Messina, his scheduled in mid-February before delivery to the defence ministry by the end of March next year, ministry said in a statement on its Pro-democracy lawmakers and 25-year-old wife Jewelyn Ven- The X-2 measures 47 feet long and 9.1 metres wide and was built as a successor to the F-2 fighter website late on Wednesday — imply- activists believe mainland agents turillo, and their son Guiliano, 4, jets developed jointly with the United States. Presently, only the United States, Russia and China have ing that nearly 500 were seized kidnapped him despite having no were found Wednesday in a pickup been internationally recognised as having successfully developed and flown manned stealth jets, the against their will. It did not make right to operate in the city, which has truck on a street in Narra, a small agency said. Japan has reportedly spent about 39.4bn yen ($332m) to develop the aircraft. clear who carried out the arrests. a separate legal and political system town of 65,000 people on Pala- The wanted individuals were from the mainland. wan, Filipino police said. ASIA / AFRICA FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 07 Ivory Coast ex-leader Gbagbo denies crimes against humanity

AFP 2010 elections. The ensuing violence the evidence in a completely impar- a string of abuses. Prosecutor Ben- began descending on the new ICC claimed some 3,000 lives. tial fashion,” he said, adding it was souda said her investigations into building from before dawn yesterday. Gbagbo, 70, and Ble Goude, 44, their “task to determine ... whether the other crimes committed during that Draped in orange flags, they played both denied four charges of crimes charges are well established or not.” period were launched last year and drums and chanted slogans in sup- THE HAGUE: Former Ivorian pres- against humanity, which accused Abidjan, one of Africa’s most cos- “intensifying.” port of the former president. ident Laurent Gbagbo (pictured) them of organising “a common plan mopolitan cities, was turned into a Rights groups say crimes were “Our dream to see our president yesterday pleaded “not guilty” to four to maintain him as president by all war zone between 2010 to 2011 as committed by both sides, and high- walk free starts today,” said Marius charges of crimes against humanity as necessary means”. clashes flared between the rival forces light that no charges have yet been Boue, who travelled from north- his landmark trial opened five years Over the weeks the “implementa- in a deadly power struggle. brought against the camp of Ouat- ern France. “He is truly a man of the after post-election violence ravaged tion of the common plan had evolved But the international commu- tara — just elected to a second Ivorian people.” One of the rally’s his nation. to include an .. organisational policy to nity, including former colonial power term as president. “The ICC’s ongo- organisers, Abel Naki, said Gbagbo Gbagbo becomes the first ex- launch a widespread and systematic France, backed Ouattara as the winner, ing investigation into crimes by the and been “kidnapped” and “deported” head of state to stand in the dock at attack against civilians perceived to and Gbagbo was eventually arrested Ouattara side remains a critical ave- to the ICC. “It reminds us of the years the International Criminal Court (ICC) support Alassane Ouattara.” by Ouattara’s troops aided by UN and nue for victims to see justice,” stressed of slavery and colonisation.” in The Hague, in a case which will test Such crimes included murders, French forces, and extradited to the Param-Preet Singh, senior counsel for During the course of what will be the tribunal’s avowed aim to deliver rapes, other inhumane acts and per- ICC in 2011. Gbagbo’s defence lawyer, Human Rights Watch said. a lengthy and complex trial, prosecu- justice to the victims of the world’s secution, the court registrar said Emmanuel Altit, insisted on Wednes- Gbagbo’s defence has repeatedly tors intend to present 5,300 elements worst crimes. yesterday, reading out the charges. day that it was “an important trial for denied there was an organised plan of proof including hundreds of vid- Looking relaxed in a dark suit Amid lingering divisions over Cote d’Ivoire and for Africa” and would and insists the former trade union- eos, as well as 138 potential witnesses. with a light blue shirt, the one-time the events of 2010-2011, presiding help “clarify and understand the tragic ist played a key role in installing a Gbagbo’s wife Simone is also west African strongman had arrived Charles Ble Goude, of orchestrating a Judge Cuno Tarfusser vowed the ICC events that occurred in that country.” multi-party system in his nation — a wanted for crimes against human- earlier in court, smiling and shaking plan to cling to power in the world’s would “not allow this trial to be used Gbagbo’s supporters accuse Paris regional powerhouse once held up as ity by the ICC, but she was sentenced hands with his defence team. top cocoa producer after being nar- as a political tool or implement in of plotting to oust him, and charge a beacon of democracy and stability. to 20 years in an Ivorian jail last year Prosecutors accuse Gbagbo and rowly defeated by his bitter rival any way whatsoever.” “I can assure that Ouattara’s camp has not been Hundreds of Gbagbo supporters and the government refuses to hand his co-accused, former militia leader Alassane Ouattara in November you that the chamber will assess all investigated for also carrying out from the country’s large diaspora her over.

Women suicide Taiwan’s leader bombers kill four in north defends visit to Cameroon disputed island AFP YAOUNDÉ: A pair of women sui- cide bombers killed four people there to scold other countries,” he and left a trail of injury in north Taipei insists told reporters on his return to Taipei Cameroon yesterday, the second Thursday evening, brushing aside such attacks this week in a region Taiping Island in the rebukes from rival claimants. targeted by Nigeria’s Boko Haram Spratlys is part of The purpose of the trip was to visit Islamists. Taiwanese personnel stationed there Only two attacks in the town its territory, but the ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, of Kerawa were successful and chain is also claimed according to the presidential office, three others were foiled, a mem- and Ma said the United States had ber of a local vigilante group said. in part or whole by been notified of the trip in advance. “There were new suicide attacks this Vietnam, China, the “In the South China Sea if any morning in Kerawa,” said a regional country takes any action, many coun- security source. “Four civilians were Philippines, Malaysia tries will protest and we will keep killed. Many others were hurt.” and Brunei monitoring... I really can’t see what The member of the vigilante they are protesting against,” he said. committee set up to ward off such In a speech earlier in the day on attacks said the assailants were Taiping, Ma said the islands were both women and confirmed that Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou (second right) walks on the disputed Itu Aba or Taiping island in South China Sea. AFP “an inherent part of the Republic of six people had died in all, includ- China”, using Taiwan’s official title. ing the bombers. “This is indisputable,” he added. the whole of the South China Sea as islands, including Vietnam. “We remind all parties concerned “Five women planned to blow Taiwan has been boosting its its territory and other claimants have “We resolutely oppose President of our shared responsibility to refrain themselves up in Kerawa today TAIPEI: Taiwan’s President Ma Ying- presence on the island, inaugurat- complained it is become increasingly Ma’s action of going to Itu Aba,” Tran from actions that can increase ten- but two of them were arrested jeou defended his visit to a disputed ing a solar-powered lighthouse, and aggressive in pressing its claim. Duy Hai, representative of the Viet- sion in the South China Sea,” foreign and the fifth is on the run,” the island in the South China Sea yes- expanding an airstrip and a pier late Ma made some effort at sound- nam Economic and Cultural Office ministry spokesman Charles Jose said. member said, adding that one of terday despite criticism from the last year. ing reconciliatory yesterday, calling in Taipei, said, using an alternative China, which also regards Taiwan as the arrested women “is the wife United States and protests from the But Washington, which has said for the setting aside of disputes and name for the island. Ma’s visit came part of its territory awaiting reuni- of a Boko Haram chief in the Ker- other claimants as tensions swirl in it does not want to see an escalation proposing joint exploration of nat- weeks after Taiwanese coastguards fication, gave a measured response awa region.” the region. of tensions in the region, said ahead ural resources the area is believed drove off a Vietnamese fishing boat to Ma’s trip. The security source said the Taipei insists Taiping Island in the of Ma’s trip it was “extremely unhelp- to harbour. “To resolve disputes in near Taiping Island. “The situation “The Nansha (Spratly) islands have attacks were carefully timed as Spratlys is part of its territory, but the ful”, saying it would “not contribute to the South China Sea, the ROC gov- is already very tense. Each country been Chinese territory since ancient members of the vigilante group chain is also claimed in part or whole the peaceful resolution of disputes in ernment will work to safeguard shouldn’t take any unilateral action. times. The Chinese people on both had been called to a nearby town by Vietnam, China, the Philippines, the South China Sea.” sovereignty, shelve disputes, pursue His action doesn’t contribute to stabil- sides of the Taiwan Strait all have the to receive silver medals from the Malaysia and Brunei. His visit comes as several other peace and reciprocity, and promote ity in the region,” Tran added. responsibility to safeguard the ances- local governor for their role in pre- “We have the same general direc- claimants have been beefing up joint development,” he said. Ma faced The Philippines, meanwhile, tral property of the Chinese nation,” empting Boko Haram attacks. tion as the US and I don’t see how my their military presence in the dis- an onslaught of criticism from other warned Taiwan not to increase ten- Chinese foreign ministry spokes- The attacks took place next to a visit will heighten tension. I didn’t go puted region. Beijing regards almost countries who make claim to the sions in the disputed waters. woman Hua Chunying told reporters. school sheltering people displaced from their homes by Boko Haram’s six-year campaign of terror. The jihadists initially confined their war to Nigeria but last year Myanmar president hails ‘triumph’ of democratic transition saw a sharp increase in cross- border attacks in Niger, Chad and Cameroon. Kerawa was the scene of one such assault in September in AFP by the junta-era constitution that which 20 people were killed. many believe was designed specif- And on Monday, at least 37 ically to exclude her, but has vowed people died in four suicide attacks to rule through a proxy, who is yet to at a market in Bodo, also in Cam- NAYPYIDAW: President Thein Sein be named in public. eroon’s extreme north. hailed the “triumph” of Myanmar’s Faced with Suu Kyi’s massive Nearly 1,200 people have transition of power yesterday, in a popular mandate, Thein Sein and been killed since 2013 when Boko last address to a military-dominated powerful army chief Min Aung Hlaing Haram began attacking Cam- parliament before it makes way for a have pledged to support the transition. eroon’s Far North region bordering historic new legislature led by Aung A flurry of political plays have the Islamist group’s stronghold in San Suu Kyi’s pro-democracy party. dominated the days leading up to the northeastern Nigeria, according The Southeast Asian nation, handover, leaving analysts struggling to government spokesman, Com- choked for decades under junta to decipher their meaning in a coun- munications Minister Issa Chiroma rule, is on the cusp of a remarka- try where decision-making has long Bakary. “In total, 1,098 civilians, ble political handover after Suu Kyi’s been made in secret. 67 of our soldiers and three police National League for Democracy (NLD) Parliament yesterday approved a officials have been killed in these thundered to victory in November controversial bill that shields former barbaric attacks by the Boko elections. presidents from prosecution for acts Haram terrorist group,” he said. Myanmar’s people are hoping her during their term in office, while In that time, officials say there government can reboot a country granting them indefinite bodyguard have been more than 30 suicide eviscerated by army rule that battered protection. Observers say Suu Kyi, attacks blamed on Boko Haram, the economy and repressed dissent. who held talks with Min Aung Hla- which has pledged allegiance to “Even though there were difficul- ing on Monday, is seeking to find ways the Islamic State (IS) group. ties and challenges, we were able to to placate the military. But dealings In recent years, Boko Haram Parliamentary members leave after the last day of Lower House regular session in Naypyidaw yesterday. bring a democratic transformation with the army come fraught with anx- fighters had slipped back and forth eventually,” Thein Sein said address- iety for the former political prisoner across the frontier, often using Cam- ing the military-stacked legislature form a government in 2011. Initially encouraged a flood of foreign the outgoing parliament on Friday. and her party. eroon’s remote north as a rear base, for the last time. that government was viewed with investment. They also culminated Suu Kyi, 70, carries the nation’s The NLD is haunted by memories acquiring arms, vehicles and sup- “This is a triumph for all Myan- suspicion as a civilian front for the in November’s polls which passed expectations on her shoulders, after of its election landslide in 1990 that plies there. But since late November, mar’s people,” he added. Thein Sein, army’s continued domination. peacefully and saw Suu Kyi’s party a decades-long struggle against junta was ignored by a junta that went on the Cameroon army has carried who under drawn-out handover rules While the army retains major scoop nearly 80 percent of elected repression. The Nobel laureate faces a to tighten its grip on power for two out operations in several border retains his post until the end of March, clout — a quarter of parliamentary seats in the national parliament. formidable challenge in an impover- more decades. Thein Sein shrugged areas aimed at weakening Nige- has been a key player in Myanmar’s seats are ring-fenced for unelected The new NLD MPs, many of whom ished nation, blighted by corruption off the near-annihilation inflicted on rian jihadists active in the region, astonishing reform process. soldiers — sweeping political and are political novices, will take their and torn by ethnic minority civil wars his party at the polls, saying he had with sources saying the raids have He was among a host of military economic reforms have surprised seats on February 1 following the and religious divisions. not launched the reforms in order to significantly weakened Boko Har- figures who shed their uniforms to the international community and final day of a lame duck session by She is barred from the presidency hold on to power. am’s capabilities. 08 FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 PAKISTAN

Security officials check vehicles at the entrance of Bahauddin Zakariya University in Multan yesterday. Pakistani security officials arrested 11 people during an operation in the university. Many areas of Pakistan are increasing security at educational institutions. Security was also being enhanced in the largest province of Punjab in the east, where police were being enrolled to help train private security guards. RIGHT: School boys gather to witness counter-terrorism force skills during an exercise, in Peshawar. Security beefed up at educational institutions

Internews month. The statement did not specify extreme cold wave would continue private schools in Sialkot over poor of Technology for Women for the same any reason behind the sudden closure for another three to four days. We took security arrangements. reasons. In Multan, the Bahauddin The Balochistan of the schools. The move came a day all the stakeholders into confidence Police also sealed the Islamia Uni- Zakariya University (BZU) was closed government after the Punjab government ordered and made the decision to announce versity Bahawalpur’s Khawaja Fareed down for two days amid high secu- ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Inte- schools to close down for five days, the holidays.” Campus for not adopting proper secu- rity alert, the varsity officials said. announced that rior of Pakistan yesterday ordered the telling 22.5 million students to stay The minister denied that more rity arrangements. A police team led by All the hostels and residences had a special force police and Rangers to beef up secu- at home, not due to security fears but than 100,000 government and private DSP City Shafqat Ata sealed the cam- been vacated and security agencies rity at schools and other educational because of extreme weather. schools in the province were closed pus amid the resentment expressed by sealed the varsity while checking the would be formed to institutions across the country, a week Punjab Education Minister Rana down because of threats, despite the Faculty of Pharmacy and Alterna- premises, sources said. protect educational after a brazen terrorist attack on the Mashhood told the media that a large recent warnings that militants were tive Medicines Dean Prof Dr Mehmood BZU spokesman Prof Dr Ghulam institutions, while the Bacha Khan University in Charsadda number of children were catching flu planning to attack educational insti- Ahmad and others. Talking to the Shabbir said that the university was which left at least 21 dead. and pneumonia as temperature fell to tutions. On the other hand, the Punjab media, the DSP said the IUB adminis- closed for two days with all the classes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa The move came shortly after an as low as four degree Celsius in the government sealed several educa- tration had been asked to adopt proper scheduled for Saturday and Sunday decided to issue free official statement announced that all provincial capital while severe gas tional institutions for lack of proper security measures but it failed to do so. cancelled. The Balochistan govern- the schools run by the army across shortages had complicated the issue. security arrangements. Similarly, the students told the media ment announced that a special force weapon licences to the country would remain closed “Two days ago, the parents com- Among them was the Sargodha that they were also scared of inade- would be formed to protect educa- teachers of state-run until January 31. Shortly afterwards, plained about harshness of the Medical College which was sealed quate security at the campus. tional institutions, while the Khyber it was announced that all the schools weather and diseases to children,” after inspection of a security team, The DSP City also sealed the Gov- Pakhtunkhwa decided to issue free institutions run by the Bahria Foundation would he said. “The meteorological office, while the district administration ernment Postgraduate College, One weapon licences to teachers of state- also remain closed till the end of the too, told the government that the issued show-cause notices to seven Unit Chowk, and Government College run institutions.

Report says Cleric ‘willing’ to review terror groups in tribal region harsh blasphemy laws dismantled

Internews Reuters under the law. Sherani, a member of parliament represent- ISLAMABAD: Nearly 20 months ing Pakistan’s largest after the military launched an ISLAMABAD: The head of Islamist party, the operation in the tribal areas on the a powerful religious body Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, border with Afghanistan, terrorist said yesterday that he is for some embodies groups have been dismantled and willing to review Paki- Pakistan’s struggle to or purged from the region but the stan’s harsh blasphemy balance modern, dem- country still remains vulnerable to laws that critics say are ocratic ideals with groups such as the Islamic State, a regularly misused and pleasing conserva- report said yesterday. have led to the deaths of tive religious bodies “Military operations have dis- hundreds, to decide if they demanding the imposi- mantled the militant networks in the are Islamic. tion of strict Islamic law. Federally Administered Tribal Areas Pakistan’s religious In recent years his (Fata),” said Mansur Khan Mehsud, and political elites almost 54-year old council has Director of the Fata Research Cen- universally keep clear of ruled DNA cannot be tre (FRC) in Islamabad as the centre debating blasphemy laws used as primary evidence launched a new report. in a country where criti- in rape cases, and sup- “Militant groups like cism of Islam is a highly ported a law that requires Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Lt General John ‘Mick’ Nicholson Jr, speaks during his confirmation sensitive subject. Even woman alleging rape to (TTP), Mehsud Taliban in South rumours of blasphemy get four male witnesses Waziristan, Lashkar-e-Islam, hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill, have sparked rampaging to testify in court before Jamaatul-Ahrar, Al Qaeda, East in Washington, DC, yesterday. mobs and deadly riots. a case is heard. Turkistan Islamic Movement But Muhammad His members’ deci- (ETIM), Islamic Movement of Khan Sherani (pictured), sion this month to block Uzbekistan (IMU) etc., have now Seasoned veteran of Afghan chairman of a body that a bill to impose harsher shifted to safe havens in Khost, advises the government penalties for marrying off Paktika, Paktiya and Nangarhar on the compatibility of girls as young as eight or provinces of Afghanistan.” war picked for top command laws with Islam, told Reu- nine has angered human In its Annual Security Report, ters that he was willing to rights activists. the FRC noted that attacks in the reopen the debate and see whether sentences as harsh as Senators have since debated whether the council, in tribal areas fell by 40 per cent in Reuters and complexity of our mission in the death penalty were fair. its current form, is right for the modern democratic Paki- 2015 as compared to 2014. Despite Afghanistan,” Cook said, having “The government of Pakistan should officially, at stan that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said his country the fall in the number of attacks, served previously as chief of staff the government level, refer the law on committing blas- must represent. it still presented a grim picture for of operations for the International phemy to the Council of Islamic Ideology. There is a lot Sherani, head of the council since 2010, defended its the region which saw a total of 293 WASHINGTON: Lieutenant General Security Assistance Force, ISAF, and of difference of opinion among the clergy on this issue,” recommendations, saying it was his job, as mandated by militancy-related incidents which John “Mick” Nicholson, the current US Forces Afghanistan. Sherani said in an interview at his office close to Paki- the constitution, to ensure the laws of the land were in line left as many as 1,679 people dead head of Nato’s Allied Land Com- The transition comes amid stan’s parliament. with Islam. The council’s advice is not binding. and 561 injured. mand, has been chosen as the new growing concern about the secu- “Then the council can seriously consider things and “The state should only be concerned up until a point According to the report, there commander of international forces rity situation in Afghanistan, where give its recommendation of whether it needs to stay the with the question of marriage,” he said. “After reaching were 13 target killings, 43 attacks in Afghanistan, the Pentagon said Taliban militants have caused large same or if it needs to be hardened or if it needs to be sof- the age of maturity (puberty) the child has the right to on civilians, 60 ambushes on the yesterday amid concerns about set- numbers of casualties among Afghan tened,” Sherani, dressed in a traditional black robe, said. reject a union.” military and 17 attacks on mem- backs in the fight against the Taliban. troops and Islamic State affiliates Sherani, who has hit the headlines in recent weeks Three percent of girls in Pakistan are married before bers of peace committees. Further, Nicholson, whose selection must have made some inroads. after his council obstructed a bill to deter child marriages, they turn 15 and 21 percent before age 18, according to there were 13 cross-border attacks, be confirmed by the Senate, would The Taliban seized the northern did not disclose his own position. Unicef. four kidnappings and three clashes replace General John Campbell, who city of Kunduz last year before being Pakistan’s blasphemy laws mandate the death pen- Sherani said there were many un-Islamic laws on between various militant outfits. has commanded US and interna- driven out by the Army. They also alty, although no sentence has been carried out. Critics say the statute book that he was advising the government to Most of the casualties, 65 per tional forces in Afghanistan for the seized districts in Helmand province the law is abused in poor, rural areas by enemies falsely overturn, including presidential pardons for a murderer. cent, were militants at 1,463. Civil- past 18 months and is expected to and threatened the provincial capi- accusing others to settle personal scores. Many of Pakistan’s problems, including violence ians came in second at 14 per cent retire. Nicholson is a veteran of mul- tal, Lashkar Gah. Brigadier General Presenting evidence in court can be considered a new against religious minorities, were the result of the gov- with 313 casualties including 108 tiple deployments in Afghanistan. He Wilson Shoffner, a spokesman for the infringement, so judges are reluctant to hear cases. Those ernment failing to be sufficiently Islamic and instead deaths and 205 injured. Security commanded the Army’s 75th Ranger international mission in Afghanistan, acquitted have often been lynched. pandering to the West, he said. forces suffered nine per cent of Regiment as well as the 82nd Airborne said last week that Afghan security Salman Taseer, a prominent liberal politician, was “Pakistan’s present government is a defender of the all casualties with 78 deaths, 122 Division, Pentagon Press Secretary forces had “mixed results” in their killed by his own bodyguard in 2011 after he had champi- interests of the West,” Sherani said. “Don’t equate what injuries. Peace committees lost 30 Peter Cook told a news briefing. first year of carrying out the fight oned the cause of a Christian woman sentenced to death the government thinks to what Islam is.” members and 17 suffered injuries. “He understands the importance against the Taliban on their own. INDIA FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 09

