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SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 • 30 Rabia I 1437 • Volume 20 • Number 6671 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Alternative Emir attends Qatar ExxonMobil Open final medicine made legal

Medicine (CM) practices has been officially approved by the QCHP The initial list Board.” QCHP clarified that the con- of disciplines cept of “complimentary medicine” has been adopted instead of “alternative to be regulated medicine” to ensure that “the patient includes Hijama will receive complementary treatment Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani watching the final of Qatar ExxonMobil Open for men at the Khalifa International Tennis and in addition to conventional medical Squash Complex yesterday. H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Personal Representative of Emir, Prime Minister and Interior Minister (wet cupping) treatment.” The initial list of disci- H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and President of Qatar Tennis Federation Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi are also seen. chiropractic, plines to be regulated includes Hijama Serbia’s Novak Djokovic defeated Spanish Rafael Nadal 6-1, 6-2 to lift the trophy. → See also page 29 (wet cupping) chiropractic, home- homeopathy, opathy, ayurveda and acupuncture. ayurveda and Chiropractic is a form of alter- acupuncture native medicine that focuses on 50% cut on old traffic diagnosis and treatment of mechan- Over 1,000 companies ical disorders of the musculoskeletal fines until April 7 system, especially the spine. “The regulation of Complemen- The Peninsula tary Medicine by QCHP has been one registered in December The Peninsula of the decisions long-awaited by the public in Qatar. However, as our main DOHA: In a long-awaited move, the concern is always patient safety, we The Peninsula percent (727) were registered to are belonging to companies with Supreme Council of Health (SCH) has wanted to assess the impact of this establish big new companies. The limited liabilities, while about DOHA: The Traffic Department has announced 50 given official approval to the practice decision before beginning the offi- remaining 30 percent (316) were 425 commercial licenses were percent discount on the fines for violations that were of Complementary Medicine (CP) in cial implementation”, said QCHP’s for the expansion of the existing awarded to companies for sole committed before December 31, 2015. Qatar which includes popular alter- Acting CEO, Dr. Samar Aboulsoud. DOHA: The Minister of Econ- companies. The Ministry also proprietorship. The offer for reduced fines will be open for three native medicines such as ayurveda, The QCHP board has already omy and Commerce registered cancelled the registrations of Restaurants, fast food, fruits months, beginning January 8 and lasting until April homeopathy and acupuncture. approved a regulatory framework over 1,000 new companies dur- over 200 old firms in December. and vegetable outlets constituted 7 this year. According to a statement posted on the The Qatar Council for Health- for the practice of complementary ing December 2015, according Among the total 206 can- over 6 percent of the total com- Facebook account of the Ministry of Interior under care Practitioners (QCHP) at SCH, medicine in Qatar and an implemen- to the latest data released by the celled registrations during the mercial registrations during the which the traffic department falls, the discount cov- which is authorised for licensing tation plan has been developed for Ministry. same month, some 67 were month, while cleaning companies ers all traffic violations, including jumping the red and monitoring healthcare practi- early this year. Of the total 1,043 commer- main companies, while 139 were and supermarkets registrations lights and radar violations. tioners in the country said yesterday cial registrations made during branch operations of big compa- constituted 6 percent and 4 per- that “regulation of Complementary → Continued on page 6 the last month of 2015, over 70 nies. Over 500 new registrations cent, respectively. → Continued on page 6 02 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 HOME Over 7,000 enthusiasts take part in Color Run for a cause

The Peninsula terday in Doha during a run, which race that celebrates healthiness, hap- also contributed to educating out-of- piness and individuality. school children. The event revisited Doha for a DOHA: Thousands of runners in white The Color Run, also known as the second time, together with Sahtak T-shirts got covered in colours yes- Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a paint Awalan: Your Health First, the health

Participants splashing colours on one another at Qatar National Convention Center. Pic: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula

campaign run by Weill Cornell Med- “The Color Run is such a special ical College - Qatar (WCMC-Q). With Entry fee of $1 per event that it makes healthy living fun over 7,000 runners at the event, every and encourages people to get active entry $1 will be donated to Educate A participant will go together, which is such an important Child (EAC), organisers said. to Educate A Child component of maintaining a healthy EAC is a global programme of Edu- lifestyle. It perfectly mirrors the aim cation Above All Foundation (EAA) programme of the Sahtak Awalan: Your Health that aims to significantly reduce the First campaign. There is a perception number of children worldwide who that exercise is boring and that going are denied their right to quality pri- to the gym is a chore we must endure. mary education. the flag-waving ceremony by 17-year- However, the Color Run shows us all Through EAC-supported projects old Ghanem Al Kuwairi. that exercise can be fun, can be done — over 40 in 38 countries — EAA has At four colour stations during the with your whole family and can take put commitments in place that have 5km run, volunteers showered partic- many forms.” brought quality education to more ipants with colour powder, which is Gaining popularity since its launch than six million out- of-school chil- very prominent at the run. The event in January 2012, the Color Run is the dren. The Colour Run Doha began ended with celebration. single largest event series in the world near the Qatar National Convention Nesreen Al Rifai, Chief Commu- and was hosted in more than 50 coun- Center, after a warm-up session and nications Officer, WCMC-Q, said, tries last year. QRCS provides winter relief to displaced Syrians

The Peninsula fuel to operate civil defence and municipality vehicles in Douma, Eastern Gouta, which is stricken by violence, poverty, overpricing and the lack of fuel used for ambu- lance, evacuation, debris removal, firefighting and other DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has undertaken services. projects worth $1.133 (over QR4.12m) to provide winter relief QRCS is providing $33,000 worth of fuel for 125,000 to displaced people in conflict zones in Syria. people. Through its Turkey office, QRCS has begun to procure The three-month project involves two phases: Distri- bution of 5,000 litres from November through December, and 10,000 litres until next month. Strategically located about 9km northeast of Damas- cus, Douma is the centre of Rif Dimashq Governorate and the administrative centre of Damascus Ghouta, home to more than 2.196 million people facing difficulty in meet- ing their basic needs due to lack of money and scarcity of food, medical and relief supplies. Under the Warm Winter programme, QRCS has begun distributing $1.1m winter aid to 59,625 people across Syria, in cooperation with SDI and IHR non-govern- mental organisations. The project seeks to protect the Syrian children against cold winter, help reduce child mortality rates, encour- age children to go to school and live normally, and create job opportunities for small and medium workshops and factories. It also seeks to reach out to the beleaguered and most needy areas, offer handicraft training for women and girls to generate income, restore and winterise damaged homes, and secure household heating oil. The project will cover large parts of Damascus, Rif Dimashq, Daraa countryside, Homs, Idlib countryside, western and southern Aleppo countryside and eastern Hama countryside. QRCS personnel are distributing winter clothes to 30,500 children and heating oil to 28,125 people and restoring 100 homes, according to a statement. There are thousands of indirect beneficiaries, includ- ing 150 workers at 14 workshops that manufacture the required material and 28 staff recruited for project man- agement and supervision. Distributions continues until mid-January. Challenges include the unavailability of raw mate- rial, security risks at distribution points and inability of workshops to deliver the required output in time. To overcome them, coordination is done with the executive partners to ensure the provision of raw mate- rial, choose safe distribution hubs, schedule distributions to avoid emergencies, ensure the contracted workshops are adequately staffed and monitor the manufacturing process daily. Since the eruption of the Syrian conflict, QRCS has been working to provide relief assistance to Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons with regard to healthcare, food and nonfood aid, shelter and water and sanitation. Over four years, the interventions have exceeded QR300m, serving more than one million Syrians. HOME SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 03

Armed Forces officers with the graduates from the two sessions of the National Service Programme at the ceremony in Al Shamal Camp. Armed Forces National Service recruits graduate

QNA parents. During the two sessions, the emergency, instil a sense of belong- which yielded such a performance and between Qataris to enable them to par- recruits underwent military and aca- ing to the homeland in the hearts of efficiency. ticipate effectively in the defence of The Qatari Armed demic programmes, infantry training, young people, boost their fitness level Air Vice-Marshal Al Ghanim the homeland and its people, which Forces celebrate the fitness, light weapons, shooting, field and prepare them to contribute to the stressed that all programmes being is the duty of every citizen. DOHA: The Qatari Armed Forces and battle skills, civil defence, first aid, comprehensive development Qatar is implemented by the Armed Forces are He said the wise leadership’s con- graduation of 1,393 yesterday celebrated the graduation culture of the community, self-develop- witnessing, in accordance with Qatar the latest and most sophisticated in the sideration of the human element as a recruits — 606 in the of 1,393 recruits — 606 in the fourth ment, religious and other programmes. National Vision 2030 with the youth world and Qatar’s security needs and key pillar is reflected in our Armed session and 787 in the fifth — of the In a statement, Air Vice-Marshal as its pillar. that these programmes are periodi- Forces through their education and fourth session and National Service Programme for uni- Al Ghanim said the training is based The growing demand from young cally reviewed. rehabilitation in accordance with good 787 in the fifth — of versity and high school recruits, in Al on the concept of human develop- people for the National Service Pro- During the ceremony, which began rules and principles so that they are Shamal Camp. ment, appropriate to cultural, social, gramme reflects rising patriotism with a parade by the Infantry Regi- able to work with confidence and merit. the National Service Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces economic and political values of the among Qataris and reaffirms their ment alumni, Brigadier Mohammed Brigadier Al Ayadi said the fourth Programme, in Al Air Vice-Marshal Ghanim bin Shaheen community. commitment to their national respon- Misfer Al Ayadi, Chairman, National session includes 238 university level Al Ghanim was present, along with He said the programme aims to sibilities, he said, praising the high level Service Authority, said the courses aim and 368 high school level recruits and Shamal Camp senior military officers and officials, take advantage of human resources to reached by the graduates and efforts to instil a sense of national belonging fifth includes 401 university level and non-commissioned officers and support the armed forces in crisis and of those in charge of the programme, and patriotism and increase cohesion 386 high school level recruits. RAF raises QR5m in donations to supply portable homes for Syrian refugees

One of the portable homes for Syrian refugees, bought by RAF from donations.

The Peninsula (Doors for Mercy) was organised by during Q1 of the year, said a report RAF in collaboration with the Radio posted on the RAF website. More dona- for the Holy Quran to collect donations tions are required, as RAF has targeted for a campaign to provide portable to provide 1,050 portable homes for DOHA: Sheikh Thani Bin Abdullah homes to Syrian refugees. Syrian refugees in Jordan and those Foundation for Humanitarian Services Famous Islamic Scholar Dr. displaced inside the country. (RAF) has collected QR5m in donations Muhammad Al Arifi attended the pro- Donations could be made through through a call-in radio programme gramme as Chief Guest to encourage SMS on Ooredoo mobile number. to supply portable homes to Syrian citizens and expatriates to support the The donor will have to type 12 and refugees. The money will be enough cause. RAF is running a campaign to send to 92177 for QR1,000. A hotline to buy 400 portable homes. collect donations to dispatch 1,050 55341818 is also available round-the- The programme ‘Abwab Al Rahma’ portable homes for Syrian refugees clock to receive donations. Advanced cardiac life support courses for healthcare professionals soon

The Peninsula support and paediatric advanced life Zehra Al Hilali, Territory Direc- support training across Qatar. tor, Middle East & North Africa region, Layla Al Jasmi, Assistant Execu- AHA, attended the event. tive Director, Workforce Development Al Hilali has worked with PHCC DOHA: The Primary Health Care and Training Directorates, outlined to ensure the success of the event as Corporation (PHCC) will soon pro- the objectives of the event. hosts and sponsor, for our colleagues vide advanced cardiac life support “Fourteen of our AHA-certified internationally. courses for healthcare professionals. instructors, from the ITC, will join Paul Comeau from College of The resuscitation courses for 38 AHA-certified instructors from North Atlantic-Qatar, and Dr. Taghreed instructors will be conducted by the across Qatar, to learn more about Al Najjar, Regional Faculty, Regional International Training Centre (ITC) developments and new guidelines Training Centre in Jordan, facilitated at the PHCC, with American Heart launched by AHA for developments in sessions of the international event. Association (AHA). cardio pulmonary resuscitation and With support from AHA and Dr The ITC recently hosted an AHA emergency cardiovascular care,” Al Al Najjar, in particular, PHCC com- event, in collaboration with AHA to Jasmi added. pleted a comprehensive training and support the growing need of quality It was the first such event for Qatar monitoring phase to achieve a pro- and internationally recognised basic and one of 15 across the Middle East vider status for heart saver, first aid life support, advanced cardiac life and North Africa region. and resuscitation courses in Qatar. 04 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 HOME All ‘Qatari projects in Gaza being carried out at accelerated pace’

QNA projects being carried out in Gaza Strip at Hamad Medical Corporation hos- — through donations from Father Emir pitals in Qatar. He said the delegation H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani will meet authorities and discuss the which amounted to $ 407m or the $1bn hospital. GAZA: Qatari Committee for the special reconstruction grant donated The Palestinian ministers praised Reconstruction of Gaza Strip Chair- by Qatar during a donors’ conference the Qatari projects and said they meet man Ambassador Mohamed Ismail in Cairo in October 2014 — are being the needs of the citizens in Gaza, Al Emadi yesterday met Palestinian implemented at an accelerated pace in including infrastructure, housing, Minister of Public Works and Hous- light of facilities obtained by the com- roads, health and sport projects, char- ing Dr. Mufid Al Hassain and Minister mittee from the concerned parties. acterised by high quality and speedy of Labour Mamoun Abu Shahla and Al Emadi, accompanied by a Qatari implementation. Both ministers called briefed them on work progress of high-level medical delegation, arrived for holding another donors’ conference Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager, Katara, explains the project to some of the artists. Qatari projects and the mechanism in Gaza Strip on Wednesday. in Doha to speed up the pace of the for the entry of construction material He said the Father Emir Sheikh commitment of donors to implement and accessories for them. Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Hospital their pledges towards reconstruction The meeting was held at the com- for Artificial Limbs will start operation process. Al Emadi suggested that the Katara launches artistic project mittee headquarters in Gaza City. over the next few months, based on call should be directed through the Al Emadi confirmed that all Qatari international standards implemented Palestinian unity government.

artistic environment at Katara. Artists artists the freedom to draw accord- Over 50 artists from were briefed on terms and conditions ing to their style. Our requirements for participation and the standards of are limited to the technical aspects Tourist attraction 18 nationalities from works to be presented. The project of the murals, such as the quality of Qatar and abroad to involves a collection of murals pre- paintings and they need to be resist- pared by artists. Katara has dedicated ant to the weather conditions. take part in ‘Katara blank murals around the Cultural Vil- “Katara has left participation open Murals with the lage for Qatari and resident artists who to professional and amateur artists to draw murals in front of the public. provide more opportunities for the Brushes of Artists’ Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, exchange of expertise and benefit General Manager, Katara, said: “The from each other. “Art is the common project is part of Katara’s efforts language between peoples irrespec- towards enriching the local artistic tive to their differences. This comes The Peninsula landscape. We are confident that the as part of Katara’s mission to build murals will have an artistic touch on bridges between cultures,” he added. Katara, a wonderful cultural and artis- Dr. Al Sulaiti praised the partic- tic facility.” He said the project affirms ipation of the artists and said: “The DOHA: The Cultural Village Founda- that Katara’s cultural and artistic rich- murals are seen as artistic record of tion (Katara) has launched an artistic ness inspires artists with creativity the facilities at Katara and its ongo- project ‘Katara Murals with the Brushes and will help exhibit the beauty of ing development and expansion, in of Artists’ in which more than 50 art- Katara whose facilities combine her- addition to its cultural messages that ists from 18 nationalities from Qatar itage and modernity. aim to build bridges between nations.” and abroad will be involved. The murals will enhance interac- The organising committee over- Katara held a preliminary meet- tion between artists and the audience, seeing the project has set criteria based Vehicles are not allowed near Al Shaqab Fort, a heritage site behind Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre on ing with the organising committee and who will have a chance to observe on which 50 artists were shortlisted. many participating artists. the progress of the paintings and will Drawings to be directly put on the the outskirts of Doha. So an official from the centre yesterday chose to ride to the site in a traditional It discussed the project, its artistic be in touch with artists. walls will be inspired by the Qatari horse carriage. The carriage was an instant attraction for foreign tourists who began taking its pictures. and innovative uniqueness and added “We didn’t confine the project to a culture and Katara’s geography, cul- Pic: Kammutty VP/ The Peninsula value to participating artists and the certain group or painting style. We gave ture and plans. 2 doctors complete Qatar Research Leadership Programme

The Peninsula The innovative initiative aims published in the Oncotarget Journal. reflection of our investments to to develop and nurture Qatar’s Also focused on ovarian can- become a knowledge-based soci- human capacity in R&D to unlock cer research, Dr Al Farsi chose a ety, filled with innovative people DOHA: Qatar Research Leadership human potential and transform very original approach, including and ideas that will take us forward. Programme (QRLP), part of Qatar the country into a knowledge- computer simulation, to look at “The future of scientific Foundation Research and Develop- based society. genes that are protected against research in Qatar is fortunate to ment (QF R&D), has announced that Dr Al Thawadi’s work high- mutation and discover pathways be able to draw on the knowledge its first two doctors of philosophy lights the effects micro particles that are essential for tumour sur- both doctors have accumulated in in biomedical sciences have grad- from ovarian cancer have on vival. Her work is in preparation their studies. uated following their outstanding initiating the formation of blood for publication. “Their backgrounds in work on cancer research. vessels that promote the growth Dr Dirar Khoury, Executive medicine, biomedical labora- Dr Hamda Al Thawadi and Dr of tumour cells. Director, Research Coordination tory technology and scientific Halema Al Farsi graduated with Her research identified that tar- and Special Initiatives, and Act- research fit well into a future honours from the programme ded- geting these micro particles could ing Executive Director, Education, vision of beating cancer and icated to science and research and be of therapeutic use in treating Training and Development, QF R&D, similar diseases. developed by QF. cancer in the future. Her work was congratulated the graduates. “That is why cancer research is He said: “Dr part of the Qatar National Research Al Thawadi and Strategy, and why it is essential Dr Al Farsi are that we, as a society, support the two outstanding brightest aspiring scientists to individuals who come up with the most promis- exceeded our ing ways of beating cancer,” Dr hopes and have Khoury added. set the standard Both doctors received their of achievement degrees from University of Paris- extremely high Sud (Paris 11) while performing their at QRLP. research in collaboration with Weill “Their Cornell Medicine-Qatar, a QF part- success is a ner university. PHCC appoints manager at Lebaib Health Centre

The Peninsula

DOHA: The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has appointed Dr Muna Al Saadi as Manager of Leb- aib Health Centre, a statement said yesterday. The appointment is in line with Qatar’s aspira- tions and vision for the distillation of senior positions by providing the primary healthcare institutions with qualified people capable of making further achievements and achieving development, the state- ment said. The Lebaib Health Centre is among the new wellness centres being developed to provide a holis- tic treatment, with facilities for sport and physical exercise, swimming pool and traditional spa. Services include general clinics, vaccination unit, non-communicable diseases section, labora- tories, pharmacy, dental services and X-ray, among others. The centre also has mental health, ophthal- mology and dermatology sections. HOME SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 05

23 fish vendors booked at Central Market and Al Wakrah for violations

The Peninsula displaying price tags and not men- tioning fish types on offer for sale, and not giving purchase vouchers to customers. DOHA: In surprise raids, inspec- Those booked at Al Wakrah fish tors from the Ministry of Economy market were also found committing and Commerce have booked 16 fish similar violations, the statement vendors at the Central Market in said. Doha and seven in Al Wakrah for The ministry’s Consumer Pro- not complying with the consumer tection and Anti-Commercial Fraud protection law. Cell has warned that surprise raids The errant outlets face punish- on fish vendors will continue to ments as per Consumer Protection check to ensure if they comply with Law No. 8 of 2008, ranging from the provisions of the Consumer Pro- temporary closure to fines from tection Law. QR3,000 to QR1m. It also warned that violators According to a ministry state- will be referred to authorities for ment , violations included not legal action. Qatar Red Crescent Society volunteers with winter aid for distribution to needy families. SCH employee donates blood QRCS helps 1,554 Afghan families

initiated last November aims to alle- The purchase of items from the Thousands of homeless families Basic humanitarian viate the suffering of the needy and local market, quality check and sur- are suffering severe conditions amid and winter aid displaced in the face of the cold win- veys of beneficiaries were done in below-zero temperatures in northern ter. It involves distribution of 1,500 coordination with the Afghan Red regions, heavy snowing in cities and worth QR1m benefits wood heaters, 10,500 blankets and Crescent Society. blocked roads in mountains. 9,323 people hit 1,500 bags of winter clothes to 10,500 Badakhshan Governor met the According to reports, about two beneficiaries in the Badakhshan, Far- QRCS team and awarded them a cer- million children are at risk due to cold by earthquake in yab, and Wardak provinces. tificate of appreciation in recognition weather and malnutrition. Badakhshan province Badakhshan was the centre of the of QRCS’s relief efforts in the prov- The scarcity of food, heating mate- earthquake late last October, leaving ince. The meeting was attended by a rial and blankets aggravates the risk for behind many casualties, damage and representative of the Ministry of For- millions of poor and displaced people deteriorated humanitarian conditions, eign Affairs. in several parts of the country. Only a The Peninsula especially in the hard-to-reach moun- Distribution is expected to begin few can afford to purchase blankets, tainous areas. in Faryab and Wardak within two clothes, or jackets for children — cru- QRCS distributed food and non- weeks. Relief items are being pur- cial during the winter. food aid to the families (9,323 people) chased from Kabul and will be sent The project is part of QRCS’s Warm DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent Society from 24 towns in Jurm and Yamgan to the target areas. Winter campaign for 2015-2016, which (QRCS) has provided basic winter districts in Badakhshan. Each family QRCS was the first international is providing QR11m worth of winter aid An employee of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) donating aid for 1,554 poor families affected received a 72kg package containing humanitarian organisation to reach for more than 200,000 beneficiaries blood in a mobile vehicle provided by Hamad Medical Corporation by the earthquake and snow season in rice, vegetable oil, sugar, beans and tea out to Badakhshan and northern prov- in Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon (HMC) at the SCH headquarters. Afghanistan, with a budget of QR1m. as well as four blankets, kitchenware inces to provide relief following the (Syrian and Palestinian refugees) and The Warm Winter programme and a bag of winter clothes. earthquake. Jordan and Kurdistan (Syrian refugees). 06 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 HOME / GULF / MIDDLE EAST

Advisory panel on GCC condemns complementary medicine attack on Saudi Continued from page 1

An ad-hoc advisory committee was set up to review the regula- tory framework, compile scientific missions in Iran evidence related to the regulation, safety and efficacy of CM practices, measure the scientific impacts and Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah par- provide facts and figures related to ticipated in the GCC extraordinary the usage and impact of CM in Qatar. Saudi Arabia may ministerial meeting, which was held “We wanted to address all our take more measures in Riyadh yesterday. concerns to have a solid ground against Iran: Foreign The Council also deplored Iran’s about the existence of scientific blatant interference in the internal studies on the impact of CM. Moreo- Minister affairs of Saudi Arabia after Iran’s ver, the concept of “complementary” inflammatory remarks on the execu- medicine will be adopted rather than tion of a number of terrorists, saying alternative & complementary med- those remarks provoked the attacks icine to guarantee that patients will Qatar’s Foreign Minister H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah with other GCC foreign ministers in Riyadh QNA & Reuters on the Saudi missions. receive complementary treatment This came in a press statement yesterday. in addition to conventional medical issued at the end of the meeting yes- treatment,” added Dr Aboulsoud. terday under the chairmanship of The regulatory framework will RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Coun- Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir. support from Iran’s Republican Guard measures could be. clearer in the near future,” Jubeir said. standardise the CM practice so that cil’s (GCC) Ministerial Council voiced The Ministerial Council reaffirmed and Hezbollah. The crisis between Saudi Arabia and Jubeir also said his country had only licensed, qualified practition- strong condemnation and categorical the GCC States’ full solidarity with Saudi Arabia may take further Iran, both major oil exporters, started asked the Organisation of Islamic Coop- ers will be issued a medical license rejection of the attacks against Saudi Saudi Arabia. measures against Iran after cutting when Saudi Arabia executed Shia cleric eration, of which Iran is a member, to and allowed to practice in Qatar. It Arabia’s Embassy in Tehran and con- The Council also urged the inter- ties with its regional rival this week, Nimr Al Nimr on January 2. convene an extraordinary meeting will also provide a legal framework sulate in Mashhad. It blamed Iranian national community to take firm steps Al Jubeir said yesterday, in a major In Iran, protesters stormed the Saudi to discuss the aggression against its to CM to ensure that the benefits of authorities and held them respon- to avoid any further aggression, call- row over the kingdom’s execution of embassy in Tehran, prompting Riyadh embassy. Iran has said the kingdom is these practices could be enjoyed sible for these acts of terrorism, in ing for an end to Iran’s occupation of a Shia cleric. to sever relations. Tehran cut all com- to blame for the diplomatic crisis. In a without unnecessary risks. accordance with its commitment to the UAE’s three islands — Abu Musa, His comments came in a press con- mercial ties with Riyadh, and banned letter to the UN Secretary-General Ban The Registration Department the Vienna Conventions of 1961 and Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb. ference after the GCC meeting. pilgrims from travelling to Makkah. Ki-moon published by Iranian news at QCHP is in the process of ana- 1963 and international law, which The statement also referred “We are looking at additional meas- “The escalation is coming from Iran, agencies earlier yesterday, Iran’s for- lysing the current situation and is obliges states to protect diplomatic to Iran’s plot to carry out terrorist ures to be taken if it (Iran) continues not from Saudi Arabia or the GCC .... We eign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif working extensively to create a spe- missions. blasts in Bahrain after the Kingdom with its current policies,” Jubeir said, are evaluating Iran’s moves and taking complained about Saudi Arabia’s “prov- cially customized transitional plan Qatar’s Foreign Minister H E Dr recently unearthed a cell that received without elaborating on what these steps to counter them..things will be ocations” towards Tehran. that will provide a roadmap for the existing practitioners, said a state- ment yesterday. Once the approved regulatory Twin sister of frame work is enforced, all CM prac- Air strikes kill 39 as UN envoy visits Syria titioners will be given two months Iran’s last Shah grace period to rectify their status in terms of qualification, experi- ence and training. They can then dies at 96 Reuters people. The talks are due to begin on apply online for registration and January 25 in Geneva. for obtaining a licence to practice AFP The Syrian government told UN in Qatar. envoy Staffan de Mistura yesterday it This will be followed by a 10 BEIRUT: An air strike reportedly killed was ready to participate but wants to month period for correcting the NEW YORK: Princess Ashraf Pahl- dozens of people in a rebel-held town know who would take part from the status of practitioners, if needed, avi, the twin sister of the last Shah in Syria yesterday as a UN envoy vis- opposition, Syrian state media reported. to make sure all practitioners will of Iran and a controversial trail- ited Damascus to advance preparations Foreign Minister Walid Al Moualem have fulfilled all the requirements blazer for women’s rights, has died for peace talks planned this month also said it was important to see a list by that time, said the QCHP. aged 96. despite opposition misgivings. of groups that would be classified as SCH will hold a series of work- Princess Ashraf, who played a Agreement was also reached for terrorists as part of the new diplomatic shops to raise public awareness key role in domestic and interna- aid to be delivered tomorrow to an process, flagging another potential about important facts regarding tional politics, died at her home in opposition-held town besieged by complication. complementary medicine, its his- Europe on Thursday, advisor Rob- pro-government forces where United Damascus views all the groups tory, impacts and how it is regulated ert Armao said on Friday. Nations says there have been credible fighting to topple Assad as terror- around the world. She was widely regarded as a reports of people dying of starvation, ists, including rebels who support talented diplomat and headed the sources said. Aid will be sent simul- a political solution and are repre- Iranian delegation to the United taneously to two villages blockaded sented in a recently formed opposition Court upholds Nations General Assembly for more by rebels. A man carries an injured woman in a site hit by what activists said were council tasked with overseeing the than a decade. The princess was The Syrian Observatory for Human air strikes carried out by the Russian air force in the rebel-controlled negotiations. Mubarak sentence also considered a powerful spokes- Rights said at least 39 people were area of Maaret Al Numan town in Idlib province, Syria, yesterday. A statement from de Mistura’s office woman and ally for her brother, killed in the air strike, which hit a described yesterday’s meeting as use- although she was loathed by fun- court house and adjoining prison in ful and said the envoy had outlined CAIRO: Egypt’s top appeals court damentalists. After the Islamic the town of Maarat Al Numan in Idlib in Syria in support of President Bashar could not immediately be reached for preparations. upheld yesterday a 3-year prison revolution overthrew Shah Moham- province. It did not say whether the air Al Assad since September. The build- comment. The war has raged on since “The Special Envoy is looking sentence for ousted president Hosni mad Reza Pahlavi, she supported strike was carried out by Syrian or Rus- ing was struck with four missiles and last month when the Security Coun- forward to the active participation Mubarak and his two sons for cor- initiatives related to reviving Iran’s sian jets, which have both bombed the the number of dead could increase cil endorsed a plan for peace talks, a of relevant parties in the Geneva talks. ruption. It was not immediately cultural, literary and artistic her- area. due to the large number of wounded, rare case of US-Russian agreement He will be continuing his consulta- clear, however, how long Mubarak itage from exile. Russia has been staging air strikes the Observatory said. Syrian officials over a conflict that has killed 250,000 tions in the region,” it added. would remain in detention. 1.5 million traffic violations last year

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Radar violations mainly refer to breaching speed limits, changing lanes abruptly and overtaking from the right side. According to an expert who specialises in traf- fic-related affairs, the offer might be dictated by the fact that the new traffic law which has come into force from January 1 this year, has reduced fines for several violations. “The idea of the discount offer may be to do justice to the motorists who committed violations in 2015, before the new legislation came into force,” the expert told this newspaper asking not to be named. “Why should they pay more fines for some viola- tions for which motorists this year would pay less fine?” asked the expert. Plus, there are many motorists who have commit- ted so many violations that the fines they must pay may have piled up and may be running into tens of thou- sands of riyals. Such motorists would take a sigh of relief as they would be able to pay off the long-standing traffic vio- lations, said the expert. Several such motorists made a plea to the traffic department during the Eid festivities to reduce their fines, said the expert. The Interior Ministry, meanwhile, said that people can pay the fines using the ministry’s electronic chan- nels or at service centers and traffic counters. The offer for reduced fines also comes as traffic vio- lations have been increasing in number with increasing population of both, people and vehicles. The population increase in 2015 was 8.5 percent while the number of new vehicles registered was over 100,000 in the year. A total of 1.5 million traffic violations were recorded from January until November 2015, according to offi- cial figures. MIDDLE EAST SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 07

IS blamed for Knife attack on attack on major power plant in foreign tourists Benghazi at Egypt resort Reuters BENGHAZI, LIBYA: A major power plant in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi has been attacked by mil- the attackers had arrived by sea and itants, an army commander and also carried a gun and a suicide belt. a plant employee said yesterday. Security forces shoot Officials said officers had tight- The employee said the shelling dead one assailant at ened checks across the area and shut started late on Friday evening and off roads. continued into the morning, shut- Bella Vista hotel Norwegian Jon Torp told Nor- ting down one of the plant’s units wary’s VG newspaper that he heard and starting a fire that sent black at least 24 shots as the attackers moved smoke billowing into the sky. around the hotel. The fire was later extinguished, Reuters “I was in my room when I heard he said. someone shouting. I went out on the Military Commander Fadhal balcony and could see a man wave a Al Hassi said Islamic State fighters black flag with white writings on it. were to blame. This could not be CAIRO: Suspected militants armed He was yelling loudly,” Torp told VG . independently confirmed, though Egyptian security personnel guard the entrance to the Bella Vista hotel in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada, with knives wounded two Austrian No group immediately claimed other Islamist groups operating in tourists and a Swede at a hotel in the responsibility for the attack. Egypt, yesterday. Benghazi do not tend to target civil- Egyptian Red Sea resort of Hurghada But Egypt is fighting a wave ian infrastructure. late on Friday evening, the Interior of Islamist militancy and Islamic Libya has slipped into turmoil Ministry said. State, which has a black and white Security sources had earlier said Armed men shot dead a police officer Baghdadi, to target Jews “everywhere”. following the uprising that toppled Security forces shot and killed flag, claimed responsibility for the two tourists had been injured, one from and a soldier yesterday while they were Security sources said those tourists were Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, with at least one of the attackers after downing of a Russian passenger plane Germany and one from Denmark. in their car in the Giza area, on the out- Israeli Arabs. rival militias, factions and govern- they stormed the beachside Bella in October, killing all 224 people on But the Swedish Foreign Ministry skirts of Cairo, the state news agency Tourism is critical to the Egyptian ments competing for power and for Vista hotel, officials said, though board, most of them tourists return- confirmed that one Swede was injured said. Islamic State said on Friday it had economy as a source of hard currency, the country’s oil wealth. there was no immediate informa- ing home from the Red Sea resort of and Expressen newspaper quoted the carried out an attack on Israeli tourists but has been ravaged by years of political On Thursday, dozens of police tion on the other, or on the condition Sharm Al Sheikh, across the water victim’s father as saying he was “fine” in Cairo on Thursday, in response to a turmoil since the revolution that ousted recruits were killed in a truck bomb- of the tourists. Security sources said from Hurghada. in hospital. call by the group’s leader, Abu Bakr Al veteran president Hosni Mubarak in 2011. ing claimed by Islamic State in the western town of Zliten. Earlier this week, Islamic State militants attacked major oil ter- minals at Es Sider and Ras Lanuf, Iran arrests poet in crackdown on free speech triggering several days of clashes and causing fires at seven oil stor- age tanks. The Petroleum Facilities Reuters The International Campaign for expression and dissent ahead of next years earlier. Sedighi was an active and judiciary cracked down on the pro- Guard said the last of those fires Human Rights in Iran (ICHRI) said late month’s election to parliament and the supporter of reformist candidate Mir tests and placed Mousavi under house were put out on Friday. on Friday that Hila Sedighi had been assembly that will choose Supreme Hossein Mousavi in the 2009 presiden- arrest, alongside fellow candidate Mehdi Benghazi has seen months of arrested at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s tial election. After hardline incumbent Karroubi, where they both remain. heavy fighting between Islamist DUBAI: An Iranian poet who backed Airport on January 7 as she returned successor. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was returned Conservative factions describe the militants and military forces allied a reformist candidate in 2009’s dis- from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Iranian officials have not com- to office, demonstrators took to the events of 2009 as “sedition”. to the country’s recognised, east- puted presidential election has been Dozens of journalists, activists and mented on Sedighi’s case. The ICHRI streets claiming the election was fraud- Khamenei yesterday said the ern-based government. detained amid a crackdown on art- artists have been arrested on charges said her arrest was likely linked to an ulent, and Sedighi recited poetry at protests were an “unsuccessful coup The power plant, which supplies ists and activists, a US-based rights such as “propaganda” since October earlier suspended jail sentence she the protests. d’etat” orchestrated by Iran’s enemies much of eastern Libya, currently group said. in an apparent crackdown on free received in 2011 for her activism two The hardline Revolutionary Guards abroad. has an output of 910MW.

Activists remembered

A woman stands beside a black wreath hung on a fence next to the French consulate during a demonstration to commemorate the killing of three top Kurdish activists Sakine Cansiz, Fidan Dogan and Leyla Soylemez, yesterday in Istanbul. The three women were shot to death on January 9, 2013 at the Kurdish Information Centre in Paris.

