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QFB’s alternative Proteas down asset classes deliver Lankans in solid returns dead rubber

TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 • 20 Jumada II 1437 • Volume 21 • Number 6750 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Emir receives PM meets European delegation phone call from Emir to open Morocco King

DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received yes- Dimdex at terday a telephone call from King Mohammed VI of Morocco. They discussed bilateral relations between the brotherly countries and means of enhanc- ing them, besides exchanging QNCC today views on issues of common con- cern, reports QNA.

yesterday by the Dimdex organis- Emir sends ing committee, Brig Dr (Eng) Thani More than 58 A Al Kuwari, Chairman of Dim- message to countries and dex, said: “Over 58 countries from around the world are participating Tunisia President 180 companies in the exhibition, and over 9,000 to participate in maritime, security and defence DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim industry-related visitors, in addi- bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday maritime expo. tion to 180 international and local a message to Tunisian President companies, among them 20 percent Mohamed Beji Caid Essebsi per- Qatari companies, showcasing the taining to bilateral relations, latest technologies to meet maritime reports QNA. By Sidi Mohamed security challenges”. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani met yesterday Qatar’s Foreign Minister The Peninsula Defence ministers from several with a delegation from the Qatari-European Friendship Association at the European Parliament, chaired H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- countries, including France and the by Ramona Manescu, the head of the Group, on a visit to Qatar. They reviewed cooperation between rahman Al Thani conveyed the UK, are going to attend the event, in Qatar and the European Parliament. message during a meeting with addition to 20 naval commanders Essebsi in Tunis. DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim and 10 Chiefs of Staff, he said. bin Hamad Al Thani will open the Qatar Armed Forces is expected 5th edition of the Doha Interna- to sign some deals on the sidelines tional Maritime Defence Exhibition of the exhibition. (Dimdex) at the Qatar National Eight warships from as many as University plans post-graduate interpretation course Convention Centre (QNCC) this seven countries arrived at the Doha morning. Port early yesterday to be part of the The three-day event, which lasts event. By Mohammed Osman tion, says an expert. Dr Amal Almalki, “We are in touch with the January last year by the State Cab- until Thursday is being organised by During a media trip which lasted The Peninsula Dean of the College of Humanities authority concerned at the Minis- inet that defines experts, including the Qatar Armed Forces. three hours at sea, reporters wit- and Social Science at Hamad bin try of Justice to make sure that the translators. The theme of this year’s The exhibition will cover an area nessed the reception of the first two Khalifa University (HBKU) said that law makes a difference between the conference being attended by over of 25,000 square metres, while the of these warships such as those from DOHA: The law which regulates the university has plans to introduce work of an interpreter and a transla- 200 participants is “Politics of Trans- previous edition of the expo covered Morocco, India and Pakistan. the work of translation needs to dif- a master’s programme in interpreta- tor,” said Dr Amal Almalki. lation: Representations and Power”. only 15,000 square metres. ferentiate between interpretation tion (simultaneous) in addition to the She was speaking about the At a press conference held → Continued on page 2 (simultaneous) and written transla- current two programmes. draft law which was approved in late → Continued on page 2

Qatar play China today

Qatar players practising on the eve of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against China in Xian yesterday. Unbeaten Qatar are looking to finish off their Group C engagements with an all record in the five-team group having won seven successive matches in the Group. → See also page 29

Saudi swaps prisoners with Yemen rebels

AFP It did not specify whether the UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh prisoners were combatants or Ahmed announced last week that the civilians. combatants have agreed to a cessa- RIYADH: Rebels who control the The swap follows another tion of hostilities from midnight on Yemeni capital Sana’a have released exchange of one Saudi soldier for April 10, followed by talks in Kuwait nine Saudis in exchange for 109 Yem- seven Yemenis earlier this month on April 18. Previous negotiations enis, the Riyadh-led coalition fighting amid tribal mediation that has helped have failed and earlier ceasefires them said yesterday, in the latest sign reduce violence along the Saudi- were not respected, but analysts say of tensions easing before peace talks. Yemeni border. a more conducive atmosphere pre- “Nine Saudi prisoners have been Efforts have been building to vails ahead of the new round of talks. recovered and 109 Yemenis who were bring an end to the devastating Andreas Krieg of the Department arrested in the military operations conflict in Yemen, a year after the of Defence Studies at King’s College zone” near the border have been Saudi-led coalition launched air London said the prisoner swap is “a handed over, the coalition said in a strikes against the Iran-backed Shia sign of Saudi goodwill” before the statement. Houthi rebels. Kuwait negotiations. 02 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 HOME

Foreign Minister Master’s programme in interpretation planned stresses Qatar’s

Continued from page 1 support The unfortunate events in Belgium last week and the closure of the air- Speaking to this daily on the side- port have made us both anxious and for Tunisia lines of the 7th Annual International adamant in having our panellists Translation Conference yesterday from Belgium join us. Our team has which kicked off at Qatar National worked closely on their travel logistics QNA Convention Centre (QNCC) and con- and I am very happy to say our col- tinues for two days, she said: “We have leagues from Belgium are here with a plan to introduce after two years a us today”. Three of five from Belgium DOHA: Foreign Minister H E master’s programme in interpretation were managed to join the conference Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrah- (simultaneous) due to its importance said Al Malki. man Al Thani yesterday stressed for society and its close relation to The conference brings local and Qatar’s backing to Tunisia in all security, safety and achieving justice”, international scholars, political com- economic and social challenges as patients in hospitals and people mentators, media personalities, and the latter is facing. facing trials in courts, for instance, the general public together to discuss The Foreign Minister also need their help. some of the most critical challenges expressed Qatar’s solidarity with One of the aims of the conference in the field. Tunisia in light of the increase in is to raise social awareness about the Keynote speakers included Dr terrorist attacks in Tunisia. importance of translation, its role in Henri Awaiss, Dean of the Faculty of He was speaking at a joint communication and society’s per- Languages of Saint Joseph University, press conference with his Tuni- ception about translators should be Beirut, Dr Joselia Neves, Associate sian counterpart Khemaies changed, Al Malki stressed. Professor at Hamad Bin Khalfia Uni- Jhinaoui. In her opening remarks, Al Malki versity, Dima Khatib, journalist, writer Sheikh Mohamed said his visit pointed out that “this translation con- and translator, and Sultan Sooud Al to Tunisia was to discuss bilateral ference, which started seven years Qassemi, a well-known columnist and relations and offer help to Tuni- ago as a small intellectual gathering, commentator on Arab affairs based in sia in its fight against terrorism. has become an yearly reference for the United Arab Emirates, previously He said he discussed with academics, media specialists and dip- listed in Arabian Business as one of Jhinaoui economic and social lomats, as well as the general public”. the World’s 100 Most Powerful Arabs affairs and the progress of Qatari This year’s theme has resonated in the “Thinkers” category. projects in the country. positively with the academic and pro- Al Qassemi said: “It’s been five He said his meeting with Jhi- fessional communities and has proven years since I had a small role in naoui was a good opportunity to yet again that the fields of translation translating some of the events that discuss the latest regional devel- and interpretation are interdiscipli- occurred during the Arab Spring. I’ve opments in Libya and Syria. nary and span any field that has a never been asked to speak about that On the Libyan crisis, Sheikh human component to it.” experience until now and it has really Dr Amal Al Malki (right), Dean, College of Humanities and Social Science, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, with Mohamed said all parties involved Asked why the theme of politics been a journey of self-discovery.” other panellists (from left) Dr Henri Awaiss, Dean, Faculty of Languages, Saint Joseph University, Beirut; Sultan in the country should work on was chosen for this year’s confer- “It is interesting to hear what Sooud Al Qassemi, Columnist and Commentator from the UAE; and Dr Joselia Neves, Associate Professor, reaching a political solution. ence, she said politics plays a major other professionals have to say HBKU, listen to Dima Khatib, Journalist, Writer and Translator, at the conference yesterday. On the Syrian crisis, he said role in this region which is in turmoil about the politics of translation and Pic: Salim / The Peninsula the political resolution to the cri- and facing refugees crisis, so poli- the translation of politics. Doha is a sis should come in the context of tics should not hinder cultural and great place to hold this conference, international resolutions. intellectual dialogue between dif- with participants from around the submitted. are also being offered in an effort to world to Qatar as HBKU continues to Jhinaoui said the meeting ferent nations and translation is one world, including countries with var- Day two of the conference will emphasize the crucial link between evolve and expand, guided by an aim also discussed Tunisia’s prior- of the major means to bolster such ied political systems such as China, explore topics such as translat- theory and practice with Dr. Mah- to offer academic programmes that ities of tackling unemployment dialogues. and Iran, and many of the Arab states, ing the religious, ethical questions moud Al Batal, Professor of Arabic at serve local and regional needs. and enhancing development. The conference is organized able to discuss this issue and speak that emerge when covering political the University of Texas, Austin and Shaima Ziara, a student enrolled The Tunisian Foreign Minis- by Hamad bin Khalifa University’s about their experiences translating issues, and the linguistic perspective co-author of the well-known Arabic in HBKU’s Master’s of Arts in Transla- ter hoped that Qatar continues College of Humanities and Social major political events.” on political translation. textbook series Al-Kitaab, leading a tion Studies programme, commented: its backing to Tunisia on the eco- Sciences (CHSS). The event’s key- The first day of the conference It will also feature a closing ses- session on The Teaching of Writing in “The Seventh Annual Translation nomic and social fronts. note addresses, panels and workshops continued with attendees engaging sion with keynote speakers and Arabic: Process, Product, and Assess- Conference is a great opportunity He expressed his agreement highlighted the crucial role trans- in simultaneous panel discussions, special guests, including Dr. Ahmed ment this year. for the students of the College of with Sheikh Mohamed on the lation plays in an increasingly covering topics such as the politics Albanyan, Dean of the Institute of The impressive line-up of speak- Humanities and Social Science to be need for a political resolution to globalized world as a powerful instru- of gender in translation, interpreting Translation and Arabisation (TAI) ers at the 2016 conference, as well as exposed to a professional academic the crisis in Libya. ment often used to shape a narrative, conflicts, and literary representations at the Imam Muhammad ibn Saud its popularity among the community environment and explore the dif- On the Palestinian issue, Jhi- the portrayal of an event, or a cur- of power. Speakers from Qatar, Egypt, Islamic University in Saudi Arabia, in Qatar, makes evident the growth ferent approaches and conditions of naoui stressed the importance rent situation. Spain, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Dr. Huda Moukannas, Professor at the and development of the annual event. translation. The conference offers of joint Arab work to achieve Al Malki commented on the China, Iran, Turkey, Belgium, Switzer- Lebanese American University, and In its seventh year, the conference has students such as myself the oppor- the aspirations of the Palestin- importance of the field of transla- land, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Algeria, Dr. Hannelore Lee-Jahnke, professor become the preferred Gulf-based tunity to learn from experts working ian people. tion and interpretation in her opening Canada and the United States partici- from the University of Geneva - shar- platform for discussions in the field in various fields through the differ- remarks. She noted: “Politics has pated, with the conference organizers ing reflections and major takeaways of translation and interpretation, ent panels and workshops that cover played a role in this year’s conference. selecting 32 abstracts from over 100 from the event. A series of workshops drawing individuals from around the a wide range of topics,” Ziara said. Qatar slams Lahore bombing

Naval commanders’ DOHA: Qatar has strongly con- demned the terrorist bomb attack which rocked a crowded park in conference tomorrow Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore on Sunday, leaving scores dead and injured. The Foreign Ministry said in a Continued from page 1 maritime awareness and technology, statement that such criminal acts naval aviation and more. that target innocent lives do not Actually, 20 warships were On the sidelines of the exhibition, represent Islam or its principles of expected to take part in the event but a conference of naval commanders tolerance and moderate. due to the fact that many had other will be held tomorrow to discusses The ministry reaffirmed engagements from before they did regional challenges and Marine Qatar’s solidarity with the gov- Brigadier Dr (Engineer) Thani A Rahman Al Kuwari, Chairman, DIMDEX 2016, addressing the media and not arrive, according to the organis- Environment. ernment and people of friendly ing committee. The DIMDEX is considered the (Right) two of the warships taking part in the event. Pakistan and extended condo- The exhibition covers a wide largest specialised naval defence and lences to the government, people range of maritime defence sectors maritime security exhibition in the Country pavilions at the exhibi- Pakistan, besides Qatar, Spain, Swe- be exhibiting their products and serv- and the families of the victims, including anti-piracy diving and Middle East and North Africa (Mena) tion will include those from Australia, den, Turkey, the UK and the US. ices at the exhibition are from Turkey wishing the injured a quick underwater operations and vehicles, region, and held every two years. Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Most of the companies that will and France, said Brigadier Al Kuwari. recovery. Advisory Council WISH holds academy for emerging patient safety leaders committee reviews The Peninsula online businesses DOHA: The World Innovation Summit for QNA of its previous session. Health (WISH), a global initiative of Qatar It discussed the report of Foundation (QF), has concluded the first the Financial and Economic edition of its global Academy for Emerg- Affairs Committee on a draft ing Leaders in Patient Safety. DOHA: The Advisory Coun- law amending some provi- According to World Health Organi- cil’s Financial and Economic sions of Law No. 8 for 2002 sation, one in 10 people may be harmed Affairs Committee yesterday on regulating work of com- while receiving hospital care. held its first meeting of the mercial agents and decided The programme, in partnership with council’s 44th regular session to submit recommendations Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), under Rapporteur Moham- to the Cabinet. aimed to provide comprehensive training med Ajaj Al Kubaisi. Al Khulaifi held a separate for faculty and students in the healthcare The committee com- meeting with members of the industry to promote the delivery of safe pleted a debate on a request Qatari-European Friendship and high-quality patient care. by members on doing busi- Association at the European Nearly 100 Qatar-based faculty and WISH staff with the medical faculty who attended the Academy for Emerging Leaders in Patient Safety. ness and selling via electronic Parliament and discussed health science students took part, includ- sites in Qatar and decided to parliamentary relations with ing participants from Hamad Medical submit a report to the council. the European Parliament and Corporation (HMC), Sidra Medical and The council also held means of developing them. Research Centre, WCM- Q, Qatar Univer- levels to policymakers around the world. The programme trained faculty on with specific tools and strategies that weekly meeting, chaired The council’s Deputy sity, College of the North Atlantic Qatar However, change doesn’t come from how to effectively teach students best can be used to reduce harm to patients by Speaker Mohammed bin Speaker Issa bin Rabia Al (CNA-Q), and University of Calgary in above, it also comes from below. We have practices on patient safety. Participants through interactive and hands-on Mubarak Al Khulaifi. Kuwari, Al Khayareen and Qatar (UCQ). trained young leaders who will take the were taught about the importance of exercises. Secretary-General Fahad Qatari Ambassador to Bel- The training took place in two phases initiative forward. Dozens of projects encouraging students to pursue open, They heard from patient safety advo- bin Mubarak Al Khayareen gium and Head of the Qatari — one for the faculty and the other for will come out of this training. The faculty honest and effective communication cates who had lost loved ones due to read out the agenda which Mission to the European students. and student learners will never forget with patients, and each other, to reduce medical error, and shared lessons with was agreed upon and the Union Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Egbert Schillings, CEO, WISH, said, this experience and it will result in real medical error. contemporaries from other disciplines to council endorsed the minutes Al Thani were present. “We pitch our research at the highest impact in Qatar and beyond.” The second phase equipped students encourage future collaboration. HOME TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 03 HMC honours diploma graduates GU-Q to host 2 lectures on challenges facing Shariah

38 students complete The Peninsula tomorrow by Dr. Ahmad, in which specialised diploma he will map the development and programmes in evolution of Islamic law in modern nation state systems. clinical audiology, DOHA: Georgetown University in Most evaluations of modern clinical optometry Qatar (GU-Q) will host a public lec- Islamic law take an idealistic per- ture on the challenges facing Shariah spective, leaving us without any and auditory verbal today from 6 pm to 7pm. good description of how an uneven therapy. Dr Ahmad Atif Ahmad, Profes- presence of Islamic law in today’s sor of Religious Studies at University world can be approached. of California in Santa Barbara, will It also tends to underestimate the deliver the lecture. impact of pre-modern governments The Peninsula Increasingly, scholars have in Muslim societies and the multi- engaged in intense debate on the ple changes the Shariah underwent future of Shariah. and its geographic diversity before However, this is not an entirely modernity. DOHA: Hamad Medical Corpora- new debate as it can be traced to the This lecture will take a realistic tion (HMC) honoured 38 students 11th century, where scholars first approach that looks at the possibil- who completed specialised diploma defined the Shariah as being owned ities and tensions of Islamic law in programmes in clinical audiology, by traditionally trained jurists, and the modern world. clinical optometry and auditory ver- The graduates in a celebratory mood, with some doing the decades-old tradition of throwing their caps argued that the ‘death’ of the legal Dr Ahmad previously served bal therapy. up in the air. scholars marks the fatigue of the as Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Chair of HMC held a ceremony at Hajar Shariah. MidEast Studies at College of William Auditorium to honour the graduates In his lecture, Dr Ahmad will and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, from its three programmes developed capacity to deliver the highest diploma in clinical audiology; 14 in Medicine, conveyed greetings to the map the classical contours of the and Associate Director, University in collaboration with the Canada- standards of hearing healthcare in auditory verbal therapy and nine in audience via a video clip. This is an debate as they unfolded in juris- of California Washington Centre in based University of Toronto. Qatar,” said Dr Khalid Abdul Hadi, clinical optometry, comprising staff amazing, remarkable achievement prudential and theological centuries Washington, DC. The initiative utilises the best Programme Director, and Head, Audi- from the Audiology and Balance Unit that demonstrates the innovative between the 11th and 13th centuries. He is the author of Pitfalls of minds from around the world to ology and Balance Centre, HMC, who and Ophthalmology Department and leadership of Dr Hadi in deliver- He will end by revisiting mod- Scholarship; The Fatigue of the provide evidence-based continuing spearheaded the Qatari-Canadian candidates from Qatar, the GCC and ing these educational activities for ern questions to see in what ways Shariah; and Islam, Modernity, Vio- education to healthcare professionals. initiative in 2009 to meet the increas- other Arab countries. the benefit of Qatar’s population,” the classical discussion can illumi- lence, and Everyday Life — all from “Our latest batch of graduates ing demand for specialised hearing Dr Arnold Noyek, Director, Inter- he said, adding the ongoing mission nate the modern discourse. Palgrave Macmillan & Structural demonstrates HMC’s continuing care in Qatar and the region. national Continuing Education, will contribute to the advancement of The university will host another Interrelations of Theory and Prac- commitment towards building local There were 15 graduates in the University of Toronto’s Faculty of healthcare in the Gulf and beyond.” public lecture on ‘Islamic law today’ tice in Islamic Law’ Qatar International Food Festival ends with a record 200,000 visitors

The Peninsula Qatar, which “QTA will continue to as Dinner in the Sky by Qatar Air- board its signature Dinner in the Sky QIFF continues. This year’s new sat- entertainment we are renowned for build on with our partners in future ways (QA), QIFF Live Cooking experience. ellite festivities were a great success the world over, for everyone to enjoy editions. Festivals are an impor- Theatre, High Tea by the Bay, Ins- A stellar line-up of the world’s most and delighted the local commu- in Qatar.” tant part of our strategy to diversify taMarket, Health Court, Dinner on a celebrated chefs made their cooking nity and tourists and visitors who In line with its theme ‘A differ- DOHA: An estimated 200,000 Qatar’s tourism offering and we Dhow and BBQ on the Bay. debut at QA Cooking Theatre. experienced Doha’s finest food and ent side of food’, the festival placed people visited the seventh Qatar are proud of the success QIFF has “This year was the first time Salam Al Shawa, Senior Vice- fun entertainment. As the country’s emphasis on healthy-eating, espe- International Food Festival (QIFF) achieved as a homegrown event that we expanded the festival to multi- President, Marketing and Corporate national airline, QA is proud to support cially as a means of preventing chronic which ended yesterday. is now eagerly anticipated by peo- ple locations. While the expansions Communications, QA, said: “We are such a world-class event, delivering illnesses and life-threatening heart The record turnout was based on ple in Qatar and visitors from across were limited, we were able to create delighted to see that the popularity of the award-winning hospitality and conditions. daily visitor counts at the three ven- the region a city-wide celebration of all things ues — Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) “The seventh edition of QIFF was food,” said Mashal Shahbik, Director, Park , Katara and the Pearl-Qatar. the perfect platform to showcase our Festivals and Tourism Events, QTA. The week-long event, expanded country-wide five-star culinary and “In the planning process, we to three locations, was billed the larg- hospitality offerings, giving visitors had asked members of the commu- est and most popular yet in terms of a taste of Qatar’s most authentic nity to share what they would like the number of visitors and participat- experiences.” to see in QIFF and that was a large ing chefs, including world-renowned QIFF 2016 was marked with part of its success. As we wrap up and Martha Stewart, George Calombaris new locations — the Pearl-Qatar look forward to the 2017 edition, we of Master Chef Australia and Salma and Katara Cultural Village — con- encourage residents and visitors to Soliman of Fatafeat TV. nected with the main venue at MIA share feedback through QIFF’s social According to Rashed Al Qurese, Park with water taxis that proved media pages,” added Shahbik. Chief Marketing and Promotion highly popular. QA, co-host of QIFF, welcomed Officer, Qatar Tourism Authority The Qatar-China 2016 Year of guests to its premium lounge to (QTA), this year’s QIFF has set a new Culture was celebrated with a court, enjoy A Taste of Business Class and standard for festivals and events in along with signature activities such its award-winning hospitality on

A display of fireworks marks the conclusion of the seventh edition of the festival. 350kg of expired foodstuff found in secret warehouse in restaurant

The Peninsula The manager of the restaurant violation of provisions of the health was considered in charge of the law.

DOHA: Inspectors from the Health Control Section of Doha Municipal- ity found 350kg of expired foodstuff, hidden in a secret warehouse inside a restaurant in The Pearl-Qatar area. The items were stored in a hid- den place difficult to access within the restaurant and were being used in the preparation of meals and drinks for customers. The seized items included fla- vourings, concentrates, juices, salad dressings, meat dressings, mix of blue cheese sauce, among others. Immediately after detecting the violation, inspectors transferred the case to security authorities for legal Doha Municipality inspectors checking some of the items. action. 04 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 HOME

Qatar Career Fair holds second training workshop for counsellors

The Peninsula vocational guidance, effective ways through educational and personal to research for universities, measur- development opportunities, ing the success of career counsellors, “QCF is enabling them to become and how to effectively organise productive members of Qatari DOHA: Qatar Career Fair (QCF) has university tours, among other top- society. concluded its second Career Coun- ics. They outlined the process and “I would like to thank the minis- sellors Training Workshop. advantages of pursuing higher edu- try and the US embassy for their role The week-long event at Edu- cation in the US. and cooperation in organising this Officials at the honouring ceremony. cation City Club House brought “I found the counsellors who successful event, which aims to pro- together more than 40 counsellors were part of the workshop to be vide training to career counsellors from public and private schools in eager to learn about educational and bolster their skills. I hope that the country. opportunities worldwide and this fruitful cooperation continues QCF, a member of Qatar Foun- provide their students with best in the future,” he added. Kahramaa honours several dation for Education, Science and guidance towards success,” said Mona Mohamed Al Kuwari, Community Development (QF), McCoy. Director of the centre, said: “I would hosted the workshop in collabora- “Qatar provides students with like to thank Qatar Career Fair and tion with the Training and Education plenty of opportunities, and by sup- the US embassy for their efforts in entities for energy audits Development Centre of the Ministry porting counsellors and providing organising the workshop, which pro- of Education and Higher Education, them with the right information and vided academic counsellors with and the US embassy. knowledge, we are able to help them the knowledge needed to guide our Kahramaa. Several senior function- Recommendations based on fur- Through the five-day workshop, work better with their students.” students towards applying to uni- Energy flow audits aries from the participating firms nished audit reports were classified conducted by Margo McCoy, a US Abdullah Al Mansoori, Direc- versities that suit their potential and were present, along with Engineer into three types: High cost/Medium licensed Professional Counsellor, tor, Qatar Career Fair, said: “The capabilities, as well as the market were carried out on Hashim Al Sada, Head of Conserva- cost and Low to no cost measures. the counsellors received training in workshop supported QF and QCF’s needs of Qatar. their premises to tion Technology at the department. The payback period of these how best to guide young students to strategic objective to help young We value our training partner- The participating entities were measures are less than two years, make informed academic and career Qataris choose the appropriate aca- ship with Qatar Career Fair and identify opportunities also provided with detailed audit in the medium cost measures, the decisions and submit successful uni- demic and career path. the US embassy and look forward to reduce use and reports which contained analyses payback period of the measure are versity applications. “By unlocking human poten- to developing our cooperation,” Al of the energy use of the buildings between two and five years and the The workshop discussed tial and investing in Qatar’s youth Kuwari added. save electricity and energy conservation measures and invest grade measure where the pay- water. their cost and benefits. back period of the measures are more The department conducted thor- than five years. ough energy audits in various types Tarsheed appreciated the meas- of buildings by an expert team. ures taken by the organisations for The Peninsula In the government buildings’ the smooth conduct of the study. The category, Kahramaa’s Main Tower, study will help them conserve energy Ashghal Tower 2 and the main build- and water on their premises. ing of the Ministry of Endowments As per the recommendations, the DOHA: Utility distributor Kah- and Islamic Affairs were audited in common best practices in operation ramaa (Qatar General Electricity and addition to five mosques. and maintenance are implementing Water Corporation) honoured sev- In the commercial category, energy monitoring and management eral organisations for contribution Safwa Building (Barwa Commercial system, setting higher tempera- to energy audits on their premises. Avenue), Al Faisal Tower and Doha tures for air-conditioners (above 25 The audits were carried out of Bank were audited and the Commer- degrees C) during non-occupancy energy flows on their premises to cial retails building category included hours, reducing the lighting level identify opportunities to reduce Lulu Hypermarket, Safari and Fam- during non-occupied hours, reducing use and save energy (electricity and ily Food Centre. the speed of ventilation and extract water). The move was part of Kah- Five schools were also audited fans during non-occupied hours and ramaa’s National Programme for — Abu Obaida Independent Prepar- installing water saving aerators. Conservation and Energy Efficiency atory School for Boys, Al Gharraffa; Tarsheed was launched in 2012 (Tarsheed), an official statement said Ibn Khaldoon Preparatory Inde- under the patronage of Emir H H yesterday. pendent School for boys, Al Rayyan; Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The felicitation was held yester- Hamad Bin Abdullah Bin Jassim Sec- It aims to reduce per capita water day at Kahramaa’s Awareness Park. ondary Independent School for Boys, and electricity consumption by 35 The audited organisations were Bani Hajer; Khalifa Independent Sec- percent and 20 percent, respectively, honoured with Certificates of Appre- ondary School for Boys, Madinat by 2017 and preserve the drop until ciations by Engineer Abdul Azeez Al Khalifa South; and Nasser Bin Abdul- 2020 within the expected increase Hammadi, Manager, Conservation lah Secondary School for Boys in Al in population and demand, the state- Qatar Career Fair officials with counsellors at the event. and Energy Efficiency Department, Kharatiyat. ment added. AAB holds anti-counterfeit spare parts awareness programme

DOHA: The Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Imitation products of all key items have company has warned. Trouble’ at its Central Parts Department Co. (AAB) management has advised all Toy- hit the global market such as Toyota parts, AAB, the sole agent for Toyota and in the Industrial Area yesterday. ota customers to visit Toyota service centres oil and air filters, spark plug, belts, brake Lexus vehicles in Qatar, held an anti-coun- Consumers who value security and and authorised dealers in Qatar for quality pads and others, and chances of these terfeit spare parts awareness programme safety of their vehicles and passengers service and genuine parts. parallel imports to Qatar is possible, the under the theme ‘One Little Mistake, Big should not compromise on this and should

The Toyota and Lexus anti-counterfeit spare parts awareness programme in progress in the Industrial Area Street 5.

only use genuine parts, it through such shops are advised. Toyota genuine parts. The programme AAB appreciates the highlighted that fake positive role played by parts are dangerous and the Consumer Protection put lives at risk and that Department for its fre- some outlets in Qatar quent inspection to raid are illegally using Toyota outlets dealing in coun- genuine parts logo with- terfeit parts. out Abdullah Abdulghani AAB plans to conduct & Bros Co. logo mark are educational programmes not the authorised agents as part of continuous appointed by AAB. awareness among Toy- The programme ota and Lexus customers. aimed to educate and Established in 1958 promote Toyota and Lexus as part of Qatar’s infra- customers to use genuine structure development, parts for their vehicles. AAB has grown to be one Toyota genuine parts of the country’s leading are designed with high- automobile companies est standards to all its with operations spanning processes to keep Toy- heavy equipment, pre- ota car running for years. owned vehicles, rental Toyota never compro- and leasing. It always mises on quality and is strives to live up to its constantly focuses on tradition as a socially product improvement. responsible corporation Each product guarantees supporting important hassle-free driving and activities in the country, comes with peace-of- especially aimed at the mind. The company does well-being of the people not certify that parts sold and the nation. HOME TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 05

Qatar’s national mechanisms QC honours competition winners to protect and promote human rights highlighted

‘Toys Talk’, while the second prize went to Reem Amin Al QNA ‘The Young Writer’ Yaf’i for her story ‘Rapture after contest in Arabic Distress’. Addana Hussein Al Hashimi involved female won the third place for her story DOHA: Dr Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri, Chairman, National students of primary ‘Girl and Hijab’. Human Rights Committee, yesterday outlined NHRC’s and preparatory In the preparatory school role locally and regionally during a lecture for Qatar level, Merriam Yehia won the Leadership Centre students. school levels in first prize for her story Jasmine Giving a detailed explanation on the concept of Al Wakrah and and the Unfair King’; Hamas human rights, he said national human rights institu- Mohammed Mahran won the tions are established by governments to promote and Mesaieed. second place for her ‘Sally and protect human rights at the national level. the Big Forest’; and Nour Mustafa He said the establishment of these institutions is Khattab for her ‘My Hijab is My through legislation or inclusion into the constitution Happiness’. of the state. He also touched on the responsibilities The Peninsula The winners of the first three of national human rights institutions and said they prizes received cash prizes of include submitting proposals and recommendations QR2,000, QR1,500 and QR1,000, to governments on humanitarian issues, promotion of respectively. human rights education, related research, planning pro- DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) has In his speech, Ali Al Gharib, grammes and awareness campaigns, among others. honoured winners of its “The Director of Programmes and With regard to NHRC, Dr Al Marri said Qatar devel- Young Writer” competition at a Centres Administration at QC, oped a system of national mechanisms for the protection ceremony held at the Al Wakrah announced that Al Sharq news- and promotion of human rights, the most important of Municipality Building. paper and QC Magazine will which is NHRC, promulgated through Decree Law No. Launched last February on publish the winning entries. 38 of 2002 as a national institution for the promotion the occasion of the Mother Lan- “QC will continue to support Youngsters taking part in the event. and protection of human rights in Qatar and in light guage International Day by QC the winners through offering of the Paris Principles. He said NHRC is neither a gov- Community Development Centre them creative writing courses ernmental entity nor a civil society institution, It is a in Al Wakrah, ‘The Young Writer’ and workshops. Our main pur- Hammadi, journalists”. the first three prizes. Addana Al Nour Mustafa said, “I was national official committee of a special nature and can competition in Arabic involved pose is to improve their skills so Jassim Fakhru, a jury mem- Hashimi, one of the winners, said hoping to win. I worked really neither be described as an administrative entity in its female students of both primary that they publish their own works ber, said that such competitions that she was thrilled to win and hard. Now I wish to have my narrow sense nor a decisionmaking body. and preparatory school levels in in the future. teach the students to expand their that she knew she was going to. first book published and that I NHRC is considered an advisory body concerned Al Wakrah and Mesaieed. “We thank Ibda’ Cultural horizons and thinking through “I aspire to become a writer and become a very famous writer in with human rights at the national level of authorities Many Qatari intellectuals and Centre, Al Wakrah Municipal- improving their writing skills. “I I hope my writings will be pub- the future.” and administrative entities in the state and on the other journalists, ambassadors from ity, the participating schools, enjoyed reading the stories. The lished in the newspapers one Hamas Muhran expressed hand, it receives and investigate complaints from indi- QC’s Social Network, students the trainers of the competi- girls mixed fantasy and myths day.” her happiness for winning and viduals or groups, he said. and parents attended. tion’s workshops (Julnar Fahim with life. It shows creativity and Reem Al Yaf’i said, “It is my that she wished luck for all the Dr Al Marri also discussed NHRC’s powers, including Jawaher Hamad Al Mana’i and Hassan As-Sa’i) and QC’s innovation,” he added. first time to participate in a writ- others who participated but did following up and enhancing the goals of international received the first prize for pri- Social Network’s ambassadors The winners expressed their ing contest. I definitely want to do not win. “Keep writing. It is not agreements on human rights. It can also recommend mary school level for her story Ahmed Abdullah and Asmaa Al deep happiness for receiving this again,” she said. over yet,” she encouraged them. to the state to join a particular human rights accord. NHRC can look into any reported violations to human rights in the country and report to authorised state entities. It can also recommend ways to prevent such violations, Dr Al Marri added. QU and Qatar Shell set up Faculty Internship Programme He said the committee receives complaints on human rights violation from individuals and organi- sations regardless of whether they were citizens, expats or tourists. NHRC also monitors elections in Qatar or anchor tenant at Qatar Science and Technology Park, and abroad, he said, adding there is cooperation between is playing a vital role in shaping the future of R&D in Qatar the committee and international and regional organi- through research and thought leadership. sations concerned with human rights.

Officials at the programme signing ceremony.

The Peninsula will evaluate various options to pre- of the Qatar National Vision 2030.” vent dust and silt from entering the QSRTC works closely with univer- Pearl GTL Cooling Water system and sities and schools to develop local find potential alternatives to the exist- Qatari talent and enhance technical DOHA: Qatar University (QU) and ing Cooling Water system chemical capabilities, and will be extending Qatar Shell Research and Technol- programme. the Faculty Internship Programme ogy Centre (QSRTC) have established Commenting on the programme, to Texas A&M at Qatar in the current a Faculty Internship Programme Dr. Mazen Hasna said: “The fac- academic year. enabling faculty members from the ulty internship provides a new and Dr Bilal Mansoor has been university to work at Qatar Shell unique opportunity for collabora- selected as the Texas A&M at Qatar for a period of three months where tion between our university and faculty representative and will be they will receive hands-on indus- QSRTC and reflects our determina- analysing the feasibility of a local try experience related to their field tion to work hand in hand with QSRTC oxygen service materials testing of expertise. to devise long term and sustainable facility. The air separation unit at The signing ceremony took place solutions for domestic challenges in Pearl GTL produces 30,000 metric at Qatar University and was attended the fields of energy and environment.” tonnes per day of oxygen, making it by Dr. Mazen Hasna, Vice President Youssif A. Saleh, Vice President the largest oxygen plant in the world. and Chief Academic Officer at QU, of Qatar Shell Research and Tech- Currently testing of oxygen service and Youssif A Saleh, Vice President nology Centre, Qatar Shell, stated: materials is conducted abroad but of QSRTC. “We are extremely proud to collab- Qatar Shell’s objective is to have a Following a tight selection proc- orate with Qatar University as part local test facility of international ess, Assistant Professor Dr. Ujjal of our commitment to enhancing standard and this would facilitate Ghosh was selected as the faculty local research capacity and deliv- research into an improved materi- representative from QU. Dr. Ghosh ering sustainable impact in support als for oxygen service. QSRTC is the

Pakistan Day marked

Pakistan Day was celebrated on March 23 by ‘Sohni Dharti’ AKC of Al Khor Community. Children of all age groups participated in the celebration with great enthusiasm. The new Sohni Dharti Executive Committee for 2016 - 2017 also took charge after the event.Pic: Abdul / The Peninsula 06 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 HOME Cadillac ATS models recalled Qatar and Georgia sign MoUs DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Mannai Trading Company, dealer of Cadillac vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Cadillac ATS models of 2013-2016 due to sunroof ‘tilt’ and ‘slide’ switches not being recessed properly The ministry said the recall is part of its efforts to protect consumers and ensure The two deals dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs. The ministry said it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on maintenance and cover veterinary repairs and communicate with customers to ensure repairs are carried out. health, livestock It urged customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti- Commercial Fraud Department through call centre: 16001; email: [email protected]; production and Twitter: @MEC_Qatar; Instagram: MEC_Qatar; and the ministry’s mobile app for Android economic, scientific and IOS: MEC_Qatar and technical cooperation in Arabic Debating Championship from April 10 agriculture. DOHA: The third International Schools Arabic Debating Championship organised by the QatarDebate Centre of Qatar Foundation will see 53 teams representing 50 Arab and other countries. QNA The championship held to spread the culture of debate and dialogue in the Arab World. It will held between April 10 and April 13. The contest targets those who follow QatarDebate on social media, and is set up using the league system where the winners will be selected depending on the number DOHA: Qatar and Georgia yester- Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi and Georgian of points they get, said, Abdulrahman Al Subaie, Educational Projects Specialist at day signed two memorandums of Minister of Agriculture Otar Danelia sign the MoUs in the presence of officials from both sides. QatarDebate speaking at a press conference. understanding (MoUs) in the fields The competition on social media will begin on April 2 and continue until April 12. of veterinary health, livestock pro- duction and economic, scientific field of agricultural investment and cooperation between the two sides animal feed production and leg- and technical cooperation in agri- livestock production so that GCC had existed in the field of import- islation issued in the area. Indian mission to host Open House culture. nations would benefit from it. ing live animals, pointing out The second MoU seeks to Minister of Municipality and The Georgian Minister that the signing of the MoUs will develop cooperation in the areas DOHA: The Indian embassy will hold an Open House on Thursday to address any urgent Environment H E Mohamed bin expressed pleasure over the sign- enhance investment opportunities of support and facilitation of consular and labour issues of Indians in Qatar, the mission said in statement yesterday. Abdullah Al Rumaihi and Geor- ing of the two MoUs in the fields in the field food security. imports and exports of food and The Open House will be held from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Written information on issues/ gian Minister of Agriculture Otar of agriculture and livestock to The first MoU seeks to agricultural products, animal cases proposed to be discussed may be given from 5.30pm to 6pm. This will be followed Danelia signed the MoUs in the encourage cooperation and exchange information on veteri- husbandry, animal and plant by meetings with officials from 6pm to 6.30pm. presence of officials from both exchange of experiences, informa- nary health and animal production production, food processing and sides. tion and technology in these areas activities and information through training of specialists in the field In a statement, Al Rumaihi for the benefit of the two friendly an early warning system on the of agriculture, activating cooper- expressed pleasure over the countries. epidemiological situation, coop- ation between scientific research signing of the MoUs and said the Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser Al eration in the field of animal centres and in the fields of vet- signing would open wide hori- Thani, Assistant Undersecretary production, artificial insemina- erinary and plant protection and zons of the great cooperation of Agricultural Affairs, Livestock tion development, experiences taking measures to combat dis- between the two countries in the and Fisheries at the ministry, said in the field of livestock research, eases, pests and weeds.