10 facts on India Art Fair Smart Cities Government he cities chosen are Bhu- baneswar, Pune, Jaipur, TSurat, Kochi, Ahmeda- bad, Jabalpur, Visakhapatnam, announces 20 Solapur, Davangere, Indore, the New Delhi area, Coimbatore, Kakinada, Belgaum, Udaipur, Guwahati, Chennai, Ludhiana and Bhopal. → Thirteen of them are in smart cities the WHO list of the 20 most pol- luted cities in the world. → The 20 names were such as waste management and picked from a list of 97 cit- efficient public transport. ies submitted by states during Smart cities will The plan is also intended to boost a competition last year. The be provided with investment and create jobs for mil- choices were judged on service lions of people, but it has faced levels, infrastructure and track uninterrupted power criticism for being a slow starter. record. More than 2.5 million and water supplies, The federal government has citizens weighed in on which struggled to pass reform legislation urban problems needed to be proper sanitation and making it easier to acquire land and solved first. public transport in build roads and it was not immedi- → “The competition was as ately clear how it would be able to rigorous as the civil services a $7.5bn makeover provide high-quality infrastructure exam,” remarked Union Urban to turn them into to these cities within five years. Works by artists Shail Choyal and Swapan Bhandary are on display among others at the India Art Fair Development Minister Venkaiah smart cities with On Thursday, Urban Devel- Naidu. opment Minister Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi, yesterday. The exhibition for south Asian contemporary art runs until Sunday. → None of the cities are living standards named the first set of cities that will from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and comparable to be targeted for a transformation. West Bengal. On the other hand, These include Chennai in the some states have two or more Europe south, which was ravaged by floods nominees - Madhya Pradesh, last year because of flawed urban Getting passport becomes easier Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, planning, as well as a part of New Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Reuters Delhi. Other proposed smart cities Andhra Pradesh. are the tourist destinations of Jaipur → To qualify, states and local and Udaipur and Bhubaneswar in IANS Swarup said that now an appli- an affidavit stating their address, cit- administrations had to provide the east. “This game-changing cant can fill up his or her particulars izenship and swearing that there are “smart answers” to a template NEW DELHI: India named 20 cit- mission marks the end of a busi- online and pay the requisite fees. no criminal cases pending against with 43 questions. ies yesterday which it says will be ness-as-usual approach,” Naidu told “He or she will then be redirected them will be processed on a post- → The cities not named provided with uninterrupted power a news conference. About 35 million NEW DELHI: The process of getting to a ‘pay and book appointment’ police verification basis without today will be asked to get their and water supplies, proper sanita- people live in the 20 cities. a fresh Indian passport has become screen allowing him or her to choose payment of any additional fees sub- act together, focus on deficien- tion and public transport in easier with the government introduc- a date from the displayed calendar,” ject to successful online validation cies and prepare for Round 2 of a $7.5bn makeover to turn ing two significant changes to further he said, adding that the calendar of the Aadhar number,” Swarup said. announcements in April. them into smart cities with liberalise the procedure. would display the latest five availa- Basically, he said, a citizen who → In December last year, living standards comparable “The first is that the ministry has ble dates at the Passport Seva Kendra has these three relevant documents 97 selected cities had submit- to Europe. implemented a solution whereby selected. would be issued the passport “vir- ted their plans to the ministry India’s cities lack basic applicants can book their appoint- “The second and more signifi- tually immediately” and the police and were given Rs.2 crore each. infrastructure such as toi- ments as per their choice,” external cant set of changes are in the police verification would follow later. → PM Modi has vowed to lets and are bursting at the affairs ministry spokesman Vikas verification process,” the spokes- “The ministry has also launched create 100 new smart cities seams with the influx of tens Swarup explained at a media brief- man said. an mPassport Police App which by 2022 that will have inter- of thousands of people from ing here yesterday. He said the digital integration allows for police verification to net connectivity, e-governance the countryside. Thirteen of “The new provision will allow of police districts into the Passport enter the status of verification dig- along with quality infrastruc- them are in the WHO’s list of applicants to choose any of the lat- Seva Project (PSP) has resulted in itally and in real time, thus cutting ture such as waste management the 20 most polluted cities in est five available working days the reduction of days taken to com- down further on the time required and efficient public transport. the world, topped by the cap- while scheduling or rescheduling plete verification from 49 in 2013 to for verification,” he said. → The prime minister had ital New Delhi. an appointment for passport-related 34 in 2015. The changes have come into described Smart Cities as those Prime Minister Naren- services,” he said. “But now, under this system, nor- effect as of Wednesday which, with “very high quality of life dra Modi has vowed to create Under the earlier system, the mal passport applications of all first Swarup said, was a Republic Day comparable with any developed 100 new smart cities by 2022 appointment was assigned by the time applicants who furnish three gift from the external affairs ministry. Minister of Urban Development European city”. that will have internet con- Passport Seva system based on its documents — Aadhar, electoral As of December 31, 2015, 63.3 Venkaiah Naidu announcing the ‘Smart nectivity, e-governance along availability and on first-in-first-out photo identity card and permanent million Indians held valid passports, with quality infrastructure City’ project in New Delhi yesterday. (FIFO) basis. account number or PAN card — and the spokesman added.

Defence ministry Praful Patel seeks CBI probe FIR ordered against Kerala CM fined for seeking against 2 generals adjournments in

NEW DELHI: In a possible first, IANS the judicial commission probing the Mohammad also said: “We have done panels. Sources close to Chandy said defamation case the defence ministry has asked CBI matter that she gave Rs19m in bribes no wrong. I will cooperate with the that he was speaking to lawyers to to probe two serving major gener- to Chandy. investigation that has been ordered.” prepare a legal response. als for posessing disproportionate She said on Wednesday that this Meanwhile, CPM state secretary The corruption allegations IANS assets and accepting bribes for THRISSUR: A court here yesterday done in two instalments and was part Kodiyeri Balakrishnan told reporters threaten to derail the Congress-led promotions, sources in the min- told Kerala’s vigilance department of the Rs70m bribe demanded by that Chandy has to quit immediately. United Democratic Front’s (UDF) bid istry said yesterday. to file an FIR against Chief Minis- Chandy through his then staff mem- “The court has made its intentions to retain power in assembly elections The two officers are Major Gen- ter Oommen Chandy on corruption ber Jikumon. clear through the FIR, and Chandy to be held this year. MUMBAI: A magistrate’s court eral S.S. Lamba of the Army Service charges in the solar panel scam. Saritha Nair said she also paid has only one way now to go forward Congress leader and former Ker- here yesterday slapped a fine of Corps (ASC) and Major General The Left immediately asked Rs4m to minister Mohammed. and that is to quit at the earliest,” said ala chief minister A K Antony and Rs3,000 on former civil aviation Ashok Kumar of the Army Ordi- Chandy to resign. He refused to, say- In response to the court’s direc- the Communist Party of India-Marx- party president Sonia Gandhi are minister Praful Patel for repeat- nance Corps (AOC), the sources said. ing he had done no wrong. tion, Chandy told reporters in ist leader. reported to have discussed the issue edly seeking adjournments in a According to sources, Defence Min- The Thrissur Vigilance Court also Malappuram that he had a clear The scam erupted in 2013 when along with Mukul Wasnik, who is in defamation case. ister Manohar Parrikar has written directed a First Information Report to conscience. a fradulent company, Team Solar, charge of the party affairs in the state. Metropolitan Magistrate V P to CBI for the probe. be registered against Power Minister “I have done no wrong. I will face allegedly used two women to weave State Congress president V M Adone imposed the fine after reject- Sources said the enquiry has Aryadan Mohammed. the probe and cooperate with it,” he political contacts and duped several Sudheeran has held talks with Gan- ing Patel’s lawyers’ plea seeking been ordered on the basis of com- The direction followed a petition said. Asked if would resign, Chandy influential people of large sums of dhi over phone while Home Minister another adjournment in a defama- plaints received against the two by activist P D Joseph after Saritha shot back: “For what?” money by offering to make them busi- Ramesh Chennithala has cancelled all tion case filed by the former minister officers. Nair, a key accused in the scam, told His ministerial colleague ness partners or by setting up solar his programmes for the day. against ex-Air India executive direc- tor Jitender Bhargava. The defamation case matter revolves around Bhargava’s contro- versial book entitled “The Descent Six found guilty of rape of Air India” in which he had chron- icled the diminution of the national carrier through certain “reckless and motivated” decisions taken and murder of student between 2004-2008. In this period, Patel was the aviation minister while V. Thu- AFP The six face punishments ranging from lasidas was the chairman of Air 20 years in jail to the death penalty. India. Bhargava had penned the The gang attacked the university book post-retirement. student as she returned home to her Irked by the contents of the KOLKATA: An Indian court convicted six village, 50km northeast of Kolkata, in book, Patel filed a defamation case men yesterday of gang-raping and mur- June 2013. against Bhargava and the publish- dering a student as she walked home after The victim, who cannot be named for ers, Bloomsbury, in October 2013. an exam in 2013, in a case that sparked legal reasons, was grabbed after getting off “Though the publishers subse- outrage over women’s safety. the bus before being dragged to a nearby quently withdrew the book from Security was tight outside the court in abandoned farm. the markets around Janaury 2014, I the eastern city of Kolkata for the verdict, She was found gagged and laying in a stood my ground since everything with chanting protesters demanding jus- pool of blood in a field the next morning. in the book was based on docu- tice and scuffling with police. Evidence showed she had been repeat- mentary evidence,” Bhargava said. Senior public prosecutor Dipak Ghosh edly raped. Since then, he said that about said that six accused were convicted of The attack triggered anger in West 10 dates for hearing were fixed by gang-raping the 21-year-old woman, as Bengal state and came just months after the court, but on each occasion, well as murder, interfering with evidence the fatal gang rape of a student in Delhi in Patel’s side sought adjournments and other charges. December 2012 that shone a global spot- which were granted, said Bhar- Judge Sanchita Sarkar told the packed light on violence against women in India. gava, who is fighting his case court that two others “are acquitted due to The 2012 incident led to an overhaul himself, though not a lawyer. All India Progressive Women’s Association (AIPWA) activists shout slogans against Bengal lack of evidence”. “The... punishment will of India’s rape laws including speeding up Now the matter has been fixed government as they demand death penalty for the accused at the session court during verdict in be announced after hearing the convicts of trials and tougher penalties for offend- for hearing on February 12, said Kolkata yesterday. today,” she said. ers, but high numbers of assaults persist. Bhargava. 10 FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 VIEWS

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CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

ACTING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

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EDITORIAL Opening old wounds Why a businessman’s death

he decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to probe alleged war crimes during the brief war between Georgia and meant so much to the Turks Russia in 2008 is a welcome step. Though it can be argued that the decision of The Hague-based court comes somewhat late, even chocolates according to kept control of the Dogan group Erdogan was furious, promising it is hoped that investigations by prosecutors will work towards whether they are manufactured until 2010. And for the most punishment for the “crime” of Tbringing to justice perpetrators of widespread abuses that may have been by “secular” Eti or conserva- part, he managed to maintain abetting “terrorists.” As many as committed during the conflict in which Russia waded into, taking the tive Ulker companies, Koc’s good relations with the new 200 tax inspectors descended continued success was never a regime. In 2005, for example, on Koc’s energy companies and Georgian government by surprise. The ICC has said that it is reasonable given. And the government con- Koc was able to buy a 51 percent the government cancelled a to believe that crimes against humanity and war crimes were committed trols many of the contracts and share of the oil refiner Tupras, ¤1.5bn ($1.64bn) naval contract during the conflict. On August 7-8, Georgia’s then President Mikheil privatisations on which con- the country’s largest single it had previously awarded to the Saakshvili sent forces into the breakaway republic of South Ossetia that glomerates such as Koc rely for enterprise, paying the govern- company. borders the Russian region of North Ossetia. growth. ment $4.1bn. Koc didn’t overreact, but More than 6,000 alleged victims petitioned the ICC in December last Since coming to power For Turkish secularists, neither did he roll over. When in 2003, Erdogan has sought Koc’s success was important. evidence emerged of wide- year. It is likely that the ICC’s first investigation outside of Africa will see By Marc Champion to shift the disproportionate So long as Koc and other secu- spread government corruption, many skeletons tumble out of the cupboard. Bloomberg amount of wealth accumu- lar-era conglomerates run a big he called for Erdogan to clear As the Kremlin struggles to deal with an economy being buffeted by lated by secularist business share of the economy, there is a up the charges for the sake of Western sanctions, and President Vladimir Putin desperately tries to families toward his religious large safe space in which sec- investor confidence, rather than consolidate power, the ICC probe has opened up another front which the conservative allies. This was ularists can work and advance bury them (as the government Russian government has to find ways to he large turnout in to be expected, given the way at good jobs even if they — and did). Slowly, Erdogan came deal with. Istanbul for the funeral secularist parties had previ- their spouses — don’t wear around, seeming to recognise of Mustafa Koc, along ously disfavoured conservative head scarves. Among the trib- that destroying the Koc group On the other hand, Georgia will find with the thousands of companies. utes to Koc that poured in after would damage Turkey itself. it increasingly difficult to face a probe Ttributes on social media, says But he has also taken puni- his death came one from UN The day before Koc suffered his that is likely to open up old wounds of the a lot about what has been hap- tive action against some Women, the United Nations heart attack, the two men were The ICC probe into former Soviet Republic. There have been pening in Turkey during the secularist businesses. He entity devoted to promot- again talking about defence allusions to war crimes on both sides. past decade. These days, prom- charged the Dogan group — a ing women’s empowerment, to contracts. war crimes during The people of South Ossetia are inent businessmen usually don’t conglomerate with large media which Koc was deeply commit- Erdogan attended Koc’s draw such affection. and energy assets — with tax ted. In Turkey, gender equality funeral along with leaders of the Russia-Georgia ethnically and linguistically different Koc, who died of a heart fines and interest of $3.2bn is a defining political issue. the secularist opposition. The war will serve the from Georgians and it has also been attack last week, ran a com- (most of the charges were even- Erdogan is just as committed to death of a man who was able cause of justice. alleged that Georgian civilians were pany that claims to account for tually thrown out in court). his belief that men and women to walk such a fine line with a killed by South Ossetian forces during 8 percent of Turkey’s economy Erdogan felt strongly that have been created for separate, government that too often sees the conflict. Georgia, under Saakshvili and 14 percent of its exports. Istanbul’s secular aristocracy unequal roles. its opponents as terrorists is an who enjoyed the support of Western The Koc group, which produces — so-called White Turks — News of Mustafa Koc’s death enormous loss. Turks who came governments, lost the war after which everything from cars to petro- had treated him, a “Black Turk” caused the company’s share to pay their respects for Koc leum products, grew during the from the streets, disrespect- price to fall by more than 5 per- understood this. Russia officially recognised South country’s military and secular- fully when he was the city’s cent, though it has recovered Ossetia — along with the breakaway ist-dominated era — from its mayor in the 1990s. As recently since. Georgian region of Abkhazia — as independent states. Thus, Moscow beginnings in 1926, soon after as 2013, he suggested that busi- While Koc may have been Among the tributes consolidated its hold on the two territories. In keeping with the Kremlin’s Mustafa Kemal Ataturk formed ness leaders of that era should one of Erdogan’s most power- to Koc that poured the Turkish Republic, until the face trial for the role he sus- ful natural opponents, he was policy of using frozen conflicts to spread its influence in the region, the in after his death Russian government was able to intimidate another of its neighbours. election of President Recep pects they played in the “soft” always respectful towards him Tayyip Erdogan’s religious coup of 1997, which toppled an in public and avoided diving The conflict in Ukraine that saw Moscow occupy and then annex Crimea came one from conservative Justice and Devel- Islamist-led government and into Turkey’s culture wars, even has echoes of the situation in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. opment Party in 2002. The led to Erdogan’s being jailed. So in private discussions I had with UN Women, the Georgia has been trying to come to terms with political instability business has continued to pros- it was a smart move for Koc’s him. At the same time, he wasn’t United Nations making its nascent polity susceptible to course changes. Saakshvili, who per since. father, Rahmi to hand control a pushover. When, during the entity devoted to is credited with introducing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, In a country where secu- of the company to his son in 2013 Gezi Park demonstrations lost elections as the country grappled with widespread poverty. The lar and religious conservative 2003, the year Erdogan became against Erdogan, protesters promoting women’s US-educated lawyer who went onto exile after losing his presidency, now companies have formed sep- prime minister. Mustafa Koc sought refuge from police tear empowerment, arate associations (Tusiad could deal with the new leaders gas and batons in Koc’s swanky heads a province of eastern Ukraine. The ICC probe that will go into the and Musiad, respectively), with less personal baggage than Divan hotel, the doors opened, to which Koc was details of the purported war crimes and abuses by both sides is going to roil and where consumers choose his father or Aydin Dogan, who and first aid was provided. deeply committed. the politics of the volatile South Caucasus region.

Quote of the day When Trump hit out at those who duck debates

By Callum Borchers debate moderator that Trump now derides and has been consistently tough on Trump during The debate tonight will be a wants removed from the stage in Des Moines the current presidential primary season, even total disaster. Low ratings with before he would participate. as he dominates polls. Kelly’s opening question “Not lots of courage,” Trump said of skit- to the real estate mogul during the first GOP advertisers and advertising tish candidates at the time. “You know, these debate in August marked the beginning of an rates dropping like a rock. I ike so many other Donald Trump Republicans, they’re supposed to be brave.” increasingly tense saga; she rattled off a series hate to see this. manoeuvres, his withdrawal from today’s Trump ultimately stepped down as mod- of disparaging remarks Trump has directed at LFox News Channel debate is a contra- erator, saying he wanted to reserve the right to women and asked whether he possesses the diction. During the last presidential election enter the race later. He didn’t. But he told Kelly “temperament” to be president. cycle, he criticised Republican candidates Mitt in that interview that he wouldn’t be as good Fox News — and Kelly, in particular — Romney, Rick Perry and Michele Bachmann at moderating debates as she is. have been in Trump’s crosshairs. On social for refusing to participate in a December 2011 “I could never beat you,” Trump said. “That media, he frequently complains about cover- debate sponsored by Newsmax that Trump wouldn’t even be close. That would be no con- age that he considers unfair. It wasn’t so long Fox Donald Trump himself planned to moderate. test. You have done a great job, by the way, and ago that Trump, and Kelly seemed down- What’s more, he levelled that criticism dur- I mean that.” right friendly. And it wasn’t so long ago that US presidential candidate ing an interview with none other than — wait Fox News, which critics often accuse of Trump seemed to think candidates who duck for it — Megyn Kelly, the Fox News host and being in the tank for Republican candidates, debates are cowards.