Iranians of all shades urged to vote on February 26

Reuters checked by the judiciary and secu- taken to the streets to protest what they rity forces. The poll for the Assembly described as the fraudulent re-elec- of Experts, which will coincide with tion of hardline president Mahmoud parliamentary elections for the first Ahmadinejad. A record 12,000 candi- DUBAI: Iran’s Supreme Leader Aya- time, could also be pivotal as it will dates have nominated themselves for tollah Ali Khamenei yesterday called choose the next Supreme Leader if parliament but the Guardian Council, on all Iranians, even those who oppose the 76-year-old Khamenei dies dur- an unelected judicial body that vets the Islamic Republic, to participate in ing its eight-year term. candidates, is likely to disqualify sev- next month’s elections to parliament “Everyone should participate in eral thousand of them before voters and to the assembly that will choose the elections; even those who do not go to the polls. his successor. accept the ruling system should par- Candidates for the Assembly of Iranians will go to the polls on Feb- ticipate for the sake of the country’s Experts include prominent centrists ruary 26 for the first time since last standing,” Khamenei was quoted as such as Rowhani; former presidents year’s historic nuclear deal with world saying by state news agency IRNA and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and powers, which was also a major vic- other agencies. Mohammad Khatami; and Hassan tory for President Hassan Rowhani, a The supreme leader, whose role Khomeini, the grandson of the Islamic centrist, over Iran’s hardliners. is to oversee Iran’s multipolar politi- Republic’s founder Ayatollah Ruhol- Rowhani is hoping his supporters cal system, previously called for wide lah Khomeini. will take control of the 290-seat par- participation before the last presiden- The younger Khomeini, 43, is seen liament and end years of dominance tial election in 2013, in which Rowhani as close to the reformist camp and is by conservative factions. trounced a fractious field of conserva- the first member of his family to test A supportive legislature could give tives by unifying moderate voters and his popularity at the polls. Rowhani a stronger mandate to push winning over reformists. Hardliners have campaigned through domestic reforms to increase Nevertheless, four years earlier against his candidacy, but Khame- social and political liberties — an area Khamenei presided over a crackdown nei has given him a cautious blessing where his efforts have so far been on reformist demonstrators who had to proceed. 08 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 ASIA / PHILIPPINES Millions mark religious festival in Philippines

grass on plastic ground sheets, waited for the parade to begin at daybreak. About 1.5 million “The Nazarene gave meaning to people took part in my life,” Nino Barbo, a 30-year-old high school dropout with an upper the 7km parade arm tattoo and a metal earring told reporters. The construction worker said he gave up a day’s pay for the sixth AFP year in a row by skipping work to touch the statue, which many Fili- pinos believe can heal the sick and bring good luck. MANILA: Barefoot men and women One of those seen rushing the praying for miracles hurled them- icon-bearing float was a man hold- selves above mammoth crowds in ing aloft a baby. Pilgrims jostled for the Philippines yesterday to touch a position to shoulder lengths of rope religious icon in a frenzied Catholic to win the the honour of pulling the parade that rescue workers said left float forward. one person dead. Police said about 1.5 million peo- Fervent scenes of devotion played ple took part in the 7km parade, which out as the Black Nazarene, was runs from the park to the icon’s home wheeled through Manila’s narrow inside the downtown Quiapo church. streets, home to one of the world’s A 27-year-old male participant largest religious gatherings. lost consciousness as the tropical Risking life and limb, shoeless sun bore down on the procession just men and women chanting “Viva!” before noon, Philippine Red Cross sec- (Long Live) ran over heads and shoul- retary-general Gwendolyn Pang said. ders to touch the icon, with white “They (Red Cross doctors on the handkerchiefs or towels. scene) could not revive him anymore “If family members get sick we and he was declared dead,” she added. Devotees jostle to reach the statue during the procession at the Jones Bridge in Manila, Philippines, yesterday. would give them sponge baths with The Red Cross said about 220 it [the towel or handkerchief]. That people were treated for wounds, way we wouldn’t spend money on dizziness, and symptoms associ- faith in one of the world’s most fer- because they have a personal rela- he told reporters earlier in the week. A woman member also told him her doctors,” said Dang Villacorta, 36, ated with low blood sugar, with 18 vently Catholic nations. tionship with God,” said Monsignor Coronel said a male member of his granddaughter miraculously revived wife of a Manila office messenger. requiring hospitalisation. More than 80 million of the Asian Hernando Coronel, the parish priest parish who regularly joins the annual after drowning. The Nazarene statue Beach tents mushroomed at a Critics contend that the parade nation’s 100 million people consider of Quiapo. “They come to me and say parade told him his son regained his was brought to Manila by Augustin- seaside park overnight on Friday is idolatrous, but Church authori- themselves Catholics. the Lord has performed miracles for full sight after being accidentally shot ian priests in 1607, early on in Spain’s as pilgrims, some sprawled on the ties say it is a vibrant expression of “The people reach out to it [the icon] them. To the devotees he is for real,” in an eye with a shotgun pellet. 400-year colonial rule. Hospital razed with patient inside Skin whitening ad provokes race storm

AFP “My patient was sitting beside me, shout- ing that there was an earthquake. The patient AFP will be gone.” The model is then Facebook page about how to order Yet some speculated that the ran away, ” he said, adding that only a few shown in black make-up, casting the product. advertisement was deliberately doctors and one patient were in the hos- an envious look at a second woman But other social media sites provocative as part of a mar- BEIJING: Workers partially demolished a pital at the time. with light skin who appears by her drew posts railing against the keting ploy to grab attention. Chinese hospital with several doctors and Images published by media taken at the BANGKOK: A Thai company pulled side. “A newcomer will replace me advert for being racially offensive “I don’t think the ad agency a patient still inside, media reported yes- site show several rooms with collapsing ceil- an advert for skin lightening pills and turn me into a dark star,” she and reinforcing the country’s nar- made this ad out of ignorance,” a terday, burying bodies stored in its morgue ings, holes through brick walls and swinging following an outcry on social media says in the video, using a Thai idiom row beauty ideals. prominent Thai culture blogger, under rubble and prompting an investigation. lights. The hospital’s morgue was “razed”, over a product sold with the tagline to refer to her fame fading. “It indicates that dark skin peo- called Kaewmala on her thaiwom- Around 20 people dressed in military according to local newspaper Dahebao, “white makes you a winner”. Whitening creams and pills are ple are losers, and this is clearly antalks.com website, said. fatigues destroyed part of Fourth Affiliated and six of the bodies stored there covered It is the latest marketing gaffe wildly popular in Thailand, where racist,” a Thai commentator named “They haven’t been living on Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Huiji in rubble, while medical equipment worth to draw accusations of racism in a pale skin is upheld as the standard Tammaijang wrote on the web the moon, I’m certain they knew district, in the capital of central Henan 4 million yuan ($600,000) was damaged. kingdom obsessed with skin colour. of beauty in the media and among forum Pantip. Another post said: it would be controversial... It was province, according to the public televi- Three hospital employees were injured The advertisement for Seoul many Thais who comment freely “Having dark skin can be beau- most likely a calculated strategy, sion channel CCTV. during a confrontation with the demoli- Secret’s ‘snowz’ supplement pills on the complexion of others. tiful—without being ashamed as which in my view makes it even “I was operating...(an X-ray) machine. tion workers. Authorities in Huiji district featured a veteran Thai celebrity Advertisements for the prod- well.” The skincare company issued more objectionable.” The noise (of the demolition) was terrify- said they were investigating the incident attributing her professional suc- ucts are standard fare on billboards an apology, saying in a statement While there has been a grow- ing,” Liu Chunguang, the hospital’s director but results would not be announced before cess to her pale complexion. and TV spots, but some companies that it did not intend “to convey ing awareness about racism among of radiology, told reporters. Monday. “It’s not easy to stay at this point have faced a backlash in recent discriminatory or racist messages”. Thais in recent years, those views for a long time,” the 35-year-old years for going too far. “What we intended to convey have yet to be reflected in a media Thai model and actress, Cris Hor- Before its removal, the Seoul was that self-improvement in terms which still readily equates dark wang, says in the video. “If I stopped Secret video received more than of personality, appearance, skills, skin with “low class”, she added. taking care of my body and white 100,000 views on YouTube, as well and professionality is crucial,” the In 2013, public criticism led a complexion, all that I have invested as enquiries on the company’s statement said. US to pull an advertisement. Bushfire kills two in Australia and destroys homes

AFP

PERTH: At least two people have died in a bushfire which has destroyed 121 homes in Western Australia, reports said yesterday as officials admitted the emer- gency was not yet over. Fire crews found two bodies in burnt-out houses in Yarloop, some 110 kilometres south of Perth, the Australian Broadcasting Corpo- ration reported, citing police. Another two people are missing. The bodies have not been formally identified but are believed to be those of two men in their 70s who had been reported missing after fire tore through the old mill town early on Friday, destroying scores of homes. That number of houses rose to 121 yesterday after a fuller assessment, as hundreds of firefighters con- tinued to battle the huge blaze which threatens nearby areas. “It is still a cause for concern,” Fire and Emer- gency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson told reporters of the blaze. “It has been a very challenging fire for us —it’s still a challenge, (we’re) not out of the woods yet.” Residents of Yarloop and other towns in the area were advised to evacuate if possible, with an bush- fire emergency warning still in place. “There is a threat to lives and homes in Harvey, Cookernup, Wokalup and surroundings areas,” the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said on its website. ASIA / AFRICA SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 09 Tension high on Korean border as North raises war threat

can broadcast miles into North Korea. efforts should be made to pave the way Chinese foreign The broadcasts risk pushing the two for negotiations to end North Korea’s sides “toward the brink of war,” Yon- nuclear arm program. minister told his hap News cited North Korean Workers’ According to a text message from South Korean party secretary Kim Ki Nam as say- South Korea’s foreign ministry on Sat- ing at a rally in Pyongyang. urday. US Secretary of State John Kerry counterpart that Threats of war are routinely issued urged China on Thursday to support efforts should by North Korea. Still, the Kim Jong Un a more aggressive approach with regime has become particularly bel- Pyongyang. be made for ligerent over the broadcasts that offer The international community negotiations to end troops and civilians near the border a needs to work together to draft addi- rare glimpse of the contrasting reali- tional United Nations sanctions, Yun the threat ties between the two Koreas. Tensions told Wang. Previous rounds of UN sanc- are spiking as South Korea and the US tions have failed to convince North seek to build international support to Korea to reverse its arms develop- punish Pyongyang for the test. The ment and return to the disarmament BLOOMBERG success of that effort may hinge on talks that broke down in 2009, leading how willing China is to try to bring Pyongyang to revive and accelerate its its unruly ally to heel. production of nuclear devices. “North Korea’s fourth nuclear test Kerry also said that China’s pol- SEOUL: Tensions remained high on could become a true test of the col- icy of propping up the regime with the fortified border dividing North lective will of the global community economic support while trying to and South Korea as the resumption to deal with a common security chal- coax it back to the negotiating table of propaganda broadcasts prompted lenge,” Scott Snyder, a senior fellow had proven to be a failure, and China Pyongyang to raise the risk of war, for Korea studies at the Council on needed to turn up the pressure. North Korean soldiers are seen on a patrol boat on the Yalu River near Sinuiju, yesterday. overshadowing diplomatic efforts Foreign Relations in New York, said China provides almost all of North to respond to North Korea’s surprise in a report. “Escalation of a crisis Korea’s imported energy, and Chi- nuclear test. with North Korea would likely open nese food goods have helped the Kim South Korea turned on the powerful a Pandora’s box of difficult geopolit- regime limit the effects of famine and loudspeakers on Friday in retalia- ical, humanitarian and potentially shortages. China pushes for settlement tion for the nuclear test conducted military challenges.” China accounted for 79 percent on Wednesday. The South Korean mil- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang of North Korea’s trade in 2014, the itary also fortified its positions near Yi told his South Korean counterpart most recent year available, up from the huge banks of loudspeakers that Yun Byung Se by phone on Friday that 56 percent in 2010. BLOOMBERG the only way to prevent a US led inva- detonation and is “steadfast in its posi- sion of the country,. tion that the Korean peninsula should Each of North Korea’s three previous be denuclearized,” the Chinese Foreign atomic tests has resulted in a tightening Ministry said. SEOUL: China has begun pushing back of international sanctions. As United Still, China may be reluctant to against the notion that it holds the key Nations diplomats work toward a new crackdown hard on North Korea for North Korea releases missile test video to resolving the Korea crisis.“China is Security Council resolution, the world is fear of destabilizing the Kim regime, not the cause and crux of the Korean looking to China to convince its unruly which could send millions of refugees nuclear issue, nor is it the key to resolving neighbor to stop its nuclear arms devel- across China’s border, or lead to an AFP ballistic missile test from 2014. May that it had conducted a success- the problem,” Foreign Ministry spokes- opment return. eventual unification with the South, The undated footage shows leader ful SLBM test, a claim accompanied by woman Hua Chunying said at a briefing. “China had a particular approach leaving a well-armed US ally on Chi- Kim Jong-Un, on board a military ves- pictures of Kim pointing at the mis- “Nevertheless, having in mind the that it wanted to make and we agreed na’s frontier. sel in a winter coat and a fedora hat, sile as it blasted out of the water at a international nuclear non-proliferation and respected to give them the space to “Beijing’s concern is first and fore- SEOUL: North Korea has released looking on as a missile is launched ver- 45-degree angle. regime as well as peace and stability be able to implement that,” Kerry told most about North Korea’s stability,” said video footage of a purportedly new tically from underwater and ignites A second SLBM test was carried out of Northeast Asia, the Chinese side has reporters on Thursday. “But today in my Liu Ming, director of the Korean Penin- submarine-launched ballistic mis- in mid air. off the southeastern port of Wonsan been calling for and seeking proper set- conversation with the Chinese I made sula Research Center at the Shanghai sile (SLBM) test, three days after it The video then cuts to a rocket in November but this was apparently tlement of different parties’ reasonable it very clear that has not worked and Academy of Social Sciences. “It didn’t, claimed it had successfully tested its flying through the clouds, suggest- a failure as only debris from its cas- concerns and fundamental approach we cannot continue business as usual.” and still doesn’t want to see the regime first hydrogen bomb. ing the missile was able to reach such ing was seen in the sea and no traces to enduring peace on the peninsula.” The second nuclear test since Kim collapse, which would cause unimag- But South Korean media sug- altitudes. of the flight were detected. In an editorial, China’s official Global came to power four years ago may have inable chaos on the borders.” South gested the footage broadcast by state But South Korean media said the South Korean military officials Times newspaper blamed the “hos- angered China President Xi Jinping, Korea resumed high-decibel propa- Korean Central TV late Friday was images of a rocket rising through the say the North is continuing to actively tile policy” of the U.S. toward North who in October sent a high-ranking ganda broadcasts into North Korea as an edited compilation of the North’s clouds was in fact taken from footage pursue the development of SLBMs, Korea for prompting the nuclear tests. envoy to Pyongyang with a handwrit- the US ramped up pressure on China third SLBM test, conducted last month of a SCUD missile test broadcast in which would take its nuclear threat North Korea has repeatedly said that ten letter seeking deeper cooperation. to bring Pyongyang to heel after its lat- in the Sea of Japan, and a different 2014. North Korea first announced in to a new level. its weapons program is defensive and China wasn’t informed in advance of the est nuclear test.

To surf in the sea Hundreds of peacekeepers to withdraw from CAR

REUTERS unit will withdraw from MINUSCA,” the vetting procedures and overall said Vladimir Monteiro, spokesman preparedness of the contingent. This for the UN mission in Central African month, the UN said it was investigat- Republic. “The contingent will leave ing new allegations of sexual abuse BANGUI: Hundreds of peacekeepers and not be replaced.” Asked about of minors by peacekeepers. from Democratic Republic of Congo whether the withdrawal could jeop- According to the UN. peacekeep- on a UN peacekeeping mission in Cen- ardise security, Monteiro declined to ing website, there are 809 Congolese tral African Republic will withdraw, a give an immediate comment, saying troops and 123 police deployed as part spokesman said yesterday, after they a further announcement would be of the 11,000-strong UN peacekeeping failed an internal assessment. made next week. mission in Central African Repub- The historically turbulent former In August, three Congolese peace- lic, known as MINUSCA. Paris also French colony suffered an intensifica- keepers in Central African Republic plans to draw down its troops in the tion of violence in 2013 when mostly were accused of raping three female country, which originally numbered Muslim rebels known as Seleka seized civilians,including one minor. Congo- around 2,000, once a transition back power in a coup. lese Justice Minister Alexis Thambwe to democracy is complete. Since then, militias drawn from said at the time the allegations would A run-off presidential vote is due the Christian majority have launched be investigated. It was not immedi- on January 31, with former prime min- reprisal attacks and thousands of ately clear whether such allegations ister Anicet Georges Dologuele placing people have been killed and around were the main factor behind the deci- first in the initial round without secur- a million displaced despite efforts sion to withdraw Congolesen troops. A ing an outright majority. A section of by UN and French peacekeepers to UN spokesperson in New York earlier the society even questioned the role A surfer heads out to sea at Kommetjie in Cape Town, yesterday. restore order. said that the UN review of Congo- of the peacekeepers in Central Africa “It is confirmed that the Congolese lese troops assessed the equipment, but none knows about the withdrawal. Cholera kills Congo opposition leader appears Zuma denounces ‘demon of 10 at refugee racism’ over online insults camp in Kenya frail in New Year video message

NAIROBI: At least 10 people have AFP he said at the stadium in Rustenburg died and over 1,000 fallen sick in the North West province. “These with cholera in an outbreak among AFP “I appeal to all who want change: election, and late last year Kabila people do not represent the true char- Somali refugees in the world’s larg- work together to find adequate solu- said he hoped to organise a “national acter of the new South Africa. They est refugee camp in Kenya, UN tions to the country’s problems. The dialogue” aimed at reaching a wide RUSTENBURG: South African Presi- are living in the past.” officials said yesterday. rest of the message will be sent through consensus to enable “appeased elec- dent Jacob Zuma yesterday denounced His comments come at a time of The outbreak began in Novem- KINSHASA: The elderly leader of the the press,” Tshisekedi says in the video. tions” to go ahead. what he called the “demon of racism” heightened tensions in the country ber in the Dadaab camp complex Democratic Republic of Congo’s main “I will soon be among you so we Tshisekedi, an opposition leader following a slew of discriminatory after several South Africans aired in northeastern Kenya, home to opposition appeared in a video yes- can unite our efforts to win.” A source during the rule of strongman Mobutu insults on social media. racist views online. Last Tuesday, the some 350,000 Somali refugees, terday looking tired and struggling to close to Tshisekedi’s family said pro- Sese Seko, came second to Kabila in Speaking to a stadium of support- ANC, in power since the country’s said Osman Yussuf Ahmed, from speak clearly as he gave a New Year’s ducing the video was a difficult process the fraud-tainted 2011 election. ers at the annual birthday celebration first democratic elections in 1994, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. message to supporters. and took almost four days. His UDPS party, struggling with of the ruling African National Con- launched legal action over a white Aid workers say they are work- Etienne Tshisekedi, the 83-year-old Political tension has risen in the internal divisions, was the only major gress, Zuma said “a tiny minority” realtor’s Facebook post that com- ing to stop the outbreak spreading. president of the Union for Democracy DR Congo in recent months ahead of opposition group to have shown will- of South Africans still longed for the pared black beachgoers to monkeys. “The most important thing is and Social Progress (UDPS) who has a presidential vote due late next year, ing to negotiate with the government. days of apartheid white minority rule. The party also targeted a white hygiene,” Ahmed said, describing been convalescing in Brussels since which President Joseph Kabila, who But in November Tshisekedi “It is clear that there is a tiny economic analyst who wrote on Twit- how aid workers were spraying August 2014, stumbles over his words has been in office since 2001, cannot said the party “did not feel involved minority in our country that still har- ter of a growing “sense of entitlement chlorine across the camp and dis- and halts several times in the three- contest under the current constitution. in the dialogue in the form that was bours a desire for separate amenities and hatred towards minorities” in tributing soap. minute video. No date has yet been set for the announced by Kabila”. and who idolise apartheid era leaders,” South Africa. 10 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Helping refugees North Korea is a joke, and

ERMANY, which set an example to the rest of Europe by taking in large numbers of Syrian refugees, is now grappling that’s the problem with an unexpected fallout of that magnanimous decision – the alleged involvement of some migrants in an act of crime. Germany was shocked by reports that migrants scientific, technological and later. The Kims have held Koreans want others to see Gwere involved in mass assaults on women on New Year’s eve in Cologne. Perhaps one day industrial developments to show on, even while much of their them. Like any good piece of Unfortunately, the majority of suspects identified by federal police so that it is a modern, dynamic country has starved. After the propaganda, it has long scenes we’ll stop laughing world power. Nuclear weapons Agreed Framework collapsed dedicated to didactic dialogue far are migrants, adding fuel to criticism of Merkel’s liberal migrant and notice that a and ballistic missiles have a in 2003, North Korea was left to in which characters explain the policy that brought 1.1 million new asylum seekers to Germany last year. starring role in this narrative. develop its nuclear weapons and message in the most painfully Police said the number of cases filed over violence had reached 379, and brutal, nuclear- “The spectacular success made ballistic missiles. North Korea’s earnest way. The movie ends asylum seekers and illegal migrants – mostly people from North African armed North Korea by the DPRK in the H-bomb leader, a grandson of founder with Clinton visiting North countries and Arabs -- made up the majority of suspects. Outrage grew, that terrorises its test this time is a great deed of Kim Il Sung, welcomed 2016 Korea - this time to pay tribute and far-right groups opposed to Merkel’s asylum policy used the incident history, a historic event of the “with the thrilling explosion of to the country’s leaders, who national significance as it surely our first hydrogen bomb.” have humiliated the United to attack her. Police fired water cannons to disperse protesters from the citizens and its guarantees the eternal future of What North Korea probably States and Japan by conducting anti-Islamic PEGIDA movement which has seized on the incident to step neighbours isn’t all the nation,” the Korean Central did was test a “boosted” device successful tests of ballistic up calls for a halt to the influx. It’s natural that some Germans could be that funny. They’d News Agency stated this past that uses a gas of deuterium missiles and nuclear weapons. feeling letdown as they didn’t expect people who had received asylum to like that week, trying a bit too hard. and tritium, two hydrogen Indeed, North Korea’s indulge in such activities. North Korea is threatening our isotopes. This is an essential announcement of a hydrogen While the involvement of refugees security, sure, but it really wants technology for reducing the size bomb seems to rule out in that heinous crime, if true, deserves to threaten our notion of where and weight of nuclear weapons. disarmament except under By Jeffrey Lewis it fits in the world - or, rather, our If North Korea is going to fit conditions that might as well condemnation, it should not be used The Washington Post notion that it does not. nuclear warheads on the long- include gracing Kim’s ample as a ruse by the far-right groups to It wasn’t that long ago that range missiles it has paraded posterior with a gentle peck. Acts of crime by whip up hatred against migrants. North Korea merely aspired through Pyongyang, boosting is The North Koreans also have a few migrants Merkel is in a difficult situation over to the nuclear club. When the a significant step. denigrated the nuclear deal the incident – she was the main target orth Korea some- Soviet Union collapsed, North Would North Korea with Iran and ascribed the fall of should not be of anti-immigrant parties because of times seems less Korea was left in a bad way. It still trade away its nuclear Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi to his of a place than an seemed plausible, back then, technology for legitimacy? disarmament agreement with the used as an excuse her liberal policy. And this pressure idea or an absurdist that the North might bargain From time to time, it’s looked US. to whip up was evident in a toughening of her fantasy. The lat- away its nascent nuclear like Pyongyang might be open It seems inconceivable now stance on immigrants. She said estN New Yorker depicts Kim Jong program in exchange for an end to making concessions and that this Pyongyang would hatred against all migrants who committed crimes Un on its cover as a child play- to international isolation and cutting another deal. When abandon the nuclear weapons migrants. should lose their right to asylum. “The ing with toy missiles. What other assistance from the outside. North Korea kidnapped two programs it has developed right to asylum can be lost if someone world leader gets this treat- Unlike, for example, the recent American journalists in 2009, at such a great cost. It is is convicted on probation or jailed,” ment? What other country is so nuclear deal reached with Iran, it was willing to release them understandable that we would alien, so downright weird, that the 1994 Agreed Framework in exchange for a meeting with want to deny the North Korean Merkel said after a meeting of the it celebrates the anniversary of between the US and North former president Bill Clinton. It regime any legitimacy. It is leadership of her Christian Democrats its independence by creating Korea explicitly exchanged is bizarre to use a kidnapping an ugly government that does (CDU) party. “Serial offenders who repeatedly rob or repeatedly affront its own time zone? What other nuclear capabilities for better to force a high-level meeting ugly things to its own people women must feel the full force of the law,” she said, and also promised a country could prompt US intel- relations with the United States. for the sake of appearing and its neighbours. We are not reduction over the longer term in the flow of migrants to Germany. ligence officials to seriously North Korea wanted to be seen normal, but that’s North Korea making any effort to open There is a need to create awareness among migrants that indulging speculate that a nuclear test was as normal and for the Kims to for you. their appalling system; in fact, retaliation for disrespecting a be treated as legitimate world Not long after that, however, we are helping close it off. in any act of crime, whether major or small, whether in Germany or any state-run all-female pop group? leaders. And the US was happy North Korea released a film Perhaps one day we’ll stop other country, is not the best way to say ‘thank you’ to a country that has What other country has a state- to pat the Kims on the head for that turns the Clinton story laughing and notice that a given them asylum while so many countries are closing their borders run all-female pop group? a while, presuming that their on its head. It is called “The brutal, nuclear-armed North against them. Last year, more than one million refugees and migrants The North Koreans don’t regime would collapse sooner Country I Saw,” and the title is Korea that terrorises its citizens made their way to Europe – the largest influx of people since the World think they are absurd. The rather than later. instructive: This is a (terrible) and its neighbours isn’t all that War II. Europe and the rest of the world need to accept more refugees country continually touts its Yet here we are, 20 years movie dramatizing how North funny. They’d like that. and acts of crime by a few should not deter others from taking in more refugees. Trump’s birther strategy expands

By Alexandra Petri has responded to Ted’s call; Cruz was not born a woman president, but I object to a woman The Washington Post at all, he just emerged fully formed from the president who is also a robot. To me, that’s too Quote of the day head of someone delivering an impassioned much. I think most voters would agree. filibuster; Cruz came into being nine months Bernie Sanders: Wasn’t he born before the am struck, this week, by Donald Trump’s after his father scaled a wall to pick the ram- United States was officially a nation? It’s OK, triumphant return to his birtherism pion in Ronald Reagan’s garden.) I can make age jokes, I am 69 years young. We cannot have a country that strategy. He’s currently raising the But here’s a preview of some other strata- Jeb(!) Bush: I think there is a rule against a attacks and burns embassies question about Ted Cruz, saying it gems Donald will probably try to narrow the third president being in office from the same couldI be “very precarious” for the party if rest of the field. family. I am 90 percent sure. Check the Con- whether those embassies are Cruz is the nominee given his affiliation with Ted Cruz: Canada. “Do we want a candidate stitution, you’ll see it. British or American or Saudi. Canada. who could be tied up in court for two years?’ Carly Fiorina: Nothing against her, beauti- Trump enjoys doing this sort of thing and That’d be a big problem.” ful woman, but you need people to vote for you Iran has to make a decision it seems to have brought him solid results so Ben Carson: This man insisted that he stabbed before you can be president. I didn’t make the whether it is a nation state or a far. Why stop at Cruz? his friend in the belt and attacked his mother system, that’s just what they tell me. Yes, it helps that you can picture Cruz being with a hammer! He says he was born, but can Chris Christie: Christie was born in New revolution. If it is a nation state, born in Canada. (Other theories I would enter- we be sure of anything he says? Jersey and I think that speaks for itself. Also it it should act like one. tain about Cruz’s birth include: he appeared one John Kasich: Who? would be weird if the president had a first and morning on a large uninhabited asteroid with Marco Rubio: He looks 12 to me. He can last name that were mostly the same. There a single rose on it; he was born in the middle run next year. should be a rule about this. Adel Al Jubeir of a big fire and then a lumberjack came out Hillary Clinton: I keep hearing from very Mike Huckabee: Are Fox News contribu- Saudi Foreign Minister of the building holding Cruz in his arms totally credible sources that she was created in a lab by tors allowed to be president? unharmed and ever since the element of fire a focus group, not born. I have nothing against Rand Paul: What’s a Rand Paul?

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conflict over an oil or gas field, or even a power struggle. What is the mean- ing of Saudi’s influence in Yemen or Iran’s in Syria? In politics there is no “influence” worthy of death but Irani- ans are ready to kill and be killed in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and if allowed they would have done the same in Yemen. They are doing this because they have “expansionist plans” and it is time to convince our alliance that this is the case. What happened in the Saudi Embassy was not a simple assault that can be amended, but it was an incident that ended a bad relationship, and revealed Saudi’s latent anger about Iran’s aggres- sive policy. By Jamal Khashoggi Riyadh’s move to establish an Islamic military alliance aims to work against Iran’s “expansionism plan” and this needs the support of the entire ou are either with us, Muslim World. Saudis did not say: ‘You or against us!’ It is good are either with us, or against us’, but phrase, and fits the they need to know who supports them current situation of this and who does not, because major fate- region.Y Any Saudi could use it in this ful battles have no grey area. Saudis current situation of facing existential want to make it clear that “the game conflict. is over” and this is what the Foreign The problem with this slogan is that Minister Adel Al Jubeir did in his press George W Bush used it following the conferences and statements. attacks of 9/11 and it became attributed I would like to quote Al Jubeir and to him, but he was not the first to use the former minister- the late Saud Al it. He delivered his historical speech at Faisal, saying “Saudi Arabia will not the Congress to mobilise his people to allow Iran to have a foothold in any retaliate against Bin Laden or political of the Arab countries, especially in Islam or even the faith of Islam.Bush neighbouring countries, whether it is was addressing the entire world when in the form of a loyal political party or he said “You are either with us, or you government, armed militia or estab- are with the terrorists”. lished military base, but it will accept It was difficult for the world to accept normal friendly relations to support these narrow options, and accordingly development projects as any civilised US relation with France became strained. governments would”. Their view was correct because Bush I am confident that all Arab coun- had committed many atrocities. He was tries are convinced about this issue, responsible for many disasters includ- and they need to support Saudi’s stance, Bush’s mistakes ing the economic crisis in US and the because it is fighting on behalf of them. entire world, the invasion of Iraq and Countries like Turkey, Egypt and Jordan do not remove the consequent proliferation of terrorist are affected like Saudis by the Syrian Smoke comes out from the windows after protesters stormed the Saudi embassy building in the Iranian the merits of the movements in the Middle East includ- crisis, and so they need Saudi’s help. capital Tehran, last week. ing ISIS/ Daesh. Our surrounding friends may say slogan at this However, Bush’s mistakes do not there is no need for sectarian war, but it time of fateful remove the merits of the slogan at this is too late, because we have been pushed time of fateful confrontations as is cur- into that by Iran. Iran does not use sec- confrontations rently happening in this region. tarian discourses but fights and takes “zero problems”, and to avoid narrow to be with fascism or freedom. as is currently There is now a major confronta- political actions with a sectarian aim. nationalistic thoughts. Today’s con- The Muslim world today is facing tion between Iranian sectarian project Look at the map and with whom Iran flict is not between Sunni and Shia a similar situation- either to submit to happening in and the free nations. It is not a con- is fighting in Syria. It is against the peo- but it is between Sunni fundamental- the Guardianship of Islamic Jurists or this region.There flict between Iran and Saudi Arabia or ple, and the same thing in Yemen, Iraq ists and Shia fundamentalists.Saudi defend freedom. Saudis want to is now a major Sunni and Shia. It is a conflict between and Lebanon. suffers from these two types of fun- freedom of choice and submission to Iran does not support those who damentalisms and the execution of 47 make it clear that confrontation the power of the Guardianship of the do not belong to its sect, or those fight- terrorists on January 2 was part of this. Jamal Khashoggi is a Saudi “the game is over” between Iranian Islamic Jurists (GIJ). Of course there is ing for freedom or democracy, but only We are experiencing a situation Arabian journalist, columnist, and no consensus on this opinion as many sectarian purposes, for which it can similar to Europe in 1939 when Hitler author, and the General Manager and this is what sectarian project of Saudi’s alliances are not convinced commit genocide in Zabadani, or keep invaded Poland and Europeans decided and Editor-in-Chief of Al Arab News Foreign Minister and the free with this view, they are with Saudi under siege more than 40,000 people to resist in order to remain free. At that Channel. against Iran but not against projects in Madaya, Syria. time not all Europeans supported Brit- Adel Al Jubeir did in nations which they don’t see. It is in Iran’s true interests to have ain or France but there were not many his statements. This is not a border conflict or good relations with its neighbours with choices left for them, except whether The hostile climate for fighting gun violence

By Colbert I King regulations to ensure that laws on the “Obama’s executive orders trample The Washington Post books are enforced as written and on the 2nd Amendment,” said a Jeb Bush intended is sickening. Unlike the “he’s tweet. Obama “is advancing his polit- gonna take away your guns” rheto- ical agenda,” a Ben Carson tweet said. ric coming out the mouths of some Forget about saving lives. Better to save he president of the United States gun enthusiasts and their sycophan- political hides from National Rifle Asso- and the mayor of the District of tic Republican presidential hopefuls, ciation attacks. TColumbia both used this week to Obama’s plan to reduce gun violence The president’s proposals should address violence within the sphere of is light stuff. It would: triumph over demagoguery and plain their responsibilities. And they are catch- - Require all those in the business stupidity. But don’t cut the gun lobby ing flak for it. of selling firearms to be licensed and to short. Fear of NRA money and power President Obama’s focus was on the conduct background checks. makes cowards out of congressmen. weapons that now kill as many people as - Overhaul the FBI’s background The local climate for reform may car accidents and on the need for gun- check system to make it more efficient not be any better. control measures. He said at the White and effective and provide the bureau This is a city where many people are House on Tuesday: “Every single year, with more staff. afraid to venture out of their homes after more than 30,000 Americans have their - Beef up staffing of the Bureau dark, where going to and from school lives cut short by guns - 30,000. Sui- of Alcohol, Tobacco,Firearms and can be hazardous and where guns - and cides. Domestic violence. Gang shootouts. Explosives to crack down on firearms those who would use them - seem as Accidents.” And he added this grabber: trafficking. - Increase funding for men- plentiful as the air. “In 2013 alone, more than 500 people tal-health treatment and mental-health Though overall crime rates are down lost their lives to gun accidents - and reporting to the background check system in the District, murders and gun robber- that includes 30 children younger than and direct the departments of Defense, ies are up. In August, Bowser proposed a 5 years old.” Justice and Homeland Security to pur- public safety plan to combat the violence. The next day, D.C.Mayor Muriel E sue research into gun-safety technology. She contended that if the D.C. Council had Bowser (Democrat) went to the city’s Several law professors who looked at adopted her proposals - more money for Eastern Market Metro station to announce the constitutionality of Obama’s execu- more cops in high-crime areas, stiffer the formation of a task force to combat tive actions said that they “ensure robust penalties for crimes on buses and subway gun robberies, which last year increased recorded in 2014. This year isn’t off to a The families and friends of those enforcement of the law” and are “entirely trains and in D.C. parks, cracking down to 1,249, 10 percent more than the 1,112 good start - 25gun robberies in the first 30,000 people whose lives were cut short compatible with the will of Congress and on repeat offenders - last year’s jump six days of 2016. Robberies without guns by guns may have some idea. The dam- the President’s constitutional authority.” in homicides might have been avoided. numbered 28. age isn’t limited to gun deaths. But listen to the resisters. But Bowser is at loggerheads with Yet robberies aren’t the only crime What is the impact of more than “Obama wants your guns,” says Ted key council members over the direction on the rise in our nation’s capital. Last 3,000 total street robberies in a city? Cruz’s campaign website. of crime-fighting and criminal justice Several law professors who looked at the year ended with 162 murders. There were Gauge the distress of having possessions Obama is “making an end-run around reforms. And so? Nothing. Handwring- constitutionality of Obama’s executive 105 in 2014. taken by force - imagine the fear, anger, the Constitution” to “restrict one of the ing, finger-pointing . . . Something, however, may get lost in insecurity and unwanted memories that basic, fundamental principles of our Obama, urging action, cited the Rev. actions said that they “ensure robust these numbers. How can the toll taken robbery leaves behind. country,” Donald Trump’s campaign Martin Luther King Jr.’s words “the fierce enforcement of the law” and are “entirely by death be measured with any degree The violence assailed by Obama and manager told CNN. urgency of now,” because people are of accuracy? It’s impossible to quantify Bowser is disturbing. So is the opposi- “Just one more way to make it harder dying. “The constant excuses for inac- compatible with the will of Congress and the sense of loss and grief that follows; tion mounted against them for trying to for law-abiding people to buy weapons tion,” the president declared, “no longer the President’s constitutional authority” the sadness, emptiness and loneliness do something about it. to be able to protect their families,” said suffice.” Even as national and D.C. law- that death leaves behind. Criticism of Obama’s proposed Marco Rubio on Fox News. makers turn a deaf ear to that message. 12 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 PAKISTAN

Mediation bid by Imran Reshuffle of Embassy audits Pakistan Medical Council almost trigger concern complete in Pakistan Internews ISLAMABAD: The deck has been cleared for a reformed Pakistan Copenhagen, Oslo, Frankfurt, Ankara, Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), Unsuitable officers Istanbul, Cairo and other missions to which had been shaken up by the audit their accounts. arrest of its vice-president Dr Asim being sent for According to the documents, only Hussain last August. auditing assignments one audit officer out of 26 belonged Yesterday, the Prime Minis- to the Directorate General of Foreign ter’s Office notified four federal and International Audit, while the rest government nominees and two came from areas such as the Works philanthropists to bring the newly- directorate, Wapda and field offices elected executive council of the Internews in KP, Punjab, Sindh and Islamabad. PMDC to its full strength. That has In a letter to the deputy auditor paved the way for electing new pres- general on July 7, 2012, the director ident of the PMDC. Imran Khan (right), head of opposition political party Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf, talks with Iranian general of audit had observed that Minister for National Health ISLAMABAD: The sensitive task of officers other than those from the Ambassador to Pakistan, Mehdi Honordost, in Islamabad. Imran Khan also met Saudi Ambassador Services, Saira Afzal Tarar, said auditing billions disbursed to Paki- Foreign and International Audit direc- Abdullah Zahrani as part of his efforts to defuse tensions between the two countries. that the election could be held on stan’s 124 foreign missions has become torate “are not [very] familiar with January 13, provided Justice Tariq more of a junket than a professional the audit of foreign missions, hence Pervez was available on the date. posting, with officials from other serv- are not able to produce [an] effec- “If he happened to be busy in the ices lobbying for and receiving the tive audit”. Supreme Court, the election would lucrative foreign assignment. The DG suggested that at least be delayed a day or two,” she said. According to audit papers, the half the auditors assigned to exam- Bomb blast kills two coast Two strong candidates, retired office of the auditor general of Paki- ine the books of embassies abroad Maj Gen Khaliq Naveed and Dr Shab- stan (AGP) allegedly sent ‘irrelevant’ come from the Foreign and Inter- bir Lehri, have been campaigning officers to examine the accounts of national Audit directorate. for the office. embassies for financial year 2013-14, The letter also suggested that guards in Balochistan town Reform of the medical pro- which is said to have compromised the “AGP’s office may kindly con- fession’s regulatory body started the quality of the audit. vey permission to amend the policy after President Mamnoon Hussain Any officer appointed for a for- on foreign audit assignment to [the] promulgated the PMDC Amend- eign audit is paid an honorarium stated effect”. Reuters one has claimed responsibility for the over the past decade has targeted ment Ordinance 2015 on August of Rs800,000 per visit, while their In recent meetings, members of explosion. government personnel and security 26, 2015, dissolving the executive boarding and lodging expenses are the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Jewani lies in Gwadar district, forces as well as non-Baloch ethnic council of the body which had crit- usually borne by the host mission. were surprised to note that audit paras whose port is at one end of the pro- groups. icised the arrest of Dr Asim Hussain According to a letter, dated Octo- over a decade old were still far from QUETTA, PAKISTAN: Two Pakistani posed $46bn China-Pakistan Economic Baloch activists say thousands of by Rangers in Karachi. ber 22, 2015, the AGP’s office sent being settled. coast guards were killed yesterday Corridor stretching from the Arabian people have disappeared and there The PPP leader is currently being officials who had never dealt with In a briefing to the PAC, the for- when a bomb exploded under their sea to China’s Xinjiang region. have been hundreds of extrajudicial tried on charges of corruption and an audit of the Ministry of Foreign eign secretary claimed that most of vehicle, police officials said, in a town Separatist groups in Balochistan, killings in security force crackdowns. terrorism. Affairs or foreign embassies on these the audit paras related to the sale of in the southwest which has been hit one of Pakistan’s poorest provinces, The China-Pakistan Economic A new management committee, assignments. properties in Tokyo were irrelevant. hard by years of separatist violence. have waged violent campaigns over corridor offers Beijing a shorter and headed by retired Maj Gen Azhar These officers were assigned to He claimed that not only were the The blast, which also injured three the past decade, saying the Pakistani cheaper route for trade with the Mid- Kiyani, was formed to run the body Pakistani Embassies in New York, discrepancies giving a bad name to the coast guards, completely destroyed state has failed to develop the impov- dle East and Europe and could bring and hold elections to the executive Washington, Chicago, Vienna, The ambassador who served in Japan at the the vehicle during a patrol on the out- erished region and instead plundered investment to the region, but poor council within 120 days. Hague, Rome, Brussels, Toronto, time, but they were also affecting rela- skirts of Jewani town in Balochistan its natural resources. security has raised doubts about the These elections were held in Ottawa, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, tions with the Japanese government. province, the police officials said. No Much of the separatist violence feasibility of the plan. Sindh, Balochistan, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fata on December 5 and in Punjab on December 15 after the National Assembly resolved to extend that Thorny existence Sea swallows swathes of land period. An official of the ministry of national health services said the 35-member executive council was Internews using satellite imagery to record the Irshad. Former Secretary of the Plan- filled by 20 elected members and pace of sea intrusion. However, pre- ning Commission, Fazullah Qureshi, remaining by nominees of the gov- cise data was still not available due informed the committee that the loss ernment and other entities. to the shortage of funding. of mangroves was a major reason for “Elections to two seats of ISLAMABAD: Sea intrusion has The experts said climate change the wave wash. Sindh and Balochistan could not devoured about two million hec- and especially human interference “More than 260,000 hectares of be held,” he said. Nominees, one tares along the coast in Sindh and in nature were the main reasons for mangrove land in the 1970s shrunk each, come from Senate and the Balochistan, experts informed the Sen- the coastal erosion. to 160,000 hectares by the 1990s. By National Assembly, the secretaries ate standing committee on planning, Indus River System Authority (Irsa) 2001, mangroves covered only 80,000 of health of the four provinces, and development and reforms yesterday. Chairman Rao Irshad Ali explained hectares. one each from the Director Gen- The committee met to discuss the how 400 million tonnes of silt was “Fish catch is as low as one fourth eral Health Ministry of NHS, the growing concern about sea intrusion deposited in coastal areas extend- of what it used to be before the man- Supreme Court and the Surgeon along the 750km coastline from Kara- ing land by 30 metres. groves, nurseries for marine life, General of Pakistan Army. chi to Badin and steps to address the “But this was before developing shrunk.” “After the ministry calls the issue. the agriculture infrastructure. Today Director General Provincial Dis- meeting for the election of the The meeting was informed how on an average as little as 126 million aster Management Authority (PDMA) president and vice-president of the Pakistan Navy, National Institute tonnes is deposited. Unless the required Syed Salman Shah believed that hap- council, our job will be completed,” An Afghan boy pushes a wheel barrow while transporting thorns of Oceanography (NIO) and Paki- amounts of sediments are deposited in hazard and irregular developments Registrar PMDC retired Brigadier to be used as fuel for cooking on the outskirts of Herat yesterday. stan Space and Upper Atmosphere the coastal areas, the problem of sea were causing the nature to fight back Dr Hafizuddin Ahmed Siddiqui Research Commission (Suparco) were intrusion will never be solved,” said and adjust itself. said.

