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11 January 2014 10 Rabial I 1435 - Volume 18 Number 5941 Price: QR2 ON SATURDAY

US seeks closure in spat with India WASHINGTON: The United States yesterday said it hoped that a diplomatic row with India was now over. Relations have been in crisis since December 12 when Indian consulate worker Devyani Khobragade was arrested in New York for alleged visa fraud and making false statements about the employment of a domestic servant she had brought with her from India. Khobragade was formally charged in a New York court, but was granted diplomatic immunity on Wednesday, allowing her to fly home. “We expect and hope that this will now come to closure, and the Indians will now take significant steps with us to improve our relationship.” But she confirmed that New Delhi had asked Washington to with- draw an embassy official in a fresh measure against the US diplomatic corps in India. See also page 14 Tunisia’s new PM takes office

TUNIS: Tunisia’s new premier Mehdi Jomaa took office yesterday to lead a care- taker government until elections later this year after the ruling Islamist party’s premier resigned in a deal to complete its steps to democracy. Jomaa, a former industry minister, will head a non-par- tisan cabinet after compromise between the Islamists and secular opponents. “I am not a miracle worker, but I prom- ise I will do my best... we are doing eve- SMALL FIRMS, rything possible to overcome hurdles, to reform what we can reform, and bring back stability,” Jomaa told reporters. See also page 8 Al Qaeda group fights back against rebels BIG PROBLEMS BEIRUT: Al Qaeda-linked jihadists struck back against rival rebels in east- ern and northern Syria yesterday after THE ISSUE a week of internecine fighting among opponents of President Bashar Al Assad in which 500 people have been killed. In a coordinated offensive, rival armed A draft law recently approved by it increasingly difficult for them to operate. on the job because the Medical Commission groups have seized several ISIL strong- “In Qatar, it is becoming so difficult for a wouldn’t give an appointment for the health holds in Aleppo, on the border with Turkey, the Advisory Council recommends small business to operate and survive,” said check. and further east in Raqqa. The Syrian initiating stricter punitive action an operator of a small eatery not wanting Under increasing pressure to cater Observatory for Human Rights said ISIL against food outlets, including his name in print as that might offend the to an exploding population, the Medical fighters pushed back the rival rebels on authorities. “Laws are being made stricter in Commission has recently begun operations the eastern approaches of Raqqa yesterday. stores and eateries. our case, while big businesses are thriving, of a unit dedicated exclusively to low-income They also killed 20 fighters in the town of with little intervention from the authorities.” workers. Al Bab, northeast of Aleppo. he draft suggests that, among other The operators of small businesses say Plans are also afoot to set up a separate things, an outlet found in breach they face a number of challenges, promi- unit within the premises of the Medical Israel unveils 1,800 of the rules should be closed for nent among them being frequent and unan- Commission in Abu Hamour for checks- Ttwo months rather than one, as nounced inspections by municipal inspectors, ups for food handlers. The Commission settler homes punishment. visa woes with regard to their workers, and announced last August that studies to the Talk of the draft has led to some worry above all, having to wait for months on end effect were being conducted. JERUSALEM: Israel unveiled plans among small businesses of different types to get an appointment with the Medical It is common for eateries, meat shops, bar- yesterday for more than 1,800 new set- —particularly the small and medium-sized Commission that must run health checks on ber and beauty salons to confront a health tler homes in a move the Palestinians eateries that will be directly affected, as their newly recruited staff (barring laundry inspector at odd times as they normally barge said was aimed at forcing Washington to well as basic service shops (like hair-cutting workers) so they can work. Renewal of health in unannounced. “An inspector slapped a fine abandon its Middle East peace drive. salons and laundries), retailers (grocery permits annually is also a must and that too of QR300 on me just because I was not wear- The settlement move was believed to be stores), bakeries, meat shops and beauty takes a lot of time. ing the apron. It was closing time and I was an Israeli response to the release 10 days parlours, to name a few. As for the eateries, even those that cater thinking of going home when a customer ago of a third batch of veteran Palestinian The owners and operators of these busi- to an upper-middle or high-income clien- walked in, and I thought, ‘let me do his hair prisoners in accordance with commit- nesses say they wonder why the government tele suffer such woes. An operator of one of quickly’,” said an employee of a barber shop ments made to Washington last year. The PAGEis becoming stricter6 in their case and mak- them said he had to let a newly-hired worker in the Old Airport Area of Doha. announcement will see the construction of ing laws more and more stringent, making sit idle for months before he could put him Continued on page 2 1,076 units in annexed east Jerusalem and 801 in the occupied West Bank. See also page 9 AGENCIES

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PICS: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH Rules too strict, lament small firms ‘Arbitrary’ enforcement of regulations creates atmosphere of uncertainty and fear

DOHA: Small businesses are facing big problems in Qatar. Burdened by regulations, pro- cedural wrangles and much- delayed payments from main contracting companies, they are being pushed back by a tide of restrictions from various quarters. The regulatory burden is particularly heavy on eateries. Restaurateurs complain that unprecedented directives and frequent penalties are having a chilling effect on their busi- nesses. “Of course, we are bound to strictly adhere to the safety and health guidelines set by the that the country cares for your payment problems. These com- “The bigger companies are driver. To run a company with it is mandatory that fire and authorities. But the bureaucrats health. It’s the job of the officials panies are normally associated directly in touch with top bureau- five employees you need at least safety systems be installed by are often going overboard. The to ensure that regulations are with major contracting compa- crats and are capable of eas- QR50,000 per month as establish- these authorised companies, the penalties are so heavy in some strictly followed. There is noth- nies involved in huge projects. ily resolving their problems. In ment cost. But you cannot raise entrepreneurs have no option but minor cases that we are forced ing wrong in penalising erring Normally, the payment is made a our case, we need to talk to our this amount form the market to depend on them, said another to shut down our establishments restaurants. It is important that couple of weeks after the submis- sponsor, who is more often not with just two workers. Then the businessman. once and for all”, a restaurateur the eateries are run with strict sion of the invoice. But that is now familiar with the nitty-gritty of option is to look for more work- A senior official in the Civil told this paper. hygiene. But the authorities must an old story in Qatar. There are the businesses that we are doing. ers outside, which means you are Defence directorate recently Much of the regulatory burden send out warning signals to the now instances when payments are Often, it is very difficult to reach violating the country’s law. said efforts by the department is imposed not by the authorities owners before taking extreme delayed for more than 120 days, them when we badly need their The banks do not give you loans to improve safety and security but by the bureaucrats. steps like closing down of shops”, although there are laws in Qatar support,” said an entrepreneur. unless you have a strong balance at malls, hotels and other com- “Once, we were told to replace he said. to ensure timely payment of bills. You cannot run a small busi- sheet for the past six months. You mercial centres had met with a the tiles on the entire floor after Small companies involved in “The market is so competitive ness without huge money in cannot expect prompt payment positive response. Many of these an official detected a single bro- subcontracting work and supply that we cannot afford to stop Qatar, said an entrepreneur who of your bills by your contractor. facilities have signed contracts ken tile in our restaurant,” said of construction material are fac- doing business with the default- ran a small contracting company These are all worrying factors for for continuous maintenance and another restaurateur. “Of late, the ing huge delays in getting their ing companies or projects. You that mainly did maintenance and small and very small contracting checks under the supervision of frequency of inspections has gone payments, which was unheard of stop business, they know there plumping works for nearly three companies. the Civil Defence directorate. up. Often, the inspecting official in Qatar until recently. Market are other companies in the years before it closed down a few Those running automobile He said electrical short cir- drops in during peak hours of the insiders say payments are get- queue”, said an Asian business- months ago. garages have their own tales of cuits were the main cause of fires business, and it is very easy for ting delayed by five to six months, man involved in the supply of con- If you are running a very small woe. “The unending wait to get in Qatar, and 80 percent of the them to find one fault or another.” which is weighing heavily on these struction material. company, initially you don’t get fire and safety licences is kill- deaths in such cases were caused However, a leading Qatari companies. According to a Qatari market more than five work visas. Of this, ing our businesses. There are by suffocation. businessman, Rashid Hashim Al According to market insid- expert, the small companies fall the labourers would be just two instances where entrepreneurs In fact, it is not laws but their Sayedi, challenges the claims of ers, 20 to 50 percent of the small victim to cut-throat competition and the other visas would be for had to wait 10 months to get a unintended consequences that restaurateurs. “Strict law means companies in Qatar are facing in the market. a manager, an accountant and a fire safety licence. Waiting for burden small businesses in Qatar, such a long time to start a busi- hindering their productivity. ness means that the entrepre- “You cannot push these issues neur is losing big money against under the carpet saying these ‘Big companies are professionally run’ his establishment cost. It’s huge are issues of tiny businesses. In money. Rentals in the Industrial an emerging country like Qatar, Area have gone up several times with projects worth over $400bn Continued from page 1 over the past few years”, said a in the pipeline in the long term, Inspectors normally check management, have policies in wrong side of the law? Why businesses can exploit their businessman who runs a painting and expecting a huge number of how clean the kitchen of an eat- place for marketing, growth and isn’t McDonald’s or KFC or any workers. “Take the example of and repair unit in the Industrial expatriate workers, small busi- ery is, and check storage facili- expansion, and they fulfil certain such globally-renowned outlet grocery store workers. Many of Area. nesses are the key to the economy, ties for perishables like meat and high-profile criteria set by the here caught violating health them put in more than 10 hours Fleecing by the companies said a market analyst. fish. Then they check their qual- government. Their policies are and safety rules?” he said. “It daily without being paid extra.” that are authorised to install fire Policymakers must not allow ity and whether a raw material compatible with the state’s eco- is because they have extremely Ahmed Al Khalaf, business- safety systems is another issue the law of unintended con- has outlived its validity. nomic policies,” said financial professional management.” man, said he personally believed faced by small companies in the sequences to adversely affect Beauty salons are visited expert Abdullah Al Khater. To say that bigger businesses that the biggest challenge faced Industrial Area. These companies entrepreneurship in Qatar. Laws by women inspectors, and too “Small businesses have failed do not have challenges would be by a small business was the have a monopoly in the sector. For designed to solve problems should often they find fault with beauty to appreciate the changes that wrong. They have different and increasing rent. “That’s a major work that can ideally be done for not end up imposing unnecessary products and devices. Some are are taking place in the coun- more formidable challenges, but problem.” just QR25,000, they are charging burdens on entrepreneurs and banned after the salons have try,” added Al Khater, citing the due to their vision and profes- The government recently QR1,15,000 to QR1,30,000. Since businesses. THE PENINSULA imported them. example of the neighbourhood sional management they success- announced building of commer- But critics of small businesses store. fully confront those challenges, cial streets in different parts of defend the laws and the inspec- “They are facing stiff compe- he said. Doha and the rest of the country, tion and licensing regimes, and tition from the bigger shopping “The main strength of a big and that would provide enough say they must be kept under complexes, and surviving on business is that it changes with space for shops, showrooms and leash since they deal with the home deliveries and selling petty time, which is not the case with other businesses. people directly and can affect things, but they haven’t changed. their smaller cousins.” “I think the idea is to combat their health. “This is particularly They remain the same they were As for inspections and checks, the galloping rent inflation in true of eateries, food stores, meat decades ago. Things were differ- they are a must since the gov- this sector — small and medium- shops and bakeries,” a critic said, ent then, as people were entirely ernment is also under pressure sized businesses,” said Al Khalaf. asking not to be identified as he dependent on them for their locally, as also from the interna- “At the same time, I hope the was making a negative comment. daily provisions. Not anymore.” tional community, to ensure that space would be given away at Increasing focus of the gov- Woqod (Qatar Fuel) has come they (smaller businesses) abide affordable rent, for its benefi- ernment on labour accommoda- up with its signature department by labour and health and safety ciaries would largely be young tion and stricter rules governing stores at its service stations all rules, said Al Khater. entrepreneurs.” them give smaller businesses over, and Al Meera has estab- Another financial expert said “You need less capital to added trouble, operators say. lished a popular chain. “Have you on condition of anonymity that launch a small business, and this Smaller businesses can act ever heard of a supermarket or a big businesses largely make it a sector is too lucrative for invest- irresponsibly, as was evident local eatery setting up chains?” point to strictly abide by rules ment, particularly by the young from the case of a fake meat wondered Al Khater. and regulations. entrepreneur,” said Al Khalaf. company whose products were “Several of them can come “It is absurd to think that they The question now is whether being promoted by neighbour- together and merge and branch operate with ease. They are also Qatar is a good place to do a hood stores, and not the bigger out, so they have more resources subject to all kinds of inspec- small business considering that retail outlets, said businessman, and can have professional man- tions. Their labour camps and inflation is galloping, rents are Ahmed Al Khalaf. The company agements. They can expand and their offices are checked by gov- going up rather steeply, work- was unearthed recently by Doha grow. But they lack this kind of ernment inspectors rather fre- ers’ wages are increasing literally Municipality’s inspectors. vision.” quently,” said the expert. “They by the day and, finally, there are “You can’t compare big busi- “And, tell me, why is it always are subject to all kinds of licens- so many restrictions on visas to nesses with the smaller ones. a smaller or medium-sized ing, too.” recruit workers. Big businesses have professional eatery that is caught on the On the other hand, small THE PENINSULA Home JANUARY 11, 2014 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 ON SATURDAY Top 10 winners to compete in Al Tala’a finals this year Six of 34 contestants win in first day rounds, one in Hadad challenge

DOHA: Six participants emerged winners at yester- day’s Al Tala’a competition at the fifth Qatar International Falcon and Hunting Festival at Sabkath Marma in Sealine. The winners in the first round included Abdulhadi Hamad Al Marri, Hamad Ali Al Marri, Jaber Ali Al Kafrani and Ali Jaber Al Baridi while sec- www.swiss-belhotel.com ond round winners were Saleh Tel Ebaid Al Marri and Mohammad Sayah Al Mansouri. Fax Thirty-four participants took part yesterday. Mohammad Mubarak Al Maadeed, Chairman of Al Tala’a Tel organising committee, said hav- Fax ing six winners in the early part of the contest showed a good line-up of competitors who were taking the contest seriously. “We will select the best 10 One of the contestants taking part in Al Tala’s round. Tel winners to compete in the final Fax round in which three will be as shaheen is one of the fastest Catered for youngsters aged Mohammad Al Harami said chosen,” he said, adding if the falcons known for its beauty in 12 to 18, the contest is an oppor- falconry is an important aspect number of finalists exceeded 10, flight. tunity to select people with of the Qatari heritage as citizens the judging panel would look Another group will compete potential for the sport who can love falcons. Tollfree into criteria, including distance in Al Tala’a round this morning be trained to be professional Last October, the price of and time to trim down the final- while the Hadad challenge will shooters, Al Kuwari added. falcons and birds increased, Fax ists to 10. continue in the afternoon. The festival is attracting especially of the shaheen falcon At the Hadad challenge, yes- This year’s festival includes more families, especially during because it was needed for the terday’s winner was Tuwaim additional programmes for weekends and yesterday people festival, he said. Tel Mohammed Al Malkas Al the public such as a shooting came early to watch events. Abdullah Mohammad, a par- Fax Marri. contest. Abdulaziz Al Abdullah, a ticipant from Saudi Arabia, said, This year, Hadad challenge Ahmad Mubarak Al Kuwari, journalism graduate of Qatar “We are proud to see this suc- attracted a record 547 partici- Chairman of the shooting com- University, praised the organ- cessful and well-organised fes- pants, divided into 16 groups. mittee, said shooting competi- isers for expanding facilities, tival which is attracting people Tel For this reason, the category tions are held daily from 9am especially the prayer area and from the GCC and other Arab Fax is one of the most challenging. until afternoon for different play area for children. countries.” It also attracts huge audience ages to entertain visitors. Qatari falconer Abdulaziz THE PENINSULA

Tel Fax www.doha.hilton.com Families take part in expo activities Tel +974 44233333 DOHA: Children and families Fax +974 44233000 yesterday visited the ‘Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Thani: A Leader’s Legacy’ expo at QMA Gallery at Katara and attended workshops. Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) and National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) are organis- ing fun activities for children and families every Friday. Tel Family Friday activities are Fax held between 4pm and 7pm at the gallery and comprise work- shops inspired by the exhibition. Activities are free for children aged three to 12 and their Tel families. Fax Yesterday, participants made their customised sunglasses and viewed the skyline of Doha as part of Super Skylines. They Tel also designed Doha in the Youngsters and their families taking part in a workshop. Fax future, and created their future city in a box. succession to power in 1913 and Doha, and its importance as the site into NMoQ. As part of The workshops are being led the start of the modern state centre of the rule in Qatar. the exhibition, NMoQ offers by NMoQ with support of prin- of Qatar. Stories then move to Moving into modern times, curriculum-based educational cipal partner ExxonMobil. Sheikh Abdullah’s Old Palace the exhibition showcases the workshops and exhibition tours Tel Organised in three phases, — the history of the palace, its transition of the palace to in Arabic and English for differ- Fax the exhibition brings to life occupancy by the ruling fam- Qatar’s first museum in 1975, ent ages and abilities. The expo Qatar’s development begin- ily, geographical location in the and displays ambitious plans of is open to the public until this ning with Sheikh Abdullah’s Fareej Al Sulatah (Sharq) of QMA to develop the old palace month-end. THE PENINSULA Tel Ooredoo marathon Fax

Tel Fax

Tel Fax

Tel Fax www.renaissancedoha.com

Tel +974 44195000 Fax +974 44195100

People taking part in Ooredoo Marathon 2014 at Museum of Islamic Art park yesterday. The event featured a 10km run, half-marathon, full marathon and children’s 1km fun run. Funds raised from entry fees will support Reach Out To Asia’s efforts around the world. ABDUL BASIT JANUARY 11, 2014 ON SATURDAY 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Home / Middle East

Officials visit firms, contractors over compliance with More citizens applying for IPO construction rules DOHA: The technical moni- Turnout rises after MPHC announcement about four months’ extra dividend toring section at Doha Municipality has organised DOHA: The turnout of People were waiting for such regular inspection visits to Qataris to apply for Mesaieed clarifications because earlier check whether contractors, Petrochemical Holding it was believed that all shares consulting offices and compa- Company’s IPO has risen allotted via the IPO to under- nies are complying with con- remarkably after the company age Qataris would be frozen by struction rules and the law announced it will pay out four the company until they attained banning labour camps in fam- months’ extra dividend to the majority. ily residential areas and inves- successful subscribers in March Community sources, however, tigate complaints. or April, banking industry say some people are still waiting Last year the section issued sources say. to apply for the issue as they are 4,318 notifications and recorded However, some people com- waiting for banks to liberalise 516 violations for investigation plained of shortages of subscrip- their lending policy for the IPO. and follow-up and 3,767 cases of tion forms and prospectus of the “Banks are giving away loans minor violations and asked the primary issue at the headquar- for the IPO but the margins are violators to correct their status. ters of various banks at the Grand high and the tenures of repay- The section also evacuated 267 Hamad Avenue last Thursday. ment shorter,” said a community labour accommodations in resi- But banking industry sources source. dential areas. say the forms were exhausted and “Some of us are waiting, antic- The section, along with a the company would supply more ipating that banks would revise training team from the Ministry by tomorrow. their policy and give away larger of Municipality and Urban and “The company announcing the loans on better terms for longer Planning recently investigated a Emiri gesture of distributing cash tenures,” he said. complaint about labour accom- dividend has inspired increased Banking industry sources said modations in Al Sadd, which is rush for the IPO,” said Abdullah there was large turnout of appli- one of the areas where labour Saleh Al Sharif, a Qatari, add- cants for the IPO last Wednesday accommodations are banned. ing he couldn’t get a form on and Thursday. The team issued notices to Thursday. “I believe that the announce- evacuate the accommodations He said the company issued ment of the extra dividend to be within 30 days, based on law no. clarifications recently about the paid out a couple of months after Citizens at a bank last week applying for the IPO of the MPHC. AYYUB ABDULLAH 15 of 2010. IPO that legal guardians would the allotment, and clarifications If the violators fail to comply be able to trade in 50 percent of by the company have inspired subscribers fill up the forms and forms and prospectus, but for Al Sharif said there was excite- within the given time, they will the shares allotted to their wards more people to apply for subscrip- deposit the application money. some reason more people were ment in the community about the be evacuated by force, according (Qataris under 18) and that had tion,” the source said. Banking industry sources said coming to the main offices of IPO since it was being looked at as to officials. THE PENINSULA also enthused many to apply for Banks have set up counters nearly all bank branches (except the banks at the Grand Hamad an Emiri gesture and a long-term the offer. and deployed special staff to help the foreign ones) have enough Avenue. investment. THE PENINSULA Expert reveals hidden stories US could train elite about formation of pearls Iraqi forces in Jordan

DOHA: Dr Hubert Bari of by sea or freshwater fishes, rays, Dr Bari shared photographs of WASHINGTON: The Obama straddling Iraq and Syria. Qatar Pearl and Jewellery or sharks. exquisite pieces of jewellery and administration is considering Two years after the Obama Museum at Qatar Museums The attacked shell produces samples of natural pearls of stun- providing training to elite Iraqi administration pulled US troops Authority (QMA) presented a mother-of-pearl to fight the ning beauty and value, with the forces in Jordan as US officials from Iraq, the US response to fascinating talk on pearls and intruder, which is then literally audience. seek ways to help the govern- sectarian tensions and violence their “hidden stories” during “pearlified” inside it. He is a graduate of the ment of Iraqi Prime Minister in Iraq has been limited by the first monthly meeting of Pearls come in many shapes, University of Strasbourg, where Nuri Al Maliki repel an Al reluctance to further empower Qatar Natural History Group. sizes and colours, but the main he specialised in mineralogy. Qaeda campaign near its west- Maliki, a Shia at odds with minor- One of his most surprising pearl types are nacreous (mother-of- For 25 years, he lectured at ern border. ity Sunnis, and by a widespread stories was about the formation of pearl) and less common, non- National Museum of Natural Earlier this week, officials said desire to ensure US soldiers are pearls. Contrary to popular myth, nacreous and porcelaneous pearls. History in Paris, where he the US was in discussion with not involved in another Middle they do not develop from a grain Although both are highly val- designed and organised Iraq about training its elite forces East war. of sand or a drop of dew snuggled ued in jewellery making, the exhibitions. in a third country, which would The US is sending Hellfire mis- inside an oyster shell with a ray former are iridescent while the Since 2003, he has directed sev- allow Washington to provide a siles, surveillance aircraft and of moonshine. latter are characterised by a fire- eral exhibitions in Qatar, includ- modest measure of new support other gear Maliki has requested. Pearls are created as a result of like pattern and come in the same ing the famous ‘Pearls’ expo in against militants in the absence But at a time when many US a defensive response of a shell to colours as can be found in the 2010. Dr Bari has published a The picture of one of the necklaces of a deal allowing US soldiers to lawmakers see him as an aspiring an unwelcome invasion by, mostly, inside of the animal’s shell where book on diamonds and another Dr Bari shared with the audience. operate within Iraq. authoritarian with ties with Iran, the larvae of tapeworm excreted they were formed. on pearls. THE PENINSULA “There is discussion about this, the Obama administration has and Jordan is included in the not yet provided Iraq with attack discussion,” a US defence official helicopters Maliki has urged. said. He said a privately run spe- Some in the US Senate say cial operations training centre Washington should not move near Amman was one of the sites ahead with plans to sell and lease being considered. Apache helicopters to Iraq with- Juba regains oil-producing state from rebels Jordan, grappling with the out assurances about how the impact of the conflict in neigh- attack aircraft will be used. JUBA: South Sudan’s army bouring Syria, is one of the US’ Because US soldiers cannot said it regained a rebel-held closest allies in the Middle East. conduct activities in Iraq with- northern town yesterday, giv- It was not clear who would pro- out a Status of Forces Agreement, ing the government control of a vide new training, but it might providing new support to Iraqi region where oil production had include US special forces or forces outside Iraq is one way the been halted by fighting that has contractors. Obama administration can try to left the world’s youngest nation US officials have grown worried help Iraq beat back what appears close to civil war. about Iraq as Al Qaeda has staged to be a growing militant threat. Forces loyal to President Salva a comeback in western Anbar The troop agreement the US Kiir recaptured Bentiu, the capi- province, where the Islamic negotiated with Maliki’s govern- tal of Unity state, in early after- State of Iraq and the Levant, ment in 2008 expired at the end of noon, army spokesman Philip an Al Qaeda affiliate, is seeking 2011 as US forces withdrew. Aguer said. “When you control to set up a Sunni religious state REUTERS Bentiu you control all oilfields in Unity.” More than three weeks of fighting between forces and rebels loyal to former vice-president Riek Machar have killed more Algeria defends action than 1,000 people, driven 230,000 from their homes and forced a cut in oil production. Rebels made a “tactical with- in hostage crisis drawal to avoid civilian casualties” in Bentiu, according to Lul Ruai ALGIERS: Algeria defended of Algiers. Belani slammed “the Koang, a military spokesman for yesterday its controversial one-sided agitating in cer- the rebel delegation attending military intervention to end tain foreign media around the stuttering peace talks in Ethiopia. the bloody seizure by armed anniversary.” He said rebels continued to hold Islamists last year of the In “We reject the biased claims the surrounding countryside. He Amenas desert gas plant, in and absurd allegations published said the government forces had Women and children stand under a tree where children are weighed and care is organised, if needed, in a clinic which 38 hostages were killed. by those media which... almost been backed by fighters from the run by Doctors Without Borders in Minkammen, 25km south of Bor, yesterday. “The intervention by Algerian exonerate the authors of this hei- Justice and Equality Movement, a security forces was imperative for nous attack and portray a gang rebel group from Sudan’s Darfur still pumping about 200,000 bpd, Kiir and Machar’s rebel faction. “the two sides to negotiate in saving hundreds of human lives of lawless criminals as potential province. the government says. Washington on Thursday earnest.” and protecting a strategic site the interlocutors with whom there South Sudan’s rebels accused Separately, sources said the US cranked up the pressure for a The UN mission in South terrorists were planning to blow was an opportunity to negotiate.” neighbouring Uganda of aid- was weighing targeted sanctions deal, saying South Sudan risked Sudan accused rebels and gov- up,” foreign ministry spokesman The hostage raid was mas- ing Kiir by launching air strikes against South Sudan due to its losing hundreds of millions of ernment forces of obstructing aid. Amar Belani said in a statement. terminded by jihadist Mokhtar against their positions, something leaders’ failure to end the crisis. dollars in US aid if the two sides Rebels had looted warehouses, His comments come days before Belmokhtar whose breakaway Kampala denies. Ugandan troops Such sanctions focus on individu- did not end violence. The fight- commandeered aid agency vehi- the January 16 anniversary of the Al Qaeda group “Signatories in patrol Juba’s airport and guard als, entities or sectors in a coun- ing, often along ethnic lines, is the cles and ransacked property in crisis, which saw hundreds of staff Blood” claimed the four-day siege, the presidential palace, at Kiir’s try. “It is a tool that has been worst in South Sudan since it won Bentiu and the town of Bor, the held at the plant until security saying it was in retaliation for request. discussed,” one source said. independence from Sudan in 2011. UN Mission in South Sudan said. forces ended the stand-off. France’s military intervention South Sudan’s oil production The possibility of sanctions The unrest threatens to destabi- Government authorities ham- The statement follows articles against Islamist militants in Mali. fell by 45,000 barrels per day against a country the US helped lise fragile east Africa. pered UN flights carrying sup- in the foreign media quoting sur- The assault on the isolated to 200,000 bpd after oilfields in create in 2011 shows how frus- UN Secretary-General Ban plies for peacekeepers and clinics vivors blaming poor security at facility ended with 38 hostages, Unity were shut down due to trated President Barack Obama’s Ki-moon urged Kiir to release and stopped some peacekeeper the site, which lies deep in the all but one foreigner, and 29 mili- fighting. The Upper Nile state is administration has become with political detainees and called for patrols, it said. REUTERS Sahara desert, 1,300km southeast tants killed. AFP JANUARY 11, 2014 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 ON SATURDAY