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He is, simply, a machine. During his entire 45-minute speech at Ottumwa’s Bridge View Center, he never said the word “um” at all, and he only stuttered and stumbled over a word once. He had his stump speech down cold, but in a way that was clearly segmented into chunks and able to move around in his brain and rejiggered as he saw fit. Move the prayer section here, shift “ripping up the Iran deal” over there, drop in the “inves- tigate Planned Parenthood” right there in the middle. When taking questions from the audi- ence at this town hall, you can almost see his brain click and whirl, like a jukebox By Will Leitch selecting the correct 45. Bloomberg When he received an odd question about whether he would “toss those United Nations jerks out of our country,” he seg- ued seamlessly into a five-minute anecdote oughly 45 minutes before Don- about his time taking on the World Court ald Trump’s campaign would in the Medellin case like he was reading it announce on Tuesday that he off a teleprompter. Cruz’s ability to convert was skipping Thursday night’s a complicated world into a singular world- RFox News debate, as always giddily tip- view without it ever appearing strained is ping the Republican race into chaos in a yet unerring. It is his oratorical superpower. another pique of strategic petulance (or is it He is Cruz Bot. petulant strategy?), Ted Cruz was chugging A perfect illustration of this arrived along as usual, at a rally in Ottumwa, Iowa. later at the next event, in Fairfield, when Cruz has a precise, meticulous way of he was able to effortlessly absorb the big speaking that is as regimented as Trump’s news of the evening — Trump’s refusal to is scattershot and freewheeling. Report- take the debate stage with Megan Kelly ers who have attended multiple Cruz — and convert it into campaign energy, completely seamlessly. Cruz’s speech was almost exactly the same, with one addition: A Trump section, delivered as effortlessly Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz (centre) talks with audience members after a campaign event at Bogie’s as if it had been given 100 times before like Steakhouse in Albia, Iowa. Reporters who have attended the rest of it. It included a debate challenge to Trump, “mano a mano,” that Cruz had multiple Cruz speeches have noted apparently come up with in the campaign how he is able to hit the exact same bus on the way over. Cruz and Trump are, reasonably, hang on every word. He may not be loved beats at the exact same points of Just like that, Cruz had turned a story lumped together as the “outsider” candi- by people who have worked with him, but that had nothing to do with him and made dates, yet it’s difficult to imagine two more he knows how to give a crowd like this every speech, in a way unusual even it his; every story about Trump’s decision different human beings. Whereas Trump exactly what it wants. And perhaps most for politicians. His stump speech is now includes an item about Cruz and his embraces his wacked-out opulence, Cruz impressive: He’s able to do it in a way that deceptively artful in its dull science. challenge. Cruz takes in new informa- is dorky in a believable way. His light blue benefits him, exclusively. tion, processes it and instinctively churns sweater is rumpled and doesn’t quite fit Perhaps the most artful part of Cruz’s You listen to him like you listen to it into part of his travelling roadshow as right; his blue jeans are a little too wide and speech is its closing. Cruz quotes from an air conditioner hum, always able if it were there the whole time. He is the a little too high; his pant cuffs hang slop- Scripture and-not coincidentally-he turns political Borg. pily over work boots. (Cruz looks like one to Second Chronicles, bringing to mind Whereas Donald to imperceptibly move up or down Cruz was introduced in Ottumwa by of Trump’s accountants, albeit the one who the book of the Bible Trump famously one degree to meet the needs of his Bob Vander Plaats, President and CEO of is secretly orchestrating his boss’ downfall mispronounced as “Two Corinthians” Trump embraces audience without straying off beat. The Family Leader and a kingmaker in behind the scenes.) The contrast between rather than “Second Corinthians” at Lib- his wacked-out evangelical Iowa politics. (He supported Cruz and Rick Perry, who gave Cruz his erty University. Cruz has been making Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum the last introduction at the Ottumwa town hall was hay of Trump’s mistake for a few days, opulence, Ted two cycles, two devout men who also hap- jarring, Perry with his bomber jacket and and Vander Platts had mocked him for it Cruz is dorky in a pened to win the last two caucuses.) his Joe Maddon glasses and his haunched earlier as well. This time, though, Trump speeches have noted, with a mixture of Vander Plaats had spent the day being swagger, Cruz with his wonkish inability didn’t even have to be mentioned. He believable way. awe and alarm, how he is able to hit the hammered by Trump because his endorse- to quite look normal. instead pointed out that 2 Chronicles His light blue exact same beats at the exact same points ment had gone to Cruz, and the former He’s not charming in the way Perry is, 7:14 was the verse Ronald Reagan had his of every speech, at every stop, in a way gubernatorial candidate spent his intro- and his attempts to come across as a reg- hand on when he was sworn into office sweater is rumpled unusual even for politicians. His stump duction pointing out not only Trump’s ular person are the one flaw in his matrix. a second time, and then began to recite and doesn’t quite fit speech is deceptively artful in its dull sci- failings — hammering him for, in order, He has a bad habit, his tell: Right after from memory. By the time he was halfway right; his blue jeans ence. You listen to him like you listen to an boasting about never asking God’s for- delivering a line he believe has scored- through the verse, the audience began air conditioner hum, always able to imper- giveness, belittling John McCain’s time which is generally every one of them-he to join him. are a little too wide ceptibly move up or down one degree to in prison, and making fun of a New York bites his bottom lip and emits a silent click In one move, Cruz managed to por- and a little too high; meet the needs of his audience but never Times reporter with a disability — but of a giggle, with a little hop that seems to tray himself as humble and regular folk, once straying off beat. boosting Cruz as the true Christian con- be his internal voice saying, “Nailed it!” It remind Iowans that he is the most devout his pant cuffs hang It is perfect and unceasing and sort servative candidate in the race. sometimes makes him look like a Muppet person in the race, position himself as the sloppily over work of amazing. The fact that Cruz is a cham- Vander Plaats showered Cruz with Babies version of a supervillain. natural successor to Ronald Reagan and pion debater has been long discussed, but affection, calling him a “once in a gener- But as relaxed as Perry was on stage, get in a dig at Donald Trump without ever boots. Cruz looks it’s always brought up in the context of ation conservative,” though it was clear Cruz is obviously the more accomplished having to say his name. And he even got like one of actual debates. But his ability to stay singu- Vander Plaats was still smarting from speaker. He clicks into place like an old the audience to sing it along with him. Trump’s larly focused without wavering is a public Trump’s barbs, sneaking in “the sanctity of grandfather clock. He is forceful, assured, It was a virtuoso work of political the- speaking skill that doesn’t require others human life is not up for the art of the deal” and comfortably simple: The crowd isn’t atre — Cruz Bot, operating at maximum accountants. on stage with him. in the middle of some more Cruz praise. necessarily inspired by him, but they still capacity. It is a most formidable machine. Iowans give Hillary Clinton their polite applause

a capacity audience of over 200. One Others that encourage them to move. She It was well received, particularly of those in the crowd promised to be tougher on Wall Street, when she blasted companies like Sanders sup- said they were which she claimed was taking aim Johnson Controls, an auto supply porters was there out of at her campaign. She said the nation company based in Wisconsin, for Nadia Igram, curiosity. One prospers more under Democratic planning to relocate overseas for a lawyer from young woman Presidents, comparing economic tax purposes. nearby Wau- said she’ll def- performance under Obama and her But interviews with a dozen kee, there initely caucus husband, Bill Clinton, favourably to Iowa voters in attendance with her hus- on Monday the administrations of George W and underscored her campaign’s band and night — for a George H W Bush. chief concern: a lack of pas- two children. Republican, She made only a fleeting mention sion among her supporters. She said she Marco Rubio. of Sanders, charging that his plan to Polls show she is locked in a likes Clin- Clinton laid replace the US healthcare system tight race with Vermont Senator ton but leans out her eco- with European- style government Bernie Sanders in Iowa, which to Sanders nomic plan, insurance would “lead to deadlock” By Albert Hunt has its first-in-the-nation con- because she Hillary Clinton which she said and potentially undo the benefits of Bloomberg test on Monday. He has generated lots favours some emphasised the Obama’s Affordable Care Act of 2009. of enthusiasm. of his “socialist ideas” and thinks he middle class. She promised to create No matter what happens in Iowa Dana Brown, a graphic arts may be better on social justice issues. more jobs, higher incomes and more or on February 9 in the primary in designer who came out to see Clinton, But as the event began, she said, “If spending on infrastructure, while New Hampshire, where Sanders cur- he challenge facing Hillary said she supported the former secre- Clinton says something that strikes a not raising taxes on anyone mak- rently enjoys an advantage, Clinton Clinton’s well-oiled presiden- tary of state for “practical” reasons. spark, I might change my mind.” ing less than $250,000 a year. She remains the favourite to win the nom- Ttial campaign was on display But Brown said she’s “not sure” she’ll There were exceptions, Tim Sny- lauded President Barack Obama, who ination. But if she loses the first two on Wednesday at the Fun and Family attend a caucus to cast a vote on Mon- der, a retired John Deere employee defeated her in Iowa eight years ago, contests, it would virtually assure a Bowling Alley in Adel, Iowa: enthusi- day night. from Dallas Center, said he’s “an on the way to winning the Democratic longer, costlier and conceivably more asm or, more precisely, the lack of it. Bonita Boughman, a retiree in enthusiastic Hillary person.” Praising nomination. acrimonious battle. The leading Democratic candidate Adel, said she’ll probably turn out for the possibility of electing the nation’s She also, perhaps with Sanders As she was leaving the event, gave a polished 45-minute speech, Hillary next week, but added, “There’s first woman president, he added: “She in mind, struck a decidedly populist Igram said she thought Clinton was focusing on her economic policies a lot of Bernie Sanders support out has all the tools to get the job done. tone both on American companies “really good.” She also said she’s and ripping into Republicans before here.” Females multitask better.” located overseas and the tax policies sticking with Sanders.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Views and Opinion pages should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief. 12 FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 EUROPE Sweden may expel up to 80,000 migrants

received in 2015 would likely be With the influx rejected. Migration Minister Morgan Johansson said authorities faced a dif- showing little sign ficult task in deporting such a large of abating, many number of migrants, but insisted the rejected applicants would have to countries — including return home. Austria, Germany, “Otherwise we would basically have free immigration and we can’t Denmark, Sweden manage that,” he told news agency TT. and France — have However, 7,590 people who had their asylum applications rejected tightened asylum last year went underground, and for rules in a bid to the period 2010-2015 their number discourage new totalled 40,345, according to the migration agency. arrivals More than one million people travelled to Europe last year — the majority of them refugees fleeing conflict in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan AFP — in the continent’s worst migration crisis since World War II. Most cross by boat from Turkey to Greece and the United Nations said STOCKHOLM: Sweden said it expects yesterday that more than 50,000 to expel up to 80,000 migrants people have turned up on the EU whose asylum requests will likely be member’s beaches so far this year, rejected, as another 24 people includ- while 200 people died making the ing children drowned off Greece dangerous journey. yesterday in the latest tragedy in the Flimsy boats packed with Mediterranean. migrants are still arriving on Greek As the continent grapples with beaches every day, undeterred by efforts to stem a record flow of Europe’s wintry conditions. migrants, Swedish Interior Minis- Yesterday, the bodies of 24 ter Anders Ygeman said the mass migrants, including 10 children, expulsions of people who arrived in were discovered off the Greek island the Scandinavian country last year of Samos after their boat capsized would require the use of specially and 11 others were still missing, the chartered aircraft. coastguard said, a day after seven Syrian children sleeping outside the Swedish Migration Board in Marsta, outside Stockholm. Sweden is preparing for the expulsion of up to The deportations would be stag- other bodies were found near the gered over several years, Ygeman said. island of Kos. 80,000 people whose asylum bids have been rejected, a cabinet member said yesterday. “We are talking about 60,000 With the influx showing little sign people but the number could climb of abating, many countries — includ- refugees trapped in the country. After Greek side, police there said. the country plunge since it brought in Her death has led to questions to 80,000,” he told Swedish media. ing Austria, Germany, Denmark, having closed its border for several Greece is not the only country systematic photo ID checks on trav- about conditions inside some centres, The country of 9.8 million is Sweden and France — have tightened hours last week, Macedonia again under fire — Denmark has faced ellers on January 4. with too few adults and employees to among the European Union states asylum rules in a bid to discourage blocked refugees from entering from heavy criticism after lawmak- Concerns have grown over con- care for the children, many trauma- with the highest proportion of refu- new arrivals. Greece for several hours overnight. ers passed a bill this week allowing ditions in Sweden’s overcrowded tised by war. gees per capita. Of the 58,800 asylum Reflecting the mounting ten- An interior ministry official said authorities to seize valuables from asylum facilities, however, and offi- Sweden took in around 35,400 requests handled by Swedish migra- sions, Brussels on Wednesday blasted that was because 600 people were refugees in a bid to deter new arrivals. cials have called for greater security unaccompanied minors in 2015, nine tion authorities last year, 55 percent Greece’s handling of the crisis and queuing at Macedonia’s northern bor- Some have likened the move to after an employee at a refugee cen- times more than in 2014. National were accepted. Many of those requests warned it could face border controls der to cross into Serbia. the Nazis’ confiscation of gold from tre for unaccompanied youths was Police Commissioner Dan Elias- were however submitted in 2014, with the EU’s passport-free Schengen Several hours later the refugees Jews during the Holocaust, with stabbed to death earlier this week. son earlier this week requested before the large migrant flow began. zone if it does not protect the bloc’s were allowed on their way and the Human Rights Watch denouncing A 15-year-old male allegedly 4,100 additional officers and sup- Ygeman said he used the 55 per- frontiers. situation returned to normal. Some the bill as “despicable”. attacked the 22-year-old employee, port staff to help counter terrorism, cent figure to estimate that around Athens is worried its border with 3,000 people were on Thursday wait- Neighbouring Sweden has seen Alexandra Mezher, at the centre in deport migrants and police asylum half of the 163,000 asylum requests Macedonia will be closed, leaving ing at the Macedonian border on the the number of new migrants entering Molndal on Sweden’s west coast. facilities.

Man arrested in German military prepares for Mali mission French and British schools Disneyland Paris hotel with two on alert after ‘threats’ handguns: Police AFP British media said four schools in London had been evacuated, although this was not confirmed. AFP The threats come two days after PARIS: More than 20 schools in six Paris schools and 14 in Britain France, Italy and Britain were placed were evacuated following hoax PARIS: A man carrying two hand- on alert yesterday after receiving bomb threats. Those threats were guns, ammunition and a Holy threatening phone calls, following claimed by a Twitter account call- Quran was arrested yesterday at a wave of hoax bomb scares earlier ing itself the Evacuation Squad, with a hotel in Disneyland Paris, and this week. a profile picture of Russian President his girlfriend was also held, police French education authorities Vladimir Putin. The account featured sources said. said there were “no bomb alerts but previous messages in support of Syr- The man was “detected upon threats” at five of the most prestig- ian President Bashar al-Assad. his arrival at the Disneyland hotel ious schools in Paris, without giving “We are six individuals based where he had a reservation. Hotel further details. The schools were internationally,” reads the profile security found two handguns, a placed under police surveillance. blurb, advertising its services to Koran and ammunition on him”, A French high school in Rome call in bomb threats. The account said the source. was evacuated as was a trilingual has since been suspended. A separate police source said creche, after similar threats, accord- Both France and Britain are on that the metal detector had rung ing to letters sent to parents. high alert after again being threat- out as the man passed through. Meanwhile in Britain, police ened by the latest Islamic State group Police were called and arrested said they were probing threats at 14 propaganda video, released on the suspect while they secured his schools in central England believed Monday showing the jihadists who vehicle. They then tracked down to be “false and malicious.” attacked Paris in November. his girlfriend who was also taken “At this stage there is nothing to The IS group’s French-language into custody. suggest there is any credible threat magazine Dar Al Islam called in its Papers found on the suspect to any of the schools,” said Detec- November edition for its followers A soldier from reconnaissance battalion 6 ‘Holstein’ with a ‘Mikado’ drone during a press event in Eutin, indicated that he lived in Paris, tive Inspector Colin Mattinson of the to kill teachers in the French edu- Germany, yesterday. Up to 650 German soldiers were preparing for their upcoming mission to Mali. however no further details were West Midlands police, the force that cation system, describing them as available about him. covers the city of Birmingham. “enemies of Allah”. Disneyland Paris is situated about 30km east of the French capital and is the most visited theme park in Europe, with some 10 million visitors in 2014, accord- Europe’s defence cuts slow over Russia fears: Report ing to that year’s Global Attractions Attendance Report. France is on high alert after a devastating terror attack in Reuters straight year of cuts, dragged down by a 12 per- terms in 2015 and there was also an increase equipment and also more surveillance and intel- November saw Islamic State group cent decrease in Italy, the US-led alliance said in in spending on new equipment. “The cuts have ligence to counter cyber attacks. gunmen and suicide bombers its annual report. The 2008/09 financial crisis now practically stopped among European allies “We see a more assertive Russia to the east, target Paris cafes, a concert hall and the ensuing euro zone crisis forced many and Canada.” a Russia that has invested heavily in defence and the Stade de France national BRUSSELS: Nato defence cuts slowed sharply Nato allies into drastic measures to reduce their Poland’s decision to increase defence spend- over several years and which has also shown stadium, leaving 130 dead and in 2015, alliance data showed yesterday, also budget deficits, leading to sometimes sharp cuts ing by almost a quarter, as well as a strong the will to use military force to change borders hundreds injured. revealing a split between big-spending eastern in defence spending. showing in the Baltic nations that want more in Europe,” he said, referring to Crimea. The bloodshed was the second European nations fearful of Russia and others But Nato Secretary-General Jens Stolten- Nato troops in the region, helped offset the NATO and its biggest contributor, the United major attack in France within a such as Italy that are still reducing their budgets. berg welcomed the data showing total defence decrease in Italy and smaller reductions in Brit- States, have warned European allies since the year, as the country has become a Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, fail- budget reductions outside the United States, ain, Belgium and France. 2008/09 financial crisis that the alliance’s prime target for the jihadist group ing states on Nato’s borders, and the spread which accounts for almost three-quarters of Stoltenberg said Nato was now facing “the military power and influence is at risk while operating out of Iraq and Syria. of Islamic militancy have refocused govern- Nato military spending, fell just 0.3 percent last biggest security challenges in a generation”, countries such as China and Russia increase In January 2015, three days ments on the need to defend home territory year. Overall, the alliance’s total cuts were the pointing to potential risks from its former Cold their budgets. of terror gripped Paris as a series after more than a decade of Nato-led opera- mildest in four years. War adversary Russia as well as on its south- Britain, Poland, Greece and Estonia are the of attacks left 17 people dead, tions in Afghanistan. “We have started to move in the right direc- ern flank, ranging from Libya to Iraq and the only European nations to meet a Nato goal of including an attack on the satiri- Nato’s defence spending as a share of eco- tion,” Stoltenberg told a news conference, saying wider Middle East. spending at least 2 percent of gross domestic cal newspaper Charlie Hebdo. nomic output fell 1.5 percent in 2015, the sixth that 16 allies spent more on defence in real He cited the need to invest in modern product on defence. AMERICAS FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 13