Officials and participants in Derby. QA and Rolls-Royce offer training for Qataris

The Peninsula learning opportunity for Qataris Nabeela Fakhri, QA’s Senior Vice to offer this programme enrolled in Al Darb Qatarisation pro- President Human Resources said: “At with our esteemed part- gramme to connect with and learn QA, we believe that continuing to ners at Rolls-Royce, as from experts at the leading aero- provide learning experiences to our it reinforces our goal of DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) and engine manufacturing company. employees will enable them to play a providing high quality Rolls-Royce, the airline’s strategic Chosen for their high perform- pivotal role in the future development professional development partner, have developed a new train- ance and as a token of appreciation of our organisation, as well-rounded, opportunities that benefit ing programme exclusively for Qatari for their long time service with the visionary leaders. our employees.” nationals. Under QA’s Al Darb Qatari- company, the selected delegates met “Our Al Darb Qatarisation pro- QA’s Al Darb Qatari- sation programme, nominated Qatari with specialists from Rolls-Royce gramme, part of QA National Talent sation programme is an delegates visited the Rolls-Royce over a five day induction programme Management, identifies the most tal- initiative that aims to facility in Derby, the UK, to attend that introduced them to a variety of ented Qatari individuals to join our develop young Qataris to the Rolls-Royce Business Manage- subjects crucial to executives in the team and empowers them with the become the leaders of the ment and Commercial Awareness aviation industry. These included knowledge required to contribute national carrier. Programme. corporate strategy, financial man- to the growth of their national car- Through initia- The annual business manage- agement, relationship management, rier and the rapidly transforming tives such as its summer ment programme, provides a unique and customer service management. aviation industry. We are pleased internship programme and Graduate Develop- ment programme, Al Darb provides students and graduates with real-life projects that add to their work experience and pre- pare them for a successful career in the airline. Al Darb includes nine pro- grammes and 36 majors, 13 of which were added recently. Tailormade pro- grammes are created for each participant, in order to support and develop Qatarisation. A Qatari word that means ‘The Pathway’, Al Darb high- lights the different paths that individuals can take with QA. MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 07 Syrian troops push forward after retaking Palmyra

around Al Qaryatain, and today the mili- But UN expert Annie Sartre-Fauriat said tary operations began there,” said a military she was “very doubtful” a speedy restora- United Nations not sure source in Palmyra. “That is the next goal for tion would be possible. The US-based Soufan speedy restoration of the Syrian army. They also have their eyes on Group said IS “suffered an undeniable loss”. Sukhnah” towards the northeast. The jihadist organisation has come under ancient city possible. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights growing pressure from Syrian and Iraqi forces said Sukhnah’s capture would bring govern- set on breaking apart its self-proclaimed ment forces to the gates of oil-rich Deir Ezzor “caliphate”. province, an IS bastion. It has been responsible for a spate of AFP IS overran Palmyra — a Unesco world her- deadly attacks abroad, most recently in Brus- itage site known as the “Pearl of the Desert” sels, where 35 people were killed last week. — in May 2015 and used its ancient theatre for “The past week exemplifies the future public killings as the world watched in horror. of the Islamic State: relentless internal set- DAMASCUS: Syrian forces strengthened their The extremist group blew up temples backs amid persistent external attacks,” said hold on Palmyra yesterday and pushed for- and tower tombs, as part of its campaign the Soufan Group. ward against the Islamic State group after against pre-Islamic monuments it considers Syria expert Thomas Pierret said the loss dealing it a major blow by retaking the ancient blasphemous. of Palmyra showed IS was “clearly weaker city. An AFP correspondent in Palmyra saw than in the past”. But he said he expected the The country’s antiquities chief said the the Temple of Bel and the Arch of Triumph group to “fight much harder” to maintain con- treasured monuments damaged by the jihad- in pieces on Sunday, with some large stones trol of its de facto capital of Raqa and Deir ists could be restored in five years, but a UN marred by spray-painted messages in sup- Ezzor to the east. expert cast doubt on the estimate. port of IS. “After all, Palmyra was a forward post.” Backed by Russia, pro-government fighters Yesterday, army sappers worked to defuse Long keen to portray his army as the van- overran Palmyra on Sunday morning in a vic- bombs and mines IS had planted before guard of the fight against the jihadists, Assad tory President Bashar Al Assad hailed as “fresh retreating. One soldier said more than 50 hailed Sunday’s victory in Palmyra as an proof of the efficiency of the Syrian army and bombs had been disarmed. “important achievement”. its allies in fighting terrorism”. A man takes a selfie with rebel fighters in front of a rainbow in the rebel-held area Antiquities chief Maamoun Abdulkarim Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose The United States welcomed the news, of Aleppo’s Salah Al Din neighbourhood in Syria yesterday. said with Unesco support, his department government provided air and ground support despite concerns over Assad’s brutal record. would need five years to restore the destroyed for the offensive, congratulated Damascus. “We do think that it’s a good thing that acronym for IS. “That said, we’re also mindful, Assad’s ability to tyrannise the Syrian people.” monuments, and that a preliminary assess- Experts say Russia’s role in Palmyra has Daesh no longer controls it,” State Department of course, that the best hope for Syria and the Yesterday, regime forces turned to nearby ment showed 80 percent of the site was “in left the West scrambling to figure out Putin’s spokesman John Kirby said, using an Arabic Syrian people is not an expansion of Bashar Al IS-held towns. “The army was concentrated good shape”. game plan. Militant clashes spill into Lebanon from Syria

Reuters of Nusra Front. The fighting began on Sunday Nusra Front, loyal to the successors of near the Syrian town of Jrajeer in the Qalamoun Osama bin Laden, and Islamic State are the mountains near the Syrian-Lebanese border, two most powerful forces fighting government BEIRUT: Fighting between Islamic State and the before spreading towards the Lebanese towns forces in Syria. Al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front spread from Syria of Ras Baalbek and Arsal, the source said. The groups have also fought each other since into Lebanon’s northern Bekaa Valley region Lebanon’s National News Agency reported a split in 2013, prompted largely by a power yesterday, killing combatants on both sides, a that Nusra Front had fought on Sunday to regain struggle between leaders. security source and the state news agency said. some positions it lost to Islamic State. In the Nusra Front and Islamic State fighters have Eighteen Nusra Front members were killed fighting it said 10 Nusra Front fighters and eight staged regular incursions into Arsal from the and six were taken prisoner during the clashes, Islamic State militants had died. barren hills just outside. and 14 Islamic State members were also killed, The border is not clearly demarcated in the They overran the town briefly in 2014 before the security source said. Islamic State said in mountainous region and fighting often spills withdrawing to the hills after clashes with the an online statement that it killed 17 members over into Lebanon. army.

Obama not likely to meet Erdogan

AFP

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama is not expected to hold sit-down talks with his Turkish coun- terpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan when he visits Washington later this week for a nuclear secu- rity summit, amid deep divisions between the two Nato nations. Several heads of state are set to attend the summit on Thursday and Friday, but Obama is only scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, an official said. The absence of a meeting with Erdogan in the thick of the fight against the Islamic State group is glaring. Turkey and the United States are nom- inally close allies, but tensions have been piqued by Ankara’s attacks on Kurdish militants, who are seen by Washington as the best bet for tackling the Islamic State group in Iraq and northern Syria. Turkey says the groups are linked to the outlawed Kurdis- tan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has fought a long battle for Kurdish independence. The White House has been outspoken in recent months about threats to free speech and democracy in Tur- key. Earlier this month, the White House called on the Turkish gov- ernment to respect democratic values. 08 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 MIDDLE EAST

UN chief in Tunisia Kuwait to deport Abadi urged to 60 Lebanese for Hezbollah links: name cabinet Newspaper in three days AFP KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait is to deport 60 Lebanese for alleged links to Hezbollah in the latest Gulf move against the Shia mili- umbrellas in heavy rain. They also tant group, a newspaper reported Failure to meet demonstrated in the southern city yesterday. deadline may trigger of Basra. All those to be deported had Sadr, who commands the loyalty permanent residency which has no-confidence of tens of thousands of supporters, been revoked, Al-Qabas daily motion against including Shia fighters who helped said. defend Baghdad against Sunni Those classified as “dangerous Iraq PM. Islamic State militants in 2014, has cases” were given just two days to re-emerged as a leader in matters of leave the country, it added. state in recent months. It is the second wave of depor- “If Abadi does not present his tations from Kuwait reported since Reuters new government by Thursday, then Gulf states blacklisted Hezbollah he will be questioned in Saturday’s as a “terrorist” group earlier this (parliamentary session),” said Sadr Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi (right) meets with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the month. bloc MP Yasir Al Husseini. Carthage Palace in Tunis yesterday. Last week, Al-Qabas reported BAGHDAD: Iraq’s parliament yes- “This will be the start of a that 11 Lebanese and three Iraqis terday gave Prime Minister Haider number of steps leading to a had been deported for alleged Al Abadi three days to present a new no-confidence vote.” links to the group. non-party cabinet to fight corruption Failing to deliver on long- Around 50,000 Lebanese live or potentially face a no-confidence promised anti-corruption measures and work in the country, provid- vote amid street protests piling on could weaken Abadi’s government. Iran vows to pursue missile plan ing remittances that are vital to the the pressure for action. Support in parliament for domestic economy. A flash on state television called withdrawing confidence from Abadi The terror blacklisting was Thursday the “final deadline” for did not appear unanimous yesterday. Reuters Washington had imposed sim- a July 2015 accord under which Iran the latest step taken by Gulf states Abadi, who said more than six weeks Abbas Al Bayati, an MP from ilar sanctions on 11 businesses and has restricted its disputed nuclear against Hezbollah, the leading ago that he would replace ministers Abadi’s ruling National Alliance individuals in January over a mis- programme and won relief from UN force in Lebanon’s governing bloc with technocrats unaffiliated with coalition, said lawmakers would sile test carried out by the IRGC in and Western financial sanctions in which is backed by Riyadh’s Shia political parties. want an explanation for any further DUBAI: Iran will pursue its develop- October 2015. “Even if they build a return. That agreement between Iran rival Tehran. Yet other politicians, including delay of reform steps but had not ment of ballistic missiles despite the wall around Iran, our missile pro- and six world powers was endorsed Last month, Saudi Arabia some within his own party, have agreed to pursue a no confidence US blacklisting more Iranian com- gramme will not stop,” Brigadier in Resolution 2231. halted a $3bn programme of mil- pushed back against a reshuffle, vote. panies linked to the programme, a General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, com- The Revolutionary Guards, itary aid to Lebanon to protest fearing it could weaken the political “Between now and Thursday is senior Revolutionary Guards com- mander of the IRGC’s aerospace arm, Iran’s elite fighting and security what it said was “the stranglehold patronage networks that have sufficient and if he cannot do it by mander said yesterday. was quoted as saying by Tasnim news force, maintains dozens of short of Hezbollah on the state”. sustained their wealth and influence then, he should come and clarify The Islamic Revolutionary agency. “They are trying to frighten and medium-range ballistic mis- It also urged its citizens to for more than a decade. why in order to convince the blocs Guards Corps (IRGC) test-fired sev- our officials with sanctions and inva- siles, the largest stock in the Middle leave Lebanon and avoid travel- Powerful Shia Muslim cleric and the street,” Bayati said. eral ballistic missiles this month, sion. This fear is our biggest threat.” East. It says the missiles are solely ling there. Moqtada Al Sadr on Sunday He said Abadi had composed drawing condemnation from Western US officials said Iran’s missile test for defensive use with conventional, United Arab Emirates has launched a personal sit-in inside a preliminary roster of candidates leaders who believe the tests violate would violate UN Security Council non-nuclear warheads. banned its nationals from travel- Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green for the new cabinet and coalition a United Nations resolution. Resolution 2231, which calls on Iran President Hassan Rowhani, a ling to Lebanon. Zone, which houses embassies and leaders were consulting with Sunni, The US Treasury Department not to conduct “any activity” related pragmatic conservative, said on Hezbollah is fighting in sup- government offices. Kurdish and other Shia politicians blacklisted on Thursday two Ira- to ballistic missiles capable of deliv- Sunday that boosting Iran’s defence port of the government of Syrian His supporters extended a week- “to create a balanced list that has nian companies, cutting them off ering nuclear weapons. capabilities is a “strategic policy” President Bashar Al Assad against old sit-in just outside the district’s the standards of professionalism from international finance over their However, Washington said that though Iran should take care not to Gulf-backed rebel fighters and gates, huddling in tents and under and technocratic experience”. connection to the missile programme. a fresh missile test would not violate provoke its enemies. extremist militants. Israel asks Egypt forces citizens to Erdogan warns diplomat over court selfie leave Turkey Reuters 32 judges into Reuters retirement ISTANBUL/ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan JERUSALEM: Israel urged its cit- warned a foreign diplomat yesterday over a “selfie” taken at the espi- izens visiting Turkey to leave “as onage trial of two journalists, after Britain’s consul-general tweeted AFP soon as possible” in an upgraded a photo of himself with one of the reporters. travel advisory yesterday predict- Erdogan has harshly criticised Western diplomats after several ing possible follow-up attacks to showed up on Friday to support Can Dundar, editor-in-chief of the CAIRO: Egypt’s Supreme Judicial Council yesterday the March 19 suicide bombing in Cumhuriyet newspaper, and his colleague Erdem Gul on the first day forced 32 judges into retirement for having opposed Istanbul blamed on Islamic State. of their trial in Istanbul. the army’s ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Mursi Three Israeli tourists and an The journalists are accused of trying to topple the government in 2013, officials said. Iranian were killed in the Istan- with the publication of a video purporting to show Turkey’s state intel- Mursi was deposed by then army chief and now bul attack, which prompted the ligence agency helping to ferry weapons into Syria by truck in 2014. President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, and since then the counter-terrorism bureau in The two face life imprisonment and their case has brought interna- authorities have cracked down on all forms of dis- Prime Minister Benjamin Netan- tional condemnation and raised concerns about freedom of the press sent, including secularists and liberals. yahu’s office to issue a generalised in Turkey. “The consul general of a certain country went to the trial “Today, the Supreme Judicial Council took a deci- “level 3” warning against travel to of a journalist charged with espionage, to support him. Moreover he sion to force 32 judges into retirement for intervening Turkey. gets a picture taken cheek to cheek (with the journalist) and had it in politics and supporting a certain party” after the A statement by the bureau published,” the state-run Anadolu agency quoted Erdogan as saying, ouster of Mursi, a senior official from the council said raised this to “level 2” yesterday, citing the text of a speech to Turkey’s War Academy. on condition of anonymity. signifying what it called a “high “And he does not stop at that, on social media he says things like Last week the council had taken similar action concrete threat” that Islamic State ‘Turkey needs to decide what kind of country it will be’, words that against 15 other judges for the same reason. or similar groups would attack exceed their intended meaning.” These judges have been suspended since March Turkish tourist attractions. It did Erdogan did not name the diplomat. British Consul General Leigh 2015 after a lower panel of the council ordered they be not elaborate on what prompted Turner on Friday posted a photograph of himself with Dundar on sent into retirement. Yesterday the council upheld that the alert. Twitter before the start of the hearing. Several other ambassadors, order. The judges had refused to recognise the legal- A senior diplomatic source said consuls-general and diplomats also attended. ity of the ouster of Mursi, Egypt’s first freely elected the advisory was intended only Turner tweeted: “Key point not comparisons or history but Tur- president who was ousted after mass street protests for Israeli tourists, not for dual- key deciding for itself what kind of country it wants to be.” against his sole year of divisive rule. nationals living in Turkey, and The British Foreign Office in London made no immediate com- The council official said that some of the judges that the update was issued in line ment on the matter. had openly declared their opposition to his ouster with the latest information from Erdogan said the diplomat was only in Turkey because of the hos- at the time in a signed statement at Cairo’s Rabaa Al the Turkish authorities. pitality of the Turkish government, Anadolu reported. Adawiya Square. Thousands of pro-Mursi supporters President Recep Tayyip Erdog- “If this person could still go on working here that’s because of our had demonstrated at the square for weeks demand- an’s spokesman, when asked at a generosity and hospitality. If it were another country they wouldn’t ing the Islamist’s reinstatement. briefing about the Israeli advisory, let a diplomat who exhibits this kind of behaviour to stay there a day On August 14, 2013 police stormed the square said the move had followed Tur- more,” it quoted him as saying. to disperse the sit-in. About 700 people were killed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with a portrait key’s own warnings to its citizens. The Turkish foreign ministry is conveying its displeasure to some within hours at Rabaa Al Adawiya and the capital’s But he urged countries against of modern Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in the foreign governments over social media postings from the trial, an Nahda Square where another similar sit-in was being playing into the militants’ hands, background, addresses the war academy in Istanbul, yesterday. official said. held. after a series of security alerts from foreign diplomatic missions in Turkey. “One should refrain from moves that lead to the suspen- Tense Libyans await new govt amid dual authority sion of daily lives, in a way which would be welcomed by the ter- rorists,” presidential spokesman AFP green tea. “Having three governments that in 2014 fled to the country’s far Tripoli’s unrecognised admin- stocked up on food in preparation. Ibrahim Kalin said. is causing great problems.” east — have refused to cede power istration on Friday announced a “No more than 10 cans of tuna per The Israeli statement said Libya’s capital has been relatively to the new government under prime “maximum state of emergency” after person,” a sign in one shop reads. Israelis should avoid going to Tur- TRIPOLI: Sitting outdoors at a quiet calm since a militia alliance includ- minister-designate Fayez Al Sarraj. the Tunisia-based presidential council Others in the city can only imag- key and, if already there, “depart Tripoli cafe, Libyans wonder how a ing Islamists seized it in mid-2014, but “If the (unity) government felt it headed by Sarraj said the government ine how Sarraj’s government might as soon as possible”. third government could possibly take the expected arrival of a disputed UN- had people’s support here, it would would soon start working in the cap- enter the capital. If a “level 1” alert were issued up residence in a capital controlled by backed unity government has raised come and things would get better,” ital. In a coastal city whose airport is Some say Sarraj will arrive by hel- by Israel, that would urge cit- armed groups who reject it. fears of renewed violence. adds Abu Ehab, a 71-year-old biology controlled by forces loyal to a hostile icopter and set up his government in izens to leave the country “The mood is tense and people are Both of Libya’s rival authorities — professor. “But this will be difficult. local administration, some residents the Palm City beach resort in the west “forthwith”. tired,” says Abu Ehab, sipping a cup of the one in the capital and the other We will have to be patient and pray.” fear fighting will break out and have of the city. ASIA / PHILIPPINES TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 09 Marcos jewel images put online to teach about graft

come as the family tries to extend of shoes. Although the family fled its political comeback in elections abroad during the 1986 revolt, they Images of Marcos in May. “The PCGG will be posting were allowed to return home after the jewellery items selected jewellery items to show and former dictator died in exile in 1989. remind the present generation of the Since then the Marcoses have made a will be posted to excesses and extravagance of the Mar- startling resurgence, with members remind the present cos in their two-decade dictatorship,” not only evading criminal charges the anti-corruption agency said on its but winning election to prominent generation of website. positions. the excesses and “The Virtual Jewellery Exhibit” Ferdinand Marcos Jnr., previously extravagance of began in mid-March with regular elected to the powerful Senate, is now postings showcasing valuables recov- running for vice-president. Widow the Marcoses in ered after the dictator was ousted by Imelda Marcos is seeking re-election their two-decade a military-backed popular uprising to Congress and her eldest daughter in 1986. Imee is running for another term as dictatorship, the anti- Aside from pictures of the jewels governor of the family bailiwick in corruption agency uploaded regularly, there are postings the north. explaining what they cost the country. Despite a campaign by vic- said. A picture of a diamond tiara comes tims of the Marcos regime against with the caption: “can fund... the treat- his candidacy, surveys show Mar- ment of 12,052 cases of tuberculosis.” cos Jnr. is second in the race for the The PCGG, which plans eventually vice-presidency. AFP to auction off the Marcos jewels, has Imelda Marcos has previously previously said that international auc- said she hopes her son will eventu- tion houses have appraised their total ally become president. value at more than a billion pesos ($21 Critics say the generation that MANILA: Philippine authorities are million). grew up after the Marcos years has staging an online exhibition of jewelry Marcos and his jet-setting wife no memory of the abuses, setting the owned by late dictator Ferdinand Mar- Imelda were accused of massively stage for the family’s return to power. cos and his family to try to educate a enriching themselves during their Both Imelda and her son have long new generation about the corruption years in power while the country sank denied any wrongdoing. Spokesmen of that era. deeper into poverty. for the two could not be contacted for An official from the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) holding a diamond-studded The postings on Facebook and Imelda was known for her extrav- comment. This has attracted public Twitter by the Presidential Commis- agance, amassing jewellery, art opinion as many have come up com- piece of jewellery seized by the Philippine government from former first lady Imelda Marcos at the Central sion on Good Government (PCGG) masterpieces and a huge collection menting against and favouring it. Bank headquarters in Manila, yesterday.

China to modernise military Census: One in 5 children in Myanmar go to work Japan concerned over possible Reuters showed Myanmar’s population stood at 51.4 million - a figure that includes Russian base an estimate of the Rohingya popula- tion based on pre-census mapping in TOKYO: Japan has con- BANGKOK: One in five children Rakhine state, according to UNFPA. veyed its concern to aged 10 to 17 in Myanmar go to The employment data high- Moscow over possible work instead of school, according lighted a gender gap in the labour Russian plans to build to figures from a census report on market, with about half of women a naval base on a west- employment published yesterday. aged 15 to 64 working or looking ern Pacific island chain, The Occupation and Industry for a job, compared to 85 percent part of which are claimed report - part of Myanmar’s 2014 of men. by Tokyo, a top Japanese census - shows about 1.7 million chil- Myanmar’s population is work- government spokesman dren between 10 and 17 years of age ing in the agriculture, forestry or said yesterday, the latest are working. fishing sectors. These findings can in a long-running territo- “Today, one in five children aged be used to improve agricultural pro- rial spat. 10-17 are missing out on the educa- ductivity to boost economic growth Tokyo’s action follows tion that can help them get good and farmers’ earnings, said UNFPA, Russian Defence Minister jobs and have employment security which assisted the government in Sergei Shoigu’s comment when they grow up,” Janet E. Jack- carrying out the census. last week that Russia son, United Nations Population Fund The report also showed one in would study the possi- (UNFPA) representative for Myan- five elderly people aged 65 or older bility of building a naval Chinese People’s Liberation Army marching before a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the mar, said in a statement. still work, mostly in the physically base on what it calls the People in Beijing. China has ordered its military to end all paid services within the next three years Many parts of rural Myanmar demanding agriculture, forestry and Kurile islands. as it seeks to focus on modernising its armed forces and eliminating corruption. are mired in poverty and one mil- fishing sectors. Japan claims a south- lion people are estimated to be in “The data suggest that economic ern segment of the island need of humanitarian aid due to nat- realities oblige many people to con- chain, which was seized ural disasters and internal conflict tinue heavy manual labour into old by Soviet troops at the which have driven hundreds of thou- age to survive. This underlines the end of World War Two. Bangladesh sands from their homes, according need for adequate social services The territorial row has South Korea and Japan to the United Nations. and policies that serve the aged,” kept the two countries The 2014 nationwide census - Jackson said. from signing a formal court rejects Myanmar’s first in 30 years - was Data from other sources show peace treaty since. criticised for excluding the coun- deep poverty in the country. The disputed islands guarded over Trump’s scrapping Islam try’s Muslim Rohingya minorities, Only a third of Myanmar’s are called the Northern who suffer state-sanctioned discrim- households have electric light, Territories in Japan and ination. Most of 1.1 million Rohingya the infant mortality rate is 62 per Southern Kuriles in Russia. as state religion are stateless and live in apartheid- 100,000 live births, and life expect- foreign policy plans like conditions in the western state of ancy stands at 66.8 years compared AFP Rakhine.The main results of the cen- to neighbouring Thailand’s 74 years, WHO: China sus were released in May 2015, and according to the World Bank. AFP important for the prosperity and must manage safety of the Asia-Pacific region and the world,” Suga told reporters. DHAKA: Bangladesh’s high court vaccine market He said Japan would maintain its yesterday rejected a petition by SEOUL: South Korea and Japan policies against nuclear possession secular activists to scrap Islam as Anti-Pyongyang leaflets SHANGHAI: China must offered muted reactions yesterday to and production, and a ban on for- the state religion in the wake of strengthen regulation Donald Trump’s suggestion that, as eign nuclear weapons on its territory. nationwide protests by hardline of its market for vac- president, he would withdraw troops Support for a nuclear-armed Islamist groups. cines, the World Health from both countries and allow them South Korea is a minority voice in A special bench of three judges Organization (WHO) said to develop their own nuclear arsenal. the country -- although one that threw out the petition within yesterday, after a bust There are nearly 30,000 US grows louder after every nuclear moments of opening the case and of an illegal black mar- troops permanently stationed in test by North Korea. without allowing any testimony. ket drugs ring this month South Korea and 47,000 in Japan, Japan is widely seen as having The petition, which was first underscored the country’s with little appetite for nuclear weap- the know-how to produce nuclear launched 28 years ago, has trig- regulatory weaknesses. ons in either nation. arms but, as the only country to have gered countrywide protests by Police have arrested Asked to respond to Trump’s suffered an atomic attack, public Islamist groups in the impover- more than 130 suspects ‘America first’ policy to wean opinion is strongly opposed to such ished nation. over a scandal in which nations off US support, South Korean a move. “We are saddened (at the $48m of illegal vaccines Defence Ministry spokesman Moon Trump’s remarks caused a stir ruling). It’s a sad day for the minor- was sold onto the mar- Sang-Gyun said it would be inappro- in the media, however, with Japan’s ities of Bangladesh,” said Subrata ket. The value of the priate to comment on remarks by a mass-circulation Yomiuri Shim- Chowdhury, who represented the illegal trades could be as US presidential candidate. bun daily saying they had generated secular activists in the case. much as $90m. “This inci- But he stressed there was no some government concern. The court did not allow the dent has highlighted the change to Seoul’s position that the “If he becomes the US presi- petitioners to state their case or need for much stricter South Korea-US Mutual Defence dent, it would be a problem for the present any arguments, he said. enforcement of vaccine Treaty remained the bedrock of the Japan-US national security system,” “The judges simply said the rule management regulations alliance with Washington. it quoted an unnamed source close is discharged.” across the board,” WHO Japan’s top government spokes- to the government as saying. Bangladesh was declared offi- China representative man Yoshihide Suga also declined to South Korean newspapers called cially secular after the 1971 war Bernhard Schwartländer react directly to Trump’s comments, Trump’s comments dangerous and of independence from Pakistan said in an emailed state- published Saturday in the New York shocking.In a strongly-worded edito- which created the nation from ment. The vaccines, some South Korean conservative activists launch large balloons carrying Times. rial, the English-language JoongAng what was previously East Pakistan. targeting meningitis and But insisted the military alli- Daily said: In 1988 the then-military anti-Pyongyang leaflets in Paju, yesterday. A group of South rabies, are suspected of ance with Washington was crucial “His views -- stemming from a ruler, General Hussain Muham- Korean activists sent to the North tens of thousands of leaflets having been sold in doz- and enduring. critical lack of understanding about mad Ershad, elevated Islam to the criticising the leader Kim Jong-Un via giant balloons at a time of ens of places around “It is the main pillar of Japan’s the alliance and security issues -- state religion in an attempt to con- heightened military tension. China since 2011. foreign policy and extremely are utterly short-sighted. solidate power. 10 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 OPINION

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Brussels fallout Tunisia’s democracy is a

errorist attacks are the main drivers of Islamophobia, anti-immigration sentiments and rise of the right all deterrent to terrorism over the world. A series of IS attacks in the West has resulted in a spate in anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant in Tunisia of the Ben Ali Regime of diversity. The continued total So were scores of those who joined hatred. Last week’s devastating IS suicide attacks and before Habib Bourguiba were absence of a well-informed reli- Daesh in Libya and Iraq. Ton Brussels airport and the metro, the death toll in which has the breading ground of disenfran- gious authority during the reign In a TV programme entitled: reached 35, too have triggered a fresh wave of anti-immigrant chised youth and extremist groups. of Ben Ali who succeeded him has ‘Reality Check: How religious are hatred. Belgian riot police fired water cannons on Sunday to Also one may argue that the led to an evident vacuum in the so-called “Islamic terrorists”?’ reasons such a group may find a country which was ultimately occu- Mehdi Hasan challenges the com- disperse far-right football hooligans who disrupted mourners at fertile ground for instance in Tuni- pied during the 1990s onward by mon view that ISIL or Al Qaeda a shrine for victims of the attacks. Black-clad protesters shouting sia are twofold: Firstly, the total preachers from abroad via satel- attackers are devout Muslims. He anti-immigrant slogans zeroed in on the makeshift memorial at media control under the regimes lite TV channels. reveals that: where hundreds of people had gathered in a show of solidarity. of Habib Bourguiba and Ben Ali Thirdly, one may also argue “Islam for dummies” was the The clashes between the far-right supporters and cops show the which aimed at homogenizing the that the violent tendency of such reference book used by Charlie By Dr Noureddine Miladi rising tensions in the country after Tuesday’s attacks. Tunisian political thought. Through groups (sometimes called the Al Hebdo attackers they “couldn’t the centralization of the religious Salafiya Al Jehadya) is due to the differentiate between Islam and Such protests and rise of the right are expected after terrorist establishment, President Habib failure of the ruling regimes over Catholicism” they “Went to strip attacks as some sections of the society will feel infuriated Bourguiba, also called Al Muja- the last few decades to partly con- clubs and drank alcohol before more than others and will be tempted to express their anger on t is not rocket science to claim hid Al Akbar (greatest mujahid) had tain them, but also their deficiency their attacks” the streets. But generally, Europeans have been sympathetic that terrorism thrives because total monopoly over media output in building a multi-cultural society, Finally it is worth-noting that to immigrants and have resisted the temptation to become of oppression, dictatorship, relating to modernism, educational A multi-party political system the post-revolution democrat- victims of xenophobia. The government in Brussels too has marginalisation and all forms reform, womens’ emancipation, and promoting the rights of minor- ically elected governments in Iof social exclusion. religious and political discourse and ity groups to thrive. In fact the state Tunisia have been waging fierce acted with judiciously and with caution in their reaction to the During the last few weeks, Tuni- every other aspect of governance. media since the independence of wars against extremism. The troika attacks. While there have been several raids after the attacks, sia has demonstrated an amazing Secondly, being the leader of Tunisia in 1956 have been solely government led by Al Nahda party the authorities and the police have refrained from actions that determination to stand up against the country, who claimed to be in the service of the regime and its declared since 2013 that Ansar Al will be interpreted as an excessive reaction and targeting of Daesh (ISIS) at a time when this elected for life, Bourguiba ruthlessly political elite. Both Bourguiba and Sharia for instance was a terrorist Muslim community. Police carried out terror group has managed to gain excluded every potential compet- Ben Ali (the only two presidents who group given its violent tendency in 13 raids on Sunday across the country, ground in Iraq, Syria and Libya. itor for the country’s leadership, ruled Tunisia from 1956-2011) have social change. questioning nine people and holding The town of Ben Guerdan (South including the religious leadership/ exploited all mass media outlets to Today, and after five years of of Tunisia and bordering Libya) has authorities of Al Zaytouna Mosque advance their parties’ ideologies the revolution in Tunisia, Al Nahda four for further inquiries. While the IS militants been partly turned into a battle- and the Tunisian National Union and they ruthlessly marginalised party stands not only as a stum- social media has been abuzz about the field between the Tunisian army of Workers. any religious or political groups bling block against the country’s are on the threat of Islamic extremism, there have and civilians against a group of Al Zaytouna educational and which may potentially have influ- escalation into a chaotic scene, but run after the also been voices of support and calls heavily armed Daesh members religious institutions had served for ence in society. it is emerging as a key pillar in the setbacks in for restraint. The media too adopted a coming from Libya (though all of centuries as a centre of learning and Their version of cultural, country’s political landscape in this cautious approach in general without them were Tunisians). as a multi-disciplinary university, political as well as economic period of democratic transition. Syria and Iraq, trying to stigmatise the entire Muslim This resilience has totally defied offering religious as well as secu- development is solely based upon The democratic transition that political analysts’ anticipation that lar subjects such as mathematics, channelling all media outlets into the country is witnessing seems and European community. the Arab region is doomed to fall chemistry and astronomy in addi- promoting the only official ide- to have become a deterrent against governments But one lesson of the Brussels blasts under Daesh’s influence and that it tion to fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), ology of the ruling regime. This the flourishing of Daesh. need to has been the need for heightened can lead to a fragmentation of the history and Quranic studies. type of governance has obviously Terrorism is not the fate of the security. Though it’s true that all region into small entities based on More importantly, ‘Karaouine proven deficient since the begin- region. This contagion is a symp- ratchet up terrorist attacks can’t be prevented ethnic groupings. (in Morocco) and Al Zaytouna (in ning of the 1970s. Yet the country tom of corruption, dictatorship and security. even with the use of the best Daesh has miscalculated its Tunisia) sat at the crossroads of has had to wait until the revolu- unjust rule in any society. Therefore strategies in Tunisia. In fighting the medieval Islamic, Christian, tion of 14 January 2011 for a regime the solution to the eradication of intelligence machinery, there have terrorism, Tunisians have yet again and Jewish worlds, and they were change to take place. such terrorist groups as Daesh is not been questions about the security shown immense solidarity, clear instrumental not only in transmit- However, most importantly,now only military but a multi-dimen- preparedness and preparations of the vision, strong awareness regarding ting advanced scientific knowledge it is evidently that the Daesh terror- sional strategy. It is a combination of Belgium government. Some believe their strategic interests and adher- to Europe but also in promoting ists have nothing to do with Islam. providing education, job opportuni- the authorities could and should have done more to prevent ence to democratic values (aims of Maliki Islam. Their actions point to a criminal ties, youth empowerment, freedom the massacre, as the links to the November Paris attacks by IS the revolution). The era of Bourguiba’s rule mind that cannot be condoned by and power-sharing. grow clearer by the day. Turkey too had said that the Belgian The Daesh epidemic is not an meant a complete subjugation of any faith group. A few of the iden- Islamic product, but a fruit of any all forms of political, intellectual tified attackers on the town of Ben The writer is Professor of Media and government failed to act on the tips provided by it to Brussels environment where injustice pre- and religious dissent and the sup- Guerdan in Tunisia are reported to Communication. He can be reached about potential terrorists. vails. The decades of dictatorial rule pressive containment of all forms be ex- drug addicts and criminals. via e-mail: [email protected] The IS militants are on the run after the setbacks they suffered in Iraq and Syria and they are likely to launch more attacks in Europe and other countries. The governments must increase security and act more diligently on the information collected. The case for free trade is as strong as ever

Bloomberg will strengthen the economy is makes economies more productive protracted than previous work brainless populism — and one might by forcing producers to innovate, showed. This careful, detailed expect economists to say so. If only. specialise and compete. work underlines the need to help t wasn’t so long ago that Amer- Many experts say, or seem to say, There are exceptions to the the workers harmed by trade. Yet ica’s commitment to free trade that it’s all very complicated, that argument that openness promotes these new studies don’t show that Quote of the day Icould be taken for granted. Now the benefits of free trade have often growth, mostly concerning the short-term adjustment costs entirely it’s in doubt — even though support been overstated, and even that it need to shelter infant industries outweigh the short-term gains — for open markets remains vital for might not matter too much if the US in developing economies. It’s also much less contradict the essential By closely coordinating the nation’s future prosperity, and retreated from the global economy. true that more trade involves win- point that trade, over time, gives the the world’s. In this presidential elec- Economists don’t want to be ners and losers, and that gains for economy as a whole a substantial with Mr Mugabe... we tion year, the mood is decidedly thought simple-minded— or, worse, the overall economy aren’t much boost. Forgive the market funda- wish to help promote anti-trade. Democratic front-run- market-fundamentalist. But the use to the people who lose their mentalism, but a policy that delivers ner Hillary Clinton, under pressure result is that some aggressively jobs because of cheap imports. You small net gains in the short term reform of the UN from the left of her party, refuses dumb economics is arousing only could say the same of people who and substantial net gains in the long to back the Trans-Pacific Partner- the most feeble pushback. The case lose their jobs because of automa- term still seems like a good idea. Security Council. ship, a new trade pact she once for free trade, correctly understood, tion. Yet presidential candidates Settling for the status quo, by fail- called the gold standard for such is as powerful as ever. It deserves don’t oppose technology because ing to extend liberalisation through Shinzo Abe agreements. Donald Trump, her much stronger support. it creates losers as well as winners. TPP or other agreements, would be Republican counterpart, is more The basic case is robust, and Perhaps that’s next. one thing. An outright retreat from Japanese Prime Minister direct: He advocates punitive tar- the economic record of the world’s Recent research suggests that liberal trade would be far worse — iffs and all-out trade war. richest economies — including that the short-term losses from trade and a retreat as dramatic as Trump’s The idea that import barriers of the US — attests to it: Free trade liberalisation are bigger and more proposal would be disastrous.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Opinion page should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief.

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AFP Several heads of state and dele- gations from the region and partners radar station in including the UN and France are expected to attend Touadera’s swear- BANGUI: The Central African Repub- ing-in in the capital Bangui. lic’s new president takes office The ceremony marks the last yesterday, faced with the challenge stage of the political transition that East China Sea of reconciling a divided population began after the toppling of Christian and rebuilding a shattered country. former president Francois Bozize in Former maths teacher Faustin- 2013 by a rebellion of the predomi- Archange Touadera (pictured), 58, nantly Muslim Seleka militia. buildings, which feature white walls was the surprise winner of Febru- And though a new president has and traditional Okinawan red-tiled ary’s run-off election in the country been elected and a new constitution In addition to being roofs, is still unfinished. that had been wracked by three years adopted, the country’s parliament is a listening post, the The 30-sq-km island is home of communal violence. still not in place. to 1,500 people, who mostly raise The spiral of unrest between The second round of postponed facility could be used cattle and grow sugar cane. The Self Muslim and Christian militias has legislative elections is scheduled for as a base for military Defence Force contingent and family left thousands dead, displaced more Thursday. The elections came after members will increase the popula- than 400,000 and disrupted farming, 93 percent of voters backed a con- operations in the tion by a fifth. transport and public services in one stitutional referendum that cleared Central African Republic second round presidential candidate Faustin region: Expert “This radar station is going to of the world’s poorest nations. the way for the vote. It also followed Archange Touadera greeting supporters in Bangui. irritate China,” said Nozomu Yoshi- The violence was so serious that Pope Francis’ groundbreaking trip to tomi, a professor at Nihon University it prompted a military intervention by the country in November, his first to his election Touadera declared he 2008-2013, Touadera will face and a retired major general in the France -- the former colonial power a war zone, during which he made “understood the weight of responsi- enormous economic and security Reuters Self Defence Force. -- and led to the deployment of a UN an impassioned plea for peace and bility” on his shoulders. Previously pressures from the moment he sets In addition to being a listening peacekeeping force. reconciliation. Immediately after prime minister under Bozize between foot in the presidential palace. post, the facility could be used a base for military operations in the YONAGUNI: Japan yesterday region, he added. China’s defence switched on a radar station in the ministry, in a statement sent to Reu- East China Sea, giving it a permanent ters about the radar station, said the intelligence gathering post close to international community needed to Taiwan and a group of islands dis- be on high alert to Japan’s military puted by Japan and China, drawing expansion. an angry response from Beijing. “The Diaoyu Islands are China’s The new Self Defence Force base inherent territory. We are reso- Mali arrests 2 on the island of Yonaguni is at the lutely opposed to any provocative western extreme of a string of Jap- behaviour by Japan aimed at Chi- over attack on anese islands in the East China Sea, nese territory,” it said. 150km south of the disputed islands “The activities of Chinese ships Ivory Coast town known as the Senkaku islands in and aircraft in the relevant waters Japan and the Diaoyu in China. and airspace are completely appro- BAMAKO: Authorities in China has raised concerns with priate and legal.” Mali have arrested two its neighbours and in the West with The listening post fits into a men believed to be linked its assertive claim to most of the wider military build-up along to an al Qaeda attack on South China Sea where the Philip- the island chain, which stretches a beach resort town in pines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan 1,400km from the Japanese neighbouring Ivory Coast and Brunei have overlapping claims. mainland. that killed 19 people ear- Japan has long been mired in a ter- Policy makers last year told Reu- lier this month, military ritorial dispute with China over the ters it was part of a strategy to keep officials said yesterday. East China Sea islands. China at bay in the Western Pacific Gunmen shot swim- “Until yesterday, there was no as Beijing gains control of the South mers and sunbathers coastal observation unit west of the China Sea. Toshi Yoshihara, a US before storming into sev- main Okinawa island. It was a vac- Naval War College professor, said eral hotels in the town uum we needed to fill,” said Daigo Yonaguni sits next to two potential of Grand Bassam, 40km Shiomitsu, a Ground Self Defence flashpoints in Asia - Taiwan and the from the commercial capi- Force lieutenant colonel who com- Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. tal, Abidjan, on March 13. mands the new base on Yonaguni. “A network of overlapping radar Ivory Coast announced “It means we can keep watch sites along the island chain would last week it had detained Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (right) and Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe attend a joint press on territory surrounding Japan and boost Japan’s ability to monitor the 15 people in connection respond to all situations.” East China Sea,” he added. briefing at Abe’s official residence in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. with the attack, which Shiomitsu yesterday attended Yonaguni is only around 100km was claimed by al Qaeda a ceremony at the base with 160 east of Taiwan, near the edge of a in the Islamic Magh- military personnel and around 50 controversial air defence identifi- reb (AQIM), the Islamist dignitaries. Construction of some cation zone set up by China in 2013. group’s North African Japan’s Abe hosts Mugabe branch.