New Balochistan Cabinet to take Abandoned Nato military base treats Afghan addicts oath today Reuters members of society.” The effort is the latest in a long Internews series of anti-drug initiatives backed by the government and its interna- KABUL: Afghan officials have opened tional partners, but it is only a very ISLAMABAD: Pakistani province a new drug treatment centre in an small step to tackle a sprawling prob- Balochistan’s new coalition Cab- abandoned Nato military base in lem, and many remain sceptical. inet headed by Sardar Sanaullah Kabul, in the latest attempt to stamp Police regularly round up addicts Zehri will take oath today. out the country’s massive problem of who shelter in areas such as the Pul-e It will have ministers belonging drug abuse. Sokhta bridge in the western part of to the National Party, Pakhtunkhwa Afghanistan is one of the world’s the capital, but successive govern- Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and biggest sources of opium, producing ments have been powerless to resolve PML-N. around 3,300 tonnes last year, despite the problem. According to sources, the cab- a drop of 48 percent in output. In May, a US-funded report said inet will take oath in two phases With the economy in ruins after around 1.9 million to 2.4 million — 10 ministers in the first and four decades of war and unable to pro- Afghan adults may be drug users, later. vide jobs for young Afghans, demand from among a population of about A senior official of the Balo- for the temporary relief provided by 30 million, with drugs found in more chistan government said that drugs is high. than 30 percent of homes. ministers belonging to the National Camp Phoenix, a former training To counter this situation, the coun- Party and PkMAP will be the same camp on the edges of Kabul set up try has just 123 treatment centres, as in the last cabinet. by the US army in 2003, will take in sufficient to treat just over 10 percent The ministers are: Nawab around 1,000 homeless drug addicts of opium and heroin users. But even Police detain a man to be taken to a newly-opened treatment centre at Camp Phoenix, during a round-up Mohammad Khan Shahwani, Reh- who will receive food, medical atten- addicts who go through the centres of suspected drug addicts in Kabul, Afghanistan, on December 27 last year. mat Saleh Baloch, Mohammad tion and treatment, said Public Health often fall back into drug use. Aslam Bezenjo and Mujeeb-ur- Minister Ferozuddin Feroz. “I have received five rounds of Rehman Mohammad Hasni of the “We give them a proper shave, they treatment already, but am still using,” feeds endemic corruption in the gov- But officials have only limited ability know the threat illegal drugs pose to National Party and Abdul Rahim will take a shower, winter clothing said Sayed Dawod, one of the addicts ernment, from police officials on up. to curb a billion-dollar industry pro- our society and they are committed to Ziaratwal, Sardar Mustafa Treen, and treatment will follow,” he said, at the new centre. “There is no proper Feroz was himself attacked last tected by powerful regional interests dealing with this,” said Salamat Azimi, Nawab Ayaz Khan Jogezai and Dr showing reporters around the facil- treatment in Afghanistan.” Sunday by a dealer who tried to stab and controlled in part by warlords and the counter narcotics minister. Hamid Khan Achakzai of the PkMAP. ity, which offers a 45-day course of Ministers say they are aware of him with an infected needle during an Taliban militants who use the proceeds The failure of past efforts leaves A woman member of the PML-N treatment for homeless addicts. the threat from the drug problem, not operation to collect addicts and take to fund their insurgency. many uncertain of success this time, is expected to join the cabinet. “We will return them as normal just to public health but also how it them to the new centre for treatment. “Leaders of the unity government however. INDIA SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 13 PM hails brave forces for Pathankot response

by suspected Pakistani terrorists, on Since the base is a frontline and sen- The Prime Minister the Pathankot Air Force Station (AFS). sitive one, no live telecast of the visit Soon after landing at the air base, was allowed. The media were kept was briefed by senior targetted exactly a week ago in a pre- away from the air base. defence and security dawn attack, Modi met senior Indian Six terrorists and seven security Air Force (IAF) and army officers. personnel were killed in the attack. officers about the Modi was accompanied by National Security forces repulsed the attack and terrorist attack Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The Indian the terrorists were unable to harm any Army chief, General Dalbir Singh, and of the IAF’s critical assets, including the IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Arup fighter aircraft and attack helicopters. Raha were also present at the air base Modi flew in to the border belt with IANS during the visit. Pakistan in Punjab in an IAF helicopter “Visited Pathankot air base today. for a first-hand account of the secu- Had a detailed briefing from senior rity measures at the border. leadership of Army, Air Force, NSG & Tight security arrangements were PATHANKOT: Brushing aside criticism BSF,” Modi tweeted. in place for the prime minister’s visit. over the handling of the counterof- “Was briefed in great detail on how No one was allowed to enter the area fensive against the terrorist attack on our forces neutralised such a seri- near the Air Force Station (AFS), located the Pathankot IAF base, Prime Minis- ous terrorist attack,” he said. “Also 250 km from Chandigarh ter Narendra Modi, who flew in here noted coordination among various The terrorists are believed to have yesterday said that he was satisfied field units. Lauded bravery & deter- infiltrated into India from Pakistan side with the “decision-making and its exe- mination of our men & women on the by taking advantage of broken bor- cution”. “Noted with satisfaction the ground. They are our pride,” he added. der fencing. Six terrorists and seven decision-making & its execution, the Tight security arrangements were security personnel were killed in the considerations that went into our tac- in place for the prime minister’s visit. attack. tical response,” Modi tweeted through No one was allowed to enter the area Security forces repulsed the his PMO India Twitter handle. near the Air Force Station (AFS), located attack and the terrorists were una- The prime minister was briefed by 250km from Chandigarh. The prime ble to harm any of the IAF’s critical Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being received by the Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir Singh and the Chief senior defence and security officers minister was taken around the air base assets, including fighter aircraft and about the terrorist attack, carried out by the defence and security officers. attack helicopters. of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on his arrival at Pathankot Airbase, yesterday. Malda violence not communal but between BSF and locals

IANS there. It was a struggle between the vehicles were torched?” BJP national police station. “With the NIA taking is trying to pass it off as a communal BSF and the locals and the state is not secretary Rahul Sinha said. over the Pathankot probe, Trinamool strife to cover its anti-national activ- involved in any way in this matter,” Ban- According to reports, protesting is apprehensive that the agency may ities. So we have demanded a probe Nine injured erjee told mediapersons at the summit. against remarks allegedly made to catch up with its activists and leaders into the matter by a central agency,” Turkey at the KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister “The scuffle was between BSF “hurt religious sentiments” in Uttar involved in such anti-national activ- Singh said. crossroads Mamata Banerjee yesterday asserted and the locals and that (the incident) Pradesh, a large number of people on ities. That is why this whole incident While there has been speculation in IED blast in that the recent violence in Malda dis- is not within party, state government Sunday went on a rampage in Kalia- was devised so that the records in that union Home Minister Rajnath Singh trict was not communal strife but a or state police. We just managed the chak, torching vehicles including those the police station can be destroyed,’ may visit Malda, Singh claimed owing Meghalaya fight between BSF personnel and res- situation,” she said. belonging to the Border Security Force added Sinha. to pre-scheduled events, the senior idents of the area. Strongly objecting to Banerjee’s (BSF) and also attacked a police station. While the Centre has sought a leader will not be able to visit. Shillong: Nine people, Banerjee, who at the two—day claims, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sinha claimed the incident was report from the Banerjee administra- However, union minister and including a woman, were Bengal Global Business Summit here accused the chief minister of spread- orchestrated by the ruling Trinamool tion, Sinha said Governor K.N. Tripathi former party chief Nitin Gadkari is injured in a bomb explo- repeatedly asserted there was no com- ing misinformation. Congress to destroy records of its peo- has sent a report on the matter to the slated to attend a public meeting in sion in Shillong, yesterday, munal tension in the state when asked “The chief minister is spreading ple’s involvement in anti-national Centre. Making similar accusations, Malda on January 18. Police have so far police said. to comment on the Malda violence, misinformation and trying to wash off activities. BJP national secretary and party co- arrested 10 people and booked them “A total of nine peo- said the incident was distorted and the responsibilities. If it was really a “The area is prone to cow smug- in-charge for the state Siddharth Nath for several offences including arson ple including a woman misinformation was spread about it. fight between the BSF and the locals gling, infiltration and fake note Singh called for a central probe. and damage to public property. Rape were injured in the Impro- “It has been distorted and misin- then why the Kaliachak police station smuggling and records of all these “The incident is not all commu- victim seeks president’s permission vised explosive device formed about what actually happened was attacked and as many as 11 police activities are kept at the Kaliachak nal rather it is the Trinamool which for mercy killing (IED) explosion in the Wil- liam Nagar market around 1.15am,” a police official said. William Nagar is the headquarters of East Garo Practicing yoga Freedom of expression will Hills district in Meghalaya. The official also said the explosion is suspected not be restrained: Minister to have been carried out by members of the Garo National Liberation Army, IANS he added, exhorting writers to write a militant faction. freely to expose truths. Taking a jibe at the centre, Mishra said why singers like Ghulam Ali were stopped when Odd-even NEW DELHI: There will be no restric- the Pathankot attack could not be tions on the freedom of expression on averted. Pakistani singer Ghulam scheme not to writers and intellectuals, said Delhi Ali was not allowed to perform in Culture Minister Kapil Mishra while the country. Those who should have be extended inaugurating the fourth edition of the been stopped have managed to come ‘Delhi Literature Festival’. to Pathankot, and they still have no The three-day literature festi- idea how many terrorists came to New Delhi: A day after val started from Friday evening at the town. We need to change this, the Delhi government Dilli Haat. The festival will culminate Mishra said. told the High Court that today. “I am assuring that there will The minister also said the social it may extend the 15-day be no muzzling of freedom of writers media has helped budding writers to odd-even car restriction in Delhi. Our government will sup- reach out to the readers. In the wake scheme to curb pollution, port writers and artists in expressing of various restrictions imposed on Transport Minister Gopal their thoughts freely,” Mishra said. intellectuals and writers in various Rai said it will not do so. “Only writers can take up cudg- parts of the country this assurance Rai said news reports els against the prevailing situation in attains significance. Minister’s words saying that Delhi may the country. The walls need to be bro- were termed positive by the public and extend the scheme were ken,” the minister said. “Those who also opined that the must in a demo- not true. There will be can understand why stones started cratic country like India. There has a review of the scheme Schoolchildren attend a yoga session at a camp in Ahmedabad yesterday. arriving in January 2016 in Ayod- been various campaigns taking place after its trial is over, the hya, should write openly about it,” to safeguard the right to expression. minister said. Police official Punjab police claim drop 75 cities to be ranked under Swachh Bharat killed in Bihar Patna: A police officer was found murdered in in crime rate last year IANS the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission on construction of household individ- Bihar’s Vaishali district October 2, 2014,” said Praveen Prakash, ual toilets. In fact, one of the stated yesterday, police said. mission director and joint secretary in objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission Ashok Kumar Yadav, IANS The number of rape cases reported the Ministry of Urban Development. is to ensure door—to—door garbage an assistant sub inspec- this year was 860 compared to 981 NEW DELHI: Fifteen months after “We want data from the ground collection and a proper disposal of tor (ASI) posted in Hajipur last year. Snatchings went down to Swachh Bharat Mission was launched to measure the impact of the mission municipal solid waste in all the 83,000 district headquarters of 1,246 from 1,354 last year, the spokes- by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the year-on-year”. wards in urban areas by 2019. Vaishali, was shot dead CHANDIGARH: Despite the recent man said. “However, an increase has Ministry of Urban Development has Accordingly, the work will be eval- A base-year pre survey was con- late Friday. His body was incidents of protests and violence been noticed in some crime heads decided to study and rank 75 cities uated under six measurable aspects ducted across 476 cities before the found yesterday, a police after incidents of sacrilege of the such as kidnappings/abduction (1,678 based on sanitation and cleanliness, of sanitation and hygiene. Strategies launch of the mission. officer said. Yadav left Guru Granth Sahib, the Punjab Police this year as against 1,550 in 2014), while also coopting the public to give to stop open defecation and integrate This will be tallied with the latest from police station on claimed that there was a drop in inci- theft (3,828 as against 3,713 in 2014) its feedback. the city’s solid waste management round the findings as on December patrolling duty but did not dents of crimes during 2015 compared and attempt to murder (871 as against The task of executing the mission, systems. last year in each of the 75 designated return, the officer said. to the previous year. 864 in 2014),” the spokesman said. named “Swachh Survekshan”, has been Efficacy of communication strat- cities. The results are to be announced According to police, he “Crime against person and The Punjab Police, which was entrusted with the Quality Council of egies on information, education and on 25 January on the MyGov website. was shot four times. Iron- property -- murders, dacoities and actively involved in the fight against India, and will cover all state capitals behaviour change. The quality council has deployed ically, Yadav was killed burglaries, showed a decrease in 2015, Sikh militancy in Punjab from 1981 to and 53 other cities, involving three Effectiveness of systems for sweep- a team of 110 assessors, most of them a day after Bihar police as compared to 2014,” a police depart- 1995, had to deal with terror spill-over streams of data collection — citizen ing, door-to-door collections and engineers, to conduct the survey who chief P K Thakur claimed ment spokesman said here yesterday. from neighbouring Pakistan when feedback, municipality self-evalu- transportation of waste. Efficiency will visit all the 75 cities and their crime was under control The number of murder cases came three armed terrorists attacked ation and independent assessment. in processing and disposal of waste. respective municipalities. To prevent and that the crime graph down to 693 this year from 767 last Dinanagar town in north Punjab’s “Swachh Survekshan is the very How good is deployment of public and ay bias, comprehensive training ses- had decreased. year. Dacoties decreased from 31 to 23. Gurdaspur district. first survey commissioned by us since community toilets. Progress made in sions were also organised. 14 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 INDIA

Governor’s rule imposed Coal mining in Jammu and Kashmir

refusal to take oath as the new chief the BJP for forming the new govern- PDP and BJP, who minister in succession to her late father ment. “Mufti Sahib was not only her Mufti Mohammad Sayeed before the father but guide, mentor and inspi- were in a coalition traditional four day period of mourn- ration. We are not in any condition in Jammu and ing ended, speculations were rife in to discuss government formation at the state that serious differences had this moment. She (Mehbooba Mufti) Kashmir, dismissed surfaced up between the PDP and the is in mourning right now,” he said. rumours of any rift BJP over future power sharing. He said the party leadership Talking to some media persons, including the president will discuss over future power BJP’s state unit chief Sat Pal Sharma and decide on government formation sharing said: “There are certainly no condi- at an appropriate time. tions from our side and there was no Jammu and Kashmir Governor meeting of our leaders on government N.N. Vohra on Friday evening faxed formation. “We respect the right of letters to PDP and BJP to “urgently” IANS the bereaved family of Mufti Sahib to intimate him about possibilities of mourn his death.” government formation in the state, Sharma confirmed he had received an official said. SRINAGAR: Governor’s rule was a letter from Governor N.N. Vohra on “Besides being in touch with the imposed in Jammu and Kashmir yes- future government formation, add- leadership of the ruling coalition part- terday which is without a government ing the party will take a decision on ners in the state, the governor has following the death of Chief Minister it only after the mourning for Say- today faxed letters to PDP president, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, officials eed is over. Mehbooba Mufti and BJP president said. He said the BJP was interested in Sat Pal Sharma to urgently inform In the meantime, both the Peo- peace and development in the state and him about their respective positions ples Democratic Party (PDP) and the his party wants to continue the coali- regarding new government forma- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who were tion to continue on the path shown by tion in the state,” said a Raj Bhawan in a coalition in Jammu and Kashmir, Sayeed. Senior PDP leader and former spokesman here. yesterday dismissed rumours of any education minister Naeem Akhtar also Vohra had sent letters in this regard rift between the two over future power dismissed rumours about any condi- to the two parties those had formed Workers busy mining at a coal mine in Chattisgarh, yesterday. sharing. Following Mehbooba Mufti’s tions set forth by either his party or a coalition government. Minimum temperatures improve in J&K’s plains but Kargil coldest

IANS Srinagar city was 1.7 degrees Celsius “It will be a partly cloudy day ahead today (Saturday). We are expecting a in Ladakh with the maximum tem- partly cloudy day ahead in the city,” perature hovering around 6 degrees SRINAGAR: Night temperatures an official of local weather office said. Celsius”, a weather official said. improved in the lower reaches of The popular Gulmarg ski resort The minimum overnight temper- Jammu and Kashmir yesterday, even as in north Kashmir, thronged by tour- ature in Jammu city was 5.5 degrees the mercury plunged below the freez- ists mostly in winter season, received Celsius. The local weather office said ing point in the higher reaches despite 5 centimetres of snow and was cold- it will be a partly cloudy sky in the Friday’s scattered rains and snowfall est in Kashmir province on Saturday city today. at few places in the state. at minus 10.3 degrees. Bhaderwah town in the Jammu Kargil town in the Ladakh region Tourist resort of Pahalgam in south province recorded lowest minimum was the coldest in the state at minus 14 Kashmir remained at minus 7.1 degrees temperature in the region at minus degrees Celsius. The region has mostly Celsius on Saturday. 0.9 degrees, yesterday. witnessed dry weather over the past In other places of the valley, min- In Jammu province’s other places, two weeks, increasing the cold and imum temperatures were 1.6 degrees minimum temperatures recorded were chilly conditions there. in Qazigund town, 0.5 in Awantipora, 7.3 degrees in Katra town, 4.8 degrees The meteorological office has fore- minus 1.5 in Kupwara and minus 0.1 in Banihal, 3.1 degrees in Batote, 3.4 cast dry weather in the state for next in Kukernag. degrees in Udhampur, 6.4 degrees two-three days. The minimum tem- Mercury dipped to minus 13.5 in Kathua, the Met Office said. “The peratures improved a little in Srinagar degrees in Leh town of the Ladakh maximum day temperatures in Sri- and other places of the valley on Sat- region, while as Kargil town of the nagar and Jammu city is likely to A roadside vendor selling lotus roots and vegetables waits for customers during fresh snowfall on the banks urday due to night cloud cover. same region remained frozen at minus hover around 8 and 23 degrees Cel- of Dal Lake in Srinagar, yesterday. “The minimum temperature in 14.0 degrees Celsius. sius respectively today.” Thief fed 48 Govt should not harass industrialists: Mamata Rape victim seeks bananas to Pranab’s nod for IANS go every day for raids, when I am in government’s policy was to negotiate contributions by five percent instead of mercy killing power, I cannot bulldoze you. We with industrialists if there was any harassing the industrialists. Banerjee, excrete gold have to ensure there is some flexible issue. “I can give you assurance that however, drew a distinction between system in place for the businessmen. my government will not harass even harassment of industrialists and PATNA: A rape victim in Bihar has KOLKATA: Assuring that her gov- We have to give them the space also,” one single industry (industrialist) where unearthing of black money. asked President Pranab Mukher- ernment will never harass any Banerjee said. you have any problem. Even if there is “Black money is a different issue jee for permission for mercy killing, MUMBAI: The police here force-fed industrialist, West Bengal Chief Min- “If everybody is afraid -- oh my god any problem, we will negotiate, give and harassing an industrialist is saying she has been denied justice four dozen bananas to a chain- ister Mamata Banerjee called upon the tax people are coming. I appeal to you time to sort it out. something different. If you can collect for nearly three months, police said snatcher to recover a stolen gold governments across the country to all the governments let the industry “If I bulldoze, that will give a bad black money from wherever it is and on yesterday. chain he had swallowed to escape give industrialists their space and not run in this manner, let the money flow name (to you). Because if there is bad use them for development, we will be The woman in her early 20s, public wrath, an officer said here, bother them in the name of income from them, then the country will be name, prestige is lost and when prestige very happy,” the chief minister said. who is a resident of Saflapur village yesterday. tax raids. benefited,” said Banerjee. is lost everything is lost,” said Banerjee. She said industrialists have to keep in Arwal district, has sent a letter The incident occurred in the “When I have the power I cannot The chief minister said her She also suggested hiking CSR money to tackle unforeseen situations. to Mukherjee in this connection. Ghatkopar east fish market in the “The rape victim has sought per- eastern suburbs late Wednesday mission of the president for mercy night when the accused, Gopi R. Gha- killing as she was denied justice in ware snatched a woman’s 25 gms her case despite knocking at the (2.50 tolas) gold chain and bolted. Artistic freedom should World Book Fair doors of all concerned officials,” As the woman screamed, some a relative said. residents gave chase, pinned him In her petition to President down and hammered him, accord- Mukherjee, the woman alleged ing to investigating officer Kailash not be curtailed: Jaitley that police were not playing their Tirmare of Pant Nagar Police Sta- role in arresting the accused. tion here. A medical test on the woman A police patrol in the vicinity confirmed rape, police said. A first arrived and took charge of Gha- IANS Mehra, adman Piyush Pandey and information report was lodged ware, a resident of Wadala and took film critic Bhawana Somaaya. against the accused -- said to be a him to the nearby Rajawadi Hos- The committee, which has been defence personnel and posted out- pital for treatment. asked to submit its report in two side Bihar — at an all-woman police An x-ray revealed on Thursday MUMBAI: Information and Broad- months, also includes National Film station in Arwal in October 2015. morning that a metallic object -- casting Minister Arun Jaitley said here Development Council Managing As per the police complaint, purportedly the stolen chain -- was yesterday that there is a need to ensure Director Nina Lath Gupta and Joint the victim said she was raped by lying in his stomach, proof of the that artistic creativity and freedom Secretary (Films) Sanjay Murthy. a close relative from her father’s 25-year old thief’s first ever crime. should never get curtailed while cer- Shyam Benegal, on the occasion, said: side on October 22. The woman victim had not yet tifying films and documentaries. “There is a need to move towards But the woman said the accused lodged a compliant so the police Stating that the film certification a new system of grading films in has not been arrested so far and interrogated Ghaware who admit- guidelines needed contemporary terms of age, maturity, sensibility his family members have repeat- ted to swallowing the gold chain. interpretation, Jaitley, who is also the and sensitivity instead of censorship.” edly threatened the victim’s family Police arranged for another union finance minister, said these According to the information and to withdraw the case or face dire x-ray on Thursday evening which should be made as non discretionary broadcasting ministry, the Shyam consequences. confirmed the earlier x-ray report. as possible. Benegal committee will study the Arwal woman police station Then it ordered a basketful of Jaitley met members of the existing procedure being followed officer in charge Kumari Bab- bananas and forced Ghaware to committee, recently constituted to by CBFC for certification of original ita said that investigation was on, eat them till the wee hours. Early look into the revamp of the Central films, their dubbed versions as well as but no arrest has been made. As on Friday, he was escorted to the Board of Film Certification (CBFC). recertification of films for screening per the statistics of the National loo by four policemen, who also The committee is headed by on other media platforms. Crime Records Bureau there has A visitor browses through a book at the New Delhi World Book filmed the morning ablution as the eminent filmmaker Shyam Benegal The committee will also study been an increase in the number chain finally slithered out of Gha- while the other members include various directives of courts as well Fair - 2016 in New Delhi, yesterday. of rape cases and also there is an ware’s system. filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash as by other government agencies. increase in domestic violence cases. EUROPE SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 15

Dutch Ukraine Resting on ice sheet vote may spark crisis: Juncker

on the bloc itself. “I want the Dutch to understand that the importance of Russia would “pluck this question goes beyond the Nether- the fruits” of a vote lands,” NRC quoted Juncker as saying. “I don’t believe the Dutch will in the Netherlands say no, because it would open the against deepened door to a big continental crisis,” he added. “Russia would pluck the fruits ties between the of an easy victory.” European Union and A founding signatory of the Treaty of Rome that created the incipient EU Ukraine, says EU in 1957, the Netherlands has cooled on commissioner European integration as fears about high immigration, slow growth and economic insecurity have grown. While most Dutch parties are Reuters pro-European, the anti-EU, anti- immigration and anti-Muslim Freedom Party of right-wing popu- list Geert Wilders is leading in polls AMSTERDAM: European Commis- and would win more seats than the sion President Jean-Claude Juncker entire Liberal-Labour coalition if has warned that a Dutch advisory elections were held now. referendum in April on the bloc’s asso- But the association agreement, ciation agreement with Ukraine could seen as a key step in the process of lead to a “continental crisis” if voters bringing the one-time Soviet repub- reject the treaty. lic out of Russia’s orbit and closer to In an interview published yes- the EU’s, could test the forces of anti- terday by the Dutch daily NRC EU populism. Swans rest on the ice sheet partially covering Lake Balaton at Tihany, 132km southwest of Budapest, Hungary, yesterday. Handelsblad, Juncker said Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin would “pluck the fruits” of a vote in is an unpopular figure in the Nether- the Netherlands against deepened lands, where he is widely blamed for ties between the European Union the July 2014 downing of Flight MH17 and Ukraine. The April 6 referen- over eastern Ukraine that killed 298 dum, whose result will be non-binding, people, two-thirds of them Dutch. Bottle cap tycoon leaves €1.5m for workers was triggered by the raucously anti- Relations between Russia and the European satirical website GeenStijl West hit a post-Cold War low over last year, which collected more than Ukraine, where Moscow annexed Cri- AFP June, reports said yesterday. Carla, my mother, who sent a touch- when Macchi knew they needed it. the 300,000 signatures needed under mea from Kiev last year and stands Piero Macchi, the founder of Eno- ing letter of thanks with each of the Macchi turned a hobby into a the law to force a vote. accused by Washington and Brussels plastic, which produces screwcaps, cheques,” Macchi’s daughter Giovanna, lucrative business when he founded The website admitted that its rea- of driving a separatist pro-Russian synthetic corks and labels for bottles, the current joint manager of Enoplas- Enoplastic in 1957 —the company now sons for seeking the referendum, to revolt in the east. ROME: Workers at an Italian factory quietly changed his will shortly before tic, told Corriera della Sera newspaper. produces 2.5 billion units a year and be held during the current Dutch In November, Ukrainian President were delighted by an unexpected he died, leaving staff at the company’s The cheques landed just before exports to more than 80 countries. presidency of the bloc, had less to Petro Poroshenko said campaign- Christmas bonus, receiving cheques Bodio Lomnago plant in the Italian Christmas, with new staff receiving “We always think of ourselves as a big do with its views on the EU’s ties with ers for a referendum were unwitting for thousands of euros bequeathed Alps a total of €1.5m ($1.64m). 2,000 euros and the oldest staff 10,000 family and this Christmas present is a Ukraine than with its desire for a vote pawns of Putin. to them by their late boss who died in “It was all managed by his wife —and some workers got even more sign of that,” one worker said. Hundreds of Paris attack response wins Hollande French nod Immigrants in French mosques France struggle Bloomberg 130 who lost their lives in the Novem- Marine Le Pen, who said during her its incorporation in the constitution. open their doors ber 13 attacks in and around Paris at new year’s address that the measure “This measure is useless: we’re cafes, the Bataclan concert hall and is “at the heart of our patriot vision of going to lose a month debating it,” to integrate to the public a stadium. the world.” About 86 percent of the Hildago said on France Inter radio PARIS: President Francois Hollande’s Bolstered by approval ratings that French back the proposal to strip ter- January 4. “We need policies that AFP immediate response to the terrorists surged over a record 20 points in the rorist dual-citizens of their nationality, produce results on unemployment, AFP attacks that hit Paris last year —a mix month after the November attacks, according to an Elabe poll published a major issue in our country.” of firmness and calls for national unity Hollande has put national security at on December 29. The public and Socialist leaders PARIS: Hundreds of French mosques —won him popular support from across the forefront of his agenda. Early next That’s not a view shared by prom- are looking at the issue from different PARIS: France is struggling to inte- are participating in a major open- the political spectrum. month he’ll seek support at a combined inent members of Hollande’s Socialist perspectives, says Yves-Marie Cann, grate its immigrant population, house event this weekend, offering Now, his push to adopt security meeting of the Senate and the National Party. His Justice Minister Christiane head of political polling at Elabe. despite newcomers overwhelm- visitors the opportunity to come in measures long advocated by right- Assembly to modify the French consti- Taubira, his former Prime Minister “For the general population, it’s ingly identifying with their adopted for tea and a chat about Islam in a wing parties, especially a proposed tution to include the government’s right Jean-Marc Ayrault and Paris Mayor just common sense that you are no homeland, says a study. country shaken by jihadist attacks. constitutional change to strip convicted to declare a state of emergency and to Anne Hidalgo, with whom he’ll stand longer French if you attack innocent “Integration is a one-way street,” Organised by the country’s French terrorists of their citizenship, extend its power to strip French-born hand-in-hand at all the tribute cer- French people on behalf of your alle- whereby immigrants want to be leading Muslim body, the French has lost him the backing of many within dual-nationality citizens convicted of emonies, are vocal opponents of the giance to an outside force,” Cann said. a part of the French social fabric Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM), his Socialist party, even as the pub- “a severe crime against the nation” of citizenship law and have criticised his “The political and intellectual debate only to be regarded as perpetually it aims to stimulate dialogue about lic approves. their citizenship. Currently, only those focus on law-and-order measures. has focused on the legal and symbolic foreign and to suffer discrimina- Islam and create a greater sense of The French president this week who acquired their citizenship after They say the law has little practical issues of discrimination and the cre- tion, Cris Beauchemin, the study’s “national cohesion”, a year after kicks off ceremonies for the 147 vic- birth can be stripped of it. effect and would create a distinction ation of stateless people.” author, said. 17 people were killed in jihadist tims of terrorism in 2015 —the 17 who The citizenship measure was ini- between French-born citizens with The president bypassed opposition He said the study showed that attacks in Paris. perished in attacks between January tially proposed by former President a second nationality and those with- within his ranks and justified his posi- second-generation immigrants “The objective is to create a 7 and 9 at Charlie Hebdo magazine Nicolas Sarkozy and is supported by out. Several Socialist lawmakers said tion directly to the French people in his often fared less well than the first space where people can be together and a kosher supermarket, and the the anti-immigrant National Front’s they will fight the president to prevent annual televised New Year’s address. generation. and meet normal Muslim worship- pers and all of our fellow citizens,” CFCM president Anouar Kbibech told reporters. The idea is to use the anni- Opposing new airport Doctor killing patient versary of the January 7 attacks to “highlight the real values of Islam, to set straight the cliches about links caught on camera to violence and terrorism,” he said, describing the venture as a “ges- ture of openness”. “Instead of dwelling on these AFP In the video, the strongly-built tragic acts, it seemed more impor- doctor in medical clothing drags the tant to celebrate ‘spirit of January barechested male patient from the 11’,” he said, when millions of people examination table, asking him “why took to the streets in a mass show of MOSCOW: Russia opened an inves- did you touch the nurse?” and pushes solidarity. Following the November tigation yesterday after a hospital him out of the doorway. When the attacks, in which jihadists killed 130 doctor was captured on video punch- patient returns, the doctor deals him people, France declared a state of ing a patient with a blow that killed a single blow to the face and a crash emergency which has seen police him instantly. can be heard as the middle-aged man staging around 20 raids on Muslim The shocking incident in Belgo- falls backwards onto the floor. places of worship. At least three rod raised questions over a cover-up Meanwhile the doctor continues to have been closed on suspicion of culture in state medicine, with the scuffle with another man accompany- radicalising their members. investigation only opened days later ing the patient, and it is only minutes Dubbed “a brotherly cup of after security camera footage was later that the medics notice the patient tea”, the initiative will take dif- released on YouTube and aired on lying motionless and attempt unsuc- ferent forms with local mosques national television. cessfully to revive him. handing out hot drinks offering Belgorod’s Investigative Commit- The medics drag away the patient’s guided visits, putting on debates tee said in the statement released that body and then an orderly mops up and calligraphy workshops, and the incident took place on December blood stains. The doctor hit the patient even inviting people to attend one 29. It gave no explanation for the delay in the face after he “kicked a nurse of the five daily prayers. Although in investigating the crime. during a procedure,” the investigators not all of France’s 2,500 mosques It said the doctor was suspected said. “The cause of death of the vic- People arrive at the start of a protest march in Nantes to demonstrate against the construction of a and places of worship are taking of causing death through negligence, tim was trauma to the skull and brain part, the most important ones are, new airport in Notre-Dame-des-Landes, France, yesterday. for which he could serve up to two from hitting the back of the head on including the Grand Mosque of Paris. years in jail. the hard surface of the floor.” 16 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 EUROPE