Zika virus ‘spreading Snow removal continues explosively’: WHO

For decades after Zika was first lives, or some 200 million Americans. Marcos Espinal, head discovered in Uganda in 1947 the Chan explained that the February mosquito-borne virus was of little 1 emergency meeting would assess of communicable concern, sporadically causing “mild” the severity of the outbreak and what diseases and health illness in human populations. response measures might be taken. “The situation today is dramati- It will also aim to identify priority analysis at the WHO’s cally different. The level of alarm is areas for urgent research, Chan said, Americas office, said extremely high,” she said, with Zika after US President Barack Obama also possibly linked to a neurolog- called for swift action, including the region could see ical disorder called Guillain-Barre better diagnostic tests as well as between three and syndrome. the development of vaccines and “A causal relationship between treatments. four million cases of Zika virus infection and birth malfor- Brazil has been the country Zika mations and neurological syndromes hardest hit so far, and concerns are has not yet been established, but is growing about this summer’s Olym- strongly suspected,” Chan said. pic games, which are likely to attract She told WHO members that the hundreds of thousands of visitors to AFP virus “is now spreading explosively,” host city Rio de Janeiro in August. in the Americas, where 23 countries Six months from the opening cere- and territories have reported cases. mony, the government has promised Marcos Espinal, the head of com- to attack mosquito breeding sites and GENEVA: The Zika virus is “spread- municable diseases and health analysis protect visitors from the virus, from ing explosively” in the Americas and at the WHO’s Americas office, said the which there is no known prevention Snow removal continues nearly a week after the area was hit by a major snow storm, in Washington, the region may see up to four mil- region could see between three to four method aside from avoiding mos- lion cases of the disease strongly million cases of Zika. quito bites. DC, yesterday. The East Coast is still digging out from the large storm that hit last weekend, breaking suspected of causing birth defects, That projection applied to the WHO’s deputy chief Bruce Ayl- snowfall records, causing 29 storm-related deaths, and serious flooding in coastal areas. the World Health Organisation said next 12 months and was based largely ward told reporters that it was “very, yesterday. on historical spread patterns of sim- very unlikely” the UN agency would As the number of suspected cases ilar mosquito-borne diseases like issue warnings against travel to Bra- of microcephaly — thought to be Dengue fever, said Sylvain Aldigh- zil, including for the games. The linked to the virus — surged in Bra- ieri a WHO epidemic expert in the head of the International Olympic zil, WHO head Margaret Chan said an Americas. Committee, Thomas Bach, said it will Mexico deports US ‘affluenza’ teen emergency committee would meet Espinal drew a contrast with “do everything” in its power to keep on Monday to determine whether the Ebola, which is transmitted through the Games safe from the Zika. outbreak amounts to a global health the bodily fluids of infected people Honduras also said it had reg- emergency and how the world should and those who have died from the istered 1,000 cases of Zika, which AFP Couch and his mother, Tonya, In 2013, the teen crashed his pickup respond. disease. is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti were detained by Mexican author- into a group of pedestrians in Texas and The number of cases of micro- Zika “will go everywhere the mosquito, the species that also car- ities in the Pacific resort of Puerto another vehicle, leaving four dead and cephaly, which causes babies to be mosquito is.” Espinal said. “We should ries Dengue, chikungunya and yellow Vallarta on December 28 following several seriously injured. Couch, who born with an abnormally small head, assume that. We should not wait for fever. MEXICO CITY: Mexican authori- an international manhunt. was 16 at the time, had a blood-alco- has soared in Brazil from 163 a year it to spread,” he added, stressing that Aylward warned that any coun- ties yesterday deported a US teenager The young man had disappeared hol level nearly three times the legal on average to more than 3,718 sus- controlling the carrier mosquito was tries in the Dengue belt — the tropical known for using an “affluenza” late last year after missing a man- limit for an adult. pected cases since the outbreak, and crucial to controlling the outbreak. areas worldwide that are also asso- defence in a fatal Texas drunk- datory meeting with his probation The son of millionaire parents 68 babies have died, according to the WHO has previously said that it ciated with malaria — “should be driving accident, a month after the officer. Couch apparently vanished made headlines during his trial when health ministry. expects Zika to spread to every coun- concerned about ... the possibility of fugitive was caught in a resort. after the emergence of a video show- a psychologist testifying on his behalf Colombia, Ecuador, El Salva- try in the Americas except Canada the Zika virus arriving.” The virus The National Migration Institute ing him at a party taking part in a claimed he suffered from “affluenza.” dor, Jamaica and Puerto Rico have and Chile. takes its name from Uganda’s Zika released a video showing agents drinking game, which violated the The term, coined from affluence and warned women to avoid getting preg- There have not yet been any cases forest, where it was first discovered. escorting a bearded Ethan Couch, 18, terms of his probation. influenza, implied that financial priv- nant for the time being, while France of local transmission of Zika virus Chan stressed that previous beliefs into a plane flying from Mexico City Tonya Couch was deported from ilege made him unable to understand has urged women not to travel French within the United States, although about the disease have been challenged to Dallas, Texas, after he dropped an Mexico on December 31 and was the consequences of his actions. overseas territories in South Amer- infected travellers have returned to by the fresh outbreak and that WHO appeal against his deportation. promptly arrested by US authori- Couch pleaded guilty to intoxica- ica and the Caribbean. the country after visiting other areas. needed better information as quickly as Couch, who had spent 28 days ties to face charges of hindering his tion manslaughter. Prosecutors had Chan told an assembly of WHO However, a recent study in The possible. “The level of concern is high, in a detention facility, will be met by apprehension. Her son had lodged sought a 20-year prison term, but the member-states in Geneva that the Lancet suggests that Zika virus could as is the level of uncertainty. Ques- US authorities in Dallas “because he an appeal that could have delayed court handed him a surprise sentence severity of the current outbreak was reach regions of the United States in tions abound,” she said. “We need to faces several charges,” the institute his deportation for months, but he of mental health treatment and a dec- unprecedented in recent decades. which 60 percent of the population get some answers quickly.” said in a statement. dropped it on January 15. ade of probation.

Five arrested Houses hanging over a cliff US failed to protect migrant over California prison escapes kids from traffickers: Probe

Reuters charged in the case, Portman said. AFP That could have been prevented had HHS adopted commonsense measures for screening sponsors and checking LOS ANGELES: US officials yes- WASHINGTON: US authorities on the well-being of at-risk children, terday arrested five people in failed to conduct proper back- Portman said. connection with the escape of ground checks before releasing HHS Acting Assistant Secretary three inmates from a southern Cal- undocumented migrant children Mark Greenberg said in prepared ifornia prison nearly a week ago. to guardians, who in some cases testimony the agency has instituted The trio rappelled off a roof exploited them, a bipartisan US Sen- new procedures aimed at prevent- using knotted bed sheets when they ate investigation found. ing abuse of minors once they are fled the Orange County Men’s Cen- Republican Senator Rob Portman released by the government. tral Jail in Santa Ana on January 22. opened a hearing yesterday on the He noted the number of immigrant “We have made around five findings saying the Department of children temporarily cared for by HHS arrests and we are going to make Health and Human Services (HHS) has skyrocketed, from an average of additional arrests throughout this lacked proper procedures to protect around 6,000 a year to 57,496 in fiscal evening and probably into tomor- undocumented children entering the 2014 and 33,726 in fiscal 2015, which row,” said Orange County Sheriff US without an accompanying adult. ended last September 30. The probe Sandra Hutchens. The suspects The Senate investigation was cited additional cases of children “have some connection to the indi- prompted by a case in Portman’s home exposed to abuse following release, viduals who have escaped,” she said. state of Ohio in which at least six chil- which are under investigation by the Houses are seen hanging over a cliff in Pacifica, California. Storms and powerful waves caused by El Police say that one of the fugi- dren from Guatemala were forced Permanent Subcommittee on Inves- tives, 20-year-old Jonathan Tieu, Nino have been intensifying erosion along nearby coastal bluffs and beaches in the area. to work long hours on egg farms in tigations, said Portman, the panel who was serving a murder sentence, Marion County. Six people have been chairman. was a member of a Vietnamese gang. The other men who fled were identified as Hossein Nayeri, 37, who was serving time for kidnapping and torture, and 43-year-old Bac Duong, Trump raises campaign stakes with Republican debate boycott convicted of attempted murder. Police believe the men are dan- gerous, likely armed, and possibly AFP hold a “special event” to benefit vet- be watching @FoxNews,” he added, The Republican National Commit- more than two-thirds of Republicans being hidden by Vietnamese accom- erans groups at the same time as the also claiming two of his rivals had tee appeared eager to distance itself saying they believe the billionaire will plices. “We are continuing to focus debate, and in the same city. asked to attend his event. from the Trump-Fox war. “We’d love be the party’s presidential candidate. on a Vietnamese gangs,” Hutchens All eyes are on the heartland Trump has accused Fox News, and all the candidates in,” RNC spokes- Florida Senator Marco Rubio is said. The sheriff said investigators DES MOINES: With just days to state, where the 12 Republican candi- especially debate moderator Megyn man Sean Spicer told CNN. a distant third, at eight percent, fol- believe the escapees must have had go before the first US presidential dates and three Democratic hopefuls Kelly, of being biased against him. But “at the end of the day, each lowed by retired neurosurgeon Ben “outside help” in obtaining cutting nominations contest in Iowa, Don- including Hillary Clinton are vying “Trump knows a bad deal when campaign has to make up their own Carson at six percent and former Flor- tools for the jailbreak. ald Trump is raising the stakes in for bragging rights and the lead in the he sees one,” his campaign team said, mind as to what’s in their best inter- ida governor Jeb Bush at five percent. The Federal Bureau of Investiga- the Republican campaign, defiantly primary race heading to subsequent after Fox took the unprecedented est, and so we respect that decision.” Cruz warned evangelical pastors tion has offered a reward of $20,000 refusing to debate his rivals Thurs- votes in New Hampshire, South Caro- step of mocking Trump for asking Trump has a genuine battle on his in Iowa that if Trump manages to win for information leading to their day and instead hosting an event for lina and Nevada. his nearly six million Twitter follow- hands in Iowa with ultra-conserva- there and then in New Hampshire, he recapture, and the sheriff’s depart- veterans. Trump, who has never held ers to weigh in on whether he should tive Senator Ted Cruz, his nearest GOP could prove “unstoppable.” ment has also offered $30,000 The 69-year-old real estate elected office, showed no signs of attend the debate. rival, trailing by about five percentage With Trump absent, Cruz will be — $10,000 for each fugitive.. The tycoon left the Republican Party wavering. “The ‘debate’ tonight will Fox shot back that it would not points in the RealClearPolitics aver- centre stage with six other Republi- three prisoners had apparently dumbfounded with his bombshell be a total disaster — low ratings with give in to “terrorisations”, after it age of recent Iowa polls. cans in Des Moines, totally changing accessed the jail’s plumbing system, announcement late on Tuesday that advertisers and advertising rates accused Trump’s campaign manager According to Cruz, the race is the debate dynamics. Cruz hit out used tools to cut through metal bars he will not participate in the debate in dropping like a rock. I hate to see of threatening Kelly — one of the most dead even. Nationally, however, at his rival, accusing him of being and made a rope from bed sheets Des Moines, Iowa because of his toxic this,” Trump tweeted yesterday. watched anchors on US cable news, Trump is far ahead. A new CNN/ORC “afraid” to take part in the debate to escape through the prison roof, relationship with Fox News. “I hope @CNN has enough band- and the target of derisive comments poll of Republican voters has Trump at and challenging him to a one-on- officials said. Twisting the knife, he will instead width tonight because not many will by the candidate. 41 percent to 19 percent for Cruz, with one debate. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

PAGE | 15 QE 9,272.01 +292.51 PTS PAGE | 15 Toyota showcasing DOW 16,012.29 +67.83 PTS Facebook quarterly hybrid technology at FTSE100 5,931.78 -58.59 PTS profit doubles as user Qatar Motor Show BRENT $34.13 +$1.03 ranks grow

FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 • 19 Rabia II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Fed keeps rates unchanged and to monitor global cues

Bloomberg last month for the first time in almost Reiterating the interest-rate out- further,” while survey-based meas- a decade, turmoil in financial mar- look from the December statement, ures were “little changed” in recent kets and a dimming of the outlook for the FOMC said that it “expects that months, the FOMC said. WASHINGTON: US Federal Reserve global growth have spurred investors economic conditions will evolve in a Yellen won’t hold a post-meeting officials left interest rates unchanged to expect a slower rise in borrowing manner that will warrant only grad- press conference and isn’t scheduled and said they still expect to raise costs. The median projection of policy ual increases in the federal funds to speak publicly until she appears borrowing costs at a “gradual” pace makers’ forecasts in December called rate.” before the House Financial Services while watching to see how the glo- for four quarter-point rate increases in Household spending and business Committee on February 10 to deliver bal economy and markets impact the 2016; futures markets indicated ahead fixed investment have been growing at the Fed’s semi-annual monetary pol- US outlook. of the FOMC statement that traders “moderate rates in recent months,” the icy report to Congress. The Federal Open Market Com- see just one or two hikes coming. FOMC said, after labeling such gains Since the FOMC met on December mittee is “closely monitoring global Stocks fell immediately after the “solid” in the December statement. 15-16, the US labour market showed economic and financial developments announcement, erasing earlier gains, The Fed stuck to its projection that more of the improvement that encour- and is assessing their implications for as policy makers gave no concrete the pace of price gains will rise to 2 aged the Fed to raise interest rates. the labour market and inflation, and signal that additional rate increases percent over the medium term but Employers added 292,000 new jobs for the balance of risks to the outlook,” would be delayed. The Standard & stated that inflation “is expected to in December, bringing the 2015 total the central bank said in a statement Poor’s 500 Index was little changed remain low in the near term, in part to 2.65 million. Wages also showed following a two-day meeting in Wash- at 1,904.08 at 2:23 pm in New York (pictured) and her Fed colleagues, percent to 0.5 percent, said that infor- because of the further declines in tentative signs of accelerating, pro- ington. The Fed omitted a line from after having been up as much 0.7 per- explaining their unanimous deci- mation “suggests that labour market energy prices.” viding good news for a Fed hoping to the previous statement in December. cent earlier in the day. sion to leave the target range for their conditions improved further even as Market-based measures of infla- see inflation move closer to its 2 per- Since the Fed raised interest rates US Fed Chair Janet Yellen benchmark federal funds rate at 0.25 economic growth slowed late last year.” tion expectations have “declined cent target this year. Doha Bank unveils ‘Win Samsung Electronics profits dip 40% in Q4

Your Car Loan Back’ offer AFP

The Peninsula designed to provide new and exist- SEOUL: Slowing global demand ing Doha Bank customers with the for smartphones and memory chance to own their dream car with chips dealt a blow to Samsung DOHA: Doha Bank has announced the fastest loan approvals and the Electronics as it reported a 40 its latest car loan offer at an unbeat- lowest equated monthly install- percent on-year drop in fourth- ably low financing cost for new and ments,” said Dr R Seetharaman, CEO quarter net profit. existing customers of the bank. of Doha Bank. The world’s top handset maker The announcement was made He added: “Our car loan offer continued to be squeezed at both on the occasion of the ongoing Qatar comes with a significant discount ends of the lucrative smartphone Motor Show, which kicked off yes- of up to 25 percent on your car market with high-end competition terday at the Doha Exhibition and insurance from DBAC (Doha Bank from arch-rival Apple matched by Convention Center. Assurance Company), free 24-hour cheaper players like China’s Hua- In a statement yesterday, the roadside assistance for the first year wei and Xiaomi. Bank said its latest car loan offer and a chance to win a whopping But Samsung was not alone, allows residents in Qatar to get QR50,000 on your car insurance.” with Apple reporting earlier this behind the wheel of their coveted car Qatari and expat residents week that sales of its popular at highly competitive financing cost. will be able to avail car loans from iPhone rose slower than ever last The new offer allows customers Doha Bank as early as their first quarter, raising questions about to avail finance up to 100 percent of salary is credited to their account, the future of the saturated smart- the car value — for both brand new with a maximum loan amount phone market. and pre-owned cars – at flat annual of QR750,000 for Qataris and Net profit for October to A woman looks at Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Note5 at the company’s showroom in Seoul yesterday. interest rates starting at 1.99 percent QR350,000 for expatriates. December stood at 3.22 tril- and includes a complementary dis- Customers availing Doha Bank lion won ($2.7bn), below analyst count voucher worth QR1,500 from car loans will also receive a pre- expectations and down 39.7 per- line with its earlier estimate. business environment and slowing side of the business was impacted Zeibart along with a great chance approved credit card in addition to cent from a year ago, the company In a statement, the South Korean IT demand”. Fourth-quarter earnings by weakened prices for DRAM chips to ‘Win Your Car Loan Back’, up to a pre-approved personal loan, which said in a statement. giant said 2016 was expected to throw were down in the face of “global eco- and LCD panels due to overall softer QR100,000. makes this car loan offer seriously Operating profit rose 16.1 per- up continued challenges to main- nomic headwinds” including a sharp demand in the IT market and personal “Our new car loan offer is unbeatable. cent on-year to 6.1 trillion won, in taining earnings “due to a difficult fall in oil prices, as the components computers. Airbus signs Iran Dhofar Global in deal QFMA organises training seminar deal for 118 planes worth $25bn with Carind Tissue The Peninsula practical experience for the current and future critical regulatory and supervisory issues on securities markets through hosting number PARIS: Airbus yesterday signed The Peninsula for the cleaning and hygiene industry DOHA: Qatar Financial Markets Authority of experts approved by the IOSCO from a deal to sell Iran 118 passenger have resulted in this new exclusive (QFMA) in collaboration with the Interna- eight countries through which represent four planes worth $25bn in an agree- distributorship agreement for Qatar. tional Organisation of Securities Commissions regions and capital markets in various ment much talked about in the DOHA: Dhofar Global, a leading Chandan Singh, Group Chief (IOSCO) organised a training seminar for stages of development in order to increase industry since Western sanctions supplier of hygiene care products Operations Officer, Dhofar Global, capacity building on “Risk Based the depth of the value of workshop and were lifted against Tehran. in the Middle East, has announced said, “We are proud to announce this Supervision and SME Financing Through Capi- its sessions to exchange diverse practical The planemaker said the deal, its new partnership with Carind new partnership, which is widely tal Markets”. experiences. signed amid a raft of others during Tissue, a leading tissue paper con- known for its diverse portfolio of tis- The seminar is primarily targeted at IOSCO The seminar topics included the mecha- a visit by President Hassan Rou- verting company. sue products. This new and exclusive AMERC Members, then the other IOSCO mem- nism of risk-based supervision, systemic risk hani, was conditional on getting Under the terms of this new agreement will allow us to distrib- bers and international and local entities management, practical approaches to design- US export licences because more alliance, the company will be the ute Carind products across Qatar relating to capital markets, said a statement ing and conducting inspection programmes, than 10 percent of their parts were exclusive distributor of Carind’s tis- — meeting the growing demand yesterday. SME financing – its environment, regulations, made in the United States. Airbus sue products in Qatar and the rest of for cleaning and hygienic products. The objective of this seminar is to pro- elements of success and innovative solutions, said the order included 73 wide the GCC region. This newly formed alliance demon- vide the best international practices and the including the role of Islamic Finance. body and 45 narrowbody jets and The company has worked closely strates our continuing commitment comprised 12 A380s, 16 A350- with Carind since 2007. The two to provide our customers with top- 1000S, 45 A320S, and 45 A330s. companies’ mutual goals and visions of-the-line world class products.” BUSINESS FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 15 Toyota showcasing hybrid technology at motor show