AFP the UN Security Council. and an “old friend” of the Chinese Taiwan arrests “By closely coordinating with Mr people -- one of the country’s high- Mugabe... we wish to help promote est compliments for visiting foreign 41 Chinese reform” of the global body, Abe told leaders. Abe met Mugabe at the last TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister reporters, in remarks carried by Jiji round of the Tokyo International poachers Shinzo Abe yesterday welcomed Zim- Press, referring to Mugabe as an Conference on African Development, babwean President Robert Mugabe esteemed African elder. or TICAD, held in 2013 in Yokohama. TAIPEI: The Taiwanese -- the 92-year-old former guerrilla After their talks, Japan This year’s TICAD, slated for Kenya, coastguard said yesterday fighter who is widely shunned in the announced development aid worth will be the first to be held in Africa. it had arrested 41 Chinese West but frequently courted in Asia. $5.3m for the nation to buy equip- They also met last year during a fisherman in possession Mugabe, whose country is subject ment needed to build roads. UN disaster conference held in Japan. of 15 tonnes of illicit coral to sanctions by the United States and The welcome for Africa’s longest- Mugabe’s latest visit comes as reef and endangered tur- European countries over its tainted serving ruler comes as Japan tries to Japan has tried to maintain cordial tles near a disputed atoll human rights record, was visiting compete with China for influence in ties even with states controlled by in the South China Sea. Japan for the fourth time as presi- the continent’s fast-growing econ- leaders who have antagonised West- Taiwanese authorities dent and holding his third meeting omies and as Tokyo prepares to ern nations, most notably Iran. detained the fishermen with Abe. sponsor a major conference on Afri- Abe has also reached out to on March 22 after their The Japanese Prime Minister said can development this August. Russian President Vladimir Putin --- 300-tonne vessel was dis- he wants to work with Mugabe, who Chinese President Xi Jinping wel- under intense criticism in the West covered operating illegally An aerial view of Uotsuri Island, one of disputed Senkaku islands in chaired the African Union last year, comed Mugabe in 2014, calling him a for the annexation of Crimea and off the shore of Tong- the East China Sea, claimed by China, Taiwan and Japan. to help with Japan’s push to reform renowned African liberation leader fighting in eastern Ukraine. sha island, the coastguard said, in the island’s largest mission targeting rampant poaching in the contested waters. Officials later recovered the harvested China official says Dalai Lama ‘making a fool’ of Buddhism reef from the ship along with three endangered turtles and about 40kg of Reuters to approve the Dalai Lama’s succes- end to reincarnation,” he added. chemicals used to kill fish. sor, as a right inherited from China’s “All of this, quite apart from mak- emperors. The Nobel Peace Prize- ing a fool of Tibetan Buddhism, is winning monk has suggested his completely useless when it comes Japan loans BEIJING: Exiled Tibetan spiritual title could end when he dies. China to extricating him from the diffi- leader the Dalai Lama is “making a accuses him of betraying, and being culty of reincarnation,” wrote Zhu, Sri Lanka for fool” of Tibetan Buddhism with sug- disrespectful toward, the Tibetan who was involved in the past in Bei- gestions he may not reincarnate, or religion by saying there might be no jing’s failed efforts to talk to the Dalai new terminal reincarnate as something inappro- more reincarnations. Lama’s representatives. priate, and the faithful are not buying Writing in the state-run Glo- Tibetan exiles worried China COLOMBO: Japan has it, a Chinese official wrote yesterday. bal Times, Zhu Weiqun, chairman will appoint its own successor to the loaned $400m to Sri China says the Dalai Lama, who of the ethnic and religious affairs 80-year-old leader can point to a Lanka to build a new ter- fled into exile in India after a failed committee of the top advisory body precedent. minal at the island’s main uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, to China’s parliament, said the Dalai In 1995, after the Dalai Lama international airport is a violent separatist. He denies Lama had to respect the religious and named a boy in Tibet as the reincar- which suffers congestion espousing violence and says he only historic traditions of reincarnation. nation of the previous Panchen Lama, from growing tourism, it wants genuine autonomy for Tibet. “The Dalai Lama continues the second highest figure in Tibetan was announced yesterday. The animosity between the two to proclaim his reincarnation is a Buddhism, China put the child under The Japan Interna- sides, and their rivalry for control ‘purely religious matter’ and some- house arrest and installed another. tional Cooperation Agency over Tibetan Buddhism, is at the heart thing only he can decide, but he has Zhu also said China had been said the 2nd terminal of the debate about reincarnation. no way to compel admiration from successful in getting fewer and would more than double Tibetan Buddhism holds that the the faithful,” wrote Zhu, known for fewer foreign leaders to meet the capacity to 15 million pas- soul of a senior lama is reincarnated his hardline stance on Tibet. Dalai Lama, because of the anger it sengers annually. It will be in the body of a child on his death. “He’s been proclaiming he’ll rein- draws from the world’s second-larg- opened in 2020, would China says the tradition must carnate as a foreigner, as a bee, as a est economy. “Anyone getting ready use solar energy and recy- Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama delivers teachings at the Tashi continue and its officially atheist ‘mischievous blond girl’, or even pro- to offend China must first weigh up cled water. Communist leaders have the right posing a living reincarnation or an the consequences,” he wrote. Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe in Karnataka, India. 12 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 PAKISTAN

LEFT: Pakistani civil society members sing the national anthem at the site of a suicide blast in Lahore yesterday. RIGHT: Police secure the scene of the attack. Emotional Sharif pledges to defeat militants

park crowded with families, Sharif by Pakistan’s minority religions, and a sister, and another two sisters said the army would forge ahead with including Easter and the Hindu fes- also were badly injured. “I don’t know Sharif said the army a military operation on extremist tival of Holi. how I will be able to do anything to would forge ahead hideouts and police will go after what Ahsanullah Ahsan, a spokesman continue at school!” he cried. he called the “cowards” who carried for the breakaway Taliban faction, Forensic experts searched debris in with a military out the attack. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a said that along with striking at Chris- the park. The bomb had been a crude operation on breakaway Taliban faction that sup- tians celebrating Easter, the bombing device loaded with ball bearings, ports the Islamic State group, claimed also was meant to protest military designed to rip through the victims for extremist hideouts responsibility and said it specifically operations in the tribal regions. The maximum damage, said counterterror- and police will go targeted Christians. same group also took responsibility ism official Rana Tufail. He identified after what he called But most of those killed were Mus- for the twin bombings of a Christian the suicide bomber as Mohammed lims who also had been in the popular church in Lahore last year. But of the Yusuf, a known militant recruiter. the “cowards” who park for the holiday. Many women and 72 dead from Sunday’s attack, 14 have White House spokesman Josh Ear- carried out the attack. children were among the victims, and been identified as Christians and 44 nest called the bombing “grotesque”. dozens of families held tearful funer- as Muslim, said Lahore Police Super- “The fact that you have an extrem- als yesterday for their slain relatives. intendent Mohammed Iqbal. The rest ist organization targeting religious At least 300 people were wounded. have not been identified. minorities and children is an outrage,” AP Sharif, who cancelled a visit to the Shama Pervez, a widow who lost he said, also noting the high number United States to attend a nuclear sum- her 11-year-old son Sahil in the bomb- of Muslims among the victims. mit, also warned extremists against ing, was inconsolable at his funeral. Turkish President Recep Tayyip using Islam to justify their violence in A fifth-grader at a Catholic school, he Erdogan said targeting a park filled Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addressing the nation in his office in LAHORE: In an emotional televised the overwhelmingly Muslim nation. had pleaded with her to go to the park with children “revealed the face of address, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Pakistan has suffered a series of Islamabad yesterday. rather than stay home on Sunday, and terror, which knows no limits and val- vowed yesterday to hunt down and attacks in recent months, and Sharif she said she finally gave in. ues”. France expressed its “solidarity defeat the militants who have been said militants are hitting “soft targets” treated. Sharif was born in the city, In Islamabad, Islamist extrem- In Youhanabad on the outskirts in these difficult moments” with Paki- carrying out attacks like the Easter like playgrounds and schools because which is also the capital of Punjab ists protested for a second day outside of Lahore, mourners crowded into a stan and underlined “the inflexible bombing that targeted Christians and military and police operations are province, his power base. Parliament and other key buildings, church that was targeted in an attack will of our country to continue to bat- killed 72 people. putting pressure on their operations. “It strengthened my resolve when demanding that authorities impose a year ago. “How long will we have to tle terrorism everywhere.” “We will not allow them to play Sharif met with security offi- I met the wounded people,” he said in Sharia law. The army deployed para- go on burying our children?” asked Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif with the lives of the people of Paki- cials earlier in the day, and raids and his address. “God willing, I will not sit military Rangers as well as about 800 Aerial Masih, the uncle of Junaid promised Pakistan “will never allow stan,” Sharif said. “This is our resolve. dozens of arrests were carried out idle until I bring smiles back on their additional soldiers from Rawalpindi Yousaf, one of Sunday’s victims. these savage nonhumans to overrun This is the resolve of the 200 million in eastern Punjab province, where faces.” The attack underscored both to Islamabad, to protect the cen- Ten members of Qasim Ali’s our life and liberty”. Punjab’s govern- people of Pakistan.” several militant organisations are the militants’ ability to stage large- tre, which houses main government family were killed in the park, and ment said it will give about $3,000 As the country began three days of headquartered. The Prime Minis- scale attacks despite a government buildings and diplomatic missions. all were Muslims. His 10-year-old in compensation to the seriously mourning after Sunday’ suicide bomb- ter also visited hospitals in Lahore offensive and the precarious position Earlier this month, Sharif had offi- nephew, Fahad Ali, lay wounded in a wounded and $1,500 to those with ing in the eastern city of Lahore in a where many of the injured were being of Pakistan’s minority Christians. cially recognised holidays celebrated bed at home. He had lost his parents minor injuries from the bombing.

More than 2,000 Rockets fired at Afghan Parliament building US soldier shoots and kills ‘ghost’ seminaries Afghan boy near airfield detected in Sindh KARACHI: The Sindh province security administration found AP He said the incident is being no existence of more than 2,000 investigated. Bagram officials could registered seminaries on ground not immediately be reached for com- which they believe were brought ment. Army Brig Gen Charles H on government record only to col- KABUL: A US soldier shot and killed Cleveland, spokesman for US forces lect donations and funding from an Afghan boy yesterday near an in Afghanistan, said the US military different sources, official sources American airfield close to the cap- was looking into the incident. said yesterday. ital Kabul, a senior Afghan police Earlier, an Afghan official said This has been revealed during officer said. overnight attacks by the Taliban on a recent survey jointly carried out The boy, whose age is two police checkpoints in the volatile by police’s two units namely the unknown, had been carrying what southern Helmand province killed at Special Branch and the Counter- looked like an automatic rifle near least eight police. Terrorism Department. the Bagram Airfield, 50km from Col Almas Kahn, deputy police This ongoing survey was being Kabul in neighbouring Parwan chief in Helmand, said the attack conducted to ascertain the number province, said the provincial police happened in the Gereshk district of seminaries allegedly involved in chief, Gen Zaman Mamozai. around midnight. promoting extremism and sectar- An American soldier had Though Kahn blamed the Tali- ianism in order to keep check on warned the boy from a watchtower ban, the group did not immediately their activities. to stop, he said. Local people gath- claim responsibility for the attack. “We have detected a total of ered near the base to protest the Afghan forces have been trying to 2,096 seminaries, which on papers A view of an Afghan Parliament building, in Kabul yesterday. According to media reports, four rockets killing, but dispersed once they reduce the number of checkpoints have been shown as registered in were fired at the new building. No casualties were reported. were told about the circumstances, as they are vulnerable to insurgent Sindh, but actually they are closed Mamozai said. attacks. or are not available,” disclosed additional inspector general of police, CTD, Dr Sanaullah Abbasi. The senior police officer described these seminaries as ‘ghost’ and said that they had been regis- Container schools to be rolled out in Pakistani province tered merely to get donations and funding from different sources. Out of such ghost seminar- Internews Development Department, requesting will deliver education to the doorstep children can have access to the same like Chitral, Upper Dir, Shangla and ies, at least 639 seminaries have anonymity, said it was his organisa- of every child and reduce the number quality of education. The official said Kohistan were left with schools that been detected in Karachi division tion that initially floated the idea of those out of school. He said locals education minister Atif Khan showed were destroyed. Students were left only followed by Hyderabad (843), of container schools to the provin- of several areas complained about the personal interest in the matter and with little to no options in the after- Mirpurkhas (192), Sukkur (364) and PESHAWAR: Containers, usually cial government. He said authorities lack of schools and said their children, ordered work to commence. A suita- math of earthquakes and floods. Larkana divisions (58). used to transport goods or block roads showed interest and ordered their especially girls, cannot go to school. ble structure will be prepared in two He said structures can be designed The police counterterrorism in Pakistan, will be put to use in natu- construction. The officer believed such facilities will months and the first container school according to the school level and unit chief pointed out that there ral disaster-hit areas of the province He said India also inaugurated resolve the issues of people. will be delivered in May. number of students, while facilities were a total of 10,222 seminaries as schools on a trial basis. its first container during 2015, while He said this type of school can be According to the P and D official, would be made available accordingly. in Sindh. Out of them, 1,491 were Following the footsteps of India, other countries had already made set up anywhere in a short time and the container school will be built at a Minister for Elementary and Second- unregistered. As many as 1,185 South Africa, Philippines and Malay- similar arrangements for those all that was needed was the supply of comparatively low cost and in a short ary Muhammad Atif Khan confirmed seminaries have not been regis- sia, the K-P government is going to natural disaster-hit zones where edu- land and electricity. The P and D offi- span of time, adding the facility could the P and D department had proposed tered in Karachi division, 175 in install container schools. cational facilities did not exist. cial believed the issues of each district be moved from one area to the other. the idea of a container school and said Hyderabad, 53 in Mirpurkhas, 18 An official of Planning and The official said these institutes in the province will be resolved, while He said that disaster-hit areas it was an interesting one. in Sukkur and 60 in Larkana. INDIA TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 13 India favours Pakistani team can’t enter IAF base: Parrikar IANS bring there is their call.” Parrikar minister said the area has been give (NIA) the freedom for inves- said only the National Investigation fenced, has no contact with the base tigation, the burden of failure will Agency (NIA) can tell whether it is and even has a separate entry. “The come to the defence ministry,” Par- Timor Leste taking the Pakistan probe team to area is isolated, taken out of the air- rikar added.The Pakistani officials PANAJI: A Pakistani team in India to the crime scene. base, and completely barricaded.” arrived in Delhi on Sunday to probe probe the terror attack on Pathankot’s The Pakistani team comprising He added that the Pakistani team the January 2 terror attack. The team airbase woud not have access to the five intelligence and police officials has been given no permission to will travel to Pathankot on Tuesday, base per se but only the isolated is expected to reach Pathankot in interact with any defence personnel informed sources said.All the ter- “crime scene”, Defence Minister Punjab on Tuesday.The crime scene, or use any defence vehicle during its rorists and seven security personnel joining Asean Manohar Parrikar said yesterday. where terrorists from Pakistan killed Pathankot visit. “The directions are were killed at the base. Parrikar had Parrikar said the defence minis- seven security personnel on January very clear. The crime scene should be so far kept quiet on the issue as the try had “refused permission” to the 2, has been handed over to the NIA barricaded, visually blocked. Exter- air force chief, Air Chief Marshal Arup visiting probe team to access the base. and has been isolated. nal entry has been given to the NIA. Raha, had said that the IAF had no She said Timor Leste could ben- “The crime scene has been handed But it lies within the sprawl- Who they bring in is their responsi- objection in allowing the Pakistani efit from India’s advancement in the over to the NIA. Who they want to ing Indian Air Force complex. The bility,” the minister said.“If we don’t team if the government agreed. Sushma Swaraj health sector and low cost medicines. said that Timor There is a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) on health Leste’s accession cooperation that is under discussion to the Association between the two countries. Mustard in full bloom Stating that conclusion of the of Southeast Asian MoU soon would benefit both Nations (Asean) countries, Sushma Swaraj said that India was happy to provide a fully 5,250 people would help India equipped ambulance to Timor Leste extend more support in January this year. The ambulance dead in Haryana can serve as a mobile operation the- and cooperation atre. “The external affairs minister under the bloc’s also recalled that we had offered to accidents mechanism. sign an MoU for setting up a centre of excellence in IT in Timor Leste CHANDIGARH: Over 400 which has been pending since 2004,” people have been killed Swarup said. on an average every In terms of capacity building, month in road accidents IANS Sushma Swaraj said that India could in Haryana over the past increase Indian Technical and Eco- 13 months, the assembly nomic Cooperation (ITEC) training was informed yesterday. slots and Indian Council for Cul- Chief Minister Mano- NEW DELHI: India looks forward to tural Relations (ICCR) scholarships har Lal Khattar said 5,250 the southeast Asian nation of Timor for Timor Leste. She also said that people were killed in road Leste joining the Asean bloc, Exter- India could also consider imparting accidents between Jan- nal Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj training to Timor Leste diplomats in uary 1, 2015 and January said yesterday. the Foreign Service Institute here. 31 this year. Replying to a She said this during a meet- “The minister for foreign affairs question, he said 11,564 ing with Timor Leste’s Minister for and cooperation thanked the exter- people were injured in Foreign Affairs and Cooperation nal affairs minister and said that A Kashmiri shepherd leads his flock of sheep near a mustard field in full bloom on the outskirts of the accidents. Khattar Hermani Coelho da Silva, according Timor Leste had received a lot of Srinagar, yesterday. The Kashmir valley comprising six districts has an estimated area of 65,000 said 12,009 accidents to external affairs ministry spokes- support from India,” Swarup said. hectares of paddy land under mustard cultivation. occurred during the man Vikas Swarup. Da Silva told Sushma Swaraj that same period. “As many as This is the first visit to India by a relations between India and Timor 8,912 vehicles, which had foreign minister of Timor Leste since Leste went back centuries from the caused accidents, were the establishment of diplomatic ties time Goa was under Portuguese rule. traced and 8,849 drivers between the two countries in 2003. Currently, Timor Leste has a arrested,” he added. Then minister of state for population of 1.2 million and the Infosys techie dead in Brussels attack external affairs Omar Abdullah median age of 18.6 years. As such represented India in Timor Leste’s skills training for youth was very Indian jailed for independence day celebrations in important, the visiting minister said. May 2002. According to Swarup, “He invited Indian private sector IANS said in a statement here. The 28-year- will continue to provide all possi- 14 years over Bali Sushma Swaraj said that Timor companies to participate in infra- old India-born techie was said to be ble support to Ganeshan’s family in Leste’s accession to the Association structure development, agriculture in a metro train on that fateful day this hour of grief and request the pri- drug smuggling of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) development and capacity build- when the Maelbeek metro station in vacy of his family during this difficult would help India extend more sup- ing,” Swarup said. Da Silva also said BENGALURU: Infosys techie the Belgian capital was rocked by an time,” the Infosys statement added. INDONESIA: An Indian port and cooperation under the that 11 oil blocks were also open for Raghavendran Ganeshan died in explosion, in which at least 20 people The company learnt that she spoke man was jailed for 14 bloc’s mechanism. exploration by India. “He said that the terror attack on a metro station died and many were injured. to Ganeshan’s mother Annapoorni years yesterday for trying She also expressed concern that a delegation of Indian businessmen in Brussels on March 22, the software “Our thoughts and prayers are and assured her of all help in trac- to bring crystal meth- bilateral trade between India and could visit Timor Leste for which major confirmed yesterday. with Ganeshan’s family and those ing her son then. amphetamine into the Timor Leste stood at only $3 mil- they would identify the appropriate “It is with deep regret that we who were injured or lost a loved It is also learnt that Ganeshan Indonesian resort island lion and said that both sides should sectors,” the external affairs ministry confirm the passing of our colleague one in the terror attacks,” the state- spoke to his mother in India an hour of Bali. explore new avenues of trade and spokesman said. The visiting minis- Raghavendran Ganeshan in the ter- ment noted. External Affairs Minister before blasts ripped the Brussels air- Sayed Mohammed investment. ter also requested an early meeting. rible attack in Brussels,” the IT major Sushma Swaraj had tweeted. “We port and the metro rail Said was arrested with 1.5kg of the narcotics hid- den inside his backpack when he arrived at Bali airport from Bangkok in Boys play to cool off Calls flood Kerala CM’s office over September. The 30-year- old claimed the package kidnapped Catholic priest belonged to a friend and he did not know it con- tained drugs. But he was found IANS other Catholic institutions and we guilty Monday at a court are confident of his release. All the in the Balinese capital calls that I am getting are from the Denpasar, and a judge international media and well wish- handed down the 14-year THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ker- ers of the priest. sentence. The prison ala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s “Till this moment, we have no term was lower than the office was yesterday flooded with reason to disbelieve our sources and 20 years recommended phone calls from across the world our mission is on the right track,” by prosecutors and he wanting to know the fate of Catho- the official said. Chandy is reach- escaped a possible death lic priest Tom Uzhunnallil who was ing Delhi later on Monday and is penalty. Indonesia has abducted by the Islamic State terror- expected to call on External Affairs some of the world’s ist group in Yemen, an official said. Minister Sushma Swaraj. On Satur- toughest anti-narcot- The official who did not wish to day morning, Sushma Swaraj had ics laws. People caught be named said that various agen- tweeted that they were trying to res- smuggling over 5gm of cies like the UN, Vatican and the FBI cue Uzhunnallil. some controlled sub- were among those working hard to “Fr Tom Uzhunnallil - an Indian stances can be sentenced rescue Uzhunnallil and were confi- national from Kerala was abducted to death. Said’s lawyer dent of bringing back the priest from by a terror group in Yemen. We said his client still consid- Boys cool off in a pond in New Delhi, yesterday. his kidnappers. “We have various r making all efforts to secure his ers whether to appeal. other sources in Yemen, Aden and release,” she wrote. National Awards: Baahubali is best film; Big B & Kangana best actors

IANS “Baahubali: The Beginning”, stole the limelight with “Bajrangi Bha- production design. Grover was appreciated with Best a layered story of people caught up which was a box office wonder, was ijaan” winning the Best Popular Film In the audiography section, Lyrics honour. A Special Jury Award in changing social and moral values”. lauded for being an “imaginative Providing Wholesome Entertainment; Biswadeep Chatterjee’s sound design- went to Kalki Koechlin for her “real- Social media platforms were film, monumental by its production and Sanjay Leela Bhansali getting the ing and Justin Ghose’s re-recording of istic performance as a young woman abuzz with users slamming the NEW DELHI: Filmmaker S S values and cinematic brilliance in cre- Best Direction Award for “Bajirao the final mixed track for the Ranveer afflicted with cerebral palsy” in “Mar- importance given to Bollywood vis- Rajamouli’s southern magnum ating a fantasy world on the screen” Mastani”, which also won the Best Singh and Deepika Padukone starrer, garita, With A Straw”, whereas Ritika a-vis regional cinema. opus “Baahubali: The Beginning” by filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, head of Supporting Actress award for Tanvi have been honoured. Singh, a kick boxer-turned-actress, Another interesting facet that was yesterday named the Best Fea- the Feature Film jury here. Azmi. Another big Bollywood winner got a special mention for “gutsy per- emerged was that the honours went ture Film at the 63rd National “Baahubali” was even named for The period drama even emerged was “Dum Laga Ke Haisha”, which formance of a boxer in the making”. to movies which were true blue box Film Awards announcement here. the award for Best Special Effects as victorious in the Best Cinematogra- was not just named Best Hindi Film, Neeraj Ghaywan, whose unu- office wonders in 2015. Bollywood stars Amitabh Bach- these brought out the “emotional and phy category, while Remo D’Souza but also won the Best Female Play- sual drama “Masaan” found critical As for regional cinema, actor- chan’s performance in “Piku” and dramatic upheavals of the story” in won the Best Choreography honour back Singer for Monali Thakur for a acclaim nationally and internation- filmmaker Samuthirakan was given Kangana Ranaut’s dual act in “Tanu the movie. for “creating enchanting moves” for “delightful and soulful rendition of a ally, has been encouraged with the the Best Supporting Actor award for Weds Manu Returns” was lauded with While some other marvels of the track “Deewani mastani”, and song of love”, “Moh moh ke dhaage”. Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut the Tamil drama “Visaranaai”, for the Best Actor and Best Actress hon- southern cinema have found a place in Shriram Iyengar, Saloni Dhatrak and The use of “fresh, simple array Film of a Director for “his perceptive which late Kishore T.E.’s editing work our. the list of winners, Bollywood clearly Sujeet Sawant won for the movie’s of metaphors” in the song by Varun approach to filmmaking in handling has also been lauded. 14 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 INDIA

Modi: India will Rangpanchami festival Coal case: Court be bright spot convicts JIPL directors NEW DELHI: In the first for growth conviction in a coal block allocation case, a court here yesterday held “Let me emphasise on our fis- Jharkhand Ispat Pvt. Ltd. cal consolidation. We have met (JIPL) and its two direc- The prime minister the ambitious fiscal deficit targets tors guilty of criminal said since a large in each of the previous two fis- conspiracy and cheat- cal years,” the prime minister said, ing to bag a coal block in share of India’s adding: “We have reduced the def- Jharkhand. population still icit even while increasing capital Special Central Bureau expenditure.” He told the gathering of Investigation Judge depended on that the country’s net foreign direct Bharat Parashar convicted agriculture, his investment inflow during the third JIPL and its directors quarter of the current financial R.S. Rungta and R.C. government’s target year was an all-time record. “This Rungta for the offence People take part in a procession as they celebrate the Rangpanchami festival in Indore, Madhya was to double the is concrete evidence of the success of cheating and crimi- Pradesh, yesterday. income of farmers of ‘Make in India’ policy in employ- nal conspiracy under the ment-intensive sectors.” Indian Penal Code (IPC), soon. As examples, Modi said motor observing that they had vehicle production, which was a “fraudulently” and with strong indicator of consumer pur- a “dishonest intention” chasing power and economic Uttarakhand row: Congress moves deceived the govern- IANS activity, grew at 7.6 percent this fis- ment in allocating the cal, furniture output grew 57 percent North Dhadu coal block in and employment-intensive wearing Jharkhand to the firm. apparel sector grew 8.7 percent. court and Jaitley defends central rule NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Naren- “My goal is reforms through dra Modi yesterday said India will transformation. Administrative live up to the global expectation of reform is a start.” The prime minis- IANS has been moved by senior Congress Rule under Article 356 of the Consti- Modi to leave being a bright spot for growth with ter said since a large share of India’s leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi. “We tution.The Congress party has termed requisite policy as also administra- population still depended on agricul- have come to show our strength and the move a “murder of democracy”. on three-nation tive reforms on a sustained basis. ture, his government’s target was to protest against the decision taken Meanwhile, over two dozen BJP “The world has much expecta- double the income of farmers soon. UTTARAKHAND: The political cri- against our government,” Congress’ legislators arrived in Dehradun to a tour today tions from India in contribution to Towards this, he added, a big focus sis in Uttarakhand showed no signs Bajpur legislator Yashpal Arya said grand welcome at the Jolly Grant air- the global growth. I would like to was being given to irrigation with a of ending with the Congress party after party MLAs led by Rawat met port on Monday. NEWDELHI: Prime Minister place before you how India intends large budget. moving the state high court yester- the governor. Hundreds of BJP activists gath- Narendra Modi will leave to meet the challenge,” the prime “We are also creating a national day against imposition of President’s He said the Rawat government ered at the airport exit to welcome today night on a three- minister told the Bloomberg India agricultural market and removing Rule as BJP leader and union Finance should have been given time to prove the legislators, showering flowers and nation visit during which Economic Forum 2016, held here to distortions,” he said, adding” “Seeds Minister Arun Jaitley justified central its majority. raising slogans. he will attend the India- commemorate the media group’s 20 have been sown for a new dawn for rule, saying the Congress government Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leg- The BJP MLAs had been camping EU summit in Brussels and years in India. farming, and retaining the youth in was “murdering democracy”. islators from Uttarakhand thanked in Jaipur, Gurgaon and New Delhi for the Nuclear Security Sum- Modi said India today was not the sector.” The prime minister said Meanwhile, a delegation led by President Pranab Mukherjee for the last one week, to avoid contact mit in Washington. just the world’s fastest-growing transparency was another hallmark ousted chief minister Harish Rawat imposing central rule. with the beleaguered Rawat camp Modi will attend economy but also has a low cap- of his government, giving the exam- met Governor K K Paul to protest President’s Rule was clamped and chances of horse trading since the 13th India-Euro- ital account and fiscal deficits, ple of auction of resources such as against imposition of central rule on the state on Sunday, a day before the political crisis erupted in the hill pean Union (EU) summit along with low inflation. “This is coal through competitive bidding. in the hill state. Justice U.C. Dhy- Rawat was to seek a floor test in the state. State BJP president Teerath and a bilateral summit the result of good policies and not “Our record on implementation ani of the Uttarakhand High Court assembly to prove he had the num- Singh Rawat said after his arrival with Belgian Prime Min- good fortune,” he said, alluding to in general and reduction in cor- has begun hearing a petition filed bers. The Uttarakhand assembly has that the state unit was thankful to ister Charles Michel on the achievements in the difficult ruption in particular is now well by the Congress against imposi- been kept in suspended animation President Mukherjee for signing the Wednesday during his times globally. understood.” tion of President’s Rule. The petition with the proclamation of President’s proclamation of central rule. first ever visit to Brussels. The EU is the world’s largest exporter and importer of goods and services. For India, EU is Crops ripen early Hyderabad varsity students the largest export des- tination and trading get bail; to be freed today partner. India willing to IANS the orders on the bail pleas as the Telangana government choose not export fighter to oppose the petitions. The court asked the accused to jets: Parrikar HYDERABAD: A court here yester- arrange surety of Rs.5,000 each and day granted bail to 25 students and appear before Gachibowli police sta- PANAJI: India is willing to two faculty members of University tion every week till the final disposal export Tejas fighter jets, of Hyderabad even as protest contin- of the case. Meanwhile, protest con- Akash missile system and ued on campus and Vice Chancellor tinued in the campus over the last even the Brahmos missile, P. Appa Rao appealed to agitating week’s police crackdown. Defence Minister Manohar students to rise above anger and Students, sympathetic towards Parrikar said yesterday, confrontation. those arrested, boycotted the classes but added that it will hap- The students and faculty in response to the call for nation- pen only after the Indian members, arrested last week for wide protest given by the Joint Action Air Force’s requirements ransacking the office of the vice Committee of Social Justice, com- are met. chancellor and for allegedly attack- prising 14 students’ organisations. On defence exports, ing police while protesting his return Raising slogans against the the minister said: “Once after two-month leave, will have to vice chancellor and demanding IAF requirements are spend another night in jail as the for- his removal and arrest, hundreds taken care of, we can malities for their release could not be of students took out a march even export Tejas, Akash, Farmer, Navghanbhai Talpada, poses with a bunch of ripe tomatos in a field in the village of Alindra, completed today. as police and university security Brahmos.” Nadiad Taluka, in Ahmedabad. Due to an unseasonal rise in temperature, crops of the vegetable have Their families and friends are stepped up vigil to maintain law Parrikar said clearance ripened early causing a glut in supply, making transportation and selling of the produce unprofitable. hoping for their release on Tuesday. and order. In another development, can be given for exporting The 25th Metropolitan Magis- former union home minister Sushil up to 10 percent of what trate’s court at Miyapur pronounced Kumar Shinde met students. is manufactured. On the Tejas aircraft, the minis- ter said it was likely to be inducted into the IAF by the end of 2016 or early Education and health key focus in second AAP budget 2017.

IANS whereas the central government, BJP-held municipal bodies -- whose Nidhi in all 70 constituencies. e-rickshaws and hybrid vehicles has Noida to have irrespective of the political party employees have repeatedly gone on The planned expenditure of the been proposed to be reduced from in power, has been decreasing the strike -- was hiked by over Rs.1,000 budget has been pegged at Rs.20,600 12.5 percent to 5 percent. new eight-floor percentage of budget allocation for crore: from Rs.5,908 crore last year to crore and non-plan at Rs.26,000 On the much-hyped WiFi projects, NEW DELHI: Delhi’s AAP govern- education every year.” Rs. 6,919 crore. “I hope the MCD will crore. “About 95 percent of the budget Sisodia said the government would parking facility ment yesterday unveiled a budget of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal utilise this money to pay the salaries will be from our own resources, and evaluate the pilot projects and come Rs.46,600 crore for 2016-17, with edu- praised the budget. “This is a budget of its employees on time. This is public only five percent will be provided by up with more efficient WiFi system in NOIDA: The Noida Author- cation and health cornering the lion’s for the people, for aam aadmi.” money and the MCD should not waste the central government. Of the total the national capital. ity yesterday said that share for a second straight year. “The health department is being it by indulging in corrupt activities.” budget, Rs.36,500 crore will come Delhi will get a new Inter-State it will soon open a new Education was allotted Rs.10,690 allocated Rs.5,259 crore... Delhi will Sisodia said the Aam Aadmi Party from the taxes collected,” said Sisodia. Bus Terminus at Dwarka, 3,000 new eight-floor parking facility crore, or 23 percent of the total, and get 1,000 mohalla (community) clin- government had built 21 new build- Sisodia said sweets and namkeens buses including 1,000 in the premium in sector 18 here to pro- healthcare Rs.5,259 crore, a hike of ics and 150 polyclinics,” said Sisodia. ings for government schools and these were daily consumable items and category, two elevated BRT Corridors vide relief to commuters. Rs.472 crore over last year’s budget, The allocation for health last year was would be functional in July this year. needed to be made cheaper. VAT on including from Anand Vihar to Peer- According to the Finance Minister Manish Sisodia Rs.4,787 crore. “We have constructed 8,000 new marble was cut from 12.5 to five per- garhi (29 km) and from Wazirabad to authority, the new parking announced in the assembly. The government planned to add classrooms, which are equivalent to cent. VAT on watches costing above the Delhi airport (24 km), and Mohalla facility costs approxi- Sisodia, who is also the deputy 10,000 additional beds in its hospitals. the infrastructure of 200 schools. Rs.5,000 had been proposed to be Rakshak Dals for women’s safety. mately Rs.212 crore and chief minister, said: “The highest In a major relief for Delhiites, the If these schools function in double reduced from a high of 20 percent to Focusing majority on health, the will be opened to the allocation this year has been for government would reduce VAT on a shifts, they will be equivalent to 400 12.5 percent. Delhi government hiked its budgetary public from July 31, 2016. eduction.” He said Rs.4,645 crore of slew of products including sweets, schools,” he said. “We tried to bring balance in the allocation for public health by Rs.472 “Parking has always been the total had been allocated under the namkeens and readymade garments, The Delhi government allocated rates of goods in Delhi on par with crore over last year, and proposed a an issue in Noida. A multi- plan head. from 12.5 to five percent. Rs.350 crore for ‘Swaraj Nidhi’, a other states to avoid outflow of tax. three-tier health system with opening level parking is helpful for Taking a dig at the BJP and Con- And in a decision taken clearly fund to execute projects selected It was made possible through vol- of 1,000 mohalla (community) clinics the people for preventing gress, Sisodia said: “We are increasing with an eye on municipal elections through Mohalla Sabhas. Sisodia also untary compliance, and not through and 150 polyclinics in various parts congestion. the education budget every year due next year, the budget of the three announced implementation of Swaraj imposition.” VAT on battery operated of the city. EUROPE / UK TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 15 Belgian cops hunt new suspect; toll rises to 35

was arrested during the police raids ordered held by an investigating judge that followed the March 22 attacks. were linked to the attacks themselves. The sole suspect The announcement was a major The three — identified by Belgian identified as Faycal C blow to an investigation that had net- prosecutors as Yassine A, Mohamed ted half a dozen people charged with B and Aboubaker O — were detained arrested on Saturday lesser offences in Belgium and others during 13 police searches on Sunday was released in the Netherlands, Italy and France, in Brussels and the northern cities of yesterday due to a where officials said the same network Mechelen and Duffel. had planned another attack. The bombings, the bloodiest in lack of evidence. But the Belgian magistrate ruled recent Belgian history, were claimed that new evidence uncovered by by the Islamic State extremist group investigators revealed there were no and confirmed Belgium’s status as grounds to keep Faycal C. in custody an unwitting rear base from which Agencies and he was released, the Belgian Fed- Muslim extremists can stage attacks eral Prosecutor’s Office said. in Europe. Many of those responsible The Belgian Federal Police’s web- for the Nov. 13 attacks in Paris that site posted a 32-second video of the killed 130 people and wounded hun- BRUSSELS: As the number of victims still-unidentified suspect as he wheels dreds came from Belgium. in the Brussels suicide attacks rose to baggage through the terminal along- Four more people wounded in 35, Belgian police released a video of side the bombers. “If you recognise the Brussels attacks died in the hos- a mysterious man in a dark hat seen this individual or you have informa- pital, Belgian Health Minister Maggie in the company of the bombers who tion concerning this attack, please De Block announced on her Twitter attacked Brussels Airport, indicating contact investigators,” police asked. account yesterday. that he is still at large. Authorities also announced that She posted: “Four patients Right-wing demonstrators protest against the wave of terrorism in front of the old stock exchange in “Police are seeking to identify this three more people swept up in police deceased in hospital. Medical teams man,” the Belgian Federal Police’s raids that followed the attacks on the did all possible. Total victims: 35. Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. website said yesterday. airport and on a Brussels subway train Courage to all the families.” The video’s release came as a Bel- were being held on charges of partic- De Block had reported over the hospitals, including 32 in burn units. staff members will test temporary check-ins today. It’s too early to say gian magistrate also ordered release ipating in terrorist activities. weekend that 101 of the 270 wounded Florence Muls, an airport com- infrastructure and new arrange- when airport service might actually of man identified as Faycal C., who It was not clear if the suspects in the blasts were still being treated in munications manager, said 800 ments designed to handle passenger resume, she said.