Denmark deports Merkel wants expulsion rules toughened foreign student for working too hard If the law does not suffice, then the law AFP must be changed”, the German COPENHAGEN: Denmark has kicked a foreign student out of Chancellor said the country for exceeding hourly part-time work regulations, despite Aarhus University’s efforts to hang onto one of its top students, the AFP school said yesterday. Marius Youbi, a 30-year-old engineering student, flew home to Cameroon on January 7 under COLOGNE: German Chancellor Angela an expulsion order requiring him Merkel yesterday backed a toughening to leave Denmark by January 8. of expulsion rules for convicted refu- The Scandinavian country gees, as protesters took to the streets has some of Europe’s strictest against a shocking rash of assaults immigration policies, and has blamed on migrants during New Year’s repeatedly tightened its regula- festivities. tions in recent months to deter Both women’s groups and sup- foreigners from seeking a new life porters of the xenophobic PEGIDA in the country. movement mobilised in separate ral- Working part-time as a cleaner lies in Cologne, as Merkel declared to help pay for his studies, Youbi that refugees found to have commit- was found to have occasionally ted a crime —even those who have exceeded the 15 hours he was not been given jail terms —should be allowed to work per week. required to leave Germany. “We disagree with this decision “If the law does not suffice, then the from the Danish immigration serv- law must be changed” she said, vow- ice,” university spokesman Anders ing action to protect not just German Cornell said. The school’s rector citizens, but innocent refugees too. sent a letter to the immigration Outrage is growing in Germany service’s Agency for Recruitment over the revelations that hundreds of and Integration on December 23 women ran a gauntlet of groping hands, asking it to reconsider its decision, lewd insults and robberies in mob vio- but the letter was not answered, Police use pepper spray against supporters of PEGIDA during a demonstration in reaction to mass assaults on women on December 21, in lence last week in the western city. Cornell said. Cologne, yesterday. Most of the assailants were of Arabic “Marius Youbi is one of the or North African background, accord- most talented students we have... ing to eye-witnesses, police and media Banging pots and blowing whistles, of culture and civilisation”. party at a meeting late on Friday. On Friday, criticism over the police’s the agency is able to reverse its reports. The majority of suspects identi- demonstrators waved signs in Ger- The mob violence has played into Details of what happened in the failure to stop the violence claimed the decision and to not do so would fied by federal police are also migrants, man meaning “No violence against popular fears, and threatened to cloud frenzied crush remain hazy. scalp of Cologne police chief Wolf- be unfortunate,” rector Brian Bech adding fuel to criticism of Merkel’s lib- women” and “No means no! It’s the what had been a broadly welcom- Germany’s federal police have gang Albers in a bid to “restore public Nielsen wrote in the letter. eral migrant policy —which brought law!” while others read: “Protect our ing mood in Germany where crowds identified 32 suspects, 22 of whom confidence”. “The country’s laws should of 1.1 million new asylum seekers to Ger- women and children.” cheered as Syrian refugees arrived by are asylum seekers, in connection Cologne police were slow to reveal course be respected, but the ‘pun- many last year. Ahead of the afternoon rally, train in September. with 76 offences, 12 of which had a the extent of the violence —and the ishment’ does not meet the ‘crime’ Waving German flags and signs Lutz Bachmann, co-founder of PEG- Germany’s conservative Die Welt sexual character, the interior minis- politically-charged fact that many in this case,” he wrote. meaning “Rapefugees not welcome”, IDA (“Patriotic Europeans Against the newspaper said January 6, the day the try said on Friday. in the hostile crowd were migrants. Youbi “has paid back the “Germany survived war, plague and Islamisation of the Occident”) posted a scope of the violence became clear, Cologne police, which has around Critics have also accused the media money he earned for those extra cholera, but Merkel?”, hundreds of PEG- photo of himself online wearing a t-shirt “marks the beginning of a change 100 investigators scanning some 350 of seeking to cover up the incident in hours and he paid the fine as well. IDA supporters shouted “Merkel raus” saying “Rapefugees not Welcome”. in immigration policy” in an article hours of video, says it has identified a bid to be “politically correct”. The Danish immigration service (Merkel out). In a similar vein, the populist outlining both “the benefits and the 16 suspects. It was unclear how many Merkel, who has so far refused to therefore considers that he has In response, counter-protesters, right-wing Alternative for Germany dangers of mass immigration from of the suspects were veteran migrants abandon her welcoming stance towards accepted his penalty,” Cornell said. separated by police, chanted “Nazis party, which polls show as having 10 Muslim countries.” or belonged to a scene of drug dealers refugees, on Saturday had tough words A spokesman for the Danish raus” at the site, where earlier, some percent support ahead of state elec- “Cologne has changed everything, and pickpockets known to lurk around for law-breakers. Even those given sus- agency, Jesper Wodschow Larsen, 500 protesters, mostly women, had tions this year, claimed the violence people now are doubting,” said Volker the railway station, and how many pended sentences should be required said the decision “was taken in held a noisy rally against violence. gave a “taste of the looming collapse Bouffier, vice president of Merkel’s CDU were newly-arrived asylum seekers. to leave Germany, she said. line with the rules in place.” Berlusconi vows to oust Renzi and urges polls New-look Poland Reuters was weakened by his absence. He dismissed suggestions of fric- forces, according to opinion polls, they This year “will be the year of the tion between Forza Italia and the other could be a threat to Renzi’s PD, which is battle against the regime of the left two parties of the centre right, the anti- the only major party on the centre-left. which suspended democracy”, Berlus- immigrant Northern League and the The next parliamentary election is due edges closer to MILAN: Former Italian prime minister coni told the paper, referring to Renzi, far-right Brothers of Italy, adding the in 2018, but commentators speculate it Silvio Berlusconi pledged to relaunch who took office in an internal power three would present a united front in could come early due to instability in his Forza Italia party this year and struggle within his Democratic Party upcoming mayoral elections this year Renzi’s ruling coalition. force out the centre-left government (PD) but has yet to win a parliamen- in Rome, Milan, Naples and Bologna. “My commitment is to take Forza of Matteo Renzi, according to an inter- tary election. The centre-right has often been Italia back to above 20 percent so that hardline Hungary view with daily Il Giornale yesterday. Berlusconi called for parliament to divided since shortly after a 2013 the centre-right can win the elections Berlusconi, 79, has kept a low be dissolved and new elections, adding parliamentary election. The League at the first round, surpassing 40 per- profile since he was convicted of his own ousting was “unconstitutional”. has maintained hardline opposition cent,” Berlusconi said. AFP Warsaw closer to Budapest. tax evasion and banned from public The media magnate won three to the government while Berlusconi A new electoral law introduced by On Wednesday, he met Orban in office in 2013, but promised to return national elections over 14 years before has wavered between modest oppo- Renzi requires a run-off ballot between the Polish resort town of Niedzica for to the front lines of Italian politics and he was hamstrung by a tax fraud con- sition and collaboration with Renzi. the two largest parties if none obtain talks on “a host of international issues, strengthen his party, which he said viction and sex scandals. If all three centre-right parties joined 40 percent of votes in the first round. WARSAW: Poland’s conservatives has notably European ones,” according to been cosying up to populist Hungary Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszc- since returning to power in October, zykowski. Prime Minister Beata Szydlo following Budapest’s lead in tight- is also to visit Budapest “in the com- ening government control over the ing weeks”, Polish and Hungarian Britons held in Waiting for onward journey judiciary and media in moves that officials said. have riled the European Union. Hungarian news site Hungary Hungary in breach The ruling Law and Justice (PiS) Today linked Kaczynski’s meeting party has been singing Hungary’s with Orban to British Prime Minister of anti-terror laws praises since ousting the centrist Civic David Cameron’s visit to Budapest on Platform (PO) at the polls after eight Thursday, suggesting that the Hun- Reuters years in opposition. garian-Polish talks were meant to PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski’s harmonise Warsaw and Budapest’s endorsement of the policies of Hun- positions on EU reforms proposed garian Prime Minister Viktor Orban by London. LONDON: Two Britons were jailed —whom critics accuse of trampling But Polish media also speculated yesterday after being arrested in human rights and democratic proc- that Warsaw was looking for pointers Hungary where they were suspected esses —has alarmed critics at home from Orban on how to resist pressure of heading to Syria, in breach of and abroad. from Brussels. strict travel constraints because “It’s not Budapest here, it’s War- Waszczykowski said on Thursday they had convictions for terror- saw,” youth protestors shouted outside he did not know whether the topic ism offences. the presidential palace in Warsaw had come up in Niedzica but that his Trevor Brooks, 40, and Simon last month, during a rally against the ministry would “like to learn from Keeler, 44, were detained near government’s controversial reforms Hungary’s experience in its dealings Hungary’s Romanian border in of the constitutional court. with the EU”. November having left Britain with- On Sunday, the European Com- Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter out informing the British authorities. mission announced it would debate Szijjarto said the two countries could .They were extradited back to Britain the state of rule of law in Poland —a look forward to “an exceptionally and pleaded guilty the following day move that could lead to a potentially dynamic” relationship. to breaching notification require- punitive process aimed at buttress- “A fundamental commonality ments under counter-terrorism laws. ing democracy and human rights. between Budapest and Warsaw is They were sentenced for two Orban, who sustained fierce crit- the notion of a curtailed, reduced years in prison at London’s Old Bai- icism from his EU peers last year over democracy,” said Aleksander Smolar, ley court. his hardline stance on migrants, has president of the Stefan Batory Foun- “They’re yet to give us any indi- also incurred the opprobrium of Brus- dation that promotes civic issues in cation as to why they left the UK sels over his curbs on the press and Poland. and were travelling across Hungary, judiciary. In such a democracy, “all the ele- although clearly our concern is that Despite the controversy, Kac- ments that keep the executive power they may have been trying to get to Migrants, refugees and a child wait for a bus at a transit camp in southern Serbian town of Presevo, zynski, who is neither premier nor in check are weakened,” Smolar told Syria,” said Detective Chief Super- yesterday. president but widely believed to call the leading Gazeta Wyborcza daily intendent Terri Nicholson. the shots in his party, has been steering on Thursday. AMERICAS SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 17 Mexico drug kingpin ‘El Chapo’ back in jail

travelled 1.5km through a tunnel to Some questioned Mexico’s ability freedom. But six months later, Guzman to hold on to Guzman, who previously The world’s most was back in the prison after authori- escaped from another maximum- wanted drug baron ties located him, in part because the security prison in 2001 by hiding in a was arrested in a kingpin wanted to make a biograph- laundry cart with inside help. ical film about himself, according to More than a dozen prison and fed- military raid that left Attorney General Arely Gomez. eral police officials have been arrested five suspects dead in Gomez said an “important aspect on charges of helping Guzman flee again that allowed us to locate him was that last year, along with several associates Los Mochis, a coastal we discovered Guzman’s intention to of the drug lord who worked from the city in his native make a biographical film, for which outside on building the tunnel. he established contact with actresses “Given that ‘El Chapo’ has already northwestern state of and producers.” escaped from Mexican prison twice, Sinaloa “The follow-up work allowed us to this third opportunity to bring him to document meetings between attorneys justice cannot be squandered,” said of the now-detainee and these peo- US senator and Republican presiden- ple,” she said, adding that the matter tial hopeful Marco Rubio. Senator John AFP was under investigation. McCain congratulated Mexico’s navy The manhunt led to his recapture, for the capture, but he added: “Now which featured one last underground let’s extradite him to the US.” escape for the man who became known President Barack Obama’s admin- MEXICO CITY: Betrayed by his desire as “The Lord of Tunnels” for his abil- istration did not indicate whether it to make a biopic, Mexican drug kingpin ity to ship drugs to the US under the would press Pena Nieto to send Guz- Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman was back border and dig his way out of trouble. man across the border. yesterday in the prison he escaped from Guzman was nearly captured in US Attorney General Loretta Lynch six months ago, amid calls to extra- the mountain region in October, but said Guzman will “now have to answer dite him to the US. marines chasing him in a helicopter for his alleged crimes,” without indi- The world’s most wanted drug decided not to shoot because he was cating where. The Mexican attorney baron was arrested in a military raid accompanied by two women and a general’s office secured an extradition early on Friday that left five suspects girl, Gomez said. warrant in September, but Guzman’s Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman is escorted by soldiers at the hangar belonging to the office of the Attorney dead in Los Mochis, a coastal city in his The months-long investigation attorneys sought an injunction that native northwestern state of Sinaloa. culminated in a house in Los Mochis, General in Mexico City, Mexico. could delay the process. Hours later, the Sinaloa cartel king- which authorities began to stake out But a leading Mexican politician, pin was flown in a military helicopter in December. kingpin successfully used in escap- wearing a dirty sleeveless shirt—an “Mission accomplished: We got Senator Miguel Barbosa of the left- from Mexico City to the Altiplano max- Marines were met by gunfire when ing authorities in 2014 in the nearby ignominious end for a kingpin whose him,” Pena Nieto wrote on Twitter. ist opposition Democratic Revolution imum-security prison, the scene of they swooped in on Friday, leaving city of Culiacan. This time, however, billionaire drug business reaches as But calls quickly mounted among US Party, is already opposing an extra- his daring July 11 escape some 90km five suspects dead and one marine the marines expected such a move, far as Asia and Europe. politicians for Mexico to ship Guz- dition. “The easiest thing would be to west of the capital. wounded. Six others were detained Gomez said. The 58-year-old’s arrest provided a man to the United States, where he swiftly extradite ‘Chapo’ Guzman and, On July 11, after just 17 months at in the operation. The wanted men came out of a major sigh of relief for President Enrique also faces charges in half a dozen US once again, the Mexican state shows Altiplano, Guzman slipped through a Guzman and his security chief manhole and stole a car, but they were Pena Nieto, whose administration was states. The Americans had sent an extra- that it doesn’t have the strength to pun- hole in his cell’s shower, climbed on fled through the city’s drainage sys- captured on a road and taken to a motel, humiliated when Guzman broke out dition request two weeks before his ish those who commit crimes in our a motorcycle mounted on rails, and tem, repeating a tactic the drug where Guzman was seated on a bed, of prison. July escape. territory,” Barbosa said. Muslim woman ejected Obama urged to end round-up of from Trump rally migrants from

AFP Trump, who leads the polls for the Central America Republican nomination for the White House, ignited a global firestorm last WASHINGTON: A Muslim woman was month when he called for the tempo- Reuters kicked out of a Donald Trump presi- rary ban on Muslims entering the US, dential campaign rally after staging a following an attack in California by a silent protest against the Republican radicalised Muslim couple that left 14 WASHINGTON/CHICAGO: Demo- frontrunner, who has called for a ban people dead. “There is hatred against crats in the US Congress, outraged on Muslims entering the US. us that is unbelievable,” Trump told the over the Obama administration’s Television footage from the event rally, according to CNN, after Hamid pursuit of Central American migrant in South Carolina shows the woman, and several others were ejected. “It’s families for deportation, called named as Rose Hamid, a 56-year-old their hatred. It’s not our hatred.” for a halt and new protections for flight attendant, wearing a head scarf But a prominent Muslim advocacy undocumented people from three and loose fitting green shirt reading group, the Council on American-Islamic crime-infested countries. “Salam. I come in peace.” She stood in Relations (CAIR), condemned Hamid’s Members of the Congressional silence looking at the podium as the removal and called on Trump to apol- Hispanic Caucus said they want rest of the crowd sat. ogise. “The image of a Muslim woman “temporary protective status” for Later, she was escorted out as being abused and ejected from a polit- undocumented migrants from El Trump supporters waved placards ical rally sends a chilling message to Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. bearing his name in her face and American Muslims,” CAIR Executive They argue that high murder rates chanted for him. Hamid said one sup- Director Nihad Awad said in a state- and gang violence there pushed thou- porter of the billionaire real-estate ment carried by US media. sands, including families and children mogul bawled at her: “You have a bomb, Muslims in the United States have traveling alone, to seek US refuge. you have a bomb.” faced a backlash following the Novem- The recent crackdown, by the “The ugliness really came out fast ber terror attacks in Paris and the San US Department of Homeland Secu- A protester against US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is removed by security personnel and that’s really scary,” Hamid told Bernardino attack in California on rity, was an expansion from mostly during a campaign event in Rock Hill, South Carolina. CNN after Friday night’s rally. December 2. targeting individuals to pursuing fam- ilies with undocumented members. Some immigration groups viewed the policy as sending a message to Central Americans, amid a spike in Jeb Bush races to salvage presidential campaign their arrivals at the southwestern US border, not to make the journey. House Democrats denounced AFP “He’s said he can’t quite understand this provided he does not tank there. Wins in those Trump or today’s number two candidate, con- Democratic President Barack phenomenon,” the donor, who spoke under early states carry huge psychological boosts, but servative Senator Ted Cruz. Obama’s policy at a press confer- anonymity so he could discuss the campaign the primary race is about winning enough over- “The Republican establishment is going apo- ence, urging him to protect, not more freely, said. all delegates to earn the nomination. plectic with both Trump and Cruz,” Schmidt said. deport, those immigrants. WASHINGTON: Jeb Bush’s US presidential bid It has been distressing, the donor said, for Schmidt notes that Republicans in several “If Bush is able to get some momentum and get The White House did not sig- is boiling down to early voting New Hampshire, Bush “to see someone like Trump rewarded for large states like New York, Illinois, Ohio, Wis- his act together, he could go long.” That change nal a willingness to back off. “We some associates say, while others envision his so many intolerant, outrageous, false statements consin and Pennsylvania, which vote in March in dynamic could take several weeks to coa- are of course aware of these con- protracted battle for the Republican nomina- that he says all the time.” and April, and California and New Jersey in June, lesce, said Schmidt, stressing that Bush’s large cerns, but the enforcement strategy tion stretching deep into the spring. With Bush running sixth out of 12 Republi- are more moderate and less likely to support war chest would prove crucial down the road. and priorities that the administra- Either way, supporters and analysts agree it cans, averaging 3.3 percent in polls, his campaign tion has articulated are not going will be difficult for Bush, a former Florida gov- reportedly has now cancelled television ads in to change,” White House spokes- ernor and son and brother of two presidents, to Iowa which votes on February 1. Instead he rede- man Joshua Earnest told reporters. emerge as the nominee given American conserv- ployed many staffers to New Hampshire to blanket Hispanic Caucus head Linda atives’ current appetite for anti-establishment the state until the February 8 primary, members Sanchez described women being candidates and the roiling ethno-nationalism of his state leadership team said. “I’ve now come raped and murdered, buses being of erratic frontrunner Donald Trump. to a recognition that New Hampshire is proba- set ablaze and gangs controlling Bush launched his campaign as the prohibi- bly do or die for Jeb,” the donor said. the streets of El Salvador, Guate- tive favourite, his main hurdle being overcoming “I never would have thought that,” he added. mala and Honduras. foreign policies of his presidential brother George “But he has put so many resources into New “Deporting these refugees W Bush. Jeb’s team, and a supporting SuperPAC, Hampshire, it’s like he’s pushing all the chips essentially means that we’re sending a fundraising entity allowed to raise an unlim- into the centre of the table.” them back to their home countries ited amount of money, raked in a stratospheric Bush is not alone. Fellow establishment can- to face possible death,” she said. $100m in early months. didates like New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Several House Democratic Today, his poll numbers are in single digits and and Ohio Governor John Kasich are crowding in lawmakers on Thursday met with other campaigns appear to count him out. He is for town-hall events as they make their stands administration officials to register mocked relentlessly by Trump, who tweeted on in the all-important Granite State. their anger over the policy. Friday that new figures showing his rival’s poor favo- “It certainly doesn’t look wonderful for Jeb Sanchez told reporters they left rability were “not good news for Jeb Bush.” Despite Bush,” observed Steffen Schmidt, an Iowa State the meeting not knowing whether his command of the issues Bush has appeared stiff University professor who has analyzed presiden- DHS agents will continue target- and frustrated at Republican debates. tial races for 40 years. “When you were supposed ing Central American families for Republican 2016 candidates Ben Carson (second right), New Jersey Governor Chris In private, according to one major donor and to be the establishment guy and now you’re lan- deportation. They have asked to acquaintance, Bush has expressed exaspera- guishing at the bottom of the polls with Mike Christie (right) and former Florida governor Jeb Bush (centre) pose with hosts House meet in person with Obama. tion at the state of the race, and how a bullying Huckabee and a bunch of other losers, it’s tough.” Speaker Paul Ryan (second left) and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott (left) during the DHS has confirmed authorities tycoon with a tenuous grasp of foreign policy And yet Schmidt insisted a long-term path Kemp Forum on Expanding Opportunity sponsored by Opportunity Lives in Columbia, took 121 people into custody over has commandeered the primaries. exists for Bush beyond Iowa and New Hampshire, South Carolina, yesterday. the weekend. 18 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 AMERICAS

US ramps up California braces for more storms war on IS propaganda

Department will cut back its direct efforts at countering propaganda by The immediate move violent extremist groups, in what was the formation appeared to be an admission that they haven’t worked. of a new unit, the Instead, the emphasis will be on Countering Violent supporting international partners of the United States — both governmen- Extremism Task tal and non-governmental — in their Force programs to neutralize such groups’ promotional activities. As that was being announced, White House top security officials AFP were to meet leading Internet com- panies in Silicon Valley in an effort to build cooperation with them. High on the agenda will be how WASHINGTON: The White House to make it harder for terror groups to intensified efforts to fight propaganda use the Internet to recruit supporters and recruitment by extremist groups and prevent them using technologies such as the Islamic State, announcing like encryption to mask their activ- a new task force and pressing Silicon ities, according to the agenda of the Valley to help out. San Jose meeting. The renewed push comes in Underscoring the high impor- response to frustration that the IS tance of the meeting, President group has managed to lure and recruit Barack Obama’s Chief of Staff Denis A surfer enters the water at El Porto Beach as big waves from El Nino storm continue to affect Los Angeles, California. Drought-affected followers in Europe and the United McDonough will lead the delegation States to launch deadly attacks with- from Washington. California is bracing for more El Nino storm weather over the next three months. out detection by intelligence services. The group will also include Attor- It also comes amid greater ney General Loretta Lynch, Director of awareness that the recruitment National Intelligence James Clapper, and operational planning by vio- the directors of the National Security lent extremists is making use of the Agency and the Federal Bureau of Internet and other electronic com- Investigation, according to the agenda. Massive California gas leak provokes anger munications in ways that can avoid From the tech industry, top execu- detection by intelligence. tives from Apple, Facebook, LinkedIn, Added to that is a frustration that Dropbox, Microsoft, Twitter, and US efforts to counter the Islamic State YouTube were expected to attend. AFP feeling groggy, tired.” The leak was gas to help detect leaks. “I have been being shuttled to other districts. group and Al Qaeda propaganda over The talks come amid mounting detected on October 23 in an under- getting nausea and headaches,” said Meanwhile, some 1,000 people the Internet have shown poor results. frustration in Washington that the ground natural gas well at the Southern Linda Noel, 50, as she waited outside have joined a class-action suit against “The horrific attacks in Paris and Islamic State group, Al Qaeda and California Gas Company’s (SoCalGas) a centre set up by the gas company SoCalGas, many encouraged by well- San Bernardino this winter under- other groups have been able to use LOS ANGELES: For several weeks, Aliso Canyon site—one of the larg- to assist area residents. “Everyone in known environmental activist Erin scored the need for the United States publicly available technology to build Sam Mongeau’s three-year-old daugh- est gas facilities in the United States. the family has been to the doctor or to Brockovich, who works for a legal and our partners in the international their influence and hide their activi- ter Bella has had a lingering cough, The well sits about 8,700 feet urgent care. “All I want is to get out of firm and who has held several town community and the private sector to ties from even the most advanced US while other members of his family underground, and the leak is thought here and get some fresh air.” meetings with residents. Brockovich’s deny violent extremists like ISIL fertile intelligence operations. have experienced nose bleeds, head- to come from a broken pipe about 500 Suna Najar, 46, said she has been story of taking on corporate America recruitment ground,” said National Without any hint it was coming, aches and fatigue. feet below the surface. getting rashes on her neck and face, and was made into a movie in 2000 that Security Council spokesman Ned on December 2 a married couple sym- Mongeau, 40, blames it all on a Repeated efforts to stop the leak her 12-year-old daughter regularly has earned Julia Roberts an Oscar. Price, using another acronym for pathetic to the Islamic State group massive gas leak near his home in by pumping liquid and mud down the nose bleeds. “We are four in the fam- The gas company and health the IS group. slaughtered 14 people and injured 22 Porter Ranch, a sleepy middle-class well have failed, and the gas company ily and they are offering to relocate us officials say the gas leaking from the The immediate move was the for- others in an attack with automatic community northwest of Los Ange- is now drilling a relief well to intercept to one hotel room,” she said. “You feel facility poses not health risk. Experts mation of a new unit, the Countering weapons on a holiday office party in les, where a state of emergency was and plug the damaged well. like this is totally out of your control however say the environmental impact Violent Extremism Task Force, by the San Bernardino, California. declared by California’s governor ear- The operation is expected to take and that you’re at everyone’s mercy.” will be significant, as methane is a Department of Homeland Security Days afterward, Obama called lier this week. until late February or March. That time- More than 10,000 residents have so potent greenhouse gas. The leak is and the Justice Department, to coor- on “high-tech and law-enforcement “Everyone’s been getting sick,” line is not soon enough for the area’s far been relocated by the gas company spewing about 1,000 tons of meth- dinate their efforts to fight extremism leaders to make it harder for ter- Mongeau, a sales manager at an area 30,000 residents, many of whom say and hundreds more have asked to be ane a day, experts say, the equivalent domestically. rorists to use technology to escape auto dealership, said. “It’s almost like they are getting sick from the rotten- moved. Two local elementary schools to pollution produced daily by 4.5 mil- At the same time, the State from justice”. you wake up every day from anesthesia, egg smell of the odorant put into the have shut down, and the students are lion cars. Powerball jackpot surges to record $900m Militia groups meet with Oregon occupation leaders Reuters

Reuters it does not support the occupation, a NEW YORK: Millions of Americans position leader Brandon Rapolla reit- anxiously awaited the drawing in the erated during the meeting. multi-state Powerball lottery hoping Bundy thanked Rapolla and to win a jackpot that has climbed to BURNS: Members of self-styled militia handed him a small roll of bills, which a record $900m and could top $1bn groups met late on Friday with armed he said came from donations. before the frenzy to buy tickets ends, protesters occupying a federal wildlife “We’re friends, but we’re oper- officials said. refuge in Oregon, pledging support ating separately,” Rapolla, a former The grand prize for Powerball, for their cause, if not their methods, Marine who helped defend the Bun- played in 44 states, Washington, and and offering to act as a peace-keep- dys in 2014 in their standoff with the two US territories, is worth $558m if ing force in the week-long standoff US government at their Nevada ranch, a winner chooses an immediate cash over land rights. said. The militia members are not payout instead of annual payments During the 30-minute meeting at joining the occupation, but are sleep- over 29 years, California lottery offi- the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, ing in their vehicles or in hotels in cials said in a statement. a leader of the occupation, Ammon Burns, he said. The prize, which rises with every Bundy, told about a dozen representa- Rapolla said he had also taken drawing that generates a winning series tives of such groups as Pacific Patriots sausage McMuffins to FBI agents of numbers that no ticket buyer holds, Network, Oath Keepers and III% that who are stationed at nearby Burns now ranks as the largest jackpot for he had no immediate plans to aban- Municipal Airport to monitor the any lottery in North American his- don the siege. occupation and had coffee with tory. With almost unimaginable riches “I was asked to do this by the Lord,” deputies from the county sheriff’s at stake, many Americans who nor- said Bundy, a Mormon, as some of the office on Thursday. mally shun lotteries have joined the militia members nodded in under- The meetings were friendly, he long lines of people buying tickets at standing. “I did it how he told me to said, and he told them that they were retail stores across the country. do it.” Earlier, the Pacific Patriots there to make neither side escalates Dony Elias, 26, an attendant at Network called on its members to the dispute. “That’s really the point A customer shows his tickets for the multi-state Powerball lottery jackpot, the largest in US history, at a Stardust store in Los Angeles, said establish a safety perimeter around of militias: it’s community involve- 300 customers picked up tickets for convenience store in Madison, Georgia, USA. the refuge in remote southeastern ment,” Rapolla said. Powerball last night at his store. Elias Oregon to prevent a “Waco-style sit- Some two dozen armed protesters admitted to buying a ticket for him- spokesman Mike Bond. Excitement Or to put it another way, the odds the stage for this latest drawing just uation” from unfolding. have occupied the headquarters of self, something he said he had never swirled among ticket buyers despite are equivalent to flipping a coin 28 before 11pm Eastern time yesterday. In 1993 federal agents laid siege the refuge since last Saturday, mark- done before. what some statisticians call mind- times and getting heads every time, he If no one wins again, the jackpot to a compound in Waco, Texas, being ing the latest incident in the so-called And like many other players, he has boggling odds for the Powerball game said. “It doesn’t sound so bad ... but you will likely rise to an estimated $1.3bn by held by the Branch Davidians religious Sagebrush Rebellion, a decades-old already given some thought to what he — one in 292 million. would be at it for an eternity,” Miec- Wednesday, the next scheduled draw- sect for 51 days before the standoff conflict over federal control of land would do with the cash. “I would take Jeffrey Miecznikowski, associate znikowski said. November was the last ing, Bond said. It may cross the $1bn ended in a gun battle and fire. Four and resources in the U.S. West. a trip to the moon,” he said. professor of biostatistics at the Uni- time a jackpot winner emerged from threshold soon, he said. federal agents and more than 80 The move followed a demonstra- California, the nation’s most versity at Buffalo, said in an email an Powerball, which is run by the Multi- The previous record North Ameri- members of the group died, includ- tion in support of two local ranchers, populous state, normally sees Pow- American is roughly 25 times more State Lottery Association. can jackpot payout for any lottery game ing 23 children. Dwight Hammond Jr. and his son Ste- erball sales of $1m a day, but yesterday likely to become the next president In the previous drawing on was in March 2012, when $656m was The Pacific Patriots Network has ven, who were returned to prison morning sales were a head-spinning of the United States than to win at Wednesday night, the jackpot stood won in the multi-state Mega Millions previously said that while it agrees earlier this week for setting fires $2.8m an hour, said California Lottery Powerball. at $500m and nobody won, setting draw. with Bundy’s land rights grievances, that spread to federal land.

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 16o C Maximum: 23o C

FAJR 05.00 am ZUHR 11.40 am MAGHRIB 05.01 pm HIGH TIDE 05:30 - 16:15 Partly cloudy with chance of scattered rain at SHOROOK 06.21 am ASR 02.39 pm ISHA 06.31 pm LOW TIDE 12:45 - 22:30 places at first, relatively cold by night.

20 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 MORNING BREAK ONLINE CHART BUST Woman completes epic flight www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

AFP MOST READ

Traffic department announces 50% SYDNEY: Adventurer Tracey Curtis- 1 discount for old traffic fines Taylor yesterday completed her epic flight from Britain to Australia, land- Facing US storm, VW set for easier ing her vintage, open-cockpit 1942 2 ride in Europe on emissions scandal Boeing Stearman in Sydney. She acted jovial after finishing the Colour Run kicks off at QNCC final leg of the three-month journey 3 which saw her contend with some treacherous weather in the air and logistical obstacles on the ground. Modelled after pioneering aviator TWEET OF THE DAY Amy Johnson’s historic 1930 solo flight from England to Australia, Curtis-Tay- lor said her journey was a homage to female pilots of the past. She said flying the open cockpit biplane had given her an “insight into something of what she (Johnson) went through getting here”. “The flying has been sensational and that’s why you do it,” she told reporters at Sydney airport shortly after her arrival. “To fly something like this, low level, halfway around the world seeing all the most iconic landscapes, geol- ogy, vegetation... it’s just the best view in the world. It’s the best adventure in British aviator Tracey Curtis-Taylor pilots her biplane past Australia’s Uluru rock formation during her historic the world.” England-to-Australia journey. Curtis-Taylor, who flew from Cape Town to Goodwood, England in 2013, Istanbul and Amman before she headed some bad weather, mostly in east- range, many of her obstacles were not took off from Farnborough on Octo- to Pakistan and India and on to Myan- ern Europe, as she flew the stick and related to flying. ber 1, with a flight path over Europe, mar, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. rudder airplane with basic period “I’ve lost my rag several times the Middle East and Asia. She crossed the Timor Sea to Aus- instruments. dealing with people on the ground,” The route of nearly 21,000km tralia this month. But as the journey involved fre- she said, adding that she spent seven saw her stop in places such as Vienna, Curtis-Taylor said she struck quent stops because of the plane’s short hours trying to get fuel at one airport.

INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY Awards season kicks off with Golden Globes

AFP Oscars glory has been hit-and-miss, described as Hollywood’s biggest party “Some years there are movies many see the Globes as a pretty strong of the year will be British comedian like ‘Titanic’ that just seem to have a indicator of films and actors destined Ricky Gervais, who has used previ- momentum and everybody seems to for an Academy Award on February 28. ous appearances on the show to dish like them,” said Timothy Gray, awards LOS ANGELES: Hollywood’s biggest “It’s an uncanny crystal ball,” said out politically-incorrect and sting- editor for trade magazine Variety. stars turn out today for the Golden Tom O’Neil, founder of awards tracker ing jokes. “But this year there is genuine The Color Globes, which kick off the industry’s GoldDerby.com. “The Globes histor- The field is wide open this year as suspense.”Leading the pack of films Run at QNCC. awards season this year with a show ically has predicted 75 percent of the to who will walk away with a Golden vying for top honours is “Spotlight,” Pic: Abdul that promises suspense and cheeky Oscars. Globe, awarded by members of the which tells the story of Boston Globe Basit humour. “So it’s considered your audition for Hollywood Foreign Press Associa- journalists who uncovered abuse in While their record in predicting the Oscar.” Returning to host what is tion at a gala dinner in Beverly Hills. the Catholic Church.

Armed man Vietnam Bike deluge plotted to army probes kidnap Obama’s mysterious dog: Reports

‘space balls’ AFP

WASHINGTON: A heavily armed AFP man claiming to be Jesus allegedly plotted to kidnap one of the Obama family’s dogs and has been arrested, US media and officials said. HANOI: Vietnam’s military is investigating the appear- Scott Stockert, 49, was arrested ance of three mysterious metal balls — believed to be at a Washington hotel on Wednesday debris from space — which landed in the country’s remote after Secret Service agents found north, a senior army official has said. unregistered firearms in his truck, Two metal balls were discovered in northwestern together with hundreds of rounds Yen Bai province on January 2, army spokesman Lieu- of ammunition, a machete and a tenant General Vo Van Tuan told AFP. club, NBC Washington said, citing Later a larger ball weighing some 45 kilogrammes authorities in the US capital. landed in a maize field in neighbouring Tuyen Quang Agents went to the hotel after province, he said. getting a “be on the lookout” alert “We are still identifying where they came from,” he from the Secret Service’s Minne- said, adding the army had determined they did not con- sota field office about the alleged tain explosives or hazardous material. kidnapping plan, NBC said. The metal balls fell from the sky, he said, scaring It quoted the Secret Service as local residents. saying that Stockert, from North “Before and after these objects were discovered, Dakota, allegedly planned to take the Vietnamese army was not conducting any military Bo, one of the two Portuguese water activity in the region,” Tuan said. dogs owned by President Barack Witnesses told state-run media that they heard what Obama and the first family. sounded like thunder before the balls plunged to the earth. Court documents show that The Ministry of Defence has pledged to release the Stockert was released on Friday findings of the probe. Thanh Nien newspaper said that the to a “high-intensity supervision initial investigation suggested the objects could have been programme” and ordered not to made in Russia and come from missiles or spaceships. possess any firearms or other dan- Nguyen Khoa Son, a professor from the Vietnamese gerous weapons, either real or Space Science and Technology Program, told the Viet- imitation. namNet news site that the balls might be the result of a He was charged with posses- failed satellite launch. sion of an unregistered firearm and He said the balls did not appear to be damaged and ordered to stay away from the White could have fallen from an altitude of less than 100 kilo- House and the Capitol. metres. In November, three mysterious objects also fell As well as claiming to be Jesus, People ride bicycles along an embankment of the Moskva river in front of the Kremlin during the winter bicycle parade from the sky onto Spain’s southeast. Stockert told agents that his parents According to NASA, more than 500,000 pieces of in Moscow, Russia, yesterday. Five-thousand riders attended the first winter bicycle parade with temperatures dipping were John F Kennedy and Mari- debris are currently orbiting Earth, and bits of space to minus 12 degrees Celsius in the Russian capital. lyn Monroe, NBC said, citing court junk plummet to the planet every year. papers. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

PAGE | 22 QE 9,767.22 -303.67 PTS PAGE | 23 FCA denies DOW 16,346.45 -167.65 PTS Honda aims at brand ‘going soft’ on FTSE100 5,912.44 -41.64 PTS survival and China banks. BRENT $33.55 -$0.20 revival with Acura.

SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 • 30 Rabia I 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

GCC equity market shed $200bn in 2015 market cap

The correction followed three years NBK’s ‘GCC equity market’ update said. with stock market liquidity remaining to its bylaws late in the year, a step of solid performance. While regional While GCC government have below historic averages and equities generally seen as a positive for the Liquidity bound to markets fared worse than their inter- expressed their commitment to sup- trading well below book value, sev- market. move away from national counterparts, equities in port growth in the non-oil sector by eral companies listed on the Kuwait All the GCC markets ended the general were thrashed in 2015. Total sticking to their current develop- Stock Exchange requested to delist, year in red. Saudi Arabia and Dubai equities as banks GCC market capitalization stood at ment spending plans and maintaining though the companies in question were the worst performers, down 17 focus on fixed income $904bn at year end, after shedding large deficits in the medium term, were all relatively small and had lit- percent each. $200bn during 2015. a prolonged period of low oil prices tle impact on market capitalisation. Despite a stellar performance Oil prices and GCC equities have could force governments to reduce The GCC, though, saw some pos- earlier in the year, on the back of moved largely in tandem since oil capital spending and benefits, and itive events. But these were largely the decision to open up the market By Satish Kanady prices started retreating in the sec- could put pressure on liquidity. The overshadowed by volatility. In June to foreign investors, Saudi equi- The Peninsula ond half of 2014. The relationship has issuance by the Saudi government 2015, Saudi Arabia opened up the ties were weighed down by further been far from symmetrical, with cor- of $28bn in bonds in 2015 to finance market to direct foreign equity decline in oil prices. Dubai, with a relations increasing notably whenever the fiscal deficit. ownership, though only to quali- larger foreign investor base, is typi- compliant perpetual and other bonds, and sov- oil prices took a dive. With the excep- Markets in the region continued to fied investors. Qatar also benefited cally more exposed to international ereigns also turning to capital markets to help DOHA: GCC equities underperformed tion of the large petrochemical sector be pressured by a number of domes- from increased foreign investor inter- factors, including oil prices. Qatar, finance their deficits, some liquidity is bound most international peers with the in the Saudi stock market, GCC equi- tic and market specific factors. In est with the upgrading in late Q3, 15 Oman and Bahrain were each down to be directed away from equities. Also, with MSCI GCC total return index retreat- ties have little direct exposure to oil the UAE, worries about an imminent of the equity market to “Emerging 15 percent in 2015. regional rates now starting to rise following ing 15 percent during the year, its prices, though or course oil depend- correction in property markets con- Market” status by FTSE. In Kuwait, With banks now turning to fixed the first Fed hike late December, fixed-income weakest performance since 2008. ence pervades the GCC economies, tinued to make headlines. In Kuwait, the CMA issued the final amendments income markets to issue Basel III assets are getting more attractive. 22 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS JPMorgan and QNB and Bedaya to support career plans HSBC in lead to The Peninsula

DOHA: QNB announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding win Aramco IPO with Bedaya Centre for Entrepreneur- ship and Career Development to train 100 Qatari students across the Bank’s divisions. or a sale of a stake in some of its sub- Under the terms of this MoU, QNB sidiaries. With relatively opaque Group’s Learning and Development Aramco will also operations, the company could fetch Department will collaborate with likely appoint some a value of anywhere from $1 trillion Bedaya by training up to 100 stu- of its key local to $10 trillion, potentially making it dents per year in different divisions the most valuable company in the of the Bank, where they will learn and lenders from the world, said Jason Tuvey, an econo- develop working skills required in the kingdom for the IPO mist at researcher Capital Economics, Bank’s various departments. QNB’s in a note. employees will share their success The company is likely to choose stories, offering exciting incentive and banks that have helped arrange its inspiration to these youth. Bloomberg loans and other local deals in the past, Commenting on the signing of putting firms with less experience in the MoU, Nada Al Ansari, Executive the country — such as Goldman Sachs Manager – Centres of Excellence, said: Group Inc and Morgan Stanley — at “Bedaya Centre is one of our major Nada Al Ansari, Executive Manager – Centres of Excellence, and Reem Al Suwaidi, General Manager – Bedaya LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s potential a potential disadvantage. partners in the private sector, and we initial public offering of its state oil Representatives for JPMorgan, are pleased to have this fruitful part- Centre, at the signing ceremony. company could be the largest ever, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs and nership which comes in the interest of a juicy target for any ambitious Wall Morgan Stanley declined to comment. Qatari youth as well as the two sides, as She added: “We will also participate QNB is always keen on support- The Centre has a mission to place Street bank. In a country tradition- Representatives for HSBC didn’t imme- it will train national cadres and allow in training graduates on the banking ing Qatari youth, who are a crucial Qatar’s youth potential into suitable ally cold to outsiders, only a few have diately comment. us to benefit from the skills of the expe- business skills as part of this gradu- part of the Group’s robust CSR strat- careers and transform their ideas into the experience to win it. HSBC and JPMorgan are the only rienced ones in order to develop and ate training programme, and we will egy, helping them develop their skills sustainable businesses. JPMorgan Chase & Co and HSBC two foreign lenders ranked among motivate an entire generation.” choose the best elements to join QNB and assisting them in making the right QNB Group’s presence through its Holdings Plc are among international the top 10 IPO advisers in the king- Reem Al Suwaidi, General Manager Group.” Al Suwaidi also pointed out career decisions on their professional subsidiaries and associate compa- lenders in the best position to win a dom in the last decade, at 2nd and – Bedaya Centre, said: “We, at Bedaya that the MoU has all the requirement- journey. Bedaya Centre for Entrepre- nies extends to more than 27 countries role if the kingdom goes ahead with an 4th position respectively. Centre, are aspiring to invest in this sof a fruitful partnership in terms of neurship and Career Development, across three continents providing a IPO of Saudi Arabian Oil Co, or Ara- Investment banks like Goldman new cooperation relationship with QNB stimulating professional development one of QNB’s major partners from the comprehensive range of advanced mco, people familiar with the matter Sachs and Morgan Stanley, which lead in its efforts to develop young people in the financial sector. private sector, is a non-profit organ- products and services. The total number said. The two banks — whose presence the charts globally during the same in all fields, by training 100 students The training, which targets both isation established as a joint venture ofemployees is more than 15,000 oper- in the kingdom goes back decades — period, have not been as active in and graduates in various divisions of fresh graduates and current students, between Qatar Development Bank and ating through more than 635 locations, helped arrange a $10bn loan for the Saudi Arabia, where the markets have the Bank, and helping them identify will also engage the trainees in pro- Silatech Qatar that provides career with an ATM network of more than company last year. been largely closed to international the job market’s requirements.” grams dedicated to new recruits. assistance services to youth in Qatar. 1,350 machines. Deutsche Bank AG, which advised investors. Aramco on its $3bn joint venture with HSBC was the sole international Lanxess AG in September, may also be adviser on the $6bn IPO of National a favourite to be hired for a role, the Commercial Bank in 2014, the Middle people said. Aramco will also likely East’s largest ever listing. The bank Gmail creator becomes head of Y Spotify hit by appoint some of its key local lend- was also an adviser when Aramco ers from the kingdom for the IPO. No floated a subsidiary called Rabigh mandates have been awarded yet and Refining & Petrochemical Co in the new $200m Aramco hasn’t sent out requests seek- local stock market in 2008. JPMor- Combinator’s tech startup incubator ing advisory roles, they said. gan was the sole international adviser Aramco said on Friday it’s consid- on the $2.5bn IPO of Saudi Arabian copyright suit ering an IPO of part of the business Mining Co in 2008. Bloomberg programmes. Ali Rowghani, the former Pixar and Twitter executive, will con- LOS ANGELES: Streaming leader tinue to run the Continuity investment Spotify has been hit by a new cop- SAN FRANCISCO: Y Combinator, Sil- fund. yright lawsuit seeking $200m, in GM Europe operations icon Valley’s largest startup factory, Founded in 2005, Y Combinator the second such case within weeks. is rejiggering responsibilities at the said it’s backed more than 800 com- The lawsuits, each filed by indi- executive level and adding more staff. panies that have a combined valuation vidual artists in a US federal court Paul Buchheit (pictured), the cre- of $30bn. The accelerator programme in Los Angeles, ask a judge to create still loss-making in 2015 ator of Gmail and of Google’s onetime invests about $120,000 in each of the a class-action suit in which other slogan “Don’t be evil,” replaces Sam 85 or so startups it accepts twice a year. alleged victims can collectively Altman as managing partner of Y Com- Willett Advisors, the investment seek damages. BERLIN: The European division of General Motors was still loss-making binator’s main accelerator programme, arm for the personal and philanthropic The latest lawsuit was filed on in 2015, but hopes to return to profit this year, the division’s chief executive which helped launch companies assets of Michael R Bloomberg, the Friday by Melissa Ferrick, the Massa- told a German magazine. General Motors had previously set a target for its including Airbnb, Dropbox, Reddit, founder of Bloomberg LP, is an inves- chusetts-based indie folk singer who European operations, which comprise the Opel and Vauxhall brands, to and Stripe. tor in Y Combinator startups. teaches at the prestigious Berklee return to profitability “by 2016”. The last time GM made an annual net profit Altman, who took over as Y Com- company’s research group until hir- Although the accelerator’s mem- College of Music and rose to prom- in Europe was in 1999. binator president from founder Paul ing a full-time manager for that team. bership is comprised mostly of software inence as Morrissey’s last-minute “The turnaround is hard. But we still want to reach the break-even in Graham in February 2014, revealed He plans to also split his time work- companies, Y Combinator began for- opening act on his 1991 tour. 2016,” Opel chief executive Karl-Thomas Neumann told Auto Bild. Losses the changes in a blog post. ing on the incubator, as well as the YC mally wooing hardware and biotech Ferrick accused Spotify, which in Europe have been widening in recent monthsdue to lost sales in Russia. He said he would now run the Continuity and Fellowship investment startups last year. boasts of providing a massive selec- tion of on-demand music, of failing to inform copyright owners when it created phonorecords, the files used to provide the instant music online. French ministers at Apple’s headquarters Ferrick charged that the Swed- FCA denies ‘going ish company, not wanting to delay its growth including its US launch in 2011, took “a now familiar strat- egy for many digital music services — infringe now, apologise later.” soft’ on banks “Spotify chose expediency over licences. Thus, while Spotify has profited handsomely from the music that its sells to its subscribers, the Reuters owners of that music (in particular, songwriters and their music pub- lishers) have not been able to share in that success because Spotify is LONDON: The acting head of Britain’s using their music for free,” the law- main financial regulator has denied suit said. Ferrick said that her songs softening her stance, after her deci- have been streamed or temporar- sion last month to drop a wide-ranging ily downloaded one million times review into banks’ behaviour sparked in the past three years over Spot- concerns about political interference. ify but said the company did not Antipathy to banks has surged licence them as required. since some were bailed out with pub- Ferrick’s lawsuit sought at least lic money after the 2008 credit crisis. $200m on behalf of copyright hold- Since then global and local scandals ers from Spotify, a private company including the rigging of currency rates which says it has more than 75 mil- and interest rate benchmarks have Declining to reappoint Wheat- lion users and has been valued at led to multi-million pound fines for ley, Finance Minister George Osborne $8bn. Spotify was hit in late Decem- Segolene Royal, French Minister of Ecology (right), and Emmanuel Macron (left), Minister of the Economy, banks including Barclays and HSBC. (pictured) called last year for a “new ber by another lawsuit seeking a at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California. Tracey McDermott, who has stood settlement” with banks as HSBC class-action suit filed by David Low- in as chief executive of the Financial decides whether to move its head ery, the leader of alternative rock Conduct Authority since regulatory office from Britain. bands Cracker and Camper Van hardliner Martin Wheatley quit pre- The BBC also reported that McDer- Beethoven who is also an academic. maturely in July, told the BBC that mott was considering reversing a Lowery, whose lawsuit sought her decision to scrap a review into 2013 ban on banks paying commis- at least $150m, also accused Spot- Apple registers auto domain names the banking industry’s culture was sion to staff who sell extra products ify of failing to seek permission for not a sign of weakness. to their retail customers. Many bank copying or distributing songs. “We’re not going soft on the banks, customers have won compensation His lawsuit had a slightly differ- Reuters The iPhone maker registered CarPlay, which lets drivers access con- we’re not being told what to do by after claiming they had been sold ent argument, accusing Spotify of the domain names, which include tacts on their iPhones, make calls or the government,” McDermott said. unnecessary insurance and other ignoring mechanical rights -- the apple.car, apple.cars and apple.auto listen to voicemails without taking “If you look at what I’ve been doing products. permission to reproduce copy- in December, according to domain their hands off the steering wheel. in the last six months since I’ve been Osborne is expected to announce righted material. In response to NEW YORK: Apple Inc has registered information provider Who.is. While never openly acknowledg- in the role as chief executive, you’ll see a permanent successor to Wheatley Lowery’s lawsuit, Spotify said it domain names related to automobiles, MacRumors had first reported the ing plans to build a car, Apple has been that we have continued to take action in the next few weeks, and on Thurs- was trying to compensate every adding to speculation about the com- news on Friday, but said the domain aggressive in recruiting auto experts against the industry,” she added, citing day he said McDermott had decided rights holder but that data was often pany’s plans to develop an automobile. names could be related to Apple’s from various companies. a £72m fine for Barclays in December. she did not wish to take the role. missing. BUSINESS SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 23 Oil prices likely to average $44 in 2016: QNB

are notoriously hard to predict. The markets produce once they are lifted? Fourth, will the Under this scenario, the excess supply in Bullish scenario could lead have been over-supplied since the beginning rest of Opec continue producing at current the market is likely to be reduced to 0.8m b/d. of 2014. Low prices are encouraging higher levels or will geopolitical factors disrupt their Based on the historical relationship between to prices averaging $50/b energy consumption and also pushing high- production? changes in excess supply and oil prices, we cost suppliers out of the market. “Under our To assess how these questions will impact expect oil prices to average $44/b in 2016,down baseline view of continued demand growth, oil prices, QNB considers three scenarios. Each from an average of $54/b in 2015. US supply cuts, higher Iranian exports and scenario gives a combination of views on the The bearish scenario assumes a more sub- The Peninsula sustained production from the rest of Opec, four questions. Under the baseline, QNB fore- dued demand growth of around 0.9m b/d, we expect the Brent crude oil price to aver- casts oil demand to rise by 1.2m b/d in 2016, in equivalent to that of 2014. Under this scenario, age $44/b in 2016,” it said. line with the International Energy Agency (IEA). the market imbalances will widen and excess Oil markets are currently over-supplied QNB also assume that US shale oil pro- supply will increase to 2.2m b/d. As a result, oil DOHA: Oil prices are expected to average $44 by around 1.6m barrels b/d. Four questions duction will be reduced by 0.4m b/d as some prices are expected to average $36/b in 2016, a per barrel in 2016. A more bearish scenario, in are likely to determine how this excess supply high-cost producers are driven out of the mar- decline of nearly a third compared to the 2015 which demand growth is more subdued than the will be cleared and therefore shape oil markets ket. “Consistent with the IEA, we assume a average price. The bullish scenario stipulates baseline while supply growth is more robust, in 2016. First, will the strong demand growth gradual ramp up in Iranian oil production, with that the strong 2015 demand growth of 1.6m will result in oil prices averaging $36/b. A bull- persist into 2016? Second, how will the high- Iran ultimately adding 0.6m b/d to global oil b/d will persist into 2016. US supply is assumed ish scenario could lead to oil prices averaging cost US shale producers respond to low prices supply by June 2016. Finally, we stipulate that to be cut by a more-than-expected 0.6m b/d. $50/b, QNB said in a research note yesterday. which are making some of their businesses that Opec’s crude oil production — excluding Iran is assumed to add only 0.3m b/d by As this starts to work out the large inventories The banking major’s analysts noted recent unviable? Third, when will the sanctions on the additional Iranian supply — will be main- end-2016. The market will rebalance in 2016 built up over the last couple of years, oil prices turmoil in the oil market is evidence that they Iran be lifted and how much more oil can Iran tained at current levels of 31.7m b/d,” QNB said. with demand outgrowing supply by 0.3m b/d. will average $50/b in 2016. Malabar Gold opens 144th outlet Italgas and 2i Rete The Peninsula Gas likely to merge

DOHA: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Reuters Gas since the board of Italgas parent the leading jewellery retailer, Snam, including long-standing CEO launched its 144th outlet globally Carlo Malacarne, is up for renewal, and eighth outlet in Abu Dhabi. two sources said, adding that advisers Lulu Group Chairman Yusuff Ali MILAN/LONDON: Italian state lender for a deal have yet to be appointed. MA inaugurated the showroom in CDP is considering whether to merge Snam, which is controlled by CDP the presence of Dr P A Ibrahim Haji, Italy’s two top gas distributors with through a vehicle that also includes co-chairman, Malabar Group, Sham- joint assets of roughly €8bn as the State Grid Corporation of China, is due lalAhamed MP Managing Director sector gears up for major reform, four to nominate a board in April. On Fri- - International Operations, Mala- people familiar with the matter said. day, Snam strengthened its managerial bar Gold & Diamonds, Mohammed CDP (Cassa Depositi e Prestiti) structure by appointing Marco Alvera Korath – Chairman & Managing controls Italy’s biggest gas distribu- as its first Chief Operating Officer Director, KM Trading, other direc- tor Italgas through gas grid operator effective January 15. tors, dignitaries, invited guests and Snam. CDP is also a shareholder of Alvera, a former gas manager at well-wishers. This showroom located infrastructure fund F2i which bought Eni, will report to Malacarne and will at Al Wahda Mall, the iconic land- Lulu Group Chairman Yusuff Ali MA along with Malabar Group officials and other well-wishers at the into No. 2 player 2i Rete Gas in 2009 oversee the growth on the natural mark and shopping destination of inauguration of the showroom at Al Wahda Mall, the iconic landmark and shopping destination of Abu and now holds 72 percent. gas market. Abu Dhabi. Dhabi. “These are early stage discussions Italy’s gas distribution sector is but the idea is on the table,” said one highly fragmented with more than source, cautioning that no deal was 200 companies working across almost certain and talks could still fall apart. 7,000 concession areas serving more CDP and F2i declined to comment. than 20 million clients. But new rules A second source said the merger cutting concession areas to just 177 are of Italgas and 2i Rete Gas was CDP’s expected to streamline the industry Canadian Oil Sands may reject Suncor bid favourite plan but other options, to make it more efficient and cut bills. including a stock market listing Crucially, bidders who win a ten- of Italgas, were being considered der in a new area where they do not Bloomberg one of the people. It is unclear whether would be better served owning Sun- shareholders, including resource because of the risk a merger might have full control of the distribution Suncor will extend the offer. The final cor shares. investor Seymour Schulich and Bur- not be approved on antitrust grounds. assets will need to compensate other totals have yet to be tallied and the Suncor planned to increase its gundy Asset Management Ltd, said A combination of Italgas and 2i grid owners and operators, a condi- outcome could still change as more stake in the Syncrude Canada bitu- Canadian Oil Sands is worth more. Rete Gas, which together had reve- tion that will favour companies with TORONTO: Suncor Energy Inc failed to shares are tabulated, the person said. men mining operation to 49 percent Instead, Williams maintained that its nues of about €1.8bn in 2014, would strong balance sheets. “A tie-up makes win the two-thirds support it was seek- The takeover turned hostile in from 12 percent, making it the largest offer is “full and fair.” hold some 50 percent of the Italian gas sense since the business is going to ing from shareholders of Canadian Oil October after Suncor made its third shareholder. The company is work- West Texas Intermediate fell below market. CDP revamped its top man- need big investments in coming years Sands Ltd for a C$4.03bn ($2.84bn) bid bid for Canadian Oil Sands. Suncor’s ing to lower operating costs at its $34 a barrel on January 6. agement in July to get more closely and Rome needs to create national that management repeatedly rejected Chief Executive Officer Steve Williams oil-sands operations as the industry The battle has shaken up the coun- involved in government projects to champions in what is a strategic sec- for undervaluing the company, accord- approached Canadian Oil Sands’ CEO faces the lowest crude prices in a dec- try’s usually collegial oil patch. Kubik boost growth and upgrade infrastruc- tor,” a third source said. ing to two people familiar with the Ryan Kubik earlier in 2015 with two ade. The slump has cost more than has accused Suncor of trying to “scare” ture. Claudio Costamagna, a former Snam, which also runs nearly tender process. different offers. A war of words fol- 40,000 Canadian workers their jobs shareholders into a deal. senior Goldman Sachs banker, was all of Italy’s gas storage operations, Based on early returns, share- lowed, with Kubik arguing that his and halted expansion plans, jeopard- He said the company would be bet- appointed CDP’s chairman while Fabio is investing heavily in expanding its holders believed to represent less than company was better off independ- ising an estimated 1 million barrels a ter off remaining independent, even as Gallia, previously head of BNP Paribas European footprint in its core busi- half of the outstanding shares voted to ent, while Williams countered that day of potential supply. oil prices continue to tumble and his in Italy, became CDP’s chief executive. ness of gas transmission. Bankers accept the offer of 0.25 Suncor shares his forecast for the price of oil staying Suncor declined to increase efforts to find another bidder haven’t But CDP is in no rush to final- said it could benefit from reducing for each of Canadian Oil Sands’, said “lower for longer” meant shareholders or extend the offer even as some yielded results. ise a merger of Italgas and 2i Rete its distribution commitments. Honda aims for brand survival and China revival with Acura makeover

Reuters jointly-run plant with Guangzhou Auto- and “expresses performance through mobile Group. The new model will have design”. a “crisp, more expressive” style - the Honda’s leadership, already bat- result of four years of effort by Honda tling a crisis over potentially lethal air BEIJING: As part of a broader makeover, product planners and engineers - said bags made by supplier Takata Corp, is and even the survival, of its stalled lux- the two individuals, who asked not to aware that a failed makeover could ury Acura brand, Japan’s Honda Motor be named as they are not authorized render Acura a “Mercury of Honda,” Co will launch a new small crossover to speak to the media. one of the individuals said, referring sport utility vehicle this year in China A Beijing-based Honda spokes- to the entry-level luxury brand Ford to compete with BMW and Audi in the woman said the new Acura crossover Motor Co killed off in 2010 after years world’s biggest car market, two individ- SUV is being developed specially for of dwindling sales. uals closely involved in the effort said. China and demonstrates the compa- Part of the Acura identity issue Reviving Acura is one of the biggest ny’s commitment to that market. One is that there is little to differenti- challenges facing Takahiro Hachigo, of the knowledgeable individuals said ate between the upscale brand and who took over as Honda CEO last year. Acura’s China sales unit reckons it could mainstream Honda cars, with a The brand has struggled to carve out eventually sell about 30,000 of the quiet recognition inside Honda that a clear identity as a sporty, high-per- new crossover SUVs a year. Acura cars are in many cases merely Honda Motor Co President and Chief Executive Takahiro Hachigo speaks next to NSX in Tokyo. formance luxury label. But the new model’s significance “re-badged” Honda cars, the two indi- Since entering China a decade ago, goes beyond China, with the styling viduals said. Acura has struggled, selling just over of the China-only car highlighting the “Styling cues in Honda and Acura 4,000 cars last year compared with signature feature of a broader Acura cars have become more and more it stand out from Honda models. giving it a “more lively character and a The new sub-compact crosso- BMW’s 460,000 and Audi’s 554,000. makeover. While the under-wraps common,” said one of the knowl- “No more smiley face,” one of the spirited and engaged driver feel,” said ver will be loosely based on Honda’s And in the United States, where Acura China model is unlikely to be unveiled edgeable individuals. Some Honda two people said, referring to a com- one of the individuals, adding it was existing Vezel and HR-V SUVs that are debuted three decades ago, sales have before the Beijing autoshow in April, cars’ strong character lines, he said, mon perception of the Acura look. “If aimed at taking on rival BMW X1 and sold around the world. Acura is sold failed to top the 201,000 cars it sold as hints of the new Acura styling should are often quickly borrowed by Acura, you want to be a performance oriented Audi Q3 models. in only two major markets, China and far back as 2006, according to indus- be on show in Detroit on Tuesday. or the other way around, giving both brand, you should not come across as Honda wants Acura to compete the United States, with limited availa- try consultant IHS. Sales last year were In an e-mailed response to queries, brands a “family resemblance”. a clown. You should be serious, even better in China’s growing market for bility also in Canada and a few other 179,000, around half the number of cars California-based Honda spokeswoman “Where’s our discipline in that?” mean,” he added. small, premium crossover SUVs market, countries. sold by both BMW and Toyota Motor’s Jessica Fini declined to comment on he said. Beyond styling, the new Acura but acknowledges its cars need more Industry experts are puzzled at Lexus luxury marquee. Acura’s product plans, but noted a The new styling direction under model for China is likely to pack more “upscale quality” — through seem- Honda’s failure to make Acura a stand- That revival effort will kick off with new concept model to be unveiled at Acura’s global design chief Dave Marek luxury technologies and features, boast- ingly small improvements such as the out performance car — especially given production mid this year of a China- the Detroit autoshow “previews the will allow Acura to have a new, more ing a turbo-charged, 4-cylinder engine sound the doors make when they are its relative success as a Formula One only sub-compact crossover SUV at a (brand’s) future design direction,” sporty look, the people said, making and 10-speed automatic transmission, closed, the people said. engine supplier. 24 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS US economy shows resilience with robust hiring

The report was seen as a good sign some signs of weakness. Employers added for the US economy which is proving The number of long-term unem- to be an island of strength as Europe ployed—those unable to find a new 292,000 new jobs and Japan continue to struggle and jobs after searching for 27 weeks or last month, a year- emerging-market economies, led by more— was unchanged at 2.1 million. China, head downward. The number of people forced to end surge that While the official unemployment work part time because they cannot find was far better than rate held at 5.0 percent, and wage gains full-time jobs held steady at 6 million. remained tepid at 2.5 percent year on And the participation rate in the expected. It took total year, the report supported the Federal labor market remained at a low 62.6 jobs created during Reserve’s view that the employment percent, compared with more than 66 sector was tightening fast enough to percent before the recession. the year to 2.65 justify it raising its benchmark inter- The jobs data initially strengthened million, the second- est rate last month for the first time in the dollar and boosted US stocks, but best year, after 2014, over nine years. both slipped back later in the day, with The jobs report also demonstrated the dollar roughly flat at $1.0925 per since the 1990s. that expectations of small hikes in the euro and the S&P 500 losing 1.1 percent. central bank’s federal funds rate had not “You’ve got plenty of things to con- caused employers to hold off recruiting template heading into the weekend,” new workers when they need them. said Art Hogan, chief market strate- AFP “It’s extraordinary to see such gist at Wunderlich Securities. “It’s not rapid jobs growth, and increasingly an environment that would manifest low unemployment, with no inflation- a lot of long investing.” ary pressures at all,” said Brookings The overall picture of the jobs data WASHINGTON: The US economy Institution senior economist Justin was similar to that of the members of capped a strong year of jobs growth Wolfers in a tweet. the Fed’s policy body, the Federal Open with stellar December data, demon- Hiring was solid across the board, Market Committee, when they decided strating resilience amid slowing global led by construction, professional and on December 16 that the economy was People wait in line to enter the Nassau County Mega Job Fair at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in growth, China’s turmoil, and the steep business services, and healthcare. resilient enough to handle an increase Uniondale, New York. decline of the oil sector. While the mining sector contin- in the federal funds rate, which should The Labour Department said on ued to shed jobs, primarily due to the increase borrowing rates for consum- Bovino, chief US economist at Stand- and getting paid more for them.” “We’ve got in the habit of looking Friday that employers added 292,000 collapse in crude-oil prices, even the ers and businesses. ard & Poor’s Ratings Services. Still, not all analysts saw the data only at the number of jobs created, new jobs last month, a year-end surge government was picking up the slack “Today’s job numbers should be “Markets are desperate for good as sterling. Economist Robert Reich, rather than what they pay or how secure that was far better than expected. with expanded hiring. soothing to the FOMC, to markets, and news, and now have it, but it comes a former Labour Department secre- they are,” he said. It took total jobs created during The data suggested an increase of to workers, and stand in sharp con- with a caveat because better employ- tary, said the jobs added are mostly “Today’s report shows that low pay the year to 2.65 million, the second- workforce dropouts returning to the trast to the negative economic news ment growth means the Fed will raise low-wage positions which helped to and growing job insecurity continue to best year, after 2014, since the 1990s. labour market, though there were still emanating from China,” said Beth Ann rates faster.... People are finding jobs keep the average of hourly wages flat. undermine the American workforce.”

Self-balancing robots Bond sales surge in US after job report

Bloomberg swaps benchmark tied to the debt of 100 safest companies, surged to 98.65 basis points, the most in more NEW YORK: Corporate bond sales in than three years. the US surged on Friday as blue-chip The premium on the Markit CDX companies jumped at the opportunity North American High Yield Index, rose to take advantage of data showing to 522 basis points, rising toward the resilience in the job market. highest mark since 2012. About $9bn of securities were sold, Kroger’s sale included $500m of up from $3.5bn on Thursday, accord- 3.5 percent 10-year notes that yield ing to data compiled by Bloomberg. 1.4 percentage points more than com- Kroger Co, the largest US supermarket parable government debt, Bloomberg chain, raised $1.1bn of debt in three data show. Simon issued debt in two parts. Simon Property Group Inc, the parts, which includes a 10-year portion biggest US mall owner, issued $1.35bn that yields 1.25 percentage points more “We’ve gotten a little bit of good than similar-maturity Treasuries. news, investors are feeling better, and Employers added 292,000 work- with a lot of issuance still needing to ers to payrolls in December, exceeding get done companies will continue the highest estimate in a Bloomberg to come on days like this,” said Joe survey and putting the gain for all of Mayo, the head of credit research at 2015 at 2.65 million, a Labor Depart- Conning, a global insurance invest- ment report showed on Friday. ment manager with about $92bn under The unemployment rate held management. at a seven- year low of 5 percent as Issuance was limited to invest- almost a half million people entered ment-grade borrowers as a the workforce, a separate survey of stock-market meltdown in China, households showed. weaker US equities and a plunge in “Unemployment is coming down, oil prices continues to cloud the out- jobs are being created, wage growth The self-balancing Ninebot Segway personal transportation robot is demonstrated at CES 2016 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center look for corporate debt. is not spectacular, but it is growing,” on January 7, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world’s largest annual consumer technology trade show. It features 3,600 exhibitors The risk premium on the Markit said Mayo. “All these point to a stronger showing off their latest products and services to more than 150,000 attendees. CDX North American Investment consumer, and a better backdrop for Grade Yield Index, a credit-default companies.” China December inflation edges up as expected

Bloomberg in many industries will only buying and businesses to hold exchange reserves to hold the lead to more loss,” wrote Zhou off from investing indefinitely, yuan firm against the dollar. Hao, economist at Commerzbank on expectations that prices will That would also indirectly BEIJING: China’s consumer infla- in Singapore. continue falling.xSuch cycles support efforts to lower onshore tion barely edged up in December An official survey last week can prove extremely difficult to borrowing rates for debt-laden while companies’ factory-gate showed China’s manufactur- escape, and Chinese policy mak- Chinese firms, although it would prices continued to fall, adding to ing sector contracted for a fifth ers have kept a worried eye on the make the cost of servicing their concerns about growing deflation straight month in December and example of Japan, where a strong offshore debt far more expensive. risks in the world’s second-larg- factories continued to shed jobs, currency, distorted banking sec- In response, it appears that est economy. dampening hopes that the econ- tor and muddled monetary policy Chinese corporations with dollar- In line with sluggish activ- omy will enter 2016 on steadier combined to suppress growth denominated debt are hurrying ity, China’s consumer inflation footing. for decades. to pay it down before the yuan quickened slightly to 1.6 per- China Beige Book Inter- Given how stubborn defla- weakens further. cent year-on-year in December, national (CBB) said in its latest tionary pressure has proven in A rising chorus of policy as expected, compared with 1.5 private survey that growth in China, regulators appear to be advisers and industrial con- percent the previous month. input prices and sales prices for bringing the exchange rate to bear stituencies is lobbying for an The producer price index Chinese firms slipped to record on the problem. After spending even deeper devaluation to the was unchanged at minus 5.9 per- lows in the fourth quarter. most of 2014 holding the yuan currency, by as much as 10 to cent in December, the National “For the first time, it looked steady while other currencies 15 percent, despite the risk of a Bureau of Statistics said on Sat- like firms were encountering gen- dropped against the dollar, potential currency war of com- urday, slightly above forecasts but uinely harmful deflation,” the Beijing since August has let its peting devaluations in Asia. marking a 46th straight month private survey said. That opinion currency fall more than 6 percent China’s consumer price index of declines and highlighting the was echoed by other economists. against the dollar, to its weakest is likely to climb 1.7 percent in deeply entrenched pressures fac- The risk of entrenched defla- level since 2011. 2016 from last year while its pro- ing China’s manufacturers as the tion is a nightmare for China, A weaker yuan could help ducer price index is forecast to economy cools. which desperately wants to to fight deflation imported via fall 1.8 percent year-on-year, the “The inflation profile remains avoid becoming stuck in a trap sliding commodity prices, while central bank said in a working soft and the continuous PPI where falling prices sap eco- providing some support to the paper last month. deflation suggests that Chinese nomic vitality. struggling export sector and China is set to release fourth- companies will have to reduce Deflationary cycles encour- allowing the central bank to quarter and full-year GDP data A customer selects vegetables at a supermarket in Fuyang, Anhui province, China, their debt as further expansion age consumers to hold off from stop drawing down its foreign on January 19. yesterday. BUSINESS SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 25

Canada stocks slide eighth day Gold falls as China calms markets to cap worst week

yuan have resulted in gold longs taking since August profit,” Georgette Boele, an Amster- Chinese authorities dam-based analyst at ABN Amro Bank suspended a NV, said by e-mail. “Palladium recov- TORONTO: Canadian stocks slid ered on the same dynamics.” for an eighth day and posted the controversial circuit- Gold futures for delivery in Febru- biggest weekly loss since August, breaker system, set a ary fell 0.9 percent to settle $1,097.90 as a decline in gold producers over- an ounce at 1:59pm on the Comex in shadowed labor market reports that higher yuan reference New York. Prices jumped 4.5 percent exceeded expectations. rate and directed in the previous five sessions, the big- The Standard & Poor’s/TSX gest increase since January last year. Composite Index fell 2.76 points to state-controlled Bullion is up 3.6 percent this week. 12,445.45 at 4pm in Toronto, after funds to buy shares The metal has outperformed other earlier advancing as much as 0.8 commodities this week as more than $4 percent. The gauge lost 4.3 per- trillion was erased from global equi- cent in the first week of trading in ties. Investors bought the most through 2016 and capped yesterday a 20 Bloomberg bullion-backed funds in almost three percent plunge from its September weeks on Thursday, lifting assets from 2014 record, hitting a magnitude the lowest since 2009. Holdings and in declines commonly defined as prices dropped in the past three years a bear market. Canada is the sec- LONDON: Goldfutures fell, snapping as expectations of tighter US monetary ond Group of 7 country to see its the biggest five- day rally in almost a policy cut the appeal of precious met- benchmark enter a bear market, year, as a buoyant US labor market and als, which don’t pay interest, unlike after Germany’s DAX Index did in China’s moves to halt a rout in stocks competing assets. August. cut demand for a haven. The 292,000 gain in US payrolls Employers in Canada added A shop assistant sells gold bars at a gold shop in Beijing. Chinese authorities suspended a exceeded the highest forecast in a 22,800 jobs in December, almost controversial circuit- breaker system, Bloomberg survey and followed a three times the median projection by set a higher yuan reference rate and 252,000 increase in November that these blow out numbers that poten- with a new strategy” to spur growth company lost 4.6 percent in Johan- economists who saw an increase of directed state-controlled funds to buy was stronger than previously esti- tially accelerates the frequency of rate and reduce volatility in the market, nesburg, cutting its weekly rally to 8,000 jobs, according to a Bloomb- shares. Gold extended declines after a mated, a Labor Department report hikes and that puts pressure on the he said. 44 percent. erg survey. US payrolls surged by report showed US payrolls rose more showed Friday. The median forecast gold market,” Phil Streible, a senior Shares of gold miners fell. An index Barrick Gold declined 4 percent 292,000, topping the highest fore- than expected in December, boosting in a Bloomberg survey called for a market strategist at RJO Futures in of 14 producers tracked by Bloomberg in Toronto. Silver futures retreated cast in a Bloomberg survey. the dollar and reducing demand for an 200,000 advance. Jobless rate held at Chicago, said. “It’s widely expected Intelligence slid for for the first time on Comex, while palladium and plat- Underlying concerns remain alternative investment. “Calmer mar- 5 percent, and wage growth rose less that China will go back to the drawing in six sessions. Harmony Gold Mining inum rose on the New York Mercantile about the makeup of the gains in kets in China and stabilisation in the than forecast from a year earlier. “It’s board over the weekend to come up . The Randfontein, South Africa-based Exchange. employment, Avery Shenfeld, chief economist at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, wrote in a note to clients. Workers designated as employees by Statistics Canada fell US treasuries poised for by 17,500 while the self- employed Molycorp cleared for auction as category jumped 40,300. Full-time positions also fell, the data show. biggest weekly advance “A nice headline masking a con- ‘Monopoly Money’ fight looms tinuing trend for weak hiring by private sector companies,” Shenfeld said. “All of the job growth was in Bloomberg early October. The gains drove 10-year Ontario, consistent with our view yields down to about 1.18 percent- Bloomberg electric cars and wind turbines. After deserve to be honored before lower- that Canada’s largest province is age points above two-year yields, the about two months in mediation with ranking debts. That battle may not be in reasonable shape.” smallest difference since July 2012. creditors, Molycorp resolved disputes resolved until after the auction, when The S&P/TSX Gold Index slipped NEW YORK: Treasuries are poised Across maturities, yields are back over auction rules that had threat- Greenwood Village, Colorado-based 2.2 percent as the price of the metal, for the biggest weekly gain since below levels from before the Federal DELAWARE: Molycorp Inc won court ened a sale. Proceeds from an auction Molycorp asks the court to approve which rallied this week as inves- October as dimmed confidence in Reserve’s December 16 move to lift permission to put itself up for auc- would go toward repaying more than its reorganisation plan. tors sought a haven, fell 0.5 percent. relatively risky assets such as stocks interest rates from near zero, where tion in March, even as bondholders $500m that Oaktree’s seeking and Molycorp is pursuing two options Barrick Gold Corp lost 3.4 percent. outweighed a report showing surg- they’d been since 2008. complain that Oaktree Capital Man- more than $1.4bn senior and junior for exiting bankruptcy: an auction or Canada’s resource-rich ing US job growth. Treasuries have been buffeted this agement LP is trying to take over the bondholders say they’re owed. a debt-for-equity swap in which Oak- benchmark has been one of the The labour data failed to dent a week by volatility in other assets. US rare-earth mining company using The auction is scheduled for March tree would take over the company. worst- performing markets in the week-long rally in US debt amid a glo- debt has gained 0.9 percent in 2016 “Monopoly money.” 4, Molycorp attorney Lisa Laukitis of Should it get binding offers that are world in the past year, as oil prices bal stock-market sell-off prompted as investors sought refuge from the Molycorp filed for bankruptcy in the Jones Day law firm said Friday in high enough, Molycorp will sell some in New York and London collapsed by concern that China’s economy, the worst start to a year on record for June after rare earth prices dropped, Wilmington, Delaware, federal court. or all of its assets and use the money to decade lows. Valuations for Cana- world’s second-largest, is cooling. US stocks. The market tumult orig- making its California mine unprof- Senior bondholders will be allowed to pay creditors including Oaktree. dian stocks have tumbled about 15 Longer-maturity Treasuries inated in China, the biggest foreign itable. The company’s processing put up debt instead of cash, a prac- Otherwise, the mining company will percent to 19.2 times earnings, from gained Friday after initially tumbling holder of Treasuries, whose cur- division, which sells rare earths from tice in bankruptcy auctions known ask US Bankruptcy Judge Christopher a high of 22.7 in April. Even as crude on a report showing that American rency cheapened this week by the lower-cost mines in China, remains as credit bidding. Left unresolved are Sontchi to approve a reorganization extended losses to a 12-year low, employers added 292,000 jobs in most since August. profitable. Rare earths are elements bondholder complaints that Oak- plan that would hand Oaktree con- Canadian energy producers added December, exceeding the highest esti- Investors are shifting away from used in devices including magnets for tree’s claims are inflated and don’t trol of the company. 1.1 percent. mate in a Bloomberg survey. Bond seven years of stimulus “to a para- traders focused on weaker-than- digm where they have to contend with expected average hourly earnings in sluggish global growth and higher vol- the labor data, evidence that employ- atility,” said Guy Haselmann, head of ment strength isn’t generating quicker capital-markets strategy at Bank of Argentina to resume debt talks with creditors inflation. Nova Scotia in New York, one of 22 “We got a boatload of new jobs primary dealers that trade with the that didn’t budge hourly earnings,” Fed. “What higher volatility means is said Jim Vogel, head of interest-rate you have to take down your amount Bloomberg sat down with the holdout creditors strategy at FTN Financial in Memphis, of risk.” was in July 2014 when former Econ- Tennessee. “Until the market can get Derivatives traders expect only omy Minister Axel Kicillof failed to a better grip on the overall picture of about two increases in 2016 as inves- reach a deal, triggering the nation’s the economy, not just the job market, tors question whether the Fed will be BUENOS AIRES : Argentina will restart second default in 13 years. US District it’s going to have a hard time break- able to tighten policy amid low infla- negotiations with disgruntled cred- Judge Thomas Griesa is blocking pay- ing free of this week’s weakness in tion, economic weakness abroad and itors headed by Elliott Management ments on about $30bn of Argentina’s the stock market.” resurgent financial-market volatility on Wednesday in New York, a month restructured debt until a settlement Yields on the benchmark 10-year emanating from China. Traders see after President Mauricio Macri ( pic- is reached with holdouts. Treasury fell three basis points, or the fed funds effective rate at about tured) took office, with court-appointed Caputo, a former Deutsche Bank AG 0.03 percentage point, to 2.12 percent 0.8 percent at the end of 2016, com- debt mediator Daniel Pollack over- and JPMorgan Chase banker, has met as of 4:07pm in New York, accord- pared with the median policy rate seeing the talks. with Pollack at his office in New York ing to Bloomberg Bond Trader data. outlook of central bank officials of Argentine Finance Secretary Luis twice since Macri won the November The price of the 2.25 percent security 1.375 percent. Treasuries maturing Caputo will travel to New York tomor- 22 runoff election. Argentina’s restruc- maturing in November 2025 was 101 in 10 or more years should benefit row, a Finance Ministry press official tured bonds due 2033, which are in 6/32. For the week, the yield is down no matter how many times the Fed told reporters in Buenos Aires. The last default, trade at 114.49 cents on the 0.15 percentage point, the most since raises rates, Haselmann said. time an Argentine government official dollar including accrued interest. Yahoo may reconsider web business sale instead of spin