SALIM MATRAMKOT

Taking to the skies

HE seventh edition of Al Khor air show titled ‘Fly TIn’ was held yesterday and attracted more than 7,000 visitors. Some 45 aircraft from flying clubs in Qatar and other GCC countries took part in the show, the vice-president of the organising committee Khalid Al Khater said. This year, there was 15 percent increase in the number of aircraft that participated in the ‘Fly In’ show, he said. Held under the patronage of Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority, the show was opened by its chairman, Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi. He said the Authority provides financial and logistic support to the show whose aim is to raise awareness about flying and aviation in society and make it an annual event as an entertaining and educational forum. JANUARY 11, 2014 ON SATURDAY 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Views

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The Tunisian transition Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

N A region plunging into chaos, Tunisia is showing the way forward. Mehdi Jomaa took office yesterday as the country’s new premier to lead a caretaker government Iuntil elections are held later this year. The transition Has Tunisia become a was smooth; there was no blood spilled on the streets, no recriminations and protests; no self-consuming hatred. All the leading parties came together to implement a formula that was worked out through consensus because they knew paradise of women’s rights? that an alternative will chaos and a repetition of Egypt and BY NOAH FELDMAN Libya in Tunisia. Jomaa, who is a former industry minister, have to be implemented by a later elec- creates the risk of constant struggle will head a non-partisan cabinet after compromise between toral law, and it might be interpreted to between a president and a prime minis- the Islamists and secular opponents to end a crisis three WOULDN’T believe it if I weren’t require parity in resources, candidates ter from different political parties, which years after the country’s uprising against autocrat Zine sitting here in Tunisia’s parliament or even election results. It might still be would make it hard for democracy to Ibuilding. But I just watched the reversed by the assembly, which voted take root. And this situation (the French el-Abidine Ben Ali. Are Egyptians and Libyans listening? nation’s constituent assembly adopt, 116- to adopt the amendment but has not inimitably call it “cohabitation”) is espe- If the Middle East is a dark tunnel, Tunisia provides 40 with 32 abstentions, an amendment yet finally approved the whole provi- cially likely in Tunisia. Ennahda is likely a huge ray of hope. This small North African nation has to its draft constitution requiring the sion. There are 135 more provisions to go to win a plurality in parliament but much edged closer to establishing full democracy since 2011 than government to create parity for women before the assembly votes on ratification less likely to win the presidency, if it even any other Arab Spring country. There are chances that the in all legislative assemblies in the coun- of the whole document, probably before chooses to field a candidate. try, national as well as local. After the the end of January. Yet it is precisely Tunisia’s divided coming elections will be free and fair and before that, the vote, the assembly and audience stood And, as it turns out, public debate can political scene — and its political cul- caretaker government will take solid, significant steps to up spontaneously and sang the national be extraordinarily intense. Before the ture of consensus — that gives constitu- repair the battered economy. The choice of a technocrat to anthem. There wasn’t a dry eye in the vote to adopt the parity provision, one tional democracy a reasonable chance lead the government is a wise one. Jomaa ran an aerospace house — including mine. woman, an assembly member from the of success here. With only a plurality parts business in Paris before and is fully qualified to lead This historic moment is embedded in Islamist Ennahda party, railed against in the assembly, the Islamic democrats the country at a time of crisis. another historic moment of still greater the proposal, arguing that positive dis- of Ennahda have had no choice but to scope. For the first time in the history crimination on behalf of women violated compromise. They have governed in With a Tunisia can serve as a model for of an Arabic-speaking country, a freely the constitutional guarantee of equal- coalition, and Thursday Prime Minister other Arab countries in that it has elected assembly ity. The assembly’s presiding member — Ali Larayedh stepped down in favor of a caretaker been able to grapple successfully is publicly debat- also an Ennahda woman in a head scarf caretaker government that will supervise government with the problem of Islamism. ing and finalizing — insisted that parity served equality next year’s elections. Unlike any other Tunisia struggled with divisions a constitution rather than contradicted it. When she Islamist party in the world, Ennahda has taking office, over the role of Islam and the rise of without an occu- was challenged for expressing an opinion agreed to remove any reference to Sharia The Arab Spring pying army, a king from the chair, she insisted that she was law from the constitution. Repeatedly, Tunisia is militants since its uprising, but the has either or a dictator any- an elected member of the assembly, too, they have made concessions to an oppo- assassination of the two opposition where. The Arab and entitled to express her opinion. sition that is primarily by suspicion of moving fast leaders last year triggered a crisis. struggled or failed Spring has either Ennahda representatives were split in their intentions. towards Instead of choosing chaos, Tunisians everywhere else, struggled or failed their vote, the first time they had failed Such compromise is the stuff of which decided to step back from the brink. everywhere else, to maintain party discipline in favor of successful constitutions are made. A democracy. but in Tunisia, but in Tunisia, a the consensus committee’s recommenda- constitution, in its practical essence, One factor which has helped in the democratic con- tions. When the vote was over and the is an agreement among political elites transition is that Tunisia is one of a democratic stitutional victory national anthem had been sung, yelling endorsed by the public. If the political the most secular countries in the Arab world. constitutional is in view. broke out in the chamber, with the more leaders of a country don’t abide by the At the same time, the resignation of former premier, Ali The process extreme Islamists denouncing the result. agreement after reaching it, the consti- Larayedh, an Islamist who spent years in jail under Ben victory is in view. has been slow and The presiding member loudly demanded tution will fall into disuse and disrepute, Ali, on Thursday, is a defeat for the leading Islamist party not always steady. order and eventually got it. A lunch no matter how good it seems on paper. A draft text was break came as a welcome respite from The long, slow work of the consensus Ennahda which won elections in 2011. The resignation is painstakingly worked out in six com- the heated tempers and raised voices. committee has had the effect of build- an admission of the party’s failure to deliver on promises of mittees, then released for comment in “This is democracy,” one observer from ing a measure of trust and mutual con- stability and economic progress. Tunisians are more worried June 2013. Then there was a break for a leading Tunisian transparency group fidence in the constitutional pact among about the high cost of living and high unemployment after political crisis after the assassination of said to me. And how. the leading political actors. Having the uprising that inspired revolts against long-standing secularist assembly member Muhammad Tunisia will continue to face serious worked together, they know what they autocrats in Egypt, Libya and Yemen. Brahmi. Gradually, politics returned, and problems even when (and if) the con- are agreeing to do later on. They are a consensus committee — which never stitution is ratified. The system that the always negotiating against the backdrop One of the challenges of the new government will be to stopped meeting through the crisis — has assembly negotiated is semi-presidential, of their expectations of how politics will rein in Islamic extremists. The country has seen a rise in been editing and proposing changes. The meaning that (as in France) the directly work later — and that is a good thing, extremism and terrorist attacks attributed to shadowy provision for gender parity came out of elected president will control foreign not a bad one. The veil of ignorance has Islamist groups. But with a swell of public discontent with the consensus committee. affairs and national security, while a no place in constitutional negotiations, Islamists, bringing them under control will not be too Now the full assembly is debating each prime minister elected by the parlia- which must reflect the likely political of 180 propositions in order. The wom- ment will choose a cabinet and admin- balance after ratification. difficult a task• en’s rights provision is No. 45. It would ister domestic affairs. This arrangement WP-BLOOMBERG The other side Quote of No strings attached the day OREIGN Minister Wang Yi is African countries with development aid of China’s role as an active participant nation building and working for com- on a four-nation tour of Sub- and help them grow stronger. in the continent’s peace and stability mon prosperity. Saharan Africa, honoring a Unlike some Western countries, process. As part of its international respon- F24-year-old tradition of Chinese China does not set conditions for grant- Speaking in the Ethiopian capital of sibility, China will continue to help I am not a miracle foreign ministers paying their first foreign ing aid to African countries, because its Addis Ababa on Monday, Wang said Sub-Saharan Africa to develop into a visit every year to the continent. This cooperation with them is based on the China will not compete with the other prosperous and stable region. In this worker, but I shows China remains committed to principle of equality, mutual trust and international partners of the continent. regard, it is willing to work with interna- maintaining and developing meaningful reciprocity. That explains why China’s This is a strong message considering tional partners that are really concerned promise I will do my interaction with Africa. presence in Africa has won widespread that some countries have been trying to with the well-being of the African peo- Wang’s visit to Ethiopia, Djibouti, support. turn Africa into an arena for unhealthy ple. Wang’s visit to the region sends a best … to overcome Ghana and Senegal will strengthen Wang has used his visit to the four competition to fulfill their ulterior politi- clear message that China, like always, hurdles, to reform China’s ties with the four countries and countries to explain in detail China’s cal goals. seeks win-win results from its engage- the continent as a whole. China has not stance on burning issues in Africa Sub-Saharan Africa is facing both ment in the continent. Therefore, alle- what we can reform, only been advocating that the interna- and matters concerning the long-time challenges and opportunities. And gations that China is exploiting the tional community should intensify pro- development of the continent. He has some of the region’s countries are continent for its own gains are not only and bring back ductive interactions with Africa, but also called for immediate ceasefire in South likely to face uncertainties in economic irresponsible, but also baseless. stability. Mehdi Jomaa has set an example of how to provide Sudan and reassured African countries and/or security fields in the process of China Daily Tunisia’s New Premier JANUARY 11, 2014 Views www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 ON SATURDAY Maliki’s leadership opened window for Al Qaeda Sectarianism is poisoning the veins of Arab and Muslim societies and threatening to tear them apart. No wonder Al Qaeda militants have gained strength in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon.

BY FAWAZ GERGES to crush his political opponents. They point to the government’s arrest war- fter the Islamic State of rant for the Sunni vice-president, Tariq Iraq and Al Sham (Isis), Al Hashimi, on terrorism charges as a the group once commonly case in point. known as Al Qaeda in Iraq, Instead of practicing inclusive and seized control of Fallujah in transparent governance, Al Maliki relies ASunni-dominated Anbar province, the mainly on sectarian support and ignores Iraqi prime minister, Nouri Al Maliki, calls by the Sunni community and socially urged residents of the city to expel the disadvantaged groups for equitable politi- “terrorists” from their midst. He warned cal representation and power-sharing. that only this could save their neighbour- Discontent has been building steadily hoods from all-out battles between mili- over the past two years among Sunni tants and government forces. Al Maliki’s Arabs who feel excluded and voiceless. appeal seems not only to have fallen on Al Qaeda, a social parasite that feeds deaf ears but some tribal militias report- on instability and polarisation, has Sunni mourners and gunmen chant slogans against the Shia-led government during the funeral of a man killed during clashes between edly defected and fought alongside Isis, recently found in Anbar what the Al Al Qaeda gunmen and Iraqi soldiers in west of Baghdad. thus frustrating the government’s efforts Qaeda leader, Ayman Al Zawahiri, calls to retake Fallujah. hadenah shabiyaa, a refuge, complete local population, particularly the tribes, of resources – and could be resolved if the However, the sectarian fault line masks This failure is hardly surprising given with willing Sunni recruits. With its new and to turn them against Al Qaeda. ruling elite have the will and wisdom to a bigger geostrategic struggle between that Al Maliki’s authoritarian ways, label, Isis, and having learnt from its past From 2007 to 2011 it was the so-called compromise, both of which have been in Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia and Shia heavy-handed tactics against the oppo- blunders, Al Qaeda has positioned itself Sunni awakening councils or Sons of short supply. Iran, a struggle that is playing out in sition and lack of foresight has alienated as a vanguard defending the persecuted Iraq – not George W Bush’s “surge” as The war in Syria has poured gasoline Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Bahrain and Lebanon. a significant segment of Sunni opinion. Sunni community against the Shia-led the received wisdom in the US has it – on a raging fire in Iraq, and conflicts in The two rival powers vie for mastery in Twice last year, Al Maliki ordered his government in Baghdad. that made Anbar relatively secure and both countries feed upon one another and the Gulf and the Levant. security forces to storm Sunni sit-in pro- When US military forces withdrew forced Al Qaeda insurgents out of their further complicate an already complex Al Maliki is said to be mobilising the tests in Anbar, which caused the death from Iraq at the end of 2011, Al Qaeda- neighbourhoods. struggle. Al Qaeda in Iraq founded both army to retake Fallujah, a battle that of scores of activists and angered the linked militants numbered in the low This important lesson has been lost the Al Nusra Front and Isis in Syria. could have major regional consequences local population. The spark that ignited hundreds. Now several thousand Sunnis on Al Maliki, whose short-sighted poli- Hundreds of Shia Iraqis have travelled that transcend Iraq. The US fought two the current confrontation was the dis- fight under its banner. There is no mys- cies have polarised the country further to Syria to fight on the side of the Assad fierce and costly battles in Fallujah in mantling of a protest camp last week in tery about the resurgence of Al Qaeda along sectarian, social and ideological regime. Now the reverberations of the 2004 and lost almost 200 soldiers without Ramadi, Anbar’s capital (which Al Maliki in Iraq, an alarming development that lines, creating an opening, a small space, Syrian war are being felt on Arab streets, pacifying the rebellious city. It was only called the “headquarters for Al Qaeda”) stems from a severe and deepening politi- for Al Qaeda. My conversations with particularly Iraq and Lebanon, and are when the Americans co-opted civil society and the arrest of a prominent Sunni cal crisis, sectarian polarisation and geos- Sunnis convince me that the community aggravating Sunni-Shia tensions across and the tribes that Al Qaeda’s fortunes member of parliament, which further trategic rivalries. is not receptive to extremist ideas of the Arab Middle East. declined, a lesson that the Obama admin- exacerbated tensions between tribal lead- Years after they occupied Iraq and the Al Qaeda variety and looks towards Sectarianism is poisoning the veins of istration should impress on Al Maliki as ers and his Shia-dominated government. faced a mounting insurgency spearheaded Baghdad, the centre, for resources and Arab and Muslim societies and threat- the administration rushes Hellfire air-to- Al Maliki’s critics accuse him of by Al Qaeda, the Americans learned the leadership. ening to tear them apart. No wonder Al ground missiles, reconnaissance drones monopolising power and using the Al hard way that the most effective means Iraq’s crisis is essentially political – Qaeda militants have gained strength in and other advanced arms to the Baghdad Qaeda label and anti-terrorism laws of cutting their losses was to co-opt the revolving around power and distribution Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon. government. THE GUARDIAN Hollande and the death of the Republic Humility: A lesson from

between, Charles X, the last of the Bourbon the Indian diplomat saga The French President’s kings, launched the invasion of Algeria to shore up his disintegrating monarchy. BY ANDREW GAWTHORPE foreign adventures Hollande, it seems, has resurrected this well-worn script. Since coming to power, he he withdrawal of Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade from her has twice ordered French troops to Africa. country’s consulate in New York means we are entering the final have sharpened the But the military interventions in Mali and stages of a row which has done unfortunate damage to Indian- the Central African Republic (CAR) were not, TAmerican relations. Americans have met Indian outrage over debate about whether like those of the Bourbons and Bonapartes, the case with a mixture of bafflement and anger of their own, but what wars of choice. Both interventions were argu- they also ought to do is consider what the case can tell them about how ably wars of necessity: The Islamist threat to their own actions and power might be misunderstood overseas. it’s time for a major the tottering government in Bamako and the This is not to say that American officials acted wrongly in the case perceived risk of genocide in Bangui required against Khobragade. If the allegations against her are true, then she broke institutional overhaul. an immediate response. It fell to France to US law by paying her housekeeper less than the New York minimum wage act, less by default than historical fault -- its and, worse, lying about it in official documents. To Americans and indeed BY ROBERT ZARETSKY catastrophic role, first as an imperial overlord most Europeans, what is at stake is a simple matter of social justice – if and then as godfather of Françafrique, has Khobragade couldn’t afford to pay her domestic help a humane wage, she rance’s Fifth Republic, born 55 years given it the boots and bases on the ground. shouldn’t have had domestic help at all. ago, was fashioned in the image of While incurably indecisive on the domestic Many Indians don’t see it the same way. Or, at least, their concerns Charles de Gaulle. As Algeria disinte- front, Hollande has proved sharp and decisive about the rights and wrongs of the case are outweighed by their con- Fgrated into civil war and Paris feared in Africa. But can the same be said of the con- cerns over the treatment of Khobragade, who was reportedly strip- a military putsch at home, the last president sequences of his actions? Hollande’s efforts to searched when she was arrested. Another common refrain is that maids of the impotent Fourth Republic, René Coty, French President François Hollande keep France at the forefront of international like Sangeeta Richards are well-off compared to their counterparts asked de Gaulle to take over in his stead. affairs, as Middle East specialist Ardavan in India itself and ought to be, as one Indian-American told The New When the aging general was told of popular against a proposed tax on heavy trucks to Amir-Aslani has argued, risk marginalising York Times, “thankful for what [they] have”. fears that he would assume dictatorial powers, persuading Germany to loosen its tight mon- the country and draining the government of Disputes between nations often arise because they hold mutually- de Gaulle, who had previously led France’s etary policies -- Hollande made vows that have its credibility with friends and foes alike (a incompatible truths to be self-evident. In this case, different definitions provisional government from 1944-46, replied proved empty and delivered ultimatums that risk that deepens when the French beg Europe of social justice and the reasonable claims of national pride are at stake. curtly: “At the age of 67, I’m too old to become are dead letters. and the United States for material support.) But what is also at stake is the issue of how nations and their actions dictator.” Public opinion has tracked the consequences In the case of Mali, the French saved are perceived overseas – an issue at the United States is no stranger to. But the general was not too old to become of these events. From a hopeful beginning as Bamako from the forces of Al Qaeda in the Such steps as removing the security barriers from the US embassy a president with near monarchical, if not dic- “President Normal” -- promising a rupture Islamic Maghreb, but also arguably encour- in New Delhi seem wildly inappropriate as a response to what most tatorial powers. De Gaulle had long scorned with the bling-bling years of former President aged the terrorist organisation to attack the Americans would see as the routine whirring of the wheels of justice political parties, blaming them for the fall of Nicolas Sarkozy -- Hollande has tumbled to Algerian gas plant at In Amenas. in New York City. A better understanding of India’s colonial inherit- France in 1940 and the political paralysis that the statistic-strewn floor of modern polling As for the CAR, while it is far from clear if ance – particularly its nationalism and class structure – might have gripped the country over the crisis in Algeria. in France. In November, just 22 percent of the bloody confusion is a prologue to genocide led many Americans to appreciate the sensitivities involved, even if it Pulsing at the heart of the new constitution respondents approved of his performance. or simply one more chapter in the never-end- didn’t change their views on the merits of the case. he imposed in 1958 was a powerful president These bare numbers were given unsettling ing story of a failed state, there is little doubt This is something that the United States can learn from. Because the whose task was, quite simply, to reign. flesh on November 11: During the solemn that the 1,600 troops France has committed US is so powerful and so ubiquitous in today’s world, it is often taken for As for the mundane matters of governance, ceremony marking Armistice Day, protesters are too few to master the spiral of violence. granted that America’s motives and aims are understood throughout this was the task of the prime minister and his booed Hollande as his car passed down the The former head of France’s War College, Gen the world. In addition, because Americans tend to believe that their cabinet, who were responsible to the president Champs-Elysée. The reasons were many, but Vincent Desproges, has insisted that either government acts in the world with aims that are basically moral, it is alone. A deeply relieved France welcomed this the target was one and the same: the presi- France must add another 5,000 troops or leave often hard for Americans to understand how anti-Americanism can dramatic change: “La République est morte; dent. Commentators have since wondered if the country to its own fate. be such a potent force, especially in the global south. vive la République.” this unprecedented event represented a breach Neither intervention has translated into But American public diplomacy today faces the problem of convinc- Will this same refrain again be chanted, of the final taboos protecting the Elysée. popular support at home. Operation Serval in ing people in many countries that American foreign policy is indeed ringing out the Fifth for a Sixth Republic? At the very least, the historian Jean Mali halted his free fall in the polls for a brief a force for good in the world. Even though President Barack Obama There has been intense debate in France over Garrigues observed, it amounted to a “trivi- moment, while public opinion was divided from has faced problems. Things such as the on-going drone campaign in the desirability of such a transition. The popu- alisation of the presidency.” This would be no the very start over the wisdom of Operation Pakistan (and beyond) and the NSA’s surveillance activities make it list firebrand Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of small matter in any democracy, but it takes Sangaris in the CAR. Popular scepticism hard to construct a positive narrative about American activity in the the Front de Gauche, has called for a new on far greater resonance in the Elysée-centric ran deeper earlier this year when Hollande world. republic, as has the centrist François Bayrou world of the French Fifth Republic. When argued for military intervention in Syria -- If American officials believe these programmes are necessary, they and the former Green Party candidate for political institutions all rest on the person of doubts that morphed into derision when he must understand that cultural barriers and a lack of understanding president, Eva Joly. While they differ on the the president, Garrigues observes, it raises discovered he had gone over the top while the about American society and its aims often impede understanding of details, they all share a common goal that the question of whether governance is possible Americans and Brits were retreating. American actions, just as India’s actions in the Khobragade case seem would have made de Gaulle see red: an empow- “when the president is no longer respected.” Far from distracting the French from his baffling. For those who wish to see a strong, positive role for America ered legislative system where the parliament, In the past, French leaders who found their domestic political failings, Hollande’s foreign in a world where information is increasingly available for all, and so not president, calls the shots. popular support evaporating turned to the adventures have actually sharpened the debate judgement is democratised, then better explanations are in order. Earlier this year, for example, Hollande time-hallowed solution of foreign adventures. about whether it’s time for a major institu- They can then recapture the essence of a truth which was written allowed a proposed law recognising gay mar- Napoléon I maintained a constant state of tional overhaul. Named after animals that may by an American political philosopher decades ago: “Critics say that riage to balloon into a vast protest movement war to keep the French quiescent, while his soon populate France’s list of endangered spe- America is a lie because its reality falls so far short of its ideals. They that disputed the very legitimacy of his gov- nephew Napoléon III lurched into his disas- cies, both operations may prove to be ironic are wrong. America is not a lie; it is a disappointment. But it can be ernment. Since then, on a range of domestic trous war against Prussia in order to stave off harbingers of the Fifth Republic’s extinction. a disappointment only because it is also a hope”. issues -- from a regional rebellion in Brittany growing popular discontent with his rule. In WP-BLOOMBERG THE GUARDIAN JANUARY 11, 2014 ON SATURDAY 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Middle East Three killed in Egypt ahead of referendum Brotherhood calls for boycott of two-day vote