Smartly dressed for smart walk Ex-human rights Intelligence experts ombudsman debate security named Russia’s risks of Brexit election chief AFP

AFP terrorism, and the events in Brussels brought many concerns to the fore. Security is “the one and only MOSCOW: Russia’s former human issue that is a draw between the two rights ombudsman Ella Pamfilova LONDON: The Brussels attacks have sides”, with an even split between was yesterday appointed the coun- pushed security to the forefront of people who think Britain is better try’s top elections chief ahead of Britain’s EU referendum campaign off in and out, Professor John Cur- parliamentary polls this year. this week, as intelligence experts tice of Strathclyde University said. Her candidacy was approved came out of the shadows to press Joe Twyman, head of politi- by the majority of members of the the benefits and disadvantages of cal and social research at pollsters central election commission. membership. YouGov, said the debate could see a Russia will hold parliamentary A claim by the former head short-term shift towards the “Leave” elections this September amid a of foreign spy agency MI6, Rich- campaign but it would not last. prolonged economic crisis due in ard Dearlove, that leaving the bloc “Security is important, borders part to the fall in oil prices and would have few security implications are important but the economy is Western sanctions over the Krem- sparked interventions from key fig- more important,” he said, adding: lin’s role in Ukraine. Men wearing traditional 17th century uniforms from the Royal Cravattes Regiment, take part in a ures on both sides of the Atlantic. “I think it would be different if, God President Vladimir Putin Prime Minister David Cameron forbid, there were to be an attack on parade in Zagreb, Croatia. earlier this month dropped the has repeatedly stated that EU mem- Britain.” controversial chief of the elec- bership makes Britain safer and a Dearlove, who was head of tion commission Vladimir Churov so-called Brexit would divide the MI6 from 1999 to 2004, also said dubbed the “magician” by the mar- West as it faced global threats from there would be a “security gain” ginalised opposition. the Islamic State group and Russia. from bringing greater control over Churov—who had headed the But Dearlove painted an unflat- immigration by pulling out of the EU, German minister wants refugees to election commission since 2007 tering image of the quality of although he did not clarify. — has been accused by critics of intelligence provided by Britain’s He said Britain “gives much more presiding over mass election fraud EU allies. than it gets in return” in terms of integrate or lose residency rights to ensure victories for the Kremlin. That position was supported by intelligence sharing with EU part- Pamfilova said the commis- former CIA chief Michael Hayden, ners, and said cooperation would be sion’s task was to ensure that all who said the 28-nation bloc could unlikely to end if Britain left the bloc. Russians have “equal voting rights. even be a security hindrance. “The truth about Brexit from a Reuters to the anti-immigrant party Alter- instance women or girls — for those So that there is trust in elections, The former head of communi- national security perspective is that native for Germany (AfD). who reject job offers: for them, there people want to take part in polls so cations spy agency GCHQ, David the cost to Britain would be low,” he Around 1 million migrants arrived cannot be an unlimited settlement that they feel the situation really Omand, hit back, arguing that Brit- wrote in Prospect magazine. in Germany last year — many fleeing permit after three years,” he said. depends on their votes,” she said. ain had “the best of both worlds” in Former CIA chief Hayden agreed, BERLIN: German Interior Minister conflict and economic hardship in De Maiziere, who belongs to Mer- Experts say Pamfilova’s controlling its own borders and hav- saying: “The (European) Union is not Thomas de Maiziere said he is plan- the Middle East and Africa — and de kel’s conservatives party, added that appointment is apparently aimed ing strong security ties with other a natural contributor to national ning a new law that will require Maiziere said around 100,000 more he wanted “a link between success- at lending more legitimacy to the EU nations. security of each of the entity states refugees to learn German and inte- had arrived so far this year. ful integration and the permission upcoming polls but will change lit- Ex-CIA chief, David Petraeus and in some ways gets in the way of grate into society, or else lose their Germany expected that in return for how long one is allowed to stay tle given the Kremlin’s tight grip on warned that leaving the EU “would the state providing security for its permanent right of residence. for language lessons, social benefits in Germany.” the political system including par- only make our world even more dan- own citizens.” The initiative comes after vot- and housing, the new arrivals made Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel liament, court and media. gerous and difficult to manage”. Campaigners to leave the EU ers punished Chancellor Angela an effort to integrate, he told ARD welcomed the draft law, which is Putin has earlier warned that Security was already shaping up insist that intelligence cooperation Merkel’s conservatives in regional television. planned for May. “foreign enemies” were seeking to to be a key issue ahead of the June 23 through the Nato military alliance elections earlier this month, giving “For those who refuse to learn “We must not only support inte- disrupt the elections and tasked referendum, given Britain’s height- would be unaffected, as would key a thumbs-down to her open-door German, for those who refuse to gration but demand it,” Gabriel told the FSB security service with pre- ened state of alert against Islamist relations with the US. refugee policy and turning in droves allow their relatives to integrate - for the local daily Bild. venting any such interference. Powerful winds bring outages, traffic chaos in France and UK

AFP were called for more than 400 times, cancellations with other flights to clear roads blocked by fallen trees delayed or diverted to other airports. and debris. The strongest gusts were Some 20 flights in and out of Lon- recorded on the Breton tourist island don’s Gatwick Airport were cancelled PARIS: Tens of thousands of homes of Belle-Ile, of 150km per hour. and another four diverted. were without power in northwest- Coastal dwellers in three depart- The Met Office national weather ern France early yesterday after the ments on the Atlantic—Finistere, service issued an amber warning for region was pounded overnight by Morbibhan and Loire-Atlantique— winds for London and southeast Eng- winds gusting to hurricane force that were warned of storm-surge waves. land, advising people to be “prepared also triggered flight cancellations and In Britain, the same weather sys- for disruption to outdoor activities.” outages in southern England. tem—dubbed “Storm Katie”—left a The service recorded gusts of 170 kph Seven departments, or coun- trail of disruption as it swept across off southern England coast. ties, in Normandy and Brittany were southern England overnight, leaving A bridge crossing River Thames placed on “orange” alert, the second debris and roadwork barriers strewn in and the Severn Bridge which con- highest in Meteo-France’s three-stage across London’s streets. nects England and Wales were also warning system. Some 60,000 homes Winds gusting to 170kph an hour closed. UK Power Networks said they were without power, more than half forced cancellation of around 150 were dealing with problems across of them in Brittany, electricity grid flights in and out of Britain and left Sussex, Surrey and Kent in south- operator ERDF said. around 2,000 homes without power. ern England, leaving at least 2,000 A tree that fell in high winds brought by Storm Katie damaged a car in a street in Brighton, yesterday. Firemen across the two regions Heathrow airport reported 130 households without electricity. 16 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 EUROPE

China’s Xi begins Czech Alert on Spain coast visit to strengthen ties

countries should boost relations and Police arrested 12 people yester- “see them from a strategic viewpoint day who replaced Chinese flags with Czech President Milos and long-term perspective.” Tibetan ones along the main route Zeman has taken His visit, the first by a Chinese from the airport, CTK news agency president, will include a business reported. the lead in courting forum and the signing of Chinese On Saturday, unknown activists China despite the investments in the nation of 10.6 defaced dozens of Chinese flags with fact that the Czech million people. China is Prague’s black paint. China’s state-run Global third-biggest trade partner, with Times, in an editorial yesterday, said government, not the bilateral trade worth some $21 billion. this showed “major lapses from the president, is chiefly Zeman, a former leftist prime Prague police and the hidden hostil- minister, has taken the lead in court- ity in Czech society”. responsible for ing China despite the fact that the But Chinese Foreign Ministry foreign policy. Czech government, not the president, spokesman Hong Lei said the attempt is chiefly responsible for foreign pol- by a “handful of saboteurs” to disrupt icy. In the past, ties were damaged the visit would not damage relations. by a centre-right government that Efforts by Chinese intelligence was “submissive (to) pressure from to build influence in Czech politi- Reuters the United States and... the European cal circles have raised eyebrows in A huge wave hits the Cuchia cliff in the village of Suances, region of Cantabria, Spain, yesterday. Union”, he said. the Czech counter-intelligence serv- Spanish authorities alerted that heavy winds will hit the northern coast of Spain. China was deeply appreciative ice. In its 2014 annual report, it said that Zeman attended a massive mil- unnamed Czech civil servants and PRAGUE: Chinese President Xi Jin- itary parade in Beijing last September politicians were aiding these efforts. ping began a two-day state visit to marking the end of World War II, the Chinese investments have mostly Prague yesterday to promote business only Western leader to do so. consisted of acquisitions by CEFC ties, crowning efforts by Czech Presi- On a previous 2014 trip, Zeman China Energy, a firm with unknown Spanish pilot held for smuggling drugs dent Milos Zeman to build a strategic said he had come to China to “learn owners which says it is the sixth big- relationship with Beijing. how to increase economic growth gest private enterprise in China. Zeman has been keen to forge and how to stabilise society” rather Last year, CEFC took a 9.9 percent AFP sentence at a correctional centre and cars fitted with false floors to trans- stronger ties with China and Russia than “teach market economy or stake in J&T Finance Group, which took advantage of his weekend fur- port huge amounts of hashish from since his election in 2013 rather than human rights”. owns banks in the Czech Republic loughs to carry out the drug flights,” Spain to Russia, Poland and Estonia. with partners in Nato and the Euro- That marks a sharp contrast and Slovakia, and stakes in airline the police said in a statement. Investigators seized 1.2 tonnes pean Union. EU relations with both with the Czech Republic’s first post- Travel Service, brewery group Lob- MADRID: Spanish police have The pilot was serving a sentence of hashish in separate raids across Beijing and Moscow are tainted by communist president, Vaclav Havel, kowicz , a media house and football detained a helicopter pilot sus- for an undisclosed crime at a jail in Europe, as well as several luxury disputes over human rights and trade. a Soviet-era dissident and personal club Slavia Praha. pected of flying hauls of hashish from the city of San Sebastian in Spain. cars and €20,000 ($22,000) in cash “Now we are again an independ- friend of the Dalai Lama, the exiled CEFC is completing investments Morocco to Spain while on tempo- Police seized 1.5 tonnes of hash- in Spain, police said in a statement. ent country and we formulate our spiritual leader. worth 18bn crowns ($747.29m) to add rary release from prison, they said. ish as part of the operation along with Five suspects were arrested in foreign policy which is based on our Zeman’s remarks and Xi’s visit to 20bn crowns spent already, Exec- Officers arrested the pilot on 1,000 marijuana plants, two heli- Spain, including the alleged leader own interests,” Zeman told Chinese have drawn protests from the Czech utive Vice President Marcela Hrda after he allegedly landed a helicop- copters, 15 vehicles and €220,000 of the ring who lived in Benissa on the television before the visit. opposition, which has compared it said. They span finance, energy, ter loaded with 750kg) near Estepona ($245,695) in cash. Mediterranean coast. Another seven Xi said in an article published to the warm welcome extended to healthcare, industry, tourism and in southwestern Spain. In a separate case, police said were arrested in Estonia and three in the Czech daily Pravo the two Soviet leaders during the Cold War. e-commerce. “The pilot was carrying out a they dismantled a drug ring that used were detained in Poland.

CIA chief visited Walkable Tetrahedron structure Ukrainians rally against Moscow for Syria talks: US official tainted prosecutor

MOSCOW: CIA Director John AFP Poroshenko has seen his public Brennan visited Moscow in early approval ratings fall to just a frac- March to discuss Syria and put the tion of what they were when he was case for the departure of Syrian elected in May 2014. The embattled leader Bashar Al Assad, a US offi- KIEV: More than one hundred pro-Western leader tried to appease cial said yesterday. Ukrainian protesters rallied out- the mounting discontent by asking While meeting Russian offi- side the president’s office yesterday his ally Shokin and Prime Minister cials, the spy agency chief demanding the immediate ouster of Arseniy Yatsenyuk to step down on “reiterated the US government’s the chief prosecutor and a more ded- February 16. consistent support for a genuine icated fight against state graft. But Yatsenyuk refused and that political transition in Syria, and the Prosecutor General Viktor same day survived a no-confidence need for Al Assad’s departure,” the Shokin is ensnared in a web of scan- vote in parliament that has left the US official said. dals that have worried Ukraine’s future of Ukrainian politics up in Brennan also stressed “the Western allies and left despond- the air. importance of Russia and the ent the throngs who spearheaded Lawmakers are expected to Assad regime following through the country’s pro-EU revolution on decide whether to accept Shokin’s on their agreements to implement Kiev’s Maidan Square in 2014. own letter of resignation on today. cessation of hostilities in Syria,” Shokin is accused of failing to A senior member of the pros- the US official said. probe the alleged theft of state funds ecutor general’s office, Vladyslav Russian deputy foreign min- by the deposed Russian-backed Kutsenko, told the Ukranews website ister Oleg Syromolotov confirmed leadership and of stalling investi- that “according to our information, Brennan’s visit yesterday, telling gations into prosecutors who were there are not enough votes” in par- journalists that “the fact that Bren- fired after being discovered hoarding liament to approve his dismissal. nan was here was not hidden.” People walking up the Tetrahedron structure at Halde Emscherblick in Bottrop, Germany, yesterday. cash and diamonds in their homes. Shokin’s survival would be a “I know for sure that he was at The walkable structure shaped like a three-sided pyramid offers a wide view of the Ruhrgebiet region. He has also purportedly covered disappointment for Kiev’s foreign the Federal Security Service (FSB),” up the corrupt dealings of people allies and the International Monetary Syromolotov added. close to the ruling regime. Fund—its financial rescue suspended The demonstrators and several due to Ukraine’s hampered progress parliament members held up ban- towards a more streamlined econ- ners reading “We are embarrassed omy and the recent political turmoil. Putin and Elton for our authorities” and “We demand US Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt EU privacy court cases loom an independent prosecutor’s office”. this month tweeted that “we want “The Maidan (revolution) is not to the see (the prosecutor gener- John likely to over,” anti-corruption activist Vitaliy al’s office) leading the fight against Shabunin told the crowd. “We have corruption instead of openly & over EU-US data transfer pact meet in Russia to push further,” he said. “They (the aggressively undermining reform”. authorities) fear nothing but the Poroshenko last week called on street.” premier Yatsenyuk to finally step Reuters assessing the limits the framework regulators’ deliberations said the MOSCOW: Russian President The rally highlighted one of the down and for parliament to pick his sets on the scope of US surveillance cases were particularly relevant Vladimir Putin could meet Brit- reasons Ukrainian President Petro successor during today’s session. activities, a particularly thorny issue to the Privacy Shield, given that its ish singer Elton John when he visits since former US intelligence contrac- legality under EU law hinges on bulk Russia in May if room can be found BRUSSELS: Three cases on the legal- tor Edward Snowden leaked details surveillance being allowed when it is in the two men’s schedules, the ity of bulk data collection pending at of American mass surveillance pro- necessary and proportionate to the Kremlin said on Monday. the top European Union court could grammes in 2013. Safe Harbour was risk. Washington has set out how it Putin telephoned Elton John spell trouble for a new transatlantic struck down by a top EU court last meets that standard. in September to say he would be data pact that will underpin billions year on grounds that it did not protect Should EU law on bulk data col- ready to meet for a chat after the of dollars in digital trade. Europeans’ data enough from being lection become more restrictive, US entertainer requested a meeting. EU and US officials clinched an accessed by US spies. commitments on its surveillance “When they spoke by tele- agreement on the Privacy Shield “Bulk collection is obviously a key practices could fall short of EU phone several months ago, they framework on February 2 after issue,” said Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, standards, the people said, putting agreed ... they will meet dur- two years of difficult talks aimed chair of the group of 28 EU data pro- the Privacy Shield on shaky ground. ing Elton John’s stay in Moscow,” at ensuring that Europeans’ data tection authorities, at a hearing in the “We have negotiated the Privacy Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov transferred by companies across the European Parliament. “The judge has Shield based on current state of law in told journalists. “Such a meeting Atlantic would be afforded the same not yet settled this.” the EU,” a senior US government offi- cannot be excluded, if there are level of protection as in Europe. She said the European Court of cial said. “If the law changes, we’ll precise dates of his (John’s) stay The Privacy Shield, Safe Har- Justice (ECJ) would hear three cases, have to go back and relook at how we here and if the president’s work- bour, will allow companies to shuffle the first on an agreement between handle these things.” ing schedule allows it,” he said. Europeans’ data to US offices easily the EU and Canada on sharing airline EU data protection authorities John is set to give a concert in by committing to respecting EU data passenger data for law enforcement will publish their opinion on the Pri- Moscow on May 30. Before going protection standards and thereby purposes and two on the retention vacy Shield on April 13, before the ECJ to Moscow, he is expected to give a avoiding EU limits on moving data of communications data by telecoms rulings. While it is non-binding, it is concert in St. Petersburg, the sec- outside the 28-nation bloc. companies. influential because they enforce data ond biggest city in Russia and also Protesters sing national anthem during a rally in front of the EU data protection authorities are Four people familiar with protection law across the EU. Putin’s birthplace. presidential office in Kiev yesterday. AMERICAS TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 17 Trump to visit Wisconsin but Cruz has a head start

to come,” Cruz told reporters after Wisconsin-based radio host Charlie attending a rally. Sykes that he would not apologise to A solid Ted Cruz win Next Tuesday’s contest will be the Cruz’s wife, Heidi, whom he mocked in Wisconsin would first primary since the Texas sena- on Twitter last week until Cruz apol- tor began collecting the backing of ogises for the ad his supporters ran in narrow Trump’s path establishment Republicans, such as Utah featuring a photo of a partially to the nomination former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, clad Melania Trump that originally adamant about eliminating Trump. appeared in a magazine. and put pressure on As Cruz campaigned across Cruz has said he knew nothing the billionaire. the state, he was following a win- about the ad, which was published ning roadmap drawn by Wisconsin by a political action committee that Governor Scott Walker in 2010 in backed him. That did not satisfy AP Wisconsin’s rural and working-class Trump, who said, “I didn’t start, he midsection, the same demographic started it. If he didn’t start it, it never that has driven Trump’s success thus would have happened.” far. Cruz’s campaign was airing Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in Washington. OSHKOSH: Donald Trump is plan- Trump has slightly fewer than about $500,000 in advertising over ning to make his first campaign half of the Republican delegates the final two weeks before the pri- visit to Wisconsin today, where the allocated so far, short of the major- mary — a sharp contrast to Trump, upcoming Republican presidential ity needed to clinch the nomination who aired no commercials in the primary could mark a turning point before the party’s national conven- state. The anti-tax group Club for Hillary to push Trump on Apex Court fight in the unpredictable race. tion this summer. Cruz has more Growth announced its plans to spend But rival Ted Cruz has gotten a than a third of the delegates. $1m on pro-Cruz ads, while an anti- jump-start on next week’s contest, If Cruz wins most of the 42 Trump group was spending roughly Reuters Clinton will criticise US Republican say in the speech urging Republicans collecting influential endorsements delegates in Wisconsin, then the $340,000 in the final two weeks. senators for refusing to consider Presi- to do their jobs and consider Garland. and campaigning in key regions. remaining winner-take-all contests The third remaining Republican dent Barack Obama’s nominee, Merrick Senate Republicans, including Judi- A solid Cruz win in Wiscon- in Delaware, Montana, Nebraska, candidate, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Garland, and voice concern about any ciary Committee Chairman Chuck sin would narrow Trump’s path to New Jersey and North Dakota could has also visited Wisconsin, but polls WASHINGTON: Democratic front- nominee from Trump, front-runner in Grassley, have refused to meet with the nomination, put pressure on the determine the future of the race. A show him trailing both Trump and runner Hillary Clinton will assail the the Republican race for the November Garland, a moderate federal appeals billionaire to sweep the remaining solid Cruz win in Wisconsin would Cruz. prospect of a Donald Trump-appointed 8 presidential election. judge. Clinton’s campaign said she winner-take-all primaries this spring likely require Trump to win those “Ted Cruz has a real opportu- US Supreme Court justice, her cam- A Trump nominee to fill the posi- would urge Grassley to give Garland and increase the chances of a con- five contests to avoid fighting for the nity to win the state, in a way that paign said, as she seeks to regain tion vacated with the February 13 a hearing. tested party convention in July. nomination at the party’s national would be pretty resounding,” said momentum from party rival Bernie death of Justice Antonin Scalia would Clinton will speak in Wisconsin, “The results in Wisconsin will convention. Mark Graul, an unaffiliated Repub- Sanders, the winner of three week- seek to curb Americans’ rights and which holds a primary nominating impact significantly the primaries Trump on yesterday told lican strategist from the state. end nominating contests. empower corporations, Clinton will contest on April 5. El Salvador cops reject talks with gangs calling ceasefire Veteran cop tapped as

AFP Howard Cotto, told reporters. them, arguing they were an inte- 6,000 people were slain in the Cen- interim police chief “We have nothing to talk about gral part of the society. tral American nation last year. with members of criminal organi- “We have made the government The government this month sations. Our job is to investigate and understand that it can’t get rid of the moved to harden its militarised Reuters Department launched an investiga- SAN SALVADOR: Police in El Sal- bring to justice those who commit gangs, because we are a part of the crackdown on the gangs after the tion into Chicago police shootings. vador yesterday rejected talks with crimes,” he said. community in our country,” said a March 3 massacre of eight electricity At public hearings over choos- gangs which on the weekend unex- Three of the most brutal gangs masked man on the video speaking workers and three sugar cane cutters ing a new police leader, many pectedly announced a halt to their operating in El Salvador on Sunday on behalf of the feared Mara Sal- in a rural area just west of the capital. CHICAGO: A veteran Chicago Chicagoans said they wanted an rampant murders that have turned issued a video statement saying they vatrucha gang and two factions of The proposed measures being put police supervisor who did not even African-American superintend- the country into one of the most dan- had ordered a stop to killings by their the rival Barrio 18 organszation. before the country’s Congress include apply for the job will be named ent and expressed concerns about gerous on the planet. members. El Salvador is considered to be boosting the army’s role in the fight, interim police chief by Mayor Rahm racism on the force and ineffective “There is no negotiation of any In exchange, they asked the gov- the most deadly country in the world adding restrictions on gangs inside Emanuel, who rejected finalists cho- discipline after police misconduct. sort with any type of criminal organ- ernment to hold off applying new outside of a war zone, based on its prisons, and a plan to increase con- sen by a civilian board as he tries to Of 405 people shot by Chicago isation,” the country’s police chief, and exceptional tactics to combat per capita murder rate. More than trol over areas under gang rule. rebuild trust in a department facing police, 74 percent were black. a federal investigation and racism The Chicago Police Board accusations. picked three finalists, including a Eddie Johnson, 55, head of police top administrator with the Chicago Masterpiece seized department’s patrol division who police, and two of them are black. In the world of Harry Potter grew up in a city housing project, Johnson had not applied. by Bolsheviks will be named acting superintendent. “While each of the finalists had Local media said Emanuel hoped to strong qualifications, the mayor remains in America give him the job permanently after did not feel that any of them were complying with hiring rules. the complete package that Chicago Emanuel’s spokeswoman, Kel- needs at this time and thus none AFP ley Quinn, declined to address why were offered the position,” Emanuel’s the mayor chose an internal Afri- spokeswoman Quinn said. can American candidate who had Emanuel concluded only an not applied over one who had or why insider could restore the trust of Afri- WASHINGTON: A Vincent Van the mayor had not encouraged John- can Americans after the release of Gogh masterpiece can remain son to apply in the first place. She the video, the Chicago Sun-Times in the United States after the US said the mayor would answer those reported, citing unnamed sources. Supreme Court rejected an appeal questions at the press conference. The last two chiefs came from from the descendant of a Rus- Emanuel’s decision underscores outside. sian collector whose property the political sensitivities in nam- Johnson is a Chicago native was nationalised after the 1917 ing a successor to Garry McCarthy, who lived until age 9 in the Cabrini Revolution. The decision ends who was ousted as superintendent Green housing project, joined the Frenchman Pierre Konowaloff’s in December after days of protests police department as a patrolman last legal recourse to claim “The over a white officer’s shooting of in 1988 and has held several super- Night Cafe,” which the Dutch art- black teenager Laquan McDonald. visory roles. The mayor’s office said ist painted in the southern French The city delayed for more than he has a strong track record in fight- city of Arles in September 1888. a year the release of video that led ing crime and has received a number Estimated to be worth $200m, to first-degree murder charges of policing awards. the canvas is on display at the against the officer, prompting calls The law requires Emanuel to Yale University Art Gallery in for Emanuel’s resignation. The Dem- pick a candidate recommended by Connecticut. ocratic mayor, who was re-elected the board. Local media reported he Guests pose for a photograph before entering Hogwarts School during a soft opening and media tour of The Impressionist painting last year, has vowed to complete his will comply with the law by asking was previously owned by Ivan “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” theme park at the Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles. second four-year term. In the after- the board to conduct another search Morozov, a Russian merchant and math of the protests, the U.S. Justice and encourage Johnson to apply. aristocrat who built an extensive collection of works by some of the greatest painters of the late nineteenth and early twentieth Gunman captured centuries. Need to harmonise rules on deforestation: Study The Communist authorities after shooting confiscated Morozov’s collection after the Bolshevik Revolution. Reuters study found, so legislation and regu- of about 4 million, most of whom live there is hope for harmonising stand- In 1933, the Soviet government lations should be streamlined across in Argentina, according to the Organ- ards among companies working in WASHINGTON: A police officer sold the painting to a Berlin gallery. large areas to balance competing isation of American States. that region and working to respect was shot and wounded yesterday The work later went to a New interests for valueble lands. Deforestation rates in the region the regulations that are already in in the US Capitol complex and the York gallery that sold it to Amer- TORONTO: To feed a growing popu- “This race to the bottom (towards exceeded those of the Brazilian Ama- place,” the researcher said. Some gunman captured, a source citing ican collector Stephen Clark, lation without destroying the world’s regions with lax laws and enforcement) zon for the first time in 2010. large food companies say they are information from the Sergeant-at- grandson of a founder of the Singer forests, governments and companies is one element of what’s going on,” Yann Based on interviews with 83 working to prevent products grown Arms office in Congress said. Sewing Machine Company. need to harmonise rules on deforest- le Polain de Waroux, a researcher at soybean and cattle farmers, research- on deforested land from entering their Gunshots were heard in the US Clark bequeathed the paint- ation to stop farms or cattle ranches Stanford University, said. ers saw significant differences in supply chains. Capitol Visitors Centre and work- ing to Yale, his alma mater, which from moving operations into areas Large farming firms or cattle environmental laws and levels of Unilever, Walmart and a group of ers were told to shelter and there has kept it since his death in 1961. with weak environmental laws, ranches also shift their operations enforcement between the neigh- other large retailers in the Consumer was confusion in early accounts Konowaloff, who is Morozov’s researchers said yesterday. to access cheap land or to be closer bouring states. Farming investment Goods Forum, with a combined rev- about what occurred. great-grandson, has waged a legal By 2030, 100 million new hec- to their other investments, he said. has flown into Formosa province enue of $2.8 trillion, say they have The source said the officer’s battle since the early 2000s claim- tares of farm land, an area larger The Gran Chaco, an area covering in northern Argentina over the past committed to zero net deforestation wounds were not serious. ing he is the rightful heir. than Nigeria, will be needed to grow parts of Argentina, Bolivia and Par- five years, partially to take advantage in their supply chains by 2020. A US Capitol Police officer, who A federal appeals court in New enough food for the world’s growing aguay where the study was focused of lax regulations on forest protec- It remains unclear if companies asked not to be identified, said that York dismissed his claim last year, population, said a study by Stanford has been losing 6,000 square km of tion, de Waroux said. Paraguay has will be able to meet these targets, but the suspected shooter was being citing the “act of state doctrine,” University in the United States. forests anually over the past decade, decent laws for preseving forests, but publicly committing to zero defore- transported to hospital. The officer which prevents US courts from But tighter land or environmental de Waroux said. weak enforcement means firms are tation makes it easier for consumers did not identify or describe the second-guessing the policies of laws in one country can simply push Covering about 1,000,000 square moving in to chop down the trees to to hold firms to account on the envi- suspect and he added that there sovereign governments. deforestation into other regions, the km, the Gran Chaco has a population expand agriculture, he said. “I think ronment, de Waroux said. were no additional suspects. 18 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 AMERICAS

FBI wants help of Brazilian party set to abandon Rousseff US businesses in cyber extortion meeting on the pace of disengagement Party officials calculate that appoint Lula to her Cabinet was 40 seats or more in lower chamber, from the Rousseff administration, in between 70 to 80 percent of the 119 the last straw for many of her allies have signaled that they are leaving. investigation The Democratic which it holds seven ministerial posts voting members of the directorate who saw it as a desperate move to “We don’t want to be the last to Movement Party, and the vice presidency. will vote to end the PMDB’s alliance shield him from prosecution by a abandon this ship,” said PP Senator A formal rupture appears inev- with Rousseff and her Workers’ Party. lower federal court that is over- Ana Amelia speaking to reporters. will decide at its itable and will increase isolation of One told reporters that 75 had already seeing most of the Petrobras case, An impeachment vote is expected Reuters national leadership unpopular Rousseff, freeing PMDB pledged to do so. a view fed by a wiretap recording of as soon as mid-April in the lower meeting on the pace members to vote for her impeach- Rousseff, a former Marxist guer- a conversation between them. house. If she fails to block it with the ment. That makes it likely she will rilla who is Brazil’s first female Brazil’s top court is expected to votes of 171 of its 513 members, Rous- WASHINGTON: The FBI is asking of disengagement be temporarily suspended from president, has vigorously denied any decide later this week if Lula can seff would face a trial in the Senate businesses and software security from the Rousseff office by Congress by early June and wrongdoing and rejects impeachment indeed become a minister. If he is where she has lost crucial support, experts for emergency assistance replaced by Vice President Michel charges that she manipulated govern- allowed, that means that only the Senator Raupp said. in its investigation into a perni- administration, in Temer, leader of the PMDB, while the ment spending accounts to help her Supreme Court can put him on trial PMDB senators believe it would cious new type of “ransomware” which it holds seven Senate decides if she should be per- re-election in 2014. under Brazilian law. be almost impossible for them to stop virus used by hackers for extortion. manently ousted. The impeachment process only “The latest events make it very the impeachment if it passes the lower “We need your help!” the Fed- ministerial posts and Temer aides said the vice presi- adds to the crisis that has hit Brazil, difficult for us to continue supporting house. Rousseff would be suspended eral Bureau of Investigation said the vice presidency. dent is ready to take over and move shaken to the core by its biggest ever the Workers’ Party government. The for up to six months at the start of the in a confidential “Flash” advisory. fast to restore business confidence in corruption scandal - an investigation feeling among the party rank and file trial and Temer would become act- Ransomware is malicious Brazil, in an effort to pull Latin Amer- into political kickbacks to the ruling across the country is that we should ing president. software that encrypts a victim’s ica’s largest economy out of a tailspin. coalition from contractors working for leave,” said Jorge Picciani, leader of Temer is looking at ways to cut data so they cannot gain access to Reuters Brazilian media reported over the state oil company Petrobras. the PMDB in Rio de Janeiro, which had public spending to tackle a widening it on their computers, then offers weekend that a team of Temer aides Rousseff’s government is also been a bastion of support for Rouss- fiscal gap that cost Brazil’s its invest- to unlock the system in exchange is drawing up a plan for his first weeks grappling with Brazil’s worst reces- eff until recent days. ment grade credit rating, the O Estado for payment. as president. sion in decades and an epidemic of Picciani said all but two of Rio’s de S Paulo newspaper reported. FBI alert was focused on ran- BRASILIA: Brazil’s largest party will “Today we will be disembarking the mosquito-borne Zika virus, as it 12 voting delegates were in favour of It said a small team of aides led somware known as MSIL/Samas.A decide today to break away from from this government. The vote for scrambles to host the Olympic Games quitting Rousseff’s coalition. by Wellington Moreira Franco, Rous- that the agency said seeks to President Dilma Rousseff’s floun- independence will win,” PMDB Sen- in Rio de Janeiro in August. The departure of the PMDB is seff’s former civil aviation minister, is encrypt data on entire networks, dering coalition, party leaders said, ator Valdir Raupp, who until recently The Petrobras scandal has weak- expected to lead other smaller parties considering sweeping welfare cuts in an alarming change because typ- sharply raising the odds that she had backed Rousseff, said. ened Rousseff by reaching her inner to bolt from the governing coalition, a social programs that would be carried ically, ransomware has sought to will be impeached amid a corrup- Raupp said PMDB ministers circle with allegations against her domino effect that will further under- out by the finance minister of a Temer encrypt data one computer at a time. tion scandal. would have to resign or leave the mentor and predecessor, Workers’ mine Rousseff’s ability to muster one government. Two names being con- The plea asked recipients to The fractious Brazilian Demo- party, though a gradual withdrawal Party founder Luiz Inacio Lula da third of the votes in Congress needed sidered for the job are former central immediately contact the FBI’s cratic Movement Party (PMDB) will from those posts may take place as a Silva. to block her impeachment. bank governors Henrique Meirelles CYWATCH cyber centre if they decide at its national leadership compromise to keep the party united. An attempt by Rousseff to Republican Party (PR), each with and Arminio Fraga. find evidence that they have been attacked or have other information that might help in its investigation. It is the latest in a series of FBI advisories and warnings from Going hi(gh) tech security researchers about new Fidel Castro flays ransomware tools and techniques. “This is becoming a national cyber emergency,” said Ben John- son, co-founder of Carbon Black, Obama after visit a cyber security firm that uncov- ered another type of ransomware that seeks to attack PCs through Reuters He now lives in relative seclu- infected Microsoft Word docu- sion but is occasionally heard from ments. The FBI first reported on in opinion pieces or seen on tele- MSIL/Samas.A in a February 18 vision and in photos meeting with alert that lacked the urgency of HAVANA: Retired leader of Cuba, visiting dignitaries. warning. The message contained Fidel Castro accused the US The iconic figure’s influence has some technicals details but did President Barack Obama of sweet- waned in his retirement and the not call for help. It said that MSIL/ talking the Cuban people during introduction of market-style reforms Samas.A targets servers running his visit to the island last week and carried out by Raul Castro, but Fidel out-of-date versions of a type ignoring the accomplishments of Castro still has a moral authority of business software known as Communist rule, in an opin- among many residents, especially JBOSS. ion piece carried by all state-run older generations. In its latest report, the FBI said media yesterday. Obama did not meet with Fidel that investigators have found hack- Obama’s visit was aimed at con- Castro, 89, during his three-day visit, ers using a software tool dubbed solidating a detente between the to the country nor mention him in JexBoss to automate discovery of once intractable Cold War enemies any of his public appearances. It was vulnerable JBOSS systems and and the US president said in a speech the first visit of a sitting US president launch attacks, allowing them to to the Cuban people that it was time in the last 88 years. install ransomware on computers for both the nations to put the past Fidel Castro blasted Obama for across the network. The FBI pro- behind them and face the future “as not referring in his speech to the vided a list of technical indicators Tourists use a selfie stick to take pictures of blooming cherry trees along the Tidal Basin in Washington friends and as neighbors and as fam- extermination of native peoples in to help companies determine if they ily, together.” both the United States and Cuba, not were victims of such an attack. “One assumes that every one of recognising Cuba’s gains in health us ran the risk of a heart attack lis- and education, and not coming tening to these words,” Castro said clean on what he might know about in his column, dismissing Obama’s how South Africa obtained nuclear comments as “honey-coated” and weapons before apartheid ended, Court rejects Illinois ex-governor’s corruption appeal reminding Cubans of the many US presumably with the aid of the US efforts to overthrow and weaken government. the Communist government. “My modest suggestion is that Reuters Court of Appeals, which upheld the seat representing Illinois after being From the time of his arrest until Castro, 89, laced his opinion he reflects (on the US role in South bulk of the convictions. Blagojevich elected president in 2008, the pros- his conviction, Blagojevich launched piece with nationalist sentiment Africa and Cuba’s in Angola) and not is serving a 14-year sentence. ecutors told the court. a national campaign to proclaim his and, bristling at Obama’s offer to now try to elaborate theories about Prosecutors said Blagojevich Blagojevich was arrested in innocence, appearing on television help Cuba, said the country was Cuban politics,” Castro further wrote WASHINGTON: The US Supreme was at the centre of a conspiracy to 2008 while still governor. He was shows and even appearing on Don- able to produce the food and mate- in the column. Court yesterday rejected former two- seek cash, campaign contributions impeached by the state’s General ald Trump’s programme “Celebrity rial riches it needs with the efforts Castro also took aim at the tour- term Democratic Illinois Governor and jobs for himself and others in Assembly in 2009, becoming the Apprentice.” of its people. ism industry in Cuba, which has Rod Blagojevich’s appeal of convic- exchange for state appointments, first Illinois governor to be removed Blagojevich was caught on court- “We don’t need the empire to grown further since Obama’s rap- tions on corruption charges including state business, legislation and pen- from office. approved wiretaps describing the give us anything,” he wrote. prochement with Raul Castro in attempted extortion from campaign sion fund investments. The 18 convictions, five of which Senate seat as something so valu- Fidel Castro took power in a 1959 December 2014. He said it was dom- contributors wire fraud. and other Among those actions were were thrown out by the appeals court, able “you just don’t give it away for revolution and led the country until inated by large foreign corporations crimes. attempts to leverage his authority as came in two jury trials. Blagojevich nothing.” Blagojevich added he might 2006, when he fell ill and passed which took for granted billion-dol- The court left in place a July a governor to appoint a US senator began serving his federal prison sen- appoint himself if he could not get power to his brother Raul Castro. lar profits. 2015 ruling by the 7th US Circuit when Barack Obama left his Senate tence in 2012. anything for the seat.

Tallest chocolate US Supreme Court takes up Puerto Rico bribery case

Reuters business, according to prosecutors. jeopardy applies because the jury The case focused in part on alle- had acquitted the two men of some of gations that Bravo Fernandez paid the criminal charges concerning con- for Martinez Maldonado to travel to duct closely related to the actions on WASHINGTON: The US Supreme Las Vegas in 2005 to watch a boxing which the retrial would be focused. Court yesterday agreed to consider match involving Puerto Rican fighter The appeals court ruled in favour a former Puerto Rico state senator’s Felix “Tito” Trinidad. of the prosecution last year. claim that he cannot be retried on In 2011, both were convicted It is the third case concerning corruption charges involving a trip for their role in the alleged bribery Puerto Rico that the Supreme Court to Las Vegas to watch a boxing bout scheme, but the Boston-based 1st US has taken up recently. Last week, the after his original conviction was Circuit Court of Appeals threw out justices heard oral arguments over thrown out. their convictions in 2013. the US Caribbean territory’s bid to The court said it would hear an Federal prosecutors said they revive a law that would allow it to appeal filed by Hector Martinez Mal- would seek a new trial. But Martinez cut billions of dollars in debt at pub- donado, who served in Puerto Rico’s Maldonado and Bravo Fernandez said lic utilities.. Senate from 2005 until his 2011 con- a new trial should be barred because The court is also considering a viction, and businessman Juan Bravo it would violate the constitutional second criminal case that concerns Fernandez, the former president of a protection against “double jeop- double jeopardy. private security company. ardy,” which prevents people from The case the court agreed to The world’s tallest chocolate rabbit, in General Alvarado, city of Miramar, Argentina. The figure is 5.2 Bravo Fernandez sought to bribe being tried on charges for which they hear today is Bravo Fernandez v metres high and weighs 3 tonnes. Martinez Maldonado in order to win already have been acquitted. United States, US Supreme Court, passage of bills that would benefit his Their lawyers say double No. 15-537.

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FAJR 04.12 am ZUHR 11.39 am MAGHRIB 05.51 pm HIGH TIDE 07:30 - 21:15 Strong wind and high seas. Partly cloudy to SHOROOK 05.29 am ASR 03.07 pm ISHA 07.21 pm LOW TIDE 02:45 - 13:45 cloudy with chance of scattered rain.