Bloomberg it has to sell and hasn’t hired a bank to shares rose 1.6 percent to $30.63 at By selling the Internet portal, Yahoo run an official process or contacted the close in New York. The stock fell would effectively become a holding potential buyers, they said. 34 percent in 2015. company for its assets and cash. Pres- The December 9 announcement By waiting longer, the market may sure is mounting on Mayer and the NEW YORK: Yahoo! Inc is considering was a strategic move by Chief Execu- also readjust its view of what Yahoo is board to act sooner. Starboard urged an outright sale of its business, marking tive Officer Marissa Mayer (pictured) worth, two of the people said. an overhaul of Yahoo’s management what could hasten a significant shift to buy time to shape Yahoo into a more After accounting for a $27.7bn this week, saying the Internet pioneer’s in the company’s thinking as it faces sellable asset, including cutting costs, stake in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, recent decision to spin off its core Web pressure from activist shareholders. said the people. $7.96bn stake in Yahoo Japan Corp businesses will require shareholders to Just last month, Yahoo executives “There is no determination by the and $5.88bn in cash and equivalents, wait another year “while the existing put forward a plan to spin off its main Board to sell the Company or any part Yahoo’s market value of $28.9bn shows leadership continues to destroy value.” Internet business, the latest of several of it,” Yahoo Chairman Maynard Webb that investors consider the main busi- There are possible buyers. Verizon strategies they’ve proposed over the said in a conference call when the plan ness to be worth zero or less, according Communications Inc Chief Executive past year to deal with slowing reve- was unveiled in December. “We believe to Bloomberg Intelligence. Officer Lowell McAdam and Chief nue. Now, that idea may be abandoned that the business remains very under- Starboard Value LP and other Financial Officer Fran Shammo, using in favor of a sale, people familiar with valued, and we are focused on realising stakeholders have been pushing for similar language, both said last month the matter said. and unlocking that value, both with Yahoo to separate the Alibaba assets that Verizon would look at a Yahoo deal The company may need a new separating our assets the way we are from its main business without incur- “if it made sense.” Verizon acquired plan in the face of an expected proxy talking about, and also working on ring a hefty tax charge. Last month’s AOL Inc for $4.4 billion last year. fight by an activist investor, said the transforming our operational busi- plan to weigh a spinoff of the core busi- Yahoo’s mail, finance, sports and people, who asked not to identified nesses.” Sarah Meron, spokeswoman ness replaced Yahoo’s earlier proposal video sites attract more than 1 billion because a final decision hasn’t been for Santa Clara, California-based to return Alibaba shares to sharehold- users, a prized asset that would add to made. Yahoo still hasn’t concluded that Yahoo, declined to comment. Yahoo ers and keep its Web operations intact. AOL’s roughly 170 million Web visitors. 26 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS US stocks tumble ignoring China’s moves

into five-year lows. Seven of the bench- Worries over contagion from China Worries over mark’s 10 main industries sank more briefly lessened on Friday after offi- than 5.5 percent this week in the gauge’s cials in the Asian nation set a higher contagion from China worst five-day start to a year in data yuan reference rate, suspended a con- briefly lessened on going back to 1928. troversial circuit breaker system that The S&P 500 dropped 1.1 percent had halted stock trading twice since Friday after officials in to 1,922.03 at 4pm in New York, and it was implemented at the start of the the Asian nation set a fell 6 percent for the week. The Dow week and directed state-controlled Jones Industrial Average sank 167.65 funds to buy local shares. US equi- higher yuan reference points, or 1 percent, to 16,346.45. The ties fluctuated near three-month lows rate and suspended a index lost more than 1,000 points this for most of the session before selling controversial circuit week in its worst opening five-days to accelerated in the final hour. a year ever. The Nasdaq Composite The S&P 500 has fallen 7.3 percent breaker system Index declined 1 percent, stretching its since the Federal Reserve raised inter- losing streak to seven days, the long- est rates last month for the first time est since 2011. in nearly a decade. The central bank “When investors saw there was no balked at boosting borrowing costs in Bloomberg traction and the market was unable September in part due to turbulence to hold rallies over several attempts sparked by China’s August currency throughout the day, it just became fear devaluation. The poor start to 2016 of going into the weekend,” said Gene has left the benchmark index 9.8 per- NEW YORK: US stocks tumbled in a Peroni, a fund manager at Advisors cent below its all-time high set in May late-afternoon selloff that sent major Asset Management Inc. in Consho- after coming within 1 percent of the equity indexes to their worst weekly hocken, Pennsylvania. “The market record as recently as November. It’s declines in more than four years, as has just been so reactive to news, peo- 2.9 percent above the August bottom. Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. investors found little relief in moves ple will wait on the sidelines and see “We’re still in a risk-off mentality,” by China to restore calm to its sinking what the weekend brings. It has been said Mark Spellman, a fund manager that progress in economic data will on tighter labour conditions to lead to and there is no commodity inflation. markets and data that showed resil- a rough week,” Peroni added. who helps oversee more than $4bn at guide their path for future rate a pickup in wages and inflation. When you have both of these factors, ience in the US labour market. A report today showed a 292,000 Alpine Funds in Purchase, New York. increases, which they expect to be Yesterday’s data “is reflective of an the Fed will be more motivated’’ to Bank stocks led the late slide, with gain in jobs last month, exceeding the “I think any kind of risk-on trade gradual. underlying momentum that’s in fact hold off raising rates, he said. JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup Inc fall- highest forecast in a Bloomberg survey, mentality that comes in is going to The employment report today accelerating, not decelerating,” said After this week’s turbulence trig- ing at least 2.2 percent to cap the week after a 252,000 increase in Novem- be short-lived until global economic showed the jobless rate held at 5 per- Dan Veru, who helps oversee $3.7bn as gered by China, investors will begin to with drops of nearly 11 percent. Energy ber that was stronger than previously growth improves. It’s not a great time cent, while at the same time worker pay chief investment officer at Fort Lee, New contend with another expected decline shares in the Standard & Poor’s 500 estimated. The unemployment rate to pile in right now.” disappointed, rising less than forecast Jersey-based Palisade Capital Man- in corporate earnings as the report- Index lost 1.3 percent to press deeper held at 5 percent, a seven-year low. Fed policy makers have emphasised from a year earlier. The Fed is counting agement. “There is no wage inflation ing season begins. US gas bears stage biggest retreat since May Glencore’s Harris lauds

Bloomberg $13bn debt-paring plan

Bloomberg is just going to disrupt the world, I NEW YORK: US natural gas bears think are overblown,” Herro said. “If staged the biggest retreat since May, prices continue to drop below what helping stoke a rally that drove prices we think is intrinsic value, these are to the highest level in 11 weeks as the LONDON: Glencore Plc’s third-larg- reasons to add to stocks. One could first real cold snap of the winter boosted est investor, Harris Associates LP, said conclude, given the weakness in Glen- demand. the Swiss trader and miner is making core, what we are probably doing.” Money managers reduced their great progress on a $13bn debt-reduc- Glencore slid 1.6 percent to 77.48 net-short position in gas contracts by tion plan designed to bolster finances pence in London, valuing the com- 48 percent to 52,729 futures equiva- during the commodities rout. pany at about $16.2bn. lent in the week ended January 5, the Harris has increased its stake in The firm has completed $8.7bn least since September 15 and the big- the company to 7.1 percent, from the of the planned $13bn debt reduction. gest percentage decline in more than 5.1 percent reported in its most recent In November, it said it would target seven months, according to Commod- filing in September, David Herro, who net debt of about $25bn by the end of ity Futures Trading Commission data. manages the $25bn Oakmark Inter- 2015 as the company moved to stave Bearish bets dropped by 11 percent national Fund, said in an e-mail to off a credit-rating downgrade to sub- to the lowest level since March while Bloomberg News on Friday. investment grade. Glencore plans to long wagers rose 2.2 percent. “They’ve significantly de-levered sell more assets and net debt may fall Gas futures resumed their rally already and more is coming for 2016,” as low as $18bn by the end of 2016. after a government report showed Herro said earlier in an interview on Herro spoke favourably about the largest gas storage withdrawal Bloomberg Television. “They are tak- Glencore’s commodity-trading divi- A natural gas well is drilled near Canton, in Bradford County, Pennsylvania. since March. While a supply glut has ing a multi-pronged approach.” sion, historically responsible for about worsened, freezing temperatures that interview Friday. “With day-to-day settlement since October 20. The blast of weather- driven energy demand Glencore’s billionaire Chief a third of operating profits. pushed into Manhattan, Boston and weather, it’s very easy to get caught of frigid air that swept the Northeast based on population, to 915 for Janu- Executive Officer Ivan Glasenberg “Because the rest of the business Chicago accelerated demand. Prices on the wrong side.” and Midwest over the past week will ary compared with 960 last year and responded to growing investors fears isn’t earning much, that trading oper- have jumped 41 percent since settling Gas futures slipped 4.7 cents, or 2 give way to milder weather in the last the 10-year average of 932, he said. about its $30bn debt load last year ation is doing more,” he said. “This at a 16-year low three weeks earlier. percent, to $2.325 per million British third of January and into February The mild winter may give bears by scrapping the dividend, selling is one of Glencore’s biggest competi- “We expected this rally; the market thermal units on the New York Mer- because of El Nino warming trends, time to firm up their hold on the mar- new shares and announcing plans tive strengths.” The company’s most went aggressively oversold in October cantile Exchange in the period covered Matt Rogers, president of Commod- ket at least through the spring as the to offload assets. important objective is to retain its and is vulnerable to short-covering by the CFTC report after surging 29 ity Weather Group LLC in Bethesda industry grapples with a supply glut, The stock slumped 73 percent in investment-grade rating and cut mine rallies,” Breanne Dougherty, natu- percent in the previous week. Prices said in an e-mail Friday. before gas exports and flat production the past year as commodities tum- production, Glencore Director John ral gas analyst for Societe General continued to rally after that pause, That will drive down the number drive prices higher in the second half bled and China’s economy weakened. Mack, a former chief executive officer SA in New York, said in a telephone climbing to $2.472 on Friday, the highest of heating degree days, a measure of the year, Dougherty said. “These fears that a slowdown in China of Morgan Stanley, said last week. Bob Lutz and Henrik Fisker Asahi to submit bid next week for Brazil’s inflation slows down on launch new company SABMiller’s brands low food prices beating forecast

Bloomberg create a new version of the Destino. TOKYO: Japanese beverage maker The car will use a drivetrain from Asahi Group Holdings Ltd will sub- Bloomberg the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, a Corvette mit a bid as early as next week to buy V8 engine, and a bespoke four-door SABMiller PLC’s Grolsch and Peroni NEW YORK: Bob Lutz and Hen- design. Lutz said the Destino, along brands for as much as 400bn yen rik Fisker have announced a new with Fisker’s new Force 1, will debut ($3.41bn), the daily Yomiuri reported. RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazilian infla- American car company called VLF in Detroit next week. And it’s all with- If accepted, it would be the big- tion unexpectedly slowed last month, Automotive. And, so far at least, it has out an electric- or hybrid drivetrain gest overseas beverage acquisition beating forecasts from all analysts sur- nothing to do with beating Fisker’s insight. ever by a Japanese company, top- veyed by Bloomberg, as food prices old rival Tesla. Instead, the three are positioning ping Kirin Holdings Co Ltd’s $3.3bn rose less than in the previous month Instead, the development comes the company as the perfect trifecta takeover of Australia’s Lion Nathan amid a deepening recession. as an update to an old company Lutz of management and financial skills in 2009. Asahi Holdings officials The benchmark IPCA inflation started in 2012 with entrepreneur (Lutz), manufacturing expertise could not be reached for comment. index moderated to 0.96 percent in and former Boeing executive Gilbert (Villarreal), and design innovation Anheuser Busch InBev SA, which December from 1.01 percent in Novem- Villarreal. (Fisker) to develop abona fide Amer- agreed to buy SABMiller for $100bn ber, the national statistics agency said VL Automotive, as it was known, ican supercar. plus, has been seeking potential Friday. That compares to the median created some small buzz in 2013 when Fisker, now a VLF shareholder bidders to buy Grolsch and Per- 1.05 percent estimate from economists it developed the Destino at the Detroit and third member of the executive oni, sources close to the process surveyed by Bloomberg. Auto Show but has since displayed management team alongside Lutz and told Reuters last month. Peroni and “It’s good news in the near-term, central bank President Alexandre expects a 150 basis-point tightening little life. (It merged with a com- Villarreal, said in the statement that Grolsch are small, premium brands but not something that shows clearly Tombini had to publish an open let- cycle this year, starting in January. pany called GreenTech Automotive they “seek to change the future of the and AB InBev wants to avoid getting that core prices will be trending down,” ter to the government explaining why Higher interest rates would be a bit- in 2014 on since-fizzled promises American auto industry.” bogged down in regulatory scru- Carlos Kawall, chief economist at he fell short. ter medicine for an economy headed to deliver electric city cars, plug-in The company says it has a man- tiny over a European portfolio that Banco Safra, said about slowing infla- Inflation isn’t expected to fall to a deep two- year recession, fore- muscle machines and performance ufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, already includes Corona and Stella tion. “The fact that it came mostly from within range this year either, even cast to be the worst since at least 1901. cars including those from the obscure Mich., and a design center in Los Ange- Artois, the sources said. food prices doesn’t show that we can as the deepening recession and higher Fearing more job losses, mem- brand Saleen for the Chinese market.) les; seven dedicated dealerships are Indicative offers are due in mid- celebrate this.” borrowing costs chip away at Bra- bers of President Dilma Rousseff’s In a statement released just days planned to open in North America January, with a tight schedule for Brazil missed its 2015 target as zilians’ purchasing power. Leading (pictured) Workers’ Party have pub- before the 2016 North American Inter- starting later this year. due diligence in order to clinch a annual inflation accelerated to 10.67 economists forecast policy makers will licly opposed additional increases national Auto Show, the former GM Specifications released with the deal by early March, the sources percent, the fastest for a full year since redouble efforts to contain consumer to borrowing costs. December data Vice Chairman and Fisker, the designer announcement said the 638- horse- said. The sources had estimated a 2002 and more than double the mid- prices by embarking on a new round strengthens the case for holding off, responsible for the BMW Z8 and Aston power Destino will reach 60mph in potential combined value for Peroni point of the official target range of 2.5 of monetary policy tightening as early according to Enestor dos Santos, prin- Martin DB9, said VLF Automotive will 3.9 seconds. and Grolsch of about $2bn. percent to 6.5 percent. As a result, as this month. Banco Safra’s Kawall cipal economist at BBVA. BUSINESS VIEWS SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 27

Cohen poised Weaker yuan problem for for hedge fund return under deal emerging-market peers

By Katherine Burton 400 applicants this summer for Bloomberg its Point72 Academy, a training program for developing invest- ing talent. In May, the firm even invited a CNBC camera crew to its e had been a marked headquarters in Stamford, Con- man. Today, Steven A necticut, to broadcast from the Cohen is nearly free of trading floor to help show it wasn’t any legal shackles— and a secretive trading shop. Hcoiled for a comeback. “The changes are sweeping Only three years after bil- and Steve has really been at the lionaire Cohen faced a potential center of all of it,” Haynes said in lifetime ban on managing money an interview late last year. “He is for clients, he has gotten a green a restless, innovative person who light from authorities to get back is always wondering how it can into the game if he chooses. Under be done better.” an accord announced on Friday While Cohen said in an inter- with the Securities and Exchange nal memo to employees on Friday Commission, he could return as that he might not choose to run early as 2018. money for outsiders again, the The deal, which settles allega- opportunity is tempting. Even a tions that Cohen failed to supervise small number of fee-paying cli- a convicted insider-trader at SAC ents would help defray the costs of Capital Advisors, is a significant managing Cohen’s personal for- victory for the trader, who has tune. In addition, hedge funds captivated Wall Street and fed- tend to have an easier time than eral authorities with an almost family offices in attracting talent, preternatural knack for reading said Brad Alford, chief investment the markets. It’s a setback for the officer at Alpha Capital Man- regulators, who sought to make agement in Atlanta and a former an example of a billionaire in its investor in Cohen’s hedge fund. fight to stop insider trading on Wall “I think people will be lining Street and who pursued Cohen up to give him money,” he said . An employee counts 100-yuan banknotes at a bank in Lianyungang, in eastern China’s Jiangsu province on January 7, 2016. for years in an investigation that “He’s one of the greatest traders in mushroomed into the largest history.” In the two decades he ran insider-trading probe in history. his hedge fund, Cohen returned “They could have gone to trial 25 percent a year, on average, and By Shamim Adam and turmoil generated by Chinese policies but this would be a situation where he never had a losing year in the Bloomberg is more limited. the SEC is going up against a very portfolio he personally ran. Emerging nations are confronting a new deep pocket who basically is bet- The settlement requires that reality where the yuan is poised for contin- ting his business on winning,” said Point72undergo routine inspec- ued depreciation and China’s demand for Adam Pritchard, a securities law tions by the SEC, the regulator said imports is curtailed. China took in 7.9 per- professor at the University of Mich- in a statement Friday. Cohen nei- n an echo of the Nixon administration’s cent less in goods from abroad in December igan and former SEC attorney. “It ther admitted nor denied the SEC’s missive when a depreciating US cur- from a year before in yuan terms, a govern- Moves in the yuan would have been long and bloody, claims that he failed to monitor rency was roiling its trading partners, ment report is forecast to show January 13. have upset markets and the outcome would have been Mathew Martoma, according to the the yuan may be China’s currency but That would mark a second straight year of highly uncertain.” statement. Before handling outside it’s increasingly the problem of others— declines. around the world and Cohen has been preparing for money again, Cohen will need to Iand especially its emerging-market peers. “It used to be that you closed your eyes sent the Standard this day almost since the moment have an independent consultant Smaller developing economies are strug- and you know the yuan is either stable or & Poor’s 500 Index in 2013 when his firm pleaded ensure that he has sufficient safe- gling to cope with China’s decision to weaken appreciating, and that’s a completely dif- guilty and agreed to pay a record guards to detect and deter insider the yuan, with Mexico warning of the risk of ferent landscape to where we are now,” said down 2.4 percent on $1.8bn fine to resolve US insider trading, the SEC said. competitive devaluations and Thailand say- Wellian Wiranto, an economist at Oversea- Thursday, capping the trading claims. Cohen, who also “The strong combination of ing its exports will be affected. In Indonesia, Chinese Banking Corp in Singapore. “It used worst start to a year agreed to return all outside capital, a two-year supervisory bar and where the central bank had seen room last to be the mentality for emerging markets that wasn’t charged with wrongdoing additional oversight require- month to cut borrowing costs, its governor China is a customer. Now China is increasingly in data going back to as part of that settlement. At the ments achieves significant and says it’s prioritising stability when setting a competitor. And it’s exporting volatility.” 1928. time, SEC enforcement officials immediate investor protection rates and monitoring global developments. Moves in the yuan have upset markets sought a lifetime ban on Cohen and deterrence, while ensuring “Emerging markets can’t around the world and sent the Standard & running a hedge fund, people that the activities of his funds are decouple from what is hap- Poor’s 500 Index down 2.4 percent on Thurs- familiar said. closely monitored going forward,” pening in China,” said Jonathan day, capping the worst start to a year in data Within months Cohen had SEC enforcement chief Andrew Cavenagh, head of Asia emerg- going back to 1928. already started working to cre- J Ceresney said in the agency’s ing-market currency strategy As the yuan weakens, the burden falls ructions in China. Lower rates now would ate some distance from his legal statement. Point72 spokesman at JPMorgan Chase in Singa- on other currencies to take the pressure of hit their currencies even harder, and depre- troubles. He dropped the name of Mark Herr declined to comment pore. “The parts of China that a strengthening dollar. For some, it threat- ciating exchange rates could cause inflation SAC—his initials -- and adopted on the settlement. matter for most other emerging ens to be more than what they can afford. to accelerate in struggling Latin American the less personal Point72, named The prospect of a Cohen come- economies are still quite weak, While the decline in the currency has economies. for his headquarters’ address. He back follows a decision by the SEC Smaller developing and in a backdrop of a weak- been relatively small so far, it’s been enough In Southeast Asia, “rising real yields indi- also hired Doug Haynes, a former to weaken its case against him. An economies ening currency, it will weigh to concern global investors and affect Mexico’s cate there is room for monetary easing,” said McKinsey & Co director, to run the initial action also accused Cohen on sentiment elsewhere.” stock market and peso, Finance Minister Luis Toru Nishihama, an emerging- markets econ- $11 billion family office and to help of failing to supervise former SAC are struggling Videgaray said on Thursday as the country omist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute in sanitise its Wild West reputation. fund manager Michael Steinberg. to cope with Strength in China’s new spent $400m under a programme to sup- Tokyo. But under the current risk-off senti- Point72 has been in growth The SEC removed Steinberg from China’s decision economic drivers is providing port its exchange rate. ment and volatility triggered by developments mode over the past year or so, the case after US prosecutors the country the bandwidth to Mexico, with the most-traded emerg- in China, “central banks need to think about” adding a multistrategy fund, and dropped charges against him in to weaken the continue its rebalancing agenda ing-market currency, held $177bn of foreign the impact that such action has over curren- hiring 150 investment profession- October following a court ruling yuan, with Mexico even as old growth engines such exchange reserves last month, compared with cies, which complicates the situation, he said. als, mostly analysts with no more that imposed a higher burden on warning of the as manufacturing sputter, and China’s official tally of $3.3 trillion. Agus Martowardojo, the central bank than five years of experience. It the government to make insider- rate cuts and fiscal stimulus In an environment of rising US borrow- governor in Indonesia, with the world’s fourth- hired 15 college graduates out of trading convictions stick. risk of competitive deliver limited impact. For ing costs, the window for emerging-market largest population, on Friday said that policy devaluations. other emerging markets, the central banks to shore up growth with inter- makers saw room for policy easing at the scope to cope with volatility est-rate cuts had narrowed even before the December meeting. Oil options closer to $20 Goldman doomsday forecast

By Dmitry Zhdannikov multi-year highs, saving oil from a further was based on the logic that the market might Over the past year, the world has been Reuters collapse and encouraging producers to hope have to undergo a $20 per barrel price shock producing 1.5 million bpd more oil than it that the market might recover later in 2016. in order to force an acceleration in the shut- consumes. Opec and the International Energy But just as Saudi Arabia was about to start down of unprofitable production. That no Agency expect global demand growth to slow When US investment bank Goldman Sachs celebrating its first tactical victories, with US longer seems fanciful. “Oil has been under in 2016 to around 1.20-1.25 million barrels per said last year that oil could fall as low as $20 output declining under pressure from low pressure as of late, and downside risks of a day from a very high 1.8 million bpd in 2015. per barrel, it assigned a fairly low probabil- prices, signs are emerging that demand in the dip into the $20s have grown,” Bank of Amer- That means that for most of 2016 the world ity to that scenario. United States, China and Europe is much weaker ica Merrill Lynch said on Thursday. will still be producing more than it can con- Fast-forward five months and in some than anticipated. Estimated demand from The same day, Brent and WTI futures fell sume, adding to record stockpiles already Traders in the options parts of the world the forecast has already China, the world’s second largest consumer briefly to their lowest levels since 2004, near exceeding 3 billion barrels. market are taking proved correct. Canadian physical crude has and the engine of global economic growth since $32 per barrel, as a sliding yuan and an emer- The options market is showing that fears been selling this week at below $20 per bar- the commodities boom started in the early gency halt in Chinese stockmarket trading are indeed on the rise that futures could fall protection against prices rel, less than it costs to extract and transport. 2000s, fell in both September and Novem- left Asian markets in turmoil. further. The Chicago Board Options Exchange’s falling below $25.The Traders in the options market, meanwhile, ber, compared to the same months of 2014. For oil prices to fall as much as 5 per- oil volatility index has risen 20 percent so are taking protection against prices falling US demand, the world’s largest, began cent in early and usually calm Asian trading far this year. Implied volatility in ICE Brent developments reflect below $25. falling from October, according to the latest hours is very rare, and even veteran chart- options - including the $30/barrel and $25/ growing concerns that The developments reflect growing con- available data, despite low gasoline prices, watchers are now struggling to draw a line barrel February 16 option - has spiked in recent cerns that a market already awash in too much while US distillate demand slid to its lowest for under the biggest rout in decades. “The sup- weeks. Some investors are protecting them- a market already awash oil is now suffering the double-whammy of a more than a decade towards the end of 2015. ports are crumbling... There is not a winning selves by acquiring put options giving them in too much oil is now sharp slowdown in US and Chinese demand. Demand in the European Union turned long in the market - maximum pain is lower. the right to sell at $25, anticipating that Brent suffering the double- For the past 18 months, oversupply has flat in October, having surprised on the upside It is not advised to be long,” said Robin Bie- will fall below that. been the main factor responsible for drag- throughout most of the year. ber of brokers PVM. He said there would not “There has been more interest in buying whammy of a sharp ging down prices by two-thirds, after Saudi “2015 started off with a spectacular growth be much to stop oil falling into the mid-$20s options like $25 puts and open interest has slowdown in US and Arabia pushed Opec to ramp up exports to in demand. But in the last quarter of 2015, things if WTI crude fell below the $32.40 a barrel increased. Volatility has been rallying. The fight for market share with higher-cost pro- seem to have changed,” said Abhishek Desh- support level. Minutes later, WTI fell as low action that we have seen shows that people Chinese demand. ducers such as US shale firms. pande, an analyst at banking and investment as $32.10, although prices slightly recovered have a bearish slant,” said a senior options Low prices spurred global demand to group Natixis. Goldman’s drastic scenario towards $34 per barrel later in the day. trader at a major bank. 28 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS BACK TO BUSINESS

Luxury turns up its nose in sight Detroit, stars will be there Junk bond exodus

Bloomberg windfall for firms in Mexico ast year was the US auto industry’s best year ever, breaking a record that stood Bloomberg liquidated its portfolio . for a decade and a half. Investors in December pulled Which is why the Detroit an average of $14.5 million a day LAuto Show, which opens next week, from the biggest junk bond ETF, is crucial. When it opens to the press SANTIAGO: Unifin Financiera the iShares iBoxx $ High Yield on Monday, automakers must demon- SA delivered what seemed like Corporate Bond, including strate how they plan to protect their pretty good news at the end of almost $1 billion over two days ample momentum from 2015. It’s first October: the Mexico City- based on December. 11 and December 14. chance they’ll have to show their latest company, which leases every- The exodus comes as retail wares stateside before they continue thing from X-ray machines to sales in Mexico expanded 4.8 the auto show season in Geneva, Bei- helicopters, announced its profit percent in October from a year jing, Paris, New York and Los Angeles. surged 232 percent from a year earlier. As we know, first impressions are earlier. Monterrey-based Famsa crucial. They’ve got their work cut out Unfortunately, it wasn’t said October 22 that its profit for them. good enough in the bond mar- before items jumped 16 percent Sales last year rose nearly 6 percent ket. Since the earnings report, in the third quarter and data for over 2014 and surpassed the previous Unifin’s $400 million of specu- November showed it had slashed annual record of 17.35 million units the lative- grade notes due in 2019 bad loans at its bank to a three- U.S. auto industry set in 2000. Perfect have fallen 2.2 percent. year low. Yet its $250 million of market conditions set up record prof- Mexican companies like notes due in 2020 have tumbled its at virtually all automakers, most Unifin are being swept up in 3.4 percent since October 22 and of which enjoy far healthier financial Porsche will show an travel, and resources needed to main- most-anticipated sports car of the global selloff in junk-rated debt are now on the cusp of trading status than they did in 2000. tain a stand in Detroit, no wonder the bunch with the long-awaited 2017 Ford as investors yank money from distressed, yielding 9.86 per- Luxury automakers did just as all-wheel-drive911 smaller-volume makers are taking GT. The $400,000 supercar has a mid- funds dedicated to the securities centage points more than US well. Jaguar Land Rover and Tesla led Turbo and TurboS, a pass. Their buyers make purchase engine, twin-turbo V6 that exceeds and a rash of hedge funds shutter Treasuries. the pack, with each brand’s sales up decisions at garden parties, cocktail 600hp, a carbon-fiber body, and a their operations. Retailer Grupo Famsa expects Ebitda for the more than 26 percent over last year. with a top speed of hours, and business meetings, not at rear-wheel-drive, seven-speed, dual- Famsa SAB has also seen its bonds full year to have grown 25 percent Audi, Bentley, Lexus, and Porsche 200mph off a twin- convention centers. clutch automatic. Production will be slump, even after a rebound in with above-target sales growth of each turned in double-digit percent- turbo, flat-six-cylinder Of those brands that will show, less than 1,000 cars. consumer spending boosted its between 8 percent and 10 percent, age gains, too. most are emphasizing muscle. Last Along with the GT, Lincoln’s V8 most-recent earnings. Paloma Arellano, the company’s Credit the success, especially in engine mounted year’s low gas prices and decreased Continental will be highly important “They have good numbers but head of investor relations, said premium brands, to low gas prices at the rear of the average fuel efficiencies didn’t do much as the marque attempts to regain its the bonds are down,” said Patrik by phone from Monterrey. and interest rates, low unemployment, to help popularize electric and hybrid relevance in the luxury market. Kauffmann, who helps manage “The company has the low- and the relatively old age of the cur- car. It will go from vehicles. The Germans, in particular, “The challenge for Ford in 2016 will $11 billion of assets at Solitaire est levels of bad loans we have rent fleet of cars on U.S. roads. 0 to 60mph in 2.8 are putting forth a strong front. be getting their sedans up to speed,” Aquila Ltd. in Zurich. “It has to had since 2012 “, she said. “Luxury has benefited tremen- BMW’s 365-horsepower M2 Coupe Anand said. do with the general sentiment. A Cornel Bruhin, a money man- dously from the current environment,” seconds. is a mean rear-wheel-drive powered Similarly Cadillac, whose CT6 lot of investors are selling emerg- ager at MainFirst Schweiz AG, said said Akshay Anand, an analyst for Kel- by a twin-turbocharged, inline-six- flagship sedan has been delayed ing-market debt.” he boosted his debt holdings in ley Blue Book. cylinder engine. Mercedes will show until March, will continue to attempt A number of US funds that Unifin, Famsa and microlender The challenge? Possibly, none of China, interest rates are expected to an SLC Roadster that has a 241-horse- to recapture its charisma with younger invested in junk bonds, energy Financiera Independencia SAB those conditions will apply in 2016. continue to rise through 2016. power four-cylinder engine in the base buyers. It must also work on bigger and emerging-market debt closed in November and December only “We might well find that it will be “None of the current news is good model or a twin-turbo V6 engine in vehicles in general because last year’s in late 2015 after suffering losses to see the companies caught up impossible for automakers to top their for overall auto sales,” Nerad said. the AMG SLC43 version. That one gets low gas prices won SUVs and trucks and redemptions. The closing in the junk-bond selloff. 2015 US sales,” said Jack Nerad, exec- In fact, what we can expect from 362hp and hits 60 miles per hour in 4.6 record yearly sales. Along with the of Third Avenue Management’s While Financiera Independ- utive editorial director and market the luxury cadre next week in Detroit seconds. Merc’s new E-Class sedan, a CT6, Caddy will show the XT5 cross- $788.5 million distressed-debt encia reported a drop in profits analyst for Kelley Blue Book. “Manufac- is a lot of silence. Bentley, Jaguar, Land twin-turbo V8 monster, will proba- over that made its debut in Dubai and fund last month exacerbated a in October, the company boasts turers and dealers worked harder and Rover, Maserati, and Rolls-Royce have bly be just as fast. will replace the SRX. This is an essen- selloff in US high-yield debt. Stone a positive outlook from Standard harder—and spent more and more— all said they will not show officially Porsche will show an all-wheel- tial move for a brand on the upswing. Lion Capital Partners on Decem- & Poor’s. Still, its $200 million of through the year to achieve the sales during the event, which opens to the drive 911 Turbo and Turbo S, with a top Cadillac has been working hard to ber 11 suspended redemptions at notes due in 2019 have slumped record in 2015. The likelihood of them public on January. 16. Lamborghini is speed of 200 mph off a twin-turbo, increase brand sales and brand image,” its $400 million credit hedge fund 1.9 percent and now yield 9.49 continuing to ramp up incentives and sending some executives, but it won’t flat-six-cylinder engine mounted at Anand said. last month, while three days later percentage points more than discounts as 2016 rolls on is not strong.” show anything new. the rear of the car. It will go from 0 They say it’s so good, you might Lucidus Capital Partners said it Treasuries. And while the economy seems to Indeed, when it costs more than $5 to 60mph in 2.8 seconds. even find yourself using most of them. be slowing just as fear emanates from million to fund the space, materials, In the US, Ford has the Here’s hoping.