CAIRO: Three people were But Islamist militants have “I believe now I will run for killed in clashes in Egypt yes- stepped up attacks on security the presidency,” Shafik told Al terday, security sources said, forces since Mursi’s ouster, and Qahira Wil Nas television, adding ahead of a referendum next street violence has continued, that he would compete if army week on a new constitution. conditions which have decimated chief General Abdel Fattah Al Ousted president Mohamed investment and tourism. Sisi stayed out of the race that is Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood has Yesterday, two people were expected later this year. called for a boycott of the January killed in the city of Suez in clashes Shafik left Egypt last year after 14 and 15 referendum, which is between supporters and oppo- being defeated in the presidential also seen by some as a vote on nents of Mursi, who is on trial election by Mohamed Mursi. Last army chief General Abdel Fattah for charges including incitement month, Egyptian courts acquitted Al Sisi’s popularity. to murder. him in one corruption case and Sisi overthrew Mursi in July In Egypt’s second city of shelved another. following mass protests against Alexandria, one person was Shafik’s return would reflect a his rule and could yet run for killed in clashes, said security shift in the balance of power in president of the Arab world’s big- sources. Egypt since the army removed gest country. A crackdown on the Mursi and set the Arab world’s The Brotherhood says Sisi’s Brotherhood has limited its abil- largest nation on a new course overthrow of Mursi constituted ity to hold street protests it had designed to lead to presidential a coup which undermined dem- hoped would bring down the and parliamentary elections. ocratic gains made since a 2011 army-backed government. The next milestone is a January Protesters who support ousted president Mohamed Mursi, set a police vehicle on fire during clashes with riot popular uprising toppled autocrat Hundreds of members have 14-15 referendum on a new police at Nasr City district in Cairo, yesterday. Hosni Mubarak. been killed and the group’s lead- constitution. The referendum is the first ers have been jailed. Shafik, a former air force com- vote in the referendum. at Mursi’s overthrow, but he is in its history, killing hundreds of milestone in a political transfor- Meanwhile, ousted Egyptian mander who cited Mubarak as a In an interview in September, reviled by the ousted president’s its members and arresting top mation that Sisi has said would leader Hosni Mubarak’s last prime role model during his election he said he would not run for the supporters. Dates for presidential leaders. In an apparent attempt lead to presidential and parlia- minister Ahmed Shafik said in a campaign, lost narrowly to Mursi presidency if Sisi did and added and parliamentary elections have to capitalise on widespread anti- mentary elections and bring sta- television interview broadcast on in the run-off. that Sisi had his full support. yet to be set. Brotherhood sentiment, Shafik bility to Egypt, which has a peace Thursday that he would run for Speaking from the United Arab Sisi has yet to say if he will run. Egyptian security forces have called for maximum force to be treaty with Israel and controls president if the army chief does Emirates, Shafik said it was pos- He enjoys wide support among mounted one of the toughest used against the group. the Suez Canal. not contest elections. sible he would return to Cairo to those Egyptians who rejoiced crackdowns on the Brotherhood REUTERS

41 Palestinians Russia tells US it will die of hunger continue backing Assad in Syrian camp BEIRUT: A Syrian monitor- MOSCOW/DAMASCUS: of uniting efforts by the Syrian ing group said yesterday it has Russian diplomats told a top vis- 500 killed in a government and the patriotically- documented the deaths of 41 iting US dignitary yesterday that inclined opposition to fight ter- Palestinian refugees in besieged Moscow would continue back- week of fighting rorist groups whose activities are Yarmuk camp as a result of food ing Syrian President Bashar Al threatening not only the future of and medical shortages, includ- Assad’s campaign against rebel DAMASCUS: Nearly 500 Syria, but also regional stability,” ing women and children. forces despite peace talks due people, among them at least the Russian foreign ministry said “Food and medical short- later this month. 85 civilians, have been killed in a statement. ages have killed at least 41 peo- US Under Secretary of State in a week of fighting pitting Moscow uses the phrase “patri- ple in the past three months in Wendy Sherman’s visit came Syrian rebels against jihadists otically-inclined opposition” to Yarmuk” in southern Damascus, ahead of a crunch meeting in in the north of the strife-torn refer to Syrian groups that are which has been under suffocating Paris on Monday between her country. The fighting raged not part of Assad’s ruling Baath army siege ever since rebel groups boss John Kerry and Russian as Western governments party but which are sanctioned took control of it, said the Syrian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that back the revolt against by the regime and do not include Observatory for Human Rights. that will focus on Moscow’s push President Bashar Al Assad the opposition National Coalition Of the total, 24 have died as a to give Syrian ally Iran a formal prepared to intensify pres- umbrella body or rebels fighting result of malnutrition. The rest seat at the so-called Geneva 2 sure on the opposition to par- on the ground. died either because of a lack of conference. ticipate in peace talks with The Russian statement said specialised treatment or because Russian officials said Lavrov the regime planned for later Moscow and Washington agreed of a shortage of medicines, and Kerry would also hold a joint this month. that the Geneva 2 conference — a Observatory director Rami Abdel meeting in Paris on Monday with A new front opened last follow-up to July 2012 consulta- Rahman said. UN-Arab League peace envoy Friday in Syria’s nearly three- tions that failed to put an end According to the Britain-based Lakhdar Brahimi. year-old war, when powerful to the fighting — must focus on group, which relies on a network Sherman did not address massive rebel groups combined engaging regime and opposition of activists and doctors across reporters after her meeting to attack bases and check- members in their first direct Syria for its reports, three of the with Russian Deputy Foreign points of the Islamic State of contact. fatalities were children and 13 of Ministers Mikhail Bogdanov and Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). “The forum must give the start them women. “Among them was a Gennady Gatilov. The two diplo- AFP to direct Syrian talks based on one-day-old child who could have mats will represent Moscow at the Geneva communique, whose survived had there been incuba- Members of the Norwegian naval forces on the deck of the frigate HNoMS the Syria negotiations that are frameworks call on the Syrians tors,” said Abdel Rahman. The “Helge Ingstad” as the ship secures the port of the Syrian city of Latakia scheduled to begin on January 22 against “terrorist groups” themselves to decide the issue UN agency for Palestinian refu- during an operation to move chemical agents to locations outside its ter- in Switzerland. But the Russian deserved comprehensive support. of how their future government gees has frequently warned about ritory for destruction. The first shipment of chemical weapons materials foreign ministry said Sherman “The Russian representa- works,” the Russian statement the dire conditions in Yarmuk. left Latakia port on January 7. was told that Assad’s campaign tives stressed the importance said. AGENCIES On Thursday, UNRWA spokes- man Chris Gunness described “extreme human suffering” in the camp, saying food shortages continued and that the absence of medical care had led to women Tunisia awaits new cabinet to oversee polls dying in childbirth. Lebanon to hand TUNIS: Tunisia’s premier- relative political novice, will militants are blamed for a wave evening. “Maybe we’ll have a nice designate Mehdi Jomaa (pic- have to confront mounting social of violence since the revolution, surprise and the constitution will Qaeda man’s body tured), was tasked yesterday unrest and the persistent threat including the assassination of two be adopted on January 13,” the eve with forming a cabinet of inde- of jihadist violence, in a political opposition MPs last year. Both of the revolution’s anniversary. to Saudi embassy pendents to end months of climate that remains tense. those killings triggered major The “general principles” political deadlock and lead the Larayedh’s little-known indus- political crises and finally forced and the essential “rights and BEIRUT: A Lebanese judi- country to fresh elections after try minister, he was chosen during the departure of the Ennahda-led freedoms” in the charter have cial official yesterday ordered the Islamist-led government crisis negotiations last month as government. already been approved, although the body of a Saudi suspected finally quit. the consensus candidate to head a Finally, the new premier must other chapters, including on the of leading an Al Qaeda-linked Jomaa’s appointment after caretaker administration. He now preside over presidential and par- functioning of public institutions, group handed to the Saudi his predecessor Ali Larayedh’s has 15 days to form his cabinet, liamentary polls this year amid have yet to be ratified. embassy, a week after his death resignation on Thursday, under which must then be approved by heightened mistrust between the Lawmakers began examining in custody. an agreement to get Tunisia’s the national assembly. majority Islamist party and its those yesterday, starting with leg- “The body of Majid Al Majid democratic transition back on The press welcomed Larayedh’s secular opponents. islative powers. will be handed to the embassy track, comes nearly three years departure earlier on Friday, while “The hardest part has just There has been major progress of Saudi Arabia, and will then be after veteran strongman Zine El stressing the challenges that begun,” warned Tunisian daily on the issue of women’s rights in repatriated,” prosecutor Samir Abidine Ben Ali’s overthrow in Jomaa faces. Shortly before resign- Le Quotidien, saying Jomaa had particular. The assembly passed Hammoud, who ordered the the first Arab Spring uprising. ing, Larayedh announced the sus- inherited a “poisoned chalice.” an article last week that enshrines handover, said. Speaking from the presidency, pension of a new vehicle tax that “With uprisings in all corners gender equality, and another on Majid was the suspected head Jomaa said he would make every came into force this year, which percent among school leavers. of the country, an ailing economy Thursday that commits the state of the Abdullah Azzam Brigades, effort to resolve the problems fac- has triggered strikes and nation- Official figures published yester- and a precarious situation, the to promoting equal representa- which claimed responsibility for a ing Tunisia. wide protests, notably in the coun- day showed a slight 1.7 percent future government will have its tion in elected bodies. November attack on the Iranian “I will do my best, but I can- try’s impoverished interior where in tourism receipts in 2013 from work cut out,” it said. There had been fears among embassy in Beirut that killed not perform miracles,” he said in the 2011 uprising began. the previous year, with the crucial Ahead of its formation, the secular politicians, which 25 people. He died last week, comments broadcast on national Poverty and unemployment sector having yet to recover from national assembly is pushing Ennahda has been at pains to days after his detention by the television. were driving factors behind the the collapse it suffered after Ben ahead with the adoption of a long- disavow, that it would seek to Lebanese military. He promised to form a cabi- revolution that unseated Ben Ali’s downfall. delayed new constitution, voting roll back the extensive rights that A judicial source saidthat Majid net that was “independent and Ali and remain pressing prob- One reason for this is the on it intensively article by article. women have enjoyed in Tunisia suffered from kidney disease and neutral, bearing no animosity lems in Tunisia, amid lacklustre persistent threat from armed “We will work on it day and since independence, compared was in poor health when he was towards any movement or party.” economic growth and an unem- jihadists in Tunisia, a key issue night,” said parliament speaker with the rest of the Arab world. detained. The new premier, who is a ployment rate of more than 30 that Jomaa must confront. The Mustapha Ben Jafaa on Thursday AFP AGENCIES JANUARY 11, 2014 Middle East www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 ON SATURDAY Turkey’s judiciary hits Yemen back at govt’s plan Parliament begins debate on proposed reforms

ISTANBUL: Turkey’s top judi- influential Union of Turkish Bar The crisis erupted on December cial body hit back yesterday at Associations calling them uncon- 17 when police rounded up dozens government’s plans to curb its stitutional and warning that they of people, including sons of former powers, adding fuel to a bit- violate the principle of separa- ministers and top businessmen, ter row over a vast corruption tion of powers. “This is the last suspected of numerous offences probe engulfing Prime Minister nail in the coffin of democracy,” including bribery for construction Recep Tayyip Erdogan. columnist Mehmet Yilmaz wrote projects and illicit money trans- The parliament began yes- in Hurriyet. Another columnist fers to neighbouring sanctions-hit terday to debate the proposed for Hurriyet, Yusuf Kanli, said it Iran. reforms, which would give the “underscores the dreadful real- Yesterday, police detained 35 justice ministry more powers to ity the ‘advanced democracy’ of people including 10 customs offic- decide who makes up the Supreme AKP is definitely deficient of ... ers in the southern city of Mersin Board of Judges and Prosecutors democratic governance”. on suspicions of accepting and (HSYK) and strip the legal body facilitating bribery, customs and of its powers to pass decrees. trade ministry officials said. The changes were slapped The fresh arrests came three down by the judicial body itself US concerned days after police carried out as unconstitutional, while the raids in five cities and detained United States and the European about crisis 25 people on suspicions of brib- Union weighed in citing serious ery and fraud in tenders for con- People walk on a bridge in the Old City of Sana’a, the capital of Yemen. concerns. WASHINGTON: The struction projects. Erdogan has “With the law amendment, United States is watching accused loyalists of US-exiled the board is reporting to the jus- with concern a deepening cleric Fethullah Gulen, whose tice ministry. The amendment political crisis unfolding in movement wields influence in the is against the constitution and its key ally Turkey, and has police and judiciary, of instigating Good progress in Iran talks: EU the formation of an independent voiced its disquiet to Turkish the corruption probe, but Gulen body,” the HSYK said in a writ- leaders, a US official said has denied any involvement in the BRUSSELS: Senior officials on all the pertinent issues,” EU ambitions because failing to get ten statement, adding that the yesterday. controversial inquiry. from the European Union and spokesman Michael Mann said, a deal could bolster hardliners in reforms were against interna- “In our conversations with A new poll suggested that the Iran have made “very good referring to the EU and Iranian Tehran. tional law. The government had all stakeholders in Turkey, we scandal was hurting the ruling progress” in talks in Geneva on officials. But Jack Straw told the BBC moved to rein in the HSYK after continue to make clear that AKP ahead of key local polls in the implementation of a land- He added, however, that any he was “optimistic”, on return- a vast corruption probe broke, the United States supports the March and presidential polls in mark nuclear deal, the EU said agreements had to be validated ing to London from Iran where he implicating key allies of Erdogan. desire of the Turkish people for September. The survey by the yesterday. by the governments of Iran and led a British delegation including The firebrand prime minis- a legal system that meets the Sonar Institute indicated a two The officials met on Thursday the six world powers negotiating former finance minister Norman ter has responded angrily to the highest standards of fairness, percentage point dip in sup- and yesterday to iron out remain- with the Islamic Republic over Lamont, Conservative member investigation, also sacking hun- timeliness and transparency,” port for Erdogan’s Justice and ing practical issues to put in place its atom work: the United States, of parliament Ben Wallace and dreds of police chiefs in a major State Department spokes- Development Party (AKP) if leg- the Nov. 24 deal, under which Iran Russia, China, France, Britain Labour lawmaker Jeremy Corbyn. purge. In Brussels, Council of woman Jen Psaki told report- islative elections were to be held, agreed to curb its most sensitive and Germany. In an interim deal reached in Europe’s commissioner for human ers. Washington believes in a compared to the last opinion atom work in return for some The EU liaised with Iran on Geneva on Nov. 24, Iran agreed rights, Nils Muiznieks, called system “where no one is above opinion a month ago. According relief from western economic behalf of the six. with world powers to freeze some the plans to curb HSYK “a seri- the law and where allegations to the new survey which showed sanctions. Meanwhile, former British of its nuclear programme as the ous setback for the independ- against public figures are inves- support for the AKP at 42.3 per- “Deputy Secretary General foreign minister warned yester- first step towards a long-term ence of the judiciary in Turkey”. tigated impartially,” she added. cent, the party would not be able (Helga) Schmid and Deputy day that the West should not deal that many hope could resolve Lawyers and the liberal media AFP to form a government on its own. Foreign Minister (Abbas) push Iran too far in talks over a dispute over its nuclear ambi- also opposed the reforms, with the AFP Araqchi made very good progress the Islamic republic’s nuclear tions. AGENCIES

UN warns Israel over detention of Israel unveils 1,800 settler homes plan asylum seekers JERUSALEM: Israel unveiled right-wing coalition of Prime to continue his efforts in Israeli- serious about the process, in fact “a lot of work that needs to hap- plans yesterday for more than Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Palestinian peace talks,” he said. they are fooling the Israeli public, pen, a lot of tough decisions.” GENEVA: The UN refugee 1,800 new settler homes in a Yesterday’s announcement will “Every time Kerry has stepped the Palestinian leadership, the US A poll published in Maariv agency yesterday warned that move the Palestinians said was see the construction of 1,076 units up his efforts, returning to the secretary of state and the inter- newspaper said eight out of 10 Israel could be in breach of aimed at forcing Washington to in annexed east Jerusalem and region (for more talks), Netanyahu national community,” the watch- Israelis did not believe Kerry’s international law due to new abandon its Middle East peace 801 in the occupied West Bank, a has stepped up his efforts to dog said. efforts would succeed in reaching rules that pave the way for the drive. spokesman for Israeli settlement destroy the peace process,” he Israel freed the third of four a peace deal. Another poll in the potentially indefinite detention The announcement was made watchdog Peace Now said. said. “Netanyahu is determined to batches of long-serving Palestinian pro-government Israel HaYom of asylum seekers. just days after US Secretary of “The housing ministry destroy the two-state solution.” prisoners on December 31, ahead newspaper showed 53 percent Under legislation passed last State John Kerry wrapped up his announced the plans this morn- of Kerry’s visit. The two previ- did not even see him as an hon- month which has sparked mass latest visit to the region as part ing,” said Lior Amihai. ISRAEL ‘FOOLING’ KERRY ous prisoner releases coincided est broker. So far, the Palestinians protests by Africans in Israel, of tireless efforts to coax Israel “Many of the units will be built Erakat urged the EU in a directly with announcements for have agreed to refrain from seek- people who arrive illegally can be and the Palestinians towards an in existing settlements such as separate statement to “sever all thousands of new settler homes, ing membership in international detained for up to a year without elusive peace deal. Efrat and Ariel in the West Bank, ties with the Israeli occupation, but Netanyahu delayed the latest institutions for the duration of trial. The settlement move was and Ramat Shlomo, Ramot and including companies and institu- announcement so as not to anger the talks or from suing Israel over But Adrian Edwards, spokes- widely believed to be an Israeli Pisgat Zeev in east Jerusalem.” tions involved with the colonisa- US officials, press reports said. its settlement building, but on man for the UN high commis- response to the release 10 days The ministry could not tion of Palestine.” Kerry is reportedly due back in Friday, Erakat said their patience sioner for refugees, warned that ago of a third batch of veteran be immediately reached for The comments came after the region next week. was wearing thin. the new rules could enable indefi- Palestinian prisoners in accord- confirmation. Dutch pension manager PGGM Direct negotiations began in “It is high time we held Israel nite detention. ance with commitments made to Chief Palestinian negotiator decided to divest from Israeli late July with the aim of reach- accountable for its crimes,” Israel has also opened a sprawl- Washington last year. Saeb Erakat said the move proved banks over their links with set- ing a deal within nine months, Erakat said. The international ing detention facility at Holot in Just days before the 26 pris- Israel wanted Kerry to stay tlements in the West Bank. but so far there has been little community views all Israeli con- the Negev desert to house both oners were freed, an Israeli away, and was another attempt Peace Now said the construc- visible progress. Kerry’s latest struction on land seized during new entrants and immigrants official warned that the govern- by Netanyahu to “destroy” the tion showed Israel was “fooling” efforts focus on piecing together the 1967 Six Day War as illegal, already in the country deemed to ment would push ahead with peace process. “The new settle- Kerry and the Palestinians over a framework to guide negotiations and settlement activity is consid- have disturbed public order. plans for new settler homes as ment construction plan is a mes- its peace intentions. in the critical months ahead. He ered one of the most bitter issues “Since Holot is housing people it has done twice previously in a sage from Netanyahu to Kerry “These actions are an indica- left empty-handed Monday, with of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. who cannot be returned to their bid to appease hardliners in the not to come back to the region tion that this government is not US officials admitting there was AFP countries of origin for reasons to do with non-forced returns, we’re concerned that this facility will in effect result in indefinite deten- Palestinian kids detained tion with no release grounds,” Smuggled sperm brings baby Edwards told reporters. “Indefinite detention certainly joy to Gaza prisoner’s family would be at odds with human rights norms,” he added. GAZA: The wife of a Palestinian prisoner in an Israeli jail gave birth Israel’s right-wing government yesterday to a boy born from sperm smuggled into Gaza, her family has vowed to step up the repa- said, the first successful pregnancy of its kind in the embattled coastal triation of illegal immigrants, enclave. The procedure follows several similar cases last year in the saying they pose a threat to the West Bank, and Palestinians view such births as an act of defiance state’s Jewish character, but crit- against Israel’s jail policies. ics counter that the country is not “I am tired and very, very happy,” said mother Hana Al Za’anin, her giving genuine asylum-seekers a voice weak, hours after delivering baby Al Hassan. fair hearing. Speaking from a hospital bed in Gaza City, she said Israel had banned Israel currently hosts approxi- her from visiting her husband since his arrest in 2006, citing unspecified mately 53,000 refugees and “security reasons.” asylum-seekers, according to Most of Gaza’s 1.8 million people are barred from entering Israel for the UNHCR. same reason, although it allows some merchants and seriously ill people Most managed to cross the to enter its territory from Gaza. desert border with Egypt, before Gaza has been run by the Islamist group Hamas since 2007. Israel has Israel completed a high-tech bar- enforced a blockade on the territory and has fought a round of bloody rier last year. battles with the militant party. Some 36,000 come from Al Za’anin declined to say how the sperm was conveyed out of prison, Eritrea, whose regime repeatedly but said its journey to a medical lab in Gaza, where two specialists were has been accused of widespread waiting for it, took around six hours. Her husband Tamer was arrested human rights abuses by the inter- in an Israeli army incursion into the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun national community. and jailed for 12 years for belonging to the Islamic Jihad militant group. Another 14,000 are from con- “Today a hero was born to a hero,” the prisoner’s 22-year-old brother flict-torn Sudan. Tareq, a hairdresser, said with a laugh. “UNHCR understand the chal- Israel regards 5,000 or so Palestinian prisoners in its jails, many impris- lenges faced by Israel in manag- oned for killing civilians, as terrorists. As part of struggling US peace talks ing the reception of migrants and An Israeli soldier speaks to Palestinian children after they were detained for throwing stones at the revived in July after a three month hiatus, Israel agreed to release 104 asylum seekers,” said Edwards. soldiers in the West Bank village of Halhoul, near Hebron, yesterday. long-term prisoners in four stages. REUTERS AFP JANUARY 11, 2014 ON SATURDAY 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com International