In addition, Toyota is also dis- Abdulghani & Brothers Company, I playing a variety of vehicles from its have the pleasure to welcome you The all-new Toyota best-selling SUV and sedan range, all to the TOYOTA Booth that has Prius will be on including the latest versions of Land been built under the WAVE concept display at Qatar Cruiser, Rav 4, Camry, Avalon, New which conveys a feeling of dynamic Prius and the Concept FT1 at its stand vibrancy.” Motor Show (at Hall No 1) which features the com- “In line with Toyota’s brand prom- pany’s new global stand design in the ise of Waku Doki - Fun to Drive, form of a Wave in motion, said in a Stylish, Youthful and Innovative, we The Peninsula statement yesterday. are revealing today, and for the first The stand design is dynamic and time in Qatar, the All New Toyota simple, energetic and pure and is an Prius that has rewritten the Hybrid illustration of the Japanese princi- Rule Book it had created nearly two DOHA: Abdullah Abdulghani & ple of Seijaku, the “active calm” or decades back. Toyota engineers Brothers Company (AAB), the offi- serenity in the midst of activity. The understand that today’s customers cial dealer of Toyota automobiles stand creates an immersive environ- want all the traditional benefits of Officials with the all-new Prius at the Qatar Motor Show 2016. in Qatar, is demonstrating the auto- ment that guides the visitors on an a hybrid, but don’t want to compro- giant’s hybrid technology, the All New exciting journey through state-of- mise on looks and performance. So Toyota Prius, through different activ- the-art technology: from the large, they have upgraded the earlier Prius debuts advanced technology com- automobile. Prius has set the global rational factors that delivers an excit- ities at Qatar Motor Show 2016. impressive staging to the small playful inside and out to deliver the complete plemented by features that are benchmark for hybrids, but now is ing and dramatic design expression The company is showcasing its design details on to a tangible expe- package - emotional styling, smarter functional, fun and also delight the breaking its own boundaries with with a unique Toyota identity. This unique features, where the visitors can rience of the product itself. technology and impressive mileage, eyes. The wrap-around dash design, more engaging style and fun-to-drive new interpretation of the FT-1 with enjoy a unique personalised experi- Abdul Rahman Abdul Jalil in a vehicle that’s more fun to drive form-hugging seats, ease of controls dynamics.” its sensational visual presence will set ence, allowing them to closely witness Abdulghani, Vice Chairman of AAB than ever,” he added. and enhanced visibility combine to The FT-1 concept’s design is a bril- the stage for more from Toyota in our and experience the hybrid technology. said: “On behalf of Toyota, Abdullah “The new Prius’ premium interior make the new Prius a highly engaging liant fusion of both emotional and efforts to create the best in car design. UK announces help for Alibaba delivers on revenue HSBC curbs North Sea oil industry mortgages but feels China slowdown to Chinese

AFP can to support them.” The funding is expected to be Reuters citizens in US used to help the oil and gas industry export its expertise globally as well LONDON: Britain announced yes- as encouraging economic diversifi- terday a £250m package of funding cation in northeast Scotland. BEIJING: Strong holiday sales helped NEW YORK: Europe’s biggest to boost the oil industry in northeast It has been committed equally e-commerce giant Alibaba Group lender HSBC will no longer pro- Scotland, which has been hit hard by by the government in London and Holding Ltd beat forecasts yesterday vide mortgages to some Chinese slumping prices. the devolved Scottish administration with a 32 percent rise in third-quar- nationals who buy real estate in At the same time, Prime Minis- based in Edinburgh and led by the ter revenue, but it was not immune the United States, a policy change ter David Cameron is to visit the oil pro-independence Scottish National from China’s slowdown. that comes as Beijing is battling to city of Aberdeen and meet indus- Party (SNP). Alibaba’s results also reflected a stem a swelling crowd of citizens try bosses for talks on the current Speaking in the House of Com- weakening of the Chinese economy, trying to get money out of China. situation. mons on Wednesday, Cameron with so-called gross merchandise An HSBC spokesman in Global oil prices fell by more vowed that the falling oil price would volume (GMV) rising by its slowest New York said that the new pol- than 30 percent in 2015 and have not affect Scots thanks to the “broad annual rate in more than three years. Employees work at an Alibaba Group warehouse on the outskirts of icy went into effect last week, dropped by another 20 percent this shoulders of the United Kingdom”. As Chinese growth fell to its Hangzhou, Zhejiang. roughly a month after China sus- year amid increasing production and But he warned that it would have weakest pace in 25 years, Aliba- pended Standard Chartered and weaker demand. been “a very, very dark day indeed” ba’s GMV — the total value of goods which can in turn boost sales. Ali- “Consumption as a share of GDP is DBS Group Holdings Ltd from con- In London, Brent North Sea if prices had fallen this much and transacted on its platforms — rose baba is trying to replace decelerating becoming higher, so we benefit from ducting some foreign exchange crude for March, the European Scotland had voted for independence 23 percent to 964bn yuan ($147bn). volume growth in online shopping that,” Tsai said. business and as authorities try to benchmark for crude oil, is currently from Britain in a 2014 referendum. Alibaba’s US-listed shares fell by by expanding in other areas such as That means what happens in the limit capital outflows. at $33.10 a barrel, down from highs Oil and gas production in Britain 2.1 percent to $68 at 1458 GMT (9:58 online video and local services. But broader Chinese economy will have China’s stock market slump, of over $100 in 2014. rose by over seven percent last year, am ET) following the results. “Rev- the majority of Alibaba’s revenue still less effect on Alibaba, said Tsai. slowing economic growth and “Oil and gas is a crucial sector the first increase in over 15 years, enue was better than expected,” comes from China’s online shoppers Alibaba highlighted plans to weak real estate prices have not just for the northeast of Scot- trade body Oil & Gas UK said this Wedbush Securities analyst Gil buying from domestic businesses, a develop e-commerce in rural areas encouraged Chinese individu- land but for the whole of the UK,” month. Luria said. “The flip side is the vol- business driven by growth in GMV. and to encourage more foreign mer- als and companies to try to shift Britain’s Scottish Secretary David But its chief executive Deidre ume growth was less than expected.” Executive Vice Chairman Joe chants to sell products into China via money offshore for higher returns, Mundell said, confirming the move. Michie warned that “times are really Luria said volumes might have Tsai said Alibaba was buoyed by its platforms, but CEO Daniel Zhang a headache for Beijing as the cap- “I know it’s a very tough time for tough” for the industry. been hit by Alibaba’s efforts to clean two trends that were running coun- said earlier this year a key focus for ital outflows undermine efforts people who work in the industry and “We will continue to see job up its marketplaces, which have ter to the larger China economy, 2016 would be to deepen its already- to prop up the yuan and domes- their families and I am determined losses as we move into 2016,” she been plagued by merchants faking namely strong retail sales growth strong position in China’s biggest tic investment. the UK government will do what it added. transactions to get better rankings, and deepening online penetration. cities. Realtors of luxury property in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Vancouver, said more than 80 percent of wealthy Chinese buyers have ties to China. Facebook quarterly profit doubles as user ranks grow In the United States, real estate agents and regulators say Chinese buyers often prefer to buy property in cash and they are the biggest AFP users in December was 1.59 billion, foreign buyer. in a 14 percent climb from a year ear- Data from the country’s lier, according to the social network. National Association of Realtors California-based Facebook has shows they bought $28.6bn of SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook quar- been relentlessly innovating to keep property in 2015, up from $22bn terly profit more than doubled as its its social network tuned to Internet- in 2014. ranks swelled during the past year age lifestyles. HSBC declined to clarify which to a mammoth user base of nearly The company has been working clients would be affected by the 1.6 billion, it said. “Our community its way into online commerce, hon- change beyond describing the continued to grow and our business is ing in ad technology, ramping up policy as impacting some Chi- thriving,” said Facebook Co-founder video, and even dabbling with build- nese nationals. and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg ing machine smarts in its Messenger Luxury homes news web- in releasing quarterly results for the smartphone messaging application. site Mansion Global, which first world’s biggest social network which Facebook-owned Oculus this reported the HSBC policy change, comfortably exceeded expectations. month began taking orders for much- said it would affect Chinese It reported a profit of $1.56bn in hyped Rift virtual reality head gear, nationals holding temporary vis- the final three months of 2015 as com- set to begin shipping later this year. itor ‘B’ visas if the majority of their pared with making $701m in the same Also this month, Facebook income and assets are maintained period a year earlier. announced a drive to be a place for in China. Revenue in the quarter that ended sports, with a new online hub for In Vancouver, an HSBC on December 31 rose to $5.84bn from news and sharing on sporting events. spokeswoman said HSBC’s Cana- $3.85bn the prior year. The results The “Facebook Sports Stadium” dian arm already had similar showed Facebook’s growing power will offer live updates of scores, posts policies in place and was actively in online advertising, especially on from friends and commentators, as reviewing those policies in the mobile devices. Mobile accounted for well as information on where to watch context of the local regulatory about 80 percent of the network’s ad games live. environment to determine if and revenue in the quarter. Facebook also recently what changes are necessary. Net profit for the full year climbed announced an agreement with She added that the bank has to $3.7bn from $2.9bn in 2014, while Nielsen to improve how it measures a very conservative risk appetite revenue jumped to $17.9bn from the social media impact of TV shows, and favors customers with strong $12.5bn. “2015 was a great year for a useful means of assessing the size ties to Canada, or who are build- Facebook,” Zuckerberg said. of an audience. ing strong ties to Canada. Facebook Co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaking during an event at the Facebook headquarters “We continue to invest in better Nielsen created an indicator China’s State Administration serving our community, building our called the Nielsen Twitter TV Ratings in Menlo Park, California. of Foreign Exchange said late last business, and connecting the world.” in 2013 after long being criticized for year it would soon launch a sys- An average of 1.04 billion people failing to adapt to the changing ways and also the number of people who to dominate when it comes to online types of ads in the country. tem to monitor foreign exchange used Facebook daily in December in in which people watch television. see those tweets. Now this tool is display advertising. It expected Face- “Everything we hear from agen- businesses at banks and put peo- a 17 percent rise from the same month It allowed Nielsen to measure being expanded to include Facebook book to bring in $9.86bn in US display cies and marketers is positive,” said ple who tried to buy more foreign the prior year. the number of Internet users sending comments. Industry tracker eMar- ad revenue this year, capturing 30.6 eMarketer principal analyst Debra currency than is allowed on a The number of monthly active tweets while watching a programme, keter expects Facebook to continue percent of the money spent on those Aho Williamson. watch list. 16 FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 9,272.01 3.26 % QE Total Return Index 14,412.01 3.26 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,263.23 2.08 % QE All Share Index 2,458.99 3.02 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,520.39 3.08 % QE All Share Industrials 2,775.04 2.74 % QE All Share Transportation 2,138.48 0.05 % QE All Share Real Estate 1,942.99 3.42 % QE All Share Insurance 4,032.31 8.04 % QE All Share Telecoms 972.96 2.24 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 4,952.25 1.35 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 28-01-2016 Today 27-01-2016 Previous day Index 9,272.01 8,979.50 Change 292.51 230.88 % 3.26 2.64 YTD% 11.1 13.9 Volume 12,075,606 7,051,940 Value (QAR) 396,849,885.86 213,149,532.84 Trades 5,260 4,091 Up 28 | Down 10 | Unchanged 03

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 5028.071 27.281 0.55 5379.6 4857.9 Cac 40 Index/D 4329.8 -50.56 -1.15 4586.11 4084.68 Dj Indu Average 15944.46 -222.77 -1.38 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 19195.83 143.38 0.75 21794.84 18534.3 Iseq Overall/D 6255.66 -86.3 -1.36 6791.68 6146.61 Karachi 100 In/D 31193.73 92.35 0.3 33304.4 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 17041.45 -122.47 -0.71 18951.12 16017.26 S&P 500 Index/D 1882.95 -20.68 -1.09 2134.72 1812.29

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.1723 QR 5.2455 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD Euro QR 3.9509 QR 4.0058 COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME CA$ QR 2.5424 QR 2.5925 NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED Swiss Fr QR 3.5707 QR 3.6208 Yen QR 0.0304 QR 0.0310 A C C-A/D 1220 -10.9 10679 Essar Oil-T/D 260.3 1 23686 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 134.7 3.7 1071 Tinplate-B/D 68 1.15 44147 Aus$ QR 2.5497 QR 2.6010 Aban Offs-A/D 186.55 -0.05 172301 Eveready Indu-/D 250.25 -0.2 12553 Kalpat Power-B/D 196.95 0.45 8893 Ucal Fuel-B/D 112.1 -1.7 6071 Ind Re QR 0.0529 QR 0.0539 Aegis Logis-B/D 92.75 -0.6 31892 F D C-B/D 194.45 -2.55 4237 Kalyani Stel-T/D 148.6 1 67288 Ucal Fuel-B/D 112.1 -1.7 6071 Alembic-B/D 40.5 0.15 445944 Federal Bank-A/D 46.45 -1 744695 Kanoria Chem-B/D 64.6 1.75 18849 Ultramarine-B/D 110.2 0.6 7917 Pak Re QR 0.0344 QR 0.0351 Alok Indus-A/D 5.22 -0.02 1754936 Ferro Alloys-B/D 6.4 0 26092 Kg Denim-B/D 52 0 6237 Unitech P -A/D 5.63 -0.15 11934199 Peso QR 0.0755 QR 0.0770 Apollo Tyre-A/D 146.8 0.8 169813 Fgp Ltd-B/D 3.83 0 1099 Kilburnengg-Xd/D 70.8 1.45 2092 Univcable-T/D 77.4 -0.1 5172 SL Re QR 0.0250 QR 0.0257 Asahi I Glass-/D 152.15 -3.9 1985 Finolex-A/D 305.65 -0.3 13342 Kinetic Eng-B/D 100.8 4.8 14912 Uppergsugar-T/D 74.75 0.3 2061 Taka QR 0.0460 QR 0.0469 Ashok Leyland-/D 88.2 0 548154 Gail-A/D 361.05 2.8 70340 Kopran-B/D 57.85 0.9 123728 Nep Re QR 0.0332 QR 0.0339 Bajaj Hold-A/D 1470 8.1 4420 Galada Power-B/D 14.65 -1.4 14690 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 50.8 4.6 46097 LONDON Ballarpur In-B/D 15.95 -0.35 213451 Gammon India-T/D 18.75 0.3 350343 Lgb Broth-B/D 466.25 -0.75 4033 SA Rand QR 0.2208 QR 0.2252 Banaras Bead-B/D 58.9 5.15 82955 Gangotri Tex-T/D 1.72 -0.09 2251 Lloyd Metal-B/D 8.53 -0.61 2480 Bata India-A/D 479.05 -1.5 38372 Garden P -B/D 24.9 -0.2 7162 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 6.68 -0.08 25499 3I Group/D 436.9 -2.7 706535 Beml Ltd-A/D 1064.3 -21.55 14818 Godfrey Phil-B/D 1211 -12.45 14587 Lupin-A/D 1707.05 17.25 26991 Barclays/D 177.446 -4.35 13813853 GOLD AND SILVER Bh Electronic-/D 1231.2 24.2 23972 Goodricke-B/D 169.5 0.2 15942 Lyka Labs-T/D 95.7 1.9 120246 Bg Group/D 1035.5 6 6052903 GOLD QR131.6171 per gramme Bhansali Eng-T/D 20.1 -0.2 85124 Goodyear I -B/D 494 12 3502 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 300.5 -5.5 2872 Bp/D 363.2425 0.35 16610606 Bharat Bijle-B/D 847 -3.5 5560 Hcl Infosys-B/D 44.4 -0.65 379934 Mangalam Cem-B/D177.9 -0.1 1324 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3767.5 3.5 823680 SILVER QR1.6910 per gramme Bharatgears-B/D 77.25 0.25 3480 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D20.85 -0.1 2211346 Maral Overs-B/D 32.75 0.55 4370 Bt Group/D 469.05 -9.25 4055149 Bhartiya Int-B/D 532.5 11 14823 Himat Seide-B/D 193.05 -1.05 45932 Mastek-B/D 136.2 -2.5 34506 Centrica/D 200 -10.1 16086898 Bhel-A/D 136.85 -2.75 535169 Hind Motors-T/D 5.93 -0.2 229385 Max India L-A/D 378.2 -19.9 18450 Gkn/D 278.4 -2 1233057 Bom.Burmah-B/D 401.6 -4.1 3459 Hind Org Chem-/D 14.7 -0.05 24243 Mrpl-A/D 64.75 0.25 32043 Hsbc Holdings/D 477.35 -2.75 11854697 Bombay Dyeing-/D 53.1 0.2 348305 Hind Unilever-/D 790.9 23.15 94290 Nahar Spg.-B/D 103.6 -1.3 7781 Imperial Tobac/D 3639 -28 479427 Indian rupee dips Camph.& All-B/D 505 11.25 1211 Hind.Petrol-A/D 816.65 19.15 78241 Nation Alum -A/D 34.4 -0.25 128558 Kingfisher/D 320.2 -0.2 2683917 Canfin Homes-B/D 1053.2 33.3 16522 Hindalco-A/D 69.75 -1.5 834013 Navneet Edu-B/D 88.8 0.4 3957 Land Secs Grou/D 1074 -12 611562 Caprihans-Xc/D 91 -0.65 2251 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1148.2 -19.5 127127 Nepc India-T/D 2.08 -0.06 22560 Legal & Genera/D 234.7 -2.7 4078141 to two-year low Castrol India-/D 418.3 -7.35 92828 I F C I-A/D 22.25 0 854082 Neuland Lab-B/D 683.25 -9.5 7531 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 63.59 -1.33 37592388 Century Enka-B/D 171.2 0.7 3748 Idbi-A/D 59.95 0.75 897990 O N G C-A/D 219.8 1.4 497765 Marks & Sp./D 419.7 -7 1695745 Century Text-A/D 508.8 -10.4 72552 India Cement-A/D 89.85 1.2 306554 Oil Country-B/D 29.55 1.75 5847 Next/D 6830 -115 149028 on dollar buying Chambal Fert-B/D 56.75 0.1 10768 India Glycol-B/D 85.4 0.2 2587 Onward Tech-B/D 86 5.5 17103 Pearson/D 774 2.5 1066532 Chola Invest-A/D 631.75 9.25 1087 Indian Hotel-A/D 111.8 1.15 23651 Orchid Pharm-B/D 44.5 -0.8 239210 Prudential/D 1308.5 -26 1150180 Chowgule St-T/D 18.75 0.15 1301 Indo-Tcount-T/D 1050 11.3 7827 Orient Hotel-T/D 23.65 -0.4 4998 Rank Group/D 280.8 -0.6 88595 Bloomberg Cimmco-B/D 83 0.5 15157 Indusind-A/D 907.85 -0.15 36948 Oudh Sugar-B/D 39.15 -0.05 12137 Rentokil Initi/D 154.5 0 2065195 Cipla-A/D 578 -2.5 39160 J.B.Chemical-B/D 256.4 -0.1 6339 Punjab Chem.-B/D 150.6 -0.9 4339 Rolls Royce Pl/D 539.5 0 1821703 City Union Bk-/D 79.15 -0.5 13371 Jagatjit Ind-X/D 67.5 -0.15 1710 Radico Khait-B/D 111.5 -1.85 12297 Rsa Insrance G/D 405.9 -5.9 888330 Colgate-A/D 851.3 -3.65 55660 Jagson Phar-B/D 44.2 1 67470 Rallis India-A/D 163.9 -1 6597 Sainsbury(J)/D 235.4 -0.1 879775 MUMBAI: India’s rupee dropped to the lowest level Container Cor-/D 1198.3 -10.25 7818 Jamnaauto-B/D 143.4 -1.5 167787 Rallis India-A/D 163.9 -1 6597 Schroders/D 2651 -26 52102 in more than two years on speculation oil importers Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 399 -20.8 3146 Jbf Indu-B/D 223.55 1 9179 Reliance Indus/D 366.5 10.75 195206 Severn Trent/D 2120 -30 272530 stepped up Dhampur Sugar-/D 62.15 -0.05 64912 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.36 0.01 33968 Ruchi Soya-B/D 24 0.05 79528 Smith&Nephew/D 1148 -15 644401 dollar pur- Dr. Reddy-A/D 2988 20.3 29047 Jct Ltd-B/D 7.68 0.36 739367 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 485.6 -13.25 1790 Smiths Group/D 905.36 -3.5 420825 chases to pay E I H-B/D 119 -1.15 6274 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 10.1 -0.5 57907 Salora Inter-B/D 51.25 4.6 2709 Standrd Chart /D 460.1 -11.25 2799760 month-end E.I.D Parry-A/D 185.25 1.45 39336 Jik Indust-T/D 1.09 0.03 3374 Saur.Cem-B/D 54.65 0.4 185767 Tate & Lyle/D 602 1 339506 bills. The rupee fell 0.3% Eicher Motor-A/D15972.6 -238.45 3181 Jindal Drill-B/D 119.7 1.7 2079 Tanfac Indust-/D 31.6 -0.95 1899 Tesco/D 162 1 6100144 The to 68.2250 a dollar Electrosteel-B/D 22.8 0 71135 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 91.35 1.4 212881 Tanfac Indust-/D 31.6 -0.95 1899 Unilever/D 2966.5 -38.5 693884 rupee fell 0.3 Emco-B/D 27.15 -0.15 18947 Jmc Projects-T/D 214 2.7 21447 Thirumalai-B/D 191.7 2.1 5115 United Util Gr/D 935 -11.5 322186 percent to in Mumbai as oil Escorts Fin-B/D 5.02 0.23 29740 Kabra Extr-B/D 87 2.5 4052 Til Ltd.-T/D 426 5 2318 Vodafone Group/D 217.35 -5.85 17623556 68.2250 a dol- importers stepped up Escorts-A/D 131.3 -2.4 86052 Kajaria Cer-A/D 956 2.25 5465 Timexgroup-T/D 30.7 0.45 23592 Whitbread/D 3972 -12 143711 lar in Mumbai, according to dollar purchases to prices from pay month-end bills local banks compiled by Most emerging stocks rise as ringgit tops currency Bloomberg. It declined to 68.2575 earlier, the weakest level since September 2013. Sovereign notes declined. Bloomberg The MSCI Emerging Markets assets. “The U.S. has reiterated it 29 percent discount to the MSCI economic growth quickened to 6.3 The Indian currency has weakened over 3 percent Index swung between gains and will stay on the course of gradual World Index’s 14.7 multiple. The percent in the fourth quarter, the this month in Asia’s worst performance as global stock losses, and was headed for its big- rate increases, but this doesn’t mean MSCI World Index has declined fastest in a year and surpassing the markets plunged and oil fell below $30 a barrel. India’s gest monthly decline since May 2012 the end to the volatility. The swings 7.9 percent this year, also poised median estimate of 5.9 percent in a benchmark equities gauge, which dropped 0.1 percent MANILA: Most emerging-market following a volatile start to a year. are an opportunity to accumulate for its largest monthly loss since Bloomberg survey. Taiwan’s Taiex yesterday, has lost more than 6 percent this year. There’s stocks rose and currencies gained The Fed’s first statement since its on the downside amid prospects May 2012. Index rose 0.7 percent. a growing chance the central bank will cut lenders’ as bets that the Federal Reserve December interest-rate increase that things will be better in the sec- South Korea’s Kospi index rose Bloomberg’s gauge of emerg- reserve ratios, Radhika Rao, a Singapore-based econ- will refrain from raising inter- noted policy makers are “closely ond half.” 0.3 percent following Wednesday’s ing-market currencies rose for a omist at DBS Bank Ltd, wrote in a research note. est rates in the next few months monitoring” developments from The MSCI index was little 1.4 percent gain as Samsung Life third day, climbing about 0.04 “The month-end demand for dollars continues,” said boosted risk appetite. China to Europe and lower oil prices changed at 715.62 as of 1:12 pm in Insurance Co climbed 8.5 percent percent. Paresh Nayar, the Mumbai-based head of currency and Industrial and energy compa- for any adverse impact on the US Hong Kong, after climbing as much after a report by Chosun it will be The ringgit advanced 0.8 per- money markets at the local unit of South African lender nies advanced the most as Chinese economy. Chinese stocks fell for as 0.2 percent and retreating 0.5 restructured into a financial hold- cent, outpacing gains of 0.2 percent FirstRand Ltd. “Sentiment remains weak after the cur- shares traded in Hong Kong rose a third day, sending the Shanghai percent. Seven of the 10 industry ing company. Samsung Life denied each in Taiwan’s dollar and Mex- rency breached the 68 level, indicating the central bank along with equities gauges in the Composite Index toward the long- groups advanced. China Railway the report. Samsung Electronics ico’s peso. The won’s 0.5 percent isn’t protecting any level.” Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand. est stretch of losses in three weeks, Group Co climbed 5.6 percent, pac- fell 2.6 percent after reporting a drop was the steepest. The yield on the government notes due May 2025 Technology shares slumped after on concern the nation’s economic ing gains in the Hang Seng China 39 percent drop in fourth-quarter Malaysian Prime Minister rose two basis point to 7.81 percent, according to prices Samsung Electronics Co’s earnings slowdown will hurt earnings and Enterprises Index of mainland profit. The Korean conglomerate Najib Razak announced a revised from the Reserve Bank of India’s trading system. missed forecasts, dragging down worsen outflows. companies listed in Hong Kong, warned of slowing demand and 2016 budget yesterday to take into Indian stocks dropped for the first time in four days South Korea’s won. Malaysia’s ring- “Global risks remain fluid and which rose 0.3 percent. The Shang- economic turbulence, joining Apple account the slump in oil revenue for in volatile trading amid expiry of derivatives contracts git climbed for a fifth day, its longest this is evident in the wild swings hai Composite Index fell 1 percent. Inc. in foretelling a downbeat 2016 Asia’s only major net oil exporter. and as investors awaited quarterly earnings reports from winning streak since September, seen in markets,” said Jonathan The developing-markets gauge for the technology sector. The authorities lowered some of the nation’s largest companies. The Sensex lost and was the biggest gainer among Ravelas, the Manila-based chief is heading for a 9.9 percent loss in The Philippine Stock Exchange employees’ pension fund contribu- 0.1 percent at the close in Mumbai, after changing direc- 20 developing-nation exchange market strategist at BDO Unibank January and trades at 10.5 times Index surged 0.8 percent to a three- tions and eased visa requirements tion at least 20 times. rates tracked by Bloomberg. Inc., the largest Philippine bank by projected 12-month earnings, a week high after a report showed for Chinese visitors to boost growth. BUSINESS VIEWS FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 17