Be prepared, oil prices may hit rock bottom... We’re Capital going to pay for the prices of the excesses of the Jim Rogers, past 8 or 10 years and everything is going to go US Investor and Author Comment down more than it should

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Market Talk World’s richest lose The Economist@ iMFdirect $194bn in one week TheEconomist Brazil’s debt is NAME IN THE MARKET: BOND MUTUAL FUNDS expected to reach 93% Bloomberg with $53.7 billion and more than of GDP by 2019. Can The assets of bond mutual doubled his net worth in 2015 a problem so vast be as investors cheered profits at solved? funds that use derivatives BOSTON/PRINCETON: The Amazon. have jumped since the 2008 world’s 400 richest people lost The world’s richest person, Reuters Business@ almost $194bn in the past week Bill Gates, fell $4.5 bn to $79.2 bn, crisis. They amount to more as world stock markets began while Spain’s Amancio Ortega, ReutersBiz than $900bn, or about 13% the year with a shudder on poor the second- richest, dropped economic data in China and fall- $3.4bn to $69.5bn. The new year brings of the world’s bond mutual ing oil prices. Billionaire YTD Drop Net more pain to U.S. shale fund sector. Forty-seven billionaires lost Worth Percentage Change Jeff companies as crude $1 billion or more during the Bezos -$5.9bn $53.7bn -9.9 per- sinks worst week for US stocks since cent Bill Gates -$4.5 bn $79.2 bn 2011, according to the Bloomb- -5.4 percent. The combined loss Sandard and Poor’s@ erg Billionaires Index. among the billionaires represents FT Alphaville The combined drop was a 4.9 percent dip in their total standardpoors almost seven times the $29 bil- wealth, according to the index, a Sovereigns: #MiddleE- lion lost in the first five trading slightly better performance than ast, #Africa, and #CIS days of 2015. The 400 people on world equity markets so far this account for most nega- the index had a combined $3.7 year. Global stocks tumbled 6.2 tive outlooks globally The line of China Bulls is that trillion at the end of the week, percent for the week, according “things really aren’t that bad compared with more than $4 to the MSCI ACWI Index. trillion a year ago. There were 11 billionaires or surprising, and there’s Bloomberg TV@ Amazon.com founder Jeff among the 400 whose fortunes considerable willpower and Bezos, the best-performing bil- rose this week. The five Wal- BloombergTV lionaire in 2015, lost the most, tons added a combined $2.5bn @gloomboomdoom’s ammunition left in Beijing his fortune dropping $5.9bn this as Wal-Mart gained a little over Marc Faber says there’s should it be necessary”. week as shares of the world’s $2 a share. Jim Walton, son of a colossal credit bub- largest online retailer fell more company founder Sam Walton, ble in China than 10 percent. Bezos is the had the biggest gain, a $759 mil- world’s fourth- richest person lion increase. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 31 PAGE | 34 In ndiand court issues Azarenka downs ararrest warrant for Kerber to claim skipper Dhoni second Brisbane titletle

SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 • 30 Rabia I 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Djokovic crowned champion in Qatar

(QTF President) Nasser bin Khelaifi and The world number one (Tournament Director) Karim Alami and World number one Novak Djokovic hits a return handed arch-rival the fans for their support. It feels like I am to arch-rival Rafael Nadal of Spain during playing at home. I have stayed many weeks their Qatar ExxonMobil Open final played at a Rafael Nadal of Spain here and I come here often. Many thanks packed Khalifa Tennis Complex yesterday. Top one of his worst defeats to all the fans.” seed Djokovic won 6-1, 6-2 in just 73 minutes Djokovic launched the proceedings in of exhilarating tennis. to win the Qatar the final with an ace and grabbed game 1 Pictures by: Salim/The Peninsula ExxonMobil Open title in similar fashion to lead 1-0 after a couple of exchanges on deuce. Djokovic quickly cranked up the volume by breaking Nadal in game 2 with a neat volley at 30-0 fol- lowed by deep forehand that the Spaniard BY RIZWAN REHMAT could not return from the baseline. The Peninsula Smacking his lips on an ace at 30-15 in the game three, Djokovic served pow- erfully once again to race to a 3-0 lead in the title clash watched by Bayern Munich DOHA: The world number one Novak Djok- coach Pep Guardiola from the VIP enclosure. ovic of Serbia yesterday handed arch-rival Despite one rally going the distance of Rafael Nadal of Spain one of his worst defeats 20 shots, Nadal initiated a mini-revival to to win the Qatar ExxonMobil Open title for hold serve in game 4 with an ace follow- the first time. ing a couple of long returns from Djokovic. Playing near-perfect tennis, top seed The Serb, however, stepped up the pres- Djokovic won 6-1, 6-2 in just 73 minutes sure on Nadal in game 5 when he fired a of exhilarating tennis at a packed Khalifa couple powerful forehand shots from the Tennis Complex. baseline that Nadal couldn’t retrieve, Within Yesterday’s win was Djokovic’s 16th seconds, Djokovic jumped to a 4-1 lead. straight final triumph, pushing his overall In game five, Djokovic produced three stats to 45-6 in his last 51 matches on the back-to-back baseline winners to grab a ATP Tour. It was Djokovic’s 12th title win 5-1 lead on the Spaniard’s serve, leaving since he lost the quarter-final here last year. Nadal seeking answers in what was the 47th The tall Serbian now has 60 career clash between the two top seeds. title wins. Djokovic reeled off another four suc- The Doha win also gave Djokovic slight cessive points in game seven, finishing off edge against Nadal as he now leads 24-23 the set with an ace at 40-love. in their overall head-to-head clashes on The indomitable Serb took the first set the Tour. in 31 minutes, firing an astonishing 16 win- It was Nadal’s worst showing against ners against 7 by Nadal. Djokovic as the Spaniard only won a total The world number one broke Nadal in of 3 games in the one-sided final. game 1 of the second set, producing a deli- “I will remember this trophy win for one cate drop shot at 40-all before the Spaniard particular reason. My grandfather used to misfired with a long return that was ruled call me ‘falcon’ and this trophy is some- out after a TV replay challenge. In game two, thing that I will always cherish,” Djokovic Nadal smashed two returns into the net as said after winning the top prize of $201,165 Djokovic produced two winners from the and the falcon-shaped trophy. baseline to go 2-0 up. “I am living the time of my life. I am Nadal restored a bit of parity in game French Open 2004 Champion, Argentinian Gaston Gaudio presenting the Golden trying to use every possible moment and three by holding his serve, reducing the Falcon Trophy to the Champion of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2016, Serbian enjoy it and use this confidence. It is easy deficit at 1-2. The Serb, who reached the Novak Djokovic. Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi, Chairman, Higher Organising to lose confidence than to gain confidence,” quarter-finals last year, quickly reasserted Committee and President of Qatar Tennis Federation (left) and Karim Alami, Djokovic, 28, said. his authority to take game three (3-1). Sec- Tournament Director also look on. “Hopefully I will be able to just as well onds later, Djokovic produced two backhand in Melbourne also,” he said. winners on Nadal’s serve before honing in “Rafa always represents a great chal- on a volley to break the Spaniard in game PAST CHAMPIONS IN QATAR lenge. We have played 47 times. The rivalry 5 for a 4-1 lead. 2016 Novak Djokovic bt Rafael Nadal 6-1, 62 goes back over 10 years. This is the first time Djokovic again held serve, unleashing 2015 David Ferrer bt Tomas Berdych, 6–4, 7–5 I lead head-to-head (smiles). I know we will another round of deft placements from the face each other many more times,” he said. baseline to take a 5-1 lead. Nadal held his 2014 Rafael Nadal bt Gaël Monfils, 6–1, 6–7(5–7), 6–2 “I played pretty much perfect tennis serve to pick up his third game (2-5) over- 2013 Richard Gasquet bt Nikolay Davydenko, 3–6, 7–6(7–4), 6–3 from the beginning. I managed to get the all but Djokovic capped his dream run in shots the way I imagined I would in the Doha in game seven, finishing the set on 2012 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga bt Gaël Monfils, 7–5, 6–3 final,” Djokovic said. an unforced error by Nadal on match point. 2011 Roger Federer bt Nikolay Davydenko, 6–3, 6–4 “It is always easier said than done. It “To have won in two sets is a great feel- gives me great satisfaction to have played ing,” Djokovic said. 2010 Nikolay Davydenko bt Rafael Nadal, 0–6, 7–6(10–8), 6–4 for the trophy against Rafa,” he said. “Every time we play against each other, 2009 Andy Murray by Andy Roddick, 6–4, 6–2 Nadal, who won $105,940 for his week’s there’s a lot at stake,” the Serb said. “Both 2008 Andy Murray bt Stanislas Wawrinka, 6–4, 4–6, 6–2 efforts this past week, said: “It was great to of us have to go through a lot of emotions play the final here. I finished 2015 strongly before a match. These kind of matches give 2007 Ivan Ljubičić bt Andy Murray, 6–4, 6–4 and I have started the new season well. I me a great deal of satisfaction,” he said. 2006 Roger Federer bt Gaël Monfils, 6–3, 7–6(7–5) will fight again and I will keep working hard The players now travel to Melbourne so that I am ready for Australia.” for the Australian Open, the season’s first 2005 Roger Federer bt Ivan Ljubičić, 6–3, 6–1 The second seed added: “I want to thank Grand Slam. 2004 Nicolas Escudé bt Ivan Ljubičić, 6–3, 7–6(7–4) 2003 Stefan Koubek bt Jan-Michael Gambill, 6–4, 6–4 2002 Younes El Aynaoui bt Félix Mantilla, 4–6, 6–2, 6–2 2001 Marcelo Ríos bt Bohdan Ulihrach, 6–3, 2–6, 6–3 2000 Fabrice Santoro bt Rainer Schüttler, 3–6, 7–5, 3–0 ret. 1999 Rainer Schüttler bt Tim Henman, 6–4, 5–7, 6–1 1998 Petr Korda bt Fabrice Santoro, 6–0, 6–3 1997 Jim Courier bt Tim Henman, 7–5, 6–7(5–7), 6–2 1996 Petr Korda bt Younes El Aynaou, i7–6(7–5), 2–6, 7–6(7–5) 1995 Stefan Edberg bt Magnus Larsson, 7–6(7–4), 6–1 1994 Stefan Edberg bt Paul Haarhuis, 6–3, 6–2 1993 Boris Becker bt Goran Ivanišević, 7–6(7–4), 4–6, 7–5 Greatest rivalries in the Open Era Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal, 48 meetings, Djokovic leads 25-23 Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer, 44 meetings, Series tied at 22-22 Ivan Lendl vs John McEroe, 36 meetings, Lendl leads 21-15 Jimmy Connors vs Ival Lendl, 35 meetings, Lendl leads 22-13 Champion Novak Djokovic (right) shakes hands with Rafael Nadal of Spain after their Qatar Open men’s single tennis final match yesterday. Borsi Becker vs Stefan Edberg, 35 meetings, Becker leads 25-10 Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2016 champion Novak Djokovic 30 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 SPORT

Peterhansel leads at Dakar LUSAIL ENDURANCE CUP Rally, Qatar’s Nasser fourth

called on all his vast experience to Massive boost DAKAR RALLY deal with the tricky terrain, Peterhansel timed 5hrs 1min 7sec for Frenchman to cross the line 17sec clear of Sainz. in his quest for powered him into the overall lead to Peugeot were destined for their give him a massive boost in his quest for third cleansweep of the race only for a 12th success a 12th success in motorsport’s tough- late finisher Yazeed Al Rajhi of Saudi in motorsport’s est challenge. The 50-year-old from Arabia to grab third (at 7min 19sec) Alsace lined up for the 542 kilometre ahead of Loeb. toughest challenge timed run in Uyuni, the longest stage Peterhansel competed in his first of the rally, eight minutes adrift of Dakar in 1988, winning the first of his nine-time world rally champion Loeb. six overall victories on two wheels But already the winner of Wednes- back in 1991 and taking his 11th vic- AFP day’s fourth stage he now goes into tory behind the wheel of a Mini in 2013. Saturday’s drive from Uyuni to Salta In the bikes category, Tony Price in Argentina at the head of the pack. took the day’s honours on a KTM for He leads Dakar debutant Loeb, his third stage win this year. SALAR DE UYUNI, BOLIVIA: Dakar who was hit by a puncture and faulty His team-mate Matthias Walkner Rally legend Stephane Peterhansel electrics, by 27sec with Sainz in third at came in second at 1min5sec ahead proved too strong for his Peugeot team- 5min 55sec in an all-Peugeot top three. of Paulo Goncalves (1min 12sec) but The podium winners at the Lusail Endurance Cup pose for a group picture. The races were held in mates Carlos Sainz and Sebastien Loeb Defending Dakar champion Nasser despite losing out the Portuguese two categories organised by Qatar Endurance Committee. Riders competed in the 110km and 90km in Friday’s sixth stage around the larg- Al Attiyah, behind the wheel of a Mini, Honda rider retained the overall lead. sections. est salt flats in the world in Bolivia. sits fourth, over 15min adrift. After Price is a little over half a minute Success for the veteran Frenchman a stunning drive in Uyuni where he away.

French Stephane Peterhansel (left), of Peugeot, and Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah, of Mini, talk before the start of the sixth stage of the Rally Dakar 2016 at the Uyuni salt flat, in Uyuni, Bolivia, on Friday. Freeze frames from Qatar Open final at Khalifa Tennis Complex

Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the trophy after beating Rafael Nadal of Spain in the final of the Qatar Open at Khalifa Tennis Complex in Doha yesterday. Djokovic won 6-1, 6-2. Top: Djokovic poses with ballboys and girls after winning the final. Pictures by: Salim/The Peninsula

Djokovic returns the ball to Rafael Nadal of Spain during the final. Centre: Fans of Djokovic, hold the player’s nick name ‘nole’ in Serbian language during the final of the Qatar Open. Right: Nadal returns the ball to Djokovic during the final. SPORT SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 31

Sodhi makes early India determined to upset claims for T20 spot world champs Down Under Agencies MOUNT MAUNGANUI: Danushka Gunathilaka was set and flying along, determined to carry Sri Lanka out of missing the injured Mitchell Starc a hole and on to a remarkable victory Indians pumped-up and Pat Cummins, the rested Josh at Bay Oval on Thursday. Hazlewood and also the searing pace The dashing left-hand opener had after victory in tour- of retired spearhead Mitchell Johnson. got to 46 in 28 balls in the first T20 opener against West “Of course we are quite pumped international on Thursday when he Australian XI up and we are preparing well. We are tried to turn a ball from legspinner Ish just going to keep working hard and Sodhi (pictured) towards mid-wicket. keep ourselves calm and focused for He was fooled. It was Sodhi’s the matches to come,” Dhawan said. googly, perfectly pitched and which “Even if they were there still we spun and took the leading edge of Agencies would have still done what we have Gunathilaka’s bat and ballooned to to do. We just focus on what we have point. to do and whatever we are going to Next ball, Sodhi beat the capa- CRICKET: face over the coming matches from ble hitter Thisara Perera clean as a EMERGING SPINNER PERTH: India have arrived on Aus- their side, we are going to take it as whistle with another ball which went tralian soil determined to upset the it comes.” the other way. world champions while fine-turning Dhawan pointed to the impres- As a early application form for across the deep mid-wicket boundary. their preparations ahead of hosting sive showing from uncapped left-arm a trip to the world T20 in India in There’s those margins again. the Twenty20 World Cup. paceman Barinder Sran as reason to March, it was impressive. “If you look at T20 competitions Explosive opener Shikhar Dhawan be optimistic ahead of the limited There’s plenty of cricket to be around the world, spinners play a big hit a lively 74 in India’s tour-opening overs series. The 23-year-old claimed played before then, and other spin- role and leg spin generally is seen as victory over a West Australian XI at 2-24 in the 74-run victory on Friday ners will be given a chance to present quite an attacking option - and if the the WACA Ground on Friday night, and set himself up to be the surprise their credentials. wicket is turning, quite effective at before outlining his team’s plans to packet of the tour. But Sodhi, whose international the death,” Sodhi, 23, said. knock Steve Smith’s side from their “It was a great boost for Bari. I feel career has started and stopped in the “It’s a role I enjoy playing at perch at the top of one-day cricket. it’s a great boost for him to get two past couple of years, did himself no domestic level.” The two nations will play five ODIs wickets in his first practice game,” harm at Mt Maunganui. Attacking or defensive-minded? and three Twenty20s, starting with Dhawan said. Sodhi also had the trust of cap- Sodhi reckons a spinner needs adapt- Tuesday’s one-day clash at the WACA. “In time he is going to experience tain Kane Williamson on Thursday. ability, depending on the situation. Dhawan is looking forward to and mature more. He looks very fit Willliamson could have plumped for “If you’re coming off a good pow- testing himself against the world’s and strong, and like a very good pros- medium pace options in the closing erplay and you’ve got a couple of best - even if Australia’s attack is pect for the India team.” overs as Sri Lanka eyed an ever- wickets, then maybe you can afford diminishing target. to be a little more attacking. Sodhi’s Instead, he tossed the ball to his T20 numbers are encouraging, albeit legspinner for the 16th and 18th overs. off a small sample. In five games, he’s Sodhi had earlier conceded just 12 taken six wickets at 21. He lost his test I ndian court issues arrest altogether in the eighth and 10th overs place late in 2014 when his 11 matches of the innings. had produced 27 wickets at a pricey 52. Now was a different challenge. In nine ODIs, he’s taken seven wick- warrant for skipper Dhoni He went for 10 and 11 runs but could ets at 55, but the shortest form seems have had Nuwan Kulasekera caught to work for him.” on the fence, the ball eluding the field- “He did well,” New Zealand bowl- er’s grasp. ing coach Dimitri Mascarenhas said AFP “Dhoni was depicted as holding One for 33 in four overs could of Sodhi’s effort on Thursday. “He’s shoes, Lays chips, Pepsi,” Gopal Rao, easily have been two for 27. Narrow been doing a good job ever since he a lawyer for petitioner Yerraguntla margins and selectors see these things came into the set-up a few months Shyamsundar said. and take them into account. ago. He’s getting better and better; HYDERABAD: A court in southern “Mr. Shyamsundar filed a case as In the ODI two days earlier, again it’s just time for him to step it up a bit India’s Mahendra Singh Dhoni hits a boundary during the limited- India has issued an arrest warrant for it hurt sentiments of Hindus. Sodhi was recalled for the 42nd and and be really consistent.” one-day international captain Mahen- “The court took a serious view over cricket match between India and Western Australian XI in Perth 45th overs when the heat was on. Set aside offspinners, or left arm dra Singh Dhoni over a magazine cover of (his) absence and issued the war- yesterday. A court in southern India has issued an arrest warrant for He conceded just three in the 42nd, orthodox and two other legspinners depicting him as a Hindu god. rants,” he added. one-day international captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni over a magazine while his final delivery in the 45th are in the frame - Canterbury’s Todd The court in Andhra Pradesh state However, Dhoni’s manager denied cover depicting him as a Hindu god. was clutched by Trent Boult as he fell Astle and Auckland’s Tarun Nethula. granted the non-bailable warrant Fri- receiving any summons. day saying skipper Dhoni failed to “Dhoni was never served with answer repeated summons in the the summons at home nor received. case, brought by a Hindu national- I am very surprised that warrants ist accusing him of hurting religious have been issued,” Arun Pandey said. sentiments. The next date of hearing has been Sri Lanka search an elusive win to end tour The Vishwa Hindu Parishad scheduled for February 25, a week (World Hindu Council) member filed before the T20 World Cup in India. the complaint in 2013 after Business The Supreme Court in 2014 had Agencies: Milinda Siriwardana though con- have a top-order plan in place for the explore the conditions to the fullest Today magazine ran a drawing por- stayed criminal proceedings against tinued his impressive show on the tour World T20. Colin Munro hit a 26-ball and complete a series win across all traying Dhoni as Hindu god Vishnu the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, and got his team close but the top order 36 that should help tighten his grip on formats. Martin Guptill is now New holding various products represent- who is currently in Australia to play will hope to contribute substantially that number 3 spot while Ross Taylor is Zealand’s top T20I run scorer with ing his wide-ranging endorsement in a series of limited-over interna- AUCKLAND: Sri Lanka has been by exploring the small boundaries at expected to have a long run at number McCullum having completed his illus- deals. tional matches. largely outclassed by New Zealand Eden Park. Sri Lanka has taken pride 5 in this format, now called on to fin- trious career in T20Is. With 1472 career in all formats on the New Zealand tour. in safeguarding their top T20 rank- ish the innings. Taylor’s move at the runs he is fifth on the overall list. The islanders have had their moments, ing more or less since the 2012 World said position means Corey Anderson Teams: however, the home side has still found T20, but if they complete their mod- will assume the number 4 position, New Zealand (probable): Kane Wil- the means to prevail. The two sides will est tour with another loss, they will for now at least. It is hoped that more liamson (captain), Martin Guptill, Colin KP leads Stars to win in meet in their final T20 today. be knocked off the top spot in the ICC time at the crease will translate into Munro, Corey Anderson, Ross Taylor, Sri Lanka had looked good going rankings for the shortest format. bigger runs from Anderson. Grant Elliott, Mitchell Santner, Luke Melbourne BBL derby into the final four overs in the first Thisara Perera’s place is likely to New Zealand coach Mike Hesson Ronchi (wk), Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Twenty20 International yet through miss out after a modest outing in Mount had said that all 13 in New Zealand’s Trent Boult clever bowling and brilliant fielding Maunganui, as is Suranga Lakmal. squad would play at some point of Sri Lanka (probable): Tillakara- New Zealand ensured they would not Isuru Udana and Dushmantha the series. This means Adam Milne tne Dilshan, Danushka Gunathilaka, Agencies Indian Dwayne Bravo to anchor the lose a series this tour. Chameera may have roles to play in and Mitchell Santner are both likely Dinesh Chandimal (capt & wk), Shehan innings with an unbeaten 59 from Sri Lanka’s top order has been a this all-important decider. Danushka to play this match. Ish Sodhi and Mitch- Jayasuriya, Angelo Mathews, Milinda 37 deliveries. major worry for the visitors. In the Gunathilaka has been Sri Lanka’s most ell McClenaghan appear likeliest to be Siriwardana, Chamara Kapugedera, Former Star Cameron White first T20I, Sri Lanka was 42/4 after 5 recent find of the tour and will look left out. The drop-in pitch at Eden Park Thisara Perera/Isuru Udana, Nuwan MELBOURNE: Chris Gayle was back captained Renegades following the overs and the run chase seemed to be to continue his good run. is usually full of runs, but can turn on Kulasekara, Dushmantha Chameera, in the spotlight, a bowler dismissed a departure of Aaron Finch for interna- going haywire. Meanwhile the hosts, appear to occasion. The home side will look to Jeffrey Vandersay batsman with his nose and there was tional duties with the Australian ODI a lengthy smoke delay in last night’s team and he was dismissed imme- Big Bash League encounter won by diately after Gayle was caught in the Melbourne Stars. deep off Marcus Stoinis. A week after Stars defeated Mel- He made 29 runs off 30 balls Chappell wants ban on Gayle for TV interview bourne Renegades at the MCG in front before he guided a Stoinis delivery of a BBL record crowd of 80,883, the to wicketkeeper Handscomb, who green team repeated the dose - again gloved a brilliant catch. by eight wickets - in the rematch at Renegades were in trouble at 5-78 Agencies said CA needed to send a zero-tol- Etihad Stadium. after an eventful Adam Zampa over erance message on what he deemed The official attendance of 43,176 where Test keeper Phil Nevill, in his “totally inappropriate” behaviour in fans broke the venue record for a first game of BBL05, was run out in a sport trying to gain traction with cricket crowd, but Renegades sup- bizarre circumstances. MELBOURNE: Australian cricket great women. porters were left disappointed as the Standing at the non-striker’s end, Ian Chappell has called on Cricket “I wouldn’t have a problem if home side’s finals hopes took what a powerfully-struck straight drive Australia to propose a worldwide con- Cricket Australia said to the clubs, might be a hit as lusty as a Kevin Pie- from Bravo ricocheted off Nevill’s tracting ban on Chris Gayle following ‘he’s never to be contracted again in tersen six. bat, into a diving Zampa’s nose and his controversial sideline interview this country’,” Chappell said in Syd- The loss leaves the Renegades onto the stumps. with sports reporter Mel McLaughlin. ney, where he participated in an Optus (4) two points adrift of the fourth- The spinner required medical Gayle was fined $10,000 by his SMB Cricket Legends event alongside placed Sydney Thunder (6), while the attention for the blow but stayed on Big Bash League (BBL) side Melbourne Tom Moody. Stars joined the Perth Scorchers on the field to complete his over and then Renegades for his on-air mid-match “And I also wouldn’t have a prob- eight points. dismissed debutant Aaron Ayre LBW comments to McLaughlin last Monday. lem if Cricket Australia said to the ICC, Having been sent in, Renegades for a golden duck. The big-hitting West Indian bats- ‘what we’re doing should be worldwide’. Chris Gayle made 155-6 before Pietersen (67 runs Stoinis was the pick of Stars bowl- man’s hopes of returning next season “You’d have to talk to the individual off 43 balls) and Peter Handscomb (39 ers with 3-11 from two overs. could also be all but over, given Cricket countries then ... but I wouldn’t have off 30) combined for a match-win- The start of Stars innings was Australia (CA) has the power to essen- a problem if it was tabled at an ICC ning 94-run partnership that secured delayed by around 15 minutes as tially veto any BBL player contract. meeting that Cricket Australia said, Stars their fourth win of BBL05 with umpires waited for thick smoke caused Some CA officials wanted Gayle to ‘this is what we’re doing and we would two overs to spare. by fireworks during the break to clear. be suspended over the interview, dur- recommend that everybody else do Gayle made 21 runs from 21 deliv- The Renegades next face the ing which he told McLaughlin she had the same’. offence, saying it was a “simple joke”. up-and-coming male cricketers. If it eries in his first innings since his Thunder in a do-or-die clash on Mon- beautiful eyes and asked her out for a “How are you going to stop it But Chappell thought he was “past was a one-off thing, yeah, slap him controversial sideline interview on day night, while the Stars host the drink before saying “don’t blush, baby”. otherwise?” help probably now”, and said the focus with a $10,000 fine and say ‘mate, Monday night, leaving fellow West hapless Brisbane Heat on Thursday. Ex-Australian skipper Chappell Gayle has apologised for any should be on sending a message to don’t do it again’,” he said. 32 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 SPORT

Golf: India’s Thomas wins Qatar Open Amateur Championship

FROM LEFT (Back row): Mohamed Al Mohannadi, Assistant Secretary-General, Mohammed Faisal Al Naim, Executive Director, and Tournament Director, Dr David Cherry,President of Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, Adel Al Zarooni Secretary-General of the Arab Union of Golf, Hassan bin Nasser Al Naimi, the President of Qatar Golf Association and head of Organising Committee, and Fahd bin Nasser Al Naimi, Secretary General along with the players during the presentation ceremony of Qatar Open Amateur Championship at Qatar Golf Club yesterday. RIGHT: India’s Rayhan Thomas poses with the winners’ trophy. Pictures by: Kammutty VP/The Peninsula Qatar, Saudi Arabia to clash for Friendly Cup

“ We are very thankful to QOC and QCA to play host CRICKET: QATAR TO MEET SAUDI Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for ARABIA their continuous support in the pro- to event in Doha motion of sport.” including two While the Saudis will field full- strength national team for the matches, Twenty20s and a a window and proposed a series to QCA will also leave no stone unturned wone-dayer from Saudi Arabian cricket officials who to select the best possible squad. January 21 to 23 accepted our invitation. “ We will select a squad of 22 play- “The Saudi Arabian side will ers for the Friendly Cup. To select the arrive in Doha on January 21 and best players we will hold a trial match play a Twenty20 the same day. The on Monday (tomorrow). Our coaches two sides will meet in a one-day game will assess the performance of play- By Fawad Hussain on January 22 followed by the second ers before finalising the squad. We are The Peninsula and last Twenty20 match on January hopeful of success against the visi- 23,” he said. tors,” he said. The first Twenty20 game will start Ahmed added the QCA will con- DOHA: Qatar and Saudi Arabia will at 6:30pm while the one-day which will tinue to host such matches. clash on the cricket field when the two be played on Friday will start at 2pm. “ Recently, we hosted teams from GCC countries will meet at the Friendly The last T20 will kick off at 9am due Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait. We will Cup later this month in Doha. to visitors’ departure on the same day. hold more such matches and the QCA The event which will be hosted by “The schedule has been finalised is also involved in talks with Pakistan,” the Qatar Cricket Association (QOC) keeping in view to give fans a good the QCA Secretary-General said before from January 21 to 23 involves three chance to watch the games. We are stressing the need of sponsors. matches including a couple of Twenty20 expecting a packed crowd in all the “ Qatar has huge potential for games and a one-dayer. matches.” cricket. All we need is sponsors and The matches will be played at Asian Ahmed said the QCA has full sup- we are working for it,” he said. Cricket Town Stadium. port of the International Cricket Council Cricket matches have seen a good “It’s going to be a big cricket event (ICC) for the event. number of fans’ turnout in recent years as both the teams will field their best “The ICC wants the GCC countries in Doha. Last month, a packed crowd players,” QCA Secretary-General Man- to play more and they encourage such of over 10,000 cricket fans watched a zoor Ahmed, flanked by QCA President events. We have the full support of the friendly match between Qatar XI and MA Shahid and Tournament Director ICC regarding the event.” Pakistan. In 2014, top players includ- Gul Khan told a press conference yes- The QCA Secretary-General also ing West Indian great Brian Lara and Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) President MA Shahid (centre), Manzoor Ahmed QCA Secretary-General (left) terday at QCA Head Office. thanked the Qatar Olympic Commit- Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya “Our national team was not play- tee (QOC) and Ministry of Youth Affairs featured in a friendly game that saw and Tournament Director Gul Khan along with other officials on the back row following a press conference ing matches since a long time. We had and Sports for their support. over 10,000 spectators. to announce details of Friendly Cup between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Picture by: Abdul Basit/The Peninsula

QCA to Shami out hold U-19 Squads confirmed for ICC U-19 World Cup of Aussie coaching Agencies who were part of the squad that fin- original squad for the 2014 event but tour after ished fifth in the last edition in the UAE. was later withdrawn. These players are Sarfraz Khan, Both Ireland and Nepal are return- camp Ricky Bhui and Avesh Khan. ing to the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup injury DUBAI: The International Cricket Canada, New Zealand and West after missing out on the 2014 event. DOHA: The Qatar Cricket Associ- Council (ICC) yesterday announced Indies have retained one player each It will be their seventh appearances, M U M B A I : India’s Mohammed Shami ation (QCA), headed by MA Shahid, that all 16 sides for this month’s ICC from their 2014 campaigns. Abraash respectively. will have to wait a little longer for is planning to organise a coaching U-19 Cricket World Cup 2016 have now Khan of Canada, Shimron Hetmyer Coincidentally, both the sides have his return to international cricket camp for U-19 boys, the country’s been confirmed. of the West Indies and New Zealand’s retained 12 players each from the ICC after the fast bowler was sidelined cricket governing body said. The 11th edition of the tournament Josh Finnie will be returning to Bang- U19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier, which for up to six weeks with a ham- The primary purpose of the will be held across eight venues in four ladesh as captains of their sides. was won by Nepal with Ireland fin- string injury. camp by the QCA is to unearth Bangladesh cities from January 27 to Canada achieved 15th position, ishing second. The 25-year-old played through fresh talent and groom them for February 14, 2016. the West Indies claimed sixth posi- Fiji will be making its maiden pain the last time India toured Aus- the future. The event will feature nine Test second successive ICC U19 Cricket tion and New Zealand finished 10th appearance in Bangladesh after win- tralia and finished as his team’s QCA General-Secretary, Man- playing countries as well as seven Asso- World Cup. in the year 2014. ning the East Asia-Pacific U19 Cricket second-highest wicket taker at the zoor Ahmad, while talking about ciate and Affiliate Members, namely The host country Bangladesh has Namibia has retained two play- Trophy in Blenheim, New Zealand, 2015 World Cup, claiming a tiotal the camp informed that the associa- Afghanistan, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, named five players who played in the ers from the side which finished 14th. from 24-28 February. It has retained 13 of 17 wickets. tion is planning to gather new faces, Namibia, Nepal and Scotland. previous event in the United Arab Emir- Zane Green will return as captain, players from that successful campaign. He underwent surgery after train them and provide them playing The warm-up matches will be ates, where the side finished ninth. while SJ loftie-Eaton is the other survi- For the first time in the history of returning from Australia in March opportunities in order to popularise played from January 22 to 25. These players are Mehidy Hassan vor from the UAE tournament earlier. this competition, ICC will produce live and was out of action until he the game further and have a big- The tournament will open with the Miraz, who has been retained as cap- Ryan Brown is the only Scotland broadcast coverage of an unprece- returned to domestic cricket last ger talent pool for national teams. match between defending champion tain, Najmul Hossain Chanto, Joyraj player who will be appearing in his dented 20 matches. The matches which month. Those players who are not stud- South Africa and host- nation Bangla- Sheik Imon, Zakir Hasan and Saeed second successive ICC U19 Cricket will be shown around the world by The Indian cricket board (BCCI) ying of any school and are born on desh at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Sarker. World Cup. ICC broadcast partner, Star Sports named paceman Bhuvneshwar and after September 1, 1996 will Stadium (ZACS) in Chittagong and will Afghanistan has retained four play- Brown played just one match last and its licensees. These include four Kumar as Shami’s replacement for be eligible for the selection trials. culminate with the final at the Sher- ers from the 2014 tournament where time and bagged two wickets for 18 from Chittagong, nine from Mirpur the tour, where India will play five Also student of those schools are e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. the Asian side finished seventh. runs. and seven from Fatullah. In the 2014 one-day internationals and three eligible where their schools have All matches will be day fixtures The four players are Ihsanullah Defending champion South Africa, event in the UAE, Star Sports and its Twenty20 matches. not participated in QCA organised and will start at 0900 local time. Janat, captain for this month’s event, like England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and licensees had broadcast 11 matches, “The BCCI medical team con- tournament. The Super League semi-finals and Muslim Musa, Waheed Shafaq and Zia- Zimbabwe, will be appearing with a while 10 matches each were televised firms that Mohammed Shami has The coaching camp will start final will have reserve days. ur-Rehman Akbar. completely fresh set of players, though from the 2008, 2010 and 2012 events been ruled out of India’s tour of Aus- after the QCA will receive a cer- The squad-list reveals that as many India, which has won the tourna- Dayyaan Galiem who will appear in this in Malaysia, New Zealand and Aus- tralia due to injury,” the board said tain number of players. as 18 cricketers will take part in their ment thrice, has named three players edition, was named in South Africa’s tralia respectively. in a statement. SPORT SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 33