New Jersey braces One in 10 babies in England are now Muslims: Census for new disclosures LONDON: Almost one in 10 are Muslim, while fewer than one remain quite high, although fall- given for nearly 1.2 million (34.1 Britain enabling the practice of in Christie babies and toddlers in England in 200 people aged over 85 are ing. There seem to be very low percent). Islam, which gives confidence to and Wales are Muslim, accord- Muslim. levels of falling away from religion The next most common reli- the vast majority of Muslims,” he bridge scandal ing to new analysis of census It is also an 80 percent increase among Muslims.” gions registered for British tod- told The Times. figures published yesterday, on the 176,264 Muslim under-fives Muslims have the youngest dlers after Christianity and Islam Thirteen children aged under NEWARK: New Jersey leg- illustrating the growth of the recorded in the 2001 census. age profile of the main religious were Hinduism at 55,869 (1.6 five were being raised in witch- islators yesterday planned to minority community. “It certainly is a startling fig- groups. Nearly half of Muslims percent), Sikhism at 28,380 (0.8 craft, while 121 had heavy metal release nearly 1,000 pages of Some 317,952 children aged ure,” David Coleman, profes- (48 percent) were aged under 25 percent), Judaism at 18,221 (0.5 as their stated religion. Some documents that may shed new under five, or 9.1 percent, were sor of demography at Oxford (1.3 million). percent) and Buddhism at 9,026 4,700 were listed as “Jedi knight”, light on a probe of four days registered as being Muslim in University, told The Times news- The figures showed that (0.3 percent). the statistics showed. of traffic jams at the George the 2011 census, the Office for paper yesterday. Christianity remains by far the Ibrahim Mogra, assistant ONS figures showed that Washington Bridge apparently National Statistics (ONS) figures “Continuing immigration from most common religion registered secretary-general of the Muslim Mohammed was the most popu- orchestrated by Republican show. Pakistan, Bangladesh and India for babies in England and Wales, Council of Britain umbrella group, lar name for newborn baby boys Governor Chris Christie’s top As a measure of how the reli- has been added to by new immi- at more than 1.5 million, or 43.7 said the number of Muslim babies in England and Wales in 2009, aides to settle a political score. gious demographics of England gration from African countries percent. reflected the confidence of the though 12 different spellings of The release would come the day and Wales are changing, the fig- and from the Middle East. Nearly as many parents listed community. that name meant that Oliver offi- after Christie, a star of his party ure is nearly double the 4.8 per- “Birth rates of Muslims of their children under five as hav- “It’s not about Britain becom- cially topped the chart. seen as a likely 2016 White House cent of the whole population who Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin ing no religion — the answer ing a Muslim country but about AFP contender, fired the staffer who had sent e-mails calling for trou- ble at the key commuter choke point and repeatedly apologized in a two-hour press conference. The scandal, which had been brewing for weeks, burst onto the national stage on Wednesday Hollande to sue when New Jersey officials released e-mails that appeared to show Christie’s staff plotting the lane closures in September to retaliate against the Democratic mayor of magazine over Fort Lee, New Jersey, because he had not endorsed the governor’s re-election campaign. Christie had counted on affair report the decisive victory he won in November to show a degree of bipartisan appeal and boost his chances of winning his party’s President deplores invasion of privacy nomination for president, politi- cal experts say. PARIS: French President unidentifiable because he is wear- During Thursday’s press con- Francois Hollande threat- ing a black helmet. ference, where Christie repeat- ened yesterday to sue celebrity Subsequent photos taken in the edly apologized for his staff’s magazine Closer, complaining morning show the first man arriv- actions but also denied knowing of of breach of privacy after it ing with what Closer said was a their move, he said he was not yet alleged he was having an affair bag of croissants, then the second thinking about a possible 2016 bid. with actress Julie Gayet. man in a helmet emerging and Observers said that if the The weekly French tabloid, jumping on the back of a scooter. scandal turns out to be an iso- criticised in 2012 for publish- The woman resembling Gayet, lated incident, voters are likely ing topless pictures of Kate who has acted in French films to look past it. But if it becomes Middleton, Britain’s Duchess of including the 2013 comedy Quai one of a series of disclosures, it Cambridge, printed seven pages d’Orsay in which she plays a could hurt Christie’s chances at of photos of comings and goings vampish diplomatic adviser in the Member of Parliament Andrew Mitchell (left) walks to a meeting in Sutton Coldfield, central England, yesterday. the presidency. outside a Paris apartment block foreign ministry, then comes out to support its allegation. and heads down the street. Russia detains six “Francois Hollande greatly Gayet, a Socialist party sup- deplores the invasion of his pri- porter, openly backed Hollande Policeman admits lying over over December vacy, to which he has a right as during the 2012 presidential any other citizen does. He is stud- race, describing him in one filmed bombing ying what action, including legal interview as “fantastic” and UK’s ‘Plebgate’ scandal MOSCOW: action, to take following this pub- “really ready to listen”. Russia’s federal lication,” a source in Hollande’s There was no comment from Anti-Terrorist Committee said office said. The source did not lawyers for Gayet, a mother of LONDON: A British policeman about the incident to discredit but said it was “sad and worrying” yesterday it had detained six directly deny the story, however. two. She filed a complaint for yesterday admitted he falsely Cameron’s government as it that a police officer had behaved men suspected in a bombing in In a statement later yesterday, breach of privacy last March claimed to have witnessed a was imposing major cuts to the in this way. “I am pleased that jus- the southern city of Pyatigorsk Closer said that at the request of after rumours of an affair with row over a bicycle that brought national police budget. tice has been done in a criminal last month that killed three Gayet’s lawyer it would remove all Hollande became public. down a government minister. Wallis, 53, admitted at London’s court today,” he said. people and added to secu- reference to the alleged relation- Allies and foes of Hollande Police constable Keith Wallis, Old Bailey court on Friday that he “There remain many questions rity fears in the run-up to the ship from its website, but there defended his right to privacy. 53, pleaded guilty to misconduct lied in an email to his local MP unanswered, in particular why Pc Winter Olympics. was no mention of plans to pull “For me this magazine is in a public office by pretending he that he was present during the Wallis wrote this email and who Russia is on security alert only the publication from newsstands. disgraceful, I have no inter- witnessed the argument between row, and admitted arranging for else was involved in this process.” weeks before it opens the 2014 While the French have long est in this,” said a 30-year-old former Conservative chief whip his nephew to support the claim. Metropolitan Police chief Winter Games on February 7 in the been indulgent of their leaders’ Parisian communications sector Andrew Mitchell and an officer at The court heard that he has Bernard Hogan-Howe apologised southern Black Sea resort of Sochi, infidelities, the pictures were worker who gave her name as the gates of Prime Minister David offered to resign from London’s to Mitchell for Wallis’ lie, add- some 270km west of Pyatigorsk an unwelcome distraction for Emmanuelle. Cameron’s Downing Street resi- Metropolitan Police, where ing that suggestions that offic- where the car bomb went off. Hollande as he battles to revive “It’s his private life. There are dence last September. he served as a member of the ers had falsified statements were The blast on December 27 blew the euro zone’s second largest more important issues than this,” Mitchell was forced to resign Diplomatic Protection Group. “extremely damaging”. “To lie out the windows of buildings in an economy and faces record low she said, reflecting the general over claims he called officers Seven other police officers are about witnessing something and industrial neighbourhood of the approval ratings in opinion polls. lack of interest among passers- guarding Downing Street “f****** facing disciplinary proceedings provide a false account falls way spa resort town and badly dam- According to Closer, movie by in central Paris. plebs” because they refused to let over the scandal. below the standards that I and Pc aged a traffic police building. actress Gayet, 41, is seen arriving Marine Le Pen of the anti- him go through the gate with Wallis was released on bail Wallis’ colleague expect of police The committee said the six at the apartment block in Paris’ immigrant National Front, nor- his bike, adding that they should and is due to be sentenced on officers,” Hogan-Howe said. men, who include one Azerbaijani upmarket eighth arrondissement mally a vocal Hollande critic, was “know your f****** place”. February 6 pending the outcome “His actions have also nega- citizen, have admitted to carry- late at night. also uninterested. “As far as the Mitchell admitted he swore of a psychiatric report. tively impacted upon public trust ing out the bombing and that they The pictures then show the president is concerned, as long as but denied using the word “pleb”, Judge Nigel Sweeney warned and confidence in the integrity of were planning another attack arrival of a man resembling not a cent of public money was a derogatory term for the lower him that “all sentencing options police officers.” on a larger scale. It also said it Hollande’s bodyguard. A sec- used ... I believe that everybody social classes. He was forced remain open to the court”. The force said Wallis would opened criminal cases against the ond man — which Closer said has the right to the respect of to resign over the so-called Mitchell, who is also a former face a misconduct hearing once suspects for murder and terror- was Hollande — then arrives their privacy,” she told i-Tele TV. “Plebgate” row a few weeks later. international development minis- the court case is over. ism, among others. on the back of a scooter. He is REUTERS His allies claim police lied ter, welcomed Wallis’ guilty plea AFP AGENCIES

Spain judge bans demo for ETA Celebrations in Bangui prisoners as president resigns MADRID: A Spanish judge yesterday banned a mass dem- N’DJAMENA/BANGUI: 1994 genocide stirred by the unrest, onstration planned to support Thousands celebrated on the France sent hundreds of troops to jailed members of armed Basque streets of Central African its former colony last month to separatist movement ETA, as Republic’s capital on the news support African peacekeepers try- the group pushed for conces- that interim President Michel ing to keep the peace. But the kill- sions from authorities. Djotodia had caved in to inter- ings have continued, and France The treatment of ETA’s jailed national pressure and resigned repeatedly voiced its frustration members is one of the most yesterday after failing to halt with Djotodia’s government. sensitive issues in a standoff inter-religious violence. Djotodia and Tiangaye resigned between the Spanish and French The resignations of Djotodia after Central African Republic’s governments on one side and and his Prime Minister Nicolas transitional assembly (CNT) was western Europe’s last major Tiangaye were announced in summoned to the Chad summit armed secessionist movement a statement issued at a two- late on Thursday to decide on the on the other. day summit of the Economic country’s future. ETA is blamed for 829 killings Community of Central African Under an agreement brokered in its campaign for an independ- States (CEEAC) in neighbour- by the CEEAC last year, the CNT ent Basque homeland in northern ing Chad. Talks to decide on elected Djotodia to his position as Spain and southwestern France. new leadership will take place in interim president in April to take In 2011 it declared an “end to Central African Republic, it said. Central African Republic to elec- armed activity”, but refused to Thousands of people have been tions, due at the end of this year. formally disband. killed and one million displaced by “We take note of the resignation. The demonstration planned for cycles of violence since abuses by It is up to the CNT to decide what Saturday in the Spanish Basque Djotodia’s mainly Muslim rebels, happens now,” said French Foreign city of Bilbao is an annual event known as Seleka, prompted the cre- Ministry Romain Nadal spokes- but came this year at a particu- ation of Christian self-defence mili- man. “France does not interfere larly tense time. People celebrate yesterday in Bangui after the announcement of the resignation of Central African Republic tia after he seized power in March. in any case with this process.” AFP President Michel Djotodia under regional pressure. With memories of Rwanda’s REUTERS JANUARY 11, 2014 Asia www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 ON SATURDAY Cambodia opposition warns of ‘final’ push Rally asks Premier Hun Sen to announce fresh election

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s workers and security forces that demonstrators. opposition warned strong- saw police shoot several people Last Friday police opened man premier Hun Sen of a dead. fire on striking garment factory “final campaign” against him In the face of growing inter- employees demanding a mini- unless fresh elections are held, national alarm, the government mum wage of $160 per month for as it rallied yesterday in the has defended the crackdown, their work in an industry which country’s northwest despite denouncing the rallies against supplies brands including Gap, recent bloody crackdowns on Hun Sen as violent and illegal. Nike and H&M. protesters. Rainsy and Kem Sokha, who Rights activists said at least Opposition leader Sam Rainsy have been summoned to Phnom four civilians were shot dead in and his deputy Kem Sokha met Penh Municipal Court on January what they described as the coun- hundreds of supporters in Siem 14 for questioning in connection try’s worst state violence against Reap province after authorities with the recent unrest, are plan- its citizens in 15 years. An official holds baby turtles in Banten province, Indonesia, on Thursday. banned anti-government ral- ning similar rallies in two more The strike has since been lies in the capital and renewed provinces over the weekend. called off and most of the gar- calls for Hun Sen to resign over “We are not scared, brothers. ment workers have returned to alleged vote fraud in July 2013 We did not commit any wrongdo- work. Over 8,000 turtles rescued in Indonesia polls. ing,” Sam Rainsy told supporters The opposition Cambodia “If he does not agree to a new as they chanted “Step down, Hun National Rescue Party (CNRP) JAKARTA: Indonesian offi- Airport officials were asked who had checked in the luggage election, we will start the final Sen”. had been protesting against what cials said yesterday they have Thursday to be on the look-out but their whereabouts were now campaign. The rally was peaceful, local it called the fraudulent election rescued more than 8,000 baby for turtles -- classified as vulner- unknown. “That will be to make him witnesses told AFP, although victory in July won by long-serv- turtles hidden in suitcases and able -- after 5,400 of the creatures This turtle is only found in step down,” Kem Sokha told a a few security officers were ing Prime Minister Hun Sen. thought to be destined for China were discovered in seven suitcases Australia and New Guinea, an cheering crowd, according to a deployed nearby. In the clearance of the long- and Singapore. in Papua, he said. island shared between Papua New live stream from the rally on his Rainsy’s CNRP has boycotted standing opposition rally site in A total of 2,968 were discovered Abidi said that turtles smug- Guinea and Indonesia, and is pro- Cambodia National Rescue Party parliament since last year’s elec- a Phnom Penh park on Saturday, in four suitcases at the airport gled through Jakarta are usu- tected under Indonesian conser- website. tion, alleging that Hun Sen was activists said dozens of security serving the capital Jakarta after ally sent to Singapore or China, vation laws. Authorities chased opposition returned to power because of personnel armed with shields and arriving from the remote eastern where they are sold as exotic pets It has a distinctive snout-like protesters from their rally site widespread vote-rigging. batons chased away hundreds of Papua region, said Zaenal Abidi, and sometimes end up in food nose and webbed feet. in the capital Phnom Penh on The Cambodian premier, who protesters -- including monks, quarantine official. markets. The International Union for Saturday and banned all anti- has ruled for 28 years, has faced women and children. “The suitcases were full of plas- All the turtles would be Conservation of Nature lists the government demonstrations mounting criticism over his Hun Sen, 61, has vowed to stay tic boxes holding 15 to 20 turtles returned to their natural habitat turtle as vulnerable and trade of indefinitely after bloody clashes rights record as well as accusa- in power until he is 74. each. Sadly, 14 of them were dead in Papua, Abidi said. the species is restricted. between striking garment tions of excessive force against AGENCIES on arrival,” he said. He added that police knew AFP

S Korea urges Japan emperor’s record may shed light on his war role North to revive family reunions TOKYO: Japan’s imperial palace Kazaoka, who heads the agency, be an attempt to protect “personal his voice, called on them to “bear end the conflict with that broad- plans to disclose in full a soon-to- told Japanese media on Thursday information”, but which drew criti- the unbearable.” cast and say he could have chosen SEOUL: South Korea urges be-completed official record of that he did not want to see any cism from researchers. A deal with the US-led occupy- to finish it sooner. But supporters North Korea yesterday to the late Emperor Hirohito’s life, part of the record “blacked out” Hirohito served as Japan’s com- ing force kept him on the throne on say he was a puppet of a military accept its offer of holding possibly shedding some light on from public eye. mander-in-chief during its stomp condition he renounced his divinity. government, a figurehead that out- reunions of families sepa- the contentious issue of his dis- “Some people may think that across Asia in the 1930s and 1940s. Over the following decades as the of-control generals could invoke rated after the Korean War, puted role in World War II. what could not be released 30 years He was a man who was revered nominal head of a constitutional to urge their soldiers through the calling it a first step toward The Imperial Household Agency ago can be released with the pas- as a demigod of Shintoism and in monarchy, he oversaw the rebirth horrors of warfare. improving inter-Korean is expected to finish in late March sage of time,” he was quoted as say- whose name the vicious and acquis- of a pacifist nation that roared to The publication of the diaries of relations. a 24-year project to compile the ing by the daily Yomiuri Shimbun. itive war was prosecuted. economic life. He died in January aides and medical records, as well “We urge North Korea to record, an agency official said yes- “We wish to include as much as It was him that announced to 1989 aged 87. as information gleaned through show a sincere attitude toward terday, adding that the work will possible.” A similar official record the war-weary public in 1945 that Critics charge that Hirohito unpublished private documents our offer,” unification ministry be submitted to reigning Emperor on Hirohito’s father, Emperor Japan had been defeated and should had the blood of millions on his and from interviews with former spokesman Kim Eui-do told Akihito, the eldest son of Hirohito, Taisho, was made public between expect to be occupied. His historic hands for what they say was his officials will be carefully watched reporters. in April or later. 2002 to 2011 with many parts radio broadcast, which marked the control over Japan’s brutal war. for what it may reveal about The statement came a day Grand Steward Noriyuki redacted, in what was claimed to first time most Japanese had heard They point to the power he had to Hirohito’s role. AFP after North Korea rejected South Korea’s proposal to hold family reunions around A typical building the Lunar New Year later this month. Malaysia court dismisses Ex-officer jailed charges against Anwar for spying TAIPEI: A former KUALA LUMPUR: A an electoral system that critics say Taiwanese air force officer Malaysian court yesterday is biased toward the ruling coali- was sentenced to life in threw out illegal-assembly tion that has controlled Malaysia prison for spying for China, a charges against opposition since independence in 1957. court said yesterday, adding leader Anwar Ibrahim over his Azmin Ali, the deputy presi- to a string of spying scandals part in a 2012 rally that could dent of Anwar’s People’s Justice in recent years. have barred him from standing Party and a co-defendant, called Lieutenant Colonel Yuan for election, his lawyer said. the latest developments a “moral Hsiao-feng was convicted on Anwar, 66, and two other mem- victory” for the opposition. 12 accounts of leaking confi- bers of his party were charged in “The rulings show that the dential military information to 2012 with violating newly enacted authorities have to respect the China between 2003 and 2007, restrictions on public gatherings right of citizens enshrined in the the supreme court said. as well as a court order banning constitution to assemble peace- Yuan handed the secrets the rally from the centre of the fully,” he said. to China via retired col- capital Kuala Lumpur. A former deputy prime min- league Chen Wen-jen, who But the charges were dismissed ister and rising ruling-party was recruited by Beijing after after a separate court ruled on star, Anwar was sacked in a 1998 he went there to do business. Monday that the ban on the gath- falling-out with his boss, then- Chen received a 20-year jail ering was invalid, Anwar’s lawyer premier Mahathir Mohamad, and term for his involvement in Ram Karpal said. jailed on sodomy and corruption the case, according to the Tens of thousands had gathered charges in an episode that rocked court. Reporters visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the world’s largest irregular building in Seoul, South Korea, April 28, 2012 to demand reform of Malaysian politics. AFP yesterday. The structure, 29 metres high and 86,574 square metres in floor area, is scheduled to open to the public on March 21. China punishes 48 in leak blast BEIJING: China has pun- Beijing hails progress Cambodian garment firms sue unions ished 48 people, including the chairman of Asia’s top refiner, for one of the coun- PHNOM PENH: Tens of thou- The park is home to factories Chea Mony, president of the try’s worst industrial disas- in corruption battle sands of garment workers have that make clothes for Western Free Trade Union, one of those ters last year that killed 62 returned to work in Cambodia brands such as Adidas AG, H&M targeted, said the judiciary was people, state news agency BEIJING: China hailed its secretary of the Central since a strike for higher pay was Hennes & Mauritz AB and Puma politicised but he would still fight Xinhua said yesterday. crackdown on corruption yes- Commission for Discipline put down with deadly force by SE. the charges in court. The blast at the eastern oil terday, saying “new progress Inspection, said that 182,038 peo- the authorities last week but “The lawsuits will focus on “They sued us because they hub of Qingdao in November and achievements” had led to ple were punished in 2013 for party employers are now piling up incitement to strike, damage to want to intimidate us so we won’t was China Petroleum & a 13.3 percent increase in the discipline violations, a 13.3 percent lawsuits against trade unions property and assets, coercion strike anymore and we won’t help Chemical Corp’s (Sinopec) number of people punished last increase on the year earlier. over the two-week dispute. and threatening workers who the workers,” he said. “We are not deadliest known accident. year. The commission also investi- The garment makers’ asso- want to work,” Ken Loo, sec- afraid.” China’s cabinet, or State President Xi Jinping vowed gated 31 senior officials, he said. ciation said most workers had retary-general of the Garment The UN human rights agency Council, has agreed to “dis- to pursue corrupt high-flying In percentage terms, the rise in returned to work around the Manufacturers Association in said this week five people were cipline” 48 people, including “tigers” as well as lowly “flies” punishments is only a slight gain country by yesterday although Cambodia (GMAC), said. killed and 20 wounded by gunfire Sinopec Chairman Fu Chengyu after taking over the reins of the over the increase in 2012, when only about 60 percent had shown Khieu Sambo, an attorney and beatings when military police and the mayor of Qingdao, ruling Communist Party in late the number grew 12.4 percent. up at the Canadia Industrial Park representing firms against the opened fire on the workers, who Zhang Xinchao, over the oil 2012, raising expectations that he Among the tigers toppled since in the capital, Phnom Penh, where six unions involved in the strike, were demanding a rise in mini- pipeline explosion, according will tackle graft more forcefully Xi’s rise is the former deputy head military police opened fire on said that more than 150 factories mum pay to $160 per month from to Xinhua’s microblog. than his predecessors. of China’s top planning agency, January 3, killing three strikers had filed lawsuits and more were $100. AGENCIES Huang Shuxian, the vice Liu Tienan. REUTERS according to the government. being prepared. REUTERS JANUARY 11, 2014 ON SATURDAY 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Philippines China decried Procession over new fishing law ‘Permit rule will escalate tensions’

MANILA: The Philippines tribunal over the contested denounced yesterday a new Scarborough Shoal, which has Chinese law that Manila says been controlled by Chinese gov- compels foreign vessels to seek ernment vessels since last year. a permit from Chinese regional “This new law reinforces authorities for activities in large China’s expansive claim under areas of the South China Sea. the 9-dash line,” the Philippine “We have requested China to foreign department alleged yes- immediately clarify the new fish- terday, referring to China’s eries law issued by the Hainan delineation of the extent of its Provincial People’s Congress,” the maritime territorial claim. Filipino foreign department said “It is a gross violation of inter- in a statement. national law,” the statement “We are gravely concerned by added. this new regulation that would “This development escalates require foreign fishing vessels tensions, unnecessarily compli- Catholics take part in the grand procession of the image of Jesus of the Black Nazarene in the Quiapo Church in Manila yesterday. The wooden Black to obtain approval from Chinese cates the situation in the South Nazarene, carved in Mexico, was brought to Manila in the early 17th century. regional authorities before fishing China Sea, and threatens the or surveying in a large portion of peace and stability of the region.” the South China Sea.” The statement said the Press reports said the law was Philippines was not the only passed last year and took effect country to be affected by the new on January 1. Hainan regulations. Filipinos urged to shun red, yellow Thai items China claims almost all “These regulations seriously the South China Sea but the violate the freedom of naviga- MANILA: Filipinos travelling advisory on its website. Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of colours in the Philippines, asso- Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, tion and the right to fish of all to Thailand have been told to “For (your) information, the ousted former leader Thaksin ciated with religious festivals in Brunei and Taiwan have overlap- states in the high seas, as pro- shun red or yellow items to avoid red and yellow colours are closely Shinawatra, and her government. the Catholic country. And just like ping claims. vided for under UNCLOS (the being caught up in the politi- identified with some of the parties Thaksin’s overthrow in 2006 by in Thailand, the hues are rich in Tensions between the Philippines UN Convention on the Law of the cal unrest there, the Philippine involved,” it said in a note directed generals loyal to the king ushered historical and political symbolism. and China have risen in recent Sea),” it said. embassy in Bangkok said. at Filipino travellers as well as in years of political turmoil and Yellow is the signature col- years as Beijing becomes more “Under customary interna- “Participating and/or showing residents there and other parts rival street protests by the royalist our of supporters of Philippine aggressive in asserting its claims. tional law, no state can subject support in any form to any of of Thailand. “Yellow Shirts” and Thaksin’s sup- President Benigno Aquino and Earlier this year Manila took the high seas to its sovereignty.” the parties is strongly discour- The protests are aimed at over- porters, known as the “Red Shirts”. his late mother Corazon Aquino. Beijing to a United Nations AFP aged,” the mission said in a travel throwing Thai Prime Minister Yellow and red are also popular AFP

Comatose man Ninoy Aquino Airport saved from Use of lead by industry banned embalming MANILA: The Philippines has firms that violate the order face The widespread use of lead has ‘eighth worst in world’ banned the use of lead in a wide imprisonment of up to six months caused extensive environmental BACOLOD CITY: Apparently range of consumer products under the country’s toxic sub- contamination and health prob- MANILA: A United States lines that feed into more lines not knowing what comatose including toys and cosmetics, stances law, the ministry said. lems in many parts of the world, financial media company has and an overall sense of futility, means, a family in Bago City, the government said yesterday, Environmental groups wel- according to the World Health ranked the Ninoy Aquino NAIA brings the term ‘Stuck in Negros Occidental instead after years of vocal campaign- comed the ban, while urging it to Organization. The poison affects International Airport (NAIA) the 1970s’ to a new level.” brought a sick member to the ing by environmentalists. ensure its strict enforcement. multiple organs and the health eighth among the 10 Worst The Sao Paulo-Guarulhos funeral parlour. Thankfully, “The chemical control order... “We are kind of late here. Many burden is borne mostly by devel- Airports in the World, citing International Airport in Brazil, workers at the funeral parlour (has) the intention of reducing of our neighbours have already oping countries, even as other overcapacity issues in terminals the Chicago Midway International found 27-year-old Rodolfo unreasonable risks and injuries banned it,” Abigail Aguilar, countries have reduced its use in 1 and 3. Airport and the John F Kennedy Caasi Jr still alive and saved to people as a result of their expo- toxic substances campaigner for petrol, paint, plumbing and solder. According to the Wall St Cheat International Airport were listed him from being embalmed, sure to the chemical as well as its Greenpeace Southeast Asia, said. The Philippines earlier banned Sheet posted online yesterday, the as the top three worst airports in Bombo Radyo reported on negative impact on the environ- “The reason why it was the use of lead in fuel in 2001. 10 worst airports are known for that order. Wednesday. Caasi was injured ment,” Environment Secretary (banned) is because of the noise But Aguilar, the Greenpeace their “smelly bathrooms, long Other airports listed were in a motorcycle accident Ramon Paje announced. that the civil society has created campaigner, said the government lines and rude staff.” NAIA’s ter- N’Djamena International in last month and was admit- The ban covers a wide range of on the impact of lead.” has been unable to enforce a ban minals 1 and 3 were described as Africa (4th), Paris Beauvais Tille ted to the Corazon Locsin consumer products from toys and The metal is used to make on other hazardous chemicals. “particularly crammed.” (5th), London Heathrow (6th), La Montelibano Memorial cosmetics to water pipes, school batteries, matches, metal alloys, Between 1997 and 2004, the The report also quoted a CNN Guardia in New York City (7th), Regional Hospital in Bacolod supplies and food and drinks paint, putty, ceramics, insecticides environment department issued Travel article saying that NAIA Jomo Kenyatta International City. Later, doctors pro- packaging, he said in a statement. and explosives, among many oth- similar chemical control orders terminals were “beleaguered by in Kenya (9th) and Tribhuvan nounced him comatose. Executives of import, manufac- ers. It is also used extensively in on cyanide, asbestos and mercury, ground crew strikes, unkempt International in Nepal (10th). turing, distribution or recycling plumbing. she said. AFP conditions, soup kitchen-style THE PHILIPPINE STAR Seven soldiers hurt in ambush Zambales beach BUTUAN CITY: Five sol- diers, a policeman and a government militiaman Bid to avert rotating blackouts were wounded when New People’s Army (NPA) rebels MANILA: Steps are being “While the Supreme Court presidential spokesman Edwin ambushed the military truck taken to ensure continu- temporary restraining order Lacierda. carrying them in San Luis, ous power supply as well as (TRO) is pending and to ensure On Thursday, Meralco said the Agusan del Sur on Thursday. affordable electricity cost amid the continuity of service, the DOE high court’s freeze order on its Major Noli Kashinero, execu- warnings of looming rotat- (Department of Energy) has planned power rate hike would tive officer of the Army’s ing blackouts in the summer been in the process of mediating disrupt the overall power supply 26th Infantry Battalion, said months raised by the Manila between Meralco and the power chain and result in rotating black- the government troops were Electric Co (Meralco). generators on a practicable solu- outs in the summer months. returning home after serv- Malacañang gave the assur- tion as to how fuel costs will be Presidential Communications ing an arrest warrant against ance yesterday as it bared efforts shouldered between the parties Operations Office Secretary a murder suspect when they by the government to mediate and to reconcile their accounts Herminio Coloma Jr also assured were waylaid. A boy plays at a beach resort in Pundakit, San Antonio in Zambales. A between Meralco and generating depending on the final outcome the public of government efforts companies as they try to reach a of the case,” Energy Secretary to ensure efficient service to total of 3,867,386 visitors were recorded from January to October last Rebels submit consensus on how power costs can Jericho Petilla said in a text mes- power consumers. year, an 11.19 percent increase compared to 2012. Jonas Reyes be shared. sage sent to reporters through THE PHILIPPINE STAR to troops MANILA: Three members of the leftist rebel group New People’s Army (NPA) surren- dered yesterday to govern- Typhoon reconstruction may cost $3.1bn: Official ment troops in Davao del Sur, a military official said. Armed MANILA: The cost of typhoon anywhere, reduced almost every- resiliency. So that will be 10-30 higher post-typhoon spending bill Going forward, the Philippines, Forces of the Philippines reconstruction this year could thing in its path to rubble when percent more.” this year. which is hit by an average 20 spokesman Lt Col Ramon reach P138bn ($3.1bn), more it swept ashore in the central Apart from the immediate Manila has set aside funding typhoons a year, is considering Zagala said the three brought than 50 percent higher than Philippines on Nov 8, killing at need for temporary shelter, pro- of P54bn for the rebuilding effort not only building typhoon-resil- with them their high-pow- initially estimated, as the least 6,190 people, leaving 1,785 viding jobs and restoring water, from a supplemental budget ient structures but also perma- ered firearms when they sur- Philippines seeks to build back missing and 4 million either health and sanitation services, passed late last year, this year’s nent evacuation centres equipped rendered to the army’s 39th better and put in safeguards homeless or with damaged the government underestimated national budget, savings, calamity with generators and supplies - an Infantry Battalion (IB) in the for future disasters, the budget homes. other costs, including that of and other funds. At least P80bn initiative that wasn’t part of ini- town of Bansalan in Davao del secretary said on Thursday. “The plan was P90bn for the identifying and documenting the more would come from conces- tial plans. Sur province. Zagala said the The total cost of a four-year year, but I think it will be more,” dead before they are buried. sional loans offered by the World The government is also con- three were all active mem- reconstruction effort may also Abad said in his Manila office, “There is an international Bank, Asian Development Bank sidering major infrastruc- bers of the NPA’s Front 51, end up steeper than the current adding typhoon-related spending standard for doing it, before you and the Japan International ture projects in the central Southern Mindanao Regional estimate of P361bn, Florencio would reach P138bn. bury them, that wasn’t factored Cooperation Agency. Philippines, such as relocating Command. He said they are Abad said. “I don’t think they (recon- in. That’s a lot of money already,” “We can fund it. The question the coastal airport in Tacloban, undergoing custodial debrief- Typhoon Haiyan, one of the struction planners) have fac- Abad said, adding the govern- is can we absorb it? That is why the city that bore the brunt of ing at the 39IB headquarters. strongest storms to make landfall tored in the need to introduce ment could adequately finance a we have to start early,” Abad said. the storm. REUTERS AGENCIES JANUARY 11, 2014 Pakistan / Afghanistan www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 ON SATURDAY US ‘tried to eject Hamid Karzai in putsch’