Diamond diggers Digital ads help Adidas show other miners how to handle glut cut ties to sports bodies

By Thomas Biesheuvel and mines withholding stones Bloomberg from the market, according to estimates by Panmure. At the same time, iron-ore out- century of first-hand put was reduced by just 10 experience in the art of percent, while production of A managing markets is nickel, copper, zinc and alu- helping diamond producers minum fell even less, Morgan accomplish what the rest of Stanley estimates. the mining industry has been “There’s been a much unable to during the commod- swifter response in our indus- ity collapse: shut down supply. try in terms of supply than When diamond prices you’ve seen in other indus- plunged 18 percent last tries,” Johan Dippenaar, the year, the most since 2008, a chief executive officer of quarter of world supply dis- Johannesburg-based Petra, appeared as the biggest said. Prices may be firmer in producers, De Beers and the next six to 12 months. Alrosa PJSC, cut output and De Beers, 85 percent sales. That wasn’t true for owned by Anglo American mines unearthing everything Plc, spent much of last cen- from iron ore to copper, where tury controlling supply and companies like Rio Tinto prices under the management Group and BHP Billiton Ltd of the Oppenheimer family. To spent billions on expansions maintain its market power, the over the previous decade and company that began mining were reluctant to respond to South Africa’s vast Kimber- surpluses even during pro- ley deposit in the late 1800s longed bear markets. would buy up stones it didn’t De Beers has been a dom- mine and stockpile them inant force in the diamond when demand softened. Its industry since the early 1900s, monopoly was challenged when it had a virtual monop- by new supplies found out- A store of German sport goods manufacturer “Adidas” is pictured in Oberhausen, western Germany. oly on global supply. It now side Africa and finally ended shares control with Russia’s in 2004, when the company Alrosa, the second-largest pleaded guilty to price- fixing producer, and together they following a decade-long legal By Emma Thomasson Adidas is locked in a global battle with provided almost two-thirds battle with the US. Reuters Nike for brand supremacy. But its pockets of the world’s gems in 2014. “The diamond-trading mar- are not as deep as its US arch rival — despite Their moves to cut supply last ket is relatively small and a recent hike its marketing budget is still year prevented an even big- self- contained compared to about 50 percent less — increasing the need ger meltdown, according to other raw-material sectors,” f Adidas ends its funding of the athlet- for it to be more discriminating rather than RBC Capital Markets. And now, said Anish Aggarwal, a partner ics governing body, it would not just be fight for every deal. while base metals continue to at Antwerp-based industry a reaction to doping but also a sign of Under former boss Horst Dassler, Adidas slump, diamond prices have consultant Gemdax. “A release a shift towards spending on individual practically invented the idea of long-term probably bottomed, Petra of too much product when sports stars and teams who can pro- deals with sporting federations like FIFA and Diamonds Ltd. predicted this demand was lower could have Imote brands directly to fans via social media. the Olympics to get its logo onto the field. It week. “You’ve got two produc- destabilized and devalued the The BBC said the German sportswear is now focusing more on contracts with the Adidas is locked in a ers which account for more product for a number of quar- firm, whose 11-year deal made it the biggest highest-profile players, clubs and national global battle with Nike than half the world’s produc- ters. The main objective of sponsor of the International Association of teams and less on federations. This trend tion,” said Kieron Hodgson, an producers was to create price Athletics Federations (IAAF), had decided was shown last year when Adidas decided for brand supremacy. analyst at Panmure Gordon stability.” against continuing with the contract as a against renewing its contract with the US But its pockets are not & Co. “It’s very easy to have a Jewelry retailers have been direct result of doping and corruption alle- National Basketball Association (NBA) so common ground. They real- feeling the pinch. Tiffany & Co gations that emerged in December. it could invest more in players like James as deep as its US arch ised that the industry was in last week lowered its full-year Neither Adidas nor the IAAF would con- Harden of the Houston Rockets, who struck rival — despite a recent dire straits and efforts needed profit forecast after holiday firm the report, but such a move would fit a 13-year deal worth a reported $200m. hike its marketing to be taken.” sales fell. Chow Tai Fook Jew- in with a trend towards sponsors like Adi- Although Adidas has been the official kit Over the past year, every ellery Group Ltd, the biggest das feeling less bound to sports governing provider to the last three Summer Olympics, budget is still about 50 commodity has been affected jeweller, has slowed expan- bodies as the ultimate gatekeepers to fans. it decided against sponsoring the 2016 Rio percent less by the global economic slow- sion plans amid a challenging The rise of social Games, saying it had already done a lot to down, particularly in China, retail market. media has meant mar- boost the brand in Brazil at the 2014 World the world’s biggest user of De Beers, which says keting budgets have Cup and will still use the Games as a plat- many raw materials. The coun- it matches production to moved away from tel- form to launch new products. try is the second- largest demand, cut its output target evision and towards In the case of the Rio Games, Nike a case-by-case basis depending on how jewelry market. Rough-dia- three times in 2015, reduc- online advertising, with swooped in to fill the role, as it will with likely they were to drive sales, noting it mond prices are the lowest ing the goal by as much as 15 top sports stars now able the NBA contract from 2017. had decided to take over the partnership in six years, data from from percent to 29 million carats. to directly promote their As part of its targeted strategy, Adidas with North America’s National Hockey UK-based WWW Interna- It mined 32.6 million carats chosen brands to mil- is fiercely defending its leading position in League from Reebok. tional Diamond Consultants in 2014. The 26 million carats lions of fans who follow soccer, the most popular sport in its Euro- And the company has no intention of show. Aluminum slid 19 per- forecast for this year will be The rise of social their feeds. pean home territory, and focusing on the ditching soccer governing body FIFA given cent last year, copper and tin the least since 2009. Alrosa, “The advent of dig- biggest teams. the appeal of the World Cup, despite draw- fell 25 percent, zinc dropped based in Siberia’s Yakutia media has meant ital means there is less It agreed to pay €750m ($1.1bn) to ing criticism for being less vocal than other 26 percent, and iron ore region, sold half the stones it marketing budgets need for the event plat- replace Nike as sponsor of English soc- sponsors in criticising the organisation plunged 39 percent. As prices mined in the third quarter. The forms. Fans don’t interact cer side Manchester United for a decade, a over its corruption scandal. declined, diamond supplies company said that it sold 30 have moved away with the governing bod- record kit deal for the sport. It has also taken But it does plans to lower the share of were cut by 25 percent last million carats of the 38.3 mil- from television ies. They engage with the over from its US rival at Italian champions its marketing budget that goes on sports year with reduced production lion carts it mined in 2015. and towards online sport, the teams and the Juventus, while extending its contract with deals to below 45 percent in 2020 from individuals,” said Rupert Germany’s No.1 team Bayern Munich. about half now, as it increases spending advertising Pratt, co-founder of An Adidas spokeswoman said deals on pushing the brand directly on social sports agency Generate. with sports federations were assessed on media, in stores and at grassroots events. Apple loses lustre on fears that ‘wow’ days over for now

By Glenn Chapman from a device-making superstar racking up wow the world with must-have new gadg- Cook said the company would invest in AFP dizzying financial quarters to a company that ets and dazzle Wall Street by trouncing sales research and innovation through the down can make a sizable and steady income from expectations might be put off by the idea the period in the global economy. selling apps, digital music and more to the company could evolve into a predictable Areas being focused on by Apple include pple’s image took a bruising amid signs huge number of people using its devices. maker of money from services and content. electric cars and virtual reality, according to of a shift from wowing the world with “Apple currently is still viewed as a hard- “This is not Steve Jobs’s Apple, which had hires and widespread reports the company Awonders to making steady money from ware company, with majority of their revenue hit after hit,” said independent technology has declined to comment upon. lovers of its devices. coming from one product — the iPhone,” Phil- industry analyst Rob Enderle. “There may “Apple’s slowdown is completely normal Apple shares were down 6.5 percent to lip Capital said in an analyst note. “While it be good news in the Apple Watch and Apple and priced in as the ending iPhone 6 replace- end at $93.80 as investors grappled with news is not wrong to view them currently as such, TV, but because they don’t break them out ment cycle is making it very difficult to grow of slowing sales growth of iPhones that have Apple has taken strides to transition them- in earnings results you can’t tell.” And Apple revenues beyond current levels,” said Edi- driven many booming quarters for the Cali- selves into a service company.” Watch remains tethered to the iPhone, ana- son Investment Research analyst Richard fornia tech giant. Apple raised the spectre of Apple services include iTunes, iCloud, lysts noted. Apple is widely expected to Windsor. He was among a group of ana- the end of a technological era after reporting Apple TV, and the App Store along with Apple release new versions of the iPhone this year lysts that saw the sink in Apple shares as an on Tuesday the slowest growth sales ever of Pay. Apple reported that, over all, a billion in a move that typically delivers a sales bump. opportunity. This is not Steve Jobs’s its market-leading, life-changing iPhone and iPhones, iPads, Macintosh computers, iPod The company also saw tremendous Edison portrayed Apple shares as “one of Apple, which had hit after warning it expects worse to come. touch devices, Apple TV units, and Apple potential remaining in the smartphone mar- the cheapest technology stocks available in The California technology colossus said Watch wearable computers had “engaged” ket and would continue investing in the China the market” and maintained that the slow- hit. There may be good it expects to see its first decline in iPhone with its services in the past three months. market. Revenue in “Greater China” was up down was more than reflected in the price. news in the Apple Watch sales in the current quarter on a year-over- The banking firm Morgan Stanley said in 14 percent for Apple but weaker in the US and “However, the shares are unlikely to race year basis. Some of the softness comes from a research note that “Apple has the world’s Japan. “We remain very bullish on China, and, away again before a new avenue of growth and Apple TV, but because a strong US dollar and other global economic most valuable technology platform” and is you know, don’t subscribe to the doom and is found and of this there is little sign,” Edi- they don’t break them out challenges, Apple said. The company sold a thus “best positioned to capture more of its gloom kind of predictions frankly,” Apple son said in a note. in earnings results you record 74.8 million iPhones in the December users’ time in areas such as health, autos and chief Tim Cook said during the earnings call. “Consequently, we think that Apple quarter, but the growth pace of two percent home, as these platforms expand in the Inter- “India is also incredibly exciting.” remains a great place to hide for anyone fear- can’t tell was the weakest since the 2007 launch of the net of Things computing era.” Apple also has a war chest of some $215bn ful of a volatile market but it is not the place device. Many analysts say Apple is evolving Investors drawn to Apple by its ability to in cash and securities, most of it overseas. to be when looking for upside.” 18 FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 CLASSIFIEDS

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Australian Open results Men’s singles Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Roger Djokovic storms into final as Federer (SUI x3) 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 Women’s singles Semi-finals Serena Williams (USA x1) bt Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x4) 6-0, 6-4 Angelique Kerber (GER x7) bt Johanna Serena crushes Radwanska Konta (GBR) 7-5, 6-2

The world number Serbia’s Novak one reaches the Djokovic celebrates after Australian Open final winning his semi- for the fifth time in final against just six years with Switzerland’s Roger Federer easy win over tennis at the Australian icon Roger Federer Open at Melbourne Park, Australia, yesterday. INSETS: Federer Reuters and retired tennis star Boris Becker in Melbourne MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic hit yesterday. some spectacular shots and showed true grit to hold off a Roger Federer fightback as he reached the final of the Australian Open for the fifth time in six years with a 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory yesterday. For the first two sets, 17-times major champion Federer looked as powerless as Agnieszka Radwanska had earlier on the same court when the Pole was taken apart 6-0, 6-4 by the reigning women’s champion Ser- ena Williams. Federer restored some pride by taking the third set and made the champion work hard through some breathtaking rallies in the fourth before the Serbian took his place in a title decider against Andy Murray or Milos Raonic. The 45th showdown between Now playing under a closed roof, “There was just no mistake,” said and a 22nd Grand Slam singles title, German in the women’s final at Mel- “These were probably the best Djokovic and Federer, the best two Djokovic took some time to regain fourth seed Radwanska. “Unbelieva- which would allow the American to bourne Park for 20 years. “I am a top two sets I’ve played against (Roger) hardcourt players of their generations, his level in the fourth but grabbed ble serve. Everything, she was going match the record of the German’s player right now. I’ve been working over my career,” said 28-year-old was always going to be the highlight the crucial break for a 5-3 lead and for it. Yeah, I couldn’t do much. Not at compatriot, childhood hero and men- very hard in the last few years. Here Djokovic, who will be bidding for a of day 11 of the tournament. served out comfortably to reach his all, actually. tor Steffi Graf. I am. I’m in the final for my first time. record-equalling sixth Australian Four days after he racked up 100 fifth straight grand slam final. “I don’t think anyone can really The 28-year-old seventh seed I will for sure try and enjoy it.” Open title on Sunday. unforced errors in a messy fourth “You’ve got to try and stop the play on that kind of level at all.” raced to a 3-0 lead in the open- Konta was the first British woman “This was I think a different level round win over Gilles Simon, Djok- bleeding at some point,” said Fed- Radwanska made the second set ing set of her match against Konta into the last four at the Australian than from before. I’m just very, very ovic started brilliantly and played 55 erer. “It was tough to get back into it more of a contest but she had neither but the Briton shed her early nerves Open for 39 years after a remarka- pleased that I was able to perform the minutes of near flawless power ten- but I found a way and made some- the power nor the skill to prevent the and won the next four games to get ble run on her main draw debut at way I did from the very beginning till nis to take a commanding two sets thing of a match of it. But clearly I’m world number one marching on to her back on serve. Kerber kept her own Melbourne Park. the end.” to nil lead. still disappointed.” 26th grand slam final. nerve, however, and secured a deci- The Sydney-born 24-year-old Williams was in similarly domi- With the crowd making clear their Williams’ 20-minute first set “I’ve always said that when I’m sive break for 6-5 in the first set before had no complaints about her defeat, nant form in her semi-final as she set desperation for the Swiss to avoid a against Radwanska was as short as playing at my best, it’s difficult to beat overwhelming the world number 47 however. up a date on Saturday with Germa- humiliating defeat, however, Fed- Djokovic’s start against Federer and me,” said 34-year-old Williams, who in the second. “I played against a better player ny’s Angelique Kerber, who reached erer managed to find another gear to only slightly less impressive because has won all six of her previous finals “I’ve had a lot of ups, I had a lot of today who earned her right to a grand her first Grand Slam final by ending his serve, charged the net more fre- of the Pole’s lack of Grand Slam at Melbourne Park. downs. I think the final cames to the slam final,” she said. “But I’m really Briton Johanna Konta’s run 7-5, 6-2. quently and snatched the third set. pedigree. Kerber stands between Williams right moment,” said Kerber, the first taking a lot of positives out of it.” You think I’m old? Federer Tennis queen Serena trying to keep says he’ll beat Djokovic again calm ahead of final in Melbourne AFP