20 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 MORNING BREAK

ONLINE CHART BUST De Niro yanks Apricot blossom in Austria www.thepeninsulaqatar.com anti-vaccine MOST READ documentary

Qatar International Food Festival receives 1 record-breaking 200,000 visitors from film fest Saudi Arabia wants normal relations 2 with Iran: FM AFP

Qatar airways and Rolls Royce train 3 Qataris in Derby NEW YORK: A documentary by a former British medical researcher who claimed a link between vaccines and autism has TWEET OF THE DAY been withdrawn from the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, event founder and actor Robert De Niro said. "Vaxxed: From Cover-UP to Catas- trophe" had drawn protests from critics who said including the film in the festi- val line-up amounted to siding with the anti-vaccine movement spawned by the discredited research. A woman walks along side apricot blossoms in a meadow in the Wachau valley formed by the Danube "My intent in screening this film was to river in Duernstein, approximately 80km north of Vienna, Austria, yesterday. Austria's biggest apricot provide an opportunity for conversation cultivation region comprises of around 100,000 apricot trees in a 170 hectare area. around an issue that is deeply personal to me and my family," De Niro, who has a child with autism, said in a statement. "But after reviewing it over the past few days with the Tribeca Film Festival team and others from the scientific com- Drawn by Korean TV drama, Chinese munity, we do not believe it contributes to or furthers the discussion I had hoped for." The film's director, Andrew Wake- field, is the researcher whose 1998 paper tourists gather for staple food INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY claiming a link between the MMR vaccine and autism set off an anti-vaccine move- ment that medical authorities say has led to deaths from outbreaks of preventable Reuters vision drama. The group, from Aolan million, and South Korea expects a childhood diseases like measles. A probe International Beauty Group on an record total of 8 million this year, Over 15,000 by the British General Medical Council employee reward trip, began arriv- lured in part by the popularity of eggs were found that Wakefield had acted "dishon- ing from Saturday on 158 flights for a Korean cultural exports, such as TV used to make estly" in publishing his results. INCHEON: About 4,500 employees seven-day tour and gathered around shows, movies and K-pop music. the omelette British medical journal The Lancet of a Chinese cosmetics firm visiting 750 outdoor tables for Monday’s din- The combination of South Korean in the main retracted its publication of the study, say- South Korea as the largest tour group ner, according to officials in Incheon, chicken and beverage became popular square of Bes- ing parts of it had been falsified. Wakefield to arrive in the country by plane sat 50km west of Seoul. in China with the Korean TV show “My sieres, southern was subsequently barred from practicing down yesterday for a dinner of fried The number of Chinese visitors Love From the Star,” a romantic com- France. medicine in Britain."The festival doesn't chicken and beverage, a staple made to South Korea rose 17 percent in the edy about a famous actress and her alien seek to avoid," De Niro said. popular in China by a hit Korean tele- first two months of the year to 1.07 boyfriend that aired in 2013 and 2014. Jim Harrison US museum returns looted dies at age 78 statue to Cambodia AFP

AFP home," Cambodian official Yim Nol- son said at the ceremony, adding that WASHINGTON: Jim Harrison, the the joy was tempered by the fact that American novelist and poet who the head was still missing and its explored the natural world in such PHNOM PENH: An American whereabouts unknown. "The royal works as "Legends of the Fall," has museum yesterday returned to Cam- government of Cambodia appeals to died, his publisher confirmed Sun- bodia a 10th-century sandstone all museums and collectors around day. He was 78. sculpture of the Hindu god Rama the world to follow this good exam- Harrison, who US media said decades after it was looted from a ple by returning the Rama's head to passed away at his home in Patago- jungle temple during the kingdom's Cambodia," he added. nia, Arizona, relished a reputation civil war. The artwork was returned to as a rugged outsider far removed The 62-inch-tall torso, which Cambodia following new research from the East Coast literary scene. was stolen in the 1970s from the Koh into its provenance by the museum, He produced 21 volumes of fic- Ker temple site near the famed Ang- the government statement said. tion and 14 books of poetry as well kor Wat complex, was handed over Cambodia was once home to the as essays and a children's book. by the Denver Art Museum at a cer- mighty Khmer Empire, a Hindu-Bud- A heavy drinker, smoker and emony in Phnom Penh. dhist dynasty that built what were self-described manic depressive, The statue -- still missing its then some of the world's mighti- An artist's rendering made available by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, yesterday, shows the Harrison's fictions were extensions head, arms and feet -- had been est cities and temples, including the Japanese Astro-H satellite that was launched on February 17 to observe black holes and galaxy clusters. of his love of wild places, and his in the museum's possession since famous Angkor Wat complex. passions as a hunter, fisherman 1986, the Cambodian government In January a French museum and cook. said in a statement. "We are joyful returned the head of a statue taken "America lost one of its greatest with the torso of Rama returning in 1886 during the colonial period. writers and we at Grove lost a fam- ily member," his publisher, Grove Japan loses track of satellite Atlantic, tweeted Sunday, adding that "his work lives on." Cherry blossom in Tokyo Harrison had just published AFP into several pieces. "We're taking the emanating from black holes and gal- another novella, "The Ancient Min- situation seriously," Saku Tsuneta, axy clusters. strel," and a book of poetry, "Dead director of the agency's Institute of Black holes have never been Man's Float," earlier this year. Space and Astronautical Science, told directly observed, but scientists Born in Grayling, Michigan, TOKYO: Dozens of space scientists a news conference on Sunday. believe they are huge collapsed stars he had a difficult rural upbring- are desperately scouring the skies JAXA has around 40 technicians whose enormous gravitational pull ing, blinded in one eye as a child after losing track of a quarter-of-a- on the case, trying to locate the is so strong that nothing can escape. and losing his father and sister in billion-dollar Japanese satellite that spacecraft and establish some kind The announcement last month an automobile accident when he was sent to study black holes. of communication with it, an agency that gravitational waves had been was 21. He was often described The ultra-high-tech "Hitomi" -- spokesman told AFP on Monday. detected for the first time added as a "macho" writer in the vein of or eye -- satellite was supposed to be "We know approximately where to evidence of their existence after Ernest Hemingway, but Harrison busy communicating from orbit by it is," the spokesman added, but sci- scientists found the waves had been said it was his subject matter that now, the Japan Aerospace Explora- entists were still trying to work out caused by two enormous black holes prompted the comparison. tion Agency (JAXA) said, but no one its precise location. colliding. "All I have to say about that can say exactly where it is. The satellite, developed in col- The lost satellite, which cost 31 macho thing goes back to the idea The device briefly made contact laboration with NASA, the US space billion yen ($273 million), including that my characters aren't from A woman takes pictures of a lit up Prunus pendula or Shidarezakura with ground crews but has since dis- agency, and various other groups, the cost of launching it, was supposed the urban dream-coasts," he said cherry blossom tree in full bloom at Rikugien Gardens in Tokyo, appeared, with American researchers was launched on February 17 and to orbit at an altitude of about 580 in a 1986 interview with the Paris Japan, yesterday. reporting that it could have broken was designed to observe X-rays kilometres (360 miles). Review. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 • 20 Jumada II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

QFB’s alternative asset classes deliver solid returns

By Satish Kanady new investments, we acquired a attract new investors, provide exist- challenges, investors are demon- The Peninsula 15.6% stake in Cambridge Medical ing shareholders with a liquidity event strating a growing interest in Shariah & Rehabilitation Centre based in Abu and secure a future funding source compliant financial offerings. This Dhabi, the Centre caters for those through the capital markets, he said. trend confirms QFB’s strategy to in need of non-acute rehabilitation The year 2015 was another excit- expand Shariah-compliant products DOHA: The Qatar First Bank’s with a high level of physiotherapy as ing year for QFB as it marks the Bank’s to the corporate and private bank- (QFB) Alternative Investment busi- well as treatment for a broad range evolution from a boutique investment ing market, providing expert advice nesses continued to deliver a solid of conditions.” bank to a full-fledged Shariah-com- on Islamic Finance services that performance in 2015. QFB exited Al Marri said the Bank’s Sukuk pliant private bank and we continue demonstrate genuine growth and three investments during the year, book continued to grow in size to to capitalise on the growing demand profitability, Al Marri added. with IRRs or internal rate of returns reach QR943m ($259m) while main- for Islamic banking and the increase Ziad Makkawi, Chief Executive ranging from 20% to 50%, Chair- taining both its investment-grade in wealth in the region. Officer, QFB said: “Last year was man Abdulla bin Fahad bin Ghorab credit quality and the same duration. “We closed 2015 recording a gross a milestone year for QFB. We con- Al Marri stated yesterday. “We expect the challenging market income of QR336.5m and a net income firmed our strategy and streamlined Addressing the annual general conditions to continue in 2016, In QFB Chairman Abdulla bin Fahad bin Ghorab Al Marri (centre) addressing of QR66m. Capital deployed during our businesses to offer Shari’ah com- meeting, QFB chairman said the spite of these challenges QFB will the annual general meeting yesterday. Pic: A Basit / The Peninsula 2015 is QR33.9m, bringing our total pliant services including alternative bank sold its remaining shares in Al continue adopting an opportunistic capital invested to date to QR 1.54bn investments with a focus on private Noor Hospitals, completed the West- outlook to source viable investment create value for our shareholders.” concerned authorities to complete the and total assets has grown by 26% to equity and real estate, as well as cor- bourne House project in London’s W2 opportunities that surface in such The bank’s listing on the Qatar listing requirements. Pending regu- QR5.9bn. porate & institutional banking, private district and sold the plot of land near market conditions in order to gen- Exchange remains a top priority and latory approvals, we hope the listing As the global investment mar- banking & wealth management, and Burj Khalifa, in Dubai. “ In terms of erate sound returns for the Bank and we continue to work closely with the will conclude shortly allowing QFB to ket continues to go through major treasury & investments.” Hertz-Al Mana Rent A Car Riding high on speed of service, quality & customer satisfaction Hertz Qatar joins hands with Dorna Sports to provide cars and rental services for MotoGP World Championship

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At Hertz Qatar, a leading vehicle rental organisation Hertz Qatar, we have a clear vision to become the highest quality and most and part of the Al Mana Group of companies, has customer focused car rental company. We strive to achieve our vision by focusing been a long term sponsor of the series offering cars on customer and employee satisfaction as well as on asset management, with and rental services. equal emphasis on efficiency and growth. Hertz, which is the largest worldwide airport general use car rental brand, operating from Q How many locations do you have in Qatar? approximately 10,000 corporate and licensee Ans: We have 5 locations in Qatar locations in approximately 150 countries, has Q What is your customer base? MotoGP winners ... proud moment partnered with Dorna Sports - an international Ans: We have customers from wide range of industries, including construction, sports management, marketing and media company “Hertz Qatar relies on the quality offered Government, oil & gas, Consultancy among others.. - in making the event a huge success. and we benefit from a large and diverse group of Q What makes Hertz different compared to your rivals? “Our partnership with Dorna and MotoGP automotive operations in addition to associated provides us an excellent opportunity to demonstrate service and maintenance centers. This capacity Ans: Our people make the difference. Hertz Qatar has more than 160 employees from our ability to manage such a big event and to reveal enables us to offer an exceptional service, including different countries and various nationalities. Our consistent investment in our the best service quality that Hertz Qatar can provide offering outstanding value on popular vehicles, people, supported by our core values, help give a unique experience to our clients. in rent a car business. We are really proud to host this quick procurement of cars, and priority servicing & We are always tailoring the best offer that suits our customer needs. special event again,” said Miss. Sanaa Ouahmane, maintenance,” added Miss. Sanaa Ouahmane. Q Tell us a bit about your partnership with Qatar Airways? GM of Hertz Qatar. Dorna has been the exclusive commercial and Ans: Hertz partners with Qatar Airways Privilege Club, the airline’s loyalty television rights holder for the FIM Road Racing programme, offering its members up to 10% discount on Hertz rentals as well as World Championship Grand Prix (MotoGP™) since Qmiles when renting Hertz vehicles across the globe. 1992. Q These are uncertain times with the dip in oil prices, has it affected Hertz’s The organisation has its headquarters in Madrid, business here? with further branch-offices and/or subsidiaries in Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo. Ans: Well, of course the oil pricing has affected Qatar market, but being a part of Al Mr. Pau Serracanta, Dorna Managing Director Mana Group, we were always prepared with strategic plans to face any sudden Commercial Area said: “We are very happy for the changes and emerging crises. We have been doing business in Doha for quite excellent service that we always receive from Hertz. a long time and being under the umbrella of Al Mana gave us the experience, Qatar is the first GP of the season and the first thing knowledge and vision to overcome this situation. We are a group of companies that we had done when we arrived here was to rent a with a very well-known reputation and high portfolio of clients. We rely on our car. The excellent service from Hertz made all Dorna history, present and our planned strategic vision. team to have a very smooth and pleasant start of the Q What is Hertz’s slogan? championship”. Ans: ‘Travelling at the Speed of Hertz’ and this is the culture that we apply on a daily basis with our customers: Speed and quality in service. Q Being the only one woman General Manager in the rent-a-car industry in the Middle East, how do you feel about the task? Ans: I am very proud to be a leader in the car rental industry with an international franchise in Qatar. When I joined Hertz-Al Mana Rent A Car, I had the objective to help the company become the No 1 in terms of quality of service and market share. Today, we have more than 3,000 vehicles in our fleet and we are awarded as the best car rental company in the Middle East by various international organisations. I would like to use this opportunity to thank the Al Mana family for trusting me and giving me the chance to lead one of their automotive divisions. I Miss. Sanaa Ouahmane shaking hands with Mr. Pau Serracanta am looking forward to reap more success and spread the name of Hertz across the during the racing event at Lusail International Circuit. Bikers in action Qatar market. 22 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

Jaidah Heavy Barclays is Qatar’s Equipment holds Isuzu ‘Best Foreign Customers’ Appreciation Day

Investment Bank’ The Peninsula

DOHA: Jaidah Heavy Equipment, The award recognises a subsidiary of Jaidah Equipment, held its second edition of Isuzu Barclays’ leading Customers Appreciation Day for position as a top 2016. player in Mergers and The customer gathering is organized to felicitate Key Custom- Acquisitions, Equity ers of 2015 in addition to showcase Capital Markets and new Isuzu products and solutions. The event was attended by Debt Capital Markets in Managing Partner of powergreen, Amr Belal, addressing media persons. team of delegates from Isuzu Qatar. Motors Middle East and Isuzu Motors International Operations Thailand, Dubai Office in addition markets in the region.” to a huge turnout of customers, IUME’s Green Division launches The Peninsula EMEA Finance, one of the lead- business associates, and special ing information sources specialised invitees from Jaidah Corporate in the EMEA finance industry, also Office. new corporate identity recognised Barclays’ key achieve- Ayman Ahmed, Managing DOHA: Barclays has been awarded ments over the past 12 months which Director of Jaidah Equipment ‘Best Foreign Investment Bank’ in were driven by one of the most said: “Jaidah Heavy Equipment Qatar by EMEA Finance at the Mid- experienced and senior on-ground has strengthened its position in The Peninsula with our teams, we feel that the new leading projects in Qatar that have dle East Banking Awards. investment banking teams in the the Commercial Vehicle market identity maintains the integral nature been delivered by IUME and which The award recognises Barclays’ Middle East. by offering different types of Isuzu of our business while allowing for now fall under the portfolio of leading position as a top player in Christopher Moore, publisher vehicles, Isuzu is a very important future growth. The new name has “powergreen”; such as the series of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), of EMEA Finance, said: “Over the player in Pickups & Trucks mar- DOHA: The Green Division of Inno- been devised to give individual iden- photovoltaic installations in Msheireb Equity Capital Markets (ECM) and past 12 months, Barclays has exe- ket in Qatar. We are very proud vations Unlimited ME (IUME) has tity to our business division allowing Downtown and the first solar sports Debt Capital Markets (DCM) in Qatar; cuted multiple marquee transactions seeing a lot of big fleet customers launched a new corporate identity us to move forward with confidence,” facility “Al Sadd Multipurpose Hall” leading on a wide range of complex in Qatar, including M&A and capi- using Isuzu vehicles. We would like to support its goal of reinforcing mar- he said. among a range of other projects. advisory and capital market trans- tal market transactions, cementing to stress on the important role of ket position in the area of renewable “Going forward, ‘powergreen’ Al Sadd Multipurpose Hall, which actions for sovereign, corporate and its position as the leading foreign the after sales service, keeping this energy solutions. The Division, after will build on its capacity as renewa- is a 4-star GSAS project, has been financial institutions. investment bank in the country. The in mind, we are starting to build a undergoing a corporate spin-off, ble energy system integrator and EPC awarded the “Sustainable Project of Makram Azar (pictured), Chair- transactions spanned various geog- new 2S Service Centre exclusive will now operate as ‘powergreen’, a contractor having delivered some of the Year” Award for 2015 at the Con- man of Banking for Europe, Middle raphies and industries – a testament for Isuzu in the industrial area. wholly owned subsidiary of Innova- the pioneering cleantech projects in struction Week Awards ceremony for East and Africa (EMEA) and Chair- to Barclays’ widespread regional, as This will help us enhancing after tions Unlimited ME, expanding on its Qatar and will actively be involved in the Middle East. “It gives us great pride man of Barclays MENA, said: “Our well as global capabilities.” sales support to benefit our val- success in offering turnkey renewa- expanding operations to the Middle to contribute such achievements to the local presence and expertise, The latest award follows a string uable customers and aid future ble energy solutions to clients across East region. “Our business activity to construction industry; it is one mission combined with Barclays’ global of accolades the Bank has won for business relations.” He also said: the Middle East. date has established us as a trusted that we take to heart and will continue capabilities, enable us to offer a various businesses in Qatar. These “Jaidah Equipment is considered “Given the dynamic evolution partner in renewable energy tech- to pursue,” said Amr . superior client proposition for our include EMEA Finance’s ‘Best Pri- as one of the pillars supporting the of our company since its establish- nologies in the markets where we Throughout its journey, the com- clients in Qatar. This award recog- vate Bank in Qatar’ and ‘Best Foreign Vision 2030 of the Country”. ment, we have been working in the operate and we foresee a growing pany has also achieved a number of nises Barclays’ value proposition in Investment Bank in the MENA The event took place at the past few months towards a new name role for us to play in this industry in accolades. These include nominating Qatar, as well as the teams’ efforts region’. Regency Halls in Doha, with an that we feel better represents us and the region. Our individualised iden- and winning for Kahramaa, the 2015 in working successfully with clients Launched in 2008, the EMEA objective of promoting new solu- our business operation,” said Man- tity will allow us to reinforce our Energy Globe Award accorded to the on landmark transactions. We are Finance’s Middle East Banking tions from Isuzu SUVs, D-Max aging Partner Amr Belal, head of the market position through a defined Kahramaa Awareness Park project; delighted to have won this highly Awards celebrate accomplishments Pick-Ups & Trucks available to newly established powergreen, at a and consistent recognition,” Amr and the first runner up position in sought after award in such a com- of retail and investment banks, asset contractors, logistics, distribu- press conference held yesterday at asserted. the 2010 Qatar Today Green Awards petitive market, like Qatar, which is managers, and brokerage houses in tion, wholesale markets and rental Hilton Double Tree Hotel. “After stra- During the press conference, for the design and implementation of considered one of our top priority the Middle East region. companies. tegic assessment and consultation Amr Belal highlighted some of the solar street lights for Ras Gas. Service clinic Dodsal Group finds $8bn natural gas deposits in Tanzania promotion at KIA Qatar The Peninsula agreement signed in 2007, the Dodsal Group is currently undertaking stud- The Peninsula ies for prospective gas resources to be enhanced further, which could cat- DOHA: The Dodsal Group, a Dubai- alyze Tanzania’s position as a leader based business conglomerate in the natural gas sector in the East DOHA: KIA Motors Qatar keeps currently operating in countries in Africa region. its focus in fortifying the after- MENA and East Africa region and The Group has already invested sales service with the 2016 Service India, has struck an expansive sweep $200m to date, and plans to invest Clinic entitled ‘Newcomers’ with of over 2.7 TCF natural gas deposits on another $300m in Tanzania over the aim to continue with a proac- their onshore concession in Tanzania the next 24 months to support its tive strategy to advance the best for oil and gas exploration. exploration and production activi- of service excellence. In July 2015, the Group had ties, including implementation of an Through its exclusive dealer, marked its first natural gas discovery Early Production System to bring Gas Al Attiya Motors and Trading Co. in the country of 2.17 TCF in the Mam- to the market. (AMTC), the Service clinic will bakofi and Mtini region. However, The country’s biggest onshore offer a free check-up of the engine, based on recent update of studies, this gas discovery is located in the Ruvu transmission, electrical system, estimate has now been raised to 2.7 Basin Coast Region, only 50km from A/C and Cooling, body, exterior, TCF with a potential upside of 3.8 TCF. the commercial capital city of Dar es Dodsal Group officials during the press conference. etc. The after sales service is a Based on the current market prices, Salaam, will contribute to increased fundamental part at KIA Qatar the gas resources is valued at $8bn to reliability of clean energy resources in all-round socio-economic progress. responsible organisation, our focus its all-round competitiveness.” and it continues to be their attempt a potential upside of $11bn. Tanzania, and drive all-round social Tanzania has tremendous potential is to bring in added value across all With over 10,000 employees, the to offer the best services for their In addition, Dodsal’s third well at and economic growth. With the new in the hydrocarbon sector. When aspects of our operation and sup- multi-billion dollar business con- customers. KIA Qatar is hoping to Mbuyu has encountered a large gas discovery, the nation’s total estimated efficiently leveraged, this will bring porting Tanzania in stimulating the glomerate has proven competencies get a similar enthusiastic response column, in the western side of the recoverable natural gas reserves total incremental economic growth by local economy, creating new jobs in other sectors including trading and from this year’s Clinic as they have block, which is estimated to contain over 57 TCF. assuring timely and ready supply for the Tanzanian youth and driv- distribution; and engineering, pro- been getting in the previous edi- upto 5.9 TCF of gas. Studies are ongo- Dr Rajen A Kilachand, Chair- of clean energy. We are fully com- ing the growth of small & medium curement & construction (EPC). As tions. KIA Vehicle owners from 2011 ing to establish the prospective gas man and President of the Dodsal mitted to supporting the nation in enterprises by building a strong a leading EPC player in the energy, onwards are eligible for the promo- resources. Group, said: “The discovery of natu- this journey, underlined by the nine local supply chain. The significant industrial and infrastructure sectors, tion. Customers can benefit from a Having secured oil and gas ral gas reserves in Tanzania further years of natural gas exploration that discovery of natural gas, in close The Dodsal Group has implemented basic understanding of automotive concessions from the government strengthens our commitment to the we have been undertaking.” proximity to Dar es Salaam, will projects in over 22 nations across the maintenance as the Service Clinic is following a production sharing nation to be a partner in the country’s He added: “As a socially boost the economy and strengthen world. done by the authorized and trained technicians from KIA Qatar. Ayman Al Shami, the Director of After Sales operations at AMTC Al Mana Group attends Ministry Ooredoo unit sells mentioned: “the Service Clinic is a significant part of our calendar wi-tribe Pakistan as it is done to showcase the KIA of Health promotional day Qatar service capabilities and pro- to HB Offshore mote the use of KIA genuine parts. The Peninsula Company: Ford and Lincoln. Privately It is also a great opportunity for the owned and operated by Al Mana Investment customers to meet the service con- family since 1965, the company sultants and ask any question that continues to expand its footprint, mayneed to be answered for main- DOHA: Al Mana Automotive group building on its history of excellence taining their car properly”. supported Ministry of Health on Sun- in the automotive industry. DOHA: Ooredoo announced yes- The Service Clinic is until- day and shared their latest offers and In addition to the Automotive, terday that its subsidiary wi-tribe April 2, 2016 and held at St No. services with the employees. Habitat part of Al Mana Group also limited concluded the sale of wi- 27, Al Wakalat St. Industrial Area. Established as a trading house participated by offering special prod- tribe Pakistan to HB Offshore The Service Centre is also hav- in 1960, Al Mana Group has evolved ucts . Founded in 1964 and in 2011 Investment Ltd for a cash amount ing major construction works as into one of Qatar’s leading busi- Habitat becomes the Habitat Design of approximately QR32.7m, in it transitions into a full-fledged 4S ness enterprises, growing with and International group with its head line with the carrying value of (Service, Sales, Spare Parts, Stor- contributing to the meteoric devel- office located in Paris. It distributes the asset. age) facility dubbed as the ‘KIA opment of Qatar. functional, beautiful and affordable HB Group is well established City’. Customers can expect the Al Mana Automotive group repre- furniture and home accessories within the telecommunications revamped facility to be open to sents: United Cars Al Mana: Jeep Ram Habitat-Al Mana Group is present sector in Pakistan, and is plan- Al Mana officials during the programme. the public soon. and Dodge - Hertz –Al Mana Motors in Qatar on the Airport Road. ning to expand further. BUSINESS TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 23

Vietnam to remain one of the fastest growing EMs: QNB

The Peninsula 2016 and 7.5 percent in 2017,” said QNB in its outperformance has been driven by strong needs to be ratified by national parliaments. 7 percent in 2016 and 7.5 percent in 2017. The commentary. export growth, despite a weak global envi- If approved, TPP would deepen Vietnam’s positive forces driving exports (such as low The CPV selected a new leadership at its ronment, supported by a number of factors. access to large markets (US and Japan), boost- wages and shifting supply chains) will persist. 12th National Congress in January. The general The report said that Vietnam is attracting ing exports. FDI has already risen after trade agreements DOHA: Vietnam is expected to remain one secretary was reappointed while the outgo- strong investment in low-end manufacturing In anticipation, FDI is pouring into Viet- were signed in 2015, but the strongest impe- of fastest growing emerging markets (EMs) ing reformist prime minister will be replaced for exports, thanks to competitive wages and nam. Also, low-end manufacturing exporters tus to growth and exports will come once the under the new leadership. Country’s economy by his deputy in July. free trade deals. are shifting from China to Vietnam as China TPP comes into force, likely in 2017,” said the is likely to grow over 7 percent and above in The changes were cast as a victory for the The latter grant foreign investors access shifts to higher-end manufacturing and as report. 2016 and 2017, said QNB in its latest economic conservative rather than reformist elements to large markets. For example, an initial Chinese wage levels rise. Domestic demand should remain strong. commentary yesterday. within the CPV. However, the consensus-based agreement on the Trans Pacific Partner- Vietnam’s exports have been resilient to Incomes could be boosted by the strong export “Statements from The Communist Party of decision making process of the CPV and the ship (TPP) was signed in July 2015 and a the global slowdown as demand for some sector, while the housing recovery is in its Vietnam (CPV) following the Congress com- appointment of a number of young techno- free trade agreement with the EU was con- of its products is relatively inelastic (food, early stages and may bolster investment and mitted to continued reforms aimed at the crats to the politburo suggest that Vietnam is cluded in December. clothes and textiles, for example). In addition consumer sentiment. banking sector, state-owned companies and likely to press ahead with reforms. TPP involves 12 Pacific Rim economies to strong export growth, domestic demand Finally, the smooth transition of power and macroeconomic liberalisation. As a result, In 2015, Vietnam’s real GDP growth accounting for 37 percent of global GDP and has picked up, benefiting from rising real continuation of reforms agreed at the National the outlook for Vietnam remains positive, in accelerated to 6.7 percent from 6 percent 26 percent of world trade. It is the largest trade wages and a recovery in credit growth and Congress should release investment that may line with the forecasts we published in our the previous year, making it one of the fast- pact in two decades. real estate. have been held back pending the outcome of December report for growth of 7 percent in est growing emerging markets. Vietnam’s An initial agreement was signed in July, but “We expect real GDP growth to pick up to the Congress, added the report.

Call for advance planning as Hyundai plant in Ulsan VAT in GCC likely from 2018

officials have confirmed introduction in the The introduction that the go live-date is region. January 1, 2018, and all PwC also noted of VAT represents a GCC members should that the tax system significant change in have VAT in place by the will present a number end of 2018. of challenges for busi- tax policy and will The final form of nesses and individuals have a major impact the VAT is still being operating in these States. on businesses developed, but the gen- Tax experts from PwC’s eral shape of the tax is Qatar office and from across GCC already known. across the region out- Finbarr Sexton (pic- lined that although 2018 tured), MENA Indirect may seem like a long Tax Leader, EY, said: “The intro- way off, there are sensible ways busi- duction of VAT on businesses will nesses can start preparing now – by The Peninsula have a broad impact. It will diver- assessing how VAT will impact them. sify government revenue sources The PwC tax workshop outlined and reduce reliance on oil revenues the VAT impact on businesses and to finance government expenditures. how identifying a VAT strategy for DOHA: Businesses in GCC member The timelines for businesses to build implementation and identifying con- states, including Qatar, should start out the VAT capability is challeng- tracts that require VAT action are all planning in advance for the imple- ing. It requires careful planning and vital steps to preparing for the intro- mentation of VAT (value added tax), a structured programme to ensure duction of the VAT. Also summarised which is expected to be implemented that the business is VAT ready, includ- was the high importance of under- A labourer works at the main factory of Hyundai Motor in Ulsan, about 410km southeast of Seoul, from January 2018, and should not ing people, processes, controls and taking a capability assessment of the South Korea. Across a total of 15 million sq metres, five different factories produce 14 different wait until the last minute to avoid technology. Corporate structures and existing systems to manage VAT. Hyundai models. challenges, say experts from EY and supply chains also need to be ana- Jeanine Daou, PwC Middle East PwC, two leading audit and consult- lysed in light of the new tax. This is Partner and Indirect Taxes and Fiscal ing firms. to ensure that potential inefficien- Policy Leader said: “An understand- EY yesterday held a seminar on cies can be detected and addressed able question we often receive is the implementation the proposed in a proactive manner.” ‘what steps should be undertaken new tax policy (VAT) in Qatar. “If VAT is not applied correctly, it now, when the legislation is yet to be Oil trades near $39 amid doubts The introduction of VAT rep- may become an additional cost to the issued?’ Three good areas to focus on resents a significant change in tax business. Further, non-compliance are 1) Modelling what could be the policy and will have a major impact with tax laws attract severe penal- business impacts, 2) Understanding on businesses across GCC. Although ties. All businesses must undertake the IT systems and business proc- producer talks will curb glut implementation is still more than a review of their current contracts esses that will be affected by VAT as 18 months away, businesses should to determine if VAT has been appro- part of shaping the VAT implemen- already be thinking about how VAT priately addressed,” added Finbarr. tation project and 3) Review existing will impact on their operational PwC also held a VAT workshop contracts that do not accommodate Bloomberg back from a 12-year low last month weeks covered by data from the U.S. models. in Qatar, as part of a region wide the introduction of a new tax. On on speculation that the global surplus Commodity Futures Trading Com- EY in as statement said that VAT initiative to update locally based the latter point, companies may be will ease as U.S. output declines and mission was the largest in records is expected to be implemented across businesses on the latest develop- forced to absorb the impact of VAT if major producers including Saudi Ara- going back a decade. That suggests the GCC in 2018. GCC Government ments and the implications of VAT the contracts are not amended”. NEW YORK: Oil traded near $39 a bia and Russia discuss capping output. the upward pressure on prices has barrel in New York amid speculation U.S. data last week showed inventories come from traders cashing out of that a meeting of crude-producing rose by more than three times what bearish wagers. countries next month won’t ease a was forecast, while imports increased Rigs targeting oil in the US fell Volkswagen global supply glut. to the highest since June 2013. by 15 to 372, the lowest since 2009, Lotte Hotel eyes IPO Futures fell as much as 1.5 percent West Texas Intermediate oil for Baker Hughes Inc. said on its website recalls e-Golf after earlier rising 1.7 percent. Iran and May delivery fell 25 cents, or 0.6 Thursday. More than 150 have been Libya are the two Opec members that percent, to $39.21 a barrel at 12:50 parked since the start of the year. haven’t pledged to attend production- p.m. on the New York Mercantile “There was speculation that vehicles for freeze talks on April 17 in Doha, Qatar. Exchange. Total volume traded was the return of $40 oil would lead to The absence of countries aiming to 52 percent below the 100-day aver- a return of rigs,” said Bob Yawger, battery fix restore supplies that were shuttered age. Brent for May settlement slipped director of the futures division at by conflict and sanctions means any 38 cents, or 0.9 percent, to $40.06 Mizuho Securities USA in New York. accord is unlikely to be effective, Com- a barrel on the London-based ICE “The data shows this isn’t the case.” AFP merzbank AG said last week. Futures Europe exchange. Prices US crude inventories probably “There’s a growing realization slipped 1.8% last week. The glo- rose by 3 million barrels last week, that the meeting in Doha is not going bal benchmark crude traded at an according to a Bloomberg sur- to be effective,” said Thomas Finlon, 85-cent premium to WTI. vey before an Energy Information WASHINGTON: Embattled Ger- director of Energy Analytics Group Trading in New York and London Administration report Wednesday. man automaker Volkswagen said LLC in Wellington, Florida. “The U.S. was closed Friday for the Good Friday Iran, committed to boosting yesterday it is recalling about has lost about 500,000 barrels a day holiday. The number of bets on ris- output after sanctions were lifted in 5,200 VW e-Golf vehicles in the from its peak, but the Iranians are ing oil has barely increased as crude January, needs $40bn for oil projects United States over a battery prob- planning to increase output by more jumped more than 50 percent since in the year ending next March, lem that can cause their electric than 1 million, so we’re going to see Feb. 11. Meanwhile, the liquidation of according to Oil Minister Bijan Nam- engine to stall. the surplus grow.” Oil has climbed short positions during the past seven dar Zanganeh. Volkswagen Group of Amer- ica, VW’s US unit, is recalling certain 2015-2016 model years of the e-Golf. The company said “oversensitive diagnostics” in the high-voltage battery management Saudi index rises; Qatar drops system may inadvertently classify an electric surge as a critical bat- tery condition. Agencies regulators cutting regional roaming was lost 3.01% to QR90.20 and Oore- “This can cause an emergency fees in the Gulf. The Qatar Exchange doo down 2.19% to QR85.00 Egypt’s shutdown of the high-voltage bat- down 83.63 points or 0.82% as it index fell 0.6 percent as Egyptian bil- tery, which in turn deactivates the closed yesterday at 10,145.39 points lionaire Naguib Sawiris’s Orascom vehicle’s electrical drive motor,” DOHA/DUBAI: Strong petrochemi- down from the previous closing of Telecom, the most heavily traded stalling the engine and potentially cal shares lifted Saudi Arabia’s stock 10,229.02. stock, lost 1.3%. leading to a crash, the company market in early trade on Monday, The volume of shares traded Orascom Telecom had dropped said. while Orascom Telecom Media pulled up to 10,189,517 from 8,847,314 3.8 percent on Sunday after Sawiris The National Highway Traf- Egypt lower again because of concern Sunday, and the value of shares said its bid to acquire CI Capital, the fic Safety Administration said A flag bearing the logo of Lotte Hotel flutters at a Lotte Hotel in about its deal to acquire CI Capital. increased to QR370,786,003.69 from investment arm of Commercial Inter- the recall began on March 15. Seoul, South Korea. Riding a Seoul stocks revival, some of South Saudi Basic Industries climbed QR273,949,395.28. Among the top national Bank (CIB), was being held Volkswagen told owners to bring Korea’s biggest family firms, including Lotte, are set to clean 2.3 percent, helping the Saudi index losers were Qatar Insurance whose up by national security concerns. their vehicles to dealers for an house this year with multi-billion dollar initial public offerings rise 0.9 percent. Saudi Telecom share dropped 3.05% to QR79.50 and Sawiris also criticised state med- update on the battery management that will fire the country to a record year for new listings. rebounded 2.4 percent after slid- Qatar Islamic Bank with 1.89% fell to dling in business that he said would software, the federal agency said. ing for several days in response to QR103.60 per share. Qatar Navigation put off investors. 24 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

Banks in UAE ease loan Container movement repayments for SMEs

surge in defaults that may jeopard- so-called “skips” had reached around ise the economy. The initiative, which Dh5bn ($1.4bn), Al Ghurair estimated in The initiative, which involves businesses working with November. On Monday, he said he was involves businesses lenders to restructure their loans, is unsure what the latest figure was. The intended to give breathing space to plan will be open to companies that working with lenders SMEs, which contribute around 60% have borrowed Dh50m or more from to restructure their of UAE’s gross domestic product. a number of banks and were showing Banks have been hit by a spate of signs of financial stress, typically lead- loans, is intended defaults, especially from traders of ing to an inability to make repayments. to give breathing foodstuffs and oil, as a result of weak- The federation will coordinate space to SMEs, which ness in prices of commodities, as well requests from companies with the as a gradual easing of bank liquidity. lending banks, resulting in the sign- contribute around “What we have put on the table ing of a standstill agreement ensuring 60% of UAE’s gross is a mini insolvency law,” said Abdul that no lender will take pre-emptive Aziz al-Ghurair chairman of the UAE action for a period up to 90 days. Led by domestic product. Banks Federation, the industry body the bank with the largest exposure, the representing 49 banks. “We will give lenders will then agree how to manage the customer time and space as long or restructure the borrower’s debt. The as they’re genuine.” initiative had the backing of the central Reuters The federation was lobbying the bank, as well as the unanimous agree- government to “expedite” the new ment of banks, said Al Ghurair. SMEs insolvency law, said Al Ghurair, also made up about 3% of banks’ total lend- chief executive of Dubai-based lender ing, he said. DUBAI: Banks in the United Arab Mashreq. Fearing jail for unpaid debt, “We will lend as long as the econ- Emirates will suspend legal action many cash-strapped expatriates opted omy is in good shape and the customer against small and medium sized enter- to depart, making it hard for banks to is in good shape. If the economy slows Containers from China Ocean Shipping Company are pictured at a port in Shanghai, China. prises (SMEs) struggling to repay debt recover payment. and the customer slows the bank will for up to three months to prevent a The debts left behind by those also slow its lending,” he added.

KFH gets offer NTT Data buys Dell’s systems unit for $3.055bn for Aref affiliate from investors

Bloomberg North America and India from Dell, compiled by Bloomberg. Overseas months to March 2012. “Perot Sys- according to the company’s website. according to the statement. sales had risen to 450bn yen by the tems has a large base of US clients The Tokyo-based company provides Reuters The acquisition would be NTT year ended March 31, 2015, compared in medical and other markets, so it software and systems for functions Data’s largest, helping increase its with more than 208bn yen in the 12 fits NTT Data’s strategy to increase including electronic medical records, sales outside Japan, where a shrink- months to March 2012. its presence there,” Hideaki Tanaka, surgery management, billing, insur- NEW YORK: NTT Data Corp., a unit ing and aging population has stymied Global rivals of NTT Data includ- an analyst at Mitsubishi UFJ Mor- ance claims. DUBAI: Kuwait Finance House of Japan’s former telephone monop- economic growth. Dell, which paid ing Cognizant Technology Solutions gan Stanley, said before the deal was NTT Data cash, near cash and (KFH) has received an offer from oly, agreed to buy technology services $3.9bn for what was formerly known Corp., Tata Consultancy Services announced. “NTT Data can win big short-term investments stood at 183.1bn investors to buy its stake in affiliate businesses from Dell for $3.055bn. as Perot Systems in 2009, is selling Ltd. and Atos SE had also previously contracts in Japan, but in the US, it is yen as of December 31, according to Aref Investment Group, the coun- The acquisition was announced some assets before completing a participated in an auction for Perot less well-known.” data compiled by Bloomberg. Dell try’s biggest Islamic lender said in by the unit of Nippon Telegraph & Tel- record deal — the $67bn takeover of Systems that failed to generate a deal, The systems unit of Japan’s former acquired Perot with plans to expand in a bourse statement yesterday. ephone Corp. in a statement to the software and storage systems pro- according to the Nikkei, Reuters and telephone monopoly has more than the fast- growing market for data serv- Aref is a diversified investment Tokyo Stock Exchange yesterday. The vider EMC Corp. the website re/code, which all cited doubled in market value since 2011 ices. Perot was built H. Ross Perot, the firm which is 53% owned by KFH company didn’t give a date for when Dell plans to sell the division as people familiar with the matter. on rising sales to financial and health- billionaire who ran for US president in and has share capital of $400m, it will acquire the Dell units. part of a wider effort to raise as much The NTT unit has spent more than care businesses using the company’s 1992 and 1996, and sold his first major according to information on the NTT Data will acquire the divi- as $10bn from the disposal of assets 72bn yen on buying companies since data centers and software. Profit will company Electronic Data Systems to websites. “KFH has received an offer sions to strengthen its footprint in that aren’t core to its business, Re/ 2011, about 62bn yen of it outside probably surge 85% to a record 59.6bn General Motors for $2.5bn in 1984. Dell’s from investors who have shown pre- North America, and enhance cloud code reported earlier. Japan, according to data compiled yen for the year ending March 31, Perot unit has won government con- liminary interest in acquiring KFH’s service and business-process out- NTT Data has spent more than by Bloomberg. By the year ending according to average analyst estimate. tracts for healthcare IT services and stake in Aref Investment Group, and sourcing, or BPO service, according 72bn yen ($634m) buying compa- March 31, 2015, overseas sales had NTT Data services are used at work for the Defense Department, this offer is currently under study to its filing. The company will hire the nies since 2011, about 62bn yen of risen to 450bn yen, compared with hundreds of hospitals and thousands NASA, Homeland Security and Edu- and no decision has been taken as 28,000 employees located mainly in it outside Japan, according to data more than 208 billion yen in the 12 of healthcare facilities in the US, cation departments. yet,” the statement said. Saudi Travel Creditors give Abengoa seven months for restructuring and Tourism

Investment AFP a debt of ¤9.4bn ($10.5bn), which it creditors for its affiliates in the United people worldwide in 2015, wants cuts to renewable energy subsidies hopes to slim to 4.9bn. States. to refocus on core activities. It has during an economic downturn and Market opens It announced in November that “This (is a) key step in the restruc- already signalled its intentions to sell the Benjumea family’s refusal to raise it was filing for preliminary protec- turing process of Abengoa and will off its biofuels assets and other hold- capital out of fear of losing control of MADRID: One of the world’s big- tion from creditors and had been permit the company to complete ings, on a case-by-case basis. the company pushed it to the edge of gest renewable energy firms, Spain’s given a March 28 deadline to strike the Financial Viability Plan that has A family-owned company bankruptcy. QNA Abengoa, said it had been given a a deal with at least 60 percent of its already been accepted by lenders in founded 75 years ago, Abengoa rose The company’s head, Felipe Ben- seven-month breathing space by debt-holders. Under the “standstill” order to stabilise business and pro- from being a local electrical firm, fix- jumea, stepped down last September. its creditors for restructuring that deal announced Monday, 75.04 per- tect its leadership in the energy and ing installations damaged in Spain’s He is under investigation for serious should stave off the threat of imme- cent of creditors agreed to the grace environmental sectors,” the company 1936-39 civil war, to a major player in mismanagement and under fire for RIYADH: The 9th edition of Saudi diate bankruptcy. period. In parallel, the company plans said in a statement. solar energy and other renewables. taking a compensation package of Travel and Tourism Investment The company ended 2015 with to file for Chapter 11 protection from Abengoa, which employed 28,700 But risky bets on biofuels, Spain’s ¤11m. Market (STTIM) kicked off in the capital Riyadh on Sunday in the presence of a large number of officials, businessmen, investors, experts, dignitaries and journal- Skyscraper Etihad Etisalat assessing offers ists. The five-day event, which ends on April 1, has two major parts, exhibition and conference, as well as the distribution of the for Saudi tower business SCTNH awards for excellence. The exhibition has attracted around 300 local companies and 13 tourism development boards Bloomberg Saudi news website Maaal the same,” he said. Mobily, 27 per- from the Kingdom’s 13 regions. reported in February that “high- cent owned by Abu Dhabi’s Emirates They are displaying a wide range level negotiations” were happening Telecommunications Group, is recov- of their tourism products and serv- to create a company to own the tow- ering from accounting irregularities ices, and investment opportunities DUBAI: Etihad Etisalat Co. is review- ers of all three telecommunication discovered more than a year ago that to almost 25,000 expected visitors. ing offers for its tower business as the providers in the kingdom, including cost the company its CEO and billions Around 80 local and interna- Saudi Arabian telecommunications Saudi Telecom Co. Zain Saudi Ara- in market value. tional tourism experts will take company seeks to become profita- bia is assessing several options for The company reported its first part in more than 30 conference ble, Chief Executive Officer Ahmad its towers, including selling them for quarterly profit in the fourth quar- sessions and 40 training work- Farroukh said. cash and leasing them back or work- ter after four consecutive period of shops for visitors on travel and “We received certain indicative ing with competitors to create one losses. tourism related topics. offers,” Farroukh said in an interview tower company, CEO Hassan Kab- Mobily aims to become profitable The topics include investment in Riyadh. “If the deal is good for our bani said last week. again this year, although all telecom- in hotels, the economics of national shareholders, for sure I’ll bring it on While Etihad Etisalat, also munication companies are facing an heritage, organising tourism trav- the table.” known as Mobily, isn’t “after a deal unexpected challenge from a regula- els and programmes, investment The second-biggest telecommu- for the sake of a deal” the company tory requirement to take fingerprints in tourism infrastructure, and nication provider in Saudi Arabia is is keen to sell the towers as they are from customers, Farroukh said. The e-marketing of tourism events one of several seeking to sell towers “not our core business,” Farroukh requirement, instituted in January, and destinations. During the event, as network quality becomes similar said. “It’s a complicated thing. You “in a way limits your growth,” he said. the SCTNH excellence awards 2016 across different operators. Digital have to go to each and every of our “It’s a learning curve and we’re hop- were distributed to winning tour- GuocoLand Ltd’s Tanjong Pagar Centre (right), soon to be the Bridge Holdings is among the lead- 10,000 sites, negotiate the rent with ing there will be extensions, but we’re ism establishments from among tallest building in the central business district of Singapore. ing bidders for Etihad Etisalat’s tower 10,000 landlords and have the con- working 24/7.” hotels, restaurants, shopping cent- Managements are increasingly being forced to pay up for portfolio, which could fetch as much sent for them to move to the new The company is still waiting to ers and malls, tourism destinations taking their companies private as minority investors demand as $2bn, according to people with tower company.” hear the results of a Capital Mar- and sites, entertainment cities, and bigger premiums to the depressed market valuations of targets, knowledge of the matter. The com- The kingdom’s other two oper- kets Authority investigation into the distinguished Saudis in tourism underscoring a growing trend of shareholder activism in Asia. pany owns about 10,000 towers in ators, Zain Saudi Arabia and Saudi accounting regularities, Farroukh services. the oil-rich kingdom. Telecom Co., are also “thinking of said. BUSINESS TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 25 China’s Anbang bids $15.03bn for Starwood