WASHINGTON: The US government suspicions. The top US diplomat Richard The deal is unlikely to be signed on deal, it will resort to its “zero option” to deny Karzai a majority in the election, tried to oust the Afghan president, Holbrooke supported Karzai’s rivals in the timetable the US government would and take all troops home , but Karzai has thus forcing a runoff in which he could be Hamid Karzai, by manipulating elec- the hope of pushing the poll to a second like, the ambassador to Kabul warned in argued that is an empty threat to bolster defeated.” Tactics included advising can- tions in 2009, in what amounted to a round that the incumbent would lose, the a secret cable leaked to the Washington the US negotiating position. didates, attending their rallies and organ- “clumsy and failed putsch”, the former Foreign Policy magazine reported. Post. US politicians and the military want Holbrooke, who died in December ising high-profile photo opportunities, the defence secretary Robert Gates has “It was all ugly: our partner, the presi- it sealed early this year to allow for a 2010, was the special representative for memoir claims. Karzai soon noticed the been quoted as writing in his memoirs. dent of Afghanistan, was tainted, and our smooth withdrawal and planning for next Afghanistan and Pakistan and played a efforts, it adds. Karzai has long claimed that the US hands were dirty as well,” Gates is quoted year if any troops stay on. key role in 2009 efforts to remove Karzai In the end, the election was plagued by tried to manipulate the poll to remove him writing. Karzai has cited concerns about Ties with Kabul have been strained from power. He paid public lip-service to serious fraud and worries about violence. from office, while Washington insisted it foreign interference in a vote to choose by a string of disagreements over civil- the idea of a level playing field, but was The candidate who got through to a sec- was an impartial supporter of democracy. his successor later this year as one rea- ian deaths, election planning and other working behind the scenes to ensure the ond round against the president even- The revelations in Gates’s account of his son for the delay in signing a long-term issues, including the release of dozens of opposite, Gates writes: “Holbrooke was tually called off the vote and conceded years in power, which is published next security pact with Washington to keep men Karzai says are innocent and the US doing his best to bring about the defeat defeat. White House spokesman, Caitlin week and covers the war in Afghanistan, troops in the country after their combat claims are a serious security threat. of Karzai... What he really wanted was to Hayden, denied Gates’s claims. appear to vindicate the Afghan leader’s mission ends later this year. Washington insists that if there is no have enough credible candidates running THE GUARDIAN

Killing protested Vaccinators refuse to join polio drive

PESHAWAR: Health workers in the region said on condition of Afghanistan and Nigeria. in part of a troubled Pakistani anonymity. Eradication efforts have also tribal region yesterday refused He said these employees recently suffered due to long-standing to participate in a polio vaccina- held talks with the local adminis- rumours that the vaccine was tion campaign because of secu- tration and demanded better secu- part of a Western plot to sterilise rity threats, officials said. rity and higher wages for health Muslims. The three-day campaign in the workers. He said the campaign According to the World Health Khyber tribal district is due to would be launched according to Organization, Pakistan recorded start today, almost three weeks schedule in Bara and Landi Kotal 85 cases of polio last year com- after gunmen shot dead a worker towns of Khyber from today. pared with 58 in 2012. while he was administering polio “If the health workers do not Polio or infantile paralysis, is drops and vaccines to children in participate in the campaign in an acute, viral, infectious disease the town of Jamrud. Jamrud, we will hire the local spread from person to person, Efforts to stamp out the crip- tribal police for the purpose,” the primarily via the fecal-oral route. pling disease in Pakistan have been official added. While now rare in the Western seriously hampered by militant One health worker in Jamrud world, polio is still endemic to attacks on health workers inoc- said he and his colleagues had South Asia and Africa, par- ulating children. The Pakistani received threats from militants on ticularly Pakistan, and Nigeria Taliban banned polio vaccinations Thursday night warning them of respectively. in the tribal region of Waziristan serious consequences if they joined As of 2012, polio remains in 2012, alleging the campaign was the campaign. “Our lives are dear endemic in only three coun- a cover for espionage. to us and we have decided not to tries: Nigeria, Pakistan, and “The employees at the civil join the campaign,” he said, asking Afghanistan, although it contin- hospital in Jamrud swore on oath not to be named. ues to cause epidemics in other that they will not join the cam- Pakistan is one of three coun- nearby countries due to hidden or paign owing to serious security tries in the world where polio reestablished transmission. threats,” a senior health official remains endemic, along with AFP Residents hold photographs of Pakistani police officer Chaudhry Aslam as they march during a protest against his killing, in Mansehra yesterday.

Karzai may skip US forces ‘accidentally’ kill Afghan boy, strain ties further pact deadline KABUL: US forces in troops cannot remain without a in order to avoid such killings province mistakenly shot the boy Separately, two US service WASHINGTON: The top Afghanistan have accidentally deal. Their complete departure where innocent children or civil- on Wednesday because visibility members and a civilian were killed US negotiator in talks to shot dead a four year old boy, of US troops would leave Afghan ians are the victims,” the presi- was poor that time. in an aircraft crash in eastern secure a long-term secu- Afghan officials said yesterday, security forces on their own to dent’s spokesman, Aimal Faizi, “As the weather was dusty, the Afghanistan yesterday, the Nato- rity deal with Afghanistan the latest violence to strain ties battle the Taliban. said when commenting on the Marine forces based there thought led force said. has warned that President between the uneasy allies. Karzai is demanding that the death of the boy. he was an enemy and opened fire. “At this time, there are no indi- Hamid Karzai is unlikely to The Afghan-US relationship United States end all unilateral The International Security As result of mistaken fire, he was cations of enemy involvement in sign the agreement on time, has been damaged by President military operations on Afghan ter- Assistance force (ISAF) is killed,” the spokesman, Omar the cause of the aircraft mishap,” The Washington Post reported Hamid Karzai’s refusal to sign a ritory - among other things - before Afghanistan’s Nato-led force. It Zwak, said by telephone. the force said. on Thursday. bilateral security deal that would the pact is signed, because they is dominated by US troops. A spokesman for the Nato-led Afghanistan currently has The assessment was made pave the way for a US military cause avoidable civilian deaths. A spokesman for the governor of force said the matter would be about 200,000 active soldiers and in recent days by United presence after the withdrawal of “We have called ... for an abso- the southern province of Helmand investigated and all possible meas- is expected to reach 260,000 in the States Ambassador James most foreign troops this year. lute end to ISAF/Nato military said that United States Marines ures were taken to avoid civilian coming years. Cunningham in a classified The United States has said its operations on homes and villages based in the violence-plagued casualties. REUTERS cable, after President Barack Obama’s administration repeatedly extended the dead- Gunbattle scene line for the agreement, origi- nally due to be signed early last fall. White House spokesman Two Pakistani Ex-soldiers to run Punjab’s Jay Carney said this week that the deal must be signed within “weeks and not months.” “The sisters burn new anti-terrorism force clock is ticking,” he said. But he said he did not expect Karzai Rs1.7m cash LAHORE: Chief Minister general of police of the province. to agree to sign the document Shahbaz Sharif of Pakistan’s As many as 467 retired army before presidential elections ISLAMABAD: In a bizarre most populous province has officers have already applied for set to be held in April. act, two sisters in this cen- approved the induction of 11 sen- the posts advertised by the pro- US-Afghan ties hit a new tral Punjab provincial city in ior retired army officers as the vincial home department last low in recent months after Pakistan withdrew Rs1.7m nucleus staff aimed at providing month. Karzai made a surprise deci- ($17,000) from their bank leadership to the proposed new According to sources, the posts sion not to sign the Bilateral account and burnt the cur- Punjab Anti-Terrorism Force, were advertised after a verbal Security Agreement promptly, rency notes in front of the bank sources said here yesterday. approval by the chief minister. despite having vowed to do so. branch, eyewitnesses confirmed The nucleus staff will also be Now, a formal approval given by The BSA would see several yesterday. mandated to assist the director him had given a legal cover to thousand US troops remain in Jhelum’s District Police Officer general of the force in raising it, the recruitments on a two-year Afghanistan to provide train- Afzal Butt confirmed the incident and running counter terrorism contract. ing and assistance after the and said that 40-year-old Naheed operations. Selection will shortly be made Nato combat mission ends in and 35-year-old Rubina of the The force is being raised under by a committee headed by the pro- December. city’s Bilal Town area visited the directions by Prime Minister vincial chief secretary and com- Signing the BSA is a pre- Chak Nasa branch of National Nawaz Sharif who wants it as prising secretaries of the home condition for the delivery of Bank of Pakistan last Monday to a standalone outfit under the and services department, inspec- billions of dollars in Western withdraw Rs1.7m from account. home minister who is the chief tor general police, additional aid for Afghanistan. “We con- Due to procedural and other minister. inspector general police of the tinue to urge President Karzai issues involved, the bank manager The approval has come at a Counter-Terrorism Department, to sign the BSA promptly,” a told the sisters that their request time when police are demanding and two experts in the relevant senior State Department offi- could not be met immediately, the that the force should be placed fields. cial told the Post when asked Policemen inspect the scene of a gunbattle between Taliban suicide bomb- police officer said. So, the two under the control of the inspector INTERNEWS about Cunningham’s cable. women visited the bank branch ers and Afghan security officials in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital of again on Thursday and asked the Helmand province, on Thursday. Sindh bans manager to give them the money. “The sisters were handed over pillion riding the money at about noon. They took the currency notes outside Pakistani bomb hero teenager endorsed for top award KARACHI: The Sindh the branch and simply set them Home Department has afire,” Butt said. PESHAWAR: Police in Hassan died while in hospital enter the school where hundreds Hassan’s father Mujahid Ali banned pillion riding until Soon, a large number of people Pakistan’s troubled northwest after the bomber blew himself of students were studying. Aitzaz Bangash said on Thursday he felt January 15, Geo News said gathered around the two women, have recommended a teenager up at the school gates. No one Hassan sacrificed his life and not sadness but pride at his son’s yesterday. According to a only to look at the currency notes who was killed stopping a sui- else was wounded or killed in the stopped the bomber with bravery death. notification, the ban took burning. Police later arrived at cide bomber from attacking a incident. and courage,” the police statement “Many people are coming to see effect at midnight yesterday, the scene and collected the ashes. school for a top civilian honour. Nasir Khan Durrani, the said. me but if they try to express sym- in view of Eid Milad-un-Nabi Butt said the sisters were Aitzaz Hassan, 15, a student Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief of “He saved the lives of hun- pathy, I tell them to congratulate on 12 Rabiul Awwal. The gov- unmarried and resided separately in Hangu district, in Khyber police, has written to the provin- dreds of innocent students with me instead on becoming the father ernment has also banned car- from their two younger brothers. Pakhtunkhwa province, on cial chief minister recommend- his extreme valour and bravery.” of a martyr,” he said. rying and exhibiting weapons All the siblings are suffering from Monday tackled the bomber who ing Hassan for the posthumous Pakistan has several categories “I will be even more than happy and cancelled special permits mental ailments, according to some had come to attack his school at award, a police statement issued of civilian award and it will fall to if my second son also sacrifices his to carry arms until January residents of their neighbourhood. a time when hundreds of students late Thursday said. the government to decide which, if life for the country.” 15. AGENCIES INTERNEWS were inside. “The suicide bomber tried to any, Hassan should receive. REUTERS JANUARY 11, 2014 ON SATURDAY 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com India Mumbai airport opens India expels new terminal MUMBAI: Mumbai unveiled its long-awaited new airport terminal yesterday, complete US diplomat with a peacock-inspired design and huge art display, part of a lavish $2bn revamp that aims to challenge India’s reputation Bilateral relations sink to new low for shoddy infrastructure. Prime Minister Manmohan NEW DELHI: A nasty month- being ill-treated and underpaid. Singh inaugurated the new long diplomatic row between Khobragade was arrested when gateway to the financial capi- India and the US got inflamed she had gone to drop her daugh- tal, described by the head of yesterday with New Delhi ter to school in Manhattan, and the project as the “mother of all expelling an American diplomat reported that she was handcuffed challenges”, partly owing to con- after Indian diplomat Devyani and humiliated like a common straints on the land from the sur- Khobragade, whose arrest had criminal, a fact that was denied by rounding tightly packed slums. sparked unprecedented acri- the office of the prosecutor, Indian Set to operate international mony between the countries, American Preet Bharara. She was and domestic flights, the ter- was indicted by a US grand jury later released on bail bonds. minal features 140 immigration and left for New Delhi before According to officials, the counters, 94 security checking she could be declared persona American diplomat, who was stations, India’s biggest car park non grata or detained. asked to leave, helped the house- and a new six-lane elevated road In reciprocal action, the US maid Sangeeta Richard’s hus- to ease access to the facility in the The new T2 terminal of the Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai. The Prime Minister Manmohan embassy was “asked to withdraw band and two children to fly congested city. Singh yesterday unveiled the long-awaited new terminal. forthwith a US diplomat of simi- to New York two days before It also boasts India’s largest lar rank as Khobragade”, official Khobragade’s arrest. public art programme, bidding to works, Bollywood murals and global benchmarks” for airports. whose embattled ruling Congress sources said. “We have reason to The sources said that they become the most visited museum even a wall plastered with cow “It also exemplifies our ability party is seeking to highlight its believe that the officer was closely were taken to the US despite the in the world, with a three-kilo- dung. Singh said the terminal as a nation to build world-class achievements ahead of national involved in the processes related fact that there was a police case metre-long display of 7,000 art was “expected to establish new infrastructure,” said the premier, elections due by May. AFP to the (Khobragade case) and the against Richard’s husband in a subsequent unilateral action by Delhi court. The US embassy not the US side,” the sources familiar only quietly helped them fly, but with the developments said. also helped in granting full resi- The name of the expelled dency in the US to the domestic American diplomat was not help’s family, the sources added. known. The US embassy remained External affairs ministry Anti-graft hotline overwhelmed by calls tightlipped. spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin Khobragade, 39, India’s deputy had earlier said that Khobragade NEW DELHI: An anti-cor- of Delhi. Everyone has become if any government official asks for camera. Kejriwal’s performance consul general in New York, was had been given a G1 visa with full ruption hotline launched by an anti-corruption ‘sting’ opera- a bribe to do his duty. is being closely watched, with arrested on December 12 and diplomatic immunity after she the Indian capital’s new graft- tor,” the leader of the Aam Aadmi Kejriwal said the hotline centre some saying his party’s advent allegedly insulted for alleged was transferred from the Indian busting government was over- (Common Man) Party, told could handle just 824 of the calls could mark the start of a bigger falsification of her housemaid’s consulate in New York to its per- whelmed by thousands of calls reporters. on Thursday and it would dou- movement to break the grip of visa papers and violation of US manent mission at the United on its first day, with the city’s top The number of callers ble staff to 30 to handle the flood the two main parties, Congress, labour laws. The widely publicised Nations, and was on her way back politician saying the response “exceeded all expectations”, he of callers. Critics have said they and the Bharatiya Janata Party, American actions caused outrage to India. exceeded “all expectations.” added. “This will make corrupt fear the anti-corruption activism on national politics. in India and strained bilateral ties Prosecutors said that after India’s corruption fighter and people fearful of taking a bribe,” being encouraged by the new state The Aam Aadmi Party plans to in ways not seen in recent years, Khobragade was indicted, US newly elected Chief Minister he added. Indians routinely com- government could descend into a contest seats in the general elec- especially since the two countries officials asked India to waive Arvind Kejriwal said the hotline plain they are forced to pay bribes form of vigilantism. tions due in a few months after developed a special relationship her immunity so that she could aimed at stopping rampant corrup- to obtain everything from mar- The Mail Today newspaper its success in the Delhi state polls following their civil nuclear deal. be prosecuted. India refused and tion among bureaucrats received riage certificates, driving licences reported yesterday that sales of in which it routed the scandal- She was acted on by US pros- transferred her back to New 3,904 calls in the first seven hours to death certificates. spy-cams and other surveillance tainted Congress party which ecutors after her maid, Sangeeta Delhi before she could be declared of operation on Thursday. The hotline, open from 8am to equipment had surged as citizens rules at the national level. Richard, complained to human persona non grata and detained “We congratulate the people 10pm, counsels people what to do looked to trap corrupt officials on AFP rights bodies that she was by local authorities. IANS

Republic Day rehearsal BJP debates scrapping income tax

NEW DELHI: India’s main opposition party BJP is con- sidering a measure to scrap, or reduce, income tax as a plank in an election manifesto designed to win over crucial middle- class and urban voters before a national election due by May. The step would mostly benefit wealthy urban voters who have increasingly switched support to the anti-graft Common Man’s Party led by Arvind Kejriwal, who last month shocked mainstream parties by becoming chief minister of Delhi. Proposals like abolish- ing income tax — levied on just 3 percent of the population but accounting for around 14 percent Soldiers rehearse for the Republic Day parade on a cold winter morn- of federal revenue — will almost ing in New Delhi yesterday. The nation celebrates annual Republic certainly be watered down by the Day on January 26. opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before the election. But such moves signal how the BJP could embrace headline- grabbing proposals to woo vot- Infosys co-founder to join Congress ers, stoking concern over the populist tendencies of BJP leader BANGALORE: Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, whose net Narendra Modi’s policies just as worth is estimated at over $1bn, yesterday ended speculation about the economy is mired in a slow- his foray into politics, saying he is joining the Congress and ready to down. “It seems to be an excit- contest Lok Sabha polls if the party gives him a ticket. ing idea,” said Gopal Agarwal, a “If Congress gives ticket, I will contest (Lok Sabha polls),” Nilekani, member of the party’s national now head of the Unique Identification Authority of India, told report- executive. “The party is seriously ers here. He said the talks were on to decide from which constituency discussing it. The party will take he can contest. This is the first time that the 58-year-old technocrat a decision only after considering confirmed his intention to join the Congress and contest election. all the pros and cons.” Late last month, Congress’ Karnataka unit chief G. Parameshwara The World Bank ranks India had revealed that Nilekani had met him and expressed desire to 158 out of 189 countries in terms of join the party and contest the Lok Sabha polls. ease of paying taxes, a situation that Speculation in Congress circles is that the party may field him from has led to scores of taxation-related Bangalore South Lok Sabha constituency, now held by Bharatiya Janata disputes. The BJP is preparing its Party’s H N Ananth Kumar. manifesto as the ruling Congress party coalition flounders in polls Court declines to quash Palmolein case while battling a slowing economy. But concerns have grown that THRISSUR: In a setback to the Congress-led UDF government in Modi has shown little interest in Kerala, the Thrissur Vigilance Court yesterday disallowed the gov- economic policy, relying instead on ernment from withdrawing the politically sensitive palmolein import his track record as chief minister graft case dating to 1992 when late Congress veteran K Karunakaran of the western state of Gujarat, was Chief Minister. Dismissing the government’s petition, Judge K which many businessmen see as Haripal held that withdrawal of the case was against public interest. an Indian success story. The government had decided to withdraw the case pertaining to The income tax proposals, made alleged corruption and irregularities in the palmolein import deal, by an independent think-tank, holding that it did not cause any loss to the exchequer nor had any- Arthakranti, initially received one made unlawful gain out of it. The case had marred the careers of a warm reception from several late Congress veteran K Karunakaran and former Central Vigilance senior party members involved in Commissioner P J Thomas, who figured as accused in the charge sheet. hammering out economic policy. AGENCIES REUTERS JANUARY 11, 2014 Business www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 ON SATURDAY

Weaker data Ship building in California takes shine off UK recovery Industrial output weaker than expected