Blatter, Platini set to appeal against Motta, Maxwell send FIFA suspensions PSG 22 points clear AFP GENEVA: FIFA’s ethics tribunal said yesterday it had provided Sepp the French Cup last weekend. Blatter and Michel Platini with the Ligue 1 leaders LIGUE 1: PSG VS BASTIA Blanc elected to start Brazilian reasons for its decision to ban them winger Lucas Moura instead of Edin- from football for eight years, clearing maintain unbeaten son Cavani and Kevin Trapp in goal. the way for them to appeal against record in all domestic For Bastia, Brazilian Brandao the decision. maintained their unbeaten record in was making his return to the Parc “The adjudicatory chamber of competitions since all domestic competitions since last des Princes where in 2014 he head- the independent Ethics Committee ... last March March. “We are the only team which butted Motta for which he picked up has notified Mr Joseph S. Blatter and also thinks a little bit about the future,” a six month ban. Mr Michel Platini of the grounds for said Blanc as he looked ahead to the The visitors began brightly but as the decisions passed in December rest of the season which also includes the half hour approached PSG’s Angel 2015,” the body said in a statement. AFP a Champions League last-16 clash Di Maria sent in a corner from the Platini’s lawyer Thibaud d’Ales against Chelsea. right with Bastia’s bumbling defence said the UEFA president had indeed “There are heavy legs in January allowing Thiago Silva’s header to be received the reasons behind the ban. but we have big goals for February, nudged over the line by Motta. “We’ll read them, analyse them PARIS: Paris Saint Germain began March, April and May, I hope. Argentine star Di Maria was at and launch an appeal on Monday,” the second half of the Ligue 1 sea- “You have to work hard in Janu- the heart of the hosts’ second goal D’Ales said. son in comfortable fashion on Friday, ary, the weather conditions may not ten minutes later, helping to set up In December, the ethics tribu- goals from Thiago Motta and Maxwell be great. This is one reason why the left-back Maxwell to fire an angled nal banned the FIFA president and seeing Laurent Blanc’s champions to game tonight gave me much pleasure.” shot into the Bastia netting. vice president from football for eight a 2-0 win over Bastia. Bastia turned up sitting just three Yesterday was a historic day for years, saying they had abused their PSG went into the winter recess points clear of the relegation zone but former multiple champions Lyon as positions over a $2m payment made boasting a yawning 19 points cush- having only lost just one of their last they open their new 59,000-seat sta- to Platini in 2011 for work carried ion -- a new record points tally up to six games. dium against bottom club Troyes. out between 1999 and 2002. Paris St Germain’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left) in action with Bastia’s Florian Christmas in France. As for their well-heeled hosts PSG The ground in Lyon’s eastern sub- Blatter, who has headed FIFA And two first half goals moved had laboured to a 1-0 victory against urbs will be one of the venues for Euro Marange during their Ligue 1 match on Friday at Parc des Princes, Paris, since 1998, was also fined 50,000 them 22 points clear of Monaco and fourth-tier minnows Wasquehal in 2016. France. Swiss francs ($50,000/46,300 euros) while Platini, the head of UEFA, Europe’s governing body, was fined 80,000 Swiss francs. At the time of the verdict, which heightened further the crisis rock- Liverpool survive Exeter scare in FA Cup ing football’s scandal-plagued world body, the court insisted there was “no legal basis” for the payment that Blatter authorised for Platini AFP narrowly missed claiming a second in 2011. goal from the best remaining chances The tribunal did not provide of the half. further details Saturday of the rea- EXETER, United Kingdom: Liver- After 29 minutes, Christian Ribei- soning behind its decision. pool were forced to come from behind ro’s cross found David Noble dead in Instead it stressed it had now twice to draw 2-2 at fourth tier Exeter front of goal who hurried over his shot “fulfilled its commitment to pro- City in the FA Cup third round after an from 10 yards under pressure from Liv- vide the grounds for the respective horrendous error by goalkeeper Adam erpool defenders and, just before the decisions to Mr Blatter and Mr Bogdan almost gifted the minnows a half-time whistle, an excellent cross Platini within the first half of Jan- shock victory on Friday. from Holmes was met by full-back uary 2016.” Tom Nichols opened the scoring for Ribeiro who should have done bet- “After receiving the grounds for Exeter, seeking a place in the fourth ter than send a bouncing header wide the decisions, both officials may round for the first time in 35 years, from the penalty spot. lodge an appeal with the FIFA Appeal and after Jerome Sinclair’s equaliser, A goal down on the restart, it Committee,” the statement said. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp saw Bogdan’s took Liverpool just five minutes to If that appeal is rejected, the blunder allow Lee Holmes’ corner to finally provide service to Benteke, two men can appeal further to the go straight into the net. and it almost brought an equaliser Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Australia international Brad Smith as Cameron Brannagan’s left-wing the highest tribunal in sports. eventually ensured Exeter had to settle centre picked out the Belgian inter- At the time of the verdict, both for the consolation of a lucrative replay national, whose close-range header men angrily vowed to fight the bans, at Anfield when he equalised for Liv- looked destined for the back of the which started immediately. erpool in the closing stages. net until Olejnik produced a stunning The tribunal decision prom- The first tie of the third round week- reflex block to keep it out. ises to end 79-year-old Blatter’s end, moved to Friday to accommodate After 56 minutes, neat footwork four decades with FIFA in television scheduling, did not disap- from Alex Nicholls and Reid almost disgrace. point with a goal for each team inside set up Nichols for another shooting It also dealt a devastating blow the opening 12 minutes. chance, while Ribeiro was wide with to 60-year-old Platini’s hopes of The fact that the opening effort another header, again following an taking over as head of FIFA in an Liverpool’s Kevin Stewart in action with Exeter City’s Lee Holmes during the FA Cup Third Round at St James’ came from the League Two hosts was excellent cross from Holmes. election on February 26. not particularly surprising given the Park in London on Friday night. Nichols threatened with a couple The UEFA president pulled out starting line-up selected by Klopp, more shots and substitute Arron Dav- of the race earlier this week, say- a consequence of his team’s current goal. But, despite that poor defensive which failed to deal with Ryan Kent’s head and directly into the roof of the ies just missed the target from 20 yards ing the ban has made it impossible lengthy injury list and his desire to effort, Klopp’s incredibly inexperienced pass into the feet of Benteke in the goal. Before the goals, Benteke had with his first touch before Liverpool for him to put together a campaign rest players for forthcoming Premier line-up, featuring three debutants and home area and, after the loose ball already tested Bobby Olejnik in the equalised for the second time, against to take on the sport’s most pow- League and League Cup fixtures. just two players -- Enrique and Chris- broke kindly for Sinclair, the 19-year- home net and the impressive Portu- the run of play, after 73 minutes. erful job. It took just nine minutes for Exeter to tian Benteke -- with more than four old made no mistake from 10 yards. guese winger Joao Teixeira and Kevin Substitute Sheyi Oji probed down He told French sports newspa- delight the romantics keen for a mem- appearances for the club, had started However, in first half stoppage-time, Stewart both saw shots deflected wide the left touchline and his cross was per L’Equipe that he no longer had orable Cup upset as Jamie Reid sped relatively confidently and required just those errors were forgotten by the home of the Exeter goal. cleared, poorly, by Jordan Moore-Tay- “the time nor the means to go to down the right and crossed for Nichols three minutes to equalise. supporters as Hungarian goalkeeper Exeter, 76 places below their vis- lor, directly to Smith who drilled the the voters, to meet people, to fight to sprint ahead of veteran defender Jose The goal owed much to poor Exeter Bogdan inexplicably allowed Holmes’ itors in the Football League pyramid, ball into the back of the net from a against the other candidates. Enrique and slide home the opening defending, notably by Jordan Tillson, right-wing corner kick to soar over his were equal to the task, however, and dozen yards. “In withdrawing, I am dedicat- ing myself to my defence.” FIFA has since last May be rocked to its core by a cascade of corruption charges and arrests that Hiddink targets farewell present culminated with the implication of the two long considered world foot- ball’s most powerful men. The US justice department AFP visit to the Bridge for today’s third Chelsea have slowly shown signs of has charged 39 individuals and round tie, the Dutchman admitted he improvement and last weekend’s 3-0 two companies over graft within would relish a similar scenario in May. victory at Crystal Palace was both world football going back decades, LONDON: Guus Hiddink has set his “Fourth place in the Premier their most impressive display in Hid- in a sweeping prosecution that has sights on giving Chelsea the perfect League is difficult. Then there are two dink’s three matches and their biggest sparked an unprecedented crisis farewell as the Blues interim man- targets left and one is the FA Cup,” league win of the season. at FIFA. ager sets out on the road to Wembley Hiddink said. The former South Korea coach A total of nine FIFA officials in the FA Cup. “It’s a big target for this group of knows there is still plenty of work to were arrested during two raids Hiddink confirmed this week that players to get it. do however, largely in calming the at the five-star Baur au Lac hotel he will step down from his second spell “I’ve put two dates in my mind troubled waters caused by the disin- in Zurich, on May 27 and Decem- as Chelsea caretaker once the cur- which is May 21 and 28 and then it’s tegration of Mourinho’s relationship ber 3, by Swiss police acting on rent campaign comes to an end, but finished. Then I can go home on the 29. with several Chelsea stars. US warrants. he is determined not to leave Stam- “Those dates are the FA Cup final The sight of Diego Costa and Meanwhile, FIFA’s ethics judges ford Bridge empty-handed. and Champions League final.” Oscar having to be separated by announced yesterday the exten- With Chelsea’s chances of suc- On paper, Scunthorpe, currently team-mates after a training ground sion of Thai football chief Worawi cess in the Premier League long since 15th in League One, should pose little bust-up this week was hardly encour- Makudi’s temporary suspension for ruined by their miserable first half of threat to Hiddink’s dreams of Wem- aging on that front, although Hiddink 45 more days, over allegations of the season, Hiddink, who took charge bley glory. downplayed attempts to interpret an ethics breach. after Jose Mourinho was sacked in But it was only last year that Chel- the row as a sign of continued tur- “The adjudicatory chamber of December, has circled the dates of sea suffered a humiliating FA Cup moil behind the scenes. the independent Ethics Committee the FA Cup and Champions League fourth round exit against third tier Hiddink is more focused on deal- ... has decided to extend the suspen- finals in his diary. Bradford at the Bridge. ing with the injury problems that will sion of Mr Worawi Makudi by 45 Hiddink memorably ended his Chelsea’s malaise over the last few deprive him of the services of Bel- days, at the request of the investi- first spell as Chelsea’s interim boss months has been so severe that the gium playmaker Eden Hazard, as well gatory chamber,” the tribunal said by winning the 2009 FA Cup final minnows will fancy their chances of as strikers Radamel Falcao and Loic in a statement. against Everton and then flouting causing a famous upset in their first Remy, against Scunthorpe. It pointed out that the 90-day Wembley regulations by smoking a meeting with the Blues since another “I’m worried about his situation,” suspension imposed on Worawi on victorious cigar as the post-match FA Cup third round tie 11 years ago Hiddink said of Falcao’s latest injury October 7 would expire at midnight, Everton’s Ramiro Funes Mori in action with Dagenham & Redbridge’s celebrations began in the dressing ended in a 3-1 win for the Premier setback. and said the additional 45-day-sus- Ashley Hemmings during the FA Cup Third Round match at Goodison room. League club. “But in the upcoming games we pension would begin immediately Park yesterday. Ahead of third tier Scunthorpe’s Since Mourinho’s departure, have to show what we’re capable of.” after that, today. 34 SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 SPORT Azarenka downs Kerber to claim second Brisbane title

Former world number one beats German counterpart 6-3, 6-1 in 73 minutes in the final

AFP

BRISBANE: Former world number one Victoria Azarenka stormed to her second Brisbane International title when she downed Germany’s Angel- ique Kerber in straight sets yesterday. Azarenka, who won her maiden WTA title in Brisbane in 2009, over- whelmed the fourth-seeded Kerber, winning 6-3, 6-1 in 73 minutes, her sixth win over the German in six meetings. It was Azarenka’s first title since Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates after defeating Dominic she won in Cincinnati in August, 2013. She sustained a foot injury in 2014 Thiem of Austria in their semi-final match at the Brisbane International and only played nine tournaments. in Brisbane, yesterday. In 2015, she suffered a thigh strain that saw her slip down the world rankings. Victoria Azarenka of Belarus lifts her winning trophy after defeating Angelique Kerber of Germany in the Azarenka admitted that she hadn’t women’s final match on the seventh day of the Brisbane International yesterday in Brisbane. Federer thrashes Thiem played at 100 percent fitness during 2015. “I was hurt the whole year -- there was not a moment where I felt a young fan on court to join her victory point the Belarusian never looked to set up Raonic rematch good and had no pain,” she said. celebration. “I’m going to do everything TENNIS: BRISBANE like losing. “It was a constant battle with pain, I can next week to prepare and feel the INTERNATIONAL FINAL Kerber said the first set and the start with my own fear. Like is it going to hurt most comfortable to start the tourna- of the second were close but she con- again? I don’t want to go through that.” ment. I can’t wait to be in Melbourne.” ceded she made too many mistakes. AFP I guess 16 months or so,” Federer said The two-time Australian Open Both women started the final in keep the pressure on and lost her next “I think the first set was -- we of Raonic. champion steadily improved in each superb touch, playing with power and two service games, handing Azarenka played both on the really high level,” “I thought he played really well round in Brisbane and showed in the placement and looking untroubled on the set with a double fault. she said. BRISBANE: Swiss maestro Roger against me here and Indian Wells final she will be a serious contender serve. But in the fifth game Kerber Kerber had her chances at the start “But I think I made a few more Federer reached his third successive last year. in Melbourne. faltered and Azarenka broke the Ger- of the second set and had three break mistakes than over the last few days, Brisbane International final yester- “So he’s been looking good, you “The focus is still there on Mel- man to move ahead 3-2. Kerber broke points. However, Azarenka saved them and she was playing very aggressively. day when he crushed Dominic Thiem know. Clearly with a serve like that bourne,” said Azarenka, who brought straight back but she was unable to all and broke Kerber, and from that She was going for it,” Kerber added. in a lopsided semi-final. things are always complicated.” Federer took just 60 minutes to The big-serving Raonic hit 13 aces down the eighth-seeded Austrian 6-1, on his way to a 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5) win 6-4 and said afterwards it was the in one hour, 47 minutes. best he had played all week. Tomic had his chances against “I’m getting used to conditions, Raonic, and had four break points in Stephens bags Auckland title which is usually the case after a cou- the fifth game of the first set. ple of matches,” he said. But Raonic served his way out of “You understand the speeds more danger and neither man was troubled Reuters a second-set dog fight on a windswept and you’re more comfortable. Plus I’m on his own serve thereafter. centre court to set the platform for her definitely also feeling a bit better now. With such a huge serve Raonic was triumph later in the day. “I was very pleased with how I always favoured in the tie-breaks and “You can never prepare for playing played. I think it was the best match he opened a 5-1 lead on both occasions. AUCKLAND: Sloane Stephens ground a set and then rain, then finishing the of the week so far, or most consist- Tomic fought back to 5-5 twice down unseeded German Julia Goerges match the next morning and coming ent maybe.” but in the end Raonic closed out the 7-5, 6-2 to win the Auckland Clas- back again in the afternoon,” Stephens The first set lasted just 22 minutes match with a lunging backhand volley. sic yesterday, the American ending told reporters. as a shell-shocked Thiem struggled to Raonic pushed Federer in three Agnieszka Radwanska of a busy day at the office with a con- The American, who stunned com- match the 17-time Grand Slam cham- close sets in 2015 and although he Poland poses with her trophy fidence-boosting triumph ahead of patriot Serena Williams on her way to pion on Pat Rafter Arena. said he was playing better now than after winning the singles final the Australian Open. the Australian Open last four in 2013, Thiem, 22, settled into the match 12 months ago, he conceded facing match against Alison Riske of The world number 30, a former was naturally delighted to claim an in the second set and took the fight to the Swiss great was always difficult. the US at the Shenzhen Open semi-finalist at Melbourne Park, early-season title triumph ahead of the his 34-year-old opponent, but a lapse “He can do a lot of things differ- WTA tennis tournament in secured her second WTA title, having first grand slam of the season start- in the seventh game saw him drop ently,” Raonic said. Shenzhen, yesterday. made her long-awaited breakthrough ing on January 18. his serve and Federer easily held on “You know what you want to do at Washington in August. “We have a really long season -- I to book a place in the final. against him and what you should do Although she overpowered the Sloane Stephens of the US have to play all the way until Octo- Federer lost to Lleyton Hewitt (but) he can just make this part dif- BRISBANE RESULTS German in a dominant second set, celebrates with the trophy ber -- so to win a tournament in the in the 2014 title-decider and beat ficult for you. Men’s singles Stephens was made to work hard for the after her victory against first week of the year is amazing,” said Canadian Milos Raonic to win the “Each time he can come out play- title, needing to first wrap up her rain- Stephens, who later pulled out of next title last year. ing in different ways and he’s able to Semi-finals Germany’s Julia Goerges at the interrupted semi-final with former week’s Hobart International with a Today’s final will be a rematch of do a lot of different things. Milos Raonic (CAN x4) bt Bernard Tomic WTA Auckland Classic final in world number one Caroline Wozni- Auckland, yesterday. viral illness. 2015 after the huge-serving Raonic “But what I need to do is very clear (AUS x7) 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5). acki 6-2 7-6(3) earlier on Saturday. “But I’m going to have many more edged local hero Bernard Tomic in for myself,” he added. Roger Federer (SUI x1) bt Dominic Their semi-final was suspended opportunities throughout the year, and two close sets. “So that’s what I’m going to strive Thiem (AUT x8) 6-1, 6-4. the previous evening with fifth seed Stephens quickly sealed the opener I’m looking forward to all of them. It’s “I played some tough matches for and try to play it on my terms as Women’s Stephens leading 5-2 in the first set. upon resumption before prevailing in easier to look at it that way.” (against him) in the last, I don’t know, much as possible, rather than his.” Final Victoria Azarenka (BLR) bt Angelique Kerber (GER x4) 6-3, 6-1. HOPMAN CUP Final Kyrgios leads Australia to Hopman Cup title Australia Green bt Ukraine 2-0 Women’s singles Daria Gavrilova (AUS) bt Elina Svitolina AFP Great Britain. Gavrilova was repre- (UKR) 6-4, 7-6 (8-6). senting her adopted country for the Men’s singles first time, having been naturalised Nick Kyrgios (AUS) bt Alexandr Dolgo- last month. polov (UKR) 6-3, 6-4. PERTH: Australians Nick Kyrgios and “It means a lot, it is my first real Daria Gavrilova beat Ukraine’s Elina title to have won,” Kyrgios said. AUCKLAND CLASSIC Svitolina and Alexandr Dolgopolov to “It is the perfect way to start the Women’s singles win the mixed teams Hopman Cup in year, I haven’t lost a match yet and I Final Perth yesterday. am riding a lot of confidence into the For the first time, the host nation Australian summer. Sloane Stephens (US) bt Julia Goerges (Germany) 7-5, 6-2. fielded two teams in the tournament, Gavrilova could scarcely believe and Kyrgios and Gavrilova went through her luck. “It is the biggest event I have Semifinal the week unbeaten as Australia Green, ever won and just representing Aus- Sloane Stephens (US) bt 3-Caroline culminating in their 2-0 win over tralia for the first time and winning Wozniacki (Denmark) 6-2, 7-6(3). Ukraine to give Australia their sec- this title straight away is amazing.” SHENZHEN OPEN ond Hopman Cup title. The pair were just one point from Both players won their singles being eliminated from the tournament Women’s Singles matches in the final in straight sets, with when they faced a match point against Final the mixed doubles not being played. France in the deciding mixed doubles Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland) bt Ali- For both Australians, who have on Friday night, however they were in son Riske (US) 6-3, 6-2. known each other for several years, total control in the final. ATP CHENNAI OPEN it was a milestone tournament win. Australia’s only previous title was Kyrgios collected his first senior when Mark Phillippoussis teamed with Nick Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova of the Australia Green team (right) celebrate with the Hopman Cup after Semi-final ITF tournament title just four months teenager Jelena Dokic in 1999, while Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI x1) bt Benoit after he was dumped from the Davis Ukraine have been beaten twice in the defeating Alexandr Dolgopolov and Elina Svitolina of Ukraine (left) during their mixed doubles final match Paire (FRA x3) 6-3, 6-4. Cup team for the semi-final against Hopman Cup final, previously in 1995. on day seven of the Hopman Cup in Perth yesterday. SPORT SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 35

Fenerbahce crush Red Star Spurs maintain home win streak as CSKA sink Real San Antonio unbeaten B A S K E T B A L L : N B A R E S U LT S Reuters at AT&T Centre with 22nd consecutive Rookie Porzingis paced the Knicks victory at home this attack. He tallied a game-high 28 points BELGRADE: The Euro- with a variety of shots and pulled down league’s nouveau rich team season 11 rebounds. Fenerbahce Istanbul crushed Red Star Belgrade 88-65 in Cavaliers 125, Timberwolves 99 the competition’s stand-out J R Smith scored a season-high game on Friday. Agencies 27 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers The second round of the won their sixth straight game with Top 16, featuring two groups a 125-99 victory over the struggling of eight sides, also produced a Minnesota Timberwolves at the Tar- share of the spoils in a double- LOS ANGELES: Kawhi Leonard scored get Centre arena in Minnesota. header involving Spanish and 19 points and grabbed a team-high 12 Forward Kevin Love added 20 Russian giants on Thursday. rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs beat points and nine rebounds. Love was Six-time winners CSKA the New York Knicks 100-99 for their playing just his second game in Min- Moscow overpowered hold- 22nd consecutive victory at home this nesota since a trade that saw him go to ers Real Madrid 95-81 while season on Friday. Cleveland for Canadian star Andrew city rivals Khimki lost 87-70 The win at San Antonio’s AT&T Cen- Wiggins in 2014. Wiggins led the Tim- at Barcelona. tre was the seventh straight overall for berwolves with 35 points. It is the fifth Unfazed by a fervent the Spurs and allowed them to stay time in his career he has scored at least 7,000 Serbian crowd, Fen- unbeaten at home. 30 and the second time in three games erbahce vindicated several They turned up the heat at the start against the Cavaliers. years of heavy investment as of the fourth quarter and then held on Minnesota has lost four straight Czech centre Jan Vesely, Ital- for the victory, which extended their games and nine of its last 10 overall. ian forward Luigi Datome and winning streak to 31 games dating to Red Star’s former stalwart the final nine home games of 2014-15. Pacers 91, Pelicans 86 Pero Antic sank the home side. First place San Antonio led 79-74 Indiana Pacers centre Ian Mahinmi Aided by livewire play- after three quarters, but began the final scored 17 points, grabbed 10 rebounds Cleveland Cavaliers’ forward Kevin Love (centre) jumps for a rebound in the second half against the Minnesota maker Bobby Dixon, who quarter with seven straight points to and blocked a career-high four shots pulled the strings, the vis- give them some breathing room in a as his team overcame a season-high Timberwolves at Target Centre. The Cavaliers won 125-99. itors stifled Red Star with contest that included eight lead changes. 24 turnovers to defeat the New Orle- water-tight defending and New York made a late push in the ans Pelicans 91-86 at the Smoothie carved out a 41-28 lead at last five-and-a-half minutes, slash- King Center in New Orleans. season-high 35 points as the Toronto their longest losing streak of the season. lead disappear in the second half as the the interval. ing the lead to one point on Kristaps The Pelicans played most of the Raptors continued their regular season Heat 103, Suns 95 Mavericks finally started to get into an Fenerbahce kept firing on Porzingis’ alley-oop dunk with 32 sec- game without all-star forward Anthony dominance over the Washington Wiz- Miami guard Dwyane Wade scored offensive rhythm after shooting just all cylinders after the break onds to play. Davis, who injured his lower back div- ards with a 97-88 victory. Lowry had nine of his game-high 27 points in the 31 percent in the first half. and landed a third succes- San Antonio guard Tony Parker ing into the courtside seats for a loose 10 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter final four minutes and Goran Dragic sive win over Red Star, having missed a shot with 16 seconds left open- ball three minutes into the contest. plus 10 rebounds for the Raptors (23- added 22 in his return to Phoenix as Grizzlies 91, Nuggets 84 beaten them twice in the pre- ing the door for the Knicks to shoot for 15), who are 3-0 against the Wizards the Heat withstood a second-half push Zach Randolph led Memphis with liminary group stage. the victory. But New York guard Jose Warriors 128, Trail Blazers 108 this season and have won six straight to beat the Suns 103-95. Ex-Sun Gerald 24 points off the bench on Friday as the Datome claimed 21 points Calderon’s three-point attempt with Klay Thompson and Stephen non-playoff games in the series. Green, also in his return to Phoenix, Grizzlies held off the Denver Nuggets and Dixon 17. Vesely chipped 0.08 seconds to go rattled off the rim Curry combined for 62 points as the added 21 points for the Heat (22-14), who for a 91-84 victory at FedExForum. in with 15 while Antic and as the buzzer sounded. Golden State Warriors trounced the Magic 83, Nets 77 have now beaten the Suns 11 straight The Nuggets led as late as the 5:54 Ekpe Udoh added 12 apiece “We got a good shot, and that was Portland Trail Blazers 128-108 at the Victor Oladipo scored 20 points and times overall and eight straight times mark in the fourth quarter as forward to underline Fenerbahce’s the most important thing, no matter Moda Centre. hit six three-pointers as the Orlando at Talking Stick Arena. Danilo Gallinari (29 points, eight balanced team effort in the who took the shot,” Knicks coach Derek Thompson bombed in 36 points Magic ended a four-game losing streak rebounds) sank a pair of free throws Pionir Arena. Real, who have Fisher said. and Curry had 26 points to go with with an 83-77 victory over the Brook- Bucks 96, Mavericks 95 for a 76-74 lead. The Grizzlies, though, won a record nine Euroleague San Antonio is just the second nine assists as the Warriors (34-2) won lyn Nets. Nikola Vucevic added 20 A Khris Middleton layup with 9.1 closed the game on a 17-8 run. titles, made a bright start at Western Conference team in history their fifth straight game. Draymond points and 10 rebounds for his sev- seconds left and a missed jumper by CSKA but were undone by the to open a season 22-0 at home, join- Green had his seventh triple-double of enth game with at least 20 points and point guard Deron Williams sealed Thunder 117, Lakers 113 Russian side’s dynamic back- ing Portland, which won its first 26 the season with 11 points, 13 rebounds 10 rebounds. It also was his 14th dou- the Milwaukee Bucks’ 96-95 victory Russell Westbrook scored 15 of his court duo Nando De Colo and home games in 1977-78. and 10 assists. ble-double. Aaron Gordon added 14 over the Dallas Mavericks at the Bra- 36 points in the fourth quarter, lift- Milos Teodosic. The Spurs got 16 points apiece from and Evan Fournier contributed 13 for dley Centre. ing the Oklahoma City Thunder to a reserve guard Manu Ginobili, forward Raptors 97, Wizards 88 Orlando, who closed out the game with Middleton had 27 points to lead Mil- 117-113 victory over the Los Angeles LaMarcus Aldridge and Parker. DeMar DeRozan scored a a 15-9 run over the final 6:48 to end waukee, who saw a 16-point halftime Lakers at Staples Centre. Former Cardinals scout chief facing jail over Astros hack

AFP preserving the sanctity of America’s BASEBALL pastime or protecting trade secrets, those that unlawfully gain proprietary information by accessing computers LOS ANGELES: The former director database known as Ground Control, without authorization must be held of scouting at the St Louis Cardinals which contained an array of data accountable for their illegal actions.” faces a possible prison sentence and including scouting reports, statistics Correa’s plea agreement detailed a heavy fine after pleading guilty to and contract information. several instances where the Cardinals hacking computers belonging to the Correa admitted accessing the official accessed Astros computers. rival Houston Astros, a justice depart- database between March 2013 and In 2013 he was able to view the ment statement said Friday. March 2014 in order to gain access club’s scouting reports for every player Chris Correa entered his guilty plea to Astros information. eligible in the draft. to all counts during a federal court “We have secured an appropriate He also accessed a weekly update hearing in Houston, where he had been conviction in this case as a result of a detailing performances and injuries charged with five counts of unauthor- very detailed, thorough and complete of players the Astros were thinking of ized access of a protected computer. investigation,” said US federal pros- signing. Each conviction for unauthor- Prosecutors said Correa, who worked ecutor Kenneth Magidson. ized access of a protected computer for the Cardinals from 2009 up until “Unauthorised computer intrusion carries a maximum sentence of five July last year, had accessed an Astros is not to be taken lightly. Whether it’s years in jail and a fine of $250,000.

Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks (centre) looks to pass under pressure from Zach Bogosian Seahawks running back Lynch (left) and Jack Eichel (right) of the Buffalo Sabres at the United Centre in Chicago, Illinois on Thursday. The Blackhawks defeated the Sabres 3-1. ruled out of wild card clash

Reuters Danault’s first goal a game-winner Seattle Seahawks’ running back Agencies period for the Hurricanes before Lind- SEATTLE: The Seattle Seahawks will Marshawn ICE HOCKEY: NHL RESULTS holm’s empty-net goal with 1:01 to play. be without running back Marshawn Avalanche 5, Predators 3 Lynch for today’s wild card play-off Lynch CHICAGO: Phillip Danault’s first Tyson Barrie scored a power-play game against the Minnesota Vikings, career NHL goal proved to be the also scored for Boston, who won for goal midway through the third period the National Football League team game-winner as the Chicago Black- the first time since Dec. 29. Goaltender and the Colorado Avalanche beat the announced late on Friday. hawks beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-1 at Jonas Gustavsson made 19 saves for Nashville Predators 5-3 to spoil the Lynch, a five-time Pro Bowler, the United Centre on Thursday. the Bruins (21-14-4), who improved debut of Ryan Johansen. missed the final seven games of Danault broke a 1-1 tie at 15:01 of to 12-3-2 away home. Lightning 3, Oilers 2 the regular season following her- the third period after skating with Hurricanes 4, Blue Jackets 1 The Tampa Bay Lightning scored nia surgery. speed into the left circle and shoot- Elias Lindholm scored the clinching three third-period goals, all of them He recovered well enough to rejoin ing the puck into the left side of the net. goal late in the game as the Carolina going in off Edmonton players, to post the team for practice this week, and Bruins 4, Devils 1 Hurricanes defeated the Columbus Blue a 3-2 win on Friday, their first at Rex- Seattle coach Pete Carroll told a local Ryan Spooner and Kevin Hayes Jackets 4-1 on Friday at PNC Arena. all Place since 2007. radio station on Friday that Lynch scored in the second period to lead Jordan Staal scored earlier on a Ducks 4, Blues 3 would play at Minnesota, a remark the Boston Bruins to a 4-1 win over power play for the Hurricanes (17-18- Ryan Getzlaf scored the winning that obviously was premature. the New Jersey Devils at the Pruden- 7), who won for the first time in four goal in a shootout to give the Anaheim Lynch has the second-most career obviously bad news for the Seahawks. seven games to earn a wild card spot tial Centre. games. Ducks a 4-3 win over the St. Louis rushing touchdowns among active The team, however, has played well with a 10-6 record, and is a betting Frank Vatrano and Colin Miller Chris Terry tallied in the third Blues at the Honda Centre. players, with 74, and his absence is without Lynch, winning six of its past favorite to beat the Vikings. SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 36 Hosts Qatar eye continental Under-23 title

Organisational Football: AFC Under-23 AFC Under-23 Championship acumen of Qatar is Championship on show once again QATAR’S GROUP A FIXTURES Groups Group A: Qatar, following a stellar Group A: Qatar, Syria, IR Iran, China Pr, Syria, IR Iran, China Pr hosting of the 2011 January 12: Qatar vs China (Abdullah Group B: Saudi Arabia, Japan, DPR AFC Asian Cup Bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha) Korea, Thailand January 15: Qatar vs Iran (Jassim Bin Group C: Iraq, Korea Republic, Hamad Stadium, Doha) Uzbekistan, Yemen January 18: Qatar vs Syria (Jassim Bin Group D: Jordan, Australia, United Hamad Stadium, Doha) Arab Emirates, Vietnam The Peninsula Teams taking part in the Fixtures championship: Qatar, Syria, Iran, Group A China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, DPR January 12 Korea, Thailand, Iraq, Korea Republic, Syria vs Iran DOHA: Hosts Qatar are fully focused Uzbekistan, Yemen, Jordan, Australia, on grabbing a slice of continental glory the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam Kick-off: 1630hrs at the upcoming AFC U23 Champion- Venue: Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium ship, and with it a place at this year’s Qatar vs China Olympic Games in Brazil. Kick-off: 1930hrs The top-three finishers in the tour- “We’re always focused on the task Venue: Abdullah Bin Khalifa nament, to be played from January on hand. Of course, a few of the play- Stadium 12 to 30, will book a berth at the Rio ers might go on to make it to the World January 15 Summer Games. Cup team in ’22, but it is six years away. China v Syria With the eagerly anticipated U23 We’re thinking more about doing well event – and a potential trip to South in the Asian competition and book- Kick-off: 1630hrs Venue: Abdullah Bin Khalifa America – in mind, Qatar replaced ing a berth at the Rio Olympics,” said Qatar Under-23 team poses for a group picture ahead of the AFC Championship in Doha. coach Fahad Thani with Felix Sanchez Al Ansari, who is also the CEO of the Stadium last year. Qatar Local Organising Committee of Iran vs Qatar The Spaniard, who guided the the tournament. Kick-off: 1930hrs nation’s U-19 team to the AFC Cham- The Qatar Football Association also performance of the home team on Afif, scorer of four goals at the under its promotional activities of engag- Venue: Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium pionship title in Myanmar in 2014, has supported the team by making it man- the pitch. And Qatar fans have every 19s in Myanmar, including the winner ing schoolchildren ahead of the AFC January 18 subsequently brought talented play- datory for the 14 participating Qatar reason to be confident of a strong against DPR Korea in the final. U23 Championship. Qatar vs Syria ers such as Akram Afif and 2014 AFC Stars League clubs to have an U23 player showing on home soil with a side that Meanwhile, Qatar’s defence will be ‘Najim’, the official event mascot, Young Player of the Year Ahmad Moein in their playing eleven throughout this could not only feature a number of well-marshalled by the vastly experi- visited Pakistani, British, Bangla- Kick-off: 1930hrs from that group in a bid to rebuild the season. Sanchez’s charges have also players who already have experience enced Abdelkarim Hassan, who was deshi and Sri Lankan schools in Venue: Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium Olympic team. held several training camps both at with the senior national team that part of Al Sadd’s 2011 AFC Champions Qatar. Iran vs China In another sign of Qatar’s U23 home and abroad in an effort to fine recently qualified for the 2019 AFC League-winning squad, then aged just Large crowds gathered during the Kick-off: 1930hrs intent, Sanchez also named proven tune preparations. Asian Cup, but also see the step up 17, and has already amassed over 40 LOC visits to the schools which saw Venue: Abdullah Bin Khalifa Qatar internationals Ahmed Yasser, Ali The organisational acumen of of some young stars who were part caps for the senior team. schoolchildren mingling with foot- Stadium Asad, Abdelkarim Hassan and Moham- Qatar will be on show once again of the team that won the AFC U-19 For the U23 Championship, Qatar ball officials and having their photos Group B med Muntari in his 23-man squad. following a stellar hosting of the Championship in 2014. are drawn in Group A, alongside Syria, taken with ‘Najim’. January 13 Qatar National Teams Manage- 2011 AFC Asian Cup, the AFC U23 Among those in the squad are Iran and China, who are their oppo- LOC officials said more schools are ment Executive Director Mansoor Al Championship hosts will be hop- Moein, MVP as the Qataris claimed nents on January 12. on the list in the coming days. They Japan vs DPR Korea Ansari underlined the priority was to ing another successful running of a their first youth title since winning Meanwhile, the Local Organis- also distributed literature detailing Kick-off: 1630hrs do well at the competition. major tournament is mirrored by the the 1990 AFC U-16 Championship, and ing Committee (LOC) has launched the event schedule and venues. Venue: Grand Hamad Stadium Saudi Arabia vs Thailand Kick-off: 1930hrs Venue: Grand Hamad Stadium FULL LIST OF MATCH Thailand eye January 16 OFFICIALS Thailand vs Japan progress to Kick-off: 1630hrs REFEREES Venue: Grand Hamad Stadium Beath Christopher James (AUS) knockout stage DPR Korea vs Saudi Arabia Kick-off: 1930hrs Ma Ning (CHN) Venue: Grand Hamad Stadium The Peninsula Faghani Alireza Mohammad (IRN) January 19 Ali Sabah Adday Al-Qaysi (IRQ) Saudi Arabia vs Japan Sato Ryuji (JPN) DOHA: Head coach Kiatisuk Sen- Kick-off: 1630hrs Adham Mohammad Tumah amuang is targeting a place in the Venue: Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium Makhadmeh (JOR) AFC U23 Championship Qatar 2016 DPR Korea vs Thailand knockout phase for his highly rated Kim Jong Hyeok (KOR) Kick-off: 1630hrs Thailand side. Venue: Grand Hamad Stadium Mohd Amirul Izwan Bin Yaacob Having booked their place at Group C (MAS) the continental gathering thanks January 13 Al Kaf Ahmed Abu Bakar Said to finishing as the first best second Iraq vs Yemen (OMA) placed team during the qualifiers, the reigning Southeast Asian cham- Kick-off: 1630hrs Abdulrahman Ibrahim Y J Al-Jassim pions now have a tough task ahead Venue: Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium Qatar Under-23 players pose for a picture with Najim, the mascot of the AFC U23 championship, in Doha (QAT) of them after being drawn alongside yesterday . Korea Republic vs Uzbekistan Almirdasi Fahad Adwan M (KSA) continental heavyweights Japan, Kick-off: 1930hrs Saudi Arabia and DPR Korea in Mashentsev Dmitrii (KGZ) Venue: Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium Group B of the tournament which Hettikankanamge Crishantha Dilan is set to run from January 12 until January 16 Perera (SRI) January 30. Yemen vs Korea Republic Mohmmed Abdulla Hassan Match officials ready for However, since reaching Doha Kick-off: 1630hrs Mohammed (UAE) on January 3, Kiatisuk’s charges - Venue: Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium including centre-back Tanaboon Tantashev Ilgiz (UZB) Uzbekistan vs Iraq Kesarat and full-back Tristan Do Kick-off: 1930hrs STANDBY REFEREE who both returned from injury in Venue: Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium Fahad Jaber A B Al-Marri (QAT) time for selection - have been accli- the AFC event in Doha January 19 matising well and defeated fellow ASSISTANT REFEREES title hopefuls Yemen 1-0 in a friendly Iraq vs Korea Republic Nawaf Shaheen Khalifa Theyab on Friday. With their preparations Kick-off: 1930hrs Moosa (BHR) The Peninsula believe you can do it. The AFC Refe- opportunity and I am relishing the progressing and a large degree of Venue: Grand Hamad Stadium Wang De Xin (CHN) rees Committee also has very much chance to deliver on the strong foun- positivity surrounding the camp, Uzbekistan vs Yemen confidence in your ability to excel in dation and standards established by Kiatisuk is eager for his team to show Kick-off: 1930hrs Hsu Min-Yu (TPE) DOHA: A preparatory course for AFC this championship.” my predecessor. I am very passionate the watching world just what they Venue: Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium Reza Sokhandan (IRN) U23 Championship Qatar 2016 match The match officials will officiate 32 about the education and development are capable of. officials has kicked off in the capital matches in the continent’s second larg- of referees in Asia and together with “We arrived quite early in Group D Hasan Mohamed Hasan Abdulla city of Doha. est national team competition where the AFC Member Associations and Doha to adjust to the conditions January 14 Almahri (UAE) The referees and assistant referees 16 nations will vie for honours and stakeholders I am confident we can here because we’ve three strong Jordan vs Vietnam Otsuka Haruhiro (JPN) will officiate 32 matches in the con- three spots available to fly the Asian continue to raise the standard of Asian teams to face in our tough group,” Kick-off: 1630hrs Ahmad Moannes Nadi Alroalle tinent’s second largest national team flag at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de referees,” Shamsul said. he told the-afc.com ahead of Thai- Venue: Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium (JOR) competition from January 12 to 30. Janeiro, Brazil. Shamsul, 49, who retired as a ref- land’s opening game against Saudi Australia vs United Arab Emirates “The teams, the officials and many Meanwhile, former FIFA World eree in 2007, enjoyed an illustrious Arabia on Wednesday. Yoon Kwangyeol (KOR) Kick-off: 1930hrs from the AFC want to leave a posi- Cup referee, FIFA Referee Instructor career which saw him officiate the “We want to do our best and Talipzhanov Ismailzhan (KGZ) tive legacy from this championship, and AFC Elite Referee Assessor Sham- 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup and progress to the next round. That’s Venue: Grand Hamad Stadium January 17 Mohd Yusri Bin Muhamad (MAS) therefore teamwork from the referees sul Maidin as the new AFC Director of 2006 FIFA World Cup. Other highlights our target. When we reached here, and assistant referees, instructors and Referees. The Singaporean started in include the 1996, 2000 and 2004 AFC we found the Doha weather chilly Vietnam vs Australia Al Amri Abu Bakar Salim Mahad administrators is very important to his role on January 4, 2016. Asian Cups, as well as the 2001 and and windy, while it has been a lot Kick-off: 1630hrs (OMA) achieve this positive legacy,” said AFC Shamsul’s wealth of experience, 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship. hotter in our Asean region. In four Venue: Grand Hamad Stadium Taleb Salem H A Al-Marri (QAT) Referees Committee Deputy Chair- not only in Asia but also globally, places He was the only non-African ref- to five days we were able to adjust United Arab Emirates vs Jordan man Hani Ballan during the course’s him as a leading expert to maintain eree to officiate at the 2006 African however, so looking back, the deci- Saoud Ahmed Almaqaleh (QAT) Kick-off: 1930hrs opening ceremony. and enhance the high standards of Cup of Nations. sion to come here ten days ahead Alabakry Mohammed Maki (KSA) “The referees and assistant ref- refereeing in Asia. The two-time AFC Referee of the of the tournament was a good one. Venue: Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium Al Shalwai Abdulah Mutlaq A (KSA) erees can expect excellent support Having risen through the ranks Year takes over from Yoshimi Ogawa “Our boys are training hard January 20 from the AFC from logistics to our top of the continent, Shamsul’s glitter- who steps down after almost ten years, and sleeping well. The mood in our Jordan vs Australia Deniye Gedara Palitha Parakkrama instructors’ guidance . AFC expects the ing career - both as a professional moving back to Japan. dressing room is quite upbeat. We Kick-off: 1930hrs Hemathunga (SRI) referees to be excellent on the field, as referee and an instructor - makes The AFC would like to thank want to put up a good performance Venue: Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium Mohamed Ahmed Yousef Abdulla good is not acceptable, and give their him a great addition and a valua- Ogawa-san for his leadership and and show our fans in Doha as well United Arab Emirates vs Vietnam Alhammadi (UAE) best performance and excellent lead- ble asset to the AFC and the Member unwavering commitment towards as back home in our country that Kick-off: 1930hrs Saidov Jakhongir (UZB) ership in managing the teams. Associations. strengthening the level of our officials Thai football is progressing in a “We look forward to this and we “I am humbled by this exciting in Asian football these past ten years. good way.” Venue: Grand Hamad Stadium