AP was made to house President Barack the staggering price of almost $2bn. Obama, his top aides and staff along Those ambitions became a bit Yamamah The latest offer from with the sizable US diplomatic con- clearer earlier this month, even before Anbang is for $88.66 tingent elsewhere during the annual it challenged Marriott for control of Steel IPO NEW YORK: The price for Starwood UN General Assembly, which takes Starwood, when it laid down $6.5bn to Hotels rocketed higher after an offer per Starwood share, place every September. acquire Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc, gets CMA nod from China’s Anbang and its partners or $15.03bn. That Presidents and other top US dip- which owns several high-end prop- crossed the $15bn mark in a fight for lomatic officials had stayed at the erties including the JW Marriott Essex DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s control with Marriott International. tops the $14.41bn Waldorf for decades. For Anbang, House in New York. Shares of Marri- Capital Market Author- Starwood Hotels & Resorts World- offer that Marriott analysts say Starwood isn’t valued so ott International Inc jumped 4 percent ity has approved an initial wide Inc, which has a tony stable of made last week. much for its brand name as much as yesterday, one of the biggest gainers public offer of shares in Al hotels including the St. Regis New it is for its location: Outside of China. on the Standard & Poor’s index. Yamamah Steel Industries York, said yesterday that the offer That has been the view of Canac- The latest offer from Anbang is Co, the regulator said from the Anbang group is “reason- cord analyst Ryan Meliker, who told for $88.66 per Starwood share, or yesterday, after severe ably likely” to be superior to the one to financing an offer of such size, but clients in a research note, “We don’t $15.03bn. That tops the $14.41bn offer volatility in the stock made just last week by Marriott. also to “the timing of any required think (Marriott) can go higher, and we Starwood’s posh hotels to its portfo- that Marriott made last week. market earlier this year While CEO Arne Sorenson (pic- regulatory approvals”. would question it if they did.” lio since last year. Marriott initially Anbang’s offer includes $82.75 per disrupted listing plans. tured) said in an interview at the time While Marriott said it would not Anbang and a number of Chinese bid $12.2bn for the Greenwich, Con- share in cash, which is an increase of The maker of steel tubes, on CNBC that he didn’t tell Starwood comment outside of that letter, it companies have been seeking to park necticut, hotel in November and most $4.75 per share from its previous bid. pipes and other products that the latest offer was Marriott’s appeared to be alluding to hurdles money in more stable locations, such had expected that it would become The bid also includes $5.91 in stock with plants in Jeddah, last and best, some industry analysts that a Chinese company would have as US real estate, particularly with the biggest hotel in the world when it for a spinoff of a vacation business. Dammam and Yanbu will believe this may be a fight it can’t win, in acquiring Starwood. Anbang is the signs of slowing growth at home completed the deal. Whoever gains control of Starwood offer 15.25m shares rep- at least if it is to be determined by the Chinese insurance company that two growing ever clearer. The blitz by But few had realised the ambition, will likely be entering Cuba, as well. resenting 30 percent of highest bid. years ago acquired the famed Waldorf the Chinese insurer into the US real or motivation, of Anbang, even though Starwood last week became the first its capital between April Marriott said in a letter yesterday Astoria of York. While that deal was estate market has repeatedly knocked it made a sweeping entrance into the US hotel operator to gain access to 27 and May 3. Some of that shareholders of Starwood should cleared by the US Treasury’s Commit- askew the ambitions of Marriott, US real estate market when it bought Cuba during the first visit by a sit- the shares will be allo- give serious consideration not only tee on Foreign Investment, a decision which has been attempting to add the Waldorf Astoria from Hilton for ting US president in almost 90 years. cated to institutional investors, the CMA said without giving details. The Saudi stock index has swung wildly this year Japan looks to kick-start Interacting with humanoid robot in response to low oil prices, but in the last few weeks has regained some strength, permitting IPO ‘fintech’ revolution activity to resume. Hospi- tal operator Middle East Healthcare Co, which Reuters restricted to holding stakes of only originally intended to 5-15 percent in start-ups. complete an IPO in early Under pressure from weak loan February, rescheduled demand, the megabanks see an the offer to March. Its TOKYO: A laggard in embracing opportunity to earn money through shares will begin trading the ‘fintech’, or financial technol- fintech, but are also aware of its today, the CMA said. ogy, revolution, Japan is set to ease potential to disrupt traditional busi- investment restrictions that could ness models. free up the flow of capital in an The unpromising fintech envi- UAE ups April economy sitting on an estimated $9 ronment in Japan — which was trillion in individuals’ cash deposits. blindsided by the high-profile col- petrol and Strict regulation, easy access lapse of the Mt. Gox bitcoin exchange to credit due to rock-bottom inter- in 2014 when hackers stole an esti- diesel prices est rates, and weak demand for mated $650m worth of the digital innovative financial services from currency — has seen some entrepre- DUBAI: The UAE will raise a risk-averse population that still neurs go overseas for funding. domestic prices for pet- prefers cash to credit cards, have Junichi Horiguchi, co-founder rol and diesel in April strangled fintech’s advance in Japan. and CEO of bitcoin service provider after global oil prices Fintech ventures — usually start- Zerobillbank Ltd established his increased, the ministry ups leveraging technology from start-up in Tel Aviv last year to take of energy said yester- cloud data storage to smartphones advantage of Israel’s advanced tech- day. The price of a litre Tourists interact with ‘Nao’, a humanoid robot by Aldebaran Robotics that offers basic service to provide loans, insurance and pay- nology industry. of octane 95 petrol will ment services — raised $2.7bn in Investment in fintech start-ups information, in front of a branch of the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ at Narita International Airport rise to Dh1.51 (41 US China last year, and over $1.5bn in by global banks and tech giants near Tokyo, Japan. cents) at the start of next India, according to CB Insights data. including Barclays, Google and month from Dh1.36. The Ventures in the US attracted invest- Facebook is far more common in domestic diesel price will ment of around $7.4bn. Israel than in Japan, he said. “It’s increase to Dh1.56 from In comparison, investment in completely different over there,” Dh1.40. Last July, the Japanese ventures reached only Horiguchi said. “Every month there UAE said it was shifting around $44m in the first nine are open innovation contests and Sharp and Foxconn push to close deal from a system of fixed, months of 2015. Now, Japan’s finan- (start-up) accelerator programmes.” subsidised fuel prices to cial industry regulator hopes relaxed Sales at Japan’s fintech start-ups adjusting prices monthly rules on investing in financial could jump to over half a billion dol- in response to global ventures, and a new system for reg- lars by 2020 as the use of technology Bloomberg the company’s 510bn yen ($4.5bn) hasn’t been publicly announced. Gou trends. It did not reveal ulating virtual currency exchanges such as blockchain increases, Yano in loans and credit lines beyond agreed a month ago to buy Sharp for details of its new formula. will pass through parliament by Research Institute said in a report. March 31, people with knowledge of more than 600bn yen, but has held May — a first step in kickstarting The new rules the FSA is promot- the matter said earlier. That would off on signing a final agreement while GASC again cancels the fintech revolution in the world’s ing on virtual currency exchanges TOKYO: Sharp Corp and Foxconn give the Japanese maker of Aquos his advisers scrutinise the compa- third-biggest economy. could make Japan one of the first Technology Group said they are televisions more time to reach a ny’s finances. tender to buy rice “The law changes aren’t a goal, but countries to regulate bitcoin at a pushing to close the rescue deal for renegotiated deal to be acquired by Foxconn is seeking to cut the a first step,” Norio Sato, a senior offi- national level. the Japanese manufacturer that has billionaire Terry Gou’s Foxconn. amount it will pay for equity in ABU DHABI: Egypt’s state cial at the Financial Services Authority “Japan hasn’t previously been been held up by disagreement for Sharp, along with the banks, is Sharp to about 389bn yen, one per- grain buyer, the General (FSA), said. The changes, which will enthusiastic about fintech,” said more than a month. aiming for its directors to endorse a son familiar with the matter has said. Authority for Supply Com- allow banks to buy stakes of up to Sato. “But creating these rules this Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, final proposal by March 31, one per- The Taiwanese company will prob- modities (GASC), said 100 percent in non-finance-related fast could gain the world’s attention.” Foxconn’s flagship company, said that son has said, although the board ably still pay about 100bn yen for yesterday that it had can- firms, will free up Japan’s three meg- Bitcoin entrepreneurs, often reli- it will hold a board meeting tomor- could meet for a vote earlier if a preferred shares that the banks own, celled an international abanks to enter into tie-ups with ant on investment for growth, have row as scheduled, where it may deal is presented. At the same time, though the payment may be delayed, tender to buy an unspeci- fintech ventures developing serv- called for clearer regulation and discuss the Sharp deal depending on an extension by the banks would the person said. fied amount of rice. GASC ices including robotic investment will welcome the latest changes, the stage of negotiations, according give Sharp more time to negotiate a More than a month has passed Vice-Chairman Mamdouh advisory and blockchain, the decen- said Yuzo Kano, founder and CEO to a statement to the Taiwan stock final agreement in April. The shares since Sharp’s board backed Foxconn’s Abdel Fattah did not give a tralised ledger technology behind of bitcoin exchange bitFlyer Inc and exchange. Sharp said yesterday that of Sharp rose 4 percent to 131 yen at bailout over a competing offer from reason for the cancellation. the bitcoin digital currency. head of the Japan Authority for Dig- it aims to reach the agreement as the close in Tokyo, their biggest jump Innovation Network Corp of Japan. Traders said GASC had Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, ital Assets, a lobbying group. “The soon as possible, and will promptly since March 7. The Nikkei 225 Stock In the interim, Foxconn’s Gou put the received only two valid Mizuho Financial Group and Sum- establishment of the law is extremely make information public if it reaches Average advanced 0.8 percent. brakes on the deal while he seeks offers for the tender, all for itomo Mitsui Financial Group have surprising,” Kano said, referring to a decision requiring disclosure. The extension may be as long as more clarity on Sharp’s perform- Indian origin rice. said they are eyeing such invest- how quickly the FSA had drafted the Sharp’s banks are ready to a month, said the people, who asked ance in the current quarter, people ments, having previously been law. “It’s set to be very successful.” push back the deadline for most of not to be identified as the decision familiar with the matter have said. US consumer spending and trade data signal sluggish growth

Reuters “It speaks to the weakening in Given labour market strength and to as low as a 0.9 percent annualized after a similar increase in January. this month showed policymakers domestic economic momentum at cheap gasoline, economists spec- rate. The economy grew at a 1.4 per- The core PCE is the Fed’s preferred expect two quarter-point rate hikes the start of this year, further reinforc- ulated that consumption had been cent pace in the fourth quarter. inflation measure and is running by year-end, half the number seen in ing the Fed’s cautious monetary policy hampered by a massive stock market The dollar fell against a bas- below its 2 percent target. The slow- December. WASHINGTON: US consumer spend- bias,” said Millan Mulraine, deputy chief sell-off at the start of the year which ket of currencies on the data, while down in the monthly core PCE reading The Fed hiked its benchmark ing barely rose in February and economist at TD Securities in New York. eroded consumer confidence. prices for US government bonds came after Fed Chair Janet Yellen overnight interest rate in December inflation retreated, suggesting the Consumer spending edged up 0.1 In a separate report, the Com- rose marginally. Inflation moder- recently expressed skepticism over for the first time in nearly a decade. Federal Reserve could remain cau- percent as households cut back on merce Department said the advance ated last month, with a price index the sustainability of the gains in core Consumer spending last month was tious about raising interest rates this goods purchases after a downwardly goods trade deficit widened to for consumer spending dipping 0.1 inflation measures. held back by a 0.7 percent drop in pur- year even as the labour market rap- revised 0.1 percent gain in January. $62.9bn in February from $62.2bn, percent after nudging up 0.1 percent Yellen told reporters this month chases of goods. Spending on services idly tightens. Consumer spending, which accounts for rising for a fourth straight month as in January. In the 12 months through “there may be some transitory fac- rose 0.4 percent. Yesterday’s report from the Com- more than two-thirds of U.S. economic an increase in exports was offset by a February, the personal consump- tors” behind the run-up in prices. Personal income rose 0.2 percent merce Department also showed activity, was previously reported to have gain in imports. The government will tion expenditures (PCE) price index Still, the annual core PCE rate held after rising 0.5 percent in January. consumer spending in January was increased 0.5 percent in January. publish February’s trade data, which increased 1.0 percent after rising 1.2 above the level that central bank The slowdown in income growth is not as strong as previously reported. When adjusted for inflation, con- includes services, on April 5. percent in January. policymakers expected it to be by likely temporary amid anecdotal evi- That, together with other data show- sumer spending rose 0.2 percent. In the wake of the consumer Excluding food and energy, prices the end of this year. dence that the tightening jobs market, ing a widening in the goods trade Inflation-adjusted consumer spending spending and trade data, econo- gained 0.1 percent after advancing 0.3 The still-soft inflation suggests marked by an unemployment rate at deficit in February, indicated eco- for January was revised down to show mists slashed their first-quarter gross percent in January. In the 12 months the US central bank will continue an eight-year low of 4.9 percent and nomic growth remained sluggish in it unchanged rather than the 0.4 per- domestic product growth estimates through February, the so-called core to gradually raise interest rates this growing skills shortages, is driving the first quarter. cent rise that was previously reported. by as much as half a percentage point PCE price index increased 1.7 percent year. New Fed projections published up wages. 26 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 10,145.39 0.82 % QE Total Return Index 16,316.73 0.66 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,969.52 0.17 % QE All Share Index 2,818.48 0.32 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,764.01 0.52 % QE All Share Industrials 3,123.81 0.92 % QE All Share Transportation 2,517.82 0.60 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,441.31 1.20 % QE All Share Insurance 4,387.74 1.30 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,100.08 0.90 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 6,601.89 0.54 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 28-03-2016 Today 27-03-2016 Previous day Index 10,145.39 10,229.02 Change 83.63 56.48 % 0.82 0.55 YTD% 2.72 1.92 Volume 10,189,517 8,847,314 Value (QAR) 370,786,003.69 273,949,395.28 Trades 4,638 3,672 Up 16 | Down 24 | Unchanged 03

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 5204.312 -26.473 -0.51 5379.6 4762.1 Cac 40 Index/D 4451.66 19.69 0.44 4586.11 3892.46 Dj Indu Average 17582.57 -41.3 -0.23 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 20615.23 -51.52 -0.25 21794.84 18278.8 Iseq Overall/D 6206.86 27.91 0.45 6791.68 5611.89 Karachi 100 In/D 32928.3 -94.57 -0.29 33304.4 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 17000.98 -47.57 -0.28 18951.12 14865.77 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2134.72 1810.1

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.1151 QR 5.1900 Gold pulls Euro QR 4.0288 QR 4.1103 CA$ QR 2.7197 QR 2.7816 away from Swiss Fr QR 3.6883 QR 3.7817 Dollar and US stocks fall Yen QR 0.0317 QR 0.0325 1-month low Aus$ QR 2.7039 QR 2.7726 Ind Re QR 0.0538 QR 0.0551 Fed Chair Janet LONDON: Gold edged up yes- Pak Re QR 0.0349 QR 0.0348 terday, as the dollar retreated Peso QR 0.0769 QR 0.0794 Yellen and other Fed after weaker-than-expected US SL Re QR 0.0245 QR 0.0253 policymakers are data, but stayed close to a one- month low as investors focused Taka QR 0.0467 QR 0.0459 expected to speak today, on speeches by Federal Reserve Nep Re QR 0.0348 QR 0.0343 making the US central officials that could give more clues SA Rand QR 0.2362 QR 0.2408 on potential interest rate increases. bank’s policy the biggest Spot gold was up 0.2 percent focus for now. at $1,218.62 an ounce by 1253 GMT, GOLD AND SILVER after touching a session low of $1,208.15, its cheapest since Febru- GOLD QR144.3135 per gramme ary 23. The metal lost 3 percent last SILVER QR1.8191 per gramme Reuters week, its biggest weekly loss since November on speculation that the next US rate increase could come as soon as next month. NEW YORK: Wall Street and the dollar fell Liquidity was thin as London following weaker-than-expected US eco- and many other gold markets Egyptian pound nomic data yesterday that suggested the were closed for the Easter Mon- Federal Reserve may not be raising inter- day holiday. “Gold’s short-term est rates in the near future. The European technical trend has slightly dete- falls to new low Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) yesterday. markets were closed for a holiday. riorated, with the $1,190-$1,200 The dollar reversed earlier gains and level becoming a strong support CAIRO: The Egyptian pound fell to an unprecedented moved lower after US consumer spending business overseas, hurting earnings. The measure of emerging markets stocks rose area,” said Carlo Alberto de Casa, low on the black market yesterday, five traders said, as data that indicated a cooling economy and dollar index fell 0.3 percent against a bas- by around 0.1 percent in thin trading. MSCI’s ActivTrades chief analyst. hard currency demand rises in the dollar-starved econ- weak first-quarter gross domestic product ket of six major currencies, falling to 95.861. index of world shares gained 0.11 percent. Inflows into gold exchange- omy. Egypt, which relies heavily on imports, has faced growth. The weaker-than-expected con- It had risen as high as 96.339 prior to the Bond prices briefly rose in the wake of traded funds (ETF) continued, a shortage of foreign currency since a popular uprising sumer spending, as well as a downward data, its highest in almost two weeks. the US data before turning flat, with yields suggesting that some confidence in 2011 drove away many tourists and foreign investors. adjustment to January’s numbers and weak US stocks opened higher but turned on benchmark US 10-year Treasuries fall- in bullion remained. Holdings in A black market for dollars has sucked up liquidity readings for personal income and inflation, down as investors digested the data, with the ing below 1.9 percent. the SPDR Gold Trust, the world’s from the banking system and put a strain on the coun- suggested the Fed may stay on hold through energy sector lower as oil prices slipped. The Oil prices, which have risen about 50 largest gold-backed ETF, rose to try’s foreign reserves, while the central bank had been its next two meetings in April and June. Dow Jones industrial average fell 17.15 points, percent since multi-year lows hit in Janu- its highest since December 2013 at keeping the pound artificially strong through weekly “Because we had softer (personal con- or 0.1 percent, to 17,498.58, the S&P 500 lost ary, turned lower in thin trading. US crude 26.48 million ounces on Thursday, dollar auctions. sumption expenditures) data and also the big 3.26 points, or 0.16 percent, to 2,032.68 and futures fell 1.1 percent to $39.04 per barrel, the latest available data shows. Reserves more than halved to $16.5bn in February downward revision in spending in January, the Nasdaq Composite dropped 10.61 points, and Brent lost 1.4 percent to $39.87. Russia and Kazakhstan added from around $36bn before the uprising. Rates on the that is causing a lot of the (dollar) long trades or 0.22 percent, to 4,762.90. Fed Chair Janet Yellen and other Fed to their bullion reserves in Feb- black market continued to climb yesterday, reaching that many have put on to be cut back,” said Japanese shares rose overnight, with the policymakers are expected to speak today, ruary, while Malaysia and Turkey unprecedented levels of 10 pounds per dollar compared Kathy Lien, managing director at BK Asset Nikkei index up 0.77 percent to close at 17,135 making the US central bank’s policy the big- cut their holdings, data from the with around 9.8 pounds last week, five traders told Reu- Management in New York. “Today’s report yen. With share markets in Australia, New gest focus for now. International Monetary Fund ters. No volumes of trade were given. certainly raises the question of whether the Zealand and Hong Kong closed for holidays, Given that money markets are pricing showed on Friday. In an attempt to close the gap between official and Fed can pull the trigger in June.” the MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific in only about a 50-percent chance of a rate Spot silver gained 0.6 percent black market rates the central bank devalued the cur- Higher interest rates increase the shares outside Japan was flat. hike by the Fed in June, with hardly any like- to $15.23 an ounce, palladium fell rency to 8.85 per dollar from 7.7301 this month. It later strength of the dollar by making it more Chinese stocks turned lower, with the lihood of an April hike factored in, any signs 0.6 percent to $573.30 and plati- strengthened it to 8.78 per dollar, while adopting a more attractive to investors, but a strong dollar Shanghai Composite index falling 0.7 percent of a tightening in the next quarter could rat- num was unchanged at $946.50 flexible exchange-rate policy. can weigh on the returns of firms that do and the CSI 300 losing 0.9 percent. MSCI’s tle financial markets. an ounce. Profit booking and US rate hike fear subdue Indian equity markets

IANS 25,417.11 points, closed at 24,966.40 heightened chances of a US rate hike “Breadth continued to remain also ended in favour of the bears as The S&P BSE consumer durables points—down 371.16 points or 1.46 next month. Recent US economic weak with an advance decline ratio high beta stocks witnessed unwind- index plunged by 401.98 points, the percent from the previous day’s close growth data have increased chances of 1:2. We expect markets to remain ing of long positions,” Shankar noted. banking index receded by 348.50 at 25,337.56 points. of a rate hike. A hike in the US interest under pressure in the short term. According to Shankar, metal, real- points, the healthcare index declined MUMBAI: Profit booking, coupled During the intra-day trade, the rates is expected to lead away Foreign However, the directional trend con- ity, PSU (public sector undertaking) by 301.29 points, metal index edged with heightened chances of a US rate Sensex touched a high of 25,432.94 Portfolio Investors (FPIs) from emerg- tinues to remain positive, with a 25 banks, and pharma indices experi- lower by 299.41 points and the capi- hike and unwinding of long positions points and a low of 24,895.49 points. ing markets such as India. basis points rate cut expected in the enced heavy selling and closed lower tal goods index fell by 269.23 points. dragged the Indian equity markets The BSE market breadth favoured the Further, an unstable rupee dented upcoming credit policy.” by 2-4 percent. Major Sensex gainers during yes- lower yesterday. bears — with 1,999 declines and 967 sentiments. The Indian rupee closed Nitasha Shankar, senior vice pres- Furthermore, foreign institutional terday’s trade were NTPC, up 1.57 Consequently, the barometer advances. flat during the day’s trade. It stood at ident for research with YES Securities investors (FIIs) were net buyers during percent at Rs129.35; Gail, up 0.42 per- 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of The barometer index had closed 66.57 to a US dollar from its previ- said: “Indian markets shut shop lower the day’s trade, while the domes- cent at Rs357.60; and Bajaj Auto, up the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) the last trade session flat on March ous close of 66.62-63 to a greenback. led by profit booking in late trade. tic institutional investors (DIIs) sold 0.04 percent at Rs2,355.50. closed the day’s trade deep in the 23. The Indian equity markets were “Markets are witnessing some However, it recovered marginally stocks. The data with stock exchanges Major Sensex losers during the red. It plunged by 371 points or 1.46 closed on March 24-25. Market ana- selling pressure today ahead of the from the low point indicating active showed that FIIs invested Rs2,042.94 day’s trade were Tata Steel, down percent. lysts pointed out that profit booking, F&O (futures and options) expiry and buying from support levels. Further, crore, while the DIIs sold stocks worth 5.23 percent at Rs300.05; State Bank Similarly, the wider 50-scrip Nifty and unwinding of long positions fears of an interest rate hike after volumes remained shallow in the cor- Rs2,494.44 crore. of India (SBI), down 4.24 percent of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) ahead of the derivatives expiry and St.Louis Federal Reserve President rective bars suggesting a pause before Sector-wise, all 19 BSE indices at Rs188.45; Sun Pharmaceuticals, receded into the negative territory. It financial year end dragged the equity James Bullard hinted at a rate hike in indices resumed their uptrend.” closed in the red. Stocks of consumer down 4.20 percent at Rs811.05; ICICI, declined by 101.40 points or 1.31 per- markets lower. April or June,” Vaibhav Agarwal, vice “Broader markets came under durables, banking, healthcare, metal down 3.86 percent at Rs225.25; and cent, at 7,615.10 points. In addition, investors were hes- president and research head at Angel selling pressure underperforming and capital goods sectors came under Tata Motors, down 3.63 percent at The Sensex, which opened at itant to chase prices due to the Broking, told IANS. the headline indices. Market breadth intense selling pressure. Rs.363.25. BUSINESS VIEWS TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 27

Hedge fund invasion Japan’s negative rates a looming of US Treasuries headache for central bank hits bond traders

By Liz Capo McCormick private-equity shops and personal and Alexandra Scaggs trusts. The latest data released Bloomberg March 10 showed they were the largest buyers of Treasuries last year, adding $398bn. That’s the biggest increase on an annual edge funds are crowd- basis since 2009. ing into US Treasuries, Hedge funds are also signal- Hand that has bond trad- ing their presence in the US bond ers bracing for more turbulence. market in other ways. Since the While the Federal Reserve doesn’t end of 2013, investors domiciled break out hedge-fund ownership, in the Caribbean, a popular legal a group seen as a proxy increased home for hundreds of hedge its holdings to a record $1.27 tril- funds seeking lower taxes, have lion in the past year, according increased their holdings of Treas- to a quarterly report released by uries by 43 percent to $352bn, the central bank this month. That Treasury Department data show. came as foreign central banks and As a group, they’re now the third finance ministries, the biggest biggest overseas creditors, behind buy- and-hold owners in recent only China and Japan. years, culled their investments for At the same time, foreign the first time on an annual basis investors, who still hold 40 per- since 2000. cent of America’s bonds, were the The surge of hedge funds into only net sellers in 2015 as central US government debt is a worry- banks in China and other emerg- ing sign to Societe Generale SA ing markets raised cash to support and Commerzbank AG. They their currencies. And Treasury say the firms, which often use Department figures showed they A man walks past the Bank of Japan (BOJ) building in Tokyo, Japan. borrowed money and jump in kept selling at the start of the year. and out of trades at a moment’s The rise of hedge-fund own- notice, will boost the chances of ership may already be making sudden shocks in the world’s de fluctuations in Treasuries worse. facto haven market. That may This year, daily swings in 10- year By Lisa Twaronite and Leika Kihara those assets to remain on the balance sheet massive buying and its policy decisions compound swings in Treasuries, yields exceeded one standard Reuters for decades. On the other hand, it might be bent on surprising markets, many mar- which by some measures have deviation—equal to 0.043 per- difficult to smoothly taper off its asset pur- ket players expect high volatility to persist, reached record levels as worries centage point—about 39 percent chases, much less sell its holdings. giving Japanese investors who still hold a about China, the global economy of time, according to TD Securi- So far, the BOJ’s money printing has kept large amount of JGBs a headache. and diverging central-bank pol- ties. That eclipses last year’s figure riving interest rates below zero, the cost for financing the government’s mas- Negative yields make it a challenge to icies whipsaw bond traders. The of 34 percent, which was the high- the Bank of Japan has turned sive public debt very low. A spike in that cost calculate a bond’s fair value, the returns Treasury Department is already est for any year going back to 1975, a comatose government bond could stoke market fears Japan may be losing it can be expected to generate through looking into whether the mar- the data show. “This will likely market into an enormous free- control of its finances, potentially triggering maturity. Market participants say wide ket isn’t running as smoothly as add volatility” said Bruno Braiz- for-all, complicating the central a damaging bond sell-off, some analysts say. spreads between bids and offers also com- it should. inha, a fixed-income strategist at Dbank’s own efforts to kick-start growth and “It would be quite tough for the BOJ to plicate trading, and increase volatility. Foreign central banks’ “mar- SocGen in New York. end deflation. The $9 trillion market for Jap- taper such an enormous balance sheet The average daily trading range of ket share is being replaced by Concerns over abrupt swings, anese government bonds had been all but without disrupting markets,” said a person the benchmark JGB futures rose to about private investors who take a whether it’s because of a lack of paralysed since the BOJ began a massive familiar with the BOJ’s thinking. 0.44 point after the BOJ’s shock decision much more active approach,” liquidity or an increase in high- monetary easing three years ago that made In the meantime, buying bonds that yield to adopt negative interest rates, more than Rob VandenAssem, the head of volume traders, has already the bank the dominant buyer. less than nothing is creating losses for the double the average of 0.20 point in the investment-grade fixed-income caught the attention of the US But in the two months since the BOJ exchange-listed BOJ - not an immediate preceding one-year period. for developed markets at PineBri- government. Spurred by a 12- announced it was imposing a negative worry for the government but a potential Trading in longer-dated cash bonds dge Investments, which manages minute plunge and rebound in interest rate, JGBs have become a volatile risk to confidence in the guardian of the yen. became even messier as about three quar- $85bn, said in an e-mail. “Hedge yields on Oct. 15, 2014, the Treas- commodity, with prices swinging wildly “The BOJ is sitting on a lot of risk, taking a ters of JGBs, or up to 12 years to maturity, funds in particular pose a risk to ury Department is conducting its as below-zero yields confound investors’ huge position,” said one fund manager who have negative yields, prompting investors volatility.” first comprehensive review of the attempts to find fair market value. declined to be named due to the sensitivity of to rush to buy 20- and30-year bonds in The potential that hedge funds market’s structure since 1998. “The JGB market is really in a bubble, the matter. “How long can they keep buying panic. will amplify Treasury swings Some say hedge funds aren’t when you think about it as an investment so many JGBs? Not forever, but a long time.” “As investors fight to secure some of adds to worries about the resil- the problem, but a potential vehicle,” said Takuji BOJ officials publicly say the slide in the rapidly declining float of investable ience of the $13.3 trillion market, solution. Okubo, chief economist bond yields into negative territory showed bonds, the market is trading like a depart- especially as the Fed considers By stepping in to take the at Japan Macro Advisors the January 29 move to adopt negative rates ment store’s going-out-of-business sale,” whether to raise interest rates place of traditional Wall Street in Tokyo. “Their prices was effective in pushing down borrowing said Neale Vincent, strategist at Nomura this year. banks, whose bond-trading have moved away from costs, and that volatility will fall as market Securities. But many market players say And because yields are so low, businesses have come under fundamentals, and players get used to the concept of negative the BOJ’s unpredictable policy is the big- sudden shifts in momentum could pressure from regulations and people don’t have a tra- rates. But some BOJ officials worry that gest source of volatility. lead to big losses, especially for shifts in technology, hedge funds ditional way to measure bond yields have become more susceptible The central bank announced its nega- less nimble investors. Ten-year may actually increase liquidity. their value.” to abrupt swings as speculators and new- tive rates policy only days after Governor Treasuries yielded1.91 percent And their use of leverage, or bor- As the BOJ’s dom- comers to the market hoard 10- and 20-year Haruhiko Kuroda repeated his stance that as of 4:29 p.m. in Tokyo on Mon- rowed money, means they have The $9 trillion inance distorts bond JGBs, without much consideration to the negative rates were not among its options day, more than a half-percentage the wherewithal to trade vast market for Japanese market functions and risks and term premium. - leading to cynicism in the market that point below their June peak of 2.5 quantities of securities. dries up liquidity, the As a result, the BOJ - which the Interna- there was little point trying to forecast percent. At least that’s the view of government bonds central bank could have tional Monetary Fund says is reaching the what the bank might do. In the Fed’s quarterly reports, Ronin Capital LLC, a Chicago- had been all but a hard time tapering its limits of the amount of debt it can swallow In addition, with zero percent no domestic hedge funds are cate- based proprietary trading firm. buying binge when it - could face difficulties if it wants to expand longer serving as a floor for various inter- gorised under “households and When US officials asked for paralysed since the eventually chooses to its asset purchases, as markets expect it will. est rates, traders and investors are unsure non-profit organisations.” Most comments on liquidity and mar- BOJ began a massive exit its “quantitative “If investors are buying long-dated JGBs how far rates can fall, leading to unusual analysts consider it an accu- ket structure earlier this year, and qualitative easing” just because they yield something, they may instability at the short end. rate gauge of Treasuries held by the firm wrote in a March 19 let- monetary easing three programme. The bank be under-estimating the risks,” said another BOJ officials say they do not intend to those high-powered firms, and ter that “leverage and liquidity in years ago that made theoretically could just official familiar with the BOJ’s thinking. control interest rates because their main to a lesser degree, ownership by the US Treasury market go hand the bank the dominant sit on its enormous hold- “The BOJ needs to conduct market policy target is still base money, or cash households and other groups like in hand.” ings until the bonds operations so that markets don’t become and deposits. But they cannot turn a blind buyer. mature, but policymak- excessively volatile,” the official said. eye to wild swings in interest rates, par- ers are unlikely to want With the market dominated by the BOJ’s ticularly a spike in rates. China car fever lifting petrol seen as root of diesel glut

By Serene Cheong and Sharon Cho Automobile Manufacturers predicts will gain may expand by 16.4 percent in the five years A total of 23 teapots have applied for Bloomberg about 6 percent this year, faster than the 4.7 to 2020, with diesel making up 90 percent of crude-import quotas so far, of which 12 were percent pace in 2015. the fuel surplus by then. granted annual licenses with a combined “Petrol demand in China is getting very The nation’s diesel stockpiles increased capacity of 51.39 million metric tons. Oper- hina’s love of cars and the gasoline that strong and it’s a function of people driving by more than 38 percent in February from ating rates at the refineries clustered in the runs them is exacerbating an oversup- different cars, like you and I having more the previous month, while gasoline supplies eastern Shandong province climbed earlier Cply in another fuel decried by refiners money and buying nicer cars,” Fu said in Sin- shrunk about 7 percent, according to China Oil, this year to the highest level since at least 2011, across Asia, according to Bank of China gapore. “As China has its infrastructure set up Gas & Petrochemicals, a newsletter published data from industry website Oilchem.net show. International. to produce a lot more distillates such as die- by the official Xinhua News Agency. Die- “Higher refinery capacity could provide While refineries in the world’s biggest auto sel, when it makes more gasoline, it ends up sel demand remained sluggish as operations incentives for China to import more crude,” market process more oil to feed demand for having to export more distillates that would of plants, infrastructure projects and logis- said Fu. Importing crude will help teapots motor fuel, they also end up producing diesel, affect regional markets further.” tics services stayed lower amid the Chinese improve the yield of products from processing, China’s demand for petrol which is being used less because of shrink- China’s demand for petrol will proba- New Year holiday while the use of gasoline compared with when they operated at lower ing Chinese industrial activity, Xiao Fu, head bly jump 6.8 percent a year in the 2015-2021 was boosted by increased travel during the rates by using fuel oil as feedstock, she said, will probably jump 6.8 of commodity markets strategy at the bank, period, with the nation’s vehicle fleet period, the newsletter showed. adding that the building of strategic reserves percent a year in the said in an interview. Amid this “product mis- expanding almost 10 percent annually, the After China exported a record amount of will provide the “additional kicker” for imports. match”, excess gasoil is being shipped overseas, International Energy Agency said in a report diesel last year, profits from making gasoil in China may start four new strategic petro- 2015-2021 period, with flooding regional markets and affecting profit last month. Meanwhile, the slowest economic Asia slumped to $7.53 a barrel at the end of leum reserve sites this year, augmenting its the nation’s vehicle fleet margins, according to Fu. growth in more than two decades is slowing January, the lowest level since at least 2010. existing eight, as part of its ultimate goal of expanding almost 10 Unlike China’s bloated coal and steel factory activity and reducing domestic diesel China’s demand for crude will grow as the stockpiling enough oil to cover 100 days worth industries, refineries have so far been spared consumption. Industrial production rose 5.4 nation’s independent refiners, known as tea- of imports by 2020. The country held about percent annually, the from President Xi Jinping’s drive to cut indus- percent in the first two months of 2016 from a pots, purchase more supplies from overseas 29 days of supply as of the middle of 2015, International Energy trial overcapacity, with oil processing rising to year before, the weakest reading since 2009. after the government eased import rules for according to Bloomberg calculations based a record last year and capacity seen expand- The Economics & Technology Research the processors, according to Fu. Shipments on National Bureau of Statistics data. China Agency said in a report ing in coming years. That’s being driven by Institute of China National Petroleum Corp., will also be boosted by the country’s drive to in February bought about 8.04 million bar- last month. demand for petrol on surging vehicle sales, the nation’s biggest energy company, predicts fill strategic petroleum reserves in the world’s rels a day of crude, the highest daily average which the state-backed China Association of that the country’s annual refining capacity second-biggest oil consumer. on record. 28 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

BACK TO BUSINESS sight Amazon to Flipkart clash in India’s Indian rupee’s March rebound boosts nascent e-commerce market reserves to record

By Saritha Rai For much of India, e-commerce Bloomberg isn’t just an alternative. It’s often By Kartik Goyal comfortable position to coun- the only option. Unlike the super- Bloomberg ter any bouts of volatility,” said stores of America, physical retail is Ankur Jhaveri, co-head of cur- dispersed. And while Alibaba and rencies and rates at Edelweiss RAIGSLIST could learn JD.com Inc. mesh nationwide delivery Financial in Mumbai. a thing or two from with online shopping, Indian e-com- NDIA’S foreign-exchange The central bank will cut Quikr. The Indian merce remains relatively fragmented. reserves climbed to a the benchmark repurchase rate equivalent of the free Technology could help bridge online record as the rupee heads by 25 basis points at its April 5 classifieds service pub- shopping with logistics and payments, for its biggest monthly meeting, he said. lishes product ratings, said Gautam Chhaochharia, head of Iadvance in two years. The cur- The rupee rose 0.1 percent Chandles payments and shipping and India research at UBS Securities India rency stockpile rose by $2.54bn from March 23 to close at 66.57 — crucially — releases payment only Pvt. “India is very well-suited to drive in the week through March 18 to a dollar in Mumbai, accord- after a buyer gives their purchase a e-commerce as well as benefit from an unprecedented $355.95bn, a ing to prices from local banks once-over and a virtual thumbs-up. it,” he said. Reserve Bank of India statement compiled by Bloomberg. Indian In so doing, the site that lists for Another divergence with the West showed on Friday. markets were shut on Thursday sale everything from smartphones or even China — both of which grew That capped a third straight and Friday for public holidays. to cars is trying to solve problems familiar with the Internet through week of increases. The rupee The currency’s rally this month familiar to every local flea-market the personal computer—India is has jumped 2.8 percent in March follows a 0.9 percent decline in bargain-hunter: the typically loud and mobile-led and often mobile-only. as India’s government stuck to February and a 2.4 percent slide messy business of haggling, unwieldy The growth of the smartphone user its fiscal goals in last month’s in January. transport, and a distrust of smaller base in India outpaces China’s, let budget and investor sentiment The central bank has “taken merchants. The app’s manifold serv- alone the US India could have half toward emerging markets the opportunity to re- accumu- ices illustrate the extent to which local a billion users in the next five years, improved amid efforts by global late reserves when sentiment companies have to innovate and tailor Nilekani said. central banks to support growth. turned positive toward the their approaches in a hyper compet- investment. India’s attraction is grow- firms such as Alibaba and American “Nowhere in Internet history has That’s helped pare the Indian rupee,” said Khoon Goh, a senior itive market. ing also because China and the US players like Amazon see India’s open a country added five to six million currency’s 2016 drop to 0.6 per- currency strategist at Australia “We are trying to make it as easy have been staked out by a handful of market as a huge opportunity.” users every month as India is doing cent, Asia’s worst performance. & New Zealand Banking Group as buying something new,” said Pra- operators. To be sure, the playing field isn’t through smartphones,” said Quikr’s The rise in reserves provides Ltd. in Singapore. The RBI had nay Chulet, whose eight-year-old The country draws frequent com- exactly level. India caps foreign Chulet, whose startup was valued at RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan also taken action during Janu- Quikr is backed by Warburg Pincus parisons to China, that other vast ownership of retailers selling mul- over $1 billion in a 2015 funding round more ammunition to shield the ary-February, when the rupee and EBay Inc. “Instead of the Western Asian market that in the past decade tiple brands at 51 percent — forcing that included Sweden’s AB Kinnevek. region’s third-largest economy was under depreciation pres- ‘we’ll connect you and you go figure learned the ropes of online commerce them to seek out local partners — and But entrepreneurs have to fashion from capital outflows amid the sure, resulting in a decline in the rest’ approach to classifieds, we and welcomed foreign investors. Yet only last year relaxed curbs on single- India-specific molds. “I stay awake at possibility of further interest- reserves for the period, he said. Indian-ised it.” EBay pulled out after taking a drub- brand retail to allow companies such night thinking of how to innovate in rate increases by the Federal The rupee sank to an all- India’s shaping up to become the bing from Alibaba, while Amazon has as Apple Inc to open stores. Taxes on India for India,” he said. Reserve and any risks from the time low of 68.845 a dollar in next big e-commerce battleground struggled to make headway. Contrast goods and services vary from region Start-ups are indeed beginning to slowdown in China. August 2013 after the Fed’s for global players from Alibaba Group that with India, where the US lead- to region. work on solving physical world chal- A gauge of the rupee’s signal to withdraw monetary Holding Ltd. and Amazon.com Inc. to erranks No. 3 and Alibaba is a major Prime Minister Narendra Modi lenges. Take Bangalore-based Fortigo, expected price swings has stimulus led to an exodus of local champions Flipkart and Snap- investor in both Snapdeal and rising however has pledged to be more open which is building fleet manage- dropped 70 basis points this foreign funds from emerging deal. Despite concerns that industry payments provider Paytm Mobile to foreign investment and untangle ment and inventory software to help month and Edelweiss Finan- markets. It has since rebounded valuations may have gotten ahead of Solutions Pvt. byzantine regulations. And India trucking companies organise their cial Services Ltd says a stable 3.4 percent. India’s foreign- present reality, with a Morgan Stanley “India is the last big thing in is open compared with China, says fleets. Chennai-based Uniphore’s currency will aid central bank exchange reserves surpassed fund writing down its Flipkart stake e-commerce,” said Nandan Nile- Mahesh Murthy, co- founder of early- Indian-language speech-recogni- efforts to control inflation and a previous all-time high seen by more than a quarter, the lure is a kani, the billionaire co-founder of stage investor Seedfund. tion software is helping payment give it more room to lower bor- in June 2015 and have jumped $25bn market growing at up to 40 IT services firm Infosys Ltd. and an “About 50 percent of India’s Inter- providers reach the farthest corners rowing costs. about 29 percent since Rajan percent annually that’s still consid- active startup investor. China created net economy is made up of Google, of a country that transacts business “With record reserves in took charge at the central bank ered virgin territory. A historic rate indigenous companies in most spaces Amazon and Facebook,” he said. “We in dozens of languages. “The e-com- hand, the RBI is in a much more in September 2013. of first-time smartphone usage and and blocked US firms, yet the Chinese have an open economy where Indi- merce landscape will grow five or six under-developed logistics and pay- themselves haven’t been successful in ans, Chinese and Americans can all times in the next few years. Who’s ments render the industry ripe for the US, he said. “Now, both Chinese go head-to-head.” going to capture it?” Nilekani asked.