MELBOURNE: Roger Federer (pictured) blasted critics who say he’s too old AFP said. “I’ve been going and going and going for a and insisted he was confident of beating Novak Djokovic again at a Grand long time. Been really going hard since probably Slam after his four-set defeat in the Australian Open semi-finals yesterday. before the Olympics in 2012. That’s a long time. The 34-year-old Swiss great was flattened by Djokovic in the opening MELBOURNE: Serena Williams (pictured) said “So I felt like I really committed myself, and I two sets before he finally went down 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, in his eighth loss to yesterday she was trying to block out her chances of need to commit to myself and my body and take the Serb in their last 10 Grand Slam meetings. equalling Steffi Graf’s Open-era record of 22 Grand some time off, restart.” Federer hasn’t bested the runaway world number at a major since the Slam titles, not needing the extra stress as history The break has worked wonders with the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2012, when he last won a Grand Slam title. But again beckons. 34-year-old back with a bang at Melbourne Park. when asked if he could beat Djokovic again on the big stage, he bristled. The dominant world number one surged into Against Radwanska, she played a first set that “Best-of-three, best-of-five, I can run for four or five hours. It’s not a her 26th major final by dismantling Polish fourth was as near perfect as you can get, with the Pole problem. I prove it in practice again in the off-season no sweat. So from that seed Agnieszka Radwanska 6-0, 6-4 at the Austral- hailing it as the best tennis she has ever faced. standpoint I’m not worried going into long rallies,” Federer said. ian Open, with her first set near flawless. Other opponents have also paid tribute to Wil- “I know you guys (media) make it a different case. I get that, because you A win in tomorrow’s decider against seventh liams, sentiments the veteran said were rewarding. think I’m old and all that. But it’s no problem for me. But it doesn’t scare me seed Angelique Kerber would see her match Graf’s “It’s awesome. It’s really cool,” she said. “And when I go into a big match against any player who’s in their prime right now.” mark that has stood since the German great’s last I could tell everyone is really motivated because The world number three is redefining the career trajectory for men’s major win at the French Open in 1999. when they’re playing me they give maximum effort tennis as he remains among the elite at a time when most players his age But the American is trying to keep it off the and maximum everything. have faded or already retired. But Federer, now working with Ivan Ljubi- radar, saying the pressure she was under when try- “It actually makes me a better player, too, cic -- who has an intimate knowledge of Djokovic’s game -- is getting no ing to equal Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert’s because I’m going up against these players that closer to solving the riddle of beating the Serb, who won two Grand Slam 18 titles in 2014 was unbearable and not something are playing at their peak. So I have to be at my peak, finals against him last year. she wanted again. as well, for every single game.” The 17-time Grand Slam-winner hit out at “stupid questions” when he “I definitely block it out,” she said of the Graf M e a n w h i l e , A n g e l i q u e K e r b e r s a i d y e s t e r d a y was asked if Djokovic, now 28 and with 10 major titles, could take an even record. “I was one off last year, too. If I don’t win she feels a responsibility to protect her fellow Ger- tighter grip on the sport than the Swiss did in his prime. on Saturday, I’ll still be one off. man Graf’s Grand Slam record from Williams, but “I think it’s hard to keep up that level of play. What he’s been doing is “It took me forever to get to 18. I was so stressed admits the job in front of her is formidable. amazing. I was very happy how I’ve been able to keep up my level,” he said. out. I don’t want to relive that at all.” Seventh seed Kerber this week credited 22-time “Is it better or not? I don’t know. I think we’re both, all of us, with Rafa Williams won her 17th title at the 2013 US Open major winner Graf with giving her the self-belief (Nadal), Novak, me, (Andy) Murray, you name it, Stan (Wawrinka), we’re all but then went three Grand Slams, with the pressure to put together her career-best season after hitting very happy with our careers.” But he took solace from another deep run at building, before finally making it 18 a year later at with the former great early last year. a Grand Slam tournament, which left him just two wins short of becom- Flushing Meadows. Asked by a courtside interviewer if she would ing the oldest Australian Open champion since Regardless of what happens on Saturday, Wil- be seeking Graf’s advice ahead of her showdown a 37-year-old Ken Rosewall in 1972. liams is already assured of being remembered as with the American world number one, she laughed: “It’s disappointing, but at the same time I’m one of the best players the game has seen. best my whole career? I don’t know. But I’ve been “Steffi, write me please!” Graf must have been going deep in Slams right now. I’m having great Yet despite being the undisputed world number definitely trying to put in a lot of work and trying watching as Kerber revealed a text landed for her runs. I thought I had a tough draw here, so I’m one, winning eight of the last 14 Grand Slams, she to get there.” soon after, without revealing what it said. actually pleased where my level’s at .. at the said she did not allow herself to reflect on her Williams missed out on a 22nd title at the US “I think she wrote me, but I was not able to beginning of the season,” Federer said. “Novak record or relax. Open last year after winning all three other Grand check it right now. I just saw that,” Kerber said in right now is a reference for everybody. He’s the “Not really, not yet,” she said, when asked the Slams in 20015 -- the Australian and French Opens her post-match press conference. “I think she sent only guy that has been able to stop me as of late, question. and Wimbledon. me a text message, but I don’t know what she wrote and Stan (Wawrinka) when he was on fire in “I feel like when I play tougher opponents, when After a devastating US Open semi-final defeat to me yet. I think she heard what I said on the cen- Paris,” he added, referring to his loss to Wawrinka I play people that have beaten me in the past, is Roberta Vinci, which ended her pursuit of a calen- tre court.” in last year’s French Open quarter-finals. capable of doing so again, that I just have to be dar Grand Slam -- not achieved since Graf in 1988 Kerber is going to need all the help and advice “It’s okay. I wish I could have played a bit bet- more focused. -- a drained Williams took a break from the game, she can get against the imposing Williams who is ter, and who knows what would have happened. “I’ve always said that when I’m playing at my only returning this month. in her 26th Grand Slam final after sweeping aside Today Novak was very, very good. There’s no best, it’s difficult to beat me. Have I played at my “I definitely think I needed the time off,” she fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska with ease. doubt about it.” SPORT FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 21 Al Wakrah stun Al Sadd, Al Rayyan win

Lekhwiya leave it late to down Al Kharaitiyat, Qatar SC and Al Arabi share spoils in QSL

The Peninsula

DOHA: Qatar Stars League leaders Al Rayyan, defending champions Lekhwiya and Al Wakrah all picked up full points while registering con- trasting wins. Al Rayyan helped by two second half goals picked up their 15th win in Round 16 match to cement their place at the top. Al Rayyan put in a profes- sional display to defeat Umm Salal 2-0 Umm Salal at Al Gharafa Stadium. Goals from Korean midfielder Koh Sebastian Soria of Al Rayyan attempts to break through Umm Salal defence during their Qatar Stars League Myong-jin and a sixteenth goal of the match at Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. Picture by; Baher/The Peninsula season from captain Rodrego Tabata ensured all three points for the Lions. goal on the 8th minute. ed to stand. Al Sadd pushed hard for an Al Rayyan now have a 14 point Shocked by the opener Sadd equalizer, but hit their third goal QATAR STARS LEAGUE lead at the top of the QSL standings, sprang into action, and eventu- of the game on the break on the Wednesday’s Results and with rivals El Jaish dropping ally found the back of the net and a 83rd minute. A long goal kick and a Al Ahli 0 Al Gharafa 1 points it will be considered a step deserved equaliser from Qatari inter- uncharacteristic slip from defender closer to their first falcon shield since national captain Hassan Al Haydoos. Mohammed Kasola gave striker Sasha Al Sailiya 3 Mesaimeer 1 the 1994/1995 season. Many would of expected Sadd to all the time in the world to grab his Al Khor 1 El Jaish 0 Meanwhile, Al Wakrah pulled off push on in the second half, but it was second goal of the match. Results one of the shocks of round 16 defeat- the home side who edged ahead in Elsewhere, Qatar Sports Club ing Al Sadd 3-1 at Al Wakrah Stadium. the second half. In the 56th minute and Al Arabi share the spoils in the Al Kharaitiyat 2 Lekhwiya 3 Al Wakrah made an ideal start to a thunderous strike from Portuguese one-all draw, while Lekhwiya con- Umm Salal 0 Al Rayyan 2 proceedings when Argentine striker midfielder Rúben Amorim hit the tinued their impressive run to defeat Al Arabi 1 Qatar SC 1 Action from the QSL match between Lekhwiya and Al Kharaitiyat Sasha’s tap in effort just crossed the cross bar and striker Mahir Youseff Al Kharaitiyat 3-2 in a high scoring yesterday. Lekhwiya won 3-2. line to give the Blue Waves an early was free to nod in the rebound. match at Al Khor Stadium. Al Wakrah 3 Al Sadd 1

New Zealand New Zealand apologise vs Pakistan ODI for Amir cash taunt washed out AFP in Wellington last Friday, ground announcer Mark McLeod played the Reuters sound of a cash register when Amir WELLINGTON: New Zealand was running in to bowl. Cricket has apologised to the tour- “I think it was inappropri- NAPIER: The second One-Day ing Pakistan team after a ground ate and disrespectful, and has the International between New Zea- announcer taunted paceman effect of trivialising one of the land and Pakistan in Napier was Mohammad Amir by playing a cash biggest issues facing cricket at the abandoned without a ball being register sound during a Twenty20 moment,” White told Fairfax Media bowled due to heavy rain and a match. yesterday. wet outfield yesterday. The announcer has been cen- “I’ve contacted the Pakistan The calling off means Paki- sured and told it was “inappropriate team management to apologise, stan, who lost Monday’s first and disrespectful” to goad the fast and to assure them there will be no one-dayer by 70 runs, can now bowler on his return to international repeat.” only hope to level the series when cricket after serving a five-year ban On Monday, during the first the teams play the third and final for spot-fixing. one-day international between match at Auckland on Sunday. Amir has also been subjected to New Zealand and Pakistan, senior Heavy rain rendered the out- abuse by spectators but New Zealand Pakistan player Mohammad Hafeez field too wet for any play and the Cricket chief executive David White complained to the umpires about the umpires finally decided to call off stopped short of asking fans to leave treatment Amir was receiving from the match after several inspections the 23-year-old alone. spectators, according to Pakistan through the day. Amir is on his first tour since media reports. Grounds staff mop up the water on the covers before the start of the second One-Day International match New Zealand had earlier won serving a prison term and ban for Money was allegedly being the three-match Twenty20 inter- between New Zealand and Pakistan at McLean Park in Napier yesterday. The match was abandoned without his role in a 2010 spot-fixing scandal. waved at Amir amid chants of “I’ve national series 2-1. a ball being bowled due to heavy rain and a wet outfield. During the third Twenty20 got a dollar for you”.

Refugee team to compete President of Algerian FF visits Aspetar WADA requests Russia to have at Rio Games, says IOC new doping setup in place Agencies currently training in Germany, a Congolese judoka who found refuge in Brazil and an Iranian taekwondo AFP ATHENS: A cross-nation team of ref- athlete in Belgium, the IOC said. ugees will participate in this year’s Yesterday, Bach took down the Rio Olympics to send a “message details of Farhad Takallo, an Iranian TOKYO: The chief of the world’s of hope”, International Olympic man at the camp who said he was a anti-doping organisation said yes- Committee chief Thomas Bach said shooting champion. terday it could take months before yesterday. While he welcomed the prospect Russia re-establishes a credible “The IOC has decided to invite of training in Greece, Takallo asked anti-doping body following alle- the highest-qualified refugee ath- Bach to help him reach Germany. gations of state involvement in the letes to the Olympic Games in Rio,” Only war refugees -- at present practice. Bach said at the Eleonas camp in , Iraqis and Afghans -- who Russia was banned from Athens, a facility housing hundreds reach Greece are allowed to continue international competitions by of migrants hoping to find passage the journey to northern Europe. the International Association of to northern Europe. Bach added that the Olympic Athletics Federations (IAAF) in The refugee team, around five to torch relay, beginning in ancient November after a World Anti-Dop- ten strong, will participate as a dele- Olympia in April, will pass from the ing Agency (WADA) independent gation in its own right and be lodged Eleonas camp and a refugee will commission found evidence of at the Olympic Village with the rest carry the flame. “state-sponsored” doping in the of the athletes, Bach said. The torch will be lit in Greece’s country The country’s anti-doping “We want to send a message of ancient Olympia on April 21 before body RUSADA was declared non- hope and confidence to the refugees leaving for the South American compliant by WADA after it was and turn the attention of the world country 12 days later. discovered that positive drug tests to the fate and problem of the 60 It will arrive in Brazil on May 3 had been covered up and samples million refugees of the world,” the to start its 100-day relay across the President of the Algerian Football Federation, Mohamed Raouraoua, during his visit to Aspetar, the destroyed. German said. country. world’s leading specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital, in Doha yesterday. Raouraoua, “We are asking Russian In December, the IOC said it had Greece became the main gate- was given a comprehensive tour of the hospital’s facilities and the newly built extension that is authorities to re-establish a new already identified three athletes way for more than a million refugees dedicated exclusively to athletes. Aspetar provides medical support to the Algerian national football agency with proper people in who had fled their home countries who began arriving in Europe last team. Experts from Aspetar also accompanied the Algerian team to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South charge,” David Howman, WADA and could qualify for the Games in year, most fleeing war and perse- Africa and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazi. was the only team from the Arab world that director general, said in an inter- August. cution in countries like Syria, Iraq played in both championships. view on the sidelines of a seminar They are a Syrian swimmer and Afghanistan. in Tokyo. 22 FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 SPORT