LONDON: Britain’s economic has been recovering from a long recovery got a “reality check” slump. yesterday when data showed “The recovery in the UK weaker-than-expected manu- remains broadly on track — but facturing output, a sharp fall in today’s data are a reminder that the construction sector, and a we have not yet reached the sunlit slowdown in retail sales growth. uplands that would pave the way Economists said growth in the towards thoughts of policy tight- fourth quarter might now strug- ening,” RBC’s Ashley told clients. gle to keep up the pace which has The Bank of England has fore- made Britain one of the fastest- cast economic growth of 0.9 per- growing economies among the cent in the October-December world’s rich nations. period and Friday’s data could help Official data was not seen underscore its message that it is in matching up with strong indus- no rush to raise record-low inter- try surveys. est rates. “Talk of the UK being Output for both manufacturing the first developed country to hike and industrial production was flat rates looks rather misplaced,” said month-on-month in November, Marc Ostwald, a fixed income and October’s increases were strategist at Monument Securities. A view of the General Dynamics NASSCO ship building complex in San Diego, California, yesterday. revised down, the Office for Adding to the sense of a recov- National Statistics said. ery struggling to stay in high Economists in a Reuters poll gear, a separate survey showed had expected increases of 0.4 British retail sales growth slowed Gold jumps percent for manufacturing and in December. A first estimate US job growth falters as cold snap bites industrial output in November. of Britain’s economic growth in The data was “something of a the fourth quarter is due to be around one reality check for those getting a announced on January 28. WASHINGTON: US employ- lowest level since October 2008, that 38,000 more jobs were added little carried away by the strength Britain staged a surprisingly ers hired the fewest number but the decline mostly reflected in November than previously percent of the UK recovery,” said James strong recovery in 2013 after of workers in almost three people leaving the labour force. reported. Construction employ- Ashley, senior economist with struggling to get over the finan- years in December, but the set- “If there ever there was a cur- ment fell last month for the first LONDON: Gold rose around RBC Capital Markets. cial crisis. But the economic turn- back was likely to be tempo- veball, this was it,” said Marcus time since May and leisure and one percent yesterday after HSBC’s Simon Wells said around has depended largely on rary amid signs that unusually Bullus, trading director at MB hospitality payrolls rose only mar- sharply weaker-than-expected Friday’s data could reduce growth spending by consumers, many cold weather may have had an Capital in London. “These limp ginally, suggesting that extremely US jobs data supported the view in the fourth quarter to 0.6 per- of whom have been buoyed by a impact. numbers are as puzzling as they cold weather in some parts of the that the US Federal Reserve cent from 0.8 percent in the July- recovery in the housing market The surprisingly weak job are surprising.” country had held back hiring. In will take a gradual approach to September period, unless there is while earnings fail to keep up growth figures reported by the US stocks rose at the open, as addition, transportation payrolls tapering its bond-buying pro- a very strong performance from with inflation. Labor Department yesterday, investors appeared to discount recorded their first decline in five gramme this year. the dominant services sector. A survey published yesterday however, complicated the picture the data as being distorted by months. US nonfarm payrolls rose just Bad weather in December could by the British Retail Consortium for the Federal Reserve, which weather, but later slumped into The smaller survey of house- 74,000 in December, the smallest also weigh on gross domestic showed that sales in the busy last month announced plans to negative territory. Prices for US holds from which the jobless rate increase in nearly three years and product, he said. shopping month of December scale back its massive monetary Treasury debt rose and the dollar is derived showed 273,000 people far below the 196,000 forecast by Sterling fell and 10-year were 1.8 percent higher on the stimulus program. slid as some traders scaled back stayed at home because of the bad economists. The unemployment British government bond yields year compared with a 2.3 percent Nonfarm payrolls rose only bets on how quickly the Fed might weather, the most since 1977. rate fell 0.3 percentage point to touched their lowest level since increase in November. 74,000 in December, the small- close the monetary spigots. But the impact on the payrolls 6.7 percent. December 19. The ONS also said “While confidence levels were est increase since January 2011 The step back in hiring is at data should have been muted as “This is a bad NFP release and output in Britain’s construc- higher than the previous year, this and well short of the 200,000 jobs odds with other employment anyone who worked at all during has given gold a boost ... but one tion sector shrank by 4.0 per- wasn’t always matched by more or so that most economists had indicators that have painted an the pay period that included the swallow does not make a summer cent in November from October, money in pockets,” BRC Director- expected. upbeat picture of the jobs market. 12th day of the month would have and one bad NFP print doesn’t its sharpest fall since June 2012 General Helen Dickinson said. The unemployment rate fell 0.3 Tempering the blow, the govern- been counted as employed. change 12 months of gold-bearish and a setback for a sector which REUTERS percentage point to 6.7 percent, its ment’s survey of employers found REUTERS macroeconomic news,” Macquarie analyst Matthew Turner said. Spot gold rose as much as 1.4 percent to a session high of Hellenic Postbank loss $1,244.90 an ounce, and was up 1.3 New price cap percent to $1,243.40 by 1453 GMT. Iran, Russia negotiating Prices were headed towards their third consecutive week of gains, threatens growth, up around 0.3 percent. US gold futures for February says Heathrow big oil-for-goods deal delivery were up 1.1 percent to $1,242.80 an ounce. LONDON: London’s Heathrow LONDON/ANKARA: Iran deal that could jeopardise the warned it could struggle to and Russia are negotiating an nuclear negotiations by easing grow its business after accusing oil-for-goods swap worth $1.5bn the economic pressure on Tehran. Turkish lira the industry regulator of impos- a month that would let Iran lift Russia is one of the countries ing a “draconian” cap on the oil exports substantially, in defi- involved in the nuclear talks but, edges off prices Britain’s biggest airport ance of Western sanctions that unlike the United States and the can charge airlines. helped force Tehran to agree European Union, has not imposed record lows Britain’s Civil Aviation a preliminary deal to end its sanctions on Iran. Authority (CAA) said yesterday it nuclear programme. Technical nuclear talks ISTANBUL: Turkey’s lira would insist that Heathrow set its Russian and Iranian sources between Iran and the European inched off record lows yester- prices at 1.5 percent below infla- close to the barter negotiations Union started on Thursday. The day but remained under pres- tion from April 2014 after find- said final details were in discus- November deal was designed to sure from a corruption scandal ing that the airport — Europe’s sion for a deal that would see halt Iran’s nuclear advances for shaking the government and busiest — had too much market Moscow buy up to 500,000 barrels six months to buy time for a final unease that a strong US jobs power. a day of Iranian oil in exchange settlement by May. report could prompt a further Heathrow said it might appeal for Russian equipment and goods. US and European sanctions reduction in the Fed’s bond- the cap, which was much lower “Good progress is being made at have cut Iran’s oil exports by more buying stimulus. than expected for the next five the moment with strong chances than half over the past 18 months A deepening feud between years, but airlines said the move of success,” said a Russian source. to about one million barrels a day. Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s did not go far enough as the hub “We are discussing the details and Russia has no sanctions on Iran. government and the judiciary and still had some of the most expen- the date of signing a deal depends Russian purchases of 500,000 police has weighed on Turkish sive charges in the world. on those details.” The Kremlin bpd of Iranian crude would lift assets since the corruption inves- The cap is well below an interim declined comment. Iran’s oil exports by 50 percent tigation came to light last month. suggestion made by the regulator “Our desire is to sign the deal and provide a major boost to its The inquiry has led three minis- for prices in line with inflation. as soon as possible,” said a sen- struggling economy. At current ters to resign and damaged the It is also well below Heathrow’s ior Iranian official, who declined oil prices near $100 a barrel Iran ruling party ahead of elections original request for a rise in tar- to be named. “Our officials are would earn about an additional this year. iffs of 4.6 percent above inflation, discussing the matter with the $1.5bn a month. Erdogan has cast the affair as as measured by the retail prices Russians and hopefully it will be “Iran has to find a way to a bid by US-based Turkish cleric index (RPI). inked soon, regardless of whether accommodate more exports: this is Fethullah Gulen to smear his The previous five-year tariff we can reach a (nuclear) agree- the reason behind this,” an Iranian AK Party before a local election was RPI plus 7.5 percent. ment in Geneva.” official said. “Both sides should in March and a presidential race, “We want to continue to It is not clear whether the deal rush for it. Russia will be able to in which he is expected to stand, improve Heathrow for pas- The logo of the Hellenic Postbank at the headquarters of the institution would be implemented before guarantee a large amount of trade five months later. sengers,” Chief Executive Colin in Athens, Greece, yesterday. Corruption attorneys pressed charges the nuclear agreement, outlined with its neighbour and Iran will be In the first major poll since Matthews said. “We will review against 25 people, businessmen and present or former Hellenic in Geneva in November between able to overcome its export diffi- the scandal broke, the popularity our investment plan to see Postbank executives, and have already ordered the arrest of seven Iran and six world powers, is culties.” No details were available of the ruling AK Party slipped, whether it is still financeable in people related with a case of corporate loans which damaged Hellenic finalised. about the equipment and goods on though it remains well ahead of light of the CAA’s settlement.” Postbank with more than €400m in losses. Nor is it clear how Moscow will offer from Russia. rivals. REUTERS justify to other powers a barter REUTERS AGENCIES JANUARY 11, 2014 ON SATURDAY 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Business

IMF chief visits Mali India clears Infosys third Posco steel plant ahead of quarter profit leader’s visit

NEW DELHI: India’s environ- ment ministry has approved up 21.4 percent South Korean multinational Posco’s plans to build a long- delayed $12bn steel plant, the company said yesterday, days Improved demand from Europe, US ahead of a visit by South Korea’s president. MUMBAI: Indian outsourcing Bangalore-based Infosys has been But protest groups vowed to giant Infosys reported yester- undergoing major changes with a keep up their fight against the day a better-than-expected 21.4 string of departures by some of plant, which represents the larg- percent jump in quarterly net its senior staff since co-founder est ever foreign direct investment profit, led by improved demand and business icon N R Narayana in India. from Europe and the United Murthy was pulled out of retire- The delays faced by the project States. ment last June in a bid to reboot have become emblematic of the The company also hiked its full- the company’s fortunes. woes faced by foreign firms year revenue outlook, driving up Infosys — created three decades putting money into India. its shares as much as 3.6 percent ago by Murthy and six others as The environment ministry has to 3,575.2 rupees, near its record they sat around a kitchen table — given its renewed go-ahead to high of 3,581 rupees. has been losing market share to the plant in the eastern state of “The year ahead looks exciting rivals such as Tata Consultancy Orissa, eight years after it first for the IT services industry,” said Services and HCL. signalled its approval, company the company’s Chief Executive S But Murthy yesterday said International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde visits a cooperative farm in Samanko, spokesman Ongsuman Pattnaik D Shibulal. that he hoped to move back to a Mali, yesterday. said. “We believe the global economic retired life before his scheduled “We obviously welcome this environment has improved and five-year term ends. move by the government,” our clients are gaining confidence “The board has asked to add Pattnaik said by telephone from to invest in their strategic initia- value to the company and asked the company’s office in Orissa. tives,” he said. me to become its executive com- China 2013 trade crosses $4trn Environmental clearance for Consolidated net profit for pany for a five-year term... I am the project, first agreed in 2005 the Nasdaq-listed firm climbed sure the board will allow me to with the steel plant originally due to Rs28.75bn ($463m) in the retire earlier than the five-year BEIJING: China’s annual trade Reports last February said the markets’ share of business was to start production in 2011, was October-to-December quar- term I had been appointed,” in goods passed the $4 trillion United States’ total trade in goods growing. suspended by a judicial body two ter from Rs23.69bn in the same Murthy told reporters at the mark for the first time in 2013, was lower than China’s in 2012, “Generally speaking, the envi- years ago amid bitter opposition period a year earlier. firm’s campus in the southern official data showed yesterday, but Customs said due to differ- ronment for trade to grow in 2014 from locals. They had objected to Analysts had expected Infosys city of Mysore. confirming its position as the ences in calculation methods the is likely to be better than 2013,” acquisition of farmland and said to report a net profit of Rs27bn. Murthy said he was “sad” at globe’s biggest trading nation. change happened for the first Zheng said, citing improvements that the plant would destroy vast Revenues jumped 25 percent to the departure of eight execu- Exports from the world’s time in 2013 — although full US in international demand and tracts of forest and endanger local Rs130.26bn in the third financial tives in the past two quarters but number two economy rose 7.9 data for the year has yet to be domestic economic factors. tribes’ livelihoods. quarter from Rs104.24bn in the added that investors had nothing percent to $2.21 trillion, while released. For December, China’s trade The National Green Tribunal year-ago period. to worry about. imports increased 7.3 percent “It is very likely that China surplus fell 17.4 percent to $25.64 suspended the project on grounds The company’s results kicked “For a company that focuses on to $1.95 trillion, the General overtook the US to become the billion, yesterday’s data showed, that an environmental impact off India’s quarterly earnings leadership... it is sad to see many Administration of Customs world’s largest trading country in short of the median $32.2bn fore- assessment report had only been season. of the excellent people leave the announced. goods in 2013 for the first time,” cast in a survey of 13 economists carried out for annual output of It forecast revenues would organisation for various profes- The trade surplus stood at said Customs spokesman Zheng by The Wall Street Journal. four million tonnes of steel, not increase by 11.5 to 12 percent in sional and personal reasons,” he $259.75bn, up 12.8 percent from Yuesheng. Exports increased 4.3 percent the 12 million tonnes laid out in dollar terms for the fiscal year to said. 2012. The European Union was to $207.74bn last month, while the agreement. March 2014 — a notch above its But “the beauty of the company Total trade came to $4.16 tril- China’s biggest trading partner, imports climbed 8.3 percent to The renewed clearance came earlier outlook of 9.0-10.0 percent is that it has a large number of lion, an increase of 7.6 percent, Customs said, followed by the $182.1bn. Societe Generale econo- just ahead of the January 15 start growth. leaders to run and take it for- just below the government’s eight United States, the Association of mist Yao Wei in Hong Kong saw of a trip to India by South Korean The company said the number ward,” he said. percent target. Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), the better-than-expected gain in president, Park Geun-hye. of $100m-plus revenue clients In the quarter, Infosys added Nonetheless it was a record Hong Kong and Japan. imports as a positive sign. “I have cleared it,” Environment rose to 15 in the quarter, from 12 54 clients and a total 6,682 high and effectively confirmed Between them the traditional “The upside surprise sug- Minister M Veerappa Moily, who a year earlier. employees. a historic geo-economic shift, markets of the EU, US and Japan gested that the domestic growth took over the ministry three Chief executive Shibulal fore- Analysts called Infosys earn- making China the world’s big- accounted for 33.5 percent of momentum was largely intact at weeks ago, confirmed to the Press cast global client IT budgets would ings a “mixed bag”. gest trader of physical goods, not China’s trade, down 1.7 percent- yearend,” Yao said in a report. Trust of India yesterday. be “stable” compared to last year. AFP including services. age points, suggesting emerging AFP AFP

QATARI MARKET Malaysia and Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid Price Yield Moodys S&P Iraq denounces Kurd oil exports Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 101.18 0.11 % Aa2 AA Turkey aim to Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.00 1.43 % Aa2 AA BAGHDAD: Iraq’s Oil Ministry The ministry in a statement The ministry on Friday threat- Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 119.25 2.60 % Aa2 AA conclude expressed “deep regret and said the planned oil exports ened legal action against any Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 112.13 3.03 % Aa2 AA astonishment” yesterday over breached a Dec. 25 agreement companies that trade in “smug- Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 106.13 3.61 % Aa2 AA plans announced by the autono- between the Iraqi government gled” oil or gas from Kurdistan free-trade deal mous Kurdish region to begin and the KRG. That called for without going through SOMO. Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 153.25 4.97 % Aa2 AA piping oil to Turkey without experts from both sides to discuss Companies that have taken the Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 114.88 5.34 % Aa2 AA PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia: central government approval. how crude from Kurdistan could risk of exploring for oil in Iraqi Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 105.88 5.34 % Aa2 AA Malaysia and Turkey pledged The first crude has begun to flow be exported under the auspices of Kurdistan welcomed the KRG Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 103.88 0.92 % Aa2 AA yesterday to wrap up a free- and exports are expected to start Iraq’s State Organisation for the announcement as a signal they Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 109.63 3.35 % Aa2 AA trade deal this year as embat- at the end of this month before Marketing of Oil (SOMO). might begin to generate export tled Turkish leader Recep rising in February and March, the Kurdistan’s bid to sell oil and income from their investments, Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 103.63 0.68 % A1 A- Tayyip Erdogan prepared to Kurdistan Regional Government gas independently has infuriated despite Baghdad’s objections. Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 103.63 2.21 % A1 A- return home to a political crisis. (KRG) said on Wednesday. officials in the Iraqi capital as “We’ve been waiting to read QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.25 1.38 % NR NR Erdogan met with his host, The ministry in Baghdad Baghdad has long insisted that these words and hear these words QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.63 1.14 % Aa3 A+ Malaysian premier Najib Razak, expressed astonishment at the the central government retains since 2007,” said Todd Kozel, chief QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 103.50 2.21 % Aa3 A+ on the final day of a week-long move and described it as a “fla- sole authority over managing executive of Gulf Keystone which trip that earlier took him to Japan grant violation of the Iraqi Iraq’s energy resources. has Kurdish government approval Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 103.75 2.27 % A2 A- and Singapore. constitution”. Iraq’s constitution mandates to exploit what it says is one of Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 104.88 1.56 % A2 A During his Asia visit, Erdogan It also rebuked the Turkish that all Iraqi oil revenues go the world’s largest onshore explo- Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 123.50 3.12 % A2 A has avoided comment on the government for allowing the through the central government ration fields. “It’s music to any Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 105.50 3.86 % A2 A Turkish political maelstrom that Iraqi-Turkish pipeline system to in Baghdad, and the Kurds then operator’s ears in Kurdistan. It’s Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 100.00 5.00 % A2 A first erupted in December when be used to pump and store crude receive 17 percent, although they the monetisation of our assets,” dozens of leading businessmen oil produced in Kurdistan without frequently complain that they he said on Thursday. Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 103.25 0.89 % Aa3 A and political figures were detained Baghdad’s approval. have received less than that. REUTERS Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 107.00 3.13 % Aa3 A in a corruption probe whose tar- Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 107.13 4.07 % Aa3 A gets include key Erdogan allies. SOVEREIGNS Erdogan’s government has responded to the widening inves- Ivory Coast to boost manganese mining Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid Price Yield Moodys S&P tigation by moving to root out Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 101.13 0.60 % Aa2 AA political foes in the police and Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 121.50 2.37 % Aa2 AA judiciary in a purge that has seen Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 108.25 1.81 % NR NR hundreds of police personnel fired. Erdogan did not take questions Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 106.75 2.75 % NR NR during a press briefing with Najib Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 119.75 4.34 % NR NR that focused on a joint pledge to Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 112.13 4.67 % NR NR finalise a free-trade deal by April Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 103.25 0.78 % Aa2 AA and lift trade between the two Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 113.63 3.22 % NR BBB majority-Muslim countries to $5 billion in five years. Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 104.13 4.72 % NR BBB “There are countless opportu- Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 97.00 6.33 % Caa1 B- nities we can seize,” Erdogan said, Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 102.50 4.07 % NR BBB- listing cooperation in energy, the

*Periodic Distribution Amount automotive sector and infrastruc- IMPORTANT NOTE: ture as possibilities. Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which Bilateral trade was $918 million is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services in January-October 2013, Najib Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary said. Malaysia and Turkey first data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising began discussing a free-trade deal out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not in 2009, according to Malaysia’s take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant government, but previous tar- liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not geted completion dates have been a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and missed. consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. The political crisis in Turkey is the biggest threat to occur in Erdogan’s 11 years in power. He calls the investigation a Workers at the Lauzoua manganese mine, some 180km from Abidjan. Ivory Coast aims to quadruple its plot to topple his Islamic-rooted manganese production to around one million tonnes of ore within three years, boosted by new investments government. from the China National Geological and Mining Corporation. AFP JANUARY 11, 2014 Business Views www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17 ON SATURDAY

Japan stocks may have Zions needs to bite the strong 2014 follow-up BY JAMES SAFT bullet and sell its CDOs BY FELIX SALMON ou probably missed last year’s epoch-making rally in them to be treated as capital by the issuing dollars of these things, and have never writ- Japanese stocks, and if you are still underweight, you bank, just like common stock, but they were ten them down. might just do it to yourself again. t’s hardly news that in the run-up to treated as debt securities by the Internal If and when they do so, they’re going to Y After rising a massive 57 percent last year, its best the financial crisis, some banks cre- Revenue Service, allowing the issuing bank have to take hundreds of millions of dollars year in four decades, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index will be supported ated highly-toxic collateralised debt to deduct interest payments from income in losses. And so out come the lobbyists — in 2014 by support from local buyers, by the continued benefits obligations, and other banks bought on its tax return. The CDOs were created and out come the silly pieces of legislation, of a cheap yen and, most of all, by massive quantitative easing. those highly toxic CDOs and put them to allow many small banks to issue such seeking to create a massive carve-out from None of this is to say that Abenomics, the program of reflation Ion their balance sheets. The result was that securities, with the buyers reassured by the the Volcker Rule, which would allow Zions and reform pursued by Prime Minster Shinzo Abe and the Bank when the crisis hit, and the CDOs plunged apparent diversification. and others to hold on to these TruPS CDOs of Japan, will ultimately be successful. There is plenty to worry in value, a lot of banks needed to take a lot These gruesome instruments actually indefinitely. about there – from the fashion in which households appear to be of write-downs. helped some banks get through the crisis: Even if your goal is to keep the TruPS carrying the worst of the burden to the deeply difficult medium- Certain banks, however, holding certain if you issued TruPS, then you could (and CDOs on banks’ balance sheets, this legisla- term demographic issues. CDOs, managed to avoid taking any write- almost certainly did) suspend interest pay- tion is a dreadful way of doing so — since, as That, however, is not our concern right now. If you were under- downs, and instead quietly just held on to ments for as long as five years, without Norris notes, the proposed law goes much weight Japan, and most people likely were, you signed on for a those instruments, keeping them on their penalty. further than that, and effectively allows painful source of underperformance in 2013. books at 100 cents on the dollar. But we’re now getting to the end of that banks not only to hold the old instruments, There are good reasons to believe that, all else being equal Essentially, they bought complex finan- five-year period, and, as Norris says, “it is but even to create brand-new ones. (which it so rarely is), 2014 could be another good year for cial instruments, and then treated them for unclear how many of them will be able to Talk about not learning our lesson. But in Japanese stocks. accounting purposes as though they were make back payments before the periods end any case, Zions and the other banks which “The Bank of Japan’s massive program of bond purchases will their own loans, being held to maturity, this year and in 2015”. bought these instruments should, finally, be inject massive liquidity, which will not only support the prices which therefore didn’t need to be marked Which means that TruPS CDOs, like forced to rid themselves of them. of other assets, it should also keep the yen from appreciating,” to market. many other financial innovations of the Zions is never going to be happy about strategist Andrew Smithers of Smithers & Co in London wrote And regulators allowed them to get away 2000s, have notably failed to bounce back taking a loss, but now’s not a bad time for in a note to clients. with it — until now. to their pre-crisis valuations. banks in general to be taking losses. And “We remain positive for Japanese shares over the shorter term.” Nick Dunbar has a very good explainer As Dunbar says, these things have no frankly, all of these gruesome CDOs should The BOJ and the yen really are the story behind the run-up in of what’s been going on with these CDOs — place on banks’ balance sheets. And, glori- have been jettisoned from banks’ balance 2013. The central bank is engaging in a $3trn campaign of buy- specifically, the ones which include obscure ously, the Volcker Rule has ensured that sheets years ago. ing assets, with a stated goal of generating inflation of 2 percent. creatures known as trust preferred securi- they’re being kicked off those balance sheets. Let’s hope this legislation goes nowhere, Bringing the yen down is an integral part of that, and indeed the ties. And Floyd Norris has the best short (Better late than never.) Under the rule, and that these ugly reminders of pre-crash yen fell by more than a third against the dollar last year. That description of exactly what TruPS are, and CDOs of TruPS are categorised as a “cov- “financial innovation” finally start being held makes Japanese exports more competitive. how they became CDOs: ered fund”, which banks aren’t allowed to by buy-siders who mark to market, rather While there is a risk that the cheap yen proves more a boon to Trust-preferred securities became pop- own. than by banks claiming that they’re worth investors than the economy – as companies are showing a ten- ular with bank holding companies in the The problem is that certain banks, most 100 cents on the dollar. dency to simply pocket gains rather than invest – it is likely that 1990s because bank regulators allowed notably Zions Bancorp, still own billions of REUTERS the BOJ keeps the yen cheap in 2014. That will support earnings. While Japan accounts for close to 8.68 percent of the MSCI World index, in all likelihood few pension funds, endowments or individuals are anywhere near that after nearly three decades of bad performance, recessions and persistent deflation. That indeed may have been part of the reason last year’s rally was so powerful. Foreigners, many of whom were underweight but some who were simply riding momentum or betting on the BOJ, flooded Tokyo stocks in 2013. Having been net sellers the previous year, foreign investors ploughed more than $140bn into Tokyo-listed equities last year. That may or may not continue, but there are reasons to think locals will buy more this year. Starting this month, Japanese savers are eligible to put about $9,500 per year in the Nippon Individual Savings Account plan, which is tax-free for five years. In a survey taken last month by Nomura Asset Management, 15 percent of the 40,000 respondents said they would definitely use the plan, and another 25 percent said they were “positively” considering it. Given that Japanese individuals were net sellers of stocks in seven of the last eight quarters, a reversal of this trend could have an outsize impact. There may also be increased buying by Japanese institutions. In a study of the $1.2trn Government Pension Investment Fund spon- sored by the Abe administration and issued in November, Tokyo University Prof Takatoshi Ito advocated a shift away from bonds. Given that Abenomics implies negative real returns for Japanese government bonds, Ito advocates cutting the huge funds allocation to JGBs from 58 percent to 52 percent. If, as some lawmakers advocate, half of that flows to domestic equities, that implies a flow of up to $36bn into stocks from the GPIF alone. That’s a bit less than 1 percent of the entire Tokyo stock market. There are, obviously, risks. This is, after all, Japan, which has a track record of rowing back prematurely from reforms. An upcoming sales tax increase may prove both unpopular politically and counter-productive from the point of view of equity investors. As well, there are profound longer-term issues Japan must eventually tackle having to do with demographics and a huge debt load. At some point those are likely to become a market focus, and when they do it will be terrible for Japanese assets generally. That seems unlikely to be 2014 script, however. Instead, with the Federal Reserve cutting back on bond buying, investors may want to seek their QE-amped returns in Japan. It will be good while it lasts. REUTERS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Where does Britain stand in the global economic race? BY DANIELLE in May 2012, Michel Barnier, the own role within Basel III is simi- in implementing a regulated econ- while at the same time acknowl- England Mark Carney, the British MIDDLETON French European commissioner larly undetermined. omy to match that of the rest of edging the impact of the Basel Chancellor revealed his support for financial regulation, clashed The power of the Asian market the world’s major economies. III requirements on the ability of for a higher leverage ratio in the ollowing the international with British Chancellor of the should not be underestimated, nor Unlike Europe and the US, banks in the region to be able to UK — suggesting that it was now financial crisis of the late Exchequer George Osborne over Britain’s vulnerable position due there is no overseeing finan- lend.” the right time for the Financial 2000s, the world’s finan- the suggestion of higher leverage to its rate of economic recovery. cial body in Asia in regards to “In that context, it will be Policy Committee to exert more Fcial leaders have been ratios in the UK, stating that a The two issues are tied thanks to international financial law. As interesting to see if Asia can power in the direction of the glo- working towards a standard- distortion of competition within Britain’s reliance on exports for more banks throughout the EU adopt collateralised loan obliga- bally agreed upon leverage ratio. ised banking system that will the EU had the potential to cause economic survival. As long as the and US opt into Basel III, Asia tion techniques, which have really Since the news that Britain is strengthen banks at an individ- a continental disadvantage. country’s main trading partners will be unable to operate as it assisted the US economy to plug drawing ever nearer to a position ual level, and thus improve the In recent times the politi- are the struggling eurozone and has previously done. China is a that potential lending gap. With of financial stability was outlined banking sector’s ability to survive cal context surrounding Basel the US, income from exports will financially self-sustainable body the standardisation of loan docu- only a week later in the Autumn stress when it occurs. III has not dwindled. In the not match the rate of growth. It with the rest of the region not ments and the development of a Statement, this is a clear push In 2010 the Basel Committee Autumn Statement released appears that the economic fore- far behind; it is crucial that this secondary market this could be a for a move away from the unified produced a third accord outlining on December 5 2013, Osborne cast on a global scale is beginning growing authority is heard in the very important part of financing regulations of Europe, and the a set of regulations, with the goal revealed that “Britain is cur- to draw into focus ever more the debate for financial reform and in the region.” dependence that Britain still has of solving the banking system’s rently growing faster than any presence of China as the world’s regulation, rather than an EU- A one-size-fits-all approach on its trade links in Europe and on-going problems. Since then other major advanced economy.” greatest economic power. and US-dominated approach. would not work in encapsulating the US the conversation has yet to cease As it stands Britain’s rate of For Britain, no country is stra- Regulations that work adequately the Asian financial system into The proposed government- over whether enough has been recovery, in comparison to that tegically more important than in the EU and US could cause that of the EU and the US Rather, enforced higher leverage ratio for done, since the peak of the crisis of other EU members and the China. Its population includes greater risks in the Asian mar- it needs to be inclusive of standards Britain would mean that banks in 2008, to ensure a stable finan- US, puts the country at risk of one-fifth of the world’s children. ket, which at its current stage of in the Asian market to avoid spill are more able to absorb losses. cial environment that supports greater pressure to conform to It is the world’s second-biggest development has vastly different over effects from developed coun- The chancellor has remained growth on an international scale. the standardised regulations economy and has the largest banking industries and financial try regulatory changes and low certain that Basel III should be The importance of Basel III lies proposed in the Basel III accord. standing army, yet it does not systems between countries. interest rate policies, which lead able to create a consistent finan- not only on an inter-continental For Britain there is a better hope have the power of the US and EU My colleague Alasdair to the migration of risky financial cial regulation system, yet as scale, but for individual countries of financial prosperity and con- in terms of wielding influence in Robertson, partner at Maples and activities to Asia that could affect Osborne has repeatedly stated in to maintain the required stand- tinued development in strength- the global economy. This fact is Calder, commented on the situa- regional financial stability. Brussels, the issue for Britain is ard regulations to a point of sus- ening relations with China. evident in Basel III more than tion stating: In the same vein, Britain of national sovereignty with his tainability. In Europe, the debate Prime Minister David Cameron any other current international “An important issue that Asian appears increasingly determined determination to steer away from over the role Britain will play in cemented that this is indeed the issue. Basel III does not take into economies are going to have to to forge its own path on the inter- a continent-wide agreement led Basel III has yet to be resolved. case during his December meet- account the logistical difficulties face is how to address the need for national economic stage. In a let- by Germany, France and Italy. During early Basel III discussions ings in China, a country whose that the Asia Pacific region faces additional capital to fuel growth ter to the Governor of the Bank of REUTERS JANUARY 11, 2014 ON SATURDAY 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Classifieds