Protectionism isn’t the only way to fight that Capital downward pressure. In fact, many of the bad things we associate with globalisation in America were Paul Krugman Comment political choices, not necessary consequences. American Economist

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Market Talk KPMG @KPMG CFO Journal

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TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 • 20 Jumada II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Revenge is for the movies, mate, says Postecoglou

Reuters

SYDNEY: Australia coach Ange Postecoglou has dismissed revenge as a motivation for the Asian champions in today’s crunch World Cup qualifier against Harry Red- knapp’s Jordan. After thrashing Tajikistan 7-0 on Thursday, the Socceroos need only a draw from their final Group B fixture to progress to the third stage of Asian qualifiying, from which four countries will secure tickets to Russia in 2018. The Jordanians, who trail Aus- tralia by two points, inflicted the only defeat of the campaign so far on Australia with a 2-0 win in Qatar coach Jose Daniel Carreno (second right) speaking on the eve of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against China. Unbeaten Qatar are looking to finish off their Group Amman last October. C engagements with an all record in the five-team group having won seven successive matches in the Group. Postecoglou has previously said that avenging that defeat would be a spur at the Sydney Football Stadium but a grumpy Australia coach performed an about-turn yesterday. Unbeaten Qatar aim to finish group “It’s not about revenge, it’s about finishing strongly,” he told reporters at the team hotel. “If we win tomorrow night, it’s not going to erase what happened in Jordan, that’s not the way foot- stage with a flourish against China ball works. “Revenge is best left to the movies, mate, this is real life. We just want to finish this group off The win gave Team Dragon strongly, I think we’ve got stronger Coach Gao Hongbo’s its fourth victory in the Group C throughout this group and we want standings. to finish it off tomorrow night.” side needs a win at On the other hand, Qatar blanked Postecoglou has fitness con- home or face the Hong Kong, 2-0, at the Jassim Bin cerns about his captain Mile Hamad Stadium in Doha last Thurs- Jedinak, who did not train with very real prospect day to stay unbeaten. the team at the weekend because of yet another early Strikers Hassan Al Haiydos and of a thigh injury, and said he would Sebastian Soria scored in the 20th and not “risk him unnecessarily”. elimination from 87th minute respectively to give head With everyone else in the World Cup qualifying coach Jose Daniel Carreno’s side their squad “in good nick”, other seventh win of the group stage. They changes to his team from the have the chance to sweep Group C if Tajikistan match would be about they win against China today. form and the kind of match he The Peninsula Today’s match promises to be a wanted to play. Most important of nervous night for the Chinese against all, though, was a good perform- a side with momentum and form on ance to improve his mood. their side. “I’ll let other people worry DOHA: Already-qualified Qatar will While the world’s most populous about points and top of the table be looking to finish the Group C stage nation have stumbled through qual- and seeds, because if we have a of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualify- ifying, leaders Qatar have remained scrappy performance tomorrow ing of the Asian Zone with a perfect perfect with 21 points in their kitty. night and finish on top, that’s not record when they take on China in an With Qatar already assured of going to make me happy,” he said. away match at the Shaanxi Province first place after seven straight wins, “We want to keep progressing Stadium in Xi’an today. the focus will now be on second- our football. A win and top of the Much focus will be on China as placed China as they bid to finish as group will hopefully be a by-prod- Gao Hongbo’s charges need a win at one of the four best runners-up. uct of us playing good football. home or face the very real prospect However, it will not be easy for “It’s all about the performance, of yet another early elimination from Hongbo’s charges as they currently it always is about the performance World Cup qualifying. sit two spots outside the top four in for us.” China will try to continue their the rankings, and host a Qatar side Qatar players Rodrigo Tabata (left) and Kareem Buodiaf practise on the eve of their 2018 FIFA World Cup Postecoglou, however, thought 2018 World Cup hopes alive as they looking to finish the stage with a per- qualifying match against China. that whatever line-up he put clash with undefeated Group C leaders fect record. out, they would be able to break Qatar as the 2018 World Cup qualifi- Hong Kong, who are not in action down the sometimes negative er’s group stage winds down. on Tuesday, are assured of finishing suspension. Ali Asad is also sus- evening. Qatar squad: Saad Abdul- Buodiaf, Luiz Martin, Abdulreh- Jordanians. Both teams go into the match hav- in third, while Maldives have all but pended while Ahmed Yasser is out lah Al Sheeb, Khalifa Abu Bakr, man Mohammed, Abdulaziz Hatem, “We’ll back ourselves against ing registered wins in the their last sewn up fourth spot ahead of their with injury. Mohammed Kasola, Bualem Hassan Khalid, Ali Asad, Rodrigo any defence,” he said. matches. home game against Bhutan. Qatar beat China PR in their first Khoukhi, Ahmed Yasser, Abdulre- Tabata, Akram Afif, Majid Moham- “If Jordan sit back, it’ll make China hammered Maldives, 4-0, Meanwhile, Qatar will miss leg 1-0 when the two teams clashed hman Isa, Pedro Miguel, Mohammed med, Mohammed Muntari, Meshael it harder for us but nothing we in their last match to stay in the hunt the services of Hassan Al Haydos in Doha in October last year. Musa, Musab Khidr, Abdulkareem Abdullah, Ismael Mohammed and haven’t faced before, nothing we for a World Cup berth. and Sebstian Soria who are out on Qatar arrived in China on Sunday Hassan, Khalid Muftah, Kareem Ahmed Alaa. haven’t overcome before.” Al Arabi, Umm Salal eye full points in crucial Qatar Stars League tie

The Peninsula will effectively put the other side chances of a Qatar Cup place for this following a hard week of training dur- three QSL games, with the Brazilian position, especially when Umm Salal out of the race for the end of season season. ing the international break. Ahmed attacker grabbing a fine consola- have drawn eleven times this season- tournament. Al Arabi have only grabbed four Fatehi is the only absence for the side tion goal for his side in the 3-1 defeat more than any other QSL side. DOHA: Qatar Stars League’s (QSL) Al Arabi has endured a incon- points from a possible fifteen in the through suspension. Whilst inter- by Al Arabi, Zola will be hoping that Draws against the likes of Al Sadd match of the week will see two rivals sistent season under Italian coach last five QSL games. With a draw national stars Ashkan Dejagah and the former Torino striker can add to and Lekhwiya are impressive scalps, for the top 4 face off in what promises Gianfranco Zola. against Al Kharitiyat and a moral sap- Boualem Khoukhi are set to join up his current tally of twelve goals for the Orange Fortress really should be to be a must-win clash for Al Arabi Early on in the season a top four ping loss to local rivals Al Ahli will be with the side at the end of the week the season. As for Umm Salal they getting all three points against the and Umm Salal. place looked on the cards for The seen as major source of frustration following international duty. will be quietly happy with their fifth likes of Al Wakrah, Al Khor and Qatar Both sides now have faint chances Dream Team, however a bad run of for Zola’s side. Al Arabi will be looking to captain place position in the QSL table. How- SC whom they shared points with ear- of getting into the Qatar Cup, and results towards the tail end of the sea- Despite this the side will go into Paulinho for inspiration in this must ever head coach Bulent Uygen will lier in the season if they are to push know that a victory over their rivals son have effectively ruined Al Arabi’s the Umm Salal clash in good spirits win match. He has scored in his last be disappointed of a higher placed harder for a top 4 place. 30 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 SPORT Romania hold Spain as Casillas equals record

draw away to Italy in Udinethat ended keen to carry on racking up the inter- Spanish goalkeeper their run of seven successive wins as national accolades after equalling the well as a run of six successive clean record for most caps by a European equals the record for sheets. player but acknowledged he was clos- most international David de Gea played in goal for ing in on retirement. Spain in that match. “The time of my retirement is get- caps by a European The game featured several missed ting closer and closer,” Casillas told player chances with Romania, who have reporters. never lost at home to Spain, enjoying “It’s clear that time passes every- decent spells of possession and always one and I am no exception of that. looking to counter in numbers. “But I have hope and I would like Agencies Spain coach Vicente del Bosque to be with this team full of young- made 10 changes to the side that sters. I don’t know if it’s my last year started against Italy, with centre back with Spain, I only think about enjoy- Gerard Pique the only survivor and ing each day.” CLUJ-NAPOCA, Romania: Roma- Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto The former Real Madrid keeper, nia held European champions Spain making his international debut. who has not conceded a goal in 710 to a 0-0 draw on Sunday in a Euro The second-string lineup started minutes for Spain, made his senior 2016 warm-up that saw visiting goal- well, creating some decent chances, international debut on June 3, 2000 keeper Iker Casillas equal the record and Romania keeper Ciprian Tata- against Sweden when he was 19 years for most international caps by a Euro- rusanu produced an excellent save and 14 days old. pean player. to deny Pedro Rodriguez an opener He has gone on to win Euro 2008 Casillas’s 166th appearance for after 10 minutes. and 2012, the 2010 World Cup as well Spain, over a 16 year span that includes The open, attacking nature of the as five Spanish league titles with Real winning the World Cup in South Africa game continued but it was obvious that and three Champions Leagues. in 2010, took him level with Latvia’s Spain needed more quality in the pen- He left Real last year to join Porto Vitalijs Astafjevs in the continent’s alty area against a team unbeaten in but has been first choice for Spain record books. their 16 previous games. coach Vicente Del Bosque during The goalkeeper has also not con- Nicolae Stanciu, who scored a Spain’s Sergi Roberto (left) and team-mates Gerard Pique (centre) and Iker Casillas stand during their the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, ceded a goal in 710 minutes for Spain stunning long-range winner on his anthem at the beginning of the friendly game against Romania, held at Cluj Arena Stadium in Cluj city, 450 playing in seven of 10 matches despite but he was forced to make a couple international debut in Romania’s 1-0 Km north-west from Bucharest, Romania, on Sunday night. Manchester United’s David De Gea of fine saves to keep the clean sheet. win over Lithuania in another friendly pushing for a starting spot. The stalemate also showed that on Thursday, tested Casillas on two “I am happy to reach 166 games both teams have work to do in front occasions with lively Adrian Popa also Andone beat his marker in the penalty great and former Barcelona player Group A with hosts France, Switzer- and be the player with the most games of goal before the European champi- looking dangerous. area and smashed a low left-footed and coach Johan Cruyff, who died on land and Albania at Euro 2016. Spain for the national team,” Casillas said. onship finals in France start in June. The two coaches made a number shot just wide. Thursday aged 68 after a five-month are in Group D alongside Turkey, “In these years I have lived good It was Spain’s second friendly in of substitutions after the break with A minute’s silence was observed battle with lung cancer. Croatia and the Czech Republic. times and bad times, but I will stick four days following their fortuitous 1-1 the flow fizzling out before Florin before the game in a tribute to Dutch Romania have been drawn in Meanwhile, Casillas said he was with the good ones.”

Argentine coach Brazil without Neymar and to thank for rise of English Spurs, Luiz for Paraguay trip says Dier

Reuters AFP about Brazil’s brittle defence, humil- matches. iated in the 7-1 thrashing by the “I will be realizing a dream that I Germans two years ago. did not expect so soon,” Gabriel said. LONDON: Midfielder Eric Dier has The frustration of allowing Uru- “I’m happy for the opportunity.” credited his Tottenham Hotspur MONTEVIDEO: Brazil will be with- guay back into the game eventually Paraguay meanwhile will be manager Mauricio Pochettino for out Barcelona star Neymar and Paris got the better of Neymar, who was looking for all three points against the surge of Spurs players making Saint-Germain defender David Luiz cautioned for a petulant kick on opponents whom they have caused their mark in the England team. today when they face a tricky 2018 Alvaro Gonzalez, meaning he will repeated problems in recent years. Dier scored the winner in World Cup qualifying trip to Paraguay now be suspended for Tuesday’s trip Paraguay knocked Brazil out of England’s 3-2 friendly victory with renewed uncertainty swirling to Asuncion. the Copa America quarter-finals in Brazil’s Neymar controls the ball during the Russia 2018 FIFA World over Germany on Saturday after around their campaign. Former Chelsea centre-back Luiz 2015 and 2011 and will be quietly con- Tottenham team-mate Harry Cup South American qualifiers against Uruguay, in Recife, northeastern The Brazilians are licking their also earned a booking on Friday that fident of another win on Tuesday. Kane had begun the comeback Brazil, on March 25. wounds after the disappointment of will see him miss the game against The Paraguayans were deprived in a fixture which also featured Friday’s 2-2 draw with Uruguay, when Paraguay, who are level on eight of what would have been a deserved midfielder Dele Alli and left back they squandered a two-goal lead and points with third placed Brazil after victory against Ecuador on Thursday aiming to continue their recovery Peru in Montevideo. Chile will aim Danny Rose. finished the game clinging on for the five matches. when a dubious late equaliser saw the with a third consecutive victory fol- to bounce back from the disappoint- “Obviously, we have to be point. Brazil coach Dunga has called surprise qualifying leaders snatch a lowing away wins over Colombia and ment their home defeat by Argentina thankful for our manager for For the opening half hour in up Santos’s exciting teenage striker 2-2 draw. Chile. last week when they travel to bottom putting us in this position by giv- Recife, Brazil were irresistible, attack- Gabriel Barbosa, a star of the Olympic Coach Ramon Diaz believes the Argentina are currently fifth in side Venezuela, who have only one ing us a chance at our club,” Dier ing with precision and purpose in team, to replace Neymar while Cor- performance against Ecuador augurs the standings with eight points from point from five matches. told British media. what looked like being their best per- inthians defender Felipe will come in well for the clash with Brazil. their opening five matches, but will The top four teams from South “Obviously us Spurs boys know formance since their 2014 World Cup for Luiz. “We showed that we’re a com- be strong favourites to notch another America’s round robin qualifying how lucky we are to have him semi-final debacle against Germany. Gabriel, 19, known widely as petitive team who can fight against win against a Bolivian side who are league qualify automatically for the because he’s been brilliant for us.” But Uruguay’s fightback, begun “Gabigol” and regarded as the heir anyone,” Diaz said. second bottom with three points from World Cup in Russia in two years The quartet have featured with Edinson Cavani’s superb vol- apparent to Neymar, will be making “I hope that the team will con- five games. time. heavily under Argentine Pochet- ley and completed by Luis Suarez’s his first senior appearance for Brazil tinue to grow.” Elsewhere, Ecuador face a The fifth-placed team faces a tino this term as the north London predatory strike after half-time, has after starring for the Under-23s last In other matches on Tuesday, demanding trip to face Colombia play-off against a qualifier from the side battle for a first English league reawakened all of the old concerns year where he scored six goals in four Argentina face Boliva in Cordoba in Barranquilla while Uruguay host Oceania zone. title in 55-years. Larsen & Toubro ease past Nakheel Landscapes in Workers Cup

The Peninsula In the other Group B clash game, no team could gain the upper ,MedGulf Construction ran out as hand, with the game ending 1-1. comprehensive winners beating Dico- G4S ran out as comprehensive Tech Qatar 15-0. winners defeating Qatar Aviation DOHA: Larsen & Toubro scored two Attacking duo Peter and Idrissu Services (QAS) 3-0 in the second tie late goals to confirm their victory over scored nine goals between them as in Group E. Nakheel Landscapes in Group A of the MedGulf eased to victory against the Three goals in the first half, Workers Cup. minnows. including a brace from striker Raju L&T opened the scoring in the In Group C, the opening clash ensured that G4S secured all three 52nd minute from Ali Bashiru, and a of the group saw Dulsco Qatar and points. brace from Arafat Youssef eight min- Aamal played out a tense 0-0 draw. In Group F, QIEI downed Byrne utes from time gave his side the win. Both sides battled for dominance Equipment Rental 3-0 in an enter- In another match of the same in the tie, however both lacked that taining tie. group, AALCO and Galfar shared the killer instinct in the final third. The It was QIEI who came out with full points in an entertaining 3-3 draw. game also saw plenty of yellow cards, intent and took the lead on the 34th AALCO’s speedy forward Soe Wai in what proved to be a feisty encoun- minute from ace striker Mohammed Lin struck two goals in the 15th and ter. Both sides will be hoping for better Salman. QIEI doubled their advantage 25th minute of the first half giving a things in their final Group C clashes. at the start of the second half, mid- comfortable 2-0 lead. In the other Group C match, Mow- fielder Rifkas with a fine finish. The However, Galfar found their way asalat picked up a 4-0 victory over win was complete on the 85th minute back into the tie, and levelled the tie BOTC in a one-sided game. when Wasim Akil scored an own goal at 2-2 in the second half. A brace apiece in the first half for Byrne. Six minutes from time AALCO from midfielder Abderrehmane and Action from the 2016 Workers Cup. A large crowd was in attendance took the lead through captain striker Alexander, ensured an easy to see Gulf Contracting Co beat Car- Muhammad Sharif, only to be pegged days work for the Mowasalat team. gave Shapoorji Pallonji their first vic- second half following a fine top cor- Al Asmakh scored their first illion Qatar 2-0 in the second match back by Galfar striker Hom Bahadur The result means that Mowasalat now tory in the tournament. ner finish from Benup. goal of the Workers Cup courtesy of of group E. to give his side a share of the spoils. top Group C with two wins from two. The second game of the day in Despite being pushed back for Uchenna with a tidy finish. At the stroke of half time Denis In Group B, Outlook Trading In Group D, Shapoorji Pallonji Group D saw table topping Delta most of the second half, Delta Doha Taleb pushed hard for an equal- Kingara found the back of the net for edged out 2015 champions Midmac Qatar defeated Consolidated Con- Doha Corporation run out as 3-1 win- confirmed all three points, four min- iser and where duly rewarded in the his side. In the second half, GCC came 1-0 in what was a re-match of the tractors International Co. (CCC) 4-0 ners against vs TRAGS Engineering & utes before time with a fine lobbed second half, when Franklin Antwi of out with renewed vigour and doubled 2015 Workers Cup final. in the opening match of group D. Contracting. effort to confirm all three points. Taleb slotted it past the keeper on the their lead on the 49th minute from Outlook Trading scored through Shapoorji forward Kwadwo Akul- Delta Doha raced into a 2-0 lead In Group E , Taleb Group shared second attempt, levelling the tie on the defender Subash, after a fine through Amir Shretta, the only goal of the ley’s first half brace along with second in the first half, before being pegged the points with Al Asmakh Facilities 67th minute. ball from Keshav Thapa, GCC held out match in the 34th minute. half strikes from Mamuda and Abdul back by TRAGS at the start of the Management in a 1-1 draw. Despite frantic final minutes of the to grab all three points. SPORT TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 31 Ebullient England gunning for Dutch

Fraser Forster is expected to start in goal, having come on as a substi- Last chance for tute for Jack Butland in Berlin after coach Hodgson to the Stoke City goalkeeper -- himself experiment before deputising for the injured Joe Hart -- fractured his ankle. he announces his Vardy will hope to start after squad for Euro 2016 scoring his first international goal with a brilliant back-heeled equal- on May 12 iser against Germany and his Leicester City team-mate Danny Drinkwater should win his first cap as a starter in central midfield. AFP Fit-again Liverpool striker Stur- ridge is also in contention for a place in the starting XI, having missed the entirety of England’s Euro 2016 qual- LONDON: Invigorated by Satur- ifying campaign with a succession day’s thrilling 3-2 friendly win over of injuries. world champions Germany, England Everton pair John Stones and Phil tackle the Netherlands today seeking Jagielka, meanwhile, could be given to sustain the feel-good factor ahead a chance to demonstrate that they of the European Championship. can plug the defensive holes that Goals from Harry Kane, Jamie almost proved England’s undoing Vardy and Eric Dier saw an Eng- at the Olympiastadion. land team inspired by Dele Alli come The match will feature a tribute from 2-0 down to beat Germany to late Dutch great Johan Cruyff in and while manager Roy Hodgson the 14th minute -- a nod to his iconic was quick to downplay the result’s shirt number -- with an image of the importance, there was no disguising former Ajax and Barcelona star dis- the ebullience of his youthful team’s played on Wembley’s big screens, England’s striker Jamie Vardy (left) shares a joke with defender Phil Jagielka (second right) during an England training session at the Tottenham display. but play will not stop as it did dur- Today’s game is Hodgson’s last ing Holland’s 3-2 loss to France on Hotspur training ground in Enfield, north London, yesterday, ahead of their international friendly match against Netherlands today. chance to experiment before he Friday. announces his squad for Euro 2016 The original Wembley held spe- on May 12 and with Daniel Sturridge, cial meaning for Cruyff, for it was Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott there that he won the first of his also candidates for attacking roles three European Cups with Ajax as a Milner to captain England against Holland -- not forgetting injured duo Wayne player in 1971 and led Barcelona to Rooney and Raheem Sterling -- he their first European crown as man- has plenty of options. ager in 1992. AFP as captain of his country,” Hodg- 2016 qualifying campaign due to a “I am sure he wants that,” said Holland won 3-2 in their last son told reporters while sitting next succession of injuries. “Daniel Stur- Tottenham Hotspur striker Kane, game at Wembley in February 2012, to Milner during a press conference ridge will come into the team,” he who took his international tally to courtesy of an Arjen Robben brace, at England’s team hotel in Watford, said. “We’re pleased to welcome him four goals in nine appearances. and prevailed by the same scoreline WATFORD, UNITED KINGDOM: north of London. back after his long lay-off.” “He wants everyone on top form against Wales on their most recent Liverpool midfielder James Milner “There’s no doubt that he’s ver- Hodgson expressed sympathy and applying themselves well. You trip to Britain in November. (pictured) will captain England for satile. We were speaking the other for Stoke City goalkeeper Jack But- want the best players to be on form Robben also netted twice in Car- the first time in today’s home friendly day and James gave me a long list of land, who will miss the Euro after it come the Euros. diff, but he is currently absent with with the Netherlands, the Football positions he’s played. was revealed that he will be out for “I am sure it is a problem he a thigh problem and coach Danny Association announced on Monday. “There’s not many he’s not played. around three months with a fractured enjoys having. All we can do is keep Blind lost another stalwart in the The 30-year-old, capped 57 We’ve always known James is a very, ankle sustained against Germany. doing what we are doing, to keep game against France when Wesley times, takes over from Chelsea cen- very good midfield player.” “To get your chance against Ger- playing, as we have great belief. Sneijder succumbed to a hamstring tre-back Gary Cahill, who stood in Asked what it meant to him, Mil- many and fracture your ankle in that “Wayne and Raheem are great injury. Goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen for injured regular skipper Wayne ner replied: “Everything. Growing up, way, it’s a devastating blow,” Hodg- players and I am sure they will be and midfielder Davy Klaassen have Rooney in Saturday’s 3-2 victory over you’re desperate to put on that Eng- son said. back in the squad. Everyone is fight- also withdrawn from the squad -- world champions Germany in Berlin. land shirt. You’re scoring goals for “All of us felt enormous sympathy ing for places and it is what this the former after breaking his nose With Cahill dropping to the bench England in your back garden. for him, and empathy too. But he was country needs. It will only make us in training, the latter after injur- for the game against Holland -- the “To get the chance to lead your very stoic. He said to me, ‘I’ll come better players.” ing his knee -- with Michel Vorm last England fixture before man- country out is a massive honour and back stronger. This won’t affect my Hodgson always intended to and Marco van Ginkel called up as ager Roy Hodgson names his squad something you’ll never forget.” career in any way.’ make wholesale changes for the replacements. for Euro 2016 on May 12 -- Milner has Hodgson also revealed that Liv- “Our best wishes are with him. encounter with Holland, who have Meanwhile, Daley Blind, the inherited the captain’s armband. erpool striker Daniel Sturridge We’re all going to miss him because not qualified for Euro 2016, and inju- coach’s son, is a doubt with a ham- “It’s great he has the opportu- will start against the Dutch, having we were hoping he was going to be ries have already forced his hand. string problem of his own. nity to play tomorrow and to do it missed the whole of England’s Euro a part of it.” Shell-shocked Germany host Italy

AFP On the back of an unconvincing to live with results like that, but they Antonio Conte’s Italy warmed up qualifying campaign for Euro 2016, are annoying,” said Loew. for the Munich match with a 1-1 draw the defeat to England has further rat- Germany are still waiting for a against defending European champi- tled the Germans. first win over Italy at a major tour- ons Spain in Udine on Thursday. MUNICH, Germany: Shell-shocked “We have to be clear that a game nament -- they have won none of The draw ended Spain’s six-match Germany hunt a rare win over bogey like that in a tournament means their three meetings at European winning run as Lorenzo Insigne gave side Italy in a friendly international you’re going home,” said Germany championships or five at the World Italy a second-half lead before vet- in Munich today as the world cham- striker Mario Gomez, who net- Cup. eran Spanish striker Aritz Aduriz pions seek to bounce back from their ted against England and had a goal In the 32 meetings between the equalised just three minutes later. defeat to England. disallowed. two European powerhouses, Ger- Gomez’s place in Germany’s Joachim Loew’s Germany threw Most worrying for Loew was the many have won just seven games, all starting line-up is set to go to Mario away a two-goal lead in Berlin on Sat- way his defence buckled without his friendlies and qualifiers, with Italy Goetze, who needs a convincing dis- urday to slump to a 3-2 loss against World Cup-winning centre-backs winning 15 and the other ten games play after a frustrating three years at Roy Hodgson’s England. Mats Hummels, who went off injured, drawn. Bayern Munich. “That was a wake-up call,” fumed and Jerome Boateng, who is nursing Germany left Warsaw empty The 23-year-old, whose goal won Germany’s captain Sami Khedira, a a groin problem. handed when the sides last met nearly the 2014 World Cup, has found him- stand-in with Bastian Schweinsteiger Loew will demand an improved four years ago at Euro 2012 as two self mainly on the Munich bench ruled out of the Italy friendly with a performance against Italy at Munich’s Mario Balotelli first-half goals sealed during an injury-hit season since his knee injury. Allianz Arena in his final interna- their 2-1 semi-final win. high-profile switch from Borussia Less than three months before tional before naming his squad in Previous to that, the Azzurri also Dortmund in 2013. the start of the European champion- May for Euro 2016, which runs from ended the hosts’ dreams of reaching The Germany-Italy friendly is ships in France, the England defeat June 10-July 10. the 2006 World Cup final as Fabio a chance for Goetze to prove he Germany’s assistant coach Thomas Schneider attends a press conference exposed sloppy defending and lack “At least we have the chance Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero deserves more than a place on the of composure in the world champi- now to correct a few things against scored in a 2-0 extra-time win in bench after missing five months of on the eve of the friendly match against Italy in Munich, southern ons’ ranks. another strong opponent, you have the semi-final. the season with a groin injury. Germany. Germany seek yoga guru’s help for Euro 2016 title bid

AFP Patrick Broome said. Broome is part of postures like ‘lotus’, ‘warrior and training camp in Switzerland, then at into the German camp. Klinsmann were training with rubber bands, to Germany’s backroom staff for major ‘cobra’. the Euro 2016 finals in France from saw the benefits of yoga while living increase their muscle strength, and tournaments and puts their stars “We don’t just want to be top June 10-July 10. on the west coast of the USA. yoga with ‘all this nonsense’,” said through a series of exercises to relax fit physically, but also in the head,” His sessions are not compulsory Loew then took it a step further Broome with a smile. BERLIN: In the macho world of inter- them physically and mentally. explained Loew. and only three of the squad regularly by adding Broome, who has worked At the players request, Broome national football, world champions Former Manchester United star Broome has accompanied Ger- decline to take part. with pop icons Madonna and Sting in accompanied Germany to the Germany have taken a more spirit- Ryan Giggs, who was still playing many to World Cups and European “Good recovery after a game is his career, to his backroom staff for Euro 2012 finals in Poland and ual approach and will again employ at 40, says yoga helped extend his championships over the last decade. essential for the players to main- Euro 2008. Ukraine. a yoga teacher, whose pupils include career. He offers sessions to help the tain their level of performance,” says Broome, who has two yoga stu- Through breathing techniques Madonna and Sting, to help prepare Germany head coach Joachim footballers “improve flexibility, con- Broome, who is in his 40s and has dios in Munich, says Loew showed and holding postures, Germany’s for Euro 2016. Loew is also a fan of the ancient centration and performance on the been practising yoga for twenty years. “courage” to add yoga sessions to stars “can let off steam quickly” after “To my knowledge, I was the Indian discipline. field” which in turn helps keep them It was Loew’s predecessor, Cal- Germany’s training sessions ten years a match, said Broome. only yoga teacher working with a Now the likes of Germany’s Tho- free of injury. ifornia-based Jurgen Klinsmann, ago. “It also allows them to stretch national team at the World Cup in mas Mueller, Marco Reus and Mats Broome will hold daily sessions the coach from 2004 until the 2006 “At the time, the German press and to experience a different physi- Brazil,” Munich-based yoga teacher Hummels are no strangers to yoga of up to 45 minutes during Germany’s World Cup, who first invited Broome made fun of the players when they cal experience,” added Broome. 32 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 SPORT

ATP, WTA MIAMI OPEN RESULTS Top-ranked Djokovic reaches MIAMI: Scores on Sunday from the sixth day of the ATP and WTA Miami Open (x denotes seeded player): MEN THIRD ROUND Dominic Thiem (AUT x14) bt Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) 6-2, 6-2 Miami last 16 with easy win David Goffin (BEL x15) bt Viktor Troicki (SRB x19) 6-1, 6-1 Tomas Berdych (CZE x7) bt Steve Johnson (USA x31) 6-3, 6-7 (6/8),

Defending champion 6-3 Horacio Zeballos (ARG) bt Fern- surges ahead with a Jamie Murray set ando Verdasco (ESP) 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 straight-set win over (7/4) Richard Gasquet (FRA x10) bt 38-ranked Joao Sousa Benoit Paire (FRA x20) 6-3, 6-0 of Portugal in just 78 for British first Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Joao minutes on court Sousa (POR x33) 6-4, 6-1 Reuters Gilles Simon (FRA x18) bt Marin Cilic (CRO x11) 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3

Lucas Pouille (FRA) bt David Fer- AFP LONDON: Jamie Murray will become Britain’s first world number one pro- rer (ESP x8) 6-7 (1/7), 7-6 (7/4), 7-5 fessional tennis player since computerised rankings were introduced in the WOMEN THIRD ROUND 1970s after the ATP World Tour confirmed on Sunday he will take top spot in Timea Babos (HUN) bt Naomi doubles from Marcelo Melo. Osaka (JPN) 7-5, 6-0 MIAMI: World number one Novak The 30-year-old, whose brother Andy is ranked world number two in Angelique Kerber (GER x2) bt Djokovic advanced to the fourth singles, will take top spot from the Brazilian when the new rankings are pub- Kiki Bertens (NED) 1-6, 6-2, 3-0, round of the ATP and WTA Miami lished on April 4. retired, illness Open on Sunday, defeating Portu- Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association hailed Murray on Twitter as a history gal’s 38th-ranked Joao Sousa 6-4, 6-1. maker. Victoria Azarenka (BLR x13) bt Two-time defending champion Murray won the Magda Linette (POL) 6-3, 6-0 Djokovic, trying to match Andre Australian Open Monica Niculescu (ROM x32) bt Agassi’s record of six career Miami doubles title in Jan- CoCo Vandeweghe (USA) 6-4, 6-1 titles, needed only 78 minutes to win uary alongside Madison Keys (USA x22) bt Rob- his 12th match in a row at the hard- Brazilian Bruno erta Vinci (ITA x9) 6-4, 6-4 court event and 26th in his past 27 Soares. Irina-Camelia Begu (ROM) bt Miami starts. Melo’s failure to Kristyna Pliskova (CZE) 7-5, “That first set could have gone reach the doubles 4-6, 6-4 either way,” Djokovic said. “I man- quarter-finals in aged to hit the right balls at the right the Miami Open on Johanna Konta (GBR x24) bt moment and make it to the finish.” Sunday means he Elena Vesnina (RUS) 4-6, 6-1, The 28-year-old Serbian, who will drop points and 7-6 (7/3) won his 11th Grand Slam crown at fall behind Murray in Garbine Muguruza (ESP x4) bt the Australian Open two months ago, the rankings, despite Nicole Gibbs (USA) 6-1, 6-0 also has crowns at Doha and Indian the Briton’s earlier Wells this year and hopes to complete elimination. Jamie Murray of Britain (left) and Bruno Soares of the Miami-Indian Wells sweep for the “He really Brazil after their doubles final match against Daniel third consecutive year. Novak Djokovic of Serbia signs autographs following his third-round deserves it,” the BBC Nestor of Canada and Radek Stepanek of Czech Djokovic’s next foe will be Aus- match against Joao Sousa of Portugal at the Miami Open in Key quoted Melo as say- Republic at the Australian Open in Melbourne in trian 14th seed Dominic Thiem, who Biscayne, Miami, Florida. ing. “He made the this January 2016 file photo. dispatched 124th-ranked Japanese final in Wimbledon, qualifier Yoshihito Nishioka 6-2, 6-2 final US Open, won in 64 minutes. Indian Wells winner Victoria Aza- breezed to victory from there. “I the Davis Cup, won the Australian Open, so he deserves it a lot. I’m happy for “He has one of the most powerful renka, who each upset world number stayed focused, took my opportu- him.” Murray posted a picture on his Instagram account of himself sitting on baseline games in tennis,” Djokovic one Serena Williams in the final to nities and kept applying pressure,” a beach with the number one written in the sand. said of Thiem. win those titles, reached the last 16 Azarenka said. “Last night I went to bed wondering if that was the closest I would ever get,” “He likes to construct his points so on the women’s side. Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos, a he said. “Today driving in my car my phone started to go crazy.” I will try and take away his time. He’s German second seed Kerber lucky loser who replaced Roger Fed- Britain’s Virginia Wade was also world number one in women’s doubles in had one of the best years of his life. advanced 1-6, 6-2, 3-0 when 108th- erer in the draw when the 17-time 1973, before computer rankings were introduced. He’s beaten Nadal on clay. He’s one of ranked Dutch qualifier Kiki Bertens Grand Slam champion withdrew the players in the next generation we retired due to illness. due to illness, advanced to the fourth should all look out for.” “I was not finding a rhythm at the round by overcoming Spain’s Fern- Thiem captured his fifth career beginning of the match,” Kerber said. ando Verdasco 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4). ATP title last month by beating Aus- “I had to stay strong, believe and keep Zeballos, ranked 112th, had not Australian Open champion tralia’s Bernard Tomic in the Acapulco fighting. I hope she gets well soon but won a match since last July before final and downed 14-time Grand Slam I’m glad to be in the next round.” beating countryman Juan Martin Del Kerber advances in Miami winner Rafael Nadal on the way to a Kerber next faces Hungary’s 49th- Potro in the second round. After win- Buenos Aires claycourt crown. ranked Timea Babos, who ousted ning two in a row for the first time in “I’m sure he wants to showcase all 18-year-old Japanese 104th-ranked more than two years, he faces Belgian Reuters that he’s got in his arsenal but I will wildcard Naomi Osaka 7-5, 6-0. 15th seed David Goffin for a quarter- be sure to be ready for him,” Djoko- Eighth-ranked Azarenka, who final berth. Goffin reached the Indian vic said. won 2009 and 2011 Miami titles, elim- Wells semi-finals where he lost to MIAMI: Second seed Angelique Kerber advanced to the fourth round of the Sousa fell to 0-3 against Djokovic inated Polish qualifier Magda Linette Milos Raonic. Miami Open when Dutch qualifier Kiki Bertens was forced to retire in the and 1-21 against top-10 foes with his 6-3, 6-0. “Life changed for me a lot here,” third set on Sunday. 19th such loss in a row since beating The 26-year-old from Belarus Zeballos said. “Beating ‘DelPo’ and Bertens dominated the world number three in the opening set, but the David Ferrer in Kuala Lumpur in 2013. is trying to become only the third Verdasco, two better players than me, 24-year-old became unwell early in the second set and was forced to take a “He came out with a clear game woman to take Indian Wells and I greatly improved both the ranking medical timeout. plan,” said Djokovic. “He wanted to Miami in the same year after Graf in and economically.” She eventually retired with an illness in the final set to hand Kerber a 1-6 take his chances. He did not have 1994 and 1996 and Kim Clijsters in The South American is assured 6-2 3-0 win on another steamy day in south Florida. Victoria Azarenka of Belarus much to lose. It can be dangerous. I 2005. $67,590, which will help since his “I think Kiki’s a great player,” Australian Open champion Kerber said in her know the importance of stepping up a Azarenka hit a backhand winner wife is due to give birth to their first on-court interview. “She played very well in the first set and I was not finding looks at the sky during her few levels and delivering my ‘A’ game.” to break for the first set, then saved child on April 10. my rhythm at the beginning. match against Magda Linette Reigning Australian Open cham- two break points in an 11-minute “I am living happy moments,” he “For me, it’s not so easy. But I’m trying to focus on my game, doing my stuff of Poland in their third round pion Angelique Kerber and last week’s opening game of the second set and said. and not looking too much over the net.” match at the Miami Open. Cycling: Belgian Demoitie dies in race motorbike smash