I controlled the flight of the ball pretty well, Birdie blitz helps Lawrie says Lawrie The Peninsula grab lead at Qatar Masters DOHA: Former Open Champion Paul Lawrie yesterday fired a bril- liant six-under-par 66 to lead at the halfway stage of the Commer- cial Bank Qatar Masters and boost his hopes of becoming the first The two-time three-time winner of the Mother champion from of Pearl Trophy. After carding an overall tally Scotland is on top of 11 under par 133, Lawrie said he of the leaderboard was pleased with his performance in the tournament so far. after second day’s Here’s a quick Q & A with Lawrie: play at windswept Question. A 66 - scintillat- Doha Golf Club ing stuff. What were you most pleased about with your game? Paul Lawrie: It was pretty much the same as yesterday to be honest. Played nicely tee-to-green. By Rizwan Rehmat Hit a lot of good shots. Only made The Penisula one mistake, which was 3-putt from 20 feet at 15. Same as yes- terday, 3-putted the first, the only mistake I made. When you play DOHA: A birdie blitz yesterday helped nicely as that and control the flight two-time champion Paul Lawrie of the ball like I did yesterday, you of Scotland grab the lead with an Paul Lawrie know you’re going to hole a few impressive card of six under par 66 (in black) and putts, you’re going to shoot low. So at the $2.5m Qatar Masters. Belgium’s Nicolas it was a good day. Winner in 1999 and 2012, the Colsaerts (inset) Q. The forecast was for it Doha Golf Club (DGC) visitor fired six in action during to blow from the get-go and birdies to supplement his five under the second day’s it didn’t. What’s the mind-set par 67 in round 1 for an overall card of play at the $2.5m then that you carry into; do you 11 under par 133 at the halfway stage Qatar Masters at change your strategy a bit? of the desert challenge. Doha Golf Club Lawrie: Well, they put the tees Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts fin- yesterday. forward today, obviously think- ished a shot behind Lawrie after ing that the wind is going to blow carding a 4 under par 68 for an over- pretty hard, and this morning all score of 10 under par 134. it was dead calm. So I got a lit- The big-hitting Belgian birdied his tle frustrated after 15, because I last hole at nine. by four birdies helped Garcia - cham- “It was pretty much the same as on, and it’s going to change every now key shots,” Colsaert said in reply. “The thought, you’re not taking advan- England’s Andrew Johnston, pion in 2014 - to close round two at yesterday, to be honest. Played nicely and again with the weather,” Lawrie back nine is probably a little more tage of the conditions today. Then Spain’s Rafa Cabrera-Bello and six under par 66. tee-to-green. Hit a lot of good shots. said. scorable, so you kind of -- if you played some nice golf and made a Frenchman Gregory Bourdy are tied England’s Tommy Fleetwood (69), Only made one mistake, which was Colsaerts, who is a shot behind get off to a good start and keep the few birdies.But you’ve just got to do for third place with overall scores of Sweden’s Johan Carlsson (67), compa- 3-putt from 20 feet at 15,” Lawrie said Lawrie at 10 under par 134, said it rhythm going, you can actually play your game plan and kick on, and 9 under par 135. triot Pelle Edberg (66) and Denmark’s yesterday. was a tough day at the office. quite well out here,” he said. it’s going to change every now and Johnston couldn’t match his six Thorbjorn Olesen (69) are tied with “Same as yesterday, 3-putted the “A bit more of a grind to be fair. Johnston is mighty pleased sitting again with the weather. under par 66 in the first round as the Garcia at 8 under par 136. first, the only mistake I made. When Front nine was a bit scruffy. Missed pretty at 9 under par 135. Q. Inevitably with the late Briton yesterday suffered a double Overnight leader Pablo Larraza- you play nicely as that and control the a few. There’s probably a few shots “Yeah, it’s a good start, and tee time you’ll have, the wind bogey on hole 3 on way to a card of 3 bal (72) of Spain endured a horrible flight of the ball like I did yesterday, that I would like to have back or have pleased with the two days. Drove will be stronger tomorrow; it is under par 69. day with four bogeys to be tied for you know you’re going to hole a few again,” Colsaerts said. the ball well. Kept it in play. I’ve hit going to blow hard. What’s the Cabrera-Bello remained steady 11th spot with an overall card of 7 putts, you’re going to shoot low. So it “And then (I) made a fantastic a lot of good sort of iron shots right strategy when you get conditions yesterday with 4 under par 68 while under par 137. Larrazabal is tied with was a good day,” Lawrie added. eagle on the first, my 10th, that sort side of the pin, and I’ve putted well,” like that? Bourdy enjoyed a hole-in-one on 8 a group of eight other golfers that “They put the tees forward today, of got me back into the rhythm that I Johnston said. Lawrie: My attitude is nor- for his only eagle of the day. also includes defending champion obviously thinking that the wind is was kind of hoping for, then I played When asked about the strong mally pretty good when it gets The Frenchman carded 4 under Branden Grace of South Africa (67). going to blow pretty hard, and this pretty steadily for the rest of that side. winds battering DGC, Johnston said: blowy, because if you get a bit par to score an overall tally of 9 under South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen morning it was dead calm. So I got 4-under is a pretty decent score today “I haven’t really thought about it that grumpy and a bit grizzly as I tend par 135 after two rounds. is 6 under par 138 after carding 73 a little frustrated after 15 because I I think,” the Belgian said. much. I’ve just sort of played and to do, when it’s windy, you’re Former champion and title following three bogeys in round two. thought you’re not taking advantage Will it be difficult going forward? sort of taken every hole as it comes. going to struggle. So I tend to sort favourite Sergia Garcia sneaked up Lawrie - who fired birdies on of the conditions today,” Lawrie said. “No, probably not. I’ve played Holed some good putts at good times of accept things a bit better when on his rivals to be tied for sixth place holes 4, 7, 9, 10, 12, 16 and 18 - said “Then (I) played some nice golf quite well in the last couple years for birdies and hit some good shots it’s windy, and that’s what you’ve with overall card of 8 under par 136. he was pleased with his second day’s and made a few birdies. But you’ve here. I mean, it seems like I know at other good times. It’s sort of gelled got to do. I think a lot of guys kind An eagle on hole 16 supplemented performance. just got to do your game plan and kick what to do on certain key holes and well together.” of struggle to accept the condi- tions. They are not going to change. You’ve just got to get on with it. Q. Thrilled with the way that you’re playing over these two Quotes of the day at Doha Golf Club days so far? Lawrie: Yeah, I played nicely “It’s got to help that you know you’ve won this tournament twice again. I controlled the flight of before. It’s nice to go back to places that you know you can play well on the ball pretty well, which is what and have done in the past. You see your name on the board a couple of you’ve got to do when it’s windy. times and you walk past it every day at the range. It all helps.” Hit a lot of really nice knock-down Paul Lawrie shots today. Got the ball pin-high a lot and rolled it, again, really well “Probably from the 17th hole onward, I hit six really good putts that a lot on the greens. Apart from 15, looked like they were going in and they didn’t. I ended up making a huge only mistake I made. Same as yes- putt on eight, although I think that celebration is going to look a little bit terday with a 3-putt. funny on TV. Tomorrow, I’ll try to play within myself, obviously keep the Q. These conditions are chal- ball down, which I know I can do, and just be patient. lenging, as we said yesterday, but Sergio Garcia (pictured) they have made sure that those greens aren’t as fast as they can “I don’t know, it was a slow start. I think it was just a little bit early, be in this part of the world I 7.00 tee time. But yeah, I just picked it up there. I hit a couple of really guess. close -- missed a short one on 9. Hit some really good shots there on 10 Lawrie: They have certainly and 11. I don’t know, I just hit better golf shots in the wind. I don’t know slowed them down, which is a why. Yeah, we got a good break there. The first nine holes, there’s not good idea, because if you get much wind, but (I) didn’t really take greens rolling at 10 or 11 on the advantage of it. But (I) started play- Stimp and it’s blowing a gale, you ing well in the last nine holes.” can’t keep the ball on the green. Thorbjorn Olesen They are pretty slow to be fair. An anemometer being used to check wind speeds at the Doha Golf Club yesterday. RIGHT: Andrew Johnston Last week was very quick greens “Yeah, it’s always nice to get a and this week they are pretty slow. of Britain talks to his caddie during yesterday’s action. Pic: Qassim / The Peninsula hole-in-one. It’s my, I would say, That’s all part of what we have to only third on Tour, but it’s good do to adapt. Second-round scores at Doha Golf Club enough. Yeah, it’s great actually. Q. We’ve certainly spoken I missed a few birdies before the about your putting over recent Doha: Leading scores yesterday after the second round of the Qatar Masters counting towards the European PGA Tour 8th, and then yeah, straight in with years so much. I take it that this (Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 72): a 6-iron. So it was like two bird- is a further indication that things 133 Paul Lawrie (SCO) 67 66 ies straight. Yeah, it’s always a nice are going very much in the right feeling to get a hole-in-one.” direction. 134 Nicolas Colsaerts (BEL) 66 68 Gregory Bourdy Lawrie: Marc Warren had a 135 Andrew Johnston 66 69, Gregory Bourdy (FRA) 67 68, Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP) 67 68 look at me when I missed the cut in 136 Tommy Fleetwood 67 69, Sergio Garcia (ESP) 70 66, Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN) 67 69, Pelle Edberg (SWE) 70 66, Johan “Yeah, (that eagle on 10) cer- Abu Dhabi, and he said the same as Carlsson (Swe) 69 67 tainly got my rhythm back on. The everyone else: My putting stroke is front 9 was a bit on and off. I hit too long, needs to be a little shorter 137 Jens Fahrbring (SWE) 69 68, Maximilian Kieffer (GER) 69 68, Kristoffer Broberg (SWE) 67 70, Joost Luiten (NED) 70 67, a few holes and maybe thought I Jorge Campillo (ESP) 69 68, Branden Grace (RSA) 70 67, George Coetzee (RSA) 67 70, Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 65 72, and a little quicker. So I’ve kind of could have just slipped the score Brett Rumford (AUS) 68 69 been working on it the last couple under par on the front, which I days and certainly feels as though 138 Ricardo Gouveia (POR) 67 71, Lucas Bjerregaard (DEN) 68 70, Alex Noren (SWE) 69 69, Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 65 73, didn’t. But the eagle on the first, I’ve got it. I hit a lot of putts when Lee Slattery 69 69, Robert Rock 68 70, Ernie Els (RSA) 68 70, Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) 68 70, Gregory Havret (FRA) my 10th, was certainly the rhythm- I missed the cut last week. All day 71 67, Bradley Dredge 71 67 kicker that I was hoping for. And Sunday I did a lot of work, and then 139 Soren Kjeldsen (DEN) 70 69, Prom Meesawat (THA) 72 67, Bjorn Akesson (SWE) 66 73, Mikko Ilonen (FIN) 71 68 then the rest -- played well the rest came here. I’ve hit, I don’t know, 140 Ben Evans 69 71, Richie Ramsay 71 69, Roope Kakko (FIN) 69 71, Marcel Siem (GER) 69 71, Brandon Stone (RSA) 72 of that side, which made me come thousands of putts since I got here. 68, Joakim Lagergren (SWE) 72 68, Mikko Korhonen (FIN) 72 68, Clarke Lutton 68 72, Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 68 72, back in 4-under which is good.” So it’s only taken a couple days and James Morrison 70 70, Robert Karlsson (SWE) 73 67, Alejandro Canizares (ESP) 73 67 Nicolas Colsaerts it feels comfortable. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 20 PAGE | 22 Djokovic storms Birdie blitz helps intoi final as Serena Lawrie grab lead aatt crcrushes Radwanska Qatar Masters

FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 • 19 Rabia II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar It’s make or break for Qatar in play-off

2016 Olympic Games We have prepared ticket at stake as Qatar take on Iraq in the third-place well, says Sanchez play-off at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium today The Peninsula “We have given a good account of ourselves but we need to finish off with a win,” he said. DOHA: Qatar coach Felix Sanchez “We have played two games of (pictured) said yesterday his team high intensity and one match went was ready for do-or-die battle into extra time,” Sanchez said. against defending champions Iraq “We are not happy about our The Peninsula in the third-place play-off at the AFC last result (loss to South Korea in U-23 Championship. the semifinals) but we have played The winner of the match on Fri- well overall. The players are better DOHA: Qatar will seek to put the day at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium and fitter than they were sometime disappointment of their semi-final will qualify for the 2016 Olympic back,” Sanchez said. defeat to Korea Republic behind them, Games. “I hope we get a full-house for says coach Felix Sanchez, to secure a “We have prepared well for the game. We need the fan support,” berth at the Olympic Games in Rio de this crucial match,” Sanchez said Sanchez said. “I am sure we will see Janeiro today against Iraq. yesterday. a great match,” he said. Qatar and Iraq meet in the third “In what will be our last game Japan and South Korea have place play-off with the winner claim- at this event, it is clear that we will already qualified for the final to be ing the continent’s sole remaining push our opponents all the way to played on January 30. place at the Olympic Games after get a win,” Sanchez said. Japan and Korea Republic advanced “This is clearly the most impor- The Rio qualifiers so far to the final of the AFC U23 Champi- tant game in the lives of our young onship and took the first two tickets players,” he said. Doha: Continental powerhouses Japan and South Korea Republic for Brazil. “We have played two very tough Qatar U23 players training in Doha ahead of their AFC U23 Championship third-place play-off match have confirmed their places at this “Nobody likes to play in a third matches so we feel confident going against Iraq today. summer’s Men’s Olympic Football place game, but this is a special case into the clash on Friday,” the Qatar Tournament in Rio de Janeiro. because we still have the opportu- coach said. The one remaining berth will go to nity to qualify for the Olympics,” said of time, fitness is an important point “But our team they are used to They also narrowly missed out the winner of today’s AFC U23 Cham- Sanchez. in the game,” said Sanchez. focusing when they are playing with- on a place in Atlanta in 1996, losing pionship clash for third and fourth “The players were not happy (after “We hope we are going to face this out fans or with a few fans and they to Japan in the third place play-off. place between defeated semi-final- losing to Korea Republic), but they are game in good condition. Physically, are used to putting on a good game. “In the last game we provided a ists Iraq and Qatar. aware and very motivated because it’s technically and tactically the players “Both teams have the same feel- good performance and we had the Here is the current list of the teams a very good opportunity for us to go are motivated and I’m sure they are ings. Both are coming from a shock possibility to qualify for the final,” who will be playing at the Olympics in to Rio, so the players are fully moti- going to give 100 percent.” after the defeat in the semi-final but said Shahad. Rio: Asia: Japan, Korea Republic and Iraq or Qatar. vated for the game.” As the host nation, Qatar can for the Iraq team the main target is “I was sure that both Arabic teams Both coaches declared their expect to have the backing of the to get one of the three tickets for Rio. could reach the final, but this is foot- Africa: Algeria, Nigeria and South Africa. teams fully fit for the crucial game, majority of the crowd at Abdullah Bin “So our main focus is on our team ball and we are now ready for the with Qatar’s influential captain Khalifa Stadium on Friday evening, and the Qatar team and how to pre- next game. Europe: Denmark, Germany, Portugal and Sweden. Abdulkarim Hassan available despite but Iraqi coach Abdulghani Shahad is pare the team and to realise our goal.” “We had a meeting with the play- some concerns while Mohamed Mun- confident his team will not be affected Iraq have a strong track record at ers, we spoke with them and told North, Central America And Carib- bean: Honduras, Mexico – USA to tari returns from suspension for the by the relative lack of support for his the Olympic Games, having reached them this is the last game and we play-off against Colombia host nation. Safa Jabbar and Saif Sal- team. the semi-finals in 2004 when they have to go for the victory.” Oceania: Fiji man will be available for Iraq after “It can have an impact and be an joined Japan and Korea Republic as The match kicks off at 5.45pm. South America: Brazil (hosts), Argentina missing the 2-1 loss to Japan. advantage for the Qatar team,” said one of the continent’s three repre- The championship final takes place – Colombia to play-off against USA “After five games in a short period the coach. sentatives in Athens. tomorrow. Ninth edition of Aspire Football Dreams concludes in Doha

The Peninsula The closing ceremony was held on Wednesday, during which the 36 promising young talents were DOHA: Aspire Academy on Wednes- presented with certificates of achieve- day night held a closing ceremony in ment in front of an audience made up the Academy’s auditorium to celebrate of Ambassadors and Chiefs of Mis- the conclusion of the ninth edition of sion from those countries involved Aspire Football Dreams – the world’s in the project that have embassies or largest football scouting programme. representative offices in Doha. They This latest edition of ASPIRE were joined by senior leaders from Football Dreams covered 16 coun- Aspire Zone Foundation and its Mem- tries across three continents – Asia, ber Organisations. Africa and Latin America. Commenting on the ninth edition, During the final stages of this Dr. Andreas Bleicher, consultant for year-long programme, 36 talented international football affairs at Aspire players born in 2002 visited Aspire Academy, said: “Everyone in football Academy and starting training is aware of the significant football- from January 10 and which ended ing talent that exists in developing yesterday. countries and also of the challenges Players participating on the pro- that can prevent these players from gramme have come from countries reaching their full potential. Aspire including Thailand, Costa Rica, Guate- offers a new window of hope and mala, Vietnam, Paraguay, Cameroon, opportunity for those players who Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, have the talent and dedication nec- Ivory Coast, Kenya, Uganda and essary to succeed at the highest levels Guinea-Bissau. The players and officials pose for a group picture at Aspire Academy’s auditorium to celebrate the conclusion of the ninth edition of Aspire of international football. To reach this This final stage of the recruit- Football Dreams in Doha on Wednesday night. objective, Aspire cooperates closely ment process marked the conclusion with various national football asso- of a year-long search for talent that worked closely with highly qualified brought to Qatar to participate in a During their time at the Academy, staff worked hand-in-hand with the ciations in those countries involved involved more than 420,000 young- professional coaches and scouts to three-week-long trial and condensed they also met 54 young players from programme’s scouts and country in the programme and supports the sters playing around 60,000 games identify the most promising young- training programme. previous editions of Aspire Football coordinators, headed by Programme players in playing for their relevant organised on more than 1,200 pitches sters in these groups to recruit them This included friendly games Dreams, born in 1998, 1999, 2000 Director Josep Colomer. national teams. In this way, the pro- spread throughout the 16 countries. for the programme. against Aspire Academy football stu- and 2001. They introduced the players to gramme directly benefits the players’ Registration to take part was free. During this final stage, the 36 dents as well as a visiting youth team During the players’ visit to Qatar, the latest coaching methods and home countries from a sporting point More than 4,000 volunteers highest performing players were from FC Barcelona. Aspire Academy’s football coaching techniques. of view.”

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 12o C Maximum: 17o C

FAJR 04.59 am ZUHR 11.47 am MAGHRIB 05.18 pm HIGH TIDE 08:00 - 20:30 Strong wind and expected poor visibility at SHOROOK 06.18 am ASR 02.54 pm ISHA 06.48 pm LOW TIDE 01:00 - 15:15 places due to blowing dust.

24 FRIDAY 29 JANUARY 2016 MORNING BREAK

ONLINE CHART BUST Fired up Vikings www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Participants dressed as Vikings go around their longboat during the annual Up Helly Aa festival in Lerwick, Shetland Islands. The festival celebrates the influence of the Scandinavian Vikings in the Scottish islands and culminates with up to 1,000 ‘guizers’ (men in costume) throwing flaming torches into their longboat and setting it alight.

INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY World’s oldest tea found in Chinese emperor’s tomb

AFP from burial pits around the tomb of ever discovered were hundreds of artifacts at Gurgyam Cemetery in Geese soaking up Liu Qi, the fourth emperor of the years younger than the new find Tibet, and dated to about the second the sun at the Doha Han dynasty who lived between 188 — dating from the northern Song or third century AD. Golf Club course PARIS: The tomb of a Chinese and 141 BC, and his wife, a team of Dynasty (AD 960-1,127). This revealed that tea was already during the Com- emperor who lived more than 2,100 researchers from China and Brit- “Our study reveals that tea was transported from China to central mercial Bank Qatar years ago has yielded the oldest ain wrote in the journal Scientific drunk by Han Dynasty emperors Asia and the Tibetan Plateau several Masters 2016. remains of tea, said researchers who Reports. as early as 2,100 years BP (before hundred years earlier than previously Photo: Qassim /The used it to re-date part of the ancient The oldest written reference to tea present),” wrote the team. recorded — by around 1,800 years Peninsula Asian Silk Road. is from the year 59 BC. They compared this tea to res- ago, said the researchers. The plant remains were retrieved And the oldest physical remains idues unearthed among burial Tea does not grow in Tibet.

Stars and style Film festivals would win over smartphones: Berlinale chief

AFP

BERLIN: Film festivals still have a bright future in a world in which more audiences watch movies and television series on smaller and smaller devices, the veteran head of Germany’s Berlinale says. The pageantry of stars on the red carpet, the magic of a premiere with a giddy crowd, the glory of a big screen and surround sound — Berlin film festival director Dieter Kosslick said true cinema-lovers would in the long run never settle for anything less. “Our huge ticket sales show that there is still a strong desire to see films in a theatre with other people, and to share reactions to it afterwards,” he told AFP, pointing to the more than 500,000 seats filled during last year’s 11-day event. Director of the Berlinale film festival, Dieter Kosslick. In an interview ahead of the February 11-21 festival, Europe’s first major cinema showcase of the year, Kosslick said that younger viewers who grew up binge-watching to head up this year’s Berlinale jury was likely the big- television series were actually developing longer atten- gest feather in his cap. tion spans thanks to multi-chapter plot lines. “Meryl Streep has been a guest of the festival several He said a hunger for rich stories and elaborate pro- times and when we gave her the Honorary Golden Bear ductions were in many cases luring audiences away from in 2012 for lifetime achievement, she told me she’d like smartphones and tablets. to stay in Berlin at some point for a bit longer,” he said. “There’s a lot in our society that could stand to be “Of course that means for a festival director: ask her! slowed down,” he said. She could have said no but we got lucky — we didn’t know “And that will create a reverse trend. It can’t be that if she would have two weeks free for us.” everyone stays addicted to a little machine they carry Kosslick said beyond the German capital’s reputa- around in their pockets.” tion for creative buzz, the festival’s own standing as a key Spanish actress Penelope Cruz poses for photographers during the presentation of the short film launchpad for topical international cinema had likely also ‘Soy Uno Entre Cien Mil’ (I Am One Among a Hundred Thousand) in Madrid, Spain, yesterday. RIGHT: Sweet-talking Streep appealed to the three-time Oscar winner. Kosslick, 67, said the Berlinale was appealing to an “If you know her career, you know she’s a politically Actors Joel Edgerton (left) and Natalie Portman attend the New York premiere of “Jane Got A Gun” evolving audience by also putting a spotlight on ambitious engaged actress and so perhaps she thought that the Ber- hosted by The Weinstein Company with the Cinema Society and Serpent’s Bite at the Museum of TV series, while giving them the full cinema treatment linale wouldn’t be a bad festival to be jury president for Modern Art in New York City. on big screens in darkened theatres. the first time.” “At the same time, there are feature films that really Last year’s Golden Bear for best picture went to Iranian take their time to tell a complete story,” he said, pointing dissident director Jafar Panahi for “Taxi”, an innovative to a trend towards longer movies such as “The Revenant” movie made in defiance of an official ban. which led this year’s Oscar nominations, and Quentin Tarantino’s opus “The Hateful Eight”, which was made A woman successor? Algerians jailed for Cannes jewellery heist to be seen in a giant format. In light of a raging debate about sexism and unequal Kosslick is credited with strongly boosting the inter- pay in the movie business, Kosslick said festivals too had national profile of the Berlinale since he took the reins a responsibility to ensure diversity. AFP for 10 years by a court just outside — Mohamed Marref, 46, who is cur- in 2001, winning fans for his quirky humour and stellar Of the 18 films vying for this year’s Golden Bear, two Cannes on the French Riviera. rently in Algeria — was sentenced in connections in Hollywood. were made by women. He had been caught red-handed absentia to 14 years. The Berlinale, now in its 66th year, is the only major As his tenure winds down, Kosslick called it “prob- GRASSE: Three Algerians were during another theft a month after Mezzouar’s former girlfriend festival to sell tickets for all of its featured films to the lematic” that in the history of the A-list festivals since handed jail sentences of up to 14 the Cannes heist, at a luxury hotel on Farida Saddouki, also Algerian, was public. World War II, including Cannes, Venice and Berlin, none years on Wednesday for stealing jew- the Spanish island of Mallorca. jailed for two years for receiving sto- It will open with Joel and Ethan Coen’s all-star romp had had a female chief. ellery worth ¤500,000 from Swiss The getaway driver, 38-year- len goods. Chopard was one of the “Hail, Caesar!” and screen movies with Colin Firth, Nicole “I think it is our duty as cultural institutions to stand luxury jeweller Chopard during the old Samir Guerroum, was jailed for victims of a particularly lucrative Kidman, Jude Law, Emma Thompson, Don Cheadle, up for equality,” he said. “I believe in quotas for women 2013 Cannes Film Festival. seven years by the court in the town string of robberies in Cannes during Kirsten Dunst and Adam Driver, to name a few. — not because I think quotas are intelligent but because Djelloul Mezzouar, 44, was jailed of Grasse. A third member of the gang the 2013 festival. However he admitted that persuading Meryl Streep it’s the only thing that works.”