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55312803 Web: www.mycoreo.com JANUARY 11, 2014 Sport ON SATURDAY 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Younis and Misbah fight for Pakistan Senior batsmen hit resolute half-centuries

DUBAI: Seasoned batsmen Younis Khan and Misbah-ul Haq hit resolute half-centuries to take the fight to Sri Lanka in the second Test in Dubai yesterday. Younis was unbeaten on 62 and Misbah scored 52 not out to help Pakistan reach 132-2 at close on the third day at the Dubai sta- dium pitch which is likely to help spinners on the last two days. Pakistan still need another 93 runs to avoid an innings defeat and go 1-0 down in the three Test series after the first Test ended in a draw in Abu Dhabi. Younis and Misbah -- who both hit hundreds in Abu Dhabi last week, came together with Pakistan in dire straits at 19-3. They held the batting together during their unfinished 113-run fourth wicket stand. Sri Lanka earlier in the day gained a big 223-run lead by scoring 388 in their first knock. Pakistan had made 165 in the first innings. It was paceman Nuwan Pradeep (2-28) who gave Pakistan early wobbles. Pradeep, who took a career best 3-62 in the first innings, had Mohammad Hafeez (one) caught behind in his second over and in his fourth swung one across Manzoor (six) for wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene to take his seventh catch of the match. Pakistan had lost opener Ahmed Shehzad in the last over Pakistan cricketers Younis Khan (left) and Misbah-ul-Haq leave the pitch before lunch, caught behind for at close of play on the third day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at nine off spinner Rangana Herath. the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai yesterday. It was left to Younis and Misbah to fight one more time for Pakistan. Younis was more cautious, Scoreboard reaching his 28th half-century Pakistan (I innings): Bowling: Junaid 36-7-102-3; Ali 36-6-131-2; with a single off Herath and Sri Lanka (I innings): Ajmal 34-11-56-2; Bhatti 22-3-80-1 (1nb; continued to bat solidly during D Karunaratne lbw Junaid ...... 32 1w); Hafeez 6-1-11-1. his 142-ball stay, hitting four K Silva lbw Hafeez ...... 95 Pakistan (II innings): boundaries. K Sangakkara lbw Ali ...... 26 K Manzoor c Prasanna b Pradeep ...... 6 Misbah completed his 3,000 D Chandimal c Ali b Junaid ...... 12 A Shehzad c Prasanna b Herath ...... 9 Test runs when on 10, becom- M Jayawardene b Ajmal ...... 129 Mohd Hafeez c Prasanna b Pradeep ...... 1 ing Pakistan’s 15th batsmen to A Mathews c Ahmed b Ali ...... 42 Younis Khan (batting) ...... 62 achieve the milestone. P Jayawardene b Junaid ...... 9 Misbah-ul Haq (batting) ...... 53 The Pakistan Test and one-day R Herath (run out) ...... 6 Extras (LB-1) ...... 1 captain survived one leg-before S Eranga b Bhatti ...... 14 Total (for 3 wkts) ...... 132 referral on one and twice on close S Lakmal (not out) ...... 10 To bat: Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Bilawal catches behind the wicket, once N Pradeep lbw Ajmal ...... 3 Bhatti, Saeed Ajmal, Rahat Ali, Junaid Khan. off a miscued hook which went to Extras (B-1, LB-7, NB-1, W-1) ...... 10 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-12, 3-19. the boundary. Total (all out) ...... 388 Bowling: Lakmal 6-1-19-0; Pradeep 10-2- But in another responsible bat- Fall of wickets: 1-40, 2-75, 3-88, 4-227, 28-2; Herath 21-3-58-1; Eranga 12-3-26-0. ting display he reached his fifty 5-320, 6-341, 7-348, 8-365, 9-377. Pakistan trail by 91 runs with 7 wkts remaining. with a double off Herath. He has so far hit five fours and a six dur- ing his 119-ball stay. Earlier, Mahela Jayawardene hit a fighting 129 and when on England look to 117 became the eighth highest run-getter in all Test cricket, sur- passing Australia’s Steve Waugh’s 10,927 in 140 Tests. salvage pride Right-handed Jayawardene - who made his Test debut in 1997 - now has 10,940 in 140 Tests. MELBOURNE: England A rattled England head into India’s now retired Sachin go into the opening One-Day the series without the experience Tendulkar leads the chart with International in Melbourne of Kevin Pietersen and Jimmy 15,921 in a remarkable 200 Tests. tomorrow desperate to salvage Anderson, who have both been Tendulkar retired from Test some pride, but face a torrid rested, with Cook leading a team cricket in November. task with a fired-up Australia that has much to prove. Resuming at 318-4, Sri Lanka vowing no let-up after dominat- He also needs to rebuild dress- lost skipper Angelo Mathews, ing the Ashes. ing room discipline with Test caught behind by wicketkeeper The first of five matches, a day- wicketkeeper Matt Prior on Sarfraz Ahmed off paceman nighter, is the first opportunity to Thursday saying that during the Rahat Ali without adding to his see how the shell-shocked tourists Ashes, the players had shown a overnight score of 42. progress from their nightmare lack of respect for both the cap- Mathews, Man-of-the-Match Test series, with captain Alastair tain and coach Andy Flower -- in Abu Dhabi for his 91 and 157 Cook demanding an improve- who is reportedly at odds with not out, hit five boundaries during ment, and quickly. Pietersen. his 88-ball knock. “I am desperate to try and turn Only all-rounder Ben Stokes Mahela Jayawardene’s brilliant it around,” he said after the 5-0 and paceman Stuart Broad came knock ended when he was bowled Ashes whitewash. out of the Ashes with a semblance out while trying to reverse sweep “When you strip everything of pride, leaving the door open Saeed Ajmal after scoring 129. down, every single player has to for the likes of Danny Briggs, Jayawardene batted resolutely go back and have a look at them- Jos Buttler, Chris Jordan, Ravi for 423 minutes and hit 15 bound- selves, have a look at their tech- Bopara and Chris Woakes to aries in an innings which gave Sri niques. Have a look at the way stake their claims in the one-day Lanka the crucial lead on what they’ve bowled and start rebuild- format. was day three of the Test. ing again. Australia have recalled dynamic Ajmal’s first wicket came in his “And that hunger has to come opener David Warner while cap- 29th over and he took one more from within to do it.” tain Michael Clarke, who missed in the end to finish with 2-56 in The series could see either team the one-day series in India last 34 overs. reclaim the number one limited- year with chronic back trouble, He went wicketless in 49 sec- overs world ranking, depending also returns. ond innings over in Abu Dhabi. on how India fare when they face But the tourists have been given Left-arm paceman Junaid New Zealand in a five-match some respite from Ashes Man-of- Khan finished with Pakistan’s series that begins in Napier on the-Series Mitchell Johnson, with best figures of 3-102 while Ali January 19. the left-arm paceman rested for took 2-131 in 36 laborious overs. India are currently the top- Melbourne after terrorising the The first Test between the two ranked one-day team in the tourists with 37 wickets during sides ended in a draw when an world, followed by Australia and the Ashes. under-pressure Sri Lanka relied England, with all three building Ashes victors Brad Haddin, on a Mathews century to avoid towards next year’s 50-over World George Bailey and Shane Watson defeat. REUTERS Cup. are all likely to play. REUTERS JANUARY 11, 2014 Sport www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21 ON SATURDAY Rallying: Del Potro, Tomic to meet Roma, Coma thrive in Dakar’s in Sydney; Ferrer falls Argentine I think I am getting closer to the top four guys, says Del Potro heat SAN MIGUEL DE SYDNEY: Former US Open returning to the level of form that Another former US Open TUCUMAN, ARGENTINA: champion Juan Martin Del he reached to win the 2009 US champion, 2011 women’s singles Spanish driver Nani Roma Potro underlined his status as Open title before a wrist injury winner Sam Stosur, had a less reclaimed the Dakar Rally a dark horse for next week’s nearly ended his career. encouraging day, going down lead yesterday as compatriot Australian Open by hammering The 25-year-old will meet 6-3, 6-2 in the semi-finals of the Marc Coma soared to the top Dmitry Tursunov to reach the Australian defending champion Hobart International to Klara of the motorcycling standings final of the Sydney International Bernard Tomic, who came from Zakopalova. after a brutal fifth stage which yesterday. behind to beat Ukrainian quali- Stosur received a lesson Tsvetana saw temperatures nudge the Spain’s world number three fier Sergiy Stakhovsky 6-7 (4-7), in taking opportunities from Pironkova 40-degree mark. David Ferrer, however, had his 7-5 6-3, in today’s final at Sydney’s Zakopalova, who converted all of Bulgaria Roma, behind the wheel of a bid for a fifth Auckland Open title Olympic Park. five of her break points but saved poses Mini, had led after three stages ended in the semi-finals by a 6-4, Del Potro was seeded to meet eight of the 10 the Australian with her and he reasserted his author- 7-6 (7-4) defeat to unheralded world number one Rafa Nadal in created. trophy after ity on the gruelling 912km run Taiwanese Lu Yen-hsun. the quarter-finals of the year’s Even worse news for Stosur winning the from Chilecito to San Miguel de At the Kooyong Classic, first grand slam, while Tomic was is that yesterday she was drawn final against Tucuman. France’s Gilles Simon turned his revealed as the Spanish 13-times to play the 31-year-old Czech Angelique Roma clocked 4hr 27min 01sec ankle badly and was forced to Grand Slam champion’s opponent again in the opening round at Kerber of on the 527km timed section of the retire while trailing compatriot in the opening round in yester- Melbourne Park. Germany stage with South Africa’s Giniel Richard Gasquet 7-6 (7-3), 1-0. day’s draw. Zakopalova will face Garbine at the APIA De Villiers, in a Toyota, in sec- While Simon, seeded 18th at World number five Del Potro Muguruza Blanco in the final ond spot, and America’s Robby Sydney the Australian Open, will have and Australian veteran Lleyton after the Spaniard thrashed com- Gordon, driving a Hummer, in International scans on the injury, Gasquet Hewitt are the only Grand patriot Estrella Cabeza Candela third place. meets world number seven Tomas Slam winners apart from Nadal, 6-0, 6-1 in the second semi-final. yesterday. In the overall standings, Roma Berdych in today’s final. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic At the Auckland Open, world Pironkova now has a lead of 26min 28sec on Lanky Argentine Del Potro, and Andy Murray still active in number 62 Lu stunned Ferrer in won 6-4, 2011 champion, and Mini team- who will be seeded fifth in men’s tennis and the Argentine two sets to bring the Spaniard’s 6-4 for her mate, Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah of Melbourne, hit nine aces as he believes he might soon be chal- 14-match, three-year winning maiden WTA Qatar. brushed aside the Russian fourth lenging the leading four players streak at the tournament to an Tour title. “I’m happy with the day, but seed 6-4, 6-2 in just over an hour again in major finals. end. it was hard, probably one of the to reach his seventh final in the “I think I’m getting closer to Lu will face big-serving hardest stages that I’ve ever last 12 months. the top four guys,” he said on American John Isner, who came driven,” admitted Roma. “We Two of those finals were at court. from behind to beat Spain’s tried to do our best and to just Masters events in Shanghai and “They are still playing such Roberto Bautista 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), get through it. We got stuck in Indian Wells, an indication for great tennis but if I am fit, I will 6-4, in his first ATP final today. the sand a bit, but only lost ten some that Del Potro might be try to be dangerous for them.” REUTERS minutes. The others had bigger problems.” Carlos Sainz, the 2010 cham- pion who had led overnight, slumped to sixth overall, almost Super Serena eyes sixth crown an hour behind Roma, after a nightmare day where the Spanish MELBOURNE: If players, Graf’s 22. Australian Margaret Azarenka underlined her ensured a disappointing 2013 in veteran endured a number of nav- pundits and bookmakers are to Court leads the all-time list with toughness last year with an which she missed the US Open igational errors. be believed, Serena Williams 24. impressive title defence, beating and split with long-time coach “First of all we had a problem has already sewn up her sixth Williams’ place in the tennis China’s Li Na in front of a hostile Thomas Hogstedt. to find the way point. We couldn’t Australian Open title and the pantheon is assured but her coach crowd in Rod Laver Arena. After a surprising collaboration find it. We need to check now other 127 women in the draw Patrick Mouratoglou believes the The powerful Belarusian proved with American Jimmy Connors, what has happened because I may as well pick up their rac- American could secure a calen- a worthy winner, after having which lasted only one tourna- think we have been passing really, Roger quets and head home. dar Grand Slam, which would weathered a storm of criticism ment, the 26-year-old brings a really close,” said the Spaniard. Federer of Riding a 22-match winning make her the third woman after for taking a prolonged medical new coach in Sven Groeneveld, “Then as we were going up and Switzerland streak, the American jugger- Court in 1970 and Graf in 1988 to time-out during a tense passage of a former mentor to Monica down trying to find it at one during a naut arrives in Melbourne Park achieve the feat in the open era. play late in her semi-final against Seles and Ana Invanovic, and moment we had a problem with practice fit, fresh and ravenous for more “Look at the level she plays at American Sloane Stephens. the satisfaction that she enters the car. We had to stop and one session Grand Slam success at a tourna- the moment,” Mouratoglou told Tellingly, Azarenka avoided the tournament injury-free after of the electrical connections was for the ment where injuries and illness the BBC this week. Williams during both her runs Brisbane. coming out.” upcoming have robbed her of yet more sil- “She’s beaten all the top play- to the Australian title, with the While a Williams win would Al Attiyah said: “From the nav- Australian verware in the past three years. ers many times, so you can aim American eliminated after being seem virtually assured, the igation side of things it was very Open in Age has not wearied the that high.” hobbled by injuries. American, who faces Australian tough. What can we do? We lost Melbourne. 32-year-old, who after winning In contrast to the men’s tour, Azarenka also dodged wildcard Ashleigh Barty in the a lot of minutes, but we are here her second French Open crown which has been blessed by the Williams at last year’s Brisbane first round, would be wary that and we still have ten days left. last year became the oldest power struggles between Roger International in the lead-up to the crackling energy of major We’ll try to do our best. We must woman to win the US Open when Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Melbourne Park but there was tournaments often tears up the really push a lot now. We’ll see.” she raised her 17th Grand Slam Djokovic and Andy Murray in no hiding at this year’s warm-up script. The motorcycling section of the trophy at Flushing Meadows. recent seasons, the women’s tour where she was beaten in straight Asia’s first Grand Slam singles race was shortened as the heat The winner at Melbourne Park is crying out for a genuine chal- sets by the American in the final. champion, former French Open was deemed to be close to danger in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and lenger to Williams. That match followed Williams’ winner Li would hardly count levels for the riders. 2010, another triumph would Second seed Victoria Azarenka, straight sets win over four-times as unheralded but always looms Former champion Coma, on see Williams equal Martina who will bid for a hat-trick of Grand Slam champion Sharapova, as a threat on the blue courts a KTM, was declared the stage Navratilova and Chris Evert’s titles at Melbourne Park, and her 14th in succession against the of Melbourne Park, where she winner in a time of 3hr 02min tally of 18 major titles and draw third seed Maria Sharapova are glamorous Russian. believes the venue’s ‘qi’ - or ‘air’ - 08sec, with fellow Spaniard Jordi her closer to German great Steffi again the most credible threats. Sharapova’s shoulder problems raises her game. REUTERS Viladoms in second spot and Kuba Przygonski of Poland taking third. “It was another tough day. It was really hot out there. It’s also difficult in terms of navigation Button reunited with his as well because of the rain last week which makes it difficult to Pregnant Ennis-Hill to see anything,” said Coma. two little ducks “To get to the end of the stage, I rode for 10 km lost in a river bed. LONDON: McLaren’s Jenson Button (pictured) has chosen to roll In general, it’s tough for everyone. back the years and race this season with the number 22 that he used For the race lead, you can lose lots miss Glasgow Games in his 2009 title-winning campaign. of time at any moment. When you “Two little ducks,” the 33-year-old Briton, open the way, it’s a bit like playing LONDON: Olympic heptath- career point of view I am 100 per- to the same form she’s been who won his Formula One championship with Russian roulette.” lon champion Jessica Ennis- cent set on returning to full-time showing in recent years and be the Brawn GP team that is now Mercedes, told In the overall standings, Coma Hill announced yesterday she athletics once our baby is born competitive?,” added Hazel, the his 1.6 million Twitter followers. “Quack quack”. has a 41min 10sec lead on Honda’s is pregnant and will miss the and go for a second gold medal at Commonwealth Games title- “#Jenson22 Great memories, looking forward Joan Barreda, the previous leader. Commonwealth Games. the Rio Olympics in 2016 -- that holder who won in Delhi in 2010, to making a few more,” he added. REUTERS “I am sorry I won’t be in challenge really excites me. when Ennis-Hill did not compete. In British bingo halls numbers are called out Glasgow for the Commonwealth “But in the short term I will “You have to look at people like using nicknames, with 22 sometimes referred to Games, but know it will be an make our baby a priority and (England’s) Katarina Johnson- as two little ducks or quack quack. McLaren con- Dakar Rally Results amazing occasion. I will be at enjoy the whole experience as Thompson, who’s been breaking firmed Button would have that number. SAN MIGUEL DE TUCUMAN, Argentina: home awaiting the arrival of a much as possible.” Jess’s junior records non-stop,” Under new regulations for 2014, Formula One Dakar Rally results on Thursday’s fifth little Ennis-Hill,” she said. While several female athletes said Hazel, who has since retired drivers will have permanent numbers to be used stage, a 527km timed run from Chilecito to The child will be the first for have returned to high-level com- from heptathlon but is looking to throughout their careers and can choose any Tucuman: the 27-year-old athlete and her petition after giving birth, fellow continue her athletics career in between two and 99. Auto husband Andy Hill, who wed last British heptathlete Louise Hazel other events. The number one is reserved for the champion, should he want to use year. questioned if Ennis-Hill could do Ennis-Hill’s absence deprives it, who will also have another number of choice allocated for future use. Stage Ennis-Hill, one of the poster so while remaining in the seven- Glasgow of one its major crowd With three slots on the grid still to be filled, the governing FIA has 1. Nani Roma/Michel Périn (ESP/FRA/ girls of the 2012 London Olympic discipline event. bankers amid ongoing doubts yet to publish an official list but the subject has kept Formula One Mini) 4 h 27:01, 2. Giniel De Villiers/Dirk Games, said she hoped to return “Is it possible to be an elite over the participation of her fel- fans intrigued about who will choose what given the evocative past of Von Zitzewitz (RSA/GER/Toyota) 4:20, 3. to training after the birth and sportswoman and have a baby? low London 2012 gold medallists some of the numbers. Robby Gordon/Kellon Walch (USA/USA/ compete at the Rio Games in Yes. Is it possible to come back Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprint Now-retired 1992 champion Nigel Mansell remains ‘Red Five’ to Hummer) 20:12, 4. Orlando Terranova/ 2016. from Olympic gold as a heptath- star, and Mo Farah, the British many while the late Gilles Villeneuve, one of Ferrari’s greatest heroes, Paulo Fiuza (ARG/POR/Mini) 20:44, 5. “We are completely over- lete and go on to Rio... it throws long-distance runner. remains closely identified with the number 27 which was also used at Nasser Al-Attiyah/Lucas Cruz (QAT/ESP/ whelmed, with excitement and a a huge question over the continu- Meanwhile the Glasgow times by the late Brazilian triple champion Ayrton Senna. Mini) 21:38, 6. Stephane Peterhansel/Jean degree of anxiety that I am sure ation of a career as a heptathlete 2014 Twitter feed responded to Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso said last month he had requested 14, Paul Cottret (FRA/FRA/Mini) 23:55, 7. Lucio all first-time parents will relate and that’s just being realistic. her announcement by saying: which has been his lucky number since 1996 when at the age of 14 he Alvarez/Bernardo Graue (ARG/ARG/Ford) to,” she said in a statement. “I think she’ll be able to come “Congratulations to Glasgow2014 won a karting title with 14 on his car on July 14. 25:45,8. Adam Malysz/Rafal Marton (POL/ “My plans for 2014 have been back and compete. ambassador @J_Ennis & husband “Let’s see if it’s lucky for me again,” he told reporters in Madrid. POL/Toyota) 27:18, 9. Marek Dabrowski/ completely turned upside down, “The question is: in what Andy on the exciting news that The Spaniard is also a fan of Real Madrid soccer club, whose Spain Jacek Czachor (POL/POL/Toyota) 29:20, but having had a couple of weeks event?,” Hazel said. they’re expecting their first child.” international midfielder Xabi Alonso plays with the number 14 shirt. 10. Federico Villagra/Jorge Perez Companc to think about things from a “Will she be able to get back REUTERS REUTER S (ARG/ARG/Mini) 57:36. JANUARY 11, 2014 ON SATURDAY 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Sport