AFP gruelling reputation on Sunday, with riders battling strong Professional Cyclists (CPA) said yesterday that they wanted winds as they tackled 10 climbs over a 243 kilometre route. “light to be shed upon the circumstances” of Demoitie’s Former Belgian national champion Jens Debusschere accident. LILLE, FRANCE: Belgian cyclist Antoine Demoitie (pic- was also hospitalised after he sustained a concussion fol- “In this moment of grief and sorrow we do not want a tured) has died after he was struck by a motorbike lowing a heavy crash, his Lotto-Soudal team said. debate, but we do feel a lot of frustration,” said CPA pres- following a fall during the Gent-Wevelgem race in Bel- The race, which includes two ascents of the hills of ident Gianni Bungo. gium, police said. Kemmelberg, was won by Slovakia’s Peter Sagan. “We have always maintained that the cyclists’ safety The 25-year-old, a member of Belgium’s Wanty-Gobert A number of accidents have struck the sport this year, must be first in the discussions of the different key play- team, was involved in a fall along with three other riders including the death of young hope Romain Guyot. ers in cycling. We do not want to accuse anyone, but to around 150 kilometres (90 miles) into the race on Sunday The 23-year-old Frenchman died on March 3 when he reflect on the responsibilities of everyone to ensure that as it lopped briefly out of Belgium into northern France. was hit by a truck at a crossroads in the west of the country. attention, awareness and control over safety standards He was then hit by a race motorbike while on the In January, six racers from the Giant-Alpecin team, are maintained to a very high level.” ground, before being transported first to Ypres hospital including German John Degenkolb and French Warren “The CPA and all the riders demand that light is shed and then being transferred to an intensive care unit at Barguil, were injured in a collision with a car during a on the accident immediately and the circumstances that Lille, where he succumbed to his injuries. training ride south of Valencia. caused it,” the association said in a statement on Monday. “The rider died. An inquiry is under way to determine In 2011, Demoitie’s compatriot Wouter Weylandt died CPA president Gianni Bugno, who won the world road the circumstances,” Frederic Evrard, spokesman for the from injuries suffered in a crash during the third stage of race title in 1991 and 1992, said it was a time of “sadness Nord-Pas-de-Calais regional gendarmerie in France, said the Giro d’Italia. and sorrow”. late on Sunday. On Saturday, 22-year-old Belgian rider Daan Myngheer “We do not want to make controversy but we have A witness quoted by Belgian daily SudPresse said four suffered a heart attack during the Criterium International so much frustration inside,” added the Italian. “We have riders were involved in a fall in front of the motorbike, race in Corsica. He was put on artificial respiration and always stated that the safety of the riders must come first. which “literally fell on top of” Demoitie. was said to be in a coma. “I do not want to accuse anyone but make everyone Other witnesses said the Belgian rider was hit on the Demoite joined the Wanty-Gobert team in early 2016 reflect on the responsibility we have to ensure that a very head. after three seasons at Walonnie-Bruxelles high level of attention and awareness is maintained plus The cyclist’s team earlier said Demoitie was taken to An excellent sprinter, particularly in uphill finishes, control over safety standards during each race,” Bugno hospital in “extremely serious condition”. he won the Tour of Finistere in France in 2014, and was said yesterday. “His wife and his family are at his side,” the team wrote second in the Handzame Classic and GP Stad Zottegam The 243-kilometre (151-mile) Gent-Wevelgem, which on Twitter. in Belgium in 2015. starts and ends in Belgium, was won by world road race The Gent-Wevelgem cobbled classic lived up to its Meanwhile, the International Association of champion Peter Sagan of Slovakia. SPORT TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 33

NBA: Clippers beat Nuggets New world number one Day 105-90

AFP wins WGC Match Play crown LOS ANGELES: DeAndre Jordan tallied 16 points and 16 rebounds as McIlroy in the semi-final was nerve- the Los Angeles Clippers clinched Australian golf star wracking, but he drained a 13-foot a Western Conference playoff spot par putt to halve the final hole and with a 105-90 win over the Den- celebrates his return seal the victory. ver Nuggets on Sunday. to top ranking by That match was all square The Clippers became the through 11 when Day drove the green fourth West club to book a playoff clinching second at the par-five 12th, winning the hole berth as they used a strong second WGC Match Play title with a birdie then winning the 13th half to get the job done in front of with a chip-in birdie. a crowd of 19,000 at the Staples after beating Louis McIlroy drained a 12-foot birdie Centre arena. Oosthuizen putt to win the 14th, but couldn’t win Chris Paul scored 14 points, another hole. handed out nine assists and “It was very stressful,” Day said. grabbed six rebounds for Los “There were moments where I think Angeles, which had six players AFP they’re the most fun, because I have score in double figures. to get up and hit the clutch putt at the “We started getting stops right time. in the second half,” said Paul. “I wasn’t as tight from tee to green “When D J Augustin came back LOS ANGELES: Australian Jason Day as Rory was. I just kept on saying I’ve in, we started blitzing, trying to celebrated his return to world number got to frustrate him with my short get the ball out of his hands. He one with his second WGC Match Play game. sort of controlled the game in the crown on Sunday, beating Louis Oost- “If I miss a green I’ve got to get up first half.” huizen 5 and 4 in the title match. and down. If I don’t hit a good chip “He did a little bit of Day, was assured of regaining the then I’ve got to hole the putt.” everything. So, in the second world number one ranking on Satur- McIlroy called it a “good quality half, we tried to take him out of day when he reached the semi-finals match”. the game. I think that helped us.” as American Jordan Spieth was elim- “I did miss a couple of opportu- Jamal Crawford scored 14 inated in the round of 16. nities on the front side,” McIlroy said. points, Jeff Green and Wesley And on Sunday, five days after “He got off to a great start. I didn’t Johnson added 13 points each, fearing a bad back might force birdie 12 or 13, that was probably, I and J J Redick had 12 points. him out after his opening match feel, what cost me the match. Jordan connected on on Wednesday, Day completed an “From there I was really just bat- seven-of-10 shots from the floor unbeaten week at Austin Country tling back.” as the Clippers clinched a playoff Club in Texas with a gritty 1 up semi- Jason Day of Australia poses with his wife Ellie and children Dash and Lucy after defeating Louis Oosthuizen Day, who confirmed his status as a berth for the fifth consecutive final win over defending champion of South Africa in the championship round of the World Golf Championship-Dell Match Play at the Austin Masters favourite with the first major season. Jordan leads the NBA in Rory McIlroy followed by his victory Country Club. of the year coming up in two weeks at field goal percentage. over Oosthuizen. Augusta National, said the same sharp Jusuf Nurkic led the Nuggets “To be able to play the way I did in Arizona before the tournament semis, but he was no match for the He was 3 up through nine, and short game that carried him to victory with 19 points. Augustin had 16 from tee to green and then on top of it adopted its current round-robin for- second seeded Day in the final of the drained a six-footer for birdie at at Bay Hill was key in Austin. of his 18 points in the first half make tough matches and hit the clutch mat for the first three days. tournament. the 13th to go 4 up. He landed his But the mind-set for match play before the Clippers put a dent in shots has been fantastic,” said Day, Third-seeded McIlroy, denied Day opened the title match with a approach at 14 within three feet for versus stroke play was different. his production after intermission. who arrived in Austin off a win last a chance to join Woods as the only bogey to go 1 down, but squared the a birdie to seal the win. “You’re playing against a guy Augustin added 10 assists. Sunday at the Arnold Palmer Invita- back-to-back winners of the event, match at the third when Oosthuizen “I’m very, very thrilled. It’s been a that’s across the tee from you,” Day Will Barton finished with 13 tional in Bay Hill. then was beaten 3 and 2 in the conso- conceded the hole in the wake of a memorable week this week not only said. “You have to know when and points for Denver. Gary Harris Day joined Tiger Woods and lation final by 52nd-seeded Spaniard wayward tee shot. to win the Dell Match Play Champi- when not to go for things. When scored 11. fellow Australian Geoff Ogilvy as mul- Rafa Cabrera Bello. Day took a 1 up lead with an onship but also to get back to number someone makes a mistake (you must) The Clippers opened the third tiple Match Play winners. Oosthuizen, the 16th seed, had 11-foot birdie at the fourth and one in the world,” Day said. be able to aim it 20 feet from the pin quarter with a 13-4 run to stretch He won his first title in 2014 beaten Cabrera Bello 4 and 3 in the stretched his lead from there. He said the see-saw battle with and be able to hole the putt.” their four-point halftime lead to 67-54. The Clippers took a 77-60 lead into the fourth and the Nuggets failed to get close again. Kia Classic: Kiwi Ko scripts “The third quarter killed us,” Denver coach Mike Malone said on Sunday. “They got out to a great start, we weathered the storm, came four-stroke win in Carlsbad back, played really well and made it a game. “Then, to get outscored 25-12 in the third quarter, I think we had AFP the final day holding a three-shot 10-under 278, comprising Gerina five turnovers, and if we did not lead. Piller, China’s Feng Shanshan, Jes- turn it over DeAndre blocked our She finished with seven birdies, sica Korda and South Korea’s Kim shot it felt like. CARLSBAD, UNITED STATES: World including birdies on each of the final Hyo-Joo. “We just could not score,” he number one Lydia Ko captured her three holes. Meanwhile, Tony Finau defeated said. 11th USLPGA Tour career title as she South Korea’s Park In-Bee shot a fellow American golfer Steve Marino DeMarcus Cousins finished cruised to an impressive four-stroke five-under 67 to finish alone in sec- with a birdie on the third extra hole with a double-double of 20 victory at the Kia Classic tournament ond place at 15-under 273. She had to capture the Puerto Rico Open and points and 12 rebounds and the on Sunday. birdies on three of her first eight holes claim his first USPGA Tour title on Sacramento Kings rolled to their The 18-year-old New Zealand Sunday to apply some pressure on Ko. Sunday. second straight victory with a 133- teenager fired a five-under par 67 “I took a peek at the leaderboard The 26-year-old Finau was mak- 111 rout of the Dallas Mavericks. to finish at 19-under 269 and earn and saw that In-Bee was making a lot ing his 46th start on the Tour and first Willie Cauley-Stein scored 21 Lydia Ko of New Zealand speaks with LPGA Commissioner Michael $255,000 in first place prize money. of birdies,” Ko said. “I knew that I had appearance in a playoff. points for the Kings, who also won Whan on the 18th hole after her -19 under victory during the final round She will remain number one for the to focus until the last moment. Under cloudy skies with gusty by 22 points against Phoenix on 23rd straight week. “Fortunately, I made some bird- winds, Finau and Marino made clutch of the KIA Classic at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad, California. Friday. Rajon Rondo contributed The win puts Ko in the driver’s ies down the stretch, and that really birdies on the first two extra holes at 11 points and 11 assists. seat heading into next week’s ANA helped.” the par-five No. 18 to send the pair Open and the OHL Classic during his in a tie for third with Rodolfo Caza- Raymond Felton had 15 points Inspiration, the first major champi- Japan’s Ai Miyazato shot a six- back to the 18th tee for the third extra rookie season last year. He posted five ubon of Mexico. Puerto Rico native and Dirk Nowitzki scored 14 points onship of the season. under 66 in the final round to finish hole. top-10 finishes last year. Rafa Campos posted back-to-back for the Mavericks, who have lost 10 “I’ve been playing consistently in third place at 276, while two South Marino was unable to match Fin- Marino recorded his first top- scores of even-par 72 on the week- of 12 games. well, so I’m really happy about that. Koreans, Park Sung-Hyun and Jenny au’s third straight playoff birdie. They 10 finish on the Tour since finishing end to finish in a tie for eighth. Paul George scored 25 points But who knows what’s going to hap- Shin, finished tied for fourth at 277 both shot two-under 70 to finish at runner-up at the Arnold Palmer Invi- Defending champion Alex Cejka and Monta Ellis added 22 as the pen tomorrow,” Ko said. after both shot even par on the final 12-under 276 in regulation. tational five years ago. of Germany fired a 71 on Sunday to Indiana Pacers edged the Houston Ko maintained the lead through- day. Finau’s best previous finish was a Ian Poulter, who led after 54 holes, reach eight under overall, four shots Rockets 104-101. out the fourth round as she went into Four players tied for sixth at tie for seventh at the Shriners Hospital closed with an even-par 72 to finish back of the leaders. Ian Mahinmi had 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Pacers, who are in seventh place in the LPGA KIA CLASSIC SCORES Eastern Conference playoff race GOLF-WORLD RANKINGS and sit a half-game ahead of the LOS ANGELES: Leading scores on Sunday in the final round of the LPGA LONDON: The golf world rankings released by the gov- 19. (16) Jim Furyk (US) 4.01 eighth-place Detroit Pistons. Kia Classic at Carlsbad, California (USA unless noted, par 72): erning body yesterday: 20. (19) Phil Mickelson (US) 3.97 James Harden finished with 269 Lydia Ko (NZL) 68-67-67-67 1. (2) Jason Day (Australia) 12.53 21. (21) Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) 3.88 34 points to lead the Rockets. Trevor Ariza had 14 points, and 273 Inbee Park (KOR) 67-69-70-67 2. (1) Jordan Spieth (US) 11.06 22. (22) Kevin Kisner (US) 3.79 276 Ai Miyazato (JPN) 67-72-71-66 3. (3) Rory McIlroy (Britain) 9.36 Dwight Howard added 11 points 23. (23) J.B. Holmes (US) 3.44 and 10 rebounds for Houston, 277 Sung Hyun Park (KOR) 71-66-68-72, Jenny Shin (KOR) 4. (4) Bubba Watson (US) 8.68 24. (24) Jimmy Walker (US) 3.33 69-65-71-72 which remains a half-game ahead 5. (5) Rickie Fowler (US) 7.86 25. (29) An Byeong-Hun (South Korea) 3.27 of Dallas for eighth place in the 278 Gerina Piller 72-70-69-67, Shanshan Feng (CHN) 71-69-70-68, 6. (6) Adam Scott (Australia) 7.26 Western Conference playoff race. Hyo Joo Kim (KOR) 70-66-73-69, Jessica Korda 70-67-70-71 26. (25) Paul Casey (Britain) 3.27 7. (7) Henrik Stenson (Sweden) 7.18 279 Brooke M. Henderson (CAN) 73-70-70-66, Brittany Lang 27. (28) Kevin Na (US) 3.23 67-68- 70-74 8. (8) Justin Rose (Britain) 6.07 28. (30) Matt Kuchar (US) 3.21 9. (9) Dustin Johnson (US) 5.94 29. (32) Bill Haas (US) 3.18 NBA RESULTS WGC MATCH PLAY SCORES 10. (10) Patrick Reed (US) 5.00 30. (31) Andy Sullivan (Britain) 3.15 LA Clippers 105 Denver 90 LOS ANGELES: World Golf Championships Match Play scores on Sunday 11. (18) Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa) 4.83 Indiana 104 Houston 101 at Austin, Texas (x-denotes seeding): 12. (11) Danny Willett (Britain) 4.65 Sacramento 133 Dallas 111 Final 13. (12) Branden Grace (South Africa) 4.65 G State 117 Philadelphia105 Jason Day (AUS x2) bt Louis Oosthuizen (RSA x16) 5 and 4 14. (13) Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) 4.59 Washington 101 LA Lakers 88 Consolation match 15. (14) Sergio Garcia (Spain) 4.40 NHL RESULTS Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP x52) bt Rory McIlroy (NIR x3) 3 and 2 16. (15) Zach Johnson (US) 4.23 Carolina 3 NewJersey 2 Semi-finals 17. (17) Brandt Snedeker (US) 4.18 Pittsburgh 3 NYRangers 2 Jason Day (AUS x2) bt Rory McIlroy (NIR x3) 1 up 18. (20) Brooks Koepka (US) 4.09 Louis Oosthuizen (RSA x16) bt Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP x52) 4 and 3 Chicago 3 Vancouver 2 34 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 SPORT

India’s Virat Kohli celebrates after victory in the World T20 match against Australia at the Punjab Cricket Stadium in India hails ‘genius’ Kohli Mohali on Sunday.

“A lot of things pop into your head India’s first World at that point of time (the last overs) and when you’re calm it just helps you Cup winning captain to pick the right one... and not be too praises batsman’s impulsive”. “He will always be the same. He heroics as Shastri will be an aggressive character who hopes for more is willing to take on challenges and improvement after he will be aggressive on the field, but he will also improve,” Dhoni added. magical knock Kapil Dev, who captained India to victory at the 1983 World Cup, praised Kohli for resisting the temptation to slog, instead playing orthodox shots that would have graced a Test match. AFP “Hats off to this genius with a bat,” Dev wrote in the Mail Today newspaper. Kapil Dev Ravi Shastri “I have always believed that T20 MOHALI: Virat Kohli was hailed cricket is not just about slamming the as a batting genius yesterday after ball or indulging in ambitious shots. his brilliant innings led India to an Kohli hit four boundaries in the could have got over-excited,” said You can play your normal cricket improbable victory over Australia and penultimate over off Nathan Coulter- Kohli after being named man of the strokes and win your battles against sealed a semi-finals berth for the hosts Nile before Dhoni finished the job with match. the bowlers. Virat’s exhibition proved at cricket’s World Twenty20. another four. “Trust me, you don’t like these sit- it.” India, who now play the West Kohli hit an unbeaten 82 off 51 Had India been knocked out, it uations very much, (but) they improve Indies in the second semi-final in balls that mixed classic strokeplay could well have been Dhoni’s last you as a cricketer.” Dhoni said Kohli, Mumbai on Thursday, are hoping to with raw power in Mohali on Sunday innings amid widespread expecta- who was also the match-winner in a become the first team to win the World night, as India chased down Austral- tions that he will call it quits after the high-octane clash against Pakistan T20 twice, and the first on home soil. ia’s total of 160-6 in a pulsating final tournament. earlier in the tournament, was learn- Former all-rounder Ravi Shastri, group match. Kohli, 27, has already replaced ing how to stay calm in pressured who is now India’s coach, said that With three overs to go, India were the 34-year-old Dhoni as Test cap- situations while not losing his natu- Kohli’s “fabulous” innings had proved still 39 runs short of their target but tain but his regard for the older man ral aggression. that the team was hitting its stride at they cantered home with five balls to was underlined when he paid tribute “I think it was an incredible the crucial moment. spare as Kohli and skipper Mahendra to India’s “Captain Cool” for helping innings, especially the fact that the “From India’s point of view, I think Singh Dhoni laid into the Australian him keep his head at the finale. wicket was not easy to bat on,” said they’ll get stronger as this tournament attack. “MS in the end kept me calm, I Dhoni. progresses,” said Shastri. Proteas down Lankans in dead rubber Stokes revels in role as death bowler AFP SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA AFP D Chandimal b Phangiso 21 NEW DELHI: Hashim Amla’s com- T Dilshan lbw Behardien 36 posed fifty after an inspired bowling L Thirimanne b Phangiso 0 show helped South Africa beat Sri NEW DELHI: Ice-cool all-rounder Lanka by eight wickets to notch up a M Siriwardana (run out) 15 Ben Stokes (pictured) said yesterday consolation win in World Twenty20 S Jayasuriya c du Plessis b Behardien 1 he was revelling in his role as Eng- in New Delhi on Monday. C Kapugedera b Tahir 4 land’s death bowler after his nerves Chasing a modest 121 for victory T Perera c Behardien b Steyn 8 of steel once again kept his side in in an inconsequential final league the World Twenty20. D Shanaka (not out) 20 match, the Proteas rode on Amla’s With Sri Lanka needing 15 runs unbeaten 56 to canter home in 17.4 R Herath c de Kock b Abbott 2 to win and their captain Angelo overs and get some pride back in the J Vandersay b Abbott 3 Mathews hitting England’s bowl- sixth edition of the tournament. S Lakmal (run out) 0 ers around the park in Saturday’s After losing opener Quiton de Extras (B-4, LB-2, W-2, NB-2) 10 crunch match in New Delhi, Stokes Kock early in their chase, Amla and was handed the ball at the start of Total (all out in 19.3 overs) 120 Du Plessis stitched a 60-run second the 20th over. best out of me in terms of my cricket.

wicket stand to make things easy for Fall of wickets: 1-45, 2-45, 3-75, 4-78, But after spinners Moeen Ali and I enjoy getting into the big moments their team. 5-85, 6-85, 7-96, 8-109, 9-120, 10-120. Adil Rashid were clattered for 21 in of the game.” Du Plessis was trapped LBW off Bowling: Steyn 4-0-33-1; Abbott 3.3-0- their final overs, Stokes bowled a England’s passage to the semis Suranga Lakmal for 31 runs in the 14-2; Phangiso 4-0-26-2; Tahir 4-0-18-1; string of near perfect yorkers and was hampered by defeat to the 12th over. Wiese 1-0-8-0; Behardien 3-0-15-2. conceded only four runs to secure West Indies in their opening match, Amla, who struck his fifth T20 SOUTH AFRICA England’s place in the semi-finals. meaning they had to win all of their half-century, made sure that there H Amla (not out) 56 Stokes also held his nerve in other three games against Sri Lanka, were no more hiccups as he stitched England’s previous match against Afghanistan and South Africa. South Africa’s Hashim Amla raises his bat after his half century during a 47-run unbeaten partnership with Q de Kock (run out) 9 Afghanistan, taking the final over The West Indies also beat Eng- the World T20 match against Sri Lanka at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium AB de Villiers (20), who hit a massive F du Plessis lbw Lakmal 31 as the minnows fell 16 runs short of land in 2010 but Paul Collingwood’s six to seal the win. in New Delhi yesterday. A B de Villiers (not out) 20 their target. While other England side went on to win the tournament In the first half of the game, the Extras (LB-2, W-4) 6 bowlers have come unstuck on the in the Caribbean, the first time that Proteas bowlers restricted holders changed the course for Proteas as a reverse sweep. The South African Total (for 2 wkts in 17.4 overs)122 global stage – including Stuart Broad the team had ever won a major inter- Sri Lanka for 120 runs in 19.3 overs Aaron Phangiso struck twice in his dominance continued as Lankan who was hit for six sixes by India’s national tournament. after skipper Faf du Plessis opted to first over. batsmen failed to show application Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-75. Yuvraj Singh in the 2007 World T20 Collingwood, who has captained field first. The left-arm spinner cleaned up on a pitch that didn’t seem to have Bowling: Jayasuriya 1-0-9-0; Lakmal – the 24-year-old Stokes is relishing Stokes back home in Durham, is cur- Sri Lankan opening pair, Dinesh Chandimal and then Lahiru Thir- any devil. 3.4-0-28-1; Herath 4-0-21-0; Vandersay the responsibility. rently in India as a consultant for the Chandimal (21) and Tillakaratne imanne for nought on the final two Medium-pacer Kyle Abbott 4-0-25-0; Shanaka 2-0-17-0; Perera 2-0- “I would much rather be doing England team. Dilshan (36), did give the team a deliveries of his over to be on a bagged two scalps as new-ball part- 15-0; Siriwardana 1-0-15-0. that last over thing rather than hop- “Colly actually did say that at brisk start but soon lost the momen- hat-trick. ner Steyn also enjoyed just his second ing that whoever is bowling it gets the start of the tournament that we tum after losing a couple of wickets. Phangiso failed to strike thrice outing in the tournament after mak- us through. I’d rather be the man got beaten by the West Indies in the Stand-in skipper Chandimal and but ended up with impressive fig- ing Thisara Perera trudge back to the doing it,” he said in the build-up to first game. It’s a good omen because Dilshan looked purposeful during ures of two for 26 in his four overs. dug out. Dasun Shanaka, coming in South Africa ended the league Wednesday’s semi-final against New that’s what happened to him,” Stokes their respective knocks as the duo Dilshan tried to steady the innings at number eight, made an unbeaten table on third position with two wins Zealand. told reporters in New Delhi. Stokes is got stuck into Dale Steyn’s second amid the regular wicket-fall but 20 to give some respect to the total, and as many losses, while a lacklustre “Yes, I love being involved in the one of the more seasoned members over which cost 16 runs. became Farhaan Behardien’s sec- which proved inadequate against a Sri Lanka stayed just above laggards game and being in high pressure sit- of the team after making his inter- But the introduction of spin ond victim to be lbw while attempting star-studded South African line-up. Afghanistan with three losses. uations. I think it probably brings the national debut in 2011. Australia rue middle over woes after Cup flop

Reuters their failure to sustain a challenge for Shane Watson, who took 2-23 and the one major international trophy SMITH LAUDS ‘SERIOUSLY a stunning diving catch to dismiss they have never won. Dismissing crit- UNBELIEVABLE’ KNOCK Yuvraj Singh in his last match as icism of Australia’s preparations and an international cricketer before MOHALI: Australia captain Steve the make-up of the squad, Smith said retirement. Smith, while tipping his hat to a bril- it had been in the execution of their postmortem of the campaign but it “Obviously there’s no real fairy- liant innings from India’s Virat Kohli, skills that the players had fallen short. was the batting in the middle overs tales in sport very often,” Smith said was left ruing his team’s middle overs “You have to try and find your best that he pinpointed. of his 34-year-old team mate. malaise after their sixth attempt to 15, particularly in these conditions, “We probably let ourselves down “Shane gave his all as he did win the World Twenty20 came up and I think we had the right 15, we just in the middle overs again ... losing a every game for Australia, I thought short in Mohali. let ourselves down in key moments,” few wickets in clumps, not being able he bowled beautifully tonight and Kohli’s magnificent 82 not out he told reporters in his post-match to get that partnerships together to get looked like he was 25 again taking from 51 balls helped India overhaul news conference. the score above par to 170-odd, so that that catch.” Australia’s 160 with five balls to spare “Obviously we haven’t done as was a bit disappointing,” Smith added. Smith was in mood to complain on Sunday, sending the hosts into the well as we’d have liked in this for- “But I think the players will learn about his own dismissal despite tele- semi-finals as Group 2 runners-up mat but hopefully we’ll continue to a lot from this tournament, playing in vision pictures indicating he had been and Smith’s men home. improve.” these conditions again, it’s very valu- unfortunate to be given out for two. Smith was quick to pay tribute to The “conditions”, slow pitches able and hopefully we can continue He said the foundations for Aus- India’s captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (left) shakes hands with Australia’s Kohli’s “seriously unbelievable” knock which favour spin bowling, were a to learn and get better.” tralia’s demise had been laid in their but said Australia had contributed to recurring theme throughout Smith’s Smith paid tribute to all-rounder opener against New Zealand. captain Steve Smith after their World T20 game in in Mohali on Sunday SPORT TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 35

Hikers after taking part in the inaugural GCC Hiking Championship in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE recently. RIGHT: Action during the competition.

Qatar prepares for Beach Volleyball GCC Hiking Championship ends World Tour

The Peninsula fitness levels as they made their way CHAMPIONSHIP TO is a great example of this. It is open strength as they enjoyed a beautiful Qatari hikers also through the rough terrains of Jebel BECOME AN ANNUAL to residents and visitors alike, and route through the UAE’s tallest Jais, reaching heights over 1,000 EVENT further positions Ras Al Khaimah as mountain, Jebel Jais,” he added. DOHA: Qatar Volleyball Associ- take part in the meters. the ultimate outdoor destination,” he Following the success of this ation (QVBA) is preparing to host inaugural event at The teams met the day before the added. year’s Hiking Championship, the prestigious FIVB Beach Vol- competition where they were briefed Yasser Sharaf, President & Adventure HQ plan to make the leyball World Tour to be held from Ras Al Khaimah on the day ahead and had the chance The winning team was shortly Founder of Sharaf HQ Investment, the championship an annual event. April 3 to 8 at Al Gharafa play- to meet fellow hikers at a designated followed by Omani and Saudi founders of Adventure HQ said, “As an Ras Al Khaimah is just a grounds. base camp by Wadi Galila Dam. Hikers who finished in 02:08:00 and Emirati company, we are delighted 45-minute drive from Dubai Qatar will field two teams in The Peninsula Members of the public were 02:20:00 minutes respectively. to hold this GCC initiative in Ras Al International Airport and is the this prestigious volleyball meeting also invited to take part in a fun Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah – it brings our community perfect getaway for business, leisure, which will bring together 54 teams day of music, traditional food, and Khaimah Tourism Development together and inspires people to adventure, and luxury travel. from across the world. folk dances and were also offered Authority said: “Ras Al Khaimah stay healthy and discover the great Visitors to Ras Al Khaimah will Qatar and Oman will partic- DOHA: The inaugural Adventure GCC the opportunity to enjoy climbing, provides a beautiful backdrop for outdoors in a beautiful setting.” enjoy idyllic sojourns on terracotta ipate in the main rounds of the Hiking Championship was held in Ras camping and cycling competitions. hosting a wide range of great outdoor “The competing teams are great deserts, white sand beaches and event. Al Khaimah, UAE with Qatar also fea- The strenuous but rewarding activities.” role models of how our passion can resorts, adventure activities including The event’s organising Com- turing in the exciting event. hike finished at the top of Jebel Ja is “One of our goals for 2016 bring nations together as one, and water sports, micro-lighting, mittee is doubling its efforts in Comprising six teams of 11 ath- Mountain - the official finish line for and beyond is to host a variety of challenge ourselves collectively to mountain climbing, kayaking, as order to complete all technical letes from across the UAE, KSA, the competition - where the United exhilarating outdoor events, with a reach great heights. The challenging well as an eclectic selection of and managerial arrangements to Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait, Arab Emirates team completed the great deal of focus on sporting events route gave the athletes the international gourmet experiences host the competition in a befitting the championship tested participants’ competition in just 01:58:00 minutes. in particular. The Hiking challenge opportunity to test their stamina and and world-class spas. manner in Doha. Eddie Jones braced for TriClub Doha organises successful rough ride in Australia Junior Triathlon meet at MIA Park The Peninsula there with what they will see as a resurgent England team. “Australia had France out there two years ago and, to be quite hon- The Peninsula BAGSHOT, UK: Eddie Jones (pic- est, the three Tests were quite tured) is expecting a hard time from morbid. They weren’t great. France his Australian compatriots when he didn’t front up at all. They were returns in June aiming to lead Eng- pretty poor events and the crowds DOHA: Under the auspices of the land to more success. were poor. “But they are going to Qatar Cycling & Triathlon Federation, But the tough-talking Tasma- see an England side full of energy, TriClub Doha hosted a special Jun- nian, who led the Wallabies for four full of life, that wants to play posi- ior Triathlon in partnership with the years including a home World Cup tive rugby and is going to take it to Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha. final defeat by England before being the Aussies. It is going to be a tough Triathlon is a test of endurance ousted, is relishing the “intense” and intense tour but it will also be featuring running, cycling and swim- atmosphere of a tour down under an exciting one.” ming stages. and trying to build on England’s With his England players back at As many as 40 junior athletes recent Grand Slam success. their respective clubs for the run-in aged 8 to 16 participated in the races Jones knows all too well that to the English Premiership season, held recently at the MIA Park. while getting England to complete Jones’ biggest worry is avoiding any The stages included 100m to a Six Nations clean sweep in his first sort of injury crisis between now and 200m swimming in the open waters season in charge was a fairly difficult the end of May when the squad fly of the park’s lagoon, a 3km to 6km hill to climb, overcoming Australia out. Despite a first Grand Slam in 13 bicycling leg, and a 1.5km to 3km run. in the first-ever years, and install- Stage difficulty varied between age three Test series ing a clinical groups. there between the winning attitude Two brother-sister combinations two nations will in a short time, topped the fields in the two young- be considerably Jones will not be est age groups. Arran Cameron and harder. happy unless he Amelia Bennett in the 8-10 year cat- Asked if he turns England into egory, and Ethan Bennett and Ailsa expects to be tar- the global game’s Cameron finished top of the 11-12 year geted by the dominant force. olds field. Australian media One man he In the third age bracket of 13-16 as a potential ‘trai- both praises but year olds, William Browne and Pia tor’, Jones replied: warns is England Hampel won the boys and girls races. Ewan Cameron, President of TriClub Doha, poses with the winners of Junior Triathlon competition at MIA “I am a target here captain Dylan The young athletes were super- (England) so it is Hartley, who vised by a team of 50 volunteers and Park in Doha recently. not going to make must continue to race marshals from TriClub Doha. much difference! prove his worth if he wishes to keep They utilised the Club’s modern Qatar of supporting active outdoor customised for people with varying professional event at the MIA Park.: “That’s part of the game. If it his place as the team’s first-choice electronic race timing equipment to pursuits and continues to sponsor levels of endurance and are, most Cameron added: “Triathlons are does help take some of the pressure hooker. ensure accurate timekeeping, sup- many triathlon events in the coun- importantly, accessible to anyone about endurance, willpower and a off the players then that can only be Hartley must first complete his ported by wireless services from try with the aim of promoting healthy wishing to participate. strong work ethic. It takes commit- a good thing. It doesn’t bother me. post-concussion protocol following Vodafone. lifestyles as well as the mental forti- Ewan Cameron, President of Tri- ment to succeed in any triathlon and “I think they will be respectful the bang on the head that meant he The event was sponsored by Man- tude that is a natural companion to Club Doha, on presenting the prizes to we are glad to see that our young par- about what we have done regarding missed the closing minutes of Eng- nai Auto and GMC who provided the the training regimen of these athletes. the winners said: “We are extremely ticipants are developing values which the Grand Slam. Well, as respectful land’s 31-21 Slam-clinching win equipment and race garb, as well as Jamal Al Kuwari, Executive Direc- pleased with the development of pub- will help them sustain their future life as Australians can be! against France in Paris on March 19 the winners’ trophies. tor of the Qatar Cycling & Triathlon lic interest in triathlon. The number and health habits.” “It definitely sets things up for a before he returns to club action with GMC have been avid supporters Federation in his congratulatory of new participants grows each year Daniel Brown, Acting Director fantastic series on June 11 (the date of Northampton. of the TriClub’s activities in recent statement said that the federation is and we are especially honoured to of the MIA said as hosts to the event, the first Test, in Brisbane), and that’s The New Zealand-born front row years, and serve as title sponsors of pleased to support the development of welcome young aspiring athletes to they were pleased to share the Park very important.” missed the World Cup completely the Aspire GMC TriSeries which tests triathlon amongst the youth of Qatar. the club.” and its facilities to promote strong Jones, who took over after hosts after former coach Stuart Lancas- athletes, young and old, across the He also encouraged the efforts of “Our more experienced mem- community events and draw new fans England were knocked out of last ter kicked him out of the squad for picturesque Aspire Zone facility in bodies such as the TriClub in main- bers are always willing to guide and to growing social activities such as year’s World Cup in the pool phase the latest in a long line of discipli- four challenging multi-event meets taining a steady stream of competitive mentor new members of any age triathlon, with a landmark of Doha’s following a 33-13 defeat by Aus- nary offences, only for Jones to make each season. events throughout the year. and we would like to thank them modern community architecture at tralia, added: “It’s nice to go down him captain. GMC has had a long history in The Club’s events feature stages for their efforts in organising a very its heart. 36 TUESDAY 29 MARCH 2016 Al Attiyah expects tough battle in Jordan

seconds. And with Kuwait in the bag, ENTRIES BEING TAKEN FOR Qatar’s rally king the regional road show will begin to wind its way across to Jordan where JORDAN RALLY eyes win in ‘most one of the best routes in the world of difficult’ round of rallying is being finalised by organ- isers, Jordan Motorsport, which has The overall distance is Middle East Rally officially announced that entries are 643.28km with 222.74km to be run Championship to be now being taken. over timed special stages held on “I always look forward to Jor- May 6 and May 7 through the Dead held in May dan immensely because it is such Sea and Jordan Valley areas. a memorable occasion,” said Al A ceremonial start and spectator Attiyah. event will be held on the afternoon “It is probably the most diffi- of May 5 in Amman at a location to The Peninsula cult round of the Middle East Rally be revealed. Championship. The stages are never The itinerary also reveals that easy and provide a great challenge. there will be a return to the world For several reasons, I didn’t have class King Hussein Bin Talal Con- AMMAN: The region’s motor sport- much competition in Kuwait but I vention Centre managed by Hilton ing attention turns towards Jordan hope my rivals will all be in Jordan.” – Dead Sea where the headquarters for round three of the FIA Middle Held under the patronage of were based during those memora- East Rally Championship from May HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, the ble WRC years. 5-7, after Nasser Al Attiyah put on a Chairman of Jordan Motorsport, Work is also continuing una- driving master class to clinch round rally regulations have now been bated on the stages, which are being two in Kuwait at the weekend. published and it shows a testing repaired following a Jordan winter Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah The Qatari 11-time regional route including many of the com- which brought heavy rainfall. will start as favourite in champion eased to victory after petitive kilometers used by Jordan For more rally details and a copy this May’s Jordan Rally. winning all 13 of the timed special when it hosted the FIA World Rally of the regulations, fans and com- stages to cruise home with a win- Championship (WRC) in 2008, 2010 petitors are asked to visit www. ning margin of 11 minutes and 24.9 and 2011. jordanrally.com. QMMF’s Sealine Rally: Female drivers prepare as entries close on Thursday

The Peninsula for Spain’s Cristina Gutierrez Herrero in the third car. “This is a great adventure. I love to discover new horizons in competition,” DOHA: Three female crew have begun enthused Berton. their countdown to the start of next “I have been working hard on my month’s Sealine Cross-Country Rally, physical training to be strong enough to round three of the FIA Cross-Country face the heat and inevitable difficulties in Rally World Cup, which takes centre the desert. Yasmeen and I drove together stage in the State of Qatar from April 16 during the selection last year. We both to 22. had a good feeling and I am confident in They are the six individuals who sharing the car with her.” have been chosen to represent a group of Labuscagne added: “My selec- ladies who took part in an international tion came as a big surprise. I am very competition to find ideal candidates for grateful for the amazing opportunity. funded drives on the event. It’s a dream come true and a privilege They were selected after a meticu- to compete in the 2016 Sealine Rally. lous assessment programme, held by the Training and preparation will be key in Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation our success and I am looking forward (QMMF) in conjunction with FIA Women to the challenge. I would like to thank in Motorsport. the QMMF and the Commission for this After that gruelling selection process opportunity.” in Qatar at the end of last year, six origi- “The assessment programme took nal candidates were chosen to compete place before I took over in my role at in the Sealine event, but both Australia’s the QMMF, but I am looking forward to Molly Taylor and Belgium’s Lara Van- meeting the winners and wish them a neste had to withdraw from taking their safe and successful week at the Sealine French girl Charlotte Berton got the call-up to join the squad prize drives because of other contrac- Cross-Country Rally,” said QMMF Presi- tual agreements. dent Abdulrahman Abdulatif Al Mannai. for the Sealine Rally. Taylor has secured a factory drive “It’s a shame for Molly and Lara, with Subaru Australia and Vanneste but we are delighted they both have full will be competing full-time in the Ger- programmes for the season, underlining a confirmed fitness, navigation and driver training programme man Rally Championship. Events in the talent we saw in them,” said Michele organised in Qatar before the event and I am confident that every- both disciplines clash with the Sealine Spain’s Cristina Gutierrez will be seen in action at next month’s QMMF Sealine Mouton, President of the FIA Women in one will take the maximum benefit from these final preparations.” Rally. Vanneste actually won the 2015 Rally. Motorsport Commission and FIA Safety The final deadline for entries for this year’s Sealine Cross- Cedars Rally in Lebanon alongside Roger Commission. Country Rally has been set for Thursday. Feghali. will crew the first car. Charlotte Ber- navigator Yasmeen Elmaed in the sec- “While it is an intense prepara- The event is also the second round of the FIM Cross-Country New Zealand’s Emma Gilmour ton was the first reserve and the French ond T2 vehicle, while South African tion period for Charlotte and Sandra, Rallies World Championship and competitive action gets under- and Dutch co-driver Lisette Bakker girl will now team up with Jordanian Sandra Labuscagne will now navigate who we welcome to the team, we have way from Losail International Circuit on April 18. Doha Ballers clinch Aspire Jam title

The Peninsula currently comprises three strategic mem- ber organizations. Integrated below the strategic mem- bers, which are specialised in businesses DOHA: Aspire Zone Foundation con- focusing on various fields such as ven- cluded the 5th edition of the “Aspire ues and events management, hospitality, Jam” street basketball tournament on sports education, sports medicine, com- Saturday at the Aspire Park with the par- munication or commerce. ticipation of 12 teams for players aged 18 All businesses have been integrated years old and above. to serve, enhance or perfect AZF in its The Doha Ballers clinched the tour- development to become the worldwide nament title following an exciting final reference in sports excellence. with the All Stars team who came second, Aspire Academy established in Sep- where the Lebanese Vipers managed to tember 2004 and has developed into one secure the third place. of the world leading elite sport institutes. The tournament witnessed an Aspetar, the first advanced sports exciting show for the Lords of Gravity medicine hospital of its kind in the Gulf international group who performed a mix region and one of the leading in the world of acrobatic and basketball moves that Mohamed Mubarak Al Kkuwari, Director of Event and Logistic at Aspire commenced its operations in 2007. reflect strength, flexibility, and endur- presenting the trophy to Doha Ballers during the ‘’Aspire Jam’’ street It has meanwhile achieved a pio- ance. Children also enjoyed a variety of basketball tournament at Aspire Park on Sunday. neering international reputation and is entertaining activities. recognized as a FIFA Medical Centre of Aspire Zone has grown significantly Excellence. since its inception as an international by Emiri decree on 1 January 2008. economy. All member organisations of Aspire Logistics is the backbone and The Lords of Gravity International group performing during sport destination in 2003. The goal of Aspire Zone Foundation is AZF have their individual role to play in custodian of Aspire Zone venues. It man- the ‘’Aspire Jam’’ street basketball tournament at Aspire The official umbrella, the “Aspire to develop sports champions, promote realizing the AZF Mission. ages all venues, as well as international Park on Sunday. Pics: Kammutty VP/ The Peninsula Zone Foundation” (AZF), was established healthy lifestyle and galvanize the sports The Aspire Zone umbrella brand sports events and conferences.