English Premier League Fixtures Rooney issues rallying cry Today, January 11 (GMT) Hull City vs Chelsea (1245) Cardiff City vs West Ham United (1500) Everton vs Norwich City (1500) Fulham vs Sunderland (1500) to Man United faithful Southampton vs West Bromwich Albion (1500) Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace The fans’ support is very important, says the team’s key striker (1500) Manchester United vs Swansea City (1730) Sunday, January 12 (GMT) MANCHESTER: Wayne will get better. The fans are vital Rooney has called on in being patient with us and let- Newcastle United vs Manchester City Manchester United’s fans to ting us try to get there. I am sure (1405) remain behind the team as they we will.” Stoke City vs Liverpool (1610) look to end a three-game losing It is not clear if Robin van Monday, January 13 (GMT) streak against Swansea today. Persie will be fit to return to The Premier League champi- action against the Swans. Aston Villa vs Arsenal (2000) ons lost to Tottenham Hotspur The Dutch forward has been on New Year’s Day and that result out for a month with a thigh strain Scottish Premier was followed by an FA Cup exit at and media reports in Britain sug- Swansea before more cup misery gested he has returned to training League Fixtures came in the shape of a 2-1 reverse but Moyes is expected to provide in the first leg of their League Cup an update on his fitness. Today, January 11 (GMT) semi-final with Sunderland. Jonny Evans was taken Hearts vs Motherwell (1500) United now lie 11 points behind off in the midweek defeat by Partick Thistle vs Ross County (1500) Premier League leaders Arsenal Sunderland with a back problem heading into this weekend’s fix- and it is not clear if he will be able St Johnstone vs St Mirren (1500) tures, with their hopes of finishing to feature while Rio Ferdinand, Sunday, January 12 (GMT) in the top four and so qualify- Nani and Marouane Fellaini are I C Thistle vs Dundee United (1245) ing for next season’s Champions all sidelined. League under severe threat. Swansea will be without wing- United’s supporters have also ers Pablo Hernandez and Roland Ligue 1 Fixtures watched their team lose four Lamah who have hamstring and Today, January 11 (GMT) times already in the Premier abductor problems respectively, League at Old Trafford this sea- while goalkeeper Michael Vorm Ajaccio vs Paris St Germain (1600) son, the defeats adding to the is not ready to return yet from a En Avant Guingamp vs St Etienne (1900) pressure manager David Moyes knee operation. Girondins Bordeaux vs Toulouse (1900) already faced in succeeding the And after sending United Olympique Lyon vs Sochaux (1900) retired Alex Ferguson. out of the FA Cup last weekend But Rooney, battling to be fit with their first-ever win at Old Stade Rennes vs Nice (1900) to face Swansea after missing the Trafford, Swansea boss Michael Valenciennes vs Bastia (1900) last two games with an abductor Laudrup said there was no reason Sunday, January 12 (GMT) problem, urged fans to remain they couldn’t do it again. loyal to both the team and Moyes. “In many recent games we Bayern Munich’s Mario Gotze (left) fights for the ball with Al Merrikh’s Ghandi Cassino during their friendly match Nantes vs FC Lorient (1300) “The fans’ support is very played with a lot of confidence in Doha on Thursday night. Bayern, coached by Pep Guardiola, won 2-0. RIGHT: Schalke players (from left) Evian Thonon Gaillard FC vs Olympique important. The fans have been but just needed the win and some- Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Joel Matip and Atsuto Uchida cool down in ice water following their team’s training Marseille (1600) great here, especially now when times that win comes when you session in Doha yesterday. Schalke leave on January 13 to prepare for the second half of the Bundesliga. Lille vs Stade de Reims (2000) we are not in the best of form and least expect it,” he explained. we have lost the last few games,” “Maybe others didn’t expect he said. us to win at Old Trafford but we we know it’s possible because we losing at Sunderland. “We will for a very tough game because La Liga Fixtures “We need them to support us believed and we maybe had a bit have confidence, but on the other expect them to come out and I don’t think the United players Today, January 11 (GMT) through this time,” the England of luck scoring in the last minute,” hand we know it is more difficult want to go at us and want to win will like what they hear about the striker added. the Denmark football great added. than last time because of the because they have to win this negative record at the moment.” Athletic Club vs Almeria (1500) “We will get stronger and we “Our aim is to do it again and circumstances and with United game. “So we have to be ready REUTERS Celta Vigo vs Valencia (1700) Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona (1900) Elche vs Sevilla (2100) QSL: Al Sadd, Al Rayyan share points Sunday, January 12 (GMT) Getafe vs Rayo Vallecano (1100) Real Betis vs Osasuna (1600) DOHA: Hassan Al Haydos scored two goals for Al Sadd Espanyol vs Real Madrid (1800) yesterday but rivals Al Rayyan Levante vs Malaga (2000) snatched a point with a last- Monday, January 13 (GMT) minute goal by Omar Bari in their round 14 match of the Villarreal vs Real Sociedad (2100) Qatar Stars League (QSL)). Al Haydos struck in the 27th Al Rayyan players Portuguese and 81st minutes but Al Rayyan (in red) celebrate goalkeepr Bari scored the match- their equaliser Championship equalling goal in the 95th minute. against Al Sadd in Earlier Sayaf Mohsin scored for Doha yesterday. Fixtures Al Rayyan in the 51st minute. The match ended Also yesterday, Al Kharaitiyat in a 2-2 draw. Sunday, January 12 (GMT) beat Al Wakra 3-2, Lekhwiya RIGHT: Action from Academica vs FC Pacos de Ferreira (1600) failed to score against Al Sailiyah Al Kharaitiyat’s 3-2 in a goalless draw while Al Arabi Arouca vs Belenenses (1600) win over Al Wakrah beat Eljaish 2-1. Benfica vs Porto (1600) yesterday. In today’s matches, Qatar SC SC Olhanense vs Vitoria Setubal (1600) host Al Khor in a game that Nacional Madeira vs Gil Vicente (1915) kicks-off at 04:15pm. In other games, hosts Al Gharafa wel- Greek Championship Fixtures come Al Ahli (4:15pm). At the Saturday, January 11 (GMT) same venue, Muaither take on OFI Crete vs Veria (1300) Umm Salal in a game that starts at 6:45pm. THE PENINSULA Levadiakos vs Ergotelis (1515) Panathinaikos vs Panionios (1730) Sunday, January 12 (GMT) PAOK Salonika vs Panaitolikos Agrinion Pakistan beat Ireland as women’s cricket tournament kicks off in Doha (1300) Apollon Smyrni vs PAS Giannena (1515) Asteras Tripolis vs Platanias (1515) Panthrakikos vs Xanthi (1515) Atromitos Athinon vs Olympiakos Piraeus (1730) Monday, January 13 (GMT) Kalloni vs Aris Salonika (1730) Serie A Fixtures Today, January 11 (GMT) Livorno vs Parma (1700) Bologna vs Lazio (1945) Sunday, January 12 (GMT) ABOVE: Hundreds of fans turned up to watch Torino vs Fiorentina (1130) Pakistan take on Ireland in their first match AS Roma vs Genoa (1400) of the 2014 Qatar International Women’s Championship at West End Park Stadium in Atalanta Bergamo vs Catania (1400) Doha yesterday. The third team is South Africa Cagliari vs Juventus (1400) who will play Ireland today. The 50-over match Verona vs Napoli (1400) will start at 1:00pm today. LEFT and RIGHT: Sassuolo vs AC Milan (1945) Pakistan and Ireland players in action. Pakistan, Monday, January 13 (GMT) who scored 183 batting first, beat Ireland (73) for their first win of the event. PICTURES: ABDUL BASIT Sampdoria vs Udinese (1800) Inter Milan vs Chievo Verona (2000) JANUARY 11, 2014 Break Time www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 ON SATURDAY

Out of The Furnace (2D/Crime) – 3.00pm SHOWING AT VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER QF RADIO 91.7 FM ENGLISH TEL: 444933989 444517001 PROGRAMME BRIEF Justin & The Knights Valour (2D/Animation) TV LISTINGS – 5.30pm LIVE SHOWS Airing Programme Briefs 1 Time Dedh Ishqiya (2D/Hindi) – 7.30pm SPIRITUAL 6:00- A time of reflection, a deeper HOUR 7:00 AM understanding of the teachings of Islam. Drishyam (2D/Malayalam) – 10.30pm RISE 7:00– Is a lighthearted 10-minute fashion bulletin 0600 Ulster V 11:00 Khana khazana 9:00AM from red carpets and popular brands around 388 Arletta Avenue (2D/Thriller) – 2.30pm the world. Montpellier 11:30 Science with 0745 Aberdeen V Brain Café Mr Go (2D/Comedy) – 4.30pm INTERNATIO- 1:00 PM The latest news and events from around NAL NEWS the world. Hibernian 12:00 LOL (Money Hai MALL 2 The Wolf of Wall Street (2D/Comedy) 0930 Omni Sport To Honey Hai) – 7.00 & 10.15pm DRIVE 3:00 – Our newest offering! Drive is a daily 1000 Football Asia 15:00 Dance India 4:00 PM afternoon show broadcast at peak travel 1030 Transworld Dance Season time. This Monday Nabil zeroes in on Frozen (3D/Animation) – 2.30pm Sports with Amir Madjer from Fast Track Sport 4 (Clubbed sports agency. 1130 Ulster V Repeat) 388 Arletta Avenue (2D/Thriller) FASHION 6:00 – Fashion, a LIVE 1-hour weekly show Montpellier 18:00 Fear Files – 4.30 & 9.00pm 7:00 PM hosted and produced by Laura Finnerty. 1330 Football Asia 18:30 Fear Files The show brings together the latest 3 fashion trends along with exciting 1600 Harlequins 19:00 Teenovation Mr Go (2D/Comedy) – 6.30pm interviews with local and international V Clermont 19:30 Bh Se Bhade designers. Out of The Furnace (2D/Crime) – 11.00pm Auvergne And 20:00 REPEAT SHOW/S Toulon V Cardiff 20:30 Dance India Frozen (3D/Animation) – 2.30pm INNOVATIONS 12:00 – A weekly show hosted and produced by And Gloucester Dance Season 4 1:00 PM Scott Boyes. The show talks about all the V Munster 21:00 Dance India Jilla (2D/Tamil) – 4.30 & 10.30pm newest and exciting advancements in the 1 world of science and technology. Veeram (2D/Tamil) – 7.30pm LEGENDARY 7:00 – The show tells the story of a celebrity ARTISTS 8:00 PM artist that has reached unprecedented Mr Go (2D/Comedy) – 2.30pm fame. Throughout the episode the artists’ memorable performances/songs will be Justin & The Knights Valour (2D/Animation) played to put listeners in the mood. – 5.00pm MUSIC & Listen in the whole day as we offer a wide 08:00 Supertramps 07:50 You Have Been INFORMATION array of music from Pop, to Classical, 2 Reggae, Jazz, Funk, World/Ethnic and 10:00 Home Alone: Warned LANDMARK The Wolf of Wall Street (2D/Comedy) more! Also loads of information through The Holiday 08:40 Mythbusters QF Radio’s Factoid Series aside from our River Monsters – 7.00 & 10.15pm daily program offerings. Heist 11:10 11:30 Fly Away Home 12:00 River Monsters 388 Arletta Avenue (2D/Thriller) 13:30 Gnomeo & 12:50 Gold Rush - – 2.30 & 9.15pm Juliet Season 4 15:00 Marc Logan Specials Dedh Ishqiya (2D/Hindi) – 4.15pm 3 16:00 Beverly Hills 17:00 Destroyed In Out of The Furnace (2D/Crime) – 7.00pm 5:00 NEWSHOUR 0700 Football’s Greatest Chihuahua 3: Seconds 6:00 News Teams: Real Madrid Viva LA Fiesta! 20:20 Ultimate Mr Go (2D/Comedy) – 11.15pm 6:30 101 East 0730 English Premier 18:00 Home Alone: Survival The Holiday 21:10 Bear Grylls: Dedh Ishqiya (2D/Hindi) – 2.15pm 7:00 News League Preview 7:30 Talk To Al Jazeera 0800 English Premier Heist How To Stay Veeram (2D/Tamil) – 5.00pm 8:30 News League World 20:00 Jumanji Alive 1 9:00 Witness 1030 English Premier 22:00 American Digger Jilla (2D/Tamil) – 8.00 & 11.00pm 12:30 Counting the Cost League Match Pack 13:00 NEWSHOUR 1130 English Premier Mr Go (2D/Comedy) – 2.30pm 14:00 News League World Justin & The Knights Valour (2D/Animation) 14:30 Inside Story 1200 The Global Game 15:00 28Up South Africa 1300 English Premier – 5.00pm 04:00 New Year’s Eve- 8:40 Mythbusters ROYAL 2 16:00 NEWSHOUR League Match Pack 06:00 Hey Arnold! The 11:10 River Monsters The Wolf of Wall Street (2D/Comedy) 17:00 News 1330 English Premier Movie 12:00 River Monsters – 7.00 & 10.15pm 17:30 Africa on the Move League Preview 10:00 Celtic Pride-PG 15:20 Gold Rush - PLAZA 18:00 NEWSHOUR 1500 English Premier 12:00 New Year’s Eve- Season 4 388 Arletta Avenue (2D/Thriller) 19:00 News League World: Hull 14:00 Who Framed Specials – 3.00 & 11.30pm 19:30 People & Power City V Chelsea And Roger Rabbit- 17:00 Destroyed In 20:00 News Tottenham Hotspur 16:00 Celtic Pride-PG Seconds Frozen (3D/Animation) – 5.00pm 20:30 Inside Syria V Crystal Palace 18:00 A Heartbeat 18:15 Destroyed In 21:00 NEWSHOUR And Manchester 3 Out of The Furnace (2D/Crime) – 7.00pm Away Seconds 22:00 News United V Swansea 20:00 What’s Your 18:40 Dynamo: Mr Go (2D/Comedy) – 9.00pm 22:30 Listening Post 2300 English Premier Number?-PG15 Magician 23:00 Al Jazeera World League: Everton 22:00 Anchorman Impossible

HYPER C RSO S W O RD

12345 678910111213 DOWN 28 Radius neighbor 1 Simpson of the 29 Earth 14 15 16 Simpson-Bowles 30 “Wheel of commission Fortune” 17 18 19 2 Adroit category 3 Like ballerinas 34 List shortener: 20 21 22 23 4 Motel machine Abbr. sign 36 Former U.S. territory 24 25 26 27 5 Singer Streisand 6 “Love ___ the 37 Break into, as a computer 28 29 30 31 air” 7 Someone who’s 38 New Haven school 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 “in the kitchen” in “I’ve Been 40 Ghostly figures Working on the 41 Hors d’___ 39 40 41 42 Yesterday’s answer Railroad” 44 “Have mercy!,” 8 Easy-to-multiply e.g. 43 44 45 46 How to play Hyper Sudoku: number 46 Earth Day prefix A Hyper Sudoku Puzzle is solved by filling the numbers from 1 to 9 into the blank cells. A Hyper 9 Skin-care brand 48 Tennis’s Edberg Sudoku has unlike Sudoku 13 regions (four regions overlap with the nine standard regions). In all 47 48 49 50 10 “They All 50 Cry in a forest regions the numbers from 1 to 9 can appear only once. Otherwise, a Hyper Sudoku is solved like Laughed” 51 Snaps up a normal Sudoku. 51 52 53 54 55 composer 52 Maverick 11 ___ jacket 56 57 58 59 60 61 53 Words of How to play Kakuro: 12 Camel’s rest passing The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any stop 62 63 64 65 interest? size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells 13 Montana mining 54 Compañero like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, city some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some 58 Served a ball 66 67 68 18 Locale for some cells will contain two numbers. past brief R&R However, in a crossword the numbers reference 60 Nitric ___ 69 70 71 23 France’s clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! 61 Vintage Jags They denote the total of the digits in the row or ___ d’Avignon 64 Frizzy do, column referenced by the number. 25 It’s above Alta. ACROSS 40 Repeated “Wayne’s World” cry … informally Within each and Sask. 1 Wing it or a hint to each half of 17-, 26-, 65 Peggy of “Lady collection of cells 27 Comic who 51- and 63-Across and the Tramp” - called a run - any 6 It may dangle from a dog collar sang “I Love to 42 Letters on a motel sign of the numbers 1 11 San Francisco’s ___ Hill Laugh” in “Mary to 9 may be used 14 Pioneer in 35mm cameras 43 First Hebrew letter Poppins” but, like sudoku, 15 Food strainer 45 Oxy 10 target each number may MICAH SAGS FLOE 46 Env. within an env., perhaps only be used once. 16 It flows in the Seine 17 Kind of mint 47 Highland girl IMAGE ARRS RIMS Yesterday’s 19 Electee of ’48 49 Baked dessert with a little crunch SEMINOLE INDI ANS answer 20 Indeterminate ordinal 51 Traditional Chinese beverage S T E T MAAM E ER I E 21 Eric who played the villain in 55 Instrument played with a bow AHEM ACAN 2009’s “Star Trek” 56 “I can ___” STATENI SLANDER 22 Lively wit 57 Old schoolmistress SINEW IDS SCAM Baby Blues By Jerry Scott and Rick Kirkman 24 “Just you wait, ___ ’iggins …” 59 Unyielding Dr. Seuss character 26 Chicken coop TRA S IUNI TS ONA 62 “Honest” prez 28 It’s known as the Ship With the SEMI GPA ASLAN 63 Multiple-company building, to Mighty Stinger Brits SECRET IDENT I TY 31 Heading for half of crossword 66 Implore ECRU I LSA clues 67 One of the Simpsons 32 Plunder USURP R I GA RVER 68 “___ Meenie” (2010 hit) 33 “So that’s done!” SPLITINFINITIVE 35 How mosquitoes can leave you 69 Done with a wink PENN LEFT RULES 39 Game with matchsticks 70 Hair net SWAK EDY S S P ENT 71 Oboes and saxes ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE JANUARY 11, 2014 ON SATURDAY 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Morning Break

PRAYER TIME Santa Winter Games

Fajr (Dawn) 5:00 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:21 Zuhr (Noon) 11:42 Asr (Afternoon) 2:42 Maghrib (Sunset) 5:03 Isha (Night) 6:33

WEATHER

Today Sunday Weather Monday Conditions: Rain Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Cloudy to partly cloudy High: 21° High: 19° High: 19° with scattered Low: 15° Low: 13° Low: 12° rain to thundery rain.

DOHA - SUN & SEA

SUN TIDE SEA

SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 06:21 17:03 02:45 & 11:45 09:00 & 19:15 12-20/22 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER

MUSCAT 23/17 Partly cloudy 23/16 Partly cloudy Santas parade towards the Norwegian Parliament building to promote the upcoming Santa Winter Games in Oslo yesterday. The Norwegian Santa KUWAIT 18/11 Chance of rain 19/09 Partly cloudy will host this year’s Games, an event that gathers Santas from all over the world. BAHRAIN 19/14 Chance of rain 17/14 Clear SANAA 23/08 Partly cloudy 22/06 Chance of rain RIYADH 18/06 Partly cloudy 13/07 Clear DUBAI 23/17 Chance of rain 21/16 Chance of rain BAGHDAD 14/05 Chance of rain 14/05 Partly cloudy Americans are weather wimps THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW WASHINGTON: HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER The United Oklahoma. “This is why there the warmest since 1900: December somehow disproves climate change. States is getting fewer bitter cold was such a big buzz because people 3, 2012. And that pattern is exactly “When your hands are freez- ATHENS 17/10 Partly cloudy 17/11 Partly cloudy spells like the one that gripped have such short memories.” what climate scientists have been ing off trying to scrape the ice off WASHINGTON 16/05 Chance of storm 10/01 Partly cloudy much of the nation this week. Said Jeff Masters, meteorol- saying for years, that the world your car, it can be all too tempting SYDNEY 27/18 Clear 26/15 Partly cloudy So when a deep freeze strikes, ogy director of the private firm will get more warm extremes and to say, ‘Where’s global warming scientists say, it seems more Weather Underground: “It’s fewer cold extremes. now? I could use a little of that!’ LONDON 08/02 Clear 11/07 Cloudy unprecedented than it really is. become a lot harder to get these Nine of 11 outside climate sci- But you know what? It’s not as PARIS 11/04 Partly cloudy 12/09 Mostly cloudy An analysis of the daily national extreme (cold) outbreaks in a entists and meteorologists who cold as it used to be anymore,” ISTANBUL 11/06 Partly cloudy 12/06 Partly cloudy winter temperature shows that planet that’s warming.” reviewed the data said it showed Texas Tech University climate MANILA 30/22 Scattered clouds 30/22 Mostly cloudy cold extremes have happened And Monday’s breathtaking that as the world warms from scientist Katharine Hayhoe said DHAKA 26/17 Clear 22/14 Mostly cloudy about once every four years since chill? It was merely the 55th cold- heat-trapping gas spewed by the in an email. DELHI 17/08 Clear 18/07 Partly cloudy 1900. Until recently. est day — averaged for the conti- burning of fossil fuels, winters The recent cold spell could ISLAMABAD 17/03 Clear 19/06 Partly cloudy When computer models esti- nental United States — since 1900. are becoming milder. The world also be related to a relatively new mated that the national average The coldest day for the Lower is getting more warm extremes theory that may prove a weather daily temperature for the Lower 48 since 1900 — as calculated by and fewer cold extremes, they said. wild card, said Rutgers University 48 states dropped to 17.9 degrees the computer models — was -11.1 “We expect to see a lengthening climate scientist Jennifer Francis. Fahrenheit (-7.8 degrees Celsius) C on Christmas Eve 1983. of time between cold air outbreaks Her theory, which has divided Scientists apologise to girl on Monday, it was the first deep The average daytime win- due to a warming climate, but 17 mainstream climate scientists, freeze of that magnitude in 17 ter temperature is about 0.5 C, years between outbreaks is prob- says that melting Arctic sea ice is years, according to Greg Carbin, according to Carbin’s database. ably partially due to an unusual changing polar weather, moving for failing to make a dragon warning meteorologist for the There have been far more unu- amount of natural variability,” or the jet stream and causing “more National Oceanic and Atmospheric sually warm winter days in the US luck, Masters said in an email. “I weirdness.” SYDNEY: Australia’s national “There are no dragons,” it said Administration. than unusually cold ones. expect we’ll go far fewer than 17 Ryan Maue, a meteorologist science agency has issued a rare in a blog reply posted on its web- That stretch — from January Since January 1, 2000, only two years before seeing the next cold with the private firm Weather apology to a seven-year-old girl site this week. 13, 1997 to Monday — is by far the days have ranked in the top 100 air outbreak of this intensity. Bell Analytics who is sceptical for not being able to make her “Over the past 87 odd years longest the US has gone without coldest: Monday and Tuesday. But And the scientists dismiss about blaming global warming a fire-breathing dragon, blam- we have not been able to create the national average plunging there have been 13 in the top 100 global warming skeptics who for weather extremes, dismisses ing a lack of research into the a dragon or dragon eggs,” it said, below 18 degrees (-7.7 C), accord- warmest winter days, including claim one or two cold days Francis’ theory and said he has mythical creatures. adding that its scientists had ing to a database of daytime concerns about the accuracy of The youngster, Sophie, wrote observed dragonflies and even winter temperatures starting in Carbin’s database. Maue has his to a “Lovely Scientist” at the measured the body temperatures January 1900. own daily US average temperature Commonwealth Scientific and of the lizard known as a mallee In the past 115 years, there have showing that Monday was colder Industrial Research Organisation dragon. been 58 days when the national than Carbin’s calculations. (CSIRO), politely asking whether “But our work has never ven- average temperature dropped Still, he acknowledged that they could make her a winged pet tured into dragons of the mythi- below -7.7 C. Carbin said those cold nationwide temperatures of her own. cal, fire breathing variety. And for occurrences often happen in “occurred with more regularity “I would call it Toothless if it this Australia, we are sorry.” periods that last several days so in the past.” was a girl and if it is a boy I would The CSIRO announced yester- it makes more sense to talk about Many climate scientists say name it Stuart,” she wrote in her day that, thanks to Sophie’s letter, cold outbreaks instead of cold Americans are weather weenies letter, promising to feed it raw “a dragon was born”. days. There have been 27 distinct who forgot what a truly cold win- fish and play with it when she “We couldn’t sit here and do cold snaps. ter is like. “I think that people’s wasn’t at school. nothing. After all, we promised Between 1970 and 1989, a dozen memory about climate is really Toothless is the name of a Sophie we would look into it,” they such events occurred, but there terrible,” Texas A&M University dragon befriended by a Viking explained in a new blog. were only two in the 1990s and climate scientist Andrew Dessler teenager in the How to Train “Toothless, 3D printed out of then none until Monday. wrote in an email. “So I think this Your Dragon series of children’s titanium, came into the world at “These types of events have cold event feels more extreme books. The pair also feature in a Lab 22, our additive manufactur- actually become more infrequent than it actually is because we’re popular film franchise. Stuart is ing facility in Melbourne.” than they were in the past,” said Ice floes fill the Hudson River as the New Jersey waterfront is seen during just not used to really cold winters her father’s name. The dragon, small enough to Carbin, who works at the Storm sunset on Thursday in New York City. anymore.” Sophie’s request prompted an be held by hand, is en route from Prediction Center in Norman, AP unusual apology from the 87-year- Melbourne to Sophie’s home in old institution, which admitted Brisbane, the CSIRO said. “we’ve missed something”. AFP Polar bear cub Building schools SpaceShipTwo in successful test flight LOS ANGELES: Virgin Composites, a subsidiary of landed the spaceship safely back takes first steps Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo, a six- Northrop Grumman Corp. on the runway, Virgin Galactic passenger, two-pilot spacecraft “She flew brilliantly,” Mackay said on Twitter. OTTAWA: Nearly a million aiming to make the world’s first said in a statement from Virgin Virgin Galactic, a US offshoot people watched online yesterday commercial suborbital space- Galactic after landing. of billionaire Richard Branson’s as a polar bear cub took its first flights later this year, conducted “To be behind the controls and London-based Virgin Group, is clumsy steps in Toronto Zoo. its third rocket-powered test fly it as the rocket ignited is some- selling rides on SpaceShipTwo for The cub is one of three males flight yesterday. thing I will never forget,” Mackay $250,000. So far, more than 650 born in captivity on November 9, With Virgin Galactic chief added. people have put down deposits or but the only one to survive. pilot David Mackay and co-pilot The spacecraft, which is hauled paid for rides. Branson and his Weighing less than 700 grams at Mark Stucky at the controls, into the air by a carrier jet and two children are expected to fly birth, the cub was admitted to the SpaceShipTwo soared to an alti- released, also has made 28 glide on the first passenger flight late zoo’s intensive care unit for round- tude 71,000 feet (21,640 metres) flights. It is modelled after the this year. the-clock observation. above ground — about twice as prize-winning SpaceShipOne The upcoming flights are A detailed account of the cub’s high as commercial jetliners, prototype, which made a trio of designed to reach altitudes of progress said he started purring Virgin Galactic said on Twitter. suborbital spaceflights in 2004 to more than 100km above Earth, with contentment within its first The 20-second rocket burn, clinch the $10m Ansari X Prize for high enough to see the curva- week, crawling soon after that, over California’s Mojave desert, the first privately funded human ture of the planet set against the and rolling over for the first time propelled the ship to 1.4 times spaceflights. blackness of space. Riders also at two weeks old. faster than the speed of sound, With SpaceShipTwo tucked will experience a few minutes of The cub is bit by bit becoming Pupils and volunteers help to build a 20-metre-long wall made of 500,000 the company said. between its twin hulls, Virgin weightlessness before the ship re- more active and mobile. Lego blocks at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels yesterday. The It was the third powered Galactic’s White Knight Two car- enters the atmosphere. The zoo is planning a contest in event takes place until today to support a UNICEF campaign, which test flight for SpaceShipTwo, rier jet took off from the Mojave SpaceShipTwo’s last rocket- February to choose a name for the promotes the construction of schools in developing countries. which was designed and built by Air and Space Port just after powered flight was in September. bear, which now weighs 4.4 kilos. Mojave, California-based Scaled dawn. An hour later, Mackay REUTERS AFP